EP4341162A1

EP4341162A1 - Labelling device for labelling containers

Info

Publication number: EP4341162A1
Application number: EP22722173.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefan Richter; Robert Heindl; Andreas Bergers
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2021-05-18
Filing date: 2022-04-08
Publication date: 2024-03-27
Also published as: DE102021112773A1; CN221438697U; WO2022242961A1

Abstract

A labelling device (1, 11, 21) for labelling containers (34) is described, with a transport mechanism (2) for a label carrier strip (3), and with a deflection region (5) which has a dispensing edge element (4) and serves for detaching labels (3a) from the label carrier strip. Since the dispensing edge element is designed such that it has at least a first and a second dispensing edge region (6, 7) which differ in terms of their effective deflection radii (6a, 7a) during the detachment process and can be brought into use alternately, the first dispensing edge region can be selected for use if the carrier strip material consists mainly of paper, and the second dispensing edge region if the carrier strip material consists mainly of a plastic. The labelling can thus be easily adapted to different carrier strip materials without exchanging the dispensing edge element.

Description

Labeling device for labeling containers

The invention relates to a labeling device for labeling containers according to the preamble of claim 1.

A generic labeling device is known from DE 202015 103482 U1. A label carrier strip with self-adhesive labels attached to it can be unwound from a supply roll using a transport mechanism and conveyed to a dispensing edge, where the labels are detached from the carrier strip as a result of the deflection of the latter and are transferred to containers that run past the dispensing edge at a suitable distance. In other words, the label carrier strip is guided there in a tight loop around a suitable deflection radius, so that the labels, due to their rigidity, cannot follow the deflected label carrier strip but detach from it. For format changes, different dispensing edges can be fastened without tools to a dispensing arm of the labeling device that protrudes into the transport area of the containers.

It is true that such so-called quick-change mechanisms shorten the changeover time. However, it has turned out to be disadvantageous that a large number of conversion parts with different dispensing edges have to be kept and assigned correctly to the respective container format and/or label type.

There is therefore a need for a labeling device that is simplified in comparison.

The task is solved with a labeling device according to claim 1. Accordingly, this is used for labeling containers and comprises a transport mechanism for a label carrier tape and a deflection area having a dispensing edge element for detaching labels from the label carrier tape.

According to the invention, the dispensing edge element is designed in such a way that it has at least a first and a second dispensing edge region, these differing from one another with regard to deflection radii that are effective in the detachment and can be used optionally. For this purpose, the first dispensing edge area is designed in such a way that it can be used when the carrier tape material consists predominantly of paper. In contrast, the second dispensing edge area is designed in such a way that it can be used when the carrier strip material consists predominantly of a plastic and in particular of PET. This means that the deflection radii are designed in such a way that they are suitable for carrier tape materials made primarily of paper in the first dispensing edge area and for carrier tape materials made primarily of plastic in the second dispensing edge area.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the reliability of label detachment depends primarily on the carrier tape material, namely on whether it consists predominantly of paper or plastic.

A material-specific adaptation that is sufficient for a reliable detachment of the labels from the label carrier tape is thus possible in many applications. This does not require an exchange of the dispensing edge element, just its optional positioning, so that either the first or the second dispensing edge area is effective when the label carrier strip is deflected, in order to thereby detach the labels.

The optional positioning of the dispensing edge areas is possible, for example, by turning the dispensing edge element essentially horizontally or vertically, or by mutually displacing the dispensing edge areas with respect to one another.

The labels then preferably consist of the same type of material as the associated carrier tape, that is to say predominantly of paper or plastic.

Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. For example, the second dispensing edge area has a smaller effective deflection radius than the first dispensing edge area, since labels detach from a carrier tape that consists primarily of paper even with larger deflection radii than from a carrier tape that consists primarily of plastic.

For the optional use of the respective dispensing edge area, a tool-free and, in particular, manually operated changeover mechanism is suitable, as disclosed for example in DE 202015 103482 U1. Such an exchange mechanism can have, for example, a latching mechanism and/or a clamping mechanism.

In this way, the dispensing edge element can also be attached to a support structure that is preferably stationary during operation, this being, for example, part of a dispensing arm that is designed to guide the labels into a labeling area for labeling containers. The labeling device described is preferably part of a labeling unit for labeling containers, wherein the transport mechanism for feeding the Etiket tenbands is formed from a supply roll and the dispensing edge element is arranged on a dispensing arm that can be positioned in the region of a transport path for the containers.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the dispensing edge element with an assigned transport mechanism;

FIG. 2 shows the dispensing edge element according to FIG. 1 in an alternative working position; FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the labeling device;

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the labeling device; and FIG. 5 a labeling unit with the labeling device.

As can be seen in a side view in FIG. 1, the labeling device 1 in a preferred first embodiment comprises a transport mechanism 2 (shown schematically and only in sections) for a label carrier strip 3 and a dispensing edge element 4, which is located in a deflection area 5 for detaching labels 3a from the label carrier tape 3 is arranged.

