Device for winding a label carrier tape

Abstract

Device (100) for winding a label carrier tape (150), the device comprising a winding shaft (101) for picking up and winding the label carrier tape into a roll (106), at least one guide shaft (103) arranged upstream of the winding shaft and rotatably mounted for guiding the label carrier tape in the direction of the winding shaft and a guide opening (104) arranged upstream of the guide shaft for guiding the label carrier tape.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for winding up a label carrier tape according to claim 1. State of the art

[0002] Devices for winding label backing tapes are generally known from the prior art. These comprise a rotatably mounted shaft to which the label backing tape can be attached. By rotating the shaft, the label backing tape is wound up, forming a roll of label backing tape. This roll can be manually replaced when it reaches a certain weight or, for example, a certain diameter.

[0003] During the replacement process, it is usually necessary to bring the device to a standstill, otherwise the operator cannot detach the roller from the device.

[0004] However, this leads to the label carrier tape supplied upstream to the device, for example from a labeling machine, being transported further or accumulating. In known devices, this occurs in a disordered manner, which is why, when the label carrier tape is reattached to the shaft, orderly winding of the label carrier tape is often no longer possible, potentially leading to device failure. Task

[0005] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to specify a device for winding label carrier tape with which the winding of the label carrier tape can be reliably continued even after a roll change. Solution

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by the device for winding label carrier tape according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, a device for winding up a label carrier tape is provided, the device comprising a winding shaft for receiving and winding up the label carrier tape to a roll, at least one guide shaft arranged upstream of the winding shaft and rotatably mounted for guiding the label carrier tape in the direction of the winding shaft and a guide opening arranged upstream of the guide shaft for guiding the label carrier tape.

[0008] The guide opening can, for example, be located in a tube whose longitudinal axis is essentially parallel to the conveying direction of the label carrier belt during normal operation. Alternatively, the guide opening can also be located in a flat sheet metal surface such that a surface normal of the guide opening, perpendicular to the guide opening, runs essentially parallel to the conveying direction of the label carrier belt during normal operation of the device.

[0009] According to the invention, the label carrier tape is conveyed through the guide opening towards the guide shaft and then towards the take-up shaft. By guiding the label carrier tape through the guide opening, any disordered arrangement of the label carrier tape upstream of the guide opening, and thus upstream of the guide shaft and the take-up shaft, can be compensated for or corrected, since the guide opening allows only a limited range of movement for the label carrier tape. This also allows any disordered label carrier tape conveyed upstream of the guide opening, which accumulates during a roll change on the take-up shaft, to be aligned, so that a subsequent roll being wound onto the take-up shaft can be reliably formed.

[0010] It may be provided that the guide opening has an adjustable cross-section.

[0011] For example, the guide opening can be arranged as an opening in a guide element comprising several metal sheets. The sheets can be shifted relative to each other so that the area of ​​the guide opening (in particular, a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the conveying direction of the label carrier tape through the guide opening) can be changed. This allows adjustment of the cross-sectional area available for conveying the label carrier tape, enabling adaptation to label carrier tapes of varying widths or sizes. This ensures sufficient clearance for conveying the label carrier tape while simultaneously preventing a reduction in the guiding effect of the guide opening. This guarantees reliable rewinding of the label carrier tape even after a roll change and even if the diameter of the label carrier tape changes.

[0012] In one embodiment, the winding shaft includes a first clamping element for releasably attaching the label carrier tape to the winding shaft.

[0013] This ensures a reliable connection between the winding shaft and the newly wound section of the label backing tape to form a roll. The first clamping element can, for example, be designed as a screw-in or snap-in clamping element that can be pre-tensioned against a surface of the winding shaft, with the label backing tape positioned between the clamping element and the surface of the winding shaft.

[0014] The device may include a second clamping element for releasably fastening the label carrier tape, whereby the second clamping element may be fixed in place.

