EP2295355A2 - Method, device and adhesive tape for splicing label tapes and spliceable label tape - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves holding a subsequent label strip (3) in a supplying position (B), and combining the subsequent label strip and a front label strip (2) for producing a spliced connection. The subsequent label strip is held by influencing a magnetic field. The magnetic field is produced by a permanent magnet (7). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device for splicing label strips; (2) a label strip comprises a magnetic end section; and (3) an adhesive tape for splicing label strips.

Description

The invention relates to a method, a device and an adhesive tape for splicing label strips according to the preamble of claim 1, 7 and 14, and a spliceable label tape.

The change of label tapes in labeling usually done fluently. That is, a trailing label tape is attached thereto during the promotion of a leading label tape by splicing without visibly decelerating or shutting off the labeling machine.

From the WO 2007/009585 A It is known for this purpose to compress a leading label tape and a trailing label tape between two splice jaws, wherein between the label strips, a double-sided adhesive tape is provided. By compressing the label strips against the adhesive strip, a splice connection is produced, wherein the method can be carried out by entraining the splicing jaws with the leading label strip while the labeling machine is running. In order to provide the trailing label tape for splicing in a waiting position, this is fixed to the associated splicing by applying a negative pressure. This vacuum must be maintained after positioning the trailing label tape on the splice jaws until the actual splicing operation is completed. This requires an undesirably high energy expenditure.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an alternative method and apparatus for splicing label tapes in which the trailing label tape can be provided to a splicing jaw in a waiting position without applying a vacuum.

This object is achieved with a method in which a trailing label tape is held in particular in a ready position by the action of a magnetic field. With the magnetic field, an at least partially magnetic label tape can be attached to a splicing jaw without the application of a vacuum with a metered holding force.

Preferably, the magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet. The trailing label tape can thereby be kept in a ready position even without a continuous supply of energy.

Preferably, a holding force is generated with the magnetic field, which is lower in a conveying direction of the leading label tape than the shear strength of the splice. As a result, the label strips connected during splicing detach from the magnetic holder, without the intensity of the magnetic field having to be weakened or switched off.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the position of the trailing label tape is checked in the ready position with respect to the leading label tape. As a result, a laterally substantially completely overlapping transition from the leading to the trailing label strip can be ensured.

Preferably, the leading label tape is conveyed during manufacture of the splice connection. As a result, the label change can take place in a running labeling machine.

Preferably, the splice is an adhesive bond. Such a connection is particularly easy to manufacture and reliable.

The technical object is further achieved with a device in which the holding and pressing device for the trailing label tape comprises at least one magnet for holding the trailing label tape. With the magnet, the trailing label tape can be attached to the holding and pressing device even without the application of a vacuum with a metered holding force.

In a particularly favorable embodiment, a distance between the magnet and the trailing label tape in a supply or waiting position of the holding and pressing device is less than in a pressing or splicing position. As a result, the magnetic holding force during splicing is automatically reduced, so that the trailing label tape can be securely held in the ready position with sufficient holding force and the other does not dissolve the splice when returning the holding and pressing device.

Preferably, the holding and pressing device and the pressing device are movable opposite each other in a conveying direction of the leading label tape. As a result, the label strips can also during the label promotion in a mutually substantially constant, opposite orientation are pressed against each other.

A particularly advantageous embodiment further comprises at least one sensor for detecting the position of the holding and pressing device and the pressing device to each other, in particular in a direction parallel to the leading label tape plane. Thereby, the orientation of the trailing label tape with respect to the leading label tape can be checked prior to the splicing process and thus a faulty connection between the label tapes can be avoided.

Preferably, the magnetic field of the magnet is aligned so that it centers the trailing label tape on the holding and pressing device. As a result, the alignment of the trailing label strip with respect to the leading label strip can be simplified, or a check of the alignment of the two label strips to one another is not absolutely necessary.

The object is further achieved with a spliceable label tape in which a magnetic end portion is provided on which the label tape can be held by the action of a magnetic field to provide the label tape for splicing with a second, leading label tape. This allows the label tape to be held in a ready position without having to apply a vacuum to the label tape or label tape holder.

