Labeling module configured to label with partial labels

Abstract

There is described a labeling module (7) for labeling containers (2) adapted to contain pourable products, the labeling module (7) comprising: a feed roller (8) for advancing a web (4) of labeling material along a feed path (Q); a cutting member (11) arranged downstream of the feed roller (8) along the feed path (Q) for repeatedly cutting the web (4) so as to separate a series of labels (3) from the web; and a transmission drum (12) rotatable about an axis of rotation (X) in an angular direction of rotation (D) and configured to convey the labels (3) to an application station (A) for application thereof onto the respective containers (2); the transmission drum (12) comprises a plurality of receiving sectors (13), each receiving sector (13) being configured to cyclically receive and hold a label (3), each receiving sector (13) comprising a front shim (13a) for holding a leading edge (3a) of the label (3) and a tail shim (13b; 13b '), in which the cutting member (11) is arranged radially adjacent to the transmission drum (12) and is configured for sequentially cutting the web material on the drum (12) at the tail shim (3b), thereby separating the label (3) from the web material (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a labelling module for labelling articles suitable for containing pourable products, preferably pourable foodstuffs, by means of labels obtained from a web of label material. Background Art

[0002] 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.

[0003] Adhesive labels are particularly widely used, i.e. portions of labelling material of suitable length are cut from a web of labelling material which is initially wound in the form of a continuous strip on one or more storage reels and then spread with glue.

[0004] Specifically, the labeling material web is gradually unwound from a related reel and then cut repeatedly to obtain continuous labels of equal length, and glue is applied to the labels by a glue coating device (such as a glue coating roller, spray or syringe system, etc.).

[0005] Finally, the obtained labels are transferred and applied to the respective items to be labeled.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] According to well-known configurations, a labeling module usually comprises: - one or more storage units, such as reels or spools, on which the web of labelling material is initially wound in the form of a continuous strip; - feed rollers, which serve to unwind the web from an associated reel and to advance it along a feed path; - a plurality of support rollers which, in use, support the web gradually unwound 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.

[0009] In particular, the vacuum drum is rotatable about a (usually vertical) axis of rotation and in a direction of rotation and is configured to receive labels, hold them by suction and release them to the application station after rotating a determined angle about its axis so that they are applied to corresponding items propelled by the turntable.

[0010] 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 located 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) of each individual label and then applying these labels to the relevant items.

[0011] According to a well-known configuration, a rotary cutting unit is usually used, which comprises: a first rotating member, typically a blade-supporting roller (or "blade roller"), rotatable about a first, typically vertical axis, carrying a blade or cutter and configured to convey the blade along a circular cutting path about the aforementioned axis; and - a second rotating member, typically a counter-roller carrying a counter-blade element (or "counter-blade roller"), which is rotatable about a second axis, typically parallel to the first axis, arranged at the periphery of the blade roller so as to be substantially tangential to the cutting path and configured to support the web of labeling material and convey it towards the cutting station, where the web is cut by interaction of the blade with the counter-blade element.

[0012] Typically, the blade roll defines an abutment surface for the blade and a support roll for the web to be cut by the blade and for advancing the web along a feed path towards the vacuum cylinder.

[0013] To this end, in some known embodiments, the blade roll is provided with a dedicated vacuum port that is substantially similar to the vacuum port of the vacuum drum and is configured to apply a vacuum to the web of labeling material supported thereon so as to support the web and advance newly cut labels toward the vacuum drum.

[0014] When in use, by the mutual rotation of the blade roll and the counter-blade roll, the blade and the counter-blade element are simultaneously cyclically carried to the cutting station, where the blade and the counter-blade element cooperate with each other to cut the web.

[0015] In practice, in use and at the cutting station, the web is placed between a blade roll and a counterblade roll, that is, between a blade and a counterblade element.

