EP4644283A1

EP4644283A1 - Device for pressing a label and labelling machine comprising such device

Info

Publication number: EP4644283A1
Application number: EP25173353.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mauro de Bartoli
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-04-30
Filing date: 2025-04-29
Publication date: 2025-11-05

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for pressing a label (L) following its application to a container (Co) for containing food or drinks or also intended for use in chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or other fields. The device (1) may be connected to a labelling machine (120) and comprises a plurality of pressing elements (10) configured as flexible blades, each comprising a gripping edge (10A) suitable for pressing said label (L) onto the container (Co). The device (1) also comprises a support structure (5) which supports each of the pressing elements (10) at an attachment edge (10B) opposite said gripping edge (10A). According to the invention, each pressing element (10) is supported in a position adjacent to another pressing element (10) and in such a way that the gripping edges (10A) are mutually parallel and arranged along a curved positioning line (LP) evaluated on a reference plane (PR) substantially orthogonal to the direction along which said gripping edges (10A) extend.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention falls within the scope of the construction of bottling and/or packaging systems in which a labelling machine is provided for applying a label to a bottle or, more generally, a container. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for pressing the applied label to improve the adhesion thereof to the container. The invention therefore finds application in various fields, such as beverage, food, chemical, pharmaceutical, etc. and may also be advantageously applied to existing labelling machines.

PRIOR ART

The use of labelling machines with the purpose of applying a label to a container (for example to a glass bottle or alternatively also a can/tin or a plastic container) is known. Among the various types present on the market, there are rotary labellers which include a plurality of plates on each of which a container to be labelled is placed. Such plates are moved by a carousel along a predetermined (typically circular) trajectory with the aim of bringing the relevant container to one or more dispensing stations where a label is dispensed, i.e. applied to a predetermined part of the container. Each plate has a motor that rotates the plate itself and therefore the container positioned on the same plate. This rotation occurs around a predetermined axis, typically vertical. A rotary labelling machine is always provided with pressing means having the function of creating and exerting a certain pressure on the label while the container follows the predetermined trajectory and while the container itself is brought into rotation around said predetermined axis. The general purpose of these pressing means is to allow the label to adhere to the surface of the container while avoiding the formation of wrinkles or air bubbles underneath the label itself. In almost all applications, these imperfections cause the relative container to be rejected.
In a first known embodiment thereof, the label pressing means comprise one or more semi-rigid wiper made of polyurethane rubber or alternatively of nylon bristles covered with a silicone film. Such semi-rigid wipers are configured to exert an adhesion force on the label, while the plate supporting the container is rotated. Basically, the container rotates as the wiper acts on the label so that its force is distributed along the entire length of the label.
This solution, like other solutions related to it, has some drawbacks. First of all, the "pressing space" (i.e. the arc of circumference that the bottle travels on the labelling machine carousel during pressing) is very limited and this requires significant rotations of the plate in order to completely press the label. In other words, the motor associated with the plate must be powerful enough to perform a large rotation (in terms of degrees) in a short time interval.
Moreover, the force applied by the semi-rigid wipers has a braking component which, in some cases, causes the container to slip with respect to the plate. Such slippages occur above all if the wiper is not positioned precisely or if the plate is worn and/or soiled by water or other residues. In fact, in such conditions, upon the passage of the container, the wiper undergoes larger deformations, increasing the force applied to the container and therefore its braking component. In any case, the wiper undergoes a deformation, giving rise to a braking force. If the plate is worn or if the wiper is not positioned correctly, the container tends to slip on the plate.
It has been also found that the positioning of the semi-rigid wipers must be even more precise in the case in which they are combined in series (for example two or three), i.e. in such a way that each semi-rigid wiper stretches a label portion. In this configuration, the second wiper, for example, is positioned so that its action on the label begins where the action of the previous wiper ends. If the positioning of the wipers is not precise and/or if it is not maintained precise, the discontinuity of grip on the label may lead to the formation of creases and/or bubbles which compromise the quality of the label itself.
As an alternative to semi-rigid wipers, the use of sponge rollers or also pads is known.
With reference to the rollers, they are mounted so as to rotate "idle" with respect to a vertical axis and positioned, with respect to the movement direction of the containers, so as to apply a force thereto. While rollers are relatively effective for pressing labels applied to the upper and curved part of bottles, they are not very advantageous for applying labels even of limited widths. Since the pressing space of a single roller is extremely short, it is necessary to use rollers in pairs. However, this condition causes a discontinuity in the grip on the labels, leading to the formation of creases and/or bubbles similar to what has been explained above for semi-rigid wipers arranged in series. Moreover, sponge rollers are subject to high wear which severely limits their lifespan and requires continuous maintenance.
Pads are typically made of silicone rubber and perform essentially a "sliding" pressing. Basically, they define a curved surface on which the container surface rests during its movement (i.e. during the rotation caused by the plate and the simultaneous circular movement imposed on the plate by the carousel). Even the pads have evident limitations, first of all the high wear of the silicone rubber which is subjected to continuous rubbing. In addition, pads have poor flexibility of use, as the compression margin between the surface of the pads and the container is very small. In other words, for minimal variations in the diameter of the container (even just 2-3) a pad must be replaced with another dedicated to the new diameter. Finally, the production costs of the pad also appear to be too high, especially when compared to the limited duration and poor flexibility of use.

SUMMARY

The main task of the present invention is therefore to provide a label pressing device which allows the drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome or at least mitigated. Within the scope of this task, a first object of the present invention is to provide a pressing device which may be easily installed and used in a rotary or, alternatively, linear labelling machine. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressing device which allows for a larger pressing space as compared to that achieved by conventionally used pressing devices. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressing device which is operatively flexible and may therefore be adjusted-reconfigured even in the presence of variations in the diameter of the container. A further object of the present invention is to provide a pressing device which is reliable and easily manufactured at competitive costs.
