EP3156251A1 - Method for applying at least one enclosing element to a flat product composition, and enclosing element applying device for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for attaching at least one strip section (14a) to a flat, product combination (11a, b) comprising, in particular, a strip section (14a) or individual element of predetermined length and then perpendicular to a selected edge (14a). 31) of the product assembly (14a, b) around the edge (31) around the product assembly (14a, b) is applied adjacent. A secure, independent of the nature of the strip operation is achieved in that the product assembly (11 a, b) with the selected edge (31) is moved along along a transport path (12) that the strip portion (14 a) at a predetermined location the transport path (12) is held crossing the transport path (12), and that the product assembly (11a, b) with the selected edge (31) is moved past the predetermined location and thereby with the selected edge (31) the strip portion kept ready (14a) takes along.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of processing flat product assemblies, as it is carried out for example in the print finishing. It relates to a method for attaching at least one Umfassungselements on a flat product combination according to the preamble of claim 1. It further relates to a Umfassungselement application device for performing the method.

STATE OF THE ART

In the present time, advertising materials such as brochures, flyers, catalogs, flyers, direct mail items, as well as samples, CDs, etc., are being distributed directly by special service providers. In the process, advertising materials from different providers are often combined and distributed together in order to keep distribution costs low. The jointly distributed advertising or precursors then form a stack of loosely superimposed (individual) individual copies, which must be assembled, for example, from the distributor in each case at the place of delivery by hand. However, this type of compilation is time-consuming and error-prone, so that in the formed stacks either certain advertising media are included multiple times or missing completely.

Stacking is understood to mean, in principle, combinations of flat precursors which lie above one another and are held together by gravity. Are the precursors in a different spatial orientation, for example, vertically to each other Lying aligned, they are referred to here as a collection. Essentially, the invention relates to such various types of preproduct compositions, hereinafter referred to as product compositions.

When processing stacked product compositions of sheet-like products, as occur, for example, in newspaper printing, there is often the desire to keep such product combinations together by attaching strips or to differentiate them from other product combinations.

If a large number of product assemblies have to be processed in this way per unit of time, that is to say are equipped with such strips, the corresponding method should be simple to carry out, enable a high processing speed and, moreover, be functionally reliable.

From the publication EP 0 666 186 A1 For example, a method and a device for producing multipart printed product units are known in which inserts are arranged in a folded newspaper serving as an outer part of the product unit. An adhesive tape section connects the two legs of the newspaper together to inhibit the inserts from sliding and to prevent them from falling out of the newspaper. The adhesive tape sections are thereby cut off before attaching an adhesive tape and then the individual sections transported by a separate transport device to the newspapers and placed, sitting in a drum with pocket-like receiving parts and are moved on a circular path. This type of application requires a high expenditure on equipment.

The publication US 5,096,176 respectively. EP 0 493 109 A1 describes an apparatus and method whereby a stack of sheets of paper at one edge is so not one adhesive paper strip is provided that several stacks are separated from each other safely. For this purpose, a paper strip in the transport path of the stack is advanced by a roller, so that the transported stack entrains the paper strip and at the same time past a subsequent knife such that of the paper strip, a strip portion is cut off. The stack with the trimmed strip portion is then passed between two parallel belts, the strip portion being folded around the front edge of the stack. Due to the distance between the position of the crossing strip and the following bands an application of adhesive tape sections is not possible and should also be explicitly avoided.

The publication DE 69214614 T2 discloses a method and apparatus for temporarily connecting a plurality of sheets of an information recording medium. For this purpose, adhesive connecting band segments are provided on opposite sides and hammered by means of movable impact means around an edge of a set set of piles. To cut and wrap the segments complicated, mechanically movable equipment are used, which are complex in construction and slow in the application and tend to malfunction due to the complexity.

From the publication WO 2008/074325 A1 For example, a method of wrapping a stack of sheets, brochures or the like is known in which the stacks are transported at a distance one behind the other on a transport path. By means of a special swivel wheel, a wrapping sheet is withdrawn from a prepared sheet supply, positioned vertically in a gap between two successive stacks and then folded by means of the swivel wheel around the stack moved past. The complicated one Movement of the swivel wheel prevents high processing speed of the stack.

