Device for joining label strips

Abstract

Device (100, 190, 200) for joining label tapes (231, 232), the device comprising a passage area (270) through which the label tapes can be guided along a transport direction (T), an adhesive application device (201) for applying adhesive material (213) to an adhesive area (234) of a first label end (2359) of a first label tape (231), wherein the adhesive application device (201) comprises an application element (211) for applying the adhesive material (213) in the adhesive area (234) and a supply element (212) for feeding a transfer tape (214) with adhesive material (213) to the application element (211) and for removing the transfer tape (214) from the application element (211),wherein the device comprises a first drive element (215) for moving the application element (211) along an application direction and a second drive element (216) for driving the supply element (212) for feeding and removing the transfer belt (214).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for joining label tapes according to claim 1 and to a method for joining label tapes with a device for joining label tapes according to claim 9. State of the art

[0002] Devices for joining label tapes are generally known from the prior art and are typically used, for example, to ensure continuous transport of label tape to a labeling machine. For this purpose, EP 2 825 371 B1, for example, discloses a device in which an adhesive tape dispenser is used to dispense adhesive tape to join the film ends of successive film webs, such as label tapes.

[0003] The applied adhesive tape is separated from the remaining tape on the tape roll by cutting. This can lead to contamination and protruding tape ends, which can adversely affect the quality of the labeling result and the subsequent operation of the device. Task

[0004] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to specify a device and a method for connecting label strips which enable a reliable connection of the label strips. Solution

[0005] This object is achieved 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 9. Advantageous further developments are covered in the subclaims.

[0006] The device according to the invention for joining label strips comprises a feed-through area through which the label strips can be guided along a transport direction, an adhesive application device for applying adhesive material to an adhesive area of ​​a first label end of a first label strip, wherein the adhesive application device comprises an application element for applying the adhesive material in the adhesive area and a supply element for feeding a transfer tape with adhesive material to the application element and for removing the transfer tape from the application element, wherein the device comprises a first drive element for moving the application element along an application direction and a second drive element for driving the application element and / or the supply element for feeding and removing the transfer tape.

[0007] According to the invention, the device enables at least the application of adhesive material to the adhesive area of ​​the first label end. Optionally, the device can further comprise a connecting device for joining the label end to a second label end of a second label strip. This device can, for example, position the second label end towards the first label end after the adhesive material has been applied and press the second label end against the first label end, at least in the adhesive area, to effect a connection.

[0008] According to the invention, the second drive element exerts a tensile or push force on the transfer belt from the application element and / or the supply element, so that the belt moves towards the application element and is conveyed away from the application element after the adhesive material has been transferred.

[0009] According to the invention, the adhesive material is provided on the transfer tape in such a way that it can be detached from the transfer tape. To this extent, the transfer tape with the adhesive material is fed to the application element, and the application element transfers the adhesive material and detaches it from the transfer tape, which is then removed from the application element by the provision element without or substantially without any remaining adhesive material. This can, for example, comprise unwinding a roll of transfer tape with adhesive material toward the application element and rolling up a roll of transfer material without or substantially without adhesive material, wherein the rolling up occurs downstream of the application element in the application direction.

[0010] The first drive element and the second drive element can each be designed as servo drives or other electric motors and can be connected to the supply element and / or the application element via suitable connecting elements and / or gears in order to drive them.

[0011] With the device according to the invention, the adhesive material is transferred without any remaining or protruding residues of adhesive material, which increases the quality of the bonding of the label strips and allows for more reliable further transport.

[0012] It can be provided that the first and second drive elements can be operated independently of each other. This makes it possible to apply different torques or drive forces to the supply element and / or the application element, which allows for both reliable transfer of the adhesive material and reliable release of the adhesive material from the transfer tape.

[0013] In one embodiment, the application direction is perpendicular to the transport direction. This minimizes the amount of adhesive material transferred to the label end, thus reducing the required material usage.

