EP1939096A1 - Labelling unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly (A) has a rotatably driveable pallet shaft (6), which bears a pallet (7) coordinating with a label format, and a rotatably driveable gripper cylinder (9), bearing grippers (11) coordinating with the format. A labeling container (4), the pallet and the gripper cylinder are main components, which are convertible for format change. The components define a labeling-transfer path and co-operate with each other, where one of the components is convertible for the format change by a manual or motor co-operating position change within the assembly.

Description

The invention relates to a labeling unit specified in the preamble of claim 1. Art.

The document "Small abc of labeling technology for operators", KRONES AG, Hermann Kronseder, Maschinenfabrik, 93068 Neutraubling, DE, with the number 2500d.03 / 89, explained from page 7 that when changing the label format, the pallets, the Label container and the gripper cylinder must be replaced or supplemented. The necessary work is time consuming and require relatively long downtime for the labeling. In addition, considerable effort for warehousing and logistics is necessary because a variety of label formats exist and a corresponding number of items must be kept at any time findable.

At out DE 7619659 U and DE 198 45 964 A Known labeling is arranged on the pallet shaft a pair of pallet shaft axis mirror-image, identical pallets to achieve a high number of cycles at relatively slow movement of the pallets. For a format change, the pallet shaft must be replaced with the pallets.

At the US 4,589,949 A Known labeling are on the pallet shaft also two identical Pallets arranged. Changing the format requires an exchange of the pallet shaft with the pallets.

At the DE 197 41 476 A Known labeling are mounted several pallet shafts each with a pallet on a pallet carousel. For a format change, the pallets are replaced by pallets matching the new label format.

Out DE 21 16 912 An automatic loading system for the label container of a labeling unit is known. In a rotatably driven cell wheel several filled reserve magazines are kept and aligned one after the other with the label container, before a slide nachfördert the spare labels. The automatic loading system allows the labeling unit to work without interruption.

Another automatic label loading system is known EP 1 314 648 B. Magazines filled with spare labels of the same format are each aligned in a paternoster on the stationary in the labeling, positioned for only one format label container.

The invention has for its object to provide a labeling of the aforementioned type, which allows for a format change an optimally short changeover time and, if necessary, is largely automated operable

The stated object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

Since at least one of the three main assemblies which are responsible for the label transfer, while remaining in the labeling unit manually or motorized a cooperation position change in terms of the new label format is subjected, no or no costly disassembly and replacement work for the format change longer required. The changeover time is optimally short. The labeling unit can, as far as possible be converted automatically, especially in the case of a motorized cooperation position change in the labeling unit. In addition to the advantage of a short changeover time, there is less storage space required and considerably fewer spare parts are required. Conveniently, at least one main assembly is convertible in this way, the conversion by replacement is usually very time consuming and complicated. However, two or even all three main assemblies may be designed for retrofitting in the labeling unit. Particularly expediently, all three main assemblies can be converted by at least label-transferring components by cooperation position changes that can be carried out in the labeling unit.

In an expedient embodiment, label containers are arranged for different label formats in a position changer, such as a turret or a paternoster, such that either each label container is movable in a cooperation position with the pallets. This conversion can be easily done manually, and is particularly motorized controlled. This eliminates the need for format change the disassembly or replacement of each no longer required label container.

In another expedient embodiment, pallets for different label formats are arranged together on the pallet shaft. As usual, multiple pallet shafts may be provided in a pallet carousel. The pallets for the different label formats are expedient offset in the circumferential direction of the pallet shaft. There may be two, three or more pallets. The pallet shaft is for the format change between several cooperation positions between each pallet and located in its cooperation position label container, and the grippers on the gripper cylinder, either manually re-plugged or motorized to the respective required range in the predetermined cooperation position to deliver. If labels are transferred in several floors, of course, several different pallets are arranged in each floor on the pallet shaft corresponding under different label formats.

In a further expedient embodiment, the respective gripper on the gripper cylinder can be set to different cooperation positions with the respective pallet for the format change, and expediently also in different cooperation positions with the container to be labeled. The gripper is converted either manually, or motor, without having to dismantle any significant components of the labeling or the gripper cylinder. Particularly appropriate conversion is even made automatically or remotely controlled.

According to another important aspect, the gripper has an actuator for the gripper timing in relation to the cooperation position with the pallet. The actuator can be operated mechanically or by means of a servomotor, in order to adjust the timing of the gripper to the new label format.

