EP3237290A1

EP3237290A1 - Apparatus and method for labelling individual packs

Info

Publication number: EP3237290A1
Application number: EP15775747.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marcus Korthäuer; Peter Wolff; Winfried Vicktorius; Ralf Dippe
Original assignee: Espera Werke GmbH
Current assignee: Espera Werke GmbH
Priority date: 2014-12-22
Filing date: 2015-10-12
Publication date: 2017-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-12
Also published as: CN107108062A; CA2971239C; PL3237290T3; WO2016102093A1; DE102014119391B3; CN107108062B; ES2684335T3; US10179669B2; DK3237290T3; EP3237290B1; DE102014119391B8; CA2971239A1; DE102014119391C5; US20170341799A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for labelling individual packs (2), having an advancement device (3) for transporting the respective pack (2) in a transporting direction (X), having a dispensing device (4) for dispensing a label (5) into a dispensing position, and having an application device (6) for applying the dispensed label (5) to the respective pack (2), wherein the application device (6) has a punch (9), which has a punch shank (7) and a punch foot (8) and is intended for moving the dispensed label (5) from a receiving position, in which the punch foot (8) receives the label (5), to a discharging position, in which the label (5) can be applied to the pack (2) by the punch foot (8), wherein the punch shank (7) is mounted such that it can be pivoted about at least one first pivot axis (S1; S1') running transversely to the transporting direction (X), wherein the punch shank (7) can be moved axially in a guide element (10), and wherein the application device (6) has a lifting device (11) having a lifting element (12), which can be moved back and forth parallel to a direction (Y) at an angle to the transporting direction (X), and having a first drive (13) with a motor (14), which drives the lifting element (12). In order to simplify the labelling of packs (2), the invention proposes that the punch shank (7) of the punch (9) should be connected to the lifting element (12) of the lifting device (11) via an articulation (15). The invention also relates to a method for labelling individual packs (2).

Description

Device and method for labeling individual packages

The present invention relates to a device for labeling individual packs with a feed device for transporting the respective pack in a transport direction, with a dispensing device for dispensing a label into a dispensing position, with an applicator for applying the donated label to the respective pack, wherein the applicator a one

Stamping shaft and a stamp foot having stamp for moving the donated label from a receiving position in which the label is received by the stamp foot, to a dispensing position in which the label from the stamp foot on the pack can be applied, wherein the stamp shank at least one transverse to Transporting direction extending first pivot axis is pivotally mounted, wherein the punch shaft is axially movable in a guide member and wherein the applicator comprises a lifting device with a parallel to a direction at an angle to the transport direction reciprocable lifting element and a first drive with a motor which drives the lifting element ,

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for labeling individual packages using such a device. A corresponding device and a corresponding method are

For example, from DE 197 27 648 AI known. The known device has a feed device in the form of several in the transport direction successively arranged conveyor belts, wherein between two adjacent

Transport belts a gap is provided. On the conveyor belts is a pack containing, for example, a product, in the transport direction, which runs horizontally, also called X direction, transported. Once the pack is vertically above the gap, a previously printed and Donated label applied from below through the gap on the bottom of the pack.

The applied to the individual packs labels are initially on a roll of material made available material strips in the form of a

Carrier strip releasably applied. The rolled product with the labels is unwound in a dispenser for dispensing a label and deflected several times, last on a donor edge formed by a plate around which the strip of material passes. By deflecting the dispensing edge dissolves each applied label of the strip of material and is of a squeegee, which is arranged at the vertical upper end of a punch shaft of a punch, received by a negative pressure is generated in the suction. The punch shaft, which is connected to the suction, is axially movable in a guide tube

arranged. Within the guide tube, the punch shaft can only be moved slightly axially. He can perform so-called short strokes to a label on the dispensing edge of the squeegee connected to the stamp shaft

To pick up material strips.

