DE202008018588U1 - Stretch blow molding machine with printing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for treating plastic containers with a blowing device (2), which preforms to containers (10) expands, said blowing means having a plurality of blowing stations (4), in each of which preforms are expandable to containers (10), with a downstream of the blowing device (2) arranged transport device (8), characterized in that at least one printing device (12) is provided, which provides the containers (10) during transport with the transport device (8) with at least one imprint.

Description

The invention relates to a device for treating plastic containers and more particularly to a device for expanding plastic preforms to plastic containers. Such devices have been known for a long time from the prior art. Usually, such devices have a variety of blow molds, within which plastic preforms are expanded, among other things by means of compressed air to plastic containers. Downstream of these blowing devices are usually other equipment for treating the containers such as disinfection equipment, filling systems, capper and the like.

Furthermore, such systems usually also have labeling machines which provide the containers produced with labels. Often it is also desirable in the manufacture of containers to identify them individually. From the DE 2005 041 221 A1 For example, an apparatus and a method for producing labels with RFID transponders is known. RFID systems have a reading device and an RFID transponder (an RFID tag). The reader typically includes a radio frequency transmitter and receiver and a coupling element such as a coil or antenna for communicating with the transponder. In addition, in many applications, the reading device supplies the transponder with energy via the emission of a high-frequency electromagnetic field, which induces a voltage in the antenna coil of the transponder.

Compared with identification systems such as barcodes, RFID transponders have the advantages that they can be reprogrammed and have a high data storage capacity and a secure readability. Accordingly, in the DE 10 2005 041 221 proposed to also form an RFID transponder when producing a label with this label. Such a procedure allows identification of the container as soon as the transponder is placed on it. Sometimes, however, it is desirable to enable identification of the container at an earlier point in time.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a device for treating plastic containers available, which allows early individualization or identification of the containers.

This is inventively achieved by a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 13. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for treating plastic containers has a blowing device which expands preforms into containers. In this case, this blowing device has a plurality of blowing stations, in each of which preforms are expandable to containers. Furthermore, a transport device is provided, which takes over the containers expanded from the blowing stations and transported occasionally. According to the invention, a printing device is provided which provides the containers with at least one imprint during transport with the transport device.

In the following, the term "printing device" is understood to mean not only those printing devices which physically act on and modify the material to be printed, but in particular also those devices which apply flowable and, in particular, liquid materials to the containers.

The procedure according to the invention therefore makes it possible to enable individualization or identification of the container directly after its production. Preferably, therefore, here the imprint is not applied together with a label in a labeling machine but directly after the production of the container, in particular in an outlet region of the blowing device.

Preferably, the printing device has at least one printing element, which applies an electrically conductive substance to the containers and particularly preferably sprays on. Thus, a printing device such as a printhead of an ink jet printer is preferably used. However, the term ink is understood here to be very general and is not limited to water-based or oil-based inks, etc., but also to liquids or flowable media containing electrically conductive particles such as stainless steel chips, copper particles or the like.

Preferably, the printing device has at least one pressure element, which applies an electrically conductive substance to the containers. Under this electrically conductive substance is a conductive or semi-conductive material understood. Thus, the above-mentioned ink also means any electrically conductive liquid which is suitable for printing, for example with the aid of conventional printing heads. In particular, the term ink here also includes polymers which are in very fine layers with high Precision can be printed on top of each other and process like ink.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the printing device is arranged stationary, that is, the above-mentioned transport device or the containers move relative to the stationary printing device. Thus, the imprint is generated during the movement of the containers.

The imprint is preferably a smart label or components of a smart label. However, other imprints such as in particular but not exclusively colored images would be conceivable. Such colored images could also be used to identify the containers.

It is thus proposed to provide a printing device on the transport device, which can be designed, for example, as a transfer star, which makes it possible to print a smart label (in particular with conductive ink or ink) directly onto the containers. The smart labels can be printed on the bottom, in the mouth or in the shoulder area or in a central region of the containers.

