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; a clamping element for clamping an area of the first label tape; the cutting device is positioned on the upstream of the clamping element and is used for cutting a first label end of the first label tape; a gluing device for applying a gluing material onto a gluing area of the first label end upstream of the clamping element; and a connecting device for guiding a second label end of a second label tape to the first label end of the first label tape and connecting the second label end with the gluing area of the first label end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for connecting label tapes and a method for connecting label tapes. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, devices for connecting label strips are basically known. These devices are usually used to automate and simplify the conversion of label rolls.

[0003] For example, WO2008 / 031521 discloses a labeling device, which has a labeling device for attaching a label to an object, in particular a container, and a feeding device arranged upstream of the labeling device, which provides the labeling device with labels, wherein the feeding device has a transport device for transporting a second label tape, and at least two brackets arranged side by side on a holding device for a first label tape wound on a label roll. Here, a connecting unit displaceable in a first movement direction is provided between the brackets, which connects a portion of the first label tape arranged on the brackets with a portion of the second label tape guided in the transport device.

[0004] EP 2 825 371 discloses a device for connecting two film ends with an adhesive tape, which device applies the adhesive tape to the film end of the subsequent film and connects it to the preceding film.

[0005] In currently known devices, there is essentially the risk that the alignment of the leading film with the following film is not accurate enough, so that misalignment may occur when connecting the film ends or the label ends, which requires readjustment in subsequent operations or leads to poor quality labeling results.

[0006] Purpose

[0007] Based on the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for connecting label tapes, thereby making it possible to reliably connect the label tapes. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device for connecting label tapes and a method for connecting label tapes.

[0009] The device for connecting label strips of the present invention comprises: a passing area through which the label strip can be guided along the transport direction; a clamping element for clamping an area of ​​the first label strip; a cutting device located upstream of the clamping element for cutting the first label end of the first label strip; a gluing device for applying adhesive material to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end upstream of the clamping element; and a connecting device for guiding the second label end of the second label strip to the first label end of the first label strip and connecting the second label end to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end.

[0010] According to the invention, the clamping element is designed such that it can clamp at least the region of the label strip so that the label strip cannot be moved further in the transport direction or in the opposite direction. The cutting device can be designed to include a knife that can be moved in the direction of the label strip to cause cutting. In this case, the cutting of the label strip can be carried out both below the transport plane of the label strip and above the transport plane of the label strip.

[0011] The gluing device can be designed to roll the adhesive material onto the label tape, for example, from an adhesive material roll. The adhesive material can be either an adhesive layer without a substrate or an adhesive layer with a substrate (particularly such a substrate, with adhesive material applied to both sides of the substrate, such as a double-sided tape).

[0012] The step of guiding the second label end of the second label strip via the connecting device may in particular comprise fixing the second label end or at least partially fixing it to the connecting device or a part of the connecting device, thereby pulling the label strip in the direction of the first label end. The step of connecting the second label end to the first label end via the connecting device may for example comprise pressing the second label end against the adhesive area of ​​the first label end, thereby bringing the second label end into contact with the adhesive material and into connection with the adhesive material.

[0013] The device according to the invention allows a reliable connection of the label ends of two label strips, since the first label end is fixed in place and the adhesive material is applied to this label end. As a result, the second label end can be reliably transferred and firmly connected to the first label end. The reliability of the device during operation, in particular the quality of the labeling result, is thereby improved.

[0014] It may be provided that the device further comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during cutting and / or applying.

[0015] Since the clamping element only clamps the area of ​​the first label strip arranged downstream of the first label end, the first label end is in principle movable. By fixing the first label end with a fixing element during cutting and / or applying the adhesive material, the accuracy of these two steps can be improved, which can also have a positive effect on the labeling result.

[0016] It can further be provided that the fixing element comprises two hold-down elements spaced apart in the transport direction, which hold the label end downstream of the cutting device, and wherein the gluing device can optionally apply the adhesive material to the gluing area between the hold-down elements. Alternatively, it can be provided that the fixing element comprises a hold-down element arranged downstream of the cutting device and downstream or upstream of the gluing device in the transport direction, which hold the label end.

