EP0831029A1 - Mechanism for applying labels to the inside of a carton - Google Patents
Mechanism for applying labels to the inside of a carton Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0831029A1 EP0831029A1 EP97202793A EP97202793A EP0831029A1 EP 0831029 A1 EP0831029 A1 EP 0831029A1 EP 97202793 A EP97202793 A EP 97202793A EP 97202793 A EP97202793 A EP 97202793A EP 0831029 A1 EP0831029 A1 EP 0831029A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- vacuum
- labels
- cartons
- label
- carton
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/08—Label feeding
- B65C9/18—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls
- B65C9/1865—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels adhering on a backing strip
- B65C9/1876—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels adhering on a backing strip and being transferred by suction means
- B65C9/1884—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels adhering on a backing strip and being transferred by suction means the suction means being a movable vacuum arm or pad
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/08—Label feeding
- B65C9/18—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls
- B65C9/1803—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels being cut from a strip
- B65C9/1815—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels being cut from a strip and transferred by suction means
- B65C9/1826—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels being cut from a strip and transferred by suction means the suction means being a movable vacuum arm or pad
Definitions
- This invention relates to a label feeder. More particularly, the invention relates to a label applicator mechanism and method which delivers individual labels to open-ended containers as the containers move along a packaging conveyor.
- Label applicators typically apply labels to articles as the articles are conveyed past the label applicator. Usually, the labels are releasably adhered, in a single column, to an elongated backing strip. The label applicator removes one of the labels from the backing strip and releasably retains it at a labeling station. As the articles to be labeled near the removed label, it is applied to the articles. Label applicators of this type are shown, for example, in US-A-3,093,528; 3,729,362; 4,024,011 and Re. 30,149.
- Label applicators of this type while satisfactory for many applications can introduce delay into an assembly or packaging operation in which labeling must be carried out.
- label indexing or advancement that is, the removal of a label from a backing strip and applying it to a suitable retaining means, is relatively slow while the transfer of a retained label to the article can be rapidly carried out.
- Label indexing can be sufficiently slow so that the labeling function is the slowest operation on the production line.
- An additional problem in the high speed labeling of articles is to provide labels containing unique information for each individual package, such as weight, product size, a bar code, or a product identification number.
- an automatic labeling device for applying the labels to product units.
- the device includes a conveyor for continuously conveying a series of identified product containers in which the product is to be sold.
- the system or device for applying tags or labels to the inside of cartons consists of a commercially available labeling machine that is interfaced to a translation mechanism.
- the mechanism is mechanically linked and driven by the main line shaft of a cartoning machine.
- tags or labels can be placed in the inside of a carton at relatively high speed.
- the novel features of the system can include a barrel cam translation device that would provide movement along the "X" and "Y" axis of the plane of travel of the cartons and labels.
- This device is integrated with a labeling machine such that a tag or label is dispensed to a vacuum grid which is mounted on the translation device.
- tags or labels can be applied to the inside of cartons while the product is being packaged; the percentage of product tagged or labeled can be 25, 33, 50 or 100 depending on the request by the customer; packaging of the product is not dependent upon receiving pre-tagged or labeled cartons which could be a scheduling concern; and all product currently requiring tags or labels need not be done manually.
- the translation mechanism is driven by mechanically coupling a drive component on the cartoner, such as a line drive shaft to the input shaft on the translation mechanism. This may be accomplished using a sprocket on each shaft and linking them together using a roller chain.
- the cartoner in this process has a ratio of (1/2) rotation of the line drive shaft to (1) pitch travel of the carton nest; for example, if the nests are spaced 4.50" apart on the cartoner carrier chain then (1) pitch equals 4.50".
- the barrel cam translation device thus, provides movement along the carton nest travel direction ("X" direction) and along the label insertion direction ("Y” direction).
- the (2) directions are 90° apart.
- the movement along both "X” and “Y” directions may be given with reference to a known period in the cycle of the cartoner, such as the carton travel of (2) pitches, which equals (1) rotation of the cartoner line drive shaft. This may be equated to degrees of rotation such that 360° equals (1) rotation of the cartoner line drive shaft and a movement of (2) pitches of the carton nest.
- a rotation of 180° would mean a (1/2) rotation of the line shaft and a single pitch movement of the carton nest.
- the translation device also has a known ratio between the input shaft and the (2) cams that provide "X" and "Y” travel of the support arm.
