EP3887263B1 - Docking module and labelling machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a docking module according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a labeling machine according to the preamble of patent claim 14.

Modern labeling machines are often operated using an electrical bus system and with electrical energy and pressurized media such as compressed air, water, or the like. In the docking module intended for docking a labeling unit and for positioning it, electrical communication and pressure medium assemblies are installed at suitable locations on the back of the frame for connecting the docking module and the docked labeling unit, so that they are not freely accessible for functional testing and/or operation or replacement in the operating position of the docking module. For example, reference is made to EP 1 706 323 B1 , EP 2 060 496 B1 , EP 2 594 498 B1 , EP 2 473 411 B1 , EP 3 012 204 A1 , WO 2018/072901 A1 The docking module with these assemblies is complex because many intermediate and switching states have to be monitored and controlled, e.g. on a so-called actuator-sensor level. In the event of servicing, the communication and pressure medium assemblies are distributed on the back of the docking module and are difficult to access, so that the docking module has to be detached and moved away from the labeling machine and then reattached and readjusted. The empty docking module also usually has to be separated from the labeling machine to replace faulty components. This long-standing concept results in the docking module being highly complex, poor accessibility in the event of servicing, and very time-consuming replacement of components.

In the EN 10 2017 205 069 A1 No communication module or control unit is disclosed in the known labeling machine with a docking module for a labeling unit. The docking module has no side walls when attached to the labeling machine. It is only mentioned that actuating movements for operating multi-couplings are generated pneumatically, hydraulically or electromechanically.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a docking module of the type mentioned and a labeling machine in which the complexity is significantly reduced, the accessibility in the event of servicing is significantly improved and the interchangeability of components is simplified.

The stated problem is solved with the features of patent claim 1 and patent claim 14.

Since the electrical communication and printing medium assemblies are housed in or on a side panel of the frame, even when the docking module is in the operating position and the labeling unit is docked, they are easily accessible from outside the labeling machine and from the side. The switching positions and switching states of the components can be easily checked at any time, replacement is easy, and the printing medium assembly can be operated manually, for example, without having to remove and/or partially dismantle the docking module. In addition, installation space is saved by placing the assemblies on or in the side panel in the rear area of the docking module. This results in a significant improvement in the complexity of the docking module. The frame can stand on the floor and/or be screwed to the machine.

The labeling machine is characterized by improved complexity and the ability to conveniently check and/or replace the switching positions and switching states of components in the docking module without dismantling the empty docking module on its side wall, for example, and to operate the medium assembly manually if necessary. The assemblies are conveniently housed in a control cabinet-like structure integrated into the side wall, so that on the one hand they are protected against dirt and external influences, but on the other hand they are easily accessible.

The control cabinet-like structure can have a side-opening or removable, preferably transparent or see-through glass and/or plexiglass or sheet metal cover, which on the one hand protects the components, but on the other hand provides a clear view and also allows fault and/or good signals to be identified. The cover can be lockable. A sheet metal or plastic cover can be used, e.g. with partial windows.

In an expedient embodiment, the side wall has an approximately triangular side plate that is connected to the frame and extends beyond the docking station and widens downwards, and a beam that extends outwards from the docking station is provided along the edge of the side plate, which, together with the side plate, defines an approximately triangular recessed installation space in which the modules are installed in a protected manner on the side plate. The at least one electrical and/or mechanical switching group and/or control unit can be a fieldbus ASI island of an actuator/sensor level. (actuator-sensor-interface), which is used as standard in modern docking modules. A pneumatic valve group for pneumatically operated components can also be installed in the docking module and the docked labeling unit with at least one distributor block, whereby the valve group, which is actually magnetically operated, can also be operated manually. Alternatively, a variant without a bus system can have direct wiring with distributors on the side wall.

Height-adjustable feet can be provided on the frame and on the side walls in order to be able to set up the docking module on the labeling machine in a stable and precise position. Alternatively, the docking module could be screwed directly onto the machine. Preferably, between two feet on the back of the frame facing away from the docking station, castors are attached to frame-fixed booms. The castors make it possible to move the docking module easily after it has been separated from the labeling machine if work on the back is required.

The docking module is usually fixed to the desired position using an attachment structure on the container carousel of the labeling machine. In order to be able to use the docking module universally for different installation situations, the attachment structure can have several distributed mounting holes.

