EP2512812B1 - System for imprinting containers - Google Patents

System for imprinting containers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2512812B1
EP2512812B1 EP10776542.2A EP10776542A EP2512812B1 EP 2512812 B1 EP2512812 B1 EP 2512812B1 EP 10776542 A EP10776542 A EP 10776542A EP 2512812 B1 EP2512812 B1 EP 2512812B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
containers
printed
ink
plant according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP10776542.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2512812A1 (en
Inventor
Heinz Till
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dekron GmbH
Original Assignee
Dekron GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dekron GmbH filed Critical Dekron GmbH
Publication of EP2512812A1 publication Critical patent/EP2512812A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2512812B1 publication Critical patent/EP2512812B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/135Nozzles
    • B41J2/165Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16579Detection means therefor, e.g. for nozzle clogging
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/17Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/17Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17556Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J29/00Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/17Cleaning arrangements
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • B41J3/40733Printing on cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical objects, e. g. on bottles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for printing on containers, such as bottles, with at least one printed image (font and / or image pattern) on at least one printing machine with at least one print head, as well as on a thus executed method.
  • containers such as bottles and other packaging are provided with labels so that consumer information can be attached. It is also known that with inkjet printers markings or other information are applied to the packaging, which allow an individualization that does not allow the label printing. Such printing systems work monochrome and are limited to a few printing dots / lines.
  • the drying / crosslinking can be done on the transfer between the carousels.
  • the container or the packaging on a belt in each case on the belt in a division, which is equal to the pitch of the machine to fix, clamp independent transport unit and thus centered successively through the various successively arranged carousels to drive ,
  • This holder would be designed as a pivot bearing, so that drive the container on the carousels and thus be passed to the individual print head of the respective color with the entire surface.
  • a device for multicolor printing of containers is described.
  • the containers are fed to the device via a conveyor in a single-lane container stream and, after passing through a corona tunnel and a sub-section screw, reach a rotor of the device.
  • offset printing stations are formed at regular angular intervals around this machine axis.
  • the containers are each transferred individually via a transport star to one of the printing stations.
  • Each printing step with drying takes place on an angular range of a rotational movement of the rotor of about 50 °, so that the printing of the container is completed before the container reach a container outlet, where they are discharged via a transport star on a conveyor.
  • a device for inspecting filled and sealed containers of the document WO 2004/053471 A1 includes a carousel in which the vessels to be tested are so rotated about their longitudinal axis in that the contents begin to rotate in the vessels sufficiently quickly to whirl up any foreign bodies from the bottom of the vessel. It also comprises a second carousel for bottom-free vessel transport following in the direction of transport, to which at least one inspection device operating in the dark field method is assigned for detecting light-scattering foreign bodies in the filling material. Both carousels are tangent with their subcircles side by side are arranged, that the vessels from the first carousel are directly convertible into the second carousel.
  • bottles which are closed at their container mouth with a closure are first fed to a labeling machine designed as a circulating machine and labeled therein.
  • the labeled bottles reach with a rotating rotor to a container outlet or in a local transport star, which has at its periphery a plurality of receptacles for each bottle and is synchronously, but driven in opposite directions to the rotor.
  • a printing station for generating an imprint on an upper side of the closures is arranged stationarily over the movement path of the bottles or the closures on the transport star.
  • a fluid system for simultaneously and independently controlling multiple printheads of a continuous ink jet printer is disclosed in documents EP 1 013 450 A2 disclosed.
  • Each printhead is controlled by its own printhead interface control box.
  • Ink pumps each providing ink to only one printhead, draw ink from a shared ink container. This is supplied by a regulated vacuum system with negative pressure.
  • Each printhead has an individual ink heater.
  • An ink temperature in the print head is expected to increase rapidly to produce the condensation needed to clean a load plate of the ink jet printer. For example, after a switch-on operation, residual ink which may still be present should be washed into a catching device.
  • An overpressure air pump supplies clean air to each drop generator via air valves to remove ink from the printheads when the printheads are turned off.
  • document DE 100 27 261 A1 shows an ink jet printer with a Drucckopf which is selectively displaceable in a printing position close to a substrate or in a retracted cleaning position.
  • a printing ink is stripped off the nozzle exit surface with a doctor blade on a cleaning head and sucked off with a vacuum generator connected to the cleaning head.
  • the post-published document WO 2010/034375 A1 which falls under Article 54 (3) EPC, discloses a device for applying multiple printing to bottles.
  • the device consists of eight adjoining modules, wherein the modules are each formed by an identical basic unit, which is equipped with the functional elements necessary for the specific task of the respective module.
  • Each basic unit includes, inter alia, a circumferentially driven about a vertical machine axis of the respective module transport element in the form of a transport or process star with a plurality of shots which are provided distributed at a circumference of the transport element at equal angular intervals and each of which recording for secure recording respectively serves a bottle.
  • the transport elements of the individual modules are immediately adjacent to each other and driven in opposite directions, but synchronously, so that the bottles within the device in a multi-deflected transport path with a container inlet at one end of the device and a container outlet at another end of the Device to be moved.
  • the individual bottles are in this case forwarded directly from the transport element of a module to the transport element of the following module.
  • the three modules which connect to a first module form the actual printing modules in which the multiple printing takes place.
  • the modules include one or more printheads.
  • Object of the present invention is to propose a system of the type mentioned, with the help of which in a simple way with reliable function and high print quality, a high printing performance can be achieved.
  • the system of the type mentioned in which the containers are positioned during printing in each case in a position in a station of the printing press Clamping device are inventively designed to the fact that the respective jig after printing the container in the last printing machine leaves this, the printed container separated from the jig and the jig on a rinse pipe.
  • the paint residues can be eliminated from the jigs or on the jigs z. B. by UV, EB or heat radiation.
  • the printing of containers is usually done with inks that are liquid, the print head is usually supplied from a cartridge with the color.
  • the respective printhead with liquid ink (ink) are supplied by several printheads or all the printheads of a printing press from one and the same reservoir with the ink in question are supplied by pumping the ink. This can be done for example via a central rotary feedthrough with a flow channel and a return channel by pumping.
  • a central container within the carousel, from which the print heads are supplied, either each with its own pump or with a central pressure supply.
  • the central container can either be filled via a rotary union or kept constant in level.
  • the ink supply not as a central container, but from individual containers for one or more printheads or as a ring-shaped container each approximately on the pitch circle of the printheads, ie substantially above or preferably below the printhead or the printheads.
  • the preferred arrangement of the reservoir (s) below the printhead (s) has the advantage that there is no static fluid pressure and therefore the individual pumps carrying the fluid are more controllable.
  • the pressure points are applied by an inkjet printer side by side on the container surface.
  • the pressure points should also be provided the possibility to apply pressure points on top of each other, for. B. in transparent or opaque material.
  • a cleaning device to the respective print head which can be designed as a suction and / or defogging device.
  • Such a cleaning device is arranged either between two successive press carousels and / or between an inlet star for the containers to be printed and the downstream printing carousel and / or between a pressure carousel and a downstream outlet star where the respective print head for the cleaning device is easily accessible.
  • the cleaning device can also be designed as a transport star with the same pitch as the inlet star or the outlet star.
  • the respectively to be cleaned printhead is z. B. driven in cleaning intervals each in a cleaning position and brought to a standstill.
  • liquid printing ink (ink) which can be dried with heat and / or crosslinked.
  • Another idea of the invention is to make the printing on the container before it is filled, in particular in a system or a method of the type discussed above.
  • a liquid printing ink (ink) can be used, which can be dried with heat and / or crosslinked.
  • a plasma or IR rays can be applied.
  • the pressure points of the inkjet printer instead of side by side and / or, if necessary, several times, be applied to the color cover one above the other on the container surface, which is advantageous for example in transparent or opaque container wall material.
  • Fig. 1 shown plant for printing on containers has a plurality of successively designed as carousels printing presses 1 for the successive recording of containers to be printed, which be passed from a carousel directly to a subsequent carousel or recorded.
  • the containers to be printed are z. B. passed over a transport device 2 and an infeed starter 3 a first carousel 1 and passed successively directly to other carousels, in each carousel each a printing ink and / or a print pattern is applied to the surface of the respective container.
  • the containers are each received in a jig.
  • the printed containers are each separated from clamping devices and the former is fed via a transport device 4 for further use.
  • the clamping devices freed from the printed containers are led out of the last carousel via a further outlet star 5 and via a return conveyor belt 6 through a paint drying and / or washing unit 7, 8, optionally with a drying / aftertreatment unit 9 to the entrance of the first carousel 1 cleaned and dried again returned.
  • the jigs are abandoned via an inlet star 3 the first carousel, where they are each available for receiving a new container to be printed available, which is supplied via the transport device 2.
  • transition stars between the individual carousels are dispensable in a compact system and clamping devices for the containers to be printed constantly reusable.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a system for printing on containers with a designed as a carousel printing press 1.
  • a central reservoir 10 for receiving liquid ink (ink) F is associated with the printheads 11 instead of previously known each individual printhead associated cartridges.
  • the ink F is supplied to the printheads 11 from the reservoir 10 via a pump 12 and superfluous ink F returned from the printheads 11 back into the reservoir 10.
  • the storage tank 10 can be refilled when it is empty, but also easily replaced.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a printing machine in which liquid ink F is received in an external reservoir 10 and fed by means of pumps 12 via a central rotary feedthrough 15 by means of flow channels 13 the individual printheads 11, which are arranged in the carousel of a printing press 1.
  • Fig. 4 refers to a system for printing on containers, in which the printheads 11 are accommodated in the carousel of a printing machine 1 and are supplied with liquid ink F from an internal storage container 10.
  • the level of the ink F in the reservoir 10 is kept constant by supplying ink through a central rotary union 15.
  • the reservoir 10 for ink F immediately below the associated printhead 11 in the form of a carousel printing machine 1, so on the pitch circle of the printheads 11.
  • the arrangement of the reservoir 10 below the printheads 11 has the advantage that no static fluid pressure is present and the pump 12 for supplying the ink F to the printheads 11 is easier to control.
  • the reservoir 10 may be formed as a single container below the respective print head 11 but also as all printheads 11 common ring container.
  • Fig. 6 1 schematically illustrates how the discharge openings 16 of a pressure pot 11 can be supplied with printing ink F at constant pressure by regulating the pump pressure P1 as a function of the rotational speed.
  • a storage container 10 above the respective print head 11 and a return container 17 below the respective print head 11 are provided.
  • the supplied for example via a rotary feedthrough 15 in the return tank 17 ink F is pumped via a pump 12 initially via a flow channel 13 in the reservoir 10 above the respective printhead 11, from where a pressure gradient between reservoir 10 and printhead 11 for the ink supply of the printheads 11 is exploited.
  • This allows a high constancy of the pressures, since a pump vibration does not affect the pressure at the outlet openings 16 of the print head 11.
  • the air cushion within the reservoir 10 acts as a balance, as it does not allow rapid pressure changes. Possibly. If not enough static height, a superposition pressure can be given up.
  • Fig. 8a to 8c illustrate various ways in which a cleaning device relative to the designed as a carousel printing presses 1 a system for printing containers can be assigned to the printheads.
  • a static cleaning device 18 is moved at cleaning intervals in a cleaning position in which a printhead 11 has been brought to a standstill on the carousel of the printing press 1.
  • the cleaning device 18 is located here between the inlet star 3 and the outlet star 5 of the carousel, so that neither to be printed nor printed containers affect the cleaning process.
  • the cleaning of the print heads 11 takes place here discontinuously.
  • the cleaning device 18 is the cleaning device 18 as a transport star with the same Division formed as the inlet star 3 and the outlet star 5.
  • Fig. 8c is a combination of cleaning devices 18 indicated, which is working on the one hand with a stationary cleaning device discontinuously or with a designed as a transport star cleaning device continuously at a plant in which the carousels consecutively connected printing presses 1 directly to the container to be printed without interposition of a transport star on the subsequent carousel hand over or take over.
  • the cleaning devices 18 are located in the vicinity of a carousel in each case in the space between the previous carousel and the subsequent carousel.
  • the cleaning process can be controlled by the respective printed containers, z. B. with a camera, in terms of printed image deviations and cleaned inadmissible deviation of the printhead in question.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Anlage zum Bedrucken von Behältern, wie Flaschen, mit mindestens einem Druckbild (Schrift- und/oder Bildmuster) auf mindestens einer Druckmaschine mit mindestens einem Druckkopf, sowie auf ein solchermaßen ausgeführtes Verfahren.The invention relates to a system for printing on containers, such as bottles, with at least one printed image (font and / or image pattern) on at least one printing machine with at least one print head, as well as on a thus executed method.

