DE102015204821A1 - Apparatus and method for perforating a film tube - Google Patents

Abstract

Described are an apparatus and method for perforating a film tube. Accordingly, there is a tear-off perforating unit for making sleeve-shaped tube segments and a venting perforator for producing at least one venting perforation per tube segment. By further comprising adjusting means for adjusting a delivery distance effective between the venting perforator and the rupturing perforator, the location of the venting perforations with respect to the tube segments in the longitudinal direction can be variably adjusted for continuous advancement of the tubular film.

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for perforating a film tube with tear-off perforations and with ventilation perforations.

For the labeling of containers, such as bottles, it is for example from the DE 201 049 72 U1 it is known to cut off sleeve-shaped labels from an endlessly conveyed film tube and to shoot from above over the containers. For this purpose, the film tube is pulled over a Auffaltdorn and repelled axially by means of conveyor rollers. When cutting the label sleeves of the film tube whose transport must be interrupted briefly to allow a clean cut.

From the EP 1 634 817 B1 It is also known to form sleeve-shaped shrink labels vent perforations that allow the shrinkage of label sleeves on concave container contours the escape of an intermediate air cushion. The venting perforations are produced when the film tube is stationary, for example by means of a cutting edge actuated by a stationary pneumatic cylinder, specifically during the conveying pause, which is anyway necessary for the cutting off of the individual labels.

Due to the unavoidable manufacturing tolerances of film tubes and the increasing demand for very thin-walled label sleeves, however, the separation of the labels by cutting can often only be carried out with qualitatively unsatisfactory results. It was therefore, for example, in the DE 10 2011 076863 A1 proposed not to cut off the label sleeves from the film tube, but at first to form transverse perforations and tear at this successively label sleeves by means of conveyor rollers and shoot at the containers or suitable labeling stations.

It is advantageous in this case in particular that the dividing lines formed by such tear-off perforations do not depend on the dimensional tolerances of the film tube, and that the singulation is possible with continuous advancement of the film tube. Venting perforations, however, can be produced only with dormant film tube, so that the benefits of additional Abreißperforationen then only partially come to fruition.

There is therefore a need for devices and methods for qualitatively and / or quantitatively improved dicing of label sleeves with vent perforations from a film tube, for labeling containers, such as beverage bottles.

The stated object is achieved with a device according to claim 1. Accordingly, the device is suitable for perforating a film tube. The apparatus includes a tear-off perforator for making tear-off perforations that divide the film tube into adjoining tube segments, and a vent perforator for producing at least one vent perforation per tube segment. According to the invention, the device comprises adjusting means for adjusting a conveying distance between the venting perforating unit and the tear-off perforation unit for the film tube.

By producing tear-off perforations, it is to be understood that transverse dividing lines are formed on the film tube, at which the film tube can be separated by tearing off to label sleeves. The tear-off perforations could also be formed as notches extending transversely to the film tube. In other words, the tear-off perforations or separating lines are a targeted weakening of the hose wall, in particular with respect to a tensile stress acting in the longitudinal direction, so that individual label sleeves can be torn off the film hose by them. It is thus a preparatory step for the separation of label sleeves by tearing lines are generated between still hanging label sleeves.

Under a vent perforation is at least one through hole in the wall of the film tube to understand, can escape through the air that is present during shrinking or elastic clinging between the container and the isolated label sleeve.

The effective conveying distance between the venting perforating unit and the breaking perforating unit means the conveying distance that exists between cutters formed on the venting perforating unit and the breaking perforating unit at the time of their impact on the film tube. With simultaneous operation of the venting and the Abreißperforationswerks and at constant feed of the film tube corresponds to the effective conveying distance the distance between the Abreißperforation or parting line and the same time formed in the film tube vent perforation. However, the cutting edges of the two perforators do not have to be operated simultaneously. Sufficient is a time with a known Feed of the film tube synchronized actuation of the cutting.

