EP3887262B1 - Docking module, labelling machine and docking method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a docking module according to the preamble of patent claim 1, a labeling machine according to claim 16 and a method according to the preamble of patent claim 17.

In the docking module according to WO 2018/177571 A1 the mechanical movement control according to the preamble of claim 1 for opening, closing and keeping the lid closed is controlled by a drive that is independent of the movement initiated by the docking station.

In the labeling machine according to EP 2 060 496 A1 The multi-couplings installed in the docking station of the generic docking module and the labeling unit are connected by a single linear, vertical relative movement between the labeling unit and the docking station. Beforehand, the labeling unit is brought to the docking station in the docking module with a linear approach movement until the mandrels and mandrel holders on the docking station and on the labeling unit are vertically aligned with one another. Only then is the labeling unit centered at the docking station by lifting the mandrels into the mandrel holders with the docking station and the multi-couplings are plugged in at the same time. During the approach movement of the labeling unit, actuating elements of the labeling unit protruding towards the docking station engage the lids in order to open them, so that the lids are in the open position as soon as the mandrels are aligned with the mandrel receptacles, but the labeling unit is not yet is centered. If the docking position of the labeling unit is incorrect, e.g. B. if the starting position of the multi-couplings is too low, the covers of the multi-couplings in the docking station do not open. If the lids are already open and the labeling unit is not yet centered, water entry into the multi-couplings of the docking station cannot be avoided. If, for example, the multi-couplings on the labeling unit are still plugged in due to a slope in the floor and the resulting inclination, the multi-couplings can be damaged. In addition, the relative adjustment of the multi-couplings on the labeling unit and in the docking station is very time-consuming and complicated, and a large number of sensors are necessary to scan the different target positions and switching states during the docking process and to transmit them to the controller.

In DE 10 2017 205 096 A1 It is proposed from an older perspective to provide an actuator only for connecting the multi-couplings when the labeling unit is already centered, as well as further actuators for the covers of the multi-couplings in the docking station. Also for adjusting the docking station in the docking module and for centering the labeling unit If another actuator of the docking module is used, many sensors are required to monitor the different movements and relative positions.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a docking module, a labeling machine and a method for docking a labeling unit, which are characterized by a minimal number of actuators, low complexity, smaller installation space for the docking station in the docking module and a minimal sensor effort for safety-related queries and therefore have a low probability of failure of actuators and sensors.

The task is solved with the features of claim 1, claim 16 and claim 17.

Thanks to the mechanical movement control, only a single actuator is required to connect the multi-couplings and at least to open the lids, which implements the relative movement of the multi-coupler in the docking station and its lid when connecting to automatically actuate the lid. This also allows the sensors for safety-related queries to be minimized, since only a starting position of the multi-couplings in the docking station and the correctly established plug connection need to be scanned, since in the movement phase when the plug connection is made, the cover is automatically and forcibly actuated correctly. The docking module has reduced complexity and can be designed to be compact and operationally reliable. The movement control has a control cam for an actuating projection of the cover pivotably arranged on the multi-clutch, wherein, preferably, the actuating projection carries a roller that interacts with the control cam in order to ensure smooth movement and minimize wear. The motion control with the control cam can be accommodated in the docking station to save space, which contributes to the compactness of the docking station. All of these components can be replaced relatively easily.

The labeling machine is characterized, e.g. B even with a docked labeling unit, with regard to the docking module connected on the control side through higher operational reliability, convenient maintenance and replacement work, and reduced space requirements.

This also applies to the method in which the easily monitored safety movement when connecting via the actuating projection and the control cam is used to forcibly actuate the cover. Any misalignment of the labeling unit when approaching the docking module are already corrected when connecting, as the labeling unit is then properly centered in the docking station of the docking module.

The movement control expediently brings the respective cover automatically from the open position back into the closed position even when the multi-couplings are separated, so that the movement control performs a dual function.

