Vacuum cylinder unit for transferring labels

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum cylinder unit for transferring labels to containers in a vacuum-supported manner, and a labelling device equipped with said unit. The vacuum cylinder unit comprises a stationary lower part, a drive shaft surrounded thereby, and a vacuum cylinder drive-coupled thereto in a centred fashion by means of a zero-point clamping system. Since the zero-point clamping system comprises a clamping pin integrated in the vacuum cylinder and a chuck rigidly connected to the drive shaft and having a pneumatically openable closure mechanism for securely clamping the clamping pin, and since sealing rings, arranged in the lower part, can be inflated for sealing off an annular gap between the drive shaft and the lower part, in order to form between the sealing rings an annular channel for delivery of compressed air to the closure mechanism, the vacuum cylinder can be raised, in any desired position of rotation, manually from the drive shaft with a small vertical stroke, and the main share of the weight of the clamping system can be shifted into the region of the drive shaft.

Description

[0001] Vacuum cylinder unit for label transfer

[0002] The invention relates to a vacuum cylinder unit according to the preamble of claim 1 and a labeling device equipped therewith for labeling containers.

[0003] Vacuum cylinder units are commonly used in labeling systems for applying hot-melt labels provided on rolls to containers, such as bottles. The vacuum cylinder's task is to transport the glued labels to the container conveyor using vacuum support and transfer them to the conveyor.

[0004] The vacuum cylinder is format-specifically adapted to the labels and can be pulled upwards by the associated rotary drive for format changes. In terms of torque transmission and good concentricity, a combination of a drive shaft with a polygonal cross-section and a correspondingly positively shaped hub on the vacuum cylinder has proven to be effective. The polygonal shaft then extends essentially over the entire height of the vacuum cylinder, meaning that during format changes, the cylinder must be lifted over the entire length of the polygon connection and thus pulled by the drive shaft. Due to the relatively high weight of the vacuum cylinder and the generally limited access during changeover work, this approach is very unfavorable from an ergonomic point of view.

[0005] As a workaround, generic vacuum cylinder units were proposed, for example, in DE 10 2011 090 190 A1, DE 10 2013 212 132 A1, and DE 20 2013 103 475 U1. In these units, the polygonal shaft is replaced by a self-centering connection of a clamping pin to a clamping pot. Such connections are also referred to as zero-point clamping systems. In these generic devices, the drive shaft has a comparatively short shaft stub at its upper end for this purpose, and the associated vacuum cylinder has a matching clamping pot that can be locked to the shaft stub in a centering manner.

[0006] While this does reduce the manual stroke required to remove the vacuum cylinder during format changes compared to devices with polygon shafts, the clamping pot and the associated actuation mechanism increase the weight of the vacuum cylinder, partially negating the ergonomic advantages of lifting the vacuum cylinder. Furthermore, the clamping pot and the associated actuation mechanism increase the equipment required for the vacuum cylinder, which is designed as a replaceable part, making its purchase cost unduly expensive.

[0007] The zero-point clamping systems of the generic vacuum cylinder units have therefore not yet become established, so there is still a need to improve the ergonomics of replacing vacuum cylinders and, if possible, also minimize the costs of maintaining the format-specific vacuum cylinders. This object is achieved with a vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 1. Accordingly, it serves for vacuum-assisted label transfer in a labeling device for containers and comprises a stationary lower part, a drive shaft surrounded by a ring around the stationary lower part, and a vacuum cylinder that is coupled to the drive shaft in a centered, driving manner by means of a zero-point clamping system.

[0008] According to the invention, the zero-point clamping system comprises a clamping pin integrated into the vacuum cylinder and a clamping pot rigidly connected to the drive shaft, with a locking mechanism that can be opened pneumatically using compressed air to clamp the clamping pin. Furthermore, elastically inflatable sealing rings are arranged in the lower part. These sealing rings can be inflated using compressed air to seal an annular gap between the drive shaft and the lower part at the top and bottom, thereby forming an annular channel between the sealing rings for supplying compressed air to the locking mechanism.

[0009] The sealing rings are designed as radial seals, which expand elastically inwards when inflated and thus seal against the drive shaft.

