LABELING MACHINE WITH LABEL SUCTION DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a labeling machine for labeling containers with a label suction device.

[0002] Labeling machines for labeling containers are well known in the state of the art, particularly in the beverage industry, and come in a wide variety of designs. Typically, a labeling machine is equipped with a transport device, particularly a transport carousel, by means of which the containers to be labeled are transported through the machine.

[0003] Often, the containers on the conveyor system of a container labeling machine are transported at a short distance from each other due to the small (machine) pitch of the conveyor. Particularly in labeling machines that operate with two or more labeling stations to achieve high machine performance or high throughput, and where, depending on the number n of labeling stations, only every nth container transported on the conveyor system is labeled, adjacent containers on the conveyor system are closely spaced from each other.

[0004] The labels to be applied to the containers are often longer than the distance between two adjacent containers on the conveyor, which is determined by the (machine) pitch of the conveyor. This is often the case with wrap-around labels—i.e., labels that enclose the entire circumference of a container—since such labels are typically very long.

[0005] For labels that are longer than the distance between two adjacent containers on the conveyor, it is important to prevent a label that is already attached to a container but not yet fully applied to the container, or for which the labeling process is not yet complete, from coming into contact with the subsequent container. This is especially true if the label is provided with an adhesive, because upon contact with the subsequent container, the label may stick to it or contaminate it with adhesive.

[0006] To prevent such contact between a label and a downstream container, the prior art utilizes a label suction device. This device has a label guide equipped with suction openings through which fluid can pass. The suction pressure is generated by a vacuum pump. With the aid of the label suction device, the label section in question is guided along the label guide during the transport of the container on the transport device (for part of the transport path) and kept away from the downstream container. A labeling machine with such a label suction device is disclosed, for example, in German utility model DE 20 2017 101 952 U1, where the label suction device is referred to as a "vacuum board."

[0007] As provided in DE 20 2017 101 952 U1, which shows a labeling machine according to the preamble of claim 1, the label suction device can have a single suction segment for providing suction pressure to the label guide. Alternatively, the label suction device can have several suction segments / chambers arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the label guide and separated from one another by partition walls for providing suction pressure to the label guide, in particular in order to achieve the most directed, low-turbulence air flow behind the label guide and thus the most homogeneous suction possible.

[0008] Label suction devices with segments of different vacuum are known, for example, from WO 2017 / 025261 A1, EP 0 566 918 A1 or WO 2012 / 107123 A1.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing a device for labeling containers comprising a plurality of suction segments, by means of which improved suction conditions can be achieved for a label section to be sucked in during its transport along a label guide.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a labeling machine according to claim 1.

[0011] Preferred or advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the further claims and in the following description. The features or combinations of features contained in the claims are declared to be part of the description.

[0012] The label suction device of a labeling machine according to the invention comprises a label guide provided with flow-through suction openings and a plurality of suction segments arranged on the label guide for providing a suction pressure to the label guide. The suction segments are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the label guide, and a partition wall is arranged between adjacent suction segments. Furthermore, the label suction device according to the invention comprises a pressure influencing unit for influencing the pressure in at least one of the suction segments and at least one further pressure influencing unit for influencing the pressure in at least one other of the suction segments.

[0013] The invention is based on the finding that, in a prior art label suction device having multiple suction segments on its label guide for providing suction pressure to the label guide, and having a common vacuum pump for all suction segments to generate the suction pressure, the suction conditions for a label section to be suctioned vary depending on the extent to which the label section obscures one of the suction segments. For example, in such a label suction device, as soon as a label section sucked onto the label guide completely obscures a suction segment, no more air can flow into the completely obscured suction segment via the label guide.This results in the vacuum pump – with constant pump power – sucking in more air through the other, not completely covered suction segments, so that the label section is sucked in more strongly at the other, not completely covered suction segments. If the previously completely covered suction segment is (partially) released again so that air can flow into this suction segment again, the suction pressure at the other suction segments changes. This means that with a label suction device that has a common vacuum pump for all of its suction segments, varying suction pressures act on a label section to be sucked in as it is transported along the label guide, depending on which of the suction segments are covered and to what extent.