[0014] The supply element can comprise a dispensing roller on which the transfer tape with adhesive material can be held, and a receiving roller for receiving the transfer tape after dispensing, and the second drive element can be designed to drive the receiving roller about a rotation axis of the receiving roller, the rotation axis optionally running parallel to the transport direction.

[0015] With this embodiment, a reliable feeding and removal of the transfer belt to and from the application element can be ensured, whereby the torque acting on the transfer belt can be reliably controlled.

[0016] The device may further include a fixing element for securing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element comprises two pressure elements spaced apart in the transport direction, which can secure the first label end, and wherein the application element can apply the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements. Alternatively, the device may include a fixing element for securing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element comprises a pressure element arranged upstream or downstream of the application element in the transport direction, which can secure the first label end. This prevents unintentional misalignment between the adhesive material and the label end.

[0017] In particular, it can be provided that the fixing element and / or the application element is movable perpendicular to a transport plane of the label tapes. With this embodiment, reliable guidance of the first label tape in the transport direction can be achieved until the first label end is reached, followed by reliable transfer of the adhesive material onto the label tape.

[0018] In one embodiment, the application element comprises an application roller for applying the adhesive material, wherein the application roller is rotatably arranged about an axis of rotation parallel to the transport direction, and wherein the second drive element can drive the application roller about the axis of rotation, and / or wherein the second drive element can drive a deflection roller for deflecting the transfer belt about an axis of rotation of the deflection roller. The application roller can, in particular, press the adhesive material onto the first end of the label, thus ensuring a reliable transfer.

[0019] The device can include a control unit for controlling the first and second drive elements, wherein the first drive element and the second drive element can be operated synchronously at least during a first time interval and asynchronously during a second time interval.

[0020] Synchronous operation includes, in particular, ensuring that the distance traveled by the application element in the application direction is equal to the distance traveled by the adhesive material. This prevents unintentional tearing of the transfer tape. Asynchronous operation can include a different distance traveled by the transfer tape compared to the distance traveled by the application element in the application direction, and / or a different force acting on the transfer tape compared to the force acting on the application element in the application direction. This embodiment ensures reliable separation of the transfer tape from the applied adhesive material, thus reducing the amount of excess adhesive residue remaining on the label end.

[0021] According to the invention, a method for joining label tapes is further provided with a device for joining label tapes, the device comprising a passage area through which the label tapes can be guided along a transport direction, an adhesive application device for applying adhesive material to an adhesive area of ​​a first label end of a first label tape, wherein the adhesive application device comprises an application element for applying the adhesive material in the adhesive area and a supply element for feeding a transfer tape with adhesive material to the application element and for removing the transfer tape from the application element, wherein the device comprises a first drive element for moving the application element along an application direction and a second drive element for driving the application element and / or the supply element for feeding and removing the transfer tape.The process comprises driving the supply element to feed the transfer tape to the application element, applying the adhesive material to the bonding area, and removing the transfer tape.

[0022] Optionally, after applying the adhesive material to the first label end, the first label end can be connected to a second label end of a second label strip using a connecting device of the apparatus.

[0023] This method ensures reliable transfer of the adhesive material.

[0024] The adhesive material may comprise an adhesive layer that can be detached from the transfer tape or a substrate that can be detached from the transfer tape, with adhesive layers arranged on opposite sides of the substrate.

[0025] In this context, an adhesive layer refers specifically to a material consisting solely of adhesive material without a non-adhesive substrate. The adhesive layers arranged on opposite sides of the substrate, together with the substrate, can be understood, for example, as "double-sided adhesive tape," such that adhesive layers are arranged on the opposite sides of the substrate (the flat sides). These embodiments ensure a secure bond between the label ends.

