EP2356031A2

EP2356031A2 - Equipment for applying labels to a product

Info

Publication number: EP2356031A2
Application number: EP09805855A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Davide Turci
Original assignee: MAC E LABEL Srl
Current assignee: Mac E Label Srl
Priority date: 2008-12-12
Filing date: 2009-12-11
Publication date: 2011-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-11
Also published as: WO2010067337A2; WO2010067337A3; ITBO20080747A1; AU2009325907A1; EP2356031B1

Abstract

Equipment (10) for applying labels to a product, in particular to a food product, preferably to a fruit or vegetable product, comprises an apparatus equipped with means (12) for supporting a label tape reel (13), means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up the label from the tape and apply the label on the product. The means (12) for supporting the reel and the means (14) for supporting the label application means may, suitably, be engaged with and disengaged from each other.

Description

Equipment for applying labels to a product

Technical Field

This invention relates to equipment for applying labels, or stamps, to a product, in particular to a food product, preferably to a fruit or vegetable product.

Background Art

There is prior art equipment for labelling fruit products, comprising a plurality of apparatuses for applying labels, which are positioned alongside each other for labelling parallel rows of products fed on a conveyor belt below.

These prior art apparatuses for applying labels to a fruit product comprise supporting means in the form of a rigid frame supporting both the label tape reel and the means for picking up the label from the tape and applying the label on a corresponding product.

At present, to change the reels, when a label tape reel is finished and must be substituted with a new reel, the change operation being obligatory for the entire plurality of apparatuses for applying the labels, too much time is required, resulting in an excessive interruption of labelling.

At present, for the reel change, first the empty reel must be removed from the apparatus, then a new reel must be positioned on the same apparatus, and finally a manual or automatic initialisation manoeuvre must be performed, to position a first label, or stamp, on the label tape at a position where it can be picked up by the means for picking up the label and applying it on the fruit product.

Said operations are carried out for each application apparatus with corresponding labelling equipment stops, and consequent excessive down time for the labelling equipment. Moreover, the reel change operations are carried out completely on the labelling equipment, or machine, and therefore are in a position which is inconvenient for personnel, with the risk of performing inappropriate movements and damaging the product to be labelled or other parts of the equipment, and also with a greater risk to the safety of personnel.

Moreover, said initialisation manoeuvres, when performed automatically, involve having corresponding means, in particular control or actuator means on each label application apparatus. That results in the use of too many components and corresponding additional construction and assembly costs for the apparatuses.

Disclosure of the Invention

It is therefore provided an equipment for applying labels, or stamps, to a product, in particular to a food product, preferably to a fruit or vegetable product, comprising an application apparatus equipped with means for picking up the label from a tape supported by a corresponding reel and applying the label on the product, characterised in that it comprises means for supporting the means that pick up and apply the label on the product and means for supporting the reel of label tape, which may be engaged with and disengaged from the means for supporting the means that pick up and apply the label. hi this way, it is possible to perform the label tape initialisation, or initial positioning operation in a condition separate from the labelling machine or equipment and, therefore, to place at the application means a reel which is already in the operating condition and previously prepared.

This minimises machine down times for substitution of the empty reel with a new reel which is loaded with labels.

Moreover, in this way it is possible to avoid the use of too many components, and of the corresponding electrical wiring, on the respective application apparatus.

Said initialisation operation may be carried out easily and with maximum safety for both the labelling equipment and personnel. This invention also relates to a label application apparatus, a device, or unit, for positioning the label tape and a process for loading a reel on a label, or stamp application apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The technical features of the invention, with reference to the above aims, are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention provided merely by way of example without restricting the scope of the inventive concept, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of labelling equipment using a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps, in accordance with this invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view, from the opposite side to that of Figure 1, of the labelling equipment in accordance with this invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps, in accordance with this invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps, in accordance with this invention, seen from the opposite side to that of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps, in accordance with this invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of only the part for supporting the reel of the first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps, in accordance with this invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of only the part for supporting the reel of the preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps, in accordance with this invention, seen from the opposite side to that of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of only the part for supporting the means for applying labels of the preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps, in accordance with this invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of only the part for supporting the means for applying labels of the preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps, in accordance with this invention, seen from the opposite side to that of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of only the part for supporting the reel of the preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps, in a condition hi which it is engaged with a preferred embodiment of a device for positioning the label tape;

Figure HA is a perspective view of only the part for supporting the reel of the preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps, in a condition in which it is disengaged from the preferred embodiment of a device for positioning the label tape; Figure HB is an exploded perspective view showing only the device for positioning the label tape;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a detail of the part for supporting the reel in a condition in which it is engaged with a preferred embodiment of a device for positioning the label tape, in particular showing a condition in which the label is in a position suitable for pick up;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention Figures 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of equipment for applying labels using a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for applying labels, or stamps.

