EP3538443A1

EP3538443A1 - Labeling apparatus and method of operating such a labeling apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3538443A1
Application number: EP16801400.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: James Carmichael
Original assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Current assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Priority date: 2016-11-14
Filing date: 2016-11-14
Publication date: 2019-09-18
Also published as: WO2018086712A1

Abstract

There is described a labeling apparatus (1, 1', 1'', 1''') for transferring label sheets (2) to a conveyor (4) advancing articles (3) and a method of operating such a labeling apparatus. The labeling apparatus comprising a magazine unit (5) for a web of labeling material (6), a label transfer device (7, 7'') adapted to transfer single label sheets (2) to the conveyor (4), conveying means (8, 8''') adapted to convey the web of labeling material (6) along a web path (PW). The conveying means (8) comprise at least a first suction belt conveyor (35) and a second suction belt conveyor (37) each of which comprises at least one respective operative branch (36, 38), each operative branch being adapted to convey the web of labeling material (6) along a respective portion (PW1, PW2) of the web path (PW).

Description

LABELING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATING SUCH A

LABELING APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a labeling apparatus for applying label sheets onto articles.

The present invention also relates to a method of operating such a labeling apparatus.

The present invention may be used to the particular advantage of labeling articles, such as receptacles, bottles, containers and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

The packaging of food or non-food products into respective articles, in particular receptacles, containers, bottles and the like comes along with a labeling of the articles with respective label sheets, in particular paper or plastic label sheets during a labeling process provided for by means of a labeling apparatus .

In one common type of labeling apparatus, the articles are typically advanced by a conveying carrousel along an article path so as to advance the articles towards an application station at which one respective label sheet is stuck onto each article.

It is known, that the label sheets are typically not stored in a magazine unit of the labeling apparatus as single label sheets, but they are stored in the form of a web of labeling material. Commonly, the web of labeling material is wound on a reel and, in use, it is rewound from the reel and is advanced by conveying means along a web path while the articles are advanced by the conveying carousel.

Different kinds of web of labeling materials are known in the art .

One type of web of labeling material comprises a base layer and the label sheets, which are removably attached onto the base layer. These kind of label sheets are known as pressure sensitive (PS) label sheets. In this case, the labeling apparatus comprises conveying means, which advance the web of labeling material (i.e. the base layer together with the attached label sheets) to a detachment station at which the label sheets are separated from the base layer so that they can be attached onto the articles advancing along the article path. The base layer is further advanced to a disposal station for disposing of the base layer.

Another type of web of labeling material allows to obtain single label sheets by cutting the web of labeling material at a cutting station. Typically, the web of labeling material of this kind comprises a repeated image pattern defining the single label sheet areas (i.e. the areas define the single label sheets once separated from the web of labeling material) . Such a kind of web of labeling material can also comprise a plurality of perforated lines, each one interposed between two respective label sheet sections of the web of labeling material.

The conveying means advance the web of labeling material to the cutting station at which the web of labeling material is cut in such a way that each one of the single label sheets presents the image pattern and then the label sheets are transferred at a transfer station onto a transfer drum, which further advances the label sheets to the application station. Generally, the known transfer drums comprise label retaining segments, being equally spaced angularly around the axis of the transfer drum and having respective retaining sections which retain the label typically by means of suction and respective transition sections, along which label sheets fed at the transfer station slide prior to reaching the respective retaining sections. Additionally, the label retaining segments comprise a pair of pads protruding from the transfer drum, each one adapted to interact with a leading edge or a trailing edge of the label sheets and defining the retaining and transition sections. Such a transfer drum must guarantee that the suction forces applied onto the label sheets when sliding are different from when being retained. In use, both the retaining and the transition sections become contaminated so that regular and undesired cleaning cycles must be performed leading to unwanted downtimes. In particular, the transition sections are known to be more critical with respect to becoming contaminated than the retaining sections.

Further details of such labeling apparatuses depend on the specific kind of web of labeling material used. E.g. one kind of web of labeling material comprises a backside having a pre-glued pattern of glue. Another kind of web of labeling material does not come along with any pattern of glue. Therefore, when the labeling apparatus operates with this latter kind of web of labeling material, the pattern of glue must be applied onto the label sheets by means of a glue application unit prior to applying the label sheets onto the article or alternatively, the glue application unit applies a pattern of glue onto the articles prior to attaching the label sheets.

Independently, of which kind of web of labeling material is used the conveying means applied have a similar configuration. In particular, the conveying means comprise a plurality of rollers and other support units for tensioning and supporting the web of labeling material when being advanced.

A drawback of these conveying means is seen in that while the web of labeling material has little mass and a high strength weight ratio, the acceleration of the rollers and the other support devices causes high stresses in the web of labeling material possibly leading to a permanent elongation of the web of labeling material. A further drawback lies in that the known conveying means come along with a significant inertia, thereby significantly limiting the flexibility of the operation of the conveying means.

A further drawback is seen in the need of an operator passing the web of labeling material around all the rollers during the splicing of the web of labeling material prior to the activation of the labeling process itself. Such a process is prone to the creation of errors with respect to the actual course of the web of labeling material (i.e. the web of labeling material does not evolve all the rollers in the correct way) . Thus, in order to reduce the numbers of errors, well- trained operators are needed. However, if these are not available the presence of errors are in an increased number. As these are not tolerable, the overall time needed increases, leading to increased costs.

An even further drawback is that the use of multiple rollers leads to errors in the tracking of the web of labeling material, which, if not corrected, would lead to non-correctly applied label sheets. These tracking errors must be corrected at varying positions of the overall path along which the web of labeling material runs, increasing the complexity of operation.

An even further drawback of the known conveying means is seen that when handling the web of labeling material of the pre-glued type a significant number of the rollers and the support devices become contaminated with the glue, requiring regular cleaning interventions for re-establishing the efficient conveying of the web of labeling material.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a labeling apparatus to overcome, in a straightforward and low-cost manner, at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a method of operating such a labeling apparatus to overcome, in a straightforward and low-cost manner, at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

According to the present invention, there is provided a labeling apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of operating a labeling apparatus according to claim 25. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Three non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a labeling apparatus according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure IB shows a schematic and enlarged view of some details of the labeling apparatus of Figure 1A;

Figure 2 shows a perspective top-side view of a further detail of the labeling apparatus of Figure 1A, with parts removed for clarity;

Figures 3A to 3C schematically illustrate components of the labeling apparatus of Figure 1A and their operational relationship with one another for transferring label sheets, with parts removed for clarity;

Figures 4A to 4C show operating speed profiles of the components shown in Figures 3A to 3C;

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a labeling apparatus according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

Figures 6A to 6C schematically illustrate details of the operation of the labeling apparatus of Figure 5, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a label apparatus according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; and

Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a variation of the embodiment of Figure 7, with parts removed for clarity . BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number 1 in Figure 1A indicates as a whole a first embodiment of a labeling apparatus according to the present invention, only partially shown to the extent that is necessary for the comprehension of the present invention .

Apparatus 1 is adapted to be used for handling, transferring and applying label sheets 2 to respective articles 3 or, more specifically, receptacles, such as bottles or containers, as articles 3 are advanced along an article path PA.