[0015] The second clamping element can be arranged upstream of the winding shaft in the conveying direction, so that when changing rolls, the loose end of the conveyed label backing tape can be secured, or a section of the label backing tape can be secured upstream of its loose end until the roll change is complete. This also ensures reliable rewinding of the label backing tape when changing rolls.

[0016] The device may include a separating element for cutting the label carrier tape.

[0017] The separating element can, for example, be designed as a knife against which the label backing tape can be pressed to cut it. The wound portion of the label backing tape, forming the roll of label backing tape, can then be separated from the remaining label backing tape to be fed, allowing for easy roll changes.

[0018] The device may include an internal and a removable external limiting disc, which are arranged on the winding shaft.

[0019] The limiting discs are arranged so that the label carrier tape can be fed between them and wound onto the winding shaft. The limiting discs thus restrict the radial winding of the label carrier tape, which can contribute to a better winding result.

[0020] The device may include a receptacle for the detachable removal of the outer limiting disc during a change of the roll.

[0021] When changing a roll, the outer limiting disc can be removed and safely stored in the holder. The holder can be designed, for example, as a hook or a pin with a shape similar to the winding shaft, to securely hold the limiting disc. This prevents the disc from falling and being accidentally damaged.

[0022] It may be provided that the winding shaft includes an outer surface and a shaft core.

[0023] The outer limiting disc can be located on the shaft core or on the outer surface.

[0024] In one embodiment, the limiting disc can be clamped between the shaft core and the outer surface by moving the outer surface radially towards the shaft core after positioning the limiting disc. The outer surface can comprise several elements that engage via a toothed mechanism and radially surround the shaft core. The toothed mechanism allows for radial adjustment of the elements without the formation of gaps, thus enabling the flange to be detachably connected to the winding shaft with a reduced risk of injury to the operator. If the outer limiting disc is located on the outer surface, it can be designed to rotate with it or to be fixed against rotation relative to the rotatable outer surface.

[0025] It may be provided that the inner limiting disc is arranged to rotate with the winding shaft and that the device includes a cover that does not rotate with the winding shaft for at least partially covering the inner limiting disc.

[0026] The cover, which does not rotate with the winding shaft, can, for example, be designed as a radially extending frame for the inner limiting disc, extending outside the inner limiting disc. This frame is designed to be stationary, so that it does not rotate with the winding shaft and remains entirely fixed. This reduces the risk of injury to the operator.

[0027] The winding shaft may have been manufactured, at least partially, using an additive manufacturing process.

[0028] Additive manufacturing processes can advantageously meet certain requirements for the winding shaft. Furthermore, they allow for cost-effective production of the winding shaft.

[0029] In one embodiment, it is provided that the rotatable outer surface was manufactured using an additive manufacturing process and has a shape that prevents interference between the outer surface and the shaft core.

[0030] In particular, the additive manufacturing process can be used to produce the rotatable outer area in such a way that it allows the label carrier tape to be inserted or attached in the rotatable outer area, but at the same time prevents an operator from unintentionally interfering with gaps or the like.

[0031] The device can include a receiving container arranged upstream of the guide opening for receiving the further conveyed label carrier tape during a roll change.

[0032] The collection container allows for the orderly collection, at least partially, of label carrier tape fed during a roll change, preventing it from accumulating on the floor. This also helps to avoid contamination of the device.

[0033] In one embodiment, the device includes a sensor for determining a value indicative of the diameter of the roll, and the device can optionally produce an output to an operator based on the value.

[0034] The value indicative of the diameter can, for example, be the radial position of the label backing tape relative to the axis of rotation. Alternatively or additionally, the value can also be the weight of the wound roll or the number of rotations of the winding shaft since the last roll change. This value, too, is indicative of the diameter of the wound roll of label backing tape due to the known circumference of the winding shaft.

[0035] The output can indicate that a role change is required if the value exceeds a threshold.

