EP3678970A1

EP3678970A1 - Method and apparatus for splicing webs

Info

Publication number: EP3678970A1
Application number: EP17765405.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: James Carmichael
Original assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Current assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Priority date: 2017-09-07
Filing date: 2017-09-07
Publication date: 2020-07-15
Also published as: WO2019048044A1

Abstract

There is described a method of splicing a new web (4, 3) to a web in use (3, 4) comprising an advancement phase during which an outer lateral surface (8) of a conveying device (7) is advanced along a path (P) through a first feeding station (9), a second feeding station (10) and an outlet station (11) with the second feeding station (10) being arranged between the first feeding station (9) and the outlet station (11), a first feeding phase during which the web in use (3; 4) is fed to the conveying device (7) at any one of the second feeding station (10) and the first feeding station (10), a first conveying phase during which the web in use (3; 4) is advanced to the outlet station (11); a second feeding phase during which the new web (4; 3) is fed to the conveying device (7) at the other one of the first feeding station (9) and the second feeding station (10), a second conveying phase during which the new web (4; 3) is advanced to the outlet station (11), and a bonding phase during which the new web (4; 3) and the web in use (3; 4) are adhesively bonded to one another at the second feeding station (10).

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPLICING WEBS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for splicing webs, in particular webs of labeling material. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for splicing a web in use with a new web without reducing the advancement speed of the web in use.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to an apparatus for splicing webs, in particular webs of labeling material. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for splicing a web in use with a new web without reducing the advancement speed of the web in use.

BACKGROUND ART

It is known in the art, that there are different types of labeling machines for applying label sheets onto receptacles, such as bottles, containers or the like.

Furthermore, it is known that there are different kinds of label types.

One typical label type is the so called "self-stick label", which is directly wrapped around at least part of the respective receptacle and glued thereto. The application of this kind of label typically relies on advancing a web of labeling material towards a cutting station at which the single labels are obtained from the web of labeling material by cutting the web of labeling material. These labels are often also referred to as roll- fed-labels .

Another typical label type, used with in particular beverage bottles or vessels, is the label commonly known as "sleeve label", which is formed in a tubular configuration and then applied onto the respective article. The "sleeve label" is obtained from cutting a web of labeling material at a respective cutting station. Finally, after application of the "sleeve label" a heat shrinking operation is carried out to make the labels adhere onto the respective receptacles.

A further typical label type, are the "pressure- sensitive labels" (PLS) , which are removably attached on a base web and which are detached from the base web prior to being applied onto the respective receptacles.

Typically, independently of the label type, a labeling machine comprises a labeling apparatus adapted to receive the web of labeling material, adapted to obtain single label sheets from the web of labeling material and adapted to apply the single label sheets onto the receptacles and a web conveying apparatus for providing for and for conveying the web of labeling material to the labeling apparatus.

A typical web conveying apparatus comprises a feeding unit for feeding the web of labeling material wound-up on a respective reel to the labeling apparatus.

During a typical labeling process the quantity of web of labeling material wound-up onto the reel is sufficient for labeling receptacles for about 20 to 30 minutes. This is, why typically, a web conveying apparatus comprises a splicing unit for splicing the web of labeling material in use (web in use) with a new web of labeling material (new web) .

A typical splicing unit comprises a cutting assembly for cutting the web in use at a cutting station and a bonding assembly for bonding the new web of labeling material and the web of labeling material in use with one another at a bonding station. The bonding station being arranged downstream from the cutting station along the web advancement path.

The bonding assembly comprises e.g. two pad elements one adapted to interact with the web in use and the other one adapted to interact with the new web.

Each pad element is fluidically connected to an aspiration source. Furthermore, the pad elements are adapted to linearly move from a rest position to an operative position for bringing the web of labeling material in use and the new web of labeling material into contact with one another.

In use, prior to the actual bonding operation an operator fixes a bi-adhesive tape onto the trailing portion of the new web of labeling material and places the trailing portion of the new web onto the respective pad element, which retains the new web of labeling material in the area of the trailing portion by means of suction. Then, by moving simultaneously the two pad elements from the respective rest position to the respective operative position, the web in use and the new web are bonded to one another by means of the bi-adhesive tape. After the bonding, the web in use is cut at the cutting station and the new web is advanced to the labeling apparatus (the new web becomes the web in use) .

A drawback of such a splicing unit is that the manual placing of the new web onto the respective pad element is prone to errors. In particular, it must be considered that both the web in use and the new web carry a repeated pattern and the placing of the bi-adhesive tape and the new web on the respective pad element must be such that after the bonding of the web in use and the new web, the respective patterns correspond to one another in order to avoid any further problems for the labeling process (in other words, the web in use and the new web must have the same pitch once they have been bonded to one another) .

A further drawback is that frequent interventions by a trained operator are required for guaranteeing a continuous labeling process over a couple of hours.

Another drawback is that during the splicing of the web in use and the new web the webs are subject to high stresses and deformations. In order to reduce the stress and the deformations it is required to slow down the advancement of the web in use (and therewith the labeling process) for executing the bonding of the web in use and the new web with one another. The slowing down is undesired as the overall production time increases.

This becomes even more critical with respect to the new compact receptacle processing machines, which have become popular in the recent years. Typically, such machines comprise a blow molding apparatus for producing the receptacles, a filling apparatus for filling the receptacles, a labeling apparatus for labeling the receptacles and a capping apparatus for closing the receptacles, all of which operating at the same processing speed (they are in a blocked configuration) .

The latter drawback has been intended to be circumvented by providing for that the pad elements are hinged and they are adapted to rotate around a respective rotation axis so that, in use, the pad elements perform an arc-shaped movement when getting into contact with the web in use and the new web during the bonding.

An even other drawback is that the pad elements are subject to random variances in their motion speeds due to changes in their internal friction surfaces in dependence of the working temperature, wear and polishing effects and others .

There is a need felt to overall provide for web conveying and splicing apparatuses, which allow to maintain high web advancement speeds during the splicing process .

The need is also felt to further reduce the risk of errors occurring during the splicing of the web in use with the new web.

A further need is felt to optimize the use of the web in use prior to the activation of the splicing process .

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

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

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an 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 method as claimed in claim 1.

According to the present invention, there is also provided an apparatus according to claim 16. According to the present invention, there is also provided a method as claimed in claim 30.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are claimed in the respective dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a labeling machine having a web conveying and splicing apparatus according to a first embodiment and according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 2 is a perspective top-side view of the labeling machine of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of some details of the web conveying and splicing apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, with parts removed for clarity;

Figures 4a to 4d illustrate a detail of the web conveying and splicing apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 during different operational phases, with parts removed for clarity;

Figures 5a to 5f show different operational phases of the web conveying and splicing apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a labeling machine having a web conveying and splicing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a detail of the web conveying and splicing apparatus of Figure 6, with parts removed for clarity; and

Figures 8a to 8f illustrate different operational phases of the web conveying and splicing apparatus of Figure 6, with parts removed for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates as a whole a labeling machine adapted to apply label sheets onto receptacles advancing along a respective advancement path.

The labeling machine 1 comprises:

- a web conveying and splicing apparatus 2 adapted to convey a web 3 of labeling material or a web 4 of labeling material to a delivery station 5 and being adapted to splice, in particular in the case of exhaustion of respectively web 3 or web 4, respectively web 4 to web 3 or web 3 to web 4;

- a labeling apparatus 6 (only schematically shown and known as such) adapted to receive web 3 or web 4 at delivery station 5 and adapted to obtain single label sheets from web 3 or web 4 and for applying, in use, the single label sheets onto the receptacles during their advancement along the respective advancement path.

In the present case, web 3 and web 4 each comprises a repeated pattern (not shown) , in particular the repeated pattern defining the single label sheets obtainable from respectively web 3 and web 4. More specifically, web 3 and web 4 are provided with the same repeated pattern. In other words, web 3 and web 4 allow for application of the same label sheets onto the receptacles.

Furthermore, in the present description, web 3 and web 4 are of the type for providing for label sheets of the self-stick type, which become applied to the receptacles by means of an adhesive applied directly onto the label sheets and/or onto the receptacles.