- Figure 1 A, B, C, and D describe the process of dispensing and applying labels to the inside of a carton.
- Figure 2 illustrates the movement of vacuum grids relative to cartons.
- Figure 3 shows x and y displacement relative to degrees of motion.
- Figure 4 a, b and c shows location of carton flaps during labeling.
- Figure 5 shows a barrel cam translation device
- Figure 1 shows the process of dispensing either one or a multiplicity (2 shown in Figure 1) of labels to the inside of cartons which are moving through a packaging process.
- the process of the present invention allows the labeling of the inside of a carton, such as photographic film-containing cartons, while not slowing down or stopping the packaging process.
- the process begins at 0°, the degree location of the input drive shaft of the translation mechanism. At this point the translation device is at its start position ready to receive a label from the label feeder.
- the first label is fed from the label feeder 1 to the first vacuum head 2 containing a vacuum grid (not shown).
- the vacuum head is supported by support arm 7.
- the vacuum mechanism comprises a support 7 for vacuum heads 2 and 3.
- the vacuum grid is a component which consists of a series and pattern of holes which allow the transfer of the label from the label liner to the vacuum grid. This component maintains position of the label until the appropriate time for placement into the carton.
- the translation mechanism creates motion in the x-y plane and moves the support arm 7 from the label pick up position, into the carton, for label application, and back to the label pick up position.
- pick-and-place translation mechanisms combine 2 linear ball bearing slides. One travels in the "X” direction while the second which is mounted to the first, travels in the "Y” direction. Both are driven independently by cams, usually through the engagement of a cam follower bearing, mounted off the slide, to a precision machined recessed groove in the cam. Cam paths are machined in each cam to give precise "X” and "Y” motion for each slide. Since the transfer mechanism is mechanically linked to the cartoner nest drive, the "X" direction cam is machined to accelerate the support arm to match speed and location with the moving nests. When the arm reaches the end of its movement, it reverses direction to pick up new tags and the cycle repeats.
- Figure 1 shows the entire process of dispensing two tags or labels and applying them to the inside of a carton.
- the process begins at 0° when the first tag or label is fed from the label feeder to the first vacuum head.
- the translation device advances to 100° where the next label is fed to the second vacuum grid.
- the device advances to 160° where the tags are moved to a registered location.
- the vacuum grids accelerate and achieve the same linear speed as the cartons while the vacuum grids enter the opened cartons.
- the tags are blown onto the inside of the carton.
- the device moves the vacuum grids out of the cartons and returns to the first label feed position.
- the device is now ready for the next cycle.
- Figure 2 shows the movement and/or location of the vacuum grids relative to the cartons.
- Figure 3 shows "X” and "Y" displacement relative to degrees of motion.
- Figure 4 shows possible locations of the carton flaps during tag application.
- Figure 5 shows a typical barrel cam translation device.
- a novel feature of the apparatus is a cam such as a barrel cam translation device which is linked to a vacuum grid that provides movement along the x-y axis of the plane of travel of the cartons and labels.
- This device is integrated with a labeling machine such that the label is dispersed to a vacuum grid which is mounted on the translation device. Since the translation device is mechanically linked to the carton or container, a predetermined motion can be devised that permits the vacuum grids to enter the cartons and apply the labels.
- the advantages of the apparatus and method are that the labels can be applied to the inside of cartons while the product is being packaged. All product currently requires labels to be applied manually or to stop or slow down the packaging process when the labels are applied. In addition, the packaging of the product is not dependent on receiving prelabeled cartons which causes packaging problems. In addition, a certain percentage of product can be labeled rather than all. Thus, the percentage of product labeled using the apparatus and method of this invention could be anywhere from 1% to 100% of products labeled.
- the travel of the vacuum grid follows along an x and y axis. This travel is basically a plane along which the carton and tags lie.
- a labeling machine (which is not shown) can be conventional such as is commonly and commercially available. The labels are to be applied to cartons 5 and 6.
- the labeling machine advances the label and liner upon demand. As the label liner passes over a peel bar the label separates from the liner and is placed on the vacuum head.
- Labeling machines that apply labels to containers are commercially available such as the label application model 2111 by Label-Aire which allows high speed label application up to 1600 inches of label liner per minute.
- This labeling machine contains microprocessor controls and can handle a wide variety of label sizes and can be moved from one production line to another.
- the cartons are positioned at a fixed pitch to the vacuum heads. This is done so the cartons and vacuum grids remain in phase with each other.
