Labelling device with slide assembly

Abstract

A labelling device having a label dispenser and transfer device for transferring a row of labels delivered to the transfer device to an article web. The transfer device may include at least one vertically adjustable slide assembly mounted thereon for pressing the labels onto the article web, and the slide assembly may comprise a base plate and a plurality of pressing elements. The slide assembly may further comprise at least one cassette module assembled with the base plate, and one or more of the pressing elements may be arranged on each of the cassette modules.

Claims

1. A labelling device comprising: a label dispenser; and a transfer device for transferring a row of labels dispensed to the transfer device to an article web; wherein the transfer device has a slide assembly mounted thereon in a vertically adjustable manner for pressing the labels onto the article web; wherein the slide assembly comprises a base plate and a plurality of pressing elements; wherein the slide assembly further comprises multiple cassette modules detachably connected to the base plate, wherein more than one of the plurality of the pressing elements are arranged on each cassette module; wherein the base plate, the cassette modules and the plurality of the pressing elements are assembled along a module plane that is oriented in a direction of movement of the plurality of the pressing elements, wherein, when assembled, the base plate and the cassette modules attached to the base plate are in the form of a modular slide plate, wherein the cassette modules are mounted side by side on the base plate and adjacent cassette modules are directly fastened to each other by a connector element.

2. The labelling device according to claim 1, wherein for each cassette module, each of the one or more of the plurality of pressing elements is pre-loaded using a spring into a disengaged first position on the cassette module.

3. The labelling device according to claim 1, wherein each cassette module is coupled to the base plate using a coupling member.

4. The labelling device according to claim 3, wherein each coupling member is dimensioned so as to be insertable for guiding the slide assembly along a guide plane.

5. The labelling device according to claim 4, wherein each cassette module comprises at least one first receptacle that receives a respective coupling member, wherein each coupling member is arranged such that at least one or more portions of an outer side of each cassette module lies within the guide plane.

6. The labelling device according to claim 5, wherein each cassette module comprises at least one second receptacle that receives at least one connector element which secures a respective pressing element to the cassette module.

7. The labelling device according to claim 1, wherein each cassette module is formed from plastic.

8. The labelling device according to claim 7, wherein each cassette module is an injection-moulded part.

9. The labelling device according to claim 1, wherein each cassette module is configured for receiving two or four of the plurality of pressing elements.

10. The labelling device according to claim 1, wherein each cassette module is a pre-assembly module.

11. A packaging machine in the form of a thermoforming packaging machine or a tray sealer comprising the labelling device according to claim 1.

12. The labelling device according to claim 1, wherein the base plate comprises a flat plate having a rectilinear end edge, and each cassette module has a corresponding rectilinear connecting edge, and wherein the slide assembly further comprises one or more coupling elements to hold the end edge and the connecting edge of each cassette module together so that each cassette module is fixed relative to the base plate.

13. The labelling device according to claim 12, wherein each cassette module comprises multiple retaining projections in an area of the connecting edge and configured to accommodate the base plate therebetween.

14. The labelling device according to claim 12, wherein the base plate defines multiple fixing openings, and the one or more coupling elements comprise multiple coupling elements that cooperate with the fixing openings to attach the cassette modules to the base plate.

15. The labelling device according to claim 14, wherein the base plate defines multiple clearances, and each coupling element has a projection that is engageable with a clearance to secure the coupling element in a vertical orientation.

16. A labelling device comprising: a label dispenser; and a transfer device for transferring a row of labels dispensed to the transfer device to an article web; wherein the transfer device has a slide assembly mounted thereon in a vertically adjustable manner for pressing the labels onto the article web; wherein the slide assembly comprises a base plate and a plurality of pressing elements; wherein the slide assembly further comprises a plurality of cassette modules mounted side by side on the base plate, each of the plurality of cassette modules is attached to the base plate with a coupling member, each coupling member has one end attached to the base plate and an opposite end attached to a respective one of the plurality of cassette modules, and more than one of the plurality of the pressing elements are arranged on each cassette module; wherein the base plate, the plurality of cassette modules and the plurality of the pressing elements are assembled along a module plane that is oriented in a direction of movement of the plurality of the pressing elements, and wherein, when assembled, the base plate and the plurality of cassette modules mounted on the base plate are in the form of a modular slide plate.

17. A labelling device comprising: a label dispenser; and a transfer device for transferring a row of labels dispensed to the transfer device to an article web; wherein the transfer device has a slide assembly mounted thereon in a vertically adjustable manner for pressing the labels onto the article web; wherein the slide assembly comprises a base plate and a plurality of pressing elements; wherein the slide assembly further comprises at least one cassette module assembled with the base plate, each of the at least one cassette module is attached to the base plate using a coupling member, each coupling member has one end attached to the base plate and an opposite end attached to a respective one of the at least one cassette module, and one or more of the plurality of the pressing elements are arranged on each of the at least one cassette module; and wherein the base plate, the at least one cassette module and the plurality of the pressing elements are assembled along a module plane that is oriented in a direction of movement of the plurality of the pressing elements.

