Hot-melt gluing unit with suction for a labelling machine and labelling machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a hot melt adhesive unit (1) for a labeling machine for labeling containers in the beverage processing industry, wherein the hot melt adhesive unit (1) comprises a glue roller (3) rotatable about its longitudinal axis (2), a glue reservoir for supplying hot melt adhesive, and a housing (4) in which the glue roller (3) is partially arranged. Furthermore, the hot melt adhesive unit (1) includes at least one first suction tube (5, 6) for drawing in glue vapor along the glue roller (3) in a gluing area (7). The invention further relates to a labeling machine for labeling containers, such as bottles, in the food industry, wherein the labeling machine for applying labels with hot melt adhesive comprises the hot melt adhesive unit (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hot melt glue plant with extraction system for a labeling machine and a labeling machine according to the independent claims. State of the art

[0002] It is known that glue fumes are produced when hot melt adhesive is heated, for example, when applying hot melt adhesive to labels or containers using glue rollers. When these fumes condense on cold surfaces, such as component surfaces, glue particles are deposited and contaminate the machinery. For example, oils contained in the hot melt adhesive evaporate. This results in significant cleaning costs. Furthermore, the fumes can pose a health hazard to operators.

[0003] EP 3 456 644 A1 discloses a hot melt glue plant comprising a glue roller arranged in a housing and a filter unit connected to the housing with an extraction system that can extract fluids, such as solid and liquid components of the glue, from inside the housing and feed them to the filter unit before the gases can leave the hot melt glue plant. Task

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a hot melt glue plant with extraction for a labeling machine and a labeling machine that can enable efficient extraction and separation of glue vapor. Solution

[0005] The problem is solved by the hot melt adhesive unit with extraction system for a labeling machine and the labeling machine according to the independent claims. Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0006] The hot melt adhesive unit according to the invention for a labeling machine for labeling containers in the beverage processing industry comprises a glue roller rotatable about its longitudinal axis, a glue reservoir for supplying hot melt adhesive, and a housing in which the glue roller is partially arranged. Furthermore, the hot melt adhesive unit comprises at least one first suction pipe for drawing in glue vapor along the glue roller in a gluing area.

[0007] By means of at least one first suction pipe, glue vapor generated during operation of the hot melt glue plant can be drawn in and then extracted, so that it cannot lead to contamination of the surroundings (for example, a machine room) in which the hot melt glue plant is located, and so that odor nuisance from the glue vapor can also be avoided.

[0008] The glue fumes can be drawn in from inside the housing as well as from outside the housing.

[0009] To enable suction, one or more pumps may be provided, which may be connected directly or indirectly to the at least one first suction pipe.

[0010] The longitudinal axis of the glue roller can be aligned parallel to a direction of action of gravity.

[0011] Glue fumes can be produced when hot glue is heated.

[0012] The fact that the at least one first intake pipe for drawing in glue vapor is arranged along the glue roller can mean that the at least one first intake pipe is arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the glue roller. This can result in a uniform or substantially uniform cooling of the glue roller along its length when the glue vapor is drawn in by means of the at least one first intake pipe.

[0013] This prevents partial cooling of a glue roller during the extraction of glue vapor, as would occur if, for example, glue vapor were only extracted from a lower end of the glue roller.

[0014] The hot melt glue unit can include two first intake pipes for drawing in glue fumes along the glue roller in the gluing area. The first intake pipe can be located at a first end of the gluing area, and the second intake pipe can be located at a second end of the gluing area. The first and second end areas can be adjacent to an opening in the housing that leaves the gluing area unobstructed.

[0015] In the gluing area, hot melt glue can be applied to a label or to a container to be labeled.

[0016] In the gluing area, a portion of the glue roller's outer surface may be located outside the housing. During rotation around its longitudinal axis, a correspondingly changing portion of the glue roller's outer surface (due to the rotation) will be located outside the housing. This portion may extend over 2 / 9 of the glue roller's circumference. A portion of the top and / or bottom surface of the glue roller may also be located outside the housing.

