DE102009059911A1 - Method and device for labeling containers, labeled container and self-adhesive label therefor, and method and apparatus for producing such a label - Google Patents

Abstract

To label containers (15), in particular reusable beverage bottles, with self-adhesive but dry, in particular highly transparent and / or removable labels, labels (9) coated with an adhesive on at least one side are tapped from a supply (11) and then on a container outer surface (15A) laid out smoothly. The adhesive layer consists of gelatin or of a material which comprises gelatin in sufficient quantity. Each label (9) and / or the outer surface of the container (15A) to be labeled is moistened with a liquid (14) that dissolves the gelatin, in particular with water, before, during or after it is tapped from the supply (11). After the moistening step, the label (9) with its surface containing gelatin, including the liquid (14) dissolving the gelatin, is transferred to the associated outer surface of the container (15A). To produce such labels (9), an adhesive film (1) made of gelatin liquefied with the supply of heat or of a material comprising gelatin in sufficient quantities and liquefied with the supply of heat is continuously dispensed from a wide slot-like dispenser nozzle (5) and onto a film web (7 ) applied. The adhesive layer of the film web (7) coated in this way is dried to a residual content of moisture remaining in the adhesive layer until the adhesive layer is non-tacky.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method and a device for labeling containers, labeled containers and a self-adhesive label therefor, and to a method and an apparatus for producing such a label according to the preambles of claims 1, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14 and 15. Accordingly, it is envisaged to provide self-adhesive but dry labels for the labeling of containers, in particular reusable containers and more preferably reusable beverage bottles, in particular those labels which are transparent, in particular highly transparent, and applied in a so-called No Label Look (NIL) on a container outer surface become.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

A comprehensive overview of common methods for labeling reusable containers results from the EP 0 951 004 A2 , which was published on October 20, 1999 and incorporated by reference into the present specification by reference. This document, which is considered as the closest prior art, proposes to improve the removability of a film label in a conventional device with washing liquid in that the carrier material layer of the label is a stretched plastic film layer, by overcoming the heat action of the hot washing liquid the retaining force on the adhesive layer adhering to the object shrinks due to a memory effect and thus improves the infiltration of the bonded label with the washing liquid. Such removable labels should also be suitable for NLL applications. In such applications, but also in other label applications, a bubble-free application of the label on the container of great importance.

In containers for personal care such as pasty or viscous products, such as toothpastes, shampoos and the like bubble-free application of labels is feasible because the labeling station downstream of the filling station operates comparatively slowly and the cycle numbers are so low that the available for labeling standing time is large enough to ensure a very careful label application to the container.

When labeling containers that are filled with high numbers of cycles, as in the filling of beverage bottles that allow on modern bottling systems cycle numbers in the order of 150,000 bottles per hour, it is extremely difficult to ensure a high-quality labeling, so for cost reasons with wet glue applied paper label are still in the foreground.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

On this basis, the invention is based on the object, even at high cycle rates to allow a largely bubble-free labeling of containers in particular reusable beverage bottles.

To solve this problem, the feature combinations shown in the claims 1, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14 and 15 are proposed.

Accordingly, with regard to a labeling method according to claim 1, it is provided that the adhesive layer of the labels consist of gelatin or comprise gelatin in sufficient quantity. Each label is moistened before, during, or after its picking from a supply of labels with a gelatin-solubilizing liquid, especially water. According to an alternative procedure, it is provided to moisten the container outer surface to be labeled, so that the label moistening does not take place until the label has been applied. Labeling prior to picking up a supply may be accomplished by a separate moistening element. If the label moistening takes place during the tapping off of the supply, a transfer element which transports the label from the supply to the container can first be moistened. This moisture is then transferred to the label as the label is picked up from the supply. For this purpose, a revolving pallet known per se, which transmits a wet glue in known labeling techniques, can be used for moisture transfer. If the labels are to be moistened only after tapping, then a transfer element carrying an already tapped label can be moved relative to a moistening device before the label is transferred to the container. In addition or as an alternative to the above-mentioned moistening methods, as mentioned above, the container outer surface can be moistened. After one of the moistening steps described above, the label with its gelatin-containing surface is transferred to the associated container outer surface, including the gelatin-solubilizing liquid. Thereafter, the trapped liquid may gradually volatilize while the labeled container is further transported as intended.

