EP2670673B1 - Device and method for labelling individual packages from the underside of the package - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for labeling individual packages according to the preamble of claim 1 or 26, and as from DE 195 45 191 known.

A device is out of the DE 10 2007 034 698 A1 known. Such a device has, on the one hand, one or more conveying sections for transporting the packs and, on the other hand, an application unit for applying the label printed by a printer to the underside of the pack. For this purpose, it is necessary that the labels are provided on the underside of the pack in the space available there and are applied with exact position. In the known device is provided for this purpose that the attachment of the label is effected by means of a pressing element. The transport of the printed label from the printer in the region of the free space below the pack is effected by a transport path which is inclined at a certain angle. Such a configuration represents a relatively high technical effort and is limited in their ease of use, because the arranged below the feed unit printer is poorly accessible.

Another of the prior art ( DE 10 2008 032 019 A1 ) known labeling device has a manipulator, at the lower end of a stamp head is provided. The upper end of the manipulator arm is attached to a rod, wherein the manipulator arm is linearly movable along the rod. By suitable movement of the manipulator arm, the labels can be picked up at a first position by a label dispensing device, then transported to a further position where they are applied from the top to a product.

The invention has for its object to further develop a device or a method of the type mentioned in that results in the highest possible ease of use when applying the printed label on the package and a high flexibility with respect to the label length used.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1.

Furthermore, this object is achieved by a method according to claim 26.

The invention is characterized in that a high reproducibility when applying the label is achieved. The printed label is transferred in the region of the dispensing edge, which is arranged as part of the printer at a distance from the feed unit, to the manipulator means and applied to the predetermined position on the package. The movement effected by the manipulator means consists of a longitudinal movement to bring the label from a position laterally spaced from the advancing unit into a position below the pack, and a pivoting movement. Both separate from each other running motions can also be coupled together. The pivoting movement preferably takes place in the region near the packing, in particular below the packing. This results in high degrees of freedom for the manipulation of the label.

The good reproducibility of the process is also given by the fact that there is only one takeover point for the label. The resulting by the inventive solution spatial separation of printing device on the one hand and the transport device for the packs on the other hand can now work independently of the application position on the bottom of the pack in the same way with a conventional, designed for labeling from above printer. This can be conveniently fed from its top with the carrier strips of the labels. The printer can basically be used on both sides, i. be positioned on the right or left of the plant, resulting in a high flexibility. In addition, it remains largely a free space below the conveyor belt.

• Vorzugsweise weist das Manipulatormittel einen Förderschlitten auf, welcher entlang einer Achse geführt ist, wobei zwischen Förderschlitten und Achse ein Formschluss gebildet ist. Die Führung kann auch durch eine Vielzahl paralleler Achsen gebildet sein, die jeweils durch Bohrungen im Förderschlitten geführt sind. Hierdurch ergibt sich eine besonders stabile Ausführungsform.

Preferred embodiments are evident from the subclaims:

• Preferably, the manipulator means comprises a conveyor carriage, which is guided along an axis, wherein between the carriage and axis a positive connection is formed. The guide can also be formed by a plurality of parallel axes, which are each guided by holes in the conveyor carriage. This results in a particularly stable embodiment.

Since it depends on the smallest possible mass of the conveyor carriage, this preferably has recesses in its not required for guiding the axis or the axes of material areas. Preferably, carbon fiber reinforced or glass fiber reinforced plastic is used as the material for the conveyor carriage.

The drive of the conveyor carriage is preferably motorized, for example, a stepper motor or a linear motor is advantageous if the approached end position should be variable. With a fixed end position, the drive can also be pneumatic.

In addition to the conveyor slide, the manipulator means advantageously also has a suction foot for receiving the printed label detached from the carrier strip, which is connected to the conveyor slide via a telescopic arm. This has the advantage that an optimal axial adaptation to the position of the male tag is possible and in particular also a rotational movement of the label about the axis of the telescopic arm.

For receiving the label, the squeegee preferably on air passage openings, which are acted upon in the label recording with suction and compressed air can be applied in the delivery of the label on the bottom of the goods.