[0036] The threshold value could be, for example, a maximum diameter or a maximum weight of the label backing tape roll. This ensures that the roll is only replaced when absolutely necessary, thus significantly reducing machine downtime.

[0037] According to the invention, a method for changing a roll of label carrier tape on a device for winding a label carrier tape is further provided, the device comprising a winding shaft for receiving and winding the label carrier tape into a roll, at least one guide shaft arranged upstream of the winding shaft and rotatably mounted for guiding the label carrier tape in the direction of the winding shaft and a guide opening arranged upstream of the guide shaft for guiding the label carrier tape, wherein the method comprises winding the label carrier tape into a first roll, removing the first roll from the winding shaft and subsequently attaching the label carrier tape to the winding shaft and winding the label carrier tape into a second roll.

[0038] The method according to the invention can be carried out with a device according to any of the embodiments described above and below.

[0039] In particular, the method can include outputting a message, for example on a display to an operator, based on a value determined by a sensor and indicative of a roll diameter. The output can optionally indicate that a roll change is required if the value exceeds a threshold. Brief description of the characters

[0040] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device for winding a label carrier tape. Figure 2 shows another embodiment of a device for winding a label carrier tape. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a device for winding a label carrier tape with a collection container. Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a device for winding a label carrier tape. Detailed description

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the Figures 1 to 4 described. The following show Figures 1 to 4 Embodiments of certain elements of the device for winding a label tape according to Figure 1 All of the items related to the Figures 2 to 4 The described embodiments are compatible with all those related to the Figure 1The described embodiments can also be combined with each other, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the following description.

[0042] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a device 100 for winding up a label carrier tape 150, wherein the winding is ultimately intended to form a roll 106 of label carrier tape 150.

[0043] The device 100 comprises a winding shaft 101, which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation and is rotatably arranged along the direction of rotation shown here by an arrow. The label carrier tape 150 can be connected to the winding shaft 101 such that, by rotating the winding shaft 101, the label carrier tape 150 is wound around the winding shaft 101, so that, as the winding shaft 101 continues to rotate, the roll 106 of label carrier tape can be formed concentrically around the winding shaft 101.

[0044] Upstream in the conveying direction F of the label carrier tape 150 towards the winding shaft 106, the device 100 further comprises at least one rotatably mounted guide shaft 103, which is arranged such that it can guide the label carrier tape 150 towards the winding shaft 101. In the embodiment shown here, the guide shaft 103 comprises two guide shafts 131 and 132, each of which guides the label carrier tape. The guide shaft 132 guides the label carrier tape 150 towards the guide shaft 131, which in turn guides the label carrier tape 150 towards the winding shaft 106.

[0045] Additional guide shafts may also be provided. In particular, the guide shafts may be mounted around stationary axes of rotation. Alternatively, one or more of the guide shafts may be mounted so that they are translationally movable in a direction perpendicular to their respective axis of rotation. This allows the position of the respective guide shaft to be changed. This, in turn, allows the path (especially the distance) traveled by the label carrier tape in the direction of the winding shaft 101 to be altered, thus creating a buffer effect. For example, when changing the wound roll of label carrier tape to a new roll, this allows the tensile stress acting on the label end to be varied to prevent the label carrier tape from tearing. At the same time, this also ensures reliable guidance of the label carrier tape 150 after a change of the roll 106.

[0046] According to the invention, the device 100 further comprises a guide opening 104, which is arranged upstream of the guide shaft 103 and which is provided such that the label carrier tape 150 is guided through it in order to be transported to the guide shaft and subsequently to the winding shaft 101.

[0047] This also applies if the label carrier tape 150 is cut open in order to remove a formed roll 106 of label carrier tape from the device 100 and a new winding of the label carrier tape 150 into a new roll is effected.

