WO2019219249A1 - Device and method for printing containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for printing containers (2) having a container transport line (3), on which the containers (2) for printing are moved from a container inlet (4) to a container outlet (5). The container transport (3) line comprises a plurality of transport elements (6.1 – 6.5), on which the containers (2) for printing are arranged, and which can each be driven in rotation about a vertical machine axis (MA) and each have a plurality of printing stations (7). The container transport line (3) has a first and a second transport line section (3a, 3b), the first transport line section (3a) having at least one transport element (6.3, 6.4) which also forms a transport element (6.3, 6.4) in the second transport line (3b). In the first transport line section (3a) a first partial image for printing is applied to the container (2) and in the second transport line section (3b) a second partial image for printing is applied to said container.

Description

 Apparatus and method for printing on containers

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for printing on containers.

Devices for printing containers are known in different designs. In particular, printing systems for printing on containers using digital ink jet or ink jet printing heads are known. In particular, printing systems or printing machines (eg DE 10 2007 050 490 A1) are known in which a plurality of treatment or printing stations for receiving in each case a container to be printed are formed on a at least one vertical axis driven transport element, where the container under Use of electronically controllable, operated by the inkjet or ink-jet principle digital printheads are printed.

From the document DE 10 2011 112 106 B3 a device for printing on containers has become known, which consists of several in the transport direction directly adjoining treatment modules, at least some of the treatment modules acting as the printing effect printing modules and these treatment modules each have a partial print image on the zu Apply printing container.

The problem with the known printing device is that, because of the large number of machine units required for applying the individual partial print images, they have a relatively large size or base area and are thus difficult to integrate into an overall system or an existing building.

Based on this, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for printing on containers, which is improved in terms of size.

The object is achieved by a device according to the features of independent claim 1. A method for printing on containers is the subject matter of the independent patent claim 19. According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for printing on containers. The device comprises a container transport path on which the containers are moved for printing from a container inlet to a container outlet. The container transport path comprises a plurality of each transportable around a vertical axis of the machine, each having a plurality of printing stations having transport elements on which the containers are arranged for printing. The

Container transport path has a first and a second transport route section, wherein the first transport route section comprises at least one machine unit with at least one transport element. This transport element or another transport element arranged on the machine unit also forms

Transport element in the second transport route section. In the case of two transport elements per machine unit, these are rotated about a common machine axis. The first transport path section is configured to apply a first partial print image to the container and the second

Transport section is adapted to a second partial print image on the

Apply container. In this case, the partial image is in particular a color of an overall image composed of two or more colors or an independent monochrome image. A partial image can be created by one or more printheads, in particular by printheads, which are adjacent in the axial direction of the container, in particular at least partially arranged one above the other.

The main advantage of the device is that the size of the device can be significantly reduced by the use of the second transport path section for applying a second partial print image, which is at least partially formed by the same machine units.

According to one embodiment, the transport direction in the first transport path section is opposite to the transport direction in the second transport route section. "Transport direction" is understood here as the direction in which the containers are conveyed across several machine units. In the case of a multiply deflected transport path, this can be, for example, a "smoothed" transport direction, into which the containers have been conveyed after passing through a plurality of arcuate transport path sections. Thus, a return transport path of the device can also be used, at least in sections, for container printing. According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one transport element has circulating printing stations on a circular path and a first section of the circular path forms a partial region of the first transport path section and a second section of the circular path forms a partial region of the second transport route section. As a result, the entire or essentially the entire circumferential region of circumferentially driven transport elements can be used for container printing.

According to one embodiment, the first and second portions of the circular path are opposite each other. In other words, a first circular path section for printing on the containers in the first transport path section and a second circular path section for printing the containers in the second transport path section are thus used. As a result, an advantageous space utilization can be achieved.

According to one embodiment, the first and second sections of the circular path are semicircular. The first and second sections of the circular path complement each other to form a closed circular path on which the printing stations are circulated by the transport element. As a result, virtually the entire orbit of the transport element can be used for container printing, which in turn improves space utilization.

According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one transport element has pressure heads for application of a first and a second printing ink to print stations which are directly adjacent one another in the circumferential direction, or the printing stations each have a print head for discharging two different printing inks. Due to the alternating arrangement of printing stations for the application of first and second printing ink, it is possible to apply two color sets or partial printed images to a container on a transport element, specifically a first partial image on the first transport section and a second partial image on the second transport section. When using printheads that can deploy several different inks, it is possible in the first transport section a first color set or a first partial image and in Apply a second color set or a second partial print image by a same print head on the container a second transport path section.

