Cutting system for a labelling apparatus and method for cutting a label in a labelling apparatus

Abstract

A cutting system for a labelling apparatus comprises: a transfer carousel (14) including a plurality of suction surface arrangements, angularly distributed along a periphery of the transfer carousel (14) and comprising corresponding recesses (140R), the transfer carousel (14) being configured to keep a web (2) adherent to one or more of the suction surface arrangements; a cutting roller (13) provided with a knife (130) configured to cut the web (2) so as to divide the web (2) into pieces constituting labels (20), the transfer carousel (14) being configured to interact with the cutting roller (13) in a cutting zone (T), wherein the rotations of the cutting roller (13) and of the transfer carousel (14) are synchronized so that the knife (130) of the cutting roller (13) is inserted cyclically into the recesses (140R) of the transfer carousel (14) to cut the web (2). The cutting system is characterized in that the cutting roller (13) comprises a shoe, positioned alongside the knife (130) so that, with the knife in the cutting zone (T), it presses against the web (2) positioned on one of the suction surfaces of the corresponding suction surface arrangement.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] CUTTING SYSTEM FOR A LABELLING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CUTTING A LABEL IN A LABELLING APPARATUS

[0003] Technical field

[0004] This invention relates to a cutting system for a labelling apparatus and to a method for cutting a label in a labelling apparatus, as well as to a labelling apparatus and method. In particular, this invention regards the mode of cutting a label web to obtain labels which are then applied to containers.

[0005] Background art

[0006] Prior art systems for cutting the web into labels may involve the use of slots or recesses into which a knife that cuts the web into labels is inserted. Patent document EP3925743A1 describes an example of this approach. This cutting mode, however, has the disadvantage of being relatively imprecise unless the web is properly tensioned during its interaction with the knife. The patent documents EP0105748A1 e AT195237 describe examples of cutting in which a knife fits inside a recess and involve the use of elements to tension the web. However, these systems are also found to be inadequate.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] This disclosure has for an aim to provide a cutting system for a labelling apparatus and a label cutting method to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] In particular, the aim of this disclosure is to provide a cutting system for a labelling apparatus and a label cutting method which are at once simple and reliable.

[0010] This aim is fully achieved by the apparatus and method of this disclosure as characterized in one or more of the appended claims.

[0011] The web may be made from a polymeric material, but it could also be made from other materials.

[0012] In particular, the labels are obtained from the web by cutting the web in such a way that each cut separates a piece of web from the web itself, where each piece defines a label. Preferably, the labels are rectangular in shape (in particular, the cut is perpendicular to the web); embodiments in which the labels have a different shape (for example, rhomboidal) are not excluded, however.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the labelling apparatus, and / or one of the components thereof, may be made according to what is described in patent document 102022000024309, which is in the name of the present Applicant and the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. The cutting system comprises a transfer carousel. The transfer carousel rotates around a first rotation axis. Preferably, the first rotation axis is perpendicular to a plane in which a feed path of the web extends. The transfer carousel may have the function of defining a movement path along which the web moves. On the web movement path of the transfer carousel, the web is kept adherent to the transfer carousel (for example, on a lateral surface of the transfer carousel). In its rotational motion about the first axis, the transfer carousel defines the web movement path.

[0014] In an example, the transfer carousel is configured to receive the web of labelling material from a feed roller in a loading zone.

[0015] In particular, the transfer carousel includes a plurality of suction surface arrangements (or pads). The suction surface arrangements of the plurality of suction surface arrangements are angularly distributed along a periphery of the transfer carousel. In particular, the transfer carousel is configured to keep the web adherent to one or more of the suction surface arrangements. The suction surfaces may be configured to apply a sucking action on the web in order to keep it adherent to the periphery of the transfer carousel as the web travels along the movement path. For this purpose, the suction surfaces may comprise suction ducts connected to a compressor or to a vacuum source to generate a sucking action. The suction surface arrangements of the plurality of suction surface arrangements are provided with corresponding recesses. The recesses may be configured to apply a sucking action on the web. Thus, the recesses may comprise suction ducts connected to a compressor or to a vacuum source to generate a sucking action.

[0016] The cutting system comprises a cutting roller. The cutting roller rotates about a second rotation axis. Preferably, the second rotation axis of the cutting roller is parallel to the first axis.

[0017] The cutting roller is provided with a knife (or at least one knife). The knife is configured for cutting the web so as to divide the web into pieces that constitute labels.

[0018] The transfer carousel is configured to interact with the cutting roller in a cutting zone. In particular, the cutting zone is located downstream of the loading zone with respect to the web movement path. Thus, the web interacts with the knife in a cutting zone along the movement path.

[0019] In an example embodiment, the movement path includes a stretch that is positioned downstream of the recess (or of the cutting zone); thus, the movement path is a path for moving the web as far as the recess, where the knife acts on the portion of web facing that recess (that is, as far as the cutting zone), after which, downstream of the recess (that is, downstream of the cutting zone), the movement path is a path for moving the pieces of web, that is to say, the labels.

