EP3495280A1 - Labeller with presser module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a labeler (6) comprising a label dispenser (10) and a transfer device (12) for transferring a row (R1) of labels (8) dispensed to the transfer device (12) onto an article web (A) the transfer device (12) has at least one slider assembly (18) mounted thereon in height-adjustable manner for pressing the labels (8) onto the article web (A), and wherein the slider assembly (18) has a base plate (26) and a plurality of pressing elements (19) , According to the invention, the slide assembly (18) further comprises at least one cassette module (27) assembled to the base plate (26), on each of which one or more of the pressure elements (19) are arranged.

Description

The present invention relates to a labeler having the features of claim 1.

From the EP 2 666 728 B1 For example, a labeler is known for applying rows of labels to a film web. The labeler is placed on a thermoforming packaging machine after a sealing station. Essentially, the labeler has a label dispenser and a transfer device, which are fed successively by means of the label dispenser labels. The transfer means is adapted to move the labels received therefrom to a predetermined position above an article web provided thereunder comprising a plurality of sealed packages positioned side by side to subsequently press the labels onto the lid film of the respective packages. For this, the transmission device has a plurality of pin slide plates, which are mounted vertically adjustable by means of a lifting device to press the labels firmly on the cover sheet.

The known pin valve plates have an integral structure. For this purpose, a base plate with a one-piece plate design is used, to which a plurality of sprung mounted Andrückstifte are attached. To accommodate the plurality of Andrückstiften the base plate includes a corresponding plurality of receiving openings formed thereon. These can be formed only with great manufacturing effort in the base plate. In addition, only certain materials for the preparation of the base plate in question come into question.

A disadvantage of the known Stiftschieberplatten is that their assembly, in particular the assembly of Andrückstifte, which consist of several individual small parts, has proven to be extremely difficult and time-consuming. In addition, the one-piece base plates take up a lot of storage space. In addition, different sized base plates were previously produced, creating a large variety of variants with increasing storage costs. Since the manufacturing materials suitable for the base plate are rather expensive, the manufacturing costs of the base plates are highly dependent on their size.

In the DE 10 2006 047 488 A1 There is disclosed a labeller having a settling box having a plurality of dies for applying labels to a film web.

The object of the invention is to improve a labeler according to the type described above with respect to the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

This object is achieved with a labeler according to claim 1. Improved developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The labeler according to the invention comprises a label dispenser and a transfer device for transferring a series of labels dispensed to the transfer device onto an article web. The transmission device comprises at least one slider assembly mounted thereon in height-adjustable manner for pressing the labels onto the article web, wherein the slider assembly has a base plate and a multiplicity of pressing elements. According to the invention, the slide assembly further comprises at least one cassette module assembled with the base plate, on each of which one or more of the pressure elements are arranged.

In the invention, the slider assembly has a modular construction, wherein the respective pressing elements are secured by means of the cassette module formed for receiving them to the base plate of the slider assembly. Consequently, the base plate can be much easier to produce, because the respective pressing elements are no longer arranged directly on her, but on the one or more cassette modules. The cassette module as such can be easily and inexpensively manufactured in terms of its attachment to the base plate and in terms of receiving the respective pressing elements, whereby additional savings potential for the manufacturing process.

In the invention, the cassette module forms a carrier unit for one or more pressing elements. Consequently, the base plate design is independent of the formation of the pressing elements, whereby the base plate can be produced cost-optimized as a base component and its training comes as a standard for several applications in question. As a result, both the pure manufacturing costs of the base plate and the associated storage costs can be reduced.

Overall, the modular design of the slide assembly according to the invention over the known integral structure offers significant advantages in the assembly and manufacturing process. In particular, the pressure pins no longer need to be individually mounted to the base plate. Rather, by means of the cassette module a plurality of pressure pins, which are preferably already pre-assembled on the cassette module, are attached to the base plate by a few simple steps or automated.

Furthermore, the modular slider assembly is better suited for service and cleaning purposes. Against this background, it is possible, in particular for the respective modules, to use different materials that are best suited for production and purpose and that meet the highest hygienic standards.

