EP3135594A1 - A label transfer device for a labeling apparatus - Google Patents
A label transfer device for a labeling apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3135594A1 EP3135594A1 EP15182377.0A EP15182377A EP3135594A1 EP 3135594 A1 EP3135594 A1 EP 3135594A1 EP 15182377 A EP15182377 A EP 15182377A EP 3135594 A1 EP3135594 A1 EP 3135594A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- suction
- label
- transfer device
- label transfer
- generation unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/08—Label feeding
- B65C9/18—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls
- B65C9/1803—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels being cut from a strip
- B65C9/1815—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels being cut from a strip and transferred by suction means
- B65C9/1819—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels being cut from a strip and transferred by suction means the suction means being a vacuum drum
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/08—Label feeding
- B65C9/18—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls
- B65C9/1865—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels adhering on a backing strip
- B65C9/1876—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels adhering on a backing strip and being transferred by suction means
- B65C9/188—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels adhering on a backing strip and being transferred by suction means the suction means being a vacuum drum
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/40—Controls; Safety devices
- B65C9/42—Label feed control
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a label transfer device for a labeling apparatus.
- the present invention relates to a label transfer device comprising a transfer drum having an outer lateral surface for conveying labels retained on the outer lateral surface itself from a receiving position to an application position.
- Labeling apparatuses for automatically attaching labels onto articles of all sort are well known in the art and their use is widespread in the packaging industry.
- sleeve label One typical label type, used with a particular kind of articles, namely, beverage bottles or vessels, is the label commonly known as "sleeve label", which is formed in a tubular configuration and then applied onto the respective article. More specifically, the sleeve labels are wrapped around respective cylindrical article mandrel members conveying on top the articles to be labeled and then welded at their overlapping ends. At the end of the welding operation, the mandrel members are retracted so that the articles engage the corresponding tubular labels. A heat shrinking operation is then carried out to make the labels adhere onto the respective articles.
- the labels are commonly transported by means of a label transfer device comprising a transfer drum.
- each label of a succession of labels is attached on the outer surface of one respective article.
- glue is supplied onto the back surface of the label itself.
- the articles are typically carried by a conveying carrousel along an article path so as to advance towards an application position at which one respective label is stuck onto each article.
- a web of labeling material is fed from a roll-feeding unit towards a label transfer device comprising a transfer drum.
- the web of labeling material is advanced towards an outer lateral surface of the transfer drum.
- the web of labeling material is brought into contact with cutting means of a cutting unit so as to cut the web of labeling material into labels of defined and appropriate lengths.
- each label is retained on the outer lateral surface of the transfer drum and is conveyed, by rotation of the transfer drum around its axis towards the application position.
- each label interacts with a gluing unit which applies glue, e.g. by means of a rotating glue roller tangentially cooperating with the transfer drum or by means of spray or injection systems working in a contact or non-contact manner, onto the back surface of the label. After that, the label can be stuck onto one respective article.
- the labels are retained by respective retaining sections of the outer lateral surface of the transfer drum; these retaining sections are equally spaced angularly around the axis of the transfer drum and are separated from each other by respective transition sections, along which labels fed from the roll-feeding unit slide prior to reaching the respective retaining sections.
- the outer lateral surface of the transfer drum comprise a plurality of suction holes that can be fluidically connected with a suction source.
- the suction source comprises one single vacuum pumping unit having a plurality of pressure reducers and respective connecting means for connecting the pumping unit and the pressure reducers to the transfer drum for establishing the fluidic connection with the plurality of suction holes.
- the label transfer device further comprises a stationary distributor plate and a wear plate rotatable around the axis of the transfer drum.
- the distributor plate is provided with a plurality of air ports, each of which is connected to a respective pressure reducer by respective connecting means, such as pipes and tubes.
- the air ports again are generally fluidically connected to one or more suction channels of the wear plate, which are fluidically connected to the suction holes of the transfer drum.
- Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates as a whole a labeling apparatus, only partially shown to the extent that is necessary for the comprehension of the present invention.
- Apparatus 1 is adapted to be used for handling, transferring and applying labels 2 to respective articles 3 or, more specifically, receptacles, such as bottles, as said articles 3 are advanced along an article path P.
- apparatus 1 comprises a carrousel 4 configured to support a plurality of articles 3 on its periphery and to rotate the same along path P around an axis A of the carrousel itself.
- Axis A preferably extends vertically and the path P is arc-shaped and extends horizontally.
- Articles 3 can be rotated as they are advanced along the path P by carrousel 4 and as labels 2 are applied to the articles 3 themselves.
- Apparatus 1 further comprises:
- cutting unit 12 comprises:
- glue application unit 13 preferably comprises a glue application roller 19 having an axis C parallel to axes A, B.
- glue roller 19 is mounted to rotate about its axis C and has an outer cylindrical lateral surface, which is covered by melted glue continuously fed by a glue feeding system, known per se and not shown.
- Glue roller 19 is adapted to spread a pattern of glue onto the backside of each label 2 advancing along path Q.
- the pattern is provided on the side of the label 2 destined to be stuck to the surface of a respective article 3.
- glue application unit 13 may comprise a spray or an injector system in place of the glue roller 19.
- the glue pattern may comprise a layer of glue and/or one or more glue strips and/or one or more glue spots.
- label transfer device 7 comprises:
- distributor plate 24 has a substantially annular configuration; and is intersected by a transfer drum shaft 20a rotatable around axis D of transfer device 7.
- transfer drum 20 is mounted to transfer drum shaft 20a and is arranged peripherally adjacent, preferably tangential, to rotary cutting drum 17 at receiving position 8, to glue application roller 19 at gluing position 14 and to carousel 4 at application position 9.
- application position 9 is positioned at a given angular distance from receiving position 8 about the axis D of rotation of transfer drum 20.
- outer lateral surface 21 of transfer drum 20 comprises a plurality of interaction elements 27, in particular pads. As shown in Figure 1 , interaction elements 27 are slightly protruding from outer lateral surface 21 and are designed to engage, in use, with the leading 2a and the trailing end portion 2b of one respective label 2.
- Transfer drum 20 further presents a plurality of retaining sections 28, in the particular example three, each delimited by a pair of interaction elements 27 and adapted to retain the labels 2 during transport along path Q, in particular from receiving position 8 to application position 9.
- retaining sections 28 of outer lateral surface 21 are equally spaced angularly around axis D of transfer drum 20 and are separated from each other by respective transition sections 29.
- each transition section 29 extends between two respective retaining sections 28.
- Each transition section 29 is adapted to permit one label 2 being fed from feeding unit 10 to slide prior to reaching the respective retaining section 28.
- outer lateral surface 21 and in particular retaining sections 28, transition sections 29 and interaction elements 27 comprise a plurality of suction holes 30a, 30b, 30c selectively communicating with suction source 23.
