JP5222966B2 - Labeling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Labeling machine comprises a carousel(s) which transports articles, an exchangeable labeling aggregate(s) arranged on the periphery of the carousel, and a stationary floor-supported aggregate reception(s) (5) for a labeling aggregate is arranged on the periphery of the carousel.

Description

  The present invention relates to an article pasting machine according to the superordinate concept of claim 1.

  From German Patent Publication No. 1974476, a device for pasting articles of different structural types (i.e. a machine for attaching a fixture such as a label to an article, hereinafter referred to as a pasting machine) is known. FIG. 1 of this document shows a label attaching machine having a table plate. An article to be attached (referred to as attaching a label or the like, hereinafter referred to as “attachment”) is attached to the table plate along the label attaching device. A continuously-movable carousel-type conveyor for passing through is supported. The table plate also supports the labeling device. Replacement of the labeling device is time consuming and difficult to handle in this structure. Furthermore, installation of such a labeling machine requires a relatively wide space due to the large table plate.

FIG. 4 of the same document discloses an embodiment in which the labeling device is formed as a replaceable self-supporting module with its own lower cradle and attached drive. In order to fix the relative position of the labeling device with respect to the carousel type conveyor of the machine, it is necessary to fix the labeling device. For this purpose, the label sticking device is fixed to the indoor floor board with bolts, for example. Compared to the form described at the outset, this method significantly improves the handling of the labeling device when the device is changed. Nevertheless, this configuration also requires considerable time for centering and fixing the labeling device, which has a detrimental effect on the replacement time, especially when the device is frequently replaced.
German Patent Publication No. 19741476

  For this reason, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method so that the labeling device can be replaced more easily and more quickly in device replacement operations.

This problem is solved by the features of claims 1 to 18.
A stationary at least one device receiving cradle installed around a carousel conveyor and supported by a floor allows for a quicker and more accurate replacement of any labeling device. The device receiving cradle is centered exactly once relative to the carousel-type conveyor of the article to be loaded, ie, the conveyor or transport plane that can move up and down during rotation, when the machine is installed. The Subsequently, it is particularly advantageous to immobilize the device receiving stand on the indoor floorboard.

  This device receiving stand can be manufactured according to the situation given to the installation position. In particular, an adjustable structure that makes it possible to carry out the stepless centering of the device receiving stand as far as possible with respect to the required height and / or radial spacing and / or inclination relative to the conveying surface relative to the carousel conveyor It is advantageous.

  There is a first element each in a replaceable labeling device that may be designed to handle different label types, such as self-adhesive labels, cold glue labels or roller crimp labels, for example. Is engaged in the second element attached to the device receiving cradle when the labeling device is installed in the device receiving gantry. In this case, when the labeling device is inserted or installed, the first and second These elements center and position the labeling device. The first and second elements may be formed in the form of a particularly configurable stopper body, which restricts the insertion or installation movement of the labeling device to the desired end position.

  The labeling device and the device receiving cradle attached to the labeling device are arranged so that the labeling device is automatically centered relative to the device receiving cradle when the first and second elements are joined to the end position. Advantageously, the first and second elements are formed complementarily, in particular by means of a shape locking configuration. For this purpose, a centering cone is particularly suitable, and the centering cone locks into a correspondingly formed centering bore in a mutually fitted shape. With such automatic centering, the labeling device can be replaced without any use of tools. When the first and second elements are arranged corresponding to, for example, the vertical direction of action, the labeling device is always in a desired centering position relative to the carousel conveyor of the loading machine only by its own weight. It is centered.

  In order to accurately and constantly maintain the relative position between the device receiving stand and the carousel conveyor, which is important for the labeling result, the equipment receiving stand and the table supporting the carousel conveyor are fixed thereto. It is advantageous to join the structural part.

  A device receiving stand that is movable in the height direction is particularly advantageous because it allows adjustment of the label height for the article to be labeled. For this purpose, conventionally used labeling apparatuses are each provided with a relatively expensive height adjusting device, which can be omitted here. Since this type of loading machine may have significantly more labeling devices around the carousel conveyor than the device receiving cradle location, this advantageous modification allows structural costs. Will be significantly reduced. The height adjustment device preferably comprises an electric operation, for example an electric motor.

