WO2025061247A1 - Labelling machine with multiple configurations - Google Patents

Abstract

There is described a labelling machine (1) for labelling containers (2) adapted to contain a pourable product, the labelling machine (1) comprising a conveyor ( 6) for containers, and a plurality of labelling modules (7; 7a; 7b; 7c; 7d), wherein the labelling machine (1) is configured so that each labelling module (7) can be selectively controlled in an active state, whereby it operates on the flow of containers, or in an inactive state, whereby it does not operate on the flow of containers; wherein the labelling machine (1) is configured so that each active labelling module (7) can selectively operate on one or more respective series (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) of said series, which respective series (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) are thereby associated to the labelling module (7); and wherein the labelling machine (1) is configured so that each active labelling module (7) can selectively adopt one of a plurality of operative conditions, each operative condition being associated to a respective type of label (3a; 3b) applicable on the containers (2) by the labelling module (7), so that when a labelling module (7) adopts a given operative condition such labelling module (7) applies the corresponding associated type of label (3a; 3b).

Description

LABELLING MACHINE WITH MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a labelling machine for labelling containers adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product. BACKGROUND ART Machines are known for applying a decoration onto containers. In particular, labelling machines are known which are commonly used to prepare, transport and apply labels onto containers, such as bottles, flacons or the like, destined to be filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product. Particularly widespread is the use of glued labels, i.e. portions of a labelling material that are cut at appropriate lengths from a web of labelling material initially wound in form of continuous strip around one or more storage reels and then sprinkled with glue. In detail, the web of labelling material is progressively unwound off the relative reel and then repeatedly cut to obtain successive labels of equal length, upon which glue is applied by gluing means, such as a gluing roller, spray or injector systems or the like. Eventually, the labels so obtained are conveyed and applied onto the respective containers to be labelled. A labelling machine of the above type typically comprises: - a carousel rotatable around a vertical axis and configured to convey a plurality of containers along a horizontal, arc-shaped labelling path; and - a labelling module, peripherally arranged relatively to the carousel and configured to prepare, transport and feed a plurality of labels to the carousel at an application station, in order to apply such labels to respective containers. According to a well-known configuration, the labelling module typically comprises: - one or more storage units, for example reels or spools around which the web of labelling material is initially wound in form of a continuous strip; - a feed roller for unwinding the web off the relative reel and advance it along a feed path; - a plurality of unwinding rollers, which feed and support, in use, the web progressively unwound from the respective reel and guide it, in use, along a feed path; - a cutting unit for repeatedly cut the web at a cutting station so as to separate a sequence of labels from the web itself; - a label transfer device, typically a vacuum drum of the known type configured to receive, retain and advance each label and to feed it to the carousel, at the application station; and - gluing roller arranged substantially tangent to the vacuum drum, at position operatively downstream of the cutting unit and upstream of the application station, with respect to the direction of rotation of the vacuum drum, for sequentially spreading glue onto each single label prior to the application onto the respective container. Typically, the vacuum drum is rotatable about a central axis (typically vertical) and is configured to receive the previously cut labels, to retain them by means of suction and, after a rotation of a determined angle about its axis, to release these labels to the application station, so that they are applied onto the respective containers advanced by the carousel. To this end, the vacuum drum suction is exerted on the labels through a series of ports or holes obtained on an outer lateral surface of the vacuum drum itself. It is known in the field the need for applying labels of different types, such as so-called “wrap-around” labels, i.e. labels which have a longitudinal extension so as to cover the entire angular extension of the outer lateral surface of the respective containers at the end of the labelling process, or so-called “partial labels”, i.e. labels which have a longitudinal extension so as to cover an angular portion on the outer surface of the respective containers measuring less than 360°, for example between 180° and 360°, namely labels which extension does not suffice to wrap completely around the outer lateral surface of the containers, namely labels the longitudinal