DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention relates to a labelling apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a labelling apparatus for bottles and containers in general .

PRIOR ART

[0002] As is well known, bottle labelling techniques are divided into two main types: the technique using paper and glue and the technique using self-adhesive paper.

[0003] In the case of the technique using paper and glue, the labels are printed on a sheet of paper, cut to size, and then glue is applied to one label at a time.

[0004] On the other hand, in the case of the technique using self-adhesive paper, the labels are arranged on reels, one next to the other. The reels include a support layer, usually a sheet of silicone paper, to which the labels are attached before being detached and attached to the bottle.

[0005] In both cases, automatic or semi-automatic devices are known, which allow the label to be positioned on the bottle .

[0006] The most common technique is the technique using self-adhesive paper, which has some advantages over the technique using paper and glue.

[0007] A first advantage of the technique using self- adhesive paper is that the technique using paper and glue is complex and requires long initial setup times, and long cleaning times for the equipment at the end of production .

[0008] Initial setup means, for example, the acts of adjusting the section of the apparatus that is responsible for spreading a layer of glue on a label surface.

[0009] Precisely because there is a phase in which there is a distribution of glue, the equipment may become dirty and require cleaning at the end of the operating period, but also even during operation.

[0010] A second advantage related to the technique using self-adhesive paper is related to the cost and complexity of the machine, which are reduced as compared to the technique using paper and glue.

[0011] However, the technique using paper and glue does have some advantages over the technique using self- adhesive paper.

[0012] For example, the cost of the labels is very low compared to the technique using self-adhesive paper.

[0013] In addition, when printing the self-adhesive paper reel, long preparation and printing configuration times are required, wasting material resources and time.

[0014] Furthermore, in the case of self-adhesive paper label reels, the space required in the storage unit is about double that of labels to be used in the paper and glue technique. This disadvantage is due to the fact that a continuous support (the reel) is required for the labels .

[0015] In addition, during the labelling process, at the end of each reel, it is necessary to stop processing and replace the used reel with a new one. On the contrary, with the technique using paper and glue, it is not necessary to interrupt processing, since the labels may continue to be loaded into the machine during processing. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0016] There is thus a need to resolve the drawbacks and limitations mentioned with reference to known art.

[0017] Therefore, there is a need to provide a labelling apparatus that benefits from the advantages of the technique using paper and glue, but also the advantages of the technique using self-adhesive paper.

[0018] This requirement is met by a labelling apparatus according to claim 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description below of its preferred and non-limiting embodiments:

- figure 1 schematically shows a labelling apparatus according to the present invention;

- figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a section of a labelling apparatus according to the present invention;

- figure 3 schematically shows a side view of a section of a labelling apparatus according to the present invention;

- figure 4 schematically shows a plan view, from above, of a section of a labelling apparatus according to the present invention;

- figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of a section of a labelling apparatus according to the present invention;

- figure 6 schematically shows a perspective view of a section of a labelling apparatus according to the present invention;

- figure 7 schematically shows a plan view, from above, of a section of a labelling apparatus according to the present invention;

- figure 8 schematically shows a perspective view of a section of a labelling apparatus according to the present invention; and

figure 9 schematically shows a type of labels that may be used with the apparatus of the present invention.

[0020] Like elements or parts of elements among the embodiments described below will be denoted by like reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In figure 1, reference sign 12 denotes a labelling apparatus, in particular for bottles, according to the present invention.

[0022] The labelling equipment is adapted for use with labels 14 of the self-adhesive type, initially arranged on a support 16.

[0023] Figure 7 shows an example of a support 16 arranged with at least one label 14, in particular five labels 14. The labels 14 may be arranged side by side and may be spaced apart from one another. According to a possible embodiment, the support 16 may be a sheet of silicone paper .

[0024] As shown in figure 1, the labelling equipment 12 comprises a labelling unit 18 comprising a peeling head 20, a loading unit 22, and handling means 24.

[0025] The peeling head 20 is adapted to separate a label 14 at least partially from the support 16.

[0026] The handling means 24 are adapted to move a support

16 arranged with at least one label 14 from the loading unit 22 to the peeling head 20. [0027] The loading unit 18 comprises a storage unit 28 for a plurality of supports 16 having the shape of a sheet, each comprising at least one label 14.

[0028] The apparatus 12 also comprises a positioning unit 26 for the labelling unit 14 adapted to position the labelling unit 14 in the space.

