TREATMENT SEGMENT WITH A COUPLING SECTION AND DEVICE FOR PRINTING CONTAINERS

Abstract

A treatment segment for printing on containers includes a coupling section for securing the treatment segment on a revolving and drivable transport element such that the treatment segment can be exchanged. The treatment segment has either a retention-and-centering unit for securing a container on the treatment segment or a receiver for retaining and releasing a retention-and-centering unit. The coupling section is a component of a support structure that runs, at least in sections, in an interior of the treatment segment enclosed by a housing. The housing is retained, at least indirectly, on the support structure.

Claims

1-25. (canceled)

26. A treatment segment for printing on containers, said treatment segment comprising a coupling section for securing said treatment segment on a revolving and drivable transport element such that said treatment segment can be exchanged, wherein said treatment segment comprises at least one of a retention-and-centering unit for securing a container on said treatment segment and a receiver for retaining and releasing a retention-and-centering unit, wherein said coupling section is a component of a support structure that runs, at least in sections, in an interior of said treatment segment enclosed by a housing, and wherein said housing is retained, at least indirectly, on said support structure.

27. The treatment segment of claim 26, wherein said support structure comprises at least one first coupling-element on which at least two spaced apart bearing sections are formed, wherein said bearing sections each have pairs of bearing surfaces that are configured such that an alignment of said treatment segment in relation to the transport element takes place through said bearing surfaces in two orthogonal spatial directions.

28. The treatment segment of claim 26, wherein said bearing sections are angular.

29. The treatment segment of claim 26, wherein said bearing sections each have a planar first bearing surface and a second bearing surface protruding downward at an angle therefrom.

30. The treatment segment of claim 29, wherein said second bearing-surface is planar.

31. The treatment segment of claim 29, wherein said second bearing-surface has a concave curvature.

32. The treatment segment of claim 27, wherein said first coupling-element comprises a connecting section provided between said bearing sections.

33. The treatment segment of claim 32, wherein said connecting section is a bolt-like connecting section.

34. The treatment segment of claim 26, wherein said coupling section is configured for hanging retention of said treatment segment.

35. The treatment segment of claim 27, wherein said first coupling-element is formed by a plate-shaped element.

36. The treatment segment of claim 35, wherein said first coupling-element is aligned in said treatment segment such that a vertical axis of said treatment segment is perpendicular to the first coupling-element.

37. The treatment segment of claim 27, wherein said first coupling-element is provided in an upper half of said treatment segment.

38. The treatment segment of claim 27, wherein said first coupling-element is provided in an upper third of said treatment segment.

39. The treatment segment of claim 27, wherein said support structure comprises a component carrier that which protrudes downward form said first coupling-element.

40. The treatment segment of claim 27, further comprising a second coupling-element, wherein said second coupling-element is spaced apart from said first coupling-element.

41. The treatment segment of claim 40, wherein said second coupling-element is connected to said first coupling-element via a component carrier that which protrudes downward form said first coupling-element.

42. The treatment segment of claim 40, wherein said second coupling-element comprises a bolt-like connecting section.

43. The treatment segment of claim 42, further comprising a damping element on said bolt-like connecting section of said second coupling-element.

44. The treatment segment according to claim 26, wherein at least one of said retention-and-centering unit and said receiver for a retention-and-centering unit is disposed directly on said first coupling-element.

45. The treatment segment of claim 26, wherein said housing comprises a louver for at least partially closing off a component-receiving region.

46. The treatment segment of claim 26, further comprising a near-field communication interface for data exchange between treatment segments lying opposite one another at front surfaces thereof.

