Device for cutting labels

Abstract

Device for cutting labels, in particular wraparound labels or sleeve labels, the device comprising a support surface for placing labels to be cut on it and a cutting blade arrangement for cutting labels on the support surface, the cutting blade arrangement comprising a transverse blade for cutting a first label edge and at least one first oblique blade for cutting a second label edge running obliquely to the first label edge, wherein a cutting blade plane of the transverse blade and a cutting blade plane of the first oblique blade enclose a first angle with each other and wherein the first oblique blade is movably arranged relative to the transverse blade.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for cutting labels, in particular wrap-around labels or sleeve labels according to claim 1. State of the art

[0002] To ensure that labels, especially wraparound labels or sleeve labels, from successively transported label rolls can be reliably joined together, it is necessary to position a precise cutting edge on one label, particularly the first label of a second label roll that follows the last label of the preceding label roll. The label should then be cut at least once at an angle to this cutting edge, creating a flap. The preceding label can then be inserted into this flap, allowing the ends of the label rolls to be glued together.

[0003] Cutting the label end to form the flap was previously done manually, which places high demands on the operator's accuracy.

[0004] Alternatively, EP 3 431 269 A2 describes format parts that enable complete cutting of the label edge including tabs.

[0005] While this reduces the demands on the operator's work, it creates the difficulty of having to change format parts for different labels and especially label formats, which results in considerable changeover times. Task

[0006] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to specify a device for cutting labels, in particular wrap-around labels or sleeve labels, with which it is possible to cut labels of different sizes or formats with reduced changeover effort. Solution

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by the device for cutting labels, in particular wraparound labels or sleeve labels, according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The device according to the invention for cutting labels, in particular wraparound labels or sleeve labels, comprises a support surface for placing labels to be cut on it and a cutting blade arrangement for cutting labels on the support surface, the cutting blade arrangement comprising a transverse blade for cutting a first label edge and at least one first oblique blade for cutting a second label edge running obliquely to the first label edge, wherein a cutting blade plane of the transverse blade and a cutting blade plane of the first oblique blade enclose a first angle with each other and wherein the first oblique blade is movably arranged relative to the transverse blade.

[0009] The fact that the first inclined blade is movably arranged relative to the transverse blade includes adjusting the angle between the transverse blade and the first inclined blade (or between their cutting blade planes) and / or a translational movement of the first inclined blade relative to, in particular along, the cutting blade plane of the transverse blade. According to the invention, at least one of these movements is implemented in the device: either a movement of the first inclined blade relative to the transverse blade to adjust the angle between these two blades, or a translational movement of the first inclined blade relative to the transverse blade.

[0010] This enables the device to be adapted to different requirements for cutting labels, in particular for forming flaps for a wraparound label or sleeve label without changing format parts and thus with less maintenance effort.

[0011] The cutting knife arrangement may include a second slant knife spaced apart from the first slant knife for cutting a third label edge running obliquely to the label edge, wherein a cutting knife plane of the second slant knife and the cutting knife plane of the cross knife enclose a second angle with each other.

[0012] This embodiment allows for the creation of two tabs at opposite ends of the label cut by the cross-blade (viewed in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the labels or along the cutting plane of the cross-blade), which particularly simplifies the application of the label in the case of wraparound or sleeve labels, thus facilitating the connection with a preceding label. At the same time, the exchange of format parts is eliminated, reducing changeover time.

[0013] In particular, it can be provided that the first angle α and the second angle β = 180° - α. In this embodiment, the angled blades form complementary angles with the transverse blade, so that the tabs on opposite ends of the label are identical. This allows for easy joining of labels.

[0014] The device may include an angle adjustment mechanism for setting the first angle and / or the second angle. Preferably, the angle adjustment mechanism can be used to set the first and second angles simultaneously, ensuring they are always the same. This also reduces the changeover effort when switching from one label type to another.

[0015] In one embodiment, the device includes a distance adjustment device for setting the distance between the first and second angled blades. This embodiment allows the device to be converted for cutting labels of different widths with reduced changeover effort.

[0016] In particular, the distance adjustment device may include a distance measuring element for measuring the distance between the first and second angled cutters. This embodiment makes it easier for the operator to adjust the device, enabling the reliable cutting of labels of varying widths. The distance measuring element may, for example, be designed as a ruler.

[0017] The position of the first angled knife along the cross knife can be fixed, and the second angled knife can be moved by the distance adjusting device.

[0018] If a stop is provided that defines the position of the label relative to the first angled knife, this embodiment allows for reliable and simple adjustment of the device to labels of different widths.

[0019] The device may include a stop for a label to position the label with a long edge that runs perpendicular to the first label edge. This stop ensures reliable alignment of the label to form the label edges.

