CN216581478U - Docking module for labeling machine and labeling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a docking module for a labeling machine and a labeling machine. In the docking module (A), the docking module has a docking station (S) for the labelling unit (E) and has multiple couplings in the docking station S and on the labelling unit (E) that can nest plugs into each other couplers (K1-K4), the docking station (A) has an actuator (13) for plug-connecting the multiplexers (K1-K4), and each multiplexer in the docking station (A) The actuators (K1, K2) have a cover (D) movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein a mechanical movement control (6) is provided between the cover (D) and the docking station (A), with the aid of The mechanical movement control can automatically bring the lid (D) from the closed position into the open position during the plug-in connection.

Description

Docking modules and labelling machines for labelling machines

technical field

The utility model relates to a docking module for a labeling machine and a labeling machine.

Background technique

In the labelling machine according to EP 2 060 496 A1, the multiple couplings installed in the docking station of the docking module according to the class and in the labelling unit are connected by a single linear, vertical relative movement between the labelling unit and the docking station connected by plugs. Before this, the labelling unit was inserted into the docking module with a linear approach movement towards the docking station until the mandrels and the mandrel receptacles on the docking station and on the labelling unit were oriented perpendicular to each other. Only in this way can the labelling unit be centered at the docking station by lifting the mandrel together with the docking station into the mandrel receptacle and at the same time plug-connecting the multiplexer. During the approaching movement of the labeling unit, the actuating elements of the labeling unit, which protrude towards the docking station, act on the lids to open them, so that once the mandrel is aligned with the mandrel receptacle, the lids are in the open position, but the labeling unit is in the open position. Not yet aligned. If the docking position of the labelling unit is wrong, eg the initial positioning of the multiple coupling is too low, the cover of the multiple coupling in the docking station cannot be opened. If the cover has been opened and the labelling unit is still not centered, water cannot be prevented from entering the multi-coupler of the docking station. If, for example, due to an inclination of the ground and the multiplexer in the inclined position is still plugged in to the labelling unit, the multiplexer can be damaged. Furthermore, the relative setup of the multiplexers on the labelling unit and in the docking station is very time-consuming and complex, and requires a large number of sensors to scan for different target positions and switch states during the docking process and transmit them to the control department.

In the most recent DE 10 2017 205 096 A1, an actuating drive is proposed, which is only provided for the plug connection multiplexer when the labelling unit is already centered, and a further actuating drive, which is intended for Set by the cover of the multiplexer in the docking station. Since further actuator drives of the docking module are used for adjusting the docking station in the docking module and for centering the labelling unit, many sensors are required to monitor the different movements and relative positioning.

Utility model content

The task of the present utility model is to propose a docking module, a labeling machine and a method for docking a labelling unit, characterized in that the number of execution drivers is the least, the complexity is low, and the number of the docking stations in the docking module is relatively low. The installation space is small and the sensor mechanism required for the safety technology is minimal, and therefore the actuator and the sensor mechanism are less likely to fail.

The proposed task is solved with a docking module for a labelling machine according to the invention and a labelling machine according to the invention.

For the plug-in connection of the multiplexer and at least to open the cover, by means of the mechanical motion control, only a single actuating drive is required, which enables the multiplexer in the docking station during the plug-in connection and its cover in relative motion for automatic operation of the cover. As a result, the sensor means for safety-related queries can be reduced to a minimum, since only the initial positioning of the multiplexer in the docking station and the correctly established plug connections need to be scanned, because During the movement phase when the plug-in connection is established, the cover is automatically and forcibly actuated correctly. Docking modules have reduced complexity and can be designed to be compact and more reliable in operation.

The labelling machine (for example even in the case of a well-docked docking module in connection with the labelling unit on the control side) is characterized by higher operational reliability, easier maintenance and replacement work and reduced space requirements, and is of equal value to having a reduced space requirements.

This also applies to methods in which, during the plug-in connection, a movement that can be easily monitored in terms of safety technology is used to force actuation of the cover. Any possible wrong orientation of the labelling unit when approaching the docking module has been corrected for the plug connection, since the labelling unit is correctly centered in the docking station of the docking module.

Suitably, even when the demultiplexer is disengaged, the motion controls automatically return the respective lids from the open position to the closed position, thereby giving the motion controls a dual function.

