Applicator device, label applicator and method for applying label to object

Abstract

The present application relates to an applicator device (100) for applying a label (103) to an object (105), the applicator device (100) comprising: a label applicator (113) arranged to apply a label (103) to an object (105); and a label holder (108) arranged to obtain a first label (103) from the label dispenser (101), where the label holder (108) comprises an opening (110); wherein at least a portion of the label applicator (113) is arranged to: move through the opening (110) in a first direction (115a); contacting the first label (103) when the label applicator extends at least partially above the opening (110); applying a first label (103) to the object (105); and moving through the opening (110) in a second direction (115b) after the first label (103) is applied to the object (105), where the second direction (115b) is opposite the first direction (115a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to an applicator device, a label applicator, a method, a control unit, a computer program product, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. More specifically, the present application relates to a method capable of applying a label to an object. Background Art

[0002] Label applicator devices are used to apply labels to items, such as packages or products. Some label applicator devices are used to produce labels, such as for use with label printers.

[0003] Labels are typically dispensed from a label dispenser to a label holder, such as a label conveyor. Compressed air is often used to hold the label on the label holder. However, from a sustainability perspective, it is best to avoid the use of compressed air. There is a growing demand for sustainable products and solutions, especially at every stage of product manufacturing. Label printers, especially industrial label printers, are used at various points in the production line and are included in sustainability requirements. Industrial label printers are designed for heavy-duty, continuous use and are typically used in large-scale labeling operations in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers. These label printers can produce thousands of labels per day. In addition, industrial label printers may also include label application components, collectively referred to as print and apply (P&A) machines.

[0004] In some applications, labels need to be applied automatically at high speed to objects with uneven surfaces. Logistics is an example of such an application, as there is often a mix of boxes and bags of different sizes. It is also important to ensure that the label applicator does not get stuck, for example under cardboard labels or in loose bags. Another example of such an application is food products, such as meat and cheese, which often have very uneven and varied surfaces, and the speed of label application is also very important.

[0005] The speed and efficiency of automated processes are constantly increasing. This also applies to the throughput demands for automated labeling applications in production and logistics.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, there exists a need to pursue the development of further improved techniques related to applying tags to objects. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present application is to obviate at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages and to provide an improved process for applying labels on objects.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by an applicator device for applying a label to an object. The applicator device includes a label applicator for applying a label to an object. The applicator device includes a label holder for obtaining a first label from a label dispenser. The label holder includes an opening. When the label holder obtains the first label, at least a portion of the label applicator is arranged to be triggered to move through the opening in a first direction, contact the first label after the label applicator moves through the opening and apply the first label to the object. At least a portion of the label applicator is arranged to be triggered to move through the opening in a second direction after the first label is applied to the object. The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0009] According to a second aspect, the object is achieved by a label applicator for applying a label to an object. The label applicator comprises an outer rod arranged to at least partially enclose an inner rod. The inner rod is arranged to move out of the outer rod in a first direction and into the outer rod in a second direction. The label applicator comprises an applicator pad arranged to hold a label and apply the label to an object. The applicator pad is arranged at the bottom end of the inner rod.

[0010] According to a third aspect, the object is achieved by a method performed by a control unit for applying a label to an object. The control unit triggers a first label to be provided from a label dispenser to a label holder. When the label holder obtains the first label, the control unit triggers at least a portion of a label applicator to pass through an opening included in the label holder, contact the first label after the label applicator moves through the opening and applies the first label to the object. After applying the first label to the object, the control unit triggers at least a portion of the label applicator to move through the opening in a second direction. The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect, the object is achieved by a control unit for applying a label to an object. The control unit is arranged to perform the method of the third aspect.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect, the object is achieved by a computer program product comprising program code which, when executed by a processing circuit, performs the method of the third aspect.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect, the object is achieved by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which includes instructions, which when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform the method of the third aspect.

[0014] The present disclosure provides numerous advantages, a non-exhaustive list of which is as follows:

[0015] An advantage of the present application is that it enables the application of labels to objects in an automated and rapid manner.

[0016] Another advantage of the present invention is that no compressed air is used, which is desirable from a sustainability perspective. Since no compressed air is used, the complexity and cost of the applicator device is reduced.

[0017] Another advantage of the present application is related to the speed of the applicator device. The low impact force of labeling on uneven surfaces and the low risk of the label applicator getting stuck on the object make the applicator device very suitable for the logistics / e-commerce field, where boxes and bags of different sizes are used.

[0018] Another advantage of the present invention is that the label applicator device is low cost to produce due to the small number of parts. For example, no additional motor is required when moving between the feed position and the label change position. Costs are also low because one machine can be used instead of two machines in high-speed applications. Fewer parts also provide greater operational reliability.

[0019] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned features and advantages. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages after reading the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present application will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, by the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram showing an applicator device.

[0022] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram showing an applicator device.

[0023] Figure 1c is a schematic diagram showing an applicator device.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an applicator device.

[0025] Figure 3a is a schematic diagram showing an applicator device.

[0026] Figure 3b is a schematic diagram showing an applicator device.

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an applicator device.

[0028] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram showing an applicator device.

[0029] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram showing an applicator device.

[0030] Figure 5c is a schematic diagram showing an applicator device.

[0031] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating one method.

[0032] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating one method.

[0033] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating one method.

[0034] Figure 9a is a schematic diagram of a label applicator.

[0035] Figure 9b is a schematic diagram of a label applicator.

[0036] Fig.10a is a schematic diagram showing a control unit.

[0037] Fig.10b is a schematic diagram showing a control unit.

[0038] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the dimensions of certain features may be exaggerated for clarity. The emphasis is placed upon illustrating principles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1a 1 is a schematic diagram showing an applicator device 100. The applicator device 100 includes or is connected to a label dispenser 101, which is arranged to dispense one or more labels 103. Before dispensing a label from the label dispenser 101, a label printer ( Figure 1a The label 103 may have printed matter on the label 101 (not shown), such as a barcode, an expiration date, shipping information, to name a few. The label printer may be integrated into the label dispenser or may be separate, in which case the label dispenser only dispenses pre-printed labels. The label 103 may be described as an information carrier medium. The label 103 may be made of any suitable type of material, depending on the specific requirements and applications. Some example materials for the label 103 may be, for example, paper, synthetic materials, card stock, clear transparent materials, thermal labels, and special materials. The label 103 may have any suitable size and shape. The label dispenser 101 is arranged to run at a dispenser speed when dispensing the label 103. As long as the label 103 is in contact with the label dispenser 101, that is, before the label 103 is separated from the label dispenser 101, the label 103 travels at the dispenser speed. The dispenser speed may be a first speed, a feed speed, a print speed, etc.

[0040] The label 103 has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first side can be the front side, the second side can be the back side, the first side can be the non-adhesive side, the second side can be the adhesive side, the printed matter can be located on the first side of the label 103, at least a portion of the second side of the label 103 can be covered by the adhesive material, and the backing paper can cover the adhesive material.