[0017] As a result, the glued area coated with the adhesive is reliably positioned relative to the glue application device, which can improve the glue application effect and thus have a positive influence on the labeling result.

[0018] In one embodiment, it is provided that the connecting device comprises a drive unit for driving the second label end during the guidance and connection.

[0019] The driving unit can be connected to a vacuum pump, for example, to cause a negative pressure that sucks the label in the direction of the connection device. Alternatively, the driving unit can also be implemented to clamp the label end in order to guide it, or to cause the second label end to be driven by static electricity or similar effects (such as the gecko effect). The second label end is thereby fixed relative to the connection device, which can cause the second label end to be accurately transferred to the first label end, in particular to connect the label ends with high accuracy.

[0020] The device may comprise a counter-pressure surface, and the connecting device may be adapted and / or designed to press the adhesive areas of the second label end and the first label end towards the counter-pressure surface for connection.

[0021] This embodiment can be advantageously applied with labels on or as part of a label strip, such as simple labels (not tubular labels, wraparound labels or sleeve labels), since these labels only need to be coated with adhesive material on one side. The device is thus implemented compactly and reliably.

[0022] It can be provided that the glue applying device is designed to apply the adhesive material to two opposite side surfaces of the first label end.

[0023] This embodiment may be advantageously used with tubular or sleeve labels, as it allows subsequent labels to be guided around the first label, thereby enabling accurate connection of the label ends.

[0024] In one embodiment, a heating device may be provided for heating the adhesive material and / or the label material.

[0025] The heating can be performed, for example, by hot air, heat radiation and / or by directly and / or indirectly regulating the temperature of the contact surface of the label or adhesive material. The heating can be permanent or, for example, only performed when the label end is about to be connected. The target temperature reached by heating can be in the range of from about 30° C. to 60° C.

[0026] This embodiment may be advantageous in particular in the case of difficult label surfaces / materials, for example in the case of uneven label surfaces. That is, for example in the case of a liquid adhesive material, the viscosity of the liquid adhesive material may be improved by heating, which may contribute to improved adhesion and thus to a larger process window and a higher feasible gluing speed.

[0027] Furthermore, this embodiment may also be advantageous in the case of tall labels or wide label strips, i.e. large adhesive areas and / or in the case of high machine performances, in particular by enabling faster connection of the label end and / or enabling a smaller buffer storage capacity of the buffer system which bypasses the connection step of the label end.

[0028] In one embodiment, the connecting device is designed to contact the second label end on two opposite sides of the second label end.

[0029] This embodiment can also be used particularly advantageously with tubular labels or sleeve labels, since the opposite side surfaces of the sleeve label can be securely held in this way.

[0030] It can further be arranged that the connecting device is designed to pull the second label end apart in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the second label tape and guide it onto the first label end in order to guide the second label end to the first label end.

[0031] Advantageously, pulling apart the second label end can be used in particular for sleeve labels or wraparound labels, so that the second label end is pulled onto the first label end in such a way that the latter is positioned between the pulled apart faces of the second label end and then connected by pressing the second label end together, thereby reliably fixing the first label end in the second label end.

[0032] The device may include a cutting surface against which the cutting device may press the first label end to cut the label end.

[0033] The cutting surface can be arranged to be movable and can be moved toward the label end together with the cutting device. Thus, the cutting of the first label end is reliably caused.

[0034] According to the present invention, there is further provided a method for connecting label tapes using a device for connecting label tapes, the device comprising: a passing area through which the label tape can be guided along the transport direction; a clamping element for clamping an area of ​​the first label tape; a cutting device located upstream of the clamping element for cutting the first label end of the first label tape; a gluing device for applying adhesive material to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end upstream of the clamping element; a connecting device for guiding the second label end of the second label tape to the first label end of the first label tape and connecting the second label end to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end, the method comprising: clamping the area of ​​the first label tape with the clamping element, then cutting the first label end with the cutting element and applying adhesive material to the adhesive area with the gluing device, guiding the second label end and connecting the second label end to the first label end.

[0035] This method makes it possible to connect the tag ends reliably and accurately.

[0036] It can be arranged that cutting, guiding and connecting are performed during the period when this area of ​​the first label strip is clamped by the clamping element; and / or wherein the adhesive material is applied after cutting the first label end; and / or wherein the guiding of the second label end is performed after applying the adhesive material.

