★ ★ ★

The present invention relates to a cutting unit for cutting a web, in particular a web of labeling material.

The present invention also relates to a labeling machine for applying labels to receptacles having a cutting unit for cutting a web, in particular a web of labeling material.

Different technologies are known for applying labels to a succession of receptacles, for example bottles, containers or similar.

One of these technologies foresees the conveying of a web of labeling material, cutting of the web to obtain individual labels and the application of the labels thus obtained on respective receptacles during conveying of said receptacles along a predefined conveying path and during the rotation of said receptacles around their longitudinal axes. Said labels are known as roll-fed labels.

Application of the labels according to this technology is obtained by using automatic labeling machines.

A typical labeling machine of the so-called roll feed type comprises:

- a conveying apparatus (for example a carousel or a conveyor belt) for conveying the receptacles along a respective conveying path; and

- a labeling apparatus for applying at least one label to each receptacle during conveying of the receptacles along at least one portion of the conveying path.

The labeling apparatus comprises:

- a first conveyor for advancing a web of labeling material along a first advancement path;

a cutting unit for cutting the web of labeling material into individual labels at a cutting station; and

- a second conveyor configured to advance the individual labels from the cutting station to at least one application station, at which the individual labels are applied to respective receptacles.

Contact type cutting units are known, which cut the web by cooperation between at least one blade and one counter blade .

In greater detail, a typical cutting unit comprises, in addition to the blade and counter-blade, also a first support for the blade and a second support for the counter-blade.

Typically, the first support is connected to an operation unit adapted to cause a rotation of the first support to convey the blade along a circular conveying path through the cutting station. The continuous operation of the rotation of the first support allows a repetitive cutting of the web to obtain a succession of labels. Control of the rotation of the first support allows control of the timepoints of the cutting of the web moving along the first feed path.

It should be noted that at the cutting station and during the cutting, the web is positioned between the blade and the counter-blade.

In order to guarantee the quality of the repetitive cuts, the distance between the blade and the counter-blade at the cutting station must be very accurately controlled. In particular, the ideal operating condition requires the distance between the blade and the counter-blade at the cutting station to be a few micrometers along the entire extension of the blade and the counter-blade.

It should be taken into account that both the blade and the counter-blade present respective profiles having micrometric configurations; therefore, without appropriate counter-measures, the distance between the blade and the counter-blade may not be constant along the entire extension of the blade and the counter-blade (variations occur locally) .

The cutting unit is therefore also provided with an adjustment device adapted to locally control the distance between the blade and the counter-blade.

In particular, the adjustment device is associated with the counter-blade and comprises a plurality of screws, each of which is adapted to locally deform the counter-blade to locally control the distance between the blade and the counter-blade at the cutting station.

In particular, the local adjustment of the distance must guarantee that the blade and the counter-blade do not come into contact with each other at any point as this could cause severe impacts, with the risk of early wear and possible damage to various elements of the cutting unit.

The known cutting units, while being highly reliable, nevertheless have some drawbacks.

A first drawback lies in the fact that the quality of the distance adjustment between the blade and the counter blade at the cutting station depends on the ability of the technician in charge of adjusting said distance. This aspect is particularly critical in contexts where there is a lack of qualified personnel available.

A further drawback lies in the fact that the blade and the counter-blade, and consequently the distance between them at the cutting station, are affected by the operating conditions. For example, any temperature variations of the parts of the cutting unit, including the blade, the counter blade, the first support and the second support, during operation can cause deformations and consequently alterations in the local distances between the blade and the counter-blade; said distance alterations can compromise the reliability of the cutting operation.

Therefore in the sector the need is felt for an improvement in the cutting units to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

In particular, the need is felt in the sector for an improvement in the cutting units, which further facilitates the configuration and operation of the cutting units and at the same time increases the cutting quality and reliability.

The need is also felt in the sector for an improvement of the labeling machines to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

The object of the present invention is to provide a cutting unit, which overcomes, in a simple and economical manner, at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a cutting unit, which can be easily configured and operated and, at the same time, allows improvement of the cutting quality and reliability.

The object of the present invention is also to provide a labeling machine having a cutting unit, which overcomes, in a simple and economical manner, at least one of the above- mentioned drawbacks.

The above-mentioned objects are achieved by the present invention, as it relates to a cutting unit as defined in the independent claim.

Alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention are protected in the dependent claims. For a better understanding of the present invention four preferred embodiments thereof are described below, purely by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a partial schematic top-view of a labeling machine having a cutting unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 2 is a schematic enlarged top-view of a portion of the cutting unit of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 3 is a schematic top-view of a detail of the portion of the cutting unit of Figure 2, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 4 is an exploded view of a detail of the cutting unit of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 5 is a side view of a detail of the cutting unit of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 6 is a schematic view of the behavior of parts of the cutting unit of Figure 1 during operation of the latter, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 7a is a schematic representation of a detail of the cutting unit of Figure 1 according to a virtual condition, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 7b is a schematic representation of a detail of a cutting unit according to the state-of-the-art in comparison to Figure 7a;

- Figure 8 is a schematic enlarged top-view of a portion of a cutting unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 9 is a perspective view of a detail of a cutting unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 10 is an exploded view of the detail of the cutting unit of Figure 9; and

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a detail of a cutting unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity.

With reference to Figure 1, number 1 indicates as a whole a labeling machine for applying labels 2 to a succession of receptacles, for example bottles 3, containers or similar.

