DE102007058819A1 - Strip cutter especially label strips with roller rotating around rotation axis has force recording sensor coupled to cutting bar or element useful in label production technology lessens blade blunting and ensures longer tool life - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for cutting strips, especially label strips with a roller (2) rotating around a rotation axis (X) having a reception surface on its outer periphery for reception of the strips, and a cutting bar (12) extending in a given direction for cutting the labels with a cutting tool (6) which has a cutting element (8) for cutting the labels with the cutting bar. The device has a sensor unit (20) coupled to the cutting bar or cutting element. An independent claim is included for a method of cutting label strips.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for cutting labels. In the beverage industry, it is common that containers are labeled after production become. In this case, in a known procedure endless strips provided on labels and these subsequently cut through a cutting unit, finally in the cut form to be applied to the container.

To For this purpose, rolls are used in the prior art, on whose Outer circumference a strip with a variety of labels is fixed and then by a cutting tool is cut.

For This cutting process, the roller usually has a Variety of cutting edges on, and the cutting tool features One or more cutting knives that work with these cutting edges act on the strips in the desired label size to cut. For this purpose, the roller and the tool usually rotate around mutually parallel axes and the respective rotational movements are synchronized with each other.

there It is possible for the cutting tool to be continuous turns in one direction, but it would also be possible that the cutting tool pivots only by certain angles back and forth. Also it would be possible that the roller rotates and the knife is resting. In this case, the cutting takes place Labels using a paper cut between a stationary and a rotating male connector. The disadvantage of such a system is that by the rigid mechanics the cutting is not suspended can be. Therefore, to be able to suspend the cutting, the fixed knife are moved so far that no contact more with the rotating male connector. The fixed Knife strip be moved rotationally or linearly.

From the DE 20 2005 002 793 U1 For example, a wrap-around labeling apparatus is known. This device is formed by a rotating vacuum roller and a rotating separator, wherein the rotating separator has on its outer periphery at least one cutting tool and in particular a cutting blade.

Of the Disadvantage of the known cutting units is that the cutting elements or the blades blunt very quickly due to different loads become. This leads to short life and a considerable Additional expenses in the warranty processing. The present invention is therefore the object of the life of the cutting tools and in particular to increase the cutting blade.

This According to the invention by a device after Claim 1 and a method according to claim 16 achieved. An inventive Device for cutting strips and in particular label strips has a roller rotatable about a rotation axis, on the outer periphery thereof provided a receiving surface for receiving the strip is. Furthermore, the roller has at least one in a predetermined Direction and preferably in the direction of the axis of rotation extending cutter bar for cutting the labels.

Farther a cutting tool is provided which is at least one in the direction Having a further axis extending cutting element, which cooperates for cutting the labels with the cutting bar. According to the invention, the device at least a sensor device, which with the cutting bar or the cutting element is coupled to one during a cutting operation on to determine the cutting bar or cutting element acting force.

By the provision of the sensor device according to the invention so that between the cutting element and the cutting bar acting forces are determined. This makes it possible for the Precise pressure during the cutting process to determine exactly and output a measurement signal corresponding thereto and readjust the individual knives in the position with this measuring signal.

Preferably if the receiving surface is a vacuum surface, at the held the label strips to be cut by means of vacuum become. Preferably, the other cutting tool is around the further rotation axis arranged rotatably, with particular preference the first and the further rotation axis arranged parallel to each other are. Preferably, with the inventive Device does not cut the labels in the true sense but separated by a pressure pressure. The roller and the cutting tool or its movements are particularly preferred coupled together or synchronized, so that ensured is that each has a defined cutting blade with a cutting bar interacts. In this way, a defined cutting of Labels can be achieved.

at a further preferred embodiment it is possible that the cutting bar or the cutting element resiliently at their respective carriers are arranged.

Prefers the sensor device is coupled to the cutting bar, that is it is determined that force, which in the cutting process by the cutting element is caused on the cutting bar. Under a coupling is understood to mean that a movement or a Power of the cutting bar indirectly or directly transmitted to the sensor device becomes. However, it would also be possible to use the sensor device to couple with the cutting elements and to measure the force accordingly, which acts on the cutting element.

at Another preferred embodiment is the sensor device arranged radially inwardly of the cutter bar with respect to the first axis of rotation. So it is possible, for example, that the cutting bar is connected to the sensor device and this in turn opposite the roller is supported. It would be accordingly also possible, the sensor device within the cutting tool to arrange, that is radial with respect to the other Rotary axis within the cutting element. Preference is given to this Embodiment, the sensor device as a carrier used for the cutting bar.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Device a plurality of sensor devices, along a longitudinal direction the cutting bar are arranged and each with the cutting bar are coupled. This means that several sensor devices are in the direction the first axis of rotation arranged one behind the other. So it is possible along the cutting bar to determine several forces and thereby in particular to establish a power imbalance. Especially Preferably, three sensor devices are provided, wherein two sensor devices with the respective ends of the cutting bar in connection and the third sensor means substantially midway between the two first-mentioned sensor devices is arranged.

