Operating station for the application of labels to semi-finished articles for an article manufacturing machine and an article manufacturing machine

Abstract

An operating station (6) for the application of labels (E) to semi-finished articles (A) for an article manufacturing machine (1) is described, wherein the labels (E) are connected to a first face of a support tape (8) with a unit (9) for feeding the labels (E) having a feeding device (10) configured to feed the support tape (8) along a first feeding path (R) and a separating device (12) located along the first feeding path (R) downstream of the feeding device (10) and configured to cooperate with the support tape (8) so as to separate the individual labels (E) from the support tape (8); wherein the separating device (12) comprises a deflector element (13) configured to enable the sequential separation of the labels (E) from the support tape (8) and provided with a support plate (14), which holds the labels (E) once separated from the support tape (8); and a unit (18) for retrieving and releasing the labels (E) arranged in a position facing the unit (9) for feeding the labels (E), with which it cooperates; wherein said unit (18) for retrieving and releasing the labels (E) comprises a number of substantially identical members (19) for retrieving and releasing the labels (E) configured to retrieve the individual labels (E) from the support plate (14), hold them and apply them onto the semi-finished articles (A).

Description

[0001] "OPERATING STATION FOR THE APPLICATION OF LABELS TO SEMIFINISHED ARTICLES FOR AN ARTICLE MANUFACTURING MACHINE AND AN ARTICLE MANUFACTURING MACHINE"

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Patent Applications

[0003] This patent application claims priority of the Italian patent application No. 102024000015565 filed on July 5, 2024, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] This invention relates to an operating station for the application of labels to semifinished articles for an article manufacturing machine and to an article manufacturing machine.

[0006] Prior Art

[0007] As is well known, a manufacturing machine for the production and / or assembly of articles, for example in the context of electronic cigarettes, generally comprises a conveying system that extends along a processing path and comprises multiple processing stations that are arranged in succession along the conveying system and are implemented to feed components of the article or to perform processing on the semi-finished articles.

[0008] The conveying system typically comprises a linear transport conveyor equipped with multiple carriages, independent of each other and configured to accommodate a number of semi-finished articles. The linear transport conveyor supports the carriages and moves them cyclically through the operating stations and typically comprises a guide that is arranged in a fixed position and multiple slides, each of which supports a corresponding carriage and is coupled to the guide to run freely along it. Finally, the linear transport conveyor comprises a (known) linear electric motor that moves the slides carrying the carriages along the processing path and is defined by a stator (that is, a fixed primary) that is advantageously arranged in a fixed position along the guide and multiple movable sliders (that is, movable secondary), each of which is electro-magnetically coupled to the stator to receive a drive force from the stator and is rigidly connected to a corresponding slide. Each slide is driven intermittently, that is, a non-continuous motion involving a cyclic alternation of motion phases, in which the slide is in motion to move between adjacent operating stations, and stop phases at operating stations.

[0009] The carriages are arranged on the sides of their respective slides facing, in use, the various operating stations to receive components of the article or to carry out processing on semi-finished articles. For example, in some cases there is an operating station configured to apply a label, preferably a self-adhesive one, to each semi-finished article. The labels are initially attached to a support tape. The labels are longitudinally spaced apart on the support tape, which has a first face (or surface) to which the labels E are removably attached and a second face (or surface) opposite the first and with no labels. Typically, the operating station comprises a label feeding unit having a feeding device configured to feed the support tape and a separating device that is instead configured to cooperate with the support tape to separate the individual labels from the support tape.

[0010] The patents US4210484, US3779829, CN112224586 and US7368028 describe known operating stations for applying labels to semi-finished articles for an article manufacturing machine.

[0011] In this regard, there is more and more need for technical solutions to improve the operation of said operating stations for the application of labels on semi-finished articles.

[0012] Description of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide an operating station for the application of labels to semi-finished articles for an article manufacturing machine that is free from the drawbacks of the state of the art while being easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0014] Another purpose is to provide an article manufacturing machine that is free of the drawbacks of the state of the art while being easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0015] According to this invention, an operating station for the application of labels to semi-finished articles for an article manufacturing machine and an article manufacturing machine, according to the appended claims, are provided.