[0026] The application direction can run perpendicular to the transport direction and / or the supply element can comprise a dispensing roller on which the transfer tape with adhesive material is held, and a take-up roller on which the transfer tape is taken up after removal, and the second drive element can be designed to drive the take-up roller about a rotational axis of the take-up roller, wherein the rotational axis optionally runs parallel to the transport direction. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the application direction runs perpendicular to the transport direction and / or that the application element comprises an application roller for applying adhesive material, and wherein the second drive element drives the application roller about a rotational axis, and wherein the rotational axis optionally runs parallel to the transport direction.Alternatively or additionally, the application element can include a deflection roller for redirecting the transfer belt, with the second drive element driving the deflection roller around a rotary axis. This embodiment allows for a reduction in the amount of adhesive used while simultaneously ensuring reliable transfer.

[0027] The device may include a fixing element for securing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element comprises two pressure elements spaced apart in the transport direction, which secure the first label end at least temporarily during application, and wherein the application element applies the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements. Alternatively, the device may include a fixing element for securing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element comprises a pressure element arranged downstream or upstream of the application element in the transport direction, which secures the first label end during application.

[0028] By securing the first end of the label, the adhesive is applied to the first end with as few creases as possible. This improves the reliability of the adhesive application.

[0029] It can also be provided that the fixing element and / or the application element are moved perpendicular to a transport plane of the label tapes in the direction of the first label end before application. This embodiment ensures the feeding of the label tape and simultaneously guarantees that the adhesive material is reliably applied.

[0030] In one embodiment, the device includes a control unit that controls the first and second drive elements, wherein the first and second drive elements operate synchronously at least during a first time interval and asynchronously during a second time interval. With this embodiment, the force acting on the transfer belt can be controlled precisely, and the speed at which the adhesive material is transferred onto the label tape can also be adjusted.

[0031] It can be provided that the first drive element and the second drive element are operated synchronously during application and are operated asynchronously to release the applied adhesive material from the transfer belt.

[0032] The synchronous or asynchronous drive can, in particular, include a higher torque of the supply element compared to the drive of the application element, or a higher torque transmitted to the transfer belt, so that it can be reliably released from the adhesive material applied to the end of the label.

[0033] The asynchronous drive can be combined with a vertical movement of the application element and / or the delivery element in a vertical direction relative to the label tape. This can advantageously cause the transfer tape to detach from the adhesive material transferred to the label. Short description of the characters

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a device for providing and feeding label strips, Fig. 2 shows a side view of a device according to the invention for connecting label strips, Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the adhesive application device, the supply element and the first and second drive element. Detailed description

[0035] Fig. 1 shows 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 is described in more detail.

[0036] 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 wound up in the form of strips. The labels can be provided as wraparound labels or sleeve labels, or labels that extend only partially around the circumference of a container. Wraparound 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, particularly in the case of sleeve labels, successive labels with their openings, into which the container can be inserted, following one another on the label strip.

[0037] The device 190 further comprises, for example, one or more cutting devices 192 for cutting one end of a label roll to be joined with the existing label roll. This label end 130 can then be transferred to a device 100 according to the invention for joining label tapes, whereby a connection between the label end of one label roll and the label end of the other label roll is ensured, so that a continuous label web 185 is obtained, which can be discharged from the device, for example, via a buffer system 194 and fed, for example, to a labeling machine for labeling containers (not shown here).

[0038] To enable the changing of multiple label tapes or rolls (for example, a largely automated change between label rolls 181 to 184 in the magazine 191), the device 100 according to the invention can be 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 unwinding to a further label roll or label tape 182 to be connected to this label roll or label tape. As soon as the unwinding label tape reaches a minimum remaining length, the device 100 can be moved along the guide 193 to the nearest label roll (here, roll 182) and the label end of the first label roll 181 is connected to the label end of the second label roll 182.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Corresponding devices of the Fig. 1 Devices for joining label ends are generally known. Devices 100 for joining label ends are also generally known. However, the following problem typically arises: reliably joining the label ends of a first label strip and a subsequent second label strip is difficult, which can lead to faulty label transfer or the need for readjustment of the label strips during subsequent operation.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a device 200 according to the invention for connecting label strips 231 and 232. The label strips can be label strips that have been provided on different label rolls.