Bekannt ist, dass Behälter wie Flaschen und sonstige Verpackungen mit Etiketten versehen werden, damit Verbraucherinformationen angebracht werden können. Bekannt ist auch, dass mit Tintenstrahldruckern Markierungen oder andere Informationen auf die Verpackung aufgebracht werden, welche eine Individualisierung ermöglichen, die der Etikettendruck nicht erlaubt. Solche Drucksysteme arbeiten einfarbig und sind auf wenige Druckpunkte/Zeilen beschränkt.It is known that containers such as bottles and other packaging are provided with labels so that consumer information can be attached. It is also known that with inkjet printers markings or other information are applied to the packaging, which allow an individualization that does not allow the label printing. Such printing systems work monochrome and are limited to a few printing dots / lines.

Bekannt ist weiterhin, dass an Druckverfahren und -systemen gearbeitet wird, welche mittels Druckköpfen verschiedener Hersteller ein Bedrucken von Breiten bis zu 174 mm per Druckkopf erlauben. Auch diese Druckköpfe arbeiten einfarbig, bei mehreren Farben sind mehrere Druckköpfe nacheinander und entsprechend versetzt so anzuordnen, dass abhängig von der Anzahl der Farben ein immer gleichmäßiger Abstand zwischen den einzelnen Druckpunkten erreicht wird. Dies ist mit einer Justage an einer Maschine mit mehreren fest nacheinander angeordneten Druckköpfen möglich. Das Verpackungsmaterial und die Druckköpfe werden dabei mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit relativ aneinander vorbeigeführt. Die Leistung einer solchen Maschine ist daher abhängig von der Druckgeschwindigkeit eines jeweiligen Druckkopfes. Dies ist zwar praktikabel für saugfähige Verpackungsmaterialien. Bei anderen Werkstoffen, wie Metallen, Glas oder Kunststoff muss die Farbe entweder durch Wärme getrocknet oder durch UV- oder Elektronenstrahlen durch Vernetzung gehärtet werden. Dieser Vorgang ist nach dem Druck jeder Druckfarbe anzuwenden, was die Länge solcher Maschinen erhöht. Will man die Leistung erhöhen, so sind entweder mehrere Drucksysteme parallel zu schalten oder aber ist eine andere Anordnung zu wählen.It is also known that printing processes and systems are used which allow printing heads of different manufacturers to print widths of up to 174 mm per print head. These printheads work in a single color, with several colors, several printheads one after the other and offset accordingly to arrange so that depending on the number of colors, an always uniform distance between the individual pressure points is achieved. This is possible with an adjustment to a machine with several printheads arranged one after the other. The packaging material and the print heads are guided past each other at a constant speed relative to each other. The performance of such a machine is therefore dependent on the printing speed of a respective printhead. This is indeed practical for absorbent packaging materials. For other materials, such as metals, glass or plastic, the paint must either be dried by heat or cured by UV or electron beam crosslinking. This Operation is to be applied after the printing of each ink, which increases the length of such machines. If you want to increase the power, so either multiple printing systems are connected in parallel or a different arrangement to choose.

Es gibt bereits den Vorschlag, auf einem Karussell mehrere Halterungen für zu bedruckendes Verpackungsmaterial kreisförmig anzuordnen und die einzelne Verpackung auf der individuellen Station während der Rotation des Karussells selbst zu drehen und somit die Oberfläche der Verpackung an mehreren an jeder Station angeordneten und zueinander ausgerichteten Druckköpfen vorbeizuführen. Nachteilig dabei ist, dass bei Oberflächen, welche die Verwendung von UV-härtenden oder durch Elektronenstrahl zu härtenden Tinten brauchen, keine Zwischentrocknung bzw. Vernetzung der einzelnen Druckfarben möglich ist.There is already a proposal to arrange on a carousel a plurality of holders for packaging material to be printed circular and to rotate the individual packaging on the individual station during the rotation of the carousel itself and thus to pass the surface of the package at several arranged at each station and aligned printheads , The disadvantage here is that for surfaces which require the use of UV-curing or by electron beam to be cured inks, no intermediate drying or crosslinking of the individual printing inks is possible.

Deshalb gibt es weiterhin den Vorschlag, jede Farbe auf einzelnen, nacheinander hintereinander angeordneten Karussells aufzubringen, wobei die Trocknung/Vernetzung auf dem Transfer zwischen den einzelnen Karussells erfolgen kann. Vorgesehen ist bei dieser Ausführung, den Behälter bzw. die Verpackungen auf einem Riemen in einer jeweils an dem Riemen in einer Teilung, welche der Teilung der Maschine gleicht, zu befestigen, eigenständigen Transporteinheit einzuspannen und somit zentriert nacheinander durch die verschiedenen hintereinander angeordneten Karussells zu fahren. Diese Halterung wäre als Drehlagerung auszubilden, so dass sich die Behälter auf den Karussells antreiben und somit an dem individuellen Druckkopf der jeweiligen Farbe mit gesamter Oberfläche vorbeigeführt werden.Therefore, there is still the proposal to apply each color on individual successively arranged one after another carousels, the drying / crosslinking can be done on the transfer between the carousels. Provided in this embodiment, the container or the packaging on a belt in each case on the belt in a division, which is equal to the pitch of the machine to fix, clamp independent transport unit and thus centered successively through the various successively arranged carousels to drive , This holder would be designed as a pivot bearing, so that drive the container on the carousels and thus be passed to the individual print head of the respective color with the entire surface.

Weiterhin wurde vorgeschlagen, Behälter in individuelle Halterungen einzuspannen, wobei jede Halterung den Behälter drehbar aufnimmt und eine Markierung für den 0 Grad-Winkel hat. Die Behälter werden so eingespannt individuell transportiert und in nacheinandergeschalteten Druckmaschinen mit der Halterung aufgenommen. Dabei sind die Halterung und die Aufnahme so konzipiert, dass eine Zentrierung der Halterung in der Maschine so genau erfolgt, dass der Behälter passend zum Druckbild des entsprechenden Druckkopfes und durch die 0 Grad-Markierung entsprechend auch in der Drehachse ausgerichtet wird.It has also been proposed to clamp containers in individual holders, each holder rotatably receiving the container and having a mark for the 0 degree angle. The containers are clamped individually transported and recorded in successive printing presses with the holder. The holder and the receptacle are designed so that a centering of the holder in the machine is so accurate that the container is aligned to match the print image of the corresponding printhead and by the 0 degree mark accordingly in the axis of rotation.

