HK1171724B - Label ejection device - Google Patents

Description

Label withdrawing device

The present invention relates to a label ejection device, a label printing system including such a device and a method for ejecting labels, particularly self-adhesive labels. The invention is particularly concerned with preventing faulty labels from being applied to an object (or a container containing such an object) with minimal disruption of machine operation. Food and drug packagers and labeling tax ticket factories require a high degree of accuracy and reliability in the labeling process.

Background

A variety of labeling systems have been used to apply pressure sensitive labels to labeled articles or containers at a label application station. Initially, the label is carried by a support tape with its adhesive side facing the support tape. The label contains precisely the information relating to the product contained in the container, providing basic information relating to the product, such as the name of the product and/or an image with an identifying effect, the production batch, the product properties, the chemical composition, the date of packaging and the expiration date, etc.

The actual labeling systems and equipment are not perfect and occasionally "incorrect" or faulty labels are applied to the containers. An incorrect/wrong label is a wrong label, or has a wrong or illegal lot number, or has a specific characteristic of being poorly printed. This is a particular concern for packagers. Improperly labeled containers can result in increased costs for product recycling and significant losses. Thus, devices and systems have been developed to detect the presence of incorrect/erroneous tags using a variety of sensors, actuators, traps, and cameras known to those skilled in the art. Labeling machines that provide error detection before a label is applied to a container are preferred over machines that detect errors after application.

In particular, a faulty label ejection device may be attached to the labelling and printing system to provide the packager with a security printed label in roll form having only the correctly printed self-adhesive label. Thus, it is necessary to prevent the wrong label from being affixed to the container.

WO 2008/055052 discloses an incorrect label removal system for removing unwanted labels from a roll of labels in a labelling machine. The incorrect label removal system includes a label stripping assembly located between two fixed points along the direction of movement of the roll of labels. The label stripping assembly provides a 1 st orientation in which labels are retained on the roll of labels as the roll of labels passes through the label stripping assembly, and optionally a 2 nd orientation for removal of labels from the roll. The label peeling assembly is provided such that the length of the roll of labels between the two fixed points is substantially the same when the label peeling assembly is in each of the 1 st and 2 nd directions.

GB 2425298 discloses a peel-off sheet which can be used to retrieve labels when they are defective. The function of this peel plate assembly is to be extended in the usual position of the plate for peeling adhesive labels from a supply roll of labels and directing them towards the container, but to be selectively retracted when a label is identified as incorrect or incorrect, thereby leaving the incorrect or incorrect label on the supply roll of labels at least until removed from the label application station. When the peel plate and its support block are retracted from the normal position shown, the roll of labels passes around a roller which does not have sharp edges that would cause peeling. Defective labels are detected by a scanner connected to the central processing unit.

WO 2008/012633 discloses a device and a method for excluding irregular or wrong labels. The apparatus has a removal unit for removing altered or faulty self-adhesive labels applied to a label support tape moving in an advancing direction. The collecting unit comprises a further supporting tape for supporting the self-adhesive labels. The supporting unit is configured to support the removing unit and the collecting unit. The removing unit includes: a removal mechanism for removing altered or faulty labels from the label support tape; and a collecting mechanism configured for receiving the altered label from the removing mechanism; the collecting mechanism comprises a further support belt adapted to support and collect the modified label.

The removing means comprise a separating means configured to cooperate with the suction means for separating the faulty label from the primary support belt, this separating means being opposite to the suction means.

The collecting unit is configured for receiving the self-adhesive labels from the removing unit. This collecting unit comprises a further supporting tape for supporting the self-adhesive labels. The supporting unit is configured to support the removing unit and the collecting unit. The moving unit is supported by the supporting unit and configured to move the subsequent support belt at a desired operating speed in an advancing direction.

This arrangement prevents altered or incorrect self-adhesive labels from being applied to the cylindrical container. This arrangement makes it easier to identify a changed or faulty self-adhesive label in order to exclude it.

The label rejection device is configured to remove undesirable labels from the support tape prior to being applied to the containers, for example due to fading or unreadable print.

The apparatus includes a stripper plate, a bed plate or separating mechanism supporting an operating group and a collection group. This operating group comprises an operating roller cooperating with a removing mechanism configured for removing faulty labels from the supporting tape and transferring them onto the collecting group. The collecting group comprises two rollers, one of which is freely rotatable for collecting the wrong label.

When the rejecting device detects the presence of a faulty label by means of the sensor, the control unit activates the operating group to remove this label from the supporting tape. The faulty label, which gradually leaves the support tape, is applied to the collecting roller. Thus, this collecting roller accumulates a plurality of faulty labels, eventually increasing its own diameter up to the limit set by the operator. Once this limit is reached, the operator removes and replaces the collecting roller.

There are a number of problems with the prior art devices. Apparatus, including a peel plate or separating mechanism, associated with a labeling machine and used for removing and recovering labels is disclosed. When a faulty label is detected by a standard detection mechanism, such as a capturer or a camera, depending on the length of the label, the space between two labels, and the number of labels in front of the faulty label, the position of the faulty label on the support tape can be calculated to remove the faulty label detected therefrom. A peel plate or separating mechanism is performed in an active position to remove the faulty label from the support tape. Friction is generated on the support belt to provide tension, which may sometimes cause interruptions in the primary support belt. The deformation and destruction of the support tape each time an incorrect label is removed can lead to greater and greater inaccuracies in the position of the label. Adjustment of the detection mechanism is required to redefine the correct position for the next printed label.

In the event of a break in the labelling station and sometimes if a break in the supported label occurs, the roll of printed label must be completely replaced.

In addition to this, during the separation of the faulty label from the primary supporting tape, the supporting tape itself has some vibrations which can also cause adjustment problems. The tension of the support belt between the support rollers becomes less tight.

In all cases, the need to regain proper label positioning results in significant waste of labor time and cost. Due to all necessary adjustments, a movement of the primary support belt in the advancing direction at high speed becomes impossible.