After the squeegee has picked up the label and the stamping shaft has been slightly moved back from the plate and strip of material in the axial direction, the guide tube is moved about a pivot axis transverse to the transport direction from the donor edge into the region below the nip between the two Pivoted conveyor belts. For this, the guide tube is in one

Guide element pivotally mounted and axially movable, which with a

alternating horizontal movements exporting adjusting device is connected, which causes the pivoting movements of the guide tube. As soon as the squeegee is below said gap, the entire guide tube is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction in the direction of the gap, so that the squeegee with the label adhering thereto is guided through the gap to the bottom of the package. During this movement of the guide tube, there is no axial movement of the punch shaft and suction foot take place relative to the guide tube - the latter axial relative movements serve

exclusively for receiving the label at the dispensing position.

Once the label has been transferred from the squeegee to the bottom of the pack, the guide tube is again substantially perpendicular to the conveyor belt, hereinafter also called Y-direction, moved back and swung back to the starting position to the squeegee recording a new label on the To enable dispensing edge. At this point, as mentioned again, a short stroke movement of the punch shaft relative to the guide tube is performed to remove the new label from the strip of material.

The device described above is constructed relatively complicated and the

Labeling process takes a relatively long time. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a

Specify method, which simplifies the labeling of individual packs.

The previously derived and indicated object is according to a first teaching of the present invention in a device for labeling individual

Packs with a feed device for transporting the respective pack in a transport direction, with a dispensing device for dispensing a,

especially printed, labels in a dispensing position, with a

Applicator for applying the donated label to the respective package, the applicator having a punch shaft and a

Stamp foot, which may be formed as a suction and / or Blasfuß, having punch for moving the donated label from a receiving position in which the label is received by the stamp foot, to a dispensing position in which the label from the stamp foot on the pack can be applied has, wherein the

Stamping shaft is mounted pivotably about at least one transversely to the transport direction extending first pivot axis, wherein the stamp shank in a Guide member axially, that is, along its longitudinal axis, is movable (stored) and wherein the applicator a lifting device with a parallel to a direction at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the transport direction out and

comprising movable lifting element and a first drive having a motor which drives the lifting element or which causes the transport direction angular movement of the lifting element, achieved in that the punch shaft of the punch is connected to the lifting element of the lifting device via a hinge. This joint thus allows the pivoting movements of the stamp shaft about the at least one first pivot axis.

By according to the invention, the punch shaft of the punch is pivotally connected to a lifting element, the punch shaft can transmit both the strokes and the pivoting movements on the stamp foot. In this case, the lifting element transmits the alternating strokes directly over the joint on the stamp shaft and not, as in the prior art, first on a guide tube, which in turn is in turn displaceable in a guide element. Also, no separate device is required as in the prior art to move the punch shaft alternately within a guide tube. The device according to the invention for labeling individual packages is thereby constructed simpler than the prior art. A labeling process is correspondingly simpler since, according to the invention, the stamp is no longer made of one

Guide tube and a punch shaft, which must be moved independently, consists. The device according to the invention works, as will be explained in more detail below, as follows. First, a label is brought from the dispenser into a dispensing position. The label is in the dispensing position

in particular on the side facing the feed device [e.g. the underside) of a holding foot of the dispensing device. In this dispensing position, the label, at least the majority of the label, is not (any more) with one

Material strip or carrier strip connected. The label is now from the Stamp foot taken, and preferably directly in the dispensing position, which then coincides with the receiving position. It is basically also the case conceivable that the label first from the dispensing position into a

Pickup position is moved from the dispensing position parallel to

Transport direction (e.g., in the horizontal direction) is spaced apart, wherein the

Stamp foot then label in this different from the donation position

Recording position. The label is held in the dispensing position and / or receiving position, e.g. by negative pressure, in particular by a negative pressure generated within the holding foot. During the application movement of the stamp, the label is preferably also held by negative pressure on the stamp foot. The stamp foot is then after the recording of the label in the

Recording position in the direction of the feed device and one on it

transported pack moves. As soon as the stamp foot with the label is in the vicinity of the pack (distance between stamp foot and pack 1 to 60 mm, preferably 5 to 50 mm, particularly preferably 10 to 40 mm) or if the label and / or the stamp foot touches the pack, the label is applied to the package. In a contactless application, the stamp foot remains in particular spaced from the pack and transmits the label, for example by means of an emerging from the Stempelfuß compressed air blast (this process is also referred to as Ablasen the label). After applying the label on the package, the stamp is moved back to the starting position for receiving a new label. The individual possible movements of the

Applicator and in particular of the punch will be explained in more detail below.

