TWI898389B - Rotary labeling mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention proposes a rotary labeling mechanism comprising a center column and a push wheel. The center column is vertically arranged and has a bottom end. The center column has a mounting groove and a driven wheel. The mounting groove is recessed into the outer circumference of the center column and located at the bottom end. The driven wheel is rotatably mounted in the mounting groove, with its rotation axis tilted relative to the axis of the center column. The push wheel is positioned adjacent to the driven wheel and outside the mounting groove. The push wheel's rotation axis is parallel to that of the driven wheel, and the push wheel rotates downwardly from the center column. As the push wheel rotates, it generates downward momentum and along the tangent line of the center column's cross section. This causes the labels conveyed by the push wheel to rotate synchronously as they are ejected downward, maintaining a cylindrical shape. This reduces wrinkles and cracks, resists lateral airflow and friction from the container surface, reduces deviation, and improves labeling yield.

Description

Rotary labeling mechanism

This invention relates to a labeling mechanism, specifically a mechanism for applying plastic label film to containers such as bottles and cans.

Liquid product production lines often use bottles and cans, such as PET bottles or glass bottles, as containers. To identify the contents, labels are applied to the outside of the containers. Generally, labels can be categorized into stickers and sleeves based on the application method. Sleeve labels are commonly found on various PET bottles and beverages. Sleeve labels are often made of plastic. During the sleeve application process, the label is first stretched into a cylindrical shape, cut to the appropriate length, and then applied to the container. Finally, the label is heated to shrink and securely fit around the PET bottle, completing the label application process.

In mass-automated production lines, the labeling process can also be performed automatically by machines. In traditional labeling machines, containers are transported to the labeling machine via a conveyor belt. The labeling machine then ejects a cylindrical label vertically from top to bottom, placing the label on the outside of the container. However, because film-type labels are made of plastic, they are not only very light and thin, but also have a certain wind-exposed area when stretched out. Therefore, when the label is ejected from the machine, it is easily affected by lateral airflow or friction on the container surface, and cannot maintain its cylindrical shape. This can easily lead to wrinkles or cracks when inserted into the container, resulting in defects or even the inability to be successfully inserted into the container. This will increase the defective rate of products and result in loss of labels or waste of machine energy, increasing production costs and being extremely environmentally unfriendly.

Therefore, the traditional labeling mechanism needs to be improved.

The main purpose of this invention is to propose a rotary labeling mechanism that enables the ejected label to maintain a cylindrical shape for insertion into containers, thereby resolving the problems associated with conventional labeling mechanisms in the prior art.

To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention proposes a rotary labeling mechanism comprising: a center column arranged in the vertical direction and having a bottom end portion, the center column having: a setting groove, which is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the center column and the setting groove is located at the bottom end portion; and a driven wheel rotatably arranged in the setting groove, the rotation axis of the driven wheel being inclined relative to the axial direction of the center column; and a push wheel, which is arranged beside the driven wheel and is located in the setting groove. The driving wheel and the driven wheel have rotating axes that are parallel to each other, and the driving wheel rotates downwardly from the center column. The outermost end of the driven wheel in the radial direction of the center column is coplanar with the outer circumference of the center column. The driven wheel has a central portion and two end portions along its axial direction, with the central portion located between the two end portions. The outer diameter of the driven wheel tapers from the central portion toward the two end portions, thereby forming a spinning hammer shape.

Therefore, the advantage of this invention lies in that the axes of rotation of the push and driven wheels are tilted relative to the axis of the center column. Therefore, when the push and driven wheels rotate to eject the label, they have downward and tangential momentum, causing the label to rotate simultaneously as it is ejected. The centrifugal force generated by this rotation maintains the label's circular shape and reduces deformation, thereby reducing the chance of wrinkles or cracks. In addition, the rotational inertia can resist the effects of lateral airflow and reduce the friction of the container surface, thereby reducing label deviation during the injection process and improving the labeling yield.

In the aforementioned rotary labeling mechanism, the angle between the rotation axis of the driven wheel and the axial direction of the center column is 45 degrees.

The rotary label sleeve mechanism described above further comprises a servo motor connected to the push wheel.

The rotary label sleeve mechanism described above further comprises a transmission assembly to which the push wheel is connected; and a drive motor whose power is connected to the transmission assembly, whereby the drive motor drives the push wheel.

In the aforementioned rotary label sleeve mechanism, the transmission assembly further comprises a plurality of pulley assemblies, which are serially connected to each other.

The rotary label sleeve mechanism described above further comprises a connecting arm, the push wheel being rotatably mounted on one end of the connecting arm; and a slide rail disposed along the radial direction of the center column, with the other end of the connecting arm being movably mounted on the slide rail.

In the aforementioned rotary sleeve labeling mechanism, the driven wheel is made of polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or polyoxymethylene.

