Labeling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a labeling device, in particular a price labeling device, for labeling individual packages (2), said labeling device having a feed assembly (3) for transporting the respective package (2), a label dispensing assembly (9) for dispensing a label (8) detachable from a label strip (10) in a dispensing direction into a transfer position, and a label application assembly (13) for applying the label (8) dispensed into the transfer position to a surface of the package (2), wherein the label application assembly (13) has a label suction assembly (15) which receives the label (8) dispensed by the label dispensing assembly (9) respectively and fixes it in the transfer position from which the label (8) is transferred to the surface of the package (2). It is proposed that the label suction assembly (15) is provided for generating and thus directing a first air flow such that not only a suction force but also a pressure is applied to the label (8) in the transfer position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a labeling device for labeling individual packages, and more particularly to a price labeling device. Background Technology

[0002] In the labeling apparatus of this type, individual packages are conveyed and supplied to a label application component via a feeding component. The label application component receives the labels (which are individually printed, in particular, by means of a printer) supplied by the label dispensing component and transfers them onto the surface of the package.

[0003] In a known labeling apparatus (DE102014119391A1), the present invention proceeds from that apparatus, wherein the label application component has a label suction component in the form of a retaining foot with two skids (Kufen), by which labels dispensed by the label dispensing component can be received and fixed in a transfer position by means of negative pressure. The label is then transferred from the transfer position to the surface of the packaging by a punch (here, a swing punch with an air blowing head) during the application motion.

[0004] The label is secured to the label suction assembly by drawing air through a suction opening in the abutment surface of the label, and applying suction to the label accordingly when the label covers the suction opening. A challenge here is to reliably maintain the label as much as possible during transfer. Only in this way can the label be accurately received by the punch and precisely applied to the packaging. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the label is optimally positioned relative to the punch during transfer and that it does not slip during transfer to the punch. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is based on the problem of designing and extending a labeling device for labeling individual packages such that the labels dispensed by the label dispensing component are optimally secured to the label application component during the transfer position.

[0006] The above-mentioned problems are solved in the labeling device according to the invention by the features described below.

[0007] On the one hand, it is important to consider that the label is secured in the transfer position not only by suction, i.e., by a suction force, but also additionally by blowing airflow toward the label and thereby pressing it down, from which the label is transferred to the surface of the packaging. On the other hand, it is important that the same airflow is used not only to suction but also to press down the label. Therefore, the label is loaded with forces generated by the airflow on both sides, i.e., suction is applied to its suction side and pressure is applied to its opposite pressure side. In the case of adhesive labels (which have an adhesive layer on the so-called adhesive side for adhesion to the packaging), the pressure side is particularly important for the adhesive side.

[0008] It should be emphasized that, in order to generate both suction and pressure, a single airflow is used, rather than, for example, two separate sources, each generating its own airflow—one source for suction and the other for pressure. According to this proposal, the single airflow generates negative pressure in the label suction assembly, causing the label to be sucked into the assembly and correspondingly creating suction applied to the label. On the other hand, the same airflow generates overpressure on the opposite side of the label, causing the label to be pressed against the assembly and correspondingly creating pressure applied to the label.

[0009] With the labeling device according to the proposed solution, the label is thus secured in the transfer position by suction and pressure. The suction is preferably so large that it alone is sufficient to hold the label in the transfer position. The additional pressure further improves the retention. Therefore, in particular, the pressure ensures that the label adheres to the label pick-up assembly as closely as possible to its entire surface. The more fully the label adheres to the label pick-up assembly, the more reliably the label is held and the more accurately it can be transferred onto the packaging. The airflow directed towards the label ensures that the label, when supplied in the label dispensing assembly in the form of a rolled-up sheet and correspondingly more or less strongly bent from the label dispensing assembly, can be pressed flat and thus fully against the label pick-up assembly or the corresponding contact surface. This improves the pick-up effect and enhances reliable retention.

[0010] Another advantage of the labeling device according to the proposed solution is that it is particularly energy efficient because the same airflow used to pick up the label is also used to additionally blow it onto the label. Therefore, in particular, an exhaust airflow is used for the additional blowing, which is always present due to the pick-up. Energy efficiency can be further improved by using one or more internal flow mechanisms, especially ventilators, to generate the airflow, thus eliminating the need for a central compressed air supply unit (compressed air network) outside the equipment, which is typically inefficient.

[0011] It is explained in detail that the label suction component is configured to generate and thus guide a first airflow, such that not only suction but also pressure is applied to the label at the transfer position.

[0012] A preferred embodiment relates to a first negative pressure generating unit, by means of which the suction and the pressure can be generated. An air guiding unit associated with the first negative pressure generating unit is used to guide the airflow in a particular manner for applying pressure and, in particular, for applying suction.

[0013] A preferred embodiment involves an abutment surface for transferring a label in a location and a suction opening through which an airflow for absorbing the label is directed into a label suction assembly.

[0014] According to a particularly preferred design, the first negative pressure generating unit has a first flow mechanism, in particular a first ventilator, to generate a first airflow. Therefore, the label-absorbing assembly and, in particular, the entire labeling device can operate without a central compressed air supply outside the equipment or without connection to a compressed air network, which is particularly energy efficient.

[0015] The preferred embodiment relates to a particularly preferred design of the first air guiding unit, so as to apply pressure to the label in the simplest possible way by means of a first airflow.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, a particularly preferred spatial arrangement is provided between the contact surface and the discharge opening, where the label is drawn in and an airflow is directed through the discharge opening to apply pressure to the label.

