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

[0002] Vacuum cylinder units are well known components of labeling machines for applying labels supplied on rolls to containers, such as bottles, using hot melt adhesive. The vacuum cylinder's function is to transport the adhesive-coated labels to the conveyor belt of the containers using vacuum suction and transfer them to the container.

[0003] The vacuum cylinder is format-specific and adapted to the labels, and can be pulled upwards from the associated rotary drive for format changes. For torque transmission and good concentricity, a combination of a drive shaft with a polygonal cross-section and a correspondingly form-fitting hub on the vacuum cylinder has proven effective. The polygonal shaft extends essentially over the entire height of the vacuum cylinder, meaning that during format changes, the cylinder must be lifted along the entire length of the polygonal connection and thus pulled off the drive shaft. Due to the relatively high weight of the vacuum cylinder and the typically limited access during changeovers, this procedure is ergonomically very inconvenient.

[0004] 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 which the polygonal shaft is replaced by a self-centering connection between a clamping pin and a clamping cup. Such connections are also referred to as zero-point clamping systems. In the generic devices, the drive shaft has a comparatively short stub shaft at its upper end for this purpose, and the associated vacuum cylinder has a matching clamping cup that can be locked onto the stub shaft in a centering position.

[0005] While this design reduces the manual stroke required to remove the vacuum cylinder during format changes compared to devices with polygon shafts, the clamping cup and its associated actuation mechanism increase the weight of the vacuum cylinder, partially negating the ergonomic advantages of removing it. Furthermore, the clamping cup and its actuation mechanism increase the complexity of the interchangeable vacuum cylinder, thus unduly increasing its purchase price.

[0006] 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 when replacing vacuum cylinders and, if possible, to minimize the costs for the format-specific vacuum cylinders that have to be kept on hand.

[0007] The stated problem is solved with a vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 1. Accordingly, this unit serves for vacuum-assisted label transfer in a labeling device for containers and comprises a stationary lower part, a drive shaft surrounded by the stationary lower part in an annular manner, and a vacuum cylinder which is coupled to the drive shaft in a centered 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 cup rigidly connected to the drive shaft, with a pneumatically operated locking mechanism for clamping the clamping pin. Furthermore, elastically inflatable sealing rings are arranged in the lower part, which can be inflated with compressed air to seal an annular gap between the drive shaft and the lower part both upwards and downwards, 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 by inflation and therefore seal against the drive shaft.

[0010] In a zero-point clamping system, the clamping pin is the passive component, while the clamping cup is the active closing / opening component. This allows all components required to open / close the zero-point clamping system to be relocated to the drive shaft area, which does not need to be replaced during format changes. Consequently, the relatively heavy and expensive clamping cup and its associated actuating elements do not need to be lifted or replaced when the vacuum cylinder is changed, thus improving ergonomics and enabling a comparatively cost-effective vacuum cylinder design.

[0011] In other words, the clamping pin located on the interchangeable vacuum cylinder is comparatively light and inexpensive.

[0012] Suitable zero-point clamping systems are known, for example, under the name "Zero Clamp ®<" and typically 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 means of spring force and can be opened pneumatically.

[0013] Furthermore, the annular channel, which is temporarily created to fully 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 part allows for easy compressed air supply to them and to the annular channel.

[0014] Preferably, the sealing rings are designed and arranged so that they do not touch the drive shaft when not pressurized with compressed air. This prevents unwanted frictional contact between the seals and the drive shaft during production.

[0015] Preferably, the lower part has inwardly open grooves for receiving the sealing rings. Preferably, the depressurized sealing rings are then completely recessed into the grooves.

[0016] Preferably, the sealing rings are not only elastically deformable on the drive shaft but also on their outer circumference and, when relaxed without pressure, have an interference of 0.1 to 3%, particularly 0.5 to 1%, relative to the groove base formed in the grooves to form a sealing seat. The sealing rings are then always under slight tension in the groove, which ensures that they reliably retract into the groove after venting.

[0017] Preferably, the sealing rings have a profile with an external clamping foot. Furthermore, a corresponding anchoring profile is formed in the area of ​​a groove base in each groove, enabling the clamping foot to be radially anchored in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. The anchoring profile can, for example, be a C-profile or a T-profile, or a molded groove manufactured as a negative to fit the clamping foot. This type of fastening is comparatively flexible, space-saving, and reliable.

