METHOD FOR LABELING CONTAINERS AND LABELING MACHINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for labelling containers according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a labelling machine according to the preamble of claim 10, as each known from EP 2 269 911 A2.

[0002] It is known that in the labeling of containers in filling plants, rolling elements such as rolling boards, brushes, rollers or the like are used to improve the adhesion of the labels to the containers. Furthermore, it is known, for example from DE 20 55 834 A1, to press down on the packaging of bottle necks, bottle shoulders or the like, which still protrude partially from the corresponding bottle area immediately after application, using various smoothing strips, rotating brushes or the like.

[0003] In addition to stationary rolling elements, radially extendable foam stamps located on a rotating container table in the area of ​​turntables can also be used to press labels onto the container. In this case, the stamps are extended outwards against the side wall of the container to be labeled by means of a mechanical cam control. Such a cam control system with linear units rotating within the container relative to the container table is known, for example, from DE 41 25 472 A1. For instance, rollers then follow a path milled into a cam segment, the design of which determines the stroke movement performed by the stamps and thus the working range of the stamps, and consequently also the intensity and timing of the pressing action.

[0004] A disadvantage of this approach is that the stroke movement cannot be adjusted to different containers, neither in terms of the pressure stroke nor the timing. While such a control cam could theoretically be replaced, this is impractical for format adjustments in production, i.e., for changing the container format to be labeled, due to the significant time and personnel costs involved. Alternatively, only the pressure pads attached to the stamps could be replaced, but this would not allow for adjustments to the timing of the pressure stroke or the applied pressure force to the respective container diameter, and would only allow for very limited adjustments.

[0005] There is therefore a need for improved labeling methods and labeling machines in this respect. The stated problem is solved with a method for labeling containers and with a labeling machine according to the independent claims.

[0006] According to the invention, in this method, containers mounted on rotary tables rotate continuously around a container table and are positioned with respect to their rotational orientation. Labels are then attached to the sides of the containers, and by extending stamps rotating with the rotary tables, the labels are pressed onto the containers, particularly between rotations of the containers. According to the invention, the stamps are individually extended and retracted by electromagnetic linear motors via a programmed control system.

[0007] The programmed control enables flexible and format-dependent control of the pressure strokes and their assignment to specific rotation positions of the turntables in format-specific pressure programs, whereby their timing sequences can be specified in principle independently of the rotation position of the container table.

[0008] Electromagnetic linear motors operate with virtually no backlash and are wear-free, thus enabling consistently precise and reproducible pressure strokes of the pistons. Furthermore, pressure forces can be monitored by measuring the power consumption of the linear motors and / or using pressure sensors on the pistons, and the pressure strokes can be controlled and / or adjusted accordingly. For example, it can be reliably prevented that the containers being approached are accidentally pushed out of a centering device on the rotary table, despite diameter tolerances.

[0009] Electric linear motors also have a relatively slim design, so that they can be arranged next to each other on the container table in a space-saving manner within the rotary tables with an essentially radial orientation.

[0010] This allows for a constructively advantageous, flexible, and particularly precise labeling process with correctly positioned labels, especially for different container formats.

[0011] Preferably, the pressure strokes of the stamps are assigned to specific pressure rotation positions of the rotary tables, pressure rotation position ranges of the rotary tables, and / or partial wall sections of the containers in electronic pressure programs. This assignment is then preferably format-specific, using format-specific stored / retrievable pressure programs.

[0012] Individual, partial wall sections of the containers can thus be rotated flexibly and reproducibly, if necessary even by reversing the direction of rotation of the turntables, into the working areas of the respective assigned punches. The pressure strokes of the punches can be changed or maintained before and / or during the rotation.

[0013] Furthermore, certain pressure rotation positions and / or partial wall sections can be approached multiple times by the stamps, for example, to apply different pressure strokes to the labels in succession. For instance, the labels could first be fixed flat to the container and then, perhaps with a reduced pressure stroke, smoothed down or given a specific fold pattern.

