Receiving device and method for receiving a label carrier strip of a labelling device for containers

Abstract

Receiving device (100) for receiving a label carrier tape (103) of a labeling device (101) for containers, wherein the receiving device comprises at least two receiving units (106) for receiving the label carrier tape and a feeding device (102) for selectively feeding the label carrier tape to one of the at least two receiving units, wherein the feeding device is configured to feed the label carrier tape to a first receiving unit (104) of the at least two receiving units, wherein the feeding device is movably arranged between the at least two receiving units, wherein the feeding device can be moved from the first receiving unit (104) to a second receiving unit (105) of the at least two receiving units in order to feed the label carrier tape to the second receiving unit.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a receiving device for receiving a label carrier tape of a labeling device for containers according to independent claim 1 and a method for receiving a label carrier tape of a labeling device for containers in a receiving device according to independent claim 9. State of the art

[0002] Receiving devices for label carrier tapes of a labeling device are known from the prior art.

[0003] It is also known from the prior art to wind a label carrier tape onto a winding reel after the labels have been applied to the containers. When the winding reel has reached a certain maximum length of label carrier tape, it must be changed. In the prior art, changing the winding reel typically involves stopping the operation of the labeling machine so that no more label carrier tape is fed to the winding reel and it can be replaced with a new one. Alternatively, it is known to change the winding reel while the labeling machine is running, in which case the label carrier tape is no longer wound onto a winding reel, but rather fed in a random order onto a surface associated with the labeling machine.

[0004] Both approaches have disadvantages. For example, when the labeling machine is stopped to change the winding roll, the throughput of containers labeled per unit of time is reduced. If the label backing tape is fed in a disordered manner onto a surface assigned to the labeling device, additional processing steps are necessary, as the disorderly fed label backing tape must first be sorted and wound up, for example, by a machine operator. Technical task

[0005] Starting from the known prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a receiving device for a label carrier tape of a labeling device which enables continuous receiving of a label carrier tape provided by a labeling device. Solution

[0006] This problem is solved by the receiving device for receiving a label carrier tape of a labeling device for containers according to independent claim 1 and the corresponding method according to independent claim 9. Preferred embodiments are covered in the dependent claims.

[0007] The receiving device according to the invention for receiving a label carrier tape of a labeling device for containers comprises at least two receiving units for receiving the label carrier tape and a feeding device for selectively feeding the label carrier tape to one of the at least two receiving units, wherein the feeding device is configured to feed the label carrier tape to a first receiving unit of the at least two receiving units, the feeding device is movably arranged between the at least two receiving units and the feeding device can be moved from the first receiving unit to a second receiving unit of the at least two receiving units in order to feed the label carrier tape to the second receiving unit.

[0008] The term "receiving unit" can refer to any type of unit suitable for receiving a label carrier tape. For example, the receiving unit may include at least one winding reel onto which the label carrier tape can be wound. Alternatively, the receiving unit may also include at least one container into which the label carrier tape can be conveyed.

[0009] A label carrier tape is a tape onto which labels, preferably self-adhesive labels, can be applied. When labeling containers in a labeling machine, the labels are removed from a label carrier tape, for example, by guiding the label-bearing tape over a dispensing edge, and the detached labels are applied to the containers. The empty label carrier tape can then be picked up by the receiving unit.

[0010] Since the receiving device according to the invention comprises at least two receiving units and the feeding device is movably arranged between the at least two receiving units, the label carrier tape can be flexibly fed to different receiving units. In this way, continuous operation of the labeling device can be ensured, since even if one of the receiving units reaches its maximum receiving capacity, the label carrier tape can be fed to another receiving unit and the receiving device can thus continuously receive the label carrier tape.

[0011] In one embodiment, the feeding device can be moved linearly along at least one direction between the at least two receiving units or pivoted along at least one axis of rotation between the at least two receiving units. Linear movement or pivoting allows the feeding device to be moved between the receiving units. Furthermore, the option to choose between linear movement and pivoting of the receiving device enables the realization of various receiving device geometries.

[0012] Furthermore, the receiving device can be configured to determine the remaining receiving capacity of the first receiving unit for the label carrier tape and, based on a comparison of this remaining capacity with a threshold value, to feed the label carrier tape to either the first or the second receiving unit. This ensures that the label carrier tape is only fed to the first receiving unit as long as it can be received by that unit. In this way, malfunctions of the first receiving unit can be prevented and continuous operation can be ensured.