A labeling device according to claim 4, in particular for carrying out the labeling method according to claim 1, comprises at least one dispenser for dry labels coated with an adhesive on at least one side. Further At least one transfer device for labels separated from the dispenser is provided. The at least one transfer device can also perform the singulation process. By means of the at least one transfer device, the separated labels are transferred from the dispenser to the container outer surface. At least one moistening device is provided and arranged in the labeling device in such a way that each label is moistened with a gelatin-dissolving liquid, in particular with water, before, during or after its picking up by the dispenser. Further, the at least one transfer device is configured such that the label is transferred with its gelatin-containing surface to the associated container outer surface enclosing the gelatin-solubilizing liquid.

The invention also relates to a labeled container, in particular labeled reusable containers, preferably reusable beverage bottles, having the features of claim 5. Accordingly, the at least one label is self-adhesive, in particular highly transparent and / or redetachable, wherein between the container outer surface and the label, an adhesive layer of gelatin or a Adhesive layer comprising gelatin in sufficient quantity is arranged.

The invention also relates to a self-adhesive label for a container, in particular for a reusable container, and most preferably for a reusable beverage bottle, having the features of claim 6. Accordingly, the self-adhesive label has at least one dry adhesive layer of gelatin or gelatin in sufficient amount comprising adhesive layer which is non-adhesive in the dry state, wherein the adhesive layer with a gelatin-dissolving liquid, in particular with water, in a self-adhesive state can be transferred.

The invention further provides a method for producing self-adhesive labels having the features of claim 12, which are intended for labeling containers, in particular reusable containers and preferably reusable beverage bottles. It is envisaged that an adhesive film of liquefiable gelatin liquefied under heating or of a gelatin in a sufficient amount and liquefied under heat supply material in liquefied form is dispensed continuously from a slot-like dispensing nozzle. The gelatin film thus donated is laminated (applied) onto a film web provided as a base layer of the label. The adhesive layer of the thus-coated film web is dried to a residual content of moisture remaining in the adhesive layer until the adhesive layer is not tacky. The labels are subsequently punched out of the film web and can be stacked in a supply such as for dispensing by a label dispenser.

Likewise, the invention relates to the use of gelatin or gelatin in a sufficient amount comprehensive material as an adhesive layer according to claim 14 for producing self-adhesive label.

Finally, the invention relates to a Etikettenherstellvorrichtung with the features of claim 15. Accordingly, for producing self-adhesive labels, in particular labels according to claim 6, a film web comprehensive winding device for unwinding the film web is provided, wherein the film web as the actual support layer for producing the labels serves. The device further comprises a reservoir having a dispensing opening, wherein the reservoir is filled with solidified but still elastic gelatin having a (first) residual moisture. In that regard, a "solidified" gelatin is understood to mean that it is no longer flowable in the storage container. For example, it can be rubbery. The reservoir is provided with at least one heating means disposed in the vicinity of the dispensing opening and intended for zone melting of the gelatin contained in the reservoir. Further, at least one conveying means is provided for conveying the molten gelatin from the dispensing opening to a dispensing nozzle associated with the film web in the dispensing position. The dispensing nozzle is intended and provided such that the film web is coated like a film with gelatin, wherein the melt and / or dispensing means are designed and operable so that the gelatin has a certain residual moisture when donated to the film web. The apparatus is further provided with at least one control means which limits the residual moisture loss of the gelatin exiting the dispensing nozzle to a predetermined value. The apparatus may further comprise a drying unit which is designed and arranged to dry the gelatin film on the film web to a (second) residual moisture until it becomes non-tacky. The drying unit may also consist of a breather path which gives the gelatin film an opportunity to cool and / or dry.

Typical moisture contents of gelatin or gelatin in a sufficient amount of comprehensive material before melting are about 40-50% when applied to the film web at about 40-50% and after drying or as a ready-made label at about 8- 13%.

Among other things, it is achieved by the invention that even at high cycle rates, as they when labeling reusable beverage bottles are common, bubble-free or almost bubble-free can be applied to the container to be labeled. In particular, it is possible to realize NLL applications with the invention. This makes high-quality labeling possible even for mass production.

It is now possible in various ways to carry out the invention in detail:
Gelatin is obtainable as a biopolymer in many ways and is known, inter alia, as animal protein or denatured or hydrolyzed collagen derived from the connective tissue of, in particular, pigs and cattle. Gelatine is a hydrocolloid. Since the gelatin lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan, it is not considered as wholesome protein. Gelatine can contain 1 to 2% organic matter and up to 15% water. Gelatin swells in water and dissolves when heated from about 50 degrees. The gel formed during the cooling of gelatin thus becomes liquid again upon heating, whereby this temperature-dependent gel / sol transition is reversible. Gelatine is therefore also used as a hotmelt substitute for packaging box gluing, ie in caterpillar form. The caterpillars have an acceptable thickness of 1 to 3 mm for packaging. Thinner threads that can be continuously spun and stretched today by means of the Retationstechnik are very well suited for surface application in the bonding of papers and fixation of individual tissue layers. Because of the visibility, thin gelatin threads are not used for optically high-quality adhesions.