The object is further achieved with an adhesive tape for splicing label tapes, in which a magnetic layer is provided for attaching the trailing label tape to a magnetic holding and pressing device. With such a layer, the trailing label tape can be adhered to the holding and pressing device without the application of a vacuum.

Preferably, the magnetic layer comprises at least one metal band, at least one metal wire and / or a metal mesh. As a result, the tape can be produced inexpensively and versatile to adapt to different requirements during the splicing process.

Figur 1

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform in einer Bereitstellungsposition eines nachlaufenden Etikettenbands;

Figur 2

eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Anordnung aus Figur 1 in einer Position während des Spleißens des nachlaufenden und eines vorlaufenden Etiket- tenbands;

Figur 3

eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Anordnung aus Figur 1 und 2 in einem Zustand unmittelbar nach dem Spleißen der Etikettenbänder;

Figur 4

eine schematische Schrägansicht eines magnetischen Spleißbackens zum Halten und Anpressen eines magnetischen Etikettenbands;

Figur 5a - 5f

Varianten eines magnetischen Klebebands zum Halten und Spleißen eines nachlaufenden Klebebands im Querschnitt.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the invention in a deployment position of a trailing label tape;

FIG. 2

a schematic plan view of the arrangement FIG. 1 in a position during splicing of the trailing and leading label tape;

FIG. 3

a schematic plan view of the arrangement FIG. 1 and 2 in a state immediately after the splicing of the label tapes;

FIG. 4

a schematic oblique view of a magnetic splice jaw for holding and pressing a magnetic label tape;

FIGS. 5a-5f

Variants of a magnetic adhesive tape for holding and splicing a trailing adhesive tape in cross section.

As the FIGS. 1 to 3 can recognize, comprises a device 1 according to the invention for splicing a leading label tape 2 with a trailing label tape 3, a conveyor or transport device 4, which transports the leading label tape 2 between two splicing jaws 5, 6 in a conveying direction F. The right in the conveying direction F splicing jaws 5 faces the leading label tape 2 and has the function of a pressing device during splicing. The left in the transport direction F splice jaws 6 holds the trailing label tape 3 initially in a ready position B and has the function of a holding and pressing device during splicing.

The splice jaws 5, 6 are aligned essentially orthogonally to the leading label tape 2 and comprise on their the label tapes 2, 3 zugewanden sides 5a, 6a each at least one magnet 7. This may for example be a segmented permanent magnet, as in FIG. 4 indicated, or a block-shaped permanent magnet. An electromagnet is also conceivable. However, a permanent magnet has the advantage that it requires no power supply for generating a holding force.

On the trailing label tape 3, a magnetic tape 8 is provided, which is attracted by the magnet 7 of the splicing jaw 6, so that the trailing label tape 3 is adhered to the splicing jaw 6 in the provisioning position B, as in FIG. 1 shown.

In this case, the magnet 7 or a plurality of magnets 7 could be arranged on the splicing jaws 6 or 5 such that the magnetic field exerts a centering effect on the adhesive tape 8 or the trailing label tape 3, in particular in the lateral direction along the axis y described below , This could be a substantially complete lateral overlap of the label strips 2, 3 are realized automatically or with only minor correction requirements.

The splice jaws 5, 6 are arranged substantially opposite each other and can be used starting from the in FIG. 1 shown supply or waiting position B along an axis perpendicular to the conveying direction F axis z are moved towards each other.

As if from a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2 As can be seen, the splice jaws 5, 6 are movable relative to the magnets 7 along the axis z, wherein the magnets 7 are preferably fixed with respect to the axis z, while the splice jaws 5, 6 from the ready position B in a pressing or splicing position A on each other to be moved.

