Labelling machine with grooved drum

Abstract

There is described a system (8) for applying labels (2) comprising a label applicator drum (13) comprising a plurality of angularly distributed supports (14) for receiving, transferring and applying respective labels (2) by means of the label applicator drum (13) rotating about its axis (B) and a glue application device (15) for releasing glue on each label (2) being transferred by a respective support (14). Each support (14) comprises a respective leading pad (18) for supporting a leading portion (19) of the label (2) being transferred, and a respective trailing pad (20) for supporting a trailing portion (21) of the label (2) being transferred. Each support (14) also comprises a respective prepad (22) for allowing the label (2) to slide while being, in use, received by the respective support (14). The label applicator drum (13) comprises, for each prepad (22), a respective plurality of grooves (36) for collecting and retaining glue, each of which is angularly elongated with respect to said axis (B), said grooves (36) being vertically distributed along said axis (B).

Description

[0001] LABELLING MACHINE WITH GROOVED DRUM

[0002] ★ ★ ★

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a system for applying labels onto containers being conveyed.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a labeling module having a system for applying labels onto containers being conveyed.

[0006] Additionally, the present invention also relates to a labeling machine for labeling containers being conveyed and having a labeling module provided with a system for applying labels onto containers being conveyed.

[0007] BACKGROUND ART

[0008] There are different known technologies for applying labels onto containers, such as, for example, bottles, cans or the like. One of these technologies provides for conveying a web of a labeling material, cutting the web to obtain individual labels, applying glue onto the labels and applying the labels thus obtained onto respective containers while the containers are being conveyed along a predetermined path. These labels are known as "roll-fed labels".

[0009] Application of the labels according to this technology is obtained through the use of automatic labeling machines.

[0010] A typical labeling machine comprises: - a conveyor for conveying the containers along a container advancement path and through a labeling station; and

[0011] - a labeling module for labelling the container being conveyed.

[0012] A typical labeling module comprises:

[0013] - an advancement device configured to convey the aforesaid web of labeling material along a web advancement path towards the labeling station;

[0014] - and a system for applying the labels obtained from the web of packaging material onto the containers at the labeling station.

[0015] The system comprises a label applicator drum comprising a plurality of angularly distributed supports for receiving, transferring and applying respective labels by means of the label applicator drum rotating about its axis and a glue application device for releasing glue on each label being transferred by a respective support.

[0016] Additionally, a typical system also comprises a cutting device designed to cut individual labels from the aforesaid web of labeling material.

[0017] However, a drawback of these systems lies in the fact that during use, the label applicator drum gets contaminated with residues of glue, which is why it becomes necessary to subject the label applicator drum to frequent cleaning operations. For this reason, programmed cleaning operations are required, during which labeling must be interrupted for considerable times.

[0018] Therefore, in the sector there is the need for improvement of the systems for applying labels to at least reduce the need of cleaning and reduce downtimes.

[0019] DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0020] The object of the present invention is to provide a system, a labeling module and a labeling machine that come along with a reduced need of executing cleaning operations and with a decrease in interruptions of the production process.

[0021] The aforesaid object is achieved by the present invention, as it relates to a system for applying labels to containers as defined in claim 1.

[0022] Preferred alternative embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0023] Moreover, the aforesaid object is achieved by the present invention, as it relates to a labeling module according to any of the appended module claims or a labelling machine according to any of the appended machine claims.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment thereof is described below, purely by way of a non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] - Figure 1 illustrates a layout of the machine;

[0027] - Figures 2 and 3 are top views of a portion of the labelling module in two respective instants of operation;

[0028] - Figure 4 is a perspective view of an applicator drum which is part of the labelling module;

[0029] - Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the applicator drum;

[0030] - Figure 6 is a section view of the portion of Figure 5, with parts removed for clarity;

[0031] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of the applicator drum.

[0032] BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0033] With reference to Figure 1, referral number 1 indicates, as a whole, an automatic labeling machine for applying labels 2 onto containers, such as bottles 3, cans or the like.

[0034] The following description shall refer, without being intended to limit the scope of protection, to a labeling machine 1 for labelling containers that can be filled or are filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, for example, carbonated liquids (sparkling water, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, etc. ), non-carbonated liquids (still water, fruit juices, wine, etc. ), emulsions, suspensions, high viscosity liquids and beverages containing pulp.

[0035] Moreover the following description shall refer without being limiting with regard to the scope of protection, to bottles 3, in particular made of a thermoplastic polymer such as, for example, polyethylene terephthalate. However, the bottles 3 can also be made of a different material, such as glass, aluminum, etc.