The problems cited with the label ejection devices disclosed in the prior art lead to additional problems when the device is connected to a printing system that includes a printing device, such as an ink jet printer, that prints on blank labels. In fact, the gap in the positioning of the label can result in poor printing on the next blank label. Continued ejection of poorly printed labels can occur due to lack of manual adjustment of the sheet support prior to the printing device and detection mechanism.

Printing security labels on a support tape with complex security features requires high quality printing with fairly precise positioning. This printing requires a wide variety of inks, many different printers such as ink jet printers, and some additional devices such as Ultraviolet (UV) dryers that may be required to limit the label from being unwound after it is forcefully wound onto a take-up roll for transport to a packager. The aforementioned limitations and with the existing devices for eliminating false labels make it impossible to process the printing and labelling system at high speed.

The present invention is directed to improved apparatus, systems and methods for ejecting and collecting labels, particularly self-adhesive labels.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved label ejection device and an improved label printing system that more efficiently and effectively removes labels from a sheet support.

Disclosure of Invention

In the 1 st aspect, the present invention provides a novel label ejection device comprising a removing mechanism for removing a label stuck on a sheet-like support, wherein the removing mechanism has an adhesive portion operable to come into contact with and adhere to a portion of a surface of the label on the sheet-like support; and the label ejection device is operable to remove the adhesive portion from the sheet support until separated from the label, thereby ejecting the label from the sheet support.

When the label is removed by the label ejection device of the present invention, no vibration or slight shaking of the sheet support occurs. The production line then requires that any device (such as a camera, printer) of perfect positioning of the labels, uninterrupted, vibration-free of the sheet support can be used to sort or remove the labels.

In contrast to the prior art, even small labels can be removed without difficulty. Thus, labels of multiple sizes may be carried on the sheet support before being affixed to each container.

In an embodiment of the invention according to claim 1, the label ejection device has a sheet like support operable to move in an advance direction (a), the portion of the surface of the label being equivalent to the edge of the label in the advance direction (a).

The preferred embodiment removes tags that are moving in the forward direction. Removing labels by adhesion is any label that can be removed from a sheet support in a smooth manner at any speed and of any size. When the removal means is adhered to the edge of the label, removal of the label from the sheet like support can be made easier. Preferably, the edge of the label most suitable for adhesion is the advancing front edge.

In addition to aspect 1 of the present invention, the label ejection device further comprises a collection mechanism operable to receive removed labels.

As the collecting mechanism is added to the invention, the sorting or collecting of the labels becomes possible. Any sorting of sizes, colors, etc. may be performed before the specific sticking to each container. An example of classification, such as exit of unsuitable labels, is also possible. The adhesive portion of the removal mechanism is left free as the collecting mechanism is present in the label ejection device.

In another embodiment of the present invention according to claim 1, the label ejection device includes: a collection mechanism having a viscous portion; and the removing mechanism is operable to transfer the removed labels to the collecting mechanism by adhering a portion of the removed labels to the adhesive portion of the collecting mechanism.

The sorting or collecting of the labels can be performed with a removal mechanism and a number of collection mechanisms to sort the labels according to any criteria (size, color). The removal mechanism can be put to many applications as the last removed label is transferred to any collection mechanism.

In another embodiment of the invention in modality 1, the label exit device has a collection mechanism that includes a drive operable to move a collection belt supporting an adhesive.

The new, unused adhesive portion of the collection belt is arranged for transferring the removed labels from the removal mechanism to the collection mechanism to produce an optimal adhesion of any removed and collected labels.

In another embodiment of the invention in form 1, a label ejection device is disclosed wherein the removal mechanism comprises a portion of the collection belt that is operative to come into contact with and adhere to a portion of the surface of a label on the sheet support.

This embodiment results in a simplification of the label ejection device and limits transfer by adhesion. The quality of the removed label is still kept optimal, remaining printed on the label. The removal of the label is faster. Less damage on the removed label. This device is easier and simpler to manufacture.

In another embodiment of the invention in form 1, the label exit device comprises a collection belt wound around a drive roller.

A new, unused adhesive portion of the collection belt is provided at each removal in front of a detected label. The removal of successive labels and the collection of the best quality of the adhesion of the portions of the belt are possible.

In another embodiment of the present invention in form 1, a label ejection device is disclosed, wherein the sheet-like support is a support belt operable to move in an advancing direction (a) and is curved over a support roller, the labels being adhered to the support belt, and wherein the collection belt is operable to move between two drive rollers; and the removing mechanism comprises a pressure roller operable to bend the collecting belt to a height of the support roller, and a drive mechanism operable to push the pressure roller and adhere the portion of the collecting belt to the portion of the surface of the label on the support belt.

With this embodiment, the adhesion is optimized when pushing the non-adhesive side of the collection belt with a pressure roller resulting in a smooth and efficient collection of the removed labels. The removal mechanism is more effective when contacting the sheet support at the height of the support rollers. The change to the backing roll of the sheet support then results in the easiest removal of the label.

In another embodiment of the 1 st aspect of the present invention, the tag exit device further includes: a detection mechanism operable to detect a faulty label on the sheet support and transmit a signal indicating that the faulty label has been detected; a control unit operable upon receiving a signal from the detection mechanism for controlling the label ejection device to exclude the faulty label from the sheet like support.

Any faulty label, such as a bad print, a damage, etc., can be ejected from the support tape. A full roll of printed labels is fed or all of the printed labels may be provided to the application station of the labeler. The wrong label will not be applied to the container.

In the 2 nd aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for ejecting a label stuck to a sheet-like support, comprising the steps of: adhering an adhesive portion of a removing mechanism to a part of a surface of a label on a sheet-like support; and moving the adhesive portion away from the sheet support and away from the label, thereby allowing the label to be removed from the sheet support.

The method removes the label using the label ejection device of the present invention. The advantage of this method is the ease of removal of the label.

