EP2476620A1 - Method and device for fixing elastic sleeves onto containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has several circumferential extension units (3) for receiving and dilating the film cores, such that the container is pushed into the film cores. A servo motor (27) is provided for driving spreader pin, to perform relative movement of film sleeve and container with respect to each other in radial and/or axial directions. An independent claim is included for method for attaching elastic film sleeves on vessels.

Description

The invention relates to a device for attaching elastic film sleeves according to the preamble of claim 1 and a corresponding method using the device according to the invention.

Containers, such as beverage bottles, can be labeled, inter alia, by pulling on tubular film sleeves over the container jacket surface. As an alternative to the thermal shrinking of film sleeves, the example in the WO 2007/060705 A1 described elastically deformable film sleeves are due to the lower material and energy consumption increasingly interesting.

For example, this describes WO 2000/066437 a method and apparatus for applying elastic film sleeves to containers. Here, a film tube is drawn in a dispensing unit over a central mandrel, the film sleeve separated from the label tube in the desired length and slipped from above over two half-shell-shaped pliers halves. With these, the film sleeve can be expanded for subsequent labeling, wherein a plurality of such units rotate on a Etikettierkarussell. The pliers halves are moved apart with the help of a cam control and the film sleeve stretched so far elastically that it can be pulled over a bottle provided underneath. The Aufdehnvorrichtungen be lowered for this purpose by cam-controlled lifting devices.

However, this device has the disadvantage that the half-shell spreader tongs allow only a relatively slight expansion of the film sleeves and that the movements of the Aufdehnvorrichtungen and the bottle to be labeled are accomplished essentially by mechanical cams, which only with great effort to different bottles and / or Have labels adjusted. In this context, the mentioned WO 2000/66437 merely a motorized lift assist in raising / lowering the expander to reduce its travel times and minimize the dimensions of the device. However, despite this measure, the method described is suitable only for the labeling of substantially cylindrical lateral surfaces and slightly varying bottle diameters.

For the labeling of curved lateral surfaces with highly elastic film sleeves describes the WO 2008/076718 a device in which the shell-shaped forceps elements a plurality of substantially parallel to each other and circumferentially grouped around a central recess Spreizfinger are replaced. The spreader fingers are radially displaceable with respect to the central recess and can be moved apart so far that a film sleeve placed over the spreader fingers is stretched by the spreader fingers and a bottle to be labeled can be pushed upwards through the central recess. The WO 2008/076718 further describes that the film sleeve can first be fixed by applying a negative pressure to suction openings provided in the expansion fingers and repelled by subsequently βendes applying an overpressure of the spreading fingers, so that in a further advancing the bottle to be labeled a transfer of the film sleeve of the spreading fingers to the bottle. The radial movement of the spreading fingers is in this case triggered by a rotatable control disk with arcuate guide grooves provided for the spreading fingers control cam. As a drive for the control disk, a pneumatically or electromechanically controlled Aktorarm is proposed. The WO 2008/076718 However, it leaves open what such a comparatively complicated drive of the control disc could look like. From commercially available variants of the device described in WO 2008/076718 only cam-controlled control discs are known.

Thus, there is also in this device the disadvantage that an adaptation of the expansion unit to different film sleeves and / or bottles is possible only with a large amount of equipment. In other words, many mechanical components need to be replaced for this purpose. This requires not only a high financial cost for the provision of the different system components, but also a comparatively long production loss during the conversion of the labeling machine. In addition, the known in the art curve control of the Aufdehneinheit has the disadvantage that the timing of the label dispensing and the label stretch is bound to the rotational speed of the stretching units. That is, with a change in the machine performance of the labeling changes the timing of recording, stretching and stripping of the film sleeve, whereby a correct labeling is no longer guaranteed. Prior art devices operate power dependent, i. So they depend on the machine speed.

Thus, there is a need for an improved apparatus for applying elastic film sleeves to containers as well as for a correspondingly improved method.

This object is achieved with a device according to claim 1. Accordingly, to generate at least one relative movement of the film sleeve and container to each other in radial and / or axial direction at least one servo-motor drive per expansion unit provided. In particular, circumferential expansion units are provided which comprise at least one servo motor for driving the spreading fingers provided on the expansion units. The stretching units in this case preferably run on a labeling carousel. Thus, the stretching units are not indirectly driven by the labeling carousel, such as in cam control. The drive of the labeling carousel and the stretching units can instead be decoupled from each other. This can increase the flexibility of the device. Also, the individual expansion units can be independently driven by separate servomotors.

A particularly advantageous embodiment comprises a control device for controlling the at least one servo motor in order to adjust the spreading fingers between an inner receiving position for receiving the film sleeves and an outer spreading position for expanding the film sleeves, wherein in particular the outer spreading position and / or the inner receiving position is adjustable. As a result, the device can be adapted in a simple manner to different container sizes, in particular container diameters, and / or different types of films, in particular with different elastic deformability. In particular, a ratio of the circumference of an imaginary circumferential line about the spreading fingers in the spread position and in the receiving position can be adjusted. The ratio can be, for example, at least 1.2, in particular at least 1.5. As a result, the expansion of the film sleeve can be flexibly optimized.

