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
  • B65C9/08—Label feeding
  • B65C9/12—Removing separate labels from stacks
  • B65C9/14—Removing separate labels from stacks by vacuum

Definitions

• the invention relates to an apparatus for successively removing parts from a stack of parts, by one of the ends of this stack, with a view to depositing them successively, according to a determined pitch, on at least one face of at least a receiving element which is movable along a trajectory, in a direction and at a speed which are also determined.
• the invention also relates to a method for, in a high-speed labeling apparatus, precisely placing a workpiece on a gripper device carried by a transfer element mounted to rotate around an axis and driven in rotation, in particular in a certain direction.
• the invention applies more particularly but not exclusively to an apparatus for removing labels from a stack of labels, in particular by the base of this stack, with a view to depositing them each precisely on one of the faces of each of the boxes. of a set of boxes which are moved on a trajectory, with a speed, according to a step, and a direction of movement which are determined.
• the invention applies to an apparatus for removing labels from a stack of labels, in particular by the base of this stack in order to deposit them in a very precise pitch on one face of a strip material, by example, a strip material is intended for packaging articles, such as boxes.
• a station for depositing each label taken from one side of a box of a plurality of boxes moved by a transport device according to a trajectory, with a speed, a step and a direction of movement which are determined,
• a transfer element equipped with at least one gripping device and mounted so that the gripping device follows a trajectory which, at the level of the sampling station, is substantially tangent to the end of the stack d 'Labels and, at the depot, is substantially tangent to a plane in which the face of each box circulates which must receive a label.
• the gripping device is of the type operating by vacuum.
• each label comprises a cut precisely positioned with respect to its edges and the gripping device of the rotary element comprises an element which, when gripping, engages in the cutout so as to ensure a relative positioning of the latter before the depression applies it closely to the gripping device.
• a result which the present invention aims to obtain is an apparatus which, although it operates at a high rate of application, for example from zero (0) to 1600 pieces per minute, allows high precision of the positioning of these pieces on the articles, in a direction parallel to that of scrolling of said articles, and this without resulting in an alteration of said parts.
• the subject of the invention is an apparatus of the aforementioned type comprising in particular a station for successive removal of coins from a stack and a station for depositing each of these coins on one face of a receiving element with, between the two stations, a transfer element, equipped with at least one gripping device, this element being mounted to rotate about an axis and driven in rotation.
• the gripping device of the transfer element is the gripping device of the transfer element
• a transfer surface of shape and extent substantially identical to that of a room, and into which surface opens at least one channel selectively connected to a suction device, by a controlled distribution device,
• the dispensing device is adjusted so as to initialize the application of the part against the transfer surface upstream of the positioning stop, taking account of the direction of rotation of the transfer element, that is to say so such that, when a part is taken from the stack, it is not in contact with said positioning stop,
• the apparatus comprises a repositioning device and this device acts in such a way that, during the movement of the part towards the application station, this part is braked relative to said transfer surface, so that, by sliding of said part against the transfer surface, this part either, by one so-called first of its peripheral edges, brought in contact with the positioning stop, and this, before this same part is presented at the depot.
• FIG. 1 seen laterally and highly diagrammatically, an apparatus according to the invention, in a first embodiment
• FIG. 2 seen laterally and highly diagrammatically, an apparatus according to the invention, in a second embodiment
• FIG. 3 an apparatus according to FIG. 2 seen in cross section of the complete transverse plane
• FIGS 4 to 7 schematic side views of an apparatus according to Figure 2, in different operating phases.
• the apparatus 1 includes:
• a transfer element 8 equipped with at least one gripper device 9, this element being mounted to rotate about an axis 8A and driven in rotation, in particular in a determined direction S8, in such a way that the gripper device 9 describes a trajectory which, at the level of the sampling station 6, is substantially tangent to the end of the stack 3 of coins 2 and, at the level of the deposition station 7, is substantially tangent to the path T45 according which circulates the face 4A, 5A which must receive a coin 2.
• the step P8 according to which the transfer member 8 deposits the parts 2 depends on the diameter of the transfer element 8 and on the number of gripping device 9 that it comprises.
