Labeling apparatus and method

Abstract

A labeling device (1) comprises: a feed roller (11); a gluing roller (12); a cutting roller (13) provided with a cutter (130); and a transfer carousel (14) comprising a plurality of suction protrusion means (140) angularly distributed along an outer circumference of the transfer carousel (14) and provided with corresponding recesses (140R). The transfer carousel (14) is adapted to receive the web (2) from the feed roller (11) in the loading area (C), to hold the web (2) adhered to the one or more suction protrusion means (140) and to bring the labels (20) into contact with corresponding bottles (21) in the unloading area (S). The transfer carousel (14) is further configured for interacting with the glue applicator roller (12) in a glue application region (I) and with the cutting roller (13) in a cutting region (T) wherein the rotation of the glue applicator roller (12), the cutting roller (13) and the transfer carousel (14) is synchronized such that the glue applicator roller (12) acts together with the suction projection means (140) of the transfer carousel (14) to apply glue, and at least one cutter (130) of the cutting roller (13) is cyclically inserted into the recess (140R) of the suction projection device (140) to cut the web (2) into labels (20).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a labeling device and a labeling method for applying labels to the surface of a container. Background Art

[0002] Labeling is a typical process in the beverage industry and other industries, where the labels need to be provided with glue so that they can be applied to the surface during a continuous cyclic industrial process.

[0003] Generally, labels are obtained from a web wound on a reel. The reel is then cut to obtain the labels to be applied to the container.

[0004] Regarding gluing, i.e., applying glue to a suitable area of the web, some solutions known in the prior art involve using a pre-glued web. For example, solutions for pre-gluing the web are described in patent documents EP1871674B1 and EP2507135B1.

[0005] However, in such a solution, there is a risk of defects due to the labels not being applied correctly, which indicates that it is preferable to adopt a different solution in which the glue is applied after the web is unwound (e.g., just before or after cutting the web).

[0006] An example of a system for applying glue after the web is unwound is described in patent document WO2019243203A1, where the glue is applied to the web by a spray gun.

[0007] Regarding cutting, in some solutions known in the prior art, the web is conveyed by a drum provided with an anvil and is cut by one or more rotary knives mounted on a cutting roller, which interact with the anvil to cut the web between the knife and the anvil by pressure cutting. Examples of such a method are described in patent documents EP2067701B1, EP2221154B1, EP2279954B1, DE102013215999A1, and EP3919397A1. This method involving the interaction between the knife and the anvil to perform pressure cutting has the disadvantage of causing rapid wear of the knife.

[0008] An alternative cutting method is described in patent documents WO2021239626A1, WO2021198072A1, and WO2022069415A1, where the drum for conveying the web while the web is being cut is provided with slots for receiving the knives. However, this system has the disadvantage of being complex, which increases the cost of the equipment.

[0009] Another method for cutting a web is described in patent document EP3925743A1, in which the rollers for conveying the web while it is being cut are provided with recesses, and in which the rotary knives mounted on the cutting roller interact with these recesses. The advantage of this cutting method is that it is more economical than the solution in which the blades are accommodated in the slots of the conveying rollers and more reliable than the solution in which the blades interact with an anvil. However, the device of patent document EP3925743A1 has the disadvantages of being complex and cumbersome. In addition, the method proposed in EP3925743A1 for tensioning the web during web cutting by taking advantage of the rotation of the conveying roller and combining with selective suction upstream and downstream of the recesses is complex and not very reliable.

[0010] Patent document WO2020 / 088923A1 describes a labeling device; however, this document also fails to meet the market's needs.

[0011] In this context, there is still a need for a device for gluing, cutting and then applying labels to a web, which is compact or reduced in size, capable of applying glue to the web after the web is unwound, and having a simple, robust and reliable cutting system. Summary of the Invention

[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a labeling device and method that overcome the above disadvantages of the prior art.

[0013] More specifically, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a labeling device and method that allow gluing, cutting and then applying labels to a web after the web is unwound by using a device of particularly small size. Another object of the present disclosure is to cut labels in a particularly simple, robust and reliable manner (gluing and).

[0014] These objects are fully achieved by the labeling device and method of the present disclosure as characterized in the appended claims.

[0015] The object of the labeling device is basically to provide a series of labels that have glue on them and are intended to be applied to corresponding containers.

[0016] More specifically, the labels are made of a polymeric material, but they can be made of other materials.

[0017] The labels are obtained by cutting the web such that each cut separates a segment of the web from the web itself (where each segment defines a label). Preferably, the shape of the label is rectangular because the cutting is perpendicular to the web; however, embodiments in which the labels have different shapes (e.g., long rhombus) are not excluded.

[0018] Each label has glue provided on its front end region and back end region; thus, each segment (defining a corresponding label) has a front end region and a back end region with glue provided thereon when it is to be applied to a container.

[0019] The device includes a feed roller. The feed roller has the function of exerting a dragging action on the web; for this purpose, the web is at least partially wound around the feed roller. In one example, the feed roller rotates about a vertical axis.

[0020] The labeling device further includes a glue application roller. The glue application roller has the function of spreading glue on the surface of the web; more specifically, the function of spreading glue on the surface of the web that is intended to define the front end region and the back end region with glue provided thereon. In one example, the glue application roller rotates about a vertical axis.

[0021] The labeling device further includes a cutting roller. The cutting roller has the function of cutting the web to separate segments. The cutting roller is provided with at least one cutting tool configured to cut the web. The at least one cutting tool rotates together with the cutting roller. In one example, the cutting roller rotates about a vertical axis.

[0022] The labeling device further includes a transfer turntable. The transfer turntable has the function of defining a movement path of the web, and the web adheres to the transfer turntable (e.g., on the side surface of the transfer turntable) along the movement path of the web. The web interacts with the cutting roller in a cutting region along the movement path; thus, the transfer turntable has the function of interacting with the cutting roller to cut segments.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the web also interacts with the glue application roller in a glue application region along the movement path; thus, the transfer turntable also has the function of interacting with the glue application roller to apply glue to the surface of the web.

[0024] The transfer turntable receives the web from the feed roller in a loading area.

[0025] The transfer turntable is configured to make the cut (and glue-applied) labels available at an exit in an unloading area.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, the movement path further includes a section located downstream of the cutting region. In this case, the movement path is a path for moving the web to the cutting region, and then downstream of the cutting region, it is a path for moving the web segments (i.e., labels).