[0042] While the device is described below in such a way that the label end of a label strip 231 running ahead in the transport direction T is provided with adhesive material 213, it is understood that the device can also be used to provide the label end 236 of the following label strip (second label strip) 232 with corresponding adhesive material.

[0043] According to the invention, the device comprises a passage area 270 through which the label tapes 231 and 232 can be guided through the device 200. This can be achieved, for example, by providing suitable drive rollers or other drive elements upstream and / or downstream of the device 200, which are designed to pull and / or push the label tapes, and to transport them through the passage area 270 along a transport direction T.

[0044] According to the invention, the device 200 comprises an adhesive application device 201, which can apply adhesive material 213 to the label strip in an adhesive area 234 of the label end 235 of the first label strip 231. In the embodiment shown here, the adhesive application device 201 is arranged above the transport plane of the first label strip 231 in the transport direction T. Additionally, this embodiment shows a second adhesive application device 262, which can be arranged on the opposite side of the transport plane or of the first label strip 231 and can apply adhesive material 213 to the opposite side of the label strip 231 in the adhesive area 234. This embodiment may be preferred when sleeve labels are in the form of label strips.These are joined by pulling on the following or preceding label strip and "slipping" the pulled-on label strip over the label end of the other label strip and joining them in the adhesive area 234. This requires applying adhesive material to opposite sides of the label strip to ensure that the label ends of the label strips are reliably joined.

[0045] If the device 200 according to the invention is used for joining label strips made of single labels (which do not form label tubes or sleeve labels), the second adhesive application device 262 can be omitted.

[0046] The adhesive application device 201 comprises at least one application element 211 that can transfer adhesive material 213 to the first label end 235 in the adhesive area 234. For this purpose, the application element 211 can, for example, roll or apply the adhesive material 213, or press it onto the adhesive area 213.

[0047] Furthermore, the adhesive application device 201 includes a supply element 212, which can feed the adhesive material on a transfer belt 214 to the application element 211. The transfer belt 214 serves as a carrier for the adhesive material 213. The application element separates the adhesive material 213 and the transfer belt from each other in the adhesive area after the adhesive material 213 has been applied to the adhesive area 234 of the label tape. This can be achieved, for example, by pulling the transfer belt away from the label tape after the adhesive material has been applied, thus causing separation. Alternatively or additionally, the application element can also include a separation edge at which the transfer belt undergoes a change in its direction of movement that is so significant that the adhesive material, due to its stiffness, cannot follow this change in direction and detaches from the transfer belt.

[0048] The transmission tape can be made of, for example, a plastic or a natural fiber or a mixture thereof, and can in particular consist of or comprise PET or other plastics.

[0049] The adhesive material can either be arranged as a single adhesive layer on the transfer tape (and produced, for example, by vapor deposition, printing, or spraying onto the transfer tape) or it can be provided as a substrate with adhesive layers arranged on opposite sides of the substrate, such as double-sided adhesive tape. In either case, the adhesive material is removable from the transfer tape.

[0050] According to the invention, the supply element feeds the transfer tape with adhesive material arranged on it to the application element and, after the adhesive material 213 has been applied in the adhesive area 234, feeds the transfer tape away from the application element. The feeding and removal can be effected actively by the supply element by actively driving the supply element to feed and / or remove the tape, or passively by the supply element, for example, by the optionally driven application element pulling the transfer tape away from the supply element and thus feeding it to the application element, and then pushing it back to the supply element from the application element.

[0051] According to the invention, it is further provided that a first drive element 215 is connected on the drive side to the application device in order to move the application device along an application direction, at least while the application device transfers the adhesive material 213 to the label strip in the adhesive area 234. Furthermore, a second drive element 216 is provided to drive the supply element and / or the application element for feeding and removing the transfer strip to and from the application element.

[0052] The supply element can, for example, comprise one or more rotatably mounted rollers, wherein at least one of these rotatable rollers can be set in rotation by the second drive element 216 and can, for example, exert a tensile force on the transfer belt so that it is guided in the direction of the application element in order to apply the adhesive material from the application element to the adhesive area 234 of the label 231, or to remove the transfer belt from the application element after application of the adhesive material.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the application element can include an application roller rotatably mounted about a rotary axis, which can be rotated or driven about the rotary axis by the second drive element in order to remove the transfer belt from the supply element and / or to feed the transfer belt to the supply element.

