Vacuum cylinder unit for label transfer

Abstract

A vacuum cylinder unit (1) for transferring labels to a container (22) under vacuum support and a labeling device (21) equipped therewith are described. The vacuum cylinder unit includes a drive shaft (2) and a vacuum cylinder (3) belt-coupled at its center by a zero-point clamping system. Since the zero-point clamping system includes clamping pins (5) integrated into the vacuum cylinder and clamping canisters (6) rigidly connected to the drive shaft for clamping the clamping pins, the vacuum cylinder can be manually lifted off the drive shaft, and most of the weight of the zero-point clamping system can be transferred to the area of ​​the drive shaft. Furthermore, this reduces equipment consumption on the vacuum cylinder, which is constructed as interchangeable parts of a specific size.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cylinder unit according to the following technical solution, and a labeling device for labeling containers equipped with the thereof.

[0002] As is well known, the vacuum cylinder unit is a component of a labeling device used to apply labels provided on rollers to containers, such as bottles, using hot adhesive. In this case, the vacuum cylinder's task is to transport the adhesive-coated labels onto the container's transport path under vacuum support and to transfer them onto the container's transport path.

[0003] The vacuum cylinder is suitable for labeling specific sizes and can be pulled upwards from the associated rotary drive to change sizes. A combination of a drive shaft with a polygonal cross-section and a shape-locking hub on the vacuum cylinder has proven successful in terms of torque transmission and good concentricity accuracy. The polygonal shaft then extends essentially the entire height of the vacuum cylinder; therefore, when changing sizes, it must be lifted along the entire length of the polygonal connection, thus pulled by the drive shaft. From an ergonomic perspective, this approach is highly disadvantageous because the vacuum cylinder is relatively heavy and access is typically restricted during changeovers.

[0004] For example, universal vacuum cylinder units are proposed in DE 10 2011 090 190 A1, DE 10 2013 212 132 A1, and DE 202013 103475U1, in which the polygonal shaft is replaced by a self-centering connection of a clamping pin and a clamping can. This connection is also known as a zero-point clamping system. In a typical setup, the drive shaft has a relatively short shaft end at its upper end, and the corresponding vacuum cylinder has a corresponding clamping can that can be center-locked onto the shaft end.

[0005] Compared to devices with polygonal axes, this reduces the stroke required to manually remove the vacuum cylinder when changing dimensions. However, the clamping canister and associated actuation mechanism increase the weight of the vacuum cylinder, partially offsetting the ergonomic advantages when lifting it. Furthermore, the clamping canister and associated actuation mechanism increase the equipment cost of the vacuum cylinder, which is designed as an interchangeable component, thus pushing its purchase cost to an undesirable level.

[0006] Therefore, the zero-point clamping system for universal vacuum cylinder units has not yet been accepted, so ergonomic improvements are still needed when replacing vacuum cylinders, while minimizing the cost of vacuum cylinders of a specific size as much as possible.

[0007] The proposed task is solved using a vacuum cylinder unit according to the following technical solution. Therefore, the vacuum cylinder unit for label transfer in a container labeling device with vacuum support has a drive shaft and a belt-coupled vacuum cylinder at its center for torque transmission via a zero-point clamping system. According to the invention, the zero-point clamping system includes a clamping pin integrated in the vacuum cylinder and a clamping can connected to the drive shaft for clamping the clamping pin.

[0008] In a zero-point clamping system, the clamping pin is the passive component, and the clamping can is the active closing / opening component. Therefore, all components to be actuated to open / close the zero-point clamping system can be moved to the area of ​​the drive shaft, which is not replaceable when changing dimensions. Consequently, when changing the vacuum cylinder, it is not necessary to lift / replace the relatively heavy and expensive clamping can and its associated actuating elements, thus improving ergonomics and enabling a relatively advantageous design for the vacuum cylinder.

[0009] In other words, the clamping pins mounted on the replaceable vacuum cylinder are relatively lightweight and have a lower cost.

[0010] For example, a suitable zero-point clamping system is called "Zero". A typical clamping can includes a hardened stainless steel housing, a steel cone for backlash-free clamping of the associated pin, an associated precision radial spring, a spring plate, and preferably a locking device that closes by spring force and can be pneumatically opened.

