Labelling unit for containers with a fastening system for attaching a dispensing edge of the labelling unit to an associated dispensing arm.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a labeling unit according to the preamble of claim 1 and a corresponding labeling machine.

[0002] A generic labeling unit with a fastening system for attaching a dispensing edge according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 20 2015 103 482 U1. According to this patent, an interchangeable carrier with a dispensing edge is coupled to a dispensing arm by means of a locking mechanism based on two orthogonally arranged bolts. The locking mechanism is actuated either by screwing a locking bolt, which extends transversely to the dispensing arm, into or out of a threaded bore, or by a spring preload acting on the locking bolt, which must be manually counteracted to release the locking mechanism. However, both actuation methods are ergonomically questionable.In one case, this is due to the numerous screw movements required to lock and unlock the mechanism; in the other, it's due to the fact that the spring tension must be counteracted for a comparatively long time when replacing the interchangeable holder, which makes simultaneously handling the dispensing edge being replaced and the new one being inserted difficult. Furthermore, the described bolt locking mechanism inside the dispensing arm is relatively complex in design and contributes little to a rotationally secure connection of the dispensing edge. Additional positive-locking elements on the interchangeable holder and the dispensing arm are necessary for this purpose.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a fastening system that, when mounted on the labeling unit, is easily accessible and ergonomically operated by the operating personnel and / or provides a stable and twist-proof interchangeable coupling between the dispensing arm and the dispensing edge with the least possible design effort.

[0004] The stated problem is solved with a labeling unit according to claim 1.

[0005] Accordingly, it is a labeling unit for containers with a fastening system for attaching a dispensing edge designed for removing labels from a carrier tape to an associated dispensing arm of the labeling unit.

[0006] The dispensing edge is attached to a holder that can be detached from the dispensing arm. Furthermore, the fastening system includes a tool-free locking mechanism for securing the holder to the dispensing arm. According to the invention, the locking mechanism is a tension lock operated by means of a tension lever.

[0007] A toggle latch according to the invention has a clamping lever which, when the toggle latch is closed, exerts a tensile force on an associated locking bracket or similar locking element. The toggle latch can, for example, engage positively in the locking bracket by means of a clamping hook coupled to the clamping lever. The clamping lever functions in particular as a rocker arm, which, when closing, is pressed towards the components supporting the toggle latch.

[0008] The terms "tension hook" and "closing angle" correspond to the terminology used for toggle latches. However, they could also refer to functionally equivalent locking elements with a different shape, provided that a positive locking mechanism is engaged when the toggle latch is closed.

[0009] The locking mechanism can be locked in the closed position by pushing the locking lever past a dead center in a manner known in principle, and opened again by pushing it past the dead center in the opposite direction.

[0010] By simply pressing the tension lever towards the dispensing arm, the tension lock can be closed in a particularly ergonomic way and opened just as ergonomically by operating it in the opposite direction.

[0011] Due to the interlocking action of the clamping lever and locking angle, the holder and dispensing arm are essentially pulled parallel to each other. This also facilitates a rotationally fixed locking of the holder to the dispensing arm.

[0012] The dispensing arm is known to be used to guide the carrier belt to the release edge and back again, as well as to position the dispensing edge on a transport track of the containers.

[0013] Preferably, the clamping lever can be tilted about a substantially horizontal axis with respect to its bearing shoe, bearing plate, or similar bearing arrangement. This allows for ergonomic operation of the clamping lock from above in the area of ​​an associated labeling machine.

[0014] Preferably, the fastening system further comprises a first fastening element for attaching a bearing of the tension lever to the top of the dispensing arm. The tension lever is particularly easily accessible there and is located outside the lateral areas of the dispensing arm intended for guiding the carrier belt.

[0015] Preferably, the first fastening element is designed to grip the dispensing arm from above and to be attached to the dispensing arm laterally, particularly by means of a screw connection. This allows for a structurally simple parallel alignment of the clamping fastener on the dispensing arm and a stable attachment of the first fastening element to fastening grooves or the like running lengthwise along the dispensing arm. This also facilitates the retrofitting of dispensing arms with the fastening system.

[0016] According to the invention, the clamping mechanism comprises a locking angle rigidly connected to the holder, and the clamping lever can be engaged with the locking angle in such a way that the holder is pulled against the dispensing arm when the clamping mechanism is closed. This enables backlash-free and reproducible positioning of the holder by its contact and tightening against the dispensing arm.

[0017] Preferably, the fastening system further comprises a second fastening element for attaching the strike plate to the holder, in particular by means of a screw connection. This allows for easy and, if necessary, retrofitting of the strike plate to the holder.

