Label applicator

Abstract

The labelling machine comprises a conveyor (2) for the containers (3) to be labelled along an advance path and at least one labelling station (6) arranged along the advance path of the containers (3). The labelling station (6) comprises a pay-out assembly (7) for a label ribbon (8) and a cutting drum (10) designed to receive the label ribbon in a tight contact manner against its side surface (10a). The cutting drum (10) supports at least one cutting device (12) for the label ribbon (8). The cutting device (12) comprises a suction chamber (13) opening on the side surface (10a) of said cutting drum (10) and housing at least one blade (14) therein. The suction chamber (13) is connectable to air suction means in order to suck the label ribbon (8) towards the interior of the suction chamber (13) and press it against the blade (14) and thus cut the label (8). According to the invention, the cutting device (12) comprises at least one respective blade support block (15), which is supported by the cutting drum (10) and which supports the blades (14). At least a portion of the blade support block (15) is provided therein with at least one cavity (16) for damping noise generated by cutting the label ribbon (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a label applicator.

Background Art

[0002] Container label applicators generally include a conveyor for the containers to which the labels are to be applied. The conveyor is typically constituted by a rotary carousel having a plurality of rotary supports around its periphery, and each support is designed to receive an individual container and rotate the container about its own axis.

[0003] At least one label application station is arranged along the periphery of the carousel. This label application station is provided with an unreeling assembly that enables a label ribbon on which a plurality of labels are continuously printed to be taken out from a reel and supplied to a cutting drum. The cutting drum receives the label ribbon such that the label ribbon adheres to its side surface, and can then cut the label ribbon to separate individual labels from the label ribbon. Subsequently, the individual labels are transferred to the containers moving on the carousel.

[0004] In some label applicators, the cutting drum not only cuts the label ribbon but also functions as a transfer drum to transfer the individual labels separated after cutting to the corresponding containers being conveyed by the carousel. In this case, it is more accurate to call the cutting drum a "cutting and transfer drum".

[0005] For example, EP2091822 by the same applicant discloses a cutting and transfer drum provided with a plurality of blades arranged at intervals along a circumferential portion having a length substantially equal to the length of the label. These blades are actuated to move individually via an actuating cylinder in order to cut the label ribbon in the separation area between the labels.

[0006] The main drawbacks of this type of cutting and transfer drum are that its structure is complex and, relatedly, it is difficult to adapt the cutting and transfer drum when changing the label format.

[0007] Also known is a labeling machine disclosed in Italian Patent No. 102016000128413 by the same applicant as the present application. In this Italian patent, the cutting drum is designed to receive the label ribbon supplied by the feeding assembly on its side surface. The cutting drum is provided with a plurality of cutting devices that are angularly spaced from each other around the axis of the cutting drum along its side surface, and can cut the label from the label ribbon by sucking the label ribbon and pressing it against the blade.

[0008] In particular, each of these cutting devices is provided with its own blade. This blade is integrally fixed to the transfer drum and is housed in the corresponding suction chamber. The suction chamber opens on the side surface of the cutting drum and can be communicated with the air suction means so as to draw the label ribbon inward into the suction chamber, resulting in the cutting of the label ribbon.

[0009] The cutting drum described above can overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, but generates a certain amount of noise when cutting the label ribbon.

[0010] The aim of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that can improve the known technology in one or more of the above aspects.

[0011] Within the scope of this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that can reduce the noise generated during the cutting of the label ribbon.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that can perform the change of the label format particularly without difficulty.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that can provide the broadest guarantee of reliability and safety in its operation.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a way that replaces existing solutions.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that can be manufactured at low cost so that it is relatively easy to provide and competitive from a purely economic perspective.

[0016] This object and these and other objects that will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by the labeling machine according to claim 1 and, if necessary, by the labeling machine according to claim 1 having one or more features of the dependent claims.

[0017] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of the preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the labeling machine according to the present invention, which are shown as non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Referring to the drawings, a container label applicator according to the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 1, comprises a conveyor 2 for containers 3 along which labels are to be applied along a forward path. The conveyor 2 is constituted, for example, by a carousel 4. The carousel 4 is rotationally driven about its own axis and is provided with a plurality of rotary supports 5 around its periphery. Each rotary support 5 is designed to support an individual container 3 and rotate the container about its axis.