The EP 1 409 347 B1 discloses a method for wrapping printed matter by placing a film around the printed matter. In this case, the film is arranged on a first conveying device. The printed matter is then arranged partly on the top of the film, so that a front part of the film in the conveying direction is not covered by the printed matter. An upwardly directed air flow is then provided, thereby blowing the front portion of the film upwardly into a vertical position. The printed matter with the film is then conveyed under an upper belt, whereby the film is folded back along the top of the printed matter. The problem here is that the film must first be placed on the transport mechanism and positioned there, and then placed the printed matter on the film and also must be positioned. This requires equipment expenditure and limits the speed of processing.

The publication US 6,464,819 describes a method and apparatus for closing folded material having a folded end and an open end to be closed for mailing at the open end. The process is similar to the closure of an open envelope, which is already connected at the folded end. Product compositions in the context of the present application, in which flat products are loosely on top of each other, are not the subject of this Drucksch rift.

The publication US 3,507,089 A relates to a bundling apparatus in which, in a complicated process, a plurality of juxtaposed and stacked packets of cigarettes are combined into a bar and completely wrapped with a wrapping material enclosed and packed. The packaging material is supplied as a broad path perpendicular to the transport path of the rod, cut off a section by a rotating blade and the section taken through the rod.

A comparable apparatus for fully wrapping paper sheet stacks is known from US 5,156,062 US 3,996,728 known.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and a device for applying Umfassungselementen to product compilations, which avoid the disadvantages of known solutions, work quickly and safely and are suitable for the application of particular adhesive Umfassungselementen.

These and other objects are achieved by the features of claims 1 and 17.

The inventive method for attaching at least one Umfassungselements on a flat, several products, in particular printed products, comprehensive, product combination, starting from a method in which a Umfassungselement predetermined length provided and then perpendicular to a selected edge of the product composition around the edge around at the Product composition is applied adjacent. It is characterized in that the product combination with the selected edge first along a transport path, in particular with the surface substantially parallel to the transport path, is moved, that the Umfassungselement at a predetermined location of the transport path, the transport path is kept crossing and that the product composition is moved past the selected edge at the predetermined location while taking with the selected edge the ready held Umfassungselement.

An embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the surrounding element is kept supported at a predetermined point of the transport path in the transport direction. Another embodiment of the inventive method is characterized in that the surrounding element is formed as a strip portion, and that the strip portion is separated when takeaway through the product assembly of a provided strip, in particular cut off.

Another embodiment of the method is characterized in that, in order to cut off the strip portion, the strip provided is pressed against a knife by the product assembly moved past the predetermined position.

Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the strip is brought up or down against the transport direction to the transport path, and that the knife is arranged at a distance above or below the transport path. Of course, in the context of the invention but also another, in particular an opposite, conveying direction of the strip possible.

Preferably, the strip is introduced continuously, in particular at a constant speed.

Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that, for severing or cutting off the strip section, the strip provided is brought by a handling means into a position crossing the transport path.

In particular, a correspondingly directed air jet from an air nozzle is used as the handling means. Of course, instead of air, another gas can also be directed out of the nozzle onto the strip section.

A further embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the surrounding element is designed as a single element, in particular a self-adhesive label, and that the individual element or label is taken away or peeled off from a carrier tape by the product combination. Again, as a handling means a suitably directed air jet can be used from an air nozzle.

Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the product combination with the entrained Umfassungselement or strip portion or single element is moved through a pressure means, which lying outside the edge areas of Umfassungselements or strip portion lying parallel to the transport path Pressing side surfaces of the product composition.

A further embodiment of the method is characterized in that the pressing means simultaneously strikes the surrounding element or the strip section or the individual element against the direction of movement of the product combination to the rear against the product composition.

In particular, as a pressing means extending parallel to the transport path upper Andruckbürste and parallel to the transport path extending lower pressure brush used. In particular, the Andruckbürsten are stationary.