[0020] The knife of the cutting roller is configured to interact with the recesses of the transfer carousel to cut the portion of web facing each recess. In particular, the rotations of the cutting roller and of the transfer carousel are synchronized so that the knife of the cutting roller is inserted cyclically into the recesses of the transfer carousel in order to cut the web.

[0021] The cutting roller comprises a shoe. The shoe is positioned alongside the knife. In particular, when the knife is in the cutting zone (that is, when the knife is inside the recess), the shoe presses against the web positioned on one of the suction surfaces (that is, on a suction surface arrangement) of the corresponding suction surface arrangement.

[0022] In other words, the shoe is located alongside the knife along a periphery of the cutting roller, that is to say, the shoe and the knife are spaced apart around the rotation axis of the cutting roller. Thus, the shoe cooperates with the knife while the web is being cut. It is noted that the expression "suction surface" is used generically to mean a hold-down surface. Thus, the shoe can press against the web (or a portion of the web) positioned on the hold-down surface.

[0023] In an example, the shoe is configured to be elastically compressed responsive to an interaction with the transfer carousel. For example, the shoe may comprise a spring, configured to allow it to be elastically compressed. Alternatively, or in addition to the spring, the shoe may comprise a portion made from a deformable material, configured to allow it to be elastically compressed.

[0024] In particular, the shoe extends radially (that is, along a radius of the cutting roller, that is, away from or towards the second rotation axis), between a first end and a second end, opposite the first end. The first end is configured to come into contact with the web (that is, to come into operative contact with the web), preferably in the cutting zone. The first end is distal to the second rotation axis of the cutting roller and the second end is proximal to the second rotation axis of the cutting roller.

[0025] Thus, the spring is connected to the second end of the shoe and to the cutting roller, to allow the shoe to be retracted towards the second rotation axis, relative to a rest position, responsive to the interaction with the transfer carousel. The portion made of elastic material may be located at the first end and / or at the second end of the shoe.

[0026] Relative to a rotation direction of the cutting roller, the shoe may be located upstream of the knife (that is, the shoe may be located on the cutting roller so as to follow the knife) or, more preferably, downstream of the knife (that is, the shoe may be located so that it precedes the knife).

[0027] In practice, therefore, the shoe interacts with the web before the knife penetrates the recess in order to cut the web.

[0028] In other words, relative to a travel direction of the web along the movement path, the shoe may be located upstream of the knife (that is, the shoe may be located on the cutting roller so as to follow the knife) or, more preferably, downstream of the knife (that is, the shoe may be located so that it precedes the knife).

[0029] The transfer carousel and the cutting roller may be configured to rotate in opposite directions. In such a case, the tangential speeds to the cutting zone are congruous. Alternatively, the transfer carousel and the cutting roller may be configured to rotate in the same direction. In this case, the tangential speeds to the cutting zone are incongruous.

[0030] In an embodiment, each suction surface includes a leading expansion and a trailing expansion, where the leading expansion precedes the trailing expansion in the rotation direction of the transfer carousel. In particular, the recess is interposed between the leading expansion and the trailing expansion.

[0031] In the case where the shoe is located downstream of the knife (that is, located on the cutting roller so as to precede the knife) and the cutting roller and the transfer carousel rotate in opposite directions, the shoe cooperates with the leading expansion to hold the web in place. If the shoe is placed upstream of the knife (i.e., placed on the cutting roller so that it follows the knife) and the cutting roller and the transfer carousel rotate in opposite directions, the shoe cooperates with the trailing expansion to hold the web.

[0032] More generally, the shoe is configured to interact with the leading expansion and / or the trailing expansion. In particular, the shoe does not interact with the recess. In addition, the shoe can protrude from a periphery of the cutting roller so as to interact with the leading expansion and / or the trailing expansion.

[0033] The rotation of the cutting roller and the rotation of the transfer carousel are synchronized so as to allow an interaction between the shoe and one of the suction surface arrangement, particularly with leading expansion and / or trailing expansion of the suction surface arrangement.

[0034] Moreover, each suction surface arrangement might comprise a single expansion, that is to say, only the leading expansion which precedes the recess in the rotation direction of the transfer carousel.

[0035] In an example, the plurality of suction surface arrangements defines a corresponding plurality of suction protrusion arrangements, projecting radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel, away from the first rotation axis. In particular, the leading expansion and / or the trailing expansion may project radially from the transfer carousel, away from the first axis of the transfer carousel.

[0036] Thus, the suction surfaces may be located, in relief, on the periphery of the transfer carousel, that is, in such a way as to protrude from the periphery of the transfer carousel, or they may lie flush with the periphery. In an embodiment, the cutting roller comprises an additional shoe, located alongside the knife, so that the knife is interposed between the shoe and the additional shoe, along a periphery of the cutting roller. It should be noted that the features described with regard to the shoe of the cutting roller are also applicable to the additional shoe.

[0037] In particular, relative to a travel direction of the web along the movement path, the additional shoe is located upstream of the knife. Thus, the additional shoe may cooperate with the trailing expansion to hold the web in place.

[0038] In an example, the shoe extends radially between a first end, distal to the second axis of the cutting roller, and a second end, opposite the first end and proximal to the second axis of the cutting roller.

