EP1820735B2 - Machine for decorating bottles or similar containers, in particular labelling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Machine has transportation unit (9) for moving the containers (2) on a transport route in a machine frame (8) as well as by a labeling device (11). The centering unit (19) is fixed independently, i.e. separately from the machine on the floor. The centering device is formed by the centering and docking unit, located at central bearing, having a centering and support bearing (21) as well as by an aggregate-sided centering or docking unit, which co-operates with the former centering and docking unit, and that the respective centering and support bearings are fastened on the floor.

Description

The invention relates to a machine according to the preamble of claim 1, as represented by the WO 2005/068302 A1 has become known.

A machine is known for equipping bottles or similar containers in the form of a circulating labeling machine (US Pat. DE 202 21 208 U1 ), in which at the periphery of a circumferentially driven about a vertical machine axis rotor labeling several freestanding, ie are arranged with their own feet on a floor. In order to achieve the alignment of the labeling units with respect to the machine frame required for the proper application of the equipment elements or labels on the bottles or containers, elements for determining the position of the respective labeling unit relative to the machine frame are additionally provided on the periphery of the machine frame.

The principal advantage of such a machine is that, by replacing one or more labeling units, it is possible to easily change the machine from one container type or size to another type or size of container and / or from one equipment to another without any great expenditure of time , In particular, adjustment and adjustment and / or repairs to the labeling separately from the labeling, and thus can be performed without interrupting production. A disadvantage of the known machine, however, is that the alignment of the respective labeling unit based on provided on the machine frame centering, which u.a. there is a risk of damage to the labeling machine or to the machine frame during handling of the heavy-duty labeling units. Furthermore, the centering are difficult to access, which means a cumbersome handling.

The object of the invention is to provide a machine for equipping bottles or similar containers, which allows a simplified docking of the units to the periphery of the machine without the risk of damage while maintaining the basic advantage of replaceable labeling. To solve this problem, a machine for equipping bottles or similar containers according to claim 1 is formed.

In the machine according to the invention, the centering means used for the aligned arrangement of the respective labeling unit are separate from the machine on the ground, e.g. at the bottom of a hall in which the machine is installed, provided on a support and bearing support which rests on the ground separately from the machine. These centering and docking then cause the docking in their interaction automatically the respective height adjustment and the orientation of the labeling in relation to the labeling. In this case, the orientation of the labeling unit 11 in the rotational position about an axis parallel to the unit axis (EA) is preferably determined. Preferably, the centering and docking units also form a load-bearing or -aufnehmendes support or a load-transmitting or - receiving support for the labeling, which then in this case, for example, only in the region of the machine frame remote side z. B. rises above height-adjustable feet on the floor.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bearing formed by at least one centering-side centering and docking unit and at least one unit-side centering and docking unit is adapted to pivot about a horizontal or approximately horizontal axis to adjust the inclination of the Labeling unit against the horizontal. For this purpose, the labeling is based on at least one adjustable in height foot on the ground or ground. The pivoting possibility for adjusting the inclination is achieved, for example, that the at least one centering-side and / or aggregate-side centering and docking a support surface for a mating surface on the at least one aggregate-side and / or centering center centering and docking unit, the (bearing surface) to at least one axis is curved or convexly curved parallel to the pivot axis.

In the invention, the machine frame is centered centered on centering and support bearings for each at least one labeling.

The machine according to the invention also has the advantage of an unproblematic, rapid exchange of the labeling units, for example for setting up or changing the machine to another type and / or size of the container, to a different type of equipment, etc.

Fig. 1

in vereinfachter Darstellung eine Draufsicht auf eine Maschine zum Ausstatten von Flaschen oder dergleichen Behälter in Form einer Etikettiermaschine umlaufender Bauart;

Fig. 2

in Seitenansicht eines der an der Peripherie der Maschine bzw. des Maschinenrahmens oder -gestells angeordneten wechselbaren Etikettieraggregate, zusammen mit einer Teildarstellung des Maschinenrahmens bzw. Maschinentisches und des um eine vertikale Maschinenachse umlaufend angetriebenen Rotors der Etikettiermaschine;

Fig. 3 und 4

in vereinfachter Einzeldarstellung und in verschiedenen Ansichten eines der Stütz- oder Zentrierlager, die an der Peripherie des den Rotor aufweisenden Maschinengestells und von diesem Gestell beabstandet auf einem Untergrund bzw. Boden eigenständig befestigt sind;

Fig. 5

in einer Darstellung ähnlich Figur 2 eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 6 und 7

in verschiedenen perspektivischen Darstellungen eines der Zentrier- und Stützlager der Etikettiermaschine der Figur 5.

