Holder for web of labelling material and labelling machine equipped with such holder
By designing a magnetically coupled clamp and support, and equipping it with an actuation system and a capture body, the problems of inaccurate positioning and wear of labeling material rolls during splicing in the prior art have been solved, achieving higher precision splicing operation and reducing wear.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480032761.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-04
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-12
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the clamps used to hold labeling material rolls for pourable products are difficult to position accurately and reduce wear during the splicing process.
A gripper is designed that engages with a support via a magnetic connection and is equipped with an actuation system and a capture body. It is able to grip and release the free end of the roll material, ensuring its accurate positioning at the splice position and reducing wear.
It improves the splicing accuracy of labeling material rolls, reduces the risk of wear between the clamp and the support, and ensures the stability of the roll ends at the splicing position.
Smart Images
Figure FT_1 
Figure FT_2 
Figure FT_3
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a gripper for holding labeling material rolls and a labeling machine equipped with said gripper, particularly for improving the gripping of labeling material rolls suitable for holding articles containing pourable products (preferably pourable food). Background Technology
[0002] A roll feeding system for a labeling module is known from PCT / EP2022 / 081391. This labeling module is used to label articles suitable for containing pourable products (preferably pourable food). The roll feeding system includes a splicing device and a positioning device (which may be, for example, a robot) for automatically positioning the front portion of the roll at a splicing position relative to the splicing device. The system also includes a roll feeding unit equipped with a gripper configured to hold the free end of the roll in a coil form. Specifically, the gripper is configured to be positioned between an open configuration (in which the roll is free) and a closed configuration (in which the roll is held). Summary of the Invention
[0003] A clamp for holding a roll of labeling material according to this specification or any of the appended claims enables the roll of material to be held in the correct position.
[0004] A labeling machine according to this specification includes a clamp as described in the specification or the machine claims. Attached Figure Description
[0005] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments: - Figure 1 This is a top view of a labeling machine according to the invention (some parts have been removed for clarity), the labeling machine being equipped with a clamp according to the invention; - Figure 2 It is equipped with Figure 1 An enlarged side view of the feeding system of the gripper roll 1 (some parts have been removed for clarity); - Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the gripper according to the invention in a closed state, particularly a partially closed state; - Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the clamp in the open position (some parts have been removed for clarity); - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the feeding unit of a labeling machine, the feeding unit being equipped with a clamp manufactured according to a first embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic side view of the gripper in the closed state; - Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic longitudinal sectional view of the clamp in the closed state; - Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A schematic side view of the gripper in the open position; - Figure 9 yes Figure 5 A schematic longitudinal sectional view of the clamp in the open position; - Figure 10 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the clamp in the open position; Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the feeding unit of a labeling machine, the feeding unit being equipped with a clamp manufactured according to a second embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic side view of the gripper in the closed state; - Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A schematic longitudinal sectional view of the clamp in the closed state; - Figure 14 yes Figure 11 A schematic side view of the gripper in the open position; - Figure 15 yes Figure 11 A schematic longitudinal sectional view of the clamp in the open position; - Figure 16 yes Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of the clamp in the open position. Detailed Implementation
[0006] exist Figure 1 In this document, the designation 1 generally indicates a labeling machine for labeling a container 2 (e.g., a bottle, flask, jar, or such container) suitable for holding a pourable product, preferably a pourable food. The labeling machine 1 includes a labeling module 3 and a conveyor 4 configured to transport the container 2. The labeling machine 1 is configured to label the container 2 by means of the labeling module 3 as it is transported by the conveyor 4. The conveyor 4 may be a rotary conveyor. The labeling module 3 also includes a splicing device 5. The splicing device 5 is configured to splice the currently used roll 6 with a new roll 6 as the previous (currently used) roll is about to reach its end. Figure 1 The roll material 6 shown is the roll material currently in use, and it is nearing its end; meanwhile, Figure 5 and Figure 11The roll material shown as 6 is a new roll material.
[0007] The labeling machine 1 includes a roll feeding system 7 for the roll of labeling material 6, which is configured to feed the roll of labeling material 6 to the labeling module 3. The roll feeding system 7 facilitates the loading and conveying of new rolls of material 6 by the feeding unit 8, thereby improving the accuracy of the splicing operation. The roll feeding system 7 is semi-automatic, as will be described in detail below.
[0008] The feeding system 7 includes a feeding unit 8 for the roll 6. The feeding unit 8 includes a support 9 for supporting the spool 10 of the roll 6. The feeding unit 8 includes a clamp 11 configured to clamp the free end 12 of the supported spool 6.
