Abstract:
A labeling machine includes a device for adjusting the position of a tape holding labels, which enables moving the tape progressively on an abutment surface in order to vary the position of the print on the label. The labeling machine further presents a self-regulating arresting element of a tape bearing labels. The arresting element presses the tape against an abutment surface when a label must be applied on a destination surface and releases the tape when, on the action of a control device, the tape is actuated to advance. The machine further includes a printing member whose ink roller is associated to a device that enables it to engage easily and smoothly on a corresponding support arm. The support arm is connected to a door providing access to interior areas of the labeling machine, whose opening causes the support arm to exit and the exposes the ink roller.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a labeling machine. 
     In particular, the present invention relates to a manually operated labeling machine for the application of labels bearing one or more captions, e.g. indications about the products whereon the label is applied. In greater detail, the present invention is suitable for use in warehouses and/or in any commercial activity, such as department stores, supermarkets, shops and/or the like in which there is a need to affix various types of commercial and/or informational indications. 
     As is well known, there are manually operated labeling machines that comprise a load-bearing structure, within which is provided a device for feeding a label-holder tape. The label-holder tape is guided within the load-bearing structure to an area of application of the labels, whereat each label borne by the tape is detached from it to be affixed on a respective surface of the product of interest. 
     To allow the advance of the label holder tape within the load-bearing structure, known labeling machines are provided with an appropriate actuating device which pulls the tape downstream of the application area, making it advance towards an area of discharge of the tape without the labels. 
     Such labeling machines are also provided with a member for arresting and/or braking the tape to allow the application of each label without the occurrence of undesired dragging of the tape. In particular, prior art labeling machines are provided, between the tape feeding member and the area of application of the labels, with a series of mechanism that continuously press the label-holder tape against an abutment surface present within the load-bearing structure. In this way, the label-holder tape is maintained in a fixed position allowing the complete detachment of the label to be applied. 
     Known labeling machines further comprise a control device, usually constituted by a movable element which has an appropriate grip, operatively connected to the actuation device to bring, to the application area, consecutively to each other, the labels borne by the tape. In particular, when the control device is operated manually, the cooperation between the latter and the actuation device intensely drive the label holder tape which, overcoming the blocking forces exercised by the arresting device, advances as described above. 
     Within the structure is also provided a printing element able to deposit on each label, upstream of the application area, a predefined quantity of ink according to pre-set motifs, whereby the aforementioned commercial and/or informational indications are obtained. 
     To allow correctly to print the aforesaid motifs on each label, a device is also provided for adjusting the position of the tape relative to the printing element. 
     Considering that labeling machines can be used with tapes of variable format and therefore with labels having different pitch (distance between two successive labels) and dimensions, it is essential to be able to modify the position of the tape, in order to assure that each print is correctly impressed on each label. The adjusting device is generally constituted by a movable slide, positioned at the area of application of the labels, and provided with a tape transmission roller. The slide is movable within a sliding guide to vary the distance between the transmission roller and the application area, thus modifying the path of the tape. 
     The adjusting device further presents a tightening screw, able to lock the slide in the desired position. 
     Generally, the tightening screw is positioned externally in view, to enable manual interventions thereon without having to open the body of the structure. In this way, when the operator has to intervene on the slide, the screw is loosened to allow to change the positioning of the roller and consequently to adjust the labels relative to the printing element. Once the correct position is found, the screw is tightened, locking the entire slide and the respective transmission roller in position. 
     Although prior art labeling machines do enable the printing and satisfactory application of labels on the packages and/or surfaces of the products of interest, the Applicant has observed that they are not free of some drawbacks, mainly in relation to the use of the device for adjusting the positioning of the tape. 
     In particular, a first drawback is that the tightening screw is generally positioned along the path of the tape downstream of the area of application of the labels. Therefore, the screw is obscured and not immediately visible by the user. 
     It should also be considered that the tightening screw is difficult to operate, because of the presence of the tape which obscures the screw itself. 
     Consequently, action on the screw, in addition to being inconvenient, entails the partial breakage of the tape downstream of the area of application of the labels, which tape must be moved aside to uncover the screw itself. 
     An additional drawback is given by the difficulty in adjusting the device, due to the manual actuation of the slide along the aforementioned sliding guide. Therefore, any manual errors in adjusting the slide cause the erroneous positioning between print and pre-print or even printing on two contiguous labels. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An essential object of the present invention, therefore, is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. 
     In particular, an object of the present invention is to make available a labeling machine that is provided with a system for adjusting the position of the tape that is readily accessible by the user, without acting on the tape. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to make available a labeling machine that is provided with a system for adjusting the position of the tape that is easy to use and at the same time is able to assure the correct positioning of the labels relative to the printing element. 
