Labelling machine with winding device for a carrier film

ES 2 551 600 T3

DESCRIPTION

Labeling machine with winding unit for carrier band

The present invention relates to a labeling machine with a labeling device having a supply unit for the supply of a carrier strip, which is provided with peelable labels, and a transfer unit for the transfer of the labels from the strip. carrier to an object to be tagged. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for labeling objects such as articles or packages, in which at least one object to be labeled is provided, a carrier strip, which is provided with peelable labels, is supplied to a transfer unit in a transport direction and on which peeled labels are transferred to at least one object to be labeled in the transfer direction of the carrier strip, whereby a section of carrier strip free (completely or partially free) of labels is obtained.

Such a labeling machine and a corresponding method of the type mentioned at the beginning is known from DE 10 2007 034 698 A1. Such a device has one or more transport sections for transporting the objects to be labeled, for example merchandise or packages. Furthermore, a transfer unit is provided in which individual labels are glued on the object to be labeled. The labels can thereby, according to a device configuration, be supplied to a carrier strip, also called carrier paper, from which they are peeled off in the transfer unit. According to a described alternative, labels free of carrier paper can be applied to the mentioned device.

Problematic in a labeling machine of the type mentioned at the beginning, in which labels are supplied through a carrier strip, is the collection of the label-free carrier strip section, that is, of the part of the carrier strip that afterwards of the labeling process is transported out of the transfer unit and the separation of the whole material. This section of carrier strip should be retained in containers and the containers should be emptied or replaced regularly when full. A labeling machine according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in WO 2012/097906.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to improve a labeling machine and a corresponding method for labeling objects of the type mentioned at the beginning in such a way that with comparatively little technical effort and with the highest ease of operation, a separation of the label-free carrier strip section. This objective is solved according to the invention through a labeling machine according to claim 1, which furthermore has a winding device for winding up a section of the carrier strip free of labels (that is to say, completely or partially free), containing at least one guide unit with a guide element, in which the carrier strip section can be guided along in a conveying direction, and a winding unit that is positioned downstream of at least one guide element and having fastening elements to which a loose end section of the carrier strip section can be fastened, the fastening means being arranged on a core coil that can rotate around an axis of rotation and following a rotational movement of the coil core.

As a winding device is provided, the aforementioned free (fully or partially) label carrier strip section can first be retained by simple means. Preferably this can even take place in an automated way. By means of a rotatable coil core of the winding unit, the carrier strip section is wound into a roll, which will be referred to in the following as carrier strip roll, which constitutes a particularly space-saving possibility of receiving material. carrier strips, since unused gaps between individual sections of the entire carrier strip material can be avoided through winding and correspondingly high packing density can be achieved. The reception of the carrier strip section after labeling by means of a winding unit or by means of a spool core that can rotate, furthermore represents a particularly simple method of collecting strip-shaped material and especially of packing it as densely as possible. A still further advantage is that in or on the rotatable coil core, bolts are arranged as a fixing means, as will be described in further detail hereinafter, whereby a loose end section of the carrier strip section label-free (meaning the leading end in the transport direction of the carrier strip or carrier strip section) can be attached at the beginning of the winding process to the coil core, which in turn makes the start of the winding process particularly easy.

By the loose end section is meant, as mentioned, the part, respectively, the end of the carrier strip section, which, or which, moves away in the direction of transport from the transfer unit or approaches the winding unit. The loose end section is either the front or outer part, conditioned by the manufacture of a carrier strip provided with labels, after the labels have been peeled off, or an end section, which is formed through the separation or cut of the carrier strip section, for example after the roll of carrier strip in the winding device has acquired by winding a certain diameter or a certain weight, which makes it necessary to remove the roll from the winding device.

In the case of the aforementioned guide element, in which the carrier strip section is driven along the

ES 2 551 600 T3 along its length, before it is captured by the winding unit, it is, for example, a deflection element, such as a reversing pulley, sharp edge or similar, in the simplest case only from the end of a support surface or rail or similar. In other words, the surface of the guide element forms, where appropriate, a rounded edge leading away from the transfer unit, in which the carrier strip section can be driven along, where appropriate, deflected. However, depending on the arrangement of the coil core relative to the guide element, a deflection of the carrier strip section is not always necessary; It is even more possible to think that the strip section carrying the guide element continues in a straight direction, that is to say in a particularly horizontal direction to the rotary coil core, which in this case is at the same height as the guide element . For technical reasons and / or reasons of space it may, however, be desirable that the coil core or the axis of rotation of the coil core lies vertically in a horizontal plane below the guide element, the guide element then having a diversion function. The concepts vertical and horizontal refer to the direction of the force of gravity, that is, vertically means in the direction of the force of gravity, horizontal means perpendicular to it.

