EP3288836B1 - Apparatus and method for labelling individual products - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for labeling individual products, in particular packs or goods, with a feed device for transporting a respective product along a transport path, with a label application device with a blow head for applying a label to the surface of the product, the blow head having holding means for Fixing the label in a blow-off position and blow-off means for generating a compressed air blast directed in a blow-off direction from the blow-off position to the feed device, and with a label dispensing device for preparing a label in a dispensing position, the label application device having a conveyor unit for transporting the respective label from the dispensing position to the blow-off position comprises, wherein the conveyor unit has a transport element and a contact pressure force generating means.

The invention also relates to a method for labeling individual products, in particular packs or goods, in which a product is transported with a feed device along a transport path, in which the product is guided past a blow head of a label application device on the transport path, in which in a label dispensing device labels connected to a strip of material are provided, in which one of the labels is dispensed by the label dispensing device into a dispensing position and is detached from the strip of material, in which the label is guided from the dispensing position to the blow head in a blow-off position and in which the label is removed from the blow-off position by means a compressed air blast directed in a blow-off direction from the blow-off position to the feed device is transmitted to the product as soon as the product is in the blow-off direction in front of the blow-off position, and in which the label is removed from the label dispenser ung is transferred to a conveyor unit in the dispensing position and is conveyed by the conveyor unit from the dispensing position to the blow-off position.

A device and a method of the type mentioned are, for example, from Z WO 03/076274 A1 famous.

From the EP 0 883 549 B1 and the DE 10 2010 040 009 A1 other labeling devices or methods are known. Here, packs are supplied via an unspecified feed device to a label applying device which has a blow head for applying a Has labels on top of each pack by blowing off. To do this, the package is placed vertically below the die in the direction of gravity, i.e. vertically below a portion of the die having a plurality of suction or blowing openings (meaning the outer openings used for both suction and blow-off). A label adhering to the lower housing part of the blow head in a blow-off position is blown off as soon as the package is below the label by a blast of compressed air emerging from the openings and directed to the feed device or package, and thereby transferred to the package. For the purposes of the invention, a blow-off position is defined as a position in which the label to be transferred to the product touches the blow head and is arranged in the effective range of those of the openings through which the compressed air blast emerges/is emitted. This position may be different for different sized labels.

In the state of the art mentioned, the label is held in the blow-off position in the area of the openings by generating a suction pressure or

suction air flow through the openings. One and the same openings serve simultaneously as suction openings and blowing openings. To generate the suction force that sucks (presses) the label in the area of the openings onto the underside of the blow head housing, a negative pressure generating unit is arranged inside the blow head, which is in fluid communication with the openings for the suction process. To blow off the label in the direction of the pack, an overpressure generating unit is arranged in the blow head, which can be briefly brought into fluid communication via a valve with the same openings that previously built up the suction pressure, in order to generate the compressed air blast that transfers the label to the pack. These definitions of an overpressure generating unit and an underpressure generating unit also apply to the present invention.

The known device also has a label dispensing device, in which a printing device for printing the labels is integrated. The printed labels are here in a dispensing position at the outlet Label dispenser provided. The dispensing position is defined for the purposes of the invention as the position in which the respective label only partially adheres to the strip of material or is only partially connected to it (partially detached state of the label) and protrudes from the label dispensing device. Thus, in the present prior art, the strip of material with the labels detachably adhering to it is strongly deflected at a dispensing edge, as a result of which the labels detach from the strip of material. The label continues to move in the direction in which the material strip is transported before the deflection. In the partially detached state of the label, it is still held on the material strip on the one hand, but on the other hand the label is already in the area of the suction openings, through which a negative pressure or a suction force is already being generated. As soon as the label has been completely detached from the strip of material, it is only held in place by the vacuum in the area of the suction openings. The subsequent blast of compressed air then transports the label to the product, as already mentioned.

For the most precise label placement possible, it is important to let the compressed air blast act as centrally as possible on the label. This ensures that the compressed air blast achieves a symmetrical force distribution over the label surface. As with the prior art described above, it must be taken into account that labels of different sizes are moved from the peel-off position to the blow-off position defined for the label, depending on the requirement, in which case the compressed air blast should act as centrally as possible for each label size. In the prior art described above, the section with suction or blow-off openings is adapted to different label sizes in the direction from the dispensing position to the blow-off position by a manually adjustable slide element, which can be moved horizontally in the direction from the dispensing position to the blow-off position or in the opposite direction which allows several of the openings to be individually closed (blocked) or unblocked. The slide element is located inside the blow head housing and covers the openings from the inside. In this way, an adaptation to different label lengths can be achieved.

In order to adapt to different label widths, the entire blow head can be adjusted transversely to the direction from the dispensing position to the blow-off position, as a result of which the section with the openings can be adjusted transversely to the dispensing position. The latter is also done manually.

