EP2750895B1 - Device for treating packaging means, and printing segment for use in a device of this type - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a printing segment according to the preamble of claim 15. Devices for treating packaging materials are known in different designs. Also known are, inter alia, devices ( DE 10 2009 043 497 A1 ), in which the packaging material is held during the entire transport from a packaging material inlet to a packaging outlet on one and the same holding and centering unit (puck) and the holding and centering units release the packaging material only at the package outlet from which the holding device and centering units are then moved back on a puck return transport path to the packaging material inlet.

Printing systems for printing on containers using digital, ink jet or inkjet printing heads are known to those skilled in the art. In particular, printing systems or printing machines are known in which a plurality of treatment or printing positions for receiving a respective container to be printed on a at least one vertical axis driven transport element are formed, where the container using electronically controlled by the inkjet or Ink-jet principle working digital printheads are printed.

A device for treating packaging by applying features or equipment to the packaging by printing with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known ( DE 10 2007 050 490 A1 , In this known device forms around a vertical axis of the machine rotatably driven rotor at its periphery a plurality of packaging receiving means in which the packaging means are held during printing and each associated with a rotor mounted on the printhead. maintenance and repair work on the packaging receptacles and here also resulting Lagejustlerungen the printheads must be carried out in the device,

The object of the invention is to develop a device of the generic type such that it is possible with high reliability easy adaptation to packaging of different types, sizes and shapes or at high reliability low installation effort and compact design can be realized. To solve this problem, a device according to the patent claim 1 is formed. A pressure segment is the subject of claim 15. Preferred embodiments are defined in the associated dependent claims 2 to 14 and 16 to 20. "Packaging" are within the meaning of the invention, packaging or containers that are commonly used in the food industry and especially in the beverage sector, in particular containers such. As bottles, cans, soft packaging, such as those made of cardboard and / or plastic film and / or metal foil.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "puck" is to be understood as meaning a holding, centering and aligning unit for the packaging means, at which the respective packaging material is moved from the package inlet to the package outlet through a package transport path of the transport system and which preferably also has one controlled orientation of the respective packaging material causes for its treatment.

"Transport moderately to each other adjacent transport elements" means in the context of the invention transport elements or transport and treatment elements that are designed and arranged so that they receive at transfer areas, the pucks of an adjacent in a transport direction preceding transport element, hold and to a following in the transport direction transport element hand off.

The expression "essentially" or "approximately" in the sense of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures.

Advantageously, holding and centering units are used, in which the secondary part, in which the packaging, the bottle or container is held, is rotatable about a vertical axis and driven to or stored in a primary part, and further motor driven. It can be provided in a preferred embodiment that the secondary part forms the rotor of an electromagnetic direct drive, and so the controlled alignment and / or rotation of the respective packaging takes place. For this purpose, the secondary part is preferably provided with a permanent magnet arrangement which cooperates with a stator of the electromagnetic direct rotary drive or with an electromagnet arrangement forming this stator.

Alternatively, the secondary part may also comprise a continuously variable and controllable electric motor, in particular a servomotor, or consists of a main component of such a motor. In this case, this includes Primary part in a main component of the motor housing or consists essentially of the motor housing of a continuously variable and controllable motor.

Since the angular position of the rotor or the packaging must be at any time, at least one coding for the rotational angle position is ideally provided on the secondary part, possibly also on the primary part, which with a suitable sensor or reading unit, in particular one or more incremental sensors on the cooperates with each work position. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the primary part relative to the respective treatment positions can always be unambiguously determined or determinable in its rotational angle position by providing a positive receptacle, centering unit or a coupling element, so that only the relative angular position of the secondary part to the primary part can be determined by a sensor, reading unit, etc. must be designed detectable. The position relative to the printing segment or the print head can then be derived therefrom.

When printing on empty packaging, in particular PET, PEN, PE or PP empty bottles, which is the normal case, the packaging should advantageously be under slight overpressure. For this purpose, a counterpart or counterpart to a machine or pressure segment-side coupling element is provided on the holding and centering unit, which is designed in particular in the manner of a quick coupling. Over this, a vapor or gaseous medium, e.g. Compressed air, through an inner pipe, here the hollow inner space of the puck, into which packaging material is directed. The lower outlet of this inner conduit ideally forms a central centering element / cone. For this purpose, at least one transport and treatment unit, ideally the first, is connected to a steam or gas source or comprises a suitable compressor.

Advantageously, the counter element of the coupling is designed as a check valve or a check valve is provided in the inner line. As a result, after tempering with a vapor and / or gaseous medium, e.g. Compressed air, this pressure over the entire Packmitteltransport- or pressure line in the packaging can be obtained.

Fig. 1

in vereinfachter schematischer und perspektivischer Darstellung eine Vorrichtung bzw. Anlage zum Behandeln von Packmitteln durch Aufbringen einer Ausstattung in Form eines Mehrfach-Drucks auf die Packmittel;

Fig. 2

in vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung die Vorrichtung bzw. Anlage zum Behandeln von Packmitteln in Draufsicht;

Fig. 3

in schematischer Darstellung und in Draufsicht den Transport- oder Förderweg der Packmittel durch die Vorrichtung der Figuren 1 und 2;

Fig. 3

in einer perspektivischen Teildarstellung eines der Transport- und Behandlungselemente, bestehend aus mehreren Drucksegmenten;

Fig. 4

in perspektivischer Teildarstellung eines der Transport- und Behandlungselemente;

Fig. 5

in perspektivischer Darstellung ein Drucksegment des Transport- und Behandlungselementes der Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

