LABELLING MACHINE FOR APPLYING LABELS TO CONTAINERS USING COLD GLUE

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a labelling machine for applying labels onto containers using cold glue, comprising a glue supply device. The glue supply device is configured to produce the cold glue from several components, in particular at least one liquid and one solid component, so that the cold glue required for applying the labels can be produced by processing the components, in particular mixing them together.

Claims

1. A labelling machine for applying labels onto containers using cold glue, said labelling machine comprising a glue supply device, wherein said glue supply device is configured to produce said cold glue from several components so that said cold glue required for applying said labels can be produced by processing said several components.

2. The labelling machine according to claim 1, where said glue supply device comprises a mixing container, a stirring element for stirring said several components in said mixing container, and at least one component container for storing one of said several components which is configured and arranged in such a way that said several components can be supplied from said at least one component container to said mixing container.

3. The labelling machine according to claim 2, where said mixing container is configured to be temperature-controlled and/or said glue supply device comprises a temperature control element which is configured and arranged for temperature control of said mixing container.

4. The labelling machine according to one of the claim 1, further comprising a control device which is configured to control said glue supply device.

5. The labelling machine according to claim 2, where said glue supply device comprises a glue application device and said mixing container is connected directly to said glue application device via a fluidic connection.

6. The labelling machine according to claim 2, where said glue supply device comprises a glue application device and a buffer tank and said mixing container is in fluidic connection with said glue application device via said buffer tank.

7. The labelling machine according to claim 6, where said buffer tank is connected to said glue application device via a first fluidic connection and said mixing container is connected to said buffer tank via a second fluidic connection.

8. The labelling machine according to claim 7, where said fluidic connection and/or said first fluidic connection and/or said second fluidic connection can each be shut off by way of a shut-off and/or metering element.

9. A method for operating a labelling machine for applying labels onto containers using cold glue, the method comprising: producing said cold glue from several components using a glue supply device of said labelling machine by processing said several components.

10. The method according to claim 9 comprising introducing at least one of said several components from a component container into a mixing container and stirring said several components in said mixing container.

11. The method according to claim 10 comprising temperature control of said mixing container.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising supplying said cold glue from said mixing container to a glue application device via a direct fluidic connection or supplying said cold glue into a buffer tank.

13. The method according to claim 10, where the production of said cold glue comprises that at least one solution of pulverulent components be produced in said mixing container or supplied thereto, at least one further component be subsequently added to said at least one solution in said mixing container, said solution and said at least one further component be stirred, and thermal treatment be carried out during or after the stirring in which said mixing container is heated to a temperature of 40° C. to 80° C., or 45° C. to 75° C., or 50° C. to 70° C.

14. The method according to claim 10, where said several components can be processed in said mixing device in such a way that they are homogenized, and thermal treatment is subsequently carried out in which said mixing container is heated to a temperature of 40° C. to 80° C., or 45° C. to 75° C., or 50° C. to 70° C.

15. The method according to claim 13, where said cold glue after thermal treatment is supplied to a/said glue application device or a/said buffer tank immediately or after a swelling phase of a predetermined duration and/or after a cooling step.

16. The labelling machine according to claim 1, wherein the several components comprise at least one liquid and one solid component, so that the cold glue can be produced by mixing the several components together.

17. The labelling machine according to claim 2, wherein the several components can be supplied from the at least one component container to the mixing container in an automated manner.

18. The labelling machine according to claim 3, wherein the mixing container is configured to be temperature-controlled as heatable and/or coolable, and/or the glue supply device with the temperature control element is configured and arranged for heating and/or cooling of the mixing container.

19. The labelling machine according to claim 4, wherein the control device is configured to control the stirring element and/or said temperature control element.

20. The labelling machine according to claim 8, wherein the shut-off and/or metering element can be controlled by the control device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0049] Further features and advantages shall be explained below using the exemplary figures, where:

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation, not to scale, of a labeling machine according to a first embodiment; and

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation, not to scale, of a labeling machine according to a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a labeling machine 1a according to a first embodiment. The labeling machine comprises a glue supply device 2 for supplying glue during the glue application operation in which cold glue is applied onto labels 3. The glue supply device therefore serves to provide the cold glue required for labeling. The labeling machine also comprises a transport device 4, for example, comprising a rotatable drum which is configured to hold and transport the labels.

