DE202015103924U1 - Expanding mandrel for a label tube - Google Patents

Abstract

An expanding mandrel (1) for a label tube (3), comprising: an upper guide tongue (2) for receiving the label tube in folded-length form; a central portion (4) for expanding the folded label tube; and a lower portion (5) for guiding and separating the opened label tube, characterized in that the expansion mandrel outer ventilation openings (7) and / or venting channels (8) are designed for deriving an induced air flow by feeding the label tube, and / or that Expanding mandrel in the middle and / or lower portion (4, 5) has a substantially elliptical outer cross section (18), and / or that the expanding mandrel guide rollers (11) with concave and / or convex running surfaces (11a, 11b).

Description

The invention relates to an expanding mandrel for a label tube according to the preamble of claim 1.

As is known, longitudinally folded label tubes for labeling containers or the like in a label dispenser can be provided endlessly from the roll and pulled over an expanding mandrel on which the label tube is separated into label sleeves. These are shot from the expanding mandrel by means of external transport rollers down to a treatment station or a container. The expanding mandrel hangs with free-running rollers floating on outer transport rollers for the label tube.

This is from the EP 2 567 901 A1 a substantially three-stage construction of the mandrel, with an upper guide tongue over which the longitudinally folded label tube is drawn, with an adjoining central portion for expanding or opening the label tube, for example by means of a downwardly widening truncated cone, and with a lower essentially cylindrical section for separating and guiding the label tube or label sleeves.

A disadvantage of this known Aufweitdorn that the label tube and the label sleeves are sucked in particular in the lower cylindrical portion by air currents, which form during the expansion and guiding of the label tube at high speed to the Aufweitdorn. This can hinder the onward transport. Furthermore, the label sleeves may collapse after leaving the mandrel. Likewise, unwanted electrostatic charges of the made of plastic label tube may be the result.

In addition, the floating support requires adjustable centering means for laterally centering the mandrel with respect to a given transport path in a label dispenser, in particular in a direction parallel to the axes of rotation of the transport rollers and counter-rollers used for the floating storage. The centering require an undesirable equipment and personnel costs, such as for assembly and adjustment, and can also cause problems during operation by tearing and / or sticking of the label tube.

There is therefore a need for an expanding mandrel that mitigates or eliminates at least one of the above problems.

The object is achieved with an expanding mandrel for a label tube according to claim 1. Accordingly, it comprises: an upper guide tongue for receiving the label tube in a longitudinally folded form; a middle section for expanding (opening) the folded label tube; and a lower portion for guiding and separating the opened label tube. According to the invention, external vents and / or venting ducts for diverting an air flow induced by advancement of the label tube are formed on the expanding mandrel. Additionally or alternatively, the expanding mandrel has a substantially elliptical outer cross section in the middle and / or lower section. Additionally or alternatively, the mandrel comprises guide rollers with a concave or convex tread in cross-section.

The guide tongue has a flattened shape, over which the longitudinally folded label tube can be pulled. The middle section has a downwardly widening cross-section for expanding or opening the folded label tube. Under a vent is to be understood in the context of the invention that induced by the advancement of the label tube air flows through the vents and / or vent channels can be targeted to mitigate turbulence, nozzle effects or the like and a suction of the label tube at least in the area of the vents and / or to avoid venting channels.

As a result, adhesion and / or electrostatic charging of the label tube in the area of the expanding mandrel can be avoided. In addition, unwanted collapse of the label sleeves can be counteracted below the Aufweitdorns. Conversely, by reducing unwanted suction effects, the processing speed of the label tube can be increased.

With the substantially elliptical outer cross section, the label tube or the separated label can be adapted to the cross section of a non-rotationally symmetrical mold bottle or the like. For this purpose, the lower portion of the mandrel may have an upper portion with a substantially circular outer cross section and a lower portion with a substantially elliptical outer cross section. In the upper section, the separation of the label sleeves can then be done by means of rotating transverse cutting or the like according to conventional cutting technique.

