EP1641675B1 - Method and device for attaching advertising media to bottles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for attaching advertising media to bottles. In a first step, caps or sealing parts for bottles are continuously transported into predetermined designated positions. The labels that constitute the advertising media are subsequently attached to the caps or sealing parts. The caps or sealing parts with their attached labels are then sterilized.

Description

The invention relates to a method for applying advertising media to bottles according to the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus according to the preamble of claim 22 and as shown in DE 102 28 292 A1 known.

Such bottles can be formed in particular from mineral water bottles, fruit juice bottles, beer bottles or lemonade bottles.

The bottles can in principle consist of glass or plastic, in particular PET. To mark the contents of the bottle labels are applied to the bottle body in a known manner. These serve, in particular, as advertising media surfaces, with the names and logos of the manufacturer and, if appropriate, further advertising slogans being applied to them.

In the case of reusable beverage bottles, the labels are removed from the bottle bodies on the empty bottles during a cleaning process, after which the bottles are refilled and finally provided with new labels.

Known labels of this type are adhered by means of adhesives during processing of the bottles in bottling plants on the bottle body. In order to ensure the necessary retention of the labels on the bottles, the fixation of the labels on the bottles takes place in such a way that the labels can not be detached from the bottles by hand without destroying them.

This undesirably restricts the usability of such labels as advertising media.

From the DE 102 28 292 A1 a method for applying advertising media to bottles is known, in which in a first method step, a sorting of closures or closure parts for bottles for their continuous promotion is carried out in predetermined target positions. There, the application of the advertising media forming labels on the closures or closure parts. Finally, provided with the advertising, completely manufactured closures are collected in storage containers, after which a discontinuous feeding the stored in the reservoirs closures can be done to a bottling plant.

From the US 2002/004090 A1 For example, there is known a method for bottling beverages into containers in which the containers and the container lids are sterilized prior to filling the pasteurized beverage. This sterilization is carried out by washing the container and the lid in a suitable solvent.

From the US 6,341,472 B1 For example, a device for closing bottles is known in which lids are sprayed with a sterilizing liquid and then removed again, in order to then attach them to the bottles.

By this method, closures of bottles can be used as a carrier media for the advertising media, the bottles can be generally designed as mineral water bottles, fruit juice bottles, beer bottles or soda bottles.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a method and apparatus for applying advertising media on bottles, which is economically feasible and yet ensures compliance with the observed in the processing of food regulations.

To solve this problem, the features of claims 1 and 22 are provided. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

The method according to the invention serves to apply advertising media to bottles and comprises the following method steps. In a first method step, a continuous delivery of closures or closure parts for bottles in predetermined target positions. There, the application of the advertising media forming labels on the closures or Verschhissteile done. Subsequently, the closures or closure parts are sterilized with the applied labels by means of UV irradiation.

By subsequently applying the labels to the sterilization of the closures or closure parts, production of germ-free units consisting of the advertising media and closures is achieved in a simple and efficient manner. These germ-free units can be used without additional effort in the production processes in the individual bottle filling machines, wherein it is particularly advantageous that these production processes do not have to be changed or adapted for this purpose.

According to the invention, closures or closure molds are supplied separately as separate units via conveying means to labeling machines, in order then to apply the labels as advertising media to them.

The device according to the invention is preferably located in a clean room in order to ensure germ-free processing.

To the outputs of the disinfection units include reservoirs which are coupled via air-tight connections to the disinfection units. In particular plastic bags may be provided as reservoir. In any case, the sterilized closures or closure parts are filled via the hermetic connections without external air contact directly into the reservoir and stored there germ-free.

In the event that the sterilization with liquid disinfectants such as peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide, the sterilized closures or closures are dried with clean air before they are filled into the reservoir.

In a disinfection according to the invention by means of UV radiation such a treatment is not necessary.

The so packaged closures or closure parts can be easily introduced into the production processes in bottling plants, with a sterility of these units is guaranteed at all times.

