DE102009003478A1 - Apparatus and method for labeling containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for labeling containers (2) with an overhead opening (4), in particular of thin-walled bottles. The device comprises at least one centering unit (10) for fixing the containers (2) during labeling, a centering bell (12) and means (14) for positive and non-positive engagement in an opening region (6) of the opening (4) of the container ( 2).

Description

The The invention relates to a device for labeling containers with an overhead opening, in particular thin-walled Bottles. The device has at least one centering unit for Fix the containers during labeling and moreover comprises the features of the preamble of independent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates a method for labeling unlabeled containers with overhead opening by means of a container treatment device.

such Devices are, for example, in the inlet area of Moduletikettiermaschinen used the beverage containers during to label their movement. The provided for receiving the beverage container Centering plates are usually in a closed, d. H. gapless series without intervals one Infeed star fed to a rotary machine. This infeed star passes the containers one Bottle table. At this bottle table are the containers clamped in a centering unit, so that the container be kept stable during labeling.

Such devices and methods for labeling bottles made of plastic are already known from the prior art. From the DE 41 25 579 A1 Furthermore, a device for labeling of thin-walled containers is known, in which these attack by a bottle holder with a height-retaining fork for attaching the bottles exclusively on the collar and setting by a top-mounted centering and thus fix stable.

From the DE 602 08 736 T2 Furthermore, a device for gripping and handling of bottles in a labeling machine is known. This device also comprises an element which serves to grip a bottle neck. This element is also designed as a fork for gripping a protruding edge or carrying ring of the bottles.

Likewise is from the DE 601 10 498 T2 a labeling machine is known, on which a rotatable support is arranged at an upper end of the machine. An additional gripping means holds the containers to be labeled at their open or upper area and at their support ring.

each This known machine works continuously and adapts automatically the speed of the incoming or outgoing Tank flow on. The arriving on the conveyor belt Containers are captured by the sub-slug, on division brought, taken over by the infeed star and handed over to the container table. Here they are stuck between centering plates and centering bells clamped and rotated as needed. The holding device can, for example, as a selectively controllable, raised and lowered centering bell for axially clamping a vessel between his head and the bottom be formed, with the centering bell is rotatable when a vessel is about its vertical axis should be kept rotatable.

The set known devices for the treatment of containers for handling and clamping the containers, that the containers outside at the mouth or neck area are provided with a so-called. Support ring.

The The primary object of the present invention is a device and a method of treatment, in particular for labeling Refine containers such that the flexibility is increased, in particular in terms of manageability the container.

This The aim of the invention is with the objects of the independent Claims reached. Features of advantageous developments The invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The The invention comprises a device for labeling containers with an overhead opening, in particular thin-walled Containers, bottles or the like. These containers are preferably made of plastic. The device for labeling this container has at least one centering unit for Fix the containers during labeling on. The container transfer takes place, as already from the prior art, from a conveyor belt on an inlet star. This entrance star passes the standing incoming container to a rotating container table. At this container table, the container Transfer to centering plate and from above the centering bell to be recorded.

The Centering or clamping of the container is necessary to keep the containers stable during labeling are clamped and do not buckle, bulge or twist can. The centering unit comprises a centering bell. Possibly. can continue to be present a centering plate, if so is useful or necessary. The centering bell also has a Recording on, as a means of positive and non-positive Intervention in a mouth region of the opening of the container can be moved. The positive and non-positive Intervention results in an empty container during labeling is stabilized.

Basically, this recording of the centering bell as a gripper for a preform orientation in a stretch blow tion, or for transport through any other treatment stations that take place prior to filling the containers. It is therefore expressly pointed out at this point that the present invention relates in principle to all variants of the handling of containers and / or preforms.

The Centering bell can from above, for example via a controllable servo drive or driven in any other suitable way become. For holding the containers or preforms must have a machine head on which the individual centering bells be put into rotation via a motor, so that the machine head is rotated. While This rotational movement lead the centering bells up and down movements by. These upward and downward movements of the centering bells are required to hold the containers or preforms. They are at defined positions during the rotation completed, for example. When taking the article on the inlet star and at the delivery of the articles at the outlet star. The centering bell can thus, for example, moved over a lift curve up and down become. In a downward movement, the recording of the Centering bell in the mouth area of the container or preform opening and passed through the positive and non-positive engagement in the mouth area The items are transported through various Treatment stations held.

