EP2279955B1

EP2279955B1 - A method and equipment for applying labels to products

Info

Publication number: EP2279955B1
Application number: EP20100169714
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mario Spatafora
Original assignee: GD SpA
Current assignee: GD SpA
Priority date: 2009-07-28
Filing date: 2010-07-15
Publication date: 2013-12-25
Anticipated expiration: 2030-07-15
Also published as: IT1394966B1; EP2279955A1; ITBO20090494A1

Abstract

Labels are affixed to consumer products by a method that involves feeding single products (3) along a conveying line (4), gluing an area of each product (3) fed along the line (4), and applying labels (2) singly and in ordered succession to the glued areas of the advancing products (3). The glue is sprayed onto a frontal surface of each product (3) utilizing a glue delivery system (20) that comprises first and second sets (21, 22) of spray guns (23, 24) occupying a given position above the conveying line (4). The spray guns (24) of the second set are capable of movement from a first operating position alongside the guns (23) of the first set, to a second operating position rotated angularly from the first operating position, in which glue can be sprayed alternatively onto a lateral surface of the product (3).

Description

The present invention relates to a method of applying labels to consumer products according to the preamble of claim 1, and to equipment according to the preamble of claim 2 capable of implementing such a method, intended particularly for use in machines such as cigarette packers and the like, and as known from EP 1 964 783 A2 .
It is the practice currently for manufacturers to affix printed stamps or labels to certain classes of consumer products, typically packets of cigarettes, indicating compliance with particular requirements such as the payment of excise duties. In the case of cigarette packets, in particular, labels of the type in question are generally applied (to the rear face, for example) before the selfsame packets are enveloped in an overwrapping film of pliable transparent material, so as to remain visible for as long as the packets remain unopened. In the case of one conventional method, more specifically, such labels are applied to rigid hinge-lid packets in a position straddling the crease line along which the lid is flipped open and shut. To comply with different statutory requirements, the labels can be affixed entirely to the rear surface of the packet alone, or alternatively, wrapped around one corner edge in such a way that a portion of the label occupies one flank face of the packet, sealing a part of the joint line between the lid and the body of the packet. In this latter instance, the labels can also be provided advantageously with a tear line, positionable over the aforementioned joint line and serving thus to facilitate the operation of breaking open the packet.
An example of a cigarette packet provided with a revenue stamp or label of the type mentioned above is disclosed in patent application EP 967161 .
The prior art embraces equipment for the purpose of affixing the printed stamps or labels in question to packets of cigarettes, such as will apply a suitable glue to each of the single packets in turn, at the point where the label will be positioned. The single printed labels are either taken up from a stack of ready-cut labels, or cut from a roll of strip material, and thereupon affixed to each packet at the aforementioned point prepared previously by applying glue. In particular, it the practice to use spray guns by which glue is applied to the packets in a series of single shots, for example producing four dabs spaced apart appropriately one from another.
Prior art solutions in this field do not fully meet the needs of manufacturers, particularly with regard to their utilization on cigarette packers in service today, which are capable of operating at notably high production speeds. In particular, it has been observed that any change in the positioning of the labels tends to be problematical and takes a considerable amount of time to accomplish, thus penalizing the output capacity of the cigarette packer. In effect, to position the printed labels both flat and cornerwise, the items of equipment in question utilize two sets of spray guns, placed respectively above and to one side of the line along which the packets are fed through the cigarette packer. Clearly, when affixing the labels to just one main face of the packet, only the overhead spray guns will be used, while the spray guns placed to the side of the line remain inactive; conversely, when the labels are affixed cornerwise, the side spray guns will also be activated, with certain of the overhead spray guns remaining inactive. This in any event dictates a stoppage of the machine that is by no means negligible, given that the hitherto inactive spray guns must be heated up to a suitable operating temperature. Before production can be resumed, moreover, it will often be necessary to purge residual glue from the spray guns; this likewise is an operation dictating a stoppage time of not inconsiderable duration.
The object of the present invention is to overcome the problems aforementioned, providing a method by which labels can be applied with optimum efficiency to consumer products, typically packets of cigarettes and the like, in machines utilized for packaging the products in question, and in particular, such as will allow the positioning of the labels to be changed quickly and easily.
