EP2287080B1 - Device and method for labelling containers with different label types - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for labeling containers with different types of labels on the FR 2 527 549 described genus.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for labeling containers with different types of labels on the FR 2 527 549 described genus.

In particular, the FR 2 527 549 a device for labeling containers with different types of labels, wherein at least two trained as a rotary labeling machines each associated with a Eingesternrad and an output station such that a Behältertransportweg is formed, via which the container to be labeled controlled the at least two labeling machines are fed, with each of the at least two labeling machines at least one type of label is processable and wherein the processed with the at least two labeling machines label types differ.

Other such devices and methods for labeling plastic bottles are known in the art. From the German patent application DE 41 25 579 A1 Furthermore, a device for labeling of thin-walled containers is known, in which they attack by a bottle holder with a height-retaining fork for attaching the bottles exclusively on the collar and setting by a top-mounted centering and thus fix stable.

From the German part DE 602 08 736 T2 of the European patent EP 1 251 074 B1 Furthermore, a device for gripping and handling of bottles in a labeling machine is known. This device also comprises an element which serves to grip a bottle neck. This element is also designed as a fork for gripping a protruding edge or carrying ring of the bottles.

Likewise is from the German part DE 601 10 498 T2 of the European patent EP 1 167 213 B1 a labeling machine is known, on which a rotatable support is arranged at an upper end of the machine. An additional gripping means holds the containers to be labeled at their open or upper area and at their support ring.

There are a variety of label types. Depending on the requirements, it is necessary to provide one and the same container with different labels, for example a Staniol label over the bottle neck, another label on the bottle belly. There are basically three different labeling units that are used to attach labels to containers.

One way of labeling the containers is to provide the containers with an adhesive label. The adhesive label is further distinguished by a variety of labeling methods. These include wet labeling, staniolation, hot glue labeling, wrap-around labeling and self-adhesive labeling.

The European patent EP 14 12 279 B1 discloses a labeling machine with which articles (bottles, cans or the like) can be provided with a label. The labeling machine makes it possible to equip the articles with different labels according to the adhesive labeling. The articles to be labeled are transported on a carousel. At the periphery of the carousel, the various labeling units of different design (wet glue aggregate, hot melt aggregate, donor aggregate for self-adhesive labels, labeling unit for roll labels or the like) can be grown. The individual labeling units will each have their own undercarriage, possibly also each having at least one own motorized drive. The device proposed here makes it possible to apply different types of labels (adhesive labels) to the articles as desired by the customer.

Another possibility of the labeling is the attachment of so-called wrap-around labels, which consist of a single tube and are cut off from the endless tube according to the labeling requirement on the articles. The cut-off parts of the tube films - so-called sleeves - are drawn in the labeling machine over the container circumference. They thus represent a label enclosing the container. When using film tubes, two different methods are used. In the stretch sleeve process, the labels are stretched over the container on stretchable film, with the film conforming to the contour of the container when the film's mechanical stretch applied to the coating over the container has been removed. In the shrink-sleeve method, however, the film is first loose on the container and then shrinks Temperature influence exactly to the container contour. The effect of temperature is usually achieved in a so-called shrink tunnel.

The European patent EP 1 164 082 B1 discloses a device for sliding label sleeves on vessels. The containers to be labeled are transported on a carousel past so-called pinch slides. During the pushing on of the label by the perforated slide, the vessel is held on the jacket area, in particular close to the ground. The label is now loosely held on the container as a so-called sleeve. In a subsequent shrink tunnel, the label attaches tightly to the container to be labeled.

The European patent EP 1091 877 B1 discloses a method and apparatus for applying label sleeves to articles. The containers to be labeled are transported on a turntable past the labeling units. The individual hose labels are separated from the endless hose by means of a cutting unit. The label sleeve is detected by a Spreizbackeneinheit at its leading edge and pulled during a continuous height equal transport movement of the labeling objects in the axial direction over this. After the spreader jaws with the label are disengaged, this relaxes and fits tightly against the object to be labeled. This labeling method is also called stretch-sleeve method.