In order to have a wide range of adjustment options, it may be expedient to arrange the gripper in an adjustable manner substantially parallel and / or substantially perpendicular to the gripper cylinder axis. An adjustment of the gripper can be done for example via an electrically adjustable spindle, or by hand by turning such a spindle.

In another expedient embodiment, the gripper can be arranged on a gripper shaft which can be adjusted by an adjusting drive on the gripper cylinder. As a result, different label formats can be processed with a single gripper cylinder.

According to another particularly important feature, the gripper even has an electric or electromagnetic gripper actuating drive, so that the usual cams with followers omitted and adjustments of the gripper operation can be made particularly convenient remote controlled, for example, using stored programs or tables.

Since the pressure element depends on the label format requires certain settings, if a format change takes place, is useful for a as a pressure element a sponge valve arranged sponge on the gripper cylinder an actuator, preferably electrical or electromagnetic nature, provided which allows such adjustments or changes in the cooperation position of the Andruckelements comfortable and without disassembly significant parts of the Etikettieraggregats.

The universal performance of the labeling unit can be optimally utilized if an automatic magazine loading system is placed in front of the label container set in the cooperation position with the pallet. When labeling, as long as a label format is processed, for example, in a single or in each one Tagieretage, no interruptions in operation required because the magazine loading system in the label container enough labels of the processed label format are replenished.

In an expedient, largely automated embodiment of the labeling unit, the electric or electromagnetic actuating or actuating drives are connected to a central electronic control device, which is preferably programmable, at least for changing the cooperation positions on the at least one module. For a format change can thus, for example, with the help of a screen or an input section, all adjustments are carried out from a central location, without having to intervene directly in the labeling.

Fig. 1

eine Schemadraufsicht auf einen Teil einer Etikettiermaschine mit mehreren Etikettieraggregaten,

Fig. 2

eine Palettenwelle mit zwei Paletten für unterschiedliche Etikettenformate,

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf eine Palettenwelle mit drei unterschiedlichen Etikettenformaten zugehörigen Paletten,

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf einen Greifer,

Fig. 5

eine Schemadarstellung eines EtikettenbehälterWechslers, und

Fig. 6

eine Schemadarstellung eines einem Etikettenbehälter zugeordneten, automatischen Beschickungssystems.

Reference to the drawings, embodiments of the subject invention will be explained. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic top view of a part of a labeling machine with several labeling units,

Fig. 2

a pallet shaft with two pallets for different label formats,

Fig. 3

a top view of a pallet shaft with pallets associated with three different label formats,

Fig. 4

a top view of a gripper,

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of a label container changer, and

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of a label container associated automatic feed system.

Fig. 1 schematically shows the structure of a labeling machine M for labeling bottles F. From a linear feeder 1 coming bottles F are separated with a Einteilschnecke 2 and transferred into a rotating bottle table 3. The orbit of the bottle table 3 are assigned in this embodiment, two labeling units A. The first labeling unit A in the direction of rotation of the bottles F is used, for example, for Stanniolieren and for the body and breast labeling, while the second labeling unit for Back labeling can be provided. For each labeling unit A only one labeling is shown, although possibly several. superimposed Etikettieretagen can be provided, for example, three in the first unit.

The labels E to be transferred for labeling are held ready in a label container 4, which is aligned with a pallet-wave carousel 5, on which several pallet shafts 6 are supported in an upright and rotationally driveable manner eccentrically with respect to its axis of rotation. Each pallet shaft 6 carries at least one pallet 7, ie (s. Fig. 2 and 3 ) at least two pallets 7a, 7b or 7c for different label formats. The pallet shaft carousel 5 is assigned a glue roller 8, as well as a gripper cylinder 9 with pressure elements 10 and grippers 11 arranged thereon.

During the rotation of the pallet shaft carousel 5 and the rotational movement of the pallet shafts 6 each pallet 7 is coated on its adhesive surface when passing the glue roller 8 with glue and subsequently passed on the foremost label E in the label container 4, taking with her the label Rear plan on the adhesive surface of the pallet 7 is further transferred to a gripper 11 which grips the label at its front in the transport direction edge, detaches from the pallet 7 and transferred to the bottle F. The bottle F is passed by the turntable 3 on the gripper cylinder 9, wherein the gripper 11 holds the label E while applying the glued side of the bottle F until the pressing member 10 presses the label on the circumference of the bottle. Along the transport route in the bottle table the labels can be treated later as usual with brushes, sponge rolls or the like.