A disadvantage of the prior art described above is that an operator has to set the blow head or the openings required for the compressed air blast individually and with great accuracy for each different label size. This is quite complex, especially due to the manual adjustability. Proceeding from this, it is an object of the present invention to create a device and a method for labeling individual products, in particular packs or goods, with which precise transfer of labels to the surface to be labeled is possible in the simplest possible way.

According to a first teaching of the present invention, the above-derived and indicated object is achieved in a device according to claim 1 . Since the label application device has a conveyor unit with a transport element for the label to be applied and with a means for generating contact pressure for the label to be applied, it is possible to pick up a label mechanically, in particular automatically, at the dispensing position (pick it up) and from there to the optimal position defined for the label to move the blow-off position. In this way, labels of different lengths can always be aligned exactly to the center of the compressed air blast or to the center of the area with the blowing openings (hereinafter also called blowing nozzles) provided for generating the respective compressed air blast, in the area of which some of the suction openings can also be located . In principle, it is also conceivable to use some or all of the intake openings themselves to generate the compressed air blast (through which the compressed air blast is then not sucked in but blown off). The distance from the dispensing position to the blow-off position provided for the respective label or the respective label length depends on the label length. This distance can be set individually for each label length and, in particular, is programmed into a control device, so that when changing from labels of a first label length to labels of a second label length, the label application device can adjust the distance from the dispensing position to the blow-off position and thus also the blow-off position individually and, in particular, automatically. Additionally or alternatively, an adjustment of the position of the label relative to the blowing and / or suction openings required for the compressed air blast transversely to the Take place in the direction in which the label is fed to the blow head or the area with the blowing and/or suction openings. The latter can be done in a conventional way, for example, by moving the label application device including blow head and conveyor unit relative to the label dispensing device in the transverse direction mentioned (direction perpendicular to the blow-off direction and direction in which the label is guided into the blow-off position).

Another advantage of providing a label application device with a conveyor unit as described above is that the transport element of the conveyor unit picks up the label at a time when the label is still partially connected to the strip of material (partially detached state of the label) and the label is completely detached from the Material strips supported. In this way, the partially detached label is pressed against the transport element in the dispensing position, in particular sucked in, in that the means for generating the pressing force is actuated. The label adhering to the transport element is then moved away from the dispensing position by the transport element, as a result of which the label is completely detached from the strip of material. In this way, the risk of the label twisting slightly compared to the optimal alignment or even getting caught on the strip of material is significantly reduced compared to the conventional case of detaching the label by simply deflecting the strip of material at a dispensing edge.

Various configurations of the device according to the invention are now described below.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the transport element has a label contact surface that traverses the dispensing position and the blow-off position or can be brought into the dispensing position and blow-off position, and the means for generating the pressing force is configured in such a way that the respective label is in the dispensing position and in particular during transport from the dispensing position to the blow-off position adheres to the label contact surface. In other words, this is Contact pressure force generation means configured in such a way that it causes a frictional connection between the label, in particular the label side facing away from an adhesive surface, and the label contact surface of the transport element, in particular by generating an air flow, in particular suction air flow, directed perpendicularly to the label contact surface. The suction air flow is generated in particular in that a negative pressure (pressure lower than atmospheric pressure or ambient pressure) is generated in the label application device, in particular in the blow head, for example by means of a fan arranged in the blow head. The label contact surface, to which the respective label is sucked in the peel-off position, protrudes into or overlaps with the peel-off position, so that a label that is still somewhat connected to the material strip can be sucked onto the label contact surface at the same time in order to adhere there . The label contact surface then extends in particular up to the blow-off position provided for the label. The transport element also runs in particular from the dispensing position, in which the label can be transferred (transferred) from the label dispensing device to the transport element, to the blow-off position, in which the label can be transferred (blown off) from the blow head to the pack. The blow-off position is in particular arranged below (relative to the direction of gravity) of the blow head. In principle, it is also conceivable to align the blow head in such a way that the blow-off direction points against the direction of gravity, in which case the blow-off position is arranged above (relative to the direction of gravity) of the blow head and a product is provided with a label, for example, on the underside. It is also conceivable to align the blow head in such a way that the blow-off direction is at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the direction of gravity, in which case the blow-off position is arranged to the side (relative to the direction of gravity) of the blow head and a label is applied to the side of the product, for example. For the different purposes of use, the blow head in one embodiment can be rotated, in particular as a whole, or the label dispensing device can be rotated together with the blow head about an axis, preferably a horizontal axis.