- 8 in verschiedenen Darstellungen eine Halte- und Zentriereinheit der Vorrichtung der Figur 1, auch zusammen mit einem als Flasche ausgebildeten Packmittel;

Fig. 9

eine Schnittdarstellung durch eine Halte- und Zentriereinheit der Vorrichtung der Figur 1;

Fig. 10

in den Positionen a) und b) die Halte- und Zentriereinheit im Schnitt zusammen mit einem als Flasche ausgebildeten Packmittel in unterschiedlichen Betriebszuständen;

Fig. 11

in der Position a) in perspektivischer Darstellung eine Primärteil einer Halte- und Zentriereinheit und in den Positionen b) - g) unterschiedliche, mit den Premierteil einer Halte- und Zentriereinheit kombinierbare Sekundäreinheiten;

Fig. 12

in perspektivischer Darstellung ein Transport- und Behandlungselement einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung, vorzugsweise zur Verwendung bei der Vorrichtung bzw. Anlage der Fig. 1;

Fig. 13

und 14 ein Drucksegment des Transport- und Behandlungselementes der Fig. 12 in unterschiedlichen Ansichten;

Fig. 15

einen vereinfachten Horizontalschnitt durch das Drucksegment der Fig. 13 und 14;

Fig. 16

einen vereinfachten Vertikalschnitt durch das Drucksegment der Fig. 13 und 14;

Fig. 17

und 18 jeweils in perspektivischer Teildarstellung ein Dummy-Segment zur Verwendung bei der Vorrichtung bzw. Anlage der Fig. 1 bzw. bei dem Transport- und Behandlungselement der Figur 12.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

in simplified schematic and perspective view of a device or system for treating packaging by applying a device in the form of a multiple-pressure on the packaging;

Fig. 2

in a simplified schematic representation of the device or system for treating packaging in plan view;

Fig. 3

in a schematic representation and in plan view of the transport or conveying path of the packaging by the device of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;

Fig. 3

in a perspective partial view of one of the transport and treatment elements, consisting of several pressure segments;

Fig. 4

in a perspective partial view of one of the transport and treatment elements;

Fig. 5

in perspective view of a pressure segment of the transport and treatment element of Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

- 8 in various representations a holding and centering device of the device FIG. 1 , Also together with a designed as a bottle of packaging;

Fig. 9

a sectional view through a holding and centering unit of the device FIG. 1 ;

Fig. 10

in the positions a) and b) the holding and centering unit in section together with a packaging material designed as a bottle in different operating states;

Fig. 11

in the position a) in a perspective view of a primary part of a holding and centering unit and in the positions b) - g) different, combined with the first part of a holding and centering secondary units;

Fig. 12

in a perspective view of a transport and treatment element of another embodiment of the invention, preferably for use in the device or system of the Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 13

and 14 a pressure segment of the transport and treatment element of Fig. 12 in different views;

Fig. 15

a simplified horizontal section through the pressure segment of Fig. 13 and 14 ;

Fig. 16

a simplified vertical section through the pressure segment of Fig. 13 and 14 ;

Fig. 17

and FIG. 18 show, respectively in perspective partial representation, a dummy segment for use in the device or system of the invention Fig. 1 or in the transport and treatment element of FIG. 12 ,

The device generally designated 1 in the figures is used to apply equipment, for example in the form of an imprint or multiple print on packaging 2 in the form of bottles, either directly on the outer or outer surface of the packaging 2 or on there already applied, eg with a partial equipment provided labels.

For printing, the packaging means 2 of the device 1 or its packaging means inlet 1.1 are fed via an outer conveyor upright in a transport direction A, then move within the device 1 on a multiple arcuately deflected transport path. After printing, the packaging means 2 continue to be fed upright at a packaging outlet 1.2 via an external conveyor for further use. The transport path of the packaging means 2 during feeding, when moving through the device 1 and when removing it from the device 1 is in the FIG. 2 schematically shown with 3.

In detail, the device 1 consists of several in the transport direction A directly adjoining modules 4.1 - 4.n, and indeed in the illustrated embodiment of a total of eight modules 4.1 - 4.8, all modules 4.1 - 4.8 are each formed by an identical basic unit 5, which is equipped with the functional elements necessary for the specific task of the respective module 4.1 - 4.8.

Each basic unit 5 includes i.a. a drive and control unit accommodated in a module housing 6 and a unit arranged at the top of the module housing 6 and by the drive and control unit u.a. around a vertical machine axis of the respective module 4.1 - 4.8 circumferentially drivable transport and treatment element 7, 7a with a plurality of shots or treatment positions 8, which are provided at the periphery of the transport and treatment element 7 or 7a at regular angular intervals veriltilt and each of which Recording or treatment position 8 is formed for secure receiving a respective packaging means 2.

The transport and treatment elements 7, 7a of the individual modules 4.1 - 4.8 are arranged directly or transportally adjacent to each other and counter-rotating, but synchronously driven so that these transport and treatment elements 7, 7a in their entirety form a transport device, with the Packing means 2 within the device 1 on the in the FIG. 3 shown repeatedly deflected packaging material transport path 3 between the packaging inlet 1.1 and the packaging outlet 1.2 are moved. The individual packaging means 2 are in each case forwarded directly from the transport and treatment element 7 of a module 4.1 - 4.7 to the transport and treatment element 7, 7a of the module 4.2 - 4.8 following in the direction of transport A.