     The technical task set out above and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a labeling machine comprising the characteristics described and claimed below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further characteristics and advantages shall become more readily apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a labeling machine, in accordance with the present invention. Said description shall be provided below with reference to the accompanying figures, provided purely by way of non limiting indication, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic section of a labeling machine according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an additional schematic section of the labeling machine of the previous Figure, shown in open condition; 
         FIG. 3  is a representation of a first detail of the labeling machine of the previous Figures, shown in perspective and in exploded view; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the detail of the previous Figure; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the detail of  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a representation of a second detail of the labeling machine of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , shown in perspective and in exploded view; 
         FIG. 7  shows a third detail of the labeling machine, shown in perspective and in exploded view; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a component of the detail of  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective and partially exploded view of a detail of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to the accompanying figures, the number  1  globally indicates a labeling machine, in accordance with the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the labeling machine  1  comprises a substantially closed structure  2  presenting a handle  3 , positioned posteriorly for the manual engagement of the labeling machine. 
     Within the structure  2 , in a substantially central area, is provided an element  4  for feeding a tape  5  provided with a plurality of labels  6  (whereof one is schematically shown in  FIG. 1 ) to be printed and affixed onto the outer surfaces of corresponding packages, labels and/or products. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the feeding element  4  preferably comprises a feeding reel  7  pivotally engaged to the structure  2  to rotate around a respective axis of rotation “X”. 
     Advantageously, the feeding reel  7  is removably engaged to the structure  2  in such a way that it can be removed from it when the feeding reel  7  is completely empty. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the feeding reel  7  can advantageously be inserted or extracted through an appropriate access opening  8  obtained in a lower part of the structure and appropriately kept closed by additional components of the labeling machine which shall be described below. 
     To guide the tape  5  at least between the feeding element  4  and an area  9  of application of at least one label  6 , the structure  2  is provided with appropriate guidance means which define, according to a predetermined path, a route of advance of said tape  5 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the guiding means lead the tape  5  from the feeding element  4  to the application area  9  which is preferably located inferiorly to the structure  2  of the labeling machine  1  in proximity to a front portion  10  thereof. 
     The labeling machine further comprises at least device  11  for actuating the tape  5  operatively located within the structure  2 . The actuating device  11  is movable from a non operative condition in which the tape  5  does not move, remaining in a predetermined position, and operative condition, in which the actuating device  11  induces the tape  5  to move along the path of advance defined by the guiding means to bring at least one label  6  of the tape  5  to the area of application  9 . 
     Again with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the labeling machine further comprises an element  12  for arresting the tape  5  operatively positioned within the structure  2 . The arresting element  12 , not described in detail because it is of a known type, is movable between a condition of arrest, in which it inhibits the actuation of the tape  5  pressing the latter against an abutting surface  13  associated with the structure itself, and a condition of release, in which the pressure of the tape  5  against the abutting surface  13  decreases according to a value such that the tape  5  is free to advance along the aforementioned path of advance. 
     In order to operate both the actuating device  11  and the arresting element  12 , the labeling machine comprises at least one control device  14  operatively associated to the structure  2 , preferably inferiorly to the handle  3 . The control device  14  is operatively connected to the arresting element  12  and to the actuating device  11  to bring, to the application area  9 , at least one label  6  present on the tape  5 . 
     More in particular, the control device  14  comprises a control lever  15  hinged to the structure  2  of the labeling machine  1  in a rear area thereof to oscillate around a respective axis of rotation “Y”. The control lever  15  has, inferiorly to the handle  3 , a grip portion  16  shaped ergonomically to facilitate and ease the manual grasping thereof. The control lever  15  develops prevalently within the structure  2  presenting a first control portion  17  located in proximity to the arresting element  12  and a second control portion  18  located in proximity to the actuating device  11 . 
     Advantageously, at least one contrasting elastic element  19 , preferably a helical spring  19   a , is operatively interposed between the grip portion of the control device  14  and the handle  3  of the structure  2  to maintain the latter in a predetermined position. 
     Advantageously, the control device  14  can be moved between a first position in which the arresting element  12  is in arresting condition and the actuating device  11  is in non operative condition ( FIG. 1 ), and a second position in which the arresting element  12  is in release condition and the actuating device  11  is in operative condition, i.e. in condition of pulling the tape  5  that unwinds the respective feeding reel  7 . 
