Container Labeling Machine

Abstract

The container labeling machine comprises a conveyor (2) for conveying containers (3) to be labeled along a forward path (2a) and at least one labeling unit (5) arranged along the forward path (2a) of the containers (3). The labeling unit includes a rewinding assembly (6) adapted to pick up a label ribbon (7) from a spool, on which labels (8) to be applied to the containers (3) are successively printed, and to feed the label ribbon (7) to a cutting drum (9). The cutting drum is provided on its side with suction openings (10) for adhering and holding the label ribbon (7) and with cutting means for cutting the label ribbon (7) at the separation area between two consecutive labels (8). The cutting drum (9) is adapted to discharge the labels (8) obtained after cutting onto a transfer drum (11). The transfer drum (11) is assigned to transfer the individual labels (8) so that they are applied to each container (3) arriving from the conveyor (2). According to the invention, the cutting drum (9) supports at least one cutting device (14) with an air suction chamber (15) that is substantially open at a side of the cutting drum (9) and that accommodates at least one blade (16) inside the suction chamber. The suction chamber (15) is connectable to air suction means (17) for sucking the label ribbon (7) against the blade (16) in order to cut the label ribbon (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a container labeling machine, and more particularly to a so-called "roll feed" type labeling machine.

Background Art

[0002] As is known, labeling machines for generally applying labels to containers, particularly bottles, are widely used and include a conveyor for transporting the bottles to be labeled along a forward path. The conveyor is typically constituted by a rotating carousel including a plurality of supports for individual bottles. The supports are suitable for rotating the bottles around their own axes.

[0003] Furthermore, the labeling machine includes at least one labeling assembly having a transfer drum along the forward path of the bottles, and this labeling assembly enables each of the respective bottles successively appearing in front of the transfer drum to be labeled with a label.

[0004] In particular, roll feed labeling machines are known. In a roll feed labeling machine, labels are obtained by cutting a continuous label ribbon. A plurality of labels are continuously printed on the continuous label ribbon, and the continuous label ribbon is wound around a spool.

[0005] More specifically, this type of labeling machine includes a rewinding assembly that enables the label ribbon to be taken out in order to take the label ribbon out of the spool and supply it to a cutting drum. The cutting drum cuts the label ribbon between one label and another and enables the individual labels separated after cutting to be discharged to the transfer drum. The transfer drum guides the labels to be attached to the respective bottles conveyed by the carousel.

[0006] Here, the label ribbon can have a strip of adhesive pre-applied to the surface of each individual label, designed to contact the bottle, or it may not have adhesive. In this case, it should be noted that an adhesive application roller faces laterally across the transfer drum and applies two strips of adhesive to the leading and trailing edges of the label respectively, before the label is transferred to the bottle.

[0007] Traditional machines typically have the following structure. The label ribbon is cut by interference by passing it through a narrow gap formed between two labels. One of them is movable and is rotatably and integrally fixed to a cutting drum, while the other is stationary and fixed to the support structure of the machine, facing the side of the cutting drum.

[0008] In this example in a conventional machine, the presence of an expert is required to accurately adjust the positions of the fixed blade and one or more movable blades associated with the cutting drum to ensure that there is the correct gap between the blade(s) that cut the label ribbon.

[0009] Furthermore, in this example, when the cutting drum rotates, it is also required to have as regular and accurate a movement as possible.

[0010] For this purpose, typically in known conventional machines, the cutting drum is rotatably supported by a fairly large structure (which is called a support) provided as a single metal casting.

[0011] This structure usually has two bushing-like parts that form respective rotary seats, axially spaced apart from each other along the axis of the cutting drum. To ensure the regularity of the rotational movement of the cutting drum, both ends of the support shaft of the cutting drum are coupled within its rotary seats, thanks to preloaded oil-filled bearings.

[0012] On one hand, the above two bushing-like parts are interconnected by two elongated connecting arms. The two elongated connecting arms are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the axis of the cutting drum, face the side surface of the cutting drum, and extend substantially parallel to the axis of the cutting drum.

[0013] The structure supporting the cutting drum also performs an important function of rigidly supporting the fixed blade by means of an applied support on one of the two elongated arms. This enables adjustment of the position of the movable blade fixed to the cutting drum.

[0014] The necessity for such a support in a traditional roll-feed machine involves a certain degree of structural complexity.

[0015] Furthermore, in a traditional roll-feed machine, there are quite significant problems with maintainability, and blade replacement work is also quite difficult.

[0016] Another drawback seen in traditional roll-feed machines is due to the complexity of the structure of the cutting drum configured in this way, having a fixed number of divisions and a non-variable diameter, resulting in limited versatility. They limit the range of label lengths that can be processed by a labeling machine. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0017] An object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine capable of improving the background technology in one or more of the aspects shown above.