By adjusting the effective conveying distance, the position of the ventilation perforations in the longitudinal direction of the film tube can be adjusted with reference to the tear-off perforations or separating lines. For example, the vent perforations can each be placed specifically at one point of the label sleeves, where they are laminated by a printed image.

Preferably, the adjusting means comprises at least one deflecting roller formed between the venting perforating unit and the tear-off perforating unit, which is adjustable in a conveying plane of the film tube. By this is meant a plane within which the film tube is deflected at least once by means of the deflection roller. In contrast, a tracking control of the film tube is substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane.

The deflection roller is preferably displaceable in the conveying plane, but can also be pivoted on a boom. Such a deflection roller can be integrated in a simple manner in a conveying path between the venting perforator and the Abreißperforationswerk. In addition, the adjustment can be made comparatively space-saving and with little design effort.

Preferably, the adjusting means is formed as a loop buffer with adjustable distance between at least two pulleys. Such a loop buffer can be provided, for example, by means of a displaceable and in particular a fixed deflection roller in a simple and easy-to-use manner.

Preferably, the adjustment means comprises a linear guide for displacing the venting perforator. A linear guide can be adjusted easily and accurately. In addition, only a one-dimensional adjustment is made possible and thus simplifies the overall management of the film tube.

Preferably, the venting perforator is formed upstream of the breakaway perforator. This facilitates, in particular, retrofitting existing label dispensers with an additional venting perforation unit. Upstream of the Abreißperforationswerks the Entlüftungsperforationswerk and the adjusting means, in particular deflection rollers, relatively easily integrate into the conveying path of the film tube.

The venting perforation unit is preferably designed to produce the venting perforation with continuous advancement of the film tube. This allows a particularly fast and efficient singulation and perforation of label sleeves.

The venting perforation plant preferably comprises a servomotor driven cutting roller and / or countercutting roller. On the cutting roller existing, in particular toothed transverse cutting can then drive targeted against the passing film tube. The cutting roller and / or counter-cutting roller is / are, in particular jointly, by means of a toothed belt, friction wheel or the like, or driven directly by the servomotor.

The servo motor is preferably controllable in such a way that a transverse cutting edge formed on the cutting roller intermittently moves along with the film tube perforating the film tube. The film tube then runs, for example, between the individual perforations with a small distance to the cutting roller and counter-cutting roller, and both rollers are driven together in cycles, so that the cross cutting only runs when perforating at the feed speed of the film tube and presses against the counter-cutting roller and perforated. Preferably, the transverse cutting edge thereby generates a plurality of through holes arranged in a row transversely to the film tube. Thus, a transverse row of vent perforations can be precisely and efficiently produced during a continuous advance of the film tube.

Preferably, at least one working cycle of the venting perforation unit can be synchronized with one working cycle of the tear-off perforation unit at a time. By definition, one working cycle of the tear-off perforation unit comprises establishing a dividing line between adjacent tube segments. A power stroke of the venting perforation plant preferably includes establishing a venting perforation or a series of venting perforations.

The working cycles of the Abreißperforationswerks are preferably triggered by scanning the film tube with respect to existing on the film tube cut marks or with respect to a characteristic feature of a periodically repeated on the film tube print image. The working cycles of the venting perforation unit are then triggered in a fixed temporal relation to the working cycles of the tear-off perforation unit, in particular simultaneously.

It is also possible to have several work cycles of the ventilation perforation unit per one working cycle to couple the Abreißperforationswerks, for example, if several transverse rows of vent perforations are to be produced successively with different transverse cutting of the Entlüftungsperforationswerks within a tube segment. Regardless of the number of vent perforations or transverse rows, their distance from the tear perforations or dividing lines can be selectively adjusted and maintained in a reproducible manner.

Preferably, the Abreißperforationswerk is formed for producing transverse to the film tube tear-off perforations between the tube segments. Here, tear-off perforations are preferably to be understood as meaning rows of through-holes.

