CA2027018A1 - Bottle labelling machine - Google Patents
Bottle labelling machineInfo
- Publication number
- CA2027018A1 CA2027018A1 CA002027018A CA2027018A CA2027018A1 CA 2027018 A1 CA2027018 A1 CA 2027018A1 CA 002027018 A CA002027018 A CA 002027018A CA 2027018 A CA2027018 A CA 2027018A CA 2027018 A1 CA2027018 A1 CA 2027018A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bottles
- cam
- bottle
- turntable
- generally circular
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 40
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000012190 activator Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 abstract description 34
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 abstract description 25
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052729 chemical element Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/02—Devices for moving articles, e.g. containers, past labelling station
- B65C9/04—Devices for moving articles, e.g. containers, past labelling station having means for rotating the articles
Landscapes
- Labeling Devices (AREA)
- Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
Abstract
BOTTLE LABELLING MACHINE
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A labelling machine for bottles with a turntable that has an unhooded bottle support mounted so that it can rotate on a substruc-ture. On the outside circumference of the bottle support are receptacles formed by rotary plates and centering heads for the bottles to which foil sheets are to be applied. The drive mechanisms for the rotary plates and the drive mechanisms for the centering heads are cam transmissions which are installed in an enclosed space that is formed by the substructure and the bottle support that are in the form of a shell. The centering heads are supported by cantilever arms on columns, that are axially guided in a central guide body located between the receptacles. The guide body, on its outside circumference, has a pivot or rotational bearing for a support ring, that supports brush elements that are located on the inside of the path of the bottles. The support ring is held and prevented from rotating by a holder that is positioned in the area of the guide between the feeder star wheel and the discharge star wheel.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A labelling machine for bottles with a turntable that has an unhooded bottle support mounted so that it can rotate on a substruc-ture. On the outside circumference of the bottle support are receptacles formed by rotary plates and centering heads for the bottles to which foil sheets are to be applied. The drive mechanisms for the rotary plates and the drive mechanisms for the centering heads are cam transmissions which are installed in an enclosed space that is formed by the substructure and the bottle support that are in the form of a shell. The centering heads are supported by cantilever arms on columns, that are axially guided in a central guide body located between the receptacles. The guide body, on its outside circumference, has a pivot or rotational bearing for a support ring, that supports brush elements that are located on the inside of the path of the bottles. The support ring is held and prevented from rotating by a holder that is positioned in the area of the guide between the feeder star wheel and the discharge star wheel.
Description
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2. Background Information:
Labelling machines having unhooded, or non-hooded, bottle supports are known. See, for example, German Patent No. 391 72~
and French Patent No. 1,294,574. In comparison with other labelling machines having a hood located over the bottle supports to support the centering heads and their drive mechanisms, the non-hooded labelling machines have the advantage of easier access for servicing and maintenance. Nevertheless, the majority of the labelling machines in current use have a hood over the bottle support, primarily because when there are a great many receptacles, it is easier to adjust the height of all of the centering heads at once when changing from one format to another.
One labelling machine of the prior art, as disclosed in French Patent No. 1,294,574, has each column mounted in a guide sleeve located on the bottle support. The brush elements are located both on the inside and on the outside of the circulation path of the bottles. While it is possible to easily achieve a stationary fastening of the outside brush elements, the stationary fastening of the inside brush elements is difficult because of the rotating parts in the inner region of the support. The prior art does not propose any possible solutions to this problem.
An additional feature of prior art labelling machines is that restoring springs are employed to operate the cam-controlled movement of the centering elements. These restoring springs are provided to hold the engagement elements of the cam-controlled transmissions against the cam. That is possible, however, only if the amount of spring force is provided as a function of the mass acceleration forces which are present. Since the restoring springs must move the engagement elements, the columns, the cantilever arms and the centering heads, correspondingly large springs are required to produce even small forces.
~ ~fj 2 ~ ~ ~ u On such pressing stations, the rotating paths of the delivery positions of the turntable and of the delivery star wheel overlap 80 that the bottles can be transferred in synchronization from the turntable to the delivery star wheel. Since, during transport of the bottles both in the turntable and in the delivery star wheel, elements such as centering heads grip the tops of the bottles when the bottles are on the turntable and pressing elements grip the tops of the bottles when the bottles are on the delivery star wheel, it is difficult to achieve a collision-free fit of the elements of the turntable and of the delivery star wheel in the overlapping region. Al~o, for purposes of transferring the bottles from the turntable to the delivery star wheel at the proper angle of rotation, the bottles in the turntable must be held as long as possible in a rotation-free manner by axial bracing between the turntable which supports the bottom of the bottle, and the centering element which grips the top of the bottle. For a collision-free passage of the pressing elements of the delivery star wheel, it is necessary to move the pressing elements out of the overlapping area during the passage.
In German Laid Open Patent Appln. No. 31 04 807 C2, which corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 4,414,056, this problem is approached by equipping each pressing element so that it can pivot to one side from its position above the receiving position, into a position which lies outside the portion of the turntable traversed by the centering head of the turntable. Only when the pressing element has passed the overlapping area can it be pivoted over the bottle top of the corresponding receiving position, and then lowered to press the foil sheet. One disadvantage of such pressing stations is that a great deal of space is required for the pivoting movement, and the drive and transmission mechanisms required for the pivoting motion and the subsequent axial movement are quite complex and expensive.
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These disadvantages related to the pivoting movement do not occur on another pressing station disclosed in German Laid Open Patent No. 35 15 730 A1. In that patent, the pressing elements are located so that they pivot on the circumference of a support that has a smaller diameter than that of the delivery star wheel, and is mismatched in relation to the delivery star wheel. With that configuration, the path of the pressing elements lies outside the path of the receiving positions of the turntable and only above a short segment of the path of the receiving positions of the delivery star wheel. A disadvantage, however, is that synchro-nization between the receiving positions of the delivery star wheel and the pressing elements can only be achieved over the above-mentioned short segment, and then only approximately, which has a negative effect on the quality of the pressing of the foil sheet.
On the pressing stations described above however, a colli-sion-free passage of the pressing elements on the delivery star wheel and the centering heads on the turntable or synchronization between the receiving positions of the delivery star wheel and the pressing elements is only guaranteed during operation when there is no jam~ing up at the outlet of the delivery star wheel.
To prevent major damage to the pressing station when there is a jamming up at the outlet of the delivery star wheel, the delivery star wheel is coupled with the drive by means of a slip clutch.
If a jamming up does occur, then the delivery star wheel can slip in relation to the drive. That construction requires pivotable pressing elements which are oriented concentrically to the receiving positions causing the synchronization between the turntable and the pressing elements is lost. When rotation continues, therefore, even with the pressing elements pivoted back, collisions may occur. In the other pressing station of the prior art described above, with the support for the pressing elements offset and not ~ 2 7 torsionally connected to the delivery star wheel, a slipping of the delivery star wheel in relation to the drive as a result of a jam leads to an offset between the receiving positions and the pressing elements corresponding to the receiving positions in the pressing area. Once again, the result is that the pressing elements can no longer be placed centrally over the bottle tops.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention, therefore, is to create a labelling machine that eliminates or reduces the problems associated with such machines and allows f or the positioning of a label brush inside the path of the bottles in the machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above-mentioned object is achieved by the present invention that provides, on the bottle support inside the receptacles, a central guide body with an axial bearing for the adjustable columns and a pivot, or rotational, bearing located on the outside circumference of the bottle support, that has a stationary support ring f or the brush elements mounted thereon.
The labelling machine according to the present invention is simply constructed, because there is no independent guide element mounted on the bottle support f or each column. Rather, a common guide body is provided that guides the columns as well as the support ring for the brush elements. Since the support ring also extends in the vicinity of the area between the f eeder star wheel and the discharge star wheel, a holder in this area can be positioned away from, or moved out of the way of the bottle support so that no collision with moving parts of the bottle support occurs. The holder holds the support ring so that it does not rotate together with the rotating bottle support and the guide body on which the support ring is mounted.
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In one embodiment of the invention, to keep the centering heads in the correct pivot position with as little force as possi~le exerted on the cam transmissions and to execute the adjustment movement, the engagement elements of the cam transmissions of all the actuators are connected by a transmission element with a radial cantilever arm connected to the column. secause of the lever translation of the radial cantilever arm, the pivot position of the cantilever arm supporting the centering head can be precisely executed with relatively low force. Moreover, the control cam has a larger diameter than the orbit of the columns. The required adjustment movements are therefore distributed over a larger cam, and thus produce a comparatively small surface load.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the centering heads are moved by a force that is independent of the power, capacity, output, or rate at which the equipment is being operated.
This independent force iB due to the fact that the cam of the cam tran~missions of all the actuators is a cylinder, or groove, cam having opposed flanks on which the engagement elements, or cam followers, are guided. An axial guide is provided for each engagement element between the engagement element and the bottle support.
The axial guide consists of an axial groove. Therefore, the invention allows for the elimination of the retainer spring of the prior art machines, to guarantee the required movement of the centering head at any power, capacity, output, or rate at which the equipment is being operated. A secondary task provided by the retainer spring of the prior art machines is to compensate for bottle height tolerances. Such compensation can be performed, according to the present invention, by an existing flexible pressure pad in the centering head that is employed for the application of a foil sheet around the bottle top on all sides. Also, such compensation may be provided by flexibly supporting the centering .
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head on the cantilever arm. In this case, the spring must be designed for the retention of the centering head, however, since its mass is small compared to the total mass of the centering head, cantilever arm, column and engagement element, and the travel required to compensate for tolerances i6 small, there is no need for a particularly strong spring.
- To be able to make an adjustment for different bottle heights, another embodiment of the present invention provides that the axial position of the cantilever arm on the column is adjustable.
In that embodiment, preferably, the axial position of the cantilever arm is determined by a stop that is supported on the exposed end surface of the column. The stop of each cantilever arm is designed to be replaceable. That construction facilitates the conversion from one bottle size to another because all that is necessary for the refitting is the replacement of one set of stops with another set of stops. This type of design is particularly simple if the stop is designed as a sleeve that is closed by a base that can be inserted over the column.
