Label tape connecting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a label tape connecting device. The invention relates to a device for connecting a label tape, comprising: a passage region through which the label tape can be guided in a transport direction; the invention relates to an adhesive application device for applying an adhesive material to an adhesive region of a first label end of a first label tape, the adhesive application device comprising an application element for applying the adhesive material to the adhesive region, and a supply element for conveying a transfer tape containing an adhesive material to the application element and for leading the transfer tape away from the application element, wherein the device comprises a first drive element for moving the application element in an application direction and a second drive element for driving the supply element to convey and lead away the transfer tape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for connecting label tapes according to claim 1, and a method for connecting label tapes using the device for connecting label tapes according to claim 9. Background Art

[0002] Devices for connecting label strips are generally known in the prior art and are often used, for example, to ensure that the label strip is continuously fed to a labeling machine. For this purpose, for example, a device is known from EP 2 825 371 B1, in which an adhesive tape dispenser is used to dispense adhesive tape in order to connect together the film ends of a continuous film web, such as a label strip.

[0003] In this case, the applied adhesive tape is separated from the rest of the adhesive tape roll by cutting, which can lead to the presence of foreign matter and protruding ends of the adhesive tape material, which can have a negative impact on the quality of the labeling result and the further operation of the device. Summary of the invention Purpose

[0004] Based on the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for connecting a label tape that can reliably connect the label tape. Solution

[0005] The present invention achieves the above-mentioned object by means of a device for connecting label tapes according to claim 1 and a method for connecting label tapes using the device for connecting label tapes according to claim 9. Advantageous improvements are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The device for connecting label tapes of the present invention comprises: a travel area, which can guide the label tape to pass through the travel area along the transport direction; an adhesive applying device, which is used to apply adhesive material to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end of the first label tape, wherein the adhesive applying device comprises an applying element for applying adhesive material to the adhesive area, and a providing element for conveying a transfer tape containing adhesive material to the applying element and guiding the transfer tape away from the applying element, wherein the device comprises a first driving element for moving the applying element along the applying direction, and a second driving element for driving the applying element and / or the providing element to convey and guide the transfer tape away.

[0007] According to the invention, the device is capable of applying adhesive material at least in the adhesive region of the first label end. Optionally, the device also includes a connecting device for connecting the label end to the second label end of the second label strip. This device can, after applying the adhesive material, for example deliver the second label end to the first label end and press the second label end to the first label end at least in the adhesive region to achieve the connection.

[0008] According to the invention, the application element and / or the providing element exerts a pulling or pushing force on the transfer tape by means of a second drive element, thereby moving this transfer tape toward the application element and moving the transfer tape away after transferring the adhesive material from the application element.

[0009] According to the invention, the adhesive material is provided on the transfer tape in such a way that it can be separated from the transfer tape. In this regard, the transfer tape containing the adhesive material is conveyed to an application element, and the application element transfers the adhesive material and separates the adhesive material from the transfer tape, and then the transfer tape is drawn away from the application element by the providing element without or substantially without residual adhesive material. This can, for example, include that a roll of the transfer tape containing the adhesive material is unrolled in the direction of the application element, and a roll of the transfer tape containing no or substantially no adhesive material is rolled up in the direction of the application element, wherein the rolling up in the application direction occurs after the application element.

[0010] The first driving element and the second driving element can be implemented as servomotors or other electric motors respectively, and connected to the providing element and / or the applying element through suitable connecting elements and / or connecting gears for driving.

[0011] The device according to the invention enables adhesive transfer without residual or remaining adhesive residues, which improves the quality of the label strip connection and enables further transport more reliably.

[0012] The first and second drive elements can work independently of each other. Different moments or drive forces can be applied to the providing element and / or the applying element, so that on the one hand, the adhesive material can be reliably transferred and on the other hand, the adhesive material can be reliably separated from the transfer tape.

[0013] In one embodiment, the application direction is perpendicular to the transport direction. This allows as little adhesive material as possible to be transferred to the end of the label, thereby reducing the amount of material required.

[0014] The providing element may comprise a discharge roller which may hold a transfer tape comprising adhesive material, and a receiving roller for receiving the transfer tape after being drawn off, and the second driving element is adapted to drive the receiving roller about a rotation axis of the receiving roller, wherein the rotation axis is optionally parallel to the transport direction.