[0039] A distance F between an outer portion of the suction surface cooperating with the shoe and the first end of the shoe is greater than (or equal to) 0, preferably greater than (or equal to) 0.1 mm. Thus, the distance F represents an amount of interference between the shoe and the transfer carousel. In other words, a difference between a radius of the transfer carousel (that is, a distance between the first axis and a suction surface) added to a radius of the shoe (that is, a distance between the second axis and the first end of the undeformed shoe, that is, at a rest position) and the distance between the first axis and the second axis is equal to a distance F. The distance F may be greater than 0 mm, preferably greater than 0.1 mm. In particular, these sums are calculated in the cutting zone, that is, with the knife positioned in the recess. In other words still, the shoe may be configured to be elastically compressed responsive to an interaction with the transfer carousel by a distance F greater than 0 mm, preferably greater than 0.1 mm, where F is the amount of the compression.

[0040] Relative to a rest position (that is, in the absence of external applied forces), the shoe projects from a periphery of the cutting roller. Preferably, the knife extends radially between a first end, distal to the second axis of the cutting roller, and a second end, opposite the first end and proximal to the second axis of the cutting roller. Thus, the knife has a blade located at the first end. For example, a distance X between the first end of the shoe (at the rest position) and the first end of the knife, measured on a radius of the cutting roller, is preferably greater than zero. The shoe, therefore, preferably protrudes from a periphery of the cutting roller to a greater extent than the knife. The distance X may, however, also be less than zero.

[0041] In an example, at its first end, the shoe has a profile that is convex in shape away from the cutting roller. The profile may be symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry through the centre of the profile.

[0042] The shoe and the knife may be in contact with each other or laterally spaced from each other, on the cutting roller, by a distance less than 10 mm, in particular, less than 2 mm.

[0043] A difference between a radius of the transfer carousel (that is, a distance between the first axis and a suction surface) added to a radius of the knife (that is, a distance between the second axis and the first end of the knife, in the cutting zone, in particular inside the recess) and a distance between the first axis and the second axis is equal to a distance M. The distance M may be between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, and more preferably, between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. The distance M measures the extent to which the knife penetrates the recess. In this disclosure, therefore, the distance M may also be termed "depth of penetration". In other words, in the cutting zone, the knife is configured to penetrate the recess to a depth of penetration M of between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, and more preferably, between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. The distance M is at least equal to the distance X. Preferably, the distance M is greater than the distance X.

[0044] Each recess has a mouth which has a predetermined width and which is open to the outside environment. The width may be n times greater than the depth of penetration M of the knife. N may be a number greater than, equal to or less than 1 . Preferably, n is a number greater than 1 ; in a possible example embodiment, N might be equal to 1 , and in other example embodiments, N might be less than 1 .

[0045] The width of the mouth of the recess is greater than a thickness L of the knife, measured in a portion of the knife inside the recess. Preferably, the width of the mouth is at least 0.1 greater than the thickness of the knife.

[0046] Each recess has a bottom surface, proximal to the first axis. In particular, the bottom surface is opposite the mouth. A distance W between the bottom surface of the recess and the first end of the knife, with the knife in the cutting zone (that is, inside the recess), is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm. The bottom surface has a predetermined width V. The width V of the bottom surface may be equal to 0 mm (thus defining a recess that is triangular in shape).

[0047] Each recess may extend radially between a first end, distal to the first rotation axis, and a second end, opposite the first end and proximal to the first rotation axis. In particular, the first end defines the mouth of the recess and the second end defines the bottom of the recess.

[0048] Each recess may extend radially in such a way that its shape tapers towards the first rotation axis. In other words, each recess extends from the first end to the second end in such a way as to have a tapered shape.

[0049] Each recess may have a first side, extending radially between the first end and the second end (that is, between the mouth and the bottom), and a second side, opposite the first side, extending radially between the first end and the second end (that is, between the mouth and the bottom).

[0050] An angle a made by an axis perpendicular to a radius of the transfer carousel with the first side of the recess, and / or an angle [3 made by an axis perpendicular to a radius of the transfer carousel with the second side of the recess is between 90° and 170°. The angle a and the angle [3 may be the same or different.

[0051] An angle y made by the first side of the recess with the second side of the recess is between 5° and 170°.

[0052] The knife may comprise a blade, preferably serrated. The knife (that is, the blade) has an edge that is operatively in contact with the web. The edge of the knife may have a tip whose angular aperture £ is less than 80°, preferably less than 40° and, still more preferably, less than 30°. Thus, an angle formed between the first side and the second side defines an angular aperture £ for the knife.

[0053] In an example, the knife has a first side, extending between the first end and the second end of the knife, and a second side, extending between the first end and the second end of the knife. The edge is preferably located at the first end of the knife. An angle 0 formed by a plane through the first axis and the second rotation axis with one side (that is, the first side or the second side) of the knife, measured with the knife inside the recess, is between -45° and +45°. It should be noted that the angle 0 represents the inclination of the knife relative to a plane through the first axis and the second rotation axis.