According to one embodiment, the conveying of the containers on the first transport path section is effected by printing stations of a transport element (first group of printing stations), which are designed to dispense a first printing ink. The promotion of the container on the second transport path section, however, takes place by printing stations of the same transport element (second group of printing stations), which are designed to dispense a second printing ink. As a result, the conveying and printing of the containers on the first transport route section and by a printing station of the second group of printing stations the promotion and printing of the containers on the second transport route section can be completed by a printing station of the first group of printing stations. When transferring the containers between two successive machine units, an occupied, discharging printing station strikes an empty, receiving printing station in succession, thereby ensuring the transfer of the containers between the machine units both in the first and in the second transport direction can.

According to one embodiment, the device is designed such that in the first and in the second transport path section only at every second printing station of a transport element, a container is conveyed for printing. Thereby, a transfer of the container between the machine units can be ensured both in the first and in the second transport direction, in such a way that at a first time a container is transferred from a first machine unit to a second machine unit and that after further rotation of the respective Transport elements to a machine pitch a container is transferred from the second machine unit to the first machine unit.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the container transport path has a deflecting transport element, by means of which a change in the transport direction takes place from a first transport direction to a second transport direction. This deflecting element is preferably provided at a free end of a chain of machine units. It preferably serves as a linking means between the first and second transport path section. According to one embodiment, the deflection transport element has printing stations or container holding stations without printheads. In the case of the first alternative, a partial image or a color set can also be applied to the containers by means of the deflection transport element. In the case of the second alternative can be effected by the deflection transport element only further promotion of the container. Furthermore, it is possible to carry out a further container treatment process by the deflecting transport element, for example an intermediate drying (so-called pinning) or the like.

According to one embodiment, the deflection transport element has a different number of printing stations or container holding stations than the transport element located immediately before the deflection transport element. In particular, the deflection transport element may have a printing station or container holding station more or less than the immediately preceding transport element, thereby ideally the transfer of the containers and / or their holding and centering units from a first group of container treatment modules to the next, staggered group of container treatment modules.

According to one embodiment, the machine axes of the transport elements are arranged along a line. In the region of a first end of the line-like arrangement of the transport elements of the container inlet and the container outlet are provided. Preferably, the container feed and the container removal are effected by a single transport star. As a result, the necessary Aufstellgrundfläche continue to be reduced.

According to one embodiment, the first transport path section is provided in the vertical direction above or below the second transport route section. In other words, a plurality of transport elements can be arranged one above the other, and the conveyance of the containers in the first and second transport path sections can be carried out in a layered manner one above the other in the vertical direction. As a result, the space utilization of the system can be improved with a high throughput of printed containers. According to one embodiment, at least one machine unit, which comprises printing stations for the application of different printing inks, has a double tank with two chambers which are separate from one another for the storage of two different printing inks. As a result, it is possible to take up a plurality of different printing inks in a tank and to condition them preferably for use for container printing (with regard to temperature, etc.).

According to one embodiment, the chambers of the double tank are formed as annular chambers. As a result, the double tank can advantageously be used in machine units with rotationally moving transport elements which have the printing stations with the print heads.

According to one embodiment, a second annular chamber is enclosed at least in sections circumferentially by a first annular chamber. This structural design in turn offers advantages in terms of the use of the double tank in machine units with rotating moving transport elements.

According to one embodiment, the double tank is of modular design, in such a way that the chambers, in particular the annular chambers of the double tank are separable from each other. Preferably, one of the annular chambers can be used by itself in a printing device in which only a single ink is applied per machine unit. As a result, the variety of parts can be significantly reduced.

According to one embodiment, the annular chambers are thermally separated from each other. As a result, the printing inks, which are stored in the adjacent annular chambers, for example, be better kept at different temperature levels.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of printing on containers. The method uses a device with a container transport path on which the containers are moved for printing from a container inlet to a container outlet. The container transport path comprises a plurality of machine units each having at least one transport element which can be driven circumferentially around a vertical machine axis and in each case has a plurality of printing stations, on which the containers are printed. The containers will be on the Transported container transport path on a first and a second transport route section, wherein the promotion of the container takes place at least in a region of the first and the second transport path section with the same transport element or another transport element of the same machine unit. In the case of two transport elements per machine unit, these are rotated about a common machine axis. In the first transport route section, a first partial print image is applied and in the second transport route section a second partial print image is applied to the container. The first and second partial print images complement each other to form a complete print image.

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

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

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

1 a by way of example and roughly schematically a plan view of a

 Apparatus for printing on containers according to a first

 Embodiment;

Figure 1 b, by way of example, the transport path of the container in the apparatus of Figure 1 a.

2 shows by way of example and roughly schematically a top view on a

 Apparatus for printing on containers according to a second

Embodiment; 3 shows by way of example and roughly schematically a side view of an apparatus for printing on containers with transport path sections arranged one above the other in the vertical direction;

4 shows by way of example a double tank with two annular chambers in a lateral

 Section; and

5, by way of example, the double tank according to FIG. 4, in which the first annular chamber is removed from the second annular chamber.