When speaking of a unit being positioned posterior to another unit, this always refers to the direction of transport of the carrier strip section. In other words, when it is said that the winding unit is positioned posterior to the guide element, this means that the carrier strip section, when it is moved in accordance with the arrangement in the transport direction, initially reaches the guide element. guide and then the take-up unit.

According to a configuration of the labeling machine according to the invention, the winding device also has a blowing unit with at least one air outlet opening, that is to say an opening that is suitable for allowing air to be expelled. The latter can be designed in particular as a nozzle, which has the advantage that the outgoing jet or air stream is concentrated and has a correspondingly higher pressure. The air outlet opening is specially oriented in such a way that an air stream exiting it deflects the carrier strip section, after it has passed the guide element, in the direction of the coil core. The air outlet opening is therefore specially arranged in such a way that the part of the carrier strip section, which has already passed the guide element, can be compressed by the air stream in the direction of the coil core. In other words, the air outlet opening is directed to an area of ​​the space that the carrier strip section necessarily passes through, conditioned by the force of gravity, after the guide element has passed. In particular, the air outlet opening is oriented in the direction of an imaginary straight line, which runs through the axis of rotation of the coil core and which lies tangentially on the surface of the guide element. By said surface is meant the position of the guide element in which the carrier strip section touches the guide element during the winding process.

Such a blowing unit has the advantage that the loose end section of the carrier strip section can be moved by the air stream prior to the winding process in the action zone or zone of rotation of the fixing means, whereby it becomes possible for the end section to be captured and automatically locked by the fixing means. By the aforementioned zone of action or zone of rotation of the fixing means is meant the zone that with a rotation of the coil core is surrounded by the external side of the fixing means.

According to a further configuration of the labeling machine according to the invention, the winding device also has a separating unit with a separating element, in particular with one or more knives or blades, with one or more sheets of saw, with one or more needles (means with pointed pins), with a laser cutting head or with one or more separating plates that can rotate, the separating element being movable in a position where a separation of the carrier strip section can take place. Such a gap is then necessary when the roll of carrier strip has reached a certain diameter or a certain weight, which / which makes it necessary to remove the roll from the coil core. A new winding process can then be started. The separating element can therefore be brought into a position that traverses the carrier strip section either in the form of the outer layer of the carrier strip roll or in the form of a partial section not yet rolled up on the carrier strip roll. The separating element therefore separates the carrier strip section, whereby the roll of carrier strip is separated from the remaining carrier strip section and can be removed from the coil core.

Basically there are different possibilities, of forming the separation unit and the separation element. As mentioned, the separating element may be a single separating element (for example a single blade, saw blade, a single needle etc.) or a separating element divided into two parts (for example in the form of a various blades, saw blades, needles, etc.). Especially when the separating element has to pass through the outer layer of the roll of carrier strip, the separating element, for example a saw blade, can be elastically mounted. This has the advantage that during the separation a bearing force of the separating element on the surface to be traversed is not exceeded, whereby it is ensured that only the upper layer of the roll of carrier strip and the layers that lie along it are separated. underneath, at least in large part, they remain undamaged. In this way the roll of carrier strip can be easily disposed of as a compact whole after separation. Separation doesn't have to take place

ES 2 551 600 T3 necessarily on the surface of the roll, but can also take place in the area between the roll and the labeling device, and especially in the area between the roll and the guide unit, preferably between the roll and the guide element. In this area, the section of carrier strip to be separated is in tension due to the traction force generated by the driven coil core, which makes separation particularly easy; in particular the carrier strip section only has to be partially cut or torn by the separating element, and then tear itself. A perforation by the described needles or the various described needles as a separating element is also sufficient to effect a tear of the carrier strip section in the desired area. As mentioned, a laser cutting head may also be provided, that is to say a construction component that generates a laser beam, the laser beam then effecting the partial cutting or cutting by heating the carrier strip section.

The elevation made by the separating element between the position, in which the separating element touches the surface to be separated and the rest position separated from it, is preferably a maximum of a few millimeters. In particular, the elevation is in a range of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, and particularly preferably in a range of 0.1 to 2 mm.

To enable separation, the separation member performs a movement having a component of movement parallel to the separation surface. This transverse movement can be carried out by different types of impulses, for example, by means of an electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic impulse, preferably by means of an electromagnetic impulse, in particular with an electric coil and a magnet conducted inside it, which is mechanically connected with the element of separation. Such an impulse is characterized by particularly low friction. Preferably the magnet and / or the separating element are still additionally connected with a spring, which supports the oscillating movement. The single or multi-part separating element can furthermore be eccentrically suspended and in particular be designed as an eccentric blade. Additionally or alternatively, the separating element, as mentioned, can be shaped in several parts, for example, have two saw blades or blades opposed to each other, in this case the carrier strip section has to be guided between both blades or blades saw blade for separating the carrier strip section. In the separation, one sheet then cuts from the bottom side, the other from the top side, which preferably takes place in a section in which the carrier strip section is not yet wound onto the carrier strip roll. A so-called parallel blade or a so-called parallel saw, especially when eccentrically suspended, has the advantage that no part of the separating element blocks the transport path. Thus it can happen in the separation of the carrier strip section, that the newly formed loose end of the then formed carrier strip section retracts, and can catch on the parts of the separating element that protrude in the transport path (sections of cut). A separating element in the form of a parallel blade (or a parallel saw), which is designed as an eccentric blade (or an eccentric saw) can, however, be arranged in such a way that both cutting edges retract from the transport path. , so that the loose end or the loose end section can reach through the gap between both parts of the gap elements without hindrance.