[0041] The sticky side can be described as sticky because it is at least partially covered by an adhesive material, i.e., a tacky material. Before applying the label 103 to the object 105, typically at the stage of dispensing the label 103 from the dispenser 101, the backing paper is removed. Multiple labels 103 protected by backing paper can be rolled into a roll in the dispenser 101. In some cases, the labels can consist of multiple layers and have a tear-off portion. Some labels may contain the box contents and then contain shipping data at the top. In some applications, linerless labels, i.e., labels without backing paper, can also be used, and the operation of peeling the label from the backing paper is eliminated.

[0042] The applicator device 100 includes a label holder 108, which is arranged to hold the label 103 after the label 103 is dispensed from the label dispenser 101. In other words, the label holder 108 obtains the label 103 from the label dispenser 101. The label holder 108 may have a first side and a second side. The first side of the label holder 108 may be described as facing the label applicator 113, and the second side of the label holder 108 may be described as a side that can hold the label 103. The second side of the label holder 108 faces the object 105 to which the label 103 is to be applied. In other words, the label 103 may be described as being held on the lower side of the label holder 108, and the upper side of the label holder 108 faces the label applicator 103. The label holder 108 may be a label conveyor, or the label holder 108 may include a label conveyor. The label holder 108 may be arranged to hold and convey the label 103. Conveying the label 103 may include transporting or moving the label 103 from one location to another. The label holder 108 is arranged to hold the label 103 by negative pressure generated by, for example, a fan, a vacuum device or the like. The negative pressure prevents the label 103 from falling to the ground after being applied to the label holder 108. The label holder 108 is arranged to operate at a first conveyor speed and / or a second conveyor speed, which will be referred to as Figure 2 Describe in more detail.

[0043] The label holder 108 includes an opening 110. The opening 110 may be referred to as a slit, gap, hole, cutout, etc. The opening 110 may occupy the entire length of the label holder 108, such that it divides the label holder 108 into two parts, or it may occupy a portion of the length of the label holder 108.

[0044] The applicator device 100 includes a label applicator 113. The label applicator 113 is arranged to apply the label 103 to the object 105. At least a portion of the label applicator 113 is arranged to move through the opening 110. Thus, the opening 110 may have a size and shape such that at least a portion of the label applicator 113 can move through the opening 110, for example, such that a label applicator pad ( Figure 1a The label holder 108 may be movable through the opening 110. The opening 110 may also have a size and shape such that at least a portion of the label 103 will extend through the opening and rest against the underside of the label holder 108.

[0045] At least a portion of the label applicator 113 is arranged to move through the opening 110. At least a portion of the label applicator 113 is arranged to move in a first direction 115a and a second direction 115b that are opposite to each other. The first direction 115a can be described as a downward direction of movement through the opening 110, and the second direction 115b can be described as an upward direction of movement through the opening 110. The first direction 115 and the second direction 115b can be described as vertical directions, which correspond to Figure 1a The y-axis in the coordinate system shown in . Figure 1a The x-axis of the coordinate system shown in corresponds to the horizontal direction and may be the direction in which the label holder 108 is arranged. Figure 1a The x-axis of the coordinate system shown in corresponds to the horizontal direction. 1a corresponds to the horizontal direction and may be the direction that the label 103 has when it is held by the label holder 108, wherein a first side of the label 103 faces away from the label holder 108 and a second side of the label 103 faces toward the label holder 108. Thus, at least a portion of the label applicator 113 may be arranged to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the label holder 108 is arranged.

[0046] The label applicator 113 is arranged to move toward the label 103 held by the label holder 108, contact or touch the label 103 after the label applicator 113 moves through the opening 110, and finally apply the label 103 to the object 105. The label holder 108 can use a suitable technology to hold the label in place, such as (but not limited to) gravity, suction, vacuum, opposite electric charge, etc.

[0047] Figure 1a The label applicator 113 is shown in the storage position. When the label applicator 113 is in the storage position, the label holder 108 is located between the label applicator 113 and the object 105. Prior to applying the label 103 to the object 105, the label applicator 113 is in the storage position.

[0048] Figure 1b1 is a schematic diagram showing the label applicator 113 in the applying position. When the label applicator 113 is in the applying position, at least a portion of the label applicator 113 has moved through the opening 108. When the label applicator 113 is in the applying position, the label 103 is located between the second side of the label holder 108 and the object 105. When the label applicator 113 moves along the first direction 115a and applies the label 103 to the object 105, the label applicator 113 is in the applying position.

[0049] Figure 1c 1 is a schematic diagram showing the label applicator 113 in the storage position after applying the label 103 to the object 105. When the label applicator 113 is in the storage position, the label holder 108 is located between the label applicator 113 and the object 105. The label applicator 113 is in the storage position before applying the label 103 to the object 105. The storage position is the same before and after applying the label 103 to the object 105.

[0050] When the label holder 108 has acquired the label 103, at least a portion of the label applicator 113 is arranged to be triggered to move through the opening 110 in the first direction 115a, contact the label 103 and apply the label 103 to the object 105 after the label applicator 113 has moved through the opening 110. Thus, the label applicator 113 moves from the storage position to the application position.

[0051] At least a portion of the label applicator 113 is arranged to be triggered to move in the second direction 115b through the opening 110 after the label 103 has been applied to the object 105. Thus, the label applicator 113 moves from the applying position to the storing position.

[0052] Figure 1a , 1b 1c and 1c show a control unit 120. The control unit 120 is arranged to control the applicator device 100. The control unit 120 is arranged to be connected to one or more components of the applicator device 100 via a wireless communication link, a wired communication link, or a combination of wireless and wired communication links. The control unit 120 includes, for example, processing circuits, memory, a transmitter, a receiver, etc. The control unit 120 will be described in more detail later.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the label applicator device 100 . Figure 2 The label holder 108 is shown to be or include a label transporter. Figure 2 The label holder 108 is shown to include a first portion 108a followed by a second portion 108b. Figure 2108a. The label holder 108 may be described as a label conveyor, a dual-part label transport conveyor, a label transport conveyor, or the like. The second portion 108b includes an opening 110. As previously described, the size and shape of the opening 110 allow at least a portion of the label applicator 113 to pass through it. The label holder 108 may be arranged to obtain a first label 103 from the label dispenser 101 at a dispenser speed and to convey the first label 103 on the first portion 108a. As long as the first label 103 is in contact with the label dispenser 101, the first label 103 runs at the dispenser speed. When the first label 103 is separated from the label dispenser 101, the first label 103 may be conveyed on the first portion 108a of the label holder 108 at a first conveyor speed. The first conveyor speed may be the same as the dispenser speed, or may be higher than the dispenser speed. When the first tag 103 reaches the second portion 108b, at least a portion of the tag applicator 113 is arranged to be triggered to move through the opening 110 in the first direction 115a so that the tag applicator 113 contacts the first tag 103 after moving through the opening 110 and applies the first tag 103 to the object 105.

