ES2241717T3 - AUTOMATIC ROTARY LABELING MACHINE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Automatic rotary labeling machine (1) comprising a rotating support (3) that supports means (5) for holding bottles or containers (6) to be labeled, said support (3) being operatively associated with at least one labeling unit ( 8, 9) which applies labels (19) to said bottles or containers (6), said rotating support (3) being arranged in an upper part of said machine (1), and said fastening means (5) holding onto said bottles or containers (6) in an open or upper part thereof, and keeping them under said support (3); characterized by the fact that it comprises an upper platform (20) supported by columns (21) that supports at least one motor (4) and said rotating support (3).

Description

Automatic rotary labeling machine.

The present invention relates to a machine automatic rotary labeler

Labeling machines of the known type they comprise a circular and rotating base that holds a plurality of plates to support bottles or containers. Plates support can rotate with the base and also can rotate around of its axis.

Known machines also exhibit a central column that supports an upper plate, which in turn holds a plurality of stops, each of which faces One of the support plates.

Such stops allow you to keep the bottles centered during processing.

In a first run, which refers to machines adapted to apply labels that are partially linked or totally with the perimeter of the bottles, the base supports cams acting together with solidarity operating levers With the support plates.

In a second run, the bottom plates of support are moved by electric motors.

However, the operation of the machines Traditional is not very versatile and the replacement of the type of bottles or containers on which labels should be applied it demands a lot of time, consequently long dead times and production decline

In particular the invention patent American n. 5,271,793 publishes a labeling machine according to the precharacterizing part of claim 1.

Also, due to its structure, the machines Traditional exhibits large dimensions at the bottom, difficulty accessing the component parts of the machine, and Difficulty performing cleaning services.

Therefore, the technical objective of this invention is to make a rotary labeling machine automatic to overcome the mentioned technical disadvantages in advance

Within the scope of this technical objective, a purpose of the invention is to make a machine whose Operation is very versatile.

In particular, the machine according to the present invention allows to apply labels that cover the entire perimeter of the bottles, or labels that cover a part of the perimeter of the bottles, without adjustments and modifications of the machine that demand a lot of time.

Another objective of the present invention is that of make a machine that exhibits very low dead times and also that can guarantee very high productivity.

Another objective of the present invention is that of make a machine that has small dimensions in its part lower.

The above guarantees better accessibility to the component parts of the machine and, at the same time, facilitates greatly cleaning tasks.

Last but not least, Another objective of the present invention is to make a machine automatic rotary labeler that is substantially simple, safe and reliable

The technical task and the objectives according to the present invention are achieved by making a machine
Automatic rotary labeller according to claim 1.

Also, other features of this invention are defined in the other claims.

Advantageously, the machine according to the present The invention can encompass several labeling units.

For example, the machine according to the present invention contains a first labeling unit adapted for apply labels that completely cover the perimeter of the bottle, and a second labeling unit adapted to apply labels that cover only part of the perimeter of the bottle.

In addition, the machine is adequately provided with bottle holders, each of which is rotated around its own axis through a dedicated engine.

All engines are connected to a computer electronic that governs the start or stop of its rotation.

The electronic computer memorizes the data corresponding to the controls to be imparted to the supports of each labeling unit. The data stored in the computer is can be accessed through a special panel of the machine or, in remote mode, through appropriate remote systems of communication.

The labeling units are optionally installed on removable platforms so that it can be replaced quickly when changing the type of bottles or containers that are being made, or on mobile platforms with with respect to the machine support, in order to adjust with Ease the position of the labeling unit.

Other features and advantages of a machine Automatic rotary labeler according to the present invention is will be even more apparent from the following description, exemplifying and not limiting, made with reference to the drawings schematic annexes. In such drawings:

- Figure 1 shows a schematic view in front elevation of a conventional labeling machine;

- Figure 2 shows a schematic view and in amplified perspective of a member to hold the bottles, hooked to a bottle;

- Figure 3 shows a schematic view in lateral elevation of the clamping member of Figure 2;

- Figure 4 shows a schematic view and in amplified perspective of a different execution of the member for hold bottles, also in this case hooked to a bottle;

- Figure 5 shows a perspective view amplified from another execution of the member to hold bottles;

- Figure 6 shows another execution of the member to hold bottles;

- Figures 7 and 8 show two views in perspectives of two different executions of the machine according to the present invention; Y

- Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the machine according to the present invention.

The figures mentioned above show a automatic rotary labeling machine, fully denoted with numerical reference 1.

The machine (1) comprises a column (2) that It has, at its upper end, a support (3). The support (3) is can move axially to adjust its height and thus adapt it to bottle size

In the example shown, the support (3) consists of a circular plate that can be rotated through a motor (4), also housed in the upper part of the machine (1). However, in other examples, the engine (4) could also be housed in a lower part of the machine (solution no showed).

