EP2727849B1 - Device and method for providing containers with adhesive labels - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for providing containers with adhesive labels such that the attached labels extend from the tops of the containers to side wall portions of the containers.

Labels, such as self-adhesive labels or wet glue labels, which extend from the container top, for example from a closure lid or the like, to the container sidewall, are used inter alia as closure locks. This describes the DE 44 14 011 C1 a method in which a container to be labeled is clamped from above by means of a peripherally corrugated punch, and in which a label portion for the container side wall is first adhered and a label portion for the container top is temporarily attached to the corrugated punch. In an inwardly contoured transition region between the container side wall and the closure lid, the label is adhered by means adapted to the contour of the pressing tools. Thereafter, the corrugated punch is raised upward, so that the spanned between the fluted punch and the container remaining label portion for the container top can be pressed with a brush against the cap and glued.

However, it is disadvantageous in this method that the label section, which is preferably to be applied with cold glue or wet glue, or self-adhesive label section for the container top side, frequently sits obliquely and / or uncentered on the closure lid. Especially on the container lid disturbs such mispositioning the appearance in particular.

Label dispensers are also known from the prior art with which container top surfaces, such as, for example, closure lids or the like, can be equipped comparatively precisely with self-adhesive labels. For example, describe the EP 215 70 20 A1 , the WO 01/05590 A1 and the DE 10 2008 012 209 A1 Devices in which a carrier tape is advanced with self-labels on a stationary mounted, controllable articulated arm to a dispensing edge. The articulated arm can be positioned over the transported containers in such a way that the self-adhesive labels partially detach from the carrier tape at the dispensing edge and are taken along by the tops of the containers. The self-adhesive labels are thereby completely removed from the carrier tape and then pressed with a sponge roll or the like on the container tops.

However, such devices require that the container tops are freely accessible from above. Consequently, find such articulated arms with dispensing edges only use when the containers are transported upright and do not need to be aligned with respect to their rotational position.

The DE 30 41 057 A1 discloses a labeling machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and with a first container table for equipping bottles with fuselage labels as well as with a second container table on which the bottles are equipped with rider labels. In order to maintain a set rotational position of the bottles also on the second container table, the containers must be transferred from a transfer star with container clamps in a predetermined rotational position.

The EP 1 749 753 A1 discloses a device for applying banderols to bottles, which are held by lateral vacuum grippers, so that the top of the containers for attaching the bands is exposed. The bottles are thus not clamped at its mouth and centered.

The DE 203 16 259 U1 discloses a labeling device in which bottles to be labeled are clamped in positioning units, so that a band to be attached to the top of the bottles is first tacked on one side only laterally on the bottles and then extends laterally next to the centering bells. In the area of a subsequent outlet star, a pressing unit is formed with pressing elements with which the bands which initially still project vertically upwards can be folded down and pressed down onto the opposite side of the bottle neck.

The US Pat. No. 3,837,818 A1 discloses a labeling apparatus in which bottles run on a linear conveyor belt under a stationary labeling unit with a wheel rotatable about a horizontal axis with label holders for placing labels on top of the containers. Downstream of the labeling unit there is a separate clamping device which presses laterally projecting ends of the labels against the neck of the bottle.

Furthermore, the describes DE 19500916 C1 a labeling machine with a pressure device for adhesive label strips on vessels, in which the vessels are transported over a transport path with a tulip in contact with the top of the vessel. The pressure-sensitive label strips are already pressed by a label dispenser before reaching the transport path with an end portion to the top of the vessel: The pressing device has for pressing the protruding other end portion of the adhesive label strip on a side wall of the vessel in each tulip a first lever pivotally mounted above the vessel, the its one end carries a pivotable against a resilient bias second lever with a pinch roller. The pivot axes of the two levers are substantially parallel to one another, and the two levers are dimensioned so that the pressure roller comes into contact with the transition region of the vessel top and side wall during downward pivoting. When further pivoting the first lever, the pinch roller by the bias of the second lever pressed against the vessel side wall and rolls off at this, wherein the pivoting movement of the first lever is controlled by a fixed control cam.