[0009] The feeding system 7 also includes a positioning device 27, which includes a robotic arm (robot) and is configured to automatically position the free end 12 of the roll 6 at the splicing position relative to the splicing device 5.
[0010] The clamp 11 is configured to magnetically engage with the support 9 (e.g., Figure 2 As shown, and in Figure 5 and Figure 11 (represented by solid lines in the middle), and configured to disengage from support member 9 (e.g.) Figure 5 and Figure 11 (Used as dashed lines in the middle).
[0011] The clamp 11 can be held in position engaged with the support 9 by means of a mechanical contact centering system.
[0012] Preferably, engaging the clamp 11 with the support 9 by means of a magnetic connection reduces wear, and the clamp 11 can be more easily disengaged from the support 9.
[0013] In preparation for the splicing operation by using the splicing equipment 5, the feeding unit 8 of the roll 10 supporting the new roll 6 is loaded onto the labeling module 3.
[0014] like Figure 1 As schematically shown, the feeding unit 8 is taken out from the storage area 28 of the labeling machine 1 by the positioning device 27, and then released onto the labeling module 3 by the positioning device.
[0015] Preparation for performing the splicing operation by means of the splicing device 5 also requires that the free end 12 of the new roll 6 be in the splicing position relative to the splicing device 5. The splicing position (which may be defined as the actual splicing position) should be as close as possible to and / or similar to the ideal splicing position.
[0016] The support member 9 includes a central hub 13 and radial arms 14 branching radially from the hub 13. A clamp 11 engages with the support member 9 at the axial end of the radial arms 14. In this way, the clamp 11 engages with the support member 9 in a radial position that optimizes the coupling force between the support member 9 and the clamp 11, reducing the risk of accidental loosening or disengagement of the coupling when loading the feeding unit 8 onto the labeling module 3, while making subsequent disengagement of the clamp 11 as easy as possible.
[0017] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the clamp 11 is configured to be in a closed state, which corresponds to the state in which the free end 12 of the supported roll 10 is clamped, or in an open state, in which the supported roll 10 is not clamped. In other words, from the perspective of the roll 6, when the clamp is in the closed state, the supported roll 10 can be gripped by the clamp 11. Specifically, when the roll 6 is gripped by the clamp 11, the free end 12 is held by the clamp 11. In any case, the clamp 11 can be closed even if no roll 6 is clamped.
[0018] According to the invention, the gripper 11 includes a gripping body 15 (particularly a fork-shaped member equipped with two arms 31) and a capturing body 16.
[0019] The clamping body 15 is equipped with a cavity 17 that defines a housing configured to receive the roll 6 and at least partially receive the capture body 16. The capture body 16 acts directly on the roll 6 of material and can be in a clamping position (e.g., as shown in the image) along a direction D transverse to the clamping body 15. Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 (as shown) and release location (e.g., as shown) Figure 4 , Figures 8-10 , Figures 14-16 The device moves between the clamping body 15 and the cavity 17. In the clamping position, the capturing body 16 (and optionally, if present, the roll 6) engages at least partially with the cavity 17, thereby capturing the roll 6 between the clamping body 15 and the capturing body 16. In the releasing position, the capturing body 16 releases the cavity 17, thereby releasing the roll 6 of labeling material. Therefore, the clamping position of the capturing body 16 corresponds to the closed state of the clamp 11, and the releasing position of the capturing body 16 corresponds to the open state of the clamp 11.
[0020] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the capture body 16 includes a chamfer 18 at its vertical edge facing the cavity 17 to prevent any possible jamming during its movement toward the cavity 17. The chamfer 18 may involve the entire vertical edge, or even only a portion thereof. Alternatively, according to... Figure 10 As shown, the clamping body 15 and the capturing body 16 have inclined sidewalls.
[0021] The gripper 11 includes an actuation system 19 configured to move the capture body 16 along direction D. Specifically, as Figures 5-16 As shown, the actuation system 19 can be controlled from both the upper and rear sides of the gripper 11. The rear side has a greater inclination angle than the upper side relative to the direction D. The upper side can be parallel to the direction D. The rear side can be perpendicular to the direction D.
[0022] Advantages, such as Figures 6-9 and Figures 12-15 As shown, the actuation system 19 includes a drive body 20, which is integral with the capture body 16 and can be moved by a support housing 21, which is integral with the clamping body 15.
[0023] exist Figures 5-10 In the first embodiment shown, the drive body 20 and the capture body 16 are made as a single unit (i.e., they are one piece). Alternatively, the support housing 21 and the clamping body 15 are also made as a single unit (i.e., they are one piece).
