EP0608296B1 - Device for applying a plurality of labels - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for applying a plurality of labels on a parcel (6) or the like advanced by a conveyor has at least two separate labelling appliances (2, 3) for automatically applying one label each on the parcel or the like, means for setting the desired positions of the labels on the parcel or the like and if necessary means for storing the desired positions of the labels on the parcel or the like. Each labelling appliance has a rotary, flexible labelling arm (15) and is mounted on a suspension and adjusting device (11, 12) so as to swivel around a vertical swivelling axis (13).

Description

The invention relates to a device for applying labels to an advanced package or the like. With at least one labeling apparatus for automatically applying a label to the package or the like in each case and with means for setting desired label positions on the package or the like. The labeling apparatus is equipped with a rotating, flexible labeling arm and can be pivoted about a vertical pivot axis and can be adjusted horizontally in or transversely to the direction of advance of the pack or the like.

Such a device is known from EP-A-114 622. From EP-A-335 209 it is known to arrange two labeling devices of a different type one behind the other more or less stationary above a conveyor for packs or the like.

Devices of this type are required above all for the labeling of individual packaging, for example food packs in self-service shops, if the information conveyed by the labeling of the label is to be distributed over several individual labels for optical or spatial reasons, or if, for example, labels for individual packages or total labels for one of these individual packages (" Container ") enveloping overall packaging from a labeling device without loss of time, or if certain quantities (" batches ") of packs or the like are to be labeled one after the other with labels which are pre-printed with different contents or colors. In the latter case, in order to save a time-consuming change of label rolls per batch, a switch is made to a different labeling apparatus.

• Datenetiketten mit Preis, Gewicht, Haltbarkeitsdatum, Artikelbezeichnung, Zutaten, EAN-Strichcode, Firmenbezeichnung oder dergleichen;
• sogenannte "Aktionsetiketten" mit Werbeinformationen, die farblich oder durch Etikettenform besonders hervorgehoben sind;
• Sonderpreis-Etiketten für Sonderangebote;
• Schmucketiketten, die sich durch farbige Abbildungen und kunstvolle Etikettenformgebung auszeichnen;
• separate Strichcodeetiketten für EAN/UPC- u. a. Codes;
• Zutaten- oder Ingredienzien-Etiketten;
• Rezepturen-Etiketten mit Zubereitungsvorschlägen;
• Summenetiketten für Teilsummen (Chargen, Kartons) und Pallettensummen (mehrere Teilsummen).

The following types of labels are usually applied to packages or the like:

• Data labels with price, weight, expiry date, article name, ingredients, EAN barcode, company name or the like;
• so-called "promotional labels" with advertising information that are highlighted in color or by label shape;
• Special price labels for special offers;
• Decorative labels that are characterized by colored illustrations and artistic label design;
• separate barcode labels for EAN / UPC and other codes;
• Ingredient or ingredient labels;
• Recipe labels with preparation suggestions;
• Sum labels for partial sums (batches, boxes) and pallet sums (several partial sums).

There are also mixed label forms in which one or more of the above embodiments are summarized. The required data, images and the like can be pre-printed on the label or printed on the package immediately before the label is applied.

The known multiple labeling devices have the disadvantage that the setting of individual labeling devices relative to the pack and the setting of the overall device for packs of a different type or size are cumbersome.

The invention has for its object to be able to apply one or more labels to one or more side surfaces of the pack, with a single, universally usable multiple labeling device which can be assembled from the smallest possible number of assemblies of the same type according to the modular principle, the labels are to be applied in such a way that they can be read from a freely selectable viewing direction and that the device can be converted to other types or sizes of packs in a simple manner.

The object is achieved in that a plurality of labeling devices with rotating, flexible labeling arm are provided, and each of these labeling devices is arranged on a suspension and adjustment device in such a way that, in addition to its pivoting about the vertical pivot axis and the horizontal adjustment, it is also arranged in the vertical direction It is adjustable in height that at least the vertical height adjustment is carried out by a motor and that the time of applying the label to the package or the like during the passage of the package under the labeling apparatus by means of a Control unit can be set, saved and called up.

A main advantage of the invention lies in the quick, simple handling of the complete device, in particular in the case of motorized coordinate setting in the course of a change from one type of pack to another. When using an appropriate memory, only a new article number needs to be entered.

There are also advantages in labeling with only one label per pack, but the labels or batches can be pre-printed differently in terms of content or color. When changing articles, a time-consuming interruption of the labeling process caused by changing label rolls can be omitted if it is possible to switch from one labeling device to another. Are more differently pre-printed types of labels to be processed than labeling machines are available, the necessary label roll change can be carried out without interrupting the pack feed during the automatic labeling of a batch.

