EP2188131B1 - Device for treating/processing labels - Google Patents

Abstract

On a device for treating/processing labels (20) that reach an intermediate station (17) from a label storage (3), a device (29) for applying and/or inserting Braille (embossed printing) is to be associated with the labels (20) between the storage (3) and intermediate station (17).

Description

The invention relates to a device for treating / processing of labels that pass from a label memory to an intermediate station, wherein the labels between memory and intermediate station, a device for raising and / or introducing a Braille (Braille) is assigned, and as from FR 2 843 911 A known.

State of the art

Such devices are already known in many forms and configurations and in use. For example, in the DE 696 24 388 T2 a device for printing on labels described in which the labels are adhered continuously on a long carrier web, printed with a printing section and the printed labels are ejected via a label dispensing opening. The disadvantage here, however, is that the device on the one hand has a relatively complicated structure. On the other hand, it is not possible with this device, for example Braille (Braille) to print on such a label. However, this is particularly important in view of recent laws. Thus, for example, it is prescribed for medicaments that their packaging now also has an identification in braille in addition to the normal labeling in black text.

An improvement to this effect, for example, in the US 5,753,350 shown. Here, a method and apparatus for applying braille characters to an article or to labels is disclosed. An embodiment describes the application of the characters of braille by means of small adhesive droplets on the label. Another embodiment describes the embossing of the characters by means of elevations, which are arranged in a corresponding pattern on a roller.

Furthermore, also describes the FR 2 843 911 A1 a method for applying Braille to a film which is subsequently cut into labels. For this purpose, a corresponding device is shown. This has a pair of rollers as embossing device. On a roller surveys are provided according to the desired characters, which are embossed when passing through the film on this.

The disadvantage here, however, is that the resulting embossed image of the braille, in particular the embossing edges fringe by the rolling of the rollers, tear out and / or can move / can. In addition, the devices are complicated in construction and handling.

Object of the present invention

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide a device for treating / processing labels, with which it is possible to provide labels with this braille. The character of Braille should be exact and clean. At the same time, the device should have a straightforward structure and be easy to handle. In addition, the device should be inexpensive to manufacture.

Solution of the task

To achieve the object results in that the device has an embossing punch, which is movable towards the label and aufdrückbar.

Braille consists of different signs. Each character consists of at most six points, which determine by their arrangement in the grid, which character should be present. Distances between the points and between the basic grid are defined and their adherence crucial.

The device for mounting and / or inserting a Braille has an embossing stamp, which preferably has on its underside a corresponding hole pattern and / or embossing pins. The breadboard and / or the embossing pins are used to emboss the Braille (Braille) in the label. For this purpose, the hole pattern and / or the embossing pins is pressed by the movement of the stamping die down, on the label on the carrier tape. The movement of the die down is done by the pressure cylinder.

The pressure cylinder, which in this case causes the movement of the die down, can be replaced by any other type of power conversion. It is crucial that the embossing pins on the underside of the stamping die are passed with sufficient pressure on the label to memorize the signs of braille.

The generation of the force for the printing cylinder can pneumatically, hydraulically, electrically, or mechanically, for example via a spindle, od. Like. The different possibilities are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the printing cylinder with the stamping die fixed and instead to move the plate plate arranged below against the die, so as to emboss the labels. However, this may not be practical. However, this possibility should also be encompassed by the present invention. If, moreover, the stamping die have the breadboard, the perforated plate is assigned the corresponding stamping pins.

The perforated plate is to ensure that the embossed with Braille (Braille) label detaches after stamping of the perforated plate and in particular from recesses in the perforated plate. For this purpose, one or more openings are provided. These openings have supply connections for air. The air is preferably compressed air of various strengths. The strength of the compressed air to be used depends on the size and weight of the labels to be treated.

Other ways of releasing the labels from the perforated plate are conceivable and are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Thus, in this case, the embossed label could be released after embossing by means of a short upward and downward movement of two adjacent deflection rollers of the perforated plate.

