Patent ID: 6490969
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: B41F

Abstract:
A machine for printing or otherwise decorating hollow bodies such as sleeves, collapsible tubes, cans or the like comprisinga rotationally driven decoration application drum, which is peripherally provided with one or more decoration applying faces, which on rotation of the decoration application drum proceed along a first circular orbit, a rotationally driven capstan plate whose axis of rotation is arranged parallel to that of the decoration application drum, said capstan plate bearing capstan units arranged in sequence at a distance apart in its direction of rotation, said units being respectively provided with a receiving capstan, onto which capstan a hollow body to be decorated may be respectively slipped, the radially outwardly direction sections of the slipped on hollow body proceeding along a second orbit on rotation of the capstan plate, and orbit correction means, which ensure that during a passage, occurring with a simultaneous decoration operation, of a decoration zone associated with the peripheral region of the decoration application drum, the capstan units are so shifted by performing a follow-up movement directed athwart the axis of rotation of the capstan plate that the second orbit coincides with the first orbit, the capstan units being moved respectively on guide means provided on the capstan plate in the direction of the follow-up movement and being connected with cam following means which on rotation of the capstan plate run along a cam responsible for the follow-up movement, wherein on its inner side, facing the axis of rotation of the capstan plate, of each capstan unit at a distance from the same a pivot shaft is provided which is parallel to the associated receiving capstan and is mounted for rotation as regards its longitudinal axis, said pivot shaft bearing the cam follower means at a radial distance from its longitudinal axis and on which, also at a radial distance from its longitudinal axis, has a pitman means pivoted on it, said pitman means at its other end engaging the capstan unit, so that a rotary movement caused by the cam follower means of the pivot shaft is responsible for the follow-up motion of the respective capstan unit with the aid of the pitman means.