[0054] Preferably, the first side is proximal to the shoe and the second side is distal to the shoe. In an example, the first side forms an angle of zero degrees with a radius of the transfer carousel (that is, the first side is aligned with a radius of the transfer carousel; that is to say, an angle of zero degrees with a radius of the transfer carousel or with a plane through the first axis and the second rotation axis), the angle being measured with the knife in the cutting zone.

[0055] A difference between a radius of the cutting roller, that is, a distance between the second axis and the periphery of the cutting roller, and a radius of the knife, that is, a distance between the second axis and the first end of the knife, is between 0.1 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 30 mm and, still more preferably, between 1 mm and 20 mm.

[0056] This disclosure also provides a labelling apparatus. The labelling apparatus comprises a cutting system, made according to one or more of the features described herein.

[0057] The labelling apparatus comprises a feed roller, configured to feed a web, where the web is made from a label material.

[0058] The labelling apparatus comprises a gluing roller. The gluing roller rotates about a third rotation axis, parallel to the first rotation axis of the transfer carousel.

[0059] The gluing roller is configured to spread glue on the surfaces of the web.

[0060] In particular, the rotation of the gluing roller and the rotation of the transfer carousel are synchronized so that the gluing roller cooperates, in a gluing zone, with the suction surfaces (in particular with the suction protrusions) of the transfer carousel to deposit glue. The gluing zone is preferably located downstream of the cutting zone with respect to the web movement path. That way, the shoe is not dirtied by the glue applied on the web.

[0061] The transfer carousel might be configured to bring the labels into contact with corresponding bottles, in an unloading zone.

[0062] Preferably, the transfer carousel and the cutting roller have different diameters. Specifically, the transfer carousel has a first diameter and the cutting roller has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter.

[0063] During a work cycle, including a label cutting step (and, if the gluing roller is present, including a label gluing step), the transfer carousel is configured to rotate at a constant speed; specifically, a peripheral speed of the transfer carousel is constant. Within the work cycle, the feed roller can vary its speed, between a minimum value speed, wherein the feed roller speed takes a minimum value, and a maximum value speed, wherein the feed roller speed takes a maximum value. Specifically, the speed of the feed roller is such that the maximum speed is essentially equal to the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel, while the speed of the feed roller is such that the minimum speed of the feed roller is less than the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel. In an example, the peripheral speed of the feed roller has a maximum speed in the cutting phases and has a minimum speed in a decelerated time interval placed temporally between the cutting phase of a label (thus when the knife interacts with the recess) and the cutting phase of a label in a subsequent cutting cycle (thus when the knife interacts with the next recess).

[0064] Within the work cycle, the cutting roller can vary its speed, between a minimum speed, where the speed of the cutting roller takes a minimum value, and a maximum speed, where the speed of the cutting roller takes a maximum value. Specifically, the speed of the cutting roller is such that the maximum speed is essentially equal to the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel, while the speed of the cutting roller is such that the minimum speed of the cutting roller is less than the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel. In an example, the peripheral speed of the cutting roller has a maximum speed in the cutting phases and has a minimum speed in a decelerated time interval placed temporally between the cutting phase of a label and the cutting phase of a label in a subsequent cutting cycle.

[0065] So, the rotational speed of the transfer carousel and the rotational speed of the cutting roller are synchronized with each other so that the interaction between the knife of the cutting roller and the recesses of the transfer carousel is possible.

[0066] The speed of the cutting roller and the speed of the feed roller can be different from each other. In particular, the maximum speed of the cutting roller and the maximum speed of the feed roller may be the same or different from each other; the minimum speed of the cutting roller and the minimum speed of the feed roller may be the same or different from each other. In addition, it may be provided that the speed of the feed roller is constant and the speed of the cutting roller is variable or vice versa, or it may be provided that both the speed of the feed roller and the speed of the cutting roller both are variable within the work cycle.

[0067] The maximum speed of the cutting roller can be equal or close to the maximum speed of the feed roller. In particular, the maximum speed of the cutting roller is basically equal to the speed of the transfer carousel; therefore, in the cutting phase, the cutting roller and the transfer carousel rotate synchronously without sliding.

[0068] Specifically, the time duration within which the cutting roller has the maximum speed is determined by an angle described by the knife when it interacts with the recess (i.e., the angle described by the knife matches the angular opening of the recess).

[0069] Preferably, the minimum speed of the feed roller (i.e., the minimum speed of the label web) is selectable on the basis of a label length and / or on the basis of a number of recesses of the transfer carousel, i.e., the number of divisions of the label web. The minimum speed of the cutting roller is selectable based on the number of recesses of the transfer carousel, i.e., the number of divisions of the label web.

[0070] The minimum speed of the cutting roller can be less than the minimum speed of the feed roller. So, the cutting roller is configured to slow down relative to the feed roller and, in particular, relative to the speed of the label web (the label web that is fed to the transfer carousel). This is due to the fact that the cutting roller has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the transfer carousel and, preferably, the cutting roller has only one knife. This disclosure also provides a method for cutting a label in a labelling apparatus.

[0071] The method comprises a step of providing a transfer carousel, rotating about a first rotation axis. The transfer carousel includes a plurality of suction surface arrangements. The suction surface arrangements are angularly distributed along a periphery of the transfer carousel.

