Labelling machine for labelling containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a labelling machine (100) for labelling containers (161), the labelling machine comprising a label strip supply (102) for receiving a label strip (130) with labels (132) arranged thereon, a dispensing edge (103) downstream of the label strip supply, in a transport direction of a label strip, for detaching a label from the label strip, and a handover device (101), wherein the handover device comprises a movable transfer element (111) having at least two handover elements (112), which are movable relative to the transfer element, for receiving a label from the dispensing edge and for transferring a label to a container, wherein the handover elements can be moved relative to the transfer element at a first speed during receipt of a label and at a second speed, different from the first speed, during the transfer of the label.

Description

[0001] Labeling machine for labeling containers

[0002] The following invention relates to a labeling machine for labeling containers according to independent claim 1 and a method for labeling containers with a labeling machine according to independent claim 10.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Labeling machines and methods for labeling containers are generally known from the prior art. In these devices, the containers are typically transported along rotary conveyors. In the area of ​​a labeling unit, labels are then fed from a label supply, such as a label roll, and affixed to the containers. The transfer of the labels from the supply to the containers has traditionally been achieved using either transfer cylinders in the form of vacuum cylinders or linear drives.

[0005] For example, WO 2018 / 114618 A1 shows a machine and a method for labeling containers with a transfer drum that picks up labels from a label supply and transfers them to the containers.EP 3619 121 B1 shows a system for applying label sheets to objects, comprising a web feed unit for feeding a web of label material formed from a series of interconnected label sheets, a label transfer device which receives the web from the web feed unit at an input station and is designed to feed individual label sheets to respective objects at an application station which is spaced from the input station, and a cutting device for cutting the web of label material into the individual label sheets, wherein the label transfer device comprises a transfer conveyor with a closed transfer track and at least two label holders which are movable on the transfer track by means of a magnetic-inductive interaction.

[0006] The current options for transferring labels to containers are either structurally complex or only allow limited adaptation of the transfer to different conditions between the throughput of the labels when they are transferred to a transfer device or from the transfer device to the containers.

[0007] Task

[0008] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is to specify a labelling machine for labelling containers and a method for labelling containers with which labels can be transferred to containers in a structurally simple manner and at the same time an adaptation to different throughputs is possible.

[0009] Solution

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by the labeling machine for labeling containers according to claim 1 and the method for labeling containers with a labeling machine according to claim 10. Advantageous developments of the invention are covered in the subclaims.

[0011] The labeling machine according to the invention for labeling containers comprises a label strip supply for receiving a label strip with labels arranged thereon, a dispensing edge in a transport direction of a label strip downstream of the label strip supply and for detaching a label from the label strip, and a transfer device, wherein the transfer device comprises a movable transfer element with at least two transfer elements arranged so as to be movable relative to the transfer element for receiving a label from the dispensing edge and for transferring a label to a container, wherein the transfer elements can be moved at a first speed during the receiving of a label and at a second speed, different from the first speed, during the transfer of the label relative to the transfer element.

[0012] The labels can, for example, be designed as a printing ink layer and an adhesive layer directly bonded to it, eliminating the need for a substrate between the adhesive layer and the printing ink. The printing layer is directly bonded to the label strip, also called the carrier strip, and the adhesive layer is arranged on the side of the printing layer opposite the label strip. A reversed arrangement of the adhesive layer and printing layer is also conceivable in principle. However, the invention is not limited to such labels.

[0013] At the dispensing edge, the label is detached from the label strip in a generally familiar manner by redirecting the label strip. The label strip can then be rolled up onto a label strip holder, for example, and disposed of.

[0014] The first speed and the second speed are preferably configured such that one of the two is less than 0 and the other is greater than 0, i.e., the movement of the transfer element is composed, on the one hand, of the movement of the transfer element itself and, on the other hand, of a superimposed movement of the transfer element. Preferably, during one part of the movement, the superimposed movement of the transfer element is designed to be counter to the direction of movement of the transfer element, and during another part of the movement, the superimposed movement of the transfer element is designed to be in the direction of the movement of the transfer element. The transfer elements can thus be decelerated on the one hand and accelerated on the other relative to the transfer element.

