Patent Description:
Labelling machines configured to treat a labelling material in an automated labelling process are known and commonly used to prepare, transport and apply labels onto articles, in particular bottles, containers, jars, flacons, or the like, made of glass, plastic or metal, adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product.

Particularly widespread is the use of the so-called "glued labels", obtained starting from a web of labelling material initially wound around one or more storage reels.

In detail, the web is cut into equal sized portions to which a predetermined amount of glue is applied by means of gluing devices, for example rollers, spray systems, injection systems, or the like. The labels so obtained are then transferred and applied onto the outer lateral surfaces of the respective articles.

Particularly widespread are also labels of the tubular kind, known as "sleeve labels" and obtained starting from a web of heat-shrinking film wound around one or more storage reels; the sleeve labels are applied with a certain clearance on the respective articles and then heated in an oven to obtain their shrinking and perfect adhesion to the lateral surfaces of the articles themselves. These types of labels do not require the use of glue.

Regardless of the type of label used, a labelling machine typically comprises:.

Generally, a typical labelling module comprises:.

Typically, the labelling module further comprises a label cutting device configured to cut (i.e. to separate or part), in particular to sequentially cut, the labels from the relative web of labelling material which is unwound, in use, from the respective reel.

The label cutting device usually comprises a blade member, for example a knife, configured to cut, at a cutting station, a sequence of individual labels having the same length from the web of labelling material.

The label cutting devices typically used in the labelling modules of the above-mentioned type are of the rotary type. In detail, they comprise:.

In other words, the second rotary element defines, in use, an abutment for the blade member and a support roller for the web to be cut by the blade member itself.

In practice, the web is interposed, in use and at the cutting station, between the blade roller and the counterblade roller, the latter sequentially acting as an abutment roller, namely as an "anvil", for the blade member during the cutting.

More precisely, the blade member, rotationally conveyed along the cutting path, cooperates in contact with the web to be cut at the cutting station, completing the cutting process by going into abutment against an abutment lateral surface of the counterblade roller, sequentially.

In the case in which labels that envisage the use of glue are used, the labelling module further comprises at least one gluing roller configured to spread the glue on at least the end portions of each individual label, after the cutting and prior to their application to the relative articles.

A cutting device for cutting labels according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is known from <CIT>.

Although being functionally valid, the label cutting devices of the above-mentioned type are still open for further improvement.

In particular, the need is felt in the industry to reduce the size of the known label cutting devices. Furthermore, the need is also felt in the industry to produce longer labels limiting, at the same time, an increase in the size of the known label cutting devices.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a label cutting device 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 label cutting device as claimed in claim <NUM>.

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

With reference to <FIG>, number <NUM> indicates as a whole a labelling machine configured to process a labelling material in an automated labelling process.

In particular, machine <NUM> is configured to apply labels <NUM>, obtained from a web <NUM> of labelling material, onto articles <NUM> adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product.

In this non-limiting example, articles <NUM> are defined by bottles, flacons, cans, jars or the like, each one of which is adapted to receive, during the above-mentioned labelling process, a respective label <NUM> on its relative outer lateral surface.

According to the preferred embodiment shown, labels <NUM> are of the type known as "glued labels", namely labels <NUM> obtained starting from web <NUM>, which is initially wound around one or more reels <NUM> (only one shown in <FIG>) and is subsequently cut into equal sized portions to which the glue is then applied, by means of gluing means (known per se and not shown nor described in detail), such as a gluing roller. Labels <NUM> thus obtained are then transferred and applied (glued) to the outer lateral surfaces of the respective articles <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, machine <NUM> comprises:.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown, machine <NUM> could comprise two or more labelling modules <NUM> configured to apply respective pluralities of labels <NUM> to relative articles <NUM> at respective application stations A.

In detail, labelling module <NUM> comprises:.