The closures form a flexible usable carrier medium for the advertising media. In this case, the advertising media can be mounted in particular on the tops of the closures, so that they are immediately visible on the outside of the bottle for each buyer. It is particularly advantageous here that the surfaces of the closures can be used almost completely as recordings for the advertising medium.

Since manufacturers and operators of bottling plants only use the labels applied to the bottle bodies as information surfaces the surfaces on the closures are completely available for the inclusion of third-party advertising media.

The closures themselves and also the advertising media applied to them are extremely handy and easy to handle. Thus, these are particularly suitable for collecting purposes.

The closures are made of metal or plastic and may be integrally formed.

Especially in the case of closures made of metal, the sterility of such units represents a major problem in production processes in Flaschenabfiillanlagen.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the closures are formed in two pieces, wherein a closure consists of a closure body part and a separate lid, which is mechanically connected to the closure body part. The advertising media are then applied to the lid of the closures before their final assembly. Particularly advantageously, the lids are detachably applied to the closure body parts, so that the lids with the advertising media can be detached manually and can thus be used for collecting purposes.

This embodiment is particularly suitable for closures that consist of plastic, in particular PET (polyethylene), and are designed as screw caps.

In general, the closures can also be designed as roll-on closures, crown caps, tube caps or the like.

The advertising media themselves are in the form of labels which are applied to the closures by machine.

By printing on the labels advertising of all kinds, in particular third-party advertising of third-party companies, are applied. For this purpose, in particular high-pressure, offset printing, screen printing and printing methods and combinations thereof are used.

The imprints on the labels include in particular logos and slogans of third-party companies. Furthermore, the labels can be used as collectibles and / or game objects.

When used as collecting objects, the labels are preferably withdrawn from the closures. Alternatively, in the case of multi-piece closures, the lids with the labels applied thereto may serve as collecting objects.

When used as game objects, the advertising media can be used for example for applying lot numbers for tombolas.

In such applications, the labels as an advertising medium, in particular suitably selected coatings, in order to achieve additional advertising-effective additional effects.

An example of this is the application of temperature-sensitive layers on the labels. These temperature-sensitive layers can be formed, for example, such that the color of a label changes with temperature changes. Furthermore, the coatings can be designed such that patterns or imprints on a label become visible only above a certain limit temperature.

In an advantageous embodiment, the labels can be coated with scattering films. Light scattering effects generate so-called wobbly images, whereby different image or print motifs become visible on the advertising medium, depending on the viewing angle.

In a further embodiment, the labels may be coated with reflective films. The highly reflective advertising media thus formed can be used as signal brands in the leisure sector. In particular, these can be applied to bicycles, bicycle helmets, rollerblades, roller skates, skates or on garments.

In a further variant, fluorescent films can also be applied to the labels. The afterglow of such advertising media, they can be used as signal marks in dark rooms or generally in an unlit environment. For example, the advertising media thus formed can be used in unlit hallways of buildings to signal escape routes, to mark light switches or the like.

In a further advantageous embodiment, scratch-off surfaces can be applied to the labels as coatings. The labels then preferably have a stable intermediate layer, which mechanically protects the respective printing of a label. Then an upper layer forming the scratching surface is applied, which completely covers this printing. When the top layer is removed, the underlying print becomes visible. Preferably, such advertising media are used for collecting or game purposes.

These labels may be stamped or embossed, enhancing the overall aesthetic impression of the labels. Suitable finishing processes are, in particular, film embossing, hologram processes, in particular embossed holograms, relief embossing and blind embossing. The embossing process can be combined with punching, in particular front and back side punching of the labels. Further refinement methods lamination methods are suitable. In addition, the labels can be siliconized.

Figur 1a, 1b:

Zwei Ausführungsbeispiele von Verschlüssen für Getränkefla- schen.

Figur 2:

Blockschaltbild eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vor- richtung zum Aufbringen von Werbeträgern auf Verschlüssen für Getränkeflaschen.

Figur 3:

Schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausschnitts der Vorrich- tung gemäß Figur 2 mit Fördermitteln zum Transport von Ver- schlüssen.

Figur 4:

Schematische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Desinfektionseinheit für die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 2.

