Device and method for laser marking containers

Abstract

The invention relates to, inter alia, a device (28) for laser marking containers (12), wherein the device (28) has a container conveyor (34) for transporting the containers (12) and a laser marking system (10) designed for laser marking within at least one marking field (32). The laser marking system (10) can be moved in such a way as to also move the at least one marking field (32) in tandem with, and preferably substantially in synchrony with, the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34). Advantageously, the device (28) can significantly extend the process time available for laser marking the containers (12).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Device and method for laser marking containers

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a device for laser marking containers. The invention also relates to a method for laser marking containers.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] Traditionally, containers are mostly equipped with labels. Typical variants are paper or plastic labels, which are applied to the containers using hot or cold glue, or even self-adhesive. Labels can be problematic in the recycling process, e.g., due to the printing ink used, waterproof paper, glue, etc.

[0007] In principle, it is therefore desirable to do without labels altogether. Required information could, for example, be marked or written directly onto the containers using a laser marking system. Such a technology is already being used, for example, to laser mark a production number or a best-before date. During laser marking, the laser beam and the resulting heat on the container's surface can cause a physical change in the container's surface (e.g., stress whitening in PET containers), allowing the desired characters to be laser-marked onto the surface.

[0008] However, conventionally available laser marking systems are too slow to be able to laser mark the current outputs (many tens of thousands of containers per hour) in filling plants with a large number of characters (e.g. ingredients and / or decorations) on the containers, which would actually enable completely label-free containers.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of creating an improved technology with which even large-format and / or multi-character laser markings can be applied to containers without negatively impacting system performance. Preferably, the technology should enable completely label-free application of containers through laser marking in a container processing system.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for laser marking (or laser coding, laser marking, laser inscription) of (e.g., completely label-free) containers. The device comprises a container conveyor for transporting (e.g., linearly or on a circular path) the containers (e.g., in a transport direction) and a laser marking system configured for laser marking within at least one marking field (e.g., defined or spanned by one marking head of the laser marking system per marking field). The laser marking system is movable (e.g., linearly or on a circular path) for moving the at least one marking field (e.g., in the transport direction) along with the containers transported by the container conveyor, preferably essentially synchronously (e.g., moving one marking field per container).

[0012] The device can advantageously significantly extend the process time available for laser marking containers. Because the marking field(s) can move with the container, more process time is available for laser marking. This allows large-format and / or multi-character laser markings to be applied to the containers without having to reduce system performance or employ particularly complex and therefore costly laser marking technology. Ultimately, this makes it possible to produce completely label-free containers that are simply laser-marked.

[0013] Preferably, the device may be free of a labeling device for labeling the containers.

[0014] Preferably, laser marking can be done directly on the labelless containers.

[0015] For example, the laser marking system can be configured to apply a laser marking comprising a decoration, a decorative surface, at least one character and / or a single- or multi-line character string to a container within the at least one marking field.

[0016] In one embodiment, the laser marking system is designed for laser marking within a plurality of marking fields. The laser marking system can preferably be movable, preferably linearly or on a circular path, for the preferably essentially synchronous movement of one marking field at a time with each container transported by the container conveyor. Advantageously, a particularly large number of containers can be laser marked within a short period of time in this way, so that, for example, even the high system outputs of industrial container processing plants can be achieved. If a marking head fails, the device can continue to operate at reduced power, if necessary, until the next possible or next favorable time for repair or replacement.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the laser marking system comprises one or more laser sources that are movable, preferably linearly or along a circular path, for the (e.g., substantially synchronous) movement of the at least one marking field along with the containers transported by the container conveyor (e.g., one marking field each with one container transported by the container conveyor). Optionally, the multiple laser sources can share a cooling device and / or a power supply device. Advantageously, the functionality of the laser marking system's movement along with the containers can thus be implemented in a simple manner.

[0018] In one embodiment, the laser marking system comprises one or more marking heads (e.g., each with one or two scanner mirrors), which are movable, preferably linearly or along a circular path, for moving the at least one marking field along with the containers transported by the container conveyor (e.g., preferably substantially synchronously) (e.g., one marking field each with one container transported by the container conveyor). Optionally, the multiple marking heads can share a laser source, a cooling device, and / or a power supply device. Advantageously, the functionality of moving the laser marking system along with the containers can be easily implemented in this way.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the laser marking system has one or more focusing lenses which are movable, preferably linearly or on a circular path, for moving the at least one marking field along with the containers transported by the container conveyor.

