LABELLING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR APPLYING LABEL SHEETS ONTO RECEPTACLES

Abstract

 There is described a labelling machine (1) for applying label sheets (2) onto receptacles (3) comprising a conveying device (4) for advancing the receptacles (3) along a first path (P) and a labelling apparatus (5) for applying at least one label sheet (2) onto each receptacle (3) at a labelling station (6) during advancement of the receptacles (3) along the first path (P). The labelling apparatus (5) comprises conveying means (17) adapted to convey a web (12) of labelling material from an initial station (13) towards the labelling station (6), a cutting unit (20) configured to cut the individual label sheets (2) from said web (12) at a cutting station (16), a transfer device (21) adapted to transfer the single label sheets (2) onto the respective receptacles (3) at the labelling station (6), and a glue application unit (19, 19' 19") configured to apply glue onto said web (12) at an application station (15) interposed between the initial station (13) and the cutting station (16).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a labelling machine for applying label sheets onto receptacles.

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a labelling method for applying label sheets to receptacles.

[0003] Various technologies are known for applying label sheets onto receptacles, such as for example bottles, containers or the like. One of these technologies foresees conveying a web of a labelling material, cutting the web for obtaining single label sheets, applying glue onto the single label sheets and applying the label sheets thus obtained onto respective receptacles during the advancement of the receptacles themselves along a pre-set path. Said label sheets are known as "roll-fed labels"

[0004] The application of the label sheets according to this technology is obtained using automatic labelling machines.

[0005] A typical labelling machine comprises:

• a conveying device for advancing the receptacles along a first path;
• conveying means adapted to advance a web of labelling material along a second path from an initial station towards a labelling station;
• a cutting unit adapted to cut individual label sheets from the aforementioned web at a cutting station interposed between the initial station and the labelling station along the second path; and
• a transfer drum, which is arranged between the initial station and the labelling station along the second path and is adapted to rotate around a first axis, to receive the single label sheets at a transfer station and to transfer the single label sheets to the labelling station for applying the single label sheets onto respective receptacles; and
• a gluing unit, positioned adjacent to the transfer drum and adapted to apply glue onto the single label sheets before their transfer onto the respective receptacles.

[0006] It is known that the transfer drum comprises an outer lateral surface and suction means for retaining the single label sheets on the outer lateral surface during their advancement from the transfer station to the labelling station.

[0007] In further detail, the transfer drum, in particular the outer lateral surface, comprises a plurality of retaining segments, arranged angularly equispaced from one another around the first axis and adapted to retain respective label sheets during their advancement from the transfer station to the labelling station.

[0008] It is known that each retaining segment is provided with a plurality of suction openings for retaining the respective label sheet by suction.

[0009] More specifically, each retaining segment comprises:

• a respective retaining section, usually delimited by two interaction elements ("pads"), projecting from the outer lateral surface and one of which is configured to interact with a respective leading portion of the single label sheets and, the other is configured to interact with a respective trailing portion of the single label sheets;
• and a respective transition section on which each label sheet slides, in use, during its transfer from an auxiliary drum to the transfer drum, i.e., towards the respective retaining segment, and before being retained on the respective retaining section.

[0010] It is furthermore known that a typical glue application unit comprises a gluing roller, extending along a central axis, adapted to rotate around said central axis, and peripherally arranged adjacent to the transfer drum at the application station. The gluing roller is configured to apply the glue from its outer lateral surface onto the single label sheets.

[0011] In particular, the gluing roller is spaced from the transfer drum so that the glue is transferred from the outer lateral surface only onto the leading and trailing portions of the single label sheets (in other words, the portions of the single label sheets that interact with the interaction elements of the transfer drum).

[0012] However, one drawback of said labelling machines resides in the fact that the respective transition sections are covered by the respective label sheet only during a limited time period.

[0013] In particular, during the application of the glue onto the label sheets, the respective transition section is free. For this reason, the transition sections are easily contaminated by glue residue, dust and other undesired particles. Said contamination prevents the correct operation of the transfer drum, and consequently, frequent cleaning interventions are necessary.

[0014] Furthermore, a further drawback resides in the fact that the labelling drum requires the presence of the interaction elements for allowing an application of the glue onto the well-defined portions of the single label sheets.