[0015] With this labeling machine, the speed of the transfer elements can be adjusted to suit both the container throughput and the label throughput at the dispensing edge. Furthermore, damage to sensitive labels can be reduced by reducing the relative speed of the transfer elements and the labels.

[0016] It can be provided that the transfer element is a transfer cylinder mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, and wherein the transfer elements are movably arranged on the transfer cylinder.

[0017] The transfer cylinder can, in particular, be a vacuum cylinder that can pick up labels by applying a vacuum to the transfer elements and transfer them to the containers. The transfer cylinder undergoes a rotational movement. The first and second speeds can, for example, be angular speeds or also include tangential speeds of the transfer elements on the surface of the transfer cylinder.

[0018] The transfer device may comprise a drive device for driving the transfer element.

[0019] The drive device can, for example, be or comprise a servo motor connected to the drive side of the transfer element. Other drive options are also conceivable. In particular, the drive device can be designed exclusively to drive the transfer element, in particular about a rotational axis of the transfer element, so that the movement of the transfer element can be controlled independently of the movement of the transfer elements.

[0020] It can be provided that the transfer device comprises an active drive element for moving at least one transfer element relative to the transfer element.

[0021] An active drive element is any type of drive that can actively generate a driving force, for example, by applying current, and transmit this force to the transfer element. This includes, for example, servo motors assigned to the transfer element or similar drive elements. In one embodiment, a separate active drive element is assigned to each transfer element, or an active drive element is assigned to all transfer elements.

[0022] With this embodiment, either the design effort can be reduced by using a single active drive element or the flexibility in adjusting the speed of the individual transfer elements can be increased by providing separate active drive elements.

[0023] It can be provided that the active drive element comprises a stator and a mover connected to a transfer element and movable along the stator, wherein the mover and the stator form a linear drive, and wherein a movement of the transfer element relative to the transfer element can be effected by a movement of the mover along the stator.

[0024] The stator can extend, in particular, along the movement path of the transfer elements along the transfer element and serve as a common stator for all transfer elements or movers. Alternatively, a separate stator and mover can be provided for each transfer element, whereby the stators do not form a continuous stator. Preferably, the stator can be arranged so that it can move along with the transfer element, so that, for example, if the transfer element is designed as a transfer cylinder mounted for rotation about a rotation axis, it rotates with the transfer cylinder about the rotation axis. This reduces the control effort required to control the current flowing through the stator. At the same time, this embodiment is low-maintenance.

[0025] The transfer device may comprise a passive drive element for moving at least one transfer element relative to the transfer element.

[0026] Passive drive elements are those drive elements that can cause the transfer element to move relative to the transfer element, but the force exerted on the transfer element is generated by interaction with an active drive element, in particular driving another element of the labeling machine. For example, passive drive elements include fixed control cams along which at least a portion of the transfer element is moved, while the transfer element follows the movement of the transfer element. By selecting the shape of the control cam, an additional movement for adjusting the first and second speeds of the transfer element can be superimposed on the movement of the transfer element.This embodiment is less complex in terms of control technology, but allows a reliable and adjustable movement of the transfer elements with consistent, recurring quality, preferably independently of one another.

[0027] It can be provided that the passive drive element comprises a fixed control cam and a slider running along the control cam, wherein the slider is connected to the transfer element, and wherein a movement of the transfer element is translated into a movement of the slider along the control cam, and the control cam is shaped such that the transfer element can be moved relative to the transfer element at a first speed during the transfer of a label and at a second speed, different from the first speed, during the transfer of the label. This embodiment is structurally simple and offers high reliability and flexibility.

[0028] The labeling machine may comprise a control unit and the control unit may be configured to adjust the first speed and / or the second speed based on a process parameter.

