Labeling apparatus and labeling method for labeling lateral surfaces of objects, in particular cylindrical objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a labeling apparatus and a corresponding method for labeling lateral surfaces of objects (12), in particular cylindrical objects, the labeling apparatus comprising: a transport device (16) for transporting the objects in the machine direction (MD) from an object-providing unit (18) to a labeling unit (20); a labeling unit (20) comprising a label-providing unit; and a label-transferring device, wherein the label-providing unit passes labels to the label-transferring device and wherein the labeling unit provides the labels transversely to the transport direction of the transport device, wherein the label-transferring device comprises a vacuum unit (30) which has a vacuum transfer surface (33) designed such that the labels (14) come to lie, over the full area thereof, on the vacuum transfer surface and are adhesively transferred onto the object from the vacuum transfer surface, wherein the vacuum transfer surface is part of a vacuum conveying device which can be moved in the machine direction, wherein the vacuum conveying device conveys the labels provided by the label-providing unit to a labeling position and at the same time accelerates said labels to a labeling velocity.

Description

[0001] Applicant:

[0002] HERMA GmbH

[0003] Heinrich-Hermann-Straße 14 70794 Filderstadt

[0004] 18080610WO 01 .08.2025

[0005] ALA / KO J

[0006] Title: Labeling device for labeling the lateral surfaces of objects, especially cylindrical objects

[0007] Description

[0008] The invention relates to a labeling device for

[0009] Labeling of lateral surfaces of objects, in particular of cylindrical objects, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention includes such a labeling method.

[0011] Such labeling devices include a

[0012] A transport device for moving objects in the machine direction from an object supply unit to a labeling unit. Furthermore, a labeling unit is provided, comprising a label supply unit and a label transfer unit, wherein the label supply unit transfers labels to the label transfer unit. The label supply unit is generally equipped with a carrier material, which is typically a roll-shaped carrier material, and on which the labels are already individually applied.

[0013] Such cylindrical objects are in particular those whose diameter or longer side edge is significantly larger than their height.

[0014] The labels are supplied on a backing material in roll form, with the backing material being fed by the label supply unit. In a known manner, a storage unit can also be provided between the label supply unit and the label transfer device, in which the material is stored in loops. The label material itself is already die-cut, so that only the actual labels remain on the backing material, and the material surrounding the labels has already been removed.

[0015] Feeders where the label is fed with the short side edge are inefficient because the label has to be fed over a greater distance and fewer labels can be provided by the label supply unit, resulting in more frequent roll changes and thus more frequent machine downtime.

[0016] However, if the labeling system, i.e. the labeling device, has to be stopped too frequently, the desired number of 300 or more labeled objects per minute cannot be achieved.

[0017] Furthermore, the label transfer unit features a vacuum unit that includes a vacuum transfer surface on which the labels lie completely flat. From this vacuum transfer surface, the labels are adhesively transferred to the object. The adhesive side of the label faces away from the vacuum transfer surface.

[0018] A corresponding device and method are previously known from US 2019 / 0270534 Al.

[0019] US 2019 / 0270534 A1 describes a design for labeling cylindrical lateral surfaces of cylindrical objects according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the flat planar vacuum surface from which the labels are dispensed is held stationary, i.e. immobile, while the label is applied to the object with the cylindrical surface.

[0020] However, such a design has disadvantages, since the objects must be rotated to apply the labels, thus requiring an additional drive mechanism. Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a labeling device and a method that is capable of high labeling performance while being as simple in design as possible.

[0021] The invention solves this problem by means of a labeling device with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 14.

[0022] It is provided that the vacuum transfer surface is designed as part of a vacuum conveying device movable in the machine direction, wherein the vacuum conveying device transports the labels provided by the label supply unit to a labeling position and accelerates them to a labeling speed.

[0023] According to the invention, the vacuum transfer surface is not held stationary, but moves in the same direction as the transport device, so that a relative speed between the label and the object can be set. The transport direction (MD) of the transport device thus corresponds to the machine direction (MD).

[0024] The transport device, in particular a conveyor belt, and the vacuum transfer surface thus move in the same direction, but are essentially arranged at right angles to each other. That is, the planes of the transport direction and the vacuum transfer surface are perpendicular to each other. The direction of movement is referred to as the machine direction (MD) or synonymously as the transport direction. The vacuum transfer surface runs in the same plane as the plane direction of the surface to be labeled.

