EP3129297B1 - Method and device to apply labels to packages - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1, a labeling system, for example in the form of a labeling unit according to the preamble of claim 7 and a device or labeling machine according to the preamble of claim 10. In practice, it often happens that on a label, which already applied to a packaging, for example, on a container, another label element is to be applied in the form of another label. This is the case, for example, when internationally active beverage bottlers use the same basic or basic label in all the countries in which they are active, but this must be provided with additional, country-specific information in individual countries or for individual countries, for example with on the base label missing information on the composition of the product in the respective national language. Other reasons for such individualization include different regulations that apply to labeling in different countries, and / or different language versions. Applying the additional label will simplify the logistics of the supply chain, as the basic label can be kept unchanged and only the packaging intended for export can be provided with the necessary additional and / or alternative information using the additional labels.
According to the hitherto customary methods, the base labels are applied and then the additional labels are applied, each with separate labeling units, in such a way that the base labels and then with another labeling unit are applied to the already unmarked packaging with a first labeling unit be provided on the packaging base labels. In this case, however, an exact position and / or positionally correct arrangement of the additional labels with respect to the respective base label or with respect to local features can not be achieved, so that in many cases the required optical quality of the overall equipment (base label, plus additional label) can not be met, including due to tolerances in the centering of the packaging during labeling and / or by tolerances of the packaging diameter.
Are known various methods and labeling systems for producing multi-layer or multiple labels each consisting of a base label and an applied to the front of this base label additional label element and for labeling of packaging with such multiple labels ( JP 2006/027641 A . JP 2 597 330 B2 . BR 302 257 B1 . US 2006/0070700 A1 . ES 2 020 709 A6 . DE 20 2010 004 060 U1 . JP 2009-062 088 A . DE 37 15 920 A1 ). All of these known methods and labeling systems have in common that self-adhesive labels which are already spaced apart on a carrier strip are used as base labels, to which an additional, likewise self-adhesive label element is applied prior to application to the packaging means. To transfer the multiple label on the packaging of the carrier strip is moved over a multi-label peeling donor edge.
Also known is a method and a labeling system ( US 2005/0219051 A1 ), in which labels are separated from a self-adhesive, arranged on a carrier material web-shaped label material, each of a partial length of this label material formed labels. Only after the separation RFID chips are applied to the self-adhesive back of the labels, which are then arranged not visible after attaching the respective label on a packaging under this label.
Also known is a method and a labeling system having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1 and of patent claim 7 (FIG. JP 2003-237 748 A1 ), in which base lengths of a web-shaped label material forming part lengths are cut and then held on a transfer drum guided past a dispensing edge, where the application of an additional, self-adhesive label element is on the front of the base labels.

Also known are a method and a labeling system for processing individual sheet labels ( DE 31 10 187 C2 ) with circumferential, provided on a pallet carrier label pallets. For simultaneously applying a strip label, a breast label and a hull label to the respective packaging formed by a bottle, the label strip and then the breast label and the body label are first removed from each label pallet glued on. To connect the strip label with the breast label and the hull label additional glue jobs on the label pallets facing away from the front of the strip label are required, which means at least constructive, but also control technology an additional expense.
The object of the invention is to provide a method which allows an exact position and / or position-correct arrangement of the additional label elements on the base labels. To solve this problem, a method according to claim 1 is formed. A device for equipping packaging is the subject of claim 10. The invention is based on the finding that within the labeling system or the labeling the exact position of the base labels and applied to this additional label elements exactly is defined and / or adjustable, so that it is easily possible only within the labeling system or the labeling, the respective additional label element with high precision accurately positioned on the respective base label. The additional label element is for example a flat element in the form of an additional label, but may also be a preferably flat, but three-dimensionally designed element, for example in the form of a three-dimensionally designed sticker or trailer.

