Web feeding system for labeling module for preparing splicing operation

Abstract

A web feeding system (16) for feeding a web of labeling material to a labeling module (7) comprising a splicing device (14), the feeding system (16) comprising a positioning device (20) for automatically positioning a web guide portion (4a) of the web (4) in a splicing position relative to the splicing device (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device for a reel of a web of labelling material for labelling articles suitable for containing pourable products, preferably pourable foodstuffs.

[0002] The invention further relates to a web feeding system for a labelling module for labelling articles suitable for containing pourable products, preferably pourable food products. Background Art

[0003] Labelling machines are known which are usually used to prepare, convey and apply labels to articles, such as bottles, vials or similar containers, for filling with pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

[0004] Adhesive labels are particularly widely used, i.e. portions of labeling material of suitable length are cut from a web of labeling material which is initially wound in the form of a continuous strip on one or more storage reels and then sprinkled with glue. Specifically, the web of labeling material is gradually unwound from the relevant reel and then repeatedly cut to obtain continuous labels of equal length, to which glue is applied by means of a glue application device (e.g. a glue roller, a spray or syringe system, etc.). Finally, the obtained labels are conveyed and applied to the individual items to be labeled.

[0005] Tubular labels are also particularly widely used, called "sleeve labels", which are obtained starting from a heat-shrinkable film web wound in the form of a continuous strip on one or more storage reels; the sleeve labels are applied to the respective articles with a certain gap and then heated in an oven so that they shrink and adhere perfectly to the sides of the article itself. These types of labels do not require the use of glue.

[0006] Regardless of the type of label used, known labeling machines typically include: - a rotary table rotatable about a vertical axis and configured to convey a plurality of articles along a horizontal arc-shaped labeling path; -Entry station, where the carousel receives the items to be labeled; - an exit station, where the tagged items leave the carousel; and - a labelling module arranged relative to the periphery of the carousel and configured to prepare a plurality of labels, transport them and feed them to the carousel of the application station in order to apply these labels to the respective objects.

[0007] According to well-known configurations, a labeling module usually comprises: - one or more support shafts for rotatably supporting at one time a single roll of a web of labelling material, the roll being defined by a continuous strip initially wound in the form of a reel; - a feed roller, which serves to unwind the web from an associated reel and to advance it along a feed path; - a plurality of guide rollers which, in use, support the web gradually unwinding from the reel and, in use, guide the web along a feed path; - a cutting unit for repeatedly cutting the web at a cutting station in order to separate a series of labels from the web itself; and - A label transport device, such as a known vacuum drum, configured to receive, hold and advance each label and feed each label to a carousel table of the application station.

[0008] Furthermore, in the case of using adhesive labels, the labelling module comprises at least one glue roller arranged substantially tangentially to the vacuum drum, operably positioned downstream of the cutting unit and upstream of the application station with respect to the direction of rotation of the vacuum drum, for applying glue to at least the edges (leading and trailing edges) of each individual label and then applying these labels to the associated articles.

[0009] In the case of sleeve labels, the label is wrapped in a tubular shape around a corresponding forming mandrel, which is advanced by a rotating table and carries the item to be labeled on top; the label is then sealed at the overlapping ends; at this point, the mandrel is retracted into the base of the rotating table, allowing the item to be inserted into the corresponding sleeve label with a certain gap; subsequently, the container with the "loose" label applied thereto is sent to a heating oven to heat shrink the label and perfectly adhere the label to the item.

[0010] Regardless of the type of label used, it is known in the art that there is a need to automatically splice the end (or final) portion of a first web wound on a first reel (the reel in use) with the initial portion of a second web wound on a second reel (the new reel) to avoid stopping the labeling machine every time a reel runs out (i.e., every time such reel runs out of web).

[0011] In this respect, a labelling machine of known type comprises a well-known splicing device (or "splicer") which is operatively arranged between the feed unit and the guide rollers and is configured to splice an end portion of a first web with an initial portion of a second web.

[0012] Specifically, the splicing device generally includes a pair of splicing components or "blocks", the first part of each splicing component or "block" is hinged on the fixed frame of the labeling module and can be pivotally moved between an open position and a closed position, in which the open position is spaced apart from the other block and in which the closed position is closer to the other block.

[0013] Each block includes a holding device, usually a vacuum pad connected to a known vacuum source, for receiving and holding (by suction) the initial portion of the second web unrolled from the second reel. In addition, during the labeling process, each pad can support a first web unrolled from the corresponding reel.