The invention will be described below with reference to the FIGS. 5 to 7 explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, wherein the FIGS. 1 to 4 to serve as an explanation. Show it:

Fig. 1

in a simplified representation of a plan view of a machine for furnishing bottles or the like container in the form of a rotary labeling machine;

Fig. 2

in side view of the arranged at the periphery of the machine or the machine frame or frame interchangeable labeling units, together with a partial view of the machine frame or machine table and about a vertical machine axis rotatably driven rotor of the labeling machine;

3 and 4

in simplified detail and in different views of one of Support or centering bearing, which are independently mounted on the periphery of the rotor frame having the machine frame and spaced from this frame on a ground or ground;

Fig. 5

similar in a presentation FIG. 2 an embodiment of the invention;

6 and 7

in various perspective views of one of the centering and support bearings of the labeling of the FIG. 5 ,

The in the Figures 1 - 4 generally designated 1 labeling machine is used for equipping, ie for labeling bottles 2, which are supplied via a feed dog 3 a container inlet 4 and a local inlet or Übergabestem4.1 upright, ie oriented with their bottle axis in the vertical direction. After labeling, the bottles 2 are transferred to a container outlet 5 or with a local outlet or transfer 5.1 there again to a feed dog 3 and fed upright on this another use.

Described in more detail, the labeling machine 1 is of such a circulating design, i. she has u.a. on a with several feet 6 on the ground or floor 7 upright machine frame 8 a driven around a vertical machine axis in the direction of arrow B rotatably driven rotor 9, at the periphery in the manner known to those skilled in a variety of footprints are formed on the Bottles 2 each handed over to the container inlet 4 individually and on which the bottles 2 are held during the labeling process by a respective stamp provided on each floor stamp 10 by clamping between this stamp and the base.

At the periphery of the machine frame 8 and the rotor 9 a plurality of labeling units 11 are provided, of which in the FIGS. 1 and 2 for the sake of simplicity, only one is shown. The labeling units 11, which have all the necessary for the application of labels 12 on the bottles 2 functional elements are free-standing and arranged with the rotor 9 not circumferentially on the periphery of the machine frame 8, and interchangeable, so that the labeling machine 1 only by replacing the labeling 12 can be easily and without much time from a bottle or container type or size to another bottle or container type or size and / or from a label or style to another label or equipment style, etc. can be changed.

How the particular FIG. 2 is at the periphery of the machine frame 8 and the rotor 9 and in the illustrated embodiment, even below a vertical machine axis concentrically enclosing annular machine table 8.1 each where a labeling unit 11 is arranged or can be arranged, a centering and support bearings 13th provided, which is independently, that is not attached to the machine frame 8 or another element of the machine attached to the bottom 7 or provided on the floor.

The centering and support bearing 13 consists in the illustrated embodiment of a plate-shaped support 13.1, for example, with several feet 13.2, with which the horizontal support 13.1 on the floor 7 is upstanding and mounted on this.

At the top of the centering and support bearing 13 and the support 13.1, a centering and docking unit 14 is provided, which in the illustrated embodiment of an attached to the support 13.1 and wegstehende about this carrier guide member 15 and two centering and coupling elements 16th exists, which are offset with mounted centering and support bearing 13 in the circumferential direction of the machine table 8.1 against each other. Each centering-bearing-side centering and coupling element 16 is placed on a unit-side centering and coupling element 17 from above when the labeling unit 11 is positioned on the labeling machine 1. The aggregate-side centering and coupling elements 17 are each provided at one end of a carrier 18, as well as the centering and coupling elements 17 are part of a unit-side centering and docking unit 19, which on a machine frame 8 facing end face 11.1 of the labeling unit 11 via this Endside wegstehend is provided.

In the in the Figures 1 - 4 illustrated embodiment, the two Zentrierlagerseitigen centering and coupling elements 16 are formed spherical head. The aggregate-side centering and coupling elements 17 in each case form a recess 17.1 adapted to the spherical head form, in which a centering and coupling element 16 is received in each case at the labeling unit 11 positioned at the periphery of the labeling machine 1, in such a way that the labeling unit is in the region of its End face 11.1 via the two, each resting on a centering and coupling element 16 centering and coupling elements 17 supporting the load on the centering and support bearings 13 and at the local centering and docking unit 14.

Since the respective centering and support bearing 13 was exactly aligned and adjusted during assembly of the labeling machine 1, wherein in particular the height of the coupling elements 16 has been set precisely, the respective labeling unit 11 after docking with the centering and support bearing 13 through the two there centering and coupling elements 16 and by the two aggregate-side centering and coupling elements 17 with their adapted to the centering and coupling elements 16 recesses 17.1 necessary for labeling alignment in particular also with respect to its unit axis EA and at least on the front side 11.1 and the Required altitude with respect to the machine table 8.1 and the rotor 9 on.

