EP2602203B1 - Separation gripper for labelling machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for transferring labels in a labeling machine according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and to a corresponding method according to the preamble of patent claim 10

When labeling containers, in particular in cold glue labeling, there are many variants of the combination of label feeders, ie pallet units, bottle carousels with the containers to be labeled and the transfer units used therebetween, ie gripper cylinders. In particular, the pitch of the bottle carousel, i. how many bottles or containers per angular element should be labeled on the carousel, the division of the feeder, i. how many transfer positions and thus pallets are provided per angle element, an influence on the division to be selected of the transfer unit, so the gripper cylinder. The label length of the labels to be transferred also plays a decisive role here. In the prior art, change of the label length often also change the gripper cylinder necessary, often the entire gripper cylinder unit must be replaced. A problem is that the synchronization of the three units, ie pallet rotor / feeder, gripper cylinder unit and bottle carousel must be ensured so that at a designated speed, the containers can be labeled with the desired labels.

The DE 29 05 376 shows a transport star for bottles with a rotatably driven carrier, on which a plurality of conveyor pockets are provided, wherein the conveyor pockets are pivotable relative to the carrier by means of a fixed control cam, so that a predetermined pitch in the inlet area and another predetermined pitch in the outlet area account can be taken , In this case, the smallest pitch is determined independently of the control cam alone by the attacks of the conveyor pockets by elastic means and it can be driven with a single curve shape more bottle diameter.

The DE 25 44 277 A1 discloses a labeling station in a labeling machine according to the preamble of claim 1 comprising a rotating carrier on which eccentrically at least one glue segment is arranged with outwardly curved receiving surface for a label, and with a rotating label transfer device on which at least one pressing element with associated gripper elements is arranged eccentrically, wherein during the labeling process, each pressing element is pre-controlled by means of a first curve scanning sensor in the direction of the object to be labeled.

In view of the state of the art and the problems discussed above, it is an object of the present invention to decouple the dependence of the gripper cylinder pitch from the pallet control and pitch and thus to reduce the variants.

This object is achieved according to the present invention with a device according to the patent claim 1 and a corresponding method according to the patent claim 10.

The invention comprises a device for transferring labels in a labeling machine having at least two retaining elements for holding labels, wherein the retaining elements are mounted offset in the circumferential direction about a gripper cylinder axis of a gripper cylinder, the device comprising mechanical control means which are adapted to the relative speed between to change the retaining elements in the circumferential direction of the gripper cylinder.

The transfer of labels from pallets to the gripper cylinder can be carried out in a constant manner. The gripper settings of the retaining elements on the gripper cylinder need only adjusted once, so be adjusted, for example, compared to a pallet setting. After adjustment, these gripper cylinder settings can remain virtually unchanged. The retaining elements of the gripper cylinder perform relative to each other a pitch delay movement. As a result, for example, the retaining elements of the gripper change their relative speed in the circumferential direction to each other. The change in speed is accompanied by relative accelerations or decelerations. These can be performed to accommodate the movement of the pallets. The retaining elements are typically mounted on the outer circumference of the gripper cylinder and have substantially the same distance from the axis of the gripper cylinder. In other words, the relative movement of the retaining elements in the circumferential direction of the gripper cylinder relative to the rotation of the gripper cylinder changes around the gripper cylinder axis, which remains substantially unchanged. This results in the form of a rolling movement of the advantage that it can give a consistent label deduction of the range, even with different label lengths. This also has the advantage that even very short labels can still be processed, their processing would be hardly possible with a conventional gripper cylinder. The reduction of a pitch distortion movement on the gripper cylinder also makes it possible to process tear-prone labels better. So far, this problem has been taken into account by an additional special rotation of the pallet at the transfer point, with a considerable calculation and control effort was required and possibly cams had to be replaced.

In the apparatus, the mechanical control means may comprise, for example, a control cam and a circular path.

By using predetermined cams, the mechanical means can be adapted robustly and in a variety of ways to the requirements of the device and the labeling machine.

In the apparatus, the retaining elements may comprise at least two elements which are connected in a lever-like manner about an axis which is substantially parallel to the gripper cylinder axis, wherein the upper element is adapted for gripping labels and is guided on the circular path, and wherein the lower Element is guided on the control cam.

Due to the division on a lower element and an upper element movement shares in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction can be decoupled.

In the apparatus, the lower member may comprise a rocker arm, which is, for example, angled, and a cam follower with at least one cam roller, which is designed to roll along the control cam.

