Device for joining label strips

Abstract

Device (100, 200) for joining label tapes (231, 232), the device comprising a passage area through which the label tapes can be guided along a transport direction, a clamping element (201) for clamping a region of a first label tape (231), a cutting device (202) upstream of the clamping element (201) for cutting a first label end (235) of the first label tape (231), an adhesive application device (203) for applying adhesive material to an adhesive area (234) of the first label end (235) upstream of the clamping element, a joining device (205) for bringing a second label end (236) of a second label tape to the first label end (235) of the first label tape and (231) for joining the second label end to the first label end in the adhesive area.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for joining label tapes according to claim 1 and a method for joining label tapes according to claim 10. State of the art

[0002] Devices for splicing label tapes are generally known from the state of the art. These are typically used to automate and simplify the changeover of label rolls.

[0003] For example, WO 2008 / 031521 discloses a labeling system comprising a labeling device that applies labels to objects, in particular to containers, and a loading device arranged upstream of this labeling device, which supplies the labeling device with labels. This loading device comprises a transport device that transports a second label strip, and at least two carriers arranged side by side on holding devices for first label strips wound on label reels. A displaceable connecting unit is provided between the carriers in a first direction of movement, which connects sections of the first label strips arranged on the carriers to sections of the second label strips guided in the transport device.

[0004] EP 2 825 371 discloses a device for connecting two film ends with adhesive tape, which device applies the adhesive tape to the film end of the following film and connects it to the leading film.

[0005] With the devices known to date, there is a fundamental risk that the alignment of the leading film to the trailing film is not carried out with sufficient accuracy, so that misalignments can occur when the film ends or label ends are joined, which may require readjustment during further operation or lead to poor quality labeling results. Task

[0006] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to specify a device and a method for joining label strips, which enables a reliable joining of the label strips. Solution

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by the device for joining label tapes according to claim 1 and the method for joining label tapes with a device for joining label tapes according to claim 10. Advantageous developments of the invention are covered in the subclaims.

[0008] The device according to the invention for joining label strips comprises a feed-through region through which the label strips can be guided along a transport direction, a clamping element for clamping a region of a first label strip, a cutting device upstream of the clamping element for cutting a first label end of the first label strip, an adhesive application device for applying adhesive material to an adhesive region of the first label end upstream of the clamping element, a connecting device for guiding a second label end of a second label strip to the first label end of the first label strip and for connecting the second label end to the first label end in the adhesive region.

[0009] According to the invention, the clamping element is designed such that it can at least clamp the label strip in the region where the label strip cannot be moved further in the transport direction or against the transport direction. The cutting device can be designed as a knife that can be moved in the direction of the label strip to effect cutting. The label strip can be cut both from below the transport plane of the label strip and from above the transport plane of the label strip.

[0010] The adhesive application device can be configured to roll adhesive material, for example, from an adhesive roll onto the label strip. The adhesive material can be either an adhesive layer without a substrate or an adhesive layer with a substrate (in particular, a substrate with adhesive material applied to opposite sides, such as double-sided adhesive tape).

[0011] Advancing the second label end of the second label strip by the connecting device can, in particular, comprise fixing or at least partially fixing the second label end to the connecting device or a part thereof, so that the label strip is pulled toward the first label end. Connecting the second label end to the first label end by the connecting device can, for example, comprise pressing the second label end against the first label end in the adhesive area, so that the second label end comes into contact with the adhesive material and forms a bond with it.

[0012] The device according to the invention achieves reliable joining of the label ends of two label strips, as the first label end is spatially fixed and the adhesive material is applied to this label end. This allows the second label end to be reliably delivered and firmly bonded to the first label end. The reliability of the device's operation and, in particular, the quality of the labeling results are thus improved.

[0013] It can be provided that the device further comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during cutting and / or application.