[0016] Although the above-mentioned types of labeling modules are effective in function and structure, the applicant has found that they still have room for further improvement, especially in the following aspects: - Reduction of the total number of components and simplification of the structure: in practice, the rotation of the two rollers in the cutting unit must be precisely controlled and synchronized with the rotation of the vacuum drum; it is also necessary to provide suction on the counterblade roller, which leads to complex vacuum piping; -Flexibility and adaptability: In case of changes in label specifications, the slitting roll must be replaced and the slitting roll, blade roll and vacuum cylinder must be resynchronized; the position of the feed roll relative to the slitting roll must also be changed to adapt to the new slitting roll size and maintain optimal cut web tension. Summary of the invention

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a labelling module which is designed to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0018] This object is achieved by a labeling module according to claim 1 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a labelling machine comprising a labelling module according to the present invention, with some components removed for clarity;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a schematic top view on a larger scale of a portion of a drive drum of a first preferred embodiment of a labelling module of , with some parts removed for clarity; and

[0022] Figure 3a and Figure 3b are Figure 2 Schematic top views on a larger scale of a second preferred embodiment of a portion of a drive drum in two different operating conditions, with some parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] refer to Figure 1 , reference numeral 1 denotes as a whole a labelling machine for labelling articles 2, such as bottles, vials, cans or such containers, suitable for containing pourable products, preferably pourable foodstuffs.

[0024] In particular, the labelling machine 1 is configured to apply labels 3 obtained from a web 4 of labelling material to an object 2 .

[0025] According to this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the label 3 is an adhesive label, ie a strip of labelling material which is cut from a web 4 at a predetermined length and then sprinkled with glue before it is applied to the respective object 2 .

[0026] Preferably, the web 4 is initially wound in the form of a continuous strip around one or more reels 5 ( Figure 1 Only one is shown in the figure), and is gradually unwound from the reel 5 during use.

[0027] Preferably, the labelling machine 1 is configured to apply so-called "partial labels", i.e. labels 3 which cover an angular portion of the outer surface of the respective article 2 measuring less than 360° (e.g. between 180° and 360°), such as Figure 1 shown.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the labeling machine 1 comprises: - a conveying device, preferably a carousel 6 rotatable about a fixed axis (not shown), preferably a vertical axis, and configured to advance a plurality of objects 2 (only one of which is shown) along an arcuate (preferably horizontal) labeling path; - an inlet station (not shown) where the objects 2 to be labeled are fed to the carousel 6; an exit station (not shown) where the labeled objects 2 exit the carousel 6; and a labelling module 7 (shown only partially schematically) arranged relative to the periphery of the carousel 6 and configured to prepare and feed a plurality of labels 3 to the carousel 6 itself at an application station A in order to apply the labels 3 to the respective objects 2 .

[0029] An object may be a container, such as a bottle.

[0030] The labeling module 7 comprises: - a storage unit rotatably supporting at least one reel 5; a feed roller 8 for advancing (ie feeding) the web 4 along a feed path Q and thus for gradually unwinding the web 4 from the reel 5; a plurality of (idle) support rollers 10 (only one of which is shown schematically) which, in use, support the web 4 gradually unwound from the reel 5 and guide the web 4 along the feed path Q; a cutting member 11 arranged along the feed path Q downstream of the feed roller 8 and configured to repeatedly cut the web 4 so as to separate a series of labels 3 from the web 4; and A driving drum 12 rotatable in an angular rotation direction D about an axis of rotation X and configured to convey the labels 3 to an application station A in order to apply them to the respective objects 2 .

[0031] It is said 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 web 4 is advanced before being cut and along which the labels 3 are advanced after the web 4 is cut.

[0032] Preferably, the cylinder 12 is defined by a vacuum cylinder of known type, which holds the label 3 by suction in a known but not detailed manner.

[0033] The drum 12 comprises a plurality of receiving sectors 13 , each of which is configured to cyclically receive and retain a corresponding label 3 .

[0034] In particular, the receiving sector 13 is provided with a vacuum port which can be optionally arranged to be in fluid communication with a vacuum source in a manner known but not described in detail.

[0035] Each receiving sector 13 comprises a front pad 13 a for holding the leading edge 3 a of the tag 3 and a trailing pad 13 b for holding the trailing edge 3 b of the tag 3 .

[0036] Furthermore, each receiving sector 13 includes an inter-shim region 13c interposed at a certain angle between the shims 13a and 13b.

