EP1184286A1 - Method and device for positionally accurate applying a label to an article such as a compact disc - Google Patents

Abstract

The label and the carrier are mounted in a centering device and their relative positions are independently fixed. The label is then applied to the carrier by moving the label and/or the carrier so that the label lies flat on the carrier. The label and/or carrier may then be subjected to a predetermined pressing force. An Independent claim is included for a centering device.

Description

The invention relates to a method for the precise application of a Labels on a carrier element and a device for performing the Procedure, hereinafter referred to as the universal labeling system.

The labeling of carrier elements is one of the prior art known measure. As a rule, it is used to carry the carrier element To provide information.

It is well known, for example, carrier elements in the form of Video cassettes, compact discs, folders or the like with one to provide a recordable or printable label. Users this opens up the possibility of using a carrier element To label and so information on this for example about the Apply content. For this purpose, labels are preferably in the form of a self-adhesive film or a sticker used by hand on the Carrier element are applied. Here, the label of the label both before and after the label has been applied to the carrier element respectively.

To achieve a visually appealing overall impression, they are Users of generic labels strive to position them precisely on the to apply respective carrier elements. In addition, a positional application of the label is necessary for this alone than the one due to an imprecise positioning of the label functional use of the respective support element under certain circumstances can no longer be guaranteed. For example, sticking the centrally arranged through hole of a CD so that this no longer used functionally and in a playback device to play the on it stored information can be created.

Another disadvantage arises from the fact that when applied especially large-area labels unwanted air pockets between the Can form the label and the carrier element. Also folds can arise, as well as trapped air bubbles afterwards can be removed. The only option left to the user is this remove the applied label and replace it with a new one. But also the application of a new label goes hand in hand the aforementioned disadvantages.

Proceeding from this, the present invention is based on the object of specifying a method for the positionally accurate application of a label to a carrier element which can be carried out in a simple manner and enables the label to be applied in the correct position without wrinkling and without the inclusion of air bubbles. In addition, a suitable centering device is to be created for carrying out the method, which permits application of different labels with regard to type, shape and size.

To solve this problem , the invention proposes that in a first process step the label and the carrier element to be labeled are clamped in a centering device and fixed in their relative position independently of one another and that in a second process step the label is applied to the carrier element, for which purpose the label and / or the carrier element are moved in a guided movement in such a way that the label lies flat on the carrier element.

The method according to the invention therefore provides for the carrier element and the Label independently of each other first in a first process step to position. A centering device is used for this purpose.

The carrier element and label can be aligned in this way so that a precise application is made possible. Here, the Centering device on labels and different in type, shape and size Carrier elements are adapted so that with the universal labeling system according to the invention different types of support elements with different types Label types can be combined. The user is advantageously so opens up an almost unlimited possibility of variation, so that he Carrier elements to be labeled as required with a label of your choice can provide.

Furthermore, the use of a centering device ensures, on the one hand, that the carrier element and label are not inadvertently during the application process move relative to each other, the other is via the centering device reproducible positioning accuracy achieved, so that all after Process labeled carrier elements with an identically positioned label are provided.

After the label and carrier element are clamped in the centering device, the label is applied to the carrier element in a second process step applied. For this purpose, either the label or the carrier element in one guided movement so that the label is flat on the Carrier element rests. In addition to a sequential movement of the label and carrier element is also a combined method of label and Carrier element possible. As a result, the label lies on the led Movement on the support element. Advantageously, the unwanted wrinkling and the inclusion of air bubbles avoided.

The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for labeling of compact discs (CD's), for example audio CDs, recordable CDRs, Photo CD's, mini discs, etc. Here, the particular difficulty lies with the Labeling of compact discs is based on the fact that the label for a precise application not only on the outer contour, but also on of the through hole in the compact disc. This is particularly difficult when the label to be applied has a non-circular outer contour, but instead, for example is star-shaped. This difficulty is solved with the overcome method according to the invention. The label as well as the CD will be clamped in the centering device according to the first method step and fixed independently of each other in their relative position. A move of label and carrier element is after clamping in the Centering device no longer possible. Following the fixation then in the second step the label and the carrier element in one combined guided movement so that the label is flat and therefore wrinkle-free and free of air bubbles rests on the carrier element, the CD. The label is then automatically applied to both the outer contour and the Through hole matched to the CD. Thus in advantageously avoided that a label not only not positionally accurate, but also not hindering function, e.g. B. by pasting the Through hole is applied to the CD.

