Labeling machine for labeling containers

Abstract

Labeling machine for labeling containers, the labeling machine comprising a labeling unit for transferring a label to a container along a circumferential direction of the container while the container is rotated, the labeling machine comprising a device configured to increase a distance bridged by the label along the circumferential direction of the container compared with a distance between a first transfer point of the label on the container and a subsequent transfer point of the label on the container along the surface of the container, such that an excess of label material is formed between the first transfer point and the second transfer point.

Description

[0001] The following invention relates to a labeling machine for labeling containers according to claim 1 and a method for labeling containers with a device according to claim 12. State of the art

[0002] Labeling machines and methods for labeling containers are generally known from the prior art. Labels can, for example, be designed as wraparound labels and, for the transfer of the label, be applied to the container at a first point along its circumference, then guided around the surface of the container, and finally attached at a subsequent point, so that the entire label is affixed to the surface of the container. In the case of wraparound labels that extend completely around the circumference of the container, it can also be provided that the subsequent point is a point on the label itself, so that the label is only attached to the container at the first point or a first edge and remains in place on the container due to tensile tension in the label and the attachment of the subsequent point to the label itself.

[0003] If containers are labeled before being filled, applying the label can cause problems because the filling process can cause the container material to expand, increasing its circumference. This problem is particularly relevant when filling containers with carbonated beverages under high pressure, but it also occurs when filling any product, as these can increase the internal pressure. If the container's circumference increases, the label, which is firmly attached to the container, or its fastening, can tear or overstretch if the expansion exceeds a value that can be compensated for by the label material's flexibility or its attachment to the container. Task

[0004] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to specify a labeling machine and a method for labeling containers with which the labeling result can be guaranteed with high quality even for containers that are only filled after labeling. Solution

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by the labeling machine for labeling containers according to claim 1 and the method for labeling containers according to claim 12. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The labeling machine according to the invention for labeling containers comprises a labeling unit for transferring a label to a container along a circumferential direction of the container while the container is rotated, wherein the labeling machine includes a device configured to increase the distance bridged by the label along the circumferential direction of the container compared to the distance between a first transfer point of the label on the container and a subsequent transfer point of the label on the container along the surface of the container, so that an excess of label material is formed between the first transfer point and the second transfer point.

[0007] The container is not limited according to the invention. The container can, for example, be a bottle, can, tube, or the like. The shape of the container is also not limited. Thus, it can be a container that has a round, in particular circular or elliptical, cross-sectional area, at least in the area where the label is applied to the container.

[0008] The length of the label along the circumference of the container is always greater than the container's circumference or the distance between the first and second transfer points measured along the container's surface. This follows simply from the fact that, assuming a circular cross-section, the label is attached outside the container's surface (for example, using adhesive dots), resulting in a greater radial distance from the container's center. Consequently, the length of the circular segment between the first and subsequent transfer points is greater than the distance between these points along the container's surface.

[0009] However, the invention relates only to embodiments in which the size of the excess is greater than this unavoidable difference. In particular, the excess is preferably chosen such that it can compensate for a change in the circumferential expansion of the container when the container is filled.

[0010] To generate the excess, the device can limit or modify the movement of the container itself or its surface compared to the movement or transfer of the label, or the movement of the label itself, in order to create an excess of label material between the first transfer point and the second transfer point.

[0011] The labeling machine according to the invention allows a label to be selectively applied to a container that is subsequently filled and may expand during filling, without the label or its attachment to the container tearing or overstretching. This improves the quality of the labeling result.

[0012] The device may include at least one spacer element that can be inserted between the surface of the container and the label. This spacer element actively increases the distance spanned by the label, ensuring that excess label material is reliably generated.

[0013] The spacer can be permanently attached to the device. A fixed connection between the spacer and the device allows for the precise generation of excess label material.

[0014] It may be provided that the spacer element includes at least one finger extending in a direction transverse to the circumferential direction along the surface of the container.

[0015] The direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction can, for example, be a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of a container, so that the spacer element extends along the longitudinal direction of the container, for example, from top to bottom or from bottom to top. In particular, the finger can be designed to extend along the direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction over a length greater than the length of the label. This prevents creasing in the label and simultaneously promotes the formation of excess label material.

[0016] The spacer element can be detachably connected to the container and / or the label.

