Device for feeding and connecting a label web

Abstract

A device for feeding and connecting label bands, the device comprising a supply device for a first label band, an expel device for a second label band, a connection device for connecting a first label end of the first label band to a second label end of the second label band, and an identification device for identifying a relative arrangement of the first label end and the second label end, wherein the device is configured to control the connection device to connect based on the identified relative arrangement and / or to output an output to an operator based on the relative arrangement.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for conveying and connecting label tapes according to claim 1, and a method for conveying and connecting label tapes according to claim 10. Background Technology

[0002] Devices for conveying and connecting label tapes are basically known from the prior art.

[0003] Therefore, for example, CN 115 123 641 B discloses an apparatus by which label tapes from different label tape rollers can be automatically changed or connected to provide a continuous flow of label tapes as a label supply for a labeling machine. In this case, a connecting device is provided that can move between the different label tape supply devices of the label rollers to connect the ends of the label tapes together. This is done automatically, thus requiring only limited or no manual intervention.

[0004] However, achieving a precise connection between the ends of the label tapes is difficult. This can lead to misalignment between the first and second label tapes, resulting in unsatisfactory delivery results, and even worse labeling results after the label tape rollers are changed.

[0005] Purpose

[0006] Therefore, based on the known prior art, the technical problem to be solved is to specify a device and a method for conveying and connecting label tapes, by which the possible labeling results or at least the quality of label tape conveying are always kept high, regardless of label tape replacement.

[0007] Solution

[0008] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by the apparatus for conveying and connecting label tapes as described in claim 1 and the method for conveying and connecting label tapes as described in claim 10.

[0009] Advantageous improvements of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the present invention, an apparatus for conveying and connecting label tapes is provided, the apparatus comprising a supply device for a first label tape, a discharge device for a second label tape, a connection device for connecting a first label end of the first label tape to a second label end of the second label tape, and an identification device for identifying the relative arrangement of the first label end and the second label end, wherein the apparatus is configured to control the connection device to connect and / or output to an operator based on the identified relative arrangement.

[0011] The label tape may exist in the supply device, for example, in the form of a label roller, which then unfolds in the direction of the discharge device. However, another way of supplying the label tape (especially the first and second label tapes) in the supply device is also conceivable in principle.

[0012] The discharge device may include one or more movable, particularly driven, rollers that convey the second label tape along the transport direction. For example, a labeling machine or labeling unit known from the prior art may be arranged downstream of the discharge device and transfer the label contained in the label tape to a container, such as a bottle, can, etc.

[0013] According to the invention, the label tape is not limited. Each label tape can be a label carrier tape on which a label is releasably disposed. The releasably disposed label can be secured to the label carrier tape with adhesive, and the label can be released from the label carrier tape, for example, by bending the label carrier tape at the dispensing edge, and thus transferring the label to the side disposed on the label carrier tape onto the container. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a label that is not yet provided with adhesive, but can still be released from the label carrier tape. The label released from the label carrier tape can then be provided with adhesive, or adhesive can be applied to the side of the label facing away from the label carrier tape before the label is released from the label carrier tape.

[0014] As an alternative design, the label band can also consist solely of labels joined together to form the band. These labels can be separated or split downstream of the device, for example by a separating element such as a knife, thereby breaking down the label band and separating it into individual labels. Then, if desired, the individual labels can optionally be supplied with adhesive and transferred into a container.

[0015] The connecting device can connect the ends of the label tape, for example, by introducing heat and / or applying adhesive. This can be done in a direction transverse to the transport direction of the label tape or at least a second label tape.

[0016] The identification device may be configured, for example, as a camera, and record one or more images of the relative arrangement of the first and second label ends in order to determine how they are positioned relative to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the identification device may also be provided to identify, for example, color patterns and / or one or more cutting marks, and based on this determine how the first and second label ends are positioned relative to each other. Furthermore, the identification device may, for example, identify whether the label ends are correctly arranged around the label based on the identified color patterns or cutting marks. Alternatively or additionally, in addition to identifying the relative arrangement of the label ends, the identification device may also be provided to identify color patterns and / or cutting marks on the first and / or second label tapes to check their presence and / or presence as provided. Therefore, additional sensor systems or further identification devices can be omitted.

