Packaging machine and labelling device

Abstract

A packaging machine for packaging food products comprises a transport device for moving a material web along a longitudinal direction and a labeling device for applying labels to the material web. The labeling device includes a label dispenser and an application device movable along the longitudinal direction for applying the labels to the material web. The label dispenser is configured to transfer labels to be applied to the application device. The labeling device further includes a drive configured to move the application device along the longitudinal direction. The drive includes a motor and is configured to move the application device relative to the motor along the longitudinal direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a labeling device and a packaging machine for packaging food products, in particular food portions comprising one or more slices separated from a food product, wherein the packaging machine comprises a transport device configured to move a web of material for producing packaging along a longitudinal direction.

[0002] Such packaging machines can be used, in particular, to automatically package food products transferred to the machine in order to produce ready-to-sell packages. For this purpose, packaging machines can, for example, form part of a processing line in which the food products are first sliced ​​by a slicing device, especially a so-called high-speed slicer, and food portions are formed from the slices, which are then transferred to the packaging machine and packaged.

[0003] To package food products, and in particular individual food portions, and to produce the corresponding packaging, the packaging machine can move a web of material along a longitudinal direction and have one or more workstations where the web is processed to successively produce the packaging. Specifically, the packaging machine can provide packaging positions formed on or in the web at a transfer station, onto or into which the food products to be packaged can be placed. For this purpose, the packaging machine can, for example, be designed as a thermoforming packaging machine and have a forming station upstream of the transfer station, which is designed to draw troughs or depressions into the web of material so that the food products can be placed into the provided troughs and packaged at the transfer station.The trays can then be sealed at a sealing station by means of an upper web of material fed from above, in order to produce closed packages. Furthermore, packages produced in the material web can be separated at a singulation station downstream of the sealing station. It is also possible, for example, to place food products in defined positions on a flat material web, whereby closed packages can also be produced in this case by sealing an upper web of material fed from above using the packaging machine.

[0004] In addition to the workstations already mentioned, packaging machines can also include a labeling station to apply labels to manufactured packages and provide consumers with information such as product type, weight, best-before date, or other details relating to the packaging or the packaged food product. Typically, a label is applied to both the top and bottom of the package. This is usually done by connecting a labeling unit to a suitable location on the packaging machine, for example, by attaching it to the side.

[0005] In DE 40 20 847 A1 a labelling machine is disclosed which brings labels released from a dispenser edge to product or packaging surfaces by means of a suction plate and places them on them, wherein the strength of the generated vacuum can be varied at the suction plate.

[0006] GB 1 575 050 A describes a labeling machine with which labels can be taken from a conveyor belt and transferred onto an article. EP 3 495 280 B1 discloses a labeling device and a thermoforming packaging machine for packaging food products.

[0007] However, when connecting such an external unit—which is specialized and complex with regard to the other functions of a packaging machine—to the packaging machine, it is generally difficult to coordinate the operation of the labeling unit and the operation of the packaging machine. This can lead to operational disruptions or interruptions. Furthermore, connecting a labeling unit to a packaging machine is usually also structurally complex, as connecting external units often requires an inappropriately large amount of installation space. In particular, the labeling units may extend laterally into a space next to the packaging machine, which is frequently needed as a passageway for the personnel operating the packaging machine.In the case of a labeling device, in particular, the external attachment of movable elements of the labeling device to the packaging machine can result in inadequate access protection, which can again lead to operational disruptions and poses a risk of injuries from crushing.

[0008] Furthermore, the aforementioned difficulties with regard to labeling devices arise particularly because often both a labeling device for applying labels to a top side of packaging and another labeling device for applying labels to a bottom side of the packaging are provided, with the labeling devices usually being mounted on opposite sides of the packaging machine.Personnel operating the packaging machine must therefore constantly switch between the sides of the packaging machine to make adjustments to the respective labeling unit, so that such adjustments are very time-consuming and inadequate integration or faulty operation of labeling units can lead to significant interruptions in the operation of a packaging machine or a processing line comprising a packaging machine and thus to the product throughput to be achieved.

[0009] Therefore, one objective of the invention is to create packaging machines and labeling devices that enable reliable operation with the highest possible integration of the labeling devices into the packaging machine and / or into a processing line encompassing the packaging machine.

[0010] This problem is initially solved by a labeling device according to claim 1 and a packaging machine with the features of claim 13.

[0011] A packaging machine disclosed herein has a labeling device for applying labels to the material web, comprising a label dispenser and a longitudinally movable application device for applying the labels to the material web, wherein the label dispenser is configured to transfer labels to be applied to the application device. Furthermore, the labeling device has a drive configured to move the application device along the longitudinal direction. The drive includes a motor and is configured to move the application device relative to the motor along the longitudinal direction.

[0012] By incorporating the labeling unit into the packaging machine, the labeling unit becomes an integral component and does not need to be attached as an additional, optional external component. Instead, it is, in effect, permanently integrated into the packaging machine. This integration allows for improved coordination between the operation of the labeling unit and the operation of the other components of the packaging machine. Furthermore, the labeling unit can be controlled by a control unit of the packaging machine and / or a higher-level line control system of a processing line, which also controls the other components of the packaging machine.In particular, such a shared control system avoids complex communication between different control units, allowing cycle times for the packaging machine, as specified by the central control unit, to apply directly to the labeling unit as well. Furthermore, integrating the labeling unit into the packaging machine, and especially its control system, enables the simplest possible transmission of data to the labeling unit concerning the packaging and / or the food products it contains. This allows, for example, product-specific information, such as product weight, to be transmitted to a printer in the labeling unit and printed on a corresponding label.In particular, the labeling device may include a printer which is designed to print labels provided by the label dispenser before they are transferred to the application device.

[0013] For example, the label dispenser can have a label storage compartment into which a label carrier tape wound onto a roll can be inserted. The labels, particularly unprinted ones, are provided and / or affixed to this tape. The label carrier tape can be guided, particularly via several deflection and / or dancer rollers, to a printer of the labeling unit, so that the labels provided on the label carrier tape can be printed. The labels can then be transferred to the application unit. For this purpose, the labels can be guided, for example, over a transfer edge where the label carrier tape forms a crease, allowing the labels to detach from the tape.

[0014] The application device can, for example, have a housing in which a vacuum can be generated by a vacuum device to pick up the labels detached from the label carrier tape. Furthermore, the application device can, for example, have several circulating and driven belts to move the picked-up labels transversely to the longitudinal direction of the packaging machine and into a designated position corresponding to a package to be labeled. To apply the labels to the material web, the application device can, for example, have several application elements, in particular movable pins, that are movable perpendicular to a surface of the labels, by which the labels can be detached from the belt and brought into contact with the material web. The application of the labels to the material web can be achieved, in particular, by adhesive application.

[0015] Therefore, the application device can be designed to take labels from the label dispenser and align them transversely to the longitudinal direction in order to apply the labels at a predetermined location on the material web, particularly in a transverse direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In addition, the labeling device has a drive mechanism that allows the application device to move along the longitudinal direction, so that a label to be applied can also be aligned longitudinally and placed precisely at a position defined in two dimensions on the material web.Furthermore, the packaging machine can be configured, in particular, to advance the material web in a cycle and to provide several longitudinally spaced rows of packages during a cycle, with the labeling device being configured to label the packages of all rows during a cycle pause by applying labels. Therefore, the drive of the labeling device can, for example, also serve to move the application device from row to row during such label application and during the cycle pause in which the material web is stationary, in order to label the rows of packages one after the other.

[0016] In particular, the packaging machine can be configured to provide a format of packages, wherein the format can be formed by a matrix of packages arranged in m rows along the longitudinal direction and in n tracks of packages lying side by side in the longitudinal direction. The application device can be configured to simultaneously label packages in the n tracks by taking a corresponding number of labels from the label dispenser and placing them transversely to the longitudinal direction into a corresponding position and / or track on the application device. During a cycle break, the m rows of packages can therefore be accessed sequentially, and the packages in each row can be labeled simultaneously. The parameters n and m can be natural numbers greater than or equal to 1.

[0017] The drive for moving the labeling unit longitudinally thus enables the labels to be positioned precisely and, for example, different rows of packages to be addressed. Furthermore, the design of the drive for moving the labeling unit relative to the motor allows for improved, safer, and faster operation, also because less mass needs to be moved compared to conventional solutions with external labeling units. This advantage is again primarily achieved through the direct integration of the labeling unit into the packaging machine.

[0018] Due to the external mounting of labeling units on packaging machines in the prior art, drive concepts are generally used in which the motor for moving the labeling unit moves together with the labeling unit itself, meaning the labeling unit cannot be moved relative to the motor along its longitudinal direction. In contrast, in the packaging machine or its labeling unit disclosed herein, the motor can remain stationary during the movement of the labeling unit, thus reducing the weight to be moved compared to conventional solutions. This allows, for example, faster and more flexible longitudinal movement of the labeling unit and can therefore potentially reduce cycle times. Furthermore, the reduced weight to be moved can minimize vibrations during the movement of the labeling unit and achieve more precise movements.Furthermore, the movement of the mounting device is less sluggish with a lower weight, which allows for more flexible control of the mounting device and, for example, braking in the travel path of the mounting device in order to avoid injuries from crushing or damage to the mounting device.

[0019] In principle, the labeling unit can be designed to apply labels to packaging provided by the packaging machine, where the labels are formed within the material web. Therefore, the labeling unit can be positioned, in particular, after a transfer station of the packaging machine and / or after a sealing station of the packaging machine, in order to label the sealed packages. Furthermore, the labeling unit can be designed to label the packages on a top and / or a bottom. The aforementioned material web can therefore be, in particular, a top web fed from above, which seals the packages, and / or a bottom web fed from below, on which the food products rest. The material web can be, for example, a film web, a paper web, or a web of organic material.

[0020] Further embodiments are explained in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0021] In some embodiments, the motor can be designed as a servo motor.

[0022] A servomotor for moving the mounting device can be an electric motor of any design with a rotor, for example a DC motor, an asynchronous motor, or a synchronous motor, and includes in particular a measuring device that makes it possible to determine the exact position and / or rotational orientation and / or angle of rotation of the rotor at any time. This position measurement can be carried out, for example, via a rotary encoder, for which a resolver, an incremental rotary encoder, or an attribute rotary encoder may be provided.

[0023] Furthermore, the servo motor can, in particular, be a component of a servo drive for moving the application device, as which the aforementioned drive can thus be configured. The servo drive can, in particular, comprise the servo motor and the servo inverter with power electronics and control. Such a servo motor can therefore enable precise movement of the application device and positioning of the labels in the longitudinal direction, whereby the servo motor can, in particular, be position-controlled, torque-controlled, and / or speed-controlled.

[0024] In some embodiments, the motor can also extend along the longitudinal direction. The motor can therefore be particularly narrow transversely to the longitudinal direction, for example, to allow it to be mounted laterally on a frame of the packaging machine (e.g., with a flanged bevel gear) without restricting access to the housing in the area of ​​workstations or widening the packaging machine. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the motor can extend vertically and be configured to drive a motor shaft around a vertical motor axis. This, too, can allow for a narrow transverse design of the motor, and a motor shaft rotating around a vertical motor axis can also facilitate the simple driving of a belt circulating in a horizontal plane to drive the mounting device, as explained below.

[0025] In some designs, the motor can be fixed to a frame of the packaging machine.

[0026] In particular, the packaging machine can have a frame over which the individual workstations of the packaging machine, for example, a forming station, a sealing station, and / or a cutting station, are supported on the floor. Since the motor can be fixed to the frame of the packaging machine, the mounting device can thus be movable relative to the support of the motor on the frame. In particular, the motor can be mounted laterally on the frame of the packaging machine.

[0027] In some embodiments, the mounting device can be guided along the longitudinal direction by a guide device, the guide device being arranged on the frame of the packaging machine.

[0028] In particular, the guide device can also be supported on the frame, so that the attachment device and / or the labeling device can also be supported on the frame of the packaging machine via the guide device. The guide device can be designed to guide the attachment device along the frame of the packaging machine, so that the attachment device can move precisely along the longitudinal direction of the packaging machine and its frame, without requiring a time-consuming alignment of the labeling device along this longitudinal direction during the installation of an external labeling device.

[0029] In some embodiments, the guide device may include a longitudinally extending guide rod on which a carriage, movable by the motor, may be guided and to which the attachment device is connected. Again, such a guide rod with a carriage makes it easy to align the movement of the attachment device with the longitudinal direction of the packaging machine.

[0030] In some embodiments, the guide rod can be arranged on a longitudinally extending lateral beam of the packaging machine's frame.

[0031] The frame's beam can be positioned laterally on the outside of the packaging machine and extend longitudinally as a support beam for components of the packaging machine. In some embodiments, the beam can also have a cover and / or a housing for the packaging machine, for example made of sheet metal, can be supported on the beam. In particular, the beam can have an interior space defined by the housing, through which, for example, cables for supplying components of the packaging machine with electrical power can be routed and protected from access or damage.Within the scope of the present disclosure, the part of a packaging machine's enclosure, in particular a side enclosure, which is supported on the beam or a longitudinal member of the packaging machine's frame, is understood as part of the beam, so that in particular an interior space bounded by an enclosure, which extends longitudinally in the area of ​​a longitudinal member of a packaging machine's frame and / or is bounded in the direction of the material web by the longitudinal member or beam, can also be referred to as the interior space of the beam in the present disclosure.

[0032] By mounting the guide rod on the frame of the packaging machine, it can be reliably supported by the frame, which in turn supports the application device. Furthermore, this allows the guide rod to be positioned laterally away from the material web, yet in close proximity to it due to its mounting on the frame. This enables a compact integration of the labeling unit and, in particular, the application device into the packaging machine.

[0033] In some embodiments, the beam may have a recess on its upper side in which the guide rod is arranged. In particular, the recess may be located on the upper side of the aforementioned housing of the packaging machine or of the beam itself.

[0034] By providing a cutout in the beam for arranging the guide rod, the carriage guided along the guide rod can be accessed from the top of the beam, particularly to support the mounting device. Furthermore, apart from this cutout, the beam and / or the cover on the top side – especially in the working area of ​​the labeling device – can be essentially closed, for example, to provide access protection for other components and / or cables located in an interior enclosed by the cover and / or the beam.

[0035] In some embodiments, the mounting device can be connected to the slide above the clearance.

[0036] For example, the application device can be arranged vertically in line with the material web to apply labels to prepared packaging. To enable such an arrangement, a connecting element, such as a connecting strut, can be supported on the top of the carriage, which is guided on the guide rod, particularly on the side frame. This connecting element bridges the gap between the application device and the frame of the packaging machine in the transverse direction and allows the application device to be supported on the carriage.

[0037] In particular, such a connection of the application device can be provided in a labeling device designed to label supplied packages on a top side, and in which the application device is positioned above the material web. Likewise, such a connection of the application device can also be provided in labeling devices designed to label supplied packages on a bottom side, and in which the application device is positioned below the material web. In such labeling devices, the application device positioned below the material web can be connected to the carriage at its top side, in particular by a connecting element extending laterally from the application device past the beam and returning to the carriage at its top side.

[0038] In some embodiments, the motor can be arranged within an interior space of the frame. In particular, the motor can be arranged within an interior space formed and / or bounded by a housing attached to the frame. Specifically, the motor can be at least substantially completely enclosed by the frame and / or the housing to reliably protect it from unauthorized access. Alternatively, for example, the motor can also be integrated into a vertical strut of a frame of the packaging machine, especially if the motor is vertically oriented.

[0039] In some embodiments, the motor can be connected to the slide by a coupling element, in particular a belt, and configured to move the slide by driving the coupling element. Such a coupling element, in particular a belt and / or toothed belt, can thus enable the transmission of drive power generated by the motor to the slide and the movement of the slide relative to the stationary motor, in order to also move the mounting device longitudinally relative to the motor.

[0040] In some embodiments, the coupling element can be designed as a circulating belt. In particular, the belt can be interrupted, and the respective ends of the belt can be attached to the slide, especially clamped, so that the slide can bridge the interruption of the belt, so to speak.

[0041] The belt can also be designed as a toothed belt, and / or the coupling element can rotate along the longitudinal direction of the packaging machine. In particular, the coupling element can be guided over two deflection pulleys rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the motor can be connected to the coupling element and / or a deflection pulley via a toothed pulley in order to drive the coupling element and, consequently, the carriage and the attachment device. This can also allow for a compact design of the drive for the attachment device, thus simplifying its integration into the packaging machine.