However, it must be understood that the description will refer to this kind of web without any limitative scope. It must be further understood, that the present invention can be executed also with any other kind of web, in particular any kind of web of labeling material, such as e.g. a web of labeling material having a base layer and a plurality of label sheets removably attached to the base layer (commonly known as "pressure-sensitive labels") or with a web of labeling material being of a heat-shrinkable material (for "sleeve lables") .

With particular reference to Figures 1, 2 and 5a to 5f, web conveying and splicing apparatus 2 is adapted to splice a web in use and a new web to one another. In the particular example shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5a to 5f, web 3 is the web in use and web 4 is the new web. However, it must be understood that after any splicing process the new web becomes the web in use, as specifically shown in Figure 5f.

In the following, we describe apparatus 2 and its function considering both possibilities of web 3 or web 4 being the web in use, even though the particular example shown illustrates the case of web 3 being the web in use. The differences of operation when web 4 being the web in use with respect to web 3 being the web in use will be described if necessary.

With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, apparatus 2 comprises at least:

- a conveyor device 7 having an outer lateral surface

8 adapted to advance along an endless path P through a first feeding station 9, a second feeding station 10 and an outlet station 11, wherein feeding station 10 is interposed between feeding station 9 and outlet station 11 along path P;

- a feeding unit 15 adapted to feed web 3 to feeding station 10 and to conveyor device 7 and being adapted to feed web 4 to feeding station 9 and to conveyor device 7;

- a suction group, in particular associated to conveyor device 7, adapted to retain web 3 and/or web 4 on outer lateral surface 8 for advancing web 3 and/or web 4 by advancement of outer lateral surface 8 along path P from respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9 to outlet station 11; and

- bonding means for adhesively bonding web 3 and web 4 at feeding station 10 to one another.

Preferentially, apparatus 2 also comprises a control unit (not shown) adapted to at least control operation of apparatus 2 itself.

Preferentially, apparatus 2 also comprises a magazine unit 17 providing for web 3 and web 4.

More specifically, magazine unit 17 is configured to provide for one or more reels 18 carrying in a wound-up manner one of web 3 or web 4.

In particular, a respective original trailing portion 51 of web 3 or web 4 is directly coupled onto the respective reel 18. Even more particular, the respective original trailing portion 51 is removably fixed to the respective reel 18 by means of a trailing fixing tape (not shown and known as such) .

Preferentially, the respective leading portion 50 of web 3 or web 4 is secured by means of a leading fixing tape, so as to avoid any unwanted unwinding of web 3 or web 4 from the respective reel 18. Even more preferentially, magazine unit 17 provides for a plurality of reels 18 of which a fraction carries in a wound-up manner web 3 and another fraction carries in a wound-up manner web 4.

In the specific example shown in Figures 1 and 2, magazine unit 17 comprises one or more, in the specific case shown two, support units, in particular support stands 19 adapted to support one or more reels 18.

In more detail, each support unit, in particular each support stand 19, is adapted to support a plurality of reels carrying in a wound-up manner web 3 or web 4.

In even more detail, each support unit, in particular each support stand 19, is adapted to carry the respective reels 18 in a stacked manner, in particular such that the respective stack of reels 18 extends along an extension axis, in particular a vertical extension axis.

In the particular example shown, each support stand 19 comprises a vertical bar for coaxially carrying the respective reels 18 in a stacked manner.

Preferentially, each support unit, in particular each support stand 19, comprises a respective actuation assembly adapted to move at least one reel 18 of the respective plurality of reels 18 (stack of reels 18) into a direction being parallel to the respective extension axis. In particular, the respective actuation assembly is adapted to move at least one reel 18 into the vertical direction .

Preferably, each actuation assembly is controlled by the control unit of apparatus 2.

It must be understood, that magazine unit 17 may be realized differently than according to the example shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example magazine unit 17 could only comprise one support stand 19 or it could comprise more than two support stands 19 or support stands 19 could be adapted to be automatically moved.

Preferably, apparatus 2 also comprises a base support 20 at least indirectly and at least partially supporting conveyor device 7, the suction group and feeding unit 15.

More specifically, base support 20 is adapted to be placed on a production plant's floor or any other horizontal surface of a product plant.

Preferentially, base support 20 is provided with means for controlling the orientation of base support 20.

With particular reference to Figures 1, 2 and 5a to 5f, conveyor device 7 comprises a conveyor drum 21 having outer lateral surface 8 and being adapted to rotate around a rotation axis A, in particular having a vertical orientation. Preferably, axis A is parallel to the respective extension axis of the support units, in particular support stands 19, of magazine unit 17.

More specifically, outer lateral surface 8 advances along path P through rotation of conveyor drum 21 around axis A. In particular, path P having a circular shape.

Preferentially, conveyor device 7, in particular conveyor drum 21, is configured to advance outer lateral surface 8 at a surface advancement speed, in particular a constant surface advancement speed.

Preferentially, conveyor device 7 also comprises an interaction roller 25 adapted to interact with web 3 and/or web 4 so as to avoid any slip of web 3 and/or web 4 when being retained onto outer lateral surface 8 .

In particular, interaction roller 25 is arranged peripherally adjacent, even more particular tangential, to drum 21 at outlet station 21.

Preferentially, web 3 and/or web 4 are interposed between interaction roller 25 and drum 21 at outlet station 11.

The suction group comprises a plurality of suction openings 22 provided on outer lateral surface 8 and at least one aspiration device (not shown and known as such) adapted to be selectively in fluid connection with openings 22 and to apply at least indirectly a suction force onto web 3 and/or web 4 through openings 22 so as to retain web 3 and/or web 4 onto outer lateral surface 8.

With particular reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, feeding unit 15 comprises at least two operative support structures 23 configured to at least indirectly retain respectively one reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner web 3 and one reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner web 4.

Each one of operative support structures 23 is configured to respectively feed web 3 and web 4 to respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9.

Each operative support structure 23 comprises at least one driving group 24 being adapted to rotate the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner respectively web 3 and web 4 around a respective central axis B.

Preferentially, each operative support structure 23 is configured to at least rotate the respective reel 18 around the respective axis B for unwinding respectively web 3 and web 4 from the respective reel 18 so as to feed web 3 and web 4 respectively to feeding station 10 and feeding station 9, in particular at a respective web advancement speed being substantially identical to the surface advancement speed of outer lateral surface 8.

In more detail, each driving group 24 comprises at least one engagement element 28 being rotatable around a respective rotation axis C, in particular being substantially parallel to axis A, and being adapted to couple to respectively the one reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner respectively web 3 and web 4; and at least a drive device, in particular an electrical motor 29, coupled to engagement element 28 and being adapted to actuate rotation of engagement element 28 around axis C.

In particular, each driving group 24 is adapted to actuate rotation of the respective reel 18 around the respective axis B by rotation of engagement element 28 around axis C, even more particular by electrical motor 29 actuating rotation of engagement element 28 around axis C.

Even more particular, each driving group 24 is controllable between an active mode and a passive mode. In the active mode, the respective electrical motor 29 is configured to actuate rotation of the respective engagement element 28; and in the passive mode, the respective engagement element 28 is rotatable around the respective axis C without actuation of rotation around the respective axis C by the respective electrical motor 29 (as will be explained in more detail further below, in the passive mode, rotation of the respective engagement element 28 is indirectly actuated by conveyor device 7, in particular by the rotation of drum 21 around axis A) .

Preferentially, engagement element 28 is controllable between at least a release/loading configuration at which it is adapted to release one reel 18 and/or to receive a new reel 18 and a clamp configuration at which engagement element 28 clamps the respective reel 18 to itself so as to secure the respective reel 18 onto engagement element 28 itself.

In further detail, each operative support structure 23 also comprises a respective support arm 30 at least indirectly carrying the respective driving group 24 and being pivotable around a respective pivot axis D, in particular so as to angularly move around axis D along a respective path being arc-shaped.

In more detail, each support arm 30 carries the respective driving group 24 at a respective first end section 31 of the respective support arm 30 itself and is pivotally mounted to base support 20 at a respective second end section 32 of the respective support arm 30 itself opposite to the respective first end portion 31.

In further detail, each support arm 30 comprises a main arm portion 33 being transversal, in particular perpendicular, to axis A and axis C and carrying the respective driving group 24; and an auxiliary portion 34 connected to the respective main arm portion 33 and being pivotally mounted to base support 20, in particular such that the respective support arm 30 is rotatable around axis D.

