DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DECORATING AND / OR LABELING ROTATIONALLY Symmetrical, SECTIONALLY CUMBANT CONICAL OBJECTS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for decorating or embellishing, in particular foiling, especially preferably hot stamping or cold stamping, as well as for labeling rotationally symmetrical, partially frustoconical objects according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a corresponding method according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0002] In the field of labeling or decorating rotationally symmetrical objects with a section-wise frustoconical surface, various approaches and solutions are already known to apply, for example, a decorative foil, in particular a hot stamping foil or cold stamping foil, or a label smoothly, without distortion and without waviness or other disturbing artifacts to the surface of the object, in particular to transfer it to the surface of the object.

[0003] For example, a generic device and a generic method are known from European patent 2 236 296 B1. In this patent, the object is rotated or rotatably clamped about the corresponding axis of symmetry of the body in a multi-axis adjustment device, which is apparently vaguely referred to there as a cradle, during transport from a loading station to an unloading station. The multi-axis adjustment device, in addition to rotating the object about the axis of symmetry, performs its own rotation, i.e., a rotation of the multi-axis adjustment device relative to a base, and also two superimposed linear or translational movements. The at least temporary superposition of all these movements results in the transfer of a decorative foil or label via a transfer means, such as a hot stamping die or a hot stamping punch, at every point in time.A uniform and flat contact is established with the label or decoration, in particular decorative foil, which moves past the transmission means so uniformly, preferably at the same speed, that the flat label or the flat, optionally cliché-free surface of the hot stamping die comes into uniform contact with the surface of the object to be decorated or labeled, and can thus carry out the decoration or labeling, even if the object has a complex, for example conical, surface.

[0004] A device is already known from JP 6493 A with which a workpiece can be clamped and rotated about an axis of rotation. Furthermore, the workpiece, clamped on a frame, can be displaced two-dimensionally, with the displacement of the workpiece following a curved path.

[0005] Furthermore, US Patent 3,247,786 A discloses a device designed to decorate the surface of objects with a non-circular cross-section. The device rotates the object about a longitudinal axis, while treatment agents of the device remain in contact with the surface of the object.

[0006] For further information on the prior art, reference should be made to the following prior art documents: JP S63 283952 A, US 4 502 380 A, EP 1 967 372 A1, DE 100 11 8 61 A1, DE 199 21 306, DE 197 19 331 C2, JP 207001164A, JP 2007-136692 A, JP 2006-335018A, DE 200 14 177U1, CN 2 468720Y, TWM 273465 U, EP 2 108 278 A1 and DE 37 30 409 A1.

[0007] The solution described in detail above has proven disadvantageous in that the necessary movement of the multi-axis adjustment device or its base—in addition to a rotational movement around an axis of rotation parallel to the stamping direction or stamping axis (first direction)—is composed of two superimposed linear or linear translational movements. When using a linearly or translationally movable change table (XY table) with two axes perpendicular to each other, relatively long paths or distances are required in the respective translational or linear direction to generate the desired resulting superimposed movement.This in turn leads to the need for relatively large or powerful motors, which, in addition to requiring a large installation space, are sometimes less suitable, or can only provide the necessary precision and responsiveness with increased effort or expense.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to propose a device and a method for decorating or labeling rotationally symmetrical, in particular frustoconical, objects, which overcome the disadvantages in the prior art and in particular allow the use of smaller drives, especially motors, in a more preferably compact system or device.

[0009] This problem is solved with a device having the features of claim 1 and with a method according to independent claim 10.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the device and the method are the subject of the following description, the figure description, the figures and the dependent claims.

[0011] The device for decorating, in particular for laminating or labeling, rotationally symmetrical objects, preferably those with a partially frustoconical surface, includes a transfer means, for example, a hot stamping die, for transferring or applying decorations, embellishments, or labels. Furthermore, means, preferably drive means, are provided for moving the transfer means and the object to be decorated or labeled relative to each other in a first direction. A multi-axis adjustment device is also provided, which can releasably hold the object during the transfer or application of decorations, embellishments, or labels by means of holding means, preferably clamping means, wherein the holding means are connected via first drive means for rotating the object such that the object can be rotated about a symmetrical axis of rotation.