The guide rollers are used for floating mounting of the mandrel on an outer Support structure with corresponding rollers. Guide rollers with a concavely curved running surface can be arranged opposite support rollers and / or transport rollers with a convexly curved running surface, so that during operation the guide rollers roll on the inside of the label tube and the support rollers / transport rollers on the outside of the label tube. When unrolling the mandrel can be performed in the axial direction of the guide rollers of the support rollers / transport rollers, in particular to center the mandrel automatically with respect to a predetermined transport path of the label tube. The same applies to guide rollers with a convexly curved running surface, which can be functionally equivalent to support rollers and / or transport rollers with a concavely curved running surface.

Preferably, the vent openings are formed in the middle and / or lower portion and open into at least one central vent channel in Aufweitdorn. Air flows generated dynamically when conveying the label tube can be effectively derived in this way in an uncritical for the promotion of the label tube and the individual labels area of the expanding mandrel.

Preferably, the vents are in the conveying direction extending slots or slots in the sense of elongated through holes. This allows equally effective removal of the unwanted air currents, a stable construction of the mandrel and a weight saving, which benefits the floating support of the expanding mandrel.

Preferably, the venting channels on the outer wall of the middle and / or lower portion extending in the conveying direction grooves. As a result, air flows, in particular in areas in which through holes or the like would not be possible or disadvantageous for constructive reasons, can be specifically directed and, for example, reduce or prevent turbulent air flows with suction effect.

Preferably, the mandrel in the middle and in the lower portion has a substantially elliptical outer cross-section. This optimizes the guidance of the label tube and its shooting on non-rotationally symmetrical container cross-sections, in particular if the label tube is previously singled by tearing along transversely extending perforations to the label sleeves.

Preferably, the mandrel in the central portion and in an upper portion of the lower portion has a substantially circular cross section and in a lower portion of the lower portion has a substantially elliptical outer cross section. This allows equally a separation of the label sleeves by means of cutting in the upper section and an optimized guidance of the individual label sleeves for the labeling of containers with non-rotationally symmetrical outer cross sections in the lower section.

Preferably, at least one material recess is formed in the upper guide tongue, in particular in the form of a through hole. As a result, on the one hand, the flow conditions in the region of the upper guide tongue can be specifically influenced to avoid suction effects and, on the other hand, reduce the weight of the expanding mandrel altogether. The latter serves for improved floating storage of Aufweitdorns and simplified handling.

Preferably, the material recess is then designed as a passage or support trough. This improves the handling of the mandrel during maintenance, refitting or the like.

Preferably, the middle and lower portions of the mandrel are made of one piece, in particular of substantially elliptical cross-section. This allows a particularly lightweight design.

The stated object is also achieved with a label dispenser for containers, comprising a conveyor unit for feeding the label tube from the roll and the mandrel according to at least one of the preceding claims.

Preferably, the label dispenser then further comprises controllably acceleratable transport rollers for separating the label tube into label sleeves along transversely extending tear-off perforations. The transport rollers are then formed in the region of the lower portion of the Aufweitdorns and act on the outside of the label tube or the label sleeves.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the label dispenser further comprises at least one controlled switchable cross cutting edge for separating the label tube to label sleeves. Such a cross-cutting edge is then formed, for example, in an upper region of the lower portion and acts on the label tube from the outside.

Preferably, the mandrel in the region of the transverse cutting a substantially round outer cross section. This simplifies the separation of the label sleeves.

Preferably, the label dispenser further comprises guide rollers mounted on the mandrel and transport rollers mounted on a support structure having mutually convex / concave corresponding running surfaces for guiding the mandrel in the axial direction of the guide rollers. Additional centering means for centering the expanding mandrel in the axial direction are then unnecessary.

The transport rollers are preferably actively driven and the guide rollers are designed to run freely in the direction of the floating mounting of the expanding mandrel. This allows a structurally simple to be realized transport of the label tube and separated on the mandrel label sleeves.