The mechanical motion control also has the advantage that, in the split position of the multi-coupling, which is defined by the actuator drive, the cover is pressed via the motion control, preferably locked in the closed position, so that when the labelling unit is docked, there is no Dirt or liquid penetrated into the multiplexer of the docking station. Since the multi-coupling on the labelling unit is always installed in a protected manner, it is possible to dispense with a cover there. However, the invention also includes a solution in which each multiplexer on the labelling unit has a cover to be opened, which can be actuated, for example, similarly via a mechanical motion control. In this case, two separate multiplexers are usually provided on the labelling unit and in the docking station, one for the dielectric, eg operating current and eg control signals in a fieldbus system, and the other for the operating medium, Such as compressed air, water, etc.

Expediently, the respective multi-coupling provided with a cover pointing upwards with an opening in the docking module in the docking station, which is height-adjustable by means of an actuator drive, is arranged in a linearly guided, preferably approximately vertically guided and On the slide which can be moved by a further actuating drive supported in the docking station, wherein the motion controls, preferably one for each cover, are mounted immovably in the docking station over the slide.

In one embodiment, the motion control has a control curve for the actuating protrusion of the cover pivotably arranged on the multiplexer, wherein the actuating protrusion preferably carries a roller cooperating with the control curve, to ensure flexibility and minimize wear. The motion control with the control curve can be installed in the docking station in a space-saving manner, which contributes to the compactness of the docking station. All of these parts can be replaced relatively easily.

In order to ensure flawless movement control of the cover, it is advantageous if the cover is permanently pressed against the control curve of the movement control by means of a spring, preferably a torsion spring, with its actuating lugs or rollers in its pivot bearing.

In a simple embodiment, the control curve has a mouth-shaped section in the lower end region and a substantially straight raceway in an upper section which is coupled to the mouth-shaped section via a ramp.

In this case, the control curve of the motion control can be arranged on the longitudinal sides of the two hook-shaped metal profiles which are bent at the ends in the shape of a hook, on the longitudinal sides of the labelling unit to be interfaced, which overlap the slide with play and are bent in two hook-shaped ends. The hook-shaped ends are screwed onto the front plate, ie the carrier plate, of the height-adjustable docking station in the docking module with slide guides.

Instead of a metal profile with a control curve, it can optionally be provided to mechanically intercept the relative movement of the further actuator for actuating the cover in another way. Furthermore, the movement of the further actuator can be transmitted not directly to the slide, but via other mechanical solutions, so that the further actuator does not have to be arranged parallel to the guiding direction of the slide.

The respective cover is pivotable on the multiplexer about a substantially horizontal axis, wherein the actuating projection protrudes beyond the axis approximately in an extension of the main plane of the cover in the direction of the motion control. The cover of a multiplexer, for example for conducting a medium under pressure, can be equipped on its underside with at least one replaceable seal in order to reliably seal off the opening of the medium channel in the closed position, expediently It is sealed with the pressing force generated by the actuator.

The cover of a multiplexer with electrical plug contacts can also have a seal on its underside for producing a sealed closed position, for example a sealing frame or a sealing plate. In order to minimize the sensor means required for the safety check, it is preferably possible to check the correct established plug connection and to bring it into the open position simply by means of the connected plug contacts on the control side. cover, so no separate sensor is required. This is preferably achieved on the control side by means of a scan current connection via at least one contact pin inserted into the pin receptacle.

Preferably, in the area of the multi-coupler in the docking station, a sensor, such as a proximity switch, can be provided for intercepting a predetermined lowered position of the slide and thus of the multi-coupler. Furthermore, no additional sensors are required to monitor the docking sequence or undo the docking sequence, which greatly improves operational reliability.

The actuating drive for the plug connection can be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder that can be actuated via a valve. Alternatively, a drive motor with a screw can be used for this purpose. In this case, it is expedient to protect the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder by means of a check valve that can be unlocked, so that in the event of a pressure failure the adjusted positioning of the cylinder is maintained or the plug-connected multi-coupling cannot be damaged. separated uncontrollably.

At least one multiplexer for operating media such as compressed air, water, etc. and for operating current, for example, are installed side-by-side with intermediate distances and at the same height on the labeling unit and in the docking station. , control signals, etc., at least one dielectric multiplexer. Here, only the multiplexer in the docking station actually needs a cover.

