EP1771304B1 - Marking device, cigarette rod making machine and marking method - Google Patents

Abstract

The marking system (10) has a reel (12) from which cigarette paper (14) is unwound. The paper passes over several guide and tensioning rolls (16) to a printing table (18) with a flat top surface (20). The paper is moved longitudinally (BR) along the table. The marking device (22) with the printers may be moved laterally (DR) across the width of the paper. There are individual holders (24) for the printers. The printed strip passes over further rollers (26) and is wound on a take-up reel (28).

Description

The invention relates to a method for identifying a moving object.

Conventionally, in printing facilities of industrial mass production paper is printed by means of pressure rollers. Here, paper, which is, for example, on a roll, unrolled, passed between two pressure rollers, printed and, for example, rolled up again or assembled for further processing. During the actual printing process, the paper is pressed by a counter-pressure roller to a pressure roller and the motif to be imaged is transferred from the pressure roller to the paper. For example, high, low and gravure printing techniques can be used to transfer the motif, with very high printing speeds being achieved.

However, it is difficult to change the motif to be printed or to print a variety of different motifs on the paper. Conventionally, the motif to be printed will be changed in that, for example, the pressure roller or the roller system is changed. For example, in the conventional offset printing method, it is necessary to change a so-called plate cylinder or to replace a printing plate mounted on the plate cylinder.

The DE 101 30 225 A1 describes, for example, a printing unit for printing on cigarette paper as part of a cigarette rod machine of the type PROTOS, as known in the cigarette industry. In FIG. 6 is a cigarette rod machine of the type PROTOS shown schematically. From a lock 101, a pre-distributor 102 is charged in portions with tobacco fibers. A removal roller 103 of the pre-distributor 102 controlled supplements a reservoir 104 with tobacco, from which a steep conveyor 105 takes tobacco and fed a stowage 106 controlled. From the storage shaft 106, a pin roller 107 removes a uniform stream of tobacco which is knocked out of the pins of the pin roller 107 by a knock-out roller 108 and thrown onto a spreading cloth 109 rotating at a constant speed. A tobacco fleece formed on the spreading cloth 109 is thrown into a sighting device 111 consisting essentially of an air curtain passing through larger or heavier tobacco parts, while all other tobacco particles are transferred from the air into a funnel 114 formed by a pin roller 112 and a wall 113 be steered. From the pin roller 112 tobacco fibers are thrown in a tobacco channel 116 against a rope conveyor 117, where the tobacco held by means sucked into a vacuum chamber 118 air and a tobacco fiber strand is aufauert. An equalizer 119 removes excess tobacco from the tobacco fiber strand, which is then placed on a synchronized cigarette paper strip 121. The zig-bear paper strip 121 is pulled off a bobbin 122, passed through a printing unit 123 and placed on a driven format belt 124. The format belt 124 transports the tobacco rod and the cigarette paper strip 121 through a format 126, in which the cigarette paper strip 121 is folded around the tobacco rod, so that still protrudes an edge which is glued in a known manner by a Glimapparat, not shown. Then the seam is closed and dried by a Tandemnahtplätte 127. A thus formed cigarette rod 128 passes through a strand density meter 129, which controls the leveler 119, and is cut by a knife apparatus 131 into double-length cigarettes 132. The double-length cigarettes 132 are transferred from a transfer arm 134, which has a controlled arm 133, to a transfer drum 136 of a filter attachment machine 137, onto the cutting drum 138 of which they are divided into single cigarettes with a circular blade.

Conveyor belts 139, 141 promote excess tobacco in a container 142 arranged below the storage container 104, from which the recirculated tobacco is removed again from the steep conveyor 105.

For example, if the print motif is to be changed, i. the printing form must be changed, the printing unit 123 can be completely changed, whereby a complicated changing individual pressure rollers is avoided.

As a result, conventionally, a plurality of pressure rollers or roller-mountable printing forms or complete printing roller printing units are provided for changing, so that a variety of different motifs can be printed. If the motif is to be changed, the rollers or the printing plates or the roller printing units can be exchanged. However, the printing process must be interrupted, resulting in dead times of the printing device.