[0014] Once an initial portion of the second web is positioned on one of the spacers, and once the first web is exhausted or nearly exhausted, the spacers of each block may be moved from a stationary state to a splicing state to splice the initial portion with the terminal portion of the first web.

[0015] Typically, once the spacer is held in position for the splice, tape is applied to the initial portion of the second web to securely attach it to the first web.

[0016] In use, before splicing is required and while the first web is unrolled from the first reel during the labeling process, the operator manually moves the block to the open position, grabs the initial portion of the second web (i.e. the free end flap) from the remainder of the second reel, pulls the free end flap to unroll the initial portion of the second web, and places the free end flap on an associated spacer, which holds it in place by vacuum.

[0017] Therefore, the correct positioning of the free end flap of the second web on the corresponding vacuum pad of the splicing device, which is a critical variable for a correct labelling operation, depends on the ability of the operator.

[0018] Although labelling modules of the type described above are functionally effective, the Applicant has found that they still leave room for further improvement, particularly with regard to the risk of incorrect positioning of the free-end flap by the operator, the overall time required to prepare for the splicing operation and an increase in the degree of automation of such operations. Summary of the invention

[0019] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a supporting device, a web feeding system and a method for feeding a web of labelling material to a labelling module which are designed to meet at least one of the above mentioned needs in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0020] This object is achieved by a web feeding system and a labelling machine as described in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a labelling machine including a labelling module and a web feeding system according to the present invention, with some components removed for clarity;

[0023] Figure 2yes Figure 1 A larger scale side view of a web feeding system of at a first moment in time with some components removed for clarity;

[0024] Figure 3 and Figure 4 They are Figure 1 A larger scale perspective view of a portion of a web feeding system at a second moment in time and a third moment in time with some components removed for clarity;

[0025] Figures 5a to 5c are Figure 1 A larger scale schematic side view of the web feeding system of at fourth, fifth and sixth moments in time with some components removed for clarity; and

[0026] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a web feeding unit which is a part of a web feeding system according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] refer to Figure 1 , reference numeral 1 denotes as a whole a labelling machine for labelling containers 2 , such as bottles, vials, cans or the like, suitable for containing pourable products, preferably pourable foodstuffs. The labelling machine 1 comprises a labelling module 7 .

[0028] The labeling machine 1 comprises a conveyor 6 for conveying containers 2. The labeling machine 1 is configured such that the containers 2 are labeled by a labeling module 7 while being conveyed by the conveyor 6. The conveyor 6 may be a rotating table.

[0029] The labeling module 7 comprises a splicing device 14. The splicing device 14 is configured to splice the web material being used with the new web material. When the web material being used is about to be exhausted, splicing is required. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The web 4 shown in FIG. 1 is a web in use that is about to be exhausted. Figure 4 , 5A The web 4 shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C is a new web.

[0030] The labelling machine 1 comprises a web feeding system 16. The web feeding system 16 is configured to feed a web of labelling material to the labelling module 7.

[0031] The feeding system 16 comprises a web feeding unit 17. The feeding unit 17 comprises a support 18 for supporting a reel 5 of web material 4. The feeding unit 17 comprises a clamp 19 for clamping a web guiding portion 4a of the web material 4 of the supported reel 5.

[0032] The clamp 19 is configured to engage with the support 18 and is configured to disengage from the support 18 .

[0033] exist Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 In the solid line illustration of , the clamp 19 is engaged with the support 18. Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C in and Figure 6 In the dashed line illustration, the clamp 19 is disengaged from the support 18.

[0034] Preparation for the splicing operation by means of the splicing device 14 requires loading an infeed unit supporting a new web reel onto the labelling module 7 .

[0035] Preparation for the splicing operation by means of the splicing device 14 also requires that the leading portion 4a of the new web assumes an ideal splicing position relative to the splicing device 14. Therefore, the actual splicing position assumed by the leading portion 4a should be as close as possible to the ideal splicing position to optimize the correctness of the splicing operation. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 6 The guide section 4a shown in FIG. belongs to a new web. Figure 5B and Figure 5C In the embodiment, the web guiding part 4a of the new web adopts the true splicing position.

[0036] With the aid of a clamp 19 which engages with and can disengage from the support 18, the reel 5 of new web material can be loaded onto the labeling module 7, wherein the web guiding portion 4a assumes a starting position, which makes it easier to obtain an actual splicing position that is as close as possible to the ideal splicing position at the end of splicing preparation.

