Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present disclosure is related to mechanical engineering, specifically focusing on the design and innovation related to the handling of labels in a labeling machine for bottles. Particularly, the present invention concentrates on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the label holding and cutting process by providing a cutter shaft used in such machines by which the label handling mechanism with reducing power consumption, enhancing efficiency, and minimizing downtime during production can be performed..
BACKGROUND
In general, Conventional methods use a vacuum for label holding, but they suffer from inefficiency due to the entire shaft length having a suction zone, resulting in increased power consumption by the vacuum pump. Another method involves using change parts specific to bottle sizes. However, replacing these parts for different sizes leads to production downtime.
We can see an invention US5863382, where a labeling machine can rapidly change the size of labels cut from a web of labels to match different diameter containers which are then fed onto containers moving along a conveyor. A labeling drum is positioned adjacent to the conveyor for receiving cut labels and applying them onto containers fed along the conveyor. A cutter assembly is positioned adjacent to the labeling drum for receiving a web of labels, cutting the web, and transferring a cut label onto the labeling drum. The cutter assembly includes a stationary mounting plate and a drive pinion mounted on the plate. A cutter roll frame is received on the mounting plate, and includes a vertically oriented cutter roll with upper and lower ends, a central axis, and a gear at the lower end for meshing with the drive pinion and rotating the cutter roll. The cutter roll gear size is directly proportional to the size of the cutter roll. The central axis of the cutter roll is spaced farther from the drive pinion, and the outer surface of the cutter roll is spaced farther from the label drum for successive larger diameter cutter rolls.
But there is need for efficient label cutter tool or cutter shaft or cutting device that can minimize vacuum blower power usage that can be compatible with different sizes of label or bottles or both and which can reduce the downtime associated with conventional methods resulting in increased efficiency, reduced power usage, and minimal downtime during production.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention,, the proposed cutter shaft revolutionizes label handling in bottle labeling machines.
In some embodiments, the proposed invention is efficiently receive, hold, and cut labels for various bottle sizes.

Yet in a preferred embodiment, the proposed label-cutting machine shaft minimizes power usage by introducing a zoned construction. Wherein each zone on the shaft comprises individual ports that do not intersect, allowing precise control over suction zones through flow control valves.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the strategic zone construction ensures optimized label holding without the need for changing parts, thus eliminating downtime during production.

The other embodiment in the invention where the shaft's construction involves a solid single shaft with precisely drilled vertical and horizontal holes, enabling effective label holding without compromising efficiency or requiring frequent adjustments.

Another embodiment in the invention is that the present invention significantly enhances label handling efficiency, reduces power consumption, and eliminates downtime, ensuring seamless label processing for bottle labeling machines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates the proposed label-cutting shaft as per the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates the Cross-section view of the Cutter Shaft as per embodiment of the invention.

Fig 3 and Fig 4 illustrate the top view and bottom view of the cutter shaft respectively.

Fig 5 and Fig 6 illustrate detailed section view of Zone 1 & 3 and section view of Zone 2 & 4
Fig 7 illustrates a sample label web placed on the label-cutting shaft while moving.
Components of Cutter Shaft and part numbers:
1. Label Retainer
2. Cutter knife mounting slot
3. Drive shaft
4. Label retainer zone 1
5. Label retainer zone 2
6. Label retainer zone 3
7. Label retainer zone 4
8. Vertical Vacuum port for zone 1
9. Vertical Vacuum port for zone 2
10. Vertical Vacuum port for zone 3
11. Vertical Vacuum port for zone 4
12. Horizontal Vacuum port for zone 1
13. Horizontal Vacuum port for zone 2
14. Horizontal Vacuum port for zone 3
15. Horizontal Vacuum port for zone 4
16. Label web

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a label cutter shaft is disclosed. Wherein the proposed cutter shaft can significantly enhance label handling efficiency, reduce power consumption, and eliminate downtime, ensuring seamless label processing for bottle labeling machines.