Another advantage is the application of labels to a side surface of the pack and the arrangement of several labeling lines or labeling lines next to one another, since in the case of side labeling the labeling apparatus is not, as is generally the case, tilted out of the vertical by 90 ° and placed in the range of movement of an operator got to. That is why the labeling lines can be arranged very closely and next to each other to save space.

Figur 1

eine Mehrfachetikettiervorrichtung mit zwei rotierenden Etikettierapparaten in Vorderansicht;

Figur 2

die Vorrichtung aus Figur 1 in Draufsicht;

Figur 3

die Vorrichtung aus Figur 1 mit einer Darstellung des zeitlichen Ablaufs;

Figur 4

einen rotierenden Etikettierapparat zum Etikettieren der oberen Fläche einer Packung;

Figur 5

den Apparat aus Figur 4 beim Etikettieren einer von vier Seitenflächen einer quaderförmigen Packung;

Figur 6

eine Aufhänge- und Verstellvorrichtung für einen Etikettierapparat;

Figur 7a-d

verschiedene Etikettierpositionen mit entsprechenden Möglichkeiten, Etiketten auf Packungen zu plazieren;

Figur 8

eine Etikettenbahn aus mehreren Etiketten mit normalem, und mit um 90°, 180° bzw. 270° verdrehtem Aufdruck;

Figur 9

eine Packung mit Bezeichnung der mit Etiketten versehbaren Packungsflächen;

Figur 10

eine Etikettierlinie mit zwei parallelen Mehrfachetikettiervorrichtungen in Draufsicht ähnlich Figur 2;

Figur 11

eine Packung in Draufsicht mit drei unterschiedlichen Etiketten, nämlich Daten-, Sonderpreis- und Schmucketikett;

Figur 12

eine Vorderansicht einer abgewandelten Ausführungsform einer Mehrfachetikettiervorrichtung;

Figur 13

eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung aus Figur 12;

Figur 14

eine Draufsicht der Vorrichtung aus Figur 12 und

Figur 15

Beispiele von Etikettenplazierungen bei der Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 12-14.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves in conjunction with the accompanying drawings for further explanation. Show it:

Figure 1

a multiple labeling device with two rotating labeling apparatus in front view;

Figure 2

the device of Figure 1 in plan view;

Figure 3

the device of Figure 1 with a representation of the timing;

Figure 4

a rotating labeler for labeling the top surface of a package;

Figure 5

the apparatus of Figure 4 when labeling one of four side surfaces of a cuboid package;

Figure 6

a suspension and adjustment device for a labeling apparatus;

Figure 7a-d

different labeling positions with corresponding options for placing labels on packages;

Figure 8

a label web consisting of several labels with normal printing and with printing rotated by 90 °, 180 ° or 270 °;

Figure 9

a pack with the label of the packable areas;

Figure 10

a labeling line with two parallel multiple labeling devices in plan view similar to Figure 2;

Figure 11

a pack in top view with three different labels, namely data, special price and jewelry label;

Figure 12

a front view of a modified embodiment of a multiple labeling device;

Figure 13

a side view of the device of Figure 12;

Figure 14

a plan view of the device of Figure 12 and

Figure 15

Examples of label placements in the embodiment according to FIGS. 12-14.

Figures 1 to 3 show a device 1 for applying several labels to an advanced package or the like. The device 1 comprises two labeling devices 2, 3 and a transport device 4 for feeding the packs to be labeled. The device 1 is normally integrated in a complete packaging line or packaging line. The packs 6 delivered by a (not shown) packaging machine in the feed direction T onto a feed conveyor belt 5 are successively advanced in a continuous flow by means of known, driven and light barrier-controlled conveyor belts, specifically via a separating belt 7, a weighing belt 8 and a labeling belt 9 , up to an outlet 10.

As a variant to such a continuous run, a start / stop operation is also possible.

The labeling apparatuses 2, 3 are firmly connected to the package transport device 4 by means of suspension and adjustment devices 11, 12. Each labeling apparatus 1, 2 is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis 13 and adjustable in any angular position. The labeling apparatuses 1, 2 can preferably be locked in the event of pivoting through 90 °, 180 ° and 270 ° with the aid of a latch (not shown). The pivot axis 13 is at the moment the application of a self-adhesive label 14 to the package 6 essentially in the center of this label, ie the pivot axis 13 of the labeling apparatus 2, 3 penetrates the label 14 essentially in the middle thereof and essentially perpendicular to the plane of this label. In this way, by appropriate rotation of the labeling apparatus, the label 17 can be arranged so that it is readable, in particular with reference to a certain viewing angle.

The self-adhesive labels 14 are applied to each labeling apparatus 2, 3 with the aid of a rotating and flexible labeling arm 15 (FIGS. 2 and 3). By pivoting the labeling apparatus 2, 3, the position of the label 14 applied by the labeling arm 15 to the pack 6 is rotated by the same angle.