The European patent application EP 1 645 514 A2 discloses a method and apparatus for providing containers with a wrap-around label. The wrap-around label has a beginning and an end edge, which consists of a rigid, especially cardboard material. In the labeling process, the label material is brought with its initial edge to the lateral surface of the vessel to be labeled and at least temporarily attached to this. Subsequently, the label is wrapped circumferentially on the vessel and the end edge stitched in shock with the leading edge lying. The containers are transported in the labeling process by means of a rotary runner past the individual labeling stations or units. After the leaking of the vessels from the labeller go through the labeled Objects a UV tunnel in which takes place by UV irradiation intensive networking and curing of the hot glue.

The European patent application EP 1634 817 A2 also discloses an apparatus for labeling an article having a radially inwardly formed container portion which is also to be covered with the label. The article is labeled with a wrap-around adhesive label, the label material being shrinkable. For this purpose, an initial edge of the label material is first attached to the object. The end edge of the label material lies after completion of labeling shock to impact with the leading edge. After leaving the labeling machine, the labeled containers pass through a UV tunnel, in which a curing or crosslinking of the splices of the hot glue is carried out. The containers then pass through the shrink tunnel in which the label material fits tightly against the container.

The provision of containers with a wrap-around label is out of the DE 41 25 472 A1 disclosed. In a continuous operation, the sealable material is withdrawn from a supply roll, separated a single label and then fed with its leading edge to the vessel, by at least one narrow, adhering in the leading edge adhesive zone, wound by rotation of the vessel and subsequently by sealing the label trailing edge with the Label leading edge connected.

The French patent application FR 2 527 549 A1 discloses a device for labeling containers with different types of labels, in which three labeling stations (units) for different types of labels are consecutively traversed in a predetermined order. The units are arranged circumferentially on a carousel.

None of the labeling machines known from the prior art, it is possible to process the different types of labels, such as adhesive labels and shrink labels at the same time. According to the state of the art, it is only possible with the different labeling machines to either process adhesive labels alone, whereby it is already possible here to machine the different different adhesive labels with one and the same labeling machine, wherein different labeling units are docked to a carousel, which to be labeled container leads past the labeling. In addition, separate labeling machines must be used for the stretch sleeve labels or shrink sleeve labels.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device with which it is possible to mount the different types of labels on articles without retrofitting. The attachment of the different labels should be specifically controlled and arbitrary.

The above object is achieved by a device comprising the features of claim 1.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method by which different types of labels can be applied to articles entering the device without the need for stoppage and retrofitting of the device.

This object is achieved by a method comprising the features of claim 11.

The device for labeling containers with different types of labels is equipped with at least two labeling machines. The labeling machines are designed as a rotary type. The at least two labeling machines are each assigned an input star wheel and an output star wheel such that a container transport path is formed, via which the containers to be labeled can be fed to the at least two labeling machines in a controlled manner. At least one type of label can be processed with each of the at least two labeling machines. The types of labels processed with the at least two labeling machines differ.

The container transport path leads the containers to be labeled to the labeling machines. So it is z. B. possible that with the first labeling adhesive labels of different designs can be processed. It is also conceivable that in the first labeling machine also a direct printing of the labels on the container to be labeled is possible. In a possible second or further labeling machine so-called sleeve labels are then processed. This can z. As shrink sleeve labels and / or stretch sleeve labels.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a first labeling machine and a second labeling machine. With the first labeling machine, at least one unit for adhesive labels and / or an aggregate for a Direct printing of labels to be connected to the containers. The second labeller is an aggregate for attaching sleeve labels around the containers.

In order to process a sufficient capacity of the containers with the second labeling machine, the second labeling machine consists of a first rotary and a second rotary, both of which are designed for the attachment of sleeve labels around the containers.