47. The treatment segment of claim 46, wherein said near-field communication interface comprises an infrared interface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The invention shall be explained in greater detail below, based on the Figures showing exemplary embodiments. Therein:

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a printer in a perspective view;

[0042] FIG. 2a shows a top view of the printer shown in FIG. 1;

[0043] FIG. 2b shows a transport pathway through the printer shown in FIG. 2a;

[0044] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a treatment segment disposed on a transport element from the printer shown in FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a support structure for the treatment segment shown in FIG. 3;

[0046] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the front of a treatment segment for the printer shown in FIG. 1;

[0047] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the rear a treatment segment shown in FIG. 5;

[0048] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an upper, rear coupling section of the treatment segment shown in FIG. 5; and

[0049] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a lower-rear coupling-section of the treatment segment shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a printing machine 1 for printing on containers 2, such as bottles, and in particular, for printing directly on the outer surfaces of the containers' walls or on labels applied thereto.

[0051] An external transporter transports upright containers 2 along a transport direction A to a container intake 1.1 of the printing machine 1. The containers 2 enter the printing machine 1 and traverse a serpentine transport path TW, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. After having been printed upon, an external transporter feeds the upright containers 2 to a container discharge 1.2.

[0052] The printing machine 1 comprises numerous machine units 3.1-3.n that directly adjoin one another along the transport direction A. Each transport element 6 couples to a drive unit that rotates the transport element 6 about a vertical machine axis MA of its machine unit 3.1-3.n. The particular embodiment shown features eight machine units 3.1-3.8, each of which comprises a transport element 6 that has functional elements necessary for its particular task.

[0053] Each transport element 6 is preferably configured such that numerous identical treatment segments 20, also referred to as treatment modules, can be attached to the circumference thereof. These treatment segments 20 impart a specific functionality to their corresponding machine units 3.1-3.8 for a specific functionality. Examples of treatment segments 20 include pre-treatment segments, which are configured for sterilizing containers, printing segments, which are configured for ink-jet printing on the containers, and post-treatment segments, such as curing units for drying the printed image, and inspection units for inspecting the print quality.

[0054] Each treatment segment 20 includes a mechanism for retaining and releasing a retention-and-centering unit 10, that is configured for retaining and centering a container 2 that is to be printed upon. In particular, each treatment segment 20 incudes a receiver to which a retention-and-centering unit 10 can be attached and from which it can easily be detached. As a result, the container 2 maintains its relation to a treatment segment 20 during movement of the transport element 6. In addition, the container 2 remains associated with and held by its retention-and-centering element 10 throughout the treatment process.

[0055] The transport elements 6 of the individual machine-units 3.1-3.8 are disposed such that they directly adjoin one another. In addition, adjacent transport elements 6 are rotated synchronously in opposite directions, thus forming the serpentine transport-pathway TW, with its numerous turns as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, between the container intake 1.1 and the container discharge 1.2. The individual containers 2 are conveyed directly from the transport element 6 of a machine unit 3.1-3.7 to the transport element 6 of the subsequent machine unit 3.2-3.8 in the transport direction A.

[0056] The first machine-unit 3.1 forms the intake unit for the printing machine 1. In some embodiments, the first machine unit 3.1 pre-treats the container 2 at least in a region that is to be printed upon. Examples of such pre-treatment include a plasma treatment and corona treatment. This is particularly useful when subsequent machine units carry out inkjet printing or tone-jet printing.

[0057] The second through sixth machine-units 3.2-3.6 are the actual printer units. Each one has numerous printing stations disposed around its circumference. These are where printing takes place. Each of the second through sixth machine units 3.2-3.6 prints one color. In particular, each machine unit 3.2-3.6 prints a color selected from the group consisting of white, yellow, magenta, cyan and black.

[0058] The seventh machine-unit 3.7 is a drying unit that dries or cures the inks applied in the preceding machine units. In a typical embodiment, this is carried out through energy input, with energy typically in the form of heat and/or UV radiation.

[0059] The eighth machine-unit 3.8 forms the container discharge 1.2 through which the printed containers 2 exit the printing machine 1. In some embodiments, the eighth machine unit 3.8 is configured as a drying module.

[0060] Further machine units could be provided along the chain of machine units 3.1-3.8, an example being an inspection unit. Additionally, certain machine units could be omitted, in order to adapt the printing machine 1 to specific needs.