The support (3) supports a plurality of means clamping (5) adapted to hold bottles or containers (6) taken to the machine (1) through a first conveyor (7) of the known type.

The clamping means (5) carry the bottles to a labeling unit (8, 9) and finally they are deposited on a second conveyor (10), which moves the bottles (6) away from the machine (one).

The fastening means (5) comprise a group motor (11) consisting of an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor connected to a tree (12) protruding from the support (3) towards down.

Also, at the end of each tree (12) there is a clamping member (13), which holds the bottles (6) in one portion open or top of them and keeps them suspended under of the support (3).

In a first run, shown in the figures 2 and 3, the clamping member (13) comprises a fork, adapted to fit under the rings (14) of the bottles (6), or under special protruding parts.

Also, in the tree (12) a bushing (15) axially sliding and integral with a plate stop (16), which keeps the bottle (6) in a centered position.

In a different execution, shown in the figure 6, the clamping member (13) comprises a fork adapted for lean under special protruding parts (14) of the bottle. A shaft bush has been introduced axially (12) solidarity slide with a fork whose shape is complementary to the conical part of the bottle, which keeps the bottle in position centered.

In a different execution, shown in the figure 4, the clamping member (13) arranged at the tip of the tree (12) It consists of tongs, for example a three-jaw tongs, to guarantee the centering of the bottle (6) that acts on the neck of bottle or in its upper conical part.

The machine comprises labeling units (8 and 9) adapted to partially and totally affect the periphery of bottles

The labeling units (8 and 9) can be installed on mobile platforms (17) with respect to the support (3) so as to operatively adjust your position and have a better access to perform maintenance or cleaning work.

The machine (1) also includes a computer electronic (18) that controls all its functions. In particular, the electronic computer (18) governs the motors (11) according to a default program, so as to rotate them according to the support rotation (3) and unit operation labellers (8 and 9).

The rotation imparted by the engines (11) to the clamping members (13) allows to correctly present the bottles (6) to the labeling units (8 and 9) and apply the labels around the bottles (6). The machine is provided with so that the control system and the computer can be accessed electronic in remote mode using telematic systems or others remote communication systems (modems, dedicated networks, networks telematics, etc.).

In another machine run (1) (solution no displayed), the clamping member (13) comprises a punch, arranged at the tip of the tree (12), provided with a head that It can expand or widen. In this case, the punch is introduced inside the bottles (6) and hooks them expanding.

The operation of the labeling machine Automatic rotary is essentially as indicated by continuation.

The support (3) rotates on the column (2) motor driven (4).

The conveyor (7) transports the bottles (6) under the support (3) of the machine (1).

There, the clamping members (13) engage the bottle from its end near the opening.

In the description that follows, reference will be made to members (13) with the fork (solution shown in figures 2 and 3).

In this case, during fork rotation (13) together with the support (3), reaches the bottle (6) and the hooks up.

Then, the stop plate (16) goes down, blocking and centering the bottle (6) on the fork (13).

After the above, the bottle (6) rotates together with the support (3), thus moving towards the labeling units (8 and 9).

The labeling units (8 and 9) apply the labels while the engines (11) spin the bottles (6).

The magnitude and modalities of rotation are fundamental factors for the proper functioning of the units labellers (8 and 9). The rotation is regulated according to the packaging to be made; which is equivalent to saying, of the kind of labels to be applied and the technology used by the unit labeler (8, 9) and also depends on the rotation of the support (3).

In the machine (1) these parameters are regulated by the electronic computer (18) and, therefore, are optimized not only for the labeling units (8 and 9) installed in the machine (1), but also for others that could be installed simply removing installed units from platforms (17) and applying others, or moving the platform (17).

After which, it could be enough predispose on the computer (18) the data related to the new unit, invoke the data already stored in the computer (18), or properly change the predispositions of the computer electronic, accessing it using appropriate systems of telecommunication to always obtain a general operation Optimal and very versatile.

Finally, the bottles (6) on which already a label (19) has been applied, they are taken to the second conveyor (10), where they are released and away from the labeling machine (1).

Figures 7 and 8 show two executions other than the machine (1) according to the present invention.

In those executions, the machine (1) includes a upper platform (20), supported by columns (21), which supports a motor (4), two swivel castors (22) and the swivel mount (3), which in turn holds the clamping means (5).

The swivel stand (3) hangs from the platform (20) and is connected to the motor (4), which puts it in rotation.

The first wheel (22) is adapted to take the bottles (6) of the first conveyor (preferably of the type suspended in the air, not shown) and presents them to the media clamping (5), while the second wheel (22) is adapted to take the bottles (6) that have been labeled from the means of clamping (5), and presents them to the second conveyor (10) (preferably of the type suspended in the air, not shown).

Likewise, the machine (1) is also provided with a stop member (23) that allows the correct placement of a bench (24) with respect to the rotating support (3).