[0014] Since the clamping element only clamps the first label strip in the area downstream of the first label end, the first label end is essentially movable. By securing the first label end with the clamping element during cutting and / or applying the adhesive material, the accuracy of these two steps can be increased, which can also have a positive effect on the labeling result.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be provided that the fixing element comprises two pressure elements spaced apart in the transport direction, which can fix the label end downstream of the cutting device, and wherein the adhesive application device can optionally apply the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements. Alternatively, it can be provided that the fixing element comprises a pressure element arranged downstream of the cutting device in the transport direction and downstream or upstream of the adhesive application device, which can fix the label end.

[0016] This ensures that the adhesive area provided with adhesive material is reliably positioned with respect to the adhesive application device, which can improve the application result and thus also have a positive influence on the labeling result.

[0017] In one embodiment, it is provided that the connecting device comprises a carrying unit for carrying the second label end during the feeding and connecting process.

[0018] The entrainment unit can, for example, be connected to a vacuum pump to create a vacuum that sucks the label toward the connecting device. Alternatively, the entrainment unit can also be designed to clamp the label end to carry it along, or to cause the second label end to be entrained through electrostatic or similar effects (such as the gecko effect). This fixes the second label end relative to the connecting device, which can ensure precise positioning of the second label end relative to the first label end, among other things, and can result in the label ends being joined with high precision.

[0019] The device may comprise a counter-pressure surface and the connecting device may be suitable and / or designed to press the second label end and the first label end in the adhesive area against the counter-pressure surface for connecting.

[0020] This embodiment can be advantageously used with labels, such as single-wallet labels (not in the form of a tube, wraparound label, or sleeve label) on a label strip or as part of a label strip, since these only need to be coated with adhesive on one side. This makes the device compact yet reliable.

[0021] It can be provided that the adhesive application device is designed to apply adhesive material to two opposite sides of the first label end.

[0022] This embodiment can be used advantageously with tube labels or sleeve labels, as it allows the subsequent labels to be guided around the first label, which enables the label ends to be joined precisely.

[0023] In one embodiment, a heating device may be provided for heating the adhesive material and / or the label material.

[0024] Heating can be achieved, for example, by hot air, thermal radiation, and / or by direct and / or indirect temperature control of the contact surface of the label or adhesive material. Heating can be continuous or, for example, only when the label ends are about to be joined. The target temperature achieved by heating can, for example, be in the range of approximately 30 to 60°C.

[0025] This embodiment can be particularly advantageous for difficult label surfaces / materials, such as uneven label surfaces. For example, in cases of liquid adhesive material, its viscosity can be improved by heating, which can contribute to improved adhesion and thus a larger process window and a higher potential adhesive application speed.

[0026] Furthermore, this embodiment can also be advantageous for high labels or wide label strips, i.e. large adhesive areas, and / or for high machine performances, by allowing faster joining of the label ends and / or smaller buffer storage capacities of a buffer system to bridge the joining of the label ends.

[0027] In one embodiment, the connecting device for contacting the second label end is formed on two opposite sides of the second label end.

[0028] This embodiment can also be used particularly advantageously with tube labels or sleeve labels, since the opposite side surfaces of the sleeve label can be held reliably in place.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be provided that the connecting device is designed to pull the second label end apart in a direction perpendicular to a transport plane of the second label strip and to guide it over the first label end in order to bring the second label end closer to the first label end.

[0030] Pulling the second label end apart can be advantageously used, particularly for sleeve labels or wrap-around labels, to pull the second label end over the first label end, positioning the latter between the separated surfaces of the second label end, and then connecting them by pressing the second label end together. This reliably fixes the first label end in the second label end.

[0031] The device may comprise a cutting counter surface against which the cutting device can press the first label end to cut the label end.

[0032] The cutting counter surface can be arranged movably and moved toward the end of the label together with the cutting device. This ensures that the first end of the label is cut reliably.

