DE102023100179A1 - Labelling device and use of such a device for labelling a bale - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a labeling device for bales (2) produced in a baler, with a belt guide and a label carrier that can be guided in the belt guide, and with a labeling unit, wherein the belt guide has a window (22) for labeling the label carrier located in the belt guide.

Description

The present invention relates to a device having the features of the preamble of claim 1, a use of such a device for labeling a bale and a method having the features of the preamble of claim 9.

Balers are used to press loose material such as paper and cardboard, plastic waste, mixed waste or fiber materials into cuboid bales, which can then be tied in various ways. The bales can then be stacked and transported, with the space required and the effort required for handling being significantly reduced due to the high degree of compaction.

There are various types of baling presses. In addition to channel baling presses with a press chamber that is open on two sides and a subsequent press channel in which the bales located there are used as abutments for the pressing process, there are also baling presses called box presses with a press chamber that is open on one side, which are characterized by better shape retention and uniformity of the bales produced and by a shorter design. Channel baling presses, on the other hand, are characterized by greater performance and less sensitivity to the uneven properties of the material being pressed.

The bales produced in a baler should have as constant, specified dimensions as possible and always have the same weight. The dimensions are particularly important for logistics, while the weight is the basis for calculating the selling price.

Balers in the form of a channel baler are, for example, from the DE 42 15 578 A1 and the EN 10 2005 003 397 A1 Designs with a press chamber open on one side are known from the documents EN 69506769 T2 and the EN 20 2012 010 760 U1 known.

While box presses produce bales with very uniform dimensions due to the press chamber being open only towards the press ram but otherwise closed on all sides, it is more difficult for channel balers to produce bales with a precisely defined length in the pressing direction. For logistics, however, it is important to know the exact dimensions of the respective bales and to be able to take them into account when calculating the mass and when putting together a load for transport.

The known channel baling presses each have a feed chute or feed hopper through which the loose material to be pressed is thrown in. The material to be pressed falls directly into the press channel, where it is transported in one working stroke by the press ram into a bale channel and compacted there. The material to be pressed in the bale channel is compacted there in a conveying stream. At the end of the bale channel, a binding takes place, with which individual bales are formed from the conveying stream. Binding takes place after a compacting stroke of the press ram, so that a bale is always formed from a number of compacting strokes, in practice around three to five strokes. The bales produced are released from the press in close succession in a quasi-continuous conveying stream. The individual bales are usually picked up with a forklift truck, possibly weighed and then transported further.

The documents EN 10 2020 109 396 A1 and EN 10 2020 109 402 A1 describe devices and methods for singling and measuring bales that are ejected from a channel baling press. After singling and measuring the bales, it is also suggested that the bale be captively strapped with one or more PET bands that have previously been labeled with the desired data. The type of labeling device and the labeling method are not specified in detail in these documents.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a labeling device for bales and to describe the use of a labeling device and a method for marking bales.

This object is achieved by a labeling device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 9.

Further developments according to the invention are described by the features of the dependent claims.

Because a generic labeling device also provides that the tape guide has a window for labeling the tape-shaped label carrier located in the tape guide, a precisely defined position of the label carrier is ensured during the labeling process. This makes the labeling particularly precise and easy to read, both visually if plain text is used, and mechanically if a barcode or QR code or similar is used.

Preferably, the window can be closed by means of a closure element so that the window cannot represent a potential interference for the transport of the label carrier.

Furthermore, if the tape guide has a carrier in which the window is arranged and the closure element has a thickness that corresponds to the thickness of the carrier, an almost smooth, step-free surface with good tape guidance results on the inside of the guide facing the label carrier.

In a preferred embodiment, a cover is provided which is arranged in the area of the tape guide opposite the window. This makes it possible to ensure laser safety even when a high-power marking laser is preferably used. In particular, no laser radiation can escape if the tape is broken during marking due to deviations in the tape structure.

In a particularly simple manner, the closure element and the cover are each arranged on an arm of a lever, in particular a two- or three-armed lever, which is pivotably mounted about an axis. These elements can then be moved simultaneously by a common actuator. This is particularly true if the lever can be pivoted by an actuator depending on a control system. This results in a safety advantage because, regardless of the position, the window is always covered either on the side facing the laser or on the opposite side, so that the window and the area underneath can never be freely penetrated and the laser beam can therefore never exit the device unprotected.