The labels are arranged on a carrier tape in order to ensure the fastest possible and thus more cost-effective processing / treatment of the labels. The carrier tape is wound up in the form of a label roll and carries the labels through the entire device up to the buffer. For example, transparent label rolls, blank label rolls and already preprinted label rolls or the like come into consideration as label rolls. As a material for the label rolls come, for example, transparent PVC or other plastics or the like. and coated and uncoated paper labels. The labels themselves may in their size u. Likewise also vary. The different possibilities of designing the label rolls should be encompassed by the present invention.

The label roll is arranged on a rotation axis of a memory and fixed with clamping elements in the width. Other fasteners are conceivable and intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

The buffer has a drive, which in turn can consist of any drive, such as an electric motor. This drive pulls the carrier tape from the memory to the buffer and thus through the various processing stations. In addition, it serves to wind the carrier tape after processing / treatment of the labels on a corresponding take-up roll, which is associated with the buffer.

The leadership of the carrier tape also serve pulleys whose number and arrangement depends on the wishes of the user. The arrangement of

Pulleys should, however, be chosen so that the carrier tape with the labels on direct route to the individual processing stations and there is introduced as plan as possible. The different possibilities of variation in the number and arrangement of the pulleys are to be encompassed by the present invention.

The pulleys may be provided by the device with lateral guides for better management of the carrier tape, but the design is of minor importance.

The inventive device has one or more printing modules for black text. These are used to print the labels in black and white. Thus, if desired, black text and braille (Braille) may be applied by the same device. Of course it is also possible to print the labels only with black text or even with Braille. The term of the black text used here is not just conventional characters, but also a logo, images, code and in particular bar code. The labels themselves can be supplied as transparent, partially printed or already printed labels of the device for applying and / or introducing the Braille. The different possibilities are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

As printing modules conventional printing modules (Sato or Zebra), thermo modules as well as custom-made products can be considered. The use of conventional printing modules leads to ease of maintenance and further cost improvement. In addition, the print module can also be replaced by an external printer, which would further positively influence the cost factor. However, in such a case one or more sensors would have to be provided to prevent that the label roll breaks or continues to run indefinitely when the device is stopped.

The printing module (s) can also have a device, in particular a motor, which can serve to transport the labels or the carrier tape.

Furthermore, information, for example a bar code, for retrieving the printed and / or embossed contents from a controller or the like can be displayed on the device for mounting and / or inserting a Braille script and / or on the printing module (s) . be provided.

Another advantage of the device according to the invention is that it is not only possible to produce series production of entire rows of labels, but that it is also possible to print each label individually. For example, due to the settings, each tag could be given a sequential number without having to stop the device and readjust the braille characters (Braille) to allow the device to resume operation.

In addition, a thermal film can also be applied to the labels by the device according to the invention. It is used to apply the drug name on the back to avoid confusion.

The present device is simple, fast and inexpensive to manufacture and set up. This ensures short delivery times and ease of maintenance. A tool change and a possible change of the print layout for another label can be fast. That is, it can be more flexible to respond to changes in box size and information contained on the box.

The device can also pass through without supervision after its installation, since the embossing plate is fixed and can not change during embossing. This technique is straightforward and reliable.

In addition, with the device applicable hygiene rules, such as easy accessibility or the prevention of dripping oil u. Like. Be complied with. Corrosion is also prevented.

With the present device, the possibility has been created to obtain a degree of independence from the previous dominant manufacturers of braille (Braille) labels.

figure description

• Figur 1 eine schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Etiketten;
• Figur 2 eine schematisch Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Etiketten gemäss der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing; this shows in

• FIG. 1 a schematic view of an inventive apparatus for treating labels;
• FIG. 2 a schematic view of another embodiment of the apparatus for treating labels according to the present invention.