In particular, each main arm portion 33 carries the respective end section 31 and each auxiliary portion 34 carries the respective end section 32.

In even further detail, each engagement element 28 protrudes transversally, in particular perpendicularly, away from the respective main arm portion 33.

Preferentially, the respective electrical motor 29 is mounted to main arm portion 33.

Preferably, each operative support structure 23 also comprises an actuation device (not shown) adapted to rotate the respective support arm 30 around the respective axis D. In particular, the respective actuation device is coupled to the respective auxiliary arm portion 34.

Preferably, each operative support structure 23 is controllable between at least:

- a loading configuration at which the respective operative support structure 23 is adapted to receive a new reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner respectively web 3 and web 4 ; and

- an operative configuration at which the respective operative support structure 23 is adapted to feed respectively web 3 and web 4 to outer lateral surface 8 at respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9, in particular in which the respective driving group 24 is active for rotating the respective engagement element 28 around the respective axis C.

Even more preferable, each operative support structure 23 is also controllable into an idle configuration at which the respective driving group 24 is inactive, and, in particular, respectively web 3 and web 4 are distanced (detached) from, in particular solely placed in the proximity of, respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9, without feeding respectively web 3 and web 4 to respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9.

In more detail, with the respective operative support structure 23 being in the respective loading configuration the respective engagement element 28 is adapted to engage with a new reel 18, in particular the new reel 18 being provided by magazine unit 17.

In particular, the respective support arm 30 is angularly positioned around the respective axis D at a loading position such that engagement element 28 is arranged in the proximity of magazine unit 17, even more particular in the proximity of the respective support stand 19, so as to be adapted to receive the respective new reel 18, in particular from the respective support stand 19, even more particular from the respective support stand 19 with the respective actuation assembly, in use, (being controlled by the control unit) being activated so as to move at least the new reel 18 towards and preferentially onto the respective engagement element 28.

In more detail, with the respective operative support structure 23 being in the respective operative configuration the respective engagement element 28 is actuated to rotate around the respective axis C so as to rotate the respective reel 18 around the respective axis B and the respective reel 18 is positioned such that respectively web 3 and web 4 is in contact with outer lateral surface 8 at respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9.

In even further detail, the respective operative support structure 23 being in the respective operative configuration the respective support arm 30 is angularly positioned around axis D at an operative position such that respectively web 3 and web 4 can be fed to outer lateral surface 8 at respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9.

Furthermore, with the respective operative support structure 23 being in the respective operative configuration, the respective driving group 24 is controlled into the passive or active mode. In the active mode the respective electrical motor 29 is controlled to actuate rotation of the respective engagement element 28 and, thereby, to actuate rotation of the respective reel 18. In the passive mode, respectively web 3 or web 4 is in contact with outer lateral surface 8 and is retained thereto and the respective engagement element 28 rotates around its respective axis C due to the action of the respective web 3 or web 4 on the respective reel 18. It should be noted that each support arm 30 is configured such that the operative position can vary once contact between respectively web 3 and web 4 and outer lateral surface 8 is established, in particular so as to allow to control the tension of respectively web 3 and web 4. In such a case, the respective drive group 24 is configured to be controlled into the active mode.

In particular, in use, the respective reel 18 is placed at a respective active position with the respective operative support structure 23 being controlled into the operative configuration so as to allow feeding of respectively web 3 and web 4 to outer lateral surface 8 at respectively feeding station 9 and feeding station 10.

It must be noted that once respectively web 3 and web 4 is retained at least indirectly onto outer lateral surface 8 the active position can be modified (the modification of the active position can be used to define the tension of respectively web 3 and web 4 advancing from respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9 to outlet station 11), in particular by angularly positioning the respective support arm 30 around axis D. In particular, in use, in dependence of the active position, the respective drive group 24 is controlled into the passive mode or active mode.

In more detail, with the respective operative support structure 23 being in the idle configuration the respective support arm 30 is angularly positioned around the respective axis D at an idle position interposed between the respective loading position and the respective operative position.

In particular, the respective reel 18 is placed at a respective waiting position with the respective operative support structure 23 being controlled into the idle configuration so as to distance (detach) the new web from outer lateral surface 8 at respectively feeding station 9 and feeding station 10.

With particular reference to Figure 3, apparatus 2 also comprises at least one detection device 35 adapted to detect a loading state of the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner respectively web 3 and web 4.

In particular, detection device 35 is adapted to detect the loading state of the respective reel 18 feeding the web in use to the respective feeding station 10 or feeding station 9.

Preferably, detection device 35 is configured to generate a trigger signal in case the web in use is near to exhaustion (see e.g. Figure 5b) . In other words, in use, detection device 35 determines that the amount of web 3 wound-up onto the respective reel 18 (or web 4 if web 4 is the web in use) allows supply of web 3 to outlet station 11 only for a limited time (and that the splicing of the new web needs to be activated) .

In a preferred embodiment, detection device 35 comprises at least one sensor assembly 36 adapted to detect at least one marker provided on web 3 or on web 4 wound-up on the respective reel 18, the marker being indicative of the near exhaustion of web 3 or web 4. E.g. such a marker can be indicative of that the remaining web 3 or web 4 allows for further obtaining a certain (and precise) number of label sheets before complete exhaustion of the web in use (web 3 or web 4; in other words, the marker is indicative about the exact remaining web length) .

Preferentially, detection device 35 comprises at least two optical sensor assemblies 36 one adapted to detect the at least one marker provided on web 3 and the other one adapted to detect the at least one marker provided on web 4.

In must be noted, that in such a case web 3 and web 4 must be provided with the respective marker.

In a most preferred embodiment, such a marker is an optical marker and the sensor assembly 36 is adapted to optically detect the respective marker.

In an even more preferred embodiment, such a marker is a fluorescence marker and the sensor assembly 36 is adapted to stimulate the fluorescence and to detect the emitted fluorescence signal.

Preferably, each sensor assembly 36 is connected to the respective operative support structure 23, in particular the respective support arm 30, in particular in a moveable manner such that the respective sensor assembly 36 can be positioned at a certain distance from respectively web 3 and web 4 in dependence of the loading state .

With particular reference to Figure 3, apparatus 2 also comprises at least one measurement device 37 adapted to measure and/or determine the radius and/or the diameter of web 3 and/or web 4 wound-up on the respective reel 18. The determination and/or measurement of the radius permits, in use, to control the rotational speed of the respective reel 18 around the respective axis B. This is, in particular advantageous with the respective drive group being in the active mode as it becomes, in use, necessary to vary the rotation speed as, in use, the radius of web 3 or web 4 wound-up on the respective reel 18 decreases with time. As the web advancement speed needs to be kept constant, the rotational speed of the respective reel 18 must be increased. It must be noted that, in use, in the case that the respective drive group 24 is controlled into the respective passive mode, the respective engagement element 28 rotates around the respective axis C because of the advancement of outer lateral surface 8 along path P. This automatically leads to an adaption of the rotation speed of the respective engagement element 28 as a function of the radius of web 3 or web 4 wound-up onto the respective reel 18.

In particular, measurement device 37 comprises at least two sensor elements 38, each one associated to one operative support structure 23 and being adapted to determine and/or measure the radius of respectively web 3 and web 4 wound-up on the respective reel 18.

Preferably, each sensor element 38 is moveably mounted to one respective operative support structure 23 in such a manner that the respective sensor element 38 can be positioned at a certain distance from respectively web 3 and web 4 wound-up on the respective reel 18, in particular in dependence of the determined radius.

With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, apparatus 2, in particular the bonding means, comprise a bi-adhesive tape applicator 42 adapted to apply one respective bi-adhesive tape 43 at an application station 44 onto web 4, application station 44 being interposed between feeding station 9 and feeding station 10 along path P .

It must be noted that applicator 42 is configured to apply the respective tape 43 onto web 4 independently of whether web 4 is the web in use or new web.

As will be explained in more detail further below and as in particular shown in Figure 5e, web 3 is, in use, superimposed on web 4 at feeding station 10, in particular with the respective tape 43 being interposed between web 3 and web 4.