[0014] As previously mentioned, the label suction device of a labeling machine according to the invention comprises a pressure influencing unit for influencing the pressure in at least one of the suction segments and at least one further pressure influencing unit for influencing the pressure in at least one other of the suction segments. In other words, the label suction device comprises a plurality of pressure influencing units, namely at least one pressure influencing unit for at least one of the suction segments and at least one other pressure influencing unit for at least one other of the suction segments. With the aid of the plurality of pressure influencing units, the pressure in the suction segments can be adjusted or controlled such that the degree to which a suction segment is covered by a label section does not automatically affect the suction conditions, in particular the suction pressure, at all other suction segments.This allows improved, in particular less strongly varying, suction conditions to be achieved for a label section to be sucked in during its transport along a label guide.

[0015] A pressure control unit within the meaning of the invention is understood to be a device with which the pressure in one or more of the suction segments can be influenced or adjusted. A pressure control unit can be or comprise, among other things, a pump, a valve, a nozzle, or another fluid-powered device.

[0016] Preferably, different pressure influencing units are provided for influencing the pressure for two adjacent suction segments.

[0017] It is advantageous if the label suction device has at least three, in particular at least four, suction segments. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the label suction device has a maximum of eight, in particular a maximum of six, suction segments.

[0018] The label guide preferably has at least a partially curved or bent shape. It is particularly preferred if the radius of curvature of the label guide essentially corresponds to the radius of a transport carousel of the labeling machine in which the label suction device is used. The term "essentially" is to be understood to mean that the radius of curvature of the label guide can deviate from the radius of the transport carousel by up to 10%, preferably by up to 5%.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the label suction device has a common pressure control unit for at least two of the suction segments. This has the advantage that the number of pressure control units can be smaller than the number of suction segments, which allows, for example, a space-saving and cost-effective design of the label suction device to be achieved. Between each suction segment for which a common pressure control unit is provided, at least one other suction segment is expediently arranged, for which a different pressure control unit is provided.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the label suction device has a separate pressure control unit for each of the suction segments. This allows the pressure in each of the suction segments to be adjusted independently of the pressure in the other suction segments, thus enabling flexible adjustment of the suction pressure. Using a separate pressure control unit for each of the suction segments, the pressure in the suction segments can be adjusted, for example, such that the suction conditions, in particular the suction pressure, at the individual suction segments are largely independent of the degree of coverage of the other suction segments.

[0021] At least one of the pressure influencing units can be designed, for example, as a nozzle unit which is configured to eject a pressurized fluid jet, preferably a compressed air jet, in order to generate a suction pressure on the label guide according to the jet pump principle.

[0022] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that several of the pressure-influencing units, in particular all of the pressure-influencing units, are each designed as a nozzle unit configured to emit a pressurized fluid jet in order to generate a suction pressure on the label guide according to the jet pump principle. In this embodiment, the label suction device preferably has a common pressurized fluid source, e.g., a compressed air compressor, for several of the pressure-influencing units designed as nozzle units, in particular for all of the pressure-influencing units designed as nozzle units, to which pressurized fluid source the pressure-influencing units designed as nozzle units are connected.Since nozzle units represent a structurally simple and low-maintenance means for influencing pressure, a low-maintenance and structurally simple design of the label suction device can be realized by using one or more nozzle units as pressure influencing unit(s).

[0023] Preferably, the respective pressure influencing unit designed as a nozzle unit has an at least partially rounded deflection surface for deflecting the pressure fluid jet and for guiding the pressure fluid jet along at least part of the deflection surface, in particular by utilizing the Coanda effect.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the pressure control units can be designed as a throttle valve for limiting the outlet volume flow of at least one of the suction segments. Since a throttle valve represents a structurally simple and inexpensive means for pressure control, a simple and cost-effective design of the label suction device can be realized in this way.

