Apparatus and method for gluing on labels to containers and labelling machine

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for applying adhesive to container labels. In view of this, at least one transfer element (5, 25, 45) for conveying the labels (2, 22, 42) passes through the working area of ​​an adhesive application mechanism, which forms an adhesive coating (7a, 27a, 47a) on the transfer element. The transfer element then picks up the label in an adhesive manner, thereby causing adhesive transfer to the label or forming an adhesive coating on the label conveyed by the transfer element. The quality of the adhesive application can be monitored by continuously measuring the thickness of the adhesive coating on the respective transfer element or label using a machine, and the adhesive application mechanism can be controlled based on the measured thickness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying adhesive to a container label and a method for applying adhesive to a container label, as well as a correspondingly designed labeling machine. Background Technology

[0002] It is well known that cold or hot glue can be applied to labels on containers, such as bottles. Specifically, a tray or similar transfer element, circling on a tray turntable, is first moved along a gluing mechanism, bringing it into contact with glue rollers to form an adhesive coating on the tray. This coating allows the label to be picked up from the cartridge and substantially transferred to the container via adhesion. Subsequently, the label is flipped and transferred to the container by means of gripping rollers. Alternatively, the label can be picked up by a vacuum tray, then the gluing mechanism applies the adhesive to the label using micelles without contact, and finally transfers it directly to the container.

[0003] DE 26 32 332 A1 discloses a labeling machine having a glue roller and a glue strip arranged in an adjustable manner relative to the glue roller for setting the thickness of the subsequently formed glue film. The glue strip is equipped with an actuating motor to mechanically change the glue film thickness under certain operating conditions. In this regard, DE 83 00 012 U1 also proposes using a sensor to detect the glue film thickness on the glue roller. If the measured glue film thickness deviates from a preset nominal value, the gap width between the glue strip (squeegee) and the glue roller can be changed.

[0004] EP 069 5252 B1 also discloses a labeling machine for applying adhesive to a tray in this manner. Accordingly, the device includes a glue roller with an adhesive strip, the adhesive strip being preset and set relative to the glue roller for the thickness of the adhesive film on the roller, and a measuring device for non-contactly detecting the thickness of the adhesive film on the glue roller based on a laser beam substantially tangential to the side of the glue roller.

[0005] However, the downside is that the measurements on the rolling rubber roller are affected by detached rubber particles, and both the laser transmitter and the corresponding receiver become contaminated, which increases the amount of cleaning work.

[0006] Furthermore, it's necessary to consider the possibility of needing both a body label on the bottle and a neck label, chest label, or foil label above it. In this case, these labels should be glued together as simultaneously as possible and appropriately staggered vertically. The challenge lies in the fact that the required adhesive coating thickness may differ for each type of label. Due to equipment-related reasons, it may also be necessary to apply more adhesive to the upper area of ​​the glue roller than the lower area, and vice versa.

[0007] This cannot be accounted for in known measurements of adhesive layer thickness. Similarly, it is impossible to determine whether the adhesive was properly transferred to the trays, as improper transfer could occur due to wear or incorrect adjustment of the trays.

[0008] Furthermore, existing technology has revealed that the amount of adhesive transferred is set by specifically changing the distance between the adhesive strip and the surface of the adhesive roller. Depending on the specific distance set, more or less adhesive is scraped off the roller, transferring only the remaining adhesive layer of the appropriate thickness to the tray. The thickness of the adhesive coating transferred to the label is set in this way. For this purpose, manually operated adjusting screws have been primarily used for the adhesive strip until now.

[0009] However, various problems can arise during this process. The rubber strip must be precisely set for a repeatable film thickness. This is difficult for manual operation and is susceptible to individual variations. Furthermore, when using dark protective films, the rubber strip and / or roller surface is often invisible or only visible in a limited area. Additionally, the trend is to minimize human access to the rubber roller area for safety reasons and / or to prevent operational malfunctions.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus and method for applying adhesive to container labels that can prevent or at least reduce at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The solution of the present invention to achieve the above-mentioned objective is an apparatus according to the present invention or a method according to the present invention.

