Insert for a rotary table, rotary table, and treatment machine comprising the rotary table

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary table (36) and an insert (10) for inserting into a receiving area (48) of the rotary table (36) for a treatment machine (30) for objects (42), in particular of a labeling machine for containers, wherein the insert (10) has an upper face (12), and the upper face (12) has a contact surface (16) for arranging the base of an object (42) to be treated, an outer surface (18) which extends about the contact surface (16), and a centering element (20) for centering the object (42) on the contact surface (16). The outer surface (18) is arranged substantially in and / or below a plane (22) on which the contact surface (16) extends, and the centering element (20) is arranged above the plane (22). By virtue of the invention, an insert (10) and a rotary table (36) are provided with which the surface area that can be treated of an object (42) to be treated is increased.

Description

[0001] Insert for a turntable, turntable and treatment machine comprising the turntable

[0002] The invention relates to an insert for a turntable and a turntable and a treatment machine comprising the turntable.

[0003] Objects that need to be treated from multiple sides can, for example, be stored on turntables and rotated past a stationary treatment station. For example, if containers need to be labeled, especially if the outer surfaces of cans are to be covered with a self-adhesive film, the containers can rotate on the turntables and move past a labeling station. To cover as large a portion of the outer surface as possible, labeling stations have feed elements, with the turntables moving past the feed elements at a short distance. The containers are also moved past the feed elements.

[0004] To ensure that objects continue to rotate during treatment without a loss of adhesion between the object and the turntable, DE 201 14 062 U1 discloses a turntable with a support plate in which a non-slip upper surface is covered by a removable ring with an opening. The opening of the removable ring provides a receptacle and centering for the base of a container. The removable ring allows the support plate to be adapted to containers of various sizes. The removable ring protrudes above the non-slip surface. The height of the removable ring above the non-slip surface determines the size of the treatable surface of the object.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an insert and a rotating plate in which the treatable surface of an object to be treated is enlarged. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] In an insert piece for insertion into a receptacle of a turntable for a treatment machine for objects, in particular a labelling machine for containers, wherein the insert piece has an upper side, wherein the upper side has a contact surface for arranging a base of an object to be treated, an outer surface extending around the contact surface and a centring element for centring the object on the contact surface, it is provided according to the invention that the outer surface is arranged substantially in and / or below a plane in which the contact surface extends, and the centring element is arranged above the plane.

[0007] With the invention, the outer surface of the insert does not protrude above the base of the object to be treated. A treatment station can therefore treat the object closer to the base of the object than in the prior art, while a turntable with the insert is rotated about an axis oriented transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the contact surface. Furthermore, the object is centered on the insert by means of the centering element, so that the object is stored on the contact surface at a defined distance or in a defined position relative to a treatment station. The centering element and the outer surface are arranged on different sides of the plane in which the contact surface extends, or the outer surface is arranged at most in this plane, but essentially does not extend on the side of the plane in which the centering element is arranged.If the upper side is intended to be oriented upwards, the centering element is arranged above and the outer surface below the plane. The contact surface and the outer surface are part of the upper side of the insert. The contact surface and at least part of the outer surface can furthermore, for example, be aligned in the same way. Alternatively or additionally, part of the outer surface can be oriented at an angle to the contact surface, for example, or can have grooves, recesses and / or projections, whereby the projections nevertheless extend below the plane. If, for example, the underside of the insert is flat, the outer surface can, within the usual tolerance limits, have a maximum distance of the plane to the underside that the contact surface has to the underside. The distance is understood to be the vertically determined distance to a plane defined by the underside.Compared to the prior art, in which the outer surface is arranged above the plane, the contact surface is positioned higher. Therefore, the areas of the insert bounded by the outer surface essentially do not overlap an object placed on the contact surface in a direction parallel to the contact surface. A treatment station can therefore treat a section of the object located closer to the base of the object compared to the prior art. This allows a larger area of ​​the object to be treated overall.

