Field of the Invention

The present relates to a safety release for a labelling tamp in an automated apparatus for application of labels on to packages and other good. It also relates to a kit and a method for obtaining said safety release.

Background of the Invention

Requirements for safety of automated industrial processes and machinery are continuing to increase. In automated apparatuses for application of labels on to packages and other goods there are many moving parts some of which are operated with substantial force of movement and thus the safety requirements are high.

Object of the Invention

According to the present is provided a safety release to mitigate the crush hazard in moveable parts in a labelling tamp apparatus.

Furthermore, a safety release is provided which adds little or no additional bulk to the overall apparatus.

Description of the Invention

These and other advantages are provided by a tamp safety connection for coupling a feed device with a tamp plate, said feed device arranged to move the tamp plate back and forth between a first retracted position and a second extended position, said tamp connection comprising at least one first connection part attached to the feed device and at least one matching second connection part attached to the tamp plate, wherein the at least one first connection part and the at least one second connection part are attached to each other in a releasable connection, wherein said releasable connection is arranged to be released by a torque force above a predetermined value applied to the releasable connection. As the releasable connection is released by a torque force an obstacle, for example a finger, which is caught between the tamp plate and another part of the surrounding apparatus will cause the release of the tamp plate and thereby prevent injury. The present solution offers an effective yet compact safety solution which with advantage may be provided in for example automated labelling apparatuses.

The first and second connection part may each comprise one or more connecting members. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more connecting members. Preferably the connecting members in use are arranged in a symmetrical arrangement with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the movement of the feed device in order to ensure a reliable rection to a torque force.

A simple safety connection may be provided if the releasable connection is a magnetic connection. A magnetic connection may offer a stable and reliable connection as it is not prone to mechanical wear. Furthermore, the strength of the releasable connection may be regulated by choosing sizes and/or shapes of the first connection part and/or the second connection part.

In some embodiments all connecting members may provide the same strength of connection. In other embodiments not all connecting members provide the same strength of connection whereby it may be easier to activate the release of the tamp plate by a force applied in some areas/direction than in others. In case of magnetic connections one or more of the connecting members may have a weaker magnet inlayed that the other connecting members.

If a protective sleeve shielding at least part of the connection is present the risk of a user getting caught is further reduced. The protective sleeve may be attached to the tamp plate in use whereby the protective sleeve also may be used to guide the reassembly of the releasable connection after release.

The present also relates to a kit for forming a tamp safety connection as described herein, said kit comprising: at least one first connection part, at least one matching second connection part, and optionally a protective sleeve The present application also relates to a movable tamp applicator comprising a feed device and a tamp plate, said feed device moving the tamp plate back and forth between a first retracted position and a second extended position, wherein feed device and a tamp plate are releasably connected by a tamp safety connection as described herein.

A tamp safety connection as described herein may be formed by attaching one or more first connecting members to the feed device, attaching one or more second connection members to a tamp plate and connecting the first and second connecting members to each other. A protection sleeve may be attached to the stamp plate. This protective sleeve may be used as guide when assembling the tamp safety connection.

Description of the Drawing

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a tamp safety connection attached a feed device and a tamp pate

Fig. 2a shows a tamp safety connection according to the present invention

Fig. 2b illustrates the release of a tamp plate upon application of a torque force

Fig. 3 shows a tamp safety connection as part of an apparatus

Fig. 4a and 4b shows exemplar configurations of the first connection parts

Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a tamp safety connection 1 connecting a feed device 2 with tamp plate 3.

Fig 2a Shows a cross sectional view of the tamp safety connection in fig. 1. The tamp safety connection releasably connects feed device 2 with tamp plate 3. The tamp safety connection here comprises first connection parts 4 attached to the feed device 2 and at least one matching second connection part 4 attached to the tamp plate 3. In the present example the first connection parts are identical having an elongated shape with first end 4a fixated in the feed device and at an opposing end having a head 4b with a magnetic insert 7. The magnetic insert ensures safe connection with the second connection part here in form of a metal plate.

Around the tamp safety connection is arranged a protective sleeve 6 which prevents anything getting caught in the tamp safety connection itself during the movement of the tamp plate between a retracted position and an extended position. The protective sleeve may also be used as a guide when assembling the tamp safety connection.

A force F is indicated to illustrate the effect of an object (not shown) getting caught by the tamp plate in motion. An object getting in the way of one side of the tamp plate will create a torque force around the tamp safety connection whereby the tamp plate together with the second connection part and protective sleeve will be released Fig 2b.

Fig 3 shows the tamp safety connection as part of a larger setup. Some of risk zones which the tamp safety connection offers protection in are indicated.

Fig 4a and 4b shows exemplary configurations of the first connection parts. In 4a four first connection parts are arranged in a square shaped arrangement. In Fig 4b a single connection part is arranged centred in relation to the feed device 2.

Fig. 5 shows an alternative view of a tamp safety connection. The protective sleeve 6 is indicated by dashed lines in order to provide a view of the first connection parts 4 attached to the feed device 2 and the matching second connection part 5 attached to the tamp plate 3.