[0012] Furthermore, a traversing device, preferably a slide, is provided, which is connected to or forms the base of the multi-axis adjusting device and is connected to second drive means for translationally driving the traversing device, preferably the slide, and thus at least indirectly also the multi-axis adjusting device in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Furthermore, means are provided for rotary driving of the multi-axis adjusting device with respect to the base of the multi-axis adjusting device and / or the traversing device about a base axis parallel to the first direction.

[0013] According to the invention, means for driving, in particular pivoting, the base of the multi-axis adjusting device along a curved path in a plane perpendicular to or perpendicular to the first direction are further included.

[0014] The means for driving the base of the multi-axis adjustment device along a curved path in a plane perpendicular to the first direction supplement or support the means for translationally driving the traversing device and / or the base of the multi-axis adjustment device, and simultaneously render unnecessary or replace the means known from the prior art and required therein for translationally driving or linearly displacing the traversing device and / or the base of the multi-axis adjustment device in a third direction extending perpendicular to both the first and second directions. In this way, the paths or distances that the means for translational driving and the means for driving, in particular pivoting, along the curved path must accomplish or provide are advantageously shortened according to the invention.Accordingly, smaller and / or weaker motors or drives can be used, which then consume less installation space, more easily provide the necessary precision and uniformity, and also cause less mass to be accelerated or moved.

[0015] Furthermore, a fundamental concept of the invention is that pivoting or moving along a curved path makes it possible to completely dispense with the linear translational displacement of the base multi-axis adjustment device for various geometries of the objects to be decorated. The second drive means can be designed to be fixed or lockable, thus also preventing translation of the first traversing device. The second drive means can be provided with an internal and / or external locking mechanism.

[0016] For a comprehensive understanding and explanation of the operation of the device according to the invention, reference can be made to the prior art in the form of EP 2 236 296 B1, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated into the present description by reference. In the prior art, the features provided here as traversing devices are referred to as slides. The cradle in the prior art essentially fulfills the purpose of the multi-axis adjustment device of the present invention.

[0017] For example, the device according to the invention, as well as the device known from the prior art, can include means, in particular adjusting or tilting means, with which the orientation of the multi-axis adjusting device, especially the orientation of the object's axis of symmetry rotation between or along the holding means relative to the first direction, is adjusted. These means can be implemented, for example, by a base part with bolts or screws on which a receiving upper part with corresponding cams or slots is guided, whereby the base part can be secured relative to the receiving upper part, for example, by corresponding quick-release clamping devices. The arrangement of the multi-axis adjusting device and its base on or at the first traversing device can also be derived from the prior art. Alternative embodiments are, of course, also possible.

[0018] According to a first, advantageous embodiment of the device, the means provided for driving, in particular pivoting, the base of the multi-axis adjustment device along a curved path may comprise a second traversing device, preferably a second carriage, which is connected to the first traversing device, preferably the first carriage, and the base of the multi-axis adjustment device. This allows, to a particularly advantageous extent, the means for translationally driving the base and / or the traversing device to be separated from the means for driving, in particular pivoting, the base along the curved path and to be designed and controlled independently of one another.

[0019] The moving devices can preferably be designed as movable tables or plates, which are preferably provided or connected with a bearing that enables and facilitates movement relative to other parts of the device and / or a substrate.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment of the device, the means for driving, in particular pivoting, the base of the multi-axis adjustment device may comprise curved guide means, in particular two or more guide means, which are preferably connected to the first traversing device and are operatively connected to complementary guide means of the second traversing device. The guide means may, for example, be designed as guide rails.The preferred complementary guide means can preferably be designed as bearings, bearing pairs or bearing groups, for example as roller bearings, ball bearings or the like, which then come into contact with one or more sides of the guide rail or guide rails and enable the second travel device and thus also the base of the multi-axis adjustment device to move or displace along the curved path with as little friction as possible.