By an adjustment of the two outer sensor devices can be due to a tilting of the cutting element or the cutting bar be closed and through the middle sensor device it possible, cooperating with the other sensor devices on unwanted curvatures of the cutting element close.

at a further embodiment of the invention the device has an adjusting device, which has a Movement of the cutting element relative to the cutting tool or the cutter bar relative to the rotatable roller allows. Preferably, a movement of the cutting element or the cutting bar in its entirety. The from the Prior art systems have a rigid mechanism regarding the cutting element and the cutting list. Therefore, due to this rigid mechanism of the cutting process not be suspended during operation.

Preferably the adjustment allows movement of the cutting element or the cutting bar during operation to the cutting process to be able to interrupt without the device or to shut down an entire system.

By the movement of the cutting element or cutting bar makes it possible to withdraw the respective element in order to do so temporarily suspend the snow process. Also by this procedure the life of the cutting elements is increased, as a "blank cutting" prevented becomes. This is also in this way a wear of Cutting elements reduced.

Preferably the cutting element is movable relative to the cutting tool. It is possible that the cutting element relative to the Cutting tool, for example, in a relative to the axis of rotation the cutting tool radial direction is retractable. However, it would also be possible for the cutting element is moved by a rotational movement such that no cutting operation more takes place, say, by the blade or cutting edge of the cutting element is moved away. But it would also be possible retract the cutter bar (s) (radially) to complete the cutting process to interrupt.

It would still be possible, the cutting tool in its entirety movable relative to the roller to design or the distance between the axis of rotation of the rotatable roller and make the axis of rotation of the cutting tool changeable. In order to interrupt a cutting process, in such a Embodiment, the distance between the two axes of rotation to each other elevated. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the cutting tool movably arranged, d. H. to interrupt the cutting process is the cutting tool in its entirety (slightly) removed from the rotatable roller.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the position of the cutting element relative to the further axis of the cutting tool is adjustable. It is possible, for example, that the cutting element is arranged pivotably or tiltably in an end region in order to carry out the adaptation in this way. Furthermore, it is also possible that the cutting element itself is in turn arranged on a support or on a fixing unit and this support in turn is pivotable relative to the cutting tool or a rotor of the cutting tool is arranged.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Device on a storage device, which of the at least stores measured values outputted by a sensor device. To this Way it is possible to use a measuring system for force measurement to provide continuous evaluation. On This way can also be closed as the position must change a cutting bar or the cutting element, to counteract a wear and tear process.

Prefers the device has a processor device, which of the sensor device evaluates output measured values. It is For example, it is possible for multiple sensor devices output measured values are compared in continuous operation. In this way, a premature one can be used in a particularly efficient way Wear of the cutting elements are counteracted. Also, such is a continuous measurement during the cutting process possible.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Device at least one motorized adjustment to adjust the position of the cutting element. Also is it is possible to provide an adjusting device which the Position of the cutting bar changed. This way you can an automatic adjustment of the position of the cutting element or the cutting bar are made.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Device on a control device, which designed in such a way is that it depends on the adjusting device controls signals output from the sensor devices. More accurate Here, a nachju-stable fixing unit is proposed, the is driven with the result of the processor device and the Position of cutting bar or cutting element based on a performed continuous force measurement during the cutting process changes.

at An advantageous embodiment is the control device provided inside the roller, making a particularly favorable Structure is possible.

at A further advantageous embodiment is the position the cutter bar relative to the roller adjustable. Also In this way it is possible to avoid an emerging power imbalance counteract.

So So there are the four variants of measurements just described and adjustments, all of which are covered by the scope of this application. On the one hand, it is possible to measure the force in / on the cutting element make and adjust the cutting element or the cutting bar. To the others there is the possibility of the force in / on the cutting bar to measure and to adjust the cutting element or the cutting bar.

at In another advantageous embodiment, the processor device is designed to be a time-resolved measurement the applied to the cutting bar by the cutting element Forces allowed. This is also here a force measurement with continuous evaluation in the illustrated processor unit. In this way, even in continuous operation, wear of the cutting blade or a mispositioning of the same found and, where appropriate be resolved. Also, the cutting process can be time resolved be analyzed in this way, for example, particularly susceptible to wear To be able to determine processes.

