EP2698256A1 - Printing device, print head for same and method for extraction of printing ink - Google Patents
Printing device, print head for same and method for extraction of printing ink Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2698256A1 EP2698256A1 EP13176464.9A EP13176464A EP2698256A1 EP 2698256 A1 EP2698256 A1 EP 2698256A1 EP 13176464 A EP13176464 A EP 13176464A EP 2698256 A1 EP2698256 A1 EP 2698256A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- printing
- suction
- ink
- container
- print head
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/1714—Conditioning of the outside of ink supply systems, e.g. inkjet collector cleaning, ink mist removal
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
- B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
- B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
- B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
- B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
- B41J3/40733—Printing on cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical objects, e. g. on bottles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a printing apparatus having the features of independent claim 1.
- the invention relates to a method for sucking sprayed and / or sprayed ink in the region of a printhead having the features of independent method claim 11.
- Printing devices for printing articles such as containers or bottles are known, among other things, as so-called direct printing devices, which normally comprise at least one electronically or digitally controllable print head with which the articles, containers or bottles can be printed.
- the at least one print head is at least during a printing operation in a defined relative position to a printing area on an article or container outer surface, so that the defined pressure range can be acted upon by the printing fluid, ink or ink.
- Such a direct printing method can replace a label, since the printing area is an item of equipment which, similar to a conventional label, indicates the content and / or can form a promotional motif.
- Electrostatic printheads such as ink-jet printheads or similar printheads, which have a plurality of individual nozzles, which are normally arranged in the form of a matrix and can be controlled individually, can be used for such direct printing processes, so that any desired motifs can be produced. Since the print area is usually much larger than the coverage area of the nozzle array of the printhead, either the printhead or the print area for creating the subject must be moved relative to one another by the printing process, or both. If multi-colored motifs are generated, the printing device can be formed by a plurality of printheads, each with different colors, which are normally in a fixed spatial relationship to each other, but optionally also the pressure ranges of several containers can be assigned, as it is, for example. In the EP 2 152 519 A1 is disclosed.
- the spray of finely divided ink or ink particles can be deposited undesirably on elements of the respective printing device and / or on parts of the machine environment where it causes contamination that can only be removed again with a high cleaning effort. Also, a discharge of the precipitates of ink particles on other machine parts and their enrichment can lead to significant pollution problems and malfunction. Especially with high machine performance and the associated high transport speeds turbulence may additionally arise, which may increase the pressure fog and / or contribute to an imprecise print image.
- ink or ink particles that have precipitated outside of the actual print area may not be detected by a curing station that uses UV light and may not cure. These particles can be wiped off and thereby also get into the drink that is filled into the container, which, depending on the printing ink used, can lead to impairments of taste or even to health risks.
- the EP 2 250 026 A1 proposes to reduce the pollution problem and to improve the print quality, a printing device for printing bottles and containers with multiple printing positions, each having a container carrier in the form of a bottle or container dish and a stamp for fixing the bottle or container on the plate.
- Each printing position or each plate is associated with a sleeve-like housing which completely encloses and accommodates the container or the bottle in the closed state.
- the housing or protective sleeve continues to print heads, with which the bottle or container are printed, possibly with several different colors.
- Fixing devices for curing the printing ink are also located inside the lockable housing.
- a suction device is used to aspirate sprayed ink, which sucked by means of several suction tubes on an upper side of the housing and via manifolds or pipes to a common Suction device is guided.
- each protective sleeve is formed so that at the bottom of the closed protective sleeve a slot-shaped opening for a supply air flow remains in the protective sleeve interior.
- the in the EP 2 250 026 A1 proposed suction device requires a significant construction cost for the mechanically closable and openable protective sleeves for each printing position, since all individual protective sleeves must be precisely controlled without disturbing the container flow or influence.
- the suction upwards requires a sufficient volume flow of the suction device, but can not prevent that a part of the ink is entrained before hitting the pressure range of the container upwards and precipitates in unfavorable circumstances in the upper region of the container, where the precipitated particles may not be achieved by the curing device and / or may result in a reduction in the quality feel and / or print quality of the entire container.
- a primary object of the invention is to provide a printing device for printing articles such as containers or bottles with at least one print head which avoids the mentioned disadvantages.
- the printing device should have a mechanically simple construction and be able to remove and / or avoid the largest possible amounts of spray of ejected ink without exposing larger article or container outer surfaces to the spray mist.
- the invention proposes a printing device with at least one print head, which is at least during a printing operation in a defined relative position to a printing area on an article or container outer surface and is prepared for liquid ink on the article, the container or to apply the bottle, either in single-color or multi-color printing, which then hardens and dries and can replace in this way a subsequently applied label.
- the printing head or the printing device is provided with a suction device for Suction of sprayed and / or sprayed ink coupled spatially and functionally associated with the at least one print head.
- the suction device is not only located in the vicinity of the print head and its outlet openings, so that print mist is sucked from the environment of the print head and / or the print area, but that largely all leaked from the print head and Particles, satellites, droplets, etc. detached from the ink to be applied to the container, which are capable of settling and precipitating as a disturbing pressure mist outside the actual printing area, are sucked off in the immediate vicinity of the discharge openings of the ejected liquid ink ejection head. and preferably immediately after their formation and not after the formation of a pressure mist in the vicinity of the printing device.
- the suction device does not suck the detached particles and droplets from a larger spatial environment, a chamber o. The like., But immediately after their formation at the outlet openings of the print head, so that they are already sucked, before they precipitate on the container or the machine environment and can lead to disturbing paint mist there.
- the printing device according to the invention is suitable for printing on all types of articles, packaging, containers, bottles, cans, etc., which have a definable pressure range on their outer surfaces and are accessible to a print head.
- the suction device is thus arranged in the immediate vicinity of outlet openings in the print head for the printing ink.
- the suction device can optionally be combined in a structural unit with the print head and / or integrated in this.
- the suction device can, for example, have one, two, three or more suction openings and / or suction slots, which can optionally be integrated in the print head or in its housing or arranged on the outside of the print head.
- An integrated arrangement may, for example, be configured in such a way that a plurality of suction slots are arranged on both sides of nozzle openings of the print head, so that the suction slots in the direction of movement in front of and behind the nozzle openings when the article or container for generating the printed image at fixed stationary printhead is oscillated in the horizontal direction.
- the printhead can either be fixed or arranged to be movable.
- the extraction according to the invention can also be realized with a movable print head.
- the suction would have to be stationary to the printhead and move with this.
- the suction slots can be arranged above and below the nozzle openings, so that the suction slots are located in the direction of movement above and below the nozzle openings when the article or container for generating the printed image with fixed printhead oscillating in the vertical direction and / or in combined Directions is moved.
- annular or annular segment-shaped suction openings are conceivable, which are arranged annularly around the central nozzle openings.
- numerous other design variants for the intake ports are conceivable, such as. Outside on the housing of the print head mounted suction nozzles, suction lines, suction slots o. The like., Which can be designed either removable or disassembled.
- the floating droplets produced by the printing process - the so-called satellite droplets - are sucked off adjacent to the nozzles of the print head.
- a gap is required, is to be sucked from the pressure mist during the printing process.
- the deflection of the ink droplets emitted by the printing nozzles at high speed should be as low as possible in order not to impair the print quality.
- Advantageous for this purpose is a suction around the print head or an extraction in front of and behind the print head in the direction of movement of the object to be printed.
- the suction device can be acted upon by variable and / or controllable suction pressure, wherein the suction pressure can be differently adjustable and / or adjustable for two or more suction openings or slots, for example.
- the Drucknebelabsaugung can be set to different operating conditions such as, for example, to different distances of the print head of the printing area to be printed on the article or container.
- different suction pressures at two or more suction ports of the print head may be useful if, for example, the suction flow is to be impressed on a particular direction or if this should be variable depending on the respective processing and / or printing speeds.
- An intake slot width of a suction slot or a suction opening may, for example, be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.2 and 7 mm, particularly preferably 0.2 to 5 mm. These dimensions have proven to be advantageous in practice, with the larger cross-sections and slot widths are useful to use when the distance between the print head and the printing area on the article or container is relatively large, which is particularly in uneven print area or relief-like forms on the Container shell surface is necessary, since in this case, a relatively large volume flow is required for effective extraction.
