Glue dispensing device with rotatable adjustment system

Abstract

Described herein is a glue dispensing device (17) for uniformly applying a glue layer thickness on an outer surface (15) of a glue applicator roller (14), comprising a first glue scraping group (18), a second glue scraping group (18 ') and a frame (19) for alternately supporting the first scraping group (18) or the second scraping group (18'). Each scraping group (18, 18 ') comprises a respective glue scraper (20) consisting of blade elements and configured to be arranged along the periphery of the glue applicator roller (14); wherein the first scraping group (18) is configured to be arranged in a first configuration corresponding to a first direction of the squeegee (20) relative to the surface (15), and the second scraping group (18 ') is configured to be arranged in a second configuration corresponding to a second direction of the squeegee (20) relative to the surface (15), said second direction being different from the first direction; wherein the dispensing device (1) comprises an adjustment system (27) comprising a support structure (28) for supporting at least two adjustment elements (29, 29 '), each adjustment element (29, 29') being configured for fine adjustment of the position of the squeegee (20) of a respective scraping group in a respective configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an adhesive dispensing device and an adhesive system for applying adhesive to labels. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of containerized pourable food packaging, labeling modules are well-known for decorating containers and affixing labels. Labeling modules may include an adhesive system for applying adhesive to each label, allowing the label to be applied to the corresponding container via the applied adhesive.

[0003] Typically, an adhesive system includes a rotatable applicator roller configured to receive adhesive on its sides. The adhesive system may also include an adhesive dispensing device for adjusting the amount of adhesive on the sides of the applicator roller. This dispensing device includes an adhesive scraping assembly comprising a scraper for scraping the surface of the applicator roller to adjust the amount of adhesive on the surface. The position of the scraper needs to be finely adjusted to regulate the amount of adhesive.

[0004] One type of glue dispensing device can operate two scraping sets alternately. The first scraping set operates in a first configuration, where the scraper is in a first direction relative to the surface of the glue-applying roller; while the second scraping set operates in a second configuration, where the scraper is in a second direction relative to the surface of the glue-applying roller. The specific selection of which scraping set (corresponding to the selection of the corresponding direction) depends on the technical specifications.

[0005] Currently, the position of the squeegee can be finely adjusted via an adjustment system. However, when the squeegee assembly is replaced to change the direction of the squeegee, this adjustment system cannot maintain the set adjustment. In fact, every time the same squeegee assembly is used again, the required position needs to be reset, which increases the overall operating cost of the adhesive system and labeling module. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An adhesive dispensing device according to any one of the claims in this specification or the appended device claims is capable of reducing the total operating cost of the adhesive system in which it is located.

[0007] An adhesive system according to any one of the claims in this specification or the appended system claims, comprising an adhesive dispensing device according to any one of the claims in this specification or the appended device claims.

[0008] A labeling module according to any one of the claims in this specification or the appended module claims, comprising an adhesive system according to any one of the claims in this specification or the appended system claims.

[0009] The following brief and detailed descriptions of the accompanying drawings will illustrate possible embodiments of the adhesive dispensing device, the adhesive system, and the labeling module according to this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0010] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the labeling module; - Figure 2 is a plan view of the glue dispensing device, in which the glue scraping assembly adopts the first structure and the position of the scraper has not been adjusted; - Figure 3 is a plan view of the glue dispensing device, in which the glue scraping assembly adopts the first structure and the position of the glue scraper has been adjusted; Figure 4 is a plan view of the glue dispensing device, in which the glue scraping assembly adopts the second structure and the position of the scraper has not been adjusted; Figure 5 is a plan view of the glue dispensing device, in which the glue scraping assembly adopts the second structure and the position of the scraper has been adjusted; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the glue dispensing device, in which the scraping assembly is the first configuration; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the glue dispensing device, in which the scraping assembly is the second structure. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The glue dispensing device 17 is used to uniformly coat the glue layer thickness on the outer surface 15 of the glue application roller 14. The dispensing device 17 includes a first scraping assembly 18 and a second scraping assembly 18'. The dispensing device 17 includes a frame 19 for alternately supporting the first glue scraping assembly 18 or the second glue scraping assembly 18'. In Figures 2, 3, and 6, the frame 19 supports the first scraping assembly 18. In Figures 4, 5, and 7, the frame 19 supports the second scraping assembly 18'.