[0054] The label holder 108 may be arranged to obtain the second label 103 from the label dispenser 101 at a dispenser speed and convey the second label 103 on the first portion 108a while applying the first label 103 to the object 105. As long as the first label 103 is in contact with the label dispenser 101, the second label 103 is running at the dispenser speed. When the second label 103 is separated from the label dispenser 101, the second label 103 can be conveyed on the first portion 108a of the label holder 108 at the first conveyor speed. The first conveyor speed may be the same as the dispenser speed or higher than the dispenser speed. The second label 103 has been obtained from the label dispenser 101 and is held by the first portion 108a after the label applicator 113 moves through the opening 110 along the second direction 115b. The label holder 108 may be arranged to convey the second label 103 to the second portion 108b at the second conveyor speed after the label applicator 113 moves through the opening 110 along the second direction 115b. The second conveyor speed may be the same as the first conveyor speed or may be different from the first conveyor speed. The second conveyor speed may be higher than the first conveyor speed, and the first conveyor speed may be higher than the dispenser speed or the same as the dispenser speed. The second conveyor speed and the first conveyor speed may both be higher than the dispenser speed. The first conveyor speed may be a low conveyor speed, and the second conveyor speed may be a high conveyor speed. For example, if the first conveyor speed is higher than the dispenser speed, the second label 103 may move at the dispenser speed as long as the second label 103 is connected to the label dispenser 101. When the second label 103 is separated from the label dispenser 101, the second label 103 may run at the first conveyor speed. Therefore, compared with when connected to the label dispenser, the second label 103 may run at the same or higher speed when separated from the label dispenser 101. After the label applicator 113 moves through the opening 110 along the second direction 115b, the speed of the label holder 108 may change from the first conveyor speed to the second conveyor speed. If the second conveyor speed is higher than the first conveyor speed, the speed of the tag 103 may be increased, thereby reducing the time required for the second tag 103 to reach the opening 110 .

[0055] As described above, the label holder 108 is arranged to hold the label 103 while the label 103 is conveyed along the conveyor. The label holder 108 may have a fan or vacuum device for holding the label 103, i.e., the fan or vacuum device is arranged to generate a negative pressure so that the label 103 can be held by the label holder 108. The label holder 108 is arranged to hold the label 103 on the second side of the label holder 108, i.e., the side facing the object 105. In other words, the first side of the label 103 faces the label holder 108, while the second side of the label 103 (e.g., the adhesive side) faces the object 105. This can be described as the label 103 being held on the lower side of the label holder 108. The label holder 108 may include at least two strips with a gap therebetween, or the label holder 108 may include one or more strips with holes to let air pass. The gaps and holes are represented by the openings 110.

[0056] The first portion 108a of the label holder 108 is arranged to collect the label 103 when the label 103 is fed from the label dispenser 101 to the label holder 108. When the conveyor (i.e., the label holder 108) is driven, the label release position may not be required. The label holder 108 can remove the label 103 from the backing paper / liner after it is fed to the label holder 108. In this process, the label holder 108 can run at a speed close to the dispenser feed speed.

[0057] The second portion 108b of the label 108b is segmented to form an opening 110, such as a slit, which allows at least a portion of a label applicator 113 (e.g., a mechanical label folding type label applicator) to pass through. The label applicator 113 may include an applicator pad, also referred to as an applicator head. When the applicator pad returns after the application cycle, i.e., when it moves from the application position to the storage position, the next or second label is ready to be located at the first portion 108a of the label holder 108. The label holder 108 then begins to quickly feed the next or second label to the second portion 108b of the label holder 108. When quickly feeding the next or second label, the label holder 108 can run at a second conveyor speed. This fast feeding cycle is significantly faster than the speed at which the label dispenser can dispense the label 103, i.e., the second conveyor speed is faster than the dispenser speed. The label applicator 113 can now begin to apply a second label. At the same time, the second label can be dispensed onto the first portion 108a of the label holder 108. Figure 3a shows the rapid feed position, Figure 3b Shows the current position of the next label to be printed.

[0058] Also shown is the applicator holder 108 as a generally rectangular structure, which in some embodiments is made of a generally flexible material and connected to the holder arm at its center point. The holder can be made in one piece or as a generally rectangular washer shaped circumference of tubular material.

[0059] The label holder 108 may be supported by a hollow hinge shaft. The drive shaft of the label holder 108 may run inside the hinge shaft. There may be a one-way bearing connecting the drive shaft to the hinge shaft. The one-way bearing may run freely in the label feeding direction. The hinge shaft may be urged to a stop position by a spring in this position. When the label holder 108 is driven in the opposite direction, it may overcome the spring force and start moving away from the stop position towards the label changing position.

[0060] The result may be that the total cycle time is limited by the fast feed time + application time compared to the print time + application time in the prior art print and apply applicator apparatus.

[0061] For logistics applications where labels are applied from the top to boxes at different heights, the throughput improvement can be as high as 80%. The specific figures are as follows:

[0062] For example, a shipping label is 210mm long. Printing such a label typically takes about 1 second. If the difference between the lowest and highest box is 1000mm, the maximum application distance can be set to 1150mm to leave some margin. If the label applicator speed is 3000mm / s, one label application cycle also takes about 1 second. The total cycle time is 1+1=2s. The maximum throughput is then 60(s / min) / 2(s / box)=30 boxes / min.

[0063] For the present application, the maximum total throughput is limited by the fast feed time + label application time. Recall that the fast feed time is also called the second speed. If the peak speed is 3000mm / s, the fast feed time is about 0.13s for a 210mm long label. The next label is printed while the label applicator 113 applies the previous label. In this case, the minimum cycle time is: printing time + fast feed time = 1s + 0.13s = 1.13s. The maximum throughput is now 60 (s / min) / 1.13 (s / box) = 53.1 boxes / min. In this case, the performance gain is = 53.1 (boxes / min) / 30 (boxes / min) = 1.77 = 77%.

[0064] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the label applicator device 100 . Figure 4The label holder 108 is shown to be arranged to be hingedly moved about a center point 400. In other words, the label holder 108 is arranged to be tilted about the center point 400. The center point 400 may be located approximately at the center of the label holder 400. The label holder 108 is arranged to be hingedly moved about the center point 400 when changing between the feeding position 501 and the label release position 502. The portion of the label holder 108 closest to the label dispenser 101 is arranged to move downwardly in a first direction 115a when moving from the feeding position 501 to the label release position 502. When the label holder 108 is in the label release position 502, the label applicator 113 is arranged to move through the opening 110 in the first direction 115a, contact the label 103 after the label applicator 113 moves through the opening 110 and applies the label 103 to the object 105. When the label holder 108 is arranged to be hingedly moved about the center point 400, the cost is reduced because no additional motor is required to control the position of the label holder 108. The label applicator 113 can be arranged to push the label holder 108 by moving the label holder 108 about the center point 400. When the label applicator 113 moves the label holder between the feeding position 501 and the label release position 502, the label holder 108 can be hinged at a position farther away from the label dispenser 101 than the label applicator 113.