[0011] Preferably, the clamping canister includes a spring-pre-clamped closure mechanism that can be pneumatically opened, i.e., by applying compressed air. Even in the event of a lack or failure of the compressed air supply, the spring force ensures a reliable closure of the connection. This means that when compressed air is applied, the clamping pin is inserted into the clamping canister, and a force-locking connection is established by cutting off the compressed air supply, thus maintaining the mechanical connection until compressed air is applied again. Therefore, ergonomic opening is provided by a temporary compressed air supply when the vacuum cylinder is stationary.

[0012] Preferably, the vacuum cylinder unit further includes a fixed base frame, in which a compressed air passage for supplying compressed air is configured and an upwardly opening slot having a coupling element that moves vertically therein. The coupling element is then configured such that, in the absence of a compressed air supply, it does not contact any component rotating in the slot during operation, and, with a compressed air supply, it is raised in such a way that it aligns with the pneumatic connection to the clamping can and its pneumatic opening. In the mated state, the coupling element is connected to a component rigidly connected to the clamping can, thereby rotating during operation and pneumatically connecting to the clamping can, thus connecting the compressed air passage to the clamping can.

[0013] This allows the coupling element to remain in contact with the rotating parts of the vacuum cylinder unit during operation, i.e., when the vacuum cylinder is rotating, resulting in a relatively simple effect. Therefore, the gravity-driven coupling element located in the slot is in an inactive position, and can be raised to an active position for transmitting compressed air to the vacuum cylinder by temporarily applying compressed air when the vacuum cylinder is stationary.

[0014] The coupling element has, for example, suitable slots and / or holes for this purpose, which establish a pneumatic connection between the slot for applying compressed air (input side) and the connection channel leading to the clamping can (output side).

[0015] Preferably, the coupling element and the input-side slot in this regard operate in a complete ring around the rotation axis of the vacuum cylinder to connect the clamping canister to the compressed air passage, regardless of the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder relative to the base. This further simplifies the replacement of the vacuum cylinder.

[0016] Alternatively, the input side groove and coupling element may be formed only partially, i.e., within a predetermined machine angle range. In this case, the vacuum cylinder must be rotated relative to the base frame to a predetermined rotational position before compressed air can be applied to the clamping canister. For this purpose, appropriate markings may be provided, for example, on the vacuum cylinder and the base frame.

[0017] Preferably, a downward-opening output side slot is formed on the underside of the support plate rigidly connected to the clamping canister. When compressed air is supplied, the coupling element can dock with it to establish a pneumatic connection with the clamping canister through the output side slot. This facilitates the supply of compressed air to the clamping canister regardless of the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder relative to the base frame.

[0018] Preferably, the output side groove forms a complete ring around the rotation axis of the vacuum cylinder.

[0019] Preferably, the vacuum cylinder unit includes an external compressed air interface for tool-less docking of a pressure hose, particularly a pneumatic gun or similar valve connected thereto. Compressed air supply is then possible while the vacuum cylinder is stationary by manually docking the pressure hose. Therefore, a permanent compressed air supply for the compressed air pipeline is unnecessary.

[0020] Preferably, indexing holes and / or indexing pins are formed around the clamping pins around the vacuum cylinder to define the relative rotational position of the vacuum cylinder relative to the drive shaft. That is, the relative rotational position of the vacuum cylinder can be precisely established by the indexing holes and / or indexing pins, while the torque transmission to the vacuum cylinder is accomplished by a closed zero-point clamping system.

[0021] Preferably, the clamping canister is configured to be opened by applying compressed air at a pressure of 4-8 bar. This makes it relatively easy and ergonomic to open the zero-point clamping system using a conventional central compressed air supply.

[0022] Preferably, the clamping can also include an opening mechanism that opens without the application of compressed air. The opening mechanism is then used to manually force open the zero-point clamping system when necessary, for example, in the form of a screw mechanism.

[0023] Preferably, the clamping pin has an engagement length of 10 to 50 mm relative to the clamping can. This means that the engagement length when the vacuum cylinder is lifted from the actuator must be overcome by manual stroke. This makes the disassembly of the vacuum cylinder relatively ergonomic.