The horizontal position of the label 14 on the top of the pack 6 is determined by two different setting options:

The position transverse to the feed direction T can be changed in the direction of the arrow H (FIG. 6) by moving the labeling apparatus 1, 2 in telescopic or slide guides 16, 17, or also by correspondingly moving and fixing guide rails 18, 19 acting on the packs 6 (Figure 2) transverse to the feed direction T.

The position of the package 6 in the feed direction T with respect to the location of the label application is controlled by an adjustable (not shown) electrical timer which applies the application of the label 14 to the package 6 during the passage under the labeling apparatuses 2, 3 delayed by an adjustable time ta, tb, ... (Figure 3).

The time at which the label 14 is applied to the package 6 results from the addition of the times tED = label printing time, ta or tb = variable start delay for the labeling apparatuses 1, 2 and tEU = labeling apparatus circulation time until the application of the label 14 to the package 6 The passage of time is triggered when the pack leading edge passes through a light barrier 38 with a reflector 39 (FIG. 3).

The mode of operation of the labeling apparatus 1, 2 is briefly explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5:
From a label supply roll 20, a label web 21 with labels 14 glued onto a carrier strip is transported by a printer 22 and thereby printed. The label web 21 is deflected sharply via a pull-off edge 23 and a self-adhesive label 14 is detached from the carrier strip 24 and dispensed into a transfer station 25. The rotating, flexible labeling arm 15, which is equipped at its free end with a suction head 26 which can be placed under vacuum at times, takes the label off the transfer station 25 with this suction head and strikes it on the package during its rotation in the direction P. Because of its flexibility, the labeling arm 15 can then return past the package 6 to its initial position at the transfer station 25.

The labels 14 can be completely or partially pre-printed and / or printed by the printer 22. Are only completely pre-printed in a labeling apparatus 1 or 2 If labels are used, the printer 2 can be omitted.

In addition to the horizontal adjustability in the direction H of a labeling apparatus 2, a vertical adjustability in the direction V is also shown in FIG. This adjustment in the direction V is necessary in order to ensure that either the surface or one or more of the side faces of the pack 6 are labeled. Furthermore, the adjustment in the direction V serves to adapt to different pack heights h.

Depending on the vertical and horizontal positioning and pivoting about the pivot axis 13 of the labeling apparatus 2 relative to the pack 6, the labeling arm 15 opens the label onto the upper pack surface (FIG. 4) or one of the four side surfaces of the pack (FIG. 5).

The vertical movement in direction V preferably takes place by means of a motor with the aid of a drive motor 27 and threaded spindle 28, the desired position coordinates being stored in an electronic memory (not shown). The upper part 29 of the hanging and adjusting device 11 is moved vertically with the attached labeling device 2, at the same time guided vertically and secured against rotation, namely by a lower part 30, which is fixed to the frame 31 of the package transport device 4.

FIGS. 7a-7d show some examples of how labels 14 can be applied to the five different packaging surfaces of a cuboid-shaped package depending on the position of the labeling apparatus 2, 3 relative to the pivot axis 13.

FIGS. 7a-7d each show examples of different positions of the labeling apparatus 2, 3 according to FIG. 2 in the left column. The associated positions of the labels 14 on the packs 6 are shown in the right column of FIGS. 7a-7d.

A marking "E" on the labels in FIG. 7 serves as a symbol for representing the position of the text on the label 14 if the printing or pre-printing is arranged as in the example of the label 32 in FIG. 8.

In order to achieve the readability of all labels from a selectable viewing direction when two or more labels 14 are applied to a pack surface, the labeling apparatuses 2, 3 can be rotated about the pivot axis 13. As a variant of this and to expand the flexibility in the design of the label, provision is also made, instead of rotating the labeling apparatus about the axis 13, to rotate the imprint on the label by 90 °, 180 ° or 270 ° (see FIG. 8, labels 33, 34 and 35).

In the version with motorized adjustment (horizontal, vertical, rotation about pivot axis 13) of labeling devices 2, 3 and storage of the label positioning data in a memory, the mode of operation is as follows:

The article master data to be printed, such as article name, price, expiry date, etc., as well as label format and print field division, are stored in the central memory (not shown) of a control unit for each article or batch.

• Startverzögerung ta, tb, ... für die Etikettenlage in Packungs-Vorschubrichtung t;
• Koordinaten der Schlittenführungen 16, 17 für die Etikettenlage quer zur Vorschubrichtung, also in Richtung H (Figur 6);
• Koordinaten des Oberteils 29 für die Anpassung an die Packungshöhe h;
• zu etikettierende Packungsfläche(n): F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 (Figur 9) sowie
• Lage des Etikettenabdrucks: um 0°, 90°, 180° oder 270° gedreht (Figur 8).