The disadvantage here is that the adhesive labels can be mounted aligned only relatively inaccurate with respect to the container top.

It would, however, be desirable to be able to ensure precise equipment of container tops with adhesive labels even with labels extending up to the container side wall, for example in the case of closure locks or the like. Thus, there is a particular need to provide improved apparatus and methods for rotational position alignment and subsequent labeling of containers having such labels.

The stated object is achieved with a device according to claim 1. Accordingly, this comprises: rotating positioning units with turntables and centering bells for clamping and aligning the container; at least one stationary label dispenser for dispensing and adhering first portions of the labels to the tops of the containers; Pressing means for pressing second portions of the labels to be labeled side wall portions of the container; and lifting means for allowing the centering bells to lift from the aligned containers before the containers reach the label dispenser. The labels are preferably self-adhesive labels, wet glue labels or cold glue labels.

The centering bells can be raised so far that the tops of the containers for the subsequent labeling are sufficiently accessible. According to the invention, the centering bells are raised during circulation of the positioning units at least so far that the upper sides of the containers are exposed under the gripping arm and the centering bells do not collide with the label dispenser.

The axial clamping of the containers between the centering bells and the turntables allows for easy alignment of the containers and good accessibility of the container side wall for inspection purposes and / or for attaching separate side wall labels. Preferably, the containers are aligned with respect to embossings, container side seams or closure caps.

Further, the pressing together with the positioning on a container table and can be moved against the side wall area to be labeled and a side wall area opposite this move to take the clamped container from the centering and fix it laterally. Alternatively, the device comprises actively controllable grippers for laterally encompassing the aligned containers such that the containers Before lifting the centering bells in a fixed rotational position, take them from the centering bells and keep them centered for labeling in the positioning units.

This allows the orientation of the container until the subsequent labeling reliably maintained. Furthermore, the pressing means can be optimized independently of the container fixing flexible for different types of containers and label shapes. The accessibility of the container top is made possible, in particular, by the transfer of the aligned containers from the centering bells to the lateral grippers. The grippers are designed such that they do not grip the containers in the side wall areas to be labeled according to the invention. Thus, passing the containers to the grippers ensures that the containers are held in a predetermined rotational position and the container areas to be labeled are sufficiently accessible. The grippers are designed such that they can keep the container centered with respect to the turntable, for example by means adapted to the container cross-section gripping tongs and / or radially adjustable gripping tongs.

The centering bells preferably comprise a centering edge with which the second label sections projecting laterally from the tops of the containers can be folded downwards in the direction of the side wall areas to be labeled. The second label sections can thereby be prepared for the subsequent pressing.

The pressing means can preferably be spread apart so far that the folded-over second label sections with the containers can be rotated under the spread pressing means. Consequently, the pressing can be effected by a comparatively easy to control movement of the pressing means, for example by pivoting the pressing means about horizontal axes of rotation. For example, an operation by means of conventional curve controls is possible.

The pressing means can preferably be moved synchronously in particular synchronously against the side wall region to be labeled and a side wall region opposing it in order to take over the clamped containers from the centering bells and fix them laterally. There are then no separate gripper or the like together with associated control needed. For example, the pressing means comprise two counter-pivotable lever. The two opposite side wall portions are then clamped simultaneously by the pressing means. A synchronized movement is to be understood as a suitably coordinated closing movement on the opposite side wall regions.

Preferably, resilient and / or adapted to the contour of the side wall regions to be labeled pressure surfaces are provided on the pressing means. This can cause air gaps be easily reduced or completely avoided between the labels and the containers with the result of a higher resistance of the labels against mechanical damage to inwardly formed container contours. In particular, the labels can be pressed in such a way in an upper side wall region of the containers adjacent to the container tops and / or closure lids that air gaps between the labels and these side wall regions are avoided at least to the extent that the label does not fall within this range when the container is gripped properly can tear.