According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, at least one section of the transport element extends in a direction at an angle to the blow-off direction, with the section of the transport element extending at an angle to the blow-off direction extending in particular starting from the dispensing position, preferably up to a point on the transport element which is still from the blow-off position is spaced. In addition or as an alternative, it can also be provided that at least one section of the transport element extends in a direction perpendicular to the blow-off direction, with the section extending perpendicular to the blow-off direction extending in particular from the blow-off position to the section of the transport element extending at an angle to the blow-off position, preferably up to the point at which the section starting from the dispensing position and extending at an angle to the blow-off position ends. Such a transport element or such a conveyor unit with an inclined section has the advantage that the label can be dispensed laterally from a label dispensing device or printing device arranged above the feed device in the direction of a blow head and, due to the inclined course of the transport element, closer to the surface of the labeled product can be brought. Accordingly, the blow-off position does not have to be at the same height as the dispensing position or the ejection slot of the label dispenser in relation to the direction perpendicular to the product surface to be labeled, but can be shifted closer to the product surface, which means that the distance between the blow-off position and the product surface can be minimized . This in turn also increases the accuracy with which the label is applied to the product surface. In relation to the direction perpendicular to the feed device, the label dispensing device can be placed above the feed device, preferably at such a large distance that the product fits securely between the underside of the label dispensing device and the top side of the feed device. By the label dispenser and the blow head are arranged above the feed device, so the label dispenser does not have to be placed laterally next to the feed device, the Overall width of the device according to the invention for labeling can be minimized.

According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the transport element, which moves the label from the dispensing position to the blow-off position, is a movable and preferably circulating transport element and is formed in particular by an endless belt. The endless belt consists in particular of a plurality of parallel belts, in particular at least two parallel belts, preferably at least four parallel belts, particularly preferably at least six parallel belts, of which at least two belts are in particular spaced apart. Preferably all straps are spaced from each other. Each belt is stretched between two wheels or rollers, of which at least one wheel or roller is driven. The belts together form the endless belt, with the outer surface of the belts or the endless belt forming the label contact surface.

According to another embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is provided that the conveyor unit has at least one plate (which can be part of a housing of the label application device and in particular forms the underside of the housing) and the means for generating the contact pressure has a plurality of suction openings which are in the at least one plate of the Conveying unit are provided and which are in fluid communication with a vacuum generating unit or can be brought. The transport element, in particular the parallel belts, leads past the suction openings, in particular on the side of the suction openings and/or the at least one plate facing the feed device. The transport element or the belts do not cover the suction openings, at least not completely, or at least not all of the suction openings, so that a suction force can be transmitted from the suction openings to the label, whereby the label is pressed (sucked) against the label contact surface of the transport element or the belts ) will. When using a plurality of spaced belts are at least some of the Suction openings arranged in such a way that their central axis and/or projection running in the direction perpendicular to the label contact surface runs through the gap between two adjacent belts and, in particular, does not intersect the belts.

In particular, it is provided that the transport element or the parallel belts extend in a direction perpendicular to the label contact surface between the suction openings and the dispensing position and/or between the suction openings and the (during operation) adhering label. In other words, the label is sucked onto the transport element or the belts in the dispensing position and transported to the blow-off position while maintaining the suction force or frictional force.

The suction openings are preferably provided along the entire extension of the transport element between the dispensing position and the blow-off position. In the case of a transport element which, as defined above, has a section running at an angle to the blow-off direction and a section running perpendicular to the blow-off direction, the suction openings are provided in the region of both sections of the transport element. The suction openings in the area of the section running at an angle to the blow-off direction are preferably used exclusively for sucking the label onto the transport element, while the suction openings in the area of the section of the transport element running perpendicular to the blow-off direction, or at least some of these suction openings, as mentioned, also simultaneously serve to blow off (creating the Compressed air blast) can serve. However, all suction openings are preferably used exclusively for suction, separate blowing openings then being provided in the blowing head for blowing off. These are preferably used exclusively for blowing off. In other words, it is provided that at least some of the suction openings are part of the blow head. These can have any cross-sectional shape. One or more of these are in particular designed as a gap in which one or more of the blower openings or blower nozzles are arranged (i.e. these blower opening(s) lie in the plane of the gap) and/or with which one or more of the blower openings or Align the blowing nozzles in blowing direction (ie the projection of this blowing opening(s) crosses the opening of the gap). It is conceivable, for example, for the respective suction opening to have the shape of a gap, ie an elongated cross-sectional shape, and for a number of, for example, sleeve-shaped (cylindrical) nozzle bodies to protrude into this gap. It is also conceivable that only a single blowing opening or blowing nozzle is arranged in a suction opening and the suction opening extends at least in sections around the blowing opening or blowing nozzle or around its nozzle body and has, for example, any shape, eg ring shape. For this purpose, the respective suction opening has in particular a circular shape. The blowing nozzles can be or can be brought into fluid connection with an overpressure generating unit. Such an overpressure generating unit is intended to provide a pressure in the blow head that is higher than the atmospheric pressure or ambient pressure and is abruptly discharged/released, as a result of which the compressed air blast is produced.