The above-mentioned task and objects are achieved by a device according to Claim 1. In particular, the device according to the invention is therefore provided for pressing a label following its application on a surface of a container and for this purpose comprises a plurality of pressing elements configured as flexible blades, each comprising a gripping edge suitable for pressing the label onto the container. The device further comprises a support structure which supports each of the pressing elements at an attachment edge opposite to said gripping edge; each pressing element is supported in a position adjacent to another pressing element in such a way that said gripping edges are mutually parallel and arranged along a curved positioning line, such positioning line being evaluated/considered on a reference plane substantially orthogonal to a reference direction along which the gripping edges extend.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term container is generally intended to designate a bottle, a can, a vial or other similar articles in general which may contain, for example, a drink, food and/or a product for cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical use.
Preferably, the positioning line is shaped as a segment of a circumference having a predetermined radius of curvature.
According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the pressing elements comprises one part which includes the attachment edge and at least another part which includes the gripping edge, wherein said parts have a different stiffness so that said other part is more flexible than said part. Preferably, said at least one pressing element comprises three parts: a first part and a second part comprise the gripping edge and the attachment edge, respectively, and a third part extends continuously between said first part and said second part. The three parts have different thicknesses evaluated on a reference plane orthogonal to said gripping edge, wherein said thicknesses decrease towards said gripping edge.
Claims 2 to 10 specify possible embodiments of the invention.
According to one possible embodiment, the positioning line is a segment of a circumference having a predetermined radius of curvature.
According to a possible embodiment, at least one of said pressing elements comprises one part which includes the attachment edge and at least another part which includes the pressing edge, wherein said parts have a different stiffness so that said other part is more flexible than said one part.
According to a possible embodiment, the support structure comprises a plurality of seats, mainly extending along a direction parallel to the reference direction, wherein each of the seats comprises at least a first portion in which an attachment edge of one of the pressing elements is inserted.
Preferably, said first portion has a configuration geometrically matching that of said attachment edge.
According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the seats further comprises a second portion extending from the first portion to a first face of the support structure from which said pressing elements project, wherein a portion of said one of said pressing elements which is adjacent to said attachment edge is placed in said second portion, wherein said second portion defines the orientation of said pressing element with respect to said support structure.
According to a possible embodiment, said seats are defined so that the attachment edges of said pressing elements are mutually parallel and arranged along a further positioning line which is substantially parallel to the positioning line of the gripping edges.
According to a possible embodiment, the support structure comprises a first body and a second body removably connected to said first body, wherein at least one of said bodies defines a part of one of said seats in which said attachment edge of one of said pressing elements is positioned. According to a possible embodiment, at least one of said seats comprises a first part defined by said first body and a second part defined by said second body, wherein each of said parts has a blind end, whereby the attachment edge of one of said pressing elements is partially inserted in said first part of said at least one of said seats and partially inserted in said second part of said at least one of said seats.
According to a possible embodiment, the support structure comprises a first support element and a second support element mutually opposed, said support structure comprising a plurality of connecting bodies secured between said support elements, wherein one of said pressing elements is attached to each connecting body at said attachment edge, wherein each of said connecting bodies defines a part of one of said seats in which the attachment edge of one of said pressing elements is inserted.
Preferably, each connecting body is secured between said supporting elements by removable connecting means.
According to a possible embodiment, said support structure comprises a first face from which said pressing elements project and a second face substantially opposite said first face, and wherein said device comprises an attachment means for attaching said support structure to a support element of a labelling machine, wherein said attachment means projects from said second face of said support structure.
The present invention also relates to a labelling machine for applying a label to a container, wherein said machine comprises at least one label dispensing station wherein said machine is characterised by comprising at least one pressing device according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to the use of a device according to the invention in a dispensing station of a labelling machine, wherein said labelling machine defines a movement trajectory of a container to which a label is to be applied, and wherein said dispensing station comprises a detaching device for detaching said label. In particular, the device according to the invention is used in a position adjacent to and downstream of the detaching device with respect to the advancing direction of the container along the trajectory defined by the labelling machine.

LIST OF FIGURES

Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, made hereafter for indicating and nonlimiting purposes, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a labelling machine comprising a plurality of pressing devices according to the present invention;
Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views from different observation points of a first embodiment of a pressing device according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the device of Figures 2 and 3;
Figures 5 to 8 are views of components of the pressing device of Figures 2 and 3;
Figure 9 is an exploded view of the portion of the device contained in box IX of Figure 4;
Figures 10 and 11 are views of components of the device of Figures 2 and 3;
Figure 12 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention;
Figures 13 and 14 are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, of a further embodiment of a device according to the present invention;
Figure 15 is a plan view of the device of Figures 13 and 14 without some components;
Figure 15A is an enlargement of detail A of Figure 15;
Figure 16 is an exploded view of the device of Figures 13 and 14;
Figure 17 is a view of detail B of Figure 16;
Figure 18 is a further perspective view of the device of Figures 13 and 14;
Figure 19 is a partially sectional view of the device of Figure 18;
Figure 20 is a view of detail C of Figure 19;
Figure 21 is a schematic view of a possible use of a device according to the present invention in a labelling station.
