DE202009006465U1 - Splicing device for label strips - Google Patents

Abstract

Splicing device for a label tape roll change, d. H. for connecting a label strip (2) which is provided in the form of a label tape roll (3) to a currently used label strip (2), having at least one holding element (5) for holding the label strip (2) ready for the label strip roll change, characterized in that the at least one Holding element (5) for holding the label strip (2) equipped with at least one surface or having at least one surface having by an incomplete crosslinking of the starting materials, free functional groups, for example, free hydroxyl groups, nitrogen groups or nitrogen-hydrogen groups, which for the Adhesive properties or forces are responsible.

Description

The The invention relates to a splicing device according to the preamble of claim 1

At the Labeling of containers or bottles with labels, in the relevant labeling by separating one label tape withdrawn from a supply or from a label tape roll are generated, so-called splicing devices used to change the label tape rolls (label tape roll change), d. H. a connection of a waiting label tape to a currently used, but used or nearly used label tape is possible, for example when the labeling machine is stationary, but preferably with the labeling machine running. The respective label tape It usually consists of a single or multi-layer weldable Material in which at least one layer is a plastic film.

It Splicing devices are also known, in particular this splicing or label tape roll change is performed by machine. These then have additional to a welding and separating device with which the actual Splicing process, namely the connection of the available label tape to the currently used label tape and the separation of the label strips no longer needed or label tape lengths, at least one each Holding device with at least one holding element, on which the ready label tape or the front end of this label tape held in a ready position, for example by Vacuum, or by adhesive tape.

Around to achieve the highest possible system performance, In practice, it is usually undesirable to change a label roll to be carried out with the labeling machine stationary. Much more is generally desired, the label tape roll change while running Labeling machine, where it is generally desired is, the label tape roll change as fast as possible Labeling machine to perform the plant performance to make full use of it.

Becomes but now the label tape roll change while the labeling machine is running carried out, so it is necessary, the ready label tape and also the, the label tape holding ready holding device to accelerate to the speed before splicing, with the currently used label tape from its label tape roll is deducted. Especially when splicing in done at high speed running labeling should occur, thereby very large accelerations and also Acceleration forces, which on the one hand to a tearing of the label tape and on the other hand too large mechanical May cause stress on the splicer.

This Problem occurs in almost all known splicing or holding devices on, so z. B. also in the known, for a linear Forming movement holding devices.

task the invention is to show a splicing device, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages and in particular also allows, with ease of handling the label tape roll change or splicing operation at high speed running Labeling machine easily and safely perform. To solve this problem is a splicing device formed according to the patent claim 1 or 3.

at a preferred embodiment of the invention is the Splicing device designed such that the at least a holding element or a holding element forming this pad for Holding the label tape is designed so that it the necessary Acceleration as little as possible.

Further developments, Advantages and applications of the invention result also from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All are described and / or illustrated illustrated features alone or in any combination in principle subject of the invention, independent from their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims becomes an integral part the description made.

The Invention will be described below with reference to the figure, which is in schematic Representation of a so-called "splicing device" according to the invention shows, explained in more detail.

The in the figure generally with 1 For example, the designated splicing device is part of a supply unit for labeling machines for labeling bottles or similar containers with labels which are separated from an endless label tape in the manner known to those skilled in the art and then applied to the respective container.

The label tape 2 is used during labeling of a supply in the form of a label tape roll 3 withdrawn, namely in the representation chosen for the figure of the label tape roll shown on the right there 3 in the direction of arrow A corresponding to one of the performance of the labeling machine Label tape speed. The splicer 1 serves just before the complete consumption of the label tape 2 the currently used label tape roll 3 the label tape 2 the waiting or waiting tape roll label 3 ie, in the illustration chosen for the figure, left label tape roll 3 to the currently used label tape 2 connect and the previously used in the figure right label tape roll 3 or the remaining label tape 2 separate, so that then the further labeling with the left of the label tape roll 3 withdrawn label tape 2a will continue. The used label tape roll 3 is then replaced by a new label tape roll 3 replaced and the beginning of the label tape 2 This new label tape roll is positioned in a re-splicing ready position.

For automatic or mechanical splicing, the splicer is pointing 1 including two holders 4 on, each one of a label tape roll 3 is assigned and serve, inter alia, the front end of the label tape 2 the label roll in the waiting state 3 that is to say, in the illustration chosen for the figure, holding the front end of the left label tape in a ready position and the label tape standing by 2 to accelerate to the label tape speed before the splicing operation with a label tape roll change carried out while the labeling machine is running, and then to join them together.

The holders 4 are in the illustrated embodiment drum according to the invention with a circular cylindrical drum segment surface 4.1 trained and about axes parallel to the plane and perpendicular to the direction of the respective label strip 2 pivotable, as indicated in the figure with the arrows B and C. This design makes it possible to dispense with complex and expensive linear guides and corresponding motion transmissions and drives.

It is particularly advantageous if the drum-segment-like holder 4 are formed so that they have the lowest possible moment of inertia, with sufficient strength and mechanical strength. For this it is of particular advantage, the mass of the holder 4 to reduce as much as possible and also to adapt the mass distribution to the tasks

As in the illustrated embodiment, the waiting label tape 2 at least in the area of the associated holder 4 parallel to the currently used label tape 2 is arranged, are the rotational or pivot axes of the holder 4 parallel to each other. For the splicing process, the two holders 4 according to the double arrows D and E also be radially movable towards each other or away from each other.

Every holder 4 is at its drum segment surface 4.1 each with a holding pad 5 for holding the front end of the ready, current unused label tape 2 Mistake.