The device generally designated by the reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1a serves for applying an imprint or multiple printing to containers 2, for example in the form of bottles, either directly on the outer or outer surface of the wall of the container 2 or else already applied there, eg provided with a partial equipment labels.

For printing, the container 2 of the device 1 and the container inlet 4 are fed via an outer conveyor upright in a transport direction, then move within the device 1, as described in more detail below on a multiple arcuately deflected container transport path 3. After printing the Container 2 is still supplied upright at a container outlet 5 via an outer conveyor for further use. The transport path of the container 2 during feeding, when moving through the device 1 and when driving away from the device 1 is schematically indicated in the figure 1 b with the continuous and dotted, arcuate arrows.

In detail, the device 1 consists, at least in sections, of a plurality of machine units 3.1 - 3.5 which adjoin one another directly in the transport direction. For example, all machine units 3.1 - 3.5 can each be formed by a basic unit which is equipped with the functional elements necessary for the specific task of the respective machine unit.

Each basic unit 4 includes, for example, a drive and control unit and a by the drive and control unit, inter alia, a vertical machine axis MA of respective machine unit 3.1 - 3.5 circumferentially drivable transport element. FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show, by way of example, five transport elements 6.1 to 6.5 and a further transport star 6.6, via which the supply of the containers 2 to the first transport element 6.1 and the discharge of the containers 2 takes place from the first transport element 6.1.

The transport elements 6.1 to 6.4 and preferably also the transport element 6.5 are, for example, designed in such a way that a multiplicity of similar treatment modules can be attached to them on the circumference in order to equip the respective transport element for a specific functionality. For example, the treatment modules may be pretreatment modules (designed for sterilization, inspection, orientation of the containers, etc.), printing modules (e.g., for printing the inkjet-type containers, etc.) or post-treatment modules (e.g., curing units for drying the printed image, inspection units, etc.).

Each treatment module (pre-treatment module, printing module, aftertreatment module, etc.) may comprise means for holding and releasing a holding and centering unit, which is designed for the flattening and centering of a container 2 to be printed. In other words, there is a receptacle on the treatment module, to which a holding and centering unit can be detachably fastened. Thus, during the rotation of the respective transport element 6.1-6.5, the container 2 to be treated is held by the holding and centering unit relative to the respective treatment module and, at the same time, transported further in the transport direction together with the holding and centering unit during the treatment. Such holding and centering units are described by way of example in the applicant's own publications DE10 2009 043 497 A1 and DE 10 2011 112 106 B3, the disclosure of which is fully included in the disclosure of this invention.

The transport elements 6.1-6.5 of the machine units 3.1-3.5 are arranged directly adjacent to one another and transportable and driven in opposite directions but synchronously in such a way that these transport elements 6.1-6.5 in their entirety form a transport device with which the containers 2 inside the printing device 1 on the in the figure 1 b shown repeatedly deflected container transport path 3 between the container inlet 4 and the container outlet 5 are moved. As can be seen in particular in FIG. 1b, the container transport route 3 has a first and a second transport route section 3a, 3b. The first transport path section 3a is shown in FIG. 1b with solid, arcuate lines and the second transport path section 3b with dotted, arcuate lines.

In the first transport path section 3a, the containers 2 are conveyed in a first transport direction TR1 and in the second transport path section 3b in a second transport direction TR2. The first and second transport direction TR1, TR2 extend, as indicated in Fig. 1 b, in the opposite direction. In particular, the containers 2 are initially conveyed by the container inlet 4 and the transport star 6.6 via the transport elements 6.1 - 6.4 in the first transport direction TR1 to a deflection transport element 6.5. At this deflecting transport element 6.5, the transport direction of the container 2 changes, so that it is subsequently conveyed back in the direction of the container outlet 5 via the transport elements 6.4 to 6.1 in the second transport direction TR2, which is opposite to the first transport direction TR1.

The first and second transport path sections 3a, 3b are formed at least in sections by the same transport elements 6.1-6.5 or the transport star 6.6. In particular, the transport elements are designed on the basis of their circumferential movement to move the peripherally provided container receptacles or the receptacles for the holding and centering units on a circular path. Due to the transfer of the container 2 or holding the container 2 holding and centering units between the individual transport elements 6.1 - 6.4, the container 2 are moved by the respective transport element 6.1 - 6.4 in the first transport path section 3a each on semicircular transport paths successively meandering connect. The semicircular transport paths opposite the semicircular transport paths of the first transport route section 3a form transport sections of the second transport route section 3b, so that the same transport elements 6.1-6.4 can be reused to move the containers 2 in the direction of the container outlet 5.

