EP3027519B1 - Device and method for labelling individual packages - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for labeling individual packages according to the preamble of claim 1 and as from JP 2003-261120A known. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for labeling individual packages, according to the preamble of claim 17. A device and a method are known from WO 2012/104251 A1 known. Here, the labels are applied detachably on a strip of material in the form of a carrier strip. The manipulator means comprises an axially displaceable conveyor slide, which is provided with a telescopic arm, at the other end of a suction cup is mounted. The unit of feed carriage, telescopic arm and squeegee is pivotable about a horizontal axis which is transverse to the transport direction of the packages and in a direction parallel to the plane along which the package is transported. Furthermore, the unit consisting of conveying slide, telescopic arm and suction foot can be moved along this axis. At a pickup position, a printed label is transferred from a label dispenser unit to the manipulator means, to the squeegee, which sucks the label by vacuum. Subsequently, the telescopic arm, which is arranged between squeegee and conveyor carriage retracted, the unit of conveyor slide, telescopic arm and suction with attached thereto label is moved along the axis and rotated about the axis and finally the label is transferred from the squeegee to the package. Following this, the manipulator means returns to the picking position and sucks in a new label.
A disadvantage of this prior art, the relatively large period of time between the application of a label and the application of the next label. The consequence is that too the timing of the feed device, so the transport of the packs must be done slowly accordingly.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for labeling individual packages, thereby speeding up the labeling process.

The previously derived and indicated object is achieved by a device for labeling individual packages according to claim 1. That is, the first and second portions are arranged so that they can successively pass the position within the device, which is defined as receiving position, during a circulating movement of the element, and / or that, in the case of one circulating movement of the element, one after the other, the position within the device can happen, which is defined as a delivery position. In an embodiment which will be explained below, it may even be provided that, during one revolution, the first and second sections can successively pass (pass) through the receiving position and then the dispensing position. By a label detachable from a strip of material is meant a label which may be formed in various ways. For example, the label is a printable sheet or paper releasably attached to a carrier strip, which in this case forms the strip of material and can be made of paper or plastic; in this case, the label is detached from the carrier strip or strip of material and transferred to the manipulator means during or after detachment. The label can also be a partial section of a printable Material strip, such as paper strip, act, which has been solved by separating the remaining strip of material. The separation can be done by cutting or tearing off; in this case, the label is detached from the strip of material and transferred to the manipulator means during or after detachment.

The transport positions define locations within the device that are traversed by the respective portion of the element or label attached thereto when the section or label is moved (transported) from the pickup position to the dispensing position; they are therefore intermediate positions on the way between the recording position and the delivery position. Each transport or intermediate position is in particular defined by the fact that, at this point within the device, during the operation of the device, the application device, in particular the manipulator means and the element, is stopped (does not move) and / or the direction of movement changes. All previously defined positions, that is to say the receiving position, the dispensing position and the at least one transport position or the plurality of transport positions, are arranged at different locations within the device (or relative to the fixed components of the device such as the feed device), these locations or positions being the same Do not overlap positions in the direction of the orbit.

Due to the construction according to the invention, as will be explained in more detail below, at the same time two labels on the Manipulator means are arranged and manipulated as intended. Thus, while a first label is associated with a portion of the element, a second label may be connected to (and disposed of) another portion of the element and / or may be coupled with a portion of the element , a label previously arranged on another portion of the element may be applied to the package. The labeling process can thus be significantly shortened compared to the prior art.

As stated, the first section and the second section can be brought into the receiving position and into each transport position as well as into the delivery position by moving the element and / or the manipulator means. It is not necessary for each of these positions to be arranged on one and the same orbit of the revolving movement element, but it is also conceivable for the receiving position and the dispensing position to be on a first orbit and a first transport position and a second transport position on a second Orbit of the element are arranged or lie. It is alternatively also conceivable that the receiving position and the dispensing position are arranged or lie on different orbits of the element, in which case it is provided in particular that on a first orbit the receiving position and a second transport position and on a second orbit a first transport position and the Abgabeposition are arranged or lie. "First" or "second" transport position means that the transferred in the receiving position of the element label first passes through the first transport position before it then enters the second transport position.

In order that the element can be moved in different orbits, it is provided in particular that the manipulator means is pivotable about an axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the manipulator means, the element performing the orbital motion has a first orbit, in the second position, a second orbit. This makes it possible to bring a label in the first position of the manipulator means in the receiving position, which is in the same orbit as the dispensing position, then to pivot the manipulator means to the second position, whereby the label then in a second orbit of the same element in a first transport position lies. By moving the element in the second position, in particular when performing a clocked movement, the label can be moved from the first transport position to the second transport position, which lies in the same orbit as the first transport position. Then, when the manipulator means is pivoted back to the first position, the label is moved to the dispensing position, which is then back on the first orbit on which the receiving position is located. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the label is brought in the first position of the manipulator means in the receiving position, which lies in the same orbit as the second transport position. However, before the label is moved to the second transport position, the manipulator means is pivoted from the first position to the second position, whereby the label enters the first transport position, which lies in the same orbit as the dispensing position. Now, the manipulator means is pivoted back into the first position and leads simultaneously the element a circumferential movement, in particular a clock from, the label arrives in the second transport position, which lies again on the first orbit, on which also lies the receiving position. If then the manipulator means is pivoted back into the second position, thereby passes the label in the dispensing position, which lies in the same orbit as the first transport position.

It should be noted that above (by way of example) only the transport path of a single label has been described. However, as soon as this label is located at certain positions, another label can already be connected to the manipulator means or to the element (to be arranged thereon). For example, in the first alternative where the pickup position and the pickup position are in the same orbit of the element, if one tag is in the dispensing position, another tag in the picking position may already be associated with the same item; Also, in this case, when a label is in a transport position, another label may be located in a further transport position spaced therefrom, with both labels being disposed on the same element. In the other alternative, where the pickup position and the pickup position are in different orbits, when one tag is connected to the member in the pickup position, another tag in a transport position may be connected to the same member; In this case, even if one label is in the dispensing position, another label in another transport position may be connected to the same element.

In one embodiment of the device according to the invention can be provided that the element in the first position of the manipulator means relative to the feed device and printing device on the label dispensing unit and the feed so vorbeiführt that at the receiving position a printed label from the label dispensing unit in the dispensing direction of the element can be transferred and at the same time at the dispensing position a handed over to the element label on the pack can be applied. In this first position of the manipulator means, the element of the manipulator means (hereinafter referred to simply as "element") which can execute the circulating movement protrudes so close to both the label dispensing unit and the feed device that a printed label from the label dispensing unit to the Element can be handed over and a label on the pack can be applied.