Die Anforderungen an die Zentrierung und die Genauigkeit der Führung, damit ein qualitativ hochwertiges Druckbild erreicht wird, sind dabei allerdings hoch und komplex, da beim Anfahren und Abbremsen unterschiedliche Zugkräfte auf den Riemen wirken und außerdem Temperaturschwankungen auftreten können, die beide zu Toleranzüberschreitungen führen, die nicht kompensierbar sind. Zu berücksichtigen ist weiterhin, dass der Behälter, wenn es sich um eine Flasche handelt, in der Regel schwer ist, da das Bedrucken normalerweise nach dem Füllen stattfindet. Zu diesem Gewicht addiert sich noch die Masse der Halterung selbst. Die Genauigkeit der Zentrieranforderung wird deutlich, wenn man weiß, dass bei üblichen 600 dpi Druckqualität die Druckpunkte 0,042 mm voneinander entfernt sind und die Flaschenhalterung daher dauerhaft auf 1/100 mm ausgerichtet werden muss. Bei Verarbeitungsmengen von z. B. 36.000 Flaschen /h in der Getränkeindustrie laufen somit über 200 Mio. Flaschen pro Jahr durch eine solche Maschine. Der Verschleiß ist dadurch groß und beeinflusst die Druckqualität erheblich.The requirements for centering and the accuracy of the guide, so that a high-quality print image is achieved, however, are high and complex, since when pulling and braking different tensile forces act on the belt and also temperature fluctuations can occur, both of which lead to tolerance violations, the are not compensable. It should also be kept in mind that if the container is a bottle, it is usually difficult, since printing normally takes place after filling. The mass of the holder itself adds to this weight. The accuracy of the centering requirement becomes clear when you know that with standard 600 dpi print quality, the pressure points are 0.042 mm apart and the bottle holder must therefore be permanently aligned to 1/100 mm. For processing quantities of z. B. 36,000 bottles / h in the beverage industry thus run over 200 million bottles per year through such a machine. The wear is therefore large and affects the print quality considerably.

Es gibt vom Anmelder weiterhin den Vorschlag, bei einer Bedruckung auf nacheinander angeordneten Maschinen die Druckköpfe mittels elektrisch angetriebener Systeme auf die einzeln der Maschine zugeführten Flaschen und der sich ergebenden zufälligen Toleranz ihrer Einspannung in eine Drehvorrichtung auszurichten, um somit die Toleranzen aktiv mittels elektrischer Antriebe auszugleichen.It also gives the applicant the proposal, when printed on successively arranged machines to align the print heads by means of electrically driven systems on the individually supplied to the machine bottles and the resulting random tolerance of their restraint in a rotating device, thus to compensate for the tolerances active means of electrical drives ,

Bei allen bisher diskutierten Anlagen liegen Erfahrungen nur mit Testsystemen vor, welche stationär unter Laborbedingungen arbeiten. Die industrielle Nutzung soll allerdings bei hohen Leistungen, z. B. bei Flaschenabfüllanlagen mit z. B. 36.000 Flaschen/h geschehen. Hierbei werden eine Flasche und damit auch der Druckkopf mit einer Geschwindigkeit von ca. 1,5 m/sec transportiert. Dadurch wird der Farbtropfen einer Luftströmung ausgesetzt, welche die Druckqualität beeinträchtigen kann.For all systems discussed so far, experience is only available with test systems that work stationary under laboratory conditions. Industrial use should, however, at high powers, eg. B. at bottling plants with z. B. 36,000 bottles / h happen. Here, a bottle and thus also the printhead are transported at a speed of about 1.5 m / sec. As a result, the drop of paint is exposed to an air flow, which can affect the print quality.

In Dokument DE 10 2007 050 490 A1 ist eine Vorrichtung zum mehrfarbigen Bedrucken von Behältern beschrieben. Die Behälter werden der Vorrichtung über einen Transporteur in einem einspurigen Behälterstrom zugeführt und gelangen nach dem Passieren eines Korona-Tunnels und einer Einteilschnecke an einen Rotor der Vorrichtung. Am Umfang des Rotors, der um eine vertikale Maschinenachse umlaufend antreibbar ist, sind in gleichmäßigen Winkelabständen um diese Maschinenachse versetzt Druckstationen gebildet. Zum Bedrucken werden die Behälter jeweils einzeln über einen Transportstern an eine der Druckstationen übergeben. Jeder Druckschritt mit Trocknen erfolgt auf einem Winkelbereich einer Drehbewegung des Rotors von ca. 50°, so dass das Bedrucken der Behälter abgeschlossen ist, bevor die Behälter einen Behälterauslauf erreichen, an dem sie über einen Transportstern auf einen Transporteur ausgeschleust werden.In document DE 10 2007 050 490 A1 a device for multicolor printing of containers is described. The containers are fed to the device via a conveyor in a single-lane container stream and, after passing through a corona tunnel and a sub-section screw, reach a rotor of the device. At the periphery of the rotor, which is driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis, offset printing stations are formed at regular angular intervals around this machine axis. For printing, the containers are each transferred individually via a transport star to one of the printing stations. Each printing step with drying takes place on an angular range of a rotational movement of the rotor of about 50 °, so that the printing of the container is completed before the container reach a container outlet, where they are discharged via a transport star on a conveyor.

Eine Vorrichtung zum Inspizieren von gefüllten und verschlossenen Gefäßen des Dokuments WO 2004/053471 A1 umfasst ein Karussell, in dem die zu prüfenden Gefäße derart um ihre Längsachse in Drehung versetzbar sind, dass das Füllgut in den Gefäßen ausreichend schnell zu rotieren beginnt, um eventuell vorhandene Fremdkörper vom Gefäßboden aufzuwirbeln. Sie umfasst ferner ein in Transportrichtung nachfolgendes zweiten Karussell zum bodenfreien Gefäßtransport, dem wenigstens eine im Dunkelfeldverfahren arbeitende Inspektionseinrichtung zur Erkennung lichtstreuender Fremdkörper im Füllgut zugeordnet ist. Beide Karussells sind mit ihren Teilkreisen tangierend so nebeneinander angeordnet sind, dass die Gefäße aus dem ersten Karussell unmittelbar in das zweite Karussell überführbar sind.A device for inspecting filled and sealed containers of the document WO 2004/053471 A1 includes a carousel in which the vessels to be tested are so rotated about their longitudinal axis in that the contents begin to rotate in the vessels sufficiently quickly to whirl up any foreign bodies from the bottom of the vessel. It also comprises a second carousel for bottom-free vessel transport following in the direction of transport, to which at least one inspection device operating in the dark field method is assigned for detecting light-scattering foreign bodies in the filling material. Both carousels are tangent with their subcircles side by side are arranged, that the vessels from the first carousel are directly convertible into the second carousel.

Gemäß Dokument DE 10 2006 019 441 A1 werden Flaschen, die an ihrer Behältermündung mit einem Verschluss verschlossen sind, zunächst einer als umlaufende Maschine ausgebildeten Etikettiermaschine zugeführt und darin etikettiert. Die etikettierten Flaschen gelangen mit einem umlaufenden Rotor an einen Behälterauslauf bzw. in einen dortigen Transportstern, der an seinem Umfang mehrere Aufnahmen für jeweils eine Flasche aufweist und synchron, aber gegensinnig zu dem Rotor angetrieben ist. Eine Druckstation zur Erzeugung eines Aufdrucks auf einer Oberseite der Verschlüsse ist ortsfest über der Bewegungsbahn der Flaschen bzw. der Verschlüsse am Transportstern angeordnet.According to document DE 10 2006 019 441 A1 For example, bottles which are closed at their container mouth with a closure are first fed to a labeling machine designed as a circulating machine and labeled therein. The labeled bottles reach with a rotating rotor to a container outlet or in a local transport star, which has at its periphery a plurality of receptacles for each bottle and is synchronously, but driven in opposite directions to the rotor. A printing station for generating an imprint on an upper side of the closures is arranged stationarily over the movement path of the bottles or the closures on the transport star.

Ein Flüssigkeitssystem zum gleichzeitigen und unabhängigen Steuern mehrerer Druckköpfe eines kontinuierlich arbeitenden Tintenstrahldruckers wird in Dokuments EP 1 013 450 A2 offenbart. Jeder Druckkopf wird von einer eigenen Druckkopfschnittstellensteuerungsbox gesteuert. Tintenpumpen, die jeweils nur einen Druckkopf mit Tinte versorgen, entnehmen einem gemeinsam benutzten Tintenbehälter Tinte. Dieser wird von einem regulierten Unterdrucksystem mit Unterdruck versorgt. Jeder Druckkopf verfügt über eine individuelle Tintenheizvorrichtung. Während einer Einschaltfolge soll eine Tintentemperatur im Drucckopf schnell steigen, um die zum Reinigen einer Ladeplatte des Tintenstrahldruckers benötigte Kondensation zu erzeugen. So soll nach einem Einschaltvorgang gegebenenfalls noch vorhandene Resttinte in eine Auffangvorrichtung gewaschen werden. Eine Überdruck-Luftpumpe versorgt jede Tropfenerzeugungseinrichtung über Luftventile mit sauberer Luft, um beim Abschalten der Druckköpfe Tinte von den Druckköpfen zu entfernen.A fluid system for simultaneously and independently controlling multiple printheads of a continuous ink jet printer is disclosed in documents EP 1 013 450 A2 disclosed. Each printhead is controlled by its own printhead interface control box. Ink pumps, each providing ink to only one printhead, draw ink from a shared ink container. This is supplied by a regulated vacuum system with negative pressure. Each printhead has an individual ink heater. During a power up sequence, an ink temperature in the print head is expected to increase rapidly to produce the condensation needed to clean a load plate of the ink jet printer. For example, after a switch-on operation, residual ink which may still be present should be washed into a catching device. An overpressure air pump supplies clean air to each drop generator via air valves to remove ink from the printheads when the printheads are turned off.