Furthermore, several, preferably three, pairs of mounting points for a media plug holding plate are expediently provided on the mounting structure of the frame at different heights and inclinations. Each of these pairs of mounting points can be used to optionally attach the plug holding plate. This results in the advantage that, due to the reversibility of the plug holding plate, a single plug length of a media plug on the rear of the frame can be used for different conveyor belt heights, which helps to improve the complexity. Such conveyor belts are used, for example, for the supply and removal of containers.

On the side plate of the second side wall of the frame, which is designed as a mirror image of the first side wall, there are mounting points for optionally attaching an additional plug-in plate for a manually pluggable special variant and/or retrofit media plug to the outside, preferably adjacent to at least one through-hole in the side plate. This additional plug-in plate with a special variant or retrofit media plug is attached if the media plug provided and permanently installed on the docking module cannot be used, which then possibly even removed. The through-opening can be used to lay lines or cables to the retrofit or special variant media connector.

The functionally necessary connection between the docking module and the docked labeling unit is usually made using plug-in and detachable multi-couplings. The at least one multi-coupling of the docking station of the docking module is expediently attached, preferably replaceable, to a height-adjustable slide of a slide assembly in the docking station. For service or replacement purposes, the slide assembly can be tilted forward relative to the frame after loosening the retaining elements. This can be useful, for example, when replacing slide guides from the front.

The carriage is coupled via a fork head and a plug-in axle to an actuator, preferably a piston rod of a pneumatic cylinder, with which the carriage is moved relative to the docking station for connecting and disconnecting the multi-couplings of the docking module with multi-couplings of the docked labeling unit. To enable quick and easy replacement of the actuator, the fork head has a lock, e.g. rotatable about a fork head axis, which can be adjusted between a locking position and a release position of the plug-in axle in order to replace the actuator after removing the plug-in axle without having to dismantle the carriage assembly.

To protect components during operation against contamination and damage, cover plates that can be removed from the frame from the front of the docking module are used for servicing/replacement.

Furthermore, a torque support that can be removed from the front/side is provided on the frame or between the side panels, e.g. under the gear motor.

Fig. 1

eine Schemadraufsicht auf eine als nicht beschränkendes Beispiel gezeigte Rundläufer-Etikettiermaschine mit angebauten, Etikettieraggregate tragenden Andockmodulen,

Fig. 2

eine Perspektivansicht, von schräg vorne, eines Andockmoduls,

Fig. 3

eine Perspektivansicht der Rückseite des Andockmoduls,

Fig. 4

eine Hinteransicht einer Etikettiermaschinen-Anbaustruktur des Andockmoduls,

Fig. 5

eine teilweise ergänzte Ausführungsform des Andockmoduls in einer Ansicht von hinten,

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht eines Teils des Andockmoduls zur Verdeutlichung der konzentrierten Platzierung von elektrischen Kommunikations- und Druckmediums-Baugruppen in einer Seitenwange,

Fig. 7

einen vergrößerten Perspektiv-Ausschnitt der Vorderseite des Andockmoduls mit einer Andockstation,

Fig. 8

eine Teildraufsicht eines Bereichs an der Rückseite des Andockmoduls, und

Fig. 9

eine Vorderansicht eines Bereichs der Andockstation mit einer Schlittenbaugruppe.

Embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are explained using the drawing. They show:

Fig.1

a schematic plan view of a rotary labelling machine shown as a non-limiting example with attached docking modules carrying labelling units,

Fig.2

a perspective view, from the front, of a docking module,

Fig.3

a perspective view of the rear of the docking module,

Fig.4

a rear view of a labeling machine attachment structure of the docking module,

Fig.5

a partially supplemented embodiment of the docking module in a view from behind,

Fig.6

a side view of part of the docking module to illustrate the concentrated placement of electrical communication and pressure medium assemblies in a side panel,

Fig.7

an enlarged perspective section of the front of the docking module with a docking station,

Fig.8

a partial plan view of an area at the rear of the docking module, and

Fig.9

a front view of a portion of the docking station with a sled assembly.