[0024] The actuation system 19 can be operated from above (transverse to, and particularly orthogonal to, direction D) by means of at least one movable connecting device 22 integrated with the drive body 20 and at least one fixed connecting device 23 integrated with the support housing 21.
[0025] according to Figures 5-9 As shown, the actuation system 19 includes two movable connection devices 22 and two fixed connection devices 23.
[0026] As an alternative, such as Figures 11-15 As shown, the actuation system 19 includes a single movable connection device 22 and a single fixed connection device 23.
[0027] Advantageously, the connecting devices 22 and 23 are connected to their respective drive bodies 20 and support housings 21 by means of threaded connections (in particular by corresponding screws).
[0028] Each connecting device 22 and 23 is configured to connect the gripper 11 to the positioning device 27, such that the positioning device 27 can displace the capture body 16 between a clamping position and a release position by moving each movable connecting device 22 relative to the fixed connecting device 23. In other words, the positioning device 27 displaces the capture body 16 between a clamping position and a release position by performing relative displacement (particularly relative translation) between the movable connecting device 22 and the fixed connecting device 23. This allows the positioning device 27 to release the roll material to the splicing position.
[0029] Each connecting device 22 and 23 protrudes from the upper side of the clamp 11. Specifically, the movable connecting device 22 is fixed to the upper side of the drive body 20, while the fixed connecting device 23 is fixed to the upper side of the support housing 21.
[0030] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the actuation system 19 can be operated from the rear via a button 24, which is integrated with the drive body 20 and can be manually operated, for example, by a user. Therefore, the button 24 acts essentially directly on the drive body 20. Thus, the drive body 20 can be moved automatically or semi-automatically via the positioning device 27, by means of connecting devices 22 and 23 (particularly by the movable connecting device 22), and / or manually via the button 24.
[0031] As an alternative to button 24, connecting devices 22 and 23 can be pneumatic, so the actuation system 19 can pneumatically control the opening and closing of the gripper 11. In this case, the user's actions may be performed by manually activating or deactivating the pneumatic control, or they may not be performed at all. Meanwhile, the drive unit 20 moves automatically via the positioning device 27 itself.
[0032] A spring return device 25, preferably a spring or helical spring, is arranged between the drive body 20 and the support housing 21. The spring return device 25 is preloaded to return the drive body 20 toward the support housing 21, thereby keeping the clamp 11 in the closed state.
[0033] Advantageously, the spring return device 25 is coaxially mounted on the pin 26. The pin 26 engages (connects) with the drive body 20; meanwhile, the support housing 21 does not engage with the pin 26 (the pin 26 merely passes through it without being connected).
[0034] The clamp 11, in its closed state, is configured to define the correct position of the free end 12 of the supported roll 10 of material 6 relative to the clamp 11 itself. The correct position is relative to a reference frame integral with the closed clamp 11. Essentially, the roll 6 can be positioned correctly at the free end 12, for example, by the operator, while the clamp 11 is in the open state. Subsequently, the clamp 11 can be switched to the closed position. Thus, the operator obtains a situation where the free end 12 of the roll 6 is clamped and correctly positioned relative to the clamp 11 itself. The coupling between the bodies 15 and 16 of the clamp 11 allows the free end 12 to be held very stably in the correct position during the movement of the positioning device 27 toward the actual splicing position.
[0035] The positioning device is configured to automatically disengage the closed gripper from the support 9 and position it at a predetermined location relative to the splicing device 5. The combination of the predetermined position of the gripper 11 and the correct position of the free end 12 enables ideal splicing positioning of the roll end 12. Therefore, the gripper 11 is configured to assist the robot positioning device 27 in obtaining an actual splicing position as close as possible to or similar to the ideal splicing position, thanks also to the connecting devices 22 and 23, as the gripper 11 is configured to facilitate the operator's operation in obtaining the said correct position of the free end 12.
[0036] Advantageously, the capture body 16 includes elements selected from: parallelepiped elements (such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 (as shown), rubber pad (not shown), pointed pin (not shown), or blade 30 (especially serrated, such as...) Figures 11-16 As shown in the second embodiment).
[0037] The gripper 11, along with the feeding system 7 and the labeling machine 1 described so far, have many advantages.
[0038] The gripper 11 described so far has advantages over the feed system 7 described in patent application PCT / EP2022 / 081391, but is not a unique application.