In the presentation of FIG. 1 and 2 are the transport and treatment element 7a of the first direction of the transport direction A module 4.1 clockwise, the transport and treatment element 7 of the next module 4.2 counterclockwise, the transport and treatment element of the next module 4.3 again clockwise, etc. synchronously driven. The synchronization of the individual modules 4.1 - 4.8 via suitable control means.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the individual modules 4.1 - 4.8 continue to be provided in such succession that the vertical machine axes of all modules 4.1 - 4.8 lie in a common vertical plane, in which the transfer areas are located, where the packaging means 2 of the transport and treatment element 7a or 7 of a module 4.1 - 4.7 are forwarded to the transport and treatment element 7 or 7a of the following in the direction of transport A module 4.2 - 4.8.

• 
  Das Modul 4.1 bildet u.a. das Einlaufmodul bzw. den Packmitteleinlauf 1.1 der Vorrichtung 1. Im Modul 4.1 erfolgt vorzugsweise aber auch eine Vorbehandlung der Packmittel 2 zumindest an dem zu bedruckenden Packmittelbereich, beispielsweise eine Plasma- oder Koronabehandlung, die insbesondere dann zweckmäßig ist, wenn das Aufbringen des Mehrfachdrucks in den nachfolgenden Modulen unter Verwendung von dortigen Druckstationen oder Druckköpfen erfolgt, die nach dem bekannten Tintenstrahldruckkopfprinzip oder nach dem sogenannten Tonjet-Prinzip arbeiten. Weiterhin wird vorteilhafterweise im Modul 4.1 die Druckbeaufschlagung im Packmittel (2) erfolgen.
• 
  Die an das Modul 4.1 anschließenden Module 4.2 - 4.5 bildend die eigentlichen Druckmodule, in denen der Mehrfachdruck erfolgt, und zwar vorzugsweise als Farbdruck in der Form, dass an jedem Modul 4.2 - 4.5 jeweils ein Farbsatz des Farbdrucks gedruckt wird, beispielsweise in Gelb, Magenta, Zyan und Schwarz. Die dortigen Behandlungspositionen 8 bilden also Behandlungs- oder Druckpositionen.
• 
  Das in Transportrichtung A dann anschließende Modul 4.6 ist z.B. als Trocknungsmodul ausgebildet, in welchem der jeweilige zuvor erzeugte Mehrfachdruck in geeigneter Weise, beispielsweise durch Energieeintrag z.B. durch Wärme und/oder durch UV-Strahlung endgültig getrocknet wird.
• 
  Das Modul 4.7 ist als Inspektionsmodul ausgebildet, an welches jedes Packmittel 2 nach dem Trocknen des Mehrfachdrucks gelangt und in welchem der jeweilige Mehrfachdruck auf eventuelle Fehler überprüft wird, sodass fehlerhaft bedruckte Packmittel 2 an dem Modul 4.7 oder aber später auf dem weiteren Transportweg ausgeschleust werden können.
• > Das Modul 4.8 bildet schließlich das Auslaufmodul bzw. den Packmittelauslauf 1.1 der Vorrichtung 1, an dem die fertig bedruckten Packmittel 2 die Vorrichtung 1 verlassen. Das Modul 4.8 ist vorzugsweise zusätzlich auch noch als Trocknungsmodul ausgeführt.

The basic and known function of the individual modules 4.1-4.8 is, for example, the following:

• 
  The module 4.1 forms, inter alia, the inlet module or the package inlet 1.1 of the device 1. In the module 4.1 but preferably also a pretreatment of the packaging 2 at least on the printed packaging area, for example a plasma or corona treatment, which is particularly useful if the Applying the multiple printing in the subsequent modules using local printing stations or printheads is done, which operate on the well-known inkjet printhead principle or the so-called Tonjet principle. Furthermore, advantageously in the module 4.1, the pressurization in the packaging (2).
• 
  The modules 4.2 - 4.5 following the module 4.1 form the actual printing modules in which the multiple printing takes place, preferably as color printing in the form that a color set of the color print is printed on each module 4.2 - 4.5, for example in yellow, magenta , Cyan and black. The local treatment positions 8 thus form treatment or printing positions.
• 
  The then in the transport direction A module 4.6 is formed, for example, as a drying module in which the respective previously generated multiple printing in a suitable manner, for example by energy input, for example by heat and / or UV radiation is finally dried.
• 
  The module 4.7 is designed as an inspection module to which each packaging 2 comes after drying the multiple pressure and in which the respective multiple print is checked for any errors, so incorrectly printed packaging 2 can be discharged to the module 4.7 or later on the further transport.
• > The module 4.8 finally forms the outlet module or the package outlet 1.1 of the device 1, at which the finished printed packaging 2 leave the device 1. The module 4.8 is preferably also additionally designed as a drying module.

How the particular FIG. 3 shows, the packaging means 2 are moved with the transport and treatment elements 7 of the modules 4.1 and 4.8 each on an angular range of about 90 ° about the vertical machine axis MA of the modules 4.1 and 4.8. In the case of the remaining modules 4.2 - 4.7, the packaging means 2 with the respective transport and treatment element 7 are each carried over an angular range of 180 ° about the vertical machine axis MA of the modules 4.2 - 4.7. Within this angular range or within this distance of the rotational movement of the respective transport and treatment element 7 takes place in particular in the modules 4.2 - 4.7 of the respective module associated process.

