Labelling device and method for applying labels on containers

Abstract

Labelling apparatus and method for applying labels to containers Labelling apparatus (1, 221) for applying labels (5a) to containers (2), having an unwinding unit (20) for accommodating at least one supply roll (21, 22) with a label strip (5); having an interim buffer unit (30) for the interim storage of the label strip (5) unwound from the supply roll (21, 22), wherein the interim buffer unit (30) comprises at least one first movable roller unit (31); having a drive unit (40) which is arranged downstream of the interim buffer unit (40), as seen in the conveying direction (F), and is intended for driving the label strip (5) in the conveying direction (F); and having a processing unit (50) for separating the label strip (5) into the labels (5a), for optional glueing purposes and for transferring the labels (5a) to the containers (2), characterized by the arrangement, between the interim buffer unit (30) and the drive unit (40), of a separate, dynamic buffer unit (70, 80) with at least one second roller unit (71, 81), which can be moved independently of the interim buffer unit (30).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a labeling device for applying labels to containers having the features of the preamble of claim 1, a labeling machine for labeling containers having a conveyor and a labeling device, a system having a labeling machine and having a container manufacturing machine and / or container treatment machine, and a method for applying labels to containers using a labeling device having the features of the preamble of claim 13.

[0002] Labeling machines with at least one labeling device are typically used to apply labels to containers such as cans, tubes, plastic, or glass bottles to identify and / or advertise the contents. Such labeling machines typically comprise a conveyor, preferably designed as a carousel, with which the containers are picked up in container receptacles and transported past a labeling device. The labeling device comprises an unwinding unit for receiving one or more supply rolls of label tape, an intermediate buffer unit for buffering the label tape, a drive unit for driving the label tape, and a processing unit. The processing unit is designed, for example, with a cutting unit with which the label tape is cut into individual labels, glued, and then transferred to the containers.

[0003] The intermediate buffer unit is usually used to compensate for production fluctuations or to buffer the joining of label tapes from two supply rolls in a splicing device.

[0004] Such a labeling device is known, for example, from DE 20 2005 002793 U1 or DE 3923163 A1.

[0005] EP 0 414 056 A2 discloses a labeling device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] Such labeling machines can be integrated with a container manufacturing machine to form a single system. For example, the container manufacturing machine stretch-blow molds preforms into finished containers, which are then transferred directly to the labeling machine. The container manufacturing machine and the labeling machine operate at the same cycle time, allowing containers to be transferred between the two machines without an intermediate container buffer. However, an inspection is performed after stretch-blow molding to remove defective containers, for example, in the case of burst bottles. Faulty transfers can also occur. This can result in gaps in the transfer of containers to the labeling machine.

[0007] In addition, due to the process, the containers on such a container manufacturing machine are only produced at operating speed. Consequently, the downstream labeling machine must be accelerated from standstill to labeling speed within one container division.

[0008] It may therefore happen that the drive unit for the label tape has to be started up or stopped particularly quickly in order to either reach the labeling speed in the shortest possible time or to omit individual labels if a container is missing.

[0009] A disadvantage of conventional labeling machines and units is that very high acceleration or deceleration of the drive unit exerts correspondingly high forces on the label strip. This can result in the label strip or labels being incorrectly cut, incorrectly processed, incorrectly glued, or even damaged. Furthermore, it can lead to malfunctions in the labeling machine or labeling device.

[0010] DE 10 2010 037285 A1 discloses a device and a method for conveying a label strip and a labeling unit.

[0011] DE 10 2012 200826 A1 discloses a labeling unit for labeling containers.

[0012] DE 20 2013 105749 U1 discloses a labeling unit for a labeling machine for objects.

[0013] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a labelling machine, a labelling device and a method for labelling containers which enable rapid starting and switching off of the drive for the label strip, whereby correct processing of the label strip or the labels is ensured.

[0014] To solve this problem, the invention provides a labeling device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the subclaims.

[0015] Extensive tests have shown that the intermediate buffer unit, which is designed to buffer the label strip as much as possible, often reacts too slowly to high accelerations of the label strip and correct processing is not always guaranteed. Because the labeling device includes the separately designed, dynamic buffer unit between the intermediate buffer unit and the drive unit, strong accelerations of the label strip are buffered particularly effectively by the drive unit. Because the second roller unit in the dynamic buffer unit can move independently of the intermediate buffer unit, it can be designed for the most dynamic operation possible. Consequently, the dynamic buffer unit can react particularly quickly to the high accelerations, ensuring reliable processing of the label strip and labels.

