EP1270425B1 - Method and device for applying tubular labels to articles - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and to an apparatus for carrying out the method according to the preamble Claim 8.

A method for applying label sleeves to objects, in particular on bottles, as well as an apparatus for carrying out such a method are known per se (DE 100 02 401 A1 or US 4,412,876 A). In the known case (e.g., DE 100 02 401 A1) become the label sleeves, that of a spreadable or shrinkable tubing, for example be separated from plastic, by means of a spreading and jaw unit at a leading in the supply and the coating of the label sleeve Edge or end detected and then with this spreading and jaw unit over the particular item, i. pulled over an upright bottle. It is necessary, the respective bottle on the peripheral or lateral surface To hold by gripper arms of a grasping forceps and secure against falling over, where this backup, however, before the complete completion of the stalling process be lifted by an at least partial opening of the gripping pliers must completely around the respective label sleeve on the gripper over to be able to raise the object.

The disadvantage here is thus, inter alia, that the respective object is not during the entire period of application of the label sleeve properly secured is what is particularly disadvantageous in bottles or similar containers, which slightly tilt because of their high height compared to the diameter.

The object of the invention is to provide a method and a device which avoid this disadvantage and an application of label sleeves on objects, especially on bottles or similar containers in a flawless Enable securing during the entire application.

To solve this problem is a method according to claim 1 and a device according to claim 8 is formed.

In the invention, in addition to a spreading and / or jaw unit Receiving and fixing provided, on which each applied Label sleeve first by transfer, for example, from a Schmeidaggregat is provided and from which the label sleeve then from the Spreizund / or Jaw unit is withdrawn to this case by coating on the object (e.g., container or bottle).

The receiving and fixing element serves at the same time when applying the label sleeve also the support and fixation of the respective object, then e.g. between this receiving and fixing element and a carrier (in processing of containers or bottles container or bottle carrier) clamped and so throughout the duration of the coating of the label sleeve constantly in particular is secured against falling over.

Preferably, means are provided to the receiving and fixing element, which can also consist of several parts or functional elements, optionally in a front in Überziehrichtung or a coating in the rear direction Area, d. H. for example, in a vertical coating direction in an upper or lower area, so that when passing the respective label sleeve the receiving and fixing element only on the rear in Überziehrichtung (e.g., lower) area and when removing the label sleeve from the receptacle and Fixing element and applying to the object only in the overdrawing direction front (e.g., upper) area and also centered.

The invention has significant advantages over the prior art. So Not only is it possible to hold the item for the entire duration reliably secure the application of the label sleeve, but the application or coating can also be from the beginning to the end at a constant speed be performed.

The inventive device is preferably designed so that on a circulating transport element, for example on a rotating rotor, several in each case a spreading and / or jaw unit and the receiving and Fixing element having labeling or working positions are provided. The Transfer of the label sleeves can then already before an inlet of the device take place, where the objects are supplied to the Etikettierpositionen. The entire path of the trajectory formed between the inlet and an outlet the labeling positions then stands for the application of the label sleeves and the required return stroke of the spreading and / or jaw units in their starting position available, so that at the same times for the coating and the return stroke a substantial increase in the performance of the invention Device is possible, in comparison with the known device, at the earliest the transfer of the label sleeves only at the inlet can.

Fig. 1

in schematischer Darstellung und in Draufsicht eine Vorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung zum Aufbringen von Etikettenhülsen auf Flaschen, insbesondere auch Kunststoff-Flaschen (PET-Flaschen) durch Auf- bzw. Überziehen;

Fig. 2

in vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung und in Form einer Abwicklung verschiedene am Umfang eines Rotors der Maschine der Figur 1 gebildete Etikettierpositionen, zur Erläuterung der Arbeitsweise der Maschine der Figur 1;

Fig. 3

in vereinfachter Einzeldarstellung eine Klammereinheit der Etikettierpositionen zum Erfassen und Überziehen der jeweiligen Etikettenhülse;

Fig. 4 und 5

jeweils das als Aufnahme- und Fixierkonus ausgebildete Aufnahme- und Fixierelement jeder Etikettierposition zusammen mit einem zangenartigen Halter für den Aufnahme- und Fixierkonus in verschiedenen Betriebsstellungen.

Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of an embodiment. Show it:

Fig. 1

in a schematic representation and in plan view of a device according to the invention for applying label sleeves to bottles, especially plastic bottles (PET bottles) by applying or coating;

Fig. 2

in a simplified schematic representation and in the form of a development of various formed on the circumference of a rotor of the machine of Figure 1 labeling positions, to explain the operation of the machine of Figure 1;

Fig. 3

in simplified detail a staple unit of the Etikettierpositionen for detecting and coating the respective label sleeve;

4 and 5

each formed as a receiving and fixing cone receiving and fixing each labeling position together with a pincer-like holder for the receiving and Fixierkonus in different operating positions.

The device generally designated 1 in the figures serves for application of tubular label sleeves 2 made of a stretchable and / or shrinkable Hose material 2 'on bottles 3, for example those made of plastic (PET bottles) by applying or coating.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bottles 3 via a conveyor 4 with Einteilschnecke 5 a bottle inlet 6 forming the transport star 6 'standing upright one after the other and in the required machine distance supplied and then get from the inlet star 6 'each one after the other and standing upright at one of the labeling positions 7, which at the periphery of a vertical machine axis circumferentially driven rotor 8 in uniform Angular distances are provided distributed around this machine axis. The rotational movement of the rotor 8 is indicated in the figure 1 with the arrow A. It goes on the representation chosen for the figure 1 in the clockwise direction.

The provided with the label sleeves 2 bottles 3 finally get to the circulating rotor 8 to the bottle outlet 9 and are there successively via an outlet star 9 'upright to a feed dog 10 for removal forwarded.

In the illustrated device takes place, as also explained in more detail below is to provide the respective label sleeve 2 in the between the Bottle outlet 9 and the bottle inlet 6 formed angular range of rotation A of the rotor 8, while the coating or coating of each at each Labeling position 7 provided label sleeve 2 in the between the bottle inlet 6 and the bottle outlet 9 formed angular range of rotation of the rotor 8 takes place.

For the provision of label sleeves 2 and their transfer to the respective Labeling 7 are in the device 1 two transfer or cutting units 11 and 12 in the angular range of rotation A of the rotor between the Bottle outlet 9 and the bottle inlet 6 provided, in the direction of rotation A offset from each other such that the separation and transfer unit 11 in Direction of rotation A the bottle inlet 6 is closer than the unit 12. Both units 11 and 12 serve to remove from the tube-like starting material 2 ', the is continuously withdrawn from a supply, by separating each one predetermined Length to form the label sleeves 2 and to a at the respective Aggregate passing by labeling position 7 or to a designated there Passover device 13 to pass. The separation and transfer units 11 and 12 each have a skilled in the art training.

Each unit 11 and 12 is assigned a double roller 14, namely for the unit 11 on the feed dog 4 in the transport direction before the bottle inlet. 6 and for the unit 12 on the feed dog 10 in the transport direction after the bottle outlet 9. In each dual role stand 14 are receptacles for two roles 15th or 16, which contain the tube material 2 '. From the roll 15 becomes in the representation of Figure 1, the respective tube material 2 'currently for forming the label sleeves 2 deducted. The role 16 is available as a further supply.

The two units 11 and 12 will be operated optionally, so that at Changing an empty roll 15 against a new roll 16 from an aggregate 11 can be switched to the other unit 12 and so a continuous Working the device 1 is guaranteed.

Furthermore, the units 11 and 12 can also be operated so that they each alternately the moving past Etikettierpositionen 7 and their Overmover devices 13 operate, so that in spite of the for forming the respective Label sleeve 2 required a high performance time (processed bottles 3 each Time unit) can be reached with the device 1.

As well as the inlet star 6 'and the outlet star 9' are all the rest, Functional units described in more detail below in synchronism with the drive driven by the rotor 8, either forcibly by appropriate Drive trains or cams, or by synchronous control of individual drives.