[0025] In this way, the cost of the device can be reduced while simultaneously increasing the cycle time, i.e., the number of labelable objects per minute.

[0026] In particular, the labeling tolerance can also be improved, i.e., the positioning of the label on the product and especially the spiral offset, i.e., the offset of the label ends to each other, especially with cylindrical products where the ends of the labels, i.e. their short side edges, overlap after labeling, this is an important criterion for high-quality labeling.

[0027] The objects to be labelled are primarily cylindrical, but also cuboid, such as snus cans. The labels are elongated and applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical or cuboid object. Due to the relatively low height of these objects, a slight offset during labeling, particularly in the vertical direction, as well as a slight spiral offset, is desirable.

[0028] In a first preferred embodiment, the self-adhesive labels supplied by the label dispensing unit may have two long and two short edges, wherein the long and / or the short edges are preferably parallel to each other. In particular, the labels are rectangular, and the long edges extend in the transport direction of the transport device. As already explained, such an arrangement is particularly advantageous for efficient feeding, since more labels can be provided on a wider backing roll, thus reducing the number of label roll changes required.

[0029] The labels are provided transversely to the transport direction of the transport device. This means that the labels are transported with the longer side edge leading, while the shorter side edge runs parallel to the transport direction of the labels in the label supply unit. This feeding method allows for wider rolls that can therefore hold more labels. The label supply unit is particularly preferably arranged above the transport device, and especially above the vacuum conveying device.

[0030] Besides a rectangular shape, other corresponding shapes are of course conceivable, featuring two long and two shorter edges. Both the long and shorter edges can be curved, in particular concave or convex. An ellipsoidal shape for the label is also generally possible. All these shapes should be included. The essential point is that the label is designed so that it can be applied to the surface of the object to be labeled.

[0031] The labels are coated with a self-adhesive layer on one side, which can be applied either partially or across the entire surface. In addition to the at least one adhesive layer, the label includes at least one visible side, on which the desired printed design can be displayed. The label rests with its non-adhesive visible side against the vacuum transfer surface, while the adhesive side faces the objects.

[0032] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the vacuum conveying device may be a vacuum belt. In particular, a section of this belt, which serves to transport the labels, forms the vacuum transfer surface. The vacuum conveying device can be implemented particularly simply using such a vacuum belt. The vacuum belt can be designed to run circumferentially, with a vacuum device provided centrally within the belt and the vacuum belt being equipped with openings through which the vacuum is applied and acts upon the respective labels. The belt surface preferably runs perpendicular to the surface of the transport device, which may also be designed as a belt or conveyor belt.

[0033] To ensure secure adhesion of the labels to the objects at the labeling position, the objects can be pressed against the labels, and in particular against the vacuum conveying device, especially the vacuum belt, at the corresponding labeling position via an application device. This application device can further comprise a labeling prism, a labeling star wheel, a counter-pressure plate, or a roller belt, or combinations thereof. All of the aforementioned devices are known in labeling equipment. A labeling prism, for example, is a device that grips the object at two points and then forms a triangular, i.e., prismatic, shape with the vacuum conveying device. Labeling star wheels are generally used to move several objects towards their respective labels via a rotating mechanism.Counter-pressure plates or roller belts are also known, which perform the same function of bringing the object towards the label and thus into contact with it. Roller belts are circulating belts running perpendicular to the transport device, guiding the objects towards the label. The counter-pressure plate is arranged accordingly.

[0034] The application device is designed in such a way that, through its geometric configuration and / or its relative velocity to the object and / or relative to the vacuum conveying device, it provides a rotation or, alternatively, a linear movement of the object. When labeling both cylindrical and cuboid objects, it is desirable that the object, after or during initial contact with the label, completes a full rotation or performs a linear movement to wrap the label around the object and achieve multi-sided, and in particular, complete, labeling of the object. Of course, it is also conceivable that the label does not cover the entire circumference of the object.Through contact, particularly when a vacuum belt or other vacuum conveying device is used, with the object, and by pressing the object against the vacuum conveying device via the application device, the rotational movement of the object is either initiated or further promoted. It is also possible that the application device, in conjunction with the vacuum conveying device, sets the object in motion even before this initial rotation occurs. The rotation is then maintained at least until the desired wrap angle of the label around the object is achieved.

