EP2817229A1

EP2817229A1 - Method for labelling containers and labelling machine

Info

Publication number: EP2817229A1
Application number: EP12810071.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Klaus Krämer; Winfried Schlüter; Andreas Ullrich; Lutz Deckert; Lutz Körtge
Original assignee: KHS GmbH
Current assignee: KHS GmbH
Priority date: 2012-02-21
Filing date: 2012-12-01
Publication date: 2014-12-31
Also published as: WO2013123953A1; DE102012003354A1; DE102012003354A8; US20150033668A1

Abstract

Method for furnishing containers (2) with labels (3), preferably with all-round labels, by transferring at least one label (3) to a container from a label transfer element (10) and by rolling and brushing the label (3) onto the container (2) rotating about the container axis (BA) with a container circumferential velocity (nB), characterised in that the container circumferential velocity (nB) is greater, at least at times, during brushing than the container circumferential velocity (nB) during transfer of the at least one label.

Description

Method for labeling containers and labeling machine

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a labeling machine according to the preamble of claim 6.

Methods and associated labeling machines for labeling or equipping containers with labels, especially with wrap-around labels are known. The respective glued label is transferred to a transfer position of a label transfer element with a leading label end to the respective container, which is moved with a container transport element, such as rotor at the label transfer position over. Subsequently, the label is rolled while rotating or rotating the container about its high or container axis of this and brushed on a Anbürststrecke, so that the label then taut and wrinkle-free adheres to the container. To achieve this, it is u.a. it is necessary for each container to be rotated or rotated about its container axis during brushing by a rotation angle at least equal to the length of the labels, i. in the case of wrap-around labels which completely enclose the container in the manner of a banderole, by a rotation angle of at least 360 °. It is also known to use as label transfer element a label transfer cylinder, preferably in the form of a vacuum cylinder, which is driven in rotation around a machine or cylinder axis. The label transfer cylinder forms on its peripheral or cylindrical surface at least one label receiving area, but preferably a plurality in the direction of rotation of the label transfer cylinder successive label receiving areas, specifically for receiving each one with a label front against the label transfer cylinder and applied to its label transfer cylinder facing away from the label back provided with a glue label. In order to achieve a proper transfer of the labels to the container in this training, it is u.a. required that the so-called donor rate, i. Peripheral speed of

Label transfer cylinder is equal to the speed that has to be provided with the label area of the container at the transfer position. These Speed is the sum of the transport speed of the revolving transport element and the container peripheral speed of the rotational movement of the container. The container peripheral speed is thus adjusted accordingly taking into account the transport speed of the transport element and the dispensing speed of the labeling unit or the label transfer cylinder. The

Container peripheral speed of the rotation of the container but also determines, taking into account the transport speed of the transport element so far the length of Anbürststrecke, which often leads to Anbrüststrecken with great length. This is unfavorable for reasons of cost and especially of great disadvantage, if, for example, to increase the maximum possible performance of a labeling on the revolving transport element two or more than two labeling units are to be provided, each associated Anbürststrecke, the length of the transport path available for labeling the transport element between a container inlet and a container outlet but not sufficient for the accommodation of all labeling and brushing.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for labeling of containers, which, while maintaining a high quality of labeling a significant reduction in the respective Anbürststrecke, especially when equipping the container with wrap-around labels. To solve this problem, a method according to claim 1 is formed. A labeling machine is the subject of patent claim 6.

"All-round labels" are within the meaning of the invention those labels which completely enclose the respective container after application.

"Container" are in the context of the invention in particular cans, bottles, tubes, Pourches, each made of metal, glass and / or plastic, but also other packaging, especially those that are suitable for filling liquid or viscous products. For the purposes of the invention, the term "essentially" means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5%, and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function Figures of exemplary embodiments explained in more detail.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

Show it:

Fig. 1 in a schematic representation and in plan view of a labeling machine of rotating design for labeling containers in the form of bottles; FIG. 2 shows a side view of a bottle provided with an all-round label; FIG.