[0029] The process parameter can, for example, include a throughput of containers per unit of time, for example, per hour, or a throughput of labels transferred to the transfer device at the dispensing edge. Based on this, the speed of the transfer elements can then preferably be controlled by the control unit (for example, by controlling the speed of the transfer element and by selectively adjusting the first speed and the second speed) such that the movement of the transfer elements, and in particular their spacing from one another, is synchronized with the throughput of the containers and / or the labels. This ensures reliable transfer of the labels while simultaneously minimizing the risk of damage to the labels.

[0030] According to the invention, a method for labeling containers with a labeling machine is further provided, the labeling machine comprising a label strip supply for receiving a label strip with labels arranged thereon, a dispensing edge in a transport direction of the label strip downstream of the label strip supply and for detaching a label from the label strip, and a transfer device, wherein the transfer device comprises a movable transfer element with at least two transfer elements arranged so as to be movable relative to the transfer element for receiving the label from the dispensing edge and for transferring the label to a container, wherein the transfer elements can be moved at a first speed during the transfer of the label and at a second speed, different from the first speed, during the transfer of the label relative to the transfer element,the method comprising transporting the label strip in the transport direction, detaching the label at the dispensing edge and transferring it to a transfer element moved at the first speed, transferring the label from the transfer element to the container at the second speed.

[0031] This process enables flexible receipt and transfer of labels with a low risk of damage to the labels.

[0032] It can be provided that the first speed is lower than the second speed. A lower first speed can, in particular, take into account the fact that the labels on the label strip are usually arranged at a shorter distance from one another on the label strip than the containers along the container transport device. This takes into account the different throughputs of the containers and labels.

[0033] The speed of the label along the transfer element during transfer to the container can be equal to the speed of the container during transfer.

[0034] The speed of the container can, in particular, be the speed of a point on the surface of the container or, for example, a radial speed of the container along a container carousel in which the containers to be labeled are transported. By adjusting the speed of the label along the transfer element, in particular by adjusting the second speed, the relative movement between the label and the container can be reduced, which can prevent damage.

[0035] In one embodiment, it is provided that the method comprises adjusting the first speed and / or the second speed by means of a control unit of the labeling machine based on an operating parameter, wherein optionally the operating parameter comprises at least one of a transport speed of the containers, a throughput of the containers, a transport speed of the label strip, a throughput of labels at the dispensing edge.

[0036] This embodiment allows for flexible responses to changes in container throughput and / or label throughput and / or changes in other operating parameters, which further increases the flexible applicability of the method.

[0037] The label may comprise a print layer and an adhesive layer applied to the print layer, wherein the label is removably arranged on the label strip via the print layer.

[0038] These labels are more susceptible to damage, which can be caused by different forces acting on the labels, since they do not include a substrate between the print layer and the adhesive layer. By applying the method according to the embodiments described above, this risk of damage can be minimized, since the speed of the containers and labels, or of the transfer elements and the labels, can be adjusted as synchronized as possible during the respective transfer or transfer of the labels, so that there is little or no relative movement between the labels and the containers or transfer elements, which reduces the forces acting on the label.

[0039] In one embodiment of the method, the labeling machine is a labeling machine according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0040] Short description of the characters

[0041] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a labeling machine

[0042] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a transfer device with an active drive element

[0043] Figure 3 shows a further embodiment with an active drive element

[0044] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a transfer device with a passive drive element

[0045] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a label tape with a label arranged thereon

[0046] Detailed description

[0047] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a labeling machine. In this embodiment, the labeling machine comprises a container carousel 106, along the periphery of which containers 161 to be labeled can be transported in the direction of the arrow shown. For this purpose, suitable container receptacles can be provided, for example, with centering devices in which the containers can be held stationary or rotatable relative to the container receptacles. The invention is not limited to the use of a container carousel 106, but can also comprise any other transport device for transporting containers to be labeled.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the labeling machine further comprises a labeling unit 107 comprising a unit frame (also shown at 107), on which further components of the labeling unit are arranged. The provision of a dedicated labeling unit is not necessary, and according to the invention, it is sufficient if the devices described below are provided to transfer labels from a label strip supply to a container 106 to be labeled.

