WO2022215098A1

WO2022215098A1 - Method and apparatus for labeling confectionery products

Info

Publication number: WO2022215098A1
Application number: PCT/IT2022/050086
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sandro Salicini
Original assignee: M.C. Automations S.R.L.
Priority date: 2021-04-07
Filing date: 2022-04-06
Publication date: 2022-10-13
Also published as: EP4320050A1; CN117242007A; IT202100008675A1

Abstract

The method for labeling confectionery products and the like provides for feeding in succession individual confectionery products (2) wrapped in respective wrapping sheets to a labeling station (3) placed peripherally with respect to a head (4) for wrapping said confectionery products (2). A tape (11) of adhesive labels is fed to said labeling station (3) in a suitable phase relationship. The tape (11) of adhesive labels is simultaneously engaged with peeling means (12) adapted to supply single adhesive labels to said labeling station (3). Said single adhesive labels fed into said labeling station (3) are taken up in succession by suction means (18) and applied by pressure by application means (16) on a surface of said products (2) bearing the folded flaps of the said wrapping sheet.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LABELING CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS

Technical field

[01] The present invention relates to a method for labeling confectionery products and the like in wrapping machines for said products, as well as to an apparatus for implementing this method.

Prior art

[02] It is known that confectionery products, in particular sweets and chocolates, are generally placed on the market in individual packages of various types depending on the shape and type of the product. In order to make these packages, apparatuses are used by means of which individual products are associated with a single sheet of wrapping material and fed to a wrapping head. The wrapping head is generally made up of a rotating member which peripherally has suitable tools for gripping the individual products to be wrapped. The individual products are initially partially wrapped in a respective wrapping sheet and subsequently grasped by the gripping tools. The wrapping head is adapted to be rotated to carry the products through a series of operating stations, at which the wrapping is finished by suitable folding means. The products are finally released at an unloading station so as to be transferred to following operating stations.

[03] An apparatus for packaging confectionery products of this type is illustrated, for example, in European patent EP 2 942291.

[04] The products to be packaged can have a different shape, for example a truncated pyramid or parallelepiped or a spheroid-like shape, with or without a flat base. Likewise, different types of wrapping are known, such as those called for example single bow, double bow, bunch, fantasy and others. Each type of wrapping requires the use of a suitable wrapping material. In fact, the wrapping performs the function of protecting the product from external agents that could alter its integrity and edibility, as well as ensuring the necessary hygiene.

[05] A particular type of wrapping involves the application of an adhesive label to the edges of the wrapping sheet folded so as to close the wrapping, for example at a flat base of the product. This adhesive label essentially performs a wrapping sealing function.

[06] The application of the label to the wrapped product represents a problematic phase in the packaging process of the mentioned products. Currently, labeling machines that feed the labels to be applied to a labeling station of the wrapping machine, at the wrapping head, are known. The labels are applied to the wrapped products by a blow of compressed air.

[07] A limitation complained of in relation to this technique known in the art is limited operating speed. A reduction in the time of the labeling step, achieved with a greater operating speed, in fact, would lead to an inaccurate result in the application of the labels. This limitation is negatively reflected on the overall productivity of the wrapping machine.

[08] Another problem that arises in the cited known art is that it can be easily applied with wrapping materials known in the art as tinfoil, which have a plastic deformation; vice versa it is not applicable with wrapping materials having an elastic deformation. In fact, in the latter, the closing flaps of the wrapping sheet folded on the base surface of the product tend to rise, making it difficult that the label is properly applied and adhered.

Disclosure

[09] The aim of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems, devising a method that allows optimally performing the labeling of the wrapper of confectionery products and the like in a machine for wrapping said confectionery products.

[10] As part of this aim, a further object of the present invention is to provide a method for labeling confectionery products capable of operating accurately at a high speed, so as not to cause a reduction in the productivity required of the machine.

[11] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for labeling confectionery products capable of operating effectively on any wrapping material.

[12] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for labeling confectionery products capable of implementing the aforementioned method by means of a structure which has simple constructive and functional conception, reliable operation, is versatile in use and relatively inexpensive.