[0016] Brief Description of the Drawings This invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof, wherein:

[0017] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of an operating station for the application of labels to semi-finished articles in an article manufacturing machine made in accordance with this invention, in a first operating configuration and with parts removed for clarity;

[0018] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of the operating station in Figure 1 in a second operating configuration and with parts removed for clarity;

[0019] - Figure 3 is a side view of a detail of the station from Figures 1 and 2 in the second operating configuration and with parts removed for clarity; and

[0020] - Figure 4 is a side view of the detail of the station in Figure 3 in another operating configuration and with parts removed for clarity.

[0021] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0022] In Figures 1 to 4, the reference number 1 denotes, as a whole, a manufacturing machine for producing articles A, for example, but not exclusively, in the electronic cigarette sector. The articles A preferably have a substantially parallelepiped extension.

[0023] The manufacturing machine 1 comprises a conveying system 2 that extends along a processing path P and comprises multiple operating (or processing) stations 6 that are arranged in succession along the conveying system 2 and are implemented to feed components of the article A or to perform processing on the semi-finished articles A.

[0024] The conveying system 2 comprises a linear transport conveyor 3, which in turn comprises a number of carriages 4 (or trays). Said carriages 4 are independent of each other, and are configured to accommodate a number of articles A. In particular, each carriage 4 is configured to accommodate multiple articles A, preferably arranged side-by-side. More specifically, each carriage 4 is configured to accommodate two articles A arranged side-by-side. In other words, each carriage 4 is configured to receive and hold the components of a pair of articles A.

[0025] The linear transport conveyor 3 supports the carriages 4 and moves them cyclically through the operating stations 6. The linear transport conveyor 3 preferably comprises a guide 5 that is arranged in a fixed position; in particular, the guide 5 is preferably made from a single fixed track (that is, without movement) or a double track. In addition, the linear transport conveyor 3 comprises a number of slides 7, each of which supports a corresponding carriage 4 and is coupled to the guide 5 to slide freely along the same guide 5.

[0026] Finally, the linear transport conveyor 3 comprises an electric linear motor (of a known type) that moves the slides 7 carrying the carriages 4 along the processing path P. According to a preferred variant, the linear electric motor comprises a stator (that is, a fixed primary) that is advantageously arranged in a fixed position along the guide 5 and multiple movable sliders (that is, movable secondary), each of which is electro-magnetically coupled to the stator to receive a drive force from the stator and is rigidly connected to a corresponding slide 7. Each slide 7 is driven intermittently, that is, a non-continuous motion involving a cyclic alternation of motion phases, in which the slide 7 is in motion to move between adjacent operating stations 6, and stop phases at operating stations 6. Each slide 7 is controlled independently of each other.

[0027] The carriages 4 are arranged on the sides of their respective slides 7 facing, in use, the various operating stations 6 to receive components of the article A or to carry out processing on the semi-finished articles A.

[0028] The manufacturing machine 1 comprises, among other things, an operating station 6 built to apply a label E on each semi-finished article A. The labels E travel along a feeding path R, which is essentially transverse to the processing path P. The labels E preferably run along the feeding path R orthogonal to the processing path P.

[0029] The labels E are preferably, but not exclusively, self-adhesive ones. The labels E are initially attached to a support tape 8. The labels E are spaced longitudinally apart on the support tape 8; preferably, the labels E are arranged at the same distance from each other. The support tape 8 therefore defines a tape of labelling material.

[0030] The support tape 8 has a first face (or surface) to which the labels E are removably attached and a second face (or surface) opposite the first and with no labels E. The second face is turned in the opposite direction to the first face. Advantageously, the first face can be provided with an anti-adhesive coating, for example a silicone coating, to facilitate peeling the labels E off. The operating station 6 comprises a unit 9 for feeding the labels E. More specifically, the unit 9 for feeding the labels E comprises a feeding device 10 configured to feed the support tape 8 along the feeding path R. The feeding device 10 comprises multiple unwinding elements 11 (for example, rollers) that support, in use, the support tape 8 and guide it along the feeding path R.