Preferably, in a position for transporting the band-shaped label carrier, the closure element is pivoted into the label window and the cover is pivoted away from the channel.

In addition, in a second position for labeling the label carrier, the locking element is pivoted out of the window and the cover is pivoted towards the channel.

1. a) Einführen des bandförmigen Beschriftungsträgers in einen Kanal, der ein verschließbares Fenster aufweist,
2. b) Stoppen des bandförmigen Beschriftungsträgers, so dass eine zu beschriftende Stelle im Bereich des Fensters liegt,
3. c) Öffnen des Fensters,
4. d) Beschriften des bandförmigen Beschriftungsträgers,
5. e) Schließen des Fensters,
6. f) Weiterbefördern des bandförmigen Beschriftungsträgers.

A method for labelling a tape-shaped label carrier comprises the following steps:

1. a) Inserting the ribbon-shaped label carrier into a channel having a closable window,
2. b) Stopping the band-shaped label carrier so that a place to be labelled is in the area of the window,
3. c) Opening the window,
4. d) Labelling of the band-shaped label carrier,
5. e) closing the window,
6. f) Further conveying of the band-shaped label carrier.

This ensures that the label is applied to the label carrier with particular precision.

Preferably, steps b) - f) are repeated several times so that several labels can be produced on the label carrier. In particular, at least three labels are produced on one strand of the label carrier so that the label is legible even if the bale is partially covered.

The label carrier is preferably stretched around a bale in a further step and welded at its overlapping end sections so that it is stretched captive around the bale. It is particularly advantageous if the label carrier is a PET tape with a width of 10 mm to 20 mm. These tapes are known from packaging technology and are characterized by a particularly high tear resistance.

Preferably, step d) is carried out by means of a laser having a radiation output of 5 - 50 watts, preferably 25 - 35 watts.

From step b) to step f), the label carrier is stationary for a period of 150 ms (milliseconds) to 600 ms, preferably 250 ms to 500 ms and particularly preferably for a period of 300 ms to 450 ms, so that this time is available for clearly legible labeling.

It is particularly preferred that the bale produced and measured is provided with a printed strapping that shows the individual mass after its mass has been measured. This means that the respective bale weight can then be read directly during handling and also for monitoring the control process.

• die Masse, Abmessungen, das Material, eine Chargennummer, eine laufende Nummer, Kalenderdaten und eine Uhrzeit.

The object is also achieved by using a labeling device as described above for marking a bale produced by a channel baler with visually or machine-readable information on properties of the bale, which includes one or more of the following information:

• the mass, dimensions, material, a batch number, a serial number, calendar data and a time.

• 1: eine Beschriftungsvorrichtung als Teil eines Förderweges in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;
• 2: einen Teil einer Bandführung mit Beschriftungsfenster und Verschluss in Transportstellung in perspektivischer Darstellung;
• 3: die Bandführung aus 2 in Beschriftungsstellung mit geöffnetem Verschluss;
• 4: die Bandführung aus 2 in einer anderen perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 5: die Bandführung aus 3 in einer anderen perspektivischen Ansicht; sowie
• 6: die Bandführung aus 3 mit eingeführtem Beschriftungsträger und einem über dem Beschriftungsfenster in der Betriebsposition dargestelltem Beschriftungslaser.

An embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

• 1 : a labelling device as part of a conveyor path in a perspective view;
• 2 : a part of a tape guide with label window and closure in transport position in perspective view;
• 3 : the tape guide from 2 in labeling position with the shutter open;
• 4 : the tape guide from 2 in a different perspective view;
• 5 : the tape guide from 3 in a different perspective view; and
• 6 : the tape guide from 3 with inserted label carrier and a label laser shown above the label window in the operating position.

In the following description, the terms “label window” and “window” are to be understood as synonymous, as are the terms “label carrier” and “tape”.

In the 1 a labeling device 1 is shown in perspective together with numerous other components. In all figures, identical or substantially identical elements have the same reference numerals.

The labeling device 1 is arranged at the end of a conveyor path on which previously produced and strapped bales 2, one of which is shown schematically here, are individually conveyed to a removal point. A weighing table 3 is part of the conveyor path. The bales are individually weighed on the weighing table and measured there or upstream of it in terms of their length, width and height.