In more detail, apparatus 1 comprises an article conveyor device, in particular a conveying carrousel 4 rotatable around a central axis A and being configured to support a plurality of articles 3 on its periphery and to advance these articles 3 along path PA by rotation around axis A. Preferentially, path PA has an arc-shaped configuration. Alternatively, the article conveying device could be of the linear type being adapted to advance articles 3 along a linear article path .

Preferably, axis A extends vertically and the path PA extends in an horizontal plane.

Preferentially, articles 3 can be rotated in a manner known as such as they are advanced along path PA by carrousel 4 and as label sheets 2 are applied to the articles 3 themselves.

Advantageously, apparatus 1 further comprises:

- a magazine unit 5 for a web of labeling material 6; - a label transfer device 7 adapted to transfer single label sheets 2 to carousel 4 advancing articles 3 along path PA, in particular for applying label sheets 2 onto articles 3;

- conveying means 8 adapted to convey web 6 along a web path PW from unit 5 to device 7, in particular to an end station 9 being arranged in the area of device 7.

Preferably, apparatus 1 also comprises a control unit 10 adapted to control operation of apparatus 1 itself, in particular of unit 5, device 7 and conveying means 8 and preferably of carousel 4.

In particular, apparatus 1 is configured to apply label sheets 2 onto article 3, which are cut from web 6 and which require the application of a pattern of glue onto the backside of label sheets 2 and/or articles 3 prior to the application of label sheets 2 onto articles 3.

Preferably, apparatus 1 also comprises a cutting unit 11 adapted to cut web 6 at a cutting station 12 by means of non-contact or contact cutting so as to obtain single label sheets 2 from web 6. In particular, cutting station 12 being positioned upstream of device 7, in particular of end station 9 along path PW.

In more detail, unit 5 is configured to house a reel 15 carrying web 6 (i.e. web 6 is wound onto reel 15) . Web 6 wound onto reel 15 defines a diameter, which, during operation of apparatus 1, decreases with time.

More specifically, reel 15 is housed within a reel seat (not shown and known as such) of unit 5 such that reel 15 is rotatable around a central axis B, in particular axis B being substantially parallel to axis A, for allowing unwinding of web 6 from reel 15.

Preferably, unit 5 comprises a driving unit (not shown and known as such) , in particular being controlled by unit 10, and being adapted to drive rotation of reel 15 around axis B.

Preferentially, unit 5 also comprises a sensor element 16 adapted to determine the diameter of web 6 wound onto reel 15, in particular to determine the, in use, changing diameter. More specifically, sensor element 16 is configured to send the information about the diameter to unit 10. Unit 10 is adapted to control the driving unit of unit 5 so as to adapt the rotation speed of reel 15 to the diameter determined by sensor element 16.

With particular reference to Figures 1A and 3A to 3C, cutting unit 11 comprises a cutting assembly 17 adapted to cut web 6 at cutting station 12. In the particular example shown in Figures 1A and 3A to 3B, cutting assembly 17 comprises a blade element 18 so as to cut web 6 by means of contact. Alternatively, cutting assembly 17 could cut by non-contact means, such as by a laser blade, an ultrasonic blade or other alternative non-contact cutting means.

Unit 11 also comprises a conveyor unit adapted to advance web 6 in cooperation with conveying means 8. Preferentially, the conveyor unit is configured to support advancement of web 6 to device 7, in particular to end station 9, in particular along an end portion of path PW, even more particular in a substantially passive manner. Even more particular, the conveyor unit is configured to allow slipping of web 6 over at least a portion of the conveyor unit, specifically by applying an appropriate suction on web 6.

The conveyor unit also comprises a counter-blade element collaborating with blade element 18 for cutting web 6. In particular, the conveyor unit is configured to operate at varying working speeds .

In the example shown in Figures 1A, IB and 3A to 3C, the conveyor unit comprises a cutting drum 21 being rotatable around a rotation axis C, in particular being substantially parallel to axes A and B. Cutting drum 21, in particular being controlled by unit 10, is configured to rotate at a varying rotation speed between a minimum and a maximum rotation speed (see Figure 4C, which represents the rotational speed profile of drum 21 as a function of time) . In particular, in use, the rotational speed profile of cutting drum 21 is constant, meaning that the time of drum 21 rotating at the maximum and at the minimum rotation speed is not varied. The correct cutting of web 6 is solely achieved by operation of conveying means 8 in a manner explained further below. Alternatively, the conveyor unit could be replaced by a web support unit, in particular if cutting unit 11, in particular cutting assembly 17 cuts by non-contact means .

With particular reference to Figures 1A and 3A to 3C, device 7 comprises a label transfer drum 22 rotatable around a central axis D, in particular axis D being substantially parallel to axis A, B and C. In particular, drum 22 is arranged downstream of drum 21 along path PW and is adapted to receive label sheets 2, at station 9 (i.e. end station 9 corresponds to a transfer station) . More specifically, drum 22 is adapted to retain label sheets 2 on an outer lateral surface of drum 21 itself, along a label path PL from station 9 to a transfer station 23 through rotation of drum 22 around axis D. In particular, path PL having a substantially arc-shaped configuration.

Preferably, drum 22 is configured, in particular being controlled by unit 10, to rotate at a constant operational rotation speed (see Figure 4A, which represents the constant rotational speed profile of drum 22 as a function of time) when operating in a normal operational configuration.

Drum 22 is adapted to transfer label sheets 2 to carousel 4 at station 23. Preferentially, drum 22 is adapted to apply the label sheets 2 onto articles 3 advancing along path PA at station 23.

Preferably, drum 22 is positioned peripherally adjacent to carousel 4 at station 23.

In particular, drum 22 is also arranged peripherally adjacent, in particular tangential, to cutting drum 21 at station 9.

In more detail, drum 22 comprises a plurality of label retaining sections 27 peripherally arranged and, in particular being equally spaced angularly around axis D. Each retaining section 27 is adapted to retain one respective label sheet 2 during advancement between station 9 and station 23. Each label retaining section 27 is delimited by a pair of transfer pads 28a and 28b protruding away from axis D. In particular, one transfer pad 28a of each pair of transfer pads 28a and 28b is configured to engage with a leading edge 2a of the respective label sheet 2 and the other transfer pad 28b is configured to engage with a trailing edge 2b of the respective label sheet 2. Preferably, label sheets 2 are retained on the outer lateral surface of drum 22 by means of suction (known as such and not further explained) .

Preferentially, drum 22 comprises a plurality of voids 29, each one arranged between two respective label retaining sections 27 and each one adapted to accumulate contaminations, such as e.g. glue particles.

Apparatus 1 also comprises a glue application unit 30 adapted to apply a pattern of glue onto label sheets 2 at a glue application station 31, in particular station 31 being arranged between station 9 and 23.

Preferably, unit 30 is configured to apply a pattern of glue onto the backside of label sheets 2 in proximity of respectively the leading and trailing edges 2a and 2b.

In the particular example shown, unit 30 comprises a rotatable glue roller adapted to apply the pattern of glue onto label sheets 2. The glue roller is arranged peripherally adjacent, in particular tangential, to drum 22 at glue application station 31.

Alternatively, unit 30 could comprise glue application nozzles replacing the glue roller. These glue application nozzles could operate in a non-contact or contact mode.

