WO2016080886A1

WO2016080886A1 - Proceeding for label placement and arrangement for accomplish the proceeding

Info

Publication number: WO2016080886A1
Application number: PCT/SE2015/051156
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerard Dijkstra; Jonas SÖDERGÅRD
Original assignee: Autolabel Ab
Priority date: 2014-11-17
Filing date: 2015-11-03
Publication date: 2016-05-26
Also published as: SE1451377A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a proceeding and an arrangement for the placement of self-adhesive labels (1) and other sheet-formed products on packages (2), envelopes, or other objects of the desired kind, which are intended to be marked and where the label (1) before the placement on the package (2), etc., is arrested by an applicator plate (3) working by vacuum. According to the invention, a downwardly directed impact force (F) is provided to the label (1), being releasable or already released from the applicator plate (3), by means of a pusher (4) transferable through said applicator plate (3). The pusher is in the form of an elongate cylindrical body or has a ruler- like shape, preferably provided with a friction increasing actuation surface (14) along the downwardly facing nose portion (4A) thereof, wherein a shape-adapted insertion opening (12) for the pusher (4) is arranged in the applicator plate (3) for passage through the applicator plate (3) or that a downwardly open, mating recess in the applicator plate (3) is arranged for carrying the pusher (4) therein before pushing down the same.

Description

Proceeding for label placement and arrangement for

accomplish the proceeding.

The present invention concerns a

proceeding for the placement of self-adhesive labels and other sheet-formed products on packages, envelopes, or other marking objects of the desired kind, which are intended to be marked and where the label before the placement on the package, etc., is arrested by an

applicator plate working by vacuum, a downwardly directed impact force being provided to a label, being releasable or already released from the applicator plate, by means of a pusher transferable through said applicator plate.

Concurrently with the general trend toward increased automatization in the society around us, increased requirements are made of increased flexibility, quickness, and safety, in addition to the usual

requirement of reliability. This applies not the least to logistics applications wherein an increasing potential concurrently with more and more of the things we see around us being shipped and handled by increased

automation in packages, which are provided with one or more labels.

In order to manage to be able to place labels at high velocity with long range/length of stroke, it is a major advantage if the weight of the movable parts of the label applicator is low. A long length of stroke is needed, for instance, in marking from the upper side if the products to be marked vary in height. This is common for logistics applications. By keeping the weight of the applicator low, the forces can be correspondingly decreased, which makes the applicator less dangerous for the user. The goal is that it should be possible to be classified as entirely

harmless. In order to accomplish this, the low weight and the harmless forces should be connected with the

applicator or the entire machine being movable out of position upon, e.g., a collision.

One part that normally constitutes an important part of the movable mass of a label applicator is the applicator plate, which normally has the purpose of holding the label during output from the printer, but also during the entire placement process. Normally, vacuum is used to arrest the label on the applicator plate but also f ns.

By US 5,300,181 A, a label application apparatus is previously known comprising a plurality of circular label pushers (60) , which press down a label (28) that is sucked onto a suction plate (36) on the underside thereof for the fastening on an object (A) . See Fig. 2. Said apparatus is able to place labels on objects having an irregular shape and then in separated steps. Openings in the suction plate (36) are seen to be essentially larger than the circumference shape of the label pushers (60) .

JPH 10101045A concerns a support (34a) for a label (L) . In that connection, the adhesion agent on the labels is located against said support (34a) and the label (L) is arrested thereby, if it not, by the stiffness of the label, is backed up on said supports. An elongate rectangular label pusher (158) is arranged to be pressable down onto the label so that this is pressed down into a formed large opening (34c) between the supports (34a) . However, it is important to obtain a large surface with suction function for arresting labels so that the adhesive underside thereof clears from possible backing-up supports, and to be able to bring the labels to be folded in half and that these then are unfolded and placed evenly across the intended the adhesion surface of the object onto which it is intended to be adhered.

The main object of the present invention is, among other things, to solve the problems mentioned above in a simple, safe, efficient, and cost-saving way.