[0016] The labeling device can be arranged in a beverage processing plant. The labeling device can be arranged downstream of a filling plant for filling a product into containers. The labeling device can preferably be arranged in a labeling machine. For example, the labeling device can be arranged circumferentially on a conveyor designed as a carousel. It is conceivable that the labeling device is connected to the labeling machine via a detachable connection. For example, the labeling device can be arranged at least partially on its own, floor-supported support frame, which can be docked to the labeling machine via at least one coupling element.

[0017] The containers can be designed to hold beverages, hygiene products, pastes, chemical, biological, and / or pharmaceutical products. The containers can be plastic bottles, glass bottles, tubes, and / or cans.

[0018] The labels can be labels that are applied to the containers using an adhesive (such as glue). The labels can be blanks made of paper or plastic, in particular including an imprint that identifies, describes, and / or advertises the contents of the containers. The label strip can comprise a plurality of adjoining labels, wherein the processing unit is configured to cut the label strip into individual labels using a cutting device.

[0019] The unwinding unit can be configured with at least one roll holder for receiving and unwinding the at least one supply roll. The unwinding unit can comprise a splicing device for connecting two label strips from two different supply rolls.

[0020] The first movable roller unit of the intermediate buffer unit can comprise two or more deflection rollers. The intermediate buffer unit can comprise the first movable roller unit and a rigid roller unit with two or more deflection rollers. It is also conceivable for the intermediate buffer unit to comprise, in addition to the first movable roller unit, another movable roller unit with two or more deflection rollers. The label strip can be guided in at least one loop around the deflection rollers of the intermediate buffer unit. The first movable roller unit can be designed with a preferably spring-biased displacement mechanism in order to displace it relative to the rigid roller unit. It is also conceivable for the first movable roller unit to be actively driven by a drive in order to displace it relative to the rigid roller unit.This changes the length of the loops around the deflection rollers, allowing the label strip to be picked up or released by the intermediate buffer unit. Preferably, the deflection rollers of the intermediate buffer unit can be arranged along a straight line. The first movable roller unit can be preloaded with a first spring element to tension the loops of the label strip.

[0021] The labeling device may comprise a travel control unit for adjusting the position of the label strip relative to the drive unit and / or the processing unit. For this purpose, the travel control unit may comprise at least one deflection roller whose position is adjustable transversely to the label strip.

[0022] The drive unit may comprise at least one drive roller for driving the label strip in the conveying direction. For example, the drive unit may comprise two rollers, at least one of which is driven, with the label strip being guided between the two rollers. The drive unit may comprise an electric motor as a drive to provide the driving force for the drive roller.

[0023] The processing unit can comprise a cutting unit for separating the labels from the label strip. It is also conceivable for the processing unit to comprise one or more vacuum cylinders for conveying the label strip or separated labels. For example, the processing unit can comprise a vacuum cylinder for guiding the separated labels past a gluing unit and transferring them to the containers. The gluing unit can be configured to apply hot or cold glue to the labels, which are preferably held by the vacuum cylinder.

[0024] In addition to the second movable roller unit, the dynamic buffer unit can comprise a rigid roller unit with at least one deflection roller, wherein the movable and rigid roller units are arranged relative to one another such that the label strip is guided in at least one loop through the roller units. The roller units can comprise deflection rollers for guiding the label strip. For example, the dynamic buffer unit can comprise two rigid deflection rollers, between which the label strip is guided in a loop around a deflection roller of the second movable roller unit. The at least one loop can be enlarged or reduced by the movement of the second movable roller unit.