This embodiment is characterized in that at the same time that a printed label is applied to the package, for example the underside of the package, another label is already transferred to the manipulator means or the element which transports the label , Once the first label is applied to the respective package, the further label can be moved immediately to the dispensing position where it can be applied to the next package. Compared to the prior art, therefore, eliminates the time required in the prior art, the manipulator means to move from the dispensing position back to the receiving position. The labeling process according to the invention therefore in a much lower Period of time, so that the timing of the feed device, which transports the individual packages, compared to the prior art can be increased.

According to one embodiment of the preceding embodiment of the device according to the invention, the manipulator means is aligned in the first position to the feed device, that the label can protrude at the dispensing position in a region which is traversed by the package during transport. In other words, the package is moved in the transport direction, with the transport path of the package crossing the area in which the label is at the dispensing position. The label then touches with an adhesive side having the package, in particular the bottom of the pack, wherein the package entrains the label and thereby detached from the element of the manipulator means.

According to an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention can be provided that the element in the first position of the manipulator means relative to the feed device and printing device on the label dispensing unit and the feed device so vorbeiführt that at the receiving position a printed label from the label dispensing unit in the dispensing direction of the Element can be transferred and at the same time at one of the transport positions a label passed to the element connected to the element (can be arranged). It is conceivable that the manipulator means is aligned in the second position in such a way to the feed device, that the label can protrude at the dispensing position in an area which is traversed by the pack during transport.

Also in the latter, second embodiment of the device according to the invention, the principle according to the invention is based on the fact that two labels can be arranged on one and the same element and can be manipulated with the manipulator means as intended, that is successively received by the element transported (where appropriate, also pivoting between a first and a second position of the manipulator means may be performed) and dispensed from the element (and applied to the package).

According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the manipulator means is configured such that the label, that is to say the printed label issued by the label dispensing unit, can adhere to the element. Adhesion of the labels can be achieved in a particularly simple manner in comparison to other methods for connecting the label to a manipulator means. For example, the manipulator means may include means for generating negative pressure or means for generating an electrostatic charge. In particular, in this case, the manipulator means is configured such that the means for generating negative pressure or the means for generating an electrostatic charge can be switched on and / or switched off and its performance (meaning the delivered power) can be adjusted means can take any intermediate value between full power and a power of zero; In particular, the agent can be switched off in the receiving position and / or in the dispensing position or operated at a reduced power. In the receiving position, this may be desired to temporarily reduce the force with which the label adheres to the element of the manipulator means or with which the label is attracted by the element, if necessary to zero, thereby indicating the transfer of the label to optimize the element or manipulator means. Otherwise, that is, at full power of the means for generating negative pressure or the electrostatic charge or at maximum attraction or adhesion, it could happen that the label on the element of the manipulator means is not optimally placed or aligned. Accordingly, a shutdown or power reduction of the respective means may also be desired in the dispensing position to temporarily reduce the force with which the label adheres to the element of the manipulator means or with which the label is attracted by the element, if necessary to zero to thereby optimize the application of the label to the package to be labeled, preferably when the label is already partly adhered to the package to be labeled.

The element which can perform the circulating movement, according to yet a further embodiment of the device according to the invention is an endless belt. This endless belt can be designed in various ways. In particular, the endless belt may be configured so that it can be electrostatically charged, in particular with the means for generating an electrostatic charge. Also, the endless belt for the vacuum generation may be formed in a special way, as will be described below.

In order for the label to adhere to the endless belt by means of negative pressure, the endless belt may consist of at least two parallel straps or strapping sections which are in particular spaced apart (a strapping section means a section of an endless belt in which the endless belt has at least sections a plurality of parallel straps) , Alternatively or additionally, the endless belt can be perforated or slit. The manipulator means may comprise a perforated or slotted plate extending at least from the receiving position at which the respective label is transferred to the manipulator means to the dispensing position at which the respective label can be applied to the package or to a transport position, which is located in the same vertical plane as the dispensing position extends, wherein the endless belt at least partially abuts the plate. Through the bore or holes or through the slot or slots in the plate, air can be sucked, which is also sucked through the space or the spaces between the parallel Riemchen / Riemchenabschnitten and / or through the perforated or slotted endless belt. In this way creates on the outside (top) of the endless belt, where the labels come to rest, a negative pressure, which accomplishes the adhesion of the label. Preference is given to the perforated or slotted areas of the plate with the perforated or slotted areas of the endless belt or the spaces between the parallel Riemchen / Riemchenabschnitten in overlap. In other words, the holes (holes) or slots in the plate at least partially open into the space or the spaces between the parallel Riemchen / Riemchenabschnitten or are covered by the perforated or slotted portion of the endless belt.

According to yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention it is provided that the feed device comprises two conveyor belts, of which one or both is / are designed as a knife edge band, which are movable in the transport direction and are arranged to each other, that the respective pack of the a conveyor belt can reach the other conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor belts are arranged in particular in the transport direction in alignment with each other, wherein between the conveyor belts a transverse to the transport direction gap is provided, through which the printed label from the manipulator means can be applied to the package. The manipulator means is preferably arranged vertically below the feed device or one of the conveyor belts, whereby the respective label is guided in the dispensing position from bottom to top through the gap, which is formed between the conveyor belts. If a package is vertically above the nip, the underside of the package will contact the label and take it with it as the package is transported further.

According to the device according to the invention it is provided that the element or endless belt in the region between the receiving position and the dispensing position or in the region between the receiving position and the transport position, which lies in the same vertical plane as the dispensing position, has a straight course and transverse to the transport direction runs. In particular, when the printing device and / or label dispensing unit is located laterally of the feed device, in particular in the plane in which the top of the following in the transport direction after the gap conveyor belt (transport plane), can be transported over a straight course the label on the shortest path become.

According to another embodiment, the element or the endless belt and / or the plate extends in a direction parallel to one another in the region between the pickup position and the dispensing position or in the region between the pickup position and the transport position lying in the same vertical plane as the dispensing position the gap provided between the conveyor belts. This is the simplest and most direct solution in the event that the printing device or label dispensing unit laterally next to the feed device (in particular in the plane in which the Top of the following in the transport direction after the gap conveyor belt is located) is arranged.

