EP2399833B1 - Automatisch Etikettiermaschine und Verfahren zum automatischen Anbringen von Etiketten - Google Patents

Automatisch Etikettiermaschine und Verfahren zum automatischen Anbringen von Etiketten Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2399833B1
EP2399833B1 EP11176661A EP11176661A EP2399833B1 EP 2399833 B1 EP2399833 B1 EP 2399833B1 EP 11176661 A EP11176661 A EP 11176661A EP 11176661 A EP11176661 A EP 11176661A EP 2399833 B1 EP2399833 B1 EP 2399833B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
label
laser
light absorbent
absorbent layer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP11176661A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP2399833A1 (de
Inventor
Neil Griffin
Sam Hyde
Aylwyn Scally
Roger Clark
M. Scott Howarth
Richard Calusdian
Wilson R. Murray
Richard Hirst
Richard Evans
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Sinclair Systems International LLC
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Sinclair Systems International LLC
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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
    • B65C9/46—Applying date marks, code marks, or the like, to the label during labelling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
    • B41M5/30—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used using chemical colour formers
    • 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
    • B65C9/1865—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels adhering on a backing strip
    • B65C9/1876—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels adhering on a backing strip and being transferred by suction means
    • B65C9/188—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels adhering on a backing strip and being transferred by suction means the suction means being a vacuum drum
    • 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
    • B65C9/26—Devices for applying labels
    • B65C9/36—Wipers; Pressers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M2205/00—Printing methods or features related to printing methods; Location or type of the layers
    • B41M2205/04—Direct thermal recording [DTR]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an automatic labelling machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method of automatically applying labels according to the preamble of claim 10.
  • the labeling and packaging markets are demanding marking systems that are faster, more cost effective, capable of marking non-flat surfaces that have a longer lifetime, and which are capable of marking labels or packaging films "on the fly.”
  • direct laser array marking of high volume label media has a number of advantages: no ink or ribbon, non-contact (giving longer head lifetime), and allowing non-flat media or printing on non-flat substrates; see published PCT patent application WO 05/049332 - published 02/06/05.
  • diode laser arrays provide a low cost, compact, high-speed, high reliability solution for marking rolls of labels to be applied to produce.
  • a major disadvantage of prior art direct laser marking systems is that they require media sensitive to NIR (near infrared) wavelength of diode lasers.
  • NIR near infrared
  • the traditional approach requires an NIR (near infrared) absorber with a narrow absorption band, because any residual absorption in the visible wavelength range will cause visible coloration of the media. In most cases, white or clear media is preferred, so coloration is undesirable.
  • narrowband NIR absorbers can be costly, adding significantly to the cost of the media, when used in applications like packaging/product labeling, where costs need to be extremely low.
  • the present invention overcomes the aforementioned problems with the prior art systems.
  • the present invention includes a way to create laser markable media for NIR lasers, while avoiding the need for narrowband NIR absorbers.
  • a media used in the present invention includes a novel "indirect” light markable, multi-layer media wherein laser output light (or other high intensity light) is absorbed and converted into heat by one layer of the media, is immediately thermally conducted into selected portions of an adjacent, thermochromic layer, and forms the desired image.
  • the "indirect” markable media utilizes a three layer label laminate (in addition to any adhesive layer), including a layer of light absorbent material (preferably carbon black) which overlies or is embedded in the front surface of a translucent plastic substrate.
  • the media can be "back marked” or "front marked.”
  • back marking in one embodiment the preferred carbon black absorbs the output light energy of the laser (or other high intensity light) output beam or beams, after the beam or beams have passed through the translucent label substrate, and converts the absorbed light energy into heat; the heat is conducted into a thermochromic front or visible layer, causing desired portions of the thermochromic layer to change color (or visual appearance) to produce the desired image.
  • the light output beam passes through the “front” of the media, that is the thermochromic layer first, then enters the light absorbent layer.
  • the present invention includes further features for optimizing the overall efficiency of the system, including the use of reflective materials either in the thermochromic coating or on the front surface of the thermochromic coating, and in the use of obscuration techniques, to obscure the carbon black (or other) light absorbent layer, described in detail below.
  • the laser markable label prior art includes (in addition to WO 05/049332 noted above) the use of carbon black as an ablatable layer and as a donor [see US 6,001,530 (see col. 4, lines 53-58); US 6,140,008 (see col. 2, lines 57-59); US 6,207,344 (see col. 2, lines 47-50) ; US 2005/0115920 A1 (see page 2, paragraph [0016]) and US 7,021,549 (see col. 3, lines 39-43)].
  • thermochromic layer As a light absorbent material wherein the absorbed light is converted to heat and conducted into an adjacent thermochromic layer; neither does it teach or suggest a three layer label laminate having a light absorbent central layer, a thermochromic layer and a substrate.