The mechanical movement control also offers the advantage of pressing, preferably locking, the cover into the closed position via the movement control in a separation position of the multi-couplings defined by the actuator, so that no dirt or liquids penetrate into the multi-couplings of the docking station, e.g. B. when the labeling unit is undocked. Since the multi-coupling on the labeling unit is installed in a protected manner, a cover can be left out. The invention also includes a solution in which each multi-coupling on the labeling unit has a lid that can be opened, for example. B. can be operated analogously via the mechanical movement control. It is common practice to provide two separate multi-couplings on the labeling unit and in the docking station, one for electrical media such as operating current and control sensor signals, e.g. B in a fieldbus system and one for operating media such as compressed air, water or the like.

Appropriately, the respective multi-coupling of the docking station, which points upwards and is provided with the cover and has an opening in the height-adjustable docking station guided in the docking module by means of an actuator, is arranged on a slide which is guided linearly, preferably approximately vertically, and can be moved by the further actuator supported in the docking station, whereby the movement control, preferably one for each lid, is installed stationary in the docking station.

In order to ensure perfect movement control of the cover, it is advantageous if the cover is permanently pressed in its pivot bearing by a spring, preferably a torsion spring, with its actuating projection or the roller against the control cam of the movement control.

In a simple embodiment, the control cam has a mouth-like section at a lower end region and a substantially rectilinear track in an upper section which adjoins the mouth-like section via a ramp.

The control cam of the movement control can be arranged on the long side of a metal profile that is bent at both ends and faces the labeling unit to be docked, which grips over the slide with play and is screwed with both bent ends to a front panel of the height-adjustable docking station in the docking module, which has a slide guide.

Instead of a metal profile with the control cam, another mechanical pickup of the relative movement of the further actuator for actuating the cover can optionally be provided. Furthermore, the movement of the further actuator cannot be transmitted directly to the carriage, but rather via another mechanical solution, so that the further actuator does not necessarily need to be arranged parallel to the guide direction of the carriage.

The respective cover can be pivotable on the multi-clutch about a substantially horizontal axis, with the actuating projection protruding approximately in the extension of a main plane of the cover over the axis in the direction of movement control. The cover of a multi-coupling, for example for conducting medium under pressure, can be equipped on its underside with at least one replaceable seal in order to reliably seal mouths of media channels in the closed position, expediently under contact pressure generated by the actuator.

The cover of a multi-coupling having electrical plug contacts can also have a seal on its underside to create a tight closed position, for example a sealing frame or a sealing plate. In order to minimize the number of sensors required for security queries, the correctly established plug connection as well as the correctly placed cover in the open position can, preferably, simply be queried electrically on the control side via connected plug contacts, so that no separate sensors are necessary for this. This is done on the control side, preferably via at least one contact pin inserted into a pin receptacle by scanning the galvanic connection.

Preferably in the area of a multi-coupling in the docking station, a sensor, e.g. B. a proximity initiator can be provided for picking up a predetermined lowering position of the carriage and thus the multi-clutch. In addition, no additional sensors are required to monitor the docking or undocking sequences, which significantly improves operational safety.

The actuator for plug-in connection can be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder that can be acted upon via valves. Alternatively, a geared motor with a screw spindle can be used for this purpose. It is advisable to protect a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder with an unlockable check valve so that in the event of a pressure failure, the cylinder maintains its set position and plug-connected multi-couplings do not separate in an uncontrolled manner.

On the labeling unit and in the docking station, at least one multi-coupling for operating media such as compressed air, water or the like and at least one multi-coupling for electrical media, such as operating current, control signals and the like, are installed next to each other at the same heights with an intermediate distance between them. Only the multi-couplings in the docking station actually require covers.

Furthermore, in the docking station, which is height-adjustable in the docking module supported on the floor and/or on the labeling machine, several guided centering elements can be provided for the docked labeling unit, which can also be moved with the docked labeling unit via an actuator before being plugged in, whereby the Actuator can have a geared motor with a screw spindle or, alternatively, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

In the case of a geared motor and a screw spindle as the respective actuator, a rotary handle that is accessible or can be exposed for manual operation can be provided on the screw spindle, preferably a hexagon. This makes it possible to lower the docking station or the docked labeling unit and remove it from the docking station in the event of a power failure or other malfunction, or to carry out manipulations during repair or maintenance work even without operating power.

