DE102009041017A1 - Method, device and adhesive tape for splicing label tapes and spliceable label tape - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, a device and an adhesive tape for splicing label tapes, and a splicable label tape. Due to the fact that a trailing label tape is held in a supply position in particular by the action of a magnetic field, the label tape can also be held on a holding and pressing device with a metered holding force without generating a negative pressure in order to establish a splice connection with a leading label tape.

Description

The invention relates to a method, a device and an adhesive tape for splicing label strips according to the preamble of claim 1, 7 and 14, and a spliceable label tape.

The change of label tapes in labeling usually done fluently. That is, a trailing label tape is attached thereto during the promotion of a leading label tape by splicing without visibly decelerating or shutting off the labeling machine.

From the WO 2007/009585 A It is known for this purpose to compress a leading label tape and a trailing label tape between two splice jaws, wherein between the label strips, a double-sided adhesive tape is provided. By compressing the label strips against the adhesive strip, a splice connection is produced, wherein the method can be carried out by entraining the splicing jaws with the leading label strip while the labeling machine is running. In order to provide the trailing label tape for splicing in a waiting position, this is fixed to the associated splicing by applying a negative pressure. This vacuum must be maintained after positioning the trailing label tape on the splice jaws until the actual splicing operation is completed. This requires an undesirably high energy expenditure.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an alternative method and apparatus for splicing label tapes in which the trailing label tape can be provided to a splicing jaw in a waiting position without applying a vacuum.

This object is achieved with a method in which a trailing label tape is held in particular in a ready position by the action of a magnetic field. With the magnetic field, an at least partially magnetic label tape can be attached to a splicing jaw without the application of a vacuum with a metered holding force.

Preferably, the magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet. The trailing label tape can thereby be kept in a ready position even without a continuous supply of energy.

Preferably, a holding force is generated with the magnetic field, which is lower in a conveying direction of the leading label tape than the shear strength of the splice. As a result, the label strips connected during splicing detach from the magnetic holder, without the intensity of the magnetic field having to be weakened or switched off.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the position of the trailing label tape is checked in the ready position with respect to the leading label tape. As a result, a laterally substantially completely overlapping transition from the leading to the trailing label strip can be ensured.

Preferably, the leading label tape is conveyed during manufacture of the splice connection. As a result, the label change can take place in a running labeling machine.

Preferably, the splice is an adhesive bond. Such a connection is particularly easy to manufacture and reliable.

The technical object is further achieved with a device in which the holding and pressing device for the trailing label tape comprises at least one magnet for holding the trailing label tape. With the magnet, the trailing label tape can be attached to the holding and pressing device even without the application of a vacuum with a metered holding force.

In a particularly favorable embodiment, a distance between the magnet and the trailing label tape in a supply or waiting position of the holding and pressing device is less than in a pressing or splicing position. As a result, the magnetic holding force during splicing is automatically reduced, so that the trailing label tape can be securely held in the ready position with sufficient holding force and the other does not dissolve the splice when returning the holding and pressing device.

Preferably, the holding and pressing device and the pressing device are movable opposite each other in a conveying direction of the leading label tape. As a result, the label strips can also be pressed against one another during label conveying in a mutually substantially constant, opposite orientation.

A particularly advantageous embodiment further comprises at least one sensor for detecting the position of the holding and pressing device and the pressing device to each other, in particular in a direction parallel to the leading label tape plane. This allows the alignment of the trailing label bands are checked with respect to the leading label tape before splicing and so a faulty connection between the label strips are avoided.

Preferably, the magnetic field of the magnet is aligned so that it centers the trailing label tape on the holding and pressing device. As a result, the alignment of the trailing label strip with respect to the leading label strip can be simplified, or a check of the alignment of the two label strips to one another is not absolutely necessary.

The object is further achieved with a spliceable label tape in which a magnetic end portion is provided on which the label tape can be held by the action of a magnetic field to provide the label tape for splicing with a second, leading label tape. This allows the label tape to be held in a ready position without having to apply a vacuum to the label tape or label tape holder.