[0053] The glue supply device comprises a glue application device 5, for example, comprising a print head, for glue application onto labels 3, meaning for applying cold glue onto the labels. Transport device 4 is configured such that the labels are transported through the working region of the glue application device during the glue application operation. The working region of the glue application device is the region in which cold glue is applied to the labels.

[0054] The glue supply device is configured to produce cold glue from several components, such as at least one liquid and one solid component. For this purpose, the glue supply device can comprise a mixing container 6 and a stirring element 7 for stirring the components in the mixing container. The stirring element can be connected to a drive 8, as presently shown. The drive can be configured, for example, to drive the stirring element to rotate.

[0055] The glue supply device can furthermore comprise at least one component container 9, 10, 11 for storing one of the components each. They can each be configured and arranged in such a way that a component can be supplied from the component container to the mixing container, such as in an automated manner. The component containers in FIG. 1 are arranged, for example, above the mixing container so that the components can enter into the mixing container solely by gravity. In the alternative or in addition, however, it is also conceivable to use pumps or other transport elements by use of which the components are supplied to the mixing container.

[0056] Two component containers 9 and 10 for solid components and one component container 11 for liquid components are shown in FIG. 1 by way of example. As an alternative or in addition to such a component container for liquid components, a water connection 12 can also be provided. A shut-off and/or metering element 13 can optionally be provided between the component containers and the mixing container as well as at the water connection, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, the glue supply device can also comprise a temperature control element 14 for temperature control, such as for heating and/or cooling, of the mixing container, for example, in the form of heating and/or cooling coils.

[0058] The labeling machine further comprises a fluidic connection, fluid connection 15, between the mixing container and the glue application device. A direct fluid connection between the mixing container and the glue application device is shown in FIG. 1, in which no other elements, such as buffer tanks are provided. This fluidic connection can optionally be able to be shut off. For this purpose, the labeling machine can comprise a shut-off and/or metering element 16, for example, in the form of a valve. The glue supply to the glue application device can therefore be controlled by way of the valve.

[0059] It is understood that the mixing container can be closable towards fluid connection 15 so that the individual components do not escape into fluid connection 15 during the glue production.

[0060] The labeling machine can also comprise a control device 17. This control device can be connected via data connections 18 to one or more of shut-off and/or metering elements 13 and/or shut-off and/or metering element 16 and/or stirring element 7 and/or drive 8 and/or temperature control element 14 and be configured to control these elements.

[0061] The labeling machine can optionally comprise one or more sensors 19, 20, for example temperature or viscosity sensors or sensors of a weighing device, for example, to monitor the production of the cold glue. For example, the temperature of the mixing container and/or the material in the mixing container and/or the viscosity of the material in the mixing container and/or the mass of the components disposed in the mixing container can be detected by way of such sensors. The values measured can be stored and/or visualized on a display.

[0062] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the control device can be configured such that it controls all manufacturing steps, i.e. the component supply by way of shut-off and/or metering elements 13, the stirring speed of the stirring element, and the temperature by way of the temperature control element. For this purpose, the control device can access and execute a corresponding control program. Measurement values recorded by way of sensors, for example, sensors 19 and 20 described above, can optionally also be taken into account, for example, the temperature of the mixing container and/or of the material in the mixing container and/or the viscosity of the material in the mixing container and/or the mass of the material in the mixing container, where the latter can be used for automated mass-related component supply.

[0063] The labels with the glue applied by way of the glue application device can be applied to the containers by pressing them thereonto, thus labeling the containers. This can be done by way of known devices which presently need not be explained in detail.

[0064] Labeling machine 1b shown in FIG. 2 according to a second embodiment can likewise comprise the elements explained above in the context of FIG. 1. The same reference signs as in FIG. 1 are used here. However, elements can also be exchanged or omitted.

[0065] In addition, the labeling machine there comprises a buffer tank 21. Instead of valve 16, two shut-off and/or metering elements in the form of valves 22 and 23 are shown there. First valve 22 is configured and arranged to shut off a first fluid connection 15a between the buffer tank and the glue application device. The glue supply to the glue application device can be controlled by way of the first valve. It therefore fulfills a function similar to that of valve 16 in the first embodiment.

