Labelling apparatus and method

Abstract

A labelling apparatus (1) comprises: a feed roller (11); a gluing roller (12); a cutting roller (13), provided with a knife (130), and a transfer carousel (14), including suction protrusion arrangements (140), angularly distributed along a periphery of the transfer carousel (14) and provided with corresponding recesses (140R). The transfer carousel (14) receives a web (2) from the feed roller (11), holds it down on the suction protrusions (140), and carries the labels (20) to an unloading zone (S). The transfer carousel (14) interacts with the gluing roller (12) in a gluing zone (I) and with the cutting roller (13) in a cutting zone (T). The gluing roller (12) and the transfer carousel (14) rotate in opposite directions and the gluing zone (I) follows the cutting zone (T) relative to the movement path of the web (2). The gluing roller (12) cooperates with the suction protrusion arrangements (140) to spread glue and the knife (130) is cyclically inserted into the recesses (140R) of the suction protrusion arrangements (140) to cut the web (2) into labels (20).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION LABELLING APPARATUS AND METHOD

[0002] Technical field

[0003] This invention relates to a labelling apparatus and to a labelling method, for applying labels to the surface of containers.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Labelling is typical of the beverage industry and other industries where labels need to be provided with glue so that they can be applied to surfaces in a continuous-cycle industrial process.

[0006] Typically, the labels are obtained from a web that is wound on a roll. The roll is then cut to obtain the labels to be applied to the containers.

[0007] With regard to gluing, that is, the application of glue on suitable zones of the web, some solutions known in the prior art involve the use of a preglued web. Solutions where the web is pre-glued are described, for example, in patent documents EP1871674B1 and EP2507135B1.

[0008] In a solution of this kind, however, there is the risk of defects due to labels not being applied correctly, suggesting that it is preferable to adopt a different solution, where the glue is applied after the web is unwound, for example, just before or after it is cut.

[0009] An example of a system where the glue is applied after unwinding the web is described in patent document WO2019243203A1 , where the glue is applied to the web by a spray gun.

[0010] With regard to cutting, in some solutions known in the prior art, the web is transported by a drum which is provided with anvils, and is cut by one or more rotating knives, mounted on a cutting roller, which interact with the anvils to cut the web, interposed between the knife and the anvil, by pressure cutting. Examples of this approach are described in patent documents EP2067701 B1 , EP2221154B1 , EP2279954B1 ,

[0011] DE102013215999A1 and EP3919397A1. This approach, which involves interaction between knives and anvils to perform pressure cutting, has the disadvantage of causing the knives to wear rapidly.

[0012] An alternative cutting method is described in patent documents WO2021239626A1 , WO2021198072A1 and WO2022069415A1 , where the drum that transports the web while it is being cut is provided with slots which accommodate the knives. This system, however, has the disadvantage of being complex, which increases the cost of the apparatus. Another method for cutting the web is described in patent document EP3925743A1 , where the drum that transports the web while it is being cut is provided with recesses, and where a rotary knife, mounted on a cutting roller, interacts with the recesses. This cutting method has the advantage of being more economical than the solution with the blades housed in the slots of the transporting drum and is more reliable than the solution in which the blades interact with the anvils. The apparatus of patent document EP3925743A1 , however, has the disadvantage of being complex and cumbersome. Moreover, the approach proposed by EP3925743A1 to tension the web when it is being cut by making use of the rotation of the transporting drum in combination with the selective use of suction upstream and downstream of the recess, is complicated and not very reliable.

[0013] Patent document EP3647213A1 describes a cutting system provided with a plurality of suction supports that define a path; between two consecutive supports there a recess is located that is configured to interact with a knife so to cut the label. These supports are connected to a rotating shaft in such a way that they rotate around an axis and simultaneously move relative to each other. So, this system is particularly inconvenient and complex because at the time of cutting it is necessary for two consecutive supports to be in the appropriate position to allow the knife to be inserted into the recess formed by the two consecutive supports. In this context, there remains a need for an apparatus for gluing and cutting a web and then applying the labels, which is compact, or reduced in size, which is capable of applying glue on the web after unwinding it, and which has a cutting system that is simple, robust and reliable. There is also a need to prevent the knife from being dirtied with glue so that it can give the label a good clean cut.

[0014] Disclosure of the invention

[0015] This disclosure has for an aim to provide a labelling apparatus and method to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0016] More specifically, the aim of this disclosure is to provide a labelling apparatus and method allowing the web to be glued and cut after being unwound and then allowing the labels to be applied using an apparatus that is particularly reduced in size. Another aim of the disclosure is to (glue and) cut the labels in a particularly simple, robust and reliable manner.

[0017] These aims are fully achieved by the labelling apparatus and method of this disclosure, as characterized in the appended claims.

[0018] The purpose of the labelling apparatus is essentially that of providing a succession of labels with glue on them and intended to be applied to respective containers.

[0019] More specifically, the labels are made from a polymeric material, but they could be made from other materials.

[0020] The labels are obtained by cutting a 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 because the cut is perpendicular to the web; embodiments in which the labels have a different shape (for example, rhomboidal) are not excluded, however.

[0021] Each label is provided with glue on a leading end zone and a trailing end zone of it; thus, each piece (defining a corresponding label) has a leading end zone and a trailing end zone which are provided with glue the moment they are ready to be applied to the container.

[0022] The apparatus comprises a feed roller. The feed roller has the function of applying an entraining action on the web; for this purpose, the web is at feast partly wound around the feed roller. In an example, the feed roller rotates about a vertical axis. The feed roller is configured to feed the web.

[0023] The labelling apparatus also comprises a gluing roller. The gluing roller has the function of spreading glue on surfaces of the web; more specifically, on surfaces of the web intended to define the leading end and trailing end zones provided with glue. In an example, the gluing roller rotates about a vertical axis. In particular, the gluing roller rotates about a third rotation axis.

[0024] The labelling apparatus may comprise a glue reservoir configured to feed glue to the gluing roller. The apparatus may also comprise a scraper, mounted in such a way as to follow the glue reservoir with respect to a rotation direction of the gluing roller and configured to regulate the distribution of the glue (that is, a glue level) on an outside surface of the gluing roller.

[0025] The gluing roller may also have, on its outside surface, a plurality of ridges and / or grooves, for example, defining a knurled surface, or alternating grooves and ridges defining a predetermined pattern.

[0026] The labelling apparatus also comprises a cutting roller. The cutting roller has the function of cutting the web to separate the pieces. The cutting roller is provided with at least one knife configured for cutting the web. The at least one knife rotates as one with the cutting roller. In an example, the cutting roller rotates about a vertical axis. In particular, the cutting roller rotates about a second rotation axis.

[0027] The labelling apparatus also comprises a transfer carousel. The transfer carousel has the function of defining a web movement path, along which the web is kept adherent to the transfer carousel (for example, on a lateral surface of the transfer carousel). The transfer carousel rotates about a first rotation axis. Thus, the second rotation axis is parallel to the first rotation axis and the third rotation axis is parallel to the first rotation axis.

[0028] The web interacts with the cutting roller in a cutting zone along the movement path; thus, the transfer carousel has the function of interacting with the cutting roller to cut the pieces.

[0029] In an example embodiment, the web also interacts with the gluing roller in a gluing zone along the movement path; the transfer carousel, therefore, also has the function of interacting with the gluing roller to apply glue to the surfaces of the web. In particular, the gluing roller and the transfer carousel may be configured to rotate in opposite directions; that way, the respective tangential speeds at the gluing zone are concordant.

[0030] The transfer carousel receives the web from the feed roller in a loading zone.

[0031] The transfer carousel is configured to make the cut (and glued) labels available at the exit, in an unloading zone.

[0032] In an example embodiment, the movement path also includes a stretch that is positioned downstream of the cutting zone. In this case, the movement path is a path for moving the web as far as the cutting zone, after which, downstream of the cutting zone, it is a path for moving the pieces of web, that is to say, the labels.

[0033] In this case, in an example embodiment, the transfer carousel, along the movement path downstream of the cutting zone, cooperates with a labelling machine (or a central carousel) to transfer the labels onto the containers (in the unloading zone); thus, the transfer carousel also has the function of transferring the cut and glued labels to the containers (which are on the labelling machine and moving along a respective container movement path; for example, the labelling machine may be a rotary machine or, alternatively, a linear machine).

[0034] The unloading zone is angularly spaced from the loading zone along a web movement path. The gluing zone and the cutting zone are angularly interposed between the loading zone and the unloading zone with respect to the web movement path. Preferably, the gluing zone follows the cutting zone in the feed direction of the web from the loading zone to the unloading zone, that is to say, with respect to the movement path of the web (but the opposite might also be true). Applying the glue after cutting prevents the knife from being dirtied with glue and thus allows the knife to give the label a good clean cut.

[0035] In an example embodiment, the transfer carousel includes a plurality of suction protrusion arrangements (suction pads or shoes), angularly distributed along a periphery of the transfer carousel.

[0036] Each suction protrusion arrangement may comprise one suction protrusion (that is, a single suction protrusion) or it may comprise a pair of suction protrusions (that is, one gluing suction protrusion and one cutting suction protrusion).

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, the following description applies to both the first embodiment, comprising one (single) suction protrusion, and the second embodiment, comprising a pair of suction protrusions (for each suction protrusion arrangement).