- the pressure interval may, for example, be up to 7 mm or more.
- the flow velocities along the suction slot can be influenced and varied and thus adapted to the typical production location of the ink mist.
- An increase in the flow rate can be achieved, for example, by a cross-sectional constriction.
- the generation of the necessary negative pressure or suction volume flow can optionally be done centrally via distributed lines or locally for the individual print heads or their suction devices.
- each of the suction openings can be equipped with devices for retaining sucked-in liquid, such as a so-called ink trap, for example in the form of a trough, a sponge or the like, so that the print heads can be pivoted (for example when changing format or product), without it and / or settled or condensed liquid ink emerges from the suction opening.
- a trough or channel may be arranged in a lower region of the suction opening, so that in the region of the suction condensed or precipitated pressure fluid is held there and can be removed before it undesirably exits the suction before it was entrained by the suction flow.
- the printhead together with the suction device should also be able to be operated variably in an inclined position, or else it can be tilted for maintenance purposes or during product changes, it is necessary to be able to prevent the ink droplets sucked out by suitable measures.
- This can be realized, for example, by the mentioned ink traps, by a bypass with a suction device, by sucking sponges or similar devices.
- the printing device may be assigned or arranged downstream of a fixing device for curing the ink on the printing area of the article, the container or the bottle, which covers a fixing area which is greater than the printing area and extends to several, preferably all sides beyond this printing area.
- each printhead can optionally be assigned its own hardening or fixing device, which can provide partial hardening after each applied color. After applying the complete printing of a container this can be subjected to UV curing, for example.
- the invention further relates to a print head for applying liquid ink to a printing area, which is in particular part of a printing device according to one of the previously described embodiments and has an integrated suction device.
- the invention comprises a method for aspirating sprayed and / or sprayed ink in the immediate vicinity of ink jet orifices of a printhead which is prepared for applying liquid ink to a printing area of an article, container or bottle or the like and which at least during a printing operation in a defined relative position to the printing area is located on an article or container outer surface.
- a plurality of detached satellites and / or floating droplets of the liquid ink near the printing area, in particular in the immediate vicinity of the outlet openings of the printhead and / or in close proximity to the printing area of the article or container are sucked off.
- At least one suction opening can bear a variable volume flow, which can be between 0 and approximately 20 m 3 / h.
- a variable volume flow which can be between 0 and approximately 20 m 3 / h.
- different and / or variable volume flows can also be applied to a plurality of suction openings, each of which can be between 0 and approximately 20 m 3 / h.
- an error detection which is coupled to the suction device in such a way that the suction device is regulated or controlled as a function of optical measurement parameters obtained in error detection
- an additional housing or guide elements of the respective printing stations in order to be able to direct the exhaust air flows more accurately and completely exclude a pressure mist formation outside the pressure ranges in this way.
- different variants of a multi-color printing are conceivable, such as.
- the two schematic views of Fig. 1 show a plastic container 10 which is printed by means of a printing device 12 according to the invention in a direct printing process on its outer circumferential surface 14.
- the plastic container 10 may in particular be a PET container, as it is used in the beverage industry in large numbers.
- the container 10 can be filled in a downstream filling station with a liquid such as a drink and then sealed gas-tight at its top opening.
- the printing device 12 comprises at least one print head 16, which is located at least during a printing operation in a defined relative position to a pressure region 18 on the container lateral surface 14 and is prepared to apply liquid ink 20 to the container 10 or the bottle.
- the printing ink 20 applied in the printing area 18 can be cured, for example by means of UV curing, by heating or by other suitable measures.
- This curing (not shown) can optionally take place immediately after the printing of each individual container 10 in an immediately subsequent processing step or in a downstream treatment station.
- ink 20 to printing area 18 can be done either in single-color or multi-color printing, where multi-color printing normally requires multiple print heads 16, each successively different in color 20 apply.
- This type of direct printing can replace a subsequently applied label.
- the printing can also be applied to a previously applied blank label.
- the print head 16 of the printing device 12 is coupled to a suction device 22 for sucking sprayed and / or sprayed ink 20, which is indicated by the broken arrows in the side view of FIG Fig. 1a and in the plan view of Fig. 1b is indicated, which each indicate a suction air flow 24, the sprayed and / or sprayed ink 20 sucked out of a space between the print head 16 and the print area 18.
- the aspirator 22 is associated with the printhead 16 both spatially and functionally.
- the suction device 22 is disposed in close proximity to outlet openings 28 in the print head 16 for the ink 20. Like the Fig. 2 indicates, the suction device 22 combined in a structural unit with the print head 16 and integrated into the housing 26.
- the suction device 22 comprises a plurality of suction slots 30, wherein the suction slots 30 are optionally arranged on both sides of the acted upon with the ink 20 nozzle openings 28 of the print head 16, so that the suction slots 30 in the direction of movement in front of and behind the nozzle openings 28th are located when the container 10 is moved to generate the printed image with fixed printhead 16 oscillating in the horizontal direction (see., Double arrow of Fig. 1 b) ,
- oscillating motion is not meant to be limiting in this context, but essentially means that an oscillating motion component is present.
- non-circular and / or non-rotatable form containers can be printed with a direct printing method, which are moved with a fixed printhead or against which the print head is moved. Normally, relative movements between the surface to be printed and the printhead 16 are required without having to specify these relative movements more accurately.
- the suction slots 30 can be arranged above and below the nozzle openings 28, so that the suction slots 30 are located in the direction of movement above and below the nozzle openings 28, when the container 10 moves to generate the printed image with fixed printhead 16 oscillating in the vertical direction becomes (see double arrow of the Fig. 1a ).
- the supply of the print head 16 with printing ink 20 is also indicated by an arrow as the suction air flow 24 of the suction device 22nd
- FIG. 3 illustrates the flow conditions that can arise when printing a container 10 by means of a direct printing device 12. Due to the relative movement of the container 10 to be printed and the superimposition of the suction flows 24, a container-specific flow profile 34 is created in a gap 32 between the container 10 and the print head 16. By means of the volume flows 36 of suction air routed through the suction slots 30, the pressure mist 38 in the intermediate space 32 is to be sucked off , The deflection of the ink droplets 40 should remain as low as possible in order not to adversely affect the print quality.
- an extraction has been found to be advantageous with suction slots 30 arranged around the outlet openings 28 of the print head 16, optionally an arrangement of the suction slots 30 in front of and behind the print head 16 in its direction of movement (corresponding to FIG Fig. 1 b) ,
- an optimal suction of the pressure mist 38 can additionally be achieved with minimal influence on the ink-jet pressure or the ink droplets 40 applied in this context in the region of the flow profile 34. Possibly.
- the occurring airflow profiles and thus the required extraction capacities can be determined.
- a variable adaptation and / or a controllable or adjustable suction pressure may be meaningful, wherein the suction pressure may, for example, be differently adjustable and / or regulatable for two or more intake openings or slots 30.
- the Drucknebelabsaugung can be adjusted to different operating conditions such as.
- different suction pressures to two or more suction ports 30 of the print head 16 may be useful if, for example, the suction flow 36 is to be impressed a certain direction in order to influence the flow profile 34.
- the Fig. 4 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a variant of an intake passage 42 of the print head 16.
- the flow velocities 46 of the volume flows 36 along the intake slot 30 are varied and adapted to the production of the pressure mist 38 become.
- An increase in the flow rate 46 can be achieved, for example, by a cross-sectional constriction.
- the flow rate 46 can be adjusted by different or variable suction powers.
- the intake slot width of the intake slots 30 may, for example, be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.2 and 7 mm, particularly preferably between 0.2 and 5 mm. These dimensions have been found in practice to be advantageous, with the larger cross-sections and slot widths are useful to use when the distance 32 between the print head 16 and the printing area 18 on the container 10 is relatively large, which is particularly uneven print area 18 or relief-like Expressions on the container lateral surface 14 is necessary, since in this case a relatively large volume flow 36 is required for effective extraction. In such container surfaces 14, the pressure interval 32 may be, for example, up to 7 mm or more.
- the Suction volume flow With too small cross sections of the suction openings 30, however, a large suction volume flow would lead to a very high air velocity of the suction flow, which could negatively influence the print quality under certain circumstances, since in this case also portions of the printing ink are sucked off or the printing ink emerging at high speed from the nozzles could be distracted.
