EP3992095A1 - Labelling machine and method for applying labels onto articles adapted to contain a pourable product - Google Patents
Labelling machine and method for applying labels onto articles adapted to contain a pourable product Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3992095A1 EP3992095A1 EP20204826.0A EP20204826A EP3992095A1 EP 3992095 A1 EP3992095 A1 EP 3992095A1 EP 20204826 A EP20204826 A EP 20204826A EP 3992095 A1 EP3992095 A1 EP 3992095A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- web
- labelling
- physical quantity
- labels
- cutting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/08—Label feeding
- B65C9/18—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls
- B65C9/1803—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels being cut from a strip
- B65C9/1815—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels being cut from a strip and transferred by suction means
- B65C9/1819—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels being cut from a strip and transferred by suction means the suction means being a vacuum drum
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/40—Controls; Safety devices
- B65C9/42—Label feed control
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
- B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
- B65C9/08—Label feeding
- B65C9/18—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls
- B65C9/1803—Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls the labels being cut from a strip
- B65C2009/1834—Details of cutting means
- B65C2009/1838—Cutting drum
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a labelling machine for applying labels onto articles, such as bottles, containers or the like, adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product.
- the present invention also relates to a method for applying labels onto articles, such as bottles, containers or the like, adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product.
- Labelling machines are known, which are commonly used to prepare, transport and apply labels onto articles, such as bottles, containers, or the like destined to be filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.
- a prior art labelling machine comprises a conveyor device for conveying said plurality of containers.
- the labelling machine comprises an advancement device for advancing a web of labelling material through a cutting station, according to an advancement direction, and up to a transfer drum.
- the labelling machine comprises a cutting device for cutting sequentially the advancing web at the cutting station, to obtain sequentially a plurality of labels not joined to each other, the labels being initially joined together to form said web.
- the transfer drum is being configured, by means of a suction system acting on an outer lateral surface of the transfer drum and the transfer drum rotating on itself, for sequentially receiving the labels from the cutting device, angularly spacing around said axis the received labels from each other, and transferring the spaced labels to apply them onto respective conveyed containers.
- the web and the transfer drum necessarily have different peripheral velocities, namely the web is slower than the transfer drum.
- the initial sliding is necessary in order to provide for a pitch of the labels to be transferred by the transfer drum that matches the pitches of the articles being advanced by the carousel.
- pitch has to be larger than the pitch of the labels still joined and forming the web, hence the difference in velocities between the web (namely the unwinding rollers) and the transfer drum.
- the sliding of the label stops as soon as the label is cut at its trailing end portion, thereby being fully transferred onto the transfer drum.
- the transfer drum is configured to space the labels received onto its outer lateral surface by making the leading end portion of each received label to slide over the respective sliding portion.
- the suction action of the transfer drum has to be optimally controlled, in order to avoid stretching of the web and thus of the label itself.
- number 1 indicates as a whole a labelling machine configured to apply labels 2 onto articles 3, such as bottles, receptacles, or the like, destined to contain a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, such as still or sparkling water, juice, milk, soft drinks, beer, wine, or the like.
- labels 2 applied by labelling machine 1 are glued labels, i.e. strips of labelling material that are cut at predetermined lengths, from a web 4 of labelling material, and to which glue is applied according to a manner that will be described in the following.
- web 4 of labelling material is wound around one or more storage units, such as reels 5 (only one reel is shown in Figure 1 ), and is progressively unwound, in use, off reel 5.
- labelling machine 1 essentially comprises:
- labelling module 7 comprises:
- labelling module 7 further comprises a gluing device 12 arranged peripherally to vacuum drum 11 operatively downstream of cutting device 10 and configured to apply a predetermined amount of glue onto at least one portion of each label 2, sequentially.
- vacuum drum 11 sequentially receives, in use and at a receiving station R, a free end portion of web 4 defining a leading end portion of each label 2, retaining the same onto outer lateral surface 11a.
- vacuum drum 11 has a substantially cylindrical configuration. Accordingly, outer lateral surface 11a has a substantially cylindrical shape and labels 2 are conveyed circumferentially from receiving station R to application station A, along a direction of rotation of vacuum drum 11.
- vacuum drum 11 is rotatably mounted around axis X onto a stationary distributor element (not shown) carried by labelling module 7.
- the distributor element comprises first air passages (not shown) connected to a vacuum source (not shown).
- Vacuum drum 11 is, in turn, provided with second air passages 11b, which are configured to selectively communicate with the first air passages at certain angular positions assumed by vacuum drum 11, as this latter rotates about axis X, and end into a plurality of vacuum ports 11c formed through outer lateral surface 11a.
- vacuum ports 11c are put in fluid communication, by means of the first air passages and second air passages 11b, with the vacuum source. When this happens, a vacuum suction is applied on each label 2, which retains this latter onto outer lateral surface 11a.
- vacuum drum 11 retains, in use, labels 2 onto outer lateral surface 11a by means of vacuum suction.
- the above-mentioned free end portion of web 4 is configured to slide onto outer lateral surface 11a for a certain angle as soon as it is grasped by the vacuum suction of the vacuum drum 11, i.e. when the respective label 2 is still attached to web 4 at its trailing end portion and has not yet been cut by cutting device 10.
- This initial sliding is well-known in the industry and is due to the fact that web 4 and vacuum drum 11 necessarily have different peripheral velocities, namely web 4 is slower than vacuum drum 11.
- the initial sliding is necessary in order to provide for a pitch of labels 2 to be transferred by vacuum drum 11 that matches the pitches of the articles 3 being advanced by carousel 6.
- vacuum drum 11 is configured to space labels 2 received onto its outer lateral surface 11a by making the leading end portion of each received label 2 to slide over outer lateral surface 11a for a certain angle.
- vacuum drum 11 is faster than web 4 of labelling material when this latter is received onto outer lateral surface 11a, there is a risk of stretching the web 4 itself.
- Labelling machine 1, and in particular labelling module 7, further comprises a tension sensor 15 arranged operatively upstream of cutting device 10, more specifically upstream of cutting device 10 relative to the advancement path of web 4, and configured to detect a physical quantity correlated with a tension of web 4 and to generate a signal W correlated with the detected physical quantity.
- a tension sensor 15 arranged operatively upstream of cutting device 10, more specifically upstream of cutting device 10 relative to the advancement path of web 4, and configured to detect a physical quantity correlated with a tension of web 4 and to generate a signal W correlated with the detected physical quantity.
- labelling machine 1 and in particular labelling module 7, comprises a control unit 16 configured to receive signal W generated, in use, by tension sensor 15.
- control unit 16 is configured to control the vacuum suction of the vacuum drum 11 based on the signal W received from tension sensor 15.