[0015] With this embodiment, a reliable conveyance of the transfer tape to or away from the application element can be ensured, wherein the torque acting on the transfer tape can be reliably controlled.

[0016] The device may further comprise a fixing element for fixing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element comprises two pressure elements spaced apart in the transport direction and capable of fixing the first label end, and wherein the application element can apply the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements. Alternatively, the device may comprise a fixing element for fixing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element comprises a pressure element arranged downstream or upstream of the application element in the transport direction and capable of fixing the first label end. This prevents accidental misalignment between the adhesive material and the label end.

[0017] The fixing element and / or the applying element can in particular be moved perpendicularly to the transport plane of the label strip. With this embodiment, the first label strip can be reliably guided in the transport direction until the first label end is reached, and then the adhesive material can be reliably transferred to the label strip.

[0018] In one embodiment, the coating element comprises a coating roller for applying the adhesive material, wherein the coating roller is arranged in a manner that can rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the transport direction, and wherein the second drive element can drive the coating roller around the rotation axis, and / or wherein the second drive element can drive the deflection roller around the rotation axis of the deflection roller to deflect the transfer belt. The coating roller can in particular press the adhesive material toward the end of the first label, thereby achieving a reliable transfer.

[0019] The device may comprise a control unit for controlling the first and second drive elements, wherein the first drive element and the second drive element may operate synchronously at least in a first time interval and asynchronously in a second time interval.

[0020] Synchronous operation may in particular include that the path covered by the application element in the application direction is of the same length as the path covered by the adhesive material. This prevents the transfer tape from accidentally breaking. Asynchronous operation may include that the distance covered by the transfer tape is different in length from the distance covered by the application element in the application direction and / or that the force acting on the application element in the application direction is different in magnitude from the force acting on the transfer tape. With this embodiment, the transfer tape can be reliably separated from the applied adhesive material, which reduces the amount of excess adhesive material left at the end of the label.

[0021] The present invention also proposes a method for connecting label tapes using a device for connecting label tapes, the device comprising: a travel area, which can guide the label tape to pass through the travel area along the transport direction; an adhesive applying device, which is used to apply adhesive material to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end of the first label tape, wherein the adhesive applying device comprises an applying element for applying adhesive material to the adhesive area, and a providing element for conveying a transfer tape containing adhesive material to the applying element and guiding the transfer tape away from the applying element, wherein the device comprises a first driving element for moving the applying element along the applying direction, and a second driving element for driving the applying element and / or the providing element to convey and / or guide the transfer tape away, the method comprising: driving the providing element to transport the transfer tape to the applying element, applying the adhesive material to the adhesive area, and guiding the transfer tape away.

[0022] Optionally, after the adhesive material is applied to the first label end, the first label end is connected to the second label end of the second label strip using a connecting device of the device.

[0023] This method ensures reliable transfer of the adhesive material.

[0024] The adhesive material may include an adhesive layer that is separable from the transfer tape or a substrate that is separable from the transfer tape with the adhesive layer disposed on the opposite side of the substrate.

[0025] Adhesive layer refers here in particular to a material consisting only of adhesive material and without a non-adhesive substrate. The adhesive layer arranged on the opposite sides of the substrate can be understood together with the substrate as a "double-sided tape", for example, so that the adhesive layer is arranged on the opposite sides (flat sides) of the substrate. With these embodiments, a reliable connection of the label end can be ensured.

[0026] The coating direction can be perpendicular to the direction of transport, and / or, providing element can include a discharge roller that keeps the transfer tape that contains the adhesive material, and a accommodating roller for accommodating the transfer tape after being drawn away, and the second driving element is suitable for driving the accommodating roller around the rotating shaft of the accommodating roller, wherein the rotating shaft is optionally parallel to the direction of transport. As an alternative or supplementary solution, the coating direction can be perpendicular to the direction of transport, and / or, the coating element includes a coating roller for coating the adhesive material, and wherein the second driving element can drive the coating roller around the rotating shaft, and wherein the rotating shaft is optionally parallel to the direction of transport. In addition, as an alternative or supplementary solution, the coating element can include a steering roller for turning the transfer tape, and wherein the second driving element can drive the steering roller around the rotating shaft. In this embodiment, it is possible to ensure reliable transfer while reducing the material consumption of the adhesive material.

