Labeling apparatus and method

Abstract

The labeling device (1) comprises a supply roller (11) configured to supply a web (2), the web (2) being made of label material; a transfer carousel (14) configured to receive the web from the supply roller (11) in a loading zone (C), the transfer carousel (14) including a plurality of recesses (140R) angularly dispersed along the outer circumference of the transfer carousel (14), the transfer carousel (14) rotating about a first axis (X1) with the first axis (X1) oriented longitudinally; and a knife (130) acting on the portion of the web (2) facing the recesses (140R), the knife (130) being configured to vibrate longitudinally to separate the pieces of web (2) that constitute the label.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a labeling apparatus and method. In particular, the present invention relates to a mode of cutting a web for labeling to obtain a label to be attached to a container.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding cutting a web into labels, various approaches are known in the prior art.

[0003] According to the first approach, the cutting is achieved by pressure due to the interaction between a knife and an anvil with the label intervening therebetween. This solution is described in Patent Documents EP2067701B1, EP2221154B1, EP2279954B1, DE102013215999A1, and EP3919397A1, but this solution has the drawback of rapid wear of the knife.

[0004] According to the second approach, the apparatus includes slots or recesses, and the cutting is achieved by the interaction between a knife and the slots. In one example, the knife is located in a recess of a carousel that conveys the web, and the cutting is performed by sucking the web into the slots. Examples of this solution can be found in Patent Documents WO2021239626A1, WO2021198072A1, and WO2022069415A1. In an alternative example, the knife is located on a cutting roller and is periodically inserted into a recess of a conveying roller to cut the web. Patent Document EP3925743A1 describes an example of this approach.

[0005] The solution having recesses has the advantage of being more reliable than the solution in which the knife interacts with the anvil, but the method of cutting with recesses has the drawback of performing a less accurate cut, so that the label may not be cut correctly, and cutting defects or labeling defects may occur.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide a labeling apparatus and method that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0007] In particular, the object of this disclosure is to provide a labeling apparatus and method that can cut labels accurately, simply, and reliably.

[0008] This objective is fully achieved by the apparatus and method of the present disclosure as characterized by one or more of the claims of the appended claims.

[0009] The web may be made of polymer material, but it may also be made of other materials.

[0010] In particular, labels are obtained from the web by cutting the web, such that each cut separates a piece of the web from the web itself, and each piece defines a label. Preferably, the labels are rectangular in shape (in particular, the cut is perpendicular to the web), but embodiments in which the labels are of a different shape (e.g., rhombus) are not excluded.

[0011] In possible embodiments, a labeling device and / or one of its components may be manufactured in accordance with the description in Patent Document 102022000024309 in the name of the present applicant, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0012] The apparatus includes a feed roller, which is configured to feed a web made of labeling material. In particular, the web is at least partially wound around the feed roller. In one example, the feed roller rotates about a vertical axis, which is preferably perpendicular to the plane through which the web feed path extends. The feed roller has the function of applying a pulling action to the web.

[0013] The apparatus includes a transport carousel. The transport carousel may have the function of defining a transport path, along which the web moves. Along the web transport path of the transport carousel, the web remains attached to the transport carousel (for example, to the side of the transport carousel). In particular, the transport carousel rotates about a first axis, i.e., a first vertical axis. The first axis is oriented longitudinally. Preferably, the first axis is oriented perpendicular to the plane along which the web supply path extends. Thus, the transport carousel defines the web transport path through rotational motion about the first axis. The transport carousel is configured to receive the web from the supply rollers in a loading zone. In particular, the loading zone is part of the transport path. In other words, along the transport path, the transport carousel interacts with the supply rollers to receive the web.

[0014] The transport carousel includes multiple recesses. These recesses are angularly distributed along the outer circumference of the transport carousel.

[0015] The device is equipped with a knife. The knife acts on the portion of the web facing the recess, separating the pieces of web that make up the label. Thus, the web interacts with the knife in the cutting zone along the movement path.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, the movement path includes a section located downstream of the recess (or cutting zone). Thus, the movement path is the path that moves the web to the recess, the knife acts on the portion of the web facing the recess (i.e., up to the cutting zone), and then downstream of the recess (i.e., downstream of the cutting zone), the movement path becomes the path that moves a piece of the web, i.e., the label.

[0017] The unloading zone is angularly separated from the web loading zone.

[0018] In particular, the knife is configured to vibrate longitudinally, that is, perpendicular to the web, that is, perpendicular to the web supply direction along the movement path. By vibrating the knife, the label can be cut accurately and reliably.

[0019] In particular, the knife may include (at least) one serrated blade. The serrated blade may be positioned longitudinally (in which case the cut label is rectangular in shape), or not, for example, transversely to the longitudinal direction, in order to obtain other label shapes (e.g., rhombuses).