In greater detail, vacuum drum <NUM> (schematically illustrated in <FIG>) is mounted on the frame of labelling module <NUM>, in a rotatable manner around an axis Z, preferably vertical and parallel to the carousel axis, and is configured to receive labels <NUM>, to hold them on an outer lateral surface <NUM> thereof by means of suction, according to a manner known and not described in detail, and to transfer them to relative articles <NUM> after a rotation of a predetermined angle around axis Z.

The cutting device <NUM> comprises a blade element, for example a knife or a blade <NUM>, configured to cut a sequence of individual labels <NUM> having the same length from web <NUM> of labelling material.

In detail, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, cutting device <NUM> is of the rotary type and basically comprises:.

More precisely, counterblade roller <NUM> is arranged peripherally to, in particular adjacent to (i.e. laterally to), blade roller <NUM>.

Therefore, cutting station T is interposed between blade roller <NUM> and counterblade roller <NUM> along a line joining axis X and axis Y and, therefore, web <NUM> is interposed, in use during its advancement along the feeding path Q and at the cutting station T, between blade roller <NUM> and counterblade roller <NUM>.

Counterblade roller <NUM> is configured to advance slot <NUM> along an annular path R extending around axis Y in a closed-loop manner.

Similarly, blade roller <NUM> is configured to advance blade <NUM> along an annular path S extending around axis X in a closed-loop manner.

More specifically, path S is defined by the path followed by a tip portion of blade <NUM> during advancement of blade <NUM> by means of blade roller <NUM>, i.e. a free end portion of blade <NUM>.

Similarly, path R is defined by the path followed by a bottom portion, i.e. the radially innermost portion relative to axis Y, of slot <NUM> during advancement of slot <NUM> by means of counterblade roller <NUM>.

In the example shown, path R and path S are circular. Hence, blade roller <NUM> carries, in use, blade <NUM> at a fixed radial distance axis X and counterblade roller <NUM> carries, in use, slot <NUM> at a fixed radial distance from axis Y.

Conveniently, path S and path R are substantially tangent to one another at cutting station T. In this way, it is ensured that blade <NUM> engages, in use, slot <NUM>, thereby cutting through the cutting portion of web <NUM> and separating the respective label <NUM> from the web <NUM> itself.

It is stated that the expression "substantially tangent" hereby encompasses both the case in which path S and path R are geometrically tangent and the case in which path S and path R are not tangent in the purely geometrical meaning of the word, having nonetheless a tangency such to ensure the appropriate physical interaction between blade <NUM> and slot <NUM> for properly cutting web <NUM>, and/or taking into account the geometric tolerances of such components.

In light of the above, counterblade roller <NUM>, and in particular slot <NUM>, defines a counterblade body (or "anvil") for abutment of blade <NUM> at cutting station T.

Alternatively, blade <NUM> could engage slot <NUM> without abutting at the above-mentioned bottom portion of this latter.

As visible in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, blade roller <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape. Hence, blade roller <NUM> comprises a substantially cylindrical outer lateral surface <NUM>.

Similarly, counterblade roller <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape. Hence, its outer lateral surface <NUM> is substantially cylindrical.

Conveniently, the radial distance between axis Y and slot <NUM>, in particular between axis Y and path R, is greater than the radial distance between axis X and blade <NUM>, in particular between axis X and path S.

More precisely, given the above-mentioned cylindrical shapes, blade roller <NUM> has a radius smaller than the radius of counterblade roller <NUM>.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the radial distance between axis Y and slot <NUM> is two times larger than the radial distance between axis X and blade <NUM>.

Conveniently, blade roller <NUM> and counterblade roller <NUM> are controllable, for example by means of a known control unit and known actuator means, so that the peripheral velocity of blade <NUM>, relative to axis X, is substantially equal to the peripheral velocity of slot <NUM>, relative to axis Y, at least at cutting station T.

In this way, homokinetic cutting conditions at cutting station T are provided, which ensure a clean and neat cutting of web <NUM>.

In particular, blade roller <NUM> and counterblade roller <NUM> are controllable so that the peripheral velocity of blade <NUM> along path S, preferably along the entire path S, is substantially equal to the peripheral velocity of slot <NUM> along path R, preferably along the entire path R.