[0066] Second valve 23 is configured and arranged to shut off a second fluid connection 15b between the mixing container and the buffer tank. The glue supply to the buffer tank can be controlled by way of the second valve. In certain embodiments, it can be controlled with these two valves whether and at what rate cold glue is supplied to or removed from the buffer tank, in particular whether this takes place simultaneously, possibly at different rates, or successively. The arrangement of the second embodiment can be used in particular with two open valves 22 and 23 and the same supply and withdrawal quantity, which enables an operation similar to the first embodiment.

[0067] It is understood that the mixing container here as well can be closed towards the fluid connection so that the individual components remain in the mixing container during glue production and do not escape into the fluid connections.

[0068] With the arrangement shown in the second embodiment, cold glue can therefore be produced and used almost continuously, which avoids downtimes for repeat production of cold glue.

[0069] In addition, the quantity of cold glue required can be freshly produced for each batch of labels and supplied to the buffer tank and consumed there. The composition of the cold glue is therefore the same for the entire batch. In addition, while one type of cold glue is being used in the buffer tank, another type or a fresh batch of cold glue can be produced in the mixing container, so that a quick changeover can then take place with a short downtime.

[0070] In this context, it is advantageous to use a so-called cleaning-in-place (CIP) process which enables the fluid connections, the mixing container, and/or the buffer tank to be cleaned quickly between the cold glue batches. A CIP cleaning device 24 which is basically known and presently only indicated schematically can be used for this purpose. It is understood that such CIP processes or CIP cleaning devices can also be used in the context of the first embodiment.

[0071] Two methods for operating a labeling machine for applying labels onto containers using cold glue, such as one of the labeling machines described above, shall be described hereafter.

[0072] An example of a method according to the disclosure for operating a labeling machine comprises producing the cold glue from several components. The cold glue is there produced using a glue supply device of the labeling machine. The labeling machine can be, for example, one of the labeling machines described above or a different labeling machine according to the disclosure.

[0073] The cold glue is produced from several components, such as at least one liquid and one solid component, by processing the components, for example, by mixing them together.

[0074] The method comprises supplying at least one of the components from a component container into a mixing container. For this purpose, for example, a shut-off or metering element between the component container and the mixing container can be actuated. The components can optionally be supplied in an automated manner. For example, automated actuation of the shut-off or metering element can be controlled by way of a control device so that a predetermined quantity of the component is supplied to the mixing container.

[0075] In addition, water can also be supplied as one of the components from the water network to the mixing container, likewise by actuating a shut-off or metering element which can optionally also be actuated in an automated manner by way of the control device.

[0076] The components can be supplied simultaneously or one after the other, which shall be explained in detail below.

[0077] The components are stirred in the mixing container. This can be done manually or by machine, for example, by way of a stirring device. In the case of automated stirring, the stirring device can be driven to rotate by a drive, for example, the drive described above. Different values for the rotational speed can be adjustable, can be controlled by the control device.

[0078] It is conceivable that only a subgroup of a plurality of components is initially supplied to the mixing container and stirred and further components are subsequently added. For example, all pulverulent components can first be supplied and stirred and then liquid components can be supplied. Alternatively, only liquid components can initially be supplied and stirred and pulverulent components can be supplied successively or together and stirred. It is also conceivable that first a solution made of at least one liquid component and at least one pulverulent component is produced by supplying and stirring, and further components are supplied and stirred thereafter.

[0079] Furthermore, the production of the cold glue can also comprise at least one temperature control step. This temperature control step can take place, for example, by controlling the temperature of the mixing container. For this purpose, the mixing container itself can be coolable and/or heatable, the latter, for example, by way of induction heating. In the alternative or in addition, the mixing container can be temperature-controlled by way of a temperature control element, for example, the temperature control element described above.

[0080] The method can comprise one or more such temperature control steps, which can also differ from one another in terms of the temperature. A temperature control step can be executed, for example, during or after all the components have been stirred. However, it is also conceivable that initially only a subgroup of the components is stirred and a temperature control step is executed concurrently or afterwards, after which further components are then added.

[0081] Temperature control can comprise heating and/or cooling. The temperature control steps can each also be executed in an automated manner and controlled, for example, by way of a/the control device.

[0082] Once the cold glue has been produced, it can be supplied from the mixing container via a direct fluidic connection to a glue application device, for example, the glue application device described above, and applied onto labels. For example, a labeling machine as described in embodiment 1 can be used for this purpose, such as the direct fluid connection 15 shown there.