[0031] The unit 9 for feeding the labels E also comprises a separating device 12 configured to co-operate with the support tape 8 to separate the individual labels E from the support tape 8. The separating device 12 is housed along the feeding path R downstream of the feeding device 10. More specifically, the separating device 12 comprises a deflector element 13 fitted with a support plate 14. The deflector element 13 is configured to guide the support tape 8 so that the support tape 8 make a bend with a very narrow angle; in particular, the angle is narrow enough to allow the separation of the labels E from the support tape 8. The labels E are then sequentially separated, that is, detached, from the support tape 8 and are then retained by the support plate 14. The deflector element 13 is movable along a direction essentially parallel to the feeding path R and preferably horizontal. In particular, the deflector element 13 is movable along said direction between a retracted position in which the label E (in particular, the first label E available on the support tape 8) is still connected to the support tape 8 and a forward position in which the label E is disconnected from the support tape 8 and arranged on the support plate 14, and vice versa from the forward position to the retracted position. During the movement of the deflector element 13 from the retracted position to the forward position, the support tape 8 travels along the bend allowing the separation of the first label E. The deflector element 13 is driven between the retracted position and the forward position (and vice versa) by means of a known drive device; advantageously, said drive device comprises a mechanism 15 (for example, a connecting rod-crank system) for controlling the movement of the deflector element 12 between the retracted position and the forward position (and vice versa).

[0032] Finally, the unit 9 for feeding the labels E comprises a collecting device 16 for the support tape 8 without the labels E. The collecting device 16 is housed along the feeding path R downstream of the separating device 12. The collecting device 16 comprises multiple winding elements 17 (for example, rollers) that support, in use, the support tape 8 without the labels E and guide it to a winding station (not shown).

[0033] The operating station 6 also comprises a unit 18 for retrieving and releasing the labels E. The unit 18 for retrieving and releasing the labels E is arranged along the processing path P. More specifically, the unit 18 for retrieving and releasing the labels E is arranged in a position facing the unit 9 for feeding the labels E with the interposition of the conveying system 2. In other words, the unit 18 for retrieving and releasing the labels E and the unit 9 for feeding the labels E are arranged on opposite sides of the forward system 2 and directly face each other.

[0034] The unit 18 for retrieving and releasing the labels E comprises a number of members 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E, preferably substantially identical to each other. The unit 18 for retrieving and releasing the labels E advantageously comprises a number of members 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E, preferably substantially identical to each other. More specifically, two members 19 are provided for retrieving and releasing the labels E. Advantageously, there are the same number of members 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E as there are articles A arranged, preferably side by side, on each carriage 4.

[0035] The unit 18 for retrieving and releasing the labels E comprises a support 20 (or carousel) that rotates around an essentially vertical axis X. The support 20 is rotated around the axis X by means of known drive means. The support 20 is provided with a number of arms 21 . In particular, the support 20 is equipped with a pair of arms 21 , which are essentially identical to each other. Each arm 21 extends radially outwards from the support 20. The two arms 21 are advantageously diametrically opposite the axis X. Each arm is connected to (supports) a respective member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E. In particular, the support 20 has the same number of arms 21 as there are articles A arranged, preferably side by side, on each carriage 4.

[0036] Each member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E comprises a gripping element 22 at one end. Each gripping element 22 is configured to cooperate with the separating device 12. More specifically, each gripping element 22 is configured to cooperate with the support plate 14 from which it retrieves a respective label E when the deflector element 13 is in the forward position.

[0037] Each arm 21 is movable between a rest position and a working position, where it is at (above) the carriage 4 and facing the separating device 12, and vice versa. To move from the rest position to the working position and from the working position to the rest position, each arm 21 makes a rotation, essentially 180°, around the axis X. Since the two arms 21 are diametrically opposite with respect to the axis X, while a first arm 21 A is in the operating position at (above) the carriage 4 and directly facing the separating device 12, a second arm 21 B is in the diametrically opposite rest position, and vice versa. That is, while the second arm 21 B is in the operating position at (above) the carriage 4 and facing the separating device 12, the first arm 21 A is in the diametrically opposite rest position. Each of the two arms 21 is then configured to rotate approximately 180° (clockwise or counterclockwise) around the axis X to move from the operating position to the rest position.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the support 20 is movable along the axis X (in an essentially vertical direction) between a lifted position in which the member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E (in particular, the gripping element 22) cooperates with the separating device 12 to retrieve the label E and a lowered position in which the member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E (in particular, the gripping element 22) is arranged in a position facing the carriage 4 with which it cooperates to release the label E on the semi-finished article A; and vice versa, from the lowered position after the member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E (in particular, the gripping element 22) has released the label E on the semi-finished article A in the lifted position.