[0027] The device may include a fixing element for fixing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element includes two pressure elements spaced apart from each other in the transport direction for fixing the first label end at least temporarily during application, and wherein the application element applies the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements. Alternatively, the device may include a fixing element for fixing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element includes a pressure element for fixing the first label end during application arranged downstream or upstream of the application element in the transport direction.

[0028] By fixing the first label end, it is ensured that the adhesive material is applied to the first label end without wrinkles as much as possible, thereby improving the reliability of the adhesive material application.

[0029] In addition, the fixing element and / or the application element can be moved perpendicularly to the transport plane of the label strip toward the first label end before application. With this embodiment, reliable application of the adhesive material can be ensured while guiding the label strip through.

[0030] In one embodiment, the device comprises a control unit for controlling the first and second drive elements, wherein the first drive element and the second drive element operate synchronously at least in a first time interval and asynchronously in a second time interval. With this embodiment, the force acting on the transfer tape can be controlled in a targeted manner and the speed at which the adhesive material is transferred to the label tape can also be set.

[0031] The first drive element and the second drive element may operate synchronously during application and asynchronously for separating the applied adhesive material from the transfer tape.

[0032] The synchronous or asynchronous drive can in particular include increasing the torque of the providing element relative to the driving application element or increasing the torque transferred to the transfer tape, so that this transfer tape can be reliably separated from the adhesive applied to the label end.

[0033] Asynchronous drive can be combined with the vertical movement of the coating element and / or the providing element in the vertical direction relative to the label belt. Like this, the transfer belt can be advantageously separated from the adhesive material transferred to the label. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 A device for providing and conveying label tape,

[0035] Figure 2 is a side view of a device for connecting a label tape according to the present invention,

[0036] Figure 3 Embodiments of an adhesive applicator, an element, and first and second drive elements are provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 The device 190 for providing and connecting the label tape is shown. This figure is only used to exemplarily explain the technical principle of the device 100 for connecting the label tape of the present invention. Figure 2 Start describing it in more detail.

[0038] The device 190 is basically known in the prior art. These devices include a plurality of label rolls 181 to 184 on which the labels are held in the form of a strip. The labels can be designed in a known manner as wraparound labels or sleeve labels or labels that extend only partially along the periphery of the container on the container. Wraparound labels or sleeve labels are known that can be put on the container and completely surround the container in the circumferential direction. The labels are held in a roll, wherein, in particular when sleeve labels are used, the individual labels follow one another on the label strip with their openings that can be introduced into the container.

[0039] The device 190 also comprises, for example, one or more cutting devices 192 for cutting the end of the label roll to be connected to the previous label roll. Subsequently, the label end 130 can be handed over to the device 100 according to the invention for connecting label strips, wherein the connection between the label end of one label roll and the label end of another label roll is ensured, so that a continuous label strip 185 is formed, which can be led away from the device, for example, via a buffer system 194, and conveyed to a labeling machine (not shown here) for labeling containers, for example.

[0040] In order to be able to switch between multiple label tapes or label rolls (for example, label rolls 181 to 184 can be switched as automatically as possible in the magazine 191), the device 100 of the present invention can be movably arranged on the guide 193 so that it can move in the direction of the arrow shown, so as to be guided from the label roll that has just been unrolled to other label rolls or label tapes 182 that need to be connected to this label roll or label tape. Once the label tape that has just been unrolled reaches the minimum remaining length, the device 100 can move along the guide 193 to the nearest label roll (here, the reel 182) and connect the label end of the first label roll 181 to the label end of the second label roll 182.

[0041] In this regard, the term label roll in the present invention is used synonymously with the term label tape, because the label roll is a rolled-up label tape.

[0042] Figure 1 The corresponding devices are basically known. The device 100 for connecting the label ends is also basically known. However, the following problem usually occurs: it is difficult to reliably connect the label end of a first label tape with the label end of a second label tape following this label tape, which may lead to label transfer errors or readjustment of the label tapes in subsequent work.