For the conversion of the labelling machine when changing bottle diameters, it is necessary to replace the brush elements.
Thi~ can be accomplished easily, according to the present invention, if the support ring for the brush elements is axially fastened to the guide body by means of a releasable holding element. After the release of the holding element, the support ring can then be axially retracted from the guide body. For such a format conversion, however, it is also necessary to remove the cantilever arms supporting the centering heads. That removal is necessary, anyway, if the machine is being refitted for bottles of a different diameter or a different height.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the drive mechanisms can be easily protected against water and dirt because the substructure and the bottle support form two ~ ~ 2 ~
shells enclosing the drive mechanisms. At their outer edges, located next to one another, these shells can be sealed, preferably, by a labyrinth seal. In this embodiment, the necessary freedom of movement remains between the substructure and the bottle support.
One aspect of the invention resides broadly in a bottle conveying system including a bottle conveying device for moving bottles along a portion of a generally circular path of travel and a brush apparatus for contacting exterior surfaces of bottles being conveyed along the generally circular path of travel. The brush apparatus is for being positioned at the inside of the generally circular path of travel. The brush apparatus is for being in a fixed position relative to the generally circular path of travel wherein bottles are moved along the portion of the generally circular path of travel relative to the brush apparatus.
A centering head device is provided for moving along the generally circular path of travel. The centering head device is for being in removable engagement with tops of bottles. The centering head device is axially movable toward and away from tops of bottles.
A guide body is provided for being generally concentrically positioned and for rotating inside the generally circular path of travel.
The guide body is provided for guiding the centering head device axially toward and away from tops of bottles. The guide body is for supporting the brush apparatus adjacent exterior surfaces of bottles in the fixed position relative to the generally circular path of travel.
Another aspect of the invention resides broadly in a bottle labelling machine including a turntable, a feeder star wheel apparatus for feeding bottles to the turntable and a discharge star wheel apparatus for receiving bottles from the turntable.
The bottle labelling device is for applying labels to bottles.
The turntable comprises a bottle conveying device for moving bottles along a portion of a generally circular path. The bottle 2 ~ 2 ~
labelling device comprises brush apparatus for contacting and applying labels to bottles being conveyed along the generally circular path. The brush apparatus is positioned at the inside of the generally circular path and in a fixed position relative to the generally circular path wherein bottles are transported along the generally circular path relative to the brush apparatus.
The centering head device is for moving along the generally circular path in removable engagement with tops of bottles. The centering head device is axially movable toward and away from tops of bottles.
A guide body is provided for being generally concentrically positioned and rotating inside the generally circular path. The guide body is for guiding the centering head device axially toward and away from tops of bottles. The guide body supports the brush apparatus adjacent an exterior surface of the bottles in the fixed position relative to the generally circular path.
In summing up, the invention includes a pressing station for foil sheets applied around the top and neck of bottles in a label-ling machine. The labelling machine has a foil sheet transfer station located along a turntable for the bottles which transfers the foil sheets to the bottles. It also includes a delivery star wheel in which, corresponding to each receiving spot for the bot-tles located on its circumference, there is a bell-shaped pressing element which can be moved by a cam controlled drive mechanism axially toward the bottle top, and wherein the pressing element iB held by a support located above the delivery star wheel which rotates with the delivery star wheel. The pressing station com-prises a pressing element supported on the free end of a rocker which can be adjusted in an axial plane. The other end is moved axially during the rotation of the pressing element around the axis of the delivery star wheel by a three-dimensional cam drive mechanism, and the free end is moved radially by a cam drive ~ 3 mechanism coupled with the rocker, as a function of the axial movement of the rocker. The cams of the two cam drive mechani~ms are designed so that the pressing element is in its raised inside position in the vicinity of the turntable and is in its lower outside position in a portion of the region between the turntable and the delivery of the delivery star wheel.
Another embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus which is for pressing attached foil sheets around the top and neck of bottles. The apparatus includes an arrangement for trans-porting the bottles and foil sheets along a predetermined path of travel to a transfer station. Also included is an arrangement for transporting the bottles and foil sheets along a predetermined path of travel from the transfer station to a pressing station.
An arrangement in the pressing station is included for pressing the foil sheets around the top and neck of the bottles. The arrangement for pressing the foil sheets comprises an operative arrangement for moving the foil pressing arrangement transversely, with respect to the path of travel of the bottles to the pressing station, from a retracted position out of the predetermined paths of travel to an extended position above the top of the bottles.
Yet another embodiment of the invention includes a method for pressing attached foil sheets around the top and neck of bottles. The method comprises the steps of transporting the bottles and foil sheets along a predetermined path of travel to a transfer station. Next, the bottles and foil sheets are transported along a predetermined path of travel from the transfer station to a pressing station. Finally, the foil pressing arrangement is moved transversely with respect to the path of travel of the bottles to the pressing station, from a retracted position out of the predetermined paths of travel to an extended position above the top of the bottles.
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The invention i~ explained in greater detail below with reference to one embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA~INGS
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a labelling machine employing the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of the labelling machine illustrated in Figure l, taken along Line II-II in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a cam transmission actuator for the labelling machine illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view, partially in section of a column with a cantilever arm for a centering head for the labelling machine illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 5 shows a pressing station as part of a labelling ma-chine~ schematically and in a plan view;
Figure 6 show6 a support with pressing elements in an axial ~ection along line VI-VI in Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a support with pressing elements in an axial section along line VI-VI in Figure 5, in a model which is different from the one illustrated in Figure 6;
Figure 8 shows the rocker of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism illustrated in Figure 7, in a side view;
Figure 9 shows a front view of the rocker illustrated in Figure 8, with portions broken away to show certain details;
Figures 10 and 11 show a partial front elevational view of bottles with labels attached by the apparatus of the present invention; and Figure 12 shows a partial front elevational view of a bottle which is engaged by the apparatus of the present invention.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
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The labelling machine illustrated in Figures 1-4 has a feeder star wheel 1, a discharge star wheel 2 and a turntable 3 located therebetween. The feeder star wheel l and the discharge star wheel 2 have on their circumference, pockets 5 and 6 to hold the bottles 4 on which the labels are to be applied. Corresponding cam guides 7a and 7b of a guide element 7 are located between the feeder star wheel 1 and the discharge star wheel 2 so that the bottles 4 are held in the pockets 5 and 6.
The turntable 3 includes a two-piece substructure 9, having substructure parts 9a and 9b, positioned on a table board 8 and a bottle support 10 mounted so that it can rotate on the substructure parts 9a and 9b. The substructure parts 9a and 9b of the substructure 9 can be adjusted independently of one another with respect to their rotary positions on the table board 8. Rotary plates 11 are mounted on the bottle support 10~ Centering heads 12, corres-ponding to the rotary plates 11, and whose distance from the rotary plates 11 can be modified by means of actuator drive mechanisms described in greater detail below, are also provided. The rotary plates 11 and the centering heads 12 form receptacles for the bottles to be labelled and brace the bottles axially while the labels are transferred to them by a labelling station (not shown) on the outer circumference of the turntable 3. Also provided are cam-controlled drives corresponding to both the rotary plates 11 and the centering heads 12.
Thus each rotary table 11 is connected by a drive shaft 13, generally with an interposed translation transmission, to a lever arm 14. The lever arm 14 supports two cam rollers 15, that are engaged as the engagement element in a plane, stationary groove cam 16 of the outer substructure part 9a of the substructure 9.
The path of the groove cam 16 is such that when the bottle support '~3J ~ 27 ~1 ~4 10 rotates, the bottle 4 to be labelled is rotated past the station located on the path so that a label is transferred and applied to the circumference of the bottle 4.
The centering head 12 is supported by a radial cantilever arm 17 through guide pin 18 in a guide bushing 19 so that the centering head 12 can move axially against the force of a biasing spring 20. The spring 20 is compressed to exert axial elastic force and to compensate for tolerances.
The cantilever arm 17, on the end away from the centering head 12, has a guide bushing 21 that can be clamped in a stationary manner to a column 23 by a pulling bolt 22. In the guide sleeve 21, a stop 25, in the form of a sleeve closed at one end by a base 26, is locked by a bayonet-type connection. The base 26 is in contact with a set screw 27 located on one end of the column 23. The set screw 27 is used for precision adjustment, while the length of the sleeve-shaped stop 25 basically determines the axial position of the bushing 21 on the sleeve 23. ~y selecting sleeve-shàped stops of different lengths, it is possible to configure the màchine for bottles of various heights.
The columns 23 of all the centering heads 12 are mounted in a common central guide body 28 that is part of the bottle support 10. The columns 23 can move axially in the guide body 28. The axial position of columns 23 is determined by a stationary groove cam 29, that i5 a cylinder cam located in the substructure 9. An engagement element or cam follower 30 is guided in the groove cam 29 on both flanks, or sides, of the groove cam 29. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1-4, a simple cam roller is ~hown. For higher capacities andtor to exert the lowest possible load, the engagement element 30 can be designed as a double cam roller, like the cam roller 15. The engagement element 30 is supported by an angular transmission element 31, whose radial , .
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cantilever arm 3la is rigidly connected to the column 23. Elements 31 and 3la support an additional engagement element 32 that is a sliding block that is engaged in an axial groove 33 formed in the bottle support 10. The engagement element 32 and the axial groove 33 form an axial guide for the transmission element 31 and prevent a twistinq of the columns 23. On account of the radial cantilever arm 31a, the diameter of the groove cam 29 is larger than the diameter of the concentric circle which is defined by the columns 23. That construction produces a low cam load. An additional advantage of the radial cantilever arm is that because of the lever translation, only small forces are necessary to hold the centering element 12 in the correct pivot position.
