EP3572339A2 - Device and method for aligning a film sleeve applied on a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1, 35) for aligning a film sleeve (3, 36) applied to a container (2). The film sleeve comprises a first alignment feature (6) and the container has a second alignment feature (18). The device comprises a transport device (14) on which the container with the applied film sleeve can be transported in a transport direction (24), fixing means (20, 20.1, 20.2, 37, 37.1, 37.2) for fixing the container so that the container is relative is fixed to the transport device, and rotating means (25, 25.1, 25.2) for aligning the applied film sleeve, which are designed when the first and second alignment features do not overlap one another or have a deviation of more than ± 5%, the film sleeve by an angle value (40 ) about its longitudinal axis (39), so that the film sleeve is then arranged in a desired position (42). The invention also relates to a method for aligning a film sleeve applied to a container.

Description

The invention relates to a device for positioning a film sleeve applied to a container according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to claim 12.

State of the art

Devices for providing film sleeves (also called sleeves) are used in labeling machines, e.g. in the beverage industry, use. The films in the form of a continuous film tube are initially wound flat on a roll. The film tube is unwound from the roll, fed to a mandrel and pulled over this, to widen the still flat film tube. From the then mostly tubular film tube individual film sleeves are cut off and later in the process via servo-controlled drive rollers on a container, such as a bottle, applied and then vapor-deposited or otherwise secured.

DE 201 04 972 U1 discloses a device for unfolding a film tube and for cutting film sleeves. By means of a Auffaltdorns over which a flat folded film tube is pulled in the axial direction and thereby widened in the radial direction, and arranged in the lower end of the Auffaltdorns cutting device for circumferentially severing the unfolded film tube from the radial outer side, film sleeves are produced. These film sleeves are ejected by means of drive rollers from the device and thereby slipped over the container to be labeled. Similar devices are also off EP 0 109 105 A1 . EP 1 396 433 A1 and WO 2008/088210 A1 known.

WO 2016/023639 A1 discloses a device in which the sleeve is not cut. Instead, a flat folded film tube is perforated in predetermined sections, pulled over a Auffaltvorrichtung and expanded in the radial direction. A conveyor roller pair abuts on the unfolding device and can transport the film tube. The sleeve is torn off at the perforation with the aid of a downstream pair of dispenser rolls. The transport speed of the donor roller pair for tearing off can be at least temporarily greater than the transport speed of the conveyor roller pair.

DE 10 2009 014 663 discloses a rotating device for containers in which scale means are provided on the turntable, which can be detected by a sensor unit contactless, so as to determine a rotational position of the rotating device.

Furthermore, it is known that containers may have an alignment emblem or embossing, where an assignment of the sleeves is desired. Suggests this DE 10 2013 223 639 A1 a device for positioning a film sleeve with a first Ausrichtmerkmal on a container with a second alignment feature. The apparatus comprises rotation means adapted to make a relative position of the container and the film sleeve by rotation of the film sleeve about its film sleeve longitudinal axis and / or rotation of the container about its container longitudinal axis such that a predefined orientation of the first alignment feature and the second Alignment feature is achieved to each other before the film sleeve is applied to the container. The cutting of the sleeve is done with a rotary knife. The rotation of the sleeve is effected by a film sleeve rotation device and / or a rotation of the container via a turntable of the rotating means and a corresponding control device.

Thus, in the prior art, the film portion is cut prior to orientation, and the film sleeve orientation is downstream before the film sleeve is applied to a container, and / or the containers must be rotated to the desired position by means of a rotary device on the turntable / container plate by means of a servo drive become. This is a considerable effort, and moreover, only a limited performance can be achieved by the required label stop for the cutting process and / or rotation of the sleeve.

task

The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for aligning a film sleeve applied to a container, which are both inexpensive, safe and can be implemented with high performance.

solution

The object is achieved by the device according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 12. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims.

The device according to the invention for aligning a film sleeve applied to a container, wherein the film sleeve comprises a first alignment feature and the container comprises a second alignment feature comprises a transport device on which the container with the applied film sleeve is transportable in a transport direction, and fixing means for fixing the container such that the container is fixed relative to the transport device. Further, the apparatus comprises rotating means for aligning the film sleeve applied to the container, the rotating means being arranged, when the first alignment feature and the second alignment feature are not superimposed or more than ± 5% deviation, the film sleeve at an angle about a longitudinal axis of the film sleeve to rotate, so that the film sleeve are arranged in a desired position.

If the first alignment feature and the second alignment feature are overlapping or less than ± 5% deviation, it may be provided that the film sleeve is not rotated by the rotation means, since it is already in a desired position.

The apparatus may further comprise a camera apparatus, which is arranged in front of the rotating means in the transporting direction of the container and which is adapted to take one or more images of the container with the film sleeve applied and to provide image data of the one or more images put. The image, the images, and the image data, respectively, comprise information about how the first alignment feature and the second alignment feature are arranged relative to one another.

The apparatus may further comprise an evaluation device configured to analyze the image data of the one or more images to determine what angle value the film sleeve is to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the film sleeve. From the relative location of the first and second alignment features, it can be determined whether the first and second alignment features are not superimposed or more than ± 5% deviation. If this is the case, the angle value results from the relative arrangement.