The suction openings, which are part of the blowing head, are arranged in a plate of the conveyor unit running perpendicular to the blow-off direction or in a section of a plate of the conveyor unit (or the housing of the label applicator) running perpendicular to the blow-off direction, with the section of the transport element running perpendicular to the Blow-off extends, parallel to the perpendicular to the blow-off plate or perpendicular to the blow-off section of the plate (or the housing) passes.

According to another embodiment, it is provided that the horizontal distance in the label transport direction (direction of transport of the label from the dispensing position to the blow-off position) between the dispensing position and the suction openings, which are part of the blow head, is unchangeable. This means the distance in the direction of a directional component perpendicular to the blow-off direction, ie the horizontal distance between the blow head and the label dispensing device is in particular unchangeable. However, as I said, it can be provided that the Label application device including blow head and conveyor unit transverse to this direction or directional component - this direction is defined as the transverse direction - can be movable in order to additionally enable an alignment in the direction of the label width.

According to the present invention, the label application device has label adjustment means that are separate from the blow head and can be rotated about an axis of rotation parallel to the direction of blow-off, which has one or more suction openings that are or can be fluidly connected to a vacuum-generating unit, with the transport element, in particular the parallel belts, being attached to the Suction openings, in particular on the side of the suction openings pointing towards the feed device. In this way it is possible to readjust a label that is located between the feed device and the openings provided for the compressed air blast. In this way, either small deviations from the optimal alignment of the label, which may have occurred during transport from the dispensing position to the blow-off position, can be corrected, or a label can be aligned completely differently from the alignment in the dispensing position, since e.g. a triangular label is positioned exactly on packaging running symmetrically to the transport axis is to be applied. In particular, the label adjustment means can be rotated in uniform steps in the range of +/-180°, for example in steps in a range from 0.5 to 2.5°, preferably in a range from 0.5 to 2°, particularly preferably in a range from 1 to 1.5°.

According to yet another embodiment, the negative pressure generating unit, which is or can be brought into fluid connection with the suction opening or openings of the rotatable label adjustment means, is different from or identical to the negative pressure generating unit, which is in fluid connection with the plurality of suction openings in the at least one plate of the conveyor unit or is bringable.

The suction openings of the label adjustment means are then also part of the contact pressure generating means.

According to a further embodiment, the rotatable label adjustment means and/or the axis of rotation of the label adjustment means is arranged centrally in the area with the blowing and/or suction openings that are part of the blowing head (active opening surface or nozzle surface). In particular, the axis of rotation for each label, in particular for each label size, represents the center of the blow-off position.

The rotatable label adjustment means preferably has a surface, in particular a circular or annular surface, on its side facing the feed device, in which the one or more suction openings of the label adjustment means are arranged.

According to another embodiment, it is provided that the rotatable label adjustment means can be moved (mounted) axially along its axis of rotation and in particular between a retracted position, in which the rotatable label adjustment means does not cross the plane in which the label contact surface runs, and an extended position in which the rotatable label adjustment means crossing (intersects) this plane is movable, the rotatable label adjustment means being rotatable at least in the extended position. If the label adjustment means can be moved in and out, it is preferably provided that the individual belts do not cover the label adjustment means and in particular the surface of the label adjustment means facing the feed device in the blow-off direction, so that the label adjustment means can be extended unhindered along its axis of rotation. In principle, however, it can also be provided for certain applications that individual belts or at least one belt of the transport element is guided over the surface of the label adjustment means facing the feed device, in which case the label adjustment means cannot be used to rotate a label in this state; nevertheless, the suction openings of the label adjustment means can be used suction are used. However, for the most comprehensive functionality of the device according to the invention, it is preferred if the rotatable label adjustment means is not covered by belts and can be extended unhindered. The rotatable label adjusting means can then, as soon as a label is centered on its axis of rotation, lift the label in the sucked state from the other suction openings, in particular in the direction of the feed device, and then turn the label into the optimal position for blowing off. In this position, in which the label adjustment means is still extended, the label can then already be blown off onto the product surface. However, the label is preferably moved back together with the label adjustment means (into the retracted position of the label adjustment means) after it has been rotated by means of the rotatable label adjustment means and only then is it blown off. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the rotatable label adjustment means is not axially movable (mounted) along its axis of rotation, ie is fixed in the axial direction (blow-off direction). In principle, it is also conceivable to rotate the label without extending the label adjustment means. In this case, the label is sucked in by the label adjustment means as described above, but through at least some of the blower nozzles/openings of the blower head, an air flow is directed onto the label for a short time (during a rotary movement of the label adjustment means) and with preferably less than the regular blow-off pressure, whereby this is released from the transport element, in particular the endless belt or the belt. If the label is detached from the transport element but is simultaneously sucked in by the label adjustment means, the label can also be rotated without further ado.