According to a further procedural advantage, the at least one multi-coupling of the docking station is only moved to connect the multi-couplings, and the lid is only opened after the labeling unit has previously been properly centered on centering elements of the docking station and a predetermined scannable position of one carrying the multi-couplings of the docking station of the carriage have been determined. This sequence control reliably prevents damage due to an incorrect docking or undocking sequence.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Draufsicht einer Etikettiermaschine mit mehreren in Andockmodulen angedockten Etikettier-Aggregaten,

Fig. 2

eine Perspektiv-Vorderansicht eines Andockmoduls,

Fig. 3

bis 6 drei aufeinanderfolgende Phasen einer Andocksequenz des Etikettier-Aggregats, und

Fig. 7

eine schematische Schnittstellung einer elektrischen Steckverbindung.

An embodiment of the subject matter of the invention is explained using the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic top view of a labeling machine with several labeling units docked in docking modules,

Fig. 2

a perspective front view of a docking module,

Fig. 3

to 6 three consecutive phases of a docking sequence of the labeling unit, and

Fig. 7

a schematic interface of an electrical plug connection.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a labeling machine M, here as a non-limiting example a rotary labeling machine, with a carousel 1, for example for conveying containers such as bottles or the like during labeling, and on the periphery of the carousel 1 at different circumferential positions on the floor and / or docking modules A supported on the machine M, to which various labeling units E are docked, which supply labels, glue or similar equipment for the containers. Each docking module A is z. B. removably attached to a predetermined mounting position in an operating position. Furthermore, at least one conveyor F is assigned to the carousel 1 (here supply and removal).

Fig. 2 shows a docking module A, which is in the operating position z. B. stands on adjustable feet 2. It is possible to define the respective docking module A directly on the machine. In the docking module A, for example, two centering elements 3 (centering cones) are arranged on consoles of a docking station S which is vertically guided (guides 33) in a frame 31 with triangular side cheeks 32 and which is used to center an in Fig. 2 Labeling unit, not shown, is used at the docking station S and can be moved in the docking module with an actuator 4, 5 (eg geared motor 4 and screw spindle 5). The centering elements 3 engage in suitable centering receptacles on the labeling unit E placed in the docking station S, and lift the labeling unit E from the ground into a selectable height position, which is required to work with the carousel 1. The screw spindle 5 can have an accessible or releasable rotary handle 30 (e.g. a hexagon) at the upper end in order to be able to manually remove the labeling unit E (weighing often over a ton) hanging in the docking station S in the event of a power failure or other malfunction can be lowered and removed.

Instead of the geared motor 4 and the screw spindle 5, another actuator, for example a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or the like, could be used for movement the centering elements 3 and the labeling unit E can be used with the docking station S in the docking module A.

In the in Fig. 2 In the embodiment of the docking station S shown, two multi-couplings K1, K2 are installed with an intermediate distance at the same height, each of which has a movable cover D in order to protect the multi-coupling K1, K2 against the ingress of contaminants, water or the like. The multi-clutch K1 is, for example, an electrical multi-pole clutch, that is, it has plug contacts for transmitting operating current, control signals, feedback, or the like. The multi-clutch K2 is a clutch for supplying and/or discharging operating media such as compressed air, water or the like. Instead of two multi-couplings K1, K2, as shown, only one multi-coupling could be provided, which can be used both electrically and for other media and is covered by a cover D.

The multi-clutches K1, K2 are in Fig. 2 shown in a defined lower end position and can be raised approximately vertically as soon as they are connected to appropriately adjusted multi-couplings in the labeling unit E. To move the multi-couplings K1, K2, there is a height-adjustable docking station S in the docking module A Fig. 2 Additional actuator 13 hidden behind cover plates (see Fig. 3 to 5 ), for example a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or a geared motor with a screw spindle is provided, which allows the multi-clutches K1, K2 to move relative to the docking station S. This relative movement is, as shown in the Fig. 3 to 5 will be explained, picked up by at least one motion control 6 installed stationary in the docking station S and used at least to transfer the covers D from the closed positions shown into defined open positions, so that this further actuator 13 fulfills a double function, namely on the one hand the movement of the multi-couplings K1, K2 when connecting with multi-couplings provided on the labeling unit E (also for disconnecting) and at least opening the cover D, if necessary also closing the cover D.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section of the docking station S from Fig. 2 parallel to the motion control 6 in Fig. 2 . In the docking station S, a lid garage 7 is installed in a high-lying area for each lid D in the manner of a pocket that is open at the bottom, the purpose of which will be explained later. Fig. 3 also shows multi-couplings K3, K4 installed on the labeling unit E, which are in the already centered position of the labeling unit E on the centering elements 3 of Fig. 2 in the direction of movement of the multi-couplings K1, K2 of the docking station S are aligned with them, but have not yet been plugged into them. Rather, I am As mentioned, each multi-clutch K1, K2 is in a predetermined lower end position, which is scanned, for example, by a sensor 12 such as a proximity switch and reported to a higher-level controller.

