Device and method for removing label from reusable container

Abstract

To provide a device for removing a label.SOLUTION: A device for removing a label from a reusable container, provided with support means (2) for at least one reusable container (3) attached with at least one label (4) to be removed on its outside surface (3a), includes: at least one cutter (5) provided with at least one blade (6) configured to have its cut part (6a) provided at a position facing at least one part (4a) of the label (4); and transfer means for transferring the part (4a) of the label (4), adapted to actively apply a transfer to the part (4a) of the label (4) to be away from the outside surface (3a) of the container (3) by a command, in order to carry the part (4a) of the label (4) to the cut part (6a) of the blade (6).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing labels from reusable containers. [Background technology]

[0002] As is known, there is currently a felt need to reduce the pollution caused by the dispersion of plastic containers and packaging in the environment.

[0003] In an effort to find a solution to this problem, some countries have mandated the use of reusable plastic containers.

[0004] In this case, the reusable containers, which typically have an exterior label attached, are returned by the user after use so that they are ready to be refilled and cleaned and sterilized for reuse.

[0005] Once the used containers have been collected, a problem that arises is removing the labels from them.

[0006] Typically, labels applied to plastic containers are taken from a ribbon of labels made from a plastic material and wrapped around the side of the corresponding container.

[0007] In particular, the label is typically adhered to the container using two adhesive strips located at either end of the label, which may also be placed one on top of the other.

[0008] Currently, removal of labels from containers is accomplished by placing the labeled container directly inside a washing machine, so that the cleaning solution used during the washing of the container, typically consisting of a solution of warm water and detergent product, can result in the label separating from the container.

[0009] While the above-described methods of label removal are conceptually effective, in practice, the label often remains attached to the container or is not completely removed from the container due to the difficulty of the cleaning solution penetrating into the space between the label and the corresponding side of the container, and the difficulty of pulling the container off of a label that is completely wrapped around the container.

[0010] Furthermore, the removed labels tend to fill the washer and clog it, thus impairing its correct operation. Summary of the Invention

[0011] It is an aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers that can improve upon known technology in one or more of the aspects mentioned above.

[0012] Within this goal, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for removing labels that makes it possible to ensure complete detachment of the labels from the containers as a result of the containers being washed in the washing machine.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for removing labels that can be used in concert with other devices that allow previously used containers to be prepared for reuse.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for removing labels from reusable containers that is capable of offering the highest guarantees of reliability and safety in operation.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in an alternative way to any existing solutions.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers which is relatively easy to implement and which is competitive from a purely economic point of view.

[0017] This goal and these other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers, as provided by claim 1 and optionally by the features of one or more dependent claims.

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of an apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers according to the present invention, which are illustrated as non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view from above of the device according to the invention in one possible embodiment thereof. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional front view of an apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view, partially in perspective, of the details of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] With reference to the drawings, an apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers according to the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 1 and comprises a support means 2 for at least one reusable container 3 having attached to its outer surface at least one label 4 to be removed.

[0021] In particular, the label 4 is wrapped around at least a portion of the outer surface 3a of the container 3 and attached to the outer surface 3a of the container 3 using at least two adhesive strips, which are preferably provided at both longitudinal ends of the label 4, one of which can optionally be arranged to overlap the other, while it is also possible that the label 4 does not wrap 360° around the container 3.

[0022] The apparatus comprises at least one cutting device 5, the cutting device 5 having at least one blade (knife) arranged or positionable with its cutting portion 6a facing at least one portion 4a of the label 4 of a reusable container 3 placed on the support means 2.

[0023] Also, according to the invention, such cutting device 6 further comprises a moving means for moving the portion 4a of the label 4, which moving means is adapted to positively impart, on command, a movement to the portion 4a of the label 4 away from the outer surface 3a of the container 3 in order to bring the portion 4a of the label 4 against the cutting portion 6a of the blade 6 so as to perform at least a partial cut in the label 4.