Figur 5:

Detaildarstellung der Desinfektionseinheit gemäß Figur 4.

Figur 6:

Schematische Darstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Desinfektionseinheit für die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 2.

Figur 7:

Detaildarstellung der Desinfektionseinheit gemäß Figur 6

1. a) in einer Längsschnittdarstellung
2. b) in einer Querschnittsdarstellung.

Figur 8:

Schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Vorrichtung zum Aufbringen von Werbeträgern auf Ver- schlüssen von Getränkeflaschen.

The invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1a, 1b:

Two embodiments of closures for beverage bottles.

FIG. 2:

Block diagram of a first embodiment of a device for applying advertising media on closures for beverage bottles.

FIG. 3:

Schematic representation of a first section of the device according to FIG. 2 with conveyors for transporting closures.

FIG. 4:

Schematic representation of a first embodiment of a disinfection unit for the device according to FIG. 2 ,

FIG. 5:

Detailed representation of the disinfection unit according to FIG. 4 ,

FIG. 6:

Schematic representation of a second embodiment of a disinfection unit for the device according to FIG. 2 ,

FIG. 7:

Detailed representation of the disinfection unit according to FIG. 6

1. a) in a longitudinal sectional view
2. b) in a cross-sectional view.

FIG. 8:

Schematic representation of a second embodiment of a device for applying advertising media on closures of beverage bottles.

The FIGS. 1a and 1b show two embodiments of closures 1 of bottles, in particular beverage bottles. The in the FIGS. 1a and 1b closures 1 shown are made of plastic, in particular PET, and are each used as screw caps. Such closures 1 are used in particular for plastic bottles made of plastic, in particular PET bottles.

While in FIG. 1a Shutter 1 shown formed integrally, the closure 1 according to FIG. 1b from two separate parts, namely a closure body part 2 and a closure part in the form of a lid 3. The closure body part 2 is formed substantially hollow cylindrical and has on its inner wall a thread 4 for screwing onto a bottle. The closure part is designed as a circular disk-shaped cover 3 which can be inserted into the opening on the upper side of the closure body part 2. In the present case, the lid 3 can be clipped on the closure body part 2. The edge delimiting the opening on the upper side of the closure body part 2 can be easily bent open in order to insert the lid 3 into the opening. For fixing the lid 3, a locking means is provided at the upper end of the edge. This consists of a on the inside of the closure body part 2 in the circumferential direction circumferential reinforcing ring 5, which is integrally formed with the wall of the closure body part 2.

Generally, a receptacle is provided on the closure body part 2, on which the cover 3 can be fixed as a closure part, wherein the cover 3 can also be pushed onto the closure body part 2 and / or snapped on. In this case, the lid 3 can also be detachably connected to the closure body part 2.

In further embodiments, the closures 1 can also be designed as roll-on closures, crown caps, tube caps and the like, and consist of metal and / or plastic.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a device 6 for applying advertising media on the closures 1 according to FIG. 1a , The device 6 has a roller conveyor belt 7, on which the closures 1 are supplied unsorted to a separating unit. This is formed in the present case by a Zentrifugalsortierer 8.

In the centrifugal sorter 8, the closures 1 are sorted in such a way that they are dispensed individually one after the other and with overhead lid surfaces onto a conveying path 9 forming a conveying means. This conveyor line 9 has at its lateral edges not shown forced guidance, by which a lateral fixing position of the closures 1 is ensured. Thus, the closures 1 are transported exactly one behind the other lying on the conveyor line 9.

The conveyor line 9 has a switch 10, by means of which the successively promoted closures 1 are divided into two parallel sections 11, 11 '. Preferably, the switch 10 on deflection means, not shown, by means of which the supplied closures 1 alternately the two sections 11, 11 'are supplied. The closures 1 transported on the sections 11, 11 are each fed to a labeling machine 12, 12 '. Preferably, the partial sections 11, 11 'on the one hand and the labeling machines 12, 12' on the other hand have an identical structure. In the labeling machines 12, 12 '1 labels 13 are applied to the lid surfaces of the closures, which form the advertising medium. The labels 13 are preferably designed as self-adhesive labels and are preferably made of paper and / or plastic. The labels 13 may be formed one or more layers and, depending on the field of application, have a plurality of carrier layers to which printing, coatings, stampings, embossings or the like are applied.