The following description refers without any limiting scope to a labeling machine 1 adapted to apply labels 2 on receptacles, preferably receptacles that can be filled or are filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, for example carbonized liquids (sparkling water, non-alcoholic drinks, beer, etc.), non-carbonized liquids (still water, fruit juices, wine, etc.), emulsions, suspensions, high viscosity liquids and drinks containing pulp .

Furthermore, the following description will refer without any limiting scope to bottles 3, in particular made of a thermoplastic polymer, for example polyethylene terephthalate . However, bottles 3 could also be made of a different material, for example glass, aluminum etc.

With particular reference to Figure 1, labeling machine 1 comprises a labeling apparatus 4 for applying at least one label 2 to each bottle 3 at an application station 5 during conveying of bottles 3 along at least one active portion PI of a conveying path P.

Preferably but not necessarily, labeling machine 1 also comprises a conveying apparatus for conveying bottles 3 along conveying path P, in particular through application station

5.

In the non-limiting case shown, the conveying apparatus comprises a carousel 6 configured to advance bottles 3 along conveying path P, in particular having an arc-like shape.

In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the conveying apparatus could comprise a conveyor belt.

In further detail, carousel 6 is adapted to rotate around a respective rotation axis A and comprises a plurality of retention units (not illustrated and known per se) arranged at a peripheral portion of said carousel 6.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the retention units are equally arranged from one another around rotation axis

A of carousel 6 and each one is adapted to hold a respective bottle 3 during conveying of said bottle 3 along conveying path P. Furthermore, each retention unit is configured at least to allow and/or cause rotation of the respective bottle 3 around its respective longitudinal axis during application of the respective label 2.

With particular reference to Figure 1, labeling apparatus 4 comprises:

- a first conveyor 10 for advancing a web 11 of labeling material along a first advancement path Q;

- a cutting unit 12 configured to cut web 11 at a cutting station 13 so as to obtain the individual labels 2; and

a second conveyor 14 configured to advance the individual labels 2 along at least one portion of a second advancement path R, in particular from cutting station 13 to at least application station 5.

It should be noted that web 11 comprises a repetition (in succession) of a decorative pattern, in which each repetition substantially corresponds to the (longitudinal) extension of an individual label 2. In other words, in use, web 11 is cut so that each individual label 2 presents the respective repetition of the decorative pattern.

Preferably but not necessarily, labeling apparatus 4 also comprises a glue application unit 15 configured to apply glue on at least one portion of labels 2 and/or bottles 3.

In one preferred non-limiting embodiment, labeling apparatus 4 also comprises a storage unit configured to receive and contain web 11, in particular at least one reel 16 on which web 11 is wound. In particular, reel 16 is rotatable around a rotation axis to allow unwinding of web 11.

In one preferred non-limiting embodiment, labeling apparatus 4 also comprises a buffer unit (not illustrated) arranged downstream of the storage unit along first path Q to prevent excessive stretching of web 11 during the advancement thereof.

In greater detail and with particular reference to Figure 1, first conveyor 10 comprises:

- at least one advancement roller 17 configured to rotate around a respective rotation axis, in particular having a vertical orientation, and configured to control at least partially the advancement and/or the advancement speed of web 11;

- preferably but not necessarily, an electric motor (not illustrated) for actuating rotation of advancement roller 17 around the respective rotation axis (and having its own rotation axis); and

preferably but not necessarily, an auxiliary roller 18 arranged adjacent, in particular tangential, to advancement roller 17 to interpose, in use, web 11 between auxiliary roller 18 and advancement roller 17 thus avoiding slipping of web 11.

In one preferred non-limiting embodiment, first conveyor 10 also comprises a plurality of sliding rollers (not specifically illustrated) , in particular passive, to at least partially guide the advancement of web 11.

With particular reference to Figure 1, second conveyor 14 comprises a conveying drum 19 rotatable around an axis B and configured to hold, in particular by means of suction, labels 2 during the advancement thereof along at least one portion of path R.

With particular reference to Figures 1 to 6, cutting unit 12 comprises at least a blade device 23 and a counter blade device 24 configured to cut, in collaboration with each other, web 11 at cutting station 13.

In greater detail, blade device 23 comprises at least one blade 25 and a first support 26, to which blade 25 is coupled, and counter-blade device 24 comprises at least one counter-blade 27 and a second support 28, to which counter blade 27 is coupled.

Blade 25 and counter-blade 27 are configured to cut in collaboration with each other web 11 at cutting station 13.

Preferably but not necessarily, blade 25 extends along a respective longitudinal axis C, and preferably along a respective transverse axis, in particular orthogonal to longitudinal axis C. Even more particular, an extension of blade 25 along longitudinal axis C is larger than along the transverse axis. Preferentially, blade 25 extends along the transverse axis and an auxiliary transverse axis perpendicular to longitudinal axis C and the transverse axis and an extension into the transverse axis is larger than the extension into the auxiliary transverse axis. In particular, blade 25 (substantially) has a plate-like configuration; i.e. the extension into the auxiliary transverse axis is negligible with respect to longitudinal axis C and the transverse axis.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, blade 25 extends along longitudinal axis C from a first end portion to a second end portion.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, longitudinal axis C has a (substantially) vertical orientation .