[0020] Preferably, by moving the focusing lens(es), at least one focusing field in which the at least one marking field is located can be moved along with the containers transported by the container conveyor. In a further embodiment, the container conveyor and the laser marking system can be coupled or are coupled, preferably mechanically (e.g. via a machine carousel or a driver or a rigid mechanical connection) and / or electronically (e.g. via a control device), to move the laser marking system (e.g. linearly or on a circular path) with the containers transported by the container conveyor, for moving the at least one marking field (e.g. essentially synchronously) with the containers transported by the container conveyor. This can advantageously ensure that the laser marking system and its marking field(s) move at a speed adapted to the container conveyor, e.g.at a speed equal to or less than the transport speed of the container conveyor.

[0021] Preferably, a separate drive of the laser marking system, which is designed to move the laser marking system along with the containers transported by the container conveyor, can be electronically coupled to a drive of the container conveyor, e.g., directly or via a control device.

[0022] It is also possible that a drive of the container conveyor can drive the laser marking system to move along.

[0023] In one embodiment, the container conveyor is a rotary container conveyor. Preferably, the laser marking system can rotate along with the containers transported by the rotary container conveyor. Particularly preferably, the laser marking system can be connected to a machine carousel of the rotary container conveyor so that it can rotate with the machine carousel. This advantageously allows the entire time of a carousel run to be available for laser marking.

[0024] In another design variant, the laser marking system is located inside the rotary container conveyor. This advantageously allows for a small footprint for the device.

[0025] In a further embodiment, at least one laser source of the laser marking system is arranged inside the rotary container conveyor. Alternatively or additionally, at least one marking head and / or at least one deflecting mirror of the laser marking system can be arranged outside the rotary container conveyor. This can advantageously enable, for example, good accessibility to the at least one marking head, which can facilitate assembly and maintenance. In one embodiment, the container conveyor is a linear container conveyor. Preferably, the laser marking system (e.g., at least one marking head and optionally at least one laser source of the laser marking system) can be moved linearly with the containers transported by the linear container conveyor, preferably driven by a planar motor drive or a long-stator linear motor drive, or mechanically coupled to the container conveyor.This can advantageously ensure easy assembly and good maintainability of the laser marking system.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the container conveyor is designed to rotate the transported containers around their own vertical axis, e.g., during laser marking or while the laser marking system / the at least one marking field is moving along with them. Advantageously, the containers can be rotated during laser marking to enable laser marking at any position on the container's peripheral surface and even laser marking around substantially the entire peripheral surface of the container.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the container conveyor has a plurality of container holders, each for holding a container, preferably in base handling or neck handling. Optionally, the plurality of container holders can each have a container plate (e.g., container turntable), a centering bell, a (e.g., active or passive) container clamp, and / or an inflation device. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of container holders can each be rotatable about their own vertical axis for rotating a respective container held. Advantageously, the containers can thus be rotated during laser marking using the container holders, preferably to achieve the advantages already explained above.

[0028] In one variant, the laser marking system has at least one marking head and at least one laser source for each container holder. This advantageously allows for particularly high outputs (= laser-marked containers per hour).

[0029] Alternatively, the laser marking system can have at least one marking head per container holder, for example, and multiple marking heads can share one laser source. This advantageously reduces the number of laser sources while still enabling high performance (= laser-marked containers per hour).

[0030] Advantageously, if several marking heads and possibly laser sources are used per container holder, several

[0031] Areas of a container can be laser marked simultaneously. Advantageously, the device can then continue to operate at reduced power even if a marking head or laser source fails, until the next possible or convenient time for repair or replacement.

[0032] Preferably, several or all marking heads can share a cooling device, a control device and / or a power supply device.

[0033] Preferably, several laser sources or all laser sources can share a cooling device, a control device and / or a power supply device.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the device further comprises a control device configured to operate the device such that the laser marking system moves (e.g., substantially synchronously) with the containers transported by the container conveyor, preferably linearly or on a circular path, for the purpose of moving the at least one marking field along with the containers transported by the container conveyor, and thereby laser-marks within the at least one marking field; and optionally, the containers transported by the container conveyor are rotated by the container conveyor, at least temporarily, about their own vertical axis during laser marking.