[0036] Each bottle 3 extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a hollow body delimiting an inner space of said bottle 3.

[0037] With particular reference to Figure 1, the labeling machine 1 comprises:

[0038] - a conveyor 4 for conveying bottles 3 along a container advancement path P, in particular having an annular shape, and through a labeling station 5; and

[0039] - a labeling module 6 for applying at least one label 2 onto each bottle 3, in particular onto each hollow body, at labeling station 5 during conveying of bottles 3 along container advancement path P.

[0040] Additionally, labeling machine 1 also comprises an automatic control device for controlling the operation and functionality of said labeling machine 1 and / or of said labelling module 6.

[0041] Preferentially, labeling module 6 is a roll fed labeling module.

[0042] In more detail, the conveyor 4 can comprise a conveying carousel 7 configured to rotate around a rotation axis A, in particular having a vertical orientation, and a plurality of retaining units arranged on conveying carousel 7 and each configured to retain a respective bottle 3 during the conveying thereof along container advancement path P.

[0043] Preferably, conveying carousel 7 can rotate, in use, at a constant rotation speed.

[0044] More specifically, each retaining unit can also be configured to rotate the respective bottle 3 around the respective longitudinal axis at least during the application of the respective label 2 at labeling station 5.

[0045] Preferably, the retaining units are evenly spaced and distanced from one another around rotation axis A.

[0046] With particular reference to Figure 1, labeling module 6 can be configured to:

[0047] - convey a web 12 of labeling material along a web advancement path Q;

[0048] - cut web 12 at a cutting station to obtain individual labels 2; and

[0049] - apply each label 2 onto the respective bottle 3 at labeling station 5.

[0050] In particular, web 12 can be made of polymeric material or paper material. Even more in particular, web 12 can comprise a repeated decorative motif, wherein each repetition corresponds to the extension of an individual label 2. In more detail and with particular reference to Figures 1 and 4, labeling machine 1, in particular labeling module 6, comprises at least a system 8 for applying labels 2 onto bottles 3 at labeling station 5 and during their advancement along container advancement path P.

[0051] Additionally, labeling machine 1, in particular labeling module 6, comprises a web conveying device 9 for advancing web 12 along web advancement path Q, and in particular also to system 8.

[0052] Additionally, system 8 is configured to cut web 12 so as to obtain labels 2, to release glue on each label 2 and to finally apply labels 2 on bottles 3.

[0053] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 4, labeling machine 1, in particular labeling module 6, even more particular system 8, comprises a label applicator drum 13 comprising a plurality of angularly distributed supports 14 for receiving, transferring and applying respective labels 2 by means of label applicator drum 13 rotating about its axis B. The applicator drum 13 is shown from above in Figure 7.

[0054] In particular, in use, rotation of label applicator drum 13 also results in advancement of labels 2, in particular so that labels 2 advance to labeling station 5.

[0055] Furthermore, labeling machine 1, in particular labeling module 6, even more particular system 8, also comprises suction means associated to supports 14 and configured to selectively exert a suction force on labels 2 so as to selectively retain and release labels 2.

[0056] Labeling machine 1, in particular labeling module 6, even more particular system 8, comprises a glue application device 15 for releasing glue on each label 2 being transferred by a respective support 14.

[0057] Moreover, labeling machine 1, in particular labeling module 6, even more particular system 8, comprises a cutting unit 16 for cutting web 12, in particular on label applicator drum 13, to separate each label 2 from the remaining part of web 12. In other words, labels 2 are obtained from web 12 by the action of cutting unit 16.

[0058] With particular reference to Figures 1, 4, and 7, supports 14 are equally spaced about axis B.

[0059] Advantageously, each support 14 comprises a respective leading pad 18 for supporting a leading portion 19 of label 2 being transferred, and a respective trailing pad 20 for supporting a trailing portion 21 of label 2 being transferred.

[0060] In particular, each leading pad 18 is arranged upstream from the respective trailing pad 20 along a direction of rotation D of label applicator drum 13.

[0061] Additionally, each support 14 also comprises a respective prepad 22 for allowing label 2 to slide while being, in use, received by the respective support 14. In particular, each prepad 22 is arranged upstream from the respective leading pad 18 along the direction of rotation D of label applicator drum 13.

[0062] Moreover, for each support 14 the suction means comprise a plurality of suction holes 23 associated to the respective leading pad 18, the respective trailing pad 20, and in particular being also interposed between the respective leading pad 18 and the respective trailing pad 20.