In the 3 rd aspect of the present invention, a labeling system for eliminating a wrong label stuck to a sheet-like support, comprises: a printer operable to print out a label onto the sheet support; a wrong label ejection device including a detection mechanism operable to detect a wrong printed label on the sheet support and transmit a signal indicating the detected wrong printed label; a removing mechanism for removing a misprinted label that has been stuck on the sheet-like support, having an adhesive portion that can be brought into contact with and adhered to a portion of a surface of the misprinted label on the sheet-like support; the label ejection device is operable to remove the adhesive portion from the sheet support until separated from the misprinted label, thereby excluding the misprinted label from the sheet support; and a control unit operable upon receipt of a signal from the detection mechanism to control the label ejection device to exclude the incorrectly printed label from the sheet support.

High speed printing on a production line requires very high stability, no vibration of the sheet support, perfect positioning of the new label to be printed to limit waste of the label. Removal of the label with existing label ejection devices does not result in poor printing of the label. Thus, a continuous reliable removal of the labels can be performed. The speed of the roll of labels on the production line is not interrupted or limited by the use of the label ejection device of the present invention. When the error label exit device disclosed by the invention is used, the exit rate of the error label is lower.

In embodiment 1 of the 3 rd aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a labeling system wherein the sheet-like support is a support tape operable to move in an advancing direction (a) and to be bent over a support roll, the misprinted labels adhering to the support tape, the labeling system further comprising a collecting mechanism having an adhesive portion operable to receive the rejected misprinted labels, and a drive operable to move a collecting tape supporting the adhesive portion, the collecting tape operable to move between two drive rollers; and the removing means is operable to transfer the rejected misprinted labels to the collecting means by adhering a portion of the rejected misprinted labels to the adhesive portion of the collecting means and comprises a portion of the collecting belt operable to come into contact with and adhere to the portion of the surface of the misprinted labels on the sheet support; this removing mechanism comprises a pressure roller operable to bend the collecting belt to a height of the support roller, and a drive mechanism operable to push the pressure roller and adhere the portion of the collecting belt to the portion of the surface of the misprinted label on the support belt.

When a faulty tag is detected, all tags can be removed by the faulty tag exit device. The removing mechanism is a pressure roller pushing on the collecting belt, which includes an adhesive part required for catching the wrong label by adhesion. By the action of the pressure roller as a removal mechanism, the risk of damaging or cutting the collecting belt can be reduced. The contact between the press roller and the supporting roller supporting the belt is more uniform and balanced. This means that the advancing speed of the support belt can be made faster without slight shaking of the support belt. The printing interruption of the label on the production line is not generated.

The wrong label ejection device is used in a labeling and printing system because there is no slight shaking or vibration during the wrong label ejection. The ejection of the wrong label is not performed to the new poorly printed label. The lack of disturbance of the support tape results in good print quality of the label at high speeds. The use of the wrong tag exit device reduces the number of tags that must be removed.

Detailed Description

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description.

To explain the core of the invention more precisely, the definition of the term "stick" is required. It is well known to those skilled in the art that adhesion is the tendency of certain dissimilar molecules to adsorb together due to attractive forces. The viscous material fills the voids or pores of the surfaces and holds the surfaces together by interlocking. Adhesion is distinguished as a suction or inhalation principle.

In form 1, the present invention recites a label ejection device comprising a removal mechanism for ejecting a label affixed to a sheet-like support, wherein the removal mechanism has an adhesive portion operable to remove the adhesive portion from the sheet-like support until the label is separated, thereby ejecting the label from the sheet-like support. The label ejection device is used for ejecting labels adhered to a label sheet support, and the labels may be of different sizes, or may be spaced at equal or different distances. The sheet-like support may be any kind of support made of any material, such as a roll of labels simply placed in contact on the transport path of the production line. The sheet like support may also comprise a roll of labels adhered to the sheet like support or to the support only, whereby the labels are pre-cut or simply placed thereon with the roll of labels, such as wine labels.

After the adhesive of the surface of the label is removed by the removing mechanism of the label ejection device, the movement between the label ejection device and the sheet like support causes the label to be completely separated from its sheet like support.

The sheet support may be movable in direction or may be in a fixed position. The label ejection device may be moved along the sheet support to remove the label, or may be fixed. In both cases, the sheet support and the removal mechanism of the label ejection device are movable. Another embodiment of the present invention may be that the sheet like support is moved by a group of labels and the label ejection device is also moved in the same or opposite direction to remove the labels on the sheet like support in a group.

The label ejection device disclosed by the invention comprises a sheet-like support which is operable to move along an advancing direction (A), and the part of the surface of the label adhered to the removing mechanism is equivalent to one edge of the label along the direction (A). Any edge of the label is a good contact point for the removal mechanism to adhere to. However, the preferred edge of the label adhered to the removal mechanism is the advancing front edge. The adhesive portion of the removal mechanism comes into contact with the edge of the label, which, regardless of the positioning of the label on the sheet-like support, can result in a good separation of the portion of the surface of the label adhering to the removal mechanism from the sheet-like support. The separation of the label adhered to the removing mechanism from the sheet like support is caused by the movement between the sheet like support and the removing mechanism of the label ejection device, and the advancing speed of the sheet like support carrying the label roll or the advancing speed of the label ejection device moving along the sheet like support.

Various configurations are possible. After the removal mechanism has been stuck, the label ejection device or sheet support can be moved from each other in many directions, such as in a vertical or diagonal manner in the best mode. This 1 st movement results in a complete detachment of the label if this label has a small size, or only the portion of the surface of the label adhering to the removal mechanism is detached from the 1 st of the sheet-like support if the latter has an intermediate or large size. If necessary, the 2 nd movement for complete separation is caused by the advancing speed between the label ejection device and the sheet support. The sheet like support or label ejection device may itself be moved in either direction or in the opposite direction. Thus, the labels leave the sheet support in a smooth and regular manner, at a speed which is the cumulative speed of both or one or the other.

Depending on its size, the removal of the label will not be done in the same way, in order to have a smoother removal process as much as possible. For small size labels, the removal is achieved by simply stamping the removal device of the label ejection device onto the sheet support carrying the label. Conversely, for large size labels, the label will be captured by the adhesion of the removal means of the label ejection means at its edge, preferably the advancing front edge, and will gradually separate from the sheet support until complete separation. The speed of advance of the label affixed to the sheet support or of the label ejection device defines, in comparison with the sheet support, the speed of progressive separation from the sheet support by the removal mechanism. The aforementioned two selected constant advancement speeds to avoid any impact can result in no any jolt or vibration of the sheet like support.