10: Center Pillar

11: Top end

12: Bottom end

13: Setting slots

14: driven wheel

141: Central Division

142:End

20: Push wheel

30: Adjusting components

31: Connecting arm

32: Slide rail

40: Driving motor

50: Transmission components

51: Pulley assembly

B:Container

C: Label

I: Angle

L: Axial direction

M: Axis

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional appearance of this creation.

Figure 2 is a three-dimensional decomposition diagram of this creation.

Figure 3 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of this invention, showing the push wheel positioned next to the driven wheel.

Figure 4 is a three-dimensional perspective diagram of the bottom end of the central column of this creation.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the driven wheel of this invention.

Figure 6 is a side view of the bottom end of the center column of this creation.

Figure 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view along the AA cutting line in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a front view of this work without the center column.

Figure 9 is a top-down schematic diagram of this work without the central column.

Figure 10 is a schematic side view of this creation without the central column.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the use of this creation.

First, please refer to Figures 1 and 2. This invention proposes a rotary labeling mechanism, which includes a center column 10, two push wheels 20, an adjustment assembly 30, a drive motor 40, and a transmission assembly 50.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4 , the center column 10 is vertically arranged with a top end 11 and a bottom end 12. The top end 11 is flat, while the remainder is cylindrical. In this embodiment, the center column 10 has two mounting slots 13 and two driven wheels 14. The two mounting slots 13 are recessed into the outer circumference of the bottom end 12 of the center column 10 and are located on opposite radial sides of the center column 10. However, this is not limiting, and the number of driven wheels 14 and mounting slots 13 can be adjusted as needed.

Referring now to Figures 3 to 7 , two driven wheels 14 are respectively mounted in the mounting slots 13 . As shown in Figures 4 and 6 , the axis M of each driven wheel 14 is tilted relative to the axis L of the center column 10 . Specifically, the axis M is tilted relative to the axis L of the center column 10 along a tangent line of the center column 10 . In this embodiment, the angle I between the axis M of each driven wheel 14 and the axis L of the center column 10 is 45 degrees, but this is not a limitation. The angle I between the axis M of each driven wheel 14 and the axis L of the center column 10 can be adjusted as needed.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 7 , the outermost ends of each driven wheel 14 along the radial direction of the center column 10 are coplanar with the outer circumference of the center column 10. However, this is not limiting, and the driven wheels 14 may slightly protrude from the outer circumference of the center column 10.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the driven wheel 14 has a central portion 141 and two end portions 142 along its axis of rotation. The central portion 141 is located between the two end portions 142. The outer diameter of the driven wheel 14 tapers gradually from the central portion 141 toward the two end portions 142. In other words, the driven wheel 14 has a shape similar to a spinning hammer. Consequently, the outer circumference of the central portion 141 of the driven wheel 14 and the outer circumference of the center column 10 form an inscribed relationship in space, as shown in Figure 7. This allows the outer circumference of the driven wheel 14 to conform to the outer circumference of the center column 10 without protruding from it. However, this is not a limitation; the arrangement and shape of the driven wheel 14 can be adjusted as needed.

Furthermore, the material of the driven wheel 14 may include polyethylene (PE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE), or polyoxymethylene (POM), thereby achieving wear resistance, light weight, low inertia, and easy stopping. However, the material of the driven wheel 14 is not limited to this and can be adjusted according to needs.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , two pusher wheels 20 are positioned adjacent to the driven wheel 14 and outside the mounting slot 13 . The rotation axes of the two pusher wheels 20 are parallel to the rotation axes of the corresponding driven wheels 14 , and each pusher wheel 20 rotates downward toward the center column 10 . In this embodiment, the outer circumference of the pusher wheel 20 contacts the outer circumference of the driven wheel 14 . Rotation of the pusher wheel 20 drives the driven wheel 14 in turn, but this is not limiting. For example, in other embodiments, the pusher wheel 20 and the driven wheel 14 may be slightly separated.

Referring now to Figures 1, 2, and 8-10, the adjustment assembly 30 comprises two connecting arms 31 and a slide rail 32. The two push wheels 20 are rotatably mounted on the connecting arms 31. The slide rail 32 is located adjacent to the bottom end 12 of the center column 10 and extends radially along the center column 10. The other ends of the connecting arms 31 are movably mounted on the slide rail 32. Specifically, the connecting arms 31 can move along the slide rail 32 to adjust the distance between the push wheels 20 and the center column 10. However, this is not limiting. In other embodiments, the adjustment assembly 30 may not be present, or the adjustment assembly 30 may take other forms.