[0033] According to the invention, a method for joining label strips is further provided with a device for joining label strips, the device comprising a feed-through area through which the label strips can be guided along a transport direction, a clamping element for clamping a portion of a first label strip, a cutting device upstream of the clamping element for cutting a first label end of the first label strip, an adhesive application device for applying adhesive material to an adhesive area of ​​the label end upstream of the clamping element, a connecting device for bringing a second label end of a second label strip to the label end of the first label strip and for connecting the second label end to the first label end in the adhesive area, the method comprising clamping the portion of the first label strip with the clamping element,then cutting the first label end with the cutting element and applying adhesive material to the adhesive area with the adhesive application device, bringing the second label end forward and connecting the second label end to the first label end.,

[0034] This process enables reliable and precise joining of the label ends.

[0035] It can be provided that the cutting, feeding, and joining take place while the region of the first label strip is clamped by the clamping element; and / or wherein the application of adhesive material takes place after the cutting of the first label end; and / or wherein the feeding of the second label end takes place after the application of adhesive material.

[0036] The first alternative increases the accuracy of positioning the first label end and thus the accuracy of the joining process. The second and third alternatives also increase the accuracy of positioning the label ends to be joined.

[0037] In one embodiment, it is provided that the first label end is cut by the cutting device and / or the adhesive material is applied to the adhesive area by the adhesive application device, while the first label end is fixed by a fixing element of the device, wherein optionally the fixing element comprises two pressure elements spaced apart in the transport direction, which fix the label end downstream of the cutting device and wherein optionally the adhesive application device applies the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements, or wherein optionally the fixing element comprises a pressure element arranged downstream of the cutting device in the transport direction and downstream or upstream of the adhesive application device, which fixes the first label end.

[0038] This improves the accuracy of applying the adhesive material to the first end of the label.

[0039] It can be provided that the device comprises a counter-pressure surface and the connecting device presses the second label end and the first label end in the adhesive area against the counter-pressure surface for connecting.

[0040] This embodiment is particularly advantageous for wrap-around labels.

[0041] In one embodiment, it is provided that the adhesive application device applies the adhesive material to two opposite sides of the first label end; and / or that the connecting device contacts the second label end on two opposite sides of the second label end, wherein optionally the connecting device, for bringing the second label end closer to the first label end, pulls the second label end apart in a direction perpendicular to a transport plane of the second label strip and guides it over the first label end and then connects the first label end to the pulled-apart part of the second label end.

[0042] With this design, tube labels or sleeve labels can be connected to each other particularly advantageously.

[0043] The device may be a device according to one of the preceding embodiments and / or the label may be a wrap-around label or a sleeve label.

[0044] By using the device according to the preceding embodiments in the method, the joining of wrap-around labels and sleeve labels can be reliably effected. Short description of the characters

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a device for providing labels with a film supply and a device according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows the device according to the invention according to one embodiment in a side view. Fig. 3 shows a device according to the invention according to another embodiment in a side view for wrap-around labels. Figs. 4 - 11 show a sequence of a method for joining label ends. Detailed description

[0046] Fig. 1shows a device for providing and connecting label strips 190. This serves only as an example of the functioning of the device 100 according to the invention for connecting label strips, which start with Fig. 2 described in more detail.

[0047] Devices 190 are known in principle from the prior art. These comprise a plurality of label rolls 181 to 184 in which labels are held in rolled form in the form of strips. As is known, the labels can be provided as wrap-around labels or sleeve labels, or labels that extend only partially along the circumference of a container. Wrap-around labels or sleeve labels are known that can be pulled over a container and completely surround it in the circumferential direction. The labels are held on rolls, with successive labels, with their openings into which the container can be inserted, following one after the other on the label strip.

[0048] The device 190 further comprises, for example, one or more cutting devices 192 for cutting one end of a label roll to be joined to the existing label roll. This label end 130 can then be transferred to a device 100 according to the invention for joining label strips, ensuring a connection between the label end of one label roll and the label end of the other label roll, resulting in a continuous label web 185, which can be removed from the device, for example, via a buffer system 194, and fed, for example, to a labeling machine for labeling containers (not shown here).