[0025] The second movable roller unit can comprise a movement mechanism for a deflection roller, wherein the movement mechanism and the deflection roller are designed such that, when the labeling device is started within a container division, the dynamic tensile force acting on the label strip is limited to 50 N or less. This ensures reliable processing of the label strip. The movement mechanism can comprise a second spring element to regulate the tensile force in the label strip. Likewise, the movement mechanism can comprise a drive to actively regulate the tensile force in the label strip, for example, a servo motor. "Starting the labeling device within a container division" can mean here that the processing unit of the labeling device is started from a standstill to a labeling speed within one container division."Container pitch" here can mean a regular period of time that elapses between the labeling of two consecutive containers during trouble-free operation. Likewise, a labeling machine can be configured with a conveyor for transporting the containers into container receptacles and with the labeling device, wherein the container receptacles are arranged at regular intervals on the conveyor, and wherein "container pitch" can mean the period of time that elapses between two consecutive container receptacles as they pass the labeling device. The dynamic tensile force can be caused at least partially by the mass inertia of the movement mechanism and / or the deflection roller. Additionally or alternatively, the dynamic tensile force can be caused by a spring preload of the movement mechanism.

[0026] The labeling device can comprise deflection rollers for guiding the label strip. The deflection rollers can preferably have a diameter in a range of 0-25 mm, optionally in a range of 0-20 mm, furthermore optionally in a range of 16-18 mm. In particular, at least one of the deflection rollers can be arranged in the dynamic buffer unit. Due to the small diameter, the moments of inertia of the deflection rollers are particularly low, and the inertial forces acting on the label strip from the deflection rollers lead to less severe tension. Consequently, the label strip is subjected to particularly little stress during strong accelerations and is accordingly protected from damage. The deflection rollers mentioned above or below can at least partially have a diameter in the range of 0-25 mm, optionally in the range of 0-20 mm, furthermore optionally in the range of 16-18 mm. The deflection rollers can be passively driven by the label strip.Actively driven deflection rollers are also conceivable. Preferably, at least one such deflection roller can be arranged in the dynamic buffer unit. This allows the label strip to be moved even more dynamically in the dynamic buffer unit.

[0027] The dynamic buffer unit is located directly in front of the drive unit in the conveying direction. This minimizes the inertial mass of the conveyor belt and the moments of inertia of the deflection rollers between the drive unit and the dynamic buffer unit.

[0028] The second movable roller unit can have a lower mass than the first movable roller unit. This allows the dynamic buffer unit to be more dynamic than the intermediate buffer unit, compensating for the corresponding forces in the label strip during high accelerations. The second movable roller unit comprises fewer deflection rollers than the first movable roller unit, optionally with just one deflection roller.

[0029] The second movable roller unit can be preloaded with a second spring element. This allows the tensile force in the label strip to be regulated particularly easily. The second spring element can be a tension or compression spring. The dynamic buffer unit can comprise a damping element to dampen the movement of the second movable roller unit. This can dampen or prevent vibrations between the dynamic buffer unit and the intermediate buffer unit. The second spring element and / or the damping element can be coupled to the second movable roller unit. For example, the second spring element and / or damping element can be arranged between the second movable roller unit and a fixed point on the support frame of the labeling device.

[0030] The second movable roller unit can comprise at least one pivoting or movable deflection roller. This makes the dynamic buffer unit particularly simple in design.

[0031] For example, the second movable roller unit can comprise an optionally spring-loaded pivot lever as a movement mechanism for pivoting the deflection roller about an axis. For example, the pivot lever can be pivotably mounted via a joint at one end and connected to the deflection roller at the other end. Alternatively, the second movable roller unit can comprise a pivot lever actively driven by a drive as a movement mechanism for pivoting the deflection roller about an axis.

[0032] It is also conceivable for the second movable roller unit to comprise a movable carriage, optionally spring-loaded with a spring element, as a movement mechanism for moving the deflection roller along an optionally linear path. This makes the mass of the carriage particularly low, so that the dynamic buffer unit has a particularly low mass inertia. The linear path can comprise a guide rail on which the spring-loaded carriage is movably mounted. Alternatively, the movement mechanism for moving the carriage can comprise a drive.

[0033] For example, the dynamic buffer unit can comprise two rigid deflection rollers, between which the label strip is guided in a loop around the deflection roller, which can be moved by the pivoting lever or the movable carriage. This creates a loop between the two rigid deflection rollers and the movable deflection roller. Consequently, the dynamic buffer unit has a particularly compact design.

