EP2610188B1 - Labelling unit - Google Patents

Description

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

It is well known in bottling technology to provide containers with individual label equipments, which may be printed paper or plastic blanks, Stanniol blanks, logos or relief-like structures, and applied to the container surface using, for example, cold glue. Since quite more than 50,000 containers per hour and more are to be labeled, sophisticated labeling units are used for this purpose, which are functionally assigned to a container to be labeled passing conveyance turntable. In the same Etikettieraggregats different label items can be processed simultaneously on different floors, such as a belly label for the container belly, a neck label for the container neck, or the like .. A change in the type of a label and / or a dimensional change of the container to be labeled and / or a change in the Division of the container requirement during labeling requires a conversion due to given geometric conditions in the labeling. For this purpose, different Wechselgarnituren be kept for the labeling that fit different working conditions and are interchangeable. The above-mentioned high labeling frequencies are only possible with upright, while rotating containers possible, which has the consequence that the axes of rotation in the labeling unit working components are also oriented at least substantially vertically. The change sets are mounted in the labeling unit so that a change requires that each change set to be lifted during removal over a considerable axial path and then move up and / or sideways, and again insert at insertion from the side or from above and on the thread long axial path. Since auxiliary lifting devices are unusable due to the usually very limited access in Etikettieraggregat, retooling by operators must be done manually, which is extremely cumbersome and because of the considerable weight of each Garniturteils, the large number of different Garniturteile and especially the wide vertical lifting and lowering movement is unergonomic.

At one off DE 33 04 191 A Known generic labeling unit, each pallet shaft is permanently coupled at the lower end via a universal joint with the rotatably mounted in the hub drive shaft. The upper end of the pallet shaft is centered on a ball latch in a support when the pallet shaft is in operation. To temporarily take the pallet shaft out of operation, the ball lock is released and the pallet shaft is pivoted to the side about the hinge axis of the universal joint. To replace the pallet shaft as an interchangeable set, the four-edged lower end of the pallet shaft must be pulled upwards from an axial square blind bore of a bushing of the universal joint. The change makes it necessary to lift and lower the possibly heavy weight of the pallet shaft vertically.
In EP 2 564 903 A1 with older seniority, a labeling is proposed in the rotationally driven by means of servomotors gearboxes such as pallet shafts, a gripper cylinder and a glue roller are coupled by means of Hirth clutches separable. Each Hirth coupling is disengaged or indented by a horizontal lateral tilting movement of the interchangeable set when the interchangeable set is released on the top, so that the interchangeable set does not need to be lifted when changing the set. A purely magnetic, ie, non-positive axial securing in the Hirth coupling consists of axially attracting magnets that can be actuated with the tilting movement when changing between a holding position and a release position for the Hirth coupling.
At the US 3,736,213 Known Etikettieraggregat each pallet shaft must be pulled out after dismantling or swinging away an upper support vertically upwards from a coupling sleeve of an underlying Triebstock and laterally lifted. Even the bottom driven glue cylinder can only be lifted upwards. The same applies to the gripper cylinder, which is rotatable about a vertical stationary pivot bearing, which extends because of the need to possibly label in several floors, far up, and therefore must be raised and lowered very far vertically.
In the out DE 32 16 138 A Known labeling unit, each pallet shaft must be raised from a coupling sleeve of the engine block below it after swinging away an upper support far up vertically to release the engagement between a polygon end of the pallet shaft and the coupling sleeve. This also applies to the glue roller driven from below and likewise to the gripper cylinder. Also, the magazine in which the labels are kept stacked for transfer is usually threaded onto vertical support columns from above and supported so that lateral reaction forces from the label removal are easily absorbed and the magazine is properly positioned remains. Since magazines are often placed one above the other in several levels, these vertical support columns are correspondingly high, which requires lifting the large weight, especially full of magazines, and then carefully lowering them over the support columns or the still considerable weight of each empty magazine over one vertical movement path to raise vertically. This over decades now standardized construction and handling of the change sets is ergonomically unfavorable in terms of a set change and user-unfriendly and in terms of occupational safety regulations, for example, for women, critical, and results in relatively long change times.

Out DE 20 2005 007 470 U1 is a rotary joint for a pallet shaft known. The rotary joint can only be brought into its full engagement position in a single rotational position. When changing the pallet shaft forming a change set this is lifted vertically and pulled out and the new pallet shaft is inserted vertically and thereby lowered because in the full engagement position an axially parallel flattening is used with a certain depth of engagement in an inner cone socket.