[0020] The device can include a lowering device, wherein the cutting blade device is connected to the lowering device and the cutting blade device can be moved towards the support surface to cut a label by moving the lowering device. This embodiment simplifies the insertion of the labels for an operator.

[0021] The device may include a fixing element for securing a label to the support surface. This embodiment increases the accuracy when cutting the labels. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 shows a cut-out label in conjunction with another label, Fig. 2 shows a top view of a device for cutting labels according to one embodiment, Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a device accordingly Fig. 1 with a lowering device. Detailed description

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows two labels, 130 and 140, which are joined together. Labels 130 and 140 can be the last (label 140) and the first (label 130) label of consecutive label tapes or rolls. These must be aligned and joined together so that, for example, feeding a continuous label tape to a labeling device for labeling containers such as cans, bottles, or the like is possible even when changing from one label roll to another, without any downtime during roll changes.

[0023] Labeling machines and machines necessary for providing label rolls are generally known from the prior art and are not described further here.

[0024] When wraparound labels or sleeve labels are joined together in this way, a subsequent label is usually completely folded around the preceding label or the corresponding label end, so that it completely encloses the preceding label in the circumferential direction. For this to happen, at least on the label that is to enclose the preceding label, a first label edge 131 is formed, which runs essentially transversely to the transport direction T of the label tape, and additionally, tabs are incorporated into the end of the label (here designated 132 and 133) to allow the label 130 to be opened or unfolded so that the preceding label can be received into it.

[0025] It can also be provided that the leading label 130 is equipped at its end facing the label 140 with a corresponding label edge 140 and tabs, so that the insertion or relative alignment of the labels for joining is made easier. The leading label or the trailing label is provided with adhesive material 141 on at least one surface facing the other label, so that the label ends can be joined together. Once the label ends are joined, the leading label roll and the trailing label roll form a substantially continuous label tape, which can then, for example, be continuously fed to a labeling device.

[0026] Common labeling devices are suitable for processing labels of different formats, especially those with different widths B, perpendicular to the transport direction. If a change in label format is required, the position of the tabs 132 and 133 to be formed must also be changed. For example, it may be necessary to adjust the angle of the label edges 132 and / or 133 relative to the first label edge 131, or to adjust the distance between the label edges 132 and 133 and thus the length of the remaining first label edge.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a device 100 for cutting labels 130, in particular wraparound labels and / or sleeve labels. The device is preferably designed to receive a label 130 and to cut a first label edge transversely to the desired transport direction T (for example, in the direction of a label tape connection direction 190) and at least one second label edge beveled relative to the first label edge (for example, the label edge 132 or 133).

[0028] The device 100 can be provided between the label joining device 190 already described and a label feeder 180, in which labels 130 can be held, for example, on a roll, so that before joining a leading label roll and a trailing label roll in the transport direction T with the device 100, the label end of the following label roll and in particular the first label of the following label roll can be cut off.

[0029] In this sense, the invention is not limited to the device 100 for cutting labels, but also includes a label supply device for feeding labels to a labeling machine with a device 100 according to the invention as well as a label feeder 180 and a label joining device 190, wherein the device 100 is arranged between the label feeder 180 and the label joining device 190 in the transport direction T.

[0030] The device 100 according to the invention can comprise a frame or frame structure 150 on which the components of the device described below can be rigidly arranged. The frame 150 can preferably be made of stainless steel or have an outer coating of stainless steel, so that it is particularly resistant to disinfectants and / or adhesives used, for example, for joining the label strips.

[0031] The device 100 comprises a support surface 101 on which a label 130 to be cut can be placed. The support surface 101 is preferably also made of stainless steel or comprises a stainless steel surface that comes into contact with the label 130 and can have a width L transverse to the transport direction T, which is at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the maximum width B of the labels to be cut with the device 100, so that the labels 130 to be cut can lie completely on the support surface. The support surface is preferably flat and has no curvature.

[0032] In the transport direction T, the support surface 101 can preferably extend over a length longer than the length of the labels to be cut, in order to provide a sufficiently large support area to prevent the labels from slipping. Furthermore, the support surface 101 can extend in the transport direction T beyond the cutting blade arrangement, which will be described later, so that the label 130 rests as completely as possible on the support surface 101, even beyond the area where it is being cut.

[0033] The device 100 further comprises a cutting knife arrangement 110 with which the label can be cut to cut a first label edge, which preferably runs transversely to the transport direction T, and a second label edge which runs obliquely to the first label edge.