[0017] In addition to the first type of airflow mentioned above, according to another preferred design, the label suction component can also be configured to generate a second airflow that applies additional suction to the label. In this way, in the case of labels, the two airflows can apply suction to the respective labels at correspondingly different locations, thereby reliably securing the labels in the transfer position. This is particularly advantageous with relatively short labels, as these labels might otherwise be blown away, as explained in more detail below. Here, the first airflow at the first half of the label and the second airflow at the second half of the label can generate corresponding suction in directions transverse to the dispensing direction.

[0018] To generate a second airflow, a negative pressure generating unit and an air guiding unit corresponding to the negative pressure generating unit can also be provided. Alternatively, a corresponding suction opening can be provided, through which the generated second airflow is guided into the label suction assembly.

[0019] According to a particularly preferred design, the second negative pressure generating unit also has a flow machine (Strömungsmaschine, sometimes also called a hydrodynamic machine), especially a ventilator, in order to generate a second airflow.

[0020] The preferred embodiment relates to a preferred design of a second air guiding unit, by means of which a second airflow can be guided to generate additional suction.

[0021] Other possibilities for the use of the first and / or second airflows are the subject of the following description. In particular, the airflows can then be used for heat dissipation and / or temperature regulation.

[0022] Further preferred designs of the labeling apparatus according to the present invention are given in the preferred embodiments below. Particularly preferably, the label application component has a punch by means of which the label is transferred from a transfer position to the surface of the packaging. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to illustrations showing only one embodiment. In the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a labeling device according to the proposed solution is shown;

[0025] Figure 2 The following are shown in a) first perspective view and b) second perspective view according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a label application component and a label dispensing component that work together with the label application component in a labeling device;

[0026] Figure 3 Shown by according to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first airflow and the second airflow generated by the label application component and the label absorption component; and

[0027] Figure 4 Shown in bottom view according to Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the label scavenging component. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 The diagram shows a preferred design of a labeling device 1 according to the present invention, which is used to label individual packages 2.

[0029] The labeling device 1 is equipped with a feeding assembly 3 for transporting the corresponding package 2. The feeding assembly 3 is preferably a belt conveyor or roller conveyor, and if possible, at least one robotic arm for moving the corresponding package 2. The feeding assembly 3, here the belt conveyor, here preferably has at least one conveyor belt, through which the corresponding package 2 is transported in the transport direction.

[0030] Furthermore, the labeling device 1 here, and preferably, includes a weighing assembly 4, which has a sensor unit 5 integrated here into the feeding assembly 3, and in particular into one of the conveyor belts, for determining sensor data related to the weight of a single package 2. Preferably, the sensor unit 5 is configured to determine the sensor data during the movement of the package 2 through the labeling device 1, and thus during the continuous operation of the labeling device 1. The weight determined for the corresponding package 2 and, if possible, the price associated with the determined weight, here, and preferably, is displayed via a user interface 6, and in particular, a display device 7 of the user interface 6.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the weight and / or price are printed on a label 8 to be applied to the surface of the packaging 2.

[0032] Therefore, the labeling device 1 has a label dispensing assembly 9 for dispensing labels 8 detachable from the material strip 10 in the dispensing direction until a transfer position is reached. The labels detachable from the material strip 10 specifically refer to labels whose adhesive surfaces are detachably mounted on a carrier strip that forms the material strip 10 and may be, for example, composed of paper and / or plastic. It is also possible for the label 8 to be produced by separating a sub-section from the printable or printable material strip 10, for example, by cutting and / or tearing the material strip 10. Here, and according to a preferred design, a label designed for adhesive application is used, which already has an adhesive surface at the material strip 10. Here, the material strip 10 is guided onto the dispensing edge 11, thus detaching the label 8. Similarly, it is also conceivable to use labels without adhesive, which have an adhesive surface subsequently provided or applied to the adhesive surface at the corresponding package 2. The label dispensing assembly 9 here preferably includes a printer 12, here a thermal printer, which is configured to print the weight of the corresponding package 2 and / or the price and / or other information corresponding to that weight onto the corresponding label. The printer 12 is here arranged before the dispensing edge 11 with respect to the dispensing direction of the label 8, but in principle it can also be arranged after the dispensing edge 11 according to another embodiment not shown here.

[0033] The distribution direction here is the direction of movement of the corresponding tag 8, which is conveyed by the tag distribution component 9 and is eventually distributed to the transfer position.

[0034] The transfer position is the position of label 8, from which it is now transferred to the surface of package 2 as described below. Therefore, the labeling device 1 (here housed in a common housing with the label dispensing assembly 9) has a label application assembly 13 for applying the dispensed label 8 to the corresponding package 2. The application of the corresponding label 8 to the surface of package 2 can be performed mechanically and / or pneumatically in various ways, particularly by means of a punch 14, which is also described below.

[0035] To accurately transfer the label 8 from the transfer position to the package 2, the label 8 must be reliably held in the transfer position until it is transferred. For this purpose, the label application assembly 13 has a label suction assembly 15 that receives the labels 8 dispensed by the label dispensing assembly 9 and holds them in the transfer position from which the labels are transferred to the surface of the package 2. In the preferred embodiment described herein, the label suction assembly 15 is used to transfer the labels 8 detached from the material strip 10 from the dispensing edge 11 to the punch 14. Therefore, here and preferably, the corresponding label 8 is conveyed to the transfer position by the feed movement of the material strip 10 during the detachment of the label from the material strip 10 at the dispensing edge 11 and held there until the label 8—here by the punch 14—is transferred to the corresponding package 2. Figure 2 a) and b)).

