CN216581478U - Docking module for labeling machine and labeling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a docking module for a labeling machine and a labeling machine. In a docking module (A) having a docking station (S) for a labeling unit (E) and having multiple couplings (K1-K4) which can be plugged into one another in the docking station (S) and on the labeling unit (E), the docking station (A) having an actuator (13) for plugging the multiple couplings (K1-K4), and each multiple coupling (K1, K2) in the docking station (A) having a cover (D) which can be moved between an open position and a closed position, a mechanical movement control (6) is provided between the cover (D) and the docking station (A), by means of which the cover (D) can be automatically brought from the closed position into the open position when plugged in.

Description

Docking module for labeling machine and labeling machine

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a docking module for a labeling machine and a labeling machine.

Background

In the labeling machine according to EP 2060496 a1, the multiple couplers mounted in the docking station and the labeling unit of the generic docking module are plugged together between the labeling unit and the docking station by a single linear, vertical relative movement. Before this, the labeling unit is inserted into the docking module with a linear approach movement toward the docking station until the spindles and the spindle receptacles on the docking station and the labeling unit are oriented perpendicular to one another. Only then is it possible to center the labelling unit at the docking station by lifting the spindle with the docking station into the spindle receptacle and simultaneously connect the multi-way coupling to the plug. During the approaching movement of the labeling unit, the actuating elements of the labeling unit which project toward the docking station act on the covers in order to open them, so that once the spindle is aligned with the spindle receptacle, the covers are in the open position, but the labeling unit is not yet aligned. If the docking of the labelling unit is incorrectly positioned, for example if the initial positioning of the multiple-pass coupling is too low, the cover of the multiple-pass coupling in the docking station cannot be opened. If the cover is already open and the labeling unit is not yet centered, it is unavoidable that water enters the multiple coupling of the docking station. If, for example, the floor is inclined and the multiple-circuit coupling, which is in the inclined position, is still plugged onto the labeling unit, the multiple-circuit coupling may be damaged. Furthermore, the relative arrangement of the multiple couplings on the labeling unit and in the docking station is very time-consuming and complicated, and requires a large number of sensors to scan the different target positions and switching states during the docking and to transmit them to the control.

In the most recent DE 102017205096 a1, an actuating drive is proposed which is provided only for plug-connecting the multiple-circuit coupling when the labeling unit is centered, and a further actuating drive is provided for the cover of the multiple-circuit coupling in the docking station. Since for adjusting the docking station in the docking module and for centering the labeling unit also additional actuator drives to the docking module are used, many sensors are required to monitor the different movements and relative positioning.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The object of the present invention is to provide a docking module, a labeling machine and a method for docking a labeling unit, which are characterized by a minimum number of actuators, low complexity, a small installation space for the docking stations in the docking module and a minimum expenditure for the sensor means required for safety technology, and therefore a low probability of failure of the actuators and the sensor means.

The object is achieved by a docking module for a labeling machine according to the utility model and a labeling machine according to the utility model.

In order to plug-connect the multiple coupling and at least open the cover, only one actuator is required by means of the mechanical movement control, which enables the multiple coupling and its cover in the docking station to be moved relative to one another during the plug-in connection in order to automatically actuate the cover. The sensor system for the safety-related interrogation can thus be reduced to a minimum, since only the initial positioning of the multi-way coupling in the docking station and the correctly established plug connection need to be scanned, since the cover will automatically and forcibly be correctly actuated during the movement phase when the plug connection is established. The docking module has reduced complexity and can be designed to be compact and more operationally reliable.

Labeling machines (for example even with docked docking modules in the control-side connection of the labeling units) are distinguished by increased operational reliability, convenient maintenance and replacement work and reduced space requirements, and are valuable and have reduced space requirements.

This also applies to methods in which the cover is forcibly actuated during the plug-in connection by a movement that can be easily monitored in terms of safety. The possible incorrect orientation of the labeling unit when approaching the docking module is corrected already when the plug is connected, since the labeling unit is correctly centered in the docking station of the docking module.

Advantageously, even when the multiple couplings are disconnected, the movement control automatically returns the respective cover from the open position back into the closed position, so that the movement control is given a double function.

