DEVICE AND METHOD FOR LABELING OBJECTS

Abstract

The invention relates inter alia to a device (1) for labeling objects (3), preferably containers. The device (1) includes a label conveyor (7) for conveying a plurality of labels (2) along a circulating conveyor track (19) by means of multiple movement devices (20). The label conveyor (7) has a plurality of module docking stations (52). At least one auxiliary unit module is connected to one of the plurality of module docking stations (52). Advantageously, the flexibility of the device (1) can thus be substantially increased.

Claims

1. A device for labeling objects, wherein the device comprises: an object conveyor for conveying the objects; a label conveyor for conveying several labels along a circulating conveyor track by use of several movement devices; an application region in which the labels conveyed by the label conveyor can be applied to the objects conveyed by the object conveyor; and at least one auxiliary unit module from the group of: a cutting device for cutting the labels from a label web, a printing device for printing on the labels, an adhesive device for applying an adhesive to the labels, a camera device for monitoring the several movement devices and/or the labels, a service conveyor for unloading movement devices from the label conveyor and loading movement devices onto the label conveyor, at least one label web feed unit for feeding label webs, a splicing device for connecting ends of two label rolls, and a buffer device for buffering labels; wherein the label conveyor has several module docking stations, and the at least one auxiliary unit module is releasably connected to one of the several module docking stations.

2. The device according to claim 1, having at least one of the following features: at least one of the auxiliary unit modules is selectively connectable to each of the module docking stations; the several module docking stations are formed identically; the several module docking stations and/or the at least one auxiliary unit module each have a mechanical connector and/or an electrical connector and/or a pneumatic connector; the several module docking stations each have at least two, mutually-spaced module docking sites for connecting to the same auxiliary unit module; the several module docking stations are arranged at least in part on an inner peripheral side with respect to the circulating conveyor track; and the several module docking stations are arranged on several peripheral sides of the label conveyor.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: at least one of the auxiliary unit modules is mounted movably on rollers.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the device has at least one automated guided vehicle, and at least one of the auxiliary unit modules has a coupling for coupling to the at least one automated guided vehicle; and/or at least one of the auxiliary unit modules is configured as an automated guided vehicle.

5. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a further label conveyor for conveying several further labels along a further circulating conveyor track by use of several further movement devices, wherein the further label conveyor comprises several further module docking stations; wherein at least one of the auxiliary unit modules is movable back and forth between the label conveyor and the further label conveyor for selective connection to one of the several module docking stations and the several further module docking stations.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the label conveyor has a long-stator linear drive, a short-stator linear drive, or a planar drive for magnetically-inductive driving of the several movement devices.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the printing device is arranged within the circulating conveyor track; and/or the printing device is arranged for printing through a passage in the circulating conveyor track when printing on the labels.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the circulating conveyor track has, in a plan view of the device, substantially a triangular shape or a rectangular shape; and/or the circulating conveyor track is oriented substantially vertically.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the several movement devices have several rollers which support the several movement devices on the circulating conveyor track.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: the several movement devices each have a label holder for holding the labels; and each of the several movement devices has at least one of: a roller arranged above the label holder and a roller arranged below the label holder; a roller which is arranged such that a pressing torque for pressing the label onto the object can be brought about by supporting this roller on the circulating conveyor track; and a roller arranged in front of the label holder with respect to a forward movement direction of the respective movement device, and a roller arranged behind the label holder with respect to the forward movement direction.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the service conveyor has a circulating conveyor track along which the several movement devices can be moved; and the circulating conveyor track of the service conveyor has a smaller number of guide rails, arranged one above the other, for supporting the several movement devices than the label conveyor; and/or the service conveyor has a long stator which is arranged above or below the circulating guide track of the service conveyor and/or is arranged so as to be vertically offset with respect to a long stator of the label conveyor.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the several movement devices each have a pneumatic holder, for holding the labels, and wherein: the label conveyor has a suction line system having a stationary inlet, and a fluid connection between the inlet and the pneumatic holder occurs, during a movement of the respective movement device along the circulating conveyor track of the label conveyor, by way of sliding contact to the stationary inlet; and/or the label conveyor has a compressed air line system, having a stationary outlet and a fluid connection between the outlet and the pneumatic holder occurs, during a movement of the respective movement device along the circulating conveyor track of the label conveyor, by way of sliding contact to the stationary outlet.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: the label conveyor has at least one sliding seal, stationary on the label conveyor and/or movable on the several movement devices, which is arranged for sealing the sliding contact; and/or the inlet and/or the outlet is arranged above, below, or at the level of the circulating conveyor track of the label conveyor.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the label conveyor has a planar drive having a base element that forms the circulating conveyor track and is oriented substantially vertically, and the several movement devices, which are movable over the base element by way of magnetic interaction between the base element and the several movement devices.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the device has at least one of the following features: the base element has an enlarged vertical extension in the application region, so that labels can be applied at different heights; an upper portion of the base element has a curvature in the application region towards the object conveyor, so that labels can be applied to conical object portions; the base element is height-adjustable in the application region; the object conveyor is a conveyor carousel, and the label conveyor extends in an arcuate manner in the application region along an arcuate portion of the conveyor carousel, so that several labels can be applied to the same object; the several movement devices each carry a setting device which is configured to change an angle of incidence of a label holder with respect to the respective movement device, so that labels can be applied to conical object portions; and the device has a control unit which is configured to operate the several movement devices upstream of the application region so as to rotate about a current movement direction of the respective movement device, so that labels can be applied to conical object portions.