The centering bells preferably comprise pressure pads for pressing on the first label sections. This allows the label to be securely and centered on top of the containers.

Preferably, at least one image-forming alignment unit for determining the actual rotational position of the container and for driving the turntable is further provided to align the container before sticking the label in a desired rotational position. The labels can then be aligned around their major axis with respect to container features, such as sutures, while ensuring a desired precise centering of the labels on the container top. For this purpose, for example, at least one camera is provided, with which the containers are imaged in different rotational positions about their main axis, and preferably fully circumferentially. The rotational position of the container with respect to the turntable can be defined in a known manner by cams and corresponding recesses in the turntables and containers.

The label dispenser preferably comprises a dispensing edge mounted on an articulated arm for detaching the labels, above the containers, from a carrier band which has been advanced along the articulated arm. The position of the dispensing edge when dispensing the labels can thus be flexibly adapted to different container types and label types.

Preferably, the articulated arm is so adjustable and the feed of the carrier tape is controllable such that the first portions of the labels are taken from the tops of the container during detachment at the dispensing edge. As a result, a centered positioning of the first sections of the labels can be set flexibly and reliably even with different types of containers and different label shapes. For this purpose, the feed of the carrier tape is preferably controlled such that a part of the labels already detached at the dispensing edge touches and adheres to a region of the container tops, so that the further moving container carries along the label and completely peels off the carrier tape.

Preferably, the pressing means are pivotally mounted with respect to the container about at least one horizontal axis. For example, the pressing means can be pivoted from an upper starting position to a lower end position in contact with the container side wall down. This promotes a carry along after the application of the first label portion laterally projecting second label portion in the direction of the container side wall. For example, it is possible to realize a continuous pivoting movement with which the second label section is guided in a suitable manner against the container side wall. In principle, however, other adjusting mechanisms would be conceivable, for example in the form of laterally displaceable linear slides or the like. Likewise, the pressing means could comprise rollers, in particular elastic rollers, with which the second label section could at least supplementally be painted from top to bottom.

The pressing means are formed circumferentially with the positioning on a common container table. In this case, the labeling can be carried out completely on the container table. That is, at the common tray table, the containers can be both aligned, as well as their top and side wall equipped with the adhesive labels.

In a further preferred embodiment of the alternative of the invention with actively controllable grippers, a separate and synchronized with the rotating positioning rotary table is further provided on which the pressing means are mounted, wherein the turntable is in particular a subsequent in the product flow container table. The pressing means can then be adapted comparatively flexibly to different container types and / or label types. In particular, it is possible to realize different movement sequences of the pressing means and to easily avoid a collision with the positioning units and / or the label dispenser. As a result, even complex container contours and / or label forms can be processed in a flexible manner if required. In contrast to a container table, the separate turntable could also only guide the pressing means along the side wall areas to be labeled, without transporting the containers themselves.

Preferably, the label dispenser comprises an automatic splicing device for changing carrier tape and / or at least two label dispensers are provided which can be operated automatically at the end of a carrier tape. In both cases the labeling can be continued continuously at the end of the carrier roll. With at least two label dispensers in automatic change, particularly high production rates can be achieved.

The stated object is further achieved by a method according to claim 9. According to the invention, the adhered labels extend from the tops of the containers to sidewall regions the container, and the following steps are strung together as follows: a) axial clamping of the containers in circumferential positioning units of their upper side by means of centering and aligning the container; b) laterally encompassing the containers in an aligned position and then lifting the centering to expose the top of the circulating container; c) dispensing and adhering first portions of the labels to the tops of the containers circulating in the positioning units; and d) pressing second portions of the labels against the sidewall areas to be labeled.