Suitable cams can be installed which are adapted to the labeling machine. The lower element can follow the cams with a rocker arm, which is for example angled at a fixed angle. For this purpose, cam followers can hold one or more cam followers that follow the cams on the inside and / or outside.

The upper element of the device may comprise at least one lever member movably formed about an axis substantially parallel to the gripper cylinder axis.

The upper element may typically comprise a carriage with at least one guide roller, such that the upper element is guided on the circular path.

The carriage can thereby follow with one or more guide rollers of the circular path. The upper element may comprise at least two parts which are connected to a quick-release element, so that the carriage is exchangeable as a front part and the rear part remains on the retaining element.

This results in the advantage that when changing only a part of the upper element of the retaining element needs to be changed, while the radially inner part of the upper element can remain on the device, whereby time can be saved and thereby maintenance can be facilitated.

In the device, each retaining element may preferably have its own drive, for example a servomotor, so that the position of the retaining element can be adjusted by means of the servomotor.

With the help of a drive, such as a servo motor, the position of the retaining element can be adjusted. In particular, after a label change, the gripper cylinder can be suitably rotated relative to the pallet control, so that the new label can be used again at a desired transfer point. The servomotor allows a simple and precise and controllable adjustment of a thus defined new basic position of the retaining element of the gripper cylinder.

In the device, the upper element of the retaining elements may comprise at least one anvil element, a pressure pad and, along the anvil element, at least one gripper finger, which is convertible relative to the anvil element between a gripping and a release position. The positions of the gripper fingers can be controlled by other mechanical or electrical control means. For example, a further mechanical control curve can be used to control the gripper fingers.

The said elements are typically mounted in the front, radially outer part of the upper element / carriage of the retaining element. The division delay function of the gripper cylinder allows only a substantially straight anvil strip to be needed. Likewise, only one finger variant is needed, since only a straight anvil needs to be used. Furthermore, the gripper fingers and the anvil strips must not be adjustable, which may result in simplification in terms of construction. This results in simplification possibilities that can lead to time and cost savings.

In the apparatus, the circular path guide of the upper member may comprise a support plate which is adapted to rotate with virtually constant rotation.

The support plate can perform a substantially constant rotation, while the Teilungsverzugsfunktion can be performed by the retaining elements relative to each other.

The retaining elements of an alternative device can be connected to each other such that they can be changed continuously.

The retaining elements of the device according to the invention are designed so that they can be changed individually.

If, with regard to the bottle carousel, a change of the gripper elements must be made, they can therefore be exchanged or replaced either as a whole unit or it can also be suitably replaced individual retaining elements. The cams can remain untouched.

The invention further comprises a method for transferring labels in a labeling machine with a device as described above; with a pallet rotor with several pallets, which are provided in a first pitch on the pallet rotor; the pallet rotor being rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the gripper cylinder axis; a container carousel having a plurality of turntables with containers provided at a second pitch; wherein after the acquisition of a label from the pallet by the retaining elements by varying the relative speed between the retaining elements in the circumferential direction of the gripper cylinder, the retaining elements are adapted to the second pitch of the container carousel.

Thus, by varying the relative velocity between the retainer members in the circumferential direction of the gripper cylinder, the method adapts the distance between the retainer members circumferentially from the first pitch corresponding to the pallet rotor to the second pitch corresponding to the container carousel.

In the method, the base position of the retention member may be adjustable relative to a pallet so that labels of different lengths are gripped substantially at the same point.

The transfer point in the label transfer of pallets of the pallet rotor on the retaining elements of the gripper cylinder can thus remain essentially unchanged. Only the switching point for the label transfer to the containers must be readjusted if the label length is changed if the label is to be transferred centrally to a container.

The object of the invention will be explained by way of example with reference to the following drawings.

Figuren 1A .- 1D

Stufen eines Teilungsverzuges innerhalb einer Umdrehung an einer Vorrichtung zum Transferieren von Etiketten gemäß der Erfindung.

Figur 2

Schemaansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Transferieren gemäß der Erfindung.

Figur 3

Unteransicht einer Vorrichtung mit einem Festhalteelement gemäß Figur 2.

Figur 4

Schemaansicht eines Festhalteelements einer Vorrichtung gemäß Figuren 2 und 3.

Figur 5

Schemaansicht eines Festhalteelements mit Schnellverschlusselement gemäß Figur 4.

Show it:

Figures 1A-1D

Stages of pitch distortion within one revolution on a label transferring apparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 2

Schematic view of a device for transfer according to the invention.

