EP0633191A2 - Labelling device - Google Patents

Abstract

The aforesaid invention relates to a labelling device for packaging means, especially order wallets for photographic work, with a printer (12) for applying coded or uncoded information to the labels (2) for the purpose of identifying the pack and the article to be packaged, and with a device for detaching the labels from the stock roll and for applying them to the order wallet, there being provided an approximately horizontal positioned bearing plate (1) which is located downstream of the printer (12) and on which the printed label (2) detached from the stock roll comes to rest with its adhesive face directed towards the bearing plate (1), there being arranged above the bearing plate (1) gripping means (5) which are suitable for receiving the labels by separating these from the bearing plate and which are made pivotable and extendable, in order to transfer the label out of the horizontal position into a vertical position, in which it can be applied to the order wallets erected approximately vertically in front of the bearing plate and the gripping means. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a labeling device for packaging materials, in particular job bags for photographic work according to the preamble of claim 1.

Labeling devices are integrated into a packaging line for the automatic handling of all kinds of packaged goods; i.e. Labeling devices are linked to other packaging machines with an automatic workflow.

According to DIN 55 405, labels themselves are packaging aids for labeling packs or for providing information on the quantity, type, price, etc. of a product. It is therefore a means of identification, which is the generic term for packaging aids that identify the package or package. Adhesive labels in particular are preferably used in the automatic packaging process. These adhesive labels have a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating on one side.

The labeling of packaging materials can be a process that precedes or follows the main process, ie the actual packing. In particular, if the labeling device in question is chained in a packaging line, the labeling must not hinder the further transfer process of the packaging, in this case the order pockets.

The present invention is based on the knowledge that, for the purpose of further transfer, it is advantageous if the job pockets are labeled not in a lying position but in an upright position, since then for example, by ejecting the order pockets approximately vertically, for example into a Eurobox, the further treatment of the order pockets is considerably simplified.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a labeling device of the type mentioned at the outset, which can be integrated into an automatically running packaging line with a printer that can be used to apply the information to the labels.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a labeling device according to the characterizing part of the proposed claim 1.

Particularly preferred developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

The present labeling device has a printer which is used to apply coded or uncoded information to the labels applied to a supply roll. This information is used to identify the pack and the packaged goods, for example for automatic data acquisition. Furthermore, a device for detaching the labels from the supply roll and for applying them to the job bag is provided, whereby according to the invention the printer is followed by an approximately horizontally positioned support plate on which the printed label and detached from the supply roll lie with its adhesive surface directed onto the support plate comes, with detection means being arranged above the support plate for receiving the Labels by separating them from the support plate are suitable and designed to be pivotable and extendable in order to transfer the label from the horizontal position into a vertical position in which it can be applied to the job pockets which are oriented approximately vertically in front of the support plate and the detection means.
The detection means are preferably designed as vacuum suction cups. As soon as the printed label is released from the supply roll; and this comes to rest on the support plate, the label is picked up by the vacuum suction cups. The vacuum suction cups themselves are mounted on a rotating shaft and can be swiveled by about 90 degrees. The label attached to the vacuum suction cups is then aligned with the job bag. There is now the possibility of feeding the detection means with the label directly or indirectly to the job bag, it also being possible to subject the job bag to a feed movement. During this feed movement, the label with the adhesive layer adheres to the job bag. In addition, the vacuum suction cups can be relieved of pressure and pressure can be applied by switching a directional control valve, so that a secure application on the job pockets is guaranteed.

When the labels are grasped by the vacuum suction cups, this recording process is supported by the support plate, which presses the label directly upwards under the vertically downward detection means by means of an upward stroke.

After labeling, the order bag can be ejected through a closable and openable discharge floor underneath the receiving space that aligns the order bag.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, which show a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, this will now be described in more detail.

Figur 1

ein Fließschema von Verpackungsmaschinen und einer Verpackungslinie, in welche die erfindungsgemäße Etikettiervorrichtung verkettbar ist, gemäß DIN 8740, Teil 1;

Figur 2

ein Fließschema über die Einteilung von Maschinen zum Ausstatten, zum Kennzeichnen sowie zum Sichern von Packungen und Packstücken, welchen die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zuzuordnen ist, gemäß DIN 8740, Teil 7;

Figur 3

eine Seitenansicht mit Halbschnitt der erfindungsgemäßen Etikettiervorrichtung und

Figur 4

eine vergrößerte Darstellung der Erfassungsmittel.

