EP3486185A1 - Central glue supply for a container labelling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A central glue supply (2) for a container labeling machine (1) with at least two labeling units (17) is described, wherein the glue supply comprises at least one central glue line (8, 9) for jointly supplying the labeling units with glue, in particular without glue return. Due to the fact that the glue supply furthermore comprises a conveying device (6, 7, 26, 27) for conveying the glue through the central glue line under overpressure to the labeling units for local application of glue to labels, containers can be labeled in a particularly efficient way using cold glue methods.

Description

The invention relates to a central glue supply for a Behälteretikettiermaschine according to the preamble of claim 1 and a labeling machine with the central glue supply.

As is known, containers can be labeled by cold glue or hot glue. To improve the glue supply of Etikettieraggregaten discloses the DE 10 2007 043 513 A1 a generic central glue supply, with the docking on a labeller labeling can optionally be supplied flexibly with different types of glue over several central glue lines. Here, both the promotion of workable cold glue and the air transport of hot glue granules from central storage containers is described to the labeling. The connection of the labeling units to the central glue line in the region of the labeling machine takes place, for example, by means of quick-release couplings.

Furthermore, the describes EP 2 060 496 A1 Docking stations of labeling machines in which media connections are made automatically by a docking movement of the labeling on the labeling machine.

While the central glue supply of the DE 10 2007 043 513 A1 Aiming at the most flexible possible use of different types of glue and labeling units, there is still room for improvement in favor of more efficient cold glue labeling.

This object is achieved with a central glue supply according to claim 1. Accordingly, this is designed for a Behälteretikettiermaschine with at least two Etikettieraggregaten and comprises at least one central glue line for the common supply of the labeling units with glue in particular without Leunrücklauf. According to the invention, the central glue supply comprises a conveying device for conveying the glue through the central glue line under overpressure to the labeling units for a local glue jet application on labels.

The central glue supply is thus designed to supply labeling units which apply cold glue to labels by means of glue blasting, in particular from a large number of glue nozzles. The central glue supply generates a suitable overpressure in the central glue line. The labeling units then work according to the so-called "GlueJet principle" based on an inkjet printing by means of several printing nozzles.

A glue application on labels is more efficient in terms of glue consumption per label area than a conventional glue application to the labels by means of a glue roller. Due to the central provision of the glue, pressure conditions, flow properties and flow rates of the glue which are suitable for the glue jet application can be maintained with comparatively low expenditure on apparatus.

The conveying device generates a conveying pressure for the glue in such a way that, during operation, the glue is applied to the labeling units with an overpressure of, in particular, at least 10 bar for the local glue jet application from glue nozzles. The conveying device comprises, for example, at least one pump for conveying the glue on the side of the container labeling machine and in particular up to the labeling units.

Supplying the labeling units with glue without glue return means that the glue from a loop in the area of the container labeling machine and / or from the central glue line is not returned to the supply station in a closed circuit. This makes it possible to avoid additional expenditure on equipment and still provide an efficient glue supply.

Preferably, the central glue supply further comprises a central supply station with the conveying device and with at least one supply container for glue that can be connected to the central glue line. The conveyor device is then designed to convey the glue from the connected storage container to the container labeling machine and in particular to the labeling units.

The supply station can be designed for a stationary installation or for a mobile installation, ie for a change of location by means of transport rollers or the like. The capacity of the supply station can be adapted to the container labeling machine in order to provide the required glue levels efficiently.

Preferably, the reservoir has a capacity of at least 250 l and in particular of at least 500 l. The conveying device is an electrically controlled pump with a capacity for conveying the glue from the storage container into the central glue line and, in particular, up to all connectable labeling units. Such a supply station allows for continuous operation of the container labeling machine at least over the duration of a production shift or the like. An exchange or refilling of the reservoir during operation is then unnecessary.

Preferably, the central supply station for the simultaneous recording of two alternately connectable to the central Leimleitung reservoirs with a capacity of at least 10 l and at most 50 l, and in particular of at least 15 l and at most 25 l, formed. The conveying device then comprises electrically controlled pumps with a capacity for conveying the glue from the storage container into the central glue line and in particular up to all connectable labeling units.