[0037] Thus, a web feeding system 16 is provided that is capable of providing more accurate preparation for splicing operations.

[0038] The clamp 19 is configured to engage magnetically with the support 18. In this way, wear is reduced and the clamp 19 can be disengaged from the support 18 more easily.

[0039] The support 18 comprises a hub 18a and radial arms 18b radially branching from the hub 18a. The gripper 19 engages with the support 18 at the axial end of the arm 18b. In this way, the gripper 19 engages with the support 18 in a radial position, thereby optimizing the engagement force between the support 18 and the gripper 19 to reduce the risk of accidental loosening of the engagement or the risk of disengagement during loading of the feed unit 17 onto the module 7, while making the subsequent disengagement operation of the gripper 19 as simple as possible. Thus, a web feeding system is provided, which makes the loading of the feed unit 17 carrying a new web 4 easier, thereby improving the accuracy of the splicing operation.

[0040] The clamp 19 may adopt a closed state which may correspond to a clamped state of the leading portion 4a of the web 4 of the supported reel 5 .

[0041] The clamp 19 can assume an open state, in which the web 4 of the supported reel 5 is not clamped.

[0042] With the aid of the clamps 19 in a closed state, the web 4 of the supported reel 5 can adopt a clamped state from the perspective of the web 4. In the clamped state, each leading portion 4a of the web 4 is clamped by the clamps 19. In any case, the clamps 19 can also be closed without clamping any web.

[0043] In all figures, the clamp 19 is shown in a closed position. Figure 5C The clamps 19 in the 20 ...

[0044] The clamp 19 includes two claws 19a and 19b. Figure 6 shown.

[0045] In the closed state of the clamp 19, the jaws 19a and 19b are coupled to each other, preferably by magnetic effect. In the open state of the clamp 19, the jaws 19a are not coupled to each other. In this way, the clamping action is contactless and can be applied through the web 4. Thus, a web feeding system 16 is provided which improves the accuracy of the splicing operation and also minimizes wear.

[0046] The gripper 19 in said closed state is configured to define the correct position of the clamped guide portion 4a of the web 4 of the supported reel 5. The correct position should be considered with respect to a reference system integral to the closed gripper 19. In practice, the web can be positioned in the correct position of the guide portion 4a, for example by an operator, when the gripper 19 assumes the open state. Subsequently, the gripper 19 can be switched to the closed position. In this way, the operator can obtain a situation in which the web guide portion 4a is clamped and assumes the correct position relative to the gripper 19 itself. The magnetic coupling between the two jaws of the gripper 19 allows the guide portion 4a to be kept very stably in the correct position during the transport of the web to the actual splicing position.

[0047] In reality, errors can occur when operators try to set the correct position.

[0048] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, “splicing position” refers to the actual splicing position.

[0049] The feeding system 16 comprises a positioning device 20. The positioning device 20 is configured to automatically position the web guiding portion 4a of the support reel 5 relative to the splicing device 14 in a splicing position.

[0050] The positioning device 20 is configured to automatically load the feed unit 17 onto the labeling module 7, wherein the gripper 19 engages and closes to grip the leading portion 4a of the supported web 4, and the leading portion 4a of the supported web 4 of the reel 5 assumes a correct position relative to the gripper 19. In particular, the positioning device 20 can pick up at least the feed unit 17 from the storage area 8 and release at least the feed unit 17 onto the labeling module 7. Figure 1 In and according to Figure 2 As shown in the dashed line diagram, the positioning device 20 is picking up the feeding unit 17. Figure 2 , the positioning device 20 is releasing the feeding unit 17 on the labeling module 7. In particular, the positioning device 20 can move the feeding unit 17 from the storage area 8 to the labeling module 7 via the hub 18a of the clamping support 18. Loading the feeding unit 17 can also be performed with the aid of the stage of installing the feeding unit 17. Figure 2 As shown in the solid line diagram, it can be considered that the supply unit 17 has taken the installation position where the supply unit 17 is installed to the labeling module 7.

[0051] The positioning device 20 is configured to automatically disengage the closed clamp 19 from the support 18. The positioning device 20 is configured to automatically disengage the closed clamp 19 from the support 18, wherein the web guiding part 4a is in the clamped state and the web guiding part 4a assumes a correct position relative to the clamp 19. Figure 3 In the process, the positioning device 20 begins to disengage from the clamp 19.