[0018] Within the scope of this object, an object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine capable of correctly performing the cutting of the label ribbon in any operating state.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that can provide maximum assurance of the operating efficiency of the cutting drum.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that allows an operator without special expertise to easily replace the blade for cutting the label ribbon.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that can expand the range of label lengths that can be processed.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solution that can also be used in existing roll feed machines and to provide the possibility of facilitating the retrofit of that solution.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a manner that replaces any existing solution.

[0024] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that is highly reliable, can be provided relatively easily, and can be manufactured at low cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0025] This object, like these and other objects, will become better apparent from the description of the preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the labeling machine according to the present invention, which is shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings. Here,

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of the preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the labeling machine according to the present invention, which is shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings. Here,

Figure 1

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Figure 14

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Referring to the drawings, the labeling machine according to the invention, generally designated by reference numeral 1, comprises a conveyor 2 for the containers 3 to be labeled along a forward path 2a. This conveyor 2 is conveniently constituted by a rotary carousel provided peripherally with plates (plural) 4. Those plates 4 are rotatable and are designed to support each of the respective containers 3.

[0028] Along the forward path 2a of the containers 3, there is at least one labeling unit 5. The labeling unit 5 includes a rewinding assembly 6 which can be constituted, for example, by a pair of traction rollers 6a, 6b. This rewinding assembly 6 is designed to pick up a label ribbon 7 from a spool (not shown). The label ribbon 7 has labels 8 to be affixed to the containers 3 printed continuously thereon.

[0029] The rewinding assembly 6 feeds the label ribbon 7 to a cutting drum 9. This cutting drum 9 can rotate about its own axis 9a and is provided on its side surface with suction openings 10 for adhering and holding the label ribbon 7 to its side surface.

[0030] Furthermore, the cutting drum 9 is provided with cutting means enabling it to cut the label ribbon 7 in a separation region between two consecutive labels 8 and to discharge the obtained label 8 after cutting to a transfer drum 11. The transfer drum 11 can rotate about its own axis 11a and is designed to transfer the individual labels 8 received from the cutting drum 9 into contact with each of the respective containers 3 arriving from the conveyor 2.

[0031] Advantageously, the transfer drum 11 is divided into sectors in the circumferential direction and each of those sectors is designed to receive and adhere a single label 8 arriving from the cutting drum 9.

[0032] When the label ribbon 7 is not provided with an adhesive applied in advance, an adhesive roller 12 is conveniently arranged in the lateral direction of the transfer drum 11. The adhesive roller 12 is designed to apply at least one adhesive strip to each end of the label 8. For this purpose, in the area of each sector of the transfer drum 11 designed to carry the end of the label 8, there are respective sliders 13, and these sliders 13 are arranged in relief on the side surface of the transfer drum 11 with respect to the remaining part of the corresponding sector. Thereby, when passing through at the location of the adhesive roller 12, the adhesive roller 12 can apply an adhesive strip to the label 8.

[0033] According to the present invention, the cutting drum 9 supports at least one cutting device 14. The cutting device 14 has an air suction chamber 15 that is substantially open on the side surface of the cutting drum 9. Inside the air suction chamber 15, at least one blade 16 is conveniently accommodated such that the arrangement plane of the blade 16 is substantially parallel to the diameter plane of the cutting drum 9.

[0034] In particular, the suction chamber 15 can be connected to an air suction means 17 so as to generate a force that draws the label ribbon 7 towards the blade 16 and thus can cut the label ribbon 7 in order to obtain the label 8.

[0035] Advantageously, the cutting drum 9 has, for each cutting device 14, at least one auxiliary area 18 for holding the label ribbon 7 in contact with the cutting drum 9. This auxiliary area 18 has auxiliary suction hole(s) 19 and is arranged immediately in front of the corresponding cutting device 14 with respect to the rotational direction of the cutting drum 9.

[0036] In particular, the auxiliary holding area 18 can be connected to the suction means 17 prior to the connection of the suction chamber 15 of the corresponding cutting device 14 to the suction means 17. This is to generate the tension of the label ribbon 7 in cooperation with the rewinding assembly 6 before the label ribbon 7 is cut by the corresponding cutting device 14.

[0037] In this way, thanks to the auxiliary holding area 18, the force pulling the label ribbon 7 towards the cutting drum 9 becomes greater for the portion of the label ribbon that is only affected by the suction opening 10. As a result, even when the sharpness of the blade is not perfect, especially at a very high machine speed, higher effectiveness of cutting in the portion of the blade 16 is ensured.