16. A system comprising: a first device according to claim 1, and a second device having a module docking station, wherein the label conveyor of the first device can be docked on the second device, or at least one of the auxiliary unit modules of the first device can be docked at least indirectly on the module docking station of the second device.

17. A method for operating a label conveyor, comprising: conveying labels by the label conveyor by use of several movement devices driven independently of one another; labeling objects; treating the labels at least indirectly using an auxiliary unit module; and docking and/or undocking an auxiliary unit module on or from the label conveyor.

18. An auxiliary unit module for at least indirect treatment of labels, wherein the auxiliary unit module is configured for connection to a module docking station of a label conveyor of the device according to claim 1.

19. The auxiliary unit module according to claim 18, comprising at least one mechanical connector for the tool-free docking or undocking of the module docking station.

20. The device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one of the auxiliary unit modules is movable back and forth between the label conveyor and the further label conveyor by use of rollers and/or by use of an automated guided vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0072] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0073] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a device for labeling according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a device for labeling according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG. 3 is a sectional view through a label conveyor and a printing device of a device for labeling according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG. 4 is a sectional view through a label conveyor and a service conveyor of a device for labeling according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIG. 5 is a sectional view through a label conveyor and a service conveyor of a device for labeling according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a device for labeling according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIGS. 7 and 8 are sectional views along a line Z-Z in FIG. 6, according to several exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0080] FIGS. 9-13 show various views of an application region of a device for labeling according to several exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0081] The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least in part, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference signs, and, for the explanation thereof, reference is also made to the description of other embodiments or figures to avoid repetition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0082] FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for labeling objects 3 with individual labels or label sheets 2 (in FIG. 1, only a single label 2 is drawn on one of the objects 3 for reasons of clarity). The objects 3 are preferably containers, e.g., bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, vials, etc. The objects 3 can each have an axis (vertical axis or longitudinal axis) A. The device 1 can preferably be included in a container treatment facility for liquid mediapreferably beverages or liquid foodstuffs. In the container treatment facility, for example, in addition to labeling, the containers can be produced, cleaned, checked, filled, closed, printed, and/or packaged.

[0083] The device 1 can have an object conveyor 4 and a label conveyor 7. The device 1 is preferably configured such that it applies the labels 2 to the corresponding objects 3 by transferring the labels 2 from the label conveyor 7 to the objects 3.

[0084] The object conveyor 4 can be configured, for example, as a carousel conveyor which moves the objects 3 forwards along a path P. In the example shown, the object conveyor 4 is configured such that it rotates continuously about a respective vertical axis B, perpendicularly to the plane of FIG. 1. The objects 3 are held by object holders of the object conveyor 4. The objects 3 are transported with their axes A parallel to the axis B and moved forwards along a path P. The object conveyor 4 can, for example, have rotary disks for supporting the objects 3 and rotating the objects 3 about the axis A. The path P is defined by a peripheral arc which extends in a horizontal plane about the axis B. It is also possible for the object conveyor 4 to be configured differently, e.g., as a conveyor which extends linearly at least in portions and has, for example, a linear drive, e.g., a long-stator linear drive or a short-stator linear drive, or a planar drive, for moving the objects 3.

[0085] The label conveyor 7 is configured to hold the labels 2, move them forwards, and release them. The label conveyor 7 can transfer the labels 2 to the objects 3 in the application region 9. The label conveyor 7 is arranged on one side of the object conveyor 4. In the application region 9, the label conveyor 7 is arranged directly next to the object conveyor 4, so that the labels 2 can be transferred from the label conveyor 7 to each of the objects 3 moved forwards on the object conveyor 4.

[0086] The label conveyor 7 preferably has a linear drive 18. The linear drive 18 can be an endless drive or form a closed conveyor track 19. The linear drive 18 has several movement devices (movers or runners) 20. The movement devices 20 are movable along the conveyor track 19. Preferably, the movement devices 20 can be moved by means of magnetically-inductive interaction.

[0087] The linear drive 18 is preferably a long-stator linear drive. In the long-stator linear drive, the movement devices 20 are equipped with permanent magnets. Long-stator segments having individually excitable electromagnets 27 (see, for example, FIGS. 5 through 7) are arranged along the conveyor track 19. The movement devices 20 can be moved independently of one another along the conveyor track 19 by actuating or exciting the electromagnets 27 individually.

[0088] Alternatively, the linear drive 18 can be configured as a short-stator linear drive. In the short-stator linear drive, the movement devices 20 are equipped with individually excitable electromagnetsthe short stators. Permanent magnets are arranged along the conveyor track 19. The movement devices 20 can be moved independently of one another along the conveyor track 19 by the electromagnets thereof being actuated or excited individually.