[0034] The unwinding unit and the intermediate buffer unit can be designed as a separate unit with a support frame separate from the processing unit. This allows the unwinding unit and the intermediate buffer unit to be arranged flexibly within the system. It is conceivable for the separate unit to comprise the unwinding unit with multiple supply rolls, a splicing unit, and / or the intermediate buffer unit, thereby forming the essentially endless label strip. Furthermore, at least one guide roller can be provided to guide the label strip from the separate unit to a labeling unit with the dynamic buffer unit, the drive unit, and the processing unit.

[0035] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the unwinding unit, the intermediate buffer unit, the dynamic buffer unit, the drive unit, and the processing unit are integrally designed as a labeling unit. In other words, the labeling device can be designed as a labeling unit.

[0036] Furthermore, to solve the problem, the invention provides a labeling machine for labeling containers with the features of claim 11.

[0037] Because the labeling device of the labeling machine is designed according to one of claims 1-10, the label strip is subjected to particularly little stress at high accelerations and is therefore not damaged when the label feed is started and stopped quickly.

[0038] The conveyor can preferably be designed as a carousel with container receptacles arranged thereon for transporting the containers. The container receptacles can have a turntable and a centering bell to hold the containers at the container base or at the container mouth. The turntable can be driven by a drive, for example, a control cam or a servo motor. This allows the containers to rotate during the transfer of the labels, so that the labels can be securely applied to the curved outer surface of the containers.

[0039] The labeling machine may include a control unit to control the labeling device and the conveyor during labeling.

[0040] Furthermore, the invention with claim 12 provides a system with a labeling machine according to claim 11 and with a container manufacturing machine and / or container treatment machine, wherein the labeling machine is directly connected to the container manufacturing machine or to the container treatment machine to form a system without intermediate container buffering.

[0041] Because the labeling machine incorporates the labeling device with the dynamic buffer unit, the label strip can be started or stopped particularly quickly within a container pitch, with the tensile forces in the label strip being limited by the dynamic buffer unit. This ensures correct processing of the label strip or labels.

[0042] The container manufacturing machine can be or comprise a stretch blow molding machine designed to convert preforms into containers by stretch blow molding. "Blocked directly without intermediate container buffering" here can mean that the containers are manufactured on the container manufacturing machine in the same cycle as they are subsequently labeled on the labeling machine, with no buffering of the containers between the container manufacturing machine and the labeling machine. This allows for a particularly compact and cost-effective system.

[0043] The container treatment machine can be or include, for example, a recycling machine, a rinser, or the like. For example, a rinser can be arranged downstream of the container manufacturing machine, with the labeling machine directly connected to the rinser without intermediate container buffering.

[0044] Furthermore, the invention provides the method with the features of claim 13 to solve the problem. Advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the subclaims.

[0045] Because the label strip is buffered between the intermediate buffer unit and the drive unit by the separately designed dynamic buffer unit with a roller unit that can move independently of the intermediate buffer unit, strong accelerations of the label strip caused by the drive unit are particularly effectively limited. Because the second roller unit in the dynamic buffer unit can move independently of the intermediate buffer unit, it can be designed for the most dynamic operation possible. Consequently, the dynamic buffer unit can react particularly quickly to the high accelerations, ensuring reliable processing of the label strip or labels.

[0046] Preferably, the containers can be transported in container receptacles of a conveyor of a labeling machine at a fixed pitch, wherein the label strip is accelerated from a standstill to a labeling speed by the drive unit when starting up and is at least partially removed from the dynamic buffer unit, so that a tensile force in the label strip that occurs during acceleration is limited, preferably to less than 50N. As a result, the label strip is not removed from the more inert intermediate buffer unit, but from the dynamic buffer unit. Consequently, the lower inertial forces of the dynamic buffer unit act on the label strip, which are designed for particularly dynamic operation. By limiting the tensile force to less than 50N, high stress on the label strip is prevented.

[0047] The containers can be transported in container holders of a conveyor of a labeling machine at a fixed pitch. When an empty container holder is reached, the label strip is buffered in the dynamic buffer unit to interrupt the application of labels to the empty container holder. If a gap occurs in the container flow, for example, due to a defective container, this process can be used to temporarily stop and restart the transfer of the corresponding label, preventing malfunctions.

[0048] Preferably, the containers can be produced with a system according to claim 12 and labeled directly afterwards without intermediate container buffering.