As in FIG. 2 is shown, press the splice jaws 5, 6, the leading label tape 2 and the trailing label tape 3 during splicing against the intended between these tape 8, so that a solid splice S between the label strips 2, 3 is formed and with continuous transport of the leading label tape 2 the trailing Label tape 3 is pulled along by this. Here, the strength of the splice S between the label strips 2, 3 and the adhesive tape 8 is stronger than the forces acting on the adhesive tape 8 holding forces of the magnets 7, in particular in the contact position A. As a result, the splice 5, 6 or both magnets 7 without Reduction whose field strength from the splice S are deducted without solving them again, as in FIG. 3 indicated in a position after splicing.

As FIG. 1 Further, the splice jaws 5, 6 can be moved with the magnets 7 along an axis x parallel to the label tape 2. In particular, the splicing jaws can be displaced in the conveying direction F at the same speed with which the leading label strip 2 passes through the device 1. As a result, the splicing jaws 5 and 6, the magnets 7 and the leading label tape 2 during splicing can be guided in a relative position that is essentially constant in the conveying direction F. This can also be avoided in particular that move the leading label tape 2 and the tape 8 and the trailing label tape 3 during splicing relative to each other, whereby a more accurate and firmer splice S between the label strips 2 and 3 can be made.

However, it is not absolutely necessary to carry the splicing jaws 5, 6 with the leading label tape 2. For example, the splice jaws 5, 6 could only be brought together for a correspondingly short contact pressure phase or the speed of the leading label tape 2 are reduced or this are stopped during splicing

Provided are also sensors 9, with which the position of the leading and / or trailing label tape 2, 3 can be checked. Also indicated are cutting devices 10 for cutting off the respectively preceding label strip 2, thereby producing a back region 2a of the leading label strip 2 to which the beginning 3a of the trailing label strip 3 is fastened by means of the adhesive tape 8.

In this context, it should be noted that the device 1 is preferably constructed axisymmetric with respect to the conveying direction F, so that the trailing label strip 3 is alternately held by the left splice jaw 6 and the right splice jaw 5 in the ready position B. Accordingly, two cutting devices 10 are provided, since the leading label strip 2 is then fed alternately on the right or left side seen in the transport direction F.

As FIG. 4 Furthermore, the splicing jaws 5, 6 can be moved by means of respectively associated drive units 11, 12 not only along the axes x and z, but also along a third axis y perpendicular to the axes x and z. In combination, the axes x and y allow adjustment of the splice jaws 5, 6 in a plane parallel to the label strip 2 or 3, respectively. As a result, the splice jaws 5, 6 with the magnets 7 can not only be moved together in the transport direction F during splicing, but also aligned with each other along the axes x and y during the provision or in the waiting phase. As a result, in particular the trailing label strip 3 along the axis y can be brought into a ready position B which coincides with the leading label strip 2.

The magnets 7 may be arranged on the drive units 11, 12 at a substantially constant distance from one another, as in FIG Figure 1 to 3 indicated, or be separated from the splice jaws 5, 6 along the axis z to be movable. You could also be firmly connected to the splice jaws 5, 6. However, an arrangement is advantageous in which the distance 13 between the magnet 7 holding the trailing label strip 3 and the trailing label strip 3 in the provision position B is less than in the pressing or splicing position A, in particular caused by the splitting jaws 5 moving together. 6. As a result, the magnetic holding force during splicing is automatically reduced, so that the trailing label tape 3 on the one hand with sufficient holding force can be securely attached to the splicing jaw 6 in the ready position B and on the other hand, the splice connection S when returning the splice jaws 5, 6 does not solve again.

The sensors 9 are preferably optical sensors. These are connected to an evaluation unit (not shown) which can recognize, for example, individual labels provided on the label bands 2, 3, preferably labels from the roll or even self-adhesive labels, and / or a marking provided on the leading label band 2 for initiating the splicing process , Thus, the end 2a of the leading label tape 2 could be detected with one of the sensors 9, so that a seamless transition as possible from the end 2a of the leading label tape 2 to the beginning 3a of the trailing label tape 3 is produced. But it would also be possible to derive the position of the end 2a by the time of separation from the supply roll or the remaining label tape 2b and the conveying speed of the leading label tape 2.