[0037] The first alternative improves the accuracy of locating the first tag end and thereby improves the accuracy of the connection. With the second and third alternatives, the accuracy of locating the tag ends to be connected is also improved.

[0038] In one embodiment, it is configured that when the first label end is fixed by the fixing element of the device, the first label end is cut by the cutting device and / or the adhesive material is applied to the adhesive area by the gluing device, wherein optionally, the fixing element includes two clamping elements spaced apart in the transport direction, which fix the label end downstream of the cutting device, and wherein optionally, the gluing device applies the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the clamping elements, or wherein optionally, the fixing element includes a clamping element arranged downstream of the cutting device and downstream or upstream of the gluing device in the transport direction, which fixes the first label end.

[0039] The accuracy with which the adhesive material is applied to the first label end is thereby improved.

[0040] It can be arranged that the device comprises a counter-pressure surface, and the connecting device presses the adhesive areas of the second label end and the first label end toward the counter-pressure surface for connection.

[0041] This embodiment is particularly advantageous for wrap-around labels.

[0042] In one embodiment, it is configured that the gluing device applies the adhesive material to two opposite sides of the first label end; and / or

[0043] The connecting device contacts the second label end on two opposite sides of the second label end, wherein optionally, in order to guide the second label end to the first label end, the connecting device pulls the second label end in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the second label tape and guides it onto the first label end, and then connects the first label end to the pulled apart part of the second label end.

[0044] With this embodiment, tubular labels or sleeve labels can be connected particularly advantageously.

[0045] The device may be a device as described in any of the preceding embodiments, and / or the label may be a wraparound label or a sleeve label.

[0046] By using the device according to the above-described embodiments, a connection between wraparound labels and sleeve labels can be reliably produced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 A device for providing labels is shown, having a film storage device and a device according to the invention.

[0049] Figure 2 A side view of a device according to the invention is shown according to one embodiment.

[0050] Figure 3 A side view of a device according to the invention is shown according to another embodiment for use with wrap-around labels.

[0051] Figures 4 to 11 A flow chart of a method for connecting a tag end is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] 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.

[0053] The device 190 is known in principle from 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 as labels which extend only partially along the periphery of the container on the container. Wraparound labels or sleeve labels are known which 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 which can be introduced into the container.

[0054] The device 190 further 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 for connecting label strips according to the invention, wherein the connection between the label end of one label roll and the label end of another label roll is ensured, thereby forming a continuous label strip 185, 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 strip with the label end of a second label strip following this label strip, which may lead to label transfer errors or readjustment of the label strips in subsequent work.

[0058] To solve this problem, Figure 2 An apparatus 200 of the present invention is shown for connecting corresponding opposing label ends of label strips 231 and 232.

[0059] The device 200 comprises a passage area 270 through which the first label tape 231 can be guided in the transport direction T. The guiding through of the first label tape 231 can in principle start from the unwinding of the label tape from the label roll until its end passes through the passage area 270. However, this is not mandatory and it can also be provided that, outside the label end connecting the first label tape 231 and the second label tape 232, the device 200 is removed from the label tape and the label tape runs freely or via corresponding transport elements.

[0060] Furthermore, the device 200 comprises a clamping element 201 which can clamp an area 233 of the first label strip 231. To this end, it can be provided that opposite the clamping element 201 which is arranged to be substantially movable, a counter-pressure element 261 is arranged, and the clamping element 201 can at least clamp the area 233 of the label strip 231 which moves through between the clamping element and the counter-pressure element relative to the counter-pressure element, thereby preferably completely preventing the first label strip 231 from moving in the transport direction T or in the opposite direction.

[0061] Furthermore, the device 200 comprises a cutting device 202 located upstream of the clamping element 201 in the transport direction T. The cutting device 202 is arranged to cut a first label end 235 of the first label strip 231. The final position of the first label strip in the transport direction T is thereby defined, which can have a clearly defined distance (i.e. the distance of the point at which the cutting device cuts off the label end 235) relative to the clamping element 201. This simplifies the subsequent connection with the label end 236 of the second label strip 232 (here the label end of a sleeve label or a tubular label).