[0017] The identification device may be associated with an illumination device that can illuminate at least two label ends. The illumination may be diffuse (e.g., from a direction angled to the optical axis of a camera or other identification device) or coaxial with the optical system of the identification device (e.g., a camera), such as as ring illumination. It may also be provided that the illumination device for alternately illuminating the label ends is configured to have both coaxial and diffuse illumination.

[0018] Using this device, deviations in the relative arrangement of label ends (e.g., compared to the desired relative arrangement) can be reliably compensated by appropriately controlling the connecting equipment and / or outputting the deviation from the desired relative arrangement to the operator. The operator can then manually align the label ends until they correspond to the desired arrangement. As a result, reliable transport of label tape is achieved even after switching from the first label tape to the second label tape, which also improves the reliability of subsequent labeling results.

[0019] It can be provided that the device includes multiple supply devices, and connecting devices are movably arranged between the supply devices.

[0020] Each supply device can provide label tape in any desired manner (e.g., as rollers) and transport the label tape in the direction of either the discharge device or the connecting device. The supply devices can be arranged parallel to each other, for example, along the rotation axes of the respective label rollers, and can have separate drive mechanisms for moving the label tape supplied therefrom, if desired. In conjunction with this embodiment, control of the connecting device can be particularly advantageously included, which first determines the relative alignment of the first label end of the first supply device or the first label tape with the second label end, and if the relative arrangement corresponds, for example, to the desired value, the label tape is connected to the second label tape. If the relative arrangement does not correspond to the desired arrangement, an identification device can be provided to sequentially check each further supply device and the label tape held therein with respect to the relative arrangement of the second label end, and once the relative arrangement of the first supply device is identified as corresponding to the desired arrangement, the label tape supplied by that supply device can be connected to the second label tape. Therefore, the amount and / or frequency of manual intervention in the supply of label tape can be reduced. Using this embodiment, the connection between the first and second label ends is established using the smallest possible space in the transport direction of the second label tape, which can advantageously reduce material usage.

[0021] In one implementation, the identification device and the connection device can be arranged to move together. Therefore, the number of identification devices can be reduced, especially when multiple supply devices are provided, which reduces the number of components used and thus lowers the cost of the device.

[0022] Control may include setting the connection direction, along its first and second label strips, by the connection device.

[0023] Setting the connection direction can include establishing a connection between the first and second label ends along a direction different from the transport direction transverse to the second label tape, such that this different direction forms an angle other than 90° with the transport direction. This allows the first and second label ends to connect to each other at an angle, which in particular can compensate for misalignment of the first and second label tapes corresponding to the respective angle. Alternatively or additionally, setting the connection direction can also include movement of the second label end relative to the first label end, such that offset or misalignment between the first and second label tapes along a specific direction can be compensated before the connection is established. In this way, it can be reliably achieved that the transport of the label tapes can continue reliably even in the event of misalignment between the label tapes during the transition from the first label tape to the second label tape.

[0024] The output can be provided, including information about the necessary alignment of the first and / or second label ends based on their relative arrangement. For example, if the relative arrangement does not correspond to the desired relative arrangement, the output can include information about how the first or second label ends must be moved to achieve the desired arrangement. Therefore, the outcome of further label tape delivery can be improved even with necessary manual intervention.

[0025] The device can be configured to control connected devices or outputs based on a comparison of relative arrangement and limit values.

[0026] For example, a limit value could be a value indicating the extent to which deviations from the set arrangement can still be corrected by controlling the connecting device. Once this limit value is exceeded, correction can be achieved manually, or at least by additionally manually changing the relative arrangement between the first and second label ends. Therefore, if comparisons indicate that deviations in the relative arrangement can still be corrected by the connecting device itself, the device can block output and only affect output when this is no longer possible. This reduces operator intervention, thereby improving the ease of operation of the device.