[0018] Preferably, axially guided and releasable bolts for radial locking of the sealing rings are arranged in the stationary lower part in the area of ​​a groove base formed in the grooves. This fastening variant is particularly suitable if the sealing rings are to be removed from the groove base, for example for cleaning, or to simplify the replacement of worn sealing rings, thereby reducing machine downtime.

[0019] Preferably, the sealing rings are radially bonded to a groove base formed in each groove. The seal is then fixed exclusively in the groove base with a suitable adhesive, which is particularly reliable and allows for high load-bearing capacity.

[0020] 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 a simple, stationary compressed air supply.

[0021] Preferably, separate external compressed air connections are assigned to the first supply channel and the second supply channels. This allows for separate and time-coordinated compressed air application, first to the sealing rings and then to the clamping pot, and pressure relief in reverse order.

[0022] Preferably, the lower part is a ring-shaped component manufactured using 3D printing, primarily from plastic. This allows grooves and supply channels with comparatively complex cross-sections and configurations to be formed in the lower part in a way that can be flexibly optimized with regard to the design. Furthermore, cost-effective manufacturing is possible.

[0023] Preferably, at least one, and in particular each, of the grooves has a cross-section that narrows from the groove base towards the annular channel. This facilitates the automatic retraction of the unpressurized sealing rings into the grooves to prevent frictional contact with the drive shaft. The sealing rings can then have an outer cross-section that widens accordingly towards the groove base. For example, corresponding trapezoidal cross-sections of the sealing ring and its associated groove are conceivable.

[0024] Preferably, the clamping cup includes a spring-loaded locking mechanism that can be opened pneumatically, i.e., by applying compressed air. The spring force keeps the connection reliably closed even if the compressed air supply is interrupted or fails. This means that the clamping pin is inserted into the clamping cup while compressed air is applied, and the positive-locking connection is established by interrupting the compressed air supply and is thus mechanically held until the compressed air is reapplied. This allows for ergonomic opening by temporarily supplying compressed air when the vacuum cylinder is stationary.

[0025] Preferably, the clamping cup is designed to be opened by applying compressed air at a pressure of 4 to 8 bar. This allows for a comparatively simple and ergonomic opening of the zero-point clamping system using a conventional central compressed air supply.

[0026] Preferably, the clamping pin has an engagement length of 10 to 50 mm relative to the clamping cup. This means that the engagement length must be overcome by manual lifting when removing the vacuum cylinder from the drive. This allows for relatively ergonomic removal of the vacuum cylinder.

[0027] The stated problem is solved equally well with a labeling device according to claim 13 and with a labeling machine according to claim 15. By definition, the labeling device serves to label 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, for example, designed for the all-around labeling of the containers using labels supplied 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.

[0028] The labeling machine includes the described labeling device and a continuously rotating container carousel for positioning the containers during label transfer.

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 shows a section through the vacuum cylinder unit; Figure 2 shows a section of the vacuum cylinder unit with relaxed sealing rings; Figure 3 shows a section of the vacuum cylinder unit with inflated sealing rings; Figure 4 shows the arrangement according to Fig. 3 in another section plane; Figure 5 an oblique view of the stationary lower part, Figure 6 an oblique view of the drive assembly of the vacuum cylinder unit; and Figure 7 a schematic top view of a labeling unit with the vacuum cylinder unit.

[0030] For example, the Figure 1 and 2As can be seen, in a preferred embodiment the vacuum cylinder unit 1 comprises a drive shaft 2 (with an adapter 2a included therein) and a vacuum cylinder 3, which are centered with respect to an upright axis of rotation 1a and coupled to each other in a torque-transmitting manner by means of a zero-point clamping system 4.

[0031] The zero-point clamping system 4 comprises a clamping pin 5 attached to the vacuum cylinder 3 and pointing downwards during operation, as well as a clamping cup 6 rigidly connected to the drive shaft 2 for gripping and clamping the clamping pin 5.

[0032] The connection between the drive shaft 2 and the clamping pot 6 is made, for example, by an adapter 2a arranged at the end of the drive shaft 2, which is considered for simplicity as a component of the drive shaft 2.

[0033] The clamping pot 6 includes a spring-loaded locking mechanism 7, which is activated by applying initial compressed air 8a ( Figure 3) can be opened pneumatically, as is known, for example, from the "Zero Clamp ®<" system.

[0034] The vacuum cylinder unit 1 further comprises a stationary lower part 9, which surrounds the drive shaft 2 in a ring-like manner. 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 ).

