Printing plate pressure adjustment system and can decorator using same

Abstract

A can decorator plate pressure adjustment system including a printing plate cylinder assembly having a printing plate cylinder drive shaft and a blanket wheel, the system including an actuator, a control system configured to control operation of the actuator to adjust pressure between the printing plate cylinder assembly and the blanket wheel, an eccentric bushing disposed about the printing plate cylinder drive shaft, where rotation of the eccentric bushing moves the printing plate cylinder toward or away from the blanket wheel, and a drive mechanism coupled between the actuator and the eccentric bushing, where operation of the actuator causes the drive mechanism to rotate the eccentric bushing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed concepts generally relate to adjustment systems for can decorators used in the food and beverage packaging industry, and more particularly, to adjustment systems for can decorators configured to adjust the pressure between a printing plate and a blanket wheel. [Background technology]

[0002] High-speed, continuous-motion machines for decorating cans are commonly known and are commonly referred to as "can decorators." A can decorator 2 is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, can decorator 2 includes an infeed conveyor 15 that receives cans 16 from a can supply (not shown) and directs them into arcuate cradles or pockets 17 located along the periphery of spaced-apart, parallel rings secured to a pocket wheel 12. The pocket wheel 12 is secured to a continuously rotating mandrel carrier wheel 18, which is keyed to a continuously rotating, horizontal drive shaft 19. A plurality of horizontal spindles or mandrels (not shown), each rotatable about its own axis, are mounted adjacent the periphery of the mandrel carrier wheel 18. Downstream of the infeed conveyor 15, each spindle or mandrel is closely axially aligned with a respective pocket 17, from which undecorated cans 16 are fed onto the mandrels. Suction applied through the axial passage of the mandrels draws the cans 16 to their final seating position on the mandrels.

[0003] While mounted on the mandrel, each can 16 is decorated by engaging it with a blanket (e.g., without limitation, a replaceable adhesive-backed rubber strip) disposed on a blanket wheel of a multicolor printing unit, generally designated 22. Then, while still mounted on the mandrel, a protective coat of varnish is applied to the exterior of each decorated can 16 by engaging the outer periphery of a varnish applicator roll (not shown) rotating on shaft 23 of an over-varnishing unit, generally designated 24. The decorated and protectively coated cans 16 then pass from the mandrel to suction cups (not shown) mounted adjacent the outer edge of a transfer wheel (not shown) rotating on shaft 28 of a transfer unit 27. From the transfer unit 27, the cans 16 are placed on generally horizontal pins 29 carried by a chain-type output conveyor 30, which carries the cans 16 through a curing oven (not shown).

[0004] While moving toward engagement with the undecorated can 16, the blanket engages a plurality of print cylinders 31, each associated with a respective ink station assembly 32 (eight exemplary ink station assemblies 32 are shown in FIG. 1). Typically, each assembly 32 provides a different color of ink, and each print cylinder 31 applies a different ink image segment to the blanket. All of the "ink image" segments are combined to create a "main image," which is configured to be applied to the can body. The "main image" is then transferred to the undecorated can 16, becoming what is referred to herein as a "can body-applied image."

[0005] Each ink station assembly 32 includes a plurality of rollers, or "rolls," as referred to herein, that are configured to transfer ink from a reservoir, or "ink fountain," as referred to herein, to the blanket. The path along which the ink travels is referred to herein as the "ink train." That is, the rolls along which the ink travels define the "ink train." Furthermore, as used herein, the "ink train" is oriented such that the ink fountain is at the "upstream" end of the ink train and the print cylinder 31 is at the "downstream" end of the ink train.

[0006] The ink train spans several rolls, each with its own purpose. Thus, the ink train begins at a reservoir and is initially applied as a film to a fountain roll. The fountain roll intermittently engages a ductor roll. Engagement of the ductor roll with the fountain roll transfers ink to the ductor roll. The ductor roll also intermittently engages downstream rolls to transfer ink. The ductor roll has a "duty cycle," which, as used herein, means the duration the ductor roll is in contact with the fountain roll divided by the time of the complete cycle (the ductor roll contacts the fountain roll, moves to the first downstream roll, contacts the first steel roll, and returns to the fountain roll).

[0007] Other rolls include, but are not limited to, distribution rolls, oscillator rolls, and transfer rolls. Generally, these rolls are configured to supply ink so that the proper amount of ink is applied to the print cylinder 31 in a generally uniform manner. For example, oscillator rolls are configured to reciprocate longitudinally about their axes of rotation to spread the applied ink onto the next downstream roll. The final roll is the print cylinder 31 that applies ink to the blanket. Each ink station assembly 32 applies an "ink image" of a selected single color to the blanket, and it is understood that each ink station assembly 32 must apply an ink image in the proper position relative to the other ink images to avoid offset ink images in the main image.

[0008] Thus, as used herein, an "ink image" refers to an image of a single ink color that is part of a "main image." As used herein, a "main image" refers to an image created from multiple ink images and applied to a can body as a "can body-applied image." It is understood that a "main image" includes several, typically multiple, ink images. For example, if the main image is the French flag (a tricolor flag characterized by three vertical bands colored blue (hoist side), white, and red), the blue ink ink station assembly 32 would provide a blue rectangular ink image, the white ink ink station assembly 32 would provide a white rectangular ink image, and the red ink ink station assembly 32 would provide a red rectangular ink image. Further, assuming the main image is an image of the French flag with the hoist side to the left, the blue ink ink station assembly 32 will provide a blue rectangular ink image on the left side of the blanket, the white ink ink station assembly 32 will provide a white rectangular ink image in the center of the blanket immediately adjacent to the blue rectangular ink image, and the red ink ink station assembly 32 will provide a red rectangular ink image on the right side of the blanket immediately adjacent to the white rectangular ink image. Once all of the ink images have been applied to the blanket, the main image is formed and applied to the can body.

[0009] Each ink station assembly 32 is configured so that the final roll before the print cylinder 31 applies an appropriate amount of ink to the print cylinder 31. Those skilled in the art know the amount of ink needed to create an image with the intended clarity, resolution, and tone. Therefore, as understood by those skilled in the art, and as used herein, a "proper" amount of ink is neither too little (which would typically result in a pale image) nor too much (which would typically result in a blurred image), i.e., the "proper" amount of ink is the amount of ink that will produce an image with the intended clarity, resolution, and tone. Furthermore, a "proper" amount of ink applied to the print cylinder 31 is also a film that is substantially constant in thickness. Those skilled in the art will know the amount of ink that should be applied to a substrate, such as, but not limited to, a can body, needed to create an image with the intended clarity, resolution, and tone.

[0010] Similarly, each ink station assembly 32 is configured so that the print cylinder 31 applies an ink image in the proper position on the blanket. One skilled in the art knows where ink should be placed on the print cylinder 31 to produce the intended image. Furthermore, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, and as used herein, the "proper position" of an ink image means that the ink image is applied to the blanket in the intended position relative to other ink images applied by other ink station assemblies 32, and all of the ink images form a main image such that the individual ink images do not unintentionally overlap. Furthermore, the "proper position" of an ink image means that the ink image, and thus the main image, has the intended sidelay registration and intended circumferential registration. As used herein, "intended" sidelay / circumferential registration means that the sidelay / circumferential registration is such that the image applied to the can body is the intended image. As used herein, the "intended image" refers to the image created by the image creator, as will be understood by one skilled in the art. As used herein, "can body applied image" means the image applied to the can body, i.e., the image on the can body after the printing operation is completed.

[0011] Therefore, in order for the printing plate to impart a sharp, even image to the printing blanket 21 and, in turn, to the final print substrate (e.g., can 16), it is important to provide as uniform an ink film thickness as possible to the print cylinder 31. Uneven ink film can result in variations in color density across the printed image, resulting in image "starvation ghosting," where a lighter facsimile version or copy of the image is unnecessarily applied to the can 16 in addition to the main image.