Fig. 3 shows the course of the peripheral speed of the container during the rotation of the container during the transfer of a label and during the subsequent rolling and brushing of the label to the container.

4 shows the angle of rotation of the respective container during the transfer of the label and during subsequent rolling and brushing, based on the angle of rotation of the container transporting element serving as the rotor of the labeling machine, in the inventive design and in the prior art.

Fig. 5 in a representation as Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of the invention.

The generally designated 1 in Figure 1 labeling machine is used to equip or label containers 2 in the form of bottles with wrap-around labels 3, the respective container 2 to a container area, for example, with respect to a high or container axis BA is formed rotationally symmetrical, completely enclose, are connected overlapping with their label ends or short sides 3.1 and 3.2 and enclose the container axis BA with label longitudinal sides 3.3 ring-like. The labeling machine comprises, inter alia, a rotor 4, which is driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis MA in the direction of the arrow A (rotor rotation direction) and on whose circumference at regular angular intervals around the machine axis MA distributed a plurality of container positions 5 are formed. These include, inter alia, each a container receptacle 6, which is formed in the illustrated embodiment of a rotary or container plate and controlled by a drive 6.1 is controlled to rotate about a vertical axis. The drive 6.1, for example, a speed-controlled electric motor drive, which is provided for each container position 5 individually controllable.

The containers 2 to be labeled are transferred via an outer conveyor 7 and a container inlet 8 shown schematically as a transport star with upstream Einteilschnecke each to a container position 5, at which the container 2 with its container bottom on the container receptacle 6 upstanding and secured by an upper punch 6.2 is. With the revolving rotor 4, each container 2 is moved past a labeling unit 9 which does not revolve around the rotor 4, of which schematically only one label transfer cylinder 10, preferably in the form of a vacuum cylinder, and a device 11 for providing the labels 3 (label box) are shown ,

The label transfer cylinder 10 is synchronously with the rotor 3 driven about a vertical cylinder axis, but opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotor 4, as indicated by the arrow B (direction of rotation). The label transfer cylinder 10 has at its circular cylindrical periphery at least one, preferably a plurality, in the direction of rotation B successive Etikettenaufnahmebereiche 10.1, for receiving a respective label 3, which held with its label front side on the label transfer cylinder 10 and on its the label transfer cylinder 10 facing away from the label back with a Glue order is provided, in such a way that its narrow side label 1.3 leading the label receiving portion 10.1 with respect to the direction of rotation B, the narrow label side 3.2 lags and the two label longitudinal sides 3.3 are arranged in the direction of rotation B. Whenever a container 3 is located on the label transfer cylinder 10 or at a local label transfer position 12, a label 3 is handed over or pressed onto this container 2 with its glued narrow label side 3.1 and then rotated about the container axis 2 about its vertical container axis BA In one of the direction of rotation B opposite direction of rotation C is rolled to the container 2, so that it finally encloses the container 2 and this lagging label narrow side 3.2 overlaps the narrow label side 3.1. Even during the roll-up, the container 2 entrained with the revolving rotor 4 was able to reach a brushing section or brush channel 13, where the respective label 3 is pressed onto the container 2, so that it tautly and wrinkle-free against the container 2 rests or encloses this. The brush channel 13 is formed by a likewise not rotating with the rotor 4 brush assembly 13.1, which surrounds the rotor 4 in a circular arc. When brushing the labels 3, ie within the brush channel 13, the containers 2 are further rotated in the direction of rotation C about its container axis BA. The container 2 provided with the labels 3 are taken from the container positions 5 to a container outlet 14 and forwarded to an external conveyor 15.