With particular reference to Figures 1A, IB and 2, conveying means 8 comprise:

- at least a first endless suction belt conveyor 35 arranged downstream of unit 5 along path PW and having at least one respective operative branch 36 along which suction belt 35 is adapted to advance web 6, in particular a respective contact portion 6a, along respectively a first intermediate portion PW1 of path PW; and

- at least a second endless suction belt conveyor 37 arranged downstream of conveyor 35 along path PW and having at least one respective operative branch 38 along which suction belt is adapted to advance web 6, in particular a respective contact portion 6b, along respectively a second intermediate portion PW2 of path PW, in particular portion PW2 being downstream of portion PW1. Preferably, operative branches 37 and 39 have a rectilinear configuration and, accordingly, portions PW1 and PW2 of path PW are rectilinear.

More specifically, operative branch 35 is adapted to advance web 6 in a first direction Dl when advancing web 6 along portion PW1 of web path PW and operative branch 37 is adapted to advance web 6 along a second direction D2, in particular distinct from and opposite to the first direction Dl, when advancing web 6 along portion PW2 of path PW.

Even more specifically, conveyors 35 and 37 are spaced apart and arranged parallel to one another. In particular, they are arranged such that the respective operative branches 36 and 38 at least partially face one another, in the example shown in Figures 1A and IB they face one another.

Preferentially, conveyors 35 and 37, in particular operative branches 36 and 38 extend along respective longitudinal axes E and F. Preferentially, the respective operative branches 36 and 38 being substantially parallel to axes E and F. Preferably, conveyors 35 and 37 have similar dimensions; in particular, the extensions of conveyors 35 and 37 along respectively axes E and F are similar.

In further detail, conveyors 35 and 37 define a conveying space 39, within which the portions 6a and 6b of web 6 are advanced by respectively operative branches 36 and 38. Web 6 comprises an open loop portion 6c formed between the portions 6a and 6b advanced by operative branches 36 and 38.

In particular, conveyors 35 and 37 are configured to operate in cooperation as a buffer device for web 6.

In particular, conveyor 35 substantially defines the infeed speed of web 6 into the buffer device; and conveyor 37 substantially defines the outfeed speed of web 6 into the buffer device.

Preferably, unit 10 is configured to control conveying means 8 to advance web 6 to device 7, in particular to drum 22, even more particular to end station 9 at a web advancement speed varying between a minimum and a maximum web advancement speed.

In particular, unit 10 is adapted to control a varying working speed of conveyor 37, in particular of operative branch 38 between a minimum and a maximum working speed so as to advance web 6 to device 7, in particular to drum 22, even more particular to end station 9 at a varying web advancement speed between a minimum and a maximum web advancement speed. In other words, unit 10 is configured to control outfeed speed of web 6 in an oscillating manner.

Preferably, the web advancement speed of web 6 as fed to device 7, in particular to drum 22, even more particular to end station 9 is substantially identical to the working speed of conveyor 37 (i.e. web 6 is fed to device 7, in particular to drum 22, even more particular to end station 9 at a varying speed identical to the outfeed speed of web 6; see Figure 4B, which shows the working speed profile of conveyor 37 as a function of time) .

Preferentially, unit 10 is configured to control a substantially constant working speed of conveyor 35; i.e. the infeed speed of web 6 is substantially constant. In particular, unit 10 is configured to control the working speed of conveyor 35, in particular of operative branch 36 and the rotational speed of reel 15 as a function of one another so that web 6 remains tensioned during advancement, in particular during advancement from unit 5 to conveyor 35. Alternatively, conveying means 8 may comprise controllable tensioning members for guaranteeing the required tension of web 6 during advancement .

Preferentially, unit 10 is configured to control the working speed of conveyor 37, in particular of operative branch 38 such that the loop portion 6c oscillates around an intermediate position 40, in particular between two external positions 41 and 42.

In particular, the positions 40, 41 and 42 being defined by the position of the vertex of the loop portion 6c within the conveying space 39. Even more particular, the positons 40, 41 and 42 being aligned along a line parallel to the axes E and F. Preferentially, the respective distances between the intermediate position 40 and the extreme positions 41 and 42 are identical. Preferentially, conveying means 8 also comprise a first sensor element 43, such as a laser spot type sensor, adapted to detect or determine the filling state of the buffer device. More specifically, sensor element 43 is adapted to track the position of the loop portion 6c, in particular within the conveying space 39 as a measure of the filling state of the buffer device. In particular, sensor element 43 being configured to determine the positon of the vertex of loop portion 6c.

Conveying means 8 also comprise a second sensor element 44 adapted to determine graphical marker elements provided on web 6. These graphical marker elements are defined by the images or parts of the images of the final single label sheets 2 or additional graphic elements allowing to determine the extent (length) of the single label sheets 2. In particular, sensor element 44 is arranged at a station in the area of conveyor 37. Even more particularly, sensor element 44 is configured to determine a temporal stamp of the graphical markers as web 6 is advanced from conveyor 37 to device 7, in particular to drum 22, even more particular to station 9 and to send the information to unit 10. Unit 10 is configured to correlate the temporal stamp and the working speed of conveyor 37 and to calculate whether the web 6 advances, in use, such that the portion of web 6 defining the next label sheet 2 to be cut arrives at transfer device 7, in particular drum 22, even more particular at station 9 at the correct time (i.e. control unit 10 is configured to guarantee that the cut label sheets 2 show the correct graphics) . In even other words, in use, the working speed of conveyor 37 is controlled such that the web advancement speed guarantees that the respective leading edge 2a of each label sheet 2 reaches station 9 simultaneously with the respective transfer pad 28a. Thus, control unit 10 is configured to correct if required the web advancement speed by correcting the working speed of conveyor 37.

Control unit 10 is also configured to elaborate the information from sensor 44 to control cutting unit 11, in particular so that web 6 is cut at cutting station 12 at the correct moment so as to obtain correctly cut label sheets 2, in particular having the correct graphics.

In the particular case shown in Figures 1A and IB, conveyor 35 and conveyor 37 each comprise respectively a further operative branch 47 and 48 along which web 6 is advanced along respective further intermediate portions PW3 and PW4 of web path PW. In particular, portion PW3 being positioned downstream of PWl and portion PW4 being positioned upstream of PW2. Preferably, operative branches 47 and 48 have rectilinear configurations; and operative branch 47 is parallel to operative branch 36 and operative branch 48 is parallel to operative branch 38.

In further detail, conveyors 35 and 37 each comprise at least: a respective first main pulley 49 adapted to rotate around a respective rotation axis G;

- a respective second main pulley 50 adapted to rotate around a respective rotation axis H;

- an endless suction belt 51 wrapped around pulleys

49 and 50; and

- a suction source 52 adapted to cooperate with the respective belt 51 and adapted to generate the required suction .

Preferably, the respective pulleys 49 and 50 are arranged along respectively axes E and F. In particular, pulleys 49 and 50 are toothed pulleys.

Each conveyor 35 and 37 also comprises a respective drive unit (not shown and known as such) adapted to drive rotation of the respective first main pulley 49 around axis G for moving the respective belt 51 and to passively rotate the respective pulley 50 around axis H.

Preferentially, belts 51 are toothed belts complementary to the respective toothed pulleys 49 and 50.

More specifically, each respective suction belt 51 comprises a plurality of through-holes or slits (not shown and known as such) being adapted to be in fluidic connection with suction source 52, in particular for allowing to retain respectively portion 6a and 6b of web 6 cooperating with the respective operative branch 37 or 39 on the respective belt 51. Preferentially, each respective belt 51 is also adapted to retain web 6 onto the respective further operative branches 47 and 48 by means of suction.

