Label applicator

Abstract

The labeling machine comprises a conveyor (2) for the containers (3) to be labeled along a forward path (2a) and at least one labeling station (6) arranged along the forward path (2a). The labeling station (6) comprises a rewinding assembly (7) for a label ribbon (8) on which a number of labels (8a) are successively printed, and at least one drum (10) designed to receive on its lateral surface the label ribbon (8) or the labels (8a) obtained by cutting the label ribbon (8). At least one skid (11) is arranged in the peripheral area of ​​the drum (10) and has at least one embossed portion (12) directed outward with respect to the rest of the lateral surface of the drum (10). At least one gluing roller (13) is arranged transversely of the drum (10). According to the invention, the at least one embossed portion (12) of the skid (11) is made of an elastically flexible material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a labeling machine.

Background Art

[0002] Labeling machines are known that can apply labels obtained by cutting a continuous label ribbon to a container.

[0003] The label ribbon can be of the pre-glued type, i.e., an appropriate amount of glue can be provided on the reel in advance to enable adhesion to the container, or it can be non-pre-glued. In the latter case, the machine is equipped with means to enable the application of glue to the label to be transferred to the container, as will be better explained below.

[0004] Labeling machines usually include a conveyor for the containers, which is composed of a rotating carousel. There are rotating support pans for individual containers in the peripheral area of this rotating carousel, and the containers rotate about their axes on these support pans.

[0005] Also, one or more labeling stations are arranged in the peripheral area of the carousel, each applying a label corresponding to the container conveyed by the carousel.

[0006] In particular, each labeling station is provided with an unreeling assembly for taking the label ribbon out of the reel and supplying it to a cutting drum. This cutting drum is provided with a blade for cutting the label ribbon in the separation area between the label and the next label. The label coming out of the cutting drum is transferred to a conveying drum, and the conveying drum attaches the label to each container arriving at the carousel.

[0007] In other machines, the functions of the cutting drum and the conveying drum are performed by a single drum called the cutting and conveying drum, which enables both cutting the label ribbon using the blades attached thereto and conveying the cut labels to the corresponding containers.

[0008] In this case, the label ribbon is sent directly from the rewinding assembly to the cutting and conveying drum.

[0009] Label applicators designed to use label ribbons that are not pre-coated with adhesive usually have an adhesive assembly located beside the transfer drum or the cutting and conveying drum, depending on the individual case.

[0010] In particular, the adhesive assembly can be constituted by an adhesive roller, that is, a roller that applies two strips of adhesive, one at the leading edge of each individual label and another at the trailing edge of that label, to each of the labels disposed on the adjacent drum.

[0011] In particular, the drum on which the adhesive is applied to the labels is typically subdivided into a plurality of sectors or parts along its circumferential direction, and each of these sectors or parts is designed to receive a single label in any case.

[0012] At the opposing ends of the various sectors, there are two adhesive zones, which are in relief with respect to the remaining part of the side surface of the corresponding drum and are basically defined by respective blocks usually called runners or skids, on which the leading and trailing edges of the labels rest, and when the labels pass in front of the adhesive roller, the latter applies only two strips of adhesive to the leading and trailing edges of those labels.

[0013] Conventional machines have the drawback that not only the structure of the drum and the skid attached thereto, but also in the positioning of the gluing roller relative to the drum, maximum geometric accuracy is required in order to generate a pressure that allows the label to be properly glued without interfering with the normal operation of the machine.

Summary of the Invention

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that can improve the known technology in one or more of the above-described aspects.

[0015] Within the scope of this object, an object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that enables optimal application of glue to the label without requiring maximum accuracy in its implementation as in the known technology.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that can guarantee the highest reliability and safety in its operation.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention attempts to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a way that replaces any existing solution.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that can be provided relatively simply so that it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0019] This object and these and other objects that will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by the labeling machine according to claim 1, optionally provided with one or more of the features of the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] 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, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.

[0021]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Referring to the drawings, a labeling machine according to the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 1, includes a conveyor 2 for containers 3 to be labeled along a forward path 2a.

[0023] Advantageously, the conveyor 2 is constituted by a rotary carousel 4 which has, in its peripheral region, supports 5 for individual containers 3 adapted to rotate the containers 3 about their axes.

[0024] Along the forward path 2a of the containers 3, there is at least one labeling station 6 which includes a rewinding assembly 7 for a label ribbon 8 on which a plurality of labels 8a are printed successively.

[0025] The unwind assembly 7 is advantageously constituted by a pair of facing entrainment rollers 7a, 7b which make it possible to remove the label ribbon 8 from a reel (not shown) and optionally pass it through a device 9 for adjusting the tension of the label ribbon 8, known per se.

[0026] The label application station 6 further comprises at least one drum 10 which can rotate and move about its own axis and is designed to receive on its lateral surface the label ribbon 8 or the label 8a obtained by cutting the label ribbon.