[0036] Now, importantly, the label suction component 15 is configured to generate the first airflow (in... Figure 3 (a) is indicated by the corresponding arrow) and the first airflow is guided in such a way that not only suction but also pressure is applied to label 8 in the transfer position.

[0037] Therefore, the label suction assembly 15 of the labeling device 1 according to the proposed solution is designed such that the same airflow is used to suction the label (at its label suction side) and blow it toward the label (at its label pressure side). "Same airflow" means that air that is part of the supply airflow (hereinafter referred to as "supply air") is also discharged again as part of the exhaust airflow (hereinafter referred to as "exhaust air"). Therefore, the supply air and exhaust air are fluidically interconnected, meaning that, for example, the flow rate of the supply air and the flow rate of the exhaust air are related to each other. The supply airflow and / or exhaust airflow can be a single flow or can consist of multiple sub-airflows. Preferably, this is as follows: Figure 3As shown in a), the supply air, i.e., the air flowing into the label suction assembly 15, consists of multiple sub-airflows because the supply air is introduced into the label suction assembly 15 at multiple locations, while the exhaust air, i.e., the air flowing out of the label suction assembly 15, is a single airflow because the exhaust air is guided through a common channel and discharged from the label suction assembly 15 at the same location. In particular, the same negative pressure generating unit 16—as further described below—is used to generate the same airflow, this first airflow.

[0038] The label suction assembly 15 herein and preferably includes: a first negative pressure generating unit 16 that generates a first airflow; and a first air guiding unit 17 associated with the first negative pressure generating unit 15 that guides the first airflow for applying pressure to the label 8, particularly to its label pressure side and / or adhesive side. Figure 3 a) The arrows illustrate how the first airflow is guided from the label intake component 15, and once the label 8 is... Figure 2 As shown in a), it is supplied from the right, flows through label 8, and thus applies pressure to label 8.

[0039] The term "assigned" here refers to functional assignment. Therefore, in principle, as explained below, it is also possible to set up two negative pressure generating units and two air guiding units, wherein each negative pressure generating unit then functions in conjunction with its own, i.e., its assigned air guiding unit, in order to guide the corresponding airflow as described.

[0040] Preferably, the first air guiding unit 17 is configured to guide the first airflow away from the label 8, especially away from its label suction side, in order to apply suction. Figure 3 a) The arrows illustrate how the first airflow is introduced into the label-absorbing component 15 and once the label 8 is... Figure 2 As shown in a), the label 8 is supplied from the right, is drawn in, and thus a suction force is applied to the label 8.

[0041] As from Figure 2 As can be seen in a, the label-absorbing component 15 here has an abutment surface 18 for the label 8, which the label 8 abuts against in the transfer position with its label-absorbing side. The abutment surface 18 can also be located at... Figure 4 This is seen in the bottom view of the label suction assembly 15. Preferably, the first air guiding unit 17 guides a first airflow to the label pressure side of the label 8 opposite to the contact surface 18, so as to apply pressure to the label. Figure 2 a) Figure 3a)). Therefore, label 8 is subjected to suction on its label suction side, i.e., it is sucked up, and on its other side, i.e., label pressure side, it is subjected to pressure, i.e., it is pressed against the contact surface 18, and both of these occur simultaneously.

[0042] The contact surface 18 is formed of a plate, which is also part of the bottom of the housing of the label suction assembly 15.

[0043] Preferably, the label suction assembly 15—particularly in the contact surface 18—has one or more first suction openings 19 corresponding to the first air guiding unit 17, through which the generated first airflow is guided into the label suction assembly 15. For example, particularly... Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of slender, slit-shaped suction openings 19 are provided here, which extend in length in the dispensing direction and are arranged in a row in the dispensing direction.

[0044] In this case, and preferably, one or more of the first suction openings 19 are partially or completely covered by the label 8 located in the transfer position. In the area of ​​the suction opening 19 covered by the label 8, a negative pressure or suction is generated. Therefore, the corresponding suction opening 19 is blocked at least as much as possible. The term "at least as much as possible" means that the corresponding suction opening 19 may still draw in some air if possible, but in principle it can also be completely blocked.

[0045] When the label 8 is in the transfer position, preferably, at least one of the first suction openings 19 remains at least partially empty. Therefore, when the label 8 is suctioned, at least one of the first suction openings 19 is preferably not covered by the label or at least not completely covered by the label. This ensures that the first airflow is never interrupted during the suction of the corresponding label 8, and thus ensures that the first airflow is always directed towards the label 8 or its pressure side to apply pressure to the label 8.

[0046] Here, when the label 8 is in the transfer position, a portion of the first airflow flows from the outside into the label suction assembly 15 through the free cross section (flow cross section) of the first suction opening 19 that is not covered by the label 8, and the remainder of the first airflow sucks up the label 8 through the covered cross section of the first suction opening 19.

[0047] like Figure 3As shown in a), the first negative pressure generating unit 16 here and preferably has a first flow mechanism, in particular a first ventilator 20, which generates a first airflow. The first flow mechanism or the first ventilator 20 is preferably electrically operated to generate the first airflow. Therefore, in the labeling device 1 according to the illustrated embodiment of this proposal, a connection to a central compressed air supply unit outside the device is intentionally omitted, as this central compressed air supply unit may be disadvantageous from an energy perspective. In particular, the first airflow can be generated in a particularly energy-efficient manner by means of the ventilator 20.