The label container 4, each pallet shaft 6 with at least two pallets 7, and the gripper cylinder with the grippers 11 are three major components of the labeling unit, which cooperate with each other and define a label transfer path. These main assemblies cooperate in respective cooperation positions, whereby in the operational sequence the precise adherence to these label positions depends on co-operation positions.

According to the invention, at least one of the three main assemblies within the labeling unit A allows for co-operative position changes by manual or motor engagement, i.e. cooperative position changes for at least components of the assembly coming into contact with the labels E.

According to Fig.2 are on one and the same pallet shaft 6 at a fixable for example via a clamping block 19 hub 12 two here by 180 ° around the pallet shaft axis circumferentially offset from each other pallets 7a, 7b arranged. Each pallet 7a, 7b is designed for transferring a specific label format, the two label formats being different from one another, ie, for example, the adhesive surfaces 13, 14 of the two pallets 7a, 7b have different sizes and / or outlines.

In Fig. 2 Two different ways of changing the cooperation position are indicated. For a manual change of the cooperation position, the pallet shaft 6 has a polygonal extension 16, here for example one Square, to set the pallet shaft after pulling out, turning by 180 °, and re-plugging to work with one or the other range 7a, 7b. A second possibility is given by the fact that, for example between the not shown palette-wave carousel and the pallet shaft 6, an electric or electromotive actuator 18 is provided with a drive connection 17 to the pallet shaft 6 relative to the pallet carousel by 180 ° in the required for each pallet Turn 7a or 7b intended cooperation or waiting position or turn back, expediently remotely controlled.

In Fig. 3 On the pallet shaft 6, even three pallets 7a, 7b and 7c offset by 120 ° from each other about the axis of the pallet shaft are arranged on a hub 12, in each case for a label format with adhesive surfaces 13, 14, 15. The pallet shaft 6 has, for example, a hexagon as a polygonal projection 16, and can be pulled out manually, rotated by 120 ° and reinserted to respectively set a desired pallet 7a, 7b or 7c in a new cooperation position with the label container 4. As a second alternative, the actuator 18 may be provided with the drive connection 17 to rotate the pallet shaft 6 relative to the pallet shaft carousel and remotely controlled.

As a further adjustment within the labeling A, if necessary, the hub 12 can be adjusted in the axial direction on the pallet shaft 6 to make a cooperation position change in the height direction, either manually or by means of a remote-controlled actuator, not shown.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a schematically indicated gripper 11 for taking over the glued label from the respective pallet. The gripper 11 is mounted with gripper arms 21, 22 on a gripper shaft 23 on the gripper cylinder 9 not shown in detail and has, for example, between the free ends of the gripper arms 21, 22 an electric or electromagnetic actuator 20, for example, electromagnet. The actuator 20 could be designed to not only allow for an adjustment of the cooperating position of the gripper 11 relative to the pallet, but the actuator 20 could simultaneously be the actuator for the gripper 11 to engage the gripper arms 21, 22 at a selectable timing and optionally a selectable stroke relative to the rotational movement of the gripper cylinder 9 to operate. The gripper 11 could be adjustable on the gripper shaft 23 in the axial direction, for example by means of an actuating drive 25 and a drive connection 24, for example by means of a screw spindle. A further adjustment possibility can be given by (not shown) that the gripper shaft 23 can be adjusted substantially radially and / or in the circumferential direction relative to the gripper cylinder 9, either manually or by motor. Although the gripper 11 in Fig. 4 is shown with two pivotable gripper arms 21, 22, the gripper 11 could also have only one gripper arm, which is movable relative to a stationary, and suitably adjustable, abutment edge.

Fig. 5 shows a trained example as a revolver or paternoster label container changer 26, at the example offset by 120 ° three different Label containers 4a, 4b, 4c, each for a label format E1, E2, E3 are attached. For example, the label tray 4a is set straight into its cooperation position with the pallets to process the label format E1, while the other label boxes 4b, 4c are in standby or waiting position for the other label formats E2, E3. By means of an actuator 28 and a drive connection 27, the changer 26 can be adjusted in 120 ° increments to bring the respectively required label container in the cooperation position.