     In greater detail, the movement of the control device  14  from the first to the second position takes place by manually pressing the grip portion  16  of the control lever  15  that consequently rotates around the axis of rotation “Y” counter clockwise. The grip portion  16  approaches the handle  3  pressing the helical spring  19   a  and the respective control portions  17 ,  18  move determining a change of state relative to the arresting element  12  that reduces its load on the tape  5  and the actuating device  11  that drives the tape  5  along the path of advance. 
     On the contrary, if the manual action of approach of the grip portion  16  to the handle  3  is interrupted, the control device  14  tends to return to the initial position, i.e. completely removed from the handle  3 , rotating clockwise around the axis of rotation “Y”. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , and in particular to  FIGS. 3-5 , the aforementioned arresting device  12  comprises, in detail, a first element  20 , preferably made of plastic material, pivotally engaged to the structure  2  by means of a hinging pivot  21  which defines a respective axis of rotation “Z” substantially parallel to the axis of rotation “X” and “Y” respectively of the feeding reel  7  and of the control lever  15 . At the opposite site from the hinging pivot  21  the first element  20  has a small engagement plate  22 , preferably metallic, engaged, advantageously by co-molding, in a respective seat  23 . The engagement plate  22  is operatively connected to the first control portion  17  of the control device  14  so that the movement thereof between the first and the second condition determines the actuation of the arresting device  12  between the arresting condition and the release condition. 
     Again with reference to  FIGS. 3 through 5 , the arresting elements  12  comprises a second element  24 , preferably metallic, pivotally engaged to the structure  2  by means of the hinging pivot  21  in such a way as to rotate around the axis of rotation “Z”. Advantageously, the second element  24  has an inclined portion  25  that engages the tape  5  to block it against the abutting surface  13  when the arresting device  12  is in arresting condition and to allow the advance of the tape itself along the path of advance when the arresting device  12  is in release condition. 
     The arresting element  12  comprises an elastic connection element  26  interposed between the first and the second element  20 ,  24  to connect the latter and at the same time to allow relative rotations around the axis of rotation “Z”. 
     The interaction between the elastic connecting member  26 , the first and the second element  20 ,  24 , the control device  14  and the tape  5  on the abutting surface  13 , determines, in arrest condition, a thrust by the elastic connecting member  26  on the second element  24  against the abutting surface  13 . In other words, when the control device  14  is in the first position, the first portion  17  of the control lever  15  pushes the engagement plate  22  of the first element  20  of the arresting member  12  upwards by the action of the contrasting spring  19   a . In practice, the first control portion  17  of the control lever  15  has a shaped screw  17   a  a shaped stem  17   b  whereof is directly engaged to the engagement plate  22  present in the end of the first element  20  of the arresting member  12  that is opposite to the second element  24 . 
     Being fastened in the pivot  21 , the first element  20  tends to rotate counter clockwise ( FIGS. 1-3  and  5 ) tensioning the elastic member  26  which induces the second element  24  in rotation around the axis “Z” and counter clockwise. The rotation of the second element  24  is, however, contrasted by the contrasting surface  13 , transforming itself into a thrust equal to the force exercised by the elastic member  26  on the second element  24  and on the contrasting surface  13 . Naturally, a push of the tape  5  against the contrasting surface  13  causes its blocking. 
     On the contrary if the control device  14  is moved from the first to the second position, the first control portion  17  of the control lever  15  no longer pushes against the metallic plate  22 , enabling the elastic member  26  to unload, freeing the tape  5  which can thus slide. 
     Again with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 5 , the elastic device  26  is preferably constituted by a traction spring  26   a , operatively interposed between a respective hitching portion  20   a  of the first element  20  and a corresponding engagement portion  24   a  of the second element  24 . 
     The arresting device  12  further comprises an auxiliary elastic member  27 , preferably a torsion spring  27   a , operatively interposed between an abutting portion  20   b  ( FIG. 4 ) of the first element  20  and an abutting surface  24   b  ( FIG. 5 ) of the second element  24 , oriented substantially opposite relative to the contrasting surface  13 . The auxiliary elastic member  27  cooperates with the elastic members  26  to enhance the thrusting action of the second element  24  against the contrasting surface  13  when the arresting device  12  is in arresting condition and assure the tensioning of the tape  5  when the control device  14  is in the second position in such a way as to obtain the correct detachment of the labels from the tap in the application area  9 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and in particular to  FIG. 7 , the actuating device  11  comprises at least one driving roller  28  pivotally engaged to the structure  2  along the path of advance of said tape  5  and downstream of the area of application  9  of the labels  6 . The driving roller  28  partially defines the path of advance of the tape  5  and it can be actuated in rotation according to a predefined angle of rotation to advance the tape  5  according to a respective predetermined measure of advance. 