In one embodiment of the invention, the manipulator means cooperates with a dispensing edge of the printing device at which the printed label is detached from the carrier strip, so that the detached label in a simple and nevertheless handed over in a highly reproducible manner to the manipulator means. Especially in this phase of the transfer of the label from the dispensing edge to the suction of the manipulator means a high positioning accuracy is achieved.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the dispensing edge is associated with an intermediate storage element for the label prior to its transfer to the manipulator means. This embodiment has the particular advantage that the delivery of the detached label is decoupled from the movement of the manipulator means itself. For example, while the label remains on the buffer element, the manipulator means may still be in a position outside the transfer position. As a result, the labeling can be performed at a significantly increased speed, because even during the manipulation of previous labels, the label or subsequent labels can be printed.

In order to transfer the label as rigidly as possible, a frame element can advantageously be used as a buffer element, which forms the transfer region of the label on the manipulator means. The frame element has two, in particular with respect to their distance variable, axially parallel skids. This results in an adaptability to different widths of labels. If the squeegee has at least one recess which can cooperate in particular with the frame element in a form-fitting manner, an advantageous solution results if the foot of the manipulator is moved over at least one of the runners, in particular over the rear in the conveying direction of the packs skids.

As an alternative to the frame element, the buffer element is formed as a storage belt, which has a tapered edge as a transfer point for the label. Also, the high spatial reproducibility is retained.

Finally, the buffer element may also be a holding plate associated with the dispensing edge, which preferably has a surface which reduces adhesion. More preferably, the holding plate on air passage openings.

The solution according to the invention includes several options for positioning the label on the package. The application of the label from the bottom of the pack is a special application. In this case either a gap formed between the individual conveyor belts for the package feed can be used for the application process or else a recess formed below the transport path. In this case, the application process of the label is preferably supported by a directed blowing nozzle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is further provided that the manipulator means is pivotable about its axis extending substantially transversely to the transport direction, wherein the holding plate is bent in a bending radius adapted to the pivoting movement of the manipulator means. This results in the possibility of adaptation to different label lengths. Depending on the length of the donated label, it covers a more or less large arc length of the holding plate.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Fig. 1

einen Querschnitt durch ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, bei dem ein Etikett auf die Unterseite der Packung aufgebracht wird;

Fig. 2

eine erste Variante einer räumlichen Ansicht des in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels;

Fig. 3a, 3b, 3c

jeweils unterschiedliche Gestaltungen eines Manipulatormittels, welches in dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung nach Fig. 1 Anwendung findet;

Fig. 4

eine weitere Gestaltungsform eines Manipulatormittels;

Fig. 5

eine Ausführungsform eines Rahmenelements;

Fig. 6

eine Ausführungsform eines Saugfußes des Manipulatormittels;

Fig. 7

eine zweite Variante einer räumlichen Ansicht des in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels.

Fig. 8

einen Querschnitt,durch ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht auf das in Figur 8 dargestellte zweite Ausführungsbeispiel

Show

Fig. 1

a cross-section through a first embodiment of the invention, in which a label is applied to the underside of the pack;

Fig. 2

a first variant of a spatial view of the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment;

Fig. 3a, 3b, 3c

each different configurations of a manipulator means, which in the Embodiment of the invention according to Fig. 1 Application finds;

Fig. 4

another embodiment of a manipulator means;

Fig. 5

an embodiment of a frame member;

Fig. 6

an embodiment of a suction of the manipulator means;

Fig. 7

a second variant of a spatial view of the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment.

Fig. 8

a cross section through a second embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 9

a top view of the in FIG. 8 illustrated second embodiment

As in FIG. 1 is shown, the apparatus for labeling packages 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention on a horizontal feed device, which is formed for example by sections of serving as two feed units endless belts 2, on top of which the packages 1 are transported individually in the transport direction (f) , On the underside of a pack 1 is in the range of a distance between two feed units 2, an application unit 5, by means of a printed product label to be applied to the underside of the pack 1. In support of the Applying the label 4 on the underside of the package 1 is a blast nozzle 16th

FIG. 1 shows a manipulator means 6, 7, 9 which serves to transport the label 4 from a dispensing position shown in dashed lines to an application position shown in solid lines. How out FIG. 2 As can be seen, the manipulator means 6, 7, 9 consists of a conveying slide 6, which can be moved along an axis 8 in a direction indicated by a. The movement takes place through a FIG. 2 not shown motor drive.