[0043] Figure 2 An embodiment of the device 200 of the present invention for connecting label tapes 231 and 232 is shown. The label tapes may refer to label tapes provided on different label rolls.

[0044] Even though the device is described below as providing the adhesive material 213 to the label end of the leading label tape 231 along the transport direction T, it is understandable that the device can also be used to provide the label end 236 of the trailing label tape (second label tape) 232 with corresponding adhesive material.

[0045] According to the invention, the device comprises a passage area 270 through which the label strips 231 and 232 can pass through the device 200. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging suitable drive rollers or other drive elements upstream and / or downstream of the device 200, which are suitable for pulling and / or pushing the label strips and transporting them along the transport direction T through the passage area 270.

[0046] According to the present invention, the device 200 includes an adhesive application device 201, which can apply adhesive material 213 to the label tape at the adhesive area 234 of the label end 235 of the first label tape 231. In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive application device 201 is arranged above the transport plane of the first label tape 231 along the transport direction T. In this embodiment, a second adhesive application device 262 is also shown, which can be arranged on the opposite side of the transport plane or the first label tape 231, and applies adhesive material 213 to the opposite side of the label tape 231 at the adhesive area 234. In the case where the sleeve label exists in the form of a label tape, this embodiment is preferably adopted. These label tapes are connected in the following manner: pull the label tape before or after and "cover" the pulled label tape on the label end of another label tape, and connect them together at the adhesive area 234. This requires applying adhesive material to the opposite side of the label tape so that the label ends of the label tape are reliably connected.

[0047] If the device 200 of the present invention is used to connect a label tape consisting of individual labels (not forming a label sleeve or a sleeve label), the second adhesive applying device 262 may not be provided.

[0048] The adhesive application device 201 comprises at least one application element 211 which can transfer adhesive material 213 at the adhesive region 234 to the first label end 235. To this end, the application element 211 rolls or rolls up the adhesive material 213 or presses it onto the adhesive region 213.

[0049] Adhesive coating device 201 also comprises providing element 212, and it is conveyed to coating element 211 with adhesive material on transfer tape 214.In this regard, transfer tape 214 is used as the carrier of adhesive material 213.After adhesive material 213 is applied to the adhesive area 234 of label tape, coating element separates adhesive material 213 from transfer tape in the adhesive area.This can be realized by, for example, removing transfer tape from label tape after applying adhesive material, thereby separates here.As an alternative or supplementary scheme, coating element can also comprise separation edge, and the motion direction of transfer tape changes on this separation edge, and the size of this change makes adhesive material cannot follow this motion direction change and separates with transfer tape based on its rigidity.

[0050] The transfer tape can consist, for example, of plastic or natural fibers or a mixture thereof, in particular can consist of PET or another plastic or include PET or another plastic.

[0051] The adhesive material can be arranged on the transfer tape in the form of a single adhesive layer (and produced, for example, by evaporation or printing or spraying on the transfer tape), or can be provided in the form of a substrate with adhesive layers arranged on opposite sides of the substrate, such as a double-sided tape. In each case, the adhesive material can be separated from the transfer tape.

[0052] According to the present invention, the providing element conveys the transfer tape and the adhesive material arranged thereon to the application element, and draws the transfer tape away from the application element after applying the adhesive material 213 to the bonding area 234. The conveying and drawing away can be actively performed by the providing element, specifically in that the providing element is driven to actively convey and / or draw away, or the conveying and drawing away can be passively performed by the providing element, specifically in that the transfer tape is, for example, pulled away from the providing element by the optionally driven application element and thereby conveyed to the application element, and then pushed from the application element to the providing element.

[0053] In addition, according to the present invention, the first drive element 215 is connected to the coating device on the drive side to move the coating device along the coating direction at least during the period when the coating device transfers the adhesive material 213 to the label tape in the adhesive area 234. In addition, a second drive element 216 is provided to drive the providing device and / or the coating element to convey the transfer tape to the coating element and lead it away from the coating element.