[0024] The proposed task is also solved by labeling devices and labeling machines as described in other technical solutions. By definition, the labeling device is used for labeling containers, particularly bottles, and for this purpose includes a vacuum cylinder unit configured to directly transfer the label to the container, according to at least one described embodiment. For example, the labeling device is constructed to transfer a label provided on a roller and coated with hot adhesive to the container for omnidirectional labeling. The labeling device is then a hot adhesive labeling device. It can also be a cold adhesive labeling device for containers.

[0025] The labeling machine includes the described labeling device and a continuously rotating container conveyor for positioning the container during labeling transfer.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 The cut through the vacuum cylinder unit is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 A portion of the vacuum cylinder unit with non-active coupling elements is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 The diagram shows a portion of the area where the coupling elements are mated; and

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic top view of the labeling device is shown.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the vacuum cylinder unit 1 includes a drive shaft 2 and a vacuum cylinder 3, which are centered relative to the rotating shaft 1a and coupled to each other via a zero-point clamping system 4 to transmit torque.

[0032] The zero-point clamping system 4 includes a clamping pin 5 fixed to the vacuum cylinder 3 and downward during operation, and a clamping can 6 rigidly connected to the drive shaft 2 for engaging the clamping pin 5.

[0033] Clamping can 6 includes a spring-pre-clamped closing mechanism 7, which can be pneumatically opened by applying compressed air 8, for example from Zero. Known in the system.

[0034] The vacuum cylinder unit 1 also includes a fixed base 9, in which a compressed air passage 10 for supplying compressed air 8 is formed and a slot 11 opening upward to the vacuum cylinder 3, having a coupling element 12 that moves vertically therein and is completely annular. See [reference needed] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Detailed illustrations on this topic are provided in the Chinese.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the coupling element 12 is arranged in the input side slot 11 relative to the compressed air supply, such that it is located on the bottom 11a of the input side slot 11 without contacting the input side slot 11 of the compressed air 8, and without contacting the rotating parts of the vacuum cylinder unit 1 located thereon during operation.

[0036] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown, the coupling element 12 is constructed such that when compressed air 8 is applied to the input side slot 11, it is lifted from the input side slot 11 to such that the coupling element 12 establishes a pneumatic connection from the input side slot 11 to the output side slot 13 located above the coupling element 12.

[0037] The output side slot 13 is formed by opening downwards in a support plate 14 that is fixedly and permanently connected to the clamping tank. The support plate 14 is also rigidly connected to the drive shaft 2, and thus rotates during the operation of the vacuum cylinder unit 1.

[0038] Compressed air 8 is supplied only when the vacuum cylinder unit 1 is stationary, allowing the coupling element 12 to be pneumatically engaged with the support plate 14, which is not rotating at the time. In this pressureless operation, the coupling element 12 is located at the bottom of the slot 11 and then does not contact the support plate 14.

[0039] In the support plate 14, at least one (illustratively indicated only) connecting pipe 15 is formed between the output side slot 13 and the compressed air interface (not shown) of the clamping tank 6. Accordingly, the compressed air 8 applied to the input side slot 11 can reach the clamping tank 6 through the coupling element 12, the output side slot 13 and the connecting channel 15 to pneumatically open it.

[0040] Suitable slots and / or holes (not shown in each case) can be formed in the coupling element 12, which on the one hand provide sufficient flow resistance for the compressed air 8 to lift the coupling element 12, and on the other hand allow the compressed air 8 to fully enter the output side slot 13 from the input side slot 11 to pneumatically open the clamping can 6.

[0041] The input and output side slots 11, 13 and the coupling element 12 therebetween are preferably completely annular so that compressed air 8 can be applied to the clamping canister 6 even regardless of the rotational position of the support plate 14 and the vacuum cylinder 3 still coupled thereto relative to the base frame 9. That is, with proper application of compressed air to the clamping canister 6, the vacuum cylinder 3 can be pulled upwards from any rotational position relative to the base frame 9. This allows for ergonomic handling of the vacuum cylinder 3 during dimensional changes.