In the radial direction from the conveyor carriage 6 and connected thereto extends a telescopic arm 7, at the end remote from the conveyor carriage 6, a suction foot 9 is arranged as a holding means for the label 4. By means of the telescopic arm 7, the suction foot 9 can both move axially in the direction b with respect to the conveyor slide 6 and rotate in the illustrated pivoting direction about the axis b of the telescopic arm 7.

As further in the upper right part of FIG. 2 is characterized by the direction of the arrow, the entire unit of feed carriage 6, telescopic arm 7 and suction 9 can be pivoted on the axis 8 in an angular range of, for example, 135 degrees.

As in the lower left part of FIG. 2 3, the labels 4 printed on the printer (not shown) enter on the carrier strip 3. Characterized in that the carrier strip 3 is guided around a trained as part of the printer dispensing edge 17, the label 4 dissolves from Carrier strip 3 and is guided into an area in which it is taken over by the manipulator means 6, 7, 9. This area is formed by a stationary frame part 12, which consists of two paraxial runners 14a, 14b and a connecting web 14c. By formed in the runners openings 15 (see. FIG. 5 ), the label 4 is held by suction air from the frame part 12. The frame part 12 serves as a temporary storage for the label 4 before it is taken over by the suction 9 and spent by the manipulator means 6, 7, 9 on.

In an in FIG. 7 The variant shown in the drawing, the label 4 is held by a provided with a adhesion-reducing layer 21 retaining plate 19.

According to FIG. 3a the cross section of the axis 8 is circular and positively connected via a groove / - spring connection with the conveyor carriage 6.

According to FIG. 3b is the cross section of the axis 8 square or suitable profile-shaped, so that it does not need further positive connection means.

According to Figure 3c three axes 8a, 8b, 8c are provided, each guided by the conveyor carriage 6.

In a further embodiment of the embodiment according to Figure 3c shows FIG. 4 in that, in addition to the regions in which the axes 8a, 8b, 8c extend, additional bores 10 are provided in the material regions of the conveying carriage 6 in order to achieve a corresponding weight reduction of the conveying carriage 6. In FIG. 4 are by the way also already related to FIG. 2 described movement possibilities of Saugfußes 9 with respect to the conveyor carriage 6.

A suitable drive means for the axial feed of the manipulator is a spindle. For the radial movement, a rotary cylinder or a cylinder with a linkage in question.

FIG. 5 shows an isolated view of the frame member 12, consisting of runners 14a, 14b and the connecting web 14c. In addition, 15 openings are provided for the passage of air at the bottom of the frame member 12, ie on the side at which the label 4 is positioned.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the Saugfuß 9, in which a recess 18 is located and air passage openings 11 on its label 4 receiving underside.

FIG. 7 shows a variant to that associated with FIG. 2 illustrated embodiment. Like reference numerals describe corresponding elements. In this embodiment as well, the carrier strip 3 is guided around a dispensing edge 17 formed as part of the printer, whereby the label 4 is detached from the carrier strip 3 and guided into the region of the manipulator means 6, 7, 9. In this variant, a holding plate 19 is provided, which has a adhesion-reducing surface 21, which serves for storing the detached from the carrier strip 3 label 4. To keep the label 4 safely in the stored position, the holding plate 19 has air passage openings 20th for generating a negative pressure on the upper side of the holding plate 19.

Instead of the holding plate 19 may be provided according to a further (not shown in the drawing) variant, a storage tape. Here, the movement of the storage belt is synchronized with the movement of the manipulator means. By forming a correspondingly tapered edge at the transfer position, the label can be easily solved before it is passed to the squeegee.