[0027] In this case, in an exemplary embodiment, along the movement path downstream of the cutting area, the transfer turntable cooperates with the labeling machine (or the central turntable) to transfer the labels to the containers (in the unloading area); thus, the transfer turntable also has the function of transferring the cut and glued labels to the containers (which are on the labeling machine and move along the corresponding container movement path; for example, the labeling machine can be a rotary machine).

[0028] The unloading area is angularly spaced from the loading area along the web movement path. The gluing area and the cutting area are angularly interposed between the loading area and the unloading area with respect to the web movement path. Preferably (but not necessarily), the gluing area is located before the cutting area in the feeding direction of the web from the loading area to the unloading area. It is also possible that the cutting area is located before the gluing area in the feeding direction; an example of this specific case is provided by the patent document IT102023000014994 of the same applicant, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the transfer turntable includes a plurality of suction projection devices (suction pads or support blocks) angularly distributed along the outer periphery of the transfer turntable.

[0030] Each suction projection device may include one suction projection (i.e., a single suction projection), or it may include a pair of suction projections (i.e., a gluing suction projection and a cutting suction projection).

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, the following description applies both to the first embodiment including one (single) suction projection and to the second embodiment including a pair of suction projections (for each suction projection device).

[0032] Preferably, the plurality of suction projection devices are located on the transfer turntable. In particular, the plurality of suction projection devices are configured to move together with the transfer turntable. The transfer turntable can rotate, for example, at a constant speed around a rotation axis. Preferably, the plurality of suction projection devices are configured to move at a speed equal to the speed of the transfer turntable (around the rotation axis).

[0033] Each projection of the suction projection device is provided with a recess (radially oriented, i.e., a radial recess). The recess divides each suction projection into two parts or extensions, such that each suction projection includes a front extension and a rear extension, with the recess interposed between the front extension and the rear extension. For each suction projection, the front extension and the rear extension project radially away from the outer periphery of the transfer turntable and away from the rotation axis of the transfer turntable. For each suction projection, the front extension is located before the rear extension in the rotation direction of the transfer turntable.

[0034] Preferably, each suction projection of the suction projection device includes a pair of portions (or extensions) and a recess, the recess being interposed between the extensions, and the extensions being provided on the same body. In other words, each suction projection includes a body having a pair of extensions and a recess interposed between the two extensions.

[0035] The transfer turntable is configured to hold the web (received from the feed roller in the loading area) adhered to one or more suction projection devices. In one example, the transfer turntable is further configured to hold a label using the suction projections when bringing the label into contact with the corresponding bottle.

[0036] The rotation of the cutting roller and the rotation of the transfer turntable are synchronized such that at least one cutter of the cutting roller cyclically inserts into the recesses of the suction projection device to cut the web. The interaction between the cutter of the cutting roller and the recesses of the suction projection device of the transfer turntable occurs during the cutting step. Thus, the web is cut during the cutting step to separate its segments.

[0037] The rotation of the glue application roller is also synchronized with the rotation of the transfer turntable such that the glue application roller cooperates with the suction projection device of the transfer turntable to apply glue to areas of the web corresponding to the front end area and the rear end area of the label. The interaction between the glue application roller and the suction projection device of the transfer turntable occurs during the glue application step. Thus, during the glue application step, glue is applied to the web to form glue (or adhesive) areas of the web.

[0038] Thus, there are at least a first embodiment and a second embodiment. In the first embodiment, each suction projection device of the plurality of suction projection devices includes one suction projection (i.e., a single suction projection); in this case, the suction projection preferably interacts with the glue application roller and also interacts with the cutting roller, that is to say, the glue application roller and the cutting roller are configured to interact with the same suction projection. In the second embodiment, each suction projection device of the plurality of suction projection devices includes a glue application suction projection and a cutting suction projection (defining a pair of suction projections); the glue application suction projection is configured to interact with the glue application roller during the glue application step, while the cutting suction projection is configured to interact with the cutting roller during the cutting step.

[0039] In one embodiment, the tool has a first end and a second end opposite the first end; preferably, the first end of the tool is operably in contact with the web. The tool has a first side extending between the first end and the second end of the tool, and a second side extending between the first end and the second end of the tool, the second side being opposite the first side. The cutting edge is preferably located at the first end of the tool. In one example, the angle θ (estimated in the case where the tool penetrates into the recess) formed by the plane passing through the rotation axis of the transfer turntable and the rotation axis of the cutting roller and one side (the first side or the second side) of the tool is between -45° and +45°, preferably between -20° and 20°, more preferably between -15° and 15°. In a preferred example, θ includes between -20° and -15° or 20° and 15°. Note that the angle θ represents the inclination of the tool relative to the plane passing through the rotation axis of the cutting roller and the rotation axis of the transfer turntable.

[0040] The device further includes a control unit.

[0041] It should be noted that synchronization can be achieved (exclusively) by a mechanical system. However, synchronization is preferably achieved by the control unit, also because the cutting roller, the gluing roller, and the transfer turntable each include their own drive motor units configured to rotate them about their respective rotation axes. In this case, the control unit is connected to the gluing roller, the cutting roller, and the transfer turntable (i.e., to the motor drive units of the gluing roller, the cutting roller, and the transfer turntable) to synchronize their respective rotations, such that the gluing roller cooperates with the suction projection device of the transfer turntable to apply glue at the front extension and the rear extension, and such that at least one tool of the cutting roller is cyclically inserted into the recess of the suction projection device to cut the web.

[0042] Cutting, gluing, and transferring the labels onto the bottles occur on the same transfer turntable provided with recesses, making the device particularly compact and reliable. In fact, this configuration reduces the number of components and allows them to be placed in a reduced space, as well as avoiding the need for the tool to interact with an anvil or other contact surfaces.

[0043] Preferably, in one working cycle, the gluing roller is configured to apply glue (i.e., the gluing roller is configured to cooperate with the suction projection device of the transfer turntable to apply glue), and the cutting roller is configured to cut labels from the web (i.e., at least one tool of the cutting roller is inserted into the recess of the suction projection device to cut labels from the web). In other words, one working cycle includes a gluing step and a step of cutting labels from the web.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, in this working cycle, the transfer turntable rotates at a constant angular velocity. Thus, even the circumferential velocity of the transfer turntable (i.e., the circumferential velocity of the area of the transfer turntable adapted to receive and hold the web adhered thereto) is constant.