[0008] A further advantage of the invention is that the contact surface can be a surface of the insert material. The insert can be made of metal, for example, so that wear of the material at the contact surface is minimized or avoided. Therefore, the height of the contact surface relative to the insert changes only minimally or not at all, so that the centering and alignment of the objects to be treated with respect to a treatment machine or treatment station remains constant over a longer period of time compared to the prior art.

[0009] The insert can, for example, be a removable plate for a turntable of a container labeling machine.

[0010] According to one example, the centring element may extend for the most part under the object when the object to be treated is arranged with its bottom on the contact surface.

[0011] The centering element can protrude from the top surface. In particular, if the object has a base that tapers in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, or if a transition between the base and a wall of the object is rounded or curved, the centering element can be arranged completely or partially beneath the object when the object is placed with its base on the contact surface. The centering element can protrude above the contact surface, but does not overlap with the surface to be treated of an object placed on the contact surface.

[0012] According to another example, the centering element may be attached to the top side or formed integrally with the top side.

[0013] The centering element can thus be manufactured separately from the insert, for example, from a different material. If the centering element is a single piece, the centering element can be manufactured cost-effectively during the production of the insert, for example, by milling, requiring only one side of the insert to be machined.

[0014] Furthermore, the centering element can, for example, extend at least partially around the contact surface and preferably limit the contact surface.

[0015] If the objects are containers with a round base, such as bottles or cans, the centering element can extend around the contact surface in a C-shape, for example. The container can then be moved over the outer surface onto the contact surface via the opening of the C-shape. The centering element can further adjoin the outer surface on a side opposite the contact surface and, for example, protrude between the contact surface and the outer surface.

[0016] The contact surface can, for example, be designed to be non-slip for the floor of the object, wherein the contact surface preferably has a rough surface, knurling and / or a coating.

[0017] The non-slip surface can increase the static friction between the base of the object and the contact surface, so that the object rotates with the turntable during treatment while the turntable containing the insert rotates. Furthermore, the object can be pressed against the contact surface, for example, by a pressing component. If a roughened surface or knurling is formed on the contact surface, the pressing of the base against the contact surface can cause plastic or elastic deformation of the surface of the base, which can create a positive connection in a direction parallel to the contact surface to hold the object on the contact surface during rotation.

[0018] According to a further example, the insert piece can be designed as an interchangeable plate.

[0019] Various interchangeable inserts can then be inserted into the turntable, with the contact surface and centering elements of the various inserts being adapted to different object formats. The interchangeable plate can, for example, have a substantially flat underside.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention relates to a turntable for a treatment machine for objects, in particular a labeling machine for containers, wherein the turntable has a turntable upper side, wherein the turntable upper side has a contact surface for arranging a base of an object to be treated, an outer surface extending around the contact surface and a centering element for centering the object on the contact surface, wherein according to the invention it is provided that the outer surface is arranged substantially in and / or below a plane in which the contact surface extends, and the centering element is arranged above the plane.

[0021] The advantages and effects, as well as further developments, of the turntable are derived from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments, of the insert described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the previous description in this regard.

[0022] According to one example, the turntable can be further developed analogously to the insert according to the previous description. According to another example, the turntable can have a receptacle for an insert, and an insert according to the previous description can be inserted into the receptacle and form the turntable top.

[0023] The turntable can then, for example, have a holder for the insert into which the insert can be inserted. This allows inserts of various shapes, e.g., for different object sizes, to be inserted into the turntable.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention relates to a treatment machine for objects, wherein the treatment machine has at least one treatment station for an object and at least one turntable according to the preceding description, wherein the treatment machine is designed to load the turntable with an object to be treated and to move the turntable past the treatment station while the turntable is rotated about a longitudinal axis, and, when the turntable is arranged next to the treatment station during movement, at least one component of the treatment station is arranged above the outer surface and extends to an object arranged on the contact surface.

[0025] The turntable can be rotated beneath the component, allowing the component to reach the object to be treated. Since the outer surface does not extend beyond the contact surface, collision of the component with the turntable or insert is avoided when the turntable rotates beneath the component.

