MAGNETIC ENCODER POSITION SENSOR FOR REMOTELY ADJUSTING REGISTRATION OR PRINT PRESSURE OF A CAN DECORATOR

Abstract

A remote registration and print pressure adjustment system includes a can decorator including a plurality of plate cylinders and a plurality of inking stations, each plate cylinder being associated with an individual inking station; a magnetic encoder position sensor disposed in proximity to a rotatory component of the can decorator and structured to detect rotational position parameters of the rotatory component; and a remote registration and print pressure control system structured to receive a position signal including the rotational position parameters from the magnetic encoder position sensor, determine the linear distance based on the position signal and instant position of one of the registration mechanism and the print pressure adjustment mechanism based on the determined linear distance, and cause a corresponding actuator of the rotatory component to adjust the rotational positional parameters based on the instant position of one of the registration mechanism and the print pressure adjustment mechanism.

Claims

1. A remote registration and print pressure adjustment system, comprising: a can decorator including a plurality of plate cylinders and a plurality of inking stations, each plate cylinder being associated with an individual inking station; a magnetic encoder position sensor disposed in proximity to a rotatory component of the can decorator and structured to detect rotational position parameters of the rotatory component, the rotatory component being structured to move one of a registration mechanism and a print pressure adjustment mechanism by a linear distance based on rotations of the rotatory component; and a remote registration and print pressure control system communicatively coupled to the can decorator and the magnetic encoder position sensor, the remote registration and print pressure control system being structured to receive a position signal including the rotational position parameters from the magnetic encoder position sensor, determine the linear distance based on the position signal and instant position of one of the registration mechanism and the print pressure adjustment mechanism based on the determined linear distance, and cause a corresponding actuator of the rotatory component to adjust the rotational positional parameters based on the instant position of one of the registration mechanism and the print pressure adjustment mechanism.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rotational position parameters include an angular information and speed of the rotations.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein for determining the linear distance, the remote registration and print pressure control system is further structured to convert the angular information into the linear distance.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein for causing the corresponding actuator of the rotatory component to adjust the rotational positional parameters, the remote registration and print pressure control system is further structured to determine instant print parameters associated with the registration mechanism or the print pressure adjustment mechanism and determine that the instant print parameters fall outside of predefined thresholds.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the remote registration and print pressure control system comprises a programmable logic circuit, a database module, and a comparison module.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the programmable logic circuit is structured to convert an angular information of the rotations of the rotatory component into the linear distance, and the database module comprises the predefined thresholds and predefined printing parameters including at least predefined registration parameters, predefined ink thickness, predefined print pressure parameters based on the predefined ink thickness or predefined ink colors.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the comparison module is structured to compare the instant print parameters to the predefined thresholds and determine that the instant position of one of the registration mechanism and the print pressure adjustment mechanism associated with the rotatory component is to be adjusted based on the determination that the instant print parameters fall outside of the predefined thresholds.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the remote registration and print pressure control system adjusts the instant position of one of the registration mechanism and the print pressure adjustment mechanism by adjusting the rotational position parameters of the rotatory component by the corresponding actuator.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic encoder position sensor comprises a magneto-resistive sensor.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic encoder position sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic encoder position sensor comprises a permanent magnet disposed at the rotatory component and a magnetic sensor aligned with the permanent magnate and disposed in proximity to the rotatory component, the magnetic sensor being structured to detect change in magnetic field of the permanent magnet based on the rotations of the rotatory component and convert the change in the magnetic field into an angular information of the rotations.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic encoder position sensor does not comprise a linear inductive sensor structured to directly measure a linear distance of one of the registration mechanism and the print pressure adjustment mechanism caused by the rotations of the rotatory component.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the position of one of the registration mechanism and the print pressure adjustment mechanism detected by the magnetic encoder position sensor based on an angular information of the rotations of the rotatory component has a higher accuracy as compared to a detected position of one of the registration mechanism and the print pressure adjustment mechanism based on a direct measurement of linear distance by a linear inductive sensor.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the rotatory component comprises a plate cylinder helical gear a circumferential adjustment assembly, a worm gear of a printing plate cylinder adjustment assembly, an eccentric bushing of the printing plate cylinder adjustment assembly, or any rotatory component affecting the registration or the print pressure.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the registration mechanism comprises at least a printing cylinder shaft of a circumferential adjustment assembly, a printing plate of a printing plate cylinder or a printing plate cylinder drive shaft of the printing plate cylinder assembly.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the corresponding actuator comprises at least a printing plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly actuator or an air motor.