- suction holes 30a, 30b, 30c are configured to be fluidically connected in a selective manner to suction source 23 through air ports 25 of distributor plate 24.
- transfer drum 20 has a plurality of internal passages 31 adapted to be fluidically connected to suction holes 30a, 30b, 30c and air ports 25.
- suction holes 30a, 30b, 30c are configured to be fluidically connected in a selective manner to suction source 23 through air ports 25 and internal passages 31.
- interaction elements 27 are configured to establish contact of leading end portion 2a and trailing end portion 2b of each label 2 retained on outer lateral surface 21 with glue application roller 19 during rotation of labels 2 along path Q at gluing position 14.
- glue is transferred from glue application roller 19 onto the back surface of the leading and trailing end portions 2a, 2b of labels 2.
- glue is applied on leading and trailing end portions 2a, 2b prior to reaching application position 9 at which, in use, first the back surface of leading end portion 2a of each label 2 gets into contact with one respective article 3; upon further advancement of the label 2 along path Q and rotation and further transport of the respective article 3 along path P, the label 2 is transferred to such article 3 and, finally, the back surface of the trailing end portion 2b is attached to the article 3 itself.
- distributor plate 24 has a port plate 24a presenting air ports 25 and a structure plate 24b configured to carry port plate 24a.
- distributor plate 24 has a two plate structure, but it must be understood that distributor plate 24 can be constructed as a single plate combining the features of port plate 24a and structure plate 24b.
- label transfer device 7 further comprises a rotation plate 32, in particular a wear plate, mounted, in particular screwed to transfer drum 20 and placed adjacent to distributor plate 24.
- rotation plate 32 has a substantially annular configuration and is intersected by transfer drum shaft 20a. Accordingly, rotation plate 32 is rotatable around rotation axis D of transfer drum 20.
- distributor plate 24 and rotation plate 32 are placed so as to slightly contact each other.
- rotation plate 32 comprises one or more air channels 33, in the specific example three, fluidically connected to air ports 25. Furthermore, air channels 33 are in fluidic connection with internal passages 31 of transfer drum 20.
- suction holes 30a, 30b, 30c are configured to be fluidically connected in a selective manner to suction source 23 through air ports 25, internal passages 31 and air channels 33.
- label transfer device 7 also comprises a support structure 34 for carrying on top distributor plate 24 and for supporting transfer drum shaft 20a.
- Support structure 34 itself is supported in a known manner by portions of labeling apparatus 1 known as such and not illustrated.
- support structure 34 comprises at least two longitudinal bars 34a disposed adjacent and parallel to each other and parallel to distributor plate 24. Furthermore, support structure 34 presents a carrier portion 34b mounted to longitudinal bars 34a and configured to carry distributor plate 24. Additionally, support structure 34 has a plurality of balancing means 34c, such as spring elements, adapted to allow for keeping slight contact between distributor plate 24 and rotation plate 32 under all working conditions and under rotational oscillations possibly occurring in use.
- balancing means 34c such as spring elements
- balancing means 34c are supported by carrier portion 34b and are interposed between carrier portion 34b and distributor plate 24.
- distributor plate 24 is arranged so that support plate 24b is interposed between balancing means 34c and port plate 24a. More specifically, balancing means 34c are in contact with support plate 24b.
- suction source 23 comprises one or more suction generation units 35, in the specific example six. It must be noted that advantageously suction source 23 comprises more than one suction generation unit 35 for taking into account varying phases of the transport of labels 2 from receiving position 8 to application position 9, as known in the state-of-the-art.
- the intermediate phase it may be necessary to provide for a suction on the respective label 2 in the case that an article 3 is not present and the respective label 2 cannot be applied. Accordingly, in this case, the label 2 must be further retained on outer lateral surface 21 and further conveyed.
- each one of the phases requires the application of different suction forces on the labels 2 and eventually it is sufficient to apply suction only to a fraction of suction holes 30a, 30b, 30c.
- each suction generation unit 35 is configured to be fluidically connected to air ports 25. Additionally, each suction generation unit 35 is integrally mounted to distributor plate 24. In particular, “integrally mounted” means that each suction generation unit 35 is in direct contact with distributor plate 24 and is fluidically connected to air ports 25 without any further connecting means, such as tubing, pipes, hoses, etc.
- Suction generation unit 35 comprises:
- Discharge portion 37 is additionally adapted to reduce the noise level of suction generation unit 35.
- discharge portion 37 is provided with a discharge channel 37a for discharging air from suction generation unit 35 surrounded by silencing means 37b.
- label transfer device 7 comprises a fluidic line configured to connect suction holes 30a, 30b, 30c to discharge portion 37.
- Suction generation unit 35 in particular main portion 36, comprises a constricted and narrowed section portion 38 being part of said fluidic line. Additionally, air ports 25 are parts of the above-mentioned fluidic line.
- suction generation unit 35 is configured to operate according to the Venturi effect.
- the Venturi effect relates to a decrease in pressure of a flow of gas or fluid through a constricted portion of a tube, a pipe or similar and the simultaneous increase in flow speed.
- suction generation unit 35 comprises at least one compressed air inlet 42 to feed compressed air into the constricted section portion 38. Furthermore, suction generation source 35 further comprises a pressure chamber 43 interposed between constricted section portion 38 and compressed air inlet 42 and a compressed air conduit 44 for feeding the compressed air into constricted section portion 38.
- pressure chamber 43 has an annular configuration and surrounds constricted section portion 38.
- air conduit 44 has an annular configuration, in particular a truncated cone configuration.
- air conduit 44 is configured to guide compressed air into constricted section portion 38 so as to form a compressed air flow incident to a central axis X of constricted section portion 38 of the fluidic line perpendicular to distributor plate 24.
- air conduit 44 can be configured to guide the compressed air flow parallel to axis X.
- the compressed air flow occurs along a plurality of directions Y parallel to inner walls 44a of a main portion 44b of air conduit 44.
- air conduit 44 describes a continuous annular configuration so that air flows along an infinite number of parallel directions Y.
- the same technical effect can be achieved by having a discrete number of air channels (not shown).
- directions Y are inclined with respect to central axis X.
- each direction Y or equivalently the compressed air flow forms an obtuse angle ⁇ with respect to central axis X towards discharge portion 37.
- air conduit 44 in such a way that obtuse angle ⁇ lies between 120° to 150°, preferably between 130° to 140° and most preferably at about 135°.
- suction generation unit 35 in particular main portion 36 comprises:
- constricted section portion 38 is interposed between suction portion 46 and diffuser portion 47.
- suction portion 46 and diffuser portion 47 have tapered configurations towards constricted section portion 38.