The bottle support 10, on which the moving parts of the drive mechanisms for the rotary plates 1~ and the centering heads 12 are mounted, and the substructure 9 that holds the stationary cams 16 and 29 together, form facing shells, having edges that form a labyrinth seal 34. As a result of the labyrinth seal 34, the penetration of dirt and water into the inside of the shells is largely prevented, The central guide body 28 is employed not only for the axial guidance of the columns 23, but also as a bearing or mounting for the brush elements 35. For that purpose, central guide body 28 has on its outside circumference a pivot, or rotational bearing 36, has a bearing bush with a two-piece collar, on which a support ring 37 is mounted so that the body 28 can rotate relative to the ring 37. By means of a releasable ring shaped holding element 41 that is positioned between feeder star wheel 1 and discharge star wheel 2, the pivot bearing 36 and, thus also, the support ring 37, that is held between the collars, is fastened to the guide body 28. The support ring 37 has a base 38 with axial insertion pins 39 installed on it. The brush elements 35 are mounted on U
pins 39 by a support element 40. The support ring 37 is fastened to the guide element 7 by means of the holder 41 out of the vicinity of the rotary plates 11 and centering heads 12 between the feeder star wheel 1 and the discharge star wheel 2, so that when the bottle support 10 rotates, the support ring 37 does not rotate along with it.
To perform the conversion to another bottle size, or format, the radial cantilever arms 17 with the centering heads 12 are removed from the columns 23 and the stops 25 are replaced by stops appropriate to the new height, size or format of the bottles.
When the cantilever arms 17 are removed, the support ring 37 can also be axially extracted from the guide body 28, after the removal of the ring-shaped holding element 42 and replaced by another support ring which is equipped with other brush elements. For a format adjustment to different diameters of the bottles, however, such a disassembly is generally unnecessary, because the brush elements 35 with their support element 40 can be exchanged while the support ring 37 is still in place.
Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a labelling machine, showing only a turntable 1', a delivery star wheel 2' and a plate or platform conveyor belt 3'. On bottles 4' which are transported by the turntable 1' on a circular transport path 5', foil sheets 6' are applied by a transfer station located in a fixed position on the transport path 5', but not shown, and are then pressed against the neck of the bottle by brushes, also not shown. Since the bottles 4' during this transport are held in place by centering heads which engage the top of the bottle, the foil sheets 6' cannot lie flat on the end surface of the bottle top while the bottles 4' are held by the centering head. By means of a guide element 7' projecting into the transport path 5', the bottles, after being Feleased from the axial bracing, are transferred from 1~
2 ~ 7 ~ 7) their receiving positions in the turntable 1' to receiving positions 8' on the outside circumfexences of the delivery star wheel 2', and are held by the guide element 7~ over the remaining transport distance into the receiving positions 8' until they are delivered onto a plate or platform conveyor belt 3'. So that the bottles 4' do not slip inside the receiving positions 8', these receiving positions 8' are lined with non-slip elements.
In segment 9' of the transport path of the bottles 4', which forms the transition between the transport path 5' in the turntable 1' and the transport path 10~ in the delivery star wheel, there is a fixed folding element 11', which as each bottle passes, folds back the peak of the foil sheet 6' projecting beyond the top of the bottle. For each receiving position 8', there is a pressing element 12' as shown schematically in Figure 5, which is located in different radial positions as a function of its position on the circulation path 10'. In the vicinity of the turntable 1' it is in its inside position, so that a collision~free passage is possible on the turntable 1', in particular past its centering elements, while in the segment between the turntable 1' and the delivery, it is in its radially outside position. As Figure 5 ~hows, the activation begins very early, namely as far back as in the vicinity of the folding mechanism 11'.
In Figure 6, on the left, the pressing element 12' is shown in the lower, radially outside position, and on the right, in the upper, radially inside position. ~he pressing element 12' consists of a bell-shaped housing 13' and a two-layer plate 15a', 15b' held in front of the opening of the housing 13' by means of a support ring 14~. The plate 15a', 15b~ has a ring-shaped bulge 15c' on its back side, and is supported with its ring-shaped bulge l5c' against the bell-shaped inside wall of the housing 13'. The plate 15a', 15b' has ribs running radially to the peripheral edge, in the undeformed state enclosing spaces between them, 2~f..7~.i.~'.j which in the deformed state are in non-overlapping contact in the top and neck area of the bottle 4'. Such a pressing element or a similar one is the object of German Laid Open Patent Application P 37 20 529.3 and German Patent Application P 37 28 958.6.
The pressing element 12' is supported by a duplex crank 16' designed as a parallel crank, and in particular by its coupling element 17'. The two rockers 18', 19' of the duplex crank 16' are supported by its fixed link 20~, which is mounted on two parallel guide rods or rails 21~ (shown) so that it will not rotate or pivot, but so that it can be displaced axially. The rails 21' are held in a support 22', which is mounted on the delivery star wheel 2' and is driven jointly with the latter. An engagement element 23~ of a cam drive mechanism is also mounted in the support 22' so that it can rotate, and includes a slot cam 24' on the rocker 19~. The slot cam 24~ comprises two segments 24a', 24b'. Segment 24a' is used for the axial movement, and segment 24b' for a combined axial and radial movement of the pressing element 12'.
The fixed link 20' supports, as the engagement element of a three-dimensional cam drive mechanism, a roller 25', which is pressed by means of a spring 26~ acting on the fixed link 20' against a corresponding cylinder cam 27~, which is supported by a frame 28' which does not rotate. There is a ~upport element 29' opposite the cylinder cam 27', primarily in the region of the turntable 1', to prevent the pressing element 12' from moving under its own weight, if the spring 26' breaks, from the inside radial position shown on the right in Figure 6 to the outside radial position shown on the left.
During operation, the pressing elements 12' reach the top inside radial position in the region adjoining the turntable 1'.
In this position they lie outside the area traversed by the centering heads, which are still active here. As soon as the centering NHL-H~L-17 CA
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heads are raised and the bottles 4' are released by the guide element 7~ for their transfer t~ the delivery star wheel 2~, the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25~, 27~ lowers the duplex crank 26~ with the pressing element 12~. During this descending movement, on account of the curvature of the segment 24b' of the slot cam 24', there is a radial movement of the pressing element 12' outward, until the end of this segment is reached. As the descent continues, then, the rest of the movement is an axially parallel descent, because in this movement segment, the segment 24a' of the slot cam runs parallel to the descent produced by the rails 21'. During this second segment of the movement, the rockers 18', 19' are already in contact with one another and brace one another. Therefore they a~sorb the reaction force which occurs during pressing, without transmitting this force to the cam drive mechanism 23', 24'. Shortly before the delivery on the platform or plate conveyor belt 3', the duplex crank 16' is again raised, so that the bottles 4' with foil pressed on all sides can be transferred to the platform or plate conveyor belt 3'.
The embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 to 9 is the same as the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, except for the supports of the cams and the rockers. Identical parts have therefore been identified by the same number, plus 100. The support of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 128' is designed as a cylin-drical drum. Its cam comprises a flat curve segment 127a' lying in a radial plane, and a three-dimensional cam segment 127b' which extends over several radial planes~ The plane cam segment 127a' is designed as an closed slot cam, while the three-dimensional cam segment 127b' is designed as an open slot cam. In this cam 127a', 127b', a roller 125' is guided as the engagement element of a fixed link 120' of a rocker 119'. The fixed link 120' is N~L-HOL- 17 CA
2 ~ 2 ~
mounted on two parallel rails or guide rods 121' (shown) so that it cannot rotate or pivot, but so that it can move axially. On the free end of the rocker 119' designed as a one-armed lever, a pressing element 112' is rigidly mounted, so that the pressing element 112' is oriented diagonally in the raised position, and in the lowered position, its axis is parallel to the axis of the bottle.
As in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the cam 124' of the r~cker 119' consists of two cam segments 124a', 1~4b', where the cam segment 124b' causes the radial movement and the cam segment 124a' the axially parallel guidance during lowering.
The cam segment 124b' on the one hand and the three-dimensional cam segment 127b' of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism on the other hand are matched to one another, so that during the transition from the flat cam segment 127a~ into the three-dimensional cam segment 127b', when the descending movement is still small in relation to the rotational movement, the degree of radial deflection caused by the cam segment 124b' is large and becomes smaller with increasing axial movement. In this manner, the load on the cams is made more uniform. This arrangement of the curves of the cams is not limited to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, but can also be used in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6.
Shown in Figure 12 is a typical centering head 134' having a slightly trunconical outer periphery and which, at the bottom, has a diameter that is the same as the diameter of the bottle top 136', while at its upper part it has a slightly larger diameter.
Also shown is a foil patch or sheet 135~ which may be pressed in the apparatus of this invention to have a finished appearance, such as shown in Figures 10 and 11.
In summary, one feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine for bottles with a turntable 3 located between a feeder star wheel 1 and a discharge star wheel 2, which turntable J ~ .~
3 has a rotating, un-hooded bottle support 10 located on a substructure 9 with receptacles for the bottles 4 on its circumference, corres-ponding to which, on one segment of its orbit, there are brush elements 35 locate~ on the side, and which each consist of a motorized rotary plate 11 and a centering head 12 supported by a radial cantilever arm 17 of a column 23 which is mounted on the bottle support 10 and can be adjusted by an actuator 29, 30, whereby both the rotation drive mechanisms 14-16 of the rotary plate 11 and the actuators 29, 30 of the columns 23 are cam drives each with a common, stationary cam 16, 29 located in the substructure 9 for the cam drives 14, 16 of the rotation drive mechanisms on one hand, and the cam drives 29, 30) of the actuators on the other hand, characterized by the fact that on the bottle support 10 inside the receptacles, there is a central guide body 28 with an axial bearing for the adjustable columns 23 and with a pivot bearing 36 located on its outside circumference, on which pivot bearing 36 is mounted a stationary support ring 37 for the brush elements 35.
Another feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterizecl by the fact that the engagement elements 30 of the cam transmissions 29, 30 of all the actuators are connected by means of a transmission element 31 with a radial cantilever arm 31a with the columns 23.
Yet another feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the cam 29 of the cam transmission 29, 30 of all the actuator drive mechanisms is a cylinder cam designed as a groove cam, on both flanks of which the engagement elements 30 are guided, and that for each engagement element there is an axial guide 32, 33 between the engagement element 30 and the bottle support 10.