Dokument US 2008/0158307 A1 lehrt einen Tintenstrahldrucker mit einem Tintenversorgungsmechanismus. Ein stromabwärtiger Seitentank dient zur Aufbewahrung von Tinte. Eine erste, zweite und dritte Leitung verbinden einen Tintenstrahl-Druckkopf, einen stromaufwärtigen Seitentank zur Tintenversorgung sowie einen stromabwärtigen Seitentank zur Tintenlagerung und bilden einen Kreislauf für Tinte mit einer Umwälzpumpe sowie einem Filter.document US 2008/0158307 A1 teaches an ink jet printer with an ink supply mechanism. A downstream side tank is used to store ink. First, second, and third lines connect an ink jet print head, an upstream side ink supply tank, and a downstream side ink storage tank, and form a circulation circuit for ink having a circulation pump and a filter.

Dokument DE 100 27 261 A1 zeigt einen Tintenstrahldrucker mit einem Drucckopf, welcher wahlweise in eine Druckstellung nah an einem Bedruckstoff oder in eine zurückgezogene Reinigungsstellung verlagerbar ist. Zum Reinigen einer Düsenaustrittsfläche an dem Druckkopf wird eine Druckfarbe mit einem Rakel an einem Reinigungskopf von der Düsenaustrittsfläche abgestriffen und mit einem an dem Reinigungskopf angeschlossenen Unterdruckerzeuger abgesaugt.document DE 100 27 261 A1 shows an ink jet printer with a Drucckopf which is selectively displaceable in a printing position close to a substrate or in a retracted cleaning position. To clean a nozzle exit surface on the print head, a printing ink is stripped off the nozzle exit surface with a doctor blade on a cleaning head and sucked off with a vacuum generator connected to the cleaning head.

Das nachveröffentlichte Dokument WO 2010/034375 A1 , welches unter Art. 54 (3) EPÜ fällt, offenbart eine Vorrichtung zum Aufbringen eines Mehrfachdrucks auf Flaschen. Die Vorrichtung besteht aus acht aneinander anschließenden Modulen, wobei die Module jeweils von einer identischen Grundeinheit gebildet sind, die mit den für die spezielle Aufgabe des jeweiligen Moduls notwendigen Funktionselementen ausgestattet ist. Jede Grundeinheit umfasst unter anderem ein um eine vertikale Maschinenachse des jeweiligen Moduls umlaufend antreibbares Transportelement in Form eines Transport- oder Prozesssterns mit einer Vielzahl von Aufnahmen, die an einem Umfang des Transportelements in gleichmäßigen Winkelabständen verteilt vorgesehen sind und von denen jede Aufnahme zum gesicherten Aufnehmen jeweils einer Flasche dient. Die Transportelemente der einzelnen Module sind unmittelbar aneinander anschließend angeordnet und gegenläufig, aber synchron angetrieben, so dass die Flaschen innerhalb der Vorrichtung auf einem mehrfach umgelenkten Transportweg mit einem Behältereinlauf an einem Ende der Vorrichtung und einem Behälterauslauf an einem anderen Ende der Vorrichtung bewegt werden. Die einzelnen Flaschen werden hierbei direkt von dem Transportelement eines Moduls an das Transportelement des folgenden Moduls weitergeleitet. Die drei Module, die an ein erstes Modul anschließen, bilden die eigentlichen Druckmodule, in denen der Mehrfachdruck erfolgt. Die Module umfassen einen oder mehrere Druckköpfe.The post-published document WO 2010/034375 A1 , which falls under Article 54 (3) EPC, discloses a device for applying multiple printing to bottles. The device consists of eight adjoining modules, wherein the modules are each formed by an identical basic unit, which is equipped with the functional elements necessary for the specific task of the respective module. Each basic unit includes, inter alia, a circumferentially driven about a vertical machine axis of the respective module transport element in the form of a transport or process star with a plurality of shots which are provided distributed at a circumference of the transport element at equal angular intervals and each of which recording for secure recording respectively serves a bottle. The transport elements of the individual modules are immediately adjacent to each other and driven in opposite directions, but synchronously, so that the bottles within the device in a multi-deflected transport path with a container inlet at one end of the device and a container outlet at another end of the Device to be moved. The individual bottles are in this case forwarded directly from the transport element of a module to the transport element of the following module. The three modules which connect to a first module form the actual printing modules in which the multiple printing takes place. The modules include one or more printheads.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine Anlage der eingangs genannten Art vorzuschlagen, mit Hilfe welcher auf einfache Weise bei zuverlässiger Funktion und hoher Druckqualität eine hohe Druckleistung erzielt werden kann.Object of the present invention is to propose a system of the type mentioned, with the help of which in a simple way with reliable function and high print quality, a high printing performance can be achieved.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Da mindestens zwei hintereinander geschaltete Druckmaschinen als Karusselle für die aufeinanderfolgende Aufnahme der zu bedruckenden Behälter ausgebildet sind und die Behälter von einem Karussell unmittelbar auf ein nachfolgendes Karussell übergeben bzw. übernommen werden, wird der maschinelle Aufwand erheblich reduziert, weil Übergabesterne nicht erforderlich sind.This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Since at least two successive printing presses are designed as carousels for the successive recording of the containers to be printed and the containers are transferred from a carousel directly to a subsequent carousel or taken over, the mechanical complexity is significantly reduced, because transfer stars are not required.

Wenn bei einer Anlage der eingangs genannten Art mindestens zwei hintereinander geschaltete Druckmaschinen als Karusselle ausgebildet sind und die Karusselle eine identische Anzahl von Stationen für die aufeinanderfolgende Aufnahme der zu bedruckenden Behälter aufweisen, entsteht ein Toleranzausgleich, denn es kämmen immer dieselben Stationen miteinander. Dies überwiegt den Nachteil, dass ein Karussell ggf. kleiner sein kann, wenn eine Druckfarbe eine kürzere Druckzeit benötigt und daher deren Karussell eigentlich kleiner sein könnte.If in a system of the type mentioned at least two printing machines connected in series are designed as carousels and the carousels have an identical number of stations for the successive recording of the container to be printed, a tolerance compensation arises, because it always comb the same stations together. This outweighs the disadvantage that a carousel may possibly be smaller if a printing ink requires a shorter printing time and therefore its carousel could actually be smaller.

Ferner ist die Anlage der eingangs genannten Art, bei welcher die Behälter beim Bedrucken jeweils in einer in einer Station der Druckmaschine positionierten Einspannvorrichtung eingespannt sind, erfindungsgemäß dazu ausgestaltet, dass die jeweilige Einspannvorrichtung nach dem Bedrucken des Behälters in der letzten Druckmaschine diese verlässt, der bedruckte Behälter von der Einspannvorrichtung getrennt und die Einspannvorrichtung auf ein Rückfördertrumm zum Eingang der ersten Druckmaschine für die Aufnahme eines neuen zu bedruckenden Behälters zurückgeführt wird.Furthermore, the system of the type mentioned, in which the containers are positioned during printing in each case in a position in a station of the printing press Clamping device are inventively designed to the fact that the respective jig after printing the container in the last printing machine leaves this, the printed container separated from the jig and the jig on a Rückführördertrumm to the input of the first printing machine for receiving a new container to be printed is returned.

Beim Zurückführen zu dem Eingang der z. B. ersten Druckmaschine können die Farbreste von den Einspannvorrichtungen beseitigt bzw. auf den Einspannvorrichtungen z. B. durch UV-, EB- oder Wärmestrahlung getrocknet werden.When returning to the entrance of z. B. first printing machine, the paint residues can be eliminated from the jigs or on the jigs z. B. by UV, EB or heat radiation.

Die Bedruckung von Behältern erfolgt üblicherweise mit Druckfarben, die flüssig sind, wobei der Druckkopf normalerweise aus einer Kartusche mit der Farbe versorgt wird. Nach einem weiteren Aspekt der Erfindung soll z. B. bei einer Anlage der eingangs genannten Art der jeweilige Druckkopf mit flüssiger Druckfarbe (Tinte) versorgt werden, indem mehrere Druckköpfe bzw. alle Druckköpfe einer Druckmaschine aus ein und demselben Vorratsbehälter mit der betreffenden Druckfarbe durch Umpumpen der Druckfarbe versorgt werden. Dies kann beispielsweise über eine zentrale Drehdurchführung mit einem Vorlaufkanal und einem Rücklaufkanal durch Umpumpen erfolgen.The printing of containers is usually done with inks that are liquid, the print head is usually supplied from a cartridge with the color. According to another aspect of the invention z. B. in a plant of the type mentioned, the respective printhead with liquid ink (ink) are supplied by several printheads or all the printheads of a printing press from one and the same reservoir with the ink in question are supplied by pumping the ink. This can be done for example via a central rotary feedthrough with a flow channel and a return channel by pumping.

Alternativ dazu wird vorgeschlagen, einen zentralen Behälter innerhalb des Karussells anzuordnen, von welchem aus die Druckköpfe versorgt werden, und zwar entweder jeder mit einer eigenen Pumpe oder mit einer zentralen Druckversorgung. Der zentrale Behälter kann über eine Drehdurchführung entweder aufgefüllt oder im Niveau konstant gehalten werden.Alternatively, it is proposed to arrange a central container within the carousel, from which the print heads are supplied, either each with its own pump or with a central pressure supply. The central container can either be filled via a rotary union or kept constant in level.