Even more specifically, each belt 51 comprises at least one endless duct interposed between the respective suction source 52 and the through-holes or slits and adapted to establish the fluid connection between the respective suction source 52 and the through-holes or slits. In particular, the endless duct is centrally arranged on the side of belt 51 cooperating with the respective pulleys 49 and 50, even more particular the side of each belt 51 carrying the teeth.

Thus, in use, web 6 is advanced through the advancement of the respective belt 51 in function of the rotation of the respective pulley 49. Accordingly, control unit 10 is configured to control a varying rotation speed of the respective pulley 49 of conveyor 37.

In further detail, operative branch 36 is defined by the portion of conveyor 35 at which the respective belt 51 moves from the respective pulley 50 to the respective pulley 49; operative branch 47 is defined by the portion of conveyor 35 at which the respective belt 51 advances from the respective pulley 49 to the respective pulley 50; operative branch 38 is defined by the portion of conveyor 37 at which the respective belt 51 moves from the respective pulley 49 to the respective pulley 50; and operative branch 47 is defined by the portion of conveyor 37 at which the respective belt 51 advances from the respective pulley 50 to the respective pulley 49.

With particular reference to Figures 1A, IB and 2, preferentially conveying means 8 comprise at least one tilt roller 53 adapted to tilt for controlling the orientation of the longitudinal axis J of tilt roller 53 for controlling the orientation of web 6, in particular when advancing, in use, from conveyor 37 to device 7, in particular to drum 22, even more particular to station 9. Preferentially, apparatus 1 comprises means (known as such and not further described) for tilting roller 53.

Preferably, tilt roller 53 is arranged substantially downstream of conveyor 37 along web path PW. In particular, tilt roller 53 is arranged in the proximity of conveyor 37, even more particular adjacent to operative branch 48.

Preferentially, conveying means 8 also comprise a further tilt roller 54 adapted to tilt for controlling the orientation of the longitudinal axis J of tilt roller 53 for controlling the orientation of web 6, in particular the orientation of web 6 as fed to conveyor 35. Preferably, tilt roller 54 is arranged substantially downstream of conveyor 35 along the web path. In particular, tilt roller 54 is arranged in the proximity of conveyor 35, even more particularly adjacent to operative branch 48.

With particular reference to Figure 2, apparatus 1, in particular conveying means 8, even more particular conveyor 37, comprises an orientation adjustment unit 55 adapted to control the relative orientation of conveyor 37 with respect to conveyor 35 (i.e. orientation adjustment unit 55 is adapted to adjust the orientation of axis F with respect to axis E) . In particular, unit 55 is configured to adjust the orientation of axis F so as to control the final positioning of label sheets 2 on articles 3. In other words, unit 55 is configured to compensate for any possible tracking errors of web 6 advancing along path PW. These tracking errors are reduced with respect to the ones, which occur in the labeling apparatuses known in the art as the web 6 is fixed on belts 51 of conveyors 35 and 37 by means of suction. However, in certain circumstances minor errors may still occur.

Preferentially, unit 55 is configured to control axes E and F so that the respective directional vectors describe an angle between -10° to 10°, in particular between -5° to 5°.

In more detail, conveyor 37 is pivotable around a pivot point, in particular the pivot point being positioned in the area of the respective pulley 49.

Preferably, unit 55 is adapted to pivot conveyor 37 about the pivot point. More specifically, unit 55 is configured to move the respective pulley 50, preferably along a path R, in particular having an arc-shaped profile, into one or the other respective direction for pivoting conveyor 37 about the pivot point. Specifically, unit 55 comprises a drive member 56, in particular carrying pulley 50, adapted to extract or retract for moving pulley 50 along path R.

In use, conveyor 4 advances articles 3 along path PA through transfer station 23. During advancement articles 3 rotate around their central axis so as to support the attachment of label sheets 2 onto articles 3 themselves .

At the same time, label sheets 2 are advanced to transfer station 23 and are transferred at station 23 to conveyor 4, in particular label sheets 2 are applied at transfer station 23 to articles 3.

Label sheets 2 to be applied are obtained from web 6 through cutting web 6 at cutting station 12. A pattern of glue is applied onto label sheets 2 at glue application station 31 prior to applying label sheets 2 onto articles 3.

In more detail, web 6 is advanced by conveyor means 8 along path PW from unit 5 to device 7, in particular to drum 22, even more particular to end station 9. In particular, conveying means 8 advance web 6 to device 7, in particular to drum 22, even more particular to end station 9 through cutting station 12.

Advantageously, web 6 is advanced along portion PWl by operative branch 36 of conveyor 35 and along portion PW2 by operative branch 38 of conveyor 37. Preferably, portions PWl and PW2 being rectilinear.

In particular, when being advanced by operative branches 36 and 38 web 6 advances in a respectively first and second direction Dl and D2. Preferably, direction D2 is distinct from Dl and is opposite of direction Dl .

In more detail, when being advanced by operative branches 36 and 38, web 6, in particular portions 6a and 6b are adhered to the respective portions of belts 51 by application of suction. As the respective belts 51 are moved, in particular by the driven rotation of the respective pulley 49, also the web 6 adhering to the respective belts 51 is advanced. Even more specifically, web 6 advances at web advancement speeds which are substantially identical to the speeds of the moving belts 51. The speeds of the respective moving belts 51 defining the working speeds of respectively conveyors 35 and 37.

In particular, web 6 is fed towards conveyor 35 at the infeed speed; and web 6 is fed towards device 7, in particular drum 22, even more particular to end station 9 at the outfeed speed.

As can be seen in Figure 4B, the web advancement speed of web 6 to device 7, in particular to drum 22, even more particular to station 9 preferentially varies between a maximum and a minimum web advancement speed. Corrections of the web advancement speed may be required as a function of the information from sensor 44.

The position of the loop portion 6c oscillates around intermediate position 40, in particular between external position 41 and external position 42.

Preferably, as illustrated in Figure 4A, the operational rotation speed of drum 22 is kept constant. As will become clear from the following description, the varying web advancement speed allows to compensate for the pitch between successive articles 3 advancing along path PA.

In the following, the transfer process of label sheets 2 is described on the example of the transfer of one label sheet 2 with particular reference to Figures 3A to 3C and Figures 4A to 4C. The transfer of the successive label sheets 2 is identical.

At the beginning of the transfer process, web 6 is advanced to device 7, in particular drum 22, even more particular to end station 9, in particular the leading edge of web 6, which defines the leading edge 2a of the label sheet 2 to be obtained, is advanced to device 7, in particular drum 22, even more particular to station 9. In other words, the leading edge 2a of the label sheet 2 to be transferred onto drum 22, in particular the respective retaining section 27, even more particular the respective transfer pad 28a is advanced to device 7, in particular drum 22, even more particular to end station 9 (see Figure 3A) . At the same time, the respective retaining section 27, in particular the respective transfer pad 28a reaches station 9 due to rotation of drum 22. At station 9 leading edge 2a gets into contact with transfer pad 28a and is retained by the latter by means of suction. While drum 22 continues to rotate, in particular at a constant rotational speed (see Figure 4A) , conveying means 8, in particular conveyor 37 further advances web 6 (see Figure 3B) , in particular at the maximum web advancement speed (see Figure 4B) . As well, due to the rotation of drum 22 leading edge 2a advances along path PL. Preferably, the maximum web advancement speed corresponds to the peripheral rotation speed of drum 22.