Figures 22 and 23 are schematic views relating to the operating principle of a device according to the present invention;

In the figures, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the above figures, the pressing device 1A, 1B, 1' according to the invention may therefore be used for pressing a label L applied to the surface of a container Co. The container Co may have the shape of a bottle, can, vial, vase or any other useful shape for containing a liquid (for example a beverage), solid (for example canned food) or gaseous substance (for example a pharmaceutical or cosmetic product). In particular, the device 1A, 1B, 1' is particularly suitable for pressing a label applied to a cylindrical or cylindrical-like portion of the container (for example to the body of a bottle). More generally, the device 1A, 1B, 1' according to the invention may be used for pressing a label applied to a container having the shape of a solid obtained by rotating a curve around a central axis.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a labelling machine 100 (or labeller 100) in which a plurality of pressing devices 1A, 1B, 1' according to the invention are provided. The labelling machine 100 comprises a carousel 105 which moves a plurality of plates. The carousel 105 defines a circular trajectory T for the plates. Each container (not shown in Figure 1 ), coming from a first handling line 151, is loaded onto one of the plates through a first star wheel 111. A second star wheel 112 is provided to pick up each container Co, upon completion of labelling and pressing, returning it to another handling line 152 which may or may not be parallel to the first line 151. In the illustrated embodiment, the labelling machine 100 comprises two labelling stations 120 in which a respective label is applied to a portion of the container. Typically, in stations 120 the labels are applied at different heights of the container Co. The labelling machine in Figure 1 comprises a first plurality of pressing devices according to the invention (indicated by references 1A, 1B designating two possible different embodiments) arranged outside the trajectory T defined by the carousel 105, and a second plurality of pressing devices according to the invention (indicated by reference 1B) arranged inside the trajectory itself. The devices indicated by references 1A and 1' are therefore intended to carry out a pressing called "external", whereas the devices indicated by reference 1B are intended to carry out a pressing called "internal". In an alternative embodiment, the labelling machine could also comprise a single pressing device according to the invention.
Figures 2 to 11 relate to a first possible embodiment of a device according to the invention (indicated by reference 1A), which in any case comprises a plurality of pressing elements 10 shaped as flexible blades. Such pressing elements 10 (hereinafter also referred to as blades 10) are preferably made of a polymeric material, such as polyurethane. Preferably, the material from which the blades are made has a hardness of between 60 and 80 shore.
Each blade 10 comprises a gripping edge 10A intended, in use, to contact the external surface of the label (i.e. the surface opposite to that adhering to the container) and to apply, following such contact, a pressing force on the label itself.
The device 1A comprises a support structure 5 (or support frame 5) which supports the blades 10. In particular, according to the invention, each blade 10 is supported at an attachment edge 10B thereof substantially opposite a gripping edge 10A so that the blade is flexible (i.e. can be deformed) with respect to the support structure 5. More precisely, each blade 10 is supported in a position adjacent to at least one further blade 10 such that, as a whole, the blades 10 project with respect to the support structure 5. As specified below, the blades 10 are arranged so that, during use, two adjacent blades simultaneously grip the label for a certain period of time. This condition ensures a sort of continuity of grip which translates into a uniform and precise pressing of the label, avoiding the formation of folds and/or creases on the same.
The blades 10 are oriented, with respect to the support structure 5, in such a way that the gripping edges 10A are mutually parallel and arranged on a curved positioning line LP, wherein such line is evaluated according to a reference plane PR substantially orthogonal to a reference direction L1 along which the gripping edges 10A extend. Such reference plane PR coincides with the plane of the sheet in the view in Figure 4, which schematically shows the device in Figures 2 and 3 in a plan view. The positioning line LP ( Figures 2 and 3 ) mentioned above is evaluated in a non-use condition of the device 1A, i.e. when it is not pressing a label L. Of course, during pressing, the gripping edges 10A change their mutual position due to the contact with the label L and the container Co on which they are applying the pressure.
Preferably, the positioning line LP is a segment of a circumference having a predetermined radius of curvature R1. Preferably, such radius of curvature R1 is close in value to the radius of the trajectory T defined by the carousel 105 of the labelling machine for which the device 1A is intended. More precisely, the device 1A is installed on the labelling machine 100 in such a way that the centre of curvature of the positioning line LP of the blades 10 is close to or coincides with the centre of the circular trajectory T of the carousel 105.
The distribution of the gripping edges 10A along a curved positioning line LP determines a large pressing space, wherein such space is defined by the angle α (see Figure 1 ) travelled by a plate along the trajectory T between the point (indicated with A in Figure 1 ) in which a first blade of the device 1A contacts the label and the point (indicated with B in Figure 1 ) in which a last blade of the device 1 ends its gripping action on the label itself. It is evident that given the large pressing space and the sequential grip created by the blades 10, the plate may advantageously rotate at a moderate speed during the pressing itself. Therefore, unlike the prior art, the motor used to rotate the plate is not required to have a particularly high performance in terms of rotation speed.
As apparent from the figures, the blades 10 are preferably configured so that the attachment edge 10B extends parallel to the gripping edge 10A (and thus parallel to the reference direction L1 considering a non-use condition of the blade 10).
According to a possible embodiment, the blades 10 comprise a plurality of parts having a different stiffness. In particular, at least two parts are provided, a first part which includes the attachment edge 10B of the blade 10 and a second part which includes the gripping edge 10A of the blade itself. Overall, the two parts are configured so that the second part is more flexible than the first part.