[0038] Each protrusion of the suction protrusion arrangement is provided with a recess (oriented radially, that is to say, a radial recess). The recess divides each suction protrusion into two portions, or expansions, so that each suction protrusion includes a leading expansion and a trailing expansion, the recess being interposed between the leading expansion and the trailing expansion. For each suction protrusion, the leading expansion and the trailing expansion project radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel, away from the axis of rotation of the transfer carousel. For each suction protrusion, the leading expansion precedes the trailing expansion in the rotation direction of the transfer carousel.

[0039] The transfer carousel is configured to keep the web (received from the feed roller in the loading zone) adherent to one or more of the suction protrusion arrangements. In an example, the transfer carousel is also configured to hold the labels with the suction protrusions, while bringing the labels into contact with corresponding bottles.

[0040] Preferably, the plurality of suction protrusions is located on the transfer carousel. In particular, the plurality of suction protrusions is configured to move integral with the transfer carousel. The transfer carousel may rotate about a rotation axis, for example at a constant speed. Preferably, the plurality of suction protrusions systems is configured to move (around the axis of rotation) at a speed equal to the speed of the transfer carousel. More specifically, the recess moves in solidarity with the suction protrusion and, more specifically, in solidarity with the transfer carousel.

[0041] Since the suction protrusions move integral with the transfer carousel at the same speed, the distance one suction protrusion and the next suction protrusion is constant.

[0042] Preferably, each suction protrusion of the suction protrusion system includes a pair of portions (or expansions) and a recess, where the recess is interposed between the expansions and the expansions are carved on the same body. In other words, each suction protrusion includes a body having a pair of expansions and a recess interposed between the two expansions.

[0043] The rotation of the cutting roller and the rotation of the transfer carousel are synchronized so that the at least one knife of the cutting roller is inserted cyclically into the recesses of the suction protrusion arrangements in order to cut the web. The interaction between the knife of the cutting roller and the recesses of the suction protrusion arrangements of the transfer carousel takes place during a step of cutting. Thus, the web is cut during the step of cutting to separate a piece of it; in particular, the cutting roller and the transfer carousel may be configured to rotate in opposite directions; that way, the respective tangential speeds at the cutting zone are concordant.

[0044] Also, the rotation of the gluing roller is synchronized with the rotation of the transfer carousel so that the gluing roller cooperates with the suction protrusion arrangements of the transfer carousel to apply glue on the zones of the web corresponding to the leading end zones and the trailing end zones of the labels. The interaction between the gluing roller and the suction protrusion arrangements of the transfer carousel takes place during a step of gluing. Thus, the glue is applied to the web to make the glue (or adhesive) zones of the web during the step of gluing.

[0045] There is therefore at least a first embodiment and second embodiment. In the first embodiment, each suction protrusion arrangement of the plurality of suction protrusion arrangements comprises one suction protrusion (that is, a single suction protrusion); in this case, the suction protrusion preferably interacts with the gluing roller and also with the cutting roller, that is to say, the gluing roller and the cutting roller are configured to interact with the same suction protrusion. In a second embodiment, each suction protrusion arrangement of the plurality of suction protrusion arrangements comprises one gluing suction protrusion and one cutting suction protrusion (defining a pair of suction protrusions); the gluing suction protrusion is configured for interacting with the gluing roller during a step of gluing, and the cutting suction protrusion is configured for interacting with the cutting roller during a step of cutting.

[0046] The apparatus also includes a control unit.

[0047] It should be noted that synchronizing may be accomplished by (exclusively) mechanical systems. Synchronizing, however, is preferably accomplished through the control unit, also because the cutting roller, the gluing roller and the transfer carousel each include their own drive motor unit, configured to set them in rotation about the respective axes of rotation. In this case, the control unit is connected to the gluing roller, to the cutting roller and to the transfer carousel (that is, to the motor drive units of the gluing roller, cutting roller and transfer carousel) to synchronize their respective rotations, so that the gluing roller cooperates with the suction protrusion arrangements of the transfer carousel to apply glue at the leading and trailing expansions, and so that the at least one knife of the cutting roller is inserted cyclically into the recesses of the suction protrusion arrangements in order to cut the web.

[0048] The fact that cutting, gluing and transfer of the labels to the bottles take place on the same transfer carousel, provided with recesses, make the apparatus particularly compact and reliable. In effect, this configuration reduces the number of components and allows placing them in a reduced space, as well as avoiding the need to make the knives interact with anvils or other contact surfaces.

[0049] In an embodiment, the trailing expansion is operatively at a retracted position relative to the leading expansion. In other words, the trailing expansion protrudes radially from the transfer carousel to a lesser extent than the leading expansion. Thus, the gluing roller is configured to interact with the leading expansion to apply glue on the surface of the web positioned at the leading expansions.

[0050] For example, each suction protrusion arrangement may be shaped asymmetrically about an axis through a centre (that is, about an axis through a centre of the suction protrusion arrangement or through the recess and the rotation axis of the transfer carousel), so that the trailing expansion protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel to a lesser extent than the leading expansion. Thus, the trailing protrusion projects less from a surface of the transfer carousel than the leading protrusion.

[0051] In addition or alternatively, the trailing expansion may be movable between an extracted position and a (radially) retracted position, where, at the retracted position, it protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel to a lesser extent than the leading expansion. At the extracted position, the trailing expansion may protrude radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel to the same extent as the leading expansion or, if necessary, to a lesser extent.

[0052] The trailing expansion may be configured to withdraw relative to the leading expansion radially towards the rotation axis of the transfer carousel, at least in the gluing area. For example, the trailing expansion may be moved by a cam.

[0053] Preferably, in a working cycle, the gluing roller is configured to apply the glue (that is to say, the gluing roller is configured to cooperate with the suction protrusion arrangements of the transfer carousel to apply the glue) and the cutting roller is configured to cut a label from the web (that is, at least one knife of the cutting roller is inserted into a recess of the suction protrusion arrangements to cut a label from the web). In other words, a working cycle comprises a step of gluing and a step of cutting a label from the web.

[0054] In particular, in the case where the cutting roller (that is, the cutting zone) precedes the gluing roller (that is, the gluing zone), the step of cutting precedes the step of gluing a label.

[0055] In an example embodiment, in the working cycle, the transfer carousel rotates at a constant angular speed. That way, even a peripheral speed of the transfer carousel (that is, the peripheral speed of the zone of the transfer carousel adapted to receive and keep the web adherent to it) is constant.

[0056] Further, the angular speed of the transfer carousel is variable (from one working cycle to the next working cycle or in the same working cycle), for example, as a function of a production speed of the apparatus or, more specifically, as a function of an angular speed of a central carousel, configured to receive a plurality of bottles and to interact with the transfer carousel to bring the cut labels into contact with the bottles.

[0057] In an example embodiment, the feed roller may be configured to vary its rotation speed, in the same working cycle, between a maximum value and a minimum value (that is, a value that is reduced or less than the maximum value). For example, the control unit may be programmed to vary the rotation speed of the feed roller (preferably in the same working cycle) between the maximum value and the minimum value. In this case, the maximum speed of the feed roller is set to impart to the web a movement speed that is equal to the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel. Thus, when the feed roller rotates at the maximum speed, the movement speed imparted to the web by the feed roller coincides with the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel. On the other hand, when the feed roller rotates at the minimum speed (or in any case at a speed that is reduced, tower or toss than the maximum speed), the movement speed imparted to the web by the feed roller is less than the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel; this produces sliding, causing the transfer carousel (which is moving at a higher speed along the movement path) and the web, kept adherent to it (and moving more slowly, also along the movement path), to slide (that is, to slip) relative to each other.

[0058] The rotation of the feed roller is synchronized (that is, in phase) with the rotations of the transfer carousel (in other words, the control unit is programmed to coordinate the rotations), of the gluing roller and of the cutting roller, so that the feed roller has its maximum speed during the steps of gluing and cutting; also, the rotation of the feed roller is synchronized (that is, in phase) so that the feed roller has its minimum speed in a decelerated time interval that follows the step of cutting a label (and precedes the step of cutting the next label); preferably, the decelerated time interval is located temporally between the step of cutting a label and the step of gluing in the next cycle. In addition, or alternatively, the decelerated time interval is located temporally between the step of gluing a label and the step of cutting the label. In this regard, the speed of the feed roller may adopt a first minimum speed in a first decelerated time interval, located temporally between the step of gluing and the step of cutting a label, and a second minimum speed in a second decelerated time interval, located temporally between the step of cutting the label and a step of gluing a label in a subsequent working cycle. In this regard, the decelerated time interval comprises the first decelerated time interval and the second decelerated time interval.

[0059] It should be noted that the term "minimum" comprises both the case in which the minimum is relative, and the case in which the minimum is absolute (for example, the first minimum speed may be a relative minimum and the second minimum speed may be an absolute minimum, or vice versa).

[0060] Thus, during the decelerated time interval, the feed roller produces sliding between the web, positioned in contact with the periphery of the transfer carousel, and the transfer carousel itself.