[0054] The first drive element 215 and the second drive element 216 can, for example, comprise one or more servo motors or other electric motors and are preferably operable independently of each other, so that the supply element 212 and / or the application element 211 can be driven independently of the movement of the application element along the application direction for feeding and / or removing the transfer belt.

[0055] The application direction preferably runs in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction T, but within or parallel to the transport plane of the label tape. Other relative orientations of the application direction are also conceivable, so that it can, for example, form an angle other than 90° with the transport direction T. This can be advantageous if a larger area of ​​the label tape 231 in the transport direction T is to be coated with adhesive material.

[0056] In one embodiment, the device 200 further comprises a connecting device 205 with which the first label end and the second label end can be joined together. For this purpose, the connecting device 205 can include one or more clamps 251 and 252, which grip one of the label strips and position it against the other label strip for joining in the adhesive area 234. It can also be provided that the elements 251 and 252 are designed such that they can pull sleeve labels onto the labels in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the label strips, in order to slip the sleeve label thus pulled onto the other label end, preferably provided with adhesive material, and thereby effect a joining.The joining device 205 can also be designed to exert pressure on the label strips in the area of ​​the adhesive area 234 after the label ends have been positioned, so that they come into physical contact with each other in the adhesive area and, in particular, a bond is formed with the adhesive material.

[0057] Optionally, the device 200 can also comprise a fixing element 204 that can fix the first label end 235 in the adhesive region 234 at least during the application of the adhesive material 213. For this purpose, in one embodiment, the fixing element 204 can comprise two pressure elements 241 and 242 that are spaced apart from one another in the transport direction and can press on the label strip 231 in order to fix it upstream and downstream of the adhesive region 234. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the fixing element comprises only one pressure element upstream or downstream of the adhesive region 234 (i.e., either the pressure element 241 or the pressure element 242) in order to fix the label end at least in a region that is preferably immediately adjacent to the adhesive region 234. The fact that the region is immediately adjacent to the adhesive region can mean that the distance between the region and the adhesive region is less than 2 cm, or less than 2 cm, or less than 0.5 cm.

[0058] In the embodiment shown here, the second adhesive application device 262 comprises a corresponding fixing element 243. This can be particularly advantageous if, as described above, sleeve labels are to be attached to the device according to the invention. The design of the fixing element 243 can be analogous to that of the fixing element 204. If single labels (i.e., not sleeve labels or label tubes) are attached to each other with the device 200, one fixing element 204 is sufficient, which preferably presses the label strip 231 against a stop or counter element (not shown here) so that the adhesive area 234 is fixed in the transport direction T.

[0059] It can be provided that the distance between the pressure elements 241 and 242 (if two are provided) in the transport direction is equal to (or slightly greater, for example up to 0.5 cm, 1 cm, or 2 cm, than) the extent of the adhesive area 234 in the transport direction T, so that the application element 211 can preferably apply adhesive material over the entire adhesive area 234 without it coming into physical contact with the pressure elements 241 and 242. In particular, it can be provided that the application element applies the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements.

[0060] The pressure element(s) can, for example, be connected to springs which, when the fixing element 204 moves towards the label tape 231, ensure that the force transmitted by the pressure element(s) 241 and 242 to the label tape 231 does not exceed a certain maximum value. The spring elements can be pre-tensioned, in particular towards the label tape 231, so that, firstly, the physical contact with the label tape by the pressure element(s) 241 and 242 is reliably effected, and secondly, a maximum force acting on the label tape is not exceeded.

[0061] It can be provided that the application element 211 and / or the fixing element are movably arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane or to the plane of the label tape 231, so that they can be moved to apply and fix the label tape 231. This ensures that the adhesive material is applied when the label tape is reliably fixed and, on the other hand, that the further transport of the label tape in the transport direction T can reliably take place after the adhesive material has been applied and / or connected to the next label tape.