[0012] The adhesive system 13 is used to apply adhesive to the label 2. The label 2 is shown in Figure 1.

[0013] The adhesive system 13 includes an adhesive roller 14 configured to receive adhesive on its outer surface 15 and then transfer the adhesive onto the label 2.

[0014] The glue system 13 includes a glue feed circuit 16 for continuously feeding glue to the glue applicator roller 14.

[0015] The adhesive system includes an adhesive dispensing device 17.

[0016] Labeling module 6 is configured to label containers 4 conveyed by conveyor belt 5. Labeling module 6 includes transfer rollers 12 for applying labels to the individual containers 4 conveyed by conveyor belt 5. Labeling module 6 includes an adhesive system 13. The adhesive system 13 applies adhesive to each label transferred by roller 12 by acting on roller 12. Labeling module 6 is part of labeling machine 1, which includes conveyor belt 5 for conveying containers and labeling module 6.

[0017] The gluing roller 14 is rotatable about a first axis Y, which is the axis Y of the gluing roller 14. The roller 12 is rotatable about a second axis for receiving, transferring, and sequentially affixing the transferred labels 2 onto the corresponding containers 5. The second axis corresponds to the axis of the roller 12. The conveyor belt 5 includes a turntable rotatable about a third axis Z for conveying the containers 5. The third axis Z is the axis of the turntable. The first axis Y, the second axis, and the third axis Z are parallel to each other. The labeling module 6 includes a cutting unit 11 that runs upstream of or on the roller 12 for sequentially cutting rolls of label material 3 to form labels 2. The labeling module includes one or more rollers 10. One of the rollers 10 may be a feed roller 10 for conveying the roll 3 along the feed path P. The labeling module 6 includes a supply unit 9 for supplying the roll 3. The supply unit 9 supports the roll of label material 7 such that the feed of the roll 3 along the path P corresponds to the unwinding of the roll 3 from the roll 7. The labeling module 6 may include a roll buffer that operates between the supply unit 9 and the transfer roller 12.

[0018] Each squeegee group 18 or 18' includes a corresponding squeegee 20 composed of blade elements. Each squeegee group 18 or 18' is configured to be arranged around the applicator roller 14. The first squeegee group 18 is configured in a first configuration, corresponding to a first direction of the squeegee 20 relative to the surface 15. The second squeegee group 18' is configured in a second configuration, corresponding to a second direction of the squeegee 20 relative to the surface 15. The second direction is different from the first direction. The first direction may correspond to a first angle V defined between the squeegee 20 and the tangent of the side surface 15. The second direction may correspond to a second angle W defined between the squeegee 20 and the tangent of the side surface 15. The first angle V is different from the second angle W.

[0019] The dispensing device 17 includes a handle 25 for locking the scraper group 18 or 18' in the corresponding configuration. Thus, when the selected scraper group is the first scraper group 18, the first scraper group 18 is locked in the first configuration using the handle 25; and when the selected scraper group is the second scraper group 18', the second scraper group 18' is locked in the second configuration using the handle 15.

[0020] In Figure 3, the first scraping assembly 18 is locked in the first configuration. In Figure 5, the second scraping assembly 18' is locked in the second configuration.

[0021] The dispensing device 1 includes an adjustment system 27. The adjustment system 27 includes a support structure 28 for supporting at least two adjustment elements 29 and 29'.

[0022] Each adjusting element 29 or 29' is configured to fine-tune the position of the scraper 20 in the corresponding scraping group. Thus, the first adjusting element 29 is configured to fine-tune the position of the scraper 20 in the first scraping group 18, while the second adjusting element 29' is configured to fine-tune the position of the scraper 20 in the second scraping group 18'. The adjustment of the scraper 20 position is achieved by the displacement of the corresponding adjusting element 29 or 29' relative to the support structure 28, which corresponds to adjusting the radial distance between the tip of the scraper 20 and the surface 15 of the coating roller 14. Each adjusting element 29 or 29' can be, for example, an adjusting screw.