- the Suction volume flow At very small distances between the print head and pressure range of, for example, 1 mm or less, the Suction volume flow, however, turn out smaller, which also makes smaller slit widths and - cross sections of the intake are reasonable.
- the volume flows 36 of the suction can, for example, be between 0 and 20 m 3 / h.
- each of the suction openings or slots 30 can be provided with suitable means for retaining sucked-in liquid, such as a so-called ink trap 48 (cf. Fig. 5 ), eg. In the form of a trough 50, a sponge 52 (see. Fig. 4 ) o.
- ink trap 48 cf. Fig. 5
- sponge 52 see. Fig. 4
- a trough 50 or gutter may be arranged in a lower region of the suction opening 30, so that in the region of the suction port 30 condensed or precipitated pressure fluid is held there and, for example, withdrawn via a bypass line 54 and the suction flow 36 can be supplied (see. Fig. 4 ).
- FIG. 6 shows a conveying section of a container treatment and / or filling plant 56 with a printing area 58 for direct printing of containers 10, which are moved on a transport star 60 and brought to the printing area 58.
- a rotating infeed star 62 conveys the containers 10 to the transport star 60 of the plant 56, while a rotating discharge star 64 transports the containers to another station, for example to a bottling plant, where the containers 10 are filled with liquid.
- the Fig. 6 also indicates an optional fixing device 66 for curing the printing ink on the printing area 18 of each container 10.
- the fixing device 66 can also be arranged on the outer circumference of the transport star 60, but is necessarily arranged downstream of the pressure region 58.
- a fixing area on the container lateral surface 14 which is greater than the pressure range 18 and to several, preferably all sides beyond this pressure range 18 extends, so reliably all knocked down on the container 10, but in most cases hardly visible droplets are fixed and can not be blurred in later treatment steps.
- FIG. 7 shows a further variant of a container handling and / or bottling plant 56, wherein the printing area 58 is disposed within the transport star 60 and is concentric with this adjustable to apply different inks on several containers 10 at the same time, as in a similar manner, for example.
- the trained as a ring pressure range 58 may in this case have a plurality of printing stations, each with a plurality of printheads for different colors, which can be assigned to the respective containers 10 by rotating the ring. Since the ring can be rotated in both directions depending on the pressure progress, several adjacent containers, possibly each with different printing inks, can be sprayed simultaneously.
- the suction device 22 according to the invention is also associated with each of the printheads, wherein a central suction line for the ring of the pressure region 58 may be useful.
- each container receptacle is assigned at the periphery of the carousel at least one print head 16 with the suction device according to the invention.
- two printheads 16 can preferably also be arranged, for example if a shoulder region of bottles is also to be printed and for this purpose an upper printhead is oriented in an angled manner so that it is substantially perpendicular to the shoulder surface of the bottle.
- an upper printhead is oriented in an angled manner so that it is substantially perpendicular to the shoulder surface of the bottle.
- the carousels can be arranged in modular succession.
- the aspirated ink droplets can be supplied for disposal via appropriate traps.
- the ink droplets can also be transferred from the liquid to the solid state of aggregation via a hardened form adapted to the ink and filtered or precipitated accordingly.
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Abstract
Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Druckvorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1. Zudem betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Absaugen von versprühter und/oder verspritzter Druckfarbe im Bereich eines Druckkopfes mit den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Verfahrensanspruchs 11.The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having the features of independent claim 1. In addition, the invention relates to a method for sucking sprayed and / or sprayed ink in the region of a printhead having the features of independent method claim 11.
Druckvorrichtung zum Bedrucken von Artikeln wie Behältern oder Flaschen sind unter anderem als sog. Direktdruckvorrichtungen bekannt, die normalerweise wenigstens einen elektronisch oder digital ansteuerbaren Druckkopf umfassen, mit dem die Artikel, Behälter oder die Flaschen bedruckt werden können. Hierzu befindet sich der wenigstens eine Druckkopf zumindest während eines Druckvorganges in einer definierten Relativposition zu einem Druckbereich an einer Artikel- oder Behälteraußenfläche, so dass der definierte Druckbereich mit der Druckflüssigkeit, Druckfarbe oder Tinte beaufschlagt werden kann. Ein solches Direktdruckverfahren kann eine Etikettierung ersetzen, da der Druckbereich ein Ausstattungsmerkmal bildet, das ähnlich einem herkömmlichen Etikett auf den Inhalt hinweist und/oder ein verkaufsförderndes Motiv bilden kann. Für solche Direktdruckverfahren können bspw. elektrostatische Druckköpfe wie Tintenstrahl- oder ähnliche Druckköpfe eingesetzt werden, die eine Vielzahl von Einzeldüsen aufweisen, die normalerweise in Form einer Matrix angeordnet und einzeln ansteuerbar sind, so dass beliebige Motive erzeugt werden können. Da der Druckbereich normalerweise deutlich größer ist als der Überdeckungsbereich der Düsenmatrix des Druckkopfes, müssen entweder der Druckkopf oder der Druckbereich zur Erzeugung des Motivs durch den Druckvorgang relativ zueinander bewegt werden oder beide. Sollen mehrfarbige Motive erzeugt werden, kann die Druckvorrichtung durch mehrere Druckköpfe mit jeweils unterschiedlichen Farben gebildet werden, die normalerweise in einer festen räumlichen Zuordnung zueinander stehen, wahlweise jedoch auch den Druckbereichen mehrerer Behälter zugeordnet sein können, wie es bspw. in der
Bei den meisten Direktdruckverfahren, die mit der Tintenstrahldrucktechnik arbeiten, entstehen unerwünschte Drucknebeleffekte, die zu Qualitätseinbußen beim Druckbild sowie zu Verschmutzungsproblemen in nachgeordneten Handhabungsstationen einer Maschinenumgebung führen können. Ein solcher Drucknebel entsteht durch Tropfenabrisse beim Ausstoß der Druckflüssigkeit aus den Düsen und/oder beim Auftreffen der Flüssigkeitsstrahlen auf dem Druckbereich des Artikels oder Behälters und wird als feines Aerosol in unkontrollierter Weise in der umgebenden Luft verteilt. Bei erhöhten Druckabständen können die einzelnen Tropfen auch durch Luftreibungseffekte stark abgebremst werden, wobei ein erheblicher Anteil der Tropfenimpulse verloren gehen kann. Hierdurch können auch Schwebezustände auftreten. Der Sprühnebel aus fein verteilten Tinten- oder Druckfarbenpartikeln kann sich in unerwünschter Weise auf Elementen der jeweiligen Druckvorrichtung und/oder auf Teilen der Maschinenumgebung ablagern, wo er Verschmutzungen verursacht, die nur mit einem hohen Reinigungsaufwand wieder zu entfernen sind. Auch ein Austrag der Niederschläge aus Druckfarbenpartikeln auf weitere Maschinenteile und ihre Anreicherung kann zu erheblichen Verschmutzungsproblemen und Funktionsstörungen führen. Besonders bei hohen Maschinenleistungen und der damit verbundenen hohen Transportgeschwindigkeiten können zusätzlich Turbulenzen entstehen, welche die Drucknebelbildung verstärken und/oder zu einem unpräzisen Druckbild beitragen können.Most direct printing processes using the ink jet printing technique create undesirable print fog effects that can lead to print quality degradation and fouling issues in downstream machine station handling stations. Such a pressure mist is created by Drop breaks on ejection of the pressure fluid from the nozzles and / or the impact of the fluid jets on the pressure area of the article or container and is distributed as a fine aerosol in an uncontrolled manner in the surrounding air. At elevated pressure intervals, the individual drops can be braked strongly by air friction effects, with a significant proportion of the droplet pulses can be lost. This can also cause limbo. The spray of finely divided ink or ink particles can be deposited undesirably on elements of the respective printing device and / or on parts of the machine environment where it causes contamination that can only be removed again with a high cleaning effort. Also, a discharge of the precipitates of ink particles on other machine parts and their enrichment can lead to significant pollution problems and malfunction. Especially with high machine performance and the associated high transport speeds turbulence may additionally arise, which may increase the pressure fog and / or contribute to an imprecise print image.