Furthermore, in a height-adjustable docking station in a docking module supported on the ground and/or at the labelling machine, a plurality of guided centering elements can be provided for the docked labelling unit, which centering before the plug connection The elements can also be moved together with the docking labelling unit via an actuating drive, wherein the actuating drive can have a drive motor with a screw, or alternatively a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

In the case of a transmission motor and a screw as respective actuating drives, a rotary handle, preferably a hexagonal piece, can be provided on the screw which is accessible or exposed for manual manipulation. This enables the docking station or the docked labelling unit to be lowered and removed from the docking station in the event of a power failure or other disturbance, or during repair or maintenance work even without operating current perform the action.

According to a further technical advantage of the method, for the plug-in connection of the multiplexers, only at least one multiplexer of the docking station is moved and only if the labeling unit has previously been correctly aligned on the centering elements of the docking station The lid should not be opened until the slider of the multiplexer carrying the docking station is in the predetermined scannable position. By this sequence control, damage due to wrong progress of the docking sequence or the undocking sequence is reliably excluded.

Description of drawings

Embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are explained with the aid of the drawings. in:

Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a labelling machine with a plurality of labelling units already docked in a docking module;

Figure 2 shows a perspective front view of the docking module;

Figures 3 to 6 show three successive stages of the docking sequence of the labelling train; and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical plug connection.

Detailed ways

Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a labelling machine M, here by way of non-limiting example, a rotary labelling machine, having a turret 1, for example for conveying containers such as bottles during labelling, and having a rotary The periphery of the tower 1 supports, at different circumferential positions, docking modules A on the ground and/or at the machine M, on which are docked various labelling units E, which carry labels, glue or similar equipment for the containers. Each docking module A is detachably fastened in the operating position, eg at a predetermined attachment location. Furthermore, at least one conveyor F (in this case a conveyor and a discharge) is also assigned to the turret 1 .

FIG. 2 shows the docking module A placed, for example, on the adjustable feet 2 in the operational position. It is possible to fasten the respective docking module A directly only on the machine. In the docking module A, for example two centering elements 3 (centering cones) are arranged on the support of a vertically guided (guide 33 ) docking station S in a frame 31 with triangular side cheeks 32 , the centering elements It is used for centering the labelling unit, not shown in FIG. 2 , on the docking station S and can be moved in the docking module by means of actuator drives 4 , 5 (eg drive motor 4 and screw 5 ). The centering element 3 engages in a corresponding centering receptacle on the labeling unit E brought into the docking station S and lifts the labeling unit E from the ground to the optional required for cooperation with the turret 1 . High positioning. The screw 5 may have an accessible or exposed rotary handle 30 (eg a hexagon) at the upper end, so that in the event of a power failure or other failure, the labelling unit E suspended in the docking station S can be manually (usually over a ton in weight) lowering and removal.

Instead of the drive motor 4 and the screw 5, other actuating drives can be used, such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, etc., to move the centering element 3 and the labelling unit E together with the docking station S in the docking module A.

In the embodiment of the docking station S shown in FIG. 2 , two multiplexers K1 , K2 are mounted at the same height with an intermediate distance, each of them having a movable cover D in order to Protect the multiplexers K1, K2 against the ingress of dirt, water or the like. The multiplexer K1 is, for example, an electrical multiplexer, ie it has plug contacts for transmitting operating currents, control signals, feedback, etc. The multiplexer K2 is a coupling for conveying and/or discharging a working medium such as compressed air, water or the like. Instead of the two multiplexers K1, K2 as shown, it is possible to provide only one multiplexer, which can be used for both dielectric and other media and is covered by D cover.

FIG. 2 shows the multiplexers K1 , K2 in a defined lower end position, and once the multiplexers K1 , K2 are set in proportion to the ones in the labelling unit E the multiplexer plug connections, they can be lifted approximately vertically. In order to move the multiplexers K1 , K2 , further actuator drives 13 (see FIGS. 3 to 5 ) are provided in the height-adjustable docking station S of the docking module A, which are hidden behind a cover in FIG. 2 , eg Hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or drive motors with threaded rods, which move the multiplexers K1, K2 relative to the docking station S. This relative movement (as will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 ) is captured by at least one motion control 6 fixedly mounted in the docking station S and used at least to transfer the lid D from the closed position shown to the In a defined open position, the additional actuating drive 13 thus fulfills a dual function, that is, on the one hand, the multiplexers K1, K2 are plug-connected to the multiplexers arranged on the labelling unit E (also Disconnect) and at least open cover D and close cover D if necessary.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section of the docking station S of FIG. 2 parallel to the motion control section 6 of FIG. 2 . In the docking station S, for each lid D, a lid receiver magazine 7 of the type of a pocket open below is installed in the high area, the purpose of which will be explained later. FIG. 3 also shows the multiplex couplers K3, K4 mounted on the labelling unit E, which are docked in the centered positioning of the labeling unit E on the centering element 3 of FIG. 2 The multiplexers K1, K2 of the station S are aligned with them in the direction of movement, but are not yet plug-connected to them. Instead, as mentioned, each multiplexer 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 control.