The object is further achieved with an adhesive tape for splicing label tapes, in which a magnetic layer is provided for attaching the trailing label tape to a magnetic holding and pressing device. With such a layer, the trailing label tape can be adhered to the holding and pressing device without the application of a vacuum.

Preferably, the magnetic layer comprises at least one metal band, at least one metal wire and / or a metal mesh. As a result, the tape can be produced inexpensively and versatile to adapt to different requirements during the splicing process.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the invention in a deployment position of a trailing label tape;

2 a schematic plan view of the arrangement 1 in a position during splicing of the trailing and leading label tape;

3 a schematic plan view of the arrangement 1 and 2 in a state immediately after the splicing of the label tapes;

4 a schematic oblique view of a magnetic splice jaw for holding and pressing a magnetic label tape;

5a - 5f Variants of a magnetic adhesive tape for holding and splicing a trailing adhesive tape in cross section.

As the 1 to 3 can recognize, comprises a device according to the invention 1 for splicing a leading label strip 2 with a trailing label tape 3 a conveyor or transport device 4 holding the leading label tape 2 between two splice jaws 5 . 6 transported in a conveying direction F. The right in the conveying direction F splice jaws 5 is the leading label tape 2 facing and has the function of a pressing device during splicing. The left in the transport direction F splice jaws 6 Holds the trailing label tape 3 initially in a ready position B and has the function of a holding and pressing device during splicing.

The splice jaws 5 . 6 , are substantially orthogonal to the leading label tape 2 aligned and include on their the label tapes 2 . 3 assigned pages 5a . 6a at least one magnet each 7 , This may for example be a segmented permanent magnet, as in 4 indicated, or a block-shaped permanent magnet. An electromagnet is also conceivable. However, a permanent magnet has the advantage that it requires no power supply for generating a holding force.

On the trailing label tape 3 is a magnetic tape 8th provided by the magnet 7 of splice baking 6 is tightened so that the trailing label tape 3 on the splice-baking 6 is attached in the provisioning position B, as in 1 shown.

This could be the magnet 7 or more magnets 7 so on the splice jaws 6 respectively. 5 be arranged that the magnetic field on the tape 8th or the trailing label tape 3 exerts a centering effect, in particular in the lateral direction along the axis y described below. This could be a substantially complete overlap of the label strips 2 . 3 be implemented automatically or with only minor correction.

The splice jaws 5 . 6 are arranged substantially opposite each other and can be determined starting from the in 1 shown supply or waiting position B along an axis perpendicular to the conveying direction F axis z are moved towards each other.

As if from a comparison of 1 and 2 As can be seen, the splice jaws are 5 . 6 along the axis z relative to the magnets 7 movable, with the magnets 7 preferably fixed with respect to the axis z, while the splice jaws 5 . 6 from the ready position B in a pressing or splicing position A can be moved towards each other.

As in 2 is shown, press the splice jaws 5 . 6 the leading label tape 2 and the trailing label tape 3 when splicing against the intended between these tape 8th so that a solid splice S between the label tapes 2 . 3 is created and with continuous transport of the leading label tape 2 the trailing label tape 3 is pulled by this. Here, the strength of the splice S between the label tapes 2 . 3 and the tape 8th stronger than the one on the tape 8th acting holding forces of the magnets 7 , Especially in the pressing position A. This allows the splice jaws 5 . 6 or both magnets 7 without deduction of the field strength of the splice connection S are deducted without solving them again, as in 3 indicated in a position after splicing.

As 1 also shows, the splice jaws 5 . 6 with the magnets 7 along an axis x parallel to the label tape 2 be moved. In particular, the splicing jaws can be moved in the conveying direction F at the same speed with which the leading label tape 2 through the device 1 running. This allows the splice jaws 5 and 6 , the magnets 7 and the leading label tape 2 be performed during splicing in a relative to the conveying direction F substantially constant relative position. This can also be avoided in particular that the leading label tape 2 and the tape 8th or the trailing label tape 3 during splicing relative to each other, creating a more accurate and stronger splice S between the label bands 2 and 3 can be produced.