The labels 13 are applied in a known manner on band-shaped carriers 14. These carriers 14 are guided via suitable conveyor systems to the respective closures 1, to which then the labels 13 are adhered to the lid surfaces of the closures 1 by means of known techniques.

Since the closures 1 are fed in parallel to two labeling machines 12, 12 ', the throughput of the device 6 is considerably increased compared to a single-track process control.

In order for the labels 13 to be applied exactly and centrically on the cover surfaces of the closures 1 as an advertising medium, the application of the labels 13 can be effected as a function of sensor signals. The sensor signals are generated by means of suitable sensors which detect whether a closure 1 is in a predetermined desired position in which the respective label is to be applied.

FIG. 3 shows a largely mechanical arrangement for the introduction of the closures 1 in the respective desired positions.

The closures 1 are conveyed one behind the other in the region of the labeling machine 12, 12 'on a conveyor belt 15 in the transport direction indicated by the arrow. In the simplest case, the conveyor belts 15 are formed as extensions of the respective sections 11, 11 'of the conveyor track 9.

Although the closures 1 are guided laterally on the conveyor belt 15, the distances between successive closures 1 can vary.

In order to achieve equidistant guidance of the closures 1 into the respective desired positions, the conveyor belt 15 is assigned mechanical means for forced guidance of the closures 1. These funds essentially exist from a motor-driven endless conveyor 16. The endless conveyor 16 has in a plane circumferential gripping arms 17, which are identical and are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction.

The direction of rotation of the gripper arms 17 is adapted to the transport direction of the closures 1 such that at the beginning of the conveyor belt 15 facing side of the endless conveyor 16, the gripping arms 17 are moved towards the closures 1 and finally engage laterally in the spaces between two consecutive closures 1.

This creates along the longitudinal side of the endless conveyor 16 a forced guidance of the closures 1 such that two closures one behind the other are separated by a gripping arm 17. The shapes of the gripping arms 17 are adapted to the shapes of the closures 1, so that they are stored without clearance between each two gripping arms 17.

By this positive guidance and by a coordination of the movements of the conveyor belt 15 and the endless conveyor 16 ensures that the closures 1 are accurately fed to a processing head 18 for applying a label 13 in a desired position.

The device 6 according to FIG. 2 is also suitable for applying advertising media on the two-part fasteners 1 according to FIG. 1b ,

In a first embodiment, the lids 3 of the closures 1 can be applied to the closure body parts 2 before they are moved in accordance with the device 6 FIG. 2 be supplied. In this case, the labels 13 are applied to the completely manufactured closures 1.

In an alternative embodiment, the cover 3 are supplied to the device 6 alone, in which case the advertising media are applied to the cover 3 as individual parts. In this case, the individual components of the device 6, in particular the sorting and separating unit and the conveyor line 9 are modified accordingly and adjusted for the individual processing of the lid 3. The final assembly of the closures 1 then takes place following the labeling processes in the labeling machines 12, 12 '.

How out FIG. 2 it can be seen the closures 1 after application of the labels 13 via further conveyor belts 19, 19 'each have a disinfection unit 20, 20', in which a sterilization of the closures 1 with the applied labels 13 takes place.

In order to prevent soiling of the closures 1 during the processing of the closures 1, in particular during their sterilization, this processing preferably takes place under clean-room conditions.

The sterilized closures 1 are introduced via airtight ports 21, 21 'at the outputs of the disinfection units 20, 20' in the reservoir 22, 22 'and stored there germ-free.

The FIGS. 4 and 5 show a first embodiment of such a disinfection unit 20. As out FIG. 4 The closures 1, to which the labels 13 are applied by means of the labeling machine 12, are supplied to the disinfection unit 20, the conveyor belt 19 running obliquely upwards being provided for this purpose.