[0012] Typically, control of the ink train is achieved by a technician monitoring the can decorator's output and manually adjusting various elements of the ink station assembly and / or blanket wheel to ensure the proper amount of ink is applied in the proper location. For example, the pressure of the print cylinder 31 against the blanket 21 is adjustable. Typically, this adjustment assembly includes a manually rotated knob operably connected to an eccentric bushing on the print cylinder 31. Manipulation of the knob moves the surface of the print cylinder 31 toward or away from the surface of the blanket 21, increasing pressure as the print cylinder 31 moves toward the surface of the blanket 21 and decreasing pressure as the print cylinder 31 moves away from the surface of the blanket 21. Too much pressure can degrade image quality with defects such as dot gain, dark print, rough edges due to ink buildup, or elongated images. Too little pressure can degrade image quality with defects such as light print or missing print. Manual adjustments can be inconsistent. There are systems that use electronic positioning systems, but these rely on stepper or servo motors that may not withstand the environment and can be expensive.

[0013] The image quality issues discussed above and the need to manually correct for errors are problematic. Furthermore, if a can image becomes out of specification during a label start or label run, a large amount of scrap cans can accumulate, potentially resulting in a short period of production downtime. This is problematic. Therefore, there is room for improvement in can decoration devices, can decoration methods, and ink station assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0014] These and other needs are met by at least one embodiment of the disclosed concept, which includes a printing plate pressure adjustment system for a can decorator including a printing plate cylinder assembly having a printing plate cylinder drive shaft and a blanket wheel, the system including an actuator, a control system configured to control operation of the actuator to adjust pressure between the printing plate cylinder assembly and the blanket wheel, an eccentric bushing disposed about the printing plate cylinder drive shaft, wherein rotation of the eccentric bushing causes the printing plate cylinder to move toward or away from the blanket wheel, and a drive mechanism coupled between the actuator and the eccentric bushing, wherein operation of the actuator causes the drive mechanism to rotate the eccentric bushing.

[0015] These and other needs are met by at least one embodiment of the disclosed concept, which includes a printing plate pressure adjustment system for a can decorator including a printing plate cylinder assembly having a printing plate cylinder drive shaft and an eccentric bushing disposed about the printing plate cylinder drive shaft, and a blanket wheel, where rotation of the eccentric bushing moves the printing plate cylinder toward or away from the blanket wheel, the system including an actuator and a drive mechanism coupled between the actuator and the eccentric bushing, the drive mechanism including a worm gear configured to rotate in response to operation of the actuator, an eccentric pivot operably coupled to the worm gear and configured to rotate with rotation of the worm gear, and an extended member coupled between the eccentric pivot and the eccentric bushing, the extended member configured to rotate the eccentric bushing in response to rotation of the eccentric pivot.

[0016] These and other needs are met by at least one embodiment of the disclosed concept, which is a can decorator comprising: a printing plate cylinder assembly having a blanket wheel, a printing plate cylinder drive shaft, and an eccentric bushing disposed about the printing plate cylinder drive shaft, wherein rotation of the eccentric bushing moves the printing plate cylinder toward or away from the blanket wheel; and a printing plate pressure adjustment assembly comprising an actuator and a control system configured to control operation of the actuator to adjust pressure between the printing plate cylinder assembly and the blanket wheel; and a drive mechanism coupled between the actuator and the eccentric bushing, wherein operation of the actuator causes the drive mechanism to rotate the eccentric bushing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] The invention can be best understood from the following description of the preferred embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a can decoration apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a portion of a can decorating apparatus and its ink station assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of a portion of one of the ink station assemblies of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the ink station assembly of FIG. 3 with one of the side panels removed to reveal the hidden structure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the ink station assembly, showing a schematic of the ink train. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the inker conditioning assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the inker adjustment assembly. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly operably coupled to a print cylinder assembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly, partially broken away to illustrate the worm gear drive mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the printing plate cylinder assembly and blanket wheel. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a control system for the printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] It is understood that the specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts and are offered as non-limiting examples for illustrative purposes only. As such, specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used, configurations of embodiments, and other physical characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limitations on the scope of the disclosed concepts.

[0020] Directional terms used herein, such as clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, up, down, above, below, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements as illustrated and do not limit the claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0022] As used herein, "configured to [verb]" means that the specified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, arranged, coupled, and / or configured to perform the specified verb. For example, a member "configured to move" may be operably coupled to another element and include an element that moves that member, or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to another element or assembly. Thus, as used herein, "configured to [verb]" describes structure, not function. Furthermore, as used herein, "configured to [verb]" means that the specified element or assembly is intended and designed to perform the specified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the specified verb, but is not intended and designed to perform the specified verb, is not "configured to [verb]."

[0023] As used herein, without limitation, in a term such as "[X] is configured to [verb] [Y]," "[Y]" is not the component being referred to. Rather, "[Y]" further defines the structure of "[X]." That is, in the following two examples, assume "[X]" is a "mount" and "[verb]" is "to support." In the first example, the complete expression is "a mount configured to support a flying bird." That is, in this example, "[Y]" is a "flying bird." It is known that flying birds, in contrast to swimming / walking birds, typically grasp branches for support. Thus, for a mount, i.e., "[X]," to be "configured" to support a flying bird, the mount is shaped and sized so that a flying bird can grasp it like a branch. However, this does not make the bird a component. In the second example, "[Y]" is a house, and so the second exemplary expression is "a mount configured to support a house." In this example, it is well known that a house is supported by a foundation, and the mount is configured as a foundation. Again, it is not the house that is being made into a component, but the shape, size, and configuration of the mount that is being defined, i.e., the shape, size, and configuration of [X] in "[X] is configured to [Y] [verb]."

[0024] As used herein, "associated" means that elements are part of the same assembly and / or work together or interact in some way. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hubcaps. Although all elements are connected to parts of the automobile, each hubcap is understood to be "associated" with a particular tire.

[0025] As used herein, a "coupling assembly" includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other elements. Thus, the components of a "coupling assembly" may not be described simultaneously in the following description.

[0026] As used herein, a "coupling" or "coupling component" refers to one or more components of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components configured to be coupled together. The components of a coupling assembly are understood to be compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug; if one coupling component is a bolt, the other coupling component includes a nut or a threaded hole (with an opening through which the bolt extends).

[0027] As used herein, a "fastener" is a separate component configured to join two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a "fastener," but a tongue-and-groove joint is not a "fastener." That is, the tongue-and-groove element is part of the elements being joined, not a separate component.

[0028] As used herein, the expression "coupled" between two or more parts or components means that the parts are joined or move together directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, to the extent that a link occurs. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that the two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that the two elements are coupled so that they move while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Thus, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. However, a statement that a particular portion of a first element is coupled to a second element, such as a first end of an axle coupled to a first wheel, means that the particular portion of the first element is located closer to the second element than other portions of the first element. Furthermore, an object that rests in place on another object solely by gravity is not "coupled" to the object below unless the upper object is otherwise held substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled to the table, but a book glued to the table is coupled to the table.

[0029] As used herein, the phrases "removably coupled" or "temporarily coupled" mean that one component is substantially temporarily coupled to another component. That is, two components are coupled in a manner that allows easy joining or separating of the components without damaging the components. For example, two components secured together by a limited number of easily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are "removably coupled," whereas two components joined by welding or fasteners that are difficult to access are not "removably coupled." A "difficult to access fastener" is a fastener that requires the removal of one or more other components before accessing the fastener; the "other components" are not access means, such as, but not limited to, a door.

[0030] As used herein, "operably coupled" means that multiple elements or assemblies movable between a first position and a second position or configuration are coupled such that the first element moves from one position / configuration to the other and the second element moves between both positions / configurations. Note that a first element may be "operably coupled" to another element, but not vice versa. With respect to electronic devices, a first electronic device is "operably coupled" to a second electronic device if the first electronic device is configured to send a signal or current to the second electronic device to operate, otherwise power, or activate the second electronic device.

[0031] As used herein, "temporarily disposed" means that a first element or assembly is in a second element or assembly such that the first element / assembly can be moved without separating or otherwise manipulating the first element. For example, a book that simply rests on a table, i.e., is not glued or secured to the table, is "temporarily disposed" on the table.

[0032] As used herein, the expression that two or more parts or components "engage" each other means that the elements exert a force or bias on each other, either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Furthermore, with respect to moving parts, as used herein, the moving part may "engage" another element while moving from one position to another and / or may "engage" another element once it reaches the described position. Thus, "element A engages element B when moved to its first position" and "element A engages element B when in its first position" are equivalent expressions and are understood to mean that element A engages element B while moving to its first position and / or engages element B while in its first position.