However, it is not absolutely necessary the splice jaws 5 . 6 with the leading label tape 2 carry. For example, the splice jaws could 5 . 6 only be brought together for a correspondingly short contact pressure or the speed of the leading label tape 2 be reduced or this be stopped during splicing

Also provided are sensors 9 with which the position of the leading and / or trailing label tape 2 . 3 can be checked. Also indicated are cutting devices 10 for cutting off the respectively preceding label strip 2 , creating a rear area 2a of the leading label tape 2 is made, at the beginning 3a of the trailing label tape 3 with the help of the adhesive tape 8th is attached.

In this connection it should be noted that the device 1 is preferably axisymmetric with respect to the conveying direction F, so that the trailing label tape 3 alternately from the left splice jaw 6 and the right splice-baking 5 is held in the provisioning position B. Accordingly, two cutting devices 10 provided because the leading label tape 2 then alternately fed over the seen in the direction of transport F right or left side.

As 4 further suggests, the splice jaws 5 . 6 with the help of respectively assigned drive units 11 . 12 are moved not only along the axes x and z, but also along a perpendicular to the axes x and z third axis y. In combination, the axes x and y allow adjustment of the splice jaws 5 . 6 in one to the label tape 2 respectively. 3 parallel plane. This allows the splice jaws 5 . 6 with the magnets 7 are not only moved together in the transport direction F during splicing, but also aligned along the axes x and y during the provision or in the waiting phase to each other. As a result, in particular the trailing label tape 3 along the axis y in one with the leading label tape 2 matching delivery position B are brought.

The magnets 7 can on the drive units 11 . 12 be arranged at a substantially constant distance from each other, as in 1 to 3 indicated, or separated from the splice jaws 5 . 6 be movable along the axis z. You could also get stuck with the splice jaws 5 . 6 be connected. However, an arrangement in which the distance is advantageous 13 between the trailing label tape 3 holding magnet 7 and the trailing label tape 3 in the provision position B is lower than in the pressing or splicing position A, in particular caused by a collapse of the splice jaws 5 . 6 , As a result, the magnetic holding force during splicing is automatically reduced, so that the trailing label tape 3 on the one hand with sufficient holding power safely in the ready position B on the splice jaws 6 can be attached and on the other hand, the splice S when returning the splice jaws 5 . 6 does not solve again.

The sensors 9 are preferably optical sensors. These are connected to an evaluation unit (not shown), for example single, on the label tapes 2 . 3 provided labels, preferably labels from the roll or self-adhesive labels, and / or one on the leading label tape 2 provided marker for initiating the splicing process can recognize. Thus could with one of the sensors 9 the end 2a of the leading label tape 2 be recognized, allowing a seamless transition from the end 2a of the leading label tape 2 at the beginning 3a of the trailing label tape 3 will be produced. It would also be possible, however, the position of the end 2a by the time of separation from the supply roll or the remaining label tape 2 B and the conveying speed of the leading label tape 2 derive.

The drive devices 11 . 12 may consist of any combination of uniaxial and / or multi-axis drive units, preferably pneumatically operated units. For connecting the drive units 11 . 12 with the magnets 7 or the splice jaws 5 . 6 are (not shown) retaining elements provided, such. B. strips.

The labels 2 . 3 facing surfaces 5a . 6a the splicing jaws 5 . 6 can be made elastic and / or coated with a sliding layer, for example with PTFE or a similar plastic to the contact between the splice jaws 5 . 6 and the labels 2 . 3 during splicing. The magnets 7 do not need to be flush with the surfaces as shown 5a . 6a but may vary depending on the nature of the label tapes 2 . 3 or the adhesive tape 8th survive or be offset in the form of a recess inwards.

