DE202015105481U1 - Device for transporting and bottom-side labeling of containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for transporting and bottom - side labeling of containers (2), comprising a transfer star (3) with gripping means (4) for laterally gripping the containers and a labeling unit (5) formed adjacent to the transfer star, characterized by a pivot mechanism (14) for the gripping means, which is designed to tilt the container at least for their run along the labeling unit (5) in a horizontal or inclined labeling position (8).

Description

The invention relates to a device for transporting and bottom-side labeling of containers according to the preamble of claim 1.

It is known to move containers, such as bottles, cans or the like, in labeling machines of the rotary type on labeling units along and, for example, to equip a body region of the containers with labels. Further, there is an increasing need to also label the container bottom, for example, to attach consumer information on ingredients, shelf life or the like. The bottom of the tank is particularly suitable for this because information can be provided there for which there is no space in the trunk area, or which would otherwise affect the appearance of the product.

For the labeling of bottles is for example from the DE 8 215 907 U1 a labeling machine known in which the bottles are transported by a rotating container table and guided to labeling units for hull labels along. For additional labeling of bottles with bottom labels, there is a second turntable on which the bottles are transported upright and passed over a labeling unit for labels. For this purpose, recesses are present in the lower area of the turntable, so that the bottom of the bottle for labeling is accessible from below.

The disadvantage of such a device is the cost of the separate turntable and an additional transfer star, as well as arranged below the container labeling. In this area, the accessibility and space for such labeling are generally severely limited. There is also an increased risk of contamination there.

Transfer stars are usually designed for the upright transport of containers, such as from the EP 2 159 172 B1 is known.

There is thus a need for a device for bottom-side labeling of the containers, for example by equipping the container bottom with labels and / or imprints, with a construction that is simplified compared with the prior art and / or improved placement and handling of labeling units.

The stated object is achieved with a device according to claim 1. Accordingly, this is suitable both for bottom labeling, so to equip containers with labels and / or imprints, as well as for transporting the container. The device comprises a transfer star with gripping devices for the lateral gripping of the containers and a labeling unit formed adjacent to the transfer star. According to the invention, the device further comprises a pivoting mechanism for the gripping means, which is designed to tilt the container at least for their run along the particular stationary labeling in a horizontal or inclined labeling position.

Such a pivoting mechanism allows the upright transport each downwardly facing end faces of the container, which are mutatis mutandis referred to as a container bottom, temporarily tilt in a more easily accessible for labeling from the side labeling position. In addition, an additional turntable for the bottom-side labeling is unnecessary. The bottom-side labeling thus takes place immediately adjacent to the transfer star, in particular in the lateral periphery of the transfer star.

The containers are for example bottles, cans, cups or the like. By the bottom-side labeling information can be provided in a region of the container, which plays only a minor role for the appearance of the container. For example, often it is not necessary for a bottom-side labeling to align the rotational positions of the container and the labels to each other. The containers can thus be transported in the transfer star in any desired rotational position and be equipped with labels and / or imprints. The tilting also facilitates the cleaning of the container bottoms, which are particularly susceptible to contamination due to their usually upright handling upstream.

Preferably, the pivoting mechanism is designed such that the main axis of the container with the horizontal in the labeling position an angle of at most 60 °, in particular of at most 45 °, includes. This results in improved access to the container bottoms in the periphery of the transfer star.

Preferably, the pivoting mechanism is designed to tilt the container during transport on the transfer star from a stationary transfer position in the labeling position and back again. Thus, a transfer of the container with adjacent turntables, screw conveyors or the like in a proven manner in an upright transfer position is possible. A transport in the labeling position is preferably carried out selectively during the bottom-side labeling and associated production steps, such as cleaning by blowing off and inspecting the labeled container.

Preferably, the gripping means are configured for upright transfer of the containers and for tilting into a labeling position with outwardly facing container bottom. By this is meant that gripping arms present on the gripping devices are shaped and coupled to one another such that the containers can be transferred and transported with the mouth pointing upwards and the bottom facing downwards. The container bottoms then point away from the axis of rotation of the transfer star during labeling. Consequently, aggregates for labeling, cleaning and / or inspection can be formed laterally in the periphery of the transfer star. There, the units are easily accessible and can work on the basis of the labeling and inspection of container sidewalls.

