EP2082966A2 - Device for applying stickers to containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises a unit (2) for cutting labels (18) from a label strip (8), an applying unit (4), which is arranged downstream to the cutting unit and applies labels on containers (10), and a guiding device (32). The applying unit comprises a radiation device, which is arranged in such a manner that the radiation applies a first section of the labels on an external wall of the containers and comprises a laser light source. The applying unit comprises a carrier device, which transports the containers on a web in the shape of a segment of a circle, and support elements for the containers. The device comprises a unit (2) for cutting labels (18) from a label strip (8), an applying unit (4), which is arranged downstream to the cutting unit and applies labels on containers (10), and a guiding device (32). The applying unit comprises a radiation device, which is arranged in such a manner that the radiation applies a first section of the labels on an external wall of the containers and comprises a laser light source. The applying unit comprises a carrier device, which transports the containers on a web, which is in the shape of a segment of a circle, and support elements for the containers, where the support elements are rotatably arranged on the carrier device. The first section of the labels is connected with a second section of the labels. The applying unit comprises a radiation guiding device, which changes an impact area of the radiation. The guiding device guides the cutting label during the applying procedure. The control device comprises through-holes for the radiation. The guiding device consists of a material transparent for the radiation. The cutting unit comprises a radiation device for cutting the label strips and a swivelable roller for the label strip, where the swivelable roller comprises mounting means in order to fix the label strip intermittently to a circumferential wall of the roller. The cutting unit comprises a plate for guiding the label strip, where the plate is arranged stationary and adjacent to the roller. The guide plate comprises a recess, by which the label strips are intermittently fastened at the roller. Independent claims are included for: (1) an applying unit for the applying labels on the containers; (2) a cutting unit for cutting labels from a label strip; and (3) a method for the applying of a label on containers.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for applying labels to containers and to a method for applying labels to containers. Such devices and methods are known in the art. These devices usually have a cutting unit which cuts out of a continuous strip of labels individual precisely matched labels. Subsequently, these labels or their back are coated with an adhesive and finally the labels are applied to the container to be bonded. This process usually requires a plurality of rollers on which the labels or the label strips are guided, so that they can be finally mounted on the container.

The cutting units in the prior art usually have a cutting blade which cooperates with a cutting bar to cut the label accurately.

From the WO 2007/110738 A1 a device for producing labels is known. In this device, a cutting means is provided which cuts labels from a plastic film, wherein the cutting means comprises a laser.

Furthermore, this device has a distribution roller for an adhesive to apply the adhesive to the labels.

From the US 2002/0029856 A1 a labeling device is known. This labeling device has a cutting drum, as well as cutting means, which are arranged on this cutting drum.

The US 4,632,721 describes a device for arranging labels on containers. In this device, cutting blades are arranged on a cutting drum, which cooperate with a further cutting element which is provided adjacent to this drum.

From the WO 2007/031502 a device for producing shrink sleeve labels is known, wherein end portions of these label sections are connected to each other by means of a laser.

In the WO 2007/148189 another device for the production of shrink wrap labels is disclosed. In this case, an electrostatic charge generating device is provided which electrostatically charges regions of labels.

The US 5,464,495 describes a method and apparatus for applying labels to containers. This device has heaters which interconnect end portions of the labels.

From the EP 095882 A2 is a method and apparatus for placing labels from a shrink material known. In this case, a heat source is also used for attaching the labels to the containers.

The present invention has for its object to provide a device for applying labels, which can be produced at a lower cost. In particular, a labeling is to be created, which can be used without adhesives or without corresponding roles for applying adhesive. In addition, the present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for applying labels to containers, which allows a reduced compared to the prior art wear.

These objects are achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for applying labels to containers has a cutting unit which cuts labels from a label strip. Furthermore, an attachment unit is provided, which is arranged downstream of the cutting unit and which attaches the labels cut by the cutting unit to the containers. According to the invention, the attachment unit has a radiation device, wherein this radiation device is designed such that the radiation emitted by the radiation device attaches the labels to the containers.

The radiation device preferably has a laser light source. This will, in contrast to the state of Technique, especially for attaching the labels to the containers, a laser light source used. In this way it is possible to dispense with adhesives or even on the expensive in the prior art adhesive rollers.