FIG. 3

Bottom view of a device with a retaining element according to FIG. 2 ,

FIG. 4

Schematic view of a retaining element of a device according to Figures 2 and 3 ,

FIG. 5

Schematic view of a retaining element with quick-release element according to FIG. 4 ,

The Figures 1A - 1D show various stages of pitch delay in one revolution on an apparatus for transferring labels E, E 'in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1A - 1D show a feeder or pallet unit with a pallet rotor 7 and pallets 7P, which are mounted substantially uniformly on the circumference of the pallet rotor 7. The pallets 7P are movably suspended on axles which are substantially parallel to the axis of the pallet rotor. The spacing of the centers of the axes of two adjacent pallets 7P defines a first pitch T ₁ . Furthermore, in the Figures 1A - 1D a substantially known outwardly directed pallets 7P, which have an outward curvature, are passed to the glue roller 5 and there take glue or other suitable adhesive for labels on. The pallet rotor 7 rotates, for example, in the direction indicated by the arrow with the reference numeral 7R direction, ie here counterclockwise. In a rolling movement, the glued pallet 7P rolls off a label from the label storage container 3 and removes this label. It is understood that the back of the label comes into contact with the glued pallet 7P.

The pallet provided with a label is replaced by the further rotation of the pallet rotor 7 in the transfer area from the pallet rotor / feeder to the device, i. brought the gripper cylinder 11, as will be further described below.

Figures 1A - 1D also show a bottle or container carousel 9 with turntables with containers 13 to be labeled. The details of the turntable are not shown here. The Carousel 9 rotates in a direction of rotation indicated by the arrow 9R, in this case counterclockwise. The distance between the centers of two turntables and thus the distance between the center of two containers results in a pitch T ₂ , as indicated in the figures. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the pitch T _{2 is} different from the pitch T _{1 of} the pallet rotor. Schematically are in the Figures 1A - 1D Turntable shown with containers 13 to which the labels are transferred from the device according to the invention. Purely schematically, a label E is shown in a transfer point U, that is just handed over to a container 13, but not yet completely pressed against the container 13. From the transfer point U in the direction of rotation 9R below containers with labels E 'are shown, which have been pressed, for example by means of pressing devices (not shown here) on the container. A possible rotation of the turntable to support the Andrückvorgangs is also possible, but not shown here.

Between the pallet rotor 7 and the bottle carousel 9, a device according to the present invention is provided. The Figures 1A-1D show in a plan view of a six-armed support plate 31 which can rotate in the center of the device about an axis / gripper cylinder axis 4. Six retaining elements 15 are provided on the device purely by way of example, which make it possible to take on the outer circumference of the gripper cylinder 4 labels E of pallets 7P of the pallet unit 7 and to transfer them to containers 13 to be labeled on the bottle carousel 9. The device rotates in the Figures 1A-1D as indicated by the arrow with the reference numeral 11 R clockwise.

Each retaining element 15 comprises an anvil element 29, which may comprise a suitable anvil strip and a pressure pad with an optionally suitably machined surface, as well as at least one gripper finger 27. The gripper fingers 27 may grip a label E, for example by suitably gripping and against an edge of the label Press the anvil element 29. The anvil elements 29 with pressure pads and gripper fingers 27 are located substantially on the outer circumference of the device. The gripper fingers 27 show two different positions of their function. A position indicated by reference numeral 27A, see Figure 1A , is an open position in which the gripper finger 27 does not grip or hold label E. A position indicated by reference numeral 27Z, see Figure 1C , is a position in which the gripper finger 27 grips or holds a label.

The Figures 1A - 1D show a sequence of successive positions of the gripper cylinder 11 when transferring labels E from the pallet unit / feeder unit 7 to the container carousel 9. This sequence is exemplary within one revolution the gripper cylinder 11 instead. Here are the refer Figures 1A - 1D not on even time intervals during a revolution, but are only for explanation. Two of the retaining elements 15 are designated by the reference numerals 15.1 and 15.2 by way of example. These two retaining elements 15.1 and 15.2 are by way of example immediately adjacent. However, the following considerations can also be made for not immediately adjacent retaining elements.

The Figure 1A shows a position of the device in which just none of the retaining elements 15 is in direct contact with a pallet 7P. The retaining element 15.1 will come into contact with a pallet 7P in accordance with the direction of rotation 7R of the pallet rotor and the direction of rotation 11R of the gripper cylinder as the next of the six retaining elements 15. In Figure 1A is shown on the retaining element 15.1 of the corresponding gripper fingers 27 in an open basic position. The retaining element 15.2 is shown in a closed position and holds an already previously gripped label E. The gripping operation with respect to the retaining element 15.2 is not shown.