[0062] In order to cause the cutting of the first label end 235 as reliably as possible, a reverse cutting element 263 can be provided, which is assigned to the cutting device 202 and can be arranged on the opposite side of the first label strip 231. The cutting device 202 can be designed to guide the first label strip 231 or at least its first label end 235 in the direction of the reverse cutting element 263 and cause the cutting of the first label end 235 by the cutting edge of the cutting device.

[0063] Furthermore, the device 200 comprises a glue application device 203 for applying or applying adhesive material to a glue area 234 of the first label strip 231. The glue area 234 is arranged here between the cutting device 202 and the clamping element 204. Generally, the glue area 234 is arranged upstream of the clamping element 201 in the transport direction T.

[0064] Gluing device 202 can be implemented as adhesive material (for example liquid glue) is applied to the adhesive area of ​​label tape. This can be carried out by modes such as spraying, printing or rolling. However, preferably those embodiments that adhesive material is unfolded from adhesive material roll and transferred to adhesive area 234. This adhesive material can be a separate adhesive layer without substrate in particular, or it can be such substrate, and adhesive material or adhesive layer are applied on the opposite sides of this substrate. The latter can be understood as "double-sided tape", wherein one side of the double-sided tape is connected with the adhesive area 234 of the first label end or the first label end, and the other side of the substrate is connected with the second label end.

[0065] The adhesive material roll can be arranged rotatably about an axis of rotation which is arranged parallel to the transport direction T, for example above the transport plane of the label strip.

[0066] Furthermore, the device 200 comprises a connecting device 205 which can guide the second label tape 232, in particular the second label end 236 of the second label tape 232, to the first label end 235 and connect it to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end.

[0067] For this purpose, it can be provided that the connecting device 205 comprises two connecting elements 264 and 265, which can be arranged on opposite sides of a label (in particular a sleeve label or a wraparound label) and can grip the label strip from above and below (in the view shown here) and pull it in the direction of the first label end 235. When sleeve labels are used, it can be provided that the connecting elements can grip the sleeve label and pull it apart in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the label strip so that it can be guided over the first label end 235. In this way, the first label end is introduced between the two sides of the second label strip or the second label end 236, after which the connecting elements 264 and 265 can rejoin the second label end 236 in order to bring about the connection of the label ends in the adhesive region 234.

[0068] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, it is provided that the gluing device can preferably apply the adhesive material to the two opposite sides of the label strip 231. To this end, the gluing device can include a gluing device 262 corresponding to the gluing device 203 just described, and the two gluing devices can be understood together as a common gluing device, which can apply the adhesive material to the adhesive area 234 from the opposite side.

[0069] Optionally, a fixing element 204 can be further provided, which can fix the first label end during cutting and / or applying the tape material. The fixing element 204 is particularly arranged upstream of the clamping element 201 and downstream of the cutting device 202. The fixing element 204 can be implemented as a clamp and in particular Figure 2 In an embodiment, in order to connect the label ends of the sleeve labels, they can be arranged symmetrically both above and below the transport plane of the first label strip 231 so as to cause clamping of the label strip both from above and from below.

[0070] The fixing element 204 can, in the embodiment shown here, each include a mutually spaced pressing element 241 and 242 on each side of the transport plane. These pressing elements are spaced apart from each other in the transport direction T and can preferably define the limits of the adhesive region 234 of the label strip. It can be particularly preferably provided that the glue application device 203 can apply the adhesive material to the label strip between the spaced pressing elements 241 and 242 both above and below the transport plane. This ensures that the adhesive region 234 of the label strip is kept as tight as possible during the application of the adhesive material, so that the adhesive material is applied to the entire surface of the adhesive region 234.

[0071] Optionally, the connecting device and / or each connecting element 264 and 265 can be provided with a driving unit 266 (e.g., a vacuum pump that applies negative pressure (e.g., through a hole strip) to the area of ​​the connecting element or the connecting device that contacts the second label end; or a clamping device that can clamp and guide the label end; or a device that can drive or guide the label end through static electricity or other effects (e.g., a gecko effect)) to absorb and hold the corresponding label end. In this way, the safe transportation of the second label end can be ensured, so that in the case of a sleeve label, the second label end can be pulled apart and conveyed in the direction of the first label end. This improves the accuracy of the connection between the first label end and the second label end.

