Apparatus and method for laser marking containers

Abstract

The present invention relates, in particular, to an apparatus (28) for laser marking containers (12), the apparatus (28) comprising a container conveyor (34) for transporting containers (12) and a laser marking system (10) configured to laser mark within at least one marking field (32). The laser marking system (10) is movable to move at least one marking field (32) together with the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34), preferably in substantially synchronous motion. Advantageously, the apparatus (28) can significantly extend the process time available for laser marking containers (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for laser marking on a container. The present invention further relates to a method for laser marking on a container.

Background Art

[0002] Standardly, most of the containers are provided with labels. Typical variations are paper or plastic labels, which are treated with high or low temperature adhesives or are self - adhesive and applied to the containers. Labels can be problematic in the recycling process, for example, due to the printing inks, waterproof papers, adhesives, etc. used.

[0003] Therefore, in principle, it is desirable to completely omit the labels. The necessary information can be directly marked or written on the container, for example, using a laser marking system. This technology has already been used, for example, for laser marking the manufacturing number or "expiration date". During laser marking, the laser beam and the heat generated by the laser beam on the surface of the container can cause physical changes (for example, whitening of a PET container) on the surface of the container, and as a result, the desired mark can be laser - marked on the surface.

[0004] However, currently available laser marking systems are too slow to laser - mark the current output in a filling system (tens of thousands of containers per hour) with a large number of characters (for example, ingredients and / or decorations) on the container. Therefore, in practice, truly label - free containers are not possible.

[0005] The present invention is based on the object of creating an improved technology that can laser - mark even large - format and / or multi - character laser markings on a container without adversely affecting the system performance. Preferably, this technology is intended to enable complete label - free marking of containers by laser marking in a container processing system. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This objective is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous variations are described in the dependent claims and specification.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for laser marking (or laser coding, laser marking, laser engraving) of containers (e.g., completely unlabeled). The apparatus comprises a container conveyor for transporting containers (e.g., linearly or along a circular path) (e.g., in the transport direction) and a laser marking system configured to laser mark within at least one marking field (e.g., each marking field is defined or spanned by one marking head of the laser marking system). The laser marking system can move at least one marking field (e.g., linearly or along a circular path) to move together with the containers transported by the container conveyor, preferably in substantially synchronously (e.g., in the transport direction) (e.g., one marking field moves with each container).

[0008] Advantageously, the device can significantly extend the process time available for laser marking containers. More process time is available for laser marking as a result of the fact that the marking field can move with the container. This means that large format and / or even multi-character laser marking can be applied to containers without degrading system performance or using particularly complex and therefore costly laser marking techniques. Ultimately, this makes it possible to provide completely label-free containers that are laser-marked only.

[0009] Preferably, the apparatus may not include a labeling device for labeling containers.

[0010] Preferably, laser marking can be performed directly on the unlabeled container.

[0011] For example, a laser marking system may be configured to apply a laser marking, including decoration, decorative surfaces, at least one character, and / or a single-line or multi-line string of characters, to a container within at least one marking field.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the laser marking system is configured to laser mark within a plurality of marking fields. Preferably, the laser marking system may be movable, preferably linearly or on a circular path, to move one marking field at a time, preferably substantially synchronously, together with one container being transported by a container conveyor. Advantageously, in this way, a large number of containers, in particular, can be laser marked in a short time, and as a result, even high system performance can be achieved, for example, in industrial container processing systems. If the marking head fails, the device can continue to operate at reduced performance until the next possible or preferred time for repair or replacement.

[0013] In further exemplary embodiments, the laser marking system comprises one or more laser sources that can preferably move linearly or along a circular path, which can also move at least one marking field (e.g., one marking field each having one container transported by a container conveyor) together with the containers transported by the container conveyor (e.g., substantially synchronously). Optionally, multiple laser sources can share a cooling device and / or an energy supply device. Advantageously, the ability to move the laser marking system together can be implemented in a simple manner.

[0014] In one embodiment, the laser marking system comprises one or more marking heads (each having one or two scanner mirrors, for example) which can be moved preferably linearly or along a circular path so as to move at least one marking field together with containers being transported by a container conveyor (for example, preferably substantially synchronously) (e.g., each marking field has one container being transported by the container conveyor). Optionally, multiple marking heads can share a laser source, a cooling device, and / or an energy supply device. Advantageously, the function of moving the laser marking system together can thus be easily implemented.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the laser marking system comprises one or more focusing lenses that can move, preferably linearly or along a circular path, to move at least one marking field together with a container being transported by a container conveyor.