In case of the use of a separating element separated into two parts, for example of a parallel blade, where it is also required to carry through the carrier strip section between both parts of the separating elements, it is preferred that the width of the slot or opening of the separation unit, through which the carrier strip section has to be driven is only a few millimeters in size. In this way, a person can be prevented from unintentionally fingering the separating unit and in the area of ​​action of the separating element. In particular, the width of the groove is in the range of 1 to 8 mm, preferably in a range of 3 to 8 mm, especially preferably in a range of 3 to 5 mm. Finally, a construction that is as flat as possible of the housing of the separating unit, in particular of the lower part of the housing, is also advantageous. The flatter it is, the shorter the loose end through which the air is guided.

According to yet another configuration of the labeling machine according to the invention, the winding device also has a sensor unit, with at least one sensor for determining the position of the outer layer and / or the diameter or radius of the roll. carrier strip. Such a sensor can be realized as a capacitive switch, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser or a mechanical limit switch. In principle, however, the sensor can also be configured to provide the weight of the roll of carrier strip, that is, for example in the form of a scale cabin; This could then be arranged on the axis of rotation or the core of the coil. The sensor can then generate a corresponding signal or send it to a control unit which can trigger the corresponding reactions (in particular separation by cutting and / or removal of the label-free carrier strip section), as will be explained in more detail hereinafter. . A sensor unit is not, however, mandatory. In this way it is also possible to think that the control unit is configured in such a way that it can calculate the moment or the time window (time interval) from the thickness of the known carrier strip (this can be programmed or measured automatically), / in which the mentioned reactions should be triggered.

First, however, the winding unit will once again be described in more detail. According to the invention, this has as fastening means at least two, preferably at least three, in particular

ES 2 551 600 T3 preferably at least four bolts extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the coil core and parallel to each other, spaced from each other in a radial direction. Radial is contemplated there in relation to the axis of rotation of the coil core. There also preferably all the fixing means of this axis of rotation are separated.

One or more of the fixing means or bolts, preferably all of the fixing means or bolts, can be moved between a protruding position and a retracted position. By the protruding position is meant a position in which the corresponding fastening means protrudes so much relative to the surface of the coil core, that a fastening of the carrier strip section, that is to say of the loose end section at the coil core. Preferably the corresponding fixing means in the position that protrudes at least as much as wide is the carrier strip section. In other words, the length of the corresponding fixing means in the protruding position corresponds to at least the width of the carrier strip section. By "retracted position" is meant a position in which the corresponding fixing means protrudes less than in the protruding position or even nothing protrudes.

Various configurations and scenarios of how the fasteners or bolts can be moved, between the protruding and the retracted position, are conceivable:

According to an advantageous configuration, four fixing means are provided, all of which can be sunk, that is, they can be moved between a protruding and a retracted position. The fixing means or bolts preferably project frontally from the coil core and extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the coil core. The fixing means or bolts all have the same spacing from each other and also have the same spacing from the axis of rotation of the coil core. The bolts can be sunk in individually or in pairs or all at once, that is, brought into the retracted position. The corresponding applies also to movement in the protruding position.

The aforementioned fixing means or bolts can also have different lengths or protrude to a greater or lesser extent in the protruding position, having in particular a pair of fixing means or bolts, opposite each other (in relation to the axis of rotation of the coil core) the same length.

In order to automatically fix the loose end section of the carrier strip section at the beginning of the winding process to the coil core, it can be considered that of the four fixing means or bolts, two are recessed, that is, they are in the retracted position. , and the other two are in the protruding position. In the event that the bolts in the protruding position protrude to a greater or lesser extent from the coil core, initially the bolts which then slightly protrude are sunken and the bolts that protrude further out of the coil core. In this the sunken bolts are positioned opposite with reference to the axis of rotation of the coil core, that is to say the axis of rotation lies between both sunken fixing means respectively bolts. The same applies correspondingly also for protruding fastening means or bolts. In this state it is possible for the air outlet opening to direct an air stream to the carrier strip section and deflect it against the protruding fixing means or bolts.