[0015] Therefore a need is felt in the sector, to improve the labelling machines and the respective labelling method, in particular for overcoming at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0016] The aim of the present invention is to provide a labelling machine and a labelling method that allows to overcome, in a simple and economical manner, at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0017] The aforesaid aim is achieved by the present invention, in so far as it regards a machine for labelling receptacles as defined in claim 1.

[0018] Moreover, the aforesaid aim is achieved by the present invention, in so far as it regards a labelling method according to claim 8.

[0019] Alternative preferred embodiments are protected by the dependent claims.

[0020] For a better understanding of the present invention, three preferred embodiments will be described in the following, purely by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

• figure 1 is a schematic top plan view of a first embodiment of a labelling machine according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;
• figure 2 is a schematic top plan view of a second embodiment of a labelling machine according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;
• figures 3a to 3d show a detail of the labelling machine during different operation steps, with parts removed for clarity; and
• figure 4 shows a third embodiment of a labelling machine according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity.

[0021] With reference to Figure 1, number 1 indicates as a whole a labelling machine for applying label sheets 2 to receptacles, such as for example bottles 3, containers or the like.

[0022] The following description refers, in a non-limiting manner, to a machine 1 adapted for applying label sheets 2 to receptacles that can be filled or are filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable foodstuff product, for example carbonated liquids (sparkling water, alcohol-free drinks, beer, etc.), non-carbonated liquids (natural water, fruit juice, wine, etc.), emulsions, suspensions, liquids with high viscosity and beverages containing pulp.

[0023] In addition, the following description refers in a non-limiting way to bottles 3, in particular made of a thermoplastic polymer such as for example polyethylene terephthalate. However, the bottles 3 may also be made of a different material, such as glass, aluminium, etc.

[0024] Each bottle 3 extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a hollow body delimiting an internal space of the bottle 3 itself.

[0025] With particular reference to Figure 1, the machine 1 comprises:

• a conveying device 4 for advancing bottles 3 along a first path P, in particular having an arched shape;
• a labelling apparatus 5 for applying at least one respective single label sheet 2 to each bottle 3 at a labelling station 6 during the advancement of bottles 3 along path P.

[0026] In greater detail, device 4 comprises a conveying carousel 8 designed to rotate around an axis A, in particular having a vertical orientation, and a plurality of retaining units (known per se and not shown), which are arranged on conveying carousel 8 and each adapted to hold one respective bottle 3 during its advancement along path P.

[0027] Preferably, conveying carousel 8 rotates, in use, at a constant rotation speed.

[0028] More specifically, each retaining unit is also adapted to rotate the respective bottle 3 around the respective longitudinal axis at least during the application of the respective label sheet 2, in particular for allowing the unwinding of the respective label sheet 2 on bottle 3.

[0029] Preferably, the retaining units are equispaced and distanced from one another around axis A.

[0030] With particular reference to figure 1, apparatus 5 is adapted to:

• convey a web 12 of labelling material along a second path Q from an initial station 13 towards labelling station 6;
• selectively apply glue onto at least determined portions of web 12 at an application station 15 arranged downstream of the initial station 13 along path Q;

• cut web 12 during its advancement along path Q itself at a cutting station 16, arranged downstream of application station 15, for obtaining single label sheets 2; and
• apply each label sheet 2 onto the respective bottle 3 at labelling station 6.

[0031] In particular, web 12 is made of polymeric material or paper material. Even more in particular, web 12 comprises a repeated decorative pattern, in which each repetition corresponds to the extension of a single label sheet 2.

[0032] In further detail, apparatus 5 comprises:

• conveying means 17 adapted to convey web 12 along path Q from initial station 13 towards labelling station 6, in particular to a transfer station 18;
• a glue application unit 19 configured for applying glue onto at least determined portions of web 12 at application station 15;
• a cutting unit 20 for cutting single label sheets 2 from web 12 at cutting station 13; and
• a transfer device, arranged between initial station 13 and labelling station 6 and adapted to feed each label sheet 2 along a path R from transfer station 18 to labelling station 6 and to transfer single label sheets 2 to labelling station 6 onto respective bottles 3; in particular, the transfer drum 21 is adapted to rotate around an axis B, in particular parallel to axis A, even more in particular having a vertical orientation.

[0033] Preferably, apparatus 5 also comprises a magazine unit adapted to contain web 12 and to feed it from initial station 13.

[0034] In greater detail, the magazine unit is configured to contain at least one reel 26, on which web 12 is wound-on. In particular, reel 26 is rotatable around an axis C, in particular parallel to axis B, for allowing the unwinding of web 12.