The The present invention is further directed to a method of cutting directed by strips and in particular labels, wherein a strip to be cut on an outer circumference of a to a first axis of rotation rotating roller is held and by means of at least a cutting element which is provided on a cutting tool is and extends in the direction of a predetermined axis, cut is, for this cutting process this cutting element with at least one cutting bar arranged on the outer circumference of the roller interacts.

According to the invention as part of the cutting process on the cutting bar on the cutting element acting force measured. Also by the invention Procedure may be a possible wear of the cutting elements detected early and quickly resolved. Corresponding could also be a force acting on the cutting element be measured.

Advantageous will provide a variety of measurement results for this force determined and the position of the cutting element or the cutting bar changed in response to these measurements.

Further Advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached Drawings:

In this demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for cutting labels;

2 a detailed presentation of a Cutting salts in front of the device 1 ;

3 another illustration of the cutting salts 2 ; and

4 a detailed view of the cutting salts 3 ,

1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention 1 for cutting labels. There is a cutting salt 2 provided, which first carries an endless label strip. These cutting salts 2 has a variety of counter cutting strips 12 on, in the circumferential direction of the cutting salts 2 are distributed. Furthermore, this cutting salts 2 Aspirating on to the label on the outer periphery of the cutting salts 2 to attract.

During operation, the cutting salt rotates 2 in a predetermined direction of rotation, here for example counterclockwise.

The reference number 6 refers to a cutting tool which cooperates with the cutting salts to cut the labels. More specifically, the rotation of the cutting rotor or the housing 4 of the cutting tool 6 so on the rotation of the cutting salts 2 syncs that cutting elements 8th each time when moving with the counter cutting strips 12 meet to cut the labels. The cutting tool 6 here has two cutting elements 8th on. The cutting tool 6 is driven by a (not shown) motor, preferably with linear motor drive.

The reference number 18 refers to an adjusting device with which the position of the cutting element 8th can be adjusted along the arrow P1. This can in this way the cutting element 8th be tilted relative to the direction Y of the axis of rotation. This adjustment 18 may have a drive.

This adjustment 18 or a further adjusting device can also be designed such that the cutting element 8th in its entirety relative to the cutting tool can be withdrawn. In this way it is possible to make contact between the cutting element 8th and the cutting bar 12 temporarily to prevent and thus, the cutting process despite continued rotation of the cutting tool 6 and temporarily suspend the cutting salt.

It would also be possible to provide an adjusting device which retracts the cutting bar 12 allowed against the cutting salts.

The adjusting device preferably also permits retraction of the cutting element during operation 8th opposite the cutting tool 6 or the cutting bar 12 opposite the roller 2 , Preferably, for this purpose, the adjusting device to a drive, in particular a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric motor drive.

2 shows a representation of a cutting salt 2 for a device according to the invention. These cutting salts 2 has at its outer periphery a plurality of openings 14 on, over the air and thus on the outer circumference 2a the cutting salts 2 arranged labels (not shown) can be tightened. Furthermore, the cutting salts 2 several cutting edges 12 on that in recesses 16 the cutting salts 2 are arranged. This cutting strips protrude 12 at the in 2 shown embodiment not exactly to the outer periphery of the cutting edges out but are somewhat withdrawn. The reference number 20 refers to a sensor device which is in a radial direction with respect to the axis X behind the cutting bar 12 is arranged. With these cutting bars 20 it may be strain gages, but it would also be possible to use other pressure sensors. At the in 2 shown embodiment, three such sensor devices 20 present, with two at the respective end portions of the cutter bar 12 are provided and a third sensor device 22 between the first two sensor devices 20 . 21 is arranged.

The individual sensor devices are here in recesses 24 arranged.

Furthermore, in the cutting salts 2 also an electronics for the control of the sensor devices 20 . 21 . 22 as well as an output device (not shown) in order to output measured force values, for example, to a central controller for the device.

At the in 2 shown device are a total of three such cutting strips 12 provided and behind these cutting strips respectively corresponding sensor devices 20 . 21 . 22 , Preferably, inside is the cutting salt 2 Also, a memory device is arranged, each of the sensor devices 20 . 21 and 22 stores measured values. In this way, even over a long period of time on the counter cutting bar 12 applied pressure can be determined and prematurely detected wear in this way.

Furthermore, it would also be possible to provide a comparison device, which, if the of the sensor devices 20 - 22 certain values are outside of a certain tolerance range, a warning is issued.