According to yet another embodiment, as said, the manipulator means between the first position in which the label from the label dispensing unit can be transferred to the element or endless belt, and a second position about an axis pivotable. In particular, the endless belt between this first position and the second position is pivotable. In the case of the presence of a plate in particular, the entirety of endless belt and plate between the first and the second position is pivotable. In this case, the axis preferably runs transversely to the transport direction and in a direction parallel to the plane along which the package is transported. The pivoting allows a pitching movement of the manipulator means, which can be avoided during the movement of the label along the gap or transversely to the transport direction unintentional contact of the label with a vertically located above the gap between the conveyor belts package or the feed device. Thus, the label can be transferred in the receiving position of the label dispensing unit to the element or endless belt, after which the manipulator means can be brought into the second position. In this second position, the element or endless belt and / or the plate of the manipulator means in the case of the first alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention in particular a greater distance from the feed device, in particular from the gap, as in the first position. In the case of the second alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention has in the first position the element or endless belt and / or the plate of the manipulator means in particular a greater distance from the feed device, in particular from the gap, as in the second position. Then, the element or endless belt in the position with the greatest possible vertical distance to the feed device (in the first case in the second position, in the second case in the first position) set in motion, the label can be moved to a position that is below a pack to be labeled. If then the manipulator means is pivoted back into the position which has the smallest possible vertical distance to the feed device (in the first case in the first position, in the second case in the second position), the label comes, if the package vertically above the gap is arranged, only then with the pack, in particular the underside of the pack, in contact and sticks there. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable that at the time when the manipulator means is moved back from the position which has the largest possible vertical distance to the feed device to the position which has the lowest possible vertical distance to the feed device, no packing vertically above the nip between the conveyor belts so that the label first protrudes through the nip without coming into contact with a package. If then the package is moved across the gap, it only then comes in contact with the label and the label adheres to the package.

The pivoting angle between the first position and the second position may be between 5 and 60 °, preferably between 30 and 45 °, particularly preferably between 35 and 40 °.

Such a small swing angle allows minimization of the time elapsed by the pitching motion of the manipulator means, so that despite the pitching motion, the labeling of the pack can be performed at a high speed.

According to another embodiment, in the case of the previously defined first embodiment of the device according to the invention, as stated in the second position, a printed label transferred to the element or endless belt, in particular transversely to the transport direction and in a direction parallel to the plane along which Pack is transported, without being in the area to protrude, which is passed through by the pack during transport. In the case of the mentioned alternative second embodiment, a printed label transferred to the element can be moved in the first position and / or between the first and second positions, in particular transversely to the transport direction and in a direction parallel to the plane along which the package is transported without protruding into the area that is passed through by the pack during transport. This, as stated, allows the label to be transported from the pickup position to the dispensing position without it inadvertently coming into contact with a pack or a part of the feed device.

According to yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is provided that the surface of the element to which the label can adhere, in the first position of the manipulator means at an angle, in particular at an angle β between 20 and 80 °, preferably between 30 and 65 °, more preferably between 35 and 45 °, to the plane along which the pack is transported. Such a shallow angle ensures that the package, as soon as the label partially contacts it, carries along the entire label and furthermore leads to the label adhering to the package, in particular the underside of the package.

According to yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the dispensing direction, ie the direction in which the label is transferred from the label dispensing unit to the element or endless belt, runs parallel to the surface of the element or endless belt in the first position. In this way, the label can attach to the element particularly simple, in particular by means of negative pressure or electrostatic charging.

According to yet another embodiment, the element or endless belt is connected to a clocked drive, which causes the circumferential movement of the element, wherein the cycle length of the movement corresponds to the horizontal distance between the receiving position and the dispensing position. The horizontal distance means the distance in the direction parallel to the plane in which the package to be labeled is transported. Thus, it does not mean the length of the path traveled by the label from the pickup position to the dispensing position, but the (even) horizontal distance between the pickup position and the dispensing position. A clocked drive has the advantage that the transfer of the label from the label dispensing unit to the element or endless belt can take place with the element or endless belt stopped, as a result of which the label remains very precisely aligned. Only, In particular, only after the pivoting movement into the position of the manipulator means, which has the greatest possible vertical distance from the feed device, the label is then transported to the position, which leads to the fact that after pivoting back into the position, the smallest possible vertical distance from the feeding device has, the label comes into contact with the pack.

• wenn das Etikett von der Etikettenspendeeinheit an das Element übergeben wird, die umlaufende Bewegung des Elements gestoppt ist,
• nachdem das Etikett an das Element übergeben ist, das Manipulatormittel von der ersten Stellung in die zweite Stellung geschwenkt wird,
• in der zweiten Stellung des Manipulatormittels die umlaufende Bewegung des Elements für die Länge eines Taktes durchgeführt wird, wobei die Taktlänge der Bewegung dem horizontalen Abstand zwischen Aufnahmeposition und Abgabeposition entspricht, und
• nachdem die umlaufende Bewegung nach Durchführung des Taktes gestoppt ist, das Manipulatormittel von der zweiten Stellung in die erste Stellung geschwenkt wird.

The apparatus may according to yet another embodiment in the case of the alternative first embodiment comprise a control device which is configured so that it can control the pivoting movement of the manipulator means and the circulating (in particular clocked) movement of the element or endless belt such that

• when the label is transferred from the label dispensing unit to the element, the circulating movement of the element is stopped,
• after the label has been transferred to the element, the manipulator means is pivoted from the first position to the second position,
• in the second position of the manipulator means the circumferential movement of the element is carried out for the length of a clock, wherein the cycle length of the movement corresponds to the horizontal distance between the receiving position and the dispensing position, and
• After the circulating movement is stopped after the cycle has been carried out, the manipulator means is pivoted from the second position to the first position.

• wenn das Etikett von der Etikettenspendeeinheit an das Element übergeben wird, die umlaufende Bewegung des Elements gestoppt ist,
• nachdem das Etikett an das Element übergeben ist, das Manipulatormittel von der ersten Stellung in die zweite Stellung geschwenkt wird,
• nachdem die zweite Stellung erreicht ist, das Manipulatormittel in die erste Stellung zurückgeschwenkt wird,
• wobei vor, während und/oder nach dem Zurückschwenken des Manipulatormittels von der zweiten Stellung in die erste Stellung die umlaufende Bewegung des Elements für die Länge eines Taktes durchgeführt wird, wobei die Taktlänge der Bewegung dem horizontalen Abstand zwischen Aufnahmeposition und Abgabeposition entspricht.

