Labeling device with shaped dispensing edge

Abstract

Labeling device (1) for labeling containers (9), in particular bottles, comprising: a transport mechanism (2) for a label carrier tape (3), wherein the label carrier tape (3) comprises a carrier material (4) and a plurality of labels (5); a deflection area (6) for removing labels (5) from the label carrier tape (3); and a dispensing edge (7) which is located in the deflection area (6), wherein the dispensing edge (7) has a wavy profile in plan view.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a labeling device for labeling containers, in particular bottles. background

[0002] Such a labeling device is known, for example, from DE 10 2021 112 773 A1. In this device, a label carrier tape with self-adhesive labels attached to it is unwound from a supply roll by a transport mechanism and conveyed to a dispensing edge, where the labels detach from the carrier tape as a result of deflection and are transferred to containers that pass by the dispensing edge at a suitable distance.

[0003] In other words, the label carrier tape is guided in a tight loop around a suitable deflection radius, so that the labels, due to their stiffness, cannot follow the deflected label carrier tape, but detach from it.

[0004] In recent years, processes have been developed to produce labels that use as little material as possible. This has both aesthetic advantages, as the containers themselves can then be displayed to better effect, and positive effects on production costs. Furthermore, the use of such labels contributes to waste reduction. For example, a process has been developed in which the labels are printed directly onto a label backing strip using a multi-layer printing process, without an additional substrate. However, since such labels are very thin, it can be difficult to remove them from the label backing strip using conventional dispensing edges and / or dispensing edge geometries.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a labeling device with an improved dispensing edge. Summary

[0006] This problem is solved by a labeling device according to claim 1. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] The labeling device for labeling containers comprises a transport mechanism for a label carrier tape, wherein the label carrier tape comprises a carrier material and a plurality of labels, a deflection area for removing labels from the label carrier tape, and a dispensing edge arranged in the deflection area, wherein the dispensing edge has a wave-shaped profile in plan view.

[0008] In other words, the wavy profile of the dispensing edge extends perpendicular to the conveying direction of the label carrier belt. A complete wave of the wavy profile of the dispensing edge therefore consists of a projection (hereinafter referred to as a wave crest) of the dispensing edge in the conveying direction, combined with a depression (hereinafter referred to as a wave trough) of the dispensing edge opposite the conveying direction.

[0009] In the deflection area, the label carrier tape is guided around the dispensing edge, as is known from the prior art, so that the labels can detach from the label carrier tape.

[0010] The wavy profile of the dispensing edge facilitates the peeling process, as the backing material of the label carrier tape follows the profile when deflected along the dispensing edge, resulting in a greater relative deformation to the label surface than when deflected over a smooth dispensing edge. This effect is particularly pronounced because the backing material dips slightly into the troughs of the wavy profile as it is deflected.

[0011] The forces that occur, in particular shear forces between the carrier material and the labels, preferably lead first to a partial and then to a complete detachment of the labels from the carrier material.

[0012] The containers could be, in particular, bottles.

[0013] The wave-shaped profile can comprise between half a wave and 20 waves, particularly between 5 and 10 waves. In accordance with the definition above, a half wave is understood to mean that the wave-shaped profile has a projection of the dispensing edge in the conveying direction or an indentation of the dispensing edge against the conveying direction.

[0014] The waves of the corrugated profile can have a rounded shape. For example, the corrugated profile can have the shape of a sine curve. However, it is also possible for the waves to have a pointed shape, such as a triangular shape. It is also possible for the waves to have a trapezoidal shape. The corners and / or edges of a triangular or trapezoidal waveform can be rounded.

[0015] The labeling device can further include a removal element located opposite the dispensing edge in the deflection area. Such a removal element can further assist in the release of the labels from the backing material.

[0016] In particular, it is possible that one side of the release element facing the dispensing edge has a profile in plan view that is complementary to the corrugated profile of the dispensing edge. Specifically, the side of the release element facing the dispensing edge can include projections that engage in corresponding troughs of the corrugated profile of the dispensing edge. Since, as described above, there is already increased tension between the backing material and the labels at these points, the projections of the release element can further facilitate the detachment of the labels from the backing material.

