Connecting device for attaching label tape

Abstract

A connecting device for connecting label tapes includes two connecting elements for guiding the production of label tapes and connecting the label tapes, wherein each connecting element includes a retaining element for holding the label tapes on a side facing the corresponding other connecting element, and wherein the two connecting elements are arranged to be movable such that they can move substantially linearly relative to each other in a direction of movement, and are offset from each other in a ready position for connecting the connecting label tapes to the retaining elements such that the retaining elements are accessible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting label tape according to claim 1, a labeling machine for labeling containers according to claim 10, and a method for connecting label tape to the connecting device according to claim 11. Background Technology

[0002] Connecting devices for attaching label tapes are generally known from the prior art. These include, for example, movable rollers and similar elements for transporting the label tapes, and elements for holding the label tapes to be attached. When the first label tape roller (currently producing label tapes) is idle, the connecting device provides the possibility of connecting the end of that label tape roller to the starting point of a new label tape roller (attaching label tapes). The attachment of label tape rollers is typically done manually; for example, an operator provides double-sided tape to the connecting label tape to be attached to the previous produced label tape, and the connecting device feeds the end of the label tape into the produced label tape and attaches it via the double-sided tape. Subsequently, the produced label tape is cut in the conveying direction upstream of the attachment point, so that when label tape transport resumes, the connecting label tape is further conveyed.

[0003] Since the connection is done manually, accessibility must be provided so that the operator can attach the connecting label tape to the connecting element. At the same time, it must be ensured that the label tape will not be damaged when connected to previously manufactured label tapes. This presents design challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, based on the known existing technology, the technical problem to be solved is to specify a connecting device for connecting label tapes, which allows the operator to easily connect the production label tapes and the connecting label tapes while avoiding damage to the label tapes.

[0005] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by the connecting device for connecting label tape as described in claim 1, the labeling machine for labeling containers as described in claim 10, and the method for connecting label tape to the connecting device as described in claim 11. Advantageous improvements of the invention are included in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to the present invention, a connecting device for connecting label tapes is provided, the connecting device comprising two connecting elements for guiding the production of label tapes and connecting label tapes, wherein each connecting element includes a retaining element for holding the label tape on a side facing the corresponding other connecting element, and wherein the two connecting elements are arranged to be movable such that they can move substantially linearly relative to each other in a direction of movement, and are offset from each other in a ready position for connecting the connecting label tape to the retaining element such that the retaining element is accessible.

[0007] In the context of this invention, production label tape should be understood as label tape currently being transferred to a container or to other equipment arranged downstream of the connecting device. Connecting label tape should be understood as label tape connected to the production label tape for subsequent use as production label tape. It should be understood that the connecting element is suited and configured in each case to transport the production label tape and the connecting label tape according to which label tape performs which task. For this purpose, the connecting element may receive label tape, for example, from a label tape template, and may include label tape rollers. These rollers may be arranged upstream of the connecting element in the conveying direction and may supply label tape to the connecting element in each case.

[0008] In the context of this invention, the prepared position should be understood as the location of at least one connecting element in which the operator can attach or place the connecting tag tape to the retaining element of the connecting element. Therefore, in this sense, the accessibility of the retaining element according to the invention should be understood as such that in the area surrounding the retaining element, there are no other components, in particular no other connecting elements, preventing the operator from attaching the connecting tag tape to the retaining element.

[0009] Essentially linear movement refers to movement along a straight line. Specifically, linear movement or substantially linear movement should be understood as movement that does not require or excludes support of the connecting elements on the axis of rotation. However, according to the invention, substantially linear movement can have, for example, one or more curved sections to create a distance between the connecting elements transverse to the conveying direction. This can be achieved, for example, by corresponding movement of the connecting elements along curved guides.

[0010] By arranging the connecting elements in such a way that at least one connecting element can be moved to a ready position where the operator can access the retaining element, it provides the operator with the simple possibility of connecting the label tape to the retaining element, while avoiding label tape tearing when the connecting label tape is connected to the production label tape.

[0011] Retaining elements may be provided, including suction elements and / or clamping elements for retaining the label tape.

[0012] The suction element may include, for example, one or more suction cups, or may be designed as suction cups that can hold the label tape by applying a vacuum. The clamping element may be, for example, designed as a clamping jaw movable relative to a fixed portion of the connecting element, or as two clamping jaws movable relative to each other. These holding elements provide the operator with simple and reliable label tape fastening.