- compressed air is fed through compressed air inlet 42 into pressure chamber 43; from here the compressed air flows through air conduit 44 into constricted section portion 38 and then, through diffuser portion 47, towards discharge portion 37.
- the Venturi effect a flow of air is consequently induced along the fluidic line from suction holes 30a, 30b, 30c to discharge portion 37 passing through suction portion 46, constricted section portion 38 and diffuser portion 47.
- suction is applied on labels 2 retained on outer lateral surface 21.
- main portion 36 is at least partially housed within support plate 24b and port plate 24a of distributor plate 24.
- Main portion 36 has a fixing portion 48 carrying suction portion 46 and a first fraction 38a of constricted section portion 38 removably fixed to distributor plate 24.
- fixing portion 48 is partially housed within a recess 24c of support plate 24b and directly contacts port plate 24a at a first end 48a.
- fixing portion 48 is screwed into support plate 24b.
- Main portion 36 further comprises an end portion 49 carrying diffuser portion 47 and a second fraction 38b of constricted section portion 38.
- End portion 49 is removably mounted to a second end 48b of fixing portion 48. In particular, end portion 49 is screwed onto fixing portion 48.
- fixing portion 48 and end portion 49 delimit constricted section portion 38, pressure chamber 43 and air conduit 44.
- the size and form of pressure chamber 43 and air conduit 44 are defined by the outer shapes of both fixing portion 48 and end portion 49.
- the sizes of air conduit 44 and pressure chamber 43 can be varied exchanging either one of fixing portion 48 or end portion 49, preferentially for ease of operation end portion 49 or both.
- suction generation unit 35 further comprises sensor means 50 adapted to determine the actual suction force applied by suction generation unit 35 itself.
- Sensor means 50 comprise a sensor element 51, such as a pressure sensor or transducer, for determining the pressure in the proximity of air port 25 and an air passage 52 adapted to fluidically connect air ports 25 to sensor element 51.
- sensor element 51 is mounted to distributor plate 24, more specifically to support plate 24b. Air passageway 51 is provided within distributor plate 24.
- label transfer device 7 comprises a control unit 55 for controlling the suction force applied by each suction generation unit 35 of suction source 23.
- control unit 55 is configured to receive a signal from sensor means 50 and to compare the signal received with preset values.
- suction source 23 comprises a compressed air pressure assembly 56 adapted to feed compressed air to each suction generation unit 35, in particular to each compressed air inlet 42. More specifically, each compressed air inlet 42 is fluidically connected to compressed air pressure assembly 56 by connecting means 57.
- Control unit 55 is configured to control compressed air pressure assembly 56 as a function of the signals received from sensor means 50.
- Compressed air pressure assembly 56 comprises:
- label transfer device 7' shows in detail an alternative embodiment of a label transfer device being part of label apparatus 1 according to the present invention; as label transfer device 7' is similar to label transfer device 7, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
- label transfer device 7' differs from label transfer device 7 in the configuration of suction generation units 35' forming suction source 23.
- suction generation units 35' are at least partially integral parts of a distributor plate 24' of label transfer device 7'.
- suction generation units 35' are identical to each other, only one will be described in detail hereafter for the sake of clarity and conciseness.
- suction generation unit 35' has a main portion 36' comprising a suction portion 46', a narrowed and constricted section portion 38' and a diffuser portion 47'.
- suction portion 46' and a first fraction 38'a of constricted section portion 38' are carried by distributor plate 24'. More specifically, suction portion 46' and first fraction 38'a are provided in distributor plate 24'.
- Distributor plate 24' comprises a port plate 24'a and a support plate 24'b and suction portion 46' and first fraction 38'a are specifically incorporated into said support plate 24'b.
- diffuser portion 47' and a second fraction 38'b of constricted section 38' are carried by an end portion 49' of main portion 36'.
- End portion 49' is configured to be removably mounted to distributor plate 24', in particular to support plate 24b'.
- Support plate 24'b presents a seat opening 24'c for housing end portion 49' within distributor plate 24'.
- seat opening 24'c is arranged so that suction portion 46' and first fraction 38'a are interposed between port plate 24'a and seat opening 24'c.
- Main portion 36' of suction generation unit 35' is assembled by placing end portion 49' into seat opening 24'c. Furthermore, the outer shape of end portion 49' and the inner shape of seat opening 24'c define in cooperation a pressure chamber 43' for receiving compressed air from compressed air inlet 42 and an air conduit 44' for guiding the compressed air into constricted section portion 38' in a manner as described with respect to the embodiment of Figure 3 .
- suction generation unit 35' comprises adjustment means 61' for adjusting the size of air conduit 44'. Adjustment means 61' are further adapted to adjust the size of pressure chamber 43'. In particular, adjustment means 61' are configured to move end portion 49' to or away from air ports 25, in particular to or away from suction portion 46'.
- Adjustment means 61' are adapted to transform a rotation of end portion 49' into a linear movement.
- adjustment means 61' are defined by a first thread portion 62' of seat opening 24'c and a second thread portion 63' of end portion 49' configured to interact with thread portion 62'. Additionally, end portion 49' is provided with a nut-screw section 64' for facilitating rotation of end portion 49' for linearly moving end portion 49' within seat opening 24'c.
- Suction generation units 35' work according to the same functional principle of suction generation units 35.
- each suction generation unit 35' operates according to the Venturi effect.
- the compressed air entering constricted section portion 38' flows to diffuser portion 47' and further to discharge portion 37. Due to the Venturi effect a further air flow is induced along the fluidic line from suction holes 30a, 30b, 30c to discharge portion 37.
- a suction force is applied on labels 2 retained on outer lateral surface 21 by suction source 23.
- suction force is generated through suction holes 30a, 30b, 30c by the suction generation units 35, 35', which operate according to the Venturi effect.
- labels 2 received at receiving position 8 from cutting unit 12 are safely retained on respective retaining section 28 and are conveyed in a manner described in more detail above from receiving position 8 to application position 9, where they are applied on respective articles 3.
- each suction generation unit 35 integrally mounting to the distributor plate 24 allows for reducing size and mass of label transfer device 7, 7' and accordingly of labeling apparatus 1 with respect to known label transfer devices and labeling apparatuses.
- suction generation units 35' which are at least partially integral parts of distributor plate 24'.
- suction generation units 35, 35' lead to an overall reduction of the pipe and tubing works needed for applying suction on suction holes 30a, 30b, 30c with respect to the state-of-the art solutions.
- Suction generation units 35' come along with a simple and straightforward way of adjusting the size of air conduits 44' allowing for easily and quickly tune the optimal performance and economy of the suction generation units 35' themselves.
- suction generation units 35, 35' generating suction by means of the Venturi effect come along with lower economical costs and facilitated maintenance approaches when compared to the state-of-the-art solutions which commonly use traditional vacuum pumps.