Figure 5 shows in detail a preferred embodiment in which the blade 10 comprises three parts 11, 12, 13, wherein the first part 13 and the second part 11 comprise the attachment edge 10B and the gripping edge 10A respectively, and wherein the third part 12 extends continuously between the first part 13 and the second part 11. In particular, the three parts 11, 12, 13 have different thicknesses evaluated on the reference plane PR and in particular decreasing towards the gripping edge 10A. In this way, the second part 11 is more flexible than the other two parts 12, 13. This solution allows the second part 11 to match the shape of the container Co and therefore to follow its conformation, increasing the gripping time on the label L. At the same time, the other parts 12, 13 with greater stiffness increase the pressure between the container Co and the label L so as to make the label glue adhere perfectly to the container itself. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, each part 11, 12, 13 has a constant thickness that is different from that of the other parts. In an alternative embodiment, each part 11, 12, 13 may have a variable thickness. It is noted that the use of parts 11, 12, 13 having different flexibility for the blade 10 allows the latter to be operatively used even for different diameters of the container Co. In other words, due to its flexibility, the blade 10 grips the label L even if the diameter of the container Co varies by a few centimetres.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 11, the support structure 5 comprises a first support element 51 (or lower element 51) and a second support element 52 (or upper support element 52) mutually opposed. The support structure 5 comprises a plurality of connecting bodies 60, 60A, 60B, each having one of the blades 10 attached thereto through the relative attachment edge 10B. Each connecting body 60, 60A, 60B is secured between the support elements 51, 52 preferably through removable connecting means, even more preferably through fastening screws 70, as shown in the figures.
As better explained below, each blade 10 may be attached to two or more connecting bodies 60, 60A, 60B located between the two support elements 51, 52. The connecting bodies 60, 60A, 60B preferably have a modular shape to the advantage of operative flexibility. In practice, the connecting bodies 60, 60A, 60B are configured so that they may be coupled together to define different possible distances between the elements 51, 52 and therefore to support blades of different heights. By using modular connecting bodies it is possible, for example, to change the height of the device 1 (i.e. the distance between the two support elements 51, 52) using the same support elements 51, 52 and varying the number of connecting bodies arranged between such support elements.
Figures 7 to 9, discussed below, show a possible embodiment of a modular connecting body 60, 60A, 60B which may be used to support a blade of a device according to the present invention.
With reference again to Figures 2 to 4, preferably the two support elements 51, 52 have a same conformation, wherein the latter is evaluated on said reference plane PR. Preferably, each support element 51, 52 consist of a flat, preferably laser-cut, metal sheet, with a thickness of less than 1 cm. In particular, the flat metal sheet is preferably cut so as to have an arc shape, which can be seen particularly in the plan view of Figure 4. Even more preferably, such arc has a curvature substantially conforming to the positioning line LP defined by the gripping edges 10B of the pressing elements 10.
The support elements 51, 52 may also be defined differently. In particular, the flat metal sheet may have a shape different from an arc shape. The elements may also be defined by a metal body having a thickness different from the one indicated above.
According to an embodiment shown in the figures, the device 1A comprises an attachment means 59 for attaching the support structure 5 to a support element 190 (schematically shown as a rectangle in Figure 1 ) or in general to a support structure of a labelling machine 100. In particular, the support structure 5 comprises a first face 511 from which the pressing elements 10 project and a second face 512, opposite the first face 511, from which the attachment means 59 projects.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the support structure 5 comprises a third support element 53 (or intermediate element 53) which is positioned at an intermediate height between the two (lower and upper) support elements 51, 52 defined above. Such third element 53 comprises a first portion 53A which contributes to supporting the connecting bodies 60 and a second portion 53B defining (at least partially) the aforementioned connecting means.
More precisely, the first portion 53A of the third element 53 is substantially "internal", i.e., it is located in a position between the other two support elements 51, 52. Such first portion 53A has a conformation substantially similar to that of both the lower and upper elements 51, 52. The second portion 53B of the third support element 53 is instead external and projects from a side of the device 1A opposite to the side from which the blades 10 project (see for example Figure 4 ). Such second portion 53B is configured so that it may be attached to said support element 190 of the labelling machine 100. As visible in the figures, for this purpose, the second portion 53B comprises grooves 54 (indicated in Figure 4 ) for attachment to said support element 190, wherein such attachment may possibly be completed using screws or other equivalent means. Overall, the second portion 53B (possibly together with said screws or other equivalent means) defines the attachment means 59 of the device 1Ain a possible, and therefore non-exclusive, embodiment of the device 1A according to the invention.
The attachment means 59 of the device 1A may however be defined differently. They may, for example, be defined (at least partially) by a portion of one or both of the (lower 51 or upper 52) support elements.
As mentioned above, Figures 5 to 9 refer to a possible embodiment of a modular connecting body 60, 60A, 60B to support a blade 10. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the connecting body 60, 60A, 60B extends mainly along an axial direction 500. The connecting body 60, 60A, 60B comprises an attachment seat 61 into which at least the attachment edge 10B of a blade 10 may be inserted. Following this insertion, the blade 10 is therefore constrained to the connecting body 60, 60A, 60B. In this regard, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the blade 10, once constrained to a connecting body 60, 60A, 60B, has a fixed position, and therefore always a same orientation, with respect to the relative connecting body 60, 60A, 60B. However, in an alternative embodiment, not illustrated in the figures, the blade 10 may be constrained to the connecting body 60, 60A, 60B in an adjustable manner, i.e. through means that allow its orientation (inclination) with respect to the connecting body 60, 60A, 60B to be (stepwise or continuously) changed.
With reference again to Figures 5 to 9, the attachment seat 61 comprises a first seat portion 611 into which the attachment edge 10B of a blade 10 may be inserted. For this purpose, said first seat portion 611 has a (preferably cylindrical) geometric configuration corresponding to that of the attachment edge 10B of the blade 10, wherein such configuration is evaluated with respect to a plane orthogonal to the reference direction L1 indicated above. In seat 61, a second seat portion 612 may also be identified which extends from the first portion 611 (see Figure 7 ) up to the first face 511 from which the pressing elements 10 project. Such second portion 612 is preferably defined by two parallel flat walls 622 and a blade portion (indicated with 10D in Figure 8 ) adjacent to the attachment edge 10B of the blade 10 is located therein. By means of the flat walls 622, the second portion 612 defines the orientation/inclination of the blade 10 with respect to the relative body 60, 60A, 60B.
