Method for printing at least one carrier element

A method for printing at least one carrier element, in particular at least one pack, in at least one printing operation includes sensing a position of the at least one carrier element, orienting at least one piece of information on the basis of the sensed position of the at least one carrier element, storing the at least one piece of information in at least one file, and printing the at least one piece of information onto the carrier element.

This application is a 35 U.S.C. §371 National Stage Application of PCT/EP2012/054628, filed on Mar. 16, 2012, which claims the benefit of priority to Serial No. DE 10 2011 075 386.9, filed on May 6, 2011 in Germany, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

One method for printing at least one carrier element, which comprises at least one printing operation, is already known.

SUMMARY

The disclosure proposes a method for printing at least one carrier element which comprises at least one printing operation, wherein in one step a position of the at least one carrier element is sensed, in a further step at least one piece of information is oriented on the basis of the sensed position of the at least one carrier element, wherein the at least one piece of information is stored in at least one file, and in at least one further step at least one piece of information is printed onto the carrier element.

In this connection, “carrier element” is to be understood in particular to mean an element which is provided to be printed. In this connection, “provided” is to be understood in particular to mean “specifically designed”, “specifically configured” and/or “specifically equipped”. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the carrier element is formed as a pack. The carrier element is preferably at least partly formed of paperboard, paper and/or board. As a result, an advantageously good printability of the carrier element can be achieved. In this connection, a “position” of the carrier element is to be understood in particular to mean a position of the carrier element which the carrier element has in an apparatus which is provided to print the carrier element. If the position of the carrier element does not coincide with a predefined reference position of the carrier element, then a preferred accuracy of the printing operation and thus of the printed image produced cannot be ensured. The reference position can preferably be predefined by an arithmetic logic unit of the apparatus.

By means of orienting the at least one piece of information, a deviation of the position of the carrier element from the reference position can advantageously be compensated for simply and a preferably precise printing result can be achieved. In this connection, “orientation” is to be understood in particular to mean an operation in which a position of the at least one piece of information is changed. Preferably, the position of the at least one piece of information is changed such that the deviation of the position of the carrier element from the reference position is at least substantially compensated for or rectified. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the position of the at least one piece of information in the file, in which the at least one piece of information is stored, is changed.

It is additionally proposed that the orientation of the at least one piece of information be carried out by adapting a position of the at least one piece of information in the file.

As a result, in particular in the case of carrier elements which have a large two-dimensional extent and/or a high weight, precise printing can be achieved in an advantageously simple way.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable to displace the carrier element and/or the at least one part of the printing unit as a function of the sensed position of the at least one carrier element, so that the deviation of the position of the carrier element from the reference position is advantageously compensated for simply.

The position of the at least one carrier element can be sensed directly and/or indirectly. In this connection, “directly” is intended to be understood in particular to mean that the position of the at least one carrier element itself and completely can be detected and evaluated in a single step. In this connection, “indirectly” is to be understood in particular to mean that in at least one step a position of a further element, which is preferably firmly connected to the carrier element, and/or a position of a sub-region of the carrier element is detected, and in at least one further step by using which it is possible to draw conclusions about the position of the carrier element.

In this connection, a “piece of information” is to be understood in particular to mean a feature which in particular preferably refers a user to product-specific properties of a product. The piece of information can be formed by a manufacturer-dependent or manufacturer-independent article designation, by hints on use and hazards, by a manufacturer logo and/or by further features appearing expedient to a person skilled in the art.

The method can be provided such that in each case one carrier element is printed. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the method is configured such that at least two carrier elements can be printed simultaneously in a single printing operation. As a result, an advantageously low processing time of the carrier elements can be achieved.