Thus, the containers can first be brought by known alignment in the desired rotational position for subsequent labeling. Thereafter, it is possible to carry out a labeling of the containers, which is advantageous with regard to the centering accuracy, beginning with the upper side of the aligned containers. Finally, the relatively uncritical container side walls are labeled with respect to the positioning accuracy, while the label is pressed against the side wall contour substantially gap-free.

The containers are for example made of plastic or glass and provided at its top with a screwed, glued and welded closure. In particular, for use of the containers for food, the self-adhesive labels can be designed as a closure security.

Preferably, the containers are centered in the positioning units in step a) and / or aligned with respect to their rotational position. Thus, the side wall region to be labeled can be specifically equipped with the adhesive label, in particular while avoiding incorrect labeling via press seams or the like. If the containers are only centered during alignment, This ensures at least the required centered equipment of the container surface with the adhesive label.

Preferably, the containers are further rotated about their major axis between steps c) and d) to rotate the second portions of the labels under pressing means for pressing against the side wall portions to be labeled. This allows for trouble-free attachment of the first label portion prior to rotation and easy positioning of the second label portions for subsequent pressing against the lateral wall portions of the containers.

Preferably, the labels are formed as a closure security, and the labels are pressed in step d) in an adjacent to a closure of the container and radially inwardly shaped wall contour of the container. As a result, in particular a transition region between a closure lid and the adjacent side wall can be protected against damage when the container is gripped by the closure closure. In other words, the label is preferably pressed from top to bottom at least as far into the container wall contour that the area of the closure security when gripping the container can not be torn or otherwise damaged.

Preferably, a lateral region of the label is designed as a tear-open tab for releasing a closure provided on the container. The tear tab can then be designed, for example, as an area of the label which can not be adhesively or only removably adhesively bonded. For example, the container could be closed with a film which is glued to the first label section so firmly that when the pull tab pulls up, the closure film peels away from the container together with the label.

Preferably, an upper label portion is first glued centered on the top of the container, and then the remaining label is pressed against the side wall region to be labeled, in particular in a spreading movement from top to bottom. This allows the positioning of the critical label area with the desired precision and label the side wall area substantially gap-free, so that the function of the locking device and / or tear-open ensures and reduces the risk of accidental damage. This improves both the appearance and the function of the label.

Figur 1

einen schematischen Teilschnitt durch eine erste Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Figur 2

schematische Teilschnitte durch eine Positioniereinheit gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Figur 3

eine schematische Draufsicht auf die erste / zweite Ausführungsform;

Figur 4

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform; und

Figur 5

einen erfindungsgemäß etikettierten Behälter.

Preferred embodiments are shown in the drawing. Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic partial section through a first embodiment of the device according to the invention;

FIG. 2

schematic partial sections through a positioning unit according to a second embodiment of the device according to the invention;

FIG. 3

a schematic plan view of the first / second embodiment;

FIG. 4

a schematic plan view of a further preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 5

a container labeled according to the invention.

As the FIG. 1 can recognize the first embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention for labeling containers 2 with adhesive, especially self-adhesive labels 3 more rotating positioning 4 with turntables 5, respectively arranged above centering 6 and pressing 7 for lateral pressing the adhesive labels 3 to the container. 2 The centering bells 6 can be lowered by means of lifting devices 6a onto the containers 2 in order to clamp and center them on the turntables 5. This is in the FIG. 1 shown schematically on the right side. Above the container 2, at least one stationary label dispenser 8 is further provided with an articulated arm 9, of which in the FIG. 1 only the free end is shown with a dispensing edge 9a. The labels 3, which comprise at least one first adhesive, in particular self-adhesive portion 3a for labeling the upper sides 2a of the containers 2 and at least one second adhesive, in particular self-adhesive portion 3b for labeling side wall portions 2b of the container 2 (see FIG. 2 and 5 ), are performed in the example from top to bottom on a carrier tape 10 to the dispensing edge 9a, so that the labels 3 thereby at least partially detached from the carrier tape 10.