• the gripping device 9 of the transfer element 8 As shown in the drawing, the gripping device 9 of the transfer element 8:
• - comprises a surface 10, called transfer surface, of shape and extent substantially identical to that of a part 2, and in which surface 10 opens at least one channel 11 selectively connected to a device 13 for air suction, by a controlled distribution device 12, so as to selectively ensure, on the one hand, by vacuum, the application and maintenance of the part 2 against the transfer surface 10 then, on the other hand, at least by attenuation of depression, release of room 2,
• the air suction device 13 consists of a suction pump 13.
• the dispensing device 12 is adjusted so as to initialize the application of the part 2 against the transfer surface 10 upstream of the positioning stop 15, taking into account the direction of rotation S8 of the transfer element 8, c '' is to say in such a way that, when a part 2 is taken from the stack 3, it is not in contact with said positioning stopper 15,
• the apparatus 1 further comprises a repositioning device 16 and this device 16 acts in such a way that, during the movement of the part 2 towards the application station 7, this part 2 is braked with respect to said surface 10 transfer, so that by sliding of said part 2 against the transfer surface 10, this part 2 is, by one called first 2A of its peripheral edges, brought into contact with the positioning stop 15, and this, before this same document 2 is presented at the deposit station 7.
• the invention also relates to a method for, in a high-speed labeling apparatus, precisely placing a part 2 on a gripper device 9 carried by an element 8 of transfer rotatably mounted around an axis 8A and driven in rotation, in particular in a determined direction S8, the gripper device 9 comprising:
• a surface 10 called the transfer surface, of shape and extent substantially identical to that of a part 2, and into which surface 10 opens at least one channel 11 selectively connected to an air suction device 13, by a distribution device 12 controlled, so as to, by managing the vacuum, ensure the removal of each part 2 in a so-called withdrawal station 6 then, its at least partial transfer to a station 7 for deposit on at least one face 4A , 5A of a receiving element 4, 5 movable along a path T45,
• At least one positioning stop 15 oriented to cooperate with a part 2 disposed against the transfer surface 10 and constitute a obstacle to the movement of this part 2 in a direction opposite to the direction S8 which is imposed on it by the rotation of the transfer element 8,
• the application of the part 2 is initialized against the transfer surface 10 upstream of the positioning stop 15, taking into account the direction of rotation S8 of the transfer element 8, that is to say in such a way that, when a part 2 is taken from the stack 3, it is not in contact with said positioning stop 15, then
• the part 2 is braked so that, during its movement under the effect of the rotation of the transfer element 8, this part 2 is moved by sliding against said transfer surface 10 to be, by one said first 2A of its peripheral edges, brought into contact with the positioning stop 15, and this, before this same part 2 is presented to the deposition station 7.
• the parts 2 are labels 2 and the receiving elements 4 are boxes 4, one face 4A of which must receive one of the labels 2.
• label 2 used here designates a part 2 made of a sheet material, whether or not this sheet is folded so as to comprise several flaps folded back on themselves, for example in the manner of the flaps of a triptych.
• FIG. 1 a device for depositing each part 2 on a face 4A of receiving element 4 of a plurality of receiving elements 4 which are arranged in a pitch P45 on a transport device 4B and moved by this device 5 along a path T45, with a speed and in a direction S45 which are determined.
• the transport device 4B consists of the belt 4B of a belt conveyor.
• step P45 which separates the receiving elements 4 placed on the transport device 4B is strictly equal to the step P8 according to which the transfer member 8 deposits the parts 2, and
• FIGS. 4 to 7 show a device for depositing each part 2 on a face 5A of a receiving element consisting of a material 5 in a strip, such as a film, which moves along a path T45, with a speed and in a sense S45 which are determined.
• the material 5 in a strip is intended to package receiving elements 4, such as boxes.
• the repositioning device 16 comprises at least one element 12B for interrupting the vacuum applied to the part 2 from the transfer surface 10, and this, during an angular fraction of the rotation, the transfer element 8 which is of at least sufficient value to suppress the energetic application of this part 2 against said transfer surface 10 and allow its sliding on this surface 10, towards the positioning stop 15, taking account of the direction S8 of rotation of the element 8 transfer.
• the repositioning device 16 comprises at least one element, 16B for braking the rotation of the part 2, which is arranged so as to act on this part 2 at the latest after the interruption of the vacuum applied to the part 2 from the transfer surface 10.
