Applicator unit for labels for a labelling machine, labelling machine comprising said applicator unit and method for applying labels

Abstract

An application unit (10) for labels, in which the labels are arranged on a support surface of a strip (W) and in which each label has a connection surface arranged in contact with the support surface, and an adhesive surface opposite the connection surface and configured to adhere to a wall of a container (C) to be labeled, in particular a bottle. The application unit (10) is operatively associated with a conveyor (G) on which, in use, a plurality of moving containers (C) are located, and comprises a labeling station (20) defining a labeling area. The application unit further comprises a preparation station (30) for preparing the labels, which preparation station (30) comprises a blade member (31) configured to be in sliding contact with and to scrape a rear surface of the strip (W).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to: an application unit for labels (particularly for an application unit for labels operatively associated with an automatic labeling machine), a labeling machine including said application unit, and a labeling method.

[0002] More specifically, the application unit according to the invention belongs to the field of manufacturing and selling machines, production lines, equipment and more generally automated labeling systems, for applying labels to the walls of containers (e.g., bottles or cans).

[0003] The application unit according to the invention has a particular application in the field of automatic labeling machines, which in particular use labels arranged on a strip having a support surface and an adhesive surface opposite to the support surface for adhesion to a container wall that moves against the label strip.

[0004] In particular, the present invention is preferably used for labels that include a decorative or decorative layer and are configured to transfer the decorative or decorative layer onto a surface of a container wall.

[0005] Examples of this label are commercially known under the name Signite® and are described, for example, in patent EP3294825.

[0006] However, the present invention can also be used for other types of labels that are different from those described above. Background Technology

[0007] In the relevant art, it is known to use a labeling machine equipped with at least one label application unit, which is configured to apply at least one label to the corresponding wall of a container as described above.

[0008] Examples of known types of label application units typically include a support structure, a working head mounted on the support structure, and a contact operating area for labeling (i.e., transferring a label from a strip to the container wall).

[0009] The known type of application unit also includes at least one feed reel rotatably mounted on the support structure and configured to supply a strip comprising a plurality of labels to the working head, each label having its own adhesive surface facing the container wall.

[0010] The known type of application unit further includes: at least one take-up reel for receiving the strip at the end of applying the label to the container; and a guide device rotatably mounted on the support structure and configured to guide the strip along a path extending from the feed reel to the take-up reel and at least partially through the contact operation area of ​​the working head.

[0011] However, known application units have been shown to be unsuitable for use with the aforementioned labels (including labels with decorations or decorative layers and configured to transfer such decorations or decorative layers to the surface of the container wall, preferably Signite®), because these labels have a special shape, as described in patent EP3294825.

[0012] To overcome these drawbacks, several application systems for the labels have been developed, such as those described in patent EP3907148.

[0013] However, the actual implementations of these systems available on the market have proven unsatisfactory because they are still in the early stages of development and are immature and perform poorly in terms of production speed.

[0014] Furthermore, the known systems have been shown to be not very versatile and are only applicable to linear machines, with operational limitations compared to rotary labeling machines.

[0015] Purpose of the invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide an application unit, a labeling machine, and a method for applying labels (including a decoration or decorative layer and configured to transfer the decoration or decorative layer to a surface of a container wall, preferably Signite®) for an automatic labeling machine, which enables at least partially avoiding and overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art described above.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an application unit, labeling machine, and method for applying labels (labels including decoration or decorative layers and configured to transfer the decoration or decorative layer to a surface of a container wall, preferably Signite®), suitable for operating such labels as described above, i.e., labels including decoration or decorative layers and configured to transfer the decoration or decorative layer to a surface of a container wall, preferably Signite®, at a high labeling speed or at least higher than that of prior art units.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an application unit, labeling machine, and method for applying labels (including a decoration or decorative layer and configured to transfer the decoration or decorative layer to a surface of a container wall, preferably Signite®), allowing multiple containers to be labeled in a precise and repeatable manner over time.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an application unit, labeling machine, and method for applying labels (including a decoration or decorative layer and configured to transfer the decoration or decorative layer to a surface of a container wall, preferably Signite®), which has alternative and / or improved configurations in terms of both structure and function compared to known solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0020] Against this backdrop, the fundamental technical objective of this invention is to provide a label application unit for an automatic labeling machine that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. In particular, this objective is achieved by a label application unit having the features described in claim 1.