According to a feature of the invention, after applying a label the carrier element provided a further process step, after which the label and a selectable contact pressure can be applied to the carrier element. This ensures that the label sticks securely. The generation of the Contact pressure can either be done manually or using a corresponding clamping and / or loading device are generated.

According to a further feature of the invention, the label and the Carrier element pivoted relative to one another about a common axis of rotation. This type of procedure is advantageously particularly simple to perform, especially since the limited to a simple rotary movement Movement of label and carrier element an unwanted movement of the label and carrier element prevented.

With regard to the centering device, the technical solution to the problem is that a receptacle is provided for the label and the carrier element to be labeled, and that each receptacle has a holding and fixing device, the two holding and fixing devices being arranged corresponding to one another.

The use of the centering device according to the invention is advantageous Make sure there is an unwanted relative shift of label and to labeling carrier element is prevented. Furthermore, due to the holding and Fixing device a precise application of the label on the Carrier element guaranteed. According to an advantageous proposal of the invention are both the label holder and the carrier element holder in the essentially plate-shaped and over a common axis of rotation arranged pivotable relative to each other. This kind of design enables particularly easy labeling. One side the hinge-like centering device carries the label, the other side serves the reception of the carrier element. Both sides of the centering device about holding and fixing devices, so that both the label on one and also the carrier element on the other side in the respective position is positioned. It is for bringing the label and carrier element together then only necessary, the hinge-like centering device together close and apply the appropriate pressure to the label to press flat on the carrier element. The result is the label accurate, without unwanted wrinkling and without the inclusion of Air bubbles glued to the carrier element. In particular, the Use a self-adhesive film or sticker as a label.

According to a further feature of the invention, the holding and fixing device a resilient clamping device for the carrier element to be labeled. The advantages of such holding and fixing devices are the one positionally accurate fixation ensuring clamping forces, on the other allows the spring-elastic training a simple plug on the Carrier element as well as a subsequent simple release of the same. With It is also particularly advantageous that the holding and Fixing device universally different in type, shape and size Carrier elements is customizable. This ensures that one and the same Centering device can be used to different carrier elements to label. The universal labeling system according to the invention enables hence the precise labeling of different carrier elements.

According to a further feature of the invention, the holding and fixing device for the label formed by an annular base body. This The base body corresponds to the holding and fixing device for the labeling carrier element and has an inner diameter, which is dimensioned such that it is the holding and fixing device for the Labeling carrier element picks up and encloses as soon as the label and Carrier element are arranged one above the other in the pivoted state.

It is proposed with particular advantage that the annular base body under Use of different adapter elements universally according to type, shape and Size different labels is customizable. The use of such Adapter elements enables the use of and with particular advantage the same centering device for different types of labels, in particular different label sizes and shapes.

The adapter elements are preferably in the form of annular push-on elements trained, which can be optionally plugged onto the annular base body. ever According to the label to be used, the individual clip-on elements can be used selected and attached to the base body. The one to use The label can be fixed in position regardless of type, size and shape become. In addition to the proposed adapter elements in the form of a ring Push-on elements can also provide other types of adapter elements his. It is crucial that the adapter elements can be used to using one and the same centering device different To fix the label forms precisely and a perfect application on the To ensure support element.

Overall, there is the advantage that both the holding and fixing device for the label as well as the holding and fixing device for the item to be labeled Carrier element each on different labels or carrier elements is adaptable and so a variety of variations in terms of label and / or support element is given.

The use of adapters for labeling is particularly advantageous of compact discs. So you can use different label shapes various compact discs combined and using the Centering device according to the invention are applied.

According to a further feature of the invention, an adapter element Clamps on. This can result in slipping into the centering device clamped labels can be prevented.

According to a further feature of the invention, each has an adapter element serving clip on a circumferential collar in the form of a Paragraph. This all-round collar represents an additional fixation aid that effective tilting of a plug-on plug-on element over the prevents annular base body. The circumferential collar also improves the manageability of the push-on elements, which is the mutual exchange simplified.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Draufsicht auf die erfindungsgemäße Zentriervorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Etikettaufnahme der erfindungsgemäßen Zentriervorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht der Etikettaufnahme gemäß der Blickrichtung III gemäß Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht der Etikettaufnahme gemäß der Blickrichtung III gemäß Fig. 2 mit zusätzlichen Adapterelementen;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Draufsicht der Etikettaufnahme mit einem dreidimensional dargestellten Adapterelement;

