DE102008057402A1 - Shrinkable label and method for labeling containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a label (1), in particular for containers, having at least four side edges (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), wherein two first side edges (1a, 1c) of the four side edges (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) can be joined together and the two second side edges each extend between the first side edges (1a, 1c). According to the invention, the label is made of a shrinkable material and at least one of the two second side edges (1b, 1d) extends along a predetermined extension line (E), this extension line (E) of a shortest geometric connecting line (G) between the two first side edges (1a, 1c) deviates.

Description

The The present invention relates to a label and a method for labeling containers and a device for labeling containers. From the state of the art have long been methods and devices for labeling of Containers known. It is possible, the Labels in different ways on the containers to install. So it is known labels from a paper-like Material to be provided with an adhesive layer and then to be mounted on the container. It is also in the meantime Known to use self-adhesive labels by a carrier strip removed and then stuck on the container become. Finally, it is also known in the art To produce labels from a shrinkable material and these labels in a shrinking process on the containers to shrink. Specifically, it is known here that a procedure for shrinkable label material in the form of wrap-around labeling or Hose labeling is used, the labels after the Labeling by means of hot air or water vapor shrunk.

The In the prior art known labels usually have rectilinear margins on.

on the other hand containers have become known recently, which curved on its outer circumference or straight Shapes have.

From the DE 94 11 443 U1 a labeling machine is known. This labeling machine is suitable for pressure-sensitive and self-adhesive labels, in which case containers can be guided continuously past a stationary dispensing edge.

The DE 102 04 313 A1 describes a method and apparatus for cutting label sleeves from a flat label tube tape. In this case, a flat-lying label sleeve is detected at the latest immediately after the cutting of the label tape on one side, transported continuously uniformly from a cutter and while also detected on the opposite side and temporarily transported non-uniformly relative to the other side in the same direction and subsequently by a lateral distance extension open on the two flat sides.

The DE 20 2005 002 793 U1 describes an all-around labeling device. In this case, a cutting device in the form of a rotating roller and a rotating separating element is formed, wherein the rotating separating element has on its circumference at least one cutting tool and in particular a cutting blade.

there are the prior art usually two labeling units necessary, which for applying a front and a back label serve. This means that in many applications a larger and thus more expensive machine type is required to get a label to reach. Furthermore, because of the application of partial labels only a limited graphic design possible. When using an all-round labeling is usually a hot glueing or UV gluing required, but not always desired becomes. With a Schlauchetikettierung is partly with strongly increased Expenses for a corresponding device to count.

Of the present invention has for its object to provide a label for To provide, which also on containers with curved surface lines below Considering these edges is attachable. Another object of the present invention is to provide a Device and a method for labeling containers for To provide, which also the attachment of large area Allow labels on containers. In addition, should also a Possibility to be created even at not quite exact Surfaces of containers and to prevent distortions. It is also conceivable a device according to the invention on existing machines retrofit. This can be done with a corresponding Labeling also labels adapted to a bottle contour and shrunk.

This is according to the invention by a label according to claim 1 and a method for labeling containers according to claim 8 and a device for labeling containers achieved according to claim 14. Advantageous embodiments and Further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

One Inventive label, in particular for Containers, has four margins, two first margins of the four margins together are available and the two second margins each extend between the first side edges. According to the invention the label is made of a shrinkable material, and preferably, at least one of the two second side edges extends along a predetermined extension line, this extension line from a shortest geometric connecting line between the deviates from both first margins.

The two side margins which can be joined together are, in particular, those side margins which, in the affixed state, are in the essentially in the longitudinal direction of the container to be labeled. These two side edges can be applied directly to each other in the circumferential direction of the container on the one hand, but it would also be possible to arrange an end portion of the label above or below the other end portion of the label and in this way to add the two side edges together, or the relevant End sections of the label.

Especially So the label is not designed as a shell, which arranged around the container and then shrunk is, but in the manner of a label, which first around a circumference of the container is created. This is in a non-attached to the container condition of the label the two side edges separated while classic shrink labels no corresponding first margins but in the circumferential direction of the container run continuously.