It has now been found that gelatin can be used as a bonding agent for the bubble-free application of labels on containers when a molten gelatin film is applied to a film web and dried until the application is no longer sticky, and the labels punched out of the film web in a separate Step on the container, such as a reusable beverage bottle is applied. A direct order, as is common in the wet gluing of labels for refillable beverage bottles, is not possible with the high number of cycles in labeling and filling systems of beverage bottles in bubble-free form. The invention provides for the application of gelatin as an adhesive on the back of the label a different process than for the application of the label on the container to be labeled before. A decisive advantage is that in the labeling machine not a wet cold adhesive must be processed as usual, but only a gelatin-solubilizing liquid, preferably water, must be handled to the adhesive layer on the label back in the shortest possible time of a dry in a sticky Condition, so that high clock rates are feasible.

It has been found that any certain irregularities in the thickness of the dry adhesive layer still lead to a uniform tack and the label can be transferred bubble-free to the container. This transfer is preferably in the form that the label at one point, in z. B. aligned shape, is applied to the container and the remaining surface areas of the label are held so that they can approach starting from the attachment point successively to the container outer surface, so that the finest capillary forces are used. As a result, even the smallest amounts of air between the container outer surface and the adhesive layer of the label are distributed to the outside. It has been found that in liquefying by melting, this effect of the gelatin adhesive layer on the back of the label is not achieved.

The invention can now be carried out in various ways:
The film forming the carrier layer of the label can be printed in manifold manners, in particular from the outside, from the inside or by means of a printed intermediate layer.

If the carrier sheet is made of a material that can absorb and / or permeate water, this facilitates both the application of the labels to the outer surfaces of containers and the redetachment. Also advantageous is a capacity and / or permeability for typical washing liquids.

If the carrier film consists of a biodegradable material, thereby the disposal of the labels when washing of returnable bottles, especially those made of glass, simplified. For containers not made of glass but of plastic, the adhesive layer according to the invention is particularly advantageous if the container consists of biodegradable material. Such materials are now available on the market. Very particularly advantageous is such a combination, although the film is biodegradable.

Biodegradable films are known in a variety of forms and are distributed by a number of advanced companies, such as: Under the trademark Mater-Bi or by the company InnoviaFilms Ltd. Such properties are known in this regard cellulose hydrate, also known as cellophane, and under the brand name cellophane one of the oldest plastics for packaging. These are thin, colorless and transparent films of viscose with the characteristic cellophane attack and crackling effect. It is manufactured from wood powder (cellulose), which is dissolved in caustic soda (NaOH) and carbon disulphide (CS2). The production may be regarded as generally known. The transparent film is relatively difficult to handle because it quickly wrinkles. But it is biodegradable and can at least pass water vapor. Surprisingly, it has been found that the cellulose hydrate film can then be handled comparatively easily if it has previously been mixed with gelatin at its melting temperature, ie essentially in a temperature range between 30 and 90 ° C., preferably between 35 and 60 ° C. in the form of a molten film is coated. After drying the gelatin coating to no more stickiness, the resulting composite material can be handled similarly well as other self-adhesive foil labels. By moistening with a gelatin-dissolving liquid, in particular with water, such a label according to the invention can be transmitted without bubbles on a container outer surface as an NLL label. The combination of gelatin-containing adhesive layer and cell glass sheet produces highly transparent and easily printable labels with a thickness of the base layer of 0.009 to 1 mm, preferably 0.02 to 0.5 mm, whereby thinner labels can be realized.

The coating strength of the gelatin on the label carrier layer can, u. A. vary depending on the material and the thickness of the label support layer, to a great extent. Thicknesses of from 1 to 1000 .mu.m and especially from 10 to 100 .mu.m are preferred.

To protect against residual moisture loss can be provided, at least for storage and transport, to enclose a label stock in stack form on all sides and / or provide other means of protection against residual moisture loss of the labels.

Since cellophane reacts sensitively to water, the water absorption of the cellophane film can be achieved by means of suitable topcoats, such as, for example, polycarbonate. B. PVDC or NC coating can be controlled.