The device may further according to another embodiment in the case of the alternative second Embodiment comprising a control device which is configured so that it can control the pivotal movement of the manipulator means and the orbital motion of the element so that

• when the label is transferred from the label dispensing unit to the element, the circulating movement of the element is stopped,
• after the label has been transferred to the element, the manipulator means is pivoted from the first position to the second position,
• after the second position has been reached, the manipulator means is pivoted back into the first position,
• wherein before, during and / or after the pivoting back of the manipulator means from the second position to the first position, the circumferential movement of the element for the length of a clock is performed, wherein the cycle length of the movement corresponds to the horizontal distance between the receiving position and dispensing position.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht einer ersten alternativen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, wobei das Manipulatormittel in der zweiten Stellung ist,

Fig. 2a)

eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1, wobei das Manipulatormittel in der ersten Stellung ist und eine zu etikettierende Packung sich über einem Spalt zwischen zwei Transportbändern befindet,

Fig. 2b)

eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1, wobei das Manipulatormittel in der ersten Stellung ist und die zu etikettierende Packung den Spalt zwischen den Transportbändern noch nicht vollständig überquert hat,

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht eines Teils der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1, wobei die Blickrichtung mit der Transportrichtung übereinstimmt,

Fig. 4

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Schnittlinie IV-IV in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5a)

eine Fig. 3 entsprechende Ansicht eines Teils der ersten alternativen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, wobei die Blickrichtung mit der Transportrichtung übereinstimmt, und

Fig. 5b)

eine Ansicht eines Teils einer zweiten alternativen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, wobei die Blickrichtung mit der Transportrichtung übereinstimmt, und

Finally, the object is achieved by a method for labeling individual packs according to claim 17. According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, in particular in the case where the device is designed in accordance with the previously defined alternative first embodiment, it is provided that, after the respective label has been transferred to the manipulator means at the receiving position, the manipulator means is moved from a first position into a second position is pivoted, then the label is moved a distance corresponding to the horizontal distance between the pickup position and the dispensing position, then the manipulator means is pivoted back from the second position to the first position and then the label is applied to the package.
According to an alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention, in particular in the case where the device is designed according to the previously defined alternative second embodiment, it is provided that after the respective label has been transferred to the manipulator means at the receiving position, the manipulator means moves from a first position pivoted to a second position is then moved the label a distance corresponding to the horizontal distance between the receiving position and the dispensing position, wherein the movement of the label before, during and / or after the pivoting back of the manipulator means from the second position to the first position is performed, then the manipulator means is pivoted from the first position to the second position and then the label is applied to the package, wherein it is provided in particular that after the pivoting back of the manipulator means from the second position to the first position another label at the receiving position to the manipulator means is handed over.
There are now a variety of ways to design and further develop the device and method of the invention. In this regard, reference is made to the claims subordinate to claim 1. In the drawing shows:

Fig. 1

a side view of a first alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the manipulator means is in the second position,

Fig. 2a)

a side view of the device Fig. 1 wherein the manipulator means is in the first position and a pack to be labeled is located above a gap between two conveyor belts,

Fig. 2b)

a side view of the device Fig. 1 wherein the manipulator means is in the first position and the package to be labeled has not yet completely crossed the gap between the conveyor belts,

Fig. 3

a view of a part of the device according to the invention Fig. 1 , wherein the viewing direction coincides with the transport direction,

Fig. 4

a sectional view taken along the section line IV-IV in Fig. 3 .

Fig. 5a)

a Fig. 3 corresponding view of a portion of the first alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the viewing direction coincides with the transport direction, and

Fig. 5b)

a view of a part of a second alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the viewing direction coincides with the transport direction, and

The Figures 1 to 5a ) show a first alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention. Fig. 5b ) shows a different, second alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention. The two embodiments differ in the direction in which a label 5 is output after printing (dispensing direction S). In the first embodiment, the output of the printed label 5 is partially vertical from top down, whereas in the second embodiment, the output of the printed label 5 is partially vertical from bottom to top; accordingly, also in the case of the first embodiment ( Figures 1 to 5a )) defines the position hereinafter referred to as "A" vertically above the position described in more detail below with "B" position, whereas in the case of the second embodiment ( Fig. 5b )), the position indicated by "A" is defined vertically below the position indicated by "B".

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an apparatus for labeling individual packages 1, wherein the device a feed device 2 for transporting the package 1 in a transport direction X, a printing device 3 for printing a detachable from a strip of material 4 label 5, here for example on a carrier strip 4 solvable attached label 5, and an applicator 6 for applying the printed label 5 on the package 1 has. The printing device 3 is for reasons of clarity in the FIGS. 1 . 2a ) and 2 B ) not shown.

The feed device 2 consists of two designed as endless belts conveyor belts 2.1 and 2.2, which are arranged in the transport direction X in alignment with each other. The two conveyor belts 2.1 and 2.2 are spaced apart from each other, so that a gap 7 is formed between them. In the illustration in Fig. 1 a package 1 is transported on the right conveyor belt 2.1 in the direction of the gap 7, wherein the package 1 has not yet reached the gap. The pack 1 will be during her Transports on the top of the conveyor belt 2.1 and the conveyor belt 2.2 stored or guided, the two tops of the conveyor belts are here in a common plane. For the purposes of the invention, the plane in which the upper side of the second transport belt 2.2 lies in the transport direction is defined as the plane along which the package 1 is transported (transport plane).

In detail, the printing device 3 in the Figures 3 to 5a ) (first embodiment) or in Fig. 5b ) (second embodiment). The printing device 3 prints the labels 5 at a time when the labels 5 are not yet detached from the material strip 4 (separated) or are still applied to the carrier strip 4. After printing the labels are 5, as Fig. 4 shows, issued by a label dispensing unit 3.1 in a dispensing direction S, wherein the dispensing direction S at the in the Figures 1 to 5a ) embodiment shown at least one direction component opposite to the transport direction X of the package 1 (in the in Fig. 5b ) illustrated embodiment, the dispensing direction S at least one direction component in the transport direction X of the package 1 on). Preferably, the dispensing direction S also has a directional component in the vertical direction, either from top to bottom (first embodiment, Figures 1-5a )) or from bottom to top (second embodiment, Fig. 5b )), that is parallel to the direction of gravity.

The label dispensing unit 3.1 has, in particular in the case where the labels 5 are detachably applied (glued) on a carrier strip 4, via a label dispensing edge 3.11, at which the carrier strip 4 is deflected so strongly, that the relatively stiff label 5 is released at this point from the carrier strip 4 and is further moved in the dispensing direction S, while the carrier strip 4 is deflected / moved in a different direction, for example in Fig. 4 in vertical direction upwards (contrary to the direction of gravity).

As already mentioned, the case is conceivable that the labels 5 are not applied to a carrier strip 4, but are obtained by separating a section of a strip of material 4 forming the respective label 5. For this purpose, the label dispensing unit 3.1 may comprise a separating device (not shown) with a separating means, in particular with a cutting wire, a blade or a knife, with which then said portion is separated from the remaining strip of material to form the label.

The printed label 5 is transferred after dispensing or even during dispensing from the label dispensing unit 3.1 to a manipulator means 6.1 of the applicator 6 or comes in contact with this, which will be explained in more detail below.