• the repositioning device 16 comprises a braking element 16B consisting of a part 16B which, fixed relative to the transfer element 8, on the one hand, has a face 16C arranged to extend to proximity of the passage of a part 2 carried by the transfer element 8 and, on the other hand, comprises a channel 16D which, connected to a suction device 13, opens into said face 16C in such a way that, during of the passage of a part 2, a vacuum is applied to this part 2 in order, in a way, to release it from the transfer surface 10 and, thereby, to slow it down.
• a braking element 16B consisting of a part 16B which, fixed relative to the transfer element 8, on the one hand, has a face 16C arranged to extend to proximity of the passage of a part 2 carried by the transfer element 8 and, on the other hand, comprises a channel 16D which, connected to a suction device 13, opens into said face 16C in such a way that, during of the passage of a part 2, a vacuum is applied to this part 2
• the channel 11 is arranged so as to act on each part 2 in a part of its face applied against the transfer element 8 which is distant from the edge 2A by which this part 2 must come into contact with the positioning stop 15.
• the distribution device 12 to make the distribution device 12,
• the transfer element 8 is constituted by a drum 8 with a tubular wall 8C of revolution comprising an external face 8B of the envelope of revolution, called the external face 8B, and a face 8D called the internal one determining an axial bore,
• each transfer surface 10 is itself constituted by an angular fraction of the external surface 8B,
• the tubular wall 8C is radially crossed by at least one channel 11 which opens into the opposite faces that are the internal face 8D and the external face 8B,
• the axial bore of the transfer element 8 houses a fixed core 8E comprising at least two functional zones Z1, Z2 arranged successively in the direction S8 of rotation of the transfer element 8, of which,
• a first zone Z1 comprising a chamber 12A which, at least indirectly connected to the air suction device 13, opens opposite the internal face 8D, and this, in a first angular sector Z1 whose value and arrangement are determined so as to ensure, by the suction of air via the channel 11 of the transfer element 8, the gripping of a part 2 at the sampling station 6,
• a second zone Z2 comprising a shutter wall 12B which, constituting the element 12B for interrupting the depression, extends opposite the internal face 8D, and this, in a second angular sector Z2 whose value and arrangement are determined so as to cause the closure of the channel 11 of the transfer element 8 and thus the suppression of the suction of air by this channel 11, with the aim of authorizing the at least temporary release of the part 2 in view of its braking.
• the apparatus 1 comprises a device 17 for guiding each part 2 on the path which is imparted to it by the rotation of the transfer element 8, and this, between the zone Z2 in which it is released and deposit station 7.
• this guide device 17 comprises at least one surface 17A disposed opposite the external surface 8B of the transfer element 8.
• the guiding device 17 and the braking device 16 are made in one piece, the guiding device 17 being located downstream of the repositioning device 16 and, this piece has a cutout in which is located at least an adhesive depositing member 18 on the face of the part 2 which is opposite to that applied against the transfer element 8.
• the axial bore of the transfer element 8 which houses a fixed core 8E comprises at least one other functional zone which, called the third zone,
• - Includes an annex chamber which, connected to the air suction device 13, opens opposite the internal 8D face, and this, according to an angular sector whose value and arrangement are determined so as to ensure the air suction through channel 1 1 and energetic maintenance of room 2, at least up to a determined limit L.
• this limit L is located at the level of deposit station 7.
• the sampling station 6 comprises a chute 6A which, intended to receive a stack 3 of parts 2, has at its lower part an opening 6B situated opposite the external surface 8B of the transfer element 8.
• the positioning stop 15 is fixed.
• the positioning stop 15 is formed by one face of a cavity 10A produced in the external face 8B of the transfer element 8.
• the transfer element 8 comprises, produced in its external face 8B,
• At least one cavity 10A of depth P2 at least substantially equal to the thickness of a part 2 and of extent at least sufficient to constitute, on the one hand, the transfer surface 10 capable of accommodating a part 2 at sampling station 6 and, on the other hand, have a stop 15 for positioning a part 2,
• . is arranged in such a way that a part 2 situated at its opening 6B is tangent to the external surface 8B of the transfer element 8, and this, by a zone of one of its opposite faces which adjoins an edge 2B peripheral opposite to that 2A intended to come into contact with the positioning stop 15, and
• . has a first stop 6C arranged to support the part 2 at the edge 2A opposite to that 2B at the level of which said part 2 is, by a face portion, tangent to the transfer element 8,
• . has a second stop 6D arranged to cooperate with the edge 2B at the level of which said part 2 is tangent to the transfer element 8 so as to oppose the transfer of part 2 when it is supported on said surface 8B external of the transfer element 8.