[0042] In some embodiments, the coupling element can be guided within an interior space of the frame. In particular, the coupling element can be guided within an interior space formed by a cover attached to the frame. In this way, the coupling element, and especially a circulating belt, can be protected against external access and fully and compactly integrated into the packaging machine without having to be mounted externally.

[0043] In some embodiments, the guide rod can be arranged on a drive side of the labeling device on the packaging machine. In such embodiments, the guide device can have a further guide rod extending along the longitudinal direction and arranged on a support side of the packaging machine opposite the drive side. Furthermore, the attachment device can be supported on the support side by an additional slide movable along the further guide rod.

[0044] The guide rod and the second guide rod can thus be spaced apart transversely to the longitudinal direction to allow for support of the application device, which bridges the material web, on both sides via respective slides. In particular, a force generated by the drive motor to move the application device can first be transferred to the slide arranged on the guide rod and from there to the application device, which in turn can transfer the force to the slide arranged on the second guide rod. This second slide can therefore only be passively movable and thus serve to guide the application device, but not necessarily to drive it. However, it is also possible that the labeling device has a separate motor to drive the slide arranged on the second guide rod.

[0045] In some embodiments, the motor can be arranged on the drive side. Therefore, in some embodiments, the active components of the drive, in particular the motor, a coupling element, and the slide guided on the guide rod, can be arranged on the drive side.

[0046] In some embodiments, the additional guide rod can be supported on the frame of the packaging machine. In this respect, the mounting device can also be supported on both sides of the packaging machine frame, and the weight of the mounting device can be transferred to the frame of the packaging machine.

[0047] In some embodiments, the frame of the packaging machine can have an outer beam extending longitudinally on both the drive side and the support side, and the packaging machine can include a chain guide for moving the material web. Furthermore, the guide rod can be arranged on the beam on the drive side, and the other guide rod can be arranged between the chain guide and the beam on the support side. The chain guide can, in particular, be part of the transport system of the packaging machine and be designed to move the material web along its longitudinal direction.

[0048] This arrangement allows the support beam on the side of the labeling unit to be kept clear, enabling, for example, the support of a guide rail for another labeling unit. The guide rail of this second labeling unit can then be mounted on the opposite side between the chain guide and the support beam located there. In this way, the two labeling units can be supported on the frame of the packaging machine in a mirrored configuration. This makes it possible, in particular, to arrange or integrate a first labeling unit for applying labels to the top of the packaging and a second labeling unit for applying labels to the underside of the packaging on the packaging machine.

[0049] In some embodiments, the additional guide rod can be arranged above the guide rod. In other embodiments, the additional guide rod can be arranged below the guide rod.

[0050] In particular, a labeling device for applying labels to the top side of provided packaging may have an additional guide bar positioned above the main guide bar. Such an arrangement of the additional guide bar also allows the application device to be positioned above the material web.

[0051] In the case of labeling devices designed to apply labels to the underside of the provided packaging, the additional guide bar can be arranged, in particular, below the guide bar, and the application device can also be positioned below the material web.

[0052] In some embodiments, the drive can be arranged at least substantially below a plane in which the material web is guided.

[0053] In particular, the motor and a coupling element, via which the motor is connected to a slide for moving the attachment device, can be arranged entirely below the aforementioned plane. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the aforementioned guide rod can also be arranged below this plane. A slide connected to the attachment device can also be arranged below the aforementioned plane in some embodiments, although in other embodiments, where the drive is arranged at least substantially below this plane, the slide may project slightly above it. In particular, however, a large proportion of the moving elements of the drive can be arranged below the top edge level of a housing of the packaging machine, especially a housing arranged on the aforementioned beam, and / or covered by a section of a housing of the packaging machine and / or the beam.This can again serve in particular to protect against unauthorized access and thus prevent injuries or disruptions to operations.

[0054] In some embodiments, the label dispenser and the application device can be moved along the longitudinal direction by the drive. In particular, in some embodiments, the entire labeling device can be moved along the longitudinal direction by the drive. Such simultaneous movement of the label dispenser and the application device can, in particular, ensure a consistently uniform transfer of labels to the application device, regardless of its position in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] In some embodiments, the application device can be arranged above the material web and configured to apply labels to the upper surface of the material web. A labeling device with such an application device can therefore also be referred to as a top-side labeler and / or be configured to apply labels to the upper surface of provided packaging.

[0056] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the application device can be arranged below the material web and configured to apply labels to the underside of the material web. A labeling device with such an application device can also be referred to as a subweber and / or, in particular, configured to apply labels to the underside of provided packaging.

[0057] In some embodiments, the packaging machine can be configured to move the material web in increments and, in each increment, to provide a format of several packages formed in the material web for a cycle break. This format can comprise a matrix of n tracks arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction and m rows arranged transversely, particularly perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction. In such embodiments, the labeling device can be configured to simultaneously label n packages arranged transversely, particularly perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction. The drive can be configured to move the labeling device successively to the m rows during the cycle break for labeling the respective n packages.

[0058] In such embodiments, the application device can therefore be configured, in particular, to hold n labels together in order to apply them simultaneously to the n packages arranged in a respective row. In this respect, the application device can be configured to label a row of packages simultaneously. After labeling one row, the drive can be used to move the application device to the next row of packages, whereby during or after the movement, further labels can be transferred from the label dispenser to the application device, which can then apply them to the row being approached.

[0059] The variables m and n can be natural numbers greater than or equal to 1. For example, the packaging machine can be configured to provide a format of three rows and three tracks, and / or a format of three rows and four tracks, and / or a format of four rows and three tracks within a single cycle. Other formats are also possible, depending, for example, on the specific food product being packaged. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the packaging machine can be reconfigured to provide different formats. By integrating the labeling unit into the packaging machine, the operation of the labeling unit can also be easily adapted to such format changes, for example, by adjusting a common control unit.

[0060] In some embodiments, the packaging machine may have a first labeling device and a second labeling device, wherein the application device of the first labeling device is arranged above the material web and may be configured to apply labels to a top surface of the material web, in particular a top surface of an upper material web, wherein the application device of the second labeling device is arranged below the material web and may be configured to apply labels to a bottom surface of the material web, in particular a bottom surface of a lower material web.

[0061] In particular, in such embodiments, the packaging machine can be configured to move a lower web of material, onto which the food products can be applied, and an upper web of material, through which the packaging containing the food products can be closed, along the longitudinal direction. The application device of the first labeling unit can be configured to apply labels to the upper web of material, and the application device of the second labeling unit can be configured to apply labels to the lower web of material.

[0062] With such a packaging machine, the packages can therefore be labelled on both the top and the bottom to provide information about the packaged food product on both sides. As already explained, the first and second labeling units can be arranged in a mirrored configuration on the packaging machine, and both the first and second labeling units can have one or more of the labeling unit features described above.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first labeling device and the second labeling device may each have a drive with a motor for moving the respective application device, wherein the motor of the drive of the first labeling device may be fixedly held on a frame of the packaging machine on a first side of the packaging machine and wherein the motor of the drive of the second labeling device may be fixedly held on the frame on a second side of the packaging machine opposite the first side of the packaging machine.

[0064] In particular, the two labeling devices can thus be arranged opposite each other and / or in a kind of mirror image to each other, so that, for example, the drive side of the first labeling device mentioned above can form the support side of the second labeling device, and vice versa.

[0065] A labeling device disclosed herein for applying labels to a material web is moved along a longitudinal direction by a packaging machine for the production of packaging for food products and is, in particular, a labeling device of a packaging machine of the type described above. The labeling device comprises a label dispenser and an application device movable along the longitudinal direction for applying the labels to the material web, wherein the label dispenser is configured to transfer labels to be applied to the application device. Furthermore, the labeling device comprises a drive configured to move the application device along the longitudinal direction, wherein the drive includes a motor and is configured to move the application device relative to the motor along the longitudinal direction.

[0066] As previously explained, designing the labeling unit with such a drive allows, in particular, the application unit to be moved without having to move the motor. As explained, this can, due to the reduced weight to be moved, enable a simpler, faster, and better-controlled operation of the application unit, as well as improved integration of the labeling unit into the packaging machine, by allowing the motor to be supported, for example, on a frame of the packaging machine and / or arranged inside a side frame member.

[0067] The described labeling device may, in particular, have one or more of the additional features explained above in connection with the labeling device integrated into a packaging machine. Specifically, the motor may be designed as a servo motor and / or the drive may include a belt driven by the motor and connected to a carriage on which the application device is supported. The labeling device may also be designed with guide rods and / or additional guide rods, which, for example, can be inserted into a housing and / or a frame of a packaging machine.

[0068] A labeling device disclosed herein for applying labels to a material web is moved along a longitudinal direction by a packaging machine for the production of packaging for food products and is, in particular, a labeling device according to one of the embodiments disclosed above. The labeling device comprises a label dispenser for providing the labels and an application device for applying the labels to the material web, and the label dispenser is configured to transfer labels to be applied to the application device. Furthermore, the label dispenser has a label storage compartment into which a label carrier tape wound into a roll can be inserted, on which the labels to be transferred to the application device are provided.The label storage unit is movable to a first position and to a second position that differs from the first position, and is designed to transfer the labels to the application device both when the label storage unit is in the first position and when the label storage unit is in the second position.

[0069] The labeling device, as described above, includes a label storage unit for a roll, which has two operating positions – the first position and the second position. Conventional labeling devices can also, in principle, incorporate such mobility of the label storage unit to allow for a more easily accessible roll change, for example, when a label backing strip is used up or different types of labels are required. However, with such labeling devices, it has always been necessary to first move the label storage unit from such a changeover position back to a different working position, since labels could only be transferred to the application unit in the working position.

[0070] However, the need to move the label storage unit to change the roll or transfer labels to the application unit can lead to undesirable disruptions and interruptions in the operation of the packaging machine, for example, if the label storage unit is forgotten to be moved into its working position after a roll change. This problem can be further exacerbated by the fact that, in packaging machines with one labeling unit for labeling pre-loaded packages on the top and another for labeling packages on the underside, the respective label dispensers are usually located on opposite sides of the machine. This necessitates switching between the two sides of the machine to operate each labeling unit.Correcting a fault in one of the labeling units—such as incorrect positioning of the label storage or a change of printer consumables—may therefore require switching sides of the packaging machine, resulting in an undesirably high loss of time. It is therefore essential to strive for the simplest and most reliable operation of the labeling units.

[0071] However, this problem can be overcome by designing the label dispenser of the labeling device described above to transfer labels to the application unit in both the first and second positions of the label storage. With regard to the operation of the labeling device, the first and second positions can thus be considered equivalent, and the labeling device can operate independently of the label storage position. This allows, for example, a roll change to be performed in a position of the label storage that is most convenient for the operator and can remain unchanged throughout a shift, without requiring the label storage to be moved for operation of the labeling device and / or for a subsequent roll change.

[0072] For example, the label holder may have a pin onto which the roll can be attached.

[0073] In some embodiments, the roll can be replaced with a new roll of label backing tape in both the first and second positions of the label dispenser. Therefore, the first and second positions can be completely equivalent in such embodiments, as the full functionality of the label dispenser is available in both positions.

[0074] In some embodiments, the label dispenser can be positioned higher in the first position than in the second. In particular, the first position can therefore allow the label dispenser to be positioned as far away as possible from the side area of ​​a packaging machine where the labeling unit or the operators of the packaging machine need to move. Furthermore, the first position can facilitate roll changes for relatively tall people.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first position and the second position can represent respective end positions with respect to the mobility of the label dispenser, which can be moved between the first position and the second position.

[0076] Furthermore, in some of these embodiments, the label dispenser can be configured to transfer the labels to the application device from any position of the label storage between the first and second positions. In such embodiments, a person operating the labeling device can thus select a convenient position of the label storage between the first and second positions, for example, to change rolls easily without having to change the position during operation.

[0077] In some embodiments, steps may also be provided between the first and second positions, defining intermediate positions in which the labels can be transferred to the application device. For example, the label holder may lock into such intermediate positions.

[0078] In some embodiments, the label storage unit can be positioned further away from the application device in the horizontal direction in the second position than in the first position. In particular, the label storage unit can therefore project further into a space to the side of the labeling device or packaging machine in the second position.

[0079] In principle, the second position can therefore facilitate convenient roll changes by allowing the change to be made at a distance from the packaging machine and / or in a lower position compared to the first position. However, depending on the specific circumstances—for example, if there is sufficient space to the side of the packaging machine—it may not be necessary to move the label storage unit from this convenient change position to avoid disrupting the machine's operation. In such a situation, the labeling unit allows the label storage unit to remain in the easily accessible second position while the labeling unit is in operation.

[0080] In some embodiments, the label storage unit can be pivoted between the first position and the second position, in particular about a horizontal pivot axis.

[0081] In some embodiments, the label dispenser may have a pivoting support arm, allowing the label dispenser to be moved between the first and second positions by pivoting the support arm. In particular, the label dispenser may be located at one end of the support arm. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the support arm may have a handle for moving the label storage.

[0082] In some embodiments, the label carrier tape can be guided to the application device via several deflection and / or dancer rollers. In particular, guiding the label carrier tape via such deflection and / or dancer rollers can compensate for differences in tape guidance when the label storage is positioned in the first position or in the second position, in order to achieve a controlled transfer to the application device in each of the positions.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the labeling device may include a printer for printing labels provided on the label carrier tape, whereby the guidance via deflection and / or dancer rollers can ensure, for example, correct positioning of the labels guided on the label carrier tape and / or correct tension of the label carrier tape in the area of ​​the printer, independent of the position of the label storage.

[0083] A packaging machine disclosed herein for packaging food products, in particular food portions comprising one or more slices separated from a food product, includes a transport device configured to move a web of material for producing packaging along a longitudinal direction and has a labeling device in which a label storage unit, as disclosed above, is movable between a first position and a different second position and is configured to transfer labels to an application device in both positions. The application device of the labeling device of the packaging machine can also be movable, in particular along the longitudinal direction.

[0084] The invention relates to a labeling device for applying labels to a material web which is moved along a longitudinal direction by a packaging machine for the production of packaging for food products, wherein this labeling device may in particular be a labeling device of the type disclosed above which has a drive for moving an application device relative to a motor of the drive, and / or a labeling device of the type disclosed above in which a label storage unit is arranged in two positions and labels can be transferred to the application device in both positions.The labeling device according to this aspect further comprises a label dispenser for providing labels and an application device for applying the labels to the material web, wherein the label dispenser is configured to provide the labels on a label carrier tape and to transfer the provided labels to the application device. The application device comprises a vacuum device configured to generate a vacuum in an interior of the application device for drawing the provided labels to a working side of the application device, wherein the vacuum device is further configured to vary the strength of the vacuum generated in the interior spatially and / or temporally. The vacuum device is configured to generate an increased vacuum in a transfer section of the application device facing the transfer edge.Inside the mounting device, a separating element is arranged which prevents air exchange between the transfer section and a mounting section of the mounting device that adjoins the transfer section.

[0085] Therefore, the interior of the attachment device can be divided into two chambers or pressure zones in order to selectively generate a respective negative pressure in the transfer section and in the attachment section.

[0086] As explained earlier, a labeling device may be designed to supply labels on a label carrier tape and guide them through the label dispenser over a transfer edge to detach the labels from the label carrier tape and transfer them to the application device. To ensure that the labels detached from the label carrier tape are reliably picked up by the application device, a vacuum can be created inside the application device, which may be enclosed by a housing. This vacuum draws the labels onto the application device, particularly its working side, and stabilizes them.The labels can then be positioned, for example, by means of the application device, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction along which the packaging machine moves the web, into a specific position from which they can be applied to the web and, in particular, to the supplied packages. Especially with an application device designed to apply the labels to the web from above, the labels can thus be moved, as it were, upside down to a specific position by suction, from which they are then lowered and applied to the web. With an application device that labels the supplied packages from below, the generated negative pressure can also ensure stable positioning and transport of the applied labels.

[0087] Traditionally, in such mounting devices, a constant negative pressure is generated by a blower or suction device on an outer wall of a housing in order to provide the aforementioned functions.

[0088] However, by designing the vacuum device of the labeling device described here to vary the strength of the vacuum generated in the interior spatially and / or temporally, the generated vacuum can be specifically adapted to certain operating situations, to certain sections of the application device or to a particular type of label, in order to achieve more flexible and improved use of the labeling device.

