EP3527519B1 - Label applicator and method for applying a label - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a label applicator for attaching a label to an identity, valuable or security document. In addition, the invention relates to a method for attaching a label to an identification, valuable or security document.

On the one hand, identification, valuable or security documents must be personalized and thus individually produced, on the other hand, the individual production steps should be part of an automated production process. It is disadvantageous that the identification, valuable or security documents have no identification feature with which the identification, valuable or security document can be recognized and individually processed.

The pamphlet U.S. 5,376,217 , describes a device for labeling folders. An upper and a lower block are separated from each other by a receiving gap and serve as a receiving unit. Suction openings are attached to the front, which serve as a holding unit for an adhesive strip. The folder is pushed into the receiving gap such that the label partially develops around the folder. The pamphlet U.S. 5,279,698 discloses a label applicator and a method of applying labels according to the preambles of claims 1 and 9 with passively rotating rollers.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a label applicator and a corresponding method for attaching a label to an ID card, valuables, or to develop security documents leading to a compact labeling system.

The object relating to the label applicator is solved by the features of claim 1, ie by a label applicator for attaching a label to an identity, valuable or security document, which includes a receiving unit that extends in a receiving direction has a receiving gap for receiving the ID, valuable or security document, and which comprises a holding unit formed next to the receiving gap, which is designed to hold the label and make it available in such a way that when the ID, valuable or security document is pushed in or pulled into the receiving gap is applied to this or at least partially wrapped around this. The label can preferably have a barcode and/or a number and/or character string. This makes it possible to identify the ID, value or security document, which can then be individually processed and personalized.

In order to print the label onto the ID, value or security document, it is provided in particular that the receiving unit has a pair of rollers with two counter-rotating and/or at least partially drivable rollers, and that the rollers are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another with respect to one lying in the receiving gap mirror plane. In the case of a counter-rotating pair of rollers, the identification, valuable or security document is picked up by pushing it into the pick-up gap. In an alternative embodiment, in which the pair of rollers can be driven in opposite directions by a motor, the ID, valuable or security document can be actively drawn into the receiving gap. Alternatively, it is possible for the receiving unit to have only one rotatable or drivable roller or a rotatable or drivable conveyor belt. In a further alternative embodiment, the receiving unit has two conveyor belts that can be rotated or driven in opposite directions, the conveyor belts being arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another with respect to a mirror plane lying in the receiving gap. The holding unit is preferably arranged on the face side next to the receiving gap of the receiving unit.

In order to be able to apply the label to a predetermined or predeterminable place on the ID, valuable or security document, a translation means is provided with which the receiving unit can be displaced in or against the receiving direction. The receiving unit can be adjusted by means of the translation means in the direction of a carrier providing the identification, valuable or security document. In addition, the identification, valuable or security document is preferred by the translational movement in the Pickup gap pressed or pushed in. It is advantageous if the translation means is formed as a rail on which the receiving unit or a transport unit connected at least indirectly to the receiving unit can be displaced. In addition, the translation means is preferably connected to a spindle drive and can be driven hydraulically or pneumatically by it. In an alternative embodiment, the translation means can also be displaceable by means of a motor, in particular an electric motor.

As an alternative or in addition, the receiving unit is mounted such that it can pivot about a pivot axis that is arranged perpendicularly to the receiving direction—in particular, that it is essentially vertical. The receiving unit can preferably be pivoted by at least 90 degrees. Due to the pivotable mounting of the receiving unit, the freedom of movement and thus the possible application and use of the label applicator is increased. For this purpose, the label applicator preferably has a pivoting unit by means of which the receiving unit can be pivoted and which can be driven pneumatically or hydraulically. In order to be able to provide a particularly compact label attachment system, the label magazine providing the labels is arranged to the side next to the label applicator. In other words--preferably to save space--the label is provided at an angle with respect to the receiving direction at a magazine opening of the label magazine. There it can be picked up and held by the holding unit after the pick-up unit has been pivoted. The receiving unit and the holding unit holding the label are then swiveled back until they are arranged opposite the ID card, value or security document to be labeled, so that this can enter the receiving gap when the holding unit is linearly adjusted.

In order to enable rapid further processing, the identification, valuable or security document can preferably be removed from the receiving gap in the opposite direction to the receiving direction. For this purpose, a resilient restoring element that can be adjusted along the receiving direction is preferably provided for exerting a restoring force acting counter to the receiving direction. The ID, value or security document can be pushed out of the receiving gap by the restoring force of the restoring element. That Returning element preferably comprises two springs and a pressure piece, the springs exerting their spring force on the pressure piece when they are compressed. The pressure piece forms the contact surface for the ID, value or security document to be inserted into the receiving gap. The pressure piece is therefore designed to apply the restoring force to the ID, valuable or security document. The restoring element is preferably arranged laterally next to the receiving unit.