Out WO 99/41513 A is a part of a machine known in which two coaxial shafts are coupled via a Hirth coupling with front sprockets. The serrations are designed asymmetrically with respect to tooth flank angles in order to minimize axial separation forces during torque transmission.

At one off US 3 767 515 A Known labeling the lower end of each pallet shaft is inserted into a plug-in coupling part. During operation of the pallet shaft whose upper end is rotatably mounted in an upper support. In order to replace the pallet shaft forming an interchangeable set, the upper support is released and rotated, so that the pallet shaft can be pulled out of the plug-in coupling substantially vertically upwards. The insertion of a new pallet shaft requires a precisely guided lowering movement. Changing operations are cumbersome due to the relatively high weight of the pallet shafts and involve an acute danger of damaging colliding parts when the plug-in coupling is disengaged or engaged.

Out GB 2 431 704 A is known from two coupling halves Hirth coupling for an impeller or a turbine known. The coupling halves are manufactured and installed separately from a driving shaft and the driven impeller or the turbine in case of damage to be able to exchange only the respective defective component, and not an entire component group.
Out DE 31 21 694 A1 Couplings are known with flat coupling surfaces that carry parallel teeth and thus tolerate parallel displacements between coupled waves. Further prior art can be found in DE 10 2004 054 057 A1 . EP 1 939 095 A1 . DE 10 2007 054 729 A1 . DE 40 42 100 A1 . WO 03/029083 A1 and US 5 286 333 A ,
The invention has for its object to make a labeling unit of the type mentioned in relation to a change of change sets ergonomically favorable and user-friendly.
The stated object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

Since a connection of the at least one change set with the associated support is designed so that the connection by a substantially largely horizontal and lateral relative movement of the change set over the support is detachable and producible, eliminating the need to raise the change set when changing over a considerable amount or lower. Rather, the change set released by the essentially largely horizontal and lateral relative movement can be conveniently lifted away or transferred directly to a support such as a change carriage or the like. This is ergonomically favorable and user-friendly and also results in shorter changeover times. In this case, the connection to be loosened or produced after a change is a Hirth coupling, via which a torque and / or rotational movements can be transmitted during operation of the labeling unit, and which can be disengaged and engaged by a horizontal lateral tilting movement of the interchangeable set. A Hirth clutch has been known for decades as an easily detachable, torque transmitting clutch from many fields of engineering. A horizontal lateral tilting movement for a user means a much lower load, as it arises when lifting or lowering the weight of the changing set over considerable height and in the vertical direction. Namely, the Wechselgarnitur can be transferred with the tilting movement equal to a prepared supporting surface and then transported away without the operator has to carry or lift the total weight. Conversely, this also applies to the insertion or production of the compound, because after applying the change set in the subsequent horizontal and lateral tilting movement to the full engagement of the Hirth clutch, the weight of the changing set is already partially supported. The Hirth coupling is frontally strong and / or positively pronounced. The rotary joint has two intermeshing spur gears. A particularly important aspect of the Hirth coupling is that, in addition to its easy tilting separability and compressibility, it can be designed as a centering device between the shafts to be coupled, so that shafts to be coupled with each other are properly centered relative to each other merely by establishing the full engaged position , Since a centering could also be formed by axially interlocking centering parts, which in turn would require a considerable lifting movement in a vertically standing change set of a Etikettieraggregats, the self-centering of the Hirth coupling solely on the tilting engagement movement a significant advantage that does not require raising or lowering a heavy Wechselgarnitur.

Since it is very often important in the case of changing sets of a labeling unit that a specific rotational positioning between waves to be coupled is maintained in the connection, another important aspect of the invention is that the rotary coupling used in only a single relative rotational positioning between the shaft and the drive shaft and especially free of play in the full engagement position can be brought. For a backlash in the circumferential direction could affect the orderly transmission of torque or rotational movements sensitive.

In an expedient embodiment, each spur gear ring is arranged concentrically to the axis of the rotary joint about a central clearance, which, preferably, may be circular. This results in manufacturing advantages for the rotary joint and takes into account the phenomenon of mechanics, according to which large torques between meshing Stirnverzahnungskränzen are best transmitted to the largest possible diameter. The internal space also has the advantage of accommodating further components, which can be used, for example, for the axial securing of the engaged rotary coupling.