The mechanical motion control also has the following advantages: in the separating position of the multiple coupling, which is defined by the actuating drive, the cover is pressed via the movement control, preferably locked in the closed position, so that no dirt or liquid penetrates into the multiple coupling of the docking station when the labelling unit is docked. Since the multiple couplings on the labeling unit are always mounted in a protected manner, the cover can be omitted there. The utility model also includes solutions in which each multi-way coupling on the labeling unit has a cover to be opened, which can be actuated, for example, analogously via a mechanical movement control. In this case, two separate multi-way couplings are usually provided on the labeling unit and in the docking station, one for the dielectric medium, for example the operating current and for example the control signals in the field bus system, and the other for the operating medium, for example compressed air, water, etc.

The respective multiple coupling with the cover, which is directed upward with the opening in the docking station in the docking module and which is height-adjustable by means of the actuator guide, is expediently arranged on a linearly guided, preferably substantially vertically guided, slide which can be moved by a further actuator supported in the docking station, wherein the motion control, preferably one motion control for each cover, is mounted in the docking station in a stationary manner across the slide.

In one embodiment, the movement control has a control curve for an actuating projection of a cover which is pivotably arranged on the multiple coupling, wherein preferably the actuating projection carries a roller which cooperates with the control curve to ensure flexibility and minimize wear. The motion control with the control curve can be space-saving mounted in the docking station, which is beneficial for the compactness of the docking station. All of these components can be replaced relatively easily.

In order to ensure a defect-free movement control of the cover, it is advantageous if the cover is permanently pressed in its pivot bearing by means of a spring, preferably a torsion spring, with its actuating projection or roller onto the control curve of the movement control.

In a simple embodiment, the control curve has a mouth-shaped section in the lower end region and a substantially straight raceway in the upper section coupled to the mouth-shaped section via a ramp.

The control curve of the movement control can be arranged on the longitudinal side of a two-end hooked metal profile which is directed toward the labeling unit to be docked, overlaps the slide with play and is screwed with two hooked ends onto a front plate, i.e. a carrier plate, of the highly adjustable docking station in the docking module, which front plate has a slide guide.

Instead of a metal profile with a control curve, it is alternatively possible to provide other ways of mechanically intercepting the relative movement of the further actuating drive for actuating the cover. Furthermore, the movement of the further actuator drive may not be transmitted directly to the slide, but via other mechanical solutions, so that it is not necessary to arrange the further actuator drive parallel to the guide direction of the slide.

The respective cover is pivotable on the multiple coupling about a substantially horizontal axis, wherein the actuating projection projects beyond the axis substantially in the extension of the main plane of the cover in the direction of the movement control. The cover of the multiple coupling for guiding a medium under pressure, for example, can be equipped on its underside with at least one exchangeable seal in order to reliably seal the passage of the medium channel in the closed position, preferably under the pressure generated by the actuator.

The cover of the multiple coupling with electrical plug contacts may also have a seal on its underside for producing a sealed closed position, for example a sealing frame or a sealing plate. In order to minimize the sensor mechanism required for safety inquiries, it is preferably possible to interrogate on the control side, simply electrically via the connected plug contacts, a correctly established plug connection and a cover which is correctly brought into the open position, so that no separate sensor is required. This is preferably achieved on the control side by a scanning current connection via at least one contact pin inserted into the pin receptacle.

Preferably, in the region of the multiple-way coupling in the docking station, a sensor, for example a proximity switch, can be provided for intercepting a predetermined falling position of the slide and thus of the multiple-way coupling. Furthermore, no additional sensors are required to monitor the docking sequence or to cancel it, which greatly improves the operational reliability.

The actuating drive for the plug connection can be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder which can be acted upon via a valve. Alternatively, a drive motor with a screw can be used for this purpose. In this case, it is expedient to protect the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder by means of an unlockable check valve, so that in the event of a pressure failure the adjusted positioning of the cylinder is maintained or the plugged multiple couplings are not separated uncontrollably.

At least one multi-way coupling for a running medium, such as compressed air, water, etc., and at least one multi-way coupling for at least one dielectric medium, such as a running current, a control signal, etc., are each mounted on the labeling unit and in the docking station with an intermediate distance and side by side at the same height. In this case, the cover is actually only necessary for the multiple-way coupling in the docking station.