The attachment unit preferably has a carrier device which transports the containers on a circular segment-shaped path. Thus, a transport carousel is preferably provided, on which the containers are guided along the said circular segment-shaped path. Furthermore, the attachment unit preferably has a multiplicity of carrying elements for the containers, wherein these carrying elements are arranged rotatable with respect to the carrier device. Thus, with a preferred device, the containers are not only guided along the circular segment-shaped path, but moreover, the containers are also preferably rotated about their own axis to be fitted in this way with the labels.

Preferably, the radiation device is designed such that a first portion of the labels is connected to an outer wall of the container by the radiation emitted by the radiation device. Thus, for example, by means of laser welding, a portion of the labels are arranged on the outer wall of the container. Furthermore, the radiation device is preferably designed such that a first portion of the labels is connected to a second portion of the labels by the radiation emitted by the radiation device. Thus, in this preferred embodiment, not only attaching the labels to the containers by means of a radiation device, but also connecting the two End. This can be dispensed with adhesive over the entire mounting process away and the labels are preferably arranged with a laser device both on the bottle, as well as the two end portions of the labels together.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the radiation device is designed such that a radiation emitted by the radiation means, a first portion of the labels with an outer wall of the container and the first portion of the labels are connected to a second portion of the labels. Thus, the same radiation device is used for the entire mounting process.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the attachment unit has a radiation deflecting device, which changes an impact area of the radiation reaching the label from the radiation device. More specifically, it would be possible to adapt a laser beam to the movement of the container and carry it in such a way that the label is welded in the result along a vertical line, for example by laser points to the container.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a guide device, which leads a cut label during the attachment process to the container. Thus, for example, a first end portion is first welded to the container and, in order to prevent the label from slipping relative to the container, the guide means is used which applies the label in a predetermined position relative to the container Container stabilized. The guide device preferably has passage openings which allow the radiation emitted by the radiation device to pass through. In the process, these passage openings may extend, for example, in the guide direction of the labels, so that the laser beam can pass through these passage openings and connect the two end sections of the label to one another.

Preferably, the guide device is arranged such that through it the label is arranged or pressed against the container.

However, in another advantageous embodiment, it would also be possible to produce the guide device from a material transparent to the radiation emitted by the radiation device. In this case, the laser radiation is not absorbed by the guide means, but preferably falls substantially unimpaired through them to connect the underlying end portions of the label strips together. Depending on the spectral range of the laser radiation, different materials may be considered.

Preferably, the cutting unit also has a radiation source for cutting the labels. In this way, lasers are particularly preferably used both for cutting the labels and for the complete application process. In this way, the manufacturing cost of such a system can be significantly reduced.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the cutting unit has a rotatable roller for guiding the label strip, this rotatable roller having fastening means for at least temporarily fixing the label strip to a circumferential wall of the roller. This fastening means may, for example, be openings which are subjected to vacuum in order to at least temporarily attach the label strip to the roller.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the cutting unit has a guide plate for guiding the label strip, which is stationary and adjacent to the roller. Thus, this guide plate is particularly fixed in space and the roller rotates against it. The guide plate makes it possible to guide the label strip in a precisely predeterminable manner during the actual cutting process.

Preferably, the guide plate has a recess through which the label strip can be fastened temporarily to the roller. More specifically, through this recess, the roller can contact the label strip and attract through said vacuum openings.

The present invention is further provided on a mounting unit for attaching labels to a container, said mounting unit having a support device on which a plurality of support members for the containers are arranged, said support members are movable on the support means along a predetermined path and wherein these support members are rotatably arranged with respect to the support means.

Preferably, the attachment unit has a radiation device, wherein this radiation device is designed such that the radiation emitted by the radiation device attaches the labels to the containers. In the case of this attachment unit according to the invention, therefore, the radiation device in the form of a laser is preferably used in order to attach the labels to the containers.

The present invention is further directed to a cutting unit for cutting labels from a label strip, the cutting unit comprising a rotatable roller, and wherein said rotatable roller has fixing means for at least temporarily fixing the label strip to a circumferential wall of the roller. Furthermore, a radiation device is provided which directs radiation to the label strips for cutting the labels.