[0013] In one embodiment, the at least two receiving units can each comprise a winding roller for winding the label carrier tape, wherein the first receiving unit comprises a first winding roller and the second receiving unit a second winding roller, wherein the feeding device comprises at least one deflection roller for guiding the label carrier tape and the receiving device comprises a cutting device for cutting the label carrier tape. The label carrier tape can be received in a particularly space-saving and organized manner by means of a winding roller. The provision of a deflection roller, in turn, enables precise feeding of the label carrier tape to the at least two receiving units.The cutting device allows the label carrier tape to be cut between the two receiving units when switching the feed of the label carrier tape between the two receiving units, thus enabling the exchange of a receiving unit which, for example, has received a maximum length of label carrier tape.

[0014] In a further development of the preceding embodiment, it can be provided that a first deflecting roller of the feeding device is mounted to be deflectable along a direction which is essentially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the winding roller, wherein, in order to feed the label carrier tape to the second receiving unit, a fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape can be pressed onto the second winding roller of the second receiving unit and fixed thereon by deflecting the first deflecting roller, wherein the fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape fixed on the second winding roller or an area of ​​the label carrier tape between the first and second winding rollers can be cut with the cutting device.Essentially perpendicular can mean that the direction along which the deflection roller can be deflected is perpendicular to the axis of rotation, or that the direction and the axis of rotation form an angle between 89° and 91° or an angle between 86° and 94°. Using the first deflection roller, the label backing tape can thus be guided onto the second winding roller and securely fixed there. The cutting device can then cut the label backing tape between the first and second winding rollers, thus enabling the replacement of a full winding roller.

[0015] In a further development of the preceding embodiment, it can be provided that a surface of the winding roll comprises an adhesive layer or can be subjected to a vacuum in order to fix the fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape to the winding roll. This allows the fixing area to be securely fixed to the winding roll and prevents the label carrier tape from slipping off the winding roll after being pressed down by the first deflection roller, thus preventing any associated malfunction.

[0016] In a further development of one of the two preceding embodiments, the at least two receiving units can each comprise a drive device, wherein a second drive device is configured to not drive the second winding roll during the fixing of the fixing area and the cutting of the label carrier tape, and to rotate the second winding roll after the fixing of the label carrier tape's fixing area and the cutting of the label carrier tape in order to wind the label carrier tape onto the second winding roll. Since the winding roll is not rotated during the fixing process, secure fixing of the fixing area onto the winding roll is ensured, and the tape is wound onto the winding roll in an orderly manner by the subsequent rotation of the winding roll.

[0017] It may also be provided that a buffer device for buffering the label carrier tape is arranged upstream of the receiving device with respect to one conveying direction of the label carrier tape. The buffer device compensates for fluctuations in the tension of the label carrier tape that occur during movement of the feeding device or when the label carrier tape is cut by the cutting device, thus ensuring the proper operation of the receiving device.

[0018] According to the invention, a method for receiving a label carrier tape of a labeling device for containers in a receiving device is also provided, wherein the receiving device comprises at least two receiving units for receiving the label carrier tape and a feeding device for selectively feeding the label carrier tape to one of the at least two receiving units, wherein the label carrier tape is fed at least temporarily to a first receiving unit of the at least two receiving units by the feeding device, wherein the feeding device is movably arranged between the at least two receiving units, wherein the feeding device is moved from the first receiving unit to a second receiving unit of the at least two receiving units and the label carrier tape is fed at least temporarily to the second receiving unit.

[0019] The inventive method allows the label carrier tape to be fed to different receiving units of the receiving device. This ensures continuous operation of the labeling device, since when one of the receiving units reaches its maximum capacity, the label carrier tape is flexibly fed to another receiving unit.

[0020] In one embodiment of the method, the feeding device is moved linearly along at least one direction between the at least two receiving units or pivoted along at least one axis of rotation between the at least two receiving units. This allows movement of the feeding device between the receiving units. Furthermore, the option of selecting between linear movement and pivoting of the receiving device enables the realization of various receiving device geometries.

[0021] Furthermore, the receiving device can be configured to determine the remaining capacity of the first receiving unit for the label carrier tape and, based on a comparison of this capacity with a threshold value, feed the label carrier tape to either the first or second receiving unit. This ensures that the label carrier tape is only fed to the first receiving unit as long as it can actually be received. In this way, malfunctions of the first receiving unit can be prevented and continuous operation of the receiving device can be ensured.

