Label material cutting unit with anti-collision element

Abstract

There is described a cutting unit (11) configured to cut a web (4) of label material, said cutting unit (11) comprising: a first cutting member (14) carrying a cutting group (15) comprising a blade element (15a) and an anti-collision element (15b); and a second cutting member (12) including a first groove (16a), an abutment wall (17), and a second groove (16b) formed in the abutment wall; the first cutting member (14) is configured to cyclically cooperate with the second cutting member (12) such that during a nominal operating state of the cutting unit (11), the blade element (15a) repeatedly engages the first slot (16a) for cutting the web (4) and the anti-collision element (15b) repeatedly and contactlessly engages the second slot (16) during cutting of the web (4); the cutting unit (11) is configured such that, during a non-nominal operating state of the cutting device (11), the anti-collision element (15b) interacts in contact with the abutment wall (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting unit for cutting rolls of labeling material for labeling articles suitable for containing pourable products (preferably pourable food). Background Technology

[0002] Labeling machines are known and are commonly used to prepare labels, shipping labels, and label items such as bottles, jars, or similar containers for canned, pourable products, especially pourable foods.

[0003] Adhesive labels are particularly common, which involve cutting a suitable length of label material from a roll of label material that is initially wound in a continuous strip on a spool and then glued on before being applied to the item.

[0004] Specifically, the label material roll is gradually unwound from the relevant spool and then repeatedly cut to obtain continuous labels of equal length, which are then glued and applied to the corresponding items.

[0005] Typical labeling machines include: - A turntable that rotates about a vertical axis and is configured to transport multiple items along a horizontally curved labeling path; and - A labeling module, which is arranged around the periphery relative to the turntable, is configured to prepare, transport, and feed multiple labels to the turntable at the application station so as to apply these labels to the corresponding items.

[0006] Based on well-known configurations, labeling modules typically include: - One or more reels, the label material rolls are initially wound on the reels in the form of continuous rolls; - Feed rollers are used to unwind the roll from the spool and advance it along the feed path; - Multiple support rollers that support the roll material as it is gradually unwound from the reel during use and guide the roll material along the feed path during use; - A cutting unit for repeatedly cutting the roll material to obtain a series of labels from the roll material itself; and - A tag conveying device, such as a known vacuum roller, is configured to receive, hold, and advance each tag at the application station and feed each tag into a turntable.

[0007] According to well-known configurations, a rotary cutting unit is typically used, which includes a first roller carrying the blade and a second roller carrying a reverse blade element, which is typically defined by a slit or elastic pad that can engage with the blade.

[0008] The two rollers are arranged adjacent to each other tangentially and can rotate about their respective axes.

[0009] The relative rotation of the first and second rollers determines the periodic interaction between the blade and the reverse blade element, which ultimately results in the cutting of the roll.

[0010] As is well known, at least one of the first and second rollers will be controlled according to the production speed, and its size will be adjusted according to the label length.

[0011] The goal is to use the same labeling module for labels of different formats, which can differ from each other, for example, in label length.

[0012] The need to adjust the size of at least one of the first and second rollers according to the label length makes the switching operation cumbersome, as it requires changing the roller while also considering the need to keep pace with the production speed.

[0013] To address this, a single-roll cutting unit has been proposed, in which the cutting unit consists of only a single cutting roller that carries the blade, while the reverse blade element is directly carried by a vacuum drum.

[0014] Specifically, the reverse blade element is defined by a portion of the vacuum drum.

[0015] In other words, the cutting of the roll material occurs between the cutting roller and the vacuum roller.

[0016] In this case, it is crucial that the vacuum roller and the individual cutting roller, especially their relative angular positions and relative circumferential speeds, remain perfectly synchronized throughout the labeling process, because even the slightest asynchrony between the two can lead to damage to the outer surface of the vacuum roller and / or the blades.

[0017] However, this synchronization between the vacuum roller and the cutting roller requires expensive components, maintenance, and precision, and may be difficult to maintain over time, leading to periodic stops of the labeling process to avoid component damage. Summary of the Invention

[0018] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a cutting unit that is designed to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages in a direct and low-cost manner.