- the device next advances to position 3 at 160° where the labels are moved to a registered location.
- the registered location is determined by fixed posts 8, 9 to locate label location.
- the heads are advanced in the X direction. This is accomplished by moving the labels against the stop posts to achieve consistent label location.
- the support and heads accelerate by motion of the translation mechanism so that they achieve the same linear speed as that of the cartons while the vacuum heads enter the opened cartons.
- the vacuum heads are then moved back to position 1 and the apparatus is ready for the next cycle.
- Figure 2 shows the movement and location of the vacuum grid and heads relative to the cartons.
- the second label is fed to the vacuum grid
- the labels are moved against stop points 5 and 6 which register the labels by sliding the labels on the vacuum grid to the fixed position.
- the speed of the support is matched to the speed of the cartons.
- the labels are blown onto the cartons, at position 5 the support begins to accelerate out of the cartons; and at position 6, vacuum head 2 is ready to receive the next label.
- Figure 3 is an X-Y displacement sample which shows the relative motion per degrees of rotation of the input drive shaft to the translation mechanism in the x-y plane.
- Figure 4 shows some possible locations of the carton flaps during the labeling.
- the minor flaps 4 of the carton are trailing.
- the application head pushes one flap in during insertion in to the carton and the flap springs back after retraction.
- Figure 5 shows the barrel cam translation device which creates the x-y motion required.
- the labels in Figure 1 are blown off the vacuum head and onto the carton by air.
- the vacuum apparatus contains one or a plurality of heads.
- the translation device is mechanically linked to the carton machine by mechanical drive elements so that the predetermined motion will permit the vacuum head to enter the cartons and apply the labels.
- the vacuum support is mounted on the translation device by mechanical hardware.
Landscapes
- Labeling Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A method for applying labels to the inside of containers and a label
applicator comprises moving containers through a packaging process, moving a vacuum
head (2) by a translator mechanism to a first position to pick up a label, moving
the translation mechanism to a second position where a second label is fed to a second
vacuum head (3), advancing the heads to a third position, a registration position
moving the labels at the same speed as that of the moving
containers, entering the containers and to the fourth position where the labels are
blown off the vacuum heads and onto the inside of the containers, returning to the
first position and continuously repeating the process.
Description
This is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 08/710,800
filed September 23, 1996 entitled "Mechanism for Applying Labels to the Inside of
a Carton" by William J. Meyers and Alex Saveliev.
This invention relates to a label feeder. More particularly, the
invention relates to a label applicator mechanism and method which delivers
individual labels to open-ended containers as the containers move along a
packaging conveyor.
Label applicators typically apply labels to articles as the articles are
conveyed past the label applicator. Usually, the labels are releasably adhered, in a
single column, to an elongated backing strip. The label applicator removes one of
the labels from the backing strip and releasably retains it at a labeling station. As
the articles to be labeled near the removed label, it is applied to the articles. Label
applicators of this type are shown, for example, in US-A-3,093,528; 3,729,362;
4,024,011 and Re. 30,149.
US-A-Re. 23,668 to Von Hofe describes the application of labels to
the inside of hollow stationary articles by means of a reciprocating suction head
which moves in only one direction to apply labels. There is no movement of
apparatus in the X-Y plane and the mechanism cannot be used to apply labels to
the inside of hollow transversally moving articles without stopping the conveying
process.
Label applicators of this type, while satisfactory for many
applications can introduce delay into an assembly or packaging operation in which
labeling must be carried out. For example, label indexing or advancement; that is,
the removal of a label from a backing strip and applying it to a suitable retaining
means, is relatively slow while the transfer of a retained label to the article can be
rapidly carried out. Label indexing can be sufficiently slow so that the labeling
function is the slowest operation on the production line.
Other work operations also involve US-A-Re. 23,668 to Von Hofe
describes application of labels to the inside of hollow stationary articles by
movement of a reciprocating suction head which moves in only one direction to
apply labels. There is no movement of apparatus in the x-y plane and the
mechanism should be used to apply labels to the inside of hollow transversally
moving articles without stopping the conveying process. The repetitive supply of
elements to a work station so that such elements can be affixed, assembled,
laminated, and so forth, to articles being conveyed through the work station. In
some of the work operations, the repetitive supply of the elements is the slowest
step in the process, and accordingly, this limits the speed with which the articles
can be conveyed through the work station. Thus, other work operations involve
problems similar to the label application problem described above.
