EP1530517A1 - Device and method for labeling objects - Google Patents

Device and method for labeling objects

Info

Publication number
EP1530517A1
EP1530517A1 EP03792158A EP03792158A EP1530517A1 EP 1530517 A1 EP1530517 A1 EP 1530517A1 EP 03792158 A EP03792158 A EP 03792158A EP 03792158 A EP03792158 A EP 03792158A EP 1530517 A1 EP1530517 A1 EP 1530517A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
label
time
working
labeled
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP03792158A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1530517B1 (en
Inventor
Markus Pferrer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Espera Werke GmbH
Original Assignee
Espera Werke GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Espera Werke GmbH filed Critical Espera Werke GmbH
Publication of EP1530517A1 publication Critical patent/EP1530517A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1530517B1 publication Critical patent/EP1530517B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/38—Drives, motors, controls or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
    • B41J29/393—Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine ; Controlling or analysing mechanical parameters involving printing of test patterns
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4075—Tape printers; Label printers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
    • B65C1/00—Labelling flat essentially-rigid surfaces
    • B65C1/02—Affixing labels to one flat surface of articles, e.g. of packages, of flat bands

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for labeling objects, with a printer for printing labels, an application device for applying a printed label to the object to be labeled in each case and at least one working device in the form of a scale, a packaging device and / or a transport device for the objects to be labeled, the at least one working device being connected upstream of the application device.
  • the invention further relates to a method for labeling objects, comprising the steps: printing a label by means of a printer, applying the printed label to the object to be labeled and at least one further work step which precedes the application of the printed label.
  • the printer used can in particular be a direct thermal or thermal transfer printer.
  • the print head of a generic device is subject to a greater or lesser degree of wear, depending on the design.
  • the wear stems from the easy abrasive effect of the labels during the printing period.
  • the present invention has for its object to modify a device and a method of the type mentioned in such a way that with the highest possible throughput, the service life of a thermal bar in particular is increased compared to the prior art and, moreover, the best print quality is achieved for the respective throughput.
  • this object is achieved according to the invention in that a measuring and control device is used which determines the printing time for each object to be labeled, the time required for printing on the label to be applied in each case, taking into account the required working time of the work preceding the application device - Device (s) is available, and controls the printer as a function of the determined printing time in such a way that the label is finished printed within the available printing time with a printing speed that is as low as possible.
  • a measuring and control device is used which determines the printing time for each object to be labeled, the time required for printing on the label to be applied in each case, taking into account the required working time of the work preceding the application device - Device (s) is available, and controls the printer as a function of the determined printing time in such a way that the label is finished printed within the available printing time with a printing speed that is as low as possible.
  • the solution according to the invention accordingly consists in the fact that for each object to be labeled, the printing time available for printing the label to be applied thereon, taking into account the working time, for the at least one work step which precedes the application of the printed label , is required, is calculated, and that the printing of the label is controlled in dependence on the calculated printing time in such a way that the label within the Available printing time with the appropriate, as low as possible printing speed is finished printed.
  • each individual label to be printed be adapted to the "timing" of the device
  • the time available for printing is used to the full extent without reducing the throughput of a generic device, so that the printing speed when printing a label is chosen as low as possible and thus a thermal print head can be largely spared
  • the printing time is determined by the temporal behavior of the upstream and downstream devices.
  • the maximum permissible printing time is thus the combination of the working time or working speed of the upstream scale, packaging device, transport device, downstream application device and / or he depends on other upstream or downstream work facilities.
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention consists in that the at least one working device connected upstream of the application device is provided with at least one sensor which detects the arrival of an object to be labeled in the working device and emits a corresponding signal to the measuring and control device, whereupon the printing time , which is available for printing on the label to be applied to the object, under Taking into account the time required by the application device for applying a label.
  • a further preferred embodiment of the invention consists in that the measuring and control device is provided with a processor which, based on the working speed of the at least one working device and the time required for applying a label, calculates the printing time required for printing on the object label to be applied is available.
  • An advantageous embodiment of the invention further consists in that a plurality of sensors, which are spaced apart from one another in the transport direction, are arranged along a transport path for the objects to be labeled, each of which detects the arrival of the object to be labeled and emits a corresponding signal to the measuring and control device.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the device of FIG. 1, which schematically illustrates its operation
  • Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view through a
  • Fig. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the inventive method.
  • Figures 1 to 3 of the drawing show a device for labeling food packs 1.
  • the device comprises a plurality of working devices, namely a scale 2, a first transport device 3 in the form of a conveyor belt, a packaging device 4, a second transport device 5, also in the form of a conveyor belt , a printer 6 for printing labels and an application device 7 for applying a printed label to a packaged food package 1.
  • Food portions 8 are each placed in a packaging tray 9 and arranged on the scale 2 together with the tray 9.
  • the tare weight of the packaging trays 9, the name of the food, the price per unit weight and other goods-specific data can be entered via a keyboard 10 into a memory of an input and display unit 11.
  • the input and display unit 11 is equipped with a processor which calculates the selling price of the respective food portion from the weight of the food portion determined by means of the scale 2 and the price per weight unit.
  • the bowl 9 with the food portion 8 is transferred to the first conveyor belt 3.
  • a pushing device (not shown) can be arranged on the scale 2, for example.
  • the tray 9 with the food portion 8 arrives at the packaging device 4, which has a lifting device 12, a film winding mechanism (not shown) and a heating device (not shown), for example an infrared radiator.
  • the packaging device 4 the tray 9 with the food portion 8 is wrapped with a transparent shrink film and the film is shrunk by means of the heating device. The film is unwound from a supply roll 14.
  • the tray 9 is raised during the packaging process by means of the lifting device 12 and transferred to the second conveyor belt 5 after the packaging process has ended. through which the food pack 1 is transported to the unit 15 comprising the label printer ⁇ and the label applicator 7.
  • the label printer 6 has a thermal bar inside the thermal print head 16, to which labels 18 adhering to a carrier tape strip 17 are fed from a label supply roll 19 (cf. FIG. 3).
  • the carrier tape strip 17 is wound on a spool 21 driven by an electric motor 20.
  • the self-adhesive labels 18 are attached to the carrier tape strip 17 at the same distance from one another.
  • An optical sensor device is assigned to the carrier tape strip 17, which consists of a translucent material, which has a light-emitting transmitter diode 22 and a receiver diode 23 and can thus detect label-free sections 24 of the carrier tape strip 17.
  • the signals emanating from the receiver diode 23 are used to control the motor 20 assigned to the take-up reel 21.
  • the thermal bar within the thermal print head 16 of the label printer 6 has adjacent printing elements, which are, for example, flat resistors (heating plates) which can be controlled independently of one another and which heat up and cool down quickly. The relatively long cooling time of the resistors limits the possible printing speed.
  • the labels 18 are made from heat-sensitive special paper.
  • the label printer 6 can also be equipped with a heat-sensitive thermal transfer ink ribbon (not shown). In this case, you can also print on labels made from normal paper. Seen in the transport direction of the carrier tape strip 17, there is a relatively sharp deflection 25 behind the print head 16, at which the printed labels 18 adhering to the carrier tape strip 17 are detached from the carrier tape strip and transferred to the application device 7.