Preferably, the pivoting mechanism is configured such that the major axis of the containers in the labeling position is oriented orthogonally and radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the transfer star. This simplifies the operation and positioning of the labeling and associated auxiliary equipment. The axis of rotation of the transfer star is by definition perpendicular.

Preferably, the pivoting mechanism comprises a stationary control cam and control rollers mechanically connected to the gripping means. The latter are thus mounted on the gripping device and tilt this with the containers when running along the cam in the labeling and back. Such a pivoting mechanism allows a simple and reliable construction of the device.

Preferably, the transfer star is continuously rotatable. That is, the labeling of the container bottoms takes place during a continuous transport movement of the container, as well as the container transfer with neighboring means of transport. In contrast to a cyclic rotation of the transfer star, which would be possible in principle, the continuous rotation allows high machine performance.

Preferably, the gripping means comprise passively clamping container clips. For example, the containers spread the container clips when receiving the container against the restoring force of a spring or the like elastic return elements. This allows a simple design of the transfer star as opposed to gripping devices that are actively driven for closing and opening. The latter would, however, be used in principle.

Preferably, the device further comprises a blowing unit formed adjacent to the transfer star for blowing off the containers, in particular the container bottoms to be labeled. This allows easy cleaning of the areas to be labeled. The blow-off unit comprises, for example, a blower, compressed-air nozzles or the like.

Preferably, the device further comprises an inspection unit formed adjacent to the transfer star for optically inspecting the containers, in particular the labeled container bottoms. The inspection is preferably carried out in the labeling position. A separate orientation of the container for inspection is then unnecessary.

Preferably, the labeling unit is designed for transferring self-adhesive labels from a carrier tape to the containers. Self-adhesive labels are particularly well suited for the labeling of container bottoms and their subsequent labeling with product-specific information or the like, for which there is no space in the side wall area of the container or would disturb the appearance of the container at this point.

Preferably, the device further comprises a pressure unit formed adjacent to the transfer star for pressing and / or brushing the labels on the containers. Thus, specific, previously handed over to the container label types can be pressed over the entire surface, such as self-adhesive labels, thin-walled labels, and / or glued on-site labels.

Preferably, the container is clamped between an upper centering head and a lower turntable and the label thereby pressed against the container bottom. The centering head then presses an upper region of the container, in particular an opening region, downwards. In this case, for example, a lower region of the container, in particular an outer bottom region, is centered by the turntable. The centering heads are lowered in the transfer of the already equipped with the labels container to the turntables, so that the labels are pressed on the entire surface of the container bottom during further lowering. For this purpose, the containers are preferably pressed into a recess formed in the turntables and centered therein for a subsequent body labeling and / or printing on the turntable.

The turntables then preferably comprise an outer centering ring for centering the container equipped with the bottom labels and a particular resiliently downwardly resilient central receiving area for pressing the label on the container bottom.

The clamping of the container then inevitably causes a centering of the container and a full pressing of the previously handed over to the container bottom label.

The centering rings preferably exclusively guide an outer bottom region of the containers, so that the central receiving region presses the bottom label by an upward restoring force when the centering head is lowered.

The centering rings are designed in particular as components of interchangeable sets. By this is to be understood that for different container formats each suitable sets of centering rings are provided, which are fastened for example by means of quick-change couplings on a base body of the turntable. Thus, the device can be easily adapted to different container formats.

Preferably, the device further comprises a marking unit formed adjacent to the transfer star for marking, in particular for printing by means of ink jet, the container base and / or the label attached thereto.

As a result, the containers can be dated in terms of shelf life or labeled with other production data, such as batch numbers. Such markings are particularly suitable for container bottoms, since the appearance is hardly affected and an orientation of the container rotation is usually unnecessary. Rather, the label and marking must be affixed by imprinting in the same container rotation position.

The stated object is also achieved with a labeling machine, which comprises the device according to at least one of the embodiments described above, and a particular subsequent downstream labeling carousel for coat-side labeling by means of adhesive labels and / or inkjet printing. The containers equipped with labels can then be equipped in the usual and proven manner after transfer from the transfer star to the labeling carousel with hull labels or the like. This is particularly advantageous because the transfer star also serves as an infeed star for the labeling carousel and for container positioning in the bottom-side labeling.