[0037] In view of the above, each label 3 is held by the receiving sector 13 of the cylinder 12 with its leading edge 3a on the corresponding leading pad 13a, its trailing edge 3b on the corresponding trailing pad 13b and its central part on the inter-pad area 13c.

[0038] In the particular example shown, the drum 12 comprises four receiving sectors 13 which together define the outer side surface of the drum 12 .

[0039] In the example shown, each receiving sector 13 is configured to apply completely one label 3 at a time onto the corresponding container 2 .

[0040] More specifically, each label 3 is completely applied to the corresponding container 2 through a single receiving sector 13, wherein the tail shim 13b applies the last part of the label 3, i.e., the trailing edge 3b. The applied label 3 can be a partial label 3, which covers an angular sector of the container with a value less than 360° (e.g., 180°) at the end of the labeling operation. The container can be a bottle. The angular sector should be regarded as the angular sector of the bottle side and the angular sector around the bottle axis. In this case, the specifications of the label, in particular the length of the label, are appropriately selected to obtain a partial label. Therefore, the labeling module is configured to label the container through a partial label, each partial label 3 being a label covering an angular sector with a value less than 360° (e.g., 180°) once it is completely applied to the container or at the end of the labeling operation. The labeling module 7 can be configured so that each label is completely applied to the corresponding container through the corresponding receiving sector, the front shim 13a at least applies the leading edge 3a of the label, and the tail shim 13b at least applies the trailing edge 3b of the label 3. This "pad to pad" technique is particularly useful in the case of partial labels. In particular, the labeling module can also be configured to label containers with partial labels, each covering an angular sector with a value less than 30°, in which case the length of the label can be less than, for example, 40 mm.

[0041] The labelling module 7 also comprises glue application means, in particular a glue roller 30 , for applying glue to the labelling material supported by the drum 12 , and more particularly to the leading edge 3 a and the trailing edge 3 b of each label 3 supported by the corresponding receiving sector 13 .

[0042] Conveniently, a glue roller 30 is arranged peripherally relative to the cylinder 12 so as to be tangential to the outer surface of each pad 13a, 13b for periodically applying glue to the label portion placed thereon in use.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the cutting member 11 is arranged near the roller 12 and is configured to sequentially cut the web 4 on the roller 12 at the tail pad 13b, thereby separating the label 3 from the web 4. In this way, the format of the receiving sector 13 can be shorter in the direction D, so that if a shorter format of the receiving sector 13 is required to label the container with a partial label, in particular by means of the pad-to-pad technique described above, no complex modification of the components for cutting is required. Therefore, a labeling module is provided, which is preferably of the roller-fed type and is configured for labeling the container with a partial label and by the pad-to-pad technique. Therefore, the labeling module is more flexible in terms of label format.

[0044] In detail, Figure 2 As shown, the cutting member 11 has a blade element 14 .

[0045] The drum 12 defines a plurality of surface elements 15, each surface element 15 being located at a respective tail pad 3b. Each surface element is part of a respective sector 13. Cutting is performed by positioning a blade element 14 in front of the surface element 15.

[0046] In more detail, the cutting member 11 is configured to cut the web 4 at the cutting station C.

[0047] According to the invention, a cutting station C is cyclically defined between a blade element 14 and a corresponding surface element 15 .

[0048] In particular, the cutting member 11 and the drive roller 12 are located on opposite sides of the feed path Q and can be activated to transfer the blade element 14 and the surface element 15 to each other at the cutting station C, where the blade element 14 and, in turn, each corresponding surface element 15 are cyclically located on opposite sides of the web 4, so that cutting of the web is carried out by the blade element 14 located in front of the surface element 15.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, each tail gasket 13 b includes a holding member 17 for holding the tail edge 3 b of the tag 3 and a frame member 16 for supporting the holding member 17 .

[0050] According to this preferred embodiment, the retaining member 17 is fixed to the frame member 16. In particular, for each tail pad 13b, the surface element 15 is located at the frame member 16, which is located downstream of the retaining member 17 relative to the direction D and according to an observer who does not move with the drum 12.