[0026] According to one example, the treatment machine may be a container labeling machine.

[0027] The contact surface and the centering element can then be designed to fit the bottom of the container. Advantages and effects, as well as refinements of the treatment machine, result from the advantages and effects, as well as refinements of the insert or turntable described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the previous description in this regard.

[0028] The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0029] Figure 1a, b shows a schematic representation of a treatment machine;

[0030] Figure 2a-d shows a schematic representation of an insert;

[0031] Figure 3a, b a schematic representation of a turntable with object; and

[0032] Figure 4a, b a schematic representation of a turntable at a treatment station.

[0033] Figure 1a shows a treatment machine for objects, which is designated in its entirety by the reference symbol 30 below.

[0034] The treatment machine 30 can, for example, be designed as a labeling machine for containers. It has a plurality of turntables 36 on which the objects to be treated can be stored. Each turntable 36 can be designed to rotate about its own longitudinal axis 28, e.g., by means of servo motors 32 or belt drives. Furthermore, the turntables 36 can be transported along the circumference of the treatment machine 30, so that the turntables 36 can be rotated, on the one hand, about a central axis of rotation 31 of the treatment machine and, on the other hand, about their own longitudinal axis 28 of the turntable. Containers arranged on the turntables 36 can be fixed to the turntable 36 by means of holding elements 34 movable along the longitudinal axis of the turntables 36, wherein the holding elements 34 can rotate with the turntables 36 and thus with the containers.

[0035] Figure 1b shows a top view of the turntables from Figure 1a. The turntables 36 are shown in the same rotational position relative to the central rotational axis 31 in this example, but can all be oriented in different rotational positions relative to the central rotational axis 31.

[0036] The container treatment machine 30 further comprises at least one treatment station 38. In this example, the treatment station 38 is designed as a self-adhesive unit with a feed edge, with which a self-adhesive label can be applied to an object to be treated, which is mounted on the turntable 36. Furthermore, the self-adhesive unit can comprise a pressure wall 40. The objects rotating with the turntable 36 can be guided along the pressure wall 40, whereby the rotation of the objects allows the respective self-adhesive label to be pressed onto the object from all sides.

[0037] However, it cannot be ruled out that the treatment machine 30 may be designed for a different type of treatment. The treatment machine 30 may, for example,

[0038] For example, it can be designed for labeling with non-self-adhesive labels, for palletizing, for printing, or for sterilizing objects. The treatment station 30 can then be designed accordingly.

[0039] Figure 2a schematically shows an insert 10 for a turntable 36. The insert 10 has a top side 12 and a bottom side 14.

[0040] The upper side 12 has a contact surface 16 that is configured to fit the base of the object to be treated. The contact surface 16 can be arranged centrally in the insert 10. Furthermore, the contact surface 16 can be knurled, roughened, or coated to increase friction with the base of the object to be treated.

[0041] In this example, the contact surface 16 is ring-shaped. However, this does not preclude the possibility that the contact surface 16 may have a different shape.

[0042] The upper side 12 has an outer surface 18 around the contact surface 16. The outer surface 18 can extend to an edge of the upper side 12. Furthermore, the upper side 12 has a centering element 20.

[0043] Additionally, the insert 10 can have at least one alignment element 24, 26 with which the insert 10 can be aligned to the rotary plate 36. If multiple alignment elements 24, 26 are provided, they can have different shapes and / or sizes to predefine an alignment during assembly of the insert 10. In this example, the insert 10 has two alignment elements 24, 26, wherein the alignment element 24 is smaller than the alignment element 26.

[0044] Figure 2b shows a section along line AA from Figure 2a. The contact surface 16 is arranged in a plane 22, so that the contact surface 16 can be essentially flat.

[0045] In this example, the outer surface 18 is arranged within the plane 22. In other examples, the outer surface 18 may be arranged at least partially below the plane 22. Furthermore, the outer surface 18 is not arranged above the plane 22.