In order to engage or disengage the rotary joint with a lateral tilting movement, properly centered in the full engagement position waves relative to each other and ensure only a single predetermined relative rotational positioning in the rotary joint, it may be appropriate if each spur gear teeth circumferentially irregularly distributed teeth and Having tooth spaces, wherein the teeth and at least some of the interdental spaces in radial and axial directions have sloping flanks and ridges. Preferably, in the axial direction, the circumferentially measured distance between the sloping flanks of each tooth symmetrically increases in the direction of the tooth root. In the radial direction inwards, at least a portion of the toothed crest slopes off in the direction of the tooth root. Also conceivable in the circumferential direction regularly distributed, the same teeth or interdental spaces on the spur gear rims and at least one additional positioning device for only a predetermined engagement position between the two spur gears. This could be, for example, a centering pin on a spur gear ring and a receptacle for the centering pin in the other spur gear ring.

In an expedient embodiment of the labeling unit, in which the pallet shafts constitute interchangeable sets, the multiple, with a common luff coupled pallet shaft Hirth couplings rotatably supporting hub of the transfer module with a mounted on a stationary support structure bottom side direct drive motor, preferably an electric torque motor, with stationary, a winding-containing stator and internal, equipped with magnets ring rotor, in drive connection. The torque motor drives the hub on the driving stick and on the driving stick, the pallet shafts in the hub, which, as is well known, in operation can also be individually switched off. This design with the direct drive motor saves considerable height in the area of the drive block, avoids a gear drive configuration, and therefore allows easy pre-assembly and functional testing of the functional unit of the transfer module.

The structure of the transfer module can be made simple and inexpensive, especially due to the omission of a cast gear housing construction, when the hub is stored in the center area without engagement in the region of its outer periphery via a bearing ring free four-point moment bearing element in the support structure. The support structure for rotatably supporting the hub and for mounting the direct drive motor may be a simple steel plate. The four-point torque bearing element without bearing rings saves height and space in the diameter direction. On the steel plate, the lantern can be conveniently mounted between the direct drive motor and the support structure, partially engaging also in the hub from below.

For weight and cost reasons in particular, every pallet suitable for the pallet shaft is made of plastic. Preferably, the pallet is a two-component injection molded part. For the purpose of purposeful reduction of the pallet surface to be coated with glue, it is provided with a varying groove pattern, for example and preferably in which recesses are produced in a regular pattern by laser ablation between overlapping straight webs, so that glue is only applied by the glue roller to the webs ,

Furthermore, for weight reasons, the pallet shaft may have, at least in sections, a pipe cross-section. To ensure the respective correct rotational positioning of a mounted on the pallet shaft pallet regardless of their height position along the pallet shaft without complex tools, it may also be appropriate to make the pallet shaft at least partially with a non-circular outer cross-section, for example, be approximately triangular (with rounded corners) can.

High structural strength with minimized weight can be achieved for the change set of the pallet shaft in that the pallet shaft is formed as Karbonformteil or stainless steel tube hydroforming and, preferably, only at the lower end of an annular flange carries a rotary coupling half of the rotary joint.

In a further embodiment of the labeling unit, in which the gripper cylinder is an interchangeable set, the gripper cylinder is in drive connection via at least one Hirth coupling to the drive shaft of a direct drive motor mounted at the bottom on a support structure, preferably a common support structure for the gripper cylinder and the at least one transfer module and rotatably mounted on the support structure. The direct drive motor is expediently an electric servomotor. This design allows convenient pre-assembly of the functional unit of the gripper cylinder. The Hirth coupling makes it possible to remove or attach the gripper cylinder with a substantially only lateral and horizontal tilting movement, without having to lift it vertically. Optionally, a plurality of Hirth couplings are provided between the direct drive motor and the gripper cylinder, for example, to adjust the distance between holding intermediate elements the desired height of the gripper cylinder or its gripper on the support structure, and to be able to easily change the altitude at a change.

In the labeling unit, the glue roller or a glue station, which has at least one transfer module, the gripper cylinder and a magazine or several magazines, is mounted on a common supporting structure which is designed as a plate, whereby, if these are each exchangeable sets, each change fitting is removably attached via a connection is.

Fig. 1

eine Schnittdarstellung, in perspektivischer Ansicht von schräg oben, eines Etikettieraggregats, in welchem als mögliche Ausführungsvariante eine gemeinsame Tragstruktur für funktionell kooperierende Komponenten vorgesehen ist,

Fig. 2

eine Perspektivdarstellung des Etikettieraggregats von Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine Perspektivdarstellung einer Wechselgarnitur in Form einer mit einer Palette bestückten Palettenwelle, und

Fig. 4

eine Abwicklung einer Palettenfläche mit einem oberflächenoptimierten Rillenmuster.