[0035] More specifically, the magazine unit comprises a housing seat (known per sè and not shown) for reel 26 and a driving unit (known per sè and not shown) adapted to control the rotation of reel 26 around axis C.

[0036] With particular reference to figure 1, transfer drum 21 is arranged adjacent to device 4, in particular peripherally adjacent to conveying carousel 8 at labelling station 6.

[0037] In greater detail, transfer drum 21 comprises an outer lateral surface 27 on which, singlelabel sheets 2 are held, in use, in particular by means of suction means. In particular, the suction means comprise a plurality of suction holes arranged on surface 27, at least one suction unit for applying suction and at least one control device for selectively controlling the suction through the suction holes.

[0038] More specifically, transfer drum 21, in particular surface 27, comprises a plurality of retaining segments and each retaining segment is adapted to hold a respective label sheet 2 during the advancement along path R, in particular from transfer station 18 to labelling station 6.

[0039] Preferably, the retaining segments are arranged angularly equidistant from one another around axis B. In particular, the distance between the retaining segments is defined by the distance ("pitch") between the retaining units.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, the suction means of transfer drum 21 are configured to allow to define the retaining segments. In particular, the extension of each retaining segment is defined by the control of the suction holes of the suction means.

[0041] In greater detail, conveying means 17 comprise an auxiliary conveying device 29 arranged between initial station 13 and transfer drum 21 and being adapted to advance web 12 along at least a final portion Q1 and to transfer web 12 and/or single label sheets 2 on transfer drum 21.

[0042] In particular, auxiliary conveying device 29 is positioned adjacent to transfer drum 21 at transfer station 18.

[0043] In the embodiment shown, auxiliary conveying device 29 comprises at least one conveyor belt 30, in particular provided with respective suction means 31 for holding web 12 on conveyor belt 30 itself and adapted to convey web 12 along a section of final portion Q1.

[0044] Preferably, auxiliary conveying device 29 also comprises a conveying element 32 interposed between conveyor belt 30 and transfer drum 21 and adapted to receive at least an initial portion of web 12 and to transfer single label sheets 2 to transfer drum 21.

[0045] In a possible embodiment not shown, auxiliary conveying device 29 can comprise an auxiliary conveying drum arranged adjacent, in particular peripherally adjacent, to transfer drum 21.

[0046] Preferably, conveying means 17 also comprise:

• a feed roller 33 adapted to rotate around an axis E, in particular parallel to axis B, even more particular having a vertical orientation, interposed between initial station 13 and transfer station 18 and adapted to control at least partially, the advancement of web 12 along path Q;
• an auxiliary roller 34 arranged adjacent, in particular tangent, to feed roller 33 for interposing, in use, web 12 between auxiliary roller 34 and feed roller 33; and
• an actuator, in particular an electric motor (known per sè and not shown) connected to feed roller 33 and being configured to rotate, in particular in a selective manner, feed roller 33 around axis E.

[0047] Preferably, feed roller 33 is interposed between initial station 13 and auxiliary conveying device 29.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in figure 1, cutting unit 20 is adapted to cut web 12 in a contactless manner, for example by means of a laser beam.

[0049] In a possible embodiment not shown, cutting unit 20 could comprise at least a blade 20 and a counter-blade for cutting web 12 in a contactless manner.

[0050] More specifically, cutting unit 20 is configured to cut web 12 at the respective interfaces between two adjacent label sheets 2. By cutting, a single label sheet 2 is separated from web 12, in particular from the next label sheet 2. Even more in particular, by means of cutting, the respective trailing edge of the first single label sheet 2 is defined and the respective leading edge of the next label sheet 2.

[0051] Preferably, cutting unit 20 is configured to cut web 12 during the advancement of web 12 along the same final portion Q1.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in figure 1, unit 19 is configured for applying glue onto web 12 at application station 15 in a contactless manner.

[0053] In particular, unit 19 comprises at least one nozzle or at least one assembly of nozzles 38 configured to apply glue onto web 12.

[0054] Even more particular, unit 19, in particular assembly of nozzles 38, is configured to apply the glue onto defined sections of web 12 which are localised (after the cutting of web 12) at the respective trailing edge and at the respective leading edge of each single label sheet 2.

[0055] In a possible embodiment not shown, machine 1, in particular apparatus 5, even more in particular conveying means 17 comprises/comprise a buffer unit adapted to accumulate in a variable manner, portions of web 12 and being arranged between the magazine unit and feed roller 33.

