EP2098455A1 - Device for applying labels on containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The appliance has a transport device (2) that transports receptacles (10) to be labeled along a predefined transport path, and a pressing-on element (6), that presses the labels onto an outer wall of the receptacles. The pressing-on element includes a brush device having bristles that extend in the direction of the receptacles, where the pressing-on element, in a partial region of the pressing-on element, is shorter in a longitudinal direction (L) of the receptacles, than the label to be applied. An independent claim is also included for a method for applying labels to a receptacle.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for labeling containers. From the prior art, it has long been known to use fully automatic devices for labeling containers. These devices bring here
Labels on glass or plastic containers. It is both known
Apply a layer of adhesive to the label strip, then place it on the container and use self-adhesive labels. It is also known that such labels are first placed on the container and then pressed against the container. For this purpose, Andrückkörper such as sponges are used, which press the label from the outside to the peripheral wall of the container.

The DE 103 57 329 A1 describes a labeling machine with brush bodies, ie in this device brushes are used instead of sponges, which press the labels to the containers. These brush bodies have various advantages over sponges, since they can also compensate for unevenness of containers or surfaces more easily.

However, due to, for example, slightly different container diameter Difficulty attaching the labels to the containers. Furthermore, in the devices known from the prior art, warping of the label often occurs, which subsequently leads to disturbing optical effects.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for labeling containers, which allows a more accurate attachment of the labels to the containers. Furthermore, a device is to be created, which adapts better to slightly different from each other container diameter.

This is achieved according to the invention by devices and methods according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

An inventive device for applying labels to containers has a transport device which transports the containers to be labeled along a predetermined transport path. Furthermore, a first pressing unit is provided which presses the labels against an outer wall of the containers, the first pressing unit having a brush device with a plurality of bristles which extend in the direction of the containers. According to the invention, the first pressing unit is shorter in at least a partial area of the first pressing unit in the longitudinal direction of the container than the label to be attached.

An extension of the bristles in the direction of the containers is understood to extend at least also in the direction of the containers, but may also be inclined with respect to the exact radial direction with respect to the containers or the transport path. Preferably, the directions under which the plurality of bristles extend statistically distributed around the radial direction of the containers or of the transport path. The pressure unit is understood to mean that body which touches the labels when the labels are pressed against the containers.

The transport device transports the containers to be labeled past the advantageous first stationarily arranged pressing unit. In this case, the first pressing unit is preferably arranged stationary, in particular during the running process.

By means of the pressing unit or brush device according to the invention, the label is initially not attached to the container along an entire length, but instead in a region shortened for this purpose. In this way, it is easier to compensate for any slight inclinations during the further attachment process, without causing distortions of the label on the container. It would also be possible to carry out the pressing unit (in its entirety) as a conventional body, for example as a sponge, which is shorter in a partial area in the longitudinal direction of the containers than the label.

Therefore, the partial area is preferably considered in the transport direction of the containers in the initial region of the Andrückeinheit arranged. This means that preferably the label is initially attached to the container only in a partial area. Preferably, the pressing unit in the said portion of the brush device.

This means that at least in the initial area in which the label is arranged on the container, a brush device is provided. Preferably, the first pressing unit has a brush unit in the entire contact area with the container. This means that the entire pressing process is carried out with the aid of a brush unit. However, it is also possible that the first pressing unit is composed in part of a brush unit and partially known from the prior art devices such as sponges and the like.

Preferably, the pressing unit or the brush device expands in the transport direction of the containers. This means that the labels are first pressed against a container only in a partial region of their extent, and further along a larger area and preferably completely.

Preferably, the brush device widens linearly in the transport direction of the containers. Thus, here the first extension is straight and in particular without edges. Also in this way the formation of distortions of the label can be counteracted.

Preferably, the device comprises turning means which rotate the containers about their longitudinal axis. In this way, the containers can fully with a label be adhered or the label can be completely pressed by the Andrückeinheit to the container.

Preferably, therefore, the brush device has at least the same length as the label to be attached in at least a partial region of the first pressure unit in the longitudinal direction of the containers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the pressing unit or the brush device extends in the above-mentioned partial area in a middle region of the label. This means that at least a central region of the label is attached and the upper and lower regions are not initially pressed against the container. A middle region is understood to mean two middle quarters, preferably a middle third, and particularly preferably a middle fifth of the label.