[0013] In one embodiment, a connecting element is provided that can be independently and movably disposed on the guide.

[0014] The guide can be designed, for example, as a track or a pair of tracks, and each connecting element can be arranged on an independent track or guide. The guide can be designed to completely define the movement path of the respective connecting element. This means that the movement of the connecting element to the ready position is limited only by the shape of the guide. The guide can be specifically designed as a linear guide, or it can include one or more bends or curved sections. By providing such a guide, a reliable and easy-to-operate means for moving connecting elements to the ready position is provided.

[0015] The guide can be configured to secure the connecting element in a ready position and / or a production position. For example, for securing, clips or bolts can be provided that can be connected to the connecting element in the ready position, preventing the connecting element from moving further along the guide. This achieves reliable positioning of the connecting element in the ready position.

[0016] The connecting element can be provided to be manually movable on the guide, or the connecting device includes a drive element for moving the connecting element along the guide.

[0017] The manual design, where the connecting element moves along the guide, reduces the complexity of the connecting device. For example, a servo drive or pneumatic drive can be used as the driving element. This simplifies operability.

[0018] In one embodiment, a connecting element is provided that can be moved to a connecting position, wherein the retaining elements are substantially coincident along the direction of movement.

[0019] The retaining element holds the production label tape and the connecting label tape in the connected position. In this position, the label tape can be joined, for example, by using double-sided tape. Subsequently, optionally, the production label tape can be disconnected upstream of the connection point between the production label tape and the connecting label tape (e.g., upstream of the retaining element), allowing the transport of the label binder to be advanced, wherein the connecting label tape is then used as the production label tape. This enables a reliable connection between the production label tape and the connecting label tape.

[0020] Connecting elements can be provided that can be moved to a production position spaced apart from the preparation position in the direction of movement.

[0021] The production position can be specifically arranged downstream of the preparation position in the conveying or moving direction. This implementation can further improve the accessibility of the retaining element. This avoids or reduces the risk of damaging the label tape as it moves from the preparation position to the production position.

[0022] The connection location can correspond to either the preparation location or the production location.

[0023] It can be provided that, in the ready position, the retaining element of one connecting element is spaced apart from the other connecting element in the direction of movement and optionally laterally to the direction of movement. Therefore, in the ready position, the retaining element protrudes beyond the corresponding other connecting element in the direction of movement, making it easily accessible to the operator. Accessibility can be further improved if the retaining element is optionally also provided at a distance laterally to the conveying direction. The distance can be selected as needed, but can be at least a few centimeters, such as at least 5cm or at least 10cm, allowing the operator to easily attach the connecting tag to the retaining element.

[0024] According to the present invention, a labeling machine for labeling containers is also provided. The labeling machine includes two label tape templates for providing label tape and a conveying device for conveying the label tape along a conveying direction. The labeling machine includes a connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for connecting the label tape of one label tape template to the label tape of the other label tape template downstream of the label tape templates and upstream of the transfer point for labeling the container.

[0025] This labeling machine provides operators with a simple and reliable label tape connection.

[0026] According to the present invention, a method for connecting a label tape to a connecting device is also provided, the connecting device comprising two connecting elements for guiding a production label tape and connecting a label tape, wherein each connecting element includes a retaining element for retaining the label tape on a side facing the corresponding other connecting element, and wherein the two connecting elements are arranged to be movable such that they can move substantially linearly in a direction of movement and are offset from each other in a direction of movement at a ready position for connecting the connecting label tape to the retaining element such that the retaining element is accessible, wherein the method comprises moving the connecting element to the ready position, subsequently fastening the connecting label tape to the retaining element, and subsequently connecting the connecting label tape to the production label tape.

[0027] This method ensures a simple and reliable connection of the tag tape.

[0028] A method can be provided that involves moving the connecting element to the connection position after tightening and before connection, wherein the elements are kept substantially aligned in the direction of movement. Using this implementation, the connection of the label tape can be reliably ensured.

[0029] In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes moving the connecting element to a production position spaced apart from the preparation position in the direction of movement after connection.

[0030] Providing production positions spaced apart from the preparation position in the conveying or movement direction can particularly include production positions where connecting elements are arranged downstream of the preparation position. Therefore, the accessibility of the retaining elements can be further improved.

[0031] The connection location can correspond to either the preparation location or the production location. This reduces the complexity of connecting the label tape.