17. A method of remotely adjusting registration for a can decorator, comprising: providing a remote registration adjustment system that comprises: (i) a can decorator including a plurality of plate cylinders and a plurality of inking stations, each plate cylinder being associated with an individual inking station; (ii) a magnetic encoder position sensor disposed in proximity to a rotatory component of the can decorator and structured to detect rotational position parameters of the rotatory component, the rotatory component being structured to move a registration mechanism by a linear distance based on rotations of the rotatory component; and (iii) a remote registration and print pressure control system communicatively coupled to the can decorator and the magnetic encoder position sensor, the remote registration and print pressure control system being structured to receive a position signal including the rotational position parameters from the magnetic encoder position sensor, determine the linear distance based on the position signal and instant position of the registration mechanism based on the determined linear distance, and cause a corresponding actuator of the rotatory component to adjust the rotational positional parameters based on the instant position of the registration mechanism; detecting, by the magnetic encoder position sensor, the rotational position parameters of the rotatory component; receiving, by the remote registration control system, the position signal from the magnetic encoder position sensor; determining, by the remote registration control system, the linear distance based on the position signal and instant position of the registration mechanism based on the determined linear distance; and causing, by the remote registration control system, a corresponding actuator of the rotatory component to adjust the rotational positional parameters based on the instant position of the registration mechanism.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the rotational position parameters include an angular information and speed of the rotations and wherein the determining the linear distance comprises converting the angular information into the linear distance.

19. A method of claim 17, wherein causing the corresponding actuator of the rotatory component to adjust the rotational positional parameters comprises: determining, by the remote registration and print pressure control system, instant print parameters associated with the registration mechanism or the print pressure adjustment mechanism; and determining, by the remote registration and print pressure control system, the instant print parameters fall outside of predefined thresholds.

20. A method of remotely adjusting print pressure of a can decorator, comprising: providing a remote print pressure adjustment system that comprises: (i) a can decorator including a plurality of plate cylinders and a plurality of inking stations, each plate cylinder being associated with an individual inking station; (ii) a magnetic encoder position sensor disposed in proximity to a rotatory component of the can decorator and structured to detect rotational position parameters of the rotatory component, the rotatory component being structured to move a print pressure adjustment mechanism by a linear distance based on rotations of the rotatory component; and (iii) a remote registration and print pressure control system communicatively coupled to the can decorator and the magnetic encoder position sensor, the remote registration and print pressure control system being structured to receive a position signal including the rotational position parameters from the magnetic encoder position sensor, determine the linear distance based on the position signal and instant position of the print pressure adjustment mechanism based on the determined linear distance, and cause a corresponding actuator of the rotatory component to adjust the rotational positional parameters based on the instant position of the print pressure adjustment mechanism; detecting, by the magnetic encoder position sensor, the rotational position parameters of the rotatory component; receiving, by the remote registration control system, the position signal from the magnetic encoder position sensor; determining, by the remote registration control system, the linear distance based on the position signal and instant position of the print pressure adjustment mechanism based on the determined linear distance; and causing, by the remote registration control system, a corresponding actuator of the rotatory component to adjust the rotational positional parameters based on the instant position of the print pressure adjustment mechanism.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an exemplary can decorator;

[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates circumferential and sidelay registration during can decorating;

[0022] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a portion of a can decorator machine and ink station assembly therefor, in accordance with a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a partially schematic isometric view of one of the ink station assemblies of FIG. 2 in accordance with a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0024] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly operatively coupled to a printing cylinder assembly; and

[0025] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for a method of remote registration adjustment in accordance with a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used, embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0027] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

[0028] As used herein, the singular form of a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] As used herein, structured to [verb] means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is structured to move is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, structured to [verb] recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, structured to [verb] means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not structured to [verb].

[0030] As used herein, associated means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together or act upon/with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is associated with a specific tire.

