WO2007047011A1 - Appareil de decoupe d'un film tubulaire - Google Patents

Appareil de decoupe d'un film tubulaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007047011A1
WO2007047011A1 PCT/US2006/036780 US2006036780W WO2007047011A1 WO 2007047011 A1 WO2007047011 A1 WO 2007047011A1 US 2006036780 W US2006036780 W US 2006036780W WO 2007047011 A1 WO2007047011 A1 WO 2007047011A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pinions
ring gear
cutting
platform
bore
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2006/036780
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kuo-Raid Grant Chen
Original Assignee
Axon Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US11/247,056 external-priority patent/US7343842B2/en
Application filed by Axon Corporation filed Critical Axon Corporation
Publication of WO2007047011A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007047011A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
    • B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
    • B26D1/12—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis
    • B26D1/25—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member
    • B26D1/26—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut
    • B26D1/28—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut and rotating continuously in one direction during cutting
    • B26D1/285—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a cutting member moving about an axis with a non-circular cutting member moving about an axis substantially perpendicular to the line of cut and rotating continuously in one direction during cutting for thin material, e.g. for sheets, strips or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D3/00—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor
    • B26D3/16—Cutting rods or tubes transversely
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
    • B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
    • B65C9/0065—Cutting tubular labels from a web

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of cutting mechanisms, and more particularly to cutting mechanisms adapted for cutting thin wall tubing in a tubular labeling machine.
  • Thin wall plastic tubing is often used for over-wrapping product containers, for example bottles containing personal hygiene, pharmaceutical or food products.
  • the plastic tubing is applied as a label over a major portion of the container to identify the product and/or enhance the appearance of the container.
  • the plastic tubing provides a tamper-evident band that covers the container cap and neck, serving to indicate whether the container has been opened prior to purchase. Identifying labels and tamper-evident bands are referred to collectively herein as tubular labels.
  • the plastic tubing is processed so as to be shrinkable by the application of heat after a cut length of tubing has been placed over the container causing the tubing to conform snugly to the contours of the container.
  • the subject plastic tubular labels are applied to product containers in manufacturing environments, therefore process reliability, tubing length consistency, and neatness of the cut edge are important factors.
  • Most known machines for the application of thin wall plastic tubing to containers employ a scissor-type double blade cutter or a guillotine-type single blade cutter.
  • Another cutter type operates a number of rotatably mounted blades that are positioned around a central hole through which a tubular film is passed. The blades are caused to rotate after the film has been advanced a predetermined length.
  • the present invention provides a unique film tubing cutter that employs a driving mechanism not disclosed in any known prior art and is described below.
  • the present invention cutter may also be used for cutting lengths of thin wall tubing that is formed substantially continuously by the process of extrusion.
  • the resulting extruded tubing product is cut to defined lengths for packaging and shipping.
  • the present invention is useful to cut lengths of tubing emerging from the extruding operation or subsequently in substitution for the current single blade cutting that is commonly used.
  • the apparatus for cutting film tubing described herein utilizes a number of pinions that are rotatably mounted and equally spaced around a bore in a platform.
  • a blade is assembled to each pinion and the pinions mesh with a central ring gear that is rotatably mounted on the platform coaxially with the bore of the platform.
  • a film tube is passed through the ring gear and the platform bore.
  • One of the pinions is driven by a motor through a single-revolution clutch.
  • a series of bottles, or other products on which a tubular label is to be mounted, is transported on a conveyor to a location below the platform bore.
  • a length of film tubing is advanced and the clutch is actuated to cause the pinions to swing the blades in synchronized arcs to sever a length of tubing that is then placed on the bottle.
  • a product conveyor is used if the cut tubing is to be placed over a bottle or other product, but not if the cutter is used for cutting lengths of tubing from an extruder.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view of a machine for applying tubular labels to containers transported on a conveyor including the cutting apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the cutting apparatus of the present invention taken in the direction of line 2 - 2 of Figure 1 with the conveyor eliminated for clarity.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a pinion with a disc and a blade assembled thereto according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is an exploded schematic elevation view of the cutting apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • Figure 5 is an exploded schematic elevation view of the cutting apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 6 is an assembled schematic elevation view of the cutting apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • the machine 10 for applying tubular labels or tamper-evident bands to containers 62 advances a tubular film 22 in the direction indicated by arrow A from a film supply 20 by the intermittent action of driven wheels 30 in the direction indicated by arrow B.
