EP3828091A1

EP3828091A1 - Machine for labelling bottles and relative method

Info

Publication number: EP3828091A1
Application number: EP19306535.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefano Corradini; Annalisa Malfatto
Original assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Current assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Priority date: 2019-11-29
Filing date: 2019-11-29
Publication date: 2021-06-02

Abstract

Automatic labelling machine (1) for bottles, comprising: - a feeding station (11), for feeding a strip (W) of material for labels; - a labelling station (14) configured to perform a labelling step, during which the labelling station (14) attaches a plurality of portions (p1, p2) of said strip (W) onto a plurality of successive bottles, respectively, so as to label in each case said bottles by means of said portions (p1, p2); - a movement system (15) configured to perform a movement step, during which the movement system (15) causes a movement of said strip (W) from said feeding station (11) to said labelling station (14); - a gluing station (12) configured to perform sequentially, for each of said portions (p1, p2) and during said movement, a respective gluing step associated with the portion (p1; p2), during which the gluing station (12) applies glue onto the portion (p1; p2); - a cutting station (13) configured to perform sequentially, for each of said portions (p1, p2) and during said movement, a respective cutting step associated with the portion (p1; p2), during which the cutting station (13) cuts the strip (W) so as to define the form of the respective label corresponding to the portion (p1; p2); characterized in that: - the cutting station (13) is configured to perform the respective cutting step associated with each portion (p1; p2) by means of a laser; - the machine is configured so that the cutting station (13) is operationally positioned, in accordance with said movement, downstream of said gluing station (12) so that, for each portion (p1; p2), the cutting station (13) performs the cutting step associated with the respective portion (p1; p2) after the gluing station (12) has performed the gluing step associated with the same portion (p1; p2).

Description

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention relates to an automatic labelling machine for bottles and a method for the automatic labelling of bottles.

PRIOR ART

According to the prior art an automatic labelling machine for bottles comprises a feeding station, a movement station, a cutting station, a gluing station and a labelling station. The feeding station is configured to feed a strip of material for labels. The labelling station is configured to perform a labelling step, during which the labelling station labels the bottles by means of a plurality of portions of said strip. Each label corresponds to a respective portion of said portions.
The movement system is configured to perform a movement step during which the movement system causes a movement of the strip from the feeding station to the labelling station.
The cutting station is configured to perform sequentially, for each of the portions and during the movement of the strip, a respective cutting step associated with the portion, during which the cutting station defines the form of the respective label corresponding to the portion.
The gluing station is configured to perform sequentially, for each of said portions and during said movement, a respective gluing step associated with the portion, during which the gluing station applies glue onto the portion.
The movement system is configured so that said movement occurs along an operating path.
The movement system comprises a tensioning and movement device for moving the strip along a first segment of the path and a drum for moving the strip along a second segment of the path. The second segment is positioned, in accordance with the movement, downstream of the first segment.
The gluing station is operationally positioned on said second segment so that, for each portion, the gluing station performs the respective gluing step associated with the portion while the portion is on the drum.
Execution of the gluing step and therefore application of the glue onto the label, while the label is on the drum, results in the deposition of dirt on the drum. The deposition of dirt, making it necessary to stop the machine in order to clean it, results in a reduction in productivity of the machine. In order to overcome this problem it is currently known to use systems for cleaning the drum which operate while the drum rotates and which result in a greater complexity of the machine.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for the automatic labelling of bottles by means of which it is possible to achieve, compared to the prior art, an increase in productivity as regards execution of the method, without any increase in the mechanical or structural complexity of the physical components by means of which the method is performed.
This object is achieved by means of a method in accordance with the attached independent method claim.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic labelling machine for bottles able to label bottles automatically with a greater productivity compared to the prior art, without any increase in the mechanical or structural complexity of the machine.
This further object is achieved by means of a labelling machine in accordance with the attached independent machine claim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SETS OF DRAWINGS

