WO2009049832A1

WO2009049832A1 - Labeling device for products with expiration date

Info

Publication number: WO2009049832A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/008575
Authority: WO
Inventors: Verena Klyscz; Laura Klyscz
Original assignee: Verena Klyscz; Laura Klyscz
Priority date: 2007-10-11
Filing date: 2008-10-10
Publication date: 2009-04-23
Also published as: DE102007049038A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device, with which a product (3) having a limited usability time is marked after the product (3) is opened, comprising - an input unit (7) designed to store data relating to the remaining usability time of the product (3), - a determination means (9) for determining the expiration time until which the product (3) can be used, influenced by the time at which the product (3) was opened, and - a printing and labeling unit (12) for applying information relating to the expiration date on the product (3).

Description

description

LABELING DEVICE FOR PRODUCTS WITH EXPIRED DATE

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for labeling of packages or goods, wherein the label has a relation to the dependency of the usability of the packaged product or the product from the time of the first opening of the packaging or the onset of the goods.

From DE 43 16 688 Al a device is known, which is intended to produce after a period of time, in particular the expiration of a product of limited shelf life, a display. It is considered that the condition of a product in the closed and open state of the packaging is subject to separate laws. Moreover, it is assumed in the known device that after opening a package, the less time remains for the use or consumption of the packaged product, the longer the packaged product has already been stored before. In order to be able to take this connection into account, the display device according to DE 43 16 688 A1 has a timer device which can be designed as an integrated or hybrid circuit or as a chemical system with at least two substance components. As a display means of the known display device, for example, LED or LCD modules can be provided. In order to prevent abuse of the expiration dates, it is proposed in DE 43 16 688 Al to mount the display device in such a way that it can not be removed from the packaging in a non-destructive manner. Overall, the known display device is very complex, so that their use, especially for use in products in low price segments even from an economic point of view is out of the question. Another packaging with a time measuring device is known for example from DE 42 05 403 Al. This packaging should be suitable for consumables such as food, pharmaceuticals, paints or adhesives. The time-measuring device can be activated with the production or use of the item contained in the package, wherein for activation designed as a sensor element actuating element may be provided which is arranged in the opening region of the package, that the activation of the time measuring device when first opened the packaging is done.

The invention has for its object to provide in a particularly simple and user-friendly manner information about the maximum possible, depending on the time of the packaging opening or initial use of the useful life of a product.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an identification drawing device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 12. The embodiments and advantages of the invention explained below in connection with the device also apply mutatis mutandis to the method and vice versa.

The marking device comprises three essential, cooperating functional components, namely firstly an input unit which is designed to record data relating to the remaining useful life of a product, secondly a means for determining the expiration time, which is influenced by the time of the onset of the product, up to thirdly, a printing and labeling unit for affixing information relating to the expiry of the time on the product. Various embodiments of the identification device can be realized with different degrees of automation. In simple cases, the input unit gives the user the option of entering the remaining useful life of the product manually after it has started up, for example by keyboard input or with the aid of a setting wheel. The user can access data stored on the product or on its packaging in non-technical readable form.

Regardless of the embodiment of the marking device, the product whose maximum remaining useful life largely depends on the time of the first use of the product can be, for example, a foodstuff, a medicament, but also a technical product such as a paint, a building material that cures over time, or an adhesive , In many cases, the term "first-time use" is synonymous with opening the product for the first time, and generally speaking, the "onset" of the product means an event that significantly reduces the shelf-life of the product. For this purpose, opening a package is not always required. If, for example, the product is a frozen product, then the demolition of the cold chain can be regarded as the onset of the product.