Preferably but not necessarily, blade 25 is in the form of a sheet, in particular made of metallic material, even more in particular of steel.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first support 26 extends along a respective longitudinal axis E, in particular substantially parallel to axis B. Preferably but not necessarily, longitudinal axis E has a vertical orientation .

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first support 26 extends along longitudinal axis E, a first transversal axis and a second transversal axis, the longitudinal axis E being orthogonal to the first and the second transversal axis and the first and the second transversal axis being perpendicular to one another. In particular, an extension of first support 26 along longitudinal axis E is larger than respective extensions along the first transversal axis and the second transversal axis .

Preferably but not necessarily, blade 25 is carried by, and at least projects radially and/or outwardly from, first support 26, in particular along a first projecting direction D3. Preferentially but not necessarily, first projecting direction D3 is parallel to the respective transversal axis of first support 26.

With particular reference to Figure 5, blade 25 and with it in particular longitudinal axis C, are inclined relative to longitudinal axis E.

Preferably but not necessarily, counter-blade 27 extends along a respective longitudinal axis, and preferably a respective transverse axis, in particular orthogonal to the respective longitudinal axis. Even more particular, an extension of counter-blade 27 along the respective longitudinal axis is larger than along the respective transverse axis. Preferentially, counter-blade 27 extends along the respective transverse axis and a respective auxiliary transverse axis perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axis and the respective transverse axis.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, second support 28 extends along a respective longitudinal axis, in particular substantially parallel to longitudinal axis E.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, second support 28 extends along the respective longitudinal axis, a respective first transversal axis and a respective second transversal axis, the respective longitudinal axis being orthogonal to the respective first and the respective second transversal axis and the respective first and the respective second transversal axis being perpendicular to one another. In particular, an extension of second support 28 along the respective longitudinal axis is larger than the corresponding extensions along the respective first transversal axis and the respective second transversal axis.

Preferably but not necessarily, counter-blade 27 is carried by, and in particular projects radially and/or outwardly from, second support 28, in particular along a second projecting direction D4. In particular, the longitudinal axis of counter-blade 27 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of second support 28.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the second projecting direction D4 is parallel to the respective transversal axis of counter-blade 27.

Preferentially but not necessarily, second projecting direction D4 and first projecting direction D3 are opposed to one another with blade 25 and counter-blade 27 being, in use, at cutting station 13.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, blade 25 is inclined relative to counter-blade 27 (see Figure 5) . In other words, longitudinal axis C is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of counter-blade 27. In particular, longitudinal axis C is oriented with a respective angle of inclination relative to the longitudinal axis of counter blade 27.

Cutting unit 12 also comprises a conveying assembly 29 configured to convey at least one of either blade 25 or counter-blade 27 along an endless conveying path S, in particular having an annular shape, and through cutting station 13.

In particular, conveying assembly 29 allows the control of repetitive cuts of web 11 moving along first path Q on the basis of the continuous conveying of blade 25 or counter blade 27 along conveying path S through cutting station 13. In particular, blade 25 and counter-blade 27 are configured to cut web 11 in collaboration with each other when, in use, counter-blade 27 and blade 25 are at cutting station 13.

Preferably but not necessarily, conveying assembly 29 comprises a rotatable support 30, in particular a conveying drum or alternatively a roller, carrying one of either blade device 23 or counter-blade device 24 and rotatable around a respective rotation axis H, in particular rotation axis H being parallel to longitudinal axis E and/or to the respective longitudinal axis of second support 28

Preferably but not necessarily, rotatable support 30 is also configured to retain at least partially web 11 and/or the labels 2 on the respective lateral surface.

In the specific non-limiting example illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, conveying assembly 29, in particular rotatable support 30, carries counter-blade device 24 to actuate conveying of counter-blade 27 along conveying path S. Preferably but not necessarily, first support 26 is positioned, at least in use, in a fixed manner in a position adjacent to cutting station 13, in particular to allow extension of blade 25 towards (and through) cutting station 13.

Preferably but not necessarily, rotatable support 30 comprises a housing seat which houses first support 26 or second support 28, in the specific case shown in Figures 1 to 6 second support 28. More specifically, second support 28 is housed in the above-mentioned housing seat so that counter-blade 27 projects from rotatable support 30, at least at cutting station 13.

Advantageously, at cutting station 13, at least a first contact section of blade 25 and at least a second contact section of counter-blade 27 come into contact to cut web 11.

In greater detail, at cutting station 13, a radial distance Ad between the first contact section of blade 25 and the second contact section of counter-blade 27 is less than zero (less than zero micrometers; i.e. being negative) and/or blade 25 and counter-blade 27 overlap for guaranteeing the contact between at least the first contact section of blade 25 and the second contact section of counter-blade 27 so as to cut web 11 at cutting station 13.

In other words, blade 25 and counter-blade 27 are arranged such and/or configured such that when, in use, blade 25 and counter-blade 27 are, contemporaneously at cutting station 13 blade 25 and counter-blade 27 overlap.

It should be noted that radial distance Ad is an imaginary and/or virtual distance determined in the ideal (and/or imaginary and/or virtual) situation in which blade 25 and counter-blade 27 are arranged at cutting station 13 without interference between one and another (see Figure 7b) .

It should be further considered that the radial distance of less than zero indicates that there is an imaginary and/or virtual overlap between the first contact section and the second contact section at cutting station 13. In particular, in use, the overlap between blade 25 and counter-blade 27 leads to a complex behavior due to advancement of blade 25 and/or counter-blade 27, in the example shown in Figures 1 to 6 of counter-blade 27, along advancement path S and due to the displacement and/or movement of at least blade 25 due to the interaction between blade 25 and counter-blade 27.