[0033] As used herein, "operably engage" means "engage and move." That is, when used with respect to a first component configured to move a second, movable or rotatable component, "operably engage" means that the first component applies a force sufficient to move the second component. For example, a screwdriver can be placed in contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely "temporarily coupled" to the screw. When an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver presses against the screw and "engages" the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver "operably engages" the screw and turns it. Furthermore, in the context of electronic components, "operably engage" means that one component controls another component via a control signal or current.

[0034] As used herein, in the phrases "[x] moves between a first position and a second position" or "[y] is configured to move [x] between a first position and a second position," "[x]" is the name of an element or assembly. Furthermore, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves between multiple positions, the pronoun "the" refers to "[x]," i.e., the element or assembly referred to after the pronoun "the."

[0035] As used herein, "corresponding" indicates that two structural components have similar sizes and shapes to one another and can be coupled with minimal friction. Thus, an opening that "corresponds" to a member has a size slightly larger than the member so that the member can pass through the opening with minimal friction. This definition is modified when two components are a "tight" fit. In such a situation, the difference in dimensions between the components is further reduced, increasing the amount of friction. If the elements defining the opening and / or the components inserted into the opening are made of a deformable or compressible material, the opening may be slightly smaller than the components inserted into the opening. With respect to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two or more "corresponding" surfaces, shapes, or lines have approximately the same size, shape, and contour. With respect to movable or configurable elements / assemblies, "corresponding" means that the elements / assemblies are related such that when one element / assembly is moved / reconfigured, the other element / assembly is also moved / reconfigured in a predetermined manner. For example, a lever, or "see-saw" or "teeter-totter," includes a central fulcrum and an elongated plate, the plate having a first end and a second end. When the first end of the plate is in an up position, the second end of the plate is in a down position. When the first end of the plate moves to the down position, the second end of the plate moves to a "corresponding" up position. Also, the engine's camshaft has a first lobe operatively coupled to a first piston. When the first lobe moves up, the first piston moves to a "corresponding" up position, and when the first lobe moves down, the first piston moves to a "corresponding" down position.

[0036] As used herein, a "path of travel" or "path," when used in reference to a moving element, includes the space through which the element travels during movement. Thus, a moving element inherently has a "path of travel" or "path." Furthermore, a "path of travel" or "path" relates to the overall movement of one identifiable structure relative to another object. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, the rotating wheels of a car (an identifiable structure) move very little relative to the body of the car (another object). That is, the wheel as a whole does not change position relative to, for example, an adjacent fender. Thus, the rotating wheel does not have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the car. Conversely, the air intake valve of that wheel (an identifiable structure) does have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the car. That is, while the wheel rotates and moves, the entire intake valve moves relative to the body of the car.

[0037] As used herein, the term "unitary" refers to a component that is made as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes multiple pieces that are made separately and then joined together as a unit is not a "unitary" component or structure.

[0038] As used herein, "integrated" means that all elements of the assembly are located in a single location and / or in a single housing, frame, or similar structure.

[0039] As used herein, the term "some" means one or more integers (i.e., a plurality). Thus, for example, the phrase "some elements" means one element or more than one element. Note specifically that "some [x]" includes a single [x].

[0040] As used herein, a "radial side / surface" of a circular or cylindrical body is a side / surface that extends around or surrounds its center or a height line passing through its center. As used herein, an "axial side / surface" of a circular or cylindrical body is a surface that extends in a plane that extends approximately perpendicular to the height line passing through its center. That is, generally, in the case of a cylindrical soup can, the "radial side / surface" is the approximately circular sidewall, and the "axial side / surface" is the top and bottom of the soup can. Furthermore, as used herein, "extending radially" means extending in a radial direction or extending along a radial line. That is, for example, a "radially extending" line extends from the center of a circle or cylinder toward the radial side / surface. Furthermore, as used herein, "extending axially" means extending in an axial direction or extending along an axial line. That is, for example, an "axially extending" line extends from the bottom of the cylinder to the top of the cylinder, generally parallel to or along the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

[0041] As used herein, a "tension member" is a structure that maximizes its length when subjected to tension but is otherwise substantially flexible, such as, but not limited to, a chain or cable.

[0042] As used herein, "substantially curved" includes elements having multiple curved sections, a combination of curved and flat sections, or multiple straight / flat sections or segments that are angled relative to one another to form a curve.

[0043] As used herein, an "elongated" element essentially comprises a longitudinal axis and / or line extending in the direction of extension.

[0044] As used herein, "centered" in phrases such as "disposed about [element, point, or axis]," or "extends about [element, point, or axis]," or "[X] degrees about [element, point, or axis]," means surrounding, extending, or measured about. When used in connection with a measurement or in similar contexts, "about" means "approximately," i.e., an approximate range for the measurement, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0045] As used herein, "generally" means "in a typical manner" in relation to the term it modifies, as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] As used herein, "substantially" means "to a significant amount or degree" in relation to the term it modifies, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0047] As used herein, "at" means at and near the location in relation to the modified term, as understood by one of skill in the art.

[0048] As used herein, "electronically communicating" refers to transmitting signals via electromagnetic waves or electrical signals. "Electronically communicating" includes both wired and wireless forms of communication. Thus, for example, "data transfer" or "communication method" via another component that is "electronically communicating" with another component refers to transferring data from one computer to another (or from one processing assembly to another) via a physical connection, such as a USB or Ethernet connection, or remotely, such as NFC or Bluetooth, and is not limited to a particular device.

[0049] As used herein, "electrically communicating" means that an electric current passes or can pass between the identified elements. Being "electrically communicating" also depends on the location or arrangement of the elements. For example, in a circuit breaker, the movable contact is "electrically communicating" with the fixed contact when the contact is in the closed position. The same movable contact is not "electrically communicating" with the fixed contact when the contact is in the open position.

[0050] As used herein, a "computer" refers to a device configured to process data, including at least one input device (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel), at least one output device (e.g., a display or graphics card), a communication device (e.g., an Ethernet card or wireless communication device), permanent memory (e.g., a hard drive), temporary memory (e.g., random access memory), and a processor (e.g., a programmable logic circuit). A "computer" may be a traditional desktop unit, but also includes, but is not limited to, devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, and laptop computers, as well as gaming consoles, suitable for incorporating the above components. Furthermore, a "computer" may include components that are physically located in different locations. For example, a desktop unit may utilize a remote hard disk for storage. Such physically separate elements are also considered "computers" in this specification.

[0051] As used herein, the term "display" refers to a device configured to show a visible image, where "showing" as used herein means making an image on the display viewable by a user.

[0052] As used herein, "computer readable medium" includes, but is not limited to, hard disks, CDs, DVDs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and random access memory.

[0053] As used herein, "permanent memory" refers to a computer-readable storage medium, and more specifically, to a computer-readable storage medium configured to record information in a non-transitory manner. Thus, "permanent memory" is limited to non-transitory, tangible media.

[0054] As used herein, "stored in permanent memory" means that a module of executable code or other data is functionally and structurally integrated into a storage medium.

[0055] As used herein, a "file" is an electronic storage structure intended to contain executable code to be processed or data expressed as text, images, audio, video, or a combination thereof.

[0056] As used herein, a "module" refers to an electronic structure used by a computer or other processing assembly, including, but not limited to, a computer file used by a processor and stored on a computer-readable medium, or a group of interacting computer files, such as executable code files and data storage files. A module may contain other modules. It is understood that a module may be identified by its functional purpose. Unless otherwise specified, each "module" is stored in the permanent memory of at least one computer or processing assembly. Thus, as used herein, all modules define components and do not describe functions. All modules are shown schematically in the figures.

[0057] As used herein, the verb "comprised of" when used in connection with a module means that the module contains executable computer instructions, code, or similar elements that are designed and intended to accomplish the purpose of the module. As noted above, all modules are embedded in permanent memory, and therefore define components, not functions.

[0058] As used herein, "automatic" means a configuration that operates without human input / action. A configuration may require a human to perform initial setup or installation, or maintenance or calibration, but is "automatic" as long as the configuration thereafter operates substantially without human input / action.

[0059] As used herein, the term "can" refers to any known or suitable container structured to contain a substance (e.g., a liquid, food, or other suitable contents), and expressly includes, but is not limited to, food cans and beverage cans such as beer and soda cans.