While web 6 is still advanced at the maximum web advancement speed, web 6 is cut at cutting station 12, in particular so that label sheet 2 has the desired/required length. More precisely, control unit 10 is configured to control advancement of web 6 such that web 6 is cut in correspondence with graphical markers (not shown and known as such) provided on web 6. Then label sheet 2 is further advanced by collaboration of drum 22 and the conveyor unit of unit 11, in particular cutting drum 21. Finally, trailing edge 2b reaches station 9. Simultaneously, transfer pad 28b reaches station 9 and trailing edge 2b engages with transfer pad 28b.

After the transfer of label sheet 2 (i.e. at the end of the transfer process) the web advancement speed to device 7, in particular drum 22, even more particular to station 9 is set to the minimum advancement speed, in particular by slowing down conveyor 37, in particular to the minimum web advancement speed, (see Figure 4B) so as to compensate for the pitch between successive articles 3.

As well, drum 22 continues to rotate and further advances label sheet 2 along path PL towards transfer station 23 at which label sheet 2 is transferred to the respective article 3 in a manner known as such and not further explained. Preferably, a pattern of glue is applied onto label sheet 2 at station 23 prior to application of label sheet 2 onto article 3.

In the particular example shown in Figures 1A to

4C, web 6 is cut by contact means. In order to align blade 18 and the counter-blade with each other at the desired moment, it is preferable, to accelerate the conveying unit, in particular drum 21 after the transfer of label sheet 2 onto drum 22 so as to obtain the desired alignment for the next cutting step (see Figure 4c. Therefore, the rotational speed of cutting drum 21 is at a maximum when the web advancement speed to device 7, in particular to drum 22, even more particular to station 9 is at a minimum.

Alternatively, in particular in these case where cutting unit 11, in particular cutting assembly 17 would cut web 6 by non-contact means, the speed of the conveying unit, would not necessarily require any variations. E.g. only a web support unit could be used instead of the conveying unit.

During advancement of web 6 it may be necessary to adjust the orientation of web 6. This is needed to ensure that label sheets 2 are correctly applied onto articles 3, in particular to ensure that label sheets 2 are correctly oriented on articles 3. Preferentially, the longitudinal axis of web 6 is at least downstream of conveyor 37 perpendicular to axis D. This is achieved by controlling at least tilt roller 53.

In particular, tilt roller 53 is tilted by automatic or manual means (known as such) , in particular with respect to axis D.

Furthermore, the relative orientation of conveyors 35 and 37 with respect to one another is controlled by orientation adjustment unit 55, in particular so that label sheets 2 are applied to articles 3 at the desired positions. Preferentially, the orientation of conveyor 37 is controlled with respect to conveyor 35. In the particular case shown in which articles 3 are bottles, the control of the orientation of conveyor 37 allows to place label sheets 2 at the correct elevation with respect to the longitudinal axes of articles 3.

The orientation of conveyor 37 is controlled such that the angle defined by the respective directional vectors of longitudinal axes E and F lies between -10° to 10°, in particular between -5° to 5°.

In particular, the relative orientation of conveyors 35 and 37 with one another is controlled by pivoting conveyor 37 about the pivot point. Even more particular, unit 55 moves the respective pulley 50 along path R. Specifically, drive member 56 extracts or retracts for moving pulley 50 into one or the other direction of path R.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6, number 1' indicates as a whole a second embodiment of labeling apparatus according to the present invention; as apparatus 1' is similar to apparatus 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, apparatus 1' differs from apparatus

1 in label transfer device 7 comprising transfer drum 22' and in comprising cutting unit 11' and glue application unit 30'. Apparatus 1' also differs from apparatus 1 in that apparatus 1' comprises a transfer station 59 at which web 6 is transferred onto drum 22' . Transfer station 59 being arranged downstream of end station 9.

In more detail, transfer drum 22' is rotatable around axis D' , in particular axis D' being substantially parallel to axis A and B. Drum 22' is adapted to retain label sheets 2 on its outer lateral surface during advancement of label sheets 2 from cutting station 12 to transfer station 23, in particular by means of suction (known as such and not described in detail) .

Drum 22' is also adapted to support web 6 in a slipping manner from station 59 to station 9. In particular, drum 22' is controlled by the respective control unit (not specifically shown in Figure 5, but being substantially identical to unit 10 of apparatus 1) to rotate at a constant operational rotation speed, similar to what is shown in Figure 4A with respect to drum 22.

Furthermore, control unit 10 is configured to control a varying feed of web 6 to station 9, in particular by controlling conveyor 37.

Preferentially, cutting unit 11' is adapted to cut web 6 at cutting station 12 by non-contact means, such as by a laser blade, an ultrasonic blade or other alternative non-contact cutting methods. Alternatively, unit 11' could be designed to cut by means of contact.

Preferably, glue application unit 30' is configured to apply a pattern of glue at glue application station 31', glue application station 31' being interposed between station 59 and cutting station 12 (i.e. apparatus 1' is configured to apply a pattern of glue onto web 6, prior of cutting single label sheets 2 from web 6) . In the particular example shown in Figure 5, glue application station 31' is configured to apply the pattern of glue by non-contact means, in particular the pattern of glue is applied to these portions of web 6, which after cutting, define edges 2a and 2b. Alternatively, the glue pattern could be applied by a glue application unit similar to unit 30 of apparatus 1. In an alternative embodiment of apparatus 1' not shown, apparatus 1' does not comprise a glue application unit 30' or glue application unit 30' is inactive. This can be of advantage, if the web 6 of labeling material is of the pre-glued type or if a pattern of glue is applied onto articles 3 prior to the application of label sheets 2 onto articles 3.

Overall, the function of apparatus 1' is similar to the function of apparatus 1. In the following, only the differences between the functions of apparatuses 1' and 1 are described with particular reference to Figures 6A to 6C.

Web 6 is advanced by conveying means 8 to device 7, in particular to drum 22', even more particular to end station 9 through transfer station 59 and cutting station 12. Preferably, glue is applied onto web 6 at glue application station 31' prior to cutting web 6 at cutting station 12.

Transfer drum 22' rotates at a constant operational rotation speed (i.e. the peripheral surface speed is constant) . Web 6 is advanced to device 7, in particular to drum 22', even more particular to end station 9 at a varying web advancement speed, in particular by unit 10 controlling the working speed of conveyor 37.

Prior to the web 6, in particular the leading portion of web 6, reaching end station 9, web 6 is advanced at the minimum web advancement speed; in particular, the minimum web advancement speed being slower than the peripheral surface speed of drum 22'. Thus, during a first phase of the feeding of web 6 to end station 9, web 6 slips on the outer lateral surface of drum 22' (see Figure 6A) . Still, prior to reaching end position 9, the web advancement speed is set to the maximum web advancement speed, in particular being identical to the peripheral surface speed of drum 22'.

During further advancement of web 6 at maximum web advancement speed, web 6, in particular the leading portion of web 6 (the edge which defines the leading edge 2a of the next label sheet 2 to be obtained) , reaches end station 9 (see Figure 6B) ; and web 6 is cut at cutting station 12 (see Figure 6C) . In particular, the web advancement of web 6 is controlled to be the minimum web advancement speed immediately after cutting the web 6 and the web advancement speed is resumed to be the maximum web advancement speed after reaching a required pitch between the obtained label sheet 2 and the successive label sheet (which still needs to be obtained by cutting) . Thus, the control of the web advancement speed allows to compensate for the pitch between successive articles 3.