[0035] The lower part 9 comprises two inwardly open grooves 11, each containing an elastically inflatable sealing ring 12. By applying a second compressed air 8b ( Figure 4The sealing rings 12 can be inflated to seal a section of the annular gap 10 located between the sealing rings 12, both upwards and downwards, thereby temporarily forming an annular channel 10a for the initial compressed air 8a required to open the locking mechanism 7 at the clamping pot 6. The terms "first" and "second" do not define a sequence here, but merely serve for functional classification.

[0036] The (pneumatically) depressurized sealing rings 12 are preferably completely recessed into the grooves 11.

[0037] The Figure 2 shows the annular gap 10 in the operating mode of the vacuum cylinder 3 with relaxed / pressureless sealing rings 12, which Figures 3 and 4 In contrast, the vacuum cylinder 3 is at rest with inflated sealing rings 12 and the annular channel 10a temporarily formed between them.

[0038] The annular channel 10a is only temporarily created when the vacuum cylinder 3 is stationary and is then fully enclosed by the sealing rings 12, the drive shaft 2 or the adapter 2a and the lower part 9. This allows a compressed air supply to the clamping pot 6 independent of the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder 3.

[0039] As in the Figure 2 As can be seen, 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 pressurized with the second compressed air 8b. This prevents unwanted frictional contact of the seals 12 during operation.

[0040] 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) detachable by positive locking and / or force-locking clamping and / or by a bolt locking mechanism (not shown), as already described above.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the sealing rings 12 can have a circumferential interference with respect to the associated groove bases 11a in the depressurized, relaxed state, for example by 0.1 to 3% and in particular by 0.5 to 1% (not shown). This ensures that the sealing rings 12 are also circumferentially compressed in the depressurized state and that they evade the resulting stress by, if necessary, migrating back towards the groove base 11a and remaining there, so that during operation they are reliably positioned at a distance from the drive shaft 2 / adapter 2a and frictional contact is avoided.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the grooves 11 could have a cross-section that narrows inwards, at least in sections, from the groove base 11a (not shown). For example, the grooves 11 and the sealing rings 12 could have trapezoidal cross-sections that taper towards the annular gap 10.

[0043] The above-mentioned measures each ensure that the pressureless, expanding sealing rings 12 reliably retract back into the grooves 11, so that they are subsequently kept at a distance from the drive shaft 2 / adapter 2a rotating during operation.

[0044] To supply the ring channel 10a with the first compressed air 8a from the outside, at least one first supply channel 13 is formed in the stationary lower part 9.

[0045] To supply the sealing rings 12 with the second compressed air 8b from the outside, second supply channels 14 are formed in the stationary lower part 9.

[0046] In addition, at least one connecting channel 15, for example in the form of a bore, is formed in the drive shaft 2 or in the adapter 2a, which opens into the annular gap 10 at the level of the temporary annular channel 10a and leads to the clamping cup 6 of the locking mechanism 7.

[0047] After inflating the sealing rings 12 by applying the second compressed air 8b, the first compressed air 8a can thus be applied to the clamping pot 6 through the first supply channel 13, the temporary annular channel 10a and the connecting line 15 in order to pneumatically open the locking mechanism 7, so that the vacuum cylinder 3 can be removed as a result of the release of the clamping pin 5.

[0048] The grooves 11 and the sealing rings 12 are fully formed to allow the clamping cup 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 removed upwards in any rotational position relative to the lower part 9, provided the clamping cup 6 is appropriately pressurized with compressed air. This enables ergonomic handling of the vacuum cylinder 3 during format-specific replacement.

[0049] The stationary lower part 9 is preferably a ring-shaped component, which is manufactured, for example, using a 3D printing process in a manner known in principle. As the Figure 5 As can be seen by way of example, the grooves 11 and the supply channels 13, 14 can be produced with comparatively complex shaping and optimized in a particularly practical way.

[0050] The first compressed air 8a can, for example, be supplied from the outside via an inlet compressed air connection 13a of the first supply line 13, and the second compressed air 8b via a separate compressed air connection 14a of the second supply lines 14, see for example the Figures 3 and 4 .

[0051] The first and second compressed air lines 8a, 8b can then be switched on separately by machine in a manner that is known in principle.

[0052] The first and second compressed air 8a, 8b can be provided in a generally known manner with different pressure levels or can have identical pressure levels.

[0053] 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 activation.