[0089] For example, the vacuum system can include one or more blowers to generate the vacuum in the interior. Furthermore, the labeling device can include a control unit for the vacuum system, which can be configured to vary the strength of the airflow generated by the blowers and thus the vacuum pressure in the interior. This can, for example, make it possible to increase the vacuum when labels are being picked up and to selectively decrease it when labels are being dispensed or applied to the material web, in order to facilitate this application.Furthermore, it may be possible to arrange a larger number of blowers or suction devices and / or more powerful blowers or suction devices at a transfer section of the application device where the labels are transferred from the label dispenser, in order to achieve reliable label transfer and / or to assist in the release of the labels from the label backing tape. In addition, a variation in the strength of the generated negative pressure, in particular a spatial variation, can be achieved by means of guide elements positioned in the interior to direct an airflow generated by the negative pressure device, as explained in more detail below.

[0090] In some embodiments, the label dispenser can be configured to guide the label carrier tape over a transfer edge to transfer the labels to the application device, whereby the labels can be detached from the label carrier tape by guiding the tape over the transfer edge. In particular, the label carrier tape can be guided over a sharp bend at the transfer edge, so that the labels can detach from the label carrier tape due to their stiffness. The application device can, in particular, be directly connected to the transfer edge to be able to pick up the detached labels.

[0091] In some embodiments, the vacuum device may include at least one blower whose suction side is located inside the mounting device and whose pressure side is located outside the mounting device's interior. Such a blower can therefore act as a suction device with respect to the mounting device's interior. Furthermore, the blower may, in particular, include a fan on an outer wall of a housing of the mounting device, which is configured to generate an airflow directed out of the housing. In addition, in some embodiments, the vacuum device may include several such blowers, for example, two blowers.

[0092] In some embodiments, at least one guiding element for the targeted guidance of an airflow generated by the blower in the interior can be arranged in the interior of the mounting device and / or in an area of ​​the suction side of the blower.

[0093] In particular, such airflow guidance can be used to locally and selectively increase the negative pressure generated within the application device. This can be achieved, for example, by directing the airflow generated by a blower into a specific section of the application device, and especially into the aforementioned transfer section for picking up the labels from the label dispenser. Furthermore, such a guiding element can ensure, for instance, that the airflow within the interior of the application device is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to a plane of extension of the working side, in order to draw in the labels perpendicular to the working side and thus guide them stably along the application device.

[0094] The guide element and / or at least a part of it can be movable in some embodiments.

[0095] For example, such a movable guide element can be designed as a flap, a pivoting intake nozzle and / or hose, or an auxiliary air opening that can be opened or closed as desired. In particular, such a movable guide element can be at least preset and / or adjustable to determine the direction of the airflow generated by the blower before operation begins. However, in some embodiments, it is also possible to adjust the at least one guide element during operation in order to achieve both spatial and temporal variations in the negative pressure by moving the guide element, particularly depending on and / or in conjunction with the respective current operating state of the labeling device and / or the application device. For example, a control device of the labeling device can be configured to move the at least one guide element.

[0096] In some embodiments, the guide element can be arranged to deflect an airflow generated by the blower such that the airflow at the working side of the application device is oriented substantially perpendicular to a surface of the labels. As already explained, such a deflection of the airflow can enable the labels to be held securely at the working side of the application device by a force oriented perpendicular to their surface.

[0097] In some embodiments, the interior can be divided into at least two chambers by the guide element, whereby the strength of the negative pressure generated in the chambers by the vacuum device can differ. In particular, the interior of the mounting device can be divided into chambers or zones by such a guide element, whereby the respective negative pressure in the chambers or zones can differ, for example, depending on the blower positions on the housing of the mounting device and / or depending on the respective size of the chambers. In particular, such chambers can also be referred to as shafts.

[0098] For example, in some embodiments, the vacuum device can have two blowers arranged on the outside of a housing of the mounting device, with the guide element dividing the interior of the mounting device into a relatively larger and a relatively smaller chamber, each chamber being assigned to a specific blower. This allows a greater vacuum to be generated in the relatively smaller chamber than in the relatively larger chamber when the blowers operate at the same power, since the blower only has to act on a smaller area on the working side in the relatively smaller chamber. To enable such a division into chambers, the guide element can, for example, be designed as a wall element or a partition element.Furthermore, in some embodiments, several such guide elements may be provided and / or the interior of the mounting element may be divided into more than two chambers. In addition, the guide element may, for example, be designed as an orifice, such as a perforated or perforated plate, in order to influence the airflow generated by the blower and, for example, to locally oppose it.

[0099] In some embodiments, the labeling device may include a control device designed to control the vacuum device to change the strength of the generated vacuum.

[0100] In particular, such a control device can make it possible to vary the vacuum pressure over time, for example by increasing the vacuum pressure while labels are being transferred from the label dispenser and then decreasing it while the labels are being applied to the material web. Such time-based control can, for example, lead to improvements in the precise application of labels to the packaging.

[0101] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to control the vacuum system depending on the type and / or size of the labels. For example, the vacuum system can be configured to generate a stronger vacuum when relatively large and therefore heavy labels are to be applied to the material web and are thus supplied by the label dispenser, whereas the strength of the generated vacuum can be reduced when relatively light labels are used.

[0102] In some embodiments, the negative pressure device can include multiple blowers for generating the negative pressure, and the control unit can be configured to individually control the blowers to modify the airflow generated by each blower. Such control also allows the negative pressure prevailing in the interior space to be varied spatially and / or temporally. The described control of the individual blowers can, in particular, also be achieved by switching the blowers on and off, so that in such embodiments the blowers are not necessarily designed to generate variable airflows, but at least to be variably switched on and off. In other embodiments, however, a variable adjustment of the blowers with regard to the respective strength of the generated airflow can also be provided.

[0103] In some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to increase the vacuum pressure when labels are being transferred and / or decrease it when the labels are being applied to the web. As already explained, this can be achieved, for example, by switching on a blower when the labels are being transferred and / or switching off the blower during or after the labels have been applied to the web.

[0104] In particular, the vacuum device can be configured to generate an airflow directed locally onto the transfer section, extending across the full width of the label, the width of the label carrier tape, and / or the width of the transfer edge, in order to create a stronger vacuum at the transfer section. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the vacuum device can include a blower arranged directly at the transfer section to generate a vacuum, in order to achieve reliable transfer of the labels from the label dispenser by creating suction as close as possible to the labels to be transferred and / or those that have just been transferred.

[0105] The vacuum device can therefore, in some embodiments, include at least one blower arranged in the transfer section to generate the increased vacuum. In particular, in some embodiments, two such blowers can be arranged in the transfer section to generate a suction flow for drawing in the labels close to the labels being transferred and across the full width of the label, label carrier tape, or transfer edge.

[0106] The blower arranged in the transfer section may, in particular, be located directly above the labels to be transferred and / or on the underside of a housing of the application device, whereas blowers arranged in the application section may, in particular, be located on an outer wall and / or a roof section of a housing of the application device.

[0107] In some embodiments, at least one additional blower for generating a vacuum can be arranged in the application section. In particular, this blower can be understood as the main blower, which may be designed to generate an airflow over a large area and / or at a relatively great distance from the labels to create a vacuum. For example, such a blower can be arranged on a roof section of a housing of the application device. Conventional embodiments of labeling devices can therefore only have such blowers on an outer surface of a housing of the application device.

[0108] In some embodiments, the application device may have several application elements that are movable essentially perpendicular to an extensional surface of the applied labels, wherein the applied labels can be applied to the material web by moving the application elements, and wherein the application elements can be arranged in the interior of the application device.

[0109] In particular, such attachment elements can be pins or plates, being essentially vertically movable, and / or arranged specifically on the aforementioned attachment section. Furthermore, the attachment elements can be designed to be flexible, for example, to yield when the labels are pressed onto the material web and thus limit the pressure exerted on the web. For this purpose, the attachment elements can, for example, be spring-loaded, spring-mounted, and / or supported by springs on a drive mechanism for moving the attachment elements.

[0110] In some embodiments, the application device may have several belts movable transversely to the longitudinal direction for moving the applied labels, wherein the application elements may be designed to engage between adjacent, spaced-apart belts to apply the labels to the material web. In particular, the belts may thus be movable transversely to the longitudinal direction along which the packaging machine moves the material web in order to position the labels transversely to this longitudinal direction.

[0111] In some embodiments, the vacuum device may also include at least one blower whose suction side is located inside the interior of the mounting device and whose pressure side is located outside the interior of the mounting device. The pressure side of the blower may be connected to a section of the interior in order to influence the vacuum generated by the vacuum device in that section. For example, the airflow generated by the blower and directed out of the interior may be directed along an outer surface of a housing of the mounting device and past a housing opening. This may make it possible to draw air out of the interior by means of the Venturi effect and thereby locally increase the vacuum.In particular, such a connection can be provided from the pressure side of a blower to a housing opening in the area of ​​the aforementioned transfer section, in order to specifically increase the negative pressure in the area of ​​the transfer section. By also utilizing the pressure side of the blower to generate a negative pressure in this way, the efficiency of the vacuum system can be increased. The connection between the pressure side and the housing opening can, for example, be made using a hose.

[0112] The invention also relates to a packaging machine for packaging food products, in particular food portions, comprising one or more discs separated from a food product, comprising a transport device designed to move a web of material for producing packaging along a longitudinal direction, and comprising a labeling device of the type disclosed above with a vacuum device for generating a variable vacuum in an interior of an application device.

[0113] A labeling device disclosed herein for applying labels to a material web is moved along a longitudinal direction by a packaging machine for the production of packaging for food products. The labeling device can be designed, in particular, according to one of the embodiments described above, for example, with a stationary motor of a drive for moving an application device, with a label storage unit movable in two positions while the labeling device remains fully functional regardless of the position of the label storage unit, and / or with a vacuum device for generating a variable vacuum in an interior of an application device.

[0114] The labeling device comprises a label dispenser for providing labels and an application device for applying the labels to the material web, the label dispenser being configured to transfer labels to the application device. The application device has several application elements arranged in a housing, which are movable essentially perpendicular to a surface of the labels transferred by the label dispenser, the labels being detachable from the application device and applied to the material web by moving the application elements.

[0115] Furthermore, the mounting device has a drive for moving the mounting elements, this drive comprising a servo motor.

[0116] In particular, the movement of the application elements can be vertical, enabling the labels to be detached from the application device and applied to the application elements. By using a servo motor for this movement, precise positioning of the application elements can be achieved, allowing for position control or torque control. This enables the system to vary the force with which the application elements press the labels onto the material web, thus allowing for flexible adaptation to different label and / or material web types.

[0117] In some embodiments, the servo motor can be arranged on the outside of the mounting device housing. This allows the servo motor to be positioned outside the housing, thus avoiding the need to occupy space within the housing where the mounting elements are located. However, the servo motor can be connected to the mounting elements via a coupling element extending into the housing, and / or a motor shaft of the servo motor can protrude into the housing to drive the mounting elements located inside.

[0118] In some embodiments, the mounting elements can be arranged on a slide, wherein the slide can be guided on at least one guide rod arranged in the housing and can be driven by the servo motor.

[0119] In particular, the housing can be equipped with two guide rods to guide the carriage and, above it, the application elements stably during movement to apply the labels. As already explained, the movement of the application elements can be a vertical movement, so the guide rods can also extend in a vertical direction.

[0120] In some embodiments, the motor, which is mounted externally on the housing, can be connected to the slide via a gearbox. This gearbox can, in particular, comprise a belt and / or toothed belt driven by the motor. The belt can be located, in particular, inside the housing or outside the housing that defines the interior of the mounting device. Furthermore, the belt can be driven, in particular, by a motor shaft of the servo motor extending into the housing and / or by a toothed pulley connected to the motor shaft.

[0121] In some embodiments, the attachment device may have several belts movable transversely to the longitudinal direction for moving the labels, wherein the attachment elements may be designed to reach between adjacent, offset belts.

[0122] Furthermore, the mounting elements can be arranged on several sheets of metal that are longitudinally offset parallel to one another and connected to them by a snap-fit ​​connection. To form the snap-fit ​​connection, a contour on the end faces of the sheets facing the mounting elements can correspond to a contour on the mounting elements themselves, which is located on a section of the mounting element facing the sheets. The sheets can also be attached to the slide and moved by it. Additionally, the sheets can be arranged such that the mounting elements attached to them can pass between adjacent belts.In such embodiments, each of the metal sheets can also have a plurality of attachment elements arranged in a transverse direction to each other, in order to be able to simultaneously apply labels to the material web that are offset from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction of the packaging machine.

[0123] A labeling device disclosed herein for applying labels to a material web is moved along a longitudinal direction by a packaging machine for the production of packaging for food products. This labeling device can also be designed, in particular, according to one of the embodiments disclosed above, and may, for example, include a stationary motor for moving an application device in a longitudinal direction, a label storage unit that can be positioned in two equivalent positions, a vacuum device for generating a variable vacuum in the interior of an application device, and / or an application device with a servo motor mounted externally on a housing for moving application elements.

[0124] The labeling device comprises a label dispenser for providing the labels and an application device for applying the labels to the material web, the label storage being configured to transfer labels to be applied to the application device. The application device has several belts movable transversely to the longitudinal direction for moving the labels and a drive for moving the belts, the drive comprising a servo motor.

[0125] Once again, the use of a servo motor in the drive system allows the belts for moving the labels to be precisely controlled and / or regulated, enabling precise positioning of the labels.

[0126] In some embodiments, the servo motor can be arranged in a housing of the application device. In particular, the drive can be arranged in a housing of the application device which may also contain the aforementioned application elements for attaching the labels to the material web.

[0127] In some embodiments, the servo motor can be arranged at an end section of the housing opposite a transfer section of the application device, where the labels supplied by the label dispenser can be transferred to the application device. In this way, the servo motor for driving the belts can be positioned in the housing such that it does not occupy any installation space in the area of ​​the transfer section. This space remains free of the servo motor and / or the drive and can therefore be used, for example, to install additional fans to generate a targeted increase in negative pressure at the transfer section.

[0128] In some embodiments, the servo motor can be connected to a shaft driving the belt via a toothed belt. This allows the servo motor to be positioned at a distance from the shaft, enabling flexible placement of the servo motor within the mounting device or its housing, taking into account the available space.

[0129] In some embodiments, the servo motor can be oriented longitudinally. As explained, the longitudinal direction in the context of this disclosure generally refers to the packaging machine and denotes the direction along which the material web is moved by the packaging machine. With respect to the application device itself, the longitudinal direction mentioned here can therefore correspond to a transverse direction of the application device, since the application device may optionally have a maximum extent transverse to the longitudinal direction of the packaging machine in order to bridge the packaging machine and, in particular, the material web in the transverse direction (with respect to the packaging machine).Such an arrangement of the servo motor makes it possible to position the servo motor in a transverse direction (relative to the packaging machine) with a small space requirement, in order to achieve a narrow design of the mounting device and to prevent the mounting device from projecting laterally, especially far, beyond a frame of the packaging machine.

[0130] In some embodiments, the shaft for driving the belts can be aligned parallel to the servo motor and / or a motor shaft of the servo motor. The servo motor can be configured to drive the toothed belt via a toothed pulley, and / or the toothed belt can be connected to the shaft at one end for driving the belts. Such a drive can be implemented in a simple manner.

[0131] In some embodiments, the housing may also contain several attachment elements which are movable essentially perpendicular to an extensional surface of the labels transferred by the label dispenser, wherein the labels can be detached from the attachment device and attached to the material web by moving the attachment elements, in particular vertically.

[0132] A packaging machine disclosed herein for packaging food products, in particular food portions comprising one or more slices separated from a food product, has a transport device configured to move a web of material for producing packaging along a longitudinal direction. The packaging machine further comprises a labeling device of the type described above, in which a servo motor is provided for moving application elements of an application device and / or a servo motor for moving belts of the application device for moving the labels.

[0133] A packaging machine disclosed herein for packaging food products, in particular food portions comprising one or more slices separated from a food product, has a transport device configured to move a web of material for producing packaging along a longitudinal direction and has a labeling device for applying labels to the web of material. The labeling device can be configured in particular according to one of the embodiments disclosed above, for example, a stationary motor for driving an application device, a label storage unit positionable in two equivalent positions, a vacuum device for generating a variable vacuum in an interior of the application device, and / or an application device with a servo motor for moving application elements and / or the belts that move the labels.

[0134] The labeling unit further comprises a label dispenser and an application unit for applying labels located within the application unit's working area to the material web, the label dispenser being configured to transfer labels to the application unit. The application unit is configured to selectively apply labels received from the label dispenser to the material web or transfer them to a reject element.