Out The prior art known labels usually a rectangular cross section, which means that the other two margins at the same time the shortest geometric connecting line between the respective first Represent margins. In the inventive However, label is preferably at least one of these two side edges not on the shortest geometric connecting line arranged between the two first margins, but gives way from this. For example, it would be possible that one of the two side edges at least one curved Section has. This curved section can do this adapted to a special form of bottle, so that too Containers consistent with a corresponding Label can be provided.

at Another preferred embodiment, the label in at least one section an adhesive coating on. This means that here the label shrunk not only on the container, but also at least partially adhered to the container becomes.

While in the prior art labels either to the container shrunk or glued to the container is thus proposed in this preferred variant, a combined Process to use, that is, to shrink the label both as well as at least partially stick. The applicant retains Therefore, to claim separately for protection for a label which on the one hand is shrinkable and on the other hand at least in one section an adhesive coating having. This is what this embodiment is a shrinkable self-adhesive label.

there This adhesive coating is preferred from the beginning arranged on the label, but it would also be possible Apply an adhesive to the label by an appropriate procedure.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Label in a longitudinal direction of the container in an initial area and / or an end area, i. H. areas which each include the first margins, an adhesive coating on. With this coating At the beginning or end, the label may face first fixed to the container, then around the container be laid around and finally in a shrinking process firmly connected to the container.

at Another advantageous embodiment is the label made of a material and in particular a thermoplastic material manufactured, which is selected from a group of materials which is PP (polypropylene, OPP (oriented polypropylene), OPS (oriented polystyrene), PET, PE, PVC, combinations thereof and contains the same. These materials are particularly suitable for shrinking processes under thermal influence.

The The present invention is further directed to a container with a label of the type shown above. It points this container has a bearing surface for the label on, with this contact surface preferably in one perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container extending circumferential direction is formed curved.

Prefers is a distance between the two first margins larger than an outer circumference of the container in the area where the label is placed on the container is. This means that at least before the shrinking process or before the label is firmly attached to the container, the length of the label is greater than the outer circumference of the container. This means, that there is an overlapping area in which an initial section and an end portion of the label are adhered to each other.

The The present invention is further directed to a method of wresting directed by labels on a container, the label has at least four side edges and by a shrinking process is attached to the container.

According to the invention the label has at least one adhesive portion on and becomes with this adhesive section on the container appropriate.

there In turn, this adhesive portion serves at least one provisional fixation of the label to the container.

at Another preferred method is to label before attaching produced on the container by a punching process. at Be the usual in the art shrink labels cut these first, then over pulled the container and finally to this shrunk. In this cutting process, however, there are rectilinear Gradients of the margins, what in the present Case preferably not wanted. By a punching process, however can also label forms with other configurations, for example create curved lines and the like.

In order to a method is proposed in which both a gluing process, as well as a shrinking process is used to attach the label to a Container to install.

In In another preferred method, the label is formed in such a way that that two first margins substantially in one Extend longitudinally of the container and at least one of the two second side edges extending along one predetermined extension line extends, this extension line from a shortest geometric connecting line between deviates from the first two margins. This means, that also in this preferred method at least one side edge a curved, kinked, or generally one straight line deviating course takes.

Preferably two end portions of the label are glued together, and arranged in this way, the label on the container.

at In a further advantageous method, the label is first partially glued to the container and then subjected to a shrinking process. In the context of this shrinking process the label is placed on the designated area of the Container arranged. Preferably, the label has no adhesive coating in at least one area but in these areas only by a shrinking process arranged on the container.

at Another preferred method is the container rotated relative to the label about its longitudinal axis. By this turning operation, on the one hand, the label on the container to be ordered. On the other hand, it would also be possible through a corresponding turning the label exactly opposite to align the container.

The The present invention is further directed to a device for mounting directed by self-adhesive labels, which has a release device, which separates the labels from a carrier, as well as a Feeding unit, which labels the containers feeds, with the labels with an adhesive Section are created on the container.

According to the invention the device comprises a shrinking device which seals the labels attach to the container by a shrinking process. This shrinking device is preferably in a transport direction the containers downstream with respect to the release device arranged.

there Again, it is possible that the label is only partial has a self-adhesive coating and otherwise not self-adhesive is executed.

In order to can a device according to the invention in particular with wrap-around labels or even with wrap-around labels with gap to Use come. Such wrap-around labels have been used in the prior art or wrap-around labels with gap in the area of self-labeling rarely used because of the problem of wrinkling. In particular, by the use of labels with a non-adhesive Central area can be distortions and distortions in the Central area of the label can be prevented as the label not necessarily adapts to the contour of the container. Furthermore, materials are used which are shrinkable, especially for the label material and the gluing applies. Furthermore, it would also be possible to gluing through UV radiation or by temperature, for example a temperature greater than 60 ° C.