The characteristic features of a machine and a method in accordance with the present invention will be clarified by the following detailed description relating to respective examples of embodiment of such a machine and method.
The detailed description below refers to the attached sets of drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows in schematic form a plan view of a possible example of embodiment of a machine in accordance with the present description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1 indicates a diagram of a possible example of embodiment of an automatic labelling machine for bottles according to the present invention.
The machine 1 comprises a feeding station 11. The feeding station 11 is configured to feed a strip W of material for labels.
The feeding station 11 could comprise for example a support 111 for a reel B of strip material W.
The machine 1 comprises a labelling station 14. The labelling station 14 is configured to perform a labelling step. During this labelling step, the labelling station attaches in sequence a plurality of successive portions of said strip W onto a plurality of successive bottles, respectively, so as to label in each case said bottles by means of said portions.
In the continuation of the present application, said plurality of bottles will be regarded by way of example as comprising at least a first bottle and a second bottle.
In the continuation of the present application, said plurality of portions will be regarded by way of example as comprising at least a first portion p1, shown in Figure 1 in the vicinity of the feeding station 11, and a second portion p2, also shown in Figure 1 in the vicinity of the feeding station 11. The first portion p1 is shown also while it is in the labelling station 14.
During the labelling step, the labelling station 14 attaches the first portion p1 onto the first bottle, so as to label the first bottle by means of the first portion p1. Then, during the labelling step, the labelling station 14 attaches the second portion p2 onto the second bottle so as to label the second bottle by means of the second portion p2. The labelling station 14 could comprise one or more components (not shown) configured to perform the labelling step.
Therefore each label corresponds to a respective portion, in the sense that it is obtained from the respective portion.
The machine comprises a movement system 15. The movement system 15 is configured to perform a movement step. During this movement step, the movement system causes a movement of said strip W. This movement is such that the strip W moves from the feeding station 11 to the labelling station 14.
In Figure 1, the arrow M indicates the direction of this movement. The movement system 15 is configured so that said movement occurs along an operating path S. The portions of the strip W are to be regarded as being distributed along a direction of extension of the strip W. The machine 1 is configured so that, for each point along the path S, this direction of extension locally coincides with the direction of the movement.
The movement system 15 comprises a tensioning device 151. The machine 1 is configured so that the tensioning device 151 pull or moves the strip along a first segment s1 of the path S. The tensioning device 151 defines the first segment s1 of the path S. The tensioning device 151 could comprise for example one or more tensioning rollers 1511. The machine 1 could be configured for example so that each roller 1511 rotates on itself so as to pull the strip W along. Each roller 1511 could be idle or motorized. The tensioning device 151 could be regarded as being a tensioning and movement device or a traction device. It should be considered that, although the tensioning device 151 is configured to move the strip W along the first segment s1, and therefore define the first segment s1, the first segment s1 could, at least partly or completely, not be arranged on any of the components of the device 151. In Figure 1, for example, the first segment s1 may be regarded as being positioned between two rollers 1511.
The movement system 15 comprises a drum 152. The machine 1 is configured so that the drum 152 rotates on itself in order to move the strip W along a second segment s2 of the path S. The drum 152 defines the second segment s2 of the path S. In Figure 1 the rotation of the drum 152 is indicated by means of the arrow R.
The drum 152 could be a suction drum configured to transport the material of the strip W on the radial periphery of the drum 152 by means of suction.
The second segment s2 is overall more curved than the first segment s1.
The first segment s1 is at least partly or entirely straight.
The second segment s2 is at least partly or entirely curved.
It is possible for the first segment s1 to be essentially straight. It is possible for the second segment s2 to be essentially a section of a circumference.
The machine 1 is configured so that the second segment s2 is positioned, in accordance with said movement, downstream of the first segment s1. Therefore the machine 1 is configured so that the drum 152 is operationally positioned, in accordance with this movement, downstream of the tensioning device 151.
The path S, in general, could also comprise one or more other segments. Each other segment could be positioned, in accordance with this movement, between the first segment s1 and the second segment s2, or upstream of the first segment s1, or downstream of the second segment s2.