[0060] 2, can decoration apparatus 100 (also referred to herein as "can decorator 100") includes a can transport assembly 102 (shown schematically) and an inking system 104. Can transport assembly 102 is substantially similar to the can transport configuration described above, the description of which is incorporated herein. Generally, can transport assembly 102 is configured to move a number of undecorated can bodies 300 into contact with inking system 104, i.e., with blanket wheel 112 and / or image transfer segment 11, as illustrated, as described below.

[0061] The inker system 104 is configured to apply ink in a selected pattern to the outside of each can body 300. Specifically, the inker system 104 includes a plurality of inking station assemblies 200 (eight are shown) and a blanket wheel 112. The blanket wheel 112 is an assembly including a wheel frame 113 (i.e., a frame forming a generally disk-shaped body) having a plurality of image transfer segments 114 (shown in phantom in FIG. 4) disposed on its radial surface. Preferably, the blanket wheel 112 is configured to transfer a main image (comprising multiple combined "ink images") from each image transfer segment 114 to a corresponding can body 300.

[0062] As previously mentioned, the can decorator 100 further includes a plurality of ink station assemblies 200. While the exemplary can decorator 100 depicted and described herein includes eight ink station assemblies 200, it will be understood that the can decorator 100 may alternatively include any known or suitable other number and / or configuration of ink station assemblies (not shown) without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. Furthermore, it will be understood that for efficiency of disclosure and simplicity of illustration, only one of the ink station assemblies 200 will be depicted and described in detail herein.

[0063] 3 and 4 illustrate one non-limiting example embodiment of the ink station assembly 200 in greater detail. Specifically, the ink station assembly 200 includes an ink reservoir 202 configured to provide a supply of ink 400 (shown in simplified phantom in FIG. 3; see also FIG. 5). A fountain roll 204 receives the ink 400 from the ink reservoir 202. The ink station assembly 200 further includes a distribution roll 206 and a ductor roll 208, which cooperate with both the fountain roll 204 and the distribution roll 206 to deliver the ink 400 from the fountain roll 204 to the distribution roll 206. That is, the ductor roll 208 is part of a ductor roll assembly 207, which includes a duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 configured to reciprocate the ductor roll 208 between two positions. The two positions are a first position in which the ductor roll 208 engages the fountain roll 204 to transfer ink from the fountain roll 204 to the ductor roll 208 and is spaced apart from the distribution roll 206, and a second position in which the ductor roll 208 is spaced apart from the fountain roll 204 and engages the distribution roll 206 to transfer ink from the ductor roll 208 to the distribution roll 206. The duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 is configured to change the duty cycle of the ductor roll 208 (see the adjusted positions of the ductor roll 208 shown in phantom in FIG. 4). That is, the duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 is configured to change the amount of time the ductor roll 208 engages the fountain roll 204.

[0064] Additionally, several oscillator rolls 210, 212 (two shown) each have a longitudinal axis 214, 216. The oscillator rolls 210, 212 are configured to oscillate back and forth along their longitudinal axes 214, 216. By way of example, and not limitation, the oscillator roll 212 oscillates back and forth along axis 216 in the direction generally indicated by arrow 217. The oscillator roll 210 similarly oscillates back and forth along its longitudinal axis 214.

[0065] The exemplary ink station assembly 200 also includes two transfer rolls 218, 220, each of which cooperates with at least one of the oscillator rolls 210, 212. However, it will be understood that any known or suitable other number and / or configuration of transfer rolls (not shown) other than those shown and described herein may be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts.

[0066] The printing plate cylinder assembly 221 includes a printing plate cylinder 222 having a printing plate (generally designated 224) and a printing plate cylinder axial adjustment assembly 226 and a printing plate cylinder circumferential adjustment assembly 228, as shown generally in FIG. 3. The printing plate cylinder 222 cooperates with a number of form rolls 230 to apply ink 400 to the printing plate 224. As described above, the printing plate cylinder 222 engages the blanket wheel 112 and / or the image transfer segment 114. The blanket wheel 112 (FIGS. 2 and 4) and / or the image transfer segment 114 (FIGS. 2 and 4) engage a can body 300 (FIG. 2) to transfer ink to the can body 300 (shown in phantom in simplified form in FIG. 2). Thus, generally, each ink station assembly 200 defines an "ink train 402," as shown in FIG. 5, by which ink 400 is transferred from the fountain roll 204 to the foam roll 230 as described above. Furthermore, a primary purpose of the various rolls described above is to spread the ink to form a thin ink film and distribute the ink so that the ink film has a substantially uniform thickness when applied to the printing plate 224. That is, the ink 400 on the various rolls, such as the distribution roll 206, is successively thinned to form a uniformly distributed film on the surface of the roll.

[0067] As best shown in FIG. 3 , the ink station assembly 200 further includes opposing first and second side plates 260 and 262, a drive assembly 264, and a housing 266 that at least partially encloses the drive assembly 264. The first side plate 260 has a first side 268 and an opposite second side 270. The fountain roll 204, the distribution roll 206, the ductor roll 208, the oscillator rolls 210 and 212, the transfer rolls 218 and 220, and the single foam roll 230 are all rotatably disposed between the first and second side plates 260 and 262. The drive assembly 264 is disposed on the second side 270 of the first side plate 260 and is configured to drive at least the fountain roll 204, the distribution roll 206, and the oscillator rolls 210 and 212 in a generally well-known manner.

[0068] Initially, the thickness of ink 400 applied to the fountain roll 204 is controlled by an inkery regulation assembly 500 that is part of each ink reservoir 202. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the fountain inkery regulation assembly 500 (hereinafter "inkery regulation assembly 500") is configured to thin or limit the amount of ink applied to the fountain roll 204, or to thin / limit the amount of ink applied to a portion of the fountain roll 204. The inkery regulation assembly 500 includes a mount assembly 502, a blade assembly 504, and an adjustment structure 506. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown, the mount assembly 502 includes a mount body 510 (hereinafter "mount 510"), a clamp plate 512, a back plate 514, and two side plates 516, 518, as well as several seals (unnumbered).

[0069] In the exemplary embodiment, mount 510 includes a generally planar lower surface 520 and a generally planar upper surface 522. Mount lower surface 520 and upper surface 522 are angled relative to one another in the exemplary embodiment. As shown, the angle is approximately 15 degrees. Clamp plate 512 is a substantially rigid plate-like body 530 configured to couple to mount upper surface 522. Back plate 514 is a plate-like body 532 made of resilient spring steel in the exemplary embodiment and configured to enhance the biasing force of blade assembly 504.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6 , the blade assembly 504 includes a blade 540, which is a generally plate-shaped elastic body 542 having a first edge 544. The blade first edge 544 includes a plurality of adjustment portions 546. As will be described later, the blade 540 is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the fountain roll 204, as shown in FIG. 7 . Therefore, the adjustment portions 546 of the blade first edge are configured to move between a first position, in which each of the adjustment portions 546 of the blade first edge is spaced from the outer surface of the fountain roll 204, and a second position, in which each of the adjustment portions 546 of the blade first edge is closer to the outer surface of the fountain roll 204. That is, it is understood that the first position and the second position are positioned relative to each other such that the second position is closer to the outer surface of the fountain roll 204. Each of the adjustment portions 546 of the blade first edge is further configured to be positioned at several intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.

[0071] In the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the blade 540 includes several extending segments 550 positioned immediately adjacent to one another. Each of the blade segments 550 includes an adjustment portion 546 on one of the blade's first edges. In another non-limiting embodiment (not shown), the blade body 542 is a single piece that includes parallel slits (not shown) extending inward from the blade's first edge 544. That is, the blade body 542 generally resembles a comb, but with no or minimal gaps between the "teeth" of the comb. In another embodiment (not shown), the blade body 542 is a single piece that is highly resilient, such that a biasing force applied to one area of ​​the blade's first edge 544 is not significantly transferred to another area of ​​the blade's first edge 544.