[0018] The upper surfaces of the first and second fastening elements, intended for mounting the clamping lever bearing and the closing angle, are preferably aligned with each other, so that the clamping lock operates essentially parallel to the plane under tension.

[0019] Preferably, the toggle latch comprises a locking hook coupled to or attached / formed on the toggle lever, which engages positively in the locking angle when the toggle latch is closed. The locking hook and the locking angle then work together under tension when closing. The locking hook preferably runs below the toggle lever as a bottom rail. However, a locking hook operating as a top rail is also possible in principle.

[0020] Preferably, the tension lock is designed for manual opening and closing using actuation forces of 5–50 N. This allows for ergonomic manual operation when changing the dispensing edge and ensures a stable closed position during production.

[0021] Preferably, the fastening system further comprises a linear guide for guiding the holder along the dispensing arm in its longitudinal direction. Forces in the transverse direction of the dispensing arm can then be dissipated by the linear guide, thus mechanically relieving the clamping mechanism of this stress. The clamping mechanism can therefore have a comparatively simple and cost-effective design.

[0022] Preferably, the linear guide comprises a guide channel formed in the dispensing arm and a corresponding guide pin rigidly arranged on the holder. This enables the simultaneous dissipation of vertically and horizontally acting transverse forces.

[0023] The guide channel and guide pin preferably have non-rotationally symmetrical cross-sections, in particular polygonal cross-sections. This simultaneously enables anti-rotation protection and relieves the clamping mechanism of this stress.

[0024] The task is therefore solved by a labeling unit for applying self-adhesive labels to containers, comprising a dispensing arm, a detachable holder with a dispensing edge for removing the labels from a backing tape and a fastening system according to at least one of the claims.

[0025] Preferably, the labelling unit further comprises a conveying device for providing a carrier belt loaded with the labels, in particular from a roll, and for receiving the empty carrier belt returning.

[0026] The task is solved using a labeling machine comprising the labeling unit and a transport device, designed in particular as a carousel, for transporting the containers to the dispensing edge.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1: A top view of the mounting system with dispenser arm and dispensing edge; Figure 2: An oblique view of the mounting system; Figure 3: A longitudinal section along section line AA in the Fig. 1 ; and Figure 4 a schematic representation of an associated labeling unit as part of a labeling machine.

[0028] As the Figure 1 As can be seen, the fastening system 1 comprises a dispensing edge 2 for a dispensing arm 3 of a (in the Figure 1 (not shown) labeling unit a clamping closure 4 with a clamping lever 5. Preferably, the clamping closure 4 further comprises, in a manner known in principle, a clamping hook 6 and a closing angle 7, which are located in the Figure 1 are partially obscured by the tension lever 5.

[0029] The clamping lever 5 includes a (in the Fig. 2 (designated) bearing shoe 5a, to which it is attached to the dispensing arm 3 by means of a first fastening element 8.

[0030] The closing angle 7 is attached to or formed on a second fastening element 9, which in turn is rigidly connected to a holder 10 supporting the dispensing edge 2.

[0031] With the tension lock 4 open, the holder 10 together with the attached dispensing edge 2 can be pulled off the dispensing arm 3 in its longitudinal direction 11.

[0032] The functions of the holder 10 for positioning the dispensing edge 2 relative to the dispensing arm 3 by pivoting and for guiding a carrier strip with labels in a loop around the dispensing edge 2 are known and therefore not described in detail. The holder 10 and the dispensing edge 2 could also be arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal direction 11 (as shown in the figures) on the dispensing arm 3.

[0033] The holder 10, together with the dispensing edge 2, which can be considered a component and / or a wear part of the associated labeling unit, can be replaced without tools. The clamping lock 4 enables this to be done quickly and ergonomically, even with the labeling unit otherwise in a ready-for-operation position.

[0034] The clamping lever 5 is preferably rotatably mounted on the bearing shoe 5a about an axis 12 which extends substantially horizontally and transversely to the longitudinal direction 11. When the clamping lock is closed, the clamping lever 5 can thus be tilted towards the dispensing arm 3.

[0035] As the Figure 2 As can be seen, the clamping lever 5 is preferably arranged on the top side 3a of the dispensing arm 3 by means of the first fastening element 8.

[0036] The bearing shoe 5a of the clamping lever 5 is preferably screwed, riveted or rigidly connected to the top of the first fastening element 8 in another suitable manner.