[0010] The clamping spigot is the passive component of the zero-point clamping system, while the clamping pot is the actively closing / opening component. This allows all components required to open / close the zero-point clamping system to be relocated to the area of ​​the drive shaft that is not replaced during format changes. Consequently, the comparatively heavy and expensive clamping pot and its associated actuating elements do not need to be lifted or replaced when replacing the vacuum cylinder, thus improving ergonomics and enabling a comparatively inexpensive vacuum cylinder design.

[0011] In other words, the clamping pin arranged on the replaceable vacuum cylinder is comparatively light and cost-effective.

[0012] Suitable zero-point clamping systems are known, for example, under the name “Zero Clamp®” and usually comprise a clamping pot housing made of hardened stainless steel, a steel cone for backlash-free clamping of the associated pin, an associated precision radial spring, a spring plate and preferably a locking mechanism that closes by spring force and can be opened pneumatically.

[0013] In addition, the ring channel, temporarily created to open the zero-point clamping system, allows the vacuum cylinder to be replaced in any rotational position. The arrangement of the sealing rings in the stationary lower section allows for easy compressed air supply to these rings and the ring channel. The sealing rings are preferably designed and arranged so that they do not touch the drive shaft without compressed air. This prevents unwanted frictional contact between the seals and the drive shaft during production.

[0014] Preferably, the lower part is provided with inwardly open grooves for receiving the sealing rings. The pressure-relieved sealing rings are then preferably completely recessed into the grooves.

[0015] Preferably, the sealing rings are elastically deformable not only toward the drive shaft but also along their outer circumference. When depressurized, their circumference has an oversize of 0.1 to 3%, particularly 0.5 to 1%, relative to a groove base formed in the grooves as a seal seat. The sealing rings are then always slightly tensioned in the groove, which allows them to retract reliably into the groove after being vented.

[0016] The sealing rings preferably have a profile with an external clamping foot. Furthermore, a corresponding anchoring profile is formed in the area of ​​a groove base formed in the respective grooves for radially anchoring the clamping foot with a positive and / or non-positive fit. The anchoring profile can be, for example, a C-profile or a T-profile, or a shaped groove manufactured as a negative to match the clamping foot. This type of fastening is comparatively flexible, space-saving, and reliable.

[0017] Preferably, axially guided and detachable bolts for radial locking of the sealing rings are arranged in the stationary lower part in the area of ​​a groove base formed in each of the grooves. This fastening variant is particularly suitable if the sealing rings need to be removed from the groove base for cleaning, for example, or to simplify the replacement of worn sealing rings, thereby reducing machine downtime.

[0018] Preferably, the sealing rings are radially bonded to a groove base formed in the grooves. The seal is then fixed exclusively in the groove base with a suitable adhesive, which is particularly reliable and enables high load-bearing capacity.

[0019] Preferably, the lower part also includes: at least one first supply channel opening between the grooves for supplying compressed air into the annular channel; and second supply channels opening into the grooves for supplying compressed air to the sealing rings. This enables a sealing seat with an easily manageable, stationary compressed air supply. Separate external compressed air connections are preferably assigned to the first supply channel and to the second supply channels. This enables separate and coordinated compressed air supply, first to the sealing rings and then to the clamping pot, as well as pressure relief in the reverse order.

[0020] Preferably, the lower part is a ring-shaped component manufactured using 3D printing, primarily made of plastic. This allows grooves and supply channels with relatively complex cross-sections and contours to be formed in the lower part in a manner that can be flexibly optimized in terms of design. Furthermore, cost-effective production is possible.

[0021] Preferably, at least one, and in particular each, of the grooves has a cross-section that narrows from the groove base to the annular channel. This promotes the automatic retraction of the pressureless sealing rings into the grooves to avoid frictional contact with the drive shaft. The sealing rings can then have an outer cross-section that widens accordingly toward the groove base. For example, corresponding trapezoidal cross-sections of the sealing ring and the associated groove are conceivable.

[0022] The clamping pot preferably includes a spring-loaded locking mechanism that can be opened pneumatically, i.e., by applying compressed air. The spring force reliably keeps the connection closed even if the compressed air supply is absent or fails. This means that the clamping pin is inserted into the clamping pot when compressed air is applied, and the force-locking connection is established by interrupting the compressed air supply, thus mechanically holding it until the compressed air is reapplied. This allows for ergonomic opening by temporarily supplying compressed air when the vacuum cylinder is at a standstill.