[0020] Along the forward path of the containers 3 defined by the conveyor 2, there is at least one label application station 6. The label application station 6 is designed to apply respective labels 8a to the containers 3 moving on the conveyor 2. The labels 8a are obtained by cutting a label ribbon 8 on which a plurality of labels 8a are printed continuously.

[0021] In particular, the label application station 6 comprises a payout assembly 7 (unreeling assembly), for example, constituted by a pair of opposed entrainment rollers 7a, 7b, which is designed to take out the label ribbon 8 from a reel (not shown) and advantageously pass it through a tension adjusting device 9.

[0022] At the outlet of the payout assembly 7, the label ribbon 8 is transferred to a cutting drum 10. The cutting drum 10 is capable of rotational movement about its own axis and is designed to receive the label ribbon 8 supplied by the payout assembly 7 in close contact with its side surface 10a. The close contact of the label ribbon 8 to its side surface 10a is effected by a suction port 11 formed in the side surface of the cutting drum 10 and connected to an air suction means. The air suction means is constituted, for example, by a vacuum pump 110.

[0023] The cutting drum 10 supports at least one cutting device 12, particularly along its peripheral region. This cutting device 12 can be actuated using actuating means in response to a command, and can perform the cutting of the label ribbon 8 to obtain the label 8a that is transferred to the container 3 passing on the conveyor 2.

[0024] It should be noted that a plurality of cutting devices 12 may be appropriately arranged on the cutting drum 10 in the circumferential direction around the axis of the cutting drum 10 at intervals of at least equal to the length of each individual label 8a.

[0025] More specifically, each cutting device 12 includes a respective suction chamber 13. This suction chamber 13 opens to the side surface 10a of the cutting drum 10, and at least one blade 14 is accommodated therein. The blade 14 is located on a substantially radial plane with respect to the axis of the cutting drum 10 so that it can cut the label ribbon 8 along a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the label ribbon 8.

[0026] The suction chamber 13 of each cutting device 12 can be connected to air suction means. The air suction means is conveniently configured by a vacuum pump 110, and exerts a suction action on the inside of the suction chamber 13 on the label ribbon 8, pressing the label ribbon 8 against the blade 14. As a result, the blade 14 cuts the label ribbon as shown in Figure 4.

[0027] According to the present invention, the one (or each) cutting device 12 described above includes a respective blade support block 15 supported by the cutting drum 10. And the blade support block 15 supports the blade 14.

[0028] Advantageously, this blade support block 15 defines (defines a part of) at least a part of the boundary of the suction chamber 13.

[0029] Also according to the present invention, at least one cavity 16 is provided inside at least a part of the blade support block 15 for attenuating the noise generated by the cutting of the label ribbon 8 by the corresponding blade 14.

[0030] Fortunately, the cavity 16 can be at least partially filled with a material different from the material forming the blade support block 15. For example, a gas or a mixture of gases such as air, or a material having noise reduction properties such as noise reduction polyurethane foam can be filled into the cavity 16.

[0031] Alternatively, the inside of the cavity 16 may be a vacuum.

[0032] More specifically, the blade support block 15 is composed of a box-shaped body 15a in which a suction chamber 13 is formed inside.

[0033] Fortunately, the box-shaped body 15a has a side facing the outside of the cutting drum 10, and a suction opening 13a communicating with the suction chamber 13 and substantially arranged on the side surface 10a of the cutting drum 10 is formed there. This is to allow the label ribbon 8 to access the inside of the suction chamber 13. Further, the box-shaped body 15a has an opposite side facing the inside of the cutting drum 10, and a connection opening 13b communicating with the suction chamber 13 is formed there. Thereby, the connection between the suction chamber 13 and the air suction means becomes possible.

[0034] In this case, the cavity 16 is formed in at least one wall of the box-shaped body 15a.

[0035] More specifically, inside the box-shaped body 15a, at least two walls 17a, 17b defining the suction chamber 13 are provided facing each other with the blade 14 sandwiched therebetween.

[0036] At least one cavity 16 is present in at least one, more preferably both, of the above two walls 17a, 17b.

[0037] Advantageously, the box-shaped body 15a supports, within the suction chamber 13, a plurality of locking pins 18 that each pass through a respective one of the plurality of retaining openings 19 formed in the blade 14 in order to enable the connection of the blade 14 to the box-shaped body 15a.

[0038] In particular, these locking pins 18 are advantageously supported by at least one of the boundary walls 17a, 17b.

[0039] Furthermore, it should be noted that there are spacing projections 20 on the walls 17a, 17b that are adapted to abut against the blade 14 in order to center the blade 14 with respect to the walls 17a, 17b.