[0031] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are coupled shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, directly coupled means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, fixedly coupled or fixed means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. As used herein, adjustably fixed means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant general orientation or position relative to each other while being able to move in a limited range or about a single axis. For example, a doorknob is adjustably fixed to a door in that the doorknob is rotatable, but generally the doorknob remains in a single position relative to the door. Further, a cartridge (nib and ink reservoir) in a retractable pen is adjustably fixed relative to the housing in that the cartridge moves between a retracted and extended position, but generally maintains its orientation relative to the housing. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not coupled to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.

[0032] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components engage one another means that the elements exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to moving parts, a moving part may engage another element during the motion from one position to another and/or may engage another element once in the described position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, when element A moves to element A first position, element A engages element B, and when element A is in element A first position, element A engages element B are equivalent statements and mean that element A either engages element B while moving to element A first position and/or element A either engages element B while in element A first position.

[0033] As used herein, correspond indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which corresponds to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are to fit snugly together. In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more, corresponding surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size, shape, and contours.

[0034] As used herein, the term number shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). That is, for example, the phrase a number of elements means one element or a plurality of elements. It is specifically noted that the term a number of [X] includes a single [X].

[0035] As used herein, about in a phrase such as disposed about [an element, point or axis] or extend about [an element, point or axis] or [X] degrees about an [an element, point or axis], means encircle, extend around, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement or in a similar manner, about means approximately, i.e., in an approximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0036] As used herein, an elongated element inherently includes a longitudinal axis and/or longitudinal line extending in the direction of the elongation.

[0037] As used herein, generally means in a general manner relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0038] As used herein, substantially means for the most part relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] As used herein, at means on and/or near relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a remote registration and print pressure adjustment system 1000 in accordance with a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The remote registration and print pressure adjustment system 1000 includes a can decorator machine (alternately as used herein a can decorator) 100 and a registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600. The can decorator machine 100 includes a can transport assembly 102 (shown schematically) and an ink application system 104. The can transport assembly 102 is structured to move a number of undecorated can bodies 300 into contact with the ink application system 104 and, as shown, a blanket wheel 112 and/or an image transfer segment 114. The ink application system 104 is structured to apply ink in a selected pattern to the exterior of each can body 300, and includes a plurality of ink station assemblies 200 (eight are shown) and a blanket wheel 112. It will be appreciated that, while the can decorator 100 in the example shown and described herein includes eight ink station assemblies 200, that it could alternatively contain any known or suitable alternative number and/or configuration of ink station assemblies (not shown), without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. It will further be appreciated that, for economy of disclosure and simplicity of illustration, only one of the ink station assemblies 200 will be shown and described in detail herein.

[0041] As shown in detail in FIG. 3, the ink station assembly 200 includes an ink fountain 202 and a printing plate cylinder assembly 221. The ink fountain 202 is structured to provide a supply of ink 400 (shown in phantom line drawing in simplified form in FIG. 3). Each printing plate cylinder assembly 221 includes a printing plate cylinder 222 having a printing plate (generally indicated by reference number 224) as well as a printing plate cylinder axial adjustment assembly 226 and a circumferential adjustment assembly 228, shown schematically in FIG. 3. The printing plate cylinder 222 cooperates with a number of form rolls 230 to apply the ink 400 to the printing plate 224. The printing plate cylinder 222 engages the blanket wheel 112 and/or the image transfer segment 114. The blanket wheel 112 and/or the image transfer segment 114 (FIG. 2) engages a can body 300 thereby transferring the ink to the can body 300. Thus, generally, each ink station assembly 200 defines an ink train, whereby ink 400 is transferred from the fountain roll 204 to the form roll 230. It is understood that each ink station assembly 200 applies a single color ink image to the blanket wheel 112 and/or an image transfer segment 114.

[0042] The axial adjustment assembly 226 is structured to move the printing plate cylinder 222 in an axial direction relative to the printing plate cylinder 222 axis of rotation. That is, the axial adjustment assembly 226 is structured to, and does, alter the sidelay registration of the main image. That is, as the axial position of each ink image is moved axially (while being brought into proper sidelay registration with the other ink images), the position of the main image is moved axially relative to the can body upon which the main image is applied. In an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the axial adjustment assembly 226 includes a mounting 227 and an actuator 229, both shown in simplified form in FIG. 3. The axial adjustment assembly mounting 227 is structured to, and does, rotatably support the printing plate cylinder 222 (and/or the axle (not numbered) of the printing plate cylinder 222). The axial adjustment assembly mounting 227 is movable coupled to the printing unit frame assembly 22. The axial adjustment assembly actuator 229 is structured to move the axial adjustment assembly mounting 227 relative to the printing unit frame assembly 22 so that the printing plate cylinder 222 moves in an axial direction. It is understood that as the printing plate cylinder 222 moves in an axial direction, the location of the ink image (and/or the main image) changes position on the blanket wheel 112 and/or an image transfer segment 114. The change in position of the ink image (and/or the main image) on the blanket wheel 112 and/or an image transfer segment 114 changes the position of the can body applied image on the can body 300. That is, the position of the can body applied image on the can body 300 is moved in an axial direction on the can body 300.