[0135] For example, the application device can be configured to selectively apply the received labels either to the material web or to the rejecting element, thus affixing them either to the material web or to the rejecting element, in particular by sticking them on. Specifically, the application device can be configured to apply defective labels, also referred to as faulty labels, to the rejecting element or to transfer them to the rejecting element, so that such defective labels are not applied to the packaging.

[0136] In conventional packaging machines, all labels transferred from the label dispenser to the application unit are applied to the material web and, in particular, to the respective packages. This means that incorrectly labeled packages must be completely rejected after the labels are identified as defective, for example, during final inspection. However, this clearly results in undesirably high material consumption and product rejects. Furthermore, misprints can only be removed manually by the operator with a short feed impulse at the application unit.

[0137] By designing the application device, as described here, to selectively apply labels to or transfer them to a reject element, defective labels can be prevented from being applied to packaging in the first place and instead be rejected beforehand. This reduces the material consumption of the packaging machine and, in particular, the amount of rejected packaging that would otherwise be saleable.

[0138] In some embodiments, the sorting element can be stationary on the packaging machine and, in particular, can be arranged to bridge the material web transversely to its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the mounting device can be movable relative to the sorting element.

[0139] In particular, this application method can be implemented by means of a drive that allows the application device to be moved longitudinally. Such a method makes it possible to position the application device either in line with the material web or in line with the sorting element, in order to apply the labels selectively to either the material web or the sorting element and thereby, in particular, to sort out defective labels.

[0140] In such embodiments, the sorting element can also be particularly flat and / or extend at a small distance from the material web, so that the application of the labels to the material web on the one hand or to the sorting element on the other can be carried out in an almost identical manner and by an almost identical movement of the application elements for applying the labels. As already explained, the application elements can also be spring-loaded and / or flexibly supported in order to compensate for slight differences in the distances to be traveled for the respective application of the labels when the labels are applied to the material web or the sorting element. In addition, a sorting element mounted directly above the material web can be easily traversed longitudinally by components of the packaging machine without the need to lift or raise the component.

[0141] In some embodiments, the sorting element can also be supported on the packaging machine and optionally moved into the working area of ​​the attachment device. Such a sorting element can, for example, be designed as a slide or as a pivoting metal plate.

[0142] In some embodiments, the rejecting element can also be arranged extending longitudinally along an outer side of the packaging machine. In this respect, the rejecting element can be positioned, as it were, at an edge of the working area of ​​the labeling device on the packaging machine, with the position at the edge of the labeling device's working area being accessed only for the purpose of transferring labels to the rejecting element. Therefore, for example, defective labels can be moved from the labeling device to the outermost area of ​​the labeling device's working area, which may be opposite a transfer section for receiving the labels, in order to transfer such defective labels to the rejecting element.

[0143] In some embodiments, the reject element can also include a retractable reject web, in particular a film, supported on the packaging machine. Specifically, such a reject web and / or film can run between the material web in which the packaging is produced and the application device, and / or on a base or support surface as a counter-pressure element, to allow labels to be selectively applied to such a reject element. For example, after labels have been applied, the reject web can be successively peeled off or wound up to ensure a continuous free area for applying labels, especially incorrect labels.

[0144] In some embodiments, the sorting element can be supported on the application device and optionally moved into the working area of ​​the application device. In such embodiments, the sorting element can, in particular, move along with the application device, so that the application device does not first have to be moved to the sorting element in order to transfer labels to it. Rather, the sorting element, which is carried along with the application device, can optionally be moved into the working area of ​​the application device.

[0145] In some embodiments, the sorting element can be slid, folded, and / or pivoted into the working area. For example, the sorting element can be pneumatically driven to selectively guide it into the working area of ​​the mounting device.

[0146] In some embodiments, the sorting element can be designed in a lamellar form, wherein the sorting element can be moved into the working area, in particular from an arrangement on an outside of a housing of the mounting device; and / or wherein the sorting element can be moved into a horizontal orientation, in particular from a vertical orientation on an outside of the mounting device, when arranged in the working area.

[0147] To enable such a lamellar sorting element to be moved into the working area, rails for guiding the lamellae can be arranged on the mounting device and, in particular, its housing. These rails can extend, for example, on an outer and a bottom surface (especially in the case of a top-mounted device) or a top surface of the mounting device (especially in the case of a bottom-mounted device), so that the lamellar sorting element can be moved from a passive position on the outside of the mounting device to an active position in the working area.

[0148] In some embodiments, the packaging machine may have a monitoring device for checking the labels transferred to the application device and a control device, wherein the control device may be configured to control the application device, depending on a signal from the monitoring device, to apply the labels to the material web or to transfer the labels to the rejecting element.

[0149] The monitoring device can, for example, be configured to detect incorrect labels, whereupon the control device can be configured to transfer such incorrect labels to the rejecting element. For this purpose, the monitoring device can, for example, be configured to check the labels before they are transferred to the application device and / or after they have been transferred to the application device, but before they are applied to the material web.

[0150] In particular, the control unit can be configured to actuate the application device for affixing labels to provided packaging, or to first align the application device with the rejecting element, for example, a rejecting element fixed to the packaging machine, in order to transfer the labels to the rejecting element. Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to selectively move a rejecting element held on the application device into the working area of ​​the application device, thereby transferring a label, especially a defective label, to the rejecting element.

[0151] The control unit can, in particular, be a component of a control unit for the packaging machine and / or a control unit for an entire processing line, which may include, in particular, a slicing device for slicing food products and the packaging machine itself. Therefore, the control unit cannot be a separate control unit for the labeling unit; rather, the control unit for the labeling unit can be integrated into the control system of the packaging machine and / or the processing line. However, it is also possible, in principle, to provide such a control unit as a separate control unit for the labeling unit. The control unit can, for example, include a CPU and / or a microprocessor as well as suitable software to generate and send commands for controlling components of the packaging machine.Furthermore, the control unit may include an operating device for receiving commands and / or displaying information, for example a touchscreen.

[0152] In some embodiments, the monitoring device may comprise at least one camera and an image evaluation device, wherein the camera may be configured to capture inspection images of labels before they are applied to the material web, and wherein the image evaluation device may be configured to identify defective labels based on the inspection images. The control device may be configured to control the application device for applying the defective labels to the reject element.

[0153] For example, the image evaluation unit can be provided with reference images or comparison images of correct labels, for instance in a readable, non-volatile memory, so that the image evaluation unit can be configured to identify defective labels by comparing the inspection images with the reference images. For example, defective labels may have a crease that renders printed information illegible. Furthermore, defective labels may have poorly legible printing, such as smudged or incomplete print. With such a monitoring device, defective labels can thus be automatically detected and, by appropriately controlling the application device, passed on to the sorting element to prevent the application of defective labels to the material web or the packaging provided.

[0154] In some embodiments, the control device may be configured to prevent and / or delay the transfer of faulty labels to the application device.

[0155] For example, the control unit can be configured to continuously feed labels from a label stream supplied by the label dispenser to the application unit until a defective label is detected. The control unit can then stop feeding labels to the application unit to apply the already fed labels to assigned, provided packages. After the labels have been applied, the control unit can be configured to feed the defective label to the application unit and then feed it to the reject element. Subsequently, correct labels from the label stream supplied by the label dispenser can again be fed to the application unit until the next defective label is detected.

[0156] In particular, the application device can be configured to label multiple packages simultaneously, arranged in parallel lanes or in a row. In such a case, the control unit can be configured to direct the label dispenser, after rejecting a defective label, to dispense only a number of correct labels to the application device, corresponding to the number of packages previously unlabeled in the row. The application device can then apply the dispensed labels to the unlabeled packages in the row, particularly in response to a corresponding command from the control unit. Subsequently, a further number of correct labels, corresponding to the number of lanes, can be dispensed to the application device to label a complete row of packages simultaneously.This avoids incorrect labeling of packaging and the need to sort out such packaging – with only a slight loss of time – where only the incorrect label needs to be sorted out.

[0157] In other embodiments, however, it may be provided that, upon detection of a defective label, the defective label is immediately transferred to the application device, and all labels currently on the application device are transferred to the rejecting element. Furthermore, it may be provided that a number of labels corresponding to the number of packages in a row are always transferred to the application device, and that an entire row of labels is transferred to the rejecting element if one of the transferred labels is defective. In such embodiments, incorrect labeling of packages can also be avoided.

[0158] In some embodiments, the camera can be attached to the mounting device and / or be movable together with the mounting device. In this respect, the monitoring device can be part of the labeling device and / or the mounting device in some embodiments. The aforementioned image evaluation device can, in particular, be part of the control device and / or a software component of the control device.

[0159] A labeling device disclosed herein for applying labels to a material web is moved along a longitudinal direction by a packaging machine for the production of packaging for food products. The labeling device can be designed, in particular, according to one of the embodiments described above and may, for example, include a stationary motor for moving an application unit, a label storage unit positionable in two equivalent positions, a vacuum device for generating a variable vacuum in an interior of the application unit, and / or a labeling device with a servo motor for driving application elements and / or belts of an application unit.

[0160] The labeling unit comprises a label dispenser for providing the labels and an application unit for applying labels located within the application unit's working area to the material web, wherein the label dispenser is configured to transfer labels to be applied to the application unit. The application unit is further configured to selectively apply labels received from the label dispenser either to the material web or to a reject element.

[0161] In some embodiments, the sorting element can be supported on the application device and optionally moved into the working area of ​​the application device. Therefore, the sorting element can be part of the labeling device and / or the application device.

[0162] In some embodiments, the sorting element can be pushed, folded and / or pivoted into the working area, and in such embodiments the sorting element can be driven, for example, pneumatically.

[0163] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sorting element can be designed in a lamellar form. In such embodiments, the sorting element can be moved into the working area, particularly from an arrangement on the outside of a housing of the mounting device, and / or the sorting element can be moved from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation when positioned in the working area. Additionally, in such embodiments, the mounting device can have rails for guiding the lamellae of the lamellar sorting element.

[0164] In some embodiments, the labeling device may include a monitoring device for checking the labels that have been transferred to, or are to be transferred to, the application device. In particular, the monitoring device may be configured to check the labels before they are transferred to the application device, or after they have been transferred to the application device but before they are applied to the material web. Furthermore, the monitoring device may be configured to detect defective labels.

[0165] The monitoring device can include at least one camera and an image evaluation device, wherein the camera can be configured to capture inspection images of the labels before they are applied to the material web, and wherein the image evaluation device can be configured to identify defective labels based on the inspection images. In particular, the camera can be arranged on the application device and / or be movable together with the application device.

[0166] The image evaluation unit can, in particular, be a component of a control unit for the labeling unit and / or a packaging machine into which the labeling unit is integrated. As already explained, the image evaluation unit can be specifically designed to compare the inspection images with previously created reference images or comparison images of correct labels in order to identify defective labels.

[0167] In some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to generate a fault message when a sequence of defective labels is detected. In this respect, the control unit can be configured to generate a signal perceptible to the operator of the labeling device when a sequence of defective labels is detected, for example, an audible or visual signal. A sequence of defective labels can, in particular, indicate that the labels supplied on the label carrier tape are fundamentally defective, so that the label carrier tape should be replaced and, for example, a new roll of label carrier tape should be inserted into a label storage compartment of the label dispenser.Furthermore, a series of defective labels can, for example, indicate a malfunction in the printer printing the labels, suggesting that the printer settings should be checked or the printer supplies replaced. In some configurations, the signal can also include information regarding a component of the labeling system that needs to be checked and / or an instruction for action, which can, for example, be displayed on the control unit.

[0168] Such a control device, which is designed to generate a fault message when a sequence of defective labels is detected, can also be provided in particular in embodiments of the packaging machine described above.

[0169] A method disclosed herein relates to the operation of a packaging machine, in particular a packaging machine with a labeling unit whose application device is designed for the selective application of labels to a material web or to a reject element. In this method, a material web is moved along a longitudinal direction by the packaging machine, and packages are produced from the material web. Furthermore, in this method, labels to be applied to the packages are transferred to an application device of the labeling unit, and the labels are applied to the packages by the application device. Defective labels are also transferred by the labeling unit to a reject element. In particular, defective labels are thus not applied to the packages.

[0170] As explained above, faulty labels can be applied, in particular, to the sorting element. This prevents packaging from being incorrectly labeled and therefore having to be completely rejected.

[0171] In particular, the process may involve placing food products and / or food portions, along with one or more slices separated from the food product, into the packaging and packing them. For example, the packaging may be produced by the packaging machine drawing in cavities into a lower web of material, which are then closed—after a food portion or food product has been inserted—by an upper web of material fed from above. The packaging may also be labeled on the top and / or bottom. Alternatively, instead of packaging in cavities, the food products of the food portions may be placed on a flat lower web of material, then covered by an upper web of material fed from above to produce closed packages.Furthermore, it may be possible to separate the packages after labeling in order to obtain individual, ready-to-sell packages.

[0172] In some designs, the labels to be affixed can be checked by a monitoring device. In particular, defective labels can be automatically detected by this check, and the transfer of the defective labels to the sorting element can be automatically controlled.

[0173] In some embodiments, several packages lying side by side transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction can be labelled simultaneously by applying a respective label using the application device of the labelling device, wherein after passing a defective label, the labels passed to the application device can be applied to the sorting element and / or passed to the sorting element.

[0174] For example, it may be provided that all labels passed to the application device are transferred to the sorting element and, in particular, applied to the sorting element as soon as a defective label is passed to the application device. Furthermore, it may be provided that a number of labels corresponding to the number of packages lying side by side transversely to the longitudinal direction is always passed to the application device – even after a defective label has been passed – and that, as a result of a defective label being passed, this complete number of labels is transferred to the sorting element.However, it may also be possible to stop the transfer of labels before a faulty label is transferred and to apply the labels that have been transferred to the application device up to that point to packaging, in order to then transfer the faulty label to the application device and to the sorting element, after which labels can be applied to previously unlabeled packaging in the provided row of adjacent packaging.

[0175] In some embodiments, several packages lying side by side transversely, particularly perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction can be labeled simultaneously by applying a label to each package using the labeling device's application device. In such embodiments, if a defective label is detected in a stream of labels supplied by a label dispenser, the following procedure can be carried out: The label to be transferred to the application device before the defective label can be transferred to the application device; the transfer of labels to the application device can be stopped; the labels transferred to the application device can be applied to assigned packages; the defective label can be transferred to the application device and transferred to the sorting element, in particular applied to the sorting element; a number of labels corresponding to the number of packages on which no label has yet been applied, and / or a number of labels up to the next defective label in the label stream can be transferred to the application device, and the transferred labels can be applied to the packages of the packages that have not yet been labeled.

[0176] Therefore, in such embodiments, the label flow can be briefly interrupted in order to sort out only the defective label and to prevent this defective label from being applied to a package, in order to then label the packages remaining in a series of packages.

[0177] In such embodiments, the packaging machine can be configured to provide several packages positioned side by side transversely, and in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction simultaneously, and especially during a cycle break. In particular, the packaging machine can be configured to provide one format of packages for a cycle break.

[0178] In some embodiments, the application device can be moved to the rejecting element to transfer the defective label, or the rejecting element can be moved into a working area of ​​the application device to receive the defective label. For example, the rejecting element can therefore be supported on the packaging machine or on the application device.

[0179] Furthermore, in some embodiments, an error message can be generated when several consecutive faulty labels are detected.

[0180] A labeling device disclosed herein for applying labels to a material web is moved along a longitudinal direction by a packaging machine for the production of packaging for food products. The labeling device can be configured, in particular, according to one of the embodiments described above and may, for example, include a stationary motor for moving an application unit, a label storage unit positionable in two equivalent positions, a vacuum device for generating a variable vacuum in an interior of an application unit, and / or a servo motor for driving application elements and / or belts of an application unit. Furthermore, the labeling device can, in particular, include an application unit configured to selectively apply labels received from a label dispenser either to the material web or to a reject element.

[0181] According to this aspect, the labeling unit comprises a label dispenser for providing labels and an application unit for applying the labels to the material web, the label dispenser being designed to transfer labels to the application unit. However, the labeling unit also includes a reject device designed to selectively prevent the transfer of a rejected label to the application unit.

