EP1002730A1 - Process and device for production of labels and transfer of labels onto an object to be labelled - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves feeding a foil-like, thin, continuous strip (1) of label material through a stamping and pick-up station (12) in which each label formed from a region of the strip is stamped out of the strip and picked up by a gripper enclosed by the stamping tool (17) as the residual grid material is carried away. The gripper transports the label to the object and applies it to the object. An Independent claim is also included for an arrangement for producing labels and transferring them to objects.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing from labels and transferring the labels to those to be labeled Objects.

For example, in the electronics industry, individual Assemblies and product parts, for example printed circuit boards, marked, so that the production process can be traced and thus reconstruct the origin of the assemblies or product parts leaves. The same applies to other branches of industry, so e.g. for machine and device construction or the food industry.

Such markings are made with the help of labels, those with an appropriate label, for example a Bar code, are printed.

Depending on the application, however, it can also be unprinted Trade labels.

The label technology currently used is based on a two-layer system Material with a film-like adhesive on a carrier film thin, endless strips of material from each punching lines corresponding to a label circumference are attached, after which the remaining strip has a lattice-like structure is removed from the carrier film and disposed of, so that on the Carrier film only the one corresponding to a label Strip areas remain. The so produced, from a carrier film and the material formed on the adhesive label areas thereon is in the form of a roll in a labeling machine used, in which the - possibly previously printed - label areas separated from the carrier film and then on the to be labeled Objects are glued on. Taking that away created labels from the carrier film and their transfer to the objects can be done by means of an adhesive gripper, which is placed on the respective label and then for each object to be marked is moved to where it has the label settles.

In the case of the continuous carrier film and the adhesive label areas created by peeling off the lattice-like remaining strip Roll material formed can cause inaccuracies in location of label areas occur, i.e. each one Label areas representing labels are not always located with exactly the same orientation and exactly the same distance the carrier film. For example, it can often be observed that the two lateral edge areas of the carrier film, which next to the labels run in the longitudinal direction of the carrier film, none have exactly the same width. This corresponds to one in the transverse direction the location of the labels is not constant.

Another inaccuracy can arise when pulling off the grid-like Residual strip result. This can be done on the carrier film remaining label areas, especially if these are small in area, are lifted slightly and on the carrier film slip.

The adhesive gripper takes the labels in their respective positions the carrier film away. Therefore, the individual labels fit accordingly irregularly on the adhesive gripper. To now despite the above Inaccurate location of the labels a precise location and location to get the labels on the items to be labeled, it is already known, each from the adhesive gripper picked up label in the state attached to the adhesive gripper with the help of alignment jaws or the like acting laterally on the label. align. This is cumbersome and time-consuming.

The present invention is therefore based on the object Method or a device of the type mentioned at the beginning create with the help of the exact application of the labels is simplified to the objects to be labeled.

To achieve this object, a method according to the invention is Manufacture of labels and transfer of the labels to be labeled Objects are provided in which a film-like thin, Endless strips of material from label material through a punching and Recording station is carried out, in each of which one Strip area formed labels using a punch punched out of the strip of material and leaving one removed residual strip of lattice-like structure simultaneously from an adhesive gripper enclosed by the punching tool after which the labels are attached to the transported the respective label to be provided and there be applied to this.

The device provided according to the invention for this purpose contains a Drive and guide device for advancing a film-like thin, endless strips of label material and a punching and recording station in which a punching tool is used a cutting edge for punching out each of a strip area formed labels from the material strip and one from Punching tool enclosed adhesive gripper to remove each die-cut label leaving a remaining strip grid-like structure are arranged, the adhesive gripper and the punch on one to a transport movement to one can be driven with the object to be provided with the respective label Sitting tool holder.

Thus is not made of previously produced roll material individual labels sitting on the carrier film but from a continuous strip of material from which the the respective label is punched out and removed at the same time. Therefore, they sit from a defined position to the punching tool captive gripper from the front always in the same position on the adhesive gripper, so that without the application of alignment jaws or other alignment equipment precise sticking of the labels on the objects guaranteed is.