[0014] Preferably, the dies are moved against the labels while maintaining a pre-positioned pressure rotation. The rotational position of the container is not changed when the die is applied. The dies are preferably positioned radially relative to the container. In particular, when the rotary table rotates between individual pressure rotation positions, the dies are retracted relative to their respective working strokes, especially in such a way that the dies do not touch the labels when approaching the next pressure rotation position. This prevents distortion or unwanted folding of the label.

[0015] Preferably, the power consumption and / or drive torque of the linear motors is monitored during the extension of the pistons, and the pressure stroke is controlled accordingly. This allows the pressure force to be kept within a suitable range, particularly below a predetermined maximum value. Such electronic monitoring of the linear motor eliminates the need for additional pressure sensors or similar devices. Nevertheless, control of the pressure stroke based on measurement signals from at least one pressure sensor arranged on the piston and / or its plunger would also be conceivable.

[0016] Preferably, the power consumption and / or drive torque of the stamps are monitored during their extension by the linear motors. Based on this, initial contact with the labels is detected, and the pressure stroke is executed from this initial contact point. This allows for an identical pressure stroke to be reproducibly applied to all containers, even with significant diameter tolerances or similar variations in the containers. Assuming uniform elasticity of the pressure pads or similar components on the stamps, a specific pressure stroke then generates a specific pressure force. In principle, initial contact could also be detected using a pressure sensor on the stamp.

[0017] Preferably, the labels are first pressed onto sidewall sections with a folded, concave, and / or convex longitudinal contour by a labeling unit, particularly in a central sub-area of ​​the longitudinal contour. The stamps then press the labels onto the remaining sub-areas of the longitudinal contour. By means of suitably electronically programmed pressure strokes, the labels can thus be pressed onto such complexly shaped sidewall contours, either completely flat and without creases, or with a controllable crease pattern.

[0018] Preferably, the labels are pressed inwards onto the container wall sections, particularly flat sections, by stamps that rotate tangentially with the container table at its periphery. Such stamps rotate, for example, synchronously with the container table on at least one pressure drum. The stamps are preferably continuously aligned in the direction of the container table, for example, by means of toothed stamp shafts that interact with a fixed gear ring in a 1:1 gear ratio.

[0019] The stamps of the peripherally arranged pressure drum can, in principle, differ arbitrarily from the stamps rotating with the turntables, for example, in shape and / or elasticity. This allows, for instance, containers with at least two differently contoured partial wall sections to be successively labeled completely and without creases. The pressure drum is particularly suitable for applying pressure to flat side wall areas without rotating the containers.

[0020] Preferably, the stamps are equipped with elastic pressure pads, which are essentially designed as a negative mold of a section of the container wall to be labelled. For example, the pressure pads have a longitudinal contour that is a negative of a longitudinal contour of the container side wall. The pressure pads can, for example, consist essentially of a foam material.

[0021] Preferably, the labels are adhesive films with an aluminum lamination or similar metallic coating. This allows for the creation of a visually appealing folded pattern similar to tinfoil, optionally with subsequent swirling of the folded pattern on a stationary rolling board or similar device.

[0022] The labeling machine for containers according to the invention comprises: a continuously rotatable container table with turntables for receiving and rotating the containers; at least one labeling unit stationary in the periphery of the container table for applying labels laterally to the containers; and pressure units rotating with the turntables, with stamps that can be extended outwards relative to the container table for pressing the labels onto the containers. According to the invention, the pressure units include individually controlled electromagnetic linear motors for extending / retracting the stamps. This allows the advantages described for the method according to the invention to be achieved.

[0023] Preferably, the linear motors comprise rotors designed as magnetic bars and stators with electromagnetic coils enclosing the magnetic bars. Such linear motors enable a particularly slim design and are therefore especially suitable for arrangement on a container table with a multitude of rotary tables. Furthermore, these linear motors allow for relatively fast positioning movements and high accelerations of the pistons.

[0024] Preferably, the labeling machine comprises a programmable controller for individually controlling the rotary tables and their respective associated pressure units in pairs, particularly according to at least one embodiment of the described method. With the rotary tables and pressure units assigned to each other in pairs, a wide variety of programmable pressure strokes, pressure forces, and / or timing sequences of the pressure application can thus be defined.