Referring again to Figures 5 to 9, preferably each connecting body 60, 60A, 60B is configured so as to be connectable to the support elements 51, 52 by means of two fastening screws 70 (shown in Figure 9 ). For this purpose, each connecting body 60, 60A, 60B comprises a first coupling portion 63 and a second coupling portion 64, each crossed by a cylindrical cavity 63', 64' for the passage of a fastening screw 70 (see Figure 6 ). These cavities 63', 64' extend axially, i.e., their axis is substantially parallel to the axial direction 500 along which the relative connecting body 60, 60A, 60B mainly extends. For each connecting body 60, 60A, 60B, the two coupling portions 63, 64 are axially staggered, so that the first portion 63 is located above a second reference plane PR2 (orthogonal to the axial direction 500), whereas the second portion 64 is instead located below the same plane. Therefore the two axial cavities 63', 64' are also axially staggered, since they too are defined respectively above and below the same second reference plane PR2.
Each connecting body 60, 60A, 60B defines a pair of seats 65, 66 each suitable for housing/receiving one of said coupling portions 63, 64 of another connecting body 60B. In particular, for each connecting body 60A, a first seat 65 (indicated in Figure 8 ) is defined below the first coupling portion 63, whereas a second seat 66 is defined above the second coupling portion 64.
In this regard, the coupling portions 63, 64 have a configuration geometrically corresponding to that of the seats 65, 66. In the embodiment shown in the figures, for example, the portions 61, 62 are configured as a cylinder portion. Similarly, the seats 56, 55 are also configured as a cylinder portion.
In this regard, Figure 8 allows us to understand how two connecting bodies (indicated by the references 60A, 60B) are coupled with each other. In particular, the second connecting portion 64 of a first body 60A overlaps in contact with the first portion 63 of a second connecting body 60B so that the respective cavities 63', 64' are aligned along a direction parallel to the axial direction 500. Following this alignment, a continuous rectilinear cavity is created into which a fastening screw 70 or another functionally equivalent means is inserted (as clearly indicated in the exploded view of Figure 9 ).
Following the coupling of two connecting bodies 60A, 60B, the first portions 63 of the bodies are at the same height as visible also in Figure 2 in which the second reference plane PR2 defined above has been indicated. In particular, for each body 60A, 60B the second portions 64 of the connecting bodies 60A, 60B are located below the second reference plane PR2, whereas the first portions 63 are located above the same plane.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, each blade 10 is supported by two connecting bodies 60, 60A, 60B each located between two of the three support elements 51, 52, 53 of the support structure 5. In particular, for each blade 10 a first connecting body is arranged between the lower element 51 and the intermediate element 53, whereas a second connecting body is arranged between the intermediate element 53 and the upper element 52. By tightening the relative fastening screw 70, the connecting bodies 60, 60A, 60B which support the same blade 10 are stably constrained between the support elements 51, 52, 53 of the support structure 5. Furthermore, due to the modular coupling described above between two bodies 60, 60A, 60B supporting different blades, each fastening screw 70 constrains to each other two mutually adjacent and coupled connecting bodies 60, 60A, 60B.
Figure 9 mentioned above is an exploded view of the end portion of the device identified in box IX of Figure 4 and shows the arrangement described above. In fact, in Figure 9 shows a first pair of connecting bodies (indicated by references 60A-60A') intended to support a first blade 10' and a second pair of connecting bodies (indicated by references 60B, 60B') intended to support a second blade 10". For each pair of bodies, a first connecting body 60A, 60B is therefore arranged between the lower element 51 and the intermediate element 53 of the support structure 5, whereas a second connecting body 60B, 60B' is arranged between the intermediate element 53 and the upper element 52.
For positioning each connecting body 60A, 60A' supporting the first blade 10', a corresponding bushing 66', 66" is provided which is arranged between the second connecting portion and a relative element 51, 53 of the support structure 5. Each bushing 66, 66' is axially drilled and is configured to fit into the first seat 65 defined below the relative first coupling portion 63 of the relative connecting body 60A, 60A'. In particular, for each connecting body 60A, 60A', the axial cavity 63' of the first portion 63 is aligned with the axial cavity of the corresponding bushing 66, 66' so as to allow the insertion of a corresponding fastening screw 70. From Figure 9 it can be understood that a single fastening screw (indicated by 70') passes through the axial cavity of each bushing 66, 66' and the axial cavity 63' of the first coupling portion 63 of each of the connecting bodies 60A, 60A' intended to support the first blade 10'. As may also be understood from Figure 3, the two bushings 66, 66' are essentially used to complete the support structure 5 on the external side of the connecting bodies 60, 60A, 60B (i.e. on the side opposite to that from which the blades 10, 10', 10" project).
Elements 51, 52, 53 of the support structure 5 comprise a plurality of holes 90, each intended for positioning a fastening screw 70 of a corresponding connecting body 60A, 60B (see Figures 10 and 11 ). The position assigned to each hole 90 therefore defines the position of a relative connecting body 60, 60A, 60B with respect to said support elements 51, 52, 53 and consequently the position of the gripping edge 10A of each blade 10 with respect to the support structure 5. For this reason, the centres of the holes 90 formed through the elements 51, 52, 53 of the support structure 5 are located along a curve C which therefore defines the positioning line LP of the gripping edges 10A of the blades 10.