Hinzu kommt, dass solche Tinten- oder Druckfarbenpartikel, die sich außerhalb des eigentlichen Druckbereichs niedergeschlagen haben, von einer Härtestation, die mit UV-Licht arbeitet, möglicherweise nicht erfasst werden können und dadurch nicht aushärten. Diese Partikel können abgewischt werden und können dadurch auch in das Getränk gelangen, das in den Behälter abgefüllt wird, was je nach verwendeter Druckfarbe zu Geschmacksbeeinträchtigungen oder gar zu Gesundheitsgefährdungen führen kann.In addition, such ink or ink particles that have precipitated outside of the actual print area may not be detected by a curing station that uses UV light and may not cure. These particles can be wiped off and thereby also get into the drink that is filled into the container, which, depending on the printing ink used, can lead to impairments of taste or even to health risks.
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Ein vorrangiges Ziel der Erfindung besteht darin, eine Druckvorrichtung zum Bedrucken von Artikeln wie Behältern oder Flaschen mit wenigstens einem Druckkopf zur Verfügung zu stellen, welche die genannten Nachteile vermeidet. Die Druckvorrichtung soll einen mechanisch einfachen Aufbau aufweisen und in der Lage sein, möglichst große Anteile an Sprühnebel von ausgestoßener Druckfarbe zu entfernen und/oder zu vermeiden, ohne dass größere Artikel- oder Behälteraußenflächen dem Sprühnebel ausgesetzt werden.A primary object of the invention is to provide a printing device for printing articles such as containers or bottles with at least one print head which avoids the mentioned disadvantages. The printing device should have a mechanically simple construction and be able to remove and / or avoid the largest possible amounts of spray of ejected ink without exposing larger article or container outer surfaces to the spray mist.
Dieses Ziel der Erfindung wird mit den Gegenständen der unabhängigen Ansprüche erreicht. Merkmale vorteilhafter Weiterbildungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den abhängigen Ansprüchen. Zur Erreichung des genannten Ziels schlägt die Erfindung eine Druckvorrichtung mit mindestens einem Druckkopf vor, der sich zumindest während eines Druckvorganges in einer definierten Relativposition zu einem Druckbereich an einer Artikel- oder Behälteraußenfläche befindet und dafür vorbereitet ist, flüssige Druckfarbe auf den Artikel, den Behälter oder die Flasche aufzubringen, wahlweise in Einfarben- oder Mehrfarbendruck, die anschließend aushärtet und trocknet und auf diese Weise ein nachträglich aufgebrachtes Etikett ersetzen kann. Gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ist der Druckkopf bzw. die Druckvorrichtung mit einer Absaugeinrichtung zum Absaugen von versprühter und/oder verspritzter Druckfarbe gekoppelt, die räumlich und funktional dem wenigstens einen Druckkopf zugeordnet ist. Mit dem Begriff der räumlichen Zuordnung ist gemeint, dass die Absaugeinrichtung nicht nur in der Umgebung des Druckkopfes und dessen Austrittsöffnungen angeordnet ist, so dass Drucknebel aus der Umgebung des Druckkopfes und/oder des Druckbereichs abgesaugt wird, sondern dass weitgehend alle aus dem Druckkopf ausgetretenen und von der auf dem Behälter aufzubringenden Druckfarbe abgelösten Partikel, Satelliten, Tröpfchen etc., die in der Lage sind, sich als störender Drucknebel abseits des eigentlichen Druckbereichs abzusetzen und niederzuschlagen, in unmittelbarer Nähe zu den Austrittsöffnungen des Druckkopfes für die ausgestoßene flüssige Druckfarbe abgesaugt werden, und zwar vorzugsweise unmittelbar nach ihrer Entstehung und nicht erst nach Ausbildung eines Drucknebels in Nähe der Druckvorrichtung. Mit dem Begriff der funktionalen Zuordnung ist gemeint, dass die Absaugeinrichtung die abgelösten Partikel und Tröpfchen nicht aus einer größeren räumlichen Umgebung, einer Kammer o. dgl. absaugt, sondern unmittelbar nach ihrer Entstehung an den Austrittsöffnungen des Druckkopfes, so dass sie bereits abgesaugt werden, bevor sie sich an dem Behälter oder der Maschinenumgebung niederschlagen und dort zu störendem Farbnebel führen können.This object of the invention is achieved with the objects of the independent claims. Features of advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims. To achieve the stated object, the invention proposes a printing device with at least one print head, which is at least during a printing operation in a defined relative position to a printing area on an article or container outer surface and is prepared for liquid ink on the article, the container or to apply the bottle, either in single-color or multi-color printing, which then hardens and dries and can replace in this way a subsequently applied label. According to the present invention, the printing head or the printing device is provided with a suction device for Suction of sprayed and / or sprayed ink coupled spatially and functionally associated with the at least one print head. By the term spatial allocation is meant that the suction device is not only located in the vicinity of the print head and its outlet openings, so that print mist is sucked from the environment of the print head and / or the print area, but that largely all leaked from the print head and Particles, satellites, droplets, etc. detached from the ink to be applied to the container, which are capable of settling and precipitating as a disturbing pressure mist outside the actual printing area, are sucked off in the immediate vicinity of the discharge openings of the ejected liquid ink ejection head. and preferably immediately after their formation and not after the formation of a pressure mist in the vicinity of the printing device. By the term of the functional assignment is meant that the suction device does not suck the detached particles and droplets from a larger spatial environment, a chamber o. The like., But immediately after their formation at the outlet openings of the print head, so that they are already sucked, before they precipitate on the container or the machine environment and can lead to disturbing paint mist there.
Grundsätzlich eignet sich die erfindungsgemäße Druckvorrichtung zum Bedrucken aller Arten von Artikeln, Verpackungen, Behältern, Flaschen, Dosen etc., die an ihren Außenflächen einen definierbaren Druckbereich aufweisen und für einen Druckkopf erreichbar sind.Basically, the printing device according to the invention is suitable for printing on all types of articles, packaging, containers, bottles, cans, etc., which have a definable pressure range on their outer surfaces and are accessible to a print head.
Die bei Ink-Jet-Bedruckungen unvermeidlichen Tröpfchenbildungen durch Tropfenabrisse und/oder aufgrund von Luftreibungseffekten auftretenden Schwebezustände, die insbesondere bei größeren Druckdistanzen entstehen, können mit der erfindungsgemäßen Absaugeinrichtung weitestgehend entfernt werden, so dass eine hohe Druckqualität und eine minimale Maschinenverschmutzung gewährleistet werden kann. Es sollte in diesem Zusammenhang erwähnt werden, dass sich Tröpfchenabrisse und die erwähnten Schwebezustände (z.B. abgebremste Tröpfchen, Schwebeteile und Aerosole) bei der Ink-Jet-Drucktechnik generell nicht ganz vermeiden lassen. Allerdings tragen die erfindungsgemäßen Optimierungsmaßnahmen ganz wesentlich dazu bei, diese nachteiligen Effekte so gering wie möglich zu halten. Die Absaugung findet dabei nicht wie bei bekannten Druckstationen in geschlossenen Einhausungen oder auf umlaufenden Elementen statt, sondern direkt an den feststehenden oder beweglichen Druckköpfen. Es wird nicht in einem geschlossenen Gehäuse oder einer Einhausung abgesaugt, sondern im offenen Raum, wobei die Absaugung vor, nach, oberhalb und/oder unterhalb des Druckkopfes erfolgen kann. Vorteilig ist dabei der fehlende Aufwand, der bei einer bewegten und/oder umlaufenden Absaugung in Gestalt von Drehverteilern und der Unterdruckerzeugung an den drehenden oder bewegten Teilen erforderlich wäre. Die mit einer Einhausung verbundene aufwändige Öffnungs- und Schließmechanik kann ebenfalls entfallen. Zudem befindet sich die Absaugung unmittelbar dort, wo auch der Drucknebel entsteht. Eine Verschmutzung von Bauteilen wie auch von Einhausungselementen etc. ist mit der vorliegenden Erfindung auf ein Minimum reduziert.The unavoidable formation of droplets due to droplet breaks and / or suspended states occurring due to air friction effects, which occur especially at relatively high pressure distances, can be largely eliminated with the inventive suction device, so that a high print quality and minimal machine contamination can be ensured. It should be mentioned in this context that droplet breaks and the above-mentioned floating states (eg slowed down droplets, suspended parts and aerosols) can generally not be completely avoided with the ink-jet printing technique. However, the optimization measures according to the invention make a significant contribution to keeping these disadvantageous effects as low as possible. The extraction does not take place as in known printing stations in closed enclosures or on rotating elements, but directly to the fixed or movable printheads. It is not sucked in a closed housing or housing, but in open space, wherein the suction can be done before, after, above and / or below the printhead. The advantage here is the lack of effort that would be required for a moving and / or rotating suction in the form of rotary distributors and the vacuum generation on the rotating or moving parts. The elaborate opening and closing mechanism associated with a housing can also be omitted. In addition, the suction is located directly where the pressure mist arises. Contamination of components as well as housing elements etc. is reduced to a minimum with the present invention.
Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Druckvorrichtung ist die Absaugeinrichtung somit in unmittelbarer Nähe zu Austrittsöffnungen im Druckkopf für die Druckfarbe angeordnet. So kann die Absaugeinrichtung wahlweise in baulicher Einheit mit dem Druckkopf zusammengefasst und/oder in diesem integriert sein. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, die Absaugeinrichtung in einer Weise mit dem Druckkopf zu kombinieren, dass sie an Gehäuseaußenseiten geführt und angebracht ist, so dass die Absaugöffnungen in unmittelbarer Nähe zu den Austrittsöffnungen des Druckkopfes für die Druckfarbe zum Liegen kommen.In the printing device according to the invention, the suction device is thus arranged in the immediate vicinity of outlet openings in the print head for the printing ink. Thus, the suction device can optionally be combined in a structural unit with the print head and / or integrated in this. However, it is also possible to combine the suction device with the printhead in a manner that it is guided and mounted on the outside of the housing, so that the suction openings come to rest in close proximity to the outlet openings of the printing head for the printing ink.
Die Absaugeinrichtung kann bspw. eine, zwei, drei oder mehr Ansaugöffnungen und/oder Ansaugschlitze aufweisen, die wahlweise im Druckkopf bzw. in dessen Gehäuse integriert oder außen am Druckkopf angeordnet sein können. Eine integrierte Anordnung kann bspw. in einer Weise ausgestaltet sein, dass mehrere Ansaugschlitze zu beiden Seiten von Düsenöffnungen des Druckkopfes angeordnet sind, so dass sich die Ansaugschlitze in Bewegungsrichtung vor und hinter den Düsenöffnungen befinden, wenn der Artikel oder Behälter zur Erzeugung des Druckbildes bei fest stehendem Druckkopf oszillierend in horizontaler Richtung bewegt wird. Mit solchen Druckköpfen können aber auch Formbehälter und/oder nicht rotierbare oder nur teilweise rotierbare Behälter durch eine reine Relativbewegung oder eine gekoppelte Bewegung - teilrotative und translative Bewegung - bedruckt werden. Grundsätzlich gilt, dass der Druckkopf wahlweise fest stehen oder beweglich angeordnet sein kann. Die erfindungsgemäße Absaugung kann selbstverständlich auch bei einem beweglichen Druckkopf realisiert werden. Bei einer solchen Variante müsste sich die Absaugeinrichtung ortsfest zum Druckkopf befinden und mit diesem mit bewegen. Wenn also von einer oszillierenden Bewegung gesprochen wird, so ist dies in keiner Weise einschränkend auf eine bestimmte Bewegungsrichtung zu verstehen, sondern meint eine Hin- und Her-Bewegung in allen denkbaren und sinnvollen Raumrichtungen.The suction device can, for example, have one, two, three or more suction openings and / or suction slots, which can optionally be integrated in the print head or in its housing or arranged on the outside of the print head. An integrated arrangement may, for example, be configured in such a way that a plurality of suction slots are arranged on both sides of nozzle openings of the print head, so that the suction slots in the direction of movement in front of and behind the nozzle openings when the article or container for generating the printed image at fixed stationary printhead is oscillated in the horizontal direction. But with such printheads and mold containers and / or non-rotatable or only partially rotatable container by a pure relative movement or a coupled movement - partial rotative and translational movement - can be printed. Basically, the printhead can either be fixed or arranged to be movable. Of course, the extraction according to the invention can also be realized with a movable print head. In such a variant, the suction would have to be stationary to the printhead and move with this. Thus, when speaking of an oscillating motion, this is in no way limiting to a particular direction of motion to understand, but means a reciprocating motion in all conceivable and meaningful spatial directions.
In gleicher Weise können die Ansaugschlitze oberhalb und unterhalb der Düsenöffnungen angeordnet sein, so dass sich die Ansaugschlitze in Bewegungsrichtung oberhalb und unterhalb der Düsenöffnungen befinden, wenn der Artikel oder Behälter zur Erzeugung des Druckbildes bei fest stehendem Druckkopf oszillierend in vertikaler Richtung und/oder in kombinierten Richtungen bewegt wird. Auch ringförmige oder ringsegmentförmige Ansaugöffnungen sind denkbar, welche ringförmig um die zentralen Düsenöffnungen angeordnet sind. Darüber hinaus sind auch zahlreiche andere Gestaltungsvarianten für die Ansaugöffnungen denkbar, so bspw. außen am Gehäuse des Druckkopfes angebrachte Ansaugdüsen, Ansaugleitungen, Ansaugschlitze o. dgl., die wahlweise abnehmbar bzw. demontierbar ausgestaltet sein können.In the same way, the suction slots can be arranged above and below the nozzle openings, so that the suction slots are located in the direction of movement above and below the nozzle openings when the article or container for generating the printed image with fixed printhead oscillating in the vertical direction and / or in combined Directions is moved. Also annular or annular segment-shaped suction openings are conceivable, which are arranged annularly around the central nozzle openings. In addition, numerous other design variants for the intake ports are conceivable, such as. Outside on the housing of the print head mounted suction nozzles, suction lines, suction slots o. The like., Which can be designed either removable or disassembled.
Die durch den Druckprozess entstehenden schwebenden Tröpfchen - die sog. Satellitentröpfchen - werden benachbart zu den Düsen des Druckkopfes abgesaugt. Für eine störungs- und berührungsfreie Drehung bzw. Bewegung des zu bedruckenden Behälters vor dem Druckkopf ist ein Zwischenraum erforderlich, aus dem während des Druckprozesses der Drucknebel abgesaugt werden soll. Die Ablenkung der von den Druckdüsen mit hoher Geschwindigkeit abgegebenen Tintentröpfchen soll dabei so gering wie möglich sein, um die Druckqualität nicht zu beeinträchtigen. Vorteilhaft ist hierfür eine Absaugung rings um den Druckkopf oder eine Absaugung vor und hinter dem Druckkopf in der Bewegungsrichtung des zu bedruckenden Objektes. Durch die Relativbewegung des zu bedruckenden Körpers und der Überlagerung der Absaugströmungen entsteht zwischen Behälter und Druckkopf ein behälterspezifisches Strömungsprofil. Durch Absaugung der jeweiligen Volumenströme der Schlitzabsaugungen kann dieses Strömungsprofil für eine optimale Absaugung des Drucknebels bei minimaler Beeinflussung des Ink-Jet-Drucks erreicht werden.The floating droplets produced by the printing process - the so-called satellite droplets - are sucked off adjacent to the nozzles of the print head. For a trouble-free and non-contact rotation or movement of the container to be printed in front of the print head, a gap is required, is to be sucked from the pressure mist during the printing process. The deflection of the ink droplets emitted by the printing nozzles at high speed should be as low as possible in order not to impair the print quality. Advantageous for this purpose is a suction around the print head or an extraction in front of and behind the print head in the direction of movement of the object to be printed. The relative movement of the body to be printed and the superimposition of the suction flows create a container-specific flow profile between the container and the print head. By suction of the respective volume flows of the slot suction this flow profile can be achieved for optimal extraction of the pressure mist with minimal influence of the ink-jet pressure.