[0017] The housing can comprise a closed surface (e.g., top, bottom, and one or more side surfaces) except for the opening that exposes the gluing area. The closed surface can consist of several individual parts. The closed surface can include small gaps, for example, in the area between individual parts. Sufficient airflow during intake and exhaust can reduce the escape of glue fumes at these gaps.

[0018] Alternatively, the housing can be designed to include an opening that leaves the gluing area free and a further opening above part of the glue roller. This further opening can be located in an upper surface of the housing.

[0019] The labeling machine can be designed to apply one or more labels to containers, such as bottles.

[0020] The hot melt adhesive unit may include a glue scraper for evenly applying glue to the glue roller and for scraping glue from the glue roller to transfer it to a label or container. The glue scraper may be located inside the housing.

[0021] The first intake pipe, at least one, can be located outside the housing. It can be attached to the housing or the cover described below using one or more pipe clamps.

[0022] The at least one first intake tube can include intake holes, which can extend along the entire length of the glue roller. The intake holes can be round, elliptical, or slotted.

[0023] The intake holes can be oriented so that they point towards the outer surface of the glue roller. A virtual line along a radius of the glue roller can pass through the center point of an intake hole and along a radius of the intake tube.

[0024] The intake holes can be oriented such that they point obliquely towards the outer surface of the glue roller. A virtual line along a radius of the glue roller through the center point of an intake hole forms an angle (not equal to 180°) with a virtual line along a radius of the intake tube through its center point.

[0025] The intake holes of the at least one first intake pipe can each have the same or nearly the same distance from each other.

[0026] The at least one first intake pipe can be designed in such a way that the intake of glue vapor occurs against the direction of action of gravity.

[0027] The first intake pipe (at least one) can be closed at its lower end, preventing the intake of glue vapor through this lower end. Alternatively, the first intake pipe (at least one) can be open at its upper end, allowing glue vapor to be extracted through this upper end. Extraction of the glue vapor can be achieved via an intake manifold of the hot glue plant and / or other intake devices of the hot glue plant. The bore diameter of the first intake pipe (at least one) can vary along its height.

[0028] The hot melt glue unit may further include a second suction pipe for drawing in glue vapor, which may be arranged above an upper end of the glue roller and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the glue roller.

[0029] To enable suction, one or more pumps may be provided, which may be connected directly or indirectly to the second suction pipe.

[0030] The second intake pipe can be arranged in such a way that it is aligned or approximately aligned above the gluing area.

[0031] If two first intake pipes are provided, the second intake pipe can be arranged in such a way that it lies in a plane or approximately in a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis of the two first intake pipes.

[0032] The upper end of the glue roller can be the top surface of the glue roller.

[0033] The second intake pipe can be located outside the housing. The second intake pipe can be attached to the housing or the cover described below using one or more pipe clamps or clamping elements.

[0034] The second intake pipe may include intake holes.

[0035] The intake holes of the second intake tube can be spaced at the same or nearly the same distance from each other. For example, one intake tube can have a diameter of 6 millimeters. The glue roller can have a diameter of 195 millimeters.

[0036] The intake holes can be round, elliptical, or slotted.

[0037] The intake holes can be oriented so that they point towards the top surface of the glue roller. A virtual line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the glue roller can pass through the center point of an intake hole and along a radius of the intake tube.

[0038] The intake holes can be oriented such that they point obliquely towards the top surface of the glue roller. A virtual line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the glue roller and passing through the center point of an intake hole forms an angle (not equal to 180°) with a virtual line along a radius of the intake tube to the center point of the intake hole.

[0039] The intake pipes (the at least one first intake pipe or the second intake pipe) can be arranged such that a flow of glue vapor can be captured and extracted with a defined deflection. The defined deflection can be designed such that angles in the range of 135° to 225° are possible.

[0040] The intake pipes (at least one first intake pipe or the second intake pipe) can converge in an intake manifold.

[0041] The intake pipes (at least one first intake pipe or the second intake pipe) can converge in a connecting element. The connecting element can be enclosed by the intake manifold.

[0042] The intake manifold can be designed as a single pipe. The intake manifold can include an adapter section where at least one first intake pipe and a second intake pipe can enter and merge into the single pipe of the intake manifold.

[0043] To enable suction, one or more pumps may be provided, which may be connected to the suction manifold.