[0040] Advantageously, the blade support block 15, and more specifically the box-shaped body 15a of each cutting device 12, can be removed from the cutting drum 10 in order to enable cleaning and, in the case where the corresponding blade 14 is worn, to enable its replacement.

[0041] For this purpose, a plurality of accommodation seats 21 are formed peripherally on the body of the cutting drum 10, and the box-shaped body 15a of the cutting device 12 can be removably installed in these accommodation seats 21 via a sliding movement along a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the cutting drum 10.

[0042] In order to optimally guide the insertion and removal movement of the box-shaped body 15a into and out of the accommodation seat 21, each box-shaped body 15a has a substantially dovetail-shaped portion at an end designed to face towards the inside of the cutting drum 10, and this portion engages with a corresponding shaped portion of the corresponding accommodation seat 21.

[0043] As in the illustrated embodiment, it should be noted that each cutting device 12 of the cutting drum 10 can cooperate with respective skids 22 that are integral with the cutting drum 10 and project from the remaining part of the side surface of the cutting drum 10. This is to enable two adhesive strips 23a and 23b to be applied to the rear end and the front end of two consecutive labels 8a on the label ribbon 8 respectively by an adhesive application roller 24 arranged adjacent to the cutting drum 10 before the label ribbon 8 is cut by the corresponding cutting device 12.

[0044] More specifically, the skid 22 of each cutting device 12 is arranged in front of the corresponding cutting device 12 along the rotation direction of the cutting drum 10. And in this case, there is label applying control means configured by an electronic controller 100 and adapted to drive the feeding assembly 7. This control means issues an instruction to decelerate the feeding speed of the label ribbon 8 with respect to the peripheral speed of the cutting drum 10 after the two adhesive strips 23a, 23b are applied by the application roller 24 onto two consecutive labels 8a placed on one of the skids 22. This is to move the cutting device 12 located behind the skid 22 where the two consecutive labels 8a were placed to the portion where the cutting is to be made with the label ribbon 8 sandwiched between the two adhesive strips 23a and 23b. After cutting, the feeding speed of the label ribbon 8 is restored to the previous value.

[0045] Referring again to the illustrated embodiment, after the label ribbon 8 is cut by the cutting device 12 arranged between the two adhesive strips 23a, 23b, the label 8a separated from the label ribbon 8 following the cutting is adhered to each container 3 arriving on the conveyor 2 by the cutting drum 10.

[0046] Alternatively, the cutting drum 10 can also transfer the obtained label 8a after cutting to a transfer drum. The transfer drum is conveniently divided, in its peripheral region, into a plurality of sectors having a circumferential length substantially equal to the length of the label 8a. Each of these sectors is adapted to receive the label 8a from the cutting drum 10 in each case and bring it into contact with a corresponding container 3 that moves it on the conveyor 2.

[0047] In this case, the cutting drum 10 may not have the skid 22. Instead, the skid 22 can be provided at the end of each sector of the transfer drum. Therefore, an adhesive application roller 24 will be arranged on the side of the transfer drum.

[0048] There is no reason why the label applicator according to the present invention cannot be used with a label ribbon 8 of the type pre-coated with an adhesive, i.e., a label ribbon 8 in which an adhesive strip is pre-coated on the end of the label 8a on the reel. In this case, since the skid 22 and the adhesive application roller 24 are not necessary, they may be omitted.

[0049] The operation of the label applicator according to the present invention is as follows.

[0050] Referring to the illustrated embodiment, the label ribbon 8 is supplied to the cutting drum 10 by the feeding assembly 7 at a first feeding speed substantially equal to the circumferential speed of the cutting drum 10. The label ribbon 8 remains in close contact with the side surface 10a of the cutting drum 10 with the front and rear ends of two consecutive labels 8a placed on one of the skids 22. As a result, when this skid 22 passes in front of the application roller 24, the application roller 24 applies the adhesive strips 23a and 23a to the front and rear ends of these two labels 8a.

[0051] At this point, the control means of the labeling machine issues an instruction to the feeding assembly 7 to send the label ribbon 8 to the cutting drum 10 at a second feeding speed slower than the first feeding speed. As a result of the slippage of the cutting drum 10 on the resulting label ribbon 8, the cutting device 12, which is located behind the skid 22 that has previously passed in front of the coating roller 24, is placed, as shown in FIG. 3, at the portion of the label ribbon 8 located between the two adhesive strips 23a and 23b applied by the coating roller 24.