[0025] The "outlet volume flow of a suction segment" is understood here to mean the volume flow of a fluid flow which leaves the suction segment, in particular as a result of an evacuation of the suction segment by means of a vacuum pump.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, several of the pressure-influencing units, in particular all of the pressure-influencing units, are each designed as a throttle valve for limiting an outlet volume flow of at least one of the suction segments. In this case, the label suction device can have a common vacuum pump for several of the pressure-influencing units designed as throttle valves, in particular for all of the pressure-influencing units designed as throttle valves, to which vacuum pump the pressure-influencing units designed as throttle valves are connected.

[0027] During nominal operation of the label suction device, said vacuum pump is preferably operated at a predetermined pumping power. Advantageously, the throttle valves are matched to the vacuum pump or the pumping power in such a way that, when the vacuum pump is operated at the predetermined pumping power and the suction segments are not at least partially obscured by one or more labels, the volume flow passed through by the respective throttle valve lies in the saturation range of the respective throttle valve. In other words, during nominal operation of the label suction device, the volume flow passed through by the respective throttle valve advantageously corresponds to the maximum volume flow that the respective throttle valve can pass.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the pressure control units can be designed as a vacuum pump for evacuating at least one of the suction segments. For example, several of the pressure control units, in particular all of the pressure control units, can each be designed as a vacuum pump for evacuating at least one of the suction segments.

[0029] Furthermore, it is possible for at least one of the pressure control units to be designed as a controllable valve that is connected to at least one of the suction segments and can be controlled by a control unit. Such a valve can be used to control the outlet volume flow of one or more of the suction segments. The use of a controllable valve as a pressure control unit enables flexible and precise adjustment of the pressure in one or more of the suction segments.

[0030] In particular, it can be provided that several of the pressure influencing units, if appropriate all of the pressure influencing units, are each designed as a controllable valve which is connected to at least one of the suction segments and can be controlled by a control unit.

[0031] Said control unit, which serves to control the controllable valve(s), can be a component of the label suction device or of a labeling machine comprising the label suction device. Preferably, the desired temporal profile of the valve state of the respective controllable valve is stored in the control unit or in a data storage device communicatively connected to the control unit. The control unit advantageously controls the respective valve according to this desired profile.

[0032] The label suction device preferably comprises one or more format parts. For example, the label guide of the label suction device can be a format part of the label suction device. Advantageously, the pressure influencing units of the label suction device are format-independent parts, with the format part(s) of the label suction device being replaceable independently of the pressure influencing units. This eliminates the need to replace the pressure influencing units when changing formats. This allows the format change to be implemented with minimal time and effort.

[0033] For the purposes of the invention, a format part is understood to be a component whose shape and / or dimensions are tailored to the size of the containers to be labeled and / or the size of the labels used for labeling the containers. A format part is therefore a component that is replaced in a labeling machine when the size of the containers to be labeled and / or the size of the labels used for labeling changes. Accordingly, a format-independent part is understood to be a component whose shape and / or dimensions are independent of the size of the containers to be labeled and / or the size of the labels used for labeling.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the label suction device comprises a housing having the suction segments. Each suction segment preferably forms a chamber of the housing. Advantageously, a portion of the housing or the housing as a whole is a format part of the label suction device.

[0035] The housing can, for example, be constructed in multiple parts, comprising a format part and a format-independent part. In this case, the suction segments are preferably formed by the housing part configured as a format part and the format-independent housing part. The label guide can be an element of the housing part configured as a format part or be connected to this housing part.

[0036] It can be provided that at least one of the pressure influencing units is arranged outside the housing. In this case, it is advantageous if the housing, preferably its format-independent housing part, has one or more connections for connecting the pressure influencing unit(s) arranged outside the housing to at least one of the suction segments. According to a preferred development of the invention, several of the pressure influencing units, in particular all of the pressure influencing units, are arranged outside the housing.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the pressure control units can be arranged within the housing, in particular within the format-independent housing part. In this case, the housing advantageously has one or more connections for connecting the pressure control unit(s) arranged within the housing to a pressurized fluid source, such as an air compressor.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, several of the pressure influencing units, in particular all of the pressure influencing units, are arranged within the housing.

[0039] As mentioned at the beginning, the invention relates to a labeling machine for labeling containers, in particular beverage containers, such as glass bottles, PET bottles or cans.