To enable the labeling of the container 2, several conditions must be met. First, it is necessary to drive the label transfer cylinder 10 in synchronism with the rotor 4 such that whenever a container 2 has been moved with the rotor 4 to the transfer position 12, there is also a label receiving area 10.1 for the transfer of the label 3 with its label narrow side 3.1 located. Furthermore, it is necessary for the circumferential speed of the label transfer cylinder 10 dispensing the respective label 3 and the speed of the area of the container 2 receiving the label 3 to be equal in size and direction at the label transfer, ie at the transfer position 12. The peripheral speed of the label transfer cylinder 10 corresponds to the so-called donation speed, which essentially results from the length of the labels 3 (distance of the narrow label sides 3.1 and 3.2) and from the number of labels delivered to container 2 per unit of time. The speed of the label 3 receiving area of the container 2 at the label transfer is the sum of the peripheral speed nR of the rotor. 4 and the container peripheral speed nB1, with which the containers 2 rotate in the direction of rotation C during the label transfer about their container axis BA. The circumferential speed nR results from the metric distance (pitch, eg in millimeters) between two successive containers 2 or container positions 5 in the direction of rotor rotation A and the number of labeled containers 2 per unit of time.

The container peripheral speed nB1 in the label transfer is thus the difference between the dispensing speed of the label transfer cylinder 10 and the peripheral speed nR of the rotor 4, which is usually smaller than the dispensing speed, but in no case greater than the dispensing speed. In order to achieve the aforementioned conditions, the container peripheral speed nB at the label transfer may have values corresponding to nB1 0, but in each case the direction of rotation C of the container 2 is in the same direction as the rotor rotation direction A, so that the circumferential speeds nB of the containers 2 and nR of the rotor Add 4.

In order to achieve the tight and wrinkle-free concerns of the labels 3 on the containers 2, it is necessary that each container in the course of the brush channel 13 is rotated by a sufficient angle of rotation, preferably by a rotation angle of at least 360 ° about its container axis BA and this the Brush channel 13 has a sufficient length which is dependent on the peripheral speed nR and the container peripheral speed nB of the container 2 rotating about its container axis BA.

With a1 in the figures, the angular range of the rotational movement of the rotor 4 between the transfer position 12 and the beginning of the brush channel 13 is designated. With a2 in the figures, the angular range of the rotational movement of the rotor 4 between the transfer position 12 and the end of the brush channel 13 is designated.

In order to keep the length of the brush channel 13 as small as possible, the presented labeling machine 1 according to the invention is designed so that by appropriate control of the drives 6.1, the container circumferential speed nB the container 2 is increased from the value nB1 to the value nB2, and in the illustrated embodiment, when the container in question 2 is within the brush channel 13, that is, has left the angular range a1. FIG. 3 shows, with the curve 16, this course of the container peripheral speed nB of the containers 2, ie before and also after passing through the transfer position 12, the container peripheral speed nB is constant or essentially constant and corresponds to the value nB1. After entering the container 2 in the brush channel 13, ie after leaving the angle range a1, the container peripheral speed nB of this container is increased to the value nB2 and then remains constant over the greater part of the length of the brush channel 13 at least until the end of the angular range a2.

FIG. 4 shows, with the curve 17, the angle of rotation of the containers 2 as a function of the angle of rotation of the rotor 4. Before and after the label transfer, there is a preferably linear increase in the angle of rotation of the containers 2 about their container axis BA with respect to the angle of rotation of the rotor 4. This corresponds to the constant value nB1 of the container peripheral speed. Following this, i. after leaving the angle range a1, the angle of rotation of the container 2 increases disproportionately relative to the angle of rotation of the rotor 4. This corresponds to the increase of the container peripheral speed nB from the value nB1 to the value nB2. Thereafter, the respective container 2 rotates at the increased container peripheral speed nB2, so that the curve 17 has a linear course, but with an increased pitch. At an angle of rotation of 360 °, the end of the angle range a2 or the brush stretch 13 is reached.

The increase in the container peripheral speed nB, for example, when the respective label 3 is completely rolled to the container 2, or before the respective label 3 is completely rolled to the container 2, but already sufficiently firmly held on the container 2, so that the Holding force between the label 3 and container 2 is greater than the holding force between the label 3 and label transfer cylinder 10, which is achieved, for example, when the label 3 is held at least about 30% of its total length on the container 2. The Label 3 is thereby removed under friction from the label transfer cylinder 10.