This allows a compact supply station with still continuous glue supply of Behälteretikettiermaschine, for example, by alternately replacing emptied reservoir by full reservoir with ergonomic handle weight.

Preferably, the central supply station for the same recording of at least two emptied by invagination reservoirs, in particular of so-called BevKeg containers formed. The conveying device then preferably comprises electrically controlled presses for pressing out the glue by inserting the storage container and at least one pump for generating the overpressure in the central glue line.

Containers according to the BevKeg principle are disposable containers that can be stored and disposed of in a particularly space-saving manner and are available in ergonomically manageable sizes of, for example, 15-20 l.

Nevertheless, conventional glue containers with a capacity of, for example, 30-40 kg of glue and / or cartridge system with glue cartridges of, for example, 10-50 kg of contents can also be used as a storage container. Also in this case, replacement of deflated glue containers / cartridges enables ergonomic handling of the glue supply and a continuous glue supply to the container labeling machine. Reservoirs of, for example, 500-1000 liter capacity, which can not be handled by operating personnel without mechanical aids, can also be present at least twice at the supply station in order to continuously fully utilize the container labeling machine over a production layer, for example.

Preferably, a temperature sensor and / or a flow meter and / or a pressure monitor for the glue is / are present at the central glue line. Delivery temperature, flow of glue through the central glue line and / or pressure of the glue in the glue line can thus be continuously recorded during operation and use for a control / regulation of the glue delivery through the central glue line. consequently The labeling units for the local glue jet application can be reliably and appropriately supplied with glue.

Preferably, the central glue supply further comprises a heating and control for controlling the temperature of the glue in the central glue line to a range of 20-40 ° C, in particular from 25-35 ° C. In this way, cold glue can be applied for a glue jet application on labels with suitable viscosity and corresponding pressure losses up to Behälteretikettmaschine and in particular up to the labeling units.

Preferably, the central glue supply further comprises a controller for determining and outputting a glue consumption per unit of time and / or per label area on the basis of a flow rate measured in the central glue line. This allows quality control of the glue jet application on the labels and facilitates the calculation of the required glue levels and the calculation of times for a change to the delivery from an alternatively provided reservoir.

Preferably, the conveying device and the central glue line are designed for an operating pressure of at least 50 bar. In this way, substantially all types of glue which are suitable for cold-glue labeling can be conveyed to the container labeling machine and, in particular, to the labeling units with a suitable aggregate-side pressure.

For example, casein glue and / or dispersion glue can be promoted in a suitable manner in this way. In this context, a controllable heating is particularly advantageous for the temperature control of each promoted in the central glue line glue.

Preferably, an expansion / expansion tank with a volume of 1-10 l is also connected to the central glue line. This allows pressure fluctuations in the area of the central glue line to be compensated or mitigated.

Preferably, a safety valve with drain and an adjustment range of at most 10 bar to at least 50 bar is connected to the surge tank. As a result, an impermissible overpressure in the central glue line can be reliably avoided. The safety valve is then preferably an angle valve.

Preferably, the central glue line opens into a ring line formed on the labeling machine with stubs and quick couplings connected thereto for glue supply of the individual labeling units. The quick couplings are then for the respective Operating pressure designed and in particular tool-free connectable / detachable. This facilitates a flexible connection of different labeling units depending on the treatment of the containers to be carried out.

Preferably, the quick-release couplings are then integrated in docking stations for the automatic production of media connections between a central carousel of the labeling machine and the labeling units. By this is meant that the glue supply is closed at a docking movement of the labeling on the carousel by a concomitant interengagement of plug / coupling and is solved by a counter-rotating Abdockbewegung again. This facilitates the production of the glue supply of individual labeling units and prevents a faulty connection especially in the presence of several parallel central glue lines for individual labeling units.

Preferably, at least one temperature sensor and / or a flow meter and / or a pressure monitor for the glue is / are present on the ring line between the quick couplings. In addition to corresponding devices on the central glue line upstream of the quick-release couplings, glue temperature, glue flow and / or glue pressure for individual labeling units can thus be determined and set in relation to the values commonly measured for all labeling units. This allows the operation of individual labeling units to be precisely monitored and, if necessary, optimized.

The object is also achieved with a labeling machine according to claim 15. Accordingly, this is designed for labeling of containers and comprises at least two labeling units for Leimstrahlauftrag on labels and the central glue supply according to at least one of the preceding claims.