[0051] Thus, in use, when the trailing edge 3b of a label 3 to be separated from the web 4 is located on the retaining member 17, the web 4 is cut.

[0052] After cutting, the trailing edge 3b will be held by the holding member 17, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 shown.

[0053] In this way, an intermediate counter-blade body, such as a counter-blade roller, is no longer necessary.

[0054] Conveniently, each receiving sector 13 further comprises a pre-shim area 13d arranged adjacent upstream of the respective front shim 13a and configured to provide an area for the web 4 , ie the free end flaps of the web 4 , to temporarily slide onto the outer surface of the cylinder 12 .

[0055] In detail, according to known manner, in use, for each receiving sector 13, the free end flap of the web 4 slides onto the pre-shim zone 13d until it is caught and held by the pre-shim 13a.

[0056] Then, the web material 4 is gradually caught and held by the spacer region 13c, and finally caught and held by the trailing spacer 13b. At this moment, the blade element 14 and the corresponding surface element 15 mutually reach the cutting station C, thereby carrying out the cutting of the web material 4 and the separation of the label 3.

[0057] According to the non-limiting preferred embodiment shown, the cutting member 11 is of the rotary type and comprises a cutting roller 11 rotatable about a central axis for carrying a blade element 14 in rotation along a circular cutting path.

[0058] Alternatively, the cutting member 11 may be reciprocating. In this case, the blade element 14 may be moved toward and away from the cylinder 12 in a reciprocating manner to perform cutting of the web 4.

[0059] Through the above configuration, the flexibility and adaptability of the labeling module 7 are greatly improved. In fact, in the case of a change in label specifications, at a constant production speed, it is sufficient to adjust the roller 12 to adapt the labeling module 7 to the new size and / or number of the receiving sectors 13 on the roller 12.

[0060] Thus, there is no need for complicated, cumbersome and time-consuming disassembly and reassembly of the cutting unit.

[0061] Furthermore, since a separate counter-blade roller is not provided, the number of total components is reduced, and since no additional vacuum line is required for such a counter-blade roller, the structure is simplified.

[0062] Advantageously, the feed roller 8 is positioned at the cutting station C radially adjacent to the cylinder 12 .

[0063] The Applicant has observed that such advantageous positioning of the feed roller 8 adjacent to the cylinder 12 is possible since the cutting of the web 4 takes place directly on each tail pad 13b of the cylinder 12, as described above.

[0064] Therefore, the applicant further noticed that this advantageous positioning of the feed roller 8 increases the flexibility of processing labels 3 of different lengths; for example, since this advantageous positioning of the feed roller 8 provides better tension, labels 3 of smaller lengths can be processed.

[0065] Advantageously, each receiving sector 13 is detachably coupled to the drum 12 so that it can be interchanged with a different type of receiving sector 13 when the label format changes, which type can vary according to the format of the labels 3 to be applied. Therefore, the number of sectors 13 can also vary according to the label format or length.

[0066] Therefore, each trailing shim 13 b and each leading shim 13 a , inter-shim region 13 c and pre-shim region 13 d may be interchanged with the corresponding receiving sector 13 .

[0067] Thus, each surface element 15 is interchangeable together with the corresponding tail pad 13b.

[0068] In view of the above, the area of ​​the tail shim 13b where the web 4 is cut is interchangeable when the label format changes.

[0069] Advantageously, the cutting member 11 further comprises a stop element 18 located adjacent to the blade element 14 and configured to abut against (each) tail shim 13b for temporarily stopping the web 4 from moving along the feed path Q during the cutting process thereof.

[0070] In use, just before and during the cutting of the web 4 by the blade element 14, the stop element 18 is arranged to abut against the retaining element 17, interposing the trailing edge 3b of the label 3 to be separated from the web 4. The stop element 18 is located upstream of the blade element 14, with respect to the rotational orientation of the cutting member 11 and with respect to an observer who does not move with the cutting member 11.

[0071] Conveniently, the stop element 18 is operatively arranged upstream of the blade element 14 with respect to the direction D during cutting of the web 4 .

