EP3044143B1 - Cutting apparatus and splicing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a splicing apparatus as required for labeling machines, in particular for roll-fed or self-adhesive applications, whose labels are provided as an endless belt on a roll.

In order for the labeling process to be carried out continuously, it is necessary to connect the end of a used endless belt to the end of a new endless belt, whereby a band change of the label strips without interrupting the labeling process is possible. For this purpose, splicing devices are used, which essentially comprise a pressing element, which compresses the two parallel label strips when they are to be spliced. Also, these splicers include another element that cuts off the old end of the tape. Such a splicing device is known from WO 2007/009585 known. In this solution, the cutting is carried out by two cutting devices, which are each adjacent to the associated label strips and are pneumatically actuated, so that one or the other label strip is cut alternately.

In this solution concept, it is disadvantageous that the cutting elements of the cutting devices pose a danger point when inserting a new label tape. In addition, the cost of a CE-compliant safe pneumatics is extremely high and causes high costs.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a splicing device for label strips, which can be handled safely without great effort.

This object is achieved by a splicing device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the associated claims.

According to the invention, the cutting device of a splicing device for a label tape has at least one movable cutting element which is biased by a biasing device into a locking position. The cutting apparatus further includes a trigger mechanism for releasing the biasing means to thereby move the cutting member from the locking position to a cutting position where it cuts off the associated label tape. In the locking position, the cutting element, conventionally a cutting blade, is retracted behind at least one component of the cutting device. This component may be e.g. to act fixed frame parts or housing parts, in particular a housing wall. By this, the cutting element is concealed in the locking position, so that the cutting element is not so open that you can injure it in a band change. In this way, the cutting element is arranged such that the risk of injury when changing the band is excluded.

The biasing means preferably includes at least one resilient member, preferably a spring, in particular a coil spring or any other resilient member which biases the cutting element in the locking position so that it snaps into the cutting position upon release of the biasing means by the triggering mechanism and thereby severing the label band. Advantageously, hereby the extension movement of the cutting element is no longer, as hitherto effected by a pneumatic drive, but by the relaxation of the prestressed elastic element, in particular a compression spring, which is preferably designed as a helical spring. The energy for the cutting process is thus obtained from the bias of the elastic element. The elastic material is thus preferably a spring element of spring steel, such as a coil spring or coil spring, plate spring or a rubber element or the like. It is only necessary that the elastic element be able to provide the energy required to transfer the cutting element From the locking position to store in the cutting position, so that the cutting process can be performed in a desired speed.

For this reason, can be completely dispensed with a pneumatic control of the separation of the label strips, which makes the cutting and splicing device according to the invention cheaper in terms of cost. The invention thus provides a more reliable and cheaper solution for the separation of label tapes in a splicing device.

Preferably, the biasing means comprises a clamping member for manually biasing the biasing means. After cutting a label tape by the cutting element this must be moved back from its cutting position back into the locking position against the force of the biasing device. A clamping part, for example a clamping lever, is simply suitable for this purpose and requires no additional pneumatic and electric drives.

Preferably, the biasing means comprises at least one spring, in particular a helical spring, as an elastic element. As a result, the required energy for the actuation of the cutting element can be very easily applied to the cutting position. In this case, the biasing means preferably comprises a releasable latching device for biasing the spring. The latching device is then released by the triggering mechanism so that the spring can push the cutting element into its cutting position. For this purpose, one end of the spring is preferably connected to the cutting element or a carrier of the cutting element.

Preferably, the component behind which the cutting element retracts into the locking position is a wall of the cutting device. In this way, the cutting element is well protected against accidental contact and the entire splicer is safer.

In this case, the wall preferably has a slot for the passage of the cutting blade into the cutting position. The accessible area of the cutting element in the wall is thus limited solely to the slot which the cutting element requires to pass into its cutting position. It is almost impossible to hurt yourself through the slit on the cutting element. This embodiment is thus very safe, on the other hand allows a reliable operation of the cutting device.

Preferably, the triggering mechanism is electromagnetically operable so that it can be activated by the controller of the splicer, for example, based on a signal from a tape-end sensor. The separation of the label tape is thus easy and automatic.

In particular, the invention relates to a splicing device for label strips, which has at least one frame and / or a housing in which conveying paths for two label strips are arranged. The conveying paths include first guide rollers and a first cutting device of the above type for a first label tape and second guide rollers and a second cutting device of the above type for the second label tape. Furthermore, the splicing device includes a splicing station for connecting the two label strips. The invention is thus particularly directed to a splicing apparatus in which two of the cutting devices described above are integrated. The above-mentioned advantages apply in the same way to the splicing device according to the invention.