[0035] To assist in positioning the label and ensuring it adheres smoothly to the vacuum conveying device, an air nozzle unit can be provided, directed towards the vacuum conveying device, to apply the labels against it. The air nozzle unit preferably has a length in the machine direction that is shorter than the length of a label in the machine direction, in particular shorter than 50%, in particular shorter than 40%, in particular shorter than 30%, and in particular shorter than 20% of the label length in the machine direction. Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the air nozzle unit has a length in the machine direction that is at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, and in particular at least 15% of the label length in the machine direction.In particular, by aligning the air nozzle unit so that it is positioned in the front part of the label to be dispensed (in the direction of the machine) during the transfer from the label supply unit to the label transfer unit, the labels are positioned and aligned particularly well on the vacuum conveying unit. With a suitable design, the air nozzle unit strengthens the connection between the label and the vacuum conveying unit in the front part of the label, as the airflow presses the labels against the vacuum conveying unit. This results in the labels lying flat and wrinkle-free against the vacuum conveying unit, as this facilitates their transport by the vacuum conveying unit.

[0036] It can be provided that, in a conventional manner, the labels are dispensed from the label supply unit to the label transfer device via a release edge. This dispensing is achieved by pulling the backing material, i.e., the labels arranged on it, around the release edge, causing the labels to detach from the backing material and then be dispensed to the label transfer device, where they are positioned and fixed by means of a vacuum and preferably an air nozzle unit.

[0037] As already described, it is particularly preferred if the objects are cylindrical or cuboid and, in particular, have a height that is less than 60%, and especially less than 50%, of the diameter in the case of cylindrical objects or of the longer side length of the base in the case of cuboid objects. It is particularly preferred that the height be in the range of 30% or less of the diameter in the case of cylindrical objects or of the longer side length of the base in the case of cuboid objects.

[0038] The device is particularly well-suited for labeling flat cans, such as those used for snus in the tobacco industry. However, other flat objects are also conceivable, such as food cans, e.g., for tuna or other foodstuffs, like lozenges, but also cosmetics or medical products.

[0039] Especially with these labels, which must be much longer than they are tall if they are to completely enclose the objects, precise application of the labels with minimal spiral offset and adherence to tight labeling tolerances is necessary.

[0040] Furthermore, it may be provided that a singulation device is installed after the object preparation unit and before the labeling unit. This device may, in particular, be formed by a singulation belt on one or both sides that borders the transport device and is spaced so that it rests against the objects. A singulation belt is understood to be a design that has a circumferential band, the band itself running perpendicular to the surface of the transport device, and the direction of movement of the transport device and the singulation belt being identical.By bringing the objects into contact with the singulation belt, the object is decelerated relative to the speed of the transport device, so that the objects that were originally close together in the object provision unit are slowed down by the singulation device, thus creating a gap between the individual objects.

[0041] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous to provide a hold-down device for the objects after the singulation device. Such a hold-down device ensures, in particular, that the objects are pressed against the transport device, thereby achieving rapid acceleration to the speed of the transport device. Without such a hold-down device, the transport device would otherwise "slip" under the objects as they leave the singulation device until they are picked up and accelerated to the correct speed. To prevent this effect, a suitable hold-down device is provided.For this purpose, a roller arrangement can be implemented in particular, which ensures the lowest possible friction between the hold-down device and the object, in order to ensure that the objects are loaded in the direction of the transport device, but to keep the braking effect of the hold-down device as small as possible.

[0042] Furthermore, it may be provided that an additional hold-down device is provided in the area of ​​the labeling unit, which may in particular comprise a sliding coating against which the objects rest and which loads the objects in the direction of the transport device. This contributes to better labeling quality and also promotes the rotation and / or linear movement of the object. According to an alternative embodiment, it may also be provided that a hold-down device for the objects is provided in the area of ​​the labeling unit, which is in particular designed to be driven in order to position the objects relative to the labels and to load the objects in the direction of the transport device, wherein in this case a sensor is preferably provided that detects the position of the label relative to the object.In this way, discrepancies in the feeding of the objects to the labeling position can be compensated for. In particular, it can be provided that, before the object meets the label, the driven label holder accelerates or decelerates the label to achieve correct positioning of the object relative to the label. This is especially advantageous if a complete wrapping of the object by the label is not intended, but only a partial wrapping is desired, with a specific position of the label relative to the object being achieved. This is less important for cylindrical objects than for cuboid ones, where, for example, it is desired that one long and two short sides, or similar, be labeled. To achieve a high-quality appearance here, it is necessary that the two label ends, which then, for example,They are arranged in the area of ​​the short sides of the cuboid object and end at approximately the same point.