[0089] Instead of the linear drive 18, another drive can also be used. A planar drive can be used, as a particularly preferred alternative. Exemplary embodiments are described herein, for example, with reference to FIGS. 9 through 13. The planar drive has a base element as a conveyor track 19 and also several movement devices 20. The preferably plate-shaped base element can be oriented vertically and parallel to the axes B and C. The movement devices 20 can be moved freely and independently of one another via the base element by means of magnetic interaction with the base element. The movement devices 20 can also be rotated (e.g., yawing) or inclined (e.g., pitching and/or rolling) with respect to the base element, and/or changed in their spacing with respect to the base element, by means of magnetic interaction with the base element. The base element forms a stator of the planar drive. The movement devices 20 form rotors of the planar drive. The movement devices 20 can be carried in a contactless manner by the base element or be supported by rollers on the base element. The base element can have, for example, several electromagnets arranged in a distributed manner, e.g., electrical coils. The movement devices 20 can have permanent magnets. The electromagnets are preferably arranged in a matrix which extends in a plane of the base element (here, preferably the vertical plane). A current supply to the electromagnets of the base element can be controlled as desired, in order to build up electromagnetic fields at a desired position of the base element with a desired field strength. A propulsion, a rotation, an inclination, and/or an uplift of the movement devices 20 can be brought about by corresponding electromagnetic fields of the electromagnets of the base element.

[0090] The movement devices 20 can transport the labels 2 from the feed station 8 to the application region 9. Preferably, the movement devices 20 are movable independently of one another along the conveyor track 19. The conveyor track 19 can define a closed magnetic-inductive path R for the movement devices 20. For example, the conveyor track 19 can be horizontal and coplanar with respect to the path P of the object conveyor 4.

[0091] Preferably, the conveyor track 19 has a substantially triangular shape. The triangular shape can consist of three straight branches 21, 22, 23, which are connected to one another by three, curved apex portions 24, 25, 26. The branch 22 can be arranged downstream of the feed station 8 and upstream of the application region 9, along the path R. The branch 22 can extend between the apex portions 24 and 25. The branch 23 can extend between the apex portions 24 and 26. The branch 21 can extend between the apex portions 25 and 26. The application region 9 can be arranged on the apex portion 24 of the conveyor track 19. The application region 9 can extend substantially tangentially to the object conveyor 4. The feed station 8 can be arranged on the branch 21, which can lie opposite the apex portion 24 and is preferably also orthogonal to the axes D. A cutting device 10 can be arranged opposite the branch 22. However, it is also possible for the conveyor track 19 to have any other suitable shape, e.g., a rectangular shape.

[0092] For example, the movement devices 20 can have a cuboid or disk shape. The movement devices 20 can carry label holders for holding the labels 2. The label holders can hold the labels in any suitable manner, e.g., mechanically, electrostatically, or pneumatically, etc.

[0093] For mechanical holding, the label holders can, for example, have at least one movable gripper, e.g., in each case on an upper and lower part (or a front and rear part, or centrally) which hold the respective label 2. The gripper or grippers can be moved for releasing the labels 2 in the application region 9.

[0094] For the electrostatic holding, the label holders can be electrostatically charged with one of a negative or positive charge. The labels 2 can be electrostatically charged with the other of a positive or negative charge. In this way, each label 2, which is, for example, part of the web 6 or separated from the web 6 itself, is held on the respective label holder only by static electricity, without the need for suction or mechanical gripping, for example.

[0095] However, the label holders preferably hold the labels 2 pneumatically. On end faces of the label holders, connections or openings can be arranged, for example, in a perforated plate, which can alternatively be used to produce suction pressure or overpressure on the web 6 or the label 2.

[0096] It is possible for each movement device 20 with its respective label holder to alone hold a label 2 or several labels 2. Alternatively, the movement devices 20 can interact in pairs, for example, in order to hold a label 2 together with their label holders. In other words, each label 2 has a front portion, which is held by the front movement devices 20 of the respective pair, and a rear portion, which is held by the rear movement devices 20 of such a pair.

[0097] Optionally, the device 1 can additionally have a label web feed unit 5, a feed station 8, the cutting device 10, a first tank 32, a second tank (concealed by the first tank 32), a printing device 42, an adhesive device 43, a service conveyor 45, and/or a test device 50.

[0098] The label web feed unit 5 can transfer a label material web 6 at the feed station 8 to the label conveyor 7. The feed station 8 is spaced apart from the application region 9. The label web feed unit 5 can be arranged on a side, opposite the object conveyor 4, of the label conveyor 7. The label web feed unit 5 can, in the region of the feed station 8, be arranged directly next to the label conveyor 7.

[0099] The label web feed unit 5 can have several rolls 11 of the web 6. The rolls 11 can each have separate drives for rotating the rolls 11. The label web feed unit 5 can be arranged opposite the feed station 8 of the label conveyor 7. The respective axes C of the rolls 11 can extend vertically and parallel to the axes A and B. In the example shown, the web 6 is formed by a series of interconnected labels 2. The labels 2 can have, for example, a rectangular, square, or round shape. The labels 2 can be obtained by cutting the web 6, which was originally wound onto a corresponding roll 11, with the aid of the cutting device 10.

[0100] The label web feed unit 5 can further have a corresponding feed actuator 12 for each roll 11. The feed actuator 12 can be releasably coupled to a front portion 13 of the corresponding web 6. The feed actuator 12 can be selectively actuated to move towards and away from the label conveyor 7 in order to feed the web 6 to the label conveyor 7 if desired.

[0101] Instead of part of the label web feed unit, the feed actuator 12 can be part of a splicing device (not shown), in which a label strip end is connected to a rear label strip end of an (almost) used-up label roll. Alternatively, the splicing device can have its own label holders. Furthermore, the splicing device can have a punch, which presses together and optionally welds the two label webs.