  • the application device has on its underside a perforated suction surface 26 through which air is sucked in by means of a suction fan (not shown) and thus a printed label 18 is held on the suction surface 26.
  • the application device is equipped with an air jet nozzle 27, with which an air jet can be generated for a certain time, the pressure of which is greater than the amount of the negative pressure prevailing at the suction surface 26.
  • a label held on the suction surface 26 can thus be detached from the suction surface 26 by the temporary generation of the air jet and applied to a food package 1 located underneath.
  • a label sensor is designated, which detects the presence of a label 18 on the suction surface 26.
  • the time required for the application of a label 18 by the application device 7 is approximately the same for each label.
  • a schematically illustrated measuring and control device is designated by 29 in FIG.
  • a plurality of sensors 30-35 are connected to the measuring and control device 29, which contains a processor and a memory, by means of which the working speed and thus the working time of the scales 2, the transport device 3, the packaging device 4 and the transport device 5 can be recorded ,
  • the Working time of the scale 2 corresponds to the time which elapses from the time a packaging tray 9 with a food portion 8 is placed thereon until the weighing signal is stabilized, including the transmission of the stabilized weighing signal to the processor of the input and display unit 11.
  • the working time of the transport device 3 corresponds to the time that elapses from the time the packaging tray 9 with the food portion 8 is transferred to the transport device 3 until the packaging tray 9 with the food portion 8 is transferred to the packaging device 4.
  • the working time of the transport device can be determined in particular on the basis of the belt speed or the speed of the belt drive roller or the deflection roller in connection with the known length of the conveyor path.
  • the working time of the packaging device 4 corresponds to the time that passes from the transfer of the packaging tray 9 with the food portion 8 into the packaging device 4 to the transfer of the packaged food portion to the transport device 5.
  • the start and end of this time period can be detected, for example, by means of light barriers 32, 33, which are arranged at the transfer points from the transport device 3 to the packaging device 4 or from the packaging device 4 to the transport device 5.
  • the working time of the transport device 5 corresponds to the time which passes from the point in time at which the packaged food portion 8 is transferred to the second transport device 5 until the point in time at which the packaged food portion reaches the application device 7.
  • the transport devices 3, 5 can be are provided with sensors, for example light barriers, which each detect the arrival or transfer of the respective tray 9 or food pack 1 and emit a corresponding signal to the measuring and control device 29.
  • the measuring and control device 29 expediently has a measuring device (not shown) with which it is detected whether the application device 7 is in its basic position and is therefore ready for the application of a label 18.
  • This measuring device can use the label sensor 28, for example.
  • the measuring and control device 29 calculates for each pack 1 and thus for each label 18 to be applied that for printing the label with the highest possible throughput of the device (system) maximum available printing time.
  • at least two links can preferably be operated simultaneously in the work chain defined by the scale 2, the transport device 3, the packaging device 4 and the transport device 5, so that at least two work steps, for example weighing and packaging can be carried out in parallel.
  • the maximum time available for printing a label depends on the working time that the slowest link in the chain needs.
  • the measuring and control device 29 controls the label printer 6 as a function of the calculated, maximum available printing time in such a way that the respective label 18 is finished printed within the available printing time with a printing speed that is as low as possible .
  • the measuring and control device 29 generates a timing control profile for each food pack or label to be labeled, in order to control the printing speed of the printer 6, with which the label 18 to be applied to the pack 1 can be printed at the lowest possible printing speed within the respectively available printing time can be finished printed without reducing the maximum possible throughput of the device.
  • a new print job exists when a new package has been weighed and the weight and price data have been generated. Then it is checked whether the systems downstream of the label printer are ready for operation. This is the case, for example, when the previous label has been applied to the associated package and the application device is again in its basic position that allows the inclusion of a new printed label. Then it is checked whether a There is a requirement for when the printing of the new label must be completed.
  • This time specification can be defined, for example, by the time of application, which can be calculated on the basis of the transport speed, the required position of the label on the package and other factors.
  • the maximum permissible printing time is calculated and a temporal speed or control profile with all speed-dependent parameters is generated for this printing time, which causes the relevant label to be finished printed in the required time with the lowest possible printing speed.
  • a temporal speed or control profile with all speed-dependent parameters is generated for this printing time, which causes the relevant label to be finished printed in the required time with the lowest possible printing speed.
  • the embodiment of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described above. Rather, a large number of variants are conceivable which make use of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims, even if the design is fundamentally different.
  • the invention is not limited to the labeling of food packages.
  • the invention can also be used for labeling other packs of goods.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for labelling objects, in particular food packages. The device comprises a printer, in particular a thermal-direct printer or thermal-transfer printer for printing labels; an application device for applying a printed label to the object to be labelled; and at least one working device, arranged upstream of the application device, in the form of a weighing device, a packaging device, and/or a transport device for the objects to be labelled. In order to prolong the service life of the print head and to improve the print quality, the provision of a measuring and control device is proposed which for each object to be labelled determines the printing time that is available for printing the label to be applied to each of said objects, taking into account the required working time of the working device/s, and which measuring and control device, depending on the printing time determined, controls the printer such that printing of the label is completed within the available printing time at a matching printing speed, which is as slow as possible.

Description

Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Etikettieren von Gegenständen Device and method for labeling objects
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Etikettieren von Gegenständen, mit einem Drucker zum Bedrucken von Etiketten, einer Appliziereinrichtung zum Applizieren eines bedruckten Etiketts auf den jeweils zu etikettierenden Gegenstand und mindestens einer Arbeits- einrichtung in Form einer Waage, einer Verpackungs- vorrichtung und/oder einer Transportvorrichtung für die zu etikettierenden Gegenstände, wobei die mindestens eine Arbeitseinrichtung der Appliziereinrichtung vorgeschaltet ist. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Etikettieren von Gegenständen, umfassend die Schritte: Bedrucken eines Etiketts mittels eines Druckers, Applizieren des bedruckten Etiketts auf den zu etikettierenden Gegenstand und mindestens einen weiteren Arbeitsschritt, der dem Applizieren des bedruckten Etiketts vorgeschaltet ist. Bei dem verwendeten Drucker kann es sich insbesondere um einen Thermodirekt- oder Thermotransferdrucker handeln.The present invention relates to a device for labeling objects, with a printer for printing labels, an application device for applying a printed label to the object to be labeled in each case and at least one working device in the form of a scale, a packaging device and / or a transport device for the objects to be labeled, the at least one working device being connected upstream of the application device. The invention further relates to a method for labeling objects, comprising the steps: printing a label by means of a printer, applying the printed label to the object to be labeled and at least one further work step which precedes the application of the printed label. The printer used can in particular be a direct thermal or thermal transfer printer.
Vorrichtungen und Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art sind seit längerem bekannt (siehe z.B. US 4,415,048).Devices and methods of the type mentioned in the introduction have long been known (see, for example, US 4,415,048).
Der Druckkopf einer gattungsgemäßen Vorrichtung unterliegt je nach Ausführung einem mehr oder weniger großen Verschleiß. Der Verschleiß rührt dabei von der leicht schmirgelnden Wirkung der Etiketten während der Druckzeit her.The print head of a generic device is subject to a greater or lesser degree of wear, depending on the design. The wear stems from the easy abrasive effect of the labels during the printing period.
Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung sowie ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art dahingehend zu modifizieren, dass bei möglichst hoher Durchsatzleistung die Lebensdauer insbesondere einer Thermoleiste gegenüber dem Stand der Technik erhöht und darüber hinaus die beste Druckqualität für die jeweilige Durchsatzleistung erzielt wird.The present invention has for its object to modify a device and a method of the type mentioned in such a way that with the highest possible throughput, the service life of a thermal bar in particular is increased compared to the prior art and, moreover, the best print quality is achieved for the respective throughput.
Hinsichtlich der Vorrichtung wird diese Aufgabe erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass eine Mess- und Steuereinrichtung zum Einsatz kommt, die für jeden zu etikettierenden Gegenstand die Druckzeit ermittelt, die für das Bedrucken des darauf jeweils zu applizierenden Etiketts unter Berücksichtung der benötigten Arbeitszeit der der Appliziereinrichtung vorgeschalteten Arbeits- einrichtung (en) zur Verfügung steht, und den Drucker in Abhängigkeit der ermittelten Druckzeit derart steuert, dass das Etikett innerhalb der zur Verfügung stehenden Druckzeit mit darin ängepasster, möglichst geringer Druckgeschwindigkeit fertiggedruckt wird.With regard to the device, this object is achieved according to the invention in that a measuring and control device is used which determines the printing time for each object to be labeled, the time required for printing on the label to be applied in each case, taking into account the required working time of the work preceding the application device - Device (s) is available, and controls the printer as a function of the determined printing time in such a way that the label is finished printed within the available printing time with a printing speed that is as low as possible.
Hinsichtlich des Verfahrens besteht die erfindungsgemäße Lösung dementsprechend darin, dass für jeden zu etikettierenden Gegenstand die jeweils für das Bedrucken des darauf zu applizierenden Etiketts zur Verfügung stehende Druckzeit unter Berücksichtung der Arbeitszeit, die für den mindestens einen Arbeitsschritt, welcher dem Applizieren des bedruckten Etiketts vorgeschaltet ist, benötigt wird, berechnet wird, und dass das Bedrucken des Etiketts in Abhängigkeit der berechneten Druckzeit derart gesteuert wird, dass das Etikett innerhalb der zur Verfügung stehenden Druckzeit mit daran ängepasster, möglichst geringer Druckgeschwindigkeit fertiggedruckt wird.With regard to the method, the solution according to the invention accordingly consists in the fact that for each object to be labeled, the printing time available for printing the label to be applied thereon, taking into account the working time, for the at least one work step which precedes the application of the printed label , is required, is calculated, and that the printing of the label is controlled in dependence on the calculated printing time in such a way that the label within the Available printing time with the appropriate, as low as possible printing speed is finished printed.
Im Gegensatz zu herkömmlichen Vorrichtungen der hier, in Rede stehenden Art, bei denen die zu applizierenden Etiketten mit relativ niedriger, konstanter Druckzeit bedruckt werden, schlägt die Erfindung somit vor, bei jedem einzelnen zu bedruckenden Etikett mit einer an das „Timing" der Vorrichtung angepassten Druckzeit zu arbeiten. Ohne die Durchsatzleistung einer gattungs- gemäßen Vorrichtung herabzusetzen, wird gemäß der Erfindung die zum Drucken zur Verfügung stehende Zeit in vollem Umfang genutzt, sodass die Druckgeschwindigkeit beim Bedrucken eines Etiketts so niedrig wie möglich gewählt und damit ein Thermodruckkopf weitgehend geschont werden kann. Die Druckzeit ist bestimmt durch das zeitliche Verhalten der vor- und nachgeschalteten Vorrichtungen. Die maximal zulässige Druckzeit ist also von der Kombination der Arbeitszeit bzw. Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit von vorgeschalteter Waage, Verpackungsvorrichtung, Transportvorrichtung, nachgeschalteter Appliziereinrichtung und/oder anderen vor- oder nachgeschalteten Arbeitseinrichtungen abhängig.In contrast to conventional devices of the type in question here , in which the labels to be applied are printed with a relatively short, constant printing time, the invention therefore proposes that each individual label to be printed be adapted to the "timing" of the device According to the invention, the time available for printing is used to the full extent without reducing the throughput of a generic device, so that the printing speed when printing a label is chosen as low as possible and thus a thermal print head can be largely spared The printing time is determined by the temporal behavior of the upstream and downstream devices. The maximum permissible printing time is thus the combination of the working time or working speed of the upstream scale, packaging device, transport device, downstream application device and / or he depends on other upstream or downstream work facilities.
Eine bevorzugte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung besteht darin, dass die mindestens eine der Appliziereinrichtung vorgeschaltete Arbeitseinrichtung mit mindestens einem Sensor versehen ist, der die Ankunft eines zu etikettierenden Gegenstandes in der Arbeitseinrichtung erfasst und ein entsprechendes Signal an die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung abgibt, worauf diese die Druckzeit, die für das Bedrucken des auf den Gegenstand zu applizierenden Etiketts zur Verfügung steht, unter Berücksichtigung der von der Appliziereinrichtung für das Applizieren eines Etiketts benötigen Zeit ermittelt.A preferred embodiment of the invention consists in that the at least one working device connected upstream of the application device is provided with at least one sensor which detects the arrival of an object to be labeled in the working device and emits a corresponding signal to the measuring and control device, whereupon the printing time , which is available for printing on the label to be applied to the object, under Taking into account the time required by the application device for applying a label.
Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung besteht darin, dass die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung mit einem Prozessor versehen ist, der anhand der Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit der mindestens einen Arbeitseinrichtung und der für das Applizieren eines Etiketts benötigen Zeit die Druckzeit berechnet, die für das Bedrucken des auf den Gegenstand zu applizierenden Etiketts zur Verfügung steht .A further preferred embodiment of the invention consists in that the measuring and control device is provided with a processor which, based on the working speed of the at least one working device and the time required for applying a label, calculates the printing time required for printing on the object label to be applied is available.
Eine vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung besteht ferner darin, dass entlang eines Transportweges für die zu etikettierenden Gegenstände mehrere in Transport- richtung zueinander beabstandete Sensoren angeordnet sind, die jeweils die Ankunft des zu etikettierenden Gegenstandes erfassen und ein entsprechendes Signal an die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung abgeben. Durch diese Ausgestaltung ist es möglich, bei Empfang des jeweiligen Signals eine verbleibende Restdruckzeit zu ermitteln und das Bedrucken eines Etiketts in Abhängigkeit der ermittelten Restdruckzeit derart zu steuern, dass das Etikett innerhalb der noch zur Verfügung stehenden Restdruckzeit mit daran ängepasster, möglichst geringer Druckgeschwindigkeit fertiggedruckt wird. Es ist mit dieser Ausgestaltung insbesondere möglich, ein bereits berechnetes Profil zur zeitlichen Steuerung der Druckgeschwindigkeit während eines Druckvorgangs neu z;u berechnen und auf diese Weise die Druckgeschwindigkeit bei eventuell aufgetretenen Verzögerungen in einer der Appliziereinrichtung vorgeschalteten Arbeitseinrichtung zu verringern, so dass während der noch zur Verfügung stehenden Restdruckzeit jeweils mit minimaler Druck- geschwindigkeit gedruckt wird. Hierdurch kann die Lebensdauer einer Thermoleiste weiter erhöht werden.An advantageous embodiment of the invention further consists in that a plurality of sensors, which are spaced apart from one another in the transport direction, are arranged along a transport path for the objects to be labeled, each of which detects the arrival of the object to be labeled and emits a corresponding signal to the measuring and control device. With this configuration, it is possible to determine a remaining print time when the respective signal is received and to control the printing of a label depending on the determined print time in such a way that the label is printed within the remaining print time available with the lowest possible printing speed , With this configuration, it is in particular possible to recalculate an already calculated profile for the temporal control of the printing speed during a printing process and in this way to reduce the printing speed in the event of delays occurring in a working device connected upstream of the application device, so that during the Available print time with minimal pressure speed is printed. This can further increase the service life of a thermal bar.