[0042] However, in principle, it is also conceivable that the input side slot 11, the output side slot 13 and / or the coupling ring 12 (not shown) located therebetween may be formed only partially or within a certain machine angle range. Therefore, before applying compressed air 8 and opening the clamping canister 6 by compressed air, the support plate 14 with vacuum cylinder 3 must first be moved to the appropriate rotational position relative to the base frame 9 so that the slots 11 and 13 are aligned with each other.

[0043] For the supply of compressed air 8, the base frame 9 preferably includes an external compressed air interface 16, to which a compressed air hose (not shown) can be connected. For example, a pressure gun or similar valve may be provided on the pressure hose to allow for manual activation and deactivation of the temporary supply of compressed air 8.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, within the region of the zero-point clamping system 4, for example on the vacuum cylinder 3 surrounding the clamping pin 5, there may be indexing pins and / or indexing holes 17 to determine the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder 3 relative to the drive shaft 2. Therefore, corresponding openings and / or pins exist in the region of the clamping can 6. This indexing is only used to determine the relative rotational position between them, while the torque transmission between the drive shaft 2 and the vacuum cylinder 3 is caused by the zero-point clamping system 4, i.e., the force-locking connection between the clamping pin 5 and the clamping can 6.

[0045] The zero-point clamping system 4 is preferably automatically closed by spring pre-clamping, but in principle it can also be mechanically tightened. To disconnect and connect the zero-point clamping system 4, it is pneumatically opened, for example, by applying an air pressure of 4 to 8 bar on the input side slot 11. Upon pressure release, the zero-point clamping system 4 automatically locks in a centering and force-locking manner and remains permanently locked without the need for re-applying pressure.

[0046] Preferably, the clamping tank 6 also includes an opening mechanism for forcibly opening the zero-point clamping system 4 (not shown) without applying corresponding compressed air. Therefore, if compressed air 8 is unavailable, the vacuum cylinder 3 can be replaced if necessary.

[0047] The clamping pin 5 preferably has an engagement length 18 of no more than 50 mm relative to the clamping can 6 so that the vacuum cylinder 3 can be replaced in an ergonomic manner.

[0048] For completeness, it should be mentioned that on the vacuum cylinder 3, the suction elements 19 commonly known for label receiving and dispensing are widely and evenly arranged.

[0049] exist Figure 4 The image illustrates, exemplarily and schematically, a labeling device 21 for affixing labels to containers 22 (only one shown), particularly bottles, with a vacuum cylinder unit 1 configured to directly transfer labels 23 (only one shown) to containers 22, the vacuum cylinder unit 1 having a replaceable vacuum cylinder 3.

[0050] Labeling 23 is provided, for example, by roller 24 and applied with hot adhesive by adhesive applicator 25. Therefore, the labeling device 21 shown is preferably a hot adhesive labeling device.

[0051] Alternatively, a corresponding docking of vacuum cylinder unit 1 is conceivable for cold adhesive labeling devices (not shown) and / or for clamping cylinders, transfer cylinders, or similar rotating units that must be completely replaced on the labeling device according to size.

[0052] Then, the labeling device 21 is preferably part of a labeling machine 31, which includes a continuously rotating container conveyor belt 32 for positioning the container 22 during labeling transfer, and the labeling device 21 is parked at least in a generally known manner around the periphery of the container conveyor belt 32.

[0053] The above-described arrangement of the zero-point clamping system 4, with the clamping pin 5 arranged on the vacuum cylinder 3 and the clamping can 6 arranged on the drive shaft 2, allows the vacuum cylinder 3 to be replaced in an ergonomic manner when the size changes, and also reduces the cost of individual vacuum cylinders 3 specific to the size.

[0054] In order to replace vacuum cylinder 3, the motor connected to drive shaft 2 is turned off, and vacuum cylinder unit 1 is brought to a standstill, i.e., there is no rotating drive in operation.

[0055] Once the vacuum cylinder 3 stops rotating, for example, compressed air 8 can be applied to the external compressed air interface 16, thereby lifting the coupling element 12 from the bottom of the slot 11 and engaging it with the output side slot 13 above. Thus, the compressed air 8 flows through the input side slot 11 and the coupling ring 13 into the output side slot 13, and from there flows through at least one connecting channel 15 to the clamping tank 6.