[0035] Preferably, the term "control device" can refer to electronics (e.g., implemented as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data memory) and / or a mechanical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic control system, which, depending on its design, can perform control tasks and / or regulation tasks and / or processing tasks. Even if the term "control" is used herein, it can also appropriately include or mean "regulation" or "control with feedback" and / or "processing."

[0036] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container treatment system for manufacturing, cleaning, coating, inspecting, filling, sealing, laser marking, and / or packaging containers for liquid media, preferably beverages or liquid foodstuffs. The container treatment system may comprise the device as disclosed herein.

[0037] Preferably, the container treatment system can be free of any labeling device for labeling the containers. However, it is also possible for the device and / or the container treatment system to have a labeling device for labeling and / or a printing device for directly printing the containers.

[0038] For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, flasks, etc.

[0039] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for operating a device, preferably as disclosed herein, for laser marking containers, preferably completely label-free containers. The method comprises moving the containers by means of a (e.g., linear or rotary) container conveyor (e.g., in a transport direction). The method further comprises moving at least one marking field of a laser marking system (e.g., in the transport direction) with at least one of the moved containers, preferably substantially synchronously with the respective container (e.g., moving one marking field each with one container), by moving the laser marking system, preferably linearly or on a circular path. The method further comprises laser marking the at least one moved container (e.g.,The laser marking system marks the object (directly onto the container) with which the at least one marking field moves along. Advantageously, the method can achieve the same advantages as those already described with reference to the device. The same applies to the exemplary embodiments of the method described below.

[0040] In one embodiment, the method further comprises rotating the at least one moving container, with which the at least one marking field moves, by means of the container conveyor about a separate vertical axis of the respective container during the laser marking and / or during the movement.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the containers are moved linearly by means of the container conveyor during laser marking, and / or the laser marking system is moved linearly during laser marking, e.g., parallel to the container conveyor and / or the transport direction.

[0042] Alternatively, the containers can be moved along a (e.g., first) circular path during laser marking, for example, by means of the container conveyor, and / or the laser marking system can be moved along a (e.g., second) circular path during laser marking. The first circular path and the second circular path can preferably be concentric with each other. The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another as desired. the characters

[0043] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary laser marking system;

[0045] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary laser marking process;

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary laser marking device;

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary laser marking device;

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary laser marking device;

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary laser marking device;

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary laser marking device;

[0051] Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary laser marking device; and

[0052] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary laser marking device.

[0053] The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and for their explanation reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition.

[0054] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0055] Figure 1 shows a laser marking system 10 for laser marking containers 12. The laser marking system 10 can also be referred to as a laser decoration system, laser marking system, laser coding system, or laser inscription system. Preferably, the laser marking system 10 can be a CO2 laser marking system, a fiber laser marking system, or a UV laser marking system. For example, the laser marking system 10 can be a pulsed laser marking system.

[0056] Preferably, the laser marking system 10 may comprise a laser source 14 and a marking head 16.

[0057] The laser source 14 can be designed, for example, as a laser tube. The laser tube can be sealed. The laser tube can be filled with a gas, e.g., containing CO2, or a gas mixture, e.g., a CO2-N2-He gas mixture. Electrodes can also be arranged in the laser tube. A power supply device 15 can be connected to the electrodes. The power supply device 15 can supply the laser source 14 with electrical energy. Using, for example, a high-frequency voltage, molecules, e.g., CO2 molecules, in the laser tube can be excited to oscillate and thus emit a laser beam. The laser source 14 can also be referred to as an oscillator.

[0058] The laser beam generated by the laser source 14 is guided or directed directly or via mirrors to the marking head 16. It is possible, for example, for a so-called telescope to expand the laser beam to be arranged between the laser source 14 and the marking head 16.

[0059] The marking head 16 may preferably include two movable mirrors 18 and 22 and two drives 20 and 24. The marking head 16 may further include a focusing lens 26. The marking head 16 may also be referred to as a coding head, marking head, or writing head.

[0060] The first drive 20 can rotate the first mirror 18 about a first axis (e.g., x-axis). The first mirror 18 can also be referred to, for example, as a movable scanner mirror, e.g., an X-scanner mirror. The second drive 24 can rotate the second mirror 22 about a second axis (e.g., y-axis). The second mirror 22 can also be referred to, for example, as a movable scanner mirror, e.g., a Y-scanner mirror. The first axis and the second axis can preferably run perpendicular to each other.

