Press-on device with motor

Abstract

A press-on device for a labeling machine that presses an adhesive label onto a product package. The press-on device may comprise a slide element as a support for a product package, a conveying unit for conveying a product package along a conveying direction, and a folding element for folding an adhesive label applied to an upper surface of the product package and projecting beyond the package. The press-on device additionally comprises a motor and a press-on unit driven by the motor and moved in a linear movement during operation of the press-on device, the press-on unit being configured to press an end of the adhesive label onto a lower surface of the product package during the linear movement of the press-on unit.

Claims

1. A press-on device for a labeling machine used to press an adhesive label onto a product package, the press-on device comprising: a slide element as a support for a product package; a conveying unit for conveying the product package along a conveying direction; and a folding element for folding an adhesive label applied to an upper surface of the product package, wherein the adhesive label projects beyond the upper surface of the product package when the adhesive label is applied to the upper surface of the product package; wherein the press-on device additionally comprises a press-on unit and a motor to drive the press-on unit, wherein the press-on unit is disposed to travel over a linear movement during operation of the press-on device, the press-on unit is configured to press an end of the adhesive label onto a lower surface of the product package during the linear movement, and the press-on unit is disposed so that the linear movement is in a direction that forms an oblique angle α relative to the conveying direction of the product package and the linear movement is in a plane parallel to the conveying direction, and wherein the motor and the press-on unit are configured so that the press-on unit is able to follow the product package as the conveying unit continuously conveys the product package along the conveying direction.

2. The press-on device according to claim 1, wherein the press-on unit comprises at least one of: a press-on brush, a press-on roller, or a press-on blade.

3. The press-on device according to claim 1, further comprising a carriage disposed on a guide, wherein the press-on unit is arranged on the carriage, the carriage being drivingly connected to the motor via a belt, and the belt is configured to transmit a rotary movement of the motor to a linear movement of the carriage.

4. The press-on device according to claim 3, wherein the guide comprises two parallel rods.

5. The press-on device according to claim 1, wherein the press-on unit is oriented at at least one right angle to the product package at a home position of the press-on unit and during the linear movement of the press-on unit.

6. The press-on device according to claim 5, wherein the home position of the press-on unit is adjustable for adapting the press-on device to product packages of various sizes.

7. The press-on device according to claim 1, wherein the motor comprises a controller to control the linear movement of the press-on unit at a constant speed during a press-on process.

8. The press-on device according to claim 7, wherein during at least part of the press-on process, the speed of the press-on unit equals a conveying speed/cosine (α).

9. The press-on device according to claim 7, wherein the controller is operable to cause the press-on unit to move from a rear end position directly back to a home position after the press-on process.

10. The press-on device according to claim 1, wherein the conveying unit is configured to continuously convey the product package.

11. The press-on device according to claim 1, wherein the press-on device comprises an additional press-on unit, wherein the press-on unit and the additional press-on unit are arranged on different sides of the press-on device when the press-on unit and the additional press-on unit are each at a respective home position, and wherein the additional press-on unit is configured to press an additional end of the adhesive label onto the lower surface of the product package.

12. The press-on device according to claim 1, wherein during at least part of a press-on process in which the end of the adhesive label is pressed onto the lower surface of the product package by the press-on unit, a speed of the press-on unit is based on a conveying speed of the product package divided by cosine (α).

13. The press-on device according to claim 1, wherein the slide element is configured to support the lower surface of the product package and has an opening for allowing the linear movement of the press-on unit.

14. A method for pressing an end of an adhesive label onto a lower surface of a product package, the method comprising: applying an adhesive label onto an upper surface of a product package such that the adhesive label has at least one end that projects beyond the upper surface; conveying the product package along a conveying direction using a conveying unit; folding the adhesive label around an upper edge of the product package using a folding element; driving a press-on unit using a motor in a linear movement; and pressing an end of the adhesive label onto a lower surface of the product package using the press-on unit while the press-on unit is being driven in the linear movement; wherein the linear movement executed by the press-on unit takes place at an oblique angle α relative to the conveying direction of the product package and the linear movement is in a plane parallel to the conveying direction, and wherein the motor and the press-on unit are configured so that the press-on unit follows the product package during pressing as the conveying unit continuously conveys the product package along the conveying direction.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the linear movement, which is executed by the press-on unit, is carried out at a speed v equal to a conveying speed/cosine (α) during a press-on process.

16. The method according to claim 14 further comprising supporting the product package on a slide element that has an opening for allowing the press-on unit to execute the linear movement.