[0045] In addition, the angular velocity of the transfer turntable is variable (from one working cycle to the next or within the same working cycle), for example, as a function of the production speed of the device, or more specifically, as a function of the angular velocity of the central turntable configured to receive a plurality of bottles and interact with the transfer turntable to bring the cut labels into contact with the bottles.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment, the feed roller can be configured to vary its rotational speed between a maximum value and a minimum value (i.e., a decreasing value or a value less than the maximum value) within the same working cycle. For example, the control unit can be programmed to vary the rotational speed of the feed roller between the maximum value and the minimum value (preferably within the same working cycle). In this case, the maximum speed of the feed roller is set to impart to the web a travel speed equal to the circumferential speed of the transfer turntable. Thus, when the feed roller rotates at its maximum speed, the travel speed imparted by the feed roller to the web is consistent with the circumferential speed of the transfer turntable. On the other hand, when the feed roller rotates at its minimum speed (or in any case at a reduced speed, lower than or less than the maximum speed), the travel speed imparted by the feed roller to the web is less than the circumferential speed of the transfer turntable; this results in slippage, causing the transfer turntable (which is moving at a higher speed along the travel path) and the web adhered thereto (and also moving along the travel path, more slowly) to slide relative to each other (i.e., slip).

[0047] The rotation of the feed roller is synchronous (i.e., in phase) with the rotation of the transfer turntable, the glue application roller, and the cutting roller (in other words, the control unit is programmed to coordinate the rotations) such that the feed roller has its maximum speed during the glue application step and the cutting step; the rotation of the feed roller is also synchronous (i.e., in phase) such that the feed roller has its minimum speed during the deceleration time interval after the cutting step of one label (and before the cutting step of the next label); preferably, the deceleration time interval is temporally located between the cutting step of one label and the glue application step in the next cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the deceleration time interval is temporally located between the glue application step of one label and the cutting step of that label. In this regard, the speed of the feed roller can assume a first minimum speed during a first deceleration time interval and a second minimum speed during a second deceleration time interval, the first deceleration time interval being temporally located between the glue application step and the cutting step of one label, and the second deceleration time interval being temporally located between the cutting step of that label and the glue application step of the label in the subsequent working cycle. In this regard, the deceleration time interval includes the first deceleration time interval and the second deceleration time interval.

[0048] It should be noted that the term "minimum value" includes cases where the minimum value is relative and cases where the minimum value is absolute (e.g., the first minimum speed can be a relative minimum value, the second minimum speed can be an absolute minimum value, and vice versa).

[0049] Thus, during the deceleration time interval, the feed roller creates a slip between the web that is in contact with the outer periphery of the transfer turntable and the transfer turntable itself.

[0050] The rotation of the feed roller is synchronized (i.e., in phase) with the rotation of the transfer turntable (in other words, the control unit is programmed to coordinate the rotations) such that at the end of the deceleration time interval, when the speed of the feed roller is again at its maximum value, the web is positioned on the transfer turntable such that the portion of the web to be cut is located at the recess of a suction projection device.

[0051] It should be noted that operatively, the suction projection devices are arranged along the outer periphery of the transfer turntable such that two consecutive suction projection devices are spaced apart by an arc greater than the label length (the web segments that make up the label have a predetermined length). Thus, the slip caused by the deceleration of the feed roller relative to the transfer turntable has the effect of separating the just-cut segment from the rest of the web (since when the web decelerates, the cut segment continues to move with the transfer turntable). In addition, the slip caused by the deceleration of the feed roller relative to the transfer turntable has the effect of correctly repositioning the web relative to the next portion of the web to be glued and cut such that this portion is aligned with the next suction projection device.

[0052] It should be noted that the gluing roller is configured to interact with the suction projection devices to apply glue to the surface of the web at the front extension and the rear extension (and no glue is applied to the portion of the web between the front end region and the rear end region, i.e., no glue is applied to the region of the web facing the recess of the suction projection) such that each segment has a front end region and a rear end region provided with glue (and there is no glue on the portion of the web between the two glue regions, which is the portion that will be subject to cutting). In other words, each time the gluing roller interacts with the web coupled to a suction projection, the glue is spread over two regions that are close to each other but separated by a gap along the moving direction of the web (i.e., on a pair of regions), and these regions in the pair correspond to the rear end portion of one segment and the front end portion of the next segment; in fact, cutting is performed in the region of the web between the two glue regions of the pair after the gluing step.

[0053] It should be noted that for each suction projection, the front extension and the rear extension are suction extensions; for example, the front extension and the rear extension are provided with suction ducts connected to a compressor or a vacuum source.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, each suction projection is configured to produce a suction effect (also) in the recess. This suction effect in the region where the recess is located has the function of tensioning the web portion positioned at the recess. Tensioning the web in the region where the web is to be cut has the advantage of improving the cutting quality in a particularly simple manner. Alternative solutions for obtaining a tensioning effect on the portion of the web facing the recess are also conceivable: for example, two extensions of the suction projection can oscillate towards and away from each other along the movement path.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, when each suction projection device among a plurality of suction projection devices includes an adhesive application suction projection for interacting with an adhesive application roller and a cutting suction projection for interacting with a cutting roller, the feed roller is configured to produce a first sliding effect between the web and the transfer turntable during a first deceleration time interval, and to produce a second sliding effect between the web and the transfer turntable during a second deceleration time interval, such that at the end of the second deceleration time interval, the web is positioned on the transfer turntable with the portion of the web to be cut located at the recess of the cutting suction projection.

[0056] The present disclosure also provides a labeling method.

[0057] The method includes the step of feeding a web (the web is made of label material). Preferably, the step of feeding the web is performed by a feed roller.

[0058] The method further includes a step of cutting the web to divide the web into web segments forming labels. The cutting step is performed by a cutting roller on which at least one cutting tool is mounted.

[0059] The method further includes a gluing step, i.e., the step of applying glue to the surface of the web. The gluing step is preferably performed by an adhesive application roller.

[0060] The method further includes a step of moving the web along a movement path.

[0061] This movement is performed by means of a transfer turntable.

[0062] The transfer turntable receives the web in a loading area (from the feed roller) and holds it in adhesion while the web moves along the movement path.

[0063] The cutting step is performed during the step of moving the web along the movement path. More specifically, the transfer turntable interacts with the cutting roller in a cutting area. The cutting area is positioned downstream of the loading area with respect to the web movement path.