Furthermore, in a docking station which is supported on the floor and/or is adjustable in height in the docking module at the labeling machine, a plurality of guided centering elements can be provided for the docked labeling unit, which centering elements can also be moved together with the docked labeling unit before the plug connection via an actuating drive, wherein the actuating drive can have a drive motor with a screw or alternatively a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

In the case of a gear motor and a spindle as the respective actuating drives, a rotary handle, preferably a hexagon, can be provided on the spindle, which can be accessed or exposed for manual actuation. This makes it possible to lower the docking station or the docked labelling group and remove it from the docking station in the event of a power failure or other disturbance, or to carry out operations in repair or maintenance work even without operating current.

According to a further technical advantage of the method, only at least one multi-way coupling of the docking station is moved for plug-connecting the multi-way coupling, and the lid is opened only after the labeling unit has been correctly centered on the centering element of the docking station in advance and it has to be confirmed that the slide carrying the multi-way coupling of the docking station is in the predetermined scannable position. By means of this sequence control, damage due to incorrect progression of the docking sequence or undoing the docking sequence is reliably precluded.

Drawings

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter are illustrated with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a labeling machine with a plurality of labeling units docked in a docking module;

fig. 2 shows a perspective front view of the docking module;

fig. 3 to 6 show three successive phases of the docking sequence of the labelling unit; and is

Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical plug connection.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a labeling machine M, here by way of non-limiting example a rotary labeling machine, with a turret 1, for example to transport containers such as bottles or the like during labeling, and with a docking module a supported at the ground and/or at the machine M at different circumferential positions at the periphery of the turret 1, on which various labeling units E are docked, which carry labels, glue or similar equipment for the containers. Each docking module a is detachably fastened in the operating position, for example at a predetermined attachment location. Furthermore, at least one conveyor F (here a conveying section and a discharge section) is assigned to the turret 1.

Fig. 2 shows the docking module a in the operational position, for example placed on the adjustable foot 2. It is possible to fix the respective docking module a directly only at the machine. In the docking module a, for example, two centering elements 3 (centering cones) are arranged on the carrier of the vertically guided (guide 33) docking station S in the frame 31 with the triangular side cheeks 32, which serve to center the labeling unit (not shown in fig. 2) on the docking station S and which can be moved in the docking module by means of the actuators 4, 5 (for example, the drive motor 4 and the threaded spindle 5). The centering elements 3 engage in suitable centering receptacles on the labelling unit E brought into the docking station S and lift the labelling unit E from the ground to the optional height position required for cooperation with the turret 1. The screw 5 may have an accessible or exposed rotary handle 30 (for example a hexagon) at the upper end, so that in the event of a power failure or other failure, the labelling unit E (typically weighing more than one ton) suspended in the docking station S can be manually lowered and removed.

Instead of the drive motor 4 and the screw 5, other actuators can be used, such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, etc., to move the centering element 3 and the labelling unit E together with the docking station S in the docking module a.

In the embodiment of docking station S shown in fig. 2, two multi-way couplings K1, K2 are mounted at the same height with an intermediate distance, each of them having a movable cover D in order to protect the multi-way couplings K1, K2 against the ingress of dirt, water or the like. The multiple-circuit coupling K1 is, for example, an electrical multiple-circuit coupling, i.e. it has plug contacts for transmitting operating currents, control signals, feedback, etc. The multiple-way coupling K2 is a coupling for feeding and/or discharging a working medium, such as compressed air, water or the like. Instead of the two multi-way couplers K1, K2 as shown, only one multi-way coupler may be provided, which can be used for both dielectric and other media and which is covered by a cover D.

In fig. 2, multiple-circuit couplings K1, K2 are shown in a defined lower end position and can be lifted approximately vertically as soon as multiple-circuit couplings K1, K2 are to be connected to a correspondingly adjusted multiple-circuit coupling plug in labeling unit E. In order to move the multiple couplings K1, K2, a further actuator 13 (see fig. 3 to 5), which is hidden behind the cover in fig. 2, is provided in the docking station S, the height of which docking module a is adjustable, for example a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or a gear motor with a screw, which can move the multiple couplings K1, K2 relative to the docking station S. This relative movement (as will be explained with reference to fig. 3 to 5) is captured by at least one movement control 6 mounted in a stationary manner in the docking station S and serves at least to transfer the lid D from the closed position shown into a defined open position, so that the further actuating drive 13 fulfills the dual function of moving the multiple couplings K1, K2 on the one hand upon plug connection (also upon disconnection) with the multiple couplings provided on the labeling unit E and at least opening the lid D and, if necessary, also closing the lid D.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section of the docking station S of fig. 2 parallel to the motion control 6 of fig. 2. In the docking station S, a cover storage 7 in the type of a pocket open below is mounted in a high area for each cover D, the purpose of which will be explained later. Fig. 3 also shows multiple-way couplings K3, K4 mounted on labeling unit E, which, in the centered position of labeling unit E on centering element 3 of fig. 2, align multiple-way couplings K1, K2 of docking station S in the direction of movement thereof, but are not yet plugged in. Instead, as mentioned, each multiple coupler K1, K2 is in a predetermined lower end position which is scanned and reported to the superordinate control unit, for example by a sensor 12 such as a proximity switch.