[0022] In one embodiment of the method, the at least two receiving units can each comprise a winding roller for winding the label carrier tape, wherein the first receiving unit comprises a first winding roller and the second receiving unit a second winding roller, wherein the feeding device comprises at least one deflection roller for guiding the label carrier tape and the receiving device comprises a cutting device for cutting the label carrier tape. The label carrier tape can be received in a particularly space-saving and organized manner by means of a winding roller. The provision of a deflection roller, in turn, enables precise feeding of the label carrier tape to the at least two receiving units.The cutting device allows the label carrier tape to be cut between the receiving units when switching from one receiving unit to another, thus enabling a change of a receiving unit, for example when it has received its maximum length of label carrier tape.

[0023] In a further development of the preceding embodiment, a first deflection roller of the feeding device is mounted to be deflectable along a direction that is essentially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the winding roll. To feed the label carrier tape to the second receiving unit, a fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape is pressed onto the second winding roll of the second receiving unit and fixed thereby by deflecting the first deflection roller. The fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape fixed on the second winding roll, or a section of the label carrier tape between the first and second winding rolls, is then cut by the cutting device. The label carrier tape can thus be guided onto the second winding roll by means of the first deflection roller and securely fixed thereby.The cutting device allows the label carrier tape between the first and second winding roll to be cut, thus enabling the replacement of a full winding roll.

[0024] In a further development of the previous embodiment, a surface of the winding roll comprises an adhesive layer or is subjected to a vacuum to fix the fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape to the winding roll. This ensures that the fixing area is securely fixed to the winding roll and prevents the label carrier tape from slipping off the winding roll after being pressed down by the first deflection roller, thus preventing any resulting malfunctions.

[0025] In a further development of one of the two preceding embodiments, the at least two receiving units each comprise a drive device, wherein a second drive device does not drive the second winding roll during the fixing of the fixing area and the cutting of the label carrier tape, and after the fixing of the label carrier tape area and the cutting of the label carrier tape, sets the second winding roll in rotation to wind the label carrier tape onto the second winding roll. Since the winding roll is not rotated during the fixing process, secure fixing of the fixing area onto the winding roll is ensured, and the label carrier tape is wound onto the winding roll in an orderly manner by the subsequent rotation of the winding roll. Brief character description

[0026] Fig. 1:Receiving device for receiving a label carrier tape of a labeling device for containers according to one embodiment Fig. 2a and b: Specific design of a receiving device for receiving a label carrier tape according to one embodiment Fig. 3a and b: Specific design of a receiving device for receiving a label carrier tape according to a further embodiment Detailed character description

[0027] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a receiving device 100 for receiving a label carrier tape 103 of a labeling device 101, wherein the labeling device 101 is optional. The labeling device can, for example, be a labeling device for containers.

[0028] According to the invention, the receiving device 100 comprises a feeding device 102 and at least two receiving units 106. In the embodiment shown here, the receiving device 100 comprises a first and a second receiving unit 104, 105. This configuration is to be understood as exemplary. The receiving device 100 can also comprise more than two receiving units 106, such as three, four, five, or any other number of receiving units greater than one.

[0029] The feeder 102 is designed to feed the label carrier tape 103 to the first receiving unit 104 and is movably arranged between the at least two receiving units 106. The feeder 102 can be moved from the first receiving unit 104 to the second receiving unit 105. Furthermore, the feeder 102 can also be moved from the second receiving unit 105 to the first receiving unit 104. If the receiving device 100 comprises more than two receiving units 106, then the feeder 102 can be moved between all receiving units accordingly.

[0030] By moving the feeder 102 from the first 104 to the second receiving unit 105, the label carrier tape 103 can be fed to the second receiving unit 105. By moving the feeder 102 from the second 105 to the first receiving unit 104, the label carrier tape 103 can in turn be fed to the first receiving unit 104.

[0031] The movable arrangement of the feed device 102 allows the label carrier tape 103 to be flexibly fed to one of the at least two receiving units 106, and thus enables flexible switching between the receiving units 106. This prevents, for example, a standstill of the upstream optional labeling device 101 when the receiving capacity of the first or second receiving unit 104, 105 for the label carrier tape is reached, since the label carrier tape 103 can be continuously received by the receiving device 100 by switching back and forth between the receiving units 106.