Guides 29 for a plate-shaped slide 17 are arranged on a support plate 8 of the docking station S, to which the multi-couplings K1, K2 are interchangeably attached. The actuator 13, in the embodiment shown a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, is also installed stationary on the support plate 8, the piston rod 14 of which engages on a bearing block 34 fastened to the slide 17 with fastening screws 16 via a fork head 35 with a quick-release axle 36. The movement control 6 (a common one or each for a lid D) is z. B. installed stationary on the support plate 8 with upper and lower, bent ends 22. The movement control 6 has a control cam 19, 20, 21 on a rod-like metal profile 28, specifically on the side facing the labeling unit E. The control curve includes z. B. a mouth-like section 19, which is continued via an oblique and rounded ramp 21 through a substantially linear or rectilinear track 20, which extends essentially vertically upwards from the mouth-like section 19 in the docking station S.

The cover D of the respective multi-clutch K1, K2 can be pivoted about a substantially horizontal axis in a pivot bearing 9 on a housing of the multi-clutch K1, K2, tightly covers an overhead opening of the multi-clutch K1, K2 in the closed position shown, and points approximately in Extension of the main plane of the cover D has an actuating projection 10 which projects beyond the axis 9 and which is preferably equipped with a roller 11 which cooperates with the control cam of the movement control 6. As an option, a spring 18 can be provided, for example a torsion spring, which keeps the actuating projection 10 of the cover D permanently in contact with the control cam. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a movement control 6 is installed for each cover D. Alternatively, a single motion control 6 could be used for both lids D, which are then expediently connected to one another in a motion-transmitting manner, or one that is wide enough for both lids D.

Instead of the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder of the actuator 13, a geared motor with a screw spindle (not shown) can alternatively be provided. The movement control 6 could also be designed differently than shown, provided that it is able to operate from the relative movement of the multi-clutches K1, K2 under the action of the actuator 13 to operate the lid D between its open and closed positions relative to the docking station A. In the embodiment shown, the movement control 6 serves to actuate the respective cover D not only when connecting the multi-couplings K1-K4 from the closed position to the open position, into which it can move into the cover garage 7 from below, but also to transfer the cover D from the open position back to the closed position. In addition, the movement control 6 in the embodiment shown can press or lock the cover D in the closed position. Alternatively, the cover D could be returned from the open position to the closed position by spring devices, and the cover D could also be kept closed in the closed position by spring devices. Although this is not absolutely necessary, the multi-couplings K3, K4 on the labeling unit E could also have covers that are opened before plugging and closed after plugging.

The Fig. 4 to 6 illustrate three phases when connecting the multi-couplings K1-K4 (or in the reverse sequence when disconnecting the multi-couplings K1-K4).

In Fig. 4 the actuator 13 has the multi-clutches K1, K2 opposite the slide 17 Fig. 2 already raised slightly and relative to the movement control 6, so that the roller 11 immediately rests on the ramp 21 and the cover D is opened slightly.

In Fig. 5 the actuator 13 has moved the multi-clutches K1, K2 with the carriage 17 even further upwards, so that the roller 11 moves over the ramp 21 and is on the way to the track 20. The lid D is fully open and extends essentially parallel to the raceway 20 and in alignment with the lower open end of the lid garage 7. An opening 27 of the multi-coupling K1 pointing upwards towards the multi-couplings K3, K4 on the labeling unit E is exposed. Fig. 5 shows that on the underside of the lid D z. B. at least one replaceable seal 23 is provided, in the multi-coupling K2 for compressed air, water or similar media approximately central seals, in the multi-coupling K1 with electrical plug contacts as a sealing plate or sealing frame to seal in the closed position.