The stated object is also achieved with a container treatment machine comprising a continuously rotatable container table and the label dispenser according to at least one of the embodiments described above.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures. Show it:

1 an expanding mandrel in a schematic side view and in cross section;

2 the expanding mandrel in a schematic view from above;

3 a treatment machine in the schematic plan view;

4 an alternative embodiment of the mandrel; and

5A - 5C Embodiments of transport rollers and guide rollers with concave / convex corresponding treads.

As the 1 can recognize, comprises the mandrel according to the invention 1 in a preferred embodiment, an upper flattened guide tongue 2 for picking up a label tube 3 in longitudinally folded form. This is followed by a middle section at the bottom 4 for expanding the folded label tube 3 at, hereinafter called the Aufweitabschnitt section. This is followed in turn by a lower section at the bottom 5 for guiding and separating the label tube 3 to label sleeves 6 at, hereinafter referred to the clarity guide section.

In the lower guide section 5 of the expanding mandrel are vents 7 and ventilation channels 8th indicated schematically. The vents 7 are preferably as slots or in the conveying direction 3a the label tube extending slots in an inner central vent passage 9 of the expanding mandrel 1 lead to the conveyance of the label tube 3 induced air currents and / or air cushion between the label tube 3 and the outer wall 5a of the lower guide section 5 derive.

The guide channels 8th are essentially in the conveying direction 3a extending grooves, the air currents and / or air cushion between the label tube 3 and / or the occasional label sleeves 6 and the outer wall 5a of the guide section 5 specifically in the conveying direction 3a lead and derive.

vents 7 and / or venting channels 8th could also be in the area of the expansion section 4 be educated.

In the upper guide tongue 2 are preferably material recesses 10 formed, for example as a through hole and / or as a recess in the guide surface 2a the guide tongue 2 , Such through holes could, for example, as a penetration for holding the guide tongue 2 or the Aufweitdorns 1 be formed by an operator or the like. Corresponding depressions could be designed as a support trough. Likewise, the material recesses could 10 in the form of longitudinal to the conveying direction 3a extending grooves or the like may be formed. The material recesses 10 improve the guidance of the longitudinally folded label tube 3 , serve a guide and / or the dissipation of unwanted air currents or air cushion between the label tube and the guide tongue 2 as well as a material and weight saving.

The expanding mandrel 1 includes guide rollers 11 that with an expanding mandrel 1 surrounding support structure 12 and support rollers formed thereon 13 and / or transport wheels 14 work together to the expanding mandrel 1 on the supporting structure 12 to store floating and the label tube 3 to promote.

Schematically indicated is also a cutting device 15 with a controlled switchable cross cutting edge 16 for separating the label sleeves 6 from the label tube 3 , The chisel edge 16 is preferably outside the mandrel 1 stored rotating and engages when singling in a transverse to the mandrel 1 running slot 17 or the like. Likewise, the transverse cutting edge could 16 inside the expanding mandrel 1 be stored and the label tube 3 from the inside ago, for example by means of rotating cutting motion, singulate. Such cutting devices 15 are known in principle and therefore not explained in detail.

The 1 Below shows an example of an alternative formed in the sectional plane AA elliptical outer cross-section 18 for guiding the label sleeves 6 towards containers with non-rotationally symmetric cross sections. In the lateral view is the course of the outer wall 5a indicated by dashed lines in the transition from a round to an elliptical outer cross section. In this case, the rotational position of the ellipse main axis shown merely serves to provide a comprehensible representation.

As the 2 can be seen schematically from above, the outer wall 4a of the expansion section 4 a substantially elliptical outer cross-section 19 exhibit. Elliptical outer cross sections are suitable for the labeling of containers with non-round outer cross section and in particular a separation of the labels 6 by tearing along the label tube 3 trained transverse perforations 3a that exemplifies in the 4 are indicated. The label sleeves 6 For example, with the help of the expanding mandrel 1 externally formed transport rollers 14 appropriately accelerated and thereby demolished along the transverse perforations.