With the aid of the servomotors, the spreading fingers can be moved back and forth between flexibly adjustable inner and outer end positions within a predetermined setting range of the stretching units, depending on the diameter of the container to be labeled and / or the film sleeve to be applied. In particular, the inner receiving position can be adapted to the diameter and / or the length of the unstretched film sleeve, and the outer spread position to the deformability of the film sleeve and / or to the diameter of the container to be labeled.

A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention further comprises a control device, which is designed to control the at least one servo motor, such that at least one switch-on and / or an actuating speed of the at least one servomotor with the aid of the control device is adjustable, in particular to move the spreading fingers away from each other , As a result, the movement of the spreading fingers can be adapted to the label dispenser independently of the rotational speed and / or the rotational position of the stretching units. Thus, the timing of recording, aligning and / or stretching the film sleeve to optimize. In particular, a correct orientation of the film sleeve on the spreading fingers can be ensured even with changing machine performance.

Also, the spreading fingers can already be moved apart before the film sleeve has reached its vertical target position on the stretching unit. This makes it possible to improve the centering of the film sleeve with respect to the spreading fingers and / or to ensure a coaxial alignment with one another. In particular, the temporal coordination of the shooting up of the film sleeve and the moving apart of the spreading fingers can be optimized even with changing machine performance. In this case, the circulation speed is to be understood as meaning, for example, the web speed of the container region of the expansion units, while the circulation position of the expansion units means, for example, a rotational angle position on a labeling carousel.

Furthermore, on the apparatus according to the invention, further below the expansion units, circumferential positioning units are provided for positioning the containers in the container areas of the expansion units, the positioning units in particular each comprising servo motor driven lifting devices for lifting the containers into the container areas. This makes it unnecessary to raise / lower the stretching units. With the help of servomotors, the stroke of the lifting devices can be flexibly adapted to the size of the containers.

Preferably, an upper end position of the positioning units for aligning the containers with respect to the label sleeves is adjustable, in particular in steps of not more than 1 mm. Particularly advantageous are steps of not more than 0.5 mm. As a result, containers of different sizes in the container areas can be positioned optimally with respect to the stretching units and the film sleeves. Thus, the final labeling of the film sleeve can be flexibly adjusted on the container and readjust as needed.

A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention further comprises circumferential removal units above the expansion units for removing the containers from the container areas, wherein the removal units in particular each comprise servomotor driven lifting devices for lifting the container from the container areas. In this case, the removal units and the expansion units preferably run around a common axis of rotation. Thus, even with the removal of the labeled container lifting or lowering of the expansion units is unnecessary. With the help of servomotors, the stroke of the removal units can be flexibly adapted to the size of the containers to be labeled. In particular, a lower gripping position for gripping the labeled container even without the replacement of mechanical guides and / or controls, such as lifting curves, adapt to the container size. Likewise, the positioning speed of the lifting device can be adapted to the respective timing of the label transfer from the spreading fingers to the container. For example, the actuating speed of the lifting device can be adapted to produce a desired frictional engagement between the film sleeve and the container, in particular to adapt a holding force of the frictional engagement and / or the time of onset of the frictional engagement.

A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention further comprises circulating valve units for alternately turning on a negative pressure or an overpressure on the spreading fingers to suck the film sleeves on the spreading fingers or repelled by the spreading fingers. The valve units are set up to supply the expansion units independently with the negative pressure or the overpressure. The valve units and the expansion units preferably run around a common axis of rotation, in particular on a common labeling carousel. Characterized in that the valve units rotate with the expansion units, the pressure lines between the valve units and the spreading fingers can be particularly easily formed. By a separate supply of the individual expansion units with negative pressure or overpressure, the transfer of the film sleeves from the spreading fingers to the container can be controlled very precisely. Particularly economical and space-saving is an embodiment in which a valve unit is assigned in each case to a plurality of expansion units. The valve units can thus comprise a plurality of valves or valve groups, wherein valves assigned to different expansion units can be switched separately from one another.

Preferably, the switching times of the overpressure and / or the negative pressure are adjustable, and in particular a connection time of the negative pressure with the control of the servomotor of the associated expansion unit can be synchronized. As a result, the suction of the film sleeves on the spreading fingers and / or the repulsion of the film sleeves from the spreading fingers can be adapted to different machine performances. Thus, the transfer of the film sleeves to the spreading fingers and from the spreading fingers to the container can be controlled substantially independently of the rotational speed of the stretching units. In particular, in cooperation with the variably adjustable moving apart of the spreading fingers, the alignment and fixation of the film sleeve on the spreading fingers with the help of the individual vacuum control can be adjusted very precisely and flexibly. A synchronization here is to be understood as a tuning of the switching times of the valve units and of the servomotor and / or the actuating speed of the servomotor.

