LABELING DEVICE AND USE OF SUCH A DEVICE FOR LABELING A BALE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device with the features of the preamble of claim 1, a use of such a device with the features of the preamble of claim 12 for marking a bale, and a method with the features of claim 6. Balers are used to compress loose material such as paper and cardboard, plastic waste, mixed waste, or fibrous materials into cuboid bales, which can then be bound with various types of ties. The bales can then be stacked and transported, with the space requirement and handling effort significantly reduced due to the high degree of compaction.

[0002] There are various designs of balers. Besides channel balers with a pressing chamber open on two sides and a subsequent pressing channel where the bales inside act as supports for the pressing process, there are also box balers, which have a pressing chamber open on one side. These are characterized by better shape retention and uniformity of the bales produced, as well as a shorter design. Channel balers, on the other hand, are distinguished by higher throughput and less sensitivity to variations in the material being baled.

[0003] The bales produced in a baling press should adhere to as constant, predetermined dimensions as possible and always have the same weight. The dimensions are particularly important for logistics, while the weight forms the basis for calculating the selling price. Baling presses in the design of a channel baler are known, for example, from DE 42 15 578 A1 and DE 10 2005 003 397 A1. Designs with a pressing chamber open on one side are known from documents DE 69506769 T2 and DE 20 2012 010 760 U1.

[0004] While box balers, due to their press chamber being open only towards the press ram and otherwise closed on all sides, produce bales with very uniform dimensions, it is more difficult to produce bales with a precisely defined length in the pressing direction with channel balers. However, for logistics, it is important to know the exact dimensions of each bale and to be able to take them into account when calculating mass and also when compiling a load for transport.

[0005] Conventional channel balers each have a feed chute or hopper through which the loose material is fed. The material falls directly into the press channel, where it is conveyed by the press ram in a single stroke into a baling channel and compacted. The compacted material in the baling channel is then contained within a continuous flow. At the end of the baling channel, a tie-off mechanism forms individual bales from the flow. This tie-off occurs after each compression stroke of the press ram, so that each bale is formed from a number of compression strokes, typically three to five in practice. The bales are then discharged from the press in close succession in a virtually continuous flow. Usually, the individual bales are picked up with a forklift, possibly weighed, and then transported further.

[0006] Documents DE 10 2020 109 396 A1 and DE 10 2020 109 402 A1, which disclose the features of the preamble of claim 12, describe devices and methods for singulating and measuring bales ejected from a channel baler. After singulating and measuring the bales, it is also proposed to permanently strap the bales with one or more PET bands that have been previously inscribed with the desired data. The type of marking device and the marking method are not specified in detail in these documents. JP2009 137592 A discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a marking device for bales and to describe the use of a marking device and a method for marking bales.

[0008] This problem is solved by a marking device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 6 as well as by the use of a marking device having the features of claim 12.

[0009] Further embodiments of the invention are described by the features of the dependent claims.

[0010] Because a labeling device of this type additionally features a window in the belt guide for labeling the ribbon-shaped labeling carrier located within the guide, a precisely defined position of the labeling carrier is ensured during the labeling process. This results in particularly precise and legible labeling, both visually, if plain text is used, and mechanically, if a barcode, QR code, or similar is employed.

[0011] According to the invention, the window can be closed by means of a locking element, so that the window cannot pose a potential obstacle to the transport of the label carrier.

[0012] Furthermore, if the tape guide has a carrier in which the window is arranged, and the locking element has a thickness that corresponds to the thickness of the carrier, the inside of the guide facing the label carrier will have an almost smooth, step-free surface with good tape guidance.

[0013] According to the invention, an aperture is provided which is arranged in the area of ​​the tape guide opposite the window. This ensures laser safety even when using a high-power marking laser, as is preferred. In particular, no laser radiation can escape if the tape is interrupted during marking due to deviations in the tape structure.

