EP2364918A2 - Device for processing label strips with position detection - Google Patents
Device for processing label strips with position detection Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2364918A2 EP2364918A2 EP11156911A EP11156911A EP2364918A2 EP 2364918 A2 EP2364918 A2 EP 2364918A2 EP 11156911 A EP11156911 A EP 11156911A EP 11156911 A EP11156911 A EP 11156911A EP 2364918 A2 EP2364918 A2 EP 2364918A2
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- Prior art keywords
- label
- label strip
- transport
- position detection
- strip
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- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 title claims description 28
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Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/08—Label feeding
- B65C9/18—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls
- B65C9/1803—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels being cut from a strip
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/40—Controls; Safety devices
- B65C9/42—Label feed control
- B65C9/44—Label feed control by special means responsive to marks on labels or articles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus for processing label strips, and more particularly to a label strip cutter.
- labeling machines such as labeling machines for cutting labels, which are first cut and then glued or envelope labels, these endless labels are processed by a roll. These endless labels are cut at an exact longitudinal position relative to the imprint and then glued all around to the mostly cylindrical container to be labeled and with a slight overlap.
- labels in the prior art usually have a strongly contrasting color bar at defined positions, the so-called cut mark.
- the endless label has hitherto usually been guided along a high-speed optical position sensor at high speed.
- the cutting mark is clearly recognized, whereby due to the high temporal resolution a very accurate Determining the label position and thus the cutting position is possible.
- Due to the corresponding extent of the cut mark transversely to the transport direction of the label a sufficient tolerance to lateral guide tolerances is given.
- this cut mark is sometimes perceived by customers as disturbing. So that this does not happen, for example, in Rundumetikettiermaschinen the labeling process is positioned so that the cut mark is overlapped in the overlapping area by the opposite end of the label.
- a labeling which has a label roll, a label feeder, a cutting device, a gripper cylinder and at least one gluing unit, wherein the cutting device is formed by a rotating vacuum roller in a rotating separator.
- the separating element has at least one cutting tool and in particular a cutting blade.
- the DE 196 44 160 A1 describes a labeling, wherein a tape-shaped label film is withdrawn from a supply and this film is moved in a feed direction and is cut with a cutter into each forming a label length.
- a roller drive is provided, the conveying speed to achieve a defined pre-stretch of the label film by a predetermined or preselected factor is smaller than the conveying speed of a first roller drive.
- a brand recognition is provided, which precedes a cutting unit. With this brand recognition a control of the cutting roller or the beginning or the end of the labels is monitored.
- the WO 2008/028 524 describes a method for the accurate application of labels on bottles.
- a typical of the containers design feature is detected by each camera moved past a container that provides a signal controlling the labeling process.
- the label is optimally positioned after application with respect to the holder typical design feature. In this case, however, no adjustment or correction is made with respect to the respective cuts of the label strips.
- Another proposal is to use a line scan camera that captures an image of the label with a defined width.
- the length of the held image is also constant from the current sensor position.
- By a constant comparison of the current image with a stored pattern for example by means of area correlation method, it is possible to recognize the position of the label purely by the imprint.
- very fast line sensors with up to 100 K lines per second are needed to achieve an acceptable position accuracy. This in turn results in very short exposure times of the individual lines in the range of 10 ⁇ s, which in turn requires a very high luminance of the lighting.
- a very powerful and expensive hardware for image processing is needed, so that overall the factors lead to a very complex and expensive solution.
- a device for processing label strips with a multiplicity of successive labels has a transport device which transports the label strip along a predetermined transport path. Furthermore, a processing device is provided, which is provided along the transport path and which processes the label strip in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, a position detection device is provided, which detects a position of the label strip in the transport direction.
- the position detection device has an image capture device which is suitable for receiving two-dimensional images of regions of the label strip. These areas can image both in the transport direction and across a section of the strip or the entire strip.
- the label strip may be label tape with the labels printed one after the other on a tape.
- the label strip may also be a tube from which the individual pieces (which are then sleeve-like) are cut off and subsequently pushed over the containers.
- an actual position of the label strip is advantageously detected, in order to carry out any necessary corrections in this way, for example with regard to the transport speed or with respect to the processing operation.
- the proposed solution according to the invention aims to measure the label position at high speed only on the basis of the label imprint and thereby preferably by means of a low-cost matrix camera-based sensor device.
- this sensor is advantageously connected in a closed loop with the control of the propulsion of the endless label. In this way, the overall system makes it possible to keep the cutting position permanently within a narrow tolerance window.
- the processing device has a cutting unit which cuts the label strip.
- This may, for example, be a cutting blade which cooperates with a cutting roller, but it may also be other cutting devices, which are laser-based, for example.
- the position detection device is aligned with a region of the label strip which also contains at least one region between the label edges. These label margins are the two side edges, which are located in the transport direction at the top and bottom, for example.
- the position detection device is aligned with a region of the label strip, which is spaced from the two label edges.
- an area of the imprint of the actual label which is naturally present in the labels, is used for position detection.
- the position sensor has to be rearranged or adjusted. This is due to the fact that the labels regularly have certain imprints.
- the captured image contains the Whole width of the label strip, so that a variety of positions can be recorded and thus preferably on any images adjustment can be made.
- the device has a control device for controlling the processing device, which controls the processing device in response to a signal output by the position detection device.
- the control device also serves to control the transport device, and that the control device controls the transport device in dependence on a signal output by the position detection device.
- the position detection device is integrated in a closed control loop with the control of the transport device of the label strip. The overall system thus allows to keep the cutting position permanently in a narrow tolerance window.
- the control device preferably knows the average length of a single label. This length can in turn be measured in Taktinkrementen, which are generated for example by a arranged on the label drive, for example, flanged high-resolution incremental encoder.
- Taktinkrementen which are generated for example by a arranged on the label drive, for example, flanged high-resolution incremental encoder.
- the camera does not need to record the entire area of the single label at the same time.
- a cutout for example 1/3 of the label length, is sufficient.
- This section must contain a suitable characteristic feature, which can easily be found and compared by image processing methods.
- the position detection device is an electronic camera, such as a CCD or CMOS camera.
- the device has a memory device in which at least one reference image is stored.
- This may, for example, be a reference image which has previously recorded the same position detection device. It would also be possible for a plurality of reference images for different labels to be present in the memory device and for the user to be able to select a particular reference image or for a control to automatically select the correct reference image from the plurality of stored images.
- the device has a comparison device which compares this reference image with the image captured by the position detection device. After this comparison, the exact actual position of the label tape can be determined in particular with respect to a desired position. More specifically, a relative position of the label tape is thereby determined.
- a camera with standard VGA or WVGA resolution can be used, i. H. a resolution of 640 x 480 or 720 x 480 pixels.
- a resolution of 0.2 mm / pixel can be achieved, provided that the image area is not larger than 120 mm x 90 mm.
- image areas are sufficient to capture a wide variety of labels.
- the device has an illumination device for illuminating the area of the label strip received by the position detection device.
- an illumination device for illuminating the area of the label strip received by the position detection device.
- a lighting is advantageous. This is advantageously a clocked or flash lamp illumination, which is triggered on the image recording device.
- the illumination device radiates diffuse radiation, in particular diffused light.
- the light emitted by the illumination device may be, in particular, white light, but it would also be possible to use light of different colors. This can also be light in the near UV or IR range.
- the spectral design of the lighting depends on how the best contrasts can be achieved for the evaluation.
- a highly diffuse illumination is used in the ideal case, a so-called cloudy day illumination.
- An optically homogeneous background is advantageously arranged on a side of the label strip facing away from the image capture device.