In an alternative embodiment, the pair of rollers can be driven in a first direction about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the pick-up direction to draw in the ID, valuable or security document in the pick-up direction and can be driven in the opposite direction to the first direction about the rotary axis to release the ID, valuable or security document security document against the recording direction.

The invention provides that the holding unit comprises at least one (suction) bore or a suction opening and a connection for a vacuum generator that is flow-connected to this, in order to suck the label at the bore or at the suction opening. This allows the holding unit to hold the label perpendicularly or else vertically with respect to the pick-up direction. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided in particular that the holding unit comprises a plurality of intake openings or bores which are flow-connected to the connection. The at least one suction opening is preferably arranged on the front side next to the receiving gap of the receiving unit.

1. A) Empfang des Etiketts aus einem Etikettenmagazin und Halten des Etiketts mittels der Halteeinheit ,
2. B) Bereitstellen eines Ausweis-, Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokuments und
3. C) Aufnahme des Ausweis-, Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokuments in einen sich in einer Aufnahmerichtung erstreckenden Aufnahmespalt der Aufnahmeeinheit und dabei Aufbringen des Etiketts auf das Ausweis-, Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokument oder zumindest teilweise Umwickeln des Etiketts um das Ausweis-, Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokument.

The object relating to the method is achieved by the features of claim 9, i.e. by a method for attaching a label to an identity, valuable or security document using a label applicator with a receiving unit and a holding unit, comprising the following steps:

1. A) receiving the label from a label magazine and holding the label by means of the holding unit,
2. B) providing an identity, valuable or security document and
3. C) receiving the identification, valuable or security document in a receiving gap of the receiving unit extending in a receiving direction and thereby applying the label to the identity, valuable or security document or at least partially wrapping the label around the identity, valuable or security document .

This makes it possible to mark each ID, valuable or security document with an identification feature in order to be able to personalize it and process it individually.

It is preferred here that the identification, valuable or security document is provided with a top cut, bottom cut or front cut pointing in the direction of the receiving gap. As a result, the identification, value or security document is at least partially wrapped around by the label at the upper section, at the lower section or at the front section and is thereby compressed. This also prevents the pages within the identity, valuable or security document from being damaged during further processing and keeps the identity, valuable or security document closed so that it is prevented from opening.

• Einschieben des durch oder an einem Träger bereitgestellten Ausweis-, Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokuments in den Aufnahmespalt des Etikettenapplikators oder
• Einziehen des Ausweis-, Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokuments vom Träger in den Aufnahmespalt mittels eines antreibbaren Rollenpaars der Aufnahmeeinheit.

In order to improve the recording of the identity, valuable or security document, the method includes the following steps in particular:

• Insertion of the identification, value or security document provided by or on a carrier into the receiving gap of the label applicator or
• Pulling the identification, valuable or security document from the carrier into the receiving gap by means of a drivable pair of rollers of the receiving unit.

The identification, valuable or security document can therefore be recorded either actively or passively. In this case, the identification, valuable or security document can preferably be pushed in by a translational movement of the carrier or alternatively by a translational movement of the label applicator.

• Verschwenken der Aufnahmeeinheit um eine senkrecht zur Aufnahmerichtung angeordnetenSchwenkachse und
• Bewegen des Etikettenapplikators zu dem das Ausweis-, Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokument bereitstellenden Träger durch Verschieben der Aufnahmeeinheit relativ zur Aufnahmerichtung und dadurch Einschieben des Ausweis-, Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokuments in den Aufnahmespalt der Aufnahmeeinheit.

In particular, the following at least step A) the following steps are provided:

• Pivoting the recording unit about a pivot axis arranged perpendicularly to the recording direction and
• Moving the label applicator to the carrier providing the ID, valuable or security document by displacing the receiving unit relative to the receiving direction and thereby pushing the ID, valuable or security document into the receiving gap of the receiving unit.

This increases the possible uses of the label applicator and the flexibility as to how or where the label applicator can be arranged in relation to the carrier providing the ID, valuable or security document. At the same time, this enables the label to be placed more precisely at a designated location on the ID, value or security document. In this context, it is provided in particular that the receiving unit is pivoted by approximately 90 degrees and then the receiving unit is displaced by means of the translation means to the carrier providing the identification, valuable or security document.

• Herausgabe des Ausweis-, Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokuments mit dem Etikett aus dem Aufnahmespalt entgegen der Aufnahmerichtung.

In order to enable rapid further processing of the identification, value or security document, it is advantageous if the method includes step C) the following step:

• Release of the ID, value or security document with the label from the receiving gap in the opposite direction to the receiving direction.

