EP1627816A1 - Method for labelling containers and labelling machine for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Abstract

The method for labeling bottles uses a sensor unit (11) to determine the shape and position of bottles mounted on rotating plates (6) on a turntable (7). These are compared with desired values and labeling units (15, 16) adjusted to ensure that the label is correctly positioned. An independent claim is included for a machine for carrying out the method.

Description

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a labeling machine according to the preamble of claim 14.

Container or contour container, such. As bottles, cans, etc., for packaging a variety of products such. As for the packaging of drinks or other liquids, bulk materials, etc., have manufacturing tolerances, depending on the type of container, but also depending on the particular measurement point or location where the dimensional tolerances are determined in diameter, for example can be up to +/- 2 mm and in height, for example, up to +/- 1 mm.

If such containers are labeled, these dimensional deviations or tolerances can lead to the respective label not having the desired position on the container in question, and in particular also several labels arranged on different regions of a container, for example the neck, chest and / or neck. or hull label of a bottle are not aligned in the desired manner to each other, ie the vertical symmetry or center axes of neck, chest and / or torso labels are no longer in the desired manner on a line or the lateral distances between a breast label and a back label no longer match. Such deviations in the position of the labels caused by dimensional deviations of the respective container can thus impair the appearance or the optical appearance of the respective labeled container to such an extent that the high quality requirements of, for example, a filling operation and / or the end user are not fulfilled.

The object of the invention is to provide a method which, even with tolerances or deviations in the contour or in the dimensions of the container an optimal, correct position application, in particular several Enables labels on the same container and thus ensures an attractive, visual appearance for each labeled container.

To solve this problem, a method according to claim 1 is formed. A labeling machine for performing this method is the subject of claim 14.

Fig. 1

in vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung und in Draufsicht eine Etikettiermaschine zum Etikettieren von Flaschen oder dergleichen Kontur-Behältern;

Fig. 2

in vereinfachter Darstellung und in Seitenansicht eine Flasche auf einem als Behälter- oder Flaschenträger dienenden Drehteller der Etikettiermaschine der Figur 1;

Fig. 3

in schematischer Darstellung ein Brust- und Rumpfetikett in ihrer Zuordnung zueinander zur Erläuterung der Erfindung bzw. der erfindungsgemäßen Steuerung der Etikettiermaschine der Figur 1;

Fig. 4

in einer schematischen Teildarstellung unterschiedliche Flaschendurchmesser zur Erläuterung der Erfindung.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of an embodiment. Show it:

Fig. 1

in a simplified schematic representation and in plan view of a labeling machine for labeling bottles or similar contour containers;

Fig. 2

in a simplified representation and in side view of a bottle on serving as a container or bottle carrier turntable of the labeling machine of Figure 1;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a breast and torso label in their assignment to each other to explain the invention and the inventive control of the labeling machine of Figure 1;

Fig. 4

in a schematic partial representation of different bottle diameters for explaining the invention.

The generally designated 1 in the figures labeling machine is used for labeling bottles 2, which are filled with a liquid product and sealed at its mouth with a cap 3, each with labels 4 and 5, of which the label 4 a breast label and the label 5 is a hull label. For this purpose, the label 4 is applied to the bottle area 2. 1, which widens toward the bottom of the bottle, and the label 5 is applied to the bottle body 2, which is slightly waisted in the illustrated embodiment and which is rotationally symmetrical to its axis in the illustrated embodiment ,

Depending on the type of container or bottle 2 and as a function of the measuring point, the bottles 2 may have a diameter tolerance of up to +/- 2.5 mm and a height of up to +/- 1 mm, depending on the production ,

The aim is that after labeling each bottle 2, the labels 4 and 5 have a predetermined position with respect to the contour of the bottle 2 and also relative to each other.

The production-related dimensional deviations of the bottles 2 with respect to the bottle diameter and / or the bottle height can now cause the labels 4 and 5 are not aligned in the desired manner relative to the contour of the bottle 2 and / or not in the desired manner relative to each other.
Such a situation is shown in FIG. 3 by the offset of the symmetry or center axis M4 of the label 4 and the symmetry or center axis M5 of the label 5 in the bottle circumferential direction and by the offset indicated in FIG. 3 by the broken lines 4.1 and 5.1 the labels 4 and 5 in the direction of the bottle axis exemplified schematically.

By a corresponding, described in more detail below control of the labeling machine 1 or the bottle carrier or turntable 6 on the circumference of a vertical machine axis circumferentially driven turntable 7 this is due to dimensional deviations of the bottles 2 erroneous and the visual appearance of the labeled bottles 2 impairing faulty position the labels 4 and 5 avoided.

For labeling the bottles 2, these are supplied to the turntable 7 in the usual way via a feed dog 8 and an inlet star 9.1, so that each bottle with its axis oriented in a vertical direction with the bottom of the bottle on a turntable 6 and there in a suitable manner, for example, each by a z. B. spring-loaded punch 10 is secured against falling over. The labeled bottles 2 are removed via an outlet star 9.2 the turntable 7 and the turntables 6 and fed via the feed dog 8 for further use.