Once the label is adhered to the removal mechanism of the label ejection device, the system of adding an adhesive layer to the removal mechanism will give the possibility of adhering the label.

In another embodiment, the label ejection device further comprises a collection mechanism operable to receive removed labels. A collection mechanism is used to collect or sort the labels. The sorting of labels is useful prior to applying the labels to specific and individual containers by a label applicator.

In addition, the label ejection device disclosed in the present invention includes a collecting mechanism having an adhesive portion; and a removing mechanism operable to transfer the removed labels to the collecting mechanism by adhering a portion of the removed labels to the adhesive portion of the collecting mechanism.

The adhesive portion of the surface of the removing mechanism comes into contact with the label stuck to the sheet-like support and is transferred from the removing mechanism to the collecting mechanism, so that the removing mechanism is free to wait for the next label to be removed by the label ejection device.

The collection mechanism includes a drive operable to move a collection belt for supporting the adhesive. The collecting means may be collecting rollers of different diameters. An optimum adhesion on the transfer of the removed surface is achieved at many unused tack points on the collection roll. The number of labels that can be adhered to the collection mechanism increases. A system for attaching another adhesive layer to a collection mechanism provides the best quality of label adhesion for collection.

The removal mechanism of the label ejection device comprises an adhesive portion of the collecting belt operable to come into contact with and adhere to a portion of the surface of the label on the sheet-like support. This embodiment limits the transfer of labels from the removal mechanism to the collection mechanism.

The collection belt of the collection mechanism is wound around the drive roller. Multiple drive rollers may be incorporated into the collection mechanism. A plurality of collecting belts may be incorporated into the label ejection device to sort the labels prior to applying the surface to the containers. Various forms of collection mechanisms, including collection belts, are possible, as shown in fig. 2a or fig. 2 b.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the label ejection device comprises a sheet-like support, such as a support belt, which is operable to move in an advancing direction (a) and to bend over a support roller. The label is self-adhesive to the support tape. The label ejection device also includes a collection belt of a collection mechanism operable to move between two drive rollers and a removal mechanism, the removal mechanism including a pressure roller operable to bend the collection belt at a height of the support roller, and the drive mechanism operable to push against the pressure roller and cause the portion of the collection belt to adhere to the portion of the surface of the label on the support belt. The press roller is the best embodiment of the removing mechanism pushing the collecting belt. Other embodiments may also include adhesive pads, seating plates, peel plates, separating mechanisms, or the like.

Another embodiment of the invention is a collecting belt, such as a label transfer belt, that rotates between two drive rollers. A removal mechanism such as a pressure roller may exit the non-adhesive side of the collection belt. The removed labels are adhered to a collecting tape and the latter can be affixed to each container by a label affixing system. In addition, a system for applying an adhesive layer to the collecting tape may be included in the label ejection device. However, in the case of the exit of the faulty label, the number of removed labels is limited and a collecting belt capable of containing about 10 faulty labels is sufficient.

A detection mechanism, such as an optical capturer, a capturer with an optical fiber, a sensor or a camera, is operable to detect a misprinted label affixed to the sheet support and, upon detection of the misprinted label, to transmit a signal to the control unit indicating that the misprinted label has been detected. Upon receiving a signal from the detecting mechanism, the control unit is operable to exclude the erroneously printed label that has been detected from the sheet support. The detection means are arranged at a plurality of positions on the labelling line, such as before the label exit device above the printed side of the label carried by the sheet support. Some other catcher may be added close to the collecting mechanism to confirm that the wrong label is correctly transferred to the collecting mechanism. Another sensor may be provided after the faulty label ejection device to confirm that the faulty label is correctly ejected from the primary supporting tape. The control unit is operable to manage sorting or collection of the label rolls carried by the sheet like support. Multiple drive rollers may be added to the sheet support to give the label exit device more time to remove potentially faulty labels due to vibration of the speed of the sheet support, size of labels, drying time of the print, addition of multiple devices or inkjet printers, etc.

The label exit device further comprises: a detection mechanism operable to detect a faulty label on the sheet support and transmit a signal indicating that the faulty label has been detected; a control unit operable to control the label ejection device to exclude the faulty label from the sheet like support upon receiving a signal from the detection mechanism.

Method for removing labels applied to a sheet-like support, characterized by the following steps: adhering an adhesive portion of a removing mechanism to a part of a surface of a label on a sheet-like support; and removing the adhesive portion from the sheet support until the label is separated, thereby allowing the label to be removed from the sheet support.

Another method for rejecting labels applied to a sheet-like support, also comprises the further step of: the removed labels with adhesive are collected.

Another method for rejecting labels adhered to a sheet like support, further comprising: a step of transferring the removed label from the removing mechanism to a collecting mechanism of the label ejection device.

Another method for rejecting labels adhered to a sheet like support, further comprising: a step of driving the collecting mechanism to move the collecting belt to collect the removed labels. Multiple drives may be added to the collection belt to allow the unused adhesive to be used to remove the next label.

Method for removing labels applied to a sheet-like support, characterized by the following steps: causing an adhesive portion of a collecting mechanism as part of the removing mechanism to be operable to come into contact with a portion of the surface of the label on the sheet support; and moving the adhesive portion away from the sheet support until the label is separated, thereby allowing the label to be removed from the sheet support; and driving the collecting mechanism to move the collecting belt to collect the removed labels.

Another method for removing labels applied to a sheet-like support, also comprises: and (4) winding around a collection belt.