[0027] It can be provided that the relative arrangement includes the first label end being offset relative to the second label end along a direction transverse to the conveying direction of the second label tape and / or by the angle between the conveying direction of the first label tape and the conveying direction of the second label tape.

[0028] Offset and relative rotation (forming an angle between the corresponding transport directions) can both lead to undesirable labeling or transport results in each case. If the relative arrangement is checked in this way, undesirable labeling or transport results can be avoided through appropriate corrections or adjustments.

[0029] It can be provided that the control includes controlling the connected device to compensate for offset and / or angle, and / or wherein the output includes information for correcting the offset and / or angle. Compensation for the offset or angle can be achieved by relative movement of the label ends relative to each other and / or by changing the position or path of the connection between the first and second label ends. The information for correcting the offset and / or angle may include, for example, information about how to move the first and / or second label ends to achieve the most complete possible correction of the offset or angle. In this case, it is not necessary to inform the operator of the actual magnitude of the offset via the output, as the operator only needs to perform the offset correction. This information may, for example, be matched with the supply device and / or generally with the alignment marks of the device, in order to provide the operator with the simplest possible instructions to perform the correction.

[0030] According to the present invention, a method for conveying and connecting label tapes using an apparatus for conveying and connecting label tapes is also provided. The apparatus includes a supply device for a first label tape, a discharge device for a second label tape, a connection device for connecting a first label end of the first label tape to a second label end of the second label tape, and an identification device for identifying the relative arrangement of the first label end and the second label end. The method includes controlling the connection device to perform connection based on the identified relative arrangement and / or outputting an output based on the relative arrangement.

[0031] This method enables the transfer from the first label tape to the second label tape while maintaining reliable delivery and high-quality labeling results.

[0032] The device can be provided, comprising multiple supply devices, with connecting devices movably disposed between the supply devices. Each supply device can precisely provide one or more first label tapes. By providing multiple supply devices, and in particular multiple first label tapes, flexibility and available time can be increased in compensating for, for example, relative offsets between the first and second label ends.

[0033] In one implementation, the identification device and the connection device can be arranged to move together. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced, thereby decreasing the complexity of the device, while achieving good labeling and transportation results.

[0034] It can provide control including setting the connection direction, connecting the first and second label strips by a connection device, and / or outputting information including necessary alignment information about the first and / or second label ends based on their relative arrangement.

[0035] As a result, the offset or angle between the first and second label tapes can be corrected automatically in a specific way, or the operator can be given sufficient instructions to perform such correction, so as to provide high-quality labeling results even when changing label tapes.

[0036] The device can control connected devices or outputs based on a comparison of the relative arrangement with limit values. If, for example, the value exceeds (or falls below) the limit value, the device can perform an output because, for example, automatic correction of the relative arrangement cannot be achieved by means of connected devices. If the relative arrangement falls below the limit value, automatic correction can still be performed, allowing necessary adjustments to the relative arrangement to be made without operator intervention, which improves operational comfort.

[0037] In one embodiment, a relative arrangement is provided including an offset of the first label end relative to the second label end along a direction transverse to the transport direction of the second label tape and / or by the angle between the transport directions of the first and second label tapes, wherein, optionally, control includes controlling a connecting device to compensate for the offset and / or the angle, and / or wherein, optionally, the output includes information for correcting the offset and / or the angle. Therefore, deviations of the relative arrangement relative to any predetermined set arrangement can be reliably responded to.

[0038] All the implementation methods described herein can be combined with each other. Brief description of the attached figures

[0039] Figure 1 An embodiment of a device for conveying and connecting label tapes is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 An implementation of the offset between the label bands is shown.

[0041] Figure 3 An embodiment of the included angle formed between the label bands is shown.