[0012] The apparatus is used for applying adhesive to labels of containers, particularly bottles, and includes: a conveying device for conveying the labels, particularly continuously, by means of at least one transfer element; an adhesive application mechanism adapted to form an adhesive coating on a corresponding transfer element for subsequently picking up the label in an adhesive manner and causing a transfer of adhesive to the label in the process, or adapted to form an adhesive coating on the label conveyed on the corresponding transfer element; and a layer thickness measuring instrument.

[0013] According to the invention, the layer thickness measuring instrument is specifically arranged statically in the area of ​​the conveying device / transfer element and is adapted to measure the layer thickness of the adhesive coating on the corresponding transfer element or label.

[0014] In one advantageous embodiment, a plurality of transfer elements are provided as part of the conveying device. In this case, the conveying device is preferably a pallet turntable, and the transfer elements are pallets that circumnavigate on the turntable in a deflectable manner. In this case, the pallets first pass through the working area of ​​the gluing mechanism and then through the working area of ​​the label container. Alternatively, the conveying device may include at least one transfer element in the form of a wraparound, endless label conveyor belt.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment, the transfer element is constructed as a component of a label tape in the form of a label carrier and is detachably connected to these labels. In this case, the conveying device is adapted to convey the label tape or multiple label tapes, i.e., the labels on the carrier tape pass through the working area of ​​the gluing mechanism.

[0016] A gluing mechanism generally refers to a glue application device, which is suitable for transferring the glue coating in a contact manner or spraying glue particles (on one side of the device) without contact.

[0017] Therefore, the adhesive coating formed by cold or hot glue can be: transferred to transfer elements by a glue roller (also called a scraper) with adhesive strips through a first contact, and transferred from these transfer elements to the label through a second contact; or formed on the back of the label by direct micelle application using a micelle extruder without contact.

[0018] When applying adhesive directly to labels without contact, it is not always necessary to monomerize the labels; as an alternative, you can first apply adhesive directly to labels in the form of label strips, and then monomerize them.

[0019] Preferably, the device includes an electronic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the amount of adhesive released by the gluing mechanism to each transfer element / label based on the measured layer thickness. This automatically maintains the preset rated thickness of the adhesive coating during the gluing operation.

[0020] Preferably, the at least one adjusting device includes a memory for providing a rated value for the adhesive coating thickness and / or a preset value for the adhesive application mechanism, which relates to the rated adhesive coating thickness, actual value of adhesive viscosity, and / or actual value of adhesive temperature on the transfer element / label, particularly for different types of adhesive.

[0021] This memory can provide preset values ​​for the operation of the motor on the adhesive strip or the pressure nozzle of the micelle, reference values ​​for sensors used for thickness measurement, temperature measurement, pressure measurement, etc., and / or fault signals. This simplifies labeling operations, quality control, and, where necessary, determination of the cause of a fault.

[0022] This memory can be specifically constructed such that measurements, such as adhesive amount and / or adhesive coating thickness, along with the corresponding operating parameters of the adhesive application mechanism, are stored together during the labeling operation. This allows for retrospective review of whether the operating parameters used resulted in the desired characteristics and results, or whether calibration was necessary.

[0023] In one advantageous embodiment, the gluing mechanism includes: a glue roller and at least one glue strip for peeling glue of a predetermined thickness from the glue roller; and an actuating motor for setting the distance between the glue strip and the glue roller, particularly by means of the aforementioned adjusting device. This allows the layer thickness to be adjusted by machine without a person approaching the glue strip.

[0024] Preferably, the gluing mechanism includes at least two glue strips axially offset from the glue roller, these glue strips having actuators for individually setting the spacing between the glue strips and the glue roller. In this case, these actuators can be controlled independently to optimize the spacing (peel gap) between the glue roller and the corresponding glue strip individually / independently.

[0025] This allows for setting different amounts of adhesive for each axial (vertical) section of the adhesive roller. This enables better labeling of containers multiple times, where labels need to be placed in different axial (vertical) sections. In this case, depending on the specific section / label type, each label requires a different thickness of adhesive coating, and can be manufactured accordingly.

[0026] The adjustment device can be a component of the gluing mechanism or the corresponding labeling machine, to control and / or adjust the actuator motor. This allows the actuator motor to operate semi-automatically or fully automatically.