• Nach dem gegebenenfalls erforderlichen Durchführen eines Wägevorgangs der längs der Transportrichtung f vorgeschobenen Packung 1 wird in dem seitlich der in Figur 1 dargestellten Vorrichtung angeordneten Drucker das Etikett 4, welches sich auf dem Trägerstreifen 3 befindet, bedruckt. Das bedruckte Etikett 4 wird, wie in Figur 2 dargestellt, auf dem Trägerstreifen 3 in Richtung der Spendekante 17 geführt und vom Trägerstreifen 3 abgelöst. Der Raumbereich, in dem das Etikett 4 vom Saugfuß 9 des Manipulatormittels 6, 7, 9 übernommen wird, wird durch das Rahmenelement 12 gebildet. Je nach Breite der Etiketten 4 kann das Rahmenelement 12 durch Variation des Abstands zwischen den Kufen 14a, 14b verändert werden.

The device described works as follows:

• After possibly carrying out a weighing operation of the longitudinal direction of the transport direction f advanced pack 1 is in the side of the in FIG. 1 The device arranged printer printed the label 4, which is located on the carrier strip 3, printed. The printed label 4 will, as in FIG. 2 shown, guided on the carrier strip 3 in the direction of the dispensing edge 17 and detached from the carrier strip 3. The space area in which the label 4 is taken over by the suction foot 9 of the manipulator means 6, 7, 9 is formed by the frame element 12. Depending on the width of the labels 4, the frame member 12 can be changed by varying the distance between the runners 14a, 14b.

The label 4 is fixed by appropriate Saugluftöffnungen on the underside of the frame member 12 and is taken over there by the squeegee 9 of the manipulator means 6, 7, 9. It is located at the bottom of the in FIG. 2 shown manipulator means 6, 7, 9. For this purpose the squeegee 9 of the manipulator means 6, 7, 9 are extended in the direction of arrow b. Subsequently, the squeegee 9 is withdrawn and the label 4 is rotated with the squeegee 9 as needed. The manipulator means 6, 7, 9 is then moved along the axis 8 to a position below the package 1, as shown for example in FIG FIG. 1 is shown.

In this so-called application position of the squeegee 9 of the manipulator is pivoted so far until the label 4 is disposed in the region of the bottom of the package 1 and is taken over by the pack. By extending the telescopic arm 7 and then retracting the application of the label 4 on the bottom of the package 1 can be designed particularly advantageous. The attachment process can be assisted by the action of the tuyere 16. Subsequently, the manipulator means 6, 7, 9 moves back to its original position FIG. 2 back.

The inventive solution results in a high positioning accuracy for the label 4, since there is a direct spatial association between the acquisition in the dispensing position of the label 4 and its attachment to the bottom of the package 1 in the application position. Also results in a high ease of use, since the printer is to fill with the carrier strip 3 in a comfortable high position. A high flexibility of the use of the system is also given by the fact that a two-sided lateral positioning is possible.

In an in FIG. 7 shown variant too Fig. 2 the printed label 4 is placed on the support plate 19 following its detachment from the carrier strip 3, wherein it then in the area of the bottom of the in FIG. 2 represented manipulator means 6, 7, 9 is located. The area in which the label 4 is taken over by the suction foot 9 of the manipulator means 6, 7, 9 is now determined by the holding plate 19, which on its underside of the label 4 facing surface 21 has a liability reducing or completely excluding coating.

The label 4 is fixed by means of corresponding suction air openings 20 on the surface 21 of the holding plate 19 and is taken over there by the suction foot 9 of the manipulator means 6, 7, 9. This can - as related to FIG. 2 described - the squeegee 9 of the manipulator means 6, 7, 9 are extended in the direction of arrow b. The acquisition can also be done by the simultaneous blowing off the retaining plate and by suction through the manipulation means.

• Dieses unterscheidet sich von dem oben beschriebenen ersten Ausführungsbeispiel dadurch, dass die Druckvorrichtung 23 seitlich neben der Vorschubeinrichtung 2 angeordnet ist und bezüglich der Spenderichtung für die Etiketten gegenüber der Vertikalen um einen bestimmten Winkel entgegen der Förderrichtung f geneigt ist, wie dies in Figur 8 gezeigt ist. Dadurch weisen Spenderichtung und Vorschubrichtung eine entgegen gesetzte Richtungskomponente auf. Bevorzugt liegt der Neigungswinkel in Bezug auf die Horizontale bei 45 Grad.