[0054] The providing element may, for example, include one or more rotatably supported rollers, wherein the second drive element 216 may cause at least one of these rotatable rollers to rotate and, for example, may apply a pulling force to the transfer belt, thereby guiding the transfer belt toward the application element to apply the adhesive material from the application element to the adhesive area 234 of the label 231, or to guide the transfer belt away from the application element after applying the adhesive material.

[0055] As an alternative or supplement, the coating element may include a coating roller rotatably supported about a rotation axis, and the second driving element may rotate the coating roller about the rotation axis or drive the coating roller to guide the transfer tape away from the providing element and / or transport the transfer tape to the providing element.

[0056] The first drive element 215 and the second drive element 216 may, for example, include one or more servo motors or other electric motors and may preferably be driven independently of each other, thereby driving the providing element 212 and / or the coating element 211 to convey and / or deflect the transfer belt independently of the movement of the coating element along the coating direction.

[0057] The application direction preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction T, but in the transport plane of the label strip or parallel to the transport plane. The application direction can also adopt other relative orientations, so that this application direction can also be at an angle different from 90° to the transport direction T, for example. This is more advantageous when it is necessary to apply adhesive material to a larger area of ​​the label strip 231 along the transport direction T.

[0058] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the device 200 comprises a connecting device 205, which can be used to connect the first label end to the second label end. To this end, the connecting device 205 can include one or more clamps 251 and 252, which can grab one of the label strips and send it to the other label strip for connection in the adhesive area 234. In this case, the elements 251 and 252 can also be designed so that they can pull the sleeve label in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the label strip, so that the sleeve label pulled in this way is covered on the other label end, which is preferably provided with an adhesive material, and connected together in this way. The connecting device 205 can also be designed to apply pressure to the label strips in the area of ​​the adhesive area 234 after the label ends are in place, so that these label strips are physically in contact with each other in the adhesive area, in particular connected with an adhesive material.

[0059] Optionally, the device 200 may also include a fixing element 204 to fix the first label end 235 at least during the application of the adhesive material 213 to the adhesive area 234. To this end, in one embodiment, the fixing element 204 may include two pressure elements 241 and 242 spaced apart from each other in the transport direction, which may press against the label strip 231 to fix this label strip upstream and downstream of the adhesive area 234. Alternatively, the fixing element may also include only one pressure element (i.e., pressure element 241 or pressure element 242) upstream or downstream of the adhesive area 234 to fix the label end at least in an area preferably adjacent to the adhesive area 234. The area adjacent to the adhesive area may include a spacing of less than 2 cm or less than 2 cm or less than 0.5 cm from the adhesive area.

[0060] In the embodiment shown here, the second adhesive application device 262 comprises a corresponding fixing element 243. This is particularly advantageous if, as described above, sleeve labels are to be connected to the device according to the invention. The fixing element 243 can be designed similarly to the fixing element 204. If a single label (i.e. a non-sleeve label or a label sleeve) is connected to the device 200, the fixing element 204 is sufficient, wherein this fixing element preferably presses the label strip 231 against a stop or counter element (not shown here), thereby fixing the adhesive area 234 in the transport direction T.

[0061] The distance between the pressure elements 241 and 242 (if two are provided) in the transport direction can be the same as the extension of the bonding area 234 in the transport direction T (or slightly larger, for example, a maximum of 0.5 cm, a maximum of 1 cm, or a maximum of 2 cm), so that the application element 211 can preferably apply the adhesive material to the entire bonding area 234 without contacting the pressure elements 241 and 242. The application element can especially apply the adhesive material to the bonding area between the pressure elements.

[0062] This or these pressure elements can be connected to springs, for example, which ensure that the force transmitted by the pressure elements 241 and 242 to the label strip 231 does not exceed a certain maximum value when the fixed element 204 moves in the direction of the label strip 231. The spring element can be prestressed in the direction of the label strip 231, in particular, so that on the one hand, physical contact with the label strip is reliably achieved through this or these pressure elements 241 and 242, and on the other hand, the maximum force acting on the label strip is not exceeded.

[0063] The coating element 211 and / or the fixing element can be arranged in a movable manner in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane or the plane of the label tape 231, so that the coating element and / or the fixing element can be moved to apply and fix the label tape 231. In this way, it can be ensured that the adhesive material is applied while the label tape is securely fixed. On the other hand, after applying the adhesive material and / or after connecting with other label tapes, the label tape can be further transported along the transport direction T.