[0038] More specifically, the suction means 17 conveniently includes a fixed vacuum distribution unit 20. The cutting drum 9 is rotatably mounted on this distribution unit 20. Also, there is a cutting area 21 within this distribution unit 20. This distribution unit 20 has a vacuum chamber 22 that is conveniently connected to the vacuum generating means 23 (constituted by, for example, a vacuum pump, etc.) by a first coupling connector 24a, and is provided with a vacuum opening 25 formed on the surface facing the cutting drum 9 of the distribution unit 20.

[0039] The cutting area 21 of the distribution unit 20 is further provided with an auxiliary vacuum chamber 26. This auxiliary vacuum chamber 26 is also connected to the vacuum generating means 23 by, for example, a second coupling connector 24b. This auxiliary vacuum chamber 26 is also provided with an auxiliary vacuum opening 27. This auxiliary vacuum opening 27 is formed on the surface of the distribution unit 20 facing the cutting drum 9 and is angularly spaced from the vacuum opening 25 with respect to the rotational direction of the cutting drum 9.

[0040] On the one hand, the suction chamber 15 of each cutting device 14 has at least one communication opening 28 on the surface facing the distribution unit 20 of the cutting drum 9. This communication opening 28 is designed to face the vacuum opening 25 during the rotation of the cutting drum 9. Thereby, a connection between the suction chamber 15 and the vacuum generating means 23 is established. On the other hand, the auxiliary holding area 18 is provided with an auxiliary suction chamber 29 communicating with the auxiliary suction holes 19 and the auxiliary communication opening 30. This auxiliary communication opening 30 is also formed on the surface facing the distribution unit side of the cutting drum 9 and is designed to at least partially face the auxiliary vacuum opening 27 during the rotation of the cutting drum 9. Thereby, a connection between the auxiliary suction chamber 29 and the vacuum generating means 23 is established, and as a result, before the communication opening 28 of the suction chamber 15 of the corresponding cutting device 14 reaches the vacuum opening 25, and thus before the cutting device 14 cuts the label ribbon 7, the auxiliary holding area 18 is activated.

[0041] Advantageously, in order to ensure the correct tension of the label ribbon 7, there are automatic control means 31, for example, constituted by an electronic controller. This automatic control means 31 is functionally connected to the rewinding assembly 6 and is conveniently connected to the input of a detector of the angular position of the cutting drum 9 with respect to the support structure 5a of the labeling unit 5.

[0042] The automatic control means 31 can be conveniently programmed to command the rewinding assembly 6 to execute a reduction in the speed at which the label ribbon 7 is supplied to the cutting drum 9 when the auxiliary communication opening 30 reaches the auxiliary vacuum opening 27 during the rotation of the cutting drum 9. Thereby, as a result of the deceleration of the supply speed of the label ribbon 7 on the part of the rewinding assembly 6 and the activation of the auxiliary holding area 18 obtained by the connection of the auxiliary suction chamber 29 to the vacuum generating means 23, an increase in the holding force of the label ribbon 7 on the cutting drum 9 is achieved, and during the continuation of the rotation of the cutting drum 9, the tension of the portion of the label ribbon 7 included between the rewinding assembly 6 and the auxiliary holding area 18 is generated to be greater than the tension caused by the dynamic friction generated by the sliding of the cutting drum 9 on the label ribbon 7.

[0043] It should be noted that the auxiliary holding area 18 can be constituted by the block 32. This block 32 forms the auxiliary suction chamber 29, has a corresponding auxiliary communication opening 30, and has an auxiliary suction hole 19 on the outer surface of the block. This block 32 is preferably detachably received by the cutting drum 9 in the receiving groove 33 formed on the side surface of the cutting drum. Thereby, the outer surface of the block 32 having the auxiliary suction hole 19 becomes flush with the side surface of the cutting drum 9.

[0044] Advantageously, the use of the block 32 for providing the auxiliary holding area 18 makes it possible to provide the auxiliary holding area 18 with a coefficient of friction (again with respect to the label ribbon 7) different from the coefficient of friction (with respect to the label ribbon 7) of the material from which the remaining part of the cutting drum 9 is made, by changing the material of which the block 32 is made.

[0045] Conveniently, both the vacuum opening 25 and the auxiliary vacuum opening 27 have a substantially slot-like shape.

[0046] In particular, the vacuum opening 25 extends longitudinally along a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 9a of the cutting drum 9. On the other hand, the auxiliary vacuum opening 27 extends longitudinally along an arc around an axis substantially coinciding with the rotation axis 9a of the cutting drum 9.