  • the present invention is applicable to the automatic labeling of fruit and vegetables. More particularly, the invention provides an improved laminated label structure for use in a system for applying variable information "on the fly" to labels for single items of produce.
  • the invention greatly reduces the number of labeling machines, label designs, and label inventory needed to automatically apply labels to produce.
  • the invention simplifies packing operations and reduces costs by reducing the labor and label inventory required to automatically label produce.
  • the present description discloses a laser (or other high intensity light source) markable, multi-layer media for use as labels or in film printing incorporating a low cost light absorbent layer for NIR lasers, while avoiding the need for expensive narrowband NIR absorbers and removing residual media coloration.
  • the present description further discloses an "indirect” laser (or other high intensity light source) markable, multi-layer media which can be marked either through the front or back surface of the media.
  • the present description further discloses a laser markable, multi-layer media in which a low cost, broadband light absorbent layer, such as carbon black, for example, absorbs laser light output and converts absorbed light into heat, and the absorbed heat is conducted into portions of an adjacent thermochromic layer to form the desired image.
  • a low cost, broadband light absorbent layer such as carbon black
  • the present description further discloses a laser (or other high intensity light source) markable, multi-layer media including a light absorbent layer as noted above together with obscuration means to prevent said light absorbent layer from being visible to the naked eye.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-layered media and automatic labeling machines for applying labels to single items of produce wherein variable coded information is applied to each label immediately prior to its application to an item of produce.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a laminated label design capable of having variable coded information applied to it after the label has been transferred to the tip of a bellows in a rotary bellows applicator, which requires only minor modifications to the rotary bellows label applicating machine.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a laminated label capable of having variable coded information applied to it in a rotary bellows applicator without having to reduce the operating speed of the rotary bellows applicator.
  • Figs. 1A and 1B illustrate the overall concept of "back marking" of the novel multi-layer laminate label 60.
  • Label 60 comprises a translucent plastic substrate 61 having a back surface 61 a and a front surface 61 b.
  • a layer of light absorbent material 62 (preferably carbon black) is carried by the front surface 61 b of substrate 60 by either being applied as a film carried by front surface 61 b of substrate 61 or by being embedded in substrate 61 adjacent the front surface 61 b of substrate 61.
  • a thermochromic layer 63 is carried by and is in thermal contact with the front surface 62b of light absorbent layer 62.
  • Thermochromic layer 63 has a back surface 63a and front surface 63b.
  • Front surface 63b forms a front, visible surface of label 60.
  • the output 41 of laser coding means (or high intensity light source) 40 is partially absorbed by light absorbent layer 62 and converted to heat.
  • Light source 40 may be a one or more CO 2 lasers, one or more diode lasers, an addressable array of lasers or one or more LEDs, for example.
  • the output 41 of light source 40 is caused to form the desired image by either manipulation of the light source or by programming of a laser array, all is known in the art.
  • the absorbed heat in layer 62 is immediately conducted into thermochromic layer 63 and causes selected portions of layer 63 to change color or otherwise change visual appearance to produce the desired image.
  • the phrase "change visual appearance” means a change of color, darkness or other visually detectable change of appearance.
  • Figs. 1A and 1B illustrate the "back marking" embodiment of the present invention, where the laser (or other light source) radiation 41 is applied through the back or rear (non-viewed) surface 61 a of the media 60.
  • Media 60 includes three layers; a front layer 63, a rear layer 61, and an inexpensive middle, light absorbent layer 62.
  • Fig. 1B shows a viewer's eye 65 viewing the resultant mark 68.
  • the light is absorbed by an inexpensive, light absorbent layer 62 that absorbs a broad spectrum of light, including NIR, and it also absorbs visible light.
  • Such a material can be much more readily available as an ink and much cheaper (about 80% cheaper) than narrowband NIR absorbers - an example is carbon black.
  • thermochromic layer 63 Adjacent to the absorbing layer 62 is a front thermochromic layer 63 that performs two functions: it changes color or otherwise changes in visual appearance in response to heat generated (thermochromic) when the applied light radiation is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 62, and conducted into thermochromic layer 63, and it preferably obscures the light absorbing layer 62 so that layer 62 either has reduced visibility or is not visible to the naked eye when the media is viewed from the front surface as shown in Fig. 1B .
  • the color (or visual appearance) change function can be achieved by any thermochromic chemistry, such as those used in standard direct thermal media (for example a coating consisting of leuko dye and color activator).
  • a further example is a coating comprising a color activator, a color developer and a sensitizer.
  • the obscuration function can be further enhanced by adding a scattering material to the thermochromic front layer 63.
  • a scattering material for example, TiO 2 particles of an appropriate size are very effective at providing obscuration in a thin layer.
  • An additional benefit of a light scattering material in the color-change front layer 63 is that light that is not absorbed during one pass through the absorbing layer may be reflected or back-scattered by the light scattering material in the front layer (as shown in Figs. 9A-9B and 10A-10F and described below), thereby passing through the absorption layer 62 again for an additional chance to be absorbed.