[0029] According to a possible embodiment, the peeling head 20 comprises a drive unit 30, a peeling unit 32 and a waste extraction unit 34.

[0030] With reference to the embodiment shown in figures 2-

4, the drive unit 30 is adapted to feed into the inlet of the peeling unit 32 the support 16 comprising at least one label 14. In the same way, the waste removal unit 34 is adapted to remove the supports 16 without the at least one label 14 from the peeling unit 32.

[0031] The peeling unit 32 may comprise a support base 36 at the end of which there is arranged a central shaft 36 with a position lying substantially parallel to that of the support base 36. The opposite end of the support base faces the loading unit 22.

[0032] According to a possible embodiment, the peeling group 32 may comprise at least one peeling belt 40, 42.

[0033] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the peeling unit comprises an upper peeling belt 40 and a lower peeling belt 42. [0034] The central shaft 36 serves as a return for the peeling belts 40, 42 which wind around preferably in the proximity of an upper extremity 44 and of a lower extremity 46 of the central shaft 36.

[0035] The peeling belts pull the support 16, on which at least one label 14 is arranged, around the central shaft 36. In particular, the supports 16 are first arranged between the peeling belt 40, 42 and the support base 36, and, at the central shaft 36, the supports are arranged between the peeling belt 40, 42 and the central shaft.

[0036] When the support passes by the central shaft 36, which has a predetermined diameter, a change of direction takes place, which allows the label 14 to lift up with one of its edges from the support 16.

[0037] Where an upper peeling belt 40 and a lower peeling belt 42 are provided, these shall be placed at a distance from one another greater than the corresponding label size, but shall be placed at a distance from one another less than the corresponding support size 16.

[0038] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the upper peeling belt 40 and the lower peeling belt 42 may be adjusted and adapted to different label and/or support dimensions.

[0039] The central shaft may advantageously have a diameter between 3 mm and 5 mm. [0040] According to a possible embodiment, the peeling unit

32 may comprise a first side drum 48 and a second side drum 50, and also a first return 52 and a second return 54, which together with the central shaft 38 produce the elements on which the upper and lower peeling belts 40, 42 are wound. The central shaft 38 is placed between and in the vicinity of the returns 52, 54. The side drums 48, 50 are arranged in substantially symmetrical positions with respect to the support base. The first drum 48 is in a position between the drive unit 30 and the peeling unit 32. The second drum 50 is in a position between the waste extraction unit 34 and the peeling unit 32.

[0041] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the rotation axes of the side drums 48, 50 are parallel to each other. Advantageously, the axes of rotation of the side drums may be parallel to the direction of development of the returns 52, 54 and the central shaft 38.

[0042] The side drums and returns may be arranged on relative supports, which will not be described in detail as they are known to the person skilled in the art .

[0043] As shown in figure 4, the winding may be such that each of the peeling belts 40, 42 is wound externally with respect to the side drums 48, 52 and returns 52, 54. In addition, the peeling belt 40, 42 between the two side drums 48, 50 is wound in the vicinity of the central shaft 38, defining a feed section of the support 16 between the first side drum 48 and the central shaft, and a waste extraction section between the central shaft 38 and the second side drum 50.

[0044] According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the first and second side drums 48, 50 is driving and therefore allows the movement of the upper and lower peeling belts 40, 42.

[0045] According to a possible embodiment, the drive unit

30 comprises a first rear drum 56 and at least one drive belt 58. The drive belt 58 is wound between the first side drum 48 and the first rear drum 56.

[0046] The at least one drive belt 58 may have a section facing the support base 36 to drive the support 16 comprising at least one label 14 towards the peeling unit 32. Advantageously, there may be three drive belts 58.

[0047] According to a possible embodiment, the waste extraction unit 34 comprises a second rear drum 60 and at least one waste extraction belt 62. The waste extraction belt 62 is wound between the second side drum 50 and the second rear drum 60. The at least one waste extraction belt 62 has a section facing the support base 36 to drive the support 16 without the at least one label 14 towards the loading unit 22. [0048] According to a possible embodiment, the labelling unit comprises a drive unit 64 to drive the upper and lower peeling belts 40, 42, the at least one drive belt 58 and the at least one waste extraction belt 62.

[0049] The drive unit 64 may comprise a first side drive drum 66 and a second side drive drum 68 placed on the sides of the support base 36 and connected in rotation with a motor drive 70.

[0050] The first side drive drum 66 and the second side drive drum 68 may be connected in rotation through drive belts 72, 74 to respective first and second side drive drums 48, 50.