     The driving roller  28  is advantageously connected to the control device  14 , so that it is actuated in rotation around a respective axis of rotation “W”, substantially parallel to the axes of rotation “X”, “Y” and “Z” when the arresting member  12  is in release condition. 
     Describing more in detail the structure of the actuating device  11 , the driving roller  28  has a plurality of actuating projections  29  positioned at both the planar lateral surfaces  28   a  thereof, operatively engaged by an actuating member  30  interposed between the driving roller  28  and the second control portion  18  of the control lever  15  of the control device  14 . The actuating member  30  operates, on the action of the control device  14 , consecutively on each actuating projection  29  to rotate at constant pitch the driving roller  28  around the respective axis of rotation “W” clockwise and according to a predefined angle of rotation. 
     More in detail, the actuating member  30  is preferably constituted by a pawl  31  hinged at its ends to the structure  2  between the driving roller  28  and the grip portion  16  of the control device  14 . 
     When the control device  14  moves from the second to the first position on the action of the spring  19   a , the pawl  31  enmeshes the actuating projections  29  of the driving roller  28  obtaining a stepped rotation thereof around the axis “W”. 
     In order to inhibit any counter-rotations of the driving roller  28  during the movement of the control device  14  from the first to the second position, the driving roller  28  is provided with a plurality of locking projections  32 . 
     On the exterior cylindrical surface, the driving roller  28  has a series of notches  36  able to engage inside corresponding slits (not shown) obtained on the tape  5 . 
     Peripherally to the cylindrical surface of the driving roller  28  is provide an elastic tape-guiding device  37  with arched shape which is fastened removably, at its ends to the structure  2  and it is able to maintain the tape  5  pressed on the driving roller  28 . 
     In particular, the elastic tape-guide device  37  has a first end  37   a  hinged to the structure  2 , by means of two pins  37   b , and a second end  37   c , hinged to the structure  2 , by means of a shaft  37   d  that engages within the respective hinging hole  37   e  obtained on the structure of the tape-guide device itself. The tape-guide device  37  is advantageously made elastic by two laminar sections  37   f  that can elasticize so the settling and the phasing of the advance of the tape  5  are assured. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , both the abutting surface  13  and the actuating device  11  are supported by a portion  2   a  of the structure  2 , able to rotate around a hinging axis “K”, coinciding with the axis of hinging of the actuating member  30 . The displacement of the portion  2   a  of the structure  2 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , defines the aforementioned access opening  8  for the insertion and/or the extraction of the reel  7  for feeding the tape  5 . 
     Still with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 9 , it should be noted that the portion  2   a  is also provided with a device  90  for adjusting the position of the tape  5 . 
     In particular, the device  90  presents two housing seats  91 , positioned at opposite sides of the aforementioned portion  2   a  and each of them defined by two elastic foils  92  having arched profile. The foils  92  of each seat  91  present respective recessed inner surfaces, facing each other to define a preferably circular housing area. 
     The foils  92  allow to receive in snap-on fashion, deforming elastically, a support  93  which couples with respective hubs  94  within each seat  91 . Hence, each hub  94  presents a shaped surface that is operatively coupled to the corresponding shape of the seat  91 , in such a way as to maintain a stable position of the support  93  relative to the structure  2 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , the hubs  94  present a cylindrical development. Moreover, each recessed inner surface of the foils  92  is provided with a parallel notching or knurling, called “paracentric” and preferably constituted by a series of alternated projections with predefined pitch. It should be noted that the hubs  94  also preferably present a parallel notching or knurling, called “paracentric”, and preferably constituted by a series of alternated projections with predefined pitch. In this way, the hubs  94  are meshed within the inner surfaces of the foils  92  to maintain a stable coupling of the support  93  within the seats  91 . 
     Advantageously, the snap-on rotation of the support  93  around its own longitudinal axis allows to position the support  93  according to a predefined fixed and adjustable angular position within the seats  91 . 
     It should be noted that the support  93  presents at each hub  94  a recess  95 , provided to allow the insertion of the tip of a tool, e.g. a screwdriver. In this way, the operator rotates the support  93  acting directly within the recess  95  with a screwdriver, to select the position of the support  93 . 
     The support  93  further presents two shaped ends  93   a  which, deforming elastically, enable the insertion of a roller  96  around which the tape  5  rotates. Therefore, the rotation of the support  93  determines the positioning of the roller  96  thus obtaining different linear developments to the tape  5 . Consequently, manually positioning the roller  96  the position of the tape  5  is varied in accordance with the correct printing position within the label  6 , thus compensating any pitch variations present on tapes  5  of different origin. 