In a further advantageous embodiment, in addition to the first pressing unit in the transport direction of the containers, a second pressing unit is provided, wherein the second pressing unit is arranged with respect to the first pressing unit on the other side of the transport path of the containers. By means of this second pressing unit, it is particularly preferable for the area of the label to be pressed against the container which has not yet been pressed by the first pressing unit, this being in particular the starting area of the label. Both pressing units are particularly preferably provided in at least one subregion of the transport path, which press the label onto the container simultaneously from two sides relative to the container. In this section are the two Pressing units with respect to the transport path of the containers directly opposite. In this way, it is particularly advantageous possible to completely fix the initial area of the label to the container. However, it would also be possible for the first pressure unit and the second pressure unit to be partially or completely offset from one another along the transport path.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first pressing unit relative to the transport path of the containers is displaceable. In this way, lighter tolerances of the containers can be compensated for each other. In particular, the first pressing unit is displaceable in a direction extending transversely to the transport path. Preferably, the second pressing unit relative to the transport path is displaced transversely.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport path of the containers is formed at least partially circular segment-shaped and the first pressing unit is arranged adjustable in a radial direction with respect to this transport path. This makes it possible to deliver the first pressure unit in the radial direction of the transport path and thus compensate for small tolerances of the containers to each other.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the brush device or the pressure unit is detachably arranged on a support. In this way, a quick change of the brush device is possible. Preferably, the carrier is curved and rigid. Preferably, the curvature of the carrier is adapted to the curvature of the transport path.

In an advantageous circular segment-shaped transport path thus also the carrier preferably has a circular curvature.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a separating device which separates a self-adhesive label from a carrier material. The separating device is preferably arranged in front of the pressing unit in the transport direction of the containers. This embodiment is particularly directed to labeling devices for so-called self-adhesive labels, for which the embodiment of the invention with brush bodies is particularly suitable. In particular, self-adhesive labels can be attached particularly comfortable to the container with such brushing devices.

The present invention is further directed to a device for applying labels to containers, with a transport device which transports the containers to be labeled along a predetermined transport path and with a first stationary in working operation Andrückeinheit which presses the labels to an outer wall of the containers. According to the invention here, the first pressing unit is adjustable in a direction transverse to the transport path direction.

By means of this embodiment according to the invention, it is possible to compensate for tolerances with regard to the diameter of the individual containers. This embodiment is suitable both for the attachment of self-adhesive labels as well as for labeling devices in which labels are applied with an adhesive layer.

It is also possible that the pressing unit is adjustable in an obliquely to the transport path extending direction, it is essential, however, that the adjustment also has a transversely to the transport path extending component. Preferably, the device is designed in the manner described above.

Preferably, the transport path is at least partially circular segment-shaped and the pressure unit is transversely adjustable with respect to this circular segment-extending region. Thus, here the pressing unit is adjusted in particular in a radial direction with respect to the transport path.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a display device which displays a position of a pressing unit relative to the transport path. In this way, it is very easy for the user to determine the exact position of the pressing unit relative to the transport path and adjust if necessary.

Preferably, the device also has an adjusting device, via which the position of the pressing unit relative to the transport path is adjustable. As such adjusting means, for example, micrometer screws or the like can be used.

In a further advantageous embodiment, between the adjusting device and the pressing unit is a Arranged articulated connection. About this hinge connection, it is possible to readjust exactly the pressure unit, since the connection between the adjustment, which is preferably a rod-like body and the pressure unit is not exactly fixed.

Preferably, the adjusting device is at least slightly pivotable relative to the pressing unit in the direction of the transport path.

In a further advantageous embodiment, exactly two adjusting devices are provided for adjusting the pressing unit with respect to the transport path. In this way, the pressing unit can be moved exactly in any desired position relative to the transport path.

The present invention is further directed to a method of attaching labels to a container. In this case, a label strip is fed in a first method step, this label strip having a plurality of labels arranged on a carrier material. In a further method step, the label is separated from the carrier material and in a further method step, the label is supplied to the container and pressed against the container by means of a first pressing unit.

According to the invention, the label is at least temporarily pressed in a longitudinal direction of the container a moment only along a portion of the label to the container.

This means that in this temporal section certain sections of the label not be pressed against the container. Preferably, a brush device is used for pressing the labels with a plurality of bristles, which extend in the direction of the containers.