With particular reference to Figure 7a, radial distance Ad is defined by the (radial and imaginary/virtual ) distance between a first cutting edge 33 of blade 25, in particular the first contact section, distal from first support 26 and a second cutting edge 34 of counter-blade 27, in particular the second contact section, distal from second support 28 with blade 25 and counter-blade 27 being arranged at cutting station 13. Figure 7a shows the case at which radial distance Ad is smaller than zero (is negative) . In particular, the notion of radial distance Ad being smaller than zero (being negative) indicates that the first cutting edge 33 virtually lies within counter-blade 27 and that the second cutting edge 34 virtually lies within blade 25.

In contrast, a positive radial distance Ad according to the present definition and as shown in Figure 7b (which depicts a configuration of blade 25 and counter-blade 27, which does not fall within the scope of the present invention) means that there is a gap between first cutting edge 33 and second cutting edge 34 with blade 25 and counter blade 27 being arranged at cutting station 13.

In more detail, radial distance Ad between blade 25 and counter-blade 27 can e.g. be determined and/or calculated construing a reference axis RA parallel to first projecting direction D3 and/or second projecting direction D4 and considering blade 25 and counter-blade 27 being arranged at cutting station 13. The position of first cutting edge 33 defines an origin of reference axis RA and the coordinates are negative from the origin towards first support 26 and the coordinates are positive from the origin towards second support 28. Then the radial distance Ad is determined and/or obtained by reference to the respective coordinate of the position of second cutting edge 34 on reference axis RA. In the case of the inventive concept illustrated in Figure 7a, radial distance Ad is negative, while the state-of-the-art arrangement as shown in Figure 7b results in a positive radial distance Ad.

It should be noted that this configuration at cutting station 13 allows, in use, contact, in particular a lateral contact, between at least the first contact section and at least the second contact section. In other words, there is a lateral contact between the first contact section and the second contact section and not strictly between the first cutting edge 33 and the second cutting edge 34.

Preferably but not necessarily, at cutting station 13, blade 25 extends (projects) from first support 26 and/or counter-blade 27 extends (projects) from second support 28 towards and through cutting station 13. In this way, the radial distance Ad between at least the first contact section of blade 25 and the second contact section of counter-blade 27 is less than zero.

Advantageously, blade device 23 is configured such that, in use, at least one final portion 32 (having the first contact section and/or first cutting edge 33) of blade 25, is adapted to (is configured to) carry out a reversible displacement and/or movement in a transverse direction Dl, preferably tangential, relative to first support 26. In particular, transverse direction Dl is transvers with respect to the extension of blade 25 from first support 26 and/or transverse direction Dl is transversal to first projecting direction D3.

In alternative or in addition, transverse direction Dl is parallel to an advancement direction of blade 25 and/or counter-blade 27, in the first embodiment shown of counter blade 27, along conveying path S at cutting station 13. In particular, the movement and/or the displacement in transverse direction D1 is a result of the contact between at least the first contact section of blade 25 and at least the second contact section of counter-blade 27 and of the relative movement between blade 25 and counter-blade 27 (in the specific case illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, conveying of counter-blade 27 along conveying path S) due to operation of conveying assembly 29, in particular of rotatable support 30.

In other words, blade device 23 is configured in a flexible manner, i.e. so as to allow for the displacement and/or movement of final portion 32 (relative to first support 26) in transversal direction Dl; in this way, it is guaranteed that web 11 is cut and that, at the same time, blade 23 and counter-blade 25 remain intact and/or whole despite the contact between them.

It should be noted that final portion 32, in the absence of the impact between blade 25 and counter-blade 27, is arranged, in particular relative to first support 26, at a base position. In use, the contact between at least the first contact section of blade 25 and at least second contact section of counter-blade 27 causes the displacement and/or the movement of final portion 32 from the base position to a limit position. In the event of loss of contact between at least the first contact section of blade 25 and at least the second contact section of counter-blade 27 (in particular, due to conveying of counter-blade 27 along conveying path S) , final portion 32 returns to the base position.

In other words, blade 25 extends through path S at cutting station 13.

According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated, also counter-blade device 24 is made in a flexible manner as described for blade device 23.

In greater detail, blade 25, in particular final portion 32, comprises a (n) (external) first end 35 opposite and/or separate from first support 26. In particular, blade 25 also comprises a second end 36 opposite first end 35 and coupled to (mounted on) first support 26. In particular, first end 35 carries first cutting edge 33.

Preferably, first end 35 comprises the first contact section .

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the extension of the projection of blade 25 from first support 26 varies along longitudinal axis C. In other words, blade 25 (radially) extends from first support 26 so that the respective local extensions from first support 26 vary along said longitudinal axis C.

In particular, local distances in a radial direction between a side surface of first support 26 and first end 35, in particular first cutting edge 33, vary along longitudinal axis C. More in particular, at the first end portion of blade

25, the local distance in a radial direction is greater than the local distance in a radial direction of the second end portion .

More specifically, this configuration allows, together with the inclined orientation of longitudinal axis C relative to the longitudinal axis of counter-blade 27, a scissor-like cut .