[0021] Training via curved guidance devices has the advantage that the other means that accomplish or provide the driving along the curved path, in particular the pivoting along the curved path, including any associated drive or motor, do not necessarily have to follow a curved path or also move along a curved path. Instead, the guidance devices can advantageously also effect forced guidance, which in this respect transmits or transfers a drive or movement onto the curved path specified or enforced by the guidance devices.

[0022] It can be particularly advantageous to provide that the guide elements and / or the complementary guide elements are detachably or interchangeably arranged or attached to the first and / or second traversing device and / or the base of the multi-axis adjustment device. This allows the base of the multi-axis adjustment device and / or the second traversing device to be pivoted along different curved paths, depending on the choice and shape of the guide elements, simply by changing the guide elements. This also demonstrates that the use of curved guide elements offers the advantage that the curvature is already predefined and can be superimposed with a further linear movement, without the need to first superimpose the two superimposed linear movements to create a curved path.As discussed above, depending on the geometry of the object to be decorated, the linear movement of the first traversing device can sometimes be dispensed with. It can be particularly advantageous to provide that the curved guide elements are adapted to the geometry of the object to be decorated, so that the simplest possible control of the drive means is achieved, preferably without control of the second drive means.

[0023] The control of the drive elements can generally vary. Preferably, a control unit, preferably central or shared, can be provided to directly control the drive elements, which preferably comprise electromechanical drive units. The control unit can advantageously be programmed or configured depending on the objects to be decorated and can be connected to appropriate input devices or interfaces for this purpose.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that the means for driving, in particular pivoting, the base of the multi-axis adjustment device and / or the second traversing device along a curved path are designed such that a movement of the base of the multi-axis adjustment device forms a circular arc around an axis of rotation parallel to the first direction. Alternatively, other curvatures, for example elliptical curvatures, parabolic curvatures, or polynomial curvatures, can also be executed.

[0025] According to a further, particularly desirable embodiment of the device, the means for driving the base of the multi-axis adjustment device along a curved path may comprise third drive means, which are preferably fixedly arranged on an underside of the second traversing device and / or the base of the multi-axis adjustment device and preferably extend further preferably through a recess in the first traversing device, which is arranged under the second traversing device. This allows for a particularly compact design.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that the means for the rotary drive of the multi-axis adjustment device, relative to the base, comprise a fourth drive element that is arranged eccentrically to the base axis and transmits drive energy to a rotatable base axis via transmission and / or gearing. This also allows for a particularly advantageous space-saving and compact arrangement, which is further enhanced by the fact that, compared to the prior art, weaker and therefore smaller drives or motors can be used as the means of drive.

[0027] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the device, the fourth drive means can be arranged with respect to the curved path such that they are located in a concave region of the curvature at all times. This advantageously results in lower moments of inertia or torques being required when moving the base of the multi-axis adjustment device or the traversing devices, particularly along the curved path, since the corresponding fourth drive means are oriented towards a center, center of gravity, or midpoint of the movement along the curved path or pivoting. Consequently, the fourth drive means generate a lower overall moment of inertia or torque than if they were, for example, arranged centrally below the rotatable base axis.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageous to arrange the fourth drive means so that they extend downwards and laterally from the multi-axis adjustment device or its base, alongside the first and / or second traversing device or its base. This also contributes to an overall compact design of the device.