The glue roller is not driven as usual from below, but at its lying above the support structure end in a supported on the support structure bearing suspended and flying rotatably mounted and with a top mounted on the storage electric servomotor in direct drive connection. This compact design ensures that running-down glue does not pose a threat to bearings or drive connections. The direct drive motor, in particular an electric servomotor, allows precise control of the speed of the glue roller, for example for exact synchronization with the advancement of the surface of the pallet, ie in precise adaptation to a varying speed profile of the movement of the surface of the pallet. If the glue roller is designed as an interchangeable set and change due to conversion, it may be appropriate that the glue roller at the top of the storage is essentially only laterally removable, and when removing or when inserting does not need to be raised or lowered over considerable height vertically.
With reference to the drawings, embodiments of the subject invention will be explained. Show it:

Fig. 1

a sectional view, in a perspective view obliquely from above, of a labeling unit, in which is provided as a possible embodiment, a common support structure for functionally cooperating components,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of the labeling of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

a perspective view of an interchangeable set in the form of a pallet shaft equipped with a pallet, and

Fig. 4

a processing of a pallet surface with a surface-optimized groove pattern.

Fig. 1 shows major components of one embodiment of a labeling A, in particular a cold glue labeling unit for labeling equipment for labeling standing on the labeling of moving past container, such as plastic or glass bottles (not shown). Although in the illustrated embodiment, the main components are mounted on a common support structure 1, such as a steel plate, the main components could also be separate functional units each on their own support structures (not shown).

Central main component of the labeling unit A of Fig. 1 is a transfer module T with a substantially vertical transfer axis, the label from a connected to the support structure 1 magazine M decreases individually and transferred to a gripper cylinder Z on the support structure 1, which further promotes the labels and applies to containers, not shown. In the embodiment shown, the major components operate in a single plane. Alternatively, the major components could work in multiple superimposed planes to simultaneously process different labels (eg, belly labels, neck labels, or neck outfits).

Another main component on the support structure 1 is a gluing unit L, which provides the glue required to apply the labels and cooperates with the transfer module T.

Magazine carriers M 'are indicated by a respective magazine M, which can store a plurality of magazines stacked on top of one another and in which labels are kept stacked, of which the transfer module T picks up and transfers one at a time in each storey. The configuration of the labeling A is known per se, but differs from known label units in that for a conversion-related change (label change, container dimensional change, Behälterteilungswechsel and the like.), As is also known, removable and attachable change sets arranged in a novel way and interchangeable are.

In a central section of the support structure 1, a plate-shaped hub 2 of the transfer module T in the center region is free-standing near the outer periphery via a bearing ring-free four-point moment bearing element 3 rotatably mounted and sealed by a peripheral labyrinth seal 4. On the underside of the support structure 1 is a clamping plate 5 of a arranged under the hub 2 Triebstocks 7 with pinions, teeth, tooth segments and the like. For Drehantreiben of pallet shafts 13, which rotate with the rotationally driven hub 2 and are rotatably mounted therein provided via clamping bolt 6. For each pallet shaft 13, an overload clutch 8 can optionally be provided within the drive block 7, which allows a single circuit (passivation) of the pallet shaft 13 in operation, similar to that in its overall disclosure hereby incorporated DE 32 16 138 A , Specifically, the overload clutch 8 shown works with spring-loaded balls.
In the hub 2 for each pallet shaft 13, a vertical drive shaft 9 is rotatably supported by means of rolling bearings 10, which leads to a at the top of the hub 2 projecting annular flange 11 which is sealed inwardly by a labyrinth seal 11 '. With the annular flange 11, the respective plate shaft 13 is aligned and centered via a rotary coupling D in drive connection, wherein at the lower end of the pallet shaft 13, a further annular flange 12 is arranged, and the annular flanges 11, 12 mating rotary coupling halves H form. The respective rotary joint D is described in detail on the basis of Fig. 3 explained. Their Hauptcharakteristikum is that it is disengaged or engageable by essentially substantially horizontal lateral relative movement or tilting movement (arrows 29) of the pallet shaft 13 and transmits the torque backlash of the drive shaft 9 to the pallet shaft 13 in the full engagement position shown.
For each rotary coupling D of a pallet shaft 13, a magnetic axial securing S is expediently provided, which fixes the rotary coupling D in the full engagement position only when changing only by the lateral tilting away of the upper end of the pallet shaft 13 (arrows 29), the axial lock in a Release position is brought and the rotary coupling D is disengaged to take out the pallet shaft 13 to the side of the transfer module T without having to lift it upwards. In Fig. 1 the axial securing S of each rotary coupling D of a pallet shaft 13 is constituted, for example, by a ferromagnetic or magnetic plate 41 in the lower annular flange 11 and an annular disc magnet or individual circumferentially distributed, to permanent magnets 42 in the upper annular flange 12. It could also be two permanent magnets 42 interact axially.
At least one pallet shaft 13 carries at least one pallet 14 in a predetermined relative and fixed rotational position. From the center of the hub 2, a shaft 15 extends upwardly, on which a peripheral recesses having cover plate 16 is arranged vertically displaceable in the operating position shown in FIG Fig. 1 the upper ends of the pallet shafts 13 are rotatably supported at 17. The cover plate 16 is lifted at a stationary labeling unit A upwards and optionally rotated by a division of the peripheral recesses, so that the upper ends of the pallet shafts 13 are exposed and they are wegkippbar in the direction of arrows 29 laterally to disengage the respective rotary coupling D and the To change pallet shaft. The central shaft 15 of the hub 2 extends upwards into a storage console 18, here for example the gluing unit L mounted stationarily on the support structure 1.