[0032] The connection device can be a connection device according to one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0033] Therefore, when connecting the tag tape, the advantages of combining the connection device description are realized. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 An implementation of the labeling machine is shown.

[0035] Figures 2 to 4 The different arrangements of the connecting elements at different locations according to the embodiments are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 A labeling machine 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The labeling machine 100 may have a general structure and may include a plurality of components 180 along the transport direction F of the label tape, which are not further specified herein. These devices include, for example, cutting devices capable of separating labels from the label tape and one or more transport devices particularly capable of transporting the separated labels.

[0037] Labeling machines may include further transport equipment (e.g., a turntable with supports for containers) in which containers, such as bottles, cans, tubes, etc., can be transported and labels can be transferred therein.

[0038] In the embodiment shown here, the labeling machine 100 includes two label tape templates 114 and 124 upstream of the label tape conveying direction F. The label tape templates can be, for example, label tape rollers rotatably arranged on supports such that they can unfold along the conveying direction F. Each label tape roller in the label tape template has a finite length and therefore a finite number of labels. Therefore, during operation of the labeling machine 100, it is necessary to replace one label tape roller at regular time intervals, and to be replaced by another. Thus, for example, the label tape roller in the label tape support 124 can be understood as producing label tape, from which labels are conveyed along the conveying direction F during operation of the labeling machine 100 and supplied to other components 180 of the labeling machine. The label tape in the label tape roller or label tape template 114 can be understood as connecting label tape, which will be used as (new) production label tape near the end of the production label tape production. To enable this change in label tape supply from the label tape support 124 to the label tape template 114, it is generally known from the prior art to connect the production label tape to the connecting label tape at a certain point. For this purpose, for example, the beginning of the connecting label tape may be provided with double-sided tape or other adhesive and attached to a portion of the production label tape.

[0039] According to the present invention, a connecting device 101 is provided to achieve this connection of the label tape. According to the present invention, the connecting device includes two connecting elements 110 and 120, which respectively include retaining elements 111 and 121 for holding the label tape. For example, the retaining elements may each include one or more suction cups or suction elements connected to a vacuum pump or similar element to selectively generate a vacuum. With this vacuum, the label tape can be held in the area of ​​the retaining elements.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the retaining element of the corresponding connecting element may also include one or more clamping elements, such as biased clamping fingers biased against the surface of the connecting element, and the label tape can be manually clamped between the clamping fingers by, for example, pulling the retaining fingers away from the surface of the connecting element, pushing the label tape between them, and the fingers being tensioned again in the direction of the connecting element. However, these embodiments are not mandatory, and any other design of the retaining element is conceivable.

[0041] Each connecting element may include one or more deflecting elements 112 and 122 upstream of retaining element 111 or 121 in the conveying direction F, which may be configured as, for example, rollers, and may be configured to deflect the corresponding label tape from label tape template 114 or 124 in the direction of retaining element 111 or 121, respectively.

[0042] According to the invention, the connecting elements are arranged such that they can move linearly along a direction of movement B that is substantially parallel to each other, allowing them to be moved to different positions. Without limiting the generality, and in only one embodiment, the direction of movement B may be provided to coincide with or be parallel to, for example, the transport direction F of the label tape downstream of the connecting device 101. In this case, the movable arrangement of the connecting elements 110 and 120 is designed such that one of the connecting elements can preferably move independently of the corresponding other connecting element, and in particular, according to the invention, it can be moved in such a way that, in the ready position, the label tape can be arranged on the holding element for subsequent attachment, allowing the operator to access the holding element of the connecting element to attach the connecting label tape to the holding element. This means that, in this position, referred to as the ready position, the connecting element can be arranged offset relative to the other connecting element 120, and a new label tape (e.g., the label tape of the label tape template 114) will be attached to its holding element. In this case, the offset is selected along direction B, making the holding element 111 accessible to the operator.

[0043] The movable arrangement of connecting elements 110 and 120 may include, for example, their arrangement on preferably separate guides 113 and 123, such as tracks, along which they can move in direction B. The direction of movement B may be, in particular, straight or substantially straight, and may include, for example, one or more at least partially curved portions. However, according to the invention, the movable arrangement of the connecting elements is at least an arrangement that does not include supports for the connecting elements to rotate about a rotation axis.