[0016] Preferably, by moving the focusing lens together, at least one focusing field in which at least one marking field is located can be moved together with the container being transported by the container conveyor.

[0017] In further embodiments, the container conveyor and the laser marking system are preferably coupled or may be coupled mechanically (e.g., via a mechanical carousel or driver or rigid mechanical connection) and / or electronically (e.g., via a control device), and at least one marking field also moves together with the containers being transported by the container conveyor (e.g., substantially synchronously) so that the laser marking system moves together with the containers being transported by the container conveyor (e.g., linearly or on a circular path). Advantageously, this ensures that the laser marking system and its marking field move at a speed adjusted to the container conveyor, for example, at a speed less than or equal to the transport speed of the container conveyor.

[0018] Preferably, a separate drive unit for the laser marking system, configured to move the laser marking system together with containers transported by a container conveyor, can be electronically coupled to the drive unit of the container conveyor, for example, directly or via a control device.

[0019] The drive mechanism for the container conveyor can also be driven to move the laser marking system along with it.

[0020] In a modified embodiment, the container conveyor is a rotary container conveyor. Preferably, the laser marking system is movable to rotate with the containers being transported by the rotary container conveyor. Particularly preferably, the laser marking system is connected to a mechanical carousel of the rotary container conveyor and can rotate together with the mechanical carousel. Advantageously, the entire duration of one rotation of the carousel can be utilized for laser marking.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the laser marking system is positioned inside a rotating container conveyor. Advantageously, this reduces the footprint of the device.

[0022] In a further embodiment, at least one laser source of the laser marking system is located inside the rotating container conveyor. Alternatively or additionally, at least one marking head and / or at least one deflection mirror of the laser marking system may be located outside the rotating container conveyor. Advantageously, this can allow for good access to, for example, at least one marking head, which can facilitate assembly and maintenance, for example.

[0023] In one exemplary 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 driven by a planar motor drive or a long-stator linear motor drive, or mechanically coupled to the container conveyor, and moved linearly together with the containers being transported by the linear container conveyor. Advantageously, this can facilitate the assembly and maintenance of the laser marking system.

[0024] In further exemplary embodiments, the container conveyor is configured to rotate each container being transported around its own vertical axis, for example, during laser marking or while the laser marking system / at least one marking field is moving together. Advantageously, the containers can be rotated during laser marking to allow laser marking at any position on the circumferential surface of the container, and even around substantially the entire circumferential surface of the container.

[0025] In further embodiments, the container conveyor comprises a plurality of container holders for holding one container each, preferably in the base handling or neck handling. Optionally, each of the plurality of container holders may comprise a container plate (e.g., a container turntable), a centering bell, (e.g., an active or passive) container clamp, and / or an inflation device. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of container holders may be rotatable around their own vertical axis to rotate the containers they hold. Advantageously, the containers can be rotated using the container holders during laser marking, preferably to achieve the advantages already described above.

[0026] In a modification of an embodiment, the laser marking system includes, for each container holder, at least one marking head and at least one laser source of the laser marking system. This has the advantage that a particularly high output (i.e., laser-marked containers per hour) can be achieved.

[0027] Alternatively, the laser marking system can, for example, include at least one marking head of the laser marking system for each container holder, and a plurality of marking heads can share one laser source of the laser marking system. Advantageously, this can reduce the number of laser sources, and yet a high output (= laser-marked containers per hour) is still possible.

[0028] Advantageously, for each container holder, a plurality of marking heads and optionally laser sources can be used to laser-mark a plurality of regions of the container simultaneously. Advantageously, the device can continue to operate with reduced performance until the next possible or preferred time point for repair or replacement, even if a marking head or laser source fails.

[0029] Preferably, a plurality of marking heads or all marking heads can each share a cooling device, a control device, and / or an energy supply device.

[0030] Preferably, a plurality of laser sources or all laser sources can each share a cooling device, a control device, and / or an energy supply device.

[0031] In a modification of a further embodiment, the device further includes a control device configured to operate the device in such a way as follows. - The laser marking system moves at least one marking field together with (e.g. substantially synchronously) containers being transported by a container conveyor, preferably linearly or along a circular path, and in the process laser marking within at least one marking field, optionally - During laser marking, the containers being transported by the container conveyor are rotated, at least temporarily, around their own vertical axis by the container conveyor.