Fig. 5 also illustrates that the pneumatic cylinder of the actuator 13, for example, can be secured by a check valve 23 in order to ensure that the set position of the multi-clutches K1, K2 is maintained in the event of a disruption in the compressed air supply. The check valve 23 can, for example, be unlocked pneumatically or mechanically if the compressed air supply is OK again.

In Fig. 6 the actuator 13 has the multi-couplings K1-K4 plugged in and each cover D is retracted into its cover garage 7. A common lid garage 7 could be provided for both lids D.

Apart from the sensor 12 ( Fig. 3 ) to query the lower target position of the multi-couplings K1, K2, no further sensor is required for monitoring the docking sequence, since the properly established plug connection of the multi-couplings K1-K4 and the covers D properly brought into their open position are queried via the electrically established connection, for example according to Fig. 7 via a contact pin 24 inserted into a pin receptacle 25 in the multi-couplings K1, K3. As soon as the galvanic connection has been properly established, confirmation is derived via the assigned control that the multi-couplings K1-K4 have been correctly plugged in and the covers D have been brought into their open positions. The pin receptacle 25 and the contact pin 24 can z. B. in addition to others only for the purpose of confirming the correct plug connection and the correct lid operation.

When separating the multi-clutches K1-K4, the procedure is reversed, with the movement control 6 bringing the covers D from the open positions into the closed positions and in the position of Fig. 2 (e.g. lowest target position) the cover D is pressed or locked via the lower part of the mouth-like area 19 of the control cam of the movement control 6.

In the embodiment shown, the multi-clutches K1, K2 move parallel to the movement of the actuator 13. Alternatively, it would be possible not to carry out the plug-in movement in the direction of the movement of the actuator 13, but to implement it via a mechanism.

The multi-couplings K1-K4, or at least the multi-couplings K1, K2 can be stored floating in order to avoid damage when making the plug connection or when disconnecting.

A significant advantage of the solution according to the invention is that only the actuator 13 is required to insert the multi-couplings K1-K4 and also to operate the covers. This results in reduced complexity of the docking station S and in reduced installation space. It is also essential to have only minimal sensors for safety-related queries, because as a sensor e.g. B. only the proximity initiator 12 is required, which results in a reduced probability of failure of the actuators and the sensors.

Claims (17)