In further detail, counter-blade 27 comprises a first end 37 (external) opposite and/or separate from second support 28, in particular having second cutting edge 34. In particular, counter-blade 27 also comprises a second end 38 opposite first end 37 and coupled to (mounted on) second support 28.

Preferably but not necessarily, first end 37 comprises the second contact section.

In particular, at cutting station 13, radial distance Ad is locally defined by the radial distance between first end 35, in particular first cutting edge 33, and first end 37, in particular second cutting edge 34, relative to longitudinal axis C and the longitudinal axis of counter blade 27. Even more in particular, also the first contact section and the second contact section are locally defined relative to longitudinal axis C and the longitudinal axis of counter-blade 27. According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, in use, due to the relative movement between blade 25 and counter-blade 27, determined by conveying assembly 29, the first contact section and the second contact section are dynamic, i.e. the longitudinal extension and the positioning of the first contact section (relative to the longitudinal axis C) and the longitudinal extension and positioning of the second contact section (relative to the longitudinal axis of counter-blade 27) can vary according to the angular position of the rotatable support 30 (i.e., in the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, as a function of the angular position of counter-blade 27 relative to rotation axis H) . In other words, during cutting of web 11, blade 25 and counter-blade 27 can come into contact with one another in the area of various sections thereof.

Additionally or alternatively, the first contact section extends along longitudinal axis C from the first end portion to the second end portion.

It should be noted that according to the preferred non limiting embodiment, cutting station 13 should not be understood as a single line, but as an extension in two dimensions defined by the relative movement between blade 25 and counter-blade 27 actuated by conveying assembly 29.

Furthermore, it should be noted that blade 25 is made in such a way that the movement and/or the displacement in direction D1 of final portion 32 can be and/or is described by the reversible advancement of first end 35 relative to first support 26. In particular, first end 35 is advanced from a base position relative to first support 26 to a limit position according to the contact of at least first contact section of blade 25 with the second contact section of counter-blade 27; after the termination of the contact between the first contact section and the second contact section, first end 35 returns to the base position.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, blade 25 is shaped so that at least final portion 32 is adapted to bend transversally in a reversible manner according to the contact between the first contact section and the second contact section at cutting station 13 to allow, in use, at least partially, movement and/or displacement in transverse direction Dl. In particular, the contact between the first contact section and the second contact section causes the formation of a curvature of final portion 32.

In particular, at least final portion 32 has an elastic modulus, which varies between 0.5 GPa and 1000 GPa, preferably between 30 GPa and 300 GPa, even more preferably between 50 GPa and 250 GPa.

According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, blade 25 is made in one single piece and the elastic modulus of blade 25 varies between 0.002 GPa and 1000 GPa, preferably between 5 GPa and 300 GPa, even more preferably between 50 GPa and 250 GPa.

Preferably but not necessarily, the hardness of counter-blade 27 is greater than the hardness of final portion 32.

According to a preferred embodiment, blade 25 has a thickness (i.e. the extension along the auxiliary transversal axis) at final portion 32, in particular at first cutting edge 33, that varies between 0.01 mm and 10.00 mm, preferably between 0.05 mm and 3.00 mm, even more preferably between 0.05 mm and 1.00 mm.

Alternatively or additionally, blade 25 is coupled to the (mounted on the/fixed to the) first support 26 so that at least one portion of blade 25 is mobile in an auxiliary transverse direction D2 to allow, in use, at least partially, movement and/or displacement in direction D1 of final portion 32. In particular, auxiliary transverse direction D2 is transversal to the radial extension of blade 25 from first support 26 and/or transversal to the first projecting direction D3.

Preferably but not necessarily, blade device 23 comprises at least one elastic assembly 39 for coupling at least one portion of blade 25 to first support 26 in a mobile manner in auxiliary transverse direction D2. In other words, blade 25 is not mounted on first support

26 in a fixed manner, but in a yielding manner, in particular by means of elastic assembly 39.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, elastic assembly 39 comprises a layer made of viscoelastic material 40, for example a layer made of polymeric material.

According to an alternative embodiment, elastic assembly 39 could comprise one or more springs.

Preferably but not necessarily, first support 26 comprises a housing 43 and blade 25 comprises a coupling portion 42, in particular having second end 36 opposite to final portion 32, housed in housing 43 to couple blade 25 to first support 26. In particular, elastic assembly 39 is at least partially housed in housing 43.

Preferably but not necessarily, housing 43 comprises a groove, and coupling portion 42 and at least partially elastic assembly 39 are arranged within the groove.

In greater detail, the groove is provided with a first side wall 44 and a second side wall 45, parallel to each other and parallel to longitudinal axis E. In other words, first wall 44 and second wall 45 delimit the groove transversally .

Preferably but not necessarily, at least one portion of elastic assembly 39, in particular a portion of the layer made of viscoelastic material 40, is interposed between coupling portion 42 and second wall 45.

In particular, according to this preferred non-limiting embodiment, elastic assembly 39, in particular the layer of viscoelastic material 40, is configured to be visco- elastically compressed so as to allow the movement and/or displacement of coupling portion 42 into direction D2 according to the contact between blade 25 and counter-blade 27. In particular, the movement and/or the displacement of coupling portion 42 into direction D2 consequently also results in movement and/or displacement of final portion 32 in direction Dl.

With particular reference to Figure 4, first support 26 comprises a base 50 on which housing 43 of first support 26 is mounted.

In an alternative embodiment, housing 43, in particular the groove, could be obtained within base 50 itself.