[0044] The intake manifold can be located outside the housing or the hood. It can be attached to the housing or the hood described below using one or more pipe clamps.

[0045] The intake manifold can include an inlet device for a defined quantity of ambient air. For example, the ambient air can be ambient air or cooled ambient air. The ambient air can have a temperature lower than the temperature of the glue vapor. The temperature of the glue vapor can be in the range of 40°C to 50°C. The ambient air temperature can be 5°C to 20°C lower than the temperature of the glue vapor. The inlet device can include a controllable or adjustable one-way valve.

[0046] The intake manifold can include an air mixer to blend the ambient air and the glue vapor. This air mixer creates a mixture of ambient air and glue vapor. The air mixer can be located inside the intake manifold. This mixing process can lower the temperature of the glue vapor, allowing glue residues to condense from the vapor.

[0047] The air mixer can be positioned downstream of the inlet device in the intake direction to supply a predetermined amount of ambient air. The air mixer can be either active or passive.

[0048] The air mixer can include a stator inside the intake manifold. The stator can be a controllable or adjustable rotor. A mixture of ambient air and glue vapor can be produced during mixing.

[0049] Further cooling can be achieved by piping downstream of the intake manifold. This further cooling of the ambient air-glue vapor mixture allows the glue to condense from the glue vapor.

[0050] To enable suction, one or more pumps may be provided, which may be connected to the piping.

[0051] The piping can include a gradient of 2° to allow, for example, liquid glue to flow to the separation point by gravity. The piping can include a first bend, for example, of 90° to 95°, from a first pipe arranged vertically or substantially vertically to a second pipe arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally; a subsequent second bend, for example, of 180°, to a third pipe arranged inclined downwards, for example, by 10°; and a third bend, for example, of 180°, to a fourth pipe arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally. The first pipe can be an extension of the suction manifold. To enable suction, one or more pumps can be provided, which can be connected to the fourth pipe of the piping.

[0052] A hood can be arranged on an upper housing surface.

[0053] If, for example, the housing includes the opening that leaves the gluing area free, and the further opening above part of the glue roller, which may be provided in an upper housing surface, the hood can be used to prevent glue vapor from escaping into the vicinity of the hot melt glue unit through the further opening.

[0054] The hood can be designed such that at least one first intake pipe can be arranged outside the hood. The hood can be designed such that the second intake pipe can be arranged outside the hood housing. The hood can be designed such that the intake manifold can be arranged outside the hood.

[0055] Furthermore, a labeling machine for labeling containers, such as bottles, in the food industry is provided, the labeling machine for applying labels with hot glue comprising a hot glue unit as described above or below.

[0056] Furthermore, a container treatment plant for treating containers, such as bottles, in the food industry is provided, wherein the container treatment plant comprises, in one transport direction of the containers, a blow molding machine, the labeling machine as described above or below, and a filling device. Brief character description

[0057] The accompanying figures illustrate aspects and / or embodiments of the invention for better understanding and clarification. They show: Figure 1 an oblique view from above of the hot melt adhesive unit with the hood removed and the front housing walls shown transparently, Figure 2 the oblique view of the Figure 1 with hood attached, Figure 3 a front view of the hot melt glue plant with the hood attached, Figure 4 Detailed view of the air mixer and Figure 5 Piping for further cooling of an external air-glue vapor mixture. Detailed character description

[0058] The Figure 1 shows an oblique view from above of a hot melt glue plant 1 with the hood removed (the hood is in the Figure 2 (described in more detail) and transparently depicted front housing walls. The hot melt glue assembly 1 comprises a glue roller 3 rotatable about its longitudinal axis 2, a glue container for supplying hot melt glue, and a housing 4 in which the glue roller 3 is partially arranged.

[0059] Furthermore, the hot melt glue unit 1 includes two first suction pipes 5, 6 for drawing in glue vapor along the glue roller 3 in a gluing area 7. The two first suction pipes 5, 6 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the glue roller 3. The first of the first suction pipes 5 is located at a first end region of the gluing area 7, and the second of the first suction pipes 6 is located at a second end region of the gluing area 7. The first and second end regions are adjacent to an opening in the housing 4, which leaves the gluing area 7 unobstructed. In the gluing area 7, hot melt glue can be transferred to a label or to a container to be labeled.