According to one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the stamp foot (in the operating state) is immovably connected to the stamp shaft. In other words, the stamp foot in this embodiment can not be moved relative to the punch shaft during operation of the device. Nevertheless, in this embodiment, the stamping foot can in particular be releasably connected to the stamping shaft, which has the advantage that the stamping foot is exchanged for another can be. In principle, however, it is also conceivable according to another embodiment that the stamp foot is rotatably mounted relative to the punch shaft about the longitudinal axis of the stamp shaft. Also in this embodiment, the

Stamp foot with the stamp shank in particular be releasably connected.

In particular, in the latter case, no further relative movements between stamp foot and punch shaft possible, in particular no axial or

Tilting movements. A rotational movement of the stamp foot relative to the punch shaft can be desired, for example, if the label is to be aligned even more accurately before being applied to the package. However, such an alignment of the label can also be carried out when the stamp foot is immovable relative to the punch shaft in operation, in which case the punch shaft must be rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis.

To ensure the latter, the joint according to another embodiment of the device is a gimbal joint. A gimbal joint has in particular two mutually angled, in particular mutually perpendicular, hinge axes (pivot axes), which preferably intersect and thereby lie in the resting state of the joint, if this is not deflected, in the same plane. Such a gimbal joint allows a pivotal movement of the punch or stamp shaft in a plane in which also the transport direction extends, even if during the pivoting movement of the punch or the stamp shaft is rotated about its longitudinal axis.

According to yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the stamp shank and / or the stamp foot and / or the joint is / are rotatably mounted, namely in order to enable the aforementioned orientation of the label explained above. In particular, punch shaft and / or stamp foot and / or joint are rotatable about an axis which extends in the direction of transport angular (in particular vertical) direction in which the lifting element is reciprocable, and / or about the longitudinal axis of the stamp shaft. To the

To allow rotational movement, the applicator has according to a Embodiment, a rotation device with a second drive, which drives the joint or the punch shaft or the Stempelfuß. The rotational movement of the joint and / or stamp shaft and / or stamp foot about the aforementioned axis is thus effected by the drive. For this purpose, the second drive may comprise a motor which is immovable relative to the motor of the first drive (meaning in each case the motor housing which is connected to the respective other motor housing

is immovable). In other words, the motor of the second drive, which is responsible for the rotational movements, is not moved during the reciprocating (alternating) movements of the lifting element. The lifting element thus moves relative to the motor (motor housing) of the second drive. The advantage is that the weight of the second motor does not load on the alternately movable lifting element, whereby the lifting element can be moved more precisely.

The first drive motor and / or the second drive motor may be a linear or stepper motor and / or DC motor or EC motor.

According to another embodiment, the joint and / or the punch shaft and / or the stamp foot, in particular when the motor of the second drive is a stepping motor, is in steps in a range of 0.5 to 2.5 °, preferably in a range of 0 , 5 to 2 °, more preferably in a range of 1 to 1.5 ° rotatable. Preference is given to 1 ° steps. In this way, a label, as soon as it is from the stamp foot

was taken, optimally align to the pack (adjust). According to yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention is

Guide element pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis which extends transversely to the transport direction and in particular from the hinge and / or from the at least one first pivot axis is spaced. With the direction transverse to the transport direction, just as in the transport direction, preferably means a horizontal direction. In other words, that extends

Feed device or a conveyor belt or the like Feed device in the transport direction and in said direction transverse to the transport direction, hereinafter also called Z direction.