[0072] Preferably, the stop element 18 is made of an elastic material (eg rubber).

[0073] The Applicant has noted that the stop member 18 increases the local tension of the web 4 during cutting of the web 4, thereby easing the cutting and improving its quality.

[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b , another embodiment of the tail shim of the drum 12 of the labeling module 7 according to the present invention is indicated by reference 13 b ′.

[0075] Since each tail gasket 13b' is similar to the above-mentioned tail gasket 13b, only the differences between them are described below, wherein similar or corresponding parts are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0076] According to this further embodiment, each tail pad 13b' advantageously comprises a supporting element 19 which projects radially from a frame member 16 which is located downstream of the retaining element 17 with respect to the direction D and according to an observer who does not move with the drum 12, and which is configured to support the web 4 during cutting of the web 4, as shown in FIG. 3a.

[0077] In particular, the support element 19 is located at the trailing end of the trailing pad 13 b ′ with respect to the direction D. The support element 19 is part of the corresponding sector 13 .

[0078] Advantageously, for each trailing pad 13 b ′, the surface element 15 is located between a respective retaining element 17 and a respective support element 19 . Each support element 19 is part of a respective receiving sector 13 .

[0079] In detail, the support element 19 is located at a non-zero angular distance from the holding member 17, so that a recess or slot 20 is defined between the support element 19 and the holding member 17. In this case, the recess 20 is covered cyclically by the web 4. The recess 20 is therefore arranged adjacent downstream of the holding member 17 and adjacent downstream of the support element 19 with respect to the direction D and to an observer who does not move with the cylinder 12.

[0080] In more detail, the cutting member 11 , in particular the blade element 14 , is configured to cyclically engage the recess 20 to cut the web 4 thereat.

[0081] Due to this configuration, a cleaner cut of the web 4 is possible, since the local tension of the web 4 is improved compared to the previous situation.

[0082] If present, the stop element 18 further improves the local tension of the web 4. The blade element 14 engages with the recess 20 but does not abut against the rear wall of the recess 20, thereby defining a "cut-in slot". In this way, wear of the blade element 14 and the cylinder 12 is reduced.

[0083] Advantageously, for each tail gasket 13b', the support element 19 is rigidly fixed to the frame member 16 and the retaining member 17 is radially movable relative to the frame member 16 (and the axis X) between the following positions: a retracted position in which it is preferably substantially radially flush with the support element 19 , in particular for performing a cutting operation ( FIG. 3 a ); and An extracted position in which it protrudes radially beyond the supporting element 19 , in particular for applying glue on the trailing edge 3 b ( FIG. 3 b ).

[0084] In the retracted position and in the extracted position, the retaining member 17 protrudes radially further relative to the supporting element 19 in the extracted position than in the retracted position.

[0085] This configuration provides a dual technical effect: On the one hand, the cutting member 11 can be arranged closer to the drum 12, which increases the compactness of the labelling module 7 and provides a more precise cut; On the other hand, when glue is applied to the trailing edge 3 b by the glue roller 30 , it is possible to prevent the glue from undesirably spilling onto the supporting element 19 (and into the recess 20 ).

[0086] Therefore, the labelling module 7 is advantageously configured such that the holding member 17 is controlled in the retracted position during cutting and in the extracted position at least during application of glue to the trailing edge 3b of the label 3 held by the respective trailing pad 13b'.

[0087] In the example shown, the glue roller 30 is arranged with respect to the direction D downstream of the cutting member 11 .

[0088] Under certain conditions, if glue is applied after cutting, some glue residue may reach the immediately following pre-shim area 13d, which will then be lifted off any labelling material.

[0089] To this end, according to an alternative embodiment not shown, and since the cutting of the web 4 takes place directly on the cylinder 12 , the glue roller 30 is advantageously interposed relative to the direction D between the feed roller 8 and the cutting member 11 .

[0090] This configuration prevents unwanted glue residues from accumulating on each pre-liner area 13d, since, when applying the glue, the corresponding portion of the web 4 that will define the subsequent label 3 has not yet been cut from the web 4, thereby covering the subsequent pre-liner area 13d.