All the above-mentioned features with respect to the central glue line can also be present in at least double execution for a parallel central glue line. For example, then two central supply stations can be connected to the Behälteretikettiermaschine or a central supply station with storage containers for different types of glue or the like. In particular, in this case, a separate loop would be formed with quick couplings in the labeling machine for each central glue line. This is particularly advantageous when different types of glue are needed at the same time for the labeling of containers or a faster / frequent change between different types of glue is intended.

The labeling units preferably work analogously to an inkjet printing according to the drop-on-demand principle as a glue jet printer.

In principle, the central glue supply is also suitable for labeling units with gluing of labels by means of glue rollers. In particular, all the embodiments described above are also conceivable with a conveying device for conveying the glue through the central glue line under overpressure to the labeling units for a local glue roller application on labels.

With the described embodiments, a particularly efficient gluing of labels can be carried out, in particular with a glue consumption of at most 20 g per square meter of label area.

By means of a central control, the glue consumption, for example, per hour, per production layer, per weight unit of the label material and / or per unit area of the label material, can be output on a display unit, in particular a touchscreen. This allows a constant production control and, if necessary, a correction of machine parameters in the current production.

• Figur 1 eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine erste Ausführungsform der Erfindung; und
• Figur 2 eine schematische Ansicht einer zentralen Versorgungsstation für Leim.

Preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. Show it:

• FIG. 1 a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of the invention; and
• FIG. 2 a schematic view of a central supply station for glue.

As the FIG. 1 can be seen in a schematic plan view of a Behälteretikettiermaschine 1, the central glue supply 2 preferably comprises a central supply station 3 for receiving a first reservoir 4 for glue and an optional second reservoir 5 for glue.

Furthermore, a first conveying device 6 and optionally a second conveying device 7 for conveying the glue from at least one of the storage containers 4, 5 to the container labeling machine 1 are provided by a first central glue line 8 and / or an optional second central glue line 9. The conveying devices 6, 7 are pumps on the delivery side. Thus, in the glue line 8, 9 a suitable for conveying cold glue to Behälteretikettiermaschine 1 overpressure is generated.

Circuit technology, it is possible to assign the first reservoir 4 of the first conveyor 6 and the first central glue line 8 and the second reservoir. 5 Also conceivable would be an alternate emptying of the reservoir 4, 5 in the first or second central glue line 8, 9. Also, for each of the central glue lines 8, 9 alternatively emptied reservoir 4, 5 in the central supply station 3 are kept (not shown). It would also be possible to provide at least one further conveying device with associated central glue line for connecting the central supply station 3 to the container labeling machine 1 (not shown).

To control the central glue supply 2, in particular the central supply station 3, a controller 10 is present. This is formed for example for processing signals of at least one temperature sensor 11, a flow meter 12 and / or a pressure switch 13 for the conveyed in the central glue line 8, 9 for Behälteretikettiermaschine 1 glue.

This is exemplary only for the first central glue line 8 in the FIG. 1 illustrated, but in a corresponding manner for each additional central glue line and conveyor advantageous.

At the central supply station 3 and / or the central glue line 8, 9 there is optionally a heater 14 for the glue to be delivered. Preferably, the heater 14, the temperature sensor 11 and the controller 10 cooperate in such a way for controlling the temperature of the glue that this in the central glue line 8, 9 has a temperature of 20-40 ° C, preferably from 25-35 ° C. The central glue line 8, 9 is preferably thermally insulated for this purpose in a suitable manner.

Preferably, the flow meter 12, the conveying device 6, 7 and the controller 10 further cooperate such that a glue consumption per unit time and / or a glue consumption per label surface can be determined and / or adapted to a corresponding desired value. This is particularly advantageous since the central glue supply 2 operates without glue return from the labeling machine 1 back to the central supply station 3.

The conveying device 6, 7, the controller 10 and the pressure monitor 13 preferably work together in such a way that in the central glue line 8, 9 an operating pressure within a predetermined desired range prevails. The operating pressure in the central glue line 8, 9 is for example 10-30 bar, preferably 15-25 bar. Preferably, the conveying device 6, 7 and the associated central glue line 8, 9 for an operating pressure of designed at least 50 bar. This also applies to all pressure-side connections of the central glue line 8, 9 with the container labeling machine 1.