In particular, a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus 10 for applying labels, or stamps, to a product, in particular to a food product, preferably to a fruit or vegetable product, is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. As shown, a first and a second plurality of apparatuses 10 for applying labels are supported on a supporting frame of equipment 11 for labelling products, the apparatuses 10 being positioned alongside each other and designed to label different parallel rows of products which are fed on a conveyor belt 11a below. This equipment for labelling parallel rows of products comprises a supporting frame for a corresponding product feed belt 11a, and, labelled 1 Ib and lie ducts for suction air and compression air, the two types of air arriving from respective sources or devices 11 'b, 11 'c, and the ducts being connected to the label pick up and application means 16 of the apparatuses 10 for providing a label pick up action and a label application and transfer action by said means.

Product presence sensors may also be used, located at the front of the labelling battery, or equipment consisting of the plurality of apparatuses 10. hi particular, the labelling battery, or equipment comprises a first and a second row 10', 10", each having respective pluralities of apparatuses 10. Each labelling apparatus 10 comprises means 12 for supporting the reel and means 16 for picking up and applying the label.

This equipment also comprises a corresponding actuator l ie, which allows vertical movement and positioning of the labelling apparatuses 10, an electric panel 1 If and a control panel 1 Ih. Advantageously, the application apparatus 10 comprises means 12 which rotatably support a label tape reel 13, and means 14 for supporting the means 16 which pick up the label from the tape and apply the label on the product. The means 12 for supporting the reel 13 can be engaged with and disengaged from the means 14 for supporting the means 16 that apply the label. hi this way, as may also be inferred more clearly from the description below, it is possible to place at the labelling equipment a reel with the label tape already in the predetermined condition for starting operation, that is to say, having the label in the position suitable for pick up by the pick up and application means. hi practice, in this way, it is possible to ensure that the label tape reel is previously prepared, placing it on the respective supporting means, and the label tape is appropriately positioned, preferably with the aid of a corresponding positioning device, or test unit 40, described in more detail below and in any case illustrated in Figures 10, 11a, and 1 Ib, all while the labelling equipment continues operating and labelling products P. Then, only when the reel needs changing, the means 12 supporting an empty reel or bearing no label tape are removed and substituted with means 12 supporting a full reel which have already been prepared with the tape correctly positioned for immediate label pick up and the start of labelling by the pick up and application means 16. In this way, the down times of the labelling equipment are minimised and the initialisation operation can easily be performed away from the equipment.

In more detail, as may be inferred with reference to Figures 6 and 7, this apparatus advantageously comprises means 18 for feeding the label tape, the means 18 being located on the means 12 for supporting the label tape reel. As illustrated, the means or unit 12 for supporting the reel 13 comprise a base portion 12a from which portions or side panels 12b, 12b extend upwards, the latter being spaced out transversally to allow the insertion of, or to accommodate, a label tape reel.

The side panels 12b, 12b are spoked, each comprising a substantially semi- circular outer portion 112 extending from the base portion 12a and connected to a central annular portion 112a, forming a respective hole 112e for the passage of a pin portion 112d for supporting the reel 13.

The outer portion and the annular central portion 112a for supporting the reel 13 are connected to each other by corresponding radial portions labelled 112b. Moreover, the numeral 112c denotes crosspieces, or spacers, extending transversally and connecting, but keeping spaced apart, the side panels 12b, 12b for supporting the reel.

Advantageously, the label tape feed means 18 pivot at a longitudinal end of the base portion 12a of the reel supporting means 12. The supporting means 12 have a flat lower face 20 on which the label tape 13', 13a, 13b slides.