[0024] The cut made in the label 4 can thus facilitate penetration of the cleaning liquid into the space between the label 4 and the outer surface 3a of the container 3 in the subsequent step of cleaning the container 3, which is advantageously carried out in a washing machine adapted using a cleaning liquid preferably constituted by a hot solution of water and detergent product, so that the cleaning liquid can easily reach the zone of the label 4 where the adhesive strip is present, in order to favour the removal of the label 4 from the container 3.

[0025] Optionally, there can be several cutting devices 5 arranged relative to the container 3 in such a way that each can act on a different portion 4a of the label 4, thereby making it possible to make several cuts on the same label and ensuring that whatever the angular orientation of the container 3 around its own axis, at least one such cutting device 5 can act on a corresponding portion 4a of the label 4, which is arranged in a position spaced apart from the zone of the label 4 where the strip of adhesive is located.

[0026] More particularly, the above-mentioned moving means in the or each cutting device 5 advantageously comprises means adapted to create a pressure difference between the surface of the corresponding part 4a of the label 4 directed towards the outer surface of the container 3 and its opposing surface.

[0027] Advantageously, such means adapted to create a pressure difference comprise introduction means 7 for introducing gas under pressure between the outer surface 3a of the container 3 and the face of the corresponding part 4a of the label 4 directed towards the outer surface 3a of the container 3.

[0028] In particular, such introduction means 7 advantageously comprise distribution means for distributing at least one jet 8 of gas under pressure, which advantageously comprise at least one nozzle 9 oriented with its outlet so as to emit the jet 8 of gas under pressure between the outer surface 3a of the container 3 and the face of the part 4a of the label 4 directed towards the outer surface of the container 3, as shown in Figure 2.

[0029] Advantageously, each cutting device 5 can also be provided with abutment means 10 designed to abut against the outer surface of the container 3 in order to ensure positioning of the container 3 at a predetermined distance from the nozzle 9 and from the blade 6 of the corresponding cutting device 5.

[0030] For example, such abutment means 10 can be provided by a pair of support buffers 11 of a soft material, such as rubber, arranged on opposite sides of the blade 6 .

[0031] More specifically, the support buffers 11 are arranged with their free abutment surfaces 11a at a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the container 3 relative to the cutting portions 6a of the blades 6 of the corresponding cutting devices 5 and are angularly spaced apart from one another relative to the axis of the container 3. As a result, when the container 3 abuts its outer surface 3a against the free abutment surfaces 11a of the support buffers 11, a precise distance of the cutting portions 6a of the blades 6 and the outlets of the nozzles 9 from the outer surface 3a of the container 3 is ensured.

[0032] Preferably, as in the embodiment shown, the support means 2 comprise conveyor means 12 making it possible to advance the containers 3 along at least one advance path.

[0033] In this case, one or more cutting devices 5 are arranged along such an advancement path.

[0034] Advantageously, a plurality of containers 3 can be positioned on the conveyor means 12, for example arranged consecutively, each container having a respective label 4 to be removed and advantageously advanced by the conveyor means 12 to carry the individual containers 3 to one or more cutting devices 5 distributed along the advance path formed by the conveyor means 12.

[0035] Advantageously, the conveyor means 12 may comprise at least one linear conveyor 12a, for example a conveyor belt or mat, which may be advantageously associated with a screw feeder device 12b making it possible to position the containers 3 at predetermined distances or spaces from one another.

[0036] More preferably, the conveyor means 12 comprises at least one star conveyor 13 arranged along the forward path of the containers 3 and provided with a plurality of receptacles 13a evenly distributed along its periphery and designed to receive each container 3 during rotation of the star conveyor 13 about its own axis.

[0037] In particular, in this case it is possible to arrange one or more cutting devices 5 in at least one of the receptacles 13 a of the star conveyor 13 .

[0038] Advantageously, for each receptacle 13a of the star conveyor 13, there can be at least two cutting devices 5, which are arranged spaced apart from one another along the edge of the corresponding receptacle 8a so as to be able to act on different portions 4a of the label 4 of the container 3.