Preferably, the connection time of the overpressure can be synchronized with the extraction units. In this case, a synchronization means, in particular, a timing of the valve units and the lifting movement of the removal units. In this case, the connection time of the overpressure can be adapted both to the switch-on time of the servo motor of the lifting device and to the actuating speed of the servomotor. Thus, the point in time at which the static friction between the spreading fingers and the elastic film sleeve is reduced by means of an air cushion caused by the overpressure can be adapted to the lifting movement of the lifting device.

Preferably, the valve units comprise venturi nozzles for generating the negative pressure. Venturi nozzles or similar venturi-type flow channels enable the generation of negative pressure within the valve units by supplying an overpressure. Thus, a separate input-side pressure line to provide a negative pressure on the valve units is unnecessary. The valve units are preferably connected to a central media distributor to supply the valve units with compressed air. The valve units are configured to selectively supply pressurized air to the expansion units or to the venturi nozzles. Thus, the valve units per expansion unit at least three switching positions, namely a first switching position in which the expansion units are supplied with neither the overpressure nor the negative pressure, a second switching position in which the expansion units are supplied with the negative pressure, and a third switching position, in the expansion units are supplied with the overpressure.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention further comprises at least one label dispenser or the like for equipping the stretching units with the elastic film sleeves. The label dispenser is preferably fixed and arranged above the orbit of the stretching units. Thus, the stretching units can be moved continuously under the label dispenser. In this case, the label dispenser is preferably arranged centrally above the orbit of the stretching units in order to facilitate as coaxial as possible shooting up of the film sleeve on the spreading fingers.

Preferably, the stretching units each comprise replaceable cloth units with at least the spreading fingers and a guide plate for guiding the spreading fingers. The device can be adapted in a particularly economical manner to different containers and / or film sleeves by replacing the clothing units. For example, the clothing units could differ from one another by spreading fingers of different lengths or differently shaped and / or by different radial adjustment ranges of the spreading fingers. As a result, different inner receiving positions and / or different realize external spread positions of the spreading fingers. It would also be possible to provide cloth units with different suction and / or repulsion function. For example, the number and / or position of the pressure channel openings could be varied at the spreader fingers from clothing to clothing. Thus, the flexibility of the device according to the invention can be further increased without having to replace the supplying valve units and / or the servomotors of the expansion units. The flexibility is further increased by the fact that the control of the valve units and / or the servomotors can be adapted to the respective set unit by appropriate programming.

Interchangeable adapter pieces are preferably provided on the outer sides of the spreading fingers, in particular for adapting the spreading fingers to film sleeves of a predetermined length. The predetermined length of the film sleeves normally differs from the length of the spreading fingers and in particular is greater than the length of the spreading fingers. By replacing the adapter pieces, the device according to the invention can be adapted in a particularly simple manner to different film sleeves.

The stated object is further achieved by a method according to claim 15. Accordingly, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) receiving the film sleeves with the stretching units; b) expanding the film sleeves so that the containers can be pushed into the film sleeves; and c) inserting the containers into the film sleeves, the expansion of the film sleeves and / or the axial relative movement of the container and film sleeve preferably taking place with constant time. Thus, using the device according to the invention, a particularly flexible labeling of the containers can be provided. The method according to the invention may further comprise a step d) for removing the containers provided with the film sleeves.

A particularly preferred variant of the method according to the invention further comprises, in step a), an alignment step a1) in which the spreading fingers are moved away from each other and back to each other at least once to orient the position of the film sleeve with respect to the spreading fingers. With the aid of the alignment step, a film sleeve, which possibly sits obliquely on the spreading fingers, can be abutted radially in order to achieve a substantially coaxially aligned position of the film sleeve relative to the spreading fingers. The spreading fingers are moved apart in the alignment step at least so far that at least one spreading finger touches the film sleeve, so that a radial impact movement is performed. In this case, it would also be conceivable, in the alignment step, to move the spreading fingers apart and back towards each other several times in order to move the film sleeve into a desired position with respect to the spreading fingers to shake. It would also be conceivable to merely interrupt the spreading movement in the alignment step a1).

The spreading fingers are preferably moved in at least one of the steps a) to c) as a function of an adjustable time interval, the beginning of which is in particular coupled to a time of dispensing of the film sleeves. By such a time-dependent control, for example, triggered by a switching operation in the label dispenser, the movement of the spreading fingers can be synchronized with the movement of the film sleeves during dispensing, regardless of the rotational speed of the stretching units. Likewise, this makes it possible to synchronize the movement of the spreading fingers with the provision of negative pressure and / or overpressure on the spreading fingers. The movement of the spreading fingers can also be synchronized in a timed manner with a switching operation for lifting the container from the stretching units.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf die bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine seitliche Ansicht eines an der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung vorgesehenen Etikettierkarussells;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Dehneinheit;

Fig. 4

eine Schrägansicht eines Antriebsabschnitts der erfindungsgemäßen Dehneinheit;

Fig. 5

eine Schrägansicht eines wechselbaren Garniturenabschnitts der Dehneinheit von unten; und

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a side view of a provided on the device according to the invention labeling carousel;

Fig. 3

a side view of a stretching unit according to the invention;

Fig. 4

an oblique view of a drive section of the expansion unit according to the invention;

Fig. 5

an oblique view of an exchangeable Garnueurenabschnitts the expansion unit from below; and

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of the method according to the invention.