[0102] Between the label roll 11 and label conveyor 7, a buffer (not shown) can furthermore be present, in which, in particular, the old label roll can be buffered shortly before it is connected to a new label roll, since a brief standstill time is required for the splicing process, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the buffer can compensate for irregularities in the label uptake speed. In particular, the buffer can be formed by several deflectors around which the label strip is wound, wherein the deflecting rollers are adjustable relative to one another. The buffer can thus constitute what is known as a dancer.

[0103] For example, each feed actuator 12 can have a housing and a piston. The housing can be arranged on one side of the respective roll 11. The piston can be moved through the housing in the direction of the feed station 8 of the label conveyor 7 and away from it, or moved back and forth along a respective horizontal axis D, which extends orthogonally to the axes A, B, C. During operation, the feed actuators 12 can be selectively actuated in order to transfer the webs 6, unwound from the respective rolls 11, to the feed station 8 of the label conveyor 7. Each piston can have a plate at its free axial end. The plate may be provided with a plurality of openings that can be selectively connected to a vacuum source, in order to retain the front portion 13 of the respective web 6 of the label material during transfer from the respective roll 11 to the feed station 8 of the label conveyor 7. During the transfer of a web 6 to the label conveyor 7, a release of the front portion 13 of the web 6 can be achieved by simply interrupting the connection of the openings of the respective plate to the vacuum source.

[0104] The cutting device 10 can be configured to cut the web 6 of the label material, which is held by the label conveyor 7, into individual labels 2. The cutting device 10 can be arranged, for example, at a position relative to the branch 22 of the conveyor track 19, i.e., for example, in a position between the feed station 8 and the application region 9. The cutting device 10 can have, for example, a housing 40 and a blade 41. The blade 41 can be moved through the housing 40 along an axis F extending orthogonally to the branch 22. The blade 41 can cut the web 6 into individual labels 2.

[0105] It is also possible for the labels 2 to be transferred directly to the label conveyor 7 as individual sheets (and thus not as a web 6).

[0106] The first tank 32 can be annular and rotatable. The first tank 32 can be connected to a vacuum source (not shown), such as a vacuum pump. The first tank 32 can be connected to a first rotatable distributor 33. The first distributor 33 can be connected, on the one hand, to the first tank 32 and the vacuum source and, on the other, to each label holder carried by the movement devices 20, by a respective fluid line 34. The fluid line 34 can be configured, for example, at least in portions, as a resilient and/or flexible hose. The fluid line can have an ON/OFF valve (shut-off valve) in order to enable or to prevent the connection of the respective label holder to the first distributor 33.

[0107] The second tank can be annular and rotatable. The second tank can, for example, be arranged below the first tank 32, and is therefore also concealed in FIG. 1. The second tank can be connected to a compressor (not shown). The second tank can be connected to a second rotatable distributor. The second distributor can be connected, on the one hand, to the second tank and the compressor and, on the other, to each label holder, carried by the movement devices 20, by a respective fluid line. The fluid line can be configured, for example, at least in portions as a resilient and/or flexible hose. The fluid line can have an ON/OFF valve (shut-off valve) in order to enable or to prevent the connection of the respective label holder to the second distributor.

[0108] The first tank 32, the second tank, the first distributor 33, and the second distributor can all be mounted rotatably about a common vertical axis E parallel to the axes A, B, and C. In addition, the first tank 32, the second tank, the first distributor 33, and the second distributor can be arranged essentially in the central region delimited by the conveyor track 19 and stacked on top of one another.

[0109] The printing device 42 can be configured for printing on the labels 2 or the web 6for example, with predetermined patterns, barcodes, decoration, and/or best-before date, etc.

[0110] The adhesive device 43 can be configured to apply glue to the labels 2. The adhesive device 43 can, for example, be a glue atomizer, a glue roller, or what is known as a Gluejet. It is also possible that, for example, self-adhesive labels 2 be used, and therefore no adhesive device 43 be included.

[0111] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the printing device 42, the cutting device 10, and the adhesive device 43 are all arranged next to one another in series on the branch 22 of the conveyor track 19. Preferably, the cutting device 10 can be arranged between the printing device 42 and the adhesive device 43, wherein the printing device 42 is connected upstream of the others.

[0112] The service conveyor 45 can have a closed operating circuit. The service conveyor 45 can be arranged laterally with respect to the label conveyor 7for example, in front of the branch 23 of the conveyor track 19. The service conveyor 45 can be configured to selectively receive movement devices 20 from the label conveyor 7 for cleaning and/or maintenance, and/or to selectively replace movement devices 20 by movement devices 20 of another type, in the event of a change in the label format.

[0113] The service conveyor 45 is preferably of the same type as the label conveyor 7for example, having a long-stator linear drive or a short-stator linear drive. The service conveyor 45 can have a closed conveyor track 46 which can be equipped with a plurality of individually excitable magnets or permanent magnets. The conveyor tracks 19 and 46 can share the branch 23, along which it is possible to exchange the movement devices 20 between the tracks 19 and 46for example, when the labeling is stopped or during operation. It is possible that, in the case of a change in the label format, by suitable control and operation of the conveyors 7, 45, the currently used movement devices 20 be replaced by other movement devices 20 which are suitable for the new label format. It is also possible for the label holders to be configured to hold different label formats. If the drive of the label conveyor 7 is configured as a planar drive, it is possible, for example, to dispense with the service conveyor 45, and instead to consider an extension of the base element for parking, maintaining, cleaning, etc., of the movement devices 20.

