Labeling system and verification device

Abstract

Labeling system (E) for bottles, optionally with a fixed or dockable loading device (1), with at least one holding device (3a) for at least one label supply (V), from which labels (S) are fed to an inlet (29) of the labeling system (E), wherein the labeling system (E) can be selectively equipped for labels (S) of different specifications, wherein the respective label supply (V) is provided with at least one RFID tag (T) with at least stored label identification (38), wherein at least one RFID reader (L) aligned or alignable with the RFID tag (T) is provided for automatically verifying the correct label specification based on at least one readout of the label specification stored in the RFID tag (T), and wherein the labeling system (E) comprises a controller (30),which contains information about the bottles and receives or awaits the result of the verification of the respective label stock (V) in order to determine, on the one hand, which specification the labels (S) provided for processing have and, on the other hand, that the labels (S) immediately to be processed have the correct specification for the bottles to be labelled.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a labeling system.

[0002] Since labels are applied to containers fully automatically in labeling machines, an operator is highly unlikely to be able to visually monitor the labeling process. Especially with labeling machines that are frequently set up for different products, each requiring different labels, there is a constant risk that, by mistake or negligence, a supply of labels will be prepared for processing whose specifications do not match the current setup of the labeling machine. This could potentially affect production from the entire label supply, possibly several thousand units, resulting in the entire production run having to be scrapped.

[0003] To increase operational reliability, it has already been proposed to verify the EAN barcodes provided by the label manufacturer on the label stocks by scanning them with a handheld scanner at the labeling machine and confirming their correct specification. This confirmation can be done manually or by multiple scans. Regardless, both methods are prone to errors, time-consuming, and dependent on operator diligence.

[0004] In general, in container handling machines that continuously process items such as labels, closures, or similar components supplied to a separate supply, operational reliability depends on the diligence of the operators who prepare the supply for processing. Therefore, such container handling machines require a device that easily eliminates the impact of human error on operational reliability.

[0005] RFID technology has become established and proven its worth in shops, wholesale chains, freight terminals, and similar facilities, enabling simple and reliable management of logistical challenges in the flow of goods. RFID tags attached to goods or packages are read using handheld readers or stationary readers positioned along the goods flow, allowing the collected data to be processed accordingly. Each RFID tag contains at least one transponder with a memory that stores identification information. The transponder either has its own power source and transmits the information automatically via electromagnetic waves, or it is passive and is activated by the reader's electromagnetic waves to transmit the identification code, which the reader then reads and processes.There can be a distance between the RFID tag and the reader, and readings are possible even during movement. Typically, the transponder's memory is read-only. However, there are also readable and overwritable versions, allowing a suitable reader or overwriter to renew or update the transponder information. Essentially, RFID technology is used to track and monitor the movement of goods, their routes, actual inventory levels, and for control purposes.

[0006] From JP 2000-2 81 268 A, a label dispenser is known, comprising a holding device for a label supply from which labels can be fed to an inlet of a labeling system that can be equipped with labels of different specifications. The respective label supply is equipped with an RFID tag containing a stored label identification. Furthermore, an RFID reader aligned with the RFID tag is provided for automatically verifying the correct label specification by reading the label specification stored in the RFID tag.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a labeling system of the type mentioned above in which the probability of using incorrect labels for the products to be labelled can be reduced to a minimum, and generally providing a device for container handling machines that eliminates the influence of human error.

[0008] The problem is solved using the features of claim 1.

[0009] By using RFID technology modified for the labeling system, it is not only reliably determined which specification the labels provided for processing have, but above all, that the labels immediately ready for processing have the correct specification for the products to be labeled, which are bottles. This is done fully automatically, without interference from potentially inaccurate operators, as the control system, which is informed about the products, receives or waits for the result of the verification of each batch. Since the labels from the batch are only fed into the inlet of the labeling system after the correct label identification matching the products has been verified, the probability of processing incorrect labels is reduced to virtually zero.In other words, a closed RFID detection and verification loop is used, connecting the supplied label stock, assigned to the inlet of the labeling system, and the products processed in the labeling system. Production is then either operator-guided or automatically released only when the supply of incorrect labels can be reliably ruled out. The label information can include specific data on the label specifications in the label stock, or optionally, the number of the EAN barcode (usually already provided) corresponding to the correct specification. Ideally, the label stock is already equipped or programmed with the described RFID tag (at least one) at the label manufacturer. Alternatively, RFID tags with corresponding label identifications could be kept at the processor's site and attached or encoded onto the label stocks upon delivery.The various labels to be processed can include, for example, self-adhesive labels, sleeve labels or wraparound labels.

[0010] The device, generally utilizing RFID technology for container handling machines, is an elegant addition to increase operational safety, where container-dependent objects are processed from a provided supply of objects.