The transport elements 6.1-6.5 or the transport star 6.6 are arranged along a straight line, in particular such that the vertical machine axes MA of the respective Transport elements 6.1 - 6.5 or 6.6 of the transport star to lie on a straight line or substantially on a straight line. This ensures that the semicircular transport sections of the first and second transport sections 3a, 3b are at least substantially equal and thus equal treatment times are given on the first and second transport section 3a, 3b.

The container inlet 4 and the container outlet 5 are preferably provided at a first free end of the rectilinear arrangement. The deflecting transport element 6.5 effecting the deflection is arranged, for example, on the further free end of the rectilinear arrangement of transport elements 6.1-6.5 or transport star 6.6 opposite the container inlet 4 or the container outlet 5.

The principal function of the individual units of the device 1 is, for example, the following:

The containers 2 are first fed via suitable means of transport from the container inlet 4 to the transport star 6.6. There, the container 2 is preferably joined together with a holding and centering unit in order to be able to hold the container 2 suspended and, by means of this holding and centering unit, rotatable about the container vertical axis to the respective treatment modules. About the transport star 6.6 of the container 2 (together with this holding holding and centering unit) is transferred to the transport element 6.1 of the machine unit 3.1.

The machine unit 3.1 with the transport element 6.1 can, for example, form a pretreatment unit with its treatment modules 6.1.1 assigned to the first transport path section 3a, ie the treatment modules 6.1.1 of the transport element 6.1 at which the containers 2 are conveyed in the first transport direction TR1 are pretreatment modules , by means of which a pretreatment of the container 2 can take place at least on the packaging area to be printed, for example a plasma or corona treatment. Alternatively or additionally, a rotational position recognition of the container 2 and / or a container orientation can be performed on the treatment modules 6.1.1. For example, by a treatment module 6.1.1 a container feature, such as embossing or similar. be detected to the Container 2 subsequently rotationally aligned to be able to print on the detected container feature. The treatment modules 6.1.2 assigned to the second transport path section 3b can be designed, for example, as inspection modules. The conveyed on the second transport path section 3b by the transport element 6.1 container 2 were, as described below, already printed. By means of the inspection modules, the printed image can be optically recorded (as indicated by the camera symbol) in order to analyze and evaluate this printed image. As a result, faulty printed container 2 can be discharged, for example, and thus excluded from further processing.

 The machine unit 3.2 with the transport element 6.2 can also carry out a container pretreatment, a rotational position recognition of the container 2 and / or a container alignment with its treatment modules 6.2.1 assigned to the first transport section 3a (if not yet done in the transport element 6.1). Alternatively, the treatment modules 6.2.1 can only form transport modules on which, apart from the further transport, no further processing steps are performed. The treatment modules 6.2.2 assigned to the second transport path section 3b can be designed, for example, as curing modules or curing modules (shown in FIGS. 1a and 2 by the serrated form). As already described above, the containers 2 conveyed on the second transport route section 3b by the transport element 6.2 are already printed. By means of the curing modules or Curingmodule the ink can be dried or cured, for example by thermal action or by UV light.

Subsequent to the machine unit 3.2, machine units 3.3 and 3.4 are provided, on which the containers 2 are printed in multicolor printing. More in detail, the transport elements 6.3 and 6.4 of the machine units 3.3, 3.4 treatment modules 6.3.1, 6.3.2, 6.4.1, 6.4.2, which are designed as printing modules or printing stations 7 and each at least one printhead, in particular one after Having a digital printing method working printhead. The treatment modules 6.3.1, 6.3.2, 6.4.1, 6.4.2 are preferably designed such that a color set F1, F2, F3, a multi-color print is printed on the container 2 on each treatment module, for example one of the colors white , Yellow, magenta, cyan or black. In this case, a container 2 to be printed first passes through on the first transport path section 3a a treatment module 6.3.1 of the transport element 6.3 and after the transfer to the machine unit 3.4 a treatment module 6.4.1 of the transport element 6.4. In this case, the treatment module 6.3.1 applies a first color set F1 and the treatment module 6.4.1 applies a second color set F2 to the container 2. The color sets in each case form partial printed images, which preferably complement one another to form a complete printed image. Partial drying of the printing ink (so-called pinning) can preferably take place on the treatment modules 6.3.1, 6.4.1.

 The machine unit 3.5 is then provided with the transport element 6.5 to the machine unit 3.4. This machine unit 3.5 or the transport element 6.5 of the machine unit 3.5 serves as a deflecting transport element, so that a change of the transport direction from the first transport direction TR1 to the second transport direction TR2 takes place here. In other words, the containers 2 are again supplied to the machine unit 3.4 by the deflecting transport element, in order subsequently to again pass through the chain of the machine elements 3.4 to 3.1 in the opposite direction. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1a, the treatment modules of the transport element 6.5 are designed as pure transport modules, i. Apart from the further transport, no further processing steps are carried out.