Weitere bevorzugte und vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindungen sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.Further preferred and advantageous embodiments of the inventions are specified in the subclaims.
Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand einer ein Ausführungsbeispiel darstellenden Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of a drawing illustrating an exemplary embodiment. Show it:
Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention,
Fig. 2 eine vertikale Schnittansieht der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1, die deren Betriebsweise schematisch veranschaulicht,2 is a vertical sectional view of the device of FIG. 1, which schematically illustrates its operation,
Fig. 3 eine vertikale Schnittansicht durch eineFig. 3 is a vertical sectional view through a
Etikettendrucker- und Etikettiereinheit der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1,Label printer and labeling unit of the device according to FIG. 1,
Fig. 4 einen Ablaufplan zur Erläuterung des erfindungsgemäßen Verf hrens .Fig. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the inventive method.
Die Figuren 1 bis 3 der Zeichnung zeigen eine Vorrichtung zum Etikettieren von Lebensmittelpackungen 1. Die Vorrichtung umfasst mehrere Arbeitseinrichtungen, nämlich eine Waage 2, eine erste Transportvorrichtung 3 in Form eines Förderbandes, eine Verpackungsvorrichtung 4, eine zweite Transportvorrichtung 5, ebenfalls in Form eines Förderbandes, einen Drucker 6 zum Bedrucken von Etiketten und eine Appliziereinrichtung 7 zum Applizieren eines bedruckten Etiketts auf eine verpackte Lebensmittel- packung 1. Lebensmittelportionen 8 werden jeweils in eine Verpackungsschale 9 gelegt und zusammen mit der Schale 9 auf der Waage 2 angeordnet . Das Taragewicht der Verpackungsschalen 9, der Name des Lebensmittels, der Preis pro Gewichtseinheit und andere warenspezifische Daten können über eine Tastatur 10 in einen Speicher einer Eingabe- und Anzeigeeinheit 11 eingegeben werden. Die Eingabe- und Anzeigeeinheit 11 ist mit einem Prozessor ausgestattet, der aus dem mittels der Waage 2 ermittelten Gewicht der Lebensmittelportion und dem Preis pro Gewichtseinheit den Verkaufspreis der jeweiligen Lebensmittelportion berechnet .Figures 1 to 3 of the drawing show a device for labeling food packs 1. The device comprises a plurality of working devices, namely a scale 2, a first transport device 3 in the form of a conveyor belt, a packaging device 4, a second transport device 5, also in the form of a conveyor belt , a printer 6 for printing labels and an application device 7 for applying a printed label to a packaged food package 1. Food portions 8 are each placed in a packaging tray 9 and arranged on the scale 2 together with the tray 9. The tare weight of the packaging trays 9, the name of the food, the price per unit weight and other goods-specific data can be entered via a keyboard 10 into a memory of an input and display unit 11. The input and display unit 11 is equipped with a processor which calculates the selling price of the respective food portion from the weight of the food portion determined by means of the scale 2 and the price per weight unit.
Nach Abschluss der Verkaufspreis-Berechnung wird die Schale 9 mit der Lebensmittelportion 8 an das erste Förderband 3 übergeben. Hierzu kann an der Waage 2 beispielsweise eine Schubeinrichtung (nicht dargestellt) angeordnet sein.After the sales price calculation has been completed, the bowl 9 with the food portion 8 is transferred to the first conveyor belt 3. For this purpose, a pushing device (not shown) can be arranged on the scale 2, for example.
Über das Förderband 3 gelangt die Schale 9 mit der Lebensmittelportion 8 zu der VerpackungsVorrichtung 4, die eine Hebeeinrichtung 12, einen Folien-Wickel - mechanismus (nicht gezeigt) sowie eine Heizeinrichtung (nicht gezeigt) , beispielsweise einen Infrarotstrahler aufweist. In der VerpackungsVorrichtung 4 wird die Schale 9 mit der Lebensmittelportion 8 mit einer transparenten Schrumpffolie umwickelt und die Folie mittels der Heizeinrichtung geschrumpft. Die Folie wird von einer Vorratsrolle 14 abgewickelt.Via the conveyor belt 3, the tray 9 with the food portion 8 arrives at the packaging device 4, which has a lifting device 12, a film winding mechanism (not shown) and a heating device (not shown), for example an infrared radiator. In the packaging device 4, the tray 9 with the food portion 8 is wrapped with a transparent shrink film and the film is shrunk by means of the heating device. The film is unwound from a supply roll 14.
Die Schale 9 wird während des Verpackungsvorgangs mittels der Hebeeinrichtung 12 angehoben und nach Abschluss des Verpackungsvorgangs auf das zweite Förderband 5 über- geben, durch das die Lebensmittelpackung 1 zu der den Etikettendrucker β sowie die Etikettenapplizier- einrichtung 7 umfassenden Einheit 15 transportiert wird.The tray 9 is raised during the packaging process by means of the lifting device 12 and transferred to the second conveyor belt 5 after the packaging process has ended. through which the food pack 1 is transported to the unit 15 comprising the label printer β and the label applicator 7.
Der Etikettendrucker 6 weist eine Thermoleiste innerhalb des Thermodruckkopfes 16 auf, dem auf einem Trägerbandstreifen 17 haftende Etiketten 18 von einer Etikettenvorratsrolle 19 aus zugeführt werden (vgl. Fig. 3). Der Trägerbandstreifen 17 wird hierzu auf einer von einem Elektromotor 20 angetriebenen Spule 21 aufgewickelt. Die selbstklebenden Etiketten 18 sind mit gleichem Abstand zueinander auf dem Trägerbandstreifen 17 angebracht. Dem aus einem lichtdurchlässigen Material bestehenden Trägerbandstreifen 17 ist eine optische Sensoreinrichtung zugeordnet, die eine Licht emittierende Senderdiode 22 und eine Empfängerdiode 23 aufweist und somit etikettenfreie Abschnitte 24 des Trägerbandstreifens 17 detektieren kann. Die von der Empfängerdiode 23 ausgehenden Signale werden zur Steuerung des der Aufwickelspule 21 zugeordneten Motors 20 genutzt.The label printer 6 has a thermal bar inside the thermal print head 16, to which labels 18 adhering to a carrier tape strip 17 are fed from a label supply roll 19 (cf. FIG. 3). For this purpose, the carrier tape strip 17 is wound on a spool 21 driven by an electric motor 20. The self-adhesive labels 18 are attached to the carrier tape strip 17 at the same distance from one another. An optical sensor device is assigned to the carrier tape strip 17, which consists of a translucent material, which has a light-emitting transmitter diode 22 and a receiver diode 23 and can thus detect label-free sections 24 of the carrier tape strip 17. The signals emanating from the receiver diode 23 are used to control the motor 20 assigned to the take-up reel 21.