In the preferred non-limiting embodiment, housing 43 comprises a first frame 51 and a second frame 52 having first side wall 44 and second side wall 45, respectively. First frame 51 and second frame 52 define overall the groove.

In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, housing 43, in particular the groove, could be made in one single piece .

Preferably but not necessarily, cutting unit 12 comprises an adjustment device 53 configured to control, in particular also locally, radial distance Ad between blade 25, in particular the first contact section, and counter blade 27, in particular the second contact section, at cutting station 13 or to allow for a control of a relative alignment of and/or a relative orientation of blade 25, in particular of longitudinal axis C, with respect to counter blade 27, in particular the respective longitudinal axis of counter-blade 27.

In the specific non-limiting example shown, adjustment device 53 is associated with (is comprised in) blade device 23.

Preferably but not necessarily, the adjustment device 53 comprises a plurality of screws 54 (only one is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3) , each of which is adapted to determine a local translocation of blade 25 to locally control the radial distance between blade 25 and counter blade 26 at cutting station 13.

In the specific non-limiting case illustrated, adjustment device 53 comprises at least two screws 54.

In one alternative embodiment not illustrated, the number of screws 54 could be more than two.

Alternatively or additionally, adjustment device 53 could also comprise an adjustment assembly or an adjustment element or adjustment elements to actuate a movement, in particular in a radial direction, of first support 26 and/or of second support 28 so as to control the distance between blade 25 and counter-blade 27 at cutting station 13.

It should be noted that actuation of adjustment device 53 does not require high precision.

According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, blade device 23 comprises an alignment assembly 55 configured to determine the alignment of blade 25 relative to first support 26. In particular, alignment assembly 55 allows the facilitated and reproducible replacement of the installed blade 25 with a new blade 25.

In particular, alignment assembly 55 comprises one or more pin elements 56 coupled to blade 25, in particular to coupling portion 42, and one or more holes 57 provided in housing 43, in which pin elements 56 are inserted. Preferably but not necessarily, each pin element 56 is partially inserted in a respective hole 57 provided on first frame 51 and in a respective hole 57 provided on second frame 52.

In use, labeling machine 1 applies labels 2 to bottles 3.

In particular, conveying apparatus 6 advances bottles 3 along path P and labeling apparatus 4 applies labels 2 to bottles 3 at application station 5.

In greater detail, operation of labeling machine 1, in particular of labeling apparatus 4, comprises the following steps :

- advancing web 11 along path Q; cutting web 11 at cutting station 13 to obtain the individual labels 2;

- advancing the individual labels 2 from cutting station 13 to at least application station 5; and

- applying the individual labels 2 to the respective bottles 3 at application station 5.

Preferably but not necessarily, during the step of advancement of the bottles, bottles 3 are advanced along path P and, at least during advancement along portion PI, bottles 3 rotate around the respective longitudinal axes.

In greater detail, during the step of advancement of the web, web 11 is conveyed by first conveyor 10 along advancement path Q.

Preferably but not necessarily, the advancement, in particular the advancement speed of web 11 is controlled at least partially by advancement roller 17; in particular, the advancement speed of web 11 is determined at least partially by the rotation speed of advancement roller 17 around the respective rotation axis.

In greater detail, during the step of advancement of the individual labels, labels 2 are advanced by second conveyor 14. In particular, the individual labels 2 are advancement by conveying drum 19, which rotates around axis

B.

Advantageously, during the cutting step, blade 25 and counter-blade 27 cut web 11 at cutting station 13.

In particular, during the cutting step, at cutting station 13, the first contact section of blade 25 and the second section of counter-blade 27 come into contact and at least blade 25 moves and/or is displaced in direction Dl.

Preferably, one of either blade 25 or counter-blade 27, in the specific case illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, is advanced along conveying path S, in particular by operation of conveying assembly 19.

According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, during the cutting step and at cutting station 13, at least final portion 32 of blade 25 bends transversally in a reversible manner due to contact with counter-blade 27 at cutting station 13.

Alternatively or additionally, during the cutting step, at least one portion of blade 25 moves and/or is displaced in the auxiliary transverse direction D2 to allow displacement and/or movement of final portion 32, in particular obtained by means of elastic assembly 39, in particular the layer made of viscoelastic material 40.

Preferably but not necessarily, operation of labeling machine 1, in particular of labeling apparatus 4, also comprises an adjustment step, during which the distance and/or the orientation and/or the alignment between blade 25 and counter-blade 27 is controlled, in particular by actuation of adjustment device 53, at cutting station 13.

Preferably but not necessarily, the adjustment step is activated prior to the steps of advancing web 11, advancing the labels 2, cutting web 11 and applying the individual labels 2.

Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment step can be activated during the advancement step of web 11.

With particular reference to Figure 8, number 12' indicates a second embodiment of a cutting unit according to the present invention. Cutting unit 12' is similar to cutting unit 12 and for this reason is described below only in terms of the differences with respect to cutting unit 12, by indicating with the same reference numbers parts equal or equivalent to parts already described.

In particular, cutting unit 12' differs from cutting unit 12 due to the fact that conveying assembly 29 is associated with blade device 23 and is configured to actuate conveying of blade 25 along a conveying path S' through cutting station 13.

Preferably but not necessarily, second support 28 is arranged, in use, in a fixed manner at cutting station 13.