[0023] The adjustment system 27 is rotatable relative to the frame 19 between a working position and a changeover position. In the changeover position, the scraping assembly can be replaced, thereby replacing the first scraping assembly 18 with the second scraping assembly, and vice versa. In the working position, each adjustment element 29 or 29' can adjust the position of the scraper 20. In the changeover position, the position of the scraper 20 is not adjustable by any of the adjustment elements 29 and 29'.

[0024] In Figures 3 and 5, the adjustment system 27 is in the working position.

[0025] In Figures 2 and 4, the adjustment system 27 moves between the working position and the changing position.

[0026] The adjustment system 27 can rotate about the fourth axis X between the working position and the changing position. The fourth axis X is parallel to the first axis Y.

[0027] In this way, the adjustment position already set for either adjustment element 29 or 29' can be maintained during replacement. Therefore, when a new scraper assembly 18 or 18' is locked in the corresponding configuration, the corresponding adjustment element 29 or 29' can already be in the correct adjustment position corresponding to the desired position of the scraper 20 or 20'. Thus, between two different uses of the same scraper assembly (during which another scraper assembly is used), the adjustment position of the corresponding adjustment element 29 or 29' can remain unchanged, and when the same scraper assembly is used again, there is no need to readjust the position of the scraper 20.

[0028] Therefore, the downtime of the labeling module 6 can be reduced, thereby lowering its operating costs. Furthermore, safety is improved because the adjustment system 27 does not need to be removed to replace the scraper assembly. In fact, if the adjustment system 27 cannot rotate, the adjustment system 27 itself must be replaced every time the scraper assembly is changed.

[0029] Each scraping assembly 18 or 18' includes a corresponding support 21 or 21' for supporting the scraper 20 or 20'. In the operating position of the adjustment system 27, each adjustment element 29 or 29' can adjust the position of the scraper 20 by contacting the support 21 or 21'.

[0030] In the second scraping assembly 18', the support member 21' includes a wedge 36 for accommodating the contact of the corresponding adjusting element 29'. The wedge 36 allows the support member 20' to easily contact the second adjusting element 29' even when the second scraping assembly 18' is configured in a second way, without requiring the second adjusting element 29' to be supported in a complex position. In fact, in the second configuration of the second scraping assembly 18', the scraper 20' needs to have a second orientation, which results in the second adjusting element 29' having lower accessibility to the support member 20' of the second assembly 18' compared to the first adjusting element 29' having lower accessibility to the support member 20' of the first assembly 18. The wedge 36 facilitates contact between the second adjusting element 29' and the support member 20', thus allowing adjustment of the scraper 20's position even in the second configuration of the second scraping assembly 18'.

[0031] Each support 21 or 21' includes a corresponding arm 2 or 22', on which a body 23 protrudes upward from the arm 22 or 22'.

[0032] The first end of arm 22 or 22' is connected to the scraper 20 or 20', and the second end is connected to the connecting element 24 of frame 19. Arm 22 or 22' is configured to be detachably coupled to connecting element 24.

[0033] The dispensing device 17 includes a guiding system for guiding the support structure 28 between the working position and the changing position. The guiding system includes a slit 33 and a pin 34 that slides within the slit 33. One of the slit 33 and the pin 34 is integrally formed with one of the support structure 28 and the frame 19. The other of the slit 33 and the pin 34 is integrally formed with the other of the support structure 28 and the frame 19. In the illustrated example, the slit 33 is positioned on a bracket 32 ​​integrally formed with the support structure 28. In the illustrated example, the pin 34 is integrally formed with the frame 19. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the slit 33 is integrally formed with the support structure 28, and the pin 34 is integrally formed with the frame 19.