[0061] The mirrors 18, 22, moved by the drives 20, 24, can direct the laser beam according to the desired laser marking. The laser beam can thus move, for example, in a writing manner across the surface of the container 12. Preferably, the laser beam can move across the surface of the container 12 within the marking field 32 (see Figure 2), which is assigned to the respective marking head 16. The drives 20, 24 can be supplied with electrical energy from the power supply device 15.

[0062] Before the laser beam hits the surface of the container 12, it can be focused using the focusing lens 26. The focusing lens 26 can also be referred to as a condenser lens. The focusing lens 26 can be an F-theta lens, for example. Depending on the configuration, the focusing lens 26 can be arranged inside or outside the marking head 16. The focusing lens 26 can be a so-called active focusing lens or a so-called passive focusing lens.

[0063] It is possible for the laser marking system 10 to have a plurality of marking heads 16. The plurality of marking heads 16 can, for example, be arranged side by side and / or one above the other. For example, two, three, or more marking heads 16 can be included.

[0064] Each marking head 16 can be connected to its own laser source 14, which can emit a laser beam to the respective marking head 16. Accordingly, the laser marking system 10 can have multiple laser sources 14.

[0065] It is also possible for multiple marking heads 16 to receive their respective laser beams from the same laser source 14. For example, a beam distributor (beam splitter) can be arranged between the laser source 14 and multiple marking heads 16. The beam distributor can, for example, split a laser beam received from the laser source 14 into multiple laser beams and direct them to the multiple marking heads 16. For example, the beam distributor can comprise a partially transmissive deflection mirror, a beam splitter plate, a beam splitter cube, a variable beam splitter, or a diffractive beam splitter.

[0066] If multiple laser sources 14 are included, they can, for example, be of identical construction. However, it is also possible for the laser sources 14 to be at least partially different in order to achieve different effects (e.g., color effects) when laser marking the containers 12.

[0067] It is possible for the laser marking system 10 to have a cooling device 27. The cooling device 27 can be designed, for example, to cool the laser source(s) 14 and / or the marking head(s) 16. Preferably, a cooling device 27 is included, with which several or all laser sources 14 and / or several or all marking heads 16 can be cooled together. The cooling device 27 can be, for example, an electrical cooling device or a fluid cooling device (e.g., an air or liquid cooling device). The cooling device TI preferably has at least one cooling circuit in which a cooling fluid circulates.

[0068] Figure 2 shows a purely schematic and exemplary device 28 for laser marking. The illustrated part of the device 28 has a marking head 16. As already mentioned, the laser marking system 10 can also have multiple marking heads 16, etc. The illustrated part of the device 28 also has a container conveyor 34.

[0069] The arrangement and configuration of the focusing lens 26 can define a so-called focusing field or lens field 30. The lens field 30 can be two-dimensional. For example, the lens field 30 can have a circular shape. Preferably, the lens field 30 can lie in a vertical plane.

[0070] The laser marking system 10 is designed for laser marking within at least one so-called marking field 32.

[0071] The marking field 32 can be a section of the lens field 30. The section or marking field 32 can include all positions that the laser beam can reach through the movable mirror(s) of the marking head 16. When an area of ​​the container 12 enters the marking field 32, the laser marking system 10 can laser mark the area. When the area of ​​the container 12 exits the marking field 32, the laser marking system 10 can no longer laser mark the area.

[0072] The shape and dimensions of the marking field 32 depend on the mirrors 18, 22 and their mobility, which is effected by the drives 20, 24 (see Figure 1). The marking field 32 can be two-dimensional. For example, the marking field 32 can have a rectangular shape, preferably a square shape. Preferably, the marking field 32 can lie in a vertical plane.

[0073] Each marking head 16 can form or define its own marking field 32 within the respective lens field 30. Multiple marking fields 32 can be at least partially spaced apart from one another and / or at least partially adjacent to one another or overlap one another.

[0074] The container conveyor 34 is designed to transport containers 12. The container conveyor 34 can transport the containers 12 in one transport direction. Depending on the configuration of the container conveyor 34, it can transport the containers along a desired transport path. The transport path can, for example, be a linear transport path or a curved or arched one.

[0075] For example, the container conveyor 34 can be a rotary container conveyor (container conveyor carousel). The laser marking system 10 can, for example, be arranged inside or outside the rotary container conveyor. It is also possible for the laser marking system 10 to be arranged partially inside and partially outside the rotary container conveyor. For example, the at least one laser source 14 can be arranged inside the rotary container conveyor, and the at least one marking head 16 can be arranged outside the rotary container conveyor.