[0064] The device 200 may also include a cutting device 202, which can cut the label end 235 of the first label strip 231. To this end, the cutting device 202 may, for example, include a cutter 261 that can move in the direction of the label strip, and may also include a matching element 263 arranged on the opposite side of the label strip 231, to which the cutter 261 and the label strip 231 located therebetween can be guided, so that the label strip can be reliably cut. The corresponding label end 235 may also be pre-cut (but this is not mandatory), so that the distance between the adhesive area 234 and the original end of the adhesive strip 231 is always kept constant, so that the adhesive strip is reliably connected.

[0065] Furthermore, the device 200 optionally comprises a clamping element 203 upstream of the adhesive application device 201 in order to clamp the label strip 231 and prevent it from further movement in the transport direction T. This clamping element can be arranged on the opposite side of the transport plane of the label strip or the label strip 231, or only one such movable clamping element 203 is provided to press the label strip 231 against the counter pressure surface 239.

[0066] In one embodiment, a control unit 280 is also provided, which can control one or more functions of the device 200. The control unit can be designed as a computer with a corresponding processor and memory and has suitable programs and corresponding connections for data exchange to control the various functions of the device 200.

[0067] The control unit 280 can especially control the first drive element 215 and the second drive element 214 so that they work synchronously or asynchronously. The synchronous drive of the first drive element and the second drive element here especially refers to the following operation: the path passed by the coating element in the coating direction is the same length as the path passed by the transfer tape 211, so that the transfer tape does not rest on the label tape. Asynchronous operation especially means that the path passed by the transfer tape is different in length from the path passed by the coating element in the coating direction, and / or the force acting on the coating element in the coating direction is different in magnitude from the force acting on the transfer tape. In this way, it can be ensured that the transfer tape is reliably separated from the applied adhesive material.

[0068] Figure 3 One embodiment of an adhesive application device 300 is shown in association with a securing element 304 (optionally provided).

[0069] In the embodiment shown here, the adhesive application device 300 includes a device fixed to the device (see Figure 2 ) in a frame 340, to which the coating element 301 and the providing element 302 are movably arranged. In the embodiment shown here, the coating element 301 and the providing element 302 are arranged together on the retaining frame 303, so that the basic relative position between the coating element 301 and the providing element 302 is immutable. This is not mandatory.

[0070] The application element 301 and the providing element or the assembly of the providing elements are arranged movably (especially rotatably about a suitable rotation axis) relative to the holder 303. In the embodiment shown here, the application element 301 and especially the entire holder 303 are arranged movably along the application direction A.

[0071] The coating element 301 includes a coating roller 373, which is supported in the retaining frame 303 in a manner that can rotate around the rotation axis R1, and rotates accordingly when moving along the coating direction A. Optionally, the coating element can include a first steering roller 371 and / or a second steering roller 372, which can be supported in a manner that can rotate around a rotation axis, and the rotation axis is parallel to the rotation axis R1 and spaced apart from it. Wherein, the spacing between the rotation axis of the first and / or second steering rollers 371, 372 and the rotation axis R1 in the coating direction A is less than the sum of the radii of the coating roller and the corresponding steering roller. This ensures that there is enough tension acting on the transfer belt, and the transfer belt is as tight as possible against the coating roller. Optionally, the coating roller 373 can move toward the label or leave the label together with the steering roller or independently of the steering roller in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the label 360, so that the tension and / or tension acting on the transfer belt can be set.

[0072] The first drive element 311 (e.g. an electric motor, in particular a servo drive) is suitable for moving the application element 301 or the holder 303 in an application direction A transversely to the transport direction of the labels or label strips 360. In the embodiment shown here, this drive element is connected to the holder 303 via a spindle 312 rotatably supported in a frame 340. However, any other embodiment is also possible.

[0073] In one embodiment, in addition to the spindle 312 , a guide 313 is provided, on which the holder 303 is arranged movably in the application direction A.

[0074] Now, if the holder 303 including the application element 301 is moved in the application direction A by operating the spindle 312 , the application roller rolls due to the friction force generated when it comes into physical contact with the label tape 360 ​​.

