Method for determining an actual diameter and method and machine for labelling at least one container

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (10) for determining the current diameter of a tape (105) on a roller (101, 111) or spool for unwinding or winding, wherein the roller or spool is mounted on a shaft (109) of a rotary drive, a portion of the tape extends from the roller or spool via a movable tensioning device (103, 115) to a fixing device (110) for releasably fixing a tape section, wherein the tensioning device is movable between a first position and a second position arranged at a distance from it, comprising the following steps while a tape section is fixed by means of the fixing device: rotating the roller in a first direction of rotation to increase or decrease the tension of the tape until the tensioning device is in the first position; determining a first angular position of the shaft;Rotating the roller in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, until the clamping device is in the second position; determining a second angular position of the shaft; determining the diameter of the roller using the first and second angular positions and a change in the length of the strip determined from the distance. The invention thus provides a method for determining a current diameter, in which the rollers for winding or unwinding the strip are initially driven at the correct rotational speed corresponding to the current radius.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for determining a current diameter as well as a method and a machine for labeling at least one container.

[0002] To provide information on containers, the containers can be labeled. The labels can be transferred from a carrier tape onto the containers, with the carrier tape being wound onto a roll. The containers are then transported one after the other past a labeling station, which removes the labels from the carrier tape and transfers them onto the containers. The section of the carrier tape from which the label was removed is fed to a rewinder, onto which the empty carrier tape is wound. For the label transfer to occur, the carrier tape must be under tension. This can be achieved using deflection spools, which, for example, use spring force to press against the carrier tape to maintain tension. The rotational speeds of the rolls used for winding and unwinding the labels are also determined by the system.The unwinding of the carrier tape is regulated to transfer the labels onto the containers at the intended speed and to maintain tension on the carrier tape. The required rotational speed depends on the current radius of the corresponding roll, which changes continuously as the tape is wound and unwound.

[0003] From DE 10 2019 110 339 A1, it is known to determine the diameters directly using non-contact sensors, for example, laser distance sensors, or using touch sensors. It is further described therein that the diameter of the carrier tape wound on the coils can be calculated from the relationship between the speed of the carrier tape (as specified by a servo motor) and the rotational speed of the first coil and the second coil, respectively. A comparison of the rotational speeds of the two coils can also be used to determine the diameters.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2006 043 260 A1 discloses the use of a predetermined rotational speed for label rolls, corresponding to a fully loaded label roll. If the label roll is not fully loaded, i.e., has a smaller radius than a fully loaded label roll, a detection device can be used during the labeling process to detect the release of tension in a spring element, where the spring element presses a deflection roller against the carrier tape to tension it.

[0005] IT 2021 0001 5965 A1 discloses a method for determining a current diameter according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a method for determining a current diameter as well as methods and machines for labeling at least one container, in which the rollers for winding or unwinding the tape are driven at the correct rotational speed immediately at the beginning of the labeling process, which corresponds to the current radius of the respective tape.

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] The invention relates to a method for determining the current diameter of a tape, namely a label carrier tape, on a roll or spool for unwinding or winding, wherein the roll or spool is mounted on a shaft of a rotary drive, a portion of the tape is unwound from the roll or spool and extends from the roll or spool over at least one movably mounted tensioning device for tensioning the tape at least to at least one fixing device for releasably fixing a tape section, wherein the tensioning device is movably mounted at least between a first position and a second position arranged at a distance from the first position, comprising at least the following steps while at least one tape section of the tape is fixed by means of the fixing device: rotating the roll in a first direction of rotation to increase or decrease the tension of the tape,until the clamping device is in the first position; determining a first angular position of the shaft; rotating the roller in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, until the clamping device is in the second position; determining a second angular position of the shaft; and determining the diameter of the roller using the first angular position, the second angular position, and a change in the length of the strip determined from the distance.