Preferably, the surrounding element or the strip or strip section or the individual element is provided on at least one side with adhesives, in particular an adhesive layer, and the surrounding element or the strip section with the side provided with the adhesives or the adhesive layer faces the incoming product composition kept ready.

A further embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that an enclosing element or strip and strip section or individual element made of paper or a plastic film or a metal, in particular single sheets of paper, is (are) used.

Further embodiments of the inventive method are included in the by reference CH 02121/10 disclosed, in particular on page 8, line 16 to page 12, line 9 as reproduced below.

An embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that an adhesive strip is used as the connecting element. In this context, adhesive strips are understood to mean a strip of a suitable material, such as paper or plastic film or film, which partially or completely engages at least on one side The adhesive strip is provided with such an adhesive layer at the locations where it overlaps the precursors in an adhesive layer, in particular a fugitive adhesive or peelable adhesive (sheath glue), which is used when the stack is subsequently disassembled Adhesive strips made of paper are preferably also used for ecological reasons, since their disposal can take place directly together with the precursors made of paper, in which case the local arrangement of the adhesive strips according to He particular attention so that the outer precursors are not adversely affected in terms of pressure / reading ranges.

In particular, the adhesive strip is elongated and has a constant width. As a result, it can be easily removed from a roll and assembled for the application. The oblong shape allows - if the adhesive strip is applied with its longitudinal direction transverse to the stack edge - a sufficient depth overlap of the outer precursors at the same time low material consumption, which plays a significant role especially in large quantities of printed product stack in the million range.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention employs adhesive strips having a multilayer structure. In this case, it is possible for the adhesive strip to be applied to the collection in two or more layers, or for the respective adhesive strip sections to be detached in the desired length from a carrier material and applied to the collection. In the context of the multi-layeredness special needs of special collections can be taken into account. Thus, it is possible to combine a tear-resistant layer with a good printable layer or, for example, to apply a separately removable layer together with a carrier layer. The releasable layer can also perform special tasks, such as serve as a medium for advertising content but also information content (e.g., codes or color identification).

However, it is also conceivable that the adhesive strip has a width which varies over the length, in particular in a middle region, a constriction. Such a narrowing can save band material on the one hand. On the other hand, a correspondingly shaped constriction instead of a perforation, the subsequent separation of the adhesive strip in To facilitate the dissolution of the stack. Any corners on the outside of the tape should be rounded outside to reduce the risk of unintentional tearing.

The adhesive strip is particularly easy to assemble and attach if it has a continuous adhesive layer in the longitudinal direction, because then he does not have to be adjusted to the stack edge. In addition, the continuous adhesive layer can also help to fix the intermediate precursors in the stack on the edge side and thus to increase the cohesion in the stack or in the collection on.

However, it is also conceivable that the adhesive strip has an interrupted in a central portion of adhesive layer and / or adhesive-free or non-adhesive end portions to prevent sticking to the middle precursors of the stack and / or facilitate the subsequent disassembly of the stack. The adhesive-free or non-adhesive end portions allow for easy gripping of the adhesive strips at their ends for removal from the stack or collection.

Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the adhesive strip seen in the longitudinal direction has a perforation in the middle. The perforation makes it possible to break the adhesive tape in the middle without tools to dissolve the stack or the collection. The separated halves of the adhesive strip can then simply remain on the outer precursors and need not be detached from the precursors.

If the adhesive strip according to another embodiment of the invention is provided by separating from an adhesive tape, it is advantageous that the adhesive tape at the separation points with for easier removal of the adhesive strip from the adhesive tape corresponding indentations or incisions is provided. As a result, the application process can be accelerated in order to process large quantities.

Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that in order to facilitate release of the connecting element in the overlapping areas between the connecting element and the outer precursors of the stack or the collection prior to attaching the connecting element in each case a separating layer is arranged. If the release layer consists, for example, of a glued-on film with a smooth surface, an applied adhesive strip can be pulled off easily and without residue during later dissolution of the stack or collection. If the release layer or film is formed colorless and transparent, it affects the appearance of the respective printed product only slightly. "

In particular, the enclosing element or the strip or strip section or the individual element on the longitudinal sides can be provided with weakening means facilitating the tearing or tearing.