[0046] In this example, the underside 14 can be flat. The outer surface 18 can have a first distance from the underside 14 that is less than or substantially equal to a second distance between the plane 22 and the underside 14, the second distance being represented by the arrows in Figure 2b. If the first distance is equal to the second distance, the outer surface 18 is arranged substantially in the plane 22. The first and second distances can be determined perpendicular to the plane 23 in which the underside 14 is arranged.

[0047] The outer surface 18 can also have different first distances from the underside 14 in certain regions, with the maximum distance being the second distance for all regions. For example, grooves or depressions can be provided in the outer surface 18. Furthermore, the outer surface 18 can be conical, for example, with the first distance at the contact surface 16 being substantially equal to the second distance, with the first distance decreasing towards the edge of the upper side 12.

[0048] The centering element 20 is arranged above the plane 22 and can therefore be at a greater distance from the underside 14 than the contact surface 16 and can project beyond the plane 22. Furthermore, the centering element 20 can extend in a C-shape around the contact surface 16, so that an object can be moved with its base from the edge of the top side over the outer surface 18 and the opening 31 of the C-shape of the centering element 20 onto the contact surface 16.

[0049] Figure 2c shows a side view of the insert 10, rotated 90° relative to Figure 2b. The alignment elements 24, 26 protrude laterally.

[0050] Figure 2d shows a top view of the insert 10. The centering element 20 is arranged along the top side 12 between the contact surface 16 and the outer surface 18. Furthermore, the centering element 20, in this example, in which it is C-shaped, can have tapered end sections 27, 29 of the C-shape. The opening 31 of the C-shape can be widened by the tapered end sections 27, 29 in order to facilitate the centering of an object moved onto the contact surface 16. The insert 10 can be designed as an interchangeable plate, wherein different interchangeable plates can have differently designed centering elements 20 and / or contact surfaces 16. Thus, a turntable 36 with different inserts 10 can be adapted to different formats of the objects to be treated.

[0051] Figure 3a shows a turntable 36 with a receptacle 48. The turntable 36 has a turntable top 44 and a turntable bottom 46. An insert 10 is inserted into the receptacle 48. In this example, the insert 10 forms a turntable top 44 of the turntable 36 and can be designed according to the previous description.

[0052] An object 42 is supported by its base on the contact surface 16. In this example, the object 42 is a container in the shape of a can. The base of the object 42 is centered on the contact surface 16 by the centering element 20. The contact surface 16 can transmit rotation of the turntable 36 to the base of the object 42 through friction, thus preventing the turntable 36 from slipping beneath the object 42.

[0053] Furthermore, the rotary plate 36 can have at least one recess 45, 47, which is designed to match the at least one alignment element 24, 26. This allows the insert 10 to be inserted into the receptacle 48 only in a defined orientation.

[0054] In an example not shown, the turntable top side 44 can also be designed without a receptacle 48. Then, the turntable top side 44 can be designed analogously to the top side 12.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3b, the outer surface 18 is arranged in or below the plane 22. If the turntable underside 46 is substantially flat, the outer surface 18 can have a third distance from the turntable underside 46, which is at most equal to the fourth distance between the plane 22 and the turntable underside 46. The distance can be determined perpendicular to the plane 25 in which the turntable underside 46 is then arranged.

[0056] The object 42 tapers toward its bottom. Therefore, in this case, the centering element 20 can be arranged largely or entirely below the object 42 in a direction radial to the longitudinal axis 28.

[0057] Figure 4a shows the turntable 36 with the object 42 to be treated arranged at a treatment station 38. A component 39 of the treatment station 38, which in this example is designed as a feed edge, can be arranged above the turntable top 44. In the treatment machine 30, the turntable 36 can be moved past the treatment station 38 while rotating about its longitudinal axis 28.

[0058] Figure 4b shows a side view of the turntable 36 at the treatment station 38. The component 39 can be arranged at a fifth distance of a few millimeters, e.g., 0.2 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.4 to 2.8 mm, from the outer surface 18, or the turntable 36 can be moved past the treatment station 38 at this distance below the component 39 without the component 39 colliding with the turntable. The fifth distance is marked with the arrows in Figure 4b.