[0051] Advantageously, thanks to the above-described returns, it is therefore possible to use only one motor drive for the operation of the peeling head 20.

[0052] In alternative embodiments, it is still possible to use a plurality of motor drives.

[0053] Figure 6 shows a possible embodiment of a loading unit 22.

[0054] As indicated above, the loading unit 22 comprises a storage unit 28 adapted to hold a plurality of supports 16 having the shape of sheets, each comprising at least one label 14.

[0055] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit 28 may fundamentally comprise a support base 76 on which supports 16 may be stacked and two side containment surfaces 78, 80.

[0056] The side surfaces 78, 80 may be made of sheet metal, while the support base 76 may be made of rollers 82, which may be static or adapted to rotate around their own axis .

[0057] In an opposite position with respect to the support base 76, a containment element 84 may be arranged for the supports 16. The containment element 84 may, for example, be a cylindrical element, connected to the side connection surfaces by elastic means 86. The elastic means 86 (for example springs) may be adapted to move the cylindrical element 84 towards the support base 76. The elastic means are therefore adapted to keep the supports 16 with the labels 18 compact with each other, and at the same time to keep them firmly attached to the support base 76.

[0058] According to a possible embodiment, the section of the support base in the vicinity of the handling means 24 may be inclined at an angle of between 5° and 30° to the direction of the support base 36.

[0059] As shown in figure 7, according to a possible embodiment, the handling means 24 may comprise movement rollers 86, 88 between which is arranged at least one movement belt 90. Advantageously, the movement belts 90 may be two in number and spaced apart from one another.

The at least one movement belt may be rubberized and therefore adapted for driving.

[0060] According to a possible embodiment, the handling means may also comprise at least one rubberized counter rotation wheel 92, adapted to interact with the overlapping edges of the supports 16 when they are in the storage unit 28.

[0061] As shown in the example in figure 6, there may be two rubberized counter-rotation wheels 92.

[0062] The interaction between the movement belt and the rubberized wheel 92 allows the extraction of a single support 16 at a time, arranged with at least one label, from the pack of supports 16.

[0063] According to a possible embodiment, a single motor drive may be arranged for the movement of the movement belt and rubberized wheel. In alternative embodiments, two separate motor drives may be provided.

[0064] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit may be adapted to hold up to 1500 supports with at least one label.

[0065] According to a possible embodiment, the positioning unit 26 may be a Stewart platform (or hexapod) .

[0066] As is known, a Stewart platform has the ability to move with six degrees of freedom, allowing accurate positioning of the labelling unit in space relative to the bottle on which the label is to be applied.

[0067] The Stewart platform comprises a support base 262 and a movement base 264, which are connected to each other by six linear actuators 266, which are connected to the bases by means of couplings 268, 270.

[0068] As is known, the actuation of the actuators allows the movement base 264 to be positioned with six degrees of freedom in space.

[0069] Alternative embodiments are possible for the positioning unit, such as an anthropomorphic arm, or Cartesian-type handling means.

[0070] According to a possible embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a programmable control unit adapted to manage the motor drives and/or the positioning unit.

[0071] In particular, the labelling apparatus may comprise sensors, for example of the optical type, adapted to detect the shape of a bottle, and which, through the programmable control unit, allow automatic positioning in space of the labelling unit for positioning the label on the bottle.

[0072] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the labelling apparatus may be used with bottle supports of a type known per se, comprising a rotating platform. Advantageously, the apparatus of the present invention may be adapted for use with supports that rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0073] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the adaptation between the different directions of rotation may be made by moving the loading unit .

[0074] The advantages offered by the labelling apparatus according to the present invention are therefore evident.

[0075] First of all, an extremely flexible labelling apparatus has been provided, which may be used with any type of bottle.

[0076] In addition, a labelling apparatus has been provided that does not require stops to be made in order to replace a used reel for one with labels. In fact, using sheets, the storage unit of the loading unit may be reloaded with new supports 16 with labels 14 even during the operation of the apparatus.

[0077] Furthermore, an apparatus has been provided which, using supports having the shape of sheets, makes it possible to save on label printing costs. In fact, the labels may be printed on a sheet that may then be die-cut to produce the pack of supports to be inserted in the loading unit .

[0078] Proceeding from the embodiments described above, a person skilled in the art may, in order to satisfy specific requirements, make changes and/or replace described elements with equivalent elements, without departing from the scope of the accompanying claims.