In this way, the position of the coil core can be chosen, for the example application in which the coil core should not rotate at that time, such that the protruding fixing means or bolts are arranged on a straight line. imaginary, running parallel or at an acute angle of preferably less than 30 °, particularly preferably less than 15 °, with respect to a straight line, running through the axis of rotation of the coil core and bearing tangentially on the surface of the guide element. If the position of the coil core at this time does not correspond to these assumptions, the coil core is preferably rotated into a position, which corresponds to the assumptions, or the protruding fixing means or bolts are sunk and the means are pushed out. sunken fasteners or bolts. As soon as an appropriate position of the coil core and fixing means is set, the air outlet opening can direct a stream of air to the carrier strip section and deflect this against both protruding fixing means or bolts, by means of which the carrier strip section runs through the zone of action or zone of rotation of the fixing means.

By exiting both fixing means or bolts, hitherto sunken, it is achieved that the loose end section of the carrier strip section runs between at least two fixing means or protrudes on each side of the carrier strip section at least minus one means of fixation. Through the rotation of the coil core, the carrier strip section is locked after at most a half turn of the coil core, so that a loose end section is secured. Basically it would also be possible, instead of four fixing means, to use only three or even two fixing means, whereby a comparable blocking effect would be achieved. Basically and not according to the invention it could also be considered to use only a single, but instead slotted, fixing means, having in this case, however, to insert the loose end of the carrier strip section manually into the middle slot. Fixing.

Alternatively it can be considered also at the beginning of the winding process, to fix to the coil core around the loose end section, at the beginning all the fixing means or bolts (with the use of four fixing means, i.e. all four fixing means) are initially sunken and with the help of a

ES 2 551 600 T3 air flow from an air outlet opening brings the carrier strip section into the action zone or zone of rotation of the fixing means. In order to facilitate the positioning of the carrier strip section, a contact element can be provided, relative to the side of the guide element opposite the coil core, the surface of which preferably abuts on an imaginary straight line, which runs through the area of action (zone of rotation) of the fixing means and in particular through the axis of rotation of the coil core and bearing tangentially on the surface of the guide element. In this, the distance between the guide element and the coil core is smaller than the distance between the guide element and the contact element. In other words the axis of rotation of the coil core or the coil core lies between the guide element and the contact element. The air stream from the air outlet opening thereby deflects the carrier strip section against the contact element, so that the carrier strip section is located on both the contact element and the guide element and consequently It runs through the zone of action (zone of rotation) of the fixing means arranged between the contact element and the guide element. If the fixing means or bolts are then moved, in the protruding position, the carrier strip section always extends between at least two of the fixing means. Due to the rotation of the coil core, the carrier strip section is correspondingly locked automatically in this case as well.

In addition or alternatively to the contact element, provision can be made for the air outlet opening to be shaped or oriented, so that the air stream emerging from it runs parallel to an imaginary straight line, which runs through the axis of rotation of the coil core and bearing tangentially on the surface of the guide element.

Additionally or alternatively, several air outlet openings of the aforementioned type may also be provided for positioning the carrier strip section within the action zone (rotation zone) of the fixing means, so that the carrier strip section it is conducted between two air streams or blowing beams.

In the same way, additionally or alternatively, it may be provided for the positioning of the section of carrier strip within the zone of action (zone of rotation) of the fixing means, that said zone of action (zone of rotation) is arranged by below the outer edge (sharp edge) of the guide element, so that only by the force of gravity the carrier strip section is deflected in the direction of the zone of action (zone of rotation) of the fixing means or in the direction of the axis of rotation of the coil core. This can then additionally be promoted by various air streams.

The use of a blowing unit with one or more air outlet openings can also be used to deflect the loose end section of the carrier strip section in the slot or in the opening of the separation unit. Correspondingly, the winding device has, according to a configuration of the labeling machine according to the invention, a blowing unit with at least one air outlet opening, which is oriented in such a way that an air stream that exiting it deflects the carrier strip section, especially the loose end section thereof, into an inlet (said slot or said opening is meant) of the separation unit. Preferably, at least two air outlet openings of the aforementioned type are provided for this, which are oriented at an angle to each other and direct the carrier strip section longitudinally between two air streams.

Finally, according to yet another further configuration of the labeling machine according to the invention, as already mentioned, a control unit is provided. In particular, the winding device has a control unit which is configured in such a way that,

- depending on a signal generated by the sensor or depending on a programmed or automatically measured value for the thickness of the carrier strip or it can slow down a rotation of the coil core (especially adapt it to the necessary transport speed) or stop it and / or can actuation of the separation unit and / or can move the fixing means from a protruding position to the retracted position and / or can turn on the blowing unit and / or

- depending on the performance of the labeling machine either it can move the fixing means from the retracted position to the protruding position and / or it can start or accelerate the rotation of the coil core and / or it can turn off the blowing unit.

In other words, the control unit is suitable so that in this case by means of the sensor or by means of the calculation based on the known thickness of the carrier strip it is determined that the roll of carrier strip must be replaced at a certain time or in a window determined time, at that time respectively, in that time window the rotation of the coil core is slowed down or stopped, a

ES 2 551 600 T3 separation of the carrier strip section, collapse of the fixing means or bolts, whereby the roll is released from the coil core, and / or turn off the blowing unit, to thereby position the section carrier strip, before a new winding process can begin.