[0019] This objective is achieved by the cutting unit claimed in the appended independent claim 1.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the appended dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a labeling machine including a labeling module according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity; Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the labeling machine, showing the cutting unit from a first-person perspective. For clarity, some parts have been removed. Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the cutting unit from a second-person perspective. For clarity, some parts have been removed. Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c are top views of the cutting unit according to the invention at three different times; for clarity, some parts have been removed. Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the cutting unit at two different times. For clarity, some parts have been removed. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, the number 1 generally represents a labeling machine for labeling article 2, such as a bottle, jar, can or similar container, which is suitable for containing a pourable product, preferably a pourable food.

[0023] Specifically, the labeling machine 1 is configured to apply a label 3 obtained from the labeling material roll 4 onto the article 2.

[0024] According to this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, label 3 is an adhesive label, i.e., a strip of label material cut to a predetermined length from roll 4 and then coated with glue before being applied to the corresponding article 2.

[0025] Preferably, the roll 4 is initially wound in the form of a continuous strip on one or more reels 5 (only one is shown in Figure 1), and is gradually unwound from the reels 5 during use.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the labeling machine 1 includes: - A conveying device, preferably a turntable 6 rotatable about a fixed axis (not shown), preferably vertical, and configured to advance multiple items 2 (only one shown) along an arc-shaped labeling path (preferably horizontal); and - Labeling module 7 (shown only partially schematically) is arranged on the periphery relative to turntable 6 and configured to prepare a plurality of labels 3 at application station A and supply them to turntable 6 itself so as to apply the labels 3 to the corresponding items 2.

[0027] Labeling module 7 includes: - Storage unit, rotatably supported by at least one scroll 5; - Feed roller 8, used to advance (i.e. feed) the roll 4 along the feed path Q, and thus to gradually unwind the roll 4 from the reel 5; - Multiple (idle) support rollers 10 (only one is shown schematically), in use, the support rollers 10 support the roll 4 gradually unwinding from the roll 5 and guide the roll 4 along the feed path Q; - Cutting unit 11, which is arranged downstream of feed roller 8 along feed path Q, and configured to repeatedly cut roll 4 to obtain a series of labels 3; and - Label conveying roller 12, which is rotatable about the (central) rotation axis X and is configured to convey the label 3 to the application station A to apply it to the corresponding item 2.

[0028] It should be noted that the feed path Q extends from the reel 5 to the application station A. In other words, the feed path Q is the path along which the roll 4 moves forward before cutting, and then the path along which the label 3 moves forward after cutting the roll 4.

[0029] Preferably, the roller 12 is defined by a vacuum roller of a known type, which holds the label 3 by suction, the specific method of which is known and will not be described here.

[0030] The roller 12 includes multiple receiving areas 13 (five in the preferred embodiment shown), each receiving area being configured to cyclically receive and hold a corresponding tag 3.

[0031] Specifically, the receiving area 13 is equipped with a vacuum port 50 (Figure 6), which can be selectively fluidly connected to a vacuum source (not shown) in a manner known to be not described in detail here.

[0032] Each receiving area 13 includes a leading edge pad 13a for holding the leading edge 3a of the tag 3 and a trailing edge pad 13b for holding the trailing edge 3b of the tag 3.

[0033] In addition, each receiving area 13 includes an inter-pad region 13c that is angled and inserted between pads 13a and 13b.

[0034] In view of the above, each label 3 is held by the receiving area 13 of the roller 12, with its leading edge 3a on the corresponding leading edge pad 13a, its trailing edge 3b on the corresponding trailing edge pad 13b, and its middle portion on the inter-pad area 13c.

[0035] The labeling module 7 also includes an adhesive applicator, in particular an adhesive roller 30, for applying adhesive to the label material supported by the roller 12, and more specifically, to the leading edge 3a and trailing edge 3b of each label 3 supported by the corresponding receiving area 13.

[0036] For ease of operation, the glue roller 30 is arranged circumferentially relative to the roller 12 so as to be tangent to the outer surface of each pad 13a, 13b for cyclically applying glue to the label portion placed thereon during use.