  • any substrate used as rear layer 61 must be translucent, to allow the light to reach the absorbing layer 62.
  • the word "translucent,” as used herein and in the claims, means either transparent to or sufficiently transmissive of the light output beam to form the desired image.
  • This may be a polymer, such as, for example and without limitation, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester.
  • the peak temperature at the color change layer 63 for a given laser energy should be maximized. This can be done by:
  • Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate direct laser marking through the front side of a three layer laminate media 160 according to the present invention.
  • This embodiment can be used in applications such as labeling, packaging or other printing applications.
  • the laser beam (or other high intensity light beam such as a laser diode array) 341 is emitted from light source 140 and is applied to media 160 having a front face 163b, rear face 161 a and having three separate layers, front layer 163, rear layer 161 and an inexpensive middle or central heat absorbing layer 162.
  • the broadband absorber 162 e.g., carbon black
  • thermochromic front layer 163 is made to be opaque in the visible range, but to still allow light through at the activation wavelength, typically 700nm-1600nm. This may be achieved by incorporating particles of a dielectric material whose refractive index mismatch to that of the matrix of the thermochromic front layer 163 is small at the excitation wavelength but large in the visible wavelength range.
  • thermochromic layer 163 a high absorption coefficient in the absorbing layer 162 is required to maximize the proximity of the generated heat to the thermochromic layer 163.
  • Minimizing the thickness of the thermochromic layer 163 and any overcoat layer (not shown) will also maximize sensitivity by minimizing the heat spreading.
  • the marking systems shown in Figs. 1A, 1B , 2A and 2B are "indirect" light marking systems or techniques in the sense that the output light is first absorbed by the light absorbing layer (62,162), converted to heat by the light absorbing layer (62,162), and thereafter thermally conducted into the thermochromic layer (63,163) to create the desired mark.
  • Figs. 3A and 3B illustrate the multi-layer media 60, as shown in Figs. 1A and 1B , including an optional obscuration means 80.
  • substrate 61 has back surface 61 a, as described above.
  • Light absorbent layer 62 is shown in Fig. 3A as carried on the surface of substrate 61.
  • obscuration means 180 is a layer of material 181 that is located between the light absorbent layer 62 and thermochromic layer 63.
  • the purpose of obscuration means 80 is to reduce the visibility of the light absorbent layer 62 to the naked eye.
  • the layer 181 may be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of TiO 2 particles, calcium carbonate particles, wax powder and a polymer matrix in which gas bubbles are formed.
  • the obscuration layer 181 is a microscopic mixture of at least one translucent material together with one of the materials selected from the group identified above, provided that the translucent material has a different refractive index from the materials in said group.
  • the obscuration layer 181 should preferably be thin and have a high thermal conductivity to achieve the best thermal contact between the light absorbent layer 62 and the thermochromic layer 63.
  • the obscuration means 80 may comprise a variable obscuration layer 181 wherein the thermochromic affect is achieved through varying the degree of obscuration (i.e., not using leuko dyes).
  • the layer 181 may be translucent in the absence of applied heat, and applied heat conducted from light absorbent layer 62 causes it to become opaque, for example, by formation of gas bubbles within a polymer matrix, thereby obscuring the absorbent layer.
  • the obscuration layer 181 may have an opaque status in the absence of heat, and the heat conducted from light absorbent layer 62 makes the obscuration layer 181 translucent, for example, by melting of wax powder in a gas/wax mixture, thereby allowing the dark absorbing layer 62 to be seen in the exposed areas.
  • Fig. 3B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein the obscuration means 185 does not form a separate layer, but rather is embedded in the thermochromic layer 63.
  • the alternate obscuration means 185 performs substantially the same function as the obscuration means 180 as shown in Fig. 3A .
  • the obscuration means 185 is preferably located as close as possible to the light absorbent layer 62, but in any event is positioned between the light absorbent layer 62 and the front visible surface 63b of thermochromic layer 63.
  • the obscuration means 80 and/or 85 can also be applied to the media 160 illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B in the same fashion as illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B as applied to media 60.
  • Obscuration means 80 and/or 85, as used in the "front marking" technique of Figs. 2A,2B is translucent to the wavelength of the light source output beam.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of media 60, as shown in Figs. 1A and 1B , wherein the light absorbent layer 62m is embedded in substrate layer 61.
  • the light absorbent layer 62m is preferably carbon black which is extruded into the plastic substrate 61.
  • the preferred carbon black layer must be as thin as possible and as dense as possible to insure that enough light output energy is converted to heat and efficiently conducted into the thermochromic layer 63.
  • Thermochromic layer is preferably applied to substrate 61 by flexographic printing.