  • Driven wheels 30 are rotated by an actuator (not shown), for example a stepper motor.
  • Driven wheels 30 and idlers 24 and 28 are mounted to a support (not shown) to define a path for advancing tubular film 22 from supply 20 through a bore 38 in a platform 32.
  • the apparatus 12 of the invention for cutting film tubing 22 is mounted to platform 32, and a conveyor 64 passes below platform 32 in the direction indicated by arrow C for carrying a series of spaced apart products or containers, for example bottles 62, to be labeled.
  • Film tubing 22 is to be cut into selected length sleeves by blades 36a and 36d that are mounted respectively on pinions 34a and 34d.
  • blades 36a and 36d that are mounted respectively on pinions 34a and 34d.
  • Pinions 34a and 34d engage a ring gear 40 that is mounted on platform 32 in concentric relation to bore 38.
  • a set of discs 42a and 42d are assembled to pinions 34a and 34d to prevent ring gear 40 from axial movement.
  • Film tubing 22 is first held still and then discharged by a pair of drivers 44 as each bottle 62 is positioned to receive the sleeve label.
  • the cutter of the present invention is applicable to cut lengths of tubing from an extruding operation, in which case the conveyor is not needed.
  • the present invention can also be employed with film tubing 22 being advanced horizontally to enwrap a horizontally oriented product with cutting mechanism 12 oriented vertically.
  • platform 32 is formed with a bore 38 therethrough of sufficient diameter D to allow tubular film 22 to pass.
  • a ring gear 40 formed with its central hole equal to or greater in diameter than bore 38 in platform 32, is mounted on platform 32 in a manner to enable free rotation thereof.
  • a series of pinions 34a - 34f are mounted rotatably to platform 32 in angularly dispersed positions around ring gear 40 to mesh therewith.
  • Each pinion 34a - 34f is assembled to a shaft, the shafts being perpendicular to the surface of platform 32.
  • a selected number of planar members, for example discs 42a - 42f, are assembled coaxially to the upper surface of each respective pinion 34a - 34f.
  • Discs 42a - 42f are preferably equal to or greater than pinions 34a - 34f in diameter to overlap at least the area occupied by the teeth of ring gear 40. Whereas the preferred embodiment is depicted in Figure 2 as having 6 discs, a lesser number of discs, e.g. 3 or 4 discs, would perform the essential function of maintaining ring gear 40 in position axially.
  • the ring formed of pinions 34a - 34f effectively radially captures ring gear 40 while discs 42a - 42f axially capture ring gear 40, allowing free rotation thereof while preventing significant movement in both th ⁇ radial or axial directions.
  • a bearing washer or gasket (not shown) may be assembled between each pinion and the respective disc.
  • no mounting bearings or retention clips are employed to support or restrain ring gear 40.
  • Ring gear 40 is rotated by the action of pinions 34a - 34f.
  • a series of blades 36a - 36f are affixed to the top surfaces of each of discs 42a - 42f. Blades 36a - 36f are preferably formed with elongate sharp cutting edges and angled tips, as is shown.
  • Blades 36a - 36f face the center of ring gear 40 when pinions 34a - 34f are in the rest position.
  • Blades 36a - 36f are each mounted to respective discs 42a - 42f with their respective elongate cutting edges similarly oriented in respect to a radius of ring gear 40 in order that blades 36a - 36f are able to rotate in the same angular direction as indicated by arrow F, i.e. counterclockwise.
  • the synchronized rotation and positioning of pinions 34a - 34f, discs 42a - 42f and blades 36a - 36f results in the tips of blades 36a - 36f following complementary, overlapping arcs as indicated by arrows E to intersect and cut tubular film 22 without interference from other blades.
  • the preferred embodiment depicted herein has 6 pinions and 6 blades, but different numbers of pinions and blades are possible, with the pinion diameter and the blade length configured accordingly. In particular, the invention contemplates a lesser number of pinions and blades with a tubular film of smaller diameter, and vice versa.
  • the pinions 34a - 34f and discs 42a - 42f are mounted an equal angular distance from each other.
  • discs 42a - 42f are preferably formed with a blade seat, or channel (not shown). Blades 36a - 36f are fastened into respective blade seats or anchored by fasteners for secure positioning.
  • the invention disclosed further encompasses a configuration in which the illustrated assembly is inverted with blades 36a - 36f disposed beneath discs 42a - 42f and cutter mechanism 12 resides beneath platform 32. Each pinion 34a - 34f is held in a stationary rest position between tubing cutting operations, as illustrated in Figure 2, with each respective blade 36a
  • a selected pinion, specifically pinion 34a, is mounted to a shaft that passes through platform 32 to terminate at a pulley 56 ( Figure 1), preferably a timing pulley.
  • Pulley 56 is drivingly connected by a belt 58, preferably a timing belt, to pulley 54, preferably a timing pulley.