Information attached to the product or its packaging, which relates to the remaining useful life of the product after the product has started, are, unless they are picked up by the user and entered into the input unit, transmitted automatically to the identification device according to an advantageous embodiment. The input unit may be designed for this purpose for detecting an optically encoded on the product information. Such information is given for example by a bar code or a data matrix code. According to an alternative embodiment, the marking device is suitable for detecting information which is provided in electronically coded form by the product, its packaging or a part connected to the product or the packaging. Particularly advantageous is the ability to transmit product-specific information contactlessly from the product to the input unit. Suitable for this purpose is, for example, an RFID (radio frequency identification) label located on the product packaging, which is automatically read by means of a reading device integrated into the input unit and designed for it as soon as the distance between the marking device and the product is low enough. Examples of frequency ranges in which RFID systems can be used within the scope of the identification system include, by way of example, a low-frequency range (30 to 500 kHz), a high-frequency range (10 to 15 MHz) and an ultra-high-frequency range (850 to 950 MHz).

The determination device integrated in the identification device uses, in a preferred embodiment, not only data which are indicated on the product or its packaging, but also elsewhere to generate data which provide information about the remaining useful life remaining after the product has started stored product-specific information. Such information may be kept within the tagging device and / or in a memory coupled to the tagging device for data-related purposes. An external memory accessible to the tagging device includes, for example, a database that associates product-specific time periods used to identify products, indicated by barcode on the product packaging, within which the particular product is to be used after it has opened.

The determination means integrated into the identification device uses for the generation of data which provide information about the remaining useful life remaining after the product has started, in a further preferred embodiment, data which is currently determined by a measuring unit at the moment of use. For example, the current temperature of the product and / or the current temperature of the product environment is determined with the aid of a thermometer, and these temperature data are made available to the determination means as further data.

The determination means, which can be implemented using software-technical means, combines the externally stored information and / or the further ascertained information with the information specified on the product and thus generates printable information about the expiry time, which indicates when the product is usable. To calculate the expiry time, the identification device may comprise a clock, for example a radio clock, or access an external data source which indicates the current time.

In a further variant of the invention, influences of the season on the remaining durability of the product are automatically taken into account. This may be particularly important for certain foods and perishables. For example, for this purpose, the clock can also be designed to provide the current date, and the determination means generates the information about the expiration time depending on whether the opening takes place in summer or in winter. This approach can be used in terms of a possible measurement of the ambient temperature by a

Thermometer make the use of such an additional measuring unit superfluous, insofar as, for example, when opening in the summer months because of the expected higher ambient temperatures of the expiry date automatically advanced by a predetermined period and at an opening in the winter months because of the expected lower ambient temperatures of the expiration time automatically moved backwards for a predetermined period of time.

Preferably, the time of expiration on a label produced by the printing and labeling unit, for example a paper or a transparent label, is indicated in plain text. The time of expiration can hereby be specified as exactly as desired, for example to the minute. A transparent label has the advantage over a paper label that information printed on the product packaging remains largely legible despite the label being affixed to it. The term "printing and labeling unit" does not imply that this unit must literally affix a printed label to the product packaging, but other labeling and marking devices, such as inkjet marking devices or laser marking devices, are to be subsumed under the term "printing and labeling unit" , The same applies to devices that are suitable for imprinting or engraving information.

Particularly advantageous is a further embodiment of the invention, in which it is ensured that the time of opening of the packaging coincides with the time of attachment of the label. For this purpose, the identification device described here is combined with an opening device for opening the packaging, and the resulting overall system is designed such that the label is automatically applied to the packaging when the packaging is opened. For example, a can opener may be provided which holds the can to be opened by means of a holding device for opening and releases only after the integrated labeling device has provided the can with a label. The opening device may be a manually operated or a powered opening device. Batteries or accumulators and a connection to a power supply network are suitable, for example, for supplying energy to the identification device. Likewise, solar or fuel cells can be used to supply electricity.

Two embodiments of the marking device according to the invention and a marking method will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Herein show:

Fig. 1 in a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an identification device, Fig. 2 in a flowchart with a device according to

Fig. 1 feasible method, Fig. 3 a with the apparatus of FIG. 1 producible

Label,

4 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of an identification device, and FIG. 5 shows the device according to FIG. 4 in a schematic plan view.