It is noted that the rotation of the coil core does not necessarily have to stop to enable dismounting of the coil from the coil core or a separation of the carrier strip section. Rather, the coil core can also continue to rotate at an unchanged or reduced speed. In this case, correspondingly no new start of the rotation of the coil core is necessary to start the winding process again. The control unit can, in particular, be configured in such a way that it adapts the rotational speed of the coil core to the necessary conveying speed of the carrier strip section and / or to the external diameter of the carrier strip roll being rolling up; thus in the course of the winding process the external diameter and consequently the extension of the roll of carrier strip being wound increases, whereby it is advantageous that the rotational speed of the coil core is reduced, especially evenly with external diameter growing). Correspondingly, the external diameter and, consequently, the extension of the roll at the beginning of a new winding process is minimal, so that the rotational speed is then advantageously raised.

The control unit can also before the start of the winding process move the fixing means from the retracted position to the protruding position and thereby effect a fixing of the carrier strip section at the beginning of the winding process, start the winding process by starting or accelerating the rotation of the coil core and / or turning off again the blowing unit that was turned on for positioning the carrier strip section within the action zone (rotation zone) fixing means.

It is also conceivable that the control unit is configured in such a way as to effect the separation of the carrier strip section and / or the removal of the carrier strip roll until a time when carrier strips are still inserted into the carrier device. labelled. In this case, the control unit also has to check to what extent carrier paper is still added in the device and then start the separation and disassembly process accordingly.

The objective set forth above is also solved by the method according to claim 10 for the labeling of objects such as articles or packages, especially with the use of the labeling machine described above, in which, among others, they are carried out carry out the following steps:

- provide at least one object to be tagged,

- supplying a carrier strip (for example, such as roll items or Liporello), which is provided with peelable labels, in a transport direction to a transfer unit,

- transferring the labels detached from the carrier strips of the transferring unit to at least one object to be labeled, whereby a label-free carrier strip section (completely or partially free) is obtained,

- supplying a loose end section of the label-free carrier strip section to a winding unit of a winding device, which is positioned downstream of the transfer unit,

- winding the label-free carrier strip section on the winding device, whereby a carrier strip roll is obtained,

- separating the label-free carrier strip section, whereby the carrier strip roll is separated from the remaining carrier strip section, and

- release the roll of carrier strip separated from the winding unit.

It is also achieved by the method according to the invention that with comparatively little technical effort and great ease of handling the separation of the carrier strip or carrier paper is made possible, and this due to the high (packing) densities achieved of the roll of rolled carrier strip also in very economical conditions.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the loose end section of the carrier strip section completely or partially free of labels is automatically fixed on the winding device, in particular it is clamped. This takes place in particular in the manner described above with the use of the movable fastening means or bolts.

According to yet another configuration of the method according to the invention the position of the outer layer and / or the diameter or radius or the weight of the roll of carrier strip during the winding process and when reaching a previously given reference value or range of reference values ​​a signal is generated by a sensor on which the separation of the carrier strip section is carried out, preferably automatically. As said the optimum moment or the optimum time window of the separation but also of the control unit can be calculated based on a programmed or automatically measured value for the thickness of the carrier strip. For the separation, as explained, the rotation of the carrier strip roll or the coil core must not be stopped. The reference value or range of reference values ​​is chosen, in particular, in such a way that a maximum number of windings (layers) of the carrier strip roll can be achieved, without this colliding with the outer layer in a part of the machine. labeling and especially the

ES 2 551 600 T3 winding device. The range of reference values ​​for the radius can be, for example, between 60 and 200 mm, preferably between 90 and 180 mm, particularly preferably between 150 and 160 mm. If the sensor provides such a radius, a signal can be generated, which either indicates to the operating personnel that the roll of carrier strip has reached its desired size, or automatically terminates the winding process, for example through the separation of the carrier strip section.

According to a further configuration of the method according to the invention, it can also be provided that in the step of releasing (discarding) the separate carrier strip roll it is automatically released from the winding unit and, in particular, is subsequently started. an automatic winding process, as already explained. Basically it can also be considered, however, that an operating personnel remove the roll of carrier strip manually. The corresponding also applies to the separation of the carrier strip section, which preferably takes place automatically, but can basically also be carried out manually.

Finally, according to yet another configuration of the method according to the invention,

- that depending on a signal generated by a sensor or depending on a programmed or automatically measured value for the thickness of the carrier strip or that a rotation of the coil core or the roll of carrier strip is slowed down (in particular the necessary transport speed is adapted ) or the carrier strip section is stopped and / or detached and / or the carrier strip roll is released from the winding unit and / or a blowing unit is turned on that blows air into the end section release from the carrier strip section and / or

- that depending on the performance of the labeling machine at the beginning of the winding process either the loose end section of the carrier strip section is fixed and / or or the rotation of a coil core, which carries the subsequent one, is started or accelerated carrier strip roll, and / or or the blowing unit blowing air into the loose end section of the carrier strip section is turned off.