[0017] The removal element can also be designed to perform a lifting movement during operation of the labeling device. This lifting movement is performed, in particular, perpendicular to the surface of the label carrier tape. Such a movement can further assist the release of the labels from the carrier material.

[0018] The removal element can be designed in particular as a comb, a rake, or a roller.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the labeling device can further include a blowing device designed to generate an airflow in the deflection area. The blowing device can be specifically designed to generate the airflow between the labels and the backing material. This can be achieved, for example, by directing the airflow into the troughs of the corrugated profile of the dispensing edge. Such an airflow can also assist in the detachment of the labels from the backing material.

[0020] The elastic modulus of the labels can differ from that of the backing material; in particular, the elastic modulus of the labels can be greater than that of the backing material. Since the backing material is subjected to a tensile force during the transfer process, the differing, and especially greater, elongation of the backing material perpendicular to the conveying direction in the deflection area creates a stress perpendicular to the conveying direction, which facilitates the detachment of the label from the backing material.

[0021] The dispensing edge can comprise a metal, in particular, it can be made of a metal. The metal can specifically be stainless steel or titanium. It is also possible for the dispensing edge to comprise a ceramic. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the dispensing edge comprises a composite of a metal and a ceramic. Such a design of the dispensing edge can suppress or prevent the adhesion of the carrier material to the dispensing edge.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the removal element can comprise a metal, in particular, be made of a metal. The metal can be, in particular, stainless steel or titanium. It is also possible for the removal element to comprise a ceramic. It is also conceivable that the removal element comprises a composite of a metal and a ceramic. Such a design of the removal element can suppress or prevent the substrate material from adhering to the removal element.

[0023] The dispensing edge can be polished, especially electropolished. Polishing can further reduce the coefficient of friction between the dispensing edge and the substrate. It is also possible for the dispensing edge to have a coating, particularly a non-stick coating. This, too, can further reduce the coefficient of friction between the dispensing edge and the substrate.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the removal element can be polished, particularly electropolished. Polishing can further reduce the coefficient of friction between the removal element and the substrate. It is also possible for the removal element to have a coating, particularly a non-stick coating. This, too, can further reduce the coefficient of friction between the removal element and the substrate. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Further features and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the exemplary figures. These show: Fig. 1 schematically a part of a labeling device for containers in side view; Fig. 2 schematically a part of a labeling device for containers in side view; Fig. 3. Schematically, a deflection area of ​​a labeling device in top view; and Fig. 4a to 4d schematically depict dispensing edges with wave-shaped profiles. Detailed description

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of part of a labeling device 1 for containers 9, in particular bottles. The labeling device 1 comprises a transport mechanism 2 for a label carrier strip 3. In the embodiment shown, the transport mechanism 2, which is only partially shown and indicated, comprises two deflection rollers around which the label carrier strip 3 is guided. This is merely an example. The label carrier strip 3 comprises a carrier material 4 and a plurality of labels 5 applied to the carrier material 4.