1. Docking module (A) for labelling machines (M), for a selectively dockable labelling-aggregate (E), wherein respectively at least one plug-in multi-coupling (K1-K4) for operating media and/or controlling media is provided in the docking module (A) and at the labelling-aggregate (E), the docking module (A) comprising an adjusting drive (4, 5) for a height-adjustable docking station (S), and each multi-coupling (K1, K2) provided at least in the docking station (A) has a cover lid (D) being movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover lid being opened prior to establishing a plugged-in connection with a multi-coupling (K3, K4) of the labelling-aggregate (E), characterized in that a mechanical motion control (6) having a control curve (19, 20, 21) for an actuating protrusion (10) of the cover lid (D) pivotably linked to the multi-coupling (K1, K2) is arranged between the cover lid (D) and the docking station (S), and that by means of the motion control (6) the cover-lid (D) is automatically brought from the closed position into the opened position at least during the movement for establishing the plugged-in connection of the multi-couplings (K1-K4), the movement being initiated by an adjustment drive (13) of the docking station (D) .
2. Docking module according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover-lid (D) automatically is brought from the opened position into the closed position when the multi-couplings (K1-K4) are separated, the cover-lid (D) being moved by means of the motion control (6) and the adjusting drive (13).
3. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each cover-lid is pressed-on in the closed position via the motion control (6), preferably is locked, in a separated condition of the multi-couplings (K1-K4) defined by the adjustment drive (13).
4. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective multi-coupling (K1, K2) having the cover-lid (D) and facing with an opening (27) upwardly in the docking station (S) is arranged on a slide (17) which is movable linearly and in guided fashion, preferably approximately vertically, by the adjustment drive (13) supported in the docking station (S), and that the motion control (6), preferably respectively a single one for each cover-lid (D), is installed stationarily in the docking station (S) above the slide (17), preferably at a holding plate (8).
5. Docking module according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating protrusion (10) carries a caster (11) co-acting with the control curve.
6. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover-lid (D) being supported in a pivot bearing is pressed with its actuating protrusion (10) against the control curve (19, 20, 21) of the motion control (6) by a spring (18), preferably a torsion spring.
7. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control curve has a mouth-like section (19) in a lower end region and has in an upper section continuing from the mouth-like section (19) via a ramp (21) a substantially linear raceway (20).
8. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control curve (19, 20, 21) of the motion control (6) is arranged at the longitudinal side of a metal profile (28) being cranked at both ends, the longitudinal side facing to the labelling-aggregate (E) to be docked-on, that the metal profile (28) overlaps the slide (17) and is secured with both ends by threaded connections at the holding plate (8) of the docking station (S), the holding plate (8) having slide-guidances (29).
9. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover-lid (D) provided at the multi-coupling (K1, K2) is pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis (9), that the actuation protrusion (10) protrudes substantially in prolongation of a main plane of the cover-lid (D) beyond the axis (9) in a direction towards the motion control (6), and that at least the cover-lid (D) of a multi-coupling (K1, K2) intended for pressurized media is equipped with at least one replaceable seal (23).
10. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover-lid (D) of a multi-coupling (K1, K2) containing electric plug-in-contacts (24, 25) has a seal (23) for generating a tight closed position of the cover-lid (D), and that, preferably, a correctly established plugged-in connection and the open position of the cover-lid (D) are tapped electrically at a control side by means of connected plug-in-contacts (24, 25) of the connected multi-couplings (K1, K3), preferably via at least one contact stud (24) plugged into a stud socket (25).
11. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor, e.g. a proximity initiator (12), is provided for tapping a predetermined lowered position of the slide (17) and/or of the separated multi-couplings (K1, K2).
12. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment drive (13) of the slide (17) is a pneumatic or hydraulic-cylinder actuable via at least one valve (23) or a gear motor having a jack screw.
13. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that respectively at least one multi-coupling (K1, K3) for pressurized media and one multi-coupling (K2, K4) for electric media are installed side-by-side and with an intermediate distance in equal s height positions, wherein only the multi-couplings (K1, K2) in the docking station (S) are provided with cover-lids (D).
14. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several height-adjustably guided centering elements (3) for the docked-on labelling-aggregate (E) are provided in the docking station (A), the centering elements (3) being movable via a common adjustment drive together with the docked-on and centered labelling-aggregate (A), wherein the adjustment drive has a gear motor (4) with a jack screw (5) or a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.
15. Docking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jack screw (5) of the gear motor (4) has a rotatable handle (30), preferably a hexagon, being accessible or movable for access and for manual actuation from a front side of the docking module (A).
16. Labelling machine (M), having at least one docking module (A) for a selectively dockable labelling-aggregate (A), at least one plug-in multi-coupling (K1-K4) for operation media and/or control media provided in the docking module (A), and at the labelling-aggregate (E), the docking module (A) being provided with an adjustment drive (4, 5) for a docking station (S) being height-adjustable in the docking module (A), and each multi-coupling (K1, K2), at least in the docking station (S) has a cover-lid (D) movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover-lid being opened prior to establishing the plug-in connection of the multi-coupling (K1-K4), characterized in that a docking module according to at least claim 1 is installed at the labelling machine (M).
17. Method for docking-on a labelling aggregate (E) in docking station (S) of a docking module (A) at labelling machine (M) and for establishing plugged-in connections of multi-couplings (K1, K4) for operation media and/or control media, the multi-couplings (K1-K4) being installed at the labelling-aggregate and in the docking station, wherein prior to establishing a plugged-in connection of the multi-couplings (K1-K4) a cover-lid (D) at least of one multi-coupling (K1, K2) of the docking station (S) is brought out of a closed position into an open position, characterized in that the motions of the at least one multi-coupling (K1, K2) and of its cover-lid (D) relative to the docking station (S) for establishing a plug-in connection are initiated by an adjustment drive of the docking station (S), and that the motion for moving the cover-lid (D) is transmitted to the cover-lid (D) by a motion control (6) of the docking station (S), the motion control (6) having a control curve (19, 20, 21) for an actuating protrusion (10) of the cover-lid (D) pivotably linked to the multi-coupling (K1, K2).

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