The bank (24) includes the labeling unit (8) and the whole device for the correct functioning of the system (one).

In the example shown, the stop member (23) includes an elongated (non-rotating) member that extends from a central part of the rotating support (3) to its own base (25).

Figure 9 shows a preferred embodiment of the machine according to the present invention.

In particular, figure 9 shows the platform upper (20) supported by four columns (21) arranged in the platform corners (20).

The platform (20) supports the rotating support (3), which supports the fastening means (5), and said two swivel wheels (22); in particular, the wheels (22) exhibit a plurality of cupping (not shown, with a type structure star) where the bottles are housed.

The reference number 7 indicates the conveyor in the air that carries the bottles to the machine; the other conveyor is arranged on the other side of the machine and, by Well, you can't see.

The machine (1) is associated with the bank (24), in the which, in the example shown, the labeling unit is installed (8).

In the example shown in Figure 9, there is a only labeling unit but in other examples it is possible to associate a bank (24) to the machine, in which there are several units labellers, or even a plurality of banks.

The bank (24) is coupled to the machine (1) a through flanges (26), which ensures a secure coupling and firm.

In practice, it has been found that the machine Automatic rotary labeler according to the present invention is extremely advantageous since it is very versatile and can be adapted to Various types of bottles and labels.

The above greatly reduces the times dead, thus allowing to reach and / or maintain very productive high. Indeed, for modern high potential machines productive, its productivity could reach up to 1,000 units per minute.

With such productive capacity, each machine stopped causes a considerable decrease in production.

Logically, apart from those already illustrated, they can make other changes or variants; so, for example, in a different execution the support (3) of the machine (1) is integral with the column and forms a "mushroom" type structure.

Then, the entire mushroom structure rotates through the motor drive (4).

The automatic rotary labeling machine conceived in this way can be subject to other changes and modifications, all within the scope of the invention; Likewise, all details can be replaced by elements technically equivalent.

In practice, the materials used as well as also its dimensions, can be any according to the Technical requirements.

Claims (18)

1. Automatic rotary labeling machine (1) comprising a rotating support (3) that holds means (5) for holding bottles or containers (6) to be labeled, said support (3) being operatively associated with at least one unit labeling machine (8, 9) that applies labels (19) to said bottles or containers (6), said rotating support (3) being arranged in an upper part of said machine (1), and said fastening means (5) holding onto said bottles or containers (6) in an open or upper part thereof, and keeping them under said support (3); characterized by the fact that it comprises an upper platform (20) supported by columns (21) that supports at least one motor (4) and said rotating support (3). 2. Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has small dimensions in its lower part. 3. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said clamping means (5) comprise at least one clamping member (13) associated with a motor group (11), wherein said motor group (11) rotates said holding member (13), and, therefore, said bottles or containers held therein. 4. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said motor group (11) comprises a brushless electric motor. 5. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said motor group comprises a stepper electric motor, a hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said clamping member (13) comprises a fork adapted to be linked within rings (14) of said bottles or containers (6). 7. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said clamping member (13) comprises tongs adapted to engage said bottles or containers (6). Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said clamping member (13) comprises a fork adapted to rest under special protruding parts (14), and by the fact that it comprises a shaft (12) on which an axially sliding sleeve integral with a second fork is introduced which exhibits a shape substantially complementary to a conical portion of said bottle or container (6) that keeps said bottle in a centered position. 9. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said clamping member (13) comprises a punch, provided with a head that can be expanded or widened so that, being introduced and expanding into said bottles or containers (6), it hooks them. 10. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a stop (16) that cooperates with said holding member and keeps said bottle or container (6) centered. 11. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of labeling units (8) adapted to apply labels covering the entire periphery of said bottles or containers (6) or covering only a part of the periphery of said bottle or container (6). 12. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said labeling units (8 and 9) are removably installed on top of platforms (17). 13. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said electronic computer (18) governs said motor groups (11) in accordance with a predetermined program, so as to rotate them in accordance with the rotation of said support (3) and with the operation of said labeling unit (8, 9). 14. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said electronic computer allows to change the program predispositions through an adequate remote access operated through telematic systems or remote communication systems. 15. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said motor groups (11) are governed by an electronic computer (18) that memorizes different programs that refer to different labeling modalities, whether for labels (19) covering the entire periphery of said bottle or container (6), be it for labels covering only a part of the periphery of said bottle or container (6). 16. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support (3) is placed on top of a column (2) and can slide on said column (2) so that the height of said support can be adjusted to adapt it to the different types of bottles or containers (6) under development. 17. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a stop member (23) that allows the correct placement of a bench (24), which supports the labeling unit (8) and all the equipment for the correct operation of said system (1) with respect to said rotating support (3). 18. Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stop member (23) comprises an elongate non-rotating member extending from a central part of said rotating support (3).