A labelling system for rejecting faulty labels already applied to a sheet-like support, comprising: a printer operable to print out a label onto the sheet support; a wrong label ejection device including a detection mechanism operable to detect a wrong printed label on the sheet support and transmit a signal indicating the wrong printed label that has been detected; a removing mechanism for removing a misprinted label that has been stuck on the sheet-like support, the sheet-like support having an adhesive portion that can be brought into contact with and adhered to a portion of a surface of the misprinted label on the sheet-like support; the label ejection device is operable to remove the adhesive portion from the sheet support until it is separated from the misprinted label, thereby to exclude the misprinted label from the sheet support; and a control unit operable upon receiving a signal from the detection mechanism to control the label ejection device to exclude the misprinted label from the sheet support.

The labeling system may comprise on a production line: a plurality of ink jet printers; a number of detection mechanisms for facilitating removal of faulty labels at each control point in the production line; and the control unit can be used for managing the correct actions of the production line and the label ejection device.

The labeling system further comprises a sheet-like support, such as a support belt, operable to move in an advancing direction (a) and to be bent over a support roller, the misprinted label being adhered to the support belt, the labeling system further comprising a collecting mechanism having an adhesive portion operable to receive the rejected misprinted label and comprising a drive operable to move a collecting belt supporting the adhesive portion, the collecting belt being operable to move between two drive rollers; and the removing means is operable to transfer the rejected misprinted labels to the collecting means by adhering a portion of the rejected misprinted labels to the adhesive portion of the collecting means and comprises a portion of the collecting belt operable to come into contact with and adhere to the portion of the surface of the misprinted labels on the sheet support; this removing mechanism comprises a pressure roller operable to bend the collecting belt to a height of the support roller, and a drive mechanism operable to push the pressure roller and adhere the portion of the collecting belt to the portion of the surface of the misprinted label on the support belt.

The use of the error tag eject device for rejecting error tags may be in accordance with all embodiments of the tag eject device described above in the present application.

The invention will be better understood and implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of illustration and are not limiting, wherein:

fig. 1a is a principal schematic diagram of a label ejector for removing an adhered label from a sheet support.

Fig. 1b is a view of a potential removal mechanism for successive rejection of labels from a sheet-like support.

Fig. 2a is a view of a label ejection device with a removal mechanism and a collection mechanism.

Fig. 2b is a view of the collection mechanism.

Figure 3a is an example of a removal mechanism such as a mat that pushes against a collection belt carrying a plurality of labels.

Fig. 3b is another example of a collecting mechanism, such as a label carrier tape.

Fig. 4a is an embodiment of a label exit device comprising: a collecting mechanism, for example a roller fixed to the support group, and a removing mechanism, for example a pressure roller pushing the collecting belt in the advancing direction with the aid of a moving mechanism, for example an air jack, to remove the detected label.

Fig. 4b is another embodiment of a label ejection device having a collection mechanism cooperating with a removal mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a view of a preferred embodiment of the error label ejection device.

Fig. 6 to 11 are a series of views of a preferred embodiment of the label ejection device, showing all the steps of removing a label from the sheet support and collecting it in a dedicated collection mechanism.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a label printer roll-to-roll system including a detection mechanism, an ink jet printer, and a faulty label ejection device.

FIG. 13 is a label printing sheet to sheet system including a detection mechanism, an ink jet printer, and a faulty label ejection device.

These drawings are for illustration purposes only.

Label ejection means (101 fig. 1A; 201 fig. 2; 301 fig. 3; 401 fig. 4; 501 fig. 5; 601 fig. 6; 1201 fig. 12; 1301 fig. 13) for ejecting a removed label (103 'fig. 1A; 203' fig. 2; 303 'fig. 3; 403' fig. 4; 503 'fig. 5; 603' fig. 5; 604 fig. 6) affixed to a sheet-form support (104 fig. 1A; 204 fig. 2; 604 fig. 6), comprising a removal mechanism (106 fig. 1A; 206 fig. 2; 306 fig. 3; 406 fig. 4; 506 fig. 5; 606 fig. 6), wherein the removal mechanism has an adhesive portion (106 'fig. 1A; 206' fig. 2; 310 fig. 3; 410 fig. 4; 510 fig. 5; 610 fig. 6) which is operable to come into contact with and adhere to a portion of the surface of an error label on the sheet-form support; and the wrong label ejection means is operable to remove the portion of the surface adhering to the removal mechanism from the sheet like support, whereby the removal of the removed label from the sheet like support is performed by the movement of the label ejection means to disengage the portion of the surface of the label until complete separation.

Another embodiment of the disclosed label ejection device (101 fig. 1A; 201 fig. 2; 301 fig. 3; 401 fig. 4; 501 fig. 5; 601 fig. 6; 1201 fig. 12; 1301 fig. 13) is self-adhesive (103 fig. 1A; 203 fig. 2; 303 fig. 3; 403 fig. 4; 503 fig. 5; 603 fig. 6) and is applied on a sheet support (104 fig. 1A; 204 fig. 2; 304 fig. 3; 404 fig. 4; 504 fig. 5; 604 fig. 6) moving in an advancing direction (a).

Another embodiment of the disclosed label ejection device (101 fig. 1A; 201 fig. 2; 301 fig. 3; 401 fig. 4; 501 fig. 5; 601 fig. 6; 1201 fig. 12; 1301 fig. 13) includes a collection mechanism (208 fig. 2; 309+310+311 fig. 3; 409+410+411 fig. 4; 509+510+511 fig. 5; 609+610+611 fig. 6) configured to receive the removed label.

Another embodiment of the disclosed label ejection device (101 fig. 1A; 201 fig. 2; 301 fig. 3; 401 fig. 4; 501 fig. 5; 601 fig. 6; 1201 fig. 12; 1301 fig. 13) wherein the collecting mechanism comprises a drive roller mechanism (209+211 fig. 2; 309+311 fig. 3; 409+411 fig. 4; 509+511 fig. 5; 609+611 fig. 6) configured for moving a collecting belt (210 fig. 2; 310 fig. 3; 410 fig. 4; 510 fig. 5; 610 fig. 6) that can receive removed labels by means of an adhesive secured on the outside of the collecting belt.