[0049] In order to enable the changing of several label strips or rolls (for example, a change between the label rolls 181 to 184 in the magazine 191 that is as automated as possible), it can be provided that the device 100 according to the invention is movably arranged on a guide 193 so that it can be moved along the direction of the arrow shown in order to be guided from a label roll that is currently unrolling to another label roll or label strip 182 that is to be connected to this label roll or label strip. As soon as the label strip that is currently unrolling reaches a minimum remaining level, it can be provided that the device 100 is moved along the guide 193 to the nearest label roll (here the roll 182) and the label end of the first label roll 181 is connected to the label end of the second label roll 182.

[0050] In this context, the term label roll is used according to the invention as a synonym for the term label tape, since the label roll forms a rolled-up label tape.

[0051] Appropriate devices of the Fig. 1 are generally known. Devices 100 for connecting label ends are also generally known. However, the problem typically arises that reliably connecting the label ends of a first label strip and a subsequent second label strip is difficult, which can lead to faulty label transfer or readjustment of the label strips during subsequent operation.

[0052] To solve this problem, Fig. 2 a device 200 according to the invention for connecting label strips 231 and 232 at their corresponding label ends facing each other.

[0053] The device 200 comprises a feed-through area 270 through which a first label strip 231 can be fed along a transport direction T. The first label strip 231 can, in principle, be fed through the feed-through area 270 from the start of the unwinding of the label strip from the label roll to its end. However, this is not mandatory, and it can also be provided that, outside of a joining of label ends of a first label strip 231 and a second label strip 232, the device 200 is removed from the label strip, allowing the label strip to run freely or via corresponding transport elements.

[0054] Furthermore, the device 200 comprises a clamping element 201 that can clamp a region 233 of the first label strip 231. For this purpose, it can be provided that a counterpressure element 261 is arranged opposite the generally movably arranged clamping element 201, against which the clamping element 201 can clamp the label strip 231 moving between them, at least in the region 233, so that movement of the first label strip 231 in the transport direction T or counter to this direction is preferably completely prevented.

[0055] Furthermore, the device 200 comprises a cutting device 202 upstream of the clamping element 201 in the transport direction T. The cutting device 202 is provided to cut the first label end 235 of the first label strip 231. This defines an end position of the first label strip in the transport direction T, which can have a well-defined distance from the clamping element 201 (namely, the distance of the point at which the cutting device cuts off the label end 235). This facilitates the subsequent connection to a label end 236 of a second label strip 232 (here, a label end of a sleeve label or tube label).

[0056] To ensure the most reliable cutting of the first label end 235, a counter-cutting element 263 may be provided, which is associated with the cutting device 202 and may be arranged on the opposite side of the first label strip 231. The cutting device 202 may be configured to guide the first label strip 231, or at least its first label end 235, toward the counter-cutting element 263 and to cause the first label end 235 to be cut by a cutting edge of the cutting device.

[0057] The device 200 further comprises an adhesive application device 203 for applying or applying adhesive material to an adhesive region 234 of the first label strip 231. The adhesive region 234 is arranged between the cutting device 202 and the clamping element 204. Generally, the adhesive region 234 is arranged upstream of the clamping element 201 in the transport direction T.

[0058] The adhesive application device 202 can be designed to apply adhesive material (e.g., liquid adhesive) to the adhesive area of ​​the label strip. This can be done, for example, by spraying, printing, or rolling. However, preferred embodiments are those in which the adhesive material is unwound from a roll of adhesive material and transferred to the adhesive area 234. The adhesive material can, in particular, be a single adhesive layer without a substrate or a substrate with adhesive material or adhesive layer applied to opposite sides. The latter can be understood as a "double-sided adhesive tape," wherein one side of the double-sided adhesive tape is bonded to the first label end or the adhesive area 234 of the first label end, and the other side of the substrate is then bonded to the second label end.