The labeling system according to the invention comprises at least two labeling units or stations which are combined to form a workstation of a device for equipping or labeling packaging means and of which at least one labeling unit or station for mounting or attaching the additional label elements on or to the base labels within the workstation and a labeling unit or station for applying to the packaging provided with the additional label elements base labels. The labeling system is a labeling unit in the form of a labeling unit or station for applying the base labels provided with the additional label elements to the packaging means, wherein in this labeling unit the at least one labeling unit or station for mounting or attaching the additional label elements on or to the Basic labels is integrated.
"Packaging" are in the context of the invention, packaging or containers, especially packaging or containers that are commonly used in the food industry and especially in the beverage sector, preferably containers such. As bottles, cans, soft packaging, such as those made of cardboard and / or plastic film and / or metal foil, transport containers, eg crates etc.
For the purposes of the invention, "roll-fed labels" are labels which are pulled off and separated from a web or ribbon-shaped label material provided as a supply roll. Preferably, these labels are then applied to a packaging (in particular container) by rolling on the packaging each after the transfer of their thereby leading label end, for which the packaging is rotated about its packaging central axis, usually about its vertical packaging axis at high speed. The respective roll-fed label is provided with a glue application at least at its leading label end and at its trailing at the transfer label end, but may also be designed to be self-adhesive.

The term "essentially" or "approximately" or "approx." means for the purposes of the invention deviations from the respective exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of insignificant for the function changes.
The application of the respective additional label element is carried out using a labeling unit or station, in a labeling, for example in a labeling, for applying the base labels, for example in a labeling for processing a web or tape-shaped label material or, not according to the invention, in a labeling integrated for processing single-sheet labels.
In a development of the invention, the method is designed, for example, in such a way that
in that single sheet label elements or label elements separated or detached from a web or strip material are used as additional label elements,
or
that self-adhesive label elements, for example self-adhesive label elements, are used as additional label elements
or
that are used as additional label elements those which are connected via an adhesive or glue application with the respective base label, the glue application preferably takes place immediately before this connection,
or
the attachment or attachment of the at least one additional label element is controlled by a sensor system which monitors the position and / or position of the base labels or of the label material,
or
the bonding of the label elements to the base labels takes place by welding, for example by laser or ultrasonic welding,
wherein the aforementioned features can be used individually or in any combination.
In a further development of the invention, the labeling system or the labeling unit are designed, for example,
a sensor system is provided for detecting the respective current position and / or position of the respective base label and for controlling a positionally and / or positionally accurate attachment of the at least one additional label element to the base label,
or
in that the at least one further labeling unit or station is designed for processing label elements provided with a band-shaped or web-shaped label material,
or
in that means for applying an adhesive for connecting the respective additional label element to the base element are provided, these means being formed for example by at least one glue nozzle, for example by a glue nozzle for hot glue, by a glue roller or a glue stamp,
wherein the aforementioned features can be used individually or in any combination.
Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures.

• Fig. 1 in Seitenansicht ein Packmittel in Form einer Flasche, versehen mit einem Basisetikett und mit einem auf diesem Basisetikett angeordneten zusätzlichen Etikettenelement in Form eines zusätzlichen Etiketts;
• Fig. 2 in schematischer Darstellung und in Draufsicht eine Etikettiermaschine umlaufender Bauart zum Ausstatten von Packmitteln mit jeweils einem Basisetikett und einem Zusatzetikett, gemäß Stand der Technik;
• Fig. 3 in schematischer Darstellung und in Draufsicht eine Etikettiermaschine gemäß der Erfindung zum Ausstatten von Packmitteln jeweils mit einem Basisetikett und mit einem zusätzlichen Etikettenelement in Form eines zusätzlichen Etiketts;
• Fig. 4 in schematischer Darstellung und in Draufsicht ein Etikettiersystem in Form eines Etikettieraggregates der Etikettiermaschine der Figur 3;
• Fig. 5 in vereinfachter Schnittdarstellung eine Teillänge eines band- oder bahnförmigen Etikettenmaterials, wie es bei einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens Verwendung findet;
• Fig. 6 ein Basisetikett, versehen mit einem zusätzlichen Etikettenelement in Form eines Klebestreifens;
• Fig. 7 in schematischer Darstellung das ein Packmittel, beispielsweise in Form einer Flasche, an einem kreiszylindrischen Packmittelbereich banderolenartig vollständig umschließende Etikett der Figur 6;
• Fig. 8 in vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung und in Draufsicht ein nicht erfindungsgemäßes Etikettiersystem in Form eines Etikettieraggregates zum Aufbringen von mit einem zusätzlichen Etikettenelement in Form eines zusätzlichen Etiketts versehenen Einzelblatt-Etiketten auf Packmittel;
• Fig. 9 und 10 ein mit dem zusätzlichen Etikettenelement versehenes EinzelblattEtikett in Seitenansicht (Fig. 9) sowie in vereinfachter Schnittdarstellung (Fig. 10.).