According to yet another embodiment, the guide element is movable back and forth together with the second pivot axis parallel to the transport direction, wherein the applicator means an adjusting device with a parallel to the

Transport direction reciprocating adjustment and a third drive with a motor which drives the adjustment. In other words, the third drive causes the parallel to the transport direction movement of the adjusting element. The engine of the third drive can be a linear or

Be a stepper motor. In particular, the motor of the third drive is immovable relative to the motor of the first drive (here, too, the motor housing is meant in each case). Preferably, the lifting device for the movements that are angular relative to the transport direction and / or the rotary device for the rotational movements and / or the adjusting device for the movement act on the stamp or stamp shaft

Transport direction parallel movements (pivoting movements). With the aid of the lifting device and the adjusting device, the stamping foot can be guided along an orbit which passes the receiving position (here the label is received) and the dispensing position (here the label is applied to the package). In this case, the stamp foot preferably passes through the receiving position only in one direction, in particular in the direction from the receiving position to the feed device. During the return movement, which begins at the dispensing position, the stamp foot preferably does not pass the receiving position, which has the advantage that during the return movement already a new label in the

Recording position can be moved or positioned there.

According to yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention, as stated, the dispensing device has a holding foot for holding the donated label in the dispensing position and in particular also in the receiving position. The holding foot is in particular immovable relative to the motor or motor housing of the first drive. The holding foot has at least one contact surface for the donated label on its side facing the feed device or the pack. In other words, the dispensing position and the receiving position lie on the side of the holding foot facing the feed device. Here, the label is then preferably with the side of the respective contact surface, which is not provided with an adhesive. The adhesive side, however, points to

Feed device or package. According to one embodiment, the holding foot has two runners spaced apart from one another transversely to the transport direction, each of which has a contact surface for the donated label, in particular on its side facing the feed device or pack. The holding foot and / or a runner and preferably both runners can have openings in the region of the contact surface, through which the donated and to be applied label can be sucked by means of negative pressure. Corresponding openings may also be provided in the stamp foot in order to suck in the label by means of negative pressure and / or to blow it off by means of overpressure.

Preferably, the distance between the runners in the direction transverse to

Transport direction (Z-direction) changeable. By changing the distance, in particular horizontal distance, between the runners, the holding foot can be optimally adapted to different sizes of labels. Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to adjust the punch or the applicator, at least a part of the applicator to which the plunger is connected, relative to the holding foot and / or the skids in the direction transverse to the transport direction. Preferably, the punch or the application device or the part of the applicator device connected to the stamp can be aligned centrally in the Z direction in the direction of the two runners. This supports an adaptation of the device or the applicator to different label sizes, in particular label widths. So it is particularly advantageous if the stamp comes into contact with the label in the center of the label. Basically, for this purpose, a Adaptation of the device or the applicator to different

Label lengths are made, in particular by the punch shaft (and thereby also the Stempelfuß) in the X direction or in the direction of pivotal movement of the

Stamping shaft for each label length is individually positionable.

According to yet another embodiment, for adaptation to different

Tag sizes of the stamp foot also be interchangeable. In this case, it is also in the operation of the device, ie in the operating state, immovably connected to the stamp shaft, but can be dismantled, for example, be unscrewed.

As already indicated above, the label is preferably received in the receiving position in a state of the stamp foot, in which the label is no longer connected to a strip of material or carrier. In this way, the punch or stamp foot can be guided directly through the receiving position in the direction of the feed device and does not, as in the prior art, initially be moved past the receiving position in the horizontal direction before it can then be moved in the direction of the feed device , In this way, the Appliziervorgang over the prior art is significantly shortened. The previously derived and indicated object is further achieved according to a second teaching of the present invention in a method for labeling individual packages using a device as described above, in that the stamping foot for the application of the donated label moves from the receiving position directly in one direction is, which runs at an angle to the transport direction, and, after the label has been applied to the pack in the dispensing position, the stamp foot on the

Dispensing device on the front, in particular on the holding foot, based on the transport direction, is guided past.