Von Vorteil kann es darüber hinaus sein, wenn die Absaugeinrichtung mit variablem und/oder steuer- oder regelbarem Saugdruck beaufschlagbar ist, wobei der Saugdruck bspw. für zwei oder mehr Ansaugöffnungen oder Schlitze jeweils unterschiedlich einstellbar und/oder regelbar sein kann. Auf diese Weise kann die Drucknebelabsaugung an unterschiedliche Betriebsbedingungen wie bspw. an unterschiedliche Abstände des Druckkopfes von dem zu bedruckenden Druckbereich auf dem Artikel oder Behälter eingestellt werden. Auch unterschiedliche Saugdrücke an zwei oder mehr Ansaugöffnungen des Druckkopfes können sinnvoll sein, wenn bspw. der Saugströmung eine bestimmte Richtung aufgeprägt werden soll oder wenn diese abhängig von den jeweiligen Verarbeitungs- und/oder Druckgeschwindigkeiten veränderbar sein soll.It may also be advantageous if the suction device can be acted upon by variable and / or controllable suction pressure, wherein the suction pressure can be differently adjustable and / or adjustable for two or more suction openings or slots, for example. In this way, the Drucknebelabsaugung can be set to different operating conditions such as, for example, to different distances of the print head of the printing area to be printed on the article or container. Also, different suction pressures at two or more suction ports of the print head may be useful if, for example, the suction flow is to be impressed on a particular direction or if this should be variable depending on the respective processing and / or printing speeds.
Eine Ansaugschlitzbreite eines Ansaugschlitzes bzw. einer Ansaugöffnung kann bspw. zwischen 0,1 mm und 10 mm, vorzugsweise zwischen 0,2 und 7 mm, besonders bevorzugt 0,2 bis 5 mm betragen. Diese Dimensionen haben sich in der Praxis als vorteilhaft herausgestellt, wobei die größeren Querschnitte und Schlitzbreiten dann sinnvoll einzusetzen sind, wenn der Abstand zwischen dem Druckkopf und dem Druckbereich auf dem Artikel oder Behälter relativ groß ist, was insbesondere bei unebenem Druckbereich oder reliefartigen Ausprägungen an der Behältermantelfläche notwendig ist, da in diesem Fall für eine effektive Absaugung ein relativ großer Volumenstrom erforderlich ist. Bei solchen Behälteroberflächen kann der Druckabstand bspw. bis zu 7 mm oder mehr betragen. Bei zu geringen Querschnitten der Ansaugöffnungen würde ein großer Saugvolumenstrom jedoch zu einer sehr hohen Luftgeschwindigkeit der Saugströmung führen, was die Druckqualität unter Umständen negativ beeinflussen könnte, da in diesem Fall auch Anteile der Druckfarbe abgesaugt bzw. die mit hoher Geschwindigkeit aus den Düsen austretende Druckfarbe abgelenkt werden könnte. Bei sehr geringen Abständen zwischen Druckkopf und Druckbereich von bspw. 1 mm oder weniger kann der Saugvolumenstrom dagegen kleiner ausfallen, wodurch auch kleinere Schlitzbreiten und -querschnitte der Ansaugöffnungen sinnvoll sind.An intake slot width of a suction slot or a suction opening may, for example, be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.2 and 7 mm, particularly preferably 0.2 to 5 mm. These dimensions have proven to be advantageous in practice, with the larger cross-sections and slot widths are useful to use when the distance between the print head and the printing area on the article or container is relatively large, which is particularly in uneven print area or relief-like forms on the Container shell surface is necessary, since in this case, a relatively large volume flow is required for effective extraction. In such container surfaces, the pressure interval may, for example, be up to 7 mm or more. With too small cross sections of the suction openings, however, a large suction volume flow would lead to a very high air velocity of the suction flow, which could adversely affect the print quality under certain circumstances, since in this case also portions of the ink are sucked off or the ink emerging at high speed from the nozzles is deflected could be. At very small distances between the print head and the pressure range of, for example, 1 mm or less, however, the suction volume flow can be smaller, whereby smaller slot widths and cross sections of the suction openings are useful.
Durch eine angepasste Gestaltung der Geometrie der Ansaugkanäle und deren Seitenwandgestaltung können die Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten entlang des Absaugschlitzes beeinflusst und variiert werden und somit dem typischen Erzeugungsort des Tintennebels angepasst werden. So kann es abhängig vom Behälterdesign und der daraus resultierenden unterschiedlichen Druckabstände sinnvoll sein, die Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten in Bereichen mit großen Druckabständen zu vergrößern. Eine Vergrößerung der Strömungsgeschwindigkeit lässt sich bspw. durch eine Querschnittsverengung erreichen. Zudem ist es denkbar, unterschiedliche Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten durch Anpassen der Saugleistung zu erreichen.By adapting the geometry of the intake ducts and their side wall design, the flow velocities along the suction slot can be influenced and varied and thus adapted to the typical production location of the ink mist. Thus, depending on the container design and the resulting different pressure intervals, it may be useful to increase the flow velocities in areas with large pressure intervals. An increase in the flow rate can be achieved, for example, by a cross-sectional constriction. In addition, it is conceivable to achieve different flow velocities by adjusting the suction power.
Die Erzeugung des notwendigen Unterdrucks bzw. Saugvolumenstroms kann wahlweise zentral über verteilte Leitungen oder lokal für die einzelnen Druckköpfe bzw. deren Absaugeinrichtungen erfolgen.The generation of the necessary negative pressure or suction volume flow can optionally be done centrally via distributed lines or locally for the individual print heads or their suction devices.
Jede der Ansaugöffnungen kann darüber hinaus mit Einrichtungen zur Zurückhaltung angesaugter Flüssigkeit wie einer sog. Tintenfalle ausgestattet sein, bspw. in Form einer Mulde, eines Schwamms o. dgl., so dass die Druckköpfe verschwenkt werden können (z.B. beim Format- oder Produktwechsel), ohne dass darin befindliche und/oder abgesetzte bzw. kondensierte flüssige Druckfarbe aus der Absaugöffnung austritt. Eine Mulde oder Rinne kann in einem unteren Bereich der Ansaugöffnung angeordnet sein, so dass im Bereich der Ansaugöffnung kondensierte oder niedergeschlagene Druckflüssigkeit dort festgehalten wird und abgezogen werden kann, bevor sie in unerwünschter Weise aus der Ansaugöffnung austritt, bevor sie von der Saugströmung mitgerissen wurde.In addition, each of the suction openings can be equipped with devices for retaining sucked-in liquid, such as a so-called ink trap, for example in the form of a trough, a sponge or the like, so that the print heads can be pivoted (for example when changing format or product), without it and / or settled or condensed liquid ink emerges from the suction opening. A trough or channel may be arranged in a lower region of the suction opening, so that in the region of the suction condensed or precipitated pressure fluid is held there and can be removed before it undesirably exits the suction before it was entrained by the suction flow.
Da der Druckkopf mitsamt der Absaugeinrichtung auch in geneigter Lage variabel betreibbar sein sollte oder aber zu Wartungszwecken oder bei Produktwechseln geneigt werden kann, muss durch geeignete Maßnahmen ein Herauslaufen der eingesaugten Tintentröpfchen verhindert werden können. Dies kann bspw. durch die erwähnten Tintenfallen, durch einen Bypass mit Absaugeinrichtung, durch saugende Schwämme oder ähnliche Einrichtungen realisiert werden.Since the printhead together with the suction device should also be able to be operated variably in an inclined position, or else it can be tilted for maintenance purposes or during product changes, it is necessary to be able to prevent the ink droplets sucked out by suitable measures. This can be realized, for example, by the mentioned ink traps, by a bypass with a suction device, by sucking sponges or similar devices.
Weiterhin kann der Druckvorrichtung eine Fixiereinrichtung zum Aushärten der Druckfarbe auf dem Druckbereich des Artikels, des Behälters oder der Flasche zugeordnet bzw. nachgeordnet sein, die einen Fixierbereich abdeckt, die größer ist als der Druckbereich und zu mehreren, vorzugsweise allen Seiten über diesen Druckbereich hinausreicht. In diesem Zusammenhang kann jedem Druckkopf wahlweise eine eigene Härte- oder Fixiereinrichtung zugeordnet sein, die für eine Teilhärtung nach jeder aufgebrachten Farbe sorgen kann. Nach dem Aufbringen der kompletten Bedruckung eines Behälters kann dieser beispielsweise einer UV-Härtung unterzogen werden.Furthermore, the printing device may be assigned or arranged downstream of a fixing device for curing the ink on the printing area of the article, the container or the bottle, which covers a fixing area which is greater than the printing area and extends to several, preferably all sides beyond this printing area. In this context, each printhead can optionally be assigned its own hardening or fixing device, which can provide partial hardening after each applied color. After applying the complete printing of a container this can be subjected to UV curing, for example.
Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin einen Druckkopf zum Aufbringen flüssiger Druckfarbe auf einen Druckbereich, der insbesondere Teil einer Druckvorrichtung gemäß einer der zuvor beschriebenen Ausführungsvarianten ist und eine integrierte Absaugeinrichtung aufweist.The invention further relates to a print head for applying liquid ink to a printing area, which is in particular part of a printing device according to one of the previously described embodiments and has an integrated suction device.
Schließlich umfasst die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Absaugen von versprühter und/oder verspritzter Druckfarbe in unmittelbarer Nähe von Austrittsöffnungen für Druckfarbe eines Druckkopfes, der zum Aufbringen flüssiger Druckfarbe auf einen Druckbereich eines Artikels, eines Behälters oder einer Flasche o. dgl. vorbereitet ist und der sich zumindest während eines Druckvorganges in einer definierten Relativposition zum Druckbereich an einer Artikel- oder Behälteraußenfläche befindet. Bei dem Verfahren kann eine Vielzahl von abgelösten Satelliten und/oder schwebenden Tröpfchen der flüssigen Druckfarbe in Nähe des Druckbereichs, insbesondere in unmittelbarer Nähe des der Austrittsöffnungen des Druckkopfes und/oder in unmittelbarer Nähe zum Druckbereich des Artikels oder Behälter abgesaugt werden. Zudem kann an wenigstens einer Absaugöffnung ein variabler Volumenstrom anliegen, der zwischen 0 und ca. 20 m3/h betragen kann. Es können auch an mehreren Absaugöffnungen jeweils unterschiedliche und/oder variable Volumenströme anliegen, die jeweils zwischen 0 und ca. 20 m3/h betragen können.Finally, the invention comprises a method for aspirating sprayed and / or sprayed ink in the immediate vicinity of ink jet orifices of a printhead which is prepared for applying liquid ink to a printing area of an article, container or bottle or the like and which at least during a printing operation in a defined relative position to the printing area is located on an article or container outer surface. In the method, a plurality of detached satellites and / or floating droplets of the liquid ink near the printing area, in particular in the immediate vicinity of the outlet openings of the printhead and / or in close proximity to the printing area of the article or container are sucked off. In addition, at least one suction opening can bear a variable volume flow, which can be between 0 and approximately 20 m 3 / h. In each case, different and / or variable volume flows can also be applied to a plurality of suction openings, each of which can be between 0 and approximately 20 m 3 / h.
Neben den oben erwähnten Varianten und Erfindungsaspekten sind weitere Optionen denkbar, so bspw. eine Fehlererkennung, die mit der Absaugeinrichtung in einer Weise gekoppelt ist, dass die Absaugeinrichtung in Abhängigkeit von optischen Messparametern, die in der Fehlererkennung gewonnen werden, geregelt oder gesteuert wird, um bspw. eine stärkere Absaugung bei stärkerer Drucknebelbildung oder eine schwächere Absaugung bei zu stark abgelenkter Druckfarbe und einer damit verbundenen Verschlechterung der Druckqualität einzustellen. Eine weitere Option stellt eine zusätzliche Einhausung oder Leitelemente der jeweiligen Druckstationen dar, um auf diese Weise die Absaugluftströmungen exakter lenken zu können und eine Drucknebelbildung außerhalb der Druckbereiche vollständig auszuschließen. Darüber hinaus sind unterschiedliche Varianten eines Mehrfarbendrucks denkbar, so bspw. ein drehbarer Ring mit daran angeordneten Druckköpfen, die relativ zu den Behälterpositionen bewegt werden können, um bspw. nacheinander unterschiedliche Druckfarben aufbringen zu können.In addition to the above-mentioned variants and aspects of the invention, further options are conceivable, for example an error detection, which is coupled to the suction device in such a way that the suction device is regulated or controlled as a function of optical measurement parameters obtained in error detection For example, to set a stronger suction with stronger pressure mist or a weaker suction at too much deflected ink and a concomitant deterioration in print quality. Another option is an additional housing or guide elements of the respective printing stations, in order to be able to direct the exhaust air flows more accurately and completely exclude a pressure mist formation outside the pressure ranges in this way. In addition, different variants of a multi-color printing are conceivable, such as. A rotatable ring with printheads arranged thereon, which can be moved relative to the container positions, for example, to be able to apply successively different inks can.
Im Folgenden sollen Ausführungsbeispiele die Erfindung und ihre Vorteile anhand der beigefügten Figuren näher erläutern. Die Größenverhältnisse der einzelnen Elemente zueinander in den Figuren entsprechen nicht immer den realen Größenverhältnissen, da einige Formen vereinfacht und andere Formen zur besseren Veranschaulichung vergrößert im Verhältnis zu anderen Elementen dargestellt sind.
-
Fig. 1 zeigt in zwei schematischen Ansichten einen Kunststoffbehälter, der mittels einer Druckvorrichtung im Direktdruckverfahren an seiner Außenmantelfläche bedruckt wird. -
Fig. 2 zeigt eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemäßen Druckkopfes. -
Fig. 3 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht die Strömungsverhältnisse beim Bedrucken eines Behälters. -
Fig. 4 zeigt einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch einen Ansaugkanal eines Druckkopfes. -
Fig. 5 zeigt einen Detailschnitt eines Teils des Ansaugkanals des Druckkopfes. -
Fig. 6 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines Förderabschnittes mit einem Druckbereich zur direkten Bedruckung von Behältern. -
Fig. 7 zeigt eine Ausführungsvariante eines ringförmigen Druckbereichs, der einem Förderstern der Anlage zugeordnet ist.
-
Fig. 1 shows in two schematic views of a plastic container which is printed by means of a printing device in a direct printing process on its outer circumferential surface. -
Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a printhead according to the invention. -
Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of the flow conditions when printing a container. -
Fig. 4 shows a schematic longitudinal section through an intake passage of a print head. -
Fig. 5 shows a detail section of a part of the suction channel of the printhead. -
Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a conveyor section with a pressure range for direct printing of containers. -
Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of an annular pressure area, which is associated with a conveyor star of the system.
Für gleiche oder gleich wirkende Elemente der Erfindung werden identische Bezugszeichen verwendet. Ferner werden der Übersicht halber nur Bezugszeichen in den einzelnen Figuren dargestellt, die für die Beschreibung der jeweiligen Figur erforderlich sind. Die dargestellten Ausführungsformen stellen lediglich Beispiele dar, wie die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung oder das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ausgestaltet sein können und stellen keine abschließende Begrenzung dar.For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the device or method of the invention may be configured and are not an exhaustive limitation.