The dispensing edge element 4 comprises a first dispensing edge region 6 and a second dispensing edge region 7, which differ from one another with regard to deflection radii 6a, 7a that are effective when the labels 3a are detached from the label carrier band 3. This is indicated in FIG. 2 for the sake of clarity.

The first dispensing edge area 6 is preferably designed for carrier tape materials consisting primarily of paper and, for this purpose, has a first effective deflection radius 6a that is larger than the second effective deflection radius 7a of the second dispensing edge area 7, which is predominantly used for detaching the labels 3a from Plastic existing carrier tape materials, such as PET, is formed.

The first effective deflection radius 6a is preferably at least 1 mm, in particular 1 to 2 mm. The second effective deflection radius 7a is preferably at most 1 mm and in particular 0.5 to 1 mm. It has been found that with these deflection radii 6a, 7a, selective detachment of the labels 3a from existing carrier strip materials consisting predominantly of paper or plastic is reliably possible and can be specifically optimized. As Figures 1 and 2 show when viewed together, the first and second dispensing edge areas 6, 7 are designed to be movable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis 4a of the dispensing edge element 4, i.e. in/opposite to the feed direction 3b of the equipped label carrier strip 3.

In Figure 1, the second dispensing edge area 7 is arranged in front of the first dispensing edge area 6 in relation to the feed direction 3b of the equipped label carrier strip 3 in such a way that the second deflection radius 7a is effective in the deflection area 5, so that the labels 3a move when the label carrier strip 3 is deflected from replace this at the second deflection radius 7a in a manner known in principle.

In contrast, the second dispensing edge area 7 in Figure 2 is pulled back or the first dispensing edge area 6 is advanced, as seen in the feed direction 3, so that the first deflection radius 6a is effective in the deflection area 5 and the labels 3a detach from the label carrier strip 3 at the first deflection radius 6a.

FIG. 2 also shows, by way of example, that the equipped label carrier strip 3 can run along a guide section 6b of the first dispensing edge region 6 before it reaches its first deflection radius 6a. Also in the position shown in FIG. 1 of the first and second dispensing edge areas 6, 7 relative to one another, the equipped label carrier belt 3 could initially run along such a guide section 6b.

Also indicated schematically in FIG. 1 is a tool-free and, in particular, manually operated changeover mechanism 8, with which the dispensing edge regions 6, 7 can be releasably locked in relation to one another and/or the dispensing edge element 4 with respect to an associated support structure 9.

The changing mechanism 8 can, for example, have a schematically indicated clamping lever 8a for actuating a clamping mechanism, a latching mechanism (not shown) with different latching positions of the dispensing edge regions 6, 7 relative to one another and/or the dispensing edge element 4 in relation to the support structure 9 or similar connecting elements for the selectively detachable change in position of the Dispensing edge areas 6, 7 include.

In the example of FIG. 2, the labels 3a are thus reliably detached from the label carrier strip 3 at the comparatively larger first deflection radius 6a in a front working position 10 with respect to the feed direction 3b. In contrast, the labels 3a in the example in FIG. 1 would not detach from a carrier strip material consisting predominantly of plastic at the first deflection radius 6a, but rather only at the second deflection radius 7a advanced into the front working position 10. 1 also shows that the transport mechanism 2 can comprise transport rollers 2a, 2b, of which at least one can be adjusted essentially synchronously with the dispensing edge regions 6, 7 along the longitudinal axis 4a by a distance 4b in order to Tape tension in the stocked label carrier tape 3 to the steering area 5 in order to set and in particular to keep constant even when changing the effective deflection radii 6a, 7a.

FIG. 3 shows the labeling device 11 according to a second preferred embodiment in plan view. Accordingly, the dispensing edge element 14 then comprises at least one first dispensing edge area 6 with the first (relatively larger) deflection radius 6a and at least one second dispensing edge area 7 with the second (relatively smaller) deflection radius 7a, which can optionally be in a front working position in relation to the feed direction 3b 10 can be releasably locked in the deflection area 5.

As also indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 3, the dispensing edge element 14 could also have at least one additional dispensing edge area 16, 17 with associated deflection wheels 16a, 17a, which can also be optionally arranged at the front working position 10 for detaching the labels 3a in the deflection area 5 could.

Preferably, the dispensing edge areas 6, 7 and/or 16, 17 are arranged in pairs opposite one another on the dispensing edge element 14, so that one of the dispensing edge areas 6, 7, 16, 17 can be rotated about a substantially upright axis 18, i.e. by an im Substantially horizontal turning, at the front working position 10 in order steering area 5 can be arranged.

For the releasable locking of the dispensing edge element 14 on a support structure 9, with one of the dispensing edge regions 6, 7, 16, 17 at the working position 10, there is again a (only schematically indicated) changing mechanism 8 in the sense already described, which is operated manually and without tools can be.