With the help of this intelligent imprint, it is possible to regulate or control the subsequent material flow within a downstream production line. This regulation can be continued until the delivery warehouse. The imprint of this smart label thus provides printable electronics which enable information to be written and read to be associated with control and regulation units, and in particular those control and regulation units located downstream of the blower, within the complete filling and packaging lines communicate. Thus, such a communication not only in the production of containers but also in their filling, labeling, packaging, palletizing, in a Vollgutlager and also in truck transport is possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the printing device is designed such that it applies a smart label to the containers. Advantageously, the printing device has a plurality of nozzles for applying the printout. In addition to the printing device, which imprints an intelligent smart label on the containers, it would also be possible to arrange further print heads on the transport device, which also apply a colored image on the container, for example via a multi-color print. By means of the mentioned plurality of nozzles for applying the imprint, it is particularly advantageously possible, for example, to produce an antenna or the like for the intelligent imprint.

Preferably, downstream of the printing device, a drying device is provided for printing. The drying device may be a near-infrared drying device that serves to dry printed ink. Furthermore, a curing device may be provided, such as an ultraviolet curing, which serves to cure ink but also the curing of any connections of a microchip with the other components of the smart label. This latter device can serve to connect a microchip to the container and bring it into electrical contact with the antenna of an RFID transponder to connect it, for example by gluing to the carrier medium or the surface of the container.

In this context, the above-mentioned DE 10 2005 041 211 A1 The disclosure content of which is hereby also fully incorporated by reference.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the printing device has a plurality of printing elements, which are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction of the containers. Thus, first a substrate can be mounted on the containers, then a semiconductor coating, then an insulator and finally electrodes or an antenna.

Preferably, at least one pressure element applies a carrier material to the container, which serves as a carrier for a transponder overall.

Advantageously, the support material comprises a substance selected from a group of substances including polyalkylthiophenes (PAT), polyfluorenes (PF), polyphenylenevinylenes (PPV), polystyrene (PS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), combinations thereof, and the like contains the same. In this case, it is preferable to use specific carrier materials such as the above-mentioned PAT, PF or PPV in combination with PS, PMMA or PET, the latter materials serving as insulator or carrier substrate.

Furthermore, the transport device on rotatable body, which cause a rotation of the containers about their longitudinal axis. Thus, the containers are not only moved by the transport device itself along, for example, a circular path here but additionally rotated about its own axis. In this way, it is possible, the containers in the circumferential direction over a larger circumferential angle away print. Also, a full printing of the containers would be possible in this way.

Furthermore, an image recording device is preferably provided, which observes the containers during transport with the transport device. In this way, the print made can be controlled and thus tested for functionality in an optical control. For example, it is possible to control the antenna in terms of its functionality. In this case, the image recording device is preferably arranged downstream of the printing device.

The present invention is further directed to a method of treating containers. In this case, preforms are introduced into a blowing device in a first method step, which has a plurality of blowing stations, each of which expand a preform into a container. In a further step, the preforms are transported with the blowing device, wherein the preforms are expanded during transport to containers. Finally, the expanded containers are transferred to a transport device provided downstream of the blowing device, which transports the containers in isolated fashion. According to the invention, the containers are individually printed during transport with the transport device by means of a printing device.

Thus, it is also proposed in the method according to the invention to print on the containers substantially immediately after their production or after their expansion. Under a printing is understood in particular a spraying of flowable and especially liquid materials on the container.

The printing device preferably applies a flowable material to the containers for printing. It is thus proposed to use a printing device in the manner of an inkjet printer for printing on the containers.

Advantageously, the printing device applies an electrically conductive material to the containers, this electrically conductive material advantageously serving to apply smart labels to the containers.

In a further preferred method, the printing device prints an antenna device onto the containers, whereby this antenna device is also preferably used as an antenna for a smart label.

In a further advantageous method, the printing device prints several layers one behind the other onto the containers.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:

Show:

1 An illustration of a device according to the invention;

2 A block diagram illustrating a system with a device according to the invention;

3a - 3c Illustrations for illustrating printing devices according to the invention,

4 Another illustration to illustrate a printing process;

5 A schematic representation for illustrating a printing device;

6 Another schematic representation to illustrate the invention; and

7 A side view of in 6 shown illustration.

1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention. In this case, the reference numeral refers 32 to a sorter, which brings the preforms in a desired orientation, to this then a heater 34 supply. This will be the containers 10 with the help of a single gear 3 the heater 34 fed, the containers are separated from this single-cycle or transported to each of these associated gripping elements. After heating in the heater 34 get the preforms via an inlet star 6 in a stretch blow molding machine 2 , In this stretch blow molding machine 2 The preforms are expanded to plastic containers.