The front side means that the stamp foot is guided past the front end of the dispensing device or the holding foot pointing in the direction of transport. The latter has the advantage that in the return movement of the punch of the stamp foot can not collide with a new label, which is already in the

Dispensing position and / or receiving position is located. According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention it is provided that the Stempelfuß during its entire movement from the receiving position on the dispensing position and back to the receiving position along a

Orbit is performed that touches or crosses at any point and in particular is substantially oval. In particular, the orbit is always curved in the same direction in the sections in which it has a curvature. Preferably, the entire orbit is curved. Such an orbit is achieved in that at the same time a pivoting movement of the punch shaft (or translational movement of the adjusting element of the adjusting device) and a translational movement of the lifting element of the lifting device is carried out, preferably during the movement of the Stempelfußes of the

Pickup position to the dispensing position (Applizierbewegung) and / or during the movement of the stamping foot from the dispensing position to the receiving position

(Return movement). According to yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the stamping foot for or when transferring the label to the package, that is in the dispensing position, of the package 1 to 60 mm, preferably 5 to 50 mm, more preferably 10 to 40 mm in which the direction of travel is at an angle to the transport direction and, in particular, the label is blown onto the package.

It is further provided according to yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention, that the Stempelfuß during its movement of the

Recording position to the dispensing position and / or during its movement from the dispensing position to the receiving position about the longitudinal axis of the punch shaft, in particular stepwise, is rotated. Finally, it is provided according to yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention that the distance between the runners and / or between at least one of the skids and the plane in which the punch shaft executes its pivoting movement (plane parallel to the transport direction) is changed before the skid

Stamp foot comes into contact with the respective (donated) label (the label takes up).

There are now a variety of ways to design and further develop the device and method of the invention. In this respect, reference is made, on the one hand, to the patent claims 1 and 16 subordinate to the claims, on the other hand to the description of an embodiment in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing show:

Fig. La) and b) two mutually orthogonal schematic views of a

device according to the invention before receiving a label,

Fig. 2a) and b) are two orthogonal schematic views of

Fig. 3a) and b) two orthogonal schematic views of the

Device during the application movement,

Fig. 4a) and b) two mutually orthogonal schematic views of

Device during the application of the label on a

Pack,

Fig. 5a) and b) are two orthogonal schematic views of

Device after applying the label during a first portion of a return movement, two orthogonal schematic views of the

Device after the application of the label during a second portion of the return movement and Fig. 7a) and b) two mutually orthogonal schematic views of

Device after the application of the label during a third portion of the return movement.

In Fig. La) is a side view of a device 1 for labeling

Packs 2, which may contain goods presented.

The device 1 has a dispensing device 4 for dispensing a printed label 5 in a dispensing position. The dispensing position is defined here as the position in which the label 5 is singled and of a possibly existing one

Carrier strip on which it was previously attached with other labels has been solved at least predominantly or completely. Of the dispensing device 4, only one holding foot 23 is shown in the figures, to which the respective label to be applied 5 adheres by means of a negative pressure generated in the holding foot. The

Dispensing device may also have a printer and / or a dispensing edge for deflecting a possible carrier strip.

Furthermore, the device 1 has an applicator 6 for applying the donated label 5 to the respective package 2. The applicator 6 will be explained in detail below.

Finally, part of the device 1 is a feed device 3 (only in the figures 4a) to 7b) shown), which is used to transport the packages to be labeled 2 in a transport direction X. The feed device may for example have one or more conveyor belts on which the packs 2 rest on the upper side. The application device 6 has a punch 9, a lifting device 11, a rotation device 16 and an adjusting device 19.

The punch 9 has a punch shaft 7 which extends along a longitudinal axis A ₂ and a punch foot 8 and serves to move a donated label 5 from a pickup position (of the label or stamp foot) to a dispensing position (of the tag or stamp foot). , The receiving position is the position in which the label 5 is received by the stamp foot 8 and may be identical to the dispensing position in which a label 5 is provided after separation and possibly release of a carrier strip. The dispensing position is the position in which the label 5 can be applied from the stamp foot 8 to the package 2 (FIGS. 4a) and b)).

The stamp shaft 7 is pivotally mounted about a transverse to the transport direction X first pivot axis Si '. The pivot axis Si 'is formed by a gimbal joint 15. If the gimbal joint 15 is rotated by 90 ° about the axis Ai, the punch shaft 7 is then also transverse to the

Transport direction X extending first pivot axis Si pivotally. The

Pivoting movement can also take place about a virtual first pivot axis, if neither of the two pivot axes Si and Si 'runs exactly transversely to the transport direction X.