The above-mentioned and the claimed components to be used according to the invention described in the exemplary embodiments are not subject to special conditions of size, shape, material selection and technical design, so that the selection criteria known in the field of application can be used without restriction

Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the subclaims, as well as from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which - by way of example - an embodiment for producing the labels and for labeling of containers is shown with such labels. Also, individual features of the claims or of the embodiments may be combined with other features of other claims and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the drawing show

1A a block diagram for the production of the labels as well

1B a block diagram labeling of containers with such labels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

How out 1A as can be seen, an adhesive film is used to make self-adhesive labels 1 (Adhesive layer) from under heat 2 liquefiable gelatin 3 or from a gelatin in sufficient amount and liquefiable material in liquefied form from a slot-like donor nozzle 5 donated continuously. For this purpose, a gelatin containing solidified, still elastic and a first residual moisture is contained 3 or a donor opening filled with material comprising such gelatin in sufficient quantity 4A having reservoir 4 with heating means 4B for melting the gelatin 3 in the vicinity of the donor opening 4A intended. The liquid gelatin film thus donated 1A is applied to a provided as a support layer of the label film web 7 laminated (applied). This is at least one funding 6 provided for conveying the melted gelatin from the dispensing opening 4A to one of the film web 7 in the donor position 5A associated dispensing nozzle 5 for film-like coating of the film web 7 with the molten residual moisture gelatin. One the foil web 7 comprehensive winding device 7A at least serves to unwind the film web 7 as a base layer of the labels to be produced 9 , The adhesive layer 1 the coated film web 7B will be on a route 8th dried to a residual content of moisture remaining in the adhesive layer to the non-tackiness of the adhesive layer. The labels 9 are subsequently from the coated film web 7B punched out and can in a stock 11 such as for dispensing by a label dispenser 12 be stacked. At least one tax agent 10A . 10B . 10C . 10D controls the promotion and the residual moisture of the dispenser nozzle 5 leaking liquid gelatin 1A to a predetermined value, and / or limits the subsequent residual moisture loss in a drying unit 13 for drying the gelatin film on the coated film web 7B except for a (second) residual moisture.

How out 1B can be seen, is used to label a container 15 every label 9 before, during or after it has been picked up from a label stock 12 with a liquid dissolving the gelatin 14 , in particular with water, moistened. According to an alternative procedure is provided, the container to be labeled outer surface 15A , if necessary, in addition to moisten (moistening element 16B ), so that the label moistening only (or additionally) when applying the label 9 he follows.

Moistening before picking up a label stock 11 can through a moistening element 16A respectively. If the label moistening during tapping of the label stock 11 take place, so can first a transfer element 17A which the label 9 from the label stock 11 at least on a leg to the container 15 transported by means of a moistening element 16C be moistened. This moisture is then removed when tapping the label 9 from the stock 11 transfer. For this purpose, a known revolving range 17C , which transmits a wet glue in known labeling techniques, for moisture transfer with the aid of the moistening element 16C be used.

If the labels are to be moistened only after tapping, so can a label already tapped 9 carrying transfer element 17B relative to a humidifier 16 relative to a moistening element 16D be moved before the label 9 on the container 15 is transmitted. In addition or as an alternative to the above-mentioned moistening methods, as mentioned above, the container outer surface 15A be moistened (moistening element 16B ). After one or more of the moistening steps described above, the label becomes 9 with its gelatin-containing surface, including the gelatin-solubilizing liquid 14 on the associated container outer surface 15A transfer. After transferring the label 9 The trapped liquid may gradually volatilize while the labeled container is being transported as intended.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Adhesive film

1A

liquid gelatin film

2

heat

3

liquefiable gelatin

4

reservoir

4A

dispenser opening

4B

heating

5

dispensing nozzle

5A

dispensing position

6

funding

7

sheet

7A

winding device

7B

coated film web

8th

drying section

9

labels

10A

control means

10B

control means

10C

control means

10D

control means

11

label supply

12

dispenser

13

drying unit

14

liquid

15

container

15A

Container outer surface

16

humidifying

16A

moistening

16B

moistening

16C

moistening

17A

transfer element

17B

transfer element

17C

palette

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

• EP 0951004 A2 [0002]

Claims (17)