In the figure 4, the labeling device 21 is shown schematically in a side view according to a third preferred embodiment. Accordingly, its dispensing edge element 24 comprises first and second dispensing edge regions 6, 7 arranged one above the other in relation to the feed direction 3b of the label carrier strip 3 with labels, each with deflection radii 6a, 7a formed thereon, which can be rotated vertically, i.e. by rotating about an essentially in/opposite direction Feed direction 3b running and in particular to pa rallel axis 25, the equipped label carrier tape 3 can be positioned either facing or turned abge. In the example shown, the equipped label carrier strip 3 with the labels 3a runs in a known manner on the upper side of the dispensing edge element 24, with the first dispensing edge area 6 with the first (relatively larger) deflection radius 6a at an upper working position 10 in the deflection area 5, i.e. upwards pointing, is arranged. The labels 3a therefore become detached as the label carrier strip 3 runs along the first deflection radius 6a. The second dispensing edge area 7 with the second (relatively smaller) deflection radius 7a is then arranged in the area of the label carrier strip 3 returning unloaded, ie pointing downwards, and is not effective when the labels 3a are detached.

By turning the dispensing edge element 24 vertically, i.e. rotating it about an axis 25 that is aligned flat, the second dispensing edge area 7 and thus the second deflection radius 7a can be brought to the working position 10 in the deflection area 5 and releasably locked there essentially in the manner already described.

For this purpose, there is again a (schematically indicated) changing mechanism 8 in order to fasten the dispensing edge element 24 to an associated support structure 9 in one of the two orientations described above. For this purpose, the fastening mechanisms described above, which can be actuated without tools, are conceivable.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic plan view of a labeling unit 31, which includes the labeling device 1, 11, 21 according to one of the embodiments described above. Accordingly, the transport mechanism 2 runs along a dispensing arm 32, which includes, for example, the support structure 9 for attaching the dispensing edge element 4, 14, 24 and extends into the area of a transport path 33 for containers 34 in order to equip them with the labels 3a in the manner described.

It is also indicated schematically that the transport mechanism 2 is designed in a known manner to unwind the label carrier tape 3 from a supply roll 35 and to transport it into the area of the transport track 33 . Other components of the labeling units 31 of this type that are known in principle are not shown for the sake of simplicity, for example a corresponding roller for receiving the label carrier strip 3 returning unloaded.

The first dispensing edge area 6 is preferably made of stainless steel, particularly in the area of the first deflection radius 6a, which is preferably coated with PTFE or a similarly friction-reducing material. A ceramic material is particularly suitable for producing the second dispensing edge area 7, particularly in the area of the second deflection radius 7a. But it would also be conceivable to reverse the above material selection, the Dispensing edge areas 6, 7 to be made of the same material and / or to coat in the same way.

Claims

Expectations

1. Labeling device (1, 11, 21) for labeling containers (34), with a transport mechanism (2) for a label carrier strip (3) and with a deflection area (5) having a dispensing edge element (4) for detaching labels ( 3a) from the label carrier band, characterized in that the dispensing edge element is formed in such a way that it has at least a first and a second dispensing edge area (6, 7), which differ in terms of the deflection radii (6a, 7a) that are effective when detaching and optionally for Can be used, the first dispensing edge area is designed so that it can be used when the carrier strip material consists mainly of paper, and the second donor edge area rich when the carrier strip material consists mainly of a plastic, especially PET.

2. Labeling device according to claim 1, wherein the second dispensing edge area (7) has a smaller effective deflection radius (7a) than the first dispensing edge area (6).

3. Labeling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the effective deflection radius (7a) in the second dispensing edge area (7) is at most 1 mm and in particular at least 0.5 mm.

4. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first dispensing edge region (6) is made at least in the region of its effective deflection radius (6a) from a special PTFE-coated stainless steel.

5. Labeling device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the second dispensing edge area (7) is made of a ceramic material or stainless steel at least in the area of its effective deflection radius (7a).

6. Labeling device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further having a tool-free, in particular manually operated, changing mechanism (8) for fastening the dispensing edge element (4) to an associated support structure (9) and/or the arrangement for arranging the first or second dispensing edge region (6 , 7) at a working position (10) in the deflection area (5).

7. Labeling device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing edge element (4) for the selective use of the dispensing edge regions (6, 7) is designed in such a way that it can be rotated by rotating it essentially horizontally, in particular about one to the feed direction (3b) of the label carrier strip fitted (3) orthogonal axis (18), or by turning substantially vertically, in particular about a to Axis (25) parallel to the feed direction, placed in a respective working position (10) and releasably locked in this on an associated support structure (9).

8. Labeling device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing edge element (4) is designed in such a way that the dispensing edge regions (6, 7) for their optional use in/against the feed direction (3b) of the label carrier strip (3) fitted with each other in each case a front working position (10) and can be releasably locked in this with respect to an associated support structure (9).

9. Labeling device according to at least one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the support structure (9) is part of a dispensing arm (32) for guiding the label carrier tape (3) in a labeling area for labeling containers (34).

10. labeling unit (31) for labeling containers (34), comprising the labeling device (1, 11, 21) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport mechanism (2) for feeding the equipped label carrier strip (3) from a supply roll (35) is formed and the dispensing edge element (4, 14, 24) is arranged on a dispensing arm (32) that can be positioned for the containers in the region of a transport path (33).