An additional problem in the high speed labeling of articles is to
provide labels containing unique information for each individual package, such as
weight, product size, a bar code, or a product identification number.
Most labels are applied directly on the outside of the container using
direct applications to apply the label to the outside of the carton or container for
the goods sold. However, in many applications, for instance in the sale of
consumer goods such a photographic film and like materials to be sold in
department stores or discount stores where shoplifting is a major problem, the
labels that are adhered to the cartons are treated either electrically or magnetically
to register that the carton has been paid for before it left the premises. Thus,
counter salespeople will deactivate the labels as they are paid for so that a store's
detectors will not be activated in order to prevent theft.
The problem with these labels is that they are still susceptible to
theft. In many cases, the labels on the outside of the container can be removed or
switched prior to its reaching the cash register. Because of this problem, many
department stores and other retailers are asking manufacturers of these goods to
put the labels in the inside of the carton or container so they can be read accurately
and the label can not be tampered with. This represents a major problem for
manufacturers, it is very inconvenient to apply labels to the inside of a carton. To
use the processes described above that are used to apply the labels to the outside of
the containers will require tedious apparatus and extreme difficulty applying to the
inside of containers. It would be very difficult to do so without stopping or, at
least substantially slowing down the packaging process. This results in much
higher costs for the product to be sold.
The use of a label applying apparatus to the processing system
which can be done expeditiously and at high speeds while applying the labels to the
inside of containers without holding up or slowing down the packaging process has
heretofore alluded the efforts of those in the industry.
Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a
label device which can apply labels at high speed to individual product units on a
continuous flow basis.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide such a
device which can apply the label to the inside of the containers at at a speed that
is commensurate with the processing speed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method
using this apparatus to label containers in the inside without slowing down the
packaging operation.
In accordance with these and other objects of the invention, an
automatic labeling device is provided for applying the labels to product units. The
device includes a conveyor for continuously conveying a series of identified
product containers in which the product is to be sold.
The system or device for applying tags or labels to the inside of
cartons consists of a commercially available labeling machine that is interfaced to a
translation mechanism. The mechanism is mechanically linked and driven by the
main line shaft of a cartoning machine. With this apparatus, tags or labels can be
placed in the inside of a carton at relatively high speed. The novel features of the
system can include a barrel cam translation device that would provide movement
along the "X" and "Y" axis of the plane of travel of the cartons and labels. This
device is integrated with a labeling machine such that a tag or label is dispensed to
a vacuum grid which is mounted on the translation device. Since the translation
device is mechanically linked to the carton, a predetermined motion can be
executed that will permit the vacuum grids to enter the cartons and apply the tags
or labels. The advantage of this method are: tags or labels can be applied to the
inside of cartons while the product is being packaged; the percentage of product
tagged or labeled can be 25, 33, 50 or 100 depending on the request by the
customer; packaging of the product is not dependent upon receiving pre-tagged or
labeled cartons which could be a scheduling concern; and all product currently
requiring tags or labels need not be done manually.
The translation mechanism is driven by mechanically coupling a
drive component on the cartoner, such as a line drive shaft to the input shaft on the
translation mechanism. This may be accomplished using a sprocket on each shaft
and linking them together using a roller chain. The cartoner in this process has a
ratio of (1/2) rotation of the line drive shaft to (1) pitch travel of the carton nest;
for example, if the nests are spaced 4.50" apart on the cartoner carrier chain then
(1) pitch equals 4.50".
The barrel cam translation device, thus, provides movement along
the carton nest travel direction ("X" direction) and along the label insertion
direction ("Y" direction). The (2) directions are 90° apart. The movement along
both "X" and "Y" directions may be given with reference to a known period in the
cycle of the cartoner, such as the carton travel of (2) pitches, which equals (1)
rotation of the cartoner line drive shaft. This may be equated to degrees of
rotation such that 360° equals (1) rotation of the cartoner line drive shaft and a
movement of (2) pitches of the carton nest. A rotation of 180° would mean a
(1/2) rotation of the line shaft and a single pitch movement of the carton nest. The
translation device also has a known ratio between the input shaft and the (2) cams
that provide "X" and "Y" travel of the support arm. This is a rotation of the
translation mechanism of 1:1 ratio, 1 x infeed shaft , equals 1 rotation of cams or a
complete cycle of the support arm travel. Degrees may also be used to define
location of the support arm 10 in the cycle. If 0° is defined as the start of a cycle,
then going through 360° defines all the movements that occur as you go through
each step in the cycle.