At the in 2 As shown, the sensor devices are on or behind the counter cutting bar 12 arranged. However, it would also be possible to use these sensor devices in the cutting tool 6 for example, in the housing. In this way, a pressure occurring in the cutting of the labels is also determined, but here on the cutting element 8th acting pressure is determined. Also, it would be possible both on the cutting elements 8th as well as the counter cutting strips 12 to provide appropriate sensor means to provide in this way a precise comparison of the measured values.

It would also be possible to have a variety of sensor devices behind the cutter bar 12 to arrange, or extending in the longitudinal direction of the cutting bar sensor device.

Farther could still be provided a processor device, which, for example, determines if certain sensor devices failed, this also to a central control device Report to. It is possible that of the sensor devices output signals wirelessly to a controller (not shown) become.

3 shows a further view of a cutting salts according to the invention 2 , One recognizes here, that the recess 24 has a cylindrical shape and the sensor device 20 in this recess 24 rests. More specifically, the sensor device is based 20 opposite a floor 28 the recess 24 from. The reference number 26 refers to a connecting line via which the sensor device 20 measured values can be output. Inside the cutting salts 2 There is also room for the accommodation of control devices and the like.

4 shows a detailed representation of in 3 shown measuring arrangement. It can also be seen here that the sensor device is opposite the ground 28 the recess 24 is supported.

All Features disclosed in the application documents are considered to be essential to the invention as far as they are individually or in combination the prior art are new.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 202005002793 U1 [0005]

Claims (17)

Contraption ( 1 ) for cutting strips and in particular label strips with a roller rotatable about a rotation axis (X) ( 2 ), on the outer circumference of a receiving surface for receiving the strip and at least one extending in a predetermined direction cutter bar ( 12 ) is arranged for cutting the labels, with a cutting tool ( 6 ) having at least one cutting element (Y) extending in the direction of a widened axis (Y) 8th ), which is used for cutting the labels with the cutting strip ( 12 ) cooperates, characterized in that the device at least one sensor device ( 20 ), which with the cutting bar ( 12 ) or the cutting element ( 8th ) during a cutting operation on the cutter bar ( 12 ) or the cutting element ( 8th ) to determine acting force. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device ( 20 ) with the cutting bar ( 12 ) is coupled. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device ( 20 ) with respect to the first axis of rotation radially within the cutter bar ( 12 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a plurality of sensor devices ( 20 . 21 . 22 ), which along a longitudinal direction (L) of the cutting bar ( 12 ) and in each case with the snow list ( 12 ) are coupled. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the cutting element ( 8th ) is adjustable relative to the first cutting tool. Contraption ( 1 ) according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) has an adjusting device, which movement of the cutting elements ( 8th ) opposite the cutting tool ( 6 ) or the cutting bar ( 12 ) relative to the rotatable roller ( 2 ). Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) comprises a memory device, which of the at least one sensor device ( 20 . 21 . 22 ) stores the measured values output. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a processor device which is accessible from the sensor device ( 20 . 21 . 22 ) evaluates output measured values. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one motorized adjusting device ( 18 ) is provided to the position of the cutting element ( 8th ) to adjust. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one motorized adjusting device ( 18 ' ) is provided to the position of the cutting bar ( 12 ) to adjust. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) has a control device which is designed such that it controls the adjusting device ( 18 ) as a function of the sensor devices ( 20 . 21 . 22 ) controls output signals. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the control device in the interior of the roller ( 2 ) is provided. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the cutting element ( 8th ) opposite the cutting tool ( 6 ) is adjustable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the cutting strip ( 12 ) opposite the roller ( 2 ) is adjustable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processor device is designed such that it performs a time-resolved measurement of the cutting bar ( 12 ) by the cutting element ( 8th ) applied forces allowed. Method for cutting strips and in particular labels, wherein a strip to be cut is formed on an outer circumference of a roller rotating about a first axis of rotation (X) ( 2 ) and by means of at least one cutting element ( 8th ), which on a about a further axis of rotation (Y) rotatably arranged cutting tool ( 6 ) is provided and extends in the direction of the further axis of rotation (Y), is cut and wherein for the cutting operation of this cutting element ( 8th ) with at least one on the outer circumference of the roller ( 2 ) arranged cutting bar ( 12 ) cooperates, characterized in that in the context of the cutting operation on the cutting strip ( 12 ) or the snow element ( 8th ) acting force is measured. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that a plurality of measurement results for the force is determined and a position of the cutting strip ( 12 ) or the cutting element ( 8th ) is changed in response to these measurement results.