On the carrier plate 8 of the docking station S, a guide 29 for a plate-like slide 17 is arranged, on which the multiple couplings K1, K2 are fastened in an exchangeable manner. On the carrier plate 8, an actuator 13, in the embodiment shown a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, is fixedly mounted, whose piston rod 14 acts via a fork-shaped head 35 with a plug shaft 36 on a bearing block 34 which is fastened with a fastening screw 16 on the slide 17. The motion control parts 6 (common or one each for the covers D) are mounted immovably on the carrier plate 8, for example with upper and lower, hook-shaped ends 22. The movement control 6 has control curves 19, 20, 21 on the rod-shaped metal profile 28, specifically on the side pointing toward the labeling unit E. The control curve comprises, for example, a mouth-shaped section 19 which is continued via an inclined and rounded ramp 21 by a substantially straight or straight raceway 20 which extends substantially vertically upwards from the mouth-shaped section 19 in the docking station S.

The cover D of the respective multiple-circuit coupling K1, K2 is pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis in a pivot bearing 9 at the housing of the multiple-circuit coupling K1, K2, sealingly covers the upper opening of the multiple-circuit coupling K1, K2 in the illustrated closed position, and has, approximately in the extension of the main plane of the cover D, an actuating projection 10 which projects beyond the axis 9 and is preferably equipped with a roller 11 which cooperates with a control curve of the movement control 6. Alternatively, a spring 18, for example a torsion spring, can be provided, which permanently holds the actuating projection 10 of the lid D against the control curve. In the illustrated embodiment, one motion control portion 6 is installed for each cover D. Alternatively, a single motion control 6 is used for both lids D, which are then expediently connected to one another in a motion-transmitting manner, or one motion control is sufficiently wide for both lids D.

Instead of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder for actuating the drive 13, a drive motor (not shown) with a threaded spindle can alternatively be provided. The movement control 6 may also be configured differently from that shown, as long as it is capable of manipulating the lid D between its open and closed positions from the relative movement of the multiple couplings K1, K2 with respect to the docking station a when the action of the driver 13 is performed. In the embodiment shown, the movement control 6 not only actuates the respective lid D when the multiple couplings K1-K4 are plugged in from the closed position into an open position in which the lid can be moved from below into the lid receptacle 7, but the movement control 6 also serves to transfer the lid D from the open position back into the closed position. In the embodiment shown, the motion control 6 may additionally press or lock the lid D in the closed position. Alternatively, the return of the lid D from the open position into the closed position can be performed by spring means, and the lid D can also be kept closed in the closed position by spring means. Although this is not absolutely necessary, the multiple-way couplings K3, K4 on labeling unit E may also have covers which are opened before the plug connection and closed after the plug connection.

Fig. 4-6 show three phases in the case of the plug connection of the multiple-way couplings K1-K4 (or in the reverse order in the case of the disconnection of the multiple-way couplings K1-K4).

In fig. 4, the actuating drive 13 has lifted the multi-way couplings K1, K2 slightly and relative to the movement control 6 by means of the slide 17, compared to fig. 2, so that the roller 11 immediately bears against the ramp 21 and the lid D is slightly opened.

In fig. 5, the actuator 13 moves the multiplex couplings K1, K2 further upwards with the slide 17, so that the rollers 11 pass the ramp 21 and are on their way to the raceway 20. The lid D is fully open and substantially parallel to the raceway 20 and aligned with the lower open end of the lid receptacle magazine 7. The openings 27 of the multiple-way couplings K3, K4 on the labeling unit E are exposed which expose the multiple-way coupling K1. Fig. 5 shows that at the underside of the lid D, for example, at least one exchangeable seal 23 is provided, which in the multiple-way coupling K2 for compressed air, water or similar medium is embodied as a substantially central seal and in the multiple-way coupling K1 with electrical plug contacts as a sealing plate or frame for closing in the closed position.