The machine 1 comprises a gluing station 12. With reference by way of example to a plurality of portions comprising the first portion p1 and the second portion p2, the machine 1 is configured so that, by means of this movement of the strip W, the first portion p1 passes through the gluing station 12 and thereafter also the second portion p2 passes through the gluing station 12.
The gluing station 12 is configured to perform sequentially, for each of the portions p1 and p2 and during this movement, a respective gluing step associated with the portion p1 or p2. During this respective gluing step, the gluing station 12 applies glue onto the portion p1 or p2.
Therefore, with reference by way of example to a plurality of portions comprising the first portion p1 and the second portion p2, the gluing station 12 performs the gluing step associated with the first portion p1, while the first portion p1 crosses the gluing station 12, and thereafter, while the second portion p2 crosses the gluing station 12, the gluing step associated with the second portion p2.
In Figure 1 the first portion p1 is also shown while it is crossing the gluing station 12 and is undergoing the respective gluing step.
For example, the gluing station 12 could be configured to perform the respective gluing step associated with each portion p1 or p2 using thermosetting glue or using glue which is at least partially or completely of the hot melt type, or using glue of the type which can be activated with heat.
The gluing station 12 could comprise any gluing device 121 for applying glue onto the strip portion p1 or p2, while the portion p1 or p2 is passing through the gluing station 12.
The machine 1 comprises a cutting station 13.
With reference by way of example to a plurality of portions comprising the first portion p1 and the second portion p2, the machine 1 is configured so that, by means of this movement of the strip W, the first portion p1 passes through the cutting station 13 and thereafter also the second portion p2 passes through the gluing station 13. With reference by way of example to a plurality of portions comprising the first portion p1 and the second portion p2, the machine 1 is configured so that, by means of this movement of the strip W, the first portion p1 and the second portion p2 each pass first through the gluing station 12 and thereafter through the cutting station 13.
The cutting station 13 is configured to perform sequentially, for each of the portions p1 and p2 and during said movement, a respective cutting step associated with the portion p1 or p2. During this respective cutting step, the cutting station 13 cuts the strip W so as to define the form of the respective label corresponding to the portion.
During this respective cutting step, the cutting station 13 could perform a first cut and, thereafter, a second cut, so as to define a front part and a rear part of the label profile in plan view, respectively. In this case, for each portion, the second cut which defines the second part of the profile coincides with the first cut of the cutting step associated with the following portion. Therefore, in this case the second cut defines both the rear part of the profile of the label and the front part of the profile of the following label.
Alternatively, during this respective cutting step, the cutting station 13 could perform a single cut which defines completely the plan-view profile of the label.
Therefore, with reference by way of example to a plurality of portions comprising the first portion p1 and the second portion p2, the cutting station 13 performs the cutting step associated with the first portion p1, while the first portion p1 crosses the cutting station 13, and thereafter, while the second portion p2 crosses the cutting station 13, the cutting step associated with the second portion p2. During the cutting step associated with the first portion p1 the cutting station 13 cuts the strip W so as to define the form of the label which will be attached to the aforementioned first bottle and, during the cutting step associated with the second portion p2, the cutting station 13 cuts the strip W so as to define the form of the label which will be attached onto the aforementioned second bottle.
In Figure 1 the first portion p1 is also shown while it is crossing the cutting station 12 and is undergoing the respective cutting step.
The cutting station 13 is configured to perform the respective cutting step associated with each portion p1 or p2 by means of a laser.
Therefore, with reference by way of example to a plurality of portions comprising the first portion p1 and the second portion p2, the cutting station 13 performs by means of a laser the cutting step associated with the first portion p1 and thereafter performs by means of a laser the cutting step associated with the second portion p2.
The cutting station 13 could comprise for example a laser cutting device 131. The laser cutting device 131 is configured to cut the strip W by means of laser so as to define the form of the label corresponding to the strip portion p1 or p2, while the portion p1 or p2 is crossing the cutting station 13.
The machine 1 is configured so that the cutting station 13 is operationally positioned, in accordance with the aforementioned movement of the strip W, downstream of the gluing station 12.