[0061] As is shown in FIG. 2b, the containers 2 move with the transport elements 6 of the first and eighth machine-units 3.1, 3.8 over an angular range of approximately 90 about the vertical machine-axes MA. They move over an angular range of 180 about the vertical machine axes MA of the second through seventh machine-units 3.2-3.7.

[0062] Each machine unit 3.1-3.n has treatment units formed as treatment modules or treatment segments 20. These treatment segments 20 are mounted such that they can be swapped in and out of the machine unit 3.1-3.n. As such, each treatment segment 20 is a completely functional component or module on the transport elements 6 of the respective machine units 3.1-3.n that is driven to rotate about the respective vertical machine axes MA.

[0063] The transport elements 6 can be driven continuously or intermittently. The treatment segments 20 are provided on the circumference of the transport element 6. When viewed from above, the treatment segments 20 are arranged like slices of a pie or wedges. As such, the treatment segments 20 define a continuous ring.

[0064] Each retention-and-centering unit 10 retains and centers a container 2 and also rotates or pivots the container. In particular, each retention-and-centering unit 10 aligns the container along its vertical container axis and rotates it around its vertical container axis during treatment or printing on the container 2.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment, instead of having the retention-and-centering unit 10 be detachable from the treatment segment 20, the retention-and-centering unit 10 is with its treatment segment 20. In such embodiments, the retention-and-centering unit 10 cannot be exchanged between the treatment segments 20.

[0066] To promote a more precise transfer of the retention-and-centering units 10 from one transport element 6 to a subsequent transport element, it is necessary that the transport elements be aligned as precisely as possible to one another and that the treatment segments 20 be secured as precisely as possible on the transport elements 6.

[0067] FIG. 3 shows a treatment segment 20 placed on a transport element 6. A coupling section 21 on the back surface of the treatment segment 20 secures the treatment segment 20 against movement relative to the transport element 6 along three orthogonal spatial axes. The coupling section 21 is thus opposite the front section where the print-head is located.

[0068] The coupling section 21 has a first coupling-element 22 that secures the upper region of the treatment segment 20. In many embodiments, the first coupling-element 22 is provided in the upper half or the treatment segment 20. In many other embodiments, the first coupling-element 22 is located in the upper third, of the treatment segment 20.

[0069] The first coupling-element 22 is configured to interact with an upper support-rim 6.1 that functions as a first support-section provided on the transport element 6. In particular, two spaced-apart bearing sections on the first coupling-element 22 bear on the upper support-rim 6.1. These bearing sections promote precise positioning of the treatment segment 20 on the transport element 6.

[0070] The first support-section of the transport element 6 has at least two spaced-apart planar bearing-regions in a coupling region in which a treatment segment 20 can be attached. These bearing regions lie in a horizontal plane, which corresponds to the x-z plane in the coordinate system shown in the figure. The bearing sections 22.1 of the treatment segment 20 bear on the top thereof opposite the bearing regions. The first support-section of the transport element 6 has two spaced-apart bearing regions in the coupling region. These run perpendicular to the x-axis. The bearing sections of the first coupling-element 22 bear opposite to these bearing regions.

[0071] The upper support-rim 6.1 forms the first support-section. A radial outer portion of the upper support-rim 6.1 forms circumferential first and second bearing-region 6.1.1, 6.1.2. The first bearing-region is planar and faces axially upwards. The second bearing region 6.1.2 is on the front surface and faces radially outward.

[0072] The upper support-rim 6.1 has a polygonal circumference. This creates flat surfaces at the coupling regions. As a result, an edge can be created from two surfaces that form an angle, such as a right angle. It is to such an edge that the treatment segment 20 attaches in a precise position.

[0073] The upper support-rim 6.1 is a high-precision component having tolerances in a range of 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm, in particular 0.02 mm, 0.03 mm or 0.04 mm. The first coupling-element 22 can also be a high-precision component having tolerances of only a few micrometers.