[0047] Advantageously, the auxiliary vacuum opening 27 is arranged at a greater distance from the rotation axis 9a of the cutting drum 9 than the vacuum opening 25. Thereby, the auxiliary communication opening 30 (at a distance substantially corresponding to the distance from the rotation axis 9a of the cutting drum 9 to the auxiliary vacuum opening 27) does not pass through the region of the vacuum opening 25 during the rotation of the cutting drum 9.

[0048] Conveniently, the vacuum opening 25 and the communication opening 28 have substantially the same shape and size. On the other hand, the auxiliary communication opening 30 can have the same lateral dimension and a smaller longitudinal dimension with respect to the auxiliary vacuum opening 27, and can optionally have a shape different from that of the auxiliary vacuum opening 27, such as a circular shape, for example.

[0049] Advantageously, the cutting region 21 is formed by at least one part of the distribution unit 20. This distribution unit 20 is elastically loaded with respect to the cutting drum 9. This is to obtain a greater adhesion between the cutting region 21 and the cutting drum, and to optimize the friction between the surface of the cutting drum 9 and the surface of the distribution unit 20.

[0050] In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 7, the cutting region 21 is provided on a separate body 34 with respect to the main body 35 of the distribution unit 20.

[0051] Conveniently, the separate body 34 is attached so as to be slidable with respect to the rest of the distribution unit 20 along a direction substantially parallel to the axis 9a of the cutting drum 9, and is kept pressed towards the cutting drum 9 by elastic means.

[0052] More specifically, the separate body 34 is provided with sliding engagement seats (plural) 36 for the guide pin(s) 37. These guide pins 37 are fixed to the body 35 of the distribution unit 20. Around these guide pins 37, compression spring(s) 38 interposed between the separate body 34 and the body of the distribution unit 20 are attached.

[0053] Advantageously, the distribution unit 20 is supported as a whole by spherical retainer(s) 60. These retainers 60 are distributed around an axis substantially coinciding with the axis 9a of the cutting drum 9, act on the support structure 5a, and thanks to the corresponding helical springs 61, make it possible to keep the distribution unit 20 pressed against the cutting drum 9.

[0054] Conveniently, the dispensing unit 20 also has at least one first holding slot 39a. This first holding slot 39a extends along at least one arc around an axis substantially parallel to the rotation axis 9a of the cutting drum 9 and is connected to the vacuum generating means 23 by a third coupling connector 24c and communicates with a suction opening 10 provided on the side surface of the cutting drum 9. This is to keep the label ribbon 7 and the label 8 (separated after cutting) attached to the cutting drum 9.

[0055] Optionally, in the body of the dispensing unit 20, outside the cutting region 21, a second holding slot 39b may be provided. This second holding slot 39b extends along an arc having a larger diameter than the first holding slot 39a and is substantially circumferentially aligned with the auxiliary vacuum opening 27, enabling the establishment of a connection between the vacuum generating means 23 and the auxiliary suction holes 19 of the auxiliary holding region 18. Thereby, even after the auxiliary holding region 18 has moved beyond the cutting region 21 while the cutting drum 9 rotates about its own axis 9a, the auxiliary holding region 18 remains active.

[0056] Advantageously, again in the dispensing unit 20, a blowing hole 40 is provided at a position angularly spaced from the cutting region 21 with respect to the rotation axis 9a of the cutting drum 9. This blowing hole 40 is connected to a pressurized air source (not shown) and is designed to establish a connection with the suction opening 10 while the cutting drum 9 rotates about its own axis 9a. Thereby, the suction opening 10 is designed to emit a jet of air to allow the passage of the label 8 obtained after cutting on the transfer drum 11.

[0057] Advantageously, in order to facilitate the operation for setting up the machine when the format of the label 8 transferred onto the container 3 is changed, and to provide a system for cutting the label 8 different from the conventional interference-based cutting to an existing roll feed machine and give the possibility of retrofitting to the existing roll feed machine, the cutting drum 9 can be provided by at least two shells 42a and 42b fixed around a rotatable operating shaft 43. This operating shaft 43 actually forms the rotation axis 9a of the cutting drum 9 with its axis.

[0058] In particular, the shells 42a, 42b are fixed to the operating shaft 43 by detachable coupling means extending substantially radially with respect to the axis of the operating shaft.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 10, the detachable coupling means advantageously consists of a screw 44. The screw 44 is inserted into a radial receiving seat 45 formed in the shells 42a, 42b, has a cross-sectional change to form an adjacent area for the head 44a of the screw 44, and engages with a radial female thread 46 provided on the outer surface of the operating shaft 43.