On the left side of the FIG. 1 a state is shown in which the first adhesive portion 3a of one of the labels 3 has already partly detached from the carrier tape 10 and contacts the upper surface 2a of the underlying container 2. *** " The container 2 moving under the gripping arm 9 receives the label 3 adhering to the upper side 2a in its transport direction T, so that the label 3 is completely detached from the carrier tape 10. At this time, the second adhesive portion 3b is also detached for labeling the side wall portion 2b. The second adhesive portion 3b then stands as in FIG FIG. 1 is indicated schematically, initially laterally over the top 2a of the container 2 via.

The container top 2a with the first label portion 3a can in principle known manner under an elastic roller 11, which in the FIG. 5 is indicated schematically, run in contact with this, to press the label 3 from above. It can also be the second Label section 3b are already pressed laterally around the edge of the container top 2a around, so that the second label portion 3b then, for example, laterally obliquely downward facing protrudes. The subsequent pressing of the second label section 3b can thereby be simplified. However, the second label section 3b could also be pressed down by the centering bell 6 and folded over.

The positioning units 4 of the first embodiment further comprise actively controllable grippers 12 for laterally gripping the containers 2. The grippers 12 may for this purpose comprise schematically indicated drive units 12a, for example for electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic opening and closing of the grippers 12, or a mechanical cam control , It is also conceivable to adjust the radial position of the grippers 12 with respect to the positioning units by means of the drive units 12a, for example to keep containers 2 of different cross sections centered in each case. The container 2 can thus be held alternately by means of the centering 6 and the grippers 12 on the turntables 5 standing. The positioning units 4 rotate in a manner known per se on a container table 13 about a vertical axis of rotation 13 '. At the pressure means 7 are preferably adapted to the contour of the container and in particular elastic pressure surfaces 7a provided. These effect a substantially gap-free pressing of the second label areas 3b to the contour of the side wall area 2b to be labeled. The pressing means 7 may for example be mounted on levers 7b pivotable about horizontal axes 7 '. Here, the bearing of the pressing means 7 may be formed offset in the transport direction T to the containers 2, for example, in the plan view L-shaped levers 7b to avoid a collision of the pressing 7 with the lowering centering 6.

To illustrate the function of the pressing means 7, this is on the left side of FIG. 1 additionally shown dotted in a lower Andrückstellung S1 for pressing the second adhesive label portion 3b. Shown is also an exemplary upper standby position S2, in which the pressing means 7, in particular with the label dispenser 8 can not collide.

The grippers 12 are actively controllable, so that the container 2 can be placed in an open position of the gripper 12 on the turntables 5 and center both using the turntable 5 and the lowered centering 6 and align with respect to their rotational position about its major axis , The actual rotational position of the container 2 is preferably determined by an image-giving alignment unit 14, for example with at least one schematically indicated camera 14a and a control unit 14b. This transmits to the preferably driven by servomotors 5a turntable 5 control pulses for approaching a target rotational position for the subsequent labeling. The determination of the actual rotational position of the container 2 can in this case take place in a manner known in principle by means of stationary or likewise circulating cameras with the container 2 rotating.

According to the invention, the grippers 12 can be closed in such a way around the containers 2 that the aligned containers 2 are centered and transported in a fixed desired rotational position into the area of the dispensing edge 11. Thus, the first embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is characterized in that the container 2 can be aligned first with the grippers 12 open and then can be determined by closing the gripper 12. Consequently, the centering bells 6 are no longer needed after clamping the gripper 12 for clamping the container 2 and can be raised to make the tops 2a of the container 1 accessible for subsequent labeling.

For controlling the lifting devices 6a, for example, control cams 6b and guide rollers 6c are suitable. Also conceivable are motorized actuators (not shown) for the individual lifting devices 6a. Motorized actuators have the advantage that the lifting movements of the lifting devices 6a can be flexibly adapted to different types of containers.