[0032] For example, if the label carrier tape 103 is fed to the first receiving unit 104 and the first receiving unit 104 has received the maximum possible length of label carrier tape 103, then the feeding device 102 can be moved to the second receiving unit 105 and the label carrier tape 103 can be fed to the second receiving unit 105.

[0033] The label carrier tape 103 picked up by the first receiving unit 104 can then be removed from the first receiving unit 104, for example by an operator or automatically, such as by a robot. When the second receiving unit 105 has picked up its maximum possible length of label carrier tape 103, the feeder 102 can be moved back from the second receiving unit 105 to the first receiving unit 104, so that the label carrier tape 103 can be fed back to the first receiving unit 104 and picked up by it.The label carrier tape picked up by the second receiving unit 105 can then be removed by an operator or automatically, as already described above in connection with the first receiving unit 104. This allows the label carrier tape 103 to be fed back to the second receiving unit 105 once the first receiving unit 104 has picked up the maximum possible length of label carrier tape by moving the feed device 102. In this way, the system can switch back and forth between the first 104 and the second receiving unit 105 as often as desired, ensuring a continuous supply of label carrier tape and thus continuous operation of an optional upstream labeling machine 101.

[0034] It can further be provided that the receiving device 100 is configured to determine the remaining receiving capacity of the first receiving unit 104 (or the second receiving unit 105) for the label carrier tape 103 and, based on a comparison of the remaining receiving capacity with a threshold value, to continue feeding the label carrier tape to the first receiving unit 104 (or the second receiving unit 105) or the second receiving unit 105 (or the first receiving unit 104). In this way, a standstill or malfunction of the optional upstream labeling device 101 can be prevented, since the receiving device 100 can determine when one of the two receiving units can no longer receive any more label carrier tape 103.

[0035] To determine the remaining intake capacity, the feeder 102 may, for example, include a measuring device for determining the length of label carrier tape 103 fed to each of the respective intake units 104, 105. Alternatively, each of the at least two intake units 104, 105 may be equipped with a weight sensor that can determine the weight of the label carrier tape received by the respective intake unit. The feeder 102 communicates with the at least two intake units 104, 105 via a data connection and, based on the weight value output by the weight sensor, can determine the remaining intake capacity of each intake unit 104, 105. However, the intake capacity does not necessarily have to be determined by the feeder 102.It may also be provided that the measuring device is assigned to the feeding device 102 or is encompassed by the receiving device 100.

[0036] To prevent potential fluctuations in the tension of the label carrier tape 103 when the feed of the label carrier tape 103 is switched between the first 104 and the second receiving unit 105 by the feed device 102, a buffer device for buffering the label carrier tape 103 can be provided between the optional upstream labeling device 101 and the receiving unit 100. The optional buffer device can, for example, comprise a plurality of deflectable deflection rollers, by means of which fluctuations in the tension of the label carrier tape 103 can be compensated and resulting potential disruptions in the feed of the label carrier tape 103 to one of the at least two receiving units 104, 105 can be prevented.

[0037] More specific details of the in the Fig. 1 The generally described receiving device 100 will be discussed below in connection with the embodiments of the Fig. 2a and b as well as described in 3a and b.

[0038] Fig. 2a and b show specific embodiments of the related to the Fig. 1 described feeding device 102 and the at least two receiving units 106.

[0039] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2a and b The receiving device 200a comprises two receiving units, the first receiving unit comprising a first winding roll 204 and the second receiving unit comprising a second winding roll 203. This configuration is to be understood as exemplary. The receiving device 200a can also comprise more than two receiving units.

[0040] Each of the two receiving units can further comprise a receiving component on which the first and second winding rolls 203, 204 can be arranged interchangeably. If, for example, the maximum possible length of label carrier tape 203 is wound onto one of the winding rolls 203, 204, then the respective winding roll 203, 204 with the label carrier tape 215 wound onto it can be removed from the respective receiving component and replaced by a new empty winding roll.

[0041] The receiving device can further include a drive device by means of which the winding rollers 204, 203 can be set into rotation 216 so that the label carrier tape 201 can be wound onto the respective winding roller 203, 204. For example, each winding roller 203, 204 can be assigned its own drive device so that the winding rollers 203, 204 can be set into rotation independently of one another. For example, it can be provided that only the winding roller on which the label carrier tape is wound is set into rotation and the other winding roller is not set into rotation. The drive device can, for example, be designed as a servo motor and be included by the receiving component described above.