[0059] The adhesive material roll can be rotatable about an axis of rotation, which can be arranged parallel to the transport direction T, for example, arranged above the transport plane of the label tape.

[0060] Furthermore, the device 200 comprises a connecting device 205 which can guide a second label strip 232 and in particular a second label end 236 of this second label strip 232 to the first label end 235 and connect it to the first label end in the adhesive area.

[0061] For this purpose, it can be provided that the connecting device 205 comprises two connecting elements 264 and 265, which can be arranged on opposite sides of the label (particularly in the case of sleeve or wrap-around labels), and can grip the label strip from above and below (in the view shown here) and pull it towards the first label end 235. When using sleeve labels, it can be provided that the connecting elements grip the sleeve label and can pull it apart in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the label strip so that they can be guided over the first label end 235. The first label end is thus inserted between the two surfaces of the second label strip or the second label end 236, and the connecting elements 264 and 265 can then bring the second label end 236 back together in order to connect the label ends in the adhesive area 234.

[0062] In the Fig. 2 In the embodiments shown, it is provided that the adhesive application device can preferably apply adhesive material to opposite sides of the label strip 231. For this purpose, it can comprise a corresponding adhesive application device 262, which together can be understood as a common adhesive application device, in addition to the adhesive application device 203 just described, which can apply adhesive material to the adhesive area 234 from the opposite side.

[0063] Optionally, a fixing element 204 can also be provided, which can fix the first label end during cutting and / or application of the adhesive tape material. This fixing element 204 is arranged in particular upstream of the clamping element 201 and downstream of the cutting device 202. The fixing element 204 can be designed as a clamping jaw and in particular in the embodiment of the Fig. 2for connecting label ends of sleeve labels both above and below the transport plane of the first label strip 231, in order to clamp the label strip both from above and from below.

[0064] In the embodiment illustrated here, the fixing element 204 can comprise pressure elements 241 and 242 spaced apart from one another on each side of the transport plane. These are spaced apart in the transport direction T and can preferably delimit the adhesive region 234 of the label strip. Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the adhesive application device 203 applies the adhesive material to the label strip between the spaced-apart pressure elements 241 and 242, both above and below the transport plane. This can ensure that the adhesive region 234 of the label strip is as taut as possible during the application of the adhesive material, so that adhesive material is applied to the entire surface of the adhesive region 234.

[0065] Optionally, the connecting device and / or each connecting element 264 and 265 can be provided with a entrainment unit 266 (for example a vacuum pump that applies negative pressure to an area of ​​the connecting element or the connecting device that comes into contact with the second label end (for example through a perforated strip), or a clamping device that can clamp and entrain the label end, or a device that can entrain or entrain the label end through electrostatic or other effects (such as the gecko effect)) in order to suck in and hold the respective label end. This can ensure secure transport of the second label end so that, in the case of sleeve labels, it can be pulled apart and conveyed towards the first label end. The accuracy with which the first label end and the second label end are thus connected to one another is hereby increased.

[0066] Fig. 3 shows a Fig. 1 alternative embodiment, which can be provided in particular for connecting label ends of single labels that are not in the form of a tube or sleeve.

[0067] In such cases, it is not necessary for the first label strip or the second label strip to be applied (in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction) and this is not even possible because there are no superimposed and separable layers of material. Compared to the embodiment of the Fig. 2 It is also necessary to apply adhesive material only to one side of the label tape.

[0068] Accordingly, it can be provided that, in deviation from the embodiment of the Fig. 2Instead of the adhesive application devices arranged on opposite sides, only one adhesive application device 303 is arranged on one side and a counter-pressure surface 382 is arranged at least in the adhesive area 334 or on one side of the first label strip 331. The fixing element 304 and / or the connecting device 305 can be designed to press the first label strip and / or the second label strip against this counter-pressure surface 382 in order to either fix the first label strip in the adhesive area 334 or to connect the label ends of the label strips to one another.