[0056] In use, machine 1 applies at least one respective label sheet 2 onto each bottle 3.

[0057] In greater detail, the labelling process, in particular during the operation of machine 1, comprises the following steps;

• advancing bottles 3 to be labelled along path P;
• feeding web 12 along path Q from initial station 13 towards labelling station 6, wherein at least one single label sheet 2 is applied onto each bottle 3 fed along path P;
• applying glue onto web 12 fed along path Q at application station 15;
• cutting web 12 at cutting station 16 for obtaining single label sheets 2; and
• transferring web 12 and/or single label sheets 2 (in this specific case shown, the single label sheets 2) onto transfer drum 21 rotating around axis B; and
• applying each single label sheet 2 from transfer drum 21 onto the respective bottle 3 at labelling station 6.

[0058] Preferably, machine 1 is driven in a continuous manner. In other words, during the operation of machine 1, the steps of feeding, supplying, applying the glue, cutting, transferring and applying each label sheet 2 are repeated.

[0059] In further detail, during the step of advancing, device 4, in particular conveying carousel 8, advances the bottles 3 along path P.

[0060] Preferably, during the step of advancing, the bottles 3 rotate, at least during the step of applying the respective label sheets 2, around the respective longitudinal axis. In particular, each retaining unit drives the rotation of the respective bottle 3 around the respective longitudinal axis.

[0061] In greater detail, during the step of feeding, conveying means 17 advance web 12 along path Q from initial station 13 towards transfer station 6, in particular towards transfer station 18.

[0062] More specifically, during the feeding step, the auxiliary conveying device 29, in particular the conveyor belt 30, feeds the web 12 along the final portion Q1.

[0063] Preferably, during the feeding step, the web 12 is fed between the feed roller 33, rotating around the axis E, and the auxiliary roller 34. In particular, feed roller 33 controls at least partially the advancement of web 12, even more particular from auxiliary roller 34 to auxiliary conveying device 29.

[0064] In further detail, during the step of cutting, web 12 is cut at cutting station 16 so as to obtain a single label sheet 2 from web 12. In particular, by cutting web 12 at cutting station 13 the respective trailing edge of the label sheet 2 is obtained, which is transferred onto transfer drum 21, and the respective leading edge of the next label sheet 2 to be transferred.

[0065] Preferably, the step of cutting is carried out during the feeding of web 12 along the final portion Q1.

[0066] In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, during the step of cutting, web 12 is cut in a contactless manner, in particular by means of a laser beam.

[0067] In an embodiment not shown, during the step of cutting web 12 is cut by means of a blade that interacts with a counter-blade.

[0068] In further detail, during the transfer step, web 12 and/or the single label sheets 2, in this particular case the single label sheets 2, are transferred to transfer drum 21 by means of auxiliary conveying device 29.

[0069] Preferably, the single label sheets 2 are transferred to transfer drum 21 from conveying element 32.

[0070] In the embodiment described, during the transfer step, transfer drum 21 rotates around axis B, receives single label sheets 2 at transfer station 18 and advances the single label sheets 2 along path R.

[0071] In greater detail, the invention described herein resides in the fact of applying glue onto web 12 before cutting web 12 itself. In particular, the glue is applied on those sections that define, after the cutting, the respective leading edges and the respective trailing edges of the single label sheets 2.

[0072] Preferably, during the step of applying the glue, unit 19, in particular assembly of nozzles 38, applies the glue onto web 12 in a contactless manner.

[0073] Even more preferably, the glue is applied on defined sections of web 12 that correspond (after the cutting of web 12) to the respective trailing edge and to the respective leading edge of each single label sheet 2.

[0074] In figure 2 number 1' indicates a second embodiment of the machine according to the present invention. As machine 1' is similar to machine 1 in the following the description of machine 1' will be limited to the differences with respect to machine 1 itself, indicating with the same numerals, parts equal or equivalent to the parts already described.

[0075] In particular, the main difference resides in the fact that machine 1' comprises glue application unit 19'.

[0076] Unit 19' comprises:

• a glue supply device 39
• at least one, preferably a plurality of transfer elements 40, each configured to receive glue from device 39 at a receiving station 41 and to transfer the glue onto web 12 at application station 15; and
• a conveying device 42 configured to advance transfer elements 40 along a third endless feeding path S through receiving station 41 and application station 15.