[0009] The invention provides a method for determining the initial diameter of a roller or spool for unwinding or winding a tape with minimal effort. Sensors specifically designed to measure the roller's radius are not required. Instead, data already used in other methods can be utilized, eliminating the need for additional sensors and thus saving costs. The method is performed while the tape is being fixed by the clamping device. The tensioning device is positioned along the tape between the clamping device and the roller. This secures the section of tape located at the clamping device. Rotation of the shaft, and consequently of the roller mounted on the shaft, causes the tape to unwind or wind, thereby changing the tape's tension.The shaft can be rotated about an axis of rotation, and the roller mounted on the shaft also rotates about this axis. By rotating the roller in a first direction, the tension of the belt can be increased or decreased. This causes the tensioning device, which is designed to maintain the belt tension, to move into its first position. Once the first position is reached, the angular position of the shaft of the roller's rotary drive is determined. The roller is then rotated in a second direction opposite to the first. This causes the belt tension to change again. If the tension was increased by the first direction of rotation, the tension is decreased by the second direction, and vice versa. This moves the tensioning device into its second position. Once the tensioning device has reached its second position, the angular position of the shaft is determined once more.The angle of rotation of the shaft can be determined from the difference between the two determined angular positions. The current radius or diameter of the roller can be determined from the change in the strip length between the first and second positions, which is known in advance and corresponds to the length of the strip unwound or wound onto the reel between the first and second positions, and the difference between the two determined angular positions. Once the first and second positions are fixed, the length of the strip that must be unwound or wound onto the reel to move the tensioning device between the first and second positions is also fixed. The rotary drive can therefore be started at a speed corresponding to the current radius of the roller, so that the tensioning device does not have to make large compensating movements to tension the strip. This is particularly advantageous at high speeds, where, for example, several tens ofWhen 000, preferably over 50,000, labels per hour are transferred onto containers, the noise level of the corresponding labeling machine can be reduced, as the compensating movements for tensioning the belt are reduced, especially when starting up the machine.

[0010] For example, it is conceivable that the first position can be achieved by increasing the tension of the band and the second position by decreasing the tension of the band.

[0011] Rotating the reel in the first direction winds the tape onto the roller, shortening the unwound section between the roller and the tensioning device. This causes the tape to press against the tensioning device, moving it into the first position. Rotating the reel in the second direction lengthens the tape between the roller and the tensioning device. This causes the tensioning device to press against the tape to maintain tension, moving it into the second position.

[0012] According to another example, it is conceivable that the clamping device could be arranged on a pivotable lever and be pivotable between the first and second positions.

[0013] The tensioning device can, for example, be a deflection pulley, which is rotatably mounted, for instance, at the end of the lever. When the tension of the band changes, the angular position of the lever changes. A spring can pre-tension the lever in such a way that the deflection pulley is pressed against the band. The distance between the first and second positions can then be determined from the angular position between the two positions and the length of the lever arm to the position of the deflection pulley.

[0014] If multiple pulleys are used, particularly according to the block and tackle principle, the change in belt length can result from changes in the distances between the pulleys from the first position to the second position. This also applies to other examples of tensioning devices.

[0015] According to one example, it is conceivable that the position of the clamping device can be determined by means of a first sensor, in particular an angle sensor.

[0016] In particular, if the clamping device has the pivoting lever and pulley described above, an angle sensor can be used. Alternatively, distance meters can be used that can detect the distance between the first and second positions to determine when the clamping device is in which position.

[0017] Furthermore, it is conceivable, for example, that the angular position of the shaft can be determined by means of a second sensor, which is preferably arranged on the rotary drive.

[0018] The rotary drive can, for example, be a servo motor with an integrated sensor for determining the angular position of the shaft. This eliminates the need for an additional sensor.

[0019] In another example, it is conceivable that the fixing device could have a drive for advancing the belt.

[0020] The fixing device can be, for example, a motor that drives a drive roller for the belt. The belt can be positioned between the drive roller and a pressure roller. The belt can be clamped between these two rollers. Therefore, the belt can only move when the drive roller is powering it. When the drive roller is stopped, the belt is fixed to the fixing device.

[0021] For example, it is conceivable that the diameter is twice the quotient of the change in the length of the band and the difference in the angular positions given in radians.

[0022] The angular positions are thus given as fractions of the number Pi. The diameter can then be easily determined.

[0023] The invention further relates to a method for labeling at least one container, wherein a carrier tape with labels is unwound from a first roll or spool, fed to a label dispenser via at least a first tensioning device, and fed to a second roll or spool via at least a second tensioning device and wound onto the second roll or spool, wherein at least one fixing device for releasably fixing at least one section of the carrier tape is arranged between the first and second tensioning devices, wherein, while a section of the carrier tape is fixed by the fixing device, the method according to the preceding description is carried out on both rolls, preferably simultaneously, and afterwards, while the carrier tape is released by the fixing device, the containers are labeled.

[0024] This method for labeling at least one container allows the diameters for both the unwinding and winding rollers to be determined. This ensures that both rollers operate at the optimal speed from the outset. Determining the diameters of both rollers simultaneously saves even more time and, consequently, further costs.

[0025] Further advantages, effects, and enhancements of the container labeling method arise from the advantages, effects, and enhancements of the method described above for determining the current diameter. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the preceding description in this regard.