That in the FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrated second embodiment of a conveyor system according to the invention will be described as follows:

• This differs from the first embodiment described above in that the printing device 23 is arranged laterally next to the feed device 2 and is inclined with respect to the dispensing direction for the labels relative to the vertical by a certain angle against the conveying direction f, as shown in FIG FIG. 8 is shown. As a result, the dispensing direction and the feed direction have an opposing directional component. Preferably, the angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal is 45 degrees.

After optionally carrying out a weighing operation of the longitudinal direction of the transport direction f advanced pack 1 is in the side of the feed unit 2 arranged printer 23, the label 4, which is located on the carrier strip 3, printed. The printed label 4 becomes, as in the upper range of FIG. 9 represented, guided on the carrier strip 3 in the direction of the dispensing edge and detached from the carrier strip 3. The space area in which the label 4 from the squeegee 9 of in FIG. 8 Manipulator means 6, 7, 9 shown is formed by the holding plate 24. The holding plate 24 is arcuate. The arc radius is adapted to the rotational movement of the manipulator means 6, 7, 9. Depending on the length of the label to be handed over the entire or only part of the arc length of the holding plate 24 is utilized. The touchdown point of the squeegee 9 takes place as in FIG. 8 shown approximately in the middle of the label width and if advantageous also to the label length. This is achieved by a corresponding axial and radial movement of the manipulator means about its pivot point and along the axis 8.

The label 4 is fixed on the underside of the holding plate 24, in particular by applying a negative pressure, and is taken over there by the suction foot 9 of the manipulator means 6, 7, 9. For this purpose, the squeegee 9 of the manipulator means 6, 7, 9 can be extended in the direction of arrow b. A combination of blowing and suction is also possible. Subsequently, the squeegee 9 is retracted and the manipulator means 6, 7, 9 is moved along the axis 8 in a position below the package 1, as in FIG. 9 is shown.

In this application position, the squeegee 9 of the manipulator is pivoted so far until the label 4 is arranged in the region of the underside of the package 1 and is taken over by the package. By extending the telescopic arm 7 and then retracting the application of the label 4 on the bottom of the package 1 can be designed particularly advantageous. The attachment process may be assisted by the action of a tuyere (not shown). Subsequently, the manipulator means 6, 7, 9 moves back to its original position.

This configuration results in a labeling under completion of a "pendulum motion" of the manipulator means, which picks up the label on the printhead in a pendulum motion, then moves via a linear transverse movement below the pack to the labeling, there applying the label on the package floor in a new pendulum motion, then return to the end and finally return the lateral travel linearly.

This variant allows a particularly advantageous labeling process, since the printer is mounted laterally and above the feed unit. The area below the conveyor system thus remains largely free.

Also results in a high ease of use, since the printer is to fill with the carrier strip 3 in a comfortable high position. A high flexibility of the use of the system is also given by the fact that a positioning of the application unit on both the right and on the left side of the conveyor system is possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

- Pack

2

- endless ribbons

3

carrier strip

4

- Label

5

- Application unit

6

- conveyor carriages

7

- telescopic arm

8th

- axis

9

- Suction cup

10

- Drilling

11

- Air vents

12

- Frame part

14a, b

- runners

14c

- Footbridge

15

- Openings

17

- Donation

18

- recess

19

- shelf

20

- Air vents

21

- adhesion-reducing layer

22

- threaded spindle

23

- Printer

24

- Retaining plate

Claims (31)