[0075] In the embodiment shown, the providing element 302 comprises a discharge roller 322 on which a transfer belt 350 arranged with adhesive material 351 is held. The discharge roller 322 is supported in a rotatable manner about an axis of rotation R2, which in particular can be designed parallel to the axis of rotation R1 of the coating roller. The axis of rotation R2 can also be at an angle to the axis of rotation R1, and further guide rollers (not shown here) can be provided, which deflect or guide the transfer belt 350 containing adhesive material 351 in such a way that the transfer belt 350 is deflected from the axis of rotation R2 and the associated movement direction of the transfer belt 350 without folds to the rotation direction defined by the axis of rotation R1.

[0076] The providing element 302 further comprises a receiving roller 321 which is supported rotatably about an axis of rotation R3 which is preferably parallel to the axis of rotation R2 and optionally parallel to the axis of rotation R1. The receiving roller 321 is arranged so that it rolls up or takes up the transfer tape 352 after passing through the application roller and after the adhesive material 351 has been removed or substantially removed.

[0077] In one embodiment, a second drive element 323 can be connected to the discharge roller 322 and / or the receiving roller 321 on the drive side, so that the transfer belt 352 can be moved in the direction from the discharge roller to the receiving roller, thereby conveying the transfer belt to the coating roller and then moving it away, and being rolled up by the discharge roller 321.

[0078] Among them, combined Figure 2 The control unit described can control the first drive element 311 and the second drive element 323 so that the transfer tape 350 unfolded by the discharge roller 322 and the distance traveled by the coating roller along the coating direction A are exactly the same. In this way, it is ensured that the transfer tape 350 does not break during the transfer of the adhesive material 351 to the label tape 360. Subsequently, for example, the first drive element 311 can be stopped (for example, by correspondingly controlling the control unit) when the coating roller 301 reaches the end position along the coating direction A, so that no further movement is performed. Finally, further rotation can be performed at the same time or after a short interval (for example, 0.1 s or more or 0.05 s or more), or at least the torque of the second drive element 323 can be applied to the discharge roller and / or the receiving roller, so that the transfer tape is further moved and the adhesive material 351 transferred to the label tape 360 ​​is separated from the transfer tape 352.

[0079] Preferably, the second drive element 323 is connected to at least the receiving roller 321, because this receiving roller can exert a tensile force on the transfer belt 351. In addition, it can also be connected to the discharge roller. However, this is not mandatory, and the discharge roller can be passively rotated together by the tensile force acting on the transfer belt 350. In this way, it is prevented that the transfer belt 350 unrolled by the discharge roller 322 exceeds the transfer belt rolled up by the receiving roller 321, resulting in an excess of transfer belt upstream of the coating roller.

[0080] As an alternative to the rollers of the drive providing element, according to Figure 3, the second drive element can also be connected to the coating roller 373 on the drive side as the second drive element 314 in order to drive the coating roller 373 around the rotation axis R1. What is not shown here is that, alternatively, one of the other rollers (such as the steering rollers 371, 372) can also be connected to the second drive 314 on the drive side in order to (indirectly) drive the coating roller 373 around the rotation axis R1. In this embodiment, the guide 313 can not be configured as a passive guide that only guides the movement of the coating element 301 along the coating direction A, but as a supplement or alternative, it can be implemented as a spindle or a square spindle for transmitting the driving force of the second drive element 314 to the coating roller 373. Similar to the embodiment in which the second drive element 323 is connected to one of the rollers providing the element, the driving force transmitted by the second drive element 314 to the coating roller can be controlled so that the described embodiment can also be used similarly for this embodiment.

[0081] As shown in the figure, the coating roller moves between the pressure elements 341 and 342 of the fixed element 340 along the coating direction A. The extension of the coating roller 301 along the transport direction T or from one pressure element 341 to another pressure element 342 is less than the spacing between the pressure elements 341 and 342, so that the coating roller 301 can be preferably placed between the pressure elements 341 and 342 and pressed against the label tape 360, thereby reliably transferring the adhesive material 351.