In the gluing unit L, a cylindrical glue roller 19 is rotatably arranged, which is accessible in an opening 24, facing the transfer module T, of a comprehensive housing 23 of the gluing unit L for surfaces of the pasting pallets 14. An upper end 20 of the glue roller 19 is rotatably mounted in a stationary, for example via telescopic columns 18 'supported on the support structure 1 bearing 21 and with a direct drive motor mounted thereon M3 in drive connection. A tensioning device 22 makes it possible, for example, to pull up the glue roller 19 with the direct drive motor M3, which may, preferably, be an electric servomotor. Alternatively, the glue roller 19 could also be removed from the storage 21 at the top and removed laterally, if necessary, since it is supported in the storage 21 hanging and flying, so that on the glue roller 19 applied glue without risk for drive elements or sealing areas can drain down and can be dissipated. The gluing unit L may further comprise at least one glue squeegee and one glue supply for the glue roller 19.

For the magazine M or the respective magazine carrier M 'are in Fig. 1 distributed in the circumferential direction several releasable connections V on each stationary supports on the support structure 1 or a lower magazine M provided. Each connection V consists of a cone pin 26 at the top of the support structure 1 and the top of a magazine support M ', which is inserted into a mating conical sleeve 25 which is mounted on the underside of each magazine carrier M', for example via adjusting nuts 28. The insertion depth, for example, approximately corresponds to the average engagement diameter of the conical pin 26, or even less than this. In Fig. 1 are shown in several floors magazine carrier M '. It could be only one provided. The height adjustment and fixation of each conical pin 26 on the support structure 1 is accomplished, for example via a clamping nut 27. Also, the respective magazine M or the magazine carrier M 'is in the in Fig. 1 shown embodiment, an interchangeable set of labeling A, which can be replaced with a changeover-related change. All or some of the cone pins 26 may have an integrated magnet 26 ', which generates a magnetic axial securing with the conical sleeve 25 in the fully engaged position. When changing, each magazine carrier M 'only over the depth of engagement raised between the taper pin 26 and the conical sleeves 25 by releasing the magnetic axial securing and then moved away to the side before a new magazine support M 'or a new magazine M is mounted in reverse order. The connections V for the magazine or the magazine carrier M, M 'are expediently designed such that the conical pegs 26 each point upwards, and the conical sleeves 25 are placed on the conical pegs 26 from above. However, a reverse installation is also possible.

For the hub 2 of the transfer module T and the lantern 7, a direct drive motor M1 is mounted on the underside of the support structure 1 or the support plate 5. In the embodiment shown, the direct drive motor M1 is an electric torque motor 32 having a stationary, winding-containing stator 33 and an inner ring traveler 34 equipped with magnets 35 which drives a central vertical shaft 36 of the hub 2.