[0014] According to the invention, the shutter element and the aperture are arranged in a particularly simple manner on each arm of a lever, which is preferably a two- or three-armed lever and is pivotably mounted about an axis. These elements can then be moved simultaneously by a common actuator. This is especially true if the lever can be pivoted by an actuator in response to a control system. A safety advantage arises because, regardless of the position, the window is always covered either on the side facing the laser or on the opposite side, so that the window and the area beneath it can never be freely illuminated and the laser beam can therefore never escape unprotected from the device.

[0015] Preferably, in a position for transporting the ribbon-shaped labeling carrier, the locking element is pivoted into the labeling window and the aperture is pivoted away from the channel.

[0016] Furthermore, in a second position for labeling the label carrier, the locking element is swung out of the window and the aperture is swung towards the channel.

[0017] A method for labelling a ribbon-shaped labelling carrier comprises the following steps: a) Inserting the ribbon-shaped labeling carrier into a channel that has a closable window, b) Stopping the ribbon-shaped labeling carrier so that a point to be labelled is within the area of ​​the window, c) Opening the window, d) Labelling the ribbon-shaped labeling carrier, e) Closing the window, f) Forwarding the ribbon-shaped labeling carrier.

[0018] This ensures that the lettering is applied to the labeling medium with exceptional precision.

[0019] Preferably, steps b) - f) are repeated multiple times so that several labels can be generated on the labeling medium. In particular, at least three labels are generated on one strand of the labeling medium so that the label remains legible even when the bale is partially obscured.

[0020] In a further step, the labeling strip is stretched around a bale and welded at its overlapping ends to ensure it is permanently attached. A PET strip with a width of 10 mm to 20 mm is particularly advantageous for this purpose. These strips are well-known from packaging technology and are characterized by their exceptionally high tear resistance.

[0021] Preferably, step d) is carried out using a laser which has a radiation power of 5 - 50 watts, preferably 25 - 35 watts.

[0022] The marking carrier remains stationary from step b) to step f) for a period of 150 ms (milliseconds) to 600 ms, preferably 250 ms to 500 ms, and particularly preferably for a period of 300 ms to 450 ms, so that this time is available for clearly legible marking. Particularly preferably, each bale produced and measured is fitted with a printed strap indicating its individual mass after its mass has been measured. This makes the respective bale weight readily readable during handling and also for monitoring the control process.

[0023] The problem is also solved by using a marking device as defined in claim 12 for marking a bale produced by a channel baler with visually or machine-readable information on properties of the bale, which includes one or more of the following information: the mass, dimensions, material, a batch number, a serial number, calendar dates and a time.

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1: A marking device as part of a conveyor system in a perspective view; Fig. 2: A part of a belt guide with marking window and closure in transport position in a perspective view; Fig. 3: The belt guide made of Fig. 2 in the labeling position with the closure open; Fig. 4: the band guide made of Fig. 2in a different perspective view; Fig. 5: the tape guide from Fig. 3 in another perspective view; as well as Fig. 6: the band guide from Fig. 3 with inserted marking carrier and a marking laser shown above the marking window in the operating position.

[0025] In the following description, the terms "labeling window" and "window" are to be understood synonymously, as are the terms "labeling carrier" and "tape".

[0026] In the Figure 1 A labeling device 1 is shown in perspective along with numerous other components. In all figures, identical or essentially identical elements bear the same reference numerals.

[0027] The marking device 1 is arranged at the end of a conveyor path on which previously produced and strapped bales 2, one of which is shown schematically here, are conveyed individually to a discharge point. A weighing table 3 is part of the conveyor path. The bales are weighed individually on the weighing table and their length, width, and height are measured there or upstream of it.

[0028] Downstream of the weighing table 3 is the marking device 1, which essentially consists of a strapping device 11 and a marking unit 12. The marking device 1 is frame-shaped and surrounds the conveying path of the bales 2 on all sides like a portal. The frame includes a belt guide in which the belt, serving as the marking carrier, is guided around the bale 1.

[0029] In detail, the marking device 1 is constructed like a binding unit, in which material can be strapped with a plastic band in other applications. In this embodiment, the bale, already bound in the baling press and strapped with wire, is strapped with a plastic band printed with data for marking purposes only. The plastic band does not need to perform any function in terms of mechanically holding the bale together.