[0054] In the area of ​​the zero-point clamping system 4, for example on the vacuum cylinder 3, indexing pins and / or indexing bores (not shown) can surround the clamping pin 5 to define the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder 3 relative to the drive shaft 2. Corresponding openings and / or pins are then present in the area of ​​the clamping cup 6. Such indexing can not only serve to define the relative rotational position, but also supplement the torque transmission from the drive shaft 2 to the vacuum cylinder 3 via the zero-point clamping system 4, i.e., the force-fit connection between the clamping pin 5 and the clamping cup 6.

[0055] The indexing pins and associated bores can be embedded in the clamping cup 6 and in an adapter for the clamping pin 5 and are based on a conventional anti-rotation device for other uses of such clamping cups. Visual, optoelectronic, contact-electrical control and / or vacuum sensing are possible in a manner known in principle to ensure correct engagement of the vacuum cylinder 3.

[0056] The zero-point clamping system 4 preferably closes automatically by means of 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 at a pressure of 4 to 8 bar to the temporary annular channel 10a. Upon pressure release, the zero-point clamping system 4 locks itself in a centering and force-fit manner and remains permanently locked without re-pressurization.

[0057] The clamping pin 5 preferably has an engagement length 16 of at most 50 mm into the clamping cup 6 to be overcome when lifting the vacuum cylinder 3, in order to enable ergonomic replacement of the vacuum cylinder 3.

[0058] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that suction elements 3a, known in principle, for label pickup / dispensing are arranged uniformly around the circumference of the vacuum cylinder 3. A corresponding vacuum distributor ring 17 surrounds the stationary lower part 9, see the Figure 1 The vacuum distributor ring 17 is pressed against a corresponding sealing surface of the vacuum cylinder 3 by means of compression springs to enable its vacuum supply. Vacuum can then be directed to the suction elements 3a via pneumatic connections and hoses (not shown) in a manner known in principle.

[0059] The Figure 6Figure 1 shows, by way of example, the clamping pot 6 and the lower part 9 as components of a drive assembly 18 for the vacuum cylinder 3 with a stationary support plate 19 (see, for example, also Figure 1). Figures 2 to 4 ) and a drive motor 20.

[0060] In the Figure 7 An exemplary and schematic labeling device 21 for labeling containers 22 (only one shown), in particular bottles, is shown, with the vacuum cylinder unit 1 arranged for the direct transfer of labels 23 (only one shown) to the containers 22, having an interchangeable vacuum cylinder 3.

[0061] The labels 23 are supplied, for example, by rolls 24 and coated with hot melt adhesive by a gluing unit 25. The labeling device 21 shown is therefore preferably a hot melt labeling unit.

[0062] 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 must be completely exchanged on labeling devices depending on the format.

[0063] The labeling device 21 is preferably part of a labeling machine 31, which includes a continuously rotatable container carousel 32 for positioning the containers 22 during label transfer and at least one labeling device 21 docked in the periphery of the container carousel 32 in a manner known in principle.

[0064] The described arrangement of the zero-point clamping system 4 with clamping pin 5 arranged on the vacuum cylinder 3 and with clamping cup 6 arranged on the drive shaft 2 enables an ergonomic exchange of the vacuum cylinder 3 when changing formats and also reduces the costs for the individual format-specific vacuum cylinders 3 that have to be kept in stock.

[0065] The temporary annular channel 10a also allows the vacuum cylinder 3 to be replaced regardless of its rotational position.

[0066] 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 a running rotary drive.

[0067] As soon as the vacuum cylinder 3 stops rotating, the second compressed air supply 8b can be connected, for example, at 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 cup 6 via the annular channel 10a, causing it to open so that the clamping pin 5 is released and the vacuum cylinder 3 can be lifted upwards from the drive shaft 2.

[0068] With the first and second compressed air 8a, 8b still connected, a suitable vacuum cylinder 3 for a different label format can be attached by inserting its clamping pin 5 into the clamping cup 6.

[0069] The clamping pin 5 is then mechanically clamped in the clamping cup 6 by switching off the first compressed air 8a and venting the annular channel 10a by means of spring preload, thus locking it in a torsionally rigid manner. Indexing pins, which otherwise serve to prevent rotation when the clamping cup 6 is used individually, can assist in the torque transmission in this process.

[0070] This means that when the clamping pin 5 is inserted into the clamping cup 6, the latter is pressurized with the initial compressed air 8a and thus opened. By switching off the compressed air supply and venting the annular channel 10a, the clamping cup 6 closes automatically around the clamping pin 5 by means of spring preload.