[13] The aforementioned objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by the method and apparatus for labeling the wrapper of confectionery products and the like according to claims 1 and 6.

[14] The method for labeling confectionery and similar products comprises the following steps:

[15] feeding in succession individual confectionery products wrapped in respective wrapping sheets into a labeling station arranged peripherally with respect to a wrapping head of said confectionery products;

[16] feeding, in a suitable phase relationship, a tape of adhesive labels into said labeling station;

[17] simultaneously engaging said tape of adhesive labels with peeling means adapted to supply single adhesive labels to said labeling station;

[18] taking up in succession said single adhesive labels fed into said labeling station by means of application means equipped with suction means kept under vacuum to retain the same single adhesive labels;

[19] applying by pressure said single adhesive labels retained on said suction means on a surface of said products bearing the folded closing flaps of said wrapping sheet.

[20] The products to be labeled are held peripherally to a rotating member of said wrapping head with a flat base facing the outside of the wrapping head. [21] The method provides for operating said application means with oscillating motion on a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said wrapping head between an angled disengagement position, in which said peeling means may arrange an adhesive label at said labeling station, and a position for taking up said adhesive label and applying the same adhesive label on a product carried by said wrapping head in the same labeling station.

[22] Preferably, the method provides for operating said application means with an alternating motion of axial translation between a position of taking up a single adhesive label from said peeling means and a position of applying the same adhesive label onto a product carried by said wrapping head in said labeling station.

[23] Advantageously, the method provides for driving said peeling means in motion.

[24] Preferably, the method provides for operating said peeling means with alternating motion on a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said wrapping head between a retracted position and an advanced position in which a single adhesive label is arranged to be taken up and applied to a relative product fed into said labeling station.

[25] The method allows the labeling of confectionery products at a high speed, so as not to cause a reduction in the productivity required of the machine.

[26] In particular, this is achieved by virtue of the oscillating movement of said application means which allows a greater operating time in the pendular movement of said peeling means.

[27] The present invention also relates to an apparatus for labeling confectionery products and the like, comprising a wrapping head adapted to feed in succession single confectionery products wrapped in respective wrapping sheets into a labeling station arranged peripherally with respect to the same wrapping head; means adapted to feed, in a suitable phase relationship, a tape of adhesive labels into said labeling station; peeling means adapted to simultaneously engage said tape of adhesive labels to supply single adhesive labels to said labeling station; suction means adapted to take up in succession said single adhesive labels fed into said labeling station, said suction means being kept under vacuum to retain the same single adhesive labels; application means adapted to apply by pressure said individual adhesive labels retained by said suction means to a surface of said products bearing the closing flaps of said wrapping sheet folded.

[28] Preferably, said suction means is associated with said application means.

[29] Preferably, said application means comprises a cylindrical body bearing at one end, which faces said wrapping head, said suction means.

[30] Preferably, said suction means comprises a suction mouth which is in constant connection with sucking means adapted to keep the suction mouth in depression.

[31] Advantageously, said application means is adapted to be operated with an oscillating motion on a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said wrapping head between an angled disengagement position, in which said peeling means is adapted to arrange an adhesive label at said labeling station, and a position for taking up said adhesive label and applying the same adhesive label to a product carried by said wrapping head in the same labeling station.

[32] Advantageously, said application means is adapted to be operated with an alternating motion of axial translation between a position of taking up a single adhesive label from said peeling means and a position of applying the same adhesive label to a product carried by said wrapping head in said labeling station.

[33] Advantageously, said application means is adapted to be operated with a roto-translation motion by a double crank mechanism comprising a first rocker arm and a second rocker arm adapted to be rotated angularly according to horizontal axes parallel to the axis of rotation of the wrapping head.

[34] Preferably, said adhesive labels to be applied to said products are fed in succession into said labeling station by an automatic labeling machine of the type having a feedback- driven stepper motor.

[35] Advantageously, said peeling means is moveable.

[36] Advantageously, said peeling means comprises a blade which is adapted to be operated with an alternating motion on a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said wrapping head between a retracted position and an advanced position in which a single adhesive label is arranged in order to be gripped and applied to a relative product fed into said labeling station.