[0182] Therefore, in accordance with this aspect of the present disclosure, the labeling device can, as an alternative or in addition to the possibility of transferring a defective label to a reject element, in particular provide for the removal of rejected labels not to be transferred to the application device in the first place, but rather to be removed beforehand by means of the rejection device. Specifically, rejected labels can remain on a label carrier tape on which the labels are provided and not be detached from the label carrier tape, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0183] Labels that need to be rejected include, in particular, defective labels (also known as mislabels) that may have, for example, faulty or illegible printing or a crease. Rejecting such defective labels, in particular, efficiently prevents incorrectly labeled packaging and the resulting need to reject entire packages.Rather, the use of the reject device ensures that only correct labels are passed to the application device as labels to be applied to the material web, so that material waste during operation of the labeling device can be reduced, especially to the label carrier tape and any defective labels remaining on it, without having to sort out entire packages, especially filled ones, or provide a sorting area that might also have to be disposed of subsequently.

[0184] As previously explained, the labeling unit and / or a packaging machine comprising the labeling unit may, in particular, include a monitoring device to identify defective and / or rejected labels. For example, such a monitoring device can monitor a stream of labels supplied on a label carrier tape in order to identify a defective label as one to be rejected and prevent its transfer to the application unit. Such detection can, in particular, be carried out, as explained above, by means of a camera that images the labels in the label stream and provides the resulting images to an image evaluation unit as verification images.The image evaluation device can then compare the inspection images, in particular with reference images or comparison images of proper and / or to be affixed labels, in order to detect defective labels that must therefore be rejected.

[0185] In some embodiments, the ejection device can be moved between a passive position and an ejection position, wherein the labels to be applied can be transferred to the application device in the passive position of the ejection device, and wherein the transfer of the label to be ejected can be prevented by moving the ejection device into the ejection position.

[0186] In particular, when the ejector is in the passive position, the labels can be transferred to the application unit virtually unaffected and / or without interaction with the ejector. This transfer, when the ejector is in the passive position, can occur in the same way as with conventional labeling systems, by guiding a label carrier tape over a transfer edge, thereby releasing the labels from the tape. However, by moving the ejector into the ejection position, the transfer of the label to be ejected, or even a sequence of labels, to the application unit can be prevented. This also prevents the application of the ejected, and potentially defective, label to the material web.In particular, this can be achieved by preventing the label to be ejected from detaching from the label carrier tape.

[0187] In particular, the ejection device can, to prevent the transfer of a label to be ejected to the application device, act upon, deflect and guide a leading edge of the label to be ejected in order to fix the leading edge of the label as closely as possible to a carrier material on which the label is provided in the area of ​​the transfer edge or a deflection at the transfer edge.

[0188] In some embodiments, the ejection device can be pivoted, folded, and / or translationally displaceable from the passive position to the ejection position. In this respect, in some embodiments, the positioning of the ejection device in space can be changed in order to move it between the passive and ejection positions.

[0189] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the shape of the ejection device can be changed to move it from the passive position to the ejection position. For example, an ejection device that is spaced apart from the label to be ejected and / or a label carrier tape on which the label to be ejected is attached in the passive position can be brought into contact with the label to be ejected and / or the label carrier tape by changing the shape of the ejection device.This can be achieved, for example, by designing the ejection device as an inflatable ejection device in order to bridge a gap between the ejection device and the label to be ejected and / or the label carrier tape by inflating the ejection device or an ejection element of the ejection device, and to bring the ejection device into contact with the label to be ejected and / or the label carrier tape.

[0190] Therefore, a deformable ejection device in the passive position can, in particular, have a greater distance to the label to be ejected than in the ejection position, without, however, the position of a center of gravity of the ejection device necessarily having to change when the ejection device is moved between the passive position and the ejection position.

[0191] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the ejection device can be moved from the passive position to the ejection position by a combination of the movements described above (swiveling, folding, shifting), for example by first shifting the ejection device translationally from the passive position and then pivoting or folding it into the final ejection position.

[0192] In general, the ejection device can be brought into operative contact, in particular direct mechanical contact, with the label to be ejected and / or a label carrier tape by moving it into the ejection position in some embodiments, in order to prevent the transfer of the label to be ejected to the application device.

[0193] To move the ejection device between the passive position and the ejection position, the labeling device can, for example, include a drive, such as an electric motor and / or servo motor or a pneumatic drive. Furthermore, it can be provided, for example, that the ejection device is biased in the direction of the ejection position, for example by a spring, so that it can move directly into the ejection position when released. In such embodiments, the labeling device can, in particular, have a drive, for example with an electric motor and / or servo motor or a pneumatic drive, to force the ejection device into the passive position against the bias and to enable the transfer of the labels to be applied to the application device.

[0194] To change the shape of the ejection device, the labeling device can, for example, include a compressed air system to inflate the ejection device and / or an ejection element, and in particular to bring it into contact with the label to be ejected. Generally, changing the shape of the ejection device to move it into the ejection position can, in particular, involve expanding the ejection device. Such expansion can be achieved, for example, by the aforementioned compressed air system, but also by suitable drives designed to actuate sections of the ejection device and thereby move them relative to one another. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the ejection device can enclose a larger volume in the ejection position than in the passive position.

[0195] In some embodiments, the label dispenser may include a label storage compartment in which a label carrier tape wound onto a roll can be inserted. This tape holds the labels to be transferred to the application device (as well as the label to be dispensed). The label dispenser may be designed to guide the label carrier tape over a transfer edge to transfer the labels to the application device, thereby releasing them from the label carrier tape. In such embodiments, the ejection device may be designed to prevent the label to be dispensed from detaching from the label carrier tape in the ejection position.

[0196] In particular, in such embodiments, the ejection device can be configured to interact with the transfer edge to prevent the ejected label from being transferred to the application device. Therefore, when the ejection device is in the ejection position, the ejected label on the label carrier tape can be guided, for example, along the transfer edge and especially around the transfer edge, without detaching from the label carrier tape. Thus, in such embodiments, the ejected label can remain attached to the label carrier tape even after passing the transfer edge, provided the ejection device was in the ejection position when the label passed the transfer edge.

[0197] As already mentioned, the detachment of the label to be ejected from the label carrier tape can be prevented in particular by designing the ejection device to fix a leading edge of a label to be ejected to the label carrier tape in the ejection position.

[0198] In general, the leading edges of the labels to be applied can detach from the label backing tape as free label ends, initially tangentially to a label backing tape guided around the transfer edge. Subsequently, parts of the label adjoining the leading edge can then connect to the already detached leading edge and detach from the label backing tape as they move over the transfer edge. However, if the leading edge is fixed in the area of ​​the transfer edge, so that the leading edge of the label remains attached to the label backing tape even after passing the transfer edge, a part of the label adjoining the leading edge cannot be detached from the label backing tape by being guided around the transfer edge, since no free label end pointing towards the transfer edge is moved over it.Rather, in this case, the label is always held by a section of the label carrier tape that has already been guided around the transfer edge during its further movement. Therefore, it may be sufficient to fix the label to be ejected at its leading edge, whereby the ejection device can be returned to the passive position during operation as soon as the leading edge of the label (and, if applicable, a defined further part of the label to be ejected, but not necessarily the entire label) has passed the transfer edge.

[0199] In some embodiments, the passive position can correspond to an upper position, and the ejection device can be moved into the ejection position from above the transfer edge. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the passive position can correspond to a lower position, and the ejection device can be moved into the ejection position from below the transfer edge.

[0200] Furthermore, starting from either a passive position (upper position) or a passive position (lower position), the ejection device in the passive position can, in some embodiments, be positioned laterally spaced from the transfer edge and moved into the ejection position by a lateral movement towards the transfer edge, particularly in combination with a downward or upward movement. In addition, the passive position can also correspond exclusively to a lateral position of the ejection device, and in some embodiments, the ejection device can be moved into the ejection position by a lateral, particularly horizontal, movement towards the transfer edge.

[0201] In some embodiments, the ejection device may have a deflection contour designed to hold the ejected label at the transfer edge on the label carrier tape. In particular, the deflection contour may be designed to hold the label at the transfer edge on the label carrier tape in such a way that the label can be guided around the transfer edge on the label carrier tape. Furthermore, the deflection contour may be designed to hold the ejected label at the transfer edge on the label carrier tape when the ejection device is in the ejection position. Conversely, in the passive position of the ejection device, the deflection contour may be arranged at a distance from the ejected label and / or the transfer edge to allow the transfer of the labels to be applied to the application device.

[0202] Such a deflection contour can also be described as a guide, which guides the ejected label around the transfer edge, ensuring that the label remains on the label carrier tape even after passing the transfer edge and preventing it from detaching. For example, the deflection contour can have a shape corresponding to a web of the label carrier tape around the transfer edge, so that the ejected label is confined on both sides at the transfer edge by the label carrier tape on one side and the deflection contour on the other. The deflection contour also prevents the label from detaching from the label carrier tape—especially from moving perpendicular or tangentially to the web of the label carrier tape.

[0203] In particular, the deflection contour can be effective in some embodiments in the area of ​​the transfer edge, whereas the label to be ejected can only be guided further by the label carrier tape after passing the transfer edge. Specifically, a web of the label carrier tape can form a sufficiently sharp bend only at the transfer edge to allow the labels to detach from the label carrier tape. Apart from the transfer edge, however, the label carrier tape can always be guided with a web curvature sufficient to prevent labels affixed to the label carrier tape from detaching due to the curvature of the web of the label carrier tape, so that supporting the labels to be ejected, particularly at a label leading edge, in the area of ​​the transfer edge can be sufficient.

[0204] In some embodiments, the deflection contour can be brought into contact with the label carrier tape moving around the transfer edge and / or with the label to be ejected, also moving around the transfer edge, by moving the ejection device into the ejection position. As already explained, such contact, and in particular direct mechanical contact, can prevent the label to be ejected from detaching from the label carrier tape, since the deflection contour contacting the label can block any movement of the label away from the label carrier tape.

[0205] In some embodiments, the ejection device can be configured to exert pressure on the ejected element at the transfer edge to prevent the ejected label from detaching from the label carrier tape. In particular, such pressure can be exerted by allowing the ejection device to come into contact with the ejected label as it moves around the transfer edge when the ejection device is moved into the ejection position.

[0206] In some embodiments, the ejection device may include a pressure element, and in particular a pressure roller, to exert the pressure. The pressure element may be pneumatically deflectable and / or pre-tensioned towards the transfer edge. Furthermore, the pressure element may, for example, be elastically deformable to exert pressure on the label to be ejected, while still allowing for certain tolerances.

[0207] For example, the ejection device can have a pressure element that can be extended directly towards the transfer edge to press the ejected label against the label carrier tape at the transfer edge, thus preventing the ejected label from detaching from the label carrier tape. However, such a pressure element can also be provided, for example, in combination with the aforementioned deflection contour, wherein the pressure element can, for example, be designed to exert pressure on the ejected label directly at the transfer edge. Alternatively, the pressure element can, for example, be arranged to exert pressure on the ejected label downstream of the transfer edge in order to stabilize the ejected label as it moves around the transfer edge.In particular, the printing element can be arranged such that it can exert pressure on a downstream section of a label to be ejected, while an upstream section of the label to be ejected has not yet passed the transfer edge.

[0208] In particular, in some embodiments the aforementioned deflection contour may therefore include an additional pressure element, which may, for example, be spring-loaded and / or movable by a drive in order to exert pressure on the label to be ejected.

[0209] Furthermore, a design of the printing element as a pressure roller can, in particular, allow the label carrier tape to move freely along the intended path, but prevent the label to be ejected from moving perpendicular or tangentially to this path in order to detach from the label carrier tape. In particular, the pressure roller can therefore be rotatable relative to the label carrier tape when the pressure roller is in contact with the label carrier tape.

[0210] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the ejection device may include a compressed air device for generating pressure, which is designed to produce a compressed air stream directed towards the label to be ejected. In particular, the compressed air stream may be controllable so that it is only generated when a label to be ejected is guided around the transfer edge, while otherwise allowing the transfer of labels to the application device and preventing the generation of a compressed air stream that would impede the release of the labels from the label backing tape.

[0211] In some embodiments, the ejection device may be designed to modify a web of the label carrier tape around the transfer edge in order to prevent the transfer of the label to be ejected, in particular to reduce a curvature of the web at the transfer edge.

[0212] When the ejection device is in the passive position, the label carrier tape can be guided around a sharp edge at the transfer edge, so that the web of the label carrier tape can have a sharp bend or a strong curvature at the transfer edge. Particularly due to such web guidance around a bend, labels provided on the label carrier tape can detach from the tape and then be received by the application device.

[0213] However, in some embodiments, the ejection device can be designed to change the web of the label carrier tape in the area of ​​the transfer edge, thus preventing the label carrier tape from being guided around such a sharp bend and, in particular, reducing the curvature of the web of the label carrier tape in the area of ​​the transfer edge, in order to effectively eliminate a necessary condition for releasing a label – the strong curvature of the web at the transfer edge.

[0214] For example, the discharge device may include a downstream deflection for the label carrier tape, viewed from the transfer edge, and be configured to shift this downstream deflection in such a way as to reduce curvature of the label carrier tape web at the transfer edge. In particular, the discharge device may be configured to shift such a downstream deflection along a direction in which the label carrier tape can move before reaching the transfer edge, thereby mitigating or making more continuous any change in direction that the label carrier tape experiences at the transfer edge.

[0215] Furthermore, it may be provided, for example, that the discharge device is designed to enlarge a deflection over which the label carrier tape can be guided at the transfer edge in order to increase the radius of the web of the label carrier tape at the transfer edge or to reduce the curvature of the web at the transfer edge.

[0216] In some embodiments, the ejection device may include an inflatable ejection element, wherein the path of the label carrier tape can be changed by inflating the inflatable ejection element and the label carrier tape can be moved along the inflated ejection element. In particular, in such embodiments, the ejection device can be moved from the passive position to the ejection position by inflating the ejection element.

[0217] The inflatable discharge element can be brought into contact with the label carrier tape by inflation, in order to guide the label carrier tape section by section when inflated and thereby influence its path. Furthermore, it can be provided that the label carrier tape is already guided over the discharge element even when it is not inflated, although the path of the label carrier tape can be altered by the expansion of the discharge element as a result of inflation.

[0218] In some embodiments, the inflatable discharge element can be arranged downstream of the transfer edge with respect to the web of the label carrier tape. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the inflatable discharge element can be integrated into the transfer edge.

[0219] For example, the inflatable ejection element can act as a deflector for the label carrier tape at the transfer edge, so that one dimension of the ejection element can directly determine a path of the label carrier tape at the deflection edge. By inflating such an ejection element, the radius of the deflection around which the label carrier tape is guided at the transfer edge can be increased, thereby reducing curvature of the label carrier tape at the transfer edge and preventing the ejected label from detaching from the label carrier tape.Furthermore, a discharge element located downstream of the transfer edge can be used to change the relative alignment between a downstream deflection of the label carrier tape and the transfer edge, in order to reduce curvature of the label carrier tape web along the transfer edge and prevent the discharged label from detaching. For this purpose, the downstream deflection can be made movable and / or expandable by inflating the discharge element, which can also form the downstream deflection itself.

[0220] In some embodiments, the discharge device can include a deflecting element, in particular a deflecting roller, which can be selectively brought into contact with the label carrier tape to change the web. For example, such a deflecting element can be moved by a drive mechanism to bring it into contact with the label carrier tape.

[0221] In some embodiments, the label dispenser can have at least one compensating element, in particular a rocker, a pressure roller and / or a dancer roller, which is designed to adapt a web of the label carrier tape downstream of the transfer edge to the change in the web of the label carrier tape around the transfer edge. In particular, such a compensating element can form a deflection for the label carrier tape downstream of the transfer edge and be passively mounted in order to allow a change in the web of the label carrier tape due to a movement of the ejection device from the passive position to the ejection position and to compensate for any tension in the label carrier tape caused by the web change.When the ejection device is subsequently moved into the passive position, the compensating element can also return to its initial position to restore the original path. For this purpose, the compensating element can be pre-tensioned in this initial position.

[0222] In some embodiments, the ejection device can be arranged on the application device. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the label dispenser can include the ejection device. An ejection device arranged on the application device can, in particular, be movable together with the application device.

[0223] In some embodiments, the labeling device may include a monitoring device for monitoring the labels to be transferred to the application device and a control device, wherein the monitoring device may be configured to identify the label to be ejected. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the control device may be configured to actuate the ejection device, in response to a signal from the monitoring device, to prevent the transfer of the label to be ejected. In particular, the monitoring device may be configured to identify defective labels as labels to be ejected and to send a corresponding signal, wherein the control device, in response to such a signal, may actuate the ejection device to prevent the transfer of the label to be ejected, in particular by moving the ejection device into the ejection position.