[0037] The cutting unit 11 includes a first cutting member 14 and a second cutting member, the first cutting member carrying a cutting assembly 15 including a blade 15a, and the second cutting member defining a reverse blade element for (cyclically) receiving the blade 15a.

[0038] According to the preferred embodiment shown, the cutting unit 11 is rotary.

[0039] Specifically, the first cutting member 14 is rotatable about the first axis Y, thereby being configured to drive the cutting assembly 15 to rotate about the first axis Y.

[0040] Similarly, the second cutting member 12 can rotate about the second axis X, thereby being configured to drive the reverse blade element to rotate about the second axis X.

[0041] Conveniently, the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to each other, and preferably perpendicular.

[0042] Preferably, the second cutting member 12 is defined by the roller 12. Therefore, the second axis X corresponds to the roller axis X.

[0043] Therefore, the roller 12 is part of the cutting unit 11, such that the cutting of the roll 4 occurs between the first cutting member 14 and the roller 12. This cutting on the roller 12 allows for greater flexibility in the first cutting member 14 relative to possible variations in the height and / or longitudinal length of the label.

[0044] Specifically, the roller 12 includes multiple reverse blade elements, one for each holding area 13.

[0045] More specifically, each reverse blade element is located at a corresponding trailing edge pad 13b.

[0046] The following reference will be made to a single holding area 13, and therefore to a single trailing edge pad 13b and a single reverse blade element of roller 12.

[0047] More precisely, the roller 12 includes a first groove 16a that defines a reverse blade element.

[0048] In detail, the roller 12 includes a plurality of first grooves 16a, one for each holding area 13.

[0049] In other words, each first groove 16a is located on the label holding portion of the roller 12.

[0050] In view of the above, the roller 12, i.e. the second cutting member 12, includes at least one first groove 16a, and in particular a plurality of first grooves 16a, one for each rear edge pad 13b.

[0051] Furthermore, according to a first aspect of the invention, the roller 12 (i.e., the second cutting member 12) includes an abutment wall 17 and a second groove 16b. The second groove 16b is formed on the abutment wall 17.

[0052] In detail, the roller 12 includes a plurality of second grooves 16b, one for each holding area 13.

[0053] Therefore, the roller 12 can rotate about the second axis X, thereby being configured to drive the first groove 16a and the second groove 16b to rotate about the second axis X.

[0054] Conveniently, the abutment wall 17 is defined by the annular member 18 carried by the roller 12.

[0055] Specifically, the annular member 18 and the abutment wall 17 are arranged at an axial height different from that of the retaining area 13 relative to the second axis X.

[0056] More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the abutment wall 17 is arranged below the holding area 13, that is, axially below the holding area 13 relative to the second axis X.

[0057] According to a second aspect of the invention, the cutting assembly 15 further includes an anti-collision element 15b.

[0058] In detail, the anti-collision element 15b is spaced apart from the blade 15a.

[0059] The anti-collision element 15b is driven by the first cutting member 14 to rotate around the axis Y.

[0060] The cutting unit 11 is configured in a nominal state in which the blade element 15a interacts with the roller 12 by engaging a first groove 16a for cutting the roll 4, and during the cutting, the anti-collision element 15b interacts with the roller 12 by engaging (preferably non-contact engagement) a second groove 16b.

[0061] Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4A show the moment of cutting when the cutting unit 11 is in its nominal state.

[0062] The first cutting member 14 is rotatable about the first axis Y, and is thus configured to drive the cutting assembly 15 to rotate about the first axis Y. Therefore, the first cutting member 14 is a rotary first cutting member.

[0063] The roller 12 is rotatable about a second axis X, thereby being configured to drive the first groove 16a and the second groove 16b to rotate about the second axis X. The second axis X and the first axis Y are parallel to each other.

[0064] The first cutting member 14 and the roller 12 are configured to rotate relative to each other so that the periodic interaction between the blade element 15a and the roller 12 is determined by the engagement of the blade element 15a with the first groove 16a, and the periodic interaction between the anti-collision element 15b and the roller 12 is determined by the engagement of the anti-collision element 15b with the second groove 16b.