Figure 1, A, B, C, and D describe the process of dispensing and
applying labels to the inside of a carton.
Figure 2, illustrates the movement of vacuum grids relative to
cartons.
Figure 3 shows x and y displacement relative to degrees of motion.
Figure 4 a, b and c shows location of carton flaps during labeling.
Figure 5 shows a barrel cam translation device.
For a better understanding of the present invention, together with
other and further objects, advantages and capabilities thereof, reference is made to
the following detailed description and appended claims in connection with the
preceding drawings and description of some aspects of the invention.
Figure 1 shows the process of dispensing either one or a multiplicity
(2 shown in Figure 1) of labels to the inside of cartons which are moving through a
packaging process. The process of the present invention allows the labeling of the
inside of a carton, such as photographic film-containing cartons, while not slowing
down or stopping the packaging process.
In Figure 1, the process begins at 0°, the degree location of the
input drive shaft of the translation mechanism. At this point the translation device
is at its start position ready to receive a label from the label feeder. The first label
is fed from the label feeder 1 to the first vacuum head 2 containing a vacuum grid
(not shown). The vacuum head is supported by support arm 7.
The vacuum mechanism comprises a support 7 for vacuum heads 2
and 3. The vacuum grid is a component which consists of a series and pattern of
holes which allow the transfer of the label from the label liner to the vacuum grid.
This component maintains position of the label until the appropriate time for
placement into the carton.
The translation mechanism creates motion in the x-y plane and
moves the support arm 7 from the label pick up position, into the carton, for label
application, and back to the label pick up position.
Most commercially available pick-and-place translation mechanisms
combine 2 linear ball bearing slides. One travels in the "X" direction while the
second which is mounted to the first, travels in the "Y" direction. Both are driven
independently by cams, usually through the engagement of a cam follower bearing,
mounted off the slide, to a precision machined recessed groove in the cam. Cam
paths are machined in each cam to give precise "X" and "Y" motion for each slide.
Since the transfer mechanism is mechanically linked to the cartoner nest drive, the
"X" direction cam is machined to accelerate the support arm to match speed and
location with the moving nests. When the arm reaches the end of its movement, it
reverses direction to pick up new tags and the cycle repeats. In the "Y" direction
the cam is machined to move the support arm towards the carton nest as the "X"
cam starts matching speed with the nest After speeds are equaled in the "X"
direction, "Y" cam moves the support arm into the carton to apply the tag. After
applying the tag the arm moves back to a position in line with the label feeder,
ready to pick up new tags.
Thus, Figure 1 shows the entire process of dispensing two tags or
labels and applying them to the inside of a carton. The process begins at 0° when
the first tag or label is fed from the label feeder to the first vacuum head. The
translation device advances to 100° where the next label is fed to the second
vacuum grid. The device advances to 160° where the tags are moved to a
registered location. Between 160° and 215 ° the vacuum grids (device) accelerate
and achieve the same linear speed as the cartons while the vacuum grids enter the
opened cartons. The tags are blown onto the inside of the carton. At 270°, the
device moves the vacuum grids out of the cartons and returns to the first label feed
position. The device is now ready for the next cycle. Figure 2 shows the
movement and/or location of the vacuum grids relative to the cartons.
Figure 3 shows "X" and "Y" displacement relative to degrees of
motion.
Figure 4 shows possible locations of the carton flaps during tag
application.
Figure 5 shows a typical barrel cam translation device.
A novel feature of the apparatus is a cam such as a barrel cam
translation device which is linked to a vacuum grid that provides movement along
the x-y axis of the plane of travel of the cartons and labels. This device is
integrated with a labeling machine such that the label is dispersed to a vacuum grid
which is mounted on the translation device. Since the translation device is
mechanically linked to the carton or container, a predetermined motion can be
devised that permits the vacuum grids to enter the cartons and apply the labels.
The advantages of the apparatus and method are that the labels can
be applied to the inside of cartons while the product is being packaged. All
product currently requires labels to be applied manually or to stop or slow down
the packaging process when the labels are applied. In addition, the packaging of
the product is not dependent on receiving prelabeled cartons which causes
packaging problems. In addition, a certain percentage of product can be labeled
rather than all. Thus, the percentage of product labeled using the apparatus and
method of this invention could be anywhere from 1% to 100% of products labeled.