[0042] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2a and bThe winding rollers 203, 204, or rather their axes of rotation, are arranged offset from each other in a horizontal direction. This arrangement of the winding rollers 203, 204, or their axes of rotation, is to be understood as exemplary. The winding rollers 203, 204 can, for example, also be arranged offset from each other along a vertical direction.

[0043] The feeding device 202 can be installed in the Fig. 2a and b In the described embodiment, the feed device 202 can be moved linearly along at least one direction 213 between the at least two receiving units or the first and second winding rolls 203, 204. In this way, the feed device 202 can be moved flexibly between the two receiving units and the label carrier tape 201 can thus be selectively fed to either the first or the second winding roll 203, 204.

[0044] In the embodiment shown here, the feeding device 202 further comprises four deflection rollers 205, 206, 207, 208 by means of which the label carrier tape 201 is fed from one into the Fig. 2a and b. the labelling device not explicitly shown can be guided to the respective winding roll 203, 204 and wound onto it.

[0045] This configuration of the feeding device 202 is also to be understood as exemplary. The feeding device 202 can also include any other number of deflection rollers greater than one. Furthermore, the feeding device 202 can include at least one adjustment device by means of which at least the two deflection rollers 205, 206, which are arranged on the side of the feeding device 202 facing the winding rollers 203, 204, can be moved along a vertical direction. By moving the deflection rollers 205, 206 along the vertical direction, the label carrier tape 201, guided by the respective deflection roller, can be pressed onto the corresponding winding roller and fixed thereon. It can be provided that each of the two deflection rollers 205, 206 is assigned its own adjustment device, so that the deflection rollers 205, 206 can be deflected independently of one another in the vertical direction.

[0046] The feed device 202 can also include two cutting devices 209, 209a for cutting the label carrier tape 201. As shown in the Fig. 2a and b As shown, a cutting device 209 can be arranged on one of the side surfaces of the feed device 202 facing the deflection roller 205. Additionally, a second cutting device 209a can be arranged on the side surface of the feed device 202 adjacent to the deflection roller 206.

[0047] The feed device 202 can further comprise a cutting adjustment device assigned to the respective cutting device 209, 209a, by means of which the respective cutting device 209, 209a can be moved in a vertical direction in order to cut the label carrier tape, for example, when changing the feed of the label carrier tape between the first 204 and second winding roll 203.

[0048] Furthermore, the feeding device 202 can comprise two holding devices 210, 210a, each with a first holding element 211, 211a. The first holding element 211, 211a can be moved vertically by means of a holding element adjustment device. As can be seen from the Fig. 2a As can be seen in Figure b, a holding device 210, 210a can be arranged next to the respective cutting device 209, 209a. In conjunction with a second holding element 212, which can be moved along a horizontal direction 214 on a traversing device, the label carrier tape can be fixed by the first and second holding elements 211, 212 before it is cut by the cutting device 209. This process is described in more detail in connection with the Fig. 2b described.

[0049] In the Fig. 2aThe label carrier tape 201 is fed to the first winding roll 204. If the label carrier tape 201 is now to be fed to the second winding roll 203, for example because the first winding roll 204 can no longer accommodate another label carrier tape 201, then the feeding device 202 can be moved in the horizontal direction 213 towards the second winding roll 203 and the label carrier tape 201 can be fed to the second winding roll 203.

[0050] This process 200b will be discussed below in connection with the Fig. 2b more precisely described.

[0051] In the Fig. 2b Is the feeding device 202 in the horizontal direction 213 compared to the one in the Fig. 2a The feed device 202 is moved in the direction of the second winding roll 203 in the configuration shown. The feed device 202 can be moved towards the second winding roll 203 until the deflection roll 205 can be brought into contact with the second winding roll 203.

[0052] To feed the label carrier tape 201 to the second winding roll 203, the deflection roller 205, which faces the second winding roll and guides the label carrier tape 201, can be moved vertically towards the second winding roll and pressed onto it. In this way, the label carrier tape 201 can be pressed onto the second winding roll 203 and fixed there.