Then the obtained label sheet 2 is further advanced by drum 22', in particular while being retained on the outer lateral surface of drum 22' from cutting station 12 to transfer station 23.

It must be noted that in the alternative case, in which apparatus 1' does not comprise a glue application unit 30' or the glue application unit 30' is inactive, the operation is similar with the only difference of not performing a step of applying a pattern of glue.

With reference to Figure 7, number 1'' indicates as a whole a third embodiment of a labeling apparatus according to the present invention; as apparatus 1'' is similar to apparatus 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, apparatus 1'' differs from apparatus

1 in being adapted to handle web 6 having a base layer 65 onto which label sheets 2 are removably attached, in particular in an equally spaced manner. This kind of web 6 is known for the fact that the base layer 65 must be discarded after application of label sheets 2 onto articles 3. Therefore, unit 5 is configured to house web 6 having base layer 65 and label sheets removably attached to base layer 65.

Furthermore, apparatus 1'' differs from apparatus 1 in comprising transfer device 7'' being adapted to detach label sheets 2 from base layer 65 at station 9 and to transfer label sheets 2 to conveyor 4, in particular to transfer label sheets 2 onto articles 3 advancing along path PA at station 9.

In more detail, transfer device 7'' comprises a separator member 66 being adapted to detach label sheets

2 from base layer 65. Preferably, member 66 has a wedge- like portion 67 extending to station 9 and being configured to contact an inner side of base layer 65 opposite to the outer side of base layer 65 carrying label sheets 2.

Apparatus 1'' further differs from apparatus 1 in that conveying means 8 are not only configured to advance web 6 to device 7'', in particular to separator member 66, even more particular to station 9, but to also advance base layer 65 along a base layer path PB from device 7'', in particular member 66, even more particular from station 9 at least towards a disposal station 68, at which base layer 65 is prepared for disposal or recycling or at which it is directly disposed of. Preferentially, conveyor 37 has an extension along axis F being larger than the extension of conveyor 35 along axis E.

In particular, operative branch 48 of conveyor 37 is configured to advance base layer 65.

A further difference between apparatus 1'' and apparatus 1 is that apparatus 1'' also comprises a discharge unit 69 arranged at station 68 for receiving base layer 65.

Discharge unit 69 comprises a reel 70 adapted to rotate around a respective central axis L and to wind up base layer 65.

Another difference between apparatus 1'' and apparatus 1 is that apparatus 1'', in particular conveyor means 8 also comprise an additional buffer unit 71 interposed between conveyor 37 and discharge unit 69.

Overall, the function of apparatus 1'' is similar to the function of apparatus 1. In the following, only the differences between the functions of apparatuses 1" .

Web 6 is advanced by conveying means 8 along path PW from unit 5 to device 7'', in particular to member 66, even more particular to station 9.

At station 9 label sheets 2 are detached by device 7'', in particular separator member 66 from baser layer 65 and are transferred, in particular applied onto articles 3 advancing along path PA. Base layer 65 is then advanced along path PB to disposal station 68.

In more detail, web 6 is advanced by conveying means 8 to device 7'', in particular to separator member 66, even more particular to end station 9 at a varying web advancement speed so as to compensate for the pitch between successive articles 3.

More specifically, web 6 is advanced along portion PW1 by operative branch 36, in particular being advanced at a substantially constant web advancement speed. Web 6 is also advanced along portion PW2 by operative branch 38 to end station 9, in particular at a varying web advancement speed. Web 6 is also advanced along portion PW3 by further operative branch 47. After detachment of label sheets 2 at end station 9, base layer 65 is advanced by operative branch 48 towards disposal station 68, in particular through buffer unit 71 to disposal unit 69. As conveyor 37 works preferably at a varying working speed, base layer 65 is advanced at a varying advancement speed too.

It must be noted, that if the distance between successive label sheets 2 on base layer corresponds to the pitch between successive articles 3, conveyor 37 operates at a constant working speed.

With reference to Figure 68, number \' ' ' indicates as a whole a variation of apparatus 1''; as apparatus 1' ' ' is similar to apparatus 1''', the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, apparatus 1' ' ' differs from apparatus 1'' in comprising conveying means 8'''.

Conveying means 8''' differ from conveying means 8 in comprising a further suction belt conveyor 75 arranged parallel to conveyor 35, in particular such that at least a portion of conveyor 37 is arranged between conveyor 35 and conveyor 75. Preferentially, conveyor 75 is similar to conveyor 35, even more preferentially being identical to conveyor 35. In particular, conveyor 75 is arranged downstream of conveyor 37 along base layer path PB. Even more particular, conveyor 75 is interposed between conveyor 37 and disposal unit 69 along path PB.

Conveyor 75 comprises at least one operative branch 76 adapted to advance base layer 65 along a respective portion of path PB. In particular, operative branch 76 is arranged downstream of operative branch 48 of conveyor 37 and upstream of disposal station 68 along path PB.

Preferentially, conveyor 75 is configured to be controlled, in particular by the control unit, to operate at varying working speeds so as to advance base layer 65 at varying advancement speeds.

In particular, conveyor 37 and conveyor 75 define a buffer device for base layer 65.

Conveying means 8''' further comprise an additional sensor element 77, in particular being similar to sensor element 43, being configured to communicate with the control unit .

Sensor element 77 is adapted to detect the filling state of the buffer device defined by conveyors 37 and 75. In particular, sensor element 77 is adapted to track the position of a loop portion 65a of base layer 65, in a manner similar to sensor element 43 tracking position of loop portion 6c.

The control unit is configured to control operation of conveyor 75 in dependence of the information provided by sensor element 77.

The function of apparatus 1' ' ' is similar to the function of apparatus 1'' . In the following, only the differences between the function of apparatuses 1'' and 1''' are described.

In particular, the difference lies in that base layer 65 is advanced from end station 9 to disposal station 68 by conveyor 37 and conveyor 75. At first base layer 65 is advanced by operative branch 48 of conveyor 37 from where base layer 65 is transferred onto operative branch 76 of conveyor 75. Then base layer 65 advances along operative branch 76 to disposal station 68, in particular to disposal unit 69.

The advantages of the labeling apparatus according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, as web 6 is at least partially advanced by suction belt conveyor 35, 37 with the labeling apparatus according to the present invention, the stress acting on web 6 is significantly reduced. This increases the performance and quality of such a labeling apparatus.

Additionally, the work of the operators prior to activation of the operation of apparatus 1, 1', 1'' or 1''' is facilitated as the number of rollers is significantly decreased. This allows to reduce the possibility of errors within the course of web 6 prior to activation of the labeling process. As well, it allows to speed-up the splicing process itself. Furthermore, the task does not require operators being highly trained as needed in the case of labeling apparatuses as known in the state-of-the-art.

Furthermore, the reduction of the stresses acting on web 6 allows to increase flexibility of the labeling process itself. E.g. the web advancement speed can be varied in a quick and simple manner by simply controlling the working speed of the second suction belt conveyor 37. E.g. this permits to provide for a transfer device 7 having a transfer drum 22 without transition sections, but to only have a plurality of retaining sections 27 which are delimited by transfer pads 28a and 28b. This leads to the transfer drum being less sensitive to contaminations. This is further improved by providing for voids 29 which allow for accumulation of contaminations within themselves.