As the Fig. 1 can recognize, the preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is designed as a rotary machine. Accordingly, the device 1 comprises a Etikettierkarussell 2 with circumferentially evenly distributed at this Dehneinheiten 3 for receiving and expanding flexible film sleeves 4, which are separated from a fixed label dispenser 5 of known type of a film tube (not shown) and shot from above on the expansion units 3. The interaction of the label dispenser 5, the film sleeves 4 and the stretching units 3 is shown schematically in FIG Fig. 6 indicated. In the Fig. 1 is Furthermore, an inlet region E for feeding to be labeled container 6 indicated and a discharge area A for transporting the labeled with the film sleeves 4 container. 6

On the labeling carousel 2 co-rotating valve units 7 are mounted to supply the expansion units 3 either with an air suction or compressed air. The valve units 7 preferably include venturi nozzles (not shown) or the like to create a vacuum for exhausting the expansion units 3 by introducing compressed air into the valve units 7 at the venturi nozzles. Consequently, the valve units 7 are to be supplied on the input side only with compressed air in order to provide on the output side optionally compressed air or negative pressure for the operation of the expansion units 3. The compressed air supply preferably takes place via a central media distributor of the labeling carousel 2. It goes without saying that the valve units 7 have a switching position in which the expansion units 3 supply neither an overpressure nor a negative pressure.

It could be provided one of the number of expansion units 3 corresponding number of valve units 7. Advantageously, however, valve units 7 with a plurality of respective individual expansion units 3 associated valves or valve groups, so that a valve unit 7 can supply several expansion units 3 independently. It is crucial that the compressed air supply or the vacuum supply for each expansion unit 3 is separately switchable. Accordingly, the individual expansion units 3 are connected via separate pressure lines with the valve units 7. The latter are controlled by a control unit 8, which is preferably fixed in a region above the Etikettierkarussells 2 stationary.

The expansion units 3 are each assigned a removal unit 9 in order to remove the labeled containers 6 from the expansion units 3. The removal units 9 can also support the mounting of the film sleeves 4 on the container 6 in a final Etikettierphase, for example by clamping the film sleeves 4 in the neck region of the container 6. Structure and operation of the extraction units 9 are in particular from Fig. 2 clearly showing the labeling carousel 2 with schematically indicated, co-rotating mounting platforms 2a to 2c in an oblique view, wherein for the sake of simplicity, only two expansion units 3 are shown with the associated removal units 9 in an identical operating position.

Accordingly, the removal units 9 each comprise an upper lifting device 10, for example comprising a threaded spindle 11 and a servomotor 12 for driving the upper lifting device 10. The lifting device 10 is used in each case for lifting and lowering a gripping device 13, which includes, for example, a switchable clip to the labeled container 6 in the neck area and / or shoulder area to grab. It goes without saying that the gripping devices 13 are designed so that the labeled containers 6 can be transferred in the outlet region A to a suitable transport device. The gripping devices 13 are preferably switchable via only schematically indicated cam rollers 14 and at least one control cam 15.

Below the stretching units 3, a positioning unit 16 is provided in each case for receiving the containers 6 to be labeled, lifting them out and pushing them from below into the stretching units 3. For this purpose, a preferably switchable container guide 17 is provided on the positioning units 16 and a lower lifting device 18, which may comprise, for example, a platen 19, a plunger 20 and a cam roller (not shown) running along a control cam 21 for actuating the plunger 20.

The lower lifting devices 18 are preferably designed such that they support the containers 6 to be labeled at the bottom thereof, so that the containers 6 can be pushed along the respectively assigned container guides 17 when the lower lifting devices 18 are actuated. These are preferably provided with switchable brackets 17a, which initially fix the containers 6 in a closed position after transfer to the labeling carousel 2 and release the containers 6 in the vertical direction immediately prior to actuation of the lower lifting devices 18 so that the containers 6 move in the direction of Stretching units 3 can be raised.

As an alternative to the illustrated cam control of the positioning units 16, a drive of the lower lifting devices 18 by separate servomotors (not shown) in analogy to the drive of the upper lifting devices 10 would be conceivable. The servomotors of the lower lifting devices 18 would in this case preferably be controllable by means of the control unit 8. A servo motor drive of the lower lifting devices 18 has the advantage that its upper end position, and thus the vertical position of the container 6 when labeling in the expansion unit 3, is flexibly adjustable by means of a suitable control. In this case, the vertical container position can be predetermined in small steps or readjusted if necessary, for example, in steps of less than 1 mm or in particular less than 0.5 mm. This enables an optimization of the label position with respect to the container 6.