The object is also achieved with a labeling machine comprising the device according to at least one of the embodiments described above and in particular downstream subsequent labeling carousel with turntables and centering for clamping the container such that the labels between the container bottom and the turntables are clamped, in particular by means on the turntables trained elastic return elements or controllable drives. The restoring elements or drives, the latter, for example in the form of electrical or pneumatic actuators, are then connected with punches or the like, for example the central receiving areas of the turntable, for pressing the labels on the container bottom. The labels are pressed when clamping preferably over the entire surface against the container bottom. However, it would also be conceivable to selectively clamp a subarea of the labels, for example a peripheral edge region of the labels.

Features of the labeling machines described above can also be advantageously combined.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic plan view of the device according to the invention;

2 the operation of a pivot mechanism for containers in a side view; and

3 a schematic lateral section through a turntable and an associated container in the bottom-side pressing a label.

As the 1 can detect, includes the device 1 for transporting and bottom-side labeling of containers 2 in a preferred embodiment, a transfer star 3 with several circumferentially evenly distributed gripping devices 4 (not all shown) for laterally gripping the container 2 and one next to the transfer star 3 trained labeling unit 5 , This is for example for attaching self-adhesive labels 6 by per se known detachment of the labels 6 from a carrier tape 6a around one at the free end of a cantilever arm 5a existing donor edge 5b educated. The labeling unit 5 but could also be a wet glue aggregate, include a printing unit or the like.

The containers 2 be from the gripping units 4 from an upright transfer position 7 , in particular with downwardly pointing container bottom 2a , in a labeling position 8th tilted in the container bottom 2a preferably points outward on the transfer star, so that he for the labeling 5 accessible from the side. In particular, the labeling position 8th radially with respect to the axis of rotation 3a of the transfer star 3 aligned. Furthermore, a lying labeling layer 8th in which the main axes of the containers 2 are essentially level, especially for the label transfer advantageous. However, it would also be possible to use the containers 2 in the labeling position 8th to tilt horizontally, for example at most 45 °, so that this is an oblique labeling position 8th taking.

Adjacent to the transfer star 3 and in the transport direction 3b seen upstream of the labeling 5 is an optional blow-off unit 9 indicated schematically, for example, for cleaning the container bottoms to be labeled 2a by air jet 9a or the like may be formed.

Adjacent to the transfer star 3 and downstream of the labeling unit 5 is an optional pressure unit 10 indicated schematically. This includes, for example, at least one brush 10a with which the labels 6 on the container bottoms to be labeled 2a Press all over. Depending on the label type could be used instead of the brush 10a also find an elastic pressure roller or the like use.

Adjacent to the transfer star 3 and downstream of the labeling unit 5 is also an optional inspection unit 11 indicated schematically. This can be the labeled container bottoms 2a in the labeling position 8th inspect. The inspection unit 11 includes, for example, a camera 11a for the imaging control of the labeled container bottoms 2a ,

Adjacent to the transfer star 3 and downstream of the labeling unit 5 is also an optional labeling unit 12 indicated schematically. This includes, for example, at least one printhead 12a for printing information, preferably including data on product components, date of manufacture, expiration date or the like. The marking is on the labels 6 and / or on unlabeled areas of the container bottoms 2a possible.

For feeding the containers 2 in the transfer position 7 to the transfer star 3 is for example a schematically indicated sub-section screw 13 available. In the 1 Also indicated only schematically is a pivoting mechanism 14 for actuating the gripping devices 4 for the change between the transfer situation 7 and the labeling position 8th , The swivel mechanism 14 includes, for example, a fixed cam 15 and with the individual gripping devices 4 associated tax rolls 16 , These run on the stationary cam 15 along and pivot the gripping devices 4 with the containers held therein 2 from the transfer situation 7 in the labeling position 8th and back again.

Bottom labeled containers 2 be from the transfer star 3 preferably directly to a labeling carousel 20 while maintaining the transfer position 7 to hand over. The labeling carousel 20 serves for the known lateral labeling of the container 2 , in the sense of a jacket-surface labeling, for example with a labeling unit indicated only schematically 21 for attaching hull labels or the like to the containers 2 ,

Adjacent to the labeling carousel 20 is an optional inspection unit 22 indicated schematically, with an actual rotational position of the container 2 can be captured to the container 2 to rotate before the subsequent jacket-side labeling in a target rotational position. These are the containers 2 preferably on turntables 23 and are on top of this by means of centering heads 24 or the like centered clamped.