[0034] According to the invention, the cutting blade arrangement 110 comprises, for this purpose, a transverse blade 102, the cutting surface of which defines a first cutting blade plane E1. This first cutting blade plane E1 is preferably perpendicular to the support surface 130. Furthermore, the cutting blade arrangement 110 comprises at least one first inclined blade 103, the cutting blade plane E2 of which preferably also rests perpendicularly on the support surface 101. The first inclined blade 103, or the cutting blade plane E2, is arranged such that it forms an angle α with the first cutting blade plane E1, wherein α is less than 180° and preferably greater than 90°. The angle α is measured in the mathematically positive direction of rotation from the cutting blade plane E2 to the cutting blade plane E1.

[0035] Optionally, the cutting knife arrangement 110 can also include a second angled knife 104 with an associated cutting knife plane E3, preferably perpendicular to the support surface 101. This angled knife or cutting knife plane E3 preferably forms an angle β with the cutting knife plane E1, which is less than 180° and is measured in a mathematically positive direction between the cutting knife plane E3 and the cutting knife plane E1. While the angles α and β can, in principle, be independent of each other, it may be preferred if they are selected such that the tabs cut by the angled knives in the label 130 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a mirror axis along the transport direction, so that β preferably = 180° - α.

[0036] According to the invention, at least one of the inclined knives 103 and 104 is movably arranged with respect to the first cutting knife plane E1 or the first cutting knife 102. This can include an adjustable angle α or β and / or a movable arrangement of the respective inclined knife 103 or 104 relative to the transverse knife 102 along the double-arrow direction shown, so that the intersection point between the cutting knife planes E1 and E2 or E1 and E3 can be changed. It can also be provided that both the angle of the inclined knives 103 and 104 relative to the transverse knife and the position of the inclined knives 102 and / or 103 transverse to the transport direction T are adjustable.

[0037] For this purpose, at least one or both of the inclined knives, which are movably arranged with respect to the transverse knife 102, can be assigned a distance-adjusting device 151, 152 for setting a distance between the first inclined knife and the second inclined knife, and / or an angle-adjusting device 151, 152 for setting the first angle and / or the second angle α or β. Both devices are shown schematically with elements 151 for the first inclined knife 103 and 152 for the second inclined knife 104. The distance-adjusting device can, for example, be designed such that the respective inclined knife is movably mounted along a guide transverse to the transport direction and in a direction parallel to the cutting knife plane E1, and can be fixed in a position along this guide by suitable locking elements (e.g., screws or clamps) in order to adjust the distance between the first inclined knife and the second inclined knife.

[0038] The angle adjustment device can, for example, be rotatably mounted to support the respective angled blade about an axis of rotation, which preferably coincides with the edge of the respective angled blade that is perpendicular to the receiving surface 101 and is closest to the transverse blade. For this purpose, a knob, lever, or other suitable device can be connected to the axis of rotation to cause the angled blade to rotate about this axis without changing the distance or position of the edge of the respective angled blade that is closest to the transverse blade 102. Preferably, the angled blades are always in contact with the transverse blade, so that complete cutting and trimming of the label 130 to form the first label edge and the second and third label edges to form the tabs is ensured.

[0039] The cross-cutting knife 102 preferably extends over the entire width L of the support surface 101, so that labels with a width B can be cut smaller than or up to the width L of the support surface.

[0040] The distance adjustment device 151, 152 can also include a distance measuring element 153 with which the distance between the angled blades 103 and 104 can be measured in a direction transverse to the transport direction T. For this purpose, the distance measuring element can, for example, comprise a ruler or measuring rod 153, and each, or at least the movable, angled blade 103 or 104 can be assigned a pointer 158 and 159, which moves along the distance measuring element with the respective angled blades, so that the width of the first label edge of the label to be cut can preferably be determined from the difference in the positions of the pointers 158 and 159. The distance measuring element can include a scale that indicates the corresponding distance, for example, in centimeters and / or millimeters.Alternatively or additionally, the distance measuring element can also include markings that are, for example, assigned to or indicative of a specific label type or a specific width B.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, only one of the angled knives is movably arranged in a direction transverse to the transport direction T, so that the distance between the angled knives can be adjusted. In this embodiment, the necessary setting of the movable angled knife can be directly read from a corresponding indication of the label types and their widths on the distance measuring element.

[0042] The device 100 can further comprise a stop 154, which can be arranged on one of the boundary edges of the support surface 101 that run parallel to the transport direction T. The label can be positioned against this stop 154 ​​with a label longitudinal edge that runs perpendicular to the first label edge and / or parallel to the transport direction T. It may be preferred that the angled knife nearest this stop, or the angled knife arranged on this side of the support surface 101 (in the Fig. 1. The angled blade 103) is fixed with respect to its position transverse to the transport direction T, and optionally only the associated angle to the cutting blade plane E1 is adjustable. This enables reliable cutting of the tab required on this side of the label without requiring any further adjustment of the relative position of the angled blade and the label. The angled blade located on the opposite side of the label or the support surface (in the Fig. 1 the angled cutter 104) can then be arranged to move in the direction transverse to the transport direction T in order to adjust the cutting width or the width of the first label edge and thus enable reliable cutting of the flap.