  In order to quickly switch to a different labeling height, a pre-settable stopper body that can be installed in the movement path of the labeling device may be provided. In the electric operation, limit switches that can be positioned at different positions may be used instead of the stopper body. It is particularly advantageous that the inquiry of the height position of the device receiving cradle is made, for example, via a rotary transmitter of an electric drive motor, because at this time, in connection with the control, a specific labeling height is determined. This is because the automatic shut-off of the driving device can be executed when each of the attached positions is reached. It is advantageous that stored position values can be stored at several different labeling heights by means of stored program control, and these position values can be recalled by pressing a button when switching between the pasting machines. .

  Other advantageous forms are evident from the other appended claims. A preferred embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus receiving stand for a label sticking apparatus. FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with a labeling device, shown schematically only, installed in a device receiving cradle. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device receiving stand for the label sticking device. FIG. 4 shows the side of a second embodiment of the device receiving cradle of FIG. 3 with the labeling device shown in schematic form in place. FIG. 5 shows a vertical partial cross-sectional view of the device receiving cradle of FIGS. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a device receiving stand corresponding to the third embodiment having a lift device. FIG. 7 shows a part of FIG. 6 in an enlarged view. FIG. 8 shows a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus receiving stand for a label applicator at two different positions. FIG. 9 shows a partial perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a machine for attaching a label having a basic structure from which a labeling device is removed. Also not shown is a carousel conveyor (see FIG. 6) that continuously conveys the article to be labeled for the sake of clarity. The machine 1 consists essentially of a pedestal 2, which has a pivot bearing 9 for a carousel conveyor, which is arranged approximately in the center. A ring 4 surrounding at least a part of the pivot bearing is fixedly fixed to the base 2 so as to be concentric with the pivot bearing and radially spaced from the pivot bearing. Fixed to the ring 4 is a stationary device receiving cradle 5 for a rapidly replaceable labeling device 8 (FIG. 2) by means of a coupling element 10.

  The device receiving stand 5 is formed as a parallel rod type pipe structure that opens outward in the radial direction, and the pipe structure is vertically arranged at a virtual rectangular corner and has four support legs capable of height adjustment. 53 (which can be fixed to the floor plate), and the support leg 53 has two support bars 54 having a circular cross section extending in parallel at an intermediate interval in a horizontal plane at the upper end thereof. This intermediate distance has a dimension larger than the outer housing width of the labeling device 8 within this range.

  On at least one support bar 54 arranged radially with respect to the ring 4, there are two separable, split-type second elements 52, which are fixed to the device housing. In order to fix the position of the labeling device in cooperation with the first element 51, the first element 51 is shown in FIG.

  The first element 51 having a substantially sickle-like shape is arranged so that the first element 51 abuts on the side of the second element 52 when the labeling device is installed on or lowered from the support bar 54 from above. The labeling device 8 is mounted so as to project laterally from the housing. Since the roundness adapted to the pipe cross section is provided on the side of the first element 51 facing the support bar 54, the working position of the label sticking device 8 is not fixed in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction of the support bar 54. A shape lock to be fixed to the surface is obtained. In this case, the device receiving stand 5 transmits the total weight of the label sticking device directly to the floor board.

  In order to facilitate the automatic insertion and centering of the labeling device assisted by gravity, the second element is provided with an insertion taper 52 'at least in the region facing upwards. To install or remove the labeling device, a built-in lift device or an external lift device (lift truck, lift device, etc.) is required.

  The apparatus receiving stand 5 is centered only once at the correct work position (height, radial interval, inclination with respect to the conveying surface) of the labeling apparatus when the machine 1 is installed. After that, all the first elements 51 are mounted in the exact same position of the respective device housings, so that any labeling device can be installed.

  This applies in the same way to the second embodiment of the device receiving stand 6 supported on the floor plate as shown in FIGS. This structure shows in principle a modified version of the first embodiment and is only provided with two support legs 63, which in turn likewise have a shape lock, preferably on the ring 4. Has been fixed. The two support legs 63 are formed as hollow pipes having a circular cross section. A threaded bush 66 is press-fitted into the lower end portion. The screwing spindle 65 is screwed into the threaded bush 66 (see the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5). The screw-in spindle 65 is used for adjusting the height of a foot 67 fixedly fixed to the floor board by bolts, for example. A conical sheet 62 is integrally formed at the open upper end of the hollow pipe. The sheet 62 is for receiving the centering cone 61 and locking the shape, and the centering cone 61 is labeled. It is fixed to the device or a plate-like bracket 64 arranged on it.