1. A device for labelling individual packages (1), comprising a feed unit (2) for in particular horizontal transport of the package (1), a printing device (23) for printing a label (4) detachably affixed to a carrier strip (3) and an application unit (5) for applying the printed label (4) onto the package (1), wherein the printing device (23) arranged laterally adjacent to the feed unit (2) comprises a label dispensing unit for dispensing the printed label (4) with at least one directional component contrary to the transport direction (f) of the package (1), and the application unit (5) comprises a manipulator means (6, 7, 9) movable axially along an axis (8) extending substantially transversely to the transport direction (f) of the package (1) for the label (4), wherein in a first axial position of the manipulator means (6, 7, 9) laterally adjacent to the feed unit (2) the printed label (4) detached from the carrier strip (3) can be transferred onto said manipulator means, characterized in that in a second axial position of the manipulator means (6, 7, 9), the label transferred to said manipulator means can be brought into a position underneath the package (1) and from there can be applied to the underside of the package (1).
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the manipulator means (6, 7, 9) comprises a conveying carriage (6) which can be moved along the axis (8), in particular using a motor.
3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the axis (8) is in engagement with the conveying carriage (6) in a positively locking manner.
4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the positive lock is formed by means of an, in particular square-shaped or star-shaped, profiling of the axis (8).
5. The device according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that the manipulator means (6, 7, 9) is associated with a plurality of parallel axes (8a, 8b, 8c) which are guided through bores (10) in the conveying carriage (6).
6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the conveying carriage (6) comprises further bores (10) running along the axes (8a, 8b, 8c).
7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulator means (6, 7, 9) is driven by a step motor, in particular via a toothed belt with a pinion.
8. The device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the manipulator means (6, 7, 9) can be pneumatically moved.
9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the manipulator means (6, 7, 9) comprises a suction foot (9), which in particular can be moved out via a telescopic arm (7), for receiving the printed label (4) detached from the carrier strip (3).
10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the suction foot (9) comprises air passage openings (15).
11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulator means (6, 7, 9) interacts with a dispensing edge (17) of the printing device, at which the printed label (4) is detached from the carrier strip (3) and transferred to the manipulator means (6, 7, 9).
12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a weighing unit is arranged in the transport path of the package (1).
13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing edge (17) is associated with an intermediate storage element (12, 19) for the label (4) prior to transfer of the label onto the manipulator means (6, 7, 9).
14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the intermediate storage element is formed by a frame element (12).
15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the frame element (12) comprises at least two axis-parallel runners (14a, 14b) whose spacing is variable.
16. The device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the frame element (12) comprises air passage openings (15) at least on the surface facing the label (4).
17. The device according to claim 14 to 16, characterized in that the suction foot (9) comprises at least one recess (18) which interacts with the frame element (12), in particular engages with it in a positively locking manner.
18. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the intermediate storage element is formed by a depositing belt.
19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the depositing belt comprises an edge tapered towards the manipulator means as transfer point for the label.
20. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the intermediate storage element is a holding plate (19, 24) associated with the dispensing edge (17), which forms a transfer area of the label (4) onto the manipulator means (6, 7, 9).
21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that the holding plate (19) comprises an adhesion-reducing surface (21).
22. The device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the holding plate (19) comprises air passage openings (20).
23. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulator means (6, 7, 9) for the label (4) is pivotable about the axis (8) thereof extending substantially transversely to the transport direction (f).
24. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that the holding plate (24) is bent with a bending radius adapted to the pivoting movement of the manipulator means.
25. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that the dispensing direction for the labels is 45 degrees relative to the horizontal.
26. A method for labelling individual package (1), in particular transported horizontally by means of a feed unit (2), wherein a label (4) detachably affixed to a carrier strip (3) is printed by a printing device (23), is detached from the carrier strip following printing and is applied to the package (1) by means of an application unit (5), wherein the printed label (4) is dispensed by the printing device (23) arranged laterally adjacent to the feed unit (2) in a direction contrary to the transport direction (f) of the package (1), and wherein in a first axial position of the application unit (5), which is configured as a manipulator means (6, 7, 9) movable axially along an axis (8) extending substantially transversely to the transport direction of the package (1), the printed label (4) detached from the carrier strip (3) is transferred to said manipulator means, characterized in that the transferred label (4) in a second axial position of the application unit (5) is brought into a position underneath the package (1) and from there is applied to the underside of the package (1).
27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that application of the label (4) onto the package (1) is effected via a pivoting movement of the manipulator means (6, 7, 9).
28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the application of the label onto the underside of the package (1) is effected through a preferably rectangular recess, in particular formed between individual transport belts.
29. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that application of the label onto the underside of the package (1) is effected by a blow nozzle (16) in particular directed vertically upwards.
30. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the printed label (4), detached from the carrier strip (3), is initially transferred onto an intermediate storage element (12, 19) and from there is taken over by the application unit (5) in its first axial position.
31. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that the label is rotated during its transport from the first axial position to the second axial position.

Images