After this the container tags or the preform to one Container was blown and stretched, this must be from the Centering be detached, so that the container to the next treatment station, for example to a bottling plant can be transported. This detachment of the container from the centering bell can, for example, via an ejector happen. Preferably, the ejector is over a so-called lift curve controlled. In an upward movement of the Centering moves a withdrawal sleeve, as a movable component is attached to the centering bell, against a accompanying retention device. This retaining device can also be referred to as Ausziehgabel. During this Operation pushes the retainer the mouth area the article from the recording of the centering bell by means of a spring force out. About this spring force transmitted via a compression spring is, the recording of the centering bell can return to the starting position to be led back.

The Retaining device or the Ausziehgabel is stationary attached to the machine head. Its opening encloses a holder of the centering bell.

A Rotational movement of each container is in addition to the Rotational movement of the mesh upper part for a labeling process advantageous for the labels to be attached to the containers can be. This rotational movement is only needed and therefore preferably performed only when the container to be labeled on or shortly before a labeling located. The own rotation movement of the container can be done via a additional rotary drive, for example. By means of a drive belt be accelerated as needed.

By the use of centering bells and the drive devices This centering is the complete adhesion at the relatively strong mouth area of the container over the centering bells mentioned above and in particular transferred from their recordings. However, the container while the label remains dimensionally stable, this is additionally inflated with compressed air. Through this tank inflate For example, would be a centering plate from the prior art already known, for fixing or centering of the container not necessary anymore. However, through the use of centering plates from a precise centering and positioning of the containers during labeling.

The Recording the centering bell includes a sealant for sealing the mouth area of the containers, so that the injected air can not escape. This seal can, for example, by O-rings and / or jaws on the receiving area, in the mouth area the container engages, be attached. For example. are precision O-rings a versatile sealing element and can for sealing the connection between the mouth area the container and the recording of the centering bell used become. Thus, in the container, a stable internal pressure getting produced.

The compressed air is supplied to the container via a control and / or control valve, which is preferably positioned in the immediate vicinity of an outlet opening of the centering bell. In addition, this valve is connected via a connection with the centering bell. This connection is attached to the mounting of the centering bell. The compressed air is fed into the container inside the centering bell via a compressed air line. This compressed air line also serves to control and / or regulate a pressure prevailing in the container. Particularly for very thin-walled containers, a sufficient and defined overpressure in the containers is necessary in order to be able to carry out a labeling operation. To be able to label stiffer containers with this device, the supply of compressed air can be switched off, since the Zu management of compressed air is basically only necessary for very thin-walled container. With the control and / or control valve, a defined pressure is adjustable. In practice, pressure ranges with values between 0.08 and 1.8 bar have been found to be advantageous.

at the device according to the invention can be the effective Diameter of the recording of the centering bell to the dimensions of the Mouth region of the container designed customizable be replaced by the entire centering bell and / or the receptacle are formed. The interchangeability of the centering bell can For example, by a bayonet closure o. The like. Be realized. in principle Other locking mechanisms are also conceivable which are easy releasably connecting the parts in the direction of their longitudinal axis are suitable, this connection via a plug-in rotary movement the centering bell and its holder on the machine shell done.

The entire centering unit, so the centering bell and / or the centering plate, can be designed as a component part, so that container or preforms with different dimensions of their mouth area can be included. The farther could with the replacement of the fitting parts, a guide set and / or other parts already filled with this machine and sealed containers afterwards be labeled.