[0029] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a method for decorating or embellishing, in particular foiling, especially preferably hot stamping or cold stamping, or labeling a rotationally symmetrical object, preferably having a frustoconical surface, which is preferably carried out or performed with a device according to one of the embodiments described above and comprises the following steps: transferring the object to a multi-axis adjustment device by means of a loading station and releasably fixing it in the multi-axis adjustment device by means of holding means. Moving the multi-axis adjustment device with the object fixed therein along a track that runs from the loading station to an unloading station.Displacement of the transfer means relative to the object along a first direction, and rotation of the object about a symmetry axis of rotation for the transfer or application of an ornament, decoration, or label to the object, at least during part of the displacement of the multi-axis adjustment device along the path of the preceding process step. Unloading of the fixed object with the applied ornament or label from the multi-axis adjustment device and / or the holding means at an unloading station.

[0030] According to the invention, the relocation of the multi-axis adjustment device is carried out in such a way that the multi-axis adjustment device with the object fixed therein is moved on or along the path running from the loading station to the unloading station in such a way that optionally a first traversing device is relocated translationally along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, in particular in a straight line, and preferably at least sectionally or temporarily simultaneously, a base of the multi-axis adjustment device is moved, in particular pivoted, along a curved path in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and by rotating the multi-axis adjustment device about a base axis parallel to the first direction with respect to the base.

[0031] Regarding the advantages of the beneficial effects and the advantageous embodiments, reference is made to the points mentioned and explained above with respect to the device according to the invention, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition. This also means that features and aspects generally described or disclosed in relation to the device are simultaneously to be considered described, disclosed, and claimable in relation to the method, and vice versa.

[0032] The advantages and embodiments of the present invention are explained below with reference to the schematic drawings.

[0033] It shows: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of the function and movement of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2: a perspective view of part of a device according to the invention.

[0034] The Fig. 1shows a view of a part of the device 01, in which the viewing direction is parallel to a first direction 02, in which a transmission means not shown, preferably a hot stamping die, is positioned relative to a part also located in the Fig. 1 The object not shown is relatively displaced for the application of the label or decoration.

[0035] In the Fig. 1 Shown is a traversing device or first traversing device 03, which in a second direction T the evidence of the Fig. 1The first traversing device 03 is movable in or parallel to the plane of the drawing and thus perpendicular to the first direction 02. According to the invention, a second traversing device 04 and / or the base 05.1 of the multi-axis adjusting device 05 is movably arranged on the first traversing device 03, the movement tracing a curved path B or pivoting along the curved path B. The multi-axis adjusting device 05 can be rotated about a base axis W relative to the base 05.1 of the multi-axis adjusting device 05 or relative to the second traversing device 04. The base axis W runs parallel to the first direction 02 and thus, in the illustration of the Fig. 1 perpendicular to the drawing plane.

[0036] Furthermore, a fixed object can be rotated about the axis of symmetry S by means of holding devices not shown. The multi-axis adjustment device 05 or an upper receiving part 19 can also be tilted about a tilting axis K with respect to the plane of the drawing or with respect to the first direction 02. The loading station for transferring the objects to the multi-axis adjustment device 05 and the unloading station for removing the objects from the multi-axis adjustment device 05 are shown in the Fig. 1 Not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0037] The Fig. 2 shows an exemplary perspective view of part of the device 01 of the present invention. The axes shown in the Fig. 1 As depicted and defined, they are also in the Fig. 2The diagram is shown again. It can be seen that a first traversing device 03 is arranged on a base plate or support plate 06, which can be adjusted translationally and preferably linearly in the direction of the axis of movement T or direction of movement T via second drive means 07 and by means of the linear guide means 08. Depending on the geometry of the object to be decorated, the first traversing device 03 can be fixed for the method and thus not moved, and therefore not in a straight line.

[0038] The first traversing device 03 has guide means 09 which interact with complementary guide means 10 of the second traversing device 04 or the base 05.1 of the multi-axis adjustment device 05. The guide means 09, 10 are preferably interchangeably attached to the traversing device 03 and / or the traversing device 04. The translational movement of the first traversing device 03, preferably optional, can be superimposed via the guide means 09, 10 and in conjunction with the drive means 11 for driving the base 05.1 or the second traversing device 04 along the curved path B.