[0064] The transfer turntable transfers the segments cut from the web to an unloading area; thus, the movement path has a first section where the web is not cut (upstream of the cutting area) and a second section where the labels are located (downstream of the cutting area).

[0065] The gluing step is carried out during the step of moving the web along the moving path. More specifically, the transfer turntable interacts with the gluing roller in the gluing area. The gluing area (like the cutting area) is located downstream of the loading area. The gluing area and the cutting area are located upstream of the unloading area. Thus, the gluing area and the cutting area are angularly between the loading area and the unloading area with respect to the web moving path.

[0066] In the unloading area, the labels are transferred to the labeling machine (or the central turntable); for example, the labeling machine includes a labeling turntable, and the labels are transferred to the labeling turntable, that is, directly transferred to the bottles conveyed by the labeling turntable.

[0067] In one exemplary embodiment, the transfer turntable includes a plurality of suction protrusion devices angularly distributed along the outer periphery of the transfer turntable. In the (first) embodiment, each suction protrusion device may include one suction protrusion (i.e., a single suction protrusion), or in the (second) embodiment, it may include a pair of suction protrusions (i.e., one gluing suction protrusion and one cutting suction protrusion).

[0068] It should be emphasized that the concepts described in the first and second embodiments of the device in the present disclosure are also applicable to the method.

[0069] Each suction protrusion of the suction protrusion device may be provided with a corresponding recess.

[0070] Preferably, a plurality of suction protrusion devices are located on the transfer turntable. In particular, the plurality of suction protrusion devices move together with the transfer turntable. The transfer turntable can rotate around the rotation axis at a constant speed, for example. Preferably, the plurality of suction protrusion devices move at a speed equal to the speed of the transfer turntable (around the rotation axis). Preferably, each suction protrusion of the suction protrusion device includes a pair of parts (or extensions) and a recess, with the recess between the extensions, and the extensions are provided on the same body. In other words, each suction protrusion includes a body having a pair of extensions and a recess between the two extensions.

[0071] In this case, when the web moves along the moving path, the web (or each web segment) remains adhered to one or more suction protrusion devices (from the loading area to the unloading area).

[0072] The method includes synchronizing the moving step (on the transfer turntable) and the cutting step. Preferably, the method includes synchronizing the moving step, the cutting step, and the feeding step. More preferably, the method includes synchronizing the moving step, the cutting step, the feeding step, and the gluing step.

[0073] In this case, the rotation of the cutting roller and the rotation of the conveying turntable are synchronized so that at least one cutter of the cutting roller cyclically inserts into the recess of the suction projection device to cut the web.

[0074] The rotation of the glue - applying roller and the rotation of the conveying turntable are synchronized so that the glue - applying roller applies glue on the surface of the web positioned at the suction projection device of the conveying turntable.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the conveying turntable rotates at a constant angular velocity. The circumferential speed of the conveying turntable is also constant.

[0076] Preferably, in one working cycle, the glue - applying roller applies glue and the cutting roller cuts labels from the web. Thus, in one working cycle, the conveying turntable can rotate at a constant angular velocity so that the circumferential speed of the conveying turntable is constant.

[0077] The feed roller can change its rotational speed, for example, between a maximum value and a minimum value during a working cycle. In the case of the maximum value, the feed roller imparts a moving speed equal to the circumferential speed of the conveying turntable to the web. Thus, the speed of the feed roller varies periodically according to a predetermined curve, thereby defining a period corresponding to (i.e., depending on) the working cycle of the device. The period of the feed - roller speed (which is a time interval) includes a synchronization phase (i.e., synchronization time interval) in which the rotational speed has a maximum value and a deceleration phase (i.e., deceleration time interval) in which the rotational speed of the feed roller is less than the maximum speed. Thus, the minimum value of the rotational speed of the feed roller is adopted during the deceleration time interval. During the deceleration time interval, the feed roller creates a slip between the web positioned in contact with the outer periphery of the conveying turntable and the conveying turntable itself. At the end of the deceleration time interval (in the synchronization time interval), the web is positioned on the conveying turntable such that the web portion to be cut is located at the recess of a suction projection device, and the web resumes moving synchronously with the movement of the conveying turntable.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotations of the glue - applying roller, the cutting roller, and the conveying turntable are synchronized so that the feed roller has a maximum speed during the glue - applying step and the cutting step. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotations of the glue - applying roller, the cutting roller, and the conveying turntable are synchronized so that the deceleration time interval is temporally located between the cutting step of one label and the glue - applying step of the next label; in this case, preferably, each suction projection device includes one (single) suction projection that interacts with the glue - applying roller during the glue - applying step and with the cutting roller during the cutting step.

[0079] In another example, the rotation of the glue - applying roller, the cutting roller, and the transfer turntable is synchronized such that the deceleration time interval includes a first deceleration time interval that is temporally between the glue - applying step and the cutting step of a label, and a second deceleration time interval that is temporally between the cutting step of the label and the glue - applying step of the label in the subsequent cycle; in this case, preferably, each suction projection device includes a glue - applying suction projection that interacts with the glue - applying roller during the glue - applying step, and a cutting suction projection that interacts with the cutting roller during the cutting step. During the first deceleration time interval, the feed roller creates a first sliding action between the transfer turntable and the web that is positioned in contact with the outer periphery of the transfer turntable. At the end of the first deceleration time interval (during the synchronization time interval), the web is positioned on the transfer turntable such that the web portion to be cut is located at the recess of a suction projection device, and the web resumes moving synchronously with the movement of the transfer turntable during the cutting step. During the second deceleration time interval, the feed roller creates a second sliding action between the transfer turntable and the web. At the end of the second deceleration time interval (during the synchronization time interval), the web is positioned on the transfer turntable such that the web portion to be glued is located at the recess of a suction projection device, and the web resumes moving synchronously with the movement of the transfer turntable during the glue - applying step.

[0080] Preferably, in each working cycle, the glue - applying step is located before the cutting step; in any case, the cutting step and the glue - applying step are performed during the synchronization time interval (in the case of a cycle of changing the speed of the feed roller).