Die beiden schematischen Ansichten der
Die Beaufschlagung des Druckbereichs 18 mit Druckfarbe 20 kann wahlweise im Einfarben- oder Mehrfarbendruck erfolgen, wobei ein Mehrfarbendruck normalerweise mehrere Druckköpfe 16 erfordert, die nacheinander jeweils unterschiedliche Druckfarbe 20 aufbringen. Diese Art der Direktbedruckung kann ein nachträglich aufgebrachtes Etikett ersetzen. Wahlweise kann die Bedruckung jedoch auch auf ein zuvor aufgebrachtes Blanko-Etikett aufgebracht werden.The application of
Der Druckkopf 16 der Druckvorrichtung 12 ist mit einer Absaugeinrichtung 22 zum Absaugen von versprühter und/oder verspritzter Druckfarbe 20 gekoppelt, was durch die unterbrochenen Pfeile in der Seitenansicht der
Wie es die schematische Perspektivansicht einer Ausführungsvariante des erfindungsgemäßen Druckkopfes 16 der
In gleicher Weise können die Ansaugschlitze 30 oberhalb und unterhalb der Düsenöffnungen 28 angeordnet sein, so dass sich die Ansaugschlitze 30 in Bewegungsrichtung oberhalb und unterhalb der Düsenöffnungen 28 befinden, wenn der Behälter 10 zur Erzeugung des Druckbildes bei fest stehendem Druckkopf 16 oszillierend in vertikaler Richtung bewegt wird (vgl. Doppelpfeil der
Die schematische Draufsicht der
Sinnvoll können weiterhin eine variable Anpassung und/oder ein steuer- oder regelbarer Saugdruck sein, wobei der Saugdruck bspw. für zwei oder mehr Ansaugöffnungen oder Schlitze 30 jeweils unterschiedlich einstellbar und/oder regelbar sein kann. Auf diese Weise kann die Drucknebelabsaugung an unterschiedliche Betriebsbedingungen wie bspw. an unterschiedliche Abstände des Druckkopfes 16 von dem zu bedruckenden Druckbereich 18 auf dem Behälter 10 eingestellt werden. Auch unterschiedliche Saugdrücke an zwei oder mehr Ansaugöffnungen 30 des Druckkopfes 16 können sinnvoll sein, wenn bspw. der Saugströmung 36 eine bestimmte Richtung aufgeprägt werden soll, um das Strömungsprofil 34 zu beeinflussen.Furthermore, a variable adaptation and / or a controllable or adjustable suction pressure may be meaningful, wherein the suction pressure may, for example, be differently adjustable and / or regulatable for two or more intake openings or
Die
Die Ansaugschlitzbreite der Ansaugschlitze 30 kann bspw. zwischen 0,1 mm und 10 mm, vorzugsweise zwischen 0,2 und 7 mm, besonders bevorzugt zwischen 0,2 und 5 mm betragen. Diese Dimensionen haben sich in der Praxis als vorteilhaft herausgestellt, wobei die größeren Querschnitte und Schlitzbreiten dann sinnvoll einzusetzen sind, wenn der Abstand 32 zwischen dem Druckkopf 16 und dem Druckbereich 18 auf dem Behälter 10 relativ groß ist, was insbesondere bei unebenem Druckbereich 18 oder reliefartigen Ausprägungen an der Behältermantelfläche 14 notwendig ist, da in diesem Fall für eine effektive Absaugung ein relativ großer Volumenstrom 36 erforderlich ist. Bei solchen Behälteroberflächen 14 kann der Druckabstand 32 bspw. bis zu 7 mm oder mehr betragen. Bei zu geringen Querschnitten der Ansaugöffnungen 30 würde ein großer Saugvolumenstrom jedoch zu einer sehr hohen Luftgeschwindigkeit der Saugströmung führen, was die Druckqualität unter Umständen negativ beeinflussen könnte, da in diesem Fall auch Anteile der Druckfarbe abgesaugt bzw. die mit hoher Geschwindigkeit aus den Düsen austretende Druckfarbe abgelenkt werden könnte. Bei sehr geringen Abständen zwischen Druckkopf und Druckbereich von bspw. 1 mm oder weniger kann der Saugvolumenstrom dagegen kleiner ausfallen, wodurch auch kleinere Schlitzbreiten und - querschnitte der Ansaugöffnungen sinnvoll sind. Die Volumenströme 36 der Absaugung können bspw. zwischen 0 und 20 m3/h betragen.The intake slot width of the
Da der Druckkopf 16 mitsamt den daran angeordneten Teilen der Absaugeinrichtung 22 auch in einer geneigten Einbaulage (Anstellwinkel α; vgl.
Die schematische Draufsicht der
Die schematische Ansicht der
Weiterhin wäre es auch denkbar, dass auf einem Karussell nur eine einzige Druckfarbe auf die Behälter aufgebracht wird, wobei jeder Behälteraufnahme am Umfang des Karussells mindestens ein Druckkopf 16 mit der erfindungsgemäßen Absaugung zugeordnet ist. In der Höhe können bevorzugt auch zwei Druckköpfe 16 angeordnet sein, wenn beispielsweise ein Schulterbereich von Flaschen ebenfalls bedruckt werden soll und hierfür ein oberer Druckkopf anders angewinkelt ausgerichtet ist, so dass er im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Schulterfläche der Flasche steht. Hier kann auch auf den innendrehenden Ring verzichtet werden, da andere Farben in weiteren Karussellen aufgebracht werden. Die Karusselle können hierzu modular nacheinander angeordnet sein.Furthermore, it would also be conceivable that only a single ink is applied to the container on a carousel, wherein each container receptacle is assigned at the periphery of the carousel at least one
Die Erfindung wurde unter Bezugnahme auf eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform beschrieben. Es ist jedoch für einen Fachmann vorstellbar, dass Abwandlungen oder Änderungen der Erfindung gemacht werden können, ohne dabei den Schutzbereich der nachstehenden Ansprüche zu verlassen. Die abgesaugten Tintentröpfchen können über entsprechende Fallen einer Entsorgung zugeführt werden. die Tintentröpfchen können auch über eine der Tinte angepasste Härtungsform vom flüssigen in den festen Aggregatzustand überführt werden und entsprechend filtriert oder abgeschieden werden. Darüber hinaus ist es denkbar, die gesammelten Tinten einer Wiederverwendung bzw. einer Wiederaufbereitung zuzuführen.The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims. The aspirated ink droplets can be supplied for disposal via appropriate traps. The ink droplets can also be transferred from the liquid to the solid state of aggregation via a hardened form adapted to the ink and filtered or precipitated accordingly. In addition, it is conceivable to reuse the collected inks for reuse or reprocessing.
- 1010
- Behälter, Artikel, Flasche, KunststoffbehälterContainer, article, bottle, plastic container
- 1212
- Druckvorrichtungprinting device
- 1414
- Außenmantelfläche, BehältermantelflächeOuter jacket surface, container lateral surface
- 1616
- Druckkopfprinthead
- 1818
- Druckbereichpressure range
- 2020
- Druckfarbeprinting ink
- 2222
- Absaugeinrichtungsuction
- 2424
- AbsaugluftströmungAbsaugluftströmung
- 2626
- Gehäusecasing
- 2828
- Austrittsöffnungoutlet opening
- 3030
- Ansaugschlitze, AnsaugöffnungenIntake slots, intake openings
- 3232
- Zwischenraum, DruckabstandGap, pressure gap
- 3434
- Strömungsprofilflow profile
- 3636
- Volumenstromflow
- 3838
- Drucknebelpressure fog
- 4040
- Tintentröpfchenink droplets
- 4242
- Ansaugkanalintake port
- 4444
- Seitenwändeside walls
- 4646
- Strömungsgeschwindigkeitflow rate
- 4848
- Tintenfalleink case
- 5050
- Muldetrough
- 5252
- Schwammsponge
- 5454
- Bypassleitungbypass line
- 5656
- Anlage, Behälterbehandlungs- und/oder AbfüllanlagePlant, container treatment and / or bottling plant
- 5858
- Druckbereich60Druckbereich60
- 6060
- Transportsterntransport star
- 6262
- Einlaufsternfeed star
- 6464
- Auslaufsternoutlet star
- 6666
- Fixiereinrichtungfixing
- αα
- Anstellwinkel des DruckkopfesAngle of attack of the printhead
Claims (14)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DE102012214349.1A DE102012214349A1 (en) | 2012-08-13 | 2012-08-13 | Printing device, printhead therefor and method for vacuuming ink |
Publications (3)
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EP2698256A1 true EP2698256A1 (en) | 2014-02-19 |
EP2698256B1 EP2698256B1 (en) | 2019-01-23 |
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EP13176464.9A Active EP2698256B2 (en) | 2012-08-13 | 2013-07-15 | Printing device, print head for same and method for extraction of printing ink |
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EP (1) | EP2698256B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103587250B (en) |
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CN109572207B (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2020-08-04 | 重庆宏劲印务有限责任公司 | Device and method for printing three-dimensional pattern on bottle body in gloss oil spraying mode |
DE102023101051A1 (en) | 2023-01-17 | 2024-07-18 | Dekron Gmbh | Pressure device and suction device for extracting pressure mist |
DE102023108939A1 (en) | 2023-04-06 | 2024-10-10 | Dekron Gmbh | Method and device for correcting a print template for printing on containers |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN103587250B (en) | 2016-09-14 |
EP2698256B2 (en) | 2022-08-17 |
DE102012214349A1 (en) | 2014-02-13 |
EP2698256B1 (en) | 2019-01-23 |
CN103587250A (en) | 2014-02-19 |
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