[0039] The means for the rotary drive of the multi-axis adjustment device 05 about the base axis W comprise fourth drive means 12 which are arranged eccentrically to the base axis W and transmit the drive energy to the rotatable base axis W by means of transmission and / or gear means 13. The fourth drive means 12 are arranged with respect to the curved path B such that the drive means 12 are located in a concave region of the curved path B at all times. This reduces the inertial forces and torques that occur during the movement of the multi-axis adjustment device 05.

[0040] Furthermore, the fourth drive means 12 are arranged downwards laterally from the multi-axis adjustment device 05 next to the first traversing device 03 and laterally to the second traversing device 04, and in this position extend downwards past the first and second traversing devices 03 and 04 and through a recess in the base plate 06. The third drive means 11 for driving, in particular for pivoting the base 05.1 of the multi-axis adjustment device 05 and / or its base 05.1 along the curved path B are arranged on the underside 14 of the second traversing device 04 or the base 05.1 of the multi-axis adjustment device 05, preferably fixedly arranged, and extend through a recess 15 in the first traversing device 03 which is located below the second traversing device 04.

[0041] As already expressed in the description, figure description, and claims, the second traversing device 04 and the base 05.1 of the multi-axis adjustment device 05 can be connected to each other, or even formed by identical components. This means that the base 05.1 of the multi-axis adjustment device 05 can simultaneously form the second traversing device 04, or vice versa. The base 05.1 of the multi-axis adjustment device 05 can also be partially integrated into, or integrable with, the second traversing device 04.

[0042] The Fig. 2 Figure 16 further shows the clamping means 16, which serve to fix the object (not shown). The clamping means 16 interact with first drive means 17, enabling rotation of the object about a symmetry axis S.

[0043] The Fig. 2Figure 18 also shows the fastening means 18 in the form of quick-release clamping devices, with which the inclination of the upper receiving part 19 relative to the base 05.1 of the multi-axis adjustment device 05. can be fixed or adjusted. This allows the inclination or orientation of the axis of rotational symmetry S relative to the first direction 02 to be adjusted.

[0044] Advantageously, it can be provided that the drive means 07, 11 and / or 12 enable a drive based on a belt drive, with the respective belts for realizing the belt drive being located in the Fig. 2not shown. Furthermore, it may preferably be provided that, in an advantageous embodiment, at least one belt or drive belt is fixedly clamped or immovably and not rotating. The clamping is effected on or with the part relative to which movement is to be achieved by the drive means. In the case of the drive means 12, the belt would thus be connected, for example, either fixedly or not rotatingly, to the first traversing device 03.

[0045] Particularly preferably in such an embodiment, the drive belt or belt can be guided in an omega shape around a drive shaft of the motor connected to the belt. Such a realization of the drive means 07, 11 and / or 12, sometimes also known as an omega drive, allows for a particularly effective and precise displacement of the object. Reference symbol list

[0046] 01 Device 02 First direction 03 First travel device 04 Second travel device 05 Multi-axis adjustment device 05.1 Base 06 Base plate 07 Second drive means 08 Linear guide means 09, 10 Guide means 11 Third drive means 12 Fourth drive means 13 Transmission and / or gear means 14 Underside 15 Recess 16 Clamping means 17 First drive means 18 Fastening means 19 Upper receiving part T Second direction, direction / axis of movement B Curved path W Base axis SS Symmetry rotation axis K Tilting axis