[0032] Preferably, the term “control device” can refer to an electronic system (e.g., embodied as a driver circuit or together with a microprocessor and data memory) and / or a mechanical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic controller, which, depending on the configuration, can take over open-loop control tasks and / or closed-loop control tasks and / or processing tasks. The term “control” as used herein may include, or be understood as, “closed-loop control” or “feedback control” and / or “processing,” as necessary.

[0033] Further aspects of this disclosure relate to container processing systems for manufacturing, cleaning, coating, inspection, filling, sealing, laser marking, and / or packaging of containers for liquid media, preferably beverages or liquid food products. The container processing system may comprise apparatus such as those disclosed herein.

[0034] Preferably, the container processing system may not include any labeling device for labeling containers.

[0035] However, the apparatus and / or container processing system may also include a labeling device for labeling containers and / or a printing device for printing directly onto containers.

[0036] For example, containers can be embodied as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, vials, and so on.

[0037] Further aspects of the present invention relate to a method for operating an apparatus according to the present invention for laser marking containers, preferably completely unlabeled containers. This method includes moving the containers (e.g., in a conveying direction) using a container conveyor (e.g., linear or rotary). The method further includes moving at least one marking field of a laser marking system together with at least one of the containers being moved, preferably substantially synchronized with a particular container (e.g., moving one marking field together with each container) by moving the laser marking system together, preferably linearly or along a circular path. The method further includes laser marking at least one moving container, with at least one marking field moving together, using the laser marking system while they are moving together. Advantageously, the method can be used to achieve the same advantages already described with reference to the apparatus. The same applies to the following exemplary embodiments of the method.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, the method further includes using a container conveyor to rotate at least one moving container, in which at least one marking field moves together, around its own vertical axis during laser marking and / or movement together.

[0039] In further exemplary embodiments, the containers are moved linearly using a container conveyor during laser marking, and / or the laser marking system is moved linearly during laser marking, for example, parallel to the container conveyor and / or transport direction.

[0040] Alternatively, the container can be moved along a circular path (e.g., a first one) during laser marking, for example, using a container conveyor, and / or the laser marking system can be moved along a circular path (e.g., a second one) during laser marking. The first and second circular paths may preferably be concentric with each other.

[0041] The preferred embodiments and features of the present invention described above may be combined with each other as needed. Further details and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of an exemplary laser marking system is shown. [Figure 2] An exemplary perspective view of a laser marking process is shown. [Figure 3] A schematic plan view of an exemplary apparatus for laser marking is shown. [Figure 4] A schematic plan view of an exemplary apparatus for laser marking is shown. [Figure 5] A schematic plan view of an exemplary apparatus for laser marking is shown. [Figure 6] A schematic plan view of an exemplary apparatus for laser marking is shown. [Figure 7] A schematic plan view of an exemplary apparatus for laser marking is shown. [Figure 8] A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary apparatus for laser marking is shown. [Figure 9] A schematic plan view of an exemplary apparatus for laser marking is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] The embodiments shown in the drawings correspond at least partially, and similar or identical parts are given the same reference numerals. To avoid repetition, please also refer to the descriptions of other embodiments or drawings for explanation.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a laser marking system 10 for laser marking a container 12. The laser marking system 10 may also be called a laser decoration system, laser marking system, laser coding system, or laser engraving system. Preferably, the laser marking system 10 may be a CO2 laser marking system, a fiber laser marking system, or a UV laser marking system. For example, the laser marking system 10 may be a laser pulse marking system.

[0045] Preferably, the laser marking system 10 may include a laser source 14 and a marking head 16.

[0046] The laser source 14 may be embodied, for example, as a laser tube. The laser tube can be sealed. The laser tube can be filled with a gas mixture, for example, a gas containing CO2, or a gas mixture such as a CO2-N2-He gas mixture. Electrodes can also be placed in the laser tube. An energy supply device 15 can be connected to the electrodes. The energy supply device 15 can supply electrical energy to the laser source 14. For example, a high-frequency voltage can be used to excite molecules, such as CO2 molecules, causing them to vibrate in the laser tube, thereby emitting a laser beam. The laser light source 14 may also be referred to as an oscillator.

[0047] The laser beam generated by the laser source 14 is guided or directed to the marking head 16, either directly or via a mirror. For example, a so-called telescope for magnifying the laser beam can be placed between the laser source 14 and the marking head 16.