To maintain a predetermined operating pressure / pressure range in the central glue line 8, 9, a schematically indicated expansion tank / expansion tank 15 with a safety valve 16 is preferably connected to this. This is in the FIG. 1 indicated schematically for the first central glue line 8 and would also be useful for the optional second central glue line 9. The expansion / expansion tank 15 has, for example, a capacity of 1-10 I. The safety valve 16 preferably has an adjustment range of at most 10 bar to at least 50 bar and is preferably designed as a corner valve with drain.

The container labeling machine 1 comprises an exemplary number of labeling units 17 which are peripherally connected to a carousel 18 for container transport by means of docking stations 19. In the area of the container labeling machine 1, the central glue line 8, 9 preferably comprises ring lines 8a, 9a for distributing the glue onto the labeling units 17.

For connecting the labeling 17 to the ring line 8a, 9a preferably quick couplings 20 and connecting lines 21 are present.

At least one temperature sensor and / or a flow meter 12a (shown by way of example) and / or a pressure monitor for the glue may be present on the ring line 8a, 9a between the quick couplings. This makes it possible to monitor the glue temperature, throughput and / or pressure in the area of the container labeling machine 1 and possibly also for individual labeling units 17.

At least one of the labeling units 17 is designed for the glue jet application on labels, in particular for a glue jet application according to the drop-on-demand principle of a plurality of glue nozzles (not shown).

Advantageously, the quick couplings 20 are integrated into the docking stations 19 such that the connection between the ring line 8a, 9a and the respective labeling unit 17 is produced by a docking movement of the respective labeling unit 17 at the docking station 19. Accordingly, the glue supply when executing an opposite Abdockbewegung the respective labeling 17 at the docking station 19 again automatically resolved. The quick couplings 20 are then preferably connected / disconnected together with other media supply lines.

Preferably, suitable quick couplings 20 for at least one connecting line 21 to a labeling unit 17 are formed at each docking station 19.

In the example of FIG. 1 the central supply station 3 is designed for a stationary installation and for receiving two storage containers 4, 5. In principle, the central supply station 3 could alternatively accommodate any number of suitably sized storage containers 4, 5.

For example, the storage containers 4, 5 may be dimensioned such that an entire production layer can be continuously driven with at least one storage container 4, 5 stored in the supply station 3 without a container replacement. Depending on the machine performance of the container labeling machine 1, storage containers with a conventional capacity of, for example, 500-1000 l are suitable for this purpose.

However, it would also be conceivable for each central glue line 8, 9 to accommodate at least two alternatively emptying reservoirs 4, 5 in the supply station 3, so that the respective reservoirs 4, 5 not connected to the central glue line 8, 9 could be replaced and / or refilled , This also enables a continuous glue supply to the container labeling machine 1, for example over an entire production layer. Storage tanks 4, 5 with a capacity of 10-50 kg or 10-50 l, which could be provided, for example, as part of a cartridge system or in the form of conventional laboratory containers, are suitable for such an operation.

In this regard, an advantageous in the FIG. 2 schematically indicated variant, namely a central supply station 23, which can be functionally unrestricted integrate into previously described central glue supply 2.

Accordingly, central supply station 23 for receiving storage containers 24, 25 is formed, which can be put on one side to empty for emptying. Such reservoirs 24, 25 are known as BevKeg container. There are then for each such reservoir 24, 25, for example, conveyors 26, 27 with electrically controllable presses 26a, 27a for emptying the reservoir 24, 25 and with electrically controllable pumps 26b, 27b for generating the overpressure in the central glue line 8 is present. The presses 26a, 27a press the reservoirs 24, 25 together, in the example of FIG FIG. 2 from above, and in this way promote glue from the respective storage container 24, 25 to the pumps 26b, 27b and / or into a directly connected central glue line 8. The conveying devices 26, 27 could also comprise only one common pump or several common pumps for the central glue line 8 (not shown). Likewise, the circuit variants described with respect to the supply station 2 would be possible with at least one further central glue line 9.

The central supply station 23 is designed, for example, for a mobile installation on the container labeling machine 1 and for this purpose then comprises transport rollers 28 or the like.