Another advantage is that the previous manufacture of the roll material with individual sitting on the carrier film No labels. This further reduces the effort.

Furthermore, it is now also possible to use a single layer, only of which the Rolls of material formed into labels are processed. It doesn't have to be self-adhesive Trade material. Rather is the processing of non-adhesive material possible if it is in otherwise to be attached to the objects to be marked Labels.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are in the subclaims specified.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in stark schematisierter Seitenansicht gemäß Pfeil I in Fig. 2,

Fig. 2

die Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1, wiederum stark schematisiert, in Vorderansicht gemäß Pfeil II,

Fig. 3

einen mit mehreren Etikettenaufdrucken und - gegebenenfalls angebrachten - zugehörigen Markierungszeichen bedruckten Materialstreifen in gesonderter Darstellung,

Fig. 4

den Werkzeugträger mit dem Stanzwerkzeug, dem Haftgreifer und einer evtl. vorhandenen Sensoreinrichtung in Ansicht von unten her gemäß Pfeil IV in Fig. 2 gesehen,

Fig. 5

eine der Fig. 2 entsprechende Vorderansicht in vergrößerter Darstellung, wobei das Stanzwerkzeug mit dem Haftgreifer eine durch die Tischplatte hindurch zum Materialstreifen hin abgesenkte Lage zum Ausführen des Stanzvorgangs einnimmt, bei dem eine sich in Fig. 5 in ihrer unwirksamen Ausgangsstellung befindliche Drückrolle den Materialstreifen von unten her gegen das Stanzwerkzeug drückt,

Fig. 6

die Anordnung nach Fig. 5 (der Werkzeugträger, an dem das Stanzwerkzeug und der Haftgreifer sitzen, wurde zusammen mit der Sensoreinrichtung weggeschnitten) im zur Zeichenebene parallelen Querschnitt, wobei sich die Drückrolle über die Unterseite des Materialstreifens bewegt und diesen zum Ausführen des Stanzvorgangs gegen das Stanzwerkzeug drückt, und

Fig. 7

das Aufbringen eines Etiketts auf einen zu kennzeichnenden Gegenstand in der Fig. 2 entsprechender Ansicht.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be explained with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

2 shows a device according to the invention in a highly schematic side view according to arrow I in FIG. 2,

Fig. 2

1, again highly schematic, in front view according to arrow II,

Fig. 3

a separate strip of material printed with several label prints and - if applicable - associated marking marks,

Fig. 4

seen the tool carrier with the punching tool, the adhesive gripper and any sensor device in a view from below according to arrow IV in FIG. 2,

Fig. 5

2 shows a front view corresponding to FIG. 2 in an enlarged view, the punching tool with the adhesive gripper occupying a position lowered through the table top towards the material strip in order to carry out the punching process, in which a spinning roller in FIG. 5 in its inoperative starting position removes the material strips from presses against the punching tool below,

Fig. 6

the arrangement according to FIG. 5 (the tool holder on which the punching tool and the adhesive gripper sit was cut away together with the sensor device) in a cross section parallel to the plane of the drawing, the pressure roller moving over the underside of the material strip and this to carry out the punching process against the Punch presses, and

Fig. 7

the application of a label to an object to be identified in the view corresponding to FIG. 2.

Leave using the device shown in the drawing make printed labels on any of them Objects for their identification or from any other Be basically glued. However, it is expressly pointed out that the labels can also be unprinted. In the latter Trap, the printing station 7 may be missing or ineffective.

The starting material for the labels is a film-like thin, endless, coherent strips of material 1 made of label material, the one with its top opposite the one to be printed, formed by an adhesive layer underside on a carrier film 2 arranged and adhesively connected to this. This two-ply Starting material is wound into a starting roll 3, which is rotatable on a roller axis 4 arranged on the device is plugged on.