The drive devices 11, 12 may consist of any combination of uniaxial and / or multi-axis drive units, preferably pneumatically operated units. To connect the drive units 11, 12 with the magnets 7 and the splice jaws 5, 6 (not shown) retaining elements are provided, such. B. strips.

The labels 2, 3 facing surfaces 5a, 6a of the splicing jaws 5, 6 may be elastic and / or coated with a sliding layer, for example with PTFE or a similar plastic to the contact between the splice jaws 5, 6 and the labels 2, 3 during splicing. The magnets 7 need not, as shown, flush with the surfaces 5a, 6a, but may, depending on the nature of the label strips 2, 3 and the adhesive tape 8 survive or be offset in the form of a recess to the inside.

The FIGS. 5a to 5f show different variants of an adhesive tape according to the invention 8 in cross section, wherein in the FIGS. 5a to 5c Variants of the arrangement of individual functional layers 8a to 8f and in the FIGS. 5d to 5f different variants of a magnetic layer 8a for adhering the adhesive tape 8 are shown. These variants can be combined with one another as desired.

As FIGS. 5a to 5c can be seen, the inventive adhesive tape 8 comprises at least one carrier layer 8b and to both, opposite sides of the carrier layer 8b each have an adhesive layer 8c and 8d. The magnetic layer 8d can be made, for example, of at least one metal strip ( Fig. 5a to 5c ), a metal wire ( Fig. 5d ), several Metal wires ( Fig. 5e ) or a wire mesh ( Fig. 5f ) consist. Even thin, vapor-deposited layers would be possible.

The variants in the FIGS. 5a to 5f is common that on the carrier layer 8b is provided in the application of the leading label tape 2 facing adhesive layer 8c. On the other hand, the magnetic layer 8a may be applied to or incorporated into both the adhesive layer 8d facing the trailing label tape 3 during use. It is also conceivable, as in FIG. 5c represented, a further carrier layer 8e and a further adhesive layer 8f, in which the magnetic layer 8a is embedded.

Not shown are protective films for the adhesive tape 8, which are helpful for example for storage of the adhesive tape 8 and its easier handling when applied to the trailing label tape 3 and for easier threading into the device 1 and are deducted in use. Decisive for the in FIGS. 5a to 5f illustrated variants that the adhesive layers 8c, 8d and optionally 8f produce a mechanically stable connection between the label strips 2, 3, so that both the shear strength of the splice S in the conveying direction F and parallel to the label strips 2, 3 and the tensile strength along the perpendicular axis z is greater than the magnetic adhesion between the magnets 7 and the magnetic layer 8a.

Alternatively, the magnetic layer 8a could also be incorporated directly into the initial region 3a of the trailing label tape 3. This also applies to the adhesive layer 8c, with which the splice connection S is made with the leading label tape 2. This would have the advantage that the position of the splice connection S with respect to the starting region 3a could already be standardized during the production of the label tape 3 and predetermined with high accuracy. It is also conceivable that the label material itself is magnetic or contains a magnetic coating.

The device according to the invention can be used as follows:

The leading label tape 2, which is preferably equipped with labels from the roll or with self-adhesive labels is continuously conveyed through the device 1 in the transport direction F. The label tape 2 is thereby unrolled from a supply roll (not shown). To prevent tearing of the label supply at an approaching end of the label roll, the trailing label tape 3 is equipped with a magnetic tape 8. The magnetic adhesive tape 8 is preferably arranged at the beginning 3a of the label tape 3 and initially provided with a covering protective film to thread the label tape 3 in the device 1. The label tape 3 is adhered to the splice jaw 6 by magnetic attraction, peeled off the protective film and the splice jaws 6 preferably moved to a ready position B. The splicing jaw 5 is moved into a splicing jaw 6 substantially opposite position. The position of the trailing label tape 3 is checked with the position transmitter 9 and corrected if necessary with respect to the axes x and y. Furthermore, the splice jaws 5, 6 are still moved along the axis z to a suitable distance from each other.