[0020] Preferably, the direction in which the knife is positioned (i.e., the direction in which the blade of the knife is positioned) coincides with the direction of vibration of the knife.

[0021] The device may include an actuator connected to a knife and configured to vibrate it. The actuator may be a pneumatic actuator, an electromagnetic actuator, or an ultrasonic (i.e., piezoelectric) actuator.

[0022] The vibration frequency of the knife can be, for example, between approximately 10 Hz and 40 kHz; that is, the knife can be configured to vibrate at frequencies between approximately 10 Hz and 40 kHz. Preferably, the vibration frequency of the knife can be at least 500 Hz, more preferably at least 1 kHz. It is preferable that the vibration frequency of the knife be less than 60 kHz so that a considerable stroke can be provided without relying on very high power (for example, within the preferred range of strokes recommended herein).

[0023] In particular, the vibration frequency of the knife may be between (about) 10 Hz and 40 kHz, preferably when the actuator is an ultrasonic actuator. In particular, the vibration frequency of the knife may be between (about) 10 Hz and 10 kHz, and more preferably between (about) 10 Hz and 1 kHz, when the actuator is a pneumatic actuator or an electromagnetic actuator.

[0024] The knife may be configured to perform a stroke of approximately 0.02 to 0.05 mm in the longitudinal translation of its vibrating motion. In particular, the stroke may be between approximately 0.02 to 0.1 mm, and more specifically, between approximately 0.04 mm, when the actuator is preferably an ultrasonic actuator. In particular, the stroke may be between approximately 0.1 to 0.5 mm, when the actuator is preferably a pneumatic actuator or an electromagnetic actuator.

[0025] Generally speaking, a knife can be configured to perform a stroke in its longitudinal vibrational motion, the stroke being such that its length is inversely proportional to the frequency of the knife's vibration.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, the device includes a cutting roller. The cutting roller rotates about a second axis parallel to a first axis (of the transport carousel). Preferably, in this case, the knife is located on the cutting roller. The cutting roller may be configured to work in conjunction with a recess in the transport carousel (in the cutting zone). The knife rotates together with the cutting roller. In particular, the knife is configured to be periodically inserted into the recess of the transport carousel to cut the portion of the web facing the recess into a label. Thus, the transport carousel is configured to interact with the cutting roller to cut the web into a label.

[0027] In another example, the knife is located in the recess of the transfer carousel. Thus, the apparatus may include a knife for each recess of the transfer carousel. It should be noted that in this case, there may be no cutting roller. Each recess of the transfer carousel may be configured to apply a suction action to the web to divide the web into labels. In particular, the suction action applied by the recess is synchronized with the movement of the web on the transfer carousel so as to divide the web into labels by the interaction between the web and the knife located in the recess. Thus, the suction applied to the web has the function of pulling it towards the knife to cut the web. In particular, since the knife is configured to vibrate, the cutting of the label is achieved by combining the suction action applied to the label and the vibration of the knife. When the knife is located in the recess of the transfer carousel, the web may be pre-glued.

[0028] The vibration cycle is defined as a cycle in which the knife moves longitudinally from a first end to a second end and further longitudinally from the second end to the first end (i.e., a cycle in which the knife moves longitudinally and returns to the starting point).

[0029] [[ID=⑧]]Preferably, during the interference time when the knife is in the recess to cut the tape, the knife is configured to execute at least half a cycle of vibration, or, in other words, the knife is configured to move longitudinally from a first extreme value to a second extreme value. More preferably, the knife is configured to execute one cycle of vibration, and even more preferably, it is configured to execute at least two cycles or three cycles of vibration.

[0030] Examples of what was described above are provided below.

[0031] Note: In the translation of line 8, "⑧" in the original text seems to be an error. It should probably be "ID=8". I translated it as "[[ID=⑧]]" according to the rules, but this might need to be corrected in the original content.The knife interference distance inside the recess is estimated to be approximately 2 mm, where “knife interference distance” refers to the length of the knife inserted into the recess. The recess opening angle is estimated to be approximately 4.5°, where “recess opening angle” refers to the angle calculated at the peripheral edge of the transport carousel relative to the center of the transport carousel. Using a pneumatic vibrator capable of generating a knife vibration frequency of 150.7 Hz at 6 bar, and considering the associated inertia, the pneumatic vibrator determines the longitudinal movement of the knife to be approximately 0.25 mm and the cycle time to be approximately 6.6 ms. With a production speed of 60,000 bph (number of labeled bottles per hour) and 6 divisions of transport rollers, the knife interference time inside the recess is 4.5 ms, which corresponds to a frequency of 222.2 Hz. The knife vibration at a frequency of 150.7 Hz is 67.8% of the frequency required to complete one cycle in the interference time. However, since one vibration cycle corresponds to two full movements, it is possible to achieve a movement of 0.25 mm at the label cutting face at 60,000 bph.