[0072] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the adjustment structure 506 includes several adjustment devices 560. Each adjustment device 560 is associated with one adjustment portion 546 on the first edge of the blade and is configured to move between a first position and a second position. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the number of adjustment devices 560 and the number of adjustment portions 546 on the first edge of the blade are the same. Thus, each adjustment portion 546 on the first edge of the blade has one associated adjustment device 560. As best shown in FIG. 6 , the adjustment device 560 includes several elongated bodies 562, each having a movable coupling 564 ( FIG. 7 ). As shown in FIG. 7 , each adjustment device body 562 includes a first end 570, an intermediate portion 572, and a second end 576. The first end 570 of each adjustment device body is configured to engage with an associated blade segment 550. In the exemplary embodiment, first end 570 of each adjusting device body is generally conical and tapered at substantially the same angle as the angle between lower mount surface 520 and upper mount surface 522. Middle portion 572 of each adjusting device body includes threads 578. Adjusting device body threads 578 are movable couplings 564, described below. Second end 576 of each adjusting device body includes an actuator, which in the exemplary embodiment is coupling 580.

[0073] Mount 510 further defines a number of elongated passages 590. In the exemplary embodiment, mount passages 590 extend generally parallel to mount lower surface 520. Each mount passage 590 includes a threaded portion 592. Mount passages 590 correspond to adjustment device body 562, with mount passage threads 592 configured to couple with adjustment device body threads 578.

[0074] It is understood that the embodiment including threaded elements 578, 592 is exemplary. In another non-limiting embodiment not shown, each adjustment device body 562 and each mount passage 590 is generally smooth. In such an embodiment, each adjustment device body 562 is moved between positions by an actuator (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a DC servo motor (not shown). However, it will be understood that pneumatic actuator assemblies are employed with respect to other aspects and embodiments of the disclosed concepts.

[0075] Fountain inker adjustment assembly 500 is assembled as follows: Blade 540 is placed on mount upper surface 522, with the surface of blade 540 substantially corresponding to the surface of mount upper surface 522. Backing plate 514 is placed on blade 540, and clamping plate 512 is placed on backing plate 514. Blade 540, backing plate 514, and clamping plate 512 are coupled together with fasteners (not shown) that extend to mount 510 in the exemplary embodiment. Each of blade first edge adjustment portions 546, i.e., each of blade segment first edges 544, extends beyond mount upper surface 522. Additionally, adjustment devices 560 are placed in mount passages 590, with each of adjustment device body threads 578 threadedly engaging mount passage threads 592. As noted above, in the exemplary embodiment, there are an equal number of blade segments 550 and adjustment devices 560. Mounting passages 590 are positioned so that each of adjustment devices 560 is generally aligned with blade segments 550 .

[0076] In this configuration, when blade 540 and / or blade segment 550 are positioned in a plane substantially parallel to mount upper surface 522, blade first edge adjustment portions 546 are in their first position. That is, when each of blade first edge adjustment portions 546 is in its first position, the entire blade body 542 is generally parallel to mount upper surface 522. The threaded coupling of each adjustment device 560 longitudinally advances or rotates adjustment device 560 until adjustment device body first end 570 contacts and engages blade first edge adjustment portion 546. Further longitudinal movement of adjustment device 560 toward blade first edge adjustment portion 546 allows adjustment device body first end 570 to engage the associated blade first edge adjustment portion 546 and move it toward the second position.

[0077] That is, when the ink reservoir 202 and the ink reservoir inker adjustment assembly 500 are in the first position, the blade first edge adjustment portion 546 is spaced from the outer surface of the fountain roll 204. As the adjustment device 560 moves longitudinally toward the blade 540, engagement of the adjustment device 560 with the associated adjustment portion 546 of the associated first edge causes the blade first edge adjustment portion 546 to move toward and into the second position. It is understood that the advancement of the adjustment device 560 may stop at any position between the first and second positions. It is understood that when the blade first edge adjustment portion 546 is in the first position, the clearance between the fountain roll 204 and the blade first edge adjustment portion 546 is greater than when the blade first edge adjustment portion 546 is in the second position. Therefore, the thickness of the ink 400 applied to the fountain roll 204 is relatively thicker compared to the thickness of the ink 400 applied to the fountain roll 204 when the adjustment portion 546 of the first edge of the blade is in the second position.

[0078] Furthermore, as described above, the ductor roll 208 reciprocates between a first position where the ductor roll 208 engages the fountain roll 204 to transfer ink from the fountain roll 204 to the ductor roll 208 and is spaced apart from the distribution roll 206, and a second position where the ductor roll 208 is spaced apart from the fountain roll 204 and engages the distribution roll 206 to transfer ink from the ductor roll 208 to the distribution roll 206. The period of this reciprocating motion is the "duty cycle" defined above. It will be understood that the longer the duty cycle, or the closer the duty cycle is to a 1:1 ratio, the more ink 400 is transferred to the ductor roll 208.

[0079] Additionally, as mentioned above, the duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 (shown in FIG. 4) is configured to vary the duty cycle of the ductor roll 208. That is, the duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 is configured to vary the amount of time that the ductor roll 208 is engaged with the fountain roll 204. Thus, the duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 is configured to vary the amount of ink transferred between the fountain roll 204 and the distribution roll 206.

[0080] Thus, as described above, the ink application adjustment assembly 500 and the duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 are configured to vary / limit the amount of ink supplied or applied to the downstream rolls of the ink train 402 and the printing plate 224.

[0081] It is further understood that each inking station assembly 200 applies a single-color ink image to the blanket wheel 112 and / or image transfer segment 114. As known in the art, the individual ink images must be substantially "registered" with respect to one another. As used herein, "registration" of "ink images" means that each ink image is in substantially proper position relative to the other ink images, such that multiple ink images form a main image. It is further understood that each plate cylinder 222 (and / or elements thereof) must be positioned such that the ink images are properly registered. To accomplish this, each printing plate cylinder assembly 221 includes a printing plate cylinder axial adjustment assembly 226 and a printing plate cylinder circumferential adjustment assembly 228, as described above and shown schematically in FIG. 3 .

[0082] Additionally, each ink image, main image, and / or can body-applied image requires proper sidelay and circumferential alignment. Referring to FIG. 3, the axial adjustment assembly 226 is configured to move the printing plate cylinder 222 axially relative to the axis of rotation of the printing plate cylinder 222. That is, the axial adjustment assembly 226 is configured to change the sidelay alignment of the main image. That is, moving the axial position of each ink image (while maintaining proper sidelay alignment with the other ink images) moves the position of the main image axially relative to the can body to which the main image is applied.

[0083] In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the axial adjustment assembly 226 includes a mount 227 and an actuator 229, shown in simplified form in FIG. 3 . The axial adjustment assembly mount 227 is configured to rotatably support the printing plate cylinder 222 (and / or the axle (unnumbered) of the printing plate cylinder 222). The axial adjustment assembly mount 227 is movably coupled to the printing unit frame assembly 22. The axial adjustment assembly actuator 229 is configured to move the axial adjustment assembly mount 227 relative to the printing unit frame assembly 22 so as to cause the printing plate cylinder 222 to move axially. It is understood that axial movement of the printing plate cylinder 222 changes the position of the ink image (and / or main image) on the blanket wheel 112 and / or image transfer segment 114. Changing the position of the ink image (and / or main image) on the blanket wheel 112 and / or image transfer segment 114 changes the position of the can body-applied image on the can body 300 ( FIG. 2 ). That is, the position of the can body-applied image on the can body 300 (FIG. 2) moves in the axial direction of the can body 300 (FIG. 2). In other words, the side lay alignment of the can body-applied image is changed by the axial adjustment assembly 226. In this manner, the axial adjustment assembly 226 is configured to change the side lay alignment of the can body-applied image.

[0084] The circumferential adjustment assembly 228 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3 and is configured to change the circumferential alignment of the can body-applied image. As described above and known in the art, the circumferential adjustment assembly 228 includes a bearing mounted on the print cylinder shaft, which is driven by a helical gear (not shown). The plate cylinder gear (not shown) is driven by a larger gear (not shown) attached to the blanket wheel, which is also a helical gear. The plate cylinder helical gear is keyed to the shaft but is allowed to move axially on the shaft. A linear screw mechanism (not shown) is used to move the helical gear axially on the shaft during machine operation. The axial movement of the plate cylinder gear causes the shaft to rotate and advance or retard timing proportional to the gear helix angle. This advances or retards the position of the ink image on the blanket for a particular color. These elements are collectively shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3 as box 228. The circumferential adjustment assembly 228 further includes an actuator 233 (shown schematically) configured to actuate the linear screw mechanism.