According to the invention, a beam path of a beam reaching the label strip from the radiation device extends at least partially within the circumferential wall of the rotatable roller, more precisely within the inner surface of this circumferential wall. Preferably, the radiation device has a laser source, which is fixed and in particular fixedly arranged relative to this roller.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the roller has in its interior a deflecting element for the radiation emitted by the radiation device. In this case, it is possible, for example, that the laser radiation from above substantially along an axis of rotation of the roller (or parallel For this purpose) is sent to the deflector and from there (from the inside) reaches the labels.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is possible to select the deflecting element from a group of deflecting elements which contains prisms, mirrors and the like. However, other elements would also be possible which reflect or redirect the light.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the circumferential wall has gaps extending in the direction of the axis of rotation of the roller. Through this column, the laser light can pass through the peripheral wall to the outside and thus on the labels to be cut. Preferably, these columns are longer than the label to be cut.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the deflecting element is arranged stationary. This means that the deflecting element, which is designed, for example, as a mirror, rotates with the roller.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the deflecting element is arranged pivotable about at least one pivot axis. By this pivotal arrangement, the laser beam can be directed in the longitudinal direction of said column on the labels and thus trigger a cutting operation.

The present invention is further directed to a method of attaching a label to containers wherein the container is rotated on a support member during application of the label. According to the invention for attaching the Label on the container uses a laser unit, which directs laser light to attach the label to attach labels. With this laser light, the labels are attached to the containers.

Preferably, the laser unit first connects a first portion of the label to the container and then connects this first portion to another portion of the label. It is particularly advantageous in these sections to end portions of the label.

The label is preferably cut from a label strip by means of a further radiation device, which is in particular also a laser. Thus, laser are used in this preferred variant both for cutting the labels as well as for attaching the same to the containers. Through this holistic use of lasers can be reduced in a particularly advantageous manner, the cost of producing labeled containers.

Preferably, the label strip is guided during the cutting process on a rotatable roller. In a further advantageous embodiment, the label is transferred from the rotatable roller via a guide plate directly to the container. Thus, in this preferred variant, it is proposed to provide no further rollers for transfer, and in particular no such rollers, which serve for applying adhesive to the labels.

In a further preferred method, the label strip is attached to the container with respect to the container during mounting by means of a guide device guided. Particularly preferably, first of all the label strip is arranged or fastened to an end section on the container and then guided by means of the guide device in order finally also to connect the second end section to the first end section by laser welding.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:

Show:

Fig. 1

an inventive device for applying labels to containers;

Fig. 2

a partial view of a cutting unit for the device Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a partial view of an attachment unit for the device Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

a view for illustrating a mounting process;

Fig. 5

an alternative embodiment for a part of an attachment unit; and

Fig. 6

an illustration of another cutting unit according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an overall view of a device 1 according to the invention for applying labels to containers. In the process, the containers to be labeled are placed over one Feed star 64 passed to a support means 16. At this carrier device 16, the containers between the actual carrier device 16 and a (not shown) centering bell are clamped on the bottle table. In this case, a plurality of support elements or container carriers is provided, these support elements 22 are individually preferably driven by servomotors and can perform essentially any tuned to bottle diameter and label length rotations relative to the support means 16. After passing through the carrier device, the containers are removed via an outlet star 66.

The reference numeral 30 refers in its entirety to a dispensing unit for labels. This label rolls 35 are provided, which are arranged on carriers, which have their own servo drive. A roller system comprising two rollers 36 and 38 and at least one dancer roller 37 feeds the label strip 8 to a cutting unit 2. This cutting unit 2 has a rotatable roller 42 which serves to transport the label strips 8, in particular during the cutting process. A guide plate 48 in the form of a sliding plate 48 explained in more detail below is partially provided around the outer circumference of this rotatable roller. This guide plate has a recess through which the roller 42, which is designed as Vakuumtransportrad, touched with a portion of its circumference the label strip 8 and thereby can transport. The peripheral speed of this roller 42 preferably corresponds to the label length per cycle time.

The reference numeral 46 refers to a radiation device, such as in particular a laser, the Cutting the label strips 8 in labels 18 is used. In this case, the radiation device 46 has deflection means which enable a change in position of the laser light emitted along the arrows P1 and P2. More precisely, for example, mirrors or scanning elements are provided which carry the point of impact of the laser light on the roller 42 and thus also on the label strip 18 with the movement of the label strip. By this preferably synchronized movement vertical cuts of the label strips can be achieved.

The reference numeral 45 refers to a marker recognition which detects markings on the label strip. Based on this marker recognition, a laser scanner (not shown) can be controlled, with which the label strip 8 is cut during the constant feed. Thus, the speed and the position of the printing or cutting image is controlled by the marker recognition 45.

After the cutting process, the labels thus cut are attached to the containers 10. As soon as a corresponding section 18a of a label strip strikes the container 10, it is attached to the container with the aid of a further radiation device 20, which is likewise a laser, this attachment preferably taking place by means of spot welding. This attachment is preferably done with only a few welds.