Die Thermoleiste innerhalb des Thermodruckkopfes 16 des Etikettendruckers 6 weist nebeneinanderliegende Druckelemente auf, bei denen es sich z.B. um flache Widerstände (Heizplättchen) handelt, die unabhängig voneinander einzeln ansteuerbar sind und sich schnell erwärmen und abkühlen. Die relativ lange Abkühlzeit der Widerstände begrenzt die mögliche Druckgeschwindigkeit. Die Etiketten 18 sind aus wärmeempfindlichem Spezial- papier hergestellt . Alternativ kann der Etikettendrucker 6 auch mit einem wärmeempfindlichen Thermotransfer- farbband (nicht gezeigt) ausgestattet sein. In diesem Fall kann auch auf Etiketten aus normalem Papier gedruckt werden. In Transportrichtung des Trägerbandstreifens 17 gesehen befindet sich hinter dem Druckkopf 16 eine relativ scharfe Umlenkung 25, an der die bedruckten, am Trägerbandstreifen 17 haftenden Etiketten 18 vom Trägerbandstreifen abgelöst und an die Appliziereinrichtung 7 übergeben werden. Die Appliziereinrichtung weist im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel an ihrer Unterseite eine perforierte Saugfläche 26 auf, durch die Luft mittels eines (nicht gezeigten) Sauglüfters angesaugt und somit ein bedrucktes Etikett 18 an der Saugfläche 26 festgehalten wird. Ferner ist die Appliziereinrichtung mit einer Luftstrahldüse 27 ausgestattet, mit der für eine bestimmte Zeit ein Luftstrahl erzeugt werden kann, dessen Druck größer ist als der Betrag des an der Saugfläche 26 herrschenden Unterdrucks. Ein an der Saugfläche 26 gehaltenes Etikett kann somit durch die zeitweilige Erzeugung des Luftstrahls von der Saugfläche 26 gelöst und auf eine darunter befindliche Lebensmittelpackung 1 appliziert werden. Mit 28 ist ein Etikettensensor bezeichnet, der das Vorhandensein eines Etiketts 18 an der Saugfläche 26 detektiert. Die Zeit, die von der Appliziereinrichtung 7 für das Applizieren eines Etiketts 18 benötigt wird, ist für jedes Etikett in etwa gleich lang.The thermal bar within the thermal print head 16 of the label printer 6 has adjacent printing elements, which are, for example, flat resistors (heating plates) which can be controlled independently of one another and which heat up and cool down quickly. The relatively long cooling time of the resistors limits the possible printing speed. The labels 18 are made from heat-sensitive special paper. Alternatively, the label printer 6 can also be equipped with a heat-sensitive thermal transfer ink ribbon (not shown). In this case, you can also print on labels made from normal paper. Seen in the transport direction of the carrier tape strip 17, there is a relatively sharp deflection 25 behind the print head 16, at which the printed labels 18 adhering to the carrier tape strip 17 are detached from the carrier tape strip and transferred to the application device 7. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the application device has on its underside a perforated suction surface 26 through which air is sucked in by means of a suction fan (not shown) and thus a printed label 18 is held on the suction surface 26. Furthermore, the application device is equipped with an air jet nozzle 27, with which an air jet can be generated for a certain time, the pressure of which is greater than the amount of the negative pressure prevailing at the suction surface 26. A label held on the suction surface 26 can thus be detached from the suction surface 26 by the temporary generation of the air jet and applied to a food package 1 located underneath. With 28 a label sensor is designated, which detects the presence of a label 18 on the suction surface 26. The time required for the application of a label 18 by the application device 7 is approximately the same for each label.
In Fig. 2 ist eine schematisch dargestellte Mess- und Steuereinrichtung mit 29 bezeichnet. An der Mess- und Steuereinrichtung 29, die einen Prozessor sowie einen Speicher enthält, sind mehrere Sensoren 30 - 35 angeschlossen, mittels denen die Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit und damit die Arbeitszeit der Waage 2, der Transportvorrichtung 3, der Verpackungsvorrichtung 4 sowie der Transportvorrichtung 5 erfasst werden können. Die Arbeitszeit der Waage 2 entspricht der Zeit, die jeweils vom Zeitpunkt des Auflegens einer Verpackungsschale 9 mit einer darauf angeordneten Lebensmittelportion 8 bis zur Stabilisierung des Wägesignals einschließlich der Übertragung des stabilisierten Wägesignals an den Prozessor der Eingabe- und Anzeigeeinheit 11 vergeht. Die Arbeitszeit der Transportvorrichtung 3 entspricht der Zeit, die von dem Zeitpunkt der Übergabe der Verpackungs- schale 9 mit der Lebensmittelportion 8 auf die Transportvorrichtung 3 bis zur Übergabe der Verpackungsschale 9 mit der Lebensmittelportion 8 in die Verpackungsvorrichtung 4 vergeht. Beim Einsatz eines Förderbandes als Transportvorrichtung 3 kann die Arbeitszeit der Transportvorrichtung insbesondere anhand der Bandgeschwindigkeit bzw. der Drehzahl der Bandantriebsrolle oder der Umlenkrolle in Verbindung mit der bekannten Länge des Förderweges ermittelt werden. Die Arbeitszeit der Verpackungsvorrichtung 4 entspricht der Zeit, die von der Übergabe der Verpackungsschale 9 mit der Lebens- mittelportion 8 in die VerpackungsVorrichtung 4 bis zur Übergabe der verpackten Lebensmittelportion auf die Transportvorrichtung 5 vergeht . Der Beginn und das Ende dieses Zeitabschnitts kann beispielsweise mittels Lichtschranken 32, 33 erfasst werden, die an den Übergabestellen von der Transportvorrichtung 3 zur Verpackungsvorrichtung 4 bzw. von der Verpackungs- Vorrichtung 4 zur TransportVorrichtung 5 angeordnet sind. Die Arbeitszeit der Transportvorrichtung 5 entspricht der Zeit , die von dem Zeitpunkt der Übergabe der verpackten Lebensmittelportion 8 auf die zweite Transportvorrichtung 5 bis zum Zeitpunkt, in welchem die verpackte Lebensmittelportion die Appliziereinrichtung 7 erreicht, vergeht. Alternativ oder zusätzlich können die Transportvorrichtungen 3, 5 an den jeweiligen Übergabe- stellen mit Sensoren, z.B. Lichtschranken versehen sein, die jeweils die Ankunft bzw. die Übergabe der jeweiligen Schale 9 bzw. Lebensmittelpackung 1 erfassen und ein entsprechendes Signal an die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung 29 abgeben.A schematically illustrated measuring and control device is designated by 29 in FIG. A plurality of sensors 30-35 are connected to the measuring and control device 29, which contains a processor and a memory, by means of which the working speed and thus the working time of the scales 2, the transport device 3, the packaging device 4 and the transport device 5 can be recorded , The Working time of the scale 2 corresponds to the time which elapses from the time a packaging tray 9 with a food portion 8 is placed thereon until the weighing signal is stabilized, including the transmission of the stabilized weighing signal to the processor of the input and display unit 11. The working time of the transport device 3 corresponds to the time that elapses from the time the packaging tray 9 with the food portion 8 is transferred to the transport device 3 until the packaging tray 9 with the food portion 8 is transferred to the packaging device 4. When using a conveyor belt as a transport device 3, the working time of the transport device can be determined in particular on the basis of the belt speed or the speed of the belt drive roller or the deflection roller in connection with the known length of the conveyor path. The working time of the packaging device 4 corresponds to the time that passes from the transfer of the packaging tray 9 with the food portion 8 into the packaging device 4 to the transfer of the packaged food portion to the transport device 5. The start and end of this time period can be detected, for example, by means of light barriers 32, 33, which are arranged at the transfer points from the transport device 3 to the packaging device 4 or from the packaging device 4 to the transport device 5. The working time of the transport device 5 corresponds to the time which passes from the point in time at which the packaged food portion 8 is transferred to the second transport device 5 until the point in time at which the packaged food portion reaches the application device 7. Alternatively or additionally, the transport devices 3, 5 can be are provided with sensors, for example light barriers, which each detect the arrival or transfer of the respective tray 9 or food pack 1 and emit a corresponding signal to the measuring and control device 29.