The material strip 1 with the carrier film 2 is from the initial roll 3 processed and by means of a drive and guide device advanced in the direction of arrow 5. The drive can for example by a drive roller 6, via which the Material strip 1 is guided with the carrier film 2. The driving role 6 can simultaneously form a deflection roller on the the material strip 1 with the carrier film 2 changes direction experiences. The drive roller is in the embodiment by means of the device control is cyclically driven.

In the schematic drawing, the material strip 1 with the Carrier film 2 only over the one drive and deflection roller 6 guided. In reality, however, a number of them are Material strips 1 with the carrier film 2 leading rolls are present, which in the present context does not go any further Interested.

The material strip 1 with its carrier film 2 becomes a printing station 7 advanced, in which the material strip 1 its top with the label to be made belonging label prints 8 is provided. In the embodiment are the label prints 8 each a bar code. The individual label prints 8 are in the conveying direction 5 corresponding longitudinal direction of the strip of material 1 attached in a row. This way 4 at the exit of the printing station 7, for example resulting series of label prints 8. In modification of the Embodiment could in the width direction 9 of the strip of material 1, if the dimensions allow it, but also several Label prints can be arranged side by side.

The printer used in the printing station 7 is of a conventional possibly modified type and is expedient formed by a thermal transfer printer with which the required Precision is achieved.

After printing on the material strip 1, in the embodiment at the exit of the printing station 7 or between this and a downstream punching and recording station 12, the Carrier film 2 at a separation point 13 from the printed material strip 1 separated and carried away. The separated carrier film 2 is wound up, for example, into a carrier film roll 11. The separated carrier film 2 is no longer required and represents a waste to be disposed of.

The printed material strip 1 then arrives without the Carrier film 2 in a punching and receiving station 12.

Before going into this in detail, it is pointed out that the carrier film 2 is not absolutely necessary and also can be absent from the start if precautions are taken that the material strip 1 with its then not through the carrier film 2 covered adhesive layer on its underside nowhere sticks firmly. Accordingly, the top of the strip of material would have to 1 have anti-adhesive properties, so to speak he can form an initial role from which he can be deducted.

In the punching and receiving station 12, the labels from the Material strips 1 punched out. This punching is done individually, the material strip 1 being stopped with each punching process becomes and thus stands still. In Fig. 3 is with each label printing 8 dash-dotted lines indicate the respective label circumference 14, so that the one lying within such a dash-dotted line and the strip of material bearing the respective label print 15 results in a label 16 (FIG. 7). The punching is done by means of a punch 17, the printed top of the strip of material 1 is opposite and a label circumference 14 corresponding circumferential cutting edge 18 forms. The punching tool can 17 have a sleeve-like hollow shape and with its Form the front edge of the cutting edge 18. This is expediently Stamping tool 17 from a circumferentially bent sheet metal piece 19, in particular made of steel.

In the punching and receiving station 12, the labels 16 are not just punched out but simultaneously with the punching out of one Adhesive gripper 25 added, which grips the punched-out label and holds. The adhesive gripper 25 is enclosed by the punch 17 i.e. seen in the direction of arrow IV in Fig. 2 the gripper 25 within the punch 17 (see in particular also Fig. 4). The adhesive gripper 25 is expedient a vacuum gripper, on the underside of which holds the respective label 27 at least one via a valve device 30 with negative pressure or ambient pressure acted upon channel 28 opens. The adhesive gripper 25 is also formed like a stamp and relative to Punching tool 17 for an up and down movement perpendicular to the Cutting edge 18 spanned plane in the direction according to arrow 29 (this corresponds to the z direction) drivable. The associated drive device 31, like the valve device 30 can be controlled by a control device 21.