[0026] The invention further relates to a machine for labeling at least one container, comprising at least one transport section for containers, at least one labeling station for labeling containers transported along the transport section, and at least one control device for controlling at least the labeling station, wherein the labeling station has at least one rotary drive with a shaft for receiving a roll or spool for a carrier tape for labels, at least one movably mounted tensioning device for tensioning the tape, and at least one fixing device for releasably fixing a tape section, wherein the tensioning device is movably mounted at least between a first position and a second position arranged at a distance from the first position.a portion of the belt is unwound and extends from the roll or spool over the at least one movably mounted tensioning device at least to the at least one fixing device, wherein the machine has at least one first sensor for determining the position of the tensioning device and a second sensor for determining the angular position of the shaft, wherein according to the invention it is provided that the fixing device has a drive for conveying the belt, wherein the fixing device is a motor for driving a drive roller for the belt, wherein the belt is arranged and clamped between the drive roller and a pressure roller, and the control device for carrying out the method for determining a current diameter is designed according to the preceding description.

[0027] For example, it is conceivable that the rotary drive could be a servo motor.

[0028] According to another example, it is conceivable that the clamping device could be arranged on a pivotable lever and be pivotable between the first and second positions.

[0029] The labeling station can further comprise, for example, a first roll or spool for unwinding a carrier tape with labels, a second roll or spool for winding a carrier tape, at least one first tensioning device and at least one second tensioning device, wherein at least one fixing device for releasably fixing at least one section of the carrier tape is arranged between the first and second tensioning devices, wherein the control device for carrying out the labeling method according to the preceding description can be formed on the first roll and, preferably simultaneously, on the second roll, wherein the carrier tape with labels can be unwound from the first roll or spool, via which at least one first tensioning device can be fed to a label dispenser device and via which at least one second tensioning device can be fed to the second roll or spool and wound onto the second roll or spool.

[0030] The advantages, effects, and further developments of the machine result from the advantages, effects, and further developments of the methods described above. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the preceding description in this regard.

[0031] The invention is described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a labeling station; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a labeling machine; Figure 3 is a flowchart of a procedure for determining a diameter; and Figure 4 is a flowchart of a procedure for labeling.

[0032] First, the construction of a labeling station according to the invention will be explained in more detail. The labeling station is constructed according to Figure 1 their entirety is further specified by the reference symbol 100.

[0033] The labeling station 100 has a roller 101 or spool on which a tape 105 is wound. The roller 101 is mounted on a shaft 109 of a rotary drive. Rotation of the shaft 109 causes rotation of the roller 101. This rotation allows the tape 105 to be wound or unwound.

[0034] The angular position of the shaft 109 can be determined by a sensor element 107.

[0035] Tape 105 can have labels on it and is designed as a carrier tape for the labels. In this case, roll 101 can be configured as a spool. If tape 105 has no labels because the labels have been removed, roll 101 can be configured as a rewinder.

[0036] The belt 105 extends over one or more fixed guide pulleys 102 to a tensioning device 103. The tensioning device has at least one guide pulley that can be moved translationally and is arranged on a free end of a lever 108. In this example, the tensioning device has two guide pulleys on the free end of the lever 108. As the belt 105 runs over at least two fixed guide pulleys 102, between which the belt runs around the movable guide pulley, the belt 105 interacts with the at least one guide pulley according to the pulley principle. That is, a change in the belt length causes a change in the position of the guide pulley that is smaller than the change in belt length.

[0037] The opposite end of the lever 108 can be pivotally mounted. A spring 106 can exert a force on the lever 108, causing the pulleys mounted on it to tension the belt 105. Shortening the belt 105 further tensions the spring 106. Lengthening the belt 105 relaxes the spring 106.

[0038] An angle sensor 104 can detect the deflection of the lever 108.

[0039] Furthermore, the clamping device 103 is pivotable between at least a first position and a second position. The lever 108 has a different angular position in the first position than in the second position.

[0040] According to Figure 2The labeling station 100 further includes a fixing device 110, which can fix a section of the belt 105. The fixing device 110 is a drive for conveying the belt. When the drive is stationary, the belt section can be fixed to the fixing device 110. This prevents the belt 105 from being transported past the fixing device 110.

[0041] The tensioning device 103 is arranged between the roller 101 and the fixing device 110. When the fixing device 110 fixes the strip section, the tension of the strip 105 can be changed by rotating the roller 101. The position of the tensioning device 103 can thus be changed by rotating the roller 101.

[0042] The labeling station 100 can be part of a labeling machine 112. The labeling machine 112 can have an additional roller 111 onto which the tape 105 can be unwound or wound. If the roller 101 is configured for unwinding the tape 105, the roller 111 can be configured for winding the tape 105, and vice versa.