It must be further noted (and as will be explained in more detail further below) that preferentially, operative support structure 23 retaining the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner web 3 is configured to apply a bonding force so as to ensure a secure adhesive bonding between web 3 and web 4. In other words, operative support structure 23 can be considered to be also part of the bonding means .

In particular, operative support structure 23 is controlled such that during the adhesive bonding of web 3 and web 4 with one another the respective reel 18 is positioned in such a manner that the respective reel 18 exerts a bonding force on web 3 and web 4 at feeding station 10.

Even more particular, during the bonding of web 3 and web 4 with one another the respective support arm 30 is angularly positioned such that the respective reel 18 contacts web 3 at feeding station 10 so as to exert the bonding force.

With particular reference to Figure 4d, apparatus 2 also comprises an inspection system 45 adapted to detect and/or determine the orientation of the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner web 3 and/or web 4 retained by the respective engagement element 28. In particular, inspection system 45 is configured to determine and/or detect the orientation of the respective reel 18 after, in use, having been loaded to the respective operative support structure 23, in particular after engaging with the respective engagement element 28. In other words, inspection system 45 is adapted to detect and/or determine a correct or incorrect orientation of the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner respectively web 3 and web 4 so as to ensure a correct alignment of respectively web 3 and web 4 once being retained directly or indirectly on outer lateral surface 8.

In particular, as will be explained in more detail further below, inspection system 45 is adapted to determine and/or detect whether the respective axis B and the respective axis C are substantially parallel to one another or whether they are inclined with one another.

In more detail, inspection system 45 comprises at least two inspection elements, in particular distance sensor 46 adapted to monitor respectively web 3 and web 4 wound-up on the respective reel 18. More specifically, each distance sensor 46 is adapted to determine the distance to the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound^¬ up manner web 3 or web 4.

In particular, each distance sensor 46 is associated to one respective operative support structure 23. Even more particular, each distance sensor 46 is mounted to one respective support arm 30.

More specifically, each distance sensor 46 is positioned such that its respective imaging area extends transversal, in particular perpendicular to axis B. Even more specifically, the imaging area lies on a surface 47 defined by the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner respectively web 3 and web 4 and being perpendicular to axis B. In particular, each distance sensor 46 is adapted to determine the distance to surface 47.

In the case of a correct orientation, the distance to surface 47 is independent of the angular position of the respective reel 18. In other words, in the case of a correct orientation, the respective surface 47 extends within a respective plane H being substantially perpendicular to axis A, in particular with the respective operative support structure 23 being in the operative configuration.

As will be explained in further detail further below, during the determination and/or detection of the orientation of the respective reel 18, the respective reel 18 is rotated around the respective axis B.

Preferably, apparatus 2 also comprises a leveling platform 48 configured to carry and to define the orientation of the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound^¬ up manner respectively web 3 and web 4.

In particular, leveling platform 48 is configured such that the respective axis B of the respective reel 18 placed on leveling platform 48 itself is parallel to axis A.

In the example shown in Figure 2 , leveling platform 48 comprises a plurality of support bars 49 being parallel to axis A and onto which one respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner web 3 or web 4 is placable.

Preferably, leveling platform 48 is moveable into a direction parallel to axis A.

Preferably, support bars 49 are moveable into a direction parallel to axis A, in particular so as to extend or retract support bars 49.

In a preferred embodiment, support bars 49 are moveably supported by base support 2 0 .

In use, machine 1 applies label sheets onto receptacles advancing along the respective advancement path .

In particular, apparatus 6 advances the receptacles along their advancement path and simultaneously receives the web in use at station 5, cuts the web in use into single label sheets and applies the single label sheets on the receptacles.

In more detail, apparatus 2 supplies the web in use to apparatus 6.

Operation of apparatus 2 is exemplary shown in Figures 5a to 5f for the example of web 3 being the web in use, even though in the following the operation of apparatus 2 is explained considering the possibility of web 3 being the web in use and the alternative of web 4 being the web in use.

It must be noted during use of apparatus 2 (and of machine 1) web 3 and web 4 alternate between being the web in use and the new web so as to extend the overall production time.

Advantageously, operation of apparatus 2 comprises:

- an advancement phase during which outer lateral surface 8 is advanced, in particular continuously advanced, along path P through feeding station 9, feeding station 10 and outlet station 11;

- a first feeding phase during which web 3 or web 4 is fed, in particular continuously fed, as the web in use to conveying device 7, in particular to outer lateral surface 8, at respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9; and

- a first conveying phase during which web 3 or web 4 as the web in use is advanced from respectively feeding station 10 or feeding station 9 to outlet station 11 while being retained by suction on outer lateral surface 8 (and as a result of the advancement of outer lateral surface 8 along path P) .

Advantageously, if the supply of web 3 or web 4 as the web in use is close to exhaustion a splicing process of a new web to the web in use is to be activated.

Thus, advantageously, operation of apparatus 2 also comprises a splicing process, which advantageously has:

- a second feeding phase during which respectively web 4 or web 3 as the new web is fed to conveying device

7, in particular to outer lateral surface 8, at respectively feeding station 9 or feeding station 10;

- a second conveying phase during which web 4 or web 3 as the new web is advanced from respectively feeding station 9 and feeding station 10 to outlet station 11 while being retained at least indirectly on outer lateral surface 8 by means of suction (and as a result of the advancement of outer lateral surface 8 along path P); and

- a bonding phase during which web 4 or web 3 as the new web and respectively web 3 or web 4 as the web in use are at least adhesively bonded to one another at a bonding station, in particular feeding station 10.

Preferentially, during the splicing process web 3 and web 4 are adhesively bonded to one another in such a manner that the respective patterns provided respectively on web 3 and web 4 match. In particular, the second feeding phase (and the second conveying phase) are activated such that the respective patterns of web 3 and web 4 match overlap .

In more detail, during the advancement phase outer lateral surface 8 advances at a substantially constant surface advancement speed.

In even more detail, during the advancement phase drum 21 rotates, in particular continuously rotates at a substantially constant rotation speed, around axis A so as to advance outer lateral surface 8 along path P.

In more detail, during the first feeding phase the web in use (web 3 or web 4) is fed to respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9 at a respective web advancement speed being substantially identical to the surface advancement speed of outer lateral surface 8. Preferentially, the web advancement speed ranges from 20 to 320 meters per minute, even more preferentially from 60 to 280 meters per minute.

In even more detail with particular reference to Figures 5a to 5c, during the first feeding phase the respective operative support structure 23 is controlled into the respective operative configuration, even more particular the respective support arm 30 is positioned in the operative position.

Preferably, during the first feeding phase the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner respectively web 3 and web 4 rotates around axis B so as to unwind respectively web 3 and web 4 as the web in use. In particular, the rotational speed of the respective reel 18 is such that respectively web 3 and web 4 as the web in use is advanced at the web advancement speed being substantially identical to the surface advancement speed of outer lateral surface 8.

More specifically, the respective reel 18 is retained by the respective operative support structure 23, in particular the respective engagement element 28, and the respective reel 18 rotates around axis B through rotation of engagement element 28 around axis C.

In the example shown in Figures 5a to 5e, the respective driving group 24 is set into the passive mode; i.e. the rotation of the respective engagement element 28 around axis C is actuated as a consequence of web 3 being retained on outer lateral surface 8 and advancement of outer lateral surface 8 along path P (i.e. as a consequence of the rotation of drum 21 around axis A) . Alternatively, the respective drive group 24 could be controlled into the active mode so that rotation of the respective engagement element 28 around axis C and, thereby, rotation of the respective reel 18 around axis B is actuated by the respective electrical motor 29.

Preferably, in the case of the respective drive group 24 being controlled into the active mode, the first feeding phase also comprises a radius determination sub- phase during which the radius of the reel 18 together with the respectively wound-up web 3 and web 4 is determined and/or detected and a rotation speed control sub-phase during which the rotational speed of the respective reel 18 is controlled as a function of the detected and/or determined radius (or diameter) .

In particular, during the radius determination sub- phase measurement device 37, in particular the respective sensor element 38, measures and/or determines the radius and/or the diameter of web 3 or web 4 (depending on which one is the web in use) wound-up on the respective reel 18.

Furthermore, during the rotation speed control sub- phase the rotational speed of the respective reel 18 around axis B is controlled as a function of the radius by controlling the rotational speed of the respective engagement element 28 as a function of the measured and/or determined radius .