[0023] Preferably, the clamping pot is designed to be opened by applying compressed air at a pressure of 4 to 8 bar. This allows for comparatively simple and ergonomic opening of the zero-point clamping system using a conventional central compressed air supply.

[0024] The clamping pin preferably has an engagement length of 10 to 50 mm relative to the clamping pot. This means that the engagement length must be overcome by manual lifting when lifting the vacuum cylinder from the drive. This allows for a relatively ergonomic removal of the vacuum cylinder.

[0025] The stated object is also achieved with a labeling device according to claim 13 and with a labeling machine according to claim 15. The labeling device is used, by definition, for labeling containers, in particular bottles, and for this purpose comprises a vacuum cylinder unit arranged for the direct transfer of labels to the containers according to at least one of the described embodiments. The labeling device is designed, for example, for the wrap-around labeling of containers using labels provided from a roll and then coated with hot melt adhesive. The labeling device is then a hot melt labeling unit. However, it can also be a cold melt labeling unit for containers.

[0026] The labeling machine comprises the described labeling device and a continuously rotating container carousel for positioning the containers during label transfer.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a section through the vacuum cylinder unit;

[0029] Figure 2 shows a section of the vacuum cylinder unit with the sealing rings relaxed;

[0030] Figure 3 shows a section of the vacuum cylinder unit with inflated sealing rings;

[0031] Figure 4 shows the arrangement according to Fig. 3 in a different sectional plane;

[0032] Figure 5 is an oblique view of the stationary lower part,

[0033] Figure 6 is an oblique view of the drive assembly of the vacuum cylinder unit; and

[0034] Figure ? a schematic plan view of a labeling unit with the vacuum cylinder unit.

[0035] As can be seen, for example, from Figures 1 and 2, the vacuum cylinder unit 1 in a preferred embodiment comprises a drive shaft 2 (with an adapter 2a encompassed therein) and a vacuum cylinder 3, which are centered with respect to an upright axis of rotation 1a by means of a zero-point clamping system 4 and coupled to one another in a torque-transmitting manner.

[0036] The zero-point clamping system 4 comprises a clamping pin 5 fastened to the vacuum cylinder 3 and pointing downwards during operation, as well as a clamping pot 6 rigidly connected to the drive shaft 2 for gripping the clamping pin 5.

[0037] The connection between the drive shaft 2 and the clamping pot 6 is established, for example, by an adapter 2a arranged at the end of the drive shaft 2, which is considered, for the sake of simplicity, as a component of the drive shaft 2.

[0038] The clamping pot 6 comprises a spring-loaded closing mechanism 7, which can be opened pneumatically by applying first compressed air 8a (Figure 3), as is known, for example, from the “Zero Clamp®” system.

[0039] The vacuum cylinder unit 1 further comprises a stationary lower part 9 that surrounds the drive shaft 2 in a ring shape. An annular gap 10 is formed between the drive shaft 2, which rotates during operation, or the adapter 2a, and the stationary lower part 9 (Figure 2). The lower part 9 comprises two inwardly open grooves 11, in each of which an elastically inflatable sealing ring 12 is seated. By applying a second compressed air 8b (Figure 4), the sealing rings 12 can be inflated in order to seal a section of the annular gap 10 located between the sealing rings 12 at the top and bottom, and thereby temporarily form an annular channel 10a on the clamping pot 6 for the first compressed air 8a required to open the closing mechanism 7. The designations "first" and "second" do not specify a sequence here, but serve merely as a functional assignment.

[0040] The (pneumatically) pressure-free sealing rings 12 are preferably completely countersunk into the grooves 11.

[0041] Figure 2 shows the annular gap 10 during operation of the vacuum cylinder 3 with relaxed / depressurized sealing rings 12, whereas Figures 3 and 4 show the gap 10 when the vacuum cylinder 3 is at a standstill with inflated sealing rings 12 and the annular channel 10a temporarily formed between them.

[0042] The annular channel 10a is only temporarily created when the vacuum cylinder 3 is stationary and is then completely defined by the sealing rings 12, the drive shaft 2 or the adapter 2a, and the lower part 9. This allows compressed air to be supplied to the clamping pot 6 regardless of the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder 3.

[0043] As can be seen in Figure 2, the sealing rings 12 are anchored in the grooves 11 in such a way that they do not touch the drive shaft 2 without the seals 12 being subjected to the second compressed air 8b. This prevents unwanted frictional contact between the seals 12 during operation.