[0037] The first fastening element 8 preferably surrounds the dispensing arm 3 in a substantially U-shaped manner from above. The first fastening element 8 can be attached to the dispensing arm 3 laterally by means of at least one screw connection 13. For this purpose, at least one corresponding fastening groove 14 can be formed laterally on the dispensing arm 3.

[0038] The clamping lever 5 can be securely attached to the dispensing arm 3 with the fastening element 8 and can also be positioned at a suitable distance from the first closing angle 7, for example by appropriately shifting and tightening the screw connections 13 in the fastening grooves 14, for example by means of T-nuts provided there.

[0039] It is easy to see in the Figure 2Furthermore, the second fastening element 9, which is preferably designed in the form of an orthogonal mounting angle. A vertical leg 9a of the second fastening element 9 is preferably attached to the holder 10 by means of a screw connection 15.

[0040] A horizontal leg 9b of the second fastening element 9 extends above the dispensing arm 3 towards the clamping lever 5, thus enabling easy attachment of the locking angle 7. The locking angle 7 can be, for example, screwed, riveted, or otherwise securely connected to the horizontal leg 9b. The locking angle 7 could also be an integral part of the second fastening element 9.

[0041] As the Figure 3 in longitudinal section along the Figure 1As can be seen in detail in the section line AA shown, the clamping hook 6 can be integrated into the clamping lever 5. However, the clamping hook 6 can also be designed as a separate component and coupled to the clamping lever 5 via a drive mechanism, as is known, for example, from clamping fasteners that operate on the principle of a lower beam, i.e., with a clamping lever 5 arranged above the clamping hook 6.

[0042] With the tension lock 4 closed, the tension hook 6 engages in the closing angle 7 in a manner known in principle and pulls it towards itself. As in the Figure 3 As can be seen, the tension hook 6 and the closing angle 7 can overlap each other (as seen from above) when the tension lock 4 is closed, provided that this does not prevent manual closing and opening of the tension lock 4 and / or serves as a locking device.

[0043] The clamping lock 4 can be manually closed by pressing the clamping lever 5 with an actuating force 16 of, for example, 5 to 50 N, resulting in a positive locking of the clamping hook 6 with the closing angle 7. The clamping lock 4 can be opened again just as easily and ergonomically by lifting the clamping lever 5 in the opposite direction with essentially the same actuating force.

[0044] The clamping lock 4 is held in the closed position, for example, by pushing the clamping lever 5 and / or clamping hook 6 over a dead center with respect to a cam 5b or similar stop formed on the bearing shoe 5a, in a manner known in principle, and is released again by passing the dead center in the opposite direction.

[0045] In the Figure 3Furthermore, a linear guide 17 for the holder 10 on the dispensing arm 3 is shown. The linear guide 17 preferably comprises a guide channel 18 formed in the dispensing arm 3 and a corresponding guide pin 19 attached to or formed on the holder 10. The linear guide 17 guides the holder 10 with as little play as possible in the longitudinal direction 11 of the dispensing arm 3.

[0046] The guide channel 18 and guide pin 19 preferably have polygonal or otherwise rotationally secure corresponding cross-sections. However, rotational protection of the holder 10 located on the dispensing arm 3 can also be achieved in other ways, such as by undercutting or similar measures known in principle.

[0047] The holder 10 is slid onto the dispensing arm 3 in the longitudinal direction 11. The upper surfaces of the first fastening element 8 and the horizontal leg 9b of the second fastening element 9 are preferably guided parallel to each other until the closing angle 7 is positioned in the longitudinal direction 11 suitable with respect to the clamping lever 5 and / or clamping hook 6 for the proper actuation of the clamping lock 4.

[0048] For reproducible positioning of the holder 10 on the dispensing arm 3, this can include, as shown by way of example, stop surfaces 20 for the holder 10 and / or guide pins 19 for limiting the feed in the longitudinal direction 11.

[0049] Forces acting transversely on the holder 10 can be at least partially diverted by the linear guide 17 into the dispensing arm 3.

[0050] The clamping device 4 essentially serves only to prevent the holder 10 from being unintentionally pulled away from the dispensing arm 3 in the longitudinal direction 11. For this purpose, the positive locking mechanism between the clamping hook 6 and the locking angle 7 can exert a suitable tensile force on the holder 10, so that it is pulled against the dispensing arm 3 by the clamping device 4 in the longitudinal direction 11 with no play.

[0051] With the clamping lock 4, especially in combination with the linear guide 17, the fastening of a dispensing edge to a dispensing arm of a labeling unit can be considerably simplified and made more ergonomic compared to known locking mechanisms.