[0049] In the embodiment shown here, the labeling unit 107 comprises a label strip supply 102. The label strip supply 102 can, for example, comprise a label strip roll rotatably mounted on a rotational axis, which can be unwound from the label strip supply along the illustrated direction of rotation, such that the label strip 130 with labels 132 arranged thereon can be fed from the label strip supply 102 to a dispensing edge 103 arranged downstream in the transport direction of the label strip. At the dispensing edge 103, the labels 132 can be detached from the label strip 130 by redirecting the direction of movement of the label strip. The label strip 130 can then, for example, be fed to a label strip holder 104 after the labels 132 have been removed from the label strip 130.

[0050] Furthermore, the labeling machine in the embodiment shown here comprises a transfer device 101 as part of the labeling unit. The transfer device 101 is designed such that it can receive labels 132, which are detached from the label strip 130 at the dispensing edge, and transfer them to containers 161 to be labeled. For this purpose, the transfer device comprises at least one movable transfer element 111, which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, is designed as a transfer cylinder (optionally a vacuum cylinder) mounted for rotation about the rotation axis R. This embodiment is not mandatory, and other configurations of a movable transfer element are also conceivable.

[0051] The transfer element 111 further comprises at least two transfer elements 112. The transfer elements can, for example, be connected to a vacuum supply, and their surface, which comes into contact with a label 132 to be transferred, can have corresponding vacuum openings to apply vacuum to the label to be transferred and thus transport it safely. Once the container 161 to be labeled is reached, the vacuum can be switched off, and the label can be transferred from the transfer element 112 to the container 161 to be labeled.

[0052] According to the invention, it is provided that a transfer element in each case takes over a label 132 from the dispensing edge 103 and feeds it to a container 161 to be labeled. Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that the transfer elements 112 are arranged to be movable relative to the transfer element, on which the transfer elements 112 are arranged so as to be movable, so that they can be moved relative to the transfer element without the connection between the transfer element and the transfer element being released. In particular, it is provided that the transfer elements 112 can be moved at at least two speeds relative to the transfer element 111, wherein they can be moved at a first speed V1 when they take over a label from the dispensing edge 103 and can be moved at a second speed V2 while they transfer a label to a container 161 to be labeled.

[0053] According to the invention, the speeds V1 and V2 are not limited, but at least different from one another. In particular, it can be provided that the speed V1 is greater or lesser than the speed V2, so that, in particular in a region of the dispensing edge 103 and a region in which a label is to be transferred to a container 161 to be labeled, different distances between the transfer elements following one another in the direction of rotation of the transfer element 111 about the axis of rotation R are realized, and thus an adaptation to different throughputs of labels and containers to be labeled or distances between labels and containers to be labeled along the respective transport direction can be compensated. In this way, it can be realized, in particular, that a relative speed of the transfer elements to the labels 132 taken over by the dispensing edge 103 is as low as possible, preferably 0.Analogously, it can be ensured that a relative speed between the labels 132 transported by the transfer elements 112 and the surface of the container 161 to be labeled is as low as possible, preferably 0. This reduces loads on the label due to forces of different magnitude acting on different sides of the label, which can prevent damage to the label.

[0054] In principle, it can be provided that the transfer element 111, which can be designed in particular as a transfer cylinder 111 that can be mounted rotatably about the rotation axis R, is assigned a drive device or drive 113 that can drive the transfer cylinder or, more generally, the transfer element about the rotation axis R. The drive device 113 can be designed, for example, as a servomotor or actuator.

[0055] Furthermore, the labeling machine 100 can comprise a control unit 180, which can be configured to control at least one function of the labeling machine. The control unit can be embodied, for example, as a computer with a processor and associated memory, wherein program instructions can be stored in the memory which, if executed by the processor, enable the control unit to control functions of the labeling machine. In one embodiment, it can be provided that the control unit is configured to adjust the first and second speeds V1 and V2, respectively, depending on at least one process parameter. This process parameter can include, for example, a feed speed of labels 132 over the dispensing edge 103 and / or a speed of the containers 161 along the carousel 106, in particular the speed of the surface of a container 161 to be labeled, which is to be applied with the label.