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- Labeling Devices (AREA)
Abstract
There is described a label transfer device (7, 7') for conveying a label (2) along a path (Q). The label transfer device (7, 7') comprises a transfer drum (20) rotatable around a rotation axis (D) to define the path (Q) and delimited by an outer lateral surface (21) having a plurality of suction holes (30a, 30b, 30c) to retain the label (2) on the outer lateral surface (21) itself during transfer along the path (Q); a suction source (23) apt to exert a suction force on the label (2) through at least a fraction of the plurality of suction holes (30a, 30b, 30c); and a stationary distributor plate (24) rotatably supporting the transfer drum (20) and having at least one air port (25) configured to fluidically connect the suction source (23) to the plurality of suction holes (30a, 30b, 30c). The suction source (23) comprises at least one suction generation unit (35, 35') fluidically connected to the air port (25) and integrally mounted to the distributor plate (24) or being at least partially an integral part of the distributor plate (24') itself. [Figure 3]
Description
- The present invention relates to a label transfer device for a labeling apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a label transfer device comprising a transfer drum having an outer lateral surface for conveying labels retained on the outer lateral surface itself from a receiving position to an application position.
- Labeling apparatuses for automatically attaching labels onto articles of all sort, such as receptacles, containers, vessels, bottles etc., are well known in the art and their use is widespread in the packaging industry.
- One typical label type, used with a particular kind of articles, namely, beverage bottles or vessels, is the label commonly known as "sleeve label", which is formed in a tubular configuration and then applied onto the respective article. More specifically, the sleeve labels are wrapped around respective cylindrical article mandrel members conveying on top the articles to be labeled and then welded at their overlapping ends. At the end of the welding operation, the mandrel members are retracted so that the articles engage the corresponding tubular labels. A heat shrinking operation is then carried out to make the labels adhere onto the respective articles.
- A possible typical alternative is the so called "self-stick label", which is directly wrapped around at least part of the respective article and glued thereto.
- In general, in the known labeling apparatuses, prior to the application on the respective articles, the labels are commonly transported by means of a label transfer device comprising a transfer drum.
- As known, in a labeling apparatus of the "self-stick label" type, which the following description will refer to without any limitative scope, each label of a succession of labels is attached on the outer surface of one respective article. Prior to the application of the label onto the respective article glue is supplied onto the back surface of the label itself.
- In these machines, the articles are typically carried by a conveying carrousel along an article path so as to advance towards an application position at which one respective label is stuck onto each article. At the same time, in the known labeling apparatuses, a web of labeling material is fed from a roll-feeding unit towards a label transfer device comprising a transfer drum.
- In particular, the web of labeling material is advanced towards an outer lateral surface of the transfer drum. During feeding, the web of labeling material is brought into contact with cutting means of a cutting unit so as to cut the web of labeling material into labels of defined and appropriate lengths. Then each label is retained on the outer lateral surface of the transfer drum and is conveyed, by rotation of the transfer drum around its axis towards the application position. Furthermore, prior to reaching the application position, each label interacts with a gluing unit which applies glue, e.g. by means of a rotating glue roller tangentially cooperating with the transfer drum or by means of spray or injection systems working in a contact or non-contact manner, onto the back surface of the label. After that, the label can be stuck onto one respective article.
- In particular, during transfer towards the application position, the labels are retained by respective retaining sections of the outer lateral surface of the transfer drum; these retaining sections are equally spaced angularly around the axis of the transfer drum and are separated from each other by respective transition sections, along which labels fed from the roll-feeding unit slide prior to reaching the respective retaining sections.
- For proper performance of these operations, accurate handling of the labels is pursued through retention thereof on the outer lateral surface of the transfer drum, i.e. by applying suction on the labels in a controlled manner. To this purpose, the outer lateral surface of the transfer drum comprise a plurality of suction holes that can be fluidically connected with a suction source.
- Generally, the suction source comprises one single vacuum pumping unit having a plurality of pressure reducers and respective connecting means for connecting the pumping unit and the pressure reducers to the transfer drum for establishing the fluidic connection with the plurality of suction holes.
- For this purpose, typically, the label transfer device further comprises a stationary distributor plate and a wear plate rotatable around the axis of the transfer drum.
- The distributor plate is provided with a plurality of air ports, each of which is connected to a respective pressure reducer by respective connecting means, such as pipes and tubes. The air ports again are generally fluidically connected to one or more suction channels of the wear plate, which are fluidically connected to the suction holes of the transfer drum.
- One drawback of the described label transfer device lies in its large size and mass needed to be housed within the labeling apparatus.
- Additionally, the use of a vacuum pumping unit, the use of a plurality of pressure reducers and the use of the connecting means comes along with high economical costs and increased maintenance issues.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a label transfer device for a labeling apparatus, which is designed to overcome, in a straightforward and low-cost manner, the aforementioned drawbacks.
- According to the present invention, there is provided a label transfer device as claimed in claim 1.
- Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 shows a top plan schematic view of a labeling apparatus with a label transfer device according to the present invention for applying labels onto articles advancing along an article path; -
Figure 2 shows a larger-scale side view of the label transfer device ofFigure 1 with parts removed for clarity; -
Figure 3 shows a larger-scale sectioned side view of a detail of the label transfer device ofFigure 2 with parts removed for clarity; -
Figure 4 shows a scheme of controlling the label transfer device ofFigures 1 and2 ; and -
Figure 5 is analogous toFigure 3 and shows another embodiment of the label transfer device according to the present invention with parts removed for clarity. - Number 1 in
Figure 1 indicates as a whole a labeling apparatus, only partially shown to the extent that is necessary for the comprehension of the present invention. - Apparatus 1 is adapted to be used for handling, transferring and applying
labels 2 torespective articles 3 or, more specifically, receptacles, such as bottles, as saidarticles 3 are advanced along an article path P. - In more detail, apparatus 1 comprises a
carrousel 4 configured to support a plurality ofarticles 3 on its periphery and to rotate the same along path P around an axis A of the carrousel itself. - Axis A preferably extends vertically and the path P is arc-shaped and extends horizontally.