A further object of the present invention is to provide equipment for applying printed labels, capable of implementing the method disclosed, and designed in particular for use in conjunction with packaging machines capable of high operating speeds.
Another object of the present invention is to provide equipment for applying printed labels, in which the components delivering the glue can be cleaned quickly and easily.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide equipment characterized by simple design, in terms of construction and operation, such as will be dependable, versatile, and relatively inexpensive to carry into effect.
The stated objects are realized, according to the present invention, in a method and equipment for applying printed labels to consumer products as recited in claims 1 and 2 appended.
The method of applying labels according to the present invention involves spraying glue onto a frontal surface of each product by means of a glue delivery system comprising a first set and a second set of spray components, occupying a predetermined position above the conveying line carrying the products. The second set of spray components is movable from a first operating position alongside the first set of spray components, to a second operating position rotated angularly from the first operating position, in such a way that glue can be directed alternatively onto the lateral surface of the selfsame product.
The method of applying labels to consumer products according to the present invention is implemented by equipment utilizing a glue delivery system that comprises a first set of spray components occupying a predetermined position above the conveying line carrying the products, by which glue is deposited on a frontal surface of each product, and a second set of spray components movable between a first operating position alongside the first set of spray components, in which glue is deposited likewise on the frontal surface of the product, directed at an area alongside the area on which glue is deposited by the first set of spray components, and a second operating position rotated angularly from the first operating position, in which glue can be directed alternatively at a lateral surface of the selfsame product.
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a front elevation view of equipment according to the invention for applying labels to consumer products;
figures 2, 3 and 4 are cross sections taken through the equipment, illustrating a glue delivery system viewed in the course of different operating steps;
figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 illustrate the glue delivery system schematically and in perspective, viewed in the course of different operating steps;
figures 11 and 12 show a side view and a plan view, respectively, of folding means associated with equipment for applying printed labels to consumer products according to the invention.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, numeral 1 denotes equipment, in its entirety, for applying printed revenue stamps or labels 2 to consumer products; such equipment is intended, more specifically, for use in packaging machines turning out packets 3 of cigarettes or similar items. The packets 3 are fed along a conveying line 4 on a substantially horizontal surface, driven at constant pace in the direction of the arrow denoted A. The conveying line 4 consists for example in flexible means, such as a timing belt 5, furnished with suitably proportioned ridges 6 between which the single packets 3 are retained.
The printed labels 2 are supplied serially to a transfer device 7 and placed singly and in succession on the packets 3 by this same device, affixed to an area rendered tacky beforehand by applying glue. The transfer device 7 consists essentially in a disc 8 rotatable about a horizontal axis disposed transversely to the conveying line 4, and driven in rotation at a peripheral speed matched to the linear speed of the conveying line 4. The disc 8 presents a set of operating heads 9 around the periphery, designed to receive and retain single labels 2 for application to the packets 3. The peripheral surface of each operating head 9 is in fluid communication with ducts 10 connectable to vacuum means in such a way that a degree of suction can be generated through the selfsame peripheral surfaces sufficient to retain the labels 2 for application to the packets 3.
Operating in conjunction with the disc 8 of the transfer device 7 is a scoring unit 11 such as will cut an oblique tear line in each successive label 2, designed ultimately to coincide with a lateral line along which the packet opens, as will be explained more fully in due course. The scoring unit 11 presents a scoring roller 12 driven in rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of the disc 8 of the transfer device 7, turning at the same peripheral speed and in the opposite direction. The scoring roller 12 will be equipped with at least one peripheral blade serving to score the aforementioned tear line in the label 2. The scoring unit 11 is mounted with freedom of movement between a position of disengagement, distanced from the disc 8, and an operating position in which the scoring roller 12 revolves substantially tangential and counter to the selfsame disc 8. In the operating position, the peripheral speeds of the scoring roller 12 and of the disc 8 are identical.