The Fig. 3 The expansion unit 3 further comprises laterally, in particular radially, displaceable spreading fingers 23 for receiving and expanding the film sleeve 4. For sucking or repelling the film sleeve 4 are on the outside the spreading fingers 23 openings 24 are provided, which are connected via suitable pressure channels (not shown) in the spreading fingers 23 and pressure lines 25, 26 with the respectively associated valve units 7.

Furthermore, at least one servo motor 27 is provided on the expansion units 3, in order to push the spreading fingers 23 away from or toward one another. In the Fig. 3 the spreading fingers 23 are shown in an inner receiving position S1 for receiving the film sleeve 4 of the label dispenser 5. The slipped over the spreading fingers 23 film sleeve 4 can be at least as far expanded by moving apart of the spreading fingers 23 that a container to be labeled 6 can be pushed from below through the base plate 22 and between the spreading fingers 23.

The spreading fingers 23 are preferably displaced by means of a rotatable control disk 28 with arcuate control grooves 29. The control disk 28 is connected for this purpose with a rotatable gear segment 30 or the like, which meshes with a provided on the servomotor 27 gear 27 a. By transmitting the rotational movement of the servomotor 27 to the gear segment 30 additional levers, scenes, actuation arms and the like for the drive of the control disc 28 are unnecessary. This allows both a space-saving and an exact drive of the spreading fingers 23rd

The servomotors 27 are preferably controlled by the control unit 8. This allows individual control of the individual servo motors 27, in particular independent of the rotational speed of the labeling carousel 2. Thus, it is possible, the timing of particular spreading of the spreading fingers 23, for example, their positioning speed, regardless of the speed of the labeling carousel 2 and thus the machine performance of to optimize device 1 according to the invention. In particular, it is possible to coordinate the timing of the spreading movement of the spreading fingers 23 with the transfer of the labeling sleeves 4 from the label dispenser 5 to the stretching units 3. For example, the speed with which the film sleeves 4 are shot over the spreading fingers 23 is predetermined by the label dispenser 5 and is consequently essentially independent of the rotational speed of the labeling carousel 2. In addition, from the perspective of the stretching units 3, the horizontal movement relative to the label dispenser 5 and the vertical movement of the film sleeves 4 overlap. Thus, it is desirable that the switch-on and switch-off and the positioning speed of the servomotors 27 primarily at the time of Aufschie-βens To be able to adapt film sleeves 4 and their speed as accurately and flexibly as possible, but if necessary also to take into account the respective rotational speed of the stretching units 3 when slipping over the film sleeves 4.

It is also conceivable to combine 4 different speeds and running directions of the servomotor 27 when slipping the film sleeves. For example, it is conceivable for the spreading fingers 23 to first move apart until they abut the film sleeves 4. Subsequently, the spreading fingers 23 could be moved together again over a predetermined travel, so that the initiated film sleeve 4 dissolves from the spreading fingers 23 and is brought from a possibly oblique or not completely slipped position in a correct position with respect to the spreading fingers 23. Subsequently, the spreading fingers 23 could be moved apart to expand the film sleeve 4 to a predetermined outer spread position S2 for labeling, such as in Fig. 6 indicated. It would of course be conceivable to combine different phases of application, alignment and expansion of the film sleeve 4. For example, the spreading fingers 23 could be moved apart several times in succession first and then moved together again to shake the film sleeve in its desired position. Likewise, it would be conceivable for the spreading fingers 23 to first move apart, to stop for a predetermined period of time and then to continue the spreading movement of the spreading fingers 23. Also, by such a movement break of the spreading fingers 23, an alignment of the film sleeve 4 could be effected with respect to the spreading fingers 23. Thus, the slipping of the film sleeve 4 can be optimized by suitable control of the servo motor 27 in a variety of ways.

Likewise, the inner receiving position S1 of the spreading fingers 23, such as in Fig. 3 shown adapted to the properties of the film sleeve 4 and / or the container 6. This also applies to the outer spreading position S2 of the spreading fingers 23 for labeling the container 6. For example, the inner receiving position S1 and / or the outer spread S2 could be adapted to the dimensions and / or the elasticity of the film sleeve 4. Likewise, an adaptation to the size and shape of the container 6 is possible.

Like in the Fig. 3 is indicated, the implementation of the rotational movement of the servo motor 27 and the control disk 28 in a preferably radial spreading movement of the spreading fingers 23 by means of control grooves 29, which are preferably formed arcuately in the control disk 28. As the Fig. 4 clarified 29 radial guides 31 and control cams or rollers 32 are provided as a counterpart to the control grooves, which are fixedly connected to the spreading fingers 23. The radial guides 31 are preferably provided on a guide plate 33 for radial guidance of the spreading fingers 23. The guide plate 33 and the Spreizfinger 23 together form a quick-change unit 34 of the expansion unit 3, hereinafter referred to as Garnitureneinheit 34.