According to a second teaching, the previously derived and indicated object is also achieved in a labeling method according to claim 13 .

As described above, the method according to the invention can also be used to optimally align a label in the label dispensing direction or the horizontal directional component with respect to the blow head and the openings located therein. In this way, an adaptation to different label lengths can be achieved with simple means. In addition, it can be provided that the entire label application device, including the blow head and the conveyor unit, can be displaced in the transverse direction in order to also enable adaptation to different label widths.

In particular, on its way from the dispensing position to the blow-off position, the label passes through a position (intermediate position) in which the label is neither connected to the label dispensing device or the strip of material, nor (in relation to the blow-off direction) is arranged in front of one of the openings of the blow head later the blast of compressed air to transfer the label to the product exits. In this way, the transport element or the path between the dispensing position and the blow-off position is long enough to overcome a relatively large difference in height (relative to the blow-off direction) between the label ejection slot and the blow-off position. At the same time, due to the great length of the path between dispensing position and blow-off position, a section of the transport element can also be used as an intermediate buffer, in which a label can already be arranged, while another label is transferred to the product surface at this point in time by a blast of compressed air in the blow-off position.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the label in the dispensing position, in the blow-off position and in particular during its transport from the dispensing position to the blow-off position is pressed by a suction air flow against a label contact surface of a transport element of the conveyor unit, the suction air flow in the direction of the Label is directed to the label contact surface. A suction air flow is generated in particular at defined (that is to say predetermined) intervals, in particular at regular intervals, along the entire path of the label from the dispensing position to the blow-off position. In other words, a suction air flow is generated by a plurality of suction openings arranged along the entire path of the label from the dispensing position to the blow-off position.

According to the method according to the invention, as already described above, the label is rotated into the blow-off position about an axis of rotation parallel to the blow-off direction before it is transferred to the product (by the compressed air blast). It is provided that the label is sucked in and held by a label adjustment means causing the rotation while the label is being rotated about the axis of rotation, with at the same time an air flow in the blow-off direction being directed onto the label in an area around the label adjustment means. The air flow in As already described, the blow-off direction allows the label to be rotated without the need to extend the label adjustment means.

There are now a large number of possibilities for designing and developing the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention. On the one hand, reference is made to claims 1 and 13 which are subordinate to patent claims

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Etikettieren von einzelnen Produkten,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Teils der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer ersten Ausgestaltung und

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Teils, der in Fig. 2 dargestellt ist, in einer alternativen , nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausgestaltung.

Claims, on the other hand, to the description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing shows:

1

a schematic side view of a device for labeling individual products,

2

a perspective view of part of the device 1 in a first embodiment and

3

a perspective view of the part shown in 2 is shown in an alternative embodiment not according to the invention.

1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a device 1 for labeling individual products 2 (here packs), the device 1 having a feed device 3 for transporting the respective product 2 along a transport path, a label application device 4 for applying a label 6 to the top of the product 2 and finally a label dispensing device 9, which also serves to print the respective labels 6 here.

The feed device 3 transports a product 2 in a product conveying direction X, with the feed device 3 being designed as a belt conveyor in the present exemplary embodiment. In principle, the feed device 3 can also be designed in a different way. In the product conveying direction X, the label dispensing device 9 is located in front of the label application device 4, with both the label dispensing device 9 and the label application device 4 both are arranged in sections above the feed device 3 in the direction of gravity G. In this way, the product 2 is conveyed in the product conveying direction X first under the label dispensing device 9 and then under the label application device 4 . The product 2 can be conveyed in a clocked manner, with continuous conveyance being preferred.

The label application device 4 is provided with a blow head 5 for applying a label 6 to the surface of the product 2 . The blow head 5 has holding means 7 for fixing the label in a blow-off position II. The holding means 7 consist of suction openings 18 and a vacuum generating unit 19 fluidly connected thereto for generating a suction air flow. In the blow-off position II, at least a section of a label 6 and preferably the entire label 6 is caught in the middle of the surface by the compressed air blast. In order to generate such a blast of compressed air, the blast head 5 has blow-off means 8, namely here, for example, cylindrical sleeves ("nozzle bodies") with blowing openings 26, which are arranged concentrically to the suction openings 18, and then with the cylindrical nozzle bodies or blowing openings 26 in Fluid-connected overpressure generation unit (not shown), whereby the compressed air blast can be directed in a blow-off direction A, which points from the blow-off position II to the feed device 3. The suction openings 18 are each formed here by a gap into which the nozzle bodies protrude or with which the nozzle bodies and thus the blowing openings 26 are aligned. In particular, a permanent suction air flow for sucking up the respective label 6 in the blow-off position II is generated through the gap. To blow off the label 6, a compressed air blast is generated through the nozzle bodies and blow-off openings 26 in the blow-off direction A, in particular without interrupting the flow of suction air through the suction openings 18.