With the dashed curve 17.1 is shown in Figure 4, the angle of rotation of the container 2 in response to the rotation angle of the rotor 4 in the absence - increasing the container peripheral speed nB of the container. By comparing the curves 17 and 17.1, it can be seen that in the embodiment according to the invention a substantial shortening of the necessary length of the brush channel 13 results.

This advantage of the invention is particularly useful if, for example, to increase the maximum possible performance of the labeling on a common rotor 4 in the rotor rotation direction A consecutively several labeling units 9 each provided with a directly on the labeling in the rotor rotation direction A brush channel 13 and this labeling 9 are controlled so that the labeling units 9 label the containers 2 alternately.

A labeling machine 1a with two such labeling units 9 is shown in FIG. 5, wherein this labeling machine 1a, apart from the additional labeling unit 9, corresponds in its construction to the labeling machine 1 and thus the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 are used in FIG. With the respect to the rotor rotation direction A first labeling 9, the labeling takes place every second, with the rotor 4 over moving container 2. With the second labeling 9, which follows in the rotor rotation direction A on the brush channel 13 of the first labeling 9, those container 2 are labeled that do not have a label 3 yet. If the labeling machine 1 a operated with the same performance as the labeling machine 1 with only a single labeling unit 9, this results in a halving of each of the labeling 9 to be transferred labels. 3 and thus a halving of the peripheral speed of the label transfer cylinder 10 and the dispensing speeds. From this Then results in a corresponding reduction of the container peripheral speed nB the rotation of the container 2 at the label transfer, which would inevitably lead to an extension of the brush channels 13 without an increase in the container peripheral speed nB from the value nBl to the value nB2 13 to within the respective brush channel rotation of each Container 2 to ensure the required 360 °. In the extreme case, this can lead to the circumference or angle range of the rotational movement of the rotor 4 between the container inlet 8 and the container outlet 14 for the accommodation of the labeling units 9 and of the brush channels 13 having the required length being available for the treatment of the containers 2 sufficient or the diameter of the rotor 4 would have to be increased accordingly, but this is not desirable in practice for cost reasons.

Also, the labeling machine 1a is designed so that after the transfer and a sufficient fixation of the respective label 3 on a container 2, the increase of the container peripheral speed nB from the value nB1 to the value nB2 within the respective brush channel 13, so that its length can be greatly reduced and thus two or even more than two labeling units 9 with associated brush channel 13 on the circumference of the rotor 4 between container inlet 8 and container outlet 14 find space.

The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without thereby departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

Thus, it has been assumed above that the increase of the container peripheral speed nB takes place within the brush channel 13. Of course, the increase in this speed can also be initiated before the container in question 2 has reached the brush channel 13.

Above, it was further assumed that the container carrier 6 are designed as a turntable. Of course, other designs for the container carrier 6 possible, for example, container carrier for a suspended attachment of the container. Furthermore, it was assumed that each container carrier 6 is assigned an independent electric motor drive 6.1. Other drives, which allow a change in the container peripheral speed of the rotating container 2, can be used.

Above, it was further assumed in the description and also in the exemplary embodiments that the labels are exclusively so-called wrap-around labels. It goes without saying, however, that the method presented here and the labeling machine presented here are likewise suitable for processing all other known types of labels, so that the scope of protection of the present invention naturally also extends to such applications.

By way of example only, but not limitation, the application of the invention in the processing of self-adhesive labels, cold glue labels and hot glue labels may be mentioned here.