A further feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the axial guide 32, 33 consists of an axial groove 33 and an engagement element 32.
A yet further feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that each centering head 12 is flexibly mounted in the cantilever arm 17.
Yet another feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the axial position of each cantilever arm 17 on the column 23 is adjustable.
An additional feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the axial position of the cantilever arm 17 is determined by a stop 25 braced on the free end of the column 23.
A yet additional feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the stop 25 of each cantilever arm 17 is replaceable.
A further feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the stop 25 is designed as a sleeve closed on one end by a base, which can be inserted on the column 23.
A yet further feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the support ring 37 can be axially fastened to the guide body 28 by means of a removable holder èlement 42.
Another yet further feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the substructure 9 and the bottle support 10 form two shells holding the cam transmis-sions 14-16, 29, 30, whereby the shells are sealed on their outer edges next to one another, in particular by a labyrinth seal 34.
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Another aspect of the invention resides in a pressing station for metal foil sheets 6~ applied around the top and neck of bottles 4' in a labelling machine with a transfer station located on the turntable 1' for the bottles 4' which transfers the metal foil sheets 6' to the bottles 4'. Also included is a delivery star wheel 2', in which corresponding to each receiving spot 8' for the bottles 4' located on its circumference, there is a bell-shaped pressing element 12', 112', alternatively known as means for pressing, which can be moved by a cam controlled drive mechanism axially toward the bottle top. The pressing element 12', 112' is held by a support 22', 122' located above the delivery star wheel 2' which rotates with the delivery star wheel 2'. The pressing element 12', 112' is supported on the free end of a rocker 19', 119' which can be adjusted in an axial plane and includes operative means for moving the pressing element. The other end is moved axially during the rotation of the pressing element 12', 112' around the axis of the delivery star wheel 2' by a three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25', 27', 125', 127a', 127b', and the free end is moved radially by a cam drive mechanism 23', 24', 123', 124' coupled with the rocker 19', 119', as a function of the axial movement of the rocker 19', 119'. The cams 24', 27', 124', 127' of the two cam drive mechanisms 23', 24', 25', 27', 123', 124', 125', 127' are designed so that the pressing element 12', 112' is in its raised inside position in the vicinity of the turntable 1' and is in its lower outside position in a portion of the region between the turntable 1' and the delivery of the de-livery star wheel 2'. The cam 24~, 124~ of the cam drive mechanism 23', 24', 123', 124' is coupled with the rocker 19', 119' which comprises several segments 24a', 24b', 124a', 124b'. Its first segment 24b', 124b' is active during the downward movement and has at least one radial control component and the segment 24a', ~ ~ ~, 7 ~LIJ !1. 3 124b' which is active during the pressing of the foil sheet has only one axial component. The cams 124', 127' of the two cam drive mechanisms 23', 24', 25', 27', 123', 124', 125', 127' are designed so that an initially slow descending movement of the rocker 1~', 119' corresponds to a large radial movement. The cam 27', 127' of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25', 27', 125~, 127' lies on a drum jacket surface, in particular one which is cylindrical. The cam located on the drum jacket surface of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25'~ 27', 125', 127' is de-signed as a support cam for the engagement element 25', 125' of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25', 27', 125', 127', which absorbs the axial reaction force of the pressing element 12', 112' on the bottle top. The rocker 19' is part of a duplex crank 1~', whose coupling element 17' supports the pressing ele-ment 12' and whose fixed link 20' is axially moved by the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25', 27'. The duplex crank 16' is a parallel crank. The rockers 18', 19' of the duplex crank 16' are braced against one another in their outside radial position.
The rocker 119' is designed as a one-armed lever, to which the pressing element 112' is rigidly fastened. The rocker 19' is pre-stressed by a spring 26', which presses the contact element 25' of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25', 27' against the support cam 27'. The cam 127' of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 125', 127' has a plane cam segment 127a' which lies a radial plane, and a three-dimensional cam segment 127b' which extends over several radial planes, and is designed on the inside as a drum-shaped support, whereby the plane curve segment 127a' is designed as a closed slot cam, and the three-dimensional cam segment 127b' is designed as a radially open slot cam.
All, or substantially all, of the components and methods of the various embodiments may be used with at least one embodiment or all of the embodiments, if any, described herein.
The details in the patents, patent applications, and publications may be considered to be incorporable, at applicant's option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patentably distinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art.
The invention as described hereinabove in the context of the preferred embodiments is not to be taken as limited to all of the provided details thereof, since modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Labelling machines having unhooded, or non-hooded, bottle supports are known. See, for example, German Patent No. 391 72~
and French Patent No. 1,294,574. In comparison with other labelling machines having a hood located over the bottle supports to support the centering heads and their drive mechanisms, the non-hooded labelling machines have the advantage of easier access for servicing and maintenance. Nevertheless, the majority of the labelling machines in current use have a hood over the bottle support, primarily because when there are a great many receptacles, it is easier to adjust the height of all of the centering heads at once when changing from one format to another.
One labelling machine of the prior art, as disclosed in French Patent No. 1,294,574, has each column mounted in a guide sleeve located on the bottle support. The brush elements are located both on the inside and on the outside of the circulation path of the bottles. While it is possible to easily achieve a stationary fastening of the outside brush elements, the stationary fastening of the inside brush elements is difficult because of the rotating parts in the inner region of the support. The prior art does not propose any possible solutions to this problem.
An additional feature of prior art labelling machines is that restoring springs are employed to operate the cam-controlled movement of the centering elements. These restoring springs are provided to hold the engagement elements of the cam-controlled transmissions against the cam. That is possible, however, only if the amount of spring force is provided as a function of the mass acceleration forces which are present. Since the restoring springs must move the engagement elements, the columns, the cantilever arms and the centering heads, correspondingly large springs are required to produce even small forces.
~ ~fj 2 ~ ~ ~ u On such pressing stations, the rotating paths of the delivery positions of the turntable and of the delivery star wheel overlap 80 that the bottles can be transferred in synchronization from the turntable to the delivery star wheel. Since, during transport of the bottles both in the turntable and in the delivery star wheel, elements such as centering heads grip the tops of the bottles when the bottles are on the turntable and pressing elements grip the tops of the bottles when the bottles are on the delivery star wheel, it is difficult to achieve a collision-free fit of the elements of the turntable and of the delivery star wheel in the overlapping region. Al~o, for purposes of transferring the bottles from the turntable to the delivery star wheel at the proper angle of rotation, the bottles in the turntable must be held as long as possible in a rotation-free manner by axial bracing between the turntable which supports the bottom of the bottle, and the centering element which grips the top of the bottle. For a collision-free passage of the pressing elements of the delivery star wheel, it is necessary to move the pressing elements out of the overlapping area during the passage.
In German Laid Open Patent Appln. No. 31 04 807 C2, which corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 4,414,056, this problem is approached by equipping each pressing element so that it can pivot to one side from its position above the receiving position, into a position which lies outside the portion of the turntable traversed by the centering head of the turntable. Only when the pressing element has passed the overlapping area can it be pivoted over the bottle top of the corresponding receiving position, and then lowered to press the foil sheet. One disadvantage of such pressing stations is that a great deal of space is required for the pivoting movement, and the drive and transmission mechanisms required for the pivoting motion and the subsequent axial movement are quite complex and expensive.
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These disadvantages related to the pivoting movement do not occur on another pressing station disclosed in German Laid Open Patent No. 35 15 730 A1. In that patent, the pressing elements are located so that they pivot on the circumference of a support that has a smaller diameter than that of the delivery star wheel, and is mismatched in relation to the delivery star wheel. With that configuration, the path of the pressing elements lies outside the path of the receiving positions of the turntable and only above a short segment of the path of the receiving positions of the delivery star wheel. A disadvantage, however, is that synchro-nization between the receiving positions of the delivery star wheel and the pressing elements can only be achieved over the above-mentioned short segment, and then only approximately, which has a negative effect on the quality of the pressing of the foil sheet.
On the pressing stations described above however, a colli-sion-free passage of the pressing elements on the delivery star wheel and the centering heads on the turntable or synchronization between the receiving positions of the delivery star wheel and the pressing elements is only guaranteed during operation when there is no jam~ing up at the outlet of the delivery star wheel.
To prevent major damage to the pressing station when there is a jamming up at the outlet of the delivery star wheel, the delivery star wheel is coupled with the drive by means of a slip clutch.
If a jamming up does occur, then the delivery star wheel can slip in relation to the drive. That construction requires pivotable pressing elements which are oriented concentrically to the receiving positions causing the synchronization between the turntable and the pressing elements is lost. When rotation continues, therefore, even with the pressing elements pivoted back, collisions may occur. In the other pressing station of the prior art described above, with the support for the pressing elements offset and not ~ 2 7 torsionally connected to the delivery star wheel, a slipping of the delivery star wheel in relation to the drive as a result of a jam leads to an offset between the receiving positions and the pressing elements corresponding to the receiving positions in the pressing area. Once again, the result is that the pressing elements can no longer be placed centrally over the bottle tops.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention, therefore, is to create a labelling machine that eliminates or reduces the problems associated with such machines and allows f or the positioning of a label brush inside the path of the bottles in the machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above-mentioned object is achieved by the present invention that provides, on the bottle support inside the receptacles, a central guide body with an axial bearing for the adjustable columns and a pivot, or rotational, bearing located on the outside circumference of the bottle support, that has a stationary support ring f or the brush elements mounted thereon.
The labelling machine according to the present invention is simply constructed, because there is no independent guide element mounted on the bottle support f or each column. Rather, a common guide body is provided that guides the columns as well as the support ring for the brush elements. Since the support ring also extends in the vicinity of the area between the f eeder star wheel and the discharge star wheel, a holder in this area can be positioned away from, or moved out of the way of the bottle support so that no collision with moving parts of the bottle support occurs. The holder holds the support ring so that it does not rotate together with the rotating bottle support and the guide body on which the support ring is mounted.