[0077] More specifically, device 39 comprises:

• a glue roller 43 extending along a respective central axis F, having a first outer lateral surface 44 and adapted to rotate around the respective axis F; and
• a glue supply assembly configured to apply and/or distribute the glue onto outer lateral surface 44 of glue roller 43.

[0078] Preferably, conveying device 42 is configured to control the advancement of transfer element/s 40 along path S so that transfer element/s 40 applies/apply, in use, the glue onto web 12 at these sections of the latter that define, after the cutting of web 12 itself, the respective leading edges and the respective trailing edges of the single label sheets 2.

[0079] In greater detail, conveying device 42 is configured to control the advancement speed of transfer element/s 40 according to the length of the single label sheets 2. In this manner it is possible to adapt unit 19' to a format change without significant modifications to unit 19' itself.

[0080] Preferably, conveying device 42 comprises a transfer roller 45 extending along a respective central axis G, in particular (substantially) parallel to the respective central axis F; transfer roller 45 is rotatable around axis G and carries transfer element/s 40, which protrudes/protrude from a respective outer lateral surface 46 of transfer roller 45 itself. In particular, transfer element/s 40 is/are, in use, fed along path R, having a circular shape, by means of the rotation of the transfer roller 45.

[0081] Preferably, transfer roller 45 is arranged peripherally adjacent to glue roller 43 at receiving station 41 and is spaced from glue roller 43 so that, in use, during the rotation of transfer roller 45 around the respective axis G, transfer element/s 40 is/are adapted to receive the glue from outer lateral surface 44 at receiving station 41 and to apply the glue onto web 12 at application station 15.

[0082] In a possible embodiment not shown, conveying device 42 comprises a belt conveyor, carrying transfer element/s 40.

[0083] The operation of machine 1' is similar to the operation of machine 1 and for this reason only the differences will be described in the following in respect to the operation of machine 1 itself.

[0084] In particular, the main difference resides, as in particular illustrated in figures 3a to 3d, in the manner in which the step of applying the glue is carried out.

[0085] More specifically, during the step of applying the glue, in particular during a first sub-step (see for example figure 3b), transfer element/s 40 receives/receive glue from device 39 at receiving station 41 and, in particular during a second sub-step (see for example figure 3c) after the first sub-step, transfer element/s 40 applies/apply the glue onto web 12 at application station 15.

[0086] In particular, during the step of applying the glue, transfer element/s 40 applies/apply the glue onto the respective sections of web 12 that define (form), after the cutting step, the respective leading edges and the respective trailing edges of the single label sheets 2.

[0087] In further detail, during the step of applying the glue, transfer element/s 40 advances/advance along path S.

[0088] Preferably, during the step of applying the glue, transfer element/s 40 contacts/contact the glue present on outer lateral surface 44 of glue roller 43 rotating around axis F at receiving station 41 for allowing the transfer of the glue onto transfer element/s 40.

[0089] In particular, the conveying device 42, specifically the transfer roller 45, feeds the transfer element/s 40 along the path S.

[0090] Preferably, conveying device 42, in particular transfer roller 45, controls the feeding speed of transfer element/s 40 according to the length of the single label sheets 2.

[0091] In further detail, during the step of applying the glue, glue roller 43 rotates around axis F and receives the glue from the glue supply assembly. In particular, the glue supply assembly applies the glue onto the outer lateral surface 44.

[0092] In figure 4 a second embodiment of the machine according to the present invention is indicated with the reference numeral 1". The machine 1" is similar to machine 1 and to machine 1' and for this reason the description of machine 1" will be limited to the differences in respect to the latter, by indicating with the same reference numerals, parts equal or equivalent to the parts already described.

[0093] In particular, the main difference resides in the fact that machine 1" comprises glue application unit 19".

[0094] Unit 19" comprises:

• a glue distribution device 50;
• at least an interaction element 51, preferably a plurality of interaction elements 51, each configured to selectively interact with web 12 in order to selectively direct a section of web 12 against an outer surface 52 of device 50, for transferring the glue present on said section of web 12; and
• an actuation device 53 configured to feed interaction element/s 51 along a feeding path T.

[0095] In particular, interaction element/s 51 is/are arranged so that, in use, web 12 is interposed both between device 50 and interaction element/s 51.

[0096] Device 50 is similar to device 39 and the following description will be limited to the differences in respect to device 39 itself.