[0048] The marking head 16 may preferably include two movable mirrors 18 and 22 and two drive units 20 and 24. The marking head 16 may further include a focusing lens 26. The marking head 16 may also be called a coding head or a writing head.

[0049] The first drive unit 20 can rotate the first mirror 18 about a first axis (e.g., the x-axis). The first mirror 18 may also be called, for example, a movable scanner mirror, or an X-scanner mirror. The second drive unit 24 can rotate the second mirror 22 about a second axis (e.g., the y-axis). The second mirror 22 may also be called, for example, a movable scanner mirror, or a Y-scanner mirror. The first axis and the second axis may preferably extend perpendicular to each other.

[0050] Mirrors 18 and 22, moved by drive units 20 and 24, can direct the laser beam according to the desired laser marking. This allows the laser beam to move across the surface of the container 12, for example, during writing. Preferably, the laser beam can move across the surface of the container 12 within a marking field 32 (see Figure 2) assigned to a particular marking head 16.

[0051] The drive units 20 and 24 can be supplied with electrical energy by the energy supply device 15.

[0052] Before the laser beam strikes the surface of the container 12, the laser beam may be focused using a focusing lens 26. The focusing lens 26 may also be called a light-gathering lens. The focusing lens 26 may be, for example, an F-theta lens. Depending on the configuration, the focusing lens 26 may be located inside or outside the marking head 16. The focusing lens 26 may be a so-called active focusing lens or a so-called passive focusing lens.

[0053] The laser marking system 10 may be equipped with multiple marking heads 16. These multiple marking heads 16 may be arranged, for example, side-by-side laterally and / or vertically. For example, it may include two, three, or more marking heads 16.

[0054] Each marking head 16 can be connected to its own laser source 14, which can emit a laser beam to each marking head 16. Therefore, the laser marking system 10 can be equipped with multiple laser sources 14.

[0055] It is also possible for multiple marking heads 16 to each receive their respective laser beams from the same laser source 14. For example, a beam splitter can be placed between the laser source 14 and the multiple marking heads 16. The beam splitter can, for example, divide the laser beam received from the laser source 14 into multiple laser beams and guide them to the multiple marking heads 16. For example, the beam splitter may include a partially transparent deflection mirror, a beam distribution plate, a beam distribution cube, a variable beam distributor, or a diffractive beam distributor.

[0056] If multiple laser light sources 14 are included, they may, for example, have the same structure. However, it is also possible to implement the laser sources 14 to be at least partially different so that different effects (e.g., color effects) can be produced when laser marking the container 12.

[0057] The laser marking system 10 may be equipped with a cooling device 27. The cooling device 27 may be configured to cool, for example, the laser source 14 and / or the marking head 16. Preferably, the cooling device 27 may be capable of cooling multiple or all of the laser sources 14 and / or multiple or all of the marking heads 16 together. The cooling device 27 may be, for example, an electric cooling device or a fluid cooling device (e.g., an air or liquid cooling device). Preferably, the cooling device 27 comprises at least one cooling circuit through which a cooling fluid circulates.

[0058] Figure 2 shows a laser marking apparatus 28 in a schematic and illustrative manner. The illustrated portion of the apparatus 28 includes a marking head 16. As already mentioned, the laser marking system 10 may also include multiple marking heads 16, etc. The illustrated portion of the apparatus 28 further includes a container conveyor 34.

[0059] The arrangement and configuration of the focusing lens 26 can specify a so-called focusing field or lens field 30. The lens field 30 may be two-dimensional. For example, the lens field 30 may include a circular shape. Preferably, the lens field 30 can be located in a vertical plane.

[0060] The laser marking system 10 is configured to perform laser marking within at least one so-called marking field 32.

[0061] The marking field 32 may be part of the lens field 30. The section or marking field 32 may include all positions that the laser beam can reach through the movable mirror 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 that area. When an area of ​​the container 12 leaves the marking field 32, the laser marking system 10 can no longer laser mark that area.

[0062] The shape and dimensions of the marking field 32 depend on their mobility, which is caused by the mirrors 18, 22 and the drive units 20, 24 (see Figure 1). The marking field 32 may be two-dimensional. For example, the marking field 32 may include a rectangular shape, preferably a square shape. Preferably, the marking field 32 can be located in a vertical plane.

[0063] Each marking head 16 can form or define its own marking field 32 within its respective lens field 30. Multiple marking fields 32 may be at least partially spaced apart from each other, and / or at least partially adjacent to each other, or overlapping each other.