[0027] The at least one actuator or regulating device may include a display for outputting information and a user interface for data input, such as settings, operating modes, measured values, or fault conditions of the actuator. The user interface may include various input elements in the form of buttons and / or touch sensors, particularly a touchscreen. Voice control / input may also be employed. This allows the user to review how the at least one actuator was set and controlled before, during, and / or after work, as well as to preset, intervene in, and / or evaluate the work.

[0028] Multiple actuators can be controlled and / or regulated by a shared regulating unit or several independent regulating units. A shared regulating unit makes it easier for the actuators to coordinate with each other during operation. Independent regulating units offer great structural flexibility and can be integrated into each actuator. Each regulating unit can have wired or wireless data connections to the central regulating unit / control unit of the regulating device or to the regulating units of other actuators. This enables a modular structure for the regulating device.

[0029] Preferably, the regulating device is adapted to control and / or regulate at least one actuating motor or gluing mechanism based on measurements from one or more sensors. The measurements may relate to the adhesive coating thickness and / or peel gap width (the distance between the adhesive strip and the surface of the glue roller) on the label (label tape) and / or the amount of adhesive on the glue roller and / or the adhesive viscosity and / or the adhesive temperature. The power of the gluing mechanism during operation can also be taken into account when performing control and / or regulation.

[0030] The gluing mechanism may be connected to one or more sensors and / or include one or more sensors, such as components of a rangefinder, a layer thickness gauge, a measuring instrument for determining the wettability of the glue roller or label, a thermometer, and / or a viscometer.

[0031] This sensor can continuously detect the actual values ​​of processing results and / or operating parameters. These values ​​can then be used to control and / or adjust the at least one actuator. For example, certain motor execution values ​​for different adhesive temperatures and / or viscosities can be stored to control the corresponding actuators accordingly. Alternatively or supplementarily, the adjustment device can compare the measured adhesive amount or adhesive coating thickness with stored rated values ​​and adjust the actuators so that the measured actual values ​​are within a preset rated range.

[0032] Preferably, different operating modes are provided for the actuator / multiple actuators. These operating modes can be defined by multiple parameters, such as the type of adhesive and / or the rated value of the adhesive coating thickness, and / or the type, size and / or shape of the label, and / or the position of the label on the container. In this case, the regulating device includes a control program or regulating program for each operating mode. The control / regulating program can be selected automatically or by user input of the operating mode.

[0033] The working mode can be specified, for example, that a certain type of adhesive needs to be applied to two labels of a certain type at a preset adhesive temperature and viscosity, each label having a preset adhesive coating thickness. In this case, preferably, the control / adjustment program controls / adjusts the actuator / multiple actuators in a certain way to achieve the preset adhesive coating thickness under permissible boundary conditions.

[0034] The adjustment device may include a user interface that allows input / selection of parameters, such as the type of adhesive and / or the type, size, shape, and / or position of the label or corresponding label tape. This makes it easier to conduct series tests or process small orders without being limited by a specific work mode, and allows for parameter adjustments during work and / or readjustment.

[0035] The actuator / multiple actuators or micelle extruder can be calibrated either by means of an adjustment device, particularly including relevant sensors, or manually. For example, the adjustment device can empirically adjust the corresponding actuator in appropriate steps for a set of parameters (on the one hand, the rated thickness of the adhesive coating, and on the other hand, boundary conditions, such as the characteristics of the adhesive or label) until the rated thickness of the adhesive coating is achieved with sufficient accuracy and / or repeatability. In this case, the applied (actuator's) execution value can be mapped to the corresponding parameter set. Finally, the control and adjustment program can thus create an operating mode for the test / calibration parameter set.

[0036] The components, sensors, and / or actuators of the regulating device can be connected by wires or wirelessly via, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or similar interface, such as via Bluetooth and / or a network.

[0037] Preferably, the thickness measuring instrument includes at least one sensor that operates non-contactly for measuring layer thicknesses between 10 and 300 µm. This covers a range of adhesive coating thicknesses that are particularly useful for labeling.