[0091] From the above description, the advantages of the labeling module 7 according to the present invention will become apparent.

[0092] In particular, the flexibility and adaptability of the labeling module 7 are greatly improved. In fact, in the case of changes in label specifications, no complex modifications are required to adapt to the cutting components. In particular, the labeling machine can be better configured to label containers with partial labels. A partial label refers to a label that covers an angular sector of less than 360° (e.g. 180°) of the corresponding container once it is fully applied to the container. Therefore, for the same container, a partial label is shorter than a non-partial label. Shorter labels require a shorter angular length of each receiving sector 13 along the direction D. The cutting on the drive roller 12 allows for a shorter receiving sector 13 without complex modifications to the cutting components. The use of partial labels (which, as mentioned above, can be considered as shorter labels) can also be associated with a labeling machine that is configured so that each label is fully applied to the corresponding container through the corresponding receiving sector. In this case, the front gasket 13a at least fits the leading edge 3a of the label, and the tail gasket 13b at least fits the trailing edge 3b of the label. Thus, a labelling machine is provided which is particularly configured to label containers using partial labels and with the "pad-to-pad" technique, as the cutting member 11 cuts the web on the drum 12 .

[0093] Furthermore, since a separate counter-blade roller is not provided, the number of total components is reduced, and since no additional vacuum line is required for such a counter-blade roller, the structure is simplified.

[0094] Furthermore, the position of the feed roller 8 relative to the platen 12 can be kept constant as the label format changes, since the only thing that needs to be varied is the angular velocity of the cutting member 11 (or the reciprocating velocity in the case of a reciprocating cutting member 11).

[0095] Furthermore, the feed roller 8 may be placed adjacent to the cylinder 12 in the circumferential direction and radially, thereby improving the tension of the web 4, ultimately resulting in an improved cutting quality.

[0096] Furthermore, in case of use of the tail shim 13 b ′, the tension of the web 4 during the cutting process is further improved and the cutting member 11 can be placed closer to the cylinder 12 without increasing the risk of undesired glue residues on the supporting element 19 .

[0097] Obviously, changes may be made to the labelling module 7 described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A labelling module (7) for labelling a container (2) suitable for containing a pourable product, the labelling module (7) comprising: - a feed roller (8) for advancing the web (4) of labelling material along a feed path (Q); a cutting member (11) arranged downstream of the feed roller (8) along the feed path (Q) for repeatedly cutting the web (4) so ​​as to separate a series of labels (3) from the web (4); and a drive drum (12) rotatable in an angular rotation direction (D) about an axis of rotation (X) and configured to convey said labels (3) to an application station (A) for application thereof to the respective containers (2); The driving roller (12) comprises a plurality of receiving sectors (13), each receiving sector (13) is configured to cyclically receive and hold the label (3), and each receiving sector (13) comprises a front gasket (13a) for holding the leading edge (3a) of the label (3) and a rear gasket (13b; 13b') for holding the trailing edge (3b) of the label (3); The cutting member (11) is arranged radially adjacent to the driving roller (12) and is configured to sequentially cut the web material on the roller (12) at the tail pad (3b), thereby separating the label (3) from the web material (4).

2. A labelling module according to claim 1, wherein the cutting member (11) comprises a blade element (14), and the driving roller (12) comprises a plurality of surface elements (15), each surface element (15) being located at a respective tail pad (13b; 13b') and being part of a respective receiving sector (13); wherein the cutting member (11) is configured to cut the web (4) at a cutting station (C), the cutting station (C) being cyclically defined between the blade element (14) and the respective surface element (15); and wherein the cutting member (11) and the drive roller (12) are located on opposite sides of the feed path (Q) and are actuatable to transfer the blade element (14) and the surface element (15) to each other at the cutting station (C), where the blade element (14) and, in turn, each corresponding surface element (15) are cyclically located on opposite sides of the web (4), so that the cutting of the web is carried out by the blade element (14) located in front of the surface element (15).