[0042] Figure 4 The diagram shows the operation, for example, corresponding to Figure 1 Flowchart of the method of the apparatus Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 A device 100 for conveying and connecting label tapes 131 and 132 is shown. Label tape 131 is referred to as the first label tape, and label tape 132 is referred to as the second label tape, and these labels are only used for simpler distribution.

[0044] The device 100 can be used in conjunction with a labeling machine 180 that affixes labels to containers. The operation and design of this labeling machine 180 are generally known. In this case, the labeling machine 180 can operate continuously if possible. To achieve this, the inflow of labels must be as continuous as possible.

[0045] The apparatus 100 is configured to provide labels to a labeling machine 180 on label tapes 131 and 132. According to the invention, the label tapes can be held in one or more supply devices 101, 111, and 112 within the apparatus 100. For example, a first label tape 131 can be held on a label tape roller, schematically shown here, in supply device 101. The label tape roller can be rotatably supported about an axis of rotation such that the first label tape 131 is conveyed along the conveying direction T2 or can be conveyed to a connecting device 102, which will be described below. A second label tape 132, which may originate from another supply device of the apparatus 100, is conveyed along the conveying direction T1, for example, in the direction of the labeling machine. To avoid interruption during any necessary exchange between the first and second label tapes (e.g., at the end of the second label tape or during idle runs), a connecting device 102 is provided to connect a first label end of the first label tape 130 to a second label end of the second label tape 132, thereby forming a continuous label tape.

[0046] Therefore, as shown in the schematic enlarged view, for example, a first label end 141 of the first label tape 131 may contact a second label end 142 of the second label tape 132, and adhesive 143 may be applied between or on one of them by means of a connecting device 102 to connect the label ends 141 and 142 to each other. The connecting device may also be configured to press the label ends 141 and 142 together to achieve the connection by adhesive.

[0047] As an alternative to applying adhesive, a bonding device can be provided, for example, to melt at least partially the label ends by releasing heat, allowing them to adhere to each other. The continuous label tape formed in this way includes portions of a first label tape and portions of a second label tape, and can therefore be used to ensure continuous operation, for example, of a labeling machine positioned downstream.

[0048] According to the invention, the device 100 further includes an identification device 103 designed to determine the relative arrangement between the first label end and the second label end. The identification device can be of virtually any desired design and includes, for example, one or more cameras capable of recording images of the first and second label ends in an area where they are arranged relative to each other, such that the label ends and their arrangement relative to each other can be determined from the images, for example, by a known image processing procedure. The relative arrangement may specifically include an offset of the label ends relative to one of the transport directions T1 and T2, or an angle between one of the label ends and / or the label tape and one of the transport directions T1 and T2.

[0049] In this configuration, the identification device 103 can be fixedly arranged. On the other hand, the connecting device 102 can be movably arranged in a direction, for example, transverse to the conveying direction T1, to at least, for example, generate adhesive 143 or generally generate a connection between the first and second label ends. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting device can also be arranged such that it is movably arranged between different supply devices 101, 111, and 112, provided they are present. Thus, the connecting device 102 can move between different supply devices 101, 111, and 112 to attach the second label tape to the first label tape. By providing multiple supply devices 101, 111, and 112, the frequency at which empty supply devices (e.g., supply devices with depleted label rollers) must be equipped with new label rollers to ensure smooth operation can be reduced. This can be particularly advantageous if the label rollers must be replaced manually.

[0050] In one embodiment, the identification device 103 and the connecting device 102 may also be arranged to move together. For example, the identification device 103 may be arranged on the connecting device, such as screwed onto it or its frame. Thus, the identification device can be carried together with the connecting device, and it is not necessary to provide a separate identification device 103 for each supply device, which determines the relative arrangement between the tag tape and tag tape 132 supplied by that particular supply device.