[0044] For this purpose, the sealing rings 12 can, for example, be glued and / or mechanically fastened to the groove base 11a (on the outwardly facing wall area) of the grooves 11, in particular (non-destructively) releasably by positive and / or non-positive clamping and / or by a bolt lock (not shown), as already described above.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, the sealing rings 12 can have a circumferential oversize with respect to the associated groove bases 11a in the depressurized state, for example by 0.1 to 3% and in particular by 0.5 to 1% (not shown). As a result, the sealing rings 12 are circumferentially compressed even in the depressurized state and avoid the resulting tension by possibly migrating back to the groove base 11a and then remaining there, so that they are reliably arranged at a distance from the drive shaft 2 / the adapter 2a during operation and frictional contact is thus avoided. Additionally or alternatively, the grooves 11 could have a cross-section that narrows inwards from the groove base 11a, at least in sections (not shown). For example, the grooves 11 and the sealing rings 12 could have trapezoidal cross-sections that taper towards the annular gap 10.

[0046] The above-mentioned measures ensure that the pressure-free sealing rings 12 retract reliably into the grooves 11 so that they are subsequently kept at a distance from the drive shaft 2 rotating during operation / from the adapter 2a.

[0047] To supply the annular channel 10a with the first compressed air 8a from outside, at least one first supply channel 13 is formed in the stationary lower part 9.

[0048] To supply the sealing rings 12 with the second compressed air 8b from outside, second supply channels 14 are formed in the stationary lower part 9.

[0049] In addition, at least one connecting channel 15 is formed in the drive shaft 2 or in the adapter 2a, for example in the form of a bore, which opens into the annular gap 10 at the level of the temporary annular channel 10a and leads to the clamping pot 6 of the closing mechanism 7.

[0050] After inflating the sealing rings 12 by applying the second compressed air 8b, the first compressed air 8a can be applied to the clamping pot 6 through the first supply channel 13, the temporary ring channel 10a and the connecting line 15 in order to pneumatically open the closing mechanism 7 so that the vacuum cylinder 3 can be removed as a result of releasing the clamping pin 5.

[0051] The grooves 11 and the sealing rings 12 are designed to extend over their entire circumference to allow the clamping pot 6 to be pressurized with the first compressed air 8a, regardless of the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder 3 relative to the lower part 9. This means that the vacuum cylinder 3 can be pulled upward in any rotational position relative to the lower part 9 with appropriate compressed air supply to the clamping pot 6. This enables ergonomic handling of the vacuum cylinder 3 during format-specific replacement.

[0052] The stationary lower part 9 is preferably an annular component, which is manufactured, for example, using a 3D printing process in a manner known in principle. As Figure 5 shows, the grooves 11 and the supply channels 13, 14 can thus be manufactured with a comparatively complex shape and optimized in a particularly practical manner.

[0053] The first compressed air 8a can be supplied from the outside, for example, via an inlet-side compressed air connection 13a of the first supply line 13 and the second compressed air 8b can be supplied via a separate compressed air connection 14a to the second supply lines 14, see for example Figures 3 and 4. The first and second compressed air 8a, 8b can then be mechanically connected separately from one another in a manner known in principle.

[0054] The first and second compressed air 8a, 8b can be provided in a manner known in principle with different pressure levels or can also have identical pressure levels.

[0055] In particular, the first compressed air 8a can also be provided via a hose with an air pressure gun or similar valve as a result of manual switching.

[0056] In the area of ​​the zero-point clamping system 4, for example on the vacuum cylinder 3, indexing pins and / or indexing holes (not shown) can be provided surrounding the clamping journal 5 to determine the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder 3 relative to the drive shaft 2. Corresponding openings and / or pins are then provided in the area of ​​the clamping pot 6. Such indexing can not only serve to determine the relative rotational positions, but also supplement the torque transmission from the drive shaft 2 to the vacuum cylinder 3 through the zero-point clamping system 4, i.e., the force-locking connection between the clamping journal 5 and the clamping pot 6.

[0057] The indexing pins and associated bores can be embedded in the clamping pot 6 and in an adapter for the clamping pin 5 and can be based on a conventional anti-rotation device for alternative uses of such clamping pots. Visual, optoelectronic, contact-electrical control, and / or vacuum monitoring are possible in a known manner to ensure correct engagement of the vacuum cylinder 3.