Zweckmäßigerweise weist die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung 29 eine Messeinrichtung (nicht gezeigt) auf, mit der erfasst wird, ob sich die Appliziereinrichtung 7 in ihrer Grundstellung befindet und somit für das Applizieren eines Etiketts 18 bereit ist. Diese Messeinrichtung kann beispielsweise den Etikettensensor 28 nutzen.The measuring and control device 29 expediently has a measuring device (not shown) with which it is detected whether the application device 7 is in its basic position and is therefore ready for the application of a label 18. This measuring device can use the label sensor 28, for example.
Anhand der von den Sensoren 30 bis 35 abgegebenen Signale und unter Berücksichtigung der von der Appliziereinrichtung 7 für das Applizieren eines Etiketts benötigten Zeit berechnet die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung 29 für jede Packung 1 und damit für jedes zu applizierende Etikett 18 die für das Bedrucken des Etiketts bei möglichst hoher Durchsatzleistung der Vorrichtung (Anlage) maximal zur Verfügung stehende Druckzeit. Zur Erzielung einer möglichst hohen Durchsatzleistung sind in der Arbeitskette, die durch die Waage 2, die Transportvorrichtung 3, die Verpackungsvorrichtung 4 und die Transportvorrichtung 5 definiert ist, vorzugsweise mindestens zwei Glieder zeitgleich betreibbar, so dass mindestens zwei Arbeitsschritte, beispielsweise das Wägen und das Verpacken parallel durchgeführt werden können. Es ist aber insbesondere auch möglich, dass alle Arbeitsschritte der Kette parallel zueinander durchgeführt werden. Die für das Bedrucken eines Etiketts maximal zur Verfügung stehende Zeit ist dabei grundsätzlich von der Arbeitszeit abhängig, die das langsamste Glied in der Kette benötigt. Unter Aufrechterhaltung einer möglichst hohen Durchsatzleistung der Vorrichtung steuert die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung 29 den Etikettendrucker 6 in Abhängigkeit der berechneten, maximal zur Verfügung stehenden Druckzeit so, dass das jeweilige Etikett 18 innerhalb der zur Verfügung stehenden Druckzeit mit daran ängepasster, möglichst geringer Druckgeschwindigkeit fertiggedruckt wird. Hierzu generiert die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung 29 für jede zu etikettierende Lebensmittelpackung bzw. jedes Etikett ein zeitliches Steuerungsprofil zur Steuerung der Druckgeschwindigkeit des Druckers 6, mit dem das auf die Packung 1 zu applizierende Etikett 18 innerhalb der jeweils zur Verfügung stehenden Druckzeit mit möglichst geringer Druckgeschwindigkeit fertiggedruckt werden kann, ohne die maximal mögliche Durchsatzleistung der Vorrichtung herabzusetzen.On the basis of the signals emitted by the sensors 30 to 35 and taking into account the time required for the application of a label by the application device 7, the measuring and control device 29 calculates for each pack 1 and thus for each label 18 to be applied that for printing the label with the highest possible throughput of the device (system) maximum available printing time. In order to achieve the highest possible throughput, at least two links can preferably be operated simultaneously in the work chain defined by the scale 2, the transport device 3, the packaging device 4 and the transport device 5, so that at least two work steps, for example weighing and packaging can be carried out in parallel. In particular, however, it is also possible for all the steps in the chain to be carried out in parallel with one another. The maximum time available for printing a label depends on the working time that the slowest link in the chain needs. While maintaining the highest possible throughput of the device, the measuring and control device 29 controls the label printer 6 as a function of the calculated, maximum available printing time in such a way that the respective label 18 is finished printed within the available printing time with a printing speed that is as low as possible , For this purpose, the measuring and control device 29 generates a timing control profile for each food pack or label to be labeled, in order to control the printing speed of the printer 6, with which the label 18 to be applied to the pack 1 can be printed at the lowest possible printing speed within the respectively available printing time can be finished printed without reducing the maximum possible throughput of the device.
Mit Bezug auf Fig. 4 wird nun der grundsätzliche Ablauf des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens nochmals erläutert. In Fig. 4 sind logische Abhängigkeiten im Ablauf des Verfahrens dargestellt .The basic sequence of the method according to the invention will now be explained again with reference to FIG. 4. 4 shows logical dependencies in the course of the method.
In einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung wird zunächst jeweils geprüft, ob ein neuer Druckauftrag vorliegt. Ein neuer Druckauftrag liegt beispielsweise vor, wenn eine neue Packung gewogen und die Gewichts- und Preisdaten erzeugt wurden. Anschließend wird geprüft, ob die dem Etikettendrucker nachgeschalteten Systeme betriebsbereit sind. Dies ist zum Beispiel der Fall, wenn das vorherige Etikett auf die zugehörige Packung appliziert wurde und sich die Appliziereinrichtung wieder in ihrer die Aufnahme eines neuen bedruckten Etiketts erlaubenden Grundstellung befindet. Danach wird geprüft, ob eine Vorgabe für den Zeitpunkt vorliegt, zu dem das Bedrucken des neuen Etiketts beendet sein muss . Diese Zeitvorgabe kann zum Beispiel durch den Applizierzeitpunkt definiert sein, der anhand der Transportgeschwindigkeit, der geforderten Position des Etiketts auf der Packung und anderer Faktoren berechnet werden kann. Liegt diese Zeitvorgabe vor, so wird die maximal zulässige Druckzeit berechnet und für diese Druckzeit ein zeitliches Geschwindigkeits- bzw. Steuerungsprofil mit allen geschwindigkeitsabhängigen Parametern generiert, welches bewirkt, dass das betreffende Etikett in der geforderten Zeit mit der geringstmöglichen Druckgeschwindigkeit fertiggedruckt wird. Ist das jeweilige Geschwindigkeits- bzw. Steuerungsprofil generiert, wird der Druck gestartet und das betreffende Etikett bis zum geforderten Zeitpunkt fertiggedruckt. Schließlich ist zu prüfen, ob der Druck abgeschlossen und damit beendet ist. Ist dies der Fall, so kann der nächste Druckauftrag in entsprechender Weise durchgeführt werden.In a device according to the invention, it is first checked in each case whether there is a new print job. For example, a new print job exists when a new package has been weighed and the weight and price data have been generated. Then it is checked whether the systems downstream of the label printer are ready for operation. This is the case, for example, when the previous label has been applied to the associated package and the application device is again in its basic position that allows the inclusion of a new printed label. Then it is checked whether a There is a requirement for when the printing of the new label must be completed. This time specification can be defined, for example, by the time of application, which can be calculated on the basis of the transport speed, the required position of the label on the package and other factors. If this time specification is available, the maximum permissible printing time is calculated and a temporal speed or control profile with all speed-dependent parameters is generated for this printing time, which causes the relevant label to be finished printed in the required time with the lowest possible printing speed. Once the respective speed or control profile has been generated, printing is started and the relevant label is finished printed by the required time. Finally it has to be checked whether the printing is finished and thus finished. If this is the case, the next print job can be carried out in a corresponding manner.