[0076] Alternatively, the container conveyor 34 can be, for example, a linear container conveyor. The laser marking system 10 can, for example, be arranged laterally next to the linear container conveyor. The linear container conveyor can, for example, have a preferably revolving conveyor element for transporting the containers 12. The linear container conveyor can, for example, be a belt, strap, chain, or plate conveyor. It is also possible for the linear container conveyor to be designed as a long-stator linear motor container conveyor or a (magnetic) planar motor drive container conveyor, which can move the containers 12 independently of one another by means of movement devices (mover, shuttle).

[0077] The container conveyor 34 can support the containers 12 during transport, preferably at the bottom, the periphery, and / or the mouth. The container conveyor 34 can have container holders 36 (only schematically indicated in Figure 2) for supporting the containers 12. The container holders 36 can preferably hold the containers 12 in base handling or neck handling.

[0078] It is possible that the container conveyor 34 does not have separate container holders 36 and, for example, the containers 12 are simply supported on a preferably revolving conveyor element (e.g., belt, strap, chains or plates) of the container conveyor 34.

[0079] For example, the container holders 36 can each support a container 12. The container holders 36 can each have, for example, a container plate, a centering bell, a container clamp and / or an inflation device. For example, a container 12 can be fixed between a container plate and a centering bell. An optional, additional inflation device can provide additional stability, e.g., if the containers 12 are laser marked before filling. The container conveyor 34 can preferably be designed to rotate the transported containers 12 each about its own vertical axis H. The container holders 36 can preferably be rotatable about their respective vertical axis H for rotating the containers 12.

[0080] Preferably, the laser marking system 10 can have one marking head 16 and one laser source 14 for each container holder 36. Alternatively, the laser marking system 10 can, for example, have one marking head 16 for each container holder 36, and several of the marking heads 16 can share one laser source 14 of the laser marking system 10.

[0081] A special feature of the present disclosure is that the at least one marking field 30 is not stationary.

[0082] Instead, the at least one marking field 32 of the laser marking system 10 can move along with the containers 12 moving in the transport direction during transport by means of the container conveyor 34, preferably essentially synchronously. Depending on the design of the container conveyor 34, the containers 12 and thus the at least one marking field 32 can move, for example, linearly or on a circular path. The containers 12 moving in the transport direction are laser-marked with a desired laser marking by means of the laser marking system 10 while they move along. Optionally, the containers 12 can also rotate about their own vertical axis H during the movement and / or the laser marking.

[0083] In detail, the laser marking system 10 is movable (in part or in full) to move (at least) one marking field 32 along with each container 12 transported by the container conveyor 34 in a transport direction. The movement preferably takes place essentially synchronously with the transported containers 12. This is illustrated schematically in Figure 2 with the arrows A and B.

[0084] The at least one marking field 32 or the laser marking system 10 can, for example, move with the respective container 12 over substantially the entire length of the container conveyor 34 or only along a section of the container conveyor 34.

[0085] The movement of the marking field 32 or the laser marking system 10 with the container 12 can be realized in different ways.

[0086] For example, the entire laser marking system 10 with the at least one laser source 14 and the at least one marking head 16 and optionally the at least one focusing lens 26 for moving the respective marking field 32 (and optionally the focusing field 30) with the respective container 12 can be movable.

[0087] Alternatively, for example, the at least one laser source 14 can be stationary, and the at least one marking head 16 can be movable to move the respective marking field 32 along with the respective container 12. For example, at least one movable mirror device can be arranged in the beam path between the respective laser source 14 and the respective marking head 16 to deflect the laser beam from the respective laser source 14 to a current position of the respective marking head 16.

[0088] Depending on the configuration of the container conveyor 34, the at least one marking field 32 or the laser marking system 10 can be movable, for example, along a circular path or linearly. Preferably, the at least one marking field 32 is movable such that it can follow a respective container 12 moving in the transport direction.

[0089] For example, the at least one marking field 32 or the laser marking system 10 can rotate along with the containers 12 transported by the container conveyor 34, which is designed as a rotary conveyor. For example, the laser marking system 10 can be connected to a rotatable machine carousel of the container conveyor 34 for rotation with the machine carousel.