[0021] The dependent claims summarize particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the label application unit shown in the accompanying drawings, which is illustrative and therefore non-limiting, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 A label application unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the perspective view;

[0024] Figure 2A The partial perspective view shows the connection to the container conveyor. Figure 1 The application unit is shown;

[0025] Figure 2B The partial top view shows Figure 1 The second embodiment of the application unit shown;

[0026] Figure 3A According to the 3D diagram Figure 1 Details of the applied unit shown;

[0027] Figure 3B According to the 3D diagram Figure 3A Details shown;

[0028] Figure 3C According to the enlarged detail diagram Figure 3B Details shown;

[0029] Figure 4A According to the 3D diagram Figure 3A The components shown in detail;

[0030] Figure 4B According to the enlarged 3D diagram Figure 4A Details of the components shown;

[0031] Figure 5 The partial plan view shows... Figure 4A The component shown is in multiple operating configurations;

[0032] Figure 6 The partial 3D diagram shows... Figure 1 The workstation of the application unit is shown.

[0033] The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are intended to better explain the inventive principles upon which the invention is based, in conjunction with the specification. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 10 generally indicates an application unit for labeling, which is the subject of the present invention and is intended to be operatively and mechanically associated with an automatic labeling machine.

[0035] In this specification, the term "labeling machine" should be understood to mean a machine, device, system, production line, or any other automated labeling system designed to apply labels to the surface of a container wall. The following uses the application of labels to the cylindrical surface of a bottle (e.g., a glass bottle containing food-grade fluids, such as a wine bottle) for specific reference.

[0036] In this specification, the term "strip" should be understood to mean a strip or band defining a support surface configured to wrap around a central support to define a reel. The strip includes a plurality of labels, preferably Signite®, comprising a decorative or decorative layer and configured to transfer that layer onto a surface of the container wall. These labels are arranged at regular intervals (spaced apart from each other), and each label has an adhesive surface facing outwards, i.e., the adhesive surface is opposite the support surface and adapted for application to the surface of the container wall. In other words, the surface of the label facing forwards and outwards from the strip has adhesive means for applying it to the surface of the container wall.

[0037] In the following description, the application unit, used for applying a label to the surface of a container wall, particularly to the cylindrical portion of the bottle wall, will be referred to in a non-limiting manner. However, the application unit according to the invention can also be used to apply a label to a wall with a non-cylindrical surface, such as a conical neck like that of a wine bottle (e.g., a sparkling wine bottle), or a surface with a special shape, without thus departing from the scope of this specification.

[0038] Furthermore, each of the above labels may have any shape (e.g., square, rectangle, circle, oval, or other shape) or size, or may be obtained from several separate pieces. In the following description, labels having a rectangular or square shape will be referred to in a non-limiting manner.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 An application unit 10 for label L is shown (e.g., in...). Figure 3B , Figure 3C(See detailed diagram), wherein labels are arranged on a support surface W1 of a strip W, which is opposite to the rear surface W2 of the strip W itself, and wherein each label L has a connecting surface L1 arranged to contact the support surface W1 of the strip W, and an adhesive surface L2, which is opposite to the connecting surface L1 and configured to adhere to the wall of the container C (particularly a bottle) to be labeled (see detailed diagram). Figure 3C ).

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the application unit 10 includes a support surface 11, which extends primarily along a longitudinal axis YY between a first end 11a and a second end 11b opposite to the first end 11a. It should be noted that the longitudinal axis YY belongs to a longitudinal vertical plane and extends radially relative to the center of the defined labeling area (preferably from the center of the abutment member 25).