The cross-sectional shape of the intake openings 18 is circular here only by way of example, and that of the blowing openings 26 is circular here only by way of example. The respective outer contour of the openings 18 and 26 can in principle be arbitrary. In particular, it can also be provided that one or more of the suction openings 18, which are part of the blowing head 5, are each formed as a gap in which one or more of the separate blowing openings 26 are arranged and/or with which one or more of the separate blowing openings 26 cursed. In addition or as an alternative, it can also be provided that one or more of the suction openings 18, which are part of the blowing head 5, each run around a single blowing opening 26, at least in sections.

The label dispensing device 9 is configured to provide a label that has been partially detached from a strip of material 10 in a dispensing position I. The dispensing position I is defined as a position in which said label 6 is partially detached from the strip of material 10, i.e. partially still adhering to it, and at the same time with a part of the label application device 4, namely a conveyor unit 11, described in more detail below, overlaps and is sucked by it onto a label contact surface 13 of a transport element 12. The label dispensing device 9 here has a label roll feed 21 for holding and unwinding a strip of material 10 containing labels 6 (also called label web) and a label detaching mechanism 22, here in the form of a dispensing edge for deflecting the strip of material 10. It should be pointed out that the labels 6 can be detachably applied (glued) to the material strip 10 or can themselves form the material strip 10 (linerless label or linerless label).

An essential feature of the present device 1 according to the invention is the already mentioned conveyor unit 11, which is part of the label application device 4 and is used to transport the respective label 6 from the dispensing position I to the blow-off position II. The conveyor unit 11 has a transport element 12 and a contact pressure force generating means 14, both of which together cause a label 6 can be moved by the conveyor unit 11 from the dispensing position I to the blow-off position II. This allows the distance b in the label dispensing direction S between the dispensing position I and the part of the suction openings 18 that are part of the blow head 5 to be unchangeable. In contrast, the entire label application device 4 can be displaced in the direction perpendicular to the label dispensing direction A and blow-off direction A.

The label dispensing device 9 has a lateral ejection slot which is directed towards the label application device 4 and from which a label 6 emerges in a label dispensing direction S. The label dispensing direction S is parallel to the product conveying direction X in the area of the ejection slot 23, but the label 6 is deflected by a part of the label application device 4, namely said conveyor unit 11, into a direction _B1 at an angle to the blow-off direction A while exiting the ejection slot 23.

The transport element 12 is in the present embodiment, like the figures 2 and 3 alternatively show a plurality of parallel, circulating belts 16, which together form an endless belt 15. According to the embodiment in 2 are four belts 16 and according to the embodiment in 3 six belts 16 arranged. The outer surface of the belts 16 or of the endless belt 15 forms a label contact surface 13 which traverses the dispensing position I and the blow-off position II. The dispensing position I is only partially crossed here, the blow-off position II completely.

As described above, the contact pressure generating means 14 generates a negative pressure so that the respective label 6 adheres to the label contact surface 13 during its transport from the dispensing position I to the blow-off position II.

As 1 clearly shows, the transport element 12 designed as an endless belt 15 extends in a first section 12a in a direction B ₁ at an angle to the blow-off direction A and in a second section 12b in a direction B ₂ perpendicularly to the blow-off direction A. The angled section 12a merges at an obtuse angle into the section 12b perpendicular to the blow-off direction A. A height difference (in blow-off direction A) between the ejection slot 23 and the blow-off position II can be bridged by the angled section 12a.

As the figures 2 and 3 show, the conveying unit 11 has a plate 17 which is part of the housing 24 of the label applicator 4, here in particular forming the underside thereof. The plate 17 is bent here and has two sections which determine the course of the two sections 12a and 12b of the transport element 12. A plurality of suction openings 18 are provided in the plate 17, which are part of the contact pressure force generating means 14 and are in fluid communication with the vacuum generating unit 19, which has a fan 25. The parallel belts 16 pass the suction openings 18 in such a way that the suction openings 18 can bring about a suction air flow perpendicular to the surface of the plate 17 in the direction of the inside of the blow head, which presses the label 6 against the belts 16 . In this way, a label 6 can be in the figures 2 and 3 Promote the dispensing position I shown to the blow-off position II.