In this way, for each portion p1 or p2 of the strip W, the cutting station 13 performs the cutting step associated with the portion p1 or p2 after the gluing station 12 has performed the gluing step associated with the same portion p1 or p2.
With reference to the example where the plurality of portions comprises the first portion p1 and the second portion p2, the cutting station 13 performs the cutting step associated with the first portion p1 after the gluing station 12 has performed the gluing step associated with the first portion p1, and the cutting station 13 performs the cutting step associated with the second portion p2 after the gluing station 12 has performed the gluing step associated with the second portion p2.
Therefore, the gluing station 12 may be operationally positioned in a zone such as to reduce significantly the negative effects of any dirt resulting from the gluing step.
In particular, the gluing station 12 may be operationally positioned on the first segment s1 so that, for each portion p1 or p2, the gluing station 12 performs the respective gluing step associated with the portion p1 or p2, while the portion is not yet on the second segment s2 and therefore while it is not yet on the drum 152.
In this way, since it is not necessary to clean the drum of the dirt resulting from the gluing step, with the labelling method performed by the machine it is possible to increase the productivity of the machine 1 which uses the method.
Moreover, it should be considered that the machine 1 could be configured so that the cutting station 13, for each portion p1 or p2, performs the respective cutting step associated with the portion p1 or p2, directing the laser on at least a part of the glue applied onto the same portion p1 or p2.
In particular, this occurs since it could be necessary for the glue to extend as far as the edge of the portion once cut, so that the subsequent labelling step is correctly performed.
In the case where the glue is a thermosetting glue or of the type which can be activated with heat or at least partially or completely of the hot melt type, the application of the laser onto the glue may help maintain the fixing capacity of the glue thus offsetting the increase in the distance between gluing station 12 and labelling station 14, said increase being due to positioning of the gluing station 12 upstream of the drum 151, said latter positioning being in turn intended to prevent soiling of the drum 152.
In this way the productivity of the machine 1 is increased for the reasons indicated above, while ensuring the precision and correctness of the machine 1 as regards the execution of the labelling step.
The cutting station 13 is operationally positioned on said second segment s2 of the path S so that, for each portion p1 or p2, the cutting station 13 performs the respective cutting step associated with the portion p1 or p2 while the portion p1 or p2 is on the drum 152.
Alternatively, the cutting station could also be operationally positioned on the first segment s1 of the path S so that, for each portion p1 or p2, the cutting station 13 performs the respective cutting step associated with the portion p1 or p2 while the portion p1 or p2 is not on the drum 152.
In this case also, however, the cutting station 13 would in any case be operationally positioned downstream of the gluing station 12 so that the laser may help maintain the fixing capacity of the glue, in the case where the latter is a thermosetting glue or of the type which can be activated with heat or at least partially or completely of the hot melt type.
The use of the laser for the cutting step allows the flexibility of the machine 1 to be increased as regards the positioning of the cutting station 13 since the laser device 131 may be easily displaced.
The machine 1 could be configured so that an operator may perform a preliminary adjustment step during which the laser device 131 is moved with respect to the path S, at least between a first position of the laser device 131 and a second position of said laser device 131. This second position is different from said first position. The said first position and second position are in each case such that the cutting station 13 is positioned, in accordance with this movement, downstream of the gluing station 12.
The cutting station 13 could be configured to perform the respective cutting step associated with each portion p1 or p2 by means of a laser having a characteristic wavelength value which lies within the range of 10.1 µm to 10.6 µm. A possible specific value of this wavelength could be 10.2 µm.
A wavelength value lying within this wavelength range allows a reduction in the power value with which the said cutting step is performed. The power of the laser may for example lie within the range of 20W-150W or 25W-75W.
By using the laser for the gluing step it is also possible to obtain a greater freedom when selecting the form of the label since the laser device 131 may be set to obtain different forms, including complex forms.
In this way, with the method which the machine is configured to use, the machine 1 is more efficient in energy terms, is less prone to problems of soiling arising during the gluing step, is optimized for use of a glue of the hot melt type or the like, and is versatile both as regards the form of the label and as regards the positioning of the cutting station.