The punch 17 and the gripper 25 are on a tool carrier 23 arranged for a transport movement to object 26 to be provided with the label 16, for example a Printed circuit board, is drivable and the label 16 on this object 26 discontinued. This movement can consist of movement components in the x, y and z direction and / or in the direction of rotation according to arrow 24 around the z-axis or an axis parallel to it. The x and y directions extend at right angles to each other in the plane of the material strip 1 or in a parallel thereto Level. The z direction is perpendicular to the x, y plane. The tool carrier 23 can, for example, on a movable in the z direction Cross slide sit, which may still be around the z direction can be twisted.

To carry out its movements, the tool carrier 23 is only one assigned schematically indicated drive device 22. The Drive device 22 can also by the control device 21 can be controlled.

Moving the labels from the material strip 1 to those to be labeled Items can be pre-programmed.

Since the adhesive gripper 25 is located within the punch 17 and in the space enclosed by the cutting edge 18 of the punch 17 a defined position relative to the cutting edge 18, the respective label is without location tolerances picked up by the adhesive gripper 25 so that it has the adhesive gripper 25 by means of the tool carrier 23 for the respective object 26 moves, there exactly at the desired location in the desired Location can be glued on. It can be the end of the transport route of the tool carrier 23, for example, by a suitable one Index device can be specified. The items to be labeled are successively in the work cycle of the present device brought to this point.

The from the tool carrier 23 and thus from the punch 17 and the adhesive gripper 25 takes position during the punching process 5 and 6. 1 and 2, the tool carrier In contrast, for the sake of clarity, in contrast raised position so that the punch 17 with the adhesive gripper 25 at a distance from the material strip 1 above of this and above one to be explained Table top 33 is located.

During the punching process, the adhesive gripper 25, as can be clearly seen in FIG Figures 5 and 6 emerges, one with respect to that of the cutting edge 18 spanned level reset, i.e. greater distance position to the material strip 1. The distance a to which the adhesive gripper 25 is reset can be of the order of magnitude after are in the range of about 0.5 mm. Because of this distance a hampers the adhesive gripper 25 the punching out of each Etiquette not.

The punching process itself could take place in that the material strip 1, from which the labels are punched, on a The pad rests and the punching tool makes a punching movement to the pad executes. The arrangement is expedient, however met that in the punching and receiving station 12 the bottom the material strip 1, which faces away from the punch 17, a pressure roller 32 is assigned, which is transverse in the width direction 9 is movable over the material strip 1 and thereby on the underside of the material strip 1 rolls. Here, the pressure roller 32 presses the material strip 1 against the cutting edge 18 of the punch 17, so that the respective label is cut out.

When the pressure roller 32 moves in the width direction 9 (Fig. 6) to the cutting edge 18, the label is gradually progressing Punched out movement of the pressure roller 32. This is done suction by the adhesive gripper 25 from the beginning, i.e. the The label, starting with its first cut end, so to speak, following the movement of the pressure roller 32, in the the cutting edge 18 enclosed space toward the adhesive gripper 25 lifted up and adheres to it. Because of the distance a between Cutting edge 18 and the flat underside of the adhesive gripper 25 the label immediately moves away from the pressure roller 32 when it is sucked in, so that it cannot stick to it.

So that on the label a suction force holding it on the adhesive gripper is exercised, the at least one channel 28 is under vacuum acted upon. You have the label by appropriate procedure brought the tool carrier 23 to the object 26 to be marked, the adhesive gripper 25 is moved out of the punch 17 (Drive device 31) until the label 16 on the object 26 lies and is pressed against it so that it sticks (Fig. 7). At the same time, the channels 28 are ventilated, i.e. With Ambient pressure is applied so that the adhesive gripper 25 the label 16 releases and the tool carrier 23 again to the material strip 1 can be moved back. The next label is then punched.

The drawing also shows that in the punching and recording station 12 between the tool carrier 13 and the pressure roller 32 a table top 33 is arranged, on the pressure roller 32 facing underside of the material strip 1 is passed. So that the punch 17 or its cutting edge 18 on the Material strip 1 can be lowered, the table top 33 a passage opening 34 for the passage of the punch 17 on.