Said object is achieved by means of, on one hand, a proceeding that essentially is characterized in that the label is actuated along the longitudinal intermediate portion thereof, using a transverse, elongate pusher, whereby the label is actuated to be folded up with its mutually opposite side portions of the label V-shaped, so that upon placement, first the intermediate portion is adhered and then said folded-up side portions successively are folded down and adhere to the marking object,

and, on the other hand, by an arrangement according to the present invention, which essentially is characterized in that the pusher is in the form of an elongate cylindrical body or has a ruler-like shape, preferably provided with a friction increasing actuation surface along the downwardly facing nose portion thereof, wherein a shape-adapted insertion opening for the pusher is arranged in the applicator plate for passage through the applicator plate or that a downwardly open, mating recess in the applicator plate is arranged for carrying the pusher therein before pushing down the same.

An interesting advantage of the present proceeding, and of not using a traditional applicator plate, is that labels of different sizes can be used on the same applicator, as long as the label always is centred laterally in relation to the applicator, and that the front part of the pusher, which may be compared to a pencil, causes the different labels to fold in half.

Should in addition the adhesion surface of the object be somewhat unevenly convex or concave, the present technique is more stable compared with a

traditional mechanical placement. The speed and folded shape of the label accordingly makes the label to follow the surface better after placement.

The invention is described below in the form of a preferred embodiment example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figs. 1-4 schematically show the function of the invention with an applicator plate and with a pusher during the label attachment,

Fig. 5 shows a view from above of a label placement machine,

Figs. 6-12 show schematic side views of a label placement machine having applicator and pusher during the course of events with the same,

Fig. 13 shows the turning feature of the applicator,

Fig. 14 shows in perspective a labelling machine, and

Fig. 15 shows different suggestions of cross-sectional shapes of pushers for labels.

The new idea aims at virtually

eliminating, in any case minimizing, the weight of the applicator plate. This is achieved by letting the

applicator plate by vacuum only hold the label during output from the printer. Then, the air resistance is utilized to hold the label in place during the placement process .

This is made by hitting the label by a pusher from above through a cavity in the applicator plate, which makes the label to release from the vacuum and instead follow the applicator toward the object to be marked .

In order for the label to accompany the applicator as meant, the front part of the applicator should be shaped so that the label is folded in the middle and follows the applicator. For instance, the shape of the applicator may be similar to a pencil, as in the pictures.

Upon placement, the applicator can then hit the object to be marked, or if the velocity of the applicator is sufficiently high, turning of the applicator can occur up to 2 dm from the marking object. In the latter case, the applicator works similarly to a blow applicator having an air knife. The label will in both cases be unfolded and placed evenly over the surface. If the surface is somewhat uneven, convex or concave, the present technique is more stable compared with a

traditional mechanical placement, since the speed and folded shape of the label makes the label to follow the surface better after placement.

Another interesting advantage of the present proceeding of not using a traditional applicator plate is that labels of different sizes can be used in the same applicator, as long as the label always is centred laterally in relation to the applicator, and that the front part, which may be compared to a pencil, causes the different labels to fold in half.

In order to hit the correct spot with the pusher on the marking object, first a measure of the height of the object is needed. By means of the height information and by controlling how the applicator moves through the air onto the marking object, the applicator can be started at the correct instant of time, and thereby place the label on the correct spot.

This can be made by using a linear air cylinder having an appurtenant quick and exact position sensor, which can give indications of position along the entire motion. In this way, it can be determined exactly how long time it takes for the cylinder/applicator to reach a determined position/height.

According to the above described

embodiment example, a linear motion is applied, but it may alternatively be rotary. The driving is shown and

described as pneumatic, but it may as well consist of, for instance, an electric motor.

Specifically, reference is made to

examples of the invention shown in the drawings for accomplishing a proceeding for the placement of self- adhesive labels and other sheet -formed products on

packages, envelopes, or other objects of the desired kind, which are intended to be marked and where labels before the placement on the package, etc., are arrested by an applicator plate working by vacuum, and for the formation of an arrangement therefor, respectively.