[0060] Conveniently, the detachable coupling means further includes a centering pin 47. The centering pin 47 projects radially from the operating shaft 43 and is designed to engage with adjacent seats 48 formed in the shells 42a and 42b.

[0061] Advantageously, as particularly seen in FIG. 5, the operating shaft 43 axially passes through a central passage 49 formed in the distribution unit 20 and is rotatably supported by a bushing or collar element 51, advantageously with the intervention of a bearing 50. This bushing or collar element 51 is fixed to the support structure of the machine, more particularly to the support structure 5a of the labeling unit 5, by a flange joint 52.

[0062] This embodiment achieves a significant simplification of the parts of the machine designed to support the cutting drum 9, and further achieves a simplification of the mounting of those parts on the fixed parts of the machine.

[0063] Furthermore, each cutting device 14 advantageously has respective box-shaped blade supports 53, which define corresponding suction chambers 15 and are removably received in corresponding receiving seats 54 formed in the cutting drum 9. It should be noted that this is the case.

[0064] Advantageously, as shown in particular in FIGS. 4 and 14, respective portions 54a, 54b of the receiving seats 54 of the box-shaped blade supports 53 of each cutting device 14 are formed in the regions of the shells 42a, 42b facing each other.

[0065] Advantageously, the blade 16 of each cutting device 14 is removably fixed to the corresponding box-shaped blade support 53 by a retaining pin 55 inserted through a respective engagement opening 56. These engagement openings 56 are formed in the blade 16 and engage removably with corresponding support seats 57. These support seats 57 are formed in the box-shaped blade support 53 and can be accessed from the outside of the box-shaped blade support 53 in order to enable the removal of the retaining pin 55 from the support seat 57.

[0066] In this way, once the box-shaped blade support 53 is disconnected from the cutting drum 9, after releasing the engagement of the retaining pin 55 from the engagement opening 56 thanks to its removal from the support seat 57, it becomes possible to remove the blade 16 from the box-shaped blade support 53.

[0067] Conveniently, on the outer surface of the box-shaped blade support 53, longitudinal grooves 58 are formed on the mutually opposing side surfaces. These grooves 58 extend substantially parallel to the rotation axis 9a of the cutting drum 9. Further, these grooves 58 can be slidably engaged more specifically in the region where the respective ribs 59 formed on the inner wall by the accommodation seats 54 of the box-shaped blade support 53, that is, in the region where the portions 54a, 54b of the accommodation seats 54 of the box-shaped blade support 53 face each other and the shells 42a, 42b are formed.

[0068] In this way, the engagement and disengagement of the box-shaped blade support 53 from the corresponding accommodation seat 54 can occur by the relative sliding between the box-shaped blade support 53 and the cutting drum 9 guided by the engagement of the rib 59 along the groove 58.

[0069] It should be noted that the grooves 58 are open at their ends designed to face the distribution unit 20, while the grooves 58 are closed at the other end. This is to prevent the relative slide between the box-shaped blade support 53 and the cutting drum 9 in the direction in which the box-shaped blade support 53 is inserted into its own accommodation seat 54 when the box-shaped blade support 53 reaches the correct position relative to the cutting drum 9.

[0070] Advantageously, when the box-shaped blade support 53 is arranged in the corresponding accommodation seat 54, openings are formed at the bottom of the grooves 58 for accessing the support seats 57 of the holding pins 55 from the outside in order to hold the holding pins 55 in the respective support seats 57. Therefore, they can be closed by the ribs 59.

[0071] The operation of the container labeling machine according to the present invention is as follows.

[0072] The unwind assembly 6 picks up the label ribbon 7 from the corresponding spool and feeds it to the cutting drum 9 at a preset supply speed that is lower than the circumferential speed of the cutting drum 9, similar to the common practice of traditional roll feed machines. This is to compensate for any length difference that exists between the divided portion of the cutting drum 9 (formed by the space that exists circumferentially between the corresponding cutting devices) and the length of the label 7.

[0073] Particularly when the machine is operating at high speed, during the rotation of the cutting drum 9, when the auxiliary communication opening 30 of the auxiliary holding area 18 that directly precedes one of the cutting devices 14 reaches the auxiliary vacuum opening 27, as a result of the auxiliary suction hole 19 being connected to the vacuum generating means 23, the auxiliary holding area 18 is activated.

[0074] On the other hand, while the communication opening 28 of the suction chamber 15 of the cutting device 14 corresponding to the activated auxiliary holding area 18 approaches the vacuum opening 25, its blade 16 is disposed in the separation area between two consecutive labels 8.