[0224] The monitoring device can be configured, in particular as already explained above in connection with a labeling device with a rejecting element, and may, for example, include at least one camera and an image evaluation device, wherein the camera may be configured to capture inspection images of the labels before they are applied to the material web. The image evaluation device, in turn, may be configured to identify defective labels based on the inspection images, and the rejection device may be configured to reject the defective labels as labels to be discarded.

[0225] Furthermore, the camera can be positioned on the mounting device and / or be movable together with the mounting device.

[0226] In some embodiments, the control device may also be designed to generate a fault message when a sequence of faulty and / or rejected labels is detected.

[0227] A packaging machine disclosed herein for packaging food products, in particular food portions comprising one or more slices separated from a food product, includes a transport device configured to move a web of material along a longitudinal direction for the production of packaging. The packaging machine further includes a labeling device of the type described above with a reject device for rejecting labels.

[0228] A method disclosed herein relates to the operation of a packaging machine, in particular the aforementioned packaging machine with a labeling device which has a reject device, wherein the method: a material web is moved along a longitudinal direction by the packaging machine, packaging is produced from the material web, labels to be applied to the packaging are transferred to an application device of a labeling machine, and the labels are applied to the packaging by the application device. However, the transfer of faulty labels to the application device is prevented by an ejection device of the labeling device.

[0229] Therefore, this process prevents defective labels from being passed to the application device, so that the defective labels are not applied to the material web, but can be disposed of, for example, together with a used-up label carrier tape on which the defective labels may still be located.

[0230] In some embodiments of this method, the labels to be applied may be checked by a monitoring device. In particular, the monitoring device may be configured to detect defective labels, and a control device of the packaging machine may be configured to control the rejection device, depending on a signal from the monitoring device, to reject the defective labels or to prevent the defective labels from being passed to the application device.

[0231] In some embodiments, the return of the ejection device from the ejection position to the passive position, so that the next label can be transferred to the application device, can occur immediately after a label to be ejected has passed the transfer edge. To achieve high operating speeds, the return can even occur while a label is being deflected at the transfer edge, i.e., while part of the label is still at the transfer edge. Preferably, the return can occur as soon as the label has passed at least halfway and / or largely over the transfer edge, because then detachment of the rear end of the label from the carrier web is no longer possible or at least no longer detrimental to the ejection of that label.

[0232] In general, the ejection device can therefore, in some embodiments, be moved back into the passive position after the label to be ejected has been removed. In particular, however, the ejection device can already be moved into the passive position while part of the label to be ejected is still in the area of ​​a transfer edge, provided that a leading edge of the label to be ejected has already passed the transfer edge.

[0233] In principle, all of the disclosed embodiments of a labeling device can include a printer for printing the labels. Furthermore, the labels can be adhesively affixed to the material web. Each of the disclosed labeling devices can also be a top-web or bottom-web device, i.e., a labeling device designed for labeling packaging on the top side or the bottom side.

[0234] The packaging machines disclosed herein can be configured, in particular, as thermoforming packaging machines. Furthermore, the packaging machine can be configured, in particular, to move a lower material web and an upper material web along the longitudinal direction, with the labeling devices being configured to apply labels to the upper material web and / or the lower material web. The material web moved by the packaging machine can, in particular, be a film, a paper web, or a material web made of organic materials.

[0235] The invention will below be explained purely by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0236] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a packaging machine for packaging food products, Fig. 2A and 2B are respective schematic representations of a labeling device of the packaging machine, wherein the in Fig. 2A The labeling device shown is designed for applying labels to the top side of a material web moving on a packaging machine, and wherein the Fig. 2B The labeling device shown is designed for applying labels to the underside of a material web moved by the packaging machine. Fig. 3 shows a schematic top view of the packaging machine and the labeling device. Figs. 4A to 4C show a perspective view and two front views of a section of the packaging machine in which two labeling devices for applying labels to a material web moved by the packaging machine are arranged. Figs. 5A and 5B are respective perspective side views of the packaging machine to illustrate a drive for moving each labeling device along a longitudinal direction of the packaging machine. Figs. 6A and 6B are respective perspective views of the labeling device's longitudinally movable labeling device for applying labels to the top side of the material web.of the labeling device for applying labels to the underside of the material web, Fig. 7 a perspective front view of the application device with a transparent housing, Fig. 8A and 8Beine each schematic representation of an application device of a labeling device with a vacuum device designed to generate a variable vacuum in an interior of the application device, Fig. 9A and 9Beine perspective side view and a perspective rear view of the application device with a transparent housing to illustrate a drive of application elements for applying labels to the material web, Fig. 10 a perspective front view of the application device with a transparent housing to illustrate a drive for driving several belts by means of which labels can be moved transversely to the longitudinal direction, Fig.11A schematic top view of a packaging machine with a labeling unit, the application device of which is designed for the selective transfer of labels to a rejecting element, Fig. 12A and 12Beine respective schematic view of an application device of a labeling unit with integrated rejecting element, Fig. 13A to 13C schematic representations of the application device to illustrate a method in which a defective label is transferred to a rejecting element of the application device and correct labels are applied to packaging provided by the packaging machine, Fig. 14A and 14Beine respective schematic representation of a labeling unit with a rejecting device which is designed to selectively prevent the transfer of labels to be rejected to an application device of the labeling unit, wherein the rejecting device is in a passive position orFigures 15A and 15Beine show a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a labeling device with a reject device in the passive position and in the reject position, respectively. Figures 16A and 16Beine show a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a labeling device with a reject device, which has an inflatable reject element by means of which a web of a label carrier tape can be changed. Figures 17A and 17Beine show a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a labeling device with a reject device, which has a movable deflecting element by means of which a web of a label carrier tape can be changed.Figures 18A and 18Beine are schematic representations of further embodiments of a labeling device with a reject device in the passive position and in the reject position, respectively, wherein the reject device has a compressed air device for generating a compressed air flow.

[0237] Fig. 1 Figure 1 schematically shows a packaging machine M operating in a longitudinal direction L, comprising a machine frame 247. A transport chain 227, shown here only schematically at the upstream end of the machine, is guided on each of the left and right side frames of the machine frame 247. The two transport chains 227 together form a transport device 227 for a lower web of material 223 taken from a supply roll 223a, such that the transport device 227 is designed to move the lower web of material 223 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0238] The packaging machine M comprises a plurality of work stations arranged in the longitudinal direction L, namely a forming station 211, also known as a thermoformer or deep-drawer, a feeding station 213 for food products 210 to be packaged, a feed station 214 for an upper web of material 225 taken from a supply roll 25a, a labeling station 216, a transverse cutting station 217 and a longitudinal cutting station 219.

[0239] In the illustrated embodiment, the food products 210 to be packaged are, in particular, food portions, each comprising several slices that have been previously separated from a loaf- or bar-shaped food such as sausage, cheese, ham, or meat by means of a slicing device (not shown). The slicer and the packaging machine M can form a continuous processing line.

[0240] The operation of the packaging machine M, including the aforementioned workstations, is controlled by a central control unit 241. This unit can also control the slicer or be connected to a control unit of the slicer. Furthermore, the packaging machine M is equipped with an operating unit 245, which includes, for example, a touchscreen on which all necessary information can be displayed to the operator and on which the operator can make all necessary settings before and during the operation of the packaging machine M.

[0241] The design and operation of the aforementioned workstations are generally known to experts, so they will not be discussed in detail here.

[0242] However, it should be noted that, for example, the forming station 211 has an upper tool 211a and a lower tool 211b, by means of which recesses 229, also referred to as troughs, are formed in the lower material web 223 in a deep-drawing process. The aforementioned portions 210 are placed into these recesses 229 at the feeding station 213. The feeding station 213 includes a so-called feeder, of which two endless conveyor belts 213a and 213b are shown. Alternatively or additionally, the feeding station 213 can include a robot 250, also shown schematically here, e.g., in the form of a so-called "picker," which can be designed as a delta robot with a gripper comprising two scoops, each holding a portion 210.Such robots and their use in handling food, especially in placing portions into recesses 229 of packaging, are generally known to those skilled in the art, which is why further explanations are not necessary here.

[0243] The lower material web 223, containing the filled recesses 229, and the upper material web 225 are then fed to the sealing station 215, which comprises an upper tool 215a and a lower tool 215b. These tools 215a and 215b seal the material webs 223 and 225 together. This seals the recesses 229 and thus the packages 221 formed by the material webs. Fig. 1 Sealing points 243, which run transversely to the longitudinal direction L and are also referred to as sealing seams, are schematically indicated.

[0244] Following the sealing station 215, the packages 221 are still connected and therefore need to be separated. In the embodiment shown here, the packages 221 are labelled at the labeling station 216 before being separated.

[0245] Downstream of the separation stations 217, 219, further conveyor belts and / or workstations may be provided, for example a scale for weight control of the packaging 21.

[0246] Applications can differ, for example, with regard to the type of products 210 to be packaged, the size / shape of the recesses 229 in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction, or with regard to a format set. For example, per work cycle of the packaging machine, a format or format set of 3 x 4 (3 in the transverse direction and 4 in the longitudinal direction) recesses 229 or other product fixtures can be formed in the forming station 211, a format set of 3 x 4 correspondingly arranged products 210 can be inserted into a respective format set of recesses 221 at the insertion station 213, and a respective format set of 3 x 4 recesses 229 filled with products 210 can be sealed at the sealing station 215. The same applies to the labeling station 216 (see also Fig. 3 ).

[0247] In principle, an arbitrarily dimensioned nxm format set can be formed, in particular with n >= 2 and m >= 1.

[0248] The Fig. 2A This illustrates the basic principle of a first labeling device 11 of the labeling station 216 of the packaging machine M, which is designed to apply labels 13 to a top surface O of the packagings 221 provided by the packaging machine M or to the top surface O of the upper material web 225.

[0249] The labeling device 11 comprises a label dispenser 19, which is configured to provide labels 13 and transfer them to an application device 23. The application device 23 is configured to apply the received labels 13 to the packaging 221 or the upper material web 225. The label dispenser 19 has a label storage unit 69 in which a roll 91 of wound label carrier tape 71 is inserted. Several labels 13 are applied to and, in particular, affixed to the label carrier tape 71. The label carrier tape 71 is pulled from the roll 91 and guided via several deflection and / or dancer rollers 75 to a printer 21 of the labeling device 11. The printer can print the labels 13, for example, to add information to the labels 13 relating to a food product 210 packaged in the packaging 221 to be labeled.

[0250] After the labels 13 have been printed by the printer 21, the label carrier tape 71 is guided over a transfer edge 89, causing the label carrier tape 71 to fold and the labels 13 to be detached from it. By detaching the labels 13 from the label carrier tape 71, they are transferred to the application device 23, which has several belts 117 rotating along a direction R. These belts move the received labels 13 along a transverse direction Q, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, and position them over the respective packages 17 to be labeled (see also Fig. 9A bis 10 as well as Fig. 13A bis 13C ).

[0251] In order to pick up the labels 13 from the label dispenser 19 and hold them against gravity, the application device 23 has a vacuum device 77, which is designed to generate a vacuum in an interior 87 of the application device 23 and, in particular, in a housing 129 of the application device 23, thereby allowing the picked-up labels 13 to be drawn to a working side 103 of the application device 23. To generate the vacuum in the interior 87, the vacuum device 77 comprises two blowers 79, the respective suction side 83 of which is located in the interior 87 of the application device 23, whereas the respective pressure side 85 of the blowers 79 is located outside the housing 129 and the interior 87.

[0252] By rotating the belts 117 along the direction R, the transferred labels 13 can be moved, in particular, into a working area 149 of the application device 23, wherein several application elements 115, movable in the vertical direction C, are arranged in the working area 149, which can reach between adjacent, spaced-apart belts 117 in order to release the labels 13 from the belts 117 and apply them to a top surface O of a provided package 221 or 17 (see also Fig. 9A bis 10 as well as Fig. 13A bis 13C To enable the positioning elements 115, which can be designed as pins in particular, to be moved, the positioning elements 115 are held together on a carriage 131 that can be moved in the vertical direction C. By lowering the carriage 131, all labels 13 located in the working area 149 of the positioning device 23 can therefore be applied to a material web 15 or 225 provided by the packaging machine M.

[0253] Fig. 2B Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a second labeling device 11' of the packaging machine M or its labeling station 216, which is designed to apply labels 13 to an underside U of a provided material web 15, in particular the lower material web 223, and / or the underside U of the packages 221 or 17. The second labeling device 11' is basically based on the same principle as the one shown in Figure 1. Fig. 2A The illustrated labeling device 11 is designed, but the application of the labels 13 to the underside U necessitates a somewhat mirrored arrangement. Therefore, the label storage 69 of the labeling device 11 is arranged on a first side 65 of the packaging machine M, whereas the label storage 69 of the second labeling device 11' is arranged on a second side 67 of the packaging machine M opposite the first side 65. Furthermore, in Fig. 2B schematically illustrated that the label carrier tape 71 can be wound up to a discharge roll 93 after the transfer of the labels 13 at the transfer edge 89.

[0254] In the labeling unit 11', the labels 13 are also guided over a transfer edge 89 and transferred to an application unit 23, in the interior 87 of which a vacuum unit 77 generates a vacuum to stabilize the labels 13, which are moved transversely Q into a working area 149 of the application unit 23 by means of several offset belts 117. In particular, the two labeling units 11 and 11' can be arranged at the labeling station 216 of the packaging machine M in order to provide the supplied packages 221 with a label 13 on both the top O and the bottom U.In the labeling device 11' provided for attaching labels 13 to the underside U, the attachment elements 115 can be released from the attachment device 23, in particular by an upward movement of the slide 131 in vertical direction C, and attached to the underside U on the provided packagings 221 or the lower material web 223.

[0255] Fig. 3 Furthermore, a schematic top view of the packaging machine M illustrates that the packaging machine M, as already mentioned in connection with Fig. 1 As mentioned, the machine can be designed to operate in cycles and provide a format 59 of packages 17 in each cycle, where the format here exemplarily comprises packages 17 arranged in three tracks 63 aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction L and in four rows 61 aligned in the transverse direction Q. It is thus shown by way of example that the packaging machine M provides twelve packages 17 in each cycle, which are arranged in a 3 (tracks 63) x 4 (rows 61) matrix that defines the format 59.

[0256] Furthermore, the labeling device 11 and 11' can be configured to completely label the packages 17 provided in format 59 by applying the respective labels 13 to the packages 17 during a cycle break, i.e., when the material web 15 is stationary. For this purpose, the label dispenser 19 can first be configured to transfer a number of labels 13 corresponding to the number of tracks 63 to the application device 23, which can then be moved in the transverse direction Q to the respective positions assigned to the packages 17 by driving the belts 117. Subsequently, a complete row 61 of packages 17 can be provided with a respective label 13 by moving the application elements 115.

[0257] After a row of packages 17 has been labelled, the application device 23 can be moved longitudinally L to the next row 61 of packages 17 by a drive 25. During or after this movement, further labels 13 can be transferred from the label dispenser 19 to the application device 23, which can then be applied to the packages 17 arranged in the next row 61 after the device has reached it. In this way, all rows 61 can be accessed and the respective packages 17 labelled during the cycle break. The packaging machine M can then move the material web 15 in the next cycle and deliver a subsequent format 59 to the labeling station 216.

[0258] Traditionally, labeling units for packaging machines are considered additional, external devices, essentially docked to the packaging machine and operated as separate units that must be coordinated with the machine's operation. However, this coordination is often difficult, and installing the labeling units is complex. Furthermore, inadequate coordination between the packaging machine and the labeling unit can lead to undesirably frequent production interruptions.

[0259] The Fig. 4A bis 6B Therefore, we illustrate an embodiment of a packaging machine M in which the labeling devices 11 and 11', i.e., a labeling device 11 for applying labels 13 to the top O and a labeling device 11' for applying labels 13 to the bottom U of a material web 15 moved by the packaging machine M, are an integral part of the packaging machine M and in which, in particular, a drive 25 or 25' for moving the respective application device 23 or 23' in the longitudinal direction L is structurally integrated into a frame 29 of the packaging machine M.

[0260] In the Fig. 4A bis 4C The labeling device 11, designed for applying labels 13 to the top surface O, is shown on the left, whereas the second labeling device 11', intended for applying labels 13 to the bottom surface U, is shown on the right. The left side in the figures therefore corresponds to the first side 65 of the packaging machine M, and the right side in the figures corresponds to the second side 67 of the packaging machine M.