Claims

Automatic labelling machine (1) for bottles, comprising:
- a feeding station (11) for feeding a strip (W) of material for labels;

- a labelling station (14) configured to perform a labelling step, during which the labelling station (14) attaches in sequence a plurality of portions (p1, p2) of said strip (W) onto a plurality of successive bottles, respectively, so as to label in each case said bottles by means of said portions (p1, p2);

- a movement system (15) configured to perform a movement step during which the movement system (15) causes a movement of said strip (W) from said feeding station to said labelling station (14);

- a gluing station (12) configured to perform sequentially, for each of said portions (p1, p2) and during said movement, a respective gluing step associated with the portion (p1, p2), during which the gluing station (12) applies glue onto the portion (p1; p2);

- a cutting station (13) configured to perform sequentially, for each of said portions (p1, p2) and during said movement, a respective cutting step associated with the portion (p1; p2), during which the cutting station (13) cuts the strip (W) so as to define the form of the respective label corresponding to the portion (p1; p2);
characterized in that:
- the cutting station (13) is configured to perform the respective cutting step associated with each portion (p1; p2) by means of a laser;

- the machine is configured so that the cutting station (13) is operationally positioned, in accordance with said movement, downstream of said gluing station (12), so that, for each portion (p1; p2), the cutting station performs the cutting step associated with the respective portion (p1; p2) after the gluing station (12) has performed the gluing step associated with the same portion (p1; p2).
Labelling machine (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the cutting station (13) is configured to perform the respective cutting step associated with each portion (p1; p2) by means of a laser which has a characteristic wavelength value which lies within the range of 10.1 µm to 10.6 µm.
Labelling machine (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting station (13) is configured to perform the respective cutting step associated with each portion (p1; p2) by means of a laser having a characteristic power value which lies within the range of 20W to 150W.
Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:
- the movement system (15) is configured so that said movement occurs along an operating path (S);

- the movement system (15) comprises a tensioning device (151) for moving said strip (W) along a first segment (s1) of said path (S) and a rotating drum (152) for moving said strip (W) along a second segment (s2) of said path (S), the machine being configured so that said second segment (s2) is positioned, in accordance with said movement, downstream of said first segment (s1).
Labelling machine (1) according to Claim 4, wherein the cutting station (13) is operationally positioned on said second segment (s2) so that, for each portion (p1; p2), the cutting station (13) performs the respective cutting step associated with the portion (p1; p2) while the portion (p1; p2) is on the drum (152).
Labelling machine (1) according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the gluing station (12) is operationally positioned on said first segment (s1) so that, for each portion (p1; p2), the gluing station (12) performs the respective gluing step associated with the portion (p1; p2) while the portion is not yet on the drum (152).
Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:
- the gluing station (12) is configured to perform the respective gluing step associated with each portion (p1; p2) using thermosetting glue or glue which is at least partially or completely of the hot melt type or glue of the type which can be activated with heat;

- the machine (1) is configured so that the cutting station (13), for each portion (p1; p2), performs the respective cutting step associated with the portion (p1'; p2) directing the laser onto at least a part of the glue applied onto the same portion (p1; p2).
Automatic labelling method for bottles, comprising:
- a movement step, during which a movement of a strip (W) of material for labels is generated from a feeding station (11), which feeds said strip (W), to a labelling station (14);

- a labelling step, during which said labelling station (14) attaches in sequence a plurality of successive portions (p1, p2) of said strip W onto a plurality of successive bottles, respectively, so as to label in each case said bottles using said portions (p1, p2) ;

- sequentially for each of said portions (p1, p2), and during said movement, a respective gluing step associated with the portion (p1; p2) during which glue is applied onto the portion (p1; p2);

- sequentially for each of said portions (p1, p2), and during said movement, a respective cutting step associated with the portion (p1; p2) during which the strip (W) is cut so as to define the form of the respective label corresponding to the portion (p1; p2);
characterized in that:
- for each portion (p1; p2), the respective cutting step associated with the portion (p1; p2) is performed by means of a laser;

- for each portion (p1; p2), the respective cutting step associated with the portion (p1; p2) is performed after the respective gluing step associated with the same portion (p1; p2).
Labelling method according to Claim 8, wherein the cutting step associated with each portion (p1; p2) is performed by means of a laser having a characteristic wavelength value which lies within the range of 10.1 µm to 10.6 µm.
Labelling method according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the respective cutting step associated with each portion (p1; p2) is performed by means of a laser having a characteristic power value which lies within the range of 20W to 150W.
Labelling method according to Claim 10, wherein the respective cutting step associated with each portion (p1; p2) is performed by means of a laser having a characteristic power value which lies within the range of 25W to 75W.
Labelling method according to one or more of Claims 8 to 11, wherein:
- said movement occurs along an operating path (S) which comprises a first segment (s1) and a second segment (s2), said second segment (s2) being positioned, in accordance with said movement, downstream of said first segment (s1);

- said first segment (s1) is defined by a tensioning device (151) and said second segment (s2) is defined by a rotating drum (152).
Labelling method according to Claim 12, wherein, for each portion (p1; p2), the respective cutting step associated with the portion is performed while the portion (p1; p2) is positioned on said second segment (s2) and on the drum (152).
Labelling method according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein, for each portion (p1; p2), the respective gluing step associated with the portion (p1; p2) is performed while the portion (p1; p2) is positioned on said first segment (s1) and is not yet on the drum (152).
Labelling method according to one or more of Claims 8 to 14, wherein:
- for each portion (p1; p2) the respective gluing step associated with the portion (p1; p2) is performed using thermosetting glue or glue which is at least partially or completely of the hot melt type or glue of the type which can be activated with heat;

- for each portion (p1; p2), the respective cutting step associated with the portion (p1; p2) is performed by directing the laser onto at last a part of the glue applied onto the same portion (p1; p2).