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes the step of creating a negative pressure in the recess, for example, by performing air suction in the recess; this causes the web portion located at the recess during the cutting step to be tensioned. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, which are shown by way of non - limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0083] - Figure 1 and Figure 2A and Figure 2B shows the device 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0084] - Figure 3 shows the cutting roller 13 interacting with the transfer turntable 14 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0085] - Figure 4 shows the device 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0086] - Figure 5 shows the device 1 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0087] - Figures 6A to 6D shows the operating sequence of device 1 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0088] - Figure 7A and Figure 7B shows a graph of the rotational speed of feed roller 11 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0089] - Figure 8 shows device 1 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] The numeral 1 in the drawings represents a labeling device. Device 1 includes a feed roller 11, an adhesive roller 12, a cutting roller 13, and a transfer turntable 14. The feed roller 11, the adhesive roller 12, the cutting roller 13, and the transfer turntable 14 each rotate about a respective axis of rotation.

[0091] Device 1 further includes a first reel 15A and a second reel 15B, each reel consisting of a web 2 of label material wound around a spool. Device 1 includes a film buffer (or swing arm) 16 configured to receive the unwound web 2 from the first reel 15A or from the second reel 15B. Preferably, the film buffer 16 receives the web 2 unwound from the first reel 15A while the second reel 15B remains in reserve, and vice versa, that is, the film buffer 16 receives the web 2 unwound from the second reel 15B while the first reel 15B remains in reserve. The function of the film buffer 16 is to keep the tension of the web 2 constant. Device 1 includes a web guide 17 configured to receive the tensioned web 2 from the film buffer 16 and to orient and align the web 2 for feeding to the feed roller 11.

[0092] The feed roller 11 receives the web from the web guide 17 in the loading area C and feeds the web 2 to the transfer turntable 14.

[0093] The adhesive roller 12 is configured to interact with the transfer turntable 14 in the gluing area I to apply glue to the surface of the web 2.

[0094] The cutting roller 13 includes a cutter 130 configured to interact with the transfer turntable 14 in the cutting area T to cut the web 2, thereby dividing the web 2 into segments that make up the labels 20.

[0095] Thus, the transfer turntable 14 receives the web 2 from the feed roller 11 in the loading area C; then it interacts with the adhesive roller 12 in the gluing area I to apply glue to the web 2, and interacts with the cutting roller 13 in the cutting area T to divide the web 2 into labels 20.

[0096] Device 1 includes a central turntable 18 that rotates about its own axis, a feeding station 18A for a plurality of bottles 21 to be labeled, and a discharging station 18B for the plurality of bottles 21 after being labeled. The central turntable 18 is configured to receive the plurality of bottles 21 from the feeding station 18A. The transfer turntable 14 also interacts with the central turntable 18 in the unloading area S to bring the cut labels 20 into contact with the corresponding bottles 21. The central turntable 18 is further configured to transfer the plurality of labeled bottles 21 to the discharging station 18B.

[0097] Thus, inside the device, the web 2 moves along a moving path, passing through the loading area C, the gluing area I, and the cutting area T, where it is cut into labels 20, and then the labels 20 are applied to the bottles 21 in the unloading area S.

[0098] More specifically, the transfer turntable 14 includes a plurality of suction protrusion devices 140. The suction protrusion devices 140 are angularly distributed around the outer periphery of the transfer turntable 14. Each suction protrusion in the suction protrusion devices 140 includes a recess 140R, a front extension 140T, and a rear extension 140C. The recess 140R is interposed between the front extension 140T and the rear extension 140C and is radially oriented, while the front extension 140T and the rear extension 140C radially protrude away from the rotation axis of the transfer turntable 14 from the outer periphery of the transfer turntable 14. Relative to the rotation direction of the transfer turntable 14, the front extension 140T is located before the rear extension 140C. For each suction protrusion 140, the front extension 140T and the rear extension 140C are provided with suction ducts that are connected to a compressor or a vacuum source to generate a suction effect, by which the web 2 (and the individual labels 20) is held adhered to the outer periphery of the transfer turntable along a part of the moving path; more specifically, the suction holds the web adhered to the suction protrusion devices 140. The rotations of the transfer turntable 14, the glue application roller 12, and the cutting roller 13 are synchronized such that each suction protrusion device 140 performs three functions; the first function is to hold the web 2 adhered to the transfer turntable 14 through the suction ducts. The second function is to cooperate with the glue application roller 12 during the glue application step such that glue is applied to the areas of the web 2 that come into contact with the front extension 140T and the rear extension 140C; more specifically, the front extension 140T applies glue to the rear end area 20B of the label 20, and the rear extension 140C applies glue to the front end area 20A of the subsequent label 20 along the feeding direction of the web 2 on the transfer turntable. The third function is to cooperate with the cutting roller 13 during the cutting step such that the cutting tool 130 of the cutting roller 13 is inserted into the recess 140R of the suction protrusion 140 to divide the web 2 into labels 20. More specifically, the cutting tool 130 separates the rear end area 20B of the label 20 from the front end area 20A of the subsequent label 20 by cutting the web 2 in the separation area 20S between the rear end area 20B of one label 20 and the front end area 20A of the subsequent label 20.

[0099] In one embodiment, the cutting roller 13 includes a cutting tool 130 having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end of the cutting tool 130 is operably in contact with the web 2. The cutting tool 130 has a first side extending between the first end and the second end of the cutting tool 130, and a second side extending between the first end and the second end of the cutting tool 130, the second side being opposite the first side. A cutting edge is located at the first end of the cutting tool 130. In one example, the angle θ formed by the plane passing through the rotation axis of the transfer turntable 14 and the rotation axis of the cutting roller 13 with one side (the first side or the second side) of the cutting tool 130 is preferably included between -20° and -15° or 20° and 15°, and this angle θ is evaluated when the cutting tool 130 penetrates into the recess 140R.

[0100] In the first embodiment, each suction projection device 140 includes a single suction projection 140 (divided into two extensions with a recess therebetween), which is configured to interact with both the glue applicator roller 12 and the cutting roller 13; thus, the suction projection 140 performs both the (second) glue application function and the (third) cutting function.

[0101] In the second embodiment, each suction projection device 140 includes a pair of suction projections 140 (each suction projection divided into two extensions with a recess therebetween), specifically a glue application suction projection 140' and a cutting suction projection 140". The glue application suction projection 140' is configured to interact with the glue applicator roller 12 during the glue application step, thereby performing the (second) glue application function. The cutting suction projection 140" is configured to interact with the cutting roller 13 during the cutting step, thereby performing the (third) cutting function.