[0058] The zero-point clamping system 4 preferably closes automatically via spring preload, but could in principle also be mechanically tightened. To separate and reassemble the zero-point clamping system 4, it is opened pneumatically, for example, by applying the first compressed air 8a with an air pressure of 4 to 8 bar to the temporary annular channel 10a. By relieving the pressure, the zero-point clamping system 4 locks itself in a centering and force-locking manner and remains permanently locked without re-pressurization.

[0059] The clamping pin 5 preferably has an engagement length 16 of at most 50 mm in the clamping pot 6 to be overcome when lifting the vacuum cylinder 3 in order to enable an ergonomic replacement of the vacuum cylinder 3.

[0060] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that suction elements 3a for label pick-up / dispensing are evenly distributed around the circumference of the vacuum cylinder 3, which are known in principle. A corresponding vacuum distribution ring 17 surrounds the stationary lower part 9 (see Figure 1). The vacuum distribution ring 17 is pressed against a corresponding sealing surface of the vacuum cylinder 3 by means of compression springs to enable vacuum supply. Vacuum can then be supplied to the suction elements 3a in a known manner via pneumatic connections and hoses (not shown).

[0061] Figure 6 shows, by way of example, the clamping pot 6 and the lower part 9 as components of a drive group 18 for the vacuum cylinder 3 with a stationary support plate 19 (see, for example, also Figures 2 to 4) and a drive motor 20.

[0062] Figure 7 shows, by way of example and schematically, a labelling device 21 for labelling containers 22 (only one shown), in particular bottles, with the vacuum cylinder unit 1 with an exchangeable vacuum cylinder 3 arranged for the direct transfer of labels 23 (only one shown) to the containers 22.

[0063] The labels 23 are provided, for example, from rolls 24 and coated with hot melt glue by a gluing unit 25. The illustrated labeling device 21 is thus preferably a hot melt labeling unit.

[0064] Alternatively, a corresponding coupling of a vacuum cylinder unit 1 would also be conceivable with a cold glue labeling unit (not shown) and / or with gripper cylinders, transfer cylinders or similar rotating units that have to be exchanged in their entirety on labeling devices depending on the format.

[0065] The labeling device 21 is then preferably a component of a labeling machine 31, which comprises a continuously rotatable container carousel 32 for positioning the containers 22 during label transfer, as well as at least one labeling device 21 docked in the periphery of the container carousel 32 in a manner known in principle.

[0066] The described arrangement of the zero-point clamping system 4 with the clamping pin 5 arranged on the vacuum cylinder 3 and the clamping pot 6 arranged on the drive shaft 2 enables an ergonomic replacement of the vacuum cylinder 3 during format changes and also reduces the costs for the individual format-specific vacuum cylinders 3 that must be kept in stock.

[0067] The temporary ring channel 10a also enables replacement of the vacuum cylinder 3 regardless of its rotational position.

[0068] To replace the vacuum cylinder 3, the motor connected to the drive shaft 2 is switched off and the vacuum cylinder unit 1 is brought to a standstill, i.e. without the rotary drive running.

[0069] As soon as the vacuum cylinder 3 stops rotating, the second compressed air supply 8b can be connected, for example, via the external compressed air connection 13a. This inflates the sealing rings 12 and temporarily forms the annular channel 10a in the annular gap 10. Subsequently, the first compressed air supply 8a can be connected and applied to the clamping pot 6 via the annular channel 10a, causing it to open in such a way that the clamping pin 5 is released and the vacuum cylinder 3 can be lifted upward from the drive shaft 2.

[0070] With the first and second compressed air 8a, 8b still applied, a suitable vacuum cylinder 3 for a different label format can be attached by inserting its clamping pin 5 into the clamping pot 6.

[0071] The clamping pin 5 is then mechanically clamped in the clamping pot 6 by deactivating the first compressed air supply 8a and venting the annular channel 10a by means of spring preload, thereby locking it in a torsionally rigid manner. Indexing pins, which otherwise serve to prevent rotation when the clamping pot 6 is used individually, can assist torque transmission in this case.

[0072] This means that when the clamping pin 5 is inserted into the clamping pot 6, it is exposed to the first compressed air 8a and thus opens. By shutting off the compressed air supply and venting the annular channel 10a, the clamping pot 6 automatically closes around the clamping pin 5 by means of spring preload.