Figure 10 is a plan view of the upper support member 52 which, as indicated above, is preferably the same as the lower support member 51. In this figure it can be noted the curve C of the line of holes 90. Figure 11 is instead a plan view of the intermediate element 53 in which the line of holes 90 has the same curvature as that of the other two elements 51, 52 of the support structure 5. Keeping the connecting elements 60, 60A, 60B the same, as the positioning curve C of holes 90 changes, the positioning line LP of the gripping edges 10B also changes correspondingly.
In this regard, Figure 12 is a view of an alternative embodiment (indicated by reference 1B) suitable for carrying out internal pressing of the label. Conceptually, device 1B has the same structure as device 1A described above with reference to internal pressing and in particular includes the same connecting bodies 60, 60A, 60B. From a comparison with Figure 4, it can be noted the different positioning line LP of the gripping edges 10A of the blades 10 resulting from a different position of the fastening screws 70, i.e. from a different curvature C of the line of the holes 90 formed through the elements 51, 52, 53 of the support structure 5. It is noted that also in the device 1B the support elements 51, 52 of the support structure 5 are configured as an arc and have a curvature conforming to that of the positioning line LP of the gripping edges 10A of the blades 10.
Figures 13 to 20 refer to a second embodiment of a device according to the invention (indicated by reference 1') which differs from that shown in Figures 1 to 12 substantially by a different configuration of the support structure (indicated by reference 5'). Also in this second embodiment, a plurality of pressing elements 10 in the form of flexible blades is provided, each having a gripping edge 10A, suitable for pressing a label L onto a container Co, and an attachment edge 10B at which the blade 10 is connected to and supported by the support structure 5. The pressing elements 10 (blades 10) usable for this second embodiment therefore correspond to those usable for the first embodiment. In particular, also in this case the blades 10 have a gripping edge 10A and an attachment edge 10B having opposite positions and extending along parallel directions. Therefore, with reference to the possible structure and, generally, to possible embodiments of the pressing elements 10 (i.e. the blades 10), reference shall be made to what has already been mentioned above.
With reference to Figures 13 and 14, the blades 10 are attached to the support structure 5' (hereinafter also referred to simply as structure 5') so as to project from a first face 511 thereof. According to the principles of the invention, the blades 10 are attached to and supported by the structure 5' so that the gripping edges 10A are mutually parallel and arranged along a positioning line LP, again considered on a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane in which the gripping edges 10A extend (see Figure 14 ). Considering the device 1' in a non-use configuration, the gripping edges 10B therefore extend along a reference direction L1 indicated in Figures 13, 16, 18 and 19.
The structure 5' comprises a plurality of seats 610 (indicated in Figures 15A and 16 ) each for attaching and supporting one of the blades 10. Each seat 610 preferably extends along an axial direction 500 (indicated in Figure 16 ) which is parallel to the reference direction L1. In particular, each seat 610 comprises at least a first portion 610A (see Figure 15A ) in which the attachment edge 10B of a relative blade 10 is inserted. To this end, the first portion 610A has a (preferably cylindrical) shape/configuration geometrically corresponding to that of the attachment edge 10B of the blade 10, wherein such shape is evaluated with respect to a plane orthogonal to the reference direction L1. In this regard, in the solution shown in the figures, the seat 610 and the attachment edge 10B of the blade 10 are configured/shaped as an arc of a circle.
Preferably, each seat 610 also comprises a second portion 610B (see Figure 15A ) which extends from the first portion 610A up to the first face 511 of the structure 5', wherein a portion 10D (indicated in Figures 15A and 20 ) adjacent to the attachment edge 10B of the relative blade 10 is arranged in such second portion 610B. The two portions 610A, 610B are mutually configured (in terms of size) so that the attachment edge 10B remains confined in the first portion 610A, i.e. so that it may not come out from the seat 10 in a direction orthogonal to the reference direction L1. The second portion 610B defines a predetermined orientation/inclination of the blade 10 with respect to the structure 5'.
As visible, for example, from the detail of Figure 15A, preferably, the second portion 610B of each seat 610 is delimited between two parallel flat walls 610C between which said portion 10D of the blade 10 adjacent to said attachment edge 10B is arranged. Such walls 610C define the orientation/inclination of the blade 10 with respect to the support structure 5'.
Preferably, the seats 610 are defined so that, following the insertion of the blades 10, the relative attachment edges 10B are mutually parallel and arranged along a further positioning line LP1 (indicated in Figure 15 ) which substantially matches (i.e., is substantially parallel to) the positioning line LP referred to the attachment edges 10B of the blades 10. This arrangement is visible in Figure 15. In particular, it is noted that said further positioning line LP1 substantially passes through the centres of the first portion 610A of each seat 610 of the structure 5'. This positioning advantageously allows blades 10 having the same configuration in terms of shape and size to be used.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the structure 5' comprises a first body 510 and a second body 520 connected to the first body 510 through removable connecting means, such as fastening screws 56. In particular, the connection of the second body 520 to the first body 510 occurs in a direction parallel to the axial direction 500 along which the seats 610 defined above extend.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the two bodies 510, 520 of the structure 5' contributes to defining a part of each of the seats 610 provided for the attachment of a relative blade 10. In particular, for each seat 610, a first part 610' defined by the first body 510 and a second part 610" defined by the second body 520 can be identified. The two parts 610', 610" are indicated in Figure 20, i.e., in the view of the detail C of the section in Figure 19. Preferably, for each seat 610, both parts 610', 610" are blind (i.e., closed) in the axial direction 500 defined above. As shown in Figure 20, following the connection of the second body 20 to the first body 10, for each blade 10, the relative attachment edge 10B is inserted partially in the first part 610' of the seat 610 and partially in the second part 610" of the same seat 610. Following the connection between the two bodies 10, 20, each blade 10 is thus constrained (i.e., it cannot be separated from the structure 5') along the reference direction L1.