Method for labeling containers, in particular reusable containers and particularly preferably reusable beverage bottles, with self-adhesive, in particular highly transparent and / or redetachable labels in which labels coated with an adhesive on at least one side are tapped from a supply and subsequently applied smoothly to a container outer surface are characterized in that the adhesive layer is gelatin or gelatin in sufficient amount that each label and / or container outer surface to be labeled before, during or after tapping the label from the supply with a gelatin dissolving liquid, especially water , is moistened, and that after the moistening step, the label with its gelatin-containing surface is transferred to the associated container outer surface, including the gelatin-solubilizing liquid. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that first a transfer element, which transports the label at least along a partial route from the supply to the container, is moistened. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a transfer element carrying an already tapped label is moved relative to a moistening device in order to carry out the label moistening only after tapping. Device for labeling containers, in particular reusable containers and particularly preferably reusable beverage bottles, with self-adhesive, in particular highly transparent and / or redetachable labels comprising at least one dispenser for dry labels coated with an adhesive on at least one side, at least one transfer device for isolated from the dispenser labels for transferring the separated labels from the dispenser to the respective container outer surface, in particular for performing the method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized, provided at least one for applying gelatin dissolving liquid, in particular water, certain moistening and arranged such that each label before, during or after its capture from the dispenser and / or the container outer surface to be labeled with the gelatin dissolving liquid, in particular with water, b is humidified, and that the at least one transfer means is provided and arranged so that the label is transferred with its gelatin having surface enclosing the gelatin-solubilizing liquid on the associated container outer surface. Labeled container in particular labeled reusable container, preferably reusable beverage bottle, characterized in that between the container outer surface and the label, an adhesive layer of gelatin or an adhesive layer comprising gelatin in sufficient quantity is arranged. Self-adhesive label, intended and intended for a container, in particular for labeled reusable containers, preferably for refillable beverage bottles, having at least one base layer and at least one adhesive layer disposed on one or both sides of the base layer, characterized in that the self-adhesive label comprises at least one dry adhesive layer of gelatin or Gelatin in sufficient amount comprising layer which is not adhesive in the dry state, wherein the adhesive layer with a gelatin dissolving liquid, in particular with water, in a self-adhesive state can be transferred. Self-adhesive label, according to claim 6, characterized in that the support layer consists of a material that can absorb water, and / or permeate. Self-adhesive label, according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the support layer consists of a biodegradable material, in particular of cellophane Self-adhesive label according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the container consists of biodegradable material. Self-adhesive label, according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the thickness of the support layer is 0.009 to 1 mm, preferably 0.01-0.5 mm. Self-adhesive label, according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the application strength of the gelatin on the label support layer is 1 to 1000 microns, preferably 10 to 100 microns Method for producing self-adhesive, in particular transparent, in particular highly transparent labels, provided and intended for the labeling of containers, in particular reusable containers and particularly preferably reusable beverage bottles, in particular according to claim 6, characterized in that an adhesive film from liquefiable under heat, in particular a moisture content between about 40 to 50% exhibiting, gelatin or from a, in particular a moisture content of about 40 to 50% comprising gelatin in sufficient amount and liquefiable under heat liquefiable material in a liquid form from a slot die is continuously donated and laminated on a film web (applied ), that the adhesive layer of the thus coated film web is dried to a residual content of moisture remaining in the adhesive layer, in particular from 8 to 13% residual moisture, until the adhesive layer is not tacky, and the labels are subsequently punched out of the film web and optionally in stockpile, such as for dispensing by a label dispenser. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the gelatin donation temperature is between 30 and 90 ° C, preferably between 35 and 60 ° C. A method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the water absorption of the cell glass sheet by at least one topcoat, such as. As a PVDC or NC coating is controlled. A method for producing self-adhesive, in particular transparent, in particular highly transparent labels, provided and intended for the labeling of containers, in particular reusable containers and more preferably reusable beverage bottles, in particular according to claim 6, characterized by the use of gelatin or gelatin in a sufficient amount of comprehensive material as adhesive film for the production of the self-adhesive label. Device for producing a self-adhesive, in particular transparent, in particular highly transparent label, provided and intended for the labeling of containers, in particular reusable containers and particularly preferably reusable beverage bottles, in particular according to claim 6, characterized by a film web ( 7 ) comprehensive winding device ( 7A ) at least for unwinding the film web as a base layer of the labels to be produced ( 9 ), with a gelatin which has solidified, is still elastic and contains a first residual moisture ( 3 ) or with a material comprising such a gelatin in sufficient quantity, a dispensing opening ( 4A ) having reservoir ( 4 ) with at least one heating medium ( 4B ) for melting the gelatin adjacent to the donor opening ( 4A ), with at least one grant ( 7A ) for conveying the melted gelatin from the donor opening ( 4A ) to one of the film webs ( 7 ) in the donor position ( 5A ) associated dispensing nozzle ( 5 ) for film-like coating of the film web ( 7 ) with a molten residual moisture gelatin film ( 6 ), with tax revenue ( 10A ; 10B ) for limiting the residual moisture loss from the donor nozzle ( 4A ) gelatin to a predetermined value, and with a drying unit ( 13 ) for drying the gelatin film on the coated film web ( 7B ) except for a (second) residual moisture. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the drying unit ( 13 ) consists of a Ablüftstrecke, which gives the gelatin film opportunity for cooling and / or drying.

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