[0043] As is known in the prior art, it can also be provided that a sensor is included which detects the object and triggers the provision of a label. It can also be provided that the hold-down device is designed such that the two hold-down devices, namely in the area of ​​the labeling unit and in the area immediately after the object provisioning unit, merge into one another.

[0044] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for labeling the outer surfaces of objects, in particular cylindrical objects, comprising the steps a. transporting the objects in the machine direction from an object supply unit to a labeling unit, b. transferring a label in the labeling unit from a label supply unit to a label transfer device, wherein the labels are supplied transversely to the transport direction of the transport device, and wherein the labels are supplied, in particular, from above the label transfer device, c.Holding the label on a vacuum transfer surface of a vacuum unit of the label transfer device by vacuum, whereby the labels lie completely flat on the vacuum transfer surface and are transferred from the vacuum transfer surface to the object in an adhesive manner, wherein the label with the vacuum transfer surface is conveyed in the machine direction to a labeling position and accelerated to labeling speed, while the object is brought into contact by the transport device, and the label is then brought into adhesive contact with the object. The transport device also moves in the machine direction.

[0045] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the object is rotated before, during or after the adhesive contact with the label, so that the label wraps around the object by a desired circumference.

[0046] As a rule, the rotation of the object is initiated by bringing the object towards the vacuum conveying device via the application device, resulting in contact that leads to a rotational movement of the object.

[0047] The method also includes the feature that, after the label is transferred to the label transfer device, particularly the vacuum transfer surface, the label is blown onto the surface by an air nozzle unit and positioned and held there. The air nozzle unit serves to assist or transport the label to the labeling position. The air nozzle unit can be configured to operate intermittently. Alternatively, and also particularly preferred, a continuous airflow is used, which is adjusted to preferably strike the front area, more preferably the front half, more preferably the front third, and even more preferably the front quarter, of the label when it is transferred from the label supply unit to the label transfer device.

[0048] According to a further advantageous embodiment, if the method is carried out with a label that has two long and two short side edges and is in particular rectangular, and is provided by the label supply unit in such a way that the long side runs in the machine direction.

[0049] The invention also includes the use of the device according to the invention for carrying out the method as well as a method according to the invention using the device.

[0050] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0051] This shows:

[0052] Figure 1 shows the labeling device according to the invention in a front view;

[0053] Figure 2 shows a top view of the labeling device according to Figure 1;

[0054] Figure 3 shows a section of Figure 1 in a perspective view, which shows the labeling unit; and

[0055] Figure 4 shows the labeling unit according to Figure 3 in a front view.

[0056] Figure 1 shows a labeling device according to the invention for labeling the outer surfaces of objects, wherein the object is depicted as a cylindrical object 12 shortly before reaching the labeling position. In the present case, the cylindrical objects 12 are so-called "snus cans," i.e., a form of tobacco packaging, wherein the cans have a diameter that is much larger than the height of the cans, and wherein the cylindrical surface of the objects is to be provided with a label bearing the reference numeral 14. The labeling device comprises a transport device 16, wherein the transport device 16 comprises a conveyor belt that is provided for transporting the objects 12 in the machine direction MD from an object supply unit 18 to a labeling unit 20.The labeling unit comprises a label supply unit (not shown) on which the labels 14 can be provided on a carrier material, wherein the labels 14 are already die-cut as individual labels 14 arranged on the carrier material, and the carrier material is in roll form. The label 14 has a shape comprising two long sides 22 and two short side edges 24, wherein the long side edges are much longer than the short side edges, so that a label 14 is obtained whose height is adapted to the height of the object 12 and whose length is preferably adapted to the circumference of the object 12 or a part thereof.

[0057] The labels 14 are fed in perpendicular to the machine direction and also perpendicular to the surface of the conveyor belt. In this respect, the labels 14 are dispensed from above.

[0058] The dispensing, i.e., separation from the backing material, takes place via a release edge 26. For this purpose, the backing material is guided around the release edge, whereby the label 14 then separates from the backing material in the area of ​​the edge in the conventional manner.

[0059] Weise solves this. It is connected to a label transfer device.