[0085] The can decoration apparatus 100 and / or the inking system 104 further include an image control system 600 (shown schematically in FIG. 2 ). The image control system 600 is configured to automatically adjust the ink images of each inking station assembly 200 in addition to the main image applied to the blanket wheel 112 and / or the image transfer segment 114. In other words, the image control system 600 is configured to automatically adjust the thickness of the ink 400 in the ink train 402 and the sidelay and circumferential alignment of each ink image and / or the main image.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment, can decorator 100 further includes a printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700. Figure 8 is an isometric view of printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700, which is operably coupled to printing plate cylinder assembly 221. Figure 9 is an exploded view of printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700. Figure 10 is a top view of printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700, and Figure 11 is a top view of printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700, with portions cut away to illustrate the worm gear drive mechanism. Figure 12 is an isometric view of printing plate cylinder assembly 221 and blanket wheel 112.

[0087] The printing plate cylinder assembly 221 includes a printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240. Rotation of the printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240 rotates the printing plate 224 (FIG. 3). The printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240 is driven via a printing plate cylinder drive gear 241.

[0088] The printing plate cylinder adjustment assembly 700 includes an actuator, such as, for example, but not limitation, an air motor 701 operably coupled to a worm gear 702 such that operation of the air motor 701 causes rotation of the worm gear 702. The worm gear 702 is operably coupled to an extended member, such as, for example, but not limitation, a turnbuckle assembly 703, such that rotation of the worm gear 702 causes movement of the turnbuckle assembly 703 via an eccentric pivot 707. The turnbuckle assembly 703 is in turn operably coupled to an eccentric bushing 242 via an eccentric bushing bracket 243, such that movement of the turnbuckle assembly 703 causes corresponding movement of the eccentric bushing 242. The eccentric bushing 242 is disposed about the printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240 of the printing plate cylinder assembly 221. The eccentric bushing 242 has an eccentric shape such that rotation of the eccentric bushing 242 moves the printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240, and therefore the printing plate 224 ( FIG. 3 ), toward or away from the blanket wheel 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner circumference of the eccentric bushing 242 has an eccentric shape such that rotation of the eccentric bushing 242 moves the printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240 toward or away from the blanket wheel 112. In this manner, pressure of the printing plate 224 against the blanket wheel 112 is increased by moving the printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240 toward the blanket wheel 112 and decreased by moving the printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240 away from the blanket wheel 112.

[0089] The worm gear drive mechanism in an exemplary embodiment is shown in more detail in Figure 11. The worm gear drive mechanism includes a worm gear drive shaft 715 and a worm drive gear 714 coupled to the worm gear drive shaft 715. The worm drive gear 714 includes teeth that correspond to the teeth on the worm gear 702. When the air motor 701 is operated, the drive shaft 715 moves linearly. As the drive shaft 715 moves linearly, the teeth on the worm drive gear 714 interact with the teeth on the worm gear 702, causing the worm gear 702 to rotate.

[0090] The worm gear 702 is coupled to an eccentric pivot 707 (best seen in FIG. 9 ). Thus, rotation of the worm gear 702 rotates the eccentric pivot 707. The eccentric pivot 707 has an eccentric shape and is coupled to the turnbuckle assembly 703 such that rotation of the eccentric pivot 707 causes movement of the turnbuckle assembly 703. Because the turnbuckle assembly 703 is coupled to the eccentric bushing bracket 243, this movement also causes rotation of the eccentric bushing 242 about the printing plate cylinder drive shaft 240. In this manner, the rotation of the eccentric bushing 242, and therefore the pressure of the printing plate 224 against the blanket wheel 112, can be finely controlled via operation of the air motor 701.

[0091] The worm gear drive mechanism, worm gear 702, eccentric pivot 707, and turnbuckle assembly 703 can be collectively considered a drive mechanism coupled between air motor 701 and eccentric bushing 242, and when air motor 701 is operated, the drive mechanism rotates eccentric bushing 242.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700 includes a reducer assembly. As used herein, a "reducer assembly" refers to a structure that reduces the output motion (e.g., without limitation, measured in revolutions per minute, or RPM) generated by an air motor for a given amount of compressed air energy. For example, if an air motor uses "X" amount of compressed air energy to rotate its output shaft 10 times, a "reducer assembly" converts that motion into one rotation when the same air motor uses "X" amount of compressed air energy. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the term "reducer assembly" is preceded by a designation in the format "[number]X" indicating the amount of reduction. For example, a "10X reduction assembly" is configured to reduce the output of the air motor by a factor of 10. In other words, if an air motor uses "X" amount of compressed air energy to move a slide 10 inches, the same air motor with the "10X reduction assembly" added will move the slide 1 inch using "X" amount of compressed air energy. The reducer assembly described herein, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, is at least one of a 30X reducer assembly and a 101X reducer assembly. It will be further understood that the disclosed concepts preferably utilize a combination of reducer assemblies. For example, and without limitation, in one non-limiting embodiment, a first reducer assembly may be a gearbox having a 100:1 reduction ratio, coupled in series with a second reducer assembly that is a worm gear having a 30:1X reduction ratio for a total ratio of 3,000:1. In an exemplary embodiment, the gearbox within air motor 701 may function as the first reducer assembly, while worm gear 702 and worm drive gear 714 function as the second reducer assembly. However, it will be understood that additional or different reducer assemblies may be employed with the disclosed concepts.

[0093] The printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700 in the exemplary embodiment also includes a lower housing 711 and an upper housing 712. The lower housing 711 and the upper housing 712 are configured to mate together to form a housing that houses the components of the printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700. The housing may be secured to the stationary structure 244 of the can decorator 100 to secure the printing plate cylinder adjustment assembly 700 in place relative to the printing plate cylinder assembly 221.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, a sensor assembly may be used to determine printing plate pressure. The sensor assembly in the exemplary embodiment includes a sensor 704 coupled to the fixed structure 244 via a sensor bracket 706. A sensor target 705 is coupled to the eccentric bushing bracket 243. The sensor 704 is configured to sense the position of the sensor target 705. Because the sensor target 705 is coupled to the eccentric bushing bracket 243, changes in the position of the sensor target 705 correspond to rotation of the eccentric bushing 242, which, as described above, corresponds to changes in pressure of the printing plate 224 against the blanket wheel 112. The sensor 704 may be any suitable type of sensor, such as, but not limited to, a position sensor.