[37] Preferably, said peeling blade is articulated to a pair of oscillating arms adapted to be operated according to respective horizontal axes parallel to the axis of rotation of said wrapping head to impart to the same blade a pendular motion between the aforementioned retracted and advanced positions.

Description of drawings

[38] The details of the invention will be more evident from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for labeling confectionery products, illustrated as a non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front view of the wrapping head of a machine for wrapping confectionery products equipped with the apparatus for labeling said confectionery products;

Figure 2 is a front view of the labeling station of the above apparatus during the step of arranging the adhesive label to be applied to a related product;

Figure 3 is the same front view of the labeling station during the step of taking up said adhesive label;

Figure 4 shows the same front view of the labeling station during the step of applying said adhesive label to the product.

Description of embodiments of the inventions

[39] With particular reference to these figures, 1 indicates the apparatus for labeling confectionery products 2 according to the present invention. In the illustrated case, the confectionery products 2 are of the type known as boero, consisting of a vault-like covering extending from a flat base. However, it is obviously possible to provide for the use of the above apparatus for labeling confectionery products of different shapes, preferably having a flat base.

[40] The apparatus 1 is associated, at a labeling station 3, with the wrapping head 4 of a machine for wrapping the aforementioned confectionery products 2, known per se. The wrapping head 4 comprises a rotatable member 5 which is adapted to be rotated along a horizontal axis, in the direction indicated by the arrow A, to receive single products 2 from a feed line and wrapping them by means of single sheets of wrapping. Conveniently, the rotatable member 5 of the wrapping head 4 is driven in step rotation.

[41] The wrapping head 4 is equipped with a plurality of angularly distributed gripping means 6, suitable for receiving, holding and releasing the products 2. The gripping means 6 shapes, for example, respective gripper members 7, the claws 8 of which are rotatably constrained to the rotating member 5 and are oscillating between a position of mutual opening, for receiving a single product 2 between respective gripping portions 9 or for releasing it, and a closing position, for holding the same product 2 during wrapping operations. The claws 8 of the gripper members 7 for example can be operated by the same operation means adapted to control the rotational motion of the wrapping head 4 or alternatively by autonomous means for operating the gripping means.

[42] The gripper members 7 of the wrapping head 4 are adapted to be rotated by the rotating member 5 through a series of operating stations in which the wrapping sheet is folded and the flaps of the aforementioned wrapping sheet are closed on the flat base of the products 2. It should be noted that the products 2 are held by the claws 8 of the gripper members 7 with the flat base facing the outside of the wrapping head 4.

[43] The labeling station 3 is arranged downstream of the stations of folding and closing of the wrapping sheet, according to the present invention.

[44] The adhesive labels to be applied on the products 2 are fed in succession into the labeling station 3 by means of an automatic labeling machine 10, known per se. Preferably, the labeling machine 10 is of the type having a feedback-driven stepper motor.

[45] In particular, the labels are distributed in orderly succession on a tape 11 which unwinds from a reel, by means of suitable deviating rollers, with feed motion fed by the labeller 10. At the labeling station 3, the tape of labels 11 engages peeling means 12 consisting of a blade 13 which is moveable with an alternating motion between a retracted position and an advanced position in which a single label is arranged in order to be taken and applied to a related product 2.

[46] The peeling blade 13 is articulated to a pair of oscillating arms 14, 15 adapted to be operated according to respective horizontal axes parallel to the axis of rotation of the wrapping head 4 to impart to the same blade 13 a pendular motion between the aforementioned retracted and advanced positions.

[47] The tape of labels 11 unwinds on a series of transmission rollers, by means of which it extends over the peeling blade 13.

[48] In the aforementioned advanced position, the peeling blade 13 is adapted to arrange the tape of labels 11 below means 16 for applying a single adhesive label on a relative product 2 arranged in the labeling station 3.

[49] The means 16 for applying the adhesive labels comprises a cylindrical body 17 having at one end, facing the wrapping head 4, a mouth 18 which is in constant connection with sucking means 19 adapted to keep the mouth 18 in depression. In the illustrated case, the mouth 18 preferably has cylindrical shape. As specified below, by means of the depression of the mouth 18, the cylindrical body 17 is adapted to take from the tape 11 the adhesive labels to be applied to the products 2.