Fig. 5 also shows that, for example, the pneumatic cylinders of the actuator 13 can be protected by a check valve 23 in order to ensure that the adjusted positioning of the multi-way couplings K1, K2 is maintained in the event of a failure of the compressed air supply. The non-return valve 23 can be unlocked, for example, pneumatically or mechanically, if the compressed air supply is again restored to normal.

In fig. 6, the actuator 13 plugs the multiple couplings K1-K4 and each lid D is moved into its lid receiver 7. A common cover receiving portion 7 may be provided for the two covers D.

In addition to the sensor 12 (fig. 3) for checking the lower target position of the multiple couplings K1, K2, no further sensors are required for monitoring the docking sequence, since the correctly established plug connection of the multiple couplings K1-K4 and the cover D which is correctly brought into its open position are expediently checked via the established electrical connection, for example according to fig. 7 via the contact pins 24 of the multiple couplings K1, K3 which are inserted into the pin receivers 25. Once the current connection is correctly established, it is concluded via the associated control unit that: confirming that the multi-way coupling K1-K4 has been properly plugged and that the lid D has been brought into its open position. The pin receivers 25 and the contact pins 24 can have another use than being provided only for confirming a correct plug connection and a correct cover handling.

When the multiple couplings K1-K4 are disconnected, the sequence is reversed, wherein the movement control 6 brings the lid D from the open position into the closed position and presses or locks the lid D in the position of fig. 2 (for example the lowermost target position), more precisely via the lower part of the mouth-shaped region 19 of the control curve of the movement control 6.

In the embodiment shown, the multi-way couplings K1, K2 move parallel to the movement of the actuator 13. Alternatively, it is possible that the plug movement is not performed in the direction of movement of the actuator 13, but rather is effected via some mechanical mechanism.

In order to avoid damage when a plug connection is set up or when disconnection takes place, the multiple couplings K1-K4, or at least the multiple couplings K1, K2, can be mounted in a floating manner.

The main advantage of the solution according to the utility model is that only the actuator 13 has to be implemented to plug the multi-way couplings K1-K4 and also to manipulate the lid. This results in a reduction in the complexity of the docking station S and a reduction in the construction space. It is also important that a safety-related query can be made with only a minimum of sensor units, since, for example, only the proximity switch 12 is required as a sensor, which results in a reduced probability of failure of the actuator and the sensor units.

Claims (27)

1. Docking module (A) for a labeling machine (M) for a labeling unit (E) that can be docked selectively, wherein at least one insertable multi-way coupling (K1-K4) for a running and/or control medium is provided in each case in the docking module (A) and on the labeling unit (E), wherein the docking module (A) has an actuator (4, 5) for a height-adjustable docking station (S) and is provided at least at each multi-way coupling (K1, K2) in the docking station (A) with a cover (D) that can be moved between an open position and a closed position and that is opened before being plugged into connection with the multi-way coupling (K3, K4) of the labeling unit (E), characterized in that a mechanical movement control (6) is provided in the docking module (A) between the cover (D) and the docking station (S), the cover (D) can be automatically transferred from the closed position into the open position by means of the mechanical movement control at least during a movement for plug-connecting the multiple coupling (K1-K4) caused by an actuating drive (13) of the docking station (S).

2. The docking module according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (D) can be automatically transferred from the open position into the closed position upon uncoupling of the multiple coupling (K1-K4) by means of the motion control (6) and the actuating drive (13).

3. The docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the open position of the multiple coupling (K1-K4) defined by the actuating drive (13), each cover (D) is pressable in the closed position via the motion control (6).

4. The docking module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the multiple couplings (K1, K2), which are each provided with the cover (D), of the docking module (a) and which are directed upwards by means of an opening (27) in the docking station (S), are arranged on a slide (17) which is guided in a straight line and can be moved by an actuator (13) supported in the docking station (S), and the respective motion control of the motion control (6) is mounted immovably in the docking station (S) beyond the slide (17).

5. The docking module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the motion control (6) has a control curve (19, 20, 21) for an actuating projection (10) of a cover (D) pivotably articulated on the multiple coupling (K1, K2).

6. A docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover (D) in its pivot bearing can be pressed with its operating projection (10) by a spring (18) onto a control curve (19, 20, 21) of the motion control section (6).