  • the light absorbent layer 62 or 162 may be applied to said substrate by flexographic printing and the thermochromic layer 63 or 163 then applied to said light absorbent layer 62 or 162 by flexographic printing to produce the three distinct layers shown in Figs. 1A,1B , 2A and 2B .
  • Fig. 5A is a schematic representation of the media 60, shown in Figs. 1A and 1B , wherein an optional reflective coating 64 has been applied to the front surface 63b of thermochromic layer 63. Coating 64 is either carried by layer 63 or is adjacent to front surface 63b of layer 63. The purpose of reflective layer 64 is to reflect light back into light absorbent layer 62 which was not absorbed by layer 62 as the output beam first passed through layer 62.
  • Fig. 5B is a schematic representation of the media 60 of Figs. 1A and 1B illustrating an optional protective coating 65 which is preferably a clear protective overcoat of, for example, varnish, which protects the thermochromic layer 63.
  • an optional protective coating 65 which is preferably a clear protective overcoat of, for example, varnish, which protects the thermochromic layer 63.
  • the prior art typically requires separate labeling machines and label designs for each price look up or "PLU" number.
  • PLU numbers are required by retailers to facilitate quick handling and accurate pricing of produce at checkout.
  • the prior art typically requires three separate labeling machines, three separate label designs, and three label inventories. If a packhouse packs more than one brand, the equipment configuration is duplicated.
  • This label application equipment is expensive, requires maintenance, and requires a significant amount of physical space on the sizer and thereby restricts where the packing operation may place their drops to further pack the produce.
  • the present invention facilitates the same labeling in the above example with only one labeling machine and one label design.
  • the most widely used type of produce labeling machine utilizes a rotary bellows applicator. It is advantageous to minimize any modifications to existing produce labeling machines in creating a system for applying variable coding "on the fly.” Similarly, the operating speed of existing labeling machines must be maintained.
  • the present invention solves the problem of applying variable coded information "on the fly.” No significant modification of existing rotary bellows applicators is required. No reduction of labeling speed is required.
  • the invention uses one or more laser output beams to pass through the back or reverse surface of the label (on which an adhesive layer is carried), through the label substrate, and to cause an image to be formed on the front or visible surface of the label.
  • variable information is applied to the labels upstream of the point at which the labels are transferred to the rotary bellows.
  • the difficulty with that approach is that the requirements for sensors and timing devices increases the cost significantly.
  • to sense the variable information for 24 items of produce, and to be able to apply a newly printed label to a piece of produce that is 24 "slots" away from being labeled requires the use of greater memory and complex timing and synchronization circuitry to assure that the proper information is applied to the proper item of produce; all at prohibitive cost.
  • the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned difficulties of the prior art attempts.
  • the present invention avoids the reconfiguration of sizing and conveying equipment required by U.S. patent 6,179,030 .
  • the present invention in sharp contrast to U.S. patent 6,257,294 , applies the variable coded information to the label after the label is transferred to the tip of a rotary bellows, and avoids the problems inherent in that prior art attempted solution.
  • the present invention in further contrast to U.S. patent 6,257,294 , avoids the use of sprayed ink and the required drying time by utilizing one or more laser beams that react instantly with the novel label laminate of the invention.
  • the present invention also avoids the use of costly sensing and timing circuits by applying the variably coded information immediately before the label is applied to the appropriate produce item.
  • the present label laminate invention is designed particularly for use in conjunction with the system disclosed in United States patent No. 7 168 472, filed March 1, 2005 , and entitled "Method and Apparatus for Applying Variable Coded Labels to Items of Produce.” Pertinent aspects of the '330 application are included below for the sake of explaining the present invention. A more complete description of the labeling machinery is contained in the '330 application and references referred to therein.
  • the use of rotary bellows applicators, as shown in the '330 application has become the standard of the produce labeling industry. Any departure from the use of a rotary bellows applicator head would require significant investment in new labeling apparatus.
  • the present invention requires only minor modification to the standard rotary bellows applicators.
  • the present invention does not utilize ink which requires relatively lengthy drying time.
  • the present invention applies the information while each label is moving, but in a relatively stable position, after it has been transferred to the tip of a bellows, maximizing image clarity.
  • the present invention is capable of forming images at a speed commensurate with maximum speeds of the existing rotary bellows label applicators.
  • Figs. 6 and 7 herein are reproduced from the '330 application.
  • a label cassette 10 feeds labels one at a time onto the tips of bellows 21-24 of rotary bellows applicator 20, as known in the art.
  • a laser coding means 40 (which could be a laser, laser array, LED or other high intensity light source) is utilized to produce variable human or machine readable codes on a pressure sensitive thin film produce label 160 (as shown in Fig. 6 ) just prior to application of the label to a produce item.
  • the codes are produced in response to sensing means 90 which senses variables such as size or color, as described more fully in the '330 application.