[0030] A hydraulic power unit 13 is mounted on the frame above the labeling device 1. The hydraulic power unit 13 is intended for propelling the bales 1 along the conveying path. The hydraulic power unit 13 does not perform any function within the labeling device.

[0031] The Figure 2Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a section of the frame of the marking device. The frame includes a tape guide comprising a support 15 and angles 16 and 17 attached to the support 15. The angles 16 and 17 are made of sheet metal and are each held under spring tension by a mounting area on opposite sides of the support 15. Free angled sections 18 and 19 extend at a distance beneath the support 15, thus forming a channel 20 for the tape guide. The angled sections 18 and 19 do not abut each other, but leave a narrow gap 21 between them, which extends longitudinally along the tape guide.

[0032] The entire frame formed by the belt guide, which encompasses bale 1, has four such straight sections as well as four arc-shaped corner elements, each of which deflects the belt guided therein by 90°. Angles 18 and 19 face bale 1.

[0033] The carrier 15 is provided with an opening transverse to its longitudinal extent, forming a window 22 that extends through the carrier 15 and into the channel 20, serving as a labeling window. This allows a view of, or access to, the outside of, a belt guided in the channel 20. The window 22 is elongated in the direction of the guide and has straight, long side walls 23 and semicircularly rounded short end sides 24. The length of the window 22 in the transport direction of the belt is approximately 100 mm to 200 mm, preferably 150 mm. The length can be selected depending on the requirements for the labeling to be applied. The width of the window 22 is approximately 12 mm to 20 mm, preferably 15 mm, whereby the width is equal to or only slightly less than the width of the belt for which the guide is intended. In the illustration of the Fig. 2The window 22 is essentially closed by a rod-shaped locking element 25. The locking element 15 fills the window 22 to such an extent that in the Fig. 2 In the position shown, the inner side of the support 15 facing the channel 20 has no disruptive interruption for guiding the tape guided therein. Complete coverage of the inner side of the window 22 is not required.

[0034] The locking element 25 is attached to a lever 30, which is pivotable about an axis 31. A preferably pendulum-mounted actuator 32 serves to actuate the lever 30. Below the actuator 32, a diaphragm 33, which will be described further below, is visible and is also articulated to the lever 30.

[0035] The Figure 3 shows the arrangement Figure 2With actuator 32 activated, the lever 30 is pivoted away from the carrier 15 and the locking element 25 is lifted out of the window 22. The window 22 now forms a free opening through which the channel 20 and any band that may be present therein are accessible.

[0036] In the Figure 4 is the arrangement made of Fig. 2 shown from a different perspective. This view illustrates the slot 21 running lengthwise under the frame element and the channel 20 between the support 15 and the angles 16 and 17. The actuator 32 is in the position shown in Fig. 2 The lever 30 is pivoted so that the locking element 25 (not visible here) closes and essentially fills the window 22 (also not visible). The aperture 33 is pivoted away from the angled sections 18 and 19. In this position, a plastic strip, which serves as a label carrier, can be inserted into the channel 20.

[0037] Fig. 5The device is shown in the view according to Fig. 4 , however, with actuator 32 activated, as in Fig. 3 The shutter element 25 is pivoted out of the window, while the aperture 33, in this position, engages below the area above which the window is located on the other side of the channel 20. In this position, the window is accessible.

[0038] Figure 6 shows the band guidance Fig. 3 with an inserted marking carrier and a marking laser 40 shown in the operating position above the window 22 provided as a marking window. The marking laser 40 is mounted above the window 22 such that a strip 41 located in the channel 20 can be marked as a marking carrier through the window 22 by means of a laser beam when the lever 30 is in the position according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5The aperture located below the channel, in this position, serves to safely absorb or deflect any laser beams that might penetrate the marking carrier, so that they do not pose a danger.

[0039] During the belt transport through channel 20, the position is changed. Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 taken up, so that firstly the window 22 is closed in the manner described above and does not obstruct the belt movement, and secondly, any particles (e.g. abrasion) that may fall from the slot 21 cannot fall onto the aperture 33.