The apparatus may further include a controller for controlling the rotating means. The controller may control the rotating means to rotate, i.e., align, a film sleeve by the determined angular value.

The rotating means may comprise one or more driven sponge rollers or one or more driven belts with nubbed, sponge and / or brush elements. The rotating means may contact the film sleeve and cause a rotation of the film sleeve in cooperation with the lateral surface of the container.

The apparatus may further comprise a hold-down device adapted to fix the container with the film sleeve applied between the hold-down device and the transporting device, and two traveling belts adapted to engage at a height of a closure region of the container and the container on the transporting device to fix. The hold-down device can be particularly advantageous if the film sleeve is a full-sleeve. The full-sleeve surrounds the container from a bottom region to a neck region, so that no fixing agents can attack on the lateral surface of the container. The hold-down may be formed as a circulating belt that moves at the same speed as the surface of the transport device. The speed thus corresponds to a transport speed of the container. For example, a surface of the circulating belt can rest on the closure area from above in such a way that a force is exerted which causes pinching.

The apparatus may further comprise two follower belts adapted to engage a shell surface of the container and to fix the container on the transport device. The use of the two idler belts may be particularly advantageous if the film sleeve is a partial sleeve which is to be fixed in a certain height of the container. The sub-sleeve can rise after being applied to the container on the two revolving belt. The two idler belts may be arranged opposite each other and along the transport direction so that the container is clamped in its jacket region between them. Preferably, the belts revolve at a speed corresponding to a speed of the conveyor so that the container does not move relative to the conveyor, but is fixed.

The apparatus may further comprise an expanding mandrel configured to expand a flat film tube.

Preferably, the device may comprise a further camera device which is designed to take one or more images of the film tube in the region of the mandrel and to provide image data of the one or more images. The one image, the plurality of images, and / or the image data may then be analyzed with an evaluation device to determine where the first alignment feature is located. Thus, it can be determined accordingly, as the actual arrangement of a film sleeve, which will be cut off from the expanded film tube and then to be handed over to a container with the second Ausrichtmerkmal.

The apparatus may comprise a cutting device adapted to cut film sleeves from the expanded film tube, and preferably the device may comprise conveying rollers adapted to apply a cut film sleeve in rotation with a surface of the mandrel to a container. The film sleeves can be full sleeves or partial sleeves. In general, when using a cutting device, a clocked operation is provided to cut off the film sleeves and apply them to the containers.

Alternatively, the device may comprise a perforating unit which is designed to form a perforation in the flat film tube at predetermined distances transversely to a longitudinal direction of the flat film tube. That is, the perforation may be formed before the flat film tube is pulled over the mandrel. Preferably, the apparatus may comprise conveyor rollers adapted to tear a film sleeve in cooperation with a surface of the mandrel by rotation of the expanded film tube along the perforation and applied to a container.

A predetermined distance may correspond to a length of the film sleeve to be produced, wherein a film sleeve may be a full-sleeve or a partial sleeve. In general is at Using a perforating a continuous operation provided to tear the film sleeves and apply to the container.

The apparatus may further include one or more preshrunk nozzles configured to cause a first shrinkage of the film sleeve. The heat emitted by the preshrunk nozzles causes the first shrinkage of the film sleeve, so that the film sleeve is at least partially fixed on the container by thermal contraction of the film.

Preferably, the apparatus may include one of the one or more preshrunk nozzles subsequent to a camera apparatus configured to create one or more images of the container and to provide image data of the one or more images. The one image, the plurality of images and / or the image data may be analyzed by the evaluation device to decide whether or not the at least partially fixed film sleeve is actually in the desired position.

Preferably, the apparatus may include a steam tunnel configured to cause a second shrinkage of the film sleeve. The second shrinkage may be a final shrinkage of the film sleeve.

Preferably, the device may comprise a further camera device following the steam tunnel, which is designed to create one or more images of the container and to provide image data of the one or more images. The one image, the plurality of images and / or the image data may be analyzed by the evaluation device to decide whether or not the film sleeve is actually placed in the desired position after the final shrinkage. If the arrangement conditions are met, the container can be supplied, for example, to a packing device or other uses. If the arrangement conditions are not met, then the container can be discharged, for example by means of a pusher.

Preferably, the device may include a pusher configured to remove containers from the transport device. In particular, such containers in which the applied film sleeves are not in a desired position can be removed by means of the pusher, for example, be brought into a collection container.

The inventive method for aligning a film sleeve applied to a container using the apparatus as described above or below, comprises the steps of: transporting the container with the applied film sleeve by means of the transport device, the film sleeve a first Ausrichtmerkmal and the container a second Ausrichtmerkmal includes; Fixing the container by means of the fixing means, so that the container is fixed relative to the transport device; Align the on the Container applied film sleeve by means of the rotating means, when the first Ausrichtmerkmal and the second Ausrichtmerkmal not overlap each other or more than ± 5% deviation, by rotating the film sleeve by an angle about a longitudinal axis of the film sleeve, so that thereafter the film sleeve in a desired position is arranged.