[0025] For example, the control system includes a memory in which the pressure rotation positions of the rotary tables and the pressure strokes of the stamps are specifically assigned to each other for individual container formats. When changing formats, pressure movements, pressure forces, and timing sequences for pressing on individual partial sections of the containers can be easily and accurately set for the new container format by calling up a program assigned to the respective container format.

[0026] Preferably, the labeling machine further comprises a stationary pressure drum arranged in the periphery of the container table and, in particular, rotatable synchronously with the container table. The pressure drum has stamps rotatable about upright stamp shafts for laterally pressing the labels onto, in particular, flat wall areas of the containers. The stamps then temporarily travel tangentially with the passing containers on the pressure drum. Thus, wall areas that have a special shape and / or must not be rotated relative to the stamps during pressing can still be labelled completely, without creases, or with a controllable crease pattern.

[0027] Preferably, the stamps include elastic pressure pads with a format-specific pressure contour / shape, for example, essentially designed as a negative mold of the corresponding container contour. The pressure pads can compensate for dimensional tolerances of the containers and enable particularly gentle application of the labels to the containers. The pressure pads could also cover a specific range of nominal container diameters, for example, diameters differing by no more than 5 to 10 mm. Suitable materials for the pressure pads include, for example, foam bodies with a defined density / hardness.

[0028] Preferably, the labeling machine also includes tool-free locking / releasable fastening devices for the elastic pressure pads. In principle, known quick-release devices are suitable for this purpose. For example, the pressure pads can be seated in holders that are attached to the pressure units by means of prismatic guides and spring-loaded locking pins. In this way, the stamps can be quickly fitted with different pressure pads and thus adapted to specific container contours and diameters.

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 is a side view of a pressure unit and a rotary table; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a container and associated pressure rotary positions; Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the labeling machine; and Figure 4 is a longitudinal section through a pressure drum.

[0030] As the Figure 1As can be seen in the partial view of the labeling machine 1, in a preferred embodiment it comprises a continuously rotatable container table 2 with motor-driven rotary tables 3 for receiving and rotating the containers 4, in particular bottles. Within the orbit of the rotary tables 3, pressure units 5 with linear motors 6 and driven punches 7 are arranged on the container table 2 for laterally pressing previously applied but partially protruding labels 8 onto the containers 4. For this purpose, the punches 7 execute the pressure strokes described below in an outward and preferably radial extension direction 7a relative to the container table 2.

[0031] For the purposes of the invention, the term "labels 8" also includes purely decorative coverings, similar to tin foil or the like, for the containers 4. The labels 8 are provided with a suitable adhesive so that they adhere to the entire surface of the containers 4 at the end of the labeling process.

[0032] The stamps 7 can be guided linearly in a manner known in principle and preferably comprise an elastic pressure pad 9, for example in the form of a foam block, with a pressure contour 9a, which is preferably designed as a negative of a side wall contour 4a of the container 4 to be fitted with the labels 8. This is possible both with respect to a longitudinal contour of the container 4, as in the Figure 1 as indicated, as well as with regard to a circumferential contour of the container 4, which is shown, for example, in the Figure 2 is shown.

[0033] The linear motors 6 preferably comprise central magnetic bars 6a and stators 6b in the form of electromagnetic coils enclosing the magnetic bars 6a. This enables a particularly slim design of the linear motors 6 and relatively fast positioning movements and high accelerations of the pistons 7.

[0034] Furthermore, an electronically programmable control 10 is available for executing pressure programs in order to individually control the rotary tables 3 and the linear motors 6 in pairs and thereby to rotate the containers 4 in a controlled manner around themselves as well as to execute assigned pressure strokes H1, H2 with the linear motors 6 and punches 7 after approaching predetermined pressure rotation positions.

[0035] The Figure 2This is illustrated schematically and exemplarily for a pressure program with two different pressure strokes H1 (all single arrows) and H2 (all double arrows) and with ten pressure rotation positions D1 to D10, in which the correspondingly designated radial line, and thus the associated partial wall section of the container 4, faces the punch 7. The pressure rotation position D8, approached in the eighth step of the pressure program, and the extension direction 7a, which is uniform for all pressure strokes H1 and H2, are shown.