Preferably, the base plate and the cassette module are assembled along a module plane. In the assembled state, the base plate and the cassette modules mounted thereon are in the form of a modular slide plate. Between the base plate and the cassette module preferably a defined interface is formed, which arranges the base plate and the cassette module in a composite with each other in a form and / or force fit. The advantage of this is that the defined interface between the base plate and the cassette module constructively simple, excellent for uncomplicated and possibly automated module assembly, for example in the form of only rectilinear adjacent to each other formed edges, may be formed.

It is expedient if the pressing element is biased by a spring in a disengaged first position on the cassette module. The sprung mounting of the pressure element ensures that this can be inserted during a pressing operation for applying the labels from the first position out in a second, indented position on the cassette module, so that a maximum allowable contact pressure for applying the labels is not exceeded on the film web.

According to a variant, the cassette module is detachably connected to the base plate. In this embodiment, the cassette module can be removed from the base plate in particular for a cleaning operation, for example without tools / manually or by means of a tool insert. This variant is particularly interesting, if it is provided that when you reach a predetermined number of operating hours or the cassette modules to be replaced, so to speak, a renewal of the slide assembly is desired.

Preferably, the cassette module is attached to the base plate by means of a coupling member. The coupling member is primarily adapted to hold the base plate and the cassette module together along the defined interface. Preferably, the coupling member is made of the same material as the cassette module. The coupling member may consist of a pair of connector tabs which can be connected together at their respective ends. Preferably, the connector tabs are formed and interconnected linked, that they at least in sections on opposite outer sides of the base plate are fastened to connect the cassette module with the base plate.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the coupling member is dimensioned such that it can be used to guide the slide assembly along a guide plane. In this case, the coupling member beyond its actual connector function also come as a guiding component used. The coupling member can thus perform a dual function in that it can be used both for fastening the cartridge module to the base plate and as a guide means for the slider assembly.

It would be useful for the guiding function if a surface section formed by the coupling element is at least partially designed to be coplanar with a surface formed by the cassette module. As a result, an effectively usable guide surface for the slide assembly could be further increased seen in management, whereby a particularly stable and positionally accurate, in particular suitable for continuous operation guide can be produced.

As an alternative to a coupling of the cassette module to the base plate which can be released manually without additional use of tools, the assembly could also be designed so firmly that the cassette module can only be dismantled from the base plate by means of a tool provided for this purpose, if appropriate by machine. This can provide advantages in terms of a stable assembly of the slide assembly.

For a cleaning process, according to a variant, the entire slide assembly could be removed from the transfer device and fed to a dipping bath. The removal of the slide assembly, its cleaning in the dipping bath and the replacement of the slide assembly can take place within a tight time frame.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the cassette module comprises at least one first receptacle, wherein the coupling member is fixed such that at least partially an outer side of the coupling member together with an outside of the cassette module within the management level, ie merge into one another without supernatant. As a result, the coupling member can be mounted integrated in a particularly space-saving and inconspicuous manner on the cassette module. Furthermore, an enlarged guide surface for the slide assembly is created and in particular there are fewer points for potential precipitation of impurities.

Preferably, the cassette module comprises, for example on a side facing away from the base plate, at least one second receptacle, wherein at least one connector element is fastened in order to secure the or several pressing elements on the cassette module. For this purpose, the connector element within the second receptacle preferably extends over the entire width of the cassette module. Further, the connector element may be sized such that an outside thereof extends flush with at least a portion of the outside of the cartridge module when the connector element is mounted in the second receptacle. As a result, the cassette module is compact and is particularly advantageous for hygienic operation.

Suitably, a plurality of connector elements can be secured in the second receptacle. Preferably, the connector elements are mounted one above the other in the second receptacle with the connector elements laterally offset within the module plane, and wherein one of the connector elements extends beyond a side edge of the cassette module for attachment to another cassette module. In this way, cassette modules arranged next to one another on the base plate can be fastened to one another.

According to a variant, the pressing element is designed in several parts. The pressing element can be configured as a spring-loaded slide pin. Preferably, the pressing element comprises a pin, a pin and a pressure piece attached to an end of the pin protruding from the cassette module, for example a plastic cap for pressing on the labels.

Preferably, several cassette modules are mounted next to each other on the base plate. The respective cassette modules may be configured to receive a plurality of, preferably two or four, pressing elements. A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that a cassette module designed to accommodate two pressing elements can be produced from a cassette module designed to receive four pressing elements, for example by a separating method.