[0048] Figure 3 a) It is also shown that the first air guiding unit 17 here and preferably has a supply air passage 21, which begins at one or more of the first suction openings 19 and extends to the first negative pressure generating unit 16, particularly to the first flow machine or first ventilator 20. Furthermore, the first air guiding unit 17 here and preferably has an exhaust air passage 22, which begins at the first negative pressure generating unit 16, particularly at the first flow machine or first ventilator 20, and extends to at least one first exhaust opening 23 of the label suction assembly 15, through which a first airflow is guided to apply pressure to the label 8. The supply air passage 21 and the exhaust air passage 22 are fluidically interconnected via the first negative pressure generating unit 16. Therefore, the supply air passage 21 is separated from the exhaust air passage 22 by the first negative pressure generating unit 16, particularly by the first flow machine or first ventilator 20. Thus, the first flow machine or first ventilator 20 is located between the supply air passage 21 and the exhaust air passage 22 of the first air guiding unit 17.

[0049] like Figure 3 As indicated by the arrow in a), the exhaust air passage 22 and the at least one first exhaust opening 23 are arranged here and preferably such that a first airflow is guided obliquely from the at least one first exhaust opening 23—particularly with a directional component extending in the distribution direction of the label 8—to the label 8 in order to apply pressure. The direction in which the first airflow is guided from the at least one first exhaust opening 23 is defined here as the main flow direction, i.e., the direction of the central axis of the airflow exiting from the first exhaust opening 23. Therefore, this main flow direction is preferably obliquely directed toward the label 8, particularly its label pressure side, which has the advantage that the at least one first exhaust opening 23 is outside the vertical range of movement of at least a portion of the punch 14, which is also described below, and / or outside the range of movement of the label 8 during the transfer of the label from the transfer position to the surface of the packaging 2.

[0050] Particularly preferably, at the end of the exhaust air passage 22, the cross-section of the exhaust air passage tapers toward the at least one first discharge opening 23, thereby generating compression of the first airflow at that location. The tapered end section of the exhaust air passage 22, including the discharge opening 23, then functions as a nozzle.

[0051] Figure 2 a) It is further clarified that, here and preferably, the label dispensing assembly 9 conveys the label 8 to a transfer position through a gap 24 between the abutment surface 18 and the at least one first discharge opening 23, in which the label 8 abuts against the abutment surface with its label-absorbing side, and a first airflow is guided through the at least one first discharge opening to apply pressure to the label 8. Therefore, the at least one first discharge opening 23 is spaced apart from the abutment surface 18.

[0052] Until now, the explanation of the labeling device 1 according to this proposal has involved a first airflow, by which not only suction but also pressure is applied to the label 8 to secure it in the transfer position. In the case of a particularly narrow label 8, such a first airflow is usually sufficient to optimally secure the label. In the case of a relatively wide label 8, it may be necessary to also draw the label with an additional second airflow, as explained below. In particular, for this purpose, the label drawing assembly 15 is hereby and preferably also provided for generating an additional second airflow, which is fluidically separate from the first airflow in the label drawing assembly 15. In this case, the label drawing assembly 15 is configured to guide the second airflow so that additional suction is applied to the label 8 in the transfer position. The additional suction caused by the second airflow is applied to the label, particularly at different locations on the label 8, compared to the suction caused by the first airflow. Figure 3 The corresponding arrow in b) illustrates this second airflow.

[0053] The additional suction generated by a second airflow that is fluidically separated from the first airflow has the following advantages. The wider the label 8, that is, the larger the extension of the label laterally in the distribution direction, the greater the effect of gravity on the unabsorbed portion of the label 8 when it is only absorbed at one location or one side. This causes the label 8 to hang downwards from the location or side where it is absorbed. The more the label 8 now extends from the location or side where it is absorbed, the stronger the label bends downwards, and the more difficult it is for the label application component 13 or the punch 14 to grasp and transfer the label 8 onto the package 2. Furthermore, holding the label 8 with only a relatively small suction while simultaneously blowing it with a relatively large pressure carries the risk that the label may be blown away from the transfer location, or that it may no longer be optimally positioned for precise transfer onto the package 2.

[0054] Therefore, in order to more reliably secure the relatively wide label 8 in the transfer position, an additional second airflow is now generated, which accordingly applies additional suction to the label 8, and thus increases the overall suction relative to the pressure applied to the label 8. Therefore, preferably, the second airflow is not directed to the label pressure side as the first airflow is to generate pressure. Thus, the second airflow increases the suction applied to the label 8 without increasing the pressure applied to the label.

[0055] Preferably, the label suction assembly 15 now has a second negative pressure generating unit 25 that generates a second airflow. In this case, preferably, the label suction assembly 15 also has a second air guiding unit 26 associated with the second negative pressure generating unit 25, which guides the second airflow away from the label 8, particularly away from its label suction side, to apply suction.

[0056] Preferably, the label suction assembly 15—especially in the contact surface 18—corresponds to having one or more second suction openings 27 corresponding to the second air guiding unit 16, through which the generated second airflow is guided into the label suction assembly 15. For example, especially... Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of elongated, slit-shaped suction openings 19 are also provided here, which extend in length along the dispensing direction and are arranged in a row in sequence along the dispensing direction. Here, a plurality of such rows are arranged side by side transversely to the dispensing direction.