In the area of the centering and support bearing 13 remote end face 11.2, the labeling 11 is based on at least one foot 20 on the floor 7 from. When in the FIG. 2 shown embodiment, such a foot is provided. As indicated by the double arrow C, the feet 20 are height adjustable. As a result, an adjustment of the inclination of the labeling 11 and the unit axis EA is possible, namely pivoting the labeling 11 to the centering of the centering and coupling elements 16 and the aggregate-side centering and coupling elements 17 formed pivot bearing, which is one for the setting of Slope sufficiently large swivel angle allows. The centering center-side centering and coupling elements 16 are for this purpose, as stated, designed like a ball head. Other forms are conceivable, for example, the formation of these centering and coupling elements as a pin, which at its upper, on the support 13.1 projecting end to which the aggregate-side centering and coupling elements 17 are placed from above, kugelkalottenartig or at least at least a perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis EA oriented spatial or axis of curvature are convex. By the guide member 15, the docking of the respective Etikettieraggregates is facilitated to the centering and support bearing 13.

Each labeling unit 11 has its own drive for its functional units. This drive is, for example, synchronized electrically with the drive of the rotor 9. Furthermore, the functional elements of the labeling are at least partially adjustable on a frame of this unit provided. The peculiarity of the labeling machine 1 is thus that the respective labeling 11 is mounted on its side facing the machine frame or the rotor 9 side 11.1 on a centering and support bearing 13 which is completely independent of the machine frame 8 fixed to the floor 7.

By using the centering and support bearing 13, it is ensured on the one hand that the respective labeling unit 11 during docking has the orientation and height necessary for the labeling with respect to the machine or the rotor 9, i. a height adjustment especially on the machine frame 8 side facing 11,1 is not necessary. By using a stand-alone centering and support bearing 13 fastened to the base 7 for each labeling unit 11, a weight reduction of the machine frame 8 and a mechanical separation between the machine frame and the respective labeling unit 11 are achieved, so that in particular mechanical vibrations of the machine frame 8, the z. B. generated by the rotating rotor 9, not be transferred to the respective labeling unit 11.

By using an independent centering and support bearing 13 for the respective labeling 11 further damage to the labeling or on the machine frame 8 when docking and / or removing the relatively heavy labeling units are effectively avoided, especially with the appropriate training also has the opportunity provide respective centering and support bearing 13 sufficiently far away from the side of the machine frame 8, for example, such that it, as in the FIG. 2 shown with broken lines 13a, relative to the periphery of the machine table 8.1 radially outwardly below the labeling unit 11 is located. The unit-side centering and docking unit 19 with the unit-side docking elements 17 is then also provided on the underside of the labeling unit 11.

The FIG. 5 shows in a presentation like FIG. 2 a labeling machine 1a, which differs from the labeling machine 1 essentially only in that instead of the centering and support bearings 13 and 13a centering and support bearings 21 are provided on which both the machine frame 8 with shortened feet 6a, and the support respective labeling unit 11 on the side 11.1. The centering and support bearings 21 are again provided where a labeling unit 11 is arranged or can be arranged. Preferably, where the machine frame 8 has a foot, a centering and support bearing 21 is provided.

Each centering and support bearing 21 consists of a support 21.1 and 21.2 of several feet, with which the carrier 21.1 and the centering and support bearing 21 is mounted independently standing on the floor 7. On the carrier, the centering center centering and docking unit 14 is provided for the respective labeling unit 11, which has the two centering and coupling elements 16, on which then docked labeling unit 11 each an aggregate-side centering and coupling element 17 is placed from above, like this in connection with the Figures 1 - 4 has been described.

On carrier 21.1 two receptacles 22 are further formed, in each of which a centering projection 23 engages. This centering projection 23 is fastened to the underside of the foot 6a which is supported on the centering and support bearing 21 or on the support 21.1.

By this construction, it follows that the respective centering and support bearing 21, although stand alone on the floor 7, as well as the centering-side centering and docking unit 14 are aligned exactly with respect to the machine or the machine frame 8. After docking of the respective labeling unit 11 with the unit-side centering and docking unit 19 on the centering-bearing-side centering and docking unit 14 provided on the upper side of the carrier 21.1, the labeling unit 11 is also exactly in relation to height adjustment and orientation of its axis EA to the labeling machine or to the machine frame 8 aligned, for example, with the axis EA radially to the vertical machine axis of the rotor 9. Due to the height-adjustable feet 20 in this embodiment, in turn, a setting of the definition of the labeling 11th possible, as in the FIG. 5 is also indicated by the double arrow C.