The disinfection unit 20 is in FIG. 5 shown in detail. The walls of the disinfection unit 20 delimiting the closed interior are provided with UV radiation sources 23 emitting UV (ultraviolet) radiation.

The UV radiation sources 23 are formed in the form of surface radiators, each consisting of an array of UV lamps, in particular also semiconductor UV sources. The individual radiation sources are controlled by a control unit, not shown, which is formed by a microprocessor or the like. In this case, the UV radiation sources 23 can be operated both in pulse mode and in continuous operation. In particular, the radiation intensity of the UV radiation sources 23 is adjustable via the control unit.

The closures 1 provided with the labels 13 are guided on the conveyor belt 19 via an insertion opening 24 into the disinfection unit 20. There, the closures 1 are conveyed by means of a web conveyor 25 along a predetermined path. The web can in principle run in one plane. In the present case, the closures 1 are guided by means of the web conveyor 25 along a three-dimensional path, before they are guided out of the disinfection unit 20 via an outlet opening 26.

The web runs in such a way that the closures 1 are guided with their entire surfaces at predetermined nominal distances to the UV radiation sources 23, so that the closures 1 are uniformly exposed to the UV rays on all sides over a predetermined radiation time with predetermined radiation intensities. This ensures uniform over the entire surfaces of the closures 1 sterilization.

The web conveyor 25 may preferably consist of UV-transparent materials, so that the components of the web conveyor 25 do not lead to shading of the UV radiation. On the web conveyor 25 adjusting mechanisms such as turning, tilting, pivoting, lifting mechanisms are provided, by means of which the closures 1 are positioned within the disinfection unit 20 such that their surfaces are uniformly exposed to UV radiation.

An air-tight connection 21 with a flange 27 is located at the outlet opening 26 of the disinfection unit 20. Via the airtight connection 21, the sterilized closures 1 are introduced from the disinfection unit 20 into the reservoir 22 directly and without contact with the external air atmosphere.

How out FIG. 4 it is apparent that the reservoir 22 consists of a germ-free treated plastic bag 28 which is mounted in an octabine 29, which is seated on a Euro pallet 30.

In these plastic bags 28 provided with advertising media and sterilized closures 1 are supplied to the respective bottling plants. There, the closures 1 are applied to the respective beverage bottles.

To remove the closures 1 from the plastic bag 28, this has a predetermined breaking point 31 at its lower end. By opening the plastic bag 28, the closures 1 can be removed therefrom and discharged from the storage container 22 via a delivery opening 32 of the octabine 29.

The FIGS. 6 and 7a, b show an alternative embodiment of a disinfection unit 20. The input-side coupling of the disinfection unit 20 to the labeling machine 12 via the conveyor belt 19 and the output-side coupling to the reservoir 22 correspond to the embodiment according to the FIGS. 4 and 5 , The same applies to the formation of the reservoir 22 as a plastic bag 28th

The in the FIGS. 7a and 7b Disinfecting unit 20 shown in detail has, analogously to the embodiment, an insertion opening 24, via which the closures 1 a web conveyor 25 in the interior of the disinfection unit 20 are supplied. In addition, an outlet opening 26 for exporting the sterilized closures 1 is again provided.

In the present case 20 spray units 33 are provided consisting of areal multiple arrangements with nozzles in the disinfection unit, by means of which liquid disinfectants such as peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide are sprayed onto the closures 1 for their sterilization.

Alternatively, the promoted on the web conveyor 25 closures 1 can be immersed in a bath with disinfectants.

The arrangement of the spray units 33 on the one hand and the formation of the web conveyor 25 is in turn designed such that the closures 1 are applied to the disinfectant on all sides and uniformly.

The disinfectant is passed with a predetermined pressure through the nozzles of the spray unit 33 and directed against the closures 1.

How out FIG. 7b As can be seen, the path of the web conveyor 25 in the present case runs spirally in one plane. In general, meandering web guides in three-dimensional space are possible.