Die Erfindung ist in ihrer Ausführung nicht auf das vorstehend beschriebene Ausführungsbeispiel beschränkt. Vielmehr ist eine Vielzahl von Varianten denkbar, die auch bei grundsätzlich abweichender Gestaltung von dem in den beigefügten Ansprüchen definierten Erfindungsgedanken Gebrauch machen. Insbesondere ist die Erfindung nicht auf das Etikettieren von Lebensmittelpackungen beschränkt. Die Erfindung kann ebenso auch beim Etikettieren anderer Warenpackungen zum Einsatz kommen. The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described above. Rather, a large number of variants are conceivable which make use of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims, even if the design is fundamentally different. In particular, the invention is not limited to the labeling of food packages. The invention can also be used for labeling other packs of goods.

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R Ü C H E PATENT CLAIMS
1. Vorrichtung zum Etikettieren von Gegenständen, insbesondere von Lebensmittelpackungen (1) , mit einem Drucker (6) zum Bedrucken von Etiketten (18) , einer Appliziereinrichtung (7) zum Applizieren eines bedruckten Etiketts (18) auf den jeweils zu etikettierenden Gegenstand (1) und mindestens einer Arbeitseinrichtung in Form einer Waage (2), einer Verpackungsvorrichtung (4) und/oder einer Transportvorrichtung (3, 5) für die zu etikettierenden Gegenstände (1) , wobei die mindestens eine Arbeitseinrichtung (2 - 5) der Appliziereinrichtung (7) vorgeschaltet ist, g e k e n n z e i c h n e t d u r c h eine Mess- und Steuereinrichtung (29), die für jeden zu etikettierenden Gegenstand (1) die Druckzeit ermittelt, die für das Bedrucken des darauf jeweils zu applizierenden Etiketts (18) unter Berücksichtigung der benötigten Arbeitszeit der Arbeitseinrichtung (en) (2, 3, 4, 5, 7) zur Verfügung steht, und den Drucker (6) in Abhängigkeit der ermittelten Druckzeit derart steuert, dass das Etikett (18) innerhalb der zur Verfügung stehenden Druckzeit mit daran ängepasster, möglichst geringer Druckgeschwindigkeit fertiggedruckt wird.1. Device for labeling objects, in particular food packs (1), with a printer (6) for printing labels (18), an application device (7) for applying a printed label (18) to the object to be labeled (1 ) and at least one working device in the form of a balance (2), a packaging device (4) and / or a transport device (3, 5) for the objects (1) to be labeled, the at least one working device (2 - 5) of the application device ( 7) is connected upstream, characterized by a measuring and control device (29) which determines the printing time for each object to be labeled (1), the time required for printing the label (18) to be applied thereon, taking into account the required working time of the working device (s) ) (2, 3, 4, 5, 7) is available, and controls the printer (6) depending on the determined printing time in such a way that the The label (18) is finished printed within the available printing time with the lowest possible printing speed.
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass die mindestens eine Arbeitseinrichtung (2 - 5) mit mindestens einem Sensor (30 - 35) versehen ist, der die Ankunft eines zu etikettierenden Gegenstandes (1) in der Arbeitseinrichtung erfasst und ein entsprechendes Signal an die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung (29) abgibt, worauf diese die Druckzeit, die für das Bedrucken des auf den Gegenstand zu applizierenden Etiketts (18) zur Verfügung steht, unter Berücksichtigung der von der Applizier- einrichtung (7) für das Applizieren eines Etiketts (18) benötigen Zeit ermittelt.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one working device (2-5) is provided with at least one sensor (30-35) which detects the arrival of an object (1) to be labeled in the The working device detects and sends a corresponding signal to the measuring and control device (29), whereupon the latter takes into account the printing time which is available for printing on the label (18) to be applied to the object, taking into account that of the application device (7 ) required time for the application of a label (18).
3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2 , d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung (29) mit einem Prozessor versehen ist, der anhand der Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit der mindestens einen Arbeitseinrichtung (2 - 5) und der für das Applizieren eines Etiketts benötigen Zeit die Druckzeit berechnet, die für das Bedrucken des auf den Gegenstand zu applizierenden Etiketts (18) zur Verfügung steht .3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the measuring and control device (29) is provided with a processor which, based on the working speed of the at least one working device (2-5) and the time required for the application of a label, the printing time calculated, which is available for printing on the label to be applied to the object (18).
4. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung (29) mit einer Einrichtung versehen ist, die die Bereitschaft der Appliziereinrichtung (7) für das Applizieren eines Etiketts (18) erfasst .4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, that the measuring and control device (29) is provided with a device that detects the readiness of the application device (7) for the application of a label (18).
5. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass die Mess- und Steuereinrichtung (29) für jeden zu etikettierenden Gegenstand (1) ein zeitliches Steuerungsprofil zur Steuerung der Druckgeschwindigkeit des Druckers (6) generiert, mit dem das auf den Gegenstand zu applizierende Etikett (18) innerhalb der jeweils zur Verfügung stehenden Druckzeit mit möglichst geringer Druckgeschwindigkeit fertiggedruckt werden kann. 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the measuring and control device (29) for each object to be labeled (1) generates a timing control profile for controlling the printing speed of the printer (6) with which the object label (18) to be applied can be finished printed with the lowest possible printing speed within the respectively available printing time.
6. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass entlang eines Transportweges für den jeweils zu etikettierenden Gegenstand mehrere in Transportrichtung zueinander beabstandete Sensoren angeordnet sind, die jeweils die Ankunft des zu etikettierenden Gegenstandes erfassen.6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, that a plurality of sensors are arranged along a transport path for the object to be labeled in each case a plurality of sensors spaced apart from one another in the transport direction, each of which detects the arrival of the object to be labeled.