In particular, as shown in Figure 6, the reel supporting means 12 comprise one W-shaped end for diverting and separating the label tape 13' into respective longitudinal portions 13 a, 13b of the tape. Said shaped diverting and separating end, labelled 22, is provided at the end of the base portion 11a which is longitudinally opposite that where the tape 13' feed means 18 are provided.

In practice, the lower plate 20 has a W-shaped front longitudinal end 22 where a label tape 13' is separated into two respective longitudinal tapes 13a, 13b, without the respective labels 15, said half-tapes 13a, 13b being returned backwards, sliding alongside and on the outside of the main tape 13' towards the feed means 18 and then expelled from the apparatus 12.

In particular, the feed means 18 comprise a rotary roller, which is supported between respective side walls of the base portion 12a. The label tape is diverted onto the feed means 18 by a respective idle roller 24.

In practice, the tape 13' which is unwound from the tape reel 13 is passed through a central zone of the feed roller 18 and then is made to slide in the central zone of the sliding plate 20, until it reaches the end 22, where it is separated into two different longitudinal portions 13a, 13b, which are returned backwards towards the feed means 18 at the side of the tape 13 being fed forward, and which are then expelled, or sucked through a respective collection tube Hi towards a grinder 111, so that they can be conveniently disposed of, or collected, in a corresponding container 11m connected to the grinder by a waste duct 1 In.

At the W-shaped end of the sliding plate 20, the tape 13' consists of two separate longitudinal portions 13a, 13b, side-by-side and held together by the labels 15, which lie on the portions 13a, 13b, joining them together. In practice, the labels are picked up by the pick up and application means 16.

There are also means for driving the feed means 18, in the form of a crown wheel 19 integral with the feed means, or roller 18. On the means, or unit 12 for supporting the reel 13 there are sensor means S, illustrated in Figure 12, which in particular take the form of an optical sensor and which detect the presence of a stamp 15 at the pick up position, that is to say, at the W-shaped end of the plate 20. As illustrated, the sensor S is located just above the end 22. Suitable electrical contacts are provided at the lower face of the plate 20 of the supporting means 12. These contacts can be connected to corresponding contacts 25, illustrated in Figure 8, on the upper face of the supporting unit 14, thus allowing the sensor S to be connected to the apparatus control or electronic processing means 1 Ih, for example a PLC or a PC.

As can easily be inferred with reference to Figures 8 and 9, said means or unit 14 for supporting the label application means 16 comprise means 21 for coupling the means or crown wheel 19 which drive the feed roller 18 to the reel supporting means 12.

The supporting means 14 for the label pick up and application means 16 comprise an upper surface which is basically flat, facing the sliding surface 20 of the reel supporting means 12. Said flat upper surface of the means supporting the carousel 16 for applying labels on the product is labelled 26 in Figure 8. hi practice, the means, or unit 14 supporting the label application means 16 comprise an upper surface 26 facing the lower surface 20 for label tape sliding of the tape reel supporting means. As shown, the coupling means 21 and driving means, supported on the means 14 for supporting the label application means, consist of a respective crown wheel projecting from the upper surface 26 and provided at one longitudinal end of the supporting body 14, which is opposite the longitudinal end where the label pick up and application means 16 are provided. Advantageously, there are also means for connecting the means, or unit 12 for supporting the reel and the means, or unit 14 for supporting the label pick up and application means 16. These connecting means are advantageously means which can be engaged and disengaged, and in particular are inserting means and corresponding receiving means. In more detail, the inserting means extend downwards from the reel supporting means 12 and take the form of a corresponding first and second tab 28a, 28b projecting from the base portion 12a of the reel supporting means, in particular projecting from the flat lower surface 20 of said supporting means.

As illustrated, the flat sliding surface 20 for the tape extends at the front of the zone where the tape feed roller or means 18 is located.

As shown, the tabs 28a, 28b project perpendicularly from the bottom of the front tape sliding surface 20.

Moreover, the receiving means 30a, 30b are at the means 14 for supporting the label pick up and application means 16, and take the form of a respective first and second recessed cavity, opening at the upper surface 26 of the supporting means 14.

As illustrated, the means for connecting the reel supporting means 12 and the means 14 for supporting the label pick up and application means 16 also comprise an engagement portion 32, and a coupling portion 34 which have matching profiles that fit together.