[0032] It is observed that the interaction time between the knife and the label depends on the diameter of the shaft to which the knife is fixed, the diameter of the transport carousel, and the interference value of the knife in the recess for cutting the label. Assuming that there is at least one full movement of the knife during the interaction time between the knife and the belt, an interaction time of 4.5 ms is obtained based on an assumed velocity of 60,000 bph and the ratio of the carousel diameter to the contact angle between the knife and the belt. With this interaction time and assumed configuration, a frequency of approximately 100 Hz is required to achieve a full vertical stroke of the knife.

[0033] In one example, the device (cutting roller) includes a shaft that extends along a second axis and is configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation. The shaft is configured to transmit rotational motion to a knife. The cutting roller includes a rotary actuator configured to rotate the shaft about the second axis. The cutting roller includes a support structure to which the shaft is fixed. The cutting roller includes a pair of flanges or bushings configured to support the shaft in the cutting roller structure.

[0034] In one example, the shaft includes an internal rod and an external sleeve surrounding the internal rod. A rotary actuator can be connected to the external sleeve, or more preferably to the internal rod of the shaft, so as to rotate the external sleeve or the internal rod around a second axis. In particular, the external sleeve is fixed to the internal rod so that the external sleeve is pulled into rotation by the internal rod. For this purpose, the external sleeve and the internal rod can be fixed to each other by a mechanical restraint system (e.g., a key) configured to restrain rotational motion.

[0035] The internal rod is configured to move longitudinally (i.e., freely). In particular, the internal rod is configured to vibrate longitudinally. The knife is fixed to the internal rod. Therefore, the internal rod is configured to vibrate the knife along the longitudinal axis. In this case, the mechanical restraint system is configured to restrain the rotational motion of the internal rod relative to the rotational motion of the external sleeve (and vice versa), and to allow the longitudinal vibrational motion of the external sleeve relative to the internal rod. Preferably, the longitudinal axis and the second axis coincide or are parallel to each other.

[0036] The shaft may include one or more support elements, such as cup springs, for supporting the longitudinal vibrational motion of the internal rod.

[0037] The cutting roller may include a vibrating actuator configured to vibrate an internal rod. Such a vibrating actuator may be a pneumatic actuator, an electric motor (e.g., with an eccentric element), a piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators.

[0038] The vibration actuator is expected to be controlled by a control unit (e.g., intermittently or variably) in a manner synchronized with the web supply and / or the rotation of the transport carousel.

[0039] Therefore, the internal rod constitutes a vibrating support on which the blade (knife) is fixed. This vibrating support is slidably coupled to a fixed support, which in the above example is formed by an external sleeve of the shaft, and preferably, the vibrating support is slidably coupled to the fixed support via a cup spring. The vibrating support is configured to vibrate relative to the fixed support via a vibrating actuator. This approach can also be advantageously used in embodiments in which the vibrating blade is located inside each recess of a transport carousel. In this case, each recess of the transport carousel is provided with a guide integrated with the transport carousel, such a guide defining a fixed support, and the vibrating support is coupled to this guide. Each recess of the transport carousel is further provided with its own vibrating actuator. The vibrating actuator is assumed to be controlled (selectively and continuously) by a control unit in a manner synchronized with the web supply.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the transport carousel includes a plurality of suction projection arrangements (or pads). Each suction projection arrangement comprises a corresponding recess among a plurality of recesses. The plurality of suction projection arrangements are angularly dispersed along the outer circumference of the transport carousel. In this case, the transport carousel is configured to keep the web attached to one or more suction projection arrangements.

[0041] In particular, each recess divides each suction projection into two parts or extensions, so that each suction projection includes a leading extension and a trailing extension, with the recess interposed between the leading and trailing extensions. In the rotational direction of the transport carousel, the leading extension precedes the trailing extension. Preferably, the leading and trailing extensions project radially from the transport carousel so as to be away from the first axis of the transport carousel.

[0042] The transport carousel is configured to keep the web attached to one or more suction projection configurations. The transport carousel may also be configured to keep labels separated from the web attached to one or more suction projection configurations.

[0043] The rotation of the cutting roller and the transfer carousel are synchronized so that the cutting roller's knife is periodically inserted into the recess of the suction projection arrangement to cut the web. The interaction between the cutting roller's knife and the recess of the transfer carousel's suction projection arrangement occurs during the cutting step. Thus, the web is cut during the cutting step to separate its pieces.