As the FIG. 1 can be seen, the grippers 12 are formed such that they do not engage in the container 2 in the to be labeled with the second label sections 3b wall portions 2b. The activation of the device 1 according to the invention preferably takes place in such a way that the grippers 12 enclose the containers both during the labeling of the upper sides 2a of the containers and during the labeling of the sidewall regions 2b. An additional abutment for the pressing means 7 on the side wall region 2b to be labeled opposite side of the container 2 is then unnecessary.

The FIG. 2 shows schematically and in the radial direction of the rotation axis 13 'towards one of the positioning units 4 according to a second preferred embodiment of the device 1, which differs from the first embodiment by pressing means 17 which act on opposing side wall portions 2b, 2c simultaneously, in particular synchronously. The pressing means 17 preferably comprise contact surfaces 17a which are adapted to the contour of the containers 2 and which are mounted on synchronized pivoting levers 17b, which are thus coordinated with each other. These can be angled inwardly (in a dashed line), for example, inwardly and by means of a radially inner cam and a deflection mechanism (not shown) in a conventional manner in the schematically indicated closing direction 17 'are moved towards each other. However, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic drives or the like would also be conceivable.

The pressing means 17 with their Andrückflächen 17a can between a closed position S3 (dashed lines), in which they fix the container 2 on the turntables 5 or press the labels 3 to the container 2, and an open position S4, in which the container 2 can initiate or let go and rotate the standing on the turntables 5 and clamped with the centering 6 container 2, are moved. Consequently, the grippers 12 together with their drive units 12a are dispensable in the second embodiment.

This can be realized by additional rotation of the turntable 5 about its axis of rotation 5 '. Accordingly, the turntable 5 is on the left side of Fig. 2 shown in an alignment rotational position D1 and on the right side in a preferably rotated by 90 ° Andrückdrehlage D2. The rotational position of the container 2 may be arbitrary when it is introduced and is then corrected after clamping with the centering bell 6 in the desired Ausrichtdrehlage D1 for attaching the first label section 3a. The relevant alignment of the container 2 is thus analogous to the first embodiment.

In the alignment rotational position D1, the pressing means 17 are closed around the container 2 in order to fix it. Consequently, the centering bells 6 can be lifted from the containers 2 to make their tops 2a accessible for subsequent labeling. The latter takes place, as already described for the first embodiment, first by placing the first label sections 3a from above, but in such a way that the second label sections 3b initially protrude laterally beyond the containers 2 with respect to their rotational position between the pressing means 17, preferably centrally between them Pressing means 17. The aligning rotational position D1 and the pressing rotational position D2 need not differ exactly by 90 °.

After placing the first label section 3a, the centering bell 6 is lowered even in the Ausrichtdrehlage D1 on the first label section 3a and this is preferably completely pressed with a provided in the centering 6 Andrückkissen 6d. The latter may for example consist of a foam, rubber or the like. When placing the centering bell 6, the laterally projecting second label portion 3b is further pressed by a centering 6d of the centering 6 and folded down at the edge of the container top 2a, so that the second label portion 3b protrudes obliquely downward pointing from the container 2 and for the subsequent Pressing is prepared. The second label section 3b is in this case at least so far turned over that it can be rotated after re-spreading of the pressing means 17 in its open position S4 together with the container 2 collision-free under the so-spread pressing means 17 in the Andrückdrehlage D2 of the container 2, as this schematically in the Fig. 2 is indicated.

Here, the main axis of the container 2 of the lowered centering 6 remains centered on the turntable 5 and thus coincides with its axis of rotation 5 'together. By re-closing the pressing means 17 to its position S3, the second label portion 3b is finally pressed completely laterally. For this purpose, preferably resilient and / or adapted to the contour of the side wall portion 2b pressing surfaces 17a are formed on the pressing means 17.