  • the code is produced by marking the label 60 from the backside through the adhesive and film layers, as shown in Figs. 1A and 1B generally, and as described in detail below.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates schematically the actual environment in which the multi-layered laminate label 160 of the present invention is marked.
  • Label 160 of Figs. 8 , 9A and 9B is the same as label 60 of Figs. 1A and 1B , except that label 160 includes a fourth layer of translucent adhesive 169 and is rotated 180° from its orientation in Figs. 1A and 1B .
  • the front or visible surface 163b is on the right hand side of media 160 in Figs. 9A and 9B whereas the front or visible surface 63b is on the left hand side of media 60 in Figs. 1A and 1B .
  • the multi-layered label 160 is shown in Fig. 8 as it is being carried on the tip 123a of bellows 123.
  • the label 160 is shown forming a curved surface because of the curved or dome shape of the surface of bellows tip 123a. Bellows 123 rotates around axis of rotation 129 in the direction of arrow 128.
  • the label 160 shown in Figs. 6-8 but shown best in Fig. 8 , includes a translucent plastic substrate 161, an inexpensive light absorbent layer (preferably carbon black) 162 and a thermochromic layer 163.
  • the adhesive 169 is carried by the back surface 161 a of plastic substrate 161 and is utilized to adhere the label 160 to the item of produce to which the label is about to be applied.
  • a laser coding means (or other high intensity light source) 140 is illustrated schematically emitting an output beam 141.
  • laser coding means 140 can be preferably an array of addressable solid state semi-conductor diode lasers or it can be a single CO 2 laser whose output beam can be moved by galvanometric or other means known in the art.
  • the bellows 123 as illustrated in Figs. 6-8 , is moving between two index stations at which the bellows momentarily stops at low label application speeds; the bellows may not stop at higher label application speeds. According to the present invention and as described in detail below, it is advantageous to mark the label 160 as the bellows 123 is moving at a relatively steady rate between two of its index positions.
  • Figs. 9A and 9B are schematic representations of the methodology used in the label marking illustrated in Fig. 8 .
  • the laser output beam 141 has penetrated the translucent adhesive layer 169 and the translucent substrate 161 and is about to enter the light absorbent, carbon black layer 162.
  • the thickness of the arrow representing the laser output beam 141 represents the energy contained in the output beam as it begins to enter absorbent layer 162.
  • the laser beam 141 has passed through the light absorbent layer 162, has transferred a major portion of its energy into light absorbent layer 162 and remnants of beam 141 have broken into a reflected fragment 141a which is reflected backwardly through the substrate 161 and adhesive layer 169.
  • a second fragment 141b simply passes through the thermochromic layer 163 and is lost.
  • the reduced width of the arrows 141 a and 141b representing beam fragments illustrates that roughly 70% of the energy of the beam 141 was absorbed by light absorbent layer 162 and conducted immediately into thermochromic layer 163 as shown by a portion 163m of thermochromic layer 163 which has changed color (or otherwise changed its visual appearance) to form a portion of the mark in accordance with the invention.
  • Figs. 10A through 10F illustrate a further aspect of the invention wherein a laser output beam 241 is shown entering a multi-layer laminate label 260. As shown in 10B, the output beam has passed through the translucent adhesive layer 269 and the translucent plastic substrate 261 and is about to enter the light absorbent layer 262.
  • the laser beam 241 is shown as it passes through the light absorbent layer 262, giving up most of its energy into the light absorbent layer and retaining approximately 30% of its energy as it enters the thermochromic layer 263.
  • Fig. 10D illustrates that the laser beam 241 is reflected backwardly by reflective particles 267 that are embedded into thermochromic layer 263.
  • the reflected laser beam is shown in Fig. 10D as it begins to pass through the light absorbent layer 262 a second time.
  • Fig. 10E illustrates that the laser beam 241 has passed through the light absorbent layer 262 a second time and has given up a major portion of its remaining energy, but has contributed additional light energy to light absorbent layer 262.
  • the light energy from laser beam 241 passing through the light absorbent layer twice is immediately converted into heat energy and conducted into thermochromic layer 263, which is in thermal contact with light absorbent layer 262, and causes a portion 263m of thermochromic layer 263 to change color (or otherwise change its visual appearance).
  • thermochromic layer 263 As an alternative to embedding scattering material in the thermochromic layer 263, as illustrated in Figs. 10A-10F , a reflective coating may be applied to the front surface 263b of thermochromic layer 263, which would cause the remnants of the laser beam to be reflected backwardly through light absorbent layer 262 wherein a major portion of the remaining energy of the laser output beam is transferred into the light absorbent layer 262.
  • Figs. 11A and 11B are illustrations of what a typical mark 68 produced by the invention would look like; Fig. 11A shows typical dimensions and Fig. 11B illustrates the actual size of a typical mark 68.