[0041] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, the longitudinal axis YY is roughly parallel to the ground, i.e., horizontally arranged.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the application unit 10 includes a tilting device for tilting the longitudinal axis YY relative to the support frame 41 so as to be operable on the tilted surface of the container (e.g., the container as described above).

[0043] The support structure 11 is preferably made of a metallic material to provide strength and rigidity to the application unit 10 during operation.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the application unit 10 includes a feeding station 12 for strip W arranged at a first end 11a, and the feeding station 12 includes at least one feeding roller 12a for strip W, and preferably at least one recovery roller 12c for strip W. Specifically, the feeding roller 12a and the recovery roller 12c extend along their respective rotation axes, which are generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis YY, and are configured to rotate about these rotation axes. More specifically, the feeding roller 12a for strip W is configured to supply a stream of strip W to the application station 20 (which will be described and introduced below), while the recovery roller 12c is configured to recover the strip W itself after the labeling operation.

[0045] More specifically, each of the feed roller 12a and the recovery roller 12c includes a corresponding support surface mounted on the support structure 11, the support surface being generally arranged to be coplanar with and parallel to the support structure 11 itself, and configured to support the movement of the rollers 12a, 12c about their rotational axes orthogonal to the support surface.

[0046] Preferably, the feeding station 12 also includes, optionally, at least one rotary roller 12b for a protective film, the rotary roller 12b being rotatably mounted on a support surface parallel to the support structure 11. More specifically, the rotary roller 12b is configured to recycle the protective film of the strip W prior to the labeling operation (i.e., the protective film needs to be removed before labeling).

[0047] Preferably, rollers 12a, 12b, and 12c are arranged parallel to each other and orthogonal to their respective support surfaces.

[0048] Preferably, the recovery roller 12c is arranged along the path of the strip W between the feed roller 12a and the rotary roller 12b, and extends along its axis of rotation orthogonal to its support surface, and is configured to recover the strip W at the end of the labeling operation.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown in the drawings (and preferably in the case where the strip W does not have a protective film), the rotary roller 12b does not have a protective film.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the application unit 10 includes a guide station 13 located between a first end 11a and a second end 11b, and includes a plurality of steering rollers 13”, each steering roller extending along an axis that is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis YY and to the support surface of rollers 12a, 12b, 12c, and configured to rotate about its respective axis.

[0051] Preferably, each of the aforementioned turning rollers 13” is rotatably idling about its axis of rotation and is configured to turn the strip W along a predetermined path from the feed roller 12a to the recovery roller 12c, at least partially passing through the application station 20.

[0052] Preferably, at least one of the aforementioned guide rollers 13” is movable, particularly in an inclined manner (“oscillating”), and is configured to ensure a predetermined tension value on the strip W. Conversely, the remaining guide rollers 13” are fixedly mounted at the guide station 13.

[0053] Advantageously, the aforementioned steering roller 13” cooperates with the feeding station 12 and allows the strip W to be conveyed along the desired labeling path.

[0054] according to Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the embodiment of the invention shown, the application unit 10 is operatively associated with a conveyor G, on which multiple moving containers C (particularly bottles) are located during use.

[0055] As described above, the application unit 10 includes an application station 20 for the label L, which is arranged at the second end 11b of the support structure 11 and defines an operating area in which the label L is transferred from the strip W to the wall of the container C.

[0056] Specifically, an abutment element is present in the operating area, which defines its abutment surface 25a. Figure 6 During use, the rear surface W2 of the strip W slides on the abutting surface 25a.

[0057] The application station 20 for label L corresponds to the area where label L is adhered to the container passing through that area.

[0058] According to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in particular Figures 1 to 2A , Figure 2B As shown, the application unit 10 also includes a preparation station 30 for preparing the label L. Figures 1 to 2A , Figure 2B The installation configuration of the preparation station 30 is shown. Figures 3A to 3B This shows its detailed configuration.

[0059] Preferably, the preparation station 30 is arranged upstream of the application station according to the forward direction of the strip.