extension of which is smaller than the total angular extension of the outer lateral surface of the containers. To this end, according to a known configuration of the state of the art, different pluralities of containers are labelled with different types of labels in respective and distinct labelling processes, thereby defining distinct productive cycles. However, such a configuration results in a rather large amount of time needed to complete all the desired production lots with a single labelling machine, or it requires a plurality of labelling machines, with high costs, maintenance and required space. Another known configuration entails the use of different types of labelling modules for each type of label. However, such a solution requires a large expense and a suitable space to store the unused modules, as well as additional costs for their downtime. In light of the above, although being structurally and functionally valid, the Applicant has observed that the labelling machines of the aforementioned type are still open for further improvement, in particular as per their flexibility and versatility of decoration. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a labelling machine which is designed to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks in a straightforward and low-cost manner. This object is achieved by a labelling machine as claimed in the appended independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are laid down in the appended dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 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 2A to 10 are schematic top views, with parts removed for clarity, of the labelling machine of Figure 1 during distinct operative configurations. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1, number 1 indicates as a whole a labelling machine configured for labelling containers 2such as bottles, flacons or the like, adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product (such as water, soft drinks, beer, wine, juice, milk, or the like). In particular, machine 1 is configured for labelling containers 2 by means of labels 3 obtained from a web 4 of labelling material. Labels 3 can be defined by glued labels, i.e. strips of labelling material that are cut at predetermined lengths from web 4 and then sprinkled with glue for their application on the respective containers 2. Web 4 is provided in the form of a continuous strip initially wound in a reel 5 and is progressively unwound, in use, off reel 5, according to a known manner. Labelling machine 1 is configured for labelling containers 2 adapted to contain a pourable product. The labelling machine 1 comprises a conveyor 6 configured for advancing a flow of containers 2 to be labelled along a labelling path L. The flow of containers includes a plurality of series of successive containers 2. The plurality of series comprises a first series 2a and a second series 2b. The containers of the first series 2a are intercalated along the flow with respect to the containers of the second series 2b. The first series 2a and the second series 2b are indicated in Figures from 2A to 10. The conveyor 6 comprises a carousel 6 rotatable about a central axis (not shown) preferably vertical, and configured to advance the flow of containers 2 along an arc-shaped labelling path L, preferably horizontal, around the central axis. The labelling machine 1 comprises a plurality of labelling modules, each configured to operate on the flow of containers for applying labels 3 on the containers 2. Each labelling module of the plurality is arranged peripherally to carousel. Each labelling module is configured for preparing a plurality of labels 3 starting from web 4 and feeding such labels 3 to carousel 6 at an application station A, so as to apply them onto respective containers 2. Only one labelling module 7 is shown in Figure 1. In each of Figures from 2A to 10, a plurality of labelling modules is shown. Each labelling module 7 comprises: - a support unit, preferably in the form of at least one support shaft 8, for supporting one reel 5 at a time; - a feed roller 10 mounted in a rotatable manner to module 7, actuatable in rotation for feeding web 4 along a feed path P which extends within and through labelling module 7, and conveniently arranged downstream of support shaft 8 along feed path P; - a plurality of guide rollers 11 (only one shown), arranged downstream of support member 8, and configured to support the web 4 progressively unwound from reel 5 and to guide web 4 along feed path P; - a cutting unit 12 (known per se and not described in detail) arranged downstream of guide rollers 11, along feed path P, and configured to repeatedly cut web 4 thereby obtaining a sequence of labels 3 therefrom; - a label transfer drum 13 arranged downstream of cutting unit 12, and mounted on module 7 in a rotatable manner about a rotation axis which is preferably parallel to the carousel axis; and - a gluing roller 14 arranged peripherally (and substantially tangent) to drum 13 and configured for spreading glue on each individual label 3, before the application thereof on the respective containers 2. The label transfer drum 13 is rotatable about a central axis X thereof and configured to sequentially receive the labels 3 and to transfer such labels 3 to