[0043] The further roller 111 is assigned a further tensioning device 115, which tensions the belt 105 when the roller 111 performs a rotation.

[0044] Labels from the belt 105 can, for example, be transferred from the belt 105 to containers arranged on turntables 114 near the fixing device 110.

[0045] Furthermore, the labeling machine 112 has a control unit 113 that can control the drives of roller 101 and the other roller 111. The control unit 113 can also determine the angular positions of the respective shafts 109. In addition, the control unit 113 can detect the positions of the clamping devices 105 and 115.

[0046] The control device 113 is configured to perform a method 10 for determining the current diameter of a roller 101, 111 or spool for unwinding or winding a tape.

[0047] Procedure 10 is carried out while the fixing device 110 fixes the strip 105. According to a first step 12, the shaft 109 is initially rotated in a first direction to rotate the roller 101 accordingly. The roller 101 then completes a rotation. In this example, the strip 105 is wound onto the roller 101 by the rotation in the first direction. This increases the tension of the strip 105.

[0048] The increase in voltage moves the clamping device 103 into the first position.

[0049] In the example according to Figure 1 The clamping device 103 is pivoted to the left via the lever 108. The angle sensor 104 can then be used to determine the angular position of the lever 108 in order to check whether the lever 108 is in an angular position corresponding to the first position.

[0050] Once the clamping device 103 is in the first position, the angular position of the shaft 109 is determined according to step 14. This angular position can be referred to as the first angular position. The angular position of the shaft 109 can be determined using the sensor element 107.

[0051] After a further step 16, shaft 109 is rotated in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation. This results in the following in the example: Figure 1 The tension of the band 105 is reduced. This reduces the tension of the tensioning device 103 according to the example above. Figure 1 moved to the right by the spring force of spring 106.

[0052] The rotation of shaft 109 continues until the clamping device 103 reaches the second position. This can be determined or verified via the angle sensor 104.

[0053] Once the second position is reached, the angular position of shaft 109 is determined again according to step 18. This angular position can be referred to as the second angular position.

[0054] The distance between the first and second positions can be predefined and therefore known. Alternatively, the distance can also be determined from the length of lever 108 and its angular positions in the first and second positions. From this distance, a change in the length of the band between the roller and the fixing device 110 can be determined.

[0055] Since the first and second angular positions of shaft 109 are known after carrying out the steps described above, the diameter of roller 101 can be determined according to step 20. This can be done by calculating twice the quotient of the change in the length of the strip and the difference in the angular positions. The difference in angular position can be expressed in radians.

[0056] Method 10 can be part of a method 30 for labeling containers. For example, a machine 112 can be used for labeling containers according to Figure 2 for use in procedure 30.

[0057] In a first step 22, the fixing device 110 can initially fix the belt section. The belt 105 is thus fixed with respect to both the roller 101 and the further roller 111. A rotation of the respective rollers 101, 111 causes a change in the tension of the belt extending between the respective roller 101, 111 and the fixing device 110.

[0058] Method 10 for determining the current diameter can be carried out simultaneously for roller 101 and the other roller 111. The execution of method 10 for roller 111 is shown by 10'.

[0059] After the diameter of both rollers 101, 111 has been determined, the belt 105 can be released by the fixing device 110 in a further step 24 to enable the labeling of containers. With the known diameter of both rollers 101, 111, the correct rotational speed for the shafts 109 of the rollers 101, 111 can be used immediately at the start of the labeling process.

[0060] The tension of the belt 105 therefore only needs to be readjusted to a limited extent from the outset, compared to the prior art, using the tensioning devices 103, 115. The tensioning devices 103, 105 thus only move short distances, which in the example shown below Figure 2 This means that lever 108 only makes small movements. This improves the start of the labeling process and reduces the noise level of the labeling machine 112.

[0061] The example described above does not in any way limit the invention.

[0062] Rather, the invention can be modified in a variety of ways within the scope of protection of the claims. Reference symbol list

[0063] 100 Labeling station 101 Roller 102 Deflection roller 103 Tensioning device 104 Angle sensor 105 Belt 106 Spring 107 Sensor element 108 Lever 109 Shaft 110 Fixing device 111 Roller 112 Labeling machine 113 Control device 114 Turntable 115 Tensioning device