  • Pulley 54 is mounted to the shaft of a clutch 52 that is coupled to a motor 50.
  • Motor 50 is of any known type of motor able to drive the mechanism described herein. Motor 50 operates continuously.
  • Clutch 52 is of the type known as a single-revolution clutch/brake, available for example from Danaher Corporation of Washington, DC. The size and power ratings of motor 50 and clutch 52 are to be determined according to the requirements of the system being designed.
  • conveyor 64 operates continuously to convey a series of bottle 62 into position below the center of bore 38 in plate 32. As each bottle 62 approaches the desired position, a selected length of tubular film 22 is advanced by driven wheels 30 and is positioned above the projected location of container 62. Clutch 52 is activated by motor 50 to rotate through one revolution, causing pinion 34a to rotate one revolution, in turn causing pinions 34b
  • Blades 36a - 36f are caused to rotate in unison through arcs E (shown in dashed lines) to cut through tubular film 22, separating the advanced length of tubing from tubular film 22 as a cut sleeve.
  • a pair of film drivers 44 reside downstream of blades 36a - 36f to hold each cut length of tubing film 22 suspended until a bottle 62 is properly positioned.
  • Sensors (not shown) to detect the continuity of tubular film 22 and the position of bottle 62 are provided in the manner known in the trade.
  • the sensors send responsive signals to a microprocessor (not shown) for control of the activation timing .of driven wheels 30, drivers 44 and clutch 52.
  • the cut sleeve 22a is first held stationary and then discharged by drivers 44 when bottle 62 reaches the selected position.
  • the cut lengths of tubular film 22 are illustrated as sleeves 22a on bottles 62 that have been conveyed past the label mounting position.
  • clutch 52 causes blades 36a - 36f to cut tubular film 22
  • drivers 44 are activated to discharge the cut sleeve 22a onto bottle 62 and, simultaneously, driven wheels 30 are activated to advance a subsequent length of tubular film 22.
  • bottles 62 are placed into an environment to cause the sleeves to shrink radially and snugly enwrap the bottles, for example a heat tunnel.
  • FIG. 3 a perspective view of a typical pinion 34f is shown with disc 42f and blade 36f mounted thereto.
  • the diameter d of disc 42f is equal to or greater than the diameter d' of pinion 36f. This diameter d provides that the gaps between the teeth of pinion 34f are covered by disc 42f.
  • the teeth of ring gear 40 engage the teeth of pinion 34f and are covered by the extending portion of disc 42f.
  • disc 42f and additional discs mounted to several pinions axially capture ring gear 40 in close proximity to platform 32.
  • FIG 4 the embodiment illustrated and described in relation to Figures 1 , 2 and 3 is shown in partially exploded schematic side elevation view.
  • a planar member e.g. disc 42e is mounted by any appropriate means to pinion 34e, and blade 36e is mounted by appropriate means to disc 42e.
  • a shaft 46e extends axially outward from the bore of pinion 34e for mounting into socket 48e in platform 32 to enable pinion 34e to rotate freely.
  • a similar set of components 34b, 36b, 42b, 48b is shown in mirror image.
  • Ring gear 40 is positioned to reside rotatably on platform 32 in coaxial alignment to bore 38.
  • Blade 36e is assembled directly to the upper surface of pinion 34e with no intervening planar member.
  • Ring gear 40 is assembled coaxially to an annular planar member, e.g. washer plate 66, being formed with a central bore therethrough of similar diameter to the bore through ring gear 40.
  • Ring gear 40 is assembled to washer plate 66 by any appropriate means.
  • FIG. 6 a third preferred embodiment is shown in assembled side elevation view.
  • Supports 74 are of sufficient length to allow ring gear 40 to rotate freely and not move more than a slight amount in the axial direction.
  • Supports 74 are positioned in locations on platform 32 to avoid interfering with pinions 34e, 34b and additional pinions as may be employed.
  • Washer plate 70 is preferably round and of sufficient diameter to overlie an area where the teeth of ring gear 40 engage the teeth of pinions 34e, 34b to prevent more than minimal axial movement of ring gear 40.
  • a series of blades 36e, 36b are mounted to respective pinions 34e, 34b through columns 76e, 76b so that blades 36e, 36b are able to rotate without interfering with washer plate 70.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Labeling Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de découpe d'un film tubulaire destiné à être utilisé dans une machine appliquant des étiquettes tubulaires sur une série de récipients qui sont transportés sur un convoyeur. Le film tubulaire se déplace progressivement par incréments, par l'intermédiaire d'une couronne et d'un alésage pratiqué dans une plate-forme sur laquelle ladite couronne est montée rotative. Plusieurs pignons munis de lames de coupe sont montés rotatifs sur la plate-forme en des positions leur permettant d'être en prise avec la couronne. L'un des pignons est entraîné en rotation, en une seule révolution, lorsque le film tubulaire a progressé. Le pignon entraîné provoque la rotation des pignons supplémentaires, du fait de la rotation de la couronne, ce qui a pour effet que les lames coupent le film tubulaire.
PCT/US2006/036780 2005-10-11 2006-09-21 Appareil de decoupe d'un film tubulaire WO2007047011A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/247,056 US7343842B2 (en) 2004-10-28 2005-10-11 Apparatus for cutting film tubing
US11/247,056 2005-10-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007047011A1 true WO2007047011A1 (fr) 2007-04-26