[0083] Such a method for the production of cold glue takes place discontinuously. While cold glue is being produced, the labeling machine cannot be supplied with cold glue from the mixing container and no cold glue can be produced in the container during the labeling operation, i.e. when cold glue is being removed from the mixing container. However, such a method makes it possible to dispense with a buffer tank and several fluidic connections, so that less control and cleaning effort is required. Should it be desired to carry out a longer continuous labeling operation, then this can be implemented, for example, by adding additional mixing containers and stirring elements in a modular manner.

[0084] Alternatively, the cold glue can be supplied first to a buffer tank after production instead of directly to the glue application device. The fluidic connection, for example, above-described second fluid connection 15b, between the mixing container and the buffer tank can then be interrupted and the production of cold glue in the mixing container can commence again. After being supplied from the mixing container, the cold glue can be removed from the buffer tank and supplied to the glue application device via a second fluidic connection, for example, first fluid connection 15a described above. It is also conceivable that a portion of the cold glue supplied to the buffer tank is removed and supplied to the glue application device while the buffer tank is being filled with cold glue. A labeling machine as described in embodiment 2 can be used for this purpose, for example, fluid connections 15a and 15b shown there and the buffer tank.

[0085] Cold glue can thus be produced substantially continuously and the labeling operation can also be substantially continuous. While the buffer container is being emptied during operation, cold glue can already be produced again in the mixing container. In addition, a changeover between different glue recipes can take place almost without interruption, as already explained above.

[0086] The supply of cold glue into the buffer tank and/or to the glue application device can likewise be controllable by the control device, for example, in that the latter controls shut-off and/or metering elements in the fluidic connections.

[0087] With the method according to the disclosure, for example, a cold glue can be produced that contains 10% casein, 0.6% sodium hydroxide solution, 10% urea, 0.4% sheet silicate (bentonite), 0.1% froth prevention agent (nonionic surfactant), 0.1% preservative (chloromethylisothiazolinone) and is added water to 100% (data in % by weight). Such cold glue has a viscosity such that it can be sprayed. Other compositions, such as other proportions, are also conceivable. In certain embodiments, a lower proportion of preservatives can optionally be provided or preservatives can be dispensed with entirely.

[0088] The cold glue produced like above and supplied to the glue application device can be pressurized to a predetermined working pressure, for example, with a suitable pump, supplied to a print head, and, for example, controlled by way of valves controllable by a control device, ejected from spray nozzles arranged in a grid.

[0089] In this case, the glue application is effected without contact by way of a glue jet. The labels to be applied the glue can be transported continuously through the work region of a print head and have the glue applied in the process. However, the cold glue can also be applied to labels by the glue application device using other methods. The labels with the glue applied can then be applied to containers by way of known methods.

[0090] Examples of preparation options that can be used in the production processes explained above shall be described hereafter.

[0091] In the first option, several aqueous solutions are produced, in each of which one of several pulverulent components is dissolved. For example, an aqueous solution each with casein, with urea, and with phyllosilicate can be produced, supplied to the mixing container, and stirred there with further liquid components. Alternatively, an aqueous solution in which all pulverulent components are contained can also be produced in the mixing container. The remaining components can then be added to the mixing container and mixed with the solution.

[0092] Alternatively, there is also the possibility of supplying all components in their delivered form together or separately successively, regardless of whether they are solid or liquid, to the mixing container and mixing and homogenizing them there. Stirring can there take place by way of the stirring element and the homogenization can be supported by way of the temperature control element.

[0093] During and/or after the mixing and possibly the homogenization of the components, the material can be thermally treated in the mixing container. For this purpose, the mixing container can be temperature-controlled, for example, as described above. The material can there be heated to a temperature of 40° C. to 80° C., or 45° C. to 75° C., or 50° C. to 70° C.

[0094] After thermal treatment, the cold glue can be supplied to the glue application device or the buffer tank immediately or after a swelling phase of a predetermined duration, for example, between 5 and 10 minutes, or between 4 and 15 minutes, or between 3 and 30 minutes.

[0095] Subsequent to the heating and possibly the swelling, a cooling step can also take place, for example, to a temperature of about 20° C. to 50° C., or 25° C. to 45° C., or 30° C. to 40° C.

[0096] It is understood that the features mentioned in the embodiments described above are not restricted to these specific combinations and are also possible in any other combination.

[0097] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub-combinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.