The enclosing element application device according to the invention comprises a transport device for transporting the flat product assemblies, which defines a transport path running through an application unit, the application unit being equipped with means for keeping a surrounding element to be applied at a predetermined position of the transport path in a position crossing the transport path. It is characterized in that on both sides of the transport path are provided at a distance from one another stop means to which the Umfassungselement to be applied abutting the transport path and is supported in the transport direction such that transported on the transport path product compilations are moved with the entrainment of the Umfassungselemente between the stop means therethrough.

An embodiment of the Umfassungselement-application device according to the invention is characterized in that the Umfassungselemente are formed as strip portions, and that the means for holding a strip portion to be applied first means for providing a strip and second means for cutting the strip portion to be applied from the provided strip includes.

In particular, the first means comprise a feed unit with at least one driven roller on which the strip rests.

Another embodiment of the Umfassungselement application device is characterized in that the second means comprise a distance parallel to the transport path lying, with the cutting edge directed against the transport direction, the knife.

A further embodiment of the surrounding element application device is characterized in that the enclosing elements are designed as individual elements, in particular self-adhesive labels, and that the means for holding a single element to be applied have first means for bringing a carrier strip provided with individual elements as well as second means for detaching or Peel off the applied Einzelellelement of the carrier tape.

Another embodiment of the surrounding element application device is characterized in that an air nozzle is provided for erecting and applying the strip section or individual element to the stop means. Instead of the air nozzle but also a gas nozzle can generally be provided.

A further embodiment of the Umfassungselement application device is characterized in that are arranged in the transport direction behind the abutment means pressure means which press the entrained strip portion or the entrained single element to the lying parallel to the transport path side surfaces of the product composition.

In particular, the pressure means comprise a parallel to the transport path extending upper Andruckbürste and extending parallel to the transport path lower pressure brush.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the upper pressure brush has long, soft bristles which are bent in the direction of movement when passing through a product combination and conform to the continuous product composition, and that the lower pressure brush has short, hard bristles whose ends have a (fixed ) Section of the continuous transport path.

A method for assembling a stack of loose superimposed or a collection of loosely fitting single or multi-layer precursors, especially printed products, same or different size with two external precursors, in which method the stack or the collection a later handling easier cohesion is already in the first application submitted on 20 December 2011 in Switzerland CH 02121/10 whose priority is claimed for the present application and the disclosure of which is expressly intended to form part of the disclosure of the present application.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

in mehreren schematischen Teilfiguren (Fig. 1a-d) verschiedene Schritte bei einem Verfahren zum Anbringen eines Streifenabschnitts an einer flächigen Produktzusammenstellung gemäss einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht eine für das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren geeignete Applikationseinheit gemäss einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 3

die Applikationseinheit aus Fig. 2 von einer anderen Seite gesehen;

Fig. 4

in einer zu Fig. 1 vergleichbaren Darstellung eine Applikationseinheit, bei welcher der Streifen zwischen zwei gegenläufig drehenden Rollen entgegen der Transportrichtung vorgeschoben wird;

Fig. 5

in einer zu Fig. 4 vergleichbaren Darstellung eine Applikationseinheit gemäss einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, bei welcher Einzelelemente, insbesondere Etiketten, von einem herangeführten Trägerband abgelöst und zur Mitnahme bereitgestellt werden; und

Fig. 5a-b

in der Draufsicht von oben zwei Ausführungsbeispiele für ein Trägerband mit Etiketten.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

in several schematic subfigures ( Fig. 1a-d ) Various steps in a method for attaching a strip portion to a flat product combination according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

in a perspective side view of a suitable for the inventive method application unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3

the application unit Fig. 2 seen from another side;

Fig. 4

in one too Fig. 1 comparable representation of an application unit, in which the strip is advanced against the transport direction between two counter-rotating rollers;

Fig. 5

in one too Fig. 4 comparable representation of an application unit according to an embodiment of the invention, in which individual elements, in particular labels, detached from an approached carrier tape and provided for driving; and

Fig. 5a-b

in top plan view of two embodiments of a carrier tape with labels.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In Fig. 1 are in several schematic subfigures ( Fig. 1a-d ) various steps in a method for attaching a Umfassungselements in the form of a strip portion on a flat, multi-product product combination according to an embodiment of the invention shown. By enclosing element is generally understood an element which may comprise the product combination from one side.

The Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a Umfassungselement application device in the form of a Streifenapplikationsvorrichtung 10, which comprises a horizontally extending in the example transport device or transport path 12 on which product combinations 11 a, 11 b are transported horizontally by a dashed framed application unit 30 in time. In the application unit 30, the product assemblies 11a, 11b delivered on the transport path 12 are successively provided at their front edge 31 with a strip section 14a which is laid perpendicular to the edge 31 around the edge 31 and at the upper and lower side surfaces of the product assemblies 11a , 11 b, in particular adhesive or adhesive, is applied ( Fig. 1d ). As a result, products which are located in the interior of the product assemblies 11a, 11b also adhere to the strip sections with an edge and are thus fixed within the product assembly.

The application unit 30 includes two Andruckbürsten 17 a and 17 b, which are arranged substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the transport path 12 at a distance above each other so that their bristles abut, for example, with the ends at the height of the transport path 12, and that on the transport path 12 through the application unit 30 transported product composition 11 a, b between the upper pressure brush 1 7a and the lower pressure brush 1 7b can be moved through. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 has the upper Andruckbürste 17a long, soft bristles, which are aligned in the normal state perpendicular to the transport direction and bending while moving through a product combination 11 a, b in the transport direction and create the product composition 11 a, b or nestle and thereby without further adjustments of the system different thicknesses of the product compositions 11 a, b can compensate. In the example, the lower pressure brush 17b has short, hard bristles that are slightly inclined from the outset in the transport direction and that carry the product mixture 11a, b passed by without significant deformation and thus form a level-parallel section of the transport path 12.

In this way, the Andruckbürsten 17a, b ensure that the strip portion to be applied to 14a closely to the product assembly 11 a, b applies and at the same time to the rear of the product assembly 11 a, b is painted tightening.

However, the upper pressure brush 17a has another important function in the example: its rear edge in the transport direction, together with a knife 15 arranged underneath, whose cutting edge lies in the vertical direction at the same height, serves as a stop for the strip section 14a to be applied. As in Fig. 1b As can be seen, the strip 14, from which the strip portion 14a is cut off, assumes a position perpendicular to the transport path 12 by abutting against the front edge of the upper pressure brush 17a and the cutting edge of the knife 15. The lower pressure brush 17b, on the other hand, is set back slightly in the transport direction and plays no role as a stop.

This dual function of the upper pressure brush 17a is for the reliability of the device advantage. Once a product assembly 11a with its front edge 31 which abuts against the upper Andruckbürste 17a and the knife 15, the Transport line 12 reaches crossing strips 14 and entrains, this is pressed on the top of the product assembly 11a and painted against the transport direction from front to back tightening ( Fig. 1 c) , In this way, on the one hand, a secure, wrinkle-free contact of the strip 14 or strip section 14a is achieved in the product combination 11a. This is of particular importance when applying an adhesive layer provided with a strip or an adhesive tape. On the other hand, a tension is generated in the strip 14, which favors the cutting of the strip portion 14a from the strip 14 on the knife 15.