US 5 587 730 A discloses an ink jet printer having a first, primary printhead and a second, secondary printhead, wherein the primary printhead is configured to print ink of a first color and the second printhead is configured to also print ink of the first color or print ink of a second color ,

It is an object of the present invention to easily and variably and effectively print a moving object as much as possible.

This object is solved by the independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

It is an advantage of the present invention that a moving object can be characterized at high speed. In this case, the motif can be changed or changed substantially without changing the marking device. In particular, it is not necessary to make design changes to the marking device to change the subject. As a result, dead times of the tagging device due to rebuilding work on the tagging device are avoided.

Accordingly, a further advantage is that the motif can be changed quickly and easily, especially while the marking device is in operation, whereby any number of different motifs can be printed inexpensively. In particular, it is not necessary that structural changes be made to the marking device.

It is an aspect that is not the subject of the claims to provide an identification device for identifying an object moved in one direction of movement, having at least two printing devices each designed to generate a predetermined image and each being sequentially arranged with the article To print motifs contactless, so that an overall motif is formed from the individual motifs.

Advantageously, it is not necessary to make or use a printing forme. Rather, an arbitrary motif may be produced by suitable control or regulation of the at least two pressure devices.

Furthermore, the moving object is operated without contact, whereby wear and tear, as they occur for example in rotating pressure rollers, especially at high speeds of the pressure rollers, do not occur.

In a preferred embodiment of the marking device, each printing device prints in a printing direction, wherein the printing direction is at an angle different from 0 ° and 180 °, preferably substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the moving object.

Preferably, the angle between the printing direction and the direction of movement is measured in plan view. In other words, the printing direction and the direction of movement essentially span one plane, wherein this plane is substantially parallel to a surface of the article to be printed.

gegeben, wobei v eine Relativgeschwindigkeit zwischen den Druckeinrichtungen und dem Gegenstand ist, f eine Druckfrequenz einer Druckeinrichtung ist und n die Anzahl an Druckeinrichtungen ist.A resolution r of the entire subject is in the moving direction of the moving object by using a plurality of printing means through the relationship $r=\frac{n\cdot f}{v}$

where v is a relative velocity between the printing devices and the article, f is a printing frequency of a printing device, and n is the number of printing devices.

For example, with the marking device essentially any motif can be created on the article. As is apparent from the above relationship, at a predetermined or predeterminable printing resolution r, the moving object can be printed at the predetermined or predeterminable printing speed v by selecting the number n of the printing devices used at a substantially constant printing frequency f . Similarly, for a given printing speed v, the resolution of the printed overall motif r can be increased by increasing the number n of printing devices. The same applies to changed printing frequency f of the respective printing devices. Consequently, the tagging device is very flexible with regard to the overall printed motif, the resolution of the printed overall motif and / or the speed with which the printed object is moved past the printing device.

Further, for example, the number of required printing devices n may be determined using the above relationship of r, f and v .

For example, the moving object is cigarette paper, more preferably cigarette paper from a roll. For example, the cigarette paper is in the form of a substantially long web, formed substantially unassembled.

bis etwa $1200\frac{m}{\min }$

, bevorzugt mit einer Geschwindigkeit von etwa $500\frac{m}{\min }$

bis etwa $900\frac{m}{\min }$

bedruckt werden. Dabei kann eine Auflösung in Bewegungsrichtung von bevorzugt etwa 1 Punkt pro mm (etwa 25 dpi) bis etwa 24 Punkte pro mm (etwa 600 dpi), besonders bevorzugt von etwa 6 Punkte pro mm (etwa 150 dpi) bis etwa 18 Punkte pro mm (etwa 455 dpi) erreicht werden. Es ist aber auch möglich, mit einer Auflösung bis etwa 40 Punkte pro mm (etwa 1000 dpi) zu drucken.For example, with the preferred marking device of the present invention, cigarette paper can be drawn at a speed of about $100\frac{m}{\min }$

until about $1200\frac{m}{\min }$

, preferably at a speed of about $500\frac{m}{\min }$

until about $900\frac{m}{\min }$

be printed. In this case, a resolution in the direction of movement of preferably about 1 point per mm (about 25 dpi) to about 24 points per mm (about 600 dpi), more preferably from about 6 points per mm (about 150 dpi) to about 18 points per mm ( about 455 dpi) can be achieved. However, it is also possible to print at a resolution of up to about 40 dots per mm (about 1000 dpi).