Claims

1. A device (01) for embellishing or decorating, in particular for foiling, or labeling rotation-symmetrical objects, the device comprising the following: - a transfer means for transferring or applying embellishments, decorations or labels; - a means for relatively moving the transfer means and the object in a first direction (02); - a, preferably bracket-shaped, multiaxial adjusting device (05) which can detachably hold the object by means of holding means, preferably clamping means (16), while transferring or applying embellishments, decorations or labels, the holding means being connected via first drive means (17) for being rotationally driven such that the object is rotatable about a symmetrical rotational axis (S); - a displacement device (03) which is connected to a base (05.1) of the multiaxial adjusting device (05) and is connected to second driving means (07) for translationally driving the base (05.1) of the multiaxial adjusting device (05) in a second direction (T) perpendicular to the first direction (02); - means for rotationally driving the multiaxial adjusting device (05) with respect to the base (05.1) of the multiaxial adjusting device (05) and / or the displacement device (03) about a base axis (W) parallel to the first direction (02); characterized by - means for driving, in particular pivoting, the base (05.1) of the multiaxial adjusting device (05) along a curved trajectory (B) in a plane perpendicular to the first direction (02).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for driving, in particular pivoting, the base (05.1) of the multiaxial adjusting device (05) along a curved trajectory (B) comprise a second displacement device (04) which is connected to the first displacement drive (03) and the base (05.1) of the multiaxial adjusting device (05).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for driving, in particular pivoting, the base (05.1) of the multiaxial adjusting device (05) along a curved trajectory (B) comprise curved guide means (09), in particular two or more guide means (09), which are connected preferably to the first displacement device (03) and are particularly preferably operatively connected to complementary guide means (10) of the second displacement device (04).

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide means (09) and / or the complementary guide means (10) are detachably or exchangeably disposed on the first and / or second displacement device (03, 04).

5. The device according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means for driving, in particular pivoting, the base (05.1) of the multiaxial adjusting device (05) along a curved trajectory (B) are designed such that a movement of the base (05.1) of the multiaxial adjusting device (05) forms a circular arc about a rotational axis parallel to the first direction (02).

6. The device according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the means for driving the base (05.1) of the multiaxial device (05) along a curved trajectory (B) comprise third driving means (11) which are disposed, preferably permanently, on an underside (14) of the second displacement device (04) and further preferably extend through a recess in the first displacement device (03) disposed below the second displacement device (04).

7. The device according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the means for rotationally driving the multiaxial adjusting device (05) with respect to the base comprise fourth driving means (12) which are disposed eccentrically to the base axis (W) and transfer a drive energy to a rotatable base axis (W) by means of translation and / or gear means (13).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the fourth driving means (12) are disposed such in reference to the curved trajectory (B) that the driving means (12) are disposed in a concave area of a curvature at any given point in time.

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the fourth driving means (12) extend downward to the side beside the first and / or second displacement device (03, 04) starting from the multiaxial adjusting device (05).

10. A method for embellishing or decorating, in particular foiling, or labeling a rotationally symmetrical object, which is at least partially frustoconical, this method preferably being executed by means of a device (01) according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, the method comprising the following steps: a) transmitting the object to a multiaxial adjusting device (05) in a loading station and detachably fixing the object by means of holding means; b) displacing the multiaxial adjusting device (05) with the object fixed therein on a trajectory, which extends from the loading station to an unloading station; c) displacing a transfer means in relation to the object along a first direction (02) and rotating the object about a symmetrical rotational axis (S) for transferring or applying an embellishment or a label on the object at least during a part of the displacement of the multiaxial adjusting device (05) on the trajectory of step b); and d) unloading the fixed object from the multiaxial adjusting device (05) and / or the holding means at the unloading station; characterized in that the displacement of step b) takes place such that the multiaxial adjusting device (05) with the object fixed therein on the trajectory, which extends from the loading station to the unloading station, takes place such that a first displacement device (03) is displaced optionally translationally along a second direction (T) perpendicular to the first direction (02) and, preferably additionally, a base (05.1) of the multiaxial adjusting device (05) is moved, in particular pivoted, along a curved trajectory (B) in a plane perpendicular to the first direction (02), and by the multiaxial adjusting device (05) being rotated about a base axis (W) parallel to the first direction (02) in relation to the base (05.1).