[0072] Figure 3 Shows a Figure 1 An alternative embodiment of the present invention can be specifically configured to connect a tag end of a simple tag, the so-called simple tag not being in the form of a tube or sleeve.

[0073] In this case, the first label band or the second label band does not need to be pulled apart (in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, which is also impossible because there are no overlapping and mutually separable material layers. Figure 2 Compared to the embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive material only needs to be applied on one side of the label strip.

[0074] Correspondingly, it can be set to Figure 2 In a different embodiment, the glue applying device 303 is arranged only on one side, rather than on both opposite sides, and a counter pressure surface 382 is arranged at least in the adhesive area 334, or a counter pressure surface 382 is arranged on one side of the first label tape 331. The fixing element 304 and / or the connecting device 305 can be implemented to press the first label tape and / or the second label tape against the counter pressure surface 382, ​​so as to either fix the adhesive area 334 of the first label tape or connect the label ends of the label tapes together.

[0075] In this embodiment, the counter-pressure surface 382 can also be preferably implemented as a cutting surface, so there is no need to Figure 2 The separate cut pairs described in 263.

[0076] Additionally or alternatively, a second counter-pressure surface 383 can be arranged upstream of the counter-pressure surface 382, ​​against which the connecting device 305 can press the second label strip 332, for example in order to receive the second label strip more reliably. To this end, the connecting device 305 can first be moved with the second label strip 382 sandwiched therebetween in the direction of the second counter-pressure element 383, so that the connecting device 305 presses the label strip 332 against the second counter-pressure surface 383. Subsequently, for example, by applying negative pressure to a part of the connecting device 305 (e.g., the element 366), the second label strip 332 (in particular the second label end 336) can be sucked in and thus lifted from the counter-pressure surface 383.

[0077] and Figure 2 Similarly, a counter-pressure surface 381 may be provided, and the clamping element 301 may press the clamping area 333 of the first label tape 331 against the counter-pressure surface, thereby preventing the first label tape from moving in the transport direction T.

[0078] Figures 4 to 11 The device of the present invention is Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment is taken as an example to schematically illustrate the process of connecting two label ends of two label tapes.

[0079] It should be understood that Figures 4 to 11 The implementation method is applied to Figure 3 The embodiments of the device shown are provided that this does not involve special method steps that are or can be implemented only for sleeve labels or wrap-around labels. Therefore, unless explicitly mentioned, Figures 4 to 11 All method steps and implementation methods are considered to be related to Figure 2 and Figure 3 combined with the implementation methods.

[0080] Further, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustrations are to be regarded as temporally consecutive, wherein if method steps can be performed jointly or at least simultaneously, this is explicitly mentioned.

[0081] exist Figure 4 In the case shown, first, after it has been determined that the label strip has reached its end (i.e., it has been completely or almost completely unwound from the label roll), the clamping area of ​​the first label strip 430 is clamped by the clamping element 401, so that further transport of the label strip 430 in the transport direction T is no longer possible. This can be caused by moving the clamping element 401 downward from its initial position 411 in the direction of the label strip 430.

[0082] In order to identify the label end, it can be provided, for example, that a sensor, not shown here, recognizes a mark (e.g., a barcode or other recognizable optical pattern or other pattern) of the first label tape 430, which indicates that the label end has been reached and a new label roll needs to be provided and connected to the current label tape 430. A corresponding signal can be transmitted to a control unit 480 (e.g., a computer with an associated memory), which then controls the clamping element 401 or a drive element associated with the clamping element (e.g., a servo motor or an actuator motor) so as to move the clamping element to clamp the first label tape 430.

[0083] The remaining devices of the device 400, in particular the cutting element 402, the glue device 403 and the connecting device 405, are in this case preferably in an initial or rest position.

[0084] After or while moving the clamping element 401 (see Figure 5 ), optionally fixing the adhesive area 434 of the first label tape 430 by the fixing element 404, provided that the fixing element is provided. This step is preferably performed before the label end is cut by the cutting device 402 and the adhesive material is applied by the gluing device 403. In this case, it is also preferred that the connecting device 405 is still in the initial position.