[0057] In this case, and especially here, one or more of the second suction openings 27 are partially or completely covered by the label 8 located in the transfer position. In the area of ​​the suction opening 27 covered by the label 8, a negative pressure or suction is generated. Therefore, the corresponding suction opening 27 is blocked at least as much as possible.

[0058] Here, the same applies in the case of the second airflow: when the label 8 is in the transfer position, a portion of the second airflow flows from the outside into the label suction assembly 15 through the free cross section (flow cross section) of the second suction opening 27 that is not covered by the label 8, and the remainder of the first airflow sucks up the label 8 through the covered cross section of the second suction opening 27.

[0059] The second negative pressure generating unit 25 also preferably has a flow mechanism, referred to herein as a second flow mechanism, and in particular, a ventilator, referred to herein as a second ventilator 28, which generates a second airflow. The second flow mechanism or second ventilator 28 is also preferably electrically operated to generate the second airflow.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown in b), the second air guiding unit 26 has a supply air channel 29 that begins at one or more of the second suction openings 27 and extends to the second negative pressure generating unit 25, particularly to the second flow mechanism. Preferably, the supply air channel 29 extends to at least one second discharge opening 30 of the label suction assembly 15, through which a second airflow is discharged into the surrounding environment of the label suction assembly 15. Thus, the discharged air flows directly into the surrounding environment. However, according to an alternative embodiment not shown here, the second air guiding unit 26 may also be configured such that it has a discharge air channel that begins at the second negative pressure generating unit 25, particularly at the second flow mechanism, and extends to at least one second discharge opening 30 of the label suction assembly 15, through which a second airflow is discharged into the surrounding environment of the label suction assembly 15, and the supply air channel 29 and the discharge air channel are fluidically interconnected via the second negative pressure generating unit 25.

[0061] Advantageously, the first and / or second airflows may have other uses in addition to generating forces (suction and / or pressure) applied to the label 8 respectively.

[0062] Therefore, the first and / or second airflow, especially the second airflow discharged from the second discharge opening 30, can be configured such that the corresponding air guiding units 17, 26 (here, the second air guiding unit 26) are guided to dissipate heat from the functional components of the label application assembly 13 and / or the label delivery assembly 9, especially the printer 12 of the label delivery assembly 9. For example, the printer motor of the printer 12 generates heat, which is dissipated in this way. For this purpose, the airflow, this second airflow, especially the exhaust air, is preferably directed toward the corresponding functional component, such as the printer or the printer motor.

[0063] It is also conceivable that the first and / or second airflows, particularly the first airflow directed from the first discharge opening 23 to the label 8 for applying pressure, are temperature-controlled. Temperature control includes heating and / or cooling. In this way, the labels 8 blown by the airflows can also be temperature-controlled. Therefore, relatively cooler labels are, in principle, harder than warmer labels. Furthermore, cold and therefore harder labels are less likely to be absorbed and thus fixed well. In contrast, relatively warm and therefore softer labels are more prone to wrinkling when conveyed to the transfer position by the label dispensing assembly 9. The optimal stiffness of the corresponding label 8 can be set by temperature control of the airflows.

[0064] In the labeling device 1 according to the proposed solution, such as Figure 3 As shown in a) and b), it is preferably configured that the first ventilator 20 and / or the second ventilator 28 are radial or axial ventilators. However, in principle, other forms of ventilators are also conceivable for the first ventilator 20 and / or the second ventilator 28, such as diagonal or tangential ventilators. Here and preferably, the first ventilator 20 is a radial ventilator, while the second ventilator 28 is an axial ventilator. Therefore, a radial ventilator (which here and preferably should specifically generate pressure in addition to suction) has significantly better volumetric flow on the exhaust air side compared to an axial ventilator. An axial ventilator is equally suitable for generating suction as a radial ventilator, but is more cost-effective, so here for the second ventilator 28 (which should preferably only generate suction), an axial ventilator is sufficient from a cost perspective.

[0065] Furthermore, and preferably in this context, it is as follows: Figure 1 As schematically shown, the labeling device 1 has a control component 31 for controlling and / or adjusting the first and / or second negative pressure generating units 16, 25, in particular the first and / or second flow machines or the first and / or second ventilators 20, 28. Preferably, the control component 31 is configured to perform control and / or adjustment according to the shape and / or size of the label 8 in the dispensing direction. For example, the control component 31 activates the second negative pressure generating unit 25, in particular the second flow machine or the second ventilator 28, only when the label 8 is below a preset length, i.e., an extension in the dispensing direction, and / or when the label 8 exceeds a preset width, i.e., an extension transverse to the dispensing direction.

[0066] As has been stated above and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label application assembly 13, schematically shown, for applying the label 8 to the upper side of the package 2, here preferably has a punch 14 having a punch bar 32 and a punch foot 33. The punch 14 transfers the label 8 from a transfer position to the surface of the package 2 during the application movement via its punch foot 33.

[0067] Punch 14 is hereby and preferably designed as a swing punch, such as Figure 2 As indicated by the arrow in a), the punch is not only linearly movable but also pivotable. In particular, the punch 14, as the punch foot 33, has a suction foot, preferably a suction foot and a blowing foot, for picking up the label 8 and, more particularly, for blowing off the label. Designed here as a swing-type punch, the punch 14 performs an application movement along the transport direction as the label 8 is transferred, in order to label the package 2 moving by means of the feed assembly 3. The label 8 can be applied to the package 2 in a contact manner, i.e., mechanically, by pressing the label 8 onto it, using the label application assembly 13. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable to apply the label 8 in a non-contact manner, for example, by the suction foot and blowing foot of the punch 14 blowing the label 8 onto the package 2 by generating a compressed air impact directed towards the package 2, i.e., pneumatically applying it to the package. However, in principle, the punch 14 can also be a purely linear punch, capable only of linear movement, and if possible, can move in multiple mutually orthogonal directions. According to another embodiment not shown here, it is also conceivable in principle that the label 8 can be transferred directly from the transfer position to the surface of the package 2, particularly by means of compressed air impact applied to the label 8 by the label suction assembly 15, preferably by the blowing head. In the latter case, no punch is needed to transfer the label 8.