- control unit 16 is configured to send a signal Y correlated to signal W to vacuum drum 11, in order to control the intensity of the vacuum suction applied by this latter.
- the amount or intensity of vacuum suction imparted on web 4 (and on labels 2) by vacuum drum 11 through vacuum ports 11c is advantageously controlled, in use, by control unit 16 based on the detection of tension sensor 15, and, therefore, based on the current tensioning of web 4 along the web advancement path.
- control unit 16 controls a reduction of the intensity of the vacuum suction of vacuum drum 11, thereby reducing or even virtually cancelling out the risk of stretching web 4.
- control unit 16 controls an increase of the intensity of the vacuum suction of vacuum drum 11, thereby ensuring the proper tensioning of web 4 and an effective sliding of the same onto outer lateral surface 11a so as to maintain the predetermined pitch.
- tension sensor 15 is defined by a load cell, for example an annular load cell.
- tension sensor 15 is part of conveying system 8.
- tension sensor 15 can be implemented in one roller 15a of the unwinding rollers defining conveying system 8.
- tension sensor 15 is configured to measure a force exerted by web 4, during its advancement, on roller 15a, specifically on a supporting shaft of roller 15a, and to correlate the measured force with a tension of the web 4.
- cutting device 10 is arranged peripherally to vacuum drum 11 at receiving station R and is configured to cut web 4 sequentially at the trailing end portion of each label 2, so as to produce labels 2 which extend from the leading end portion to the trailing end portion.
- cutting device 10 is of the rotary-type and comprises:
- second roller 14 advances, in use, web 4 so that predetermined portions of web 4 configured to be cut are conveyed at cutting station T, at which blade 13a interacts with web 4 cutting this latter.
- first roller 13 defines a support roller for blade 13a and second roller 14 defines a support roller for web 4.
- web 4 is interposed, in use and at the cutting station T, between the first roller 13 and the second roller 14, the latter acting as an abutment roller for the blade 13a during the cutting operation.
- second roller 14 is provided with dedicated vacuum passages 14b terminating each in one respective vacuum port 14c at an outer lateral surface 14a of the second roller 14 itself, to apply vacuum suction onto web 4 supported thereon.
- the vacuum system of second roller 14 is substantially identical to the vacuum system of vacuum drum 11.
- the cutting operation comprises the step of supporting web 4 by applying a further vacuum suction thereon distinct from the vacuum suction applied by vacuum drum 11.
- control unit 16 is configured to control the vacuum suction of second roller 14 based on the signal W received from tension sensor 15.
- control unit 16 is configured to send a signal J correlated to signal W to second roller 14, in order to control the intensity of the vacuum suction applied by this latter.
- the amount or intensity of vacuum suction imparted on web 4 by second roller 14 through vacuum ports 14c is advantageously controlled, in use, by control unit 16 based on the detection of tension sensor 15, and, therefore, based on the current tensioning of web 4 along the web advancement path.
- This further control is particularly advantageous as it ensures a better management of the tension of web 4 during cutting.
- control unit 16 is configured to simultaneously control the vacuum suctions of both vacuum drum 11 and second roller 14 based on the signal W received from tension sensor 15, so as to obtain a balance of both vacuum suctions correlated to signal W.
- This balancing control is particularly advantageous as it ensures both an even better management of the tension of web 4 and a proper grasping and sliding of the free end of web 4 onto vacuum drum 11, preventing at the same time an undesired stretching thereof.
- second roller 14 has at least one recess 17 on its outer lateral surface 14a.
- second roller 14 is configured to advance web 4 so that the predetermined portions to be cut cover one at a time at least part of recess 17.
- Blade 13a is movable, in use, through web 4 to engage recess 17 (cyclically) at cutting station T, in order to sequentially cut the predetermined portions at cutting station T.
- blade 13a is a serrated blade.
- control unit 16 is configured to:
- control unit 16 in further configured to emit a blade wear warning signal if the detected values of the physical quantity exceed a predetermined threshold value for a given time span.
- control unit 16 is configured to monitor web tension values detected by tension sensor 15 for a given period of time and correlate such web tension values with a wear (usage) of blade 13a, so as to monitor or predict blade wear.
- the calculate time trend comprises a plurality of peaks in web tension values
- this could be a signal of a non-nominal effort required by the blade 13a to cut web 4 and, therefore, an index of excessive wear of the blade 13a itself.
- conveying system 8 comprises a feed roller 18 arranged operatively upstream of cutting device 10, along the advancement path of web 4, and configured to be controlled at a predetermined angular velocity for unwinding web 4 from reel 5 and for feeding web 4 towards cutting station T.
- feed roller 18 imparts a feeding velocity to web 4.
- control unit 16 is configured to control the angular velocity of feed roller 18 based on signal W received from tension sensor 15.
- control unit 16 is configured to use the above-mentioned time trend to monitor the quality of the labelling material defining web 4.
- control unit 16 is further configured to emit a labelling material low quality warning signal if the detected values of the physical quantity correlated with the tension of web 4 are smaller than a minimum predetermined threshold value or larger than a maximum predetermined threshold value for a given time span.
- labelling machine 1 The operation of labelling machine 1 is described hereinafter with reference to a single label 2 to be treated/handled and starting from a condition in which a free end portion of web 4 defining the leading end portion of the label 2 to be treated/handled has been received onto outer lateral surface 11a at receiving station R.
- vacuum suction is applied both by vacuum drum 11, through vacuum ports 11c, and by second roller 14, through vacuum ports 14c.
- tension sensor 15 detects the physical quantity correlated with the tension of web 4 and generates a signal W.
- tension sensor 15 detects a force exerted by web 4 on roller 15a.
- Control unit 16 receives signal W and controls the vacuum suctions of one or both of vacuum drum 11 and second roller 14.
- control unit 16 monitors, as stated above, a wear of blade 13a and the quality of labelling material, and controls the angular velocity of feed roller 18.
- the process is repeated/continued for each labelling cycle.
- the machine 1 comprises an advancement device 8.
- the advancement device 8 is for advancing the web 4 through a cutting station T.
- the machine 1 comprises a transfer drum 11. The advancing of the web 4 occurs according to an advancement direction and up to the transfer drum 11.
- the machine 1 comprises a cutting device 10 for cutting sequentially the advancing web 4 at the cutting station T.
- the sequentially cutting is carried out to obtain sequentially a plurality of labels 2 not joined to each other.
- the machine 1 comprises a transfer drum 11.
- the machine 1 comprises a first suction system.
- the first suction system comprises passages 11b located within the transfer drum 11 and ports 11c located on an outer lateral surface 11a of the transfer drum 11.