[0038] Preferably, the sensor is adapted to perform capacitive measurements with a relative transfer element / label measurement spacing of 5 to 30 mm. This configuration is suitable for different adhesive coatings on trays and labels / label tapes.

[0039] However, as an alternative, optical sensors, especially infrared sensors or ultrasonic sensors, can also be used in principle.

[0040] The thickness measuring instrument includes an electronic evaluation unit for evaluating and transmitting actual values ​​of the adhesive coating thickness.

[0041] The apparatus according to at least one of the above embodiments is preferably a component of a labeling machine for labeling containers, the labeling machine including, in particular, a ring-shaped conveying member for providing the container during labeling.

[0042] The labeling machine preferably further includes an inspection unit for inspecting labels placed on containers, and an adjustment device for presetting and / or correcting the rated thickness of the adhesive coating based on the inspection results of the inspection unit. This allows for data feedback to ensure / improve processing quality during operation.

[0043] Accordingly, as is well known, labels are transferred to containers that circulate on a container platform by means of gripping rollers or directly by vacuum-assisted transfer elements / trays. After the labels are brushed onto and / or rolled onto the containers, they are calibrated and rotated on a turntable so that the labels to be inspected, such as body and back labels, face outwards in relation to their transport path, and are then inspected by imaging.

[0044] For example, if labels tend to float, especially in humid containers, when the adhesive coating is thick, and inspection shows that too many labels are outside the allowable tolerance, the adhesive coating thickness can be corrected based on the above data feedback. Similarly, if the adhesive coating thickness is too thin, the ends of the labels may protrude from the container, which is also undesirable.

[0045] After performing appropriate statistical evaluation on the inspection results, the adhesive coating thickness can be corrected accordingly to eliminate undesirable processing results, thereby improving the quality of labeling. Advantageously, optimization can also be achieved through self-learning algorithms of artificial intelligence.

[0046] The method is used for applying adhesive to labels on containers, particularly bottles. In view of this, a transfer element / multiple transfer elements for conveying labels pass through the working area of ​​an adhesive application mechanism, which forms an adhesive coating on the transfer element / multiple transfer elements. The transfer element then picks up the label in an adhesive manner, thereby causing adhesive transfer to the label, or forming an adhesive coating on the label conveyed by the transfer element / multiple transfer elements. According to the invention, the thickness of the adhesive coating on the transfer element / multiple transfer elements or on the label is continuously measured by machine.

[0047] Preferably, the measured layer thickness is calculated by machine using electronically stored, and in particular, stored by specific type of rating, and the amount of adhesive applied to each transfer element / label is automatically adjusted based on the calculation results.

[0048] This allows for precise maintenance and / or optimization of the preset adhesive application amount for labeling, tailored to specific types.

[0049] In addition, an evaluation can be performed, which calculates and displays the amount of adhesive consumed based on the size of the tray (transfer element) label and the measured amount of adhesive applied.

[0050] In particular, after measuring the thickness of the adhesive coating on each pallet or label, it is also possible to evaluate whether the corresponding pallet is worn or whether the adjustment of the adhesive roller is incorrect.

[0051] The thickness of the adhesive coating on the rubber roller can also be measured directly (after peeling off the adhesive with a rubber strip).

[0052] Furthermore, the adhesive coating thickness on the transfer element can be measured separately upstream and downstream of the adhesive roller using (fixed corresponding) sensors. This allows for particularly accurate determination and evaluation of the actual amount of adhesive transferred to the label.

[0053] Furthermore, separate sensors can be used before, above, and after the rubber roller to perform corresponding measurements. This also allows for particularly accurate evaluation.

[0054] Preferably, the adhesive coating is applied to the transfer element in a contact manner by means of a rubber roller, or applied to the label / label tape with the label in a contactless manner by means of micelles.

[0055] Preferably, the thickness of the first layer on the transfer element after the adhesive coating is applied and the thickness of the second layer on the transfer element before the adhesive coating is applied are measured. In particular, the actual layer thickness transferred to the label is calculated from this, especially by subtraction.

[0056] Preferably, at least two vertically staggered adhesive layers are formed on the transfer element. In this case, the thickness of the adhesive layers is set and / or measured independently.