Da nur wenige 100stel ml pro Druck aus dem Druckkopf ausgestoßen werden, ist die Druckkonstanz der Farbversorgung außerordentlich wichtig. Bekannt sind statische Systeme, die keiner dynamischen Beschleunigung unterliegen. Auf einem Karussell, das z. B. 36.000 Behälter/h verarbeitet, treten dagegen hohe Zentrifugalkräfte auf, da die Behälter und die Druckköpfe am Karussellumfang angeordnet sind. Diese Zentrifugalkräfte berechnen sich aus der Winkelgeschwindigkeit im Quadrat, dem Radius des Karussells und der Masse der Tinte. Sie beträgt bei der angegebenen Geschwindigkeit bis zum Vierfachen der Tintenmasse im System. Es wird daher im Rahmen der Erfindung als Alternative vorgeschlagen, die Tintenversorgung nicht als zentralen Behälter anzuordnen, sondern aus Einzelbehältern für einen oder mehrere Druckköpfe oder als ringförmig ausgeführte Behälter jeweils in etwa auf dem Teilkreis der Druckköpfe, also im Wesentlichen über oder bevorzugt unter dem Druckkopf bzw. den Druckköpfen. Dadurch befindet sich keine Masse zwischen dem Behälter und dem zu versorgenden Druckkopf auf verschiedenen Radien und die wirksame Zentralkraft ist Null. Die bevorzugte Anordnung des bzw. der Vorratsbehälter unterhalb des Druckkopfes bzw. der Druckköpfe hat den Vorteil, dass kein statischer Flüssigkeitsdruck vorhanden ist und daher die einzelnen Pumpen, welche die Flüssigkeit befördern, besser regelbar sind.Since only a few hundredths of ml per print are ejected from the printhead, the printing constancy of the ink supply is extremely important. Are known static systems that are not subject to dynamic acceleration. On a carousel, the z. B. 36,000 container / h processed, however, high centrifugal forces occur because the containers and the printheads are arranged on the carousel circumference. These centrifugal forces are calculated from the angular velocity squared, the radius of the carousel and the mass of the ink. It is at the specified speed up to four times the mass of ink in the system. It is therefore proposed in the context of the invention as an alternative to arrange the ink supply not as a central container, but from individual containers for one or more printheads or as a ring-shaped container each approximately on the pitch circle of the printheads, ie substantially above or preferably below the printhead or the printheads. As a result, there is no mass between the container and the print head to be supplied at different radii and the effective central force is zero. The preferred arrangement of the reservoir (s) below the printhead (s) has the advantage that there is no static fluid pressure and therefore the individual pumps carrying the fluid are more controllable.

Da der Anteil der flüssigen Druckfarbe innerhalb eines Druckkopfes ebenfalls Zentrifugalkräften ausgesetzt ist und sich dadurch der Innendruck am Düsenauslass verändern kann, wird vorgeschlagen, die Versorgung so zu gestalten, dass der Druck des Druckkopfes, insbesondere der Druck an den Austrittsöffnungen, konstant ist. Dies kann mittels einer regelbaren Pumpe erfolgen. Das Regelsignal kann wegen des bekannten Flüssigkeitsinhaltes in einem Druckkopf berechnet werden. Das Regelsignal kann aber auch direkt durch einen Drucksensor zurückgemeldet werden.Since the proportion of the liquid ink within a printhead is also exposed to centrifugal forces and thereby may change the internal pressure at the nozzle outlet, it is proposed to make the supply so that the pressure of the printhead, in particular the pressure at the outlet openings, is constant. This can be done by means of a controllable pump. The control signal can be calculated because of the known liquid content in a printhead. The control signal can also be reported back directly by a pressure sensor.

Alternativ wird vorgeschlagen, anstelle oder neben einer Pumpe ein Druckgefälle zwischen Vorratsbehälter und einem Rücklaufbehälter auszunutzen und nur aus dem Rücklaufbehälter in den Vorlaufbehälter zurückzupumpen und abgegebene Druckfarbe aus der Drehdurchführung nachzufüllen. Dies erlaubt hohe Konstanz der Drücke, da kein Einfluss einer Pumpe vorhanden ist. Das Luftpolster innerhalb des Vorlaufbehälters wirkt als Ausgleich, der keine schnellen Druckänderungen erlaubt. Ggf. kann bei nicht ausreichender statischer Höhe ein Überlagerungsdruck aufgegeben werden.Alternatively, it is proposed instead of or in addition to a pump to exploit a pressure gradient between the reservoir and a return tank and pump back only from the return tank in the supply tank and refill discharged ink from the rotary feedthrough. This allows high Constancy of the pressures, since there is no influence of a pump. The air cushion within the supply tank acts as a compensation, which does not allow rapid pressure changes. Possibly. If not enough static height, a superposition pressure can be given up.

Üblicherweise werden die Druckpunkte von einem Tintenstrahldrucker nebeneinander auf die Behälteroberfläche aufgebracht. Erfindungsgemäß soll auch die Möglichkeit vorgesehen sein, Druckpunkte übereinander aufzubringen, z. B. bei transparentem oder opakem Material.Usually, the pressure points are applied by an inkjet printer side by side on the container surface. According to the invention should also be provided the possibility to apply pressure points on top of each other, for. B. in transparent or opaque material.

Im Rahmen eines wirtschaftlichen Einsatzes erfindungsgemäßer Bedruckungsanlagen wird ferner vorgeschlagen, dem jeweiligen Druckkopf eine Reinigungseinrichtung zuzuordnen, welche als Absaug- und/oder Abtupfeinrichtung ausgebildet sein kann.In the context of an economical use of printing systems according to the invention, it is further proposed to assign a cleaning device to the respective print head which can be designed as a suction and / or defogging device.

Eine solche Reinigungseinrichtung ist entweder zwischen zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Druckmaschinenkarussellen und/oder zwischen einem Einlaufstern für die zu bedruckenden Behälter und dem nachgeordneten Druckkarussell und/oder zwischen einem Druckkarussell und einem nachgeordneten Auslaufstern angeordnet, wo der jeweilige Druckkopf für die Reinigungseinrichtung einfach zugänglich ist.Such a cleaning device is arranged either between two successive press carousels and / or between an inlet star for the containers to be printed and the downstream printing carousel and / or between a pressure carousel and a downstream outlet star where the respective print head for the cleaning device is easily accessible.

Dabei kann die Reinigungseinrichtung auch als Transportstern mit gleicher Teilung wie der Einlaufstern bzw. der Auslaufstern ausgebildet sein.In this case, the cleaning device can also be designed as a transport star with the same pitch as the inlet star or the outlet star.

Der jeweils zu reinigende Druckkopf wird dabei z. B. in Reinigungsintervallen jeweils in eine Reinigungsposition gefahren und dort zum Stillstand gebracht.The respectively to be cleaned printhead is z. B. driven in cleaning intervals each in a cleaning position and brought to a standstill.

Der Zuverlässigkeit einer erfindungsgemäßen Anlage dient es weiterhin, wenn an dem bedruckten Behälter, z. B. mit einer Kamera, Druckbildabweichungen kontrolliert und bei unzulässigen Abweichungen der betreffende Druckkopf gereinigt wird.The reliability of a system according to the invention it continues to serve, if on the printed container, for. B. with a camera, print image deviations controlled and in case of impermissible deviations the printhead in question is cleaned.

Zum Bedrucken kann vorteilhaft eine flüssige Druckfarbe (Tinte) eingesetzt werden, welche mit Wärme trockenbar und/oder vernetzbar ist.For printing, it is advantageous to use a liquid printing ink (ink) which can be dried with heat and / or crosslinked.

Wenn man eine als Karussell ausgebildete Druckmaschine mit unterschiedlichen Geschwindigkeiten z. B. zur Leistungsregulierung betreibt, entstehen unterschiedliche Fliehkräfte, wodurch das Bedrucken der Behälter mit flüssiger Druckfarbe (Tinte) nachteilig beeinflusst wird. Deswegen wird mit einem weiteren Erfindungsgedanken vorgeschlagen, die Karussells beim Bedrucken der Behälter alle mit derselben auf die jeweilige Durchsatzleistung abgestimmten Umlaufgeschwindigkeit zu betreiben.If one trained as a carousel printing press with different speeds z. B. operates for power regulation, different centrifugal forces, whereby the printing of the container with liquid ink (ink) is adversely affected. Therefore, it is proposed with a further inventive concept to operate the carousels when printing the container all with the same on the respective throughput matched rotational speed.

Bei einem Stau von Behältern nach der Druckmaschine wird der Zulauf von zu bedruckenden Behältern zu der Druckmaschine gesperrt und die Druckmaschine mit vorgegebener gleicher Nennleistung so lange weiterbetrieben, bis der letzte Behälter die Druckmaschine verlassen hat. Nach Beheben des Staus wird die Druckmaschine zunächst wieder auf die vorgegebene Nennleistung eingeregelt und erst anschließend der Zulauf der zu bedruckenden Behälter wieder freigegeben. Somit werden alle Behälter einer identischen Behandlung unterzogen, und zwar sowohl was Fliehkräfte als auch was zeitliche Abläufe angeht.In a jam of containers after the printing machine, the supply of containers to be printed is locked to the printing press and continue to operate the press with predetermined same nominal power until the last container has left the printing press. After eliminating the jam, the press is first adjusted again to the specified nominal power and only then released the feed of the container to be printed again. Thus, all containers are subjected to an identical treatment, both in terms of centrifugal forces and in terms of timing.

Ein weiterer Erfindungsgedanke besteht darin, insbesondere in einer Anlage bzw. einem Verfahren der zuvor erörterten Art das Bedrucken des Behälters vor dessen Füllen vorzunehmen.Another idea of the invention is to make the printing on the container before it is filled, in particular in a system or a method of the type discussed above.

Auf diese Weise wird erreicht, dass die Transportgewichte während des Bedruckens und damit die Beanspruchung der Bedruckungsanlage wesentlich reduziert werden. Außerdem können beim Bedrucken der Behälter Handhabungen vorgenommen werden, welche andernfalls den Behälterinhalt beeinträchtigen könnten.In this way, it is achieved that the transport weights during printing and thus significantly reduces the stress on the printing system become. In addition, when printing the container handling can be made, which could otherwise affect the container contents.

Insbesondere kann bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Bedrucken eine flüssige Druckfarbe (Tinte) eingesetzt werden, die mit Wärme trockenbar und/oder vernetzbar ist.In particular, in the printing according to the invention a liquid printing ink (ink) can be used, which can be dried with heat and / or crosslinked.