The applicator 6 has a manipulator means 6.1 for moving the printed label 5 from a receiving position I (within the device), in which the printed label 5 can be transferred from the label dispensing unit 3.1 in the dispensing direction S to the manipulator means 6.1, to a dispensing position II (within the device) in which the printed label 5 can be applied to the package 1 by the manipulator means 6.1. In Fig. 3 is for that Embodiment in the FIGS. 1 and 2 in the right half of the picture the receiving position I and in the left half of the picture to recognize the dispensing position II. These positions I and II are defined as areas within the device where, in one case, the label transfer to an element 6.11 (picking position) and in the other case the label transfer to the package 1 (dispensing position) takes place.
The manipulator means 6.1, as shown Fig. 1 shows, an element 6.11, which can perform a circumferential movement, the element 6.11 is formed in the present case as an endless belt 6.11 in the form of several parallel and spaced-apart straps (strictly speaking, six such straps are provided in the present embodiment, which together form the endless belt or form element 6.11). The endless belt 6.11 leads in a first position A of the manipulator means 6.1 relative to the feed device 2 and printing device 3 to the label dispensing unit 3.1 and the feed device 2 over, which in the FIGS. 2a ) 2 B ) 3, 4 . 5a) and 5b ) is shown.
According to the first embodiment ( Figures 1 to 5a )) leads the endless belt 6.11 while so close to the feed device 2 and label dispensing unit 3.1 over and / or is aligned to the feed device 2 and the label dispensing unit 3.1, that at the pickup position I a printed label 5 of the label dispensing unit 3.1 in the dispensing direction S. the endless belt 6.11 can be handed over and at the same time at the delivery position II an already previously passed to the endless belt 6.11 further label 5 can be applied to the package 1. Two variants of applying the respective label 5 on the package 1 in the first position A of the manipulator means 6.1 show the FIGS. 2a ) and 2 B ), where in Fig. 2a ) the label 5 is first applied to the package 1 when the package 1 is already over the entire gap 7, whereas according to FIG Fig. 2b ) the label 5 for application through the gap 7 protrudes upward above the transport plane, while the package 1 has crossed the gap 7 at least part of the gap at this time.
The manipulator means 6.1 is thus according to the first embodiment of the device, as the FIGS. 2a ) and 2 B ), in the first position A aligned with the feed device 2 such that the label 5 can protrude at the dispensing position II in a region which is traversed by the pack 1 during transport - the label 5 thus protrudes from the point at the it adheres to the element or endless belt 6.11, vertically beyond the transport plane. As Fig. 1 shows, however, the manipulator means 6.1 can also be pivoted to a second position B, in which the label 5, which adheres to the element or endless belt 6.11, does not protrude beyond said plane. The label 5 then does not protrude into the area that is passed through by the pack 1 during transport.
As compared to the FIG. 1 with one of the FIGS. 2a ) and 2 B ) can be seen, the manipulator means 6.1 about an axis 6.2 between the first position A ( Fig. 2a ) and 2 B )) and the second position B ( Fig. 1 ), for example by a pivoting angle α of 15 ° (in principle, smaller pivoting angles, for example, 5 °, possible), which ensures that a on the element or endless belt 6.11 adhering label 5 can not already come into contact with the package 1, if this is not yet in the intended position for labeling over the gap 7 (this applies to the first as the second embodiment of the device). Also, in the case of the first embodiment, pivoting from the first position A to the second position B ensures that the label 5, when transported from the receiving position I to the dispensing position II, will not interfere with parts of the labeling device, in particular the feeding device. comes into contact. As can be clearly seen, in the case of the first embodiment, the area of the manipulator means 6.1 or the element 6.11, to which the printed label 5 adheres, in the second position B a greater distance from the feed device, in particular from the gap 7, as in the first position A; in the second embodiment, this is reversed, that is, the area of the manipulator means 6.1 and the element 6.11, to which the printed label 5 adheres, in the first position A has a greater distance from the feed device, in particular from the gap 7, as in the second position B.

As already indicated above, the manipulator means 6.1 is configured such that the label 5 can adhere to the element or endless belt 6.11. For this purpose, the manipulator means 6.1 a not shown here means for generating negative pressure, for example, a suction device, which sucks the label 5 and thereby pressed against the element or endless belt 6.11 - the label 5 adheres automatically.

As the FIGS. 3 and 4 4, a plate 6.12 is arranged below the region of the element or endless belt 6.11 extending from the pickup position I to the pickup position II (including the pickup position I and the pickup position II) as part of the manipulator means 6.1, which, like the detail x in Fig. 3 shows, either perforated (provided with holes 6.121) or slotted (with slots 6.122 provided) can be. The detail x shows an example of the perforated variant in the left-hand illustration and an example of the slotted variant in the right-hand illustration. It can be clearly seen that the endless belt 6.11, which may abut on the plate 6.12 at least in the entire region from the pickup position I to the pickup position II (including the pickup position I and the pickup position II), is arranged to the plate 6.12 in that the holes 6.121 or slots 6.122 open into the space between the individual straps of the endless belt 6.11, whereby, when sucked in by the backside of the plate 6.12 facing away from the endless belt 6.11, an optimal suction effect is obtained.

As the FIGS. 3 and 4 Further, in the case of the first embodiment, the endless belt 6.11 as well as the disk 6.12 has a straight, that is flat, position extending from the pickup position I to the pickup position II (including the pickup position I and the pickup position II) in the case of the first embodiment , Course. In this case, the said region of the endless belt 6.11 or the plate 6.12 extends in each case transversely to the transport direction X and in a direction parallel to the transport plane. The said region of the endless belt 6.11 and the plate 6.12 also extends in a direction parallel to the gap 7, which is between the Conveyor belts 2.1 and 2.2 is provided. The surface of the endless belt 6.11, to which the label 5 can adhere, extends here (in the case of the first embodiment in position A, in the case of the second embodiment in position B) by way of example at an angle β of 45 ° (in principle, lower values for this angle, for example 20 °, or larger values, for example 60 °, conceivable) to the transport plane. In the same angle β, also in the case of the first embodiment, the printed label 5, such as Fig. 4 shows, issued from the label dispensing unit 3.1; Thus, the dispensing direction S runs parallel to the surface of the endless belt 6.11 in the first position A.