In a preferred embodiment, the device a rotating device on which the containers to their Longitudinal axis turns. Furthermore, the containers are preferred on a transport device such as in particular a transport carousel promoted. The labels are thereby the containers supplied with one or more dispensing units.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the attached Drawings.

In this demonstrate:

1a - 1c Three representations of labels according to the invention;

2a - 2 B a container on which the labels according to 1a - 1c are attachable; and

3 a device for applying self-adhesive labels to containers.

1a - 1c show a schematic representations of a label according to the invention 1 , This label has two first margins 1a . 1c on and two second margins 1b . 1d , The reference character L refers to a longitudinal side or longitudinal direction of the label, in which case the label extends in a state applied to the container in this longitudinal direction L perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container, that is, in the direction L is wound around the container ,

You realize that the label 1 two second margins 1b . 1d having one of the two side edges, here the lower side edge 1d , not along the dashed geometric connection line G between the two first side edges 1a . 1c runs, but the in 1 shown course E assumes. This indicates the edge 1d a curved or wavy area.

This wavy area serves to wrap the label on a container to install.

The reference number 4 refers to an initial area, the reference numeral 5 on one end of the label 1 each of which may be provided with an adhesive or self-adhesive layer. In these coatings, the label can be placed on the container.

The reference number 8th indicates a region which is provided with an adhesive layer to effect a more stable hold of the label on the container. Next to it is the entire label 1 Shrinkable, that is, it can be contracted when heated.

At the in 1 shown areas 8th is - as mentioned above - applied an adhesive layer. Here, preferably, a layer or a glue is used, which is itself temperature resistant, since the label - as mentioned above - still needs to be shrunk to the container.

The in the 1a - 1c shown embodiments of the label 1 differ in particular with regard to the respective areas 8th in which an adhesive layer is arranged. At the in 1a shown embodiment are multiple adhesive dots 8th provided in the longitudinal direction of the label in succession. These are preferably these areas 8th at the in 1a shown embodiment equidistant. At the in 1b In the embodiment shown, an adhesive strip is provided which extends continuously along the longitudinal direction L of the label from the starting region 4 towards the end area 5 extends.

At the in 1c shown embodiment are two areas 8th provided, which are provided here in the beginning or end portions of the label, so that the label can be adhered to the container with the initial portion and with this end portion and then shrunk on this. Here, the two areas extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the label 1 ,

2a and 2 B show two representations of a container on which the label 1 can be applied. At the in 2 B shown representation is the container shown there by 90 ° relative to the in 2a twisted representation shown. This container 10 has a corrugated body here 18 and a top 14 on which the label is to be attached. This shell 14 is difficult to label in several ways.

On the one hand, this shell features 14 a lower edge 16 on, which has a curved course. Next to it is the top 14 even in one area 14a curved, which makes the application of the label very difficult. However, it is possible that in the 1a - 1c Label shown on this container 10 applied. It serves the in 1 shown area 8th the label also to the label 1 at least provisionally along a predetermined contour line on the container 10 to install.

Subsequently, the label by the shrinking process on the container 10 shrunk. This is the container 10 opposite the label so rotated that the curved course of the side edge 1d exactly on the course 16 of the top 14 to come to rest. So it would be possible with electronic sensor devices, the container or a rotational position of the container relative to the label 1 to align exactly. Such sensors can determine, for example, which area of the edge 16 in an initial area of the label 1 is arranged. The skilled artisan will recognize that other areas of the container 10 , such as jagged areas, can be labeled in this way.

3 shows a rough schematic representation of a device according to the invention for labeling containers 10 , In this case, the reference numeral refers 22 on a transport device containing the containers 10 along the arrows 21 transported. This may be, for example, a conveyor belt, or a plurality of gripping clamps, which the containers 10 transport. The reference number 24 refers to a first feeder, such as a star wheel wel the containers 10 with a certain division the transport wheel 30 supplies. At this transport wheel 30 the labels are moved clockwise here. The labeling is therefore designed here as a rotary.