[0061] The rotation of the feed roller is synchronized (that is, in phase) with the rotations of the transfer carousel (in other words, the control unit is programmed to coordinate the rotations) so that at the end of the decelerated time interval, when the speed of the feed roller is again at its maximum, the web is positioned on the transfer carousel with a portion of the web to be cut and / or glued located at the recess of one of the suction protrusion arrangements.

[0062] It should be noted that, operatively, the suction protrusion arrangements are disposed along the periphery of the transfer carousel so that two consecutive suction protrusion arrangements are spaced by an arc that is greater than the length of the labels (the pieces of web constituting the labels have a predetermined length). Thus, the sliding resulting from the slowing down of the feed roller relative to the transfer carousel has the effect of spacing the piece just cut from the rest of the web (because while the web slows down, the cut piece continues to move as one with the transfer carousel). Moreover, the sliding resulting from the slowing down of the feed roller relative to the transfer carousel has the effect of repositioning the web correctly relative to the next portion of web to be glued and cut so that this portion is aligned with the next suction protrusion arrangement.

[0063] It should be noted that the gluing roller is configured to interact with the suction protrusion arrangements to apply the glue on the surfaces of the web at the leading and trailing expansions (without applying any glue on the web portion interposed between the leading end and trailing end zones, that is, in the zone of the web facing the recess of the suction protrusion) so that each piece has a leading end zone and a trailing end zone that are provided with glue (and has no glue on the web portion interposed between the two glue zones, that web portion being the portion that will receive the cut). In other words, at each interaction between the gluing roller and the web coupled to one of the suction protrusions, glue is spread on two zones (that is, on a pair of zones) that are close to each other but separated by a gap along the movement direction of the web, these zones of the pair of zones corresponding to the trailing end portion of one piece and the leading end portion of the next piece; in effect, the cut is made after the step of gluing in the zone of the web interposed between the two glue zones of the pair.

[0064] In an embodiment, the feed roller has a maximum speed in a step of cutting and in a step of gluing, and a minimum speed in a decelerated time interval, located temporally between the step of gluing and a step of cutting a label in the next cycle. Thus, in the step of cutting and in the step of gluing, the gluing roller is configured to move the web at a speed equal to the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel. After the step of gluing, that is, after passing the gluing zone (along the feed path of the web), the feed roller is configured to move the web at a speed that is lower than the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel in a decelerated time interval. In the decelerated time interval, the cut and glued label proceeds along the movement path at a speed equal to the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel; in the decelerated time interval, the web is configured to slide (or glide) along the periphery of the transfer carousel so that a trailing end zone of the next label (that is to say, the one still to be cut, following the one just cut and glued) is placed at the next leading expansion (following the one where cutting has just occurred).

[0065] It is noted that in this case, preferably, a distance between the cutting zone and the gluing zone (that is, a distance between the cutting roller and the gluing roller) is less than the length of the label. Also, the gluing roller is configured to cooperate with the suction protrusion arrangement on which the label was cut; thus, the gluing roller is configured to apply glue on the trailing end zone of the label just cut and on the leading end zone of the next label. It is also noted that in this case, the suction protrusion arrangement may be symmetrical about an axis through a centre of the arrangement and the rotation axis of the transfer carousel, that is to say, the leading expansion protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel to the same extent as the trailing expansion.

[0066] In an example, in the case where the cutting zone precedes the gluing zone (that is, the cutting roller precedes the gluing roller), the feed roller may have a maximum speed in a step of cutting and a minimum speed in a decelerated time interval, located temporally between the step of cutting the label and the step of gluing the cut label. Thus, in the step of cutting, the feed roller is configured to move the web at a speed equal to the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel. After the step of cutting, that is, after passing the cutting zone (along the feed path of the web), the feed roller is configured to move the web at a speed that is lower than the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel in a decelerated time interval. In the decelerated time interval, the web is configured to slide along the periphery of the transfer carousel so that a trailing end zone of the next label (that is to say, the one still to be cut, following the one just cut) is placed at the next leading expansion (following the one where cutting has just occurred). In the decelerated time interval, the cut label proceeds at a speed equal to the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel, so that the gluing roller interacts with the leading end zone and with the trailing end zone of the cut label in order to apply glue thereon.

[0067] It is noted that in this case, preferably, a distance between the cutting zone and the gluing zone (that is, a distance between the cutting roller and the gluing roller) is greater than the length of the label. The gluing roller cooperates with the suction elements and with the leading expansion of the suction protrusion arrangement on which cutting occurred. It is also noted that the trailing expansion is operatively at the retracted position relative to the leading expansion, that is to say, the trailing expansion protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel to a lesser extent than the leading expansion; in effect, in the time interval, the web, by sliding on the transfer carousel, uncovers the trailing expansion and the fact that the trailing expansion is at the retracted position relative to the leading expansion, allows preventing the protrusion from being dirtied with glue when the protrusion arrangement interacts with the gluing roller.

[0068] It should be noted that for each suction protrusion, the leading expansion and the trailing expansion are suction expansions; for example, the leading expansion and the trailing expansion are provided with suction ducts connected to a compressor or to a vacuum source.

[0069] In an example embodiment, each suction protrusion is configured to produce a sucking action (also) in the recess. This sucking action in the zone where the recess is has the function of tensioning the portion of web positioned at the recess. Tensioning the web in the zone where the web is to be cut has the advantage of improving the quality of the cut in a particularly simple manner. Alternative solutions for obtaining the tensioning effect on the portion of web facing the recess are also imaginable: for example, the two expansions of the suction protrusion may oscillate towards and away from each other along the movement path.

[0070] In an example embodiment, when each suction protrusion arrangement of the plurality of suction protrusion arrangements comprises a gluing suction protrusion, to interact with the gluing roller, and a cutting suction protrusion, to interact with the cutting roller, the feed roller is configured to produce a first sliding action between the web and the transfer carousel, in the first decelerated time interval, and a second sliding action between the web and the transfer carousel, in the second decelerated time interval, so that at the end of the second decelerated time interval, the web is positioned on the transfer carousel with the portion of web to be cut located at the recess of a cutting suction protrusion.

[0071] In an embodiment form, the cutting roller and the gluing roller are located at an angular distance of 10° to 30°, more particularly, at an angular distance of substantially 20°, wherein the angular distance is between a radius joining the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation and a radius joining the first axis of rotation and the third axis of rotation. The distance between the cutting roller and the gluing roller may be such that the head expansion and tail expansion of a suction projection are completely covered by the web at the time when that suction protrusion is in the gluing zone (in other words, at the time when that suction protrusion interacts with the gluing roller).

[0072] For example, the feed roller is configured to vary its speed throughout the work cycle. For example, the speed of the feed roller is synchronized so that the feed roller has minimum speed in a time interval between a phase of gluing a label and a phase of cutting a subsequent label. The feed speed is synchronized so that the feed roller has maximum speed (preferably equal to the speed of the transfer roller) in a time interval between a label cutting step and a label gluing step. The function of the decelerated time interval is to allow the web to slide relative to the transfer carousel so that it is positioned at a recess.

[0073] In this case, the smaller the distance between the cutting roller and the gluing roller (e.g., 20°), the smaller the time interval in which the tape feeding speed is minimum. Having an interval where the feeding speed is as small as possible is particularly advantageous, for example, to ensure adequate label production speed.

[0074] In one example, the diameter of the gluing roller is between 0160 and 0110, more specifically the diameter of the gluing roller is basically 0120. Reducing the diameter of the gluing roller allows the cutting roller and the gluing roller to be brought closer together.

[0075] In an embodiment form, the cutting roller extends along the second axis between a first end and a second end. The cutting roller may include a movement system configured to move the cutting roller around the second axis, more particularly to move the knife around the second axis; the gluing roller extends along the third axis between a first end and a second end and includes a movement system to move it around the third axis. The first end of the cutting roller and the first end of the gluing roller are in the same half-plane that cuts the transfer carousel perpendicular to the first axis of the transfer carousel. The cutting roller movement system and the gluing roller movement system can be placed at the same end (e.g., both at the first end or the second end), or at opposite ends (e.g., one system placed at the first end and the other system at the second end or vice versa).

[0076] Having the movement systems placed at opposite ends allows the cutting roller and the gluing roller to be brought closer together.This disclosure also provides a labelling method.

[0077] The method comprises a step of feeding a web (the web being made from a label material). Preferably, the step of feeding the web is carried out by a feed roller.

[0078] The method also comprises a step of cutting the web to divide the web into pieces of web that form the labels. The step of cutting is carried out by a cutting roller on which at least one knife is mounted. The cutting roller may rotate about a second axis.

[0079] The method also comprises a step of gluing, that is, a step of applying glue to surfaces of the web. The step of gluing is carried out preferably by a gluing roller. The gluing roller may rotate about a third axis.

[0080] The method also comprises a step of moving the web along a movement path.

[0081] This movement is carried out by means of a transfer carousel. The transfer carousel may rotate about a first axis. In particular, the second axis and the third axis are parallel to the first axis. The gluing roller and the transfer carousel may rotate in opposite directions.

[0082] The transfer carousel receives the web (from the feed roller) in a loading zone and keeps it adherent as the web moves along a movement path.

[0083] The step of cutting is carried out during the step of moving the web along a movement path. More specifically, the transfer carousel interacts with the cutting roller in a cutting zone. The cutting zone is positioned downstream of the loading zone with respect to the web movement path.