[0097] In particular, said differences reside in the fact that the respective glue roller 43 is configured to apply glue onto the respective section of web 12 that, in use, is guided by the respective interaction element 51 against outer surface 52, in particular outer surface 52 corresponding to the outer lateral surface of the respective glue roller 43.

[0098] In greater detail, in the embodiment shown in figure 4 actuation device 53 is configured to feed interaction element/s 51 along endless path T and comprises a conveyor, in particular a belt conveyor 54, carrying interaction element/s 51.

[0099] In particular, actuation device 53, specifically belt conveyor 54, is arranged so that, in use, web 12 is interposed between actuation device 53, in particular belt conveyor 54, and glue distribution device 50, in particular glue roller 43.

[0100] In a possible embodiment not shown, the conveyor is a roller, in particular an oval-shaped roller, rotating around a respective central axis and carrying interaction element/s 51. In particular, the roller is configured to feed interaction elements 51 along an endless path through a rotation around the respective central axis. Even more in particular, interaction element/s 51 protrudes/protrude from a respective outer lateral surface of the roller.

[0101] In another possible embodiment not shown, actuation device 53 comprises at least one linear actuator connected to interaction element/s 51 and adapted to selectively feed interaction element/s 51 along a path T having a substantially linear form.

[0102] In particular, the linear actuator is configured to move the interaction element/s between a first and a second limit position.

[0103] The operation of machine 1" is similar to the operation of machine 1 and 1' and for this reason, the description of operation of machine 1" will be limited to the differences in respect to the operation of machines 1 and 1'.

[0104] In particular, the main difference resides in the carrying out of the step of applying glue.

[0105] Preferably, during the step of applying glue, interaction element/s 51 interacts/interact with a respective section or with respective sections of web 12 in order to make contact between the aforementioned section or the aforementioned sections of web 12 and at least outer surface 52 of device 50 thus transferring the glue onto the aforementioned section or onto the aforementioned sections of web 12.

[0106] More specifically, each interaction element 51 is fed along path T and interacts with the respective section of web 12 for guiding the respective section against outer surface 52 at application station 15 during the conveying of web 12 along path P.

[0107] Even more specifically, belt conveyor 54 feeds interaction element/s 51 along path T.

[0108] In the possible embodiment not shown, in which the roller carries interaction element/s 51, the roller feeds interaction element/s 51 along the respective path by rotating around the respective central axis.

[0109] In another possible embodiment not shown in which actuation device 53 comprises the linear actuator connected to interaction element/s 51, the actuator feeds interaction element/s 51 along path T, in particular between a first and a second limit position.

[0110] From an examination of the characteristics of machines 1, 1' and 1" and the respective labelling methods achieved according to the present invention, the advantages that the latter entails are evident.

[0111] In particular, machines 1, 1' and 1" require less frequent cleaning interventions compared to labelling machines as known today. By applying the glue onto web 12, the risk of contaminating the transfer device, in particular transfer drum 21, due to said application, is reduced.

[0112] A further advantage resides in the fact that transfer drum 21 can be achieved without "pads".

[0113] Another advantage, in particular of machine 1', resides in the fact that applying the glue can be achieved with elevated accuracy.

[0114] It is clear that modifications and variations can be made to the machines 1, 1', 1" and to the respective labelling methods described and shown herein, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A labelling machine (1, 1', 1") for applying label sheets (2) onto receptacles (3) comprising:

- a conveying device (4) for advancing the receptacles (3) along a first path (P); and

- a labelling apparatus (5) for applying at least one label sheet (2) onto each receptacle (3) at a labelling station (6) during advancement of the receptacles (3) along the first path (P);

wherein the labelling apparatus (5) comprises:

- conveying means (17) adapted to advance a web (12) of labelling material, along a second path (Q) from an initial station (13) towards the labelling station (6);

- a cutting unit (20) configured to cut individual label sheets (2) from said web (12) at a cutting station (16) interposed between the initial station (13) and the labelling station (6) along the second path (Q);

- a transfer device (21), arranged between the initial station (13) and the labelling station (6) and adapted to transfer the individual label sheets (2) onto the respective receptacles (3) at the labelling station (6);

characterised in furthermore comprising, a glue application unit (19, 19', 19") configured to apply glue onto said web (12) at an application station (15) interposed between the initial station (13) and the cutting station (16) along the second path (Q).