In practice, the second body 20 is connected to the first body 10 like a kind of "lid" which prevents the blades 10 from sliding out along the reference direction L1. This solution allows for easy attachment of the blades 10 to their respective seats 610 and, at the same time, easy replacement thereof. Furthermore, the machining tolerances of the seats 610 and the attachment edges 10B of the blades 10 may also be relatively large. In fact, following the connection of the two bodies 510, 520, for each blade 10, the relative coupling edge 10B remains constrained within the respective seat 610.
In an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the seats 610 may be defined by a single body of the structure 5'. In this case, each of the seats 610 may be "blind" at one end and the movement of the blades 10 along the axial direction 500 may be prevented by a closing plate applied to said single body so as to close the free end of the seats 610. Alternatively, in a variant, the seats 610 may extend along the entire length of said single body, thus having two open (i.e. not blind) ends. In this variant, two closing plates may be provided, each to close the seats 610 at one of said free ends.
Still referring to the device 1' in Figures 13 to 20, the structure 5' comprises a second face 512 (indicated in Figures 13 and 16 ) substantially opposite to the first face 511, wherein an attachment means 59' configured for attaching the structure 5' to a support element 190 of a labelling machine 100 is connected to said second face 512. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the attachment means 59 is formed by a plate comprising grooves 59A (indicated in Figure 13 ) for attachment to said support element 190 of the labelling machine 100, wherein such attachment may possibly be completed by means of screws or other equivalent means. As shown for example in Figure 16, preferably the two bodies 510, 520 defining the structure 5' have different extensions evaluated along the reference direction L1. Preferably, the attachment means 59' is connected to a portion of the body having a greater extension and defining a portion of the second face 512 of the structure 5'. In this regard, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the attachment element 59' is connected to the first body 510 at a portion that contributes to defining the second face 512 of the structure 5'.
Preferably, the structure 5' is made of moulded plastic material, possibly reinforced with fibres. However, the scope of the invention includes the possibility of producing one or more components of the structure 5' in another material, for example metal. With reference to the illustrated embodiment, preferably, each of the two bodies 510, 520 is made in a single piece, even more preferably through a 3D printing process.
The support structure 5' of the device 1' is useful for carrying out external pressing of a label. Of course, the shape of the structure 5', and in particular the arrangement of the seats 610, may vary, for example to make the device 1 suitable for carrying out internal pressing. In practice, considering the device in a plan view, the structure 5' of the device 1 may have a shape similar to that of the device 1B of Figure 12.
The present invention also relates to a labelling machine 100 comprising at least one device 1A, 1B, 1' according to the present invention. Figure 21 schematically shows a section of a carousel 105 of a labelling machine 100, wherein the carousel 105 defines a circular trajectory T for the movement of plates (not shown in the figure). The labelling machine 100 comprises a device 1A, 1' according to the invention for "external pressing", therefore positioned outside the circular trajectory T of the carousel 105 of the labelling machine 100. In particular, in Figure 21 the device 1A described in connection with Figures 2 to 11 is schematically shown. The following description is also valid when the device 1' described in connection with Figures 13 to 20 is used.
In Figure 21, the reference R indicates the advancing direction of a container Co along the trajectory T, i.e. the direction of rotation of the carousel 105. The references 1P, 2P, 3P, and 4P designate different positions taken on by the container C_O during the movement along the trajectory T. In position 1P the container is close to the pressing device 1A but does not yet interact with it. As schematically shown, the label L is preferably applied to the container Co at an edge L1. In position 2P, the container interacts with the first two blades (indicated by references 10', 10") of device 1A. The second blade 10" grips (with its gripping edge) the label L when the gripping edge of the first blade 10' is still gripping the label itself. Following the contact with the first blade 10', the container Co is made to rotate around its main axis (arrow W) in a rotation direction (counterclockwise in Figure T) consistent with the rotation direction (arrow R) of the carousel. The rotation of the container Co is caused by a motor (not shown) which acts on the plate (also not shown) supporting the container itself. Rotation continues as container Co moves toward position 3P. During this movement at least two adjacent blades 10 of the pressing device 1A are always gripping the label L. As already explained, this condition ensures continuous pressing, without creases or wrinkles, of the label L. Upon completion of the pressing, the rotation Co of the container may be stopped (position 4P) or alternatively it may continue so as to bring the container to a predetermined position, for example for the application of a subsequent label.
Figure 22 schematically shows the arrangement of a device (indicated by reference 1B) according to the invention configured for internal pressing and therefore arranged inside the circular trajectory T. In particular, the device 1B corresponds to the device shown in the above-mentioned Figure 12. It is understood that for internal pressing a variant of the device 1' described in connection with Figures 13 to 20 may be used, as already indicated above. Therefore, the following description holds also for devices according to the invention having a support structure different from that of the device 1B in Figure 13.
Still referring to Figure 22, the device 1B is configured in such a way that the gripping edges 10A of the blades 10 are arranged on a positioning line LP whose centre of curvature is close to that of the trajectory T. This positioning line LP therefore has a radius of curvature smaller than that of the trajectory T as required for internal pressing. It is noted that for carrying out internal pressing, during the operation of the blades 10, the container Co is rotated in a direction W1 (clockwise in the figure) discordant with the direction of rotation R of the carousel (counterclockwise in the figure).