[0060] The first two intake pipes 5, 6 include intake holes 8, which extend over the entire length I of the glue roller 3. It can be achieved that, when glue vapor is extracted by means of the two first intake pipes 5, 6, the glue roller 3 cools uniformly or substantially uniformly over its length I.

[0061] The intake holes 8 are each spaced equally apart d1 and are round.

[0062] The first two intake pipes 5, 6 are arranged outside the housing 4. They are attached to the housing 4 with pipe clamps 9 (and as shown in the Figure 2 (also shown on the hood) attached. Instead of pipe clamps, an alternative clamping unit (not shown) may be used.

[0063] The first two intake pipes 5, 6 are designed such that glue vapor can be drawn in through the intake holes 8 against the direction of gravity. For this purpose, the lower ends of the first two intake pipes 5, 6 are each closed, preventing glue vapor from being drawn in through this lower end. The upper ends of the first two intake pipes 5, 6 are each open, allowing glue vapor to be drawn out through this upper end and, for example, to and through an intake manifold 10.

[0064] The hot melt glue unit 1 further comprises a second suction pipe 11 for drawing in glue vapor, which is arranged above an upper end 12 (here the top surface) of the glue roller 3 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2 of the glue roller 3.

[0065] The second intake pipe 11 is arranged such that it is aligned or nearly aligned above the gluing area 7. Thus, the second intake pipe 11 lies in a plane, or nearly in a plane, defined by the longitudinal axes of the two first intake pipes 5, 6.

[0066] The second intake pipe 11 is arranged outside the housing 4 (and as shown in the Figure 2 (shown attached to the hood with a pipe clamp).

[0067] The second intake pipe 11 includes intake holes 13, each of which has an equal distance d2 from each other. The intake holes 13 are round.

[0068] The first two intake pipes 5, 6 and the second intake pipe 11 converge in the intake manifold 10. The intake manifold 10 is designed as a single pipe 14. The intake manifold 10 includes an adapter section 15 where the first two intake pipes 5, 6 and the second intake pipe 11 enter and transition into the single pipe 14 of the intake manifold 10.

[0069] The intake manifold 10 includes an inlet device 16 for a predetermined quantity of ambient air. For example, the ambient air can be ambient air or cooled ambient air. The ambient air can have a temperature lower than the temperature of the glue vapor. The temperature of the glue vapor can be in the range of 40°C to 50°C. The temperature of the ambient air can be 5°C to 20°C lower than the temperature of the glue vapor. The inlet device 16 can include a controllable or adjustable one-way valve or a non-controllable valve. The intake manifold 10 further includes an air mixer 17 (which is located in the Figure 4 (described in more detail) for mixing the outside air and the glue vapor.

[0070] Following the intake manifold 10, piping can be provided for further cooling of the ambient air-glue vapor mixture. The piping is located in the Figure 5 described in more detail.

[0071] The housing 4 includes, in addition to the opening that leaves the gluing area 7 free, a further opening 18 above a part of the glue roller 3. The further opening 18 is provided in an upper housing surface 19. To prevent glue fumes from escaping from the further opening, a hood can be fitted (see Figure 2 ) are placed on the upper housing surface 19.

[0072] The Figure 2 shows the oblique view of the Figure 1 with hood attached 21.

[0073] Since the housing 4, in addition to the opening 20 which leaves the gluing area 7 free, includes the further opening 18 above a part of the glue roller 3 in the upper housing surface 19, the attached hood 21 can prevent glue vapor from entering the area of ​​the hot melt glue unit 1 through the further opening 18.

[0074] The hood 21 is designed such that the two first intake pipes 5, 6, the second intake pipe 11, and the intake manifold 10 are arranged outside the hood 21. The adapter section 15 of the intake manifold 10 is attached to the hood 21 by means of pipe clamps 22.

[0075] The Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a front view of the hot melt glue plant 1 with the hood 21 attached. Here, the distance d3 between the first of the two first intake pipes 5 and the second of the two first intake pipes 6 can be seen, as well as the opening 20 in the housing 4, which leaves the gluing area 7 free.