[0044] In one example, the apparatus includes a gluing roller. The gluing roller is configured to apply adhesive to the surface of the web or the surface of the label. In particular, each label defines a preceding zone and a succeeding zone with respect to the supply direction along the travel path. The gluing roller is configured to apply adhesive to the surface of the web intended to define the preceding and succeeding zones (of the same label) (or the succeeding zone of a first label and the preceding zone of a second label following the first label), or to apply adhesive to the preceding and succeeding zones of a label, or to the succeeding zone of a first label and the preceding zone of a second label following the first label. Thus, the gluing roller may be configured to interact with the transport carousel downstream or upstream of the cutting roller.

[0045] In one example, the apparatus may include an additional transport carousel distinct from the transport carousel. The additional transport carousel may be located (preferably) downstream of the transport carousel with respect to the web supply path. The additional transport carousel may be configured to interact with a gluing roller to apply adhesive. The additional transport carousel may include a plurality of suction projection arrangements, which may be manufactured according to one or more embodiments described herein. Thus, the gluing roller may be configured to interact with the additional transport carousel to apply adhesive to the web or label with the suction projection arrangements (i.e., the gluing roller may be synchronized with the additional transport carousel). The additional transport carousel may be configured to transport labels to a container in the unloading zone.

[0046] Therefore, additional transport carousels may be specified to be dedicated to interaction with the gluing rollers.

[0047] Therefore, there are at least two possible approaches. According to the first approach, gluing and cutting are performed on labels (or webs) transported by the same transport carousel (i.e., the transport carousel). According to the second approach, labels (or webs) are transported by two different carousels, namely the transport carousel and an additional transport carousel. In one example, gluing and cutting are performed on labels transported by the transport carousel and on labels transported by the additional transport carousel. Thus, if there are two different transport carousels, namely the transport carousel and the additional transport carousel, the web is cut in the carousel upstream of the web path, and the carousel downstream of the web path is used to apply adhesive and transport the labels to the container in the unloading zone.

[0048] In any case, if a gluing roller is not available, the web can be pre-glued.

[0049] In one example, the gluing roller rotates around a third axis, which is parallel to the first axis (i.e., oriented longitudinally).

[0050] In one exemplary embodiment, a transport carousel may work in conjunction with a labeling machine (or central carousel) to transport labels to containers (in the unloading zone). In another example, an additional transport carousel is configured to receive labels cut from the transport carousel and work in conjunction with the labeling machine (or central carousel) to transport the labels to containers (in the unloading zone).

[0051] In one example, the rotation of the cutting roller and the rotation of the transport carousel are synchronized so that the cutting roller is periodically inserted into the recesses of the suction projection arrangement to cut the web. The rotation of the gluing roller may also be synchronized with the rotation of the transport carousel so that the gluing roller works in conjunction with the suction projection arrangement of the transport carousel to apply adhesive.

[0052] The apparatus includes a control unit. Synchronization of different components can be achieved (solely) by the mechanical system. However, since the cutting rollers, gluing rollers, and transport carousels each include their own drive motor units configured to rotate around their respective axes of rotation, synchronization is preferably achieved by the control unit.

[0053] For information regarding synchronization, please refer to Patent Document 102022000024309. Generally speaking, the transfer carousel, gluing roller, and cutting roller may be manufactured according to one or more features described in Patent Document 102022000024309.

[0054] The control unit may also be programmed to set the vibration frequency of the knife. For example, the vibration frequency of the knife may be set based on the rotational speed of the transport carousel or the rotational speed of the cutting roller, or based on the feed rate at which the web is delivered to the transport carousel (i.e., based on the speed of the feed roller).

[0055] In one example, the control unit may be programmed to synchronize the rotation of the transport carousel with the vibration of the knife (or to change the web feed rate, or to synchronize the rotation of the feed roller with the vibration of the knife). Synchronization may be performed such that the knife starts vibrating upstream of a recess along the transport carousel's path and stops vibrating downstream of the recess. Alternatively, more preferably, the control unit is programmed to keep the knife vibrating during the interaction between one recess and the next, i.e., to keep the knife vibration constant.

[0056] This disclosure also provides a labeling method.

[0057] This method includes the step of supplying a web (the web is made of label material). Preferably, the step of supplying the web is performed by a supply roller.

[0058] The method includes the step of providing a transport carousel. Preferably, the transport carousel rotates about a first axis, which is oriented longitudinally. When rotating, the transport carousel defines a path of movement. In particular, the transport carousel includes a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recesses are angularly distributed along the outer circumference of the transport carousel.

[0059] This method includes the step of receiving the web from the supply roller in the loading zone of the transfer carousel.

[0060] This method includes the step of cutting the portion of the web facing the recess with a knife to separate the web into pieces that make up the label.

[0061] In particular, this method includes the step of vibrating the knife in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] The vibration frequency of the knife can be between approximately 10 Hz and 40 kHz; that is, the knife can vibrate at frequencies between approximately 10 Hz and 40 kHz.