By means of the method according to the disclosure, an advantageously precise printing result can be achieved. As a result, it is possible to use carrier elements which are preferably configured uniformly and have free areas in which at least one piece of information can be printed on by means of the method. The piece of information can be provided in particular to individualize at least one of the carrier elements or to distinguish the same unambiguously from at least one other of the carrier elements. As a result, costs can advantageously be saved. In addition, an advantageously short manufacturing time of a carrier element can be achieved. The carrier elements printed in accordance with the method of the disclosure preferably form a pack and/or a label, in particular of a tool insert for handheld machine tools. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the carrier element is provided to form a folding box when assembled. However, other configurations and uses of the carrier elements printed in accordance with the method of the disclosure which appear to be expedient to a person skilled in the art are conceivable.

Furthermore, it is proposed that a position of at least one reference element be determined and the orientation of the at least one piece of information be carried out at least substantially by using the determined position of the at least one reference element. In this connection, “reference element” is intended to be understood in particular to mean an element which forms a fixed reference point of the carrier element and by using the position of which it is possible to draw conclusions about the position of the carrier element. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the reference point is configured to be machine-readable. The reference element is preferably applied to the carrier element before the carrier element is printed in accordance with the method of the disclosure. The reference element can be adhesively bonded to the carrier element, printed on, pressed in or applied in another way appearing to be expedient to a person skilled in the art. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, an arithmetic logic unit can be provided, which is provided to calculate the position of the carrier element by using the sensed position of the at least one reference element by means of a stored calculation algorithm.

As a result, advantageously simple and quick, in particular machine, detection of the position of the carrier element can be achieved, which means that preferably low expenditure on time and costs can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the position of the at least one reference element of the carrier element be determined at least substantially by machine. In this connection, “by machine” is intended to be understood in particular to mean that the position of the at least one carrier element is detected or sensed without any human intervention and preferably automatically. This can preferably be achieved by means of at least one sensor. The sensor can in particular be configured mechanically, magnetically, electronically and/or optically.

As a result, advantageously simple and preferably precise detection of the position of the carrier element can be achieved. In addition, staff can advantageously be saved thereby, and thus preferably low costs can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that, by using the position of the at least one reference element of the carrier element, the printing operation be influenced at least substantially by machine, so that the at least one piece of information can be printed at least substantially in accurate register in at least one free area of the carrier element. In this connection, “at least substantially in accurate register” is to be understood in particular to mean a deviation from an ideal position which is in particular less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm and particularly preferably less than 3 mm. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the deviation is less than 1 mm.

As a result, a preferably precise printing result is achieved, which means that it is possible to achieve a high-quality appearance of the carrier element which has been printed in accordance with the method of the disclosure.

In addition, is it is proposed that a file which comprises the at least one piece of information which is printed onto the carrier element be made available via online ripping for a printing operation. In this connection, “online ripping” is to be understood in particular to mean a method in which a file which comprises at least one graphic which forms the at least one piece of information is converted into readable signals for the printing unit, wherein a transfer of the signals is transferred directly to the printing unit, i.e. without the signals being stored temporarily in a data memory. As a result, the printing operation, and thus the method according to the disclosure, can advantageously be configured quickly and simply.

Furthermore, it is proposed that, by using the at least one reference element, a file which comprises the at least one piece of information is chosen at least substantially by machine from at least two files which each comprise different pieces of information. This distinction can be achieved by different positionings and/or by different shapes of the reference elements of the different carrier elements. As a result, the method can advantageously be configured flexibly, simply and in a user-friendly manner.

Furthermore, a carrier element is proposed which is provided to be printed by means of the method according to the disclosure. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the carrier element at least partly forms a pack and/or a label, in particular of a tool insert. The carrier element is preferably at least partly formed of paperboard, paper and/or board. As a result, an advantageously good printability of the carrier element can be achieved. In addition, advantageously low costs can be achieved. It is also conceivable to form the carrier element from a plastic. As a result, the carrier element can advantageously be configured robustly.

In addition, it is proposed that the carrier element have at least one reference element which is provided to be sensed by at least one sensor. By means of the at least one reference element of the carrier element that can be detected by a sensor, advantageously simple, quick and automatic printing of the carrier element can be achieved by means of the method according to the disclosure.

