Method and Device for Label Arrangement on a Crate, In Particular a Bottle Crate

• US 20190329926A1
• Filed: 10/25/2017
• Published: 10/31/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/2016
• Status: Active Application

• Current Assignee: Schoeller Allibert Gmbh
• Original Assignee: Schoeller Allibert Gmbh
• Inventors: Gommer, Herman, Fischer, Klaus-Jurgen, Malschowsky, Carsten
• Application Number:
  US16/462,136
• Publication Number:
  US 20190329926A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2045/14918 in-mould-labelling
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14008 Inserting articles into the mould B29C45/14827 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/7134 Crates, e.g. for bottles
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 1/22 Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents B65D43/162, B65D81/02, B65D81/3813 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 1/24 with moulded compartments or partitions
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/02 Labels
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 25/36 formed by applying sheet material

Abstract

In a method for applying of IML films on crates, in particular bottle crates, a single, the entire crate circumference enclosing IML label is used, which is transferred via an insertion gripper after completion of cutting to the appropriate length in a tool for injection molding of the crate made of plastic and is inserted.

Claims

1-17. -17. (canceled)

18. A method of applying labels on crates with a label arrangement tool integrated into a tool for plastic injection molding of the crate that comprises a plurality of tool jaws that correspond with portions of the crate circumference, the plurality of tool jaws movable from an open position into a closed position configured to receive molten plastic, comprising:

forming label into a tube;

applying an outer surface of the tube onto the plurality of tool jaws by insertion of a gripper within the tube, the gripper having a hose that is adjusted to maintain the tube to correspond to a predetermined contour of the crate; and

closing the tool and injecting plastic into the tool to manufacture the crate.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the tube is applied to the plurality of tool jaws with vacuum suction.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the tube is applied to the plurality of tool jaws by bonding wherein the plurality of tool jaws are driven up to the hose at the insertion gripper when the plurality of jaws are moved to the closed position.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of tool jaws each comprise a molding jaw and a label plate are disposed over the crate circumference, wherein the label plates are configured to be applied against the label tube positioned on the gripper.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the length of the label corresponds at least to the length of the crate circumference.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein ends of the label are interconnected by adhesive bonding to define an overlapping region.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein ends of the label are interconnected by heat fusion

25. The method of claim 18, wherein ends of the label are interconnected with at least one connecting strip.

26. The method of claim 18, further comprising cutting the labels from a roll of wound film.

28. The method of claim 18, further wherein the hose is formed at a blank station, and further comprising storing the hose a magazine in tubular form and using the insertion gripper to remove the hose from the magazine.

29. The method of claim 18, further comprising using docking elements on the gripper, the tool jaws, or the label plates that are brought into an engagement with the hose.

30. The method of claim 18, wherein the insertion gripper for removing the injection-molded crate from the tool can be converted into a contour with reduced circumference.

31. An apparatus for applying labels on crates, in particular bottle crates, comprising:

a cutting station in which a label blank with a length corresponding to at least to the length of the outer periphery of the crate is prepared, the cutting status having a centering station for a formation of a label tube configured to fit the crate circumference;

a label positioning station provided with an insertion gripper configured to form the label into a tube, for receiving the tube, and its transfer into the open or closed tool;

a plurality of tool jaws that correspond with portions of the crate circumference, the plurality of tool jaws movable from an open position into a closed position configured to receive molten plastic;

a gripper configured for insertion into a tube, the gripper having a hose that is adjusted to maintain the tube to correspond to a predetermined contour of the crate; and

wherein the apparatus having a closed configuration configured to receive injected plastic to manufacture the crate.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the centering station is provided as a magazine for the storage and/or receiving of the IML, labels formed each into a circumferential tube (4), which are preferably arranged next to the label positioning station formed preferably as an insertion gripper (8) in such a way that in each case a tube (4) can be removed from the magazine and can be inserted into the correct position in the tool (5).

33. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising a length recognition system operating optically that is responsive to the detection of punch markers on the label.

34. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising a length measuring system for checking the length of the label for the hose formation in adaptation to the total circumference of the crate.

35. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising a docking-elements for tube positioning.

36. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the insertion gripper is provided with movable construction elements that represents the outer contour of the crate in an arrangement region of the label in an extended position and in a retracted position corresponding to a contour of the insertion gripper.

37. A crate, comprising

four circumferential side walls and a bottom which is formed of plastic by injection molding,

a single label positioned over the a crate circumference such that the label is formed as an encircling hose.