The formation of the individual labeling positions 7 results in particular Figure 2. At each labeling position is initially a bottle carrier in the form of a Bottle plate 17 is provided, which is coaxial with a vertical axis with its central axis Center axis MA of the labeling position is arranged and on which the respective Bottle 3 after transfer to the bottle inlet 6 with its bottom 3 'gets up. Furthermore, each labeling 7 has a linear guide 18, which in the illustrated Embodiment of two rod-like guide elements 18 'is formed is and in each case a carriage 19 in the longitudinal direction of the guide elements 18 ', d. H. in a vertical axis parallel to the machine axis by a predetermined Hub H is guided up and down movable. The linear guide 18 is at each Labeling 7 radially relative to the vertical center axis of the bottle plate provided offset inwards. For the movement of the carriage 19 is at the illustrated embodiment at each labeling position 7 a separate linear drive 20 provided, inter alia, a geared motor 21 (electric motor) comprising, via a toothed belt wheel 22, with its axis radial to the machine axis is aligned, a closed loop forming timing belt 23 drives. To form the with its longitudinal extent in the vertical direction oriented and thus also parallel to the guide elements 18 'extending Strap is the timing belt 23 in addition to another, not in the figures shown pulley guided, which is below the respective bottle plate 17 is mounted on the rotor 8 or on a frame of the linear drive 20. The geared motor 21 and the toothed belt wheel 22 are each above the bottle plate 17 at a sufficient distance from this bottle plate 17th

A length of the toothed belt 23 is connected to the carriage 19 so that Driving the timing pulley 22 in one direction or the other the Aufund Moving the carriage 19 is achieved.

The carriage 19 of each labeling position carries the Spreizund shown in the figure 3 and / or Jaw unit 24, which faces away from the machine axis Outside of the carriage protrudes and essentially two Spreiz- and Jaws 25 a and 25 b, the general function of spreading the respective label sleeve transferred in the vertical direction to the overdrawing device 13 2 at its lower end and the local holding the label sleeve 2 in the expanded state by clamping, so the spread label sleeve 2 can apply to the respective bottle 3 by coating. The both spreading and clamping jaws 25a and 25b are in the circumferential direction or in Direction of rotation A of the rotor 8 offset from each other and a mirror image to a formed radially to the machine axis extending vertical center plane M. Furthermore, the spreading and clamping jaws 25a and 25b are each approximately radially to the vertical machine axis from the outside of the carriage 19th path. The spreading and / or jaw unit 24 is together with the carriage 19 by the linear drive 20 from an upper initial position by a predetermined Hub H can be moved downwards and then back to the starting position.

Each spreading and clamping jaws 25a and 25b is formed in two parts, and Although consisting of an inner, finger-like, but curved Spreiz- and Jaw member 26a and 26b and an outer, also finger-like and curved spreading and jaw members 27a and 27b, respectively. The outer ones Jaw members 27a and 27b are in the illustrated embodiment each attached at one end to the carriage 19. Starting from the respective free end forms each outer spreading and jaw member 27a and 27b a jaw portion 27 ', which forms a jaw surface, the order a vertical axis parallel to the vertical axis of the associated bottle plate 17 is formed circular cylindrical or substantially circular cylindrical. The Jaw portions 27 'of the two spreading and jaw members 27a and 27b face each other with their concave sides.

On the inner side of each spreading and clamping element 27a or 27b thereafter is the associated inner spreading and jaw member 26a or 26b provided, which at its one, based on the machine axis radially inward end at 28 about a vertical axis pivotally mounted on the carriage 19 provided.

Starting from the free end forms each spreader and jaw member 26a and 26b, a jaw portion 26 'with a jaw surface, the provided on the middle plane M remote from the outside and circular cylindrical is curved, about a vertical axis with a radius of curvature, the same or approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the jaw surfaces the jaw portions 27 'is.

The two inner spreading and jaw members 26a and 26b are for example biased by a spring device into a starting position, in this spreading and jaw members and their jaw sections 26 'have a smaller distance from each other and also from the outer Spreader and jaw members 27a and 27b are spaced apart. The distance, the jaw surfaces of the two jaw portions 26 'in this Starting position of the spreading and clamping jaw elements 26a and 26b from each other are equal, but preferably slightly smaller than the diameter, have the label sleeves 2 in the axial direction, in which the two jaw portions 26 'are spaced from each other.