During the punching process, the punch 17 takes one on the underside 35 of the table top 33 protruding from the passage opening 34 Position on. The distance b between the cutting edge 18 and the Tabletop bottom 35 can be of the order of magnitude 0.5 mm. In this way, the material strip 1 next to the punch 17 free and can attack the pressure roller Dodge 32, so that the risk of sticking the Strip of material 1 to the pressure roller 32 is avoided.

Before each punching, there is the pressure roller 32, such as 2 and 5 is shown in solid lines in their starting position to one side of the material strip 1 apart from this. The pressure roller 32 becomes transverse to the longitudinal direction of the material strip 1 driven in the width direction 9, rolls it over the bottom of the material strip 1 and arrives at the opposite side (dash-dotted lines in FIGS. 2 and 5 indicated). The punching of the respective takes place during this movement Labels. If the label is removed, the material strip becomes 1 advanced to punch the next label. The Press roller 32 can then, from its starting position, dash-dotted position again on the bottom of the material strip 1 are moved back. The pressure roller 32 so leads in the feed stroke of the strip of material 1 back and forth Movement from, expediently both with each out and a punching process also takes place with every movement.

It is also provided that the underside 35 of the table top 33 a continuous in the conveying direction of the material strip 1, contains channel-like recess 39, in which the material strip 1 runs and is guided laterally. The passage opening 34 opens in the channel-like recess 39. In such an arrangement the pressure roller 32 in its initial position next to the recess 39 on the underside of the table top 35. Will the Press roller 32 during its movement, for example from its in 2 and 5 drawn left to the right to the edge 40 delimiting the depression 39, the pressure roller tilts 32, so to speak, around the edge 40 and enters the depression 39, where it continues its movement in the transverse direction and the Presses label against the cutting edge 18. This results in that in FIG. 5 dash-dotted pressure roller path 42. On the opposite At the end of its transverse movement, the spinning roller tilts around the opposite one Edge 41 again from the recess 39 and reaches its opposite End position (dash-dotted). In this way, the Press roller 39, so to speak, away from the material strip 1, so that it is ensured is that the material strip 1 is free from the pressure roller 32 is and can be advanced for the next punching process.

The pressure roller 38 expediently consists of on the underside of the material strip 1 forming adhesive layer not sticky Material, for example made of Teflon.

The effect of the transverse movement of the pressure roller 32 along the path 42 Drive device 36 can also be controlled by the control device 21 can be controlled.

After the labels 16 have been removed, the material strip remains 1 shows a residual strip 37 of a lattice-like structure, which, for example can be wound up into a residual strip roll 38. The remaining strip 37 is thrown away like the carrier film 2.

In the case of printed labels, it can be provided that the punch 17 very precisely by means of an additional device Label print 8 of each label to be punched aligned becomes. For this purpose, the material strip 1 in the printing station 7 with each label 8 with a mark 10 be printed. This marker 10 can e.g. of a Cross, a line or another structure can be formed. The marking symbol 10 is located next to the respective label print 8, in principle, however, it could also be superimposed on this his. This mark 10 can be found in the punching and Pick-up station 12 is arranged on the tool carrier 23 Sensor device 20, for example in the form of a laser light barrier, assign, which responds when you a Marking sign 10 is opposite. With the help of this sensor device 20 the punching process is controlled so that it is ensured is that each label precisely matches its label 8 includes even if the previously performed printing has not taken place exactly. Get a marker 10 to the sensor device 20, it is recognized by this, whereby the punching process is started. For this purpose, the sensor device 20 with the control device controlling the further processes 21 be connected. The arrangement is such that before the actual punching process of the tool carrier 23 and thus the punch 17 on the one hand and the respective label printing 8 on the other hand are automatically aligned with each other. This can be done by means of the drive device 22.

It is understood that in such a case the passage opening 34 of the table top 33 is dimensioned so that the punch perform any alignment movements in it can.