For this purpose, the stretch blow molder 2 a variety of blowing stations 4 on, in each of which the preforms are expanded. At this stretch blow molding machine 2 closes a transport device 8th in the form of an outlet star. At this outlet star is a printing device 12 arranged, which provides the containers with imprints. Here, the term printing device is understood not only to printing device in the strict sense but to any device that attach symbols or readable elements on a template. More specifically, it is in the print Setup 12 Preferably, an ink jet printing device, which generates the pressure by the fact that they flowable substances on the containers 10 splashes.

At the outlet star 8th closes a transport device 9 on such as a conveyor belt. This will be the containers 10 downstream with respect to the outlet star 8th no longer isolated, but in rows. However, since the containers are provided with an imprint, they are customizable on this imprint at a later date. At the printing device 12 is preferably also an image pickup device 14 as a camera provided, which controls the imprints, for example in the case of a smart label, checks whether the geometric shape is correct. Preferably, this image pickup device 14 connected to a control device to be able to report any errors to this controller. Also, it would be possible to containers 10 weed out with faulty imprints.

2 shows a block diagram of a system with a device according to the invention 1 , The arrows refer to the transport direction of the containers through the system. After the containers in the blowing device 2 are generated, they are with the printing device according to the invention 12 individualized. The reference number 40 refers in each case to control and regulating devices which are able to read out and also describe generated smart labels.

Downstream of the blowing device 2 is a filling device 42 arranged, which fills the containers with a drink. Here is this filling device 42 designed such that they have several filling organs 43 has, which can fill the containers with different drinks. Depending on the incoming bottle can therefore be selected with which beverage the containers are filled. In this way, the control and regulating device is adapted to identify the respective container and to cause a filling with a particular beverage in response to this identification.

At the same time, the control and regulating device 40 also write information on the smart label, such as which product was filled, information about a date of filling and the like. To the filling device 42 closes a disinfection unit 44 and / or a cold water rinser. The reference number 46 refers to a labeling device containing several different labeling elements 47 which are capable of applying different labels to the containers. Accordingly, a control and regulating device is also provided here, which reads a smart label to determine which label is applied to the container.

The reference number 46 indicates a capper, at whose entrance again a corresponding control and regulating device 40 may be provided, which decides on which closure a particular container is to be provided.

The reference number 48 indicates a shrink tunnel, which in turn also with a control and regulating device 40 is provided to ensure that certain containers are provided with a packaging provided for them. The reference number 49 refers to another transport device.

Accordingly, a packaging device 52 decide with the help of read from the smart label information, which transport path 53 the containers are to be supplied. However, there would be other parts of the system conceivable, with the help of appropriate control and regulating devices 40 are controllable such as palletizers, depalletizers, conveyors and the like.

As mentioned above, the smart labels are produced by printing the individual components of this smart label directly onto the containers using an inkjet printer. For this purpose, special printing inks are used, which are in particular organic polymers. These printing inks are electrically conductive or semiconductive. It is possible to mist the ink applied to the containers but also in fine lines as an electrically conductive substance. As an example of an electroconductive substance, nano-silver-containing substance may be mentioned. Preferably, the particles contained in the inks on structure sizes, which under 30 μm lie.

The 3a - 3c show further embodiments of the arrangement of a printing device 12 , These printing devices are not only suitable for printing on containers with smart labels but are generally suitable for printing on bottles, for example, instead of the use of labels. In this case, the reference numeral refers 10 to a bottle, which from the above-mentioned transport device 8th is transported. A printing device 12 imprinted the external conversion of this bottle, wherein at the in 3a the embodiment shown, the printing device 12 along the double arrow P that is adjustable in height to print in this way the entire area of the outer wall of the container.

A printing device could also be provided at another point of the system, for example after a filler. It would also be possible for one or more printing devices to replace a labeling device.

3b shows an application in which bottles can be printed with a rounded or bulbous body. Again, it is possible the printing device 12 at a height that allows the entire body area of the container 10 to print. In a further embodiment, it would also be possible to use individual printing elements 12a . 12b and 12c to shift against each other, so that, for example, in 3b the top and bottom segments 12a in the direction of arrow A on the container 10 can be moved to realize in this way in each case the same or similar distances between the printing elements and the container.