After leaving the machine unit 3.5 with the transport element 6.5, the containers 2 on the machine unit 3.4 are transferred to a treatment module 6.4.2 of the transport element 6.4, by means of which a further color set F3 or a further partial print image is applied to the container 2.

After the transfer of the container 2 from the transport element 6.4 to the transport element 6.3 of the machine unit 3.3, another color set, in the embodiment shown, a last color set F4, in turn applied to the container, in each case by one of the treatment modules 6.3.2. Partial drying of the printing ink (so-called pinning) can also take place on the treatment modules 6.4.2 and / or 6.3.2.

Following in the second transport direction TR2, the containers 2 are each further conveyed and treated by a treatment module 6.2.2 and 6.1.2, for example in the treatment module 6.2.2 to a previously described drying step (so-called curing) and in the treatment module 6.1.2 to a previously described inspection step. Subsequently, the container 2 via the transport star 6.6 to the container outlet 5 are further promoted. At the transport star 6.6, the connection between the holding and centering unit and container 2 can be achieved, so that the holding and centering unit can then be reconnected to a still unprinted container in order to run through the device 1 again.

FIG. 2 shows a further exemplary embodiment similar to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b. Below, only the differences from the above-described embodiment will be explained. Incidentally, the previous statements also apply to the embodiment of FIG. 2.

The essential difference between the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 and the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 a or FIG. 1 b is that the treatment modules of the machine unit 3.5 or the transport element 6.5 provided there are not designed as mere transport modules, but rather as printing modules or Print stations 7, ie also have at least one print head to understand the container 2 when passing through the transport element 6.5 with a color set F3. As a result, a printed image with five color sets can be applied to the container 2 by the device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, whereas the device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 only supplies a printed image with four color sets. It is understood that the number of color sets is purely exemplary and by adding or omitting machine units, the number of color sets applied to the container 2 can be varied.

It is understood that in the chain of machine units 3.1 - 3.5 further machine units can be provided or certain machine units can be omitted in order to adapt the device 1 as needed.

In order to be able to convey containers 2 through the respective transport element 6.1 to 6.5 both in the first transport direction TR1 and in the second transport direction TR2, in the transfer position of two successive transport elements the dispensing treatment module must each have a container 2 or a holding and centering unit with a Have container 2 and the receiving treatment module to be free, ie have no container 2 or no holding and centering unit with container 2. In order to achieve this, the treatment modules which carry out the container conveying or container treatment on the second transport path section 3b are free on the first transport path section 3a. Conversely, on the second conveying path section 3b, the treatment modules which carry out the container conveying or container treatment on the first conveying path section 3a are unoccupied. In the figures, the treatment modules occupied by a container 2 are characterized by a small circle which is centered in a larger circle, whereas the unoccupied treatment modules merely have a larger circle.

Preferably, the treatment modules in the first and second transport path sections 3a, 3b are alternately occupied, so that an occupied treatment module in the circumferential direction is followed by an unoccupied treatment module and vice versa.

The device 1 is further distinguished by the fact that at least one machine unit 3.3, 3.4 has a plurality of groups, preferably two groups of treatment modules or printing modules, each group of treatment modules or printing modules being designed to apply a different color set. As previously described by the treatment modules

6.3.1 the machine unit 3.3 a first color set and through the treatment modules

6.3.2 the machine unit 3.3 applied another, different from the first color set color set. The same applies to the treatment modules 6.4.1, 6.4.2 of the machine unit 3.4. For this purpose, each treatment module 6.3.1, 6.3.2, 6.4.1, 6.4.2 each have a print head, with which the respective color set is applied. Alternatively, a printhead which is designed to dispense two different printing inks or ink sets can be used on the treatment modules 6.3.1, 6.3.2, 6.4.1, 6.4.2. Such a print head has, for example, two nozzle groups, it being possible to apply a printing ink or a color set with each nozzle group.

The transport element 6.5 (deflecting transport element) preferably has a different number of treatment modules than the transport element 6.4 located directly in front in the transport direction TR1. Further preferably, the transport element 6.5 has a larger by one or a smaller number of treatment modules. The circumferential movement of the transport elements 6.4, 6.5 is synchronized with each other in such a way that, after a partial rotation about a machine graduation, in each case a pair of treatment modules face one another in order to be able to transfer the container 2.

Fig. 3 shows schematically a device 1 for printing on containers 2, which has a multi-level structure. The essential difference from the previously described device is that the first transport path section 3a is provided in the vertical direction offset from the second transport path section 3b.