Further particularly preferably, the predetermined or predeterminable motifs of two different printing devices are identical motifs.

Advantageously, the preferred identification device can produce an overall motif composed of a plurality of identical patterns, such as a plurality of identical geometric shapes.

In a further embodiment of the marking device, the predetermined or predeterminable motifs of two different printing devices are different motifs.

Advantageously, with this preferred embodiment of the marking device, the overall motif can be produced, the overall motif consisting of a multiplicity of different motifs. For example, an overall motif can be made from a variety of combined geometric shapes. It is also conceivable, for example, for a brand name to be printed, with each printing unit printing, for example, a letter or a part of a letter of the brand name.

For example, each printer may print lines, circles, and / or other graphic patterns. It is also possible for the printing devices to use numbers and / or symbols, such as numbers. print mathematical characters.

Preferably, the marking device comprises at least one receiving device, which is arranged fixed or movable on the marking device.

The receiving device can therefore be attached to the marking device, for example, such that the receiving device moves relative to the moving body, whereby the relative speed between the receiving device and the moving object can be changed. For example, it is possible to mount the receiving device movable, preferably rotating, on the marking device. For example, the receiving device may comprise a rotatably mounted wheel or a rotatably mounted cylindrical disk on or in which the printing devices are mounted. By rotation of the cylinder disc, at least one of the at least two pressure devices is preferably alternately brought into a position in which the moving object can be printed.

Particularly preferred marking device, the printing devices are each housed in a separate receiving device.

For example, if the receiving device (s) is / are movably attached to the tagging device, then each printing device can be individually moved relative to the moving article.

Preferably, all printing devices are housed in a common receiving device.

Further preferably, the at least two printing devices are arranged substantially in the direction of movement, particularly preferably in a row in the direction of movement.

A cigarette rod maker in a preferred embodiment comprises the exemplary tagging device for identifying the cigarette paper.

• der bewegte Gegenstand mittels der zumindest zwei Druckeinrichtungen berührungslos bedruckt wird,
• jede Druckeinrichtung ein vorbestimmtes bzw. vorbestimmbares Motiv erzeugt und
• ein Gesamtmotiv aus den sequentiell gedruckten Motiven gebildet wird, mit den weiteren Schritten
  • -- Vorgeben einer Relativgeschwindigkeit v zwischen den Druckeinrichtungen und dem bewegten Gegenstand zwischen etwa $100\frac{m}{\min }$
    
    bis etwa $1200\frac{m}{\min }$
    
    , bevorzugt zwischen etwa $500\frac{m}{\min }$
    
    bis etwa $900\frac{m}{\min }$
    
    und
  • -- Auswählen der Anzahl n der Druckeinrichtungen anhand der Beziehung $\mathrm{r}=\frac{n\cdot f}{v}$
    
    , wobei
    r eine Auflösung des Gesamtmotivs in Bewegungsrichtung des bewegten Gegenstandes ist und f eine Druckfrequenz einer Druckeinrichtung ist.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for identifying an object moved in a direction of movement by means of at least two pressure devices, wherein

• the moving object is printed without contact by means of the at least two printing devices,
• each printing device generates a predetermined or predeterminable motif and
• an overall motif is formed from the sequentially printed motifs, with the further steps
  • - Specifying a relative velocity v between the printing devices and the moving object between about $100\frac{m}{\min }$
    
    until about $1200\frac{m}{\min }$
    
    , preferably between about $500\frac{m}{\min }$
    
    until about $900\frac{m}{\min }$
    
    and
  • - Selecting the number n of printing devices based on the relationship $\mathrm{r}=\frac{n\cdot f}{v}$
    
    , in which
    r is a resolution of the overall motif in the direction of movement of the moving object and f is a printing frequency of a printing device.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, each printing device prints in a printing direction, wherein the printing direction is at an angle different from 0 ° and 180 °, preferably substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the moving object.

gegeben, wobei v eine Relativgeschwindigkeit zwischen den Druckeinrichtungen und dem bewegten Gegenstand ist, f eine Druckfrequenz einer Druckeinrichtung ist und n die Anzahl an Druckeinrichtungen ist.A resolution r of the entire subject is in the moving direction of the moving object by using a plurality of printing means through the relationship $r=\frac{n\cdot f}{v}$

where v is a relative velocity between the pressure devices and the moving one The subject matter is f is a printing frequency of a printing device and n is the number of printing devices.