[0261] The labeling devices 11 and 11' of this embodiment are basically based on the above based on the Fig. 2A und 2B The principle explained above is followed by a label dispenser 19 or 19', each designed to provide labels 13 and transfer them to an application unit 23 or 23'. Furthermore, both labeling units 11 and 11' each have a printer 21 or 21'. The labeling units described in the Fig. 4A bis 4C The label carrier tape 71 (not shown) is also guided in this embodiment from a label storage unit 69 or a roller 91 to the application device 23 or 23' via several deflection and / or dancer rollers 75.

[0262] To, as above in connection with Fig. 3 As explained, to enable the attachment device 23 to be moved in the longitudinal direction L, the labeling device 11 has a drive 25 with a motor 27. As can be seen, for example, from the Fig. 5A As can be seen in particular from Figure 6A, the motor 27 is fixedly mounted on the frame 29 of the packaging machine M, and the drive 25 is designed to move the mounting device 23 relative to the motor 27. Specifically, the motor 27 is mounted externally on an outer beam 37 of the frame 29. Furthermore, the motor 27 is located within an interior space of the beam 37 or a cover 43 attached to the beam 37 and is thus protected from unauthorized access (see also Figure 6A). Fig. 4A bis 4C , in the Fig. 5A bis 6B (The side panel is hidden for better illustration of the arrangement of the engine 27).

[0263] In particular, the motor 27 is designed as a servo motor and is arranged vertically on the spar 37 to drive, via a toothed pulley 53, a coupling element 47, which is also arranged in the interior 45 of the fairing 43 and is in particular designed as a toothed belt 49. The coupling element 47 is interrupted, and each end of the coupling element 47 is connected via clamping elements 51 to a slide 35, on which the mounting device 23 is supported by a connecting element 41. By setting the toothed belt 49 into a rotary motion, the slide 35 and, via it, the mounting device 23 can be moved in the longitudinal direction L.

[0264] Furthermore, the carriage 35 is guided on a guide rod 33 of a guide device 31 of the labeling device 11, which extends in the longitudinal direction L and is also supported on the frame 29 of the packaging machine M. In particular, the cover 43 or the frame 37 has a recess 39 on its upper surface O in which the guide rod 33 is arranged, so that the connecting element 41 can be attached to the carriage 35 from above to connect the carriage 35 to the mounting device 23. In addition, the guide rod 33 can thus be directly integrated into the cover 43 or the frame 29 of the packaging machine M.

[0265] Furthermore, to achieve reliable and stable support for the attachment device 23, the guide device 31 has a further guide rod 55 on the side of the packaging machine M opposite the guide rod 23 in the transverse direction Q, the second side 67, on which the attachment device 23 is supported by a further slide 56 that is movable along the further guide rod 55. The slide 56 arranged on the further guide rod 55 serves only to support the attachment device 23 and is ultimately carried along by the attachment device 23 during movement. As can be seen, for example, in Fig. 4A and 4BAs can be seen, the further guide rod 55 is also supported on the frame 29 of the packaging machine M, but this further guide rod 55 is arranged between a chain guide 57 for moving the material web 15 and a beam 37' of the frame 29 located on the second side 67, whereas the guide rod 33 is arranged directly on the beam 37 or the cover 43 on the first side 65 of the packaging machine M. This allows, as will be explained in more detail below, a somewhat mirrored arrangement of the second labeling device 11' or its application device 23', in order to also be able to apply labels 13 to the underside U of the provided material web 15.

[0266] The guide assembly 31 of the labeling unit 11 thus has a drive side A, on which the motor 27 for driving the carriage 31 is arranged, and a support side S, on which the further guide rod 55 is arranged. The drive side A of the first labeling unit 11 therefore corresponds to the first side 65 of the packaging machine M and the support side S of the first labeling unit 11 corresponds to the second side 67 of the packaging machine M.

[0267] The second labeling unit 11' also has a drive 25' for moving the application unit 23' along the longitudinal direction L, which is likewise integrated into the frame 29 of the packaging machine M. This is particularly evident from Fig. 5B and 6B stand out.

[0268] How in particular Fig. 6B As shown, the drive 25' for moving the mounting device 23' of the second labeling device 11' also includes a motor 27', which is supported on the frame 37' and arranged in an interior 45 of the frame 37' or in a cover 43 associated with this frame 37'. The motor 27', which can also be designed as a servo motor, again drives a coupling element 47' or a toothed belt 49' via a toothed pulley 53' in order to move a slide 35'. The slide 35' is in turn guided on a guide rod 33' of a guide device 31', which extends in the longitudinal direction L and is arranged in a clearance 39 on the upper surface O of the frame 37' or the cover 43.A connecting element 41' also engages the carriage 35' accessible from the top O of the labeling device 11' in order to connect the attachment device 23', which is guided below the material web 15 and in particular below the carriage 35', to the carriage 35' and thus enable the attachment device 23' to move together with the carriage 35'. For this purpose, the connecting element 41' of the second labeling device 11' extends laterally outwards from the carriage 35' beyond the edge of the frame 29 and from there downwards to reach the attachment device 23' of the second labeling device 11' below the beam 37'. Again, the mounting device 23' is supported on one side of the packaging machine M opposite the guide rod 31' by a further guide rod 55', on which a slide 56' which can move together with the mounting device 23' is guided.

[0269] The labeling device 11' also has a drive side A', on which the motor 27' is arranged, and a support side S', on which the further guide rod 55' is arranged. However, as can be seen, for example, from the Fig. 4A bis 4C As can be seen, when the labeling devices 11 and 11' are mounted on the packaging machine M, the drive side A' and the support side S' are, in a sense, reversed compared to the drive side A and the support side S of the labeling device 11, so that the drive side A' of the second labeling device 11' is located on the second side 67 of the packaging machine M and the support side S' of the second labeling device 11' is located on the first side 65 of the packaging machine M. As can also be seen, in particular, from Fig. 4B As can be seen, in the second labeling device 11' the guide rod 33' is also arranged directly on the frame 37', whereas the further guide rod 55' is arranged between the frame 37 and the chain guide 57, so that a sort of mirrored arrangement of the drives 25 and 25' for the attachment devices 23 and 23' results.

[0270] By making the mounting device 23 and 23' of the labeling device 11 and 11' movable relative to the respective motor 27 or 27', the respective motor 27 or 27' does not need to be moved along with the mounting device 23 and 23', thus enabling faster movement of the mounting device 23 and 23'. The integration of the drives 27 and 27' into the frame 29 of the packaging machine M also provides access protection and a fixed arrangement of the labeling device 11 and 11' within the packaging machine M. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve, for example, from the Fig. 4A and 4BIt is evident that the movable components of the drives 27 and 27' are essentially covered by the casing 43 and thus protected from access. Furthermore, the drives 27 and 27' of the labeling device 11 and 11' are essentially arranged below a plane E in which the material web 15 is guided by the chain guide 57.

[0271] Furthermore, in addition to the application devices 23 and 23', the respective label dispensers 19 and 19' of the labeling devices 11 and 11' are also connected to the respective carriage 35 or 35' via the respective connecting element 41 or 41', so that the drives 27 and 27' of the labeling devices 11 and 11' are designed to move the respective label dispensers 19 in the longitudinal direction L and, in particular, relative to the respective motor 27 or 27'. This can, in particular, enable the orderly transfer of labels 13 to the application device 23 or 23' in any position of the application device 23 or 23' with respect to the longitudinal direction L.

[0272] Furthermore, it illustrates Fig. 4C , that the respective label storage unit 69 of the label dispensers 19 or 19' of the labeling devices 11 and 11', in which the roll 91 is inserted, is movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. For this purpose, the roll 91 is held on a retaining arm 73, which can be pivoted via a handle 74 in order to move the label storage unit 69 between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0273] In particular, the label storage unit 69 is positioned higher in position P1 than in the second position P2, whereas in the second position P2 the label storage unit 69 is further away in the horizontal direction from the application device 23 and the frame 29 of the packaging machine M and projects further laterally into the space in the horizontal direction.

[0274] In principle, the second position P2 can be used to facilitate changing the roll 91 as conveniently as possible, whereas moving the label storage unit 69 to the first position P1 allows the space to the side of the packaging machine M to be kept as clear as possible. Conventionally, it is necessary to always move the label storage unit 69 to the first position P1 in order to transfer labels 13 to the application device 23 or 23' and to operate the labeling devices 11 and 11'.

[0275] In embodiments of the labeling devices 11 and 11' disclosed herein, the label dispenser 19 or 19' is designed to transfer labels 13 to the application device 23 or 23' in both the first position P1 and the second position P2, whereby, in particular, the altered guidance of the label carrier tape 71 by the deflection and / or dancer rollers 75 can be compensated for. In particular, this allows for flexible handling of the labeling devices 11 and 11', since a person operating the labeling devices 11 and 11' does not have to switch between positions P1 and P2 to perform certain tasks, but can select a preferred position P1 or P2 in which the labeling device 11 or 11' is operated.In addition, in some embodiments it may also be provided that the label dispenser 19 or 19' is designed to transfer labels 13 to the application device 23 when the label storage 69 is arranged in any position between the first position P1 and the second position P2, which may in particular represent respective end positions with respect to the mobility of the label storage 69.

[0276] Fig. 7 Figure 1 further shows a perspective view of the mounting device 23 of the first labeling device 11, with a housing 129 of the mounting device 23 shown transparently. The mounting device 23' is fundamentally identical in construction, so the following explanations apply equally to the mounting device 23' of the second labeling device 11'.

[0277] How Fig. 7 As shown, the application device 23 has several offset belts 117 for transporting labels 13 in the transverse direction Q, which can then be applied to the material web by means of application elements 115 that extend through adjacent, spaced-apart belts 117. The application elements are arranged by means of respective snap connections 121 on plates 119 that are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction L of the packaging machine M and which can be moved together in the vertical direction C by a slide 131 guided by guide rods 133.

[0278] Furthermore, the mounting device 23 includes the aforementioned vacuum device 77, wherein the vacuum device 77 in particular comprises two blowers 79, which are arranged on an outer surface 127 of the housing 129 and are designed to generate a vacuum U in a mounting section 113 of the mounting element 123, in which the mounting elements 115 are arranged. In particular, the blowers 79 are designed to generate a vacuum over a relatively large area at the mounting section 113 and are therefore arranged relatively far from the belts 117 and the labels 13 transported thereon on a roof section of the housing 127.

[0279] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum device 77 has two additional blowers 81, which are arranged directly near the belts 117 in a transfer section 111 of the application device 23, in which the labels 13 are transferred from the label dispenser 19. The transfer section 111 is separated from the application section 113 by a separating element 99, which extends into the interior 87 of the housing 129, so that any airflow between the transfer section 111 and the application section 113 is prevented. In this respect, the separating element 99 divides the housing 129 into two chambers 105 and 107, with chamber 105 comprising the transfer section 111 and chamber 107 the application section 113.

[0280] By having separate blowers 81 for the transfer section 111, the vacuum device 77 is designed to spatially vary the strength of the vacuum generated in the interior 87 of the application device 23 and, in particular, to increase it in the area of ​​the transfer section 111 in order to ensure reliable transfer of the labels from the label dispenser 19. In the application section 113, on the other hand, a larger area vacuum, but a weaker vacuum compared to the vacuum in the transfer section 111, can be generated by the blowers 79. In addition, a Fig. 7 The control device 109 (not shown) may, for example, be configured to individually control the blowers 79 and / or 81 in order to influence the airflow developed by the respective blower 79 or 81 and thereby the negative pressure generated by the respective blower 79 or 81 (see also Fig. 8A und 8B The control unit 109 may in particular be a component of the control unit 241 of the packaging machine M.

[0281] The Fig. 8A und 8B further embodiments of an attachment device 23 with a vacuum device 77, which is designed to generate a variable vacuum in the interior 87 of the attachment device 23, are illustrated.

[0282] In the embodiment according to Fig. 8A A guide element 95, acting as a separating element 99, is provided, which divides the interior 87 of the mounting device 23 or its housing 129 into two chambers 105 and 107. The mounting device 23 has only the two blowers 79 on the outside 127 of the housing 129. However, due to the different sizes of chambers 105 and 107, a stronger negative pressure can be generated in the transfer section 111 associated with chamber 105 than in the mounting section 113 associated with chamber 107. Furthermore, the guide element 95 can also be movable, in particular by the control device 109, in order to further vary the negative pressure.

[0283] In the embodiment according to Fig. 8B Each blower 79 is connected to an intake nozzle 97, which acts as a guide element 95 and which may also be movable. An airflow developed by the blowers 79 can be directed through these intake nozzles 97, particularly in the center of the interior 87 of the mounting device 23, such that the airflow B is oriented perpendicular to a surface 101 along which the labels 13 extend. This ensures stable suction. For example, the intake nozzles 97 can be adjustable before operation, or alternatively or additionally, the intake nozzles 97, i.e., the guide elements 95 of the illustrated embodiment, can be moved by the control device 109 during operation.

[0284] In principle, the control unit 109 can also be configured to individually control the blowers 79, for example, to increase the negative pressure when transferring labels 13 and to decrease it when applying labels 13 to the material web 15. This can be achieved, for example, by selectively adjusting the strength of the airflows generated by the blowers 79 and / or 81, as well as by switching the blowers 79 and / or 81 on or off.

[0285] The Fig. 9A und 9B Furthermore, they illustrate a drive 123 for moving the mounting elements 115 along the vertical direction C. How Fig. 9A As shown, this drive 123 has a servomotor 125 supported on an outer side 127 of the housing 129, wherein Fig. 9B This illustrates that this servomotor 125 drives a belt 135 located in the interior 87 of the housing 129, for which purpose a motor shaft of the servomotor 125 extends into the interior 87. The belt 135, in turn, allows the carriage 131 located in the interior 87 to be moved in the vertical direction C, on which the mounting elements 115 are supported. Thus, the mounting elements 115 can be moved without requiring additional installation space in the interior 87 for the servomotor 127.

[0286] Fig. 10 Figure 135 further illustrates a drive 135 for powering the belts 117 of the application device 23, through which received labels 13 can be transported in the transverse direction Q. This drive 135 also includes a servo motor 137, which, however, is arranged in the interior 87 of the housing 129 of the application device 23. The servo motor 137 extends along the longitudinal direction L, along which the packaging machine M moves the material web 15, thus enabling a narrow design and arrangement of the servo motor 137 with respect to the transverse direction Q. The servo motor 137 drives a toothed belt 141 via a toothed pulley 145, which in turn is connected to a shaft 143 for driving the belts 117.In this respect, a compact and simple design of the drive 135 can be achieved, whereby both the servomotor 125 and the servomotor 137 enable precise control and / or regulation of the movements of the mounting elements 115 and / or the belts 117.

[0287] Fig. 11 Figure 1 illustrates, in a schematic top view, an embodiment of a packaging machine M and a labeling device 11, the application device 23 of which is designed to selectively apply labels 13 received from a label dispenser 19 either to a material web 15 or to transfer them to a rejecting element 147. In the embodiment shown, the rejecting element 147 is supported on the frame 29 of the packaging machine M, bridging the material web 15, and the application device 23 can be selectively moved into the area of ​​the rejecting element 147 by the drive 25 in order to apply labels 13 to the rejecting element 147.In particular, the sorting element 147 can be designed to be flat and can be attached in the immediate vicinity of the material web 15, so that the application of the labels 13 to the sorting element 147 can be carried out almost identically to the application of the labels 13 to the material web 15 and minor differences in the distance to be covered by the application elements 115 can be compensated for by a yielding, in particular spring-loaded, attachment of the application elements 115 to the carriage 131 or the sheets 119.

[0288] For example, it may be intended to replace any faulty labels 157 (see Fig. 13A bis 13C ) to be applied to the rejecting element 147 in order to prevent the application of defective labels 157 to packages 17, which would necessitate the rejection of the package 17. Therefore, if it is determined that a defective label 157 has been transferred to the application device 23, the application device 23 can be moved longitudinally L towards the rejecting element 147. In particular, the packaging machine M and / or the labeling device 11 can have a monitoring device 115 designed to detect defective labels 157, as explained below. Here too, such rejection of defective labels can be implemented in essentially the same way in both the labeling device 11 and the labeling device 11'.