In addition, z. B. the following coordinate data saved for labeling devices 1, 2 per article:

• Start delay ta, tb, ... for the label position in the package feed direction t;
• Coordinates of the slide guides 16, 17 for the label position transversely to the feed direction, that is to say in the direction H (FIG. 6);
• Coordinates of the upper part 29 for the adaptation to the package height h;
• Package area (s) to be labeled: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 (FIG. 9) and
• Position of the label impression: rotated by 0 °, 90 °, 180 ° or 270 ° (Figure 8).

At the beginning of the labeling of a new batch or conversion from one article to another, the article number is entered via a keyboard 36 of an operating and display unit 37. This activates the associated saved master data and automatically sets the coordinates. The device 1 has thus been switched over and is ready for operation.

If several multiple labeling devices 1 as components of so-called "packaging lines" are arranged parallel to one another (FIG. 10), and if labels are to be placed on one of the four side surfaces of a packaging at the same time, there is the advantage that the packaging lines are very close to one another and thus save space can be set up because the labeling devices 2, 3 do not have to be tilted from the vertical into the horizontal and thus into the range of movement of an operator, as is customary in known devices (cf. FIG. 10, double arrow Y).

In the device 1 according to the invention, more than two labeling devices 2, 3 can also be provided, namely as many labeling devices as the maximum number of labels that must be applied per pack, cf. for example Figure 11 and the list of the different types of labels given at the beginning. The feed distance of the labeling tape 9 is extended accordingly.

A space-saving, less complex embodiment of the invention compared to the embodiment according to FIG. 1 is shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14. This embodiment is advantageous in the case of reduced demands on the label placement options, in particular when, for example, according to FIG. 15, a maximum of only two different labels 14 are to be applied to one of a maximum of two packaging areas.

The pack transport device 40 shown in the last-mentioned figures has a shortened labeling belt 41. In addition, only one suspension adjusting device 42 is required, on which a double labeling unit 43, consisting of the labeling devices 2, 3, which are firmly connected to one another, is suspended.

The pivoting of the double labeling unit 43 by 90 °, 180 ° or 270 ° is only useful if only one label must be applied per pack by means of the labeling apparatus 3. To change the label supply roll in the labeling apparatus 3, the labeling apparatus 2 is released from the apparatus 3 after unlocking a latch (not shown) and pivoted away about the hinge axis 44 by approximately 90 °.

The labeling apparatuses 2, 3 described so far are apparatuses with a rotating, flexible swivel arm 15, with the aid of which the labels 14 are applied to the packages 6 or the like. Instead of these labeling apparatuses, other apparatuses known per se can also be used, with the aid of which labels, in particular self-adhesive labels, can be inflated to the desired locations on the pack. Such labeling devices based on the blowing principle can also be combined with the described devices 2, 3 having a rotating labeling arm 15.

As explained in the foregoing, it is expedient to use an electronic memory in which the desired setting data are stored if the setting of the labeling apparatuses 2, 3 is carried out by a motor. In simpler embodiments, the labeling apparatus can also be set manually and pivoted about the axis 13. In this case, the memory is not required.

Claims (5)

1. An apparatus for the application of labels (14) to an advanced package (6) or the like with at least one labelling device (2) for the automatic application of a label to the package or the like and with means for the setting of desired label positions on the package or the like, with the labelling device being equipped with a rotating, flexible labelling arm (15) and being swivellable around a vertical swivel axis (13) and also being adjustable horizontally transversally to the feed direction (T) of the package or the like,
   characterised in that several labelling devices (2, 3) each having a rotating, flexible labelling arm (15) are provided, and each of these labelling devices is disposed at a suspension and adjustment device (11, 12) so that, apart from its vertical swivel motion and horizontal adjustment, at the same time it is also height-adjustable in the vertical direction,
   in that at least the height adjustment in the vertical direction is performed by a motor (27),
   and in that the moment of the application of the label to the package (6) or the like can be set, stored and fetched by means of a control unit (37) during the passage of the package under the labelling devices (2, 3).
2. An apparatus according to Claim 1,
   characterised in that the labelling devices (2, 3) are disposed one behind the other in the feed direction (T) of the package (6) or the like.
3. An apparatus according to Claim 1,
   characterised in that the labelling devices (2, 3, 43) are disposed next to one another in feed direction (T) of the package (6) or the like.
4. An apparatus according to Claim 1,
   characterised in that the swivelling of the labelling devices (2, 3) around the swivel axis (13) and also the adjustment in horizontal direction is also performed by motor.
5. An apparatus according to Claim 4,
   characterised in that, when changing the package (6) to be labelled or the like, positions of the labelling devices (2, 3, 43) memorised in the control unit (37) can be automatically reset with the invocation of a newly packed article or a new batch and can be represented on a display.

Images