In the direction of rotation (arrow A) of the turntable 7 following the bottle inlet formed by the inlet star 9.1 is provided on the machine frame of the labeling machine 1, a camera 11 an image processing 12, in such a way that with this system or with the local computer 13 respectively the dimensional tolerances and / or actual dimensions of each of the camera 11 moving past the bottle are determined, and as deviations from the corresponding setpoints, the dimensional tolerances of the bottle diameter, for example in the chest and torso area as well as the dimensional tolerances in height. In the computer 13 of the image processing 12, the setpoint values of the contours or the diameters and the heights for the respective type of bottle or container are stored for this purpose.

Depending on the results of the measurement and / or analysis of the respective bottle 2 by the image processing 12 is then controlled by the computer 13 control device 14, a controlled rotation (rotational adjustment) of each turntable 6 and thus turning the respective bottle 2 to its vertical Bottle axis as a function of the determined diameter tolerances (double arrow B) and a height adjustment of the respective turntable 6 in the direction of the vertical axis in dependence on determined tolerances in the height of the respective bottle 2 such that following the direction of rotation A to the camera 11, on Machine frame provided labeling stations or units 15 and 16, the respective label 4 and 5 are applied to the relevant bottle 2 in the respective desired position and in a precise arrangement relative to each other.

The respectively required rotational adjustment and / or height adjustment of each turntable 6 takes place in the illustrated embodiment, for example twice, once before reaching the labeling station 15 and then again before reaching the direction of rotation A following labeling 16. After the transfer of the labels 4 and 5 to a Bottle 2 is then carried out by not shown Andrückstelemente the usual pressing and brushing these labels.

Before the bottle outlet formed by the outlet star 9.2, a further camera 17 is provided on the machine frame of the labeling machine 1, which is also part of the computer-aided image processing 12 and with the labeled bottles 2 are shown on their labels 4 and 5 provided bottle side, so that with the image signal supplied by the camera 17 in the computer 13 of the image processing the scoring Etikettierergebnis can be analyzed, ie, for example It can be checked whether the labels 4 and 5 have the desired association with one another and the desired position on the respective bottle 2. Furthermore, the result of this analysis can also be used to optimize the orientation of the newly labeled bottles 2, ie, the rotation and height adjustment for these bottles 2 and / or already a certain preset the turntable 6 in the direction of rotation A before reaching the Camera 11 make.

It is likewise provided in a further embodiment of the present invention that at least one second sensor device or camera 11 (not shown) is arranged on the circumference of the turntable 7. The task of this at least one second camera 11, in conjunction with the already existing or a further system for image processing 12, to analyze the position of the labels previously applied by the labeling units 15, 16 and taking into account the determined dimensional deviations of the bottle 2 the labeling process to control that subsequently attached labels, eg Back labels, properly positioned. It is also envisaged to apply the subsequent labels not only in the correct orientation to the bottle 2, but also in the correct orientation to the already applied labels, so that e.g. the two resulting distances of the vertical side edges of breast and back label are the same size.

The invention has been explained in more detail above using an exemplary embodiment. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without thereby departing from the spirit of the invention. So it is for example possible to make the height adjustment not by raising and / or lowering the turntable 6 in the vertical direction, but by a corresponding height adjustment of the respective labeling unit 15 and / or 16 or a label transfer element of the respective unit.

Especially in the processing of self-adhesive labels, it is also possible with the help of the signals supplied by the computer 13 to control the labeling such that, depending on the existing tolerances of the bottle diameter, a shift in the time of dispensing or transfer of the respective self-adhesive label to the takes place around its container axis rotating container.

Furthermore, it is also possible, at least instead of the camera 11, to use another sensor device with which the respective actual bottle diameter or the respective actual bottle height is detected.

The invention has been explained above on the labeling machine 1 for bottles 2. It is understood that the invention or the inventive method for other containers or contour container of any kind z. B. for liquids, bulk, etc. is suitable. Of course, the invention is of course not limited to the labeling of containers with breast and hull labels, but is equally suitable for labeling of any kind, e.g. also with neck and / or back labels.

For further explanation, the course of the peripheral surface of three bottles 2 with different diameters is shown in FIG. 4 with the lines 2a-2c, the line 2a corresponding, for example, to the nominal diameter and the lines 2b and 2c to bottle diameters deviating from this nominal diameter.

The transfer of the labels to the respective labeling unit 15 or 16 takes place in each case at the area marked by the line 18. 19 denotes the respectively desired position of the center of the label (center or symmetry axis M4 or M5) on the bottle 2.