[0074] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the first coupling-element 22 extends radially inward from the back surface of the treatment segment 20 into the interior of the treatment segment 20. In particular, the first coupling-element 22 is formed from a solid and flat piece of metal that extends along a plane that is parallel to the x-z plane.

[0075] A weld establishes a permanent connection between a component carrier 23 in the interior of the treatment and the first coupling-element 22. The component carrier 23 protrudes downward from the first coupling-element 22 in a direction that is parallel to the y-axis. The component carrier 23 is likewise a high-precision part that is formed from a solid piece of flat metal. Numerous receivers or openings 23.1 on the component carrier 23 provide places to attach equipment, such as a print head or a curing apparatus.

[0076] Preferably, the first coupling-element 22 protrudes from both the back surface as well as the front surface of the component carrier 23 and in the x-direction in accordance with FIG. 3 such that the receiver 11 for the retention-and-centering unit 10 can be secured on the front projection thereof lying opposite the bearing section of the first coupling-element 22. In some embodiments, the receiver 11 attaches directly to the undersurface of the first coupling-element 22. As a result, impacts resulting from the insertion of the retention-and-centering unit 10 into the receiver 11 are transferred directly to the first coupling-element 22. This effectively prevents vibrations in the treatment segment 20.

[0077] Referring still to FIG. 3, a second coupling-element 24 on the component carrier 23 is spaced-apart from the first coupling-element 22. A suitable place for the second coupling-element 24 is in the lower half of the treatment segment 20. The second coupling-element 24 protrudes from the back surface of the component carrier 23 and interacts with a second support-section of the transport element 6 to secure the treatment segment 20 on the transport element 6. The second support-section lies below the first support-section along the axis of the transport element 6. The second support-section can be likewise designed as a lower support-rim 6.2 that runs along the circumference of the transport element 6. The connection of the treatment segment 20 to the first, and potentially, second support-sections can take place through hanging the coupling section 21 in the support section(s), as described in greater detail below.

[0078] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a support structure 30 comprising the first and second coupling-elements 22, 24 and the component carrier 23 running between them. This support structure 30 forms the fundamental structure of the treatment segment 20. All of the components, e.g. the equipment (print head, etc.), the receiver 11 for the retention-and-centering unit 10, as well as the housing 25, attached, at least indirectly, to the support structure 30.

[0079] The support structure 30 preferably has a double T-shaped design. Through the reduction of the components forming the support structure, a high-precision attachment of the treatment segments 20 to the transport element can be obtained with low production costs.

[0080] FIGS. 5 and 6 show front and rear views of a treatment segment 20. In this example, the treatment segment 20 is a printing segment.

[0081] The treatment segment 20 has a housing 25 surrounding the support structure 30 in or on which all of the functional components necessary for container printing are provided. By way of example, a print head 26, a curing device 27, and the receiver 11 for the retention-and-centering unit 10 are provided thereon.

[0082] A near-field communication interface 28 on the treatment segment 20 interfaces with a wireless communication network for exchanging data between treatment segments 20. Examples of a near-field communication interface include a WLAN interface, a Bluetooth interface, and an infrared interface.

[0083] In some embodiments, the housing 25 has an adjustable louver 25.1 for closing off a receiving region for equipment. As a result, it is possible to close off a region that is not populated with equipment by closing the louver 25.1. This eliminates sources of air turbulence, such as chambers or hollow spaces.

[0084] As can be seen in FIG. 6, a connecting region 29 on the back surface of the treatment segment 20 corresponds to a connecting region in the region of the transport element 6. The connecting region 29 is a plug-in connection. The connecting region 29 can be used to transfer any combination of electrical energy, control data and printing ink between treatment segments 20. Preferably, a connecting region 29 formed by a plug-in connection is directly above the first coupling-element 22 on the housing 25.

[0085] FIGS. 7 and 8 show an enlarged view of the coupling region provided on the back surface of the treatment segment 20. Two spaced-apart bearing sections 22.1 are provided on the first coupling-element 22. These bearing surfaces 22.1 are preferably angular and form pairs of bearing surfaces 22.1.1, 22.1.2.