The invention will be explained in more detail below in connection with the figures, also to exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• Fig. 1 in side view, a packaging material in the form of a bottle, provided with a base label and with an arranged on this base label additional label element in the form of an additional label;
• Fig. 2 in a schematic representation and in plan view of a labeling machine rotating design for equipping packaging with each a base label and an additional label, according to the prior art;
• Fig. 3 in schematic representation and in plan view of a labeling machine according to the invention for equipping packaging with a base label and with an additional label element in the form of an additional label;
• Fig. 4 in a schematic representation and in plan view of a labeling system in the form of a labeling of the labeling of the FIG. 3 ;
• Fig. 5 in a simplified sectional view, a partial length of a band or web-shaped label material, as it finds use in one embodiment of the method according to the invention;
• Fig. 6 a base label provided with an additional label element in the form of an adhesive strip;
• Fig. 7 in a schematic representation of a packaging, for example in the form of a bottle, on a circular cylindrical packaging material area banderole-like completely enclosing label of FIG. 6 ;
• Fig. 8 in a simplified schematic representation and in plan view of a non-inventive labeling in the form of a labeling unit for applying provided with an additional label element in the form of an additional label sheet labels on packaging;
• FIGS. 9 and 10 a single-sheet label provided with the additional label element in side view ( Fig. 9 ) as well as in a simplified sectional representation ( Fig. 10 .).

In the figures, 1 is a packaging material in the form of a container or a bottle, for example a PET bottle. The packaging means 1 is provided with a base label 2 and with an additional label element 3, which is applied in a predetermined orientation and position on the side facing away from the packaging and thus visible front of the base label 2, in a predetermined orientation and position with respect to at least an equipment feature of the basic label 2. The equipment feature is in the FIG. 1 is schematically indicated by the broken line 4 and is formed for example by a graphic and / or pictorial component or by an edge or a rim, etc. of the base label 2.

The FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation and in plan view of a labeling machine 5 rotating design, as it is used to equip containers or bottles with the base label 2 and with the additional label element 3. This known labeling machine 5 comprises a rotor 6, which is rotatable about the vertical axis of the machine and on the circumference of which a plurality of treatment positions 6.1 for receiving a respective packaging means 1 are formed. The packaging means 1 to be labeled are each supplied to the treatment positions 6.1 individually via a packaging material inlet 7. The packaging means 1 provided with the base label 2 and the additional label element 3 are taken from the treatment positions 6.1 on a package outlet 8. The packaging means 1, which are oriented in the vertical direction with their package center axis PA, are first provided with the rotor 6 to a labeling unit 9 for applying the respective base label 2 and subsequently to a further labeling unit 10 for applying the respective additional label element 3 to the respective packaging material 1 already present Base label 2 moves past. The disadvantage is that it is not possible with this procedure, always to achieve the exact location and / or position of the additional label element 3 on the base element 2. This is partly due to tolerances in the centering of the Packaging 1 at the treatment positions 6.1, but especially when training the base labels 2 as so-called "roll-fed labels" by tolerances in the diameter of the packaging. 1