-
Articles 3 can be rotated as they are advanced along the path P bycarrousel 4 and aslabels 2 are applied to thearticles 3 themselves. - Apparatus 1 further comprises:
- a
label transfer device 7 according to the present invention, which is configured to transfer a succession oflabels 2 from a receiving position 8 to anapplication position 9 along a label path Q tangential to path P at theapplication position 9 itself; - a
feeding unit 10 for feeding aweb 11 of labeling material to the receiving position 8; - a
cutting unit 12 of known type, arranged adjacent to receiving position 8 for cutting off the succession oflabels 2 from theweb 11 of labeling material; and - a
glue application unit 13 arranged adjacent to at least a portion oflabel transfer device 7 and between receiving andapplication position 8, 9 with reference to path Q and configured to apply, at agluing position 14, a given amount of glue on the back side of eachlabel 2 advancing along the path Q prior to reaching theapplication position 9. - More specifically,
cutting unit 12 comprises: - a
rotary cutting drum 17, having an axis B parallel to axis A, arranged adjacent to at least a portion oflabel transfer device 7 and carrying, on its outer lateral surface, theweb 11; and - a stationary cutter blade or
cutter 18 carried in a fixed position on one side ofrotary cutting drum 17 and proximal to receiving position 8 so as to cooperate, in use, with therotary cutting drum 17 to cut onelabel 2 at a time from theweb 11 of labeling material. In particular,cutting unit 12 is adapted to cutlabels 2 of given lengths and substantially rectangular shape, each having a leadingend portion 2a and atrailing end portion 2b. - With reference to
Figure 1 ,glue application unit 13 preferably comprises aglue application roller 19 having an axis C parallel to axes A, B. - In particular,
glue roller 19 is mounted to rotate about its axis C and has an outer cylindrical lateral surface, which is covered by melted glue continuously fed by a glue feeding system, known per se and not shown.Glue roller 19 is adapted to spread a pattern of glue onto the backside of eachlabel 2 advancing along path Q. In particular, the pattern is provided on the side of thelabel 2 destined to be stuck to the surface of arespective article 3. - As a possible alternative not shown,
glue application unit 13 may comprise a spray or an injector system in place of theglue roller 19. The glue pattern may comprise a layer of glue and/or one or more glue strips and/or one or more glue spots. - With particular reference to
Figures 2 and3 ,label transfer device 7 comprises: - a
transfer drum 20 rotatable around a rotation axis D, parallel to axes A, B, C to define the path Q and delimited by an outerlateral surface 21 to retainlabels 2 during transfer along path Q; - a
suction source 23 apt to exert a suction force onlabels 2 for retaining them on outerlateral surface 21; and - a
stationary distributor plate 24 having one ormore air ports 25, in the example shown three, configured to fluidically connect thesuction source 23 selectively to outerlateral surface 21. - In particular,
distributor plate 24 has a substantially annular configuration; and is intersected by atransfer drum shaft 20a rotatable around axis D oftransfer device 7. In more detail,transfer drum 20 is mounted to transferdrum shaft 20a and is arranged peripherally adjacent, preferably tangential, to rotarycutting drum 17 at receiving position 8, toglue application roller 19 atgluing position 14 and tocarousel 4 atapplication position 9. - As visible in
Figure 1 ,application position 9 is positioned at a given angular distance from receiving position 8 about the axis D of rotation oftransfer drum 20. - In more detail, with particular reference to
Figures 1 and2 , outerlateral surface 21 oftransfer drum 20 comprises a plurality ofinteraction elements 27, in particular pads. As shown inFigure 1 ,interaction elements 27 are slightly protruding from outerlateral surface 21 and are designed to engage, in use, with the leading 2a and the trailingend portion 2b of onerespective label 2. -
Transfer drum 20 further presents a plurality of retainingsections 28, in the particular example three, each delimited by a pair ofinteraction elements 27 and adapted to retain thelabels 2 during transport along path Q, in particular from receiving position 8 toapplication position 9. - Furthermore, retaining
sections 28 of outerlateral surface 21 are equally spaced angularly around axis D oftransfer drum 20 and are separated from each other byrespective transition sections 29. In particular, eachtransition section 29 extends between tworespective retaining sections 28. Eachtransition section 29 is adapted to permit onelabel 2 being fed from feedingunit 10 to slide prior to reaching therespective retaining section 28. - In addition, outer
lateral surface 21 and inparticular retaining sections 28,transition sections 29 andinteraction elements 27 comprise a plurality ofsuction holes suction source 23. - More specifically,
suction holes source 23 throughair ports 25 ofdistributor plate 24. - Furthermore,
transfer drum 20 has a plurality ofinternal passages 31 adapted to be fluidically connected tosuction holes air ports 25. Hence,suction holes source 23 throughair ports 25 andinternal passages 31. - In addition,
interaction elements 27 are configured to establish contact of leadingend portion 2a and trailingend portion 2b of eachlabel 2 retained on outerlateral surface 21 withglue application roller 19 during rotation oflabels 2 along path Q at gluingposition 14. - Consequently, in use, glue is transferred from
glue application roller 19 onto the back surface of the leading and trailingend portions labels 2. In particular, glue is applied on leading and trailingend portions application position 9 at which, in use, first the back surface of leadingend portion 2a of eachlabel 2 gets into contact with onerespective article 3; upon further advancement of thelabel 2 along path Q and rotation and further transport of therespective article 3 along path P, thelabel 2 is transferred tosuch article 3 and, finally, the back surface of the trailingend portion 2b is attached to thearticle 3 itself. - With particular reference to
Figure 3 ,distributor plate 24 has aport plate 24a presentingair ports 25 and astructure plate 24b configured to carryport plate 24a. In this specificexample distributor plate 24 has a two plate structure, but it must be understood thatdistributor plate 24 can be constructed as a single plate combining the features ofport plate 24a andstructure plate 24b. - As illustrated in
Figures 1 to 3 ,label transfer device 7 further comprises arotation plate 32, in particular a wear plate, mounted, in particular screwed to transferdrum 20 and placed adjacent todistributor plate 24. In particular,rotation plate 32 has a substantially annular configuration and is intersected bytransfer drum shaft 20a. Accordingly,rotation plate 32 is rotatable around rotation axis D oftransfer drum 20. In particular,distributor plate 24 androtation plate 32 are placed so as to slightly contact each other. - Additionally,
rotation plate 32 comprises one ormore air channels 33, in the specific example three, fluidically connected to airports 25. Furthermore,air channels 33 are in fluidic connection withinternal passages 31 oftransfer drum 20. - Thus, overall,
suction holes source 23 throughair ports 25,internal passages 31 andair channels 33. - With reference to
Figures 1 ,2 and3 ,label transfer device 7 also comprises asupport structure 34 for carrying ontop distributor plate 24 and for supportingtransfer drum shaft 20a.Support structure 34 itself is supported in a known manner by portions of labeling apparatus 1 known as such and not illustrated. - In more detail,
