Labeling Machine with Dividing Screws for High-Speed Shrink Sleeve Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying shrink sleeves or labels to containers at high machine speeds are limited, as they cannot process more than 40,000 containers per hour and typically only apply one type of label or sleeve per container, using complex rotary devices.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that includes a labeling machine with a conveyor belt and dividing screws to adjust container spacing, allowing for the simultaneous application of labels and shrink sleeves using multiple shrink sleeve units, with optional pre-shrinking and positioning mechanisms to ensure efficient and precise attachment at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex rotary devices are used to apply shrink sleeves or labels to containers, then the application function is achieved, but the machine output is limited to less than 40,000 containers per hour
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the labeling system into separate functional units: a labeling machine for applying labels and multiple shrink sleeve units for applying shrink sleeves. Each unit operates independently with linear conveyors instead of a single complex rotary device, enabling parallel processing and higher throughput of up to 54,000 containers per hour.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable container spacing through dividing screws that can modify the pitch between containers. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize flow rates and maintain precision at high speeds, enabling the transition from limited rotary device output to high-speed linear processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single labeling machine is used to apply labels or shrink sleeves, then the device structure is simpler, but only one type of label or sleeve can be applied per container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal labeling system where containers can receive different label types through multiple specialized units. The first labeling machine applies labels while subsequent shrink sleeve units can apply different shrink sleeve types, making the overall system versatile enough to handle multiple label and sleeve combinations on different containers.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the labeling function into separate units (labeling machine plus multiple shrink sleeve units), each unit can be optimized for specific label types while the combined system provides versatility. This modular approach allows different label types to be applied without requiring a single complex machine to handle all types.
3Productivity
If containers are conveyed continuously through labeling and shrink sleeve application, then processing speed increases, but precision in label and sleeve application may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable dividing screws that can modify container spacing (pitch) at different stages of the process. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain optimal spacing for high-speed continuous processing while ensuring precise positioning for label and shrink sleeve application, resolving the conflict between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The labeling machine and shrink sleeve units are arranged in sequence with preliminary positioning of containers through the dividing screws before each application stage. This preliminary action ensures containers are correctly positioned and spaced before label or shrink sleeve application, maintaining precision even at high processing speeds of up to 54,000 containers per hour.
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 the processing of up to 54,000 containers per hour with both labels and shrink sleeves, maintaining precision and reducing unnecessary passage through labeling machines, thus enhancing machine output and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A downstream dividing worm arranged after the labeling machine is designed to bring the containers transported by the downstream conveyor belt to a second spacing distance of a subsequent shrink sleeve unit
Implementation Method 2
The shrink sleeve unit is designed to transfer shrink sleeves to the containers. The shrink sleeves are shot onto the containers using the shrink sleeve unit
Implementation Method 3
In the subsequent process, these containers pass through a shrink tunnel in which the film of the shrink sleeves contracts under the effect of heat and lies tightly and wrinkle-free on the container
Implementation Method 4
Heating means are provided on the container, which generate the heat required for the shrinking process of the label
Implementation Method 5
Furthermore, the pressure in the chamber can be reduced by means of a pump during the shrinking process
Implementation Method 6
A conveyor belt arranged after the labeling machine, so-called downstream conveyor belt, is designed to transport containers located thereon at a speed, so-called downstream speed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine for labelling containers and attaching shrink sleeves to the containers and a method for the same, the machine comprising: a labeling machine having a first pitch, wherein the labeling machine is adapted to apply labels to the containers; a conveyor belt arranged after the labeling machine which is adapted to convey containers situated thereon at a speed; and an indexing screw (8, 30) arranged after the labeling machine which is adapted to enable the containers conveyed by the conveyor belt to have a second pitch of a subsequent shrink sleeve unit (10, 17, 32, 38), wherein the shrink sleeve unit is adapted to pass shrink sleeves on the containers. The invention also relates to a method for attaching labels and/or shrink sleeves on containers under the condition of using embodiments of the machine according to the invention, and a method for attaching shrink sleeve (45) on containers (22, 46) under the condition of using the machines (21, 36).