In more detail, the engagement portion 32 extends behind the lower flat surface 20 and at the feed means 18, taking the form of a transversal pin 32.

In turn, the coupling portion 34, taking the form of a corresponding bracket integral with the surface 26, is provided at the means 14 for supporting the label pick up and application means 16, in particular at the zone where the coupling means 21 for the tape feed means are located.

In practice, the coupling portion 34 is provided in a zone upstream of or at a longitudinal end of the flat surface 26.

In particular, the pin engagement portion 32 and the coupling portion 34 comprise a respective transversal engagement face forming rear longitudinal direction retaining means, whilst the tabs 28a, 28b together with the corresponding cavities 30a, 30b form front longitudinal direction retaining means.

As illustrated, the means 14 for supporting the label pick up and application means 16 comprise a pair of projecting sides for rotatably supporting the label pick up and application means 16. Said sides are labelled 14a, 14b in the accompanying drawings.

In particular, said sides are formed by a pair of shaped plates 14a, 14b. Extending from the lower surface of the means 14 for supporting the label pick up and application means 16 there are means 38 which take the form of respective bracket means, in particular a first and a second bracket 38a, 38b, forming a respective transversal groove for insertion on a corresponding transversal track or bar 11 ' of the labelling equipment 11. hi turn, the label 15 pick up and application means 16 comprise a supporting body 16a able to rotate relative to the sides 14a, 14b of the support 14, from which there extend radially a plurality of elements 16b, in particular four elements spaced out at an angle to each other, taking the form of mobile pick up and application means, formed by respective bellows able to move radially between a retracted position for picking up the respective label, by suction and engagement on a corresponding perpendicular end face 16c of the respective element 16b, and a position in which it extends downwards, for applying the label to the product, by means of compression, or emission of a corresponding flow of compressed air for releasing the label with the respective element 16b in the lower position for applying the label on the product P, as may be clearly inferred from Figures 1 and 2. As may be inferred from Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the respective bellows 16b rotates, supported by the rotary support 16a, with intermittent motion, between an intermediate position extending forwards, a lower position for applying the label and an intermediate position extending backwards (hidden by the sides 14a, 14b of the support 14). There are corresponding driving means 23 for driving the tape feed means, these driving means also rotationally driving the label pick up and application means via a corresponding connection.

The driving means 23 comprise a corresponding gear wheel, extending below the supporting means 14 and suitably connected to the coupling crown wheel 21 projecting above the supporting means. The driving means take the form of a corresponding gear 23, able to rotate about a vertical axis, which is driven by a corresponding actuator, which may be a motor, or by a transmission derived from the motor used to drive the conveyor belt 11a. According to an alternative embodiment, illustrated in Figure 13, a motor M for driving the label tape feed means is positioned directly on the reel supporting means 12'. hi this way motor-driven means, or a device, are formed with which a user can manually label products. hi practice, in situations in which maintaining label or stamp application equipment for fruit products is not appropriate, this labelling unit can be used, which can be held in the user's hand, with motor-driven label tape feed, unwinding it from a respective reel, meaning that it can easily apply the label to the respective product. The manual device or apparatus 210 substantially has the same features as the upper part 12 of the apparatus according to the invention, and components which are the same as those of the previous embodiment are labelled with the same references and, to avoid an excessively long description, are not described and illustrated in detail again. Unlike the first embodiment of the apparatus, the second embodiment of the apparatus comprises an electric motor M for driving the tape feed means 18 and a supporting frame 212 forming a protective cover 212a, which houses the device, or the means, bearing the reel, being open on one side 212' so that the portion, or end, 22 used to transfer the stamp, or label, can project outwards. The frame 212 supports the tape reel and, in the same way as for the first preferred embodiment, the lower plate 20, on which the label tape slides and the W-shaped end 22, as well as the respective tape feed means, which are also the same as those of the first preferred embodiment.

The frame also comprises a handgrip 212b, projecting longitudinally from one end of the housing 212a, extending from the side opposite that where the device stamp pick up or transfer end 22 is located, the handgrip having the shape of an extended handle.

As may be inferred, in particular with reference to Figures 10, 1 IA, 1 IB and 12, the numeral 40 denotes a unit, or device, for positioning the label tape of, or supported by, a corresponding reel located on the reel supporting means 12.