The first rotary and the second rotary can be designed for the attachment of stretch sleeve labels and shrink sleeve labels. It is also conceivable that one of the two rotary runners processes only stretch sleeve labels and the other rotary runner of the second labeling machine only processes shrink sleeve labels.

The device is provided with a controller. By means of the control, the individual containers can optionally be directed to the at least two labeling machines to which the corresponding label is then applied. Among other things, the control makes efficient use of the capacity of the device possible. So z. For example, a first container may be labeled on the first labeling machine while the second container, which is perhaps to be provided with a different type of label, is diverted to the second or further labeling machine where it is provided with a different type of label.

There are essentially three types of labels, namely the adhesive labels, the stretch sleeve labels and the shrink sleeve labels. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first labeling machine of the device is provided with at least one unit, can be processed with the adhesive labels of various designs. The adhesive labels can also be designed as a wrap-around label. Furthermore, the first labeling machine can also be connected to an aggregate for direct printing of the labels on the containers. In addition, the labeling machine additionally with an aggregate for aligning the container is provided. The containers, which are preferably bottles, are aligned according to contour or cams in the area of the bottle bottom or bottle wall.

Thus, it is possible for a customer to mount any type of label on the containers in a constant stream of containers. It is therefore not necessary that the containers to be labeled differently have to be removed from the container transport and transported to another labeling machine in order to attach the other type of label there. In most cases, this problem is solved by providing another labeling machine which can label the other type of label and the containers are then delivered in a constant stream, with all containers of the incoming container stream labeled with the same label.

According to the invention, the second labeling machine is then provided with an assembly for the attachment of sleeve labels around the containers. A third labeller also includes an assembly for applying shrink sleeve labels around the containers.

It goes without saying that the device need not be limited to only two or three labeling machines. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that z. B. two labeling machines are provided, of which process a stretch sleeve labels and another labeling machine processes the shrink sleeve labels. Furthermore, a labeling machine for adhesive labels is provided, with which then the necessary aggregates for the different adhesive labels are connected. The final embodiment of a device for the labeling of containers depends on the requirements of the customer. Has z. For example, if a customer has several containers in an incoming container stream which are to be labeled by means of an adhesive label, then he will provide more than one labeling machine that can process adhesive labels. It is also conceivable, as already mentioned, that the device is configured in such a way that more labeling machines are provided which can process shrink sleeve labels if this is desired by the customer and the requirements are such that the multiplicity of containers are in the incoming one Container flow can be processed with shrink sleeve labels.

In particular, the container transport path within the device is configured such that the containers are transported at the same height through the device. Within the device, the container in Behältertransportweg at least partially on a neck portion manageable. The handling of the container at the neck portion is preferably used in the labeling of empty containers. Again, the transport is equal in height.

In a discharge conveyor of the device, a curing and / or a film shrinking unit are arranged. The curing agent may be a UV tunnel and the film shrinking unit may be formed as a shrink tunnel. The UV tunnel essentially serves to crosslink or harden the hot-melt adhesive. The shrink tunnel is used to shrink the shrink sleeve labels or wrap-around labels on the containers to allow the labels to conform to the contours of the container to be labeled.

In Leeretikettierung and the associated handling of the container at the neck portion of the film shrinking unit is designed as a Schrusskarussell.

The method according to the invention for labeling containers with different types of labels is characterized in that a controller controls the device for labeling containers in such a way that at least two labeling machines are supplied with the containers to be labeled as a function of the label type to be labeled. Each of the at least two labeling machines processes at least one type of label. The types of labels that are processed on the at least two labeling machines differ. So z. For example, an adhesive label type may be processed on the first labeler, and a sleeve label type may be processed on the second or other labeler. The containers are each passed via input test wheels to the at least two labeling machines.

Via the input star wheels, the containers are controlled in the device such that the containers directly one of the at least two, for example, the second Labeling machine are supplied so that a different type of label than with the first labeling machine is attached.