However, tear-off perforations in the form of tear-off notches would also be conceivable, ie incisions with a depth of cut which is less than the wall thickness of the foil tube. The latter comes into consideration for comparatively thick-walled film tubes, in particular if fraying of the separated label tubes along the dividing lines is to be avoided. For this purpose, for example, the counter-cutting roller would have to be replaced by a second cutting roller in order to produce tear-off notches from the outside on both sides of the longitudinally folded film tube.

Preferably, the device according to the invention is part of a label dispenser, which further comprises a conveying means for accelerating a hose segment respectively leading on the film tube to tear the latter of the film tube and / or auszuschießen as a label sleeve. This combines in a particularly advantageous manner, the production of vent perforations and predetermined tear lines, singulating to label sleeves and dispensing on containers to be labeled with continuous feed of the film tube.

The stated object is also achieved by a method according to claim 12. Accordingly, this includes a step of dividing a film tube into tuck-off tube segments by making tear-off perforations, and a step of making at least one vent perforation per tube segment. According to the invention, a distance between the vent perforations and adjacent break-off perforations is adjusted by changing a conveying distance for the film tube defined between lines of action for the production of the break-off perforations and the vent perforations. The effective conveying distance is to be understood as meaning a distance along the film tube between the locations of the respective cutting edges effective for the tear-off perforation and the venting perforation.

Preferably, the tear-off perforations or separating lines and the venting perforations are produced during a continuous advance of the film tube, in particular simultaneously. This allows a particularly fast and accurate separation of label sleeves and thus efficient labeling of containers.

Preferably, the time sequence of working strokes for producing the tear-off perforations or separating lines and the venting perforations is controlled as a function of a scanning of the film tube with respect to cut marks and / or features of a printed image present thereon. For this purpose, for example, an optical sensor is provided with the cutting marks and / or printing features can be detected. The sensor could be designed, for example, as a sensor line or as a camera. Thus, the separation lines and vent perforations can be aligned exactly to the cutting marks and / or printing features.

The film tube is, for example, a heat-shrinkable tube or a film tube that is elastically deformable for the purpose of labeling. The tear-off perforations or dividing lines are formed therein by transverse rows of perforation holes. It would also be conceivable to have transverse notches on both sides. Depending on the thickness and material of the film tube can thus be generated in the film tube suitable tear lines for tearing the label sleeves in the longitudinal direction.

Thus, containers can be labeled in an advantageous manner with label sleeves, which are torn off by a perforated film tube according to the invention along the dividing lines, wherein between the label sleeves and the containers during labeling, for example when shrinking or elastic nestling of the label sleeve, existing air cushion escapes through the vent perforation.

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

1 a schematic representation of a label dispenser with a Abreißperforationswerk and a Entlüftungsperforationswerk; and

2 a schematic side view of a perforated film tube in a conveying section between the vent and the Abreißperforationswerk.

As the 1 is the device 1 for perforating a film tube 2 in a preferred embodiment, part of a label dispenser 30 for shooting up label sleeves 3 on containers to be labeled 4 , The label sleeves 3 become along separating lines or tear-off perforations 5 from the film tube 2 separated by tearing and each have at least one vent perforation 6 on.

For producing the separating lines or tear-off perforations 5 includes the device 1 a tear-off perforation work 7 and for producing the vent perforations 6 a venting perforation plant 8th , Between these is an adjustment means 9 present, with the one between the vent perforation 8th and the tear-off perforation unit 7 effective conveying distance 10 can be adjusted. As the 2 in the plan view of the film tube 2 clarifies, is the effective conveying distance 10 between orthogonal to the feed 2a of the film tube 2 running action lines 7a . 8a of the tear-off perforation unit 7 and the venting perforator 8th Are defined.

In the embodiment, the Abreißperforationswerk includes 7 on both sides of the film tube 2 lying a cutting roller 11 with particular serrated transverse cutting edges 11a and a counter cutter 12 which cooperate in a manner known per se such that in each case one of the transverse cutting edges 11a during a working cycle of the tear-off perforation unit 7 temporarily with the film tube 2 mitläuft and this perforated with through-holes and / or notched. For this purpose, the cutting roller 11 and / or the counter-cutting roller 12 from a servomotor 13 directly (schematically indicated) or by means of belt, friction wheel or the like (not shown) driven.