In the FIG. 1B the gripper finger 27 is shown immediately before or upon contact with a pallet 7P of the pallet rotor. While in the FIG. 1B the gripper finger 27 is still shown in an open position, it is in the Figure 1C shown in a closed position. In the Figure 1C Thus, the gripper finger 27 of the retaining member 15.1 gripped the edge of a label E on the pallet 7P and will remove or peel off the label E from the pallet 7P. In the FIG. 1D the label E has already been almost completely removed or removed from the pallet 7P by means of the retaining element 15.1. Simultaneously, the movement of the retaining element 15.2 has been delayed on the circumference of the gripper cylinder 11 to prepare the label transfer to the container 13 of the bottle carousel. Due to the delay, the distance between the retaining elements 15.1 and 15.2 has become smaller on the circumference of the gripper cylinder. In other words, the retaining elements 15.1 and 15.2 in this example have been pushed closer together on the circumference. The radial distance from the central axis 4 of the gripper cylinder 11 remains unchanged for each of the retaining elements 15, ie in particular for the retaining elements 15.1 and 15.2 vice versa can be seen from the other retaining elements 15 that the distance on the circumference between the retaining elements after the transfer of the labels increases again, so the relative speed between two retaining elements so changed again to be adapted to the pitch of the pallet rotor.

The speed changes on the circumference of the gripper cylinder 11 in the Figures 1A - 1D done for example by means of a control cam 21, in each case a sub-element the retaining elements 15 is guided by means of guide rollers 41, see FIGS. 2 to 5 , The control cam 21 can, as in Figures 1A - 1D shown not to be circular, but have a special shape, which forces a movement of a guide roller 41 at different radii, so that an uneven movement of the guide roller 41 may arise. By means of an angle element 47, which may be angled at about 90 °, this sub-element is connected to the six-armed support plate 31. It is understood at this point once again that the six-count has been chosen here purely by way of example and another number of retaining elements can be selected. Via an axis 6, which is practically parallel to the axis 4 of the gripper cylinder, the first sub-element is connected to a further sub-element, which in this example, the partial lever arms 8 and 10, which are connected to an axis 12, which in turn substantially parallel to Axis 4 of the gripper cylinder 11 is. By means of the lever elements 8 and 10, radial changes induced by the control cam 21 can be compensated, so that the anvil elements 29 and gripper fingers 27 are not touched thereby. These outer parts of the retaining element 15 are on a circular path 34, see FIGS. 2 to 5 , reciprocating in the circumferential direction. In this case, the radius of these sub-elements, ie in particular the label holding and leading anvil elements 29 and gripper fingers 27 remains substantially constant. For this purpose, these outer parts by suitable guide elements, see FIGS. 2 to 5 be guided on circular paths or circular path sections.

The FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention. Similar in the Figures 1A - 1D is in FIG. 2 a teilungsverzugsfähiger gripper cylinder 11 shown with six retaining elements. The retaining elements can the retaining elements 15 of Figures 1A-1D essentially correspond. In the FIG. 2 the upper sub-elements 115 of the retaining elements are shown. A control lever for gripper fingers is designated by the reference numeral 38. A corresponding spring is designated by the reference numeral 37. In this case, the movement of the gripper fingers from its open position to a closed position, as based on the gripper finger cam roller 35 Figures 1A - 1D discussed, by means of another control curve, not shown here, are controlled. Furthermore, anvil elements with anvil cushions 29 are shown. Likewise shows the FIG. 2 Gripper fingers 27 in a closed position. The upper elements / sub-elements 115 of the retaining elements are shown above a support plate 31, the support plate 31 from the Figures 1A - 1D can correspond. Below the support plate 31, a control cam 21 is indicated, which can produce an irregular movement of at least the lower part of the retaining elements, see Figures 3 - 5 , Above the support plate 31, a circular track 34 is indicated, which here comprises approximately slots, in which the upper elements 115 can move back and forth, so as to perform the Teilungsverzugsbewegung can. Likewise are in FIG. 2 Guide rollers 36 indicated that ensure a guide of the upper elements 115 with respect to the circular path 34.

The FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the embodiment as shown by FIG. 2 already described. Parts of the device according to the invention, which in FIG. 3 include the circular path 34 with slots 34S. A lower element / sub-element 215 of the retaining elements 15, as in FIGS Figures 1A - 1D shown in FIG. 3 at least one cam roller 41, which is suitable to roll in the control cam 21 or guided. The control cam 21 is for example in FIG. 2 shown. Via a tilt angle 47 and an axis 6, the lower element is connected to parts of the upper element 115. In this case, a guide roller 37 is indicated, with which the upper element 115 is guided in a slot 34 S of the circular path 34. Further, guide rollers 36 are indicated, with which the upper element on the outer edge of the circular path 34 roll or can be guided. The upper element 115 has already been described with reference to FIG FIG. 2 described.