  The two hollow pipes are connected by a horizontal lateral truss 68 in a region close to the floor plate. In order to fix the inclination of the labeling device, at least one stopper 69 (adjustment screw or the like) preferably extended in a horizontal direction and fixed in a stepless manner is fixed to the lateral truss. The housing comes into contact. However, at least one stopper 69 may instead be provided on the device housing and supported by the lateral truss 68.

  The two centering cones 61 are fixed to each lower side of the two brackets 64 projecting laterally from the labeling device with screws at the same height and at the same interval as the hollow pipe 63.

  A horizontally-centered lateral truss 68 has a guide surface 68 'mounted obliquely at the lateral end protruding from the hollow pipe 63, and the guide surface 68' is slightly lifted by the label attaching device. When 8 is inserted into the ring 4 in the radial direction, it is automatically centered in the lateral or tangential direction until the insertion movement is stopped by contact with at least one stopper 69. In this situation, the centering cone 61 with its narrowed end facing downwards coincides at least approximately with the respective conical sheet 62 in the hollow pipe 63 attached to its lower side. . By lowering, the centering cone is locked and engaged with the seat surface, and in this case, very accurate fine centering is performed. The working position (see FIG. 4) is fixed by the gravity of the labeling device. The height position of the centering cone can optionally be adjusted by its screwing into the bracket 64.

  A third embodiment of the device receiving stand 7 is shown in FIGS. The main difference from the second embodiment described above lies in the built-in lift device 80, which allows the label applicator to be lifted to different working positions in order to set different label applicator heights. . Thereby, the height adjustment conventionally provided in the label sticking apparatus becomes unnecessary.

  The third embodiment 7 includes two ball guides 73 provided in parallel to the vertical direction and fixed to the ring 4 and the floor plate, and a slider 74 movable on the ball guide 73 has a thick steel plate portion. Are rigidly connected by a lateral beam 75 formed from Support legs 76 are integrally formed on both outer side edges of the lateral beam 75, and the support legs 76 have a centering cone 72 on the upper side thereof. When the labeling device is lifted from a low standby position for centering and centering, the centering cone 72 is a conical sheet surface (not shown) cut and formed at the same distance below the protruding side of the labeling device. Lock engagement is possible in a state in which the shape matches.

  An electric lift device is provided for moving the horizontal beam 75 up and down. The electric lift device is composed of a gear motor 79 fixed to a gantry having a screw spindle 78 provided in a vertical direction, and is screwed. The spindle 78 is screwed into a screw hole in a block 77 that is rigidly fixed to the side beam 75.

  The upper working position can be fixed by a presettable stopper or limit switch which is not shown and can be installed in the movement path. However, this is combined with the program memory, allowing the push button to be called via a position query of different working positions and automatically set electrically. For this purpose, a rotational position transmitter 79 ′ may be provided in the drive motor. This is simply a corresponding value stored in the program memory for each desired labeling height.

  Replacement of the movable labeling device is possible very easily in this way, in particular quickly, without using any auxiliary means. It is clear that a guide surface (not shown) corresponding to the second embodiment may be provided in order to pre-center the label sticking device to be newly installed.

  When the shape stable absorption of the moment generated by the apparatus weight and the one-side holding is ensured and the sufficiently stable holding is performed, the floor board support of the vertical guide 73 may be omitted in some cases.

  FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the carousel conveyor 3 of the machine 1 for attaching the labels. In order to receive an article to be labeled such as a bottle, a number of rotating dishes arranged at equal intervals on a common pitch circle may be provided.

  FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the device receiving cradle indicated by reference numeral 40. The device receiving stand 40 is characterized by a flat underfloor structure. That is, the labeling device (not shown) is installed on the plate receiving device receiving stand, and the rotating plate type conveyor 3 is lower. Can be held in a relatively centered position. For this purpose, a plurality of centering elements 43 are arranged in an offset position on a horizontal plate 41, each centering element 43 having a centering cone 45 and a support surface 44. The plate 41 is placed on the four legs 42. The foot 42 and / or the centering element 43 can be precisely adjusted by screwing individually to hold the labeling device in the desired position. This adjustment is generally performed only once. There is a centering bore which is arranged in alignment with the centering element 43 on the underside of the labeling device or on its support frame. Via the coupling element 10 ′, the plate 41 is coupled to the ring 4 fixed to the base 2.

  As shown in the lower view of FIG. 8, it is advantageous that the plate 41 may be coupled to the coupling element 10 ′ via a hinge joint 46 so that it can be folded around a horizontal axis. With this, when the apparatus receiving stand 40 is not in use, the handle 49 (FIG. 9) is used to move the apparatus receiving stand 40 from the working position (upper view in FIG. 8) to a non-working position (in FIG. 8). It can be folded to the lower figure. By this means, good access convenience to the machine is ensured.

  In order to facilitate the insertion of the labeling device, as shown in FIG. 9, a raised guide rail 48 extends above the plate 41 from the radially outer side to a stopper 47 that determines the radially inner end position. The shape insert diagonal is fixed. The mutual distance between the guide rails 48 is narrowed in the insertion direction, which is combined with a guide roller (not shown) that can be inserted between the guide rails 48 attached to the lower side of the labeling device. Prior centering in the lateral direction of the labeling device movable on the wheel is possible. As soon as the preceding guide roller in the insertion direction hits the stopper 47, the insertion movement of the labeling device is stopped, and the centering inner hole on the lower side thereof is located on the lower side of the device receiving stand 40. It will almost coincide with the element 43. By lowering the device, the centering element forms a locking engagement in shape, so that the device sits on the support surface 44 and in this case is finely centered in the desired position. . Device removal is performed in the reverse order. The labeling device or its support pedestal may be equipped with a built-in lift device (eg hydraulically or electrically operable) for raising and lowering.

  Although not shown, even if the device receiving stand 40 is formed to be movable up and down in order to allow the label sticking device to move to different work positions (because the sticking height of the label to the container is different) Good. For this purpose, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, an electric lift device that allows the plate 41 to move up and down may be used.

Claims (26)