The ventilation perforator 8th includes on opposite sides of the film tube 2 lying a cutting roller 14 with particular serrated transverse cutting edges 14a and a counter cutter 15 which cooperate in such a way that in each case at least one of the transverse cutting edges 14a during a working cycle of the venting perforator 8th temporarily with the film tube 2 runs along and this perforated with through holes. For this purpose, the cutting roller 14 and / or the counter-cutting roller 15 from a servomotor 16 for example by means of belts 16a , Friction wheel 16b (indicated schematically) or directly (not shown) driven.

The working cycles of the tear-off perforation unit 7 and the venting perforator 8th be from a control unit 17 triggered, preferably in response to signals from a sensor 18 putting the foil tube 2 for example downstream of the tear-off perforation unit 7 scans, at regular intervals existing crop marks 2 B and / or features of one on the film tube 2 regularly repeating print image (not shown) to recognize. The sensor 18 is preferably an optical sensor, for example a camera or a sensor line.

The film tube 2 is preferably conveyed continuously and in particular at a constant speed, for example by at least one feed roller 24 , so that the dividing lines or tear-off perforations 5 depending on the detected crop marks 2 B and / or printing features during the feed 2a of the film tube 2 at a known distance from the sensor 18 can be produced specifically and reproducibly. The tear-off perforations 5 are predetermined tear lines for singling to the label sleeves 3 and limit corresponding hose segments 2c ,

The adjustment means 9 can be in a funding level 2d of the film tube 2 be adjusted and includes, for example, at least one adjustable pulley 19 preferably on a linear guide 20 is slidably mounted. The funding level 2d runs in the 1 parallel to the drawing plane and in the 2 orthogonal to the drawing plane. A displacement 19a the pulley 19 to a (dashed lines indicated) alternative position is in the 1 indicated schematically and by way of example. In the alternative position, the effective conveying distance would be 10 at the same time twice the displacement 19a shorten.

The adjustment means 9 is preferably designed as a loop buffer, the at least one adjustable deflection roller 19 and at least one further deflection roller 21 then, when adjusting the effective span distance 10 preferably not adjusted.

As the 1 also schematically indicates, the adjusting means 9 in addition or as an alternative to moving the venting perforation unit 8th opposite the tear-off perforation unit 7 be formed in this way the effective conveying distance 10 to change. The adjustment means 9 then includes, for example, a mounting plate 22 for the deaeration unit 8th running along a linear guide 23 can be moved.

The adjustment means 9 can be manually operated and locked linear guides 20 . 23 include. Likewise, the adjustment means 9 be operated by motor. Likewise, the adjusting means could 9 comprise a pivotable adjusting mechanism, in particular for the deflection roller 19 , For example, a (schematically indicated) pivot axis 19b , At the setting means 9 can be a scale for the displacement 19a and / or a position sensor (not shown).

The operation of the device 1 and adjusting the effective travel distance 10 in an alternative value 10 ' is in the 2 in a plan view of the film tube 2 shown. In the example, the effective conveying distance becomes 10 between the lines of action 7a . 8a with the adjustment means 9 shortened. This changes the longitudinal position of the venting perforation unit 8th along the line of action 8a prepared vent perforations 6 concerning with the tear-off perforation work 7 along the line of action 7a prepared tear-off perforations 5 , Becomes the effective conveying distance 10 for example, to the alternative value 10 ' reduced, so are the ventilation perforations made in this way 6 ' closer to the respective leading dividing line or tear-off perforation 5 , The distances between the tear-off perforations 5 remain unchanged in the example.

Since the film tube 2 essentially tangential to the cutting rollers 11 . 14 and the counter cutting rollers 13 . 15 runs along, the action lines fall 7a . 8a (in the plan view of the film tube 2 ) with the axes of rotation of the cutting rollers 11 . 14 together. The effective conveying distance 10 can therefore also as the conveying distance between the axes of rotation of the cutting rollers 11 . 14 be understood.