[0049] Further features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a labeling device with deflection rollers having a diameter in a range of 0-25 mm in a plan view; Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of a labeling device with a dynamic buffer unit, which comprises a pivoting lever with a deflection roller arranged thereon; Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a labeling device with a dynamic buffer unit, which comprises a movable carriage with a deflection roller arranged thereon; and Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a system with a container manufacturing machine and with a labeling machine in a plan view.

[0050] In the Figure 1is a top view of an embodiment of a labeling device 1 with deflection rollers U 1-4 with a diameter in a range of 0-25 mm. The figure shows the labeling device 1, with which the label strip 5 is processed into individual labels 5a, which are then transferred to the containers 2. Furthermore, it can be seen that the containers 2 are received in rotatable container receptacles 4 of the conveyor 3 during labeling and are moved past the labeling device 1. The containers 2 can be rotated during the transfer of the labels 5a, so that they can be labeled all the way around or only partially.

[0051] The labeling device 1 itself comprises an unwinding unit 20 for receiving the two supply rolls 21 and 22. In the Figure 1The label tape 5 is currently being unwound from the supply roll 21. When the end of the tape is reached, it is spliced ​​to the beginning of the label tape from the supply roll 22 using the splicing device 23. This ensures uninterrupted operation.

[0052] Furthermore, the intermediate buffer unit 30 with the rigid roller unit 31 and the movable roller unit 32 can be seen. The roller units 31, 32 each comprise several differently sized deflection rollers around which the label strip 5 is guided in several loops. In order to accommodate more label strip 5 in the intermediate buffer unit 30, the movable roller unit 31 can be moved away from the rigid roller unit 32 using a spring element (not shown here). This increases the loop length accordingly. To remove the label strip 5 from the intermediate buffer unit 30, the movement is reversed so that the loop length is reduced. This bridges the time required for joining the label strips 5 from the supply rolls 21, 22 using the splicing device 23.

[0053] Furthermore, the running control unit 60 can be seen in order to adjust the exact position of the label strip 5 relative to the subsequent drive unit 40 and the processing unit 50.

[0054] To drive the label strip 5, the drive unit 40 is arranged downstream of the intermediate buffer unit 30 in the conveying direction F. It comprises the drive rollers 41, 42, at least one of which is driven by a drive not shown here, preferably by a servo motor. The label strip 5 is clamped between the two drive rollers 41, 42 such that the drive force is transmitted to the label strip 5. The drive unit 40 thus pulls the label strip 5 so that it is pulled from the supply roll 21 through the splicing unit 23, through the intermediate buffer unit 30, via the travel control unit 60, to the deflection roller U4.

[0055] The label strip 5 is then fed to the processing unit 50. Here, it is first separated into individual labels 5a by a cutting unit 51, which are then guided past the gluing station 52 by the vacuum cylinder 53 and glued. The labels 5a are then transferred to the containers 2 in the container receptacles 4.

[0056] In this example, the deflection rollers U 1-4 have a diameter of 17 mm. However, any other suitable diameter in the range of 0-25 mm is also conceivable. Due to the low moment of inertia of the deflection rollers U 1-4, the inertial forces exerted on the label strip 5 are particularly low, so that it is subjected to the lowest possible tension during acceleration. Consequently, the label strip 5 is subjected to less stress during high accelerations and is thus protected from damage.

[0057] In the Figure 2A further embodiment of a labeling device 1 with a dynamic buffer unit 70 is shown, which comprises a pivot lever 72 with a deflection roller U 6 arranged thereon. The embodiment in the Figure 2 differs from that in the Figure 1 merely by the fact that the separately formed, dynamic buffer unit 70 with the independently movable roller unit 71 is arranged between the intermediate buffer unit 30 and the drive unit 40. The previously described with respect to the Figure 1 The features described apply to the Figure 2 accordingly.

[0058] The dynamic buffer unit 70 comprises the two rigidly arranged deflection rollers U 4 , U 5 as well as the movable roller unit 71 with the deflection roller U 6 . It can be seen that the movable deflection roller 6 is arranged on the pivot lever 72 so that it can pivot about the axis A in the direction R 1 . The deflection rollers U 4 - 6 form a loop of the label tape 5, which can be enlarged or reduced by moving the pivot lever 42. Furthermore, the pivot lever 72 is preloaded with the spring element 73 so that the loop is subject to permanent tension. As a result, the dynamic buffer unit 70 operates passively according to the tape length requested by the drive unit 40.