[0036] It is also schematically indicated that the elastic pressure contour 9a can, for example, taper from a wide base 9b to the upper end 9c in accordance with the side wall contour 4a of the container 4. In principle, any pressure contour 9a is conceivable, including those suitable for different side wall contours 4a, for example, for several container formats with similar shapes and / or similar diameters.

[0037] The printing program begins at a first printing position D1, where the punch 7 performs a first printing stroke H1. The first printing position D1 is approached again during the printing program, at which point the punch 7 performs a second, reduced printing stroke H2. The printing program ends at a tenth printing position D10 after the second printing stroke H2 has been completed.

[0038] During the rotary positioning between the individual pressure rotation positions D1 to D10, the plunger 7 is preferably retracted relative to the pressure strokes H1, H2. In particular, the pressure pad 9 does not touch the label 8. In principle, however, it would also be possible to rotate the container 4 further over a specific rotation range during a given pressure stroke, for example, between two successive pressure rotation positions. In the described example, however, the intention is to press the label 8 onto the container 4 only radially, thereby avoiding additional force components in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the pressure strokes H1, H2 are performed exclusively with the pressure rotation position D1 to D10 remaining constant.

[0039] The exemplary container 4 has a cross-section with a side wall area 4b essentially designed as a circular segment and with a side wall area 4c that is flattened in contrast to it for receiving a further label (not shown here) with product information which should be presented as without distortion as possible.

[0040] The label 8, suitably coated with adhesive, preferably overlaps in a partial wall area 4d opposite the flattened side wall area 4c. In the first pressure rotation position D1 with respect to the container table 2, this area points inwards towards the punch 7, while the flattened side wall section 4c points outwards away from the punch 7.

[0041] The stamp 7 initially performs the first pressure stroke H1 in the first pressure rotation position D1 and presses the pressure pad 9 first against the overlap area of ​​the label 8.

[0042] By subsequently retracting the stamp 7 in the opposite direction to its extension 7a, the pressure pad 9 detaches from the label 8. The container 4 is then rotated about its own axis to the second pressure rotation position D2, in this example by approximately 216°. Preferably, the stamp 7 remains retracted to such an extent that the pressure pad 9 does not touch the container 4. This also applies to the steps described below for approaching pressure rotation positions.

[0043] After reaching the second pressure rotation position D2, the punch 7 performs the first pressure stroke H1 assigned to the second pressure rotation position D2 and in this case presses the label 8 against one of the edges formed between the circular segment-shaped side wall section 4b and the flattened side wall section 4c.

[0044] The container 4 is then rotated from the second pressure position D2 to the third pressure position D3, by approximately 72° in the example shown, and stopped there. The other edge formed between the partial side wall areas 4b and 4c then faces the stamp 7. By repeating the first pressure stroke H1, the label 8 is again pressed onto the container 4 by the pressure pad 9.

[0045] Subsequently, the container 4 is rotated into the fourth to seventh pressure rotation position D4 to D7 by alternately retracting the plunger 7 and performing the first pressure stroke H1, and the label 8 is pressed onto the container 4 there in each case.

[0046] Subsequently, with the plunger 7 retracted, the container 4 is rotated into the eighth pressure rotation position D8 shown, stopped, and the label 8 is pressed onto the container 4 for the first time only with the second pressure stroke H2 (double arrow).

[0047] Following this, the ninth rotary position D9, the first rotary position D1 again and finally the tenth rotary position D10 are approached as described above, whereby the second pressure stroke H2 is performed in each of these positions while the rotary position of the container 4 remains unchanged.

[0048] In this way, a completely uniform fit of the label 8 on the side wall contour 4a of the container 4 can be achieved.

[0049] The described pressure program rotates the container 4 into the next pressure rotation position without the pressure pad 9 contacting the label 8, and holds this position constant during the execution of the pressure strokes. This is advantageous, for example, with the illustrated container 4 with its bulbous side wall contour, if the label 8 is to have a fold pattern that runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container 4. In principle, however, other fold patterns, for example with swirling folds, and corresponding pressure programs are also conceivable.