[0068] Furthermore, in the labeling device 1 according to the present proposal, which is exemplarily shown here, the first and second airflow and / or first and second negative pressure generating units 16, 25 and / or first and second flow machines or first and second ventilators 20, 28 and / or first and second air guiding units 17, 26 and / or (a plurality of) first and second suction openings 19, 27 are respectively spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the dispensing direction. Figure 4 This lateral spacing, which is distinct from the distribution direction, can be seen particularly clearly in the image.

[0069] Preferably, the punch 14 of the label application assembly 13 is arranged in the region between the first and second airflow and / or the first and second negative pressure generating units 16, 25 and / or the first and second flow machines and / or the first and second ventilators 20, 28 and / or the first and second air guiding units 17, 26 and / or (multiple) the first and second suction openings. In particular, the punch 14 is capable of movement, preferably pivoting, in this region along and against the label dispensing direction of the label 8.

[0070] like Figure 4Finally, it is also shown here, and preferably, that the cross-section of the plurality of or all of the first and / or second suction openings 19, 27 (here only the cross-section of the first suction opening 19) decreases from the suction opening to the suction opening in the dispensing direction, i.e., decreases with increasing distance from the dispensing edge 11. This applies at least to the main portion of the suction openings 19, 27, and preferably to all suction openings 19, 27. In an alternative embodiment not shown here, in which only a single first and / or second suction opening is provided, it is conceivable that the cross-section of said single first and / or second suction opening decreases in the dispensing direction, i.e., decreases with increasing distance from the dispensing edge 11.

[0071] In both cases, the width of the suction opening, i.e., the extension transverse to the distribution direction, decreases as the distance from the distribution edge 11 increases or as the transport distance of the label 8 increases. Accordingly, the suction force decreases as the distance from the distribution edge 11 increases; that is, the portion of the label 8 furthest from the distribution edge 11 is sucked up with less suction compared to the portion of the label 8 placed closer to the distribution edge 11. This has the following decisive advantages. Therefore, the total suction force acting on the label 8 increases with the increase in coverage of the first suction opening 19, and if possible, the second suction opening 27, so that relatively long labels 8 are sucked up too strongly and remain stationary at their ends away from the distribution edge 11, thus causing the labels 8 further transported from the distribution edge 11 to create waves. Correspondingly, here, as the transport distance of the label 8 increases, the force is reduced by decreasing the width of the suction opening, so that even in the case of a large length, the label 8 is always further transported along its entire length until the label has completely reached the transport position. In the case of a relatively short label 8, the advantage is that the width of the suction opening increases as it gets closer to the dispensing edge 11, and thus generates greater suction, which allows the short label 8 to be held better.

[0072] Particularly preferred, as follows: Figure 4 The cross-section decreases progressively as shown for the first suction opening 19, or steplessly according to an alternative embodiment not shown here.

Claims

1. A labeling apparatus for labeling individual packages (2), the labeling apparatus having: Feeding assembly (3), which is used to transport the corresponding package (2); A label dispensing assembly (9) for dispensing labels (8) detachable from the material strip (10) in the dispensing direction until a transfer position is reached; and A label application component (13) is used to apply a label (8) that has been delivered to the transfer location to the surface of the package (2); in, The label application component (13) has a label suction component (15) that receives the labels (8) dispensed by the label dispensing component (9) and secures them in the transfer position, from which the labels (8) are transferred to the surface of the package (2). Its features are, The label suction component (15) is configured to generate and guide a first airflow such that, in the transfer position, not only suction but also pressure is applied to the label (8) on opposite sides to fix the label in the transfer position.

2. The labeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a first negative pressure generating unit (16) that generates the first airflow, and the label suction assembly (15) has a first air guiding unit (17) that is associated with the first negative pressure generating unit (16), the first air guiding unit guiding the first airflow for applying the pressure to the label (8).

3. The labeling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The label-absorbing component (15) has a contact surface (18) for the label (8), which abuts the label (8) against the contact surface with its label-absorbing side in the transfer position.

4. The labeling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has one or more first suction openings (19) that correspond to the first air guiding unit (17), and the generated first airflow is guided into the label suction assembly (15) through the first suction openings.

5. The labeling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the label (8) is in the transfer position, at least one of the first suction openings (19) remains at least partially empty.

6. The labeling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first negative pressure generating unit (16) has a first flow mechanism that generates the first airflow.

7. The labeling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first air guiding unit (17) has a first supply air passage (21) that begins at one or more first suction openings (19) and extends to the first negative pressure generating unit (16). The first air guiding unit (17) has a first discharge air passage (22) that begins at the first negative pressure generating unit (16) and extends to at least one first discharge opening (23) of the label suction assembly (15). The first airflow is guided through the at least one first discharge opening to apply the pressure to the label (8). The first supply air passage (21) and the first discharge air passage (22) are fluidically interconnected via the first negative pressure generating unit (16).