- the transfer drum 11 defines an axis X of the transfer drum 11.
- the lateral surface 11a of the transfer drum 11 extends angularly around the axis X of the transfer drum 11.
- Transfer drum 11 is configured for sequentially receiving the labels 2 from the cutting device 10, for sequentially angularly spacing around said axis X and from each other the received labels 2, and for sequentially transferring the spaced labels 2.
- the transferring is carried out to apply the labels 2 onto respective conveyed containers 3.
- Said receiving, spacing and transferring are carried out by means of a first suction action applied by the first suction system on the lateral surface 11a of the transfer drum 11. Said receiving, spacing and transferring are carried out also by means of the transfer drum 11 rotating on itself around the axis X. The first suction action is applied while the transfer drum 11 is rotating on itself.
- the machine 1 comprises a tension sensor 15.
- the tension sensor 15 is located upstream of the cutting device 10 according to the advancement direction. for detecting a physical quantity correlated with a tension of the web 4 upstream of the cutting station T according to the advancement direction.
- the machine 1 is configured to automatically and actively control the first suction system as a function of the detected physical quantity. This controlling of the first suction system is carried out at least to lower the risk of stretching and/or the risk of loosening the web 4.
- the machine 1 is configured so that the detecting of the physical quantity comprises obtaining a time trend of the physical quantity so that the detected physical quantity comprises the detected time trend.
- the cutting device 10 comprises a blade 13a.
- the cutting device 10 is configured for performing said sequentially cutting by cyclically moving the blade 13a through the cutting station T.
- the second roller 14 can be considered a web tensioning roller.
- the machine comprises a second suction system.
- the second suction system comprises the dedicated passages 14b located within the tensioning roller 14 and the dedicated ports 14c located on the outer lateral surface 14a of the tensioning roller 14.
- the lateral surface 14a of the tensioning roller 14 extends angularly around the axis of the tensioning roller 14.
- the cutting device 10 comprises the tensioning roller 14, which is a part also of the advancement device 8.
- the tensioning roller 14 is configured for conveying and tensioning the web 4 at the cutting station T. Said conveying and tensioning are carried out by means of a second suction action applied by the second suction system on the lateral surface 14a of the tensioning roller 14.
- Said conveying and tensioning are carried out also by means of the tensioning roller 14 rotating on itself around the axis of the tensioning roller 14.
- the tensioning roller 14 in this way contributes to produce a correct position and tension of the web at the cutting station T, for the purpose of ensuring a correct cutting of the web 4.
- the machine 1 is configured to automatically and actively control said first suction action applied by the first suction system and said second suction action applied by the second suction system, in relation to each other and simultaneously, as a function of the detected physical quantity.
- This controlling of the second suction system and of the first suction system in relation to each other is carried out at least in such a way to simultaneously meet the need of having a correct tension for the cutting and the need to lower the risk of stretching and/or the risk of loosening the web 4.
- the machine 1 is configured to automatically correlate the detected physical quantity with a current wear blade status of the blade 13a.
- the machine 1 is configured to emit a blade member wear warning signal if the physical quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In this way the blade condition can be monitored in an efficient way.
- the machine 1 is configured to automatically emit a blade member wear warning signal if the detected physical quantity exceeds said predetermined threshold value for a preestablished time spam.
- the exceeding of a predetermined threshold for a preestablished time spam can be the sign of a peak in the time trend of the tension. This peak can be considered indicative of a too high level of wear of the blade 13a.
- the tensioning roller 14 comprises at least one recess 17 on said outer lateral surface 14a of the tensioning roller 14.
- the cutting device 10 is configured so that the moving of the blade 13a through said cutting station T corresponds to the blade 13a engaging said recess 17 at the cutting station T. In this way the cutting occurs while the blade 13a is engaged in the recess 17, leading to an increase of the service life of the blade 13a.
- the second suction system allows a better controlling of the web tension during the cutting of the web 4, which is very important due to the engaging of the blade 13a in the recess 17 during the cutting.
- the machine 1 can efficiently avoid stretching of the web while allowing an efficient use of a cutting device 10 which in turn is configured to increase the service life of the blade 13a.
- the machine 1 is configured to emit a labelling material low quality warning signal if the detected quantity falls outside of a preestablished range for a predefined time spam. Indeed, it can be possible that there could be some problems in the final outcome of the labelling method, although the settings of the machine 1 are all correct for the label format, the kind of glue, and the kind of containers 3.
- the tension of the web 4 I this connection can help in associating a possible problem to a possible deviation of the material with respect to its specifications.
- the advancement device 8 comprises a feed roller 18 located upstream of the cutting device 10 according to the advancement direction.
- the advancement device 8 is configured so that angular speed of the feed roller 18 contributes to define the linear speed of the web 4 along the advancement path.
- the machine 1 is configured to automatically and actively control said angular speed as a function of the detected physical quantity.
- the machine 1 comprises a gluing device 12 for applying glue on each label 2 while the label 2 is received and/or transferred by the transfer drum 11 rotating on itself.
- the balancing of vacuum suctions of vacuum drum 11 and second roller 14 is particularly advantageous as it ensures both an even better management of the tension of web 4 and a proper grasping and sliding of the free end of web 4 onto vacuum drum 11, preventing at the same time an undesired stretching thereof.
- the above configuration provides for a simple and cost-effective system for monitoring and/or predicting the wear of blade 13a is obtained, which also function during production, thereby avoiding the need for an operator to check between each production cycle.
- the above configuration provides for a simple and effective monitoring of the quality of the labelling material, even during the production cycle and without the need for stopping machine 1.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a labelling machine for applying labels onto articles, such as bottles, containers or the like, adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product.
- The present invention also relates to a method for applying labels onto articles, such as bottles, containers or the like, adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product.
- Labelling machines are known, which are commonly used to prepare, transport and apply labels onto articles, such as bottles, containers, or the like destined to be filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.
- A prior art labelling machine comprises a conveyor device for conveying said plurality of containers. The labelling machine comprises an advancement device for advancing a web of labelling material through a cutting station, according to an advancement direction, and up to a transfer drum. The labelling machine comprises a cutting device for cutting sequentially the advancing web at the cutting station, to obtain sequentially a plurality of labels not joined to each other, the labels being initially joined together to form said web. The transfer drum is being configured, by means of a suction system acting on an outer lateral surface of the transfer drum and the transfer drum rotating on itself, for sequentially receiving the labels from the cutting device, angularly spacing around said axis the received labels from each other, and transferring the spaced labels to apply them onto respective conveyed containers. It is known in the field an initial sliding of the leading end portion of each label along (namely over or onto) a sliding portion of the outer lateral surface of the transfer drum, as soon as it is grasped by the suction action of the transfer drum, i.e. when the label is still attached to the web of labelling material at its trailing end portion and has not yet been cut by the cutting device.