[0065] In the above example, point 400 is arranged substantially at the center point, however, in other exemplary embodiments, the center point 400 can be positioned so that the label holder 108 can rotate. This rotation occurs when the applicator 113 is in the ring or bracket 140 and the label holder is lifted to positions 502 and 503. In this case, the center point can be positioned to create a lever and rotation torque in the label holder. This means that the rotation point does not need to be located at the center of the applicator. This eliminates the need for a separate motor for rotating the label holder.

[0066] Figure 5a The feeding position 501 is shown. When the label 103 is obtained from the label dispenser 101, the label holder 108 is arranged to be in the feeding position 501. The feeding position 501 can be called a printing position. In the feeding position 501, the label 103 is easily fed onto the label holder 108. When the label holder 108 is in the feeding position 501, the portion of the label holder 108 close to the label dispenser 101 is tilted upward toward the label dispenser 101, wherein the upward direction is the same as the second direction 115b. Note that for Figure 2 In the example application device 100, the feed position 501 is substantially horizontal, wherein the horizontal corresponds to Figure 5a The x-axis in the coordinate system shown in .

[0067] Figure 5b A label release position 502 is shown. When the backing paper is released from the label 103, and when the label 103 is applied to the object 105, the label holder 108 is arranged to be in the label release position 502. In the label release position 502, the label 103 can fall off the backing paper and be released at the end of the printing cycle. Position 502 should be different from position 501 in order to move the label away from the backing paper. Position 502 can be a small distance (e.g., a few mm) below 501 relative to the plane of the figure.

[0068] Figure 5c The label changing position 503 is shown. At the label changing position 503, new labels 103 are loaded onto the label holder 108. The label changing position 503 allows easy access to printing related components, such as the print head or the print / drive roller. When the label holder 108 is in the label changing position 503, it may be in the same position as when it is in the feeding position 501. When the label holder 108 is in the label changing position 503, the portion of the label holder 108 near the label dispenser 101 is tilted upwards towards the label dispenser 101, wherein upwards is the same as the second direction 115b.

[0069] The label holder 108 can be hinged about a center point 400, and the portion closest to the label dispenser 101 can be pushed downward by a passive component (e.g., a spring) or one or more magnets. The lowest position is the label release position 502, which can be defined by a mechanical stop. The label holder 108 can be equipped with a ring or bracket 140 ( Figure 4 ), which captures the label applicator 113 when it moves upward in the second direction 115b. When the label applicator 113 is captured by the loop, the lower portion of the label applicator 113 is located above the label 103.

[0070] As the label applicator 113 continues to move upward in the second direction 115b, the label holder 108 may move to the feeding position 501. To achieve accuracy in this position, the label applicator 113 may be controlled in a precise manner.

[0071] As the label applicator 113 continues to move upward in the second direction 115b, the label replacement position 503 is reached.

[0072] Now refer to Figure 6 The flowchart in describes a method for enabling a tag 103 to be applied to an object 105. The method may be performed by a control unit 120 or a computer system including a processing circuit. The method includes at least one of the following steps, which may be performed in any suitable order other than that described below:

[0073] Step 601

[0074] This step corresponds to Figure 7 Step 701 and Figure 8 The control unit 120 triggers the first label 103 to be provided from the label dispenser 101 to the label holder 108. The first label 103 is dispensed from the label dispenser 101 at the dispenser speed. After the first label 103 is separated from the label dispenser 101, it is located on the label holder 108 and is held by it.

[0075] Step 602

[0076] This step corresponds to Figure 7 Steps 703 and 704 and Figure 8 When the label holder 108 obtains the first label 103, the control unit 120 triggers at least a portion of the label applicator 113 to move through the opening 110 included in the label holder 108, so that the label applicator 113 contacts the first label 103 after moving through the opening 110, and then applies the first label 103 to the object 105.

[0077] The label holder 108 may be arranged to hold the first label 103 by means of a fan or a vacuum device.

[0078] Step 603

[0079] This step corresponds to Figure 7 Step 705 and Figure 8 806 in step 806. After the first label 103 is applied to the object 105, the control unit 120 triggers at least a portion of the label applicator 113 to move through the opening 110 in a second direction 115b. The second direction 115b is opposite to the first direction 115a. Therefore, after the first label 103 is applied to the object 105, at least a portion of the label applicator 113 changes the direction of movement and moves through the opening 110 in the second direction 115b upward, where upward is the same as the second direction 115b.

[0080] After applying the first label 103 to the object 105, the second label 103 may be applied to a second object.

[0081] Figure 6 The method in may be iterated, and the number of iterations may correspond to the number of objects 105 to be applied.

[0082] Now refer to Figure 7 The flowchart in Figure 2A method for enabling a tag 103 to be applied to an object 105 is described using the applicator device 100 shown in FIG. The method may be performed by a control unit 120 or a computer system including a processing circuit. The method includes at least one of the following steps, which may be performed in any suitable order different from that described below:

[0083] Step 701

[0084] The control unit 120 triggers the first label 103 to be provided from the label dispenser 101 to the first portion 108a of the label holder 108. The label dispenser 101 operates at a dispenser speed when dispensing the first label 103. As long as the first label 103 is in contact with the label dispenser 101, it travels at the dispenser speed. After the first label 103 is separated from the label dispenser 101, the first label 103 is located on and held by the first portion 108a of the label holder 108.

[0085] The label holder 108 may be arranged to hold the first label 103 by means of a fan or vacuum. This prevents the first label 103 from falling to the ground.

[0086] Step 702

[0087] The control unit 120 triggers the first portion 108a of the label holder 108 to run at a first conveyor speed and to convey the first label 103 on the first portion 108a at a first speed. This only occurs after the first label 103 has been separated from the label dispenser 101.

[0088] The first speed may be the same as the dispenser speed of the label dispenser 101, or may be higher than the dispenser speed.

[0089] The control unit 120 triggers the second portion 108b of the label holder 108 to transfer the first label 103 to the second portion 108b at a second conveyor speed after the label applicator 113 moves through the opening 110 in the second direction. The second speed may be higher than the first conveyor speed or may be the same as the first conveyor speed.

[0090] Step 704

[0091] The control unit 120 triggers at least a portion of the label applicator 113 to begin moving in the first direction 115 a and contact the first label 103 after the first label 103 moves through the opening 110 in the first direction 115 a .

[0092] Step 705

[0093] The control unit 129 triggers at least a portion of the label applicator 113 to apply the first label 103 to the object 105. Thus, the first label 103 is applied to the object 105.

[0094] Step 706

[0095] After the first label 103 is applied to the object 105, the control unit 120 triggers at least a portion of the label applicator 113 to move in a second direction 115b through the opening 110. The second direction 115b is opposite to the first direction 115a.

[0096] Step 707

[0097] The control unit 120 triggers the second label 103 to be provided from the label dispenser 101 to the first portion 108a of the label holder 108 at the dispenser speed.

[0098] Thus, the second label 103 is located on and held by the first portion 108a of the label holder 108. The label dispenser 101 operates at the dispenser speed when dispensing the second label 103. As long as the second label 103 is in contact with the label dispenser 101, it travels at the dispenser speed.

[0099] The label holder 108 may be arranged to hold the second label 103 by means of a fan or a vacuum device.