Further, the stamp shaft 7 is axially movably mounted in a guide element 10, that is, the stamp shaft 7 can be moved in the direction of its longitudinal axis A ₂ relative to the guide member 10. The guide element 10 is the only guide element for the punch 9 and, in addition to the hinge 15, the only other bearing (fixing element) for the punch 9 or punch shaft 7.

To such an axial movement of the punch shaft 7 within the

Guide member 10, the applicator 6 has a

Lifting device 11 on. The lifting device 11 has a lifting element 12 which parallel to the direction Y, which is perpendicular to the transport direction X, movable. Further, a drive 13 is part of the lifting device 11. The drive 13 has a motor 14 and is used to drive the lifting element 12. The latter is easily recognizable when comparing FIGS. 1b), 2b) and 3b). Thus, the motor 14 drives a toothed belt 26 to which the lifting element 12 is attached. The

Lifting element 12 has a horizontal portion 12a, which is guided on the one hand to a running in the Y direction guide rod 27 and on the other to the joint 15 is arranged. If now the drive 13 is actuated, the moves

Timing belt 26 either in or against the Y direction and thus causes a corresponding movement of the portion 12a of the lifting element 12 and above the punch. 9

Simultaneously with the translatory movement in or counter to the Y direction, the punch 9 can also perform a pivoting movement. That's it

Guide element 10 pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis S ₂ , which is transverse to the transport direction X, ie in a direction Z, and is spaced from the hinge 15 and the first pivot axis Si or Si '. The guide element 10 is rotatably connected to an adjusting element 20 of an adjusting device 19 and can thereby, together with the second pivot axis S ₂ parallel to

Transport direction X are reciprocated. For this purpose, the

Adjustment device 19 a drive 21 with a motor 22 and a toothed belt 28. The adjusting element 20 is guided on the one hand in a direction parallel to the transport direction X guide and on the other firmly connected to the timing belt 28. When the drive 21 is actuated, the toothed belt 28 and thus the adjusting element 20 moves in or against the transport direction X. This movement is transmitted to the guide element 10, which, due to the guided therein punch shaft 7, which is fixedly connected to the joint 15, a Pivoting movement about the axis S ₂ performs. The movements of the adjusting element 20 and

Guide element 10 are particularly clear when comparing Figures 2a), 3a) and 5 a), etc. Alone by the previously described lifting device 11 and adjusting device 19 of the gimbal-mounted punch 9 can be moved so that the stamp foot 8 and the adhesive thereon label 5 a circumferential movement first from the receiving position (Figures la) to 2b)) via a dispensing position ( FIGS. 3a) to 4b)) and back again over a plurality of return positions (5a) to 7b)) until the initial position (FIGS. 1a) and b)) is reached again.

From the initial position in Fig. La) of the stamp 9 first moves to the middle of the label 5 (Figures la) and b)). Then takes the Stempelfuß 8, which is designed here as a suction and Blasfuß, by generating a negative pressure, the label 5 (Figures 2a) and b)). The stamp 9 is then moved so that label 5 and

Stempelfuß 8 are vertically above a pack 2, wherein in this position, which is referred to here as the dispensing position, the stamp shaft 7 is preferably aligned exactly perpendicular to the transport direction X and transverse direction Z and / or the label 5 parallel to the transport direction X. In this delivery position, in which the

Stempelfuß 8, for example, a distance of 10 to 40 mm from the top of the pack 2, a sudden overpressure is generated in the Stempelfuß 8, which leads to a blowing off and thereby transfer of the label 5 on the top of the pack 2 (Figures 4a) and b )). After the label 5 is applied to the top of the package 2, a return movement is performed, which moves the stamp foot 8 further in the transport direction X and at the same time vertically upward in the Y direction (Figures 5a) and b)). The stamp foot 8 describes a bow and further follows the previously mentioned orbit. At this

Return movement is the Stempelfuß 8 at the pointing in the transport direction X outer (front) edge of the dispensing device 4 and der Haltefußes 23rd

passed past, so that the stamp foot 8 can not collide with the already on the holding foot 23 adhering new label 5 in the return movement (Figures 6a) and b)). The latter also has the advantage that even longer than those in the figures

illustrated labels 5 may adhere to the retaining foot 23 during the return movement. Finally, the punch 9 during the return movement again moves contrary to the transport direction X (Figures 7a) and b)) and finally reached again the starting position (Figures la) and b)).