[0063] In particular, the vibration frequency of the knife may be between (about) 10 Hz and 40 kHz, preferably when the actuator is an ultrasonic actuator. In particular, the vibration frequency of the knife may be between (about) 10 Hz and 10 kHz, and more preferably between (about) 10 Hz and 1 kHz, when the actuator is a pneumatic actuator or an electromagnetic actuator.

[0064] The knife may perform a stroke of approximately 0.02 to 0.05 mm in the longitudinal translation of its vibrating motion. In particular, the stroke may be between approximately 0.02 to 0.1 mm, and more specifically, between approximately 0.04 mm, when the actuator is preferably an ultrasonic actuator. In particular, the stroke may be between approximately 0.1 to 0.5 mm, when the actuator is preferably a pneumatic actuator or an electromagnetic actuator.

[0065] Generally speaking, a knife can perform a stroke in its longitudinal vibrational motion, the stroke being such that its length is inversely proportional to the frequency of the knife's vibration.

[0066] In particular, a knife may have (at least) one serrated blade.

[0067] In one example, the transport carousel includes a plurality of suction protrusion arrangements that are angularly distributed along the outer circumference of the transport carousel, each having a corresponding recess among a plurality of recesses. If suction protrusions are provided, the method may include the step of keeping the web attached to one or more suction protrusion arrangements by the transport carousel.

[0068] The method may include the step of providing a cutting roller. The cutting roller rotates about a second axis parallel to a first axis. Preferably, the knife is positioned on the cutting roller.

[0069] In one example, the method includes the step of a cutting roller working in a cutting zone with a recess in a transport carousel to cut the web.

[0070] For example, the transport carousel and cutting rollers can be synchronized so that the cutting rollers are periodically inserted into recesses in the suction projection arrangement to cut the web.

[0071] In another example, the knife is located in a recess of the transport carousel. In this case, the method may include a step in which the transport carousel sucks the web into the recess in order to divide the web into labels. In particular, the movement of the web on the transport carousel may be synchronized with the step of sucking the web in.

[0072] In one example, the method may include a step of applying adhesive to the surface of the web using a gluing roller. In particular, the gluing roller may interact with a transport carousel or additional transport carousels to apply the adhesive.

[0073] The rotation of the gluing roller and the rotation of the transport carousel may be synchronized so that the gluing roller applies adhesive to the surface of the web. Preferably, the gluing roller applies adhesive to the surface of the web positioned in the suction projection arrangement of the transport carousel.

[0074] In one example, the method includes a step in which a gluing roller works in conjunction with an additional transport carousel separate from the transport carousel to apply adhesive. The method may also include a step in which an additional transport carousel works in conjunction with a labeling machine to transport labels to containers (in the unloading zone).

[0075] This method may include the step of initiating the vibration of the knife via an actuator.

[0076] The process may include a step of setting the vibration frequency of the knife via a control unit. The vibration frequency may be set based on the rotational speed of the transport carousel or the rotational speed of the cutting roller, or based on the supply speed at which the web is supplied to the transport carousel (i.e., based on the speed of the supply roller).

[0077] There may be a step, performed via a control unit, to synchronize the rotation of the transport carousel (or web feed rate, or rotation of the feed rollers) with the vibration of the knife. Synchronization may be performed so that the knife starts vibrating upstream of a recess along the transport carousel's path and stops vibrating downstream of the recess. Alternatively, more preferably, the control unit keeps the knife vibrating during the interaction between one recess and the next, i.e., keeps the vibration of the knife constant. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0078] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings for the purpose of non-limiting examples. [Figure 1A] An apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 1B] A cutting roller 13 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2A] An apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2B] A cutting roller 13 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 3A] An apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 3B] A cutting roller 13 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 4] An apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 5A] A schematic representation of apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 5B] A schematic representation of apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 6A] A schematic representation of apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 6B] A schematic representation of apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 6C] A schematic representation of apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 6D] A schematic representation of apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 7A] A cutting roller 13 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 7B] A cutting roller 13 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 7C] A cutting roller 13 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0079] The number 1 in the diagram indicates the labeling device.

[0080] The apparatus 1 comprises a supply roller 11 and a transfer carousel 14. The supply roller 11 and the transfer carousel 14 each rotate around their respective axes of rotation, and in particular, the transfer carousel 14 rotates around a first longitudinal axis X1.

[0081] The web 2 of the label material is wound around the supply roller 11. The supply roller 11 supplies the web 2 to the transport carousel 14 in the loading zone C.

[0082] The transport carousel 14 is configured to receive the web 2 from the supply roller 11 in the loading zone C and transport the web 2 along the transport path. Along the transport path, the web 2 remains attached to the transport carousel 14.