[0065] The cutting unit 11 is configured to use a non-nominal state, according to which the anti-collision element 15b interacts with the roller 12 by contacting the abutment wall 17.

[0066] Figure 4B shows the moment of contact between the anti-collision element 15b and the abutment wall 17 when the cutting unit 11 is in a non-nominal state.

[0067] The cutting assembly 15 is movable between an operating position and a safe position. In the operating position, the blade element 15a interacts with the roller 12. In the safe position, the blade element 15a is retracted from the roller 12 and interaction with the roller 12 is prevented. The cutting assembly 15 is in the operating position, at least in its nominal state. The cutting assembly 15 can also be in the operating position in a non-nominal state of the cutting unit 11.

[0068] In Figures 1, 2, 3, 4A, and 4B, cutting group 15 is in the operating position. In Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4A, cutting group 15 is in the operating position, while cutting unit 11 is in the nominal state. In Figure 4B, cutting group 15 is in the operating position, while cutting unit 11 is in the non-nominal state, as will be explained more clearly below.

[0069] The cutting unit 11 is configured such that, in the non-nominal operating state of the cutting unit 11, contact between the abutment wall 17 and the anti-collision element 15b triggers a first displacement of the cutting assembly 15 from the operating position to the safe position. In Figure 4B, the anti-collision element 15b abuts against the abutment wall 17 because the cutting unit 11 is in a non-nominal state, but the cutting assembly 15 is still in the operating position.

[0070] In Figures 4C, 5, and 6, the cutting assembly 15 is in the safe position. In particular, in Figure 4C, the cutting assembly 15 has just switched from the operating position to the safe position.

[0071] The first cutting member 14 includes a magnetic device 22 to selectively lock the cutting assembly 15 in an operating position or a safe position.

[0072] The first cutting member 14 includes a first magnetic element 22a and a second magnetic element 22b. The first magnetic element 22a is configured to interact with the cutting assembly 15 to hold the cutting assembly 15 in an operating position. The second magnetic element 22b is configured to interact with the cutting assembly 15 to hold the cutting assembly 15 in a safe position.

[0073] In detail, the magnetic device 22 locks the cutting assembly 15 in the operating position until the non-nominal operating state is established and the anti-collision element 15b contacts the abutment wall 17.

[0074] Once such contact occurs, the pressure exerted by the anti-collision element 15b on the abutment wall 17 overcomes the magnetic force that locks the cutting assembly 15 to the first magnetic element 22a, thereby determining the first displacement of the cutting assembly 15, namely its rotation about the hinge 19 toward a safe position.

[0075] The presence of the magnetic device 22 allows the cutting assembly 15 to be stably positioned and locked in the operating and safe positions, thereby preventing undesirable displacement of the cutting assembly 15 and consequently, undesirable displacement of the blade 15a, especially during nominal operating conditions, which could adversely affect the normal operation of the cutting unit 11.

[0076] In detail, the magnetic device 22 locks the cutting assembly 15 in the operating position until the non-nominal operating state is established and the anti-collision element 15b contacts the abutment wall 17.

[0077] It should be noted that the nominal operating state corresponds to the operating state in which the first cutting member 14 and the roller 12 are correctly synchronized to cut the roll material. In this state, the blade 15a periodically interacts with the first groove 16a, and the anti-collision element 15b periodically interacts with the second groove 16b (preferably without contact).

[0078] Conversely, the non-nominal operating state corresponds to the synchronization between the first cutting member 14 and the roller 12, which is incorrect for cutting and can be considered as asynchrony.

[0079] In this state, the cyclic interaction between the anti-collision element 15b and the second groove 16b cannot occur normally, and the anti-collision element 15b will instead come into contact with the abutment wall 17 (Fig. 4b) to trigger the first displacement. In this way, incorrect synchronization is used to prevent the blade 15a from mistakenly contacting the roller 12, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of damage to the blade 15a itself and the roller 12.

[0080] In detail, in the non-nominal operating state, the anti-collision element 15b will press against the abutment wall 17, thereby triggering the aforementioned first displacement.