In practice, the positioning device, or test unit, positions a label, in particular a first label 15 supported by the tape 13', in a suitable position, in particular in a position for pick up by the label application means 16.

The positioning or initialisation device 40 comprises supporting means 42 and means for coupling, or connecting, to the label tape supporting means 12, in the form of means which can be engaged and disengaged.

Said coupling means, provided at an upper surface 46 of the unit 40, comprise receiving means 43 a, 43b for corresponding inserting means formed by pins 43'a, 43'b of the label tape supporting means 12, not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings.

The receiving means 43a, 43b take the form of respective recessed cavities in the supporting means 42. The cavities open at the upper surface 46 of the supporting means 42, in particular at one longitudinal end of the unit 40.

Moreover, the coupling means comprise a coupling portion 44 having a profile for engaging with a corresponding pin 32 of the unit 12, or label tape supporting means 12, said portion being located at coupling and driving means 41 for the label tape feed means on the label tape supporting means 12.

The coupling portion 44 forms longitudinal direction retaining means for the reel supporting means 12. Therefore, as illustrated, the device 40 comprises an upper surface 26 which faces the lower surface 20 of the label tape supporting means 12.

Moreover, the positioning device 40 comprises label tape feed means 41 and suitable electrical contacts 45, provided at the upper surface 46, and operating in conjunction with, or able to connect to electrical contacts provided at the lower face of the plate 20. Said contacts 45 connect the sensor S with the unit 40 control means.

In practice, the device 40 comprises a respective supporting frame 42, having corresponding reel rotation means, in particular in the form of driving means for the tape feed means 18, comprising respective coupling means, or a gear wheel 41, which engages with the crown wheel 19 of the tape feed means 18, and which project from the flat upper surface 46 for supporting and engaging with the lower surface 20 of the reel supporting means 12.

The reel rotation means also comprise a corresponding motor for rotating the coupling gear 41 housed in the box-shaped body 42 of the unit 40 suitably connected to the gear wheel 41 for respective operation.

The device 40 comprises a push-button 47 which makes the motor feed the label tape forwards, a push-button 48 which stops the label tape feed motor, and another, large emergency stop push-button 49, in particular for stopping the label tape feed motor. In practice, the label tape positioning procedure involves positioning the structure 12, supporting the respective reel 13, on top of the device 40, with the label tape 13' suitably unwound about the end 22 and on the lower plate 20 of the unit 12. Then, the push-button 47 is used to operate the gear 41 and therefore the roller 18, which in turn feeds the label tape 13', until a respective label reaches an appropriate position, detected by the presence sensor S, which automatically interrupts feed by the feed roller 18.

In practice, the push-button 47 activates the motor which drives the feed means 41 while the push-button 47 is pressed. As soon as the photocell, or sensor

S on the reel supporting means 12 indicates the arrival of the stamp at the pick up position located at the W-shaped end of the means 12, operation of the motor which drives the means 41 is automatically stopped and, therefore, corresponding feeding of the tape is stopped.

In this condition, the feed tape is correctly positioned on the supporting means 12, which may be conveniently removed from the positioning device 40 allowing coupling, at the appropriate time, to a respective device 14 for supporting the stamp pick up and application means, substituting another device 12 whose reel is empty.

Thus, a process is therefore provided for loading a label tape reel 13 on an apparatus for applying a label to a product, in particular to a food product, preferably to a fruit or vegetable product, where, to position the label tape in a predetermined position for pick up by the means 16 which pick up the label and apply it on the product, label tape reel 13 supporting means 12 are connected to label reel positioning means 40.

According to the process, to position the tape in a predetermined position for pick up by the label pick up means, tape reel rotary supporting means 12 are connected to label tape positioning means 40, and the tape is fed until it has reached the predetermined position.

Then, according to the process, after positioning the label tape in a predetermined position for pick up by the label pick up means 16, the label tape reel 13 supporting means 12 are disconnected from the tape positioning means 40, and the reel 13 supporting means 12 are connected to the supporting means 14 for the means 16 that pick up the label from the tape and apply the label on the product.

Li practice, this test unit 40 allows initialisation operations to be performed, and any maintenance necessary, on the label tape reel 13 supporting unit 12 separately from and independently of normal operation of the labelling equipment or labelling machine.

This minimises machine down times, thus increasing productivity and also improving the safety of the entire plant thanks to the fact that such operations are not performed in the operating or labelling area.