[0043] Optionally, the device 100 can also include at least one fixing element 156 and 157 in the form of, for example, clamps, with which a label 130 positioned on the support surface 101 can be fixed to the support surface. The fixing element 156 or 157 can optionally be arranged on the side of the support surface 101 on which the optionally provided stop 154 ​​is also arranged.

[0044] If more than one fixing element 156, 157 is provided, these can also be arranged on opposite sides of the support surface 101 in order to reliably fix the label against twisting or to prevent wrinkling.

[0045] The basic principle is that the label 130 to be cut is first moved on the support surface 101 in the transport direction T to such an extent that it extends at least slightly beyond the cutting blade assembly 110. The label 130 can then be aligned relative to the cutting blade assembly, for example, using the stop 154, so that the first label edge, formed by the transverse blade 102, runs as perpendicular as possible to the transport direction T. This also ensures that the tabs formed by the angled blades 103 and 104 are reliably created in the label, allowing it to connect with a preceding label.

[0046] For this purpose, the cutting blade arrangement 110 is preferably moved in the direction of the support surface 101 so that a cut can be made through the label 130.

[0047] In one embodiment, this can be achieved according to the Fig.3. The device 300 comprises a lowering device 320 to which the cutting blade assembly 310 is connected. By actuating the lowering device, the cutting blade assembly can be lowered either manually or automatically (for example, by using a servo drive or other suitable electric motor) from the starting position shown here at a height h above the support surface 301 in the direction of the support surface 301, so that a label 130 positioned between the cutting blade assembly 310 and the support surface 301 is cut by the cutting blade assembly 310. For this purpose, a handle 321 can be provided, particularly when the lowering device 320 is actuated manually. The handle is preferably spaced apart from the cutting blade assembly 310 and at least partially shields it in at least one direction away from the support surface 301 from unintentional interference by an operator.This reduces the risk of injury when manually operating the lowering device.

[0048] It can be provided that the cutting blades (transverse blade and the angled blade(s)) in the cutting blade arrangement 310 are moved together with the lowering device, so that they cut the label 130 to be cut simultaneously. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the lowering device causes the transverse blade and the angled blade(s) to be lowered at intervals, wherein preferably the transverse blade first comes into contact with the label 130 to be cut and cuts the first label edge, and with a time offset thereafter the angled blade(s) cut the label to form the second and / or third label edge.This can be achieved by suitable cam guidance of the cutting knives in the cutting knife arrangement 310 or, if automated actuation of the cutting knife arrangement by a corresponding drive element of the lowering device is provided, by separate drive elements assigned to the respective cutting knives (such as servo motors or electric motors in general).

[0049] Preferably, the height h is chosen such that a label 130 can be passed through the cutting blade arrangement 310 in the transport direction T without touching the support surface 301. For example, the height h can be 2 cm, 5 cm, or 10 cm, so that even if the label 130 is initially inserted at an angle, it will not be damaged. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 431 269 A2

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device for cutting labels, in particular wrap-around labels or sleeve labels, the device comprising a support surface for placing labels to be cut and a cutting knife arrangement for cutting labels on the support surface, the cutting knife arrangement comprising a transverse knife for cutting a first label edge and at least one first oblique knife for cutting a second label edge which runs obliquely to the first label edge, wherein a cutting knife plane of the transverse knife and a cutting knife plane of the first oblique knife enclose a first angle with one another and wherein the first oblique knife is arranged to be movable relative to the transverse knife. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the cutting knife arrangement comprises a second oblique knife arranged at a distance from the first oblique knife for cutting a third label edge which is oblique to the label edge, wherein a cutting knife plane of the second oblique knife and the cutting knife plane of the transverse knife enclose a second angle with each other. [3] Device according to claim 2, wherein the first angle α and the second angle β=180°-α. [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device comprises an angle adjustment device for adjusting the first angle and / or the second angle. [5] The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the apparatus comprises a distance adjusting device for adjusting a distance between the first bevel knife and the second bevel knife. [6] The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the distance adjusting device comprises a distance measuring element for measuring the distance between the first bevel knife and the second bevel knife. [7] Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the position of the first cutting blade along the transverse blade is fixed and the second cutting blade can be moved by the distance adjusting device. [8] Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device comprises a stop for a label for applying the label with a label longitudinal edge which is perpendicular to the first label edge. [9] Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device comprises a lowering device, wherein the cutting knife device is connected to the lowering device and the cutting knife device can be moved by moving the lowering device to cut a label towards the support surface. [10] Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the device comprises a fixing element for fixing a label on the support surface.

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