[0072] The method comprises a step of providing a cutting roller, rotating about a second rotation axis, parallel to the first axis. The cutting roller is provided with a knife for cutting the web so as to divide the web into pieces that constitute labels. In particular, the knife may be made according to one or more of the features described herein.

[0073] The method comprises a step of the transfer carousel receiving the web from a feed roller, in a loading zone. The method also comprises a step of keeping the web adherent to one or more of the suction surface arrangements.

[0074] The method comprises a step of the transfer carousel and the cutting roller interacting in a cutting zone. The cutting zone is located downstream of the loading zone with respect to the web movement path. Thus, the transfer carousel interacts with the cutting roller in a cutting zone located downstream of the loading zone with respect to the web movement path. The suction surface arrangements of the plurality of suction surface arrangements are provided with corresponding recesses. In particular, the recesses may be made according to one or more of the features described herein.

[0075] In particular, the rotations of the cutting roller and of the transfer carousel are synchronized so that the knife of the cutting roller is inserted cyclically into the recesses of the transfer carousel in order to cut the web.

[0076] The cutting roller comprises a shoe. The shoe is positioned alongside the knife so that, with the knife in the cutting zone, it presses against the web positioned on one of the suction surfaces of the corresponding suction surface arrangement. In particular, the shoe may be made according to one or more of the features described herein.

[0077] In other words, the method may comprise step of cutting, in which the shoe presses against the web, which is positioned on one of the suction surfaces, while the knife is inserted into the recess to cut the web.

[0078] In an example, the shoe is elastically compressed responsive to an interaction with the transfer carousel. In other words, the method may comprise a step of elastically compressing the shoe, responsive to an interaction with the transfer carousel, that is, during a step of cutting. The shoe may comprise a spring and / or a portion made from deformable material which, during the step of elastically compressing the shoe, may be compressed.

[0079] Preferably, the shoe is located downstream of the knife with respect to a travel direction of the web along the movement path, and the transfer carousel and the cutting roller rotate in opposite directions; that way, the shoe precedes the knife in the rotation direction. In an example embodiment, however, the transfer carousel and the cutting roller may rotate in the same direction; in this case, the shoe might, for example, be located upstream (or downstream) of the knife relative to a travel direction of the web along the movement path.

[0080] In an example, each suction surface includes a leading expansion and a trailing expansion, where the leading expansion precedes the trailing expansion in the rotation direction of the transfer carousel. In particular, the recess is interposed between the leading expansion and the trailing expansion.

[0081] Thus, in the case where the shoe is located downstream of the knife (that is, in the case where the shoe precedes the knife relative to the travel direction of the web along the movement path) and the cutting roller and the transfer carousel rotate in opposite directions, the shoe cooperates with the leading expansion to hold the web in place.

[0082] Moreover, each suction surface arrangement might comprise a single expansion, that is to say, only the leading expansion which precedes the recess in the rotation direction of the transfer carousel.

[0083] In an example, the plurality of suction surface arrangements defines a corresponding plurality of suction protrusion arrangements, projecting radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel, away from the first rotation axis. In particular, the leading expansion and / or the trailing expansion may project radially from the transfer carousel, away from the first axis of the transfer carousel.

[0084] Thus, the suction surfaces may be located, in relief, on the periphery of the transfer carousel, that is, in such a way as to protrude from the periphery of the transfer carousel, or they may lie flush with the periphery. In an embodiment, the cutting roller comprises an additional shoe, located alongside the knife, so that the knife is interposed between the shoe and the additional shoe, along a periphery of the cutting roller. It should be noted that the features described with regard to the shoe of the cutting roller are also applicable to the additional shoe.

[0085] In particular, relative to a travel direction of the web along the movement path, the additional shoe is located upstream of the knife. Thus, the additional shoe may cooperate with the trailing expansion to hold the web in place.

[0086] Generally speaking, the recesses, the shoe (and the additional shoe, when present), and the knife may be made according to one or more of the features described in connection with the cutting system.

[0087] This disclosure also provides a labelling method. The labelling method comprises the steps of a method for cutting a label according to one or more of the features described herein.

[0088] The labelling method comprises a step, performed by a feed roller, of feeding a web, where the web is made from a label material.

[0089] The labelling method comprises a step, performed by a gluing roller which rotates about a third rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis of the transfer carousel, of applying glue on surfaces of the web.

[0090] In particular, the rotations of the gluing roller and of the transfer carousel are synchronized so that the gluing roller, deposits glue, in a gluing zone, on the surfaces of the web positioned at the suction surface arrangements (in particular, at the suction protrusion arrangements) of the transfer carousel. The gluing zone is preferably located downstream of the cutting zone with respect to the web movement path. Thus, the method comprises a step of gluing, performed by the gluing roller, in which glue is applied on the surfaces of the web positioned at the suction surface arrangements of the transfer carousel. Preferably, the step of gluing follows the step of cutting.

[0091] The method might comprise a step of the transfer carousel transporting the labels into contact with corresponding bottles, in an unloading zone.