The Figures 3 - 5 show in a schematic representation and in plan view of a labeling machine 5a according to the invention with a labeling unit 11 and a web or strip-shaped label material 12 for use in an embodiment of the method according to the invention, which reliably avoids the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. The labeling machine 5a in turn comprises the rotating around the vertical axis of the machine rotor 6, which forms at its circumference distributed at equal angular intervals around the machine axis packaging treatment positions 6.1 to which the to be labeled packaging 1 fed individually via the package inlet 7 and those with the base label. 2 and the additional label element 3 provided packaging 1 are removed at the packaging outlet 8.

The label unit 11 in the illustrated embodiment is a combination of a labeling station 11.1 in the form of a roll-fed labeling station, i. a labeling station for processing roll-fed labels and a labeling station 11.2 in the form of a station for applying, for example, self-adhesive labels which form the respective additional label element 3.

The base label 2 forming label material is withdrawn as a web from a supply or a label roll 2.1 and passed before applying the respective base label 2 on a packaging 1 within the labeling 11 at the labeling station 11.2 over, where the additional label elements 3, for example, as self-adhesive elements the base labels 2 forming web or tape-shaped label material are applied so that after passing the labeling station 11.2 in the FIG. 5 generally labeled with 12 label material is obtained in which each base label 2 is provided on its front side with an additional label element 3 in the form of an additional label (additional label).

The labeling unit 11 is designed for processing roll-fed labels in the form of non-self-adhesive base labels 2, which are produced by stripping and separating from a web or strip-shaped label material. The respective base label 2 is provided with at least one glue application at its leading to the handover to a packaging 1 label end, applied by rolling on the packaging 1 and fixed with his trailing to the handover to a packaging 1 label end by a further application of glue.

By integrating the labeling station 11.2 into the labeling station 11.1, i. By applying the additional label elements 3 to the base labels 2 or the base labels 2 forming web and / or tape-shaped label material 12 is a high precision in terms of positioning and / or positioning accuracy of the additional label elements achievable. The application of the additional label elements 3 is controlled by suitable means or by a suitable sensor 14, for example by a camera and image processing system and / or by sensors, e.g. taking into account and / or detecting distinctive features of the base labels 2 or of the tape or web-shaped label material 12 forming these labels, for example by detecting print marks provided on the base labels 2 or on the label material 12. With the sensor 14, the current or current orientation and / or positioning of the respective base label 2 are detected, so that then the additional label element 3 position and / or position exactly applied to the relevant base label 2.