[0114] The test device 50 can carry out an optical check with regard to a correct attachment of the labels 2 on the objects 3. The correct attachment can include correct positioning and/or correct alignment of the labels 2 on the objects 3. The test device 50 can have, for example, a camera and an image recognition system. The camera can be directed towards a portion of the object conveyor 4 downstream of the application region 9. Depending upon the optical check by the test device 50, the object holders of the object conveyor 4 and/or the label holders of the label conveyor 7 can be moved upstream of the application region 9, in order to enable the correct attachment of the labels 2 in the case of subsequent objects 3.

[0115] An operation of the device 1 is described below with reference to FIG. 1. The described operation is purely by way of example and can be modified according to the configuration and equipment of the device 1.

[0116] The web 6 of one roll 11 is fed to the label conveyor 7 at the feed station 8, while the webs 6 of the other rolls 11 are kept separate from the feed station 8. In this state, the piston 15 of the feed actuator 12, which carries the web 6 to be fed to the label conveyor 7, is brought along its axis D into a forwards-moved position. In this position, the respective plate thereof brings the front portion 13 of the web 6 into contact with a selected label holder carried by a movement device 20. The pistons 15 of the other feed actuators 12 are coupled to the respective front portions 13 of the other webs 6 and are all held in retracted positions along their axes D. In these, their plates are spaced apart from the path R. When the front portion 13 of the selected web 6 contacts the selected label holder, the connection of the connectors of the respective plate to the vacuum is interrupted, while the connection of the label holder to the vacuum source is activated by opening the ON/OFF valve on the fluid line.

[0117] In this way, the front portion 13 of the selected label web 6 is slid together along the conveyor track 19 and the path R by the respective movement device 20. The label web 6 is thus unwound continuously from the respective roll 11 and moved forwards to the application region 9.

[0118] Each label 2, which forms the web 6 in use, adheres gradually, e.g., at its front and rear parts, or centrally, to the respective label holders carried by the movement devices 20, and can hold the label 2 by, for example, suction action through the respective openings.

[0119] On the path R, the web 6 is first printed on each label 2 with predetermined patterns and/or barcodes by the printing device 42. The web 6 is then cut into individual labels 2 along the axis F by moving the blade 41 of the cutting device 10 back and forth. The labels 2 are then wetted, e.g., sprayed, with glue by the adhesive device 43.

[0120] Each label 2 is subsequently, in the application region 9, detached from the respective label holder and the respective direction of movement 20 and applied to a corresponding object 3 by gradually removing the vacuum and activating the overpressure on the label 2. By controlling the corresponding ON/OFF valves, the vacuum on each label holder is gradually cut off, and the overpressure is gradually activated, in order to enable the transfer of the corresponding label 2 to the corresponding object 3, which is simultaneously moved forwards on the object conveyor 4 and in the process preferably rotates about its axis A.

[0121] The movement devices 20 which have already released the respective label 2 can be controlled in such a way that they move on the conveyor track 19 faster than the movement devices 20 still equipped with the labels 2, until they again reach the feed station 8.

[0122] The movement devices 20 which have to be replaced, cleaned, or maintained are selectively guided via the common branch 23 to the service conveyor 45. In this particular state, the movement devices 20 in operation can be pre-emptively separated from the corresponding fluid lines (inter alia, 34). The new or cleaned movement devices 20, which run on the conveyor track 19, can be connected to these fluid lines (inter alia, 34) before the start of the labeling.

[0123] When the roll 11 in operation is used up, the labeling can be continued by simply activating one of the other feed actuators 12, in order to feed the front portion 13 of the respective web 6 to a selected movement device 20 or the label holder supported thereby.

[0124] A special feature of the device 1 is that it can be constructed in a modular manner. The label conveyor 7 can have several module docking stations 52. The label web feed unit 5, the printing device 42, the cutting device 10, the adhesive device 43, the object conveyor 4, and/or the service conveyors 45 can be configured as auxiliary unit modules which, if desired, can be connected to or detached from the several module docking stations 52. The auxiliary unit modules can be moved, for example, by means of rollers over a floor or a foundation of the facility.

[0125] The module docking stations 52 can be arranged on an inner peripheral side and/or an outer peripheral side with respect to the conveyor track 19. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, all module docking stations 52, for example, are arranged on the outer peripheral side with respect to the conveyor track 19.

[0126] The module docking stations 52 can have mechanical and/or electrical connectors. By means of the mechanical connector, the respective auxiliary unit module can be fixedly attached to the label conveyor 7. An energy transmission (e.g., in the form of electrical current) and/or a signal transmission (e.g., for control signals) between the respective auxiliary unit module and the label conveyor 7 can be made possible by means of the electrical connector.

[0127] It is possible for the module docking stations 52 to be identical at least in part, so that the auxiliary unit modules can selectively be connected to each of the identically-configured module docking stations 52. For example, an arrangement and/or an order of the auxiliary unit modules can thus be changed (e.g., printing device 42 before or after cutting device 10). For example, each of the module docking stations 52 can have at least two module docking points spaced apart from one another.

[0128] FIG. 2 shows a device 1, the technical features of which can be combined with those of the device 1 of FIG. 1, individually or in any combination with one another. In the following, the device 1 of FIG. 2 is described in particular with regard to differences from the device 1 of FIG. 1. For reasons of clarity, the device 1 of FIG. 2 is shown in less detail than the device 1 of FIG. 1. For example, the movement devices 20 are not shown.