[0102] Unless otherwise specified, the present disclosure applies to both the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0103] Therefore, the apparatus 1 cyclically performs the glue application step of the web 2 and the cutting step of cutting the web 2 into labels 20.

[0104] The transfer turntable 14 further includes a plurality of suction elements 141 angularly distributed around the outer periphery of the transfer turntable 14. The suction elements 141 are spaced apart from each other and from the suction projection device 140. The suction elements 141 protrude from the transfer turntable 14 to a lesser extent than the suction projection device 140 protrudes from the transfer turntable 14. More specifically, in one embodiment, the suction elements 141 protrude from the transfer turntable 14 to a lesser extent than a single suction projection 140 protrudes from the transfer turntable 14. In another embodiment, the suction elements 141 protrude from the transfer turntable 14 to a lesser extent than the pair of suction projections, or less than the glue application suction projection 140' and / or less than the cutting suction projection 140". The suction elements 141 are also provided with suction pipes connected to a compressor or a vacuum source to create a suction effect that keeps the web 2 (and individual labels 20) adhered to the suction elements 141 during conveyance along the moving path.

[0105] More specifically, the suction projection devices 140 are spaced apart from each other along the outer periphery of the transfer turntable 14 by an arc covering a length L, and each label 20 is characterized by a length l such that the distance l by which each suction element 141 is spaced apart from the subsequent suction projection device 140 (in the rotational direction of the transfer turntable 14) is equal to the length of the label 20. Thus, when the cutting step of the label 20 is completed, the rear end region 20B of the label 20 is held on the transfer turntable 14 by suction on the front extension portion 140T of the suction projection 140 performing the cutting, while the front end region 20A of the label 20 is held on the transfer turntable 14 by the suction element 141 (in the rotational direction of the transfer turntable 14) before the suction projection 140 performing the cutting.

[0106] The suction element 141 also has the function of transferring (placing) the front end region 20A of the label 20 cut from the web 2 onto the bottle 21.

[0107] More specifically, the length I of the label 20 is such that l < L, and thus each suction element 141 is spaced from the next suction projection device 140 by an arc of length L - l = dl.

[0108] During one working cycle including the gluing step and the cutting step of one label, the transfer turntable 14 rotates at a constant angular velocity such that the circumferential velocity V t of the transfer turntable is constant, while the feed roller changes its speed V a between a value V a min and a maximum speed V a during the working cycle. In the case of the maximum speed, the speed of the feed roller takes the value V a = V a max. More specifically, the maximum speed of the feed roller is such that V a max = V t , while the minimum speed of the feed roller is such that V a min < V t .

[0109] Thus, when the speed V a of the feed roller 11 is equal to V a max, the feed roller 11 imparts a moving speed equal to the speed V t of the transfer turntable 14 to the web 2.

[0110] Next, the feed roller 11 decelerates to V a min, then accelerates to return to V a max again. At the moment when it reaches V a max, runs at a speed equal to V a max, decelerates to V a min, and the moment when it reaches Va The time between the moments of max is called the cycle period T c . During its deceleration to V a min, running at the speed of V a min, accelerating to V a max and the time between the moment it reaches V a max is called the deceleration time interval T dec . During this deceleration time interval T dec , the rotational speed V of the feed roller 11 a is always less than the rotational speed V of the transfer turntable t (In other words, this deceleration time interval T dec is the time interval where V a min <= V a < V a max). More specifically, during the deceleration time interval T dec , the web 2 slides relative to the outer periphery of the transfer turntable 14.

[0111] Therefore, when the speed of the feed roller 11 is the maximum speed, the gluing step and the cutting step are performed.

[0112] Therefore, in the first embodiment where the suction protrusion device 140 includes only one (i.e., single) suction protrusion 140 and in the second embodiment where the suction protrusion device 140 includes a gluing suction protrusion 140' and a cutting suction protrusion 140", the speed V a can vary in the first mode and the second mode respectively.

[0113] In the first mode (as Figure 7A shown purely by way of example), after the cutting step, during the deceleration time interval T dec , the feed roller 11 decelerates, while the cut label 20 advances along the moving path at the speed of the transfer turntable V t ; meanwhile, the uncut web 2 slides so that the web 2 is repositioned such that the separation area 20S (i.e., the area between the rear end area 20B of the next label 20 to be cut and the front end area 20A of the next label 20 after it) is positioned at the concave portion 140R of the suction protrusion 140 after the suction protrusion 140 where the cutting is performed. More specifically, the deceleration time interval T dec is necessary for the web covering distance d1.

[0114] In the second mode (as Figure 7B shown purely by way of example), after the gluing step performed when the gluing suction protrusion 140' meets the gluing roller 12, at the gluing suction protrusion 140', the feed roller 11 decelerates during the first deceleration time interval T dec1. Decelerate to the first minimum speed V a min1 during this period; the slowdown of the feed roller 11 relative to the transfer turntable 14 causes a first slip of the web 2 relative to the transfer turntable 14, such that the glued portion of the web is positioned at the cutting suction projection 140” (specifically, such that the separation area 20S of the label is positioned at the recess 140R of the cutting suction projection 140”). Thereafter, the feed roller 11 returns to a speed V a max equal to that of the transfer turntable 14 during the cutting step. After the cutting step, the feed roller 11 decelerates again to a second minimum speed V dec min2 during the second deceleration time interval T a 2; during this step, the just-cut label 20 travels with the transfer turntable 14, and the rest of the web 2 slides to reposition such that the separation area 20S (i.e., the area between the rear end region 20B of the next label 20 to be cut and the front end region 20A of the next label 20 after it) is positioned at the recess 140R of the gluing suction projection 140’.

[0115] Thus, in the operating sequence of the device 1, first, the feed roller 11 feeds the continuous-form web 2 to the transfer turntable 14 in the loading area C. The transfer turntable 14 conveys the web 2 to the gluing area I, where the gluing roller 12 applies glue to the web 2 at the rear end region 20B of the label 20 and at the front end region 20A of the label 20 following it; in the gluing step, in particular, the rear end region 20B of the label 20 contacts the front extension 140T of the suction projection 140, and the front end region 20A contacts the rear extension 140C of the suction projection 140. Thereafter, the web 2 travels with the transfer turntable 14 to the cutting area, where the cutting roller 13 is synchronized such that the cutting tool 130 is inserted into the recess 140R of the suction projection 140 between the front extension 140T and the rear extension 140C to separate the label 20, specifically, to separate the rear end region 20B of the label 20 from the front end region 20A of the label following it (and then cut the label in the separation area 20S). The label 20 separated from the web 2 travels with the transfer turntable 14 to the unloading area S, where the label 20 is applied to the bottle 21. More specifically, from the cutting area to the unloading area S, the rear end region 20B of the label 20 is held on the outer periphery of the transfer turntable 14 due to the suction of the front extension 140T, while the front end region 20A of the label is held on the outer periphery of the suction element 141 before the just-cut suction projection 140.