[0081] Due to the presence of the anti-collision element 15b as described above, damage to the blade 15a and the roller 12 can be avoided in the event of a loss of proper synchronization in the cutting between the first cutting member 14 and the roller 12. Therefore, a more efficient cutting unit 11 is provided, with a significantly lower risk of damage.

[0082] In particular, it can prevent unwanted contact between the blade 15a and the roller 12.

[0083] This greatly reduces wear and tear and extends the lifespan of the labeling module 7.

[0084] In view of the above, the anti-collision element 15b defines a compression member adapted to compress the abutment wall 17 under the non-nominal operating conditions.

[0085] Conveniently, the anti-collision element 15b is made of an elastic material to reduce wear on the abutment wall 17 and reduce the need for maintenance or replacement of the annular member 18.

[0086] Alternatively, the anti-collision element 15b can be made of a rigid material, such as rigid plastic.

[0087] The cutting assembly 15 is rotatable about the hinge 19 between an operating position and a safe position. The cutting unit 11 is configured such that in the non-nominal operating state, the anti-collision element 15b abuts against the abutment wall 17, thereby causing the cutting assembly 15 to rotate about the hinge 19, which in turn causes the cutting assembly 15 to generate a first rotational movement about the hinge 19, achieving the aforementioned first displacement.

[0088] In this way, the switching of the cutting assembly 15 between the operating position and the safe position is very rapid and / or the compactness of the cutting unit 11 is optimized. Furthermore, in this way, the switching is compatible with the rotary first cutting member 14.

[0089] Conveniently, hinge 19 is parallel to the first axis Y, and therefore also parallel to the second axis X.

[0090] The cutting unit 11 includes an actuator 20 configured to trigger a second displacement of the cutting assembly 15 from a safe position to an operating position.

[0091] Actuator 20 includes a pin 21 movable in a direction parallel to the first axis Y and configured to be axially driven between a non-active position and an active position. In the non-active position, pin 21 does not interfere with the rotation of the cutting assembly 15 about the first axis Y. In the active position, pin 21 contacts the cutting assembly 15 as it rotates about the first axis Y to induce the second displacement, which is a second rotational movement of the cutting assembly 15 around the hinge 19. The second rotational movement is opposite in direction to the first rotational movement described above. In Figure 5, pin 21 is in the non-active position. In Figure 6, pin 21 is in the active position.

[0092] Pin 21 can extend axially in the active position to block the cutting assembly 15, so that when the cutting assembly 15 rotates about the first axis Y and encounters pin 21, it will move back to its operating position.

[0093] In this way, the automatic restoration of the position of the cutting assembly 15 can be simplified, reducing the need for manual operator intervention. In this way, the rotational motion of the first cutting member 14 is used to restore the operating position of the cutting assembly 15, thereby reducing the mechanical complexity of the cutting unit 11.

[0094] Furthermore, the risk of errors is greatly reduced.

[0095] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the blade 15a and the anti-collision element 15b extend radially relative to the first axis Y at least in the operating position of the cutting assembly 15. However, there may be an offset between either the blade 15a or the anti-collision element 15b and the first axis Y. Each of the blade 15a and the anti-collision element 15b extends radially, and at least one component of their extension is along a radial direction relative to the first axis Y.

[0096] According to one aspect of the invention, at least in the operating position of the cutting assembly 15, the anti-collision element 15b protrudes more radially relative to the first axis Y than the blade 15a.

[0097] In this way, the anti-collision element 15b can contact the roller 12, especially the abutment wall 17, while the blade 15a will not contact the roller 12. This simplifies the structure of the roller 12 and allows for a reduction in the radial space occupied by the roller 12.

[0098] Furthermore, this arrangement further reduces the risk, particularly eliminating the risk that the blade 15a may come into contact with the roller 12 before the anti-collision element 15b contacts the abutment wall 17 in the aforementioned non-nominal operating conditions.

[0099] Conveniently, the anti-collision element 15b is arranged at an axial height different from that of the blade 15a relative to the first axis Y.

[0100] This can be clearly seen in Figure 3.