In the figures lb), 2b), etc. is also shown that the support foot 25 can have two spaced apart in the transverse direction Z runners 25 and 25 ', each of which on its the feed device 3 facing bottom a

Contact surface 24 or 24 'for the donated label has. The skids 25 and 25 'may be together via a support rail 29 shown here by way of example

Transverse Z are moved. The distance between the runners 25 and 25 'is changed manually, if necessary, pneumatically or by motor. The punch 9 or stamp shank 7 can then, also in the transverse direction Z, be aligned centrally to the two runners 25 and 25 '.

In this way it is possible to adapt the device 1 or the

Applicator 6 to allow different label widths, so that the Stempelfuß 8 a label 5 always - for each label width - in the middle

(based on the direction Z) can record. As already explained above, adaptation of the device 1 or of the applicator 6 to different label lengths can also take place. This can be achieved by an individual for each label length positioning of the punch 9 or punch shaft 7 in the transport direction X and in the direction of pivotal movement of the punch shaft 7, so that the

Stamp foot 8 a label 5 can always - for each label length - in the middle (based on the direction X) record. Finally, the rotary device 16 will briefly be discussed, with the help of which the punch 9 and thus the punch foot 8, which is here integrally connected to the punch shaft 7, can be rotated about the longitudinal axis A2 of the punch shaft 7. The rotational movement serves to align a label 5 which adheres to the underside of the die foot 8, and is therefore preferably performed during the Applizierbewegung of the punch 9 (that is, between the receiving position and the dispensing position). Turning back the punch 9 about the axis A ₂ while the return movement is not mandatory, but can

basically also be carried out if necessary.

To carry out the rotational movement, the rotary device 6 has a drive 17 with a motor 18. The motor 18 is a stepping motor which allows rotation of the joint 15 and thus of the punch 9 in 1 ° increments. As can be seen in Fig. La), the guide rod 27 is rotatably connected to the motor 18 of the rotation means 16, so that the motor 18, the guide rod 27 can rotate. The rotation of the

Guide rod 27 is then transmitted via a drive wheel 30 and from there by means of a toothed belt 31 to a driven gear 32, wherein the driven gear 32 in turn rotatably connected to the hinge 15. In this way, the rotational movement of the motor 18 and the guide rod 27 is transmitted to the punch 9.

As is clear from the comparison of FIGS. 1b), 2b) and 3b) etc., the drive wheel 30 and the driven wheel 32 are fastened together with the toothed belt 31 on the section 12a of the lifting element 12 and can be moved therewith in the Y direction. The motor 18, however, is arranged immovable relative to the motor 14 and thus does not follow the lifting movement of the lifting element 12. Nevertheless, in each position of the lifting element 12 relative to the guide rod 27 (Fig. Lb), Fig. 2b), Fig. 3b) etc. ) the rotational movement described by the motor 18 via the (rotatable) guide rod 27 are transmitted to the punch 9. To accomplish the latter, is the

Guide rod 27 with the drive wheel 30 only rotatably connected, but the drive wheel 30 (together with the driven gear 32 and the portion 12a of the lifting element 12) can still be moved axially relative to the guide rod 27.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s r ü c h e

Device (1) for labeling individual packs

(2)

with a feed device

(3) for transporting the respective pack (2) in a transport direction (X),

with a donation facility

(4) for dispensing a label (5) into a dispensing position,

with an application device (6) for applying the donated label

[5) on the respective pack (2),

where the application device

(6) a stamp shaft

(7) and a stamp (9) having a stamp foot (8) for moving the dispensed label (5) from a receiving position in which the label (5) is picked up by the stamp foot (8) to a delivery position in which the label ( 5) from the stamp foot

(8) can be applied to the pack (2),

wherein the stamp shaft (7) is pivotally mounted about at least one first pivot axis (Si, Si') running transversely to the transport direction (X),

wherein the stamp shaft (7) is axially movable in a guide element (10) and

wherein the application device (6) has a lifting device (11) with a lifting element (12) which can be moved back and forth parallel to a direction (Y) at an angle to the transport direction (X) and a first drive (13) with a motor (14), which drives the lifting element (12),

characterized in that the stamp shaft (7) of the stamp

(9) is connected to the lifting element (12) of the lifting device (11) via a joint (15).

Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Stamp base (8) is immovably connected to the stamp shaft (7).

Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized

Stamp base (8) is detachably connected to the stamp shaft (7). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stamp foot (8) is a suction and/or blowing foot (8).

Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the joint (15) is a gimbal joint (15).

Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the stamp shaft (7) and/or the stamp foot (8) and/or the joint (15) are rotatably mounted, in particular about an axis (Ai) which is in the direction (Y) at an angle to the transport direction (X). extends, in which the lifting element (12) can be moved back and forth, and / or around the

Longitudinal axis (A ₂ ) of the stamp shaft (7).

Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that

Application device (6) has a rotation device (16) with a second drive (17) which drives the joint (15) or the stamp shaft (7) or the stamp foot (8).

Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second drive (17) has a motor (18) which is immovable relative to the motor (14) of the first drive (13).

Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the joint (15) and / or the stamp shaft (7) and / or the stamp foot (8) in steps of a range of 0.5 to 2.5 °, preferably in one Is rotatable in a range of 0.5 to 2 °, particularly preferably in a range of 1 to 1.5 °.

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the guide element (10) is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis (S ₂ ) which runs transversely to the transport direction (X) and in particular is spaced from the joint (15) and/or from the at least one first pivot axis (Si, Si').

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the guide element (10) can be moved back and forth together with the second pivot axis (S ₂ ) parallel to the transport direction (X), the application device (6) having an adjusting device (19) with a position parallel to the transport direction (X). and movable adjustment element (20) and a third drive (21) with a motor (22) which

Adjusting element (20) drives.

12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the dispensing device (4) has a holding foot (23) for holding the donated label (5) in the dispensing position and in particular also in the receiving position, which in particular has at least one contact surface (24, 24) on its side facing the feed device (3). ') for the donated label (5).

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the holding foot (23) has two runners (25, 25 ') spaced apart from one another transversely to the transport direction (X), each of which is in particular on its side facing the feed device (3). has a contact surface (24,24') for the donated label (5).

14. Device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the distance between the runners (25,25') and/or between at least one of the runners (25,25') and the plane in which the punch shaft (7) executes its pivoting movement, can be changed in a direction (Z) transverse to the transport direction (X).

15. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that at least a part of the stamp (9) connected Application device (6) and / or the stamp (9) can be displaced in the direction (Z) transverse to the transport direction (X) relative to the feed device (3).

16. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the stamp base (8) is replaceable.

17. A method for labeling individual packages (2) using a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stamp base (8) for applying the donated label (5) moves directly in one direction from the receiving position which runs at an angle to the transport direction (X), and, after the label (5) has been applied to the pack [2) in the delivery position, the stamp base (8) on the front side of the dispensing device (4), relative to the transport direction ( X], is passed.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the stamp base (8) during its entire movement from the receiving position over the

Delivery position and back to the pickup position along a

Orbit is guided, which does not touch or cross at any point and which is in particular essentially oval.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the

Stamp foot (8) for transferring the label (5) to the pack (2) from the pack (2) 1 to 60 mm, preferably 5 to 50 mm, particularly preferably 10 to 40 mm, in the direction angled to the transport direction (X). (Ύ) is spaced apart and in particular the label (5) blows off onto the pack (2).

20. The method according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the stamp foot (8} during its movement from the receiving position to the delivery position and / or during its movement from the delivery position to the Recording position is rotated about the longitudinal axis (A ₂ ) of the stamp shaft (7), in particular stepwise.

Method according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the distance between the runners (25,25') and/or between at least one of the runners (25,25') and the plane in which the punch shaft (7) is

Pivoting movement is carried out in the direction (Z) transverse to the transport direction (X) before the stamp base (8) comes into contact with the respective label (5).