Labeling machine with footboard

Abstract

The device comprises a frame (2) supporting a transport means (3) for the containers (4) to be labeled, and at least one labeling unit (5) for the containers (4) transported by the transport means (3), the frame (2) supporting at least one footboard (20) movable between an active state defining a rest surface (20a) for at least one foot of an operator, positioned away from the floor, and at least one inactive state occupying a smaller space laterally of the frame (2) relative to the active state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a labeling device. [Background technology]

[0002] Labeling devices capable of applying labels to containers are known.

[0003] Typically, these machines comprise a frame supporting a transport for the containers to be labeled along an advancing path, and at least one labelling unit which transfers labels, usually taken from a continuous label ribbon, to the individual containers passing on the transport.

[0004] Typically, the container transport means comprises a carousel rotatably mounted on a footing around which are provided support pans for the individual containers, the support pans being rotatably movable to rotate the containers about their axes.

[0005] In some machines of this type, the labeling unit is located near the carousel and supported by a movable trolley which removably engages the base of the carousel, In other types of machines of this type, the labeling unit is mounted on a fixed bench or table, also located near the carousel.

[0006] A labeling unit typically comprises a unit for unwinding a label ribbon from a reel and a transport drum for cutting the label ribbon and attaching the resulting labels to containers arriving at the carousel.

[0007] In these machines, many maintenance tasks and small interventions, such as inserting a new reel of label ribbon or changing the label format, are carried out by the labeling unit operator, who works from above, using a movable footboard, stool or step next to the labeling unit.

[0008] Footboards used in this way are often left in the position in which they were placed by the operator after use during maintenance work or intervention in the labelling unit, which can lead to clutter around the device and a tripping hazard for the operator, which in some cases can actually be dangerous.

[0009] Furthermore, since the footboard is used with a certain regularity, for example to assist in simple operations such as changing the format, it is not always convenient for the operator to store the footboard in a safe place after each use and place it again near the device when needed.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a labelling device which makes it possible to improve upon the known art in one or more of the above mentioned aspects.

[0011] Within this objective, it is an object of the invention to provide a labelling device which enables an operator to carry out interventions on the labelling unit by working conveniently from above and which also enables the operator to work without danger near the device even after carrying out an intervention on the labelling unit.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a labeling apparatus that does not require the operator to make multiple trips each time to move a footboard, stool or step closer to the apparatus so that the operator can work from above the labeling unit or move to a safe location away from the labeling unit, so that the footboard, stool or step does not interfere with the operator's free movement around the apparatus.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a labelling device which can guarantee maximum safety and reliability in its operation and use.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a labelling device which is structurally simple to implement.

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

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a labeling device which can be manufactured at low cost.

[0017] This object, as well as other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a labelling device according to claim 1, which is optionally provided with one or more of the features of the dependent claims.

[0018] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a labelling device according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention with the footboard in an active position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, with the footboard in an inactive state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the device of FIG. 2 with the footboard in an active state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device according to the present invention with the footboard in an inactive position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the footboard of the device according to the invention in an active state. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a shows an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the device according to the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the footboard of FIG. 5 in an inactive state. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the footboard of FIG. 5 in an active state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a footboard in an active state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the footboard in the embodiment of FIG. 8 in an inactive state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 during transition of the footboard from an inactive state to an active state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in an active state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the footboard in an active state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of the footboard in an inactive state according to the embodiment of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] With reference to the figures, a labelling apparatus according to the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 1 and comprises a frame 2 supporting a conveying means 3 for containers 4 to be labelled, and at least one labelling unit 5 for the containers 4 transported by the conveying means 3.

[0021] For example, the labelling unit 5, as is known per se, comprises a cutting and transport drum 6 designed to receive a label ribbon 7 on which a plurality of labels are printed in succession, the label ribbon 7 being supplied by an unwinding assembly 8 from a spool 9 supported by corresponding support rollers 10 via a tensioning device 11.

[0022] Next to the cutting and transport drum 6 of the labelling unit 5 there is also an adhesive assembly 12 designed to transfer adhesive to the label to be applied to the container 4 if the label is not pre-glued.

[0023] More specifically, the frame 2 conveniently comprises a footing 13 supporting the transport means 3, which comprises, for example, a rotating carousel 14 around which is provided a rotating support pan 15 for the individual containers 4.

[0024] The frame 2 may advantageously further comprise at least one support structure 16 arranged close to the base 13 and designed to support the labelling unit 5 .

[0025] The support structure 16 may be movable relative to the base 13, in which case it may be provided by a trolley 17 with wheels 18, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, allowing the labelling unit 5 to be conveniently moved towards or away from the conveying means 3, or the support structure 16 may be fixed relative to the base 13, in which case it may be provided by a table or bench 18 conveniently provided with a stable element 19 underneath for resting on the floor, as shown in Figure 4.