The sterilized in the disinfection unit 20 closures 1 are supplied via the outlet opening 26 via an air-tightly encapsulated supply line 34 of a compressed air unit 20a. There, the sterilized closures 1 are dried. The compressed air unit 20 a is part of the disinfection unit 20.

At the outlet of the compressed air unit 20a is the flange 27, to which the plastic bag 28 is connected. In this, the dry and sterilized closures 1 are analogous to the embodiment according to the FIGS. 4 and 5 collected.

In the embodiments according to the Figures 2 - 6 takes place the supply of the closures 1 to the bottling plants as a discontinuous process. It is essential here that the application of the advertising media to the closures 1 is completely independent and decoupled from the processes taking place in the bottling plants. The running in the bottling plant operations are thus completely unaffected by the application of the advertising.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the device 6. In this case, the closures 1 are not applied as separate units, but already applied to the respective bottles of a labeling machine 12. The bottles are in FIG. 8 denoted by F. Analogous to the embodiment according to FIG. 2 the bottles with the closures 1 are conveyed on a conveyor belt 35. This in turn associated with positioning, by means of which the bottles are positioned in predetermined nominal positions.

In these nominal positions, the labels 13 are applied as advertising on the closures 1.

Preferably, the in FIG. 8 Labeling machine 12 shown downstream of a disinfection unit 20, by means of which the tops of the closures 1 are treated germ-free. Preferably, for this purpose, the tops of the closures 1 are formed with UV radiation.

The thus formed device 6 according to FIG. 8 can be integrated as a modular unit easily and without much adaptation effort.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

(1)

shutter

(2)

Closure body part

(3)

cover

(4)

thread

(5)

reinforcement ring

(6)

contraption

(7)

Role conveyor belt

(8th)

Centrifugal

(9)

conveyor line

(10)

switch

(11)

leg

(11 ')

leg

(12)

labeling

(12 ')

labeling

(13)

labels

(14)

carrier

(15)

conveyor belt

(16)

endless conveyor

(17)

claw arm

(18)

processing head

(19)

conveyor belt

(19 ')

conveyor belt

(20)

disinfection unit

(20 ')

disinfection unit

(20a)

Compressed air unit

(21)

airtight connection

(21 ')

airtight connection

(22)

reservoir

(22 ')

reservoir

(23)

UV radiation sources

(24)

insertion

(25)

conveyors

(26)

outlet opening

(27)

flange

(28)

Plastic bag

(29)

Oktabine

(30)

euro pallet

(31)

Breaking point

(32)

outfeed

(33)

spray units

(34)

supply

(35)

conveyor belt

F

bottles

Claims (30)

1. A method for attaching advertising media to bottles, which method comprises the following method steps:

   - continuous conveying of closures (1) or closure parts for bottles in pre-determined required positions,

   - attaching of the labels (13), which form the advertising media, on the closures (1) or on the closure parts in the respective required positions,