It was also assumed above that the labels would always be transported ahead of me on their narrow side. Of course this is not mandatory. In the context of the present application, the wording "label narrow side" in case of doubt should also be understood to mean the side of the label with which the label is transported in advance in the transport direction in the transport of the label.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1a labeling machine

2 containers

3 label, in particular wrap-around label

3.1, 3.2 narrower label page

3.3 label side

4 rotor

5 container position on the rotor 4

6 container carriers

6.1 controllable drive for container carrier 6

6.2 Stamp

7 outer conveyor

8 container inlet

9 Labeling station or labeling unit

10 label transfer cylinder, in particular vacuum cylinder 10.1 label receiving area

1 Device for providing the labels 3

12 transfer position

13 On brush section or brush channel

13.1 brush arrangement

14 container outlet

15 transporter

16 Course of the container peripheral speed of

rotating container 2

17, 17.1 Course of the angle of rotation of the rotating container in

Dependence on the angle of rotation of the rotor

a1 Angle between transfer position 12 and start

brush channel

a2 Angle between transfer position 12 and end

brush channel

nB, nB1, nB2 Container circumferential speed of the rotating containers nR Peripheral speed of the rotor 4 A rotor rotation direction

B Direction of rotation of the label transfer cylinder 10

C Direction of rotation of the rotating containers

BA tank axis

MA vertical machine axis

Claims

claims

A method of equipping containers (2) with labels (3), preferably with undum labels, by transferring at least one label (3) to a container from a label transfer member (10) and by rolling up and brushing the label (3) characterized in that the container peripheral speed (nB) during brushing at least temporarily greater than the container peripheral speed (nB) in the transfer of the at least one label.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the container peripheral speed (nB) is increased during the brushing, preferably such that the respective container (2) after this increase while brushing a constant or substantially constant increased container peripheral speed (nB2) having.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the increase in the container peripheral speed (nB) after a complete removal of the label (3) from the label transfer element (10).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the increase in the container peripheral speed (nB) before the complete removal of the at least one label (3) of the label transfer element (10), but with already sufficiently firmly held on the container label takes place and / or takes place when the adhesion between the at least one label (3) and the container (2) is greater than the adhesion between the at least one label (3) and the label transfer element (10).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer of the labels (3) to the container (2) with a label transfer element in the form of a machine or a cylinder axis circulating driven label transfer cylinder (10), preferably in the form of a vacuum cylinder.

6. Labeling machine for providing containers (2) with labels (3), in particular with wrap-around labels, with a plurality of container positions (5) on a peripherally drivable transport element (4), for example on the circumference of a vertical machine axis (MA) rotatably drivable rotor, as well as with at least one at an orbit of the container positions (5) provided and not with the transport element (4) labeling unit (9) with at least one label transfer element (10) on which each at a container position (5) arranged container (2) with the circulating transport element (4) for the transfer of at least one label (3) are moved past, and with drive means (6.1) for rotating the container (2) about its container axis (BA) with a container peripheral speed (nB) for a Winding or wrapping the at least one handed over label (3) on the relevant container (2) and for brushing this label etts (3) to the container (2) in an in a transport direction (A) of the transport element (4) on the label transfer element (10) following and formed by at least one brush channel (13) Anbürststrecke, characterized in that the drive means (6.1) and / or control means of the drive means (6.1) for increasing the container peripheral speed (nB) after the transfer of the at least one label (3) to the respective container (2) are formed.

7. Labeling machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the drive means (6.1) of each container position (5) independently associated and individually controllable drive (6.1) for a local container carrier (6) are formed.

8. labeling machine according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the drive means (6.1) and / or the control of these drive means (6.1) are designed such that the increase of the container peripheral speed (nB) takes place at the respective container position (5) before this position reaches the Anbürststrecke (13), and / or that the increase of Container peripheral speed (nB) at the respective container position (5) then takes place when the container position in question (5) is within the Anbürststrecke (13).

9. Labeling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive means (6.1) and / or the control of these drive means (6.1) are designed such that the increase in the container peripheral speed (nB) takes place after the respective label (3) completely has been removed from the label transfer element, or even then takes place when the respective label (3) is still partially held on the label transfer element.

10. Labeling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the trajectory of the container positions (5) in the transport direction (A) of the transport element successively at least two labeling units (9) are provided with associated Anbürststrecke (13).