In this case, the first cutting device with at least a first part of the splicing device is mounted on a first pivot arm and the second cutting device with at least a second part of the splicing device mounted on a second pivot arm, wherein the pivot arms pivotable between an operating position and an open position on the frame or housing the splicing device are stored. For example, the first and second parts of the splicing device may be formed by one-half each of the splicing station and may include splice rollers and / or anvil rollers of the splicer that serve to both Label strips in the region of their tape end to connect together. The cutting device is of course arranged such that in the operating position of the pivot arms, the cutting elements are covered by the parts of the splicer. In particular, if the elements of one half of the splicing device are arranged on the swivel arm, the corresponding half of the splicing device can be easily opened for a band change, wherein the label band can continue to run in the other half of the splicing device.

Preferably, a clamping part for manually biasing the biasing means is arranged in connection with the biasing means of each cutting device, which clamping part is preferably formed as externally accessible clamping lever. The clamping member may preferably be used not only for biasing the biasing means after a label tape end has been severed, but also for releasing the pivoting arm from the operative position to the open position. This has the advantage that it is ensured by the actuation of the clamping part, that first the cutting element is retracted into its locking position and only then the pivot arm is opened in the open position. In this way, an injury to the cutting element is excluded, which would be quite possible if the pivot arm could be opened in the open position before the cutting element is retracted when biasing the biasing device in its locking position. Advantageously, the pretensioning device can be pretensioned here by a handle and at the same time the corresponding half of the splicing device can be opened for a band change, which makes the band change safer and simpler.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an electrical switch is provided in connection with the pivot arm, which interrupts the electrical supply to the trigger mechanism of the cutting device when the pivot arm is moved from its operating position to the open position. Such a switch may be a simple contact switch, which is only closed when the swivel arm is in the operating position. In this way, can be effectively prevented that accidental release of the trigger mechanism in Inserting a new band leads to injuries. In this way, thus again the security of the splicing device is considerably increased.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the first and second parts of the splicing device are the components of the splicing device which must be accessible for insertion of a new label strip so that access to all these components of the splicing device is obtained with the opening of the pivot arms.

Preferably, the splicing device includes at least one sensor for detecting the end of a label tape. A central control of the splicing device can thus use this sensor signal to control the splicing station as well as the cutting devices so that the tape end of a running tape is cleanly cut and accurately connected to the beginning of a new label tape band.

Preferably, the splicing device includes a splicing station having two halves associated with the two label bands, allowing for easy operation at the corresponding splice station half during label tape change. Preferably, then the conveying paths and the cutting devices of two respective label tape associated halves of a splicing station for the two label bands are mirror-symmetrical, resulting in a smaller number of components and thus to reduced manufacturing costs.

When one half of the splicing device or parts thereof is opened by opening a pivoting arm, an operator can safely prepare for the next splicing operation by, for example, laying a new label tape and inserting the beginning of the new label tape in the correct position in the splicer. If the operator now closes the new prepared half again, the operative connection between the machine control and the electromagnetically actuated triggering mechanism is restored via the electrical contact that the machine control can trigger the cutting process at the right time.

Overall, the splicing device according to the invention offers the advantages that the movement of the cutting element, e.g. The cutting blade is much faster than a pneumatic version, which guarantees a safe and precise splicing at high or even at very high web speeds.

In this case, splicing at high or very high web speed is particularly advantageous if a labeling machine follows directly - ie without the use of a container buffer on a stretch blow molding machine, as in this way slowing down or even stopping the stretch blow molding machine for splicing a label tape in his Frequency can be reduced or even completely avoided.

The electrical connection to the triggering mechanism is interrupted when the pivoting arm is opened, so that unintentional extension of the cutting blade is prevented. The solution according to the invention is inexpensive and space-saving and, in the extreme case, completely dispenses with the use of pneumatics.

• Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Etikettierstation mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Spleißvorrichtung,
• Fig. 2 ein Detail der Spleißvorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Darstellung mit einem zusätzlich vorgesehenen Öffnungskontakt,
• Fig. 3 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Teils der Spleißvorrichtung aus Fig. 1 unter Weglassung einer seitlichen Abdeckwand zur Darstellung des Vorspannmechanismus,
• Fig. 4 eine vergrößerte Aufsicht auf ein Teil der Spleißvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1.

The invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the schematic drawing. In this show:

• Fig. 1 a perspective view of a labeling station with a splicing device according to the invention,
• Fig. 2 a detail of the splicer Fig. 1 in a perspective view with an additionally provided opening contact,
• Fig. 3 a perspective view of a portion of the splicing device Fig. 1 omitting a side cover wall to show the biasing mechanism,
• Fig. 4 an enlarged view of a part of the splicing according to Fig. 1 ,

The splicing device according to the invention will now be in connection with the FIGS. 1 to 4 describe. Fig. 1 shows a splicing device 10 with two holding plates 12, 14 for label strips and a splicing station 16, which consists of two mutually mirror-symmetrical splice station halves 16a and 16b. All parts of the splicer 10 are mounted on a frame 18. The two mirror-symmetrical splice station halves 16a, 16b have first and second guide rollers 20a, b, first and second cutting devices 22a, b (see FIG Fig. 2 to 4 ) and first and second deflection rollers 24a, b for connecting the label strips, wherein the first cutting device 22a and the first deflection roller 24a are held on a first pivot arm 26a and the second cutting device 22b and the second deflection roller 24b are held on a second pivot arm 26b of the splicing station 16 , The pivot arms 26a, b are in turn held on the frame 18 of the splicer 10.

In Fig. 2 is the first pivot arm 26a (left) shown in the operating position, while the second pivot arm 26b (right) is shown in the open position, in which the implementation of a band change of the label tape is made possible. The pivot arms 26a, b are held on the frame 18 of the splicer 10 by means of pivot bearings 28a, b.

Each cutter 22a, b is made as is Fig. 3 and in particular Fig. 4 it can be seen from a blade carrier 30a, b, on which a cutting element in the form of a cutting blade 32a, b is held. The blade carrier 30a, b is guided on a guide 34a, b transversely to the course of the label strip movable. The blade carrier 30 ab is held at a first end of a coil spring 36 a, b or abuts on the coil spring 36 a, b, whose second end is attached to an outer wall 38 a, b of the splicing station 16. The second end may also be attached to another component connected to the frame 18. The cutting device 22a, b further comprises a latching device 40a, b, through which the cutting blade carrier 30a, b in the biased position of the coil spring 36a, b can be latched. The locking device 40a, b can be released by a trigger mechanism 42a, b, which is electromagnetically actuated. The locking device 40a, b together with the helical spring 36a, b and the blade carrier 30a, b form the pretensioning device 41a, b (FIG. Fig. 4 )

Finally shows Fig. 4 a tensioning member in the form of a tensioning lever 44a, b projecting beyond the outer wall 38a, b of each symmetrical splicing station half 16a, 16b. By means of this tensioning lever 44a, b, which is suspended on a pivot axis 46a, b pivotably on the frame 18 of the splicing device 10, the cutting blade carrier 30a, b from a cutting position, as shown below in the description with respect to the second splice station half 16b is biasing in a locked position, as shown above with respect to the first splice station half 16a. With the operation of the clamping lever, however, not only the cutting blade 32 a, b is biased in the locking position, but also the pivot lever 26 a, b of the in Fig. 2 shown left operating position in the open position shown on the right. Each symmetrical splice station half 16a, 16b has, facing the label tape run, an inner protective wall 48a, b in which a slot 50a, b for the passage of the cutting blade 32a, b is provided. In the open position of the swivel arm can thus be carried out in the corresponding half 16a, b of the splicing station 16 a label tape change, without being injured on the cutting blade 32a, b.

As in Fig. 2 can be seen, is connected to the frame 18 of the splicing a contact element 52 which cooperates with associated contact elements 54a, b of the two pivot arms 26a, b. Through these associated contact elements 54a, b receives the trigger mechanism 42a, the corresponding splice station half 16a, b stream, which causes a release of the cutting device 22a, b, that is, a transfer of the cutting blade 32a, b from the locking position to the cutting position, not is possible when the pivot arm 26a, b is opened.

The solution shown thus has the advantage that on the one hand with the actuation of the clamping lever 44a, b, ie with a handle both the biasing means 41a, b is biased with which the cutting blade is retracted to its protected locking position, and on the other hand, the corresponding pivot arm 26a, b in its opening position is pivoted, which allows a band change in the corresponding splice station half 16a, b. In the open position of the pivot lever can be quickly insert a new label tape in the prescribed feed position, without the risk of injury to the cutting blade 32a, b. The invention also has the advantage that the operation of the cutting blade 32a, b and the actuation of the trigger mechanism 42a, b can be realized completely without pneumatic components. While the mechanical energy for actuating the cutting blade is realized by the manual biasing of the coil spring 36a, b, the triggering mechanism 42a, b is electromagnetically actuated. The splicing device 10 according to the invention thus allows a fast and safe band change. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping lever in the operating position of the pivot arms 26a, b connected in a manner not shown with a lock for the pivot arms, so that with the actuation of the clamping lever 44a, b, the locking of the associated pivot arm solved and the pivot arm in the manner shown ( Fig. 2 right) can be opened.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, but may be varied within the scope of the appended claims