More in detail, the modules 4.1 - 4.n, but at least the serving for printing the packaging 2 modules 4.2 - 4.7 and their circulating transport and treatment element 7 of several pressure segments 11, each as a complete functional units at one of the respective vertical machine axis MA rotatably driven rotor 12 are exchangeably mounted, which latter is rotatably mounted on the respective module housing 6 and on a central support column 13 about the vertical machine axis MA. The provided on the circumference of the rotor 12 and in the circumferential direction of the rotor 12 adjoining and wedge-shaped in plan view pressure segments 11 form lying inside, ie in the machine axis MA enclosed by the pressure segments 11 space in which various functional elements, so zBua also electronic controls or computer 14 ( Fig. 12 ) are received to control the pressure segments 11.

The pressure segments 11 form at their relative to the machine axis MA radially outer side each having a recess 15, see also FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 in which the packaging means 2 are received during the treatment at least with a part of their packaging material body, in the region of their packaging material top or packaging opening to holding and centering units 16 hanging, ie with its packaging central axis in the vertical direction and parallel to the machine axis MA and to a pressure segment axis DA oriented. In the area of the receptacle or recess 15, each printing segment 11 has at least one print head as well possibly further necessary for printing the packaging 2 functional elements.

The holding and centering units 16 are in turn held on a respective carrier 17, which is fastened in the associated lateral grooves 18. Optionally, the carrier 17 can be moved or moved in the manner of a carriage in the grooves 18, if necessary driven by a motor ( FIG. 5 ). At the in FIG. 13 As shown alternative, the carrier 17 is not configured in shape, but all elements or functions are directly integrated into the pressure segment 11, 11 a. The holding and centering units 16, with which an alignment and controlled turning or pivoting of the packaging means 2 takes place about their axis coincident with the pressure segment axis DA arranged vertical packaging means axis in the treatment or printing of the packaging means 2, consist in the illustrated embodiment substantially from a primary part 19, which is held on the respective carrier 17, as well as a secondary part 20. The primary part 19 essentially serves the secure and aligned attachment of the respective holding and centering unit 16 on the carrier 17 or at the treatment position 8 or on the pressure segment 11. The primary part 19 has for this purpose, inter alia, a reference surface 19.1, whose complementary counterpart in the printing segment 11 as a reference plane or - surface for conditioning and thus serves for adjustment relative to the print head. Thus, a fixed common relationship between holding and centering unit 16 respectively packaging means 2 and the respective print head or printheads is provided.

The function of the secondary part 20 is u.a. it is to keep the respective packaging 2 hanging. The secondary part 20 is designed claw-like for this purpose, for example as a mechanical and / or pneumatically actuated gripper and / or as a vacuum gripper. Ideally, in the respective pressure segment 11, the required holding force is applied passively to the primary part 19 and actively removed or released, in order to increase safety in the event of current or media loss, for example by one or more permanent magnets.

The secondary part 20 comprises the active components, i. in particular all components necessary for the alignment and controlled turning or swiveling of the packaging means 2 during the treatment, such as i.a. Elements that are required for aligning and / or rotating the packaging when printing, and / or the elements for supplying compressed air and / or vacuum, etc.

Thus, in the primary part 19 about the pressure segment axis DA rotatable or pivotally mounted secondary part 20 forms in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor of an electric actuator or angle drive for aligning and controlled Turning or pivoting the packaging 2 during the treatment. For this purpose, the secondary part 20 is provided, inter alia, with a permanent magnet arrangement 21 which has a multiplicity of permanent magnets. The permanent magnet arrangement 21, which alternately has magnetic north and south poles in a circumferential direction, cooperates therewith with an electromagnet arrangement 22 provided on the carrier 17, which forms the stator of the actuator or of the electromagnetic direct drive.

On the primary part 19, a coding 23 is provided, which forms an encoder system in cooperation with an incremental sensor 24 provided on the carrier 17, with which the respective random orientation of the primary part 19 and thus of the holding and centering unit 16 is detected. The alignment and / or controlled rotation of the packaging 2 during printing is then taking into account this determined by the encoder system orientation and known from construction or assignment between primary part 19 and rotational position of the secondary part 20, and only by turning the secondary part 20 at non-rotating primary part 19. The incremental sensor 24 is stationary relative to the rotor 12 or the support column 13 and runs with these. The alignment and controlled rotation of the packaging means 2 about the axis DA takes place in each case with respect to the respective pressure segment 11 or with respect to local, for the treatment serving functional elements, in particular print heads.

The FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the holding and centering unit 16 in section and in the rest position without packaging. As shown, the holding and centering unit 16 in turn consists of the substantially ring-like primary part 19 and of the substantially sleeve-like, rotatably mounted in the primary part 19 about the axis DA secondary part 20 which protrudes with its lower length over the underside of the primary part 19 and is formed there with a receiving and foot part 20.1. The bearings 19.2 are shown here only in outline, wherein also a bearing sleeve, needle roller bearings, or the like can be provided. This is adapted to the type, shape, size, etc. of the packaging 2 and is part of a gripper for holding the still empty or unfilled packaging 2. In detail, the receiving and foot part 20.1 of one with its axis co-axial with the Axis DA arranged sleeve 25 and a support plate 26 at the lower, open end of the sleeve 25 is formed. The foot part 20.1 can be separated via the thread 25.2 from the upper part of the sleeve 25. Alternatively to the thread 25.2 could also be selected to bayonet, clamp or other mechanism. The sleeve 25 is laterally open at 27, so that according to the position a FIG. 10 the respective, the packaging means 2 forming bottle laterally inserted through the opening 27 in the receiving and foot part 20.1 (arrow B) and then according to the position b the FIG. 10 can be fixed to the receiving and foot part 20.1, in such a way that the packaging means 2 is held with a mouth edge 2.1 on the support plate 26 hanging.