Further, the method may include the step of taking one or more images by the camera device located in front of the rotating means in the transporting direction of the container, and providing image data of the one or more images.

Further, the method may include the step of analyzing the image data of the one or more images and determining what angle value the film sleeve is to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

Further, the method may include the step of controlling the rotation means by the control device.

• Figur 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten eines auf einen Behälter aufgebrachten Voll-Sleeves,
• Figur 2 eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Teildarstellung der Figur 1,
• Figur 3 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten eines auf einen Behälter aufgebrachten Teil-Sleeves,
• Figur 4 eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Teildarstellung der Figur 3,
• Figur 5A eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Behälter mit einer auszurichtenden Folienhülse,
• Figur 5B eine Ansicht von Figur 5A nach dem Ausrichten der Folienhülse,
• Figur 6 eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Behälter mit einer nicht auszurichtenden Folienhülse und
• Figuren 7(I) und 7(II) ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Ausrichten einer auf einen Behälter aufgebrachten Folienhülse.

The attached figures represent by way of example for better understanding and illustration aspects and / or embodiments of the invention. It shows / show:

• FIG. 1 a schematic side view of an apparatus for aligning a applied to a container full-sleeve,
• FIG. 2 a schematic plan view of a partial view of FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 3 FIG. 2 a schematic side view of a device for aligning a partial sleeve applied to a container, FIG.
• FIG. 4 a schematic plan view of a partial view of FIG. 3 .
• FIG. 5A a schematic plan view of a container with a foil sleeve to be aligned,
• FIG. 5B a view of FIG. 5A after aligning the film sleeve,
• FIG. 6 a schematic plan view of a container with a non-aligned film sleeve and
• FIGS. 7 (I) and 7 (II) a flow diagram of a method for aligning a deposited on a container film sleeve.

In the figures described below, like reference numerals designate like parts. For clarity, the same parts are described only at their first appearance. It is understood, however, that with reference to one of the figures described variants and embodiments of a part can also be applied to the corresponding parts in the other figures.

In the FIGS. 1 and 2 a device for aligning a full sleeve applied to a container is shown and described below, and in the Figures 3 and 4 a device for aligning a mounted on a container part-sleeve is shown and described below.

In practice, a single device for aligning a film sleeve (full or partial sleeve) applied to a container, which is designed to a) a full-sleeve applied to a container or b) a container applied to a container, is generally used Align part sleeve.

The term "only one" can be understood in this case such that no other device is required for aligning a full sleeve than for aligning a partial sleeve. Depending on whether a full-sleeve ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) or a partial sleeve ( Figures 3 and 4 ), different elements of the device can be operated, which may be required in the case of full sleeves or in the case of partial sleeves. Elements that can be required both in the case of full sleeves as in the case of partial sleeves, can be operated in both cases.

That is, the only device can with respect to the FIGS. 1 and 2 as well as regarding the Figures 3 and 4 include described elements. In this case, "elements" may include, for example, the first to fourth camera devices (with camera (s) and illumination device), the transport device (with transport surface), the mandrel, the cutting device, the first and second conveyor rollers, two idler belts, the downholder, two sponge rollers , two pre-shrunk nozzles, the steam tunnel and the pusher are understood.

The film tube with a first alignment feature and the film sleeves (full or partial sleeve) and the containers with the second alignment feature can be fed to the single device, depending on which type of container is to be labeled in which way in a labeling process.

In the FIGS. 1 and 2 or in the Figures 3 and 4 For reasons of clarity, only the elements required for aligning the full sleeve or the partial sleeve are shown.

The cutting device mentioned in the description of the figures may alternatively be a perforating unit as described above.

FIG. 1 1 shows a device 1 for aligning a full sleeve 3 applied to a container 2. A folded film tube 4, which is initially wound on a roll 5 and which comprises a first alignment feature 6, is first fed to a widening mandrel 8 via several rolls 7 pulled this, pulled by means of first conveyor rollers 9 on 8 expanding mandrel down and widened it. The first alignment feature 6 is exemplified as Increased on the outside of the film tube 4 indicated. In general, the first alignment feature 6 is more likely to be found in the film of the film tube 4, for example a fold edge, or a marking line. For a container 2 with a round cross-section of the mandrel 8 can expand the folded film tube 4 tubular with a round cross-section.

By means of a first camera device 17, one or more images of the film tube 4 can be recorded in the area of the expanding mandrel 8 and subsequently analyzed with an evaluation device in order to determine where the first alignment feature 6 is arranged. Thus, it can be determined accordingly, as the actual arrangement of a film sleeve 3, which will be cut off from the expanded film tube 10 and then to be transferred to a container 2 with a second Ausrichtmerkmal 18.

Optionally, one or more images of a container 2 onto which an already analyzed region of the film tube is to be applied after cutting (or after tearing) as a full-sleeve can be taken with a camera device, not shown, before the container 2 by means of Transport device 14 is transported under the expanding mandrel 8. By means of the evaluation device, the image (s) can be analyzed in order to determine where the second alignment feature 18 is located on the container 2. Optionally, a rotation of the container 2 can be made by means not shown rotating means, so that the container 2 passes under the expanding mandrel 8 in a rotated state, which allows the second Ausrichtmerkmal 18 is arranged such that the first Ausrichtmerkmal 6 on the container 2 to be arranged film sleeve 3 superimposed on the first Ausrichtmerkmal 18 comes to rest.