[0043] The circumferential adjustment assembly 228 is structured to alter the circumferential registration of the can body applied image. The circumferential adjustment assembly 228 includes bearings on the printing cylinder shaft which are driven by a helical gear 1110 (schematically shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) mounted to the shaft (not shown). A plate cylinder helical gear 1110 is driven by a larger helical gear 1110 (schematically shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) mounted on the blanket wheel 112. The plate cylinder helical gear 1110 is rotationally keyed to the shaft, but it is allowed to move axially on the shaft. A linear screw mechanism (not shown) is used to move the helical gear 1110 axially on the shaft while the machine 100 is running. The axial movement of the plate cylinder gear 1110 causes the shaft to rotatably advance or retard its timing proportional to the helix angle of the gear 1110. This advances or retards the location of the ink image on the blanket for that particular color. These elements are collectively and schematically represented by box 228 on FIG. 3. The circumferential adjustment assembly 228 further includes an actuator 233 (shown schematically) that is structured to, and does, actuate the linear screw mechanism.

[0044] The registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600 (shown schematically in FIG. 2) is structured to determine a linear distance by which a registration mechanism or a print pressure adjustment mechanism is moved as a result of rotations of an associated rotatory component 1100 of the can decorator 100, determine instant position of the registration mechanism or the print pressure adjustment mechanism based on the linear distance, and remotely (and automatically) adjust instant print parameters of an ink image based at least in part on the linear distance.

[0045] The registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600 includes an electronic can decorator control assembly 602, a mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 and a magnetic encoder position sensor 1. In some examples, the registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600 may also include a number of image sensors 606 (e.g., without limitation, cameras) structured to capture ink images/the main images printed on the cans 300. The electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is communicatively coupled to the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 and the magnetic encoder position sensor 1 in a wired or wireless connection. The electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is structured to determine if the ink image applied to can body has the proper amount of ink and that the ink images/the main image are/is in the proper location. A proper amount of ink and a proper position of ink image are set forth by a label specification provided by a customer. As mentioned previously, the ink image is applied at a proper position, e.g., if the main image does not have offset ink images. The electronic can decorator control assembly 602 includes a programmable logic circuit (PLC) 610 and a number of modules, e.g., without limitation, a database module 620 and a comparison module 622. The registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600 may be part of or in communication with an external control system. However, it will be appreciated that in some exemplary embodiments, the registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600 may be omitted.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the database module 620 includes at least predefined print parameters in accordance with the label specification and a comparison module 622. The predefined print parameters include at least predefined registration parameters including predefined sidelay registration parameters and predefined circumferential registration parameters, predefined ink thickness, predefined print pressure based on the predefined ink thickness, predefined ink colors or predefined hews. The comparison module 622 is further structured to compare a position signal received from the magnetic encoder position sensor 1 to the predefined print parameters. The position signal may include rotational position parameters of the rotatory component 1100 (FIG. 2). The rotational position parameters include changes in the magnetic field and an angular information (e.g., degree of rotation of a sensor target) converted from the changes in the magnetic field. The PLC 610 receives the position signal and determines a linear distance of the registration mechanism or the print pressure adjustment mechanism, the linear distance having been caused by the rotations of associated rotatory components (e.g., a plate cylinder gear 1110 as schematically shown in FIG. 2) of the can decorator 100 by converting the angular information into the linear distance. Based on the determined linear distance, the PLC 610 may determine the instant position of the registration mechanism or the print pressure adjustment mechanism. The PLC 610 may then determine instant print parameters based on the instant position of the registration mechanism or the print pressure adjustment mechanism. The comparison module 622 may then compare the instant print parameters to the predefined print parameters stored in the database module 610. If the comparison module 622 determines that the instant print parameters do not fall within the acceptable registration or print pressure parameters (e.g., predefined registration or print pressure thresholds), the registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600 causes a corresponding actuator 650 (e.g., without limitation, a printing plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly actuators 658 in FIG. 3) to adjust the position of the registration mechanism or the print pressure adjustment mechanism such that the instant print parameters are adjusted to be within the predefined print parameters. As used herein, acceptable means that the can body applied image/ink images/main image is substantially the intended image, as would be understood by those of skill in the art. For example and without limitation, an acceptable registration in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed concept is preferably within about 0.001 inch of the intended image position and, more preferably, within about 0.0005 inch of the intended image position. It is understood that those of skill in the art are capable of creating, and do create, can image data that is an electronic construct representing the intended image.