[0129] In a plan view of the device 1, the conveyor track 19 of the label conveyor 7 has a rectangular shape, and preferably a square shape. Several module docking stations 52 are arranged on each peripheral side of the rectangular shape.

[0130] The printing device 42 is arranged on an inner peripheral side with respect to the conveyor track 19. The printing device 42 can thus print a front side of the label 2 (see also explanations regarding FIG. 3). The printing device 42 can be configured, for example, as an inkjet printing device or a laser printing device.

[0131] It is possible for at least one auxiliary unit module to have a coupling 54 for coupling to an automated guided vehicle 56 of the device 1. Purely by way of example, in FIG. 2, the adhesive device 43 and the service conveyor 45 each have a coupling 54.

[0132] It is also possible for at least one auxiliary unit module to be configured as an automated guided vehicle 56 or be comprised in an automated guided vehicle 56. Purely by way of example, in FIG. 2, the cutting device 10 is configured as an automated guided vehicle 56.

[0133] As an additional auxiliary unit module, the device 1 has an optional camera device 58, which is connected to one of the module docking stations 52. The camera device 58 is preferably arranged upstream of the application region 9 and downstream of the cutting device 10, the adhesive device 43, and/or the printing device 42. By means of the camera device 58, the labels 2 and/or the movement devices 20, for example, can be optically checked preferably by means of automatic image recognition. For example, the label 2 can be optically checked for presence, positioning, alignment, application of adhesive, and/or printing, and control measures can optionally be taken in response to the results of the optical check.

[0134] Optionally, the device 1 can have a further label conveyor 60for example, as part of the same or another container treatment facility. The further label conveyor 60 can also have several further module docking stations 62, which can be configured like the module docking stations 52. The auxiliary unit modules can thus be connected either to the label conveyor 7 or to the further label conveyor 60, depending upon the need. The auxiliary unit modules can be moved back and forth between the label conveyors 7 and 60. The auxiliary unit modules can selectively be connected to one of the several module docking stations 52 and the several further module docking stations 62.

[0135] FIG. 3 shows a section through the conveyor track 19 in the region of a printing device 42.

[0136] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the label conveyor 7 has a linear drive 18 having several movement devices 20 (only one shown in FIG. 3). The linear drive 18 is preferably configured as a long-stator linear drive, in which electromagnets 27 arranged in series drive or move the movement devices 20 in magnetic interaction with permanent magnets 64 of the movement devices 20. However, the linear drive 18 can also be configured as a short-stator linear drive, for example.

[0137] The movement devices 20 each carry a label holder 66 for holding the label 2 by means of suction. The label 2 can be sucked in by means of a perforated plate 68 of the label holder 66. For example, the perforated plate 68 can be connected to the fluid line 34. For example, the perforated plate 68 can be curved or flat. The perforated plate 68 is to be understood as an example of a pneumatic holder for holding the label 2, which can also be configured differently from the perforated plate 68, as long as it enables, for example, a direct pneumatic suction and/or ejection of the label 2.

[0138] One special feature of the present disclosure is that the movement devices 20 can be guided and supported along the conveyor track 19 by means of rotatable rollers (or wheels) 70. The conveyor track 19 can have several conveyor track portions or guide rails arranged in parallel above one another or next to one another, along which the movement devices 20 are moved and supported. The support by the rollers 70 makes it possible particularly in the application region 9for the labels 2 to be applied to the objects 3 with a force.

[0139] In this case, it has been found to be particularly advantageous if one roller 70 is arranged above the label holder 66, and one roller 70 underneath the label holder 66. Alternatively or additionally, a roller 70 can be arranged such that a pressing torque which arises when the label 2 is pressed onto the object 3 can be supported on the conveyor track 19. Alternatively or additionally, one roller 70 can be arranged in front of the label holder 66 with respect to a forward movement direction of the respective movement device 20, and one roller 70 can be arranged behind the label holder 66 with respect to the forward movement direction.

[0140] One special feature of the present disclosure is that the printing device 42 can be arranged on an inner peripheral side with respect to the conveyor track 19.

[0141] Although the label holder 66 (and thus the label 2) and the printing device 42 are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the movement device 20, the printing device 42 can nevertheless print a front side (=side facing the label holder 66). As already explained with reference to FIG. 1, it is possible for the label 2 to be held and transported by a pair of movement devices 20 or the label holders 66 thereof. The label holder 66 of the front movement device 20 holds a front portion of the label 2. The label holder 66 of the rear movement device 20 holds a rear portion of the label 2. A middle portion of the label 2 is thus free and not concealed by the front and rear movement device 20 when printing from the inner peripheral side. The printing device 42 can print the middle portion of the label 2. During printing of the labels 22, the printing device 42 prints through a passage in the conveyor track 19. Furthermore, this technique also works in the case of printing of the label web 6 when this is held only in mutually-spaced portions of label holders 66 of the movement devices 20.

[0142] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a special feature of the present disclosure is explained, which consists in the movement devices 20 being able to be driven and/or supported less strongly by the service conveyor 45 compared to the label conveyor 7. The technical features of FIGS. 4 and 5 can be combined with one another. FIGS. 4 and 5 are each sectional views of a region of the device 1 or 1 in which the service conveyor 45 and the label conveyor 7 are connected to one another, as shown purely schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, along the line X-X in each case.