8. The labeling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first exhaust air passage (22) and the at least one first exhaust opening (23) are arranged such that the first airflow is obliquely guided from the at least one first exhaust opening (23) onto the label (8) in order to apply the pressure.

9. The labeling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a contact surface (18) for the label (8), the label (8) being abutted against the contact surface with its label suction side in the transfer position, wherein the label dispensing assembly (9) delivers the label (8) to the transfer position through a gap (24) between the contact surface (18) and the at least one first discharge opening (23), the label (8) being abutted against the contact surface with its label suction side in the transfer position, and a first airflow being directed through the first discharge opening to apply pressure to the label (8).

10. The labeling device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) is configured to generate an additional second airflow that is fluidically separated from the first airflow in the label suction assembly (15), and to guide the second airflow such that additional suction is applied to the label (8) at the transfer position.

11. The labeling device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a second negative pressure generating unit (25) that generates the second airflow, and the label suction assembly (15) has a second air guiding unit (26) that is associated with the second negative pressure generating unit (25) and guides the second airflow away from the label (8) to apply suction.

12. The labeling device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has one or more second suction openings (27) that correspond to the second air guiding unit (26), through which the generated second airflow is guided into the label suction assembly (15).

13. The labeling device according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the label (8) is in the transfer position, at least one of the second suction openings (27) remains at least partially empty.

14. The labeling device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second negative pressure generating unit (25) has a second flow mechanism that generates the second airflow.

15. The labeling device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second air guiding unit (26) has a second supply air passage (29) that begins at one or more second suction openings (27) and extends to the second negative pressure generating unit (25), or the second air guiding unit (26) has a second discharge air passage that begins at the second negative pressure generating unit (25) and extends to at least one second discharge opening (30) of the label suction assembly (15), through which the second airflow is discharged to the surrounding environment of the label suction assembly (15), and the second supply air passage (29) and the second discharge air passage are fluidically interconnected via the second negative pressure generating unit (25).

16. The labeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first airflow is guided by the first air guiding unit (17) in such a way that it causes heat dissipation of the functional components of the tag application component (13) and / or tag delivery component (9).

17. The labeling device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second airflow is guided by the second air guiding unit (26) in such a way that it causes heat dissipation of the functional components of the tag application component (13) and / or tag delivery component (9).

18. The labeling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first airflow is temperature-controlled.

19. The labeling device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second airflow is temperature-controlled.

20. The labeling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The labeling device has a control component (31) for controlling and / or adjusting the first negative pressure generating unit (16).

21. The labeling device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The labeling device has a control component (31) for controlling and / or adjusting the second negative pressure generating unit (25).

22. The labeling device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The label application assembly (13) has a punch (14) having a punch bar (32) and a punch foot (33) for applying the label (8) to the surface of the package (2), and the punch (14) transfers the label (8) from the transfer position to the surface of the package (2) by the punch foot (33) of the punch during the application movement.

23. The labeling device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first airflow and the second airflow are spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the distribution direction.

24. The labeling device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a first negative pressure generating unit (16) that generates the first airflow, and the label suction assembly (15) has a first air guiding unit (17) that is associated with the first negative pressure generating unit (16) to guide the first airflow for applying the pressure to the label (8), wherein the first negative pressure generating unit (16) and the second negative pressure generating unit (25) are spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the dispensing direction.

25. The labeling device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a first negative pressure generating unit (16) that generates the first airflow, and the label suction assembly (15) has a first air guiding unit (17) that is associated with the first negative pressure generating unit (16) to guide the first airflow for applying the pressure to the label (8), wherein the first negative pressure generating unit (16) has a first flow mechanism that generates the first airflow, wherein the first flow mechanism and the second flow mechanism are spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the dispensing direction.

26. The labeling device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a first negative pressure generating unit (16) that generates the first airflow, and the label suction assembly (15) has a first air guiding unit (17) that is associated with the first negative pressure generating unit (16), the first air guiding unit guiding the first airflow to apply the pressure to the label (8), wherein the first air guiding unit (17) and the second air guiding unit (26) are spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the dispensing direction.

27. The labeling device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a first negative pressure generating unit (16) that generates the first airflow, and the label suction assembly (15) has a first air guiding unit (17) associated with the first negative pressure generating unit (16), the first air guiding unit guiding the first airflow to apply the pressure to the label (8), wherein the label suction assembly (15) has one or more first suction openings (19) associated with the first air guiding unit (17), the generated first airflow being guided into the label suction assembly (15) through the first suction openings, wherein the one or more first suction openings (19) and the one or more second suction openings (27) are spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the dispensing direction.

28. The labeling device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The punch (14) of the label application component (13) is arranged in the region between the first airflow and the second airflow.

29. The labeling device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a first negative pressure generating unit (16) that generates the first airflow, and the label suction assembly (15) has a first air guiding unit (17) that is associated with the first negative pressure generating unit (16) to guide the first airflow for applying the pressure to the label (8), wherein the punch (14) of the label application assembly (13) is arranged in the region between the first negative pressure generating unit (16) and the second negative pressure generating unit (25).

30. The labeling device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a first negative pressure generating unit (16) that generates the first airflow, and the label suction assembly (15) has a first air guiding unit (17) that is associated with the first negative pressure generating unit (16) to guide the first airflow for applying the pressure to the label (8), wherein the first negative pressure generating unit (16) has a first flow machine that generates the first airflow, wherein the punch (14) of the label application assembly (13) is arranged in the region between the first flow machine and the second flow machine.