In the secondary part 20, a centering and holding element 28 is arranged to be axially displaceable relative to the axis DA. The centering and holding member 28 consists in the illustrated embodiment of an outer sleeve body 29 which is biased by a compression spring 30 in a lower position, in which the sleeve body 29 with its lower end face against the support plate 26 and at the holding and centering unit 16 held packaging 2 in the form of a bottle against the support plate 26 facing away from the top of the packaging 2 or against the local mouth edge 2.2 of the packaging 2 abuts, so this fixed by the force of the compression spring 30 between the sleeve body 29 and the support plate 26, in particular is clamped torsionally secure. In the sleeve body 29 a likewise coaxially arranged with the axis DA centering sleeve 31 is provided axially movable. The latter is also biased by a compression spring 32 in a lower position.

For receiving a packaging material 2 or a bottle of the sleeve body 29, the compression spring 30, the centering sleeve 31 and the compression spring 32 formed centering and holding member 29 against the action of the particular compression spring 30 is raised (step 1), by a Bund or an annular groove 33 of the sleeve body 29 engaging behind lifting element, which is provided at least at the package inlet 1.1 and the packaging outlet 1.2, as in FIG. 10a was shown. After insertion of the packaging into the holding and centering unit 16 (FIG. FIG. 10b ), the centering and holding element 28 is lowered by the action of the compression springs 30, 32 and thereby centered in the receiving and foot part 20.1 and positioned (step 2) and subsequently passive, ie clamped attached (step 3). In this case, the centering sleeve 31 or the lower cone-shaped end of this centering sleeve is centered on the packaging means 2 such that the packaging center axis is then arranged coaxially with the axis DA. As in the Figures 9 and 10 shown, the printing of the packaging 2 and the bottles in the empty state takes place. The concentrically arranged compression springs 30 and 32 and the reciprocally displaceable guides and abutments are coupled in such a way that in step 2 first a lower spring force acts on the container mouth, so that even a slight displacement of the packaging 2 on the support plate 26 can take place Step 3, the final holding force is applied, in particular a gas-tight state is achieved, as in FIG. 11 shown. FIG. 10 and 11 continue to show one Alternative embodiment in which the receiving and foot part 20.1 is not detachable or one piece executed.

In alternative embodiments, not shown, of course, other drives for clamping the packaging conceivable, such as pneumatic or electric driven gripping and / or clamping elements.

The packaging means 2 are taken protected with their mouth region between the mouth flange 2.1 and the mouth edge 2.2 in the interior 25.1 of the sleeve 25 protected. In particular, in a very hygienic embodiment, it is advantageous, the holding and centering units 16, and their secondary parts 20 in such a way that the mouth area and a local thread the mouth 2.2 of each packaging 2 during the printing process from contamination, especially ink mist, are protected ,

To stabilize the still empty packaging 2, it is expedient to apply this during or after fixing to the respective holding and centering unit 16 with a pressurized gas and / or vapor medium, for example with compressed air. As in FIG. 8 For this purpose, a quick coupling 34 is provided for this purpose at the respective holding and centering unit or at the centering and holding element 28 for connection to a source, not shown, providing the pressure medium. About this quick coupling 34, via a line, also not shown in the interior of the respective holding and centering unit 16 and a gas outlet can continue to control the internal pressure in the packaging 2. Ideally, the internal pressure over the entire transport route is kept constant. As in FIG. 9 can be seen, the holding and centering unit 16 is hollow, this central inner cavity forms a conduit 29.1, via which a vapor or gaseous medium into the interior of the packaging 2 can be passed.

The secondary part 20 is preferably designed such that the format-dependent receiving and foot part 20.1 is detachably connected to the secondary part 20, so that the receiving and foot parts 20.1 are connected to the holding device for processing packaging materials 2 of different type and / or shape and / or size. and centering units 16 can be exchanged for each appropriate. The adapted to the nature and / or shape and / or size of the packaging material 2 receiving and receiving parts 20.1 are then torsionally secure, for example by means of a quick change mechanism or a quick coupling or a conventional screw and / or clamp attachment to the secondary part 20 connected.

The FIG. 11 shows in the position a) again the primary part 19 of a holding and centering unit 16 in individual representation and in the positions b) - g) different secondary parts for different packaging 2, these secondary parts, for example, at least partially formed by the use of different receiving and foot parts 20.1 are. For distinction, the secondary parts 20 are designated 20b-20g in this figure. In the illustrated embodiments, the secondary parts 20b-20e are each again designed as mechanical grippers operable by compressed air, for example, for holding the packaging means 2b-2c and 2e on their upper side of the package or in the region of their packaging means opening or for holding the packaging means 2d at one packaging base. The secondary parts 20f and 20g are designed as vacuum grippers for holding the packaging means 2f and 2g by vacuum on their upper side of the packaging material or in the region of their packaging material opening.

The holding and centering units 16 and thereby preferably the secondary parts 20 of these units are further provided with a unique identification option, preferably with an RFID tag that identifies the respective holding and centering unit 16, and in particular information about the type this unit and / or the secondary part 20 contains. The corresponding information can then be read out by at least one reading unit of the device 1 and / or of the respective printing module 4.1 - 4.n, for example for monitoring or control purposes.

In the FIG. 12 a transport and treatment element 7b is shown, which can be used instead of the transport and treatment elements 7 in the device 1 and which differs from the transport and treatment elements 7 essentially in that the transport and treatment elements 7b forming pressure segments 11a the höhenverstell- or displaceable carrier 17 do not have, the holding and centering units 16 rather directly, ie not height-adjustable at the respective pressure segment 11a are held and accordingly at this pressure segment 11a and to the housing 11a.1, inter alia, also the incremental sensor 24 and the solenoid assembly 22 are provided.