[0084] The transfer carousel transports the pieces cut from the web up to an unloading zone; thus, the movement path has a first stretch (upstream of the cutting zone), where the web is uncut, and a second stretch (downstream of the cutting zone), where the labels are.

[0085] The step of gluing is carried out during step of moving the web along a movement path. More specifically, the transfer carousel interacts with the gluing roller in a gluing zone. The gluing zone (like the cutting zone) is positioned downstream of the loading zone. The gluing zone and the cutting zone are positioned upstream of the unloading zone. Thus, the gluing zone and the cutting zone are angularly interposed between the loading zone and the unloading zone with respect to the web movement path.

[0086] The gluing zone may precede or follow the cutting zone with respect to the web movement path.

[0087] In the unloading zone, the labels are transferred to a labelling machine (or central carousel); for example, the labelling machine includes a labelling carousel and the labels are transferred to the labelling carousel, that is, directly onto the bottles transported by the labelling carousel. Alternatively, in the unloading zone, the labels may be fed out directly or transferred to an additional transfer carousel.

[0088] In an example embodiment, the transfer carousel includes a plurality of suction protrusion arrangements, angularly distributed along a periphery of the transfer carousel. In a (first) embodiment, each suction protrusion arrangement may comprise one suction protrusion (that is, a single suction protrusion) or, in a (second) embodiment, it may comprise a pair of suction protrusions (that is, one gluing suction protrusion and one cutting suction protrusion).

[0089] It is stressed that the concepts described in this disclosure with regard to the first and second embodiments of the apparatus also apply to the method.

[0090] Each suction protrusion of the suction protrusion arrangements may be provided with a corresponding recess. In this case, as the web moves along the movement path, the web (or each piece of web) is kept adherent to one or more suction protrusion arrangements (from the loading zone to the unloading zone).

[0091] The method comprises synchronizing the steps of moving (on the transfer carousel) and cutting. Preferably, the method comprises synchronizing the steps of moving, cutting and feeding. More preferably, the method comprises synchronizing the steps of moving, cutting, feeding and gluing.

[0092] In this context, the rotation of the cutting roller and the rotation of the transfer carousel are synchronized so that the at least one knife of the cutting roller is inserted cyclically into the recesses of the suction protrusion arrangements in order to cut the web.

[0093] The rotations of the gluing roller and of the transfer carousel are synchronized so that the gluing roller applies glue on the surfaces of the web positioned at the suction protrusion arrangements of the transfer carousel.

[0094] The method may comprise a step of feeding glue to the gluing roller via a glue reservoir. There may also be a step of regulating the distribution of the glue (that is, a glue level) on the outside surface of the gluing roller via a scraper. The scraper is mounted in such a way as to follow the glue reservoir with respect to a rotation direction of the gluing roller.

[0095] The gluing roller may also have, on its outside surface, a plurality of ridges and / or grooves to define a knurled surface.

[0096] In an embodiment, preferably at least in the step of gluing, the trailing expansion is at a retracted position relative to the leading expansion so that the gluing roller interacts with the leading expansion to apply glue on the surface of the web positioned at the leading expansion.

[0097] For example, each suction protrusion arrangement may be shaped asymmetrically about an axis through a centre so that the trailing expansion protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel to a lesser extent than the leading expansion. Alternatively, or in addition, the trailing expansion may be movable between an extracted position and a retracted position), where, at the retracted position, it protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel to a lesser extent than the leading expansion.

[0098] In an example embodiment, the transfer carousel rotates at a constant angular speed. The peripheral speed of the transfer carousel is also constant.

[0099] Preferably, in a working cycle, the gluing roller applies the glue and the cutting roller cuts a label from the web. Thus, in a working cycle, the transfer carousel can rotate at a constant angular speed, so that the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel is constant.

[0100] The feed roller can vary its rotation speed, for example, in a working cycle, between a maximum value, where the movement speed it imparts to the web is equal to the peripheral speed of the transfer carousel, and a minimum value. Thus, the speed of the feed roller varies periodically according to a predetermined curve, defining a period that corresponds to (that is, depends on) the working cycle of the apparatus. The period (which is a time interval) of the feed roller speed includes a synchronous phase (that is, a synchronous time interval), where the rotation speed has a maximum value, and a decelerated phase (that is a decelerated time interval), where the rotation speed of the feed roller is less than the maximum speed. Thus, the minimum value of the rotation speed of the feed roller is adopted in the decelerated time interval. In the decelerated time interval, the feed roller produces sliding between the web, positioned in contact with the periphery of the transfer carousel, and the transfer carousel itself. At the end of the decelerated time interval (in the synchronous time interval), the web is positioned on the transfer carousel with the portion of web to be cut located at the recess of one of the suction protrusion arrangements and the web resumes moving synchronously with the movement of the transfer carousel.

[0101] In an example embodiment, the rotations of the gluing roller, of the cutting roller and of the transfer carousel are synchronized so that the feed roller has the maximum speed during the steps of gluing and cutting. In an example embodiment, the rotations of the gluing roller, of the cutting roller and of the transfer carousel are synchronized so that the decelerated time interval is located temporally between the step of cutting a label and the step of gluing the next label; in this case, preferably, each suction protrusion arrangement comprises one (single) suction protrusion which interacts with both the gluing roller in the step of applying the glue and with the cutting roller in the step of cutting.

[0102] In another example, the rotations of the gluing roller, of the cutting roller and of the transfer carousel are synchronized so that the decelerated time interval comprises a first decelerated time interval, located temporally between the step of gluing and the step of cutting a label, and a second decelerated time interval, located temporally between the step of cutting the label and a step of gluing a label in a subsequent cycle; in this case, preferably, each suction protrusion arrangement comprises a gluing suction protrusion, to interact with the gluing roller in the step of applying the glue, and a cutting suction protrusion, to interact with the cutting roller in the step of cutting. In the first decelerated time interval, the feed roller produces a first sliding action between the transfer carousel and the web positioned in contact with the periphery of the transfer carousel. At the end of the first decelerated time interval (in the synchronous time interval), the web is positioned on the transfer carousel with the portion of web to be cut located at the recess of one of the suction protrusion arrangements and the web resumes moving synchronously with the movement of the transfer carousel in the step of cutting. In the second decelerated time interval, the feed roller produces a second sliding action between the transfer carousel and the web. At the end of the second decelerated time interval (in the synchronous time interval), the web is positioned on the transfer carousel with the portion of web to be glued located at the recess of one of the suction protrusion arrangements and the web resumes moving synchronously with the movement of the transfer carousel in the step of gluing.

[0103] Preferably, in each working cycle, the step of gluing precedes the step of cutting; in any case, the steps of cutting and gluing are carried out during the synchronous time interval (in the context of the period of varying the speed of the feed roller).

[0104] In an example, however, in each working cycle, the step of gluing precedes the step of cutting.

[0105] In an embodiment, the gluing roller interacts with the suction protrusion arrangement to apply glue on the surfaces of the web positioned at the leading and trailing expansions; in this case, the feed roller has a maximum speed in the steps of cutting and gluing, and a minimum speed in a decelerated time interval, located temporally between the step of gluing and the step of cutting a label in the next cycle (that is, located temporally after the step of cutting and before the step of cutting a label in the next cycle).

[0106] It should be noted that if gluing occurs after and at a relatively large distance from cutting, the decelerated time interval is located temporally between the step, of cutting the label and the step of cutting the next label; if gluing occurs after but at a relatively small distance from cutting, the decelerated time interval is located temporally between the step of gluing a label and the step of gluing a label in the next cycle.

[0107] In an example embodiment, the method comprises a step of generating a negative pressure in the recess, for example, by air suction in the recess; this causes the portion of web positioned at the recess during the step of cutting to be tensioned.

[0108] Brief description of drawings

[0109] 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:

[0110] - Figures 1A-1 D and 2A-2D illustrate an apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0111] - Figure 3 shows a cutting roller 13 interacting with a transfer carousel 14 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0112] - Figure 4 shows a gluing roller 12 interacting with a transfer carousel 14 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0113] - Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0114] - Figures 6A-6C illustrate parts of a gluing roller 12 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0115] - Figures 7A-7D, 9A-9E and 10A-10D show operating sequences of an apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0116] - Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a suction protrusion arrangement 140 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0117] - Figures 11 A and 11 B show a graph of a rotation speed of a feed roller 11 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0118] - Figures 12A-12C illustrate an apparatus 1 according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0119] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0120] 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 feed roller 11 , gluing roller 12, cutting roller 13 and transfer carousel 14 each rotate about a respective axis of rotation. In particular, the transfer carousel 14 is configured to rotate about a first rotation axis X1 , the cutting roller 13 is configured to rotate about a second rotation axis X2 parallel to the first rotation axis X1 , and the gluing roller 12 is configured to rotate about a third rotation axis X3 parallel to the first rotation axis X1 .