Figure 1 illustrates the proposed label-cutting shaft as per the preferred embodiment of the invention. Wherein the cutter shaft contains a label retainer portion (1), a cutter knife mounting slot (2), and a driveshaft (3). Wherein the label retainer portion (1) of the shaft is designed to hold the label securely in place during the cutting process. It acts as a mechanism to keep the label in position while the cutter knife operates to trim or cut the label.

Figure 2 illustrates the Cross-section view of the Cutter Shaft as per embodiment of the invention. Wherein label retainer zone 1 (4), a label retainer zone 2 (5), . label retainer zone 3 (6), and a label retainer zone 4 (7) are horizontally drilled ports shown.

The label retainer zone 1 (4) zone of the cutter shaft likely marks the initial point where the label is placed or inserted onto the shaft. It might include features or structures designed to facilitate the proper positioning and initial retention of the label material before it undergoes cutting or trimming.

The label retainer zone 2 (5) zone might represent a transitional area where the label moves from its initial placement (Zone 1) towards the cutting or trimming mechanism. It could potentially include design elements that aid in maintaining label alignment or tension as it progresses toward the cutting region.

The label retainer zone 3 (6) zone likely corresponds to the region just before the label reaches the cutting mechanism. It might involve features or structures intended to ensure the label remains securely held or aligned before it is cut.

The label retainer zone 4 (7) zone appears to be the immediate area where the cutting or trimming action takes place. It could involve components or features related to the cutter knife, ensuring proper interaction with the label material to achieve precise cutting or trimming.

Fig 3 and Fig 4 illustrate the top view and bottom view of the Cutter Shaft. Wherein the Vertical Vacuum port for zone 1 (8), a vertical vacuum port for zone 2 (9), and a vertical vacuum port for zone 3 (10) a vertical vacuum ports for zone 4 (11) are constructed or structured evenly distributed manner that does not intersect each other.
The vertical vacuum port for zone 1 (8) port is likely strategically positioned within Zone 1 of the cutter shaft. It is designed to create or maintain a vacuum in this area, potentially aiding in the initial retention or positioning of the label material. The purpose could be to hold the label in place securely before it progresses further along the shaft.

The vertical vacuum port for zone 2 (9) positioned within Zone 2, this port's function could be to assist in guiding the label material from its initial placement (Zone 1) toward the cutting or trimming region. It might help maintain label alignment or tension as the material moves along the shaft.

The vertical vacuum port for zone 3 (10) situated in Zone 3, likely contributes to ensuring that the label remains securely held or aligned just before it reaches the cutting mechanism (Zone 4). It could aid in stabilizing the label material to prepare it for precise cutting or trimming.

The vertical vacuum port for zone 4 (11) is positioned in zone 4, this port's function likely involves assisting in the cutting or trimming process. It might help in removing any debris or waste material resulting from the cutting action, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient cutting process.

In another embodiment of the invention, the even distribution of these vertical vacuum ports across the different zones of the cutter shaft, without intersecting each other, indicates a systematic construction aimed at facilitating the movement, positioning, and cutting of the label material while maintaining a controlled environment (potentially using vacuum assistance) to optimize the label-cutting process.

Fig 5 and Fig 6 illustrate detailed section view of Zone 1 & 3 and section view of Zone 2 & 4 respectively.

In a preferred embodiment in the invention , Label cutting machines can use various methods for cutting labels, and the use of a vacuum-sucking process is one of them. In some label-cutting machines, a vacuum system may be employed to hold the label material in place during the cutting process. This helps in ensuring precision and accuracy in the cutting operation.

The label material is placed on a cutting bed or platform. A vacuum system is activated to create suction, holding the label material securely in place. This prevents any movement or shifting of the material during the cutting process. The cutting mechanism, which can be a blade, laser, or other cutting tool, then moves across the material to precisely cut the labels. Once the cutting is complete, the vacuum is released, allowing the cut labels to be easily removed or collected.

Fig 7 illustrates a sample label web placed on the label-cutting shaft while moving.
From the above illustration we can easily understand that the label is placed on zone 4 and we can shut off the vacuum on zone 1, 2 & 3. Only zone 4 can be activated for vacuum sucking. So that the power consumption required will be much lower without any change part.