[0075] At this time, the automatic control means 31 commands the unwind assembly 6 to increase the rotational speed of the traction rollers 6a, 6b, thereby accelerating the supply speed of the label ribbon 7 to the cutting drum 9. Thereby, this causes the supply speed of the label ribbon 7 to approach a value close to the circumferential speed of the cutting drum 9.

[0076] At the same time, the communication opening 28 of the suction chamber 15 of the cutting device 14 corresponding to the activated auxiliary holding area 18 reaches the vacuum opening 25, thereby establishing communication between the suction chamber 15 and the vacuum generating means 23. Thereby, to cut the label ribbon 7, the label ribbon 7 is sucked into the suction chamber 15 and pressed against the blade 16.

[0077] At the same time, the automatic control means 31 commands the rewinding assembly 6 to slow down the supply speed of the label ribbon 7 to the cutting drum 9. As a result, with the label ribbon 7 held in the auxiliary holding area 18, while the cutting drum 9 continues to rotate around its own axis 9a at the same speed, tension is generated in the portion of the label ribbon 7 existing between the rewinding assembly 6 and the auxiliary holding area 18. This facilitates the execution of a clean and regular cut of the label ribbon 7 by the blade 16.

[0078] Next, the automatic control means 31 commands the rewinding assembly to supply the label ribbon to the cutting drum 9 and returns the supply speed of the label ribbon 7 to the cutting drum 9 to the initial value. Thereby, the label ribbon 7 is resynchronized with the cutting drum 9. At the same time, the label 8 separated after cutting remains attached to the cutting drum 9 and continues its movement.

[0079] Instead, especially in the case of low speed, even during the cutting step of the label ribbon 7, it is not prevented that the supply speed of the label ribbon 7 is maintained at a substantially constant value lower than the value of the peripheral speed of the cutting drum 9 as typically occurs even in a traditional roll feed machine by the automatic control means 31.

[0080] When the portion of the cutting drum 9 to which the label 8 separated from the label ribbon 7 is attached reaches the blowout hole 40, the label 8 is released to the transfer drum 11. The transfer drum 11 first transfers the label 8 to the adhesive roller 12. Thereby, two strips of adhesive are applied to both ends of the label 8. And then, the transfer drum 11 moves the label 8 so as to adhere it to the corresponding container 3 conveyed by the conveyor 2.

[0081] In fact, the present invention has been found to achieve the intended purposes and problems. In particular, it is emphasized that the container labeling machine according to the present invention can very easily change the number of divisions of the cutting drum according to the form of the label. This was actually impossible with traditional roll feed machines.

[0082] Another advantage that the machine according to the present invention offers over traditional roll feed machines is that the diameter of the cutting drum can be changed according to the size without structurally modifying the machine and without relying on highly qualified operators.

[0083] The present invention thus conceived is capable of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are included in the appended claims. Furthermore, all details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0084] In fact, the materials used are arbitrary, in accordance with the requirements and circumstances of the art, as well as the possible shapes and dimensions, as long as they are suitable for the specific application.