  • another technique includes direct laser marking utilizing a two layer media having a plastic substrate layer and a thermochromic layer. This technique does not form part of the present invention as defined in the claims.
  • a two layer media 360 includes a substrate 361 and a thermochromic layer 363.
  • the back or reverse side of media 360 is the back or reverse side 361 a of substrate 361.
  • the front visible surface of the media 360 shown in Fig. 12 is surface 363b which is the front surface of thermochromic layer 363.
  • the laminate substrate 361 is preferably a Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) film approximately 40 ⁇ m thick.
  • LDPE Low Density Polyethylene
  • the media and its components must comply with governmental regulations concerning food, health and safety aspects that govern use of similar products.
  • the substrate 361 must be free of any slip agents or other additives with the exception of minimal amounts of natural silica anti-blocking agent and polymeric processing aid (not present in surface layer of finished film), also white master-batch in the case of the white film products.
  • the label film or substrate 361 is an extruded film with a white master-batch present.
  • the white master-batch typically consists of TiO 2 , Lithopone, Kaolin Clay or other appropriate whitener.
  • Table 1 presents five example methods and the relative primary components that achieved acceptable marks on PE labels. Following the table, a detailed description of the various components for each example are defined and outlined. Table 1. The following table gives several methods that were developed to achieve a readable mark with the given laser source. Shown are some of the more important features required to achieve the mark.
  • the marking system must be capable of printing at 12 labels/sec (720 labels/min) which on a label applicator equates to a linear speed of 1.27 m/sec.
  • the label is carried on a bellows with the adhesive side presented to the laser system (i.e., the laser must mark through the adhesive side of the label.) The bellow moves close to constant velocity as it indexes between labeling stations.
  • the material must react to the laser energy and mark this example in less than the specified time.
  • Typical laser system specifications for CO2 and diode lasers systems are outlined in the following sections. 2.5.1. CO 2 Laser System with Two Axis Scan Head - The following table is a list of laser system specifications: Parameter Value Laser Type CO 2 Wavelength 10.6 ⁇ m Power Output ⁇ 10 Watts or more Spot Size 230 ⁇ m Typical Scan Head Speed 5,000 mm/sec Typical Energy Density 0.69 J/cm 2
  • the most important characteristic is to be able to mark the example shown in Figures 11A and 11B while the laser is focused.
  • the depth of field for a typical CO 2 laser is approximately 2 mm.
  • the depth of field parameter can be limiting. This is primarily because the laser is trying to mark a target on the bellow as it rotates about an axis.
  • Diode Laser System The following table is a typical list of laser system specifications: Parameter Value Laser Type Diode Wavelength 808 nm, 830nm, 980 nm, etc. Power Output 24 Watts/cm (300 dpi) Spot Size 80 ⁇ m Emitter Spacing 80 ⁇ m (300 dpi) Typical Energy Density 0.20 J/cm 2 (300 dpi) The most important characteristic is to be able to mark the example shown in Figures 11A and 11B when the labeling system is operating at 720 fruit per min. Another important consideration for this laser system is the energy density which for the system parameters above is approximately 0.20 J/cm 2 .
  • the following method describes how it is possible to use reflective coatings, surfaces or particles to optimize the available laser energy for variably coding laminated labels using the present invention for "on the fly” application for fresh produce.
  • Reflective materials are described in part above in conjunction with Figs. 5A and 10A-10F . This can be accomplished with all types of lasers specifically CO 2 and diode based lasers.
  • the laser energy can be directed back into the label to in-effect increase the exposure time. Therefore the overall energy density to which the label is exposed is improved and the resulting mark produced by the laser is darker or a similar mark can be achieved at a greater speed.
  • thermochromic material applied to the face of the label has been selected to absorb the laser's energy. Even though, 50% or more of the laser energy can be lost (i.e., transmitted or reflected). Therefore, it is preferable to design the surface of the label carrier to reflect as much of the laser energy as possible back into the face of the label. Since lasers can be selected with different wavelength this material must be carefully selected for the desired laser.
  • Power was increased in 5% increments until the resultant mark was fully marked. For this setup the power level was 55%.
  • Laser 0.20 Watt 980 nm single beam laser Coating: Direct Thermal (Typically found on paper labels used in Direct Thermal Printers) with NIR absorber mixed into the direct thermal layer.
  • Laminate Clear LDPE Write Speed: 40 cm/s Power: Watts Label Carrying Material: Black rubber
  • Laser 0.20 Watt 980 nm single beam laser Coating: Direct Thermal (Typically found on paper labels used in Direct Thermal Printers) with NIR absorber mixed into the direct thermal layer.
  • Laminate Clear LDPE Write Speed: 40 cm/s Power: Watts Label Carrying Material: Brushed aluminum
  • the write speed was increased in 5 cm/s increments until the resultant mark was fully marked (i.e. width of the line equal to the full width half maximum laser parameter - 80 um).