For anchoring the clothing unit 34 on the mounting plate 22 keyhole-shaped Arretierungsausnehmungen 35 may be provided, for example, in the guide plate 33, and on the base plate 22 corresponding mushroom pin 36, as exemplified in the Fig. 5 shown. The mushroom pin 36 can be pushed through the locking holes 35 and the guide plate 33 are locked by turning on the base plate 22 in a known manner. It goes without saying that the locking openings 35 could also be provided on the base plate 22 and the mushroom pin 36 on the guide plate 33. Likewise, other quick release mechanisms would be conceivable. The decisive factor here is that the drive of the spreading fingers 23, in particular the servo motor 27 and the control disk 28, fixed to the labeling carousel 2 or stored, whereas the spreading fingers 23 and the guide plate 33 are designed as interchangeable and thus flexible replaceable cloth unit 34. This allows an economical and time-saving adaptation of the device 1 according to the invention to different film sleeves 4 and / or container 6 Fig. 3 Furthermore, it is clarified that the pressure lines 25 for the individual spreading fingers 23 are preferably also formed as part of the set unit 34, so that only the common pressure line 26 has to be connected for connecting the stretching unit 3 to the valve units 7 when changing the set of units 34.

As the Fig. 5 further illustrates, in the expansion unit 3, a central recess 37 is provided, through which the container to be labeled 6 can be lifted into the expansion unit 3. By the central recess 37 and the area bounded by the spreading fingers 23 in the outer Spreizstellung S2 area is in the Fig. 6 indicated container portion 40 for receiving the container to be labeled 6 defined. In other words, the container portion 40 of the expansion unit 3 comprises a portion inside the spread fingers 23 and the film sleeve 4 held by the spreading fingers 23. Thus, the spread fingers 23 are arranged around the container portion 40 in their spread position S2.

The interaction of the expansion unit 3, the film sleeve 4 and the container 6 in the labeling of the container 6 will be described below with reference to the positions I to X of Fig. 6 which each show a schematic partial section through a peripheral region of the labeling carousel 2 with a stretching unit 3. The expansion unit 3 moves towards the viewer. The positions I to X correspond to different angular positions of the stretching unit 3 during one revolution of the labeling carousel 2. For the sake of simplicity, only two spreading fingers 23 are indicated schematically.

Position I of the Fig. 6 shows the shooting of a film sleeve 4 on the expansion unit 3 by means of the fixed label dispenser 5, on the four feed rollers 5a for the feed the film sleeve 4 are indicated. The mode of operation of the device 1 according to the invention is to be understood in this case as meaning that a continuous stream of containers 6 to be labeled, such as beverage bottles, in particular of PET, is transferred to the rotating labeling carousel 2. The film sleeves 4 are preferably unrolled as a tube from a supply roll and separated from this in the label dispenser 5 in the desired length. Such label dispensers 5 are known from the prior art and therefore not explained in detail. In position I, the still empty positioning unit 16 and the removal unit 9 with the holding device 13 are also indicated.

Position II of the Fig. 6 illustrates a state in which the film sleeve 4 is already slipped over the spreading fingers 23. The spreading fingers 23 are here still in the inner receiving position S1. A container 6 to be labeled is placed on the positioning device 16 by a feeder 41 symbolized by a clip.

Position III of the Fig. 6 shows a state in which the spreading fingers 23 are in an intermediate position between the inner receiving position S1 and the outer spread position S2. The container 6 to be labeled is taken over by the guide device 17 and first fixed under the stretching unit 3 to the labeling carousel 2.

Position IV of the Fig. 6 shows a state in which the spreading fingers 23 have reached the outer spread position S2 around the container portion 40 of the expansion unit 3, so that the guide means 17 can release the container 6 in the vertical direction. Although the container 6 is shown in the position IV in a not yet raised position, the container 6 could already be raised during Aufspreizens the spreading fingers 23 as long as the container 6 does not collide with them. The spreading fingers 23 are preferably supplied after reaching the outer spread position S2 with negative pressure (not shown) to fix the film sleeve 4 to the spreading fingers 23 in a desired labeling position.

The position V of the Fig. 6 shows a state after release of the container guide 17, in which the container to be labeled 6 has been raised by means of the positioning device 16 already in a region immediately below the spreading fingers 23.