In other words, blade roller <NUM> and counterblade roller <NUM> preferably have, in use, substantially the same peripheral velocity.

Hence, in this case, given that the radial distance between axis Y and slot <NUM> is two times larger than the radial distance between axis X and blade <NUM>, blade roller <NUM> is configured to rotate at an angular velocity double of the angular velocity counterblade roller <NUM> is configured to rotate at.

In light of the above, blade <NUM> is configured to complete two revolutions around axis X for each single revolution of slot <NUM> around axis Y.

According to an alternative non-shown embodiment, the radial distance between axis Y and slot <NUM> could be any multiple of the radial distance between axis X and blade <NUM> and, accordingly, the angular velocity of blade roller <NUM> could be any multiple of the angular velocity of counterblade roller <NUM>, according to the inversely proportional well-known formula v = <IMG> x r, where.

It is stated that the expression "substantially equal" encompasses herein both the case in which the two peripheral velocities are exactly equal to one another and the case in which the two peripheral velocities are almost equal to one another, except for the normal tolerances of the components involved. For example, the peripheral velocity of blade roller <NUM> may be <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the peripheral velocity of counterblade roller <NUM>, or vice-versa.

According to an aspect of the present invention, counterblade roller <NUM> comprises:.

Furthermore, according to a further aspect of the present invention, blade <NUM> is configured to face, cyclically and at cutting station T, first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM> alternately to one another.

In practice, due to the fact that the radial distance between axis Y and slot <NUM> (i.e. between axis Y and path R) is greater than the radial distance between axis X and blade <NUM> (i.e. between axis X and path S), and due to the fact that the peripheral velocities of blade roller <NUM> and counterblade roller <NUM> are equal to one another, blade <NUM> faces, in use and at cutting station T, first portion <NUM> and then second portion <NUM> before facing again first portion <NUM>.

This occurs because, in use, blade <NUM> completes more than one revolution around axis X for each revolution completed by slot <NUM> around axis Y, relative to cutting station T.

In the specific embodiment shown, blade <NUM> completes, in use, two revolutions around axis X for each revolution completed by slot <NUM> around axis Y, relative to cutting station T. In a first revolution, blade <NUM> faces, at cutting station T, slot <NUM>, i.e. first portion <NUM>; in a subsequent revolution, blade <NUM> faces second portion <NUM>.

According to this non-limiting preferred embodiment shown, second portion <NUM> has an outer lateral surface 18a, defining an angular portion of outer lateral surface <NUM>, arranged at a position radially more internal than path R, relative to axis Y.

In other words, outer lateral surface 18a is arranged in a position radially more internal than an outer lateral surface 18b of first portion <NUM>, this latter surface defining the remaining portion of outer lateral surface <NUM>.

More in particular, counterblade roller <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM>, having its outer lateral surface 18a arranged in a position radially more internal than outer lateral surface <NUM>, relative to axis Y, the recess <NUM> defining second portion <NUM>.

In light of the above, at cutting station T, outer lateral surface 18a of recess <NUM> is arranged at a non-zero radial distance from path S.

According to this non-limiting embodiment shown, given that blade roller <NUM> has, in use, an angular velocity double of the angular velocity of counterblade roller <NUM> and therefore, given that blade <NUM> is configured to complete two revolutions around axis X for each single revolution of slot <NUM> around axis Y, recess <NUM> and slot <NUM> are accordingly arranged at diametrically opposite peripheral positions of counterblade roller <NUM>, relative to axis Y.

Hence, in use and for each cycle, i.e. for each revolution of slot <NUM> around axis Y, blade <NUM> engages slot <NUM> at cutting station T (<FIG>) and then, at its next revolution around axis X, faces recess <NUM>, thereby avoiding contact between blade <NUM> and outer lateral surface <NUM> of counterblade roller <NUM> (<FIG>).