[0100] Step 708

[0101] The control unit 120 triggers the first part 108a of the label holder 108 to run at the first conveyor speed and conveys the second label 103 on the first part 108a at the first conveyor speed. After the second label 103 is separated from the label dispenser 101, the first part 108a is triggered to run at the first conveyor speed.

[0102] Therefore, the control unit 102 first needs to determine that the second label 103 has fallen off from the label dispenser 101, for example by obtaining information indicating that the second label 103 has fallen off from the label dispenser 103, by a sensor arranged to detect that the second label 103 has fallen off, or by any other suitable method.

[0103] The first conveyor speed may be the same as the dispenser speed, or may be higher than the dispenser speed.

[0104] Steps 707 and 708 may be performed while the first tag 103 is applied to the object 105 , ie, simultaneously with step 705 .

[0105] The first label 103 and the second label 103 may be transferred in a horizontal direction, and the label applicator 113 may be moved in a vertical direction.

[0106] Step 709

[0107] The control unit 120 triggers the second portion 108b of the label holder 108 to transfer the second label 103 to the second portion 108b at a second conveyor speed after the label applicator 113 moves through the opening 110 in the second direction. The second speed may be higher than the first conveyor speed or may be the same as the first conveyor speed.

[0108] The second conveyor speed may be higher than the first conveyor speed, and the first conveyor speed may be higher than the dispenser speed or the same as the dispenser. The second conveyor speed and the first conveyor speed may both be higher than the dispenser speed. The first conveyor speed may be a low conveyor speed, and

[0109] The second conveyor speed can be a high conveyor speed. For example, if the first conveyor speed is higher than the dispenser speed, the second label 103 can move at the dispenser speed as long as the second label 103 is connected to the label dispenser 101. When the second label 103 is separated from the label dispenser 101, the second label 103 can run at the first conveyor speed. Therefore, the second label 103 can run at the same or higher speed when separated from the label dispenser 101 than when connected to the label dispenser. After the label applicator 113 moves through the opening 110 along the second direction 115b, the speed of the label holder 108 can be changed from the first conveyor speed to the second conveyor speed. If the second conveyor speed is higher than the first conveyor speed, the speed of the label 103 can be increased, thereby reducing the time required for the second label 103 to reach the opening 110.

[0110] Step 710

[0111] The control unit 120 triggers at least a portion of the label applicator 113 to pass through the opening 110 in the label holder 108 such that the label applicator 113 contacts the second label 103 after moving through the opening 110 and applies the second label 103 to the object 105 .

[0112] Figure 7 The method in may be iterated, and the number of iterations may correspond to the number of objects 105 to be applied. After applying the first label and the second label to the corresponding object, the third or more labels may be applied.

[0113] Now refer to Figure 8 The flowchart in Figure 4 , 5a , 5b and 5c are used to describe a method for enabling a tag 103 to be applied to an object 105. The method may be performed by a control unit 120 or a computer system including a processing circuit. The method includes at least one of the following steps, which may be performed in any suitable order different from that described below:

[0114] Step 801

[0115] The control unit 120 triggers the label holder 108 to enter the feeding position 501 .

[0116] Step 802

[0117] The control unit 120 triggers the first label 103 to be provided from the label dispenser 101 to the label holder 108 at a dispenser speed. Thus, the first label 103 is located on the label holder 108 and is held by it.

[0118] The label holder 108 may be arranged to hold the first label 103 by means of a fan or a vacuum device.

[0119] Before the label holder 108 holds the first label 103 , the backing paper of the label 103 may have been removed from the first label 103 .

[0120] Step 803

[0121] The control unit 120 triggers the tag holder 108 to enter the tag release position 502 .

[0122] Step 804

[0123] The control unit 120 triggers at least a portion of the label applicator 113 to begin moving in the first direction 115 a and contact the first label 103 after the first label 103 moves through the opening 110 in the first direction 115 a .

[0124] Step 805

[0125] The control unit 129 triggers at least a portion of the label applicator 113 to apply the first label 103 to the object 105. Thus, the first label 103 is applied to the object 105.

[0126] Step 806

[0127] The control unit 120 triggers at least a portion of the label applicator 113 to move through the opening 110 in a second direction 115b after the first label 103 is applied to the object 105. The second direction 115b is opposite to the first direction 115a.

[0128] When at least a portion of the label applicator 113 is running in the second direction 115b, or after at least a portion of the label applicator 113 has been running in the second direction 115b for a certain period of time, at least a portion of the label applicator 113 may be caught by the loop. The loop may be a stopper. The loop prevents at least a portion of the label applicator 113 from running in the second direction 115b. The loop catches the label applicator 113 as it moves upward through the opening 110 in the second direction 115b.

[0129] Step 807

[0130] The control unit 120 triggers the label holder 108 to enter the label changing position 503 .

[0131] When the first label 103 has been applied to the object 105, the control unit 120 triggers the label holder 108 to move from the label release position 502 to the label change position 403. The portion of the label holder 108 closest to the label dispenser 101 may be arranged to move upwards along the second direction 115b when moving from the label release position 502 to the label change position 503.

[0132] Step 808

[0133] The control unit 120 triggers the tag holder 108 to enter the tag release position 502 .

[0134] The control unit 120 triggers the second label 103 to be provided from the label dispenser 101 to the label holder 108 at a dispenser speed. After being separated from the label dispenser 101, the second label 103 is located on the label holder 108 and is held by it.

[0135] The label holder 108 may be arranged to hold the second label 103 by means of a fan or a vacuum device.

[0136] Before the label holder 108 holds the second label 103 , the backing paper of the label 103 may have been removed from the second label 103 .

[0137] Step 809

[0138] The control unit 120 triggers at least a portion of the label applicator 113 to pass through the opening 110 in the label holder 108 so that the label applicator 113 contacts the second label 103 after moving through the opening 110 and applies the second label 103 to the object 105 .

[0139] Figure 8 The method in may be iterated, and the number of iterations may correspond to the number of objects 105 to be applied. After applying the first label and the second label to the corresponding object, the third or more labels may be applied.

[0140] Now refer to Figure 9a and Figure 9b The label applicator 113 is described in more detail. Figure 9a and Figure 9b is a schematic diagram showing the label applicator 113 . Figure 9a The label applicator 113 is shown from one side, and Figure 9bThe label applicator 113 is shown from the other side. The label applicator 113 may be a linear type label applicator. The label applicator 113 may be a mechanical label folding type label applicator.

[0141] The label applicator 113 includes an outer rod 902 arranged to at least partially enclose the inner rod 901. The inner rod 901 is arranged to move out of the outer rod 902 in a first direction 115a and move into the outer rod 902 in a second direction 115b. The inner rod 901 can be a first rod and the outer rod 902 can be a second rod. The inner rod 901 can be a hollow and electrically actuated rod arranged to move the label 103 up and down. The outer rod 902 can be hollow, larger than the inner rod 901 and at least partially enclose the inner rod 901 from the body upward.