The unit 12 initialised by the test unit 40 is ready to be housed in any of the application units 14 of the plant or equipment 11. In particular, the initialisation operation may also require unexpected time, due to possible imperfections in the label strip 13' and may also be repeated for other units 12, in sequence with each other, allowing a plurality of units 12 to be obtained which are ready and can be positioned on the plant, or labelling equipment 11 at the first machine stop which occurs due to a label reel running out. Therefore, these operations are speeded up.

Advantageously, it may be seen how the unit 12, when positioned on the test unit 40, has one longitudinal end 22 projecting beyond a corresponding longitudinal face 40' of the positioning device 40, thus guaranteeing label 15 visibility and allowing assessment of its alignment and, if necessary, "manual" action to solve the issue of unwanted positioning. This operation is much easier if carried out during this step, rather than on the plant, or equipment 11, since the presence of the applicator bellows may slow down this operation. Moreover, advantageously, there are also means for identifying the position of the label application means 16, designed to establish the position of the label application means.

Advantageously, starting from the position of the label application means 16, if the label application means 16 are incorrectly positioned, in particular in a position which does not correspond to a label pick up position, that is to say in a position in which a respective element or bellows 14' is in the position for picking up a corresponding label, the apparatus control means change the position of the label application means 16 until the correct position is reached, in particular until the element 16b reaches the position for picking up a corresponding label. In practice, label application means 16 are driven by a respective motor, in particular a stepping motor, hi turn, the means for identifying the position of the label application means comprise an encoder, in particular an optical encoder, of the conventional type, having the two phases A and B and, once per revolution, a reference phase Z or zero notch, which detects the position of the stepping motor shaft.

Each tune the label application means 16 are out of position, or out of phase, which may happen for a number of reasons, for example if the label application head is struck by a piece of fruit or other object, thanks to the encoder the apparatus control means detect that the position of the application means 16 is incorrect and stop the operation of the specific section or apparatus, then position the application means at the pick up position, after which they restart the operation of that section or apparatus 16.

It would also be possible, each time the label application means 16 are out of position, or out of phase, and the position identification means, or encoder, allow the control means to detect that the position of the application means is incorrect, for the control means to issue the appropriate command for an acceleration or deceleration of the movement of the application means, that is to say of the movement, or rotation, of the label application means, in practice of the stepping motor driving them, so as to bring the application means 16, or a corresponding label pick up element 16b, to the label pick up position, with a corresponding label located there.

The means for identifying the position of the label application means, that is to say, the encoder, may also advantageously be used to initialise the apparatus, that is to say, to synchronise the label application means 16 with the label in the pick up position. In practice, when application of the labels or stamps begins, advantageously, there will be a backward movement, or a forward movement of the application means 16, until the means for identifying the position, or encoder, reaches a reference position or the reference notch Z, then the label application means 16 will be moved forward until the application means 16 or a pick up element 16b, or bellows, is at the label pick up position. Then, synchronised operation of this apparatus is guaranteed by stepwise feed of the label tape which positions the labels, one after another, at the pick up position and by the corresponding positioning of a pick up element belonging to the application means in said pick up position, controlled by the control means, which detect the position of the application means 16 thanks to the means for identifying the position, or the encoder.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application and may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. Equipment for applying labels, or stamps, to a product, in particular to a food product, preferably to a fruit or vegetable product, comprising an application apparatus (10) equipped with means (16) for picking up the label from a tape supported by a corresponding reel (13) and applying the label on the product (P), the equipment being characterised in that it comprises means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the label on the product and means (12) for supporting the reel (13) of label tape, which may be engaged with and disengaged from the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the label.

2. The equipment according to claim 1, characterised in that means (18) for feeding the label tape are provided on the means (12) for supporting the label tape reel.

3. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the reel supporting means (12) comprise a base portion (12a) from which side panels (12b, 12b) extend, forming a respective hole (112e) for supporting the reel.

4. The equipment according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the means (18) for feeding the label tape are at a longitudinal end of the means (12) supporting the reel.

5. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the reel supporting means (12) have a lower face (20) on which the label tape (13) slides.

6. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the reel supporting means (12) comprise an end (22) for diverting and separating the label tape.