[0034] The dispensing device 17 includes a locking system for locking the adjustment system 27 in a working position. The locking system includes a hole 35 and a locking element 37 that engages with the hole 35 to lock the support structure 28 in the working position. The hole 35 is integrally formed with the support structure 28 and the frame 19, while the slit 33 is integrally formed with the frame 19. The locking element 37 is supported by the support structure 28 and the frame 19, while a pin 34 is integrally formed with the frame 19.

[0035] In this way, slit 33 and hole 35 can be fabricated on the same component, thereby simplifying production and reducing production costs.

[0036] In the example shown, hole 35 is also formed on bracket 32, thus integrally molded with support structure 28. In the example shown, locking element 37 is supported by frame 19.

[0037] In Figures 3 and 5, the adjustment system 27 is locked in the working position.

[0038] The frame 19 includes a connecting element 24 having a second through hole configured to be engaged by a locking element 37 for locking the bracket 30 in the operating position of the adjustment system 27.

Claims

1. A glue dispensing device (17) for uniformly coating a glue layer on the outer surface (15) of a glue applicator roller (14), the glue dispensing device comprising: A first glue scraping assembly (18), a second glue scraping assembly (18'), and a frame (19) for alternately supporting the first scraping assembly (18) or the second scraping assembly (18'); each scraping assembly (18, 18') includes a corresponding scraper (20) defined by a blade element and configured to be arranged along the periphery of the glue application roller (14); wherein the first scraping assembly (18) is configured in a first configuration corresponding to a first direction of the scraper (20) relative to the surface (15), and the second scraping assembly (18') is configured in a second configuration corresponding to a second direction of the scraper (20) relative to the surface (15), the second direction being different from the first direction; The dispensing device (17) includes an adjustment system (27) comprising a support structure (28) for supporting at least two adjustment elements (29, 29'); each adjustment element (29, 29') is configured to fine-tune the position of the scraper (20) of the corresponding scraping group in its respective configuration; wherein the adjustment system (27) is rotatable relative to the frame (19) between a working position and a changing position, in the working position where each adjustment element (29; 29') can adjust the position of the scraper (20), and in the changing position, for changing the scraping group (18; 18'), at which time all adjustment elements (29) cannot adjust the position of the scraper (20).

2. The glue dispensing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: Each scraping assembly (18; 18') includes a corresponding support (21; 21') for supporting the scraper (20; 20'); In the operating position of the adjustment system (27), each adjustment element (29; 29') can adjust the position of the scraper (20) by contacting the support (21; 21').

3. The glue dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein, In the second scraping assembly (18'), the support (21') includes a wedge (36) for receiving contact with the corresponding adjusting element (29').

4. The glue dispensing device according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a guiding system for guiding the support structure (28) between the working position and the changing position, the guiding system comprising a slit (33) and a pin (34) sliding within the slit (33), one of the slit (33) and the pin (34) being integrally formed with one of the support structure (28) and the frame (19), and the other of the slit (33) and the pin (34) being integrally formed with the other of the support structure (28) and the frame (19).

5. The glue dispensing device according to claim 4, comprising a locking system for locking the support structure (28) in the working position of the adjustment system (27), the locking system comprising a hole (35) and a locking element (37) engageable with the hole (35) to lock the support structure (28) in the working position, the hole (35) being integrally formed with one of the support structure (28) and the frame (19) integrally formed with the slit (33), the other of the hole (35) and the locking element (37) being supported by one of the support structure (28) and the frame (19) integrally formed with the pin (34).

6. An adhesive system (13) for applying adhesive to a label (2), comprising: A rotatable glue roller (14) is configured to receive glue on its outer surface (15) and transfer the glue onto the label (2); Adhesive feed circuit (16) for continuously feeding adhesive to the coating roller (14); and Adhesive dispensing device (17) for uniformly coating the adhesive layer thickness on the outer surface (15), wherein the adhesive dispensing device (17) is implemented as described in any of the preceding claims.

7. A labeling module (6) for labeling containers (4), comprising: Conveyor rollers are used to apply labels to the corresponding containers being conveyed. According to claim 6, the adhesive system (13) acts on the roller (12) to apply adhesive to each label carried by the roller.

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