From the starting position, the spreading and clamping jaw elements 26a and 26b controlled in a spread and clamping position movable, in which the clamping jaw sections 26 'bear against the jaw portions 27' pressed. at In the illustrated embodiment, the control of the pivoting movement takes place the spreading and jaw members 26a and 26b on one of these elements or on local rollers 29 acting control cam 30, which at an im Carriage 19 rotatably mounted and oriented with its axis radially to the machine axis Control shaft 30 is provided, which in turn with a not shown Drive, for example with a cam having a drive cooperates, in such a way that when the respective labeling 7th a certain angular position of the rotational movement of the rotor 8 after passing the bottle inlet 6 has reached, the spreading and jaw members 26a and 26b are moved into their spreading and clamping position and in this position remain over an angular range of rotation of the rotor 8, the (the Angle range) for the coating of the label sleeve 2 is required. Only in connection The spreader and jaw members 26a and 26b return thereto Starting position back, so that in a subsequent adjoining angle range the rotational movement of the rotor 8 of the carriage 19 with the spreading and / or Jaw unit 24 before reaching the bottle outlet 9 in the starting position is moved back.

In particular, the clamping of the respective label sleeve 2 between the To secure jaw portions 26 'and 27' are the jaw portions 27 'with a rubber elastic and an increased coefficient of friction having facing coating 32. The jaw portions 26 ', however, are as thin as possible.

Another component of the puller 13 is a receiving and centering cone 33, the same axis with the central axis MA of the respective labeling position. 7 is arranged and on its outer or lateral surface to the upper end conically tapered. At the upper end of the receiving and fixing cone 33 forms a cylindrical portion 34 having a reduced cross section, Is arranged coaxially with the central axis MA and in the following even closer described manner with a provided on the rotor 8 for each labeling position 7 Gripper or holder 35 cooperates.

At least in the upper starting position of the stroke H of the carriage 19 and the Spreader and / or jaw unit 24 is the receiving and fixing cone 33rd with its lower end on the associated spreading and / or jaw unit 24 and is there with a cylindrical portion 33 'between the Jaw portions 26 'held by clamping, in such a way that the lateral surface of the receiving and fixing cone 33 at the lower end in the Jaw surfaces of the located in their initial position jaw sections 26 'passes. When moving the respective carriage 19 from the upper Starting position down the receiving and fixing cone 33 is first moved down until the section 34 enters the region of the holder 35, then from a retracted initial position radially to the vertical machine axis is moved to the outside in a fixing or holding position (double arrow B), in the holder 35 with its bracket or claw-like design End 35 'detects the portion 34 and thereby the receiving and fixing cone 33rd holds at its upper end and centered so that the receiving and Expansible cone 33 of the spreading and / or jaw unit 24 triggers that then without this cone can continue to move down, and that apart moving jaw portions 26 '.

The operation of the device 1 can thus be described as follows:
Whenever a labeling position 7 moves past an assembly 11 or 12, an already prepared, ie separated from the tube material 2 'label sleeve 2 is passed to the receiving and fixing cone 33 of this labeling position 7 of the relevant activated aggregate. The carriage 19 with the spreading and / or clamping jaw unit 24 and the receiving and fixing cone 33 are in the upper starting position. The receiving and fixing cone 33 is held only in the region of its lower end with the cylindrical portion 33 'on the carriage 19 and on the spreading and / or clamping jaw unit 24. The spreader and jaw members 26a and 26b are in their home position. The lower end of the transferred label sleeve 2 held at least for the most part on the receiving and fixing cone 33 reaches into the opened gap between the clamping jaw sections 26 'and 27' (position I of FIG. 2).

Once the prepared in the manner described above, a label sleeve labeling 7 has reached the bottle inlet 6 is at this labeling position. 7 Pass a bottle 3, which then with its bottom 3 'on the bottle plate 17th gets up and with her upper, closed bottle mouth 3 "by far is arranged below the carriage 19 and receiving and fixing cone 33 (position II of Figure 2).