7. The equipment according to claim 6, characterised in that the reel supporting means (12) comprise an end (22) for diverting and longitudinally separating the label tape at the longitudinal end opposite to that of the feed means (18).

8. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 2 to 7, characterised in that the means (18) for feeding the label tape comprise a respective roller for engaging with the tape (13, 13a, 13b).

9. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 2 to 8, characterised in that it comprises means (19) for driving the feed means (18).

10. The equipment according to claim 9, characterised in that the means for driving the feed means (18) comprise a crown wheel (19) which is integral with the feed means (18).

11. The equipment according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that apply the labels comprise coupling means (21) for the means (19) that drive the feed means (18).

12. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels comprise an upper surface (26) which faces the reel supporting means (12).

13. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the means (16) for picking up and applying the labels are supported at a longitudinal end of the supporting means (14).

14. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 11 to 13, characterised in that the coupling means (21) are supported at a longitudinal end opposite to that of the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels.

15. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 11 to 14, characterised in that the means (21) for coupling the means that drive the feed roller (18) with the means that support the reel project above the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels.

16. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 11 to 15, characterised in that the means for coupling the means that drive the feed roller

(18) with the reel supporting means take the form of a corresponding crown wheel (21).

17. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that it comprises connecting means between the reel supporting means (12) and the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels.

18. The equipment according to claim 17, characterised in that the connecting means between the reel supporting means (12) and the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels take the form of engagable/disengagable means.

19. The equipment according to claim 17 or 18, characterised in that the connecting means between the reel supporting means (12) and the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels take the form of inserting means and corresponding receiving means.

20. The equipment according to claim 19, characterised in that the connecting means comprise inserting means (28a, 28b) which extend from the reel supporting means (12).

21. The equipment according to claim 20, characterised in that the inserting means take the form of corresponding inserting tab means (28a, 28b).

22. The equipment according to claim 20 or 21, characterised in that the inserting means (28a, 28b) extend perpendicularly from the lower surface (20) of the reel supporting means (12).

23. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 20 to 22, characterised in that the inserting means (28a, 28b) extend beneath the reel supporting means (12).

24. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 19 to 23, characterised in that the receiving means (30a, 30b) are at the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels.

25. The equipment according to claim 24, characterised in that the receiving means (30a, 30b) take the form of respective recessed cavities in the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels.

26. The equipment according to claim 24 or 25, characterised in that the receiving cavities (30a, 30b) open at the upper surface (26) of the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels.

27. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 17 to 26, characterised in that the connecting means between the reel supporting means (12) and the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels comprise an engagement portion (32) and a corresponding portion (34) for coupling to the portion (32).

28. The equipment according to claim 27, characterised in that the engagement portion (32) takes the form of a pin portion on the means (12) for supporting the reel (13).

29. The equipment according to claim 27 or 28, characterised in that coupling portion (34) is provided on the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels.

30. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels comprise a pair of sides (14a, 14b) for rotatably supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels.

31. The equipment according to claim 30, characterised in that the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels comprise a pair of shaped side plates (14a, 14b) forming projecting sides for rotatably supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels.

32. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels comprise means (38) for coupling to the product feed equipment.

33. The equipment according to claim 32, characterised in that the means (38) for coupling to the product feed equipment extend beneath the means (14) for supporting the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels.

34. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the means (16) for picking up and applying the labels comprise a rotatable supporting body (16a) from which means (16b), mobile between a retracted label (15) pick up position and an extended label (15) application position, extend radially.

35. The equipment according to claim 34, characterised in that the means (16) for picking up and applying the labels comprise a plurality of radially mobile elements (16b) for picking up and applying the labels.

36. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the means (14) for supporting the application means are provided with means (23) for driving the label tape feed means.

37. The equipment according to claim 36, characterised in that the means (23) for driving the label tape feed means rotationally drive the means (16) that pick up and apply the labels.

38. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that it comprises electrical contacts at the means (12) for supporting the tape (13'), said contacts being connectable to corresponding contacts (25) on the means (14) for supporting the means that apply the stamp, for connecting sensor means (S) provided on the means (12) for supporting the tape (13') to corresponding control means.

39. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means for identifying the position of the label application means (16).