support structure 34 comprises at least twolongitudinal bars 34a disposed adjacent and parallel to each other and parallel todistributor plate 24. Furthermore,support structure 34 presents acarrier portion 34b mounted tolongitudinal bars 34a and configured to carrydistributor plate 24. Additionally,support structure 34 has a plurality of balancing means 34c, such as spring elements, adapted to allow for keeping slight contact betweendistributor plate 24 androtation plate 32 under all working conditions and under rotational oscillations possibly occurring in use. - More specifically, balancing means 34c are supported by
carrier portion 34b and are interposed betweencarrier portion 34b anddistributor plate 24. In particular,distributor plate 24 is arranged so thatsupport plate 24b is interposed between balancing means 34c andport plate 24a. More specifically, balancing means 34c are in contact withsupport plate 24b. - With reference to
Figures 1 to 3 ,suction source 23 comprises one or moresuction generation units 35, in the specific example six. It must be noted thatadvantageously suction source 23 comprises more than onesuction generation unit 35 for taking into account varying phases of the transport oflabels 2 from receiving position 8 toapplication position 9, as known in the state-of-the-art. - In particular, a transferring phase when one
respective label 2 is transferred from the cuttingunit 12 to outerlateral surface 21, a pre-glue phase after delivery of onerespective label 2 to onerespective retaining section 28 and prior to applying glue onto therespective label 2, a post-glue phase after application of glue onto therespective label 2 and an intermediate phase after application of therespective label 2 on onerespective article 3. In the intermediate phase, it may be necessary to provide for a suction on therespective label 2 in the case that anarticle 3 is not present and therespective label 2 cannot be applied. Accordingly, in this case, thelabel 2 must be further retained on outerlateral surface 21 and further conveyed. - In particular, each one of the phases requires the application of different suction forces on the
labels 2 and eventually it is sufficient to apply suction only to a fraction ofsuction holes - Furthermore, each
suction generation unit 35 is configured to be fluidically connected to airports 25. Additionally, eachsuction generation unit 35 is integrally mounted todistributor plate 24. In particular, "integrally mounted" means that eachsuction generation unit 35 is in direct contact withdistributor plate 24 and is fluidically connected to airports 25 without any further connecting means, such as tubing, pipes, hoses, etc. - As
suction generation units 35 are identical to each other, only one will be described in detail hereafter for the sake of clarity and conciseness.Suction generation unit 35 comprises: - a
main portion 36 mounted todistributor plate 24 and adapted to generate suction onsuction holes - a
discharge portion 37 supported bymain portion 36 and configured to discharge air from thesuction generation unit 35 itself. -
Discharge portion 37 is additionally adapted to reduce the noise level ofsuction generation unit 35. In particular,discharge portion 37 is provided with adischarge channel 37a for discharging air fromsuction generation unit 35 surrounded by silencingmeans 37b. - Furthermore,
label transfer device 7 comprises a fluidic line configured to connectsuction holes portion 37. -
Suction generation unit 35, in particularmain portion 36, comprises a constricted and narrowedsection portion 38 being part of said fluidic line. Additionally,air ports 25 are parts of the above-mentioned fluidic line. - Overall,
suction generation unit 35 is configured to operate according to the Venturi effect. The Venturi effect relates to a decrease in pressure of a flow of gas or fluid through a constricted portion of a tube, a pipe or similar and the simultaneous increase in flow speed. - Therefore,
suction generation unit 35 comprises at least onecompressed air inlet 42 to feed compressed air into the constrictedsection portion 38. Furthermore,suction generation source 35 further comprises apressure chamber 43 interposed betweenconstricted section portion 38 andcompressed air inlet 42 and acompressed air conduit 44 for feeding the compressed air into constrictedsection portion 38. In particular,pressure chamber 43 has an annular configuration and surroundsconstricted section portion 38. Additionally,air conduit 44 has an annular configuration, in particular a truncated cone configuration. - Furthermore,
air conduit 44 is configured to guide compressed air into constrictedsection portion 38 so as to form a compressed air flow incident to a central axis X of constrictedsection portion 38 of the fluidic line perpendicular todistributor plate 24. As an alternative not shown,air conduit 44 can be configured to guide the compressed air flow parallel to axis X. - In the example of
Figure 3 , in particular, the compressed air flow occurs along a plurality of directions Y parallel toinner walls 44a of a main portion 44b ofair conduit 44. It must be understood, that in the specific case ofFigure 3 air conduit 44 describes a continuous annular configuration so that air flows along an infinite number of parallel directions Y. However, the same technical effect can be achieved by having a discrete number of air channels (not shown). - Accordingly to what is mentioned above, directions Y are inclined with respect to central axis X.
- Furthermore, each direction Y or equivalently the compressed air flow forms an obtuse angle α with respect to central axis X towards
discharge portion 37. In particular, it has been found to arrangeair conduit 44 in such a way that obtuse angle α lies between 120° to 150°, preferably between 130° to 140° and most preferably at about 135°. - With particular reference to
Figure 3 ,suction generation unit 35, in particularmain portion 36 comprises: - a
suction portion 46 placed adjacent to airports 25 ofdistributor plate 24 and adapted to generate the suction on theair ports 25 themselves; and - a
diffuser portion 47 adjacent to dischargeportion 37 and configured to guide and diffuse air towardsdischarge portion 37. - Furthermore, constricted
section portion 38 is interposed betweensuction portion 46 anddiffuser portion 47. - In more detail, both
suction portion 46 anddiffuser portion 47 have tapered configurations towards constrictedsection portion 38. - Thus, in use, compressed air is fed through compressed
air inlet 42 intopressure chamber 43; from here the compressed air flows throughair conduit 44 into constrictedsection portion 38 and then, throughdiffuser portion 47, towardsdischarge portion 37. By means of the Venturi effect a flow of air is consequently induced along the fluidic line fromsuction holes portion 37 passing throughsuction portion 46, constrictedsection portion 38 anddiffuser portion 47. Thereby, suction is applied onlabels 2 retained on outerlateral surface 21. - In further detail,
main portion 36 is at least partially housed withinsupport plate 24b andport plate 24a ofdistributor plate 24.Main portion 36 has a fixingportion 48 carryingsuction portion 46 and afirst fraction 38a of constrictedsection portion 38 removably fixed todistributor plate 24. In particular, fixingportion 48 is partially housed within arecess 24c ofsupport plate 24b and directlycontacts port plate 24a at afirst end 48a. In particular, fixingportion 48 is screwed intosupport plate 24b. -
Main portion 36 further comprises anend portion 49 carryingdiffuser portion 47 and asecond fraction 38b of constrictedsection portion 38.End portion 49 is removably mounted to asecond end 48b of fixingportion 48. In particular,end portion 49 is screwed onto fixingportion 48. - Hence, in cooperation, fixing