[0085] The disclosure of Italian Patent Application No. 102020000022882, for which the present application claims priority, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0086] If reference signs are attached after the technical features recited in the claims, those reference signs are attached only for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the claims, and thus the reference signs have no restrictive effect on the interpretation of each element exemplified by the reference signs. The following [Item 1] to [Item 11] are within the scope of the disclosure of this application. [Item 1] A container labeling machine, a conveyor (2) for a container (3) to be labeled along a forward path (2a), and at least one labeling unit (5) arranged along the forward path (2a) of the container (3), comprising the at least one labeling unit includes a rewinding assembly (6) configured to pick up a label ribbon (7) on which labels (8) to be attached to the container (3) are continuously printed from a spool and supply the label ribbon (7) to a cutting drum (9), the cutting drum is provided on its side surface with a suction opening (10) for attaching and holding the label ribbon (7) to the side surface of the cutting drum (9), and cutting means for cutting the label ribbon (7) in a separation area between two consecutive labels (8) is provided, the cutting drum (9) is configured to discharge the obtained label (8) after cutting to a transfer drum (11), the transfer drum (11) is assigned for transferring the individual labels (8) so that the individual labels adhere to the respective containers (3) arriving from the conveyor (2), in a container labeling machine, the cutting drum (9) supports at least one cutting device (14) having a suction chamber (15) for air suction, the suction chamber substantially opens on the side surface of the cutting drum (9) and houses at least one blade (16) inside the suction chamber, the suction chamber (15) is connectable to air suction means (17) for sucking the label ribbon (7) against the blade (16) in order to cut the label ribbon (7), a container labeling machine characterized by this. [Item 2] In the container labeling machine according to Item 1, the cutting drum (9) has, for each cutting device (14), at least one auxiliary area (18) for holding the label ribbon (7), the auxiliary area (18) is provided with auxiliary suction holes (19) and is arranged immediately before the corresponding cutting device (14) with respect to the rotational direction of the cutting drum (9), The auxiliary holding area (18) is connectable to the suction means (17) and is connectable to the suction means (17) before the suction chamber (15) of the corresponding cutting device (14) is connected to the suction means (17) in order to generate the tension of the label ribbon (7) in cooperation with the rewinding assembly (6). A container labeling machine characterized by this. [Item 3] In the container labeling machine according to any one of Items 1 to 2, The suction means (17) includes a fixed vacuum distribution unit (20) on which the cutting drum (9) is rotatably mounted, Including a cutting area (21) formed in the distribution unit (20), The cutting area is A vacuum chamber (22) connected to the vacuum generating means (23) and having a vacuum opening (25) formed on the surface facing the cutting drum (9) of the distribution unit (20), And an auxiliary vacuum chamber (26) connected to the vacuum generating means (23) and having an auxiliary vacuum opening (27) formed on the surface facing the cutting drum (9) of the distribution unit (20). The suction chamber (15) has at least one communication opening (28) designed to face the vacuum opening (25) during rotation of the cutting drum (9) in order to establish a connection between the suction chamber (15) and the vacuum generating means (23) on the surface of the cutting drum (9) facing the distribution unit (20). The auxiliary holding area (18) includes an auxiliary suction chamber (29), The auxiliary suction chamber communicates with the auxiliary suction hole (19) and also communicates with an auxiliary communication opening (30), The auxiliary communication opening is designed such that during rotation of the cutting drum (9), it at least partially faces the auxiliary vacuum opening (27) before the communication opening (28) reaches the vacuum opening (25). A container labeling machine characterized by this. [Item 4] In the container labeling machine according to any one of Items 1 to 3, Automatically controlled means (31) that is functionally connected to the rewinding assembly (6) and commands a decrease in the speed at which the rewinding assembly (6) supplies the label ribbon (7) to the cutting drum (9) when the auxiliary communication opening (30) reaches the auxiliary vacuum opening (27) during rotation of the cutting drum (9). A container labeling machine characterized by this. [Item 5] In the container labeling machine according to any one of Items 1 to 4, the vacuum opening (25) and the auxiliary vacuum opening (27) have a substantially slot-like shape, the vacuum opening (25) extends along a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis (9a) of the cutting drum (9), and the auxiliary vacuum opening (27) extends along an arc around the rotation axis (9a) of the cutting drum (9). A container labeling machine characterized by this. [Item 6] In the container labeling machine according to any one of Items 1 to 5, the auxiliary vacuum opening (27) is arranged at a greater distance from the rotation axis (9a) of the cutting drum (9) than the vacuum opening (25). A container labeling machine characterized by this. [Item 7] In the container labeling machine according to any one of Items 1 to 6, the cutting region (21) is formed by at least one part of the distribution unit (20) that is elastically loaded with respect to the cutting drum (9). A container labeling machine characterized by this. [Item 8] In the container labeling machine according to any one of Items 1 to 7, the cutting drum (9) includes at least two shells (42a, 42b), and these shells are fixed around a rotatable operating shaft (43) thanks to detachable coupling means, and the coupling means extends substantially radially with respect to the axis of the operating shaft (43). A container labeling machine characterized by this. [Item 9] In the container labeling machine according to any one of Items 1 to 8, the operating shaft (43) is rotatably supported by a bushing element (51) fixed to the support structure of the machine by a flange joint (52). A container labeling machine characterized by this. [Item 10] In the container labeling machine according to any one of Items 1 to 9, each cutting device (14) has a respective box-shaped blade support (53), these box-shaped blade supports form the corresponding suction chamber (15), and are detachably accommodated in the corresponding accommodation seats (54) formed in the cutting drum (9). A container labeling machine characterized by this. [Item 11] In the container labeling machine according to any one of Items 1 to 10, Each portion (54a, 54b) of the receiving seat (54) of the box-shaped blade support (53) of each cutting device (14) is formed in the mutually facing regions of the shells (42a, 42b). A container labeling machine characterized by the above.