Thus, a controllable input test wheel is provided in the container transport path in front of the first labeling machine. By means of the controllable input star wheel, the containers can be selectively moved on the container transport path on the container transport path to the selected labeling machines (e.g., second labeling machine). In the second labeling machine, a different type of label is then applied to the containers than in the first labeling machine. The direct supply of the container to the second labeling is therefore advantageous, since thus the efficiency of the device is not affected because containers that do not need to be labeled with the first labeling machine, not run through the first labeling, but directly the at least the second second Labeling be supplied and claim no space in the first labeling machine.

Likewise, the labeling machines which form the device can be assigned units for aligning, datating and / or checking the containers, in particular bottles. The possible labeling variants that can be processed simultaneously with the device are stretch sleeve labels, shrink sleeve labels, wrap-around labels with hot glue, wrap-around labels that are shrinkable, and a UV-curable adhesive on the container self-adhesive labels, as well as a combination of all-round, sleeve or self-adhesive label. With the device according to the invention, it is possible to provide a machine concept for the labeling of containers, with which it is possible, if necessary, to process any type of label. The labels can be placed on full or empty containers. The customer thus has the opportunity to meet all the requirements of the market, such as: As marketing changes, label lay-out, price increases of labels, glue, etc., to respond. With the device according to the invention it is possible that the present in the device labeling can be quickly and easily converted to other equipment variants for the container.

Figur 1

zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung, bei der zwei Etikettiermaschinen zusammengeschaltet sind.

Figur 2

zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung, bei der die zweite Etikettiermaschine zwei Rundläufer umfasst.

Figur 3

zeigt eine Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung aus Fig. 2, bei der der Behältertransportweg über die zweite Etikettiermaschine geführt ist.

Figur 4

zeigt eine Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung aus Fig. 2, bei der der Behältertransportweg über die erste Etikettiermaschine und die zweite Etikettiermaschine geführt ist.

Figur 5

zeigt eine Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung, wobei die Einrichtung ein Schrumpfkarussell umfasst.

Figur 6

zeigt die Darstellung der Einrichtung aus Fig. 5, bei der die Behälter über das Schrumpfkarussell geführt werden, bevor die Behälter über den Auslaufförderer auslaufen.

Figur 7

zeigt schematisch eine weitere Ausführungsform der Einrichtung, die drei Etikettiermaschinen umfasst.

Figur 8

zeigt einen Behälter, der mit der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung verarbeitbar ist.

In the following, embodiments of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention and their advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures.

FIG. 1

shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which two labeling machines are interconnected.

FIG. 2

shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the second labeling machine comprises two rotary.

FIG. 3

shows a representation of the device according to the invention Fig. 2 in which the container transport path is guided via the second labeling machine.

FIG. 4

shows a representation of the device according to the invention Fig. 2 in which the container transport path is guided via the first labeling machine and the second labeling machine.

FIG. 5

shows a representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the device comprises a Schrusskarussell.

FIG. 6

shows the appearance of the device Fig. 5 in which the containers are passed over the shrink carousel before the containers run out via the discharge conveyor.

FIG. 7

schematically shows another embodiment of the device comprising three labeling machines.

FIG. 8

shows a container that is processable with the device according to the invention.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity only reference numerals in the individual figures that are required for the description of the respective figure.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the device 200 according to the invention, in which a first labeling machine 1 and a second labeling machine 2 are interconnected. The first labeling machine 1 and the second labeling machine 2 are connected to each other via a container transport path 7. The device 200 is associated with a controller 15, via which, depending on the selection, the containers 100 to be labeled (for example, a few containers 100 are shown in FIG FIG. 1 ) of the first labeling machine 1 or the second labeling machine 2 can be fed. In front of the first labeling machine 1, a controllable input star wheel 61 is provided, with which the containers 100 can be fed to the first labeling machine 1 or the second labeling machine 2.

The containers 100 to be labeled with the first labeling machine 1 are conveyed to the discharge conveyor 70 via the input star wheel 61, around the first labeling machine 1, past the discharge star wheel 81 and the input star wheel 62 and the discharge star wheel 82. These containers 100 thus do not run over the second labeling machine 2.