Downstream of the weighing table 3 is the labeling device 1, which essentially consists of a strapping device 11 and a labeling unit 12. The labeling device 1 is designed in the shape of a frame and surrounds the conveying path of the bales 2 on all sides like a portal. The frame contains a tape guide in which the tape is guided around the bale 1 as a label carrier.

In detail, the labeling device 1 is designed like a binding unit in which material can be strapped with a plastic band in other applications. In this embodiment, the bale, which has already been tied in the baler and strapped with wire, is strapped with a plastic band for the sole purpose of labeling, which is printed with data to identify the bale. The plastic band does not have to take on a function in the sense of mechanically holding the bale together.

A hydraulic unit 13 is mounted on the frame above the labeling device 1. The hydraulic unit 13 is intended for driving the bales 1 along the conveyor path. The hydraulic unit 13 is not assigned a function within the labeling device.

The 2 shows a region of the frame of the labeling device in a perspective view. The frame has a tape guide which comprises a carrier 15 and angles 16 and 17 fastened to the carrier 15. The angles 16 and 17 are made of sheet metal and are each held under spring preload with a fastening area on opposite sides of the carrier 15. Free angled areas 18 and 19 engage at a distance under the carrier 15 and thus form a channel 20 of the tape guide. The angled areas 18 and 19 do not abut one another, but leave a narrow gap 21 between them which extends in the longitudinal direction of the tape guide.

The entire frame formed by the belt guide, which surrounds the bale 1, has four such straight areas as well as four curved corner elements, each of which deflects the belt guided therein by 90°. The angles 18 and 19 face the bale 1.

The carrier 15 is provided with an opening transverse to its longitudinal extension, which forms a window 22 that passes through the carrier 15 and extends into the channel 20 as a label window. It thus enables a view or access to the outside of a belt guided in the channel 20. The window 22 is elongated in the direction of the guide and has straight long side walls 23 and semicircular, rounded short end sides 24. The length of the window 22 in the transport direction of the belt is approximately 100 mm to 200 mm, preferably 150 mm. The length can be selected depending on the requirements of the label to be applied. The width of the window 22 is approximately 12 mm to 20 mm, preferably 15 mm, the width being equal to or only slightly smaller than the width of the belt for which the guide is intended. In the illustration of the 2 the window 22 is essentially closed by a rod-shaped closure element 25. The closure element 15 fills the window 22 so far that in the 2 In the position shown, the inside of the carrier 15 facing the channel 20 has no disruptive interruption for guiding the tape guided therein. Complete covering of the inside of the window 22 is not necessary.

The closure element 25 is attached to a lever 30 which can be pivoted about an axis 31. A preferably pendulum-mounted actuator 32 serves to actuate the lever 30. Below the actuator 32, a cover 33 is visible, which will be described further below and is also hinged to the lever 30.

The 3 shows the arrangement 2 when the actuator 32 is actuated. The lever 30 is pivoted away from the carrier 15 and the closure element 25 is lifted out of the window 22. The window 22 now represents a free opening through which the channel 20 and any band present therein are accessible.

In the 4 is the arrangement of 2 from a different perspective. The view shows the slot 21 running longitudinally under the frame element and the channel 20 between the support 15 and the angles 16 and 17. The actuator 32 is in the position as in 2 The lever 30 is pivoted so that the closure element 25, which is not visible here, closes and essentially fills the window 22, which is also not visible. The cover 33 is pivoted away from the angled areas 18 and 19. In this position, a plastic strip, which serves as a label carrier, can be introduced into the channel 20.

5 shows the device in the view according to 4 , but with the actuator 32 actuated, as in 3 . The closure element 25 is pivoted out of the window, while the cover 33 in this position reaches under the area above which the window is located on the other side of the channel 20. In this position the window is accessible.

6 shows the tape guide 3 with an inserted label carrier and a label laser 40 shown in the operating position above the window 22 provided as a label window. The label laser 40 is mounted above the window 22 in such a way that a band 41 located in the channel 20 as a label carrier can be labeled through the window 22 by means of a laser beam when the lever 30 is in the position according to 3 and 5 In this position, the cover located under the channel serves to safely absorb any laser beams that might penetrate the label carrier or to deflect them so that they do not pose a danger.