Claims

1. A container labeling machine, comprising: a conveyor (2) for containers (3) to be labeled along a forward path (2a); and at least one labeling unit (5) arranged along the forward path (2a) of the containers (3), wherein the at least one labeling unit includes a rewinding assembly (6) configured to pick up a label ribbon (7) on which labels (8) to be attached to the containers (3) are continuously printed from a spool and supply the label ribbon (7) to a cutting drum (9); the cutting drum has, on its side surface, suction openings (10) for attaching and holding the label ribbon (7) to the side surface of the cutting drum (9), and a cutting device (14) for cutting the label ribbon (7) in a separation region between two consecutive labels (8); the cutting drum (9) is configured to discharge the labels (8) obtained after cutting to a transfer drum (11); the transfer drum (11) is assigned to transfer the individual labels (8) such that the individual labels adhere to the respective containers (3) arriving from the conveyor (2) in a container labeling machine; the cutting drum (9) supports at least one cutting device (14) having a suction chamber (15) for air suction; the suction chamber opens on the side surface of the cutting drum (9) and houses at least one blade (16) inside the suction chamber; the suction chamber (15) is connectable to air suction means (17) for sucking the label ribbon (7) against the blade (16) to cut the label ribbon (7); the cutting drum (9) has, for each cutting device (14), at least one auxiliary holding region (18) for holding the label ribbon (7); the auxiliary holding region (18) is provided with auxiliary suction holes (19) and is arranged in front of the corresponding cutting device (14) with respect to the rotational direction of the cutting drum (9); the auxiliary holding region (18) is connectable to the suction means (17) and is connectable to the suction means (17) before the suction chamber (15) of the corresponding cutting device (14) is connected to the suction means (17) to cooperate with the rewinding assembly (6) to generate tension in the label ribbon (7). The suction means (17) includes a fixed vacuum distribution unit (20) on which the cutting drum (9) is rotatably mounted. It includes a cutting area (21) formed within the distribution unit (20). The cutting area is a vacuum chamber (22) connected to a vacuum generating means (23) and having a vacuum opening (25) formed on a surface facing the cutting drum (9) of the distribution unit (20), and an auxiliary vacuum chamber (26) connected to the vacuum generating means (23) and having an auxiliary vacuum opening (27) formed on a surface facing the cutting drum (9) of the distribution unit (20). The suction chamber (15) has at least one communication opening (28) designed to face the vacuum opening (25) during rotation of the cutting drum (9) on a surface of the cutting drum (9) facing the distribution unit (20) to establish a connection between the suction chamber (15) and the vacuum generating means (23). The auxiliary holding area (18) includes an auxiliary suction chamber (29). The auxiliary suction chamber communicates with the auxiliary suction hole (19) and also communicates with an auxiliary communication opening (30). The auxiliary communication opening is designed such that during rotation of the cutting drum (9), it at least partially faces the auxiliary vacuum opening (27) before the communication opening (28) reaches the vacuum opening (25). It is functionally connected to the rewinding assembly (6) and is provided with an automatic control means (31) such that when the auxiliary communication opening (30) reaches the auxiliary vacuum opening (27) during rotation of the cutting drum (9), the rewinding assembly (6) commands a decrease in the speed at which the label ribbon (7) is supplied to the cutting drum (9). A container labeling machine, characterized in that.

2. In the container labeling machine according to claim 1, the vacuum opening (25) and the auxiliary vacuum opening (27) have a slot-like shape, the vacuum opening (25) extends along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis (9a) of the cutting drum (9), and the auxiliary vacuum opening (27) extends along an arc around the rotation axis (9a) of the cutting drum (9). A container labeling machine, characterized in that.

3. In the container labeling machine according to claim 1 or 2, The auxiliary vacuum opening (27) is arranged at a distance greater from the rotation axis (9a) of the cutting drum (9) than the vacuum opening (25). A container labeling machine characterized by this.

4. In the container labeling machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, The cutting region (21) is formed by at least one part of the distribution unit (20) that is elastically loaded with respect to the cutting drum (9). A container labeling machine characterized by this.

5. In the container labeling machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, The cutting drum (9) includes at least two shells (42a, 42b), and these shells are fixed around a rotatable operating shaft (43) thanks to detachable coupling means. The coupling means extends radially with respect to the axis of the operating shaft (43). A container labeling machine characterized by this.

6. In the container labeling machine according to Claim 5, The operating shaft (43) is rotatably supported by a bushing element (51) fixed to the support structure of the machine by a flange joint (52). A container labeling machine characterized by this.

7. In the container labeling machine according to Claim 5 or 6, Each cutting device (14) has a respective box-shaped blade support (53), and these box-shaped blade supports form the corresponding suction chamber (15) and are detachably accommodated in corresponding accommodation seats (54) formed in the cutting drum (9). A container labeling machine characterized by this.

8. In the container labeling machine according to Claim 7, Each part (54a, 54b) of the accommodation seat (54) of the box-shaped blade support (53) of each cutting device (14) is formed in the mutually facing region of the shells (42a, 42b). A container labeling machine characterized by this.

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