[0040] The labeling machine according to the invention is equipped with at least one label suction device according to the invention. The labeling machine is preferably designed as a rotary device.

[0041] According to the invention, the labeling machine comprises a transport device for transporting the containers to be labeled. This can be designed, for example, as a transport carousel mounted for rotation about a vertical axis.

[0042] The labeling machine comprises a rotatably mounted vacuum drum for transporting labels and for transferring the labels to the containers to be labeled. The label suction device, in particular its label guide, is arranged adjacent to the vacuum drum and, with respect to the transport direction of the transport device, behind the vacuum drum. By arranging the label suction device in this way, it can be achieved that a label attached to a container, more precisely a label section of the label that protrudes from the container or is not yet in contact with the container, can be reliably sucked onto the label suction device after the label is no longer held or sucked onto the vacuum drum. In contrast to the vacuum drum, the label guide of the label suction device and its suction segments are expediently non-rotating or non-rotatably mounted elements of the labeling machine.

[0043] Preferably, the label suction device is a component of a labeling station of the labeling machine. The labeling machine can have several labeling stations, in particular of identical construction, each with a label suction device according to the invention.

[0044] In the case where the labeling machine has multiple labeling stations, it can be provided that the respective labeling station is configured to label only every nth container transported on the transport device, where n is the number of labeling stations of the labeling machine. For example, if the labeling machine has two labeling stations (i.e., n = 2), the respective labeling station is expediently configured to label only every second container transported on the transport device.

[0045] The description of preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention given so far contains features that are sometimes summarized in several of the individual dependent claims. However, these features can also be considered individually and combined to form further meaningful combinations.

[0046] The above-described properties, features, and advantages of the invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understood in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. The exemplary embodiments serve to illustrate the invention and do not limit the invention to the combination of features specified therein, including with regard to functional features.

[0047] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a labeling machine according to the invention in a view from above; Fig. 2a, 2b is a schematic representation of a housing of a label suction device of the labeling machine from Fig. 1 with various format parts in a side view; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a labeling machine according to the invention in a view from above; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a labeling machine according to the invention in a view from above; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a labeling machine according to the invention in a view from above; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a labeling machine according to the invention in a view from above.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a labeling machine 1 for the wrap-around labeling of containers 2. In the present embodiment, the containers 2 are beverage containers, such as bottles or cans.

[0049] The labeling machine 1 comprises a transport device 3 designed as a transport carousel, which is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation 4. The containers 2 to be labeled are fed to the transport device 3 via an inlet starwheel of the labeling machine 1 (not shown in the figure). With the aid of the transport device 3, the containers 2 to be labeled are transported equidistant from one another in the transport direction 5 of the transport device 3 along a partial circular path. After the containers 2 to be labeled have been labeled in the labeling machine 1, the containers 2 are removed from the transport device 3 by means of an outlet starwheel of the labeling machine 1 (not shown in the figure).

[0050] For transporting the containers 2, the transport device 3 has a plurality of container plates (not shown in the figure), each of which is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and on which a container 2 can be positioned. Preferably, the labeling machine 1 comprises a separate drive unit for each container plate, in particular a separate servo motor, for driving the respective container plate, as well as a control device for controlling these drive units. This allows the individual container plates to rotate independently of one another, and their respective rotational speeds to be adjusted independently of the rotational speed of the transport device 3. Preferably, the individual desired movement sequences of the container plates, as well as their temporal sequence and / or their temporal coordination, are stored in the control device or in a data memory communicatively connected to the control device.The control device advantageously controls the individual drive units according to the stored target movement sequences.

[0051] Furthermore, the labeling machine 1 comprises a labeling station 6. This comprises a label feed (not shown in the figure) for unwinding a label strip wound into a roll, a cutting device (not shown in the figure) for cutting the label strip into individual labels 7, and a rotatably mounted vacuum drum 8 for transporting the labels 7 and for transferring the labels 7 to the containers 2. In addition, the labeling station 6 comprises a roller (not shown in the figure) for applying an adhesive to the labels 7. Furthermore, the labeling station 6 comprises a brushing unit 9 and a label suction device 10.