As the FIG. 3 can be seen in the device 1 according to the invention, for example, two cameras 14a and two label dispenser 8 are each provided in the transport direction T lying one behind the other. The containers 2 are supplied for example via an inlet starwheel 18 and the finished labeled container 2 with an outlet starwheel 19 discharged. In the FIG. 2 Furthermore, a machine angle range 20 is schematically indicated, in which the second label portions 3b can be pressed.

Alternatively to the one in the FIG. 1 illustrated configuration with on the container table 13 together with the positioning units 4 rotating pressing 7, 17 would also be in the FIG. 3 dashed line indicated variant conceivable in which the pressing means 7 rotate around its own turntable 21. The rotational movement 21 'of the additional turntable 21 would then be synchronized with the transport movement T of the container 2. Such a configuration could be advantageous if the pressing means 7 were to be flexibly adapted to different types of containers and / or label shapes. For example, from the FIG. 1 deviating actuating mechanisms are used for the pressing means. It would be conceivable, for example, complex pivoting movements and / or linear movements of the pressing means and / or a rolling of pressure rollers.

The number of in the FIG. 3 illustrated cameras 14a is merely exemplary and is intended to illustrate that the container 2 are preferably fully scanned image giving to determine the actual rotational position. Likewise, the number of in the FIG. 3 illustrated label dispenser 8 by way of example only. For example, two identically equipped label dispenser 8 could be provided, which are operated in alternation. Thus, at the roll end of the carrier tape 11, a continuous labeling operation can be ensured by automatically switching over to the other label dispenser 8 located in a waiting position. However, it would also be conceivable to provide label dispensers with automatic splicing devices in order to ensure continuous operation by changing the rolls of the associated carrier strips 11 on one and the same label dispenser 8. For example, a second such label dispenser 8 could be used for alternative labeling, for example with a differently printed label 3.

The FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a configuration of a further embodiment 31, in which the labeling of the upper sides 2a of the container 2 and the pressing of the second label sections 3b at different container tables 32, 33 takes place. The configuration of the first container table 32, with the exception of the pressing means 7 substantially that of FIG. 1 correspond. The pressing means 7 could then according to the FIG. 1 be provided on the second container table 33. Likewise, could be at the second container table 33 Andrückmittel of the FIG. 1 implement deviating actuating mechanisms in a flexible manner.

The FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the adhesive labels 3, in particular self-adhesive labels, in which in addition to the first adhesive portions 3a for the top 2a of the container 2 and the second adhesive portions 3b for a to be labeled wall portion 2b of the container 2 in addition a third section 3c is provided on the other hand can be easily removable or non-adhesive and can take over the function of a tear-off for a provided on the container 2 cap 2d.

Preferably, the second adhesive label portion 3b is formed as a locking device. When opening the container 2, such a closure assurance would be deducted together with the tear-off tab from the container 2 and would eventually replace the sealed with the first adhesive label portion 3a closure lid 2d from the container 2. In this case, the labeling according to the invention has the effect that the closure lock is not damaged by gripping the container 2 in an inwardly contoured area 2e below the closure lid 2d. This is ensured by a substantially gap-free pressing of the second label section 3b in the contoured area 2e.

According to the invention, the described device 1, 31 is worked so that first the container top 2a is provided with the adhesive label 3, before subsequently the rest of the label projecting laterally over the container 2 is pressed against the side wall of the container 2. Thus, the positioning of the label 3 in the region of the top 2a of the container 2 and the closure lid 2d is possible with great precision. The subsequent pressing of the label 3 against the side wall of the container can then be adapted in a gentle manner while avoiding air gaps between the container 2 and the label 3 on the container type and the label type flexible.

The elastic pressure roller 11 and an elastic roller 7b optionally provided on the pressing means 7 are additionally rotated (by 90 °) for the sake of better understanding. indicated by dashed lines, laterally projecting second label section 3b. With the upper elastic pressure roller 11, the second label section 3b could already be painted around the upper edge of the closure lid 2d and / or by rolling the lateral elastic roller 7b in the sense of a pressure surface according to the invention from top to bottom onto the side wall region 2b to be labeled partially or completely spread.