Also at this point it should be noted that the rotation of the carrier strip roll does not necessarily have to stop and accordingly after the removal of the carrier strip roll the rotation of the coil core does not necessarily have to start, since the dismantling or Disposal of the roll of carrier strip and also separation of the carrier strip section can take place during the rotation of the coil core.

There are then various possibilities for configuring and developing the labeling machine according to the invention and the method according to the invention. For this, reference is made, on the one hand, to the patent claims that follow patent claim 1, and on the other hand, to the description of exemplary embodiments in connection with the drawings. In the drawings it shows:

<td>Figure 1</td><td>a schematic representation of one of a labeling machine according to the present invention,</td>

<td>Figure 2a)</td><td>a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a winding device of a labeling machine according to the invention,</td>

<td>Figure 2b)</td><td>a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a winding device of a labeling machine,</td>

<td>Figure 2c)</td><td>a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a winding device of a labeling machine,</td>

<td>Figure 2d)</td><td>a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a winding device of a labeling machine,</td>

<td>Figure 2e)</td><td>a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a winding device of a labeling machine,</td>

<td>Figure 2f)</td><td>a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of a winding device of a labeling machine,</td>

<td>Figure 3a)</td><td>a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a separation unit for a winding device according to figures 2a) to f),</td>

<td>Figure 3b)</td><td>a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a separation unit for a winding device according to figures 2a) to f),</td>

<td>Figure 3c)</td><td>a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a separation unit for a winding device according to figures 2a) to f),</td>

<td>Figure 4a)</td><td>a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a coil core for a winding device according to Figures 2a) to f) and</td>

ES 2 551 600 T3 FIG. 4b) a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a coil core for a winding device according to FIGS. 2a) to f).

Figure 1 shows in a basic schematic representation a labeling machine 1 according to the present invention, which has a labeling device 2 and a winding device 6. The labeling device 2 has a supply unit 2.1 for the supply of a carrier strip 3, which is provided with peelable labels 4, and a transfer unit 2.2 for transferring labels 4 from the carrier strips 3 to the object to be labeled 5. The object to be labeled 5 is thereby transported, as represented by the arrows, to a conveyor belt 8 or the like through the transfer unit 2.2, not carrying the object 5, as represented in Figure 1 (object on the left in Figure 1), before entering the transfer unit no label 4 according to the determinations, where, on the contrary, after passing through the transfer unit 2.2, object 5 (object on the right in Figure 1) is attached with a label 4.

The labels 4 are brought, as mentioned, to the carrier strip 3 in a detachable manner, which is provided here as a loose end roll 3.3. The carrier strip 3 is wound by this loose end roll 3.3, it is directed through the transfer unit 2.2 and then, after the carrier strip 3 is completely or partially free of labels 4, it is supplied to a winding device 6 .

Figures 2a) to f) show exemplary embodiments of a winding device 6.

Basically the section 3.1 of the label-free carrier strip 3 is wound on the winding device 6, whereby a roll of carrier strip 3.2 is formed. In order to be able to automatically fix a loose end section 3.11 of the carrier strip section 3.1 in a winding unit 6.2 of the winding device 6, a blowing unit 6.3 is provided as auxiliary means, which can direct a directed air stream S to the exact positioning of the end section 3.11 on the carrier strip section 3.1. A sensor unit 6.5 recognizes when the roll of carrier strip 3.2 has reached a predetermined size, onto which the carrier strip section 3.1 can be separated through a separation unit 6.4. The roll of carrier strip 3.2 can then be released and removed from the winding device 6, upon which a new winding process can begin. The roll of carrier strip 3.2 separated from the winding device 6 can then be discarded.

The embodiments in Figures 2a) to f) have in common that the winding device 6 has a guide unit 6.1 with a guide element 6.11, with which the carrier strip section 3.1 can be brought along a conveying direction T, and a winding unit 6.2, which is positioned posterior to at least one guide element 6.11 and the fixing means 6.21, to which a loose end section 3.11 of the carrier strip section can be fixed 3.1, the fixing means 6.21 being arranged on a coil core that can rotate about an axis of rotation X 6.22 and following a rotational movement of the coil core 6.22.

Furthermore, the winding device 6 according to the exemplary embodiments schematically represented in FIGS. 2a) to f) has a blowing unit 6.3 with at least one air outlet opening 6.31, which is oriented in such a way that an air stream S emerging from it deflects the carrier strip section 3.1 in the direction of the coil core 6.22, after it has passed the guide element 6.11.