bis etwa $200\frac{m}{\min }$

, besonders bevorzugt zwischen etwa $500\frac{m}{\min }$

bis etwa $900\frac{m}{\min }$

.The relative velocity v is about wiping $100\frac{m}{\min }$

until about $200\frac{m}{\min }$

, more preferably between about $500\frac{m}{\min }$

until about $900\frac{m}{\min }$

,

In a further preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the moving object is cigarette paper and the cigarette paper is preferably designed as a substantially long web, substantially unassembled, prior to marking.

With regard to further particular embodiments of the exemplary cigarette rod making machine and the method according to the invention for identifying a moving object, reference is made to the corresponding description of the exemplary marking device.

Fig. 1:

ein Kennzeichnungssystem mit einer Kennzeichnungsvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ;

Fig. 2:

eine Frontansicht einer Kennzeichnungsvorrichtung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform beispielhaften

Fig. 3a:

eine Draufsicht einer Kennzeichnungsvorrichtung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ;

Fig. 3b:

eine Draufsicht einer Kennzeichnungsvorrichtung einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform ;

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer Kennzeichnungsvorrichtung ;

Figs. 5a bis 5i:

eine Schemaansicht des Druckvorgangs einer Kennzeichnungsvorrichtung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 6:

eine Schemaansicht einer Zigarettenstrangmaschine des Typs PROTOS der Firma Hauni.

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments. It shows

Fig. 1:

an identification system with an identification device according to a preferred embodiment;

Fig. 2:

a front view of an identification device of a preferred embodiment exemplary

Fig. 3a:

a plan view of a labeling device of a preferred embodiment;

3b:

a plan view of an identification device of another preferred embodiment;

Fig. 4

a side view of a preferred embodiment of a marking device;

Figs. 5a to 5i:

a schematic view of the printing operation of a marking device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6:

a schematic view of a cigarette rod machine of the type PROTOS Hauni.

FIG. 1 FIG. 12 is a front view of an identification system 10 according to an example embodiment. FIG. Starting from a holder 12, cigarette paper 14 is guided via deflection rollers 16 to a printing table 18. The cigarette paper 14 is guided on a surface 20 of the printing table 18 to a preferred embodiment of an identification device 22 of the present invention. The cigarette paper 14 is guided, for example, further in the direction of movement BR substantially along or on the surface 20 of the printing table 18 between the surface 20 of the printing table 18 and at least one receiving device 24 of the marking device 22. In this case, the cigarette paper 14 by at least two printing devices (not shown), which are each arranged on the receiving means 24, printed. For example, such printing devices may be conventional ink jet print cartridges as used in commercial ink jet printers. Consequently, the cigarette paper 14 is printed without contact, that is without contact between the marking device 22 and the printing area of the marking device 24 and the cigarette paper 14. For example, the printing area of the marking device 24 may be an ink outlet area of the ink jet print cartridge. The printed cigarette paper 14 is preferably assembled with predetermined dimensions. But it is also possible that the cigarette paper 14, after it has been printed, fed via a plurality of other pulleys 26 a holder 28, and is rolled up there.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of a preferred embodiment of the identification device 22 of the present invention. The preferred marking device 22 comprises, for example, two receiving devices 24, which are each designed to substantially receive a printing device (not shown) or to attach it in a preferably detachable manner, preferably in a detachable manner. The two receiving devices 24, for example, rigidly connected to each other and rigidly attached to a surface 30 of the marking system 10. It is also possible that the two receiving devices 24 are spaced from each other. Furthermore, it is possible that the two receiving devices 24 are movably connected to the marking device 22 and the surface 30 of the marking system 10. For example, the receiving devices 24 may be attached to a rotating cylinder disk or be an integral part of this cylinder disk.

The cigarette paper 14 moves substantially along the surface 20 of the printing table 18 in the direction of movement BR. In this case, the cigarette paper 14 moves between the marking device 22 and the surface 20 of the printing table 18, wherein it does not come into contact with the printing devices of the marking device 22 substantially.