The element or endless belt 6.11 is connected to a clocked drive not shown here, which causes the circumferential movement of the element 6.11. The cycle length dictated by the drive corresponds to the horizontal distance between the pickup position I and the discharge position II. Thus, with the endless belt 6.11 stopped, the printed label 5 can be dispensed from the label dispensing unit 3.1, thereby adhering to the endless belt 6.11 in the pickup position I. Subsequently, in the case of the first embodiment, the manipulator means 6.1 in the in Fig. 1 shown second position B are pivoted, wherein during the pivoting and / or after pivoting a movement stroke is performed, so that the printed label 5 is brought into a position corresponding to the dispensing position II in the first position A. In other words, in the case of the first embodiment, after the completion of the cycle, the manipulator means 6.1 is swung back from the second position B back to the first position A, the printed label 5 enters the dispensing position II, in which Label 5 either comes into direct contact with package 1 ( Fig. 2a )) or in the area that the package 1 traverses in the transport direction X ( Fig. 2b )).

• um das Etikett 5 von der Etikettenspendeeinheit 3.1 an das Element 6.11 zu übergeben, die umlaufende Bewegung des Elements 6.11 gestoppt ist (das Etikett 5 befindet sich in der Aufnahmeposition I bzw. wird in die Aufnahmeposition I ausgegeben; das Manipulatormittel 6.1 befindet sich in Stellung A),
• nachdem das Etikett 5 an das Element 6.11 übergeben ist, das Manipulatormittel 6.1 von der ersten Stellung A in die zweite Stellung B geschwenkt wird (das Etikett 5 befindet sich dann in der ersten Transportposition T),
• in der zweiten Stellung B des Manipulatormittels 6.11 die umlaufende Bewegung des Elements 6.11 für die Länge eines Taktes durchgeführt wird, wobei die Taktlänge der Bewegung dem horizontalen Abstand zwischen Aufnahmeposition I und Abgabeposition II entspricht (das Etikett 5 befindet sich jetzt in der zweiten Transportposition T'), und
• nachdem die umlaufende Bewegung nach Durchführung des Taktes gestoppt ist, das Manipulatormittel 6.1 von der zweiten Stellung B in die erste Stellung A geschwenkt wird (das Etikett 5 befindet sich nun in der Abgabeposition II).

To the previously described and in Fig. 5a In the case of the first embodiment, the device has a control device (not shown here) which controls the pivoting movement of the manipulator means 6.1 and the revolving movement of the element or endless belt 6.11 in such a way that

• in order to transfer the label 5 from the label dispensing unit 3.1 to the member 6.11, the circulating movement of the member 6.11 is stopped (the label 5 is in the picking position I or is ejected to the picking position I), the manipulator means 6.1 is in the position A. )
• after the label 5 has been transferred to the element 6.11, the manipulator means 6.1 is pivoted from the first position A to the second position B (the label 5 is then in the first transport position T),
• in the second position B of the manipulator means 6.11, the circulating movement of the element 6.11 is carried out for the length of one cycle, the cycle length of the movement corresponding to the horizontal distance between the recording position I and the dispensing position II (the label 5 is now in the second transport position T '). ), and
• After the circulating movement is stopped after the cycle has been carried out, the manipulator means 6.1 is pivoted from the second position B to the first position A (the label 5 is now in the dispensing position II).

• wenn das Element 5 von der Etikettenspendeeinheit 3.1 an das Element 6.11 übergeben wird, die umlaufende Bewegung des Elements 6.11 gestoppt ist (das Etikett 5 befindet sich in der Aufnahmeposition I; das Manipulatormittel 6.1 befindet sich in Stellung A),
• nachdem das Etikett 5 an das Element 6.11 übergeben ist, das Manipulatormittel 6.1 von der ersten Stellung A in die zweite Stellung B geschwenkt wird (das Etikett 5 befindet sich dann in der ersten Transportposition T),
• nachdem die zweite Stellung B erreicht ist, das Manipulatormittel 6.1 in die erste Stellung A zurückgeschwenkt wird, wobei die umlaufende Bewegung des Elements 6.11 für die Länge eines Taktes durchgeführt wird, wobei die Taktlänge der Bewegung dem horizontalen Abstand zwischen Aufnahmeposition I und Abgabeposition II entspricht (das Etikett 5 befindet sich dann in der zweiten Transportposition T'), und
• danach das Manipulatormittel 6.1 von der ersten Stellung A in die zweite Stellung B geschwenkt wird (das Etikett 5 befindet sich jetzt in der Abgabeposition II).

To the previously described and in the FIGS. 3, 4 and 5a As already mentioned, an alternative second embodiment is conceivable in which each label between the receiving position I and the dispensing position II performs a different movement compared to the first embodiment or is moved along another path ( Fig. 5b )).
In this alternative second embodiment, the device has a control device not shown here, which controls the pivoting movement of the manipulator means 6.2 and the orbital motion of the element or endless belt 6.11 so that

• when the element 5 is transferred from the label dispensing unit 3.1 to the element 6.11, the circulating movement of the element 6.11 is stopped (the label 5 is in the receiving position I, the manipulator means 6.1 is in position A),
• after the label 5 has been transferred to the element 6.11, the manipulator means 6.1 is pivoted from the first position A to the second position B (the label 5 is then in the first transport position T),
• after the second position B is reached, the manipulator means 6.1 is pivoted back to the first position A, wherein the revolving movement of the element 6.11 is carried out for the length of a clock, wherein the cycle length of the movement corresponds to the horizontal distance between the receiving position I and the dispensing position II ( the label 5 is then in the second transport position T '), and
• Thereafter, the manipulator means 6.1 is pivoted from the first position A to the second position B (the label 5 is now in the dispensing position II).

As compared to the FIGS. 5a) and 5b ), the first position A of the manipulator means 6.1 is always defined as the position closest to the printing device 3 or label dispensing unit 3.1. In the embodiments in the FIGS. 5a) and 5b ), the first position A and the second position B are reversed in the vertical direction, that is, in the embodiment in FIG Fig. 5a ), the first position A is the position closest to the advancing device 2, whereas in FIG Fig. 5b ) the second position B is that position which is closest to the feed device 2.