Particularly cost-effective to produce the cassette module, if it is made of plastic. Preferably, the cassette module is an injection molded part. According to a variant, the coupling member and / or the connector element are also made as an injection molded part, preferably made of the same plastic as the cassette module.

Preferably, the cassette module, the coupling member and / or the connector element are made of polyamide (PA) or polyoxymethylene (POM). For a purposeful use in the invention, these materials are particularly well suited as construction materials because of their high strength and toughness.

According to a variant, the base plate is made of a hard paper. The kraft paper is preferably made of paper as a carrier material and phenol / formaldehyde resin as a binder. For example, a HP 2061.9 hard paper could be used. Preferably, the base plate is made of a phenolic or melamine coated kraft paper. As a result, the mechanical properties of the base plate can be further improved. In addition, such coated base plates are ideal for cleaning operations.

As already mentioned, the cassette module can be designed to accommodate at least two or four pressing elements. In particular, the cassette module may be a pre-assembly module, that is, the respective pressing elements are already pre-mounted thereto before the cassette module, together with the pressing elements secured thereto, are fastened to the base plate. The respective pressing elements can therefore be quickly attached to the base plate as well as dismantled by this.

Particularly advantageously, the labeler according to the invention can be used on a packaging machine in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine or a tray sealer.

Fig. 1

einen Ausschnitt einer Tiefziehverpackungsmaschine mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Etikettierer,

Fig. 2

eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Etikettierers in einer ersten Stellung,

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht wie in Figur 2 in einer Zielstellung,

Fig. 4

eine Rückansicht des Etikettierers mit Hubantrieb,

Fig. 5

eine isoliert dargestellte Schieberbaugruppe des Etikettierers,

Fig. 6

eine Darstellung der Schieberbaugruppe aus Figur 5 in Schnittrichtung A,

Fig. 7

eine Explosionsdarstellung der in den Figuren 5 und 6 gezeigten Schieberbaugruppe,

Fig. 8

eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Schieberbaugruppe und

Fig. 9

einen Traysealer, an welchem ein erfindungsgemäßer Etikettierer einsetzbar ist.

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following figures. Show it

Fig. 1

a detail of a thermoforming packaging machine with a labeler according to the invention,

Fig. 2

an enlarged view of the labeler in a first position,

Fig. 3

a view like in FIG. 2 in a goal position,

Fig. 4

a rear view of the labeler with lifting drive,

Fig. 5

an isolated slider assembly of the labeler,

Fig. 6

a representation of the slide assembly from FIG. 5 in cutting direction A,

Fig. 7

an exploded view of the in the FIGS. 5 and 6 shown slide assembly,

Fig. 8

an embodiment of the slide assembly according to the invention and

Fig. 9

a Traysealer on which a labeller according to the invention can be used.

The same components are provided throughout the figures with the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows a section of a thermoforming packaging machine 1 with a sealing station 2, in which a lower film 3 and a lid film 4 are supplied to produce packages 5. In the sealing station 2, for example, twelve packages 5, divided into four tracks S and three rows R, are sealed in one working cycle. In the transport direction T, a labeler 6 with a controller 7 is arranged after the sealing station 2 in order to apply labels 8 from above to the lidding film 4 in one working cycle to the twelve packages 5. The controller 7 of the labeler 6 may also be integrated in a controller 9 of the thermoforming packaging machine 1. The labeler 6 has a label dispenser 10, a traversing device 11 and a transfer device 12.

FIG. 2 shows the label dispenser 10 with a carrier tape 13 for labels 8, wherein the labels 8 are detached via a dispensing edge 14 of the carrier tape 13 and transferred to the transfer device 12. The transfer device 12 is shown without trim for better illustration. By means of a negative pressure generated by means of a fan, not shown, the labels 8 can be held with their non-adhesive top side on transport belts 16, while a first row R1 of labels 8 with the number of tracks S are received by the transfer device 12. During this phase, a lifting device 17 of the transfer device 12 is in a receiving position. In order to apply the row R1 of labels 8 down to the cover sheet 4, the traversing device 11 moves the label dispenser 10 with the transfer device 12 in or against the transport direction T to the position in which the row R1 of labels 8 from above onto the cover sheet 4 should be applied. The transmission device 12 is then located above an article web A. The drive of the traversing device 11 is effected by a schematically illustrated motor 11a, for example a servo or stepper motor, and a toothed belt drive 11b. However, the transfer device 12 may already be positioned over the article web A of packages 5, while the first row R1 of labels 8 are received.