[0039] During the transition from the lifted position to the lowered position, the member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E, more specifically the gripping element 22, holds the label E. The gripping element 22 preferably holds the label E by suction.

[0040] Advantageously, according to a preferred embodiment, the member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E comprises an appendage 23 that can be moved in an essentially horizontal direction. The appendage 23 is configured to move in a horizontal direction towards the gripping element 22 and staple the label E.

[0041] In addition, there is a striker 24 arranged below the deflector element 13 and cooperating with the gripping element 22. More specifically, during the downward movement of the gripping element 22, the striker 24 is configured to bend, preferably by 90°, the label E.

[0042] According to another embodiment, each member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E is movable along the axis X (in an essentially vertical direction) between a lifted position in which it cooperates with the separating device 12 to retrieve the label E and a lowered position in which it is arranged in a position facing the carriage 4 with which it cooperates to release the label E on the semifinished article A; and vice versa, from the lowered position after releasing the label E on the semi-finished article A to the lifted position. During the transition from the lifted position to the lowered position, the member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E, more specifically the gripping element 22, holds the label E.

[0043] The method for applying labels E on the semi-finished articles A of the carriage 4 by means of the operating station 6 (described above) is described below: a) the carriage 4 supporting the two semi-finished articles A reaches the operating station 6, which has been set up to apply a label E to each semifinished article A; in particular, a first semi-finished article A is placed in a receiving position at and below the separating device 12; b) the deflector element 13 moves from the retracted position to the forward position so that the first available label E is detached from the support tape 8 and is placed on the support plate 14 while the support tape 8 travels along the bend allowing the first label E to be separated and fed to the collecting device; c) at the same time as step b), the support 20 rotates approximately 180° around the axis X so that a first arm 21 A is arranged in the operating position; in other words, the corresponding first member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E (in particular, the first gripping element 22) is arranged at (above) the carriage 4 and directly facing the separating device 12 (Figures 2 and 3); d) the first member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E (in particular, the first gripping element 22) retrieves the label E from the support plate 14 and holds it while the deflector element 13 moves backwards from the forward position to the retracted position; e) the support 20 moves from the lifted position in which it is in the lowered position in which the first member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E (specifically, the first gripping element 22) is placed in a position facing the carriage 4 with which it cooperates to release the label E on the first semi-finished article A (Figure 4); f) after releasing the label E on the first semi-finished article A, the carriage 20 moves from the lowered position back to the lifted position; g) once the carriage 20 has reached the lifted position, the support 20 performs a rotation around the axis X of approximately 180° so that a second arm 21 B is arranged in the operating position; in other words, the corresponding second member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E (in particular, the second gripping element 22) is arranged at (above) the carriage 4 and directly facing the separating device 12 (Figures 2 and 3); h) at the same time as step g), the carriage 4 supporting the two semi-finished articles A is driven to move so that a second semi-finished article A is placed in the receiving position at and below the separating device 12; i) the deflector element 13 moves from the retracted position to the forward position so that the first available label E is detached from the support tape 8 and is placed on the support plate 14 while the support tape 8 travels along the bend allowing the first label E to be separated and fed to the collecting device; j) the second member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E (in particular, the first gripping element 22) retrieves the label E from the support plate 14 and holds it while the deflector element 13 moves backwards from the forward position to the retracted position; k) the support 20 moves from the lifted position in which it is in the lowered position in which the second member 19 for retrieving and releasing the labels E (specifically, the first gripping element 22) is placed in a position facing the carriage 4 with which it cooperates to release the label E on the second semi-finished article A (Figure 4); l) after releasing the label E on the second semi-finished article A, the carriage 20 moves from the lowered position back to the lifted position; m) the carriage 4 supporting the two semi-finished articles A is driven to move along the conveying system 2 and leave the operating station 6 made for the application of a label E on each semi-finished article A LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0044] 1 manufacturing machine