[0083] The transfer carousel 14 is provided with a plurality of recesses 140R that are angularly dispersed around the outer circumference of the transfer carousel 14.

[0084] Apparatus 1 includes a knife 130 that acts on the portion of the web 2 facing the recess 140R in the cutting zone T to separate the pieces of the web 2 that make up the label. The cutting zone T is angularly separated from the loading zone C of the web 2.

[0085] The knife 130 vibrates longitudinally, that is, perpendicular to the web 2, that is, perpendicular to the web 2 supply direction along the movement path.

[0086] In one example, the transfer carousel 14 is equipped with a knife 130 in each of the recesses 140R. In particular, the recesses 140R are provided with suction ducts connected to a compressor or vacuum source to generate a suction action, so that the web 2 is drawn to the knife 130, which cuts it into a label. Specifically, the suction action is synchronized with the movement of the web 2 on the transfer carousel 14 (i.e., the rotation of the feed roller 11). At the same time, the knife 130 vibrates longitudinally to act in conjunction with the suction action to cut the label.

[0087] The transfer carousel 14 may include a plurality of suction projection arrangements 140 that are angularly dispersed around the transfer carousel 14 and each has one of a plurality of recesses 140R. In particular, each suction projection of the suction projection arrangement 140 includes a recess 140R, a leading extension 140T, and a trailing extension 140C, with the recess 140R interposed between the leading extension 140T and the trailing extension 140C. The leading extension 140T and the trailing extension 140C project radially from the transfer carousel 14 so as to move away from the first axis X1 of the transfer carousel 14. With respect to the rotational direction of the transfer carousel 14, the leading extension 140T precedes the trailing extension 140C.

[0088] The preceding extension 140T and the succeeding extension 140C are provided with suction ducts connected to a compressor or vacuum source so that the web 2 remains attached to the suction projection arrangement 140 and tension is applied to the web 2 during cutting, thereby generating a suction action that keeps the web 2 (and individual labels 20) attached to the outer periphery of the transport carousel 14 along part of the movement path.

[0089] When the knife 130 is positioned in the recess 140R of the transfer carousel 14, suction ducts are provided in the recess 140R, the leading extension 140T, and the trailing extension 140C of the projection 140, and these suction ducts are preferably independent of each other, so that the leading extension 140T and the trailing extension 140C serve to hold the web 2, and the duct in the recess 140R serves to cut the portion of the web that is operably facing the knife 130. Thus, the duration and intensity of the suction in the recess 140R are different from the suction in the leading extension 140T and the trailing extension 140C (in particular, it is shorter in duration and stronger in intensity). At the same time, the knife 130 vibrates longitudinally to act in conjunction with the suction action to cut the label.

[0090] In one example, the device 1 includes a cutting roller 13, and a knife 130 is positioned on the cutting roller 13 so as to rotate integrally with the cutting roller 13. The cutting roller 13 rotates around a second axis X2 parallel to a first axis X1. In this case, the cutting roller 13 interacts with the transport carousel 14 to cut the web 2 and divide it into labels. Specifically, the knife 130 of the cutting roller 13 is periodically inserted into a recess 140R to cut the web 2.

[0091] The cutting roller 13 includes a shaft 131 configured to extend along a second axis X2 and rotate about the second axis of rotation X2. The cutting roller 13 also includes a support structure 132 and a pair of bushings 133A and 133B configured to support the shaft 131 on the support structure 132.

[0092] The shaft 131 includes an internal rod 131A and an external sleeve 131B surrounding the internal rod 131A. The internal rod 131A is configured to support a knife 130 (i.e., the knife 130 is attached to the internal rod 131A). The external sleeve 131B includes an opening 134 into which the knife 130 is inserted so as to protrude away from the second axis X2. The cutting roller 13 includes a rotary actuator configured to rotate the shaft 131 about the second axis X2. The rotary actuator can be connected to the internal rod 131A to rotate the internal rod 131A, or to the external sleeve 131B to rotate the external sleeve 131B.

[0093] In particular, the outer sleeve 131B is fixed (directly or indirectly) to the inner rod 131A such that the outer sleeve 131B is dragged by the inner rod 131A into rotation around the second axis X2. The outer sleeve 131B and the inner rod 131A are fixed to each other by a key configured to restrain rotational motion. The inner rod 131A is configured to cause the knife 130, fixed to the inner rod 131A, to vibrate along its longitudinal axis (in particular, the longitudinal axis is parallel to the second axis of rotation X2). In particular, the key restrains the rotational motion of the inner rod 131A and the outer sleeve 131B from each other, and allows the longitudinal vibrational motion of the inner rod 131A. For this reason, the opening 134 extends longitudinally, allowing the knife 130 to vibrate inside the opening 134.