The Device according to the invention is in particular suitable for containers or preforms, preferably are made without a support ring. From the already known state Technically, the support rings for fixing and centering of the container are indispensable. By contrast, with the device according to the invention These support rings can be omitted as the containers held on the inner wall of its mouth area and be fixed. However, the invention is Device, of course, also for the processing of Suitable containers or preforms, the conventional Have support rings, as these the operation of the invention Do not interfere with container fixation in any way.

at a method according to the invention for labeling of non-bearing containers with overhead opening by means of a container treatment device are the Containers or bottles during labeling fixed by means of a centering unit. This method of labeling of non-penile containers is used especially in containers, The thin-walled are designed to a dimensionally stable Make container during labeling to be able to. For this purpose, the centering unit comprises a centering bell, which has a receptacle, which serves as a means for positive and non-positive engagement in a mouth area the opening of the container is performed.

Of the Container is made by the process with an internal pressure applied. The internal pressure is through a in the centering bell embedded control and control valve generates. Thus, you can the containers with different internal pressures be charged.

Preferably the device according to the invention in a single labeling machine or in a block variant of one Stretch blow molding machine constructed with a labeling machine. alternative would also be an installation between a block variant of one Stretch blow molding machine, a labeling machine and a filling line possible.

Further Features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as a non-limiting example serves and refers to the accompanying drawings. Identical components basically have the same reference numerals on and are sometimes not explained several times.

1 shows a schematic view of a treatment path for containers.

2 shows a machine head, can be transported to the container for labeling.

3 shows a schematic representation of a side view of a centering bell.

4 shows a section AA perpendicular through a centering of the 3 ,

5 shows a plan view of a centering bell.

6 shows a section BB horizontally through a centering bell from the 5 ,

7 shows a perspective view of a centering bell.

8th and 9 show a schematic representation of a centering bell with a connection for a control and / or control valve.

10 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement of a container and a centering unit on a machine head.

1 shows a treatment line for producing and labeling objects in Form of plastic containers (PET containers) for drinks, hereinafter referred to as containers. The containers 2 (see. 10 ) have in the head area on no support ring on which the container 2 through the plant 1 can be transported. Along a conveyor line F is arranged a plurality of processing machines. The attachment 1 includes a rotating stretch blow molder 70 with an outlet star 74 holding the finished blown plastic container 2 again the conveyor line F inflicts. In front of the stretch blow molder 70 a furnace (not shown) is arranged in which the preforms (not shown) are brought to the required temperature to be used with the stretch blow molder 70 can be processed. In the schematic representation of the stretch blow molding machine shown here 70 is the transport device 71 designed as a wheel. It is also conceivable that the transport device 71 can be designed as a substantially linear transport device. From the oven, the preforms pass over an inlet star 72 in the stretch blow molder 70 , The stretch blow molder 70 along the processing line VS is a rotating labeling machine 76 downstream. The rotating labeling machine 76 includes an inlet star 72 and an outlet star 74 , The labeling machine 76 can continue downstream along the processing line VS a rotating filling and closing machine (not shown). Each of the machines arranged along the processing line VS has its own motor, not shown, by means of which it can be continuously driven together with its variable speed starwheels.

The 2 shows a machine head 56 on which the containers 2 (see. 10 ) can be applied for labeling and further transported. The standing incoming containers (not shown) by a conveyor belt (not shown) to an inlet star (not shown) passed, the container (not shown) to the machine head 56 passes. On this machine head 56 are centering units 10 (see. 10 ) attached to the containers via special centering 12 (see. 3 ) for further transport. The centering bells 12 be attached to fixed brackets 11 on the machine head 56 are attached, attached. Likewise, on a support ring 58 of the machine head 56 a retainer 54 or extension fork attached to the centering bell 12 encloses by about 180 degrees (cf. 10 ). The retention device 54 is below the machine support ring 58 so fastened that the opening 55 the restraint device 54 in which the centering bell 12 located opposite this attachment to the machine support ring 58 lies.

The machine head 56 is powered by a rotary drive 50 , preferably formed by a motor, driven so that this rotates about a rotation axis R and the mounted brackets 11 the centering bell 12 and the retention device 54 be moved during the rotational movement. The machine head 56 can be used both in a labeling machine (not shown) and in a stretch blow molding machine (not shown).

