Computer controlled position slaved servo labeling system

• US 6,752,189 B2
• Filed: 10/24/2001
• Issued: 06/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Krones Incorporated (Krones)
• Original Assignee: Krones Incorporated (Krones)
• Inventors: Retzlaff, Steven A., Oldenburg, Mark C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Purvis, Sue A.
• Application Number:
  US10/040,051
• Publication Number:
  US 20030034111A1
• Time in Patent Office: 972 Days
• Field of Search: 156/64, 156/351, 156/362, 156/542, 156/566, 156/567, 156/363, 156/DIG.44, 156/DIG.45, 156/DIG.46, 156/350, 156/358, 156/361, 156/378, 156/367, 156/540, 156/541
• US Class Current: 156/362
• CPC Class Codes: B65C 3/08 to container bodies B65C3/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65C 9/1865 the labels adhering on a backing strip
• CPC Class Codes: B65C 9/42 Label feed control
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/414 Structure of the control system, e.g. common controller or multiprocessor systems, interface to servo, programmable interface controller
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/34322 Intitialize execution program at reference position on workpiece
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/37002 Absence, detect absence, presence or correct position of workpiece
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50049 Control machine as function of position, angle of workpiece
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50234 Synchronize two spindles, axis, electronic transmission, line shafting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1707 Discrete spaced laminae on adhered carrier
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/171 Means serially presenting discrete base articles or separate portions of a single article
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1771 Turret or rotary drum-type conveyor

Abstract

A labeling system employs a multi-processing computer control system for a servo motor which drives a label-carrying web. The system is responsive to the physical position of the labels and the physical position of containers or similar objects to which the labels are applied. The label application motion controller identifies the machine position and performs the mathematical calculations needed to create a piecewise continuous function motion profile required to achieve label contact at a predefined contact point on the surface of each container. Multiple functions may be used to construct a motion profile which smoothly accelerates the label at a calculated acceleration needed to cause a label to arrive at the defined contact position on a container and to decelerates the carrier web after application. Correction for measured label registration error is provided for. Because the position of the label is based on the position of the container and a motion profile is calculated for each application, a fixed initial staging position of the label prior to application is not needed.

Claims

1. Apparatus for applying, sequentially, a label to each of a series of containers comprising,

a machine base,

means for loading a plurality of containers in sequence onto said machine base,

means for holding and transporting said containers in spaced apart relationship on said machine base,

a label applicator device operative to convey labels individually in succession in a manner such that each label contacts an associated container transported to a position proximate to the label applicator device,

a servomotor for controlling the position and velocity of said labels,

a microprocessor operatively connected to control said servomotor,

a position feedback device coupled to said machine base and to said microprocessor for continually providing information to said microprocessor identifying the location of each of said containers on said machine base,

a registration sensor positioned adjacent said labels to identify the position of each said label, said registration sensor being coupled to said microprocessor, and

a position correction sensor positioned adjacent said labels to identify the position of a surface artifact, said position correction sensor being coupled to said microprocessor, whereby said microprocessor utilizes signals provided by said position feedback device, said registration sensor, and said position correction causing said servomotor to direct each successive label to be applied to a selected position on each associated container relative to the location of said surface artifact on said container.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said labels are coated on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive and said labels are carried on a transport carrier web from which they are separated as they are applied to a container.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said position feedback device comprises a rotary encoder which makes one revolution when said turntable rotates a distance equal to the distance between two adjacent containers.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a sensor for detecting the presence of a container in a container holder of said turntable, said sensor being operatively connected to said microprocessor whereby said microprocessor causes said label applicator to apply a label to a detected container.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an encoder coupled to said servomotor for providing feedback to said microprocessor identifying the position and velocity of said labels.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said machine base comprises a turntable which is driven rotationally about a vertical axis, and,

a plurality of container holders arranged in circumferentially spaced apart relationship on the turntable for transporting containers sequentially in a circular path.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 comprising means for turning said holders about a vertical axis.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 comprising means for conveying the containers from said turntable after label application.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said position correction sensor further comprises a sensor for detecting labels on the surface of the container, said position correction sensor being operatively connected to said microprocessor, said position correction sensor identifying the position of said labels.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 further comprising means to modify the defined contact position of a label on the surface of an associated container derived from information operatively received from the position correction sensor.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a position feedback device coupled to said servomotor and providing feedback to said microprocessor identifying the position of said labels.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising means for generating at least three separate functions to construct a motion profile, including, a first function, defining a pre-labeling move for accelerating the web at a calculated function of a detected position of the machine base position feedback device to achieve a defined contact position on an associated container, a second function for applying each successive label which is a function of the machine base position and the geometry of the surface of said associated container during application, and, a post-labeling function for decelerating the carrier web material after application of said label.