[0027] Advantageously, the lateral surface of the drum 10 has a suction orifice 10a which is connected by a method known per se to air suction means constituted, for example, by a vacuum pump 100 in order to make it possible to hold the label ribbon 8 and the label 8a against the lateral surface of the drum 10.

[0028] In particular, at least one skid 11 is arranged in the peripheral region of the drum 10 and has at least one portion 12 which is in relief and directed outwards with respect to the rest of the lateral surface of the drum 10.

[0029] At least one gluing roller 13 is also arranged transversely to the drum 10 and its function is to apply a layer of glue to the region of the label 8a which is stationary on at least the relief portion 12 of the skid 11 when the label 8a passes in front of the gluing roller 13.

[0030] According to the invention, at least the relief portion 12 of the skid 11 is made of an elastically flexible material.

[0031] In this way, the production of the skid 11 and the arrangement of the gluing roller 13 with respect to the drum 10 can correct structural or assembly errors due to the elastic deformability of the relief portion 12 of the skid 11, so it does not require extreme precision like the prior art.

[0032] Advantageously, the skid 11 is constituted by respective bodies 11a made entirely of an elastically flexible material, such as, for example, rubber, or other arbitrary polymeric materials having suitable elastic deformability like silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane, etc.

[0033] Advantageously, the skid 11 has at least one internal cavity 14, the function of which is to promote the elastic flexibility of at least one relief portion 12.

[0034] As shown, the drum 10 can comprise a plurality of skids 11 arranged so as to be angularly spaced from each other with respect to the axis of the drum 10. In this case, each skid 11 is advantageously constituted by a body 11a made entirely of an elastically deformable material.

[0035] Due to the fact that it is made entirely of an elastically deformable material, each skid 11 can also be easily manufactured by 3D printing. In addition to the possibility of easily forming internal cavities 14 of various shapes and dimensions, it should be noted that a certain degree of freedom is brought to the design of the shape that can be given to the body 11a of the skid 11, and it does not necessarily have to be hollow. In some cases, for example, a honeycomb structure can be provided, or the body 11a can be at least partially filled with a material having elastic properties different from the material of which the body 11a is made, so as to optimally distinguish the elasticity of the body 11a of the skid 11 from one region to another region.

[0036] Advantageously, each skid 11 can be removably attached to the drum 10 in respective accommodation seats 15 defined in the peripheral region of the drum 10.

[0037] It is convenient to move the skid 11 in and out of the receiving sheet 15 of the skid 11 along a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the drum while sliding the skid 11 relative to the drum 10.

[0038] In order to correctly guide this sliding movement and ensure the fixing of the skid 11 within the receiving sheet 15 corresponding to the radial direction with respect to the axis of the drum 10, the main body 11a of the skid 11 is advantageously provided with, for example, male / female type elements that ensure connection within the receiving sheet 15. In particular, for example, at least one rib 16 designed to engage with a corresponding groove defined in the receiving sheet 15 can be provided on one of the opposing sides (flanks) of the main body 11a of each skid 11, and another rib 17 that engages with a corresponding groove defined in the receiving sheet 15 can be provided on the other side.

[0039] Advantageously, at least the relief portion 12 of the skid 11 defines a port 18 that can be connected to air suction means, and this port is constituted by, for example, the same vacuum pump 100 to which the opening 10a of the drum 10 is connected, enabling the correct attachment of the skid 11 to the region of the label 8a where application of glue by the glue applicator roller 13 is required.

[0040] Advantageously, the port 18 penetrates the main body 11a of the skid 11 and communicates with the suction chamber 19, and the suction chamber 19 is defined on the side of the skid 11 facing towards the interior of the drum 10 and is intended to communicate with the vacuum pump 100 when the skid 11 is arranged in each receiving sheet 15.

[0041] As shown in the figure, at least one cutting device 20 is attached to the periphery of the drum 10 and can be operated in response to a command to cut the label ribbon 8.

[0042] For example, such a cutting device 20 can be constituted by a blade 21 disposed in a cutting chamber 22 defined within the drum 10 and open at the lateral surface of the drum.

[0043] In particular, the cutting chamber 22 can be connected to a vacuum pump 100 so as to suck the label ribbon 8 toward the inside of the cutting chamber 22 with respect to the blade 21 and enable the cutting thereof.

[0044] Advantageously, the cutting chamber 22 is provided inside a blade support box-shaped body 23, and this box-shaped body 23 can be connected to the drum 10, preferably removably.

[0045] According to the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of cutting devices 20 are attached to the drum 10, and each cutting device 20 is disposed adjacent to its respective skid 11. More specifically, each cutting device 20 is disposed at a position immediately behind the corresponding skid 11 with respect to the rotational direction of the drum 10.

[0046] Also, in the illustrated embodiment, each skid 11 is provided with two relief portions 12 arranged side by side and extending substantially parallel to the axis of the drum 10. The front and rear edges of two consecutive labels 8a of the label ribbon 8 are adapted to rest on these relief portions 12, while the separation portion between two consecutive labels 8a is adapted to be located between the two relief portions 12 at least when the corresponding skid 11 passes in front of the gluing roller 13.