  • the write speed was 50 cm/s. This was an 18% increase in write speed i.e. an overall increase in performance.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Heat Sensitive Colour Forming Recording (AREA)
  • Thermal Transfer Or Thermal Recording In General (AREA)
  • Electronic Switches (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Claims (20)

  1. Automatische Etikettiermaschine zum Applizieren von Etiketten (60, 160, 260) an Erzeugnisse, wobei eine Etikettenappliziervorrichtung mit einer Vielzahl von Balgen (21, 22, 23, 24, 123), die durch einen drehbaren Applizierkopf (20) getragen werden, verwendet wird, um einzelne Etiketten (60, 160, 260) von einem Etikettenträgerstreifen auf die Spitze (123a) eines Balgs (123) zu übertragen und danach auf ein einzelnes Erzeugnis aufzubringen, wobei jedes Etikett eine sichtbare Vorderseite (63b, 163b, 263b) und eine Hinterseite (61 a, 161 a) aufweist, wobei die Maschine Abfühlmittel (40) umfasst, um zumindest eine variable Eigenschaft jedes einzelnen Erzeugnisses abzufühlen, wobei die Maschine durch Folgendes gekennzeichnet ist:
    eine Vielzahl an Kunststoffetiketten (60, 160, 260), die auf einem Trägerstreifen getragen werden, wobei jedes der Kunststoffetiketten eine Vielzahl an Schichten umfasst, einschließlich eines durchsichtigen Kunststoffsubstrats (61, 161, 261); einer durchsichtigen Haftmittelschicht (169, 269), die auf der Hinter- oder Rückseite (161 a) des Substrats aufgebracht ist; einer lichtabsorbierenden Schicht (64, 162, 262), die an die Vorderseite des Substrats (61, 161, 261) angrenzend vorliegt; und einer thermochromischen Schicht (63, 163, 263), die an die Vorderseite der lichtabsorbierenden Schicht (62, 162, 262) angrenzend und in thermischem Kontakt mit dieser vorliegt,
    Laserkodiermittel (40, 140), die in Reaktion auf das Abfühlmittel (90) zur Erstellung eines variablen für Menschen lesbaren oder maschinenlesbaren Codes, der die variable Eigenschaft auf jedem einzelnen Etikett (60, 160, 260) anzeigt, betrieben wird, wenn das Etikett auf der Spitze (123a) eines Balgs (21, 22, 23, 24, 123) vor dem Applizieren des Etiketts (60, 160, 260) auf das entsprechende Erzeugnis, dessen variable Eigenschaft abgefühlt wurde, getragen wird,
    wobei das Laserkodiermittel (40, 140) so angeordnet ist, dass sein Ausgangssignal auf die Hinterseite des auf die Spitze (123a) eines einzelnen Balgs (123) übertragenen Etiketts gerichtet ist,
    wobei das Laserausgangssignal durch die Haftmittelschicht (169, 269) und durch das Kunststoffsubstrat (61, 161, 261) jedes Etiketts hindurchtritt und durch die lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) teilweise absorbiert wird, wobei Teile der thermochromischen Schicht (63, 163, 263) ihre Farbe als Reaktion auf das Einwirken des Ausgangssignals des Laserkodiermittels (40, 140) durch das Substrat (61, 161, 261) hindurch in die lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) und die Übertragung von Wärme, die durch die lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) absorbiert wurde, in die thermochromische Schicht (63, 163, 263) verändert.
  2. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, worin das Laserkodiermittel (40, 140) eine adressierbare Festkörperhalbleitermatrix umfasst.
  3. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, worin die lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) aus der aus Kohleschwarz, Graphit und Kohlenstoffnanoröhren bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt ist.
  4. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, worin das Kunststoffsubstrat (61, 161, 261) aus der aus Polyethylen, Polypropylen und Polyester bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt ist.
  5. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, worin die thermochromische Schicht (63, 163, 263) eine Beschichtung umfasst, die einen Farbbildner, einen Farbentwickler und einen Sensibilisator umfasst.
  6. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, worin die thermochromische Schicht (63, 163, 263) ferner Teilchen umfasst, um Licht zu streuen und eine Verdunkelung der lichtabsorbierenden Schicht (62, 162, 262) bereitzustellen.
  7. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, worin die lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) weniger als 100 % Absorption aufweist, so dass die Verteilung der Absorption innerhalb der lichtabsorbierenden Schicht (62, 162, 262) in Richtung der thermochromischen Schicht verlagert ist.
  8. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, worin die thermochromische Schicht (63, 163, 263) eine Vorderseite aufweist, die die sichtbare Fläche des Etiketts bildet, und ferner eine reflektierende Beschichtung umfasst, die auf der Vorderseite der thermochromischen Schicht (63, 163, 263) getragen wird, damit das Ausgangssignal des Laserkodiermittels (40, 140) in die lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) zurückreflektiert wird.