[0048] As will be described further below, it can be provided that the label carrier tape 150 is clamped upstream of the winding roller 101, but downstream of the guide opening 104, to replace the roll 106, is then cut open so that the roll 106 can be removed and subsequently reconnected to the winding shaft 101 in order to continue winding the label carrier tape 150 into a roll 106.

[0049] Meanwhile, the label carrier tape 150 can be accumulated in an area upstream of the guide opening 104, as will be described further below.

[0050] The label carrier tape 150 can be fed to the device 100, for example, from a labeling machine 107. The labeling machine is designed, for example, such that labels to be applied to containers such as cans, bottles, or the like are provided on label tape rolls. These label tape rolls comprise the label carrier tape and the labels arranged on the label carrier tape. These labels can be coated with an adhesive, and a dispensing edge allows the label carrier tape to be separated from the labels so that the labels can be applied to the containers. The label carrier tape is then conveyed away and can subsequently be fed to the device 100 for winding the label carrier tape.

[0051] The guide opening 104 can in principle be designed in any way, provided that it is suitable to ensure that the label carrier tape 150 is guided upstream of the guide opening 104, regardless of its availability, in such a way that the label carrier tape can be reliably fed to the guide shaft 103 and subsequently to the winding shaft 101, in particular along a certain direction, regardless of or essentially regardless of the direction from which the label carrier tape is fed to the guide opening.

[0052] As in the Figure 1In a schematic representation, the guide opening can, for example, be provided as opening 142 in a sheet metal part 141. The label carrier tape 150 can be inserted once through this opening 142 and subsequently, during roll changes, simply cut downstream of this opening and reconnected to the take-up shaft 101. Since the label carrier tape 150 thus extends continuously through the guide opening 104 (here, opening 142), the label carrier tape is fed upstream of opening 142 to the guide shaft 103 and subsequently to the take-up shaft 101, regardless of the type of feed.

[0053] Optionally, the size of the opening 142 in the sheet 141 can be adjusted. This can be achieved, for example, by a cover 143 that is movable in one direction transverse to the transport direction F of the label carrier belt and that at least partially limits the opening 142 in one direction transverse to the conveying direction 142. By moving the cover 143 to the left or right in the schematic view shown here, the diameter and thus the cross-section of the opening 142 can be increased or decreased. This allows the space available in the opening 142 for conveying the label carrier belt to be regulated. At the same time, this limits the range of motion of the label carrier belt 150 within the opening 142.The size of the opening with the aperture 143 can be adjusted, for example, based on the width of the label carrier tape (manually or automatically, for example, by a drive element assigned to the aperture for movement, such as a servo motor), such that the opening 142 is always adjusted with respect to its diameter or cross-section so that the label carrier tape, with respect to its dimensions transverse to the conveying direction F, fits into the opening 142 without folds or creases, but the opening 142 is not more than 20 percent, 10 percent, or 30 percent larger than the extent of the label carrier tape transverse to the conveying direction F.This allows the device 100 to transport and guide label carrier strips of varying widths transversely to the conveying direction F, enabling flexible adaptation of the device to label carrier strips 150 of different widths and thus to different label sizes. Alternatively, as shown schematically in the following figures, the guide opening can be formed as an opening within a tube, for example, a round tube or a square tube.Compared to a guide opening in a sheet metal part which, as defined in this disclosure, has an extension in the conveying direction F that is significantly smaller than the extension of the sheet metal in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and may be, for example, 0.5 centimeters or 0.2 centimeters, the design of the guide opening within a round tube or square tube, or generally a structure with an extended opening in the conveying direction F, allows the label carrier tape 150 to be guided over a longer distance, which can result in more reliable guidance of the label carrier tape 150. However, this is accompanied by the fact that the diameter of the guide opening is not adjustable, or only with difficulty.

[0054] Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the device, as it is used, for example, in connection with the Figure 1has been described. In the embodiment shown here, the guide opening 204 is shown as a round tube. However, as already described, this embodiment is not to be understood as limiting, and all other described embodiments can also be applied here.