31. The labeling device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a first negative pressure generating unit (16) that generates the first airflow, and the label suction assembly (15) has a first air guiding unit (17) that is associated with the first negative pressure generating unit (16), the first air guiding unit guiding the first airflow for applying the pressure to the label (8), wherein the punch (14) of the label application assembly (13) is arranged in the region between the first air guiding unit (17) and the second air guiding unit (26).

32. The labeling device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a first negative pressure generating unit (16) that generates the first airflow, and the label suction assembly (15) has a first air guiding unit (17) associated with the first negative pressure generating unit (16), the first air guiding unit guiding the first airflow for applying the pressure to the label (8), wherein the label suction assembly (15) has one or more first suction openings (19) associated with the first air guiding unit (17), the generated first airflow being guided into the label suction assembly (15) through the first suction openings, wherein the punch (14) of the label application assembly (13) is arranged in the region between the one or more first suction openings (19) and the one or more second suction openings (27).

33. The labeling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-section of a first suction opening (19) decreases in the dispensing direction, or the cross-section of multiple or all first suction openings (19) decreases from one suction opening to another in the dispensing direction.

34. The labeling device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The cross-section of one of the second suction openings (27) decreases in the dispensing direction, or the cross-section of multiple or all of the second suction openings (27) decreases from one suction opening to another in the dispensing direction.

35. The labeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The labeling device is a price labeling device.

36. The labeling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first air guiding unit guides the first airflow to apply the pressure to the pressure side of the label and / or the adhesive side of the label.

37. The labeling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first air guiding unit (17) guides the first airflow away from the label (8) to apply the suction force.

38. The labeling device according to claim 37, characterized in that, The first air guiding unit (17) guides the first airflow away from the label suction side of the label in order to apply the suction force.

39. The labeling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first air guiding unit (17) guides the first airflow to the label pressure side of the label (8) away from the contact surface (18).

40. The labeling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a contact surface (18) for the label (8), the label (8) being abutted against the contact surface with its label suction side in the transfer position, wherein the first suction opening (19) is formed in the contact surface (18).

41. The labeling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, One or more of the first suction openings (19) are partially or completely covered by the label (8) located in the transfer position.

42. The labeling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first flow machine is the first ventilator (20).

43. The labeling device according to claim 42, characterized in that, The first ventilator (20) is a radial ventilator or an axial ventilator.

44. The labeling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first negative pressure generating unit (16) has a first flow mechanism that generates the first airflow, wherein the first supply air passage begins with the one or more first suction openings (19) and extends to the first flow mechanism.

45. The labeling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first negative pressure generating unit (16) has a first flow mechanism that generates the first airflow, wherein the first exhaust air passage begins at the first flow mechanism.

46. ​​The labeling device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first airflow is directed from the at least one first discharge opening (23) to the label (8) in order to apply the pressure, with a directional component extending in the distribution direction of the label (8).

47. The labeling device according to claim 10, characterized in that, Compared to the suction caused by the first airflow, the additional suction caused by the second airflow is applied to the label (8) at different locations.

48. The labeling device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second air guiding unit directs the second airflow away from the label suction side of the label to apply suction.

49. The labeling device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The label suction assembly (15) has a contact surface (18) for the label (8), the label (8) being in the transfer position with its label suction side abutting the contact surface, and the second suction opening (27) being constructed in the contact surface (18).

50. The labeling device according to claim 12, characterized in that, One or more of the second suction openings (27) are partially or completely covered by the label (8) located in the transfer position.

51. The labeling device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second flow machine is the second ventilator (28).

52. The labeling device according to claim 51, characterized in that, The second ventilator (28) is a radial ventilator or an axial ventilator.

53. The labeling device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second negative pressure generating unit (25) has a second flow mechanism that generates the second airflow, wherein the second supply air channel begins at the one or more second suction openings (27) and extends to the second flow mechanism.

54. The labeling device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second supply air channel (29) extends to at least one second discharge opening (30) of the label suction assembly (15), through which the second airflow is discharged into the surrounding environment of the label suction assembly (15).

55. The labeling device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second negative pressure generating unit (25) has a second flow mechanism that generates the second airflow, wherein the second exhaust air passage begins at the second flow mechanism.

56. The labeling device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second airflow is guided by the second air guiding unit (26) in such a way as to cause heat dissipation of the functional components of the tag application assembly (13) and / or tag delivery assembly (9), wherein the second airflow is discharged from the second discharge opening (30).

57. The labeling device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The functional component of the label distribution assembly (9) is the printer (12).

58. The labeling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first airflow is temperature-controlled, wherein the first airflow is directed from the first discharge opening (23) onto the label (8) to apply pressure.

59. The labeling device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The first negative pressure generating unit (16) has a first flow mechanism that generates the first airflow, wherein the control component (31) is configured to control and / or regulate the first flow mechanism.

60. The labeling device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The second negative pressure generating unit (25) has a second flow mechanism that generates the second airflow, wherein the control component (31) is configured to control and / or regulate the second flow mechanism.

61. The labeling device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The control and / or adjustment are performed according to the shape and / or size of the label (8).

62. The labeling device according to any one of claims 28-32, characterized in that, The punch can move along the dispensing direction of the label (8) and against the dispensing direction of the label.

63. The labeling device according to claim 62, characterized in that, The punch is capable of pivoting along the dispensing direction of the label (8) and against the dispensing direction of the label.

64. The labeling device according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that, The cross-section decreases either stepwise or continuously.

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