[0073] Subsequently, the second compressed air 8b can also be switched off so that the sealing rings 12 are ventilated, relax and retract into their grooves 11.

[0074] To correctly assign the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder 3 to the drive shaft 2, indexing pins and / or indexing holes preferably present on the vacuum cylinder 3 are engaged with corresponding structures in the area of ​​the clamping pot 6. The torque required during operation is then transmitted predominantly from the drive shaft 2 to the vacuum cylinder 3 by the frictional connection of the zero-point clamping system 4, for example, by means of the adapter 2a.

[0075] The absolute rotational position of the drive shaft 2 / the clamping pot 6 can be arbitrary due to the full pressure coupling through the temporarily formed annular channel 10a.

[0076] After closing the zero-point clamping system 4 by switching off the supply of both the first and the second compressed air 8a, 8b, the vacuum cylinder unit 1 and the associated labeling device 21 / labeling machine 31 can resume operation.

Claims

Claims: Vacuum cylinder unit (1) for vacuum-assisted label transfer in a labeling device for containers (22), comprising a stationary lower part (9), a drive shaft (2) which is ring-shaped and surrounded by the lower part (9), and a vacuum cylinder (3) which is coupled to the drive shaft (2) by means of a zero-point clamping system (4) in a centered manner, characterized in that the zero-point clamping system (4) comprises a clamping pin (5) integrated into the vacuum cylinder (3) and a clamping cup (6) rigidly connected to the drive shaft (2) with a pneumatically opening closing mechanism (7) for clamping the clamping pin (5), and that sealing rings (12) are arranged in the lower part (9) which can be inflated to seal an annular gap (10) between the drive shaft (2) and the lower part (9) in order to form an annular channel (10a) between the sealing rings (12) for supplying compressed air to the closing mechanism (7).Vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 1, wherein the lower part (9) has grooves that open inwards. (11) are designed to receive the sealing rings (12), and wherein the sealing rings (12) are designed and arranged such that they do not contact the drive shaft (2) without being pressurized with compressed air (8b). Vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 2, wherein the sealing rings (12) are also elastically deformable on their outer circumference and have a circumferential interference of 0.1 to 3%, in particular 0.5 to 1%, with respect to a groove base (11a) formed in the grooves (11) in each case. Vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sealing rings (12) have a profile with an external clamping foot, and wherein a corresponding anchoring profile is formed in the area of ​​a groove base (11a) formed in the grooves (11) in each case for positive locking and / or force locking of the clamping foot radially. Vacuum cylinder unit according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein axially detachable bolts for radial locking of the sealing rings (12) are arranged in the area of ​​a groove base (11a) formed in the grooves (11) respectively.Vacuum cylinder unit according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sealing rings (12) are radially fixedly bonded to a groove base (11a) formed in the grooves (11) in each case. Vacuum cylinder unit according to at least one of claims 2 to 6, wherein at least one, and in particular each, of the grooves (11) has a cross-section that narrows from the respective groove base (11a) towards the annular channel (10a). Vacuum cylinder unit according to at least one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the lower part (9) has at least one first supply channel (13) opening between the grooves (11) for supplying compressed air (8a) into the annular channel (10a) and second supply channels (14) opening into the grooves (11) for supplying compressed air (8b) to the sealing rings (12), and wherein, in particular, separate external compressed air connections (13a, 14a) are assigned to the first supply channel (13) on the one hand and to the second supply channels (14) on the other. Vacuum cylinder unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower part (9) is an annular plastic component manufactured by means of 3D printing.Vacuum cylinder unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing mechanism (7) of the clamping pot (5) is designed to close by means of a spring preload. Vacuum cylinder unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping pot (6) is designed for pneumatic opening of the zero-point clamping system (4) by pressurizing with compressed air at a pressure of 4 to 8 bar. Vacuum cylinder unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping pin (5) has an engagement length (17) of 10 to 50 mm with respect to the clamping pot (6). Labeling device (21) for containers (22), with a vacuum cylinder unit (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims arranged for the direct transfer of labels (23) to the containers, in particular bottles. Labeling device according to claim 13, which is designed for transferring labels (23) provided on rolls (24) and coated with hot melt adhesive.Labeling machine (31) with the labeling device (21) according to claim 13 or 14 and with a continuously rotatable container carousel (32) for positioning the containers (22) during label transfer.

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