Holding or adhesive pads or carrier elements which have self-adhesive surfaces and are often detachable are known in principle. The adhesion takes place glue- or glue-free, requires no vacuum or fasteners and is easily detachable again. Sticking is also possible on smooth or slightly soiled mating surfaces. The DE 103 17 791 A1 discloses such a pressure-sensitive adhesive based on a polyurethane, the DE 32 20 865 C2 discloses a pressure-sensitive adhesive based on hydroxyl-containing polymer blends. Also to be mentioned are the DE 10 317 791 A1 . DE 10 2006 020 482 A1 and DE 10 2006 033 796 A1 , which also call a pressure-sensitive adhesive based on a polyurethane. Without being limited to the following chemical-physical explanation, such surfaces have, by incomplete crosslinking of the starting materials, free functional groups, for example free hydroxyl groups, nitrogen groups or nitrogen-hydrogen groups, which are responsible for the adhesive properties or forces.

following becomes a surface or an element or body with the aforesaid or substantially comparable property "holding pad" or "adhesive body" called. Ideally, the holding pad or the adhesive body from a silicone, polyurethane, polyalcohol or polyolefin and in particular from a polyurethane gel.

As already mentioned above, they must be made in this way have been that an appropriate concentration of free, non-crosslinked functional groups remains from whose presence the corresponding adhesive force follows. The thickness of protective covers, in one piece, so do not consist of several layers is ideally 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

The retaining pads 5 which, as shown in the figure, each extend over a limited angular range of the drum segment surface are formed in the illustrated embodiment, that they the front end of the ready label tape 2 with the help of the adhesive effect described above, ie with the help of the free functional groups. For this purpose, the retaining pads 5 at her with the respective label tape 2 cooperating outer side or the entire holding pad designed accordingly. As in the figure The holding pads each extend over a limited angular range

For splicing, the splicer is pointing 1 furthermore a welding and separating device 6 on, with the subsequent one of the ready label tape 2 to the currently used label tape 2 a connection of these label strips and at the same time also a separation of the label strip used before the splicing process 2 as well as between the holder 4 and the welding and separating device 6 extending length of the connected or new label tape 2 respectively. In the example shown, the knife moves 7 in the direction of the arrow on the counter knife 8th to and cuts the respective expiring label tape 2 ,

The use of the retaining pads 5 has the advantage that for holding the respective label tape 2 in the ready position no expensive means, especially no vacuum holder or vacuum pad with a vacuum supply are required. Furthermore, there is the use of the retaining pads 5 on the swiveling holders 4 also the possibility of the respective label tape remainder after the splicing process by pivoting the respective holder 4 by, for example, pulling on the label tape rest by peeling off the holding pad 5 to solve.

The splicing process takes place in the simplest case when the labeling machine is stationary. However, the splicing process preferably takes place while the labeling machine is running. For this purpose, each ready, to be connected label tape 2 accelerated by a corresponding drive of the associated holder in a short time to the label tape speed, namely z. B. by a rotary or pivoting movement of this holder 4 around its pivot axis. The movement and acceleration of the holder 4 can be controlled so that the on the label tape 2 acting loads are minimized.

The acceleration of the label tape can also be done by the two holders 4 against each other, so that the necessary accelerations and movements through, between the holders 4 and the frictional forces occurring in the engaged label tape are effected, allowing further simplification of the splicing device. The adherence of the label strips 2 is solved by that on the to the holding pad 5 side facing away from a non-illustrated double-sided adhesive tape or a pressure-sensitive adhesive is arranged, when inserting the new label tape 2 manually applied or applied. In this case, no welding device is required.

Further advantages of using the retaining pads 5 at the holders 4 are thus in particular a reduced effort in terms of design and equipment, in particular by avoiding a vacuum to hold the waiting label tape 2 , a secure hold of the available label tape 2 by the free function groups over a long period of time, easy handling by the respective operator, in particular also with regard to the release of label tape residues from the respective holder as well as great security against unintentional slippage of the waiting label tape 2 on the holder concerned 4 ,

One particular advantage continues is that the retaining pads at normal contamination with water and / or commercial aqueous, surfactant-containing cleaning agents can be cleaned.

The The invention has been described in an embodiment described. It is understood that many changes As well as modifications are possible, without thereby The invention bearing the idea is abandoned.

1

splicer

2

label tape

3

Label tape roll

4

holder

4.1

Drum segment surface

5

support pad

6

welding and separator

7

knife

8th

against knife

A

Running or conveying direction of the currently used label tape 2

B, C

Pivoting movement of the holder 4

D e

Delivery movement of the holder 4

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10317791 A1 [0018, 0018]
• - DE 3220865 C2 [0018]
• - DE 102006020482 A1 [0018]
• - DE 102006033796 A1 [0018]

Claims (4)

Splicing device for a label tape roll change, ie for connecting one in the form of a label tape roll ( 3 ) ready label tape ( 2 ) to a currently used label tape ( 2 ), with at least one retaining element ( 5 ) for holding the label tape roll ready for the label tape roll change ( 2 ), characterized in that the at least one retaining element ( 5 ) for holding the label tape ( 2 ) has at least one surface or at least one surface which, due to incomplete crosslinking of the starting materials, has free functional groups, for example free hydroxyl groups, nitrogen groups or nitrogen-hydrogen groups, which are responsible for the adhesive properties or forces. Splicing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesive element ( 5 ) is formed from a silicone, polyurethane, polyalcohol or polyolefin and in particular from a polyurethane gel. Splicing device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one retaining element ( 5 ) and / or a holding element ( 5 ) holder ( 4 ) is pivotally or rotatably provided. Splicing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder ( 4 ) is formed like a drum or drum segment.