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the travel of the vacuum grid follows
along an x and y axis. This travel is basically a plane along which the carton and
tags lie.
A labeling machine (which is not shown) can be conventional such
as is commonly and commercially available. The labels are to be applied to cartons
5 and 6.
The labeling machine advances the label and liner upon demand. As
the label liner passes over a peel bar the label separates from the liner and is placed
on the vacuum head.
Labeling machines that apply labels to containers are commercially
available such as the label application model 2111 by Label-Aire which allows high
speed label application up to 1600 inches of label liner per minute.
This labeling machine contains microprocessor controls and can
handle a wide variety of label sizes and can be moved from one production line to
another.
The cartons are positioned at a fixed pitch to the vacuum heads.
This is done so the cartons and vacuum grids remain in phase with each other.
In position 2, the translation mechanism advances to 100° where the
next label is fed to the second vacuum head 3.
The device next advances to position 3 at 160° where the labels are
moved to a registered location. The registered location is determined by fixed
posts 8, 9 to locate label location. At this point the heads are advanced in the X
direction. This is accomplished by moving the labels against the stop posts to
achieve consistent label location.
Between the 3rd and 4th positions, the support and heads accelerate
by motion of the translation mechanism so that they achieve the same linear speed
as that of the cartons while the vacuum heads enter the opened cartons.
At position 4, at 270°, the vacuum support and heads are moved
out of the cartons by the translation mechanism.
The vacuum heads are then moved back to position 1 and the
apparatus is ready for the next cycle.
Figure 2 shows the movement and location of the vacuum grid and
heads relative to the cartons. At position 1 the second label is fed to the vacuum
grid, at position 2, the labels are moved against stop points 5 and 6 which register
the labels by sliding the labels on the vacuum grid to the fixed position. At position
3, the speed of the support is matched to the speed of the cartons. At position 4,
the labels are blown onto the cartons, at position 5 the support begins to accelerate
out of the cartons; and at position 6, vacuum head 2 is ready to receive the next
label.
Figure 3 is an X-Y displacement sample which shows the relative
motion per degrees of rotation of the input drive shaft to the translation mechanism
in the x-y plane.
Figure 4 shows some possible locations of the carton flaps during
the labeling. In (a) the minor flaps 4 of the carton are trailing. The application
head pushes one flap in during insertion in to the carton and the flap springs back
after retraction.
In (b) the minor flaps are pushed back to the open position and
there is no contact between the head and the carton.
In (c) the carton flaps are not moved and there is no contact with
the application head.
Figure 5 shows the barrel cam translation device which creates the
x-y motion required.
The labels in Figure 1 are blown off the vacuum head and onto the
carton by air. The vacuum apparatus contains one or a plurality of heads. The
translation device is mechanically linked to the carton machine by mechanical drive
elements so that the predetermined motion will permit the vacuum head to enter
the cartons and apply the labels. The vacuum support is mounted on the
translation device by mechanical hardware.
Claims (11)
- Apparatus for applying labels to the inside of product containers being conveyed through a packaging process comprising:a carton machine containing a main line shalt which is linked to a stationary translation mechanism;a stationary translation mechanism which interfaces with the carton machine and container and is driven off the main line shaft; anda vacuum head containing a vacuum grid on a vacuum support which moves inside the carton to apply the label and moves out of the carton and returns to pick up the next label to apply.
- The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the translation device is a cam translation device.
- The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vacuum support is mounted on the translation device.
- The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the translation device is mechanically linked to the carton machine so that a predetermined motion will be executed that permits the vacuum head to enter the container and apply the labels.
- The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus contains a plurality of vacuum heads.
- The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vacuum head contains means to blow labels onto the inside of cartons.
- A process of applying labels to cartons which are moving through a packaging process comprising;i) moving cartons through a packaging process and picking up labels to be applied to the containers with a first vacuum head containing vacuum grids on a vacuum support which is set at 0° to the drive shaft;ii) moving the labels on the vacuum head by a translation mechanism to and from 0 to 100° to the plane of motion of the cartons where the next label is fed to the second vacuum head;iii) advancing the translation mechanism to 100° to the plane of motion of the cartons where the labels are moved to a registered location;iv) moving the labels from 160 to 215° to the plane of motion of the cartons at the same speed as the cartons are moving;v) entering the inside of the opened cartons with the respective vacuum heads;vi) blowing the labels onto the inside of the cartons;vii) moving the vacuum heads out of the cartons and returning to the 0° position; andviii) continuously repeating steps i to vii.