[0011] In a suitable embodiment of the labeling system, the RFID reader is adjustable to the current configuration of the labeling system, i.e., to the label identifications that correctly match the products being processed, so that the reader only verifies the correct label identifications, and if an incorrect label identification is read, either interrupts the operating routine, blocks a release signal, or generates an error signal.

[0012] In another advantageous embodiment, the labeling system, preferably in conjunction with the RFID reader and preferably linked to the labeling system's control unit which is informed about the products to be processed, includes an evaluation unit for the label identifications read by the reader. This evaluation unit takes into account the current configuration of the labeling system. It allows for convenient verification of the correct label identification and / or the generation of an error signal if an incorrect label identification has been read.

[0013] The RFID tag is essentially an adhesive label or a tag with an integrated transponder and memory. The adhesive label can be permanently attached to a suitable location within the label supply. A tag can also be attached in such a way that it cannot be detached from the label supply during transport or other rough handling.

[0014] The RFID tag transponder can be actively equipped with its own power source to transmit the stored identification permanently, cyclically or at the request of the RFID reader, or it can be a passive transponder that uses the energy transmitted by the electromagnetic waves from the reader to transmit the identification itself.

[0015] If the labeling system only verifies the correct label identification, a read-only memory in the RFID tag is sufficient. However, if it is intended to modify, overwrite, or update the label information, a read-and-write memory in the RFID tag is advisable. The latter is particularly advantageous if the RFID technology is to be used in the labeling system for an additional purpose, for example, to store the remaining supply of labels in the RFID tag if the entire supply was not used up during a particular operating phase. This additional information is important for later operating phases to create accurate operating records, adjust the appropriate feed rate, and so on.

[0016] Furthermore, RFID technology, specifically tailored to a labeling system, offers a tool for permanently and reliably recording the consumption and type of labels needed for logistical reasons or usable for logistical purposes (inventory replenishment, product utilization records, reorders, etc.).

[0017] In a suitable embodiment, in which the labeling system consumes the labels from a label supply in the form of a roll, it is advantageous to attach at least one RFID tag to or in the roll or to or in a commonly provided winding core of the roll, e.g. glued, inserted or plugged in.

[0018] The RFID reader or reading device can be positioned on, in, or near a holding mandrel or plate for the label roll, either movable or stationary. Placing the RFID reader near the RFID tag may prevent misreadings of other RFID tags located nearby.

[0019] To prevent misreadings from other RFID tags, it can also be useful to equip the RFID reader or reading device with a shield that is aligned with or adjustable to the position of the label supply to be identified. Alternatively, an RFID reader can be assigned to each label supply, or an RFID reader can be moved between the positions of several label supplies. The latter can be useful if several label supplies are located in close proximity.

[0020] In a suitable embodiment, the RFID reader is equipped with or connected to an input / display section. Target data can be entered into this section, which could also be located at the control unit of the labeling system, and the verification can be visually checked. Optionally, however, the section can communicate with the control unit of the labeling system in such a way that the verification is carried out automatically.

[0021] If RFID technology is used in the labeling system for the additional purpose of recording consumption, it is advisable for the RFID reader, which is designed for reading and overwriting, to be in data transmission communication with a label consumption or remaining stock measurement section of the labeling system and to be configured to overwrite the readable and overwritable RFID tag memory with the consumption-dependent remaining stock. Once a production run has been completed and the labeling system is shut down, the remaining stock is automatically written to the RFID tag's memory, so that the exact remaining stock level can be taken into account when processing the remaining stock again.

[0022] The reader is particularly useful because it is linked to the labeling system's control unit in such a way that, at least before or during the labeling system's start-up, the label identification of the specific label supply from which labels are currently being fed into the system's inlet can be read and verified. If additional label supplies are kept on hand to ensure continuous operation, their label identifications can also be verified before the system starts, or before each splicing operation. This ensures that the labels provided for feeding into the labeling system's inlet are indeed the correct ones and that a supply is not being verified that is not yet in use.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment, particularly a labeling system with a loading device that simultaneously holds several label supplies, the RFID reader or reading device is a mobile assembly that communicates with the labeling system's control unit via cable or wirelessly. This assembly is moved to the various label supplies to verify their label identifications. The labeling system's control unit can incorporate a routine that only issues a release signal for operation if some or all of the label supplies have been previously examined for correct label identification and the examination confirms correct label specifications.

[0024] The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a labeling system, Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of part of a labeling system with an RFID verification system, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a specific loading device of a labeling system, and Fig. 4 a side view of the assembly device of Fig. 3.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a labeling system E for applying labels S to containers F, e.g., bottles. The labeling system E has a fixed or dockable loading device 1 in which at least one supply of labels V, here in the form of a label roll 13, is inserted and held ready for immediate processing. The labels S, which are stuck together from the label supply V, are fed, for example, by a transport and / or splicing device 5, 8 to an inlet 29 of the labeling system E. A splicing device is provided if several supplies of identical labels are provided in the loading device 1 and it is necessary to switch to another supply of labels V shortly before the end of the current supply in order to enable continuous labeling.