an application station A for the application thereof onto respective containers 2. According to the preferred embodiment shown, drum 13 is a vacuum drum which has a substantially cylindrical or toroidal-lobed configuration and an outer lateral surface onto which it sequentially retains labels 3 by means of suction, according to a manner known and not described in detail. The cutting 12 shown in Figure 1 is operating upstream the drum 13. Alternatively, the cutting unit 12 can operate directly on the drum 13. In this latter case, the vacuum drum 13 receives the labels while they are still joined to define the web 4, and the cutting unit 12 cuts the web to obtain the labels while the web is being carried by the drum 13. According to the preferred embodiment shown, drum 13 is a vacuum drum of the known type and has a substantially cylindrical or toroidal-lobed configuration and an outer lateral surface onto which it sequentially retains labels 3 by means of suction, according to a manner known and not described in detail. Therefore, each labelling module of the plurality is of the roll fed type. Components of the module 7 are shown in Figure 1. The labelling machine 1 is configured so that each labelling module can be selectively controlled in an active state, whereby it operates on the flow of containers, or in an inactive state, whereby it does not operate on the flow of containers. In Figures from 2A to 10, each labelling module is indicated with 7a or 7b or 7c or 7d. In Figures from 2A to 10, each module which is in white is inactive. In Figures from 2A to 10, each module which is active is in light grey or dark grey. The labelling machine 1 is configured so that each active labelling module can selectively operate on one or more respective series of said series, which respective series are thereby associated to the labelling module. The labelling machine 1 is configured so that each active labelling module 7 can selectively adopt one of a plurality of operative conditions, each operative condition being associated to a respective type of label applicable on the containers by the labelling module, so that when a labelling module adopts a given operative condition such labelling module applies the corresponding associated type of label. The length of a label is the extension of the label along feed path P. A label of the type “wrap around” has a length so as to cover an angular sector on the outer surface of the respective container measuring at least 360°. A wrap around label has a length which suffices to wrap completely around the outer lateral surface of the respective container. The length of a wrap around label is equal or bigger than the total angular extension of the outer lateral surface of the respective container. Labels indicated with 3a in Figures 2A, 3, 6 and 9 are wrap around labels. A label of the type “partial label” is a label which has a length so as to cover an angular portion on the outer surface of the respective container measuring less than 360°, for example between 180° and 360°, or between 90° and 180°, or 90°, or less than 90°, or less than 30°. A partial label has a length which does not suffice to wrap completely around the outer lateral surface of the respective container. A partial label has a length which is smaller than the total angular extension of the outer lateral surface of the respective container. Labels indicated with 3b, 3b’, 3b’’ and 3b’’’ in Figures 2B, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10 are partial labels. Therefore each active module can adopt selectively a wrap around operative condition corresponding to the application of wrap around labels, or a partial label operative condition corresponding to the application of partial labels. The partial label can be a front partial label or a rear partial label. A front partial label is a label which is applied on a front sector of the container. The partial label indicated with 3b in Figure 2B, 4, 5 and 10 is a front partial label. A rear partial label is a label which is applied on a rear sector of the container. The partial label indicated with 3b’ in Figures 2B, 4 and 5 is a rear partial label. The partial label can be a upper partial label or a lower partial label. A upper partial label is a label which is applied on a upper sector of the container, along the height of container. The partial label indicated with 3b’’ in Figures 7 and 8 is a upper partial label. A lower partial label is a label which is applied on a lower sector of the container, along the height of the container. The partial label indicated with 3b’’’ in Figures 7 and 8 is a lower partial label. Therefore each active module adopting a partial label operative condition can selectively adopt a front partial label operative condition, corresponding to the application of front partial labels, or a rear partial label operative condition, corresponding to the application of rear partial labels, or a upper partial label operative condition, corresponding to the application of upper partial labels, or a lower partial label operative condition, corresponding to the application of lower partial labels. A wrap around label can be applied at a upper height along the height of the container or at a lower height along the height of the container. A rear partial label can be a upper