As with time the radius decreases (compare e.g. Figures 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d with one another) the rotational speed of the respective reel 18 must increase so as to guarantee a constant web advancement speed.

Preferably, during the first feeding phase a detection sub-phase is executed during which a loading state of the web in use (web 3 or web 4 wound-up on the respective reel 18) is detected.

In particular, the loading state is indicative of the time the web in use can still be supplied from the respective reel 18 currently in use.

Preferably, during the detection sub-phase a trigger signal is generated if a near exhaustion of the web in use (web 3 or web 4 wound-up on the respective reel 18) is detected and the trigger signal triggers activation of the splicing process, in particular at least the second feeding phase (and the second conveying phase) .

More specifically, during the detection sub-phase a marker provided on the web in use indicative of the near exhaustion of the web in use is detected.

Preferentially, the marker is indicative of the remaining web length of the web in use (still) wound-up on the respective reel 18 (in other words, the marker is indicative of the remaining number of label sheets, which can be provided by the web in use) .

Even more specifically, detection device 35, in particular the respective sensor assembly 36, detects the marker indicative of the near exhaustion of the web in use .

In particular, the respective sensor assembly 36 detects the marker by stimulating the marker and by detecting an emitted fluorescence signal.

Preferentially, during the detection sub-phase a calculation sub-phase is executed so as to determine the correct time moment for initiating the second feeding phase (and the second conveying phase) .

In one non-limiting embodiment not shown, during the first feeding phase also a tensioning sub-phase is executed. During the tensioning sub-phase the tension of respectively web 3 and web 4 as the web in use is controlled .

In particular, during the tensioning sub-phase the respective reel 18 is positioned such to vary the tension.

Even more particular, the respective support arm 30 is angularly moved around the respective pivot axis D so as to control the tension of respectively web 3 and web 4.

In more detail and with particular reference to Figures 5c to 5f, during the second feeding phase the new web (web 4 or web 3) is fed to respectively feeding station 9 and feeding station 10 at a respective web advancement speed being substantially identical to the surface advancement speed of outer lateral surface 8.

In even more detail with particular reference to Figures 5b to 5f, during the second feeding phase the respective operative support structure 23 is controlled into the respective operative configuration, even more particular the respective support arm 30 is positioned at the operative position.

Preferably, during the second feeding phase the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner respectively web 4 and web 3 rotates around the respective axis B so as to unwind respectively web 4 and web 3 as the new web and to fed it to respectively feeding station 9 and feeding station 10. In particular, the rotational speed of the respective reel 18 is such that respectively web 4 and web 3 as the new web is advanced at the web advancement speed being substantially identical to the surface advancement speed of outer lateral surface 8 (preferentially, the web advancement speed ranges from 20 to 320 meters per minute, even more preferentially from 60 to 280 meters per minute) .

More specifically, the respective reel 18 is retained by the respective operative support structure 23, in particular the respective engagement element 28, and the respective reel 18 rotates around the respective axis B through rotation of engagement element 28 around the respective axis C. In particular, rotation of the respective engagement element 28 around axis C and, thereby, rotation of the respective reel 18 around the respective axis B is actuated by the respective electrical motor 29 (i.e. the respective drive group 24 is controlled into the respective active mode) .

Preferably and with particular reference to Figure 5d, the second feeding phase comprises an initial sub- phase during which the respective leading portion 50 of respectively web 4 and web 3 as the new web is fed to respectively feeding station 9 and feeding station 10.

Preferably, prior to the activation of the second feeding phase the respective operative support structure 23 is controlled into the respective idle configuration. In the idle configuration the respective reel 18 is positioned at a waiting position and is at rest (i.e. the respective reel 18 does not rotate around the respective axis B) .

Preferably, during the second feeding phase and prior to the initial sub-phase, in particular also after setting the respective operative support structure 23 into the idle configuration, an acceleration sub-phase is executed during which the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound^¬ up manner respectively web 4 and web 3 as the new web is controlled to rotate around the respective axis B and is accelerated until the lateral surface speed of respectively the wound-up web 4 and web 3 as the new web substantially equals the surface advancement speed of outer lateral surface 8 (this then guarantees that the respective web advancement speed equals the surface advancement speed of outer lateral surface 8) .

Preferably, once after termination of the acceleration sub-phase (i.e. the surface speed of respectively the wound-up web 4 and web 3 as the new web substantially equals the outer surface speed of outer lateral surface 8) the operative sub-phase is executed.

Preferentially, during the second feeding phase, in particular prior to the initial sub-phase and after the acceleration sub-phase a positioning sub-phase is executed during which the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner respectively web 4 and web 3 as the new web is moved from the waiting position at which the new web is distanced (detached) from outer lateral surface at respectively feeding station 9 and feeding station 10 and an active position at which the new web is at least indirectly in contact with outer lateral surface 8 so as to be at least indirectly retained by means of suction.

It must be noted that in the case of web 4 being the new web, web 4 is directly retained onto outer lateral surface 8 by means of suction at feeding station 9; in the case of web 3 being the new web, web 3 is indirectly retained onto outer lateral surface 8 by means of suction at feeding station 10 due to bonding of web 3 and web 4 with one another.

In more detail with particular reference to Figure 5e, during the bonding phase web 3 is applied onto web 4 and web 3 and web 4 are adhesively bonded to one another.

In particular, during the bonding phase the trailing portion of the web in use and the leading portion of the new web are adhesively bonded with one another.

In particular, the second feeding phase is started so as to ensure bonding of the trailing portion of the web in use and the leading portion of the new web with one another.

In the example shown in Figures 5d to 5f, trailing portion 51, in particular the original trailing portion 51, of web 3 is applied onto leading portion 50 of web 4. In other words, in the example shown in Figures 5d to 5f web 3 and web 4 are adhesively bonded with one another without the execution of a cutting phase for cutting the web in use (web 3 in the example shown) .

It must be noted that web 3 is always applied onto web 4 independently of whether web 3 is the web in use or the new web. This is a direct consequence of feeding station 10 being interposed between feeding station 9 and outlet station 11 along path P.

Preferably, the bonding phase comprises a tape application sub-phase during which at least one bi- adhesive tape 43 is applied onto web 4 at application station 44.

As shown in the example of Figures 5a to 5f, if web 4 is the new web, during the tape application sub-phase the respective bi-adhesive tape 43 is applied onto web 4 in the area of the respective leading portion 50.

In the other case, which is not specifically shown, if web 4 is the web in use, during the tape application onto web 4 in the area of the respective trailing portion.

Thus, after application of web 3 onto web 4 at feeding station 10, the respective bi-adhesive tape 43 is interposed between web 3 and web 4.

In an alternative not shown, the bonding phase does not comprise the tape application sub-phase. In such an alternative adhesive bonding force between web 3 and web 4 could be transmitted (achieved / provided for) by the trailing fixing tape and/or the leading fixing tape. Preferably, during the bonding phase also a force application sub-phase is executed during which a bonding force is applied onto web 3 and web 4 after applying web 3 onto web 4.

In particular, during the force application sub- phase the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner web 3 is positioned such to apply the bonding force. Even more particular, the respective reel 18 interposes web 3 and web 4 between the respective reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner web 3 and outer lateral surface 8.

More specifically, during the force application sub- phase the respective support arm 30 is angularly moved around the respective axis D so as to apply the required pressure on web 3 an web 4 at feeding station 10.

Preferably, operation of apparatus 2 also comprises a loading sub-phase during which a new reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner web 3 or web 4 becomes associated to the respective operative support structure 23.

This becomes necessary as after exhaustion of the web in use (of web 3 or web 4 wound onto the respective reel 18) the respective reel 18 is empty and needs to be exchanged with a respective new reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner respectively web 3 and web 4 (becoming then the new web) .

During the loading sub-phase the respective operative support structure 23 is controlled into its respective loading configuration at which the respective engagement element 28 engages with a respective new reel 18 carrying in a wound-up manner respectively web 3 and web 4 as the new web.

Furthermore, prior to the loading sub-phase a discharge sub-phase is executed during which the respective empty reel 18 is discharged, in particular it becomes released from the respective engagement element 28, even more particular by controlling the respective engagement element 28 into the respective release/loading configuration .