[0026] The label supply V is, for example, in roll 13 equipped with a winding core 28, e.g. made of cardboard or plastic, which is placed on a holding device 3a, for example a holding mandrel.

[0027] Instead of a roll 13 as a label supply V, a magazine with interconnected, zigzag-folded labels, a stack of labels or another type of supply with several labels S could also be kept available.

[0028] The labeling system E has a preferably computerized control system 30, and optionally a consumption and / or remaining stock measuring device 31 for labels S.

[0029] To verify the correct label type (the correct label specification) for setting up the labeling system E on the containers F to be labeled, an RFID device is provided. This device verifies that the correct label type is indeed being fed into the inlet 29. The RFID device comprises at least one RFID tag T on the label supply V and at least one RFID reader L at a position corresponding to the position of the label supply V provided for processing. The RFID reader (or a reading device) has a device section 32 with optionally an input / display section 33, e.g., a touchscreen or a display, and, preferably, an evaluation or verification section 34. The device section can be connected to the controller 30.

[0030] An RFID reader L can be positioned at each location designated for providing a supply of labels V. Alternatively, an RFID reader could be moved between the various locations for providing label supplies V as a mobile unit.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the placement of at least one RFID tag T and the RFID reader L in a detailed diagram based on the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Assembly device 1. The RFID tag T is, for example, arranged inside the winding core 28 (in the form of an adhesive label or a tag) and contains a transponder (not shown in detail) and a memory. The transponder can be active (i.e., with its own power source) or passive, in which case it responds to a read operation by the RFID reader L and transmits the stored information, which is then received and evaluated by the RFID reader L. The RFID reader is, for example, located on the holding device 3a, i.e., the mandrel, at the point where the winding core 28 is positioned when the label roll 13 is attached. The mandrel of the holding device 3a can be arranged on a plate 35, which is rotated by a motor to unwind the roll 13.

[0032] The information stored in the memory of the RFID tag T is symbolically indicated at 33. This can be information 36 describing the label, information 38 indicating the type of label, and, preferably in an alternative embodiment, a remaining stock indication 37.

[0033] If only the information stored in the transponder's memory is read and used, and no overwriting or updating of the stored information is performed, the transponder's memory can be read-only. However, if it is intended to also keep the remaining quantity or stock of labels V updated in the memory, it can be read-only and overwritable.

[0034] Accordingly, the RFID reader L is configured only as a reading reader or as a reading and overwriting reader L.

[0035] The RFID reader L could also be placed only at the location where the label supply V is provided, since it has a certain range by means of a directed reading beam and is able to read the memory from a distance, provided there are no shielding metal parts in between.

[0036] In another alternative, the stored information 33 is, for example, a number that corresponds to an EAN barcode, which is attached to the label supplier's label stock and contains the label specification, and is also used by the label supplier's processor for logistical reasons.

[0037] An important point is that the verification of the correct label specification must be carried out at least on the label supply V, which is kept ready in such a way that the labels S are fed directly from it into the inlet 29 of the labeling machine E as soon as operation has commenced. In other words, it is not sufficient to merely determine whether a label supply V with the correct label specification is present at the labeling machine E and / or the loading device 1, as this would not guarantee that the labels S are actually fed from this verified label supply V into the inlet 29 during operation.

[0038] For example, the RFID reader can be configured for the selected setup (the products to be labeled) of the labeling system E. In another embodiment, the RFID reader L can read various pieces of information and verify the correct label specification via the evaluation section 34 by linking the evaluation section 34 with, for example, the control unit 30 of the labeling system E in such a way that it receives the required label specification.

[0039] Furthermore, the RFID reader can continuously receive information on the consumption or remaining stock of the currently used label storage supply V in order to overwrite the remaining stock in the memory of the RFID tag T of this label supply V in the event of an operational stop and before the new setup of the labeling system E.

[0040] The RFID tag T is either attached and / or encoded at the manufacturer of the label stocks V, or at the labeler.

[0041] In this configuration, the RFID device is generally suitable for container handling machines that continuously process container-dependent objects from larger and supplied stocks, e.g. closures, corks, crown caps, advertising inserts, and the like.

[0042] The loading device 1 of the labeling system E of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 has several holding devices 15, each with a holding mandrel 3a for a label roll 13 in which a label strip 14a is wound. As the label strip 14a unwinds, it is guided through sections A, B, and C, with the holding mandrel 3a being driven by a servo motor. A transport device 5 with a traction roller 5a serves to convey a second label strip 14 from another label roll. The transport device 5 is, for example, arranged at a splicing unit 8.