[0059] Because the second movable roller unit 71 comprises only the single deflection roller U6, it also has a lower mass than the first movable roller unit 31 in the intermediate buffer unit 30. This allows the dynamic buffer unit 70 to operate with a significantly lower mass inertia than the intermediate buffer unit 30, in which the movable roller unit 31 comprises three deflection rollers. As a result, the dynamic buffer unit is particularly effective at particularly high accelerations of the label strip 5 and buffers the resulting tensions particularly well.

[0060] Also visible is the damping element 75, which dampens the movement of the pivot lever 72 or the second movable roller unit 71. This prevents vibrations between the dynamic buffer unit 70 and the intermediate buffer unit 30, which could otherwise have a negative impact on the transport behavior of the label strip 5.

[0061] Furthermore, the dynamic buffer unit 70 and the intermediate buffer unit 30 are designed such that the first movable roller unit 30 is preloaded with a first spring element (not shown here) and the second movable roller unit 71 is preloaded with the second spring element 73.

[0062] Furthermore, the deflection rollers U 4-5 of the dynamic buffer unit 70 have a diameter of 17 mm, but other suitable diameters in a range of 0-25 mm are also conceivable. This makes the inertial forces of the deflection rollers U 4-5 particularly low.

[0063] In the Figure 3 A further embodiment of a labeling device 1 with a dynamic buffer unit 80 is shown, which comprises a movable carriage 82 with a deflection roller U 6 arranged thereon. The embodiment in the Figure 3 differs from that in the Figure 2only by the movement mechanism for the second roller unit 81, which is designed here as a movable and spring-loaded carriage 82. Corresponding features of the Figure 1 and 2 therefore also apply to the Figure 3 .

[0064] It can be seen that the rigid deflection pulleys U 4-5 are similar to the Figure 2 However, the deflection roller U 6 of the second movable roller unit 81 is arranged on a carriage 82, which can be moved on guide rails along the direction R 2 in a linear path. This allows the label strip 5 to be dynamically buffered. In addition, the spring 83 can be seen, with which the carriage 82 is pulled away from the rigid guide rollers U 4-5. Similar to the Figure 2 This keeps the loop of the label tape 5 around the deflection rollers U 4-6 under tension so that the label tape 5 is guided safely.

[0065] Furthermore, the damping element 85 can be seen to dampen the movement of the second movable roller unit 81. This dampens or prevents vibrations between the dynamic buffer unit 80 and the intermediate buffer unit 30.

[0066] Because in the previous embodiments the Figure 1-3 the deflection rollers U 1-6 have a diameter of 17 mm or 0-25 mm, the label strip 5 is subjected to particularly little stress due to the inertial forces of the rollers U 1-6. Furthermore, the Figure 2 and 3High accelerations during the drive of the label strip 5 are buffered by the dynamic buffer units 70, 80 shown. Since the dynamic buffer units 70, 80 are arranged directly in the conveying direction F in front of the drive unit 40, the tensions in the label strip 5 are particularly low due to the inertial forces. Consequently, the label strip 5 can be labeled with the labeling devices 1 of the Figure 1-3 be started or stopped particularly gently without damaging it. In addition, the labeling devices 1 in the Figure 1-3 operated with particularly high dynamics, so that it can be started or stopped between two containers 2 within one work cycle.

[0067] In the Figure 4 An embodiment of a system 200 with a container manufacturing machine 210 and with a labeling machine 220 is shown in a plan view.

[0068] It can be seen that the container manufacturing machine 210 takes the preforms 2a from the supply 230 and forms them into the finished containers 2 using a stretch blow molding process. The preforms 2a are preheated in a conventional manner in a continuous furnace and placed in stretch blow molds. There, they are formed into the finished containers 2 by stretching using a stretching mandrel and by inflating using a blow nozzle.

[0069] Furthermore, the container manufacturing machine 210 comprises an inspection device 211 at the outlet, with which the defective containers 2S can be sorted out to an ejector 212. This creates the gap L in the container flow, which remains empty during the subsequent labeling with the labeling machine 220, since no intermediate container buffering takes place.