The gripper cylinder Z is also an interchangeable set and Umrüstbedingt against another gripper cylinder Z changeable. For the gripper cylinder Z, a direct drive motor M2, preferably an electric servo motor 37 is mounted on the underside of the support structure 1, which has a stationary motor housing 38 with an internal winding and an inner, vertical drive shaft 39 for a rotor 47 of the gripper cylinder Z. The drive shaft 39 is rotatably mounted in rolling bearings 40 and extends up to over the top of the support structure 1 to a first rotary joint D, which may be similar or similar to the rotary joints D of the pallet shafts 13, and, optionally in the embodiment shown, via a Spacer 45 to a second rotary joint D, which connects the drive shaft 39 with the rotor 47 of the gripper cylinder Z. On the gripper cylinder rotor 47 are circumferentially fastening means 48 for in Fig. 1 not shown gripper assemblies provided.

Further, an axial securing S is provided in each rotary joint D for the gripper cylinder Z, which fixes the rotary joint D in the fully engaged position. When gripper cylinder Z is the axial securing for example, the upper rotary joint D form-fitting (eg as a clamping screw, bayonet or with adjustable from above locking elements) or designed so that the axial lock optionally works magnetically, but by means of an operable from above connecting element 46 from the holding position shown in FIG a release position can be brought, in which the rotary joint D by a substantially largely horizontal and lateral tilting movement (arrows 30) for lateral removal or attachment of the gripper cylinder Z is disengaged without having to raise the gripper cylinder Z upwards.

Fig. 2 shows the labeling unit A, for example Fig. 1 in perspective from a different perspective than in Fig. 1 , In the transfer module T are shown on one of the pallet shafts 13 two pallets 14, 14 'mounted one above the other. The upper pallet 14 'is used, for example, to simultaneously process an upper label. The gripper cylinder Z is used here only to take over the labels supplied by lower pallets 14 by means of its gripper 49 and is already in the Fig. 1 shown, both rotary clutches D above the direct drive motor M2 so to speak supported on a central pivot column on the support structure 1. A torque arm 50 is provided for positioning of unspecified cams for gripper control, and optionally, also for stabilizing the gripper cylinder Z in operation. At the upper end of the gripper cylinder rotor 47 is shown a rotary coupling half D which can be used to set up a further gripper cylinder Z '(indicated by dashed lines) which serves to remove the labels supplied by the upper pallets 14'. At the upper end of the rotor 47 access to the operation of the axial securing S is given for a change of the gripper cylinder Z, which after removal or with the torque arm 50 as an interchangeable set with a lateral and substantially largely horizontal tilting movement (arrows 30) on the at least one rotary joint D. removed or used.
Fig. 3 illustrates another embodiment of an interchangeable set in the form of a pallet shaft 13 with a rotary coupling half H of the rotary coupling D on the annular flange 12, which is attached to the lower end of the pallet shaft 13. The pallet shaft 13 has in this embodiment, for example, an approximately triangular outer cross section for proper rotational positioning of the pallet 14, which transfers labels 61 with its pallet surface. The height position of the pallet 14 along the pallet shaft 13 is adjustable.
Each rotary coupling half H of the rotary joint D has a spur gear ring 51 on which is formed in the circumferential direction, for example around a central clearance 52, for example of circular shape, in the outer peripheral region and on the end face of the annular flange 12. In the free space 52, for example, a permanent magnet circular disk 42 (see Fig. 1 ), which is part of the here, for example, magnetic axial S, which pulls the two coupling halves H against each other in the full engaged position of the rotary joint and secures.
Each spur gear 51 has in Fig. 3 a plurality of radially-oriented teeth 54 and interdental spaces 55, wherein the teeth 54 and the interdental spaces 55 form four circumferentially distributed groups of three / three / three / two equal teeth 54 in the illustrated embodiment, and four tooth-less wider interspaces 56 are formed. The distribution of the teeth 54 and interdental spaces 55 is irregular and chosen so that only a single predetermined relative rotational position is possible between the two rotary coupling halves H in the full engagement position of the rotary joint D, which is for example the pallet shaft 13th it is important so that this equipped with at least one pallet 14 after insertion has the correct rotational orientation with respect to the drive shaft 9 in the rack 7. Alternatively (not shown), like teeth or tooth spaces 54, 55 may be distributed regularly in the circumferential direction. At least one additional positioning device, such as a centering pin and a Zentrierstiftaufnahme, then ensures the only relative rotational position between the two spur gears 51 in the engaged position.

