Container label-removal and separation apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container label removal and separation device. The device comprises a movable assembly including a rail holder supporting a linear guide, an upper cap holder, a connecting part, and a hinged lower base plate. Relative motion occurs between a container supported between the cap holder and the base plate and one or more cutting assemblies, thereby cutting, rupturing, and separating the label. A blade holder controls the cutting depth, shields the non-working portion of the cutting blade, and enables the replacement of the cutting insert. A safety guard covers the cutting area. After label removal, the base plate rotates downward by a retractable latch to discharge the container into a removable collection bin. An automatic return hinge returns the base plate, and a static load spring returns the movable assembly to its initial position. A mesh blocks the removed label separately from the container. In an automated embodiment, the movable assembly and / or the cutting assembly or the cutting blade may be operated, assisted, or controlled by an actuator.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for removing and separating a label from a container, and more specifically, to a container label removal and separation device capable of cutting, rupturing, and separating a label by moving the container along a movement path and moving it relative to one or more cutting assemblies, and separating the removed label from the container for collection. Background Technology

[0002] Recyclable containers, such as PET beverage containers, have labels attached to provide product information, brand markings, and other information. Since the container body and the label may be made of different materials, it may be required or desirable to separate the label from the container during the collection or recycling process.

[0003] Label removal can be performed by the user peeling, tearing, or cutting the label directly. These manual removal methods require additional work from the user and may cause inconvenience at recycling stations or container collection points.

[0004] Various devices and tools for removing labels from containers have been proposed, and structures for scratching or peeling off labels, cutting tools used directly by users, and structures that combine label removal functions with other components related to the container are known.

[0005] Therefore, an integrated device is required that stably supports the container during the label removal process, generates controlled relative motion between the container and one or more cutting assemblies, discharges the container to a collection area after label removal, and separates the removed label from the container for collection.

[0006] In addition, a structure is required that allows label removal to be performed while restricting user access to the cutting blade during normal operation. Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Document 0001 U.S. Patent Publication US 4,944,832 A (Published July 31, 1990)

[0008] Patent Document 0002 Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2022-0102397 (Published July 20, 2022)

[0009] Patent Document 0003 Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2023-0032495 (Published March 7, 2023) The problem to be solved

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide a container label removal and separation device that can remove a label from a container while reducing the task of a user having to manually remove the label at the collection or disposal point of the container.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device capable of supporting a container during a label removal operation, removing a label through controlled contact between the label of the container and one or more cutting assemblies, and discharging the container after the label removal operation.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device capable of separating removed labels and discharged containers from each other during the collection process.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can restrict a user from accessing the cutting blade during normal use. means of solving the problem

[0014] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a container label removal and separation device comprising a rail holder supporting a linear guide and a movable assembly guided along the linear guide. The movable assembly includes an upper cap holder, a connecting part, and a lower base plate hinged to the connecting part, and the container can be received and supported between the cap holder and the base plate.

[0015] One or more cutting assemblies are positioned adjacent to a substantially linear movement path of the container. As the moving assembly moves along the linear guide, relative motion occurs between the container and the cutting assembly, and accordingly, a label attached to the container may come into contact with the cutting assembly and be cut, ruptured, and separated.

[0016] The lower base plate may have a lateral dimension smaller than the lateral dimension of the container, so that the outer periphery of the container with the label attached protrudes outward from the base plate, and at the same time, the base plate can pass through the cutting area.

[0017] At least one cutting assembly may include a blade holder that holds a replaceable cutting insert. The blade holder may control the degree of exposure of the working cutting edge to the vessel movement path and shield the non-working portion of the cutting edge. The cutting insert may include a straight cutting section, a serrated cutting section or a rupture section, or a combination thereof.

[0018] The safety guard is provided to cover at least the blade or cutting area, allowing the container to pass through the cutting area while restricting the user from accessing the cutting blade during normal operation.

[0019] The lower base plate is connected to a connecting part by an automatic return hinge and can be held in a retractable position for the container support by a retractable latch. When the latch is released after a label removal stroke, the base plate rotates downward to remove the lower support of the container, and the container can fall toward the collection area.

[0020] The constant load spring provides a return force to the moving assembly, allowing the moving assembly to return to the initial container receiving position along the linear guide.