[0142] The inner rod 901 and the outer rod 902 may have any suitable dimensions. For example, the inner rod 901 may be a 1" x 1" or 1" x 2" carbon fiber rod, and the outer rod 902 may be 1" wider than the inner rod 901 in both directions.

[0143] The label applicator 113 includes an applicator pad 905 arranged to hold and apply the label 103 to the object 105. The applicator pad 905 is arranged at the bottom end 906 of the inner rod 901. The applicator pad 905 may be referred to as an applicator head. More details about the applicator pad 905 will be provided below.

[0144] The label applicator 113 may include a fan 904 arranged to draw air from the outer rod 902 so that the label 103 can be retained by the label pad 905. The drawn air is Figure 9a and Figure 9b The fan 904 may be arranged to be connected to the outer rod 902. The outer rod 902 includes an air opening through which the fan 904 may draw air from the inside of the outer rod 902.

[0145] The fan 904 may be arranged to draw or extract air through the holes in the outer rod 902 , forcing air out of the applicator pad 905 securing the tag 103 .

[0146] The outer rod 902 may include an end cap 903 disposed at a top end 908 of the outer rod 902. The end cap 903 may be arranged to seal the outer rod 90 at the top. The top end 908 of the outer rod 902 may be located at the end of the label applicator 113 opposite the bottom end 906 of the inner rod 901.

[0147] The label applicator 113 may include a seal 907 disposed between the inner rod 901 and the outer rod 902. The seal 907 may be in the form of one or more brushes.

[0148] The label applicator 113 may include at least one roller 910 connected to the inner rod 901, and the at least one roller 910 may be used to guide the inner rod 901 in and out of the outer rod 902. The label applicator 113 may include at least three rollers 910, each of which is located at a first side, a second side, and a third side inside the outer rod 902. In this way, the inner rod 901 can be guided by the rollers 910 on three sides. The roller 910 on the first side can be connected to the main body through a ball bearing. The rollers 910 on the adjacent two sides can be connected to the spring-type bracket through a ball bearing.

[0149] The label applicator 113 may include a friction belt. The friction belt may be arranged on the fourth side outside the outer rod 902. Therefore, on the fourth side outside the outer rod 902, the inner rod 902 may be guided by the friction belt, which may be driven by a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The friction belt may be driven by two passive wheels connected to the body through ball bearings. This can provide low and predictable rolling resistance and predictable friction between the friction belt and the inner rod 901 in the case of rod and roller size changes. The spring-loaded design on the two adjacent sides can handle roller diameters that change, for example, due to wear. The above-mentioned body is a static part, such as the outer rod 902 and the motor are connected to the static part. The two passive rollers for guiding the friction belt are directly connected to the body through ball bearings. The other rollers are connected to the body through ball bearings and spring-loaded retainers. The friction belt is a timing belt connected to the motor. It is wound around the other two rollers, with a high friction back connected to the inner rod 901, for driving the inner rod 901 in the first direction 115a and the second direction 115b. This friction drive simplifies moving the inner rod 901. The friction belt does not require additional components for transmission, which adds weight and complexity. The spring-loaded roller ensures that the inner rod 901 is pushed against the friction belt with a constant force.

[0150] The label applicator 113 may include or may be connected to a sensor arranged to detect the position of the inner rod 901 in the outer rod 902. The sensor may be a position sensor. The sensor may be a synchronization sensor. The sensor may be arranged to act as a media sensor. The sensor may be arranged to synchronize the rod position, for example, by detecting the top of the rod passing the sensor during each application cycle. The sensor may be located on the outer rod 902. The sensor detects when the upper edge of the inner rod 901 passes. This may occur when the inner rod 901 is on its way back to the storage position after applying the label 103. This may enable correction of possible slippage between the friction belt and the inner rod 901 that may occur when the inner rod 901 collides with the object 105 to which the label is to be applied.

[0151] The applicator pad 905 will now be described in more detail. The applicator pad 905 may be arranged to mechanically fold the label 103.

[0152] The applicator pad 905 can be made of a flexible and compressible material, and the applicator pad 905 can include a centrally located cutout. This can be for compression when the label 103 and label applicator 113 touch the object 105 at high speed. This allows the label 103 to be applied to the object 105 more smoothly and allows the applicator pad 905 to be shaped according to uneven surfaces. The flexibility of the applicator pad 905 also reduces the risk of the applicator pad 905 getting stuck in the object 105. It is more likely that it will bend and fold over, allowing the object 105 to continue to move. The flexible and compressible material can be, for example, rubber or polyurethane.

[0153] A first side of the applicator pad 905 may be arranged to be connected to the bottom end of the inner rod 901, and a second side of the applicator pad 905 may be arranged to

[0154] The applicator pad 905 is disposed to contact a first side of the label 103, e.g., a non-adhesive side of the label 103.

[0155] The material used for the applicator pad 905 can have a relatively high friction and its narrow side can be relatively flat. This ensures that the label 103 will not slide off when being pushed away from the retaining force (e.g., vacuum or suction) that secures the label 103 to the label holder 108.

[0156] The wide bottom surface of the applicator pad 905 is wide enough and straight enough to form a straight fold along the approximate center of the label 103 so that the label is shaped like a "U" in mid-air.

[0157] The applicator pad 905 may include a disconnect device for disconnecting the applicator pad 905 from the object 105. The disconnect device may include a snap-off function and may include, for example, a magnet. If the applicator pad 905 becomes stuck, despite the flexibility of the material and design, the applicator pad 905 may break off and allow the label applicator 113 to retract to its storage position.

[0158] The label applicator 113 may include a detector for detecting whether the label 103 has struck the object 105 and whether the applicator pad 905 has been compressed. The label applicator 113 may be configured to stop moving toward the object 105 when compression is detected.

[0159] The movement of the label applicator 113 may be controlled by the control unit 120 to detect when the label 103 hits the object 105 and when the label applicator pad 905 begins to compress, for example, by measuring the current consumed by the drive motor and the label applicator speed. With a speed control design, the drive current may rise during compression. With a current control design, the speed may fall during compression. A combination of the two is also possible.

[0160] When compression is detected, the label applicator 113 stops and returns to the storage position. The label 103 can be deployed according to the surface shape of the object 105.

[0161] To perform the methods described herein, for example Figure 6 , 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , the control unit 120 may include: Fig.10a and / or Fig.10b The device shown. Fig.10a and Fig.10b Two different examples of devices that a control unit may comprise are shown.

[0162] The method executed by the control unit 120 may be performed by one or more processors (e.g. Fig.10a The processor 1001 in the control unit 120 and the computer program code for performing the functions and actions described herein are implemented. The processor used in this article can be understood as a hardware component. The above program code can also be provided as a computer program product, for example, in the form of a data carrier, which, when loaded into the control unit 120, carries the computer program code for executing the present application. One such carrier can be in the form of a CDROM disk. However, it is also feasible to use other data carriers (such as memory sticks). The computer program code can be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the control unit 120.

[0163] The control unit 120 may include a memory 1003 , which includes one or more storage units, and the memory 1003 is used to store acquired information, store data, configuration, scheduling, applications, etc., so as to execute the method of this article in the control unit 120 .