[0116] In particular, during the gluing and cutting steps, the speed V a of the feed roller is constantly maintained at its maximum V a max.

[0117] In the first mode, the feed roller 11 decelerates to V a min immediately after the cutting step, and the web 2 slides on the outer periphery of the transfer turntable 14 such that the rear end region 20B of the label 20 immediately after the label that has just been cut (so, the separation region 20S is at the recess 140R) and the front end region 20A of the next label 20 after this label 20 are positioned at the suction protrusion 140 after the suction protrusion 140 where the cutting has just been performed. While being repositioned, the speed V a of the feed roller reaches the maximum speed V a max again, and the next cycle starts. Thus, each cycle includes a first step F1 and a second step F2. The first step F1 includes a gluing and cutting step, in which the speed V a of the feed roller is the maximum speed and is equal to the speed V t of the transfer turntable 14. The second step F2 includes a repositioning step, in which the speed of the feed roller changes from V a max to V a min, and vice versa. More specifically, it should be noted that during the deceleration time interval T dec , the rear end region 20B of one label 20 and the front end region 20A of the label after this label 20 are positioned on the suction protrusion 140, while the front end region 20A of this label 20 is positioned on the suction element 141.

[0118] In the second mode, the feed roller 11 decelerates to V a min1 immediately after the gluing step, and the web 2 slides on the outer periphery of the transfer turntable 14 such that the rear end region 20B and the front end region 20A of the label 20 that has just been glued are positioned at the cutting suction protrusion 140” after the gluing suction protrusion 140’ where the gluing has just been performed (so, the positioning forms a separation region 20S at the recess 140R of the cutting suction protrusion 140”). While being repositioned, the speed V a of the feed roller reaches the maximum speed V a max for cutting. After the cutting step, the feed roller 11 immediately decelerates to V a min2, and the web 2 slides on the outer periphery of the transfer turntable 14 such that the rear end region 20B of the label 20 after the label that has just been cut and the front end region 20A of the next label 20 after this label 20 are positioned at the gluing suction protrusion 140’ after the cutting suction protrusion 140” where the cutting has just been performed, and the next cycle starts. In the second mode, each cycle includes a first step F11, a second step F12, and a third step F13. The first step F11 includes a gluing step, in which the speed V a of the feed roller is the maximum speed and is equal to the speed Vt , the second step F12 includes a repositioning step in which the speed of the feed roller changes from V a max to V a min1, and vice versa. The third step F13 includes a cutting step in which the speed V of the feed roller a is the maximum speed and is equal to the speed V of the transfer turntable 14 t . Then, the cycle includes a fourth step F14, which includes a repositioning step in which the speed of the feed roller changes from V a max to V a min2, and vice versa.

[0119] Generally speaking, V a min1 and V a min2 can be the same, or V a min1 can be greater than or less than V a min2.

[0120] Meanwhile, the central turntable 18 receives the bottles 21 to be labeled from the feeding station 18A.

[0121] The suction element 141 causes the front end region 20A of the label 20 to enter the unloading area S to apply the label 20 onto the bottle 21 located on the central turntable 18. Finally, the labeled bottle 21 is conveyed to the discharging station 18B.

Claims

1. A labeling device (1), comprising: - a feed roller (11) configured to feed a web (2) made of label material; - an adhesive application roller (12) configured to apply adhesive on the surface of the web (2); - a cutting roller (13) provided with at least one cutting tool (130) configured to cut the web (2) to divide the web into web segments (2) that form labels (20); - a transfer turntable (14) including a plurality of suction projection devices (140) angularly distributed along the outer periphery of the transfer turntable (14) and provided with corresponding recesses (140R), the transfer turntable (14) being adapted to receive the web (2) from the feed roller (11) in a loading area (C), adapted to hold the web (2) adhered to one or more of the suction projection devices (140), and adapted to bring the labels (20) into contact with corresponding bottles (21) in an unloading area (S) which is angularly spaced from the loading area (C) along the movement path of the web (2), the transfer turntable (14) being configured to interact with the adhesive application roller (12) in an adhesive application area (I) and with the cutting roller (13) in a cutting area (T), the adhesive application area (I) and the cutting area (T) being angularly between the loading area (C) and the unloading area (S) with respect to the movement path of the web (2), wherein the rotation of the adhesive application roller (12), the cutting roller (13) and the transfer turntable (14) is synchronized such that the adhesive application roller (12) acts together with the suction projection devices (140) of the transfer turntable (14) to apply adhesive, and the at least one cutting tool (130) of the cutting roller (13) cyclically inserts into the recesses (140R) of the suction projection devices (140) to cut the web (2).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein during an operating cycle in which the gluing roller (12) is configured to apply the glue and the cutting roller (13) is configured to cut labels (20) from the web (2), the transfer turntable (14) rotates at a constant angular velocity such that the circumferential velocity (V t ) of the transfer turntable (14) is constant, and wherein the feed roller (11) is configured to vary its rotational speed (V a ) between a maximum value (V a max) and a minimum value (V a min) during the same operating cycle, wherein the maximum speed (V a max) of the feed roller (11) is set to impart to the web (2) a travel speed equal to the circumferential velocity (V t ) of the transfer turntable (14).

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the rotation of the adhesive application roller (12), the cutting roller (13) and the transfer turntable (14) is synchronized such that the adhesive application roller (12) acts together with the suction projection devices (140) of the transfer turntable (14) to apply adhesive during an adhesive application step, the at least one cutting tool (130) of the cutting roller (13) cyclically inserts into the recesses (140R) of the suction projection devices (140) to cut the web (2) during a cutting step, The feed roller (11) has its maximum speed (V a max) during the gluing step and the cutting step, and has its minimum speed (V dec ) in the deceleration time interval (T a min) that is located in time between the cutting step of the label (20) and the gluing step in the next cycle.