[0101] In this way, the anti-collision element 15b will not interfere with possible format changes of the label 3. Therefore, if the format change requires altering the vertical length and / or height or width of the label 3, the anti-collision element can still function normally without needing to change its position. In other words, the position of the anti-collision element 15b is independent of the label length and generally also independent of the label format.

[0102] Advantageously, the blade 15a and the anti-collision element 15b are positioned (i.e. fixed) on the cutting assembly 15 at different corresponding angular positions relative to the first axis Y.

[0103] The applicant has observed that this configuration further reduces the risk of the blade 15a contacting the roller 12 under the non-nominal operating conditions.

[0104] Advantageously, the axial height of the second groove 16b relative to the second axis X is different from the axial height of the first groove 16a.

[0105] Furthermore, the first groove 16a and the second groove 16b are located at different corresponding angular positions relative to the second axis X. Thus, in the nominal operating state, the positions of grooves 16a and 16b can accommodate the blade 15a and the anti-collision element 15b.

[0106] Preferably, the anti-collision element 15b is arranged upstream of the blade 15a relative to the rotational angle direction of the cutting assembly 15 (i.e., the first cutting member 14) about the first axis Y.

[0107] The applicant observed that this configuration further reduces the risk of the blade 15a contacting the roller 12 in the non-nominal operating state, since in the non-nominal operating state, the anti-collision element 15a would certainly contact the roller 12 before the blade 15a.

[0108] Alternatively, the blade 15a and the anti-collision element 15b are at the same angular position relative to the first axis Y, and the first groove 16a and the second groove 16b are at the same angular position relative to the second axis X. In this case, the blade 15a and the anti-collision element 15b will be at different axial heights along the first axis Y, and the first groove 16a and the second groove 16b will be at different axial heights along the second axis X.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, each first groove 16a is inclined at least radially relative to the second axis X on the plane of rotation of the roller 12. That is, relative to the second axis X, the extension direction of each first groove 16a has at least one component perpendicular to the radial direction and perpendicular to a direction orthogonal to the radial direction. Due to the inclination of the first grooves 16a, the position of the blade 15a relative to the roll 4 during cutting is improved, thereby increasing the accuracy of the cutting operation. In particular, the inclination reduces the amount of unwanted (i.e., undesirable) contact between the blade 15a and the roll 4.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, the blade 15a is offset at least in the plane of rotation of the first cutting member 14 relative to the radial direction relative to the axis Y. This configuration allows the blade 15a to be geometrically more adapted to the tilt of the first groove 16a. Furthermore, this offset allows the blade 15a to be substantially orthogonal to the roll 4 during effective cutting of the roll 4. Due to the better position of the blade 15a at the moment of cutting, the offset significantly improves the cutting quality even when the first groove 16a is not tilted. Therefore, despite the presence of the tilted first groove 16a, the offset of the blade 15a improves the accuracy of the cutting operation. In particular, the offset reduces the amount of unwanted (i.e., undesirable) contact between the blade 15a and the roll 4. The tilted first groove 16a allows for improvement of this effect. The tilt of the first groove 16a allows each first groove 16a to adapt to the offset of the blade 15a.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, due to the aforementioned offset of the blade 15a, the blade 15a is also tilted relative to the axis Y and the radial direction at a first angle. The first angle lies between the radial direction relative to the axis Y and an imaginary line (or line of symmetry) passing through the centerline of the blade 15a. The blade 15a can be considered as a cutting edge or cutting tip.

[0112] Each first groove 16a is inclined at a second angle relative to the axis X of the roller 12 in the radial direction. This angle preferably falls within the range of 20° to 40°, more preferably between 25° and 35°. This improves the position of the blade 15a relative to the roll 4 while minimizing localized stress or tension on the roll 4. The inclination value of the first groove 16a relative to the axis X of the roller 12 in the radial direction can be, for example, 30°. The second angle lies between the radial direction relative to the axis X of the roller 12 and an imaginary line passing through the centerline (or line of symmetry) of the first groove 16a and preferably parallel to the sidewall of the first groove 16a itself.

[0113] In this way, during the cutting of the roll 4, the blade 5a and the first groove 16a engage and are substantially aligned with each other, thereby improving the cutting accuracy.