[0064] The container conveyor 34 is implemented to transport the containers 12. The container conveyor 34 can transport the containers 12 in the transport direction. Depending on the configuration of the container conveyor 34, the container conveyor 34 can transport the containers along a desired transport path. The transport path may be, for example, a linear transport path, a curved transport path, or an arched transport path.

[0065] For example, the container conveyor 34 may be a rotating container conveyor (container conveyor carousel). The laser marking system 10 can be positioned, for example, inside or outside the rotating container conveyor. Alternatively, the laser marking system 10 can be positioned partially inside and partially outside the rotating container conveyor. For example, at least one laser source 14 can be positioned inside the rotating container conveyor, and at least one marking head 16 can be positioned outside the rotating container conveyor.

[0066] Alternatively, the container conveyor 34 may be, for example, a linear container conveyor. The laser marking system 10 may be positioned adjacent to the linear container conveyor, for example. The linear container transport device may include, for example, preferably circulating transport elements for transporting the containers 12. The linear container conveyor may be, for example, a belt, strap, chain, or plate conveyor. The linear container conveyor may also be embodied as a long-stator linear motor container conveyor or a (magnetic) planar motor driven container conveyor, which can move the containers 12 independently of each other using a moving device (mover, shuttle).

[0067] The container conveyor 34 can support the containers 12 during transport, preferably by their base, circumferential, and / or mouth sides. The container conveyor 34 may be equipped with container holders 36 (shown schematically only in Figure 2) for supporting the containers 12. The container holders 36 can preferably hold the containers 12 by base handling or neck handling.

[0068] The container conveyor 34 does not have a separate container holder 36; for example, the container 12 may simply be supported on the container conveyor 34, preferably on a circulating transport element (e.g., a band, strap, belt, chain, or plate).

[0069] For example, each container holder 36 can support a container 12. Each container holder 36 may include, for example, a container plate, a centering bell, a container clamp, and / or an inflation device. For example, one container 12 may be fixed between the container plate and the centering bell, respectively. Any additional inflation devices can provide additional stability, for example, if the container 12 is laser-marked before filling.

[0070] Preferably, the container conveyor 34 may be configured to rotate each container 12 being conveyed around its own vertical axis H. Preferably, the container holder 36 may be rotatable to rotate the containers 12 around their respective vertical axes H.

[0071] Preferably, the laser marking system 10 may have one marking head 16 and one laser source 14 for each container holder 36. Alternatively, the laser marking system 10 may have, for example, one marking head 16 for each container holder 36, and multiple marking heads 16 may share the laser source 14 of the laser marking system 10.

[0072] A special feature of the present invention is that at least one marking field 30 is not fixed.

[0073] Alternatively, at least one marking field 32 of the laser marking system 10 can move together with the containers 12 that are moving in the transport direction during transport using the container conveyor 34, preferably in substantially synchronous motion. Depending on the configuration of the container conveyor 34, the containers 12, and therefore at least one marking field 32, can move, for example, linearly or along a circular path. The containers 12 moving in the transport direction are laser-marked with the desired laser marking using the laser marking system 10 while moving together. Optionally, the containers 12 can rotate about their own vertical axis H during moving together and / or laser marking.

[0074] More specifically, the laser marking system 10 can be moved (partially or entirely) so that at least one marking field 32 also moves along with each container 12 being transported in the transport direction by the container conveyor 34. This joint movement is preferably carried out substantially synchronously with the transported containers 12. This is schematically shown by arrows A and B in Figure 2.

[0075] At least one marking field 32 or laser marking system 10 can move together with a particular container 12, for example, along substantially the entire length of the container conveyor 34, or along only a portion of the container conveyor 34.

[0076] The coordinated movement of the marking field 32 or laser marking system 10 and the container 12 can be achieved in various ways.

[0077] For example, an entire laser marking system 10 having at least one laser source 14, at least one marking head 16, and optionally at least one focusing lens 26 can be moved so as to move a specific marking field 32 (and optionally a focusing field 30) along with a specific container 12.

[0078] Alternatively, for example, at least one laser source 14 may be fixed, and at least one marking head 16 may be moved so that a specific marking field 32 moves along with a specific container 12. For example, at least one movable mirror device can be placed in the beam path between a specific laser source 14 and a specific marking head 16 to deflect the laser beam from the specific laser source 14 to the current position of the specific marking head 16.