[0063] Advantageously, each leading pad 18 and each trailing pad 20 radially protrude away from label applicator drum 13 itself.

[0064] In further detail, glue application device 15 is configured to apply glue onto leading portions 19 and trailing portions 21.

[0065] More specifically, glue application device 15 comprises a glue application roller 24. Alternatively or in addition, glue application device 15 can comprise a nozzle configured to inject glue onto labels 2, in particular in a contactless manner.

[0066] With particular reference to Figure 1, cutting unit 16 comprises a blade 25 for cutting web 12.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, cutting unit 16 can comprise a laser so as to cut web 12 in a contactless manner by means of the laser. With particular reference to Figure 1, web conveying device 9 comprises:

[0068] - a feed roller 26, in particular having a rubber coated external surface, designed to rotate around a rotation axis and to at least partially control the advancement of web 12; and

[0069] - a pinch roller 27 arranged adjacent, in particular tangential, to feed roller 26 to interpose, in use, web 12 between auxiliary roller 27 and feed roller 26.

[0070] Preferably, web conveying device 9 also comprises a buffer unit 28 configured to accumulate portions of the web 12 in a variable manner, to allow the regulation of the tension of the web.

[0071] In the following, we describe two solutions which can be applied singularly or in combination with one another, which allow to reduce the contamination of label applicator drum 13 due to the glue applied on labels 2 and which contribute to a reduction of the required cleaning frequency.

[0072] When reverting to the figures, one notes that these two solutions are shown in combination with one another. However, it must be stressed that each one of the two solutions can also be only applied singularly.

[0073] According to the first solution, labeling machine 1, in particular labeling module 6, even more particular system 8, comprises a plurality of first blowing elements 30 which are integral with label applicator drum 13, each one associated to a respective support 14, and preferably adjacent to a trailing end of the respective support 14. Each first blowing element 30 is oriented to blow a respective first stream of gas 31, e. g. a first stream of air, forward according to direction of rotation D of label applicator drum 13.

[0074] Additionally, labeling machine 1, in particular labeling module 6, even more particular system 8, also comprises a second blowing element 32, e. g. a nozzle, which is external with respect to label applicator drum 13 and being angularly positioned downstream of glue application device 15 according to direction of rotation D and configured to blow a second stream of gas 33, e. g. a second stream of air.

[0075] Labeling machine 1, in particular labeling module 6, even more particular system 8, is configured so that each first blowing element 30 works automatically in a coordinated manner with respect to second blowing element 32, so that each first blowing element 30 blows the respective first stream of gas 31 such that the respective first stream of gas 31 pushes filaments of glue 34 deposited on the respective label 2 into the direction of rotation D and second blowing element 32 blows the second stream of gas 33 such that the same pushed filaments of glue 34 adhere to the respective label 2. Hence, by operation of first blowing elements 30 and second blowing element 32 it is possible to redirect filaments of glue 34 which otherwise may protrude away from label 2 and which may then contaminate downstream portions of label applicator drum 13. Also the use of glue is optimized, because at least an amount of glue that would be otherwise deposited on the external surface of the drum is redirected onto the label itself.

[0076] With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, each first blowing element 30 is associated with and arranged adjacent to the respective trailing pad 20.

[0077] More specifically, each first blowing element 30 is arranged downstream from the respective support 14, in particular the respective trailing pad 20 with respect to direction of rotation D.

[0078] Advantageously, each first stream of gas 31 is towards the respective trailing pad 20.

[0079] In further detail, each first blowing element 30 comprises a flow channel 35 arranged within label applicator drum 13.

[0080] In particular, each flow channel 35 is inclined with respect to an outer surface of label applicator drum 13.

[0081] Advantageously, labeling machine 1, in particular labeling module 6, even more particular system 8, is configured so that each first blowing element 30 blows the respective first flow of gas 31 after receipt of the glue onto the respective trailing portion 21.

[0082] With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, second blowing element 32 is configured to generate second flow of gas 33 being tangential to label applicator drum 13.

[0083] With particular reference to Figures 2, 5 and 6, the second solution foresees that label applicator drum 13 comprises, for each prepad 22, a respective plurality of grooves 36 for collecting and retaining glue, each of which is angularly elongated with respect to said axis B, said grooves 36 being vertically distributed along a direction parallel to said axis B.