- a defined optically homogeneous background on the side facing away from the camera of the label strip is arranged.
- a preferably diffuse transmitted light illumination could be arranged on the opposite side, especially for partially transparent labels.
- the sensor or the image recording device advantageously evaluates the respective camera image in which it compares the currently recorded actual image with a pattern (for example learned in advance by means of a teach method). In this way, the exact position of the label can be determined both in the transport direction and across it with high resolution.
- a pattern for example learned in advance by means of a teach method.
- the achieved measurement accuracy higher than the camera resolution in pixels by a suitable method of pattern matching.
- electronic or software screens can be used which are applied to the pictures taken in each case. Such electronic screens could pick out certain areas of a captured image or weight certain areas differently than other areas.
- the determined position result in the transport direction represents an offset from the reference position of the image acquisition. Since the endless label was transported from image to image by approximately the length of the individual label, this offset is only the deviation from the actual position to the desired position. Therefore, this result can be used to control the label feed exactly to the actual label length in a control loop with a suitable control method. In this way it can be ensured that the cutting position is kept relative to the permanent printing in a very small tolerance range. By means of suitable control methods, which advantageously average over a plurality of successively recorded images, the resulting accuracy can likewise be increased.
- the position result transverse to the transport direction can be used to control the lateral label guide.
- a separate sensor is usually used for this purpose, but this can be omitted with the proposed solution according to the invention. This makes it possible to make a comparison between a position of the label tape not only in the transport direction but also across it.
- the device has a storage device arranged in the transport direction of the label strip upstream of the position detection device for receiving the label strip.
- a storage device arranged in the transport direction of the label strip upstream of the position detection device for receiving the label strip.
- This may be, for example, a roller magazine, which has a plurality of rollers, from which the label strips are unrolled.
- the device has a labeling device arranged downstream of the processing device in the transport direction of the label strip, which affixes the labels to containers.
- the labels can be glued to the containers, for example, but it would also be possible for the labels to be present as so-called sleeve labels, which are shrunk onto the containers.
- the present invention is further directed to a method of treating label strips having a plurality of labels, wherein the label strip is transported along a predetermined path by a transport means and is processed by a processing device along the path during said transport wherein a position of the label strip is detected by means of a position detection device.
- the position detection device takes a two-dimensional image of a region of the label strip and based on this image, the position of the label strip is determined.
- the position of the label strip in the transport direction of the label strip is determined. Based on this position can be done as mentioned above, a corresponding processing of the label strip.
- At least the processing device or the transport device is controlled on the basis of the image recorded by the position detection device. This means that in particular the feed of the label tape can be controlled on the basis of the recorded images or on the basis of comparisons carried out.
- a comparison device compares the image recorded by the position detection device with a reference image so as to determine the position of the label strip.
- the image is particularly preferably also taken up by a central region of the label strip.
- an offset between an actual position of the label strip relative to a desired position of the label strip is determined on the basis of the determined position of the label strip, and the processing device or the transport device is preferably controlled on the basis of this offset. This means that the determined offset is used as an evaluation result, in particular to adapt a speed of the transport device for the label strip.
- Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention for processing label strips.
- reference numeral 4 designates a processing device which processes a label strip 10 and cuts it more accurately here.
- the label strip is alternately rolled by two label rolls 20 and guided by means of a designated in its entirety by 2 transport device.
- the reference numeral 4 designates a processing device such as here a cutting device.
- This cutting device in this case has a vacuum roller 64, on which the label is held.
- Reference numeral 62 denotes a separator such as a cutting blade for cutting the labels.
- a gripper cylinder 44 for gripping the cut label strips.
- the reference numeral 42 identifies the containers to be labeled, such as plastic bottles.
- Fig. 2 shows a detailed representation of a device according to the invention.
- the reference numeral 30 designates in its entirety a buffer device for the label tape 10.
- the label tape is passed around a plurality of rollers wherein these rollers are movable relative to each other. If, for example, one of the rollers 20 has run empty and the system has to be equipped with a new roller, during this period the entire system can continue to run and, accordingly, the label tape is fed from the buffer device 30.
- the label tape (or the label strip) is continued and in particular thereby guided past a position detection device 8, which serves for the exact position detection of the label strip.
- a position detection device 8 which is equipped here as a camera and a lighting device 24 is provided which illuminates the label tape 10.
- a background 22 is provided on the side facing away from the camera 8 of the label tape 10 in addition to the lighting device.
- the illumination device 24 is here shown obliquely, but it would also be advantageous to arrange the illumination device 24, for example, around the position detection device 8 or to provide a plurality of illumination devices.
- the actual cutting device 4 for cutting the label strips now adjoins the position detection device 8.
- Fig. 3 schematically shows a label strip 10.
- This label strip 10 in this case has a plurality of labels 10a, which are each provided with an imprint 16.
- the reference character T denotes the line along which ideally the cutting device should cut off the individual labels.
- Reference numerals 10b and 10c indicate upper and lower edges of the label strip.
- the reference character B indicates that portion which is advantageously detected in the width direction of the label strip 10 by the position detecting means.
- the image capture device it would be possible for the image capture device to take images of the width B and the length L in each case, so as to ensure that the image element 16 is located in the region of the recorded image, regardless of its actual position.
- the image area 18 recorded by the position detection device 8 can be selected such that the desired position of the picture element 16 in the direction of movement of the label strip is essentially centrally located within the image area. In this way it can be ensured that the picture element 16 is still completely absorbed even if the actual position of the label strip deviates from its setpoint position.
- the position detection device picks up the picture element 16 and compares it with a reference pattern. In this way, it can be determined at which actual position the label strip is located. Depending on this actual position of the cutting process or the transport process of the label strip 10 can be adjusted.
- the reference character P indicates the transport path of the label strip extending from the rollers 20 to the cutter.
- the image area 18 of the position detection device 8 is chosen to be much smaller than the label to be detected and, for example, is directed only to a relatively small pixel. It would also be possible for the image area 18 to represent the theoretically recordable image area of the position detection device 8 and, depending on the label to be processed, only different areas of this image area to be selected in order to make the comparison. So could in the case of Fig. 3 For example, the referencing only takes place on the logo shown.
- Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention.
- the reference numeral 2 schematically denotes a transport device which transports the label strip 10. This transport device is controlled by a control device 15. Images of the label strip are respectively picked up by the position detection device 8, wherein, as mentioned above, a lighting device 24 illuminates the label strip and the image is made with respect to a background 22.
- the position detection device is connected to the control device 15 via a connecting line 26.
- the control device 15 may also have a memory device 12 in which reference images are stored, as well as a comparison device 14 which compares the images captured by the position detection device 8 with the images stored in the memory device 12.
- the transport means may delay or accelerate the advancement of the label tape 10, for example, to allow the processing means 4, ie, the cutter the label strips at the predetermined desired position ie the line T in Fig. 3 can cut.
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- Labeling Devices (AREA)
- Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Vorrichtung zum Bearbeiten von Etikettenstreifen und insbesondere eine Schneideinrichtung für Etikettenstreifen. Bei einigen Arten von Etikettiermaschinen wie beispielsweise Etikettiermaschinen für Schneideetiketten, welche zunächst geschnitten und anschließend aufgeklebt werden oder auch Hüllenetiketten, werden diese Endlosetiketten von einer Rolle verarbeitet. Diese Endlosetiketten werden an einer exakten Längsposition relativ zum Aufdruck geschnitten und dann rundum auf den zu etikettierenden meist zylindrischen Behälter und mit einer geringen Überlappung geklebt.The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing label strips, and more particularly to a label strip cutter. In some types of labeling machines, such as labeling machines for cutting labels, which are first cut and then glued or envelope labels, these endless labels are processed by a roll. These endless labels are cut at an exact longitudinal position relative to the imprint and then glued all around to the mostly cylindrical container to be labeled and with a slight overlap.