Claims (14)

1. Device (1, 31) for providing containers (2) with particularly self-sticking adhesive labels (3), comprising:

   - rotary tables (5) comprising circulating positioning units (4), and centering bells (6) for clamping and aligning the containers;

   - at least one stationary label dispenser (8) for dispensing and gluing first sections (3a) of the labels (3) to the top sides (2a) of the containers;

   - press-on means (7, 17) for pressing second sections (3b) of the labels onto side wall portions (2b) of the containers to be labeled; and

   - lifting means (6a) for lifting the centering bells from the aligned containers in a controlled manner before the containers reach the label dispenser,

   characterized in that
   the press-on means (17) with the positioning units (4) are configured to circulate on a joint container table and can be moved against the side wall portion (2b) to be labeled and a side wall portion (2c) opposite thereto so as to take over the clamped containers (2) from the centering bells (6) and to fix them laterally,
   and/or that the positioning units comprise actively controllable grippers (12) for laterally gripping around the aligned containers (2) in such a manner that prior to the lifting of the centering bells (6) the containers (2) can be taken over in a fixed rotary position from the centering bells and can be held centered for labeling in the positioning units (4).
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the centering bells (6) comprise a centering edge (6e) with which the second label sections (3b) laterally protruding from the top sides (2a) of the containers (2) can be folded downwards towards the side wall portions (2d) to be labeled.
3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the press-on means (17) can be spread to such an extent that the folded second label sections (3b) can be rotated with the containers (2) under the spread press-on means (17).
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the press-on means (17) can be moved in synchronism against the side wall portion (2b) to be labeled and a side wall portion (2c) opposite thereto so as to take over the clamped containers (2) from the centering bells (6) and to fix them laterally.
5. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein elastic press surfaces (7a, 7b, 17a) and/or press surfaces (7a, 7b, 17a) adapted to the contour of the side wall portions (2b) to be labeled are provided on the press-on means (7, 17).
6. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering bells comprise press-on pads (6d) for pressing on the first label sections (3a).
7. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the press-on means (7, 17) are pivotably supported with respect to the containers (2) about at least a horizontal axis (12').
8. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a separate rotary table (21, 33) which is synchronized with the circulating positioning units (4) and on which the press-on means (7) are supported, wherein the rotary table is particularly a container table (33) arranged downstream in the product stream.
9. Method for providing containers (2) with particularly self-sticking adhesive labels (3) in such a manner that the labels extend from the top sides (2a) of the containers to side wall portions (2b) of the containers, comprising the following successive steps:

   a) axial clamping of the containers (2) standing in circulating positioning units (4) on their top side by means of centering bells (6), and aligning the containers;

   b) lateral gripping around the containers (2) in aligned position and subsequent lifting of the centering bells so as to expose the top side (2a) of the circulating containers;

   c) dispensing and gluing first sections (3a) of the labels (3) to the top sides (2a) of the containers circulating in the positioning units; and

   d) pressing second sections (3b) of the labels (3) onto the side wall portions (2b) to be labeled.
10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the containers (2) are centered in step a) in the positioning units (4) and/or are aligned with respect to the rotary position thereof.
11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein further the containers are rotated between steps c) and d) about their main axis to rotate the second sections (3b) of the labels (3) under press-on means (17) for pressing onto the side wall portions (2b) to be labeled.
12. Method according to at least one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the labels (3) are formed as a stopper lock and are pressed in step d) into a wall contour (2e) of the container (2) which adjoins a stopper (2d) of the container and is radially inwardly shaped.
13. Method according to at least one of claims 9 to 12, wherein a lateral portion (3c) of the label is configured as a tear-off tab for detaching a stopper (2d) provided on the container (2).
14. Method according to at least one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the upper label section (3a) is first glued centered onto the top side (2a) of the containers and the remaining label is subsequently pressed against the side wall portion (2b) to be labeled.

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