[0079] Depending on the configuration of the container conveyor 34, at least one marking field 32 or laser marking system 10 may be movable, for example, along a circular path or linearly. Preferably, at least one marking field 32 may be moved so as to follow a particular container 12 being moved in the conveying direction.

[0080] Therefore, at least one marking field 32 or laser marking system 10 can move together to rotate with the containers 12 being transported by a container conveyor 34, which is embodied as a rotary conveyor, for example. For example, the laser marking system 10 can be connected to a rotatable mechanical carousel of the container conveyor 34 and rotate together with the mechanical carousel.

[0081] Alternatively, at least one marking field 32 or laser marking system 10 can move linearly, for example, parallel to the containers 12 being transported by a container conveyor 34, which is embodied as a linear conveyor. For example, at least one marking head 16 and optionally at least one laser source 14 can move linearly.

[0082] To move the laser marking system 10, a mechanical coupling having, for example, a container conveyor 34 may be included. For example, the laser marking systems 10 may be mechanically coupled to each other via a rotatable mechanical carousel for joint movement. Alternatively, the laser marking systems 10 may be mechanically coupled to the container conveyor 34 or its container holder 36, for example, via a driver or other means, to enable joint movement.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, a separate drive unit for the laser marking system 10 may be included to move the laser marking system 10 (not shown in Figure 2). The drive unit may be supplied with electrical energy, for example, from an energy supply device 15 (see Figure 1).

[0084] The drive system may comprise, for example, one or more independently movable moving devices (moving machines, shuttles), each of which is movable and preferably capable of carrying at least one marking head 16 and optionally at least one laser source 14. The moving devices may be, for example, part of a long-stator linear motor drive system or a (magnetic) planar motor drive system. The drive system may be, for example, electronically coupled directly to the drive system of the container conveyor 34 or via a control device 38.

[0085] The drive unit may include, for example, an electric motor capable of driving the laser marking system 10, laser source 14, marking head 16, and / or focusing lens 26 to move along with at least one marking field 32 as the containers 12 are transported by the container conveyor 34.

[0086] Generally, the apparatus 28 may include a control device 38 configured to operate the apparatus 28 (e.g., the container conveyor 34 and optionally the drive unit of the laser marking system 10 itself) so that the laser marking system is moved, preferably substantially synchronously with the containers 12 being transported by the container conveyor 34, so as to move at least one marking field 32, and to laser mark a specific container 12 within at least one marking field 32 in the process.

[0087] Optionally, the control device 38 may be further configured to operate the container conveyor 34 such that each container 12 being transported by the container conveyor 34 is rotated at least temporarily around its own vertical axis H during laser marking by the container conveyor 34, for example, by the container holder 36.

[0088] The control device 38 is preferably embodied as a central control device. However, the control device 38 can also be implemented as a distributed control, having, for example, one control subdevice for each marking head 16 or for each container holder 36.

[0089] Figures 3-9 show preferred exemplary embodiments of the apparatus 28. For clarity, not all individual elements in Figures 3-9 are given their own reference numerals.

[0090] In the apparatus 28A shown in Figure 3, the container conveyor 34 may be a rotary conveyor. The laser marking system 10 may move completely or partially together with the containers 12 that are moved in the transport direction along a circular path by the container conveyor 34. The laser marking system 10 may also be mechanically coupled to the container conveyor 34 via a rotatable mechanical carousel (rotor) of the apparatus 28A, and this may also move together.

[0091] The container conveyor 34 may be equipped with a plurality of container holders 36, each of which can hold a container 12. The container holders 36 may rotate around their respective vertical axes to rotate the containers 12. Each container holder 36 may be equipped with, for example, a container turntable and, optionally, a centering head and / or an inflation device.

[0092] Each container holder 36 may be equipped with a laser source 14 and a marking head 16. The laser source 14 and marking head 16 can be arranged, for example, in a star shape. The laser source 14 and marking head 16 can be located inside a rotary conveyor. A feed conveyor 40, embodied as a star-shaped transport member, can supply containers 12 to the container conveyor 34. The feed conveyor 40 can be embodied for or to correct a division delay. An output conveyor 42, embodied as a star-shaped transport member, can transport the containers 12 away from the container conveyor 34 after laser marking.

[0093] Apparatus 28B in Figure 4 may be similar to apparatus 28A in Figure 3. The difference between apparatus 28B and apparatus 28A may be that multiple marking heads 16 share a laser source 14. For example, two, three, four, or more marking heads 16 can share one laser light source 14. It may be equipped with one, two, or more laser sources 14.