• bei dem eine Packung 1 in einer Transportrichtung X transportiert wird,
• bei dem ein von einem Materialstreifen 4 lösbares, insbesondere auf einem Trägerstreifen 4 lösbar angebrachtes, Etikett 5 bedruckt wird,
• bei dem das bedruckte Etikett 5 an einer Aufnahmeposition I an ein Manipulatormittel 6.1 übergeben wird,
• bei dem das Etikett 5 von dem Manipulatormittel 6.1 aus der Aufnahmeposition I über mindestens eine Transportposition T und T' in eine Abgabeposition II bewegt wird und
• bei dem das Etikett 5 an der Abgabeposition II von dem Manipulatormittel 6.1 auf die Packung 1 aufgebracht wird,

wobei das Etikett 5 an der Abgabeposition II von dem Manipulatormittel 6.1 auf die Packung 1 aufgebracht wird, während gleichzeitig ein weiteres bedrucktes Etikett 5 in der Aufnahmeposition I oder einer der Transportposition T an dem Manipulatormittel 6.1 angeordnet wird.With the previously using the Figures 1 to 5b ), a method for labeling individual packages 1 can be carried out,

• in which a package 1 is transported in a transport direction X,
• in which a label 5 detachable from a strip of material 4, in particular releasably attached to a carrier strip 4, is printed,
• in which the printed label 5 is transferred at a receiving position I to a manipulator means 6.1,
• in which the label 5 is moved by the manipulator means 6.1 from the receiving position I via at least one transport position T and T 'into a dispensing position II and
• in which the label 5 is applied to the package 1 at the delivery position II by the manipulator means 6.1,

wherein the label 5 is applied to the dispensing position II of the manipulator means 6.1 on the package 1, while at the same time another printed label 5 in the receiving position I or one of the transport position T is placed on the manipulator means 6.1.

After the respective label 5 has been transferred to the receiving position I to the manipulator means 6.1 and in particular to the endless belt 6.11, the manipulator means 6.1 in the case of the first embodiment, the in Fig. 5a ), as said from a first position A is pivoted to a second position, then the label 5 moves a distance corresponding to the horizontal distance between the receiving position I and the dispensing position II, then the manipulator means 6.1 from the second position B in the pivoted back first position A and finally applied the label 5 on the package 1. It is provided in this case that after the pivoting back of the manipulator means 6.1 from the second position B in the first position A another label 5 is passed to the receiving position I to the manipulator means 6.1.

In case of Fig. 5b ) is alternatively provided that after the respective label 5 has been transferred to the receiving position I to the manipulator means 6.1, the manipulator 6.1 is pivoted from a first position A to a second position B, then the label 5 is moved a distance that the horizontal Distance between the pickup position I and the delivery position II, wherein the movement of the label 5 before, during and / or after the pivoting back of the manipulator means 6.1 from the second position B to the first position A is performed, then the manipulator means 6.1 from the first position A to the second position B is pivoted and then the label 5 is applied to the package, wherein it is provided in particular that after the pivoting back of the manipulator means 6.1 from the second position B in the first position A another label 5 is transferred to the receiving position I to the manipulator means 6.1 ,

Claims (19)

1. A device for labeling individual packages (1)

   - with a feed device (2) for transporting the respective package (1) in a transport direction (X),

   - with a printing device (3) for printing a label (5), which can be removed from a material strip (4), wherein the printing device (3) has a label dispensing unit (3.1) for dispensing the printed label (5) in a dispensing direction (S), and

   - with an application device (6) for applying the printed label (5) to the respective package (1), wherein the application device (6) has a manipulator means (6.1) for moving the printed label (5) from a pick-up position (I), in which the printed label (5) can be transferred from the label dispensing unit (3.1) to the manipulator means (6.1) in the dispensing direction (S), via at least one transport position (T, T') to a dispensing position (II), in which the printed label (5) can be applied to the package (1) by the manipulator means (6.1),

   wherein the manipulator means (6.1) has an element (6.11), which can carry out a circulating movement along a circulating path, wherein the element (6.11) has at least a first section (6.11a) for picking up a printed label (5) and at least a second section (6.11b) for picking up a printed label (5), wherein the first section (6.11a) and the second section (6.11b) are arranged on the circulating path of the element (6.11), characterized in that the element (6.11) has a straight course and runs transversely to the transport direction (T'), in the area between the pick-up position (I) and the dispensing position (II) or in the area between the pick-up position (I) and the transport position (T'), which is located in the same vertical plane as the dispensing position (II).
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first section (6.11a) and the second section (6.11b) can be brought into the pick-up position (I), into each transport position (T, T') and into the dispensing position (II) by moving the element (6.11) and/or the manipulator means (6.1).
3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the manipulator means (6.1) can be pivoted about an axis (6.2) about a pivot angle α between a first position (A) and a second position (B), wherein in particular the pivot angle α between the first position (A) and the second position (B) is between 5 and 60°, preferably between 30 and 45°, particularly preferably between 35 and 40°.
4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that in the first position (A) of the manipulator means (6.1), the element (6.11) leads past the label dispensing unit (3.1) and past the feed device (2) relative to the feed device (2) and the printing device (3) in such a manner that, at the pick-up position (I), a printed label (5) can be transferred from the label dispensing unit (3.1) to the element (6.11) in the dispensing direction (S) and that a label (5) which was transferred to the element (6.11), can simultaneously be applied to the package (1) at the dispensing position (II), wherein in particular the manipulator means (6.1) in the first position (A) is oriented in such a manner with respect to the feed device (2) that the label (5) at the dispensing position (II) can protrude into an area through which the package (1) passes during transport.
5. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the first position (A) of the manipulator means (6.1), the element (6.11) leads past the label dispensing unit (3.1) and past the feed device (2) relative to the feed device (2) and the printing device (3) in such a manner that, at the pick-up position (I), a printed label (5) can be transferred from the label dispensing unit (3.1) to the element (6.11) in the dispensing direction (S) and that a label (5), which was transferred to the element (6.11) can simultaneously be connected to the element (6.11) at one of the transport positions (T'), wherein in particular in the second position (B), the manipulator means (6.1) is oriented to the feed device (2) in such a manner that, at the dispensing position (II), the label (5) can protrude into an area, through which the package (1) passes during the transport.
6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulator means (6.1) is configured in such a manner that the label (5) can adhere to the element (6.11) and in particular has a means for generating a negative pressure or a means for generating an electrostatic charge, wherein the manipulator means in particular is configured in such a manner that the means can be switched on and off and/or can be reduced in its power.
7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (6.11) which can carry out the circulating movement, is an endless belt (6.11), which preferably consists of at least two parallel aprons or apron sections, which in particular are spaced apart from one another and/or are perforated or slotted, wherein in particular the manipulator means (6.1) comprises a perforated or slotted plate (6.12), which extends at least from the pick-up position (I), at which the respective label (5) can be transferred to the manipulator means (6.1), up to the dispensing position (II), at which the respective label (5) can be applied to the package (1), or up to a transport position (T'), which is located in the same vertical plane as the dispensing position (II), wherein the endless belt (6.11) rests against the plate (6.12) at least in a section, wherein preferably the plate (6.12) has a straight course and in particular runs transversely to the transport direction (X), in the area between the pick-up position (I) and the dispensing position (II) or in the area between the pick-up position (I) and the transport position (T'), which is located in the same vertical plane as the dispensing position (II).
8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed device (2) has two conveyor belts (2.1, 2.2) of which in particular one or both is/are designed as a blade edge belt which can be moved in the transport direction (X) and which are arranged with respect to one another such that the respective package (1) can move from the one conveyor belt (2.1) to the other conveyor belt (2.2), wherein the conveyor belts (2.1, 2.2) are arranged in alignment with one another in particular in the transport direction (X), wherein a gap (7) running transversely to the transport direction (X) is provided between the conveyor belts (2.1, 2.2) through which the printed label (5) can be applied to the package (1) by the manipulator means (6.1).
9. The device according to claim 3, or claim 3 and one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the axis (6.2) runs transversely to the transport direction (X) and in a direction parallel to the plane, along which the package (1) is transported.
10. The device according to claim 3 or claim 3 and one of claims 4, 6 to 9, characterized in that in the second position (B) the element (6.11) has a larger distance from the feed device (2) than in the first position (A), wherein in particular in the second position (B), a printed label (5), which has been transferred to the element (6.11), can be moved in particular transversely to the transport direction (X) and in a direction parallel to the plane along which the package (1) is transported, without thereby protruding into the area, through which the package (1) passes during the transport.
11. The device according to claim 3 or claim 3 and one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that in the first position (A), the element (6.11) has a larger distance from the feed device (2) than in the second position (B), wherein in particular in the first position (A) and/or between the first and second position (A, B), a printed label (5), which has been transferred to the element (6.11), can be moved in particular transversely to the transport direction (X) and in a direction parallel to the plane along which the package (1) is transported, without thereby protruding into the area through which the package (1) passes during the transport.
12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the position (A; B) of the manipulator means (6.1) which is located closest to the feed device (2), the surface of the element (6.11), to which the label (5) can adhere, runs at an angle, in particular at an angle β between 20 and 80°, preferably between 30 and 65°, particularly preferably between 35 and 45°, to the plane, along which the package (1) is transported.
13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing direction (S) runs parallel to the surface of the element (6.11) in the first position (A).
14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (6.11) is connected to a clocked drive, which effects the circulating movement of the element (6.11), wherein the stroke length of the movement corresponds to the horizontal distance between pick-up position (I) and dispensing position (II).
15. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 4, 6 to 10 and 12 to 14, characterized in that the device has a control device, which is configured in such a manner that it can control the pivot movement of the manipulator means (6.1) and the circulating movement of the element (6.11) in such a manner that