[0056] The transfer device and in particular the movable connection between the transfer element and the transfer elements is not limited according to the invention and only has to be designed such that the transfer elements 112 can preferably be moved independently or separately from one another at the speeds V1 and V2.

[0057] Figures 2 to 4 show different embodiments of the transfer device.

[0058] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a transfer device 201 isolated from the other components of the labeling machine shown in Figure 1. The same applies to Figures 3 and 4, and it is understood that the embodiments of Figures 2 to 4 can all be combined with all embodiments described in connection with Figure 1.

[0059] In Figure 2, the transfer device 201 comprises a transfer element 211, which is designed as a transfer cylinder (optionally a vacuum cylinder for applying vacuum to the transfer elements 212) and is rotatably mounted about the rotation axis R. Analogous to the description of Figure 1, a drive device, such as a servo motor, can be assigned to this, although this is not shown in Figure 2.

[0060] In the embodiment of Figure 2, each transfer element 212 is assigned an active drive element 221, which can enable a movement of the respective transfer element 212 at the speed V1 or V2 relative to the transfer element 211.In this embodiment, the active drive element is designed as a servo motor or actuator assigned to the respective transfer element 212 and can cause a relative movement of the transfer element 212, for example along a guide (not shown here) which can be fixedly connected to the transfer cylinder 211, so that a movement of the transfer element relative to the transfer cylinder 211 is superimposed on the movement of the transfer cylinder 211, wherein this superimposed movement takes place at the speed V1 or V2 and, without restriction of generality, the movement of the transfer element takes place at the speed V1 opposite to the direction of rotation and the movement of the transfer element takes place at the speed V2 with the direction of rotation of the transfer element.This means that when the transfer element moves at the relative speed V1, the actual movement of the transfer element or the speed of the transfer element 212 is lower than the rotational speed of the transfer element 211. If the transfer element 212 moves at the speed V2 relative to the transfer cylinder, or if this movement is superimposed on the movement of the transfer cylinder 211, the transfer element 212 moves overall faster than the transfer cylinder 211. It can also be provided that only one active drive element 221 (for example a servo motor) is assigned to all transfer elements 212 in order to move them at the speed V1 or the speed V2.For example, it can be provided that the speed V1 is always 0 and the speed V2 assumes a value other than 0 and the respective transfer element that is to be moved at the speed V2 is connected on the drive side to the active drive element.

[0061] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a transfer device 301 to Figure 2. In this embodiment, the transfer element 311 is designed analogously to the transfer element 211 of Figure 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transfer device 301 also comprises an active drive element, wherein the active drive element 320 comprises a (long) stator 321 that optionally moves with the transfer element 311 and a mover 322 movably arranged on the stator. The stator 321 can form a closed curve and be moved with the transfer element 311, so that a movement of the mover 322 along the stator 321 is only necessary to generate a relative movement of the transfer elements 312 relative to the transfer element 311.

[0062] The movers 322 can be fixedly connected to the transfer elements 312, so that a movement of the movers 322 along the stator 321 is equivalent to the movement of the transfer element 312 relative to the transfer element. Alternatively or additionally, connecting elements or movable connections can also be provided between the mover 322 and the transfer element 312 assigned to it, so that a transmission ratio different from 1 is realized for the movement and, in particular, the speed, of the mover 322 along the stator 321 and the movement, in particular, the speed, of the transfer element 312 relative to the transfer element 311.