The 5a to 5f show different variants of an adhesive tape of the invention 8th in cross section, wherein in the 5a to 5c Variants of the arrangement of individual functional layers 8a to 8f and in the 5d to 5f different variants of a magnetic layer 8a for attaching the adhesive tape 8th are shown. These variants can be combined with one another as desired.

As 5a to 5c can be seen, comprises the adhesive tape according to the invention 8th at least one carrier layer 8b and to both opposite sides of the carrier layer 8b one adhesive layer each 8c and 8d , The magnetic layer 8d can for example consist of at least one metal strip ( 5a to 5c ), a metal wire ( 5d ), several metal wires ( 5e ) or a wire mesh ( 5f ) consist. Even thin, vapor-deposited layers would be possible.

The variants in the 5a to 5f common is that on the carrier layer 8b a in the application the leading label tape 2 facing adhesive layer 8c is provided. In contrast, the magnetic layer 8a both on the application in the trailing label tape 3 facing adhesive layer 8d applied or incorporated in this. It is also conceivable, as in 5c represented, another carrier layer 8e as well as another adhesive layer 8f in which the magnetic layer 8a is embedded.

Not shown are protective films for the adhesive tape 8th For example, for storage of the adhesive tape 8th or for its easier handling when applied to the trailing label tape 3 and for easier threading into the device 1 helpful and deducted in use. Decisive for the in 5a to 5f illustrated variants is that the adhesive layers 8c . 8d and optionally 8f a mechanically stable connection between the label strips 2 . 3 so that both the shear strength of the splice S in the conveying direction F and parallel to the label tapes 2 . 3 and the tensile strength along the perpendicular axis z is greater than the magnetic adhesion between the magnets 7 and the magnetic layer 8a ,

Alternatively, the magnetic layer could 8a also directly in the beginning area 3a of the trailing label tape 3 be incorporated. This also applies to the adhesive layer 8c , with which the splice connection S with the leading label tape 2 will be produced. This would have the advantage that the location of the splice S with respect to the initial area 3a already during the production of the label tape 3 standardized and could be specified with high accuracy. It is also conceivable that the label material itself is magnetic or contains a magnetic coating.

The device according to the invention can be used as follows:
The leading label tape 2 , which is preferably equipped with labels from the roll or with self-adhesive labels is continuously through the device 1 promoted in the transport direction F. The label tape 2 is thereby unrolled from a supply roll (not shown). To prevent tearing of the label supply at an approaching end of the label roll, the trailing label tape 3 with a magnetic tape 8th stocked. The magnetic tape 8th is preferably at the beginning 3a of the label tape 3 arranged and initially provided with a covering protective film to the label tape 3 into the device 1 threading. The label tape 3 is on the splice-baking 6 attached by magnetic attraction, peeled off the protective film and the splice jaws 6 preferably in one Prepared for deployment position B. The splice-baking 5 gets into a the splice baking 6 moved substantially opposite position. The position of the trailing label tape 3 will be with the position transmitter 9 controlled and corrected if necessary with respect to the axes x and y. Furthermore, the splice jaws 5 . 6 along the axis z still driven to a suitable distance from each other.

If it is determined (by a device not described in detail) that the end of the supply roll is reached, the end 2a of the leading label tape 2 through the cutting device 10 from the rest 2 B of the label tape on the supply roll 2 separated. Achieve the end 2a of the leading label tape 2 a suitable position between the splice jaws 5 . 6 These are provided by the drive device 11 . 12 with the label tape 2 moved along and each moved along the axis z to a pressing or splicing position A on each other, so that the label tapes 2 . 3 pressed together and between the label strips 2 . 3 enclosed adhesive tape 8th a strong splice between the label bands 2 . 3 manufactures. Here the distance between the magnets remains 7 the splicing jaws 5 . 6 preferably constant, so that the holding force when moving the splice jaws 5 . 6 decreases continuously.