[0039] The advantage of the clamp 11 is that it helps the user position the free end 12 in the correct position relative to the clamp 11, which is related to the splicing position. In fact, in this way, the positioning device 27 (which does not actually know the relative position of the roll 6 in the clamp 11) is more configured to position the free end 12 in the ideal splicing position.
[0040] Therefore, the feeding system 7 of the roll 6 improves the accuracy of the splicing operation while minimizing wear.
[0041] The feeding system 7 can be semi-automatic. In fact, its implementation may include: a manual stage, for example, where the user positions the free end 12 of the roll 6 in the correct position relative to the gripper 11; and an automatic stage, for example, where the gripper 11 is moved toward the splicing device 5 by the positioning device 27 to reach the aforementioned predetermined position of the gripper, thereby reaching the splicing position of the front free end 12 of the roll.
[0042] Additionally, if there is a chamfered 18 or sloping sidewall (such as...) Figure 10 As shown), the roll 6 will be blocked between the clamping body 15 and the capturing body 16 at the chamfer 18 itself, thus avoiding jamming.
Claims
1. A clamp (11) for holding a roll (6) of labeling material, said clamp (11) comprising: - A clamping body (15) configured with a cavity (17); as well as - A capturing body (16) that acts directly on the roll of material (6) and is movable between a clamping position and a releasing position in a direction (D) transverse to the clamping body (15), wherein in the clamping position, the capturing body (16) engages at least partially with the cavity (17) to capture the roll of labeling material (6) between the clamping body (15) and the capturing body (16); in the releasing position, the capturing body (16) releases the cavity (17) to release the roll of labeling material (6); wherein, The gripper includes a drive system (19) configured to move the capture body (16) along the direction (D); The drive system (19) can be operated from the upper side and the rear side of the gripper (11), with the rear side preferably having a greater inclination than the upper side relative to the direction (D); The drive system (19) includes a drive body (20) that is integral with the capture body (16) and movable via a support housing (21), the support housing (21) being integral with the clamping body (15), and the drive system (19) including the support housing (21); The drive system (19) can be operated from the upper side via a movable connecting device (22) integrated with the drive body (20) and a fixed connecting device (23) integrated with the support housing (21); Each connecting device (22, 23) is configured to connect the gripper (11) to the positioning device (27) so that the positioning device (27) can move the capture body (16) between the gripping position and the release position by displacing each movable connecting device (22) relative to the fixed connecting device (23).
2. The gripper (11) according to claim 1, wherein the capturing body (16) includes a chamfer (18) at the vertical edge facing the cavity (17).
3. The clamp (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capturing body (16) is an element selected from: a parallelepiped element, a rubber pad, a pin or a blade (30), particularly a serrated blade.
4. The gripper (11) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each connecting device (22, 23) protrudes from the upper side of the gripper (11); in particular, the movable connecting device (22) is fixed to the upper side of the drive body (20), while the fixed connecting device (23) is fixed to the upper side of the support housing (21).
5. The clamp (11) according to claim 4, wherein the drive system (19) is operable from the rear by means of a button (24), the button being integral with the drive body (20) and being operable, for example, by a user manually.
6. A feeding system (7) for feeding a roll (6) of labeling material into a labeling module (3), the labeling module (3) including a splicing device (5), the feeding system (7) including: a) A positioning device (27) comprising a robotic arm and configured to automatically position the free end (12) of the roll (6) at a splicing position relative to the splicing device (5); b) A feeding unit (8) for the roll (6), comprising a support (9) for the spool (10) of the roll (6) and a clamp (11) for clamping the free end (12) of the strip (6) of the supported spool (10); wherein the clamp (11): - Configured to magnetically engage with the support (9) and configured to disengage from the support; wherein the support (9) includes a central hub (13) and radial arms (14) branching radially from the hub (13), and the clamp (11) engages with the support (9) at the axial end of the radial arms (14). - It can be in a closed configuration, wherein the free end (12) is held by the clamp (11); and in an open configuration, wherein the roll (6) of the reel (10) is not held and is free; and - Includes a clamping body (15) configured with a cavity (17) and a capturing body (16) movable in a direction (D) transverse to the clamping body (15); wherein the capturing body (16) is movable between a clamping position and a release position, in the clamping position, the capturing body (16) at least partially engages with the cavity (17) to capture the roll (6) of labeling material between the clamping body (15) and the capturing body (16) to close the clamp (11), and in the release position, the capturing body (16) releases the cavity (17) to release the roll (6) of labeling material to open the clamp (11).
7. A labeling machine (1) for labeling a container (2), the labeling machine comprising a gripper (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or a feeding system (7) according to claim 6.