Also on the labeling carousel 20 can further, known per se aggregates 25 . 26 be present for pressing, brushing and / or inspecting hull labels or the like. This is in the 1 indicated only schematically, as well as the labeling carousel 22 assigned outlet star 27 for the finished labeled containers 2 ' ,

Tilting a container 2 in the gripping device 4 is in the 2 in a side view with out of the plane pointing out transport direction 3b shown schematically. At position I is the container 2 with container bottom pointing downwards 2a in the transfer position 7 , The gripping devices 4 keep the container 2 laterally in a sidewall area 2 B by means of preferably passive container clamps 4a , The main axis 2c of the container 2 is then preferably aligned vertically.

The container clips 4a For example, are resiliently biased so that the container 2 in a known manner against a restoring force between the container brackets 4a the gripping units 4 can be pressed and held by these finally form-fitting. Also indicated is the pivoting mechanism 14 with a hinge 14a or the like and with one on the gripping device 14 control role stored in a conventional manner 16 (Bearing and mechanical connection for the sake of simplicity not shown).

At position II shows the 2 an intermediate position of the container 2 in an oblique position 8th' that, unless the main axis 2c encloses with the horizontal an angle of at most 45 °, also as a labeling position 8th could serve, and / or in the container bottom 2a could be blown off. Accordingly, the container 2 with the help of a first vertical pivoting movement 14b tilted, caused by running the tax role 16 at the schematically indicated control cam 15 , This is the container 2 tilted so that the container bottom 2a of the container 2 increasingly facing outward, so from the axis of rotation 3a of the transfer star 3 path.

In position III has the tank 2 a lying labeling layer 8th reached. In this is the container 2 preferably with its main axis 2c level. That is, the container bottom 2a is then in the labeling position 8th oriented substantially vertically and thus from the outside for the labeling 5 particularly well accessible and oriented orthogonally in accordance with a side wall labeling in a proven way. In position III is also the handover of a label 6 to the tank bottom 2a by detachment from the carrier tape 6a at the donation edge 5b indicated schematically (a leading label section already adheres to the container bottom, while a trailing label section is being pulled off).

As the position IV clarifies, the labeling position is suitable 8th also for further partial steps of the bottom-side labeling, for example, for the entire area pressing the labels 6 by means of the brush 11a and / or by means of pressure rollers, for blowing off contaminants from the container bottoms to be labeled 2a for dating or otherwise identifying the containers 2 by ink jet printing or the like and / or for inspecting the labeled container bottoms 2a , Thus, the container 2 in the labeling position 8th all necessary for the bottom-side labeling sub-steps during transport to the transfer star 3 run through.

Preferably only after completion of the bottom-side labeling and, where appropriate, after the inspection of the labeled container bottoms 2a become the containers 2 by means of a (for simplicity also indicated at the position II) second vertical pivoting movement 14c back to the transfer position 7 tilted (according to position I the 2 ). The bottom side labeled container 2 can then in the usual way for the hull labeling or the like to the subsequent labeling carousel 20 be handed over.

Preferably, the transfer star 3 upstream of the labeling carousel 20 designed, in particular as its inlet star. However, the transfer star could 3 also downstream of the labeling carousel 20 be formed, in particular as its outlet star. Also there, the bottom-side labeling would be possible in principle. The gripping units 4 would then preferably be formed with actively controlled container clips (not shown) to prevent damage to previously installed trunk labels.

Like in the 3 can be seen schematically include the turntable 23 preferably each have an outer centering ring 23a , which may be formed, for example, as a replaceable component (above schematically indicated dividing lines) of a centering for a particular type of container, and a central receiving area 23b , for example, against the restoring force of at least one elastic return element 23c can be pushed down. As reset elements 23c For example, compression springs, rubber buffers, rubber rings or the like are suitable. Will the container 2 with the label 6 on the central reception area 23b is pressed so it springs with simultaneous lateral guidance of the container 2 through the centering ring 23a a, wherein the restoring force of the elastic return element 23c the label 6 reliable and full-surface at the bottom of the container 2a presses. Alternatively, the central reception area 23 be driven by a particular electrically controllable drive (not shown) up to the label 6 at the bottom of the container 2a to press.