Show:

Figure 1

a flow diagram of packaging machines and a packaging line, in which the labeling device according to the invention can be linked, according to DIN 8740, Part 1;

Figure 2

a flow diagram of the division of machines for equipping, marking and securing packs and packages, to which the device according to the invention is to be assigned, in accordance with DIN 8740, Part 7;

Figure 3

a side view with half section of the labeling device according to the invention and

Figure 4

an enlarged view of the detection means.

As shown in FIG. 1, the labeling device according to the invention is in terms of the chaining in automatic packaging processes subject to a clear allocation. According to FIG. 1, packaging machines are systems which carry out processes associated with packaging. This includes main processes such as filling, closing and wrapping, as well as upstream and / or downstream processes that serve to produce packs that can be shipped, stored and / or sold. Packaging lines are therefore chains of packaging machines with an automatic workflow.

The labeling of packaging, here for example photo bags, can be a main process, the actual packing, i.e. the insertion of the photos into the order bag, upstream or downstream process. If such a labeling device according to the invention is interposed in the automatic sequence, that is to say the further processing machines, one speaks of a packaging line.

The packaging machines are recorded in schematic block "A" according to FIG. "C" denotes the main process, packing, while "B" and "D" illustrate the upstream and downstream processes into which the device according to the invention can be grouped.
With the schematic blocks "E", "F", "G", "H" and "I", the machines for the main processes are identified. B. molding machines (E), erecting machines (F), filling machines (G), sealing machines (H) and wrapping machines (I). Depending on requirements, the device according to the invention can also be integrated into one of the main processes if, for. B. the label with the packaged goods information to close the pack is used. In this case there is an application variant of the device according to the schematic block "J" in that multifunction packaging machines are detected.
The packaging line formed by packaging machines is identified in accordance with schematic block "K".

Figure 2 now shows an overview of machines for equipping, marking and securing packs and packages. Machines for equipping, marking and securing packs and packages are packaging machines as defined in DIN 8740, Part 1. Most of their functions follow the main processes, but can also occur as an upstream process. These machines are divided into the type of equipment, labeling and securing of packs and packages and are differentiated according to the working principles, transfer of a text or image, labeling, foiling or encapsulation.

The labeling machines are thus a sub-group of the machines for equipping, marking and securing packs and packages, the sub-group "machines for labeling through the area by flat application of labels" being addressed in particular with the present invention. Here one differentiates again between wet adhesive labeling machines, hot melt adhesive labeling machines and labeling machines for coated labels or pressure sensitive adhesive labeling machines.

The machines for equipping, marking and securing packs and packages are identified by the designation I in the upper block of diagrams.
While a schematic line leads to blocks II, VI, VII, VIII and IX, the machines for transferring an image (II), printing machines (VI), embossing machines (VII), baking machines (VIII) and electrostatic printing machines (IX) According to the invention, the group of labeling machines according to schematic block III is of particular importance, since machines for labeling by applying labels (X) flat, machines for labeling by punctiform application of labels (XI) and machines for labeling by loosely inserting labels ( XII) are grouped. The invention preferably relates to the group according to schematic block X, while the foiling machines identified in block IV, encapsulation machines included in block V by pressing XIII or pressing XIV are of subordinate importance.

The following exemplary embodiment relates to the PSA labeling machines.

FIG. 3 shows the labeling device according to the invention in a side view, partially broken away. A printer 12 can be seen. Starting from a supply roll 3, the labels 2 are fed to the printer 12 on their carrier strips 13. The supply roll 3 is located on a support arm 14 attached to the overall device, on which it is arranged such that it can be unrolled. The carrier strip 13, which has the labels 2, is introduced into the rear side 16 of the printer 12 via a deflection roller 15. The deflecting roller 15 is arranged on its slide 19 such that it can be moved on a sliding guide 20 by 50 tensile stresses between the supply roller 3 and to prevent printer introduction from the carrier strip 13. Corresponding to the transfer information and individual order data, in terms of quantity, recipient, price etc., the corresponding information is applied to the label 2 within the printer 12. The label 2 is then separated from the carrier strip 13 and fed to the support plate 1, which is arranged horizontally in front of the printer or its outlet. The empty carrier strip 13 is fed to the collecting roller 18 via the deflection roller 17.