portion 48 andend portion 49 delimit constrictedsection portion 38,pressure chamber 43 andair conduit 44. In particular, the size and form ofpressure chamber 43 andair conduit 44 are defined by the outer shapes of both fixingportion 48 andend portion 49. Thus, the sizes ofair conduit 44 andpressure chamber 43 can be varied exchanging either one of fixingportion 48 orend portion 49, preferentially for ease ofoperation end portion 49 or both. - As visible in
Figures 3 and4 ,suction generation unit 35 further comprises sensor means 50 adapted to determine the actual suction force applied bysuction generation unit 35 itself. Sensor means 50 comprise asensor element 51, such as a pressure sensor or transducer, for determining the pressure in the proximity ofair port 25 and anair passage 52 adapted to fluidically connectair ports 25 tosensor element 51. In particular,sensor element 51 is mounted todistributor plate 24, more specifically to supportplate 24b.Air passageway 51 is provided withindistributor plate 24. - With reference to
Figure 4 ,label transfer device 7 comprises acontrol unit 55 for controlling the suction force applied by eachsuction generation unit 35 ofsuction source 23. - For this reason,
control unit 55 is configured to receive a signal from sensor means 50 and to compare the signal received with preset values. - Furthermore,
suction source 23 comprises a compressedair pressure assembly 56 adapted to feed compressed air to eachsuction generation unit 35, in particular to eachcompressed air inlet 42. More specifically, eachcompressed air inlet 42 is fluidically connected to compressedair pressure assembly 56 by connectingmeans 57. -
Control unit 55 is configured to control compressedair pressure assembly 56 as a function of the signals received from sensor means 50. - Compressed
air pressure assembly 56 comprises: - a compressed
air supply source 58 for providing compressed air, preferentially being part of a centralized factory compressed air supply or a compressor; and - a
pressure adjusting unit 59 having one or morepressure adjusting elements 60, in the example shown six (only three of which are visible inFigure 4 ), for adjusting the pressure of the compressed air fed to the respectivesuction generation units 35. In particular, eachpressure adjusting element 60 is fluidically connected to the respectivecompressed air inlet 42 by connectingmeans 57. - With reference to
Figure 5 , number 7' shows in detail an alternative embodiment of a label transfer device being part of label apparatus 1 according to the present invention; as label transfer device 7' is similar tolabel transfer device 7, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts. - In particular, label transfer device 7' differs from
label transfer device 7 in the configuration of suction generation units 35' formingsuction source 23. - In particular, suction generation units 35' are at least partially integral parts of a distributor plate 24' of label transfer device 7'.
- As suction generation units 35' are identical to each other, only one will be described in detail hereafter for the sake of clarity and conciseness.
- In more detail, suction generation unit 35' has a main portion 36' comprising a suction portion 46', a narrowed and constricted section portion 38' and a diffuser portion 47'. In the embodiment of
Figure 5 , suction portion 46' and a first fraction 38'a of constricted section portion 38' are carried by distributor plate 24'. More specifically, suction portion 46' and first fraction 38'a are provided in distributor plate 24'. - Distributor plate 24' comprises a port plate 24'a and a support plate 24'b and suction portion 46' and first fraction 38'a are specifically incorporated into said support plate 24'b.
- Furthermore, diffuser portion 47' and a second fraction 38'b of constricted section 38' are carried by an end portion 49' of main portion 36'.
- End portion 49' is configured to be removably mounted to distributor plate 24', in particular to support
plate 24b'. - Support plate 24'b presents a seat opening 24'c for housing end portion 49' within distributor plate 24'. In particular, seat opening 24'c is arranged so that suction portion 46' and first fraction 38'a are interposed between port plate 24'a and seat opening 24'c.
- Main portion 36' of suction generation unit 35' is assembled by placing end portion 49' into seat opening 24'c. Furthermore, the outer shape of end portion 49' and the inner shape of seat opening 24'c define in cooperation a pressure chamber 43' for receiving compressed air from
compressed air inlet 42 and an air conduit 44' for guiding the compressed air into constricted section portion 38' in a manner as described with respect to the embodiment ofFigure 3 . - Furthermore, suction generation unit 35' comprises adjustment means 61' for adjusting the size of air conduit 44'. Adjustment means 61' are further adapted to adjust the size of pressure chamber 43'. In particular, adjustment means 61' are configured to move end portion 49' to or away from
air ports 25, in particular to or away from suction portion 46'. - Adjustment means 61' are adapted to transform a rotation of end portion 49' into a linear movement.
- In detail, adjustment means 61' are defined by a first thread portion 62' of seat opening 24'c and a second thread portion 63' of end portion 49' configured to interact with thread portion 62'. Additionally, end portion 49' is provided with a nut-screw section 64' for facilitating rotation of end portion 49' for linearly moving end portion 49' within seat opening 24'c.
- Suction generation units 35' work according to the same functional principle of
suction generation units 35. In particular, each suction generation unit 35' operates according to the Venturi effect. The compressed air entering constricted section portion 38' flows to diffuser portion 47' and further to dischargeportion 37. Due to the Venturi effect a further air flow is induced along the fluidic line fromsuction holes portion 37. - Thus, overall, in use, a suction force is applied on
labels 2 retained on outerlateral surface 21 bysuction source 23. In particular, suction force is generated throughsuction holes suction generation units 35, 35', which operate according to the Venturi effect. - In this way, labels 2 received at receiving position 8 from cutting
unit 12 are safely retained onrespective retaining section 28 and are conveyed in a manner described in more detail above from receiving position 8 toapplication position 9, where they are applied onrespective articles 3. - The advantages of
label transfer device 7, 7' according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description. - In particular, integrally mounting each
suction generation unit 35 to thedistributor plate 24 allows for reducing size and mass oflabel transfer device 7, 7' and accordingly of labeling apparatus 1 with respect to known label transfer devices and labeling apparatuses. - This is also the case for suction generation units 35', which are at least partially integral parts of distributor plate 24'.
- Additionally,
suction generation units 35, 35' lead to an overall reduction of the pipe and tubing works needed for applying suction onsuction holes - Suction generation units 35' come along with a simple and straightforward way of adjusting the size of air conduits 44' allowing for easily and quickly tune the optimal performance and economy of the suction generation units 35' themselves.
- Furthermore,
suction generation units 35, 35' generating suction by means of the Venturi effect come along with lower economical costs and facilitated maintenance approaches when compared to the state-of-the-art solutions which commonly use traditional vacuum pumps. - Clearly, changes may be made to label
transfer device 7, 7' without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.