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In one embodiment of the invention, to keep the centering heads in the correct pivot position with as little force as possi~le exerted on the cam transmissions and to execute the adjustment movement, the engagement elements of the cam transmissions of all the actuators are connected by a transmission element with a radial cantilever arm connected to the column. secause of the lever translation of the radial cantilever arm, the pivot position of the cantilever arm supporting the centering head can be precisely executed with relatively low force. Moreover, the control cam has a larger diameter than the orbit of the columns. The required adjustment movements are therefore distributed over a larger cam, and thus produce a comparatively small surface load.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the centering heads are moved by a force that is independent of the power, capacity, output, or rate at which the equipment is being operated.
This independent force iB due to the fact that the cam of the cam tran~missions of all the actuators is a cylinder, or groove, cam having opposed flanks on which the engagement elements, or cam followers, are guided. An axial guide is provided for each engagement element between the engagement element and the bottle support.
The axial guide consists of an axial groove. Therefore, the invention allows for the elimination of the retainer spring of the prior art machines, to guarantee the required movement of the centering head at any power, capacity, output, or rate at which the equipment is being operated. A secondary task provided by the retainer spring of the prior art machines is to compensate for bottle height tolerances. Such compensation can be performed, according to the present invention, by an existing flexible pressure pad in the centering head that is employed for the application of a foil sheet around the bottle top on all sides. Also, such compensation may be provided by flexibly supporting the centering .
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head on the cantilever arm. In this case, the spring must be designed for the retention of the centering head, however, since its mass is small compared to the total mass of the centering head, cantilever arm, column and engagement element, and the travel required to compensate for tolerances i6 small, there is no need for a particularly strong spring.
- To be able to make an adjustment for different bottle heights, another embodiment of the present invention provides that the axial position of the cantilever arm on the column is adjustable.
In that embodiment, preferably, the axial position of the cantilever arm is determined by a stop that is supported on the exposed end surface of the column. The stop of each cantilever arm is designed to be replaceable. That construction facilitates the conversion from one bottle size to another because all that is necessary for the refitting is the replacement of one set of stops with another set of stops. This type of design is particularly simple if the stop is designed as a sleeve that is closed by a base that can be inserted over the column.
For the conversion of the labelling machine when changing bottle diameters, it is necessary to replace the brush elements.
Thi~ can be accomplished easily, according to the present invention, if the support ring for the brush elements is axially fastened to the guide body by means of a releasable holding element. After the release of the holding element, the support ring can then be axially retracted from the guide body. For such a format conversion, however, it is also necessary to remove the cantilever arms supporting the centering heads. That removal is necessary, anyway, if the machine is being refitted for bottles of a different diameter or a different height.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the drive mechanisms can be easily protected against water and dirt because the substructure and the bottle support form two ~ ~ 2 ~
shells enclosing the drive mechanisms. At their outer edges, located next to one another, these shells can be sealed, preferably, by a labyrinth seal. In this embodiment, the necessary freedom of movement remains between the substructure and the bottle support.
One aspect of the invention resides broadly in a bottle conveying system including a bottle conveying device for moving bottles along a portion of a generally circular path of travel and a brush apparatus for contacting exterior surfaces of bottles being conveyed along the generally circular path of travel. The brush apparatus is for being positioned at the inside of the generally circular path of travel. The brush apparatus is for being in a fixed position relative to the generally circular path of travel wherein bottles are moved along the portion of the generally circular path of travel relative to the brush apparatus.
A centering head device is provided for moving along the generally circular path of travel. The centering head device is for being in removable engagement with tops of bottles. The centering head device is axially movable toward and away from tops of bottles.
A guide body is provided for being generally concentrically positioned and for rotating inside the generally circular path of travel.
The guide body is provided for guiding the centering head device axially toward and away from tops of bottles. The guide body is for supporting the brush apparatus adjacent exterior surfaces of bottles in the fixed position relative to the generally circular path of travel.
Another aspect of the invention resides broadly in a bottle labelling machine including a turntable, a feeder star wheel apparatus for feeding bottles to the turntable and a discharge star wheel apparatus for receiving bottles from the turntable.
The bottle labelling device is for applying labels to bottles.
The turntable comprises a bottle conveying device for moving bottles along a portion of a generally circular path. The bottle 2 ~ 2 ~
labelling device comprises brush apparatus for contacting and applying labels to bottles being conveyed along the generally circular path. The brush apparatus is positioned at the inside of the generally circular path and in a fixed position relative to the generally circular path wherein bottles are transported along the generally circular path relative to the brush apparatus.
The centering head device is for moving along the generally circular path in removable engagement with tops of bottles. The centering head device is axially movable toward and away from tops of bottles.
A guide body is provided for being generally concentrically positioned and rotating inside the generally circular path. The guide body is for guiding the centering head device axially toward and away from tops of bottles. The guide body supports the brush apparatus adjacent an exterior surface of the bottles in the fixed position relative to the generally circular path.
In summing up, the invention includes a pressing station for foil sheets applied around the top and neck of bottles in a label-ling machine. The labelling machine has a foil sheet transfer station located along a turntable for the bottles which transfers the foil sheets to the bottles. It also includes a delivery star wheel in which, corresponding to each receiving spot for the bot-tles located on its circumference, there is a bell-shaped pressing element which can be moved by a cam controlled drive mechanism axially toward the bottle top, and wherein the pressing element iB held by a support located above the delivery star wheel which rotates with the delivery star wheel. The pressing station com-prises a pressing element supported on the free end of a rocker which can be adjusted in an axial plane. The other end is moved axially during the rotation of the pressing element around the axis of the delivery star wheel by a three-dimensional cam drive mechanism, and the free end is moved radially by a cam drive ~ 3 mechanism coupled with the rocker, as a function of the axial movement of the rocker. The cams of the two cam drive mechani~ms are designed so that the pressing element is in its raised inside position in the vicinity of the turntable and is in its lower outside position in a portion of the region between the turntable and the delivery of the delivery star wheel.
Another embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus which is for pressing attached foil sheets around the top and neck of bottles. The apparatus includes an arrangement for trans-porting the bottles and foil sheets along a predetermined path of travel to a transfer station. Also included is an arrangement for transporting the bottles and foil sheets along a predetermined path of travel from the transfer station to a pressing station.
An arrangement in the pressing station is included for pressing the foil sheets around the top and neck of the bottles. The arrangement for pressing the foil sheets comprises an operative arrangement for moving the foil pressing arrangement transversely, with respect to the path of travel of the bottles to the pressing station, from a retracted position out of the predetermined paths of travel to an extended position above the top of the bottles.
Yet another embodiment of the invention includes a method for pressing attached foil sheets around the top and neck of bottles. The method comprises the steps of transporting the bottles and foil sheets along a predetermined path of travel to a transfer station. Next, the bottles and foil sheets are transported along a predetermined path of travel from the transfer station to a pressing station. Finally, the foil pressing arrangement is moved transversely with respect to the path of travel of the bottles to the pressing station, from a retracted position out of the predetermined paths of travel to an extended position above the top of the bottles.
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The invention i~ explained in greater detail below with reference to one embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA~INGS
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a labelling machine employing the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of the labelling machine illustrated in Figure l, taken along Line II-II in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a cam transmission actuator for the labelling machine illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view, partially in section of a column with a cantilever arm for a centering head for the labelling machine illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 5 shows a pressing station as part of a labelling ma-chine~ schematically and in a plan view;
Figure 6 show6 a support with pressing elements in an axial ~ection along line VI-VI in Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a support with pressing elements in an axial section along line VI-VI in Figure 5, in a model which is different from the one illustrated in Figure 6;
Figure 8 shows the rocker of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism illustrated in Figure 7, in a side view;
Figure 9 shows a front view of the rocker illustrated in Figure 8, with portions broken away to show certain details;
Figures 10 and 11 show a partial front elevational view of bottles with labels attached by the apparatus of the present invention; and Figure 12 shows a partial front elevational view of a bottle which is engaged by the apparatus of the present invention.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
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The labelling machine illustrated in Figures 1-4 has a feeder star wheel 1, a discharge star wheel 2 and a turntable 3 located therebetween. The feeder star wheel l and the discharge star wheel 2 have on their circumference, pockets 5 and 6 to hold the bottles 4 on which the labels are to be applied. Corresponding cam guides 7a and 7b of a guide element 7 are located between the feeder star wheel 1 and the discharge star wheel 2 so that the bottles 4 are held in the pockets 5 and 6.
The turntable 3 includes a two-piece substructure 9, having substructure parts 9a and 9b, positioned on a table board 8 and a bottle support 10 mounted so that it can rotate on the substructure parts 9a and 9b. The substructure parts 9a and 9b of the substructure 9 can be adjusted independently of one another with respect to their rotary positions on the table board 8. Rotary plates 11 are mounted on the bottle support 10~ Centering heads 12, corres-ponding to the rotary plates 11, and whose distance from the rotary plates 11 can be modified by means of actuator drive mechanisms described in greater detail below, are also provided. The rotary plates 11 and the centering heads 12 form receptacles for the bottles to be labelled and brace the bottles axially while the labels are transferred to them by a labelling station (not shown) on the outer circumference of the turntable 3. Also provided are cam-controlled drives corresponding to both the rotary plates 11 and the centering heads 12.
Thus each rotary table 11 is connected by a drive shaft 13, generally with an interposed translation transmission, to a lever arm 14. The lever arm 14 supports two cam rollers 15, that are engaged as the engagement element in a plane, stationary groove cam 16 of the outer substructure part 9a of the substructure 9.
The path of the groove cam 16 is such that when the bottle support '~3J ~ 27 ~1 ~4 10 rotates, the bottle 4 to be labelled is rotated past the station located on the path so that a label is transferred and applied to the circumference of the bottle 4.
The centering head 12 is supported by a radial cantilever arm 17 through guide pin 18 in a guide bushing 19 so that the centering head 12 can move axially against the force of a biasing spring 20. The spring 20 is compressed to exert axial elastic force and to compensate for tolerances.