    - the circulating movement of the element (6.11) is stopped when the label (5) is transferred from the label dispensing unit (3.1) to the element (6.11),

    - the manipulator means (6.1) is pivoted from the first position (A) into the second position (B) after the label (5) has been transferred to the element (6.11),

    - in the second position (B) of the manipulator means (6.11), the circulating movement of the element (6.11) is carried out for the length of a stroke, wherein the stroke length of the movement corresponds to the horizontal distance between pick-up position (I) and dispensing position (II) and

    - the manipulator means (6.1) is pivoted from the second position (B) into the first position (A) after the circulating movement has been stopped after carrying out the stroke.
16. The device according to any one of claims 3, 5 to 9 and 11 to 14, characterized in that the device has a control device, which is configured in such a manner that it can control the pivot movement of the manipulator means (6.1) and the circulating movement of the element (6.11) in such a manner that

    - the circulating movement of the element (6.11) is stopped when the label (5) is transferred from the label dispensing unit (3.1) to the element (6.11),

    - the manipulator means (6.1) is pivoted from the first position (A) into the second position (B) after the label (5) has been transferred to the element (6.11),

    - the manipulator means (6.1) is pivoted back into the first position (A) after the second position (B) has been reached,

    - wherein before, during and/or after the manipulator means (6.1) has been pivoted back from the second position (B) into the first position (A), the circulating movement of the element (6.11) is carried out for the length of a stroke, wherein the stroke length of the movement corresponds to the horizontal distance between pick-up position (I) and dispensing position (II).
17. A method for labeling individual packages (1), in particular using an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,

    - wherein a package (1) is transported in a transport direction (X),

    - wherein a label (5) that can be removed from a material strip (4) is printed,

    - wherein the printed label (5) is transferred to an element (6.11) of a manipulator means (6.1) at a pick-up position (I), wherein the element (6.11) has at least a first section (6.11a) for picking up a printed label (5) and at least a second section (6.11b) for picking up a printed label (5), wherein at the pick-up position (I) the label (5) is transferred to the second section (6.11b) of the element (6.11),

    - wherein the label (5) is moved by the manipulator means (6.1) from the pick-up position (I) into a transfer position (II) via at least one transport position (T, T'), wherein the element (6.11) carries out a circulating movement along a circulating path, wherein the first section (6.11a) and the second section (6.11b) are arranged on the circulating path of the element (6.11) and

    - wherein the label (5) is applied to the package (1) at the dispensing position (II) by the second section (6.11b) of the element (6.11) of the manipulator means (6.1) whilst at the same time a further printed label (5) is arranged on the manipulator means (6.1) in the pick-up position (I) or one of the transport positions (T),

    characterized in that the respective label (5) is moved transversely to the transport direction (X) by the element (6.11) which has a straight course and runs transversely to the transport direction in the area between the pick-up position (I) and the dispensing position (II) or in the area between the pick-up position (I) and the transport position (T') which is located in the same vertical plane as the dispensing position (II).
18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the manipulator means (6.1) is pivoted from a first position (A) into a second position (B) after the respective label (5) has been transferred to the manipulator means (6.1) at the pick-up position (I), the label (5) is then moved across a distance, which corresponds to the horizontal distance between the pick-up position (I) and the dispensing position (II), the manipulator means (6.1) is then pivoted from the second position (B) back into the first position (A) and the label (5) is then applied to the package (1), wherein in particular it is provided that after the manipulator means (6.1) has been pivoted back from the second position (B) into the first position (A), another label (5) is transferred to the manipulator means (6.1) at the pick-up position (I).
19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the manipulator means (6.1) is pivoted from a first position (A) into a second position (B) after the respective label (5) has been transferred to the manipulator means (6.1) at the pick-up position (I), the label (5) is then moved across a distance, which corresponds to the horizontal distance between the pick-up position (I) and the dispensing position (II), wherein the movement of the label (5) takes place before, during and/or after the manipulator means (6.1) has been pivoted back from the second position (B) into the first position (A), the manipulator means (6.1) is then pivoted from the first position (A) into the second position (B) and the label (5) is then applied to the package, wherein in particular it is provided that after the manipulator means (6.1) has been pivoted back from the second position (B) into the first position (A), another label (5) is transferred to the manipulator means (6.1) at the pick-up position (I).

Images