Fig.1 shows a schematic representation of a top view of a rotary module labeling machine M with a container carousel 1, to which several peripheral attachment positions 2 are assigned, each for a docking module A for optionally docking a labeling unit E. This includes, for example, a feed and discharge conveyor belt 47.

The Fig. 2 The docking module A shown has a frame 3 with side walls 4a, 4b projecting forward. In the frame 3, a docking station S can be moved in a height-adjustable manner on guides 32. In the embodiment shown, a gear motor 6 with a screw spindle 7 serves as the actuator 5 of the docking station S. A removable torque support 49 is provided within the gear motor 4 and is screwed to the outside of the side plates 11 of the side walls 4a, 4b.

Alternatively, the actuator 5 could be a pneumatic cylinder (not shown). In Fig. 2 In the embodiment shown, the upper end of the screw spindle 7 is covered, for example. There, for example behind the cover, there is a rotary handle to be able to manually rotate the screw spindle 7 in the event of a power failure or replacement, for example in order to be able to manually lower or adjust the docking station S with or without a docked labeling unit, e.g. after removing the torque support 49. The labeling unit E can actually weigh more than a ton.

Each side wall 4a, 4b comprises the side plate 11 which is fastened to the frame 3 and has a triangular shape, which widens towards the bottom and projects forwards to the side of the docking station S. A beam 12 can be installed along the edge of the side plate 11, which reaches outwards and, together with the side plate 3, delimits a recessed installation space 13, here of approximately triangular shape, in which at least one electrical and/or mechanical switching group and/or control unit 14 is housed in a concentrated manner. The installation space 13 is expediently designed like a control cabinet with a cover 15. The cover 15 can be made of glass or Plexiglas, transparent or see-through, or alternatively can comprise a sheet metal or plastic housing. The side walls 4a, 4b are supported on the floor, for example in the embodiment shown, with front feet 9 which are height-adjustable. Furthermore, for example, For example, height-adjustable feet 10 are provided at the rear of the frame 3.

In the docking station S, two centering cones 8 arranged at the same height are provided for the labeling unit E, which can be centered in a target position using corresponding mounts (not shown) on the centering cones 8 and then raised to the desired operating position using the actuator 5. In the embodiment shown, two multi-couplings K1, K2 for operating and control media are provided in the docking station S, namely at the same height and with a gap on both sides of the screw spindle 7. The multi-coupling K1 is, for example, an electrical multi-pole coupling, while the multi-coupling K2 is, for example, a pressure media coupling. The multi-couplings K1, K2 are connected to a Fig. 2 additional actuator not shown (see 35 in Fig.8 and 9 ) in the docking station S relative to the docking station S in order to establish a plug connection with multi-couplings on the labelling unit E. On the frame 3 from the front (in Fig. 2 ) removable cover plates (48), e.g. sheet metal edge parts, are provided for maintenance/replacement, behind and under which further components of the docking module A are located.

In the rear view of Fig.3 A labeling machine mounting structure 16 in the form of an angled plate is installed on the rear side of the frame 3, which has several distributed mounting holes 17, for example for the optional and universal mounting of the docking module A at different mounting positions 2 of a labeling machine M. A large number of differently positioned mounting holes 17 are provided here in order to be able to take different mounting conditions into account with one and the same mounting structure 16.

Furthermore, Fig.3 , e.g. between the feet 10 (if present) on the rear side of the frame 3, rollers 19 mounted on frame-fixed booms 18 are shown, which can be used for easy movement of the removed docking module A on the floor, e.g. after the feet 10 have been adjusted or removed accordingly.

On the back of the docking module A in Fig.3 a pipe 20 is installed in which cables, lines, etc. are housed in a protected manner and connected to a permanently installed media plug 21 that can be connected to the labeling machine. The media plug 21 is mounted with a plug holding plate 22 on the back of the frame 3. Fig.3 shows again the electrical and/or mechanical switching group and/or control unit 14 installed in the side panel 4a, e.g. behind the cover 15 (removed here).

Fig.4 shows belonging to Fig.3 , on the frame 3 the attachment structure 16 as an angled plate with cheeks. In one of the cheeks of the attachment structure 16 several mounting point pairs are provided at different heights and different inclinations, which can be used optionally for mounting the plug holding plate 22 in different mounting situations in order to be able to use a plug length of the plug 21 for all conveyor belt heights that occur in practice, e.g. 47 in Fig.1 , to get by with labeling machines M.