[0017] A removable spacer, for example, can be inserted between the surface of the container and the label, and then detached from the device, for instance, once the label has been fully transferred to and attached to the container. The spacer can then be carried along, for example, until shortly before the container is filled, during which it may expand. Removing the spacer immediately before filling ensures the label remains under sufficient tension to prevent wrinkling.

[0018] The labeling machine may include a removal device for taking out the spacer element after the label has been applied. This removal device allows the excess label material to be released, enabling the container to expand, for example during a subsequent filling process, without the label tearing.

[0019] The spacer element can be a mass of air that can be introduced between the surface of the container and the label via an air nozzle of the device.

[0020] The air mass can, for example, be an air cushion that forms between the surface of the container and the label. This creates excess label material in a way that protects the label, as the air cushion prevents it from adhering directly to the container surface. This also prevents damage to the label.

[0021] The device may include a guide element designed to keep the label at a distance from the container surface during transfer. By guiding the label at a controlled distance from the container surface, the excess label material can be reliably adjusted.

[0022] The guide element can include a vacuum element or a static element for holding the label.

[0023] The vacuum element and the static element can be designed, for example, to hold the label and guide it at a distance from the surface of the container. The vacuum element or the static element can be guided along with the label or around the container while holding the label and maintaining a distance from the container's surface. The vacuum or static element can, for example, be guided around the container along a guide. The vacuum or static element can perform a concentric or non-concentric circular or elliptical motion around the container (viewed in a plane perpendicular to the container's longitudinal axis) and thus generate the excess material.

[0024] In one embodiment, the device includes a drive element configured to rotate a container in the transfer direction for a period of time during the label transfer. The label is typically drawn around the container along the transfer direction while the container is rotated in the opposite direction. When the container is then rotated back, i.e., in the transfer direction of the label, and subsequently rotated again in the opposite direction, the distance traveled along the container's surface is less than the distance traveled by the label during the transfer. This allows for the gentle creation of excess label material with little or no impact on the label. The rotation of the container in the transfer direction can include, among other things, a change in the container's direction of rotation.However, it can also be provided, or alternatively, that only the rotational speed of the container in the opposite direction is reduced for a period of time, so that the relative speed of the surface of the container, as seen from the label, is lower.

[0025] In one embodiment, an intermediate adhesive layer can be applied to the container between the first and subsequent transfer points. This intermediate adhesive layer can partially fix the label in place. It can be provided that the label is neither actively nor passively pressed against the container in the area of ​​the intermediate adhesive layer, allowing the layer to detach easily if the container expands. Alternatively or additionally, the relative velocity between the container surface and the label from the first transfer point until the application of the intermediate adhesive layer can be greater or less than the relative velocity from the intermediate adhesive layer to the subsequent transfer point. If the relative velocity is greater, the label is pulled taut.

[0026] The device can be designed to release the excess after the label is applied and before the container is filled. Releasing the excess means that the container can expand towards the label without any further physical constraint between the label and the container. This ensures that the container can expand during filling without damaging the label or its attachment to the container.

[0027] According to the invention, a method for labelling containers with a device according to one of the preceding embodiments is further provided, wherein the method comprises forming the excess of label material between the first transfer point and the second transfer point and retaining the excess at least until the transfer is completed.

[0028] This method ensures high-quality labeling of a container, even if the container is filled after labeling.

[0029] It may be provided that the excess material has a length in the circumferential direction of the container of at least 0.2 cm or at least 0.5 cm. This excess may be sufficient to compensate for the expansion of the container when it is filled, without the label tearing.

[0030] The length of the excess in the circumferential direction can be set depending on an operating parameter.

[0031] This allows for flexible responses to changing operating conditions, such as changes in the composition of the product to be filled into the container and, in particular, the carbon dioxide content of the product to be filled.

[0032] The operating parameter may include an estimated or predetermined (i.e., specified) extent of the circumference and / or diameter and / or radius of the container during or after a filling process of the container with a product following labeling.

[0033] With this embodiment, the formation of the excess can be adapted to the expected expansion of the container, thereby further reducing the risk of damage to the label during filling of the container. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 shows a labelling machine according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a device with a spacer element. Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a spacer element. Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a device with an air nozzle. Fig. 5 shows a facility encompassing a guiding element Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 shows embodiments of a device with a drive element. Detailed description

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a labeling machine 100 according to one embodiment. In the embodiment shown here, the labeling machine 100 comprises a carousel 151, at the periphery of which a plurality of container holders (not shown here) can be arranged, in which containers 130 to be labeled can be received. The carousel can be configured to rotate about an axis of rotation R in the direction shown here only by way of example and thus transport the containers in the respective container holders along the carousel after they have been fed to the carousel, as shown here (arrow).