Fig. 6

in einer schematischen Draufsicht die erfindungsgemäße Zentriervorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 mit in der Lage fixiertem Etikett und Trägerelement und

Fig. 7

in einer schematischen Rückansicht die Etikettaufnahme der erfindungsgemäßen Zentriervorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the description with reference to the following figures. Show:

Fig. 1

a schematic plan view of the centering device according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

a schematic plan view of the label holder of the centering device according to the invention according to FIG. 1;

Fig. 3

a side view of the label holder according to the viewing direction III of FIG. 2;

Fig. 4

a side view of the label holder according to the viewing direction III of FIG 2 with additional adapter elements.

Fig. 5

a schematic plan view of the label holder with a three-dimensional adapter element;

Fig. 6

In a schematic plan view, the centering device according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 with the label and the support element and fixed in position

Fig. 7

in a schematic rear view the label holder of the centering device according to the invention according to FIG. 1.

The universal labeling system according to the invention is exemplified below described in more detail using the use for labeling a compact disc.

1 shows the centering device 1 according to the invention Centering device 1 using a conventional CD case 2, one in the lid of the CD case 2 inserted label holder 3 and a CD holder 4. The CD case 2 is shown in FIG. 1 in the opened state.

Both the label holder 3 and the CD holder 4 are each plate-shaped and each have a holding and fixing device. The holding and fixing device for the CD to be labeled is a resilient Clamping device 5 is formed and corresponds to that which is also a component conventional CD cases 2 is. The holding and fixing device for the label is an annular base body in the manner of a centering ring 6. This centering ring 6 is arranged on the label holder 3 such that it corresponds to the Clamping device 5 of the CD holder 4 is aligned, after a Collapse the CD cover 2, the clamping device 5 and the centering ring 6 are arranged directly one above the other. When folded the CD sleeve 2 are thus the centering ring 6 and the clamping device 5th on a common, through the center of both the centering ring 6 and the circular clamping device 5 passing axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the centering ring 6 is by means of gluing arranged on the label holder 3. A very strong adhesive connection between centering ring 6 and label holder 3, the centering ring a flat base plate, so that there is one in itself on the label receiving side closed adhesive surface results. This flat design of the centering ring 6 also offers the advantage that the adhesive is not applied in the highest degree Measurements must be made exactly in position, rather the adhesive can be centered on the side of the base plate facing the label holder. at pressing on a centering ring 6 provided with adhesive in this way the adhesive is automatically between the label holder 3 and the centering ring 6 distributed. The dosage of the adhesive can be measured in such a way be that when pressing the centering ring 6 no unnecessary glue is pressed out between centering ring 6 and label holder. Thus a ugly appearance can be prevented by squeezing out adhesive. This type of application of the centering ring can be done particularly well automate and allows a high application accuracy of the centering ring 6 the label recording 3.

The label holder 3 consists of a largely elastic special cardboard, to compensate for different thicknesses of different types of CD's and has such side dimensions that they are the narrowest on the basis Tolerances can be inserted into the cover of the CD case 2. By complying narrow tolerances will result in the label receptacle 3 slipping within the cover of the CD case 2 prevented. In addition, the CD case 2 has in the area of the cover via projections 7, both due to appropriate clamping forces a slipping of the label holder 3 in the drawing plane as well as in a cross to avoid this lying direction effectively. One made of cardboard Label holder 3 also has the advantage that it tears, kinks and at the same time is scratch resistant. Other materials, such as B. plastic, metal or wood can on the other hand, break, scratch the CD or easily become light when used frequently wear. The centering ring 6 arranged centrally on the label receptacle 3 consists preferably made of a resistant plastic.

Fig. 2 shows the label holder 3 in an enlarged view. The middle arranged centering ring 6 has an inner radius r and an outer radius R. on. Here, the inner radius r is dimensioned such that when folded CD case 2, the resilient clamping elements of the clamping device 5 from Centering ring 6 are added and this the clamping device 5th encloses.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional side view of the label holder 3 in accordance with the viewing direction III shown in FIG. 2. The centering ring 6 can be clearly seen in this illustration. It has a thickness D _Z which is dimensioned such that when the CD cover 2 is folded, the space between an inserted CD and the label carried by the label holder 3 is essentially filled, that is to say is zero. The thickness D _E denotes the thickness of the label receptacles 3 and results from the difference between the cover of the CD cover 2 and the centering ring 6 minus the adapter elements 8 to be explained in more detail later in this description.