[0021] A manual separation member may be positioned to block the removed label while allowing the discharged container to move to a container collection area. The manual separation member may include a net or mesh, and the container collection area may include a removable collection bin.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the operation of the moving assembly can be performed by a user applying a downward force to the cap holder. In other embodiments, the movement of the moving assembly may be caused or assisted by an actuator.

[0023] Additionally, in another embodiment, the position, approach, or operation of one or more cutting assemblies or their cutting blades may be automatically controlled by an actuator. Accordingly, the necessary relative movement or contact between the cutting assembly and the vessel may be automatically generated or controlled. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to the present invention, a label attached to a container can be cut, ruptured, and separated through controlled relative movement between the container and one or more cutting assemblies.

[0025] Since the container is supported during the label removal process and can be discharged into the collection area after the label is removed, the need for the user to manually remove the container from the device can be reduced.

[0026] User access to the cutting blade during normal operation can be restricted by the blade holder and safety guard, and a worn cutting insert or a cutting insert of a different shape can be replaced by using a replaceable cutting insert.

[0027] The removed label can be blocked separately from the discharged container, allowing the label and container to be collected separately.

[0028] In addition, after the operation cycle, the moving assembly can be returned to the initial container receiving position to receive the next container. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the overall configuration of a container label removal and separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a container is supported by a moving assembly and moves along a linear guide rail.

[0031] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cutting area of ​​the container label removal and separation device.

[0032] Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating the connection and release structure between a retractable latch and a hinged base plate.

[0033] Figure 5 is a side view, front view, and top view illustrating a label separation and container collection structure. Specific details for implementing the invention 0034] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the container label removal and separation device includes a rail holder (60) that supports a substantially vertical linear guide rail (70). In the current prototype, an MGN12H type linear guide rail is used. The linear rail carriage (33) is movable along the linear guide rail (70) and is coupled to a connecting part (20).

[0036] The upper cap holder (10) is connected to the upper part of the connecting part (20). The lower base plate (90) is connected to the lower part of the connecting part (20) by an automatic return hinge (80). The cap holder (10) and the base plate (90) are spaced vertically apart so that a container can be accommodated between them. In the initial position, the base plate (90) is positioned substantially horizontally to support the bottom of the container.

[0037] The current prototype is primarily configured for a standard 500 mL PET beverage container. The base plate (90) has a diameter of approximately 50 mm. Thus, the body of the container protrudes outward beyond the outer circumference of the base plate (90). Due to this protruding structure, the outer circumference of the labeled container can come into contact with the cutting assembly, while the base plate (90) can pass through the cutting area.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates the relationship between a cap holder (10), a connecting part (20), a linear rail carriage (33), an automatic return hinge (80), a base plate (90), and a container moving along a linear guide rail (70). The container moves during the label removal process while supported between the cap holder (10) and the base plate (90).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, a plurality of cutting assemblies are arranged adjacent to a substantially vertical movement path of the container. The current prototype is provided with three cutting positions: a first side cutting position, a second side cutting position, and a front cutting position.

[0040] Each cutting assembly may include a blade holder (22) and a replaceable cutting insert. The blade holder (22) sets the position and orientation of the cutting insert relative to the container movement path. The shape of the blade holder controls the effective cutting depth by limiting the amount of working cutting edge exposed toward the container. The non-working portion of the cutting edge may be surrounded or shielded by the blade holder (22).

[0041] The cutting insert can be removed from the blade holder (22). Thus, an insert with a different cutting shape can be installed without replacing the worn cutting insert or replacing the entire blade holder (22).

[0042] The cutting insert may include a straight cutting section, a serrated cutting or rupturing section, or a combination thereof. In a combined structure, the straight section initiates or extends the cutting of the label, and the serrated section may contact the label during continuous relative movement to rupture and separate the label.

[0043] The safety guard (30) covers the blade and the cutting area. The safety guard (30) is configured so that the user's hand does not normally come into contact with the cutting blade during the process of inserting, operating, discharging, or collecting the container.

[0044] The outer periphery to which the container and label are attached can pass through the cutting area through an opening or guide path provided in the safety guard (30). The blade holder (22) can additionally protect the cutting blade by exposing only the working part necessary for contact with the label.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, the base plate (90) is connected to the connecting part (20) by an automatic return hinge (80). In the present embodiment, the hinge (80) is secured to the base plate (90) and the connecting part (20) by a screw and includes one or more compression springs that deflect the base plate (90) to a substantially horizontal container support position.