[0094] The shaft 131 includes one or more support elements, such as cup springs, for supporting the longitudinal vibrational motion of the internal rod 131A. The cutting roller 13 includes a vibration actuator 135 configured to vibrate the internal rod 131A of the shaft 131.

[0095] A suction duct is preferably provided in the recess 140R. The leading extension 140T and the trailing extension 140C of the projection 140 are provided with suction ducts to generate a suction action on the web 2, keeping the web 2 attached to the transfer carousel 14, and applying tension to the web 2 during cutting.

[0096] In particular, the knife 130 separates the subsequent zone from the preceding zone of the next label and cuts the web at the separation zone located in the recess 140R.

[0097] In one example, the apparatus 1 includes a gluing roller 12 that rotates about a third axis X3 parallel to a first axis X1. The gluing roller 12 is configured to interact with the transport carousel 14 to apply adhesive to the surface of the web 2 in the gluing zone I. In particular, the gluing roller 12 applies adhesive to the preceding zone of a label and the succeeding zone of the next label (where the label and the next label are either already cut or not yet cut). The gluing roller 12 may be present when the knife 130 is located in the transport carousel 14, or when the knife 130 is located in the cutting roller 13.

[0098] In one example, the gluing roller 12 is located upstream of the cutting roller 13. Alternatively, it may be located downstream of the cutting roller 13. Furthermore, the apparatus 1 may also include an additional transfer carousel 14' distinct from the transfer carousel 14.

[0099] In one embodiment, after the labels have been cut, the transfer carousel 14 works in conjunction with the labeling machine 18 to transfer the labels to the container 21 in the unloading zone S.

[0100] An additional transfer carousel 14', if present, may be configured to receive the cut labels and, in conjunction with the labeling machine, transfer the labels to the container 21 in the unloading zone S.

[0101] In one exemplary embodiment, an additional transport carousel 14' is configured to interact with the gluing roller 12 to apply the adhesive.

[0102] The transfer carousel 14 may include a plurality of suction elements 141 that are angularly dispersed around the outer circumference of the transfer carousel 14. These elements 141 are separated from each other and from the suction projection arrangement 140. The suction elements 141 have the function of generating a suction action, thereby keeping the web 2 and individual labels attached to the transfer carousel 14.

[0103] The knife 130 vibrates longitudinally, that is, perpendicular to the web 2, that is, perpendicular to the web 2 supply direction along the movement path. The knife 130 includes a serrated blade.

[0104] The vibration frequency of the knife 130 may be between 10 Hz and 40 kHz, and the knife may perform a stroke of between 0.02 and 0.5 mm in the longitudinal translation of its vibrational motion.

[0105] In particular, when the actuator is an ultrasonic actuator, the vibration frequency of the knife is between 10 Hz and 40 kHz. When the actuator is a pneumatic actuator or an electromagnetic actuator, the vibration frequency is between 10 Hz and 10 kHz, more preferably between 10 Hz and 1 kHz.

[0106] If the actuator is an ultrasonic actuator, the knife is configured to perform a stroke between 0.02 mm and 0.5 mm in the longitudinal translation of its vibrating motion, preferably between 0.02 mm and 0.1 mm, more specifically, a stroke of about 0.04 mm. If the actuator is a pneumatic actuator or an electromagnetic actuator, the stroke is between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0107]

Patent Document 1

Patent document 2

Patent document 3

Patent document 4

Patent document 5

Patent document 6

Patent document 7

Patent document 8

Patent document 9

Patent document 10

Claims

1. Labeling device (1), - A supply roller (11) configured to supply a web (2), wherein the web (2) is made of label material, - A transfer carousel (14) configured to receive the web from the supply roller (11) in a loading zone (C), wherein the transfer carousel (14) includes a plurality of recesses (140R) angularly distributed along the outer circumference of the transfer carousel (14), the transfer carousel (14) rotates about a first axis (X1), and the first axis (X1) is oriented in the longitudinal direction, A labeling device (1) comprising a knife (130) that acts on the portion of the web (2) facing the recess (140R), and the knife (130) is configured to vibrate longitudinally to separate the pieces of the web (2) that constitute the label.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator connected to the knife (130) and configured to vibrate it.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vibration frequency of the knife (130) is at least 1 kHz.

4. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the knife (130) is configured to perform a stroke of between 0.02 and 0.5 mm in the longitudinal translation of its oscillating motion.

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the knife (130) is provided with a serrated blade.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a cutting roller (13) configured to rotate about a second axis (X2) parallel to the first axis (X1) and to act in conjunction with the recess (140R) of the transport carousel (14) in the cutting zone (T), wherein the knife (130) is located on the cutting roller (13).