[0069] The counter pressure surface 382 can preferably also be designed as a cutting counter surface in this embodiment, so that a separate cutting counter surface 263, as in connection with Fig. 2 described is not necessary.

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, a second counterpressure surface 383 can be arranged upstream of the counterpressure surface 382, ​​against which the connecting device 305 can press the second label strip 332, for example in order to pick it up more reliably. For this purpose, the connecting device 305 can first be moved in the direction of the second counterpressure element 383 with the second label strip 382 lying therebetween, so that the connecting device 305 presses the label strip 332 against the second counterpressure surface 383. Subsequently, for example by applying a negative pressure to part of the connecting device 305 (for example, the element 366), the second label strip 332 (in particular the second label end 336) can be sucked in and thus lifted off the countersurface 383 again.

[0071] Analogous to Fig. 2a counter-pressure surface 381 can also be provided, against which the first label strip 331 can be pressed by the clamping element 301 in the clamping area 333, in order to prevent it from moving in the transport direction T.

[0072] The Fig. 4 to 11 show schematically the process of joining two label ends of two label strips using the example of Fig. 2 shown embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0073] It is understood that the embodiments of the Fig. 4 to 11 also to the embodiment of the device according to Fig. 3 can be applied, unless this concerns special process steps that are or can only be carried out for sleeve or wrap-around labels. Unless explicitly stated, all processes related to the Fig. 4 to 11 described method steps and embodiments with the embodiments of the Fig. 2 and 3 intended in combination.

[0074] Furthermore, the representations of the Fig. 4 and 5 intended to be carried out consecutively in time, whereby if procedural steps can be carried out jointly or at least simultaneously, this is expressly mentioned.

[0075] In the Fig. 4 In the situations shown, after the end of the label strip has been determined (it has been completely or almost completely unrolled from the label roll), the first label strip 430 is clamped in the clamping area by the clamping element 401, so that further transport of the label strip 430 in the transport direction T is no longer possible. This can be achieved by moving the clamping element 401 downwards from its starting position 411 in the direction of the label strip 430.

[0076] To detect the end of the label, it can be provided, for example, that a sensor (not shown here) detects a marking on the first label strip 430 (for example, a barcode or other recognizable optical or other pattern) that is indicative of reaching the end of the label and of the need to provide a new label roll and connect it to the current label strip 430. A corresponding signal can be transmitted to a control unit 480 (for example, a computer with associated memory), which then controls the clamping element 401 or a drive element associated with this clamping element (for example, a servomotor or actuator) in order to move the clamping element to clamp the first label strip 430.

[0077] The remaining devices of the device 400, in particular the cutting element 402, the adhesive application device 403 and the connecting device 405 are preferably in a starting or rest position in this situation.

[0078] Subsequently or simultaneously with the movement of the clamping element 401 (see Fig. 5 ) Optionally, the adhesive area 434 of the first label strip 430 is fixed by the fixing element 404, if this fixing element is provided. This preferably occurs before the label end is cut by the cutting device 402 and before the adhesive material is applied by the adhesive application device 403. Even in this situation, the connecting device 405 is preferably still in a starting position.

[0079] Then (see Fig. 6) the cutting device 402 is actuated to cut the first label end 435. The actuation of the cutting device 402 may, for example, comprise moving the cutting device 402 or a cutting blade of the cutting device 402 in the direction of the label strip 430 and corresponding embodiments of the Fig. 2 and the Fig. 3 If provided, include a movement of a counter-cutting element in the direction of the cutting device. The actuation of the cutting device and / or the counter-cutting element can be effected analogously by the control unit 480.

[0080] Any material of the first label strip 430 that may have been separated can be sucked off by a suction device that is not shown here but is optionally provided, so that excess label strip material does not remain in the device 400.