[0071] The second compressed air supply 8b can then also be switched off, so that the sealing rings 12 are vented, relax and retract back into their grooves 11.

[0072] To correctly align the rotational position of the vacuum cylinder 3 with the drive shaft 2, indexing pins and / or indexing holes present on the vacuum cylinder 3 are preferably engaged with corresponding structures in the area of ​​the clamping cup 6. The torque required during operation is then predominantly transmitted from the drive shaft 2 to the vacuum cylinder 3 via the frictional connection of the zero-point clamping system 4, for example by means of the adapter 2a.

[0073] The absolute rotational position of the drive shaft 2 / of the clamping pot 6 can be arbitrary due to the full pressure coupling through the temporarily formed annular channel 10a.

[0074] After closing the zero-point clamping system 4 by switching off the supply of both the first and second compressed air 8a, 8b, the vacuum cylinder unit 1 and the associated labeling device 21 / labeling machine 31 can resume operation.

Claims

1. A vacuum cylinder unit (1) for transferring labels in a vacuum-supported manner in a labeling apparatus for containers (22), having a stationary lower part (9), a drive shaft (2) surrounded in a ring by the lower part (9), and a vacuum cylinder (3) which is coupled to the drive shaft (2) in a centered and entrained manner by a zero-point clamping system (4), characterized in that the zero-point clamping system (4) comprises a clamping pin (5) integrated into the vacuum cylinder (3) and a clamping chuck (6) rigidly connected to the drive shaft (2) and having a pneumatically openable locking mechanism (7) for securely clamping the clamping pin (5), and in that sealing rings (12), arranged in the lower part (9), can be inflated for sealing off an annular gap (10) between the drive shaft (2) and the lower part (9) in order to form between the sealing rings (12) a ring duct (10a) for supplying compressed air to the locking mechanism (7).

2. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 1, wherein inwardly open grooves (11) for receiving the sealing rings (12) are formed in the lower part (9), and wherein the sealing rings (12) are formed and arranged such that they do not touch the drive shaft (2) without the application of compressed air (8b).

3. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 2, wherein the sealing rings (12) are also elastically deformable on their outer circumference and have a circumferential oversize of 0.1 to 3%, in particular of 0.5 to 1%, with respect to a groove bottom (11a) formed in each of the grooves (11).

4. The vacuum cylinder unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sealing rings (12) have a profile having an external clamping foot, and wherein a corresponding anchoring profile for the positive-locking and / or force-locking radial anchoring of the clamping foot is formed in the region of a groove bottom (11a) formed in each of the grooves (11).

5. The vacuum cylinder unit according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein axially detachable bolts for radially locking the sealing rings (12) are arranged in the region of a groove bottom (11a) formed in each of the grooves (11).

6. The vacuum cylinder unit according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sealing rings (12) are radially fixedly bonded to a groove bottom (11a) formed in each of the grooves (11).

7. The 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 narrowing from the respective groove bottom (11a) to the ring duct (10a).

8. The vacuum cylinder unit according to at least one of claims 2 to 7, wherein at least one first supply duct (13), opening between the grooves (11), for supplying compressed air (8a) into the ring duct (10a) and second supply ducts (14), opening into the grooves (11), for supplying compressed air (8b) to the sealing rings (12) are formed in the lower part (9), and wherein in particular the first supply duct (13) on the one hand and the second supply ducts (14) on the other are assigned separate, external compressed air connections (13a, 14a).

9. The vacuum cylinder unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower part (9) is a ring-shaped plastic component produced by 3-D printing.

10. The vacuum cylinder unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism (7) of the clamping chuck (5) is formed so as to close by spring pretensioning.

11. The vacuum cylinder unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping chuck (6) is formed for pneumatic opening of the zero-point clamping system (4) by application of compressed air at a pressure of 4 to 8 bar.

12. The 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 relative to the clamping chuck (6).

13. A labeling apparatus (21) for containers (22), having a vacuum cylinder unit (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, which is arranged for directly transferring labels (23) to the containers, in particular bottles.

14. The labeling apparatus according to claim 13, which is formed to transfer labels (23) provided on rolls (24) and coated with hot-melt adhesive.

15. A labeling machine (31) having the labeling apparatus (21) according to claim 13 or 14 and having a continuously rotatable container carousel (32) for positioning the containers (22) during the label transfer.

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