Device for cleaning a glue roller of a labelling station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual cleaning of glue rollers in labeling units is time-consuming, costly, and risky for operators due to the need for handling hot surfaces, often leading to machine downtimes and suboptimal labeling quality.
Innovation Solution
A modular cleaning unit designed as an insert module that can replace parts of the vacuum drum, equipped with interchangeable cleaning tools and a suction device, allowing for automated and efficient cleaning of the glue roller at high temperatures, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring consistent quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of the glue roller is performed, then the glue roller can be cleaned, but the risk of injury to operating personnel increases due to handling hot surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is designed to clean the glue roller automatically without requiring operating personnel to manually handle the hot surface. The self-contained cleaning mechanism applies cleaning agents and mechanically cleans the roller while it rotates, eliminating the need for human contact with hot surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical cleaning by operators is replaced with an automated cleaning system that uses rotating cleaning elements, heating elements, and fluid delivery systems to clean the glue roller automatically during machine operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual cleaning is performed frequently, then labeling quality can be maintained, but machine downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit operates continuously during machine operation, cleaning the glue roller as it rotates without requiring the labeling machine to stop. This maintains consistent cleaning action and labeling quality while eliminating productivity loss from frequent shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning unit prevents glue buildup by continuously removing residue before it accumulates to problematic levels, rather than requiring periodic intensive cleaning interruptions. This preliminary maintenance approach sustains labeling quality without significant downtime.
3Reliability
If the glue roller is cleaned when hot, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the risk of burns to operating personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit automatically performs cleaning operations on the hot glue roller without human intervention. The system safely handles hot surfaces by using automated mechanical cleaning elements and fluid delivery mechanisms that do not require operators to contact the hot roller.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning unit acts as an intermediary between the hot glue roller and the operating personnel, performing all necessary cleaning functions through automated mechanisms that eliminate direct human contact with hot surfaces while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
4Reliability
If mechanical cleaning aids such as brushes and knives are used, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but damage to the glue roller surface may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system uses controlled parameters including moderate mechanical contact force, regulated heating temperature, and controlled fluid pressure to achieve effective cleaning without exceeding thresholds that would damage the knurled roller surface. The system maintains cleaning effectiveness while preserving surface integrity through parameter optimization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick, user-friendly, and effective cleaning of the glue roller without frequent machine downtimes, improving labeling quality and reducing the risk of accidents for operating personnel.
Implementation Method 1
These have at least one heatable glue roller... Due to the heating of the glue roller, a small amount of glue and label residue hardens over time
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning unit has a suction device for removing liquid and/or glue residues and/or label residues
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cleaning at least one glue roller (9) of a labelling station (6) for applying labels to containers or bottles (2), in which device at least one carrier unit (8) is arranged spaced apart from the glue roller (9), which carrier unit (8) is configured for receiving a preferably multiple-piece vacuum drum (7), wherein the vacuum drum (7) is operatively connected to the glue roller (9). A cleaning unit (10) which is configured as an insertable module is particularly advantageously provided for cleaning the glue roller (9), which cleaning unit (10) can be inserted into the carrier unit (8) instead of at least one part or segment of the vacuum drum (7).