- This is due to the fact that the web and the transfer drum necessarily have different peripheral velocities, namely the web is slower than the transfer drum. In particular, the initial sliding is necessary in order to provide for a pitch of the labels to be transferred by the transfer drum that matches the pitches of the articles being advanced by the carousel.
- Necessarily, such pitch has to be larger than the pitch of the labels still joined and forming the web, hence the difference in velocities between the web (namely the unwinding rollers) and the transfer drum.
- The sliding of the label stops as soon as the label is cut at its trailing end portion, thereby being fully transferred onto the transfer drum.
- In light of the above, the transfer drum is configured to space the labels received onto its outer lateral surface by making the leading end portion of each received label to slide over the respective sliding portion.
- Furthermore, since the transfer drum is faster than the web of labelling material when this latter is received thereon, there is a risk of stretching the web itself.
- Hence, the suction action of the transfer drum has to be optimally controlled, in order to avoid stretching of the web and thus of the label itself.
- It is also known in the field that the blade member is subject to wear.
- Although the known labelling machines, and in particular the known labelling modules, work satisfyingly well, a need is felt in the industry to further improve such labelling machines, in particular as to optimize the control of the suction action of the transfer drum and as to improve the wear control of the blade member.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a labelling machine which is designed to meet at least one of the above-mentioned needs in a straightforward and low-cost manner.
- This object is achieved by a labelling machine as claimed in
claim 1. - It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for applying labels onto articles which is designed to meet at least one of the above-mentioned needs in a straightforward and low-cost manner.
- This object is achieved by a method for applying labels onto articles as claimed in
claim 10. - A non-limiting embodiment 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, with parts removed for clarity, of a labelling machine according to the present invention; and -
Figures 2 is an enlarged-scale, schematic top view of a particular of the labelling machine ofFigure 1 . - With reference to
Figure 1 ,number 1 indicates as a whole a labelling machine configured to applylabels 2 ontoarticles 3, such as bottles, receptacles, or the like, destined to contain a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, such as still or sparkling water, juice, milk, soft drinks, beer, wine, or the like. - According to this non-limiting embodiment shown,
labels 2 applied bylabelling machine 1 are glued labels, i.e. strips of labelling material that are cut at predetermined lengths, from aweb 4 of labelling material, and to which glue is applied according to a manner that will be described in the following. - Preferably,
web 4 of labelling material is wound around one or more storage units, such as reels 5 (only one reel is shown inFigure 1 ), and is progressively unwound, in use, offreel 5. - As visible in
Figure 1 ,labelling machine 1 essentially comprises: - a conveyor device, preferably a
rotary carousel 6 rotatable around a fixed axis, in particular a vertical axis Z, and configured to advance a plurality ofarticles 3 along a conveying path P, in the example shown an arc-shaped, horizontal path; - an input station I, at which
articles 3 to be labelled are fed tocarousel 6; - an output station O, at which labelled
articles 3 exit fromcarousel 6; and - a labelling module 7 (only partially and schematically shown), arranged peripherally relatively to
carousel 6 and configured to feed a plurality oflabels 2 to thecarousel 6 itself at an application station A, in order to applylabels 2 torespective articles 3. - In detail,
labelling module 7 comprises: - at least one of the above-mentioned
reels 5 for storingweb 4; - a
conveying system 8 configured to advanceweb 4 along an advancement path, from a storage station defined byreel 5 towards a cutting station T at whichweb 4 is sequentially cut, and comprising a plurality of unwinding rollers which support, in use,web 4 progressively unwound, in use, fromreel 5 and guide it along the advancement path; - a
cutting device 10 configured to cut a sequence ofsingle labels 2 fromweb 4, in the form of strips having equal length, thelabels 2 being initially joined together to formweb 4; and - a label transfer device comprising a
rotary vacuum drum 11 rotatable around a fixed axis, preferably a vertical axis X, arranged peripherally tocarousel 6 and configured to sequentially receive, on an outerlateral surface 11a thereof,labels 2 cut by thecutting device 10, to retainsuch labels 2 onto outerlateral surface 11a by means of vacuum suction, and to transfersuch labels 2 tocarousel 6. - According to this preferred embodiment,
labelling module 7 further comprises agluing device 12 arranged peripherally tovacuum drum 11 operatively downstream ofcutting device 10 and configured to apply a predetermined amount of glue onto at least one portion of eachlabel 2, sequentially. - As visible in
Figure 1 ,vacuum drum 11 sequentially receives, in use and at a receiving station R, a free end portion ofweb 4 defining a leading end portion of eachlabel 2, retaining the same onto outerlateral surface 11a. - Preferably,
vacuum drum 11 has a substantially cylindrical configuration. Accordingly, outerlateral surface 11a has a substantially cylindrical shape andlabels 2 are conveyed circumferentially from receiving station R to application station A, along a direction of rotation ofvacuum drum 11. - Furthermore,
vacuum drum 11 is rotatably mounted around axis X onto a stationary distributor element (not shown) carried bylabelling module 7. - In detail, the distributor element comprises first air passages (not shown) connected to a vacuum source (not shown).