[50] The cylindrical body 17 of the application means 16 is provided with a roto-translation motion on a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of the wrapping head to pass from an angled disengagement position, in which the peeling blade 13 places an adhesive label at the labeling station 3, to a position of taking said adhesive label and subsequently to a position of applying the same adhesive label to a product 2 carried by the wrapping head 4 in the same labeling station 3.

[51] To this end, the cylindrical body 17 is articulated to a double crank mechanism 20 comprising a first rocker arm 21 and a second rocker arm 22 adapted to be rotated angularly according to horizontal axes parallel to the axis of rotation of the wrapping head 4, by means of motors, not illustrated. The first rocker arm 21 is arranged above the second rocker arm 22.

[52] A lever 23 rotatably connected to the cylindrical body 17 is pivoted at the free end of the first rocker arm 21; the second rocker arm 22, on the other hand, is directly pivotally connected, at the free end, to the cylindrical body 17.

[53] Basically, the crank mechanism 20 is an articulated parallelogram in which the upper rod is made in an articulated form by the first rocker arm 21 and by the lever 23. As specified below, this allows a greater operating time in the pendular movement of the blade 13 and the consequent advancement of the adhesive labels.

[54] The method for labeling confectionery products is easily understood from the above description. [55] The confectionery products 2 to be labeled, wrapped in a relative sheet of wrapping, are fed by the wrapping head 4, one after another, into the labeling station 3. In the labeling station 3 the products 2 are placed with the flat base facing the outside of the wrapping head 4.

[56] In a suitable phase relationship, 3 single adhesive labels are fed into the labeling station to be applied to the relative confectionery products 2. The adhesive labels are provided on the tape 11 , with feed motion fed by the labeller 10. In particular, the tape of labels 11 engages the blade 13 of the peeling means 12 which is moveable with a pendular motion between a retracted position and an advanced position in which a single label is prepared to be taken and applied to a relative product 2.

[57] It should be noted that, during the step of advance of the peeling blade 13 from the retracted position to the advanced position, the cylindrical body 17 of the application means 16 is in the angled disengagement position, so as not to interfere with the advance of the blade 13 (see fig. 2). This allows a greater operating time during the pendular movement of the peeling blade 13.

[58] The roto-translation motion of the cylindrical body 17 then brings the same cylindrical body 17 into the position of taking from the tape 11 the adhesive label carried by the peeling means 12 in the advanced position at the labeling station 3 (fig. 3).

[59] The pendular movement of the peeling means 12 successively returns the blade 13 to the retracted position, freeing the gap underneath the cylindrical body 17. During this operation, the suction mouth 18 of the cylindrical body 17 is aligned with the underlying adhesive label. The label is thus peeled off and detached from the tape 11 and held at the mouth 18 of the cylindrical body 17, kept in depression by the sucking means 19.

[60] In a suitable phase relationship, the roto-translation motion of the cylindrical body 17 pushes the adhesive label held on the suction mouth 18 against the base of the product 2 which in this step is aligned with the aforementioned cylindrical body 17 (fig. 4). The label is thus applied to the product 2.

[61] The method according to the present invention achieves the aim of performing the labeling of confectionery products optimally.

[62] In particular, the above method allows the labeling of confectionery products at high speed, so as not to cause a reduction in the productivity required of the machine.

[63] This is achieved in particular thanks to the oscillating movement of the cylindrical body 17 of the application means 16 made by the crank mechanism 20, which allows a greater operating time in the pendular movement of the peeling blade 13 as well as of the cylindrical body 17.

[64] Furthermore, this method allows effective labeling of confectionery products on any wrapping material, for example also on wrapping materials having an elastic deformation. This is achieved thanks to the fact that the adhesive label is applied by the pressure exerted by the cylindrical body 17 on the base of the product 2. In fact, in the event that the closing flaps of the wrapping sheet folded over the base surface of the product tend to rise, the pressure exerted by the cylindrical body 17 brings the flaps back to the correct position of adhesion to the base of the product.