In the event that it should not depend on only one correct relative rotational positioning in the rotary joint D, which may apply, for example, to the gripper cylinder Z, the intermeshing spur gear rings 51 may be formed regularly and interfit in different relative rotational positions.

An important feature of the mating spur gearing 51 is that flanks 59 and the tooth comb 57, 58 of each tooth 54 are inclined obliquely, so that the rotary joint D simultaneously acts as a centering device in the fully engaged position and between coupled shafts. Thus, for example, inner portions 57 of the combs 58 fall radially inward obliquely toward the tooth root, as well as the flanks 59 which are symmetrically inclined by the tooth comb 57, 58 in the direction of the tooth root so that the distance between the flanks 59 of each tooth 54 in Direction to the tooth root increases. Also, the interdental spaces 55 can, as indicated at 60, extend obliquely in the radial direction to the rotary coupling axis. In the Fig. 3 not shown other rotary coupling half H may be formed similar. A salient feature of this rotary joint D is that it is able to transmit high torques without play in the full engagement position and additionally ensures accurate centering, for example between the pallet shaft 13 and the drive shaft 9 or the annular flanges 11, 12, but by a transverse to Rotary coupling axis oriented tilting movement of a shaft can be engaged and disengaged, without requiring any significant stroke in the direction of the rotary coupling axis.

In the Fig. 3 Pallet shaft 13 shown, for example, a carbon molding or a stainless steel pipe hydroforming, ie hollow and yet dimensionally stable to save weight. Also, the pallet 14 may be a plastic molded part, for example, a two-component injection molded part to save weight, wherein the pallet surface 61 either during injection molding with a in Fig. 4 groove pattern shown is designed, or the groove pattern is subsequently generated surface-optimized, for example, by laser ablation to remove just as much glue from the glue roller 19, as required for the proper adhesion of a label.

Fig. 4 1 shows a development of an embodiment of a groove pattern carrying pallet surface 61, which is rectangular here and at least one edge at least one lateral recess 62 for the engagement of at least one gripper finger of the gripper 49 (FIGS. Fig. 2 ) of the gripper cylinder Z to ensure a then glue-free edge region of a label. In the embodiment shown, two such recesses 62 are formed along all side edges of the pallet surface 61. The groove pattern of the pallet surface 61 is characterized, for example, by spaced-apart straight webs 63 and intervening indentations 64 interconnected within the entire groove pattern, formed for example by laser ablation. Only the webs 63 receive a glue application when rolling the pallet surface 61 against the glue roller 19.

Claims (15)