18. The labelling device according to claim 17, wherein the base plate comprises coated hard paper including a paper carrier material and a resin binding agent, and the at least one cassette module comprises a polyamide or polyoxymethylene.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(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 section of a thermoforming packaging machine having a labelling device in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of one embodiment of a labelling device in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure showing the labelling device in a first position;

(4) FIG. 3 is the embodiment of the labeling device of FIG. 2 shown in a target position;

(5) FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a labelling device a rear view of the labelling device with lift drive in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of an isolated slide assembly of a labelling device in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

(7) FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the slide assembly in FIG. 5 viewed in cutting direction A;

(8) FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the slide assembly shown in FIG. 5;

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a slide assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; and

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tray sealer including a labelling device in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) 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.

(12) 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.

(13) FIG. 1 shows a section of a thermoforming packaging machine 1 with a sealing station 2, into which a bottom film 3 and a lid film 4 are fed to produce packaging 5. In sealing station 2, for example, twelve packages 5, divided into four tracks S and three rows R, are sealed in one work cycle. In transport direction T, a labelling device 6 with a control 7 is arranged downstream sealing station 2 in order to apply labels 8 from above to the lid film 4 on the twelve packs 5 in one working cycle. The control 7 of the labelling device 6 can also be integrated in a control 9 of the thermoforming packaging machine 1. The labelling device 6 has a label dispenser 10, a traversing device 11 and a transmission device 12.

(14) FIG. 2 shows the label dispenser 10 with a carrier strip 13 for labels 8, wherein the labels 8 are detached from the carrier strip 13 via a dispensing edge 14 and transferred to the transfer device 12. The transfer device 12 is shown without a cover for better illustration. By means of a negative pressure generated by a not shown fan, the labels 8 can be held with their non-adhesive tops on transport belts 16, while a first row R1 of labels 8 with the number of tracks S are picked up by the transfer device 12. During this phase a lifting device 17 of the transfer device 12 is in a receiving position. In order to apply the row R1 of labels 8 downwards to the cover film 4, the traversing device 11 moves the label dispenser 10 with the transfer device 12 in or against the transport direction T to the position in which the row R1 of labels 8 is to be applied from above to the cover film 4. The transfer device 12 is then located above an article web A. The traversing device 11 is driven by a schematically depicted motor 11a, for example a servo or stepper motor, and a toothed belt drive 11b. However, the transfer device 12 can already be positioned above the article web A of packaging 5, while the first row R1 of labels 8 is picked up.

(15) FIG. 3 shows the phase in which the lifting device 17, which has a plurality of slide assemblies 18 with spring-loaded pressing elements 19, has been moved downwards to such an extent that the labels 8 are lifted from the transport belts 16 by the pressing elements 19, which are each in the form of slide pins 19a, and pressed onto the lid film 4. The slide assemblies 18 are moved to the target position by means of a motor 20 (e.g. by means of a servo motor, a stepper motor or a DC motor) and a belt drive 21. This can be adjusted by the operator so that an optimum and predefined pressure force is generated by the spring-loaded pressing elements 19 to press the labels 8 on.

(16) FIG. 4 shows the structure of the lifting device 17 in the view in transport direction T. The motor 20 transmits its rotation and torque to a belt 22 connected to a lifting plate 23. By means of two deflection rollers 24 and guides 25 for the lifting plate 23, the rotational movement of the motor 20 is converted into a vertical movement of the lifting plate 23, whereby the slide assemblies 18 attached to it are shifted to the bottom. The slide assemblies 18 are spaced far enough apart to pass between the transport belts 16 to pick up the labels 8 from the transport belts 16 and apply them to the lid film 4.

(17) FIG. 5 shows in detail one of the slide assemblies 18 shown in FIG. 4 isolated. The slide assembly 18 has a modular assembly. The slide assembly 18 comprises in particular a base plate 26 and a large number of cassette modules 27 attached to it. The respective cassette modules 27 are attached to the base plate 26 by means of several coupling elements 28. According to FIG. 5, the respective coupling elements 28 are vertically aligned at a distance next to each other.

(18) In FIG. 5, six cassette modules 27a are attached to the base plate 26, each of which is configured to accommodate four pressing elements 19. Viewed from the outside right in the image plane, a cassette module 27b is attached which is only intended to accommodate two pressing elements 19.