From the expanded film tube 10, film sleeves 3 are cut off by means of a cutting device 11, in this case full sleeves 3, that is to say those film sleeves 3 which surround the container 2 upwards from the container bottom 12, for example to the neck region 13.

If the device has a perforating unit instead of the cutting device, a perforation can be formed in the flat film tube 4 at predetermined distances transversely to a longitudinal direction of the flat film tube 4.

The containers 2 are guided below the expanding mandrel 8 by means of the transport device 14, so that a full-sleeve 3 can be applied to one of the containers 2. For this purpose, second conveyor rollers 15 are provided on the mandrel 8, which move in cooperation with a surface of the mandrel 8 by rotation of the full-sleeve 3 down. If the device has a perforating unit instead of the cutting device, a full-sleeve 3 in cooperation with a surface of the expanding mandrel 8 can be torn off by rotation of the expanded film tube 10 along the perforation and moved downwards by the second conveying rollers 15.

In the following, the description will be given by way of example for a container 2, but the device 1 is designed to process a multiplicity of successive containers 2 arranged on the transport device 14.

The full-sleeve 3 may then slide downwardly along the container 2 during gravity by the action of gravity until it rests on a surface 16 of the conveyor 14, e.g. the surface 16 of the conveyor belt 14 shown, stands up.

After the application of the full-sleeve 3, the container 2 is fixed in the height of the closure region 19 of the container 2 on the transport device 14 via two revolving belts 20 (also referred to as fixing means). The two belts 20 may be disposed opposite to each other and along the transporting direction 24 such that the closure portion 19 is sandwiched therebetween. Preferably, the belts 20 are traveling at a speed corresponding to a speed of the conveyor 14 so that the container 2 does not move relative to the conveyor 14 but is fixed. These two belts 20 can act on the container 2 immediately after the application of the full-sleeve 3 or these two belts 20 can be arranged such that they are provided only in the effective range of a hold-down 21.

After the application of the full sleeve 3 and before the container 2 reaches the area of the hold-down 21, a photograph of one or more images of the container is taken from above the container 2 by means of a second camera device comprising cameras 22 and a lighting device 23 2 with the applied full-sleeve 3 and an evaluation of the image (s) or image data thereof by means of the evaluation device in order to determine the arrangement of the first alignment feature 6 of the full-sleeve 3 for the arrangement of the second alignment feature 18 of the container 2. An illumination can take place by means of the illumination device 23. On the basis of the evaluation, it can be determined by which angular amount the full-sleeve 3 is to be rotated on the container 2 in order to reach a desired position, or also whether it can remain in the applied, current position, since this is already at a desired value Position corresponds. The evaluation can be based on arrangement conditions that may have previously been defined. For example, the arrangement conditions may specify that there is a target position when the first 6 and second alignment feature 18 overlap one another or ± 5% deviation, for example, a length on the shell surface of the container 2 along the container perimeter measured or with respect to an angular deviation from the container longitudinal axis, have.

By means of the transport device 14, the container 2 is moved with the applied full-sleeve 3 further in the transport direction 24 and enters the effective range of, i. under the hold-down 21, in which the container 2 is clamped between the hold-down 21 and the surface 16 of the transport device 14. The hold-down 21 is preferably formed as a circulating belt, which moves at the same speed as the surface 16 of the transport device 14. The speed thus corresponds to a transport speed of the container 2. For example, a surface of the circulating belt from above on the closure portion 19 so lie that a force is applied, which causes a pinching.

A turning of the full-sleeve 3 can take place by means of two sponge rollers 25 (also referred to as rotating means), which are arranged opposite each other in the effective area of the hold-down 21 and are designed such that when activated in cooperation with the surface of the container 2, the full-sleeve 3 can rotate by a previously determined angle value, so that the full-sleeve 3 is then in the desired position. If no turning of the full-sleeve 3 is required because it is already in a desired position, the sponge rollers 25 are not activated, and there is no turning of the full-sleeve 3. An activation can be done by a control device, the data the evaluation device receives with respect to the angle value by which the full-sleeve 3 must be rotated in order to reach the desired position. The sponge rollers 25 may be rotatable in both directions.

After leaving the effective range of the sponge rollers 25, the container 2 is moved with the applied full-sleeve, which is arranged in the desired position, between two Vorschrumpfdüsen 26, which may be formed as heating nozzles, in the transport direction 24. The pre-shrunk nozzles 26 are arranged in the effective region of the hold-down 21. The heat radiated by the preshrunk nozzles 26 causes a first shrinkage of the full sleeve 3, so that at least partial fixing of the full sleeve 3 on the container 2 takes place by thermal contraction of the film.