[0026] According to the invention, the frame 2 supports at least one footboard 20 which is movable between an active state, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, in which the footboard is spaced apart from the floor and defines a resting surface 20a on which the operator can place at least one foot, and at least one inactive state, in which the footboard occupies less space laterally of the frame 2 compared to its active state and does not get in the way of the operator when not in use.

[0027] As shown, the footboard 20 may be constructed from a plate-like element that provides a resting surface 20a that faces upward when the footboard 20 is in the active state.

[0028] Preferably, the footboard 20 is provided with means for resting 21 on the floor, constituted by at least one support leg 21a.

[0029] Such support means 21 is conveniently configured to be able to move from a folded state which such means can assume when the footboard 20 is in an inactive state, in particular a state in which such means abuts the footboard, to an extended state which such means can assume when the footboard 20 is in an active state, i.e. a state in which it can engage with the floor, and vice versa.

[0030] Preferably, the footboard 20 and the mounting means 21 are configured such that the mounting means 21 is inserted into a space-occupying portion around the footboard 20 when the mounting means 21 is in the folded position.

[0031] As shown in the figure, the support means 21 is advantageously positioned substantially at the end of the footboard 20 which is located at the opposite end relative to the frame 2 when the footboard 20 is in an active state, thereby preventing the footboard 20 from tipping over when an operator places their foot on the support surface 20a.

[0032] According to the embodiment shown, the resting means 21 is provided by a pair of support legs 21a integrally connected to each other and pivotally attached to the footboard 20, and is angularly movable between a first position, corresponding to the resting means 21 in a folded state, and a second position, in which the resting means 21 is arranged substantially parallel to a surface of the footboard 20, preferably a surface of the footboard 20 opposite to the surface providing the resting surface 20a. In the second position, corresponding to the resting means 21 in an extended state, the resting means 21 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the resting surface 20a of the footboard 20.

[0033] For example, the footboard 20 may be at least partially disposed within the space occupying the periphery of the frame 2 when in an inactive state.

[0034] More specifically, the footboard 20 can preferably be connected to the frame 2 via at least one support 22, which is fixed to the frame 2 by bolts, welding, etc., and more preferably is fixed to the underside of the frame 2.

[0035] According to a first embodiment, the footboard 20 may be mounted for slidable movement relative to the frame 2 between an active state and an inactive state.

[0036] In this case, the footboard 20 is mounted on a pair of linear guides 23 which extend approximately parallel to the support surface 20a and are defined on two supports 22 opposite each other to the footboard 20, and which are preferably constituted by profiled elements.

[0037] Advantageously, the linear guide 23 has an end 23a facing outward from the frame 2 and is configured such that the footboard 20 can protrude at least partially from the end 23a when the footboard 20 is in an active state.

[0038] The end 23 a of the linear guide 23 may be housed within the body of the frame 2 , or preferably may protrude slightly from the outer side surface of the frame 2 .

[0039] Preferably, the footboard 20 is slidable relative to the linear guide 23 and is coupled to the linear guide 23 via a slide support bar 24 that supports the footboard 20 so that it can slide.

[0040] According to another embodiment shown in Figures 8-11, the footboard 20 is connected to the frame 2 by at least one pair of linkages 25 which are pivotable, substantially parallel to each other and arranged according to an articulated parallelogram, allowing movement along a curved path to transition the footboard 20 from an active state to an inactive state and vice versa.

[0041] More specifically, the link mechanism 25 has one end pivotally attached to the footboard 20 and the other end pivotally attached to a pair of supports 22 opposite each other with respect to the footboard 20, is conveniently constituted by a longitudinal support member 26, has an axis disposed substantially horizontally, and is integrally fixed to the frame 2, preferably to the underside of the frame 2 disposed away from the floor.

[0042] In particular, in this embodiment, in the active state, the footboard 20 is positioned in a position laterally aligned with the supports 22 along a substantially horizontal direction, while in the inactive state, the footboard 20 is positioned in an interposed position between the supports 22, preferably within the majority of the frame 2, as shown in the figure.

[0043] In another possible embodiment, the footboard 20 has one end connected to the frame 2 and can swing about a rotation axis 27 substantially parallel to the floor, and can transition from an active state to an inactive state and vice versa by rotational movement about the rotation axis 27.

[0044] In this case, the support 22 may be a plate that is fixed in an appropriate manner to the lower part of the frame 2, more specifically, to the surface of the frame 2 away from the floor, and one end of the footboard 20 is rotated around a rotation axis 27.