In more detail, during the loading sub-phase the respective support arm 30 is angularly moved around the respective axis D to its loading position such that engagement element 28 is arranged in the proximity of magazine unit 17, even more particular in the proximity of the respective support stand 19, so as to receive the respective new reel 18.

In even further detail, the respective engagement element 28 is controlled into its release/loading configuration and approaches the respective new reel 18, Then, the engagement element 28 is controlled into its clamp configuration so as to secure the respective new reel 18 to the engagement element 28 itself.

Preferentially, during the loading sub-phase the respective support unit, in particular the respective support stand 19, is controlled such that the respective actuation assembly moves at least the new reel 18 along the direction parallel to the respective extension towards and, preferably, onto the respective engagement element 28.

Preferably and with particular reference to Figure

4d, during the loading sub-phase also an orientation control sub-phase is executed during which the orientation of the new reel 18 is detected and/or determined in order to detect and/or determine whether a correct or incorrect orientation is obtained.

This is advantageous for guaranteeing that the respective web 3 or web 4 becomes correctly aligned with respect to outer lateral surface 8 (and so that web 3 or web 4 become advanced to labeling apparatus 6 without the need of further corrections) .

In particular, during the orientation control sub- phase it is controlled whether the respective axis B of the respective new reel 18 is substantially parallel to axis C (and axis A) .

In more detail and with particular reference to Figure 4d, during the orientation control sub-phase the respective new reel 18 is rotated around its axis B by rotating the respective engagement element 28 around its axis C and it is detected and/or determined whether the respective axis B and the respective axis C are inclined with one another or parallel to one another.

The orientation of the new web deviates from the predetermined orientation if the inclination of the respective axis and the respective axis supersedes a predetermined value.

In even more detail, during the rotation of the respective new reel 18 around the respective axis B, inspection system 45, in particular the respective distance sensor 46, monitors the surface of the respective new reel 18 together with the wound-up web 3 or web 4. This allows to determine the respective plane H and whether plane H is perpendicular to axis C or not (the respective axis B being by definition of the respective plane H orthogonal to the respective plane H) .

If during the orientation control sub-phase it is determined that the new reel 18 is incorrectly oriented a correction sub-phase is executed (see Figures 4a to 4c) .

During the correction sub-phase the respective new reel 18 is placed on leveling platform 48, in particular onto support bars 49 (see Figures 4a) . Then the respective new reel 18 is disengaged from the respective engagement element 28 (see Figure 4b) . This leads to the new reel 18 and the wound-up web 3 or web 4 to obtain an orientation defined by the leveling platform 48. Then the respective new reel 18 is again engaged by the engagement element 28 (see Figure 4c) .

Preferably, once more the orientation control sub- phase is executed (see Figure 4d) .

It must be noted that the correction sub-phase can also be executed without prior execution of the orientation control sub-phase.

Preferentially, during the loading sub-phase also an arrangement sub-phase is executed during which the positon of the new reel 18 is arranged.

Even more preferentially, the arrangement sub-phase is executed during the correction sub-phase.

During the arrangement sub-phase it is ensured that the new reel 18 is engaged by the respective engagement element 28 at the correct position; i.e. the new reel 18 is in contact with a predefined area section of the outer lateral surface of the respective engagement element 28. In other words, the distance determined by the respective distance sensor 46 is to be controlled such that the distance corresponds to a predetermined value.

In more detail, during the arrangement sub-phase the respective distance sensor 46 determines the distance to surface 47. If the distance deviates from the predetermined value, the respective new reel 18 is placed on leveling platform 48, in particular onto support bars 49. The respective engagement element 28 is controlled into its respective release/loading configuration. Then the leveling platform 48 is, in particular support bars 49 are, moved, in particular parallel to axis A so as to change the relative position between the new reel 18 and the respective engagement element 28. At the end, the respective engagement element 28 is controlled into its respective clamp configuration.

Preferably, leveling platform 48 is, in particular support bars 49 are, moved towards engagement element 28 if the determined distance is larger than the predetermined value and leveling platform 48 is, in particular support bars 49 are, moved away from engagement element 28 if the determined distance is lower than the predetermined value.

Once a new reel 18 is retained by the respective operative support structure 23, in particular the respective engagement element 28, the respective operative support structure 23 is controlled into its respective operative configuration or into its idle configuration and then upon activation of the splicing process into its operative configuration.

With reference to Figure 6, number 2' indicates a second embodiment of a web conveying and splicing apparatus according to the present invention; as apparatus 2' is similar to apparatus 2, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

With particular reference to Figures 6 and 7, apparatus 2' differs from apparatus 2 in comprising a cutting device 52 adapted to cut respectively web 3 and web 4 as the web in use prior, during or after the bonding of respectively web 3 and web 4 as the web in use with respectively web 4 and web 3 as the new web to one another in the proximity of respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9. In particular, cutting device 52 is adapted to cut respectively web 3 and web 4 as the web in use so as to define the respective trailing portion of the web in use.

It should be noted that operation of cutting device 52 can be necessary if web 3 and web 4 do not present the marker indicative of the near exhaustion of the respective web 3 or web 4 or if the marker does not precisely allow for the determination of the exact number of remaining label sheets (thus, it does not allow to precisely know the remaining web length) .

Preferably, cutting device 52 comprises at least one, preferably two cutting assemblies 53.

Each cutting assembly 53 is adapted to respectively cut web 3 and web 4.

Each cutting assembly 53 comprises at least one blade 54 adapted to cut respectively web 3 and web 4.

Preferentially, each cutting assembly 53 also comprises a counter surface 55 for cooperating with the respective blade 54 for cutting respectively web 3 and web 4.

Each cutting assembly 53 is controllable between:

- an active configuration at which respectively web 3 and web 4, in use, advances between the respective counter surface 55 and the respective blade 54 so as to enable cutting of respectively web 3 and web 4; and

- a rest configuration at which the respective counter surface 55 and the respective blade 54 are distanced from respectively web 3 and web 4.

Preferably, each blade 54 and the respective counter surface 55 are positioned at respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9 when being controlled into the respective active configuration; and are distanced from respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9 when being controlled into the respective rest configuration. In further detail, each blade 54 and the respective counter surface 55 are arranged peripherally adjacent to outer lateral surface 8, in particular at respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9.

Apparatus 2' differs from apparatus 2 also in comprising at least one guide and pressuring roller 56, in particular being part of the bonding means, for at least exerting a bonding force onto web 3 and web 4 at feeding station 10 during adhesively bonding (i.e. during the bonding phase) of web 3 and web 4 with one another.

Even more preferentially, roller 56 is adapted to be moved from or to feeding station 10 and roller 56 being at least peripherally adjacent to outer lateral surface 8 when being placed at feeding station 10. In particular, roller 56 is tangentially adjacent to drum 21 at least at feeding station 10.

In use, with roller 56 being positioned at feeding station 10, web 3 is interposed between roller 56 and outer lateral surface 8 at feeding station 10.

More specifically, roller 56 is associated to the cutting assembly 53 adapted to cut web 3.

In particular, roller 56 is configured to be placed at feeding station 10 with the respective cutting assembly 53 being in the active configuration. Preferably, roller 56 is adapted to be moved from feeding station 10 with the respective cutting assembly 53 being controlled into the rest configuration.

In the example shown, the respective counter surface 55 and roller 56 are mounted to the same support base 57.

Preferably, apparatus 2' also differs from apparatus in comprising a guide roller 58 adapted to guide web 4, in particular in cooperation with the cutting assembly 53 adapted to cut web 4, at feeding station 9. Preferentially, roller 58 is placed peripherally adjacent to outer lateral surface 8 at least at feeding station 9.

Even more preferentially, roller 58 is adapted to be moved from or to feeding station 9 and roller 58 being at least peripherally adjacent to outer lateral surface 8 when being placed at feeding station 9. In particular, roller 58 is tangentially adjacent to drum 21 at least at feeding station 9.

In use, with roller 58 being positioned at feeding station 9, web 4 is interposed between roller 58 and outer lateral surface 8 at feeding station 9.

More specifically, roller 58 is associated to the cutting assembly 53 adapted to cut web 4.