Claims (19)

Process for making labels and transferring the labels on objects to be labeled, in which a film-like thin, endless material strips (1) made of label material a punching and recording station (12) is performed, in which the labels formed by a strip area (15) a punching tool (17) is punched out of the material strip (1) and lattice-like, leaving a residual strip (37) carried away Structure simultaneously from one of the punching tool (17) enclosed adhesive gripper (25) are added, after which the Labels with the adhesive gripper (25) to the respective Label to be provided object (26) and there be applied to this. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the Strips of material (1) each when punching and picking up the labels is stopped. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that when using one adhering to a carrier film (2) Material strips (1) the carrier film (2) in front of the punching and receiving station (12) separated from the material strip (1) and carried away becomes. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an endless strip of material without a carrier film is used. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that for the production of printed labels the material strips (1) in front of the punching and recording station (12) by a Printing station (7) guided and there with one to be manufactured Label belonging label imprints (8) and at each label print (8) with a marker (10) is printed and that the subsequent punching process by a sensor device responsive to the markings (10) (20) is controlled. Device for producing labels and transferring the Labels on objects to be labeled according to the procedure according to one of claims 1 to 5, with a drive and guide device to advance a thin, endless film-like Material strip (1) from label material and a punching and Recording station (12) in which a punching tool (17) with a Cutting edge (18) for punching out each of a strip area (15) labels formed from the material strip (1) and an adhesive gripper (25) enclosed by the punching tool (17) to remove the stamped label, leaving it behind a remaining strip (37) arranged in a lattice-like structure are, the adhesive gripper (25) and the punching tool (17) one to a transport movement to one with the respective Label to be provided on the object (26) drivable tool holder (23) sits. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the Punching tool (17) a sleeve-like, enclosing the adhesive gripper (25) Has shape and with its front Forming cutting edge (18). Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the punching tool (17) from a circumferential piece of sheet metal, in particular made of steel. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that that the adhesive gripper (25) is stamp-like. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that that the adhesive gripper (25) is a vacuum gripper. Device according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that that the adhesive gripper (25) during the punching process with respect to the plane spanned by the cutting edge (18) reset, i.e. larger distance than the cutting edge plane takes up position on the material strip. Device according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that that the adhesive gripper (25) for an up and down movement drivable perpendicular to the plane spanned by the cutting edge (18) is. Device according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that that in the punching and recording station (12) of the Punching tool (17) facing away from the underside of the material strip (1) a movable across the material strip (1) and thereby Rolling press roll on the material strip (1) is assigned, which presses the material strip (1) against the punching tool (17), so that the respective label (16) is cut out. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the pressure roller (32) on the adhesive layer of the self-adhesive trained material strip (1) non-sticky material, e.g. made of Teflon. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that in the punching and receiving station (12) between the tool carrier (23) and the pressure roller (32) a table top (33) arranged is on the underside of the pressure roller (32) facing the material strip (1) is passed, the table top (33) a passage opening (34) for the passage of the Punching tool (17) for the material strip (1). Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the punching tool (17) during the punching process on the underside the table top (33) protruding from the passage opening (34) Takes position. Device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that that the underside of the table top (33) one in the conveying direction (5) of the material strip (1) continuous, channel-like depression (39), in which the material strip (1) runs, the passage opening (34) into the channel-like depression (39) opens, and that the pressure roller (32) in its initial position next to the channel-like recess (39) on the underside of the table top is arranged in its transverse movement in the channel-like Depression (39) occurs and at the end of its transverse movement again the recess (39) emerges. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that that in front of the punching and recording station (12) Printing station (7) for printing on the material strip (1) with label prints each belonging to a label to be produced (8) and with each label print (8) with a Marking marks (10) are present and on the punching tool (17) with the tool holder (23) carrying the adhesive gripper (25) the marking marks (10) appealing to the punching process controlling sensor device (20) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that at the exit of the printing station (7) or between the printing station (7) and the punching station (12) a separation point (13) for Detach and carry away one that carries the material strip (1) Carrier film (2) from the material strip (1) is arranged.

Images