For example, it is also provided that is determined by an electrical query of the contacts, or checked whether they are closed. If the contacts are closed, it can be concluded that the halves of the splicing station are in the operating position. This status is reported back to the controller. By checking the switching state of the contacts can be ensured that the splicer is completely closed and the splicing station is fully prepared for the next splicing. Further confirmation by the operator is no longer necessary, operator loyalty can be further reduced.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

splicer

12

retaining plate

14

retaining plate

16

splicer

16a, b

Spleißstationshälften

18

frame

20a, b

first / second guide rollers

22a, b

first / second cutting device

24a, b

first / second pulley

26a, b

swivel arm

28a, b

pivot bearing

30a, b

blade carrier

32a, b

cutting blade

34a, b

guide

36a, b

coil spring

38a, b

outer wall

40a, b

locking device

41a, b

biasing means

42a, b

trigger mechanism

44a, b

clamping lever

46a, b

swivel axis

48a, b

bulkhead

50a, b

slot

52

contact element

54a, b

associated contact elements

Claims (13)

1. Splicing device (10) for label strips, comprising at least one frame (18) and/or housing, in which conveying paths for two label strips are arranged, which comprise for a first label strip at least first guide rollers (20a) and a first cutting device (22a), and for a second label strip at least two guide rollers (20b) and a second cutting device (22b), said splicing device further containing a splicing station (16) for connecting the two label strips, and wherein the first and second cutting devices (22a, b) comprise in each case at least one moveable cutting element (32a, b), which is pretensioned by a pretensioning device (41a,b) into an arresting position, said cutting device comprising a trigger mechanism (42a, b) for releasing the pretensioning device, so as to move the cutting element from the arresting position into a cutting position, wherein, in the arresting position it is retracted behind at least one component (48a, b) of the cutting device, characterised in that the first cutting device (22a), with at least one first part (24a) of the splicing device, and the second cutting device (22b), with at least one second part (24b) of the splicing device, are in each case mounted on a pivot arm (26a, b), which in turn is mounted on bearings such as to be able to pivot between an operational position and an opening position on the frame/housing (18) of the splicing device (10).
2. Splicing device (10) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the pretensioning device (41a, b) of each cutting device comprises a tensioning part (44a, b) for the manual pretensioning of the pretensioning device, wherein the tensioning part is preferably also configured such as to release the pivot arm (26a, b) from operational position into the opening position.
3. Splicing device (10) in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterised in that an electrical switch (52, 54a, b) is provided in connection with the pivot arm (26a, b), which interrupts the electrical lead to the trigger mechanism (42a, b) of the cutting device (22a, b) when the pivot arm is moved out of its operational position into the opening position.
4. Splicing device (10) in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first and second part of the splicing device contain components which must be accessible in order to change the label strip.
5. Splicing device (10) in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4, which comprises at least one sensor for detecting the end of a label strip, by the sensor signal of which the splicing station as well as the cutting devices can be controlled.
6. Splicing device (10) in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the conveying paths and the cutting devices (22a, b) of two halves (16a, b) of a splicing station (16), assigned in each case to a label strip, are configured as mirror-symmetrical for both the label strips.
7. Splicing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pretensioning device (41a, b) of the cutting device (22a, b) comprises a tensioning part (44a, b) for the manual pretensioning of the pretensioning device.
8. Splicing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pretensioning device (41a, b) of the cutting device (22a, b) comprises at least one elastic element (36a, b), in particular a spring.
9. Splicing device in accordance with claim 8, characterised in that the pretensioning
   device (41 a,b) of the cutting device (22a, b) comprises a releasable locking engagement device (40a,b) for a pretensioned position of the spring (36a, b).
10. Splicing device in accordance with claim 8 or 9, characterised in that one end of the spring (36a, b) is connected to the cutting element (32a, b) or to a cutting element carrier (30a, b).
11. Splicing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the component (48a, b) of the cutting device (22a, b) is a wall of the cutting device (22a, b).
12. Splicing device in accordance with claim 11, characterised in that the cutting element (32a, b) of the cutting device (22a, b) is a cutting blade, and the wall (48a, b) comprises a slot (50a, b) for the passage of the cutting blade into the cutting position.
13. Splicing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the triggering mechanism (42a, b) of the cutting device (22a, b) is actuated electromagnetically.

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