The cantilever arm 17, on the end away from the centering head 12, has a guide bushing 21 that can be clamped in a stationary manner to a column 23 by a pulling bolt 22. In the guide sleeve 21, a stop 25, in the form of a sleeve closed at one end by a base 26, is locked by a bayonet-type connection. The base 26 is in contact with a set screw 27 located on one end of the column 23. The set screw 27 is used for precision adjustment, while the length of the sleeve-shaped stop 25 basically determines the axial position of the bushing 21 on the sleeve 23. ~y selecting sleeve-shàped stops of different lengths, it is possible to configure the màchine for bottles of various heights.
The columns 23 of all the centering heads 12 are mounted in a common central guide body 28 that is part of the bottle support 10. The columns 23 can move axially in the guide body 28. The axial position of columns 23 is determined by a stationary groove cam 29, that i5 a cylinder cam located in the substructure 9. An engagement element or cam follower 30 is guided in the groove cam 29 on both flanks, or sides, of the groove cam 29. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1-4, a simple cam roller is ~hown. For higher capacities andtor to exert the lowest possible load, the engagement element 30 can be designed as a double cam roller, like the cam roller 15. The engagement element 30 is supported by an angular transmission element 31, whose radial , .
2 ~ 2 rl ~
cantilever arm 3la is rigidly connected to the column 23. Elements 31 and 3la support an additional engagement element 32 that is a sliding block that is engaged in an axial groove 33 formed in the bottle support 10. The engagement element 32 and the axial groove 33 form an axial guide for the transmission element 31 and prevent a twistinq of the columns 23. On account of the radial cantilever arm 31a, the diameter of the groove cam 29 is larger than the diameter of the concentric circle which is defined by the columns 23. That construction produces a low cam load. An additional advantage of the radial cantilever arm is that because of the lever translation, only small forces are necessary to hold the centering element 12 in the correct pivot position.
The bottle support 10, on which the moving parts of the drive mechanisms for the rotary plates 1~ and the centering heads 12 are mounted, and the substructure 9 that holds the stationary cams 16 and 29 together, form facing shells, having edges that form a labyrinth seal 34. As a result of the labyrinth seal 34, the penetration of dirt and water into the inside of the shells is largely prevented, The central guide body 28 is employed not only for the axial guidance of the columns 23, but also as a bearing or mounting for the brush elements 35. For that purpose, central guide body 28 has on its outside circumference a pivot, or rotational bearing 36, has a bearing bush with a two-piece collar, on which a support ring 37 is mounted so that the body 28 can rotate relative to the ring 37. By means of a releasable ring shaped holding element 41 that is positioned between feeder star wheel 1 and discharge star wheel 2, the pivot bearing 36 and, thus also, the support ring 37, that is held between the collars, is fastened to the guide body 28. The support ring 37 has a base 38 with axial insertion pins 39 installed on it. The brush elements 35 are mounted on U
pins 39 by a support element 40. The support ring 37 is fastened to the guide element 7 by means of the holder 41 out of the vicinity of the rotary plates 11 and centering heads 12 between the feeder star wheel 1 and the discharge star wheel 2, so that when the bottle support 10 rotates, the support ring 37 does not rotate along with it.
To perform the conversion to another bottle size, or format, the radial cantilever arms 17 with the centering heads 12 are removed from the columns 23 and the stops 25 are replaced by stops appropriate to the new height, size or format of the bottles.
When the cantilever arms 17 are removed, the support ring 37 can also be axially extracted from the guide body 28, after the removal of the ring-shaped holding element 42 and replaced by another support ring which is equipped with other brush elements. For a format adjustment to different diameters of the bottles, however, such a disassembly is generally unnecessary, because the brush elements 35 with their support element 40 can be exchanged while the support ring 37 is still in place.
Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a labelling machine, showing only a turntable 1', a delivery star wheel 2' and a plate or platform conveyor belt 3'. On bottles 4' which are transported by the turntable 1' on a circular transport path 5', foil sheets 6' are applied by a transfer station located in a fixed position on the transport path 5', but not shown, and are then pressed against the neck of the bottle by brushes, also not shown. Since the bottles 4' during this transport are held in place by centering heads which engage the top of the bottle, the foil sheets 6' cannot lie flat on the end surface of the bottle top while the bottles 4' are held by the centering head. By means of a guide element 7' projecting into the transport path 5', the bottles, after being Feleased from the axial bracing, are transferred from 1~
2 ~ 7 ~ 7) their receiving positions in the turntable 1' to receiving positions 8' on the outside circumfexences of the delivery star wheel 2', and are held by the guide element 7~ over the remaining transport distance into the receiving positions 8' until they are delivered onto a plate or platform conveyor belt 3'. So that the bottles 4' do not slip inside the receiving positions 8', these receiving positions 8' are lined with non-slip elements.
In segment 9' of the transport path of the bottles 4', which forms the transition between the transport path 5' in the turntable 1' and the transport path 10~ in the delivery star wheel, there is a fixed folding element 11', which as each bottle passes, folds back the peak of the foil sheet 6' projecting beyond the top of the bottle. For each receiving position 8', there is a pressing element 12' as shown schematically in Figure 5, which is located in different radial positions as a function of its position on the circulation path 10'. In the vicinity of the turntable 1' it is in its inside position, so that a collision~free passage is possible on the turntable 1', in particular past its centering elements, while in the segment between the turntable 1' and the delivery, it is in its radially outside position. As Figure 5 ~hows, the activation begins very early, namely as far back as in the vicinity of the folding mechanism 11'.
In Figure 6, on the left, the pressing element 12' is shown in the lower, radially outside position, and on the right, in the upper, radially inside position. ~he pressing element 12' consists of a bell-shaped housing 13' and a two-layer plate 15a', 15b' held in front of the opening of the housing 13' by means of a support ring 14~. The plate 15a', 15b~ has a ring-shaped bulge 15c' on its back side, and is supported with its ring-shaped bulge l5c' against the bell-shaped inside wall of the housing 13'. The plate 15a', 15b' has ribs running radially to the peripheral edge, in the undeformed state enclosing spaces between them, 2~f..7~.i.~'.j which in the deformed state are in non-overlapping contact in the top and neck area of the bottle 4'. Such a pressing element or a similar one is the object of German Laid Open Patent Application P 37 20 529.3 and German Patent Application P 37 28 958.6.
The pressing element 12' is supported by a duplex crank 16' designed as a parallel crank, and in particular by its coupling element 17'. The two rockers 18', 19' of the duplex crank 16' are supported by its fixed link 20~, which is mounted on two parallel guide rods or rails 21~ (shown) so that it will not rotate or pivot, but so that it can be displaced axially. The rails 21' are held in a support 22', which is mounted on the delivery star wheel 2' and is driven jointly with the latter. An engagement element 23~ of a cam drive mechanism is also mounted in the support 22' so that it can rotate, and includes a slot cam 24' on the rocker 19~. The slot cam 24~ comprises two segments 24a', 24b'. Segment 24a' is used for the axial movement, and segment 24b' for a combined axial and radial movement of the pressing element 12'.
The fixed link 20' supports, as the engagement element of a three-dimensional cam drive mechanism, a roller 25', which is pressed by means of a spring 26~ acting on the fixed link 20' against a corresponding cylinder cam 27~, which is supported by a frame 28' which does not rotate. There is a ~upport element 29' opposite the cylinder cam 27', primarily in the region of the turntable 1', to prevent the pressing element 12' from moving under its own weight, if the spring 26' breaks, from the inside radial position shown on the right in Figure 6 to the outside radial position shown on the left.
During operation, the pressing elements 12' reach the top inside radial position in the region adjoining the turntable 1'.
In this position they lie outside the area traversed by the centering heads, which are still active here. As soon as the centering NHL-H~L-17 CA
~ ~ i. 7 ~J~ ~
heads are raised and the bottles 4' are released by the guide element 7~ for their transfer t~ the delivery star wheel 2~, the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25~, 27~ lowers the duplex crank 26~ with the pressing element 12~. During this descending movement, on account of the curvature of the segment 24b' of the slot cam 24', there is a radial movement of the pressing element 12' outward, until the end of this segment is reached. As the descent continues, then, the rest of the movement is an axially parallel descent, because in this movement segment, the segment 24a' of the slot cam runs parallel to the descent produced by the rails 21'. During this second segment of the movement, the rockers 18', 19' are already in contact with one another and brace one another. Therefore they a~sorb the reaction force which occurs during pressing, without transmitting this force to the cam drive mechanism 23', 24'. Shortly before the delivery on the platform or plate conveyor belt 3', the duplex crank 16' is again raised, so that the bottles 4' with foil pressed on all sides can be transferred to the platform or plate conveyor belt 3'.
The embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 to 9 is the same as the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, except for the supports of the cams and the rockers. Identical parts have therefore been identified by the same number, plus 100. The support of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 128' is designed as a cylin-drical drum. Its cam comprises a flat curve segment 127a' lying in a radial plane, and a three-dimensional cam segment 127b' which extends over several radial planes~ The plane cam segment 127a' is designed as an closed slot cam, while the three-dimensional cam segment 127b' is designed as an open slot cam. In this cam 127a', 127b', a roller 125' is guided as the engagement element of a fixed link 120' of a rocker 119'. The fixed link 120' is N~L-HOL- 17 CA
2 ~ 2 ~
mounted on two parallel rails or guide rods 121' (shown) so that it cannot rotate or pivot, but so that it can move axially. On the free end of the rocker 119' designed as a one-armed lever, a pressing element 112' is rigidly mounted, so that the pressing element 112' is oriented diagonally in the raised position, and in the lowered position, its axis is parallel to the axis of the bottle.
As in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the cam 124' of the r~cker 119' consists of two cam segments 124a', 1~4b', where the cam segment 124b' causes the radial movement and the cam segment 124a' the axially parallel guidance during lowering.
