Labeling unit

Labeling unit for labeling containers and in particular bottles, with pre-cut labels, comprising at least one label holder matched to the sizes or formats of the labels, at least one transfer-plate shaft which is at least drivable in rotation and which carries at least one transfer plate matched to the sizes or formats of the labels, a gripper cylinder able to be driven in rotation which carries grippers in settings on the gripper cylinder matched to the sizes or formats of the labels, the label holder, the transfer plate and the gripper cylinder being three main sub-assemblies of the labeling unit which define a transfer path for labels, and which co-operate with one another in respective positions,

• wherein for a change of size or format of the labels at least one of three main sub-assemblies can be converted by a change in position of components of the at least one of the three main sub-assemblies while remaining in the labeling unit either manually or by motorized means of the respective components of the main sub-assembly from one position for co-operation within the labeling unit, the position for co-operation corresponding to one size or format of the labels, into at least one further position for co-operation within the labeling unit, the further position for co-operation corresponding to another size or format of the labels,
• wherein in one main sub-assembly of the three main sub-assemblies, two, three, or more transfer plates for different sizes or formats of labels are arranged together on the at least one transfer-plate shaft offset from each other circumferentially around an axis of the at least one transfer-plate shaft, each transfer plate of the two, three or more transfer plates arranged on the respective at least one transfer-plate shaft being of dimensions distinct from at least one of the other transfer plates, such that each distinctly-dimensioned transfer plate is sized to transfer a distinct size or format of labels, and wherein for a change of size or format of the labels processed by the labeling unit when labeling containers with labels of a different size or format the transfer-plate shaft is turned in circumferential direction around the axis of the transfer-plate shaft to or from a position for co-operation and a standby position of a respective transfer plate of the two, three or more transfer plates by one of selectively manually or by motorized means among a plurality of positions for the respective label transfer co-operation between a respective one of the transfer plates turned in the position for co-operation between a respective one of the transfer plates turned in the position for co-operation and at least a label holder which is also situated in its position for co-operation.