Fig.5 illustrates an optional additional equipment of the docking module A, which may also have the media connector 21 on the back. Here, on the side wall 4b in its side plate 11, mounting holes 25 are provided for a connector holding plate 27, on which a manually pluggable additional connector 28 is attached, which can be used in the case of special variants or for retrofitting in order to be able to use the docking module A in this special case too.

Fig.6 is a side view of the side wall 4a and shows, as a non-limiting example, an ASI island 29 (actuator-sensor-interface), e.g. of a bus system, as well as a valve assembly 30 with, for example, two pneumatic valves (preferably solenoid valves), which can also be operated manually using rotary knobs 31. An associated and connected distributor block 32 can also be placed in the installation space 13.

In the front view of the docking station S in Fig.7 The centering cones 8 are clearly visible, which can be moved with the docking station S on the guides 32 and can be moved by the actuator 5, here the gear motor 6 and the screw spindle 7, when docking the labeling unit E and for its height adjustment. Between the centering cones 8 are the both multi-couplings K1, K2 are attached to a carriage 36 of a carriage structure at the same height. Each multi-coupling K1, K2 has a cover 33 which is adjustable between a sealing closed position, as shown, and an open position (not shown) by means of a metal profile with control curves 65 ( Fig. 9 ) designed motion control 34 here for each cover 33. The metal profiles are fixed in a stationary manner in the docking station S, e.g. screwed together in an interchangeable manner, and act solely through the relative movement of the carriage 36 with the actuator 35 (e.g. a pneumatic cylinder) in the docking station S on the covers 33 of the multi-couplings K1, K2 in such a way that they are automatically brought into their open positions when the plug connection is made with the multi-couplings of the docked labeling unit E, without a separate actuator being required for the cover actuation.

Fig.8 shows an area on the back of a holding plate 37 in the docking station S, on which the actuator 35, here a pneumatic cylinder with a piston rod 38, is installed and supported in a stationary manner. The piston rod 38 of the pneumatic cylinder as actuator 35 is coupled via a fork head 39 and a plug-in axle 40 to an arm 43 that is attached to the slide 36. The fork head 39 has a lock 41, e.g. on a sleeve 42, which can be rotated about the piston rod axis 38 between the shown locking position of the plug-in axle 40 and a release position rotated e.g. clockwise by 90° forwards, in order to easily separate the piston rod 38 from the slide 36 and remove the pneumatic cylinder after removing the plug-in axle 40.

Fig.9 clarifies the carriage assembly with the carriage 36, the actuator 35 and the motion controls 34 on the holding plate 37 for better representation due to removed components of the docking module S. The carriage 36 is guided vertically on guides 44 on the holding plate 37 and has mounting holes 46, for example for the multi-coupling K2, which in Fig.9 is removed. The carriage assembly with the carriage 36 can be tilted forwards relative to the holding plate 37 after loosening the indicated fastening elements, for example to replace the guides 44.

All components of the docking module A, except the large guides 32 ( Fig.7 ) can be changed and/or maintained from the front of the docking module A. The valves of the valve assembly 30 can be operated manually, and switching positions or switching states can also be checked on the ASI island of the communication assembly 29. Seals contained in the covers 33 of the multi-couplings K1, K2 can be easily changed by moving the multi-couplings manually or with the actuator 35 upwards and the covers opened. The multi-couplings K1 and K2 can also be loosened, removed and replaced from the front. The cams 45 of the motion controls 34 arranged on the covers 33 are in Fig.9 interacting rollers, springs pressing the rollers and the roller bearings (not shown) can be replaced from the front after removing the multi-couplings K1, K2, as can the motion controls 34. Afterwards, however, the multi-couplings K1, K2 must be readjusted again. The large guides 32 of the docking station S can be replaced from the rear of the docking module A, whereby the docking module is separated from the labeling machine in order to disconnect all cables before the guides 32 are dismantled and replaced. After this, it is necessary to readjust the docking station S with the docking module A attached.

Overall, the docking module A is compact with reduced complexity and is designed to be extremely user-friendly, especially for checking switching states, for service cases or for replacing components, for which the docking module can remain on the machine in almost all cases.