[0081] Afterwards or together with the Fig. 6The step described can be carried out according to the representation of the Fig. 7 Adhesive material 431 and 432 are applied to opposite sides of the label strip in the adhesive area of ​​the label strip 430 by the adhesive application device 403. The application of adhesive material 431 and 432 to opposite sides of the first label strip 430 is provided when sleeve labels or wrap-around labels are to be joined together. If, instead, the joining of single labels is intended, then according to the Fig. 3 The adhesive material can be applied to only one side of the label strip 430. As already described, this can be achieved by spraying, printing, or pressing on adhesive material, or by unrolling adhesive material from a roll of adhesive material and applying it to the end of the label.

[0082] Before or together with the Fig. 7In the step described, heating of the adhesive and / or label material can be effected by a heating device (not shown here but optionally provided). For example, the heating device can heat the adhesive material in the adhesive application device 403. This can take place alternately or permanently, so that adhesive material can either be heated immediately before being transferred to the label strip or the adhesive material held in reserve is permanently heated to a desired temperature in the adhesive application device 403. Alternatively or additionally, the label material can be heated entirely or only in the adhesive area, preferably immediately before the adhesive material is applied in the adhesive area. The heating can be effected, for example, by hot air, thermal radiation and / or direct and / or indirect temperature control of the contact surface of the label or the adhesive material. The target temperature can, for example, be in the range of approx.30 to 60°C.

[0083] Subsequently or in parallel to the Figs. 6 and 7 In the steps described, a second label strip 453 is fed to the device 400 (see Figure 8 ), which is received by the connecting device 405 or the connecting elements 451 and 452 (in the case of sleeve or wrap-around labels) at the corresponding ends 454 and 455 and preferably pulled apart. For this purpose, the connecting device or its connecting elements 451 and 452 contact the opposite surfaces of the wrap-around label 454 and 455 by first moving the connecting elements 451 and 452 towards the second label strip 453. Subsequently, for example, by generating a negative pressure, the ends 454 and 455 are held and moved away from each other by moving the connecting elements 451 and 452 away from the transport plane of the second label strip 453.

[0084] Simultaneously or subsequently, the second label strip 453 can be moved in the direction of the first label strip 430 provided with adhesive material 431 and 432. In this situation, the cutting device 402, the adhesive application device 403 and (if provided) the fixing element can preferably be moved back to their starting position (see Figure 8 ), so that the distance to the first label strip 430 in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the first label strip 430 is large enough to move the connecting device 405 with the pulled-up end of the second label strip 453 through.

[0085] If a simple label is intended instead of a sleeve label or wrap-around label, the second label strip end is transferred analogously to the description of the Fig. 3with only one connecting device or a connecting device 405 with only one connecting element (for example only the upper element 451 or only the lower element 452).

[0086] In the Fig. 9In the view shown, the second label end 454 and 455 of the second label strip 453 has now been moved by the connecting elements 451 and 452 in the direction of the adhesive region 431 and 432 of the first label strip 430 such that they overlap with the latter. In the case of sleeve labels, as shown here, the label end of the second label strip 453 thus surrounds the label end of the first label strip 430 with the adhesive region 431 and 432. In the case of simple labels, the respective label ends are arranged one above the other in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the first label strip 430, so that at least part of the second label end is arranged above the first label end or below the first label end and faces the adhesive region of the first label strip 430.

[0087] This is followed by Fig. 10a connection of the first label end of the first label strip with the second label end of the second label strip 453. For this purpose, the second label end is moved towards the adhesive area 431 and 432 of the first label strip 430 and preferably pressed therewith. In the case of sleeve labels or wrap-around labels, this can include the connecting elements 451 and 452 or generally connecting devices 405 pressing the two opposite label ends 454 and 455 of the second label strip 453 against each other, with the adhesive areas 431 and 432 lying therebetween. If simple labels are provided, the label end of the second label strip is pressed against the adhesive area of ​​the label end of the first label strip. This can be done, for example, with the aid of a counter-pressure surface analogous to Fig. 3 be effected.