[0062] The device 200 can further comprise a cutting device 202 that can cut the label end 235 of the first label strip 231. For this purpose, the cutting device 202 can, for example, comprise a cutting blade 261 movable in the direction of the label strip and can also comprise a counter element 263 arranged on the opposite side of the label strip 231, against which the cutting blade 261 with the label strip 231 located between them can be guided, so that the label strip is cut reliably. This is not mandatory, and it can also be provided that the respective label end 235 is already pre-cut, that the distance of the adhesive area 234 to the actual end of the label strip 231 is always constant, and thus a reliable joining of the label strips is possible.

[0063] Furthermore, the device 200 can optionally include a clamping element 203 upstream of the adhesive application device 201 to clamp the label tape 231 and secure it against further movement in the transport direction T. This clamping element can either be arranged on opposite sides of the label tape or the transport plane of the label tape 231, or only one such clamping element 203 can be provided to be movable in order to press the label tape 231 against a counter-pressure surface 239.

[0064] In one embodiment, a control unit 280 is further provided, which can control one or more functions of the device 200. The control unit can, for example, be designed as a computer with an associated processor and memory, and have suitable programming and corresponding connections for data exchange in order to control individual functions of the device 200.

[0065] In particular, the control unit 280 can be configured to control the first drive element 215 and the second drive element 214 for either synchronous or asynchronous operation. Synchronous operation of the first and second drive elements is understood to mean, in particular, operation such that the distance traveled by the application element along the application direction is equal to the distance traveled by the transfer belt 211, so that the transfer belt does not come to rest on the label belt. Asynchronous operation is understood to mean, in particular, that the distance traveled by the transfer belt differs from the distance traveled by the application element in the application direction and / or that the forces acting on the application element in the application direction differ in magnitude from the forces acting on the transfer belt.This ensures reliable removal of the transfer tape from the applied adhesive material.

[0066] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an adhesive application device 300 in relation to a fixing element 304, as may be optionally provided.

[0067] The adhesive application device 300, in the embodiment shown here, comprises a device (see Fig. 2 ) fixed frame 340, relative to which the application element 301 and the provision element 302 are movably arranged. In the embodiment shown here, the application element 301 and the provision element 302 are arranged together on a holding frame 303, so that the basic relative position between the application element 301 and the provision element 302 is unchangeable. This is not mandatory.

[0068] With regard to the holding frame 303, the application element 301 and the staging element or components of the staging element can be arranged movably (in particular rotatably about suitable axes of rotation). In the embodiment shown here, the application element 301 and in particular the entire holding frame 303 are arranged movably along an application direction A.

[0069] The application element 301 comprises an application roller 373, which is rotatably mounted in the holding frame 303 about an axis of rotation R1 and thus rotates when moving along the application direction A. Optionally, the application element can include a first deflection roller 371 and / or a second deflection roller 372, each of which can be rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation that runs parallel to and spaced apart from the axis of rotation R1. In particular, it can be provided that the distance between the axes of rotation of the first and / or second deflection roller 371, 372 and the axis of rotation R1 in the application direction A is less than the sum of the radii of the application roller and the respective deflection roller. This ensures that sufficient tensile forces act on the transmission belt and that the transmission belt lies as taut as possible against the application roller. Optionally, it can be provided that the application roller 373 is mounted together with or independently of the application roller 371, 372.The deflection rollers can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane of the label 360 degrees towards or away from the label, so that a tensile force and / or tension force acting on the transmission belt can be set.

[0070] For the movement of the application element 301 or the holding frame 303 in the application direction A transverse to the transport direction of the label or label tape 360, the first drive element 311 (for example, an electric motor, in particular a servo drive) is provided. In the embodiment shown here, this is connected to the holding frame 303 via a spindle 312 rotatably mounted in the frame 340. However, any other embodiment is also conceivable.