More in detail, at least one machine unit, in the embodiment shown, the machine units 3.1 to 3.3 each pair of transport elements 6.1, 6.T, 6.2, 6.2 ', 6.3, 6.3' on. The transport elements 6.1, 6.T, 6.2, 6.2 ', 6.3, 6.3' of a transport element pair are each circumferentially driven to a common machine axis MA. The drive can take place in the same direction or in opposite directions, i. E. the transport elements of a pair of transport elements have the same direction of rotation or different directions of rotation. Preferably, the transport elements of a transport element pair are rotatably supported on a common column or frame 9. Further preferably, the transport elements of a pair of transport elements are driven in rotation by a common drive.

As shown in Fig. 3, the delivery and discharge of the containers 2 to the device takes place at different levels of fleas, i. the container inlet 4 is provided vertically offset from the container outlet 5. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the container inlet 4 is formed by a transport star 10.1 and the container outlet 5 by a transport star 10.2. The transport stars 10.1, 10.2 are preferably rotatably held on a common frame or a common column and further preferably driven by a common drive rotationally.

After feeding the container 2 on the container inlet 4, these are fed through the transport star 10.1 the transport elements 6.1. The transport element 6.1 is provided in the embodiment shown below the transport element 6.T. Alternatively, however, a reverse arrangement can be selected, ie the transport element 6.1 is provided above the transport element 6.T. Preferably treatment modules can be provided on the transport element 6.1, by means of which a rotational position determination of the container 2 or an alignment thereof is performed. Alternatively or additionally, a pre-treatment of the container 2 can be performed on the transport element 6.1, as explained above.

The transport element 6.2, which adjoins the transport element 6.1 in the transport direction TR1, has, for example, a plurality of treatment modules in the form of printed modules, each with a print head, distributed over the circumference.

Preferably, in the embodiment shown in the transport direction TR1 to the transport element 6.2 subsequent transport element 6.3 is also equipped with treatment modules in the form of printing modules, so that there is a container printing, with a second ink or a second color set.

From the transport element 6.3, the containers are transferred to the deflection transport element 6.4, by means of which, in turn, as previously described, the transport direction is changed. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 a and 2, the deflecting transport element 6.4 according to FIG. 3 is designed to also change the flea position of the container 2. This is preferably carried out continuously during the rotational movement of the deflecting transport element 6.4, as indicated by the dashed arrow. As a result, the container 2 can be raised or lowered from the transport plane, in which the container is conveyed by the transport elements 6.1 to 6.3, into the transport plane, in which the conveyance is performed by the transport elements 6.3 'to 6.T.

After feeding the containers to the transport element 6.3 ', the containers are successively conveyed by the transport elements 6.3', 6.2 'and 6.T in the second transport direction TR2, which in turn runs opposite to the transport direction TR1. The transport elements 6.3 ', 6.2' can turn with

Be equipped treatment modules in the form of printing modules, so that there is a container printing, with a third and fourth ink or a third and fourth color set. The transport element 6.T can be equipped, for example, with treatment modules in the form of drying or curing modules, in order to bring about curing of the ink. In this case, previously described methods of drying generally known to the person skilled in the art can be used, for example by means of UV radiation.

Finally, the removal of the container 2 via the transport star 10.2 to the container outlet 5. It can be provided between the transport star 10.2 and the transport element 6.1, 6.T another deflection transport element 6.4 to all containers 2 and / or the holding and Centering units on the container outlet 5 to lead to a single, usually lower transport level. Alternatively, a transport star 6.6 can be provided, as described above, which additionally allows a level transition of the container 2 and / or the holding and centering units. This also allows the return and renewed provision of holding and centering units.

Also in this machine concept, the containers can be arranged either directly on the treatment modules or on the above-described holding and centering units.

Different from the previously described embodiment, all treatment modules of the above-described transport elements 6.2, 6.2 ', 6.3, 6.3' here for applying the same printing ink, or in the case of printheads, which can dispense as previously described several inks, formed of the same printing inks. As a result of the fact that the return transport of the containers 2 is carried out by the further transport elements 6.T-6.3 ', no empty treatment module, i.e. between two treatment modules, which transport a container 2, must be provided. a treatment module that does not transport a container 2 may be provided. Thereby, the performance of the device 1 (i.e., the printed number of containers 2 per unit time) can be substantially increased.

It goes without saying that further machine units or transport elements may be provided in the chain of the machine units or transport elements shown in FIG. 3, or that certain machine units may also be omitted in order to adapt the apparatus 1 as needed. As described above, at least parts of the machine units have printing stations or printing modules which are designed to apply different printing inks. Thus, a printing ink supply for at least two different printing inks must be provided on the respective machine unit.

Fig. 4 shows a double tank 8, which is designed to be arranged on a machine unit of the device 1 described above in order to be able to supply the printing modules with two different printing inks. In particular, this can supply a first group of printing modules with a first printing ink and a second group of printing modules with a second printing ink.