The containers 100, which are to be labeled with the second labeling machine 2, are transported directly to the second labeling machine 2. These containers 100 thus do not run over the first labeling machine 1, but are transferred to the second labeling machine 2 with the controlled input star wheel 62. This has the advantage that the containers 100, which are to be labeled with the second labeling machine 2, are not to be moved over the first labeling machine 1 and thus take up unnecessary space. This significantly increases the efficiency of the entire device 200. It is thus possible that z. B. the first labeling machine 1 is not loaded with containers 100, which are not labeled by the first labeling machine 1.

At the in FIG. 1 In the embodiment shown, it is also shown that the container labeled in the first labeling machine 1 does not run over the second labeling machine 2 again by the controlled input star wheel 62 to the second labeling machine 2. The labeled in the first labeling machine 1 container thus run past the second labeling machine 2 and thus arrive directly at the outlet conveyor 70.

In the outlet conveyor 70, a UV tunnel 31 and a shrink tunnel 32 are arranged after the second labeling machine 2. The UV tunnel 31 is arranged in front of the shrink tunnel 32 in the outlet conveyor 70. In the UV tunnel 31 a hot glue is crosslinked so that the labels 101 (see FIG. 8 ) during the shrinking process in the shrink tunnel 32 does not solve.

FIG. 2 1 shows a schematic arrangement of the device 200 for labeling containers 100, which comprises a first labeling machine 1 and a second labeling machine 2. As already in the description too FIG. 1 mentioned, the first labeling machine 1 and the second labeling machine 2 via the Behältertransportweg 7 are interconnected. This means that via the container transport path 7 of the first labeling machine 1 and the second labeling machine 2, the containers 100 are supplied controlled. In the outlet conveyor 70 at least one curing agent 31 and a film shrink unit 32 is provided. In the embodiment shown here, two UV tunnels 31 are arranged as curing agents and a shrink tunnel 32 in the outlet conveyor 70.

In FIG. 2 the container transport path 7 is shown only via the first labeling machine 1. The direction of movement of the container 100 is in FIG. 2 marked with arrows. The input star wheel 61, which lies in the container transport path 7 in front of the first labeling machine 1, is controlled by means of the controller 15 in such a way that the containers 100 run over the first labeling machine 1. After being labeled in the first labeling machine 1, the containers are transported on to the second labeling machine 2 via the dispensing wheel 81, via a controlled interaction of the two input test wheels 62 of the second labeling machine 2 via the container transport path 7.

In the embodiment of the device 200 shown here, the second labeling machine 2 consists of a first rotary 21 and a second rotary 22. The first labeling machine 1 is preferably designed such that it can process adhesive labels of various types. The second labeling machine 2 is with the first rotary 21 and the second rotary 22 designed such that with the second labeling machine 2 sleeve labels can be processed. With the second labeling machine 2 z. B. shrink sleeve labels and stretch sleeve labels in the first rotary 21 and the second rotary 22 are applied in parallel to the container 100.

As desired, the first labeling machine 1 several units 11 can be assigned, which can process different adhesive labels. Furthermore, the first labeling machine 1 can also be associated with a printing unit 12 which prints labels directly onto the container 100. It is also conceivable that the second labeling machine 2 is associated with a printing unit 12, which partially prints on the already arranged on the bottle 100 sleeve labels. Likewise, the first labeling machine 1 and the second labeling 2 further control or control devices 13, such as. As a camera, a laser scanner, a supervisory station or the like., Are assigned, which control the container 100, check the labels and check any imprints on the labels. The containers 100, which at the in FIG. 2 illustrated means 100 were labeled by means of the first labeling machine 1 can be transported directly between the first rotary 21 and the second rotary 22 of the second labeling 2 and thus reach directly to the outlet conveyor 70. The direction of movement of the container in Behältertransportweg 7 by arrows and the marked stronger line.