[0057] Preferably, the staggered adhesive layers correspond to different axial (vertical) sections of the container.

[0058] The method described in at least one of the above embodiments is preferably part of a method for labeling containers, particularly bottles, in which the label is indirectly transferred to the bottle by means of a gripping roller, or the label is directly transferred from (at least one) transfer element to the bottle. Attached Figure Description

[0059] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. Wherein:

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for applying adhesive to labels;

[0061] Figure 2 This is a second embodiment of an apparatus for applying adhesive to labels;

[0062] Figure 3 A schematic side view of vertically staggered label areas;

[0063] Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 for applying adhesive to the label 2 of the container 3, particularly the bottle, includes a conveying device 4 for conveying the label 2 by means of at least one transfer element 5, and an adhesive application mechanism 6 for applying adhesive 7 in the form of an adhesive coating 7a to the transfer element 5, which is then used to pick up the label 2, which is stacked in the label container 8 in a well-known manner, in an adhesive manner.

[0065] Therefore, the adhesive coating 7a first carries the label 2 to the transfer element 5 in an adhesive manner, and then the adhesive coating 7a is adhesively transferred to the label 2 in a well-known manner.

[0066] Subsequently, as is well known, the label 2, which is glued in this manner, is received by the gripping roller 9, thereby turning it, and finally transferred to the container 3 on the container turntable 10 during the conveying process and affixed to these containers.

[0067] from Figure 1 It can also be seen that the conveying device 4 is preferably constructed as a pallet turntable, and the transfer element 5 is constructed as a pallet that circulates on the pallet turntable and can be horizontally deflected in a known manner.

[0068] The apparatus 1 also includes at least one first layer thickness measuring instrument 11 and, optionally, a second layer thickness measuring instrument 12 and / or a third layer thickness measuring instrument 13, to measure layer thickness.

[0069] Therefore, the first layer thickness measuring instrument 11 is arranged downstream of the gluing mechanism 6 to measure the layer thickness SD of the adhesive coating 7a on the transfer element 5.

[0070] Therefore, the second layer thickness measuring instrument 12 is arranged upstream of the gluing mechanism 6 so as to measure the layer thickness SD' of the remaining adhesive coating 7a' left on the transfer element 5 after the label 2 is transferred to the gripping roller 9, as needed.

[0071] The third layer thickness measuring instrument 13 is arranged in the area of ​​the gluing mechanism 6 to measure the layer thickness SD” of the adhesive coating 7a” produced by at least one adhesive strip 15 on the adhesive roller 14 of the gluing mechanism 6 before it comes into contact with the transfer element 5.

[0072] The thickness SD of the adhesive coating 7a” is determined by the peel gap 16 (see Figure 3 The peeling gap is preset by the actuating motor 17 between the surfaces of the adhesive strip 15 and the adhesive roller 14.

[0073] To monitor the thickness SD of the adhesive layer 7a on the transfer element 5, at least the first thickness measuring instrument 11 is connected to an electronic adjustment device 20, which controls the actuator motor 17 based on the measured thickness SD of the adhesive layer 7a.

[0074] Therefore, the gap width 16 between the rubber strip 15 and the rubber roller 14 and the thickness SD of the adhesive coating 7a formed thereafter can be changed, so that the thickness SD of the adhesive coating 7a formed / measured on the transfer element 5 matches the preset rated value.

[0075] The regulating device 20 includes, in a substantially known manner, at least one computing unit and at least one storage unit (both not shown) to perform the aforementioned calculations and to provide, in particular, type-specific ratings for different types of adhesives, especially cold adhesives, different labels 2, different containers 3, and / or different labeling areas on the container 3. Thus, similarly, different ratings and / or machine parameters can be provided for certain properties of the adhesive, such as its temperature and / or viscosity, certain properties of the label, such as its size and / or material, and / or certain properties of the container, such as its material and / or surface moisture.

[0076] Depending on the situation, the actual thickness of the adhesive coating (not shown) transferred to the label 2 can be calculated using the second layer thickness measuring instrument 12, as the difference between the layer thickness SD downstream of the adhesive application mechanism 6 and the layer thickness SD' upstream of the adhesive application mechanism 6.