Corresponding or equivalent parts are identified in all figures with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 is a symbolized manner designed as a stand-up marking device 1, which is for marking a package 2, in the present case a tube filled with a viscous product 3, provided. The product 3 is, for example, an ointment or solution intended for medical use, which can be used after the packaging 2 has been opened within a certain period of time. Likewise, the product 3 could be a food which, after the first opening of the pack 2, has to be used up within a defined period of time under specified storage conditions, in particular when cooling below a certain maximum temperature. The information indicating the remaining useful life of the product 3 should be affixed to the packaging 2 provided with a label 4 as soon as it is first opened. As an optional feature, in the present case, a seal 5 indicates whether the package 2 is still in the original state, that is to say a closure cap 6 has not yet been opened.

The label 4 is in the embodiment of FIG. 1 as

RFID tag formed, which cooperates with a built-in the marking device 1 input unit 7, which comprises a transmitting and receiving unit 8, shown in Fig. 1 as an antenna. The RFID tag 4 has no own power supply, such as battery, but refers to the energy required for the read only from the electromagnetic waves, which are radiated by the transmitting and receiving unit 8 on the label 4.

Instead of the RFID tag 4, any other machine-readable product tag, generally referred to as a data carrier, for example an EAN bar code, is also suitable as label 4. In the case of an optical marking of the product 3 or its packaging 2, a scanner is used as the transmitting and receiving unit 8.

In principle, product data stored by means of the label 4, in particular a product identification number, can also be transferred to the input unit 7 while producing a direct electrical contact.

The input unit 7 is independent of which physical transmission mechanism it receives the product information contained on the label 4, data technically, as indicated by a dashed line, linked to a generally designated as determining means 9 component of the marking device 1, which is for example a Microprocessor acts. Furthermore, a memory 10, a proximity switch 11, a pressure and labeling unit 12, and optionally an opening device 13 are connected to the determination means 9, the function of which can be used to break the seal 5 and / or open the closure cap 6 is provided. The memory 10, for example a hard disk storage, is not necessarily arranged inside the housing 14 of the identification device 1. Rather, the memory 10 at any

Way, for example via a network, data technology connected to the determining means 9 and be realized by any number of individual data storage.

The function of the identification device 1 is explained below with reference to the flowchart shown in greatly simplified form in FIG. 2. In a first step S1, the product 3 is identified by the data carrier 4 mounted on its packaging 2 by means of the transmitting and receiving unit 8 comprehensive input unit 7 is read out automatically. In this case, the input unit 7 can be linked to the proximity switch 11, which operates, for example, electromechanically or contactlessly, for example with a light barrier, that the readout process is triggered only when the product 3 either contacts the proximity switch 11 or at least a predetermined one Limit distance between the product 3 and the proximity switch 11 is below.

In the next step S2, using the with the

Transmitting and receiving unit 8 associated with the determination means 9, the product data recorded in the first step Sl further, stored in the memory 10, the same product 3 related product-specific data assigned. These product-specific data indicate, in particular, how long the product 3 can still be used after its onset, that is to say after the initial opening of the packaging 2. The product specific Data can be summarized in a so-called reference table, which is either regularly updated or used unchanged over a longer period of time. In the former case one speaks of a dynamic, in the latter case of a static reference table.

In addition to a reference table, it is also possible to take into account further influencing variables which have an effect on the durability of the product 3 after its onset. Such an influencing variable is, for example, the maximum temperature at which the product 3 is stored after opening the packaging 2. If for the determination of the remaining useful life, that is, the maximum permissible service life of the product 3 after opening the package 2, required influencing variables are not automatically transferable to the determining means 9, the user of the marking device 1 is prompted for a corresponding input. If no data input by the user, so according to an advantageous setting of the determination means 9 automatically from the most unfavorable storage conditions, under which a storage of the product 3 after opening of the package 2 is conceivable, assumed.