Shown are in the 3 for a better understanding also a rotation axis 23d and a rotationally mounted base plate 23e of the turntable 23 , on the centering ring 23a and the central recording area 23b are rotatably mounted in a known and therefore unspecified manner, and a lifting movement 24a for depressing the centering head 24 ,

Regardless of the type of bottom-side labeling, for example with self-adhesive labels or with additional label gluing on site, the containers 2 at least for running along the labeling unit used 5 in the labeling position 8th tilted, so pivoted vertically, leaving the container bottom 2a the peripheral labeling unit 5 is facing.

Because the bottom labels 6 For the appearance of many products play only a minor role, the rotational position of the labels 6 concerning the containers 2 mostly neglected. An additional alignment of the container rotation position by turning about its main axis 2c is then dispensable. In particular, in these cases, the bottom-side labeling described can be on the transfer star 3 with the tiltable gripping devices 4 very space-saving and with little design effort to integrate into the production process.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 8215907 U1 [0003]
• EP 2159172 B1 [0005]

Claims (15)

Contraption ( 1 ) for transporting and bottom-side labeling of containers ( 2 ), comprising a transfer star ( 3 ) with gripping devices ( 4 ) for laterally gripping the containers and a labeling unit formed adjacent to the transfer star (( 5 ), characterized by a pivot mechanism ( 14 ) for the gripping means, which is designed, the container at least for their run along the labeling ( 5 ) in a horizontal or oblique labeling position ( 8th ) to tilt. Device according to claim 1, wherein the pivot mechanism ( 14 ) is formed such that the main axis ( 2c ) the container ( 2 ) with the horizontal in the labeling position ( 8th ) includes an angle of at most 60 °, in particular at most 45 °. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pivot mechanism ( 14 ), the containers ( 2 ) during transport at the transfer star ( 3 ) from a stationary transfer position ( 7 ) into the labeling position ( 8th ) and back again. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping means ( 4 ) for an upright transfer of the containers ( 2 ) and for a labeling ( 8th ) with outwardly pointing container bottom ( 2a ) are configured. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot mechanism ( 14 ) is configured such that the main axis ( 2c ) the container ( 2 ) in the labeling position ( 8th ) orthogonal and radial with respect to the axis of rotation ( 3a ) of the transfer star ( 3 ) are aligned. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot mechanism ( 14 ) a stationary control cam ( 15 ) and with the gripping devices ( 4 ) mechanically linked control rollers ( 16 ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer star ( 3 ) is continuously rotatable. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping devices ( 4 ) passively clamping container clips ( 4a ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjacent to the transfer star ( 3 ) trained blow-off unit ( 9 ) for blowing off the containers ( 2 ), in particular the container bottoms to be labeled ( 2a ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjacent to the transfer star ( 3 ) trained inspection unit ( 11 ) for optically inspecting the containers, in particular the labeled container bottoms ( 2a ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the labeling unit ( 5 ) for transferring self-adhesive labels ( 6 ) from a carrier tape ( 6a ) to the containers ( 2 ) is trained. Apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an adjacent to the transfer star ( 3 ) trained pressing unit ( 10 ) for pressing and / or brushing the labels ( 6 ) on the containers ( 2 ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjacent to the transfer star ( 3 ) formed identification unit ( 12 ) for marking, in particular inkjet printing, of the container bottom ( 2a ) and / or the label attached thereto ( 6 ). Labeling machine comprising the device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims as well as a particular subsequent downstream labeling carousel ( 20 ) for the jacket-side labeling of the containers ( 2 ) with hull labels and / or inkjet printing. Labeling machine comprising the device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims as well as a particular subsequent downstream labeling carousel ( 20 ) with turntables ( 23 ) and centering heads ( 24 ) for clamping the containers ( 2 ) such that the labels ( 6 ) between the container bottom ( 2a ) and the turntables ( 23 ) are clamped, in particular by means of each of the turntables ( 23 ) formed elastic return elements ( 23c ) or controllable drives.

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