[0045] The rotation axis 27 is expediently arranged close to the outer periphery of the frame 2, so that when the footboard 20 is in the inactive state, the footboard 20 is arranged against the outer side of the frame 2, in particular with the support surface 20a arranged substantially vertically or in any case substantially perpendicular to the floor, resulting in less lateral space being required compared to the active state in which the support surface 20a of the footboard 20 is arranged substantially horizontally or in any case substantially parallel to the floor.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the footboard 20 can be attached to the portion of the frame 2 formed by the base 13 in a position close to the labeling unit 5 so that an operator can use it to intervene in the labeling unit 5 when the footboard 20 is in an active state.

[0047] Alternatively, as in the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the footboard 20 can be attached to a portion of the frame 2 formed by the support structure 16 of the labelling unit 5.

[0048] To ensure safety during use of the footboard 20, removable means 28 are advantageously provided for locking the footboard 20 in the inactive and active positions.

[0049] Such removable locking means 28 may be activated by an operator or, more preferably, automatically upon placement of the footboard 20 in the active and inactive states.

[0050] The actuation of the removable locking means 28 can be provided by snap action using elastic means or can be actuated by electromechanical type actuation means.

[0051] For example, the removable locking means 28 may be constituted by at least one engagement element 29a supported by the frame 2, more preferably by one of the supports 22, and a corresponding engagement seat 29b defined in the footboard 20 which is releasably engageable by the engagement element 29a when the footboard 20 is positioned in the active and inactive states, respectively.

[0052] For example, the engagement element 29a may be constituted by a piston that is inserted into a hole providing the engagement seat 29b and that can be manually moved between a locked position where it is inserted into a hole corresponding to the state of the footboard 20, and a released position where it is disengaged from the hole to allow the footboard 20 to be moved between the active and inactive states.

[0053] Advantageously, sensor means 30 are further provided that are capable of detecting the presence of the footboard 20 in the active and inactive states.

[0054] For example, such sensor means 30 can detect the relative position between two points located on the support 22 and the footboard 20 respectively.

[0055] Advantageously, the sensor means 30 is connected to signal means 31, for example of the acoustic and / or luminous type, which is activated on command as a result of the sensor means 30 detecting that the footboard 20 is placed in an intermediate position between the active and inactive states, alerting the operator to an incorrect position of the footboard 20.

[0056] Preferably, the support structure 16, in particular when the support structure 16 is constituted by a trolley 17, is removably engageable with the base 13 by fixing means 35 known per se, and it is convenient if detection means 36 known per se are provided for detecting the position of the support structure 16 when engaged with the base 13 by the fixing means 35.

[0057] In this case, in order to prevent the footboard 20 from being placed in an active state when the support structure 16 is not engaged with the base 13, which would result in danger in the use of the footboard 20 or the inconvenience of moving the support structure 16, the aforementioned removable means for locking the footboard 20 are advantageously deactivatable and the footboard can be transitioned from the inactive state to the active state only as a result of detection by the detection means 36 that the support structure 16 has been placed in an engaged state with the base 13.

[0058] Conveniently, the removable locking means 28 is controlled by control means, for example constituted by an electronic control unit 37 operatively connected to the detection means 36 and configured to send a clearance signal to deactivate the removable locking means 28 only when the electronic control unit 37 receives a signal from the detection means 36 indicating that the support structure 16 is engaged with the base 13.

[0059] Conveniently, the engagement element 29a may be associated with a sensor element connected to the electronic control unit 37 for communicating the state of engagement or disengagement of the engagement element 29a with the engagement seat 29b in which it happens to reside.

[0060] Advantageously, also for safety reasons, the fastening means 35 of the support structure 16 to the base 13 can only be further deactivated as a result of the sensor means 30 detecting that the footboard 20 is in an inactive state.

[0061] Conveniently, the fixing means 35 is controlled by an electronic control unit 37 connected to the sensor means 30 and configured to send a deactivation clearance signal to the fixing means 35 upon receiving a signal from the sensor means 30 indicating that the footboard 20 is in an inactive state.

[0062] The applications of the device according to the invention are as follows:

[0063] The operator deactivates the step plate 20, positions the support structure 16 of the labelling unit 5 close to the base 13 and activates the fixing means 35 to stably engage the support structure 16 of the labelling unit 5 with the base 13.

[0064] The detection means 36 sends a signal to an electronic control unit 37 confirming that the support structure 16 has engaged with the base 13 .

[0065] At this point, the electronic control unit 37 sends a clearance signal to the removable locking means 28, allowing the removable locking means 28 to be deactivated upon operator request.