FIG. 4 likewise shows the label receptacle 3 in a sectional side view according to the viewing direction according to FIG. 2. This figure also shows four different adapter elements 8 in the form of an annular push-on element 9a to 9d. All plug-on elements 9a to 9d have an inner radius which is equal to the outer radius R of the centering ring 6. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the individual push-on elements 9a to 9d can thus be pushed onto the centering ring 6. However, the individual plug-on elements 9a to 9d differ with regard to their respective outer radius. Thus, the plug-on element 9a has the outer radius R _a , the push-on element 9b the outer radius R _b , the push-on element 9c the outer radius R _c and the push-on element 9d the outer radius R _d . As can be seen from FIG. 4, the outer radius R _{a is} the smallest and the outer radius R _{d is} the largest. The thickness of the individual plug-on elements 9a to 9d are dimensioned such that, after being plugged onto the centering ring 6, they are flush with the centering ring 6.

Purpose and purpose of the designed as plug-on elements 9a to 9d Adapter elements 8 is the positionally precise fixation different Label sizes. Commercially available labels for labeling are standard from CD's through a through hole that is inherent in the CD corresponding recess. Depending on the label used, the corresponds to Size of the radius of this recess is an outer radius above-described plug-on elements 9a to 9d. In other words: depending on Using the label is used to fix the label in position Corresponding plug-on element 9a to 9d plugged onto the centering ring 6. is the centering ring 6 with one of the plug-on elements 9a to 9d can do that selected label can be fixed in its position. According to an advantageous Proposal of the invention are the different plug-on elements by different colors marked. That way it will It makes it easier for users to see at a glance which clip-on element for what label size to use.

According to a further advantageous proposal of the invention, it is provided that the label holder 3 has at least one recess which makes it easier to a slip-on element 9a to 9d plugged onto the centering ring 6 for loosening to reach under from the centering ring 6. To a Aufsteckelement 9a to 9d from To solve centering ring 6, it is in principle necessary to do this with an upward directed, d. H. with a movement away from the centering ring 6 to lift and pull off the centering ring 6. For that purpose it is To engage under 9a to 9d. This is preferably done with a fingernail. In order to simplify reaching under, there is a deepening provided in the label holder 3, which in the area of the outer edge of the Push-on elements 9a to 9d. The presence of such Lower grip does not influence the position of the Push-on elements 9a to 9d, however, enables the quickest in the simplest way and easy grip under the push-on element 9a to 9d, so that a simple Detaching from the centering ring 6 is made possible.

Fig. 5 shows the label holder 3 together with the centering ring 6 again in one schematic top view. In addition, the push-on element 9a is shown in FIG perspective view. It can be seen here that the plug-on element 9a has clamping elements 10 which are symmetrical over the circumference of the Attachment element 9a are arranged. Ensure these clamping elements 10 a secure positional fixation of the label and prevent slipping the same when folding the CD case 2. In addition, the Clamping elements 10 also secure the label in position ensured if an expansion of the label holder 3 a Displacement of the same should result within the cover of the CD case 2. In in any case, a precise position is thus via the clamping elements 10 The labels are fixed in position relative to the CD to be labeled.

For an additional fixing aid, the push-on elements 9a to 9d can be one have all-round collar. After plugging on the plug-on element 9a to 9d on the centering ring 6 this circumferential collar is then flat on the Label receptacle 3, which effectively tilts the plug-on element 9a to 9d compared to the centering ring 6 is also prevented when the Centering ring 6 or the push-on element 9a to 9d due to frequent use form a form fit that is no longer optimized. The all-round collar also improves the handling of the push-on elements. The user will replacing the individual plug-on elements is simplified in that it just to reach under the circumferential collar and the whole Then has to pull off the plug-on element from the centering ring 6.