Furthermore, the individual embodiments of the winding device 6 also have a separating unit 6.4 with a separating element 6.41, for example a rotating knife, saw blade or separating plate, with the separating element 6.41 being movable. in a position where a separation of the carrier strip section 3.1 can take place. In the illustrated embodiments, the separating element can also be designed as a laser cutting head, the cutting then being effected by heating the carrier strip section 3.1 by means of the laser beam.

Finally, the winding device 6 in all the examples shown has a sensor unit 6.5, which is provided with at least one sensor 6.51, which is suitable for determining the position of the outer layer 3.12 and / or the diameter or radius of a roll of carrier strip 3.2 which has been produced by winding unit 6.2 of carrier strip section 3.1. It can also be considered to provide a sensor that provides the weight of the roll of carrier strip 2.3; This could then be arranged on the axis of rotation or the coil core 6.22.

According to Figure 2a), four bolts 6.21 are provided as fixing means 6.21 in the coil core.

6.22, which extend parallel to the axis of rotation X of the coil core 6.22 and parallel to each other and which are spaced from each other in the radial direction r. The bolts 6.21 all have the same spacing from each other and also have the same spacing of the axis of rotation X. The bolts 6.21 can all be moved between a protruding position and a retracted position. In order to start a rolling process of the four 6.21 bolts, two opposite each other may be arranged in the initially protruding position, between which the axis of rotation X runs, (bolts in Figure 2a), each symbolized by dark dots. ), while the other two bolts that are equally opposed to each other are in the retracted position (bolts in Figure 2a) each symbolized with clear dots).

ES 2 551 600 T3

Both of the protruding bolts 6.21 serve as contact for the end section 3.11 of the carrier strip section 3.1 to be attached to the coil core 6.22. This deflects the end section 3.11, after it has passed the guide element 6.11, through an air stream S from the air outlet opening 6.31 in the direction of the coil core 6.22 and both projecting bolts 6.21 , until the end section 3.11 comes into contact with both protruding bolts (this starting position of the end section 3.11 before the start of the clamping and winding process is shown in Figures 2a) to f) (dashed). In this special case the coil core 6.22 at the moment when the end section 3.11 touches the bolts 6.21 has a position such that the protruding bolts 6.21 are arranged on an imaginary line G, which runs parallel to a line G ' , which runs through the axis of rotation X of the coil core 6.22 and which bears tangentially on the surface of the guide element 6.11.

Both hitherto sunken bolts are thus likewise brought to the protruding position, whereby the end section 3.11 is clamped between the bolts 6.21. The blowing unit 6.3 is then switched off. As soon as the Sensor 6.51 provides a determined thickness to the roll of carrier strip 3, a corresponding signal is transferred to the control unit 6.6. The separation unit 6.4 then separates the upper layer 3.12 from the carrier strip section 3.1 wound into a roll 3.2. For separation, the rotation of the coil core 6.22 can be stopped or slowed down. The coil core 6.22 can, however, also continue to rotate at a constant speed during separation.

The separation takes place, for example, by means of a separation unit, as represented in Figure 3a). The separation unit represented in Figure 3a) has a saw blade 6.41, which is eccentrically mounted, and through that performs a movement, which has a vertical and a horizontal component. The vertical component of the movement is denoted here as elevation H. The elevation H is for example 1 to 2 mm. In the lower lifting position the saw blade 6.41 touches the surface of the carrier strip section 3.1. that is going to separate. As a result, the saw blade 6.41 is elastically suspended in the vertical direction, that is to say in the direction of the lifting movement (not shown), so that a certain pressing force of the saw blade 6.41 is not exceeded on the surface that runs to separate. The horizontal component of the movement is effected by an oscillating horizontal pulse, in Figure 3a) for example through an electromagnetic pulse 6.44 with a magnet driven in an electric coil. The separation can also take place by means of a parallel blade 6.41, as shown in Figure 3b) and will be described still hereinafter. Alternatively, a separating unit 6.4 may also be provided with several needles 6.45 (Figure 3c), which serve to pierce the carrier strip section 3.1, so that it tears by itself in that position.

In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 2a), after the separation has taken place, the four bolts 6.21 collapse, whereby the roll of carrier strip 3.2 is released and can be discarded.

The exemplary embodiment not according to the invention of a winding device 6 in Figure 2b) is constructed in a similar way. In this case, however, the four bolts 6.21 always move at the same time in the retracted position or in the protruding position. In order to be able to fix the end section 3.11 to the bolts 6.21 before the beginning of the winding process, all the bolts 6.21 are initially sunk, over which the air stream S from the air outlet opening 6.31 deflects the end section 3.11 still loose in the direction of a line G running through the axis of rotation X of the coil core 6.22 and bearing tangentially on the surface of the guide element 6.11. As a result, the end section 3.11 comes into contact with the contact element 7, whose surface also abuts on the imaginary line G. In this way it is ensured that the carrier strip section 3.1 runs through the rotation zone of the 6.21 bolts and is automatically locked by the 6.21 bolts when deployed.