After the at least partial fixation of the full-sleeve 3, the container 2 leaves the effective area of the hold-down 21 and is transported on the surface 16 of the transport device 14 standing below a third camera device comprising a camera 27 and a lighting device 28. By means of the third camera device, one or more images of the container 2 can be created and the images or image data analyzed by the evaluation device to decide whether the at least partially fixed full-sleeve 3 is actually in the desired position or not. If the arrangement conditions are met, the container 2 is transported by means of the transport device 14 and enters a steam tunnel 29 where a second shrinkage, the final shrinkage of the full-sleeve 3 takes place. If the arrangement conditions are not met, the container 2 can be discharged, for example by means of a pusher, not shown.

After passing through the steam tunnel 29, with a fourth camera device comprising a camera 30 and a lighting device 31, one or more images of the container 2 can be created and analyzed by the evaluation device to decide whether the full-sleeve 3 after the final shrinkage actually arranged in the target position or not. If the arrangement conditions are met, the container 2 can be supplied, for example, to a packing device or other uses. If the arrangement conditions are not met, the container 2 can be discharged, for example by means of a pusher 32.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of a partial view of FIG. 1 , The containers 2 with the second alignment feature 18 and the closure region 19 are moved in the transport direction 24 (in FIG FIG. 2 the transport direction 24 runs from left to right). The arrangement of the second alignment features 18 of the container 2 may be different with respect to the transport direction 24. On the third container 2 from the left of the full-sleeve 3 was applied with the first Ausrichtmerkmal 6.

The fourth to ninth containers 2 with the respectively applied full-sleeve 3 are fixed on the transport device 14 via the two revolving belts 20. 1, 20. 2 in the height of the closure region 19 of the containers 2. These two belts 20.1, 20.2 can engage immediately after the application of the full-sleeve 3 to the fourth to ninth containers 2 or alternatively two belts 33.1, 33.2 can be provided, which are arranged such that they are only provided in the effective region of the hold-down 21 and fix the sixth to ninth container 2 at the height of the closure portion 19.

It can be seen that the second camera device is arranged such that two cameras 22.1, 22.2 and one illumination device 23.1 are arranged on one side of the transport device 14 and the two other cameras 22.3, 22.4 and the other illumination device 23.2 on the other side of the transport device 14 , Thus, the fifth container 2 can be taken with the applied full-sleeve circumferentially with the cameras 22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4 to record the relative arrangement of the first to the second Ausrichtmerkmals and then analyze by means of the evaluation device.

The hold-down is not shown for clarity.

A rotation for aligning a full-sleeve 3 of the seventh container 2 can be done by means of the two sponge rollers 25.1, 25.2, which are arranged opposite to each other. The two pre-shrunk nozzles 26.1, 26.2 following in the transport direction 24 are arranged on both sides of the transport device 14, so that the heat radiated by them can produce the first shrinkage of the full-sleeve 3.

The camera 27 of the third camera device is arranged on one side of the transport device 14 and the illumination device 28 on the other side of the transport device 14 to receive one or more images of the tenth container 2 with the at least partially fixed full-sleeve 3.

In the steam tunnel 29, the second shrinkage of the full sleeves 3 of the eleventh to thirteenth container 2, whereby a final shrinkage of the full-sleeve 3 is achieved.

The camera 31 of the fourth camera device is arranged on one side of the transport device 14 and the illumination device 31 on the other side of the transport device 14 to receive one or more images of the fourteenth container 2.

If during the analysis of the image or the images or the image data by the evaluation device it is determined that a full-sleeve 3 is not arranged in the desired position, then this container 2 can be discharged by means of the pusher 32 and collected in a collecting container 34.

FIG. 3 shows a device 35 for aligning a mounted on a container 2 part-sleeves 36. The folded film tube 4 is as in FIG. 1 described the expanding mandrel 8 fed and expanded.

Like in the Fig. 1 described, can be determined with the aid of the first camera device 17 and the evaluation device, where the first alignment feature 6 is arranged. Thus, it can be determined accordingly, as the actual arrangement of a film sleeve 36, which will be cut off from the film tube 10 and then transferred to a container 2 with a second Ausrichtmerkmal 18 and applied to him.

Optionally, one or more images of a container 2 onto which an already analyzed region of the film tube is to be applied after cutting (or after tearing off) as a partial sleeve 36 are taken with a camera device, not shown, before the container 2 by means of the transport device 14 is transported under the expanding mandrel 8. By means of the evaluation device, the image (s) can be analyzed in order to determine where the second alignment feature 18 is located on the container 2. Optionally, a rotation of the container 2 can be made by means not shown rotating means, so that the container 2 passes under the expanding mandrel 8 in a rotated state, which allows the second Ausrichtmerkmal 18 is arranged such that the first Ausrichtmerkmal 6 on the container 2 to be arranged film sleeve 36 superimposed on the first Ausrichtmerkmal 18 comes to rest.

From the expanded film tube 10, film sleeves 36 are cut by means of the cutting device 11, in this case partial sleeves 36, that is to say those film sleeves 36 which do not surround the jacket region of the container 2 over the entire height.

If the device has a perforating unit instead of the cutting device, a perforation can be formed in the flat film tube 4 at predetermined distances transversely to a longitudinal direction of the flat film tube 4.