The container 6 is lifted by the positioning unit 16 through the recess 37 of the expansion unit 3 further into the container area 40 until a predetermined labeling position of the container 6, in particular its jacket surface 6a to be labeled, is achieved with respect to the film sleeve 4. Such a condition is in the position VI of Fig. 6 shown. Here, the relative position of the container 6 to the film sleeve 4 is merely exemplary. With the device 1 according to the invention, any lateral surface regions of the container 6 could be labeled. After the correct vertical positioning of the container 6 with respect to the film sleeve 4, the spreading fingers 23 can be moved together again from the outer spreading position S2. Such a condition is in the VII Fig. 6 indicated. In this case, the vacuum is preferably maintained to stabilize the position of the film sleeve 4 on the spreading fingers 23. The spreading fingers 23 are preferably moved together so far that areas of the film sleeve 4 between the spreading fingers 23, the lateral surface 6a of the container to be labeled 6 touch, but this can still pull between the spreading fingers 23 upwards. The gripping device 13 of the removal unit 9 has already been closed around the neck of the container 6, so that the container 6 can be pulled upwards out of the container area 40 of the expansion unit 3 by lifting the removal unit 9. Preferably, with the beginning of the lifting of the container 6 from the container portion 40, the negative pressure at the spreading fingers 23 is interrupted. Further, the valve units 7 are switched such that the spreading fingers are supplied with compressed air to assist the container removal. In this way, an air cushion between the spreading fingers 23 and the film sleeve 4 are generated in order to reduce the friction between the spreading fingers 23 and the film sleeve 4 when removing the container 6. Preferably, in the transfer of the film sleeve 4 of the spreading fingers 23 on the container 6 between the film sleeve 4 and the container 6, a greater static friction is achieved than between the spreading fingers 23 and the film sleeve 4. However, the film sleeve 4 can also from the holding device 13 to the Container 6 are clamped so that the film sleeve 4 dissolves when lifting the holding device 13 with the container 6 of the spreading fingers 23.

Like position VIII of the Fig. 6 clarifies, thereby the labeling of the container 6 with the film sleeve 4, so that the container 6 can be lifted by means of the removal device 9 from the container portion 40 between the spreading fingers 23. As is also indicated in the position VIII, the spreading fingers 23 can already be moved together again and the positioning device 16 travel downwards.

In position IX of the Fig. 6 a state is shown in the transfer of the labeled container 6 to a symbolized by a staple removal unit 42. The spreading fingers have already reached their inner receiving position S1 again.

The position X of the Fig. 6 shows a state in which also the positioning unit 16 has reached its original lower end position for receiving the next container 6, so that a suitable lowering of the holding device 13, the position I of Fig. 6 could connect.

The position I can be seen in this regard that the holding device 13 may need to be very closely guided past the label dispenser 5. This can greatly restrict the adaptation of the device 1 according to the invention to different container sizes and types of film. This problem could be remedied, for example, with an optional variant in which the stretching units 3 are each mounted so as to be radially displaceable and are driven outward only in a region of the label dispenser 5, as indicated by the arrow R. The orbit of the spreading fingers 23 would then deviate from a circular path in this section. The label dispenser 5 could thus be arranged offset outwards at a correspondingly greater distance from the holding devices 13 in order to guide the stretching units 3 under the label dispenser 5 at an increased radial distance. The radial adjustment of the expansion units 3 could be done for example by means of separate servomotors. Conceivable, however, would be a corresponding curve control. A radial adjustment of the expansion units 3 over a peripheral portion of the orbit could be combined with the described servomotor drive of the spreading fingers 23 particularly advantageous, since a complex superposition of several curve controls would then not be required.

By suitable control of the servomotors 27 of the stretching units 3, the provision of the film sleeves 4 on the stretching units 3 can be optimized. Particular advantages result from the coordinated control of the servomotors 27 of the expansion units 23 and the valve units 7, in particular with respect to the Zuschaltzeitpunkts the negative pressure. This ensures that the film sleeve 4 is correctly positioned with respect to the spreading fingers 23 and fixed to them in the correct position. Likewise, particular advantages arise from the fact that the switch-on of the overpressure is coordinated with the beginning of the lifting movement of the extraction unit 9. This can be achieved by coordinated control of the servomotors 12 of the extraction units 9 and the valve units 7. It is particularly advantageous in this case that the coordinated control of the servomotors 12, 27 and the valve units 7 can be carried out independently of the rotational speed and thus the machine performance of the device 1 according to the invention.

In addition, the control of the servomotors 27 of the expansion units 3, the servomotors 12 of the extraction units 9 and / or the valve units 7 can be adapted almost arbitrarily by programming to changing requirements. For example, it is possible to adapt the corresponding control parameters to different types of labels. The film sleeves 4 used for the labeling of the container 6 could differ, for example, with regard to the extensibility of the film sleeves 4 and / or the forces occurring during the stretching. The film sleeves, for example, an elastic elongation of at least 50%. The film sleeves 4 are preferably labels, but could also be applied to the containers 6 for a different purpose.