Following this, the lowering of the carriage 19, until finally the section 34 has reached the area of the holder 35. This will then from his Starting position advanced so that it detects the section 34 with its end 35 ' and the receiving and fixing cone 33 fixed and centered (position III of FIG 2). Following this, the spreading of the label sleeve 2 followed by Clamp at the bottom, by moving apart of the Spreader and jaw members 26a and 26b from the initial position in the Clamping and spreading position in which the label sleeve 2 is spread at its lower end between the jaw portions 26 'and 27' is clamped. in the Following this, the carriage 19 together with the spreading and / or jaw unit 24 further moved down, so that the spread label sleeve. 2 is applied to the bottle 3 by coating (position V of Figure 2).

The bottle 3 is supported after fixing the receiving and fixing cone 33 with the holder 35 at the bottom of this cone with the shutter 3 "from For example, a short stroke movement of the holder 35 and / or the bottle plate 17 provided in the vertical direction.

Once the label sleeve 2 when mounting the desired height on the bottle has reached, the spreading and jaw members 26a and 26b in a Intermediate position moves such that the mutual distance of the jaw sections 26 'is larger than the diameter of the bottle 3, the clamping the label sleeve 2 but is released, so that the carriage 19 in the lower position of its stroke H can move without the label sleeve. 2 is further moved with (position VI Figure 2).

Following this, the carriage 19 is again moved up to the bottom of the receiving and fixing cone 33 (position VII of Figure 2). The recording and Fixing cone 33 is then moved from the back to the starting position Holder 35 is released, so that finally the carriage 19 together with the again held on this recording and Fixierkonus 33 in the starting position can move back (position VIII of Figure 2).

• daß die Übergabe der Etikettenhülsen 2 bereits in dem Winkelbereich der Drehbewegung des Rotors 8 zwischen dem Flaschenauslauf 9 und dem Flascheneinlauf 6 erfolgen kann,
• daß mit Hilfe des Aufnahme- und Fixierkonus 33 jede Flasche 3 insbesondere auch während des eigentlichen Überziehens der Etikettenhülse 2 ständig oben und unten zwischen dem Aufnahme- und Fixierkonus 33 und dem Flaschenteller 17 eingespannt und dadurch form- und/oder reibschlüssig gehalten sowie wirksam gegen Umfallen gesichert ist,
• daß diese Einspannung beim Überziehen der Etikettenhülse 2 auf die Flasche 3 zu keinem Zeitpunkt unterbrochen ist, und
• daß das Überziehen der Etikettenhülsen 2 auf die Flaschen 3 mit gleichbleibender Geschwindigkeit erfolgen kann.

Particular advantages of the device 1 are, inter alia,

• that the transfer of the label sleeves 2 can already take place in the angular range of the rotational movement of the rotor 8 between the bottle outlet 9 and the bottle inlet 6,
• that with the help of the receiving and fixing cone 33 each bottle 3 in particular during the actual coating of the label sleeve 2 constantly clamped up and down between the receiving and fixing cone 33 and the bottle plate 17 and thereby positively and / or frictionally held and effective against falling over is secured
• that this clamping is interrupted when coating the label sleeve 2 on the bottle 3 at any time, and
• that the coating of the label sleeves 2 can be done on the bottles 3 at a constant speed.

The device according to the invention further enables high performance in the Processing the bottles.

It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible. For example, it is possible to use the spreading and / or clamping jaw unit 24 and in particular the inner spreading and jaw elements 26a and 26b in such a way that the receiving and fixing cone 33 in the starting position (Positions I and VIII of Figure 2) to these elements by positive engagement is secured.

Furthermore, it is possible that instead of the receiving and fixing cone 33 another is provided the same effect element, for example, a spreading the respective label sleeve 2 effecting element. Instead of a cone with closed The lateral surface can also be another, e.g. cone-like acting and holding element may be provided.