Claims

1. Method (10) for determining an actual diameter of a tape on a roll (101, 111) or reel for winding or unwinding said tape (105), namely a carrier tape for labels, wherein the roll (101,111) or reel is held on a shaft (109) of a rotational drive, a part of the tape (105) is unwound and extends from the roll (101, 111) or reel across at least one movably mounted tensioning mechanism (103, 115) to tension the tape (105) at least to at least one fixing mechanism (110), for the detachable fixing of a tape section, wherein the tensioning mechanism (103, 115) is mounted movably at least between a first position and a second position arranged at a distance from the first position, characterised in that the method comprises at last the following steps, while at least one tape section of the tape (105) is fixed by means of the fixing mechanism (110): - rotation (12) of the roll (101, 111) in a first direction of rotation to increase or reduce a tension of the tape (105), until the tensioning mechanism (103, 115) is arranged in the first position; - determination (14) of a first angular position of the shaft (109); - rotation (16) of the roll (101, 111) in a second direction of rotation, which is in the opposite direction to the first direction of rotation, until the tensioning mechanism (103, 115) is arranged in the second position; - determination (18) of a second angular position of the shaft (109), and determination - (20) of the diameter of the roll (101, 111) by means of the first angular position, the second angular position and a change in a length of the tape (105) determined from the distance.

2. Method (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first position is reached by increasing the tension of the tape (105) and the second position is reached by reducing the tension of the tape (105).

3. Method (10) according to one of the previous claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the tensioning mechanism (103, 115) is arranged on a swivelling lever (108) and can swivel between the first and second position.

4. Method (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the position of the tensioning mechanism (103, 115) is determined by means of a first sensor (104), in particular an angle sensor.

5. Method (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the angular position of the shaft (109) is determined by means of a second sensor (107), which is preferably arranged on the rotational drive.

6. Method (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the fixing mechanism (110) has a drive to advance the tape (105).

7. Method (10) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the diameter is the double quotient from the change in the length of the tape and the difference in the angular positions indicated in the radian measure.

8. Method (30) for labelling containers, wherein a carrier tape with labels is unwound from a first roll (101, 111) or reel, fed across at least a first tensioning mechanism (103,115) to a dispensing device for labels and fed across at least a second tensioning mechanism (103, 115) to a second roll (101, 111) or reel and wound by the second roll (101, 111) or reel, wherein between the first and second tensioning mechanism (103, 115) at least one fixing mechanism (110) for the detachable fixing of at least one tape section of the carrier tape is arranged, wherein, while one tape section of the carrier tape is fixed by the fixing mechanism (110), the method (10) is carried out according to one of the previous claims on both rolls (101, 111), preferably simultaneously, and afterwards, while the carrier tape is released by the fixing mechanism (110), the containers are labelled.

9. Machine (112) for labelling containers, comprising at least one transport section for containers, at least one labelling station (100) for labelling containers, which are transported along the transport section, and at least one control device for controlling at least the labelling station (100), wherein the labelling station (100) has at least one rotational drive with a shaft (109) to take a roll (101, 111) or reel for a carrier tape for labels, at least one movably mounted tensioning mechanism (103, 115) for tensioning the tape (105) and at least one fixing mechanism (110) for the detachable fixing of a tape section, wherein the tensioning mechanism (103, 115) is mounted movably at least between a first position and a second position arranged at a distance from the first position, a part of the tape (105) is unwound and extends from the roll (101, 111) or reel across the at least one movably mounted tensioning mechanism (103, 115) at least to the at least one fixing mechanism (110), wherein the machine (112) has at least a first sensor for determining the position of the tensioning mechanism (103, 115) and a second sensor for determining the angular position of the shaft (109), characterised in that the fixing mechanism (110) has a drive to advance the tape (105), wherein the fixing mechanism is a motor to drive a drive roll for the tape (105), wherein the tape (105) is arranged and clamped between the drive roll and a pressure roll, and the control device is configured to carry out the method (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 7.

10. Machine (112) according to claim 9, characterised in that the rotational drive is a servomotor.

11. Machine (112) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterised in that the tensioning mechanism (103, 115) is arranged on a swivelling lever (108) and can swivel between the first and second position.

12. Machine (112) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the labelling station (100) has a first roll (101, 111) or reel for unwinding a carrier tape with labels, a second roll (101, 111) or reel for winding a carrier tape, at least a first tensioning mechanism (103, 115) and at least a second tensioning mechanism (103, 115), wherein between the first and second tensioning mechanism (103, 115) the at least one fixing mechanism (110) is arranged for the detachable fixing at least of one tape section of the carrier tape, wherein the control device is configured to carry out the method according to claim 8 on the first roll (101, 111) and, preferably simultaneously, the second roll (101, 111), wherein the carrier tape with labels can be unwound from the first roll or reel, can be fed across at least a first tensioning mechanism to a dispensing device for labels and can be fed across the at least one second tensioning mechanism to the second roll or reel and can be wound by the second roll or reel.

Images