The reference number 26 refers to an alignment unit, which the in 2 aligns shown containers on a certain positioning. In this case, for example, a camera may be provided which takes pictures of the containers, so that they can be subsequently aligned. For this purpose, rotatable carriers can be arranged on the transport wheel, for example, on which in turn the containers 10 so that the containers 10 can be turned.

The reference number 28 refers in its entirety to a dispensing unit, which the containers 10 labels 1 supplies. This donation unit can 28 have a dispensing edge (not shown), which causes a reversal of label strips and thus a detachment of self-adhesive labels from its carrier.

The reference number 32 refers to a pressure unit, by means of which the labels on the containers 10 be pressed in a first step. This may, for example, be known from the prior art brushing or Anrolleinheiten.

About another transport wheel 34 the containers are returned to the transport device 22 spent and transported again.

The reference number 36 refers to a first shrinking unit which serves to pre-shrink the labels. This may be, for example, a passage oven, through which the containers 10 be transported through.

At this Vorschrumppfungseinheit closes in the transport direction P1, a further shrinking unit 38 , in particular a steam tunnel 38 at. In this steam tunnel 38 are already with labels 1 equipped containers 10 exposed to hot steam and thus the labels 1 completely to the containers 10 shrunk.

All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as essential to the invention, provided they stand alone or in combination with the stand new to the technology.

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 9411443 U1 [0004]
• - DE 10204313 A1 [0005]
• - DE 202005002793 U1 [0006]

Claims (15)

Label ( 1 ), in particular for containers, with at least four margins ( 1a . 1b . 1c . 1d ), where two first margins ( 1a . 1c ) of the four margins ( 1a . 1b . 1c . 1d ) are joinable to each other, and the two second side edges each between the first side edges ( 1a . 1c ), characterized in that the label is made of a shrinkable material and preferably at least one of the two second side edges ( 1b . 1d ) extends along a predetermined extension line (E), said extension line extending from a shortest geometric connecting line (G) between the two first side edges (E). 1a . 1c ) deviates. Label ( 1 ) according to claim characterized in that one of the two side edges ( 1b . 1d ) has at least one curved portion. Label ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label ( 1 ) has an adhesive coating in at least a portion. Label ( 1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the label in a longitudinal direction ( 1 ) of the label ( 1 ) in an initial area ( 4 ) and / or an end region ( 5 ) an adhesive coating ( 8th ) having. Label ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label is made of a material selected from a group of materials including OPP, OPS, PET, PE, PVC, combinations thereof or the like. Container with a label ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims. Container ( 10 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that a distance (d) between the two first side edges ( 1a . 1c ) is larger than an outer circumference of the container ( 10 ) in the area where the label ( 1 ) on the container ( 10 ) is arranged. Method for applying labels ( 1 ) on a container ( 10 ), the label ( 1 ) at least four margins ( 1a . 1b . 1c . 1d ) and by a shrinking operation on the container ( 10 ), characterized in that the label ( 1 ) at least one adhesive section ( 8th ) and with this adhesive section ( 8th ) on the container ( 10 ) is attached. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the label ( 1 ) prior to attachment to the container ( 10 ) is produced by a punching process. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 8-9, characterized in that the label ( 1 ) is formed such that two first side edges ( 1a . 1c ) substantially in a longitudinal direction of the container ( 10 ) and at least one of the two second side edges ( 1b . 1d ) extends along a predetermined extension line (E), said extension line extending from a shortest geometric connecting line (G) between the two first side edges (E). 1a . 1c ) deviates. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 8-10, characterized in that two end sections ( 4 . 5 ) of the label are glued together. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 8-11, characterized in that the label is first attached in sections to the container ( 10 ) and then subjected to a shrinking process. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 8-12, characterized in that the container ( 1 ) opposite the label ( 10 ) is rotated about its longitudinal axis. Contraption ( 20 ) for applying self-adhesive labels ( 1 ), with a release device, which the labels ( 1 ) separated from a carrier and with a feed unit ( 28 ), which labels the containers ( 10 ), the labels ( 1 ) with an adhesive portion on the container ( 10 ), characterized in that the device ( 20 ) a shrinking device ( 36 . 38 ), which the labels ( 1 ) by a shrinking operation on the container ( 10 ) attached. Contraption ( 20 ) according to claim 14, characterized in that the device comprises a rotating device, which the containers ( 10 ) rotates about its longitudinal axis.