The containers 2 are guided below the expanding mandrel 8 by means of a transport device 14, so that a partial sleeve 36 can be applied to a container 2. For this purpose, the second conveying shafts 15 are provided on the expanding mandrel 8, which in cooperation with the surface of the expanding mandrel 8 by rotation move the partial sleeve 36 downwards.

If the device has a perforating unit instead of the cutting device, a partial sleeve 36 can be torn off by the second conveyor rollers 15 in cooperation with a surface of the mandrel 8 by rotation of the expanded film tube 10 along the perforation and moved down.

The sub-sleeve 36 may then slip downwardly during application along the container 2 by the action of gravity until it encounters two follower belts 37 (also referred to as fixation means) which engage the lateral surface 38 of the container, i. to be in contact with her, get up and thereby fixated in height. The two follower belts 37 may be arranged opposite each other and along the transport direction 24 such that the container 2 is clamped in its jacket area between them. Preferably, the belts 37 revolve at a speed corresponding to a speed of the conveyor 14 so that the container 2 does not move relative to the conveyor 14 but is fixed.

After the application of the partial sleeve 36 takes place from above the container 2 by means of the second camera device a recording of one or more images of the container 2 with the applied part-sleeve 36, and an evaluation by means of the evaluation device to the arrangement of the first alignment feature 6 of Part sleeves 36 for the arrangement of the second alignment feature 18 of the container 2 to determine. Based on the evaluation can be determined by which angle amount of the partial sleeve 36 is to be rotated on the container 2 or whether it can remain in the applied, current position, since this already corresponds to a desired position. The evaluation can be applied to those already in the Fig. 1 conditions of arrangement.

Rotation of the sub-sleeve 36 may be accomplished by means of the two sponge rollers 25 (also referred to as rotating means) which rotate the sub-sleeve 36 by a predetermined angular value can, so that the partial sleeve 36 is then in the desired position. If no turning of the partial sleeve 36 is required, since it is already in a desired position, the sponge rollers 25 are not activated, and no rotation of the partial sleeve 36 takes place. The activation can be carried out as in FIG Fig. 1 described by the control device.

The container 2 with the applied part-sleeve 36, which is arranged in the desired position, is moved between the two Vorschrumpfdüsen 26 in the transport direction 24, so that an at least partial fixation of the partial sleeve 36 on the container 2 by thermal Contraction of the film takes place. After the at least partial fixation of the partial sleeve 36, the container 2 leaves the effective region of the two follower belts 37 and is transported past on the surface 16 of the transport device 14 below the third camera device. By means of the third camera device, one or more images of the container 2 can be created and analyzed by the evaluation device in order to decide whether the at least partially fixed partial sleeve 36 is actually in the desired position or not. If the arrangement conditions are met, the container 2 is transported by means of the transport device 14, passes into a steam tunnel 29, where a second shrinkage, the final shrinkage, of the partial sleeve 36 takes place. If the arrangement conditions are not met, the container 2 can be discharged, for example by means of a pusher, not shown.

After passing through the steam tunnel 29, one or more images of the container 2 can be created with the fourth camera device and analyzed by the evaluation device to decide whether or not the sub-sleeve 36 is actually located in the desired position after the final shrinkage. If the arrangement conditions are met, the container 2 can be supplied, for example, to a packing device. If the arrangement conditions are not met, the container 2 can be discharged, for example by means of the pusher 32.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of a partial view of FIG. 3 , The containers 2 with the second alignment feature 18 and the closure region 19 are moved in the transport direction 24 (in FIG FIG. 4 the transport direction 24 runs from left to right). The orientation of the second alignment features 18 of the container 2 may be different with respect to the transport direction 24. On the third container 2 from the left, the partial sleeve 36 with the first alignment feature 6 was applied.

The fourth to ninth container 2 with the respectively applied partial sleeve 36 are fixed by the two follower belt 37.1, 37.2 in height. These two belts 37.1, 37.2 engage the containers 2 before a partial sleeve 36 is applied, so that it rests on them after application and is thus fixed at a height.

The arrangement and operation of the second, third and fourth camera device, the two sponge rollers 25.1, 25.2, the two Vorschrumpfdüsen 26.1, 26.2 and the steam tunnel 29 is as already in Fig. 1 described, trained.

If during the analysis of the image or images by the evaluation device it is determined that a partial sleeve 36 is not arranged in the desired position after passing through the steam tunnel 29, this container 2 can be discharged by means of the pusher 32 and collected in a collecting container 34 ,

FIG. 5A shows a schematic plan view of a container 2 of a film sleeve 3, 36, which must be aligned so that it is not arranged in a desired position 42. The first alignment feature 6 and the second alignment feature 18 have an angular deviation 40 with respect to the longitudinal axis 39 of the film sleeves 3, 36. The desired position 42 is predetermined by the arrangement of the second alignment feature 18, which does not rotate the container 2 itself, but merely aligns the film sleeve 3, 36. The range corresponding to ± 5% deviation is indicated by reference numeral 41. Since the first alignment feature 6 is outside the area 41, the film sleeve 3, 36 is not in the desired position 42, but must be rotated to reach the desired position 42 by the angle value 40, ie, be aligned.