[0071] In addition to the spindle 312, in one embodiment a guide 313 can be provided on which the holding frame 303 is movably arranged in the application direction A.

[0072] If the holding frame 303 with the application element 301 is now moved in application direction A by actuating the spindle 312, the application roll unwinds upon physical contact with the label tape 360 ​​due to the frictional forces that occur.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing element 302 comprises a dispensing roller 322 on which a transfer tape 350 with adhesive material 351 arranged thereon is held. The dispensing roller 322 is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis R2, which may be parallel to the rotational axis R1 of the application roller. The rotational axis R2 may also form an angle with the rotational axis R1, and it may be provided that further guide rollers (not shown here) are provided which deflect or guide the transfer tape 350 with the adhesive material 351 such that the transfer tape 350 is deflected without creases by the rotational axis R2 and the associated direction of movement of the transfer tape 350 in the direction of rotation defined by the rotational axis R1.

[0074] The supply element 302 further comprises a receiving roller 321, which is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis R3, preferably parallel to the rotational axis R2 and optionally parallel to the rotational axis R1. The receiving roller 321 is arranged such that it winds up or receives the transfer tape 352 after it has passed the application roller and after the adhesive material 351 has been removed or substantially removed.

[0075] The second drive element 323, which in one embodiment can be connected to the delivery roller 322 and / or the receiving roller 321 on the drive side, can set the transmission belt 352 in motion in the direction from the delivery roller to the receiving roller, so that it is fed to the application roller and then removed and wound up by the delivery roller 321.

[0076] The related to Fig. 2The control unit described can control the first drive element 311 and the second drive element 323 such that the same amount of transfer tape 350 is unrolled from the dispensing roll 322 as the distance traveled by the application roll along the application direction A. This ensures that the transfer tape 350 does not tear during the transfer of the adhesive material 351 to the label tape 360. Subsequently, for example, when the end position of the application roll 301 in the application direction A is reached, the first drive element 311 can be stopped (for example by appropriate control from the control unit), so that further movement does not occur.Additionally, either simultaneously or at a short interval (for example 0.1s or more or 0.05s or more), the second drive element 323 can continue to rotate or at least exert torque on the delivery roller and / or the receiving roller, so that the transfer belt is moved further and the adhesive material 351 transferred to the label belt 360 is separated from the transfer belt 352.

[0077] Preferably, the second drive element 323 is connected at least to the receiving roller 321, since this can exert a tensile force on the transfer belt 351. Additionally, a connection to the delivery roller can also be provided. However, this is not mandatory, and the delivery roller can be passively set in rotation by the tensile force acting on the transfer belt 350. This prevents an excess of transfer belt upstream of the application roller when more transfer belt 350 is unwound from the delivery roller 322 than is wound up from the receiving roller 321.

[0078] As an alternative to driving one of the rollers of the delivery element, the Figure 3It can also be provided that the second drive element, designated as the second drive element 314, is connected to the application roller 373 on the drive side in order to drive the application roller 373 around the axis of rotation R1. Alternatively, one of the other rollers, such as a deflection roller 371, 372, can be connected to the second drive 314 on the drive side in order to (indirectly) drive the application roller 373 around the axis of rotation R1. In this embodiment, the guide 313 can be provided not as a passive guide that merely guides the movement of the application element 301 along the application direction A, but additionally or alternatively as a spindle or square spindle to transmit the drive force of the second drive element 314 to the application roller 373.Analogous to the embodiment in which the second drive element 323 is connected to one of the rollers of the supply element, the drive force transmitted from the second drive element 314 to the application roller can be controlled, so that the described embodiments are also applicable to this embodiment.

[0079] As shown, the application roller is moved in the application direction A between the printing elements 341 and 342 of the fixing element 340. The extension of the application roller 301 in the transport direction T, i.e., measured from one printing element 341 to the other printing element 342, can be smaller than the distance between the printing elements 341 and 342, so that the application roller 301 can preferably be positioned between the printing elements 341 and 342 and pressed onto the label tape 360, ensuring reliable transfer of the adhesive material 351.