[0039] Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 1, there can be at least two star conveyors 13 arranged in series with one another along the forward path of the containers 3, in each of which one or more cutting devices 5 can be arranged in each of the corresponding receptacles 13a.

[0040] Advantageously, the two star conveyors 13 are substantially identical to one another and are arranged alongside one another in phase with one another, so that by rotating in opposite directions to one another, the first star conveyor 13 encountered by a container 3 can deliver the container 3 received in its respective receptacle 13a along the container's forward path to a respective receptacle 13a of the second star conveyor 13 arranged downstream of the first star conveyor 13. As a result, for at least one portion of its forward path, each container 3 can simultaneously engage with the receptacles 13a of both star conveyors 13, so that the cutting devices 5 arranged in diametrically opposite zones relative to its axis can act on the corresponding label 4.

[0041] Advantageously, there is a means for collecting pieces of label 4 that are removed from container 3 after actuation of cutting device 5.

[0042] Such collection means may, for example, be advantageously positioned above the cutting device 5 and may comprise suction means capable of collecting the fragments of label 4 removed from the container 3 and conveying them to a special collection unit.

[0043] Optionally, the collecting means may comprise means for blowing the fragments of label 4 towards a collection unit.

[0044] Advantageously, the conveyor means 12 can transport the container 3 towards at least one removal device, not shown, designed to complete the removal of the label 4 from the container 3, for example using mechanical action.

[0045] In particular, the removal device can be provided by a device for cleaning the container 3, arranged downstream of the cutting device or devices 5, for example along the direction of advance of the container 3.

[0046] Advantageously, such a cleaning device comprises a washing machine capable of carrying out the cleaning of the containers 3 using a cleaning liquid, advantageously in a bath consisting of a hot solution of water and detergent product, more preferably water and soda, so that by using the cleaning liquid at high temperature and by its mechanical action on the containers 3, it is possible to detach the adhesive strips of the labels 4 of the containers 3 from the outer surface 3a of those containers, thereby completing the removal of the corresponding labels 4.

[0047] The operation of the device for removing labels from reusable containers according to the present invention is as follows.

[0048] The container 3 with the label 4 to be removed is placed on the support means 2, in particular on the conveyor means 12, so that the container is advanced by the linear conveyor 12a along an advance path towards the star conveyor 13.

[0049] The individual containers 3 are then picked up by receptacles 13a of a first star conveyor 13 that it encounters on its forward path, and the first star conveyor delivers each container to a respective receptacle 13a of a second star conveyor 13 located downstream of the first star conveyor.

[0050] While an individual container 3 is engaged with a receptacle 13a of the star conveyor 13, a cutting device 5 disposed in the receptacle 13a of the star conveyor 13 and engaged by the container 3 is activated, and more specifically, a nozzle 9 is activated to introduce gas under pressure between the outer surface of the container 3 and a portion 4a of the label 4 of the container 3 placed on the activated cutting device 5.

[0051] In this way, movement away from the outer surface 3a of the corresponding container 3 and towards the corresponding blade 6 is positively imparted to the portion 4a of the label 4 of the container 3 positioned in the activated cutting device 5 until such portion 4a of the label 4 is brought against the cutting portion 6a of the corresponding blade 6, resulting in at least partial cutting of the label 4.

[0052] The pieces of label 4 removed from the container 3 following operation of the cutting device 5 are carried away by a pick-up device.

[0053] At this point, the containers 3, whose labels 4 have been cut in this way and whose fragments of label 4 remain attached to the container by the strip of adhesive, can continue along their forward path on the conveyor means 12 and reach the washing device, where they are washed with hot washing liquid so as to obtain a complete separation of the labels 4 from the containers 3.

[0054] Indeed, it has been found that the present invention fully achieves its intended aims and objects by providing an apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers that makes it possible to effectively obtain removal of the labels from the containers so as to prepare the containers for reuse.