FIG. 3 11 shows the situation of the container transport in the device 200, wherein the input star wheel 61 of the first labeling machine 1 is controlled such that the containers 100 are fed directly to the respective input star wheel 62 of the first rotor 21 and the second rotor 22 of the second labeling machine 2, respectively the first rotary 21 and around the second rotary 22 around the respective output star wheel 82 to the outlet conveyor 70. The direction of movement of the container 100 in Behältertransportweg 7 is also indicated by arrows and the stronger line.

FIG. 4 shows the situation of the container transport in the device 200, wherein the input star wheel 61 of the first labeling machine 1 is controlled such that the Container 100 are first supplied to the first labeling machine 1. In the first labeling machine 1, adhesive labels and / or direct printing are applied to the containers 100. For direct printing on the containers 100, ink jet printing is preferred. Other types of printing, such as laser printing, dye sublimation or the like. Are quite conceivable and can be integrated into the device on demand. From the output star wheel 81 of the first labeling machine 1, the containers 100 reach the input star wheels 62 of the first rotary 21 and the second rotary 22 of the second labeling machine 2. These input star wheels 62 are controlled such that the container 100 already provided with at least one label from the first labeling machine 1 of the second labeling machine 2 are supplied to provide the container 100 additionally with a sleeve label. The direction of movement of the container 100 in Behältertransportweg 7 is also indicated by arrows and the stronger line.

The in the FIGS. 2 to 4 schematically illustrated means 200 are particularly suitable for the labeling of already filled containers 100. The containers 100 can thus be moved standing between the first rotary 21 and the second rotary 22 as well as in the first rotary 21 and second rotary 22 itself. An at least partially handling of the container 100 within the device 200 at the neck portion 105 (see FIG. 8 ) is also possible.

FIG. 5 shows a representation of a further embodiment of the device 200 according to the invention, wherein the device 200 includes a shrink carousel 30. With the in the Figures 5 and 6 In particular, containers 100 which are not filled are labeled. The handling of the container 100 takes place in the container transport path 7 at least in sections on a neck portion 105 (see FIG. 8 ) the container 100. In FIG. 5 the situation is shown that the containers to be labeled 100 are guided via the input star wheel 61 to the first labeling machine 1 and labeled there accordingly by means of the associated units. After the containers 100 have left the first labeling machine 1 via the discharge star wheel 81, the containers 100 are fed to the first rotary 21 and the second rotary 22 of the second labeling machine 2 via the input star wheels 62. The containers 100 provided with an adhesive label leave the second labeling machine 2 via the dispensing star wheels 82 of the second labeling machine 2 and the second labeling machine 2 Output star wheel 83 of the shrinking carousel 30 in the direction of the discharge conveyor 70. The direction of movement of the container 100 in Behältertransportweg 7 is also indicated by arrows.

FIG. 6 shows the situation in which the containers 100 are provided in the second labeling machine 2 with sleeve labels. It is also possible that 1 labels are attached to the containers 100 in the first labeling machine. The dispensing star wheel 82 of the first rotary 21 of the second labeling machine 2 functions as an input star wheel of the shrinking carousel 30. All containers 100 provided with a shrinkable label are passed over the shrinking carousel 30 so that the labels fit snugly against the container contour. Via the discharge star wheel 83, the containers 100 leave the shrinking carousel 30 and reach the discharge conveyor 70. The direction of movement of the containers 100 in the container transport path 7 is also indicated by arrows.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a further embodiment of the device 200, which comprises a first labeling machine 1, a second labeling machine 2 and a third labeling machine 3. Although the third labeling machine 3 is also configured in the embodiment with a first rotary 21 and a second rotary 22, this should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. The third labeling machine 3 or any other labeling machine of the device 200 may be designed according to the needs for the labeling.