Preferably, the control unit couples 17 exactly one stroke of the ventilation perforation plant 8th to one working cycle of the Abreißperforationswerks 7 , It is then per separation line or tear perforation 5 , and thus per label sleeve 3 , a vent perforation 6 or a transverse row of vent perforations 6 generated.

But it would also be possible, at least two working cycles of the ventilation perforation 8th to one working cycle of the Abreißperforationswerks 7 to couple in this way the number of vent perforations 6 per label sleeve 3 increase and the vent perforations 6 or transverse rows of vent perforations 6 in the longitudinal direction on the respective label sleeve 3 targeted and for all label sleeves 3 equally distributed. This is in the 2 down for two during consecutive work cycles of the vent perforator 8th produced rows of vent perforations 6 '' indicated.

Regardless, the chisel edge could 14a Also be formed even multi-row serrated, per per cycle of the vent perforation 8th at least two transverse rows of vent perforations 6 manufacture. Likewise, only a toothed cross-cutting edge could 14a on the cutting roller 14 be educated.

Alternatively to at least one of the cutting rollers 11 . 14 would be otherwise, for example, on sled or belt, circumferential cross-cutting conceivable or with or against the feed 2a oscillating cross-cutting.

During a working cycle of the ventilation perforator 8th becomes the serrated cross-cutting edge 14a at the designated location of the film tube 2 with the feed 2a carried. After making the vent perforation 6 becomes the cutting roller 14 turned into a suitable rotational position in the sense of a waiting and starting position for the next power stroke. Following this, the next power stroke can be performed. Depending on the length of the hose segments 2c or label sleeves 3 can also be several such cycles of the ventilation perforation 8th , ie an alternating positioning and running along the cross cutting edge 14a during a working cycle of the tear-off perforation unit 7 To run.

With the device according to the invention 1 can be worked as follows:
The film tube 2 is continuously and preferably at a constant speed from the conveyor roller 24 through the venting perforator 8th and the tear-off perforation unit 7 pulled and for example in the area of the conveyor roller 24 in terms of crop marks 2 B and / or characteristic pressure characteristics scanned.

Based on a predetermined setpoint offset of the separating lines or tear-off perforations 5 from the crop marks 2 B and / or characteristic pressure characteristics and taking into account the speed of the feed 2a become tripping times for the working cycles of the Abreißperforationswerks 7 calculated. By appropriate control of Abreißperforationswerks 7 become the tear-off perforations 5 in a regular sequence of power strokes in the film tube 2 produced.

Synchronized with the working cycle of the tear-off perforation unit 7 and preferably at the same time becomes the venting perforator 8th so controlled that per toothed cross-cutting edge 14a a transverse row of vent perforation 6 in every hose segment 2c is produced. Particularly easy to perform is a simultaneous control of the servomotors 13 . 16 ,

The distance 2e between the venting perforation 6 or their transverse rows and adjacent tear-off perforations 5 is at the beginning of the production process by changing the effective delivery distance 10 set.

However, there would also be a defined time offset between the time of exposure crosscutting 11a . 14a conceivable, provided the effective conveying distance 10 is known. This can be done, for example, on a scale of the setting 9 read or read from an associated position sensor. The servomotors 13 . 16 are then controlled according to a time offset.

The segmented and perforated foil tube 2 is in a merely indicated area 25 preferably through a loop buffer (not shown) or the like out and then in the label dispenser 30 by means of conveyor rollers 31 about a Auffaltdorn 32 drawn. There is the respective foremost hose segment 2c ' while maintaining the feed 2a by means of a cyclically accelerated conveyor 33 , which may comprise, for example, further conveyor rollers, along the subsequent parting line or tear-off perforation 5 torn off and to a label sleeve 3 sporadically. The latter is placed directly on a container 4 or on a labeling station (not shown) shot the label sleeves 3 for subsequent transfer to the containers 4 initially absorbs and spreads.