[0095] Figure 12 is an isometric view of the printing plate cylinder assembly 221 and blanket wheel 112 in an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the printing plate cylinder drive gear 241 is located on the opposite side of the can decorator wall from the printing plate 224. The printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700 is hidden in Figure 12 but may be located on the same side of the wall as the printing plate cylinder drive gear 241.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts, the printing plate cylinder adjustment assembly 700 may be electronically controlled. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a control system for the printing plate cylinder adjustment assembly 700 according to an exemplary embodiment. The printing plate cylinder adjustment assembly 700 includes a printing plate pressure control system 716. The plate pressure control system 716 may include a controller, processor, circuitry, or other suitable components for controlling the air motor 701. The plate pressure control system 716 receives input from the sensor 704 and controls the air motor 701. The plate pressure control system 716 may control the air motor 701 to achieve a desired pressure of the printing plate 224 against the blanket wheel 112 based on the output of the sensor 704. The plate pressure control system 716 may receive input or commands from an external control system 800. The input may be, for example, a desired pressure. The external control system 800 may be located on the can decorator 100 or may be located remotely from the can decorator 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the external control system 800 is remote from the can decorator 100, allowing for remote adjustment of the pressure, such as by a remotely located technician, using the external control system 800. It will be appreciated that the external control system 800 may provide input or instructions to the plate pressure control system 716 using wired or wireless communication. It will also be appreciated that the external control system 800 may provide input or instructions to the plate pressure control system 716 using one or more networks, such as, for example, but not limited to, the Internet or a cellular communication network. In an exemplary embodiment, the external control system 800 may determine the desired pressure using one or more feedback mechanisms. For example, but not limited to, the external control system 800 may use image data of the can image to determine whether to increase or decrease the desired pressure.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the plate pressure control system 716 may use one or more control algorithms to control the air motor 701 to adjust the pressure of the printing plate 224 against the blanket wheel 112. For example, backlash may be an issue when adjusting that pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, the control algorithm reduces backlash. For example, the control algorithm may approach the desired pressure using fine incremental adjustments in only one direction. That is, the control algorithm may increase the pressure in small, fine steps until the desired pressure is reached. As used herein, "fine" adjustments preferably mean moving an element by less than 0.001 inches, and more preferably less than 0.0005 inches. As an example, if the pressure is below the desired pressure, the plate pressure control system 716 controls the air motor 701 to increase the pressure in fine incremental steps until the desired pressure is reached. If the pressure exceeds the desired pressure, or if the pressure adjustment overshoots the desired pressure, the plate pressure control system 716 first controls the air motor 701 to reduce the pressure more significantly to bring the pressure below the desired pressure. Then, the plate pressure control system 716 controls the air motor 701 to gradually increase the pressure in small fine steps until the desired pressure is reached. This process of gradually approaching the desired pressure in one direction by small fine steps, for example, by small fine steps to increase the pressure, reduces or eliminates backlash in the system.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, can decorator 100 includes an image control system 600 (shown in FIG. 2). Image control system 600 includes an electronic can decorator control assembly 602, a mechanical can decorator control assembly 604, and several sensors 606. Electronic can decorator control assembly 602 includes a programmable logic circuit 610 and several modules 612. Electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is configured to determine whether the can body-applied image has the proper amount of ink and whether the ink image / main image is in the proper position. Image control system 600 may be part of or be capable of communicating with external control system 800. However, it will be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, image control system 600 may be omitted.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic can decorator control assembly module 612 includes a database module 620 having decorated can image data and a comparison module 622. As used herein, "decorated can image data" refers to data representing an intended image. Furthermore, the electronic can decorator control assembly's database module 620 is configured to include several decorated can image datasets, each associated with a particular main image. That is, for example, one decorated can image dataset may represent a main image of a can containing a cola beverage, while another decorated can image dataset may represent a main image of a can containing a beer beverage. The electronic can decorator control assembly's comparison module 622 is configured to compare the image signal with the associated can image data in the database module to determine whether the image signal is acceptable. As used herein, "acceptable" means that the can body application image / ink image / main image is substantially the intended image, as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, and without limitation, acceptable alignment according to embodiments of the disclosed concepts is preferably within about 0.001 inches of the intended image location, and more preferably within about 0.0005 inches of the intended image location. It is understood that one skilled in the art can create can image data, which is an electronic representation of the intended image.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the comparison module 622 of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine whether the image signal indicates either an insufficient amount of ink or an excessive amount of ink in the can body-applied image. As used herein, "insufficient amount of ink" means that the amount of ink in the can body-applied image / ink image / main image is less than the amount necessary to create the intended image, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. As used herein, "excessive amount of ink" means that the amount of ink in the can body-applied image / ink image / main image is more than the amount necessary to create the intended image, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0101] Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the comparison module 622 of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image includes an axially offset image. As used herein, an "axially offset image" means that the can body applied image / ink image / main image is not in the proper position. In other words, the "axially offset image" does not achieve the intended side lay alignment.

[0102] Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the comparison module 622 of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body-applied image includes a circumferentially offset image. As used herein, a "circumferentially offset image" means that the can body-applied image / ink image / main image is not in the proper position. In other words, the "circumferentially offset image" does not achieve the intended circumferential alignment.

[0103] Further aspects of the comparison module 622 of the electronic can decorator control assembly are described below following a description of the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 and several sensors 606.

[0104] The mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 is operably coupled to at least one of the inker adjustment assembly 500, the ductor roll assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly 209, the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly 226, the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly 228, or the plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700. That is, generally, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes an actuator 650 (herein, the reference numeral 650 refers to a generic actuator or to any actuator of the mechanical can decorator control assembly; the specific actuator is described below). The mechanical can decorator control assembly actuator 650 is configured to actuate one of the associated components, i.e., the inker adjustment assembly 500, the ductor roll assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly 209, the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly 226, the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly 228, or the plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700.

[0105] In the exemplary embodiment, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes at least one or several inker adjustment assembly actuators 652 (shown schematically in FIG. 3 ). Each inker adjustment assembly actuator 652 is configured to operably couple to an inker adjustment assembly adjusting device 560. That is, each inker adjustment assembly actuator 652 is configured to move the inker adjustment assembly adjusting device 560 between the first and second positions and any intermediate positions. In the exemplary embodiment, each inker adjustment assembly actuator 652 is configured to operably couple to a coupling 580 at the second end of the adjusting device body.

[0106] In the exemplary embodiment, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes several ductor roll assembly duty cycle adjustment actuators 654 (shown schematically in FIG. 3). Each ductor roll assembly duty cycle adjustment actuator 654 is configured to actuate the duty cycle adjustment assembly of the ductor roll assembly to adjust the amount of ink applied to the printing plate cylinder assembly. That is, each ductor roll assembly duty cycle adjustment actuator 654 is configured to actuate the duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 to change the amount of time that the associated ductor roll 208 is engaged with the fountain roll 204.

[0107] In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes several printing plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly actuators 656 (shown schematically in FIG. 3 ). In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, each printing plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly actuator 656 is configured to be operably coupled to an axial adjustment assembly 226. In another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, each printing plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly actuator 656 is an axial adjustment assembly mount actuator 229. That is, the axial adjustment assembly mount actuator 229 is part of both the axial adjustment assembly 226 and the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604, as used herein.

[0108] In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes several printing plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly actuators 658 (shown schematically in FIG. 3 ). Each printing plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly actuator 658 is configured to operatively couple to a circumferential adjustment assembly 228. In another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, each printing plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly actuator 658 is a circumferential adjustment assembly actuator 233. That is, as used herein, the circumferential adjustment assembly actuator 233 is part of both the circumferential adjustment assembly 228 and the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604.

[0109] In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes several printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly actuators. For example, without limitation, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 may include an air motor 701 of a printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700.

[0110] In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, some, a plurality, or all of the mechanical can decorator control assembly actuators 650 include an air motor 670 (schematically shown in FIG. 2; see also FIG. 8). As used herein, "air motor" refers to a structure that expands compressed gas and converts the energy of the compressed air into mechanical work, whether through linear, rotational, or other motion. As is known, the area in which the can decorating apparatus 100 operates is often filled with ink particles, including airborne particles. Therefore, operating a motor that could generate flames or sparks and ignite airborne particles can be dangerous. Therefore, as used herein, "air motor" further excludes combustion-based motors or motors that generate or utilize electricity. That is, combustion-based motors and motors that generate or utilize electricity are not considered "air motors" or the like.

[0111] The number of sensors 606, in an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, includes a number of image sensors. As used herein, an "image" sensor refers to a sensor configured to convert an image into data or a signal incorporating data indicative of a characteristic of the can body applied image / ink image / main image. In a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the image sensor is a digital camera. In an exemplary embodiment, the image sensors are positioned adjacent to the can body 300 path of the can transport assembly 102. Each sensor 606, i.e., each image sensor / digital camera, is configured to generate an image signal including data indicative of a characteristic of the can body applied image. In an exemplary embodiment, the image signal includes data indicative of a thickness of the can body applied image / ink image / main image, i.e., ink thickness feature data. In an exemplary embodiment, the image signal includes data indicative of a sidelay alignment of the can body applied image / ink image / main image, i.e., sidelay alignment feature data. In an exemplary embodiment, the image signal includes data indicative of a circumferential alignment of the can body applied image / ink image / main image, i.e., circumferential alignment feature data. Additionally, each sensor 606 , ie, each image sensor / digital camera, is configured to send an image signal to the electronic can decorator control assembly 602 .

[0112] As such, the electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is configured to receive image signals from several sensors 606. Additionally, the electronic can decorator control assembly 602, i.e., the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622, is configured to compare the image signals (i.e., data representing the image feature data embedded in the signals) with associated can image data from the database module 620 to determine whether the image signals are acceptable. That is, for example, the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured to determine whether the image signals indicate either an insufficient amount of ink or an excessive amount of ink in the can body application image / ink image / main image. That is, the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured to compare the ink thickness feature data with records of acceptable ink thicknesses in the electronic can decorator control assembly database module 620.