• the positioning stop 15 is carried by a member 15A movable between two positions including, on the one hand, an active position in which the positioning stop 15 is in position to receive in support a part 2 which is moved against the surface 10 for transfer and, on the other hand, a retracted position in which the positioning stop 15 does not constitute an obstacle to the sliding of a part 2 placed on said transfer surface 10,
• this mobile member 15A is actuated by a displacement member 15B so as, in synchronism with the rotation of the transfer element 8,
• the member 15B for moving the member 15A which carries the positioning stop 15 is constituted by a ramp 15B fixed in rotation relative to the transfer element 8.
• the ramp 15B is at least indirectly integral with the fixed core 8E.
• the ramp 15B is carried directly by the core 8E or by a member which is associated with the fixed core 8E by means of a fixing means adjustable in position around the axis 8A of the fixed core 8E.
• the member 15A which carries the positioning stop 15 advantageously consists of an arm 15A of which one end is, relative to the transfer element 8, articulated along an axis 15C substantially parallel to that of rotation 8A of said transfer element 8 and whose other end has, at least indirectly, a surface 15 capable of constituting the positioning stop 15.
• the part 15A which carries the positioning stop 15 is elastically urged towards the ramp 15B by an elastic member for this purpose, such as a spring 15D.
• stops of different heights makes it possible to adapt the device to labels of different thicknesses.
• the positioning stop 15 is retractable allows the external face 8B of the transfer element 8 to rotate as close as possible to each part 2 to be removed, without the transfer element 8 having to include cavity 10A.
• the apparatus 1 comprises a chassis 1A and the fixed core 8E is at least indirectly supported by this chassis 1A, by mechanical assembly.
• the tubular wall 8C of the transfer element 8 is, at one of its ends, integral with a disc 8G itself supported in its center by a shaft 8H which passes axially through the fixed core 8E.
• the shaft 8H is, on the one hand, guided in rotation and immobilized in translation by a device for this purpose, such as a group of two ball bearings 81 which are in turn supported by the chassis 1A and, on the other hand , actuated in rotation by a motor device, such as a functional assembly comprising a first toothed pulley 8J carried by the shaft 8H and with which cooperates a toothed belt 8K moreover engaged on a second toothed pulley 8L, itself carried by a shaft 8M motor.
• the fixed core 8E comprises a housing 8P in which is located a so-called sealing part 8Q connected to the air suction device 13, which sealing part 8Q:
• the obturator wall 12B which, in the second angular sector Z2 extends opposite the internal face 8D of the bore, and
• bearing surface 8R against the internal face 8D, which bearing surface 8R defines at least the opening of the chamber 12A of the transfer element 8 and the extent of the obturating wall 12B,
• the part of the core 8E which comprises the housing 8P, in which said sealing part 8Q is placed has a channel connected to the air suction device 13 by a pipe, and
• said sealing part 8Q has a cut facing this channel.
• the width of the transfer element 8 is, over at least a fraction of its radius measured from its periphery, less than the dimension of the part 2 which extends transversely to this element 8,
• the part 2 is, at the level of the sampling station 6 placed on the transfer element 8, so as to protrude on each side of the surface
• the deposition station 7 comprises at least one applicator member 7A arranged to, on each side of the transfer element 8, act on each part 2 at its parts which are not closely applied against the external surface 8B of said element 8, so as to exert an action of transfer and application of this part 2 to the face 4A, 5A of the support 4, 5 which must receive it.
• each applicator member 7A consists of at least one roller arranged for, at the level of the deposition station 7, acting on a free lateral part of the face of each piece 2 applied to the transfer element 8 (figure 7).

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• 2000
  • 2000-07-21 DE DE60025611T patent/DE60025611T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-07-21 WO PCT/CH2000/000402 patent/WO2002008065A1/fr active IP Right Grant
  • 2000-07-21 AU AU2000259604A patent/AU2000259604A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2000-07-21 EP EP00945512A patent/EP1301402B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime

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