The cam segment 124b' on the one hand and the three-dimensional cam segment 127b' of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism on the other hand are matched to one another, so that during the transition from the flat cam segment 127a~ into the three-dimensional cam segment 127b', when the descending movement is still small in relation to the rotational movement, the degree of radial deflection caused by the cam segment 124b' is large and becomes smaller with increasing axial movement. In this manner, the load on the cams is made more uniform. This arrangement of the curves of the cams is not limited to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, but can also be used in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6.
Shown in Figure 12 is a typical centering head 134' having a slightly trunconical outer periphery and which, at the bottom, has a diameter that is the same as the diameter of the bottle top 136', while at its upper part it has a slightly larger diameter.
Also shown is a foil patch or sheet 135~ which may be pressed in the apparatus of this invention to have a finished appearance, such as shown in Figures 10 and 11.
In summary, one feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine for bottles with a turntable 3 located between a feeder star wheel 1 and a discharge star wheel 2, which turntable J ~ .~
3 has a rotating, un-hooded bottle support 10 located on a substructure 9 with receptacles for the bottles 4 on its circumference, corres-ponding to which, on one segment of its orbit, there are brush elements 35 locate~ on the side, and which each consist of a motorized rotary plate 11 and a centering head 12 supported by a radial cantilever arm 17 of a column 23 which is mounted on the bottle support 10 and can be adjusted by an actuator 29, 30, whereby both the rotation drive mechanisms 14-16 of the rotary plate 11 and the actuators 29, 30 of the columns 23 are cam drives each with a common, stationary cam 16, 29 located in the substructure 9 for the cam drives 14, 16 of the rotation drive mechanisms on one hand, and the cam drives 29, 30) of the actuators on the other hand, characterized by the fact that on the bottle support 10 inside the receptacles, there is a central guide body 28 with an axial bearing for the adjustable columns 23 and with a pivot bearing 36 located on its outside circumference, on which pivot bearing 36 is mounted a stationary support ring 37 for the brush elements 35.
Another feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterizecl by the fact that the engagement elements 30 of the cam transmissions 29, 30 of all the actuators are connected by means of a transmission element 31 with a radial cantilever arm 31a with the columns 23.
Yet another feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the cam 29 of the cam transmission 29, 30 of all the actuator drive mechanisms is a cylinder cam designed as a groove cam, on both flanks of which the engagement elements 30 are guided, and that for each engagement element there is an axial guide 32, 33 between the engagement element 30 and the bottle support 10.
A further feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the axial guide 32, 33 consists of an axial groove 33 and an engagement element 32.
A yet further feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that each centering head 12 is flexibly mounted in the cantilever arm 17.
Yet another feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the axial position of each cantilever arm 17 on the column 23 is adjustable.
An additional feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the axial position of the cantilever arm 17 is determined by a stop 25 braced on the free end of the column 23.
A yet additional feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the stop 25 of each cantilever arm 17 is replaceable.
A further feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the stop 25 is designed as a sleeve closed on one end by a base, which can be inserted on the column 23.
A yet further feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the support ring 37 can be axially fastened to the guide body 28 by means of a removable holder èlement 42.
Another yet further feature of the invention resides broadly in a labelling machine characterized by the fact that the substructure 9 and the bottle support 10 form two shells holding the cam transmis-sions 14-16, 29, 30, whereby the shells are sealed on their outer edges next to one another, in particular by a labyrinth seal 34.
,, .
7~
Another aspect of the invention resides in a pressing station for metal foil sheets 6~ applied around the top and neck of bottles 4' in a labelling machine with a transfer station located on the turntable 1' for the bottles 4' which transfers the metal foil sheets 6' to the bottles 4'. Also included is a delivery star wheel 2', in which corresponding to each receiving spot 8' for the bottles 4' located on its circumference, there is a bell-shaped pressing element 12', 112', alternatively known as means for pressing, which can be moved by a cam controlled drive mechanism axially toward the bottle top. The pressing element 12', 112' is held by a support 22', 122' located above the delivery star wheel 2' which rotates with the delivery star wheel 2'. The pressing element 12', 112' is supported on the free end of a rocker 19', 119' which can be adjusted in an axial plane and includes operative means for moving the pressing element. The other end is moved axially during the rotation of the pressing element 12', 112' around the axis of the delivery star wheel 2' by a three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25', 27', 125', 127a', 127b', and the free end is moved radially by a cam drive mechanism 23', 24', 123', 124' coupled with the rocker 19', 119', as a function of the axial movement of the rocker 19', 119'. The cams 24', 27', 124', 127' of the two cam drive mechanisms 23', 24', 25', 27', 123', 124', 125', 127' are designed so that the pressing element 12', 112' is in its raised inside position in the vicinity of the turntable 1' and is in its lower outside position in a portion of the region between the turntable 1' and the delivery of the de-livery star wheel 2'. The cam 24~, 124~ of the cam drive mechanism 23', 24', 123', 124' is coupled with the rocker 19', 119' which comprises several segments 24a', 24b', 124a', 124b'. Its first segment 24b', 124b' is active during the downward movement and has at least one radial control component and the segment 24a', ~ ~ ~, 7 ~LIJ !1. 3 124b' which is active during the pressing of the foil sheet has only one axial component. The cams 124', 127' of the two cam drive mechanisms 23', 24', 25', 27', 123', 124', 125', 127' are designed so that an initially slow descending movement of the rocker 1~', 119' corresponds to a large radial movement. The cam 27', 127' of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25', 27', 125~, 127' lies on a drum jacket surface, in particular one which is cylindrical. The cam located on the drum jacket surface of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25'~ 27', 125', 127' is de-signed as a support cam for the engagement element 25', 125' of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25', 27', 125', 127', which absorbs the axial reaction force of the pressing element 12', 112' on the bottle top. The rocker 19' is part of a duplex crank 1~', whose coupling element 17' supports the pressing ele-ment 12' and whose fixed link 20' is axially moved by the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25', 27'. The duplex crank 16' is a parallel crank. The rockers 18', 19' of the duplex crank 16' are braced against one another in their outside radial position.
The rocker 119' is designed as a one-armed lever, to which the pressing element 112' is rigidly fastened. The rocker 19' is pre-stressed by a spring 26', which presses the contact element 25' of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 25', 27' against the support cam 27'. The cam 127' of the three-dimensional cam drive mechanism 125', 127' has a plane cam segment 127a' which lies a radial plane, and a three-dimensional cam segment 127b' which extends over several radial planes, and is designed on the inside as a drum-shaped support, whereby the plane curve segment 127a' is designed as a closed slot cam, and the three-dimensional cam segment 127b' is designed as a radially open slot cam.
All, or substantially all, of the components and methods of the various embodiments may be used with at least one embodiment or all of the embodiments, if any, described herein.
The details in the patents, patent applications, and publications may be considered to be incorporable, at applicant's option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patentably distinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art.
The invention as described hereinabove in the context of the preferred embodiments is not to be taken as limited to all of the provided details thereof, since modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
1. A bottle conveying system comprising:
bottle conveying means for moving bottles along a portion of a generally circular path of travel;
brush means for contacting exterior surfaces of bottles being conveyed along said generally circular path of travel;
said brush means for being positioned at the inside of said generally circular path of travel;
said brush means for being in a fixed position relative to said generally circular path of travel wherein bottles are moved along said portion of said generally circular path of travel relative to said brush means;
centering head means for moving along said generally circular path of travel;
said centering head means for being in removable engagement with tops of bottles;
said centering head means being axially movable toward and away from tops of bottles;
a guide body for being generally concentrically positioned and for rotating inside said generally circular path of travel;
said guide body for guiding said centering head means axially toward and away from tops of bottles; and said guide body for supporting said brush means adjacent exterior surfaces of bottles in said fixed position relative to said generally circular path of travel.
bottle conveying means for moving bottles along a portion of a generally circular path of travel;
brush means for contacting exterior surfaces of bottles being conveyed along said generally circular path of travel;
said brush means for being positioned at the inside of said generally circular path of travel;
said brush means for being in a fixed position relative to said generally circular path of travel wherein bottles are moved along said portion of said generally circular path of travel relative to said brush means;
centering head means for moving along said generally circular path of travel;
said centering head means for being in removable engagement with tops of bottles;
said centering head means being axially movable toward and away from tops of bottles;
a guide body for being generally concentrically positioned and for rotating inside said generally circular path of travel;
said guide body for guiding said centering head means axially toward and away from tops of bottles; and said guide body for supporting said brush means adjacent exterior surfaces of bottles in said fixed position relative to said generally circular path of travel.
2. The system of Claim 1, further including, a cam; and cam follower means for following said cam to axially move said centering head means toward and away from the tops of the bottles.
3. The system of Claim 2, wherein:
said cam is a cylinder cam having at least two surfaces; and said cam follower rides on said at least two surfaces.
said cam is a cylinder cam having at least two surfaces; and said cam follower rides on said at least two surfaces.
4. The system of Claim 3, further including:
guide column means for axially moving said centering head means toward and away from tops of bottles;
said guide column means for being connected between said centering head means and said cam follower means; and said guide column means for being axially guided by said guide body.
guide column means for axially moving said centering head means toward and away from tops of bottles;
said guide column means for being connected between said centering head means and said cam follower means; and said guide column means for being axially guided by said guide body.
5. The system of Claim 4, further including:
first arm means for moving said centering head means axially toward and away from the tops of the bottles; and said first arm means for being connected between said guide column means and said cam follower means.
first arm means for moving said centering head means axially toward and away from the tops of the bottles; and said first arm means for being connected between said guide column means and said cam follower means.
6. The system of Claim 5, further including axial guide means for restricting relative rotational movement between said centering head means and said guide body.
7. The system of Claim 6, wherein:
said axial guide means comprises a groove and an engagement element;
said groove has a surface; and said engagement element is for being positioned within said groove and for following along said surface.
said axial guide means comprises a groove and an engagement element;
said groove has a surface; and said engagement element is for being positioned within said groove and for following along said surface.
8. The system of Claim 7, further including:
second arm means for axially moving said centering head means toward and away from tops of bottles; and said second arm means is for being connected between said centering head means and said guide column means.
second arm means for axially moving said centering head means toward and away from tops of bottles; and said second arm means is for being connected between said centering head means and said guide column means.