[0090] Alternatively, the at least one marking field 32 or the laser marking system 10 can move, for example, linearly and parallel with the containers 12 transported by the container conveyor 34 designed as a linear conveyor. For example, the at least one marking head 16 and optionally the at least one laser source 14 can move linearly.

[0091] To move the laser marking system 10, a mechanical coupling to the container conveyor 34 may be included, for example. For example, the laser marking systems 10 can be mechanically coupled to one another via a rotatable machine carousel for joint movement. Alternatively, the laser marking system 10 can be mechanically coupled to the container conveyor 34 or its container holders 36 for joint movement, for example via carriers or otherwise. Alternatively or additionally, a separate drive for the laser marking system 10 can be included to move the laser marking system 10 (not shown in Figure 2). The drive can be supplied with electrical energy, for example, from the energy supply device 15 (see Figure 1).

[0092] The drive can, for example, comprise one or more, e.g., independently movable, movement devices (mover, shuttle), each of which can move and preferably support at least one marking head 16 and optionally at least one laser source 14. The movement devices can, for example, be part of a long-stator linear motor drive or a (magnetic) planar motor drive. The drive can, for example, be electronically coupled to a drive of the container conveyor 34, directly or via a control device 38.

[0093] The drive may, for example, comprise an electric motor that can drive the laser marking system 10, the laser source 14, the marking head 16 and / or the focusing lens 26 to move, for moving the at least one marking field 32 together with the containers 12 transported by the container conveyor 34.

[0094] In general, the device 28 can have a control device 38 which is configured to operate the device 28 (e.g. the container conveyor 34 and optionally the own drive of the laser marking system 10) such that the laser marking system moves along with the containers 12 transported by the container conveyor 34 for the, preferably substantially synchronous, movement of the at least one marking field 32 and in the process laser marks the respective container 12 within the at least one marking field 32.

[0095] Optionally, the control device 38 can further be configured to operate the container conveyor 34 such that the containers 12 transported by the container conveyor 34 are rotated at least temporarily about their own vertical axis H during the laser marking by the container conveyor 34, e.g., by the container holders 36.

[0096] The control device 38 is preferably designed as a central control device. However, it is also possible for the control device 38 to be implemented as a decentralized control system, e.g., with one control sub-device per marking head 16 or per container holder 36.

[0097] Figures 3 to 9 show preferred embodiments of the device 28. For better clarity, not all individual elements in Figures 3 to 9 are provided with their own reference numerals. In the device 28A shown in Figure 3, the container conveyor 34 can be a rotary conveyor. The laser marking system 10 can be moved completely or partially along with the containers 12 moved by the container conveyor 34 on a circular path in the transport direction. The laser marking system 10 can be mechanically coupled to the container conveyor 34 via a rotatable machine carousel (rotor) of the device 28A for movement along the container conveyor.

[0098] The container conveyor 34 can have a plurality of container holders 36, each of which can hold a container 12. The container holders 36 can rotate about their respective vertical axes to rotate the containers 12. The container holders 36 can, for example, each have a container turntable and optionally a centering head and / or an inflation device.

[0099] Each container holder 36 can contain a laser source 14 and a marking head 16. The laser sources 14 and marking heads 16 can be arranged in a star configuration, for example. The laser sources 14 and the marking heads 16 can be arranged inside the rotary conveyor. An infeed conveyor 40 designed as a transfer star can feed the containers 12 to the container conveyor 34. It is possible for the infeed conveyor 40 to be designed for a pitch offset or to change a pitch offset. An outfeed conveyor 42 designed as a transfer star can transport the containers 12 away from the container conveyor 34 after laser marking.

[0100] The device 28B of Figure 4 may be similar to the device 28A of Figure 3. One difference between the device 28B and the device 28A may be that multiple marking heads 16 share a laser source 14. For example, two, three, four, or more marking heads 16 may share a laser source 14. One, two, or more laser sources 14 may be included.

[0101] The device 28C of Figure 5 may be similar to the device 28B of Figure 4. One difference between the device 28C and the device 28B may be that it includes additional deflecting mirrors 44. The deflecting mirrors 44 may be arranged outside of the container conveyor 34, which is designed as a rotary conveyor. For example, one deflecting mirror 44 may be included for each container holder 36. The deflecting mirror 44 can deflect an outwardly directed laser beam inward toward the respective container 12.