[0088] The first label end is then connected to the second label end (see Figure 11) and the clamping element 401 can be returned to its starting position so that the connected label strips can be conveyed further in the transport direction T. At this time, the connecting device 405 can also be moved back to its starting position in the direction of the arrow shown in order to pick up the second label end of the second label strip when the next change of the label strip rolls or a connection of label ends is necessary.

Claims

1. Device for connecting label strips, the device comprising a feed-through area through which the label strips can be guided along a transport direction, a clamping element for clamping a region of a first label strip, a cutting device upstream of the clamping element for cutting a first label end of the first label strip, an adhesive application device for applying adhesive material to an adhesive area of the first label end upstream of the clamping element, a connecting device for guiding a second label end of a second label strip to the first label end of the first label strip and for connecting the second label end to the first label end in the adhesive area.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during cutting and / or application.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the fixing element comprises two pressure elements spaced apart in the transport direction, which can fix the label end downstream of the cutting device, and wherein optionally the adhesive application device can apply the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements; or wherein the fixing element comprises a pressure element arranged downstream of the cutting device in the transport direction and downstream or upstream of the adhesive application device, which can fix the label end.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting device comprises a carrying unit for carrying the second label end during the feeding and the connecting.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device comprises a counter-pressure surface and the connecting device can press the second label end and the first label end in the adhesive area against the counter-pressure surface for connecting.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the adhesive application device is designed to apply adhesive material to two opposite sides of the first label end.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4 or 6, wherein the connecting device for contacting the second label end is formed on two opposite sides of the second label end.

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the connecting device is designed to pull the second label end apart in a direction perpendicular to a transport plane of the second label strip and to guide it over the first label end in order to bring the second label end closer to the first label end.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device comprises a cutting counter surface against which the cutting device can press the first label end to cut the label end.

10. A method for joining label strips with a device for joining label strips, the device comprising a feed-through area through which the label strips can be guided along a transport direction, a clamping element for clamping a portion of a first label strip, a cutting device upstream of the clamping element for cutting a first label end of the first label strip, an adhesive application device for applying adhesive material to an adhesive area of the label end upstream of the clamping element, a connecting device for bringing a second label end of a second label strip to the label end of the first label strip and for connecting the second label end to the first label end in the adhesive area, the method comprising clamping the portion of the first label strip with the clamping element,then cutting the first label end with the cutting element and applying adhesive material to the adhesive area with the adhesive application device, bringing the second label end forward and connecting the second label end to the first label end., 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the cutting, advancing, and joining steps occur while the portion of the first label strip is clamped by the clamping element; and / or wherein the application of adhesive material occurs after the cutting of the first label end; and / or wherein the advancing of the second label end occurs after the application of adhesive material.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, the first label end is cut by the cutting device and / or the adhesive material is applied to the adhesive area by the adhesive application device, while the first label end is fixed by a fixing element of the device, wherein optionally the fixing element comprises two pressure elements spaced apart in the transport direction, which fix the label end downstream of the cutting device and wherein optionally the adhesive application device applies the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements, or wherein optionally the fixing element comprises a pressure element arranged downstream of the cutting device and downstream or upstream of the adhesive application device in the transport direction, which pressure element fixes the label end.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the device comprises a counter-pressure surface and the connecting device presses the second label end and the first label end in the adhesive area against the counter-pressure surface for connecting.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the adhesive application device applies the adhesive material to two opposite sides of the first label end; and / or wherein the connecting device contacts the second label end on two opposite sides of the second label end, wherein optionally the connecting device, for bringing the second label end closer to the first label end, pulls the second label end apart in a direction perpendicular to a transport plane of the second label strip and guides it over the first label end and then connects the first label end to the pulled-apart part of the second label end.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the device is a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and / or wherein the label is a wrap-around label or a sleeve label.

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