Thanks to this solution, blade roller <NUM> can have a smaller size than counterblade roller <NUM> while still allowing the production of labels <NUM> of the predetermined length.

Moreover, if longer labels <NUM> need to be produced, is sufficient to appropriately increase the size of counterblade roller <NUM>, so that the circumference defined by path R corresponds to the desired length of each label <NUM>, while preferably maintaining the size of blade roller <NUM> unchanged and providing a number of second portions <NUM>, or of recesses <NUM>, equal to the number of times blade <NUM> passes from cutting station T without engaging slot <NUM>, for each revolution of slot <NUM> around axis Y.

It is stated that since the tip portion of blade <NUM> slightly protrudes radially from an outer lateral surface <NUM> of blade roller <NUM>, path S is radially more external than outer lateral surface <NUM> of blade roller <NUM>.

Similarly, since the bottom portion of slot <NUM> extends slightly radially inward from outer lateral surface <NUM>, path R is radially more internal than outer lateral surface 18b.

As visible in <FIG> and <FIG>, and in particular in <FIG>, counterblade roller <NUM> further comprises suction means arranged at outer lateral surface <NUM> downstream of slot <NUM>, with respect to the direction of rotation of counterblade roller <NUM> about axis Y.

In particular, suction means comprise a vacuum suction device <NUM> including a plurality of vacuum ports <NUM>, connected in a known manner to a vacuum source, more preferably an external vacuum source, such as a vacuum pump.

Vacuum device <NUM> is cyclically activable, downstream of cutting station T, so as to retain, in use, a portion of the label <NUM> cut at cutting station T by blade <NUM>.

More specifically, vacuum device <NUM> is arranged adjacent to slot <NUM> and is, therefore, configured to retain during cutting, by means of suction applied through vacuum ports <NUM>, an end portion of the label <NUM> cut by blade <NUM> at cutting station T. Opportunely, vacuum ports <NUM> are arranged flush with outer lateral surface <NUM>.

In this way, a free and uncontrolled flapping of each label <NUM>, and in particular of the end portion of each label <NUM>, after cutting is avoided.

Accordingly, once the majority of label <NUM> has been transferred to vacuum drum <NUM>, vacuum device is deactivated, so that the end portion of label <NUM> can be released and transferred to the vacuum drum <NUM> itself.

Preferably, counterblade roller <NUM> further comprises a friction element, in particular a friction plate <NUM> arranged at outer lateral surface <NUM>, preferably upstream of slot <NUM> with respect to the direction of rotation of counterblade roller <NUM> about axis Y.

Conveniently, friction plate <NUM> is arranged adjacent to slot <NUM> and flush with outer lateral surface <NUM>.

In one embodiment, friction plate <NUM> could also be provided on vacuum device <NUM>, thereby defining the outer lateral surface of vacuum device <NUM>.

In another embodiment, friction plate <NUM> could only be provided on vacuum device <NUM>.

Moreover, friction plate <NUM> has a friction coefficient higher than the friction coefficient of outer lateral surface <NUM>. In particular, friction plate <NUM> has a surface coating with a friction coefficient higher than the friction coefficient of outer lateral surface <NUM>.

Friction plate <NUM> is therefore configured to at least limit, preferably preventing, a sliding of web <NUM> along outer lateral surface <NUM> during cutting of web <NUM> at cutting station T. Such sliding can occur, for example, due to the deformation web <NUM> is subjected to during pre-cutting under the action of blade <NUM>.

Furthermore, thanks to friction plate <NUM>, web <NUM> is more stretched and the cutting more neat and clean.

The operation of cutting device <NUM> is described hereinafter with reference to a single article <NUM> to be labelled and starting from a condition in which a predetermined cutting portion of web <NUM> is approaching cutting station T.

In this condition, blade roller <NUM> has advanced blade <NUM> almost at cutting station T and counterblade roller <NUM> has advanced slot <NUM> almost at cutting station T.