The pressure segments 11a are again provided on each other on the rotor 12, which in turn is rotatably mounted about the vertical machine axis MA and drivable on the supporting column 13 of the base unit 5 corresponding base unit 5a.

Each printing segment 11a, in turn, has in the interior of its segment-like housing 11a.1 the functional elements necessary for printing on the packaging means 2, so u.a. at least one printhead 35, which is, for example, a printhead working by the ink-jet method, which i.a. electronically controllable outlet nozzle for ink or ink and other media, which are arranged in at least one row parallel to the axis DA. Each print head 35 is assigned a device 36 for immediate drying of the printing ink applied to the packaging material 2 or of the corresponding printed image. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 36 is an infrared and / or UV emitter for emitting a band-shaped UV and / or infrared radiation 37, at least the entire; recorded with the print head 35 applied print image. The device 36 is provided offset relative to the print head 35 with respect to the axis DA by an angular amount. When printing the packaging 2, this is rotated about the axis DA so controlled that the applied with the print head 35 ink dried immediately after application with the UV and / or infrared radiation 37 or at least largely dried.

In a manner not shown, the device 36 is cooled, for example using air and / or water as the cooling medium.

The print head 35, the device 36 as well as an electronics 38 formed at least as a driver stage for the print head 35 are provided on a common carriage 39, which is adjustably guided on a support column 40 by means of an actuator 41 in the direction of the axis DA. In the illustrated embodiment, the printhead 35 and the device 36 are further adjustable by pivoting, preferably by pivoting about at least one axis, a pivotal drive 42 provided on the carriage 39 which is perpendicular to the axis DA and tangent to the circumference of the pressure segment 11a formed transport and treatment element 7b is oriented. As a result, the position, in particular of the print head 35, can be adapted to the position of the packaging material surface to be printed in each case such that the print head 35 is arranged with its nozzle openings as close as possible to the printing medium surface to be printed and with the axes of its nozzle openings as perpendicular as possible to the packaging material surface to be printed.

In order to avoid fouling of the printing segment 11a by sprayed ink, the respective print head 35 is formed with a, for example, lamellar, scale and / or rubber-ball-like protective element 35.1, which When printing against the relevant packaging 2 adjacent the pressure chamber limited to the outside.

To form the bundled, ribbon-like infrared beam 37, the device 36 is designed with an optical beam shaping element 36.1 in the form of a cylindrical lens and with a protective and guide diaphragm 36.2.

Inside the housing 11 a. 1 further functional elements of the pressure segment 11 are housed, so u.a. a pressure equalization tank 43 for the ink, pumps 44 for supplying ink and for discharging excess ink and other, not shown functional elements, such as electronic controls for controlling the respective pressure segment 11, the drives 41 and 42, etc. The underside of the housing 11 a.1 a coupling unit 45 is provided via which by plugging all necessary electrical connections (especially for drives and control and monitoring data) and all fluid connections (for cooling of functional elements and supply of ink) with a corresponding provided on the rotor 12 coupling unit (coupling field) produced can be.

On the narrow radially in relation to the machine axis MA rear lying on the housing 11a.1 each pressure segment 11a mechanical holding and centering elements 46 are provided with which a secure and accurate connection of the pressure module 11a with the rotor 12 and with a machine axis MA concentrically enclosing rotor element is at least partially possible by plugging.

On the inside of the receptacle or recess 15, a diaphragm-like wall 49 is provided, which closes the interior of the housing 11 except for openings for the carrier 17, the print head 35 and the UV u / o infrared unit 36.

It was assumed above that the holding and centering units 16 are part of the individual modules 4.1 - 4.n or pressure segments 11 and 11a respectively. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the holding and centering units 16 are so-called pucks which receive the respective packaging material 2 at the packaging inlet 1.1 and release it again at the packaging outlet 1.2, ie, each packaging material 2 is on the transport path 3 between the packaging inlet 1.1 and the packaging outlet 1.2 constantly held on one and the same holding and centering unit 16, which then in the course of the transport path 3 of a transport and treatment element 7, 7a, 7b or of a local recess 15 to a in Transport direction A following transport and treatment element 7, 7a, 7b or to a local recess 15 is forwarded. For this purpose, means for holding and releasing the holding and centering units 16 are provided on the carrier 17 of the pressure segments 11 and on the pressure segments 11a. As in FIG. 17 For example, in the form of the radially projecting retaining ring to recognize, which cooperates with the controlled electromagnet 47 and is held by this. Other eg claw-like receiving, holding and / or transfer elements can be used.

From the packaging outlet 1.2, the holding and centering units 16 are returned on a puck transport path to the packaging inlet 1.1. This the FIG. 1 with a broken line 48 schematically or functionally indicated puck-transport path is formed for example by independent transport and treatment elements, or by the transport and treatment elements 7. In the latter case, an additional recess 15a for receiving a holding and centering unit 16 is then provided between two recesses 15 ( FIGS. 4 and 12 ), in the illustrated embodiments, this is formed by corresponding indentations in the front of two pressure segments, here the pressure segments 11 and 11a, and their housing 11.1 and 11a.1. These additional recesses 15a for the empty, leading back to holding and centering units 16 are thus formed from two partial receptacles and are in the example shown at the same height as the recesses 15. The additional recesses 15a also have holding and electromagnets 47.1 , Wherein at least in every second, ideally in both partial recordings a holding and solenoid 47.1, possibly also designed as a permanent magnet, is provided.