In FIG. 3 the phase is shown in which the lifting device 17, which has a plurality of slide assemblies 18 with spring-loaded pressing elements 19, has been moved downwards so far that the labels 8 are lifted off the transport belts 16 by the pressing elements 19, which are in the form of slide pins 19a are pressed and pressed onto the lidding film 4. In this case, the slider assemblies 18 are moved by means of a motor 20 (for example by means of a servo motor, a stepping motor or a DC motor) and a belt drive 21 in the target position. This can be adjusted by the operator so that an optimal and predefined pressing force is generated for pressing the labels 8 by the spring-loaded pressing elements 19.

The FIG. 4 shows the structure of the lifting device 17 in the view in the transport direction T. The motor 20 transmits its rotational movement and its torque to a belt 22 which is connected to a base plate 23. By means of two pulleys 24 and guides 25 for the base plate 23, the rotational movement of the motor 20 is converted into a vertical movement of the base plate 23, whereby the attached slide assemblies 18 are displaced downwards. The slider assemblies 18 have a distance from each other which is large enough to pass between the conveyor belt 16, thereby receiving the labels 8 from the conveyor belts 16 and applying them to the lidding film 4.

In the FIG. 5 is one of the in FIG. 4 shifter assemblies 18 shown isolated in detail. The slider assembly 18 has a modular assembly. The slider assembly 18 includes, in particular, a base plate 26 and a plurality of cassette modules 27 attached thereto. The respective cassette modules 27 are secured to the base plate 26 by a plurality of coupling members 28. According to FIG. 5 the respective coupling links 28 are vertically spaced side by side.

In the FIG. 5 Six cassette modules 27a are fixed to the base plate 26, each configured to receive four pressing elements 19. Viewed on the right outside in the image plane, a cassette module 27b is attached, which is provided only for receiving two pressing elements 19.

FIG. 5 also shows that the cassette modules 27 mounted side by side on the base plate 26 are fastened together. The respective cassette modules 27 are joined by means of an upper row 29a of connector elements 29. A lower row 29b of connector elements 29 is fixed to the respective cassette modules 27 to secure the pressing elements 19 arranged thereon.

In FIG. 5 the respective pressing elements 19 are formed as slide pins 19a. The respective slide pins 19 a are by means of a spring 30 in accordance with FIG. 5 shown biased first position P1. When the labels 8 are pressed onto the cover film 4, the respective slide pins 19a can be inserted into the cassette module 27 carrying them.

FIG. 6 shows the in FIG. 5 illustrated slide assembly 18 in sectional view in the direction of view A. The base plate 26 is assembled with the respective cassette modules 27 in a module level M aligned. The coupling members 28 and the respective cartridge modules 27 are configured and connected together to form outer sides A1, A2, wherein the respective outer sides A1, A2 together define a guiding plane E. Further shows FIG. 6 in that also an outer side A3 of the connector elements 29 lies within the guide plane E. The respective outer sides A1, A2, A3 can thus jointly form an enlarged guide surface F, in order to move the slide assembly 18 with exact position along the guide plane E. This also results in a particularly suitable for hygienic operation smooth surface, what impurities are reduced to not at all liable.

FIG. 7 shows the slider assembly 18 in exploded view. The base plate 26 includes a plurality of mounting holes 31 to which the coupling members 28 can be attached. Furthermore, the base plate 26 has clearances 32 to which gate portions 33 of the coupling members 28 can engage, the clearances 32 can be used as alignment aids to secure the coupling members 28 in vertical alignment. Furthermore, the base plate 26 comprises a mounting part 34, by means of which the base plate 26 can be fixed to the base plate 23.

FIG. 7 further shows an interface 35 for the assembly of the base plate 26 with the cartridge modules 27, wherein the interface 35 of a rectilinear terminating edge 35a of the base plate 26 and a corresponding rectilinear terminal edge 35b of the respective cassette modules 27 is formed. In accordance with FIG. 5 In the assembled state shown, the coupling members 28 hold the terminal edge 35a and the terminal edge 35b to each other so that the respective cassette modules 27 are fixedly fixed relative to the base plate 26.