[0035] The design of a transport device for moving the containers in the labeling machine 100 is not limited to the carousel 151 and can, in principle, be implemented in any manner known in the prior art. Preferably, the containers are transported in such a way that they can be rotated in a specific direction about their longitudinal axis during transport, or at least during the transfer of a label 131 to the containers.

[0036] The labeling machine 100 further comprises a labeling unit 101, which is shown here only schematically and is designed to transfer a label 131 to a container 130. The labeling unit can be designed in a known manner, and the labels to be transferred to the containers 130 can, for example, be self-adhesive labels 131 or labels that are not provided with an adhesive. In the latter case, it can be provided that adhesive points or other fastening means for attaching a label to the container are arranged at certain points, namely a first transfer point and a subsequent transfer point along a circumferential direction of the container, so that the label adheres to the container after transfer.

[0037] A filling device 153 can be arranged connected to the power supply of the labeling machine 100. This filling device is designed to fill containers with a product after labeling. The product can be, for example, a beverage, particularly a carbonated beverage. The filling device 153 can also be configured as a combined filling and sealing device that seals the container with a closure immediately after the filling process is complete.

[0038] The containers 130 are not limited according to the invention. The containers can be, for example, bottles, tubes, cans, or the like. Preferably, however, they are made of PET or another plastic material.

[0039] According to the invention, the labeling machine comprises a device 102 which is configured to increase the distance bridged by the label along a circumferential direction of the container compared with the distance between a first transfer point of the label to the container and a subsequent transfer point of the label to the container along the surface of the container, so that an excess of label material is formed between the first transfer point and the second transfer point.

[0040] This is shown in view 180 of the Fig. 1 shown.

[0041] The device 102 is designed to act either on the label 131 or on the container 130 such that the length L2 of the label between the first transfer point 141 and the subsequent transfer point 142, which can, for example, correspond to the adhesive points of the label on the surface of the container, is greater than the distance L1 along the surface of the container between the first transfer point 141 and the subsequent transfer point, wherein the lengths L1 and L2 are each measured along the circumferential direction U. The circumferential direction U is defined by the path of the label from the first transfer point 141 towards the second transfer point 142 or by the surface of the container.

[0042] It is understood that, in principle, a label 131 perfectly lying on the surface of container 130 also has a length L2, or bridges a distance along the circumferential direction of the container between the first and subsequent transfer points, which is greater than the corresponding distance L1 between the first and subsequent transfer points along the surface of the container. This is because the distance along the surface of the container is equal to the length of the circular arc along the surface of the container, i.e., L1 = rα, with α as the central angle measured in fractions or multiples of 2π and r as the radius. In contrast, the length of the label arranged on the surface between points 141 and 142 is L2 = (r + Δr)α.Even with very thin labels and perfect adhesion to the surface of the container, which here is merely an example of a circular cross-section, these values ​​are not exactly the same, because the distance of the label from the imaginary center point is always greater than the radius of the container by an amount Δr.

[0043] However, according to the invention, the difference L2-L1 is greater than the length difference Δrα that would result from a perfectly fitting label between the length of the label between points 141 and 142 and the distance along the surface of the container. For example, the difference L2-L1 can be at least 0.2 cm, at least 0.5 cm, or between 0.2 and 0.5 cm. This is provided according to the invention to compensate for expansion of the container during the filling process following labeling, so that the label does not tear despite the expansion of the container.

[0044] Containers made of various materials, especially PET, tend to expand in volume and, in particular, in circumference when filled with a product under pressure, especially carbonated products. This is because the internal pressure of the container increases compared to the external pressure, and the material, such as PET, is somewhat flexible. Device 102 compensates for this expansion by creating an excess of label material, namely the difference L2-L1 between the first transfer point 141 and the subsequent transfer point 142. The label is therefore longer than it would need to be to fit snugly against the container. This excess L2-L1 then compensates for the expansion of the container, preventing the label from tearing even after or during the filling process with the pressurized medium.Once the container has been filled with the medium, the label can then be placed on the surface of the container.