Preferably, the surface 20 of the printing table 18 has a plurality of openings 31. The openings 31 are preferably arranged in areas of the surface 20 of the printing table 18, on which the cigarette paper 14 runs along. By means of these openings 31, the cigarette paper 14 can be substantially fixed in a printing direction DR by means of a controllable pressure difference with respect to the ambient pressure. The printing direction DR is a direction substantially parallel to the surface 20 of the printing table 18 and substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement BR. Preferably, a negative pressure is generated at the openings 31 compared to the ambient pressure and by the negative pressure, the cigarette paper 14 substantially to the Surface 20 of the printing table 18 pulled out or sucked. The cigarette paper 14 can be moved substantially in the direction of movement BR, wherein the cigarette paper 14 is substantially fixed with respect to the printing direction DR. Characterized in that the cigarette paper 14 is pulled or sucked substantially to the surface 20 toward the cigarette paper 14 moves at least partially substantially plane-parallel to the surface 20 of the printing table 18, ie the cigarette paper casts at least partially no wrinkles, but is at least partially in essential plan. Specifically, the cigarette paper 14 is substantially planar in an area where it is printed by the tag device 22.

The receiving devices 24 furthermore each have connections 32 with which the printing devices (not shown) are provided with a control or regulating device, for example a computer or a so-called embedded system or embedded controller 33 (shown in FIG FIG. 1 ) can be connected for data exchange. Furthermore, the pressure devices can be supplied with power via the connections 32.

Furthermore, each receiving device on one side 34, which is opposite to the cigarette paper 14, an opening 35. The side 34 is substantially parallel to the surface 20 of the printing table 18. Further, the receiving device 24 preferably has two sides 36 which are mutually preferably parallel and substantially perpendicular to the surface 20 of the printing table 18 and perpendicular to the direction of movement BR. Each receiving device 24 may also have a preferably pivotable locking device 38. In order to lock the locking device 38, for example, it is pivotable towards the surface 20, preferably substantially parallel to the surface 20 of the printing table 18. To unlock the locking device 38, for example, it is pivotable away from the surface 20 of the printing table 18, preferably substantially parallel to the surface 30 of the marking device 22. Furthermore, the receiving device 24 has a back 40, which preferably substantially parallel to the surface 30 of the marking system 10 and preferably in the is substantially perpendicular to the surface 20 of the printing table 18. The side 34, the sides 36, the locking device 38 and the back 40 substantially surround a cavity 41, in which the printing device is introduced. The dimensions of the cavity 41 are designed such that the pressure device fits substantially exactly in the cavity 41, while it is not necessary that the cavity 41 has a substantially cuboid shape. Rather, the cavity 41 is designed so that it is substantially adapted to the shape of the printing device. A projection (not shown) of the printing device engages in the opening 35 and movement of the printing device, in particular a movement of the printing device from the cavity 41, is substantially prevented by the locking device 38. It is not necessary that the locking means 38 in the closed state is substantially parallel to the surface 20 of the printing table 18 and in the open state substantially parallel to the surface 30. However, the locking device 38 is designed so that the printing device is easily or easily releasably fixed in the cavity 41. In particular, a movement of the printing device is substantially prevented by the locking device 38. This is preferably achieved in that by the locking device 38, a contact pressure is exerted on the printing device, in particular the printing device is pressed into the cavity. Furthermore, the locking device 38 has the property that the printing device is releasably fixed in the cavity. In other words, the locking device 38 can preferably be easily locked and unlocked by a pivotable mounting of the locking device 38 and consequently the pressure device can be easily fixed or released in the cavity 41 and removed from the cavity 41. The printing device is fixed in the opening 35 and by the locking device 38 in the cavity 41 of the receiving device 24 substantially by inserting the projection (not shown).

Advantageously, thus, the printing device can be easily renewed or replaced. For example, if the printing device is a conventional ink cartridge, this cartridge may be replaced, if the ink supply is exhausted or if you want to print in a different color.

Furthermore, the receiving device 24 preferably has a connection (not shown), which can come into contact with control or regulating connections of the printing device. Preferably, therefore, an electrical connection between the printing device and the control or regulating device, for example of the computer 33 can be made via the terminals 32. The computer or the embedded system or the embedded controller 33 preferably controls or regulates the printing performance of each printing device individually.

