Label dispenser - handling different size labels

[Ziv Z.]

Hi Everyone,
As some of you may have seen in a previous thread, i'm in the process of designing an improved version for a desktop label dispenser i made.
the purpose is to "marry" label A on top of label B, and immediately dispense for the user to take it out.
currently there is a static pin with a machined delrin (somewhat freely rotating element) just after the peeler, that "catches" the married label and in this way separates the label from the release liner, so that when the user pulls the label outwards, he doesn't unwind one of the rolls.

I find it very unreliable and inconsistent, and it works mostly with a specific size of label, when going to smaller labels it's not comfortable for the user.

I'm looking to simplify things on the one hand, but to make it work reliably with different label sizes.

From looking at what's available in the industry, I haven't seen anything that resembles what i need, so i think i have a somewhat unique problem (hope i'm wrong).

One solution i thought of is to make a motorized caterpillar which will receive the married label and drive it towards the user - but i think it's a very complicated solution within the small space i have.

Another option is simply to bring the peeling edge outside the device, but this raises another problem, how to hold the inside release liner with the labels in place? because if the user pulls it outwards the labels will go out of alignment.

Another unrelated question, right now i'm using fork optical sensors, where the labels go through the sensor, if i manage to find a tiny optical sensor that works on reflection and does not need labels to go through it, i may simplify things in designing and versatility of what i'm looking to do.

Any idea would be much appreciated!

 

[btrueblood]

Why not just dispense the un-peeled label?

 

[FACS]

It would be better if we had some pictures.

 

[Ziv Z.]

Hope this helps

 

[FACS]

Well,
We have always used a small vacuum assist when "Catching" labels the way you are doing this.

Blow tamp uses this method. A small vacuum plate comes on when the label is stripped off the stripper plate (what you call the peeler).

This small amount of vacuum holds the label in place until it is removed.

That is the easiest solution that I know will work.

 

[Ziv Z.]

Interesting,
Is it possible to incorporate vacuum in this device without using pneumatics? this device is supposed to connect only to electric power and be mobile.

 

[FACS]

You don't need much vacuum so you could use a small electric air pump and venturi.

The vacuum on the labeling systems use a venturi to create the vacuum with supplied air.

The venturi is located on the control valve and the system shuttles between air vacuum to hold, and air pressure to release.