In particular, roller 58 is configured to be placed at feeding station 9 with the respective cutting assembly 53 being in the active configuration. Preferably, roller 58 is adapted to be moved from feeding station 9 with the respective cutting assembly 53 being controlled into the rest configuration.

Preferably, the respective counter surface 55 and roller 58 are mounted to the same support base (in a manner similar as the respective counter surface 55 and roller 55 are mounted to support base 57) .

Operation of apparatus 2' is similar to operation of apparatus 2. Therefore, the following description is limited to the differences.

In particular, operation of apparatus 2' also comprises a cutting phase during which respectively web 3 and web 4 as the web in use is cut prior, during or after the bonding phase, in particular so as to define the respective trailing portion of the web in use.

It must be noted that this is different to operation of apparatus 2, which does not require the execution of a cutting phase. During the bonding phase of apparatus 2 the original trailing portion of the web in use is bonded together with the leading portion of the new web, while, as will be explained in more detail in the following, the execution of the cutting phase during operation of apparatus 2' defines a trailing portion of the web in use, being distinct from the original trailing portion.

In more detail, prior to the cutting phase the respective rest configuration. Preferentially, respectively roller 56 and 58 are detached (distanced) from respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9.

Even more particular and with particular reference to Figures 8a and 8b, during the first feeding phase and the first conveying phase and prior to the activation of the splicing process (i.e. prior to the activation of the second feeding phase and the second conveying phase) , the respective cutting assembly 53 is in the respective rest configuration and, preferably, also respectively roller 56 and roller 58 are detached (distanced) from respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9. More specifically, the respective blade 54 and the respective counter surface 55 are detached (distanced) from respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9.

Prior to the activation of the cutting phase, the respective cutting assembly 53 is controlled into the active configuration (see Figures 8c and 8d) .

More specifically, the respective blade 54 and the respective counter-surface 55 are placed at respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9 so that respectively web 3 and web 4 as the web in use advances between the respective blade 54 and the respective counter-surface 55.

Preferentially, prior to the activation of the cutting phase, also respectively roller 56 and roller 58 is moved to respectively feeding station 10 and feeding station 9 (see Figures 8c and 8d) .

Activation of the cutting phase leads to the respective blade 54 interacting with the respective counter-surface 55 and cutting of respectively web 3 and web 4 (see Figure 8e) .

It must be noted, that in the case web 3 is the new web during the bonding phase the respective reel 18 exerts a bonding force onto web 3 and web 4 at feeding station 10, while in the case of web 3 being the web in use it is roller 56.

It should be noted that apparatus 2' can also be operated without activation of the cutting phase (i.e. apparatus 2' can be operated according to the operation of apparatus 2) . In other words, apparatus 2' is controllable in such a manner that during its operation the original trailing portion of the web in use becomes bonded with the leading portion of the new web.

Apparatus 2' provides for an increased flexibility as it also allows for an activation of the cutting phase. Thus, in comparison with apparatus 2 apparatus 2' additionally allows to define the trailing portion of the web in use.

The advantages of apparatuses 2 and 2' according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, apparatus 2 and apparatus 2' allow for a splicing of the new web with the web in use without reducing the overall production speed. Additionally, apparatus 2 and apparatus 2' do not require significant operations by a technical operator. The splicing is done without the intervention of a technical operator, reducing the overall possibility of splicing errors.

Furthermore, apparatus 2 and apparatus 2' comprise a magazine unit 17, which can be easily loaded with a plurality of reels 2 carrying in a wound-up manner web 3 and web 4 guaranteeing extending production times without the need of the intervention of a technical operator.

A further advantage resides in the fact, that apparatus 2 and apparatus 2' can be operated such that the amount of non-used web 3 and web 4 is limited, in particular in the case no cutting phase is executed.

Clearly, changes may be made to apparatuses 2 and 2' as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

In one alternative embodiment not shown, conveyor device 7 of apparatus 2 or apparatus 2' may comprise a respective belt conveyor instead of the respective conveyor drum 21.

In another alternative embodiment not shown, apparatuses 2 and 2' only comprises measurement device 37, lacking detection device 35 and measurement device 37 being configured to determine the near exhaustion of the web in use based on the radius of web 3 or web 4 wound^¬ up on the respective reel 18.

Claims

1. - Method of splicing a new web (4, 3) to a web in use (3, 4) comprising:

- an advancement phase during which an outer lateral surface (8) of a conveying device (7) is advanced along an endless path (P) through a first feeding station (9), a second feeding station (10) and an outlet station (11); wherein the second feeding station (10) is arranged between the first feeding station (9) and the outlet station (11) along the endless path (P) ;

- a first feeding phase during which the web in use (3; 4) is fed to the conveying device (7) at any one of the second feeding station (10) and the first feeding station (10);

- a first conveying phase during which the web in use (3; 4) is advanced to the outlet station (11) while being retained by suction on the outer lateral surface ( 8 ) ; and

- a second feeding phase during which the new web

(4; 3) is fed to the conveying device (7) at the other one of the first feeding station (9) and the second feeding station (10);

- a second conveying phase during which the new web (4; 3) is advanced to the outlet station (11) while being retained at least indirectly on the outer lateral surface (8) by means of suction; and

- a bonding phase during which the new web (4; 3) and the web in use (3; 4) are adhesively bonded to one another at the second feeding station (10) .

2. - The method according to claim 1, wherein during the first feeding phase the web in use (3; 4) is fed to one of the second feeding station (10) and the first feeding station (9) at a respective web advancement speed being substantially identical to a surface speed of the outer lateral surface (8); and

wherein during the second feeding phase the new web (4; 3) is fed to the other one of the first feeding station (9) and the second feeding station (10) at a respective web advancement speed being substantially identical to the surface speed of the outer lateral surface (8) .

3. - The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second feeding phase comprises an initial sub-phase during which the leading portion (50) of the new web (4; 3) is fed to the other one of the first feeding station

(9) and the second feeding station (10) .

4. - The method according any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the first feeding phase the web in use (3; 4) is fed to one of the second feeding station

(10) and the first feeding station (9) from a first reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner the web in use (3; 4) and rotating around a respective central axis (B) ;

wherein during the second feeding phase the new web

(4; 3) is fed to the other one of the first feeding station (9) and the second feeding station (10) from a second reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner the new web (4; 3) and rotating around a respective central axis (B) .

5.- The method according to claim 4, wherein prior to the second feeding phase an acceleration sub-phase is executed during which the second reel (18) carrying the new web (4; 3) is controlled to rotate around a central axis (B) and is accelerated until the lateral surface speed of the wound-up new web (4; 3) substantially equals a surface advancement speed of the outer lateral surface (8) .

6.- The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein during the second feeding phase a positioning sub-phase is executed during which the second reel (18) is moved from a waiting position at which the new web (4; 3) is distanced from the outer lateral surface (8) at the other one of the first feeding station (9) and the second feeding station (10) and an active position at which the new web (4; 3) is at least indirectly in contact with the outer lateral surface (8) so as to be at least indirectly retained by means of suction at the other one of the first feeding station (9) and the second feeding station (10) .

7. - The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second reel (18) is at least indirectly carried by an operative support structure (23);

wherein the operative support structure (23) carries a driving group (24) having an engagement element (28) rotatable around a rotation axis (C) and adapted to couple to the second reel (18);

wherein the operative support structure (23) is controlled at least between:

- a loading configuration at which the engagement element (28) engages with a new reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner a new web (4; 3);

and

- an operative configuration at which the new web (4; 3) establishes at least indirectly contact with the outer lateral surface (8) at the other one of the first feeding station (9) and the second feeding station (10) .

8. - The method according to claim 7, wherein the operative support structure (23) is controlled between the loading configuration, the operative configuration and an idle configuration at which the new reel (4; 3) with the new web (4; 3) is distanced from the other one of the first feeding station (9) and the second feeding station (10) .

9. - The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein during the loading sub-phase an orientation control sub- phase is executed during which the orientation of the new reel (18) is determined and the orientation of the new reel (18) is corrected if the determined orientation deviates from a predetermined orientation.

10. - The method according to claim 9, wherein during the orientation control sub-phase, the new reel (18) is rotated around its central axis (B) by rotating the respective engagement element (28) around its respective rotation axis (C) and it is detected and/or determined whether the respective central axis (B) and the respective rotation axis (C) are inclined with one another or parallel to one another;

wherein the orientation of the new web (18) deviates from the predetermined orientation if the inclination of the rotation axis (C) and the central axis (B) supersedes a predetermined value.