Above the machine support ring 58 are other turning devices 60 for driving the centering units 10 appropriate. These rotary devices 60 can, for example, rotation transmission elements 62 include, which can be driven individually by means of a toothed belt or the like. (Not shown) in order to bring the containers for labeling in the required position.

The 3 shows a schematic side view of a centering bell 12 , The centering bell 12 includes a plug-on head 22 that is attached to the bracket 11 (see. 2 ), a withdrawal sleeve 24 , a compression spring 28 , a star disk 30 and a recording 14 for a mouth area 6 the container 2 , Moving elements are the star disc 30 in connection with the recording 14 the container 2 educated.

The recording 14 includes sealant 16 for a tight connection between the mouth area 6 of the container 2 or a preform and the receptacle 14 to care. The sealants 16 can out of O-rings 18 and / or jaws 20 consist.

4 shows a section AA perpendicular through the centering bell 12 from the 3 , The sectional view shows how the individual elements of the centering bell 12 work together. The recording 14 the centering bell 12 can, for example, on the star disc 30 to be moved up and down by the displacement path V. This process is, for example, in an upward movement of the centering bell 12 triggered during operation of the machine. This upward movement is by means of a lift curve (not shown), which on the machine head 56 (see. 2 ) is attached allows. This is the compression spring 28 through the star disk 30 compressed, as the star disk 30 via an inner guide 38 with the recording 14 and the slip-on sleeve 24 connected is. The star disk 30 grips with attached fingers 32 (see. 6 ) in guides 26 the pull-out sleeve 24 and moves upward along the displacement path V (see. 3 . 4 . 5 and 6 ).

In 5 is a plan view of the centering bell 12 shown. From this view, the dimensions of the withdrawal sleeve 24 and the plug-in head 22 be removed. In the plug-in head 22 is a receiving opening 23 provided in this the bracket 11 on the machine head 56 is attached, can be inserted and fixed.

6 shows a section BB horizontal through the centering bell 12 from the 5 , From this representation it can be seen that the fingers 32 the star disk 30 offset thereto, or in the embodiment an odd number of fingers 32 form. Also, the jaws can 20 as a sealant 16 in at the reception 14 the centering bell 12 are attached, have an odd number. Below the picture 14 is a connection 36 for a control and / or control valve 40 (see. 8th ) intended. From the 6 is also apparent that the fingers 32 the star disk 30 can fulfill further functions. On the one hand, these serve as a stop or holding means of the compression spring 28 and on the other hand as a stop for the upper edge of the mouth area 6 the container 2 (see. 10 ) or preforms (not shown).

In the 7 is the centering bell 12 shown in perspective. The guides 26 for the fingers 32 the star disk 30 are clearly shown in the view. Also, there is the bearing surface of the compression spring 28 on the upper surfaces of the fingers 32 the star disk 30 as well as the arrangement of these fingers 32 and the O-rings 18 as well as the jaws 20 at the reception 14 the centering bell 12 clearly. Likewise, the receiving opening 34 for the holder 11 (see. 2 ) on the plug-in head 22 displayed.

The 8th and 9 correspond largely to the 3 and 4 However, they are different from those at the port 36 attached control and / or control valve 40 , This control and / or control valve 40 is in the immediate vicinity of an exit opening 44 the centering bell 12 positioned and provides a compressed air line 42 for being in the container 2 who is taking the picture 14 the centering bell 12 is attached, the desired pressure can be produced (see. 10 ). Like from the 9 can be seen, is the compressed air line 42 centered in the centering bell 12 arranged and with the bracket 11 (see. 2 ) via a device that is on the machine head 56 (see. 2 ) is connected.

10 shows a schematic representation of a connection of a container 2 and a centering unit 12 , This compound may also be in place of a container 2 be prepared with a preform (not shown). This may, for example, be of advantage for the stretch blow molding machine 72 (see. 1 ), which was named at the beginning.

The illustration shows how the centering bell 12 with its plug-on head 22 on the bracket 11 is appropriate. It is also clear how the restraint device 54 on the withdrawal sleeve 24 rests. The recording 14 grab the container 2 at its overhead opening 4 in its mouth area 6 , By injecting compressed air into the container 2 this is stabilized. This stability is necessary, for example, during a labeling process, so that the thin-walled container 2 can not buckle. The compressed air is via the control and / or control valve 40 (see. 8th and 9 ) in the container 2 blown.