[0164] The control unit 120 may receive information through the receiving port 1005. The control unit 120 may receive information from another device, unit, etc. through the receiving port 1005. Since the receiving port 1005 may communicate with the processor 1001, the receiving port 1005 may then send the received information to the processor 1001. The receiving port 1005 may also be configured to receive other information.

[0165] The processor in the control unit 120 may be configured to transmit or send information via a transmission port 1008 , which may be in communication with the processor 1001 and the memory 1003 .

[0166] Therefore, the method described in this article can be respectively Fig.10b The computer program product 1010 shown in the figure is implemented, and the computer program product includes instructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on at least one processor 1001, cause the at least one processor to perform the actions described herein, such as performed by the control unit 120. The computer program product 1010 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 1013. The computer-readable storage medium 1013 stores the computer program 1010, which may include instructions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the actions described herein, such as performed by the control unit 120. The computer-readable storage medium 1010 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as a CDROM disk or a memory stick. The computer program product 1010 may be stored on a carrier containing the computer program just described, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a first computer-readable storage medium, as described above.

[0167] The control unit 120 may include a communication interface for facilitating communication between the control unit 120 and other devices or other structures. The interface may include a transceiver for sending and receiving radio signals over an air interface according to an appropriate standard.

[0168] The control unit 120 may include a processing circuit 1101, such as one or more processors, such as processor 1001. The control unit 120 may also include a radio circuit 1103, which may include, for example, a receiving port 1005 and a transmitting port 1008. The processing circuit 1101 may be configured or operable to perform the methods described herein. The radio circuit 1103 may be configured to establish and maintain at least one wireless connection with the control unit 120. Circuitry may be understood herein as a hardware component.

[0169] Therefore, the present application also relates to a control unit 120 for operating in the applicator device 100. The control unit 120 may include a processing circuit and a memory. The memory includes instructions executable by the processing circuit. The control unit 120 is used to perform the actions described herein with respect to the control unit 120.

[0170] A computer program product comprises a program code for performing the method described herein when executed by a processing circuit.

[0171] The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform the methods described herein.

[0172] Some of the embodiments described herein can be summarized as follows:

[0173] Linear label applicators may include one or more of the following:

[0174] Hollow electric pole;

[0175] ·Inner rod;

[0176] A second hollow rod encapsulating the inner rod;

[0177] ·External rod;

[0178] End caps;

[0179] Seals;

[0180] Fan device;

[0181] Applicator pads;

[0182] The hollow motorized rod is configured to move the label up and down. A second hollow rod wraps around the inner rod from the body upward. An end cap seals the outer rod at the top. A seal is added between the two rods of the body. A fan assembly is arranged to draw air through the holes in the outer rod, forcing air out of the applicator pad used to hold the label.

[0183] A label holder 108 of a label applicator device 100 is provided, wherein the label holder 108 is hinged about a center point, and the portion closest to the label dispenser 101 is pushed downward by a passive component (e.g., a spring or one or more magnets), wherein the first position (i.e., the lowest position) is a label release position 502, which is defined by a mechanical stop. The label holder 108 may also include a loop that captures the label applicator pad 905 as it moves upward, and when the label applicator pad 905 is captured by the loop, the lower portion of the label applicator pad 905 is located above the label 103, so that when the label applicator pad 905 continues to move upward, the label holder 108 moves to the feed position 501, and when the label applicator 113 continues to move upward, it reaches the label replacement position 503.

[0184] A label applicator 113 is provided for mechanically folding a label prior to application. The label applicator 113 includes an applicator pad 905, which may be made of a flexible material and may include a cutout in the center to allow compression when the label 103 and the applicator pad 905 touch an object at high speed. The material may have a fairly high friction, and the narrow sides may be substantially flat. The wide bottom surface of the applicator pad 905 is wide enough and straight enough to form a straight fold along the approximate center of the label 103, forming the label 103 into a substantially U-shape prior to application to the object 105, and the label applicator 113 may also include a snapping function, such as including a magnet. If the applicator pad 905 is cut, such as with water or laser, the substantially flat surface of the applicator pad 905 may be the result.

[0185] The applicator device may include

[0186] A label holder 108, such as a dual-stage label transport conveyor; and a label applicator 113, such as a mechanical label folding type label applicator.

[0187] The label holder 108 is configured to hold the label 103 by, for example, suction or vacuum, as the label 103 is conveyed along the label holder 108. The label holder 108 includes one or more belts with gaps, or one or more belts with holes to allow air to pass through. The label holder 108 includes a first portion 108a for collecting the label 103 as it is fed onto the label holder 108, and a second portion 108b of the label holder 108 is separated to form a gap at a location where the label applicator 113 passes.

[0188] When the label applicator 113 retracts after one application cycle, the next label is ready at the first portion 108a of the label holder 108 and the label holder 108 then begins to rapidly feed labels 103 out to the second / segmented portion 108b of the label holder 108.

[0189] The label holder 108 is supported by a hollow hinge shaft, wherein the drive shaft of the label holder 108 runs inside the hinge shaft and includes a one-way bearing connecting the drive shaft to the hinge shaft, which runs freely in the label feeding direction. The hinge shaft is urged to a stop position by a spring in this position. When the label holder 108 is activated in the opposite direction, it will overcome the spring force and start to move from the stop position to the label changing position.

[0190] In general, all terms used herein should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is explicitly given and / or a different meaning is implied from the context of its use. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, all references to elements, devices, components, devices, steps, etc. should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of an element, device, component, device, step, etc. The steps of any method disclosed in this application do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described to be after or before another step and / or a step is implied to be after or before another step.

[0191] Generally speaking, "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and / or "fifth" as used herein may be understood as any manner of indicating different perspectives or entities, and may be understood not to give cumulativeness or temporality to the nouns they modify unless otherwise indicated based on the context.

[0192] The content of this application is not limited to the above content. Various substitutions, modifications and equivalents can be used. Therefore, the disclosure of this article should not be regarded as limiting the scope. A feature can be combined with one or more other features.

[0193] The term "at least one of A and B" should be understood as "only A, only B, or both A and B." Here, A and B are any parameters, numbers, indications, etc. used herein.

[0194] It should be emphasized that the term "comprising" used in this specification is used to specify the presence of the features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It should also be noted that the word "a" or "an" before an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0195] As used herein, the term "configured to" may also be referred to as "arranged to," "adapted to," "capable of," or "operable to."

[0196] The steps of the method may be performed in an order different from the order in which they appear herein.

Claims

1. An applicator device (100) for applying a label (103) to an object (105), the applicator device (100) comprising: a label applicator (113) arranged to apply the label (103) to the object (105); as well as a label holder (108) arranged to obtain a first label (103) from the label dispenser (101), wherein the label holder (108) comprises an opening (110); wherein at least a portion of the label applicator (113) is arranged to: moving through the opening (110) in a first direction (115a); contacting the first label (103) when the label applicator (113) at least partially extends over the opening (110); applying the first label (103) to the object (105); and After the first label (103) is applied to the object (105), it moves through the opening (110) in a second direction (115b), wherein the second direction (115b) is opposite to the first direction (115a).