Zum Trocknen bzw. Vernetzen der Farbe mittels Wärme kann z. B. eine Flamme, ein Plasma oder können IR-Strahlen angewendet werden.For drying or curing the color by means of heat, for. As a flame, a plasma or IR rays can be applied.

Je nach Beschaffenheit der Behälterwandung können die Druckpunkte von dem Tintenstrahldrucker statt nebeneinander und/oder, ggf. auch mehrfach, zur Farbabdeckung übereinander auf die Behälteroberfläche aufgebracht werden, was beispielsweise bei transparentem oder opakem Behälterwandungsmaterial von Vorteil ist.Depending on the nature of the container wall, the pressure points of the inkjet printer instead of side by side and / or, if necessary, several times, be applied to the color cover one above the other on the container surface, which is advantageous for example in transparent or opaque container wall material.

Weitere Ziele, Merkmale, Vorteile und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen anhand der Zeichnungen.Other objects, features, advantages and applications will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
schematisch in Draufsicht eine die Erfindung aufweisende Anlage zum Bedrucken von Behältern,
Fig. 2
schematisch die Anordnung eines zentralen Behälters für flüssige Druckfarbe zur Versorgung verschiedener Druckköpfe einer Anlage z. B. nach Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
schematisch eine Schnittdarstellung der Zuordnung eines externen Behälters für flüssige Druckfarbe und zentraler Drehdurchführung,
Fig. 4
schematisch ein Funktionsschema für die Anordnung eines inneren Behälters für flüssige Druckfarbe mit einer Druckfarbenzuführung über Drehdurchführung und Zuführung zu den einzelnen Druckköpfen,
Fig. 5
eine Fig. 4 entsprechende Darstellung bei Anordnung eines als Ringbehälter ausgebildeten Vorratsbehälters für flüssige Druckfarbe unterhalb der Druckköpfe eines Druckkarussells,
Fig. 6
schematisch die Darstellung eines Druckkopfes mit Pumpe für die Zuführung flüssiger Druckfarbe bei Einhaltung eines konstanten Druckes an den Druckkopfaustrittsöffnungen,
Fig. 7
eine andere Art der Druckfarbenzuführung bei einer erfindungsgemäßen Bedruckungsanlage und
Fig. 8a bis 8c
verschiedene Möglichkeiten von Zuordnungen von Reinigungseinrichtungen für die Druckköpfe.
Show it:
Fig. 1
schematically in plan view an inventive system for printing on containers,
Fig. 2
schematically the arrangement of a central container for liquid ink for supplying various printheads of a plant z. B. after Fig. 1 .
Fig. 3
schematically a sectional view of the assignment of an external container for liquid ink and central rotary feedthrough,
Fig. 4
1 schematically shows a functional diagram for the arrangement of an inner container for liquid printing ink with an ink feed via rotary feedthrough and feed to the individual printing heads;
Fig. 5
a Fig. 4 corresponding representation when arranging a designed as an annular container reservoir for liquid ink below the printheads of a printing carousel,
Fig. 6
1 is a schematic illustration of a print head with a pump for supplying liquid printing ink while maintaining a constant pressure at the print head outlet openings.
Fig. 7
another type of ink supply in a printing system according to the invention and
Fig. 8a to 8c
various possibilities of assignments of cleaning devices for the printheads.

Die in Fig. 1 dargestellte Anlage zum Bedrucken von Behältern weist mehrere hintereinander geschaltete als Karusselle ausgebildete Druckmaschinen 1 für die aufeinanderfolgende Aufnahme von zu bedruckenden Behältern auf, welche von einem Karussell unmittelbar auf ein nachfolgendes Karussell übergeben bzw. aufgenommen werden. Die zu bedruckenden Behälter werden z. B. über eine Transporteinrichtung 2 und einen Einlaufstern 3 einem ersten Karussell 1 übergeben und nacheinander unmittelbar an weitere Karusselle weitergegeben, wobei in jedem Karussell jeweils eine Druckfarbe und/oder ein Druckmuster auf die Oberfläche des jeweiligen Behälters aufgebracht wird.In the Fig. 1 shown plant for printing on containers has a plurality of successively designed as carousels printing presses 1 for the successive recording of containers to be printed, which be passed from a carousel directly to a subsequent carousel or recorded. The containers to be printed are z. B. passed over a transport device 2 and an infeed starter 3 a first carousel 1 and passed successively directly to other carousels, in each carousel each a printing ink and / or a print pattern is applied to the surface of the respective container.

In den Karussellen sind die Behälter jeweils in einer Einspannvorrichtung aufgenommen. Ausgangsseitig des letzten Karussells werden die bedruckten Behälter jeweils von Einspannvorrichtungen getrennt und erstere über eine Transporteinrichtung 4 der weiteren Verwendung zugeführt. Die von den bedruckten Behältern befreiten Einspannvorrichtungen werden über einen weiteren Auslaufstern 5 aus dem letzten Karussell herausgeführt und über ein Rückfördertrumm 6 durch eine Farbtrocknungs- und/oder Waschanlage 7, 8, ggf. mit einer Trocken/Nachbehandlungsanlage 9 an den Eingang des ersten Karussells 1 gereinigt und getrocknet wieder zurückgeführt. Dort werden die Einspannvorrichtungen über einen Einlaufstern 3 dem ersten Karussell aufgegeben, wo sie jeweils für die Aufnahme eines neuen zu bedruckenden Behälters zur Verfügung stehen, welcher über die Transporteinrichtung 2 zugeführt wird. Auf diese Weise werden in einer kompakten Anlage Übergangssterne zwischen den einzelnen Karussells entbehrlich und Einspannvorrichtungen für die zu bedruckenden Behälter ständig wiederverwendbar.In the carousels, the containers are each received in a jig. On the output side of the last carousel, the printed containers are each separated from clamping devices and the former is fed via a transport device 4 for further use. The clamping devices freed from the printed containers are led out of the last carousel via a further outlet star 5 and via a return conveyor belt 6 through a paint drying and / or washing unit 7, 8, optionally with a drying / aftertreatment unit 9 to the entrance of the first carousel 1 cleaned and dried again returned. There, the jigs are abandoned via an inlet star 3 the first carousel, where they are each available for receiving a new container to be printed available, which is supplied via the transport device 2. In this way transition stars between the individual carousels are dispensable in a compact system and clamping devices for the containers to be printed constantly reusable.

Fig. 2 veranschaulicht schematisch eine Anlage zum Bedrucken von Behältern mit einer als Karussell ausgebildeten Druckmaschine 1. Ein zentraler Vorratsbehälter 10 für die Aufnahme von flüssiger Druckfarbe (Tinte) F ist den Druckköpfen 11 statt bisher bekannter jedem einzelnen Druckkopf zugeordneter Kartuschen zugeordnet. Die Druckfarbe F wird den Druckköpfen 11 aus dem Vorratsbehälter 10 über eine Pumpe 12 zugeführt und überflüssige Druckfarbe F aus den Druckköpfen 11 wieder in den Vorratsbehälter 10 zurückgeführt. Der Vorratsbehälter 10 kann nachbefüllt werden, wenn er leer ist, aber auch auf einfache Weise ausgetauscht werden. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a system for printing on containers with a designed as a carousel printing press 1. A central reservoir 10 for receiving liquid ink (ink) F is associated with the printheads 11 instead of previously known each individual printhead associated cartridges. The ink F is supplied to the printheads 11 from the reservoir 10 via a pump 12 and superfluous ink F returned from the printheads 11 back into the reservoir 10. The storage tank 10 can be refilled when it is empty, but also easily replaced.

Fig. 3 veranschaulicht eine Druckmaschine, bei welcher flüssige Druckfarbe F in einem externen Vorratsbehälter 10 aufgenommen und mit Hilfe von Pumpen 12 über eine zentrale Drehdurchführung 15 mittels Vorlaufkanälen 13 den einzelnen Druckköpfen 11 zugeführt wird, welche in dem Karussell einer Druckmaschine 1 angeordnet sind. Die Rückführung von Druckfarbe F erfolgt über Rücklaufkanäle 14. Fig. 3 illustrates a printing machine in which liquid ink F is received in an external reservoir 10 and fed by means of pumps 12 via a central rotary feedthrough 15 by means of flow channels 13 the individual printheads 11, which are arranged in the carousel of a printing press 1. The return of printing ink F via return channels 14th

Fig. 4 bezieht sich auf eine Anlage zum Bedrucken von Behältern, bei welcher die Druckköpfe 11 in dem Karussell einer Druckmaschine 1 aufgenommen sind und mit flüssiger Druckfarbe F von einem internen Vorratsbehälter 10 versorgt werden. Das Niveau der Druckfarbe F in dem Vorratsbehälter 10 wird durch Zufuhr von Druckfarbe über eine zentrale Drehdurchführung 15 konstant gehalten. Fig. 4 refers to a system for printing on containers, in which the printheads 11 are accommodated in the carousel of a printing machine 1 and are supplied with liquid ink F from an internal storage container 10. The level of the ink F in the reservoir 10 is kept constant by supplying ink through a central rotary union 15.

Bei der Druckmaschinenanordnung gemäß Fig. 5 befindet sich der Vorratsbehälter 10 für Druckfarbe F unmittelbar unter dem zugehörigen Druckkopf 11 in der als Karussell ausgebildeten Druckmaschine 1, also auf dem Teilkreis der Druckköpfe 11. Dadurch befindet sich keine Masse zwischen Druckfarbenversorgung und Druckkopf auf unterschiedlichen Radien und die resultierende Zentrifugalkraft ist Null. Die Anordnung des Vorratsbehälters 10 unterhalb der Druckköpfe 11 hat den Vorteil, dass kein statischer Flüssigkeitsdruck vorhanden ist und die Pumpe 12 für die Zuführung der Druckfarbe F zu den Druckköpfen 11 einfacher regelbar ist. Der Vorratsbehälter 10 kann als einzelner Behälter unterhalb des jeweiligen Druckkopfes 11 aber auch als allen Druckköpfen 11 gemeinsamer Ringbehälter ausgebildet sein.In the printing machine arrangement according to Fig. 5 is the reservoir 10 for ink F immediately below the associated printhead 11 in the form of a carousel printing machine 1, so on the pitch circle of the printheads 11. Thus, there is no mass between ink supply and printhead at different radii and the resulting centrifugal force is zero. The arrangement of the reservoir 10 below the printheads 11 has the advantage that no static fluid pressure is present and the pump 12 for supplying the ink F to the printheads 11 is easier to control. The reservoir 10 may be formed as a single container below the respective print head 11 but also as all printheads 11 common ring container.