[0052] The label suction device 10 comprises a label guide 11 provided with suction openings through which air can flow. Furthermore, the label suction device 10 comprises a housing 12 with a first suction segment 13a, a second suction segment 13b, a third suction segment 13c and a fourth suction segment 13d, wherein the suction segments 13a-13d are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction 14 of the label suction device 10 and are separated from one another by partition walls 15 arranged in the housing 12. In order to make the individual suction segments 13a-13d and the partition walls 15 visible, the housing 12 is Fig. 1 shown in horizontal section.

[0053] Each of the suction segments 13a-13d is assigned a section of the label guide 11. The suction segments 13a-13d serve to provide a negative / suction pressure to the respective associated section of the label guide 11. As can be seen from Fig. 1 As can be seen, the suction segments 13a-13d, viewed from the rotation axis 4, are arranged behind the label guide 11, wherein the suction segments 13a-13d border on the label guide 11.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the housing 12 of the label suction device 10 comprises exactly four suction segments 13a-13d. However, the label suction device 10 or its housing 12 can, in principle, have a higher or lower number of suction segments.

[0055] Furthermore, the housing 12 of the label suction device 10 comprises a separate, externally accessible connection 16 for each of the suction segments 13a-13d, to which a fluid line can be connected.

[0056] Furthermore, the label suction device 10 comprises a separate pressure control unit 17 for each of the suction segments 13a-13d for influencing the pressure in the respective suction segment 13a-13d. In the present embodiment, the pressure control units 17 are vacuum pumps, by means of which the suction segments 13a-13d are evacuated and which can be designed, for example, as so-called positive displacement pumps. Each of the pressure control units 17 is connected to one of the suction segments 13a-13d via one of the aforementioned connections 16.

[0057] The aforementioned vacuum drum 8 of the labeling station 6 generates a negative pressure in order to hold a label 7 provided by the label feed (not shown). The vacuum drum 8 rotates opposite to the transport direction 5 of the transport device 3 and carries the label 7 with it. While the label 7 is located on the vacuum drum 8, an adhesive, in particular hot melt glue, is applied to the back of the label 7 with the aid of the aforementioned roller (not shown) of the labeling station 6. The adhesive is preferably not applied to the entire back of the label 7, but rather only to a first vertically extending end and a second vertically extending end of the label 7.

[0058] From the vacuum drum 8, the label 7 is transferred to a container 2 to be labeled, which passes through the vacuum drum 8, wherein the label 7 is glued to the container 2 with its first, adhesive-coated end. In order to wind the label 7 onto the container 2, the container 2 is rotated about its longitudinal axis on the container plate on which the container 2 is positioned during its transport in the transport direction 5 - at least over part of the transport path.

[0059] To prevent a label section 18 of the label 7 that is not yet in contact with the container 2 or not yet wound onto the container 2 from coming into contact with the subsequent container 2 before the winding process is completed, and to prevent the label 7 from sticking to the subsequent container 2 with its second, adhesive-coated end, the label section 18 is sucked onto its label guide 11 by the label suction device 10. This not only prevents the label section 18 of the label 7 that is not yet in contact with the container 2 from coming into contact with the subsequent container 2, but also ensures that the label 7 is taut and guided during winding.

[0060] During the transport of the container 2 in the transport direction 5, the label section 18 not yet in contact with the container 2 slides along the label guide 11, wherein the label section 18 is wound onto the container 2 due to the aforementioned rotation of the container 2 about its longitudinal axis and thus becomes continuously shorter.

[0061] Because the individual suction segments 13a-13d are separated from one another by a partition wall 15 and are not all evacuated by the same vacuum pump, if one of the suction segments 13a-13d or the associated section of the label guide 11 is covered by the sucked-on label section 18, this does not automatically result in the suction conditions in or on the other suction segments 13a-13d changing. Consequently, improved suction conditions, in particular a less strongly varying suction pressure, can be achieved for said label section 18 during its transport along the label guide 11. As previously mentioned, the label suction device 10 in the present case has a separate pressure influencing unit 17 in the form of a vacuum pump for each of the suction segments 13a-13d. This advantageously ensures that if one of the suction segments 13a-13d is covered by the sucked-on label section 18, this does not automatically result in the suction conditions in or on the other suction segments 13a-13d changing.does not affect the suction conditions, in particular the suction pressure, of any of the other suction segments 13a-13d.