[0060] More specifically, the preparation station 30 is configured to pre-treat the strip W of the label L before labeling, and includes a blade member 31 configured to slide into and scrape the rear surface W2 of the strip W in order to weaken the connection of each label L to the support surface W1 of the strip W itself.

[0061] In other words, the strip W of label L starts from the feed roller 12a and passes through the blade member 31 by means of its own sliding on the surface of the blade member 31, so as to apply stress to the strip W and each label L along the extension direction of the strip W, thereby weakening the connection between the label L and the strip itself.

[0062] In other words, the label strip W is kept taut at the blade member 31, so that the blade member 31 can scrape the rear surface W2 of the strip W.

[0063] Advantageously, the sliding contact and scraping of the strip W weakens the adhesion between each label L and the strip W itself, making it easier for the label L to detach during the application of the label L to the wall of the container C.

[0064] In other words, preparation station 30 weakens the connection between each label L and strip W, but does not separate the label L from the strip W itself.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG2 and Figure 3B As shown, the blade component 31 is configured to cause an angular deflection of the strip W according to a predetermined deflection angle α.

[0066] More specifically, such as Figure 3B and Figure 5 As shown in detail, the deflection angle α is the angle formed between the direction along which the blade member 31 extends and the direction along which the strip W deflects downstream of the blade member 31 toward the application station 20.

[0067] In other words, the deflection angle α is the angle toward the interior of the applied element, that is, the angle toward the longitudinal axis YY (see [reference]). Figure 2A , 2B ( ), rather than an angle facing the external environment.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, particularly Figure 5 As shown in detail, the deflection angle α is, for example, between 90° and 180° (excluding 180°).

[0069] according to Figure 2A , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the blade member 31 extends between its foot end 31a and its head end 31b, with the head end 31b preferably opposite to the foot end 31a.

[0070] Preferably, in Figure 2A In one embodiment, the blade component 31 includes an elongated guide surface 310 and an exit edge 311 disposed at the head end 31b and adjacent to (i.e. side-by-side with) the guide surface 310.

[0071] Specifically, the exit edge 311 is configured to define the blade of the aforementioned blade member 31 to achieve a reduction in the connection of each tag as described above.

[0072] In other words, the blade member 31 is shaped to have an elongated and tapered shape at its head end 31b, which corresponds to the exit portion from which the strip W exits from the blade member 31 itself.

[0073] In other words, the blade component 31 has a generally tapered shape at the head end 31b.

[0074] Preferably, the blade component 31 is made of a metallic material, such as steel or aluminum alloy.

[0075] Alternatively, the blade component 31 can be made of a polymer material.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, such as Figures 4A to 4B As shown in detail, the exit edge 311 of the blade member 31 preferably has a connecting surface, i.e., a surface that is circumferentially curved according to a predetermined radius of curvature. Alternatively, the exit edge can be a corner edge.

[0077] Advantageously, the connecting surface allows the aforementioned weakening to be achieved when the strip W slides on the connecting surface without damaging (in particular cutting, tearing or ripping) the strip W.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, particularly as Figure 5 As shown, the blade component 31 optionally includes a chamfered surface 312 between the guide surface 310 and the exit edge 311. In particular, the chamfered surface 312 is configured to guide the strip W to the exit edge 311.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, particularly as Figure 3A As shown, the preparation station 30 preferably includes a guide roller 33, which is rotatably mounted on the preparation station 30 itself, and is preferably arranged at or near the foot end 31a of the blade member 31.

[0080] The guide roller 33 is configured to allow the strip W to slide on the guide surface 310 without contacting the foot end 31a of the blade member 31.

[0081] Advantageously, the strip enters the preparation station, and in particular, the contact between the strip W itself and the blade member 31 is sliding, i.e., rolling sliding, and therefore there is no sharp contact, i.e., sliding sharp contact, as occurs at the exit edge 311 of the blade member 31.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, particularly as Figure 2A , Figure 2B As shown, the blade component 31 is arranged at a position spaced apart (or separated or far from) relative to the application station 20 according to the feed direction of the strip W.