[0092] Brief description of drawings

[0093] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0094] - Figures 1 A, 1 B and 1C show a plan view of a cutting system according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0095] - Figure 2 shows a detail of the cutting system of Figure 1 B;

[0096] - Figure 3 illustrates a cutting system according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0097] - Figure 4 illustrates a label web 2 and a cutting roller 13 in cross section, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0098] - Figure 5A-5G schematically illustrate a cutting system according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0099] - Figure 6 illustrates a labelling apparatus according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0100] - Figure 7 illustrates a graph of a rotation speed of a feed roller 11 and of a cutting roller 13 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0101] The numeral 1 in the drawings denotes a labelling apparatus. The apparatus 1 comprises a feed roller 11 , a gluing roller 12, a cutting roller 13 and a transfer carousel 14. The cutting roller 13 and the transfer carousel 14 define a cutting system.

[0102] Thus, the cutting system comprises a transfer carousel 14, rotating about a first rotation axis X1 . The first rotation axis X1 is perpendicular to a plane in which a feed path of the label web 2 extends. The transfer carousel 14 is configured to receive a web 2 from the feed roller 11 in a loading zone C and to transport the web 2 along a movement path. On the movement path, the web 2 is kept adherent to the transfer carousel 14.

[0103] In particular, the transfer carousel 14 includes a plurality of suction surface arrangements, angularly distributed along a periphery of the transfer carousel 14. The transfer carousel 14 is configured to keep the web 2 adherent to one or more of the suction surface arrangements.

[0104] Each suction surface arrangement is provided with suction ducts connected to a compressor or to a vacuum source to generate a sucking action on the web 2 to hold it in place.

[0105] Each suction surface arrangement comprises a recess MOR. Each recess MOR extends radially between a first end MORA, distal to the first rotation axis X1 , and a second end 140RB, opposite the first end MORA and proximal to the first rotation axis X1. In particular, the first end MORA defines a mouth, which is open to the outside environment, while the second end 140RB defines a bottom of the recess MOR.

[0106] The cutting system comprises a cutting roller 13. The cutting roller 13 rotates about a second rotation axis X2 parallel to the first rotation axis X1 . The cutting roller 13 is provided with a knife 130 configured for cutting the web. In particular, the transfer carousel 14 is configured to interact with the cutting roller 13 in a cutting zone T located downstream of the loading zone C with respect to the web movement path. The rotations of the transfer carousel 14 and of the cutting roller 13 are synchronized so that the knife 130 of the cutting roller is inserted cyclically into the recesses MOR of the transfer carousel 14 to cut a portion of the web 2 facing the recess MOR.

[0107] The cutting roller 13 comprises a shoe 131 , positioned alongside the knife 130. In particular, when the knife 130 is inserted into a recess MOR, the shoe 131 cooperates with the corresponding suction surface arrangement by pressing against the web 2 positioned on the suction surface arrangement.

[0108] The shoe 131 is configured to be elastically compressed responsive to an interaction with the transfer carousel 14.

[0109] The shoe 131 extends radially between a first end 131 A, distal to the second rotation axis X2 of the cutting roller 13 and configured to come into contact with the web 2, and a second end 131 B, proximal to the second rotation axis X2 and opposite the first end 131 A.

[0110] Figure 1A shows an embodiment, by way of example, in which the shoe 131 comprises a spring 132, connected to the second end 131 B of the shoe 131. In particular, the spring 132 is configured to be compressed towards the second rotation axis X2, to allow the shoe 131 to be retracted towards the second rotation axis X2, relative to a rest position, responsive to the interaction with the transfer carousel 14.

[0111] Figure 2 shows an embodiment, by way of example, in which the shoe 131 comprises a portion made from deformable material 133, located at the first end 131 A of the shoe 131. In particular, the portion made from deformable material 133 is configured to be deformed towards the second rotation axis X2, relative to a rest position, responsive to the interaction with the transfer carousel 14.

[0112] Each suction surface includes a leading expansion MOT and a trailing expansion 140C, where the leading expansion MOT precedes the trailing expansion 140C in the rotation direction of the transfer carousel. The recess MOR is interposed between the leading expansion MOT and the trailing expansion 140C. Preferably, the shoe 131 is located downstream of the knife 130 relative to a travel direction of the web 2 along the movement path (that is, the shoe 131 precedes the knife 130 relative to a travel direction of the web 2 along the movement path). The transfer carousel 14 and the cutting roller 13 are configured to rotate in opposite directions, so that the shoe 131 interacts with the leading expansion MOT of the suction surface arrangements to hold the web 2 in place.

[0113] In the drawings, the plurality of suction surface arrangements defines a corresponding plurality of suction protrusion arrangements 140, projecting radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel 14, away from the first rotation axis X1. In particular, the trailing expansion 140C and the leading expansion MOT project away from the first rotation axis X1 , while the recess MOR extends towards the first rotation axis X1. Also imaginable, however, are embodiments in which the suction surfaces are located flush with the periphery of the transfer carousel 14.