[0143] FIG. 4 shows one of the electromagnets 72, arranged in series, of a long stator of a linear drive of the service conveyor 45. The long stators of the service conveyor 45 and the label conveyor 7 are arranged on opposite sides of the direction of movement 20. The long stator of the service conveyor 45 is arranged eccentrically with respect to the guide track 46 of the service conveyor 45. The long stator of the service conveyor 45 is preferably arranged above or below the guide track 46 of the service conveyor 42. The long stator of the service conveyor 45 is vertically offset with respect to the electromagnets 27, arranged in series, of the long stator of the linear drive 18 of the label conveyor 7. The movement devices 20 have further permanent magnets 74, by means of which the movement devices 20 can be driven and moved along the guide track 46 of the service conveyor 45 in magnetic interaction with the electromagnets 72 of the long stator of the service conveyor 45. The permanent magnets 74 are vertically offset relative to the permanent magnets 64.

[0144] FIG. 5 shows that the guide track 46 of the service conveyor 45 can have fewer guide rails, arranged one above the other, for supporting the movement devices 20 than the guide track 19 of the label conveyor 7. As shown, the guide track 46 of the service conveyor 45 can have, for example, only one guide rail. However, the guide track 19 of the label conveyor 7 can have two guide rails, for example.

[0145] FIG. 6 shows a further device 1 for labeling objects, which is a modification of the device 1 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 7 and 8 show, purely schematically, sections along the line Z-Z of FIG. 6.

[0146] A special feature of the device 1 is the pneumatic system of the label conveyor 7. The suction lines 76 of a suction line system 78 and/or at least one pressure line 80 of a compressed air line system 82 can be arranged in a stationary/fixed manner (in contrast to the rotatable fluid lines (inter alia, 34) of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1). The inlet of the suction lines 76 or the suction line system 78 can be stationary. The outlet of the at least one pressure line 80 or of the compressed air line system 82 can also be stationary. The inlet and the outlet can be configured, for example, as several openings, slits, etc., arranged in series. The compressed air line system 82 can be connected to a compressor. The suction line system 78 can be connected to a vacuum sourceto a vacuum pump.

[0147] The inlet of the suction line system 78 and/or the outlet of the compressed air line system 82 can be arranged along an entire periphery of the label conveyor 7 or the conveyor track 19. However, it is preferred that the outlet of the compressed air line system 82 be arranged only in the application region 9. It is also preferred that the inlet of the suction line system 78 be arranged only in a region between the label web feed unit 8 and the application region 9, along a periphery of the conveyor track 19 or the label conveyor 7.

[0148] FIGS. 7 and 8 show, purely schematically, both a suction line 76 and a pressure line 80, wherein it is pointed out that the pressure line 80 can actually be arranged only in the application region 9 (see FIG. 6)for example, at the level of the suction lines 76 arranged upstream thereof.

[0149] FIGS. 7 and 8 show, by way of example, that a fluid connection between the inlet of the suction line system 78 or the outlet of the compressed air line system 82 and the label holders 66, which are carried by the movement devices 20, can be achieved by means of sliding contact.

[0150] The movement devices 20 can each have at least one fluid line 84. The at least one fluid line 84 can in sliding contact with the inlet of the suction line system 78 and/or the outlet of the compressed air line system 82 establish a fluid connection to the perforated plate 68 of the label holder 66. The at least one fluid line 84 can extend between the inlet/outlet of the systems 78/82 to a rear side of the perforated plate 68. The at least one fluid line 84 can extend transversely through the movement device 20 with respect to the forward direction of travel of the movement device 20. Particularly preferably, the at least one fluid line 84 can extend transversely through the movement device 20, from a rear side of the respective movement device 20, for contacting the inlet/outlet of the systems 78/82, to a front side of the respective movement device 20 for connection to a rear side of the perforated plate 68.

[0151] The sliding contact can be sealed by a sliding seal 86. The sliding seal 86 can be arranged in a stationary manner on the inlet of the suction line system 78 and/or the outlet of the compressed air line system 82. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the movement devices 20 each carry a sliding seal 86.

[0152] It is possible for the at least one fluid line 84 to have a suction line for sliding connection to the inlet of the suction line system 78, and a pressure line for sliding connection to the outlet of the compressed air line system 82. Alternatively, simply a combined suction-pressure line can form the fluid line 84 and be connected both to the inlet of the suction line system 78 and the outlet of the compressed air line system 82 by means of sliding contact.

[0153] The suction lines 76 and/or the at least one pressure line 80 are preferably valve-free. A respective pneumatic control can already be possible in a slot-controlled manner by the respective arrangement and dimensioning (length) of the inlet of the suction line system 78 and the outlet of the compressed air line system 82.

[0154] Depending upon the embodiment, the inlet and/or the outlet can be arranged above (see FIG. 8), below, or at the height of (see FIG. 7) the conveyor track 19 of the label conveyor 7.

[0155] FIG. 9 is a side view of a portion of the label conveyor 7 upstream of and in the application region 9.

[0156] A special feature of the exemplary embodiment shown is that the label conveyor 7 can have a planar drive 88 having a vertically-oriented base element 90 and several movement devices 20 (only two shown in FIG. 9). The base element 90 simultaneously forms the conveyor track 19. The movement devices 20 carry the label holders 66.

