Labeling machine and method of applying labels to containers

Abstract

A machine (1) for labelling containers (10), comprising: an assembly (10a) for feeding containers (10) to be labelled to a labelling assembly (2), the labelling assembly (2) comprising an assembly for unwinding a label tape (21), the label tape (21) comprising a plurality of labels (22) extending along it; a cutting device arranged downstream of the unwinding assembly and configured to cut the label tape (21) at a respective separation portion in order to obtain the labels (22); transfer means downstream of the cutting device (3), the transfer means being adapted to move the individual labels (22) separated after cutting into contact with the respective containers (10) at a transfer area (50); and a removal device (13) activatable on command for removing at least one label (22b) from the stream of labels (22) and arranged upstream of the transfer area (50).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a labelling machine and a method for applying labels to containers.

[0002] Known labelling machines are configured to apply labels to containers.

[0003] Typically, known labelling machines have a feeder or conveyor of containers to be labelled, which feeder or conveyor comprises a rotating support plate configured to rotate the containers around its own axis.

[0004] Furthermore, known labelling machines have a so-called labelling assembly consisting of a device for feeding a continuous tape of labels, a device for cutting said continuous tape to obtain respective labels, a device for applying adhesive to each cut label, and a device for applying the labels with adhesive to containers carried by respective plates.

[0005] Typically, the feeding device comprises an unwinding assembly consisting of an unwinding roller and a drawing roller and configured to convey the label tape from a reel towards a cutting drum associated with at least one cutting element for separating the respective labels.

[0006] A so-called transfer cylinder is arranged downstream of the cutting cylinder in the direction of advancement of the labels.

[0007] The transfer drum is typically divided into circular sectors, each sector being designed to receive a respective label from the cutting drum.

[0008] At the longitudinal ends of the sectors of the transfer cylinder there are projections, also called slides, which are arranged in the form of bosses and towards which the longitudinal ends of the cut labels face, so that these ends can be contacted by an adhesive roller or a device for applying adhesive.

[0009] In order to allow precise application of the adhesive and correct positioning of the label, the transfer cylinder has a lateral surface provided with a plurality of holes connected to means for forced air extraction so that the label remains adhered to the lateral surface of the transfer cylinder.

[0010] In practice, during operation of the labelling machine, an unwinding roller supplies a continuous labelling tape to a cutting roller which cuts the tape so as to gradually make the labels available for application to the containers to be labelled by means of a transfer cylinder.

[0011] One particularly perceived problem with the above-mentioned labelling machines relates to the need to "discard" labels that are not transferred to the container.

[0012] One solution to this technical problem is described in EP 2 832 652 in the name of Sidel, which describes a transfer drum equipped with a suction device, which is configured to move and transfer labels along a path extending around the drum axis for applying the labels to respective containers.

[0013] In particular, the transfer drum is of a type suitable for receiving a series of labels at a suction station in order to transfer them to an application station situated at a given first angular distance from the suction station.

[0014] During use, the web of label material is advanced between the stationary blade and the rotating blade of the cutting unit and the leading edge of the cut label is picked up from the transfer drum by suction.

[0015] By conveniently setting the advancement speed of the label material web toward the transfer drum and the rotation speed of the cutting drum, the length of the label can be adjusted.

[0016] In EP 2832652, picked-up labels may be selectively held against the outer side surface of the transfer drum at a second angular distance substantially greater than the first angular distance and delivered along the label's path to a discard station arranged downstream with respect to the label's advancing direction.

[0017] The above-mentioned known solutions, although allowing the labels not transferred into the container to be discarded, have some disadvantages.

[0018] The main disadvantage is determined by the fact that rejection occurs after the label has passed the adhesive application area.

[0019] Therefore, adhesive has been applied to the labels to be discarded, causing some difficulties in managing the disposal operation (the labels with adhesive applied may adhere to parts of the machine) and in managing the discarded labels.