[0047] The mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes an actuator 650 (as used herein, the reference number 650 represents a generic actuator or any actuator of the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604) structured to actuate the associated construct, and thus structured to be operatively coupled to the associated construct. In exemplary embodiments, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes at least one, or, a number of, ink application adjustment assembly actuator(s) 652 (FIG. 3, shown schematically), a number of ductor roll assembly duty cycle adjustment actuators 654 (FIG. 3, shown schematically), a number of printing plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly actuators 656 (FIG. 3, shown schematically), a number of printing plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly actuators 658 (FIG. 3, shown schematically), and/or a number of printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly actuators.

[0048] Each ink application adjustment assembly actuator 652 is coupled to an ink application adjustment assembly adjustment device (not shown) and structured to actuate the ink application adjustment assembly 500. Each ductor roll assembly duty cycle adjustment actuator 654 is structured to actuate the ductor roll assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 so as to adjust the amount of ink applied to the printing plate cylinder assembly. Each printing plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly actuator 656 is operatively coupled to the axial adjustment assembly 226. In another exemplary non-limiting embodiment, each printing plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly actuator 656 is an axial adjustment assembly mounting actuator 229. Each printing plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly actuator 658 is operatively coupled to the circumferential adjustment assembly 228 including bearings on the printing cylinder shaft that are driven by the plate cylinder helical gear 1110 mounted to the shaft (not shown). A printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly actuator is structured to actuate a printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700 (FIG. 4).

[0049] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700. The printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700 is structured to adjust printing plate cylinder pressure and operatively coupled to a printing plate cylinder assembly 221. The printing plate cylinder assembly 221 includes a printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240. Rotation of the printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240 causes rotation of the printing plate 224 (FIG. 3). The printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240 is driven via a printing plate cylinder drive gear 241 (FIG. 4). A printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly actuator may include an air motor 701 operatively coupled to a worm gear 1120 such that operation of the air motor 701 causes turning of the worm gear 1120. That is, the operation of the air motor 701 causes a worm gear drive shaft (not shown) to move linearly, and as the drive shaft moves linearly, the teeth of a worm drive gear (not shown) interact with the teeth of the worm gear 1120 to cause the worm gear 1120 to rotate. The worm gear 1120 is operatively coupled to an elongated member such as, for example and without limitation, a turnbuckle assembly 703 such that turning of the worm gear 1120 causes movement of the turnbuckle assembly 703 via an eccentric pivot. The turnbuckle assembly 703 is in turn operatively coupled to an eccentric bushing 1130 via an eccentric bushing bracket 243 such that movement of the turnbuckle assembly 703 causes corresponding movement of the eccentric bushing 1130. The eccentric bushing 1130 is disposed around the printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240 of the printing plate cylinder assembly 221 and has an eccentric shape such that rotation of the eccentric bushing 1130 will cause the printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240, and thus the printing plate 224 (FIG. 3) to move closer or further from the blanket wheel 112.