[0050] The pressure contour 9a of the pressure pad 9 can be viewed in the circumferential direction, i.e. in a top view according to Figure 2The pressure contour 9a can be curved, for example, to match the radius of curvature of the associated container cross-section. In this case, the pressure contour 9a can also have a larger radius of curvature, so that, as a result of the side wall contour 4a sinking in increasingly during pressure, the pressure contour 9a ultimately rests sufficiently evenly on the respective covered area of ​​the label 8.

[0051] In principle, the individual control of the pressure units 5 also makes it possible to maintain a specific pressure stroke while the container 4 rotates into the next pressure rotation position. Targeted changes to the pressure stroke during a rotation of the container 4 on its own axis are also theoretically possible and could be programmed and subsequently retrieved depending on the format, based on specific container contours, label materials, desired fold pattern, or similar requirements.

[0052] Furthermore, depending on the time available for executing the printing program, it is possible to approach certain printing rotation positions multiple times and, in particular, to perform different printing strokes there.

[0053] In the example shown, the first pressure stroke H1 is the maximum stroke of the punch 7 to be performed on containers 4 of a specific container format, while the second pressure stroke H2 is reduced, for example to 25-75% of the first pressure stroke H1. In principle, however, pressure programs with virtually any number and / or gradations of different pressure strokes are possible. Likewise, the punch 7 can be retracted to different depths during rotary positioning, depending on the container format, particularly to avoid contact with the label 8.

[0054] The illustrated pressure rotation positions and pressure strokes are therefore only for better understanding and could be replaced by a different number and / or gradation of such values. In the context of the present invention, the pressure strokes are to be understood as the end positions of the punches 7 during their respective extension.

[0055] Due to the programmed control 10 of the pressure units 5 and the motor-driven rotary tables 3, in principle any temporal sequence of the rotary position positioning of the container 4 and associated pressure strokes of the stamps 7 can be executed.

[0056] The programmed control unit 10 also enables continuous monitoring of the individual pressure units 5 and, in particular, their linear motors 6. Preferably, their power consumption and / or the drive torque occurring at the linear motors 6 when the pistons 7 are extended is monitored electronically, and the pressure stroke of the driven pistons 7 is controlled on this basis. This allows the pressure force acting in the extension direction 7a to be kept within a suitable range, in particular below a predetermined maximum value. Additional pressure sensors on the pistons 7 are unnecessary, but could, in principle, be included in a control of the pressure stroke / pressure force.

[0057] Monitoring the power consumption and / or drive torque of the linear motors 6 also makes it possible to detect initial contact between the stamp 7 and the labels 8 and to execute the corresponding pressure stroke based on this initial contact. Consequently, a specific pressure stroke can be executed precisely and reproducibly, even if the individual diameters of containers of a particular container format differ significantly due to manufacturing tolerances. In principle, however, the initial contact could also be detected using pressure sensors located on the stamps 7 / linear motors 6.

[0058] With uniform elasticity of the pressure pads 9 attached to the stamps 7, a reproducible pressure stroke then produces a correspondingly reproducible pressure force.

[0059] The pressure pads 9 are preferably interchangeable without tools. For example, the pressure pads 9 comprise a socket 9d which is inserted by means of a Figure 2 The implied prism guide 7b and locking pins or the like are attached to the stamps 7. Accordingly, the pressure pads 9 can be changed easily and quickly, for example, when changing formats in production.

[0060] The Figure 3 Figure 1 shows the labeling machine 1 in a top view with the container table 2 (indicated by its partial circle) and a plurality of pressure units 5 (only some of which are shown) with a pressure unit 11 arranged stationary in the periphery of the container table 2, which with respect to the Figure 4 will be described in more detail later.