9. The system of Claim 8, further including biasing means for resiliently connecting said centering head means to said second arm means.
10. The system of Claim 9, further including:
adjuster means for adjusting the separation between said centering head means and said bottle conveying means.
adjuster means for adjusting the separation between said centering head means and said bottle conveying means.
11. The system of Claim 10, further including stop means for limiting the separation between said centering head means and said bottle conveying means when said centering head means is moved away from tops of bottles.
12. The system of Claim 11, wherein:
said stop means includes a sleeve and a base; and said base is for being contacted by and limiting the movement of said guide column means.
said stop means includes a sleeve and a base; and said base is for being contacted by and limiting the movement of said guide column means.
13. The system of Claim 12, further including:
rotational bearing means for facilitating rotation of said guide body relative to said brush means; and said rotational bearing means for being interposed between said brush means and said guide body.
rotational bearing means for facilitating rotation of said guide body relative to said brush means; and said rotational bearing means for being interposed between said brush means and said guide body.
14. The system of Claim 13, further including:
holder means for holding said brush means in a fixed position relative to said guide body;
said holder means for being connected to said brush means;
and said holder means extending outside said portion of said generally circular path.
holder means for holding said brush means in a fixed position relative to said guide body;
said holder means for being connected to said brush means;
and said holder means extending outside said portion of said generally circular path.
15. The system of Claim 14, wherein said bottle conveying means includes a cam driven bottle conveyor.
16. The system of Claim 15, wherein:
said bottle conveying means includes a first shell defining a portion of a second cam;
said bottle conveying means includes a second shell defining a portion of said second cam; and said first shell and said second shell are for being joined together to form said second cam.
said bottle conveying means includes a first shell defining a portion of a second cam;
said bottle conveying means includes a second shell defining a portion of said second cam; and said first shell and said second shell are for being joined together to form said second cam.
17. The system of Claim 16, further including:
seal means for sealing said first shell to said second shell;
and said seal means for being positioned where said first shell and said second shell are joined together.
seal means for sealing said first shell to said second shell;
and said seal means for being positioned where said first shell and said second shell are joined together.
18. The system of Claim 17, wherein said seal means is a labyrinth seal.
19. The system of Claim 18, wherein:
said bottle conveying means is a turntable having an entrance and an exit;
said turntable for receiving bottles from a feeder star wheel at said entrance;
said turntable for discharging bottles to a discharge star wheel at said exit;
said turntable including a rotating un-hooded bottle support;
said bottle support being positioned on a substructure;
said turntable defining a perimeter;
said turntable including a plurality of bottle receptacles at said perimeter;
said turntable rotating in an orbit;
said turntable including a motorized rotary plate for rotating bottles relative to said turntable;
said second arm means being a radial cantilever arm;
said centering head means being movable toward and away from bottles by a cam driven activator;
said cam driven activator including said cam;
said cam being defined by said substructure;
said motorized rotary plate being rotatable by said second cam;
said rotational bearing means being a pivot bearing;
said pivot bearing being positioned on an outer surface of said guide body;
said brush means being supported on said pivot bearing by a support ring;
said axial guide means including a transmission element, a radial cantilever arm, an axial groove and an engagement element;
said second cam being a groove cam having first and second surfaces;
said centering head being flexibly mounted to said radial cantilever arm;
said radial cantilever arm being axially adjustable;
said stop means being braced on said guide column means; and said support ring f or being connected to said guide body by a removable holder.
said bottle conveying means is a turntable having an entrance and an exit;
said turntable for receiving bottles from a feeder star wheel at said entrance;
said turntable for discharging bottles to a discharge star wheel at said exit;
said turntable including a rotating un-hooded bottle support;
said bottle support being positioned on a substructure;
said turntable defining a perimeter;
said turntable including a plurality of bottle receptacles at said perimeter;
said turntable rotating in an orbit;
said turntable including a motorized rotary plate for rotating bottles relative to said turntable;
said second arm means being a radial cantilever arm;
said centering head means being movable toward and away from bottles by a cam driven activator;
said cam driven activator including said cam;
said cam being defined by said substructure;
said motorized rotary plate being rotatable by said second cam;
said rotational bearing means being a pivot bearing;
said pivot bearing being positioned on an outer surface of said guide body;
said brush means being supported on said pivot bearing by a support ring;
said axial guide means including a transmission element, a radial cantilever arm, an axial groove and an engagement element;
said second cam being a groove cam having first and second surfaces;
said centering head being flexibly mounted to said radial cantilever arm;
said radial cantilever arm being axially adjustable;
said stop means being braced on said guide column means; and said support ring f or being connected to said guide body by a removable holder.
20. A bottle labelling machine comprising:
a turntable;
feeder star wheel means for feeding bottles to said turntable;
discharge star wheel means f or receiving bottles from said turntable;
bottle labelling means for applying labels to bottles;
said turntable comprising bottle conveying means for moving bottles along a portion of a generally circular path;
said bottle labelling means comprising brush means for contacting and applying labels to bottles being conveyed along said generally circular path;
said brush means being positioned at the inside of said generally circular path and in a fixed position relative to said generally circular path wherein bottles are transported along said generally circular path relative to said brush means;
centering head means for moving along said generally circular path in removable engagement with tops of bottles;
said centering head means being axially movable toward and away from tops of bottles;
a guide body for being generally concentrically positioned and rotating inside said generally circular path;
said guide body guiding said centering head means axially toward and away from tops of bottles; and said guide body supporting said brush means adjacent an exterior surface of the bottles in said fixed position relative to said generally circular path.
a turntable;
feeder star wheel means for feeding bottles to said turntable;
discharge star wheel means f or receiving bottles from said turntable;
bottle labelling means for applying labels to bottles;
said turntable comprising bottle conveying means for moving bottles along a portion of a generally circular path;
said bottle labelling means comprising brush means for contacting and applying labels to bottles being conveyed along said generally circular path;
said brush means being positioned at the inside of said generally circular path and in a fixed position relative to said generally circular path wherein bottles are transported along said generally circular path relative to said brush means;
centering head means for moving along said generally circular path in removable engagement with tops of bottles;
said centering head means being axially movable toward and away from tops of bottles;
a guide body for being generally concentrically positioned and rotating inside said generally circular path;
said guide body guiding said centering head means axially toward and away from tops of bottles; and said guide body supporting said brush means adjacent an exterior surface of the bottles in said fixed position relative to said generally circular path.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DEP3933804.5 | 1989-10-10 | ||
DE3933804A DE3933804A1 (en) | 1989-10-10 | 1989-10-10 | LABELING MACHINE FOR BOTTLES WITH A BOTTLE-FREE BOTTLE RACK |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2027018A1 true CA2027018A1 (en) | 1991-04-11 |
Family
ID=6391191
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002027018A Abandoned CA2027018A1 (en) | 1989-10-10 | 1990-10-05 | Bottle labelling machine |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0422426B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH03176350A (en) |
BR (1) | BR9005054A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2027018A1 (en) |
DE (2) | DE3933804A1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2033154T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19518751C1 (en) * | 1995-05-22 | 1996-10-24 | Sprimag Spritzmaschbau Gmbh | Bottle pick-up head for use in bottle printing plant |
DE29712254U1 (en) * | 1997-07-11 | 1998-11-05 | Heuft Systemtechnik Gmbh, 56659 Burgbrohl | Treatment machine for containers, in particular bottles, with a plurality of clamping devices arranged in series one behind the other |
DE102008012209A1 (en) * | 2008-03-03 | 2009-09-10 | Krones Ag | Device for labeling containers |
DE102008038135A1 (en) | 2008-08-18 | 2010-03-04 | Khs Ag | Bearing arrangement and labeling machine with such a bearing assembly |
ITBO20100202A1 (en) * | 2010-04-02 | 2011-10-03 | Neri S P A | CONVEYANCE SYSTEM OF ARTICLES |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE391729C (en) * | 1917-01-11 | 1924-03-10 | O & J Machine Company | Labeling machine |
US2708502A (en) * | 1950-09-02 | 1955-05-17 | Meyer Geo J Mfg Co | Spotting mechanism for turret type labeling machine |
FR1294574A (en) * | 1961-07-10 | 1962-05-26 | Baele Gangloff Ste Nouvelle | Bottle wrapping machine |
DE1170815B (en) * | 1962-03-02 | 1964-05-21 | Noll Maschinenfabrik W | Centering device for bottle filling machines |
DE2027416A1 (en) * | 1970-06-04 | 1971-12-09 | Kxotiseder, Hermann, 8402 Neutraubling | Device for painting foils cut to size, neck ring labels or the like. on bottles |
DE3244485C2 (en) * | 1981-12-16 | 1986-01-09 | Jagenberg-Werke AG, 4000 Düsseldorf | Transport device in the form of a turntable in a labeling machine, in particular for lever or swing top bottles |
DE3744109A1 (en) * | 1987-12-24 | 1989-07-06 | Eti Tec Maschinenbau | Pressing-on station for foil blanks laid around the head of bottles in a labelling machine |
-
1989
- 1989-10-10 DE DE3933804A patent/DE3933804A1/en active Granted
-
1990
- 1990-09-20 ES ES199090118077T patent/ES2033154T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-09-20 EP EP90118077A patent/EP0422426B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-09-20 DE DE9090118077T patent/DE59000187D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-10-02 BR BR909005054A patent/BR9005054A/en unknown
- 1990-10-05 CA CA002027018A patent/CA2027018A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-10-09 JP JP2269665A patent/JPH03176350A/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE59000187D1 (en) | 1992-08-06 |
EP0422426A1 (en) | 1991-04-17 |
DE3933804C2 (en) | 1993-05-27 |
BR9005054A (en) | 1992-02-25 |
JPH03176350A (en) | 1991-07-31 |
EP0422426B1 (en) | 1992-07-01 |
ES2033154T3 (en) | 1993-03-01 |
DE3933804A1 (en) | 1991-04-18 |
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