[0102] The deflecting mirror 44 can be arranged in a beam path upstream or downstream of the marking head 16. Accordingly, the marking heads 16 can be arranged, for example, inside or outside of the container conveyor 34, which is designed as a rotary conveyor. It is also possible for the marking heads 16 to be arranged outside of the container conveyor 34, which is designed as a rotary conveyor, as an alternative to the deflecting mirrors 44.

[0103] The device 28D of Figure 6 comprises a long-stator linear motor drive 46 with a plurality of movement devices for moving the laser sources 14 and the marking heads 16 along the container conveyor 34. The movement devices can be guided circumferentially on a guide track of the long-stator linear motor drive 46. The guide track can extend parallel to the container conveyor 34. To mark the containers 12, at least one marking head 16 and one laser source 14 can be moved along with the container 12 by means of a respective movement device. The container 12 can optionally be rotated about its own vertical axis during laser marking by means of a respective container holder 36.

[0104] The device 28E of Figure 7 may be similar to the device 28D of Figure 6.

[0105] One difference between device 28E and device 28D may be that several (e.g., two) marking heads 16 share a laser source 14. For example, two, three, four, or more marking heads 16 may share a laser source 14. One, two, or more laser sources 14 may be included. Alternatively, for example, each laser source 14 could include one marking head 16.

[0106] A difference between the device 28E and the device 28D may be that several marking heads 16 and at least one laser source 14 share a movement device of the long stator linear motor drive 46.

[0107] The device 28F of Figure 8 may be similar to the device 28A of Figure 3. One difference between the device 28F and the device 28A may be that multiple marking heads 16 may be assigned to a container holder 36 or a container 12. For example, two marking heads 16 may be included per container holder 36 or container 12.

[0108] Preferably, the multiple marking heads 16 can share a laser source 14 per container holder 36. For example, each container holder 36 can comprise multiple marking heads 16 and one laser source 14.

[0109] Preferably, a beam distributor or beam splitter 48 can divide a laser beam received from a laser source 14 into a plurality of marking heads 16. Purely by way of example, Figure 8 also shows that a drive 50, e.g., an electric motor, can be included for rotating each of the container holders 36.

[0110] The device 28G of Figure 9 may be similar to the device 28A of Figure 3. One difference between the device 28G and the device 28A may be that the laser marking system 10 has a plurality of laser units 52 that are specially shaped, which advantageously enables a particularly space-efficient arrangement.

[0111] An (external) shape (e.g., housing outer shape) of the laser units 52 can extend toward the container holders 36. For example, the laser units 52 or their housings can each essentially have a cylindrical sector shape (cake slice shape), a spherical sector shape, or a ring segment shape. For example, a casing body for each laser unit 52 can have a cylindrical sector shape, a spherical sector shape, or a ring segment shape.

[0112] For example, the laser units 52 can be arranged next to each other in a circle.

[0113] For example, each container holder 36 may include one laser unit 52, as shown in Figure 9, or several container holders 36 may share one laser unit 52, e.g., two or three container holders 36 per laser unit 52 (not shown in Figure 9).

[0114] Each laser unit 52 may, for example, comprise at least one marking head 16 and / or at least one laser source 14.

[0115] It is understood that the individual features of devices 28A to 28G can be combined with one another in any desired manner. It is also understood that each of devices 28A to 28G can be supplemented or modified with features that have been generally described with respect to device 28.

[0116] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also utilize the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the subclaims, independent of the referenced claims. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the subclaims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the container conveyor and / or the laser marking system of independent claim 1.All ranges stated herein are to be understood as being disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, e.g., also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range.

[0117] List of reference symbols

[0118] 10 Laser marking system

[0119] 12 containers

[0120] 14 Laser source

[0121] 15 Energy supply facility

[0122] 16 Marking head

[0123] 18 first mirror

[0124] 20 first drive

[0125] 22 second mirror

[0126] 24 second drive

[0127] 26 Focusing lens

[0128] 27 Cooling device

[0129] 28 Device for laser marking

[0130] 30 Linsenfeld

[0131] 32 Checkbox

[0132] 34 container conveyors

[0133] 36 Container holder

[0134] 38 Control device

[0135] 40 infeed conveyors

[0136] 42 discharge conveyors

[0137] 44 deflecting mirrors

[0138] 46 Long stator linear motor drive

[0139] 48 beam distributors

[0140] 50 drive

[0141] 52 laser unit

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A device (28) for laser marking containers (12), the device (28) comprising: a container conveyor (34) for transporting the containers (12); and a laser marking system (10) configured for laser marking within at least one marking field (32), the laser marking system (10) being movable for moving, preferably substantially synchronously, the at least one marking field (32) along with the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34).