[0027] The label carrier strip 3 is transported by the transport mechanism 2 in the conveying direction F into the deflection area 6 of the labeling device 1. There, the label carrier strip 3 is deflected around the dispensing edge 7 of the labeling device 1, whereby the labels 5 detach from the carrier material 4 and are transferred onto the containers 9. The dispensing edge 7 has a wave-shaped profile extending transversely to the conveying direction F (in Fig. 1 not recognizable), which is further below with reference to the Fig. 3 and 4a to 4c are described in more detail.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 also shows a removal element 8, which is arranged in the deflection area 6 opposite the dispensing edge 7 to assist in the removal of the labels 5 from the backing material 4. The removal element 8 can perform a lifting movement in the direction H. The removal element 8 has a profile transverse to the conveying direction F that is complementary to the profile of the dispensing edge 7 (in Fig. 1 not recognizable). This will be discussed further below with reference to Fig. 3 described in more detail.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 also schematically shows a part of a labeling device 1 for containers 9, in particular bottles, in a side view. The in Fig. The labeling device shown in section 2 differs from the one in Fig. The labeling device shown in Figure 1 is characterized by the arrangement of a blowing device 10 in the deflection area 6, which is designed to generate an airflow in the direction L. The airflow is directed into the deflection area 6 such that it strikes the label carrier tape 3 between the labels 5 and the carrier material 4. For this purpose, the airflow is preferably directed into the troughs of the corrugated profile of the dispensing edge 7.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a deflection area 6 of a labeling device in a top view. It can be seen that the dispensing edge 7 has a wave-like profile transverse to the conveying direction F, in which projections or wave crests 7a, extending in the conveying direction, alternate with indentations or wave troughs 7b, extending against the conveying direction.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 further shows that the take-off element 8 has a profile complementary to the wave-shaped profile of the dispensing edge 7. In particular, the take-off element 8 has projections 8a which are arranged opposite the wave troughs 7b of the dispensing edge 7. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the take-off element 8 is designed as a comb, with the projections 8a forming the teeth of the comb. However, it is also possible for the take-off element 8 to be designed as a rake or roller.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 3 also shows the label carrier tape 3 with the backing material 4 and the labels 5. For clarity, the elements of the label carrier tape 3 are shown with dashed lines. It can be seen that the backing material 4 rests against the corrugated profile of the dispensing edge 7 in the transition area. This creates shear forces between the backing material 4 and the labels 5, which first lead to a partial and then a complete detachment of the labels 5 from the backing material 4. The labels 5 are then, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown, led over the take-off element 8 to a container (in Fig. 3 not visible).

[0033] Fig. Figures 4a to 4d schematically show different wave-shaped profiles of a dispensing edge 7 in plan view. The conveying direction F is also shown in each case.

[0034] In Fig. 4a The wavy profile of the dispensing edge 7 has the form of a sine curve with two wave crests and an intermediate wave trough. Fig. 4b the wavy profile of the donation edge 7 also has the form of a sine curve, but there with 6 wave crests and 5 wave troughs.

[0035] Fig. Figure 4c shows a dispensing edge 7 where the wave crests and wave troughs of the wave-shaped profile have a triangular shape. Fig. Figure 4d shows a donation edge where the wave crests and wave troughs of the wave-shaped profile have a trapezoidal shape with rounded corners. 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] DE 10 2021 112 773 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Labeling device (1) for labelling containers (9), in particular bottles, comprising: a transport mechanism (2) for a label carrier tape (3), wherein the label carrier tape (3) comprises a carrier material (4) and a plurality of labels (5); a deflection area (6) for removing labels (5) from the label carrier tape (3); and a dispensing edge (7) which is located in the deflection area (6), wherein the dispensing edge (7) has a wavy profile in plan view. [2] Labeling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wave-shaped profile comprises between half a wave and 20 waves, in particular between 5 and 10 waves. [3] Labeling device (1) according to claims 1 or 2, further comprising a take-off element (8) which is arranged opposite the dispensing edge (7) in the deflection area (6). [4] Labeling device (1) according to claim 3, wherein a side of the take-off element (8) facing the dispensing edge (7) has a profile in plan view which is complementary to the wave-shaped profile of the dispensing edge (7). [5] Labeling device (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the removal element (8) is configured to perform a lifting movement during operation of the labeling device (1). [6] Labeling device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the removal element (8) is designed as a comb or as a rake or as a roller. [7] Labeling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a blowing device configured to generate an airflow in the area of ​​the deflection region (6). [8] Labeling device according to claim 7, wherein the blowing device is configured to generate the airflow between the labels (5) and the carrier material (4). [9] Labeling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an elastic modulus of the labels (5) is different from an elastic modulus of the carrier material (4), in particular wherein an elastic modulus of the labels (5) is greater than an elastic modulus of the carrier material (4). [10] Labeling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing edge (7) comprises a metal and / or a ceramic. [11] Labeling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing edge (7) is polished, in particular electropolished, and / or has a coating, in particular a non-stick coating.

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