On the carrier plate 8 of the docking station S are arranged guides 29 for the plate-like slides 17 to which the multiple couplings K1 , K2 are fastened in a replaceable manner. On the carrier plate 8 there is fixedly mounted an actuating drive 13 , in the exemplary embodiment shown a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, the piston rod 14 of which acts on a bearing seat 34 via a fork 35 with a plug shaft 36 . , the bearing seat is fastened on the slider 17 with fastening screws 16 . The motion controls 6 (common or one for each cover D) are mounted immovably on the carrier plate 8 , for example by means of upper and lower ends 22 which are bent in the form of hooks. The motion control unit 6 has control curves 19 , 20 , 21 on the rod-shaped metal profile 28 , more precisely on the side facing the labelling unit E. The control curve comprises, for example, a mouth-shaped section 19 , which is continued via an inclined and rounded ramp 21 through a substantially straight or straight raceway 20 , which in the docking station S is substantially vertical from the mouth-shaped section 19 . Extend straight up.

The cover D of the respective multiplexer K1 , K2 is pivotable about an essentially horizontal axis in a pivot bearing 9 at the housing of the multiplexer K1 , K2 , sealed in the closed position shown It covers the upper openings of the multiplexers K1, K2 and has an actuating lug 10 protruding from the axis 9 approximately in the extension of the main plane of the cover D, which actuating lug is preferably equipped with rollers 11, which The rollers cooperate with the control curve of the motion control unit 6 . Optionally, a spring 18, such as a torsion spring, can be provided, which keeps the actuating projection 10 of the cover D permanently against the control curve. In the embodiment shown, one motion control 6 is installed for each cover D. Alternatively, a single motion control 6 is used for both covers D, and then they are connected to each other expediently in a movement-transferring manner, or one motion control is wide enough for both covers D.

Instead of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders that actuate the drive 13, a drive motor (not shown) with a screw can alternatively be provided. The motion control 6 may also be constructed differently than shown, provided it can be in the open position of the cover D in the closed position from the relative movement of the multiplexers K1, K2 with respect to the docking station A when the actuation of the actuator 13 is performed You can operate the cover D between them. In the embodiment shown, the movement control 6 not only moves the respective cover D from the closed position to the open position when the multiplexers K1-K4 are plugged in, in which the cover can be moved from below to the open position. In the lid storage portion 7, the motion control portion 6 also serves to transfer the lid D from the open position back into the closed position. In the embodiment shown, the motion control 6 can additionally press or lock the lid D in the closed position. Alternatively, the return of the lid D from the open position into the closed position can be performed by spring means, and the lid D can also be kept closed in the closed position by the spring means. Although this is not absolutely necessary, the multiplexers K3, K4 on the labelling unit E can also have covers which are opened before the plug-in connection and closed after the plug-in connection.

4 to 6 show the three phases when the multiplexers K1-K4 are plugged together (or in the reverse order when the multiplexers K1-K4 are separated).

In FIG. 4 , in comparison with FIG. 2 , the actuator 13 has lifted the multiplexers K1 , K2 slightly relative to the motion control 6 by means of the sliding block 17 , so that the roller 11 immediately rests on the ramp 21 and let cover D open slightly.

In FIG. 5 , the actuator 13 moves the multiplexers K1 , K2 further upwards with the slide 17 so that the rollers 11 pass the ramp 21 and are on their way to the raceway 20 . The lid D is fully open and is substantially parallel to the raceway 20 and aligned with the lower open end of the lid receiver magazine 7 . The openings 27 of the multiplexer K1 which point upwards towards the multiplexers K3, K4 on the labelling unit E are exposed. FIG. 5 shows that, for example, at least one replaceable seal 23 is provided on the underside of the cover D, which is an approximately central seal in the multiplexer K2 for compressed air, water or the like, In the multiplexer K1 with electrical plug contacts it acts as a sealing plate or sealing frame for sealing in the closed position.