[0052] In this situation, the control means of the labeling machine instructs the feeding assembly 7 to send the label ribbon 8 again at the first feeding speed so that the portion between the cutting device 12 and the adhesive strips 23a and 23b of the label ribbon 8 moves synchronously. Then, the cutting device 12 disposed at the said portion of the label ribbon 8 is operated by connecting the corresponding suction chamber 13 to the air suction means. As a result, the label ribbon 8 is sucked towards the inside of the corresponding suction chamber 13 and is cut by the blade 14, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0053] The noise generated by the cutting of the label ribbon 8 executed in this way is optimally attenuated by the presence of the cavities 16 in the walls 17a, 17b of the box-shaped body 15a that supports the blade 14.

[0054] After the label ribbon 8 is cut, the control means of the labeling machine instructs the feeding assembly 7 to send the label ribbon 8 to the cutting drum 10 at the second feeding speed. This is to move the cut label 8a away from the remaining labels and to place the next skid 22 between the next two consecutive labels 8a of the label ribbon 8.

[0055] As soon as the next skid 22 arrives between the next two consecutive labels 8a of the label ribbon 8, the control means commands the feeding assembly 7 to supply the label ribbon 8 to the cutting drum 10 at a first feed speed. Thus, while the cutting drum 10 continues to rotate about its axis, it carries the cut label 8a to the corresponding container 3 being conveyed by the conveyor 2, while the portion of the label ribbon 8 on the skid 22 can reach the application roller 24, so that the operating cycle of the labeling machine can resume.

[0056] In fact, it has been found that the present invention fully achieves the aim and intended purpose of the present invention. In particular, attention can be drawn to the fact that the presence of the cavity in the blade support block can significantly reduce the noise generated following the cutting of the label by sucking the label ribbon against the blade of the cutting drum.

[0057] The present invention thus conceived is capable of many modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0058] Furthermore, all details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0059] In practice, as long as it is suitable for a particular application, the materials, dimensions and shapes used may be of any kind, as appropriate and as required, and in accordance with the state of the art.

[0060] The disclosure of Italian patent application No. 102021000004805, to which this application claims priority, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] If reference signs are attached after the technical features mentioned in any claim, those reference signs are included only for the purpose of enhancing the clarity of the claim, and thus such reference signs do not have a limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by such reference signs, by way of example.

Claims

1. A conveyor (2) for a container (3) to which a label is to be attached along a forward path, and at least one label attaching station (6) arranged along the forward path, The label attaching station (6) includes a feeding assembly (7) for a label ribbon (8) and a cutting drum (10), The cutting drum (10) is designed to receive the label ribbon (8) so as to be in close contact with a side surface (10a) of the cutting drum, and supports at least one cutting device (12) for the label ribbon (8), The at least one cutting device (12) has a suction chamber (13) that opens to a side surface (10a) of the cutting drum and houses at least one blade (14) inside. The suction chamber (13) can be connected to an air suction means to suck the label ribbon (8) into the suction chamber (13) and press it against the blade (14), thereby cutting the label (8). In a label applicator, The at least one cutting device (12) includes at least one respective blade support block (15). The blade support block (15) is supported by the cutting drum (10) and supports the at least one blade (14). At least a part of the blade support block (15) is provided with at least one cavity (16) inside for attenuating the noise generated by cutting the label ribbon (8). A label applicator characterized by this.

2. The blade support block (15) includes a box-shaped body (15a) that defines the suction chamber (13) inside. The at least one cavity (16) is formed in at least one wall of the box-shaped body (15a). The label applicator according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The box-shaped body (15a) has at least two walls (17a, 17b) facing each other for defining the suction chamber (13), the at least one blade (14) is between the at least two walls (17a, 17b), and at least one of the at least two walls (17a, 17b) has the at least one cavity (16) inside thereof. The labeling machine according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The box-shaped body (15a) is characterized in that it supports a lock pin (18) penetrating a holding opening (19) formed in the at least one blade (14) inside the suction chamber (13). The labeling machine according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The labeling machine according to claim 4, which depends on claim 3, characterized in that the lock pin (18) is supported by at least one of the at least two walls (17a, 17b).

6. The labeling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one cavity (16) is at least partially filled with a material different from the material constituting the blade support block (15).

7. The labeling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the inside of the at least one cavity (16) is a vacuum.

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