[0053] To securely fix the label carrier tape 201 to the second winding roll 203, the second winding roll 203 (and correspondingly the first winding roll 204) can, for example, be provided with an adhesive layer onto which the label carrier tape can be fixed when pressed down by the deflection roll 205 (and, correspondingly, when fixing it to the first winding roll 204, by pressing down by the deflection roll 206). Alternatively, the first and second winding rolls 204 and 203 can each be provided with an area that can be pressurized with a vacuum, and the label carrier tape 201 can be pressed onto this area by the respective deflection roll 205 and 206 and fixed to the corresponding winding roll by the applied vacuum.The first and second winding rolls 203, 204 can, for example, include a perforated area that can be subjected to a vacuum and to which the label carrier tape 201 can be fixed. In this case, the respective winding roll 203, 204 can, for example, be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, which allows even complex structures to be produced precisely and cost-effectively.

[0054] After the label carrier tape has been fixed to the second winding roll 203 by the deflecting roller 205, the second retaining element 212 can be moved horizontally so that it is positioned vertically below the first retaining element 211. By moving the first retaining element 211 vertically, it can be pressed onto the second retaining element 212, thus fixing the label carrier tape located between the two retaining elements 211 and 212.

[0055] Subsequently, by moving the cutting device 209 in a vertical direction, the label carrier tape 201, which is fixed by the deflecting roller 205 on the second winding roller 203 and clamped between the first and second holding elements 211, 212, can be cut.

[0056] The deflection roller 205 can then be moved vertically away from the second winding roller 203, the feed device 202 can be moved from the second winding roller 203 towards the first winding roller 204 (for example, to an area located midway between the first 204 and the second winding roller 203), the second winding roller 203 can be set in rotation by the drive device, and the label carrier tape can be wound onto the second winding roller. Furthermore, the first retaining element 211 can be moved vertically upwards, so that the end of the label carrier tape clamped between the first 211 and the second retaining element 212 is released and can be wound onto the first winding roller 204.

[0057] The first winding roll 204 with the wound-up label carrier tape can then be removed by an operator or automatically and replaced by a new empty first winding roll.

[0058] If the label carrier tape is to be fed back to the first winding roll 204, for example, because the second winding roll 203 has reached its maximum length of label carrier tape, the feeding device 202 can be moved horizontally towards the first winding roll 204, and the label carrier tape 201 can be fixed to the first winding roll 204 according to the procedure described above and cut by the cutting device between the first and second winding rolls. Since the label carrier tape is now guided by the deflecting roller 206 when moving towards the first winding roll, it can be pressed onto the first winding roll 204 by moving the deflecting roller 206 and cut by the cutting device 209a and holding device 210a located next to the deflecting roller 206.The first winding reel 204 can then be set in rotation by means of the associated drive device to wind the label carrier tape onto the first winding reel. The label carrier tape wound onto the second winding reel can be removed, for example, by an operator or automatically, and the process described above can be repeated as often as desired, thus achieving continuous intake of the label carrier tape by the intake device.

[0059] As already mentioned in connection with the Fig. 1 As described, the receiving device can be designed to determine, for example by comparison with a threshold value, when the first 204 or second winding roll 203 has received a maximum length of label carrier tape 201 and, based on this, automatically switch back and forth between the first 204 and the second winding roll 203.

[0060] Fig. 3a and b show a to Fig. 2a and balternative embodiment of a receiving device 300a, 300b, in which the feeding device 301 can be pivoted 310 along at least one axis of rotation 312 between the at least two receiving units 305, 308.

[0061] Similar to the embodiment of the Fig. 2a and b are also in the embodiment of the Fig. 3a and b Two receiving units are provided, designed as a first winding roller 306 and a second winding roller 308. As in the Fig. 2a and b The axes of rotation of the two winding rollers are arranged offset from each other in the horizontal direction. With reference to the Fig. 2a and b This type of design and number of recording units is also to be understood as exemplary. According to the explanations of the Fig. 2a and bEach receiving unit can include a drive device by means of which the respective winding roll can be set into rotation 306. Furthermore, each of the two receiving units 305, 308 can include a receiving component on which the winding rolls 305, 308 can be arranged interchangeably.