Then, blade <NUM>, slot <NUM> and the predetermined cutting portion of web <NUM> reach together cutting station T, where path S is tangent to path R, and blade <NUM>, which protrudes radially from outer lateral surface <NUM>, engages slot <NUM>, thereby cutting web <NUM>.

At substantially the same time, vacuum device <NUM> is activated.

Subsequently, due to the fact that the radial distance between axis Y and slot <NUM> (i.e. between axis Y and path R) is greater than the radial distance between axis X and blade <NUM> (i.e. between axis X and path S), in particular the radial distance between axis Y and slot <NUM> is double of the radial distance between axis X and blade <NUM>, and due to the fact that the peripheral velocities of blade roller <NUM> and counterblade roller <NUM> are substantially equal to one another, when blade <NUM> will complete a revolution about axis X, slot <NUM> will have completed less than a revolution about axis Y, in particular half a revolution. Hence, in this condition, blade <NUM> faces recess <NUM> and, thus, passes through cutting station T without entering into contact with counterblade roller <NUM> (<FIG>).

At its subsequent revolution, blade <NUM> will face again slot <NUM>, thereby cutting the subsequent predetermined cutting portion of web <NUM> (<FIG>).

The operation is repeated for each label <NUM> to be cut.

Number <NUM>' in <FIG> indicates as a whole a label cutting device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Since cutting device <NUM>' is similar, in its structure and function, to cutting device <NUM>, only the differentiating features between them will be described in the following, using the same references and numerals for the remaining equivalent features.

In particular, cutting device <NUM>' differs from cutting device <NUM> in that it comprises a counterblade roller <NUM>' having a protrusion <NUM>' radially extending outwardly relative to axis Y and defining first portion <NUM>' of counterblade roller <NUM>'.

In practice, protrusion <NUM>' radially extends from second portion <NUM>' of counterblade roller <NUM>', i.e. from outer lateral surface <NUM>'. Second portion <NUM>' is therefore defined by the remaining part of counterblade roller <NUM>' which does not protrude radially from outer lateral surface <NUM>'.

Accordingly, second portion <NUM>' has an outer lateral surface 18a', defining a portion of outer lateral surface <NUM>', arranged at a position radially more internal than path R', relative to axis Y.

Protrusion <NUM>' has an outer lateral surface 18b' defining the remaining portion of outer lateral surface <NUM>'.

Therefore, protrusion <NUM>' radially extends from outer lateral surface 18a'.

Hence, blade <NUM> faces, in use and at cutting station T, protrusion <NUM>', i.e. first portion <NUM>' thereby engaging slot <NUM> and cutting web <NUM> (<FIG>), and subsequently, at the next one or more revolutions around axis X completed during the same revolution of slot <NUM> around axis Y, relative to cutting station T, blade <NUM> faces second portion <NUM>' (<FIG>).

Thus, in this condition, blade <NUM> passes through cutting station T without entering into contact with counterblade roller <NUM>'.

According to this preferred embodiment, in which the radial distance between axis Y and slot <NUM> is double than the radial distance between axis X and blade <NUM>, blade <NUM> will face, in use and at cutting station T, protrusion <NUM>' (i.e. first portion <NUM>' and slot <NUM>), then second portion <NUM>' and then protrusion <NUM>' again, cyclically and in an alternate manner.

In the example shown, protrusion <NUM>' is defined by a trapezoidal prism integrally protruding from outer lateral surface <NUM>' without solution of continuity, having its minor base (defining outer surface 18b') orthogonal to the radial direction, relative to axis Y, and carrying slot <NUM> at its minor base.

The above configuration of counterblade roller <NUM>' allows to implement blade rollers <NUM> comprising two or more blades angularly spaced from one another, due to the fact that, in any case, the contact point between blade <NUM> and slot <NUM> projects radially from outer lateral surface 18a', while outer lateral surface 18a' is radially more internal than path R', thereby ensuring that no other contact points are present.

Moreover, counterblade roller <NUM>' eliminates the need for providing this latter with two or more recesses <NUM> appropriately positioned, regardless of the numerical relationship between the radial distance between axis Y and slot <NUM> and the radial distance between axis X and blade <NUM>.