[0083] In other words, the blade component 31 is located at a predetermined distance relative to the application station 20, particularly away from each container, so as not to interfere with each of the containers C during container labeling.

[0084] In other words, the blade component 31 performs the function of weakening the adhesion between each label L deposited on the strip W and the supporting surface W1 of the strip W itself, without synergizing with each container C, i.e., without interacting with each container C.

[0085] As already described, the label L of the strip W includes a decorative or decorative layer and is configured to transfer the decorative or decorative layer to the surface of the container wall, preferably Signite®, so that the label L adheres to the container C when pressed against it or vice versa.

[0086] In other words, the label L is configured to adhere to the wall of container C when container C applies pressure to the label L itself.

[0087] In fact, according to one aspect of the invention, such as Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 6 As shown, the application station 20 includes abutment members 25 having respective abutment surfaces 25a configured to support the rear surface W2 of the strip W during labeling of the container C and to apply pressure between the label L and the container C via the abutment members 25.

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the abutment member 25 extends along the longitudinal axis YY (see...). Figure 6 (in particular, protruding toward the environment outside the application unit 10. Specifically, the abutment member 25 is configured to abut against the wall of the container C moved by the conveyor G (towards and / or away from the abutment member 25 itself) to apply pressure to the wall of each container C.

[0089] In other words, the abutment member 25 is positioned relative to the peripheral edge portion of the conveyor G such that the wall of each container C contacts the abutment surface 25a of the abutment member 25 by applying a predetermined pressure stress, so as to allow each label L to be transferred from the strip W to the aforementioned wall.

[0090] In other words, the abutment member 25 is properly positioned relative to the external dimensions of the conveyor G so as to apply a clamping force between its abutment surface 25a and the wall of each container C that moves against the abutment member 25 itself.

[0091] In other words, the contact surface 25a is arranged to be at least tangent to the wall of each container C passing through it.

[0092] Furthermore, the abutment surface 25a has an extended plane (rectangular or square) that is substantially perpendicular to the axis YY, and is preferably concave toward the passage area of ​​the container C.

[0093] Preferably, the abutment member is made of a resiliently deformable (soft) material and defines a cushioning pad or "liner".

[0094] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the application unit 10 preferably includes an adjustment station 40 mechanically connected to the application unit 10.

[0095] The adjustment station 40 is configured to adjust the position of the application unit 10 relative to the ground according to a variety of interchangeable orientation directions:

[0096] - Move in a direction parallel to the YY axis (moving away from and towards the container);

[0097] - Move along the ZZ direction, which is orthogonal to the YY axis and vertical;

[0098] - The movement is based on the pitch motion of the second end 11b relative to the lowering or raising of the conveyor G;

[0099] - Rolling around an axis parallel to the YY axis.

[0100] like Figure 1 As shown, the adjustment station 40 is arranged at a lower position relative to the application unit 10. In other words, the application unit 10 is placed on the adjustment station 40.

[0101] More specifically, the adjustment station 40 includes a frame 41 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis YY, the frame 41 including a plurality of feet 410 or wheels or other components not explicitly mentioned herein, which are configured to be placed on the ground to provide stability to the adjustment station 40.

[0102] Preferably, the frame 41 is made of a metallic material, such as steel, to provide strength and rigidity for the adjustment station 40.

[0103] The adjustment station 40 also includes a sliding guide rail mounted on the frame 41 and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis YY. In particular, the adjustment station 40 includes a first sliding guide 42a and a second sliding guide 42b that are substantially parallel to each other.

[0104] The adjustment station 40 also includes a carriage 44, which is slidably connected to a first sliding guide 42a and a second sliding guide 42b, and is configured to slide along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis YY. More specifically, the carriage 44 is configured to be mechanically connected to the application unit 10 and is capable of moving along the first sliding guide 42a and the second sliding guide 42b in a linear translational motion.

[0105] In other words, the application unit 10 is mounted on the carriage 44 so as to be firmly bound to the carriage 44 itself during movement.