17. A press-on device for a labeling machine used to press an adhesive label onto a product package, the press-on device comprising: a conveying unit for conveying a product package along a conveying direction; a folding element for folding an adhesive label applied to an upper surface of the product package, wherein the adhesive label projects beyond the upper surface of the product package when the adhesive label is applied to the upper surface of the product package; a press-on unit; and a motor to drive the press-on unit; wherein the press-on unit is configured to travel over a linear movement during operation of the press-on device, the press-on unit is configured to perform a press-on process to press an end of the adhesive label onto a lower surface of the product package during the linear movement, the press-on unit is configured so that the linear movement is in a direction that forms an oblique angle α relative to the conveying direction of the product package, and, during at least part of the press-on process, a speed of the press-on unit equals a conveying speed of the product package divided by cosine (α), and wherein the press-on unit is configured to follow the product package during the press-on process as the conveying unit continuously conveys the product package along the conveying direction.

18. The press-on device according to claim 17 further comprising a slide element configured to support the product package, wherein the slide element has an opening for allowing the linear movement of the press-on unit.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) In the following, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail making reference to a drawing, in which the individual figures show:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a press-on device as part of a labeling machine in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of numerous components of one embodiment of a press-on device in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a press-on device in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, wherein the press-on device is suitable for pressing on two opposed ends of an adhesive label;

(5) FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a product package showing an adhesive label at a first moment of time on its way through one embodiment of a press-on device in accordance with the present invention;

(6) FIG. 4B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the product package of FIG. 4A showing an adhesive label at a second moment of time during application of the adhesive label; and

(7) FIG. 4C is a perspective view of one embodiment of the product package of FIG. 4A showing an adhesive label at a third moment of time in a fully applied condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.

(9) The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

(10) FIG. 1 shows a press-on device 1, here exemplarily as part of a labeling machine 3. The press-on device 1 comprises a slide element 5 in the form of a slide plate as a support for a product package 7, with an opening 9, which is sufficiently wide for allowing a press-on unit 11 to press an adhesive label 13 onto a lower surface 15 of the product package 7. The slide element 5 is supported on spacing legs 16 and thus positioned on a desired level. The press-on device 1 comprises a conveying unit 17, which moves the product package 7 along the conveying direction T, for example using two synchronously operated head belts 19, as shown here. A feed belt 21 conveys the product package 7 to the press-on device 1 and a discharge belt 23 carries out further transport when labeling has been completed. A folding element 25 folds a projecting end 27 of the adhesive label 13 into a substantially vertical position, from which it is pressed onto the lower surface 15 of the product package 7 using the press-on unit 11. Drive components of the press-on device 1 are encapsulated within a cover unit 29, i.e. a housing 29. In the present representation, further parts of the labeling machine 3 can be seen in addition to the feed and discharge belts 21, 23. For example, a stripping edge 31 of a label dispenser 33 is used for transferring the adhesive label 13 from a backing tape to the product package 7. What can be seen here is a product package 7 at a first, right position with the adhesive label 13 placed on top as well as at a second position further downstream, with the adhesive label 13 folded downwards, and a third position further downstream, with the adhesive label 13 pressed onto the lower surface 15 of the product package 7.

(11) In FIG. 2, components of the press-on device 1 are shown, the cover unit 29 being indicated by a broken line. The slide element 5 can be seen, which comprises the opening 9 oriented at an oblique angle to the conveying direction T and allowing the press-on unit 11 to move therein, at least sectionwise. The press-on unit 11 comprises an elongate press-on brush 35 or press-on roller 35 or press-on blade 35 as well as a connecting piece 37 and is mounted on a carriage 39. The carriage 39 is displaceably mounted on a guide 43. The guide 43 is here configured in the form of two parallel, diagonally offset, cylindrical rods 45, which are fixed to a base plate 49 via two anchoring elements 47. The carriage 39 is fixedly connected to a belt 53 via a connecting piece 51. The belt 53 is tensioned around two pulleys 55, one of which is driven by a motor, e.g. a servo motor 57. The motor 57 is controlled by a controller 71, which is usually an electronic data processing unit. Using the drive component arrangement shown, a rotary movement R of the motor 57 and thus of the pulleys 55 is transmitted as a linear movement L to the press-on unit 11. In an upper side 59 of the cover unit 29, two openings 61 are provided, through which two surfaces 63 of the carriage 39 extend and within which a linear movement L of the carriage 39 is possible. According to the structural conditions, the press-on unit 11 can execute the linear movement L from a home position G to an end position E, the linear movement L being inclined at an angle α relative to the conveying direction T, as shown here by the respective arrows.