3c shows a further embodiment of a printing device according to the invention 12 , In this case, it would be possible to tilt the printing device as indicated in order to print on inclined outer walls of the containers can.

It would also be possible in the 3a - 3c shown embodiments, in order to print in a variety of containers 10 to be able to produce.

4 shows a further embodiment of a printing device according to the invention 12 , It is possible, in addition to a rotation of the transport device along the arrow P2 and the containers themselves to rotate about its own axis (arrow P1). In this way, with the printing device 12 a larger peripheral region of the respective containers are printed, since the relative speed between the outer wall of the container and the printing device 12 elevated. Also it would be possible to put the containers in 4 to rotate in the opposite direction to the relative velocity between the outer wall of the containers 10 and the printing device 12 to reduce. This could be particularly interesting in high-speed installations, or in cases where a print of very high quality is to be produced.

Furthermore, it would also be possible to arrange a plurality of similar printing devices in the transport direction of the containers one behind the other, in order to increase the throughput in this way. In this case, only every nth container would be printed by a specific printing device, where n is the number of printing devices.

5 shows a schematic representation of a printing device 12 , The arrow P3 symbolizes the direction of movement of the containers. This printing device 12 here has a variety of printing elements 16a . 16b . 16c on. In a preferred embodiment, each of these pressure elements 16a . 16a . 16c a variety of nozzles, for example 512 Nozzles, which each output a pressure medium. In the 5 The printing device shown would be suitable, for example, to apply a four-color print on the containers, the two upper rows I print the first color, the two rows II the next color and the two rows III the third color and finally the two rows IV the fourth color , This is the printing elements 16a . 18 and 20 arranged in the transport direction P3 in succession, so that the colors are applied successively.

It can be seen that the individual printing elements 16a . 16b and 16c the row I are offset from each other. It should be noted that the individual printing elements have side edges. Would the individual printing elements be 16a . 16b and 16c Arranged in a row, so would a blank area in a transition between the individual printing elements 16a . 16b and 16c arise. By displacing the printing elements along the arrow P3, this offset can be compensated and in this way a continuous pressure can be generated. Specifically, it is achieved that the individual nozzles of the printing elements 16a . 16b and 16c to connect directly with each other. To the printing device 12 closes a drying device 24 , which has, for example, a UV lamp on.

6 shows a further embodiment of a transport device according to the invention. Here is the container 10 with a turntable 28 opposite the transport device 8th eccentric by means of a guide device 26 guided to achieve in this way that a distance d between the printing device 12 and the outer wall of the container in a certain area is substantially constant. The entire turntable 28 moves itself on a circular path (cf. 4 ). By skillful adjustment of the eccentric rotation with the guide device 26 on the transport speed of the transport device 8th For example, the above-mentioned distance d can be kept substantially constant.

If the container 10 Here, too, turn around its own axis, this area can be increased with essentially a constant distance.

7 shows a side view of in 6 shown illustration. One recognizes here that a bottle plate 28 that part of the transport means 8th is rotatable about its axis of rotation D and the container 10 itself again with respect to the axis L is rotated about its own axis. It is possible that the rotation about the axis D and the rotation about the axis L take place in the reverse direction. Depending on the application, however, it would also be possible for the rotations about the axes L and D to take place in the same direction or for the receptacle not to be rotated about its own longitudinal axis L.

All disclosed in the application documents features are claimed as essential to the invention, provided they are new individually or in combination over the prior art.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 2005041221 A1 [0002]
• DE 102005041221 [0003]
• DE 102005041211 A1 [0017]

Claims (52)