According to FIG. 7 In the region of the connecting edge 35b, the respective cassette modules 27 comprise holding projections 36a, 36b which are provided such that the terminating edge 35a of the base plate 26 can be received therebetween. The retaining projections 36a, 36b ensure that that the cassette modules 27 remain aligned evenly in continuous operation along the module plane M on the base plate 26.

The respective cartridge modules 27 are provided with first and second receivers 38a, 38b. FIG. 7 shows that in the first receptacle 38a, the coupling members 28 and in the second receptacle 38b, the connector elements 29 are fastened.

In the FIG. 7 the respective cassette modules 27 are each shown as a pre-assembly module V1, V2, wherein the respective pre-assembly modules V1, V2 are fastened side by side to the base plate 26 in a first assembly step by means of the coupling members 28 and are subsequently connected to one another in a second assembly step by means of the connector elements 29b, so that a total of a stable composite for the slider assembly 18 can be generated.

FIG. 8 shows a slider assembly 18 '. According to FIG. 8 are according to the assembly of in FIG. 5 shown slide assembly 18 a plurality of cassette modules 27 side by side on a base plate 26 'along the defined interface 35 is attached. In addition to the in FIG. 5 shown slide assembly 18 includes the in FIG. 8 shown slide assembly 18 'to the base plate 26' integrally mounted coupling links 28 ', which can be used as additional guide means. Together with the formed outer sides A1, A2, A3 of the coupling members 28, the module cassettes 27 and the connector elements 29, the additionally provided coupling members 28 ', the guide surface F increase further. For an improved guiding function, the respective coupling elements 28, 28 'are arranged partially overlapping in a region B.

According to the schematic representation in FIG. 9 the labeler 6 according to the invention can also be used on a tray sealer 40.

In the invention, the respective cartridge modules 27 are primarily used as carrier units for the pressing elements 19. The base plate 26 as such therefore does not need to be designed to accommodate the respective pressing elements 19 with a plurality of specially prepared receiving openings. The cassette modules 27 can be produced as injection-molded parts from a cost-effective material and can easily be produced without any procedural difficulty for receiving and mounting the respective pressing elements 19. For the manufacturing and application process, the combination of the respective modules of the slide assembly 18, 18 'according to the invention results in considerable advantages over the prior art. The respective modules of the invention Slider assemblies 18, 18 'also offer advantages for their storage and come for different applications into consideration. Furthermore, the modular structure offers versatile expansion options.

Claims (15)

A labeler (6) comprising a label dispenser (10) and a transfer device (12) for transferring a row (R1) of labels (8) dispensed to the transfer device (12) onto an article web (A), the transfer device (12) at least a slider assembly mounted thereon (18) for pressing the labels (8) on the article web (A), wherein the slide assembly (18) has a base plate (26) and a plurality of pressing elements (19), characterized in that the slide assembly (18) further comprises at least one assembled with the base plate (26) cassette module (27), to each of which one or more of the pressing elements (19) are arranged. Labeler according to claim 1, characterized in that the base plate (26) and the cassette module (27) are assembled along a module plane (M). Labeler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressing element (19) is biased by means of a spring (30) in a disengaged first position (P1) on the cassette module (27). Labeler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cassette module (27) is releasably connected to the base plate (26). Labeler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cassette module (27) on the base plate (26) by means of a coupling member (28) is attached. Labeler according to claim 5, characterized in that the coupling member (28) is dimensioned such that it can be used to guide the slide assembly (18) along a guide plane (E). Labeler according to claim 6, characterized in that the cassette module (27) comprises at least one first receptacle (38a), wherein the coupling member (28) is fixed such that at least partially an outer side (A2) of the cassette module (27) within the management level ( E) is located. Labeler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cassette module (27) comprises at least one second receptacle (38b), wherein at least a connector member (29) is attached to secure the pressing member (19) to the cassette module (27). Labeler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the base plate (26) a plurality of cassette modules (27) are mounted side by side. Labeler according to Claim 9, characterized in that the cassette modules (27) arranged next to one another are fastened to one another. Labeler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cassette module (27) is formed from plastic. Labeler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cassette module (27) is an injection molded part. Labeler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cassette module (27) for receiving two or four pressing elements (19) is formed. Labeler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cassette module (27) is a pre-assembly module (V1, V2). Packaging machine in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine (1) or a tray sealer (40) with a labeler (6) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images