For separation by means of a chisel edge 16 is a substantially circular outer cross section of the mandrel 1 in the area of the cutting device 15 advantageous. It would therefore be conceivable, the cutting device 15 in an upper section 5b of the guide section 5 to arrange with round outer cross section. In a lower section 5c of the guide section 5 can then be a substantially elliptical outer cross section 18 be educated. The different outer cross sections can then merge into one another in a suitable manner.

As the 3 is the expanding mandrel 1 Part of a stationary label dispenser 21 and, as described above, by means of the support structure 12 on the label dispenser 21 stored floating. The cutting device 15 is then preferably also part of the label dispenser 21 and for example around the mandrel 1 on the label dispenser 21 attached. The label dispenser 21 further comprises a known conveying unit 22 for endless feeding of the label tube 3 from the role.

A treatment machine 23 for labeling containers 24 such as beverage bottles or the like, then preferably comprises a continuously rotatable container table 25 and per se known inlet and outlet stars 26 . 27 for the continuous transport of the containers 24 , The treatment machine 23 besides the labeling of the container 24 also serve other treatment steps, for example, one of the inspection of the container 24 ,

When expanding mandrel 1 can the upper guide tongue 2 , the middle expansion section 4 and the lower guide section 5 be formed modular combined with each other. That is, the individual sections of the mandrel 1 can be separated and exchanged as needed for maintenance purposes or for product changes. It would also be conceivable, in particular the middle Aufweitabschnitt 4 and the lower guide section 5 to manufacture in one piece. This could be especially true for a continuous elliptical outer cross section 18 . 19 or a continuous round outer cross section of advantage.

Modular connection structures can then be saved, thereby minimizing the weight of the mandrel. This comes a stable floating storage of Aufweitdorns 1 benefit.

The vents 7 and the ventilation channels 8th differ from mounting holes or corresponding material recesses on the mandrel 1 in particular in that they are essentially in the conveying direction 3a have oriented elongated shape and / or either in the inner central vent passage 9 for discharging air flows open or groove-shaped down, for example, to a lower end face of the expanding mandrel 1 ,

The 4 and 5A - 5C show a self-centering embodiment 31 the Aufweitdorns, preferably also for separating the label sleeves by tearing along the transverse perforations 3a is trained. Accordingly, the guide rollers include 11 for example, treads 11a with convex cross section and the respective corresponding transport rollers 14 treads 14a with concave cross-section. Alternatively, the guide rollers include 11 for example, treads 11b with concave cross-section and the respective corresponding transport rollers 14 treads 14b with convex cross section. Likewise, a combination of the embodiments would be the 5A - 5C possible, provided that convex running surfaces each interact with concave running surfaces and the label tube 3 or the label sleeves 6 running between these treads.

The transport wheels 14 and the leadership roles 11 preferably have such corresponding curved and / or chamfered treads 11a . 11b . 14a . 14b on that this when rolling a guide and self-centering of the expanding mandrel 31 in one direction 32 parallel to the axes of rotation 11c . 14c the leadership roles 11 and the transport wheels 14 cause.

Preferably, on the support rollers 13 correspondingly curved and / or chamfered treads formed as above for the transport rollers 14 described to the leadership roles 11 self-centering interact.

As a result, additional centering means (which otherwise, for example, in the area of the support rollers 13 into the drawing plane of 1 into or out of this) dispensable. Accordingly, the associated apparatus required as well as the associated centering of the mandrel by manual adjustment eliminates.