[0045] For this purpose, the device 102 can be controlled such that it adjusts the excess L2-L1 based on or depending on an operating parameter. This operating parameter can, for example, be an estimated or calculated expansion of the circumference, diameter, or radius of the container during a filling process in the filling device 153 following labeling. If, for example, it is known that the container will experience an increase in circumference of 0.4 cm during filling in the filling device 153 (analogous to a corresponding increase in radius or diameter), the device 102 can be controlled by a control unit (not shown here), such as a computer with associated memory and processor, such that the length of the excess, i.e., the difference L2-L1, is at least equal to these 0.4 cm.

[0046] It is also possible for the difference L2-L1 to be slightly larger than this calculated or estimated expansion of the circumference (or, analogously, the diameter or radius of the container). This can be useful, for example, if an exact determination of the container's expansion during filling is not possible due to production tolerances. In this case, an estimate can be made such that the length of the excess L2-L1 is chosen to be, for example, up to 10% or up to 20% larger than the estimated expansion of the circumference during filling for an average container that corresponds to a desired or ideal manufacturing result.This allows deviations in the manufacture of the containers or deviations during the filling process 153 and, in particular, deviations in the behavior of the container during filling to be compensated for, thus further reducing the risk of labels tearing during the filling process.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 1 further shows a dispensing device 152. In some embodiments, this dispensing device is arranged upstream of the filling device and downstream of the device 102 in order to remove a spacer element, which will be described in more detail in the following embodiments, after the label has been transferred to the container, i.e., after the label has been attached to the container at the first transfer point 141 and the second transfer point 142. In principle, the device 102, regardless of its configuration, is designed not only to generate the excess, but also to release it after the label has been completely transferred to the container, i.e., after the label has been attached to the container at the first transfer point 141 and the subsequent transfer point 142, in such a way that the excess is no longer blocked by any elements and is available for the expansion of the container within the label during the filling process 153.

[0048] The device 102 is thus preferably configured to release the excess after the label has been transferred and before the container is filled. To avoid unintentional creasing, it can be provided that the device 102 releases the excess only immediately before the container is transferred to the filling device 153. In this respect, the arrangement of the device 102 in the Fig. 1 is not to be understood as mandatory or restrictive. While the device 102 can optionally be arranged in a stationary position, embodiments are also conceivable in which the device 102 moves along with the container to be labeled during transport along the carousel (or other transport device). In these embodiments, a corresponding device 102 can be assigned to each container holder of the carousel.

[0049] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a device 200 configured to introduce a spacer element 221 between the surface of the container 230 and the label 231 during the transfer of the label. In the embodiment shown here, the spacer element is fixedly connected to the device 102, but optionally arranged to be movable relative to the device 202 or a part of the device 202, so that, for example, as in the embodiment shown here, it can be inserted from above the container 230 into the space formed between the surface of the container and the label 231 while the label is being drawn around the surface of the container.

[0050] The extension of the spacer element 221 can be chosen such that the distance between the first transfer point and the second transfer point is increased by exactly the distance compared to the distance L1 along the surface of the container, which is required for the excess of the label to be formed between these points.

[0051] In the embodiment shown here, the spacer element is represented as a finger, for example essentially as a cylindrical structure, and it is in the Fig. 2 only shows exactly one finger. However, it can also be provided that the device 202 comprises several, such as 2, 3 or 4 corresponding spacer elements, which can be inserted, for example, equidistantly along the circumferential direction of the container 230 between the surface of the container and the label 231 to form the excess.

[0052] The spacers, particularly the fingers, can be either rigid or flexible in shape. Rigid spacers ensure that the excess is reliably formed. Flexible spacers can be made of flexible material, have a flexible outer surface, or comprise one or more rigid elements connected to each other, for example, by springs or other pretensioning elements (such as suitably polarized magnets, one or more cables, etc.). The pretensioning of the individual elements by means of springs or other pretensioning elements can be designed so that the spacers conform to the contour of the container's outer shape, i.e., are essentially pretensioned towards the center of the container.This (analogous to spacer elements made of flexible material) ensures that the excess can be reliably generated even if the shape of the container changes, for example along its longitudinal axis.