The cigarette paper 14 is passed substantially between the receiving device 24 and the surface 20 of the printing table 18, wherein the cigarette paper 14 passes through the opening 35 of the receiving device 24 and is printed without contact by the printing device (not shown).

FIG. 3a shows a plan view of the preferred labeling device 22. In this preferred embodiment, the two receptacles 24 are preferably offset in the printing direction DR. In other words, the leading edges 42 of the side 34 are not flush in the direction of movement BR, but are offset in the printing direction DR. As a result, the pressure ranges of the individual printing devices are also offset in printing direction DR. The effective width in printing direction DR, which can be printed by the printing devices, is thereby increased.

FIG. 3b shows a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. As in FIG. 3b Shown are the receiving means 24 are arranged such that the leading edges 42 of the side 34 in the direction of movement BR are substantially flush. As a result, the printing devices print on substantially the same areas on the cigarette paper 14. Otherwise corresponds to in FIG. 3b embodiment shown substantially the embodiment as shown in FIG. 3a is shown and described.

Furthermore, it is not necessary for a plurality of receiving means 24 that the receiving means 24 are all offset in the printing direction DR or all receiving devices 24 are arranged substantially flush in the direction of movement BR. Rather, it is also possible that a first number of receiving means 24 are arranged offset in the printing direction DR and individual receiving means 24 of the remaining receiving means 24 are arranged to receptacles 24 of the first number in the direction of movement BR substantially flush.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the identification device 22. As in FIG. 3a described, the edges 42 of the page 34 are not flush in the direction of movement BR, but arranged offset in the printing direction DR. As in FIG. 4 As shown, it is not necessary that the back 40 be directly adjacent to the surface 30, but may be spaced therefrom. Furthermore, between the receiving device 24 and the surface 20 of the printing table 18, a guide device 43 may be attached, which is designed, for example, to stabilize the cigarette paper 14 or to guide it precisely past the printing device. In this case, the cigarette paper between the guide device 43 and the receiving device 24 are performed. It is also possible that the cigarette paper 14 is guided between the surface 20 of the printing table 18 and the guide device 43. In this case, the guide device 43 has an opening (not shown), which corresponds to the opening 35 substantially. The cigarette paper 14 is printed contactless substantially through these two openings.

Further, it is possible to guide the cigarette paper 14 between two substantially plane-parallel surfaces of the guide device 43, wherein one of these surfaces has an opening which corresponds to the opening 35 substantially. The cigarette paper 14 can be printed contactless through these two openings.

However, the guide device 43 can also be designed to fix the receiving device 24 or to fix it apart from the printing table 18 or the surface 30 or to fix it at a distance.

Based on FIGS. 5a to 5i By way of example, the printing process in a preferred embodiment of the present identification device 22 is illustrated. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tagging device 22 comprises a number of six printing devices. In the present example, these are six conventional Hewlett & Packard HP 6154a ink jet print cartridges which can each print at a frequency of about 12 kHz, ie a capillary nozzle can be capillary-effect due to the necessary ink capillary relaxation be driven after about 80 μs. Since the conventional ink jet printing cartridge injects ink onto the cigarette paper by means of nozzles, substantially dots can be printed by the conventional ink jet printing cartridge, which are preferably arranged substantially parallel to the printing direction DR due to the arrangement of the nozzles. Consequently, the printed motifs are essentially composed of dots. Due to two mutually offset rows of nozzles per HP inkjet print cartridge and the possibility of freely programmable print triggering of each individual inkjet print cartridge used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the individual points merge more or less depending on the parameterization. Thus, although the motives consist essentially of individual points, it is preferably not possible to perceive the individual points separately because the points are too close to each other and / or run into each other.

entlang der Bewegungsrichtung BR unter derThe six printing devices are each housed in a receiving device 24 or positioned by the recording device 24 and arranged in the direction of movement BR in a row. This is in FIG. 1 by way of example for two receiving devices 24, ie for two printing devices. Furthermore, in FIGS. 5a to 5i the direction of movement BR of Cigarette paper 14 and the printing direction DR shown. In FIG. 5a a section of the cigarette paper is shown at a first time t1 = 0s. At the first time t1, the first printing device prints a first motif 44 on the cigarette paper. The first motif 44 is a series of six points, which are preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement BR of the cigarette paper 14. In other words, the six points are preferably arranged substantially parallel to the printing direction DR. The cigarette paper 14 moves at a speed $v=360\frac{m}{\min }$

along the direction of movement BR under the

Identification device 22 therethrough. As a result, the location of the first subject 44 in the direction of movement BR moves away from the first printing device toward the second printing device.