[0077] Optionally, the third layer thickness measuring instrument 13 in the area of ​​the gluing mechanism 6 can provide additional information for optimally setting the width of the peel gap 16, that is, the distance between the glue roller 14 and the glue strip 15.

[0078] In other words, the amount of adhesive remaining on the transfer element 5 after the label transfer, the amount of adhesive that the glue roller 14 still needs to apply, and / or the actual amount of adhesive on each transfer element 5 can be determined using the layer thickness measuring instruments 11, 12 and / or 13.

[0079] The layer thickness measuring instruments 11, 12, and 3 include at least one sensor 18 that operates in a non-contact manner, and its measurement range for layer thicknesses SD, SD', and SD' is at least 10 to 300 µm. The sensor 18 performs capacitive measurements with a measurement distance 19 of 5 to 30 mm from the transfer element 5.

[0080] Figure 2 Based on Figure 1 The view shows a device 21 for applying adhesive to a label 22 of a container 3 according to a second preferred embodiment.

[0081] The main difference between this implementation and the first implementation is that the transfer element 25 first picks up the label 22 from the label container 8, and then the gluing mechanism 26 applies the adhesive coating 27a directly to these labels by spraying the adhesive 27 without contact through micelles.

[0082] In this case, the gluing mechanism 26 includes a micelle extruder 28 having at least one pressure nozzle 29, preferably having a large number of pressure nozzles 29 arranged in a grid pattern.

[0083] In this case, a conveying device 24 with a transfer element 25 is also provided, wherein, as is known, the conveying device refers to a tray turntable with a vacuum tray for controlled suction and release of the tag 22.

[0084] In addition, a first layer thickness measuring instrument 11 is provided, which is also arranged downstream of the adhesive application mechanism 26, and measures the layer thickness SD of the adhesive layer 27a that is applied directly and without contact to the label 22.

[0085] The adjustment device 20 is also adapted to process the layer thickness SD measured by the first layer thickness measuring instrument 11 in the manner described above, and based thereon control the adhesive application mechanism 26 so as to adjust the layer thickness SD of the formed adhesive coating 27a according to the relevant rating.

[0086] Figure 3 As illustrated in the first embodiment, different thicknesses SD of the adhesive coating 7a can be formed for different axial (vertical) partitions 31, 32 for labeling.

[0087] Therefore, in addition to the adhesive strip 15 and the corresponding actuator motor 17, there is also an adhesive strip 35 and a corresponding actuator motor 37 that are offset from it in the axial (vertical) direction. In this way, different peeling gaps 16 and 36 can be set relative to the adhesive roller 14. These peeling gaps are preset to be offset from each other in the axial (vertical) direction and transferred to the corresponding layer thickness SD of the adhesive coating layer 27a of the transfer element 5.

[0088] In this case, in order to measure the thickness SD of the adhesive coating 7a that is staggered in the axial (vertical) direction, it is preferable to provide a separate first thickness measuring instrument 11 that is staggered from each other in a suitable manner in the axial (vertical) direction, and to connect an adjustment device 20 (not shown).

[0089] Correspondingly, the adhesive coatings 27a that are staggered in the axial (vertical) direction can also be achieved by micellar coating in the second embodiment (not shown).

[0090] The different thicknesses SD of the axially (vertically) staggered adhesive coatings 7a and 27a are matched to the requirements of different labels 2 and 22 and / or the labeling areas of container 3. For example, this involves neck labels and body labels, that is, labels 2 and 22 corresponding to different axial (vertical) sections of container 3.

[0091] Figure 3It is also shown that the actuators 17 and 37 may have independent adjustment units 17a and 37a, which may be components of or form part of the adjustment device 20. The adjustment units 17a and 37a may include, for example, input and / or output elements, such as a touchscreen, or such input and / or output elements may be connected to the adjustment units 17a and 37a. Thus, the aforementioned adjustment functions, input functions, and / or output functions can be implemented in a distributed manner.

[0092] The regulating device 20 can also be constructed as a centralized device, for example, as part of the regulating device of the labeling machine 100 above the devices 1 and 21.