[0094] Apparatus 28C in Figure 5 may be similar to apparatus 28B in Figure 4. The difference between apparatus 28C and apparatus 28B may be the inclusion of an additional deflection mirror 44. The deflection mirror 44 can be positioned outside the container conveyor 34, which is embodied as a rotating conveyor. For example, each container holder 36 may be equipped with a deflection mirror 44. The deflection mirror 44 can deflect an outwardly directed laser beam inward toward a particular container 12.

[0095] The deflection mirror 44 can be positioned in the beam path in front of or behind the marking head 16. Thus, the marking head 16 can be positioned inside or outside the container conveyor 34, which is embodied, for example, as a rotary conveyor.

[0096] Instead of the deflection mirror 44, the marking head 16 can also be placed on the outside of the container conveyor 34, which is embodied as a rotating conveyor.

[0097] The apparatus 28D in Figure 6 comprises a long-stator linear motor drive 46 having a plurality of moving devices for moving a laser source 14 and a marking head 16 along a container conveyor 34. The moving devices can be guided circumferentially on guide tracks of the long-stator linear motor drive 46. The guide tracks can extend parallel to the container conveyor 34. To mark a container 12, at least one marking head 16 and one laser source 14 can be moved together with the container 12 using specific moving devices. The container 12 can optionally be rotated around its own vertical axis using a specific container holder 36 during laser marking.

[0098] Apparatus 28E in Figure 7 may be similar to apparatus 28D in Figure 6.

[0099] The difference between apparatus 28E and apparatus 28D may be that multiple (e.g., two) marking heads 16 share a common laser source 14. For example, two, three, four, or more marking heads 16 can share one laser light source 14. It can have one, two, or more laser sources 14. Alternatively, for example, each laser source 14 can include a marking head 16.

[0100] The difference between device 28E and device 28D may be that multiple marking heads 16 and at least one laser light source 14 share a common moving mechanism of the long stator linear motor drive unit 46.

[0101] The apparatus 28F in Figure 8 may be similar to the apparatus 28A in Figure 3. The difference between apparatus 28F and apparatus 28A may be that multiple marking heads 16 can be assigned to the container holder 36 or containers 12, respectively. For example, two marking heads 16 can be included per container holder 36 or container 12.

[0102] Preferably, multiple marking heads 16 can share one laser source 14 for each container holder 36. For example, multiple marking heads 16 and one laser source 14 may be included for each container holder 36.

[0103] Preferably, the beam splitter or beam distributor 48 can divide the laser beam received from the laser source 14 into a plurality of marking heads 16.

[0104] As merely an example, Figure 8 also shows that each drive device 50, such as an electric motor, may be included to rotate the container holder 36.

[0105] The apparatus 28G in Figure 9 may be similar to the apparatus 28A in Figure 3. The difference between apparatus 28G and apparatus 28A may be that the laser marking system 10 is equipped with multiple specially molded laser units 52, which may allow for a particularly space-saving arrangement.

[0106] The (external) shape of the laser unit 52 (e.g., the outer housing shape) can extend toward the container holder 36. For example, each laser unit 52 or its housing can substantially have the shape of a cylindrical sector (pie slice shape), a spherical sector, or a ring segment. For example, the covering for each laser unit 52 can include a cylindrical sector, a spherical sector, or a ring segment shape.

[0107] For example, the laser units 52 can be arranged adjacent to each other in a circular pattern.

[0108] For example, each container holder 36 may be equipped with one laser unit 52, as shown in Figure 9, or multiple container holders 36 may share one laser unit 52, for example, two or three container holders 36 (not shown in Figure 9) per laser unit 52.

[0109] Each laser unit 52 may include, for example, at least one marking head 16 and / or at least one laser light source 14.

[0110] It is understood that the individual features of devices 28A to 28G can be combined with each other as desired. It is also understood that each of devices 28A to 28G can be supplemented or modified with the features generally described with respect to device 28.