FIG. 6, like FIG. 1, shows a centering device 1 in the form of a CD case 2. A CD 11 to be labeled is in the CD holder 4 of the CD case 2 brought in. This is held by the clamping device 5 and at the same time in it Fixed location. The CD cover 2 is provided on the cover side with a label holder 3, which carries a label 12. The label 12 is held over the centering ring 6 and also fixed in position. The CD case is used to carry out the labeling process 2 fold up, d. H. the label holder 3 and the CD holder 4 are about their common axis of rotation 14 in the direction of arrow 13 pivot. As a result of this measure, the label 12 is placed on the CD 11 brought. Likewise, it is also conceivable that the label 3 and CD recording 4 against the arrow direction 13 about the common axis of rotation pivot. In this case, the label is placed on the CD. Clearly too recognize in this figure is that the centering ring 6 such an inner radius r has that the clamping device 5 after collapsing the CD case 2 is completely absorbed by the centering ring 6. This will make the central alignment of the label 12 with respect to the CD 11 is achieved. In addition, the Guaranteed total, uniform application, so that the emergence of Air cushions and folds are excluded. After closing the CD case 2, the label applied to the CD in this way may be marked with a Predeterminable contact pressure can also be applied. For this purpose to pivot the closed CD case 2 into the position shown in FIG. 7.

Fig. 7 shows the closed CD case 2, with the left in the plane of the drawing the common axis of rotation 14 of label holder 3 and CD holder 4 located. In other words: Fig. 7 shows the CD case 2, as from one Right-handed is held to open it by folding down the lid.

The CD cover 2 applied can be clearly seen in this figure Dot marks 15 to 20. These dot marks are symmetrical arranged and serve to give the user an assistance so that this by thumb pressure on the dot marks 15 to 20 a uniform pressurization of the label located in the CD case 2 can effect. In this way, the label becomes uniform towards the Labeled CD pressed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

centering

2

CD cover

3

recording label

4

CD recording

5

clamping device

6

centering

7

head Start

8th

adapter element

9a to 9d

slip-on

10

clamping element

11

CD

12

label

13

arrow

14

axis of rotation

15 to 20

point mark

r

Inner radius of the centering ring 6

R

Outer radius of the centering ring 6

R _{a to d}

Outer radii of the plug-on elements 9a to 9d

D _Z

Centering ring thickness 6

D _E

Thickness of label holder 3

Claims (22)

Method for accurately applying a label to a carrier element,
characterized in that in a first step the label and the carrier element to be labeled are clamped in a centering device and fixed independently of one another in their relative position to one another and in a second step the label is applied to the carrier element, for which purpose the label and / or the Carrier element are moved in a guided movement such that the label lies flat on the carrier element. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that after the label has been applied to the carrier element in a third step, the label and / or the carrier element are subjected to a prescribable contact pressure. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the label and the carrier element are pivoted relative to one another about a common axis of rotation. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a disk-shaped data carrier is used as the carrier element. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that a compact disc (CD) is used as the carrier element. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a writable and / or printable self-adhesive film is used as the label. Centering device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that a receptacle is provided for the label and the carrier element to be labeled, and in that each receptacle has a holding and fixing device, the two holding and fixing devices being arranged corresponding to each other. Centering device according to claim 7, characterized in that the label receptacle and the carrier element receptacle are each substantially plate-shaped. Centering device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the label receptacle is rectangular in the base. Centering device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the label holder is an insert made of cardboard. Centering device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the label receptacle and the carrier element receptacle are arranged such that they can be pivoted relative to one another via a common axis of rotation in the manner of a hinge. Centering device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the holding and fixing device for the carrier element to be labeled is a spring-elastic clamping device. Centering device according to claim 12, characterized in that the holding and fixing device for the carrier element to be labeled is universally adaptable to the type, shape and size of the respective carrier element to be held or fixed. Centering device according to claim 13, characterized in that the spring-elastic clamping device is arranged interchangeably on the carrier element receptacle. Centering device according to one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the holding and fixing device for the label is an annular base body, the inner radius of which is dimensioned such that the holding and fixing device for the carrier element to be labeled with a pivoted arrangement of label and support element receptacle protrudes into the annular base body. Centering device according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the holding and fixing device for the label can be universally adapted to labels of different types, shapes and sizes using interchangeable adapter elements. Centering device according to one of claims 7 to 16, characterized in that the adapter elements are plug-on elements which can be plugged onto the annular base body. Centering device according to one of claims 7 to 17, characterized in that the push-on elements are ring-shaped, the inside diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of the ring-shaped base body. Centering device according to one of claims 7 to 18, characterized in that the push-on elements have clamping webs. Rotating device according to one of claims 7 to 19, characterized in that the push-on elements have a circumferential collar in the form of a shoulder. Centering device according to one of claims 7 to 20, characterized in that adapter elements to be distinguished from one another each have a different color. Centering device according to one of claims 7 to 21, characterized in that the annular base body and the adapter elements consist of plastic.

Images