[0052] The positioning device 20 is configured to automatically transport the disengaged and closed gripper 19 to a predetermined position relative to the splicing device 14. The positioning device 20 is configured to automatically transport the disengaged and closed gripper 19 to a predetermined position relative to the splicing device 14, wherein the web guiding portion 4a is in a clamped state and the web guiding portion 4a assumes a correct position relative to the gripper 19. Through the transport phase, the gripper 19 is transported from a starting position to a predetermined position, which starting position may correspond to the position assumed by the gripper 19 when the feed unit 17 is released to the module 7. According to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the solid line in FIG, the gripper 19 adopts the starting position.

[0053] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5A In FIG. 1 , the positioning device 20 is transporting the gripper 19 toward a predetermined position. Figure 5B In the embodiment, the clamp 19 takes a predetermined position.

[0054] The system 16 is configured so that the combination of the correct position of the web guiding portion 4a relative to the gripper 19 and the predetermined position of the gripper 19 relative to the splicing device 14 corresponds to the splicing position of the web guiding portion 4a. This means that if the web guiding portion 4a assumes the correct position relative to the gripper 19 and the gripper 19 assumes the predetermined position, the web guiding portion 4a will assume the splicing position. Figure 4 and Figure 5A In the embodiment, the positioning device 20 is conveying the web guiding portion 4a toward the splicing position, and in Figure 5C In the embodiment, the web guiding portion 4a takes a splicing position. Due to the configuration of the system 16, the splicing position can be more similar or closer to the ideal position, and the risk of error is smaller.

[0055] In this way, the preparation of a new web may be at least partially automated, thereby optimizing the accuracy of said preparation and reducing the software and / or hardware complexity of the positioning device 20, since the movements of the positioning device 20 may be set based on predetermined positions.

[0056] The positioning means 20 may comprise means for locking the hub 18 a relative to the labelling module 7 .

[0057] The positioning device 20 is configured to open the clamp 19 after the clamp 19 reaches the predetermined position, that is, to switch the clamp 19 from a closed state to an open state. In this way, the leading portion 4a of the web 4 can be released to the splicing device 14 while taking an actual splicing position as close as possible to the most ideal splicing position. Figure 5B In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the clamp 19 is about to open, but is considered to be still closed.

[0058] The positioning device 20 is configured to place the used grippers 19 in a magazine or storage after the web guiding portion 4a and thus the web has been released by the positioning device 20 .

[0059] The splicing device 14 comprises at least one spacer for supporting the new web. Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C A spacer 15 is shown.

[0060] The predetermined position is relative to the spacer 15. The positioning device 20 is configured so that the leading portion 4a of the web 4 is released to the spacer 15 by opening the clamp 19. Figure 5B In the embodiment, the clamp 19 takes a predetermined position, and the clamp 19 is closed and clamps the leading portion 4a of the web 4. Figure 5C In , the gripper has moved relative to the predetermined position. Figure 5B situation and Figure 5C In the case of , the clamp 19 has been opened to release the web guiding part 4a to the pad 15. In fact, in Figure 5B situation and Figure 5C In any case, for simplicity, Figure 5B and Figure 5C They can all be regarded as the actual splicing position. As mentioned above, this position should be as close to the ideal splicing position as possible.

[0061] The gasket 15 is configured to hold the guide portion 4a by suction. Therefore, the gasket 15 can be regarded as a vacuum gasket.

[0062] Due to the above configuration, positioning of the guide portion 4 a at the splicing device 14 is highly simplified, since the operator only needs to set the correct position of the clamped web 4 relative to the clamp 19 of the feed unit 17 .

[0063] Furthermore, the risk that the operator will incorrectly position the guide portion 4a in the splicing device 14, which could seriously affect the splicing operation, is significantly reduced.

[0064] This allows saving labelling material, avoiding unplanned stops of the labelling machine 1 and ultimately reducing production time and costs.

[0065] Furthermore, the risk that the operator will incorrectly position the guide portion 4a in the splicing device 14, which could seriously affect the splicing operation, is significantly reduced.

[0066] This allows saving labelling material, avoiding unplanned stops of the labelling machine 1 and ultimately reducing production time and costs.

[0067] The positioning device 20 comprises at least one robot. In the embodiment shown, the loading of the feed unit 17 and the disengagement and transport of the closed gripper 19 are performed by the same robot head carried by a robot arm. In another embodiment, the robot may comprise a second robot head carried by a second robot arm. In this case, the disengagement and transport may be performed by the second robot head, while the loading is performed by the first robot head. Each robot head may be considered as an end effector.