It can be seen that with dimensional deviations of the bottle circumference (lines 2b and 2c) without a rotational adjustment of the respective bottle 2 or the turntable 6 or without an adjustment of the dispensing time, the respective transferred to the line 18 with one side of the bottle circumference label with its center or symmetry axis does not come to rest on the point 19, but on the bottle circumference 2b on the point 19.1 and on the bottle diameter 2c on the point 19.2. In order to achieve the exact position of the label, in the bottle diameter 2b a rotational adjustment of the bottle 2 according to the arrow B 'and in the bottle diameter 2c a rotational adjustment of the bottle 2 according to the arrow B "in the opposite direction is necessary premature and, in case 2b, a delayed triggering of the dispensing procedure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

labeling

2

bottle

2.1

neck

2.2

chest

2.3

trunk area

3

shutter

4

chest label

5

body label

6

turntable

7 -

Rotor or turntable

8th

carrier

9.1

feed star

9.2

outlet star

10

stamp

11

camera

12

image processing

13

Computer of image processing

14

control device

15, 16

labeling

17

another camera

18

Label transfer position

19, 19.1, 19.2

Location of the label center

Arrow A.

Direction of rotation of the rotor or turntable 7

Arrow B

Rotary adjustment of the turntable 6

Arrow C

Height adjustment of the turntable 6

Claims (24)

Method for labeling bottles or similar contour containers (2) with at least one label (4, 5), in which (method) the containers (2) are arranged on container carriers (6) of a transport path (7) arranged on at least one labeling unit (15, 16 ) are passed and in each case at least one label (4, 5) passed with a label side to the outer surface of the respective container (2) and then subsequently attached from this label side to the container outer surface, characterized
in that by means of at least one first sensor unit (11) on the transport path (7) the contour of the respective container (2) and / or the dimensions of this contour that are critical for the labeling and / or the position already applied to the container (2) Forming an actual value are detected, and that, taking into account the deviation of the actual value of a set value of the labeling of the respective label (4, 5) to the container to be labeled (2) is controlled such that the respective label (4, 5) after the Applying to the container (2) there has the desired position. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that in dependence on the respective actual value, a rotational adjustment (B) of the respective container (2) or a container (2) carrying this container carrier (6) takes place about a container axis. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that depending on the actual value, a temporal control of the transfer of the respective label (3, 4) to the respective past a labeling unit (15, 16) passing and rotating around its container axis container ( 2) takes place. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , depending on the actual value, a height adjustment of the respective container (2) or of the container carrier (6) takes place relative to the labeling unit (15, 16). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , depending on the actual value, a height adjustment of the labeling unit (15, 16) takes place relative to the respective container (2) or the container carrier (6). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the respective container (2) at least two labels (4, 5) are applied to spatially separated areas, such as a neck, chest, torso and / or back label. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the application of the at least two labels takes place in succession, and that at least after the application of a time-first label, the further transfer of one or more labels is controlled in dependence on the actual signal. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement of the labels (4, 5) on the containers (2) is detected or analyzed using at least one second sensor unit (17). A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the signals supplied by the at least one second sensor unit (17) are used for additional control of the label transfer to the container (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the use of a first and / or second sensor unit with at least one opto-electrical sensor. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the use of at least one camera as the first and / or second sensor unit. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the use of an image recognition for generating control signals for controlling the label transfer. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the containers (2) are arranged for labeling on a rotating table or rotor (7) driven circumferentially about a vertical machine axis. Labeling machine for labeling bottles or similar contour container (2) with at least one label (4, 5), in which (labeling) the container (2) on container carriers (6) a transport path (7) arranged on at least one labeling unit (15, 16 ) are passed and thereby in each case at least one label (4, 5) with a label side to the outer surface of the respective container (2) handed over (label transfer) and then subsequently attached from this label side to the container outer surface,
marked
by a control device (12) with at least one first sensor unit (11) on the transport path (7), with which the contour of the respective container (2) and / or the dimensions of this contour critical for the labeling and / or the position already on the Container (2) applied labels (4, 5) are detected as the actual value and the taking into account the deviation of this actual value of a target value of the labeling of the respective label (4, 5) to the container to be labeled (2) is controlled such that the respective label (4, 5) after application to the container (2) there has the desired position. Labeling machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the control device (12) in dependence on the respective actual value, a rotational adjustment (B) of the respective container (2) or a container (2) carrying container carrier (6) causes about a container axis. Labeling machine according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the control device (12) as a function of the actual value, a temporal control of the transfer of the respective label (3, 4) to the respective past a labeling unit (15, 16) and over its container axis causes rotating container (2). Labeling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (12) in dependence on the actual value causes a height adjustment of the respective container (2) or the container carrier (6) relative to the labeling unit (15, 16). Labeling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (12) in dependence on the actual value causes a height adjustment of the labeling unit (15, 16) relative to the respective container (2) or the container carrier (6). Labeling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one second sensor unit (17) on the transport path (7) for detecting the arrangement of the labels (4, 5) on the containers (2). Labeling machine according to claim 19, characterized in that the control device (12) uses the signals supplied by the at least one second sensor unit (17) for additional control of the label transfer to the containers (2). Labeling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second sensor unit comprises at least one opto-electrical sensor. Labeling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one camera as first and / or second sensor unit. Labeling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an image recognition for generating control signals for controlling the label transfer. Labeling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport path is a rotary table or rotor (7) driven peripherally around a vertical machine axis.

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