Vacuum drum 11 is, in turn, provided withsecond air passages 11b, which are configured to selectively communicate with the first air passages at certain angular positions assumed byvacuum drum 11, as this latter rotates about axis X, and end into a plurality ofvacuum ports 11c formed through outerlateral surface 11a. - In practice, depending on the angular position relative to axis X assumed by
vacuum drum 11,vacuum ports 11c are put in fluid communication, by means of the first air passages andsecond air passages 11b, with the vacuum source. When this happens, a vacuum suction is applied on eachlabel 2, which retains this latter onto outerlateral surface 11a. - In light of the above,
vacuum drum 11 retains, in use,labels 2 onto outerlateral surface 11a by means of vacuum suction. - Preferably, the above-mentioned free end portion of
web 4 is configured to slide onto outerlateral surface 11a for a certain angle as soon as it is grasped by the vacuum suction of thevacuum drum 11, i.e. when therespective label 2 is still attached toweb 4 at its trailing end portion and has not yet been cut by cuttingdevice 10. - This initial sliding is well-known in the industry and is due to the fact that
web 4 andvacuum drum 11 necessarily have different peripheral velocities, namelyweb 4 is slower thanvacuum drum 11. In particular, the initial sliding is necessary in order to provide for a pitch oflabels 2 to be transferred byvacuum drum 11 that matches the pitches of thearticles 3 being advanced bycarousel 6. - Necessarily, such pitch has to be larger than the pitch of
labels 2 still joined and forming theweb 4, hence the difference in velocities betweenweb 4 andvacuum drum 11. - The sliding of the free end portion of
web 4 stops as soon as therelative label 2 is cut at its trailing end portion, thereby being fully transferred ontovacuum drum 11. - In light of the above,
vacuum drum 11 is configured tospace labels 2 received onto its outerlateral surface 11a by making the leading end portion of each receivedlabel 2 to slide over outerlateral surface 11a for a certain angle. - Since, for the above reasons,
vacuum drum 11 is faster thanweb 4 of labelling material when this latter is received onto outerlateral surface 11a, there is a risk of stretching theweb 4 itself. -
Labelling machine 1, and inparticular labelling module 7, further comprises atension sensor 15 arranged operatively upstream ofcutting device 10, more specifically upstream ofcutting device 10 relative to the advancement path ofweb 4, and configured to detect a physical quantity correlated with a tension ofweb 4 and to generate a signal W correlated with the detected physical quantity. - Moreover,
labelling machine 1, and inparticular labelling module 7, comprises acontrol unit 16 configured to receive signal W generated, in use, bytension sensor 15. - According to an aspect of the present invention,
control unit 16 is configured to control the vacuum suction of thevacuum drum 11 based on the signal W received fromtension sensor 15. - In particular,
control unit 16 is configured to send a signal Y correlated to signal W tovacuum drum 11, in order to control the intensity of the vacuum suction applied by this latter. - In other words, the amount or intensity of vacuum suction imparted on web 4 (and on labels 2) by
vacuum drum 11 throughvacuum ports 11c is advantageously controlled, in use, bycontrol unit 16 based on the detection oftension sensor 15, and, therefore, based on the current tensioning ofweb 4 along the web advancement path. - This is particularly advantageous as to avoid a possible stretching of
web 4, and therefore oflabels 2, when the free end portion ofweb 4 is grasped by the vacuum suction ofvacuum drum 11. - In fact, by controlling the vacuum suction of
vacuum drum 11 based on the tension ofweb 4, it is possible to calibrate such vacuum suction in order to avoid an otherwise too strong vacuum suction which could lead to a stretching ofweb 4, due to the above-mentioned difference in velocities. - For example, in use, if
tension sensor 15 detects a high tensioning ofweb 4,control unit 16 controls a reduction of the intensity of the vacuum suction ofvacuum drum 11, thereby reducing or even virtually cancelling out the risk of stretchingweb 4. - On the contrary, if
tension sensor 15 detects a low tensioning ofweb 4,control unit 16 controls an increase of the intensity of the vacuum suction ofvacuum drum 11, thereby ensuring the proper tensioning ofweb 4 and an effective sliding of the same onto outerlateral surface 11a so as to maintain the predetermined pitch. - Preferably,
tension sensor 15 is defined by a load cell, for example an annular load cell. - Preferably,
tension sensor 15 is part of conveyingsystem 8. For example,tension sensor 15 can be implemented in oneroller 15a of the unwinding rollers defining conveyingsystem 8. Accordingly,tension sensor 15 is configured to measure a force exerted byweb 4, during its advancement, onroller 15a, specifically on a supporting shaft ofroller 15a, and to correlate the measured force with a tension of theweb 4. - As visible in
Figure 2 , cuttingdevice 10 is arranged peripherally tovacuum drum 11 at receiving station R and is configured to cutweb 4 sequentially at the trailing end portion of eachlabel 2, so as to producelabels 2 which extend from the leading end portion to the trailing end portion. - In detail, cutting
device 10 is of the rotary-type and comprises: - a first rotary element, in particular a
first roller 13 rotatably mounted about a vertical axis, carrying ablade 13a and configured to conveyblade 13a along a circular cutting path around the above-mentioned axis and cyclically at cutting station T; and - a second rotary element, in particular a
second roller 14 rotatably mounted about an axis preferably parallel to the axis of thefirst roller 13, arranged peripherally to thefirst roller 13 so as to be substantially tangent to the cutting path, and configured to supportweb 4 and conveyweb 4 towards cutting station T, at whichweb 4 is cyclically cut byblade 13a. - In greater detail,
second roller 14 advances, in use,web 4 so that predetermined portions ofweb 4 configured to be cut are conveyed at cutting station T, at whichblade 13a interacts withweb 4 cutting this latter. - In practice,
first roller 13 defines a support roller forblade 13a andsecond roller 14 defines a support roller forweb 4. - In other words,
web 4 is interposed, in use and at the cutting station T, between thefirst roller 13 and thesecond roller 14, the latter acting as an abutment roller for theblade 13a during the cutting operation. - Conveniently,
second roller 14 is provided withdedicated vacuum passages 14b terminating each in onerespective vacuum port 14c at an outerlateral surface 14a of thesecond roller 14 itself, to apply vacuum suction ontoweb 4 supported thereon. - Preferably, the vacuum system of
second roller 14 is substantially identical to the vacuum system ofvacuum drum 11. - In light of the above, the cutting operation comprises the step of supporting
web 4 by applying a further vacuum suction thereon distinct from the vacuum suction applied byvacuum drum 11. - Advantageously,
control unit 16 is configured to control the vacuum suction ofsecond roller 14 based on the signal W received fromtension sensor 15. - In particular,
control unit 16 is configured to send a signal J correlated to signal W tosecond roller 14, in order to control the intensity of the vacuum suction applied by this latter. - In other words, the amount or intensity of vacuum suction imparted on
web 4 bysecond roller 14 throughvacuum ports 14c is advantageously controlled, in use, bycontrol unit 16 based on the detection oftension sensor 15, and, therefore, based on the current tensioning ofweb 4 along the web advancement path. - This further control is particularly advantageous as it ensures a better management of the tension of
web 4 during cutting. - Conveniently,
control unit 16 is configured to simultaneously control the vacuum suctions of bothvacuum drum 11 andsecond roller 14 based on the signal W received fromtension sensor 15, so as to obtain a balance of both vacuum suctions correlated to signal W. - This balancing control is particularly advantageous as it ensures both an even better management of the tension of
web 4 and a proper grasping and sliding of the free end ofweb 4 ontovacuum drum 11, preventing at the same time an undesired stretching thereof. - According to the preferred and non-limiting embodiment shown,
second roller 14 has at least onerecess 17 on its outerlateral surface 14a. - Accordingly,