Furthermore, in Fig. 5 indicated that the currently active label container 4a for the label format E1 is associated with an automatic loading system 29, with the label format A1 is continuously supplied.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the interaction between an exemplary embodiment of the automatic loading system 29 and the label container 4b for the label format E2. The label container 4b is in its cooperation position with the pallets and is in Fig. 6 indicated to supreme. In a paternoster 32 successively filled with the label format E2 magazines 30 are supplied in the counterclockwise direction, which are fed by a belt feed conveyor 33 and successively passed to the paternoster 32. Empty cassettes 31 are conveyed away in the paternoster 32 and transferred to a belt discharge conveyor 34. In a format change, for example, to the label container 4a for the label format E1, as in Fig. 5 are shown, instead of the magazines 30, 31 for the label format E2 correspondingly shaped magazines for the label format E1 fed and discharged.

The labeling machine M or each labeling unit A can be controlled by a central control device in order to move the respective actuating or actuating drives in the case of the above-described motor-driven cooperation position changes. This can for example be done remotely using a screen and an input section using programmed settings, so that in the labeling no significant manual intervention is required. But it can also be simple variety selector switch or the like. Elements are provided. A shortening of the changeover time is already possible if only one of the three main assemblies within the labeling is switchable. In terms of automation as far as possible, however, it is expedient to adjust all three main assemblies motorized accordingly. With regard to the label containers and the pallets, according to the invention, in each case a multiple assembly is provided and cooperation position changes are made either manually (in a simple embodiment) or by motor. With regard to the grippers, structural conditions have been created in order to be able to adjust the timing and the cooperation position of each gripper individually either manually or even by motor means.

Since the pressing elements 10 play an important role in labeling, and are usually formed by sponges on sponge shifters, it is expedient to provide a manual or motorized Umstellmöglichkeit for a format change even with the pressing elements.

Claims (12)

Labeling unit (A) for labeling containers (F), in particular bottles, with at least one label container (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) matched to the label format, at least one at least rotationally driven pallet shaft (6), the at least one pallet matched to the label format (7, 7a, 7b, 7c), and a rotatably drivable gripper cylinder (9) carrying on the label format gripper (11), wherein the label container, the pallet and the gripper cylinder three defining a label transfer path, cooperating with each other and for a format change convertible main modules of the labeling are characterized in that for the format change at least one of the three main assemblies while remaining in the labeling (A) by a manual or motor cooperation position change within the labeling (A) is convertible. Labeling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that all three main assemblies while remaining in the labeling unit (A) by cooperation position changes at least on labels (E1, E2, E3) transferring components are convertible. Labeling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that label containers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) for a first and for at least one further label format in a position changer, preferably a revolver or paternoster, and optionally each label container (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) in a cooperation position with the pallet (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) is movable. Labeling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that on the pallet shaft (6) pallets (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) are arranged together for different label formats, preferably offset in the circumferential direction of the pallet shaft axis two, three or more pallets (7, 7a, 7b 7c), and in that the pallet shaft (6) can be moved manually around the pallet shaft axis between a plurality of cooperation positions between each pallet (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) and the label container (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) in its cooperation position is adjustable by motor. Labeling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripper (11) on the gripper cylinder (9) is selectively adjustable in different cooperation positions with the respective pallet (7, 7a, 7b, 7c). Labeling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripper (11) has a gripper own actuator (20) for the gripper timing in relation to the cooperation position with the pallet (7, 7a, 7b, 7c). Labeling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripper (11) is substantially parallel and / or substantially perpendicular to the gripper cylinder axis adjustable, preferably via at least one electrically adjustable spindle (23). Labeling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripper (11) is arranged on a by an adjusting drive (25) on the gripper cylinder (9) adjustable gripper shaft (23). Labeling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripper (11) has a gripper own electric or electromagnetic gripper actuator drive (20). Labeling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure element (10) is a sponge arranged on a sponge, and that for the sponge valve on the gripper cylinder (9) an actuating drive, preferably electrical or electromagnetic nature, is provided. Labeling unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an automatic magazine loading system (29) is connected in front of each of the label containers (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) set in the cooperation position with the pallet (7, 7a, 7b, 7c). Labeling unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric or electromagnetic actuating or actuating drives are connected at least for changing the cooperation positions to a central, preferably programmable, electronic control device, and are remotely adjustable for a format change using a screen and an input section.

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