[0289] Fig. 12A und 12B Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a labeling device 11, which has an application device 23 with an integrated sorting element 147. How Fig. 12A As shown, the sorting element 147 can generally be arranged outside the working area 149 of the application device 23, so that the application device 23 can apply received labels 13 to the material web 15. However, if a label 13 is to be transferred to the sorting element 147, the sorting element 147 can, as shown, Fig. 12B The label 13 is moved into the working area 149 of the application device 23 so that a label 13 can be applied by the application device 23 to the sorting element 147. The sorting element 147 can, for example, be foldable, pivotable, sliding, or lamellar and be rollable, and can be actuated, for example, pneumatically and / or by a dedicated electric motor. In particular, the sorting element 147 can be controlled by a control unit 109 of the labeling device 11 and / or the packaging machine M.

[0290] The Fig. 13A bis 13C Furthermore, a possible procedure that can be carried out when a defective label 157 is detected is illustrated. The illustrated embodiment of the labeling device 11 comprises, firstly, the aforementioned monitoring device 151, which includes a camera 153 that is attached to the application device 23 and is movable together with the application device 23. In addition, the monitoring device 51 includes an image evaluation device 155 as part of the control device 109, which is designed to evaluate images of the labels 13 to be transferred, generated by the camera 153.The camera 153 can be configured to record labels 13 moving from the label dispenser 19 to the application device 23 and to generate surveillance images, wherein the image evaluation device 155 can be configured to compare the generated surveillance images with reference images or comparison images of correct labels 13, which can be stored in the image evaluation device 155, in order to be able to identify a defective label 157 by this comparison.

[0291] How Fig. 13A To illustrate, labels 13 from a label stream 159 generated by the label dispenser 19 can be passed to the application device 23 until the defective label 157 would have to be passed to the application device 23. The passing of the defective label 157 can then be delayed, and the application device can move the labels 13 in the transverse direction Q to the respective packages 17, which are provided in a row 61, and apply them to the packages 17 (see also Fig. 13B ).

[0292] After the adopted labels 13 have been affixed to the packaging 17, the defective label 157 can be transferred to the application device 23. Furthermore, the reject element 147 can be moved into the working area 149 of the application device 23, whereupon the application device 23, by moving the application elements 115, can transfer the defective label 157 to the reject element 147 and, in particular, affix it to the reject element 147. Alternatively, in corresponding embodiments, for example, the one described in Fig. 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the label can also be moved to a sorting element 147 supported on the packaging machine M in order to transfer the defective label 157 there.

[0293] After the incorrect label 157 has been transferred, the sorting element 147 can be moved out of the working area 149, and two further labels 13 can be transferred to the application device 23 to be applied to the remaining two packages 17 in row 61. Once the incorrect label 157 has been sorted out and row 61 has been completely labeled, a number of labels 13 corresponding to the number of packages 17 in row 61 can again be transferred to the application device 23 until the next incorrect label 157 is detected and the process described above can be repeated. In this way, individual incorrect labels 157 can be sorted out with minimal time loss, and incorrect labels 157 can be avoided from being applied to packages 17.

[0294] The Fig. 14A und 14B This illustrates a further embodiment of a labeling device 11, which can be used, for example, in a packaging machine M according to one of the embodiments described above, or which can form part of such a packaging machine M. How Fig. 14A As shown, this embodiment of the labeling device 11 also includes a label dispenser 19, which has a label storage compartment 69 containing a label carrier tape 71 wound onto a roll 91. Labels 13 are applied to the label carrier tape 71, and the label dispenser 19 is designed to transfer the labels 13 to an application device 23. As also explained above, the application device 23 is designed to apply the labels 13 received from the label dispenser 19 to the provided surface. Fig. 14A to attach the material web (not shown). For this purpose, several vertically movable attachment elements 115 are provided on the attachment device 23, which reach between the belts 117 for moving the labels 13, in order to release the labels 13 from the belts 117 and apply them to the material web.

[0295] In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the one based on the Fig. 14A und 14B The illustrated labeling device 11 also includes an ejection device 161, which is designed to optionally prevent the transfer of an ejection label 158 to the application device 23.

[0296] According to the based on the Fig. 14A und 14B In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge device 161 has a deflection contour 163 which is connected to the mounting device 23 by a drive arm 181, so that the mounting device 23 encompasses the discharge device 161 in the illustrated embodiment. Fig. 14A The ejection device 161 is shown in a passive position Y, in which the ejection device 161 is not in operative contact with the label carrier tape 71, so that labels 13 can be detached from the label carrier tape 71 in the form described above by guiding them over a transfer edge 89 and transferred to the application device 23 in order to then be applied to the material web.

[0297] How Fig. 14B As shown, the ejection device 161 or the deflection contour 163 can be moved into an ejection position Y', in which the deflection contour 163 comes into contact with a label 158 to be ejected in the area of ​​the transfer edge 89, where the labels 13 to be applied to the material web are detached from the label carrier strip 71. This contact effectively traps the label 158 between the label carrier strip 71 and the deflection contour 163, preventing it from detaching from the label carrier strip 71 and allowing it to be ejected instead of being transferred to the application device 23.For this purpose, the label 158 to be discharged can be guided around the deflection edge 89 on the label carrier tape 71 and can therefore still be located on the label carrier tape 71 downstream of the transfer edge 89, in order to be disposed of together with the label carrier tape 71 after the label carrier tape 71 has been used up.

[0298] In particular, it may be possible to identify the aforementioned defective labels 157 as rejected labels 158 and therefore not to pass them to the application device 23, so that the defective labels 157 can, in particular, form rejected labels 148. Therefore, even when based on the Fig. 14A und 14B as well as in the following based on the Fig. 15A bis 18B The embodiments described above include one not shown in these figures, but which is particularly relevant in connection with the above. Fig. 13A und 13C The monitoring device 151 described above is provided with a camera 153 and an image evaluation device 155 to detect incorrect labels 157 or labels to be rejected 158. Furthermore, a control unit 109 can be used based on the Fig. 14A bis 18B The illustrated labeling devices 11 are also designed to control the rejection device 161 depending on a signal from the monitoring device 151 and, in particular, to move it from the passive position Y to the rejection position Y' in order to prevent the transfer of defective labels 157 or labels to be rejected 158 to the application device 23 (see also, in particular, the control device 109). Fig. 13A bis 13C ).

[0299] As can be seen from the overall picture of the Fig. 14A und 14B As can be seen, in the embodiment illustrated therein, the mounting device 161 can be moved from the passive position Y to the discharge position Y' from above the transfer edge 89. In particular, the discharge device 161 can be moved into the discharge position Y' by a combined pivoting and extension movement of the drive arm 181.

[0300] In a further embodiment according to Fig. 15A However, it is intended that the passive position Y is a lower position, so that, as Fig. 14B As illustrated, the ejection device 161 with the deflection contour 163 can be moved from below the transfer edge 89 from the passive position Y to the ejection position Y'. In the embodiment shown there, a pressure element 165 is also provided, which is pre-tensioned by a spring 167 in the direction of the label carrier strip 71 and is designed to exert pressure on the label 158 to be ejected in the ejection position Y', as shown. Fig. 15B This shows. In particular, the printing element 165 is arranged such that it exerts pressure on a downstream part of the label 158 to be ejected, while the label 158 is still partially located upstream of the transfer edge 89. Furthermore, the printing element 165 can, in particular, be designed as a pressure roller.

[0301] As an alternative to such a pre-stressed pressure element 165, according to the Fig. 18A und 18B In the illustrated embodiment, it is also provided that the ejection device 161, and in particular the deflection contour 163, has a compressed air device 169 which is designed to generate a compressed air flow onto the label 158 to be ejected in the ejection position Y' in order to press the label 158 to be ejected onto the label carrier tape 71 and to prevent the label 158 from detaching from the label carrier tape 71. Those skilled in the art understand that such a pressure element 165 or a compressed air device 169 can also be provided in an ejection device 161 positioned above the transfer edge 89 in the passive position Y, or in ejection devices 161 arranged in this manner in conjunction with deflection contours 163.

[0302] The Fig. 16A und 16B They illustrated a further embodiment of a labeling device 11 with a reject device 161, wherein this reject device 161 is configured to modify a web 173, along which the label carrier tape 71 can be guided, in order to prevent the transfer of a label 158 to be rejected. As can be seen from the Fig. 16A und 16B As can be seen, the ejection device 161 includes an inflatable ejection element 175, which forms a deflection for the label carrier tape 71 at the transfer edge 89. By inflating the inflatable element 175, the curvature K of the web 173 of the label carrier tape 71 at the transfer edge 89 can be reduced, or the radius of the web 173 at the deflection edge 89 can be increased, so that in the ejection position Y', the label carrier tape 71 is guided over a less sharp edge at the transfer edge 89, and the ejected label 158 therefore does not detach from the label carrier tape 71. To enable the change in the web 173, a compensating element 179 is also provided, which can, for example, be designed as a dancer roller.

[0303] In the embodiment according to Fig. 17A The discharge device 161 is provided to include a deflecting element 177 and is designed to modify a web 173 of the label carrier tape 71 by moving the deflecting element 177. Such movement of the deflecting element 177 can also reduce the curvature K of the web 173 in the area of ​​the transfer edge 89, thereby preventing the discharged label 158 from detaching from the label carrier tape 71.

[0304] In principle, all of the illustrated reject devices 161 can be provided for in such a way that the respective reject device 161 can be moved into the reject position Y' and / or into the passive position Y by a pneumatic drive and / or an electric motor. In addition, it can be provided, for example, that the reject device 161 is biased into the reject position Y' and can be selectively moved into the passive position Y by a drive against the bias and held there to enable the transfer of the labels 13 to the application device 23. Bezugszeichenliste

[0305] 11 First labeling unit 11' Second labeling unit 13 Label 15 Material web 17 Packaging 19 Label dispenser 19' Label dispenser 21 Printer 23 Attachment unit 23' Attachment unit 25 Drive for the attachment unit 25' Drive for the attachment unit 27 Motor 27' Motor 29 Frame 31 Guide unit 31' Guide unit 33 Guide rod 33` Guide rod 35 Carriage 35` Carriage 37 Beam 37' Beam 39 Clearance 41 Connecting element 41' Connecting element 43 Cover 45 Inside of the cover 47 Coupling element 47' Coupling element 49 Belt 49' Belt 51 Clamping element 51' Clamping element 53 Toothed pulley 53' Toothed pulley 55 Other Guide rod 55' further guide rod 56 carriage 56' carriage 57 chain guide 59 format 61 row 63 track 65 first side 67 second side 69 label storage 71 label carrier tape 73 holding arm 74 handle 75 deflection and / or dancer roller 77 vacuum device 79 blower 81 blower 83 suction side 85 printing side 87 interior of the mounting device 89 transfer edge 91 roller93 Discharge roller 95 Guide element 97 Intake nozzle 99 Separating element 101 Extension area 103 Working side 105 Chamber 107 Chamber 109 Control device 111 Transfer section 113 Attachment section 115 Attachment element 117 Belt for moving the labels 119 Sheet metal 121 Snap-in connection 123 Drive for the attachment elements 125 Servo motor 127 Outer side 129 Housing 131 Slide 133 Guide rod 135 Belt 135 Drive for the belts of the attachment device 137 Servo motor 139 End section 141 Toothed belt 143 Shaft 145 Toothed pulley 147 Sorting element 149 Working area 151 Monitoring device 153 Camera 155 Image evaluation device 157 Mislabel 158 Label to be rejected 159 Label flow 161 Rejection device 163 Deflection contour 165 Pressure element 167 Spring 169 Compressed air device 171 Compressed air flow 173 Web 175 Rejection element 177 Deflection element 179 Compensating element 181 Drive arm 210 Food product 211 Forming station 211a Upper tool of the forming station 211b Lower tool of the forming station 213 Feeding station 213A Conveyor belt213B Conveyor belt 214 Feed station 215 Sealing station 215a Upper part of the sealing station 215b Lower part of the sealing station 216 Labeling station 217 Separation station (transverse direction) 219 Separation station (longitudinal direction) 221 Packaging 223 Lower material web 223A Supply roll 225 Upper material web 225a Supply roll 227 Transport device (transport chain for lower material web) 229 Recess 241 Control device 243 Seal seam 245 Operating unit 247 Machine frame 250 Robot ADrive side A'Drive side BAirflow CVertical direction EPlane of the material web KCurvature LLongitudinal direction MPackaging machine OTop side P1First position P2Second position QTransverse direction RDirection SSSupport side S'Support side UBottom side YPassive position Y'Ejection position

Claims

1. A labeling device (11, 11') for applying labels (13) to a material web (15, 223, 225) which is moved by a packaging machine (M) along a longitudinal direction (L) for the production of packages (17, 121) for food products (210), wherein the labeling device (11, 11') has a label dispenser (19) for providing the labels (13) and an application device (23) for applying the labels (13) to the material web (15, 223, 225), wherein the label dispenser (19) is configured to provide the labels (13) on a label carrier tape (71) and to transfer the provided labels (13) to the application device (23), wherein the application device (23) has a vacuum device (77) which is configured to generate a vacuum in an interior space (87) of the application device (23) for suctioning (97) the provided labels (13) onto a working side (103) of the application device (23), wherein the vacuum device (77) is configured to vary an intensity of the vacuum generated in the interior space (87) spatially and / or temporally, wherein the vacuum device (77) is configured to generate an increased vacuum in a takeover section (111) of the application device (23), said takeover section facing the transfer edge (89), wherein a separating element (99) is arranged in the interior space (87) of the application device (23) and prevents an air exchange between the takeover section (111) and an application section (113) of the application device (23), said application section adjoining the takeover section (111).

2. A labeling device (11, 11') according to claim 1, wherein the label dispenser (19) is configured to guide the label carrier tape (71) over a transfer edge (89) for transferring the labels (13) to the application device (23), wherein the labels (13) can be detached from the label carrier tape (71) by guiding the label carrier tape (71) over the transfer edge (89).

3. A labeling device (11, 11') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vacuum device (77) has at least one blower (79, 81) whose suction side (83) is disposed in the interior space (87) of the application device (23) and whose pressure side (85) is disposed outside the interior space (87) of the application device (23).

4. A labeling device (11, 11') according to claim 3, wherein at least one guide element (95) for the targeted guidance of an air flow (B) generated by the blower (79) in the interior space (87) is arranged in the interior space (87) of the application device (23) and / or in a region of the suction side (83) of the blower (79), in particular wherein the guide element (95) or at least a part thereof is movable.

5. A labeling device (11, 11') according to claim 4, wherein the guide element (95) is arranged to deflect an air flow (B) generated by the blower (79) such that the air flow (B) at the working side (103) of the application device (23) is oriented substantially perpendicular to an extension surface (101) of the labels (13).

6. A labeling device (11, 11') according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the interior space is divided by the guide element (95) into at least two chambers (105, 107), wherein the intensity of the vacuum generated by the vacuum device (77) in the chambers (105, 107) differs.

7. A labeling device (11, 11') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the labeling device (11, 11') has a control device (109), wherein the control device (109) is configured to control the vacuum device (77) to change the intensity of the generated vacuum.

8. A labeling device (11, 11') according to claim 7, wherein the vacuum device (77) has a plurality of blowers (79) for generating the vacuum, wherein the control device (109) is configured to individually control the blowers (79) to change an air flow (B) generated by the respective blower (79).

9. A labeling device (11, 11') according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control device (109) is configured to control the vacuum device (77) to increase the intensity of the vacuum upon a taking over of labels (13) and / or to reduce the intensity of the vacuum upon an application of the labels (13) to the material web (15, 223, 225).

10. A labeling device (11, 11') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vacuum device (77) has at least one blower (81) arranged in the takeover section (111) for generating the increased vacuum.

11. A labeling device (11, 11') according to claim 10, wherein at least one further blower (79) for generating a vacuum is arranged in the application section (113).

12. A labeling device (11, 11') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the application device (23) has a plurality of application elements (115) displaceable substantially perpendicular to an extension surface (101) of the taken-over labels (13), wherein the taken-over labels (13) can be applied to the material web (15, 223, 225) by moving the application elements (115), and wherein the application elements (115) are arranged in the interior space (87) of the application device (23); in particular wherein the application device (23) has a plurality of belts (117) movable transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) for moving the taken-over labels (13), wherein the application elements (115) are configured, for applying the labels (13) to the material web (15, 223, 225), to reach through between belts (117) which are disposed next to one another and spaced apart from one another.

13. A packaging machine (M) for packaging food products (210), in particular food portions which comprise one or more slices cut off from a food product (210), comprising - a transport device (227) which is configured to move a material web (15, 223, 225) for producing packages (17, 121) along a longitudinal direction (L), and - a labeling device (11, 11') according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images