[0121] The apparatus 1 also comprises a first roll 15A and a second roll 15B, each consisting of a web 2 of label material wound on a reel. The apparatus 1 comprises a film buffer (or rocker arm) 16, configured to receive the unwound web 2 from the first roll 15A or from the second roll 15B. Preferably, the film buffer 16 receives the web 2 unwound from the first roll 15A, while the second roll 15B remains on standby, or vice versa, that is to say, the film buffer 16 receives the web 2 unwound from the second roll 15B, while the first roll 15B remains on standby. The function of the film buffer 16 is to keep the tension of the web 2 constant. The apparatus 1 comprises a web guide 17, configured to receive the tensioned web 2 from the film buffer 16 and to orient and align the web 2 to be fed to the feed roller 11 .

[0122] The feed roller 11 receives the web from the web guide 17 and feeds the web 2 to the transfer carousel 14, in a loading zone C.

[0123] The gluing roller 12 is configured to interact with the transfer carousel 14 to spread glue on surfaces of the web 2, in a gluing zone I.

[0124] The apparatus 1 may comprise a glue reservoir 121 , configured to feed glue to the gluing roller 12. The apparatus 1 may also comprise a scraper 122, mounted in such a way as to follow the glue reservoir 121 with respect to a rotation direction of the gluing roller 12 and configured to regulate the distribution of the glue (that is, a glue level) on an outside surface 120 of the gluing roller 12.

[0125] The gluing roller 12 may also have, on its outside surface 120, a plurality of ridges and / or grooves to define a knurled surface, or alternating grooves and ridges defining a predetermined pattern. For example, each ridge may define a parallelepiped protruding from the outside surface of the gluing roller 12. Each parallelepiped may have a first side and a second side, consecutive to the first, so as to define a pair of first sides L1 and a pair of second sides L2. Preferably, the sides L1 and L2 are the same length.

[0126] The cutting roller 13 includes a knife 130 configured to interact with the transfer carousel 14 to cut the web 2 so as to divide the web 2 into pieces constituting labels 20, in a cutting zone T.

[0127] The transfer carousel 14 thus receives the web 2 from the feed roller 11 in the loading zone C; it then interacts with the gluing roller 12 in the gluing zone I to apply glue to the web 2, and with the cutting roller 13 in the cutting zone T to divide the web 2 into labels 20.

[0128] Also, in the loading zone, the transfer carousel 14 might receive the web 2 from the feed roller 11 , which interacts with the cutting roller 13 in the cutting zone T to divide the web 2 into labels 20, and then with the gluing roller 12 in the gluing zone I to apply glue to the label 20.

[0129] The apparatus 1 comprises a central carousel 18, rotating about an axis of its own, an infeed station 18A for a plurality of bottles 21 to be labelled, and an outfeed station 18B for the plurality of bottles 21 after being labelled. The central carousel 18 is configured to receive the plurality of bottles 21 from the infeed station 18A. The transfer carousel 14 also interacts with the central carousel 18 to bring the cut labels 20 into contact with corresponding bottles 21 , in an unloading zone S. The central carousel 18 is also configured to transfer the plurality of labelled bottles 21 to the outfeed station 18B.

[0130] Thus, inside the apparatus, the web 2 moves along a movement path, passing through the loading zone C, the gluing zone I and the cutting zone T, where it is cut into labels 20 which are then applied to the bottles 21 in the unloading zone S. It is noted that the cutting zone T might also precede the gluing zone.

[0131] Generally speaking, the unloading zone S of the transfer carousel defines a point where the labels are transferred to the central carousel 18 so as to apply them to the bottles 21 , or a point where the labels are fed out directly from the apparatus 1 or transferred to an additional carousel (for example, the additional transfer carousel.

[0132] For example, the apparatus 1 may comprise an additional transfer carousel which is interposed, along a movement path of the web 2 or of the labels 20, between the transfer carousel 14 and the central carousel 18. The transfer carousel 14 may be configured to interact with the additional transfer carousel to carry the cut labels to the additional transfer carousel. The additional transfer carousel may be configured to bring the cut labels 20 into contact with corresponding bottles 21 , by interacting with the central carousel 18.

[0133] More specifically, the transfer carousel 14 includes a plurality of suction protrusion arrangements 140. The suction protrusion arrangements 140 are angularly distributed around a periphery of the transfer carousel 14. Each suction protrusion of the suction protrusion arrangements 140 comprises a recess 140 FL a leading expansion MOT and a trailing expansion 140C. The recess 140 IF is interposed between the leading expansion 140T and the trailing expansion 140C and is oriented radially, while the leading expansion 140T and the trailing expansion 140C project radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel 14 away from the axis of rotation of the transfer carousel 14. With respect to the rotation direction of the transfer carousel 14, the leading expansion 140T precedes the trailing expansion 140C. For each suction protrusion 140, the leading expansion 1404 and the trailing expansion 140C are provided with suction ducts connected to a compressor or to a vacuum source to produce a sucking action by which the web 2 (and the separate labels 20) is kept adherent to the periphery of the transfer carousel along part of the movement path; more specifically, the suction keeps the web adherent to the suction protrusion arrangements 140. The rotation of the transfer carousel 14, of the gluing roller 12 and of the cutting roller 13 are synchronized so that each suction protrusion arrangement 140 performs three functions; a first function, through the suction ducts, is that of keeping the web 2 adherent to the transfer carousel 14. A second function is that of cooperating with the gluing roller 12 in a step of gluing so that the glue is applied to the zones of the web 2 which are in contact with the leading expansion 140T and the trailing expansion 140C; more specifically, the leading expansion 140T applies glue on a trailing end zone 20B of the label 20 and the trailing expansion 140C applies glue on the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 following it in the feed direction of the web 2 on the transfer carousel. The third function is that of cooperating with the cutting roller 13 in a step of cutting in such a way that the knife 130 of the cutting roller 13 is inserted into the recess 140 Fl of the suction protrusion 140 to divide the web 2 into labels 20. More specifically, the knife 130 separates the trailing end zone 20B of a label 20 from the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 following it by cutting the web 2 in a separating zone 20S between the trailing end zone 20B and the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 following it.

[0134] In an example, each suction protrusion arrangement 140 cooperates with the gluing roller 12 in a step of gluing so that the glue is applied in the label zone 20 located at leading expansion 1401 of the suction protrusion arrangement 140 (according to an alternative second function). In this case, the cutting zone T preferably precedes the gluing zone I. In an example, when cutting precedes gluing, the gluing roller 12 applies glue on the leading expansion 140T of the suction protrusion arrangement 140 and on the suction element 141 .

[0135] In a first embodiment, each suction protrusion arrangement 140 comprises a single suction protrusion 140 (divided into two expansions, between which there is a recess), configured to interact with both the gluing roller 12 and the cutting roller 13; thus, the suction protrusion 140 performs both the (second) function of gluing and the (third) function of cutting.

[0136] In a second embodiment, each suction protrusion arrangement 140 comprises a pair of suction protrusions 140 (each of which is divided into two expansions, with a recess between them), specifically a gluing suction protrusion 140’ and a cutting suction protrusion 140”. The gluing suction protrusion 140' is configured to interact with the gluing roller 12 in a step of gluing, thus performing the (second) function of gluing. The cutting suction protrusion 140" is configured to interact with the cutting roller 13 in a step of cutting, thus performing the (third) function of cutting.

[0137] Unless otherwise specified, this disclosure applies to both the first and the second embodiment. The apparatus 1 therefore cyclically performs a step of gluing the web 2 and a step of cutting the web 2 into labels 20. Alternatively, the apparatus performs a step of cutting the web 2 into labels 20 and a step of gluing the label 20.

[0138] The transfer carousel 14 also 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 protrusion arrangements 140. The suction elements 141 protrude from the transfer carousel 14 less than the suction protrusion arrangements 140 do. In particular, in an example, the suction elements 141 protrude from the transfer carousel 14 to a lesser extent than the single suction protrusions 140. In another embodiment, the suction elements 141 protrude from the transfer carousel 14 less than the pair of suction protrusions, or than the gluing suction protrusion 140’ and / or than the cutting suction protrusion 140”. In particular, when gluing is performed before cutting, the suction elements 141 protrude to a lesser extent; when gluing is performed after cutting, at a distance between T and I less than the length of the label, the suction elements 141 protrude to a lesser extent; when gluing is performed after cutting, at a distance between T and I greater than the length of the label, they protrude to the same extent as the leading expansion 140T.

[0139] The suction elements 141 are also provided with suction ducts connected to the compressor or to the vacuum source to produce a sucking action which keeps the web 2 (and the separate labels 20) adherent to the suction elements 141 during transportation along the movement path.

[0140] More specifically, the suction protrusion arrangements 140 are spaced from each other along the periphery of the transfer carousel 14 covering a circular arc of length L. Each label 20 is characterized by a length I, so that each suction element 141 is spaced from the suction protrusion arrangement 140 following it (in the rotation direction of the transfer carousel 14) by a distance I equal to the length of the label 20. On completing the step of cutting a label 20, therefore, the trailing end zone 20B of the label 20 is held on the transfer carousel 14 by the suction on the leading expansion 140T of a suction protrusion 140 where the cut was made, while the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 is held on the transfer carousel 14 by the suction element 141 preceding the suction protrusion 140 where the cut was made (in the rotation direction of the transfer carousel 14).

[0141] The suction elements 141 also have the function of transferring to (placing on) the bottle 21 the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 cut from the web 2 (or of transporting the leading end zone 20A of the cut label out of the apparatus 1 or transferring it onto an additional transfer carousel).