Both labeling machines 1 and 1a have in common that the respective labeling unit is not supported directly on the machine frame 8 and that in particular also serving to determine the position or orientation of the respective labeling unit 11 means (centering and docking units 14 and 19 and the local coupling and Centering elements 16 and 17) are not provided on the machine frame 8, but to a separate, separate from the machine frame 8 centering and support bearings 13 and 21st

The labeling machine 1a basically has the same advantages as stated above for the labeling machine 1, namely the possibility of a quick and easy replacement of labeling 11 relief of the machine frame 8 by the weight of the respective labeling unit 11, an automatic alignment of the labeling 11 after the docking with respect to the labeling, improved accessibility, reducing the risk of damage to the labeling machine or machine frame 8 when docking and removing the labeling units 11, the possibility of adjusting the inclination of the labeling and in particular a mechanical decoupling between labeling and Labeling machine or machine frame 8.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

• 1.1a labeling machine
• 2 bottle
• 3 transporter
• 4 container inlet
• 4.1 inlet
• 5 container outlet
• 5.1 outlet temp
• 6, 6a foot of the machine frame
• 7 surface or ground
• 8 machine frame
• 9 rotor
• 10 stamps
• 11 labeling unit
• 11.1, 11.2 Page of the labeling unit 11
• 12 label
• 13 centering and support bearings
• 13.1 Carrier
• 13.2 feet
• 14 centering center centering and docking unit
• 15 guide element
• 15.1 guide surface
• 16 center bearing side centering and coupling element
• 17 unit-side centering and coupling element
• 17.1 Opening or recording
• 18 carrier or support element for the aggregate-side centering and coupling elements
• 19 unit-side centering and docking unit
• 20 height adjustable foot
• 21 centering and support bearings
• 21.1 carriers
• 21.2 feet
• 22 recording
• 23 Justierelement- or projection on the foot 6a

• A transport direction of the bottles 2
• B direction of rotation of the rotor 9
• C Height adjustment of the labeling unit
• EA central axis of the labeling unit 11

Claims (16)

1. Machine for decorating bottles (2) or similar containers, with at least one conveyor element (9) for moving the containers (2) on a conveyor section on a machine frame (8), and with at least one labelling unit (11) which is arranged at the side of the conveyor section and is arranged free-standing on a floor (7) and centred by centring elements (16, 17) with respect to the conveyor section, wherein

   - centring means (14, 19), that ensure the aligned arrangement of the respective labelling unit (11), are secured to the floor by means of an independent centring and support bearing (21), i.e. separately from the machine,
   characterised in that

   - the machine frame (8) is supported likewise centred on the centring and support bearing (21).
2. Machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the centring means (14, 19) are formed by a centring and docking unit (14) provided on at least one centring and support bearing (21), and by a centring and docking unit (19) on the unit side co-operating therewith, and that the respective centring and support bearing (21) is fastened independently to the floor (7).
3. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in order to adjust the inclination of the labelling unit (11), the centring means or the centring and docking unit (14, 19) forming these, on the centring bearing side and/or the unit side, are formed about a horizontal or approximately horizontal swivel axis, such as to allow a swivelling movement which allows for the adjustment of the inclination.
4. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the labelling unit (11) has at least one height-adjustable foot (20).
5. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one centring and docking unit (14) on the centring bearing side, and/or the at least one centring and docking unit (19) on the unit side forms at least one supporting surface, against which the centring and docking unit (19) on the unit side or the centring and docking unit (14) on the centring bearing side is in contact with an opposing surface.
6. Machine according to claim 5, characterised in that the supporting surface is curved in convex fashion at least about one axis parallel to the swivel axis.
7. Machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the at least one supporting surface is formed as spherical or partially spherical.
8. Machine according to any one of claims 5-7, characterised in that the at least one supporting surface is formed from a surface or part surface of a circular cylinder.
9. Machine according to any one of claims 5-8, characterised in that the centring and docking unit (14) has at least two spatially separated supporting surfaces or coupling and centring elements (16).
10. Machine according to claim 9, characterised in that the at least two supporting surfaces are offset with respect to each other in the direction of the swivel axis.
11. Machine according to any one of claims 5-10, characterised in that the supporting surface is formed by a centring and coupling element.
12. Machine according to claim 11, characterised in that the centring and coupling element (16) is a spherical head or a rod rounded at one end.
13. Machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the centring and coupling element is a pin.
14. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the machine frame (8) is supported by feet (6a) on the centring and support bearing (21).
15. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the conveyor element is a rotor (9) which can be driven such as to circulate about a vertical machine axis.
16. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the centring and docking unit (14) and/or the coupling or centring elements (16) determine at least the orientation of the labelling unit (11) on the centring bearing side in terms of its height and/or in the swivelling position about an axis parallel to the unit axis (EA).

Images