40. The equipment according to claim 39, characterised in that, starting from the position of the label application means (16), if the label application means (16) are incorrectly positioned, hi particular hi a position which does not correspond to a label pick up position, the apparatus control means change the position of the label application means (16) until the correct position is reached, in particular until the position for picking up a corresponding label is reached.

41. The equipment according to claim 40, characterised hi that, each time the label application means (16) are out of position, the apparatus control means detect that the position of the application means (16) is incorrect and, stopping the operation of the specific section or apparatus, they position the application means at the pick up position, then restart the operation of the section or apparatus.

42. The equipment according to claim 40, characterised in that each time the label application means are out of position, or out of phase, and the control means detect that the position of the application means is incorrect, the control means issue a command for an acceleration or deceleration of the movement of the application means (16), bringing the application means to the label pick up position, with a corresponding label located there.

43. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 40 to 42, characterised in that, when application of the labels or stamps begins, the application means (16) move backwards or forwards until the means for identifying the position reach a reference position, and the label application means (16) move forwards until the application means (16) are at the label pick up position.

44. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a device for positioning a label tape comprising supporting means (42), label tape feed means (41) and means which can be coupled to the label tape supporting means (12).

45. The equipment according to claim 44, characterised in that the coupling means take the form of means which can be engaged and disengaged.

46. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 41 to 45, characterised in that the coupling means comprise receiving means (43 a, 43b) for corresponding inserting means of the label tape supporting means (12).

47. The equipment according to claim 46, characterised in that the receiving means (43a, 43b) take the form of respective recessed cavities in the supporting means (42).

48. The equipment according to claim 46 or 47, characterised in that the receiving cavities (43a, 43b) open at the upper surface (46) of the supporting means (42).

49. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 44 to 48, characterised in that the coupling means comprise a coupling portion (44) having an engagement profile to match the profile of an engagement portion (32) of the means (12) that support the label tape.

50. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 44 to 49, characterised in that the positioning device comprises an upper surface (26) for engaging the means (12) that support the label tape.

51. The equipment according to claim 49 or 50, characterised in that the coupling portion (44) is provided at the means (41) for coupling the label tape feed means with the means (12) that support the label tape.

52. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 49 to 51, characterised in that the coupling portion (44) forms means for retaining the reel supporting means (12) in a longitudinal direction.

53. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 44 to 52, characterised hi that the positioning device comprises electrical contacts (45) which may be connected to electrical contacts provided at the means (12) for supporting the label tape (13'), for connecting a corresponding sensor (S) on the means (12) that support the label tape (13') to the unit (40) control means.

54. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 44 to 53, characterised in that the positioning device comprises corresponding control means (47).

55. A process for loading a label tape reel (13) on an apparatus for applying labels to a product, in particular to a food product, preferably to a fruit or vegetable product; characterised hi that, before connecting the label reel to the application apparatus, the label tape is positioned in a predetermined position for pick up by the means (16) which pick up the label from the tape and apply the label on the product.

56. The process according to claim 55, characterised in that, to position the label tape in a predetermined position for pick up by the means (16) which pick up the label and apply the label on the product, label tape reel (13) supporting means (12) are connected to label reel positioning means (40).

57. The process according to claim 55 or 56, characterised in that, after positioning the label tape in a predetermined position for pick up by the means (16) which apply the label on the product, the label tape reel (13) supporting means (12) are disconnected from the label tape (13') positioning means (40), and the label tape reel (13) supporting means (12) are connected to the supporting means (14) for the means (16) that pick up the label from the tape and apply the label on the product.

58. An apparatus (210) for applying labels, or stamps, to a product, in particular to a food product, preferably to a fruit or vegetable product, characterised in that it comprises means (212) for supporting the label tape reel (13) and label tape feed means (M₅ 18).

59. The apparatus according to claim 58, characterised in that it comprises a motor (M) for driving the label tape feed means (18).

60. The apparatus according to claim 58 or 59, characterised in that it comprises a supporting frame (212) forming a protective cover (212a), housing the means (12) that support the label tape reel.

61. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 58 to 60, characterised in that it comprises a handgrip (212b).

62. An apparatus (10) for applying labels, or stamps, to a product, in particular to a food product, preferably to a fruit or vegetable product, characterized in that it is made according to any of the foregoing claims from 1 to 54.

63. A device (40) for positioning a label tape characterized in that it is made according to any of the foregoing claims from 1 to 54.