2. The labelling machine according to claim 1, wherein the conveying means (17) comprise:

- a feed roller (33) adapted to rotate around a first axis (E) and interposed between the initial station (13) and the transfer drum (21) and the second path (Q) for at least partially feeding said web (12);

- an auxiliary roller (34) arranged adjacent to the feed roller (33) for interposing, in use, said web (12) between the auxiliary roller (34) and the feed roller (33); and

- an electric motor connected to the feed roller (33) and adapted to selectively drive the rotation of the feed roller (33) around the second axis (E).

3. The labelling machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveying means (17) comprise an auxiliary conveying device (29) interposed between the transfer device (21) and the initial station (13) and adapted to guide the feeding of said web (12) and/or to guide the transferring of the individual label sheets (2) to the transfer device (21) at a transfer station (18).

4. The labelling machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the glue application unit (19') comprises:

- a glue distribution device (39);

- at least one transfer element (40) configured to receive glue from the glue distribution device (39) at a receiving station (41) and to transfer the glue onto said web (12) at the application station (15); and

- a conveying device (42) configured to advance the transfer element (40) along a third advancement path (S) through the receiving station (41) and the application station (15).

5. The labelling machine according to claim 4, wherein the conveying device (39) is configured to control the feeding speed of the transfer element (40) according to the length of the individual label sheets (2).

6. The labelling machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the glue distribution device (39) comprises:

- a glue roller (43) extending along a first central axis (F), having a first outer lateral surface (44) and being adapted to rotate around the first central axis (F); and

- a glue supply assembly configured to apply the glue onto the outer lateral surface (44) of the glue roller (43); and

wherein the conveying device (42) comprises:

- a transfer roller (45) extending along, and rotating around, a second central axis (G) and carrying the transfer element (40), which projects from a second outer lateral surface (46) of the transfer roller (45);

wherein the transfer roller (45) is arranged peripherally adjacent to the glue roller (43) at the receiving station (41) and is spaced from the glue roller (43) so that, in use, during a rotation of the transfer roller (45) around the second central axis (G), the transfer element (40) is adapted to receive, the glue from the first outer lateral surface (44) at the receiving station (41) and to apply the glue onto said web (12) at the application station (15).

7. The labelling machine according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the glue application unit (19") comprises a glue distribution device (50) and at least an interaction element (51) arranged so that, in use, said web (12) is interposed between the glue distribution device (50) and the interaction element (51);
wherein the interaction element (51) is configured to interact with said web (12) so as to selectively guide a section of said web (12) against an outer surface (52) of said glue distribution device (50), said outer surface being at least partially covered with glue at the application station (15) for transferring the glue onto said section of said web (12).

8. A method for applying label sheets (2) onto receptacles (3) comprising the following steps:

- advancing the receptacles (3) to be labelled along a first path (P);

- feeding a web (12) of labelling material along a second path (Q) from an initial station (13) towards the labelling station (6), at which at least one single label sheet (2) is applied onto each receptacle (3) advanced along the first path (P);

- cutting said web (12) at a cutting station (16) for obtaining the single label sheets (2); and

- transferring said web (12) and/or one single label sheet (2) to a transfer device (21) at a transferring station (18);

- applying each single label sheet (2) from the transfer device (21) to a respective receptacle (3) at the labelling station (6);

characterised in that it also comprises the step of applying glue onto said web (12) at an application station (15) interposed between the initial station (13) and the cutting station (16) along the second path (Q).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein during the feeding step, said web (12) is fed between a feed roller (33), rotating around a second axis (E), and an auxiliary roller (34), arranged adjacent to the feed roller (33) .

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein during the transfer step, said web (12) and/or the single label sheets (2) are transferred to the transfer device (21) by means of an auxiliary conveyor device (29) interposed between the transfer station (18) and the initial station (13).

11. The method according to one of the claims from 8 to 10, wherein, during the step of applying the glue, a transfer element (40) receives glue from a glue distribution device (39) at a receiving station (41) and the transfer element (40) applies the glue onto said web (12) at the application station (15).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, during the step of applying the glue, the transfer element (40) is fed along a third feeding path (S) through the receiving station (41) and the application station (15).

13. The method according to one of the claims from 8 to 10, wherein, during the step of applying the glue, an interaction element (51) interacts with a section of said web (12) for making contact between the aforementioned section of said web (12) and at least an outer surface (52) of a glue distribution device (50) for transferring the glue onto the aforementioned section of said web (12).

Drawing