FIG. 5b shows a second motif 46, which at a second time t2, ie, for example 14,11 μs after the time t1, was printed by the first printing device on the cigarette paper 14. The second motif 46 represents a single point.

In FIG. 5c is the cigarette paper 14 at time t3, ie, for example 28.33 μ after t1 shown. At time t3, the cigarette paper 14 has moved in the direction of movement BR, so that the location of the first motif 44 is located substantially in the direction of movement BR behind the second printing device. The second printing device prints a third motif 48 in the direction of movement BR next to the first motif 44 on the cigarette paper 14. The third motif 48 is represented by a hatched in the direction of BR BR to distinguish the third motif 48, for example, from the second motif 46. As a rule, however, the third motif 48 (and all further motifs) will also consist of individual points, analogous to the first motif 44 or the second motif 46. In other words, due to the use of inkjet print cartridges, all motifs are essentially composed of dots, as exemplified in motifs 44 and 46.

In analogy to FIG. 5b is in FIG. 5d a fourth motif 50 is shown, which at a time t4, ie, for example, 42.33 μs after t1, is printed by the second printing device substantially at a position in the direction of movement BR behind the second motif 46 on the cigarette paper. In other words, after printing of the third motif 48, the cigarette paper 14 continues to move in the direction of movement BR, and as soon as the second motif 46 is substantially behind the second printing device in the direction of movement BR, the second printing device prints the fourth motif 50.

An overall motif 52 is made from sequential printing of a plurality of individual motifs as shown in FIG FIGS. 5e to 5i is executed further. FIG. 5i shows the overall motif 52, in this example the letter E, which is formed from individual motifs which are produced or printed by a plurality of printing devices. The individual motifs are printed side by side, for example. Consequently, the overall motif 52 is created by sequentially printing a plurality of individual motifs. However, the individual motifs are not restricted to one line in printing direction DR. Rather, it would also be possible, for example, for the first motif 44 to also include the third motif 48 if the desired resolution r is still reached at the speed v at which the cigarette paper 14 is moved and the printing frequency f of the inkjet print cartridge is taken into account can.

Furthermore, it is possible that the printing devices also print on regions several times, ie that, for example, a printing device repeatedly prints a region of the cigarette paper 14. However, it is also possible for different printing devices to print or reprint a region of the cigarette paper 14. For example, in color printing, a region of the cigarette paper 14 may be printed by a plurality of printing devices which, for example, print an identical motif, the colors of the inks used of the respective printing devices differing from one another.

gegeben (der Abstand in Bewegungsrichtung BR zweierThe number of motifs that a single printer prints is not limited to two subjects, as shown in this example. Rather, it is possible that a printing device prints any number of individual motifs. For example, a plurality of letters may be printed and a printing device may print only one (sub) motif of each letter. The resolution in the direction of movement BR of a single printing device, and thus also the distance of the individual motifs, which are printed by individual printing device on the cigarette paper 14, is essentially due to the relationship $r_0=\frac{f}{v}$

given (the distance in the direction of BR two

. Folglich kann durch Anbringen einer beliebigen Anzahl von individuellen Druckeinrichtungen die Auflösung r des Gesamtmotivs 52 in Bewegungsrichtung BR im wesentlichen beliebig verändert bzw. eingestellt werden. Die Auflösung des Gesamtmotivs 52 in der Druckrichtung DR, d.h. einer Richtung im wesentlichen senkrecht zur Bewegungsrichtung B, ist jedoch herkömmlicherweise beschränkt durch die Auflösung jeder individuellen Druckeinrichtung. Die Auflösung in Druckrichtung DR ist nicht abhängig von der Geschwindigkeit, mit der das Zigarettenpapier 14 relativ zu der Kennzeichnungsvorrichtung 22 bewegt wird.Single motives of each other result essentially from the inverse of the resolution r ). The resolution in the direction of movement BR of the overall motif 52, which is produced using a plurality of n printing devices, can be increased compared to the resolution of a single printing device. Using a plurality of n printing devices, the resolution r of the overall subject 52 substantially increases $r=\frac{n\cdot f}{v}$