[0068] The robot may be a cobot (collaborative robot).

[0069] Optionally, the positioning device 20 may include: - a guide rail, in particular a guide rail extending from a starting position of the holder 19 to a predetermined position; and A trolley member coupled to the guide rail, which can carry the clamp 19 and can slide along the guide rail to move the clamp 19 from a starting position to a predetermined position at the splicing device 14.

[0070] In this case, the positioning device 20 may include a plurality of guide rails, each guide rail having a corresponding trolley member configured to grab the gripper 19 at a corresponding starting position and transport the gripper 19 to a predetermined position by sliding along the corresponding rail. In this way, the required number of feed units 17 can be loaded on the module 7.

[0071] The Applicant has observed that this configuration allows further minimization of the errors in positioning the guide portion 4a at the vacuum pad 15 of the splicing device 14, while simplifying the control and programming of the preparation for the splicing operation.

[0072] Regardless, the feeding system 16 includes a control unit that is configured and programmed to control the positioning device 20 .

[0073] It is known in the art that there is a need to label different types of containers 2, for example containers 2 containing different types of pourable products, for example products of different flavours.

[0074] In particular, there is a need to speed up the changeover between different types of labels of a labelling module or labelling machine 1. The type of label includes, for example, the type of decoration, and / or the size, and / or the material of the label.

[0075] The positioning device 20 is configured to automatically select a particular infeed unit to be loaded onto the labelling module 7 based on the specific type of label to be applied to the container.

[0076] Based on the operator's input, the control unit may provide specific types of tags to the positioning device 20. For example, the operator may input a list of tag types to define a production run.

[0077] The positioning device 20 can search for a reel 5 corresponding to a specific type by detecting a detectable element located on the corresponding feeding unit 17 (e.g., on the corresponding reel 5). The detectable element is, for example, a QR code, a barcode, or any other type of identification or mark that can be read or detected optically or magnetically.

[0078] The positioning device 20 is configured to automatically select a particular feed unit to be loaded onto the labeling module 7 based on the required label type by automatically reading detectable elements of the plurality of feed units 17 .

[0079] The positioning device 20 may also be configured to automatically set the web guiding portion 4a in the correct position relative to the gripper 19 .

[0080] The positioning device 20 may also be configured to automatically check whether the web guiding portion 4a has adopted a correct position relative to the gripper 19 .

[0081] The positioning device 20 may also be configured to automatically discard the corresponding feed unit 17 or to automatically issue a warning signal if the web guiding portion 4 a does not assume the correct position relative to the gripper 19 .

[0082] As an alternative to the gripper 19, the web may comprise a conveying element which is configured integrally with the web guiding portion 4a of the web 4 of the supported reel 5 and coupled to the positioning device 20 such that the positioning device 20 can convey the conveying element.

[0083] In this case, the positioning device 20 is configured to automatically: load the feed unit 17 onto the labeling module, grip or grab the transport element, and transfer the transport element to a predetermined position relative to the splicing device 14. The system 16 is configured so that the predetermined position of the transport element corresponds to the splicing position of the web guiding part 4a.

[0084] The detectable element may be integrated with the transmitting element to reduce the complexity of the system by having fewer components.

[0085] The labelling module 7 may comprise a storage unit 8 for storing a plurality of reels 5. The module 7 may comprise a support unit 10, preferably in the form of two support shafts 10, for supporting at least one in-use web reel and a new web reel in a deployable manner.

[0086] The module 7 may include a plurality of guide rollers 11 operably arranged downstream of the support unit 10 and configured to control unwinding of the web 4 from the respective reels 5, to support the web 4 to be gradually unwound from the reels 5 and to guide the web 4 along the feed path.

[0087] The module 7 may comprise a cutting unit 12 arranged along the feed path downstream of the roller 11 and configured to repeatedly cut the web 4 so as to separate a series of labels 3 therefrom.

[0088] The module 7 may comprise a transfer drum 13 , preferably a vacuum drum of known type, arranged downstream of the cutting unit 12 , rotatable about a central axis and configured to transfer the labels 3 to the application station A to apply them to the respective containers 2 .

[0089] For the case of labels 3 requiring the use of glue, the labelling module 7 further comprises at least one glue roller (not shown) arranged substantially tangentially to the conveying drum 13 to apply glue to at least the end of each individual label 3 before the labels 3 are applied.