[0070] Since the stretch blow molding process depends, among other things, on the temperature of the preforms 2a and thus on the time they pass through the continuous furnace, the containers 2 can only be produced at a constant operating speed. Therefore, the containers 2 leave the container manufacturing machine 210 at the constant operating speed and pitch T. This circumstance also applies when starting up the container manufacturing machine 210. Consequently, when starting up the container manufacturing machine 210, the container flow shown immediately arises at the constant operating speed and pitch T without a smooth speed transition. Consequently, compensation of the gap L on the part of the container manufacturing machine 210 is not possible.

[0071] It can also be seen that the containers 2 are transferred via the conveyor 240 and the infeed starwheel 250 to the conveyor 223 of the labeling machine 220. The conveyor 223 is designed here, for example, as a carousel that rotates around the axis A and is provided with container receptacles 224 around its circumference. With the conveyor 223 of the labeling machine 220, the containers 2 are transported in the container receptacles 224 at the fixed pitch T. The conveyor 223 is also synchronized with the container manufacturing machine 210, with the pitches T corresponding to one another. Consequently, the containers 2 are processed by the labeling machine 220 at the same rate as they are produced in the container manufacturing machine 210. Accordingly, the gap L cannot be compensated with the labeling machine 220 either.

[0072] At the conveyor 223, the containers 2 are picked up in the container receptacles 224 and transported past the labeling devices 221. The labeling devices 221 optionally correspond to the previously defined Figure 1-3 described labeling devices 1, preferably according to the embodiments of Figure 2 or 3 . The labels 5a are applied to the containers 2 using the labeling devices 221. The labeling process can be seen, for example, using the container holder 224 E, where the label 5a is just being transferred to the container 2. The containers 2 are then transported by the conveyor 223 to the discharge star 260 and fed to further processing steps.

[0073] It can also be seen that the container receptacle 224 L is empty due to a gap in the container flow. To prevent a malfunction of the labeling machine 220, the labeling device 221 assigned to this container receptacle 224 L briefly interrupts the application of the labels 5a. During this time, the label strip 5 is temporarily stored in the dynamic buffer unit 70, 80 (according to Fig. 2 and 3 ) and released again at the subsequent container holder 224 for labeling the container 2 located therein, thus continuing the labeling after the interruption.

[0074] Furthermore, when the drive unit 40 starts moving, the label strip 5 is accelerated from a standstill to the labeling speed and is at least partially removed from the dynamic buffer unit 70, 80. The dynamic buffer unit 70, 80 is designed such that the resulting tensile force in the label strip 5 during acceleration is limited to less than 50N.

[0075] Since the dynamic buffer unit 70, 80 exerts particularly low inertial forces on the label strip 5, the tensile force is limited accordingly. Consequently, the label strip 5 is guided and processed particularly reliably by the labeling devices 221 during start-up or during an interruption of the labeling process.

Claims

1. A labeling device (1, 221) for applying labels (5a) to containers (2), with - an unwinding unit (20) for receiving thereon at least one supply roll (21, 22) with a label tape (5); - an intermediate buffer unit (30) for temporarily storing the label tape (5) unwound from the supply roll (21, 22), the intermediate buffer unit (30) comprising at least one first movable roller unit (31); - a drive unit (40) arranged downstream of the intermediate buffer unit (40) in conveying direction (F) and used for driving the label tape (5) in the conveying direction (F); and - a processing unit (50) for separating the label tape (5) into the labels (5a), for optionally coating the labels (5a) with glue and for transferring the labels to the containers (2), characterized in that the intermediate buffer unit (30) and the drive unit (40) have arranged between them a separately configured, dynamic buffer unit (70, 80) comprising at least one second roller unit (71, 81), which is independently movable of the intermediate buffer unit (30), that the dynamic buffer unit (70, 80) is arranged directly upstream of the drive unit (40) in the conveying direction (F), and that the second movable roller unit (71, 81) comprises less deflection rollers (U6) than the first movable roller unit (21).