In the Figures 17 and 18 For example, two different dummy segments 50 and 51 are shown which correspond in shape, size or dimension to the pressure segments 11a and which differ substantially from the pressure segments 11a only in that they are all used for printing the packaging 2 required functional elements do not have.

The dummy segments 50 and 51b are arranged on the transport and treatment elements 7b between pressure segments 11a to reduce the number of treatment positions 8 formed by the pressure segments 11a on the transport and treatment elements 7b, for example if only one reduced power (number of treated packaging 2 per unit time) for the corresponding device 1 is required. The dummy segments 50 and 51 may also be used to return as pucks trained holding and centering units 16 are used by the packaging material outlet 1.2 at the package inlet 1.1, wherein the holding and centering units 16 are held either on the recesses 15 or the recesses 15a corresponding areas of the dummy segments 50 and 51, respectively.

With 42 is in the FIG. 12 a ring tank surrounding the supporting column 13, which serves to receive the respective printing ink and provided for example on the base unit 5a and is connected via a rotary connection with the pressure equalization tank 43 and with the local pumps 44.

In the FIG. 19 a further embodiment of the pressure segment is shown. Here, the holding position for the empty holding and centering units 16 is not distributed to two adjacent pressure segments 11, but the pressure segment comprises both a recording or treatment position 8 (left position in FIG FIG. 19 ) on which the container 2 can be printed, for example, or treated in the aforementioned manner and a complete recess 15 (right position, here covered by the empty holding and centering units 16). This alone can accommodate or forward a holder and centering unit 16. The other functions and elements of the pressure segment 11 can be provided in an analogous manner, as described above in connection with the other figures.

This also applies to a dummy segment 50, 51 (not shown), the gem in the design. FIG. 19 is formed and no activatable or functional treatment position 8 includes. Here, ideally only the right position is formed from recess 15 for receiving the holding and centering units 16.

Advantages of the invention include, inter alia,
that the ratio of the packaging means 2 to the base machine or device 1 is decoupled, ie in particular the holding and centering units 16, in their training as a puck to different shapes, sizes, etc. of the packaging means 2 are adaptable and in particular a height adjustment of the carrier 17 and / or of the printheads 35 carrying carriage 39 is possible for this adjustment,
that the pressure segments 11 and 11a are formed as fully functional units or modules, whereby not only the assembly of the respective device 1 is simplified, but also an exchange of, for example, defective pressure segments 11 or 11a and a repair of such pressure segments 11 or 11a outside the device 1 possible is
that the storage is simplified in particular also at the manufacturer of the device 1,
by the use of dummy segments 50 and 51 an adaptation of the device 1 to a reduced power is possible,
that for the realization of the device 1 identical basic units 5 can be used with identical pressure segments 11, and
that the device 1 can be realized overall in a compact design.

The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications in particular with regard to the holding and centering units 16, the pressure segments 11 and 11a and the device as a whole are possible, without thereby leaving the inventive concept underlying the invention. For example, instead of the coding 23 on the primary part 19 or in addition to this coding, at least one coding may also be provided on the secondary part 20, which then together with an increment sensor arranged on the pressure segment 11 or 11a, an encoder system for aligning and / or controlled Turning the packaging 2 forms ..

The invention has also been discussed above in connection with packaging means 2 in the form of bottles. However, the device according to the invention, the holding and centering units and pressure segments are also suitable for applying in each case one equipment, for example an imprint or multiple printing, also multi-color printing on other containers or packaging. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 25.2 thread 26 support plate 1 contraption 27 opening 1.1 Pack enema 28 centering 1.2 Packaging outlet 29 sleeve body 2 Packaging or bottles 29.1 management 2.1 Mündungsflansch 30 compression spring 2.2 Packaging or bottle mouth 31 centering 32 compression spring 3 Transport path of the packaging transport route 33 ring groove 34 quick coupling 4.1 - 4.n module 35 push-button 5, 5a basic unit 36 infrared equipment 6 module housing 36.1 Beam shaping element 7 Transport and 36.2 Protection and guide panel treatment member 37 Infrared beam 8th treatment position 38 electronics 9, 10 Section of the 39 carriage transportation path 40 support column 11, 11a pressure segment 41, 42 drive 12 rotor 43 Accumulator Tank 13 support column 44 pump 14 electronics 45 clutch unit 15, 15a recess 46 mechanical holding and centering element 16 Holding and centering unit 17 Carrier or puck carrier 47 Holding or electromagnet 18 groove 47.1 Holding or electromagnet in recess 15, 15a 19 primary part 19.1 reference surface 48 transport distance 19.2 camp 49 wall 20 secondary part 50, 51 Dummy segment 20.1 Receiving and foot part 21 Permanent magnet assembly A transport direction B Movement of the packaging 2 when connecting with a holding and centering unit 22 Solenoid assembly 23 coding 24 Increments sensor THERE Axis of the pressure segment 11 25 shell 25.1 inner space MA machine axis

Claims (20)