It has been assumed above that with the labeling station 11.2 of the labeling unit 11, the additional label element 3 forming the additional labels or equipment elements is applied to the front side of the base labels 2 or the web or ribbon-shaped label material forming these labels. The FIG. 6 shows a base label 2 (roll-fed labels) forming web-shaped label material 12a. Prior to the transfer of each separated from the label material 12a base label 2 this is the back of his vorseilenden in the transfer label end with an additional label element 3a in the form of a double-sided self-adhesive tape Provided. The additional label elements 3a are again applied within the labeling unit 11 to the labeling station 11.2, controlled by the sensor system 14. The additional label elements 3a, which are provided on the rear side of the respective base label 2, which is not visible after the labeling, take place during the process of FIG Label transfer to the packaging 1, the fixing of the respective base label 2 on the packaging 1 and after the complete rolling of the base label 2 to the packaging 1 and the fixing of the trailing label end. For this purpose, the respective additional label element 3a overlaps the joint between the two label ends, as shown in FIG FIG. 7 is clarified.
In this embodiment, it is also possible to provide an additional label element 3a at the label end of each base label 2 following the transfer. In particular, the use of the label elements 3a also has the advantage that it is possible to dispense with the provision of glue for the fixing of the leading and trailing label ends, thereby avoiding the contamination inevitably resulting from the use of glue. The cleaning and maintenance effort is thereby reduced, as well as hazards are avoided by hot glue and hot surfaces.
It has been assumed above that a base-shaped label material withdrawn from a label stock 2.1 is used for the base labels 2. An alternative, non-inventive method is also applicable to base labels 2, which are provided as a single sheet labels. The FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a suitable labeling unit 15, which is used in the labeling machine 5a instead of the labeling unit 11. The labeling unit 15 comprises a labeling station 15.1 for processing individual sheet labels and a labeling station 15.2 integrated into the labeling unit 15 for applying the additional label elements 3 to the base labels 2 before they are transferred to the respective packaging means 1 moved past the labeling unit 15 with the rotor 6, like this in the FIGS. 9 and 10 is shown schematically. Central element of the labeling station 15.1 is an order an axis parallel to the machine axis encircling (arrow B) drivable pallet carrier 16 with a plurality of controlled hinged label pallets 17, with the pallet carrier 16, inter alia, at a gluing station 18 for applying a cold or label glue, then to a label magazine 19 for removing each of the first, there as a cut-sheet label ready base label 2, then at the labeling station 15.2 for applying the additional label element 3 on the front of the respective, held on a pallet carrier 17 base label 2 and then to a gripper or transfer cylinder 19 for transferring the respective provided with the additional label element 3 base label The additional label elements 3 are again, for example, self-adhesive label elements, which are on a withdrawn from the stock 3.1 and guided by a donor edge bahnfö provided ummous carrier material. The application of the additional label elements 3 is again controlled by the sensor 14, are detected with the distinctive features of arranged on the label pallets 17 base labels 2, so that an exact position and positionally accurate arrangement of the additional label elements 3 on the base labels 2. The base labels 2 held with their backs on the label pallets 17 are freely accessible on their label front side, so that the application of the label elements 3 is possible without problems. Furthermore, the base labels 2 are fixed sufficiently firmly on the respective label pallet 17 by the cold glue or label glue and are also aligned precisely thereon, so that the respective label element 3 can be fixed in the correct position on the base label 2.

In the above, it was assumed for the sake of simplicity that the connection between the base labels 2 and the additional label elements, in particular also the label elements 3, is achieved by being self-adhesive. Of course, it is also possible that the labeling 11 and / or 15, for example, their labeling 11.2 and 15.2 are provided with means for applying an adhesive, for example with at least one glue nozzle, preferably with at least one glue nozzle for hot glue, with a glue roller or a glue stamp , On the Corresponding glue or adhesive application then takes place the connection of the additional, not self-adhesive label elements 3 with the base labels 2, wherein the label elements 3 are provided, for example, as a single-sheet label elements or by a web or band-shaped material by separating. The glue application for attaching the respective label element 3 to the base label 2 is preferably carried out only immediately before connecting the label elements 3 with the base elements 2. Furthermore, this connection can also be effected by welding, for example by laser and / or ultrasonic welding, in particular then if the base labels 2 at least on its front side and the label elements 3 at least on its back of a weldable material, for example, consist of a thermoplastic material and / or the label elements 3 are provided on its back with a heat melting adhesive.
The label elements 3, which are designed as additional labels, are also, for example, information carriers in the invention which, for example, take into account by their imprint provisions which are required for labeling in different countries, in the respective language version. However, the additional label elements 3 are also, for example, additional labels that indicate, for example, current events, for example sports events, or adapt the overall equipment, which is formed by the base label 2 and the label element 3, to particular events and / or events. Furthermore, the label elements 3 can also be designed as a collection image, collection or discount points, luminous stars, decals, etc., in which case the adhesive bond between the label elements 3 and the base elements 2 is designed so that a detachment of the label elements 3 is easily possible.
The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that changes and modifications are possible. So it is possible, for example, by using two labeling 11.2 or 15.2 apply to each base label 2 at least two additional label element 3 and / or 3a.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