[0157] FIG. 10 is a side view of a portion of the label conveyor 7 upstream of, in, and downstream of the application region 9. FIG. 10 shows an optional addition for exemplary embodiments in which the label conveyor 7 has the planar drive 88.

[0158] Optionally, the base element 90, in the application region 9, can have an enlarged vertical extension or height in comparison to the portions of the base element 90 arranged upstream and downstream. The movement devices 20 can thus be moved at different heights over the base element 90 in the application region 9for example, according to the object format or attachment position of the label 2 held in each case.

[0159] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the application region 9. FIG. 11 shows an optional addition for exemplary embodiments in which the label conveyor 7 has the linear drive 18 or the planar drive 88.

[0160] The object conveyor 4 can be configured as a rotatable conveyor carousel. In the application region 9, the label conveyor 7 extends in an arcuate manner over a longer portion, along an arcuate portion of the conveyor carouselpreferably with respect to an imaginary horizontal plane. The conveyor track 19 or the base element 90 extends in this portion in an arcuate manner and at a substantially constant distance from the arcuate portion of the conveyor carousel.

[0161] FIG. 12 is a sectional view through an application region 9. FIG. 12 shows an optional addition for exemplary embodiments in which the label conveyor 7 has the planar drive 88.

[0162] The base element 90 has an upper portion 92 in the application region 9. The upper portion 92 is curved towards the object conveyor 4preferably in a uniformly arcuate manner and/or perpendicularly to the vertical alignment plane of the base element 90 with respect to an imaginary vertical plane. If the movement devices 20 are moved through the application region 9 along the upper curved portion 92, the labels 2 can be applied to, for example, conical object portions of the objects 3.

[0163] It is possible for the base element 90 to be height-adjustable, at least in the application region 9. It can thus be achieved that a height position of the upper curved portion 92 be able to be changed, for adapting to different object formats.

[0164] FIG. 13 is a sectional view through an application region 9. FIG. 13 shows an optional addition for exemplary embodiments in which the label conveyor 7 has the planar drive 88.

[0165] The movement devices 20 can each carry a setting device 94. The setting device 94 can carry the respective label holder 66. The setting device 94 can be configured, for example, as an actuatorfor example, an electromagnet. The setting device 94 can change an angle of incidence of the label holder 66 (and thus of the label 2) with respect to the respective movement device 20. In other words, the setting device 94 can rotate the label holder 66 about a current direction of movement of the respective movement device 20. The movement device 20 can, with the label holder 66, which is set as desired, pass through the application region 9, for applying the held label 2 to a conical object portion of the object 3.

[0166] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for a control unit to be configured to operate the several movement devices 20, upstream of the application region 9, for rotating about a longitudinal axis of the respective movement device 20 with respect to the current direction of movement of the respective movement device 20. In other words, the movement devices 20 can be rotated, upstream of the application region 9, about a roll axis, in order to change an angle of incidence of the movement device 20 (and thus of the label holder 66 and the label 2) with respect to the alignment plane of the base element 90. In the aligned orientation with respect to the base element 90, the movement devices 20 can pass through the application region 9 for applying the held label 2 to a conical object portion of the object 3.

[0167] It should be noted that the techniques disclosed herein as special features are each disclosed individually and independently of one another. The techniques disclosed herein as special features may also be used in any combination with one another.

[0168] The invention is not limited to the preferred exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, a plurality of variants and modifications are possible which likewise make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the dependent claims, irrespective of the claims to which they refer. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all of the features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and/or the configuration of the object conveyor, the label conveyor, the application region, the at least one auxiliary unit module, and/or the several module docking stations of independent claim 1.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0169] 1 Device for labeling [0170] 2 Label [0171] 3 Object [0172] 4 Object conveyor [0173] 5 Label web feed unit [0174] 6 Label material web [0175] 7 Label conveyor [0176] 8 Feed station [0177] 9 Application region [0178] 10 Cutting device [0179] 11 Roll [0180] 12 Feed actuator [0181] 13 Front portion [0182] 18 Linear drive [0183] 19 Conveyor track [0184] 20 Movement device [0185] 21 Branch [0186] 22 Branch [0187] 23 Branch [0188] 24 Apex portion [0189] 25 Apex portion [0190] 26 Apex portion [0191] 27 Electromagnet [0192] 32 Tank [0193] 33 Distributor [0194] 34 Fluid line [0195] 35 Housing [0196] 41 Blade [0197] 42 Printing device [0198] 43 Adhesive device [0199] 45 Service conveyor [0200] 46 Conveyor track [0201] 50 Test device [0202] 52 Module docking station [0203] 54 Coupling [0204] 56 Automated guided vehicle (AGV) [0205] 58 Camera device [0206] 60 Further label conveyor [0207] 62 Further module docking station [0208] 64 Permanent magnet [0209] 66 Label holder [0210] 68 Perforated plate [0211] 70 Roller (or wheel) [0212] 72 Electromagnet [0213] 74 Permanent magnet [0214] 76 Suction line [0215] 78 Suction line system [0216] 80 Pressure line [0217] 82 Compressed air line system [0218] 84 Fluid line [0219] 86 Sliding seal [0220] 88 Planar drive [0221] 90 Base element [0222] 92 Upper portion [0223] 94 Setting device [0224] A-E Axes [0225] P Path of the object conveyor [0226] R Path