Another embodiment of the invention discloses a faulty label ejection device (101 fig. 1A; 201 fig. 2; 301 fig. 3; 401 fig. 4; 501 fig. 5; 601 fig. 6; 1201 fig. 12; 1301 fig. 13) comprising a removal mechanism that pushes against the non-adhesive side of the collection belt (210 fig. 2; 310 fig. 3; 410 fig. 4; 510 fig. 5; 610 fig. 6) to catch the faulty label by adhesion from the sheet-like support (104 fig. 1A; 204 fig. 2; 304 fig. 3; 404 fig. 4; 504 fig. 5; 604 fig. 6).

The faulty label ejection device (101 fig. 1A; 201 fig. 2; 301 fig. 3; 401 fig. 4; 501 fig. 5; 601 fig. 6; 1201 fig. 12; 1301 fig. 13) may comprise a removal mechanism, which is at least a pasting pad (106 fig. 1A; 107' fig. 1B; 206 fig. 2).

The faulty label ejection device (101 fig. 1A; 201 fig. 2; 301 fig. 3; 401 fig. 4; 501 fig. 5; 601 fig. 6; 1201 fig. 12; 1301 fig. 13) may include a removal mechanism, such as a platen roller (306 fig. 3; 406 fig. 4; 506 fig. 5; 606 fig. 6).

The faulty label ejection device (101 fig. 1A; 201 fig. 2; 301 fig. 3; 401 fig. 4; 501 fig. 5; 601 fig. 6; 1201 fig. 1201; 1301 fig. 13) may include the platen roller (306 fig. 3; 406 fig. 4; 506 fig. 5; 606 fig. 6) that rotates to remove the label.

The collection mechanism of the label ejection device (101 fig. 1A; 201 fig. 2; 301 fig. 3; 401 fig. 4; 501 fig. 5; 601 fig. 6; 1201 fig. 12; 1301 fig. 13) may include a collection belt (210 fig. 2; 310 fig. 3; 410 fig. 4; 510 fig. 5; 610 fig. 6), such as a scoring roller (Scotch roll).

The removing mechanism of the label ejection device (101 fig. 1A; 201 fig. 2; 301 fig. 3; 401 fig. 4; 501 fig. 5; 601 fig. 6; 1201 fig. 12; 1301 fig. 13) is brought into contact with the removed label by the moving mechanism (107 fig. 1A; 207 fig. 2; 307 fig. 3; 407 fig. 4; 507 fig. 5; 607 fig. 6).

The moving mechanism of the label ejection device ((101 fig. 1A; 201 fig. 2; 301 fig. 3; 401 fig. 4; 501 fig. 5; 601 fig. 6; 1201 fig. 12; 1301 fig. 13) may be a jack (107 fig. 1A; 207 fig. 2; 307 fig. 3; 407 fig. 4; 507 fig. 5; 607 fig. 6), such as a pneumatic or hydraulic jack.

The speed of advance of the collection belt (210 fig. 2; 310 fig. 3; 410 fig. 4; 510 fig. 5; 610 fig. 6) is the same as that of the sheet-like support (104 fig. 1A; 204 fig. 2; 304 fig. 3; 404 fig. 4; 504 fig. 5; 604 fig. 6) by the action of the contact mechanism (512 fig. 5; 612 fig. 6).

As shown in fig. 1a, the label ejection device (101) comprises a removal mechanism (106) which comes into contact with the label (103') to be removed and removes it directly from the sheet support (104) carrying the strip of labels by adhesion. The removal means may be a sticker pad or the like, containing at its edge (106') an adhesive surface facing the sheet support (104), which may capture the printed side of the label to be removed. The operating group in this embodiment of the invention comprises moving means, such as pneumatic or hydraulic jacks (107) or the like, which can move the removing means in the advancing direction (C) to catch the label (103') to be removed by adhesion.

The movement to remove the label may be a movement from the labelling system (102), comprising a movement of the sheet support (104) towards the label ejection device (101) or in the opposite direction.

Fig. 1a shows a preferred movement of the invention for removing labels, from the removing means (106) of the label ejection device (101) towards the sheet-like support (104) by the action of the moving means (107).

To remove successive labels, the removal mechanism (106) may consist of a roller with at least an adhesive pad fixed around it (see fig. 1 b). Different sizes of sticker pads may be used depending on the label used. In this solution, the fixing mechanism of the removal mechanism must make the change of the removal mechanism of the label ejection device (101) easier and faster. Further, the removal mechanism disclosed in FIG. 1b may be rotated at any speed with the aid of a dedicated motor or belt coupled to the support roller (105).

As further shown in fig. 2a, the tags also include a collecting mechanism (208) configured for receiving the tags to be collected or sorted as desired. The applicator pad thus cooperates with the operative group to transfer the removed labels to the collection mechanism (208) to simultaneously apply the faulty label to the collection mechanism at different locations, whenever recovery is possible. The collecting mechanism (208) may comprise a collecting belt (210) carrying the removed labels that have been received and being unwound by drive rollers (209), (211) moving in the advancing direction (B). The direction may be bidirectional at any speed.

The collection mechanism (208) accumulates a plurality of removed labels, eventually increasing its own diameter until a threshold value set by the operator. Once this threshold has been reached, the operator removes and replaces the collection mechanism. Another configuration of the collecting mechanism of the present invention, shown in fig. 2b, shows the collection of the tape between the drive rollers where the removed labels are provided to the labeler. The collection belt rotates about two or more drive rollers that collect the removed labels and provide the labels to the labeler.

Another embodiment for achieving the objectives of the present invention is disclosed in fig. 3 a. The label ejection device (301) is used for ejecting a label (303') to be removed, which is stuck on a sheet-like support (304) of the label (303) moving in an advancing direction (A), and comprises a removing mechanism (306) and collecting mechanisms (309), (310), (311).

The collecting mechanism comprises drive rollers (309), (311) configured for unwinding a label-receivable collecting belt (310) in a forward direction (B). The unwinding movement (B) of the collecting belt (310) may be bidirectional.an adhesive is fixed on the side of the collecting belt (310) facing the sheet-like support (304). A removing mechanism (306) located above the collecting belt (310) pushes against its non-adhesive side in the forward direction (C) to catch the label from the sheet-like support (304) by the adhesive.