[0059] The bottom of the object 42 is arranged at least at the same height as the outer surface 18, so that the component 39 can treat the entire height of the object 42 minus the fifth distance.

[0060] If the treatment station 38 is designed for labeling a container, a feed edge can therefore apply a label to the entire outer surface of the container. The example described above does not limit the invention in any way. Rather, the invention can be modified in a variety of ways. All of the features of the invention described above can be essential to the invention alone or in combination with one another.

[0061] List of reference symbols

[0062] 10 inserts

[0063] 12 Top

[0064] 14 Bottom

[0065] 16 Contact surface

[0066] 18 Exterior area

[0067] 20 Centering element

[0068] 22 Level

[0069] 23 Level

[0070] 24 Alignment element

[0071] 25 Level

[0072] 26 Alignment element

[0073] 27 final section

[0074] 28 Longitudinal axis

[0075] 29 final section

[0076] 30 treatment machines

[0077] 31 Opening

[0078] 32 servo motor

[0079] 34 Holding element

[0080] 36 turntables

[0081] 38 treatment stations

[0082] 39 component

[0083] 40 pressure wall

[0084] 42 objects

[0085] 44 Turntable top

[0086] 45 recess

[0087] 46 Turntable bottom

[0088] 47 Recess

[0089] 48 recording

Claims

Claims 1. Insert for insertion into a receptacle (48) of a rotary table (36) for a treatment machine (30) for objects (42), in particular a labeling machine for containers, wherein the insert (10) has a top surface (12), the top surface (12) having a contact surface (16) for arranging a base of an object (42) to be treated, an outer surface (18) extending around the contact surface (16) and a centrifugal element (20) for centering the object (42) on the contact surface (16), characterized in that the outer surface (18) is arranged substantially in and / or below a plane (22) in which the contact surface (16) extends and the centrifugal element (20) is arranged above the plane (22).

2. Insert according to claim 1, characterized in that the centering element (20) extends to a large extent under the object (42) when the object (42) to be treated is arranged with its base on the contact surface (16).

3. Insert according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the centner element (20) is attached to the top (12) or is formed integrally with the top (12).

4. Insert according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the centering element (20) extends at least partially around the contact surface (16) and preferably limits the contact surface (16).

5. Insert according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the contact surface (16) for the base of the object (42) is designed to be non-slip, wherein the contact surface (16) preferably has a rough surface, knurling and / or a coating. Insert according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the insert (10) is designed as an interchangeable plate. Rotary table for a treatment machine (30) for objects (42), in particular a labeling machine for containers, wherein the rotary table (36) has a rotary table top (44), wherein the rotary table top (44) has a contact surface (16) for arranging a base of an object (42) to be treated, an outer surface (18) extending around the contact surface (16) and a centering element (20) for centering the object (42) on the contact surface (16), characterized in that the outer surface (18) is arranged substantially in and / or below a plane (22) in which the contact surface (16) extends and the centering element (20) is arranged above the plane (22). Turntable according to claim 7, characterized in that the turntable (36) is further developed analogously to the insert (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6.A rotary table according to claim 7, characterized in that the rotary table (36) has a receptacle (48) for an insert (10) and an insert (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 is inserted in the receptacle (48) and forms the upper surface (44) of the rotary table. A treatment machine for objects (42), wherein the treatment machine (30) has at least one treatment station (38) for an object (42) and at least one rotary table (36) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the treatment machine (30) is designed for loading the rotary table (36) with an object (42) to be treated and for moving the rotary table (36) past the treatment station (38) while the rotary table (36) is rotated about a longitudinal axis (28), and, when the rotary table (36) is arranged next to the treatment station (38) during movement, at least one component (39) of the treatment station (38) is arranged above the outer surface (18). extending to an object (42) arranged on the contact surface (16). Treatment machine according to claim (10), characterized in that the treatment machine (30) is a labeling machine for containers.

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