With reference to Figure 23, the device 1A, 1B, 1' according to the invention, in any of its embodiments, may also be used at a labelling station 120 to facilitate the adhesion of an edge L1 of the label L to the surface of a container Co. In particular, the device 1A, 1B, 1' according to the invention may be used immediately downstream (with respect to the advancing direction of the container Co along its trajectory T defined by the labelling machine) of a detaching device 115, wherein by this term it is meant the device that allows the label L to be detached from the paper that typically supports it. In particular, the device (indicated by reference 1A, 1' in Figure 23 ) according to the invention may be used instead of the conventional sponge rollers used to make the label to adhere to the container Co at least in one point so that the latter transports it to the next pressing device. Advantageously, the same function performed by conventional sponge rollers may also be performed by the blades 10 of the device 1 according to the invention as they offer a larger contact surface with the label L and therefore allow it to better stick to the surface of the container. In practice, the blades 10 firmly guide the label L, allowing it to better adhere to the container Co. At the same time, the larger contact surface provided by the blades 10 allows for greater flexibility in the dispensing the labels L. In other words, through the blades 10 it is possible to delay or advance the exit of the label from the detacher 115 by a wider interval. Furthermore, the life of the blades 10 of the device according to the invention is advantageously longer than the life of conventional rubber rollers.
The present invention therefore allows to solve all the tasks and objects set above. In particular, the pressing device according to the invention provides a larger pressing space than that allowed by conventional solutions, proving to be much more effective also in terms of duration. The device is also easily manufactured at extremely competitive costs.
Of course, a man skilled in the art may make modifications and variations to the pressing device described in detail above in order to meet specific and contingent application needs, modifications and variations which in any case fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

A pressing device (1A, 1B, 1') for pressing a label (2) onto a surface of a container (Co), characterised by comprising:
- a plurality of pressing elements (10) configured as flexible blades, each comprising a gripping edge (10A) suitable for pressing said label (L) onto said container (Co);

- a support structure (5, 5') which supports each of said pressing elements (10) at an attachment edge (10B) opposite to said gripping edge (10A), each pressing element (10) being supported in a position adjacent to another pressing element (10) and in such a way that said gripping edges (10A) are mutually parallel and arranged along a curved positioning line (LP) considered on a reference plane (PR) substantially orthogonal to a reference direction (L1) along which said gripping edges (10A) extend.
Device (1', 1A, 1B) according to claim 1, wherein said positioning line (LP) is a segment of a circumference having a predetermined radius of curvature (R1).
Device (1', 1A, 1B) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of said pressing elements (10) comprises one part (13) which includes said attachment edge (10B) and at least another part (11) which includes said pressing edge (10A), wherein said parts (13, 11) have a different stiffness so that said other part (11) is more flexible than said one part (13).
Device (1A, 1B, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said support structure (5, 5')comprises a plurality of seats (61, 610) mainly extending along a direction (500) parallel to said reference direction (L1), wherein each of said seats (610) comprises at least a first portion (611, 610A) in which an attachment edge (10B) of one of said pressing elements (10) is inserted.
Device (1A, 1B, 1') according to claim 4, wherein said first portion (611, 610A) has a configuration geometrically matching that of said attachment edge (10B).
Device (1A, 1B, 1') according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one of said seats (61, 610) further comprises a second portion (612, 610B) extending from said first portion (611, 610A) to a first face (511) of said support structure (5, 5') from which said pressing elements (10) project, wherein a portion (10D) of said one of said pressing elements (10) which is adjacent to said attachment edge (10B) is placed in said second portion (612, 610B), wherein said second portion (612, 610B) defines the orientation of said pressing element (10) with respect to said support structure (5, 5').
Device (1A, 1B, 1') according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said seats (610) are defined so that the attachment edges (10B) of said pressing elements (10) are mutually parallel and arranged along a further positioning line (LP1) which is substantially parallel to said positioning line (LP) of said gripping edges (10A).
Device (1') according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said support structure (5') comprises a first body (510) and a second body (520) removably connected to said first body (510), wherein at least one of said bodies (510, 520) defines a part of one of said seats (610).
Device (1') according to claim 8, wherein at least one of said seats (610) comprises a first part (610') defined by said first body (510) and a second part (610") defined by said second body (520), wherein each of said parts (610', 610") has a blind end, whereby said attachment edge (10B) of one of said pressing elements (10) is partially inserted in said first part (610') of said at least one of said seats (610) and partially inserted in said second part (610") of said at least one of said seats (610).
Device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said support structure (5) comprises a first support element (51) and a second support element (52) mutually opposed, said support structure (5) comprising a plurality of connecting bodies (60, 60A, 60B) secured between said support elements (51, 52), wherein one of said pressing elements (10) is attached to each connecting body (60, 60A, 60B) at said attachment edge (10B), wherein each of said connecting bodies (60A, 60B, 60B) defines a part of one of said seats (61).
Device (1) according to claim 10, wherein each connecting body (60, 60A, 60B) is secured between said support elements (51, 52) by removable connecting means.
Device (1') according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said support structure (5, 5') comprises a first face (511) from which said pressing elements (10) project and a second face (512) substantially opposite said first face (511), and wherein said device (1') comprises an attachment means (59, 59') for attaching said support structure (5, 5') to a support element (190) of a labelling machine (100), wherein said attachment means (59, 59') projects from said second face (512) of said support structure (5, 5').
Labelling machine (100) for applying a label to a surface of a container, wherein said machine comprises at least one dispensing station (120) of a label (L) and wherein said machine (100) is characterised by comprising at least one device (1A, 1B) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
Use of a device according to any of claims 1 to 12 in a labelling station (120) of a labelling machine (100), wherein said labelling machine (100) defines a movement trajectory (T) of a container (Co) to which a label (L) is to be applied, wherein said dispensing station (120) comprises a detaching device (115) for detaching said label (L), wherein said device (1) is used in a position adjacent to and downstream of said detaching device (115) with respect to the advancing direction of said container (C) along said trajectory (T).