[0060] 28, wherein the label transfer device comprises a vacuum unit 30, which can be seen in particular in Figure 3. The vacuum unit 30 comprises vacuum fans 32, whereby vacuum pumps or similar devices are also possible, as well as a vacuum transfer surface 33, which here is designed as a vacuum belt 34 or in particular as part thereof, wherein the vacuum belt 34 is a circumferential conveyor belt with openings 36, which is designed circumferentially parallel to the planar extent of the labels 14. When the labels 14 are dispensed via the release edge 26, the label 14 is applied against the vacuum belt 34 by the vacuum and held there. The vacuum transfer surface 33 and the transport device 16 both move in the machine direction (MD), with their surfaces arranged perpendicular to each other, so that the vacuum transfer surface 33 is oriented in the same direction as the lateral surface of the object 12.The label 14 lies with its non-adhesive side against the vacuum belt 34.

[0061] To improve the fixation and crease-free application of the label 14 to the vacuum belt 34, an air nozzle unit 40 is provided, the connection of which is not shown here. This unit blows a jet of air onto the label 14 through several small openings directed towards it. Figure 4 shows that the air nozzle unit 40 is arranged in the machine direction in the front area of ​​the label 14 when it is dispensed. This ensures that the label 14 is neatly positioned against the vacuum belt 34 at the front and promotes its carriage, thus preventing creases. By feeding the labels 14 with their long side edge 22 facing the transport device 16 and perpendicular to the transport direction, downtime for changing the label material rolls can be avoided, as more labels 14 can be provided on a single feed of backing material.

[0062] In this way, the desired high quantities of objects to be labelled can be achieved.

[0063] In order to achieve the most uniform transport and the most uniform contact of the label 14 with the vacuum belt 34, in addition to positioning by the air nozzles 40, a plurality of vacuum fans 32 or vacuum pumps or similar are provided so that the entire vacuum transfer surface 33 is supplied with a uniform vacuum.

[0064] The objects 12 are then brought together with the label 14 at a labeling position and set into rotation by contact with the vacuum belt 34 and the label 14. This rotation is supported by a counter-pressure plate, which here serves as an application device and is designated by reference numeral 50. The counter-pressure plate assists in applying the object 12 to the vacuum belt 34 and, furthermore, promotes the rotation due to the friction between the counter-pressure plate 50 and the object 12. The rotation continues until the label 14 is completely wrapped around the object 12 and adhered to it.To minimize the offset, particularly the spiral offset, between the beginning and end of the label in the machine direction, and to achieve good vertical positioning of the label 14 on the object 12, a hold-down device 60 is provided. This device is equipped with a sliding coating facing the object 12 and prevents the object 12 from lifting off the transport device 16. Alternatively, a driven hold-down device is also conceivable, which can decelerate or accelerate the object 12 with respect to the position of the label 14 in order to align the object 12 and label 14 even more precisely. This is particularly useful for rectangular object shapes, especially if they are not to be completely covered with a label 14.

[0065] To ensure that a desired distance is maintained between the objects 12, a singulation device 70 is provided in the area of ​​the object supply unit 18. This device consists of singulation belts 71 arranged on both sides, which slow down the objects 12 due to their friction with the objects. When an object 12 is released in the machine direction by the singulation device 70, a hold-down device 80 follows immediately after the singulation device 70. This hold-down device includes, in particular, a roller arrangement to minimize the sliding friction between the objects 12 and the hold-down device 80. The task of the hold-down device 80 is to load the objects 12 in the direction of the transport device 16 in order to adapt the objects 12 to the speed of the transport device 16 as quickly as possible and thus to prevent the transport device 16 from slipping under the objects 12 as much as possible.In this way, the positioning of the objects 12 relative to the label 14 can be improved. The present invention provides a device and a method for labeling, which offers high performance, i.e., a high labeling rate. This is achieved, firstly, by the movable vacuum transport surface, which enables simultaneous movement of the label alongside the intended movement of the object 12 via the transport device, thereby increasing cycle times.