After ejection from the printer 12, the label 2 comes to lie with its adhesive surface 4 directed downward onto the support plate 1. The detection means 5, here vacuum suction cups, are arranged above the support plate 1 or the label 2 located thereon. These are directed downwards onto the label 2 lying flat on the support plate 1. Thereafter, the platen 1 performs an upward movement in the direction of arrow A. At the same time, a vacuum is built up and the label 2 is detected. Thereafter, the support plate 1 moves down and the detection means 5 pivot about 90 degrees in the direction of arrow B.

Of course, there is also the possibility of subjecting the detection means 5 to a lifting movement itself, which would be somewhat more complex in terms of construction.

In the meantime, the presence of a photo or order pocket 6 is detected by a detection means 11, here a light barrier. Then the pressure plate 8, which carries the detection means 5 together with the rotation shaft 7 thereof, approaches the photo pocket 6 in the direction of arrow C and that Vacuum is switched off. The label 2 adheres to the application pocket 6 through the adhesive surface 4. If the adhesive force of the label 2 is not sufficient, it can alternatively be blown off by a changeover valve which then pressurizes the vacuum suction cups.

FIG. 4 shows an enlargement of the detection means 5. The same elements are identified by the same reference numerals according to FIG. 3.

The individual movement sequences are shown again in FIG. 4, the position of the detection means 5 pivoted by 90 degrees being shown with broken lines and the feeding movement of the pressure plate 8 onto the order pocket 6 with the dash-two-point line.

With the present invention, a labeling device is created which can be integrated in leaps and bounds in packaging lines, since whatever packaging is present, it can be labeled in almost any position, here for example vertical orientation.

Reference list

1

Platen

2nd

label

3rd

Supply roll

4th

Adhesive area from 2

5

Detection means / vacuum suction cups

6

Order bags / packaging

7

Rotation shaft

8th

Pressure plate

9

Storage space for order bag

10th

Discharge floor

11

Detection means / light barrier

12th

printer

13

Carrier strips

14

Beam

15

Pulley

16

Back of printer 12

17th

Pulley

18th

Collective role

19th

Carrier 15

20th

Sliding guide

Claims (10)

Labeling device for packaging, in particular job bags for photographic work, with a printer for applying coded or uncoded information to the labels for the purpose of labeling the pack and the packaged goods and a device for releasing the labels from the supply roll and for applying them to the job bag,
characterized,
that an approximately horizontally positioned support plate (1) downstream of the printer is provided, on which the printed label (2) detached from the supply roll (3) comes to rest with its adhesive surface (4) directed onto the support plate (1), whereby detection means (5) are arranged above the support plate (1) and are suitable for receiving the labels (2) by separating them from the support plate (1) and are designed to be pivotable and extendable in order to move the label from the horizontal position into a vertical position Transfer position in which it can be applied to the approximately vertically in front of the support plate (1) and the detection means (5) aligned application pockets (6). Labeling device according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the detection means (5) are designed as vacuum suction cups. Labeling device according to claim 2,
characterized,
that two vacuum suction bells are provided as detection means (5), which are arranged on a rotary shaft (7). Labeling device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the rotary shaft (7) is arranged on a horizontally movable pressure plate (8). Labeling device according to claims 1 to 4,
characterized,
that the support plate (1) is arranged to be height-adjustable. Labeling device according to at least one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized,
that the detection means (5) designed as vacuum suction bells can be acted upon by air pressure. Labeling device according to claims 1 to 6,
characterized,
that a receiving space (9) for vertical alignment of the order pocket (6) is arranged in front of the support plate (1) and the detection means (5). Labeling device according to claim 7,
characterized,
that the receiving space (9) has a closable and openable discharge floor (10). Labeling device according to at least one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized,
that detection means (11) are arranged in the area of the receiving space (9) or in the area of the order pocket (6). Labeling device according to claims 1 to 9,
characterized,
that the detection means (11) are designed as a light barrier.

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