Family

ID=37962812

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2006/036780 WO2007047011A1 (fr) 2005-10-11 2006-09-21 Appareil de decoupe d'un film tubulaire

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2007047011A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2886476A1 (fr) * 2013-12-23 2015-06-24 P.E. Labellers S.p.A. Dispositif pour la découpe d'étiquettes pour machines d'étiquetage avec des étiquettes en manchon

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2305564A (en) * 1941-10-22 1942-12-15 Ralph E Tubbs Saw filing device
US5531858A (en) * 1995-01-20 1996-07-02 Hong; Chin-Tan Shrinkable label inserting machine
US20030084772A1 (en) * 2001-11-05 2003-05-08 Shen Ying Liang Cutting device of packaging machine

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2305564A (en) * 1941-10-22 1942-12-15 Ralph E Tubbs Saw filing device
US5531858A (en) * 1995-01-20 1996-07-02 Hong; Chin-Tan Shrinkable label inserting machine
US20030084772A1 (en) * 2001-11-05 2003-05-08 Shen Ying Liang Cutting device of packaging machine

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2886476A1 (fr) * 2013-12-23 2015-06-24 P.E. Labellers S.p.A. Dispositif pour la découpe d'étiquettes pour machines d'étiquetage avec des étiquettes en manchon
ITVR20130291A1 (it) * 2013-12-23 2015-06-24 Pe Labellers Spa Dispositivo di taglio di etichette per macchine etichettatrici con etichette a manicotto

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