According to FIG. 1 The device P has a machine base 1 and a machine wall 2. Machine base 1 and machine wall 2 are connected to each other. The machine base 1 is assigned only a perforated plate 13. The machine wall 2 in turn is a memory 3 with clamping elements 3a, a spring arm 5 with deflection roller 4, deflection rollers 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 16, a printing module 10, an optional printing module 7 for black printing or the like, a device 29 for applying and / or introducing a Braille with a printing cylinder 15 with the punch 14 and a latch 17 assigned.

The memory 3 serves to receive a label roll 19. The label roll 19 consists of prefabricated labels 20 which are arranged on a carrier tape 18. From the memory 3 or from the label roll 19, the carrier tape 18 runs to the deflection roller 4, which is connected to the spring arm 5. From the deflection roller 4, the carrier tape 18 runs to the optional deflection roller 6. The optional deflection roller 6 is the optional printing module 7 for black text or the like. assigned. Without optional pressure module 7 and this associated optional deflection roller 6, the carrier tape extends in the manner shown in dashed lines 18a of the deflection roller 4 directly to the deflection roller. 8

From the deflection roller 8, the carrier belt 18 runs to the deflection roller 9 and is deflected there and directed into the pressure module 10. In this case, the guide roller 9 is preset to the printing module so that the carrier tape 18 passes through the printing module 10 approximately flat.

After this printing module 10 for black text or the like. the course of the carrier tape 18 by means of two pulleys 11, 12 offset slightly down by the carrier tape 18 is first performed above the guide roller 11 and shortly thereafter below the guide roller 12, so that it is approximately flat between the underlying hole plate 13 and the above located embossing stamp 14 is guided along for Braille. Thereafter, the carrier tape 18 runs below the guide roller 16 to the buffer 17, where it is wound on a pickup roller 43 for finished labels, which is arranged on a rotation axis 23 of the buffer 17.

The operation of the present invention is as follows:

First, the label roller 19 is attached to a rotation axis 21 of the memory 3. For this purpose, the rotation axis 21 is inserted into a middle piece 22 of the label roll 19. Thereafter, the clamping elements 3a serve to fix the label roll 19 in width.

When treating or processing the label roll 19 is unwound from the center piece 22 on the memory 3. This is done by a latch 17 driving, not shown motor. This motor pulls the carrier tape 18 from the label roll 19 to the buffer store 17. First, the carrier tape 18 now runs to the deflection roller 4, which is mounted on the spring arm 5. The spring arm 5 serves to keep the carrier tape 18 even with fluctuations in speed always in a uniform manner taut.

From the guide roller 4, the carrier tape 18 is now either optionally directed to the guide roller 6 or directly to the guide roller 8. In direct course to guide roller 8, the carrier tape 18a is shown in dashed lines in the schematic drawing. If an optional printing module 7 is present, the optional deflection roller 6 serves to guide the carrier tape 18 through the printing module 7. There, the labels 20, which are arranged on the carrier tape 18, by means of a conventional printing method with black characters, drawings, codes od. Like. Are provided.

After this step, the carrier tape 18 is now pulled further to the deflection roller 8. Consequently, the course of the carrier tape 18 from the guide roller 8 from the same, regardless of whether an optional guide roller 6 and / or an optional printing module 7 is present. The guide roller 8 guides the carrier tape 18 in interaction with the guide roller 9 down.

Thereafter, the carrier tape 18 is pulled by the printing module 10. The printing module 10 is a conventional printer, preferably a Sato or Zebra printer. There are on the ready-made labels black characters, drawings, codes od. Like. Applied.

On the device 29 for mounting and / or introducing a Braille and / or on the printing modules 7 and 10 or their tool is for this purpose information, such as a barcode, for retrieving the printing and / or embossing content from a controller od. Like. Provided.

Subsequently, the carrier tape 18 is further pulled to the deflection roller 11. The carrier tape 18 extends along the upper circumference of the guide roller 11 and is slightly offset downwards in interaction with guide roller 12. This serves to put the carrier tape 18 to a height in the down a bit and thus bring in the optimum position between the perforated plate 13 on the lower side and impression cylinder 15 with die 14 on the upper side and on the other hand, the carrier tape 18 before Treat by the Pressure cylinder 15 with stamper 14 in conjunction with the perforated plate 13 to tighten. At the stamper 14 and the impression cylinder 15 could still not shown in detail Andruckrahmen, which is preferably spring-loaded, be arranged for fixing the labels and in particular for preventing slippage of the labels during the embossing process.