Similarly, the zone 1 or zone 2 or zone 3 or in a combination the label webs are placed, accordingly, respective vacuum zones can be activated, thereby the present inventive disclosure will reduce the power consumption.

The use of a vacuum system in label cutting machines is beneficial because it helps maintain accuracy, especially when dealing with delicate or thin materials. It ensures that the material stays flat and stable during the cutting process, reducing the likelihood of errors or misalignments in the finished labels.

A vacuum system typically refers to a mechanism that creates suction or negative pressure to hold the label material securely in place during the cutting process. This system is designed to prevent the material from moving or shifting while the cutting operation takes place. The vacuum system may be a Vacuum pump or generator: This is a device that generates the vacuum or negative pressure needed to create suction. It could be a vacuum pump or a generator specifically designed for this purpose.

in one aspect of the present invention, the Vacuum source may be a Vacuum Chamber or Bed: The area where the label material is placed for cutting is often equipped with a perforated bed or chamber. This allows the vacuum to pass through and create suction, holding the material in place.

In other aspect the Vacuum source or system is a vacuum lines or tubes: These are conduits that connect the vacuum pump or generator to the vacuum chamber. They allow the negative pressure to be applied to the surface of the label material.

Another embodiment in the invention is that a control system is incorporated with suitable connection with the label cutting machine, to manage the activation and deactivation of the vacuum system. It ensures that the suction is applied when needed (during cutting) and released when the cutting is complete.

By using a vacuum system, label cutting machines can achieve precise and accurate cuts, particularly when working with thin or flexible materials. The suction created by the vacuum system helps stabilize the material, reducing the chances of misalignment or errors in the cutting process.

From the fig 1-7, it will be understood that A label-cutting shaft comprising, -label retainer (1), cutter knife mounting slots (2), driveshaft (3). wherein label retainer (1) is constructed to include label retainer zone 1 (4), label retainer zone 2 (5), label retainer zone 3(6), label retainer zone 4 (7) with cutter knife mounting slots (2) constructed to include vertical vacuum port for zone 1 (8), vertical vacuum port for zone 2(9), vertical vacuum port for zone 3 (10), vertical vacuum port for zone 4 (11), horizontal vacuum port for zone 1 (12), horizontal vacuum port for zone 2 (13), horizontal vacuum port for zone 3 (14), and horizontal vacuum port for zone 4 (15).
The horizontal and vertical vacuum zones of cutter knife mounting slots are unintersectable. and wherein the vertical vacuum port for zone 1 (8) port is positioned within Zone 1 of the cutter shaft thereby the vacuum system generates vacuum sucking to the corresponding zones to hold the label webs resulting power reduction by absence of power of vacuum sucking to the remaining zones

It is to be understood that the above description is only one preferred embodiment of the invention. Numerous other arrangements and embodiments may be devised by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

, Claims:1. A label-cutting shaft comprising,
-label retainer (1)
-cutter knife mounting slots (2)
-driveshaft (3)
Characterized in that
label retainer (1) is constructed to include label retainer zone 1 (4), label retainer zone 2 (5), label retainer zone 3(6), label retainer zone 4 (7) with
cutter knife mounting slots (2) constructed to include vertical vacuum port for zone 1 (8), vertical vacuum port for zone 2(9), vertical vacuum port for zone 3 (10), vertical vacuum port for zone 4 (11), horizontal vacuum port for zone 1 (12), horizontal vacuum port for zone 2 (13), horizontal vacuum port for zone 3 (14), and horizontal vacuum port for zone 4 (15).
2. The label-cutting shaft as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal and vertical vacuum zones of cutter knife mounting slots are unintersectable.
3. The label-cutting shaft as claimed in claim 1, wherein vertical vacuum port for zone 1 (8) port is positioned within Zone 1 of the cutter shaft.
4. The label-cutting shaft as claimed in claim 1, wherein the label cutting machine shaft enables vacuum sucking to label retainer zone 1 (4), label retainer zone 2 (5), label retainer zone 3(6), label retainer zone 4 (7) either individually or combinely to hold the label webs resulting power reduction by absence of vacuum sucking power to label web less zones