4. The labeling device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the feed roller (11) is configured to generate a slip between the web (2) positioned in contact with the outer periphery of the transfer turntable (14) and the transfer turntable (14) itself during the deceleration time interval (T dec ), such that at the end of the deceleration time interval (T dec ), the web (2) is positioned on the transfer turntable (14) such that the web portion (20) to be cut is located at the recess (140R) of one of the suction projection devices (140).

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the web segments (2) that form the labels (20) have a predetermined length (l), and wherein the suction projection devices (140) are provided along the outer periphery of the transfer turntable such that two consecutive suction projection devices (140) are spaced apart by an arc (L) greater than the length (l) of the labels (20).

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit connected to the glue application roller (12), the cutting roller (13), the transfer turntable (14) and the feed roller (11) to synchronize their respective rotations.

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each suction projection (140) comprises a front extension (140T) and a rear extension (140C) radially protruding away from the rotation axis of the transfer turntable (14) from the outer periphery of the transfer turntable (14), the front extension (140T) being located before the rear extension (140C) in the rotation direction of the transfer turntable, and the recess (140R) being interposed between the front extension (140T) and the rear extension (140C), and wherein the glue application roller (12) is configured to interact with the suction projection device (140) to apply the glue on the surface of the web (2) at the front extension (140T) and the rear extension (140C) such that each segment (20) has a front end region (20A) and a rear end region (20B) provided with glue.

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each suction projection device (140) is configured to generate a suction effect in the recess (140R) to tension the portion of the web (2) positioned at the recess (140R).

9. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glue application area (I) is angularly interposed between the loading area (C) and the cutting area (T) with respect to the movement path of the web (2).

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each suction projection device (140) of the plurality of suction projection devices (140) comprises a suction projection (140) configured to interact both with the glue application roller (12) and with the cutting roller (13).

11. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each suction projection device (140) of the plurality of suction projection devices (140) comprises: a glue application suction projection (140'), configured to interact with the glue application roller (12) during the glue application step, and a cutting suction projection (140"), configured to interact with the cutting roller (13) during the cutting step, and wherein said feed roller (11) has a maximum speed (V a max) and has a first minimum speed (V dec min1) during a first deceleration time interval (T a 1) which is in time between said gluing step and said cutting step of the label (20), and has a second minimum speed (V dec min2) during a second deceleration time interval (T a 2) which is in time between said cutting step of the label (20) and the gluing step of the label in the subsequent work cycle.

12. A labeling method, comprising the following steps: - feeding a web (2) made of label material via a feed roller (11); - applying glue on the surface of the web (2) via a glue application roller (12); - cutting the web (2) via a cutting roller (13) provided with at least one cutter (130) to divide the web into web segments (2) constituting labels (20). - Provide a transfer turntable (14) that includes a plurality of suction protrusion devices (140) angularly distributed along the outer periphery of the transfer turntable (14), and each suction protrusion (140) is provided with a corresponding recess (140R); Via the transfer turntable (14): - Receive the web (2) from the feed roller (11) in the loading area (C); - Hold the web (2) adhered to one or more of the suction protrusion devices of the suction protrusion devices (140), and move the web (2) along a movement path until the unloading area (S) to bring the label (20) into contact with the corresponding bottle (21) in the unloading area (S), the unloading area being angularly spaced from the loading area (C) along the movement path, wherein the transfer turntable (14) interacts with the glue applicator roller (12) in the gluing area (I) and interacts with the cutting roller (13) in the cutting area (T), the gluing area (I) and the cutting area (T) being angularly between the loading area (C) and the unloading area (S) with respect to the movement path of the web (2), wherein the rotation of the glue applicator roller (12) and the transfer turntable (14) is synchronized such that the glue applicator roller (12) applies the glue on the surface of the web (2) positioned at the suction protrusion device (140) of the transfer turntable (14), and wherein the rotation of the cutting roller (13) and the transfer turntable (14) is synchronized such that the at least one cutter (130) of the cutting roller (13) cyclically inserts into the recess (140R) of the suction protrusion device (140) to cut the web (2).

13. The labeling method according to claim 12, wherein, In the working cycle where the glue applicator roller (12) applies the glue and the cutting roller (13) cuts the label (20) from the web (2), The conveying turntable (14) rotates at a constant angular velocity such that the circumferential velocity (V t ) is constant. The feed roller (11) changes its rotational speed (V a ) between a maximum value (V a max) and a minimum value (V a min) during the same working cycle. In the case of the maximum value (V a max), the feed roller (11) imparts to the web (2) a moving speed equal to the circumferential speed (V t ) of the transfer turntable (14). The minimum value (V a min) is adopted during a deceleration time interval (T dec ). During the deceleration time interval (T dec ), the feed roller (11) generates a slip between the transfer turntable (14) and the web (2) positioned in contact with the outer periphery of the transfer turntable (14) itself. At the end of the deceleration time interval (T dec ), a portion of the web (2) to be cut is positioned on the transfer turntable (14) such that it is located at the recess (140R) of one of the suction projection devices (140).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the rotation of the glue applicator roller (12), the cutting roller (13) and the transfer turntable (14) is synchronized such that During the glue application step and the cutting step, the feed roller (11) has its maximum speed (V a max), and The deceleration time interval (T dec ) is temporally located between the cutting step of the label (20) and the gluing step of the next cycle.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, which includes the step of generating a negative pressure in the recess (140R) to tension the portion of the web (2) positioned at the recess (140R) during the cutting step.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein In each working cycle, the gluing step is before the cutting step.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein at least one of the following cases is applicable: i) Each suction protrusion device (140) of the plurality of suction protrusion devices (140) includes a suction protrusion (140) configured to interact with the glue applicator roller (12) both in the glue application step and with the cutting roller (13) in the cutting step; ii) Each suction protrusion device (140) of the plurality of suction protrusion devices (140) includes: A glue-applying suction protrusion (140'), which is configured to interact with the glue-applying roller (12) during the glue application step, and A cutting suction protrusion (140"), which is configured to interact with the cutting roller (13) during the cutting step, and wherein said feed roller (11) has a maximum speed (V a max) during said gluing step and said cutting step, and has a first minimum speed (V dec min1) during a first deceleration time interval (T a 1) that is temporally between said gluing step and said cutting step of the label (20), and has a second minimum speed (V dec min2) during a second deceleration time interval (T a 2) that is temporally between said cutting step of the label (20) and the gluing step of the label in the subsequent work cycle.

Images