Claims (14)

1. Docking module (A) for labelling machines (M), in particular for labelling containers or the like, comprising a frame (3) within which a docking station (S) is arranged to be adjusted in height and having at least one operation media and/or control media-multi coupling (K1, K2) for a selectively dockable labelling aggregate (E), and comprising at least one electric and/or mechanic switch group and/or control unit (14) of an actor-sensors-system installed at the frame (3), characterized in that the electric and/or mechanic switch group and/or control unit (14) is/are arranged at the docking module (A) in the operational position of the docking module (A) for sideward access at or in at least one side cheek (4a, 4b) of the frame (3).
2. Docking module according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric and/or mechanic switch group and/or control unit (14) is/are arranged in shielded fashion in a structure integrated into the side cheek (4a), the structure being designed like a control cabinet.
3. Docking module according to claim 2, characterized in that the structure designed like a control cabinet has a cover (15) which can be opened sidewardly or can be removed, and preferably is transparent or opaque and consists of glass and/or Plexiglas or of sheet metal.
4. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each side cheek (4a, 4b) comprises a side plate connected to the frame (3), the side plate protruding from the docking station (S), being substantially triangular, and widens downwardly, and that along the edge of the side plate a strut (12) is provided extending from the side plate outwardly, the strut limiting a substantially triangular depressed space (13) with the side plate, in which space the electric and/or mechanic switch group and/or control unit (14) is/are installed at the side plate of the at least one side cheek (4a).
5. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric and/or mechanic switch group and/or control unit (14) is/are a bus system-cluster (29), preferably of a field bus (ASI-actuator-sensor-interface) or comprises a direct wiring including distributors, and that at the side of the electric and/or mechanic switch group and/or control unit (14) a manually actuable pneumatic-valve group (30), preferably comprising at least one distributor block (32), is provided.
6. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that height adjustable and/or removable ground feet (9, 10) are provided at the frame (3) and at the side cheeks (4a, 4b).
7. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the rear side of the frame (3) remote from the docking station (S) caster rolls (19) are provided on outriggers (18) fixed to the frame (3), preferably between two ground feet (10).
8. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the frame several mounting point-pairs including mounting points (25) for a media-connector holding plate (22) are provided in different height positions and inclinations in relation to a vertical middle axis of the docking module (A), the mounting point-pairs being arranged at a labelling machine-mounting structure (16) of the frame (3), the labelling machine-mounting structure (16) comprising, preferably, several distributed mounting bores (17) as said mounting points..
9. Docking module according to claim 1, characterized in that mounting points (25) for selectively mounting a connector holding plate (22) are arranged at the side plate (11) of the second side cheek (4b) of the frame (3), the second side cheek (4b) being designed substantially mirror inverted relative to the first side cheek (4a), the connector holding plate (22) being provided for at least one manually mountable connector (21) like one for an extra variant media and/or a retrofit-media-connector, the mounting points, preferably, being arranged adjacent to at least one through hole (26) in the side plate (11).
10. Docking module according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one multi coupling (K1, K2) is arranged, preferably exchangeable, at a height-adjustably guided slide (36) of a slide structure in the docking station (S), and that the slide structure is installed to be tilted forwardly on the docking station (S) for service and/or exchange purposes.
11. Docking module according to claim 10, characterized in that the slide (16) is coupled via a fork head (39) and an axis (40) to a further adjusting drive (35), preferably to a piston rod (38) of a pneumatic cylinder supported in the frame (3), and that the fork head (39) comprises an axis-retainer (41, 42) which is adjustable, preferable is rotatable, e.g. about a fork head axis between a safeguard position and a release position of the axis (40).
12. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that components accommodated in docking module (A) and/or in the docking station (S) are covered by sheet metal parts (48) which can be removed from a front side.
13. Docking module according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one torque support (49) is installed at the side cheeks (4a, 4b) which can be removed frontally and/or sidewardly, preferably a torque support belonging to a gear motor (6) of an adjusting drive (5) for adjusting the docking station (S).
14. Labelling machine (M), in particular for labelling containers or the like, the labelling machine having at least one peripheral mounting position (2) for a labelling aggregate-docking module (A), characterized in that a docking module (A) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13 is mounted at the mounting position (2) of the labelling machine (M).

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