The removal mechanism (306) may be a sticky pad, a seat plate, a peel plate, a separation mechanism, or the like.

The sheet support may carry a self-adhesive label.

Upon receiving a signal from the sheet like support, the control unit is operable to control the label ejection device to eject a detected faulty label from the sheet like support, the control unit being operable to initiate operation of the drive assembly and the moving mechanism (307). The drive assembly is used to rotate a collection mechanism such as drive rollers (309), (311). This rotation may be applied to either or both and is bi-directional.

This moving mechanism initiates the movement of the removing mechanism, which comes into contact with the detected label and removes the label in a determined position on the sheet-like support (304) by adhesion.

The drive assembly of the label ejection device (301) may be a motor that causes the collection mechanism to act periodically or a belt that causes the collection mechanism to act continuously.

Another option for the collecting mechanism is a label feeder, as shown in fig. 3 b.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 4a, the removal mechanism (406) is a press roll or a cluster of press rolls. A roll is more suitable for removing small and medium size labels. The adhesive portion of the collecting belt adheres to the surface of the label to be detected under the pressure of the pressure roller, so as to remove the label more uniformly and without shaking on the sheet-like support. A plurality of press rollers in a cluster shape preferably forms the curved shape of the sheet support (404). This configuration is more suitable for large size tags that require multiple contacts to smoothly and more efficiently capture the wrong tag.

The collection belt (410) may be a score roller or the like that is movable upon detection of an erroneous label on the sheet support (404).

The step of transferring the faulty label from the removing means to the collecting means, as explained in claim 1 of the present invention, is associated with the movement of the removing means, since the collecting belt has caught the faulty label by the removing means and is wound around the collecting roller containing the plurality of faulty labels.

The collection mechanism includes a 1 st roll unwinder (409), such as a scoring roll; and a 2 nd roller winder (411) collecting a plurality of faulty labels adhered with the aid of a removal mechanism, both operating in cooperation with the control unit for managing the removal of the labels.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the interaction between the detection mechanism and the control unit is well known, and that the removal mechanism is arranged to face the faulty tag. The control unit rotates the 1 st roller (411) of the collecting means at a predetermined time within the period of the calculated period after the detection means emits a signal when a faulty label is detected. The control unit controls the operative group between the two rollers, which may be a belt, to precisely synchronize the continuous tension of the rotating and collecting belt (410) with the two driving rollers (409) and (411) fixed to the support. Such as a pneumatic or hydraulic jack or the like (407) causes the moving mechanism (406) to move in the forward direction (C).

In another embodiment, the operative group between the roller (405) of the sheet support (404) and the 1 st roller (411) of the collecting means may be a belt to make the 1 st and 2 nd rollers of the collecting means rotate continuously during the working of the labelling printing process.

In another embodiment of the invention, the rotation of the collection mechanism may be performed by a motor.

The sheet support (404) is fully locked to operate at high speed to limit waste of time.

The advancing direction (a) of the sheet-like support (404) may be the same as or opposite to the advancing direction (B) of the collection belt (410). In a preferred embodiment, the direction of advance (a) of the collection belt (410) is the same as the direction of advance (B) of the sheet support (404).

The advancing speed of the object or container to be labeled and the advancing speed of the label tape are continuously sensed by electronic means, and the advancing speed of the support tape is adjusted as needed to conform to the advancing speed of the object to be labeled.

The width of the collection belt (410) is a width suitable for labels carried on the sheet support (404).

Another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 4b, is a collection belt, such as a label conveyor belt, that rotates between two drive rollers (409 ', 411'). A removal mechanism, such as a pressure roller (406 '), may be urged against the non-adhesive side of the collection belt (410'). The removed labels are adhered to a collection belt and the latter is adhered to each container by a label adhering system. In addition, a system for attaching an adhesive layer to a collection belt may be included with the label exit device. However, in the event of a faulty label exit, the number of labels removed is limited, so a collection belt that can accommodate about 10 faulty labels is sufficient.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 11.

In fig. 5, the label ejection device (501) is in a passive position. The label (503) is carried by a high speed sheet support (504). The sheet-like support may be a support tape. The support roller (505) generates an advancing speed of the sheet-like support (504).

The apparatus (501) comprises: a removing mechanism constituted by a pressing roller (506) at the extreme end of which a collecting belt (510) advances in a direction (B) identical to the direction (A) of the supporting belt (504); and a collecting mechanism consisting of two driving rollers (509, 511) and an operation group.

The pressure roller (506) is a standard scoring roller adapted to the size of the label (503) that the device (501) can remove. The drive roller (511) is a collecting roller, and accommodates a plurality of faulty labels (503').

A brake system is incorporated into the scoring roller (509) to maintain resistance to full tension of the collection belt (510); pneumatic or hydraulic jacks (507) for moving the device to bring the removing means constituted by the collecting belt (510) and the pressure roller (506) into contact with the faulty label detected on the sheet-like support (504); a pressure system and a motor coupled to the collection roller (511) for positioning the new unused adhesive portion of the collection belt (510).

The collecting roller (511) must be kept in contact to the pressure roller (506) by means of a pressure system in order to rotate at the same speed to wind up the plurality of removed faulty labels.

The motor is also coupled to accelerate the rotation of the collecting roller (511), and the pressure roller (506) in contact with the collecting roller rotates to provide a new adhesive portion to the next faulty label that must be removed from the support mechanism.

In FIG. 7, the jack (607) moves the faulty label device into contact with the detected faulty label (603'). Once detected, the device is moved to the correct location to grasp the edge of the label. The pressure roller (606) free from rotation contacts the faulty label (603') advancing at the speed of the support tape (604), so that the rotation speed of the pressure roller (606) is the same as that of the support roller (605) supporting the tape (604). The pressure system, coupled to the collection roller (611) which causes a constant contact between the pressure roller (606) and the collection roller (611), results in the rotation speed of the collection roller (611) being the same as the rotation speed of the pressure roller (606) and the support roller (605).

In fig. 8, the edge of the error label (603') is glued to another support tape (610).