A said proceeding for the placement of self-adhesive labels and other sheet-formed products on packages 2, 2A..., envelopes, or other objects of the

desired kind, e.g., food in the form of cheese,

charcuterie trays, or flowers, or other objects, which may have an irregular shape and soft texture and which are intended to be marked and where the label 1 before the placement onto the package 2, etc., is arrested by an applicator plate 3 working by vacuum involves that a downwardly directed impact force F is provided to a label 1, being releasable or already released from the

applicator plate 3, by means of a pusher 4 transferable through said applicator plate 3.

In said applicator plate 3 , which by built-in suction ducts is arranged to mediate vacuum to downwardly facing suction nozzles 10 for arresting labels, during at least a part of the proper application progress of the same, the pusher 3 is carried in a receivable way or arranged to pass through.

The label 1 is actuated along the

longitudinal intermediate portion 5 thereof using a said pusher 4 on the side 1C of the label 1 that is turned from the side ID covered with self-adhesive adhesion agent, whereby the label 1 is actuated to be folded up with its mutually opposite side portions 1A, IB of the label into a V- shape, so as to upon placement first hit with the intermediate portion 5 of the label on the package 2 and then said side portions 1A, IB are successively folded down and adhere to the marking object in question, e.g. package 2, etc.

According to the invention, the label 1 is actuated by a transverse, elongate pusher 4, which is actuatable by means of a linear or rotatable pneumatically or electrically driven piston 8 or any other suitable, actuating member. By means of a position indicator of a suitable kind, and which is not shown in the drawings, the motion of the pusher through the air toward the intended marking object 2 and the height H of the marking object are monitored, whereby the start of the applicator, i.e., the pusher 4, is calculated to be possible to occur at the correct, desired instant of time to allow placing the label 1 on the correct spot of the marking object 2.

An arrangement 10, which is suitable to be applied for the placement of self-adhesive labels 1 by a proceeding of the type mentioned, comprises a pusher 4, which is transferable essentially in the vertical

direction 11 and intended for a compulsorily impact force on labels 1, etc. freely movable in the downward direction 12, and is arranged to entirely or partly be transferred through said applicator plate in connection with the release of a label 1 from the same. Thus, the pusher 4 may, as shown in the drawings, in the initial position I for the application of labels 1 on package 5, etc., be receivable on a level N high above the applicator plate 3, if the pusher 4 is arranged to pass through an intended shape-adapted insertion opening 12 in the applicator plate 3. Alternatively, the pusher 4 may be receivable in a downwardly open, mating recess in the applicator plate 3 for carrying the pusher 4 therein before pushing down the same from said recess. Only the upwardly directed piston rod 13 of the pusher extends in that connection through a mating hole in the applicator plate 3 to the appurtenant actuating cylinder 8. The disadvantage thereof is that the pusher 4 has to accelerate quickly a short distance to work efficiently. Preferably, therefore an opening 12, intended for the insertion of a said pusher 4, extends entirely through said applicator plate 3, which is

arranged to be retained on essentially the same level B during the entire label placement, but that instead a piston rod 13, which supports the pusher 4 and which is arranged to actuate the pusher 4 , is displaceable in the downward direction and arranged to be lifted up to the initial position I for the label application,

respectively.

Said pusher 4 is driven by a fast-acting air cylinder 8 provided with a long length of stroke A, and that a position indicator is arranged to be able to detect height information and/or positions of the pusher 4.

A said pusher 4 may be in the form of an elongate cylindrical body or has a ruler- like shape.

Preferably, it is provided with a suitable friction increasing actuation surface 14 along the downwardly facing nose portion 4A of the pusher. The pusher 4 is arranged drivable by air and/or electricity, and that the driving part is formed of an air cylinder 8 or any other actuatable means that is linearly or rotatably movable.

Known solutions therefor comprise at short lengths of stroke a rod having a suction cup in the end of the rod. In other solutions, the entire label-arresting suction plate is moved from an elevated location all the way down to the location for the placement of the label on the intended package, etc. This known solution gives a heavy and dangerous technique for label application.