[0063] Overall, in this embodiment, it is provided that the mover 322 and the stator 321 together form a linear drive, so that by controlling the stator 321 and in particular by applying alternating current to the stator, controlled for example by the control unit (see Figure 1), the mover(s) 322 can be set in motion and thus a movement of the transfer elements 312 at the speed V1 or V2 can be effected. This embodiment is particularly flexible due to the selective controllability of the stator and thus movement of the individual movers 322, and an individual adjustment of the speeds V1 and V2 for each transfer element, for example also depending on changing process parameters, such as the transport speed of the containers or the throughput of the containers in the carousel described in Figure 1, is possible without retooling the device.While stator 321 has been described here as a continuous stator, it can also be provided that each transfer element and associated mover is assigned a separate stator, which does not have to form a closed curve. In particular, the individual stators of the transfer elements may not be connected to one another.

[0064] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a transfer device 401 with a passive drive element 420 for moving at least one transfer element 412 relative to the transfer element 411 at the speed V1 or V2. In this embodiment, the passive drive element 420 comprises a fixed control cam 402. In this sense, the term "fixed control cam" is to be understood as meaning that the transfer element 411 (here, for example, the transfer cylinder mounted so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis R) is set in rotation, but the control cam 402 remains stationary. This can be realized, for example, by connecting the control cam to an otherwise likewise fixed part of the labeling machine, relative to which the transfer element 411 is set in rotation.

[0065] In this embodiment, the passive drive element 420 causes a movement of the transfer elements 412 at speeds V1 and V2 relative to the transfer element 411 due to the interaction of the transfer elements 412 with the control cam 402, which is ultimately caused by the drive force transmitted to the transfer element 411.

[0066] In the embodiment shown here, the passive drive element 420 further comprises at least one rotor 403, which is assigned to and connected to a transfer element 412. The rotor 403 is arranged such that it can rotate along the control cam 402 in permanent contact with the control cam 402. At the same time, the rotor 403 is connected to the transfer element 412 via a suitable connection 404. This can be achieved, for example, by connecting the rotor 403 to a guide element 405, which is arranged on a rotating cam 406, which moves with the transfer element 411 or is at rest relative to the control cam 402 and is arranged concentrically to the rotation axis R. The transfer element 412 is arranged on this connecting element 405 or is firmly connected to it.

[0067] The control cam 402 has a shape that is not symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation R. In particular, as shown here, the control cam can be designed such that the distance of the control cam from the axis of rotation R along the direction of rotation of the rotor 403 around the control cam 402 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation R is not constant and changes continuously when rotating along the control cam 402. If a rotor 403 now rotates along the control cam 402, the distance of the rotor 403 from the axis of rotation R changes. At the same time, the total length of the connecting element 404 is constant, so that due to the resulting constraints, a movement of the guide element 405 along the guide rail 406 relative to the transfer element 411 is effected at a speed V1 or V2, which depends on the shape of the control cam 402. This causes a movement of the transfer element 412 at the speed V1 orV2 relative to the transfer element 411, so that the speed of the transfer element can be adjusted when taking over a label from the dispensing edge, or when transferring a label to a container to be labeled.

[0068] It is understood that in the embodiments described so far, a change in the speed of the transfer elements from V1 to V2 or vice versa does not occur instantaneously or without delay. Instead, the transfer elements are first accelerated from speed V1 to speed V2 (or decelerated, depending on whether V2 is greater or less than V1) during a portion of the transfer element's movement, then moved at speed V2, then decelerated to speed V1 (or accelerated, depending on whether V2 is greater or less than V1), and then moved at speed V1. The same process repeats due to the periodicity of the transfer element's movement.

[0069] While the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3 are particularly flexible due to the active and thus controllable design of the drive element, and adaptation to changing process parameters is possible by appropriately controlling the active drive elements without retooling the device, the embodiment of Figure 4 is low-maintenance and has minimal control complexity. At the same time, however, the flexibility in setting the speeds V1 and V2 is lower.

[0070] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a label on a label strip. In the embodiment shown here, a label strip or carrier strip 501 is provided on which a plurality of labels 510 are arranged at intervals from one another, of which only one label 510 is shown here.