In order to bring the strip 14 and bring it to the upper pressure brush 1 7a and the knife 15 perpendicular to the plant, a feed unit 13 is provided which in Fig. 1 simplified symbolized by a circle. The feed unit 13 pushes the strip 14, which is unrolled, for example, from a supply roll (not shown) via two co-rotating, driven rollers (26, 27 in FIG Fig. 2 ) below the knife 15 continuously and at a constant speed against the transport direction parallel to the transport path 12 before ( Fig. 1 a) , The feed unit 13 is designed so that the advanced strip 14 in the transverse direction undergoes a slight curvature, which stabilizes the (free) led forward strip 14 in the feed direction. The feed rate is adjusted to the transport speed of the product assemblies 11 a, b on the transport path 12 so that the strip 14 advancing at a feed speed feed unit 13 in each gap between two successive product assemblies 11 a, b always just bring a strip portion 14 a predetermined length can. The feed rate is usually smaller than the transport speed. In particular, the feed rate is continuous and preferably constant. In order to bring the strip 14, which is pushed forward below the knife 15 antiparallel to the transporting direction, into contact with the knife edge and the upper pressure brush 17a, at least one gas or air nozzle 16b is provided which generates an air jet directed obliquely upwards in the transport direction ( Fig. 1 b) which bends the strip 14 about the cutting edge of the knife 15 and applies to the front of the upper Andruckbürste 1 7a. The directional change of the strip 14 caused by the air jet is influenced by the knife 15 which, as already mentioned above, is arranged substantially parallel to the pressure brushes 17a, b below the lower pressure brush 17b so that when the strip 14 is drawn in between the latter Pressure brushes 17a, b ( Fig. 1b -> Fig. 1c ) is cut by the product assembly 11a of the strip 14, a strip portion 14a. While according to Fig. 1d the product assembly 11a is transported with the lying around the leading edge strip portion 14a between the brushes 17a, b, pushes the advancing unit 13, the strip 14 continuously before so far against the transport direction, that in the next gap between the product assemblies 11a and 11b already the next strip section is available.

In order to support the advance of the strip 14, which is effected in antiparallel to the transport direction, a pneumatic working guide device 16a is arranged below the knife 15, on the underside of which oriented parallel to the transport direction a negative pressure is produced which draws the advanced strip 14 against the underside. The negative pressure can be generated for example by an internal compressed air duct with a venturi or the like.

An exemplary application unit 30, in the opposite Fig. 1 For the sake of simplicity, only the upper Andruckbürste 1 7a is omitted, is in the Figures 2 and 3 reproduced in a perspective side view from different directions. In the Fig. 2 . 3 illustrated application unit 30 is mounted on a central support section 18. On the support profile 18, two parallel mounting plates 19 and 20 are mounted on opposite sides. In the two mounting plates 19, 20, a drive shaft 25 is rotatably mounted, which at one end, on the outside of the mounting plate 20, rotatably carries a drive wheel 24 that is designed for engagement with a driving toothed belt. At the other end, on the outside of the mounting plate 19, the drive shaft carries a transport roller 26 which forms the feed unit 13 together with a counter-roller 27 acting as a peel-off roller. Transport roller 26 and counter roller 27 are synchronized in their rotary motion via a gear transmission with each other so that they have the same direction of rotation (see rotation arrows in Fig. 1 ). The two rollers 26 and 27 are each constructed of spaced discs with knurled peripheral surface whose diameter and position along the axis is chosen so that the two rollers interlock with their discs mutually. The counter-roller 27 peels off the voltage applied to the transport roller strip 26 from this role. The construction of individual discs and the knurling of the outer surfaces of the risk of sticking is prevented when the strip 14 is provided on the rollers 26, 27 facing side with an adhesive or adhesive layer.

On the mounting plate 19, a two-piece knife holder 21 is externally attached, in which a knife 15 is clamped, and on its upper side carries the (shown in simplified form as block) lower pressure brush 17b. The knife holder 21 has on the side of a first compressed air connection 22, via which a compressed air in the lower part, on the underside of the knife holder 21 generating a negative pressure channel can be acted upon. A second compressed air connection 23 carries compressed air to the air nozzle 1 6b, where it exits through a nozzle gap to bring the strip 14 on the upper Andruckbürste 1 7a and the knife 15 to the plant. The air nozzle 1 6b is fixed by means of a nozzle carrier 28 on the outside of the mounting plate 19. An adjusting device 29 between the air nozzle 16 and nozzle carrier 28 ensures that the height and direction of the air nozzle 16b can be adjusted. The cutting edge of the knife 15 is in the Fig. 2 and 3 shown as a straight edge; but it can also be bent, for example sickle-shaped, to facilitate the cutting.