[0093] Figure 4 A device 41 for applying adhesive to a label 42 of a container 3, according to a third advantageous embodiment, is shown. Accordingly, the label 42 may be a component of, for example, a label tape 43 provided by a roll (not shown), which is conveyed by a conveying device 44, shown only schematically, through the working area of ​​the aforementioned adhesive application mechanism 26 for spraying adhesive 47.

[0094] In this case, the conveying element 45 is not part of the device 41, but rather part of the label tape 43, which is in the form of a carrier tape detachably connected to the label 42.

[0095] In this case, an adhesive coating 47a is formed on the label 42 without contact by means of micelles, and the thickness SD of the adhesive coating 47a is measured by means of a first thickness measuring instrument 11 downstream of the adhesive application mechanism 26.

[0096] Based on this measurement, the layer thickness SD can be adjusted according to the relevant rated value using the adjustment device 20 in the manner described above.

[0097] With the aid of the adjustment device 20, the aforementioned control, adjustment, and calculation functions can, in principle, be implemented in all of the aforementioned embodiments. The measured layer thicknesses SD, SD', SD' can be calculated by machine, for example, using electronically stored and, in particular, stored as specific types of rated values, and / or, the amount of adhesive applied to each transfer element 5 / label 2, 22, 42 can be automatically adjusted based on such calculations. This allows for precise maintenance and / or optimization of the preset adhesive application amount for labeling according to specific types.

[0098] In addition, an evaluation can be performed that calculates and displays the amount of adhesive consumed based on the size of the transfer elements 5, 25 and / or labels 2, 22, 42 and the measured amount of adhesive applied.

[0099] Sensor 18 is, in principle, suitable for measuring the thickness of adhesive coatings 7a, 27a, 47a on the surface of transfer element 5 (tray) and on the surface of labels 22, 42 on transfer element 25 (vacuum tray) or transfer element 45 (carrier tape).

[0100] Devices 1, 21, and 41 may also be referred to as labeling assemblies and, for example, components of labeling machine 100, which, as is well known, has a container turntable 10 for conveying container 3 during labeling.

[0101] In this case, the labeling machine 100 preferably includes a unit 51 for brushing and / or winding labels 2, 22, 42 onto and / or onto the container 3, for example, after appropriately changing the rotational position of the container 3, and an inspection unit 52 for inspecting the labels 2, 22, 42 loaded onto the container 3 (only when...). Figure 1 (As shown in the image).

[0102] In this case, the adjusting device 20 is also adapted to preset and / or correct the rated thickness of the adhesive coatings 7a, 27a, and 47a based on the inspection results of the inspection unit 52. In this case, the rated thickness is then compared with the measured layer thickness SD, and the gluing mechanisms 6 and 26 are controlled as described above to adjust the measured layer thickness SD to the rated layer thickness.

[0103] This enables data feedback to ensure / improve processing quality during the work process, and / or, to provide statistical data evaluation for optimizing the ratings of certain machine parameters in the case of optimizing the labeling process in a self-learning manner according to a specific type.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1, 21, 41) for applying adhesive to labels (2, 22, 42) of a container (3), the apparatus comprising: A conveying device (4, 24, 44) for conveying the label by means of at least one transfer element (5, 25, 45); an adhesive application mechanism (6, 26) adapted to form an adhesive coating (7a) on the at least one transfer element (5), the transfer element being used to subsequently pick up the label (2) in an adhesive manner and in the process causing a transfer of adhesive to the label, or adapted to form an adhesive coating (27a, 47a) on the label (22, 42) conveyed by the at least one transfer element (25, 45); and a layer thickness measuring instrument (11, 12), characterized in that the layer thickness measuring instrument is arranged in the area of ​​the conveying device (4, 24, 44) and adapted to measure the layer thickness (SD) of the adhesive coating (7a, 27a, 47a) on the transfer element (5) / label (22, 42). The device includes an electronic adjustment device (20) for adjusting the amount of adhesive released by the adhesive application mechanism (6, 26) for each transfer element (5) / label (22, 42) based on a measured layer thickness (SD). The adjustment device (20) includes a memory for providing a layer thickness rating and / or a preset value for the gluing mechanism (6, 26), the preset value relating to the rated layer thickness on the transfer element (5) / label (22, 42).