Preferably, the linear drive 20 with its functional elements (geared motor 21, toothed belt wheels 22, toothed belt 23, etc.) or the entire Überzieheinheit 13 as a whole interchangeable unit, all functional elements on a frame.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

device

2

label sleeve

2 '

tubing

3

bottle

3 '

bottle bottom

3 '

Bottle cap at the mouth of the bottle

4

carrier

5

infeed worm

6

bottle infeed

6 '

feed star

7

labeling

8th

rotor

9

bottle outlet

9 '

outlet star

10

carrier

11, 12

Separating and transfer unit

13

Pull-down device

14

Double roll stand

15, 16

Rolls of tubing

17

bottle plates

18

linear guide

18 '

Guide element or guide rod

19

carriage

20

linear actuator

21

gearmotor

22

toothed belt

23

toothed belt

24

Spreading and clamping jaw unit

25a, 25b

Spreading and clamping jaws

26a, 26b

Spreader and jaw element

27a, 27b

Spreader and jaw element

27 '

Jaw portion

28

joint

29

control rollers

30

control cam

31

control shaft

32

covering

33

Receiving and fixing cone

33 '

cylindrical section

34

section

35

holder

35 '

Claw or pincer end

A

Direction of rotation of the rotor 8

B

Direction of movement of the holder 35

M

midplane

MA

Center axis of the labeling position

Claims (26)