[0086] The first bearing-surface 22.1.1 is preferably a planar bearing-surface that is oriented parallel to an x-z plane. The respective bearing section 22.1 bears on the top surface of the upper bearing region 6.1.1 of the upper support-rim 6.1 with the first bearing surface 22.1.1.

[0087] The second bearing-surface 22.1.2 of the bearing section 22.1 is perpendicular to the first bearing-surface 22.1.1, and is disposed below the first bearing-surface 22.1.1. The second bearing-surface 22.1.2 is configured to bear against the front-surface bearing-region 6.1.2 of the upper support-rim 6.1, i.e. it bears on the front surface of the upper support-rim 6.1. This second bearing-surface 22.1.2 can either be planar, if the upper support-rim 6.1 has a flat front-surface), or it can have a concave curvature that is adapted to the convex curvature of the upper support-rim 6.1. As a result, the bearing sections 22.1 encompass an upper edge of the upper support-rim 6.1, in a form-fitting manner such that precise positioning of the treatment segment 20 on the transport element 6 takes place through the bearing sections 22.1 in a defined x-y position.

[0088] A connecting section 22.2 between the two bearing sections 22.1 secures the treatment segment 20 to the transport element 6 at a defined z-position. The connecting section 22.2 can be configured in the manner of a bolt that can be inserted into an opening in the upper support-rim 6.1 and that corresponds to the connecting section 22.2. The connecting section 22.2 can be retained on an attachment section 22.3 that protrudes from the back surface of the first coupling-element and can be spaced apart therefrom at the undersurface thereof. The attachment section 22.3 and the bearing sections 22.1 can be formed by milling the first coupling-element 22.

[0089] Screwing to the upper support-rim 6.1 can take place through the connecting section 22.2 such that inserting the treatment segment 20 into the upper support-rim 6.1, for example by hanging, prevents undesired release of the treatment segment 20 from the transport element 6.

[0090] FIG. 8 shows the lower coupling region of the treatment segment 20, which interacts with the lower support-rim 6.2. At least one downward protruding, bolt-like connecting section 24.1 is provided on a region of the second coupling-element 24 protruding toward the back with respect to the housing 25. Preferably, a pair of bolt-like connecting sections 24.1 are provided, which are spaced apart to one another in a transverse direction running perpendicular to the vertical axis HA of the treatment segment 20 (along the z-axis). Corresponding boreholes are provided in the lower support-rim 6.2 at the coupling regions, to which a treatment segment 20 can be attached, into which holes, the bolt-like connecting sections 24.1 can be placed. In greater detail, the bolt-like connecting sections 24.1 are placed above these boreholes, and subsequently inserted into the boreholes of the lower support-rim 6.2 through a vertical pushing movement. In other words, the treatment segment 20 is hung on the upper and lower support-rims 6.1, 6.2 of the transport element 6 by the bolt-like connecting sections 22.2, 24.1.

[0091] Damping elements 24.2 are preferably provided on the bolt-like connecting sections 24.1 provided on the second coupling-element 24, by means of which vibrations or impacts can be dampened. The damping elements 24.2 can encompass the circumference of the bolt-like connecting sections 24.1, in particular such that end regions of the bolt-like connecting sections 24.1 extend downward beyond the damping elements 24.2. These end regions of the bolt-like connecting sections 24.1 can be pushed into the boreholes of the lower support-rim 6.2, such that the damping elements 24.2 each lie on top of the lower support-rim 6.2. As a result, the damping elements 24.2 are provided between the second coupling-element 24 and the lower support-rim 6.2, and can thus dampen, in particular, vertical impacts or vibrations (parallel to the y-axis). The treatment segment 20 can preferably also be screwed to the lower support-rim 6.2 in the region of the second coupling-element 24, in particular in the region of the bolt-like connecting section 24.1, in order to secure the treatment segment 20 against undesired releasing form the transport element 6.

[0092] The invention is described above based on exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous modifications or alterations are possible, without abandoning the fundamental inventive idea of the invention.