FIG. 5 also shows that eg a pneumatic cylinder of the actuating drive 13 can be protected by a non-return valve 23 in order to ensure that the adjusted positioning of the multiple couplings K1 , K2 is maintained in the event of a failure of the compressed air supply. If the compressed air supply returns to normal again, the check valve 23 can be unlocked, eg pneumatically or mechanically.

In FIG. 6 , the actuator 13 plugs the multiplexers K1 - K4 and each cover D is moved into its cover receptacle 7 . A common lid receiving portion 7 may be provided for both lids D.

Apart from the sensor 12 ( FIG. 3 ) for querying the lower target position of the multiplexers K1 , K2 , no further sensors are required to monitor the docking sequence, since the multiplexers K1 - K4 have The correctly established plug connection and the cover D correctly brought into its open position are expediently queried via the established electrical connection, for example via the insertion into the pin receptacles in the multiplexers K1 , K3 according to FIG. 7 . Contact pin 24 in 25 to query. As soon as the galvanic connection has been correctly established, it is concluded via the associated control that the multiplexers K1 - K4 are correctly plugged in and the cover D has been brought into its open position. The pin receptacles 25 and contact pins 24 may be used for other purposes than being provided only to confirm proper plug connection and proper lid manipulation.

When the multiplexers K1-K4 are disconnected, the sequence is reversed, wherein the motion control 6 brings the lid D from the open position into the closed position and presses or locks the lid D in the position of FIG. 2 (eg In the lowermost target positioning), it is performed via the lower part of the mouth-shaped region 19 of the control curve of the motion control unit 6 .

In the embodiment shown, the multiplexers K1 , K2 move parallel to the movement of the actuator drive 13 . Alternatively, it is possible that the plug movement does not take place in the direction of movement of the actuator drive 13 , but rather takes place via a mechanical mechanism.

In order to avoid damage when the plug connection is made or when disconnected, the multiplexers K1-K4, or at least the multiplexers K1, K2, can be supported in a floating manner.

The main advantage of the solution according to the invention is that only the actuator 13 needs to be actuated to plug the multiplexers K1-K4 and also actuate the cover. This leads to a reduction in the complexity of the docking station S and a reduction in the installation space. It is also important that a safety-technical inquiry can be performed with a minimum of sensor means, since for example only the proximity switch 12 is required as a sensor, which results in a reduced probability of failure of the actuator and the sensor means.

Claims (27)

1. Docking module (A) for a labeling machine (M) for a labeling unit (E) that can be docked selectively, wherein at least one insertable multi-way coupling (K1-K4) for a running and/or control medium is provided in each case in the docking module (A) and on the labeling unit (E), wherein the docking module (A) has an actuator (4, 5) for a height-adjustable docking station (S) and is provided at least at each multi-way coupling (K1, K2) in the docking station (A) with a cover (D) that can be moved between an open position and a closed position and that is opened before being plugged into connection with the multi-way coupling (K3, K4) of the labeling unit (E), characterized in that a mechanical movement control (6) is provided in the docking module (A) between the cover (D) and the docking station (S), the cover (D) can be automatically transferred from the closed position into the open position by means of the mechanical movement control at least during a movement for plug-connecting the multiple coupling (K1-K4) caused by an actuating drive (13) of the docking station (S).

2. The docking module according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (D) can be automatically transferred from the open position into the closed position upon uncoupling of the multiple coupling (K1-K4) by means of the motion control (6) and the actuating drive (13).

3. The docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the open position of the multiple coupling (K1-K4) defined by the actuating drive (13), each cover (D) is pressable in the closed position via the motion control (6).

4. The docking module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the multiple couplings (K1, K2), which are each provided with the cover (D), of the docking module (a) and which are directed upwards by means of an opening (27) in the docking station (S), are arranged on a slide (17) which is guided in a straight line and can be moved by an actuator (13) supported in the docking station (S), and the respective motion control of the motion control (6) is mounted immovably in the docking station (S) beyond the slide (17).

5. The docking module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the motion control (6) has a control curve (19, 20, 21) for an actuating projection (10) of a cover (D) pivotably articulated on the multiple coupling (K1, K2).

6. A docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover (D) in its pivot bearing can be pressed with its operating projection (10) by a spring (18) onto a control curve (19, 20, 21) of the motion control section (6).