[0111] The present invention is not limited to the preferred exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, multiple variations and modifications are possible that similarly utilize the concepts of the present invention and thus fall within the scope of protection. Specifically, the present invention also claims protection to the subject matter and features of dependent claims, regardless of the claims referred to by the dependent claims. Specifically, each individual feature of independent claim 1 is disclosed independently of the others. Furthermore, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all the features of independent claim 1, for example, the features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the container conveyor and / or laser marking system of independent claim 1. All ranges specified herein should be understood to be further disclosed, for example, as relevant preferred narrower outer limits of the relevant ranges, so that all values ​​falling within the relevant ranges are disclosed individually. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10 Laser Marking Systems 12 containers 14 Laser source 15 Energy supply devices 16 Marking Heads 18 The First Mirror 20 First drive unit 22 The Second Mirror 24 Second drive unit 26 Focusing lens 27 Cooling devices 28 Laser marking equipment 30 Lens Field 32 Marking Feel 34 Container conveyor 36 Container holder 38 Control Devices 40 Feed conveyor 42. Discharge conveyor 44. Polarizing mirror 46 Long stator linear motor drive unit 48 Beam Splitter 50 Drive unit 52 Laser Units

Claims

1. An apparatus (28) for laser marking a container (12), wherein the apparatus (28) is A container conveyor (34) for transporting the container (12), The system comprises a laser marking system (10) configured to perform laser marking within at least one marking field (32), The laser marking system (10) is movable, preferably substantially synchronously with the containers (12) being transported by the container conveyor (34), to move the at least one marking field (32), the device (28).

2. The laser marking system (10) is configured to perform laser marking within a plurality of marking fields (32), The apparatus (28) according to claim 1, wherein the laser marking system (10) is preferably movable in a linear or circular path to move each marking field (32) together with each container (12) transported by the container conveyor (34).

3. The laser marking system (10) comprises one or more laser sources (14) which are preferably movable in a linear or circular path to move the at least one marking field (32) together with the container (12) being transported by the container conveyor (34). Optional The apparatus (28) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of laser sources (16) share a cooling device (27) and / or an energy supply device (15).

4. The laser marking system (10) comprises one or more marking heads (16) which are preferably movable in a linear or circular path to move the at least one marking field (32) together with the container (12) being transported by the container conveyor (34). Optional The apparatus (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of marking heads (16) share a laser source (14), a cooling device (27), and / or an energy supply device (15).

5. The apparatus (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the laser marking system (10) comprises one or more focusing lenses (26) which are preferably movable in a linear or circular path for moving the at least one marking field (32) together with the container (12) being transported by the container conveyor (34).

6. The apparatus (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container conveyor (34) and the laser marking system (10) can be or are coupled, preferably mechanically or electronically, to move the laser marking system together with the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34), thereby moving the at least one marking field (32) together with the containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34).

7. The container conveyor (34) is a rotary container conveyor, The laser marking system (10) is movable so as to rotate together with the container (12) that is transported by the rotating container conveyor. Preferably, the laser marking system (10) is connected to a mechanical carousel of the rotating container conveyor and rotates together with the mechanical carousel, the apparatus (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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

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

10. The apparatus (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the container conveyor (34) is configured to rotate each of the containers (12) being transported about its own vertical axis (H).

11. The container conveyor (34) preferably includes a plurality of container holders (36) for holding one container (12) at each base handling or neck handling, Optional, Each of the plurality of container holders (36) is equipped with a container plate, a centering bell, a container clamp, and / or an inflation device, and / or The apparatus (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of the plurality of container holders (36) is rotatable around its own vertical axis in order to rotate the container (12) that each holds.

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

13. - The laser marking system (10) moves the at least one marking field (32) together with the container (12) being transported by the container conveyor (34), preferably in a linear or circular path, and in the process, laser marks the at least one marking field (32). Optional, - The containers (12) transported by the container conveyor (34) are rotated by the container conveyor (34) at least temporarily around their own vertical axis (H). The apparatus (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a control device (38) configured to operate the apparatus (28).

14. A method for operating an apparatus (28) preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for laser marking a completely unlabeled container (12), wherein the method is: Moving the container (12) using a container conveyor (34), The laser marking system (10) is moved, preferably linearly or along a circular path, so that at least one marking field (32) of the laser marking system (10) is moved together with at least one of the moving containers (12), preferably in substantially synchronous motion. A method comprising laser marking the at least one moving container (12) that moves together with the at least one marking field (32) using the laser marking system (10) during the joint movement.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising, during the laser marking and / or the joint movement, rotating the at least one moving container (12) in which the at least one marking field (32) moves together around the vertical axis (H) of each of the containers (12) using the container conveyor (34).

16. The container (12) is moved linearly using the container conveyor (34) during the laser marking, and / or the laser marking system (10) is moved linearly during the laser marking, The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the container (12) is moved using the container conveyor (34) during the laser marking, and / or the laser marking system (10) is moved along a circular path during the laser marking.

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