  9. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, worin das Laserkodiermittel (40, 140) ein einzelner CO2-Laser ist.
  10. Verfahren zum automatischen Applizieren von Etiketten (60, 160, 260) an Erzeugnisse, wobei jedes Etikett (60, 160, 260) variable kodierte Informationen in für Menschen lesbarer oder maschinenlesbarer Form enthält, wobei eine drehbare Balgappliziervorrichtung verwendet wird, um einzelne Etiketten (60, 160, 260) von einem Etikettenträgerstreifen auf die Spitze (123a) eines einzelnen Balgs (21, 22, 23, 24, 123) und danach auf einzelne Erzeugnisse zu übertragen, wobei ein Abfühlmittel (90) eine variable Eigenschaft der Erzeugnisse abfühlt, wobei jedes der Etiketten ein durchsichtiges Kunststoffsubstrat (61, 161, 261) mit Vorder- und Rückseite, eine lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) an die Vorderseite des Substrats (61, 161, 261) angrenzend und eine thermochromische Schicht (63, 163, 263) an die lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) angrenzend und in thermischem Kontakt mit dieser umfasst, wobei das Ausgangssignal eines Laserkodiermittels (40, 140) verwendet wird, um die abgefühlten variablen Eigenschaften durch ihren Ausgangsstrahl/ihre Ausgangsstrahlen auf die Etiketten (60, 160, 260) aufzubringen, gekennzeichnet durch
    das Beaufschlagen des Ausgangssignals des Laserkodiermittels (40, 140) auf die Rückseite (161 a) des durchsichtigen Etikettensubstrats (61, 161, 261), während sich das Etikett (60, 160, 260) auf der Spitze (123a) des Balgs (21, 22, 23, 24, 123) befindet,
    das Bewirken der Ausbildung der abgefühlten variablen Eigenschaft durch das Ausgangssignal des Laserkodiermittels (40, 140),
    das Absorbieren der Lichtenergie des Ausgangssignals des Laserkodiermittels (40, 140) in Teilen der lichtabsorbierenden Schicht (62, 162, 262) und das Umwandeln des absorbierten Lichts in Wärme,
    das Leiten der Wärme aus der lichtabsorbierenden Schicht (62, 162, 262) in die thermochromische Schicht (63, 163, 263), um zu bewirken, dass Teile der thermochromischen Schicht (63, 163, 263) ihre Farbe verändern, um die variablen kodierten Informationen in für Menschen lesbarer oder maschinenlesbarer Form zu erzeugen.
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, worin die lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) aus der aus Kohleschwarz, Graphit und Kohlenstoffnanoröhren bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt ist.
  12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, worin die lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) in das Substrat eingebettet ist.
  13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, worin die thermochromische Schicht (63, 163, 263) durch Flexodruck auf das Substrat aufgebracht wird.
  14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, worin das Laserkodiermittel (40, 140) eine adressierbare Festkörperhalbleitermatrix umfasst.
  15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, worin die thermochromische Schicht (63, 163, 263) eine Vorderseite aufweist, die mit einem Material beschichtet ist, das das Ausgangssignal des Laserkodiermittels (40, 140) reflektiert, wobei das Verfahren den weiteren Schritt des Reflektierens des Ausgangssignals des Laserkodiermittels (40, 140) von der Vorderseite der thermochromischen Schicht (63, 163, 263) zurück in die lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) umfasst.
  16. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, worin in die thermochromische Schicht (63, 163, 263) reflektierende Teilchen eingebettet sind, die das Ausgangssignal des Laserkodiermittels (40, 140) zurück in die lichtabsorbierende Schicht (62, 162, 262) reflektieren.
  17. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, worin die thermochromische Schicht (63, 163, 263) ferner Teilchen umfasst, um Licht zu streuen und eine Verdunkelung der lichtabsorbierenden Schicht (62, 162, 262) bereitzustellen.
  18. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, worin die thermochromische Schicht (63, 163, 263) eine Beschichtung umfasst, die einen Farbbildner, einen Farbentwickler und einen Sensibilisator umfasst.
  19. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, worin das Kunststoffsubstrat (61, 161, 261) aus der aus Polyethylen, Polypropylen und Polyester bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt ist.
  20. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, worin sich der Balg (21, 22, 23, 24, 123) zwischen mehreren Schaltstellungen dreht, wobei das Verfahren ferner den Schritt des Beaufschlagens des Ausgangssignals des Laserkodiermittels (40, 140) auf das Etikett umfasst, während sich der Balg (21, 22, 23, 24, 123) zwischen zwei Schaltstellungen dreht.
EP11176661A 2005-08-29 2006-08-28 Automatisch Etikettiermaschine und Verfahren zum automatischen Anbringen von Etiketten Not-in-force EP2399833B1 (de)

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