If it is determined (by a device not described in detail) that the end of the supply roll is reached, the end 2a of the leading label tape 2 is separated by the cutting device 10 from the rest 2b of the label tape 2 located on the supply roll. If the end 2a of the leading label tape 2 reaches a suitable position between the splice jaws 5, 6, these are moved by the drive device 11, 12 with the label tape 2 and moved toward each other along the axis z to a pressing or splicing position A, so that the label strips 2, 3 are pressed against one another and the adhesive tape 8 enclosed between the label strips 2, 3 establishes a firm splice connection between the label strips 2, 3. In this case, the distance between the magnets 7 of the splicing jaws 5, 6 preferably remains constant, so that the holding force decreases continuously when the splicing jaws 5, 6 move together.

At the end of the splicing operation, the splice jaws 5, 6 move apart again with the aid of the drive unit 11, 12. The end 2a of the leading label tape 2 now pulls the trailing label tape 3 and unwinds it from its supply roll (not shown) from. Thus, the label tape 3 to the leading label tape and the process can be repeated, in which case a new trailing label tape is adhered to the right with respect to the transport direction F splicing jaws 5 in a ready position B magnetically.

With the described method and the corresponding device, a trailing label tape 3 for splicing with a leading label tape 2 can be provided in a simple manner, with reduced energy consumption and with a simplified construction.

In addition, the transition between the label strips 2, 3 or the splice connection S with the adhesive tape 8, if a bottle with the transition region of the label strips 2, 3 was labeled, then detect with a magnetic sensor and specifically discharge the affected bottle from the product stream.

Claims (15)

Method for splicing label strips (2, 3), comprising the following steps: a) holding a trailing label tape (3) in a ready position (B); and b) merging the trailing label tape (3) and a leading label tape (2) to make a splice (S),
characterized in that
the trailing label strip (3) is held in particular in step a) by the action of a magnetic field. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet (7). A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the magnetic field, a holding force is generated, which is lower in a conveying direction (F) of the leading label tape (2) than the shear strength of the splice connection (S). Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the trailing label tape (3) in the ready position (B) with respect to the leading label tape (2) is checked. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leading label strip (2) during production of the splice connection (S) is conveyed. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the splice connection (S) is an adhesive bond. Device for splicing label strips (2, 3), with - A pressing device (5) for a leading label tape (2); and a holding and pressing device (6) for a trailing label strip (3),
wherein the pressing device (2) and / or the holding and pressing device (3) are movable towards each other for splicing;
characterized in that
the holding and pressing device (6) comprises at least one magnet (7) for holding the trailing label strip (3). Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that a distance (13) between the magnet (7) and the trailing label strip (3) in a Bereitungs- or waiting position (B) of the holding and pressing device (6) is lower than in a Pressing or splicing position (A). Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the holding and pressing device (6) and the pressing device (5) are opposite to each other in a conveying direction (F) of the leading label tape (2) movable. Device according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the position of the holding and pressing device (6) and the pressing device (5) is adjustable to one another, in particular in a leading to the label tape (2) parallel plane. Device according to at least one of claims 7 to 10, further characterized by at least one sensor (9) for detecting the position of the holding and pressing device (6) and the pressing device (5) to each other, in particular in a plane parallel to the leading label tape (2) , Device according to at least one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the magnetic field of the magnet (7) is aligned so that it centers the trailing label tape (3) on the holding and pressing device (6). Label tape (3), characterized by a magnetic end portion (3a) on which the label tape (3) can be held by the action of a magnetic field to provide the label tape (3) for splicing with a second, leading label tape (2). Adhesive tape (8) for splicing label strips (2, 3), comprising: a carrier layer (8b) a first adhesive layer (8d) provided on a first side of the carrier layer (8b) for fastening the adhesive tape (8) on a trailing label strip (3), and a second adhesive layer (8c) provided on a second, opposite side of the carrier layer (8b) for fastening the adhesive tape (8) and the trailing label strip (3) on a leading label strip (2),
marked by
a magnetic layer (8a) for adhering the trailing label tape (3) to a magnetic holding and pressing device (6). Adhesive tape according to claim 14, characterized in that the magnetic layer (8a) comprises at least one metal strip, at least one metal wire and / or a metal mesh.

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