The equipment comprises a glue delivery system, denoted 20 in its entirety, located directly above the conveying line 4 and upstream of the transfer device 7, relative to the feed direction followed by the packets 3. The glue delivery system essentially comprises a first set of spray components 21 occupying a predetermined position above the conveying line 4, by which glue is deposited on a frontal surface of each packet 3, and a second set of spray components 22 movable between a first operating position alongside the first set of spray components 21, and a second operating position rotated angularly from the first operating position. Thus, the spray components 22 of the second set are able to deposit glue on the aforementioned frontal surface of the packet 3, directed at an area adjacent to that on which glue is deposited by the first set of spray components 21, or alternatively, to direct the glue at a lateral surface of the selfsame packet 3.
The spray components consist advantageously of spray guns widely utilized in the particular sector of interest. In particular, the two sets of spray components 21 and 22 comprise respective pairs of spray guns 23 and 24 occupying staggered positions along the longitudinal axis of the conveying line 4, which can be activated in sequence so as to direct single shots of glue at the packets 3 advancing along the selfsame conveying line 4. Self-evidently, a different number of spray guns might be utilized to equally good effect.
More precisely, the second set of spray components 22 is carried by a frame 25 associated rigidly with a shaft 26, pivotable in relation to the fixed structure of the equipment, occupying a plane transverse to the conveying line 4 and inclined at an angle substantially of 45° relative to the horizontal. The shaft 26 is rotatable selectively in such a way as to bring about the movement of the second set of spray components 22 from the first operating position, alongside the first set of spray components 21, to the second operating position rotated angularly away from the first position. More exactly, in the first operating position, the spray guns 24 of the second set of spray components 22 are positioned with their axes substantially vertical, parallel thus to the spray guns 23 of the first set of spray components 21 (figure 2); following a rotation of the frame 25 substantially through 180°, the spray guns 24 of the second set of spray components 22 assume a position in which their axes are substantially horizontal, disposed transversely to the conveying line 4 (figure 4).
In practice, the aforementioned angular rotation of the second set of spray components 22 has the effect of positioning the relative spray guns 24 at a level below the plane in which the packets 3 advance along the conveying line 4 (figure 3). Accordingly, the frame 25 is associated with the fixed structure of the equipment by way of a rocker mechanism 27 such as will elevate the spray guns 24 to the requisite height when the second operating position is assumed.
The glue delivery system 20 is also translatable laterally in relation to the conveying line 4, in such a way that it can be positioned at a suitably safe distance and prevented thus from encroaching on the conveying line 4 during the steps of moving the second set of spray components 22 between the two operating positions. With the delivery system 20 distanced from the conveying line 4, an operator can also expediently purge the spray guns 23 and 24 and carry out any maintenance operations that may be required.
The manner in which labels are applied by the method according to the invention will be readily discernible from the foregoing description.
The printed labels 2, which can be cut from a strip material, for example, are taken up and retained singly by the heads 9 on the disc 8 of the transfer device 7. The labels 2 are then applied in ordered sequence to the packets 3, each positioned on the previously glued area of the relative packet.
To this end, the spray guns 23 and 24 of the first and second sets of spray components 21 and 22 will direct respective shots of glue onto the packets 3, for example producing four dabs, in the example illustrated.
Where the labels 2 are to be applied to a frontal surface of the packet 3, and in particular to the upwardly directed surface of the advancing packet, the spray guns 23 and 24 of the first and second sets of spray components 21 and 22 are positioned above the conveying line 4 carrying the packets 3, directed downward on vertical parallel planes aligned longitudinally with the conveying line 4 (figures 2 and 5). It will be observed that the pairs of spray guns 23 and 24 are staggered relative to one another along the direction followed by the packets 3, as discernible in figure 5, so that when activated in sequence, each gun will release a respective shot of glue onto the single packet 3, thereby forming a series of dabs aligned along an axis transverse to the conveying line.
The method disclosed comprises a further step of directing the labels 2 applied to the packets 3 under a pressure belt 28, positioned above the conveying line 4, which is driven at the same pace as the timing belt 5 of the conveying line 4 (figures 11 and 12).