Claims

1. A device for connecting a label tape, the device comprising: A passing area, through which the label belt can be guided along a transport direction; An adhesive applying device for applying adhesive material to an adhesive region at the end of a first label of a first label tape, wherein the adhesive applying device comprises an applying element for applying the adhesive material to the adhesive region, and a providing element for conveying a transfer tape containing adhesive material to the applying element and leading the transfer tape away from the applying element, wherein the device comprises a first driving element for moving the applying element along an applying direction, and a second driving element for driving the applying element and / or the providing element to convey and lead the transfer tape away.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second drive elements are operable independently of each other.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the coating direction is perpendicular to the transport direction.

4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the providing element includes a discharge roller that can hold the transfer tape containing the adhesive material, and a receiving roller for receiving the transfer tape after the withdrawal, and wherein the second driving element is suitable for driving the receiving roller around the rotating axis of the receiving roller, wherein the rotating axis is optionally parallel to the transport direction.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device further comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during the application, wherein the fixing element comprises two pressure elements spaced apart from each other in the transport direction and capable of fixing the first label end, and wherein the application element can apply the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements; Alternatively, the device comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during the application, wherein the fixing element comprises a pressure element arranged downstream or upstream of the application element in the transport direction and capable of fixing the first label end.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the fixing element and / or the application element is movable perpendicularly to the transport plane of the label strip.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the coating element comprises a coating roller for applying the adhesive material, and wherein the coating roller is arranged in a manner rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the transport direction, and wherein the second drive element can drive the coating roller around the rotation axis, and / or wherein the second drive element can drive the steering roller around the rotation axis of the steering roller to steer the transfer belt.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device comprises a control unit for controlling the first and second drive elements, wherein the first drive element and the second drive element can operate synchronously at least in a first time interval and asynchronously in a second time interval.

9. A method for connecting a label tape using a device for connecting a label tape, the device comprising: A passing area, through which the label belt can be guided along a transport direction; An adhesive applying device for applying adhesive material to an adhesive region at an end of a first label of a first label tape, wherein the adhesive applying device comprises an applying element for applying the adhesive material to the adhesive region, and a providing element for conveying a transfer tape containing adhesive material to the applying element and leading the transfer tape away from the applying element, wherein the device comprises a first driving element for moving the applying element along an applying direction, and a second driving element for driving the applying element and / or the providing element to convey and / or lead the transfer tape away, and the method comprises: driving the applying element and / or the providing element to convey the transfer tape to the applying element, apply the adhesive material to the adhesive region, and lead the transfer tape away.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the adhesive material comprises an adhesive layer separable from the transfer tape or a substrate separable from the transfer tape, the substrate having an adhesive layer disposed on opposite sides thereof.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the coating direction is perpendicular to the transport direction, and / or wherein the providing element comprises a discharge roller holding the transfer tape containing the adhesive material, and a receiving roller for receiving the transfer tape after the drawing off, and wherein the second driving element is adapted to drive the receiving roller about a rotation axis of the receiving roller, wherein the rotation axis is optionally parallel to the transport direction; Alternatively, the coating direction is perpendicular to the transport direction, and / or wherein the coating element comprises a coating roller for coating the adhesive material, and wherein the second driving element drives the coating roller around a rotation axis, and wherein the rotation axis is optionally parallel to the transport direction; Alternatively, the coating element comprises a deflection roller for deflecting the transfer belt, and the second driving element drives the deflection roller around a rotation axis.

12. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the device comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during the application, wherein the fixing element comprises two pressure elements spaced apart from each other in the transport direction for fixing the first label end at least temporarily during the application, and wherein the application element applies the adhesive material to the adhesive region between the pressure elements; Alternatively, the device comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during the application, wherein the fixing element comprises a pressure element arranged downstream or upstream of the application element in the transport direction and capable of fixing the first label end.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the fixing element and / or the applying element moves perpendicularly to the transport plane of the label tape toward the first label end before the applying.

14. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the device comprises a control unit for controlling the first and second drive elements, wherein the first drive element and the second drive element operate synchronously at least in a first time interval and operate asynchronously in a second time interval.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first drive element and the second drive element operate synchronously during the applying and operate asynchronously for separating the applied adhesive material from the transfer tape.

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