In particular, according to this alternative non limiting embodiment, the movement and/or displacement of final portion 32 in transverse direction D1 is determined by the contact between the first contact section of blade 25 and the second contact section of counter-blade 27 and by conveying of blade 25 along conveying path S' . In a similar manner, in use, the contact between the first contact section of blade 25 and the second contact section of counter-blade 27 is lost due to conveying of blade 25 along conveying path

S' .

In particular, the movement and/or displacement of final portion 32 in transverse direction D1 is relative to first support 26. In other words, the displacement and/or movement of final portion 32 from the respective base position should be considered relative to first support 26.

In more detail, first support 26 is supported by rotatable support 30. In particular, first support 26 is housed in the housing seat of rotatable support 30 so that blade 25 extends, at least at cutting station 13, from rotatable support 30.

In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated, first support 26 is integral with rotatable support 30.

The operation of machine 1 having cutting unit 12' is similar to operation of machine 1 having cutting unit 12 and for this reason is described below only in terms of the differences with respect to operation of the latter machine.

In particular, the difference lies in the fact that blade 25 is fed along conveying path S' to control a repetitive cut of web 11 advanced along first path Q. With particular reference to Figures 9 and 10, number

12'' indicates a third embodiment of a cutting unit (only partially shown to the extent necessary for the comprehension of the invention) according to the present invention. Cutting unit 12'' is similar to cutting unit 12 and for this reason is described below only in terms of the differences with respect to cutting unit 12, by indicating with the same reference numbers parts equal or equivalent to parts already described .

In particular, cutting unit 12'' differs from cutting unit 12 in comprising first support 26'' .

First support 26'' is similar to first support 26 and for this reason is described below only in terms of the differences with respect to first support 26, by indicating with the same reference numbers parts equal or equivalent to parts already described.

In particular, first support 26 comprises a support sheet 60 having a first (flat) sheet portion 61 and a second (flat) sheet portion 62.

Preferentially, second sheet portion 62 carries blade

25.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, first sheet portion 61 and second sheet portion 62 are angled with respect to one another.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown, first sheet portion 61 and second sheet portion 62 lie within a common plane; i.e. they are not angled with respect to one another .

Preferentially but not necessarily, second sheet portion 62 and blade 25 are parallel to one another.

Preferentially but not necessarily, blade 25 projects away from second sheet portion 62 along first projecting direction D3.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, blade 25 is arranged on and/or sits on second sheet portion 61.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, blade 25 and second sheet portion 61 are realized as two distinct and separate workpieces.

In alternative, blade 25 could be integral to second sheet portion 62.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first sheet portion 61 and second sheet portion 62 describe and/or define an (acute) angle. In particular, in use, the (acute) angle changes during movement and/or displacement of second sheet portion 62 along transverse direction Dl.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, second sheet portion 62 is connected to first sheet portion 61.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, second sheet portion 62 and/or first sheet portion 61 is/are bendable and/or moveable along first transverse direction

D1.

Preferentially but not necessarily, second sheet portion 62 is adapted to (is configured to) perform, in use, due to the contact between the first contact section of blade 25 and the second contact section of counter-blade 27, a reversible displacement and/or movement along transverse direction Dl, in particular for reversibly displacing and/or moving, in use, blade 25 along transverse direction Dl.

According to the specific embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, first support 26'' also comprises a mounting assembly 63 for at least fixing blade 25 on second sheet portion 62, and in particular for also orienting and/or aligning blade 25 on second sheet portion 62.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, mounting assembly 63 comprises an elastic clamping bar 64 for at least partially clamping blade 25 between clamping bar 64 itself and second sheet portion 62. In particular, mounting assembly

63 also comprises a fixing bar 65 interposing elastic clamping bar 64 between fixing bar 65 and blade 25 and one or more fixing elements 66 for fixing blade 25, clamping bar

64 and blade 25 on second sheet portion 62.

According to some alternative embodiments not shown, mounting assembly 63 could comprise a bar hinged to second sheet portion 62 and configured to clamp blade 25 between second sheet portion 62 and the bar itself.

According to an even further alternative embodiment not shown, mounting assembly 63 could comprise a clamping group mounted onto second sheet portion 62 and having at least two bars configured to clamp blade 25 between the two bars themselves .

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first support 26'' also comprises an adjustment device 67 configured to allow for a control, in particular for a local control, of radial distance Ad between blade 25, in particular the first contact section, and counter-blade 27, the second contact section, at cutting station 13 and/or to allow for a control of a relative alignment of and/or a relative orientation of blade 25, in particular of longitudinal axis C, with respect to counter-blade 27, in particular the respective longitudinal axis of counter-blade 27.

Preferentially but not necessarily, adjustment device 67 comprises:

- an alignment block 68 carrying, in particular in a fixed manner, support sheet 60; and

- a plurality of control members configured to control a relative distance and/or angle between alignment block 68 and support sheet 60.

Preferentially but not necessarily, adjustment device 67 also comprises:

- a base block 69 carrying alignment block 68; and

- one or more control elements 70, in the specific case shown in Figures 10 and 11 two screws, configured to allow for a control of the relative position between alignment block 68 and base block 69.

In particular, by operating, in use, control elements 70 it is possible to locally move alignment block 68 with respect to base block 69.

Preferentially but not necessarily, adjustment device 67 also comprises a locking mechanism 71 so as to lock and/or block alignment block 68 on base block 69.