FIG. 5B shows a view of FIG. 5A After the film sleeve 3, 36 was aligned and thereby spent in the desired position 42.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a container 2, with a film sleeve 3, 36, which need not be aligned, since the arrangement conditions are met. The first alignment feature 6 and the second alignment feature 18 are in the range of ± 5% deviation 41. The film sleeve 3, 36 can therefore be regarded as being in the desired position 42.

The FIGS. 7 (I) and 7 (II) Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method of aligning a film sleeve applied to a container using the apparatus described above for aligning a film sleeve applied to a container.

In step 100, the device is supplied with a flat film tube having a first alignment feature.

In step 101, when the device comprises a perforating unit, a perforation is formed transversely to a longitudinal direction of the flat film tube by means of the perforating unit.

In step 102, the flat film tube, without or with perforation, passed over an expanding mandrel and expanded by the Aufweitdorns.

In step 103, an image or a plurality of images of the expanded film tube is created by means of a first camera device. Image data of the one or more images can be supplied to an evaluation device in step 104 and evaluated by means of the evaluation device.

In step 105, a film sleeve is cut off from the expanded film tube by means of a cutting device when the device comprises the cutting device. Alternatively, in step 106, a film sleeve is torn off the expanded film tube by means of conveyor rollers when the device comprises the perforation unit.

As a result, a partial sleeve or in step 108 a full sleeve can be produced in step 107.

In the case of the partial sleeve, a container with a second alignment feature is brought into an effective range of the fixing means in step 109, for example by means of a transport device.

In step 1108, the sub-sleeve is applied by the expanding mandrel to the container by means of the second conveyor rollers. The partial sleeve is thereby fixed by the fixing means on which it rests at least partially in a height of the container.

In step 111, one or more images of the container with the applied partial sleeve are created by means of the second camera device. Image data of the one or more images can be supplied to the evaluation device in step 112 and evaluated by means of the evaluation device. The evaluation by means of the evaluation device can determine the arrangement of the first alignment feature of the sub-sleeve for the arrangement of the second alignment feature of the container. On the basis of the evaluation, it can be determined which angle value of the partial sleeve is to be rotated on the container in order to reach a desired position or also whether it can remain in the applied, current position since this is already at a desired position equivalent. The evaluation can be based on arrangement conditions that may have previously been defined. For example, the placement conditions may specify that a desired position exists when the first and second registration features overlap one another or ± 5% deviation, such as a length measured on the shell surface of the container along the vessel perimeter or with respect to angular deviation from the vessel longitudinal axis ,

In step 113, if necessary, that is, if an alignment of the sub-sleeve to achieve a desired position is required, driving the rotating means to align the sub-sleeve by turning by the determined angular value.

In step 114, a first shrinkage of the partial sleeve then takes place by means of one or more preshrunk nozzles, so that at least partial fixing of the partial sleeve takes place on the container.

In step 115, the container with the at least partially fixed partial sleeve is deployed from an effective range of the fixing agent.

In the case of the full sleeve, in step 116, the full sleeve is applied to a container having a second alignment feature.

Thereafter, in step 117, fixing agents engage in a sealing area of the container.

In step 118, one or more images are taken of the container with the applied full sleeve by means of the second camera device. Image data of the one or more images can be transmitted to the evaluation device in step 119 and evaluated by means of the evaluation device. The evaluation can, as already described in step 112, take place.

In step 120, the container is introduced into the effective region of the hold-down, whereby the container is fixed between the hold-down and the transport device.

Optionally, in step 121, i.e., if alignment of the sub-sleeve to achieve a desired position is required, driving the rotating means to rotate and align the full-sleeve by the determined angular value.

In step 122, a first shrinkage of the full sleeve takes place by means of one or more pre-shrunk nozzles, so that an at least partial fixation of the full sleeve on the container takes place.

In step 123, the container with the at least partially fixed full-sleeve is deployed from an effective region of the hold-down device and the fixing means.

The following steps are described together for both sub-sleeve and full-sleeve applied containers.

In step 124, an image or multiple images of the container with the at least partially fixed partial sleeve / full sleeve is created by means of the third camera device. Image data of the one or more images can be supplied to the evaluation device in step 125 and evaluated by means of the evaluation device. The evaluation can, as already described in step 112, take place.

If the partial sleeve / full sleeve is not in a desired position, the container is discharged in step 126. If the partial sleeve / full sleeve is in the desired position, then in step 127 the container is transported through a steam tunnel in which a second shrinkage, the final shrinkage, of the partial sleeve / full sleeve takes place.

In step 128, one or more images are taken of the container with the partial sleeve / full sleeve by means of the fourth camera device. Image data of the one or more images can be supplied to the evaluation device in step 129 and evaluated by means of the evaluation device. The evaluation can, as already described in step 112, take place. If the partial sleeve / full sleeve is not in a desired position, the container is discharged in step 130. If the partial sleeve / full sleeve is in the desired position, then in step 131 the container is supplied to further uses.

