Labeling machine

Technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a labeling machine.

Background Art [0002] Labeling machines are known which are intended for delivering various types of labels to containers, during cutting, from a tape wound continuously and operating according to the principle of operation, during which continuous tape movement is ensured.

[0003] Document No. EP 0 414 056 A shows a labeling machine having a combination of elements as set out in the preamble of the attached claim No. 1, including in particular a transverse slicer positioned between the first and second pair of transport rollers for the labeling tape coiled in a spool .

[0004] Such machines have a very complicated construction and are expensive, and therefore the object of the present invention is to provide a labeling machine that can work on labels from a tape formed without an adhesive, i.e. prepared in any way before, and with great structural simplicity.

Disclosure of the Invention [0005] According to the invention, a labeling machine is provided as defined in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0006] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail in the description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the present invention, shown in an unlimited number of examples in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic top view of the labeling machine of the present invention;

figure 2 - a perspective view of the detail of the machine of figure 1.

Ways of carrying out the invention [0007] With reference to the figures, reference numeral 1 generally refers to a labeling machine which includes a carousel 2 in a known way for providing containers 3 to be labeled, which are loaded by means of an input star conveyor 5.

[0008] The main feature of the present invention lies in the presence of an intermittent cutting device that includes a blade 6, actuated by an actuating cylinder 6a, which cuts each individual label taken from the belt 7 which is transferred to it at the right time by

Unwinding it from the spool 8 by means of the feeding means, which will be described here, and in addition due to the presence of means for blocking the label during cutting, which comprise a slider 9 that can slide due to the action of the actuating cylinder 9a and by means of a connection 9b, between the position for pressing the label in contact with the contact surface position at the end of the attachment block 10, and the position for separation from the label. The locking means are arranged between the intermittent cutting device and the transfer drum 11, which, working in known manner, transfers the label to the container 3.

[0009] The means for feeding the tape 7 to the intermittent cutting device in a timely manner comprise a motor driven device for unwinding the spool 8, which is schematically represented and has a numerical designation 12 and a pair of transport rollers 13 located in the immediate vicinity of the cutting device; reference numeral 14 refers to a photocell that, after detecting the passage of each individual label, sends a stop command to the described delivery means.

[0010] In addition, the machine comprises means that are adapted to control the actuation of the device for cutting and blocking the label together with the container for receiving the label. [0011] The operation of the invention is as follows.

[0012] When the label 15 reaches the cutting and locking device, the photocell 14 detects the passage of information on the label and activates the stopping of the delivery means: in such a way that the label stops and slides on the relay drum 11, which moves all the time. [0013] As the container 3 for receiving the label 15 approaches, brought by the carousel 2 to a position compatible with the perfect execution of the action, the respective means on the machine actuate the means for locking the label 15 and the devices for cutting it, reopening the blocking means, which release the cut label, allowing it to reach the target by transferring through drum 11 to the intended container.

[0014] At the same time, the tape feeding means are restarted and a new cycle is carried out immediately.

[0015] The labeling machine according to the present invention can be subjected to many modifications and changes, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims, thus, for example, an intermittent cutting device, which in the embodiment described is of the type described in document W02007 / 134745 by the same Applicant, may be of different types.

[0016] The carousel for carrying containers 3 can be replaced by a linear conveyor, and furthermore the assembly can be provided for sticking labels, if they are not self-adhesive labels, as in the case of labels discussed here.

[0017] The means for blocking the label during cutting may comprise a device for sucking the label onto the contact surface, in particular in the case of self-adhesive labels.

[0018] When the technical features mentioned in any of the claims are in front of the reference numerals, these reference numerals have been included only for the purpose of better understanding the claims and, accordingly, these reference numerals have no effect on the interpretation of each element identified, for example, by these reference numerals.