11.- The method according to any one of claims 7 to

10, wherein during the loading sub-phase an orientation sub-phase is executed during which the new reel (18) is oriented by placing the new reel (18) together with the wound-up web (4; 3) on a leveling platform (48), the new reel (18) is disengaged from the engagement element (28) and then the new reel (18) is again engaged by the engagement element (28) .

12.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the first feeding phase a detection sub-phase is executed during which a loading state of the web in use (3; 4) is detected; and

wherein during the detection sub-phase a trigger signal is generated if a near exhaustion of the web in use (3; 4) is detected and the trigger signal triggers activation of the second feeding phase.

13. - The method according to claim 12, wherein during the detection sub-phase a marker provided on the web in use indicative of the near exhaustion of the web in use is detected.

14. - The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the bonding phase a trailing portion (51) of the web in use (3; 4) is adhesively bonded with a leading portion (50) of the new web (4; 3) at the second feeding station (10).

15. - The method according to claim 14, further comprising a cutting phase during which the web in use (3; 4) is cut prior, during or after the execution of the bonding phase so as to define the trailing portion (51) of the web in use (3; 4) .

16. - A web conveying and splicing apparatus (2, 2') for splicing a new web to a web in use comprising

- a conveyor device (7) having an outer lateral surface (8) adapted to advance along an endless path (P) through a first feeding station ( 9 ) , a second feeding station (10) and an outlet station (11), wherein the second feeding station (10) is interposed between the first feeding station ( 9 ) and the outlet station (11) along the endless path (P) ;

- a suction group adapted to retain the web in use (3; 4) and/or the new web (4; 3) on the outer lateral surface (8) for advancing the web in use (3; 4) by advancement of the outer lateral surface (8) from one of the second feeding station (10) and the first feeding station ( 9 ) to the outlet station (11) and for advancing the new web (4; 3) from the other one of the first feeding station ( 9 ) and the second feeding station (10) to the outlet station (11);

- a feeding unit (15) adapted to feed the web in use (3; 4) to one of the second feeding station (10; 9) and the first feeding station (9) and being adapted to feed the new web (4; 3) to the other one of the first feeding station (9) and the second feeding station (10); and

- means for adhesively bonding the new web (4; 3) and the web in use (3; 4) at the second feeding station (10) to one another.

17.- The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the feeding unit (15) comprises at least one operative support structure (23) configured to at least indirectly support a reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner the new web (4; 3) ;

wherein the operative support structure comprises a driving group (24) having an engagement element (28) being rotatable around a rotation axis (C) and being adapted to couple to respectively the reel (18) carrying in a wound^¬ up manner the new web (4; 3) .

18.- The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to claim 17 further comprising a magazine unit (17) for providing for at least one reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner the new web (4; 3);

wherein the operative support structure (23) is adapted to be controlled into:

- a loading configuration at which the respective engagement element (28) is configured to engage with the reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner the new web (4; 3) ; and

- an operative configuration at which the new web

(4; 3) is at least indirectly in contact with the outer lateral surface (8) at the other one of the first feeding station (9) and the second feeding station (10) .

19. - The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the operative support structure (23) is also adapted to be controlled into an idle configuration at which the reel (18) with the wound- up new web (4; 3) is distanced from the other one of the first feeding station (9) and the second feeding station (10) .

20. - The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the operative support structure (23) also comprises a support arm (30) at least indirectly carrying the respective driving group (24) and being pivotable around a respective pivot axis (D) .

21. - The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 20 further comprising a leveling platform (48) configured to carry and to define the orientation of the reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner the new web (4; 3) .

22. - The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 21, further comprising an inspection system (45) adapted to detect and/or determine the orientation of the reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner the new web (4; 3) .

23. - The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the feeding unit (15) further comprises a further operative support structure (23) configured to at least indirectly support a respective reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner the web in use (3; 4);

wherein the further operative support structure (23) carries a respective driving group (23) having a respective engagement element (28) being rotatable around a respective rotation axis (C) and being adapted to couple to respectively the respective reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner the web in use (3; 4);

wherein the driving group (24) is adapted to rotate the respective reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner the web in use (3; 4) around a central axis (B) of the respective reel (18) for unwinding the web in use (3; 4) from the respective reel (18) and for feeding the web in use (3; 4) to one of the second feeding station (10) and the first feeding station (9);

wherein the further operative support structure (23) is adapted to position the respective reel (18) so as to tension the web in use (3; 4) .

24. - The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the further operative support structure (23) comprises a respective support arm (30) carrying at least indirectly the respective driving group (24) and being pivotable around a respective pivot axis (D) .

25. - The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 24 further comprising at least one detection device (35) adapted to detect a loading state of the web in use (3; 4) and to generate a trigger signal in case the web in use (3; 4) is near to exhaustion .

26.- The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the detection device (35) is adapted to detect the loading station of the web in use (3; 4) by optical means.

27.- The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 26 further comprising at least one cutting device (52) adapted to cut the web in use (3; 4) prior, during or after the bonding of the new web (4; 3) and the web in use (3; 4) with one another in the proximity of one of the second feeding station (10) and the first feeding station (9) .

28. - The web conveying and splicing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the cutting device (52) comprises at least one cutting assembly (53) having a counter surface (55) and a blade (54);

wherein the cutting assembly (53) is adapted to be controllable between an active configuration at which the web in use (3; 4), in use, advances between the counter surface (55) and the blade (54) so as to enable cutting of the web in use (3; 4) and a rest configuration at which the counter surface (55) and the blade (54) are distanced from the web in use (3; 4) .

29. - A labeling machine (1) for labeling receptacles comprising a labeling apparatus (6) for applying single label sheets onto receptacles and a web conveying and splicing apparatus (2, 2') according to any one of claims 16 to 28 for feeding a web (3; 4) of labeling material to the labeling apparatus.

30.- A method of splicing a new web (4, 3) with a web in use (3, 4) comprising:

- a first feeding phase during which the web in use (3, 4) is fed to a web in use feeding station (10, 9) from a respective reel (18) rotating around a respective central axis (B) and carrying in a wound-up manner the web in use ( 3 , 4 ) ;

- a first conveying phase during which the web in use (3; 4) is advanced from the web in use feeding station to an outlet station (11); and

- a second feeding phase during which the new web

(4; 3) is fed to a new web feeding station (9, 10) and from a respective reel (18) rotating around a respective central axis (B) and carrying in a wound-up manner the new web ( 4 , 3 ) ;

- a second conveying phase during which the new web (4; 3) is advanced from the new web feeding station (9, 10) to the outlet station (11); and

- a bonding phase during which the new web (4; 3) and the web in use (3; 4) are adhesively bonded to one another at a bonding station (10);

wherein during the first feeding phase a detection sub-phase is executed during which a loading state of the web in use (3; 4) is detected; and

wherein during the detection sub-phase a trigger signal is generated if a near exhaustion of the web in use (3; 4) is detected and the trigger signal triggers activation of the second feeding phase and the second conveying phase;

wherein the second feeding phase and the second conveying phase are activated such that during the bonding phase a leading portion (50) of the new web (4, 3) and an original trailing portion (51) of the web in use (3, 4), being prior to the use of the respective reel (18) carrying in a wound-up manner the web in use (3, 4) directly coupled to the respective reel (18), are adhesively bonded with one another at the bonding station (10) .

31.- The method according to claim 30, wherein during the detection sub-phase a marker provided on the web in use (3, 4) indicative of the near exhaustion of the web in use (3, 4) is detected.

32.- The method according to claim 31, wherein the marker is indicative of the exact remaining web in use length still wound-up on the respective reel (18);

upon detection of the marker a calculation sub-phase is executed so as to determine the correct time moment for initiating the second feeding phase and the second conveying phase.

33.- The method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the marker is detected by optical means.

34.- The method according to claim 33, wherein the detection of the marker comprises the step of stimulating the marker and by the step of detecting a fluorescence signal emitted by the marker.

35.- The method according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein during the execution of the bonding phase the web in use (3, 4) and the new web (4, 3) advance at the same web advancement speeds.