packaging

2

base label

2.1

label supply

3, 3a

additional label element

3.1

label supply

4

design feature

5, 5a

labeling

6

rotor

6.1

treatment position

7

Pack enema

8th

Packaging outlet

9, 10

labeling

11

labeling

11.1, 11.2

Labeling unit or station

12, 12a

label material

13

support web

14

sensors

15

labeling

15.1, 15.2

Labeling unit or station

16

pallet carrier

17

label range

18

gluing device

19

label magazine

20

Transfer cylinder

A

Direction of rotation of the rotor 6

B

Direction of rotation of the pallet carrier 16

PA

Pack central axis

Claims (10)

1. Method for equipping packaging means (1), in particular containers, in such a way that each packaging means (1) is provided with at least one basic label (2) and with at least one additional label element (3), which is applied onto the front side of the base label (2), facing away from the packaging means (1) and therefore visible, wherein the method is carried out with the use of a labelling unit (11.2), which is integrated into a labelling apparatus (11) for processing a label material (12, 12a) in the form of a web or strip, from which the base labels (2) are produced by cutting off, and wherein the method comprises at least the following method steps:

   provision of the basic labels (2) in the form of the label material (12, 12a) as a web or strip,

   application of the at least one additional label element (3) to the respective base label (2), and

   subsequent application of the base label (2), provided with the at least one additional label element (3), onto the packaging means (1) which are to be equipped,

   characterised in that

   the base labels (2) are formed by cutting off in each case a part length of the label material, and that the application of the respective additional label element (3) to the front side of the respective base label (2) takes place before it is separated from the label material (12, 12a) in the form of a web or strip.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that, as additional label elements (3, 3a), use is made of self-adhesive label elements, such as label elements (3a) which are self-adhesive on both sides, or label elements which are connected to the respective base label (2) by an application of adhesive or glue.
3. Method according to claim 2, characterised in that the application of glue takes place immediately before or at this connection.
4. Method according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the connection of the label elements (3, 3a) to the base labels (2) is effected by welding, in particular by laser welding or ultrasonic welding.
5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, as additional label elements (3, 3a), use is made of individual sheet label elements or of label elements which are separated or detached from a material in web or strip form.
6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the placement or application of the at least one additional label element (3, 3a) is carried out in a manner controlled by a sensor arrangement (14), which monitors the location and/or position of the base label (2) or of the label material (12, 12a).
7. Labelling system, such as a labelling apparatus, for equipping packaging means (1), in particular containers, with base labels (2), and with additional label elements (3, 3a) provided on these, which are applied onto the front side of the base label (2), facing away from the packaging means (1) and therefore visible,
   with a first labelling unit (11.1) for the application of the base label (2), provided by separation from a label material in the form of a strip, onto the packaging means (1), wherein the labelling system (11) additionally comprises at least one second labelling unit (11.2), with which the additional labelling elements (3, 3a) are applied inside the labelling system (11) to the base labels (2),
   characterised in that
   in the first labelling unit (11.1) the base labels (2) are produced in each case by cutting off a part length of the label material, and that the further labelling unit (11.2) is configured in such a way that the application of the additional label element (3, 3a) is effected to the front side of the respective base label (2), before this is cut off from a label material (12, 12a) in the form of a web or strip.
8. Labelling system according to claim 7, characterised by a sensor arrangement (14) for identifying the present location and/or position of the respective base label (2) and to control the application with precise location and/or position of the at least one additional label element (3, 3a) on the base label (2).
9. Labelling system according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterised by means for the application of an adhesive for the connection of the respective additional label element (3, 3a) to the base element (2), wherein these means are formed, for example, by at least one glue nozzle, for example by a glue nozzle for hot glue, by a glue roller, or by a glue plunger.
10. Labelling machine for equipping packaging means (1), in particular containers, with base labels (2) and additional label elements (3, 3a) provided on these, with at least one labelling system, characterised in that the labelling system is configured in accordance with any one of claims 7-9.

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