[65] The apparatus described by way of example is subject to numerous modifications and variations according to the different needs.

[66] In the practical embodiment of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and the dimensions, may be modified depending on needs

[67] Should the technical features mentioned in any claim be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding of the claims and hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A method for labeling confectionery products and the like comprising the steps of

(a) feeding in succession individual confectionery products (2) wrapped in respective wrapping sheets to a labeling station (3) placed peripherally to a head (4) for wrapping said confectionery products (2);

(b). feeding, in a suitable phase relationship, a tape (11) of adhesive labels to said labeling station (3);

(c). simultaneously engaging said tape (11) of adhesive labels with peeling means (12) adapted to supply single adhesive labels to said labeling station (3);

(d). taking up in succession said single adhesive labels fed into said labeling station (3) by means of application means (16) equipped with a suction mouth (18) kept under vacuum to retain the same single adhesive labels;

(e). applying by pressure said single adhesive labels retained on said suction mouth (18) of the application means (16) on a surface of said products (2) bearing folded the closing flaps of said wrapping sheet.

2. A method as in claim 1 , wherein it provides for operating said application means (16) with oscillating motion on a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said wrapping head (4) between an angled disengagement position, wherein said peeling means (12) is able to arrange an adhesive label at said labeling station (3), and a position for taking said adhesive label and applying the same adhesive label on a product (2) carried by said wrapping head (4) to the same labeling station (3).

3. A method as in claim 1 or 2, wherein it provides to operate said application means (16) with an alternating motion of axial translation between a position where a single adhesive label is taken from the said peeling means (12) and a position of application of the same adhesive label on a product (2) carried by the wrapping head (4) in the labeling station (3).

4. A method as in one of the preceding claims, wherein said peeling means (12) is operated in motion.

5. A method as in one of the preceding claims, wherein it provides for operating said peeling means (12) with reciprocating motion on a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said wrapping head (4) between a retracted position and an advanced position wherein a single adhesive label is arranged for being taken and applied to a relative product (2) fed into said labeling station (3).

6. An apparatus for labeling confectionery products and the like, comprising a wrapping head (4) for feeding in succession single confectionery products (2) wrapped in respective wrapping sheets to a labeling station (3) arranged peripherally to the same wrapping head (4); means (10) for feeding, in a suitable phase relationship, a tape (11) of adhesive labels to said labeling station (3); peeling means (12) for simultaneously engaging said tape (11) of adhesive labels to supply single adhesive labels to said labeling station (3); suction means (18) able to take in succession said single adhesive labels fed into said labeling station (3), said suction means (18) being kept under vacuum to hold the same single adhesive labels; application means (16) adapted to apply by pressure said single adhesive labels held by said suction means (18) on a surface of said products (2) which has folded edges of said wrapping sheet.

7. An apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said suction means (18) is associated with said application means (16).

8. An apparatus as in claim 6 or 7, wherein said application means (16) may be operated with oscillating motion on a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said wrapping head (4) between an angled disengagement position, wherein said peeling means (12) is adapted to arrange an adhesive label at said labeling station (3), and a position for taking said adhesive label and applying the same adhesive label on a product (2) carried by said wrapping head (4) to the labeling station (3).

9. An apparatus as in one of claims 6 - 8, wherein said application means (16) may be operated with an alternating motion of axial translation between a position for taking a single adhesive label from said peeling means (12) and a position of application of the same adhesive label on a product (2) carried by the wrapping head (4) in said labeling station (3).

10. An apparatus according to one of claims 6 - 9, wherein said application means (16) may be operated with a roto-translation motion by a double crank mechanism (20) comprising a first rocker arm (21) and a second rocker arm (22) operable in angular rotation according to horizontal axes parallel to the rotation axis of the wrapping head (4).

11. An apparatus according to one of claims 6 - 10, wherein said peeling means (12) is moveable.

12. An apparatus according to one of claims 6 - 11 , wherein said peeling means (12) comprises a blade (13) which may be operated with reciprocating motion on a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said wrapping head (4) between a retracted position and an advanced position in which a single adhesive label is arranged for being taken and applied to a relative product (2) fed into said labeling station (3)