Some of the suction openings 18 are arranged in the area of the cylindrical sleeves 26, which serve to generate the compressed air blast in the blow-off direction A, as explained above. The latter part of the suction openings 18 is in the figures 2 and 3 formed around the cylindrical sleeves 26 in the form of annular openings. In contrast, the suction openings 18 in the area of the angled section 12a of the transport element 12 are designed as holes (bores) in the respective section of the plate 17 . In principle, however, suction openings 18 are arranged along the entire extent of the transport element 12 between the dispensing position I and the blow-off position II.

Finally in the figures 2 and 3 a rotatable label adjusting means 20 is also shown, which allows suction openings 18 provided in the surface of the label adjusting means 20 facing the feed device 3 To suck label 6 and to rotate about an axis of rotation d in the sucked state. To generate the suction force, the suction openings 18 of the label adjustment means 20 are fluidly connected, for example, to a separate vacuum generation unit (not shown), but can alternatively also be connected to the previously described vacuum generation unit 19, which has the fan 25. The label adjustment means 20 can be used in the in 2 illustrated embodiment can be extended downwards out of the housing 24 with a label 6 sucked onto it, then the label adjustment means 20 can be rotated by +/-180° about the axis of rotation d in 1° increments, for example, and finally the label adjustment means 20 can be retracted again , so that the label 6 can then be blown onto the product 2 in the position now changed by the rotation.

In the device not according to the invention in 3 some of the belts 16 run over the label adjustment means 20 in the blow-off direction A, so that in this case the label adjustment means 20 can only be used for sucking up a label 6 but not for rotating it.

In order to now provide a product 2 with a label 6 on the top side, the following method steps, among others, are carried out according to the invention:
First, a product 2 is transported on the feed device 3 along a transport path that runs under the label dispensing device 9 and then under the label application device 4 .

The product is guided past a blow head 5 of the label application device 4 .

A label 6 has already been dispensed into the dispensing position I by means of the label dispensing device 9 and detached from a strip of material 10 .

The label 6 is guided from the dispensing position I to the blow head 5 in a blow-off position II, the label 6 being transferred from the label dispensing device 9 in the dispensing position I to the conveyor unit 11 and conveyed by this from the dispensing position I to the blow-off position II. On its way, the label 6 also passes through an intermediate position III, in which the label 6 is neither connected to the label dispensing device 9 nor the strip of material 10, nor is it arranged in the effective area of the compressed air blast.

Then, according to the invention, the label 6 is rotated about an axis of rotation d running parallel to the blow-off direction A by means of a label adjustment means 20 separate from the blow head, for example in 1 to 1.5° increments in a range of +/-180°. For this purpose, for example, the label adjustment means 20 can be moved axially along its axis of rotation d between a retracted position, in which the label adjustment means 20 does not cross the plane E, in which the label contact surface 13 runs, and an extended position used for rotation, in which the rotatable label adjustment means 20 crosses this level E.

Finally, the label 6 is transferred from the blow-off position II to the product 2 by means of a compressed air blast directed in the blow-off direction A as soon as the product 2 is located in the blow-off direction A below the blow-off position II.

Claims (15)

1. Apparatus (1) for labelling individual products (2), in particular packs or goods,

   - having a feed device (3) for transporting respective products (2) along a transport path,

   - having a label application device (4) with a blower head (5) for applying a label (6) to the surface of the product (2), wherein the blower head (5) has holding means (7) for fixing the label (6) in a blowing-off position (II) and blowing-off means (8) for generating a compressed-air blast directed in a blowing-off direction (A) from the blowing-off position (II) to the feed device (3), and

   - having a label dispensing device (9) for providing a label (6) in a dispensing position (I),

   - wherein the label application device (4) has a conveying unit (11) for transporting the respective labels (6) from the dispensing position (I) to the blowing-off position (II), wherein the conveying unit (11) has a transport element (12) and a contact-pressure generating means (14), characterized