second roller 14 is configured to advanceweb 4 so that the predetermined portions to be cut cover one at a time at least part ofrecess 17.Blade 13a is movable, in use, throughweb 4 to engage recess 17 (cyclically) at cutting station T, in order to sequentially cut the predetermined portions at cutting station T. - Preferably,
blade 13a is a serrated blade. - The Applicant has observed that the above-mentioned control based on signal W of
tension sensor 15 is particularly effective in casesecond roller 14 is provided withrecess 17 and incase blade 13a is a serrated blade. - According to a further aspect of the present invention,
control unit 16 is configured to: - calculate a time trend of the values of the physical quantity detected by
tension sensor 15 based on the signals W received fromtension sensor 15 for a given time span; and to - correlate the calculated time trend with the wear of said
blade 13a. - Conveniently,
control unit 16 in further configured to emit a blade wear warning signal if the detected values of the physical quantity exceed a predetermined threshold value for a given time span. - In practice,
control unit 16 is configured to monitor web tension values detected bytension sensor 15 for a given period of time and correlate such web tension values with a wear (usage) ofblade 13a, so as to monitor or predict blade wear. - In fact, if the calculate time trend comprises a plurality of peaks in web tension values, this could be a signal of a non-nominal effort required by the
blade 13a to cutweb 4 and, therefore, an index of excessive wear of theblade 13a itself. - Hence, a simple and cost-effective system for monitoring and/or predicting the wear of
blade 13a is obtained, which also function during production, thereby avoiding the need for an operator to checkblade 13a between each production cycle. - As visible in
Figure 1 , conveyingsystem 8 comprises afeed roller 18 arranged operatively upstream of cuttingdevice 10, along the advancement path ofweb 4, and configured to be controlled at a predetermined angular velocity for unwindingweb 4 fromreel 5 and for feedingweb 4 towards cutting station T. - In detail, feed
roller 18 imparts a feeding velocity toweb 4. - According to another aspect of the present invention,
control unit 16 is configured to control the angular velocity offeed roller 18 based on signal W received fromtension sensor 15. - In this way, a simple, effective and more efficient control of the tensioning of
web 4 along the advancement path can be obtained, thereby avoidingweb 4 to be too stretched or too loose. - According to a further aspect of the present invention,
control unit 16 is configured to use the above-mentioned time trend to monitor the quality of the labellingmaterial defining web 4. - More precisely,
control unit 16 is further configured to emit a labelling material low quality warning signal if the detected values of the physical quantity correlated with the tension ofweb 4 are smaller than a minimum predetermined threshold value or larger than a maximum predetermined threshold value for a given time span. - In this way, a simple and effective monitoring of the quality of the labelling material can be obtained, even during the production cycle and without the need for stopping
machine 1. - The operation of
labelling machine 1 is described hereinafter with reference to asingle label 2 to be treated/handled and starting from a condition in which a free end portion ofweb 4 defining the leading end portion of thelabel 2 to be treated/handled has been received onto outerlateral surface 11a at receiving station R. - In this condition, vacuum suction is applied both by
vacuum drum 11, throughvacuum ports 11c, and bysecond roller 14, throughvacuum ports 14c. - At the same time,
tension sensor 15 detects the physical quantity correlated with the tension ofweb 4 and generates a signal W. In the example shown,tension sensor 15 detects a force exerted byweb 4 onroller 15a. -
Control unit 16 receives signal W and controls the vacuum suctions of one or both ofvacuum drum 11 andsecond roller 14. - Conveniently,
control unit 16 monitors, as stated above, a wear ofblade 13a and the quality of labelling material, and controls the angular velocity offeed roller 18. - The process is repeated/continued for each labelling cycle.
- The
machine 1 comprises anadvancement device 8. Theadvancement device 8 is for advancing theweb 4 through a cutting station T. Themachine 1 comprises atransfer drum 11. The advancing of theweb 4 occurs according to an advancement direction and up to thetransfer drum 11. - The
machine 1 comprises acutting device 10 for cutting sequentially the advancingweb 4 at the cutting station T. The sequentially cutting is carried out to obtain sequentially a plurality oflabels 2 not joined to each other. - The
machine 1 comprises atransfer drum 11. Themachine 1 comprises a first suction system. The first suction system comprisespassages 11b located within thetransfer drum 11 andports 11c located on an outerlateral surface 11a of thetransfer drum 11. Thetransfer drum 11 defines an axis X of thetransfer drum 11. Thelateral surface 11a of thetransfer drum 11 extends angularly around the axis X of thetransfer drum 11.Transfer drum 11 is configured for sequentially receiving thelabels 2 from the cuttingdevice 10, for sequentially angularly spacing around said axis X and from each other the receivedlabels 2, and for sequentially transferring the spaced labels 2. The transferring is carried out to apply thelabels 2 onto respective conveyedcontainers 3. Said receiving, spacing and transferring are carried out by means of a first suction action applied by the first suction system on thelateral surface 11a of thetransfer drum 11. Said receiving, spacing and transferring are carried out also by means of thetransfer drum 11 rotating on itself around the axis X. The first suction action is applied while thetransfer drum 11 is rotating on itself. - The
machine 1 comprises atension sensor 15. Thetension sensor 15 is located upstream of the cuttingdevice 10 according to the advancement direction. for detecting a physical quantity correlated with a tension of theweb 4 upstream of the cutting station T according to the advancement direction. - The
machine 1 is configured to automatically and actively control the first suction system as a function of the detected physical quantity. This controlling of the first suction system is carried out at least to lower the risk of stretching and/or the risk of loosening theweb 4. - The
machine 1 is configured so that the detecting of the physical quantity comprises obtaining a time trend of the physical quantity so that the detected physical quantity comprises the detected time trend. - The cutting
device 10 comprises ablade 13a. The cuttingdevice 10 is configured for performing said sequentially cutting by cyclically moving theblade 13a through the cutting station T. - The
second roller 14 can be considered a web tensioning roller. The machine comprises a second suction system. The second suction system comprises thededicated passages 14b located within the tensioningroller 14 and thededicated ports 14c located on the outerlateral surface 14a of thetensioning roller 14. Thelateral surface 14a of thetensioning roller 14 extends angularly around the axis of thetensioning roller 14. The cuttingdevice 10 comprises thetensioning roller 14, which is a part also of theadvancement device 8. The tensioningroller 14 is configured for conveying and tensioning theweb 4 at the cutting station T. Said conveying and tensioning are carried out by means of a second suction action applied by the second suction system on thelateral surface 14a of thetensioning roller 14. Said conveying and tensioning are carried out also by means of thetensioning roller 14 rotating on itself around the axis of thetensioning roller 14. The tensioningroller 14 in this way contributes to produce a correct position and tension of the web at the cutting station T, for the purpose of ensuring a correct cutting of theweb 4. - The
machine 1 is configured to automatically and actively control said first suction action applied by the first suction system and said second suction action applied by the second suction system, in relation to each other and simultaneously, as a function of the detected physical quantity. - This controlling of the second suction system and of the first suction system in relation to each other is carried out at least in such a way to simultaneously meet the need of having a correct tension for the cutting and the need to lower the risk of stretching and/or the risk of loosening the