Dabei bewirken unterschiedliche Einflussfaktoren, dass die tatsächliche Länge eines Einzeletiketts auf dem Endlosetikett zum Zeitpunkt des Schneidens geringfügigen Toleranzen unterworfen ist. Dies können beispielsweise Fertigungstoleranzen, Materialabweichungen, Temperaturschwankungen oder auch unterschiedliche Zugspannungen am Etikett sein. Aus diesem Grund ist ein Schnitt in einem starren Längenraster unvorteilhaft, sondern es muss die tatsächliche Etikettenlänge insbesondere online gemessen werden, um die Schnittposition relativ zum Aufdruck konstant zu halten.Different influencing factors have the effect that the actual length of a single label on the endless label is subject to slight tolerances at the time of cutting. This can be, for example, manufacturing tolerances, material deviations, temperature fluctuations or even different tensile stresses on the label. For this reason, a cut in a rigid length grid is unfavorable, but it must be measured online in particular the actual label length in order to keep the cutting position constant relative to the imprint.
Um die Schnittposition mit hoher Präzision zu finden, weisen Etiketten im Stand der Technik an definierten Positionen meist einen stark kontrastierten Farbbalken, die so genannte Schnittmarke, auf. Das Endlosetikett wird bislang meist an einem sehr schnell schaltenden optischen Positionssensor mit hoher Geschwindigkeit entlang geführt. Dabei wird die Schnittmarke eindeutig erkannt, wobei durch die hohe zeitliche Auflösung eine sehr genaue Ermittlung der Etikettenposition und damit der Schnittposition möglich ist. Durch die entsprechende Ausdehnung der Schnittmarke quer zur Transportrichtung des Etiketts ist eine hinreichende Toleranz gegenüber lateralen Führungstoleranzen gegeben. Diese Schnittmarke wird jedoch teilweise von Abnehmern als störend empfunden. Damit dies nicht geschieht, wird beispielsweise in Rundumetikettiermaschinen beim Etikettiervorgang derart positioniert, dass die Schnittmarke im Überlappungsbereich durch das gegenüberliegende Etikettenende überdeckt wird.In order to find the cutting position with high precision, labels in the prior art usually have a strongly contrasting color bar at defined positions, the so-called cut mark. The endless label has hitherto usually been guided along a high-speed optical position sensor at high speed. The cutting mark is clearly recognized, whereby due to the high temporal resolution a very accurate Determining the label position and thus the cutting position is possible. Due to the corresponding extent of the cut mark transversely to the transport direction of the label, a sufficient tolerance to lateral guide tolerances is given. However, this cut mark is sometimes perceived by customers as disturbing. So that this does not happen, for example, in Rundumetikettiermaschinen the labeling process is positioned so that the cut mark is overlapped in the overlapping area by the opposite end of the label.
Aus der
Die
Die
Probleme ergeben sich, wenn ein Rundumetikett im Wesentlichen aus einer transparenten Kunststofffolie besteht. In diesem Falle ist die Überlappung der Schnittmarke nicht mehr vor dem Auge des Konsumenten zu verstecken. In diesem Falle wäre mit anderen Worten die Schnittmarke trotz Überlappung sichtbar. Daher fordern Betreiber von Abfüllanlagen ein Verfahren um Etiketten zu positionieren, die ohne sichtbare Schnittmarken auskommen. Im Falle von Sleeve-Maschinen kann eine sichtbare Schnittmarke grundsätzlich nicht verdeckt werden und wird daher ebenfalls als störend empfunden.Problems arise when a wrap-around label consists essentially of a transparent plastic film. In this case, the overlap of the cut mark is no longer hidden from the consumer's eye. In this case, in other words, the cut mark would be visible despite overlapping. Therefore, operators of bottling plants require a method to position labels that can do without visible crop marks. In the case of sleeve machines, a visible cut mark can basically not be covered and is therefore also perceived as disturbing.
Daneben kann es im Stand der Technik abhängig vom Aufdruck auf dem Etikett zu Mehrdeutigkeiten kommen, d. h. in solchen Fällen erkennt ein Sensor nicht mehr die Schnittmarke sondern ungewollter Weise auch Strukturen des Aufdrucks. In diesen Fällen müssen Etiketten in Farbe, Kontrast und Position der Schnittmarke so weit angepasst werden, bis die Mehrdeutigkeiten nicht mehr auftreten. Störend ist hierbei, dass der jeweilige Sensor bei einem Wechsel des Aufdrucks oder Formats oft mechanisch verstellt, elektrisch justiert oder in der Software parametriert werden muss, was wiederum Zeit und Arbeitsaufwand und Fehlermöglichkeiten mit sich bringt. Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung zu schaffen, welche insbesondere auch ohne die Verwendung der erwähnten Schnittmarken auskommt.In addition, there may be ambiguities in the prior art depending on the imprint on the label, d. H. In such cases, a sensor no longer recognizes the crop mark but, unwantedly, structures of the imprint. In these cases, labels must be adjusted in color, contrast, and position of the edit mark until the ambiguities no longer occur. What is disturbing here is that the respective sensor often has to be mechanically adjusted, electrically adjusted or parameterized in the software when changing the imprint or format, which in turn involves time, effort and possibilities for error. The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a device which makes do in particular without the use of the mentioned crop marks.
Im internen Stand der Technik wurden diverse Vorschläge vorgetragen, um das dargestellte Problem zu lösen. Diese folgenden Vorschläge sollen nicht Gegenstand der vorliegenden Erfindung sein, die Anmelderin behält sich jedoch vor, künftig die Gegenstände dieser Vorschläge zu beanspruchen.In the internal state of the art various proposals have been made to solve the problem presented. These subsequent proposals are not intended to be the subject of the present invention, but the Applicant reserves the right to claim the objects of these proposals in the future.
Ein Vorschlag bestand darin, Schnittmarken aus floureszierenden UV-Farbstoffen zu verwenden, die für den Menschen unsichtbar, jedoch für spezielle Sensoren erkennbar sind. Nachteil derartiger Schnittmarken besteht darin, dass diese für den Masseneinsatz zu teuer sind.One suggestion was to use crop marks made from fluorescent UV dyes that are invisible to humans but recognizable to specific sensors. Disadvantage of such cutting marks is that they are too expensive for mass use.
Weiterhin wurde in Erwägung gezogen, einen oder mehrere parallele optische Positionssensoren zu verwenden, die auf bestimmte Merkmale im Etikettenaufdruck reagieren. Hier ist die Funktion nur bei einem Aufdruck mit entsprechend deutlichem und nicht auf einer Linie wiederholt vorkommenden Merkmalen möglich, d. h. die Einsatzbandbreite dieser Lösung ist relativ klein. Daneben ist auch die Empfindlichkeit gegenüber lateralen Führungstoleranzen in vielen Fällen zu groß.It has also been considered to use one or more parallel optical position sensors that respond to certain features in the label printing. Here, the function is only possible with a print with correspondingly clear features that do not occur repeatedly on one line, ie the range of application of this solution relatively small. In addition, the sensitivity to lateral guide tolerances is too large in many cases.