[0114] The cutting unit 11 is configured such that the blade 15a is tilted at a third angle relative to the radial direction of the axis X of the roller 12 while cutting the roll 4, for engaging the blade 15a itself in the first groove 16a. The third angle lies between the radial direction relative to the axis X of the roller 12 and an imaginary line passing through the center line of the blade 15a at the moment of cutting. In one embodiment, the third angle may be empty or zero.

[0115] Preferably, the cutting assembly 15 further includes a stop member 15c to press the roll 4 against the trailing edge pad 13b during the cutting process. Therefore, the stop member 15c is rotated by the first cutting member 14. The stop member 15c can be flexible and / or elastic. The stop member 15c can be made of an elastomer or elastic material.

[0116] The stop member 15c is located downstream of the blade 14 relative to the rotational direction of the first cutting member 14 (and according to an observer not moving with the first cutting member 4). In this way, interference between the stop member 15c and possible slippage of the cut reel 4 on the roller 12 is avoided, thereby improving the quality of the reel 4. In fact, such slippage may be necessary to accommodate the spacing of the labels 3 to match the spacing of the items 2 conveyed by the turntable 6.

[0117] The use of a cutting unit 11 operating on the drum 12 allows the feed roller 8 to be located in the radial proximity of the drum 12, thereby improving the compactness of the module 7.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, each receiving area 13 is detachable and interchangeable with different types of receiving areas 13, and is variable depending on the format of the tag 3 to be applied, so the number of receiving areas 13 can also be changed.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, each trailing edge pad 13b having a corresponding first groove 16a is removable and can be replaced together with the corresponding receiving area 13.

[0120] Based on the above description, the advantages of the cutting unit 11 according to the present invention will be clear.

[0121] In particular, due to the presence of the anti-collision element 15b as described above, damage to the blade 15a and the roller 12 can be avoided in the event of a loss of synchronization between the first cutting member 14 and the roller 12.

[0122] In particular, it can prevent unwanted contact between the blade 15a and the roller 12.

[0123] This greatly reduces wear and tear and extends the lifespan of the labeling module 7.

[0124] Furthermore, the need for periodic stops to avoid such damage to the blade 15a and / or roller 12 is significantly reduced, thus ensuring a smoother labeling process.

[0125] Obviously, the cutting unit 11 and the labeling machine 1 can be modified as described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims. In particular, the first cutting member 14 may include more than one cutting group 15, such as two cutting groups 15 as seen in the figures. In this way, the angular velocity of the first cutting member 14 can be kept lower than that of a single cutting group 15, which has the advantage related to system inertia.

Claims

1. A cutting unit (11) configured to cut a roll (4) of label material for obtaining a series of labels (3) to be applied to an article (2) suitable for containing a pourable product, the cutting unit (11) comprising: The first cutting member (14) carries a cutting assembly (15) including a blade element (15a) and a collision protection element (15b). and The second cutting member (12) includes a first groove (16a), an abutment wall (17), and a second groove (16b), wherein the second groove is preferably formed on the abutment wall (17); The cutting unit (11) is configured to use a nominal state in which the blade element (15a) interacts with the second cutting member (12) by engaging the first groove (16a) for cutting the roll (4), and the anti-collision element (15b) interacts with the second cutting member (12) during the cutting by engaging the second groove (16b) in a preferably non-contact manner. The cutting unit (11) is configured to adopt a non-nominal state, in which the anti-collision element (15b) interacts with the second cutting member (12) by contacting the abutment wall (17).

2. The cutting unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutting assembly (15) is movable between an operating position and a safe position, wherein in the operating position the blade element (15a) is permitted to interact with the second cutting member (12); and in the safe position the blade element (15a) is operably retracted from the second cutting member (12) to prevent interaction with the second cutting member (12), wherein at least the nominal state of the cutting unit (11) corresponds to the operating position of the cutting assembly (15); in, The cutting unit (11) is configured such that, in the non-nominal operating state, contact between the abutment wall (17) and the anti-collision element (15b) triggers a first displacement of the cutting assembly (15) from the operating position to the safe position.