[0045] 2 conveying system

[0046] 3 transport conveyor

[0047] 4 carriages

[0048] 5 guide

[0049] 6 operating station

[0050] 7 slide

[0051] 8 support tape

[0052] 9 label feeding unit

[0053] 10 feeding device

[0054] 11 unwinding elements

[0055] 12 separating device

[0056] 13 deflector element

[0057] 14 support plate

[0058] 15 mechanism

[0059] 16 collecting device

[0060] 17 winding elements

[0061] 18 retrieving and releasing unit

[0062] 19 retrieving and releasing member

[0063] 20 support

[0064] 21 arm 21 A arm

[0065] 21 B arm

[0066] 22 gripping element

[0067] 23 appendage

[0068] 24 striker

[0069] A semi-finished article

[0070] P processing path

[0071] E label

[0072] R feeding path

[0073] X axis

Claims

1.- An operating station (6) for the application of labels (E) to semi-finished articles (A) for an article manufacturing machine (1 ), wherein the labels (E) are connected to a first face of a support tape (8), comprising:- a unit (9) for feeding the labels (E) having a feeding device (10) configured to feed the support tape (8) along a first feeding path (R) and a separating device (12) located along the first feeding path (R) downstream of the feeding device (10) and configured to cooperate with the support tape (8) so as to separate the individual labels (E) from the support tape (8); wherein the separating device (12) comprises a deflector element (13) configured to enable the sequential separation of the labels (E) from the support tape (8) and provided with a support plate (14), which holds the labels (E) once separated from the support tape (8); and- a unit (18) for retrieving and releasing the labels (E) arranged in a position facing the unit (9) for feeding the labels (E), with which it cooperates; wherein said unit (18) for retrieving and releasing the labels (E) comprises a number of substantially identical members (19) for retrieving and releasing the labels (E) configured to retrieve the individual labels (E) from the support plate (14), hold them and apply them onto the semi-finished articles (A).2.- The station according to claim 1 , wherein the unit (18) for retrieving and releasing the labels (E) is movable along a first axis (X) between a lifted position, in which said members (19) cooperate with the support plate (14) to retrieve the label (E), and a lowered position, in which said member (19) transfers the label (E) onto the respective semi-finished article (A), and vice versa.3.- The station according to claim 2, wherein each one of said members (19) is movable along the first axis (X) between the lifted position and the lowered position and vice versa.4.- The station according to claim 2, wherein the unit (18) for retrieving and releasing the labels (E) comprises a support (20) for said members (19), which is movable along the first axis (X) between the lifted position and the lowered position and vice versa.5.- The station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unit (18) for retrieving and releasing the labels (E) comprises a support (20), which can rotate around a substantially vertical first axis (X) and is provided with a number of arms (21 ), which radially project outwards from the support (20); wherein each one of said arms (21 ) is connected to a respective member (19) for retrieving and releasing the labels (E).6.- The station according to claim 5, wherein the rotary support (20) comprises two arms (21 ), which are diametrically opposite relative to the first axis (X).7.- The station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said deflector element (13) is configured to guide the support tape (8) and cause the support tape (8) to make a bend with an angle that is sufficiently narrow to separate the individual labels (E) from the support tape (8).8.- The station according to claim 7, wherein the deflector element (13) is movable along a direction substantially parallel to the first feeding path (R) between a retracted position, in which the first label (E) available on the support tape (8) is connected to the support tape (8), and a forward position, in which said first label (E) is disconnected from the support tape (8) and held by the support plate (14), and vice versa from the forward position to the retracted position; wherein, during the movement of the deflector element (13) from the retracted position to the forward position, the support tape (8) travels along the bend that allows for the separation of said first label (E).9.- The station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding device (10) comprises a plurality of unwinding elements (11 ), in particular rollers, which support the support tape (8) and guide it along the first feeding path (R).10.- The station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unit (9) for feeding the labels (E) comprises a collecting device (16) for collecting the support tape (8) without the labels (E), which is located along the first feeding path (R) downstream of the separating device (12) and having a plurality of winding elements (17), in particular rollers, which support and guide the support tape (8) without the labels (E).11.- The station according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a striker element (24) arranged under the deflector element (13) and configured to fold, preferably by 90°, the labels (E).12.- An article manufacturing machine (1 ) comprising:- an operating station (6) for the application of labels (E) to the semifinished articles (A) according to any one of the preceding claims; and- a conveying system (2), which extends along a second processing path (P) and is provided with a linear transport conveyor (3), which supports and cyclically moves a number of carriages (4) configured to accommodate a number of articles (A).13.- The machine according to claim 12, wherein the second processing path (P) is transverse, preferably orthogonal, to the first feeding path (R).14.- The machine according to claim 12, wherein the unit (18) for retrieving and releasing the labels (E) and the unit (9) for feeding the labels (E) are arranged on opposite sides of the conveying system (2).

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