[0062] When the container 2 reaches the brushing unit 9, the label section 18 not yet in contact with the container 2 detaches from the label guide 11, whereby the label section 18 not yet in contact with the container 2 is then already so short that it cannot come into contact with the following container 2. The brushing unit 9 presses the label 7 onto the container 2 so that the back of the second end of the label 7, which is provided with adhesive, is stuck to the front of the first end of the label 7. While the container 2 moves in the transport direction 5 along the brushing unit 9, the container 2 continues to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0063] In addition to the previously mentioned elements, the labelling machine 1 is preferably equipped with further elements, such as an inlet screw, a centring hood, one or more light barriers, etc., the purpose and functioning of which are generally known to the person skilled in the art, so that their figurative representation has been omitted for the sake of better clarity.

[0064] Fig. 2a shows schematically the housing 12 of the label suction device 10 from Fig. 1 in a side view.

[0065] The housing 12 is constructed in several parts. It comprises a first, format-independent housing part 12a, which has the aforementioned connections 16 for the pressure control units 17, and a second housing part 12b, which is a format part and is detachably connected to the first housing part 12a.

[0066] The previously mentioned label guide 11, which is also a format part, is attached to the second housing part 12b.

[0067] Since the pressure influencing units 17 (cf. Fig. 1 ) are format-independent parts of the label suction device 10, it is sufficient, in the event of a format change in the labeling machine 1, to replace only the label guide 11 and the second housing part 12b of the label suction device 10. The remaining elements of the label suction device 10 do not need to be replaced during the format change.

[0068] Fig. 2b also shows the housing 12 of the label suction device 10 in a side view, wherein the second housing part 12b consists of Fig. 2a has been replaced by another second housing part 12b', which is intended, for example, for a larger container and label type.

[0069] The following description of the further embodiments is primarily limited to the differences to the previous one, in connection with Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 described embodiment, to which reference is made with regard to identical features and functions. Identical and / or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals where appropriate. Features of the preceding embodiment not mentioned below are adopted in the further embodiments without being described again.

[0070] Fig. 3 shows schematically a second labeling machine 19 for all-round labeling of containers 2 in a view from above.

[0071] Opposite the labeling machine 1 from Fig. 1 This labeling machine 19 differs essentially in that its label suction device 10 additionally has a fifth suction segment 13e and a sixth suction segment 13f, and that the label suction device 10 does not have a separate pressure influencing unit 17 in the form of a vacuum pump for each of the suction segments 13a-13f. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first suction segment 13a and the fifth suction segment 13e are connected to the same pressure influencing unit 17. This means that a common pressure influencing unit 17 in the form of a vacuum pump is provided for the first suction segment 13a and the fifth suction segment 13e, so that the label suction device 10 requires a total of five pressure influencing units 17 instead of six.

[0072] Fig. 4 shows schematically a third labeling machine 20 for the all-round labeling of containers 2 in a view from above.

[0073] Opposite the labeling machine 1 from Fig. 1 This labeling machine 20 differs essentially in that the pressure influencing units 17 of its label suction device 10 are each designed as throttle valves. In this exemplary embodiment, the pressure influencing units 17 serve to limit the outlet volume flow of the respective suction segment 13a-13d to a maximum value. Furthermore, the label suction device 10 comprises a vacuum pump 21, to which the pressure influencing units 17, designed as throttle valves, are connected via fluid lines.

[0074] During nominal operation of the labeling machine 20, the vacuum pump 21 is operated at a predetermined pumping power. The throttle valves are tuned to the vacuum pump 21 such that, when the vacuum pump 21 is operated at the predetermined pumping power and the suction segments 13a-13d are not at least partially obscured by one or more label sections 18, the volume flow passed through the respective throttle valve lies in the saturation range of the respective throttle valve, i.e., corresponds to the maximum volume flow allowed through the respective throttle valve.