[0055] The Figure 2 shows more detailed designs of the winding shaft 201 and the associated limiting discs 220 and 230.

[0056] The limiting discs are understood as inner limiting disc 220 and outer limiting disc 230, wherein the limiting discs are arranged relative to each other and on the winding shaft 01 such that the label carrier tape between them is aligned with the Figure 1The described roll can be wound onto the reel. The limiting discs can be arranged on the winding shaft 201 with a flexible distance to each other, so that, in particular, the outer limiting disc 230 is arranged in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the winding shaft and its distance to the inner limiting disc 220 can be varied. This allows the space available for the label carrier tape to be changed in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the winding shaft, so that the position of the limiting discs can be adjusted, on the one hand, to ensure reliable winding of the label carrier tape onto a roll with essentially constant dimensions parallel to the axis of rotation of the winding shaft, and on the other hand, to be chosen large enough to tolerate even a slight misalignment of the label carrier tape, especially after changing an already wound roll.For example, the distance between the inner and outer limiting discs can be chosen so that it is up to 10% or up to 20% greater than the extent of the label carrier tape in a direction transverse to the conveying direction.

[0057] The winding shaft 201 can consist of, or comprise, a shaft core 211 and an outer section 212. These can be connected, for example, to a drive element 250 (shown schematically here) such that the outer section 212 and the shaft core 211 can be set in rotation. The label carrier tape can be firmly attached to the outer section 212 so that it can be wound into a roll. The winding shaft as a whole, or at least a part of it, such as the shaft core or the outer section, can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process (e.g., 3D printing). This can be done in such a way that the resulting shape of the respective part and / or the winding shaft as a whole is designed so that no gaps remain through which an operator could reach into the winding shaft and / or an area between the winding shaft and one of the limiting discs.

[0058] This is particularly advantageous in the design of the outer area 212. This area can comprise several radially movable elements that together surround the shaft core. The elements can be connected to one another via an interlocking mechanism such that, over a range of movement of the elements in the radial direction, viewed from the shaft core, no gaps exist between the elements into which an operator could, for example, insert a finger. By adjusting the radial distance of the elements, a limiting disc (especially the outer one) between the outer area and the shaft core can be fixed (by moving the elements radially towards the shaft core with the limiting disc in position) or detached from it (by moving the elements radially outwards).

[0059] The inner limiting disc can be arranged to rotate with the outer disc 212, thus minimizing the frictional forces acting on the label carrier tape. To prevent an operator from being injured by a rotating inner limiting disc 220, a stationary cover 221 can be provided, which at least partially surrounds the inner limiting disc 220 such that it extends further outwards in the radial direction than the inner limiting disc 220, as viewed from the axis of rotation of the winding shaft. The cover 221 can extend at least over part of the circumference of the inner limiting disc 220 or completely surround it along its circumference.If an operator reaches into the area of ​​the inner limiting disc 220, for example when changing the roll, he cannot injure himself on the outer boundary of the inner limiting disc (i.e. its outer circumference).

[0060] The outer limiting disc 230 can be rotatably connected to the (rotatable) outer section 212 or fixedly connected to the (also rotatable) shaft core 211. Alternatively, the outer limiting disc can be arranged to be rotationally fixed relative to the shaft core and the outer section, so that the outer limiting disc does not rotate with them. In the latter case, the risk of operator injury during intervention, even during operation, is reduced. In the former case, the frictional forces acting on the label carrier tape during winding are reduced.

[0061] The winding shaft 201 can, in principle, be manufactured in any way and comprise any materials. Preferably, however, the shaft core 211 is, for example, a milled component. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the outer surface 212 of the winding shaft 201 was manufactured, for example, by means of an additive manufacturing process (such as 3D printing) and consists, for example, of one or a plurality of components connected to one another by means of a toothed connection. The additive manufacturing process can ensure that, in general, the shape of the outer surface, in particular the toothed connection, is designed in such a way that, in the assembled state of the outer surface, i.e., in particular when it is arranged on the shaft core, the operator is prevented from interfering with the outer surface and the shaft core.This can increase operational safety.