Preferably, the label is pressed in an initial area only along a portion of the container. Particularly preferably, this is a central portion of the label. By this procedure, as mentioned above, the formation of distortions can be prevented or at least limited. Preferably, the labels are transported along a predeterminable transport path.

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

• Fig.1 eine schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• Fig.2 eine Draufsicht auf eine Andrückeinheit in einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• Fig.3 eine Draufsicht auf eine Andrückeinheit in einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 4 eine Detailansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• Fig. 5 eine Ansicht des Details aus Fig. 4 entlang der Linie A - A aus Fig. 4; und
• Fig. 6a - 6d Ansichten einer erfindungsgemäßen Einstelleinrichtung.

Show:

• Fig.1 a schematic view of a device according to the invention;
• Fig.2 a plan view of a pressing unit in a first embodiment;
• Figure 3 a plan view of a pressing unit in a further embodiment;
• Fig. 4 a detailed view of a device according to the invention;
• Fig. 5 a view of the detail Fig. 4 along the line A - A off Fig. 4 ; and
• Fig. 6a - 6d Views of an adjusting device according to the invention.

Fig.1 shows a device 1 according to the invention for labeling containers. This device has a (only schematically shown) transport device 2 in the form of a transport wheel on which a plurality of containers 10 along the arrow P1, that is transported in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, the containers are guided here along a circular path or a circular transport path, which is characterized by the reference symbol T. About a total designated by the reference numeral 4 separator the containers 10 labels are supplied. In this case, a label strip 3 along the arrow P3 of this separator 4 is supplied and in the front region of the separator are removed by sharp bending of this label strip 3 labels 5 of a substrate 7 of the label strip 3. The carrier material 7 is subsequently removed. Furthermore, the separated labels 5 are arranged in a portion of the container 10.

The reference numeral 6 refers in its entirety to a pressing unit which presses the labels 5 to the containers 10. For this purpose, the containers 10, as shown by the arrow P2, also rotated in the counterclockwise direction and at the same time passed along their transport path T at the stationarily arranged pressing unit 6. During this passing, the pressing unit 6 contacts the labels 5 and thus presses them against the outer wall of the containers 10. The Pressing unit 6 here has a brush body 8, which has a plurality of bristles 9, which extend in the direction of the containers or in the direction of the transport path T. This pressing unit 6 and the brush body 8 is arranged on a support 12. The support 12 in turn is displaceable by means of adjusting devices 20 in the direction R that is transversal to the transport path T.

The reference numeral 14 refers to a second pressing unit, which is arranged here radially within the transport path T and in turn presses the labels 5 to the container 10. In this case, with the aid of the second pressing unit 14, in particular also the initial area of the labels 5 can be pressed against the containers 10, which has not yet been pressed against the containers 10 in the partial area 6a. The reference numeral 18 refers to a feed wheel for the containers to the conveyor 2 and the reference numeral 19 to a Abführrad.

Fig.2 shows a pressing unit 6 and a brush body 8 in a first embodiment. In this case, the brush unit 8 has a plurality of bristles 9, which are each arranged in bristle groups 11. In a first portion 6a of the brush body 8, the brush body 8 extends in the longitudinal direction L of the containers only in a partial region of a label 5 indicated here by dashed lines, and thus the label is pressed against the container (not shown) only in this central region M. , In a transition region, the brush body expands in the longitudinal direction of the containers Finally, at least cover the full length of the label 5 in a second portion 6b.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a brush device according to the invention 8. In this embodiment, the individual groups of bristles 11 are each offset in rows against each other because in this way a tighter structure of the bristle groups 11 can be achieved. However, in this case too, preferably the brush body expands linearly in the transport direction of the containers, which is indicated by the arrow P4.

Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of a device according to the invention. It can also be seen here, the separator 4 and the Andrückkörper 6. This Andrückkörper 6 has a curved profile, wherein the curvature is adapted to the transport path T of the containers 10. The carrier 12 of the pressure body 6 is arranged on two adjusting devices 20 on a curved support rod 42. The reference numeral 2 also shows the transport device 2 for transporting the containers 10. At this transport device 2, a plurality of turntables 32 is arranged, with the aid of which the containers can be rotated about its longitudinal axis.