A further advantage is seen in that the use of suction belt conveyors allows to provide for a transfer device 1 having drum 22' . The cutting can be performed while the web 6 is already in contact with drum 22' and gluing operation can be performed prior to cutting the web 6 at the cutting station 12. This leads again to a reduction of the sensitivity to contaminations of drum 22' .

An additional advantage lies in the fact that the appearance of tracking errors of web 6 during advancement along web path 6 is reduced with respect to the known labeling apparatuses.

An even further advantage is that the possibility to advance the web of labeling material at varying advancement speeds allows for simple means for arranging the label sheets with respect to the pitch between successive articles.

An even additional advantage is that the number of components of the labeling apparatus according to the present invention being in contact with a side having the glue of a pre-glued web of labeling material is significantly reduced. This allows to reduce the overall downtime of the labeling apparatus, as less parts need to be thoroughly cleaned.

Clearly, changes may be made to the labeling apparatuses as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, conveying means 8 could comprise further suction belt conveyors.

In one alternative embodiment of apparatus 1 not shown, the conveyor unit of cutting unit 11 could comprise a suction belt conveyor instead of cutting drum 21. In particular, the suction belt conveyor could have an operative branch, which, in particular is operated at a respective varying advancement speed.

In an alternative embodiment of apparatus 1'' not shown, separator member 66 is replaced by a separator assembly. Such a separator assembly may comprise a rotatable detachment drum adapted to detach label sheets 2 from base layer 65 at end station 9, in particular by means of suction; the detachment drum being further adapted to retain label sheets 2 during advancement of label sheets 2 from end station to an application station at which label sheets 2 are transferred to carousel 5, in particular applied onto articles 3.

Claims

1. - Labeling apparatus (1, 1', 1'', 1''') for applying label sheets (2) onto articles (3) comprising:

a magazine unit (5) for a web of labeling material ( 6 ) ;

a label transfer device (7, 7'') adapted to transfer single label sheets (2) to a conveyor (4) advancing articles (3) along an article path (PA) ;

- conveying means (8, 8''') adapted to convey the web of labeling material (6) along a web path (PW) from the magazine unit (5) to the label transfer device (7, 7" ) ;

characterized in that the conveying means (8, 8''') comprise at least a first suction belt conveyor (35) and a second suction belt conveyor (37), each of which being arranged downstream of the magazine (5) unit along the web path (PW) ;

wherein each one of the first and the second suction belt conveyors (35, 37) comprises at least one respective operative branch (36, 38), each operative branch (36, 38) being adapted to convey the web of labeling material (6) along respectively a first intermediate portion (PW1) and a second intermediate portion (PW2) of the web path (PW) ;

wherein the second intermediate portion (PW2) of the web path (PW) is downstream of the first intermediate portion (PW1) of the web path (PW) .

2. - The labeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second portions (PW1, PW2) of the web path (PW) is rectilinear.

3.- The labeling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and the second suction belt conveyor (35, 37) are spaced apparat and are arranged parallel to one another and they are arranged such that the respective operative branches (36, 38) of the first suction belt conveyor (35) and of the second suction belt conveyor (37) at least partially face one another.

4. The labeling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective operative branch (36) of the first suction belt conveyor (35) is adapted to advance the web of labeling material (6) in a first direction (Dl) and the respective operative branch (37) of the second suction belt conveyor (37) is adapted to advance the web of labeling material (6) along a second direction (D2), opposite to the first direction (Dl) .

5. - The labeling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second suction belt conveyor (35, 37) are configured to operate as a buffer device for the web of labeling material (6) .

6. - The labeling apparatus according to claim 5, comprising a sensor element (43) adapted to detect or determine the filling state of the buffer device.

7. - The labeling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a control unit (10) adapted to control a varying working speed of the second suction belt conveyor (37) between a minimum and a maximum working speed so as to advance the web of labeling material (6) at a varying web advancement speed .

8.- The labeling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one tilt roller (53) arranged downstream of the second suction belt conveyor (37) along the web path (PW) , having a longitudinal axis (J) and being adapted to tilt for changing the orientation of the longitudinal axis (J) of the tilt roller (53) itself so as to control the orientation of the web of labeling material (6) .

9. The labeling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an orientation adjustment unit (55) adapted to adjust the relative orientation of the second suction belt conveyor (37) with respect to the first suction belt conveyor (35) .

10. - The labeling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the orientation adjustment unit (55) is configured to control the relative orientation of the first suction belt conveyor (35) and the second suction belt conveyor (37) such that the respective directional vectors of the respective longitudinal axes (E, F) describe an angle between -10° to 10°, preferably between -5° to 5° .

11. - The labeling apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second suction belt conveyor (37) comprises at least a first main pulley (49) and a second main pulley (50); wherein the second suction belt conveyor (37) is pivotable around a pivot point arranged in the area of the first main pulley (49); and wherein the orientation adjustment unit (55) is configured to pivot the second pulley (50) about the pivot point.

12. The labeling apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the orientation adjustment unit (55) is adapted to move the second pulley (50) for pivoting the second suction belt conveyor (37).

13. - The labeling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cutting unit (11, 11') adapted to cut the single label sheets (2) from the web of labeling material (6) at a cutting station (12); and

wherein the transfer device (7, 7'') further comprises a label transfer drum (22, 22') rotatable around a central axis (D, D' ) and being adapted to retain the label sheets (2) cut at the cutting station (12) on an outer lateral surface of the label transfer drum (22, 22') along a label transfer path (PL) to a transfer station (23) and being adapted to transfer the label sheets (2) to the carousel (4) at the transfer station (23) .

14. - The labeling apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the label transfer drum (22) comprises a plurality of label retaining sections (27), each one adapted to retain one respective label sheet (2) during advancement of the label sheet (2) to the transfer station (23) .

15. - The labeling apparatus according to claim 14, wherein each one of the label retaining sections (27) is delimited by a pair of transfer pads (28a, 28b) protruding away from the outer lateral surface of the label transfer drum (22); wherein one transfer pad (28a) of each pair of transfer pads (28a, 28b) is configured to retain a leading edge (2a) of the respective label sheet (2) and the other transfer pad (28b) is configured to retain a trailing edge (2b) of the respective label sheet (2 ) .

16. - The labeling apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the label transfer drum (22) comprises a plurality of voids (29), each one arranged between two respective label retaining sections (27) and each one adapted to accumulate contaminations.

17. - The labeling apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the cutting unit (11) comprises a cutting assembly (17) adapted to cut the web of labeling material (6) at the cutting station (12);

wherein the cutting unit (11) further comprises a conveyor unit (21) arranged downstream of the second suction belt conveyor (37) and upstream of the transfer drum (22) along the web path (PW) and being adapted to cooperate with the conveyor means (8) for advancing the web of labeling material (6) along an end portion of the web path (PW) .

18. - The labeling apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the conveyor unit comprises a cutting drum (21) being rotatable around a respective rotation axis (C) ; wherein the cutting drum (21) is configured to rotate at a varying rotation speed between a minimum and a maximum rotational speed.

19. - The labeling apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a glue application unit (30') adapted to apply a pattern of glue onto the web of labeling material (6) at a glue application station (31'), the glue application station (31') being arranged upstream of the cutting station (12) along the web path (PW) .