[0020] It is an object of the present invention to provide a labelling machine and a method for applying labels to containers which improve the background art in one or more of the above-mentioned aspects.

[0021] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a labelling machine and a method for applying labels to containers which allow avoiding the application of adhesive to labels to be discarded.

[0022] An important object of the present invention is to provide a labelling machine and method for applying labels to containers which are highly reliable, relatively easy to provide and cost competitive.

[0023] This object, as well as these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter, is achieved by a labelling machine and a method for applying labels to containers according to the independent claims, optionally provided with one or more features of the dependent claims.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a labelling machine and a method for applying labels to containers according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a portion of a labelling machine according to the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a part of a labeling machine.

[0025] With reference to the drawings, a labelling machine according to the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 1 , comprises an assembly 10 a for feeding containers 10 to be labelled to a labelling assembly 2 .

[0026] For example, the infeed assembly 10a comprises, in its peripheral region, a support plate 11 to which the containers 10 to be labeled are fed, for example, by means of an infeed star conveyor.

[0027] The labelling assembly 2 comprises an assembly for unwinding a label strip 21 .

[0028] The label tape 21 includes a plurality of labels 22 extending therealong.

[0029] The labeling assembly 2 further comprises a cutting device which is arranged downstream of the unwinding assembly and is configured to cut the label tape 21 at respective separation portions in order to obtain labels 22 .

[0030] Downstream of the cutting device there is a transfer device suitable for moving the individual labels 22 separated after cutting into contact with the corresponding containers 10 .

[0031] The transfer device faces an adhesive application apparatus 5 which is configured to apply at least one adhesive to at least a portion 22 a of the label 22 before transferring the label 22 to the respective container 10 .

[0032] The adhesive application device 5 comprises, for example, an adhesive roller; however, there is nothing prohibited from using a spreading device or a non-contact device, such as a sprayer or an atomizer, to apply the adhesive.

[0033] According to the invention, the labelling machine 1 comprises a removal device 13 , actuatable on command, for removing at least one label 22 b from the flow of labels 22 ; the removal device 13 is in particular arranged upstream of the transfer area 50 .

[0034] Preferably, the removal device 13 is arranged upstream of the adhesive application apparatus 5 .

[0035] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the cutting device comprises a cutting drum 3 arranged downstream of the unwinding assembly, and downstream of the cutting drum 3 there is a transfer device comprising a transfer drum 4 suitable for moving the respective labels 22 separated after cutting into contact with the respective containers 10.

[0036] The transfer drum 4 is opposed to the adhesive applying device 5 .

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, a removal device 13 is arranged at the cutting drum 3 in order to remove at least one label 22 b from the stream of labels 22 fed to the transfer drum 4 .

[0038] Conveniently, the cutting drum 3 is associated with a device 3 a for cutting the strip of labels 21 and a device 6 for transferring the cut labels 22 towards the transfer drum 4 .

[0039] In particular, the removal device 13 is arranged at a removal area 30 which is arranged at the cutting drum 3 between the cutting device 3 a and the transfer device 6 in the advancing direction of the stream of labels 22 .

[0040] Advantageously, the cutting drum 3 has a lateral surface 3 b with a plurality of holes connected to means for forced air extraction, so that the label 22 remains adhered to the lateral surface 3 b.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the removal device 13 comprises means for interrupting the action of the extraction device at the portion of the side surface 3 b of the cutting drum 3 facing the removal zone 30 .

[0042] According to another possible embodiment, the cutting device and the transfer means are formed at the cutting and transfer drum.

[0043] In this case, the cutting drum 3 has a lateral surface provided with a plurality of holes connected to means for forced air extraction, so that the labels 22 cut on the same drum remain adhered to the lateral surface.

[0044] In this case, the removal device 13 comprises means for interrupting the action of the extraction device at a portion of the side surface of the cutting and transfer cylinder facing the removal zone 30 .