Furthermore, the disclosure proposes an apparatus which is provided to print the at least one carrier element by means of the method, having at least one printing unit which comprises at least one printing element, having at least one sensor for detecting a position of the carrier element, having at least one computer unit, having at least one printing element and having at least one orientation unit, which is provided to orient at least one piece of information. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is formed as a printing apparatus.

In addition, it is proposed that the at least one sensor comprise at least one optical sensor.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one optical sensor comprise a camera. As a result, the apparatus can advantageously be configured precisely and economically.

In addition, it is proposed that the at least one arithmetic logic unit be provided to calculate a position of the carrier element by using a position of at least one reference element of the carrier element. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the arithmetic logic unit is provided to calculate the position of the carrier element by using the sensed position of the at least one reference element, by means of a stored calculation algorithm.

As a result, advantageously simple and quick, in particular machine, detection of the position of the carrier element can be achieved, which means that preferably low expenditure on time and costs can be achieved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an apparatus. The apparatus is formed as a printing apparatus. The apparatus is provided to print carrier elements10with pieces of information14,16,18,20.

The apparatus has a feed and transport unit38. The feed and transport unit38has four transport elements72,74,76,78. The transport elements72,74,76,78are formed by transport belts. In addition, the feed and transport unit can have an insertion stack (not illustrated), which is provided to receive at least one stack of carrier elements. The transport elements72,74,76,78are each designed to be height-adjustable in the vertical direction36. The feed and transport unit38is provided to hold and to guide carrier elements10within the apparatus during a processing process. A carrier element10is placed on the first transport element72and guided in the transport direction80of the transport element72toward the second transport element74. The first transport element72is displaced in the vertical direction36such that the first transport element72and the second transport element74, viewed in the vertical direction36, are at the same height. The carrier element10is then transferred from the first transport element72to the second transport element74.

On the second transport element74, the carrier element10, viewed in the vertical direction36, remains lying under a sensor unit40. The sensor unit40comprises a sensor24. The sensor24is comprises an optical sensor. The optical sensor is formed by a camera30. The sensor24is provided to detect, during a printing operation, reference elements22of the carrier element10to be printed. The sensor24is provided to detect a position of the reference elements22of the carrier element10to be printed. The sensor24is provided to record the position of the reference elements22of the carrier element10to be printed in a graphic form and to convert said position into electrical signals. The sensor24transmits the electrical signals to an arithmetic logic unit26.

The arithmetic logic unit26is provided to evaluate the electrical signals from the sensor24. The arithmetic logic unit26is provided to calculate a position of the carrier element10by using the sensed position of the reference elements22of the carrier element10, which are provided to the arithmetic logic unit26as electrical signals. To this end, a calculation algorithm is stored in the arithmetic logic unit26. The arithmetic logic unit26compares the determined position of the carrier element10with a predefined reference position of the carrier element10.

The arithmetic logic unit comprises an orientation unit28. If the position of the carrier element10deviates from the reference position, the orientation unit28generates an electrical signal. The orientation unit is provided to influence an orientation of the pieces of information14,16,18,20on the basis of the output signal from the arithmetic logic unit26. The electrical signal causes at least one piece of information14,16,18,20to be oriented as a function of the sensed position of the carrier elements10. A file is provided which comprises the at least one piece of information14,16,18,20. Four different groups of pieces of information14,16,18,20are provided. During the orientation of the pieces of information14,16,18,20, the file is changed. As a result of adapting the orientation of the pieces of information14,16,18,20, a deviation of the position of the carrier element10from the predefined reference position is compensated for.

The arithmetic logic unit26is provided to prepare the pieces of information14,16,18,20as a graphic for the printing operation. The graphic is provided as an image file or text file. The file is passed on to the apparatus.

The apparatus additionally has a printing unit12, illustrated schematically. The printing unit12is constructed as an inkjet printing unit. The printing unit12comprises a printing element32. The printing element32is formed as a print head. The printing element32is provided to be in direct contact with a surface34of the carrier element10during a printing operation. In the process, the printing element32transfers the pieces of information14,16,18,20onto the carrier element10.