A further difference between Figure 2a) and Figure 2b) is that according to Figure 2a) the coil core 6.22 lies vertically below the outer edge of the guide element 6.11, so that the force of gravity helps in the positioning of the end section 3.11 still loose in the coil core area

6.22. According to Figure 2b) the coil core 6.22 is not located vertically below the outer edge of the guide element 6.11, but laterally translated towards the labeling device

two. The translation can also be provided in the other direction, that is to say away from the labeling device 2.

Both in the case of Figure 2a) and also in the case of Figure 2b), the air stream S is oriented at an angle to an imaginary line, which runs through the axis of rotation X and is tangentially supported by the element of guide 6.11. According to Figure 2c), the air stream S, on the contrary, runs parallel to an imaginary line G, which runs through the axis of rotation X and rests tangentially on the surface of the guide element 6.11. In the last example of embodiment, through the parallel direction of the air stream S, it is achieved that the end section 3.11 is moved, still loose, to the area of ​​rotation of the bolts 6.21 without the need for a contact element 7. The embodiment according to Figure 2c) coincides with that shown in Figure 2b), dispensing with in Figure 2c) the aforementioned contact element 7.

Figure 2d) shows an exemplary embodiment of a winding device 6, which essentially coincides with that of Figure 2a). However, according to Figure 2d) a parallel outflow of the end section 3.11 still loose is also provided, while on the contrary the flow in Figure 2a) has been chosen with a

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In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2e), as in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2d), a parallel flow of the loose end section 3.11 takes place through the air stream S, the separation unit 6.4 laterally on the roll 3.2, but vertically above the roll in an area where the carrier strip section 3.1 is not yet wound on the roll, whereby, therefore, Guidance Element 6.11 has not yet passed. The latter here forms the outlet of the separation unit 6.4, so that in this embodiment the guide element 6.11 is part of the housing of the separation unit 6.4.

The separating unit 6.4 has according to FIG. 2e) a separating element 6.41 divided into two in parallel blade shape. This is schematically represented in Figure 3b). Both blades of the parallel knife 6.41 are each eccentrically mounted and complete a synchronous movement with each other with a vertical component and a horizontal component, the horizontal component being effected as in Figure 3a) here also by an electromagnetic pulse 6.44 with a driven magnet in an electric coil. The latter is still additionally attached to aid in the oscillating movement with a 6.43 spring. Such a parallel knife has the advantage that the blades separating the carrier strip section 3.1 from above and below can be retracted so much from the transport path that after separation the new end section 3.11 can be driven without risk of snagging into through the gap between the edges.

To further assist in the guiding of the end section, an additional blowing unit 6.3 'is provided in the embodiment according to Figure 2e), which has two air outlet openings 6.31', one of which is arranged below and one above the carrier strip section 3.1. Both outgoing air streams S 'are oriented at an angle with respect to the conveying direction T and make it possible to lead a loose end section S of the previously separated carrier strip section 3.1 to the opening or inlet 6.42, which is here shaped in the shape of a funnel, of the separation unit 6.4.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2e) a sensor unit 6.5 with a sensor 6.51 is also provided which can provide the position of the outer layer 3.12 of the roll of carrier strip 3.2.

Figure 2f) shows an additional embodiment example, which essentially coincides with that of Figure 2e), however, in the embodiment example in Figure 2f) the coil core 6.22, especially its axis of rotation, is found. in the same plane in which the carrier strip section 3.1 is supplied from the labeling device 2. In this specific example this plane runs along which the lower edge of the guide element 6.11 also runs horizontally. Here, therefore, the carrier strip section 3.11 of the guide element 6.11 is made to continue at the instant when a new winding process begins, straight in the horizontal direction to the coil core

6.22. To ensure the conduction of the end section 3.11 of the guide element 6.11 to the coil core

6.22, two air outlet openings 6.31 are provided in this embodiment, one of which is arranged below and the other above the carrier strip section 3.1. The air streams S exit in the same direction and at the same angle to the transport direction as the air streams S 'from the air outlet openings 6.31'.

Figures 4a) and b) show in perspective a coil core 6.22 in each case in a state in which all bolts 6.21 fully protrude. This shows Figure 4a) an example of embodiment, in which the bolts 6.21 all protrude to the same extent, while Figure 4b) shows an example of embodiment in which the bolts in the fully protruding position protrude in different measure. The bolts 6.21 which protrude further in this position then serve to come into contact with the end section of the carrier strip section 3.1, the bolts which protrude less serve to fix this end section for winding purposes.

Finally, in all the embodiments, a winding device 6 and a control unit 6.6 are provided, which can carry out one or more of the following functions:

- stop or start the rotation of the coil core 6.22,

- stop or start separation unit 6.4,

- move one or more fixing means or bolts 6.21 in the protruding position or in the retracted position,

- turn on or off one or more blowing units.