[0085] Later (see Figure 6 ) actuates the cutting device 402 so as to cut the first label end 435. The actuation of the cutting device 402 may, for example, include moving the cutting device 402 or a cutting blade of the cutting device 402 toward the label tape 430, and according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The corresponding embodiment, if any, may comprise moving the counter-cutting element in the direction of the cutting device. The actuation of the cutting device and / or the counter-cutting element may be caused by the control unit 480 in a similar manner.

[0086] The possibly severed material of the first label strip 430 can be sucked off by a suction device (not shown here but optionally provided) so that no excess label strip material remains in the device 400 .

[0087] exist Figure 6 After or simultaneously with the steps described, Figure 7 , adhesive materials 431 and 432 are applied to opposite sides of the label tape 430 in the adhesive area of ​​the label tape 430 by the adhesive application device 403. The step of applying adhesive materials 431 and 432 to opposite sides of the first label tape 430 is provided when sleeve labels or wraparound labels need to be connected together. If a simple label is connected instead, it can be provided according to Figure 3The adhesive material is applied only on one side of the label strip 430. As previously described, this can be caused by spraying, printing or embossing the adhesive material, or by unwinding the adhesive material from an adhesive roll and applying it to the label end.

[0088] exist Figure 7 Before or at the same time as the described steps, the adhesive material and / or the label material can be heated by a heating device that is not shown here but is optionally provided. For example, the heating device can cause the heating of the adhesive material in the glue application device 403. This can be done alternately or permanently, so that the adhesive material can be heated just before being transferred to the label tape, or the stored adhesive material is permanently heated to the desired temperature in the glue application device 403. Alternatively or additionally, the label material can be heated as a whole, or only the adhesive area of ​​the label material can be heated, preferably before the adhesive material is applied in the adhesive area. Heating can be carried out by hot air, thermal radiation and / or direct and / or indirect heating of the contact surface of the label or adhesive material. The target temperature can be, for example, in the range of from about 30°C to 60°C.

[0089] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 After or simultaneously with the steps described above, the second label tape 453 (see Figure 8 ), the connecting device 405 or the connecting elements 451 and 452 (in the case of sleeve labels or wraparound labels) receive the corresponding ends 454 and 455 of the second label strip and preferably pull the second label strip apart. To this end, the connecting device or its connecting elements 451 and 452 contact the opposite sides of the wraparound labels 454 and 455, specifically, the connecting elements 451 and 452 are first moved toward the second label strip 453. Subsequently, the ends 454 and 455 are held, for example by generating a negative pressure, and the connecting elements 451 and 452 are separated from each other by moving them away from the transport plane of the second label strip 453.

[0090] At the same time or subsequently, the second label strip 453 can be caused to move in the direction of the first label strip 430 coated with adhesive materials 431 and 432. In this case, the cutting device 402, the glue device 403 and the fixing element (if any) can preferably be restored to their initial positions (see Figure 8 ), so that the distance from the first label tape 430 in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the first label tape 430 is large enough to allow the connecting device 405 to pass together with the pulled open end of the second label tape 453.

[0091] If a simple label is set here instead of a sleeve label or wraparound label, Figure 3Similarly to the description of , the second label tape end is received using only one connecting device or a connecting device 405 having only one connecting element (eg only the upper element 451 or only the lower element 452).

[0092] exist Fig. 9 In the view shown, the second label ends 454 and 455 of the second label strip 453 have now been moved by the connecting elements 451 and 452 in the direction of the adhesive regions 431 and 432 of the first label strip 430 so that they overlap the latter. In the case of the sleeve label shown here, the label ends of the second label strip 453 thus surround the adhesive regions 431 and 432 of the label ends of the first label strip 430. In the case of the simple label, the corresponding label ends are arranged overlapping in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the first label strip 430, so that at least a part of the second label end is arranged above or below the first label end and faces the adhesive region of the first label strip 430.