In fig. 9, the caught faulty label is smoothly stuck to the other support tape (610).

In fig. 10, in the case of a non-continuous faulty label to be removed, the jack moves the device in the passive position after removal of the faulty label (601).

In fig. 11, a motor attached to a collection roller (611) rotates to have new unused adhesive face a new faulty label to be removed. This operation is required to correctly capture the edge of the new faulty label and to fully receive the faulty label.

The position of the faulty label ejection device (601) is active and passive, and varies depending on the number of support rollers (605) supporting the tape (604).

A preferred embodiment of a labeling print roll-to-roll system is disclosed in fig. 12. Labeling system for eliminating false self-adhesive labels stuck on a support tape, which is operated to move in an advancing direction (a) and to be bent on a support roller (1205), comprising: an ink jet printer (1213) operable to print out a label on the sheet support (1204); a faulty label ejection device (1201) comprising detection means (1214) operable to detect a faulty printed label on the sheet like support and to transmit a signal indicating that a faulty printed label has been detected; a removing mechanism for removing a misprinted label stuck on the sheet-like support, having an adhesive portion operable to come into contact with and adhere to a part of the label of the misprinted label on the sheet-like support; the label ejection device is operable to remove the adhesive portion from the sheet support until separated from the wrong printed label. Thereby, the wrong printed label is excluded from the sheet-like support; and a collecting mechanism having an adhesive portion operable to receive rejected erroneous printed labels and including a drive operable to move a collecting belt supporting the adhesive portion, the collecting belt operable to move between two drive rollers; and the removing means being operable to transfer the rejected erroneous printed labels to the collecting means by adhering a portion of the rejected erroneous printed labels to the adhesive portion of the collecting means and comprising a portion of the collecting belt operable to come into contact with and adhere to the portion of the surface of the erroneous printed labels on the sheet support; the removing means comprises a pressure roller operable to bend the collecting belt to a height of the support roller, and a drive means operable to push the pressure roller and adhere the portion of the collecting belt to the portion of the surface of the incorrectly printed label on the support belt; and a control unit (1215), operable upon receiving a signal from the detection mechanism, to control the label ejection device to exclude the detection of the erroneous printed label from the sheet like support.

Alternatively, an encoder may be incorporated into the labeling system, coupled to the sensor or actuator (1216) to define the speed and position of advancement of the label applied to the support tape. An exit detector 1217 may also be added after the backing roll of the support tape to check for proper exit of the labels that must be removed.

Fig. 13 shows another system for applying labels to a printing sheet-to-sheet system, including the same apparatus as described in fig. 12. In the system disclosed herein, the sheet-like support may be a sheet. The system is a label printing sheet to sheet system.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (7)

1. A label ejection device comprising a removal mechanism (401) for ejecting a label (403) affixed to a sheet-like support, the sheet-like support being a support tape (404) operable to move in an advancing direction (a) and to be bent over a support roller (405), the label being adhered to the support tape, characterized in that:

the removing mechanism has an adhesive portion (410) operable to come into contact with and adhere to a portion of the surface of the label on the sheet like support; and is

The label ejection mechanism further comprises a collection mechanism (409, 410, 411) comprising a collection belt (410) having an adhesive portion operable to receive the labels, the collection mechanism comprising a drive operable to move the collection belt, the collection belt being operable to move between two drive rollers (409, 411),

wherein the removing means (401) comprises an adhesive portion of the collecting belt operable to be brought into contact with and adhered to the portion of the surface of the label on the sheet support by the drive and to transfer the label to the collecting means, thereby to eject the label from the sheet support; and is

Wherein the removing mechanism comprises a pressing roller (406) operable to bend the collecting belt (404) to a height of the supporting roller (405), and the driving mechanism (407) is operable to push the pressing roller (406) and adhere the portion of the collecting belt to the portion of the surface of the label on the supporting belt (404).

2. A label ejection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portion of the surface of the label is equivalent to an edge of the label in the direction (a).

3. A label exit device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the collection belt is wound around a drive roller.

4. The label exit device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a detecting mechanism operable to detect a faulty label on the sheet support and transmit a signal indicating that the faulty label has been detected;

a control unit operable to control the label ejection device upon receiving a signal from the detection mechanism to exclude the faulty label from the sheet support.

5. A labelling system for rejecting faulty labels that have been stuck on a sheet-like support, which is a support tape (1204) operable to move in an advancement direction (a) and to be bent over a support roll (1205), the faulty labels being stuck to the support tape, comprising:

a printer (1213) operable to print out a label on the sheet support;

a faulty label exit device comprising:

a detecting mechanism (1214) operable to detect a misprinted label on the sheet support and transmit a signal indicative of the detected misprinted label;

a removing mechanism (1201) for removing a misprinted label that has been stuck on the sheet-like support, having an adhesive portion operable to come into contact with and adhere to a portion of a surface of the misprinted label on the sheet-like support;

the label ejection device is operable to remove the adhesive portion from the sheet support until separated from the misprinted label, thereby excluding the misprinted label from the sheet support; and

a control unit (1215), operable upon receiving a signal from the detection mechanism (1214), to control the label ejection device to exclude the misprinted label from the sheet support,

wherein the labeling system further comprises

A collecting mechanism having an adhesive portion operable to receive the rejected misprinted label and including a drive operable to move a collecting belt supporting the adhesive portion, the collecting belt operable to move between two drive rollers; and is

The removing mechanism is operable to transfer the rejected misprinted labels to the collecting mechanism by adhering a portion of the rejected misprinted labels to the adhesive portion of the collecting mechanism and comprises a portion of the collecting belt operable to come into contact with and adhere to the portion of the surface of the misprinted labels on the sheet support;

the removing mechanism comprises a pressure roller operable to bend the collection belt to a height of the support roller, and a drive mechanism operable to push against the pressure roller and adhere the portion of the collection belt to the portion of the surface of the misprinted label on the support belt.

6. Use of a label exit device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. Use of a labelling system according to claim 5 for rejecting faulty labels that have been applied to a sheet-like support.