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, comprising a shaft (131) extending along the rotation axis (X2) and configured to rotate about the second rotation axis (X2), wherein the shaft (131) comprises an internal rod (131A) and an external sleeve (131B) surrounding the internal rod (131A), the internal rod (131A) is configured to support the knife (130), and the external sleeve (131B) is fixed to the internal rod (131A) so as to rotate integrally with the internal rod (131A) about the second rotation axis (X2), and the internal rod (131B) vibrates freely in the longitudinal direction relative to the external sleeve (131A).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the transfer carousel (14) includes a plurality of suction projection arrangements (140) that are angularly dispersed along the outer circumference of the transfer carousel (14) and each has a corresponding recess (140R) among the plurality of recesses, and the transfer carousel (14) is configured to keep the web (2) attached to one or more of the suction projection arrangements (140).

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 8, comprising a gluing roller (12) configured to apply adhesive to the surface of the web (2), wherein the rotation of the gluing roller (12), the rotation of the cutting roller (13), and the rotation of the transport carousel (14) are synchronized so that the gluing roller (12) acts in conjunction with the suction projection arrangement (140) of the transport carousel (14) to apply adhesive, and the knife (130) of the cutting roller (13) is periodically inserted into the recess (140R) of the suction projection arrangement (140) to cut the web (2).

10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising a control unit programmed to set the vibration frequency of the knife (130) based on the rotational speed of the transfer carousel (14), or the cutting roller (13), or the supply roller (11).

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a control unit programmed to synchronize the rotation of the transport carousel (14) with the vibration of the knife (130).

12. The apparatus (1) according to claim 11, wherein the control unit is programmed to selectively control the vibration of the knife (130) with respect to the rotation angle of the transport carousel (14) such that the knife (130) vibrates at an angle of rotation of the transport carousel (14) to contact the web (2) and cut it into a label.

13. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, comprising an additional transfer carousel (14') different from the transfer carousel (14), wherein the additional transfer carousel (14') is configured to interact with the gluing roller (12) to apply adhesive and to work in conjunction with a labeling machine (18) to transfer the labels to containers (21) in an unloading zone (S).

14. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the knife (130) is located in the recess (140R) of the transfer carousel (14).

15. A labeling method, - A step of supplying a web (2) made of label material via a supply roller (11), - A step of providing a transfer carousel (14), the transfer carousel (14) comprising a plurality of recesses (140R) angularly distributed along the outer circumference of the transfer carousel (14), wherein the transfer carousel (14) rotates about a first axis (X1), and the first axis (X1) is oriented in the longitudinal direction. - The step of receiving the web (2) from the supply roller (11) in the loading zone (C) of the transfer carousel (14), - A step of vibrating the knife (130) in the longitudinal direction, A labeling method comprising the step of using the knife (130) to cut the portion of the web (2) facing the recess (140R) so as to separate the piece of the web (2) that constitutes the label.

16. At least one of the following conditions is met, namely, - The vibration frequency of the knife (130) is at least 1 kHz. - The stroke of the knife (130) is between 0.02 mm and 0.5 mm in the longitudinal translation of its oscillating motion. The method according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the following applies: - The knife (130) has a serrated blade.

17. The transfer carousel (14) includes a plurality of suction projection arrangements (140) that are angularly distributed along the outer circumference of the transfer carousel (14) and each has a corresponding recess (140R) among the plurality of recesses, and the method is as follows: - A step of providing a cutting roller (13) that rotates about a second axis (X2) parallel to the first axis (X1), wherein the knife (130) is positioned on the cutting roller (13), - The step of keeping the web (2) attached to one or more of the suction projection arrangements (140) via the transfer carousel (14), The method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising the step of cutting the web (2) in a cutting zone (T) in conjunction with the recess (140R) of the transport carousel (14) via the cutting roller (13).

18. The method according to claim 17, comprising the step of applying adhesive to the surface of the web (2), performed by a gluing roller (12), wherein the rotation of the gluing roller (12) is synchronized with the rotation of the cutting roller (13) and the rotation of the transport carousel (14) such that the knife (130) of the cutting roller (13) is periodically inserted into the recess (140R) of the suction projection arrangement (140) to cut the web (2).

19. - A step of starting the vibration of the knife (130) via the actuator, - A step of setting the vibration frequency of the knife (130) based on the rotational speed of the transport carousel (14), or the cutting roller (13), or the supply roller (11) via a control unit, The method according to claim 17 or 18, comprising the step of synchronizing the rotation of the transport carousel (14) with the vibration of the knife (130) via the control unit such that the knife (130) begins to vibrate upstream of the recess (140R) along the path of movement of the transport carousel (14) and stops vibrating downstream of the recess (140R).

20. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the knife (130) is located in the recess (140R) of the transport carousel (14).

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