[0093] Later, in Fig.10 The first label end of the first label strip is connected to the second label end of the second label strip 453. To this end, the second label end is moved to the adhesive areas 431 and 432 of the first label strip 430 and preferably pressed against them. In the case of sleeve labels or wrap-around labels, this can include: the connecting elements 451 and 452 or generally the connecting device 405 press the two opposite label ends 454 and 455 of the second label strip 453 against each other, wherein the adhesive areas 431 and 432 are located between them. If a simple label is provided, the label end of the second label strip is pressed against the adhesive area of ​​the label end of the first label strip. This can be caused, for example, by using a counter-pressure surface, with Figure 3 Similar.

[0094] Subsequently, the first tag end is connected to the second tag end (see Fig.11 ), and the clamping element 401 can be returned to its initial position, so that the connected label tape can continue to be transported along the transport direction T. At this time, the connecting device 405 can also be returned to its initial position in the direction of the arrow shown, so as to receive the second label end of the second label tape when the label tape roll needs to be replaced or the label end needs to be connected next time.

Claims

1. A device for connecting a label tape, the device comprising: a passage area through which the label strip can be guided in a transport direction; A clamping element for clamping the area of ​​the first label strip; a cutting device located upstream of the clamping element for cutting the first label end of the first label tape; a gluing device for applying adhesive material to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end upstream of the clamping element; A connecting device for guiding a second label end of a second label tape to the first label end of the first label tape and connecting the second label end to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during the cutting and / or applying.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the fixing element comprises two hold-down elements spaced apart in the transport direction, the hold-down elements being capable of fixing the label end downstream of the cutting device, and wherein optionally the glue application device is capable of applying the adhesive material to the glue area between the hold-down elements; or among them, The fixing element comprises a pressing element which is arranged downstream of the cutting device and downstream or upstream of the gluing device in the transport direction and which is capable of fixing the label end.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting device comprises a driving unit for driving the second label end during the guiding and connecting.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device comprises a counter-pressure surface, and the connecting device is capable of pressing the adhesive areas of the second label end and the first label end toward the counter-pressure surface for connection.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the glue applying device is designed to apply the adhesive material to two opposite sides of the first label end.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or claim 6, wherein the connecting device is designed to contact the second tag end on two opposite sides of the second tag end.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the connecting device is designed to pull the second label end apart in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the second label tape and guide it to be put onto the first label end in order to guide the second label end to the first label end.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device comprises a cutting surface, and the cutting device can press the first label end towards the cutting surface to cut the label end.

10. A method for connecting a label tape using a device for connecting a label tape, the device comprising: a passage area through which the label strip can be guided in a transport direction; A clamping element for clamping the area of ​​the first label strip; a cutting device located upstream of the clamping element for cutting the first label end of the first label tape; a gluing device for applying adhesive material to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end upstream of the clamping element; A connecting device for guiding the second label end of the second label tape to the first label end of the first label tape and connecting the second label end to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end, the method comprising: clamping the area of ​​the first label tape with the clamping element, then cutting the first label end with the cutting element and applying the adhesive material to the adhesive area with the gluing device, guiding the second label end and connecting the second label end to the first label end.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the cutting, guiding and connecting are performed during the period when the area of ​​the first label strip is clamped by the clamping element; and / or wherein, performing said applying of said adhesive material after said cutting of said first label end; and / or Wherein, the guiding of the second label end is performed after the applying of the adhesive material.

12. A method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein when the first label end is fixed by the fixing element of the device, the first label end is cut by the cutting device and / or the adhesive material is applied to the adhesive area by the gluing device, wherein optionally, the fixing element includes two pressing elements spaced apart in the transport direction, the pressing elements fix the label end downstream of the cutting device, and wherein optionally, the gluing device applies the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressing elements, or wherein optionally, the fixing element includes a pressing element arranged downstream of the cutting device and downstream or upstream of the gluing device in the transport direction, the pressing element fixes the first label end.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the device comprises a counter-pressure surface, and the connecting device presses the adhesive areas of the second label end and the first label end toward the counter-pressure surface for connection.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the glue application device applies the adhesive material to two opposite sides of the first label end; and / or The connecting device contacts the second label end on two opposite sides of the second label end, and optionally, in order to guide the second label end to the first label end, the connecting device pulls the second label end in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the second label tape and guides it to be put on the first label end, and then connects the first label end to the pulled apart part of the second label end.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the device is a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and / or wherein, The label is a wraparound label or a sleeve label.

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