Should it be necessary to change the positioning of the labels 2, and adopt an arrangement whereby the single label is wrapped around a corner edge with one portion affixed to a flank face of the packet, the second set of spray components 22 will be moved from the first operating position alongside the first set of spray components 21, to the second operating position rotated angularly from the first operating position, in such a way that glue can be sprayed onto a lateral surface of the packet 3.
To this end, the glue delivery system 20 is first translated laterally toward a position distanced suitably from the conveying line 4, so as to remain completely clear of the line 4 during the steps of repositioning the second set of spray components 22 (figure 6). In this situation, it will also be possible to purge the spray guns 23 and 24 of residual glue and carry out such maintenance operations as may be necessary.
Motion is then induced in the shaft 26, so as to rotate the frame 25 carrying the second set of spray components 22 (figure 7). On completion of the angular rotation, through 180° or thereabouts, the spray guns 24 will be positioned substantially horizontal, placed transversely to the conveying line 4 (figure 8).
Finally, the rocker mechanism 27 is operated in such a way as to elevate the spray guns 24 to the correct height for the second operating position (figure 9), and the glue delivery system 20 then translated laterally once more to bring the spray guns 24 close to the conveying line 4 (figure 10).
During the aforementioned steps of repositioning the second set of spray components 22, the scoring unit 11 is also caused to move from the position of disengagement, distanced from the disc 8, to the operating position in which the scoring roller rotates substantially tangential and counter to the selfsame disc 8. When the manufacturing cycle resumes, accordingly, the roller will score an oblique tear line on each successive label 2, designed to coincide ultimately with a line along which the lid of the packet meets the body.
Should it be necessary to apply the labels 2 so that each is wrapped around one corner edge of the respective packet 3 with the bent portion affixed to one flank face, as described previously, the method will include the step of activating special folding means 30 located downstream of the glue delivery system, along the feed direction A of the conveying line 4 (figures 11 and 12). Such folding means 30 consist substantially in a belt 31 equipped with projecting folder elements 32, aligned on a vertical plane to one side of the conveying line 4 and inclined suitably in relation to the timing belt 5 of the conveying line 4. The belt 31 of the folding means 30 is driven at constant pace convergently with the feed direction of the conveying line 4, and timed suitably with the passage of the packets 3. More exactly, the pitch and angle of the belt 31 are calculated in such a way that the folder elements 32 advance along the horizontal direction of the conveying line 4 at a rate identical to that of the advancing packets 3, and the relative motion between the folder elements 32 and the packets 3 is purely vertical. The effect of this vertical relative motion is to flatten the projecting portion of the label 2 progressively against the previously glued flank face of the packet 3. It will be seen in this instance that the pressure belt 28 also serves as a reaction element for the folding means, ensuring that the label 2 is folded neatly and prevented from moving. In the event that the labels 2 must be applied only to the one frontal surface of the packet, then obviously the folding means 30 will be immobilized and positioned so as not to impede the progress of the packets 3.
The method and equipment disclosed are thus instrumental in achieving the objects stated at the outset, namely, applying labels with optimum efficiency to consumer products such as packets of cigarettes and the like, typically in cigarette packers and similar machines, and allowing a change in position of the label on the packet to be accomplished quickly and easily.
The outcome is achieved essentially through the inventive step of causing certain of the spray guns to rotate automatically between a first operating position in which glue is directed at a frontal surface of the product, and a second operating position, rotated angularly from the first operating position, in which glue can be directed alternatively at a lateral surface of the selfsame product. Thus, the step of changing the position of the label on the single product can be accomplished in rapid time, with clear benefits where productivity of the packaging machine is concerned.
Importantly, all the spray guns employed in the equipment described and illustrated remain active throughout, which is not the case in solutions typical of the prior art. This means that there is no need for previously inactive spray guns to be heated up to a suitable operating temperature, and the lengthy stoppages accompanying such procedures can be avoided.
In addition, the step of purging residual glue from the spray guns can be performed during the step of moving the second set of spray components from the first operating position to the second operating position. Importantly, and advantageously, the operation of purging the spray guns is carried out in a position where the selfsame guns are distanced from the conveying line carrying the products, so that the risk of fouling the conveying line is duly avoided.
To particular advantage, the method and the equipment according to the present invention can be employed with optimum effectiveness in packaging machines capable of high operating speeds.