1. Device for treating packaging means (2) for the application of fitting features or fittings onto the packaging means (2), in particular for the printing of the packaging means (2), preferably in multicoloured print, with a packaging means transport segment (3), on which the packaging means (2) are moved for the treatment in a transport direction (A) from a packaging means inlet (1.1) to a packaging means outlet (1.2), wherein the packaging means transport segment (3) is formed by at least one transport and treatment element (7, 7b) which can be driven such as to rotate about a machine axis (MA), with a plurality of packaging means receptacles (8), at which the packaging means (2) are held, centred, and/or controlled at least during the treatment, wherein the packaging means receptacles (8) comprise at least one printing head (35), for example at least one printing head operating in accordance with the ink-jet process,
   characterised in that
   the packaging means receptacles (8) are formed in each case by a printing segment (11,11a) with the at least one printing head (35), and that the printing segments (11, 11a) are configured in each case as fully functional structural units, and are arranged such that they can be exchanged, at a rotor or rotor-like machine element which is capable of being driven about the machine axis (MA).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that, provided at the respective printing segment (11a), is a mechanical holding and centring unit (16), for example in the form of a puck, for holding, centring, aligning and/or moving, for example for rotating or pivoting the packaging means (2) during the treatment, or means (47) for the controlled holding and releasing the holding and centring unit (16).
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the printing segments (11, 11a) comprise in each case at least one device (36) for the drying and/or binding of printing ink or other media, for example for drying and/or binding of the printing ink by heat, infrared, UV, and/or microwave radiation.
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the printing heads (35) are provided at the printing segments (11, 11a) such as to be adjustable, for example movable and/or pivotable in the direction of the machine axis (MA).
5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the printing segments (11a) comprise in each case an pressure equalisation tank (43) for the printing ink and/or at least one pump (44) for supplying the printing ink, and preferably at least two pumps (44) for supplying the printing ink and for removing surplus printing ink.
6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each printing segment (11a) comprises at least one control electronics unit (38), at least for the actuation and control of the printing head (35).
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each printing segment (11a) comprises at least one actuator drive (41, 42) for the adjustment of the at least one printing head (35).
8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by a coupling unit (45), provided at the printing segment (11a) or at its housing (11a.1), for an electrical connection and for a fluid connection of the printing segment (11a), with a coupling unit on the machine side or rotor side.
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by mechanical centring and holding elements (46) at the printing segment (11a) or at its housing (11a.1).
10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by dummy segments (50, 51), corresponding to the printing segments (11a) in shape and size, but not forming a treatment station (8), for an arrangement between printing segments (11a).
11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the packaging means transport segment (3) is formed by a plurality of transport and treatment elements (7,7b), connecting to one another with transport effect and in each case capable of being driven such as to rotate about the vertical machine axis (MA), with the packaging means receptacles (8) for the treatment of the packaging means (2).
12. Device according to any one of claims 2 - 11, characterised in that the holding and centring elements (16) are configured in each case as being at least of two parts, and specifically consisting of a primary part (19), held in the respective packaging means receptacle (8) at least during the treatment, and a secondary part (20), provided at which are at least the function elements (21) which are necessary for the centring, alignment, and/or controlled movement of the packaging means (2), and/or which is configured at least as a holder, such as a gripper or gripper-type element, for holding the packaging means (2).
13. Device according to any one of claims 2-12, characterised in that the holding and centring elements (16) are pucks, which at the packaging means inlet (1.1) in each case take up a packaging means (2), and of which each puck, with the packaging means (2) which have been taken up, is moved on the packaging means transport segment (3) from the packaging means inlet (1.1) as far as the packaging means outlet (1.2), and only releases the respective packaging means (2) at the packaging means outlet (1.2), and a puck transport segment (48) is provided, by means of which the pucks are moved back from the packaging means outlet (1.2) to the packaging means inlet (1.1).
14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in each case a holder (17) is provided in the treatment stations (8), configured as a height-adjustable carrier, i.e. adjustable in the direction of the machine axis (MA), for holding in each case a holding and centring element (16).
15. Printing segment for use with a device for treating packaging means (2) by the application of fitting features or fittings onto the packaging means (2), in particular for the printing of the packaging means (2), preferably in multicoloured print, characterised in that the printing segment (11, 11a) is configured as a fully functional structural unit, with at least one printing head (35), for example with at least one printing head operating in accordance with the ink-jet process, and with a mechanical holding and centring unit (16) for holding, centring, aligning and/or moving, for example rotating or pivoting, the packaging means (2), or with means (47) for the controlled holding and releasing of holding and centring units (16).
16. Printing segment according to claim 15, characterised in that it comprises at least one device (36) for the drying and/or binding of printing ink, for example for drying and/or binding the printing ink by heat, UV, and/or microwave radiation.
17. Printing segment according to claim 15 or 16, characterised in that the at least one printing head (35) is provided as adjustable, for example, in the case of a device in accordance with any one of claims 1-14, movable and/or pivotable in the direction of the machine axis (MA).
18. Printing segment according to any one of claims 15-17, characterised in that it comprises at least one pressure equalisation tank (43) for the printing ink, and/or at least one pump (44) for supplying the printing ink, and preferably at least two pumps (44) for supplying the printing ink as well as for removing surplus printing ink.
19. Printing segment according to any one of claims 15-18, characterised in that the device is a device according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the printing segment is characterised by a coupling unit (45), provided at the printing segment (11a) or at its housing (11a.1), for an electrical and for a fluid connection of the printing segment (11a) with a coupling unit on the machine side/rotor side, and/or by mechanical holding elements (46) at the printing segment (11a) or at its housing (11a.1).
20. Printing segment according to any one of claims 15-19, characterised in that it comprises an electromagnet arrangement (22), which forms the stator of a rotary drive for the holding and centring units (16), and/or at least one incremental sensor (24) for detecting a coding (23) of the holding and centring units (16) and/or means (17, 47) for holding, preferably for the controlled holding, and/or release of the holding and centring units.

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