The 5A shows the lower guide section 5 of the expanding mandrel 31 in cross-section through the section plane BB. The transport wheels 14 are actively driven in this case, for example by means of a servo motor, for advancing the label tube 3 along the spreader mandrel 31 ,

The 5B shows the lower guide section 5 of the expanding mandrel 31 in cross-section through the section plane CC. The transport wheels 14 are actively driven here, for example by means of a servo motor, for tearing off the label sleeves 6 from the label tube 3 along the transverse perforations 3a ,

The leadership roles 11 each run passively with the support rollers 13 and the transport wheels 14 and the intermediate label tube 3 or the label sleeves 6 With.

The embodiments described above can be combined as desired in a technically meaningful manner in a treatment machine, that is differently designed ventilation openings 7 and / or venting channels 8th with differently shaped round and / or elliptical or outer cross sections 18 . 19 , as well as with differently shaped running surfaces on guide rollers 11 , Support rollers 13 and transport rollers 14 , That is, individual or all treads could be designed both for conventional unrolling on flat surfaces as well as for self-centering guiding the Aufweitdorns.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2567901 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Expanding mandrel ( 1 ) for a label tube ( 3 ), with: an upper guide tongue ( 2 ) for receiving the label tube in longitudinally folded form; a middle section ( 4 ) for expanding the folded label tube; and a lower section ( 5 ) for guiding and separating the opened label tube, characterized in that on the expanding mandrel external vents ( 7 ) and / or venting channels ( 8th ) are designed for deriving an air flow induced by advancement of the label tube, and / or that the expanding mandrel in the middle and / or lower section (FIG. 4 . 5 ) has a substantially elliptical outer cross-section ( 18 ), and / or that the mandrel guide rollers ( 11 ) with in cross-section concave and / or convex treads ( 11a . 11b ). Mandrel according to claim 1, wherein the vents ( 7 ) in the middle and / or lower section ( 4 . 5 ) are formed and in at least one central venting channel ( 9 ). Mandrel according to claim 2, wherein the vents ( 7 ) in the conveying direction ( 3a ) running slots or slots are. Mandrel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the venting channels ( 8th ) on the outside wall ( 4a . 5a ) of the middle and / or lower section ( 4 . 5 ) in the conveying direction ( 3a ) are extending grooves. Mandrel according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the mandrel ( 1 ) in the middle and lower sections ( 4 . 5 ) has a substantially elliptical outer cross-section ( 18 . 19 ) having. Mandrel according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein in the upper guide tongue ( 2 ) at least one inner material recess ( 10 ) is formed, in particular in the form of a through hole. Mandrel according to claim 6, wherein the material recess ( 10 ) is designed as a passage or support trough. Mandrel according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle and lower sections ( 4 . 5 ) are made in one piece. Label dispenser ( 21 ) for containers ( 24 ), with a conveyor unit ( 22 ) for feeding the label tube ( 3 ) of the roll and with the mandrel ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims. Label dispenser according to claim 9, further comprising controllably acceleratable transport rollers ( 14 ) for separating the label tube ( 3 ) to label sleeves ( 6 ) by tearing along transverse tear perforations. Label dispenser according to claim 9, further comprising at least one controllably switchable cross-cutting edge ( 16 ) for separating the label tube ( 3 ) to label sleeves ( 6 ). Label dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the expanding mandrel ( 1 ) in the region of the transverse cutting edge ( 16 ) has a substantially round outer cross-section. Label dispenser according to one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising on the expanding mandrel ( 31 ) ( 11 ) and with at a support structure ( 12 ) mounted transport rollers ( 14 ), the mutually convex / concave corresponding treads ( 11a . 11b . 14a . 14b ) to the mandrel in the axial direction ( 32 ) of the leadership roles ( 11 ) respectively. Label dispenser according to claim 13, wherein the transport rollers ( 14 ) actively driven and the leadership roles ( 11 ) free-running for the floating mounting of the expanding mandrel ( 31 ) are formed. Treatment machine ( 23 ) for containers ( 24 ), with a continuously rotatable container table ( 25 ) and with the label dispenser ( 21 ) according to one of claims 9 to 14.

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