[0062] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3a and b The feed device 301 comprises three deflection rollers 311, 302, 303, wherein the label carrier tape 304 can be guided from an optional labeling device (not shown here) into the feed device 301 via a deflection roller 311. The label carrier tape 304 can be fed to the first winding roll via a deflection roller 302. This configuration is shown in the Fig. 3a As shown. Furthermore, a deflection roller 303 is provided, via which the label carrier tape 304 can be fed, for example, to the second winding roller 308. As already mentioned in connection with the Fig. 1As described, the receiving device can include an adjustment device by means of which the deflection rollers 302 and 303 can be moved towards the first 302 and second winding roller 303, respectively, in order to press the label carrier tape guided by the respective deflection roller onto the respective winding roller. For example, each deflection roller 302, 303 can be assigned its own adjustment device.

[0063] The feeding device 301 can further comprise two cutting devices 309, 309a, which, as in the Fig. 3a and b The two cutting devices are shown arranged on a side surface of the feed device 301 in an area adjacent to the deflection rollers 302, 303. The arrangement of the two cutting devices shown here is to be understood as exemplary. The cutting devices do not necessarily have to be encompassed by the feed device, but can, for example, also be assigned to the first or second winding roller 305, 308.

[0064] As in the Fig. 3a As shown, the feeding device 301 is designed to feed the label carrier tape 304 to the first winding roll 305. The Fig. 3aThe illustrated rotation of the feed device 301 towards the first winding roll 305 is to be understood as exemplary. The feed device 301 can also be deflected, albeit minimally, relative to its rest position, in which it is located, for example, midway between the first 305 and the second winding roll 308, to feed the label carrier tape 304 to the first winding roll 305. The deflection can be flexibly selected, for example, based on the length of label carrier tape 304 already picked up by the first winding roll 305. For instance, a smaller deflection from the rest position can be provided as the length of label carrier tape 304 picked up increases, in order to prevent contact between the winding roll and the feed device 301.

[0065] If the label carrier tape is now to be fed to the second winding roll 308, for example because the first winding roll 305 can no longer accommodate another label carrier tape 304, 307, it may be provided that the feeding device 301, as shown in the Fig. 3b shown, swiveling towards the second winding roller 308.

[0066] By means of the deflection roller 302, the label carrier tape 304 can be pressed onto the second winding roller 308 in order to be fixed thereon. As already mentioned in connection with the embodiment of the Fig. 2a and b As described, the winding rolls can include an adhesive layer or be subjected to a vacuum so that the label carrier tape can be fixed to the corresponding winding roll.

[0067] After the label carrier tape is fixed to the second winding roll 308, it can then be cut between the first 305 and the second winding roll 308. During the fixing and cutting of the label carrier tape 304, the second winding roll 308 may be prevented from rotating by the drive device. After fixing and cutting, the deflection roller 302 can be moved away from the second winding roll, and the feed device can be pivoted towards the first winding roll 305 (for example, to an area midway between the first 305 and the second winding roll 308) so that the deflection roller 303 is no longer in contact with the second winding roll 308. The second winding roll 308 can then be rotated by the corresponding drive device, and the label carrier tape 304 can be wound onto the second winding roll 308.By pivoting the feed device 301 away from the second winding roll 308, the label carrier tape 304 is now fed to the second winding roll 308 via the deflection roller 303. The first winding roll 305 with the wound label carrier tape 304, 307 can be removed, for example, by an operator or automatically, and a new empty first winding roll can be inserted.

[0068] If the label carrier tape needs to be fed back to the first winding roll 305, for example, because the second winding roll 308 can no longer accommodate another label carrier tape 304, the feed device 301 can be pivoted towards the first winding roll 305, and the label carrier tape 304 is pressed onto the first winding roll 305 and fixed there by means of the deflecting roller 303. The process described above in connection with the second winding roll 308 can be applied accordingly to the first winding roll 305, wherein the pressing and fixing of the label carrier tape 304 is carried out by the deflecting roller 303 and the cutting device 309a cuts the label carrier tape 304. The label carrier tape 304 can then be rewound onto the first winding roll 305.This process can be repeated as often as desired, allowing the label carrier tape to be wound alternately onto the first and second winding rolls, thus enabling continuous winding of the label carrier tape 304. This, in turn, allows an optional upstream labeling machine to operate continuously and avoids downtime of the labeling machine.

[0069] As already mentioned in connection with the Fig. 1 As described, the receiving device can be configured to determine, for example by comparison with a threshold value, when the first or second winding roll has received a maximum length of label carrier tape 304 and, based on this, automatically switch back and forth between the first 305 and the second winding roll 308.