[0051] If not shown here, a buffer system can be provided downstream of the connecting device 102 in the conveying direction T1, which can at least partially buffer the second label tape 132. The buffer system may include, for example, a plurality of buffer rollers, which are rotatably supported and can be translated along at least one direction perpendicular to the respective axis of rotation. By changing the distance between the buffer rollers, the distance the label tape is to be covered can be changed. As a result, although the second label tape 132 is further conveyed, the second label end 142 can be stopped or fixed, at least where a connection is needed between the label ends of label tapes 131 and 132, without tearing the label tape. Such a buffer system is essentially known. As a result, even during operation, the first and second label tapes can be connected via the connecting device 102. This can reduce downtime.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, using this buffer system, the second label end 132 can be moved back and forth between various supply devices, for example, via connecting device 102, without the risk of label tape tearing and / or having to stop the operation of the device or downstream labeling machine. Therefore, the relative arrangement of the respective first label ends of the label tapes of the respective supply devices 101, 111, and 112 with respect to the second label tape 132 can be determined. (As in combination) Figure 3Further described, this can be used to determine whether the first label end of a particular supply device and the second label end of a second label tape are arranged in a relative configuration suitable for connecting the label ends.

[0053] The invention is not limited to the number of supply devices 101, 111, and 112. Preferably, at least two or more, such as three, five, or ten supply devices, can be provided, each capable of holding and supplying label tape. Alternatively or additionally, multiple label tapes can be provided in each supply device, which can be transported independently of each other in the direction of the connecting device or the corresponding second label tape.

[0054] As previously mentioned, identification devices can be designed, for example, as cameras, particularly those capable of recording images in the visible region of the spectrum. The relative arrangement between tag tapes or tag ends can be achieved by identifying (with suitable image processing) certain markings on the tag tape (particularly the tag ends) itself, such as strokes, lines, or combinations of other geometric shapes. In the latter case, the identification device can also be configured to record images in invisible regions (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet regions). It can be advantageous if the markings are invisible in the visible region but visible in the corresponding invisible region, such as the infrared or ultraviolet region. For example, such markings can be used to reduce the space required to attach the tag ends to the corresponding tag tape, or to minimize the portion of the tag tape containing visible markings that are not part of the tag or not associated with the tag's pattern.

[0055] According to the present invention, the device 100 is configured to control a connection device for connecting the tag ends and / or to output to an operator based on the relative arrangement of the first and second tag ends relative to each other.

[0056] In this configuration, the control connection device includes at least the means of connecting the first and second label ends to each other as described above, for example, by applying adhesive and optionally pressing the label ends together. Depending on the relative arrangement, the control connection device may also include a connection device or a portion thereof that alters the relative arrangement between the first and second label ends. For example, this can be used to change or correct offsets that are transverse to or parallel to the conveying direction, or combinations thereof.

[0057] Alternative or additional, as to be referenced Figure 2 and Figure 3Described, this could also be the angle between conveying directions T1 and T2, or typically the angle between label tapes 131 and 132. The connecting device 102 may have, for example, clamps movable relative to each other for clamping one or two label tapes, wherein relative movement of the clamps with respect to the clamped label tapes can change their relative arrangement. This change can be made, for example, by translating or rotating the label ends relative to each other, and then applying adhesive or typically creating a connection between the label ends, transferring the relative arrangement of the label ends from the original relative arrangement to a desired or set arrangement of the label ends.

[0058] As a supplement to or alternative to the control of the connected device, the output may occur on the display 160, which may be associated with, for example, the control unit of the device 100, and may be configured, for example, a laptop or tablet computer. Alternatively or additionally, the output may be acoustic rather than purely visual, or acoustic only rather than visual, or visual only rather than acoustic. The output may include, for example, information about the relative arrangement of the label ends, and output it, for example, as a numerical value, such as as a deviation from a set value. For example, if the label ends are offset relative to each other, the output may include a numerical value indicating the direction of the offset (e.g., by a symbol) and the magnitude of the offset relative to the set offset or set arrangement of the label ends relative to each other.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the output may include instructions to the operator regarding how the label ends must be moved relative to each other in order to move them from their current relative arrangement to a desired or set arrangement. For this purpose, for example, a portion of the connecting device or apparatus 100 may include a directional aid, such as an alignment bar extending in direction T1 or T2, along which the label ends can be aligned relative to each other. This bar can then serve as the basis for the instructions in the output. For example, a pictographic and / or digital display regarding the necessary changes in the corresponding positions of the label ends in the output may be provided.