[0076] The Figure 4Figure 1 shows a detailed view of the air mixer 17. The intake manifold 10 incorporates the air mixer 17 for mixing the ambient air and the glue vapor. An ambient air / glue vapor mixture can be generated by means of the air mixer 17. The air mixer 17 is located inside the intake manifold 10. This mixing process can lead to a decrease in the temperature of the glue vapor, thus enabling condensation of the glue from the glue vapor and / or substances contained in the glue vapor.

[0077] The air mixer 17 is arranged in an intake direction downstream of the inlet device 16 for the specified quantity of external air.

[0078] The air mixer 17 includes a stator 23 inside the intake manifold 10. The stator 23 can be a controllable or adjustable stator.

[0079] The Figure 5Figure 24 shows a piping system for further cooling of an outside air / glue vapor mixture, which may be provided downstream of the intake manifold 10 for further cooling of the outside air / glue vapor mixture.

[0080] The piping 24 includes a gradient of 2° to allow, for example, liquid glue to flow to the separation point under the influence of gravity. The piping 24 comprises a first bend 25, for example by 90° to 95°, from a first, vertically or substantially vertically arranged pipe 26 to a second, horizontally or substantially horizontally arranged pipe 27; a subsequent second bend 28, for example by 180°, to a third, downwardly inclined pipe 29, for example by 10°; and a third bend 30, for example by 180°, to a fourth, horizontally or substantially horizontally arranged pipe 31. The first pipe 26 can be an extension of the intake manifold 10.

[0081] In piping 24, further cooling of the ambient air-glue vapor mixture can be achieved to induce condensation of the glue within the ambient air-glue vapor mixture. The condensate (glue) can be separated more easily than a gas (glue vapor or ambient air-glue vapor mixture).

Claims

1. Hot melt adhesive unit (1) for a labeling machine for labeling containers in the beverage processing industry, wherein the hot melt adhesive unit (1) comprises: - a glue roller (3) rotatable about its longitudinal axis (2), - a glue container for providing hot melt adhesive, - a housing (4) in which the glue roller (3) is partially arranged, characterized by the fact that the hot melt glue plant (1) comprises at least one first suction pipe (5, 6) for drawing in glue vapor along the glue roller (3) in a gluing area (7).

2. The hot melt glue plant according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first intake tube (5, 6) is arranged outside the housing (4).

3. The hot melt glue plant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein suction holes (8) of the at least one first suction tube (5, 6) are provided over an entire length (I) of the glue roller (3).

4. The hot melt glue plant according to claim 3, wherein the intake holes (8) of the at least one first intake tube (5, 6) each have an equal or nearly equal distance (d1) from each other.

5. The hot melt glue plant according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one first intake pipe (5, 6) is designed such that glue vapor is drawn in against a direction of action of gravity.

6. The hot melt glue plant according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second suction pipe (11) for drawing in glue vapor, which is arranged above an upper end (12) of the glue roller (3) and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (2) of the glue roller (3).

7. The hot melt glue plant according to claim 6, wherein the second intake tube (11) is arranged outside the housing (4).

8. The hot melt glue plant according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the intake holes (13) of the second intake tube (11) each have an equal or nearly equal distance (d2) from each other.

9. The hot melt glue plant according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the intake pipes (5, 6, 11) are arranged such that a flow of glue vapor can be received and extracted with a defined deflection.

10. The hot melt glue plant according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the intake pipes (5, 6, 11) converge in an intake manifold (10).

11. The hot melt glue plant according to claim 10, wherein the intake manifold (10) comprises an inlet device (16) for a predetermined quantity of external air, wherein, for example, the external air comprises ambient air or cooled ambient air.

12. The hot melt glue plant according to claim 11, wherein the intake manifold (10) comprises an air mixer (17) for mixing the ambient air and the glue vapor.

13. The hot melt glue plant according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a piping (24) for further cooling is provided downstream of the intake manifold (10).

14. The hot melt glue plant according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a hood (21) is arranged on an upper housing surface (19).

15. Labeling machine for labeling containers, such as bottles, in the food industry, characterized by the fact that The labeling machine for applying hot glue to labels comprises a hot glue unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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