Claims

1. Receiving device for receiving a label carrier tape of a labeling device for containers, wherein the receiving device comprises at least two receiving units for receiving the label carrier tape and a feeding device for selectively feeding the label carrier tape to one of the at least two receiving units, wherein the feeding device is configured to feed the label carrier tape to a first receiving unit of the at least two receiving units, wherein the feeding device is movably arranged between the at least two receiving units, wherein the feeding device can be moved from a first receiving unit to a second receiving unit of the at least two receiving units in order to feed the label carrier tape to the second receiving unit.

2. Receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the feeding device can be moved linearly along at least one direction between the at least two receiving units or pivoted along at least one axis of rotation between the at least two receiving units.

3. Receiving device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the receiving device is configured to determine a remaining receiving capacity of the first receiving unit for the label carrier tape and, based on a comparison of the remaining receiving capacity with a threshold value, to further feed the label carrier tape to the first receiving unit or the second receiving unit.

4. Receiving device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least two receiving units each comprise a winding roller for winding the label carrier tape, wherein the first receiving unit comprises a first winding roller and the second receiving unit comprises a second winding roller, wherein the feeding device comprises at least one deflecting roller for guiding the label carrier tape, and wherein the receiving device comprises a cutting device for cutting the label carrier tape.

5. Receiving device according to claim 4, wherein a first deflecting roller of the feeding device is deflectably mounted along a direction which is substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the winding roller, wherein, in order to feed the label carrier tape to the second receiving unit, a fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape can be pressed onto the second winding roller of the second receiving unit and fixed thereon by deflecting the first deflecting roller, wherein the fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape fixed on the second winding roller or an area of ​​the label carrier tape between the first and second winding rollers can be cut with the cutting device.

6. Receiving device according to claim 5, wherein a surface of the winding roll comprises an adhesive layer or can be subjected to a vacuum in order to fix the fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape on the winding roll.

7. Receiving device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least two receiving units each comprise a drive device, wherein a second drive device is configured to not drive the second winding roll during the fixing of the fixing area and the cutting of the label carrier tape and to set the second winding roll in rotation after the fixing of the fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape and the cutting of the label carrier tape in order to wind the label carrier tape onto the second winding roll.

8. Receiving device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a buffer device for buffering the label carrier belt is arranged upstream of the receiving device with respect to a conveying direction of the label carrier belt.

9. Method for receiving a label carrier tape of a labeling device for containers in a receiving device, wherein the receiving device comprises at least two receiving units for receiving the label carrier tape and a feeding device for selectively feeding the label carrier tape to one of the at least two receiving units, wherein the label carrier tape is fed by the feeding device at least temporarily to a first receiving unit of the at least two receiving units, wherein the feeding device is movably arranged between the at least two receiving units, wherein the feeding device is moved from the first receiving unit to a second receiving unit of the at least two receiving units and the label carrier tape is fed at least temporarily to the second receiving unit.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the feeding device is moved linearly along at least one direction between the at least two receiving units or pivoted along at least one axis of rotation between the at least two receiving units.

11. Method according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the receiving device determines a remaining receiving capacity of the first receiving unit for the label carrier tape and, based on a comparison of the remaining receiving capacity with a threshold value, further feeds the label carrier tape to the first receiving unit or the second receiving unit.

12. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the at least two receiving units each comprise a winding roll for winding the label carrier tape, wherein the first receiving unit comprises a first winding roll and the second receiving unit comprises a second winding roll, wherein the feeding device comprises at least one deflecting roll for guiding the label carrier tape, and wherein the receiving device comprises a cutting device for cutting the label carrier tape.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein a first deflecting roller of the feeding device is deflectably mounted along a direction which is substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the winding roller, wherein, in order to feed the label carrier tape to the second receiving unit, a fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape is pressed onto the second winding roller of the second receiving unit and fixed thereon by deflecting the first deflecting roller, wherein the fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape fixed on the second winding roller or an area of ​​the label carrier tape between the first and second winding rollers is cut by the cutting device.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein a surface of the winding roll comprises an adhesive layer or is subjected to a vacuum to fix the fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape to the winding roll.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least two receiving units each comprise a drive device, wherein a second drive device does not drive the second winding roll during the fixing of the fixing area and the cutting of the label carrier tape and sets the second winding roll in rotation after the fixing of the fixing area of ​​the label carrier tape and the cutting of the label carrier tape in order to wind the label carrier tape onto the second winding roll.

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