Fig. 5 shows a view of the detail Fig. 4 along the line A - A in Fig. 4 , It can be seen here that the pressing body 6 or the brush device 8 widens from an initial area 6a to an end area 6b. The reference numeral 48 refers to vertical bars on which the carrier bar 42 is slidably disposed in the longitudinal direction L of the containers 10. In this way, the height of the pressure unit 6 or the brush device 8 opposite It would also be possible to arrange several pressing units 6 in the longitudinal direction L one above the other, for example, to arrange several labels one above the other. The reference numeral 44 shows a further curved rod, which serves to stabilize the individual vertical rods 48, and which is arranged on the curved rod 44 via connecting pieces 46.

The Fig. 6a - 6d show different views of the adjusting device 20. In Fig. 6a The reference numeral 23 refers to a holding device on which an angle piece 27 is arranged for fixing the (not shown) Andrückkörpers. This holding device 23 is attached to a bolt 28, wherein the bolt 28 is adjustable in the direction R. The reference numeral 24 refers to a lever for locking the position of the bolt 28.

The reference numeral 42 again shows the carrier bar, on which a holding body of the adjusting device 20, designated in its entirety by 40, is arranged. In this case, a clamping piece 54 is provided to lock the holding body 40. By means of a rotatable handle 26, the position of the bolt 28 in the direction R can be adjusted. The reference numeral 56 shows a display device, via which the position of the bolt 28 and thus also the pressure unit 6 can be read.

One recognizes in Fig. 6b a spindle 58 which extends partly inside the holding body 40 and which is rotatably arranged in the holding body 40. At this spindle 58 of the bolt 28 is arranged. Fig. 6c shows a further view of the adjusting device 20. It also recognizes the rotatable handle 26 and the support rod 42nd Fig. 6d shows a view of the adjustment 20 from Fig. 6a along the line B - B off Fig. 6a ,

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 applying labels (5) to containers (10), with a transport device (2) which transports the containers (10) to be labeled along a predetermined transport path (T) and with a first pressing unit (6) the labels (5) to an outer wall of the containers (10) presses, wherein the first pressure unit (6) comprises at least one brush means (8) having a plurality of bristles (9), which extend in the direction of the containers (10), characterized in that the first pressure unit (6) in at least one partial area (6a) of the first pressure unit (6) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the containers (10) is shorter than the label (5) to be attached. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the partial area (6a) viewed in the transport direction (T) of the containers is an initial area (6a) of the pressing unit (6). Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the pressing unit (6) in the partial area (6a) has the brush device (8). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brush device (8) expands in the transport direction (T) of the containers (10). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brush device (8) in at least a portion (6b) of the first pressure unit (6) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the containers (10) has at least the same length as the label to be attached (5). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brush device (8) extends in the partial region (6a) in a middle region of the label (5). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pressing unit (6) relative to the transport path (T) of the containers (10) is displaceable. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport path (T) of the containers (10) is at least partially circular segment-shaped and the first pressing unit (6) in a radial direction with respect to this transport path (T) is arranged adjustable , Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a separating device (4) which separates a self-adhesive label (5) from a carrier material. Device (1) for applying labels (5) to containers (10), with a transport device (2), which transports the containers (10) to be labeled along a predetermined transport path (T) and with a first pressing unit stationarily arranged in working mode ( 6), which presses the labels (5) against an outer wall of the containers (T), characterized in that the first pressing unit (6) is adjustable in a direction extending transversely to the transport path (T). Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the transport path (T) extends at least partially circular segment-shaped and the pressing unit (6) with respect to this circular segment-shaped extending region is transversely adjustable. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has an adjusting device (20) via which the position of the pressing unit (6) relative to the transport path (T) is adjustable. Method for applying labels (5) to a container (10) with the steps: - supplying a label strip, said label strip having a plurality of labels (5) arranged on a carrier material; - separating the label (5) from the carrier material; - feeding the label (5) to the container (10) and pressing the label (10) to the container (10) with a first pressing unit (6), characterized in that the label (10) at least temporarily in one Longitudinal (L) of the container is pressed along only a portion of the label (5) to the container (10). A method according to claim 13, characterized in that for pressing the label, a brush device (8) with a plurality of bristles (9) which extend in the direction of the containers (10) is used. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label is pressed against the container (10) in an initial region only along a partial region.

Images