[0055] It should be noted that the possibility of having several cutting devices acting on the same label on individual containers makes it possible to detach fragments of label from the containers before the step of washing the containers, thus preventing the washing machine from becoming filled with labels.

[0056] Another advantageous feature of the present invention is that there is no contact or relative movement between the blade and the container in performing the label removal, which preserves the life of the container and its potential reuse.

[0057] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all details may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements.

[0058] In fact, the materials used can be any according to the requirements and state of the art, provided that the dimensions and shapes are suitable for the particular application.

[0059] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102020000006946, from which this application claims priority, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] Where technical features referred to in any claim are followed by reference signs, these reference signs are included solely for the purpose of enhancing the comprehension of the claim, and therefore such reference signs shall not have a limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of illustration by such reference signs.

Claims

1. An apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers, comprising support means (2) for at least one reusable container (3) having at least one label (4) to be removed attached to its outer surface (3a), The device comprises at least one cutting device (5) provided with at least one blade (6) configured to be arranged with a cutting portion (6a) in a position facing at least one portion (4a) of at least one label (4); a moving means for moving at least one portion (4a) of at least one label (4), the moving means being adapted to, on command, positively impart a movement to the at least one portion (4a) of the at least one label (4) away from the outer surface (3a) of the at least one container (3) in order to bring the at least one portion (4a) of the at least one label (4) against the cutting portion (6a) of the at least one blade (6); 1. An apparatus for removing a label, comprising:

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the moving means comprises means adapted to create a pressure difference between a surface of at least one portion (4a) of at least one label (4) directed towards the outer surface (3a) of the at least one container (3) and an opposing surface thereof.

3. 3. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 2, wherein the means adapted to create a pressure difference comprise introducing means (7) for introducing gas under pressure between an outer surface (3a) of the at least one container (3) and a face of at least one part (4a) of at least one label (4) directed towards the outer surface (3a) of the at least one container (3).

4. 4. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein said introduction means (7) comprise distribution means for distributing at least one jet (8) of gas under pressure.

5. 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing means comprises at least one nozzle (9) oriented with its outlet so as to emit a jet (8) of gas under pressure between the outer surface (3a) of the at least one container (3) and a face of at least one part (4a) of the at least one label (4) directed towards the outer surface (3a) of the at least one container (3).

6. 6. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the support means (2) comprises conveyor means (12) for transporting at least one container (3) along at least one forward path, and wherein the at least one cutting device (5) is arranged along the at least one forward path.

7. 7. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conveyor means (12) comprises at least one star conveyor (13), and wherein the at least one cutting device (5) is arranged in at least one of the receptacles (13a) of the at least one star conveyor (13).

8. 1. A method for removing a label from a reusable container, comprising: placing a cutting portion (6a) of at least one blade (6) in a position facing at least one portion (4a) of at least one label (4) attached to an outer surface (3a) of at least one container (3); actively imparting a movement to at least one portion (4a) of at least one label (4) away from an outer surface (3a) of at least one container (3) to bring at least one portion (4a) of at least one label (4) against at least one blade (6); 1. A method for removing a label, comprising:

9. 9. The method according to claim 8, comprising at least one step of washing the at least one container (3) after the step of actively imparting movement to the at least one portion (4a) of the at least one label (4).

10. 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the step of actively imparting a movement to the at least one portion (4a) of the at least one label (4) comprises at least one step of creating a pressure difference between a surface of the at least one portion (4a) of the at least one label (4) directed towards the outer surface (3a) of the at least one container (3) and an opposing surface thereof.

11. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of generating a pressure difference comprises the step of introducing gas under pressure between a face of at least one portion (4a) of at least one label (4) directed towards the outer surface (3a) of the at least one container (3) and the outer surface (3a) of the at least one container (3).

12. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of introducing gas under pressure comprises distributing by at least one nozzle (9) a jet of gas under pressure directed towards an area comprised between a surface of at least one portion (4a) of at least one label (4) and the outer surface (3a) of the at least one container (3), the jet of gas under pressure being directed towards the outer surface (3a) of the at least one container (3).

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