[0075] If one of the suction segments 13a-13d is covered by a label section 18, the pressure control units 17, designed as throttle valves, prevent the outlet volume flow of the other suction segments 13a-13d from increasing. This ensures that the suction conditions at the individual suction segments 13a-13d are independent of the degree of coverage of the other suction segments 13a-13d.

[0076] Fig. 5 shows schematically a fourth labeling machine 22 for all-round labeling of containers 2 in a view from above.

[0077] In this labeling machine 22, the pressure influencing units 17 of the label suction device 10 are each designed as a controllable valve. Furthermore, the label suction device 10 comprises a vacuum pump 21, to which the pressure influencing units 17, designed as controllable valves, are connected via fluid lines. Furthermore, the labeling machine 22 comprises a control unit 23, which is connected to said pressure influencing units 17 via control lines.

[0078] The control unit 23 controls the pressure influencing units 17 depending on the performance of the labeling machine 22 and the label length such that the suction conditions, in particular the suction pressure, in or at the respective suction segment 13a-13d are independent of the degree of coverage of the other suction segments 13a-13d. For this purpose, temporal target curves for the valve positions of the individual controllable valves are stored in the control unit 23 or in a data storage device connected to the control unit 23. These target curves depend on the performance of the labeling machine 22 and the label length. The control unit 23 controls the respective pressure influencing unit 17, designed as a controllable valve, according to the associated target curve.

[0079] Fig. 6 shows schematically a fifth labeling machine 24 for all-round labeling of containers 2 in a view from above.

[0080] In this labeling machine 24, the pressure influencing units 17 of the label suction device 10 are each designed as a nozzle unit. Furthermore, the label suction device 10 comprises a pressurized fluid source 25, to which the pressure influencing units 17 designed as nozzle units are connected via fluid lines. In the present embodiment, the pressurized fluid source 25 is a compressor that supplies the pressure influencing units 17 with a pressurized fluid, preferably compressed air.

[0081] Unlike the previous embodiments, the pressure influencing units 17 in the present case are arranged within the housing 12 of the label suction device 10. The pressure influencing units 17, designed as nozzle units, each serve to emit a pressurized fluid jet 26, preferably a compressed air jet, in order to generate a suction pressure on the label guide 11 according to the jet pump principle.

[0082] Each of the pressure-influencing units 17, designed as nozzle units, has at least one outlet opening directed toward the label guide 11. This is preferably a vertically extending outlet slot.

[0083] A pressurized fluid jet 26 emerges from the outlet opening of the respective nozzle unit and is initially directed at the label guide 11. At a rounded deflection surface of the respective nozzle unit located adjacent to the outlet opening, the respective pressurized fluid jet 26 is deflected using the Coanda effect, so that after deflection, the pressurized fluid jet 26 is directed away from the label guide 11. By transferring momentum to the ambient air, which accelerates and entrains the ambient air, the respective pressurized fluid jet 26 achieves a pumping / suction effect (jet pump principle), so that the ambient air is sucked in and a suction / negative pressure is created at the label guide 11. The respective pressurized fluid jet 26 exits the housing 12 through an opening provided on the rear of the housing 12 on the respective suction segment 13a-13d.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the suction conditions in or at the respective suction segment 13a-13d are also independent of the degree of coverage of the other suction segments 13a-13d.

[0085] In each of the previously described embodiments, the respective labeling machine can have, in addition to its labeling station 6 mentioned or illustrated in the figure, one or more further labeling stations (not illustrated in the figure), which are / are in particular structurally identical to the labeling station 6 mentioned or illustrated in the figure. In this case, the respective labeling station is preferably configured to label only every nth container transported on the transport device 3, where n is the number of labeling stations of the labeling machine. Bezugszeichenliste

[0086] 1Labeling machine 2Container 3Transport device 4Rotation axis 5Transport direction 6Labeling station 7Label 8Vacuum drum 9Brushing unit 10Label suction device 11Label guide 12Housing 12aFirst, format-independent housing part 12b, 12b'Second housing part (format part) 13aFirst suction segment 13bSecond suction segment 13cThird suction segment 13dFourth suction segment 13efFifth suction segment 13fSixth suction segment 14Longitudinal direction 15Partition wall 16Connection 17Pressure control unit 18Label section 19Labeling machine 20Labeling machine 21Vacuum pump 22Labeling machine 23Control unit 24Labeling machine 25Pressure fluid source 26Pressure fluid jet