web 4. - The
machine 1 is configured to automatically correlate the detected physical quantity with a current wear blade status of theblade 13a. Themachine 1 is configured to emit a blade member wear warning signal if the physical quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In this way the blade condition can be monitored in an efficient way. - The
machine 1 is configured to automatically emit a blade member wear warning signal if the detected physical quantity exceeds said predetermined threshold value for a preestablished time spam. In particular the exceeding of a predetermined threshold for a preestablished time spam can be the sign of a peak in the time trend of the tension. This peak can be considered indicative of a too high level of wear of theblade 13a. - The tensioning
roller 14 comprises at least onerecess 17 on said outerlateral surface 14a of thetensioning roller 14. The cuttingdevice 10 is configured so that the moving of theblade 13a through said cutting station T corresponds to theblade 13a engaging saidrecess 17 at the cutting station T. In this way the cutting occurs while theblade 13a is engaged in therecess 17, leading to an increase of the service life of theblade 13a. The second suction system allows a better controlling of the web tension during the cutting of theweb 4, which is very important due to the engaging of theblade 13a in therecess 17 during the cutting. Therefore, by means of the machine controlling the first suction system and the second suction system and by means of acutting device 10 provided with therecess 17 in which theblade 13a is cyclically engaged, themachine 1 can efficiently avoid stretching of the web while allowing an efficient use of acutting device 10 which in turn is configured to increase the service life of theblade 13a. - The
machine 1 is configured to emit a labelling material low quality warning signal if the detected quantity falls outside of a preestablished range for a predefined time spam. Indeed, it can be possible that there could be some problems in the final outcome of the labelling method, although the settings of themachine 1 are all correct for the label format, the kind of glue, and the kind ofcontainers 3. The tension of the web 4 I this connection can help in associating a possible problem to a possible deviation of the material with respect to its specifications. - The
advancement device 8 comprises afeed roller 18 located upstream of the cuttingdevice 10 according to the advancement direction. Theadvancement device 8 is configured so that angular speed of thefeed roller 18 contributes to define the linear speed of theweb 4 along the advancement path. - The
machine 1 is configured to automatically and actively control said angular speed as a function of the detected physical quantity. - The
machine 1 comprises a gluingdevice 12 for applying glue on eachlabel 2 while thelabel 2 is received and/or transferred by thetransfer drum 11 rotating on itself. - The advantages of
labelling machine 1 and of the method for applying labels onto containers according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description. - Thanks to the above configuration, it is possible to avoid an excessive stretching (or loosening) of
web 4, and therefore oflabels 2, when the free end portion ofweb 4 is grasped by the vacuum suction ofvacuum drum 11 and/or whenweb 4 is supported bysecond roller 14 for cutting thereof. - Furthermore the balancing of vacuum suctions of
vacuum drum 11 andsecond roller 14 is particularly advantageous as it ensures both an even better management of the tension ofweb 4 and a proper grasping and sliding of the free end ofweb 4 ontovacuum drum 11, preventing at the same time an undesired stretching thereof. - Moreover, the Applicant has observed that the above-mentioned control based on signal W of
tension sensor 15 is particularly effective in casesecond roller 14 is provided withrecess 17 and incase blade 13a is a serrated blade. - In addition, the above configuration provides for a simple and cost-effective system for monitoring and/or predicting the wear of
blade 13a is obtained, which also function during production, thereby avoiding the need for an operator to check between each production cycle. - Furthermore, by controlling the angular velocity of
feed roller 18 based ontension sensor 15, a simple, effective and more efficient control of the tensioning ofweb 4 along the advancement path can be obtained, thereby avoidingweb 4 to be too stretched or too loose. - Finally, the above configuration provides for a simple and effective monitoring of the quality of the labelling material, even during the production cycle and without the need for stopping
machine 1. - Clearly, changes may be made to labelling
machine 1 and the method as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.
Claims (15)
- A labelling machine (1) for labelling, by means of respective labels (2), a plurality of containers (3) adapted to contain a pourable product, said labelling machine (1) comprising:- a conveyor device (6) for conveying said plurality of containers (3);- an advancement device (8) for advancing a web (4) of labelling material through a cutting station (T), according to an advancement direction, and up to a transfer drum (11), the machine (1) comprising said transfer drum (11);- a cutting device (10) for cutting sequentially the advancing web (4) at the cutting station (T), to obtain sequentially a plurality of labels (2) not joined to each other, the labels (2) being initially joined together to form said web (4);
the transfer drum (11) being configured, by means of a first suction system acting on an outer lateral surface (11a) of the transfer drum (11) and the transfer drum (11) rotating on itself around an axis (X) of the transfer drum (11), for sequentially receiving the labels (2) from the cutting device (10), angularly spacing around said axis (X) the received labels (2) from each other, and transferring the spaced labels (2) to apply them onto respective conveyed containers (3);- a tension sensor (15) for detecting a physical quantity correlated with a tension of the web (4) upstream of the cutting station (T) according to the advancement direction;wherein the machine (1) is configured to automatically and actively control said first suction system as a function of the detected physical quantity, to at least lower the risk of stretching and/or the risk of loosening the web (4). - Labelling machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the machine (1) is configured so that the detecting the physical quantity comprises obtaining a time trend of the physical quantity so that the detected physical quantity comprises the detected time trend.
- Labelling machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting device (10) comprises:- a blade (13a), the cutting device (10) being configured for performing said sequentially cutting by cyclically moving the blade (13a) through the cutting station (T);- a web tensioning roller (14) which is a part of the advancement device (8) and which is configured, by means of a second suction system acting on an outer lateral surface (14a) of the tensioning roller (14) and the tensioning roller (14) rotating on itself, for conveying and tensioning the web (4) at the cutting station (T);wherein the machine (1) is configured to automatically and actively control said second suction system and said first suction system in relation to each other and simultaneously, as a function of the detected physical quantity, to at least lower the risk of stretching and/or the risk of loosening the web (4).
- Labelling machine according to claim 3, wherein the machine (1) is configured to automatically emit a blade member wear warning signal if the physical quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
- Labelling machine according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the machine (1) is configured to automatically emit a blade member wear warning signal if the detected physical quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold value for a preestablished time spam.
- Labelling machine according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein:- the tensioning roller (14) comprises at least one recess (17) on said outer lateral surface (14a) of the tensioning roller (14);- the cutting device (10) is configured so that the moving of the blade (13a) through said cutting station (T) corresponds to the blade (13a) engaging said recess (17) at the cutting station (T).