[0046] The retractable latch (83) controls the release of the base plate (90). During the label removal process, the base plate (90) maintains the container support position.

[0047] When the user releases the cap holder (10) after removing the label, the base plate (90) can rotate downward by about 90 degrees around the automatic return hinge (80) by means of the retractable latch (83). Accordingly, the lower support of the container is removed and the container falls toward the collection area.

[0048] After the container is discharged, the automatic return hinge (80) and the compression spring return the base plate (90) toward a substantially horizontal container support position.

[0049] A constant load spring (11) is operably installed between a fixed rail holder (60) and a movable assembly. As the movable assembly moves downward, a strip portion of the constant load spring (11) is withdrawn from a coil portion.

[0050] The constant load spring (11) provides a substantially constant return force over the operating range of motion and deflects the connecting part (20), cap holder (10), base plate (90), and linear rail carriage (33) back toward the initial container receiving position.

[0051] The rotational return of the base plate (90) and the linear return of the movable assembly perform different functions. The automatic return hinge (80) and the compression spring restore the direction of the base plate (90), and the constant load spring (11) provides a return force to restore the vertical position of the movable assembly.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 5, a mesh (77), which is a separating member, is placed between the container discharge area and the container collection area.

[0053] The label is cut, ruptured, and separated from the container by the relative movement between the cutting assembly and the label. The mesh (77) is configured to block the removed flexible label and allow the discharged container to move to the container collection area.

[0054] The container is moved to a detachable collection container. In the present embodiment, the collection container includes a detachable upper part (40) and a lower part (50) and is detachably connected to a rail holder (60). Thus, to retrieve the collected container, the collection container can be detached from the rail holder structure and then reattached.

[0055] When operating, a labeled container is inserted between an upper cap holder (10) and a substantially horizontal lower base plate (90). The bottom of the container rests on the base plate (90), and the top of the container is positioned below or inside the cap holder (10).

[0056] In a manual operation embodiment, the user presses the cap holder (10) downward. The cap holder (10), connecting part (20), hinged base plate (90), linear rail carriage (33), and supported container move downward together along the linear guide rail (70).

[0057] Relative motion occurs between the container and the cutting assembly due to this movement, and the label comes into contact with the cutting insert. A straight cutting shape can initiate or extend the cutting of the label, and a sawtooth cutting or rupturing shape can come into contact with the label to rupture and separate the label from the container.

[0058] The separated label is blocked by the mesh (77).

[0059] When the downward stroke is completed and the user releases the cap holder (10), the base plate (90) can be rotated downward by about 90 degrees by the retractable latch (83). Accordingly, the lower support of the container is removed and the container falls into a detachable collection container.

[0060] The automatic return hinge (80) and compression spring return the base plate (90) toward a substantially horizontal support position.

[0061] Separately, the constant load spring (11) provides a return force to the moving assembly, causing it to move upward along the linear guide rail (70) and return the cap holder (10) and base plate (90) to the initial receiving position. Accordingly, the device returns to a state where it can receive the next container.

[0062] The above embodiment is a manual operation method in which a user presses the cap holder (10) to provide a downward operation stroke. In other embodiments, movement along the linear guide rail (70) of the moving assembly may be generated or assisted by one or more actuators.

[0063] In addition, the operation of one or more cutting assemblies or cutting blades can be automated. An actuator can automatically generate or control the relative motion required for label removal by controlling the position, approach, movement, or contact of the cutting assembly or cutting blade with the container.

[0064] Actuators for moving assemblies and / or cutting assemblies can be driven mechanically, electrically, pneumatically, or in other ways.

[0065] An automation embodiment can maintain a functional sequence including receiving and supporting a container, relative movement between the container and the cutting assembly, cutting and separating a label, blocking the removed label, discharging the container to a collection area, returning the base plate, and returning the moving assembly.

[0066] Accordingly, the automation embodiment may be configured to automatically operate a moving assembly, a cutting assembly, or a combination thereof while maintaining the basic functional relationship of cutting, label separation, container discharge, and collection described in the present invention.

[0067] The present invention has been described with reference to a current prototype 500 mL PET beverage container, a base plate of about 50 mm, an MGN12H type linear guide, three cutting positions, and a manual operation structure, but these details are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present invention. The container size, the dimensions and shape of the base plate, the linear guide structure, the shape of the cutting insert, the number and arrangement of cutting positions, the method of operation, and the collection structure may be changed within the scope of maintaining the functional relationship of the present invention. Industrial applicability

[0068] The container label removal and separation device according to the present invention can be used for the collection, sorting, and recycling of labeled containers, including PET beverage containers.