Ein weiterer Vorschlag besteht darin, eine Zeilenkamera zu verwenden, die ein Bild des Etiketts mit einer definierten Breite aufnimmt. Die Länge des gehaltenen Bildes ist ausgehend von der aktuellen Sensorposition ebenfalls konstant. Durch einen ständigen Vergleich des aktuellen Bildes mit einem hinterlegten Muster zum Beispiel mittels flächigem Korrelationsverfahren, ist es möglich, die Position des Etiketts rein anhand des Aufdrucks zu erkennen. Da jedoch in der Praxis sehr hohe Transportgeschwindigkeiten der Etiketten vorliegen, sind hierzu sehr schnelle Zeilensensoren mit bis zu 100 K Zeilen pro Sekunde nötig, um noch eine akzeptable Positionsgenauigkeit zu erreichen. Hieraus wiederum ergeben sich sehr kurze Belichtungszeiten der einzelnen Zeilen im Bereich von 10 µs, was wiederum eine sehr hohe Leuchtdichte der Beleuchtung erfordert. Daneben ist auch eine sehr leistungsfähige und teure Hardware zur Bildverarbeitung nötig, so dass insgesamt die Faktoren zu einer sehr aufwändigen und teuren Lösung führen.Another proposal is to use a line scan camera that captures an image of the label with a defined width. The length of the held image is also constant from the current sensor position. By a constant comparison of the current image with a stored pattern, for example by means of area correlation method, it is possible to recognize the position of the label purely by the imprint. However, since in practice very high transport speeds of the labels are present, very fast line sensors with up to 100 K lines per second are needed to achieve an acceptable position accuracy. This in turn results in very short exposure times of the individual lines in the range of 10 μs, which in turn requires a very high luminance of the lighting. In addition, a very powerful and expensive hardware for image processing is needed, so that overall the factors lead to a very complex and expensive solution.
Die oben erwähnte Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Gegenstände der unabhängigen Ansprüche erreicht. Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen und Weiterbildungen sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.The above-mentioned object is 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.
Eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Bearbeiten von Etikettenstreifen mit einer Vielzahl von aufeinander folgenden Etiketten weist eine Transporteinrichtung auf, welche den Etikettenstreifen entlang eines vorgegebenen Transportpfades transportiert. Weiterhin ist eine Bearbeitungseinrichtung vorgesehen, welche entlang des Transportpfades vorgesehen ist und welche den Etikettenstreifen in einer vorgegebenen Weise bearbeitet. Weiterhin ist eine Positionserfassungseinrichtung vorgesehen, welche eine Position des Etikettenstreifens in deren Transportrichtung erfasst.A device according to the invention for processing label strips with a multiplicity of successive labels has a transport device which transports the label strip along a predetermined transport path. Furthermore, a processing device is provided, which is provided along the transport path and which processes the label strip in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, a position detection device is provided, which detects a position of the label strip in the transport direction.
Erfindungsgemäß weist die Positionserfassungseinrichtung eine Bilderfassungseinrichtung auf, welche zur Aufnahme von zweidimensionalen Bildern von Bereichen des Etikettenstreifens geeignet ist. Diese Bereiche können sowohl in Transportrichtung als auch quer dazu einen Ausschnitt aus dem Streifen oder den gesamten Streifen abbilden.According to the invention, the position detection device has an image capture device which is suitable for receiving two-dimensional images of regions of the label strip. These areas can image both in the transport direction and across a section of the strip or the entire strip.
Damit werden mit Hilfe der Bilderfassungseinrichtung nicht nur Marken erfasst, sondern jeweils Bilder aufgenommen. Bei dem Etikettenstreifen kann es sich um Etikettenband handeln, wobei die Etiketten aneinander hintereinander auf einem Band aufgedruckt sind. Es kann sich jedoch bei dem Etikettenstreifen auch um einen Schlauch handeln, von dem die einzelnen (dann hüllenartigen) Stücke abgeschnitten werden um anschließend über die Behältnisse geschoben zu werden.Thus, with the help of the image capture device not only registered brands, but each captured images. The label strip may be label tape with the labels printed one after the other on a tape. However, the label strip may also be a tube from which the individual pieces (which are then sleeve-like) are cut off and subsequently pushed over the containers.
Durch die Bildaufnahme und -auswertung wird vorteilhaft eine Ist-Position des Etikettenbandes erfasst, um auf diese Weise ggf. nötige Korrekturen beispielsweise hinsichtlich der Transportgeschwindigkeit oder hinsichtlich des Bearbeitungsvorgangs durchzuführen.By image acquisition and evaluation, an actual position of the label strip is advantageously detected, in order to carry out any necessary corrections in this way, for example with regard to the transport speed or with respect to the processing operation.
Damit zielt die erfindungsgemäß vorgeschlagene Lösung darauf, die Etikettenposition mit hoher Geschwindigkeit nur anhand des Etikettenaufdrucks und dabei vorzugsweise mittels einer preisgünstigen Matrix-Kamera basierten Sensoreinrichtung zu messen. Dabei ist dieser Sensor vorteilhaft in einem geschlossenen Regelkreis mit der Steuerung des Vortriebs des Endlosetiketts verbunden. Auf diese Weise ermöglicht das Gesamtsystem, die Schnittposition dauerhaft in einem engem Toleranzfenster zu halten.Thus, the proposed solution according to the invention aims to measure the label position at high speed only on the basis of the label imprint and thereby preferably by means of a low-cost matrix camera-based sensor device. In this case, this sensor is advantageously connected in a closed loop with the control of the propulsion of the endless label. In this way, the overall system makes it possible to keep the cutting position permanently within a narrow tolerance window.
Vorteilhaft weist die Bearbeitungseinrichtung eine Schneideeinheit auf, welche den Etikettenstreifen schneidet. Dabei kann es sich beispielsweise um ein Schneidmesser handeln, welches mit einer Schneidwalze zusammenwirkt, es kann sich jedoch auch um andere Schneideinrichtungen, welche beispielsweise laserbasiert sind, handeln.Advantageously, the processing device has a cutting unit which cuts the label strip. This may, for example, be a cutting blade which cooperates with a cutting roller, but it may also be other cutting devices, which are laser-based, for example.
Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform ist die Positionserfassungseinrichtung auf einen Bereich des Etikettenstreifens ausgerichtet, der zumindest auch einen Bereich zwischen den Etikettenrändern enthält. Bei diesen Etikettenrändern handelt es sich um die beiden Seitenränder, die beispielsweise in der Transportrichtung oben und unten liegen. Vorteilhaft ist die Positionserfassungseinrichtung auf einen Bereich des Etikettenstreifens ausgerichtet, der von den beiden Etikettenrändern beabstandet ist. Damit wird ein Bereich des Aufdrucks des eigentlichen Etiketts, der naturgemäß bei den Etiketten vorhanden ist, zur Positionserfassung verwendet. Durch die Ausrichtung auf einen bevorzugt zentralen Bereich ist auch ein Wechsel auf unterschiedliche Etiketten möglich, ohne dass hierbei der Positionssensor neu angeordnet bzw. justiert werden muss. Dies beruht darauf, dass die Etiketten regelmäßig bestimmte Aufdrucke aufweisen. Vorteilhaft enthält das aufgenommene Bild die gesamte Breite des Etikettenstreifens, so dass auch unterschiedlichste Positionen aufgenommen werden können und damit bevorzugt auf beliebige Bilder die Justierung vorgenommen werden kann.In a further advantageous embodiment, the position detection device is aligned with a region of the label strip which also contains at least one region between the label edges. These label margins are the two side edges, which are located in the transport direction at the top and bottom, for example. Advantageously, the position detection device is aligned with a region of the label strip, which is spaced from the two label edges. Thus, an area of the imprint of the actual label, which is naturally present in the labels, is used for position detection. By aligning to a preferably central area and a change to different labels is possible without this, the position sensor has to be rearranged or adjusted. This is due to the fact that the labels regularly have certain imprints. Advantageously, the captured image contains the Whole width of the label strip, so that a variety of positions can be recorded and thus preferably on any images adjustment can be made.
Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform weist die Vorrichtung eine Steuerungseinrichtung zum Steuern der Bearbeitungseinrichtung auf, welche die Bearbeitungseinrichtung in Abhängigkeit von einem von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung ausgegebenen Signal steuert. Grundsätzlich oder alternativ ist es möglich, dass die Steuerungseinrichtung auch zum Steuern der Transporteinrichtung dient, und dass die Steuerungseinrichtung die Transporteinrichtung in Abhängigkeit von einem von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung ausgegebenen Signal steuert. Auf diese Weise ist es möglich, die Etikettenposition mit hoher Genauigkeit nur anhand des Aufdrucks zu messen. Dabei ist, wie erwähnt, vorteilhaft die Positionserfassungseinrichtung in einem geschlossenen Regelkreis mit der Steuerung der Transporteinrichtung des Etikettenbands eingebunden. Das Gesamtsystem ermöglicht so die Schnittposition dauerhaft in einem engen Toleranzfenster zu halten.In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a control device for controlling the processing device, which controls the processing device in response to a signal output by the position detection device. Basically or alternatively, it is possible that the control device also serves to control the transport device, and that the control device controls the transport device in dependence on a signal output by the position detection device. In this way it is possible to measure the label position with high accuracy only on the basis of the imprint. In this case, as mentioned, advantageously the position detection device is integrated in a closed control loop with the control of the transport device of the label strip. The overall system thus allows to keep the cutting position permanently in a narrow tolerance window.
Bevorzugt kennt dabei die Steuerungseinrichtung die mittlere Länge eines Einzeletiketts. Diese Länge kann wiederum in Taktinkrementen gemessen werden, welche beispielsweise von einem am Etikettenantrieb angeordneten beispielsweise angeflanschten hochauflösendem Inkrementalgeber erzeugt werden. Sobald die Steuerung das Endlosetikett um die jenige Anzahl an Taktinkrementen vorwärts bewegt hat, welche der Länge des Einzeletiketts entspricht, wird die Positionserfassungseinrichtung getriggert und nimmt ein Bild des Etiketts auf. Diese Bildaufnahmeposition, welche wiederum in Taktinkrementen gemessen wird, wird in der Steuerung oder in der Kamera als Referenzposition zwischengespeichert.The control device preferably knows the average length of a single label. This length can in turn be measured in Taktinkrementen, which are generated for example by a arranged on the label drive, for example, flanged high-resolution incremental encoder. Once the controller has advanced the continuous label by the number of increments of increments corresponding to the length of the single label, the position detector is triggered and captures an image of the label. This image recording position, which in turn is measured in clock increments, is temporarily stored in the controller or in the camera as a reference position.
Vorteilhaft muss die Kamera nicht die gesamte Fläche des Einzeletiketts gleichzeitig aufnehmen. Beispielsweise genügt bei dem im Vergleich zur Breite relativ langem Rundumetiketten ein Ausschnitt, beispielsweise 1/3 der Etikettenlänge. Dieser Ausschnitt muss ein geeignetes charakteristisches Merkmal enthalten, welches durch Bildverarbeitungsverfahren einfach gefunden und verglichen werden kann.Advantageously, the camera does not need to record the entire area of the single label at the same time. For example, in the case of the relatively long wrap-around labels, compared to the width, a cutout, for example 1/3 of the label length, is sufficient. This section must contain a suitable characteristic feature, which can easily be found and compared by image processing methods.
Vorteilhaft handelt es sich damit bei der Positionserfassungseinrichtung um eine elektronische Kamera, wie beispielsweise eine CCD-oder CMOS-Kamera.Advantageously, this means that the position detection device is an electronic camera, such as a CCD or CMOS camera.
In den Fällen, in denen das genannte charakteristische Merkmal im Ausschnitt nicht vorkommt, z. B. nach einer Verklebung von zwei Etikettenrollen unter Verletzung des Rasters ist vorteilhaft eine Sonderroutine vorhanden, welche den Etikettenvorschub wieder aufsynchronisiert. Dies ist beispielsweise so ausgeführt, dass bei geringerer Leistung mehrere Bilder von aufeinander folgenden Ausschnitten mit etwas Überlappung aufgenommen werden, bis das charakteristische Merkmal wieder gefunden wird und der Vorschub dann so gesteuert wird, dass das Merkmal wieder am richtigen Ort in dem Kamerabild erscheint.In cases where said characteristic feature does not occur in the clipping, e.g. B. after a bonding of two label rolls in violation of the grid is advantageously a special routine available, which synchronizes the label feed again. This is carried out, for example, in such a way that at lower power several images of successive sections are overlapped with a little overlap until the characteristic is found again and the feed is then controlled so that the feature reappears in the correct position in the camera image.
Vorteilhaft weist die Vorrichtung eine Speichereinrichtung auf, in welcher wenigstens ein Referenzbild abgespeichert ist. Dabei kann es sich beispielsweise um ein Referenzbild handeln, welches die gleiche Positionserfassungseinrichtung zuvor aufgenommen hat. Auch wäre es möglich, dass in der Speichereinrichtung eine Vielzahl von Referenzbildern für unterschiedliche Etiketten vorhanden sind und der Benutzer jeweils ein bestimmtes Referenzbild auswählen kann oder eine Steuerung selbsttätig aus der Vielzahl von gespeicherten Bildern das richtige Referenzbild auswählt.Advantageously, the device has a memory device in which at least one reference image is stored. This may, for example, be a reference image which has previously recorded the same position detection device. It would also be possible for a plurality of reference images for different labels to be present in the memory device and for the user to be able to select a particular reference image or for a control to automatically select the correct reference image from the plurality of stored images.
Vorteilhaft weist die Vorrichtung eine Vergleichseinrichtung auf, welche dieses Referenzbild mit dem von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung aufgenommenen Bild vergleicht. Nach diesem Vergleich kann die exakte Ist-Position des Etikettenbandes insbesondere gegenüber einer Soll-Position ermittelt werden. Genauer genommen wird hierdurch eine Relativposition des Etikettenbandes ermittelt.Advantageously, the device has a comparison device which compares this reference image with the image captured by the position detection device. After this comparison, the exact actual position of the label tape can be determined in particular with respect to a desired position. More specifically, a relative position of the label tape is thereby determined.
Beispielsweise kann eine Kamera mit gängiger VGA- oder WVGA-Auflösung verwendet werden, d. h. einer Auflösung von 640 x 480 bzw. 720 x 480 Pixel. Auf diese Weise ist eine Auflösung von 0,2 mm/Pixel erzielbar, sofern der Bildbereich nicht größer als 120 mm x 90 mm gewählt wird. Derartige Bildbereiche sind jedoch ausreichend, um die unterschiedlichsten Etiketten zu erfassen. Weiterhin wäre es auch möglich, bei Bedarf bei nicht zu hoher Ausbringungsleistung mehrere Aufnahmen nacheinander auszulösen und mit entsprechender Logik zu verarbeiten. Weiterhin wäre es auch möglich, für höhere Genauigkeiten Sensoren mit einer höheren Pixelzahl einzusetzen oder einen kleineren Bildausschnitt zu wählen.For example, a camera with standard VGA or WVGA resolution can be used, i. H. a resolution of 640 x 480 or 720 x 480 pixels. In this way, a resolution of 0.2 mm / pixel can be achieved, provided that the image area is not larger than 120 mm x 90 mm. However, such image areas are sufficient to capture a wide variety of labels. Furthermore, it would also be possible to trigger several shots one after the other when required and not with high output performance and to process them with the appropriate logic. Furthermore, it would also be possible to use sensors with a higher pixel count for higher accuracies or to select a smaller image detail.
Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform weist die Vorrichtung eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung zur Beleuchtung des von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung aufgenommen Bereichs des Etikettenstreifens auf. Insbesondere bei Etiketten, welche einen hohen Glanzgrad aufweisen, ist dabei eine derartige Beleuchtung vorteilhaft. Vorteilhaft handelt es sich hierbei um eine getaktete bzw. Blitzlampenbeleuchtung, welche auf die Bildaufnahmeeinrichtung getriggert ist.In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has an illumination device for illuminating the area of the label strip received by the position detection device. Especially for labels which have a high degree of gloss have, such a lighting is advantageous. This is advantageously a clocked or flash lamp illumination, which is triggered on the image recording device.
Vorteilhaft strahlt die Beleuchtungseinrichtung diffuse Strahlung insbesondere diffuses Licht aus. Dabei kann es sich bei dem von der Beleuchtungseinrichtung ausgegebenen Licht insbesondere um Weißlicht handeln, es wäre jedoch auch möglich, Licht unterschiedlicher Farben zu verwenden. Dies kann auch Licht im nahen UV- oder IR-Bereich sein. Die spektrale Auslegung der Beleuchtung richtet sich danach, wie die besten Kontraste für die Auswertung erzielt werden können. Bevorzugt wird eine stark diffuse Beleuchtung im Idealfall eine so genannte Cloudy-Day-Illumination verwendet.Advantageously, the illumination device radiates diffuse radiation, in particular diffused light. In this case, the light emitted by the illumination device may be, in particular, white light, but it would also be possible to use light of different colors. This can also be light in the near UV or IR range. The spectral design of the lighting depends on how the best contrasts can be achieved for the evaluation. Preferably, a highly diffuse illumination is used in the ideal case, a so-called cloudy day illumination.
Vorteilhaft ist auf einer der Bilderfassungseinrichtung abgewandten Seite des Etikettenstreifens ein optisch homogener Hintergrund angeordnet. Insbesondere für die Erfassung oder Verarbeitung von transparenten Kunststoffetiketten ist es vorteilhaft, wenn ein definierter optisch homogener Hintergrund auf der der Kamera abgewandten Seite des Etikettenstreifens angeordnet ist. Alternativ oder zusätzlich könnte, speziell für teilweise transparente Etiketten, auf der abgewandten Seite eine bevorzugt diffuse Durchlichtbeleuchtung angeordnet sein.An optically homogeneous background is advantageously arranged on a side of the label strip facing away from the image capture device. In particular, for the detection or processing of transparent plastic labels, it is advantageous if a defined optically homogeneous background on the side facing away from the camera of the label strip is arranged. Alternatively or additionally, a preferably diffuse transmitted light illumination could be arranged on the opposite side, especially for partially transparent labels.
Der Sensor bzw. die Bildaufnahmeeinrichtung wertet vorteilhaft das jeweilige Kamerabild aus, in dem es das aktuell aufgenommene Ist-Bild mit einem (z. B. per Teach-Verfahren vorab gelernten) Muster vergleicht. Auf diese Weise kann die exakte Position des Etiketts sowohl in Transportrichtung als auch quer dazu mit hoher Auflösung bestimmt werden. Es könnten hier jedoch auch andere Auswerteverfahren Anwendung finden.The sensor or the image recording device advantageously evaluates the respective camera image in which it compares the currently recorded actual image with a pattern (for example learned in advance by means of a teach method). In this way, the exact position of the label can be determined both in the transport direction and across it with high resolution. However, other evaluation methods could also be used here.
Weiterhin ist es auch möglich, durch ein geeignetes Verfahren des Mustervergleichs die dabei erzielte Messgenauigkeit höher zu legen als die Kameraauflösung in Pixel. Dabei können beispielsweise elektronische oder Softwareblenden verwendet werden, welche auf die jeweils aufgenommen Bilder angewandt werden. Derartige elektronische Blenden könnten bestimmte Bereiche eines aufgenommenen Bildes herausgreifen oder bestimmte Bereiche gegenüber anderen Bereichen unterschiedlich gewichten.Furthermore, it is also possible to set the achieved measurement accuracy higher than the camera resolution in pixels by a suitable method of pattern matching. In this case, for example, electronic or software screens can be used which are applied to the pictures taken in each case. Such electronic screens could pick out certain areas of a captured image or weight certain areas differently than other areas.
Das ermittelte Positionsergebnis in der Transportrichtung stellt einen Offset gegenüber der Referenzposition der Bildaufnahme dar. Da das Endlosetikett von Bild zu Bild um etwa die Länge des Einzeletiketts transportiert wurde, ist dieser Offset nur die Abweichung von der Ist- zur Soll-Position. Daher kann dieses Ergebnis verwendet werden, um in einer Regelschleife mit einem geeigneten Regelverfahren den Etikettenvorschub exakt auf die tatsächliche Etikettenlänge zu regeln. Auf diese Weise kann sichergestellt werden, dass die Schnittposition relativ zum Aufdruck auf Dauer in einem sehr kleinen Toleranzbereich gehalten wird. Durch geeignete Regelungsverfahren, die vorteilhaft über mehrere nacheinander aufgenommene Bilder mitteln, kann die resultierende Genauigkeit ebenfalls erhöht werden.The determined position result in the transport direction represents an offset from the reference position of the image acquisition. Since the endless label was transported from image to image by approximately the length of the individual label, this offset is only the deviation from the actual position to the desired position. Therefore, this result can be used to control the label feed exactly to the actual label length in a control loop with a suitable control method. In this way it can be ensured that the cutting position is kept relative to the permanent printing in a very small tolerance range. By means of suitable control methods, which advantageously average over a plurality of successively recorded images, the resulting accuracy can likewise be increased.
Das Positionsergebnis quer zur Transportrichtung kann verwendet werden, um die laterale Etikettenführung zu regeln. Im Stand der Technik wird hierfür üblicherweise ein eigener Sensor eingesetzt, der jedoch mit der erfindungsgemäß vorgeschlagenen Lösung entfallen kann. Damit ist es möglich, einen Abgleich zwischen einer Position des Etikettenbandes nicht nur in der Transportrichtung sondern auch quer dazu vorzunehmen.The position result transverse to the transport direction can be used to control the lateral label guide. In the prior art, a separate sensor is usually used for this purpose, but this can be omitted with the proposed solution according to the invention. This makes it possible to make a comparison between a position of the label tape not only in the transport direction but also across it.
Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform weist die Vorrichtung eine in der Transportrichtung des Etikettenstreifens stromaufwärts bezüglich der Positionserfassungseinrichtung angeordnete Magazineinrichtung zum Aufnehmen des Etikettenstreifens auf. Dabei kann es sich beispielsweise um ein Rollenmagazin handeln, welches eine Vielzahl von Rollen aufweist, von denen die Etikettenstreifen abgerollt werden.In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a storage device arranged in the transport direction of the label strip upstream of the position detection device for receiving the label strip. This may be, for example, a roller magazine, which has a plurality of rollers, from which the label strips are unrolled.
Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform weist die Vorrichtung eine in der Transportrichtung des Etikettenstreifens stromabwärts bezüglich der Bearbeitungseinrichtung angeordnete Etikettiereinrichtung auf, welche die Etiketten an Behältnissen anbringt. Dabei können die Etiketten beispielsweise an den Behältnissen angeklebt werden, es wäre jedoch auch möglich, dass die Etiketten als so genannte Sleeve-Etiketten vorliegen, welche an die Behältnisse angeschrumpft werden.In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a labeling device arranged downstream of the processing device in the transport direction of the label strip, which affixes the labels to containers. The labels can be glued to the containers, for example, but it would also be possible for the labels to be present as so-called sleeve labels, which are shrunk onto the containers.
Die vorliegende Erfindung ist weiterhin auf ein Verfahren zur Behandlung von eine Vielzahl von Etiketten aufweisenden Etikettenstreifen gerichtet, wobei der Etikettenstreifen mit einer Transporteinrichtung entlang eines vorgegebenen Pfades transportiert wird und während dieses Transports entlang des Pfades von einer Bearbeitungseinrichtung bearbeitet wird und wobei eine Position des Etikettenstreifens mittels einer Positionserfassungseinrichtung erfasst wird.The present invention is further directed to a method of treating label strips having a plurality of labels, wherein the label strip is transported along a predetermined path by a transport means and is processed by a processing device along the path during said transport wherein a position of the label strip is detected by means of a position detection device.
Erfindungsgemäß nimmt die Positionserfassungseinrichtung ein zweidimensionales Bild eines Bereiches des Etikettenstreifens auf und auf Basis dieses Bildes wird die Position des Etikettenstreifens ermittelt.According to the invention, the position detection device takes a two-dimensional image of a region of the label strip and based on this image, the position of the label strip is determined.
Insbesondere wird dabei die Position des Etikettenstreifens in der Transportrichtung des Etikettenstreifens ermittelt. Auf Basis dieser Position kann wie oben erwähnt, eine entsprechende Bearbeitung des Etikettenstreifens erfolgen.In particular, the position of the label strip in the transport direction of the label strip is determined. Based on this position can be done as mentioned above, a corresponding processing of the label strip.
Bei einem bevorzugten Verfahren wird wenigstens die Bearbeitungseinrichtung oder die Transporteinrichtung auf Basis des von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung aufgenommenen Bildes gesteuert. Dies bedeutet, dass insbesondere der Vorschub des Etikettenbandes auf Basis der aufgenommenen Bilder oder auf Basis von durchgeführten Vergleichen gesteuert werden kann.In a preferred method, at least the processing device or the transport device is controlled on the basis of the image recorded by the position detection device. This means that in particular the feed of the label tape can be controlled on the basis of the recorded images or on the basis of comparisons carried out.
Bei einem weiteren vorteilhaften Verfahren vergleicht eine Vergleichseinrichtung das von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung aufgenommene Bild mit einem Referenzbild, um so die Position des Etikettenstreifens zu bestimmen. Dabei wird besonders bevorzugt das Bild insbesondere auch von einem zentralen Bereich des Etikettenstreifens aufgenommen.In a further advantageous method, a comparison device compares the image recorded by the position detection device with a reference image so as to determine the position of the label strip. In this case, the image is particularly preferably also taken up by a central region of the label strip.
Bei einem weiteren vorteilhaften Verfahren wird auf Basis der ermittelten Position des Etikettenstreifens ein Offset zwischen einer Ist- Position des Etikettenstreifens gegenüber einer Sollposition des Etikettenstreifens ermittelt und bevorzugt auf Basis dieses Offsets die Bearbeitungseinrichtung oder die Transporteinrichtung gesteuert. Dies bedeutet, dass der ermittelte Offset als Auswerteergebnis genutzt wird, um insbesondere eine Geschwindigkeit der Transporteinrichtung für den Etikettenstreifen anzupassen.In a further advantageous method, an offset between an actual position of the label strip relative to a desired position of the label strip is determined on the basis of the determined position of the label strip, and the processing device or the transport device is preferably controlled on the basis of this offset. This means that the determined offset is used as an evaluation result, in particular to adapt a speed of the transport device for the label strip.
Weitere Vorteile und Ausführungsformen ergeben sich aus den beigefügten Zeichnungen:Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:
Darin zeigen:
- Fig. 1
- eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bearbeiten von Etikettenstreifen;
- Fig. 2
- eine Detailansicht der Vorrichtung aus
Fig. 1 ; - Fig. 3
- eine schematische Darstellung eines Etikettenstreifens; und
- Fig. 4
- eine grob schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung.
- Fig. 1
- a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for processing label strips;
- Fig. 2
- a detailed view of the device
Fig. 1 ; - Fig. 3
- a schematic representation of a label strip; and
- Fig. 4
- a rough schematic representation of a device according to the invention.
Diese Kunststoffflaschen werden an einen Drehteller 58 geführt und dort mit den Etiketten bestückt. Über eine Zuführschnecke 52 werden die Behältnisse vereinzelt über ein Einlaufrad 54 durch den Drehteller 58 zugeführt und über ein Auslaufrad 56 wieder abgeführt.These plastic bottles are guided to a
Ausgehend von dieser Puffereinrichtung 30 wird das Etikettenband (bzw. der Etikettenstreifen) weitergeführt und insbesondere dabei an einer Positionserfassungseinrichtung 8 vorbeigeführt, welche zur exakten Positionserfassung des Etikettenbandes dient. Neben der Positionserfassungseinrichtung 8, die hier als Kamera ausgestattet ist auch eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung 24 vorgesehen, welches das Etikettenband 10 beleuchtet. Daneben ist neben der Beleuchtungseinrichtung auch ein Hintergrund 22 an der der Kamera 8 abgewandten Seite des Etikettenbandes 10 vorgesehen.Starting from this
Die Beleuchtungseinrichtung 24 ist hier schräg dargestellt, vorteilhaft wäre es jedoch auch möglich, die Beleuchtungseinrichtung 24 beispielsweise um die Positionserfassungseinrichtung 8 herum anzuordnen oder auch mehrere Beleuchtungseinrichtungen vorzusehen.The
An die Positionserfassungseinrichtung 8 schließt sich nunmehr die eigentliche Schneideinrichtung 4 zum Schneiden der Etikettenstreifen an.The
Der von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung 8 aufgenommene Bildbereich 18 kann dabei so gewählt sein, dass sich die Sollposition des Bildelements 16 in der Bewegungsrichtung des Etikettenbandes im Wesentlichen zentral innerhalb des Bildbereichs befindet. Auf diese Weise kann gewährleistet werden, dass das Bildelement 16 auch dann noch vollständig aufgenommen wird, wenn die Ist-Position des Etikettenstreifens von seiner Sollposition abweicht. Die Positionserfassungseinrichtung nimmt in diesem Fall das Bildelement 16 auf und vergleicht es mit einem Referenzmuster. Auf diese Weise kann festgestellt werden, an welcher Ist-Position sich der Etikettenstreifen befindet. In Abhängigkeit von dieser Ist-Position kann der Schneidvorgang oder auch der Transportvorgang des Etikettenstreifens 10 angepasst werden. Das Bezugszeichen P kennzeichnet den Transportpfad des Etikettenstreifens, der sich von den Rollen 20 bis zu der Schneideeinrichtung erstreckt.The
Auch für den Fall, dass das Bildelement 16 nicht mehr vollständig in dem Bildbereich 18 der Positionserfassungseinrichtung liegen sollte, kann ein Abgleich mit dem Referenzmuster vorgenommen werden. Hierfür können ggfs. Sonderroutinen zur Verfügung stehen. Es wäre dabei möglich, dass der Bildbereich 18 der Positionserfassungseinrichtung 8 wesentlich kleiner gewählt wird als das zu erfassende Etikett und beispielsweise nur auf ein relativ kleines Bildelement gerichtet ist. Auch wäre es möglich, dass der Bildbereich 18 den theoretisch aufnehmbaren Bildbereich der Positionserfassungseinrichtung 8 darstellt und je nach dem zu verarbeitenden Etikett nur unterschiedliche Bereich dieses Bildbereichs ausgewählt werden, um den Vergleich vorzunehmen. So könnte im Fall von
Die Positionserfassungseinrichtung ist über eine Verbindungsleitung 26 mit der Steuerungseinrichtung 15 verbunden. Dabei kann die Steuerungseinrichtung 15 auch eine Speichereinrichtung 12 aufweisen, in der Referenzbilder hinterlegt sind sowie auch eine Vergleichseinrichtung 14, welche die von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung 8 aufgenommenen Bilder mit den in der Speichereinrichtung 12 abgelegten Bildern vergleicht. In Reaktion auf diesen Vergleich kann die Transporteinrichtung den Vorschub des Etikettenbandes 10 beispielsweise verzögern oder beschleunigen, damit die Bearbeitungseinrichtung 4 d. h. die Schneideinrichtung die Etikettenstreifen an der vorgegebenen Soll-Position d. h. der Linie T in
Sämtliche in den Anmeldungsunterlagen offenbarten Merkmale werden als erfindungswesentlich beansprucht, sofern sie einzeln oder in Kombination gegenüber dem Stand der Technik neu sind.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.