At the end of the splicing process, the splicing jaws travel 5 . 6 with the help of the drive unit 11 . 12 apart again. The end 2a of the leading label tape 2 now pulls the trailing label tape 3 with and unwinds from his supply roll (not shown). This will make the label tape 3 to the leading label tape and the process can be repeated, in which case a new trailing label tape on the right with respect to the transport direction F splice jaws 5 is magnetically tacked in a ready position B.

With the described method and the corresponding device can be a trailing label tape 3 for splicing with a leading label tape 2 in a simple manner, with reduced energy input and with a simplified design.

In addition, the transition between the label strips can be 2 . 3 or the splice connection S with the adhesive tape 8th if a bottle with the transition region of the label tapes 2 . 3 was labeled, then detect it with a magnetic sensor and selectively discharge the affected bottle from the product stream.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2007/009585 A [0003]

Claims (15)

Method for splicing label strips ( 2 . 3 ), comprising the following steps: a) holding a trailing label strip ( 3 ) in a ready position (B); and b) merging the trailing label tape ( 3 ) and a leading label tape ( 2 ) to produce a splice connection (S), characterized in that the trailing label tape ( 3 ) is held in particular in step a) by the action of a magnetic field. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic field of a permanent magnet ( 7 ) is produced. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that with the magnetic field, a holding force is generated which in a conveying direction (F) of the leading label tape ( 2 ) is less than the shear strength of the splice (S). Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the trailing label tape ( 3 ) in the ready position (B) with respect to the leading label tape ( 2 ) is checked. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leading label strip ( 2 ) is conveyed during manufacture of the splice connection (S). Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the splice connection (S) is an adhesive bond. Device for splicing label strips ( 2 . 3 ), with - a pressing device ( 5 ) for a leading label tape ( 2 ); and - a holding and pressing device ( 6 ) for a trailing label tape ( 3 ), wherein the pressing device ( 2 ) and / or the holding and pressing device ( 3 ) are movable toward each other for splicing; characterized in that the holding and pressing device ( 6 ) at least one magnet ( 7 ) for holding the trailing label tape ( 3 ). Device according to claim 7, characterized in that a distance ( 13 ) between the magnet ( 7 ) and the trailing label tape ( 3 ) in a supply or waiting position (B) of the holding and pressing device ( 6 ) is lower than in a pressing or splicing position (A). Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the holding and pressing device ( 6 ) and the pressing device ( 5 ) are opposite one another in a conveying direction (F) of the leading label strip ( 2 ) are movable. Device according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the position of the holding and pressing device ( 6 ) and the pressing device ( 5 ) is adjustable relative to one another, in particular in a leading label tape ( 2 ) parallel plane. Device according to at least one of claims 7 to 10, further characterized by at least one sensor ( 9 ) for detecting the position of the holding and pressing device ( 6 ) and the pressing device ( 5 ) to each other, in particular in a leading label tape ( 2 ) parallel plane. Device according to at least one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the magnetic field of the magnet ( 7 ) is aligned so that it the trailing label tape ( 3 ) on the holding and pressing device ( 6 centered). Label tape ( 3 ), characterized by a magnetic end portion ( 3a ) on which the label tape ( 3 ) can be held by the action of a magnetic field to the label tape ( 3 ) for splicing with a second, leading label tape ( 2 ). Duct tape ( 8th ) for splicing label strips ( 2 . 3 ), comprising: - a carrier layer ( 8b ) - one on a first side of the carrier layer ( 8b ) provided first adhesive layer ( 8d ) for fixing the adhesive tape ( 8th ) on a trailing label tape ( 3 ), and - one on a second, opposite side of the carrier layer ( 8b ) provided second adhesive layer ( 8c ) for fixing the adhesive tape ( 8th ) and the trailing label tape ( 3 ) on a leading label tape ( 2 ), characterized by a magnetic layer ( 8a ) for attaching the trailing label tape ( 3 ) on a magnetic holding and pressing device ( 6 ). Adhesive tape according to claim 14, characterized in that the magnetic layer ( 8a ) comprises at least one metal band, at least one metal wire and / or a metal mesh.

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