[0113] Additionally or alternatively, the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured to determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image / ink image / main image includes an axially offset image. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured to determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image includes a circumferentially offset image.

[0114] If the can body applied image / ink image / main image is unacceptable, the image control system 600, i.e., the electronic can decorator control assembly 602, is configured to send a corrective signal to a selected element of the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 to adjust at least one of the fountain inker adjustment assembly 500, the ductor roll assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly 209, the printing plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly 226, the printing plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly 228, or the printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700. For example, if the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 determines that the can body applied image is insufficiently or excessively inked, the electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is configured to operate the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 and further operate at least one of the fountain inker adjustment assembly 500, the ductor roll assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly 209, or the printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700 to adjust the amount of ink applied to the printing plate cylinder assembly and / or the blanket wheel. In a further example, if the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 determines that the can body-applied image includes an axially offset image, the electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is configured to operate the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 to further operate the axial adjustment assembly 226 of the printing plate cylinder assembly to adjust the axial position of the can body-applied image. In a further example, if the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 determines that the can body-applied image includes a circumferentially offset image, the electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is configured to operate the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 to further operate the circumferential adjustment assembly 228 of the printing plate cylinder assembly to adjust the circumferential position of the can body-applied image.

[0115] It will be appreciated that in some exemplary embodiments, the image control system 600 may be omitted. In exemplary embodiments, the external control system 800 is configured to remotely control one of the inker adjustment assembly 500, the ductor roll assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly 209, the printing plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly 226, the printing plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly 228, or the printing plate cylinder pressure adjustment assembly 700.

[0116] Thus, the disclosed concepts provide automation and control of several inspection and adjustment operations that previously required manual operation by an operator. Furthermore, the precision provided by the disclosed concepts significantly reduces, if not completely eliminates, wasted cans and production losses due to image quality defects.

[0117] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and substitutions to those details may be made in light of the overall teachings of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the particular configurations disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting on the scope of the invention, which is given the full scope of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A printing plate pressure adjustment system for a can decorator, comprising: a printing plate cylinder assembly having a printing plate cylinder and a printing plate cylinder drive shaft; and a blanket wheel, An actuator; a control system configured to control operation of the actuator to adjust pressure between the printing plate cylinder assembly and the blanket wheel; an eccentric bushing disposed about the printing plate cylinder drive shaft, wherein rotation of the eccentric bushing causes the printing plate cylinder to move toward or away from the blanket wheel; and a drive mechanism coupled between the actuator and the eccentric bushing, the drive mechanism rotating the eccentric bushing upon operation of the actuator; It is equipped with The drive mechanism includes: a worm gear configured to rotate in response to operation of the actuator; an eccentric pivot operatively coupled to the worm gear and configured to rotate with rotation of the worm gear; an elongated member coupled between the eccentric pivot and the eccentric bushing, the elongated member configured to rotate the eccentric bushing in response to rotation of the eccentric pivot; A printing plate pressure adjustment system comprising:

2. 2. The printing plate pressure adjusting system according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is an air motor.

3. The printing plate pressure adjustment system of claim 1 , further comprising an eccentric bushing bracket coupled between the eccentric bushing and the extended member.

4. The drive mechanism includes: a drive shaft coupled to the actuator and configured to move linearly in response to actuation of the actuator; a worm drive gear coupled to the drive shaft and configured to interact with the worm gear to rotate the worm gear in response to linear movement of the drive shaft; The printing plate pressure adjustment system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. a sensor target coupled to the eccentric bushing and configured to move in conjunction with rotation of the eccentric bushing; a sensor configured to sense a position of the sensor target; It is equipped with The printing plate pressure adjusting system according to claim 1 , wherein the control system is configured to control the operation of the actuator based on the output of the sensor.

6. 6. The printing plate pressure adjustment system of claim 5, wherein a predetermined position of the sensor target corresponds to a desired pressure between the printing plate cylinder assembly and the blanket wheel, and the control system is configured to control the actuator so that the position of the sensor target is at the predetermined position corresponding to the desired pressure between the printing plate cylinder assembly and the blanket wheel.

7. 7. The printing plate pressure adjustment system of claim 6, wherein the control system is configured to control the actuator to move the printing plate cylinder toward the blanket wheel in small incremental steps until the position of the sensor target is at the predetermined position corresponding to the desired pressure between the printing plate cylinder assembly and the blanket wheel.

8. 8. The printing plate pressure adjustment system of claim 7, wherein the control system is configured to control the actuator to move the printing plate cylinder away from the blanket wheel in large steps before moving the printing plate cylinder toward the blanket wheel in small incremental steps until the position of the sensor target is at the predetermined position corresponding to the desired pressure between the printing plate cylinder assembly and the blanket wheel.

9. The printing plate pressure adjustment system of claim 1 , further comprising a housing configured to house the actuator and the drive mechanism, the housing configured to have a fixed position relative to the printing plate cylinder assembly.

10. The printing plate pressure adjustment system of claim 1 , wherein the control system is configured to control the actuator based on input from an external control system.

11. The printing plate pressure adjustment system of claim 10 , wherein the external control system is located remotely from the can decorator.

12. A printing plate pressure adjustment system for a can decorator, comprising: a printing plate cylinder assembly having a printing plate cylinder, a printing plate cylinder drive shaft, and an eccentric bushing disposed around the printing plate cylinder drive shaft; and a blanket wheel, wherein rotation of the eccentric bushing causes the printing plate cylinder to move toward or away from the blanket wheel, An actuator; a drive mechanism coupled between the actuator and the eccentric bushing; It is equipped with The drive mechanism includes: a worm gear configured to rotate in response to operation of the actuator; an eccentric pivot operatively coupled to the worm gear and configured to rotate with rotation of the worm gear; an elongated member coupled between the eccentric pivot and the eccentric bushing, the elongated member configured to rotate the eccentric bushing in response to rotation of the eccentric pivot; A printing plate pressure adjustment system comprising:

13. The printing plate pressure adjusting system according to claim 12, wherein the actuator is an air motor.

14. The drive mechanism includes: a drive shaft coupled to the actuator and configured to move linearly in response to actuation of the actuator; a worm drive gear coupled to the drive shaft and configured to interact with the worm gear to rotate the worm gear in response to linear movement of the drive shaft; The printing plate pressure adjustment system according to claim 12, further comprising:

15. Blanket wheels and a printing plate cylinder assembly including a printing plate cylinder, a printing plate cylinder drive shaft, and an eccentric bushing disposed around the printing plate cylinder drive shaft, wherein rotation of the eccentric bushing causes the printing plate cylinder to move toward or away from the blanket wheel; a printing plate pressure adjustment assembly; It is equipped with The printing plate pressure adjustment assembly includes: An actuator; a control system configured to control operation of the actuator to adjust pressure between the printing plate cylinder assembly and the blanket wheel; a drive mechanism coupled between the actuator and the eccentric bushing, the drive mechanism rotating the eccentric bushing upon operation of the actuator; It is equipped with The drive mechanism includes: a worm gear configured to rotate in response to operation of the actuator; an eccentric pivot operatively coupled to the worm gear and configured to rotate with rotation of the worm gear; an elongated member coupled between the eccentric pivot and the eccentric bushing, the elongated member configured to rotate the eccentric bushing in response to rotation of the eccentric pivot; Equipped with a can decorator.

16. 16. The can decorator of claim 15, wherein the actuator is an air motor.

17. The drive mechanism includes: a drive shaft coupled to the actuator and configured to move linearly in response to actuation of the actuator; a worm drive gear coupled to the drive shaft and configured to interact with the worm gear to rotate the worm gear in response to linear movement of the drive shaft; 16. The can decorator of claim 15, comprising:

18. a sensor target coupled to the eccentric bushing and configured to move in conjunction with rotation of the eccentric bushing; a sensor configured to sense a position of the sensor target; It is equipped with 16. The can decorator of claim 15, wherein the control system is configured to control operation of the actuator based on the output of the sensor.

19. 19. The can decorator of claim 18, wherein a predetermined position of the sensor target corresponds to a desired pressure between the printing plate cylinder assembly and the blanket wheel, and the control system is configured to control the actuator so that the position of the sensor target is at the predetermined position corresponding to the desired pressure between the printing plate cylinder assembly and the blanket wheel.

Images