The drive motor 40 is connected to the transmission assembly 50, and the two push pulleys 20 are connected to the transmission assembly 50. The drive motor 40 drives the push pulleys 20 to rotate. The transmission assembly 50 includes multiple pulley assemblies 51. The ratio of the inner diameters of the pulleys in each pulley assembly 51 increases the torque on the push pulleys 20. The pulley assemblies 51 are connected in series to transmit momentum. Specifically, in this embodiment, the pulley assemblies 51 are connected in series to form a connecting rod mechanism, which can correspond to the movement of the connecting arm 31 without affecting the transmission of momentum.

In this embodiment, the push wheel 20 is indirectly connected to the transmission assembly 50 via the connecting arm 31 of the adjustment assembly 30. Specifically, the connecting arm 31 may include an umbrella gear assembly (not shown) and a transmission rod (not shown). The umbrella gear assembly and the transmission rod are interconnected. The push wheel 20 is connected to the umbrella gear assembly, and the transmission rod is connected to the transmission assembly 50. Thus, the transmission assembly 50 can transfer momentum to the push wheel 20 via the connecting arm 31. This is an application of conventional transmission components and will not be described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Furthermore, in other embodiments, the drive motor 40 and transmission assembly 50 may be omitted. Instead, the two push wheels 20 are each connected to a servo motor (not shown) and driven directly by the servo motor. This eliminates the need for the transmission assembly 50 and reduces the overall size of the device, making it suitable for use in factories with limited space or compact equipment.

Refer to Figure 11. When using this innovative labeling system, the container B to be labeled is positioned beneath the center column 10. The label C is stretched out into a cylindrical shape by the center column 10 and then drops down along the center column 10 to the bottom end 12. The label C is then gripped on opposite sides by the push wheel 20 and the driven wheel 14, respectively. The push wheel 20 and the driven wheel 14 rotate synchronously, ejecting the label C downward.

Because the axes of rotation of the push wheel 20 and the driven wheel 14 are tilted relative to the axis of the center column 10, when the push wheel 20 rotates, it not only generates downward momentum but also momentum tangential to the cross-section of the center column 10, causing the label C to rotate simultaneously as it is ejected downward. The centrifugal force generated by this rotation allows the label C to maintain its cylindrical shape (appearing circular when viewed in cross-section) during movement, thereby reducing deformation and lowering the chance of wrinkles or cracks. Furthermore, the rotational inertia resists the effects of lateral airflow or surface friction on the container B, minimizing label C deflection during the ejection process, improving labeling yield, and reducing the generation of discarded labels C, thus promoting environmental protection.

Furthermore, if the driven wheel 14 were a conventional cylindrical roller or bearing, it might protrude from the circumference of the center column 10, potentially causing the label C to get stuck or move unevenly when it is dropped. In this invention, however, the driven wheel 14 is designed to resemble a spinning hammer, allowing its outer circumference to conform to the outer circumference of the center column 10 without protruding beyond it. Therefore, this invention's rotary labeling mechanism avoids the aforementioned issue of labels C being affected by the protruding driven wheel 14, causing them to fall unevenly or become stuck.

10: Center column 20: Push pulley 30: Adjustment assembly 40: Drive motor 50: Transmission assembly

Claims (7)

A rotary labeling mechanism comprises: a center column arranged in the vertical direction and having a bottom end portion, the center column having: a setting groove, which is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the center column and is located at the bottom end portion; a driven wheel rotatably arranged in the setting groove, the rotation axis of the driven wheel being inclined relative to the axial direction of the center column; and a pushing wheel, which is arranged beside the driven wheel and is located outside the setting groove, The rotation axis of the wheel and the rotation axis of the driven wheel are parallel to each other, and the pushing wheel rotates toward the bottom of the center column; wherein the outermost end of the driven wheel along the radial direction of the center column is located on the same circumferential surface as the outer circumferential surface of the center column; and the driven wheel has a central portion and two end portions along the rotation axis, the central portion is between the two end portions, and the outer diameter of the driven wheel gradually decreases from the central portion to the two end portions, thereby forming a spinning hammer shape. The rotary labeling mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the angle between the rotating shaft of the driven wheel and the axial direction of the center column is 45 degrees. The rotary labeling mechanism as described in claim 1 or 2 further comprises: a servo motor connected to the push wheel. The rotary labeling mechanism as described in claim 1 or 2 further comprises: a transmission assembly, the push wheel is connected to the transmission assembly; and a drive motor, which is connected to the transmission assembly, whereby the drive motor drives the push wheel. The rotary labeling mechanism as described in claim 4, wherein the transmission assembly further includes: a plurality of pulley assemblies, wherein the pulley assemblies are connected in series with each other. The rotary labeling mechanism as described in claim 1 or 2 further includes: a connecting arm, the push wheel is rotatably arranged at one end of the connecting arm; and a slide rail, which is arranged along the radial direction of the center column, and the other end of the connecting arm is movably arranged on the slide rail. The rotary sleeve labeling mechanism as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the material of the driven wheel includes polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or polyoxymethylene.