The double tank 8 has a first annular chamber 8.1 and a second annular chamber 8.2. The first annular chamber 8.1 is an outer annular chamber, which surrounds the circumference at least in sections, preferably completely, the second annular chamber 8.2. In other words, the second annular chamber 8.2 is enclosed on the outside by the first annular chamber 8.1. Thus, the first annular chamber 8.1 has a larger chamber radius r1 than the second annular chamber (chamber radius r2).

To make the inner volumes of the annular chambers 8.1, 8.2 the same size or substantially the same size, the second annular chamber 8.2 has a larger annular chamber height h2 than the first annular chamber (annular chamber height h1).

Hereinafter, the structure of the double tank 8 will be described in more detail.

The double tank 8 has, as shown in Fig. 4, a first, static tank part 8a, which is associated with a non-rotating machine part, and a second rotating tank part 8b moving. The second tank part 8b is thereby rotated about the machine axis MA, around which also the transport element of the respective machine unit rotates. The first tank part 8a comprises inter alia the first and second annular chambers 8.1, 8.2, ie the first and second annular chambers 8.1, 8.2 are provided statically on the respective machine unit. Further, the first tank part 8a and functional elements for conditioning the ink, ie, for example, a temperature module for tempering (heating or cooling) of the ink in the annular chambers 8.1, 8.2, a degasser and / or a filter in a conveying and circulating pump having ink circuit for Tempering, degassing and filtering the ink have. Furthermore, at the first tank part 8a inlets 8.1.1, 8.2.1 for the ink to the respective annular chambers

8.1. 8.2 be provided.

The second tank part 8b is arranged above the first tank part 8a and preferably closes as upper tank part the receiving spaces formed in the first tank part 8a in the annular chambers 8.1, 8.2. Preferably, the second tank part 8b is formed lid-like and causes a preferably fluid-tight closure of the annular chambers 8.1, 8.2. At the second tank part 8b and thus at the rotationally moving tank part are processes 8.2.1, 8.2.2 provided via the ink from the respective annular chamber 8.1,

8.2 can be removed.

The movement of the second tank part 8b can advantageously be used for mixing the printing ink or ink contained in the annular chambers 8.1, 8.2. For example, the processes 8.2.1, 8.2.2 may be formed as pipe sections which project into the receiving space of the respective annular chamber 8.1, 8.2, so that during the rotary movement of the second tank part 8b, the pipe sections are moved by the printing ink and thereby agitate them cause.

As schematically shown in Fig. 5, the double tank 8 may preferably be of modular design. "Modular" in this context means, in particular, that the annular chambers 8.1, 8.2 are not firmly but detachably connected to each other. As a result, for example, the first or second annular chamber 8.1, 8.2 can be used separately without a further annular chamber, for example in a printing device whose machine units each deploy only a single ink or ink.

Preferably, the first annular chamber 8.1 can be placed or attached to the second annular chamber 8.2, for example by means of a parallel to the axis of rotation or machine axis MA extending plug movement. Preferably, a support 8.2.3 is formed on the radially outer wall of the second annular chamber 8.2, on which the first annular chamber 8.1 is supported.

In order to achieve a thermal separation between the annular chambers 8.1, 8.2, an insulating material 8.3 can be provided in an intermediate space between the annular chambers 8.1, 8.2. This is particularly advantageous when in the annular chambers

8.1. 8.2 recorded ink is heated differently. The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that a plurality of changes or modifications are possible without thereby leaving the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 device

 2 containers

 3 container transport route

 3a first transport route section

 3b second transport section

 3.1 - 3.5 machine unit

 4 container inlet

 5 container outlet

 6.1 - 6.5 Transport element

6.1 .1, 6.1 .2 Container treatment module

6.2.1, 6.2.2 Container treatment module

 6.3.1. 6.3.2 Container treatment module

 6.4.1. 6.4.2 Container treatment module

6.6 Transport Star

 7 printing station

 8 double tanks

 8a first tank part

 8b second part of the tank

 8.1 first annular chamber

8.1 .1 inlet

 8.1.2 Procedure

8.2 second annular chamber

8.2.1 Infeed

8.2.2 Procedure

 8.2.3 edition

 8.3 Insulating material

9 frame

 10.1 transport star

 10.2 Transport Star

F1 - F5 first to fifth inks

h1 Ring chamber height of the first annular chamber h2 Ring chamber height of the second annular chamber MA machine axis

r1 Chamber radius of the first annular chamber r2 Chamber radius of the second annular chamber