The operation of machine 1 having cutting unit 12'' is similar to operation of machine 1 having cutting unit 12 and for this reason is described below only in terms of the differences with respect to operation of the latter machine.

In particular, the difference lies in that during the step of cutting, second sheet portion 62 reversibly moves and/or is displaced along transverse direction D1 due to the contact of blade 25, in particular the first contact section, with counter-blade 27, in particular the second contact section. This movement and/or displacement of second sheet portion 62 leads to blade 25 being reversibly moved and/or displaced along transverse direction Dl.

Even more particular, during the step of cutting, second sheet portion 62 and/or first sheet portion 61 bend, in particular resulting in at least some case in a change of the acute angle between first sheet portion 61 and second sheet portion 62.

In particular, during the adjustment step, adjustment device 67 is operated.

With particular reference to Figure 11, number 12''' indicates a fourth embodiment of a cutting unit (only partially shown to the extent necessary for the comprehension of the invention) according to the present invention. Cutting unit 12''' is similar to cutting unit 12'' and for this reason is described below only in terms of the differences with respect to cutting unit 12'', by indicating with the same reference numbers parts equal or equivalent to parts already described.

In particular, cutting unit 12''' differs from cutting unit 12 in comprising first support 26'''.

First support 26''' is similar to first support 26'' and for this reason is described below only in terms of the differences with respect to first support 26'', by indicating with the same reference numbers parts equal or equivalent to parts already described.

In particular, first support 26''' differs from first support 26'' in that support sheet 60 also comprises a third

(flat) sheet portion 75 and a curved sheet portion 76 connecting third sheet portion 75 and first sheet portion 61 with one another.

Preferentially but not necessarily, third sheet portion 75 and first sheet portion 61 face one another, and in particular are displaced from one another.

Preferentially but not necessarily, curved sheet portion 76 is elastic allowing for a relative movement between first sheet portion 61 and third sheet portion 75. In particular, curved sheet portion 76 allows for a relative (local) movement towards or away from one another of first sheet portion 61 and third sheet portion 75.

In particular, by providing for curved sheet portion 76 it is possible control the forces acting on blade 25 during contact with counter-blade 27 and during cutting of web 11.

In the specific example shown in Figure 11, blade 25 is integral to second sheet portion 62.

In alternative, blade 25 could be distinct from second sheet portion 62 (in a manner similar as disclosed with respect to the third embodiment of the present invention) . In particular, first support 26''' could comprise mounting assembly 63 for at least fixing blade 25 on second sheet portion 62.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first support 26''' also comprises an adjustment device 77 configured to allow for a control, in particular for a local control, of radial distance Ad between blade 25, in particular the first contact section, and counter-blade 27, the second contact section, at cutting station 13 and/or to allow for a control of a relative alignment of and/or a relative orientation of blade 25, in particular of longitudinal axis C, with respect to counter-blade 27, in particular the respective longitudinal axis of counter-blade 27.

Preferentially but not necessarily, adjustment device 77 is also configured to allow for control of a softness of support sheet 60 by modifying a relative distance between first sheet portion 61 and third sheet portion 75 and/or to fix support sheet 60 to alignment block 68.

Preferentially but not necessarily, adjustment device 77 comprises an elastic and/or compressible layer 78 interposing first sheet portion 61 between layer 78 and third sheet portion 75, in particular having damping properties.

Preferentially but not necessarily, adjustment device 77 also comprises a plurality of fixing elements 79, in particular screws, configured to control the distance and/or orientation between first sheet portion 61 and third sheet portion 75.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, first support 26 also comprises one or more fixing members connecting support sheet 60 to alignment block 68. The operation of machine 1 having cutting unit 12''' is similar to operation of machine 1 having cutting unit 12'' and for this reason we refer to the description of the operation of machine 1 with respect to operation of the latter machine.

From an examination of the characteristics of cutting units 12, 12', 12'', 12''' of labeling machine 1 and the respective labeling method according to the present invention, the advantages it offers are evident.

In particular, cutting units 12, 12', 12'', 12''' allow facilitated operation with respect to the known cutting units. The cutting units 12, 12', 12'' and 12''' do not require very high precision in adjustment of the distance between blade 25 and counter-blade 27 at cutting station 13. In fact, blade 25 and counter-blade 27 come into contact during the cutting and due to the fact that blade device 23 allows a reversible displacement and/or movement in the transverse direction D1 it is guaranteed that neither blade 25 nor counter-blade 27 are subject to damage different from wear and fatigue damage.

A further advantage is that the quality of the cutting of web 11 is not influenced by variations in physical parameters, for example the temperature, which can affect the distance between blade 25 and counter-blade 27 at cutting station 13. A further advantage lies in the fact that first support 26 and/or second support 28 can be produced in a simplified manner. This advantage is obtained by the fact that the adjustment between blade 25 and counter-blade 27 does not require the precision necessary in the known labeling machines .

Furthermore, maintenance of cutting unit 12, 12', 12'' and 12''' and/or replacement of blade 25 and/or counter blade 27 are facilitated and speeded up.

Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations can be made to cutting units 12, 12', 12'' and 12''' and to labeling machine 1 described and illustrated herein, that do not depart from the protective scope defined by the claims.

In one embodiment not illustrated, web 11 could be a web of labeling material of the heat-shrinkable type.

In one embodiment not illustrated, cutting unit 12, 12', 12'' or 12''' could comprise a plurality of blade devices 25 and/or a plurality of counter-blade devices 27.