- Labelling machine (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the machine (1) is configured to emit a labelling material low quality warning signal if the detected quantity falls outside of a preestablished range for a predefined time spam.
- Labelling machine according to any of the previous claims, wherein the advancement device (8) comprises one or more unwinding rollers for unwinding said web (4), said physical quantity being a force exerted by the web (4) on at least one (15a) of said rollers.
- Labelling machine (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein:- the advancement device (8) comprises a feed roller (18) located upstream of the cutting device (10) according to the advancement direction, the advancement device (8) being configured so that an angular speed of the feed roller (18) contributes to define the linear speed of the web (4) along an advancement path;- the machine (1) is configured to automatically and actively control said angular speed as a function of the detected physical quantity.
- A labelling method for labelling, by means of respective labels (2), a plurality of containers (3) adapted to contain a pourable product, said method (1) comprising:- conveying said plurality of containers (3);- advancing a web (4) of labelling material through a cutting station (T), according to an advancement direction, and up to a transfer drum (11);- by means of a cutting device (10), cutting sequentially the advancing web (4) at the cutting station (T), as to obtain sequentially a plurality of labels (2) not joined to each other, the labels (2) being initially joined together to form said web (4);- by means of a first suction action applied on an outer lateral surface (11a) of the transfer drum (11), and by means of the transfer drum (11) rotating on itself around an axis (X) of the transfer drum (11), sequentially receiving the labels (2) from the cutting device (10), angularly spacing around said axis (X) the received labels (2) from each other, and transferring the spaced labels (2) to apply them onto respective conveyed containers (3) ;- detecting a physical quantity correlated with a tension of the web (4) upstream of the cutting station (T) according to the advancement direction;- automatically and actively controlling said first suction action as a function of the detected physical quantity, to at least lower the risk of stretching and/or the risk of loosening the web (4).
- Labelling method (1) according to claim 10, wherein detecting the physical quantity comprises obtaining a time trend of the physical quantity so that the detected physical quantity comprises the detected time trend.
- Labelling method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein:- said sequentially cutting is carried out by cyclically moving a blade (13a) through the cutting station (T);- during the sequentially cutting, by means of a second suction action applied on an outer lateral surface (14a) of a tensioning roller (14), and by means of the tensioning roller (14) rotating on itself, conveying and tensioning the web (4) at the cutting station (T);wherein the method comprises automatically and actively control said second suction action and said first suction action in relation to each other and simultaneously, as a function of the detected physical quantity, to at least lower the risk of stretching and/or the risk of loosening the web (4).
- Labelling method according to claim 12, wherein the machine is configured to automatically emit a blade member wear warning signal if the physical quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
- Labelling machine according to claims 11 and 12, wherein the machine (1) is configured to automatically emit a blade member wear warning signal if the detected physical quantity exceeds said predetermined threshold value for a preestablished time spam.
- Labelling method according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein:- the tensioning roller (14) comprises at least one recess (17) on said outer lateral surface (14a);- the moving of the blade (13a) through said cutting station (T) corresponds to the blade (13a) engaging said recess (17) at the cutting station (T).
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20204826.0A EP3992095A1 (en) | 2020-10-30 | 2020-10-30 | Labelling machine and method for applying labels onto articles adapted to contain a pourable product |
PCT/EP2021/075176 WO2022089826A1 (en) | 2020-10-30 | 2021-09-14 | Labelling machine and method for applying labels onto articles adapted to contain a pourable product |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20204826.0A EP3992095A1 (en) | 2020-10-30 | 2020-10-30 | Labelling machine and method for applying labels onto articles adapted to contain a pourable product |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3992095A1 true EP3992095A1 (en) | 2022-05-04 |
Family
ID=73039969
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP20204826.0A Withdrawn EP3992095A1 (en) | 2020-10-30 | 2020-10-30 | Labelling machine and method for applying labels onto articles adapted to contain a pourable product |
Country Status (2)
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EP (1) | EP3992095A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022089826A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN115339720A (en) * | 2022-09-26 | 2022-11-15 | 宿州学院 | Automatic labeling device |
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US5486253A (en) * | 1995-05-17 | 1996-01-23 | B&H Manufacturing Company | Method of labeling containers |
WO2001017858A1 (en) * | 1999-09-08 | 2001-03-15 | B & H Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Lightweight vacuum drum |
WO2011067148A1 (en) * | 2009-12-02 | 2011-06-09 | P.E. Labellers S.P.A. | Labelling machine for labels printed on pre-pasted continuous film |
EP3263470A1 (en) * | 2016-06-27 | 2018-01-03 | Sidel Participations | Labelling group and method for applying a plurality of labels onto respective articles |
WO2018086712A1 (en) * | 2016-11-14 | 2018-05-17 | Sidel Participations | Labeling apparatus and method of operating such a labeling apparatus |
WO2019121152A1 (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2019-06-27 | Sidel Participations | Labelling machine and labelling method for the application of label sheets on receptacles |
EP3604149A1 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-02-05 | Sidel Participations | Labelling machine and method for applying labels |
WO2020025333A1 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-02-06 | Sidel Participations | Method and labelling machine for applying labels |
-
2020
- 2020-10-30 EP EP20204826.0A patent/EP3992095A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2021
- 2021-09-14 WO PCT/EP2021/075176 patent/WO2022089826A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5486253A (en) * | 1995-05-17 | 1996-01-23 | B&H Manufacturing Company | Method of labeling containers |
WO2001017858A1 (en) * | 1999-09-08 | 2001-03-15 | B & H Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Lightweight vacuum drum |
WO2011067148A1 (en) * | 2009-12-02 | 2011-06-09 | P.E. Labellers S.P.A. | Labelling machine for labels printed on pre-pasted continuous film |
EP3263470A1 (en) * | 2016-06-27 | 2018-01-03 | Sidel Participations | Labelling group and method for applying a plurality of labels onto respective articles |
WO2018086712A1 (en) * | 2016-11-14 | 2018-05-17 | Sidel Participations | Labeling apparatus and method of operating such a labeling apparatus |
WO2019121152A1 (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2019-06-27 | Sidel Participations | Labelling machine and labelling method for the application of label sheets on receptacles |
EP3604149A1 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-02-05 | Sidel Participations | Labelling machine and method for applying labels |
WO2020025333A1 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-02-06 | Sidel Participations | Method and labelling machine for applying labels |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN115339720A (en) * | 2022-09-26 | 2022-11-15 | 宿州学院 | Automatic labeling device |
CN115339720B (en) * | 2022-09-26 | 2023-08-18 | 宿州学院 | Automatic labeling device |
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