Further advantages result from the fact that the spreading fingers 23 can be embodied as part of an exchangeable set of units 34 of the stretching units 3. As a result, the device 1 according to the invention can be adapted to different labels and container types with comparatively little material outlay. For this purpose, the spreading fingers 23 could also be provided with exchangeable adapter pieces 43, which in the position X of FIG Fig. 6 are indicated by dashed lines only for better understanding. Preferably, the adapter pieces 43 are provided as an adapter on the outside of the spreading fingers 23. The adapter pieces 43 could be attached to the spreading fingers 23 for easy change by plugging and / or clipping. The adapter pieces 43 differ, as in the Fig. 6 indicated, preferably in the length of the spreading fingers 23. On the adapter pieces 43 could be provided if necessary by the spreading fingers 23 different surface structures, such as corrugations. It would also be possible to extend the air openings 24 of the spreading fingers 23 by means of suitable channels in the adapter pieces 43. However, the adapter pieces 43 are used in particular to adapt the length of the spreading fingers to shorter film sleeves 4 without having to exchange the cloth unit 34. The adapter pieces 43 thus allow an adaptation of the device 1 according to the invention in a particularly economical manner.

Also conceivable would be the use of additional guide plates 44 or the like in the region of the expansion units 3. Such a guide plate 44 is for the sake of simplicity in the position IX of Fig. 6 indicated only schematically. Generally, such guide plates 44 could serve to stabilize the film sleeve 4 when slipping over the spreading fingers 23 in a certain position, for example in a certain rotational position. It goes without saying that the guide plates 44 must be arranged in this case so that they do not collide with the spreading fingers 23. For example, the guide plates 44 could be arranged for this purpose in areas between the spreading fingers 23. In this case, it may be sufficient not to form the guide plates 44 completely around the container area 40 of the stretching units 3, but only in peripheral parts areas.

Claims (17)

Device (1) for attaching elastic film sleeves (4) to containers (6), with a plurality of circumferential stretching units (3) for receiving and expanding the film sleeves such that the containers can be pushed into the film sleeves,
the expansion units each comprising a container region (40) for receiving a container and a plurality of spreading fingers (23) distributed circumferentially around the container region and movable away from one another for expanding the film sleeves,
characterized in that
at least one servo-motor drive per expansion unit (3) is provided for producing at least one relative movement of the film sleeve and container relative to one another in the radial and / or axial direction, in particular the expansion units comprise at least one servo motor (27) for driving the spreading fingers. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control device (8) for activating the at least one servomotor (27) such that the spreading fingers (23) between an inner receiving position (S1) for receiving the film sleeves (4) and an outer spread position (S2) be adjusted to expand the film sleeves (4), wherein in particular the inner receiving position and / or the outer spread position by means of the control device is adjustable. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control device (8) for activating the at least one servomotor (27), such that at least one switch-on time and / or one actuating speed of the at least one servomotor can be set with the aid of the control device, in particular about the spreading fingers ( 23) away from each other. Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising positioning units (16) circulating below the stretching units (3) for positioning the containers (6) in the container areas (40), the positioning units in particular each driven by servo motor lifting means (18) for lifting the Contain containers in the container areas. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an upper end position of the positioning units (16) for aligning the containers (6) with respect to the label sleeves (4) is adjustable, in particular in steps of not more than 1 mm. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising removal units (9) circulating above the expansion units (3) for removing the containers (6) from the container areas (40), the removal units in particular each by means of servo motor (12) driven lifting devices (10) for lifting the containers from the container areas. Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising revolving valve units (7) for alternately adding a negative pressure or an overpressure to the spreading fingers (23) to suck the film sleeves (4) or repel them from the spreading fingers, wherein the valve units are formed Expansion units (3) to supply independently of the negative pressure or the overpressure. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein switching times of the overpressure and / or the negative pressure are adjustable, and in particular a connection time of the negative pressure with the control of the servomotor (27) of the associated expansion unit (3) is synchronized. Apparatus according to claim 6 and 8, wherein a connection time of the overpressure with the extraction units (9) is synchronized. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the valve units (7) comprise Venturi nozzles for generating the negative pressure. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one label dispenser (5) for equipping the stretching units (3) with the film sleeves (4). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the expansion units (3) a replaceable Garniturenabschnitt (34) is provided which comprises at least the spreading fingers (23) and a guide plate (33) for guiding the spreading fingers. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein replaceable adapter pieces (43) are provided on the outer sides of the spreading fingers (23), in particular for adapting the spreading fingers to film sleeves (4) of a predetermined length. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein on the stretching units (3) guide plates (44) or the like are provided to counteract a rotation of the film sleeves (4) against the expansion units. Method of applying elastic film sleeves to containers with the device according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) picking up the film sleeves with the stretching units; b) expanding the film sleeves so that the containers can be pushed into the film sleeves; and c) insertion of the container in the film sleeves, wherein the expansion of the film sleeves and / or the axial relative movement of the container and film sleeve preferably takes place with constant time. The method of claim 15, wherein the step a) comprises an alignment step a1) in which the spreader fingers are moved at least once apart and back to each other to align the position of the film sleeves with respect to the spreader fingers. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the spreading fingers (23) are moved in at least one of the steps a) to c) in response to an adjustable time interval whose beginning is coupled in particular to a time of dispensing the film sleeves.

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