20. - The labeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the magazine unit (5) is configured to house a web of labeling material (6) having a base layer (65) and a plurality of label sheets (2) removably attached on the base layer (65);

wherein the label transfer device (7'') comprises a separator member (66) or a separator assembly adapted to detach the label sheets (2) from the base layer (65) of the web of labeling material (6) at a transfer station (9) at which the label sheets (2) are transferred to the conveyor (4); and

wherein the conveying means (8, 8'') are configured to advance the web of labeling material (6) to the transfer device (7'') and to advance the base layer (65) along a base layer path (PB) from the transfer device (7'') to a disposal station (68) .

21. - The labeling apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the separator member (66) has a wedge-like portion (67) extending to the transfer station (9) and being configured to contact an inner side of the base layer (65) opposite to the outer side of the base layer (65) carrying the label sheets (2) .

22. - The labeling apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the second suction belt conveyor (37) comprises at least a further operative branch (48) being configured to advance the base layer (65) from the transfer device (7'') at least towards the disposal station ( 68 ) .

23. - The labeling apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the conveying means (8'') comprise a further suction belt conveyor (75) arranged downstream of the second suction belt conveyor (37) along the web path (PB) and being adapted to advance the base layer (65) along a respective portion of the base layer path (PB) .

24.- The labeling apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the further suction belt conveyor (75) is arranged parallel to the first suction belt conveyor (35) and at least a portion of the second suction belt conveyor (37) is interposed between the first suction belt conveyor (35) and the further suction belt conveyor (75) .

25.- Method for operating a labeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the step of advancing the web of labeling material (6) along a web path (PW) from the magazine unit (5) to the transfer device (7, 7'');

characterized in that during the step of advancing the web of label material (6), the web of labeling material (6) is advanced along a first portion (PW1) of the web path (PW) by the respective operative branch (36) of the first suction belt conveyor (35) and along a second portion (PW2) of the web path (PW) , downstream of the first portion (PW1) along the web path (PW) , by the respective operative branch (38) of the second suction belt conveyor (37) .

26. - The method according to claim 25, wherein the web of labeling material (6) advances into a first direction (Dl) when advancing along the first portion (PW1) and advances into a second direction (D2), distinct from the first direction (Dl), when being advanced along the second portion (PW2) .

27. - The method according to claim 26, wherein the second direction (D2) is opposite to the first direction

(Dl) .

28. - The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the web of labeling material (6) is advanced to the transfer device (7, 7'') at a web advancement speed varying between a minimum and a maximum web advancement speed.

29. - The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, further comprising the step of controlling the relative orientation of the second suction belt conveyor (37) and the first suction belt conveyor (35) by activation of an orientation adjustment unit (55) .

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein during the step of controlling the relative orientation of the first suction belt conveyor (35) and of the second suction belt conveyor (37) the angle defined by the respective directional vectors of the respective longitudinal axes (E, F) of the fist suction belt conveyor (35) and the second suction belt conveyor (37) lies between -10° to 10° , in particular between -5° to 5° .

31. - The method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the step of controlling the relative orientation of the first suction belt conveyor (35) and the second suction belt conveyor (37) comprises the step of pivoting the second suction belt conveyor (37) about a pivot point of the second suction belt conveyor (37) itself .

32.- The method according to claim 31, wherein the second suction belt conveyor (37) comprises at least a first main pulley (49) and a second main pulley (50); wherein the step of pivoting the second suction belt conveyor (37) about the pivot point comprises the step of the orientation adjustment unit (55) moving the respective second main pulley (50) .

33.- The method according to any one of claims 25 to 32, comprising the further steps of feeding the web of labeling material (6) through a cutting station (12) and cutting the web of label material (6) by a cutting unit (11, 11') at the cutting station (12) to form single label sheets (2) .

34.- The method according to claim 33, comprising successive steps of transferring label sheets;

wherein during each one of the successive steps one respective label sheet (2) is transferred onto a transfer drum (22) rotating around a respective rotation axis (D) ; wherein the transfer drum (22) rotates at a constant operational rotation speed.

35. - The method according to claim 34, wherein the transfer drum (22) comprises a plurality of label retaining sections (27), each one being delimited by a pair of transfer pads (28a, 28b) ;

wherein during each one of the successive steps of transferring one label sheet (2) onto the transfer drum (22), the respective leading edge (2a) of the respective label sheet (2) engages one respective transfer pad (28a) of the respective pair of transfer pads and the respective trailing edge (28b) of the respective label sheet (2) engages with the other transfer pad (28b) of the pair of transfer pads (28a, 28b) .

36. - The method according to claims 34 or 35, wherein during each step of transferring one label sheet

(2) onto the transfer drum (22), the web of labeling material (6) is advanced at a maximum web advancement speed .

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein after each step of transferring one single label sheet (2) onto the transfer drum (22), the web advancement speed of the web of labeling material (6) is controlled to a minimum web advancement speed.

38. - The method according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the web of labeling material (6) is cut at the cutting station (12) while the web of labeling material (6) is advanced at the maximum web advancement speed.

39.- The method according to claim 25, comprising the step of transferring the web of labeling material (6) to a transfer drum (22') positioned downstream of the second belt conveyor (37) along the web path (PW) at a transfer station (59) arranged upstream of the cutting station (12) along the web path (PW) ;

wherein the transfer drum (22') rotates around a respective rotation axis (D' ) at a constant operational rotation speed.

40. - The method according to claim 39, wherein the method comprises the step of advancing the web of labeling material (6) at a maximum web advancement speed, in particular the maximum web advancement speed being equal to the peripheral surface speed of the transfer drum (22') during the cutting of the web of label material (6) at the cutting station (12) .

41. - The method according to claim 40, further comprising the step of controlling the web advancement speed to a minimum web advancement speed after the cutting of the web of labeling material (6) at the cutting station (12) so as to obtain a required pitch between two successive label sheets (2) and to control the web advancement speed again to the maximum web advancement speed once the required pitch is obtained.

42. - The method according to any one of claims 39 to 41 further comprising the step of applying a pattern of glue onto the web of labeling material (6) at a glue application station (31');

wherein the glue application station (31') is arranged between the transfer station (59) and the cutting station (12) along the web path (PW) .

43. - The method according to any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the magazine unit (5) houses a web of labeling material having a base layer (65) and a plurality of label sheets (2) removably attached on the base layer ( 65 ) ;

wherein the conveying means (8) advance the web of labeling material (6) to the transfer device (7'') at which the label sheets (2) are detached from the base layer (65) at a transfer station (9) .

44. - The method according to claim 43, wherein the method further comprises the step of the conveying means (8, 8''') advancing the base layer (65) along a base layer path (PB) from the transfer station (9) to a disposal station (68) at which the base layer (65) is disposed of or is prepared for disposal or recycling.

45. The method according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the second suction belt conveyor (37) advances the web of labeling material (6) along the second portion (PW2) of the web path (PW) by at least the first operative branch (36) to the transfer device (7'') and the second suction belt conveyor (37) advances the base layer (65) by at least a second operative branch (38) from the transfer device (7'') towards the disposal station (68).

46. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein the conveying means (8''') comprise a further suction belt conveyor (75) and the further suction belt conveyor (75) advances the base layer (65) along a respective portion of the base layer path (PB) .