2. The labeling device (1, 221) according to claim 1, wherein the second movable roller unit (71, 81) comprises a movement mechanism (71, 81) for a deflection roller (U6), and wherein the movement mechanism (71, 81) and the deflection roller (U6) are configured such that, when the labeling device is started within a container interval, a dynamic pulling force acting on the label tape (5) will be limited to 50N or less.

3. The labeling device (1, 221) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the labeling device (1, 221) comprises deflection rollers (U1 - U6) for guiding the label tape (5), which have a diameter in a range of 0-25 mm, optionally in a range of 0-20 mm, further optionally in a range of 16-18 mm, and wherein preferably at least one of the deflection rollers (U4 - U6) is arranged in the dynamic buffer unit (70, 80).

4. The labeling device (1, 221) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second movable roller unit (71, 81) has a lower mass than the first movable roller unit (31).

5. The labeling device (1, 221) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second movable roller unit (71, 81) comprises precisely one deflection roller (U6).

6. The labeling device (1, 221) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second movable roller unit (71, 81) is pretensioned with a second spring element (73, 83) and / or wherein the dynamic buffer unit (70, 80) comprises a damping element (75, 85) so as to dampen the movement of the second movable roller unit (71, 81).

7. The labeling device (1, 221) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second movable roller unit (71, 81) comprises at least one pivotable or movable deflection roller (U6).

8. The labeling device (1, 221) according to claim 7, wherein the second movable roller unit (71) comprises as a movement mechanism an optionally spring-tensioned pivot lever (72), so as to pivot the deflection roller (U6) about an axis (A).

9. The labeling device (1, 221) according to claim 7, wherein the second movable roller unit (81) comprises as a movement mechanism a movable and / or spring-tensioned carriage (82), so as to move the deflection roller (U6) along an optionally linear path.

10. The labeling device (1, 221) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the unwinding unit (20) and the intermediate buffer unit (30) are configured as a separate unit with a carrier frame which is separate from the processing unit (50).

11. A labeling machine (220) for labeling containers (2), comprising a conveyor (223) optionally configured as a carousel and used for conveying the containers (2) in container holders (224), and further comprising a labeling device (221) according to one of the claims 1 - 10.

12. A system (200) comprising a labeling machine (220) according to claim 11 and a container manufacturing machine (210) and / or a container treatment machine, the labeling machine (221) following the container manufacturing machine (210) or the container treatment machine directly, without intermediate buffering of the containers, and being combined therewith into a block thus forming a plant.

13. A method of applying labels (5a) to containers (2) by means of a labeling device (1, 221), preferably according to one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein a label tape (5) is unwound from a supply roll (21, 22) by an unwinding unit, wherein the label tape (5) is temporarily buffered in an intermediate buffer unit (30) comprising at least a first movable roller unit (31), wherein the label tape (5) is driven by a drive unit (40) arranged downstream of the intermediate buffer unit (40) in a conveying direction (F), and wherein the label tape (5) is separated into the labels (5a), optionally coated with glue and transferred to the containers (2) by a processing unit (50), characterized in that the label tape (5) is buffered between the intermediate buffer unit (30) and the drive unit (40) by a separately configured, dynamic buffer unit (70, 80) comprising at least one second roller unit (71, 81), which is independently movable of the intermediate buffer unit (30), wherein the dynamic buffer unit (70, 80) is arranged directly upstream of the drive unit (40) in the conveying direction (F), and wherein the second movable roller unit (71, 81) comprises less deflection rollers (U6) than the first movable roller unit (21).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the containers (2) are conveyed in container holders (224) of a conveyor (223) of a labeling machine (220) at fixed intervals (T), wherein, during starting, the label tape (5) is accelerated by the drive unit (40) from a standstill to a labeling speed and, in this process, is removed at least partially from the dynamic buffer unit (70, 80), so that a pulling force occurring in the label tape (5) during acceleration will be limited, preferably to less than 50N.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the containers (2) are conveyed in container holders (224) of a conveyor (223) of a labeling machine (220) at fixed intervals (T), and wherein, in the case of an empty container holder (224), the label tape (5) is buffered in the dynamic buffer unit (70, 80), so as to interrupt the application of labels (5a) for the empty container holder (224).

16. The method according to one of the claims 13 - 15, wherein the containers (2) are produced and / or treated and labeled directly afterwards, without intermediate container buffering, by means of a system (200) according to claim 13.

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