After the position of the carrier element10has been detected by the sensor24of the sensor unit40, the carrier element10is transported by the second transport element74at right angles to the vertical direction36toward the third transport element76. The second transport element74is displaced in the vertical direction36such that the second transport element74and the third transport element76, viewed in the vertical direction36, are at the same height. The carrier element10is then transferred from the second transport element74to the third transport element76.

On the third transport element76, the carrier element10, viewed in the vertical direction36, remains lying under the printing unit12of the apparatus. The carrier element10is then printed by the printing element32of the printing unit12with the pieces of information14,16,18,20, the positions of which are aligned with that of the carrier element10.

After the carrier element10has been printed by the printing element32of the printing unit12, the carrier element10is transported from the third transport element76at right angles to the vertical direction36toward the fourth transport element78. The third transport element76is displaced in the vertical direction36such that the third transport element76and the fourth transport element78, viewed in the vertical direction36, are at the same height. The carrier element10is then transferred from the third transport element76to the fourth transport element78. An operator of the apparatus can then remove the printed carrier element10from the fourth transport element78of the feed and transport unit38.

In addition, the apparatus has an operating unit42. The operating unit42comprises an input area44and a display46. The display46is provided to inform an operator about the status of a printing operation. Via the input area44, an operator is able to control the apparatus and the printing operation and make adjustments. The input area44has a plurality of pushbuttons48. In addition, the apparatus has an emergency stop switch50. The emergency stop switch50is arranged beside the operating unit42.

InFIG. 2, the carrier element10according to the disclosure is shown in a state in which the carrier element10has not yet been printed by means of the method according to the disclosure. The carrier element10is formed from board. The carrier element10is designed as a pack. The carrier element10has a base52. The base52has two lateral flaps54,56. The flaps54,56are arranged in a main direction of extent58of the carrier element10along sides of the base52. One of the two flaps54has four reference elements22. The other flap56has one reference element22. The reference elements22are each formed by a cross. Each reference element22additionally has a dot. The reference elements22are configured such that they can be read by the sensor24.

The base52additionally has a further flap60. The further flap60is arranged at right angles to the main direction of extent58of the carrier element10on a top side of the base52. The further flap60comprises a tear-off element62. In addition, the further flap60comprises a suspension element64.

The base52additionally comprises an information area66. The information area66is provided to be printed with pieces of information14,16,18,20by means of the method of the disclosure. The base52further has a two window elements68. One of the two window elements68is enclosed by the information area66.

Furthermore, the base52has folding elements70. The folding elements70are formed by straight lines. The folding elements70are provided to fold the base52along these folding elements70during a folding operation after the printing operation.

The carrier element10is formed as a blank of a folding box. The folding box is designed to receive small parts when folded. The small parts can be formed by screws, nuts, abrasive sheets, abrasive paper blanks, nails or other small parts appearing expedient to a person skilled in the art. The small parts are sold in the folded folding box.

InFIG. 3, the carrier element10is shown in a printed state. The information area66has been printed with a first piece of information14, which is formed by a manufacturer logo. The manufacturer logo refers a user to a manufacturer of the small parts included in the folding box. Furthermore, the information area66comprises a further piece of information16, formed by product-specific information, relating to the small parts later contained in the folding box. The carrier element10shown inFIG. 3is provided as a folding box to receive abrasive paper blanks, not illustrated, in a folded state. The product-specific information is formed by a statement relating to grain size, to areas of application, to suitable hand-held machine tools and materials for which the abrasive paper blanks are suitable. In addition, the information area66has a further piece of information18, which is formed by images of an application of the small parts contained in the folding box. Furthermore, a further piece of information20, formed by machine-readable EAN codes, is printed on in the information area66.

When the carrier element10is folded, an adhesive is applied to the two lateral flaps54,56and to the further flap60and bonded to the base52of the carrier element10. The suspension element64is provided to hang up the folding box, for example in a saleroom. The two window elements68are arranged to lie opposite each other when the carrier element10is folded. Through the window elements68, a user can view the content of the folding box, which is formed by small parts. The tear-off element62is provided to open the folding box simply and quickly.