[0052] The Figure 4 Figure 21 shows schematically and by way of example such a labeling unit 21, which is designed to remove labels 22 from a carrier tape 23 at the dispensing edge 2 and to apply the labels 22 that are removed there to containers 24.

[0053] Accordingly, the labeling unit 21 comprises, in a known manner, a conveying device 25 for providing the carrier belt 23 equipped with the labels 22, preferably from a roll 26, and for receiving the empty carrier belt 23 returning, preferably on a further roll 27.

[0054] As the Figure 4 Furthermore, it can be seen that the labeling unit 21 is integrated into a labeling machine 31 in a known manner, in which the containers 24 are transported, for example, on a carousel 32 to the dispensing edge 2. However, instead of a carousel 32, a linear conveyor or other means of transport for the containers 24 would also be conceivable.

[0055] Regardless of the design of the labeling machine 31 in this respect, the dispensing edge 2 together with its holder 10 can be replaced quickly and ergonomically by operating personnel by manually actuating the tension lock 4, while the labeling unit 21 is otherwise ready for operation.

[0056] In particular, an upper arrangement of the clamping lever 5 allows good access to the clamping lock 4 and its simple and reliable operation.

[0057] Furthermore, the described tension lock 4 is then arranged outside the conveying areas for the carrier belt 23 running laterally on the dispensing arm 3.

[0058] The dispensing arm 3, the dispensing edge 2, and the associated, top-mounted tension lock 4 are designed, as shown and described above, for the side labeling of the containers 24. In principle, a lateral arrangement tilted by 90° would also be conceivable for these assemblies for labeling the containers 4, container lids, or the like from above. This means that the carrier strip would then run on the top and bottom of the dispensing arm. The tension lock 4 would then preferably be positioned laterally.

[0059] The fastening of the first and second fastening elements 8, 9 by means of screw connections 13, 15 facilitates any desired retrofitting of existing dispensing arms and holders for dispensing edges with the described tension lock 4.

[0060] For example, an existing screw connection of the holder to the dispensing arm made of machine screws, such as socket head cap screws, could be replaced by the ergonomically advantageous clamping lock 4.

Claims

1. A labelling device (21) for applying self-adhesive labels (22) to containers (4) comprising a dispensing arm (3), a holder (10) releasable therefrom having a dispensing edge (2) for peeling the labels (22) off a carrier tape (23) and a mounting system (1) for mounting the dispensing edge (2) to the dispensing arm (3), wherein the dispensing edge (2) is attached to the holder (10) and the mounting system (1) comprises a tool-free latch for locking the holder (10) to the dispensing arm (3), characterized in that the latch is a toggle latch (4) operable by means of a clamping lever (5), the toggle latch (4) comprises a closing bracket (7) rigidly connected to the holder (10) and the clamping lever (5) interacts with the closing bracket (7) such that when closing the toggle latch (4) the holder (10) is pulled thereat against the dispensing arm (3).

2. The labelling device according to claim 1, wherein the clamping lever (5) can be pivoted about an essentially horizontal axis (12).

3. The labelling device according to claims 1 or 2, further comprising a first fastening member (8) for fastening a support bracket (5a) of the clamping lever (5) to the upper side (3a) of the dispensing arm (3).

4. The labelling device according to claim 3, wherein the first fastening member (8) is configured for surrounding the dispensing arm (3) from above and for laterally attaching to the dispensing arm (3), in particular by means of a threaded connection (13).

5. The labelling device according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a second fastening member (9) for fastening the closing bracket (7) to the holder (10), in particular by means of a threaded connection (15).

6. The labelling device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the toggle latch (4) comprises an arresting hook (6) formed on the clamping lever (5) or coupled thereto which when closing the toggle edge (4) is in positive engagement with the closing bracket (7).

7. The labelling device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the toggle latch (4) is configured for manually closing and opening by means of actuating forces from 5 to 50 N.

8. The labelling device according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a linear guide (17) for guiding the holder (10) on the dispensing arm (3) along the longitudinal direction (11) thereof.

9. The labelling device according to claim 8, wherein the linear guide (17) comprises a guiding channel (18) formed in the dispensing arm (3) and a corresponding guide pin (19) rigidly arranged on the holder (10).

10. The labelling device according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a conveyor (25) for supplying a carrier tape (23) provided with the labels (22), in particular from a reel (26), and for taking up the returning empty carrier tape (23).

11. A labelling machine (31) comprising the labelling device (21) according to at least one of the preceding claims and further comprising transport means for transporting the containers (24) up to the dispensing edge (2) configured as a carousel (25).