   - in that the label application device (4) has a label adjusting means (20) that is separated from the blower head (5) and is rotatable about an axis of rotation (d) parallel to the blowing-off direction (A), said label adjusting means (20) having one or more suction openings (18) which are or are able to be fluidically connected to a negative-pressure generating unit, wherein the transport element (12) passes the suction openings (18).
2. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transport element (12) has a label contact face (13) that passes through the dispensing position (I) and the blowing-off position (II) or is able to be moved into the dispensing position (I) and blowing-off position (II), and the contact-pressure generating means (14) is configured such that the respective labels (6) stick to the label contact face (13) in the dispensing position (I) and in particular while being transported from the dispensing position (I) to the blowing-off position (II).
3. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transport element (12) extends at an angle to the blowing-off direction (A) in a direction (B₁) at least in a portion (12a), wherein the portion (12a) of the transport element (12) that extends at an angle to the blowing-off direction (A) extends in particular starting from the dispensing position (I).
4. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport element (12) extends perpendicularly to the blowing-off direction (A) in a direction (B₂) in a portion (12b), wherein the portion (12b) that extends perpendicularly to the blowing-off direction (A) extends in particular from the blowing-off position (II) to the portion (12a) that extends at an angle to the blowing-off direction (A).
5. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport element (12) is a movable and preferably circulating transport element (12) and is formed in particular by an endless conveyor (15), wherein the endless conveyor (15) consists preferably of a plurality of parallel belts (16), at least two belts (16) of which are in particular spaced apart from one another.
6. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying unit (11) has at least one plate (17) and the contact-pressure generating means (14) has a plurality of suction openings (18) which are provided in the at least one plate (17) of the conveying unit (11) and are fluidically connected to the negative-pressure generating unit (19), wherein the transport element (12), in particular the parallel belts (16), passes the suction openings (18), in particular that side of the suction openings (18) and/or of the at least one plate (17) that is directed towards the feed device (3), wherein the suction openings (18) are provided preferably along the entire extent of the transport element (12) between the dispensing position (I) and the blowing-off position (II).
7. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that some of the suction openings (18) are part of the blower head (5), one or more of which are in particular each in the form of a gap, in which one or more of the blowing nozzles (26) are arranged and/or with which one or more of the blower nozzles (26) are aligned.
8. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the suction openings (18) which are part of the blower head (5) are arranged in a plate (17), extending perpendicularly to the blowing-off direction (A), of the conveying unit (11) or in a portion (17a), extending perpendicularly to the blowing-off direction (A), of a plate (17) of the conveying unit (11), wherein in particular that portion (12b) of the transport element (12) that extends perpendicularly to the blowing-off direction (A) passes, in parallel, the plate (17) extending perpendicularly to the blowing-off direction (A) or that portion (17a) of the plate (17) that extends perpendicularly to the blowing-off direction (A).
9. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the distance (b) in the direction of transport of the label (6) between the dispensing position (I) and the suction openings (18) that are part of the blower head (5) is invariable.
10. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotatable label adjusting means (20) and/or the axis of rotation (d) of the label adjusting means (20) is arranged centrally in the region with the openings (18, 26) that are part of the blower head (5).
11. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label adjusting means (20) has, on its side directed towards the feed device (3), a surface, in particular a circular or circular-ring-shaped surface, in which the one or more suction openings (18) of the label adjusting means (20) are arranged.
12. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotatable label adjusting means (20) is axially movable along its axis of rotation (d) and is movable in particular between a retracted position, in which the rotatable label adjusting means (20) does not cross the plane (E) in which the label contact face (13) extends, and an extended position, in which the rotatable label adjusting means (20) crosses this plane (E), wherein the rotatable label adjusting means (20) is rotatable at least in the extended position.
13. Method for labelling individual products (2), in particular packs or goods, preferably using an apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

    - in which a product (2) is transported along a transport path by a feed device (3),

    - in which the product (2) is guided on the transport path past a blower head (5) of a label application device (4),

    - in which labels (6) connected to a material strip (10) are provided in a label dispensing device (9),

    - in which one of the labels (6) is dispensed into a dispensing position (I) by the label dispensing device (9) and detached from the material strip (10),

    - in which the label (6) is guided from the dispensing position (I) to the blower head (5) and into a blowing-off position (II),

    - in which the label (6) is transferred onto the product (2) from the blowing-off position (II) by means of a compressed-air blast direction in a blowing-off direction (A) from the blowing-off position (II) to the feed device (3) as soon as the product (2) is located in front of the blowing-off position (II) in the blowing-off direction (A), and

    - in which the label (6) is transferred to a conveying unit (11) by the label dispensing unit (9) in the dispensing position (I) and is conveyed from the dispensing position (I) into the blowing-off position (II) by the conveying unit (11), characterized

    - in that the label (6) is rotated into the blowing-off position (II) about an axis of rotation (d) parallel to the blowing-off direction (A) before it is transferred onto the product (2), wherein, while the label (6) is being rotated about the axis of rotation (d), the label (6) is sucked and retained by a label adjusting means (20) that is separate from the blower head (5) and effects the rotation.
14. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that the label (6), in the dispensing position (1), in the blowing-off position (II) and in particular while it is being transported from the dispensing position (I) to the blowing-off position (II), is pressed against a label contact face (13) of a transport element (12) of the conveying unit (11) by a suction air flow, wherein the suction air flow is directed in the direction from the label (6) to the label contact face (13), wherein preferably a suction air flow is generated at defined spacings, in particular regular spacings, along the entire route of the label (6) from the dispensing position (I) to the blowing-off position (II).
15. Method according to either of Claims 13 and 14, characterized in that, while the label (6) is being rotated about the axis of rotation (d), at the same time an air flow is directed onto the label (6) in the blowing-off direction (A) in a region around the label adjusting means (20).

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