The die 14 has on its underside a hole grid not shown in detail and / or not shown in detail embossing pins. The die 14 is pressed by the pressure cylinder 15 down. The force required for this purpose supplies a drive, not shown.

The printing cylinder 15 moves the die 14 down. As a result, the embossing pins depress the label areas arranged on the carrier tape 18 during the downward movement into corresponding recesses in the perforated plate 13 which are likewise not shown in greater detail, thus producing the signs of Braille writing.

These recesses are also used to pass air. This air pushes the carrier tape 18 or label 20 again from the recesses and forms an air cushion, which simplifies the removal of the label 20 after the treatment.

Thereafter, the carrier tape 18 is guided to the deflection roller 16. There it is pulled along the lower circumference up to the buffer 17. The buffer 17 performs various tasks. On the one hand, it serves, driven by a motor, to pull the carrier tape 18 provided with the labels 20 through the various stations of the device. In addition, he also fulfills the task of a cache. The arranged on the carrier tape 18, finished labels 20 are wound on the receiving roller 43 of the latch 17.

In the context of the invention, a slitter can be provided before the buffer 17, the label webs halved after embossing of multi-lane labels. As a result, the entire production time and, accordingly, costs are reduced because this cutting process can be performed before rolling up.

A further embodiment of the present invention, which in FIG. 2 is different from the embodiment described above by the following features:

The machine base 1.1 of the device P ₁ is next to the perforated plate 13, an ink pad 24 of a device 27 for applying a thermal film on the labels or the carrier tape 18 assigned.

The machine wall 2.1 is occupied by a guide rail 25. On the guide rail 25, in the processing direction of the label roll 19, a label sensor 26, a pressing cylinder 32 of the device 27 for applying a thermal film, a Etikettenandrückzylinder 28, the means 29 for mounting and / or introducing the Braille, another Etikettenandrückzylinder 30 and a Encoder 31 arranged adjustable and displaceable.

The operation of this embodiment is the following:

The attachment of the label roll 19 in the memory 3, the development of the label roll 19 and the carrier tape 18 and its pulling through the device P ₁ takes place, as already described above for the first embodiment.

The carrier tape 18 first passes to a deflection roller 39 and below the label sensor 26, which is connected to the guide rail 25. The label sensor 26 detects the labels 20 arranged on the carrier tape 18 and outputs the corresponding data such as length, width, height, orientation and the like. Like. On to a system control not shown further. Based on the data transmitted to it, the latter adjusts the elements arranged on the guide rail 25 or determines the transit time of the labels between the individual processing stations.

Thereafter, the carrier tape 18 is pulled under the means 27 for applying a thermal film 37. This device 27 has, in addition to the punch 24 and the pressing cylinder 32, a heating element 38 on a bottom 42 of the pressing cylinder 32, pulleys 33 and 34, a dispenser 35 and a retractor 36, which is associated with a not-shown stepping motor for pulling the thermal film , The dispenser 35 carries a roller 41 with the thermal film 37, the dispenser 35 serves to wind the thermal film 37th

If the carrier tape 18 with the labels 20 under the press cylinder 32 with the heating element 38, so by means of the heating element 38, the thermal film 37 is applied to the carrier tape 18 and the label 20 located thereon. For this purpose, the heating element 38 is heated and pressed by means of the pressing cylinder 32 onto the carrier tape 18. The ink pad 24 on the machine base 1.1 acts as a counter element.

Thereafter, the carrier tape 18 is pulled to the Etikettenandrückzylinder 28. The Etikettenandrückzylinder 28 is used in conjunction with the Etikettenandrückzylinder 30 to keep the carrier tape 18 in the device 29 for mounting or incorporation of the Braille. For their operation, reference is made to the above description of the first embodiment.