In step S3, the remaining useful life of the product 3 determined using the determining means 9 becomes the current one

Date and the current time added to determine the expiration time to which the product 3 can be used. In individual cases, this computational time of expiry may be later than the expiration date, which refers to the unopened product 3. A corresponding check is automatically carried out in step S4: If the mathematical expiry time before the time at which the durability of the not yet begun product 3 ends, which is to be designated as a normal case, then in step S5 a reproduced in Fig. 3 label 15th printed and glued by the printing and labeling unit 12 on the package 2 or in any other suitable Way permanently and visibly connected to the product 3, wherein for correct positioning of the label 15 or a same purpose-fulfilling marking, such as an embossing on the package 2, the proximity switch 11 is available.

At the same time or in close temporal relation to the labeling of the packaging 2 with the label 15 indicating the remaining useful life, the product 3 is made accessible by means of the opening device 13, that is to say the packaging 2 is opened for the first time after production and packaging of the product 3. The proximity switch 11 can be used for this purpose not only for correct positioning of the label 15 but also for triggering the opening device 13. The package 2 is preferably designed such that it can not be opened without the aid of the opening device 13 or only in such a way that it is readily apparent that an improper opening took place. Thus, it can be assumed with high probability that the label 15 located on the opened package 2 indicates both the time of opening ("opened on: ...") and the time of expiration (usable until: ... ") , was actually attached to the packaging 2 at the time when it was first opened.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, both printed on the label 15 times are specified to the minute. If necessary, additional information, for example on prescribed storage conditions, can also be indicated on the label 15. In addition to

Labeling fields Tl, T2, on which the opening time point or the time of expiry is specified, can be provided for this purpose, not shown text fields.

In cases where the package 2 is not ready until shortly before the end of the shelf-life duration of the product 3 is opened for the first time, so that a computational time is determined later than the expiration date, depending on the setting of parameters of the determining means 9 in step S6, the output of various information may be provided Prior to the possible utilization of any still usable quantity of the product 3, the printing and labeling unit 12 outputs a label 15 which differs from the label 15 produced in step S5 only in that the time of expiry is equated with that time the usability of the product 3 anyway, that is, even with hitherto closed packaging 2, would expire. Thus, after this first adjustment, only the remaining useful life of the product 3 is reduced in adaptation to its unopened durability.

According to a second, more safety-oriented setting in cases where the computational time exceeds the expiration date of the product 3, no more expiration stated time, but generated by the printing and labeling unit 12, a message that the product 3 due to the imminent Reaching the expiration date categorized as no longer usable.

The illustrated with reference to Figures 1 to 3, designed as a standalone identification device 1 is particularly suitable for use in facilities such as hospitals or nursing homes and the elderly on a regular basis medicines, but also food and drinks. The labeling by means of the identification device 1 avoids reliably and at the same time simple way of administering superimposed medicaments and the consumption of foods which are no longer suitable for consumption. Figures 4 and 5 show a comparison with the embodiment of FIG. 1 simplified identification device 1, which is designed as a hand-held device and externally similarities with a commercially available labeling. Recognizable are a handle 16, a release button 17, as well as a firmly connected to the handle 16 housing 14, in which, inter alia, in Fig. 4 only indicated by dashed lines determination means 9 including a required for determining the current time clock 18 is. Next, the printing and labeling unit 12 is fixedly connected to the housing 14 or installed in this, wherein on the bottom of the housing 14, a labeling head 19 is visible as part of the printing and labeling unit 12.

At the top of the housing 14 are a first

Display panel 20, a second display panel 21, and two adjusting elements 22, which are formed in the present case as adjusting wheels. The first display panel 20 is used, for example, the display of the current date and the current time. In the second display field 21, the period of time during which the opened product 3 remains usable is displayed. This period of time can be entered by the user by means of the adjusting elements 22, which thus act as input unit 7 in the present case. For example, one of the adjusting elements 22 is used for the input of a number of months, while with the second adjusting element 22 a number of days can be set. In the case of particularly perishable products 3 which are to be labeled with the marking device 1 according to FIGS. 4 and 5, it may be more practical to assign a number of days to the first control element 22 and a number of hours to the second control element 22.