[0069] This device can be applied to recycling stations, waste collection systems, container collection facilities, or other systems where separation of containers and labels is required before or during collection.

[0070] The device may be operated manually and may be configured to include one or more actuators for automating the movement or operation of a moving assembly, a cutting assembly, or a cutting blade. Explanation of the symbols

[0071] 10: Cap holder 11: Static load spring# 20: Connecting parts 22: Blade holder 30: Safety Guard 33: Linear rail carriage 40: Detachable collection bin top 50: Detachable collection bin bottom 60: Rail holder 70: Linear guide rail 77: Messi 80: Automatic return hinge 83: Contracting latch 90: Base Plate

Claims

Claim 1 A container label removal device comprising: a rail holder (60); a linear guide rail (70) supported by the rail holder (60); a moving assembly configured to accommodate a container between the upper cap holder (10) and the lower base plate (90), the moving assembly comprising an upper cap holder (10), a connecting part (20), and a lower base plate (90) hinged to the connecting part (20), and guided along the linear guide rail (70); one or more cutting assemblies disposed adjacent to a substantially linear movement path of the container; and a safety guard (30) configured to cover at least a blade or cutting area and restrict a user from accessing the cutting blade during normal operation while allowing the container to pass through the cutting area; wherein relative movement occurs between the container and the one or more cutting assemblies as the moving assembly moves along the linear guide rail (70), and a label attached to the container comes into contact with the one or more cutting assemblies during the relative movement. Claim 2 A container label removal device according to claim 1, wherein the lower base plate (90) has a lateral dimension smaller than the lateral dimension of the container, so that the outer periphery portion of the container to which the label is attached protrudes outward from the base plate (90) while the base plate (90) passes through a cutting area; at least one cutting assembly includes a blade holder (22) that holds a replaceable cutting insert, the blade holder (22) controls the cutting depth by limiting the exposure of the working cutting blade and shields the non-working portion of the cutting blade; the replaceable cutting insert includes a straight cutting portion, a sawtooth cutting portion or a rupture portion, or a combination thereof; and the cutting assembly includes three cutting positions disposed on the first side, the second side, and the front of the container movement path. Claim 3 A container label removal device according to claim 1, wherein the lower base plate (90) is connected to the connecting part (20) by an automatic return hinge (80) comprising one or more compression springs; a retractable latch (83) is configured to allow the lower base plate (90) to rotate downward by about 90 degrees from the container support position after the label removal stroke is completed to remove the lower support of the container and discharge the container toward the collection area; and a constant load spring (11) is operably connected between the rail holder (60) and the movable assembly and is configured to return the movable assembly toward the initial container receiving position along the linear guide rail (70) after the discharge of the container. Claim 4 A container label removal device according to claim 1, further comprising a separating member positioned to block the removed label and simultaneously move the discharged container to a container collection area; said separating member comprising a net or mesh (77); and a container collection box detachably connected to the rail holder (60) and positioned to receive the discharged container by the rotation of the lower base plate (90). Claim 5 A container label removal device according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the moving assembly during the label removal process may be caused by a downward force applied by a user to the upper cap holder (10) or may be caused or assisted by one or more actuators, and the position or operation of one or more cutting assemblies or cutting blades may be caused, assisted, or controlled by one or more actuators in an automated embodiment. Claim 6 A method for removing and separating a label from a container comprises: supporting the container between a lower base plate (90) hinged to an upper cap holder (10) of a movable assembly; moving the movable assembly along a linear guide rail (70) to generate relative motion between the container and one or more cutting assemblies; bringing the one or more cutting assemblies into contact with the label to cut, rupture, and separate the label; blocking the separated label separately from the container collection area using a net or mesh (77); releasing the hinged lower base plate (90) after the label removal process to remove the lower support of the container and cause the container to fall toward the container collection area; and returning the lower base plate (90) to the container support position. A method for removing and separating container labels, comprising the step of returning the moving assembly toward an initial container receiving position by means of a constant load spring (11); wherein the movement of the moving assembly and / or the operation of the one or more cutting assemblies or cutting blades may be performed manually or may be generated, assisted, or controlled by one or more actuators.

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