[0106] The adjustment station 40 also includes an actuation device connected to the carriage 44, which is configured to drive the carriage 44 itself to move in a direction parallel to the first sliding guide 42a and the second sliding guide 42b. Specifically, the actuation device includes, for example, a lead screw mechanism 50, preferably a trapezoidal lead screw or a ball screw, which extends along an operating axis parallel to the first sliding guide 42a and the second sliding guide 42b and is configured to rotate about said operating axis.

[0107] Preferably, the lead screw mechanism 50 is driven by an electric motor or by a manual device (e.g., a crank, handwheel, or the like).

[0108] Advantageously, the lead screw mechanism 50, carriage 44, and thus the application unit 10 can be moved and positioned relative to, for example, the conveyor briefly described above, at a predetermined distance, which may vary depending on the type of container to be labeled.

[0109] According to one aspect of the invention, Figure 2B A second embodiment of the application unit 10 is shown, and in particular a second embodiment of the blade member 31.

[0110] More specifically, the embodiment includes a blade element 31 having an elongated "slat" shape extending in a generally vertical direction. Preferably, the blade element 31 has a generally prismatic shape, for example, having a square, rectangular, or polygonal cross-section, and extends along an axis orthogonal to the support surfaces of the rollers 12a, 12b, 12c.

[0111] In other words, Figure 2B The blade member 31 shown is generally a longitudinal bar with a substantially constant cross section (without a surface extending along the feed direction of the strip W) and is configured to contact the strip W of the label L at its edge.

[0112] The edge has the same Figure 2A The connecting radius of the blade component 31 shown is approximately similar to that of the corresponding connecting radius, and is suitable for not tearing and / or ripping the strip W.

[0113] Another object of the present invention is a labeling machine 101, for the sake of brevity, the same reference numerals will be retained in the drawings.

[0114] More specifically, the labeling machine 101 is configured to apply a label L to the wall of a container C (particularly a bottle), and also includes a conveyor G (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2A , Figure 2B The conveyor G is configured to move multiple containers C along the feed direction at the contact surface 25a.

[0115] The labeling machine 101 also includes an application unit 10 for the label L, which is reversibly associated with the conveyor G and arranged at or near the contact surface 25a to apply the label L to each container C. In particular, the application unit 10 has one or more of the features described above.

[0116] According to one aspect of the invention, the conveyor G is preferably of the rotary turntable type. In particular, as... Figure 2A , Figure 2B As shown, the rotating disk has a generally circular shape and is configured to rotate about an axis that is generally orthogonal to the ground (i.e., vertical).

[0117] More specifically, the longitudinal axis YY of the applying unit 10 is oriented along the radial direction of the conveyor G.

[0118] like Figures 2A to 2B As shown, a rotary conveyor G is configured to transport multiple containers C, each container C located at the peripheral edge of the rotary conveyor. Preferably, each container C is arranged on a corresponding rotating plate of the turntable G, which is configured to rotate at the labeling station 20.

[0119] It should be noted that the labeling machine 101 includes a synchronization device for synchronizing the circumferential speed of the conveyor G with the speed of the strip W carrying the label L, such that when the container arrives at the labeling station 25, the label L is present at the labeling station 20 so that it can be applied to the bottle.

[0120] Preferably, but not necessarily, the forward direction of container C is opposite to the feed direction of strip W at the labeling station.

[0121] Furthermore, the synchronization device is configured to synchronize the rotation of container C itself at the labeling station 20 by means of the rotation of a related plate. Specifically, the plate is configured to start rotating container C when container C reaches the contact surface 25a.

[0122] According to an aspect of the invention not shown in the accompanying drawings, the conveyor G may be a linear conveyor, preferably a straight-line conveyor.

[0123] Preferably, such as Figure 2A , Figure 2B As shown, each container C is located on a rotating turntable G, allowing the surface of container C to be accessed from the outside.

[0124] As described above, according to one aspect of the invention, such as Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 6 As shown, the abutment member 25 is arranged to apply pressure to each container C that arrives at the labeling station 20.