As the 1 suggests, the containers can 4 , such as beverage bottles, concavely curved wall contours 4a that with the label sleeve 3 an (exaggerated) air cushion 34 especially during a subsequent shrinkage or during an elastic nestling of the label sleeve 3 on the container 4 lock in. The at least one vent perforation 6 then allows escape of the air cushion 34 ,

The label sleeves 3 preferably consist of a thermally shrinkable or for the purpose of labeling elastically deformable plastic.

In particular, by adjusting the effective delivery distance 10 can be the vent perforations 6 in a vertical region of the label sleeve which is suitable with regard to the desired appearance 3 position.

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

• DE 20104972 U1 [0002]
• EP 1634817 B1 [0003]
• DE 102011076863 A1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Device for perforating a film tube ( 2 ), comprising: a tear-off perforation work ( 7 ) for producing tear-off perforations ( 5 ), the film tube in hanging hose segments ( 2c ) subdivide; a venting perforation plant ( 8th ) for producing at least one venting perforation ( 6 ) per hose segment; and an adjustment means ( 9 ) for setting a conveying distance effective between the venting perforation unit and the tear-off perforation unit (US Pat. 10 ). Device according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting means ( 9 ) between the venting perforation plant ( 8th ) and the Abreißperforationswerk ( 7 ) trained pulley ( 19 ), which in a conveyor plane ( 2d ) of the film tube ( 2 ) is adjustable. Device according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting means ( 9 ) a loop buffer with adjustable distance between at least two pulleys ( 19 . 21 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting means ( 9 ) a linear guide ( 23 ) for moving the venting perforation unit ( 8th ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the venting perforation unit ( 8th ) upstream of the tear-off perforation unit ( 7 ) is trained. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ventilation perforation ( 8th ), the vent perforation ( 6 ) with continuous feed ( 2a ) of the film tube ( 2 ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the venting perforation unit ( 8th ) by means of a servomotor ( 16 ) driven cutting roller ( 14 ) and / or counter-cutting roller ( 15 ). Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the servomotor ( 16 ) is controllable such that one on the cutting roller ( 14 ) formed transverse cutting edge ( 14a ) intermittently and the film tube ( 2 ) perforating with the film tube runs along. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit ( 17 ) for synchronizing at least one operating stroke of the venting perforation unit ( 8th ), each with one working cycle of the Abreißperforationswerks ( 7 ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the tear-off perforation unit ( 7 ) for producing transversely, in particular orthogonally, on the film tube ( 2 ) running tear-off perforations ( 5a ) is trained. Label dispenser ( 30 ) with the device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims and further comprising a grant ( 33 ) for accelerating one on the film tube ( 2 ) each leading hose segment ( 2c ' ) to tear this from the film tube and / or as a label sleeve ( 3 ) auszuschießen. Method for perforating a film tube ( 2 ), in which the film tube by producing tear-off perforations ( 5 ) into adjoining hose segments ( 2c ), and in which at least one vent perforation ( 6 ) per hose segment, wherein a distance ( 2e ) between the vent perforations and adjacent tear perforations by changing one between action lines ( 7a . 8a ) for the production of the tear-off perforations and the deaeration perforations defined effective distance ( 10 ) is set for the film tube. The method of claim 12, wherein the tear-off perforations ( 5 ) and the vent perforations ( 6 ) during a continuous feed ( 2a ) of the film tube ( 2 ), in particular simultaneously. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the time sequence of work cycles for the production of the tear-off perforations ( 5 ) and the vent perforations ( 6 ) in response to a scan of the film tube ( 2 ) with regard to existing crop marks ( 2 B ) and / or features of a print image is controlled. Labeling method for containers ( 4 ) with label sleeves ( 3 ) obtained from a perforated according to the method of any one of claims 12 to 14 film tube ( 2 ) along the tear-off perforations ( 5 ), one between the label sleeves ( 3 ) and the containers ( 4 ) when labeling existing air cushion ( 34 ) through the vent perforation ( 6 ) escapes.

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