[0047] Advantageously, there is control means conveniently configured by an electronic control device 110 that enables driving of the rewinding assembly 7 so as to be able to vary the speed at which the label ribbon 8 is supplied to the drum 10 in order to obtain correct positioning of the label 8a with respect to the skid 11 disposed on the drum 10.

[0048] The operation of the labeling machine according to the present invention is as follows.

[0049] In the situation shown in FIG. 9, the rewinding assembly 7 feeds the label ribbon 8 to the drum 10 at a preset speed, and this drum 10 keeps the label ribbon 8 attached to its lateral surface by both the suction port 10a arranged on its lateral surface and the port 18 located on the skid 11. While the trailing and leading edges of two consecutive labels 8a of the label ribbon 8 are placed on one of the skids 11 of the drum 10, and at the same time this skid 11 passes in front of the gluing roller 13, and the gluing roller 13 applies a layer of glue to the leading and trailing edges of two consecutive labels 8a.

[0050] In this situation, due to the fact that the relief portion 12 of the skid 11 is made of an elastically flexible material, it can deform radially, and as a result, it perfectly conforms to the pressure conditions received by the gluing roller 13. Even if the position of the gluing roller 13 relative to the drum 10 is not adjusted extremely accurately, and also even if the geometric shape of the skid 11 is imperfect due to, for example, manufacturing errors or changes in the shape of the skid 11 as a result of wear, it enables the normal and correct application of glue without interfering with the normal operation of the machine.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 10, when glue is applied to the trailing and leading edges of two consecutive labels 8a attached to the lateral surface of the drum 10, the electronic control device 110 acts on the rewinding assembly 7 so as to reduce the speed at which the label ribbon 8 is supplied to the drum 10. Thereby, slippage of the drum 10 with respect to the label ribbon 8 can be obtained, which enables the cutting device 20 to be brought immediately behind the skid 11 corresponding to the gluing roller 13 towards the separation region between the two labels 8a that have received the glue.

[0052] When this cutting device 20 reaches the separation region between two consecutive labels 8a with its blade 21 as shown in FIG. 11, the electronic control device 110 commands the rewinding assembly 7 to supply the label ribbon 8 to the drum 10 at a speed substantially equal to the peripheral speed of the drum 10.

[0053] At the same time, the cutting chamber 22 of the cutting device 20 located in the separation area between two consecutive labels 8a is connected to a vacuum pump 100 so as to cut the label ribbon 8.

[0054] The label 8a thus separated from the label ribbon 8 is then conveyed to a corresponding container 3 conveyed by the conveyor 2 from the drum 10.

[0055] In fact, the present invention not only provides a skid attached to the drum on which the glue is applied, but also the positioning of the gluing roller with respect to the drum itself is much simpler. As a result, the structure of the machine is simple and it is advantageous in terms of its manufacturing cost. It has been found that the intended objects and purposes are fully achieved by providing a labeling machine.

[0056] The present invention thus devised is capable of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are included in the appended claims. Furthermore, all details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0057] In fact, the materials employed may be any that are suitable for a particular application, and the possible dimensions and shapes are arbitrary according to the requirements and the technical situation.

[0058] The disclosure of Italian Patent Application No. 102021000007778, for which this application claims priority, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] When reference signs are attached after the technical features recited in the claims, those reference signs are attached only for the purpose of improving the clarity of the claims. Therefore, such reference signs have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element exemplified by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A labeling machine, comprising: a conveyor (2) for a container (3) to be labeled along a forward path (2a); at least one labeling station (6) arranged along the forward path (2a); The labeling station (6) includes: a rewinding assembly (7) for a label ribbon (8) on which a plurality of labels (8a) are continuously printed; at least one drum (10) designed to receive the label ribbon (8) or the label (8a) obtained by cutting the label ribbon (8) on its side surface; including; At least one skid (11) is arranged in the peripheral region of the drum (10) and has at least one embossed portion (12) directed outward with respect to the remaining portion of the side surface of the drum (10); At least one gluing roller (13) is arranged in the lateral direction of the drum (10) and is designed to apply glue onto at least the area of the label (8a) that is stationary on at least one embossed portion (12) of at least one skid (11); At least one embossed portion (12) of at least one skid (11) is made of an elastically flexible material; At least one skid (11) is constituted by respective bodies (11a) integrally made of an elastically flexible material; At least one skid (11) has at least one internal cavity (14) adapted to promote the elastic flexibility of at least one embossed portion (12); The labeling machine.

2. The labeling machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one skid (11) is removably connected to the drum (10) in respective receiving sheets (15). The labeling machine according to claim 1.

3. The labeling machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in at least the embossed portion (12), there is a port (18) that can be connected to air suction means. The labeling machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The labeling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one cutting device (20) that can be actuated by a command for cutting the label ribbon (8) is supported by the drum (10) at its peripheral part. The labeling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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