The reference numeral 22 refers to a radiation deflecting device such as a scanner. With the aid of this radiation-deflecting device, on the one hand, as also explained with reference to the cutting process, a vertical welding line are generated when the beam is carried along with the movement of the labels or the containers 10. On the other hand, it is also achieved with this radiation deflecting device that the beam emerging from the radiation device can be used both for attaching the section 18a to the container 10 (arrow 3) and for connecting the two end sections 18a, 18b of the label 18 (arrow P4).

For this purpose, first the first end section 18a is arranged on the container 10 and then the radiation device is pivoted in such a way that the two end sections 18a, 18b can be connected to one another. It would also be conceivable that the laser 20 in FIG. 1 by welding the first portion 18a to the container 10 during a downward movement and then welding the two portions 18a, 18b together during an upward movement. The reverse process would be conceivable.

The peripheral speed of the containers 10 in this area preferably corresponds exactly to the transport speed of the labels 18.

After the attachment of the portion 18a to the container, the rotation of the container or of the carrying element 22 is accelerated, in order to provide in this way a distance to a further film portion 18a for its transfer. Reference numeral 32 refers to a guide means (also referred to as a roll board) which guides the label strip 18 to the container during the mounting operation. In an end region of this guide device 32, there is an overlap of the two end portions of the label. These two end sections are also welded together using the radiation device 20. This process will be more specific with reference to the FIGS. 3 and 4 explained.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the in FIG. 1 shown cutting unit. It can be seen here again in its entirety designated 48 guide plate which is stationary and against which the roller 42 rotates. This roller 42 has a peripheral wall 43, on whose surface a plurality of fastening elements in the form of suction holes is provided. The (here rectangular) recess 52 serves that the label strip 48 can be attracted through this recess by the roller 42 and the individual fasteners 44 and transported in this way.

The reference numeral 45 also indicates here again with reference to FIG. 1 explained marker recognition for detecting markings 8a on the label strip. It can be seen that the label has a height h, which is greater than the height h1 of the recess 52, but smaller than the height h2 of the guide plate 48. In this way, this guide plate 48 serves as a sliding plate on which the label strip 8 always out The reference numeral 57 refers to a drive shaft for driving the roller 42. The label is cut along its entire height, including in the area in which the guide plate is located below the label 8 ,

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the attachment unit 4. It can be seen here again the guide means 32, in its left part Through-slots 33 has. Through these passage slots, the laser spots can be used to staple the end portions of the labels 18 (not shown). In FIG. 3 For example, the container 10 to be labeled is guided along the guide plate 32 during the entire mounting operation of the label, with the arrow P5 indicating the direction of transport. The reference numeral 22 denotes the support element, by means of which the container is rotated. One can see an oblique line 34 along which the laser spots occur. The inclination of this line is adapted to the rotational speed of the containers, so that the result is a vertical weld or weld line. Through the passage slots thus a tight spot welding sequence for stapling the end portions of the label allows.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view to illustrate the welding process. It can be seen here the two end portions 18a and 18b of the label 18, which are welded together by means of a welding point 39. The reference numeral 33 also shows a passage opening of the guide device 32 here.

Thus, the guide means 32 is used to make the label smooth, d. H. is arranged without warping on the container.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment, by means of which the labels can be attached to the containers. Here a continuous weld is used and a variety of (also in FIG. 1 shown) Anstreifeinrichtungen 24, which already attached to the container Touch the label on this container. More precisely, each stretcher element or each container is assigned a brushing device 24 here. Preferably, the individual Anstreifeinrichtungen 24 move with the respective containers.

These brushing devices are mechanically controlled and preferably displaceable along the arrow P7 as well as rotatable along the double arrow P8. The displaceability along the arrow P7 serves to avoid collisions with other elements. A squealer 25 of the squealer 24 may be heated or equipped with a heating element. Preferably, however, the end portions of the label are stapled together by means of a line seam, wherein preferably this line seam is applied next to the Anstreifkörper. In this case too, the radiation device 20 is used to produce the line seam.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a cutting unit according to the invention. Unlike the in FIG. 1 In the embodiment shown in which the label strip is cut from the outside, the label strip 8 is cut from the inside. For this purpose, a stationary radiation device 46 is provided in the form of a laser, which is preferably arranged in the center of the cutting roller 42. More precisely, a deflecting element 49 or a scanning head of this laser is arranged fixedly in the center of the cutting roller 42 via a holder 51, through which the laser beam can also be guided. However, it would also be possible to arrange this scanning head offset from the axis of rotation X (or eccentric). In the peripheral wall 43 of Cutting roller 42 through holes 50 and slots are arranged through which through the arrows P1 and P2 emerging radiation can cut the label strips 8. In a further embodiment, it would also be conceivable to integrate the complete radiation device 46 into the cutting roller 42. It would also be possible to provide a multiplicity of light-guiding elements which are led directly from the laser 46 to the gaps 50 and cut the labels there directly. For example, such optical fibers as glass fibers could be either rotated with the cutting roller 42, or be arranged stationary and cut the labels at the correct time.