[0053] The device can be configured to remove the spacer(s) 221 in the opposite direction to the original insertion direction after the label has been transferred to the container, so that the resulting excess is released for expansion of the container 230. In the embodiment shown here, the spacer extends below and above the label by at least a length h1 and h2, respectively, such that the total length of the spacer 221 is at least equal to the sum of the width H of the label and the lengths h1 and h2. This ensures that the spacer 221 completely bridges the width H of the label and thus keeps the label away from the surface of the container along its entire width. This prevents unwanted wrinkling in the label.

[0054] Fig. 3 shows one for Fig. 2. Alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the spacer element is equipped with the device for inserting the spacer element (not shown) analogous to the Fig. 2 detachably connected, so that the facility can, for example, be designed as a permanently installed facility as in Fig. As described in Figure 1, the spacer element 321 can be inserted into the area between the surface of the container and the label, and the container is then transported further while the label is transferred to the container. The spacer element is then carried along with the container at least while the label is being transferred to the container and optionally also after the label has been completely transferred to the container.

[0055] Together with the embodiment of the Fig. 3 can be in Fig. 1 described removal device 152 shall be provided which can remove the spacer element 321 between the container 330 and the label before the container is filled with the product to be filled.

[0056] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, schematic representations of the spacer element 321 are also shown. Analogous to the Fig. 2. The spacer element can be designed as a finger or essentially as a cylinder with a certain length H. This length H can be equal to the sum of the width H of the label and an overhang h1 and h2 according to the Fig. 2, so that the spacer element preferably extends upwards and downwards beyond the width of the label, thus avoiding wrinkling.

[0057] As an alternative to a substantially cylindrical design of the spacer element, the spacer element can also be designed as a plate or thickened circular arc, as shown here, which extends along the surface of the container over an angular range and, analogous to the cylindrical design, has a height H and a width D. These embodiments can also be incorporated into the spacer element of the Fig. 2 can be realized and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0058] Designing the spacer as a plate has the advantage that the excess material is not created at a single point, but rather along an extension of the container's surface, which can reduce the stress acting on the label. The spacer can be designed, in particular, to be geometrically similar to the surface of the container on which it is attached, for example, by having the same degree of curvature or an internal and / or external (label-facing) surface shape.

[0059] Analogous to the embodiment of the Fig. 2. It may be provided that more than one spacer element is inserted between the surface of the container 330 and the label, which can then be removed once the label has been completely transferred to the container.

[0060] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the device 402. In this embodiment, the device 402 comprises an air nozzle, which is shown here synonymously with reference numeral 402. The air nozzle is configured to introduce a mass of air 421 between the surface of the container 430 and the label 431. This mass of air can be understood, for example, as an air cushion that is formed between the surface of the container and the label 431. This air cushion prevents the label 431 from coming into direct contact with the surface of the container 430, and an excess of air is formed, as described in the embodiments described so far. The length of the excess air can be adjusted as needed, for example, by adjusting the air pressure with which the air nozzle dispenses the mass of air 421, or by varying the number of air nozzles and thus by varying the number of air cushions formed.This embodiment is particularly advantageous with regard to the mechanical forces acting on the label, since the label is not connected to other rigid physical components such as the spacer elements according to the . Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 comes into contact, thus preventing damage.

[0061] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the device. In this embodiment, the device comprises a guide element 502 configured to guide the label 531, at least from the first transfer point 541, along the surface of the container in the direction of the arrow shown. The guide element can contact the label 531 and / or the label can slide along the guide element. The guide element is specifically configured to control the distance of the label 531 from the surface of the container between the first transfer point 541 and the second transfer point 542 such that the excess label is formed.

[0062] The length of the excess label can be varied by adjusting the distance of the label from the surface of the container as it is guided around the container. Alternatively, the guide element can simply grip or guide the label at its end pointing away from the first transfer point 541, and the excess is created by varying the distance to the surface of the container until the transfer at the subsequent transfer point 542.

[0063] The guiding element can, for example, comprise a vacuum element that preferably fixes the label 531 on the side facing away from the container by applying a vacuum to the label. Alternatively, the guiding element can also comprise a static element that can hold the label in place by generating electrostatic attraction between the static element and the label 531. The force exerted by the vacuum element or static element can be varied such that the label 531 either cannot be moved relative to the vacuum element or the static element as long as the vacuum or electrostatic force is applied, or the force can be adjusted so that the label 531 is guided by the guiding element but can slide along it without damage.

[0064] The Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the device. In this embodiment, the movement of the container is changed during the transfer of the label to the container, so that the excess is formed.