, Thus, by attaching any number of individual printing devices, the resolution r of the overall subject 52 in the direction of movement BR can be changed substantially as desired. However, the resolution of the overall subject 52 in the printing direction DR, ie, a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement B, is conventionally limited by the resolution of each individual printing device. The resolution in printing direction DR is not dependent on the speed with which the cigarette paper 14 is moved relative to the marking device 22.

Further, the individual receiving means 24 may be arranged so that the edges 32 are not flush in the direction of movement BR, ie, that the receiving device in the printing direction DR, that are arranged offset in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement BR. Consequently, the area on the cigarette paper 14 printed by the marking device 22 can advantageously be increased beyond the printing area of a single printing device. If the edges 42 are substantially flush arranged, the printable area substantially corresponds to the area which can be printed by an individual printing device.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to label an article which has properties other than paper. Advantageously, the article need not be passed between at least two pressure rollers, as is the case with conventional roller pressure devices. Rather, only one to be marked side of the object must be accessible. It can, for example, a cuboid object, preferably a box or the like, are moved along the printing devices. Furthermore, there must be no contact between the marking device and the moving object. Thus, for example, it is possible for a box to be moved past the marking device on a conveyor belt and for the printing device to contactlessly print the box.

Preferably, the preferred identification device 22 of the present invention may also be part of a complex labeling system 10, such as may be used in the tobacco processing industry. Such an identification system 10 is sketchy in FIG FIG. 1 shown. Furthermore, such a system may for example be integrated into a manufacturing process of cigarette production.

Furthermore, the identification device 22 of the present invention is not limited to monochrome printing. Rather, it is possible to multi-colored cigarette paper 14, ie colorful print. For example, it is possible (as stated above) that different printing devices multiple print areas of the cigarette paper, for example, where an identical motif is printed and the colors of the inks used of the respective printing devices differ from each other.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention there is further provided a cigarette rod making machine wherein the cigarette paper 14 is characterized by a preferred embodiment of the tagging device 22 of the present invention. The cigarette rod maker is preferred according to Fig. 6 configured, wherein instead of the printing unit 123, an identification device 22 is used according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the description of the cigarette rod machine type PROTOS according to the DE 101 30 225 A1 directed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

labeling system

12

bracket

14

cigarette paper

16

guide rollers

18

print table

20

area

22

marking device

24

recording device

26

guide rollers

28

bracket

30

area

31

opening

32

connections

33

Computer or embedded system or embedded controller

34

page

35

opening

36

page

38

locking device

40

back

41

cavity

42

edge

43

guiding device

44

first motive

46

second motif

48

third motive

50

fourth motif

52

overall theme

Claims (3)

1. Method of marking an object (14) moved in a movement direction (BR) by means of at least two printing devices, wherein

   - the moving object (14) is printed in a contactless manner by means of the at least two printing devices,

   - each printing device produces a predetermined or predeterminable pattern (44, 46, 48, 50), and

   - a complete pattern (52) is formed from the sequentially printed patterns (44, 46, 48, 50), characterised by the further steps of:

   -- specifying a relative speed v between the printing devices and the moving object (14) between about $100\frac{m}{\min }$

   

   to about $1200\frac{m}{\min }$

   

   , preferably between about $500\frac{m}{\min }$

   

   to about $900\frac{m}{\min }$

   

   , and

   -- selecting the number n of printing devices using the equation $r=\frac{n\cdot f}{v}$

   

   , where
   r is a resolution of the complete pattern (52) in the movement direction (BR) of the moving object (14) and f is a printing frequency of a printing device.
2. Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each printing device prints in a printing direction (DR), wherein the printing direction (DR) is at an angle inclined otherwise than at 0° and 180°, preferably substantially perpendicular to the movement direction (BR) of the moving object (14).
3. Method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving object (14) is cigarette paper and prior to marking the cigarette paper (14) is preferably formed as a substantially elongate web which is substantially unprocessed.

Images