[0061] Accordingly, the labeling machine 1 further comprises a first stationary labeling unit 12 for laterally applying the labels 8 to the containers 4 and optionally a second stationary labeling unit 13, which is designed, for example, for overlabeling with self-adhesive labels (not shown) on the flattened side wall sections 4c of the containers 4. The pressure unit 11 is then arranged between the labeling units 12 and 13 in order to selectively press the labels 8 onto those side wall areas of the containers 4 that are subsequently overlabeled with self-adhesive labels or the like.

[0062] Due to the convex side wall contour 4a, the labels 8 cannot be applied across the entire surface by the labeling unit 12, but instead stand upright, as shown in the Figure 1 and 4This can be seen at their upper and lower edges from the container 4. In particular, these label areas are then pressed down completely by the surrounding pressure units 5.

[0063] For this purpose, a machine angle range 14 of the container table 2 is provided, in which preferably no stationary units are docked to the frame of the container table 2. The machine angle range 14 serves instead for the execution of printing programs, i.e., the previously described pressing of the labels 8 with the rotating printing units 5.

[0064] Following the machine angle section 14, stationary rolling boards 15 to 17 are preferably arranged, particularly outside the orbit of the containers 4, to roll the label 8 onto a side wall area of ​​the containers 4, onto the bottoms of the containers 4, and onto the necks of the containers 4. The rolling boards 15 to 17 can also be used to subsequently swirl the fold pattern of the labels 8 previously created by the rotating pressure units 5.

[0065] Also shown schematically are an infeed star 18 and an outfeed star 19. Their function is in principle as well known as that of the labeling units 12, 13 and the loading boards 15 to 17.

[0066] Components of the stationary pressure unit 11 are also in the Figure 3 indicated and in the Figure 4further illustrated in a schematic longitudinal section. Accordingly, the stationary pressure unit 11 comprises a pressure drum 21 with rotating stamp shafts 22, to which stamps 23 with pressure pads 24 are attached, for example, for laterally pressing the labels 8 onto the flattened side wall sections 4c of the containers 4. The pressure pads 24 then preferably have a pressure contour 24a adapted to the longitudinal contour of the associated side wall section, here the flattened side wall section 4c.

[0067] The punch shafts 22 can, for example, be driven by means of a gearbox in a manner known in principle, such that the punches 23 rotating on the pressure drum 21 are constantly facing the container table 2. The pressure drum 21 is preferably synchronized with the container table 2 such that the containers 4 and the punches 23 temporarily run essentially tangentially side by side, and the labels 8 are thereby pressed across their entire surface onto the flattened side wall sections 4c of the containers 4 or the outwardly facing side wall contour.

[0068] The stationary pressure unit 11 can in principle be combined arbitrarily with the rotating pressure units 5, for example for a specific preparation of the container 4 and / or label 8 for a subsequent printing program carried out with the rotating pressure units 5, or for the described selective pressing of the labels 8 on the flattened side wall areas 4c or the like, in order to prepare them for subsequent over-labeling.

[0069] It would also be possible to arrange at least one stationary pressure unit 11 downstream of the machine angle area 14 to post-treat the containers 4 and / or labels 8 after the execution of a pressure program. Likewise, it would be conceivable to treat certain container formats only with the rotating pressure units 5, while treating other container formats additionally with at least one stationary pressure unit 11.

[0070] The stamps 23 can also include tool-free locking and / or detachable fastening means for the elastic pressure pads 24 or the like. This allows the stamps 23 to be flexibly adapted to different container formats. For example, the fastening means described for the surrounding pressure units 5 for the pressure pads 9 located there are conceivable.

[0071] The programming of the control unit 10 includes, in particular, the storage of parameter sets specific to certain container formats, including pressure rotation positions and their associated pressure strokes, in pressure programs. These can be accessed via an input unit, such as a touchscreen, of the control unit 10, preferably in a format-specific and / or product-specific manner. Consequently, different container formats and different label materials can be processed flexibly and with high quality. Furthermore, operating errors can be largely eliminated.

[0072] The electromagnetic linear drives 6 enable a space-saving and low-wear drive with fast and precise positioning movements of the stamps 7 located on the rotating pressure units 5 for pressing the labels 8 onto the containers 4. Dimensional tolerances of the containers 4 can also be taken into account and compensated for by the control system, for example by detecting initial contact with the containers 4 when the stamps 7 extend. In principle, however, other linear drives would also be conceivable.