During the tape transport through channel 20, the position is 2 and 4 so that, on the one hand, the window 22 is closed in the manner described above and does not hinder the tape run, and, on the other hand, any particles (e.g. abrasion) falling out of the slot 21 cannot fall onto the aperture 33.

The label is preferably a barcode, which can contain various information such as the mass, dimensions, material and batch numbers, serial numbers or calendar dates and times in any combination. This data can then be read automatically. However, plain text or a QR code can also be used to label the tape, or a combination of the information carriers mentioned.

As in 6 As shown, a PET tape 41 of 10 - 20 mm width can be used as a label carrier for labeling, which is guided through the channel 20 as in a conventional strapping device. The speed of the tape 41 can be about 1.5 to 5 m/s (meters per second), preferably between 2.5 m/s and 3.5 m/s. While the labeling laser 40 can in principle produce the label when the tape 41 is moving at a uniform speed, it is preferred that the tape 41 is stopped for the duration of the labeling, i.e. about 150 to 600 ms, preferably 250 to 500 ms and particularly preferably for a period of 300 ms to 450 ms.

The special design of the channel 20, particularly in the area of the window 22, allows this intermittent operation without having to fear disturbances in the belt guide.

Preferably, the label carrier is labelled at several points, e.g. at four points along the strap section required for strapping, so that at least one label is always visible regardless of the position of the bale. The spacing of the labels can also be irregular, e.g. seven labels arranged in two groups of three or four labels each.

After the strapping is complete, the PET band 41 is tensioned and welded as usual. The fastening of the label carrier thus formed is permanent. Several label carriers can be provided next to each other in order to create redundancy in the event of damage to one of the label carriers.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was 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 accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 4215578 A1 [0005]
• DE 102005003397 A1 [0005]
• EN 69506769 T2 [0005]
• DE 202012010760 U1 [0005]
• DE 102020109396 A1 [0008]
• DE 102020109402 A1 [0008]

Claims (16)

Labeling device for bales (2) produced in a baler, with a belt guide and a belt 41 which can be guided in the belt guide as a label carrier, and with a labeling unit, characterized in that the belt guide has a window (22) for labeling the label carrier located in the belt guide. Labeling device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the window (22) can be closed by means of a closure element (25). Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tape guide has a carrier (15) in which the window (22) is arranged, and that the closure element (25) has a thickness which corresponds to the thickness of the carrier (15). Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cover (33) is provided which is arranged in the region of the tape guide opposite the window (22). Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure element (25) and the cover (33) are each arranged on an arm of a lever (30) which is mounted pivotably about an axis (31). Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (30) can be pivoted by an actuator (32) in dependence on a control. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a position for transporting the label carrier, the closure element (25) is pivoted into the window (22) and the cover (33) is pivoted away from the channel (20). Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a position for labeling the label carrier, the closure element (25) is pivoted out of the window (22) and the cover (33) is pivoted towards the channel (20). Method for labeling a band-shaped label carrier with the following steps: a) Inserting the band-shaped label carrier into a channel that has a closable window, b) Stopping the band-shaped label carrier so that a location to be labeled is in the area of the window, c) Opening the window, d) Labeling the band-shaped label carrier, e) Closing the window, f) Further conveying the band-shaped label carrier. Procedure according to Claim 9 , characterized in that steps b) - f) are repeated several times so that several labels are produced on the label carrier. Procedure according to Claim 10 , characterized in that at least three labels are produced on one strand of the label carrier. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 9 until 11 , characterized in that the label carrier is stretched around a bale in a further step and welded at its overlapping end sections in order to be captively stretched around the bale. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 9 until 12 , characterized in that the label carrier is a PET tape with a width of 10 mm to 20 mm. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 9 until 13 , characterized in that step d) is carried out by means of a laser (40) which has a radiation power of 5 - 50 watts, preferably 25 - 35 watts. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 9 until 14 , characterized in that the label carrier is stationary from step b) to step f) for a period of 150 ms to 600 ms, preferably 250 ms to 500 ms and particularly preferably for a period of 300 ms to 450 ms. Use of a labelling device according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 8th to mark a bale produced by a channel baler with a visually or machine-readable label containing information on the characteristics of the bale, comprising one or more of the following: the mass, dimensions, the material, a batch number, a serial number, calendar data and a time.

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