Fig. 6 veranschaulicht schematisch, wie den Austrittsöffnungen 16 eines Drucckopfes 11 Druckfarbe F mit konstantem Druck zugeführt werden kann, indem der Pumpendruck P1 in Abhängigkeit von der Rotationsgeschwindigkeit geregelt wird. Fig. 6 1 schematically illustrates how the discharge openings 16 of a pressure pot 11 can be supplied with printing ink F at constant pressure by regulating the pump pressure P1 as a function of the rotational speed.

Bei der Anlage zum Bedrucken von Behältern gemäß Fig. 7 sind für die flüssige Druckfarbe F ein Vorratsbehälter 10 oberhalb des jeweiligen Druckkopfes 11 und ein Rücklaufbehälter 17 unterhalb des jeweiligen Druckkopfes 11 vorgesehen. Die beispielsweise über eine Drehdurchführung 15 in den Rücklaufbehälter 17 zugeführte Druckfarbe F wird über eine Pumpe 12 zunächst über einen Vorlaufkanal 13 in den Vorratsbehälter 10 oberhalb des jeweiligen Druckkopfes 11 gepumpt, von wo aus ein Druckgefälle zwischen Vorratsbehälter 10 und Druckkopf 11 für die Druckfarbenversorgung der Druckköpfe 11 ausgenutzt wird. Dies erlaubt eine hohe Konstanz der Drücke, da sich eine Pumpenvibration nicht auf den Druck an den Austrittsöffnungen 16 des Druckkopfes 11 auswirkt. Das Luftpolster innerhalb des Vorratsbehälters 10 wirkt als Ausgleich, da es keine schnellen Druckänderungen erlaubt. Ggf. kann bei nicht ausreichender statischer Höhe ein Überlagerungsdruck aufgegeben werden.In the system for printing on containers according to Fig. 7 For the liquid printing ink F, a storage container 10 above the respective print head 11 and a return container 17 below the respective print head 11 are provided. The supplied for example via a rotary feedthrough 15 in the return tank 17 ink F is pumped via a pump 12 initially via a flow channel 13 in the reservoir 10 above the respective printhead 11, from where a pressure gradient between reservoir 10 and printhead 11 for the ink supply of the printheads 11 is exploited. This allows a high constancy of the pressures, since a pump vibration does not affect the pressure at the outlet openings 16 of the print head 11. The air cushion within the reservoir 10 acts as a balance, as it does not allow rapid pressure changes. Possibly. If not enough static height, a superposition pressure can be given up.

Die Fig. 8a bis 8c veranschaulichen verschiedene Möglichkeiten, wie eine Reinigungseinrichtung relativ zu den als Karussell ausgebildeten Druckmaschinen 1 einer Anlage zum Bedrucken von Behältern den Druckköpfen zugeordnet werden kann. Bei der Version gemäß Fig. 8a ist eine statische Reinigungseinrichtung 18 in Reinigungsintervallen in eine Reinigungsposition verfahrbar, in welcher ein Druckkopf 11 auf dem Karussell der Druckmaschine 1 zum Stillstand gebracht worden ist. Die Reinigungsvorrichtung 18 befindet sich hier zwischen dem Einlaufstern 3 und dem Auslaufstern 5 des Karussells, so dass weder zu bedruckende noch bedruckte Behälter den Reinigungsvorgang beeinträchtigen. Die Reinigung der Druckköpfe 11 erfolgt hier diskontinuierlich. Bei der Version gemäß Fig. 8b ist die Reinigungseinrichtung 18 als Transportstern mit gleicher Teilung wie der Einlaufstern 3 und der Auslaufstern 5 ausgebildet. Hierdurch kann die Reinigung während oder nach dem Ende der Produktion kontinuierlich stattfinden. Bei der Version gemäß Fig. 8c ist eine Kombination von Reinigungseinrichtungen 18 angedeutet, welche einerseits mit einer stationären Reinigungseinrichtung diskontinuierlich oder mit einer als Transportstern ausgebildeten Reinigungseinrichtung kontinuierlich bei einer Anlage gearbeitet wird, bei welcher die Karusselle hintereinander geschalteter Druckmaschinen 1 die zu bedruckenden Behälter unmittelbar ohne Zwischenschaltung eines Transportsterns auf das nachfolgende Karussell übergeben bzw. übernehmen. In diesem Fall befinden sich die Reinigungseinrichtungen 18 in Nachbarschaft eines Karussells jeweils in dem Zwischenraum zwischen dem vorhergehenden Karussell und dem nachfolgenden Karussell.The Fig. 8a to 8c illustrate various ways in which a cleaning device relative to the designed as a carousel printing presses 1 a system for printing containers can be assigned to the printheads. In the version according to Fig. 8a a static cleaning device 18 is moved at cleaning intervals in a cleaning position in which a printhead 11 has been brought to a standstill on the carousel of the printing press 1. The cleaning device 18 is located here between the inlet star 3 and the outlet star 5 of the carousel, so that neither to be printed nor printed containers affect the cleaning process. The cleaning of the print heads 11 takes place here discontinuously. In the version according to Fig. 8b is the cleaning device 18 as a transport star with the same Division formed as the inlet star 3 and the outlet star 5. This allows the cleaning to take place continuously during or after the end of production. In the version according to Fig. 8c is a combination of cleaning devices 18 indicated, which is working on the one hand with a stationary cleaning device discontinuously or with a designed as a transport star cleaning device continuously at a plant in which the carousels consecutively connected printing presses 1 directly to the container to be printed without interposition of a transport star on the subsequent carousel hand over or take over. In this case, the cleaning devices 18 are located in the vicinity of a carousel in each case in the space between the previous carousel and the subsequent carousel.

Der Reinigungsprozess kann dadurch gesteuert werden, dass die jeweils bedruckten Behälter, z. B. mit einer Kamera, hinsichtlich von Druckbildabweichungen kontrolliert und bei unzulässiger Abweichung der betreffende Druckkopf gereinigt wird.The cleaning process can be controlled by the respective printed containers, z. B. with a camera, in terms of printed image deviations and cleaned inadmissible deviation of the printhead in question.

Bezugszeichenliste:LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Druckmaschinen, KarussellePrinting machines, carousels
22
Transporteinrichtungtransport means
33
Einlaufsternfeed star
44
Transporteinrichtungtransport means
55
Auslaufsternoutlet star
66
RückfördertrummRecirculating Trumm
77
FarbtrocknungsanlageInk drying plant
88th
Waschanlagecar wash
99
Trocken/NachbehandlungsanlageDry / post-treatment plant
1010
Vorratsbehälterreservoir
1111
Druckköpfeprintheads
1212
Pumpenpump
1313
VorlaufkanäleFlow channels
1414
RücklaufkanäleReturn channels
1515
DrehdurchführungRotary union
1616
Austrittsöffnungenoutlet openings
1717
RücklaufbehälterReturn tank
1818
Reinigungseinrichtungcleaning device
AA
Drehachseaxis of rotation
BB
Behältercontainer
FF
Druckfarbeprinting ink

Claims (15)

  1. A plant for printing containers (B), such as bottles, with at least one print image on at least two printing presses (1) connected one after the other each having at least one printing head (11),
    wherein the at least two printing presses (1) connected one after the other are designed as carousels for the successive reception of the containers (B) to be printed and wherein the containers (B) are directly transferred from one carousel to a following carousel or received by such,
    wherein the containers (B) during printing are each clamped in a clamping device positioned in a station of the printing press (1), wherein the respective clamping device, following the printing of the container in the last printing press (1), leaves the latter, the printed container (B) is separated from the clamping device and the clamping device is returned on a return conveyor end to the entry of the first printing press for receiving a new container (B) to be printed,
    wherein at least one cleaning device (18) is provided that can be assigned to the respective printing head (11).
  2. The plant according to Claim 1, characterized in that the carousels have an identical number of stations for the successive reception of the containers (B) to be printed.
  3. The plant according to any one of the Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that liquid printing ink (F) from a storage tank (10) for the respective printing ink (F) is fed to the respective printing head (11) or conducted away from the latter through transfer pumping via a rotary lead-through (15) with an advance channel (13) and a return channel (14), wherein the storage tank (10) for the respective printing ink (F) for supplying one or a plurality of printing heads (11) is arranged on the pitch circle on which the printing head (11) or the printing heads (11) is or are located.
  4. The plant according to Claim 3, characterized in that the storage tank (10) is substantially arranged directly above or below the associated printing head (11).
  5. The plant according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the storage tank is designed as annular tank.
  6. The plant according to any one of the Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that for supplying the respective printing head (11) with liquid printing ink (F) from a storage tank (10) for the respective printing ink (F) a pressure gradient to a return tank (17) is utilized.
  7. The plant according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (18) is designed as suction and/or dabbing device.
  8. The plant according to any one of the preceding Claims , characterized in that the cleaning device (18) is arranged either between two successive printing press carousels and/or between an inlet star (3) for the containers (B) to be printed and the printing press carousel (1) connected downstream and/or between a printing press carousel (1) and a outlet star (5) arranged downstream.
  9. The plant according to Claim 8, characterized in that the cleaning device (18) is designed as transport star with the same division as the inlet star (3) or the outlet star (5).
  10. The plant according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the respective printing head (11) to be cleaned in each case is moved into a cleaning position at cleaning intervals where it is stopped.
  11. The plant according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that print image deviations are checked on the containers to be printed (B) and that the respective printing head (11) is cleaned in the case of impermissible deviations.
  12. The plant according to Claim 11, characterized by a camera for checking the print image deviations.
  13. A method for operating a plant for printing containers (B), such as bottles, according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the carousels during the printing of the containers (B) are all operated with the same circumferential speed matched to the respective throughput performance.
  14. The method according to Claim 13, characterized in that with a backlog of containers (B) after the printing press (1) the infeed of containers (B) to be printed to the printing press (1) is blocked and the printing press (1) and printing press (1) operation is continued with the predetermined same rated output until the last container (B) has left the printing press (1).
  15. The method according to Claim 14, characterized in that following the rectification of the backlog the printing press (1) is initially adjusted to the predetermined rated output and only after this the infeed of the containers (B) to be printed is opened again.
EP10776542.2A 2009-12-15 2010-09-25 System for imprinting containers Active EP2512812B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102009058219A DE102009058219A1 (en) 2009-12-15 2009-12-15 Plant for printing on containers
PCT/EP2010/005869 WO2011082721A1 (en) 2009-12-15 2010-09-25 System for imprinting containers