Contraption ( 1 ) for treating plastic containers with a blowing device ( 2 ), which preforms to containers ( 10 ), said blowing device having a plurality of blowing stations ( 4 ), in each of which preforms to containers ( 10 ) are expandable, with a downstream of the blowing device ( 2 ) arranged transport device ( 8th ), characterized in that at least one printing device ( 12 ) is provided, which the containers ( 10 ) during transport with the transport device ( 8th ) with at least one imprint. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the transport device ( 8th ) from the blowing stations ( 4 ) expanded containers ( 10 ) and occasionally transported. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the printing device ( 12 ) at least one printing element ( 16 ) having. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing device ( 12 ) is arranged stationary. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing device ( 12 ) has a plurality of nozzles for applying the imprint. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein downstream with respect to the printing device ( 12 ) a drying device ( 24 ) is provided for the imprint. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing device ( 12 ) a plurality of printing elements ( 16 . 18 . 20 ) having. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the printing elements ( 16 . 18 . 20 ) in the transport direction of the containers ( 10 ) is arranged one behind the other. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one pressure element ( 16 . 18 . 20 ) Ink on the container ( 10 ). Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pressure element ( 16 . 18 . 20 ) is a printhead. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 10, wherein said at least one printhead operates on the inkjet principle ( 16 . 18 . 20 ). Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pressure element ( 16 . 18 . 20 ) is displaceable in the longitudinal direction (L) of the containers. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device ( 8th ) has rotatable bodies, which rotate the containers ( 10 ) cause about its longitudinal axis (L). Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 13, wherein the containers are not only moved by the transport device itself along a circular path but are additionally rotated about its own axis. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein on the transport device further print heads are arranged, which apply a multi-color print on the container. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 15, wherein the further printheads apply a colored image on the container via the multi-color printing. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a print head has a plurality of nozzles for applying the imprint. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a curing device. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 18, wherein the curing device comprises an ultraviolet curing device for the curing of ink. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing device ( 12 ) is suitable for printing the containers in their circumferential direction over a larger circumferential angle, in particular in full circumference. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein upstream of the blowing device ( 2 ) an inlet star 6 is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 21, wherein upstream of the inlet star ( 6 ) a heating device ( 34 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 22, wherein upstream of the heating device ( 34 ) a single-gear ( 3 ) is arranged, wherein the preforms are separated from this single-cycle or transported to each of these associated gripping elements. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 23, wherein a sorting device upstream of the single-ended gear ( 32 ) which places preforms in a desired orientation. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at the printing device ( 12 ) an image recording device ( 14 ), in particular a camera, which controls the imprints. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 24, wherein the image recording device ( 14 ) is connected to a control device to report any errors to this control device. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the controller is arranged such that containers ( 10 ) are discarded with faulty imprints. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein downstream of the blowing device ( 2 ) a filling device ( 42 ) is arranged, which the containers ( 10 ) filled with a drink. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 27, wherein downstream of the filling device ( 42 ) a capper ( 46 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 28, wherein downstream of the capper ( 46 ) a packaging device ( 52 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a special printing ink is used, which is in particular organic polymers. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein in the ink are particles which have a structure size, which under 30 Micrometer is located. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing device ( 12 ) is generally suitable for printing on bottles. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing is usable instead of labels. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing device ( 12 ) imprinted the outer wall of the bottles. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more printing devices replace a labeling device. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein individual printing elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) are mutually displaceable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 36, wherein in each case identical or similar distances between the printing elements ( 12a . 12b . 12c ) and the container ( 10 ) are realized. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing device ( 12 ) is designed tiltable to obliquely outer walls of the containers ( 10 ) to print. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of similar printing devices ( 12 ) in the transport direction of the containers ( 10 ) are arranged one behind the other. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 39, wherein only every nth container is printed by a particular printing device, where n is the number of printing devices. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing device ( 12 ) a plurality of printing elements 16a . 16b . 16c having. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 42, wherein each of said printing elements ( 16a . 16a . 16c ) has a plurality of nozzles, each of which outputs a pressure medium. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure elements ( 16a . 18 . 20 ) are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction (P3), so that the colors are applied successively. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein individual printing elements ( 16a . 16b . 16c ) of a row I are offset from one another. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 45, wherein the displacement of the printing elements ( 16a . 16b . 16c ) along the transport direction (P3) of the offset is balanced and in this way a continuous pressure is generated. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the individual nozzles of the printing elements ( 16a . 16b . 16c ) join each other directly. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device comprises a rotatable turntable ( 28 ) for receiving the container ( 10 ). Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 48, wherein the entire turntable ( 28 ) moves itself on a circular path. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 48 or 49, wherein a rotation of the turntable ( 28 ) and the rotation of the container ( 19 ) in the opposite direction. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 48 or 49, wherein a rotation of the turntable ( 28 ) and the rotation of the container ( 19 ) take place in the same direction. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the container ( 10 ) is not rotated about its own longitudinal axis L.

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