1. Method of applying labelling sleeves (2) to objects, more especially bottles (3) or similar containers, where the respective labelling sleeve (2) on a pulling-over device (13) is grasped at a front-running end by means of a spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24) and is pulled in the axial pulling-over direction over the object (3) which is supported on a carrier (17), the object (3) being retained when the label is pulled-over it, characterised in that the respective labelling sleeve (2) is initially placed onto a receiving and securing member (33) of the pulling-over device (13), in that the object (3) is clamped between the receiving and securing member (33) and the carrier (17) at least during the pulling-over operation, and in that the labelling sleeve (2) is pulled over the object (3) by the receiving and securing member (33) with the assistance of the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24).
2. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised by the use of a receiving and securing cone, which tapers in opposition to the pulling-over direction, as the receiving and securing member.
3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, after a labelling sleeve (2) has been transferred to the receiving and securing member (33) and before the labelling sleeve (2) is pulled-over onto the object (3), the receiving and securing member (33) is centred and secured in its position relative to the object (3) with the assistance of a centring and retaining member (35).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the receiving and securing member (33) is retained on the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24) during the transfer of the respective labelling sleeve (2) to the receiving and securing member (33).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that where an apparatus is used with a plurality of labelling positions (7), formed on a rotating conveying member, preferably on a rotor (8) rotating about a vertical machine axis, each having a carrier (17) and each having a pulling-over device (13), which includes at least the receiving and securing member (33) and the spreading and clamping jaw unit (24), the transfer of the labelling sleeves (2) to the labelling positions (7) or respectively at the receiving and securing members (33) at that location is effected at a delivery position past which the labelling positions are moving.
6. Method according to claim 5, characterised in that the transfer of the labelling sleeves (2) to the labelling positions (7) or respectively at the receiving and securing members (33) at that location is effected at a discharge position which lies in the direction of movement (A) of the rotating conveying member or rotor (8) upstream of a position, at which the objects (3) are each supplied to the labelling positions (7) individually.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, where labelling sleeves (2) are applied to bottles (3) or similar containers, these containers are clamped at least between a container carrier (17) and the receiving and securing member (33), preferably on a bottom surface (3') of the container and on an oppositely situated upper surface (3") of the container.
8. Apparatus for the applying of labelling sleeves (2) to objects, more especially bottles or similar containers (3), having at least one spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24) for spreading and grasping the respective labelling sleeve (2) at a front-running end or edge as well as for the axial pulling-over of the labelling sleeve (2) in a pulling-over direction onto the object (3), the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit being moved out of an initial position in the pulling-over direction, as well as having a carrier (17) for the supporting of the object (3) during the pulling-over operation, characterised in that a receiving and securing member (33) is provided situated opposite the carrier (17), said receiving and securing member (33) effecting a retaining of the object (3) between the receiving and securing member (33) and the carrier (17) at least during the pulling-over operation and, for the respective labelling sleeve (2), forming a receiving means, from which the labelling sleeve (2) prepared at that location can be withdrawn with the assistance of the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24) and can be applied to the object (3) by means of the pulling-over operation.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24) is provided downstream of the receiving and securing member (33) in the pulling-over direction.
10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterised by means for the arbitrary retaining and/or centring of the receiving and securing member (33) at least at a first region (34) and at a second region (33'), which is offset relative to the first region in the pulling-on direction.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterised in that the means for retaining and/or centring the receiving and securing member (33) has a pincer-like or gripper-like retaining and/or centring member (35), which interacts with the first region (34) of the receiving and securing member (33).
12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24) or a sliding carriage (19), which includes this unit, forms a support for the receiving and securing member (33) at its second region.
13. Apparatus according to one of the claims 8 to 12, characterised in that the pulling-over direction is the direction of a vertical axis, and in that the receiving and securing member (33) is situated above the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24).
14. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterised in that the pulling-over direction is the direction of a vertical axis, and in that the carrier (17) is situated underneath the receiving and securing member (33) as well as underneath the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit when this latter is in the initial position.
15. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterised by a linear drive (20) for the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24) or for the sliding carriage (19) carrying this unit.
16. Apparatus according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterised in that, with each movement of the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24) out of its initial position in the pulling-over direction, the receiving and securing member (33), retained on the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24) is initially entrained as far as an intermediate position of the movement of the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24) and is then secured at this location at its first region, trailing behind in the direction of movement, by means of the retaining and/or centring member (35), such that, when the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (34) continues to move in the pulling-over direction, it is removed from the receiving and securing member (33) and the labelling sleeve (2) is hereby applied to the object (3) as it is withdrawn from the receiving and securing member (33).
17. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 16, characterised in that the receiving and securing member (33) is cone-like with a cross-section which increases in the pulling-over direction.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterised in that the maximum cross-section of the receiving and securing member is substantially the same as the cross-section of the labelling sleeves (2).
19. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 18, characterised in that the spreading and clamping jaw unit (24) has at least two spreading and clamping jaws (25, 25a), each of which is formed by an inner spreading and clamping jaw member (26a, 26b) and by an outer spreading and clamping jaw member (27a, 27b), at least the inner clamping jaw members (26a, 26b) being movable apart out of an initial position for spreading the labelling sleeve (2).
20. Apparatus according to claim 19, characterised in that, for clamping the labelling sleeve (2), the inner spreading and clamping jaw members (26a, 26b) are each moveable in opposition to the associated outer spreading and clamping jaw member (27a, 27b).
21. Apparatus according to claim 19, characterised in that, for clamping the labelling sleeve, the outer spreading and clamping jaw members (27a, 27b) are each moveable in opposition to the associated inner spreading and clamping jaw member (26a, 26b).
22. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spreading and/or clamping jaw unit (24), the driving means for this unit, the carrier (17) for the object (3) as well as the receiving and securing member (33) are respective component parts of a labelling station (7), a plurality of which are provided one after the other in the direction of rotation (A) on a rotating conveying member, preferably on a rotor (8), which rotates about a vertical machine axis.
23. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterised by an inlet (6), formed by an inlet star (6'), on which the objects (3) are each transferred to a labelling position (7) by a supplying means (4), characterised as well as by at least one labelling sleeve transferring means (11, 12) on the path of movement of the labelling positions (7) for the transferring of the labelling sleeves (2) to the labelling positions (7) moving past that location or respectively to their receiving and securing members (33).
24. Apparatus according to claim 23, characterised in that the labelling sleeve transferring means is provided in the direction of movement of the conveyor or rotor (8) upstream of the inlet (6) for the objects (3).
25. Apparatus according to claim 23, characterised in that at least two labelling sleeve transferring means (11, 12) are provided one after the other in the direction of movement of the rotating conveying member or rotor (8).
26. Apparatus according to claim 23, 24, or 25, characterised in that the at least one labelling sleeve transferring means (11, 12) is formed by a separating and transferring unit (11, 12), at which the labelling sleeves (2) are each separated-off from a hose material (2').

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