[0056] The compressed air 8 applied there opens the clamping canister 6 in such a way that the clamping pin 5 can be released and the vacuum cylinder 3 can be lifted upward from the drive shaft 2.

[0057] With the compressed air 8 continuing to be applied, a suitable vacuum cylinder 3 for different labeling sizes can be set by inserting its clamping pin 5 into the clamping can 6.

[0058] Then, by pre-clamping the spring of the clamping can 6, the clamping pin 5 is mechanically clamped in the can, thereby locking it in a rigid manner.

[0059] This means that when the clamping pin 5 is inserted into the clamping can 6, the can is covered by compressed air 8 and thus opens. By shutting off the compressed air supply, the clamping can 6 automatically closes around the clamping pin 5 by spring pre-clamping.

[0060] To correctly assign the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder 3 to the drive shaft 2, the indexing pin and / or indexing hole 17 present on the vacuum cylinder 3 are preferably engaged with the corresponding structure in the area of ​​the clamping can 6. The torque required for operation is then transmitted from the drive shaft 2 to the vacuum cylinder 3 via the connection of the zero-point clamping system 4.

[0061] Due to the complete pressure coupling on the coupling element 12, the absolute rotational position of the drive shaft 2 / clamping tank 6 can be arbitrary.

[0062] After shutting down the zero-point clamping system 4 by turning off the compressed air supply, the vacuum cylinder unit 1 and its associated labeling device 21 / labeling machine 31 can resume operation.

Claims

1. A vacuum cylinder unit (1) for label transfer in a labeling apparatus for a container (22), comprising a drive shaft (2) and a vacuum cylinder (3) belt-coupled thereto by a zero-point clamping system (4), characterized in that, The zero-point clamping system includes a clamping pin (5) integrated in the vacuum cylinder and a clamping can (6) rigidly connected to the drive shaft for clamping the clamping pin, and the clamping can (6) includes a spring-pre-clamped closing mechanism (7) that can be pneumatically opened.

2. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 1 further comprises a fixed base (9), wherein a compressed air passage (10) for supplying compressed air (8) is constructed and an upwardly opening slot (11) having a coupling element (12) therein that moves vertically, wherein, The coupling element is constructed such that, in the absence of a compressed air supply, it does not contact any component rotating in the slot during operation, and, when compressed air is supplied, it is lifted in such a way that it is connected to the pneumatic opening of the clamping can (6) via a pneumatic connection.

3. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 2, wherein, The coupling element (12) and the input side slot (11) therein operate in a complete ring around the rotation axis (1a) of the vacuum cylinder (3) to connect the clamping canister (6) to the compressed air passage (10), regardless of the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder relative to the base frame (9).

4. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 3, wherein, A downward-opening output side groove (13) is formed on the underside of the support plate (14) rigidly connected to the clamping can (6). When compressed air (8) is supplied, the coupling element (12) can dock with it to establish a pneumatic connection with the clamping can through the output side groove.

5. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 4, wherein, The output side groove (13) is completely annular around the rotation axis (1a) of the vacuum cylinder (3).

6. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 1 or 2 further comprises an external compressed air interface (16) for supplying compressed air via a pressure hose.

7. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 6 further comprises an external compressed air interface (16) for supplying compressed air via a pressure hose using a pneumatic gun.

8. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Indexing holes (17) and / or indexing pins are formed around the clamping pins (5) around the vacuum cylinder (3) to define the relative rotational position of the vacuum cylinder relative to the drive shaft (2).

9. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The clamping canister (6) is configured to pneumatically open the zero-point clamping system (4) by applying compressed air at a pressure of 4-8 bar.

10. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The clamping can (6) also includes an opening mechanism that forces the zero-point clamping system (4) to open without the application of compressed air.

11. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The clamping pin (5) has an engagement length of 10 to 50 mm relative to the clamping can (6).

12. A labeling device (21) for a container (22) having a vacuum cylinder unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for directly transferring a label (23) to the container.

13. The labeling device according to claim 12, wherein the container is a bottle.

14. The labeling apparatus according to claim 12, which is configured to deliver a label (23) provided on a roller (24) and coated with hot adhesive.

15. A labeling machine (31) having a labeling device (21) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, and having a continuously rotating container conveyor (32) for positioning the container (22) during labeling transfer.

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