[0050] The magnetic encoder position sensor 1 is communicatively coupled to the electronic can decorator control assembly 602. It may be a standard magnetic encoder position sensor, and include a permanent magnet attached to a rotatory component (i.e., a sensor target 1100 (FIG. 2)) and a magnetic sensor disposed in proximity to the sensor target 1100. The magnetic encoder position sensor 1 may be a magneto-resistive sensor or a Hall effect sensor. The magnetic encoder position sensor 1 is structured to detect rotational position parameters of the sensor target 1100, the rotational position parameters including changes of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet and transmit a position signal including the rotational position parameters to a control circuit (e.g., without limitation, the PLC 610). That is, the direction of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor changes as the permanent magnet attached to the sensor target 1100 rotates. The change of the magnetic field is converted into an angular information (i.e., degree of the revolution of the sensor target 1100) of the rotations of the sensor target 1100. Upon receiving the position signal including the rotational position parameters, the PLC 610 is structured to determine a linear distance of the registration mechanism moved by the rotations of the sensor target 1100 by converting the angular information into the linear distance. The PLC 610 is further structured to determine a position of associated registration mechanism or print pressure adjustment mechanism based on the linear distance. The comparison module 622 may determine instant print parameters based on the position of the associated registration mechanism and compare the instant print parameters to the predefined registration parameters stored in the database module 620. The instant print parameters include instant registration parameters, instant print pressure parameters, and other parameters associated with registration and/or print pressure. Based on the comparison, the comparison module 622 may determine that the instant print parameters are to be adjusted in accordance with the predefined print parameters. For example, if the comparison module 622 determines that instant registration parameters do not fall within the acceptable registration (e.g., predefined registration thresholds), the registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600 causes a corresponding actuator 650 to adjust the registration mechanism such that the ink image is printed within the acceptable registration. In another example, if the comparison module 622 determines that instant print pressure does not fall within the acceptable print pressure parameters (e.g., predefined print pressure thresholds), the registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600 causes a corresponding actuator 650 to adjust the print pressure adjustment mechanism such that the print pressure falls within the predefined print pressure thresholds.

[0051] The sensor target 1100 may include any rotatory components associated with registration and/or print pressure adjustment, e.g., without limitation, the plate cylinder helical gear 1110 (schematically shown in FIG. 2), the worm gear 1120 (FIG. 4), the eccentric bushing 1130 (FIG. 4), or other components whose changes in rotational position correspond to registration and/or print pressure changes. For example, the magnetic encoder position sensor 1 may be disposed in proximity to a plate cylinder helical gear 1110 (schematically shown in FIG. 2) of the circumferential adjustment assembly 228. The magnetic encoder position sensor 1 is structured to detect rotational position parameters of the plate cylinder helical gear 1100 based on changes of the magnetic field, and transmit a position signal including the rotational position parameters to the PLC 610 of the registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600. The magnetic encoder position sensor 1 converts the changes of the magnetic field into an angular information of the rotation (i.e., degree of revolution) of the plate cylinder helical gear 1100. Upon receiving the position signal, the PLC 610 is structured to convert the angular information into linear distance of a corresponding registration mechanism (e.g., without limitation, a printing cylinder shaft (not shown)) moved by the rotations of the plate cylinder helical gear 1110. The PLC 610 then determines the position of the printing cylinder shaft based on the linear distance and instant print pressure based on the position of the printing cylinder shaft. The comparison module 622 then compares the instant print pressure to the predefined print pressure threshold stored in the database module 610. If the comparison module 622 determines that the instant registration parameters fall outside of the acceptable registration (e.g., the predefined registration threshold), the remote registration and print pressure adjustment system 600 is structured to cause the can decorator 100 (e.g., without limitation, the actuator 658 or actuator 233) to adjust the instant registration parameters to fall within the predefined registration threshold.

[0052] In another example, the magnetic encoder position sensor 1 may be disposed in proximity to a worm gear 1120 operatively coupled to an air motor 701 of the printing plate cylinder adjustment assembly 700. The magnetic encoder position sensor 1 is structured to detect rotational position parameters of the worm gear 1120 based on changes of the magnetic field, and transmit a position signal including the rotational position parameters to the PLC 610 of the registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600. The magnetic encoder position sensor 1 converts the changes of the magnetic field into angular information of the rotation of the worm gear 1120. Upon receiving the position signal, the PLC 610 is structured to convert the angular information into a linear distance between the eccentric bushing 1130 and the blanket wheel 112 as a result of the rotations of the worm gear 1120. The PLC 610 further converts the linear distance into an instant print pressure of the printing plate 224 against the blanket wheel 112. The comparison module 622 then compares the instant print pressure to the predefined print pressure stored in the database module 620. If the comparison module 622 determines that the print pressure of the printing plate 224 against the blanket wheel 112 falls outside of the acceptable print pressure (e.g., the predefined print pressure threshold), the PLC 610 is structured to cause the can decorator 100 (e.g., without limitation, the air motor 701) to adjust the position of the printing plate such that the instant print pressure parameters fall within the predefined print pressure threshold. That is, the PLC 610 causes the air motor 701 to increase or decrease its speed such that the position of the printing plate 224 is adjusted and the print pressure parameters are adjusted to fall within the predefined print pressure threshold.