[0044] Guides 113 and 123 can be configured, for example, in such a way that they have curvature such that the connecting element brought to the ready position is spaced apart not only from another connecting element in the direction of movement B, but also in a direction transverse to the direction of movement, as will be the case in the connecting position and production position described below.

[0045] The movement of the connecting element along guides 113 or 123 can occur manually, for example, by an operator releasing the retaining element (not shown here) of the corresponding connecting element, moving the connecting element to the desired position, and then, for example, re-tightening the connecting element. This avoids accidental movement of the connecting element. Optionally, a drive element 115 or 125 may also be provided associated with each connecting element, which enables the movement of the corresponding connecting element along the guide. The drive element 115 or 125 may be, for example, a motor, particularly a servo drive, an actuation drive, or another electric motor. Optionally, the drive element may also be designed as a pneumatic element. While it may be advantageous in principle to provide a separate drive element for each connecting element, it is also possible to provide only one common drive element, which can, for example, enable the movement of only one connecting element through appropriate control commands and / or suitable mechanical couplings, to move it, for example, to a ready position.

[0046] While it is theoretically possible to move the connecting element, to which the label tape is attached, to that ready position, according to the invention, it is also possible to keep the connecting element in its position, and only when another connecting element moves to a position accessible to the retaining element of the first connecting element to which the label tape is attached. In this respect, the only important factor is the relative mobility of the connecting elements, selected in such a way that, in the ready position, the connecting element to be attached to the label tape is accessible, and in particular, the retaining element of that connecting element is accessible.

[0047] However, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, a ready position is provided such that the connecting element to be connected to the connecting label tape is moved along guide 113 to the corresponding ready position. Each connecting element can be secured in the ready position by suitable fixing elements. Fixing elements 114 and 124 can be, for example, clamps. If, in order to reach the ready position, instead of moving the connecting element to be connected to the connecting label tape, another connecting element is moved, then the fixing element of the other connecting element (here, for example, fixing element 124) can be offset along guide 113 in the direction of movement B, as indicated by the arrow.

[0048] Although not shown here, corresponding fixing elements can also be provided for other locations occupied by connecting elements, such as connection positions and production positions, such as when combining... Figures 2 to 4 The corresponding fixing elements can be designed similarly to the described fixing elements 114 and 124, and such that the corresponding connecting elements can be fixed in the corresponding positions as independently as possible from any movement of the other connecting element.

[0049] Figures 2 to 4 The diagram illustrates the positioning and movement of the connecting elements at different stages of the label attaching process. Figures 2 to 4 The implementation method can be combined with Figure 1 All the described implementation methods are combined.

[0050] This is for illustrative purposes only; in order to attach the connection tag to the corresponding connection element, the connection element is brought to the ready position. However, as already referenced... Figure 1 Alternatively, instead of connecting the tag tape to the connecting element, another connecting element may be moved to a position that makes the retaining element to which the tag tape will be connected accessible.

[0051] Figure 2 The connecting device 201 is shown, in which the connecting element 210 is brought to a ready position. It can be seen that the connecting element 210 is spaced apart by a distance A from the connecting element 220 around which the production label tape is wrapped in the direction of movement B. In this case, this distance is measured from the rear side of the connecting element 220 to the rear side of the connecting element 210, but it can also be measured in any other way.

[0052] Preferably, at least the retaining element 211 has a distance D from the connecting element 220 in the direction of movement B. In the prepared position shown here, the connecting element 210 may be spaced apart from the connecting element 220, such that at least the retaining element 211 has a distance D, i.e., the shortest distance in the direction of movement B, from a portion of the connecting element 220, but a portion of the connecting element 210 overlaps with another connecting element in direction B. This distance D ensures the accessibility of the retaining element, allowing the connecting label tape 214 to be attached to and held by the retaining element 211 of the connecting element 210. The distance D can be selected substantially as needed, but may be, for example, a few centimeters, such as up to or at least 5 cm or up to or at least 10 cm, to ensure that the operator can also attach the connecting label tape 214 to the retaining element 211 by producing the label tape 224.

[0053] Figure 3 A view of the connecting device 301 is shown, in which connecting elements 310 and 320 have been moved to the connecting position. In the embodiment shown here, for this purpose, Figure 2 The connecting element 220 moves in the direction of movement B (or opposite to it) in the direction of the connecting element 310, and, without limitation, moves in direction B to the same position where the connecting element 310 is also arranged. If the connecting element does not move out of its ready position, the connection position of the connecting elements 310 and 320 corresponds to the position of the connecting element 310. Figure 2 The ready positions of the connecting elements 210 coincide. In the connecting position, the holding elements of the connecting elements can preferably coincide in direction B, that is, there is no distance between them in direction B.