In contrast to said known techniques, the present invention works, similarly to a karate chop, by the label being smashed down from the arresting location thereof on the suction plate, which remains in its essentially original location constantly, except a certain angling up for the receipt of an adherable label

transportable to the same from the label machine 20, see Figs. 9-10, and that now a long and slender piston rod can be utilized for the supporting and label-ejecting function of the label pusher. The labels 1 may consist of cardboard and/or plastic material and as equivalent arresting means on the applicator plate, static electricity may be utilized instead of by vacuum.

The packages 2, etc., are transported on belts or other conveyors and suitably the labels 1 are applied at the same time as the belt and the packages 2 move in the conveying direction of the belt.

The nature and function of the invention should have been clearly explained by what has been said above and shown in the drawings .

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are feasible, particularly as for the nature of the different parts, or by using an equivalent technique, without departing from the protection area of the invention, such as it is defined in the claims.

Claims

A141 P5PCT LG/KOE

C l a i m s 1. Proceeding for the placement of self- adhesive labels (1) and other sheet -formed products on packages (2, 2A...) , envelopes, or other marking objects of the desired kind, which are intended to be marked and where the label (1) before the placement on the package (2), etc., is arrested by an applicator plate (3) working by vacuum, a downwardly directed impact force being provided (F) to a label (1) , being releasable or already released from the applicator plate (3) , by means of a pusher (4) transferable through said applicator plate (3), characterized in that the label (1) is actuated along the longitudinal intermediate portion (5) thereof, using a transverse, elongate pusher, whereby the label (1) is actuated to be folded up (6, 7) with its mutually opposite side portions (1A, IB) of the label (1) V-shaped, so that upon placement, first the intermediate portion (5) is adhered and then said folded-up side portions (1A, IB) are successively folded down and adhere to the marking object (2) .

2. Proceeding according to claim 1,

characterized in that the pusher (4) is actuated by means of a linear or rotatable, pneumatically or electrically driven piston (8) or another actuating means.

3. Proceeding according to claim 2,

characterized in that, by means of a position sensor, the motion of the pusher (4) through the air toward the intended marking object (2) and the height (H)of the marking object are monitored, whereby the start of the applicator, i.e., the pusher (4) , is calculated to be possible to occur at the desired, correct instant of time for placing the label (1) on the correct spot of the marking object (2) .

4. Arrangement (10) to be used for the placement of self-adhesive labels (1) and other sheet- formed products on packages (2) , envelopes, or other marking objects of the desired kind, which are intended to be marked and where the label (1) is arrested by an applicator plate (3) working by vacuum according to any one of the above claims, wherein a pusher (4) transferable essentially in the vertical direction (11) for a

compulsorily impact force on downwardly (12) freely movable labels is arranged to entirely or partly be transferred through said applicator plate (3) in

connection with the release of a label (1) , characterized in that the pusher is in the form of an elongate

cylindrical body or has a ruler-like shape, preferably provided with a friction increasing actuation surface (14) along the downwardly facing nose portion (4A) thereof, wherein a shape-adapted insertion opening (12) for the pusher (4) is arranged in the applicator plate (3) for passage through the applicator plate (3) or that a

downwardly open, mating recess in the applicator plate (3) is arranged for carrying the pusher (4) therein before pushing down the same .

5. Arrangement according to claim 4,

characterized in that an opening (12) for the insertion of a said pusher (4) extends entirely through said applicator plate (3), which is arranged to be retained on essentially the same level (B) during the entire label placement, but that a piston rod (13) , which is arranged to actuate the pusher (4) , is downwardly displaceable and arranged to be lifted up to the initial position (I) for label

application, respectively.

6. Arrangement according to claim 5,

characterized in that the pusher (4) is driven by a fast- acting air cylinder (8) provided with a long length of stroke (A) , and that there is disposed a position sensor arranged to detect height information and/or positions of the pusher (4 ) .

7. Arrangement according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that the pusher (4) is arranged drivable by air and/or electricity, and that the driving part is formed of an air cylinder (8) or another

actuatable means that is linearly or rotatably movable.