[0066] This is further supported by feeding the label 14 with its long longitudinal edge towards the transport device, whereby the positioning accuracy is increased by the two hold-down devices 60 and 80.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Labeling device (12) for labeling the lateral surfaces of objects (12), in particular cylindrical objects, comprising a. a transport device (16) for transporting the objects (12) in the machine direction (MD) from an object supply unit (18) to a labeling unit (20), b. a labeling unit (20) comprising a label supply unit and a label transfer device, wherein the label supply unit transfers labels (14) to the label transfer device, and wherein c. the labeling unit (20) supplies the labels (14) transversely to the transport direction (MD) of the transport device (16), wherein d.the label transfer device comprises a vacuum unit (30) which includes a vacuum transfer surface (33) which is designed such that the labels (14) lie on it over their entire surface and are transferred adhesively from the vacuum transfer surface (33) to the object, characterized in that the vacuum transfer surface. (33) as part of a machine-directed (MD) movable The vacuum conveying device is designed in such a way that the vacuum conveying device transports the labels (14) provided by the label supply unit to a labeling position and accelerates them to a labeling speed.

2. Labeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the label (14) provided by the label supply unit has two long (22) and two short (24) side edges, wherein the long and / or the short side edges (22, 24) are preferably parallel to each other, and in particular the labels are rectangular, and the long side edges (22) extend in the transport direction (MD) of the transport device (16).

3. Labeling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vacuum conveying device is a vacuum belt (34).

4. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the objects (12) at the labeling position are pressed against the vacuum conveying device for the transfer of the labels (14) to the objects (12) via an application device (50).

5. Labeling device according to claim 4, characterized in that the application device (50) comprises a labeling prism, a labeling rotary star, a counter-pressure plate or a roller belt, or combinations thereof, wherein the application device (50) is in particular designed such that, by its geometric design and / or its Relative velocity relative to the object (12) and / or relative to the vacuum conveying device provides a rotation and / or a linear motion of the object (12).

6. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an air nozzle unit (40) is provided which is directed towards the vacuum conveying device for applying the labels (12) against the vacuum conveying device.

7. Labeling device according to claim 6, characterized in that the air nozzle unit (40) has an extension in the machine direction (MD) which is shorter than the extension of a label (14) in the machine direction (MD), in particular shorter than 50%, in particular shorter than 40%, in particular shorter than 30%, in particular shorter than 20% of the label length in the machine direction (MD), and in particular at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, in particular at least 15% of the label length in the machine direction (MD).

8. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the labels (14) are dispensed from the label supply unit to the label transfer unit via a release edge (26).

9. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the objects (12) are cylindrical or cuboid, wherein the objects (12) in particular have a height which is less than 60%, in particular less than 50%, of the diameter. cylindrical objects (12) or the larger side length of the base in the case of cuboid objects (12) .

10. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a singulation device (70) is provided in the machine direction (MD) after the object supply unit (18) and before the labeling unit (20), which is formed in particular by a singulation belt (71) on one side or both sides limiting the transport device, which is spaced apart so that it rests against the objects (12).

11. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in particular immediately after the singulation device (70) a hold-down device (80) for the objects (12) is provided, wherein this in particular comprises a roller arrangement which loads the objects (12) in the direction of the transport device (16).

12. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a hold-down device (60) for the objects (12) is provided in the area of ​​the labeling unit (20), wherein this is in particular designed to be driven in order to position the objects (12) relative to the labels (14), and which loads the objects (12) in the direction of the transport device (MD), wherein a sensor is provided which detects the position of the label (14) relative to the object (12).

13. Labeling device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a hold-down device (60) for the objects (12) is provided in the area of ​​the labeling unit (20), wherein this in particular comprises a sliding coating against which the objects (12) rest and which loads the objects (12) in the direction of the transport device (16).

14. A method for labeling the lateral surfaces of objects, in particular cylindrical objects, comprising the steps of: a. transporting the objects in the machine direction from an object supply unit to a labeling unit, b. transferring a label in the labeling unit from a label supply unit to a label transfer device, wherein the labels are supplied transversely to the transport direction of the transport device, c. holding the label on a vacuum transfer surface of a vacuum unit of the label transfer device by means of a vacuum, wherein the labels come to lie completely on the vacuum transfer surface and are transferred adhesively from the vacuum transfer surface to the object, characterized in that the label with the vacuum transfer surface is transported in the machine direction to a labeling position and accelerated to labeling speed, while the The object is brought in by the transport device and the label is then brought into adhesive contact with the object.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the object is rotated before, during or after being brought into contact with the label, so that the label wraps around the object by a desired circumference.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the label, in particular after being transferred to the label transfer device, in particular the vacuum transfer surface, is blown on by an air nozzle unit and positioned and / or held on the vacuum transfer surface.

17. Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the label has two long and two short side edges, and in particular is rectangular, and is provided by the label supply unit such that the long side edges run in the machine direction.

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