(19) FIG. 5 also shows that the cassette modules 27 attached side by side to the base plate 26 are attached to each other. Connecting the respective cassette modules 27 is achieved by means of an upper row 29a of connector elements 29. A lower row 29b of connector elements 29 is attached to the respective cassette modules 27 to secure the pressing elements 19 arranged thereon.

(20) In FIG. 5, the respective pressing elements 19 are designed as slide pins 19a. The respective slide pins 19a are pre-tensioned by means of a spring 30 to the first position P1 shown in FIG. 5. When pressing the labels 8 onto the cover film 4, the respective slide pins 19a can be inserted into the cassette module 27 carrying them.

(21) FIG. 6 shows the slide assembly 18 shown in FIG. 5 in sectional view in line of sight A. The base plate 26 is assembled in alignment with the respective cassette modules 27 in a module plane M. The coupling elements 28 as well as the respective cassette modules 27 are configured and connected to each other in such a way that they form outer sides A1, A2, whereby the respective outer sides A1, A2 together define a guide level E. FIG. 6 also shows that an outer side A3 of the connector elements 29 lies within the guide level E. The respective outer sides A1, A2, A3 can thus together form an enlarged guide surface F in order to move the slide assembly 18 precisely along the guide level E. This also results in a smooth surface that is particularly suitable for hygienic operation, where impurities are reduced or even non-adherent.

(22) FIG. 7 shows the slide assembly 18 in an exploded view. The base plate 26 contains a large number of fixing openings 31 to which the coupling elements 28 can be attached. In addition, the base plate 26 has clearances 32 at which sprue points 33 of the coupling elements 28 can engage, whereby the clearances 32 can be used as alignment aids to secure the coupling elements 28 in vertical alignment. Furthermore, the base plate 26 includes a mounting part 34, by means of which the base plate 26 can be fastened to the lifting plate 23.

(23) FIG. 7 further shows an interface 35 for assembling the base plate 26 with the cassette modules 27, wherein the interface 35 is formed from a rectilinear end edge 35a of the base plate 26 and a corresponding rectilinear connecting edge 35b of the respective cassette modules 27. In the assembled state shown in FIG. 5, the coupling elements 28 hold the end edge 35a and the connecting edge 35b together so that the respective cassette modules 27 are fixed relative to the base plate 26.

(24) According to FIG. 7, the respective cassette modules 27 comprise retaining projections 36a, 36b in the area of the connection edge 35b, which are provided in such a way that the end edge 35a of the base plate 26 can be accommodated between them. The retaining projections 36a, 36b ensure that the cassette modules 27 remain firmly aligned with the base plate 26 along module level M, even during continuous operation.

(25) The respective cassette modules 27 are equipped with a first and a second receptacle 38a, 38b. FIG. 7 shows that the coupling elements 28 in the first receptacle 38a and the connector elements 29 in the second receptacle 38b are attachable.

(26) In FIG. 7, the respective cassette modules 27 are each shown as a pre-assembly module V1, V2, whereby the respective pre-assembly modules V1, V2 are fastened to the base plate 26 in a first assembly step by means of the coupling elements 28 next to each other and are then connected to each other in a second assembly step by means of the connector elements 29b, so that a stable bond can be produced for the slide assembly 18 overall.

(27) FIG. 8 shows a slide assembly 18′. As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of cassette modules 27′ are mounted side by side on a base plate 26′ along the defined interface 35 in accordance with the assembly of the slide assembly 18 shown in FIG. 5. In addition to the slide assembly 18 shown in FIG. 5, the slide assembly 18′ shown in FIG. 8 includes integrated coupling elements 28′ on the base plate 26′, which can be used as additional guide means. Together with the formed outer sides A1, A2, A3 of the coupling elements 28, the module cassettes 27 as well as the connector elements 29, the additionally provided coupling elements 28′ can further enlarge the guide surface F. For an improved guidance function, the respective coupling elements 28, 28′ are partially arranged overlapping in an area B.

(28) According to the schematic illustration in FIG. 9, the labelling device 6 according to the invention can also be used on a tray sealer 40.

(29) In the invention, the respective cassette modules 27 are primarily used as carrier units for the pressing elements 19. Therefore, the base plate 26 as such does not need to be designed to accommodate the respective pressing elements 19 with a plurality of specially designed mounting openings. The cassette modules 27 can be manufactured as injection-molded parts from a cost-effective material and can be manufactured without any problems and without any technical difficulties for mounting and assembling the respective pressing elements 19. For the manufacturing and application process, the combination of the respective modules of the inventive slide assembly 18, 18′ results in considerable advantages over the state of the art. In addition, the respective modules of the slide assemblies 18, 18′ according to the invention also offer advantages for their storage and can be considered for different applications. In addition, the modular design offers versatile extension options.

(30) 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.

(31) 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.

(32) 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.