• Verstellen eines Rückstellelements entlang der Aufnahmerichtung entgegen einer Rückstellkraft bei Aufnahme des Ausweis-, Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokuments in den Aufnahmespalt und
• Verstellen des Rückstellelements entgegen der Aufnahmerichtung durch Ausüben der Rückstellkraft und dadurch Herausgabe des Ausweis-, Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokuments aus dem Aufnahmespalt.

In this context, it is envisaged in particular that the method comprises the following steps:

• Adjusting a restoring element along the receiving direction against a restoring force when receiving the ID, valuable or security document in the receiving gap and
• Adjusting the restoring element against the receiving direction by exerting the restoring force and thereby releasing the ID, valuable or security document from the receiving gap.

This enables the use of a pair of rollers that cannot be driven, i.e. do not have to be motorized, and thus represents an easy-to-manufacture, cost-effective embodiment.

The restoring element is preferably arranged laterally next to the receiving unit, with the restoring force being exerted on the identity card, valuable or security document laterally offset with respect to the receiving gap.

In addition, the label is preferably sucked in when it is received from the label magazine by means of a suction opening of the holding unit arranged on the face side next to the receiving gap.

In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to remove the identification, valuable or security document from an arm of the receiving unit that is downstream of the rollers in the receiving direction.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Etikettenapplikators und

Fig. 2

eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Etikettenapplikators.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawing; show it:

1

a perspective view of the label applicator according to the invention and

2

another perspective view of the label applicator according to the invention.

figure 1 shows a perspective view of the label applicator 1 for attaching a label, not shown, to an identity card, value, or security document, not shown. This comprises a receiving unit 2, which has a receiving gap 4 extending in a receiving direction 3 for receiving the ID card, value or security document. In addition, the label applicator 1 comprises a holding unit 5 arranged adjacent to the receiving gap 4, which is designed to hold the label and make it available in such a way that it is pushed onto the label when it is pushed into or pulled into the receiving gap 4 Identification, value or security document is applied or at least partially wrapped around it. In addition, a pair of rollers 6 with two counter-rotating rollers is arranged in the receiving unit 2 . The rollers are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another with respect to a mirror plane lying in the receiving gap 4 .

The holding unit 5 is arranged in such a way that it at least partially surrounds the pair of rollers 6 on the outer circumference. In addition, it is formed in two parts by a holding unit upper part 7 and a holding unit lower part 8 arranged at a distance therefrom. The upper part 7 of the holding unit and the lower part 8 of the holding unit are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the mirror plane lying in the receiving gap 4 . The holding unit 5 comprises a plurality of suction openings 9 formed on the end face of the holding unit 5 and which are flow-connected to a connection 10 for a vacuum generator (not shown) in order to suck the label at the suction openings 9 . This allows the label to be held perpendicularly with respect to the pick-up direction 3.

In order to displace the receiving unit 2 relative to the receiving direction 3 , the label applicator 1 has a translation means 12 . This is formed as a rail 11 on which a transport unit 13 can be displaced. The transport unit 13 is connected indirectly to the receiving unit 2 so that it can be displaced on the rail 11 . The transport means 12 is connected to a spindle drive 14 . The spindle drive 14 has drive connections 15 for the pneumatic or hydraulic actuation of the spindle drive 14.

figure 2 shows that the label applicator 1 additionally has a pivoting unit 16, so that the receiving unit 2 is mounted pivotably about a pivoting axis arranged perpendicularly to the receiving direction 3. The pivoting unit 16 comprises a pivoting block 24 and an angle plate 17 pivotably mounted on the pivoting block 24. The pivoting block 24 is connected to the transport unit 13 of the translation means 12 and has pivoting connections 25 for the pneumatic or hydraulic actuation of the pivoting unit 16. The angle plate 17 comprises a the pivot block 24 pivotally connected first plate 18 and pivoted to an arm 20 of the receiving unit 2 or firmly connected second plate 19. The first plate 18 and the second plate 19 are arranged perpendicular to each other.

A restoring element 21 , which can be adjusted along the receiving direction 3 and comprises two springs 22 and a pressure piece 23 , is arranged on the pivoting unit 16 . The restoring element 21 is arranged parallel to the arm 20 of the receiving unit 2 .

The method for attaching a label to an identity, valuable or security document using the label applicator 1 described above is as follows:
The label is received from a label magazine (not shown) arranged laterally next to the label applicator 1 and is held on the holding unit 5 by suction through the suction openings 9 . The receiving unit 2 is then preferably pivoted through 90 degrees by means of the pivoting unit 16 . As a result, the label applicator 1 is pivoted in the direction of the carrier (not shown) providing the identification, valuable or security document. By displacing the receiving unit 2 relative to the receiving direction 3 by means of the translation means 12 , the identification, valuable or security document (not shown) is pushed into the receiving gap 4 of the receiving unit 2 . The identification, value or security document is preferably arranged on the carrier with its front section pointing in the receiving direction 3 . It is thus received in the receiving gap 4 with the front cut first.