Number <NUM>'' in <FIG> indicates as a whole a label cutting device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Since cutting device <NUM>'' is similar, in its structure and function, to cutting devices <NUM> and <NUM>', only the differentiating features between them will be described in the following, using the same reference and numerals for the remaining equivalent features.

In particular, cutting device <NUM>'' differs from cutting devices <NUM> and <NUM>' in that it comprises a counterblade <NUM>'' mounted eccentrically to axis Y, in particular eccentrically rotatable about axis Y, so that the distal portion of counterblade roller <NUM>'' with respect to axis Y defines the first portion <NUM>'' and the proximal portion of counterblade roller <NUM>'' with respect to axis Y defines the second portion <NUM>''.

Conveniently, counterblade roller <NUM>'' is oval shaped.

Accordingly, second portion <NUM>'' has an outer lateral surface 18a'', defining a portion of outer lateral surface <NUM>", arranged at a position radially more internal than path R'', relative to axis Y.

In light of the above, outer lateral surface <NUM>'' defines a smooth, cam-like lateral surface of counterblade roller <NUM>''.

Counterblade roller <NUM>'' as described in the above configuration ensures a better tensioning of web <NUM>, and, being devoid of any sharp edge, at least limits, preferably prevent, any damage to web <NUM> during the advancing of web <NUM> by means of counterblade roller <NUM>".

The advantages of cutting device <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'' according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, the overall size of cutting device <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'' is reduced, since blade roller <NUM> can have a smaller size than counterblade roller <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'' while still allowing the production of labels <NUM> of the predetermined length.

Moreover, if longer labels <NUM> need to be produced, is sufficient to appropriately increase the size of counterblade roller <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'', so that the circumference defined by path R corresponds to the desired length of each label <NUM>, while maintaining the size of blade roller <NUM> unchanged.

Furthermore, thanks to the configuration of cutting device <NUM>', blade rollers <NUM> comprising any number of blades <NUM> can be implemented. This allows for multi-implementation of the same blade roller <NUM> with different label cutting devices of the rotary type.

In addition, thanks to the configuration of cutting device <NUM>", a better tensioning of web <NUM> is ensured, and, being counterblade roller <NUM>'' devoid of any sharp edge, any damage to web <NUM> during the advancing of web <NUM> is at least limited, preferably prevented.

Claim 1:
A cutting device (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'') for cutting labels (<NUM>), configured to be applied onto articles (<NUM>) adapted to contain a pourable product, from a web (<NUM>) of labelling material; said cutting device (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'') comprising:
- a first rotary member (<NUM>) rotatable about a first axis (X), comprising a blade element (<NUM>) and advancing, in use, said blade element (<NUM>) around said first axis (X);
- a second rotary member (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") rotatable about a second axis (Y), having a receiving portion (<NUM>) on its outer lateral surface (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'') configured to cyclically receive said blade element (<NUM>), advancing, in use, said receiving portion (<NUM>) around said second axis (Y), and supporting, in use, said web (<NUM>) on said outer lateral surface (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>''); and
- a cutting station (T) at which, cyclically, said blade element (<NUM>) engages, in use, said receiving portion (<NUM>) to cut said web (<NUM>) at predetermined cutting portions thereof covering one at a time said receiving portion (<NUM>);
wherein the radial distance between said second axis (Y) and said receiving portion (<NUM>) is greater than the radial distance between said first axis (X) and said blade element (<NUM>);
wherein said second rotary member (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") comprises:
- a first angular portion (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") extending at a first radial distance from said second axis (Y) and comprising said receiving portion (<NUM>); and
- a second angular portion (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") angularly spaced from said first portion (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") and extending at a second radial distance from said second axis (Y), the first distance being greater than the second distance;
characterized in that said blade element (<NUM>) is configured to face, cyclically and at said cutting station (T), said first angular portion (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") and said second angular portion (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>") alternately to one another.