In any case, the user does not enter directly a time at which the product 3 remains usable when the packaging 2 is opened, but only a time period which is sufficient for the use of the product 3 after the first time. gene opening the package 2 remains. From this period, the time of expiry is automatically determined using the further, explained in connection with Figures 1 and 2 data.

The indicated in Fig. 5 display panels 20, 21 may be combined into a single display panel. This in turn may include the functionality of the adjusting elements 22 in the form of a touch-sensitive screen. The identification device 1 according to FIGS. 4 and 5, like the embodiment according to FIG. 1, is suitable for dispensing a label 15 according to FIG. 3. Due to the handy design of the sketched in Figures 4 and 5 marking device 1, this is geeigent especially for use in private households. In a manner not shown, the marking device 1 is also in a household or kitchen appliance, such as a refrigerator, integrable or attachable to such a device.

An example of the use of the marking device 1 in a private household is the labeling of beverage packaging, in particular cardboard packaging. For example, a fruit juice bottled in a carton may still be judged sensible for a few days after opening of the package 2, although objectively it is no longer suitable for consumption due to storage for too long. In such a case, the consumer, provided he has attached the label 15 at the opening of the package 2 by means of the marking device 1, indicated that the packaging contained in the package 2

Product 3 is no longer usable because of overlay.

A particularly simple design of the identification device 1 with unlimited functionality and high ease of use can be realized if the data required for determining the expiration time point-with the exception of the current time-completely corresponds to the information on the packaging 2. arranged data carrier 4 are removable, so that no connection with an additional data source is required. The data indicating how long the product 3 remains usable after the packaging 2 has been opened, if necessary depending on the storage conditions, may be coded together with the identification of the product 3 or separately. In both cases, any identification technology, for example one by radio or one optically readable identification, is suitable for the coding of the product-specific information. This applies to each of the embodiments of the marking device 1 described above.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 marking device

2 packaging

3 product

4 label, disk 5 seal

6 cap

7 input unit

8 transmitting and receiving unit

9 determining means 10 memory

11 proximity switches

12 printing and labeling unit

13 opening device

14 housing 15 label

16 handle

17 release button

6 pm

19 labeling head 20 first display field

21 second display field

22 control element

Claims

claims

Device for marking a product of limited useful life (3) after it has been opened, comprising

an input unit (7) which is designed to record data relating to the remaining useful life of the product (3),

- A determination means (9) for determining the by the time of the onset of the product (3) influenced

Expiration time up to which the product (3) is usable,

- A printing and labeling unit (12) for attaching a piece of information relating to the expiry date on the product (3).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the input unit (7) is adapted to read a mounted on the product (3) information.

3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the input unit (7) is designed for detecting an optically encoded on the product (3) information.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the input unit (7) for detecting a bar code on the product (3) is formed.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the input unit (7) for detecting a data matrix code on the product (3) is formed.

6. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the input unit (7) for detecting an electronically coded information on the product (3) is formed.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the input unit (7) comprises a transmitting and receiving unit (8) for reading an RFID label (4) on the product (3).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the printing and labeling unit (12) is designed for printing on paper labels.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the printing and labeling unit (12) is designed for printing on transparent labels.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the determining means (9) comprises a clock (18) for determining the current time.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a with the determining means (9) data-technically linked memory (10), which is provided for the provision of product-specific, required for determining the expiry time data.

12. A method for identifying a product of limited useful life (3) after its onset, comprising the following steps:

the product (3) is identified using a data carrier (4) connected to the product (3),

the information provided by the data carrier (4) is linked to information about the time of the start of the product (3) in order to determine the latest possible date of use of the product (3),

- The product (3) is provided with a label (15) which indicates the determined time to which the product (3) is usable, at least indirectly.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the time until which the product (3) is available, is explicitly stated on the label (15).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the time until which the product (3) is usable, at least for hours exactly on the label (15) is specified.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the information provided by means of the product (3) connected to the data carrier (4) with an outside of the product (3) and its packaging, the product (3) concerned Information is linked to determine the time until which the product (3) is usable.