[0053] In some examples, the magnetic encoder position sensor 1 may be disposed in proximity to the eccentric bushing 1130 and detect the rotational position parameters of the eccentric bushing 1130 based on changes of the magnetic field, and transmit a position signal including the rotational position parameters to the PLC 610 of the registration control system 600. The magnetic encoder position sensor 1 converts the changes of the magnetic field into angular information of the rotation of the eccentric bushing 1130. Upon receiving the position signal, the PLC 610 is structured to convert the angular information into linear distance between the eccentric bushing 1130 and the blanket wheel 112. The PLC 610 further converts the linear distance into instant print pressure of the printing plate 224 against the blanket wheel 112. The comparison module 622 then compares the instant print pressure to the predefined print pressure stored in the database module 620. If the comparison module 622 determines that the print pressure of the printing plate 224 against the blanket wheel 112 falls outside of the acceptable print pressure (e.g., a predefined print pressure threshold), the registration and print pressure adjustment control system 600 is structured to cause the can decorator 100 (e.g., without limitation, the air motor 701) to adjust instant print pressure parameters. That is, the PLC 610 causes the air motor 701 to increase or decrease its speed such that the position of the printing plate is adjusted, and thus the instant print pressure is also adjusted to be within the predefined print pressure threshold. It will be understood that these examples are for illustrated purposes only, and thus a sensor target 1100, associated registration mechanism, and associated actuator 650 may include any other rotatory machines, registration mechanism, and actuators 650 as appropriate for remotely adjusting registration and/or print pressure without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0054] Accordingly, the magnetic encoder position sensor 1 of the disclosed concept improves accuracy of the position detection significantly as compared to that of linear position sensors. For example, the linear inductive sensors measure linear distance in order to detect position of the registration mechanism. As such, when measuring small amounts of linear movement of the sensor target 1100, the accuracy of such measurement is limited by resolution of the sensors. The linear inductive sensors, however, are subject to a minimum resolution and repeatability. By measuring angular information of the rotations of the sensor target 1100 and converting the angular information into linear distance moved by the sensor target 1100, the magnetic encoder position sensor 1 avoids the resolution and repeatability of the linear inductive sensors, thereby significantly increasing the accuracy of the position detection of sensor target 1100.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for a method 5000 of remote registration adjustment for a can decorator using a magnetic encoder position sensor according to a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The can decorator is similar to the can decorator 100 as described with reference to FIGS. 2-4. The method 5000 may be performed by the can decorator 100 or any components thereof.

[0056] At 5010, a remote registration adjustment system for a can decorator is provided. The remote registration adjustment system includes: (i) a can decorator including a plurality of plate cylinders and a plurality of inking stations, each plate cylinder being associated with an individual inking station; (ii) a magnetic encoder position sensor disposed in proximity to a rotatory component of the can decorator and structured to detect rotational position parameters of the rotatory component, the rotatory component being structured to move a registration mechanism by a linear distance based on rotations of the rotatory component; and (iii) a remote registration and print pressure control system communicatively coupled to the can decorator and the magnetic encoder position sensor, the remote registration and print pressure control system being structured to receive a position signal including the rotational position parameters from the magnetic encoder position sensor, determine the linear distance based on the position signal and instant position of the registration mechanism based on the determined linear distance, and cause a corresponding actuator of the rotatory component to adjust the rotational positional parameters based on the instant position of the registration mechanism.

[0057] At 5020, the magnetic encoder position sensor detects rotational position parameters of the rotatory component.

[0058] At 5030, the remote registration control system receives the position signal from the magnetic encoder position sensor.

[0059] At 5040, the remote registration control system determines the linear distance based on the position signal and instant position of the registration mechanism based on the determined linear distance.

[0060] At 5050, the remote registration mechanism causes a corresponding actuator of the rotatory component to adjust the rotational positional parameters based on the instant position of the registration mechanism.

[0061] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.