[0062] The device 200, in this embodiment as well as in each of the described embodiments, may further comprise a sensor 280, which is used to determine a diameter of the roller (see roller 106 of the Figure 1 The sensor provides an indicative value for the distance of the label carrier tape on the take-up shaft. For example, the sensor could be an ultrasonic sensor that uses the time it takes for an ultrasonic signal to return to determine the distance of the outer label carrier tape material on the take-up shaft 201. A photoelectric barrier or a weighing element could also be used to obtain information indicative of the roll's diameter or weight.

[0063] Knowing the material of the label backing tape, and especially its density, the weight can also be used to deduce the roll's diameter and is therefore also indicative of the roll's diameter. Since a certain diameter, which can also be referred to here as a threshold value, necessitates removing the roll from the device and restarting the winding of the label backing tape onto a new roll, it can be provided that, based on the value determined by the sensor, an output is sent to an operator via a display (not shown here) and / or an audible signal. This can inform the operator that the threshold value is almost reached or has been reached, and that it is necessary to replace the roll or remove the roll from the winding shaft and reattach the label backing tape to the winding shaft 201 to form a new roll.For this purpose, the outer limiting disc 230 can be detached from the winding shaft 201 and attached to a receptacle 290 shown here only schematically, while the roller is detached from the winding shaft 201.

[0064] The mounting 290 can be designed, for example, as a hook, a truncated cone, or a cylinder, the diameter of which can correspond to that of the winding shaft. The limiting disc can be securely mounted on it, preventing damage when replacing the roller.

[0065] Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a device 300, which is compatible with all embodiments of the Figure 1 and 2 can be combined.

[0066] In the embodiment shown here, the device 300 comprises a receiving container 310 for the label carrier tape 330, arranged upstream of the guide opening 304. During normal operation, the label carrier tape is typically fed to the device 300 from the labeling machine 320 under tension, since the winding shaft exerts tension on the conveyed label carrier tape and the guide elements or guide shafts are preferably arranged and optionally driven in such a way as to keep the label carrier tape under tension. This means, in particular, that the throughput of label carrier tape from the labeling machine 320 is equal to the label carrier tape conveyed through the guide opening 304.

[0067] If the rotation of the winding shaft of device 300 is stopped to allow the roll of label backing to be released, the label backing supplied by the labeling machine 320 is no longer conveyed through the guide opening 304, but accumulates in the designated collection container 320. This provides a buffer, albeit a somewhat disordered one, for the label backing, preventing it from being conveyed uncontrollably and potentially disrupting the operation of device 300, for example, by spilling it onto the floor of the factory floor. After the roll is changed and the winding shaft is restarted, the label backing can then be conveyed from the collection container 310, for example, due to a higher rotational speed of the winding shaft, until the label backing is again under a tension corresponding to normal operation.Then the rotational speed of the winding shaft can be reduced again, for example to a normal value.

[0068] Figure 4 Figure 400 shows a further embodiment of the device for winding label carrier tape. This embodiment can also be combined with all of the previously described embodiments.

[0069] In the embodiment shown here, the winding shaft 401 comprises a first clamping element 403. This clamping element is preferably arranged at least on a portion of the outer surface of the winding shaft 401 and can be moved into a released position and a clamped position. In the released position, the first clamping element, or at least a portion of the first clamping element, is spaced from the outer surface of the winding shaft 401. In the clamped position, the first clamping element 403 is either not spaced from the outer surface of the winding shaft or spaced only so far as to allow label carrier tape to be clamped between the first clamping element and the winding shaft, so that it can be carried along with the winding shaft by its rotation.The first clamping element can be designed in such a way that it can hold the label carrier tape by creating a frictional connection between the first clamping element and the surface of the winding shaft, whereby the frictional connection is selected at least such that holding the label carrier tape can be achieved at all rotational speeds achievable with the winding shaft and thus at all torques acting on the label carrier tape.