[0065] As already mentioned, the container is rotated in a specific direction during the label transfer. This direction is opposite to the label transfer direction, which is defined as the direction from the first transfer point 641 to the second transfer point 642 (the latter is only in Fig. (9 shown) This movement of the container ultimately pulls the label around the container, so that even a wraparound label that is intended to completely or almost completely encircle the container can be reliably attached to the container.

[0066] It may be provided that the container is, for example, mounted on a rotatable plate in the carousel according to the Fig. The container is positioned at point 1 and clamped by a centering bell and the turntable, which are known per se. The turntable can be set in motion by a drive element 650, so that the container can be rotated about its longitudinal axis in the direction of the arrow shown when the label is transferred to the container. The rotation takes place at least from the transfer of the label 631 at the first transfer point 641, which is intended to correspond to an arbitrary angular position α0 of the container with respect to a rotation about its longitudinal axis.

[0067] First, the container is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown, i.e., opposite to the direction in which the label is transferred, by an angle α1. This causes the label to be drawn around the container starting from the first transfer point. This is in Fig. 7 shown.

[0068] In Fig. Figure 8 shows that the drive element no longer causes the container to rotate from position 602 against the transfer direction of the label 631, but rather in the transfer direction of the label 631, so that the container is rotated again in the direction of the initial rotation position α0. As a result, the surface of the container moves with or overtakes the label 631, so that in the Fig. 8. The distance traveled by the surface of the container in the circumferential direction, essentially α1-α2, is less than the distance already traveled by the label in the circumferential direction of the container. This creates the excess in the label 631, which is only schematically indicated here by a crumpling of the label. This movement or rotation of the container in the transfer direction takes place over a certain period of time, specifically until the excess has the desired length or the difference in the rotation angle α1-α2 corresponds to the excess to be created, taking into account, for example, the radius of the container.

[0069] Of the Fig. 8 to Fig.9. The container is then rotated again by the drive element in the opposite direction to the transfer direction of the label, so that the label can be connected to the surface of the container at transfer point 642. In this position, the container has then assumed position 604 and has been rotated by the angle α3 compared to the initial position α0. As shown here, this angle is definitely smaller than the distance traveled by the label, so that an excess of a defined length corresponding to the difference α1 - α2 has been formed.

[0070] The drive element 650 can, for example, be the servo drive assigned to the rotary table or can be implemented in any other way.

Claims

[1] Labeling machine for labeling containers, the labeling machine comprising a labeling unit for transferring a label to a container along a circumferential direction of the container while the container is rotated, the labeling machine comprising a device configured to increase a distance traversed by the label along the circumferential direction of the container compared with a distance between a first transfer point of the label on the container and a subsequent transfer point of the label on the container along the surface of the container, such that an excess of label material is formed between the first transfer point and the second transfer point. [2] Labeling machine according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one spacer element that can be inserted between the surface of the container and the label. [3] Labeling machine according to claim 2, wherein the spacer element is fixedly connected to the device. [4] Labeling machine according to claim 3, wherein the spacer element comprises at least one finger extending in a direction transverse to the circumferential direction along the surface of the container. [5] Labeling machine according to claim 2, wherein the spacer element is detachably connectable to the container and / or the label. [6] Labeling machine according to claim 5, the labeling machine comprising a removal device for removing the spacer element after the transfer of the label. [7] Labeling machine according to claim 2, wherein the spacer element is a mass of air that can be introduced between the surface of the container and the label by an air nozzle of the device. [8] Labeling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device comprises a guide element configured to guide the label at a distance from the surface of the container during transfer to the container. [9] Labeling machine according to claim 8, wherein the guide element comprises a vacuum element or a static element for holding the label. [10] Labeling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the device comprises a drive element configured to rotate a container in the transfer direction for a period of time during the transfer of the label. [11] Labeling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the device is configured to release the excess after transfer of the label and before filling the container. [12] Method for labelling containers with a device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method comprises forming the excess of label material between the first transfer point and the second transfer point and retaining the excess at least until the transfer is completed. [13] Method according to claim 12, wherein the excess comprises a length in the circumferential direction of the container of at least 0.2cm or at least 0.5cm. [14] Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a length of the excess in the circumferential direction is set depending on an operating parameter. [15] Method according to claim 14, wherein the operating parameter comprises an estimated or determined extent of the circumference and / or diameter and / or radius of the container during or after a filling process of the container with a product following labeling.

Images