[0054] However, as an alternative, the connection position of the connecting label tape 314 to the production label tape 324 may differ from the preparation position. Therefore, for example, a connecting element 310, replacing the connecting element 320, may be provided and moved from the preparation position 210 to the connection position. Thus, for example, the connection position may also coincide with the production position, in which, for example, Figure 2 The connecting element 220 can be held therein, or the connecting position can be arranged in the direction of movement B between the preparation position and the production position. In the connecting position, the connecting label tape and the production label tape are now connected to each other, for example, the end of the connecting label tape can be equipped with an adhesive, such as double-sided tape, which contacts the production label tape in the area of ​​the holding element.

[0055] Then, at the connection position, the previously produced label tape can be separated upstream of the holding element in the label tape conveying direction. In this way, the previously produced label tape is separated, and the label tape formed in this way consists at least partially of the end of the produced label tape and the end of the connecting label tape connected thereto.

[0056] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, connecting elements 410 and 420 (or at least the connecting element that conveys the new production label tape) can now be moved from the connecting position to their production position, where the conveying of the production label tape (now label tape 414) continues. Connecting element 410 then conveys the production label tape along the conveying direction, while connecting element 420 initially no longer performs any further function. The label roller or the associated label tape associated with connecting element 420 can then be replaced for subsequent label tape replacements. In the subsequent replacement, the production label tape is label tape 414, and the new connecting label tape, shown here on the right or via connecting element 420, is available and can be connected to the production label tape 414 according to the embodiments described so far.

Claims

1. A connecting apparatus for connecting a label web, the connecting apparatus comprising two connecting elements for guiding a production label web and connecting a label web, respectively, wherein, Each connecting element includes a retaining element for holding the tag tape on a side facing the corresponding other connecting element, and wherein the two connecting elements are arranged to be movable such that they can move substantially linearly relative to each other in the direction of movement, and are offset from each other in a ready position for attaching the connecting tag tape to the retaining element, such that the retaining element is accessible.

2. The connection device of claim 1, wherein, The retaining element includes a suction element and / or a clamping element for retaining the label tape.

3. The connection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The connecting element can be independently and movably mounted on the guide.

4. The connection device of claim 3, wherein, The guide is configured to secure the connecting element in the preparation position and / or the production position.

5. The connection device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein The connecting element can be manually moved on the guide, or the connecting device includes a drive element for moving the connecting element along the guide.

6. The connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The connecting element is movable to a connecting position, wherein the retaining element is substantially coincident along the direction of movement.

7. The connection device according to claim 6, wherein, The connecting element can be moved to a production position spaced apart from the preparation position in the direction of movement.

8. The connection device according to claim 7, wherein, The connection location corresponds to the preparation location or the production location.

9. The connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, In the prepared position, the retaining element of one connecting element is spaced apart from the other connecting element in the direction of movement and optionally laterally in the direction of movement.

10. A labeling machine for labeling containers, the labeling machine comprising two label strip templates for providing label strips and a conveying device for conveying the label strips along a conveying direction, wherein, Downstream of the label tape template and upstream of the transfer point for labeling the container, the labeling machine includes a connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for connecting the label tape of one label tape template to the label tape of another label tape template.

11. A method for connecting label tape to a connecting device, the connecting device comprising two connecting elements for guiding the production of label tape and connecting the label tape, respectively, wherein, Each connecting element includes a retaining element for holding the label tape on a side facing the corresponding other connecting element, and wherein the two connecting elements are arranged to be movable such that they can move substantially linearly in the direction of movement, and are offset from each other in the direction of movement at a ready position for attaching the connecting label tape to the retaining element, such that the retaining element is accessible, wherein the method includes moving the connecting element to the ready position, subsequently fastening the connecting label tape to the retaining element, and subsequently attaching the connecting label tape to the production label tape.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The method includes moving the connecting element to a connection position after the fastening and before the connection, wherein the retaining elements are substantially coincident in the direction of movement.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The method includes moving the connecting element to a production position spaced apart from the preparation position in the direction of movement after the connection.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The connection location corresponds to the preparation location or the production location.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The connection device is the connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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