[0040] The labeling is preferably done as a barcode, which can contain various pieces of information such as mass, dimensions, material and batch numbers, serial numbers, or calendar dates and times in any combination. This data can then be read automatically. However, plain text or a QR code can also be used to label the band, or a combination of the aforementioned information carriers.

[0041] As in Fig. 6As shown, a PET strip 41 of 10–20 mm width can be used as a marking carrier for the marking process, guided through the channel 20 as in a conventional strapping device. The speed of the strip 41 can be approximately 1.5 to 5 m / s (meters per second), preferably between 2.5 m / s and 3.5 m / s. While the marking laser 40 can, in principle, generate the marking with a uniformly moving strip 41, it is preferred that the strip 41 be stopped for the marking period, i.e., approximately 150 to 600 ms, preferably 250 to 500 ms, and particularly preferably for a period of 300 to 450 ms.

[0042] The special design of channel 20, particularly in the area of ​​window 22, allows this intermittent operation without any risk of disruption to the tape guidance.

[0043] Preferably, the labeling strip is labelled at several points, e.g., at four points along the strap section required for strapping, so that at least one label is always visible regardless of the bale's position. The spacing of the labels can also be irregular, e.g., seven labels arranged in two groups of three and four labels, respectively.

[0044] After complete strapping, the PET strapping 41 is tensioned and welded as usual. The attachment of the resulting label carrier is permanent. Several label carriers can be used side by side to provide redundancy in case one is damaged.

Claims

1. Labeling device for bales (2) produced in a baling press, with a strap guide and a strap (41) that can be guided in the strap guide as a labeling carrier, as well as with a labeling unit, characterized in that the strap guide has a window (22) for labeling the labeling carrier located in the strap guide and the window (22) can be closed by means of a closure element (25), and wherein a cover (33) is provided, which is arranged in the area of the strap guide opposite the window (22), wherein the closure element (25) and the cover (33) are each arranged on an arm of a lever (30), which is mounted so as to be pivotable about an axis (31).

2. Labeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the strap guide has a carrier (15) in which the window (22) is arranged, and in that the closure element (25) has a thickness that corresponds to the thickness of the carrier (15).

3. Labeling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lever (30) can be pivoted by an actuator (32) in response to a control signal.

4. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a position for transporting the label carrier, the closure element (25) is pivoted into the window (22) and the cover (33) is pivoted away from the channel (20).

5. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a position for labeling the label carrier, the closure element (25) is pivoted out of the window (22) and the cover (33) is pivoted toward the channel (20).

6. Method for labeling a strap-shaped labeling carrier for labeling a bale produced by a channel baling press, comprising the following steps: a) inserting the strap-shaped label carrier into a channel having a closable window, b) stopping the strap-shaped label carrier so that a location to be labeled is located in the area of the window, c) opening the window, d) labeling the strap-shaped label carrier, e) closing the window, f) Continuing to transport the strap-shaped label carrier, wherein in a further step the label carrier is stretched around a bale and welded at its overlapping end sections so that it is stretched around the bale in a captive manner.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that steps b) - f) are repeated several times so that several labels are produced on the label carrier.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that at least three labels are produced on one strand of the label carrier.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the label carrier is a PET strap with a width of 10 mm to 20 mm.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, characterized in that step d) is carried out by means of a laser (40) having a radiation power of 5 to 50 watts, preferably 25 to 35 watts.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 10, characterized in th that the label carrier remains stationary from step b) to step f) for a period of 150 ms to 600 ms, preferably 250 ms to 500 ms, and particularly preferably for a period of 300 ms to 450 ms.

12. Use of a labeling device for labeling a bale produced by a channel baler with visually or machine-readable information about the properties of the bale, comprising one or more of the following: the mass, dimensions, material, a batch number, a serial number, calendar data, and a time, characterized in that the labeling device comprises a strap guide and a strap (41) that can be guided in the strap guide as a label carrier, as well as a labeling unit, wherein the strap guide has a window (22) for labeling the label carrier located in the strap guide.