[0043] The splicing unit 8 can be configured as a cutting / gluing unit and is moved in the direction R1 by a linear system 26. A linear drive 27 moves a carriage of the splicing unit 8. A fixing device 4 is provided at each holding device, each with a deflection roller 4a and a suction bar 4b. A detection device 4c serves to identify the respective beginning or end of the roller. Fig. 3 the second label strip 14 is just connected to the end of the first label strip 14a.

[0044] A cutting device 16 is used to cut the respective label strip. The cutting device 16 can be moved along a rail 11 in the direction R1, and a deflection roller 18 is also provided for the second label strip 14.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a retaining mandrel 3a, which is driven by the servo motor 23 and a belt 6. Alternatively, a direct drive could be used here. Three deflection rollers 20, 21, 22 form an intermediate storage unit. A detection device 17 for determining the remaining stock level is arranged on the deflection roller 21. This occupancy state (remaining stock) of the label roll 13 is detected by the detection device 17 in a direction of movement R2, for example, optically by means of line markings on a linkage 25 or a spring 24, or by means of distance sensors. The determined occupancy state can be used to control the speed of the servo motor 23.

[0046] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows at least one RFID tag T on the winding core 28 of the label roll 13 and the RFID reader L on or in the area of ​​the retaining mandrel 3a. The RFID reader is, as shown, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 explained, part of the RFID verification device of the in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 labeling systems not shown. The RFID system operates using electromagnetic waves or radio frequencies (radio frequency identification) in an industrially suitable frequency range.

Claims

[1] Labeling system (E) for bottles, optionally with a fixed or dockable loading device (1), with at least one holding device (3a) for at least one label supply (V) from which labels (S) are fed to an inlet (29) of the labeling system (E), wherein the labeling system (E) can optionally be equipped with labels (S) of different specifications, wherein the respective label supply (V) is provided with at least one RFID tag (T) with at least one stored label identification (38), wherein at least one RFID reader (L) aligned or alignable to the RFID tag (T) is provided for automatically verifying the correct label specification by means of at least one readout of the label specification stored in the RFID tag (T), and wherein the labeling system (E) comprises a control unit (30),which contains information about the bottles and receives or awaits the result of the verification of the respective label supply (V) in order to determine, firstly, what specification the labels (S) provided for processing have, and secondly, that the labels (S) immediately coming for processing have the correct specification for the bottles to be labeled. [2] Labeling system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the RFID reader (L) is adjustable to the current configuration of the labeling system (E) for specific bottles with regard to a label identification to be verified as correct. [3] Labeling system according to claim 1, characterized by, that, in conjunction with the RFID reader (L), preferably linked with the control (30) of the labeling system (E), an evaluation unit (34) is provided which takes into account the current setup of the labeling system (E) on certain bottles with regard to the correct label specification for a label identification read by the reader (L). [4] Labeling system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the RFID tag (T) is an adhesive label or a tag with an integrated transponder and memory. [5] Labeling system according to claim 4, characterized by that the transponder is an active transponder with its own power source or a passive transponder that can be activated by the reading process of the reader (L). [6] Labeling system according to claim 1, characterized by, that the RFID tag memory is a read-only memory or a read-only and overwritable memory of the RFID readers (L) designed for reading only or for reading and overwriting the tag memory. [7] Labeling system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in a label supply (V) in the form of a label roll (13) at least one RFID tag (T) is attached in or on the roll or in or on a winding core (28) of the roll. [8] Labeling system according to claim 7, characterized by , that the RFID reader (L) is arranged movably or stationary on, in or near a holding mandrel (3a) or plate (35) for the label roll (13), preferably in a loading device (1) of the labeling system (E). [9] Labeling system according to claim 1, characterized by, that the RFID reader (L) is assigned a shield (39) aligned with or adjustable to the position of the label supply (V) to prevent simultaneous reading of other RFID tags (T). [10] Labeling system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the RFID reader (L) is connected to or integrated into an input / display section (32, 33). [11] Labeling system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the RFID reader (L) designed to read and overwrite the tag memory is connected to and designed to overwrite the readable and overwritable tag memory with the remaining supply depending on consumption when the labeling system is stopped. [12] Labeling system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the RFID reader (L) is linked to the control (30) of the labeling system in such a way that at least before or at the start of operation a reading and automatic verification of a label identification that is correctly suitable for setting up the labeling system (E) of the available supply of labels (V) can be initiated, from which labels (S) can currently be supplied to the inlet (29). [13] Labeling system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the RFID reader (L), in particular for a labeling system (E) with a loading device (1) which simultaneously holds several label supplies (V), is integrated into a mobile assembly which communicates with the control (30) of the labeling system (E) preferably via cable or wirelessly.

Images