[0090] Obviously, changes may be made to the supporting device 17, the web feeding system 16 and the method according to the invention described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A web feeding system (16) for feeding a web of labelling material to a labelling module (7) comprising a splicing device (14), the feeding system (16) comprising a positioning device (20) for automatically positioning a web guiding portion (4a) of the web (4) in a splicing position relative to the splicing device (14).

2. The system (16) of claim 1, wherein the positioning device (20) comprises at least one robot.

3. System (16) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a web feeding unit (17) comprising a support (18) for supporting a reel (5) of the web (4).

4. A system (16) according to claim 3, wherein the positioning device (20) is configured to automatically select a specific feed unit to be loaded onto the labeling module (7) based on the required label type, wherein the label type can be defined by decoration and / or size and / or format and / or material.

5. The system (16) according to claim 3 or 4, comprises a conveying element, which is configured to be integrated with the web guiding part (4a) of the web (4) of the supported reel (5) and is coupled to the positioning device (20) so that the positioning device (20) can convey the conveying element (20).

6. The system (16) of claim 5, comprising a detectable element integral to the transmission element; The positioning device (20) is configured to automatically select the specific feed unit to be loaded onto the labeling module (7) based on the required label type by automatically reading the detectable elements of a plurality of supported reels, wherein the label type can be defined by decoration and / or size and / or format and / or material.

7. The system (16) according to claim 5 or 6, The positioning device (20) is configured to automatically: - loading the feeding unit (17) onto the labeling module; - gripping or grasping the conveying element; - transferring the grasped or caught transport element to a predetermined position relative to the splicing device (14), the predetermined position of the transport element relative to the splicing device (14) corresponding to the splicing position of the web guiding section.

8. The system (16) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the web feeding unit (17) comprises a gripper (19) for gripping a web guiding portion (4a) of the web (4) of the supported reel (5); The clamp (19) is configured to engage with the support (18) and is configured to disengage from the support (18).

9. The system (16) of claim 8, wherein the holder (19) is configured to magnetically engage the support (18).

10. The system (16) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The support (18) comprises a central hub (18a) and radial arms (18b) radially branching from the hub (18a), the holder (19) engaging the support (18) at the axial ends of the arms (18b).

11. A system (16) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the clamp (19) can adopt a closed state and an open state, wherein the closed state corresponds to a clamping state of the guide portion (4a) of the web material (4) of the supported reel (5), wherein the web material guide portion (4a) is clamped by the clamp (19), and in the open state, the web material (4) of the supported reel (5) is not clamped.

12. The system (16) of claim 11, wherein: - the holder (19) comprises two claws (19a); - The claws (19a) are coupled to each other by magnetic effect in the closed state, but are not coupled to each other in the open state.

13. A system (16) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the clamp (19) is configured in the closed state to define the correct position of the clamped guide portion (4a) of the web (4) of the supported reel (5), the correct position being relative to the clamp (19).

14. The system (16) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, The positioning device (20) is configured to automatically: - loading the feed unit (17) onto the labelling module, wherein the gripper (19) engages and closes to grip the leading portion (4a) of the web (4) of the supported reel (5); - disengaging the closed clamp (19) from the support (18); - transporting the disengaged and closed gripper (19) to a predetermined position relative to the splicing device (14).

15. A system (16) according to claims 13 and 14, wherein a combination of the correct position of the web guiding portion (4a) relative to the clamp (19) and the predetermined position of the clamp (19) relative to the splicing device (14) corresponds to the splicing position of the web guiding portion (4a).

16. The system (16) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the positioning device (20) is configured to open the gripper (19) after the gripper (19) reaches the predetermined position.

17. A labelling machine (1) for labelling a container (2), comprising: - a labelling module (7) comprising a splicing device (14) configured to splice a web in use with a new web; a conveyor (6) for conveying the container (2), the labeling machine (1) being configured such that the container (2) is labeled by the labeling module (7) while being conveyed by the conveyor (6); - Feed system (16) according to any of the preceding claims.

18. A labelling machine according to claim 17, wherein: - the splicing device (14) comprises at least one spacer for supporting the new web; - the feed system (16) is at least according to claim 7 or 14 or 15 or 16; - said predetermined position is relative to said at least one spacer.

19. A labelling machine according to claim 18, wherein: - the feeding system (16) according to claim 16; - wherein the positioning device (20) is configured such that, by opening the gripper (19), the leading portion (4a) of the web (4) is released onto the at least one spacer (15).

20. A labelling machine according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the at least one spacer is configured to hold the guide portion (4a) by suction.

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