The controlled separation of the container 2 from the centering bell 12 can be defined and controlled, for example, by means of a suitable lift curve. In 10 is the forked restraint 54 recognizable, which is the separation of the container 2 from the centering bell 12 supported.

It should be mentioned at this point that even containers can be processed with carrier rings; the invention Device thus relates to containers or preforms without support ring or with support ring.

The The invention is not limited to the above embodiments limited. Rather, a variety of variants and Modifications conceivable that of the invention Use your thoughts and therefore also in the protection area fall.

1

investment

2

container

4

opening

6

mouth area

10

centering

11

bracket

12

centering

14

admission

16

sealant

18

O-ring

20

jaws

22

Aufsteckkopf

24

withdrawal

26

guide

28

compression spring

30

star washer

32

Attack, or fingers

34

receiving opening for bracket

36

connection for control and / or control valve

38

inner guide

40

Rule- and / or control valve

42

Compressed air line

44

outlet opening

50

rotary drive

52

ejector

54

Restraint, or extension fork

55

opening

56

Machine head

58

Support ring, Maschinenring

60

rotator

62

Rotary transmission element, For example, gear, roller

70

stretch

72

feed star

74

outlet star

76

labeling

D

diameter

F

conveyor line

R

axis of rotation

V

displacement

VS

processing line

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 4125579 A1 [0003]
• - DE 60208736 T2 [0004]
• - DE 60110498 T2 [0005]

Claims (15)

Device for labeling containers ( 2 ) with an overhead opening ( 4 ), in particular of thin-walled bottles, comprising at least one centering unit ( 10 ) for fixing the containers ( 2 ) during labeling, characterized in that the centering unit ( 10 ) a centering bell ( 12 ) and means ( 14 ) for positive and non-positive engagement in a mouth region ( 6 ) of the opening ( 4 ) of the container ( 2 ) having. Device according to Claim 1, in which the centering bell ( 12 ) a sealant ( 16 ) for sealing the container ( 2 ) having. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the centering bell ( 12 ) a control and / or control valve ( 40 ), which is placed in a container ( 2 ) compressed air line ( 42 ) for controlling and / or regulating a container ( 2 ) is arranged ruling pressure. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control and / or control valve ( 40 ) in the immediate vicinity of an outlet opening ( 44 ) of the centering bell ( 12 ) is positioned. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure of the control and / or control valve ( 40 ) is preferably adjustable between the values 0.08 to 1.8 bar. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the effective diameter (D) of the centering bell ( 12 ) to the dimensions of the mouth region ( 6 ) the container ( 2 ) is adjusted. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the centering bell ( 12 ) is interchangeable. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the centering bell ( 12 ) a rotary drive ( 50 ) for rotating the containers ( 2 ) having. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the centering unit ( 10 ) an ejector ( 52 ) for detaching the containers ( 2 ) from the centering bell ( 12 ) having. Device according to Claim 9, in which the ejector ( 52 ) has a lifting unit, which by means of a stationary retaining device ( 54 ) on an upper machine part ( 56 ) is arranged. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, in which the centering bell ( 12 ) and / or a centering plate of the centering unit ( 10 ) Is designed as a component. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11 with at least one with the centering bell ( 12 ) ( 2 ), in which the container ( 2 ) is preferably produced from a preform without a support ring. Method for labeling unlabeled containers ( 2 ) with top opening ( 4 ) by means of a container treatment device, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the containers ( 2 ) or bottles during labeling by means of a centering unit ( 10 ) are fixed. Method according to Claim 13, in which the container ( 2 ) by means of a in a mouth area ( 6 ) of its opening ( 4 ) engaging centering bell ( 12 ) of the centering unit ( 10 ) is held positively and non-positively. Method according to Claim 13 or 14, in which the container ( 2 ) by the centering bell ( 12 ) associated control and control valve ( 40 ) is subjected to variably adjustable internal pressure.