3. The labeling module according to claim 2, wherein each trailing gasket (13b; 13b') comprises a respective retaining member (17) for retaining the trailing edge (3b) of the label (3) and a respective frame member (16) for supporting the retaining member (17); And among them, For each tail gasket (13b; 13b'), the surface element (15) is located at the frame member (16) which is downstream of the retaining member (17) relative to the rotation direction (D) and according to an observer who does not move with the drum (12).

4. A labelling module according to claim 3, wherein each tail shim (13b') further comprises a respective support element (19) which projects radially from the frame member (16), the frame member (16) being at a downstream position of the holding member (17) relative to the rotation direction (D) and according to an observer who does not move with the roller (12), the support element (19) being configured to support the web (4) during cutting of the web (4) and being part of the respective sector (13), and wherein the surface element (15) is located between the retaining member (17) and the support element (19); wherein the support element (19) is located at a non-zero angular distance from the retaining member (17) such that a recess (20) is defined between the support element (19) and the retaining member (17); And wherein the cutting element (11) is configured to periodically engage the recesses (20) to cut the web (4) thereat.

5. The labeling module according to claim 4, wherein the support element (19) is located at the trailing end of the trailing washer (13b') with respect to the rotation direction (D).

6. A labeling module according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the cutting member (11) further comprises a stop element (18), the stop element (18) abutting against the blade element (14) and being configured to abut against the tail gasket (13b; 13b') for temporarily preventing the web (4) from moving along the feed path (Q) during cutting of the web (4).

7. A labeling module according to claim 6, wherein the stop element (18) is operatively arranged to be located upstream of the blade element (14) during cutting of the web (4) relative to the rotation direction (D) and according to an observer who does not move with the cutting member (11).

8. A labelling module according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising glue applying means (30) for applying glue to said leading edge (3a) and trailing edge (3b) of each label (3) supported by a corresponding receiving sector (13).

9. Labelling module according to claim 8, wherein the gluing device (30) is interposed between the feed roller (8) and the cutting member (11) with respect to said direction (D).

10. The labeling module according to claim 8, wherein: For each tail gasket (13b'), the support element (19) is rigidly fixed to the frame member (16), and the retaining member (17) is radially movable relative to the frame member (16) between the following positions: - a retracted position, in which it is preferably substantially radially flush with said support element (19); and an extracted position, in which it protrudes radially further relative to the support element (19) than in the retracted position.

11. A labelling module according to claim 10, wherein the gluing device (30) is arranged downstream of the cutting member (11) with respect to said direction (D); The labelling module (7) is configured such that the retaining member (17) is controlled in the retracted position during cutting and in the withdrawn position at least during application of glue to the trailing edge (3b) of the label (3) retained by the corresponding trailing pad (13b').

12. A labelling module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed roller (18) is radially adjacent to the drive drum (12).

13. A labelling module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each receiving sector (13) is coupled to the driving drum (12) in a detachable manner so as to be interchangeable with receiving sectors (13) of different types and to vary the number of receiving sectors according to the format of the labels (3) to be applied; And each tail pad (13b; 13b') having a corresponding surface element (15) therein can be interchanged together with the corresponding receiving sector (13).

14. A labeling module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module is configured to label the container by means of partial labels, each partial label (3) being a label covering an angular sector of less than 360° of the outer side of the container once it has been completely applied to the container or at the end of the labeling operation.

15. A labeling module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module is configured to label the container by means of partial labels, each partial label (3) being a label covering an angular sector of less than 30° of the outer side of the container once it has been completely applied to the container or at the end of the labeling operation.

16. A labeling module according to any of the preceding claims or according to claims 14 or 15, wherein the module is configured so that each label is completely applied to the corresponding container through the corresponding receiving sector, the leading gasket (13a) applies at least the leading edge (3a) of the label, and the trailing gasket (13b) applies at least the trailing edge (3b) of the label (3).

17. A labelling machine (1) for labelling a container (2) suitable for containing a pourable product, the labelling machine comprising: - a conveyor (6) for advancing said containers (2) to be labeled; as well as - a labelling module (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, said labelling module (7) being arranged peripherally with respect to said conveyor (6); The labeling machine (1) comprises a cutting unit, which comprises the cutting member (11) and the driving roller (12).

Images