[0142] More specifically, the length I of the label 20 is such that kL, so that each suction element 141 is spaced from the next suction protrusion arrangement 140 by an arc of length L-fodl.

[0143] During a working cycle, comprising a step of gluing and a step of cutting a label, the transfer carousel 14 rotates at a constant angular speed, so that a peripheral speed Vt of the transfer carousel is constant, while the feed roller varies its speed Va, in the working cycle, between a value Va= Vamin and a maximum speed, where the speed of the feed roller adopts a value Va= Vamax. More specifically, the maximum speed of the feed roller is such that Vamax = Vt, while the minimum speed of the feed roller is such that Vamin < Vt.

[0144] Thus, when the speed Vaof the feed roller 11 is equal to Vamax, the feed roller 1 1 imparts to the web 2 a movement speed that is equal to the speed Vt of the transfer carousel 14.

[0145] Next, the feed roller 1 1 slows down to Vamin and then accelerates to return to Vamax once again. The time between the instant in which it reaches Vamax,, runs at Vamax speed and decelerates to Vamin and the instant in which it again reaches Vamax is called the cycle period Tc. The time between the instant in which it decelerates to Vamin, runs at Vamin speed, accelerates to Vamax and the instant in which it reaches Vamax is called the decelerated time interval Tdec, in which the rotation speed Vaof the feed roller 1 1 is always less than the rotation speed of the transfer carousel Vt (in other words, it is the time interval in which Vamin<=Va<Vamax). More specifically, in the decelerated time interval Tdec, the web 2 slides relative to the periphery of the transfer carousel 14.

[0146] Thus, the step of gluing and the step of cutting are carried out when the speed of the feed roller 1 1 is the maximum speed.

[0147] Thus, in the first embodiment in which the suction protrusion arrangement 140 comprises only one (that is, a single) suction protrusion 140, and in the second embodiment in which the suction protrusion arrangement 140 comprises a gluing suction protrusion 140' and a cutting suction protrusion 140", the speed Vacan vary in a first and a second mode, respectively.

[0148] In the first mode (as illustrated purely by way of example in Figure 11 A), after the step of cutting, in the decelerated time interval Tdec, the feed roller 1 1 slows down, while the cut label 20 proceeds along the movement path at the speed of the transfer carousel Vt; in the meantime, the uncut web 2 slides so that the web 2 is repositioned in such a way that the separating zone 20S (that is, the zone between the trailing end zone 20B of the next label 20 to be cut, and the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 next after that) is positioned at the recess 140R of a suction protrusion 140 following the suction protrusion 140 where the cut was made. More specifically, the decelerated time interval Tdec is necessary for the web to cover the distance dl.

[0149] In the second mode (as illustrated purely by way of example in Figure 1 1 B), after the step of gluing, which is carried out when the gluing suction protrusion 140' meets the gluing roller 12, at a gluing suction protrusion 140', the feed roller 1 1 slows down to a first minimum speed Vamin1 during a first decelerated time interval Tded ; the slowing of the feed roller 1 1 relative to the transfer carousel 14 produces a first sliding of the web 2 relative to the transfer carousel 14 so that the portion of web where the glue has been applied is positioned at the cutting suction protrusion 140” (specifically, in such a way that the separating zone 1408 of the label is positioned at the recess 140R of the cutting suction protrusion 140"). After that, the feed roller 11 returns to Vamax speed, equal to the speed of the transfer carousel 14 during the step of cutting. After the step of cutting, the feed roller 11 again slows down, to a second minimum speed Vamin2 during a second decelerated time interval Tdec2; during this step, the label 20 just cut proceeds with the transfer carousel 14 and the rest of the web 2 slides in such a way as to be repositioned so that the separating zone 20S (that is, the zone between the trailing end zone 20B of the next label 20 to be cut, and the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 next after that) is positioned at the recess 14CR of the suction protrusion for gluing 140'.

[0150] Thus, in an operating sequence of the apparatus 1 , first of all, the feed roller 11 feeds the web 2, in continuous form, to the transfer carousel 14 in the loading zone C. The web 2 is transported by the transfer carousel 14 to the gluing zone I, where the gluing roller 12 applies glue to it at the trailing end zone 20B of a label 20 and at the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 following it; in the step of gluing, in particular, the trailing end zone 20B of the label 20 is in contact with the leading expansion 140T of a suction protrusion 140, and the leading end zone 20A is in contact with the trailing expansion 140C of the suction protrusion 140. After that, the web 2 proceeds with the transfer carousel 14 to the cutting zone, where the cutting roller 13 is synchronized in such a way that the knife 130 is inserted into the recess 140R of the suction protrusion 140, between the leading expansion 140T and the trailing expansion 140C to separate the label 20, specifically, to separate the trailing end zone 20B of the label 20 from the leading end zone 20A of the label following it (and then cutting it in the separating zone 20S). The label 20 separated from the web 2 proceeds with the transfer carousel 14 to the unloading zone S, where it is applied to a bottle 21. More specifically, from the cutting zone to the unloading zone S, the trailing end zone 20B of the label 20 is held on the periphery of the transfer carousel 14 thanks to the suction of the leading expansion 1401, while the leading end zone 20A of the label is held on the periphery of the suction element 141 that precedes the suction protrusion 140 where the cut has just been made.

[0151] In the step of gluing and cutting, in particular, the speed Vaof the feed roller is kept constantly at its maximum Vamax.

[0152] In the first mode, the feed roller 1 1 , immediately after the step of cutting, slows down to Vamin and the web 2 slides on the periphery of the transfer carousel 14 so that the trailing end zone 20B of the label 20 following the one just cut and the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 next after that are positioned at a suction protrusion 140 following the suction protrusion 140 where the cut has just been made (hence, with the separating zone 20S at the recess 140 FT). Concurrently with repositioning, the speed Vaof the feed roller again reaches the maximum speed Vamax and the next cycle starts. Thus, each cycle comprises a first step F1 comprising the step of gluing and cutting, in which the speed Vaof the feed roller is the maximum speed and equal to the speed Vt of the transfer carousel 14, and a second step F2, comprising a step of repositioning in which the speed of the feed roller passes from Vamax to Vamin and vice versa. More specifically, it is noted that during the decelerated time interval Tdec, the trailing end zone 20B of a label 20 and the leading end zone 20A of the label following the label 20 are positioned on a suction protrusion 140, while the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 is positioned on a suction element 141 .

[0153] In the second mode, the feed roller 1 1 , immediately after the step of gluing, slows down to Vamin1 and the web 2 slides on the periphery of the transfer carousel 14 so that the trailing end zone 20B and the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 to which glue has just been applied are positioned at a cutting suction protrusion 140" following the gluing suction protrusion 140' where the glue has just been applied (hence, is positioned with the separating zone 20S at the recess 140R of the cutting suction protrusion 140"). Concurrently with repositioning, the speed Vaof the feed roller again reaches the maximum speed Vamax to make the cut. After the step of cutting, the feed roller 11 , immediately slows down to Vamin2 and the web 2 slides on the periphery of the transfer carousel 14 so that the trailing end zone 20B of the label 20 following the one just cut and the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 next after that are positioned at a gluing suction protrusion 140’ following the cutting suction protrusion 140" where the cut has just been made and the next cycle starts. In the second mode, each cycle comprises a first step F11 comprising the step of gluing, in which the speed Vaof the feed roller is the maximum speed and equal to the speed Vt of the transfer carousel 14, a second step Fl 2, comprising a step of repositioning in which the speed of the feed roller passes from Vamax to Vamin1 and vice versa, and a third step F13 comprising the step of cutting, in which the speed Vaof the feed roller is the maximum speed and equal to the speed Vi of the transfer carousel 14. The cycle then comprises a fourth step F14 comprising a step of repositioning in which the speed of the feed roller passes from Vamax to Vamin2 and vice versa.

[0154] Generally speaking, Vamin1 and Vamin2 may be the same or Vamin1 may be greater or less than Vamin2.

[0155] In the meantime, the central carousel 18 receives the bottles 21 to be labelled from the infeed station 18A.

[0156] The suction element 141 brings the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 into the unloading zone S to apply the label 20 to a bottle 21 positioned on the central carousel 18. Lastly, the labelled bottles 21 are transported to the outfeed station 18B.

[0157] In an embodiment in which the step of cutting precedes the step of gluing (that is, the cutting zone T precedes the gluing zone I), there may be at least two possible approaches.

[0158] In a first approach, the steps of which are illustrated by way of example in Figures 9A-9E, the cutting zone T and the gluing zone I are positioned at a distance greater than I (length of the label 20) and preferably greater than L (length of the circular arc between two consecutive suction protrusions 140). In a second approach, the steps of which are illustrated by way of example in Figures 10A-10D, the cutting zone T and the gluing zone I are positioned at a distance less the length of the label and less than L. In both the first and second approach, on completing the step of cutting a label 20, at the separating zone 20S, the trailing end zone 20B of the label 20 is held on the transfer carousel 14 at the leading expansion 1401 of a suction protrusion 140 where the cut was made, while the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 is held on the transfer carousel 14 by the suction element 141 preceding the suction protrusion 140 where the cut was made (in the rotation direction of the transfer carousel 14).