7. The docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control curve is provided with a mouth-shaped section (19) in the lower end region and has a straight raceway (20) in the upper section which is coupled to the mouth-shaped section (19) via a ramp (21).

8. The docking module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control curves (19, 20, 21) of the movement control (6) are arranged on the longitudinal sides of two end-bent metal profiles (28) pointing towards the labeling units (E) to be docked, which overlap the slide (17) and are screwed with two ends (22) onto a carrier plate (8) of the docking station (S) with a slide guide (29).

9. The docking module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover (D) is pivotable on the multiple coupling (K1, K2) about a substantially horizontal axis (9), the actuating projection (10) projects beyond the axis (9) in the extension of the main plane of the cover (D) in the direction of the motion control section (6), and at least the cover (D) of the multiple coupling (K1, K2) for guiding a medium under pressure is equipped with at least one exchangeable seal (23).

10. A docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover (D) of the multiple coupling (K1, K2) with the electrical plug contacts (24, 25) has a seal (23) for producing a sealed closed position.

11. Docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a sensor is provided for intercepting a predetermined lowering position of the slide (17) and/or of a separate multiple coupling (K1, K2).

12. The docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating drive (13) of the slide (17) is a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder which can be loaded via at least one valve (23), or a transmission motor with a screw.

13. Docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one multiple coupling (K1, K3) for media under pressure and multiple couplings (K2, K4) for dielectrics are mounted side by side on the labeling unit (E) and in the docking station (S) with an intermediate distance and in the same height, respectively, wherein only the multiple couplings (K1, K2) in the docking station (S) have a cover (D).

14. The docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of centering elements (3) guided in a height-adjustable manner are provided in the docking station (a) for the docked labeling unit (E), which centering elements can be moved together with the docked and centered labeling unit (E) via a common actuating drive, wherein the actuating drive is provided with a drive motor (4) with a screw (5), or has a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

15. The docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the screw (5) of the transmission motor (4) has a rotary handle (30) accessible or exposed from the front side of the docking module (a) for manual manipulation.

16. A docking module according to claim 3, characterized in that in the open position of the multiple coupling (K1-K4) defined by the actuating drive (13), each cover (D) can be locked in the closed position via the motion control (6).

17. A docking module according to claim 4, characterized in that the slide (17) is guided vertically.

18. A docking module according to claim 4 characterized in that and the motion control (6) is mounted immovably across the slider (17) in the docking station (S) for the respective motion control of each cover (D).

19. A docking module according to claim 4 characterized in that the respective motion control of the motion control (6) is mounted immovably over the slide (17) on the carrier plate (8).

20. A docking module according to claim 5, characterized in that the handling projection (10) carries a roller (11) cooperating with the control curve.

21. A docking module according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover (D) can be pressed in its pivot bearing with its operating projection (10) by means of a torsion spring onto a control curve (19, 20, 21) of the motion control part (6).

22. Docking module according to claim 10, characterized in that the connected plug contacts (24, 25) of the multiple-way coupling (K1, K3) which are connected electrically via a plug on the control side can be queried about a correctly established plug connection and the cover (D) in the open position.

23. Docking module according to claim 22, characterized in that the correctly established plug connection and the cover (D) in the open position are electrically interrogatable on the control side via at least one contact pin (24) inserted into a pin receptacle (25).

24. Docking module according to claim 11, characterized in that in the area of the multiple-way coupling (K1, K2) of the docking station (S) there is provided a sensor for intercepting a predetermined lowered positioning of the slide (17) and/or of a separate multiple-way coupling (K1, K2).

25. The docking module of claim 11, wherein the sensor is a proximity switch.

26. A docking module according to claim 15, characterized in that the swivel handle (30) is a hexagon.

27. A labeling machine (M) having at least one docking module (A) for a selectively dockable labeling unit (E), at least one pluggable multiple coupling (K1-K4) for the operation and/or control of a medium is provided in each case in the docking module (A) and on the labeling unit (E), the docking module (A) has an actuating drive (4, 5) for a docking station (S) that is highly adjustable in the docking module (A), and at least in the docking station (A) each multiple coupling (K1, K2) is provided with a cover (D) movable between an open position and a closed position, said cover being opened before the multiple couplings (K1-K4) are plugged, characterized in that at least one docking module according to any one of claims 1 to 26 is configured on the labeling machine (M).

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