2. The apparatus for applying adhesive to a container label according to claim 1, wherein the memory is configured to provide a layer thickness rating and / or a preset value for the adhesive application mechanism (6, 26), the preset value relating to the rated layer thickness of different types of adhesive on the transfer element (5) / label (22, 42), the value of the adhesive viscosity, and / or the value of the adhesive temperature.

3. The apparatus for applying adhesive to a label of a container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adhesive application mechanism (6) comprises: A rubber roller (14) and at least one rubber strip (15) for peeling off a predetermined layer thickness (SD") of adhesive from the rubber roller. An actuator (17) for setting the distance (16) between the rubber strip and the rubber roller.

4. The apparatus for applying adhesive to a label of a container according to claim 3, wherein the adhesive application mechanism (6) comprises at least two adhesive strips (15, 35) axially offset from the adhesive roller (14), the adhesive strips having an actuating motor (17, 37) for individually setting the distance (16, 36) between the adhesive strip and the adhesive roller.

5. The apparatus for applying adhesive to a label of a container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the layer thickness measuring instrument (11, 12) includes a sensor that operates in a non-contact manner for determining the layer thickness (SD, SD') between 10 and 300 µm.

6. The apparatus for applying adhesive to a label of a container according to claim 5, wherein the sensor is adapted to perform capacitive measurements at a measurement interval of 5 to 30 mm relative to the transfer element (5) / label (22, 42).

7. The apparatus for applying adhesive to a label of a container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container is a bottle.

8. The apparatus for applying adhesive to a label on a container according to claim 3, wherein, The actuator (17) is used to set the distance (16) between the rubber strip and the rubber roller by means of the adjustment device (20).

9. A labeling machine (100) for labeling a container (3), the labeling machine comprising a device (1) for applying adhesive to a label of the container according to any one of the preceding claims, and a container turntable (10) for providing continuous rotation of the container during labeling.

10. The labeling machine according to claim 9 further comprises an inspection unit (52) for inspecting the labels (2, 22, 42) mounted on the container (3), and an adjustment device (20) for presetting and / or adjusting the rated thickness of the adhesive coating (7a, 27a, 47a) based on the inspection results of the inspection unit.

11. A method for applying adhesive to labels (2, 22, 42) of a container (3), wherein at least one transfer element (5, 25, 45) used for conveying the label passes through the working area of ​​an adhesive application mechanism (6, 26), and wherein the adhesive application mechanism forms an adhesive coating (7a, 27a, 47a) on the transfer element (5), the transfer element then picks up the label in an adhesive manner, thereby causing an adhesive transfer to the label, or forming an adhesive coating on the label (22, 42) conveyed by the transfer element (25, 45), characterized in that, The thickness (SD) of the adhesive coating (7a, 27a, 47a) on the at least one transfer element (5) / label (22, 42) is continuously measured by machine. The thickness of the adhesive coating is calculated by machine using the electronically stored rated thickness of the coating, and the amount of adhesive applied to each transfer element (5) / label (22, 42) is automatically adjusted based on the calculation results.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the nominal values ​​of the adhesive coating thickness stored electronically and by type are used to calculate the measured layer thickness (SD) by machine.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the adhesive coating (7a) is applied to the transfer element (5) in a contact manner by means of a glue roller (14), or is applied to the label (22, 42) non-contactly by means of micelle pressure.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first layer thickness (SD) on the transfer element (5) after the adhesive coating (7a) is applied and the second layer thickness (SD') on the transfer element before the adhesive coating is applied are measured.

15. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein at least two vertically staggered adhesive layers (7a, 27a, 47a) are formed on the transfer element (5) or the label (22, 42), and the thickness (SD) of the adhesive layers is set and / or measured independently of each other.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the mutually staggered adhesive layers (7a, 27a, 47a) correspond to different vertical sections (31, 32) of the container (3).

17. The method of claim 11, wherein, The container is a bottle.

18. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first layer thickness (SD) on the transfer element (5) after the adhesive coating (7a) is applied and the second layer thickness (SD') on the transfer element before the adhesive coating is applied are measured, and the layer thickness transferred to the label (2) is determined therefrom.

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