[0159] Thus, during a working cycle, comprising a step of cutting and a step of gluing a label, the transfer carousel 14 rotates at a constant angular speed, so that a peripheral speed Vt of the transfer carousel is constant, while the feed roller varies its speed Va, in the working cycle, between a minimum value Vamin, in which the feed roller adopts a value Va= Vamin and a maximum speed, where the speed of the feed roller adopts a value Va= Vamax. More specifically, the maximum speed of the feed roller is such that Vamax = Vt, while the minimum speed of the feed roller is such that Vamin < Vt.

[0160] Thus, when the speed Vaof the feed roller 11 is equal to Vamax, the feed roller 11 imparts to the web 2 a movement speed that is equal to the speed Vt of the transfer carousel 14.

[0161] Next, the feed roller 11 slows down to Vamin and then accelerates to return to Vamax once again. The time between the instant in which it reaches Vamax„ runs at Vamax speed and decelerates to Vamin and the instant in which it again reaches Vamax is called the cycle period Tc. The time between the instant in which it decelerates to Vamin, runs at Vamin speed, accelerates to Vamax and the instant in which it reaches Vamax is called the decelerated time interval Tdec, in which the rotation speed Vaof the feed roller 11 is always less than the rotation speed of the transfer carousel Vt (in other words, it is the time interval in which Vamin<=Va<Vamax). More specifically, in the decelerated time interval Tdec, the web 2 slides relative to the periphery of the transfer carousel 14.

[0162] In the first approach (that is, when the cutting zone T and the gluing zone I are located at a distance greater than the length of the label), the feed roller 1 1 has a maximum speed Vamax in a step of cutting and a minimum speed Vamin in a decelerated time interval Tdec, placed temporally between the step of cutting and the step of gluing the label 20 in the same cycle (or between the step of cutting the label and the step of cutting the next label when the distance between T and I is greater than the length of the label). In the first approach, the gluing roller 12 interacts with a suction element 141 (to apply glue on the leading end portion 20A of the label 20) and with a suction protrusion arrangement 140 to apply glue on the trailing end portion 20B of the label 20 at the leading expansion 140T. After the step of cutting, therefore, the feed roller 1 1 slows down to the minimum speed Vamin so that the cut label 20 proceeds at a speed equal, to the peripheral speed Vt of the transfer carousel 14, while the rest of the web 2 slows down to less than the peripheral speed Vt so as to slide and position itself in such a way that the separating zone 20S is positioned at a recess 140R of a suction protrusion 140 next after the suction protrusion 140 where the cut was made. In the decelerated time interval Tdec the leading end zone 20A of the next label 20 to be cut (not yet glued) is positioned at the suction element 141 next after the protrusion 140 where the cut was made. In the first approach, during the decelerated time interval Tdec, the cut label 20 proceeds at speed Vt so that the gluing roller 12 interacts with the leading end zone 20A located at the suction element 141 and, after that, with the trailing end zone 20B positioned at the leading expansion 1401 of the suction protrusion arrangement 140 where the cut was made.

[0163] In the first approach, the trailing expansion 140C is operatively at the retracted position relative to the leading expansion 140T. For example, each suction protrusion arrangement 140 is shaped asymmetrically about an axis through a centre so that the trailing expansion 140C protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel 14 to a lesser extent than the leading expansion 1401. That way, the gluing roller 12 does not interfere with the web portion located the trailing expansion 140C. In effect, in the decelerated time interval, the web, by sliding on the transfer carousel, uncovers the trailing expansion and the fact that the trailing expansion is at the retracted position relative to the leading expansion, allows preventing the protrusion from being dirtied with glue when the protrusion arrangement interacts with the gluing roller. Alternatively, the trailing expansion 140C may be movable in a radial direction between an extracted position (where it protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel 14 to the same extent as the leading expansion 140T) and a retracted position (where it protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel 14 to a lesser extent than the leading expansion 140T).

[0164] In a second approach (that is, when the cutting zone T and the gluing zone I are located at a distance less than the length of the label), the feed roller 11 has a maximum speed Vamax in a step of cutting and gluing and a minimum speed Vamin in a decelerated time interval Tdec, placed temporally between the step of gluing and a step of cutting a label 20 in the next cycle. In the second approach, the gluing roller 12 interacts with a suction protrusion arrangement to apply glue on the zones of the label 20 located at the leading expansion 140T and at the trailing expansion 140C. After the step of cutting, therefore, the feed roller 11 holds the maximum speed Vamax until the step of gluing, after which the feed roller 11 slows down to the minimum speed Vamin so that the cut and glued label 20 proceeds at a speed equal, to the peripheral speed Vt of the transfer carousel 14, while the rest of the web 2 slows down to less than the peripheral speed Vt of the transfer carousel 14 so as to slide and position itself in such a way that the separating zone 20S (that is, the zone between the trailing end zone 20B of the next label 20 to be cut and the leading end zone 20A of a label 20 next after that) is positioned at a recess 140R of a suction protrusion 140 next after the suction protrusion

[0165] 140 where the cut was made. In particular, in the presence of the suction elements 141 , in the decelerated time interval Tdec the leading end zone 20A of the next label 20 to be cut (already glued) is positioned at the suction element 141 (protruding radially to a lesser extent than the suction protrusion 140) next after the suction protrusion 140 where the cut was made.

[0166] Thus, in an operating sequence of the apparatus 1 , first of all, the feed roller 11 feeds the web 2, in continuous form, to the transfer carousel 14 in the loading zone C.

[0167] In the case where the cutting zone T precedes the gluing zone I, in the first approach, the web 2 is transported from the transfer carousel 14 to the cutting zone T, where the cutting roller 13 is synchronized with the transfer carousel 14 in such a way that the knife 130 is inserted into the recess 140R of the suction protrusion 140, between the leading expansion 1401 and the trailing expansion 140C to separate the label 20, specifically, to separate the trailing end zone 20B of the label 20 from the leading end zone 20A of the label following it (and then cutting it in the separating zone 20S). In the step of cutting, the speed of the feed roller 11 is kept at its maximum. After the step of cutting, the feed roller 11 slows down to Vamin. The label 20 just cut proceeds with the transfer carousel 14, with the leading end zone 20A located at a suction element 141 that precedes the protrusion arrangement 140 where the cut was made and with trailing end zone 20B located at the leading expansion 140T of the protrusion arrangement 140 where the cut was made. The label 20 proceeds up to the gluing zone I where the gluing roller 12 interacts with the suction element 141 to apply glue on the leading end zone 20A and then with the leading expansion 1401 of the protrusion arrangement 140 where the cut was made. Concurrently, the web 2 slides in such a way that the leading end zone 20A of the label still to be cut is positioned on a suction element

[0168] 141 following the protrusion arrangement 140 where the cut was made, while the trailing end zone 20B is positioned on the following protrusion arrangement 140. After repositioning has taken place, the speed of the feed roller returns to Vamax and the next cycle begins. The label 20 separated, with the leading end zone 20A on a suction element 141 and the trailing end zone 20B on the leading expansion 1401, proceeds with the transfer carousel 14 towards the unloading zone S.

[0169] Thus, in the first approach, there is a first step F1 comprising a step of cutting, in which the speed Vaof the feed roller is the maximum speed and equal to the speed Vt of the transfer carousel 14, and a second step F2, comprising a step of repositioning in which the speed of the feed roller passes from Vamax to Vamin and vice versa. In the first approach, the trailing expansion 140C may be permanently at the retracted position relative to the leading expansion 140T or it maybe moved to the retracted position, for example by a cam, in proximity to the gluing zone I.

[0170] In the case where the cutting zone T precedes the gluing zone I, in the second approach, (where cutting precedes gluing with the distance between T and I less than the length of the label) the web 2 is transported from the transfer carousel 14 to the cutting zone T, where the cutting roller 13 is synchronized with the transfer carousel 14 in such a way that the knife 130 is inserted into the recess 140R of the suction protrusion 140, between the leading expansion 140T and the trailing expansion 140C to separate the label 20, specifically, to separate the trailing end zone 20B of the label 20 from the leading end zone 20A of the label following it (and then cutting it in the separating zone 20S). The cut label 20 proceeds together with the transfer carousel 14, followed by the web 2, up to the gluing zone I, where the gluing roller 12 applies glue to the trailing end zone 20B of the cut label 20 and to the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 following it, still to be cut; in the step of gluing, in particular, the trailing end zone 20B of the cut label 20 is in contact with the leading expansion 140T of a suction protrusion 140, and the leading end zone 20A of the next label 20 to be cut is in contact with the trailing expansion 140C of the suction protrusion 140. in the step of cutting and gluing, the speed of the feed roller 1 1 is held constantly at its maximum Vamax. After the step of gluing, the feed roller 11 slows down to Vamin and the web 2 slides in such a way that the leading end zone 20A (provided with glue) of the label 20 still to be cut is positioned at a suction element 141 following the protrusion arrangement 140 where cutting and gluing occurred, while the trailing end zone 20B (not yet glued) is positioned at the leading expansion 140T of the next suction protrusion arrangement 140. After that, the speed of the feed roller returns to Vamax and the next cycle begins. The label 20 separated, with the leading end zone 20A on a suction element 141 and the trailing end zone 20B on the leading expansion 1407, proceeds with the transfer carousel 14 towards the unloading zone S.