(12) FIG. 3 shows a press-on device 1, which is suitable for pressing on two opposed ends of an adhesive label 13. To this end, two slide elements 5 as well as the press-on units 11 associated therewith and the drive components installed within a respective cover unit 29 are arranged below the conveying unit 17. The openings 9 in the slide elements 5 and the openings 61 within the cover units 29 are oriented relative to the conveying direction T such that a left end of an adhesive label 13 is pressed on first and the right end thereof afterwards. The carriage 39 and the press-on unit 11 are here each shown at their home position G, i.e. the starting position prior to the press-on process. The home positions G are here arranged adjacent to a first side 73, i.e. a left side when seen in the conveying direction T, and a second, right side 75. The folding element 25 is here visible for the left side 73, and a corresponding folding element is provided on the opposite, right side 75. Also the label dispenser 33 is shown, in which a backing film is passed over a stripping edge 31 so as to detach the adhesive labels 13 attached to said film and apply them to an upper surface of a product package 7.

(13) FIG. 4A shows a product package 7 having an adhesive label 13 applied to the upper surface 67 thereof using the label dispenser 33. In this example, the adhesive label 13 is dimensioned such that a left and a right end 27, 69 project beyond the product package 7, the projecting ends 27, 69 being longer than the height of the product package 7. Alternatively, the adhesive label 13 may also have only one projecting piece, or two adhesive labels 13 each having one projecting piece may be applied.

(14) FIG. 4B shows the product package 7 according to FIG. 4A after the two projecting ends 27, 69 of the adhesive label 13 have been folded down in a substantially vertical direction around an upper edge 68 of the product package 7 by folding elements 25 arranged on both sides.

(15) FIG. 4C shows the product package 7 of the two preceding figures after the two ends 27, 69 of the adhesive label 13 have been pressed onto the lower surface 15 of the product package 7 using a press-on unit 11. The adhesive label 13 has thus been folded around the upper edge 68 and the lower edge 70 of the product package 7. Since the adhesive label 13 is stably pressed onto the upper and lower surfaces 67, 15 of the product package 7, it will also be possible to label product packages 7 having a laterally projecting upper edge 68, so that the adhesive label 13 will only incompletely be in contact with a lateral surface 77 of the product package 7.

(16) In the following, the method steps for pressing an end 27, 69 of an adhesive label 13 onto a lower surface 15 of a product package 7 will be explained:

(17) According to the present invention, the product package 7 is fed by a feed belt 21 or a comparable device of a conveying unit 17, after an adhesive label 13, which projects beyond the product package 7, has already been applied to the upper surface 67 of the product package 7. The conveying unit 17 then continues to convey the product package 7 along a conveying direction T during the subsequent method steps. Making use of a folding element 25, the projecting end 27, 69 of the adhesive label 13 is folded around an upper edge 68 of the product package 7 and extends then in a substantially vertical direction. Subsequently, the projecting end 27, 69 of the adhesive label 13 is pressed onto a lower surface 15 of the product package 7 using a press-on unit 11. In the course of this process, the press-on unit 11 is driven by a motor, e.g. a servo motor 57, and moved in a linear movement L while the adhesive label 13 is being pressed-on.

(18) Preferably, the linear movement L executed by the press-on unit 11 takes place at an oblique angle, preferably at an angle α of approx. −65° to −75°, relative to the conveying direction T of the product package 7.

(19) In addition, it will be advisable to carry out the linear movement L, which is executed by the press-on unit 11, at a speed ν=conveying speed/cosine (α) during the press-on process.

(20) Taking as a basis the above described embodiments of a press-on device 1, many variations of the latter are possible. For example, the conveying unit 17 may convey the product packages 7 using driver strips instead of a head belt 19. The guide 43, on which the carriage 39 is displaceably supported, may comprise, instead of cylindrical rods 45, also rectangular or polygonal rods, of which a single one may then be sufficient to prevent the carriage 39 from tilting. The carriage 39 may also comprise only a single surface 63, configured e.g. as part of a double T-shape, so as to guarantee sufficient torsional stiffness. Hence, it would also suffice to provide only one opening 61 through which the surface 63 extends. In addition, it would be imaginable to arrange the components of the press-on device 1 vertically, i.e. rotated by 90° relative to the above described embodiments, so that the labels 13 can be pressed onto lateral surfaces of a product package 7 according to the above description.

(21) From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

(22) The constructions and methods described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention.

(23) As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.