Subsequently, the carrier tape 18 runs to the encoder 31. The encoder is used to provide the labels with a code or the like.

The carrier tape 18 is finally pulled over the deflection roller 40 to the buffer 17 and wound there on the take-up reel 43. In the rest, in this embodiment, between the pulleys (39) and (40), the carrier tape is not deflected, but drawn flat between the working elements.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 machine base 34 idler pulley 67 2 machine wall 35 dispensers 68 3 Storage 36 retractor 69 4 idler pulley 37 thermo foil 70 5 spring arm 38 heating element 71 6 Guide pulley optional 39 idler pulley 72 7 Print module optional 40 idler pulley 73 8th idler pulley 41 role 74 9 idler pulley 42 bottom 75 10 print module 43 up roll 76 11 idler pulley 44 77 12 idler pulley 45 78 13 perforated plate 46 79 14 dies 47 15 pressure cylinder 48 16 idler pulley 49 17 cache 50 3a clamping element 18 carrier tape 51 18a Dashed course 19 label roll 52 20 label 53 21 axis of rotation 54 22 centerpiece 55 23 axis of rotation 56 24 inkpad 57 25 guide rail 58 26 label sensor 59 27 Facility 60 28 Etikettandrückzylinder 61 29 Facility 62 30 Etikettandrückzylinder 63 31 encoder 64 32 press cylinder 65 33 idler pulley 66

Claims (15)

1. A device for treating/processing labels (20) which arrive at an intermediate (17) from a label store (3), a means (29) for applying and/or introducing Braille (embossed printing) being associated with the labels (20) between the store (3) and the intermediate (17),
   characterised in that
   the means (29) has an embossing die (14) which can be moved towards and pressed against the label (20).
2. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the embossing die (14) has grids of holes and/or embossing pins on an underside.
3. A device according to Claim I or 2, characterised in that the embossing die (14) can be moved against the label (20) by means of a pressure cylinder (15).
4. A device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a perforated pad or a perforated plate (13) is associated with the embossing die (14) on the other side of the label (20).
5. A device according to Claim 4, characterised in that the perforated pad or perforated plate (13) is connected to an air source for lifting off the label (20) after the processing.
6. A device according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the intermediate (17) has a rotary spindle (23).
7. A device according to Claim 6, characterised in that the rotary spindle (23) serves to receive a receiving roller (43) for finished labels (20).
8. A device according to Claim 6 or 7, characterised in that a motor is associated with the rotary spindle (23), which motor serves for positioning the labels (20) in processing stations and for winding up the labels (20) or the backing tape (18).
9. A device according to at least one of Claims I to 8, characterised in that one or more printing modules (7, 10) for providing the labels (20) with an imprint, for example with normal print, a logo, code, in particular bar code or the like, is/are provided.
10. A device according to Claim 9, characterised in that the printing module (7, 10) has a means, in particular a motor, which also serves for transporting the labels (20) or the backing tape (18).
11. A device according to Claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the printing module (7, 10) is a thermal module.
12. A device according to at least one of Claims 9 to 11, characterised in that one or more deflecting roll(s) (4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 16) also optionally for planar introduction of the labels (20) is/are associated with the printing module (7, 10) and/or the means (29) for applying and/or introducing Braille.
13. A device according to at least one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that a means (27) for applying a thermal film (37) to the label (20) is associated with the means (29) for applying and/or introducing Braille.
14. A device according to at least one of Claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the store (3), intermediate store (17) and means (29) for applying and/or introducing Braille and also optionally deflecting rolls (4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 16, 39, 40), printing module(s) (7, 10), a label sensor (26), a coder and a means (27) for applying a thermal film (37) are attached to a machine wall (2), and the perforated pad (13) and also optionally a stamp pad (24) are arranged on a machine base (1).
15. A device according to Claim 14, characterised in that at least some of the operating elements (26, 27, 28, 15, 30, 31) are arranged displaceably on a guide rail.

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