[0171] Thus, in the second approach, each cycle comprises a first step F1 comprising the step of cutting and gluing, in which the speed Vaof the feed roller is the maximum speed and equal to the speed V. of the transfer carousel 14, and a second step F2, comprising a step of repositioning in which the speed of the feed roller passes from Vamax to Vamin and vice versa. More specifically, it is noted that during the decelerated time interval Tdec, the trailing end zone 20B of a label 20 and the leading end zone 20A of the label following the label 20 are positioned on a suction protrusion 140, while the leading end zone 20A of the label 20 is positioned on a suction element 141 .

[0172] For completeness, it is noted that there may also be an embodiment in which each suction protrusion arrangement 140 comprises a pair of suction protrusions 140 (each of which is divided into two expansions, with a recess between them), specifically a gluing suction protrusion 140' and a cutting suction protrusion 140”. The gluing suction protrusion 140’ is configured to interact with the gluing roller 12 in a step of gluing, thus performing the (second) function of gluing. The cutting suction protrusion 140” is configured to interact with the cutting roller 13 in a step of cutting, thus performing the (third) function of cutting. This aspect is illustrated by way of example in Figures 2B and 11 B.

[0173] The cutting roller 13 extends along the second axis between a first end and a second end and includes a movement system 132 configured to move cutting roller 132 around the second X2 axis, more specifically to move knife 131 around the second X2 axis. The gluing roller 12 extends along the third X3 axis between a first end and a second end and includes a movement system to move it around the third X3 axis. The first end of the cutting roller 13 and the first end of the gluing roller 12 are in the same half-plane that cuts the transfer carousel 14 perpendicular to the first axis X1 of the transfer carousel 14. The movement system 132 of the cutting roller 13 and the movement system of the gluing roller 12 can be placed at the same end (e.g., both at the first end or the second end), or at opposite ends (e.g., one system placed at the first end and the other system at the second end or vice versa).

Claims

CLAMS1. A labelling apparatus (1 ), comprising:- a feed roller (11 ), configured to feed a web (2), the web (2) being made from a label material;- a transfer carousel (14), rotating about a first rotation axis (X1) and including a plurality of suction protrusion arrangements (140), angularly distributed along a periphery of the transfer carousel (14) and provided with corresponding recesses (140R);- a cutting roller (13), rotating about a second rotation axis (X2), parallel to the first rotation axis (X1 ), and provided with a knife (130) for cutting the web (2) to divide the web into pieces of web (2) constituting labels (20);- a gluing roller (12), rotating about a third rotation axis (X3), parallel to the first rotation axis (X1 ) and configured to spread glue on surfaces of the web (2), the gluing roller (12) and the transfer carousel (14) being configured to rotate in opposite directions;- wherein the a transfer carousel (14) is adapted to receive the web (2) from the feed roller (11 ) in a loading zone (C), to keep the web (2) adherent to one or more of the suction protrusion arrangements (140) and to carry the labels (20) to an unloading zone (S), angularly spaced from the loading zone (C) along a movement path of the web (2), the transfer carousel (14) being configured for interacting with the gluing roller (12) in a gluing zone (I) and with the cutting roller (13) in a cutting zone (T), the gluing zone (I) and the cutting zone (T) being angularly interposed between the loading zone (C) and the unloading zone (S), the gluing zone (I) following the cutting zone (T) with respect to the movement path of the web (2), wherein the gluing roller (12) cooperates with the suction protrusion arrangements (140) of the transfer carousel (14) to apply glue and the knife (130) of the cutting roller (13) is cyclically inserted into the recesses (140R) of the suction protrusion arrangements (140) to cut the web (2).

2. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , comprising a glue reservoir(121 ), configured to feed glue to the gluing roller (12).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, comprising a scraper (122), wherein the scraper (122) follows the glue reservoir (121 ) with respect to a rotation direction of the gluing roller (12) so as to regulate the spreading of the glue on an outside surface (120) of the gluing roller (12).

4. The labelling apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit, connected to the gluing roller (12) and to the transfer carousel (14) to synchronize their respective rotations.

5. The apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gluing roller (12) includes an outside surface (120), the outside surface (120) having a plurality of ridges and / or grooves such as to define a knurled surface, or defining alternating grooves and ridges.

6. The apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each suction protrusion (140) includes a leading expansion (MOT) and a trailing expansion (140C), the leading expansion (MOT) preceding the trailing expansion (140C) in the rotation direction of the transfer carousel and the recess (MOR) being interposed between the leading expansion (MOT) and the trailing expansion (140C).

7. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the trailing expansion (140C) is operatively at the retracted position relative to the leading expansion (MOT) so that the gluing roller (12) is configured to interact with the leading expansion (140T) to apply glue on the surface of the web (2) positioned at the leading expansions (MOT).

8. The apparatus (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein each suction protrusion arrangement (140) is shaped asymmetrically about an axis through a centre so that the trailing expansion (140C) protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel (14) to a lesser extent than the leading expansion (MOT).

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the trailing expansion (140C) is movable between an extracted position and a retracted position, wherein, at the retracted position, it protrudes radiallyfrom the periphery of the transfer carousel (14) to a lesser extent than the leading expansion (MOT).

10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gluing roller is configured to interact with the suction protrusion arrangements (140) to apply the glue on the surfaces of the web (2) positioned at the leading expansions (1401) and trailing expansions (140C), and wherein the feed roller (11 ) has a maximum speed (Vamax) in a step of cutting and gluing and a minimum speed (Vamin) in a decelerated time interval (Tdec), located temporally between the step of gluing and a step of cutting a label (20) in the next cycle.

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gluing roller is configured to interact with a suction element (141 ) to apply glue on the leading end portion (20A) of the label (20) and with a suction protrusion arrangement (140) to apply glue on the trailing end portion (20B) of the label (20) at the leading expansion (MOT).

12. A labelling method, comprising the following steps:- via a feed roller (11 ), feeding a web (2), the web (2) being made from a label material;- providing a transfer carousel (14), rotating about a first rotation axis (X1 ) and including a plurality of suction protrusion arrangements (140), angularly distributed along a periphery of the transfer carousel (14) and provided with corresponding recesses (MOR);- via a cutting roller (13), rotating about a second rotation axis (X2), parallel to the first rotation axis (X1 ), and provided with at least one knife (130) for cutting the web (2), dividing the web (2) into pieces constituting labels (20);- via a gluing roller (12), rotating about a third rotation axis (X3), parallel to the first rotation axis (X1 ), where the gluing roller (12) and the transfer carousel (14) rotate in opposite directions, applying glue on surfaces of the web (2); via the transfer carousel (14):- receiving the web (2) from the feed roller (11 ) in a loading zone (C);- keeping the web (2) adherent to one or more of the suction protrusion arrangements (140) and moving the web (2) along a movement path up to an unloading zone (S) which unloads the labels (20) and which is angularly spaced from the loading zone (C) along the movement path of the web (2), wherein the transfer carousel (14) interacts with the cutting roller (13) in a cutting zone (T) and with the gluing roller (12) in a gluing zone (I), the gluing zone (I) and the cutting zone (T) being angularly interposed between the loading zone (C) and the unloading zone (S), the gluing zone (I) following the cutting zone (T) with respect to the movement path of the web (2), wherein the gluing roller (12) cooperates with the suction protrusion arrangements (140) of the transfer carousel (14) to apply glue and the knife (130) of the cutting roller (13) is cyclically inserted into the recesses (MOR) of the suction protrusion arrangements (140) to cut the web (2).

13. The labelling method according to claim 12, comprising the following steps:- feeding glue to the gluing roller (12) via a glue reservoir (121 );- regulating the spreading of the glue on an outside surface (120) of the gluing roller (12) via a scraper (122), mounted in such a way as to follow the glue reservoir (121 ) with respect to a rotation direction of the gluing roller (12).

14. The method) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein each suction protrusion (140) includes a leading expansion (MOT) and a trailing expansion (140C), the leading expansion (MOT) preceding the trailing expansion (140C) in the rotation direction of the transfer carousel and the recess (MOR) being interposed between the leading expansion (MOT) and the trailing expansion (140C).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least in the step of gluing, the trailing expansion (140C) is operatively at a retracted positionrelative to the leading expansion (MOT) so that the gluing roller (12) interacts with the leading expansion (1401) to apply glue on the surface of the web (2) positioned at the leading expansions (MOT).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the following conditions is true:- each suction protrusion arrangement (140) is shaped asymmetrically about an axis through a centre so that the trailing expansion (140C) protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel (14) to a lesser extent than the leading expansion (MOT);- the trailing expansion (140C) is movable between an extracted position and a retracted position), wherein, at the retracted position, it protrudes radially from the periphery of the transfer carousel (14) to a lesser extent than the leading expansion (MOT).

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the gluing roller (12) interacts with the suction protrusion arrangements (140) to apply the glue on the surfaces of the web (2) positioned at the leading expansions (MOT) and trailing expansions (140C), and wherein the feed roller (1 1 ) has a maximum speed (Vamax) in a step of cutting and gluing and a minimum speed (Vamin) in a decelerated time interval (Tdec), located temporally between the step of gluing and a step of cutting a label (20) in the next cycle.

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