[0070] It can also be provided that the outer surface of the winding shaft has a recess corresponding to the shape of the first clamping element, such that the outer surface formed by the first clamping element and the winding shaft in the clamping position of the first clamping element 403 is essentially smooth, and in particular does not extend beyond the rest of the surface of the winding shaft 401 in the radial direction (viewed from the axis of rotation of the shaft). Alternatively or additionally to the first clamping element 403, the device can also include a second clamping element 401, which is arranged at least upstream of the winding shaft 401 and downstream of the guide opening 430. Optionally, the second clamping element can also be arranged downstream of the guide shaft. The second clamping element can be designed to detachably fasten or clamp a portion of the label carrier tape.The second clamping element, unlike the first clamping element, is fixed in place, for example with respect to a frame of the device, such as frame 102, accordingly. Figure 1 , arranged. Downstream of the second clamping element 401, a separating element 402, such as a knife extending transversely to the conveying direction of the label carrier tape, can be arranged. This separating element can also be provided as part of a magazine in which at least one further, preferably a plurality of, further separating elements can be arranged and which can be extended from the magazine as needed, for example in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the label carrier tape, in order to be used to cut the label carrier tape.

[0071] When changing the roll of label backing tape, it may be provided that the rotation of the take-up shaft is first stopped. Then, the second clamping element can be actuated manually or automatically to clamp at least part of the label backing tape. Subsequently, the separating element 402 can be actuated automatically or manually to separate the label backing tape. Then, if provided, the outer limiting disc (see description of the Figure 2 ) removed and then the wound roll of label carrier tape is taken out, or removed from the winding shaft.

[0072] The cut end of the label backing tape can then optionally be pulled towards the first clamping element by releasing the second clamping element and clamped or secured to the take-up shaft. The second clamping element can then be released, and the take-up shaft can subsequently be set in motion again. As previously described, label backing tape collected in a container, for example, can be wound up by increasing the rotational speed of the take-up shaft until the tension in the label backing tape reaches a value comparable to that of normal operation.

Claims

1. Device for winding a label carrier tape, the device comprising a winding shaft for receiving and winding the label carrier tape into a roll, at least one guide shaft arranged upstream of the winding shaft and rotatably mounted for guiding the label carrier tape in the direction of the winding shaft and a guide opening arranged upstream of the guide shaft for guiding the label carrier tape.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the guide opening has an adjustable cross-section.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the winding shaft comprises a first clamping element for releasably fastening the label carrier tape to the winding shaft.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device comprises a second clamping element for releasably fastening the label carrier tape, wherein the second clamping element is arranged in a fixed position.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device comprises a separating element for cutting the label carrier tape.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device comprises an inner and a detachable outer limiting disc arranged on the winding shaft.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the device comprises a receptacle for releasably receiving the outer limiting disc during a change of the roll.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the winding shaft comprises an outer area and a shaft core.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the outer limiting disk is arranged on the shaft core or the outer surface.

10. Device according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the inner limiting disc is arranged to rotate with the winding shaft and the device comprises a cover that is not rotatable with the winding shaft for at least partially covering the inner limiting disc.

11. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the winding shaft was at least partially manufactured by means of an additive manufacturing process.

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the rotatable outer area was produced by means of an additive manufacturing process and has a shape such that interference between the outer area and the shaft core is prevented.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the device comprises a receiving container arranged upstream of the guide opening for receiving further conveyed label carrier tape during a roll change.

14. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the device comprises a sensor for determining a value indicative of a diameter of the roller and wherein the device can optionally produce an output to an operator based on the value.

15. Device according to claim 14, wherein the output indicates that a change of the roll is required when the value exceeds a threshold.

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