Instead of the two co-rotating rollers 26 and 27 according to Fig. 1 or 2, over which the strip 14 runs, can according to Fig. 4 Also, a pair of counter-rotating rollers are provided, between which the strip 14 is transported. On the underside of the knife holder 21 then a Umlenkkeil 32 is arranged, which deflects the emerging between the rollers strip 14 to the guide device 1 6a out. But it is also conceivable to provide only one transport roller 26, and for peeling the strip 14 of this role to use a stationary Abschälelement which engages with corresponding fingers in the gaps between the discs of the transport roller 26.

The applied strip 14 or strip section 14a can consist of a single- or multi-ply paper and / or plastic film or a metal, which can be adapted to the task to be fulfilled by the material properties, the thickness and the width. The strip 14 may be printed with information that is matched to the product composition 11 a, b. The strip 14 may also be provided with information carriers of a different kind, such as magnetic strips or wirelessly readable data memories (eg RFIDs). Furthermore, the strip 14 may be color-coded. In the simplest case, the strip 14 is uncoated. However, it can also be provided on at least one side with an adhesive or adhesive layer, which then faces during application of the brought-up product combination 11 a, b. It is also conceivable to provide the fiber 14 with the strip 14 in order to make it particularly tear-resistant. Furthermore, the strip 14 may be provided with notches at the edges to facilitate subsequent severing of the attached strip portions 14a facilitate. Finally, it is also conceivable not to cut off the strip section 14a from the strip 14, but otherwise to separate it off, for example by using a strip 14 which is perforated at suitable points. In the context of the invention, instead of strip-shaped elements, entire leaves can also be used to encompass the product composition ,

Fig. 5 shows one too Fig. 4 Comparable single-element application device 35, in which individual, in particular self-adhesive, labels 34 or comparable individual elements on a carrier tape 33 are introduced. In the area of the air nozzle 16b, the carrier tape 33 is deflected sharply downwards, so that the individual elements 34 practically automatically detach from the carrier tape 33 or peel off and be placed under the influence of the air jet from the air nozzle 16b in the transport path of the product assemblies 11 a, b. After detachment of the labels or individual elements 34, the empty carrier tape 33 can be wound up, as in Fig. 5 is indicated.

It goes without saying that the individual elements or labels 34 may be printed or otherwise provided with optical or electronic information (eg in the form of barcodes or RFIDs) in order to reach the end user or the bearer of the products with the respective product composition ,

Fig. 5 a and b show in plan view from above two embodiments of a label 34 carrying carrier tape 33, wherein the individual labels 34 are printed with an exemplary bar code 38 and a text or image information 39 or otherwise provided. Additionally, weakening means, eg, in the form of notches or serrations or the like, may be disposed on the labels 34, which facilitate later cutting of the labels 34 to separate the product assembly held together by the labels 34. In the case of Fig. 5a where the labels 34 in width from Edge of the carrier tape 33 are spaced, the weakening means 36 may be limited to edge regions of the labels 34. In the case of Fig. 5b where the labels 34 and the carrier tape 33 have longitudinal edges lying directly above one another, the weakening means 37 can be formed continuously at the edges of the carrier tape 33 and the labels 34, whereby the production is greatly simplified.

It goes without saying that such weakening means with advantage also in a strip 14 according to Fig. 1 can be used.

Furthermore, the surrounding element may be a connecting element formed by an adhesive strip, in particular an adhesive strip as in FIG Fig. 5 the publication CH 02121/10 shown.