[0084] By having grooves 36, any glue, which may contaminate in some way label applicator drum 13, gets collected into grooves 36. This allows to postpone any cleaning operations as the glue collected within grooves 36 is not critical with regard to the correct operation of label applicator drum 13. In this way also the interference between the glue deposited on the prepad and the sliding movement of the label is significantly reduced, to reduce the risk of stoppage of the labelling module. Therefore, the productivity of the labelling module is increased.

[0085] Moreover, the grooves 32 generate a reduction of the friction between the label and the prepad 22, to make easier the sliding movement of the label on the prepad 22, which also helps in reducing the stretching of the label 2 and / or the wear of the external surface of the prepad 22.

[0086] Advantageously, for each prepad 22, label applicator drum 13 comprises more than five, preferentially more than 7, even more preferentially more than 10, grooves 36.

[0087] Advantageously, the cross section of each groove 36 is semicircular.

[0088] In further detail, each groove 36 is interposed between the respective leading pad 18 and the trailing pad 20 of a neighbored support 14.

[0089] In use, labeling machine 1 applies at least one respective label 2 onto each bottle 3.

[0090] In more detail, the labeling process, in particular during operation of labeling machine 1, comprises at least the steps of:

[0091] a) conveying labels 2, in particular by means of label applicator drum 13, to labeling station 5 while being retained on the respective support 14;

[0092] b) releasing, in particular by means of glue application device 15, glue onto labels 2; and

[0093] c) applying labels 2 on containers 3 at labeling station 5.

[0094] The method also comprises a step of cutting, during which web 12 is cut on label applicator drum 13 by means of cutting unit 16. From an examination of the characteristics of system 8, labeling module 6 and labelling machine 1 according to the present invention, the advantages that can be obtained therewith are evident.

[0095] In particular, the need of executing cleaning operations is reduced. Therewith one also obtains a decrease in interruptions of the production process.

[0096] Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations can be made to system 8, labeling module 6 and labelling machine 1 described and illustrated herein without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1.– System (8) for applying labels (2) onto containers (3) being conveyed comprising:- a label applicator drum (13) comprising a plurality of angularly distributed supports (14) for receiving, transferring and applying respective labels (2) by means of the label applicator drum (13) rotating about its axis (B); and- a glue application device (15) for releasing glue on each label (2) being transferred by a respective support (14);each support (14) comprises a respective leading pad (18) for supporting a leading portion (19) of the label (2) being transferred, and a respective trailing pad (20) for supporting a trailing portion (21) of the label (2) being transferred;wherein each support (14) also comprises a respective prepad (22) for allowing the label (2) to slide while being received by the respective support (14);wherein the label applicator drum (13) comprises, for each prepad (22), a respective plurality of grooves (36) for collecting and retaining glue, each of which is angularly elongated with respect to said axis (B), said grooves (36) being vertically distributed along a direction parallel to said axis (B).2.- The system according to claim 1, wherein the cross section of each groove (36) is semicircular.3.- The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each groove (36) is interposed between the respective leading pad (18) and the trailing pad (20) of a neighbored support (14).4.- The system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising also a cutting unit (16) for cutting a web of labeling material (12) on the label applicator drum (13) to separate each label (2) from the remaining part of the web of labeling material (12).5.- The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising:- a plurality of first blowing elements (30) each of which is integral with a respective support (14) and oriented to blow a respective first stream of gas (31) forward according to a direction of rotation (D) of the label applicator drum (13);- a second blowing element (32) which is external with respect to the label applicator drum (13) and is angularly positioned downstream the glue application device (15) according to said direction of rotation (D) and configured to blow a second stream of gas (33);the system (8) being configured so that each first blowing element (30) works automatically in a coordinated manner with respect to the second blowing element (32), sothat the first blowing element (30) blows the respective first stream of gas (31) such that the respective first stream of gas (31) pushes filaments of glue (34) deposited on the respective label (2) into the direction of rotation (D), and the second blowing element (32) blows the second stream of gas (33) such that the same pushed filaments of glue (34) adhere to the respective label (2).6.- The system according to claim 5, wherein the second blowing element (32) is configured to generate the second flow of gas (33) being tangential to the label applicator drum (13).7.- The system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each first blowing device (30) is associated with and arranged adjacent to the respective trailing pad (20).8.- A labeling module ( 6) for labeling containers (3) being conveyed, comprising the system (8) and being preferably a roll fed labeling module.9.- A labeling machine (1) for labeling containers (3) comprising the labeling module ( 6) according to claim 8 and a conveyor (4) for conveying the containers (3) along a container advancement path (P) and through a labeling station (5) at which the labels (2) are applied onto the containers

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