In an alternative embodiment that is not shown, in which the pair of rollers 6 can be driven, the identification, valuable or security document can be actively drawn into the receiving gap by the carrier.

When the ID, valuable or security document is pushed or pulled into the receiving gap 4, the label at least partially wraps it around or the label is placed on the ID, valuable or security document upset. When it is received in the receiving gap 4, the ID, valuable or security document rests at least partially against the pressure piece 23 of the restoring element 21 and displaces it in the receiving direction 3 against the restoring force of the springs 22.

If the label applicator 1 is pushed into the receiving gap 4 by the carrier by moving the translation means 12, the restoring force of the restoring element 21 causes the ID, valuable or security document to be released from the receiving gap 4 when the label applicator 1 is moved away from the carrier . The label applicator is pivoted and adjusted back into the starting position. He is now ready to attach another label to another ID, value or security document.

Reference List

1

label applicator

2

recording unit

3

recording direction

4

pickup gap

5

holding unit

6

pair of rollers

7

holding top

8th

holding base

9

intake port

10

connection

11

rail

12

means of translation

13

transport unit

14

spindle drive

15

drive connection

16

swivel unit

17

angle plate

18

First plate

19

second plate

20

poor

21

return element

22

Feather

23

Pressure piece

24

swivel block

25

swivel connection

Claims (14)

1. Label applicator (1) for attaching a label to an identification-, value- or security document, which comprises a feeding unit (2) which has a feeding gap (4) extending in a feeding direction (3) for receiving the identification-, value- or security document, and which comprises a holding unit (5) arranged next to the feeding gap (4), which is designed to hold and provide the label in such a way that when the identification-, value- or security document is inserted or drawn into the feeding gap (4) it is applied on or at least partially wrapped around it, characterized in that the feeding unit (2) is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis arranged perpendicularly to the feeding direction (3).
2. Label applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the feeding unit (2) has a pair of rollers (6) with two counter-rotating and/or at least partially drivable rollers, and in that the rollers are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another with respect to a position in the feeding gap (4) lying mirror plane.
3. Label applicator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a translation means (12) is provided, with which the feeding unit (2) is displaceable in or against the feeding direction (3).
4. Label applicator (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a restoring element (21) adjustable along the feeding direction (3) is provided for exerting a restoring force acting against the feeding direction (3).
5. Label applicator (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the restoring element (21) comprises two springs (22) and a pressure piece (23) which acts on the identification-, value- or security document.
6. Label applicator (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the restoring element (21) is arranged laterally next to the feeding unit (2).
7. Label applicator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the holding unit (5) comprises at least one suction opening (9) and a connection (10) for a vacuum generator flow-connected to the suction opening in order to suck the label to the suction opening (9).
8. Label applicator (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one suction opening (9) of the holding unit (5) is arranged on the front side next to the feeding gap (4) of the feeding unit (2).
9. A method for attaching a label to an identification-, value- or security document by means of a label applicator (1) with a feeding unit (2) and a holding unit (5), comprising the following steps:

   A) Receiving the label from a label magazine and holding the label by means of the holding unit (5),

   B) Providing an identification-, value- or security document and

   C) Feeding the identification-, value- or security document in a feeding gap (4) of the feeding unit (2) extending in a feeding direction (3) and thereby applying the label to the identification-, value- or security document or at least partially wrapping the label around the identification-, value- or security document, characterized in that the identification-, value- or security document is drawn from a carrier into the feeding gap (4) by means of a drivable pair of rollers (6) of the driving unit (2).
10. The method according to claim 9, characterized by the at least step A) following step:

    - pivoting the feeding unit (2) about a pivot axis arranged perpendicular to the feeding direction (3) and

    - Moving the label applicator to the carrier providing the identification-, value- or security document by moving the feeding unit (2) relative to the feeding direction (3).
11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the step C) following step:

    - Returning the identification-, value- or security document with the label from the feeding gap (4) against the feeding direction (3).
12. The method according to claim 11, characterized by the following steps:

    - Adjusting a restoring element (21) along the feeding direction (3) against a restoring force when receiving the identification-, value- or security document in the feeding gap (4) and

    - Adjusting the restoring element (21) against the feeding direction (3) by exerting the restoring force and thereby returning the identification-, value- or security document from the feeding gap (4).
13. Method according to 12, characterized in that the restoring element (21) is arranged laterally next to the feeding unit (2) and that the restoring force is exerted laterally offset on the identification-, value- or security document with respect to the feeding gap (4).
14. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the label is sucked in when being received from the label magazine by means of a suction opening (9) of the holding unit (5) arranged on the face side next to the feeding gap (4).

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