2. Device (28) according to claim 1, wherein: the laser marking system (10) is designed for laser marking within a plurality of marking fields (32); and the laser marking system (10) is movable, preferably linearly or on a circular path, to move one marking field (32) along with each container (12) transported by the container conveyor (34).

3. Device (28) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: the laser marking system (10) has one or more laser sources (14) which are movable, preferably linearly or on a circular path, for moving the at least one marking field (32) along with the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34), and optionally the plurality of laser sources (16) share a cooling device (27) and / or a power supply device (15).

4. Device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the laser marking system (10) has one or more marking heads (16) which are movable, preferably linearly or on a circular path, for moving the at least one marking field (32) along with the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34), and optionally the plurality of marking heads (16) share a laser source (14), a cooling device (27) and / or a power supply device (15).

5. Device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the laser marking system (10) has one or more focusing lenses (26) which are movable, preferably linearly or on a circular path, for moving the at least one marking field (32) with the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34).

6. Device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the container conveyor (34) and the laser marking system (10) are coupled or can be coupled, preferably mechanically or electronically, for moving the laser marking system with the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34) for moving the at least one marking field (32) with the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34).

7. Device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the container conveyor (34) is a rotary container conveyor; and the laser marking system (10) is rotatably movable with the containers (12) transported by the rotary container conveyor, wherein preferably the laser marking system (10) is connected to a machine carousel of the rotary container conveyor for rotation with the machine carousel.

8. The device (28) according to claim 7, wherein: the laser marking system (10) is arranged inside the rotary container conveyor; or at least one marking head (16) and / or at least one deflection mirror (44) of the laser marking system (10) is arranged outside the rotary container conveyor; and optionally at least one laser source (14) of the laser marking system (10) is arranged inside the rotary container conveyor.

9. The device (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: the container conveyor (34) is a linear container conveyor; and the laser marking system (10) is movable linearly with the containers (12) transported by the linear container conveyor, preferably driven by a planar motor drive or a long-stator linear motor drive or mechanically coupled to the container conveyor (34).

10. Device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the container conveyor (34) is designed to rotate the transported containers (12) each about its own vertical axis (H).

11. Device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the container conveyor (34) has a plurality of container holders (36) for holding a respective container (12), preferably in base handling or neck handling, and optionally: the plurality of container holders (36) each have a container plate, a centering bell, a container clamp and / or an inflation device; and / or the plurality of container holders (36) are each rotatable about their own vertical axis for rotating a respective container (12) held.

12. The device (28) according to claim 11, wherein: the laser marking system (10) has at least one marking head (16) and at least one laser source (14) of the laser marking system (10) for each container holder (36); or the laser marking system (10) has at least one marking head (16) of the laser marking system (10) for each container holder (36), and a plurality of marking heads (16) share one laser source (14) of the laser marking system (10).

13. Device (28) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a control device (38) which is configured to operate the device (28) such that the laser marking system (10) moves along with the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34) in order to move the at least one marking field (32), preferably linearly or on a circular path, and in the process laser marks within the at least one marking field (32); and optionally the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34) are rotated by the container conveyor (34) at least temporarily about their own vertical axis (H).

14. A method for operating a device (28), preferably according to one of the preceding claims, for laser marking, preferably completely label-free, containers (12), the method comprising: Moving the containers (12) by means of a container conveyor (34); Moving at least one marking field (32) of a laser marking system (10) with at least one of the moved containers (12), preferably substantially synchronously, by moving the laser marking system (10), preferably linearly or on a circular path; and Laser marking of the at least one moving container (12), with which the at least one marking field (32) moves, by means of the laser marking system (10) during the movement.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: rotating the at least one moving container (12), with which the at least one marking field (32) moves, by means of the container conveyor (34) about its own vertical axis (H) of the respective container (12) during the laser marking and / or during the movement.

16. The method according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein: the containers (12) are moved linearly by means of the container conveyor (34) during laser marking and / or the laser marking system (10) is moved during laser marking; or the containers (12) are moved in a circular path by means of the container conveyor (34) during laser marking and / or the laser marking system (10) is moved during laser marking.

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