The FIGS. 4 and 5 show a further aspect with respect to the upper element 115. In this embodiment, the upper element 115 may comprise at least two parts designated by reference numerals 115.1 and 115.2. Relative to the radial direction, the element 115.2 is located further inwardly than the element 115.1. Further, guide rollers 36 are attached, for example, to the element 115.2, so that aspects of the pitch distortion movement in the circumferential direction by the sub-element 115.2 are taken true. The sub-element 115.1 is connected via a quick-release or quick-coupling element 115.3 with the sub-element 115.2. The subelement 115.1 thus takes care of the aspects of grasping, holding, transferring and releasing labels. Mechanical cams for the control, in particular the opening and closing of the gripper fingers can be limited to this sub-element 115.1. Further, any one of in FIG. 2 shown six sub-elements 115.1 are replaced quickly.

It is understood that though in the Figures 1A - 1D and Figures 2 and 5 merely discuss the transfer from a label to a container, the inventive concepts are also transferable to the transfer of multiple labels in different superimposed planes, such as abdominal / chest and neck labels.

Claims (11)

1. A device (11) for transferring labels (E, E') in a labeling machine with at least two retaining elements (15) for holding labels (E, E'), wherein the retaining elements (15) are mounted offset in the circumferential direction around a gripper cylinder axle (4) of a gripper cylinder (11),
   and wherein
   the device comprises mechanical control means which are configured to change the relative speed between the retaining elements (15) in the circumferential direction of the gripper cylinder (11);
   characterized in that
   the radial distance from the central axle of the gripper cylinder (11) remains unchanged for each of the retaining elements (15).
2. The device (11) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical means comprise a control cam (21) and a circular path (34).
3. The device according to at least one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the retaining elements (15) comprise at least two elements (115, 215) which are connected in a lever type fashion around an axle (6) which is essentially parallel to the gripper cylinder axle (4), wherein the upper element (115) is configured to grip labels (E, E') and is guided on the circular path (34), and wherein the lower element (215) is guided on the control cam (21).
4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the lower element (215) comprises a toggle lever (47) which is, for example, angled, and a cam roller support (41) with at least one cam roller (41), which is configured to roll along the control cam (21).
5. The device according to at least one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the upper element (115) comprises a slide (115.1, 115.2) with at least one guide roller (36), such that the upper element (115) is guided on the circular path (34).
6. The device according to at least one of claims 3 - 5, wherein the upper element comprises at least two parts (115.1, 115.2) which are connected with a quick-lock element (115.3), so that a front part (115.1) of the slide is exchangeable and the rear part (115.2) of the slide remains at the retaining element (15).
7. The device according to at least one of claims 1 - 6, wherein each retaining element (15) has a separate drive, for example a servomotor, so that the position of the retaining element (15) can be adjusted by means of the servomotor.
8. The device according to at least one of claims 3 - 7, wherein the upper element (115) of the retaining elements (15) comprises at least one anvil element (29) with a pressing pad and, along the anvil element, at least one gripper finger (27) which can be adjusted with respect to the anvil element (29) between a grip and a release position.
9. The device according to at least one of claims 3 - 8, wherein the circular path guidance (34) of the upper element (115) comprises a support board (31) which is configured to rotate practically with a constant rotation.
10. Method of transferring labels (E, E') in a labeling machine with a device (11) according to at least one of claims 1 - 9, with a pallet rotor (7) with several pallets (7P) which are provided in a first pitch at the pallet rotor (7); wherein the pallet rotor (7) is rotatable about an axle which is essentially parallel to the gripper cylinder axle (4), with a container carrousel (9) with several rotary tables with containers (13) which are provided in a second pitch,
    and wherein
    after the acceptance of a label (E, E') from the pallet (7P) by the retaining elements (15), the retaining elements (15) are adjusted to the second pitch of the container carrousel (9) by changing the relative speed between the retaining elements (15) in the circumferential direction of the gripper cylinder (11);
    characterized in that
    the radial distance from the central axle of the gripper cylinder (11) remains unchanged for each of the retaining elements (15).
11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the basic position of the retaining element (15) is adjustable relative to a pallet (7P), so that labels (E, E') with different lengths are gripped essentially at the same point.

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