[0114] In an embodiment, the cutting roller 13 comprises an additional shoe 13T, located alongside the knife 130, so that the knife 130 is interposed between the shoe 131 and the additional shoe 13T, along the periphery of the cutting roller 13. In particular, the additional shoe 13T is located upstream of the knife 130 relative to a travel direction of the web 2 along the movement path (that is, the additional shoe 13T follows the knife 130 relative to a travel direction of the web 2 along the movement path). The additional shoe 13T interacts with the trailing expansion 140C of the suction surface arrangements to hold the web 2 in place.

[0115] The gluing roller 12 rotates about a third rotation axis X3, parallel to the first rotation axis X1 of the transfer carousel 14. The gluing roller 12 is configured to spread glue on the surfaces of the web 2.

[0116] The gluing roller 12 may be located downstream of the cutting roller 13. In particular, the rotation of the gluing roller 12 and the rotation of the transfer carousel 14 are synchronized so that the gluing roller 12 cooperates, in a gluing zone I, with the suction surfaces of the transfer carousel 14 to deposit glue. Thus, the gluing zone I is positioned downstream of the cutting zone T along the movement path of the web 2.

[0117] Preferably, the transfer carousel 14 is configured to carry the cut labels into contact with corresponding bottles 21 , or containers, in an unloading zone S, interacting with an unloading station or labelling machine 18.

[0118] In an example embodiment, the transfer carousel 14 comprises a plurality of suction elements 141 , angularly distributed around the periphery of the transfer carousel 14. The suction elements 141 are spaced from each other and from the suction surfaces. Preferably, the suction elements 141 are provided with suction ducts connected to the compressor or to the vacuum source to produce a sucking action which holds the web 2 in place during transportation. The suction elements 141 may have the function of transferring, or placing, the cut labels onto the bottles 21 being transported by the labelling machine 18.

[0119] During a work cycle, including a label 20 cutting step and a label 20 gluing step, the transfer carousel 14 rotates with a constant peripheral speed Vt; while the feed roller 11 and the cutting roller 13 vary their speeds within the same work cycle. Specifically, within the work cycle, the feed roller 11 varies its speed Vabetween a minimum speed Vamin, in which the speed of feed roller 1 1 has a speed Va=Vamin, and a maximum speed, in which the speed of feed roller 1 1 has a speed Va=Vamax. Specifically, feed roller 1 1 has a maximum speed Vamax in the cutting phase and has a minimum speed Vamin in a decelerated time interval Tdec placed temporally between the cutting phase of one label 20 and the cutting phase of the next label 20.

[0120] Specifically, the maximum speed Vamax of the feed roller 1 1 is equal to Vt so as to impart to the web 2 a feeding speed equal to the speed Vt of the transfer carousel 14.

[0121] Thereafter, the feed roller 1 1 slows down until it reaches Vamin and accelerates to return to Vamax again. The time between the instant it reaches Vamax, maintains a speed equal to Vamax, decelerates to Vamin and the instant it reaches Vamax again is called the cycle period Tc. The time between the instant in which it decelerates to reach Vamin, maintains Vamin speed, accelerates to reach Vamax and the instant in which it reaches Vamax is called the decelerated time interval Tdec, in which the rotational speed Vaof the feed roller 1 1 is always less than the rotational speed of the transfer carousel Vt (in other words, it is the time interval in which Vamin<=Va<Vamax). Specifically, in the decelerated time interval Tdec, the web 2 runs relative to the periphery of transfer carousel 14.

[0122] Specifically, within the work cycle, the cutting roller 13 varies its speed Vcbetween a minimum speed Vcmin, in which the speed of the cutting roller 13 has a speed Vc=Vcmin, and a maximum speed, in which the speed of the cutting roller 13 has a speed Vc=Vcmax. Specifically, the cutting roller 13 has a maximum speed Vcmax in the cutting phase and has a minimum speed Vcmin in a decelerated time interval Tdec placed temporally between the cutting phase of one label 20 and the cutting phase of the next label 20.

[0123] Specifically, the minimum speed Vcmin of cutting roller 13 is such that Vcmin < Vamin, while the speed Vcmax of cutting roller 13 is such that Vcmax = Vamax = Vt.

[0124] In the work cycle, there is an F1 phase including a gluing and cutting phase, in which the speed Vaof the feed roller 1 1 and the speed Vcof the cutting roller 13 is maximum and is equal to the speed Vt of the transfer carousel 14; in the work cycle, there is a F2 phase including a web 2 repositioning phase in which the speed of the feed roller 1 1 and the speed of the cutting roller 13 changes from Vamax to Vamin and vice versa.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cutting system for a labelling apparatus (1 ) comprising:- a transfer carousel (14), rotating about a first rotation axis (X1) and including a plurality of suction surface arrangements, angularly distributed along a periphery of the transfer carousel (14) and comprising corresponding recesses (MOR), the transfer carousel (14) being configured to receive a web (2) of label material from a feed roller (11 ) in a loading zone (C) and to keep the web (2) adherent to one or more of the suction surface arrangements;- a cutting roller (13), rotating about a second rotation axis (X2) parallel to first axis (X1 ) and provided with a knife (130) configured to cut the web (2) so as to divide the web (2) into pieces constituting labels (20), the transfer carousel (14) being configured to interact with the cutting roller (13) in a cutting zone (T), located downstream of the loading zone (C) with respect to the movement path of the web (2), wherein the rotations of the cutting roller (13) and of the transfer carousel (14) are synchronized so that the knife (130) of the cutting roller (13) is inserted cyclically into the recesses (MOR) of the transfer carousel (14) to cut the web (2), characterized in that the cutting roller (13) comprises a shoe, positioned alongside the knife (130) so that, with the knife in the cutting zone, it presses against the web (2) positioned on one of the suction surfaces of the corresponding suction surface arrangement.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the shoe is configured to be elastically compressed responsive to an interaction with the transfer carousel (14).