[0045] Conveniently, the removal device 13 also comprises a blower device, which is suitable for generating an air flow on command, which air flow passes through the holes of the side surface 3b of the cutting drum 3 from the inside to the outside of the cutting drum 3 at the part of the side surface 3b of the cutting drum 3 facing the removal area 30, so as to remove the labels 22 from the label flow.

[0046] If the labelling machine has a single cutting and transfer drum, the removal device 13 further comprises a blower device adapted to generate, on command, an air flow through holes in the side surface of the cutting and transfer drum from the inside towards the outside of the cutting and transfer drum at the portion of the side surface of the cutting and transfer drum facing the removal zone 30, so as to facilitate the removal of the labels 22 from the label flow.

[0047] Conveniently, the removal device 13 also comprises an extractor 13 a provided with a suction inlet arranged facing the removal area 30 .

[0048] The transfer roller 4 comprises a plurality of adhesive bonding portions which are arranged angularly spaced about the axis 100 of the transfer roller 4 and are designed to receive, by stationary contact, at least one longitudinal end 22a of the label 22 so as to allow application of at least one corresponding adhesive strip in cooperation with the adhesive application device 5.

[0049] The labelling machine 1 comprises control and actuating means suitable for actuating the removal device 13 .

[0050] The control and actuation means are functionally associated with the means for detecting the containers 10 to be labelled which are fed to the feed assembly 10a.

[0051] In particular, the means for detecting containers 10, which are generally arranged along the infeed assembly 10a, detect any absence of one or more containers along the stream of containers.

[0052] Once the control and actuation means have acquired this information, they activate the removal means 13 in order to remove from the label flow 22 one or more labels 22 b designed to be applied to the missing container.

[0053] Furthermore, the control and actuation means may be functionally associated with means for controlling the synchronization between the speed of the container to be labeled and the label strip 21 , so that labels are rejected when correct synchronization does not exist.

[0054] Furthermore, the control and actuation means are configured to manage the cutting device 3a, and therefore the removal device 13, during a transient period suitable for bringing the labelling machine 1 into operation, so as to discard labels that do not conform to the length and therefore cannot be associated with a container.

[0055] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for labeling containers, comprising the following steps: feeding a label tape 21 to a cutting drum 3 by means of an unwinding assembly, cutting the label tape 21 at the cutting drum 3 to obtain a stream of labels 22, sending the stream of labels 22 to a transfer drum 4, applying at least one adhesive to at least a portion 22a of the label 22 at the transfer drum 4, and transferring the label 22 to a corresponding container 10 to be labeled.

[0056] According to the invention, the method comprises a removal step which can be initiated on command and which is suitable for removing at least one label 22 b of the label stream 22 from the cutting drum 3 .

[0057] In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, providing a machine (and method) for labelling containers which allows discarding the labels without applying any adhesive on the discarded labels.

[0058] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; moreover, all the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0059] In practice, the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions where applicable, as long as they are compatible with the specific use, may be any according to requirements and the state of the art.

[0060] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102022000011729 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] In case technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, these reference signs are included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and therefore such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element represented by such reference signs by way of example.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for labeling containers (10), comprising: A component (10a) for feeding a container (10) to be labeled to a labeling component (2), the labeling component (2) comprising a component for unwinding a label tape (21), the label tape (21) comprising a plurality of labels (22) extending along it; a cutting device (3), the cutting device being arranged downstream of the unwinding component and being configured to cut the label tape (21) at corresponding separation portions to obtain the labels (22); a transfer device, the transfer device being downstream of the cutting device (3), the transfer device being suitable for moving each label (22) separated after cutting to contact the corresponding container (10) at a transfer area (50), characterized in that the machine (1) comprises a removal device (13), the removal device being able to be started according to a command, for removing at least one label (22b) from the flow of the labels (22), the removal device being arranged upstream of the transfer area (50).

2. The labeling machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The removal device (13) is arranged upstream of the adhesive application apparatus (5).

3. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The transfer device faces an adhesive application apparatus (5) configured to apply at least one adhesive to at least a portion (22a) of the label (22) before transferring the label (22) to a corresponding container (10).

4. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cutting device (3) comprises a cutting drum (3) arranged downstream of the unwinding assembly, and downstream of the cutting drum (3) there is the transfer device, which comprises a transfer drum (4), which is suitable for moving the corresponding label (22) separated after cutting into contact with the corresponding container (10), and the transfer drum (4) faces the adhesive application device (5).

5. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The removal device (13) is arranged at the cutting drum (3) in order to remove at least one label (22b) from the stream of labels (22) fed to the transfer drum (4).

6. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cutting drum (3) is associated with a device (3a) for cutting the label strip (21) and a device (6) for transferring the cut labels (22) to the transfer drum (4), and the removal device (13) is arranged at a removal area (30), which is arranged at the transfer drum (3) between the cutting device (3a) and the transfer device (6) along the advancing direction of the flow of labels.

7. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cutting drum (3) has a side surface (3b) with a plurality of holes connected to means for forced air extraction so that the label (22) remains adhered to the side surface (3b), the removal device (13) comprising means for interrupting the action of the extraction device at the portion of the side surface (3b) of the cutting drum facing the removal area (30).

8. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cutting device and the transfer device are formed at a cutting and transfer drum having a side surface, the side surface of the cutting and transfer drum being provided with a plurality of holes connected to a device for forced air extraction so that the label (22) remains adhered to the side surface, the removal device (13) comprising a device for interrupting the action of the extraction device at a portion of the side surface of the cutting and transfer drum facing the removal area (30).

9. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The removal device (13) comprises a blower device suitable for generating an air flow on command, the air flow passing through the holes of the side surface (3b) from the inside of the cutting drum (3) towards the outside of the cutting drum (3) at the part of the side surface (3b) of the cutting drum facing the removal area (30) so as to remove the label (22b) from the flow of labels.

10. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The removal device (13) comprises a blower device, which is suitable for generating an air flow on command, which air flow passes through the holes in the side surface of the cutting and transfer cylinder from the inside of the cutting and transfer cylinder towards the outside of the cutting and transfer cylinder at the part of the side surface of the cutting and transfer cylinder facing the removal area (30) to facilitate the removal of the label (22b) from the label flow.

11. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The removal device (13) comprises an extractor (13a) provided with a suction inlet, the suction inlet being arranged facing the removal area (30).

12. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The transfer drum (4) comprises a plurality of adhesive bonding portions which are arranged angularly spaced about an axis (100) of the transfer drum (4) and are designed to receive, by stationary contact, at least one longitudinal end (22a) of the label (22) so as to allow the application of at least one corresponding adhesive strip in cooperation with the application device (5).

13. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that The labelling machine comprises control and actuation means suitable for actuating the removal means (13).

14. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that The control and actuation means are functionally associated with a device for detecting the containers (10) to be labeled that are fed to the feed assembly (10a).

15. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that The control and actuation means are functionally associated with a device for controlling the synchronization between the speed of the containers to be labeled and the speed of the labeling strip (21).

16. Labelling machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that The control and actuation means are configured to manage the cutting device (3a) and the removal device (13) during a transient period suitable for bringing the labelling machine (1) into operation, so as to reject labels (22b) which do not conform to the length and therefore cannot be associated with a container (10).

17. A method for labeling a container, comprising the steps of: The label tape (21) is fed to a cutting device by means of an unwinding assembly, the label tape (21) is cut at the cutting device to obtain a flow of labels (22), the flow of labels (22) is sent to a transfer device, the labels (22) are applied and transferred to the corresponding container (10) to be labeled, characterized in that the method comprises a removal step, which can be activated according to a command and is suitable for removing at least one label (22b) from the flow of labels (22) upstream of the area (50) for transferring the label (22) to the container (10).

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