For example, it would be possible to provide a shifting device such as a carriage, which shifts ends of glass fibers with respect to the longitudinal directions of the through-holes so as to cut the labels. Thus, it would be possible to provide a bundle of glass fibers, wherein one end of this bundle is preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation and in this end the light of one or more lasers is coupled. This bundle preferably rotates with the cutting roller 42, but is powered by a stationary laser. At the other end of this optical fiber bundle, a lens may be provided which focuses the light emerging from the optical fibers onto the label to be separated.

It would also be possible to design the deflection element 49 as a mirror, which is arranged in the center of the cutting roller 42 and which is rotated with the cutting roller in the period in which the label is cut and which subsequently falls back into a rest position. there It would be possible to provide on the roller corresponding driver elements which take the mirror at certain rotational positions. Also, guide curves could be provided which pivot the mirror during this entrainment such that the label strip is cut along the height h.

All disclosed in the application documents features are claimed as essential to the invention, provided they are new individually or in combination over the prior art.

Claims (15)

Device (1) for mounting labels (18) on containers (10) with a cutting unit (2) which cuts labels (18) from a label strip (8) and with an attachment unit (4) arranged downstream of the cutting unit and which attaches the labels cut by the cutting unit (2) to the containers (10), characterized in that the mounting unit has a radiation device (20), wherein this radiation device (20) is designed such that the radiation emitted by the radiation device is the radiation Attach labels to the containers (10). Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the radiation device (20) comprises a laser light source. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation device (20) is designed in such a way that a first portion of the labels is connected to an outer wall of the container (10) by the radiation emitted by the radiation device (20) , Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation device (20) is designed in such a way that in that a first portion of the labels is connected to a second portion of the labels by the radiation emitted by the radiation device (20). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment unit has a radiation deflecting device (26) which changes an impact area of the radiation reaching the label from the radiation device (20). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a guide device (32) which guides a cut label to the container (10) during the application process. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting unit (2) has a radiation device (20) for cutting the label strips (8). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting unit (2) comprises a rotatable roller (42) for guiding the label strip (8), this rotatable roller having fastening means (44) for clamping the label strip (8 ) at least temporarily to a circumferential wall (43) of the roller to fix. Attachment unit (4) for attaching labels to containers (10) with a carrier device (16) a plurality of support elements for the containers (10) is arranged, said support elements (22) of the support means (16) along a predetermined path are movable and wherein these support members are rotatably arranged with respect to the support means (16), characterized in that the attachment unit (4) has a radiation device (20), wherein this radiation device (20) is designed in such a way that the radiation emitted by the radiation device attaches the labels to the container (10). A cutting unit (2) for cutting labels from a label strip, the cutting unit (2) having a rotatable roller (42), said rotatable roller having fixing means (44) for at least temporarily supporting the label strip (8) on a circumferential wall (43). the roller, and with a radiation device (46) which directs radiation to the label strips for cutting the labels, characterized in that a beam path of a beam reaching the label strip (8) from the radiation device is at least partially within the peripheral wall (43). the rotatable roller (42) extends. Cutting unit (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that the radiation device comprises a laser source, which is fixedly arranged. Cutting unit (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller has in its interior a deflecting element (49) for the radiation emitted by the radiation device (46) Having radiation. Cutting unit (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims 10-12, characterized in that the circumferential wall (43) has gaps (49) running in a direction of the axis of rotation (X) of the roller (42). A method of attaching a label (18) on containers, wherein the container is rotated on a support member during the attachment of the label, characterized in that for attaching the label to the container, a laser unit is used, which for attaching the label to the container laser light directed to the label to be attached. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the laser unit connects a first portion of the label with the container and then connects this first portion with another portion of the label.

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