Claims

1. Device for joining label strips, the device comprising a feed-through area through which the label strips can be fed along a transport direction, an adhesive application device for applying adhesive material to an adhesive area of ​​a first label end of a first label strip, wherein the adhesive application device comprises an application element for applying the adhesive material in the adhesive area and a supply element for feeding a transfer tape with adhesive material to the application element and for removing the transfer tape from the application element, wherein the device comprises a first drive element for moving the application element along an application direction and a second drive element for driving the application element and / or the supply element for feeding and removing the transfer tape.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second drive elements are operable independently of each other.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the application direction is perpendicular to the transport direction.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supply element comprises a dispensing roller on which the transfer tape with adhesive material can be held, and a take-up roller for taking up the transfer tape after removal, and wherein the second drive element is designed to drive the take-up roller about an axis of rotation of the take-up roller, wherein the axis of rotation optionally runs parallel to the transport direction.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device further comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element comprises two pressure elements spaced apart in the transport direction, which can fix the first label end, and wherein the application element can apply the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements; or wherein the device comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element comprises a pressure element arranged downstream or upstream of the application element in the transport direction, which can fix the first label end.

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the fixing element and / or the application element is movable perpendicular to a transport plane of the label strips.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the application element comprises an application roller for applying the adhesive material and wherein the application roller is arranged to be rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the transport direction and wherein the second drive element can drive the application roller about the axis of rotation and / or wherein the second drive element can drive a deflection roller for deflecting the transfer belt about an axis of rotation of the deflection roller.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device comprises a control unit for controlling the first and second drive element, wherein the first drive element and the second drive element can be operated synchronously at least during a first time interval and asynchronously during a second time interval.

9. 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, an adhesive application device for applying adhesive material to an adhesive area of ​​a first label end of a first label strip, wherein the adhesive application device comprises an application element for applying the adhesive material in the adhesive area and a supply element for feeding a transfer tape with adhesive material to the application element and for removing the transfer tape from the application element, wherein the device comprises a first drive element for moving the application element along an application direction and a second drive element for driving the application element and / or the supply element for feeding and removing the transfer tape,the method comprising driving the application element and / or the supply element to feed the transfer tape to the application element, applying the adhesive material to the adhesive area, and removing the transfer tape.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the adhesive material comprises an adhesive layer releasable from the transfer tape or a substrate releasable from the transfer tape having adhesive layers disposed on opposite sides of the substrate.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the application direction runs perpendicular to the transport direction and / or wherein the supply element comprises a dispensing roller on which the transfer tape with adhesive material is held, and a take-up roller on which the transfer tape is taken up after being removed, and wherein the second drive element is designed to drive the take-up roller about a rotational axis of the take-up roller, wherein the rotational axis optionally runs parallel to the transport direction; or wherein the application direction runs perpendicular to the transport direction and / or wherein the application element comprises an application roller for applying adhesive material and wherein the second drive element drives the application roller about a rotational axis and wherein the rotational axis optionally runs parallel to the transport direction;or wherein the application element comprises a deflection roller for deflecting the transfer belt and wherein the second drive element drives the deflection roller about a rotational axis; 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the device comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element comprises two pressure elements spaced apart in the transport direction, which fix the first label end at least temporarily during application, and wherein the application element applies the adhesive material to the adhesive area between the pressure elements; or wherein the device comprises a fixing element for fixing the first label end during application, wherein the fixing element comprises a pressure element arranged downstream or upstream of the application element in the transport direction, which pressure element can fix the first label end.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the fixing element and / or the application element are moved perpendicular to a transport plane of the label strips in the direction of the first label end before application.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the device comprises a control unit that controls the first and second drive elements, wherein the first drive element and the second drive element are operated synchronously at least during a first time interval and asynchronously during a second time interval.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first drive element and the second drive element are operated synchronously during application and are operated asynchronously to release the applied adhesive material from the transfer belt.

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