Claims (15)

Device (1, 35) for aligning a film sleeve (3, 36) applied to a container (2), wherein the film sleeve (3, 36) comprises a first alignment feature (6) and the container (2) comprises a second alignment feature (18) wherein the device (1, 35) comprises: a transport device (14) on which the container (2) with the applied film sleeve (3, 36) can be transported in a transport direction (24), Fixing means (20, 20.1, 20.2, 37, 37.1, 37.2) for fixing the container (2), so that the container (2) is fixed relative to the transport device (14), marked by Rotating means (25, 25.1, 25.2) for aligning the film sleeve (3, 36) applied to the container (2), wherein the rotating means (25, 25.1, 25.2) are designed when the first alignment feature (6) and the second alignment feature ( 18) do not overlap each other or have more than ± 5% deviation (41), the film sleeve (3, 36) by an angular value (40) about a longitudinal axis (39) of the film sleeve (3, 36) to rotate, so that thereafter first alignment feature (6) and the second alignment feature (18) are arranged superimposed. The device of claim 1, wherein the device (1, 35) further comprises:
a camera device (22, 23), which, viewed in the direction of transport (24) of the container (2), is arranged in front of the rotating means (25, 25.1 25.2) and which is designed to take one or more images of the container (2) with the applied film sleeve (3, 36) record and provide image data of the one or more images available. The device of claim 2, wherein the device (1, 35) comprises:
an evaluation device which is designed to analyze the image data of the one or more images in order to determine the angle value (40) of the film sleeve (3, 36) about the longitudinal axis (39) of the film sleeve (3, 36) turn is. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device (1, 35) further comprises:
a control device for controlling the rotating means (25, 25.1, 25.2). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotating means (25, 25.1, 25.2) comprise one or more driven sponge rollers or one or more driven belts with nubbed, sponge and / or brush elements. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device (1) further comprises: a hold-down device (21) which is designed to fix the container (2) with the applied film sleeve (3) between the hold-down device (21) and the transport device (14), two revolving belts (20, 20.1, 20.1, 33.1, 33.2) which are designed to engage in a height of a closure region (13) of the container (2) and to fix the container (2) on the transport device (14). The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus (35) further comprises:
two follower belts (37) which are designed to engage a lateral surface (38) of the container (2) and to fix the container (2) on the transport device (14). The device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device further comprises: an expanding mandrel (8) adapted to expand a flat film tube (4), preferably a further camera device (17) which is designed to take one or more images of the film tube (4) in the region of the mandrel (8) and to provide image data of the one or more images. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device further comprises: a cutting device (11) which is designed to cut off film sleeves (3, 36) from the expanded film tube (10), preferably conveyor rollers (15) adapted to apply a film sleeve (3, 36) in cooperation with a surface of the mandrel (8) by rotation on a container (2). The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device further comprises: a perforating unit which is designed to form a perforation in the flat film tube (4) at predetermined distances transversely to a longitudinal direction of the flat film tube (4) and preferably conveyor rollers (15) adapted to tear a film sleeve (3, 36) in cooperation with a surface of the mandrel (8) by rotation of the expanded film tube (10) along the perforation and applied to a container (2). The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus (1, 35) further comprises: one or more preshrunk nozzles (26) adapted to cause a first shrinkage of the film sleeve (3, 36), preferably one of the one or more pre-shrunk nozzles (26) subsequent camera device (27, 28) which is designed to create one or more images of the container (2) and to provide image data of the one or more images, preferably a steam tunnel (29) adapted to cause a second shrinkage of the film sleeve (3, 36), preferably a further camera device (30, 31) following the steam tunnel (29), which is designed to create one or more images of the container (2) and to provide image data of the one or more images, preferably a pusher (32) adapted to remove containers (2) from the transport device (14). A method of aligning a film sleeve applied to a container using the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising the steps of: Transporting the container (2) with the applied film sleeve (3, 36) by means of the transport device (24), wherein the film sleeve (3, 36) comprises a first Ausrichtmerkmal (6) and the container (2) has a second Ausrichtmerkmal (18); Fixing the container (2) by means of the fixing means (20, 20.1, 20.2, 37, 37.1, 37.2) so that the container (2) is fixed relative to the transport device (24); Aligning the film sleeve (3, 36) applied to the container (2) by means of the rotating means (25, 25.1, 25.2) when the first alignment feature (6) and the second alignment feature (18) do not interfere with each other or more than ± 5% deviation (41), by rotating the film sleeve (3, 36) by an angle value (40) about a longitudinal axis (39) of the film sleeve (3, 36), so that thereafter the film sleeve (3, 36) in a desired position ( 42) is arranged. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
Taking one or more pictures by means of the camera device (22, 23), which is arranged in front of the rotating means (25, 25.1, 25.2) in the direction of transport (24) of the container (2), and providing image data of the one picture or the multiple pictures. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
Analyzing the image data of the one or more images and determining which angle value (40) the film sleeve (3, 36) is to rotate about the longitudinal axis (39). The method of any of claims 12 to 14, further comprising:
Controlling the rotating means (25, 25.1, 25.2) by means of the control device.

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