- 11
- Vorrichtungcontraption
- 22
- Transporteinrichtungtransport means
- 44
- Bearbeitungseinrichtung, SchneideinrichtungMachining device, cutting device
- 88th
- PositionserfassungseinrichtungPosition detection device
- 1010
- Etikettenstreifen, EtikettenbandLabel strip, label tape
- 10a10a
- EinzeletikettSingle label
- 10b10b
- oberer Randupper edge
- 10c10c
- unterer Randlower edge
- 1212
- Speichereinrichtungmemory device
- 1414
- Vergleichseinrichtungcomparator
- 1515
- Steuerungseinrichtungcontrol device
- 1616
- Aufdruckimprint
- 1818
- Bildbereichimage area
- 2020
- Etikettenrolle, PuffereinrichtungLabel roll, buffer device
- 2222
- Hintergrundbackground
- 2424
- Beleuchtungseinrichtunglighting device
- 2626
- Verbindungsleitungconnecting line
- 3030
- Puffereinrichtungbuffer means
- 4242
- Behältnissecontainers
- 4444
- Greifzylindergripping cylinder
- 5252
- Zuführschneckefeed screw
- 5454
- Einlaufradinfeed wheel
- 5656
- AuslaufradAuslaufrad
- 5858
- Drehtellerturntable
- 6262
- Trennelementseparating element
- 6464
- Vakuumwalzevacuum roll
- BB
- erfasster Bereich der Positionserfassungseinrichtungdetected area of the position detection device
- TT
- Linieline
Claims (9)
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Positionserfassungseinrichtung (8) eine Bilderfassungseinrichtung aufweist, welche zur Aufnahme von zweidimensionalen Bildern von Bereichen des Etikettenstreifens (10) geeignet ist.Device (1) for processing label strips (10) with a multiplicity of successive labels, with a transport device (2) which transports the label strip (10) along a predetermined transport path (P), with a processing device (4) which runs along the transport path (P) is provided and which processes the label strip (10) in a predetermined manner and with a position detection device (8) which detects a position of the label strip (10) in the transport direction, wherein the processing device (4) has a cutting unit, which strips the label strips (10) and the device (1) has a labeling device arranged downstream of the processing device (4) in the direction of transport of the label strip, which affixes the labels to containers,
characterized in that
the position detection device (8) has an image capture device which is suitable for receiving two-dimensional images of regions of the label strip (10).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Positionserfassungseinrichtung (8) auf einen Bereich des Etikettenstreifens ausgerichtet ist, der zumindest auch einen Bereich zwischen den Etikettenrändern (10b, 10c) enthält.Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the position detection device (8) is aligned with a region of the label strip which also contains at least one region between the label edges (10b, 10c).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Vorrichtung eine Steuerungseinrichtung (15) zum Steuern der Transporteinrichtung (2) aufweist, welche die Transporteinrichtung (2) in Abhängigkeit von einem von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung (8) ausgegebenen Signal steuert.Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the device comprises a control device (15) for controlling the transport device (2) which controls the transport device (2) in response to a signal output by the position detection device (8).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Vorrichtung (1) eine Speichereinrichtung (12) aufweist, in welcher wenigstens ein Referenzbild abgespeichert ist.Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the device (1) has a memory device (12) in which at least one reference image is stored.
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Vorrichtung (1) eine Vergleichseinrichtung (14) aufweist, welche das Referenzbild mit dem von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung aufgenommenen Bild vergleicht.Device (1) according to claim 5,
characterized in that
the device (1) has a comparison device (14) which compares the reference image with the image captured by the position detection device.
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Vorrichtung (1) eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung (18) zur Beleuchtung der von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung (8) aufgenommenen Bereich des Etikettenstreifens (10) aufweist.Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the device (1) has a lighting device (18) for illuminating the region of the label strip (10) received by the position detection device (8).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
Positionserfassungseinrichtung (8) ein zweidimensionales Bild eines Bereiches des Etikettenstreifens (10) aufnimmt und auf Basis dieses Bildes die Position des Etikettenstreifens (10) ermittelt wird.Method for processing label strips (10) having a multiplicity of labels (10a), wherein the label strip (10) is transported along a predetermined path (P) by a transport device and during this transport along the path (P) is processed by a processing device (4 ), wherein a position of the label strip (10) is detected by means of a position detection device (8), and wherein the labels (10a) are subsequently attached to containers,
characterized in that
Position detection device (8) receives a two-dimensional image of a portion of the label strip (10) and based on this image, the position of the label strip (10) is determined.
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass wenigstens die Bearbeitungseinrichtung oder die Transporteinrichtung auf Basis des von der Positionserfassungseinrichtung (8) aufgenommenen Bildes gesteuert wird.Method according to claim 8,
characterized in that at least the processing means or the transport means is controlled on the basis of the image taken by the position detecting means (8).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
auf Basis der ermittelten Position des Etikettenstreifens ein Offset zwischen einer Ist-Position des Etikettenstreifens gegenüber einer Sollposition des Etikettenstreifens ermittelt wird und bevorzugt auf Basis dieses Offsets die Bearbeitungseinrichtung oder die Transporteinrichtung gesteuert wird.Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
On the basis of the determined position of the label strip, an offset between an actual position of the label strip relative to a desired position of the label strip is determined and preferably based on this offset, the processing device or the transport device is controlled.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DE102010011388A DE102010011388A1 (en) | 2010-03-12 | 2010-03-12 | Device for processing label strips with position detection |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2364918A2 true EP2364918A2 (en) | 2011-09-14 |
EP2364918A3 EP2364918A3 (en) | 2013-04-17 |
EP2364918B1 EP2364918B1 (en) | 2017-11-08 |
Family
ID=44140696
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP11156911.7A Active EP2364918B1 (en) | 2010-03-12 | 2011-03-04 | Device for processing label strips with position detection |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8696840B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2364918B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102190103B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102010011388A1 (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE102010011388A1 (en) | 2011-09-15 |
US20120067502A1 (en) | 2012-03-22 |
CN102190103A (en) | 2011-09-21 |
EP2364918B1 (en) | 2017-11-08 |
EP2364918A3 (en) | 2013-04-17 |
CN102190103B (en) | 2015-04-08 |
US8696840B2 (en) | 2014-04-15 |
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