Claims (14)
- A label transfer device (7, 7') adapted to receive at least one label (2) at a receiving position (8) and to convey said label (2) along a path (Q) to an application position (9); the label transfer device (7, 7') comprising:- a transfer drum (20) rotatable around a rotation axis (D) to define said path (Q) and delimited by an outer lateral surface (21) having a plurality of suction holes (30a, 30b, 30c) to retain said label (2) on the outer lateral surface (21) itself during transfer along said path (Q);- a suction source (23) apt to exert a suction force on said label (2) through at least a fraction of said plurality of suction holes (30a, 30b, 30c); and- a stationary distributor plate (24) having at least one air port (25) configured to fluidically connect the suction source (23) to the plurality of suction holes (30a, 30b, 30c);
characterized in that the suction source (23) comprises at least one suction generation unit (35, 35') fluidically connected to said air port (25) and integrally mounted to the distributor plate (24) or being at least partially an integral part of the distributor plate (24') itself. - The label transfer device according to claim 1, wherein said air port (25) is part of a fluidic line configured to connect said suction holes (30a, 30b, 30c) to a discharge portion (37), and wherein said suction generation unit (35, 35') comprises a constricted section portion (38, 38') of said fluidic line so that the suction generation unit (35, 35') operates according to the Venturi effect.
- The label transfer device according to claim 2, wherein the suction generation unit (35, 35') comprises at least one compressed air inlet (42) to feed compressed air into the constricted section portion (38, 38').
- The label transfer device according to claim 3, wherein the suction source (23) further comprises a pressure chamber (43, 43') interposed between the constricted section portion (38, 38') and the compressed air inlet (42) and a compressed air conduit (44, 44') for feeding the compressed air into the constricted section portion (38, 38').
- The label transfer device according to claim 4, wherein the pressure chamber (43, 43') surrounds the constricted section portion (38, 38').
- The label transfer device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the suction generation unit (35') comprises adjustment means (61') for adjusting the size of the air conduit (44').
- The label transfer device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the air conduit (44, 44') has an annular configuration, in particular a truncated cone configuration.
- The label transfer device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the air conduit (44, 44') is configured to guide compressed air into the constricted section portion (38, 38') so as to form a compressed air flow incident to a central axis (X) of the constricted section portion (38) of the fluidic line transversal to the distributor plate (24, 24').
- The label transfer device according to claim 8, wherein the compressed air flow, through the air conduit (44, 44'), forms an obtuse angle (α) with the central axis (X) of the constricted section portion (38) of the fluidic line towards the discharge portion (37).
- The label transfer device according to claim 9, wherein said obtuse angle (α) lies between 120° to 150°, preferably between 130° to 140°, most preferably around 135°.
- The label transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a control unit (55) for controlling the suction force applied by the suction generation unit (35, 35').
- The label transfer device according to claim 11, further comprising:- sensor means (50) adapted to generate a signal related to the actual suction force applied by the suction generation unit (35, 35'); and- pressure adjusting means (60) selectively actuated by the control unit (55) for adjusting the pressure of the compressed air fed to the suction generation unit (35, 35') as a function of the signal generated by the sensor means (50).
- The label transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction generation unit (35, 35') comprises:- a suction portion (46) having a tapered shape and placed adjacent to said air port (25) of said distributor plate (24, 24'); and- a diffuser portion (47) having a tapered shape and placed adjacent to the discharge portion (37);
the constricted section portion (38, 38') being arranged between the suction portion (46) and the diffuser portion (47) and said suction (46) and diffuser portions (47) being tapered towards the constricted section portion (38, 38'). - A label application apparatus (1) comprising at least one label transfer device (7, 7') according to any one of the preceding claims.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP15182377.0A EP3135594A1 (en) | 2015-08-25 | 2015-08-25 | A label transfer device for a labeling apparatus |
PCT/EP2016/068837 WO2017032579A1 (en) | 2015-08-25 | 2016-08-08 | A label transfer device for a labeling apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP15182377.0A EP3135594A1 (en) | 2015-08-25 | 2015-08-25 | A label transfer device for a labeling apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3135594A1 true EP3135594A1 (en) | 2017-03-01 |
Family
ID=54007601
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP15182377.0A Withdrawn EP3135594A1 (en) | 2015-08-25 | 2015-08-25 | A label transfer device for a labeling apparatus |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP3135594A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017032579A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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---|---|---|---|---|
EP3385178A1 (en) * | 2017-04-03 | 2018-10-10 | KRONES Aktiengesellschaft | Labelling machine for labelling containers |
IT202000012679A1 (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2021-11-28 | Pe Labellers Spa | CONTAINER LABEL MACHINE. |
WO2023156167A1 (en) * | 2022-02-21 | 2023-08-24 | P.E. Labellers S.P.A. | Labeling machine with detection means for presence or absence of labels on a work drum |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102017119943A1 (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2019-02-28 | Khs Gmbh | Device for labeling containers |
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WO2012107123A1 (en) * | 2011-02-11 | 2012-08-16 | Sidel S.P.A. Con Socio Unico | A vacuum drum and a method for transferring labels |
EP2610191A1 (en) * | 2011-12-29 | 2013-07-03 | Sidel S.p.a. Con Socio Unico | Distributor device of a vacuum drum system for labelling machines |
US8616259B1 (en) * | 2012-11-30 | 2013-12-31 | Nulabel Technologies, Inc. | Automated labeling apparatus using labels having a fluid activatable adhesive |
EP2927138A1 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2015-10-07 | Sidel S.p.a. Con Socio Unico | Labelling machine and method with master-slave labelling groups |
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2015
- 2015-08-25 EP EP15182377.0A patent/EP3135594A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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2016
- 2016-08-08 WO PCT/EP2016/068837 patent/WO2017032579A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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WO1999003738A1 (en) * | 1997-07-16 | 1999-01-28 | New Jersey Machine Inc. | Transfer cylinder for transporting labels in a labelling machine |
US6546958B1 (en) * | 2001-11-30 | 2003-04-15 | B & H Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Multiple cavity valve plate with floating shoe for container labeling apparatus |
EP2090513A1 (en) * | 2008-02-18 | 2009-08-19 | Nordson Corporation | Apparatus and methods for applying labels |
WO2012107123A1 (en) * | 2011-02-11 | 2012-08-16 | Sidel S.P.A. Con Socio Unico | A vacuum drum and a method for transferring labels |
EP2610191A1 (en) * | 2011-12-29 | 2013-07-03 | Sidel S.p.a. Con Socio Unico | Distributor device of a vacuum drum system for labelling machines |
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Cited By (5)
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EP3385178A1 (en) * | 2017-04-03 | 2018-10-10 | KRONES Aktiengesellschaft | Labelling machine for labelling containers |
IT202000012679A1 (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2021-11-28 | Pe Labellers Spa | CONTAINER LABEL MACHINE. |
WO2021239626A1 (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2021-12-02 | P.E. Labellers S.P.A. | Container labeling machine |
CN115667076A (en) * | 2020-05-28 | 2023-01-31 | Pe贴标机股份公司 | Container labelling machine |
WO2023156167A1 (en) * | 2022-02-21 | 2023-08-24 | P.E. Labellers S.P.A. | Labeling machine with detection means for presence or absence of labels on a work drum |
Also Published As
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WO2017032579A1 (en) | 2017-03-02 |
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