   characterised in that
   subsequent sterilisation of the closures (1) or of the closure parts with the applied labels (13) within a disinfection unit by means of UV radiation, wherein the closures (1) or closure parts are positioned by positioning mechanisms, which are provided on a band conveyor (25), in such a manner that their surfaces are uniformly impinged upon with UV radiation.
2. The method as specified in claim 1, characterised in that the closures (1) or closure parts are attached onto the bottles prior to the continuous conveying in the required positions.
3. The method as specified in claim 1, characterised in that the closures (1) or closure parts are conveyed as separate units in the required positions.
4. The method as specified in any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the entire surfaces of closures (1) or closure parts are sterilised.
5. The method as specified in any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that top covers (3) of closures (1) are provided as closure parts that, subsequent to the attaching of the labels (13), are attached onto the closure body parts (2).
6. The method as specified in claim 5, characterised in that the top covers (3) are clipped, snapped or slid onto the closure body parts (2).
7. The method as specified in claim 6, characterised in that the top covers (3) are detachably connected to the closure body parts (2).
8. The method as specified in any one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the closures (1) are configured as screw closures or rolled-on closures.
9. The method as specified in claim 1, characterised in that the closures (1) are configured as crown corks or tube hoods.
10. The method as specified in any one of the claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the closures (1) consist of metal and/or plastic.
11. The method as specified in any one of the claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the labels (13) are configured as self-adhesive labels.
12. The method as specified in any one of the claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the labels (13) consist of paper and/or plastic.
13. The method as specified in any one of the claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the labels (13) have a plurality of backing layers.
14. The method as specified in any one of the claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the labels (13) have print surfaces.
15. The method as specified in claim 14, characterised in that the print surfaces are applied on the labels (13) during a high pressure process, a digital printing process, a screen printing process and/or an offset printing process.
16. The method as specified in any one of the claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the labels (13) exhibit coatings.
17. The method as specified in claim 16, characterised in that the labels (13) are applied to diffusion films, reflection films or fluorescent films.
18. The method as specified in one of the claims 16 or 17, characterised in that the labels (13) are applied to scratch-off layers.
19. The method as specified in one of the claims 16 to 18, characterised in that temperature-changeable colour layers are applied to the labels (13).
20. The method as specified in one of the claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the labels (13) have embossings or press cuts.
21. The method as specified in one of the claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the bottles are shaped as mineral water bottles, fruit juice bottles, beer bottles or soft drink bottles.
22. An apparatus for carrying out the method, according to one of the claims 1 to 21, comprising:

    - conveying a means for transporting closures (1) or closure parts on the bottles in required positions,

    - at least one labelling machine (12) for applying the labels (13), which form the advertising media, on the upper surfaces of the closures (1) or closure parts lying in the required positions,
    characterised in that

    - at least one disinfection unit (20) for sterilising the closures (1) or closure parts with the labels (13) applied thereon by means of UV radiation,

    - positioning mechanisms, which are provided on a band conveyor (25), with which the closures (1) or closure parts are positioned within the disinfection unit (20) in such a manner that their surfaces can be uniformly impinged upon with UV radiation,

    - wherein the at least one labelling machine (12) can be integrated in a bottle filling plant as a modular unit.
23. The apparatus as specified in claim 22,
    characterised in that

    - at least one separating unit is provided for separating the closures (1) or closure parts,

    - at least one storage container (22) is provided to which the sterilised closures (1) or closure parts can be delivered to their sterile storage by means of an air-tight connection (21).
24. The apparatus as specified in claim 23, characterised in that the disinfection unit (20) has a UV radiation source (23) for emitting UV radiation for conducting the closures (1) or closure parts along band conveyors (25) and for exposing the closures (1) or closure parts to UV radiation, wherein the closures (1) or closure parts are conducted past the UV radiation source (23) in order to be exposed to UV radiation on all sides by means of the band conveyor (25) in pre-determined required distances.
25. The apparatus as specified in one of the claims 23 or 24, characterised in that the storage container (22) is formed from a plastic bag (28) stored in an octabin (29), which plastic bag is connected to the disinfection unit (20) by means of a flange (27) that forms the air-tight connection (21).
26. The apparatus as specified in one of the claims 23 to 25, characterised in that the separating unit of the closures (1) or closure parts is formed from a centrifugal sorter (8).
27. The apparatus as specified in claim 26, characterised in that the closures (1) or closure parts separated in the centrifugal sorter (8) are transported on a conveyor stretch (9) forming the conveying means, which conveyor stretch has at least one line switch (10) by means of which closures (1) or closure parts are parallely supplied to a plurality of labelling machines (12, 12') for attaching labels (13).
28. The apparatus as specified in claim 27, characterised in that the labelling machines (12, 12') are configured identically.
29. The apparatus as specified in claim 27 or claim 28, characterised in that each labelling machine (12, 12') has sensors for detecting the required position of the closures (1) or closure parts for attaching the labels (13) .
30. The apparatus as specified in claim 28 or claim 29, characterised in that each labelling machine (12, 12') has mechanical means for restrictive guidance of the closures (1) or closure parts through which the respective closures (1) or closure parts are transported in a pre-determined work cycle in the required positions for attaching the labels (13).

Images