2. The applicator device (100) according to claim 1, in, The label holder (108) is a label conveyor, wherein the label holder (108) includes a first portion (108a) followed by a second portion (108b), and wherein the second portion (108b) includes an opening (110); wherein the label holder (108) is arranged to obtain a first label (103) from the label dispenser (101) at a dispenser speed and to convey the first label (103) on a first portion (108a); wherein the label conveyor is arranged to bring a first label (103) from a first portion (108a) to an application position on a second portion (108b), wherein the first label (103) at least partially extends above an opening (110); wherein the label holder (108) is arranged to convey a second label (103) to the second portion (108b) at a second conveyor speed after the label applicator (113) moves through the opening (110) in a second direction (115b), wherein the second conveyor speed is higher than the dispenser speed.

3. The applicator device of claim 2, wherein: At least a portion of the label applicator (113) is arranged to move through the opening (110) in a first direction (115a) to contact the first label (103) when in an applying position and apply the first label (103) to the object (105); wherein the label holder (108) is arranged to receive a second label (103) from the label dispenser (101) at a dispenser speed and to convey the second label (103) on the first portion (108a) while the first label (103) is being applied to the object (105); Therein, the second label (103) has been obtained from the label dispenser (101) and is retained by the first portion (108a) after the label applicator (113) has moved through the opening (110) in the second direction (115b).

4. An applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The label holder (108) is arranged to hold the first label (103) by means of a fan or a vacuum device.

5. An applicator device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the label holder (108) is arranged to convey the first label (103) on the first portion (108a) at a first conveyor speed, Wherein the first conveyor speed is the same as the second conveyor speed, or wherein the first conveyor speed is lower than the second conveyor speed.

6. An applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The label holder (108) is supported by a hollow hinge shaft, and Therein, the drive shaft of the label holder (108) is arranged to run within the hollow hinge shaft.

7. The applicator device (100) of claim 5, wherein: The driving shaft is connected to the hinge shaft through a one-way bearing, and wherein the one-way bearing runs freely in the label feeding direction.

8. The applicator device (100) according to claim 1, in, When a first label (103) is obtained from the label dispenser (101), the label holder (108) is arranged in a feeding position (501); wherein the label holder (108) is arranged to be in the label release position (502) when the backing paper is released from the first label (103) and when the first label (103) is applied to the object (105), wherein the label holder (108) is arranged to be hingedly movable about a center point (400) when changing between a feeding position (501) and a label release position (502), wherein a portion of the label holder (108) closest to the label dispenser (101) is arranged to move downwardly in a first direction (115a) when moving from a supply position (501) to a label release position (502), and wherein, in the case of the label holder (108), the label applicator (113) is arranged to move through the opening (110) in the first direction (115a), contact the first label (103) after the label applicator (113) moves through the opening (110), and apply the first label (103) to the object (105).

9. The applicator device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the applicator device (100) comprises a loop (140) arranged to capture the label applicator (113) when the label applicator (113) moves in the second direction (115b).

10. An applicator device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the label holder (108, 501) is arranged to move from a label release position (502) to a label replacement position (503) when a label is available, and in, The portion of the label holder (108) closest to the label dispenser (101) is arranged to move upwardly in the second direction (115b) when moving from the label release position (502) to the label replacement position (503).

11. The applicator device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the label holder (108) comprises a generally rectangular structure having a tubular circumference.

12. An applicator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The applicator device comprises a label applicator (113) according to any one of claims 13-25.

13. A label applicator (113) for applying a label (103) to an object (105), wherein: The label applicator (113) comprises an outer rod (902) arranged to at least partially enclose the inner rod (901), The inner rod (901) is arranged to move out of the outer rod (902) along a first direction (115a) and move into the outer rod (902) along a second direction (115b). wherein the label applicator (113) comprises an applicator pad (905) arranged to hold the label (103) and apply the label (103) to the object (105), and Wherein, the applicator pad (905) is arranged at the bottom end of the inner rod (901).

14. The label applicator (113) according to claim 13, wherein: The label applicator (113) comprises a fan (904) arranged to draw air from the outer rod (902) so that the label (103) can be retained by the label pad (905).

15. The label applicator (113) according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein: An end cover (903) is provided at the top end of the outer rod (902).

16. The label applicator (113) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The label applicator (113) includes a seal (907) disposed between the inner rod (901) and the outer rod (902).

17. The label applicator (113) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein: The label applicator (113) comprises at least one roller (910) connected to the inner rod (901), and wherein the at least one roller (910) is arranged to guide the inner rod (901) as it moves in and out of the outer rod (902).

18. The label applicator (113) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that The label applicator (113) comprises at least three rollers (910), each roller (910) being located at a first side, a second side and a third side of the outer side of the inner rod (901), respectively.

19. The label applicator (113) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein: The label applicator (113) comprises a friction belt.

20. The label applicator (113) of claim 19, wherein: The friction belt is arranged on a fourth side outside the outer rod (902).

21. The label applicator (113) according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein: The label applicator (113) comprises or is connected to a sensor arranged to detect the position of the inner rod (901) within the outer rod (902).

22. The label applicator (113) according to any one of claims 13 to 21, in, The applicator pad (905) is made of a flexible and compressible material, and wherein the applicator pad (905) includes a cutout at a central location.

23. The label applicator (113) according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein: A first side of the applicator pad (905) is arranged to be connected to the bottom end of the inner rod (901), and wherein a second side of the applicator pad (905) is arranged to contact the label (103), And wherein the second side of the applicator pad (905) is sized and shaped such that when the applicator pad (905) contacts the label (103), it is arranged to form a fold along the center of the label (103).

24. The label applicator (113) according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein: The applicator pad (905) comprises a disconnection device arranged to disconnect the applicator pad (905) from the object (105).

25. The label applicator (113) according to any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the label applicator (113) comprises a detector arranged to detect that the label (103) has hit the object (105) and that the label applicator pad (905) has been compressed, and in, The label applicator (113) is arranged to cease movement towards the object (105) when compression is detected.

26. A method for enabling a label (103) to be applied to an object (105) performed by a control unit (120), the method comprising: Control (601, 701, 802) provides the first label (103) from the label dispenser (101) to the label holder (108); and When the label holder (108) acquires the first label (103), controlling (602, 703, 704, 804, 805) at least a portion of the label applicator (113) to move through an opening (110) included in the label holder (108), contact the first label (103) after the label applicator (113) moves through the opening (110), and applies the first label (103) to the object (105); and After the first label (103) is applied to the object (105), at least a portion of the label applicator (113) is controlled (603, 705, 806) to move through the opening (110) in a second direction (115b), wherein the second direction (115b) is opposite to the first direction (115a).

27. A control unit (120) for enabling a tag (103) to be applied to an object (105), the control unit (120) being arranged to perform the method of claim 26.

28. A computer program product comprising program code for performing the method according to claim 26 when executed by a processing circuit.

29. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform the method of claim 26.

Images