Claims

1. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) for the labelling of containers (2), in particular of beverage containers, comprising - a transport device (3) for transporting the containers (2) which are to be labelled, - a rotatably mounted vacuum drum (8) for the transporting of labels (7) and for transferring the labels (7) onto the containers (2) which are to be labelled, and - at least one label suction device (10) adjacent to the vacuum drum (8), and, in relation to the direction of transport (5) of the transport device (3), arranged behind the vacuum drum (8), which comprises a label guide (11) with permeable suction openings, characterised in that the label suction device (10) comprises several suction segments (13a-13f) arranged behind one another on the label guide (11) in their direction of longitudinal extension (14) thereof for providing a suction pressure on the label guide (11), wherein in each case a partition wall (15) is arranged between adjacent suction segments (13a-13f), and wherein the label suction device (10) comprises a pressure influencing unit (17) for influencing the pressure in at least one of the suction segments (13a-13f) and at least one further pressure influencing unit (17) for influencing the pressure in at least one other of the suction segments (13a-13f).

2. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to claim 1, characterised in that the labelling suction device (10) comprises a common pressure influencing unit (17) for at least two of the suction segments (13a-13f).

3. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to claim 1, characterised in that the labelling suction device (10) comprises an individual pressure influencing unit (17) for each of the suction segments (13a-13f).

4. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the pressure influencing units (17) is configured as a nozzle unit, which is arranged such as to emit a pressurised fluid jet (26), preferably a compressed air jet, in order to produce a suction pressure at the label guide (11) in accordance with the jet pump principle.

5. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that several of the pressure influencing units (17) are each configured as nozzle units, which are arranged such as to emit a pressurised fluid jet (26) in order to produce a suction pressure at the label guide (11) in accordance with the jet pump principle, wherein the label suction device (10) comprises a common pressurised fluid source (25) for several of the pressure influencing units (17) configured as nozzle units, connected to which pressurised fluid source (25) are the pressure influencing units (17) configured as nozzle units.

6. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the pressure influencing units (17) is configured as a choke valve for limiting an outlet volume flow of at least one of the suction segments (13a-13f).

7. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that several of the pressure influencing units (17) are configured in each case as choke valves for limiting an outlet volume flow of at least one of the suction segments (13a-13f), wherein the label suction device (10) comprises a common vacuum pump (21) for several of the pressure influencing units (17) configured as choke valves, to which vacuum pump (21) are connected the pressure influencing units (17) configured as choke valves.

8. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the pressure influencing units (17) is configured as a vacuum pump for evacuating at least one of the suction segments (13a-13f).

9. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that several of the pressure influencing units (17) are configured in each case as vacuum pumps for evacuating at least one of the suction segments (13a-13f).

10. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the pressure influencing units (17) is configured as a controllable valve, which is connected to at least one of the suction segments (13a-13f), and can be controlled by a control unit (23).

11. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the label suction device (10) comprises one or more format parts, wherein the pressure influencing units (17) are format-independent parts, and the format part(s) can be replaced independently of the pressure influencing units (17).

12. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the label suction device (10) comprises a housing (12), wherein the housing (12) comprises the said suction segments (13a-13f), and at least one part of the housing (12) is a format part.

13. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to claim 12, characterised in that at least one of the pressure influencing units (17) is arranged outside the housing (12), and the housing (12) comprises one or more connections (16) for connecting the pressure influencing unit(s) (17) arranged outside the housing (12) to at least one of the suction segments (13a-13f).

14. Labelling machine (1, 19, 20, 22, 24) according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that at least one of the pressure influencing units (17) is arranged inside the housing (12), and the housing (12) comprises one or more connections (16) for connecting the pressure influencing unit(s) (17) arranged inside the housing (12) to a pressurised fluid source (17), in particular to a compressed air compressor.