[0060] Alternatively, the device 100 may control the connection device based on the relative arrangement according to the above embodiments, and also provide outputs to the operator. This may be the case, for example, if any offset or rotation of the label end can only be corrected as reliably as possible by manually changing the relative arrangement of the label end (e.g., a coarse change in the relative arrangement) and automatically changing the relative arrangement (e.g., after manually changing the relative arrangement) to achieve a reliable connection of the label end.

[0061] Figure 2The diagram illustrates the relative arrangement of label tapes 231 and 232, or label tape ends, with an offset V in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. This offset could be due to the second label tape 232 or the first label tape 231 not being perfectly positioned in its respective conveying device, thus resulting in an offset despite being conveyed along the correct conveying direction (i.e., parallel to conveying directions T1 and / or T2). This offset can be compensated, for example, by a connecting device pulling one or both label ends relative to each other along the direction defined by the offset V, such that the offset V disappears completely or is at least reduced to a tolerance level. While only the offset transverse to conveying directions T1 or T2 is shown here, the offset could also exist along a direction parallel to conveying direction T1, such that, for example, there is no overlap between the label ends, or no degree required for connecting the label tapes. Similar to the embodiment described above, in this embodiment, the connecting device could also move both ends of the label or only one end of the label along a direction parallel to the offset, thereby compensating for the offset.

[0062] Figure 3 Another relative arrangement of label tapes 331 and 332 and label ends 341 and 342 is shown. In this embodiment, the conveying direction T1 forms an angle α with the conveying direction T2, which is greater than 0°, for example, it can be 0.5° or 1° or up to 5°. Therefore, this means that label tape 331 is conveyed in a direction T2 that does not correspond to or is not parallel to direction T1. If label tapes 331 and 332 are now connected, the label tape 331 conveyed along direction T2 will be pulled along direction T1. This may cause the label tape to fold or unfold incorrectly during transport.

[0063] To compensate for this, the connecting device can be tilted so that the angle α between the label tape or its conveying directions T1 and T2 is reduced, particularly preferably reduced to 0° or below the tolerance value.

[0064] As a reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Alternatives or supplements to the described method for reducing the offset and / or twisted arrangement between the first and second label tapes may also be provided, for example, by adjusting the connection direction between the first and second label tapes or the position of the connecting device connecting the first and second label tapes to change the relative arrangement.

[0065] For example, in Figure 3In this embodiment, by changing the direction of the connection between the first label end and the second label end, the tension, and particularly its direction, acting on the label tape 331 by the label tape 332 conveyed along the conveying direction T1 can be changed, thereby also changing the further conveying direction of the first label tape. Therefore, any offset or tilt can be compensated for.

[0066] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for conveying and connecting tag tape 400 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0067] The method begins at step 401, where the relative arrangement between the first label end and the second label end is determined, as has been described in principle with reference to the preceding embodiments. This is achieved by an identification device and can be, for example, based on the identification of the shape and arrangement of the label ends or label tapes themselves, or, for example, based on the identification of a particular mark and its arrangement relative to each other on the corresponding label tape.

[0068] In step 402, the relative arrangement is compared to a limit value. Since the relative arrangement can indicate, for example, the offset between the first and second label tapes or the respective label ends and / or the tilt of the transport direction relative to each other, the relative arrangement typically corresponds to a numerical value of the difference. This can be compared to a limit value, which can be considered the maximum permissible difference. If it is determined that the relative arrangement (and therefore, for example, the difference in position of the label ends relative to the transport direction) is higher than this limit value, the device can operate in a different manner than if the relative arrangement were lower than the limit value.

[0069] exist Figure 4 In the implementation described herein, limit values ​​are provided that specifically indicate the differences (and therefore the numerical values ​​of the relative arrangement) in the arrangement of the first and second label ends, which can still be automatically adjusted to adjust the relative arrangement of the first and second label ends.