[0066] In such a situation, if an operator needs to intervene in the labelling unit 5, he can move the footboard 20 from the inactive state to the active state after the operator executes a command to deactivate the removable locking means 28.

[0067] Once the footboard 20 is in the active state, a removable locking means 28 is activated to ensure that the footboard 20 remains securely in the active state.

[0068] The operator then steps onto the footboard 20 with his feet on the rest surface 20a and can conveniently carry out any required interventions on the labelling unit 5 from above, i.e. from a higher position than would be possible if the operator were working with his feet on the floor.

[0069] Once the intervention is finished, the operator can step off the footboard 20 and then command the deactivation of the removable locking means 28 before returning the footboard to the inactive state.

[0070] Once the footboard 20 reaches the inactive state, a removable locking means 28 is activated to ensure that the footboard 20 remains in the inactive state at least until the operator requires it to be used again.

[0071] When the footboard 20 is in an inactive state, the electronic control unit 37 receives a signal from the sensor means 30 and, based on that signal, the electronic control unit 37 enables the operator to deactivate the fixing means 35 that hold the support structure 16 to the base 13.

[0072] If the operator fails to position the footboard 20 in either the inactive or active state, or positions the footboard 20 incorrectly, the signal means 31 is activated, preferably after a fixed time interval, to alert the operator that the footboard 20 is not positioned correctly.

[0073] In fact, it has been found that the present invention fully achieves its intended objects and aims by providing a labelling apparatus which allows the operator to easily intervene in the labelling unit from a suitable height without the need to move the foot plate, stool or step each time.

[0074] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all details may be substituted by other elements which are technically equivalent.

[0075] In practice, the materials used and the associated shapes and dimensions can be chosen at will according to requirements and the state of the art.

[0076] The disclosure of Italian Patent Application No. 102022000001991, from which this application claims priority, is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0077] Where reference signs are used after technical features described in a claim, these are used solely for the purpose of enhancing the understandability of the claim, and therefore such reference signs shall not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of the respective elements identified by such reference signs as examples.

Claims

1. a frame (2) supporting a carrier (3) for the containers (4) to be labelled; at least one labeling unit (5) for the containers (4) transported by the transport means (3); The frame (2) supports at least one footboard (20) movable between an active state defining a resting surface (20a) for at least one foot of an operator spaced apart from the floor and at least one inactive state occupying a smaller space laterally of the frame (2) relative to the active state. Labeling equipment.

2. The frame (2) comprises a base (13) for supporting the conveying means (3) and at least one support structure (16) arranged adjacent to the base (13) for supporting the at least one labeling unit (5).

2. The labeling device according to claim 1.

3. The footboard (20) is provided with a means (21) for placing on the floor.

2. The labeling device according to claim 1.

4. The labeling device is characterized in that the placing means (21) on the floor is configured to transition from a folded state folded against the footboard (20) when the footboard (20) is in the inactive state to an extended state configured to engage the floor when the footboard (20) is in the active state. The labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The support means (21) is substantially disposed at an end of the footboard (20) located on the opposite side of the frame (2) when the footboard (20) is in the active state. The labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The footboard (20) is at least partially disposed within the peripheral space occupying area of ​​the frame (2) in the inactive state. The labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The footboard (20) is attached to the frame (2) so as to be slidably movable between the active state and the inactive state. The labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The footboard (20) is connected to the frame (2) by at least a pair of link mechanisms (25), the link mechanisms (25) being pivotable, substantially parallel to one another and arranged according to an articulated parallelogram link. The labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The footboard (20) is characterized in that one end thereof is connected to the frame (2) and is swingable about a rotation axis substantially parallel to the floor. The labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The footboard (20) is mounted on the base (13) at a position adjacent to the labeling unit (5). The labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The footboard (20) is mounted on the support structure (16). The labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. comprising removable means for locking the footboard (20) in the inactive and active positions (28). The labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. and a sensor means (30) for detecting the presence of the footboard (20) in the active and inactive states. A labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. characterised in that the sensor means (30) is connected to a signalling means (31) which can be activated by a command after the sensor means (30) detects that the footboard (20) is placed in an intermediate position between the active state and the inactive state. The labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. the support structure (16) is removably engageable with the base (13) by a fastening means (35), and is provided with a detection means (36) for detecting the position of the support structure (16) in an engaged state with the base (13). A labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. characterised in that the removable means for locking (28) can be deactivated to transition the footboard (20) from the inactive state to the active state when the detection means (36) detects that the support structure (16) is positioned in engagement with the base (13). A labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. characterised in that the fixing means (35) are deactivated when the sensor means (30) detects that the footboard (20) is in the inactive state. A labelling device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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