TR1 first transport direction

TR2 second transport direction

Claims

claims 1. A device for printing on containers (2) with a container transport path (3) on which the containers (2) for printing from a container inlet (4) to a container outlet (5) are moved, wherein the container transport path (3) a plurality of machine units ( 3.1 -3.5), each with a vertical machine axis (MA) circumferentially drivable, each having a plurality of printing stations (7)  Transport elements (6.1 - 6.5), on which the container (2) can be arranged for printing, wherein the container transport path (3) has a first and a second transport path section (3a, 3b), and that  in the first transport path section (3a) a first partial print image and in the second transport route section (3b) a second partial print image can be applied to the container (2),  characterized in that at least a partial length of both  Transport section sections (3a, 3b) on which at least one machine unit (3.4) [a transport element (6.4)] is arranged and that for the transition from the first transport path section (3a) to the second transport path section (3b) an opposing further machine unit (3.5) [ Transport element (6.5)] is arranged,  and [mandatory] printing stations (7) of transport route sections (3a, 3b), a machine unit (3.4) independent / independent ink supply / storage tank; - The first transport route section (3a) at least a first machine unit (3.1 -3.5) with at least one transport element (6.3, 6.4), said transport element (6.3, 6.4) or  - Another arranged on the machine unit (3.1 -3.5) transport element forms a transport element in the second transport path section (3b) and that - In the first transport route section (3a), a first partial printing image and in the second transport path section (3b), a second partial print image on the container (2) can be applied. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport direction (TR1) in the first transport path section (3a) is opposite to the transport direction (TR2) in the second transport path section (3b). 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one transport element (6.3, 6.4) on a circular path circulating printing stations (7) and a first portion of the circular path a portion of the first transport path section (3a) and a second portion of the circular path forms a portion of the second transport path section (3b). 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and second portions of the circular path face each other. 5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first and second portion of the circular path is semicircular and complement each other to the circular path on which the printing stations (7) are moved circumferentially. 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transport element (6.3, 6.4) at circumferentially immediately successive printing stations (7) has alternating print heads for applying a first and a second ink or that the printing stations (7) each one Printhead for applying two different printing inks have. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the promotion of  Container (2) on the first transport path section (3a) by printing stations (7) of a transport element (6.3, 6.4), which is used to dispense a first  Printing ink are formed and that the promotion of the container (2) on the second transport path section (3b) by printing stations (7) thereof  Transport element (6.3, 6.4), which are designed to dispense a second ink. 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by their formation such that in the first and in the second transport path section (3a, 3b) only at every second printing station (7) of a transport element (6.3, 6.4) a container (2) conveyed for printing becomes. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container transport path (3) comprises a deflection transport element (6.5), by means of which a change of the transport direction from a first transport direction (TR1) in a second transport direction (TR2). 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the deflection transport element (6.5) printing stations (7) or container holding stations without Has printheads. 11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the deflection transport element (6.5) has a different number of printing stations (7) or container holding stations than the immediately before the deflection transport element (6.5) located transport element (6.4). 12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machine axes (MA) of the transport elements (6.1 - 6.5) are arranged along a straight line and that in the region of a first end of the rectilinear arrangement of the transport elements (6.1 - 6.5) of the container inlet ( 4) and the  Container outlet (5) are provided. 13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transport path section (3a) in the vertical direction above or below the second transport path section (3b) is provided. 14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one machine unit, the printing stations (7) for applying different printing inks, a double tank (8) with two separate chambers (8.1, 8.2) for the storage of two different  Has printing inks. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the chambers (8.1, 8.2) of the double tank (8) are designed as annular chambers. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that a second  Ring chamber (8.2) at least partially circumferentially from a first  Ring chamber (8.1) is enclosed. 17. Device according to one of the preceding claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the double tank (8) has a modular construction, in such a way that the chambers (8.1, 8.2), in particular the annular chambers of the double tank (8), are separable from one another. 18. Device according to one of the preceding claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the chambers (8.1, 8.2) are thermally separated from each other. 19. A method for printing on containers (2) with a container transport path (3) on which the container (2) for printing from a container inlet (4) to a  Container outlet (5) are moved, wherein the container transport path (3) comprises a plurality of machine units each having at least one about a vertical machine axis (MA) circumferentially drivable, each having a plurality of printing stations (7) having transport element (6.1 - 6.5), where the container (2 ) are printed, characterized in that the containers (2) on the container transport path (3) on a first and a second transport path section (3a, 3b) are conveyed, wherein the promotion of the container (2) at least in a region of the first and second transport path section (3a, 3b) with the same  Transport element (6.3, 6.4) or another transport element of the same  Machine unit takes place and that in the first transport path section (3a) a first partial image and in the second transport section (3b) a second partial print image on the container (2) is applied, wherein the first and second partial image complement each other to form a total print image. 20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that a device according to one of claims 1 to 18 is used.