3. The cutting unit as described in claim 2, wherein, The first cutting member (14) includes a magnetic device (22) for selectively locking the cutting assembly (15) in the operating position or the safe position.

4. The cutting unit as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first cutting member (14) includes a first magnetic element (22a) and a second magnetic element (22b), the first magnetic element (22a) being configured to interact with the cutting assembly (15) to hold the cutting assembly (15) in the operating position, and the second magnetic element (22b) being configured to interact with the cutting assembly (15) to hold the cutting assembly (15) in the safe position.

5. The cutting unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The cutting assembly (15) is rotatable about the hinge (19) between the operating position and the safe position. The cutting unit (11) is configured such that in the non-nominal operating state, the anti-collision element (15b) abuts against the abutment wall (17), thereby generating a rotation of the cutting assembly (15) about the hinge (19) to cause the first displacement as a first rotational movement of the cutting assembly (15) about the hinge.

6. The cutting unit as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first cutting member (14) is rotatable about a first axis (Y) and is thus configured to drive the cutting assembly (15) to rotate about the first axis (Y).

7. The cutting unit as claimed in claims 5 and 6, comprising an actuator (20) configured to trigger a second displacement of the cutting assembly (15) from the safe position to the operating position; in, The actuator (20) includes a pin (21) movable between an inactive position and an active position, in which the pin (21) does not interfere with the rotation of the cutting assembly (15) about the first axis (Y); in the active position, when the cutting assembly (15) rotates about the first axis (Y), the pin (21) interacts with and contacts the cutting assembly (15) to induce a second displacement as a second rotational movement about the hinge (19), the second rotational movement being in the opposite direction to the first rotational movement.

8. The cutting unit as described in claims 6 and 7, in, The second cutting member (12) is rotatable about a second axis (X) and is thus configured to drive the first groove (16a) and the second groove (16b) to rotate about the second axis (X). The first cutting member (14) and the second cutting member (12) are configured to rotate relative to each other so as to determine the periodic interaction between the blade element (15a) and the second cutting member (12) by engaging the first slot (16a), and to determine the periodic interaction between the anti-collision element (15b) and the second cutting member (12) by engaging the second slot (16b), wherein the second axis (X) and the first axis (Y) are preferably parallel to each other.

9. The cutting unit as described in claim 8, wherein, The second cutting member (14) is defined by a label conveying roller (12) which is rotatable about the second axis (X) and configured to hold a label (3), convey the label (3) to an application station (A), and apply the label (3) to the corresponding article (2) at the application station (A); The first groove (16a) is located on the label holding portion (13, 13b) of the label conveying roller (12); Furthermore, the abutment wall (17) is arranged at an axial height different from that of the label holding portion (13, 13b) relative to the second axis (X).

10. The cutting unit according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, At least at the operating position of the cutting assembly, the anti-collision element (15b) protrudes more radially relative to the first axis (Y) than the blade element (15a).

11. The cutting unit according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, The anti-collision element (15b) is arranged at an axial height different from that of the blade element (15a) relative to the first axis (Y).

12. The cutting unit as described in any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein, The blade element (15a) and the anti-collision element (15b) are located at different corresponding angular positions relative to the first axis (Y).

13. The cutting unit according to claim 12, wherein, The anti-collision element (15b) is arranged upstream of the blade element (15a) relative to the rotational angle direction of the cutting group (15) about the first axis (Y).

14. A labeling module (7) for labeling an article (3) suitable for containing a pourable product, the labeling module (7) comprising: - Storage unit for storing continuous rolls of label material (4); - Feed roller (8) for advancing the roll (4) along the feed path (Q); - The cutting unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims is arranged downstream of the feed roller (8) and configured to repeatedly cut the roll (4) to obtain a series of labels (3). - Label conveying roller (12) for conveying the label (3) at application station (A) to apply it to the corresponding article (2), the second cutting member (12) being defined by the roller (12).

15. A labeling machine (1) for labeling articles suitable for containing pourable products, said labeling machine (1) comprising: Conveyor (6), used to transport a series of items (2); The labeling module (7) as described in claim 14 is configured to label the articles (2) conveyed by the conveyor (6).

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