- The method of claim 7 wherein the vacuum grids are part of the vacuum head.
- The method of claim 7 wherein the vacuum support is moved by a translation mechanism.
- The method of claim 7 wherein the vacuum heads are in phase with the cartons during the application process while in continuous motion.
- The method of claim 7 wherein the labels are blown onto the container by air.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US710800 | 1985-03-12 | ||
US71080096A | 1996-09-23 | 1996-09-23 | |
US88423797A | 1997-06-27 | 1997-06-27 | |
US884237 | 2001-06-19 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0831029A1 true EP0831029A1 (en) | 1998-03-25 |
Family
ID=27108531
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP97202793A Withdrawn EP0831029A1 (en) | 1996-09-23 | 1997-09-11 | Mechanism for applying labels to the inside of a carton |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0831029A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH10175623A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2213959A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102006047488A1 (en) * | 2006-10-05 | 2008-04-10 | Cfs Germany Gmbh | Packaging machine with a labeling device |
US7661246B2 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2010-02-16 | Cfs Germany Gmbh | Packaging machine for producing packaging comprising a transponder |
CN101327764B (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2012-06-27 | 伟速达(昆山)安全***有限公司 | Vehicle nameplate gluing machine |
CN107323780A (en) * | 2017-08-22 | 2017-11-07 | 东莞市誉鑫塑胶模具有限公司 | A kind of multistation low speed labelling machine |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4760145B2 (en) * | 2005-06-03 | 2011-08-31 | 村田機械株式会社 | Winding tube labeling device and automatic winder |
DE102018003613B3 (en) * | 2018-05-04 | 2019-10-24 | Gustav Wilms Ohg | Method and device for the contactless attachment of transponders to objects, in particular for attaching self-adhesive transponder labels in hollow chambers to beverage crates or other crates |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USRE23668E (en) * | 1953-06-16 | George w | ||
EP0174649A1 (en) * | 1984-09-11 | 1986-03-19 | Kabushiki Kaisha Sato | Labelling robot |
DE3733511A1 (en) * | 1987-10-03 | 1989-04-13 | Schlafhorst & Co W | Method and apparatus for the marking of tubes |
US5081445A (en) * | 1991-03-22 | 1992-01-14 | Checkpoint Systems, Inc. | Method for tagging articles used in conjunction with an electronic article surveillance system, and tags or labels useful in connection therewith |
GB2290525A (en) * | 1994-06-04 | 1996-01-03 | Harland Mach Syst | Label with security tag |
-
1997
- 1997-08-20 CA CA 2213959 patent/CA2213959A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-09-11 EP EP97202793A patent/EP0831029A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-09-19 JP JP25477297A patent/JPH10175623A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USRE23668E (en) * | 1953-06-16 | George w | ||
EP0174649A1 (en) * | 1984-09-11 | 1986-03-19 | Kabushiki Kaisha Sato | Labelling robot |
DE3733511A1 (en) * | 1987-10-03 | 1989-04-13 | Schlafhorst & Co W | Method and apparatus for the marking of tubes |
US5081445A (en) * | 1991-03-22 | 1992-01-14 | Checkpoint Systems, Inc. | Method for tagging articles used in conjunction with an electronic article surveillance system, and tags or labels useful in connection therewith |
GB2290525A (en) * | 1994-06-04 | 1996-01-03 | Harland Mach Syst | Label with security tag |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7661246B2 (en) | 2005-04-15 | 2010-02-16 | Cfs Germany Gmbh | Packaging machine for producing packaging comprising a transponder |
DE102006047488A1 (en) * | 2006-10-05 | 2008-04-10 | Cfs Germany Gmbh | Packaging machine with a labeling device |
DE102006047488B4 (en) * | 2006-10-05 | 2017-12-21 | Cfs Germany Gmbh | Packaging machine with a labeling device |
CN101327764B (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2012-06-27 | 伟速达(昆山)安全***有限公司 | Vehicle nameplate gluing machine |
CN107323780A (en) * | 2017-08-22 | 2017-11-07 | 东莞市誉鑫塑胶模具有限公司 | A kind of multistation low speed labelling machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2213959A1 (en) | 1998-03-23 |
JPH10175623A (en) | 1998-06-30 |
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