Claims

A method of applying labels to consumer products in packaging machines, including the steps of:
- feeding single products (3) along a conveying line (4);

- gluing an area of each product (3) fed along the conveying line (4);

- applying labels (2) singly and in ordered succession to the glued areas of the advancing products (3);

- spraying glue onto a frontal surface of each product (3) by means of a glue delivery system (20) comprising a first set and a second set of spray components (21, 22) occupying a predetermined position above the conveying line (4); characterized in that it includes the step of:

- moving the second set of spray components (22) from a first operating position alongside the first set of spray components (21), to a second operating position rotated angularly from the first operating position, in which glue can be sprayed alternatively onto a lateral surface of the selfsame product (3).
Equipment for applying labels to consumer products in packaging machines, comprising a conveying line (4) along which single products (3) are fed; a transfer device (7) by which single labels (2) are taken up and applied in ordered succession to previously glued areas of the advancing products (3); a glue delivery system (20) operating upstream of the transfer device (7), relative to the feed direction (A) followed by the products (3), and comprising a first set of spray components (21), occupying a predetermined position above the conveying line (4), by which glue is directed onto a frontal surface of each product (3): characterized in that the glue delivery system (20) comprises a second set of spray components (22) movable between a first operating position alongside the first set of spray components (21), in which glue is directed onto an area of the frontal surface of each product (3) situated alongside the area glued by the first set of spray components (21), and a second operating position, rotated angularly from the first operating position, in which glue can be directed alternatively onto a lateral surface of the selfsame product (3).
Equipment as in claim 2, wherein the second set of spray components (22) is carried by a frame (25) associated rigidly with a shaft (26) pivotable in relation to a fixed structure of the equipment and rotatable angularly so as to move the second set of spray components (22) from the first operating position, alongside the first set of spray components (21), to the second operating position rotated angularly from the first operating position.
Equipment as in claim 3, wherein the shaft (26) occupies a plane extending transversely to the conveying line (4) and is inclined at an angle substantially of 45° relative to the horizontal.
Equipment as in claim 3, wherein the spray devices (24) of the second set of spray components (22) are disposed with axes substantially vertical when in the first operating position, and parallel to the spray devices (23) of the first set of spray components (21), whilst an angular rotation of the frame (25) substantially through 180°, away from the first operating position, causes the spray devices (24) of the second set of spray components (22) to assume a position in which the selfsame axes are flipped substantially horizontal and disposed transversely to the conveying line (4).
Equipment as in claim 2, wherein the glue delivery system (20) is translatable laterally in relation to the conveying line (4), and positionable thus at a distance such that it will not encroach on the conveying line (4) during the steps of moving the second set of spray components (22) between the two operating positions.
Equipment as in claim 2, wherein the spray components of the second set are mounted to a frame (25) associated permanently with a rocker mechanism (27) such as will elevate the selfsame spray components to the requisite operating height when in the second operating position.
Equipment as in claim 2, wherein the first set of spray components (21) and the second set of spray components (22) comprise respective pairs of spray guns (23, 24) occupying staggered positions along the longitudinal axis of the conveying line (4), which can be activated sequentially in such a way as to direct single shots of glue selectively onto the products (3) advancing along the selfsame conveying line (4).