The central glue supply 2 described enables a reliable supply of labeling units 17 for the glue jet application on labels using different types of glue with the respectively suitable conveying temperatures, delivery pressures and flow rates. The glue supply 2 is in particular designed to provide the glue to the labeling units 17 with an operating pressure of at least 10 bar and in particular at least 15 bar.

In this case, if appropriate, different types of glue can also be conveyed to individual labeling units 17 in parallel operated central glue lines 8, 9. Depending on the machine performance of the associated container labeling machine 1, the central glue supply 2 can work with suitably dimensioned and / or exchangeable storage containers 4, 5, 24, 25 during operation. With the aid of the controller 10, all parameters required for a reliable glue supply of the labeling units 17 can be monitored and / or adjusted centrally.

In particular, with the central glue supply 2, a suitable operating pressure can be generated at the input of the labeling units 17 in order to apply cold glue to labels in an efficient manner by means of a glue jet from glue nozzles.

Claims (15)

Central glue supply (2) for a container labeling machine (1) with at least two labeling units (17), comprising at least one central glue line (8, 9) for the common supply of the labeling units (17) with glue, in particular without glue return, characterized by a conveying device (6, 7, 26, 27) for conveying the glue through the central glue line (8, 9) under pressure to the labeling units (17) for a local Leimstrahlauftrag on labels. Central glue supply according to claim 1, further comprising a central supply station (3, 23) comprising the conveying device (6, 7, 26, 27) and at least one to the central glue line (8, 9) connectable reservoir (4, 5, 24, 25 ) for glue. Central glue supply according to claim 2, wherein the storage container (4, 5) has a capacity of at least 250 l and in particular of at least 500 l and the conveying device (6, 7) an electrically controlled pump for conveying the glue from the reservoir (4, 5 ) in the central glue line (8, 9). Central glue supply according to claim 2, wherein the central supply station (2, 23) for simultaneously receiving two alternately connectable to the central glue line (8, 9) reservoirs (4, 5, 24, 25) with a capacity of at least 10 l and at most 50 l, and in particular of at least 15 l and the highest 25 l, is formed, and the conveying device (6, 7, 26, 27) electrically controlled pumps (26b, 27b) for conveying the glue from the respective associated reservoir (4, 5, 24, 25) through the central glue line (8, 9). Central glue supply according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the central supply station (23) for the simultaneous recording of two emptied by invagination reservoirs (24, 25), in particular of so-called BevKeg containers formed, and the conveying device (26, 27) electrically controlled presses (26a, 27a) for pressing out the glue by invagination of the reservoir (24, 25) and in particular at least one pump (26b, 27b) for generating the overpressure in the central glue line (8). Central glue supply according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at the central glue line (8) a temperature sensor (11) and / or a flow meter (12) and / or a pressure monitor (13) for the glue is / are present. Central glue supply according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heater (14) and a controller (10) for controlling the temperature of the glue in the central glue line (8, 9) to a range of 20-40 ° C, in particular 25-35 ° C. , Central glue supply according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a controller (10) for determining and outputting a glue consumption per unit of time and / or per label surface by means of a flow measured in the central glue line (8). Central glue supply according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central glue line (8, 9) is designed for an operating pressure of at least 50 bar. Central glue supply according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an expansion / expansion tank (15) with a volume of 1-10 I is connected to the central glue line (8). Central glue supply according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a safety valve (16) with drain and an adjustment range of at most 10 bar to at least 50 bar is connected to the surge tank (15). Central glue supply according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central glue line (8, 9) opens into a ring line (8a, 9a) formed on the container labeling machine (1) with quick couplings (20) connected thereto for glue supply to the individual labeling units (17). Central glue supply according to claim 12, wherein the quick-release couplings (20) are integrated in docking stations (19) for the automatic production of media connections between a central carousel (18) of the container labeling machine (1) and the labeling units (17). Central glue supply according to claim 12 or 13, wherein at least one temperature sensor and / or a flow meter and / or a pressure monitor (12a) for the glue is / are present on the ring line (8a, 9a) between the quick couplings (20). Container labeling machine with at least two labeling units (17) for glue jet application on labels and with the central glue supply (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

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