[0125] According to one aspect of the invention, particularly as Figure 6 As shown, the application unit 10 preferably includes an adjustment device 70 located between the abutment member 25 and the support structure 11. More specifically, the adjustment device 70 is mounted on the support structure 11 and configured to connect with the abutment member 25.

[0126] Furthermore, the adjusting device 70 is configured to allow the abutment member 25 to perform at least one of translational and / or rotational movements, such that the abutment member 25 can be oriented according to a variety of operational configurations.

[0127] For example, these configurations provide an orientation for the abutment member 25 to align its labeling surface 25a:

[0128] - It is tilted to the side relative to the reference surface, so that it protrudes more toward the container on the right side (according to the horizontal direction) and less toward the container on the left side, and vice versa (labeling surface 25a is tilted to the right or left).

[0129] - Can move in the horizontal and / or vertical direction, preferably along the longitudinal axis YY and / or along the second axis RR and / or along the first axis ZZ;

[0130] - Based on the above combination of tilting and movement orientation.

[0131] The present invention also relates to a method for applying labels to the walls of containers (particularly bottles), and for the sake of brevity, the same reference numerals will be retained in the accompanying drawings.

[0132] The method for applying labels includes the following steps:

[0133] - Arrange multiple containers C on the periphery of the conveyor G of the labeling machine 101;

[0134] - A strip W with multiple labels L is arranged on a support surface W1 of the strip, the support surface W1 being opposite to the rear surface W2 of the strip W itself, and wherein each label L has a connecting surface L1 arranged to contact the support surface W1 of the strip W, and an adhesive surface W2 opposite to the connecting surface L1 and configured to adhere to the wall of the container C (particularly a bottle) to be labeled.

[0135] - Arrange an application unit 10 for label L having one or more of the above features;

[0136] - Position the application unit 10 for label L such that the application station 20 and the abutment surface 25a are arranged at the periphery of the conveyor G so as to apply label L to the wall of container C.

[0137] - Synchronize the movement speed of the conveyor G with the movement speed of the strip W so that when the container arrives at the application station 20, the label L is present at the application station 20 so that it can be applied to the bottle;

[0138] The method includes a step of scraping the strip on the support surface W2 by means of a blade member 31, which is performed at a preparation station 30 for preparing labels L, to reduce the adhesion of each label L to the strip W and allow it to be more easily transferred to the wall of the container C at the subsequent labeling station 25.

[0139] In particular, regarding the synchronization step, there are at least several alternative implementations:

[0140] - The strip W moves before the subsequent container C arrives and remains stationary while the label L is applied to container C. Container C rolls over the stationary label and removes it by adhesion; or

[0141] - The strip W moves as the container C passes through the application station 20, causing the label L to be removed by adhesion during the relative movement of the container C. The direction of travel of the strip W at the application station 20 is opposite to the direction of travel of the container C at the side surface that contacts the label L during the application step; or

[0142] - The strip W moves at the same circumferential speed as the container C passes through the application station 20, such that the container C removes the label L by adhesion during the relative movement. The direction of travel of the strip W at the application station 20 is the same as the direction of travel of the side surface of the container C that contacts the label L during the application step.

[0143] According to one aspect of the invention, the step of arranging a strip W having a plurality of labels provides obtaining the labels having a decorative or decorative layer and configured to transfer the decorative or decorative layer onto a surface of the container C wall.

[0144] In other words, the present invention also relates to using the previously described application unit 10 for a strip W having a plurality of labels having a decorative or decorative layer and configured to transfer the decorative or decorative layer to a surface of the container C wall.

[0145] It is clear from the above description that the label application unit for the labeling machine according to the present invention has particular advantages in that:

[0146] - It enables at least partial satisfaction of the above-mentioned requirements and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art cited above, at least in terms of the application of the above-mentioned label (the label includes a decoration or decorative layer and is configured to transfer the decoration or decorative layer to the surface of the container wall, preferably Signite®);

[0147] - It is simple and economical to manufacture;

[0148] - It allows for the application of more tags per unit time, resulting in higher production output for the application unit compared to known conventional solutions.