FIG. 8 shows a container 100. The container is designed as a bottle 100, in which a label 101 is attached to a peripheral region 110 of the bottle 100. Here it is clear that the label 101 is not designed as wrap-around label. The label 101 only partially surrounds the circumference 110 of the bottle 100. According to the invention, it is possible to provide a wide variety of containers 100 with labels 101 and thereby to design the labels. Depending on the container to be labeled 100, for example, a cutting device can be adjusted via a controller such that the labels are cut in the desired length of an endless film web, so that the labels completely surround the circumference of the container. As already disclosed in the description of some embodiments of the invention, empty containers may also be labeled. As already described above, it is also possible a single container 100 can be provided at different areas (circumference 110, neck section 105, head) with more than one label 101. The containers 100 are then moved on a neck portion 105 within the device 200 on the container transport path 7.

The invention has been described in consideration of preferred embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims (14)

1. Device (200) for labelling containers (100) with different label types, wherein an infeed star wheel (61, 62) and a discharge star wheel (81, 82) are assigned in such a way to each of at least two labelling machines (1, 2), designed as carousels, that a container transport path (7) is formed, along which the containers (100) to be labelled are feedable under control to the at least two labelling machines (1, 2) and wherein at least one label type is processable with each of the at least two labelling machines (1, 2) and wherein the label types processed within the at least two labelling machines (1, 2) are different, wherein a control system (15) is provided, by which the infeed star wheels (61, 62) are controlled in such a way that for applying the selected label type, the individual containers (100) are routable to the one of the at least two labelling machines (1, 2) by which the selected label type is to be processed.
2. Device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the device (200) comprises a first labelling machine (1) and a second labelling machine (2).
3. Device (200) according to claim 2, wherein at least one unit or aggregate for adhesive labels and/or a unit or aggregate for direct printing of the labels onto the containers (100) is connectable to the first labelling machine (1).
4. Device (200) according to claim 2, wherein the second labelling machine (2) comprises a unit or aggregate for applying sleeve labels around the containers (100).
5. Device (200) according to claim 4, wherein the second labelling machine (2) comprises a first carousel (21) and a second carousel (22) that are both designed for applying sleeve labels around the containers (100).
6. Device (200) according to claim 5, wherein the first carousel (21) and the second carousel (22) are designed for stretch-sleeve labels and for shrink-sleeve labels or wherein the first carousel (21) is designed for stretch-sleeve labels and the second carousel (22) is designed for shrink-sleeve labels.
7. Device (200) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the container transport path (7) within the device (200) is arranged in such a way that the containers (100) are transportable at an even height.
8. Device (200) according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein within the device (200), the containers (100) in the container transport path (7) can at least sectionally be handled on a neck section (105) or wherein during labelling of empty containers (100), the containers (100) within the device (200) can be handled on the neck section (105) along the entire container transport path (7).
9. Device (200) according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein a curing unit or aggregate (31) and/or a film shrinking unit or aggregate (32) are arranged in a discharge conveyor (70) of the device (200).
10. Device (200) according to claim 9, wherein in the case of handling the containers (100) by the neck section (105), the film shrinking unit or aggregate (32) is a shrinking carousel (30).
11. Method for labelling containers (100) with different label types, utilizing a device according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps:

    • that the control system (15) controls the device (200) for labelling containers (100) in such a way that the containers (100) to be labelled are fed to the at least two labelling machines (1, 2) along a container transport path (7), depending on the label type to be applied;

    • that with each of the at least two labelling machines (1, 2) at least one label type is processed, wherein the label types processed with the at least two labelling machines (1, 2) are different; and

    • that the containers (100) are transferred to the at least to labelling machines (1, 2) via the infeed star wheels (61, 62), respectively.
12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the containers (100) are controlled within the device (200) via the infeed star wheels (61, 62) in such a way that the containers (100) are fed directly to the at least second labelling machine (2), so that a different label type is applied than with the first labelling machine (1).
13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 12, wherein the container transport path (7) within the device (200) is arranged as such that the containers (100) are transported at an even height.
14. Method according to any one of the claims 11 to 13, wherein empty containers (100) within the device (200) are transported along the container transport path (7) by a neck section (105).

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