     Again with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and in particular with  FIG. 6 , the labeling machine  1  comprises a printing device  38  operatively associated to the structure  2  to deposit on at least one label  6  a predefined quantity of ink according to a pre-set motif. The printing device  38  is movable, upon operation of the control device  14 , between a condition of rest ( FIG. 1 ) coinciding with the first position of the control device  14  in which the printing member  38  is distanced from the tape  5 , and a printing condition coinciding with the second position of the control device  14 , in which the printing member  38  operates on a respective label of the tape  5 . 
     Advantageously, the printing member  38  comprises at least one support element or support arm  39  operatively associated to the structure  2  and having a free end  40  preferably provided with two support projections  41 . The printing member  38  further comprises at least one inking roller  42  removably engaged to the support element  39  between the support projections  41 . 
     As visible in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the printing member  38  is also provided with means for feeding the ink  43  to be provided to the inking roller  42  which are only mentioned here because they do not represent the subject of the present invention. 
     Advantageously, the printing member  38  comprises at least one engagement device  44  ( FIG. 6 ) able to be operatively interposed between the support element  39  and the inking roller  42  to allow, integrally with the inking roller  42 , the removable engagement thereof to the support element  39 . In other words, the engagement device  44  enables the inking roller  42  to be engaged or removed from the support element  39  within coming in contact with the cylindrical surface of the inking roller  42 . 
     Preferably, the engagement device  44  has snap-in engagement means  45  for the engagement of the inking roller  42  to the support element  39 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 6 , the engagement device  44  comprises a substantially “U” shaped roller-holder structure  46  having two lateral portions  46   a , each provided with a respective seat  47  for the pivotal engagement of a respective longitudinal pivot  48  of the inking roller  42  and a central connecting portion  46   b  interposed between the lateral portions  46   a.    
     The engagement device  44  further comprises two elastic connecting elements  49  each operatively engaged externally to a respective lateral portion  46   a  of the roller-holder structure  46 . Each elastic connecting element  49  is movable between a first position in which it is distanced from the respective lateral portion  46   a  of the roller-holder structure  46  and a second position in which it is approached to the respective lateral portion  46   a  of the roller-holder structure  46 . 
     Each elastic connecting element  49  has, at opposite side relative to the respective lateral portion  46   a  of the roller-holder structure  46  at least one hitching projection  50 , adapted to engage at least one respective hitching seat  51  obtained internally in a respective support projection  41  of the support element  39  and at least one thrust edge  52  through which the hitching projection  50  is displaced from the first to the second position, engaging the respective hitching seat  51  when the roller-holder structure  46  is engaged between the support projections  41  of the support element  39 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , the labeling machine advantageously comprises at least one door  53  having a first end  53   a  hinged to the structure  2  and a second end  53   b , opposite the first end  53   a , provided with at least one element  54  for locking the door  53  on the structure. The door  53  is able to rotate around a hinging axis “Q”, defined in the first end  53   a , between a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) in which the structure  2  is closed by the door  53 , and an open position ( FIG. 2 ), in which the door  53  is at least partially removed from the structure  2 . 
     Advantageously, the support element  39  of the inking roller  42  is hinged, at the opposite side from its free end  40 , to the second end  53   b  of the door  53 . According to said connection, the support element  39  is positioned within the structure  2  when the door  53  is in closed position and it is positioned at least partially, preferably completely ( FIG. 2 ) outside the structure  2  when the door  53  is in open position to facilitate accessibility to the inking roller  42 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , at the axis of hinging “Q” is also pivotally engaged an application roller  55  by means of which it is possible to press the label exiting the corresponding application area against an underlying surface. 
     The present invention solves the problems observed in the prior art and achieves the proposed objects. 
     First of all, the adjusting device  90  is easy to use and it allows manually to adjust the position of the tape  5  manually relative to the printing element  38 . 
     Said advantage is given by the presence of the support  93  which laterally presents the recess  95  whereby the operator can intervene modifying the positioning of the roller  96 . 
     Consequently, the lateral position of the recess  95  is easily accessible and it enables to rotate the support  93  without acting on the tape  5  thus avoiding damaging the tape  5 . 
     The adjusting device  90  is therefore easy to use and at the same time able to assure the correct positioning of the labels relative to the printing element. 
     It should also be considered that, in the illustrated example, the knurled surfaces enable to position the support  93  stably and precisely within the aforesaid seats  91 . 
     Advantageously, the roller  96  also is positioned correctly increasing/reducing the distance between the roller  96  itself and the application area  9 , to correct the position of the labels  6  relative to the printing element.