[0149] - It can be used as a module on the periphery of labeling machines manufactured to handle other application types.

Claims

1. An application unit (10) for a tag (L), wherein, The labels are arranged on a support surface (W1) of a strip (W) opposite to the rear surface (W2) of the strip (W) itself, and each label (L) has a connecting surface (L1) arranged to contact the support surface (W1) of the strip (W), and an adhesive surface (L2) opposite to the connecting surface (L1) and configured to adhere to the wall of the container (C) to be labeled, particularly a bottle. The application unit (10) is operatively associated with a conveyor (G) on which multiple moving containers (C) are located during use, and the application unit (10) includes a label application station (20) defining a labeling area (25a). The application unit (10) is characterized in that it includes a preparation station (30) for the label, the preparation station (30) including a blade member (31) configured to slide into contact with and scrape the rear surface (W2) of the strip (W) in order to weaken the connection of each label with respect to the support surface of the strip (W).

2. The application unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The blade component (31) is configured to cause an angular deflection of the strip (W) according to a predetermined deflection angle (α).

3. The application unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The deflection angle (α) is between 90° and 180°, and is not equal to 180°.

4. The application unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The blade member (31) extends between its foot end (31a) and its head end (31b), and includes: - Guide surface (310), and - An outlet edge (311) is located at the head end (31b) and adjacent to the guide surface (310). The exit edge (311) is configured to define the blade of the blade member (31) to weaken the connection of each tag.

5. The application unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The blade component (31) is arranged at a position spaced apart from the application station (20) according to the feed direction of the strip (W).

6. The application unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The label of the strip (W) includes a decorative or decorative layer, and the label is configured to transfer such a decorative or decorative layer to the surface of the wall of the container (C).

7. The application unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The application station (20) includes an abutment member (25) having a corresponding abutment surface (25a) configured to support the rear surface (W2) of the strip (W) during labeling of the container (C).

8. The application unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The blade member (31) includes a longitudinal bar and has at least one edge configured to slide in contact with and scrape the rear surface (W2) of the strip (W) of the label (L).

9. A labeling machine (101) configured to apply labels to the walls of containers, particularly bottles, comprising: - A conveyor (G) configured to move multiple containers along the feed direction in the labeling area; - A label application unit (10), reversibly associated with the conveyor (G) and arranged in the labeling area, applies a label to each container (C). The application unit (10) has the features of one or more of claims 1 to 8.

10. The labeling machine (101) according to claim 9, wherein, The conveyor (G) is a rotary turntable type or a linear conveyor, preferably a straight conveyor.

11. The labeling machine (101) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The abutment member (25) is arranged to apply pressure to each container (C) that arrives at the labeling station (20).

12. A method for applying a label to the wall of a container, particularly a bottle, comprising the following steps: - Arrange multiple containers on the periphery of the conveyor (G) of the labeling machine (100); - A strip (W) with multiple labels is arranged on a support surface (W1) of the strip, the support surface being opposite to the rear surface (W2) of the strip itself, and wherein each label has a connecting surface arranged to contact the support surface of the strip (W), and an adhesive surface opposite to the connecting surface and configured to adhere to the wall of a container (C) to be labeled, particularly a bottle; - Arrange a label application unit (10) having the features of one or more of claims 1 to 8; - Position the label application unit (10) such that the application station (20) is arranged in the labeling area (25a) and located at the periphery of the conveyor (G) so as to apply the label to the wall of the container (C); - Synchronize the movement speed of the conveyor (G) with the movement speed of the belt (W) so that when the container arrives at the application station (20), the label is present at such abutment surface (25a) so that the label can be applied to the container (C); The method is characterized by comprising the step of scraping the strip on the support surface by means of a blade member (31), the step being performed at a label preparation station to reduce the adhesion of each label to the strip (W) and allow it to be more easily transferred to the wall of the container (C) at a subsequent application station (20).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The step of arranging a strip (W) with multiple labels provides for obtaining the labels having a decorative or decorative layer and being configured to transfer such a decorative or decorative layer to the surface of the container (C) wall.

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