[0070] Therefore, if the relative arrangement or associated value is determined to be below the limit value in step 403, the relative arrangement of the first label end and the second label end relative to each other can be automatically adjusted in step 404, as already combined above. Figures 1 to 3 Described.

[0071] Then, the label ends can be connected to each other in step 408, and further transport of the label tapes connected in this way can be performed.

[0072] However, conversely, if the relative arrangement is determined to be above the limit (step 405), two possibilities are provided. On one hand, in step 406, an output can be given to the operator to change the relative arrangement between the first and second label ends. This can be done as in the embodiments described above. Alternatively or additionally, the identification device and optionally the connecting device (along with the first label tape held therein) can be moved to the next supply device 407 first, so that the relative arrangement between the second label tape and the first label tape held in that supply device can be checked.

[0073] Here, steps 401 and 402 are then repeated for the other and next supply devices, and if it is determined that the relative arrangement is below the limit value (step 403), steps 404 and 408 can be performed. Conversely, if it is again determined that the relative arrangement is above the limit value (405), the next supply unit can be used, or if all supply units have been checked, an output is given to the operator, which may include, for example, which supply device connects which label tape to the second label tape, and how the relative arrangement of the first and second label tapes can be changed. In this case, the supply device with the smallest distance or smallest difference between the relative arrangement of the label ends and the set value can preferably be selected.

[0074] Then, in step 408, the first label tape can be attached to the second label tape, and operation can begin.

Claims

1. An apparatus for conveying and connecting label tapes, the apparatus comprising a supply device for a first label tape, a discharge device for a second label tape, a connecting device for connecting a first label end of the first label tape to a second label end of the second label tape, and an identification device for identifying the relative arrangement of the first label end and the second label end, wherein, The device is configured to control the connection device to connect and / or output to the operator based on the identified relative arrangement.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The apparatus includes multiple supply devices, and the connecting device is movably disposed among the supply devices.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting device is capable of establishing a connection between the first label tape and the second label tape in a direction transverse to the conveying direction of the second label tape.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The identification device and the connection device can be arranged in a movable manner.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The control includes setting the connection direction along which the first and second label tapes are connected by the connection device.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The output includes information regarding the necessary alignment of the first label end and / or the second label end based on the relative arrangement.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The device is configured to control the connected device or output the output based on a comparison of the relative arrangement with limit values.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The relative arrangement includes the offset of the first label end relative to the second label end along a direction transverse to the conveying direction of the second label tape and / or by the angle between the conveying direction of the first label tape and the conveying direction of the second label tape.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The control includes controlling the connection device to compensate for the offset and / or the included angle, and / or wherein the output includes information for correcting the offset and / or the angle.

10. A method for conveying and connecting label tapes using an apparatus for conveying and connecting label tapes, said apparatus comprising a supply device for a first label tape, a discharge device for a second label tape, a connecting device for connecting a first label end of the first label tape to a second label end of the second label tape, and an identification device for identifying the relative arrangement of the first label end and the second label end, wherein, The method includes controlling the connection device to connect and / or outputting output based on the identified relative arrangement.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The apparatus includes multiple supply devices, and the connecting device is movably disposed among the supply devices.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The identification device and the connection device can be arranged in a movable manner.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The control includes setting the connection direction, along which the first and second label tapes are connected by the connection device, and / or The output includes information regarding the necessary alignment of the first label end and / or the second label end based on the relative arrangement.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The device controls the connection device or outputs the output based on a comparison of the relative arrangement with the limit value.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The relative arrangement includes an offset of the first label end relative to the second label end along a direction transverse to the transport direction of the second label tape and / or by the angle between the transport direction of the first label tape and the transport direction of the second label tape, wherein, optionally, the control includes controlling the connecting device to compensate for the offset and / or the angle, and / or wherein, optionally, the output includes information for correcting the offset and / or the angle.

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