[0073] This ensures flexible, economical, and high-quality labeling of the containers 4. This is particularly true for containers 4 with convex longitudinal contours, where the labels 8, immediately after application by the labeling unit 12, protrude at their upper and / or lower edges and must be pressed down with controlled folding.

[0074] Labels 8 are particularly suitable if they are made of a plastic film laminated and glued with aluminium or similar metallic material.

Claims

1. A method for labelling containers (4), wherein the containers continuously circulate standing on rotary plates (3) upon a container table (2) and are adjusted with regard to their rotary position, and wherein labels (8) are laterally attached to the containers and are pressurized on the containers by extending stamps (7) circulating with the rotary plates outwardly relative to the container table, characterized in that the stamps are individually extended and retracted by means of electromagnetic linear motors (6) through programmed control (10).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein pressurizing strokes (H1, H2) of the stamps (7) are associated, in particular format-specifically, with pressurizing rotary positions (D1-D10) of the rotary plates (3) and / or with partial circumferential wall sections of the containers (4).

3. The method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the stamps (7) are driven against the labels (8) taking into account a target pressurizing rotary position (D1-D10).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stamps (7), for rotating the rotary plates (3) between successive pressurizing rotary positions (D1-D10), are retracted relative to the respective associated pressurizing strokes (H1, H2), in particular so that the stamps (7) do not touch the labels (8) any longer.

5. The method according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein an input power and / or a driving moment while extending the stamps (7) is monitored at the linear motors (6) and the pressurizing stroke (H1, H2) is controlled based thereon.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein an input power and / or a driving moment of the linear motors (6) while extending the stamps (7) is monitored at the linear motors (6), an initial contact of the stamps (7) with the labels (8) is determined based thereon and the pressurizing stroke (H1, H2) is performed based on the determined initial contact.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the labels (8) are pressurized by a labelling device (12) at the side wall sections off the containers (4) with bent and / or concavely curved and / or convexly curved longitudinal contour (4a) in particular only in a central section of the longitudinal contour and the stamps (7) press the labels against the remaining sections of the longitudinal contour.

8. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein further the labels (8) are pressed inwardly relative to the container table in particular at plane wall sections (4c) of the containers by stamps (23) tangentially co-rotating with the container table (2).

9. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the labels (8) are full-surface adhesive sheets provided with a aluminium lamination.

10. A labelling machine (1) for containers (4) comprising: a continuously rotatable container table (2) including rotary plates (3) for receiving the containers and adjusting their rotary position; at least one labelling device (12) disposed at the periphery of the container table for laterally attaching labels (8) to the containers; and pressurizing units (5) circulating with the rotary plates including stamps (7) extendable outwardly for pressurizing the labels on the containers characterized in that the pressurizing units comprise individually controlled electromagnetic linear motors (6) for extending / retracting the stamps.

11. The labelling machine according to claim 10, wherein the linear motors (6) comprise rotors (6a) configured as magnetic bars and stators (6b) in the form of electromagnetic coils enclosing the magnetic bars.

12. The labelling machine according to claims 10 or 11 further comprising a programmable controller (10) for storing / executing format-specific pressurizing programs for individually driving pairs of the rotary plates (3) and respective associated pressurizing units (5), in particular by means of the method according to at least one of claims 2 through 6.

13. The labelling machine according to at least one of claims 10 through 12, further comprising a pressurizing drum (21) fixedly disposed on the periphery of the container table (2), in particular rotatable synchronously thereto, and including stamps (23) rotatable around upright stamp shafts (22) for laterally pressurizing the labels (8), in particular at substantially plane wall sections (4c) of the containers (4).

14. The labelling machine according to at least one of claims 10 through 13, wherein the stamps (7, 23) comprise elastic pressure pads (9, 24) having format-specific pressurizing contours (9a, 24a).

15. The labelling machine according to at least one of claims 10 to 14, further including tool-free lockable / unlockable fixing means for the elastic pressure pads (9, 24).