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the shoe comprises a spring configured to allow it to be elastically compressed.

4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the shoe comprises a portion made from a deformable material, configured to allow it to be elastic ally compressed.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shoe is located on the cutting roller (13) so it precedes the knife (130), relative to a rotation direction of the cutting roller (13), the transfer carousel (14) and the cutting roller (13) being configured to rotate in opposite directions.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the cutting roller (13) comprises an additional shoe, located alongside the knife (130), so that the knife is interposed between the shoe and the additional shoe, along a periphery of the cutting roller (13).

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shoe extends radially between a first end, distal to the second axis (X2) of the cutting roller (13), and a second end, opposite the first end and proximal to the second axis (X2) of the cutting roller (13), and wherein a distance between an outer portion of the suction surface cooperating with the shoe and the first end of the shoe is greater than 0.1 mm.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shoe and the knife (130) may be in contact with each other or laterally spaced from each other, on the cutting roller (13), by a distance less than 10 mm.

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the cutting zone (T), the knife (130) penetrates the recess to a depth of penetration of between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein each recess (MOR) has a mouth which is open to the outside environment and which has a predetermined width, this width being n times greater than the depth of penetration of the knife (130), where n is a number greater than or equal to 1 .

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of suction surface arrangements defines a corresponding plurality of suction protrusion arrangements, projecting radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel (14), away from the first rotation axis (X1 ).

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer carousel (14) is configured to bring the label (20) into contact with corresponding bottles (21 ), in an unloading zone (S).

13. A labelling apparatus (1 ), comprising:- a cutting system according to any one of the preceding claims,- a feed roller (11 ), configured to feed a web (2), the web (2) being made from a label material;- a gluing roller (12), rotating about a third rotation axis (X3), parallel to the first rotation axis (X1 ) of the transfer carousel (14) and configured to spread glue on the surfaces of the web (2), wherein the rotation of the gluing roller (12) and the rotation of the transfer carousel (14) are synchronized so that the gluing roller (12) cooperates with the suction surfaces of the transfer carousel (14) to deposit glue in a gluing zone (I) located downstream of the cutting zone (T) relative to the movement path of the web (2); wherein the transfer carousel (14) is configured to bring the labels (20) into contact with corresponding bottles (21 ), in an unloading zone.

14. A method for cutting a label in a labelling apparatus, comprising the following steps:- providing a transfer carousel (14), rotating about a first rotation axis (X1 ) and including a plurality of suction surface arrangements, angularly distributed along a periphery of the transfer carousel (14) and provided with corresponding recesses (MOR);- via the transfer carousel (14), receiving the web (2) from the feed roller (11 ) in a loading zone (C) and keeping the web (2) adherent to one or more of the suction surface arrangements;- providing a cutting roller (13), which rotates about a second rotation axis (X2), parallel to the first axis (X1 ), and which is provided with a knife (130) for cutting the web (2) to divide the web into pieces of web (2) constituting labels (20); wherein the transfer carousel (14) interacts with the cutting roller (13) in acutting zone (T) located downstream of the loading zone (C) with respect to the movement path of the web (2), wherein the rotations of the cutting roller (13) and of the transfer carousel (14) are synchronized so that the knife (130) of the cutting roller (13) is inserted cyclically into the recesses (MOR) of the transfer carousel (14) to cut the web (2), characterized in that the cutting roller (13) comprises a shoe, positioned alongside the knife (130) so that, with the knife in the cutting zone, it presses against the web (2) positioned on one of the suction surfaces of the corresponding suction surface arrangement.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the shoe is elastically compressed responsive to an interaction with the transfer carousel (14).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the shoe is located on the cutting roller (13) so it precedes the knife (130), relative to a rotation direction of the cutting roller (13), the transfer carousel (14) and the cutting roller (13) rotating in opposite directions.

17. A labelling method comprising the steps of a method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, the method comprising the following steps:- via a feed roller (11 ), feeding a web (2), the web (2) being made from a label material;- via a gluing roller (12) which rotates about a third rotation axis (X3), parallel to the first rotation axis (X1 ) of the transfer carousel (14), spreading glue on surfaces of the web (2), wherein the rotation of the gluing roller (12) and the rotation of the transfer carousel (14) are synchronized so that the gluing roller (12) deposits glue on the surfaces of the web (2) positioned at the suction surfaces arrangements (140) of the transfer carousel (14) in a gluing zone (I) located downstream of the cutting zone (T) relative to the movement path of the web (2); via the transfer carousel (14), transporting the labels (20) into contact with corresponding bottles (21 ), in an unloading zone (S).

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