7. Verfahren zum Etikettieren von Gegenständen, insbesondere von Lebensmittelpackungen, umfassend die Schritte:7. A method for labeling objects, in particular food packs, comprising the steps:
Bedrucken eines Etiketts (18) mittels eines Druckers (6) , Applizieren des bedruckten Etiketts (18) auf den zu etikettierenden Gegenstand (1) und mindestens einen weiteren Arbeitsschritt, wie Wägen, Verpacken und/oder Transportieren des zu etikettierenden Gegenstandes (1) , der dem Applizieren des bedruckten Etiketts (18) vorgeschaltet ist, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass für jeden zu etikettierenden Gegenstand (1) die jeweils für das Bedrucken des darauf zu applizierenden Etiketts (18) zur Verfügung stehende Druckzeit unter Berücksichtigung der Arbeitszeit, die für den mindestens einen dem Applizieren des bedruckten Etiketts (18) vorgeschalteten Arbeitsschritt benötigt wird, berechnet wird, und dass das Bedrucken des Etiketts (18) in Abhängigkeit der berechneten Druckzeit derart gesteuert wird, dass das Etikett (18) innerhalb der zur Verfügung stehenden Druckzeit mit daran ängepasster, möglichst geringer Druckgeschwindigkeit fertiggedruckt wird.Printing a label (18) by means of a printer (6), applying the printed label (18) to the object to be labeled (1) and at least one further work step, such as weighing, packaging and / or transporting the object to be labeled (1), which precedes the application of the printed label (18), characterized in that for each object (1) to be labeled, the printing time available for printing the label (18) to be applied thereon, taking into account the working time required for the at least one the application of the printed label (18) upstream of the work step required is calculated, and that the printing of the label (18) is controlled as a function of the calculated printing time in such a way that the label (18) matches the printing time within the available printing time, the lowest possible printing speed is finished printed.
8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass ein Vorgang zur Berechnung der zum Bedrucken eines Etiketts (18) zur Verfügung stehenden Druckzeit durch die Erfassung eines Druckauftrages für das Bedrucken eines zu applizierenden Etiketts (18) eingeleitet wird.8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that a process for calculating the printing on a label (18) available printing time is initiated by the detection of a print job for printing a label to be applied (18).
9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8 , d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass der Druckauftrag automatisch durch den Abschluss eines Wägevorgangs und/oder die Eingabe von Gewichts-, Preis- und/oder anderer Warendaten erzeugt wird.9. The method according to claim 8, so that the print job is generated automatically by the completion of a weighing process and / or the entry of weight, price and / or other goods data.
10. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 9, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass die Berechnung der zum Bedrucken eines Etiketts zur Verfügung stehenden Druckzeit von der Feststellung abhängig gemacht wird, ob eine dem Drucker (6) nachgeschaltete Appliziereinrichtung (7) zum Applizieren des bedruckten Etiketts10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, so that the calculation of the printing time available for printing a label is made dependent on the determination of whether an application device (7) connected downstream of the printer (6) for applying the printed label is made dependent on the calculation
(18) und/oder andere dem Drucker (6) naσhgeschaltete Systeme funktionsbereit sind.(18) and / or other systems connected to the printer (6) are ready for operation.
11. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 10, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass die für das Bedrucken des jeweiligen Etiketts (18) zur Verfügung stehende Zeit anhand der Arbeitszeit (en) oder Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit (en) einer vorgeschalteten Wägevorrichtung11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, that the time available for printing on the respective label (18) is based on the working time (s) or working speed (s) of an upstream weighing device
(2) , Verpackungsvorrichtung (4) und/oder Transport- Vorrichtung (3, 5) und/oder anhand der Arbeitszeit (en) oder Arbeitsgeschwindigkeit (en) einer nachgeschalteten Appliziereinrichtung (7) zum Applizieren des bedruckten Etiketts (18) berechnet wird.(2), packaging device (4) and / or transport device (3, 5) and / or based on the working time (s) or working speed (s) of a downstream application device (7) for applying the printed label (18).
12. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 11, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass für jeden zu etikettierenden Gegenstand (1) ein zeitliches Steuerungsprofil zur Steuerung der Druckgeschwindigkeit generiert wird, mit dem das zu applizierende Etikett (18) innerhalb der jeweils zur Verfügung stehenden Druckzeit mit möglichst geringer Druckgeschwindigkeit fertiggedruckt werden kann.12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that for each object to be labeled (1) a timing control profile for controlling the printing speed is generated with which the label (18) to be applied can be finished printed within the respectively available printing time with the lowest possible printing speed.
13. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 12, bei dem die zu etikettierenden Gegenstände (1) mittels einer Transportvorrichtung (3, 5) einer Einrichtung (7) zum Applizieren eines bedruckten Etiketts (18) zugeführt werden, wobei die Transportvorrichtung (3, 5) eine Transportstrecke definiert, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass die Ankunft eines zu etikettierenden Gegenstandes (1) an verschiedenen, entlang der Transportstrecke aufeinanderfolgenden Stellen mittels Sensoreinrichtungen erfasst und ein entsprechendes Signal von der jeweiligen Sensoreinrichtung an eine Mess- und Steuereinrichtung (29) abgegeben wird, wobei bei Empfang des jeweiligen Signals eine verbleibende Restdruckzeit ermittelt und das Bedrucken des Etiketts (18) in Abhängigkeit der ermittelten Restdruckzeit derart gesteuert wird, dass das Etikett (18) innerhalb der noch zur Verfügung stehenden Restdruckzeit mit daran ängepasster, möglichst geringer Druckgeschwindigkeit fertiggedruckt wird. 13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, in which the objects (1) to be labeled are fed by means of a transport device (3, 5) to a device (7) for applying a printed label (18), the transport device (3, 5) defines a transport route, characterized in that the arrival of an object (1) to be labeled is detected at various points in succession along the transport route by means of sensor devices and a corresponding signal is emitted from the respective sensor device to a measuring and control device (29), wherein when the respective signal is received, a remaining printing time is determined and the printing on the label (18) is controlled as a function of the determined printing time in such a way that the label (18) is finished printed with the lowest possible printing speed within the remaining printing time still available.
EP03792158A 2002-08-23 2003-06-03 Device and method for labeling objects Expired - Lifetime EP1530517B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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DE10239630A DE10239630B3 (en) 2002-08-23 2002-08-23 Device and method for labeling objects
DE10239630 2002-08-23
PCT/EP2003/005770 WO2004018216A1 (en) 2002-08-23 2003-06-03 Device and method for labeling objects

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EP (1) EP1530517B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1305684C (en)
AT (1) ATE355976T1 (en)
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DE (2) DE10239630B3 (en)
DK (1) DK1530517T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2283861T3 (en)
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CA2464492A1 (en) 2004-03-04
PL369258A1 (en) 2005-04-18
CA2464492C (en) 2007-07-31
US20050017995A1 (en) 2005-01-27
DE50306764D1 (en) 2007-04-19
DK1530517T3 (en) 2007-07-09
ES2283861T3 (en) 2007-11-01
CN1596194A (en) 2005-03-16
ATE355976T1 (en) 2007-03-15
EP1530517B1 (en) 2007-03-07
DE10239630B3 (en) 2004-04-08
US6894709B2 (en) 2005-05-17
WO2004018216A1 (en) 2004-03-04
PL207114B1 (en) 2010-11-30
CN1305684C (en) 2007-03-21

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