7. The docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control curve is provided with a mouth-shaped section (19) in the lower end region and has a straight raceway (20) in the upper section which is coupled to the mouth-shaped section (19) via a ramp (21).

8. The docking module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control curves (19, 20, 21) of the movement control (6) are arranged on the longitudinal sides of two end-bent metal profiles (28) pointing towards the labeling units (E) to be docked, which overlap the slide (17) and are screwed with two ends (22) onto a carrier plate (8) of the docking station (S) with a slide guide (29).

9. The docking module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover (D) is pivotable on the multiple coupling (K1, K2) about a substantially horizontal axis (9), the actuating projection (10) projects beyond the axis (9) in the extension of the main plane of the cover (D) in the direction of the motion control section (6), and at least the cover (D) of the multiple coupling (K1, K2) for guiding a medium under pressure is equipped with at least one exchangeable seal (23).

10. A docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover (D) of the multiple coupling (K1, K2) with the electrical plug contacts (24, 25) has a seal (23) for producing a sealed closed position.

11. Docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a sensor is provided for intercepting a predetermined lowering position of the slide (17) and/or of a separate multiple coupling (K1, K2).

12. The docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating drive (13) of the slide (17) is a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder which can be loaded via at least one valve (23), or a transmission motor with a screw.

13. Docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one multiple coupling (K1, K3) for media under pressure and multiple couplings (K2, K4) for dielectrics are mounted side by side on the labeling unit (E) and in the docking station (S) with an intermediate distance and in the same height, respectively, wherein only the multiple couplings (K1, K2) in the docking station (S) have a cover (D).

14. The docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of centering elements (3) guided in a height-adjustable manner are provided in the docking station (a) for the docked labeling unit (E), which centering elements can be moved together with the docked and centered labeling unit (E) via a common actuating drive, wherein the actuating drive is provided with a drive motor (4) with a screw (5), or has a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

15. The docking module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the screw (5) of the transmission motor (4) has a rotary handle (30) accessible or exposed from the front side of the docking module (a) for manual manipulation.

16. A docking module according to claim 3, characterized in that in the open position of the multiple coupling (K1-K4) defined by the actuating drive (13), each cover (D) can be locked in the closed position via the motion control (6).

17. A docking module according to claim 4, characterized in that the slide (17) is guided vertically.

18. A docking module according to claim 4 characterized in that and the motion control (6) is mounted immovably across the slider (17) in the docking station (S) for the respective motion control of each cover (D).

19. A docking module according to claim 4 characterized in that the respective motion control of the motion control (6) is mounted immovably over the slide (17) on the carrier plate (8).

20. A docking module according to claim 5, characterized in that the handling projection (10) carries a roller (11) cooperating with the control curve.

21. A docking module according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover (D) can be pressed in its pivot bearing with its operating projection (10) by means of a torsion spring onto a control curve (19, 20, 21) of the motion control part (6).

22. Docking module according to claim 10, characterized in that the connected plug contacts (24, 25) of the multiple-way coupling (K1, K3) which are connected electrically via a plug on the control side can be queried about a correctly established plug connection and the cover (D) in the open position.

23. Docking module according to claim 22, characterized in that the correctly established plug connection and the cover (D) in the open position are electrically interrogatable on the control side via at least one contact pin (24) inserted into a pin receptacle (25).

24. Docking module according to claim 11, characterized in that in the area of the multiple-way coupling (K1, K2) of the docking station (S) there is provided a sensor for intercepting a predetermined lowered positioning of the slide (17) and/or of a separate multiple-way coupling (K1, K2).

25. The docking module of claim 11, wherein the sensor is a proximity switch.

26. A docking module according to claim 15, characterized in that the swivel handle (30) is a hexagon.

27. A labeling machine (M) having at least one docking module (A) for a selectively dockable labeling unit (E), at least one pluggable multiple coupling (K1-K4) for the operation and/or control of a medium is provided in each case in the docking module (A) and on the labeling unit (E), the docking module (A) has an actuating drive (4, 5) for a docking station (S) that is highly adjustable in the docking module (A), and at least in the docking station (A) each multiple coupling (K1, K2) is provided with a cover (D) movable between an open position and a closed position, said cover being opened before the multiple couplings (K1-K4) are plugged, characterized in that at least one docking module according to any one of claims 1 to 26 is configured on the labeling machine (M).

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