Claims (21)

A method for attaching at least one adhesive Umfassungselements (14a, 34) on a flat, several products, in particular printed products or advertising, comprehensive, product combination (11a, b), in which method a Umfassungselement (14a, 34) of predetermined length provided and then perpendicular to a selected edge (31) of the product assembly (11a, b) around the edge (31) around the product assembly (1 1 a, b) is applied adjacent, characterized in that the product combination (11 a, b) with the selected edge (31) is moved along a transport path (12), in particular with the surface substantially parallel to the transport path (12), that the enclosing element (14a, 34) is a single element made of paper, which at a predetermined position of the transport path (12 ) crossing the transport path (12) and on both sides of the transport path to spaced abutment means (15, 17 a) at the predetermined location of the Tra nsportbahn (12) is supported supported in the transport direction, and that the product assembly (11 a, b) with the selected edge (31) at the predetermined location between the abutment means is moved past while with the selected edge (31) the prepared individual element takes from paper. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the enclosure element (14a, 34) is a single element consisting of individual sheets of paper. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the enclosing element (14a, 34) consists of entire sheets for enclosing the product combination (11a, b). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual element made of paper or the entrained single sheets of paper printed with information or with information carriers of other types, in particular electronic information, such as magnetic stripe or wirelessly readable data storage, provided. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the single element of paper or the entrained single sheets of paper consist of a single or multi-ply paper. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one side of the Umfassungselements (14a, 34), consisting of a single element of paper or entrained single sheets of paper, is provided with an adhesive or adhesive layer, which then when applying the approached product composition (11 a, b) faces. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surrounding element is a connecting element formed by an adhesive strip. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the adhesive strip is elongated. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the adhesive strip has a constant width. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the adhesive strip has a width that varies over the length, in particular in a middle region has a constriction, and / or that it has rounded edge regions to reduce the risk of unintentional tearing. Method according to one of the claims 7-10, characterized in that the adhesive strip has a longitudinally continuous adhesive layer. Method according to one of the claims 7-10, characterized in that the adhesive strip has an interrupted in a central portion adhesive layer and / or adhesive-free or non-adhesive end portions. Method according to one of the claims 7-12, characterized in that the adhesive strip seen in the longitudinal direction has a perforation in the middle. Method according to one of the claims 7-13, characterized in that the adhesive strip is provided by separating from an adhesive tape and / or contains a releasable layer. A method according to patent claim 14, characterized in that the adhesive tape is provided at the separation points with corresponding indentations or incisions to facilitate removal of the adhesive strip from the adhesive tape. Surrounding element application device (10, 35) for performing the method according to any one of claims 1-15, comprising a transport device (12) 20 for transporting the flat product assemblies (11 a, b), which defines a transport path extending through an application unit (30) wherein the application unit (30) with means (13, 15, 16, 17a) for holding a Umfassungselements to be applied (14a, 34), consisting of a single element of paper, individual sheets of paper or whole leaves, at a predetermined location of the transport path (12) in a transport path (12) crossing position is equipped, characterized in that on both sides of the transport path (12) spaced from each other stop means (15, 17a) are provided, to which the single element to be applied paper, the individual sheets of paper or the whole leaves at the predetermined location, the transport path (12) crossing are applied and in transport Supporting direction can support such that on the transport path (12) transported product compositions (11 a, b) taking along the individual element of paper, the individual sheets of paper or the whole leaves to the predetermined position between the stop means (15, 17 a) are movable therethrough. Surrounding element application device according to claim 16, characterized in that in the transport direction behind the stop means pressure means are arranged which press the entrained single element made of paper, the entrained single sheets of paper or the whole sheets to the lying parallel to the transport path side surfaces of the product composition. Surrounding element application device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the entrained single element made of paper, the entrained single sheets of paper or the whole sheets are printed with information or with information carriers of another kind, in particular electronic information, such as magnetic stripe or wirelessly readable data storage , are provided. Surrounding element application device according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the single element of paper or the entrained single sheets of paper or the whole leaves consist of a single or multi-ply paper. Surrounding element application device according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 19, characterized in that at least one side of the individual element made of paper or the entrained single sheets of paper or the entire sheets are provided with an adhesive or adhesive layer which upon application of the brought product combination (11a , b) facing. Surrounding element application device according to claim 20, characterized in that the adhesive or adhesive layer contains a releasable layer.

Images