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2512812A1 EP2512812A1 (en) 2012-10-24
EP2512812B1 true EP2512812B1 (en) 2019-09-18

Family

ID=43500251

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10776542.2A Active EP2512812B1 (en) 2009-12-15 2010-09-25 System for imprinting containers

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (2) US20120255450A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2512812B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102753352B (en)
BR (1) BR112012014766B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102009058219A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2011082721A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102022122911A1 (en) 2022-09-09 2024-03-14 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Direct printing machine

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008049241A1 (en) * 2008-09-26 2010-04-08 Khs Ag Device for applying in each case a multiple printing on packaging
CN106183444A (en) 2010-07-23 2016-12-07 普莱斯提派克包装公司 For the rotary type system that container is printed and method
WO2013029711A1 (en) * 2011-09-02 2013-03-07 Khs Gmbh Device for treating packaging means, and pressure segment for use in a device of this type
DE102013217679A1 (en) * 2013-09-04 2015-03-05 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Printing machine for inkjet printing on containers
DE102013217685A1 (en) 2013-09-04 2015-03-05 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Container treatment machine for printing on containers
US9533506B2 (en) 2013-09-04 2017-01-03 Krones Ag Container handling machine for printing onto container
DE102013110122A1 (en) 2013-09-13 2015-03-19 Till Gmbh Cleaning adapter and method for cleaning printheads
DE102013110108A1 (en) 2013-09-13 2015-03-19 Khs Gmbh Printing system for printing on bottles or similar containers and printing device or machine with such a printing system
EP2942195B1 (en) * 2014-05-02 2018-04-18 PackSys Global (Thailand) Ltd. Machine for printing hollow articles
DE102014110520A1 (en) * 2014-07-25 2016-01-28 Krones Ag Direct printing machine with ink supply system
DE102014225405A1 (en) 2014-12-10 2016-06-16 Krones Ag Direct printing machine for printing on containers
DE102015114344A1 (en) 2015-08-28 2017-03-02 Khs Gmbh Container treatment device and method for treating containers
CN108372715A (en) * 2018-04-12 2018-08-07 宜春市同茂印务有限公司 A kind of high printing equipment modelled after an antique of ancient books

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010034375A1 (en) * 2008-09-26 2010-04-01 Khs Ag Device for applying one multiple-pass print each to packaging containers

Family Cites Families (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3766851A (en) * 1971-11-15 1973-10-23 Sun Chemical Corp Continuous can printer and handling apparatus
DE2358824C2 (en) * 1972-11-28 1983-07-14 Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd., Osaka Method and device for aligning and positioning symmetrical objects
US5655453A (en) * 1987-02-06 1997-08-12 Ackley; E. Michael Method and apparatus for marking pellet shaped articles
DE19819731A1 (en) * 1998-05-02 1999-11-04 Krones Ag Method and device for producing labeled plastic bottles
FR2784933B1 (en) * 1998-10-22 2001-01-05 Dubuit Mach PRINTING MACHINE COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE SERIGRAPHIC PRINTING STATION AND AT LEAST ONE DIGITAL INK-JET PRINTING STATION
EP1013450B1 (en) * 1998-12-14 2006-07-19 Eastman Kodak Company Fluid system for multiple print heads
DE10027261B4 (en) * 1999-06-28 2017-04-27 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Method and apparatus for cleaning a nozzle exit surface on a printhead of an inkjet printer
AU2002250727B2 (en) * 2001-05-01 2007-08-23 Peter J. Baumli Methods and apparatus for producing and for applying labels
US6874862B2 (en) * 2002-04-26 2005-04-05 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Inkjet printing device with multiple nozzles positioned to print at each target location on a print medium
JP2004153061A (en) * 2002-10-31 2004-05-27 Yokogawa Electric Corp Printing device for substrate
DE10257749B4 (en) * 2002-12-10 2006-05-04 Krones Ag Device for inspecting filled and closed vessels
US6920822B2 (en) * 2003-09-03 2005-07-26 Stolle Machinery Company, Llc Digital can decorating apparatus
US7610115B2 (en) * 2004-12-22 2009-10-27 Intelligent Hospital Systems Ltd. Automated pharmacy admixture system (APAS)
DE102005032149A1 (en) * 2005-06-22 2006-12-28 Kba-Metronic Ag press
DE102006001223A1 (en) * 2006-01-10 2007-07-12 Khs Ag Apparatus for printing on bottles or similar containers
DE102006019441B4 (en) * 2006-04-24 2013-06-20 Khs Gmbh Method and device for printing on containers
US20080024532A1 (en) * 2006-07-26 2008-01-31 Si-Kyoung Kim Methods and apparatus for inkjet printing system maintenance
DE102006038247A1 (en) * 2006-08-16 2008-02-21 Khs Ag Process for the circumferential printing of containers
US7845784B2 (en) * 2006-12-28 2010-12-07 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Ink supplying mechanism and ink supplying method
DE102007050490A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-04-23 Khs Ag Device for printing containers, has printing group provided with printing heads operating according to ink jet printing principle
DE102007050493A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-04-23 Khs Ag Device for printing containers, has printing group provided with printing heads operating according to ink jet printing principle
CN101674940B (en) * 2007-08-03 2012-01-11 Khs有限责任公司 Device and method for printing containers
IT1395434B1 (en) * 2009-07-24 2012-09-14 Sacmi Labelling S P A Ora Sacmi Verona S P A EQUIPMENT FOR LABELING OF CONTAINERS BY SLEEVE LABELS

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010034375A1 (en) * 2008-09-26 2010-04-01 Khs Ag Device for applying one multiple-pass print each to packaging containers

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102022122911A1 (en) 2022-09-09 2024-03-14 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Direct printing machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR112012014766B1 (en) 2020-05-05
DE102009058219A1 (en) 2011-06-16
CN102753352A (en) 2012-10-24
CN102753352B (en) 2015-01-07
BR112012014766A2 (en) 2016-03-29
US20170197446A1 (en) 2017-07-13
US20120255450A1 (en) 2012-10-11
WO2011082721A1 (en) 2011-07-14
EP2512812A1 (en) 2012-10-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2512812B1 (en) System for imprinting containers
EP1806233B1 (en) Device for printing on bottles or similar receptacles
EP2661374B1 (en) Machine for printing of containers
EP2152519B2 (en) Device and method for printing containers
EP2459385B1 (en) Equipment for printing on containers
EP2331338B1 (en) Device for applying one multiple-pass print each to packaging containers
DE102009058212B4 (en) Method for operating a system for printing on containers
DE102009058222B4 (en) Plant for printing containers with clamping devices with its own rotary drive
DE102010034780A1 (en) Apparatus and method for printing on containers
EP3055137B1 (en) Intermittently operating printing machine
DE102007050490A1 (en) Device for printing containers, has printing group provided with printing heads operating according to ink jet printing principle
DE102007036752A1 (en) Machine for printing on e.g. bottles has ink-jet printing heads mounted on turntable, around which containers pass during printing stage, individual heads being able to be withdrawn from printing position and replaced by different head
EP2799240A1 (en) Rotary machine for printing on containers
DE102006019441A1 (en) Method and device for printing on containers
DE102011009395A1 (en) Apparatus and method for printing on containers
WO2017025219A1 (en) Container treatment machine and method for printing on containers
DE102013215638A1 (en) Device for printing on containers
EP2712737A1 (en) Printing apparatus and method for top coat
DE202006021181U1 (en) Apparatus for printing on bottles or similar containers
WO2019219249A1 (en) Device and method for printing containers
DE102020132134A1 (en) direct printing machine
DE202006021180U1 (en) Apparatus for printing on bottles or similar containers
DE202006021179U1 (en) Apparatus for printing on bottles or similar containers
DE102016114123A1 (en) Process for printing on containers

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20120706

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: TILL GMBH

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20160712

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: DEKRON GMBH

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: DEKRON GMBH

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20190327

GRAJ Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

INTC Intention to grant announced (deleted)
INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20190805

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502010016270

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1180810

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20191015

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20190918

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191218

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191218

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191219

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200120

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200224

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502010016270

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG2D Information on lapse in contracting state deleted

Ref country code: IS

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190930

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190925

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190930

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190925

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200119

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20190930

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20200619

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190930

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 1180810

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190925

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190925

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20100925

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190918

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20220804

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20220808

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230810

Year of fee payment: 14

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230802

Year of fee payment: 14

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20230925

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230925