In machines that attach labels to items such as containers,
A carousel-type conveyor for conveying articles;
A rigid frame that supports the carousel conveyor;
A drive motor that rotates a vertical spindle;
A device receiving stand,
The frame fixed and vertically arranged guide;
A rigid crossbar slidably coupled to the guide, wherein the drive motor is displaced upward with respect to the drive motor when the drive motor rotates in the first direction, and the drive motor is moved in the second direction. The crossbar engaged with the spindle so as to be displaced downward with respect to the drive motor when rotated to
The device receiving cradle having at least one first element disposed on an upper surface of the crossbar;
A replaceable labeling device for applying a label to the article when the article is conveyed by the carousel conveyor;
With
The labeling device is in shape engagement with the at least one first element disposed on the top surface of the crossbar to align the position of the labeling device with respect to the periphery of the carousel conveyor. Having at least one second element,
A label pasting machine which sets different label pasting heights by lifting the label pasting device to a different operating position by the upward and downward displacement of the crossbar by the drive motor.   The label loading machine according to claim 1, wherein the guide is fixed to a floor surface.   The labeling machine according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second elements on the labeling device and the device receiving stand is designed to be complementary.   4. A labeling machine according to claim 3, wherein each first and second element is designed in the form of a pair that engages each other.   2. The label pasting machine according to claim 1, wherein the cross bar is movable from a receiving position for receiving and inserting the label sticking device to a working position of the label sticking device higher than the receiving position, and A labeling machine that can move in the opposite direction.   6. The label pasting machine according to claim 5, wherein each work position can reach the movement path of the crossbar and can be adjusted in advance, or a contact control unit or a switch, or a drive control unit of the drive motor. A labeling machine that can be adjusted in advance to different labeling heights according to preset values that are stored and recalled.   The label mounting machine according to claim 1, wherein the device receiving stand is engaged with a bottom surface side of the label applying device.   2. A labeling machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first element is a centering bore and the at least one second element is a centering cone.   The label mounting machine according to claim 1, wherein the drive motor has a speed sensor and is controlled by a programmable control in a storage unit.   2. A labeling machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first element is a centering cone and the at least one second element is a centering bore. In the label pasting machine according to claim 1,
The cross bar has a screw hole. When the drive motor rotates in the first direction, the cross bar is displaced upward with respect to the drive motor, and the drive motor is A labeling machine for threadably engaging the spindle so that the crossbar is displaced downward relative to the drive motor when rotated in a direction.   The label mounting machine according to claim 11, wherein the screw hole of the cross bar is formed in a block fixed to the cross bar.   The label packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the guide has a movable slider that is displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the guide, and the crossbar is fixed to the movable slide. .   The label pasting machine according to claim 1, wherein the crossbar has a pair of vertically projecting support arms, and the at least one first element is disposed on an upper surface of one of the support arms. A labeling machine. In the label pasting machine according to claim 1,
A generally flat guide introduction surface is coupled to one of the guide, the crossbar and the frame;
Thus, when the label sticking device moves toward the frame, the guide introduction surface is located at a position where the second element of the label sticking device is substantially aligned with the first element of the crossbar. A labeling machine that guides the labeling device.   2. The labeling machine according to claim 1, further comprising a second guide arranged and fixed in a vertical direction on the frame, wherein the second guide is offset parallel to the guide. Dressing machine. In machines that attach labels to items such as containers,
A carousel-type conveyor for conveying articles;
A rigid frame that supports the carousel conveyor;
A device receiving stand,
A substantially flat plate pivotally connected to the frame;
At least one first element disposed on an upper surface of the plate;
And at least one foot disposed on the bottom surface of the plate,
The plate is pivotable from a working position to a non-operating position, wherein the plate is substantially parallel to the floor surface and the at least one foot is in contact with the floor surface to support the plate. And, in the non-working position, the device receiving cradle, wherein the plate is substantially perpendicular to the floor surface;
A replaceable labeling device for applying a label to the article when the article is transported by the carousel-type conveyor, and is disposed on the upper surface of the board when the board is in a working position. At least one second element that is in shape engagement with the at least one first element and that aligns and secures the position of the labeling device relative to the periphery of the carousel conveyor The labeling device;
A label pasting machine comprising: In the label pasting machine according to claim 17,
The plate has a pair of raised bulges protruding vertically from the upper surface side of the plate and extending generally in the direction of introduction of the labeling device,
The ledge engages a corresponding guide roller coupled to the bottom surface of the label applicator device during introduction of the label applicator device so that the label applicator device has the at least one first element. A labeling machine that is rolled to a position that is aligned with the at least one second element.   19. The labeling machine according to claim 18, wherein a separation distance between each pair of raised protrusions decreases in the introduction direction. In the label pasting machine according to claim 18,
The plate has a raised contact portion arranged in a tangential direction, protruding vertically from the plate,
When the label applicator is rolled to a position where the at least one first element is aligned with the at least one second element, the raised abutment is in the longitudinal direction of the label applicator. A labeling machine that prevents further displacement. In the label pasting machine according to claim 17,
The labeling machine, wherein the at least one first element is a centering cone and the at least one second element is a centering bore. In the label pasting machine according to claim 17,
The labeling machine, wherein the at least one first element is a centering bore and the at least one second element is a centering cone. In the label pasting machine according to claim 17,
The at least one foot portion is screwed to a part of the bottom surface of the plate, whereby the vertical distance between the floor surface and the bottom surface of the plate changes in the at least one foot portion. A labeling machine that can be adjusted vertically.   24. The labeling machine according to claim 21, wherein the centering cone is screwed to a part of the upper surface of the plate so that the centering cone can be adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the plate. There is a labeling machine.   The label mounting machine according to claim 17, wherein the at least one second element is disposed on a bottom surface side of the label application device.   18. The label pasting machine according to claim 17, wherein a coupling element is coupled to the frame, and the coupling element is coupled to the plate by a pivotal connection unit, and the pivotal connection unit causes the plate to be attached to the floor surface. Labeling machine that swivels at least 90 °.