[0071] The label strip 501 can, for example, consist of or comprise plastic or paper. The label 510 preferably consists of an adhesive layer 502 and a print layer 503, without a label substrate arranged between these two. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the label 510 comprises a substrate arranged between the adhesive layer 502 and the print layer 503, for example made of plastic, such as PET, or paper. In all of the described embodiments, the print layer 503 does not necessarily have to be continuous or cover the entire surface and can, for example, also consist only of individual elements made of printing ink that form the image information. The adhesive layer 502 also does not have to cover the entire surface, but should be at least partially continuous so that a continuous label is formed.In the embodiment shown here, the print layer 503 preferably faces the label strip or carrier strip 501, and the adhesive layer 502 is applied to the side of the print layer 503 facing away from the label strip 501. However, other embodiments are also conceivable in which the adhesive layer 502 is arranged between the print layer 503 and the label strip 501. The invention is not limited to labels according to the embodiment of Figure 5, and other configurations are also conceivable.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A labeling machine for labeling containers, the labeling machine comprising a label strip supply for receiving a label strip with labels arranged thereon, a dispensing edge in a transport direction of a label strip downstream of the label strip supply and for detaching a label from the label strip, and a transfer device, wherein the transfer device comprises a movable transfer element with at least two transfer elements arranged so as to be movable relative to the transfer element for receiving a label from the dispensing edge and for transferring a label to a container, wherein the transfer elements can be moved relative to the transfer element at a first speed during the reception of a label and at a second speed, different from the first speed, during the transfer of the label.

2. Labeling machine according to claim 1, wherein the transfer element is a transfer cylinder mounted rotatably about a rotation axis and wherein the transfer elements are movably arranged on the transfer cylinder.

3. Labeling machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transfer device comprises a drive device for driving the transfer element.

4. Labeling machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transfer device comprises an active drive element for moving at least one transfer element relative to the transfer element.

5. Labeling machine according to claim 4, wherein each transfer element is assigned a separate active drive element or wherein an active drive element is assigned to all transfer elements.

6. Labeling machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the active drive element comprises a stator and a mover connected to a transfer element and movable along the stator, wherein the mover and the stator form a linear drive, and wherein a movement of the transfer element relative to the transfer element can be effected by a movement of the mover along the stator.

7. Labeling machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transfer device comprises a passive drive element for moving at least one transfer element relative to the transfer element.

8. Labeling machine according to claim 7, wherein the passive drive element comprises a fixed control cam and a runner running along the control cam, wherein the runner is connected to the transfer element, and wherein a movement of the transfer element is translated into a movement of the runner along the control cam and the control cam is shaped such that the transfer element can be moved relative to the transfer element at a first speed during the acceptance of a label and at a second speed different from the first speed during the transfer of the label.

9. Labeling machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the labeling machine comprises a control unit and wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the first speed and / or the second speed based on a process parameter.

10. A method for labeling containers with a labeling machine, the labeling machine comprising a label strip supply for receiving a label strip with labels arranged thereon, a dispensing edge in a transport direction of the label strip downstream of the label strip supply and for detaching a label from the label strip, and a transfer device, wherein the transfer device comprises a movable transfer element with at least two transfer elements arranged movably relative to the transfer element for receiving the label from the dispensing edge and for transferring the label to a container, wherein the transfer elements can be moved relative to the transfer element at a first speed during the transfer of the label and at a second speed, different from the first speed, during the transfer of the label, the method comprising transporting the label strip in the transport direction,Detaching the label at the dispensing edge and transferring it to a transfer element moving at the first speed, Transferring the label from the transfer element to the container at the second speed.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first speed is less than the second speed.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a speed of the label along the transfer element during transfer to the container is equal to the speed of the container during transfer.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the method comprises adjusting the first speed and / or the second speed by means of a control unit of the labeling machine based on an operating parameter, wherein optionally the operating parameter is at least one of a Transport speed of the containers, a throughput of the containers, a transport speed of the label tape, a throughput of labels at the dispensing edge.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the label comprises a print layer and an adhesive layer applied to the print layer, wherein the label is removably arranged on the label strip via the print layer.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the labeling machine is a labeling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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