1. Labelling assembly (A), particularly for the continuous labelling of containers with individual glued fitting labels, comprising a transfer module T on a rotationally driveable hub (2), said transfer module (T) having at least one essentially vertical rotationally driveable pallet shaft (13), carrying at least one pallet (14, 14'), it being possible to allocate functionally to said transfer module (T) an at least essentially vertical glue roll (24) and a gripper cylinder (Z) that can be driven rotationally about an at least essentially vertical axis, wherein at least the pallet shaft (13) and the gripper cylinder (Z) and optionally the glue roll (24) is each a replacement fitting or are replacement fittings connected detachably to a respective support for a replacement due to retooling,
   wherein the respective connection (V) of at least one replacement fitting is formed with its support such that the replacement fitting can be removed and attached by an essentially largely horizontal and lateral movement relative to the support,
   characterised in that the support of a replacement fitting that can be rotationally driven via a shaft is a drive shaft (9, 39), and that the connection is a torque transmitting rotating joint (D) designed as a Hirth-coupling that can be completely engaged and disengaged by a horizontal sideward tipping movement (30, 29) of the replacement fitting,
   wherein the rotating joint (D) comprises two frontally toothed rings (51) fitting into each other, that in the Hirth-coupling at least in the full engagement position a force-fit and / or form-fit axial securing structure (S) is provided between the frontally toothed rings (51),
   wherein either the axial securing structure (S) is a magnetic axial securing structure with two magnets (42) that attract each other or with an attracting magnet (42) and a ferromagnetic or magnetic counterpart (41),
   wherein the magnet or the counterpart can be adjusted by activation of a predominantly axially adjustable connecting element (46) from a holding position into a release position of the axial securing structure (S),
   or the axial securing structure (S) that is to be activated prior to the removal or after the insertion of the replacement fitting has a form-fit and comprises either a clamping screw or wedge-shaped radially slideable locking elements that are controlled by an axial rotational movement, or comprises a bayonet coupling.
2. Labelling assembly according to Claim 1, characterised in that the drive shaft (9, 39) is driving the pallet shaft (15) or the gripper cylinder (Z).
3. Labelling assembly according to Claim 1, characterised in that the two frontally toothed rings (51) fitting into each other are designed equally.
4. Labelling assembly according to Claim 3 characterised in that in a full engagement position, the Hirth-coupling additionally forms a centring device between shafts (9, 13; 39, 47) that are coupled during torque transmission.
5. Labelling assembly according to Claim 1 characterised in that the Hirth-coupling can be brought into a complete and slack-free engagement between a shaft (47, 13) of the replacement fitting and the drive shaft (9, 39) in only a single relative mutual rotational position.
6. Labelling assembly according to Claim 3 characterised in that each frontally toothed ring (51) of a rotating joint half (H) of the Hirth-coupling is arranged concentric with the axis of the rotating joint (D) and, around a central, preferably circular, free area (52) in the interior of the rotating joint (D).
7. Labelling assembly according to Claim 6 characterised in that each frontally toothed ring (51) has in the circumferential direction either irregularly distributed teeth (54) and tooth spaces (55, 56) or regularly distributed, equal teeth and tooth spaces and at least one additional positioning device for a predetermined single engagement position of the frontally toothed rings (51), that the teeth (54) have, in the radial and axial directions, oblique flanks (59) and tooth crests (57, 58), such that, preferably, the distance, measured in the circumferential direction, between the oblique flanks (59) of each tooth (54) increases symmetrically in axial direction from the tooth crest (57, 58) in the direction towards the tooth root, and that at least a portion (57) of the tooth crest (57, 58) declines in the radial direction inwards in the direction towards the tooth root.
8. Labelling assembly according to Claim 1 characterised in that the transfer module (T) hub (2), which supports a plurality of pallet shaft Hirth-couplings that are coupled to a common lantern wheel (7) in a manner that allows rotation, is in a direct drive connection with a direct drive motor (M1), preferably an electric torque motor (32), that is mounted on the bottom side of a stationary support structure (1), and has a stationary, coil-containing stator (33) and an interior ring armature (34) that is equipped with magnet(s) (35).
9. Labelling device according to Claim 8 characterised in that the hub (2) is centrally and rotatably supported in the support structure (1) in an unbound manner close to the outer hub circumference via a bearing-ring-free four-point moment support element (3).
10. Labelling assembly according to at least one of the preceding claims characterised in that each pallet (14) is manufactured of plastic, preferably as a two-component injection moulded part, and in that, preferably, one pallet surface (61) bears a varying groove structure between overlapping straight ridges (63), preferably produced by means of laser ablation.
11. Labelling assembly according to Claim 1 characterised in that the pallet shaft (13) has, at least in axial sections, a pipe-like cross-section (43), preferably with a non-circular, preferably triangular, outer cross-section (44).
12. Labelling assembly according to Claim 11 characterised in that the pallet shaft (13) is formed as a carbon fibre reinforced moulded part or stainless steel hydroformed pipe part, and, preferably bears on the lower end a rotating joint half on an end flange (12) having a diameter that is greater than that of the pallet shaft (13).
13. Labelling assembly according to Claim 1 characterised in that a gripper cylinder (Z) is associated with the labelling assembly and that the gripper cylinder (Z) is in driven connection with a drive shaft (39) of a direct drive motor (M2), preferably an electric servomotor (37), via at least one disengageable Hirth-coupling and is rotatably supported on the support structure (1), and that the direct drive motor (M2) is mounted on the bottom side of a support structure (1), preferably on a common support structure (1) of the gripper cylinder (Z) and of the at least one transfer module (T).
14. Labelling assembly according to at least one of the preceding claims characterised in that a glue roll (19) is associated with the labelling assembly, and that a glue unit (L) containing the glue roll (19), the transfer module (T), the gripper cylinder (Z) and either a magazine (M) or a respective magazine carrier (M') are mounted on the common and plate-shaped support structure (1).
15. Labelling assembly according to Claim 14 characterised in that the glue roll (19), on its top end (20) that lies above the support structure (1), is supported rotatably in a suspended and overhung manner in a mounting (21), said mounting (21) being supported on the support structure (1), and that the glue roll (19) is in a direct drive connection with an electric servomotor (M3) placed on the top of the mounting (21), wherein, preferably, the glue roll (19) can be laterally disassembled either at the top from the mounting (21) or together with the mounting (21).

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