rear partial label, that is a partial label applied on a rear and upper sector of the container, or a lower rear partial label, that is a partial label applied on a rear and lower sector of the container. A front partial label can be a upper front partial label, that is a label which is applied on a front and upper sector of the container, or a lower front partial label, that is a partial label which is applied on a front and lower sector of the container. The labelling machine 1 is configured for defining a plurality of operative configurations of the machine, The machine 1 is configured for selectively adopting one of said configuration. Each operative configuration corresponds to a determined combination of labelling modules which are active, operative condition adopted by each active labelling module, and respective series of containers associated to each active labelling module. The labelling machine 1 is configured so that the operative configuration adopted by the machine can vary, such that a variation of said operative configuration corresponds to a variation of labelling modules which are active and/or to a variation of the operative condition adopted by each active labelling module and/or to a variation of the respective series of containers associated to each active labelling module. Therefore two successive configurations may be different from each other for example at least because one labelling module adopts a different operative condition in the second one, or because a labelling module is no more active in the second one, or because a labelling module which was previously inactive in the first one is active in the second one, or because a labelling module operates on a different series of containers in the second one with respect to the first one. The labelling machine 1 comprises an automatic control device D including a user interface by means of which an input is settable by a user, which input corresponds to a selected operative configuration. The machine is configured so that the control device sets automatically the machine at least partially or completely in the inputted configuration. Said plurality of configurations can comprise a single aggregate wrap around configuration, according to which a single labelling module 7a is associated to all the series of containers adopts the wrap around condition. The single aggregate wrap around configuration is shown in Figure 9. In Figure 9, a first module 7a is active, is associated to first series 2a and the second series 2b, and adopts the wrap around configuration, while a second module 7b, a third module 7c and a fourth module 7d are inactive. In Figure 9, the first labelling module 7a absorbs the whole production rate. Said plurality of configurations can comprise a single aggregate partial label configuration, according to which a single labelling module 7a, which is associated to all the series of containers, adopts the partial label condition. The single aggregate partial label configuration is shown in Figure 10. In Figure 10, a first module 7a is active, is associated to the first series 2a and the second series 2b, and adopts the partial label configuration, while a second module 7b, a third module 7c and a fourth module 7d are inactive. In Figure 10, the first labelling module 7a absorbs the whole production rate. Said plurality of configurations can comprise a multiple aggregate wrap around configuration, according to which for each of a group of labelling modules, the labelling module is associated to a respective series which is different from the series to which other modules of the group are associated, and adopts the wrap around condition. For example, a first labelling module is associated to the first series 2a and adopts the wrap around condition, and a second labelling module is associated to the second series 2b adopts the wrap around condition. The containers of the first series 2a are intercalated along the flow with respect to the containers of the second series 2b. Figure 2A shows an example of a multiple aggregate warp around configuration, which corresponds to a double aggregate wrap around configuration. In Figure 2A, a first module 7a is active, is associated to the first series 2a, and adopts the wrap around condition. In Figure 2A, a second module 7b is active, is associated to the second series 2b, and adopts the wrap around condition. Also Figure 6 shows a double aggregate wrap around configuration. In Figure 6, a first module 7a is active, is associated to the first series 2a and adopts the wrap around condition. In Figure 6, a second module 7b is inactive. In Figure 6, a third module 7c is active, is associated to the second series 2b and adopts the wrap around condition. In Figure 6, a fourth module 7d is inactive. In each of Figures 2A and 6, each active labelling module absorbs one half of the production rate. Figure 3 shows another example of multiple aggregate wrap around configuration, which corresponds to a four aggregate wrap around configuration. In Figure 3, the plurality of series of containers includes also a third series of containers 2c and a fourth series of containers 2d. The containers of each series 2a or 2b or 2c or 2d are intercalated along the flow with respect to the containers of each of the other series. In Figure 3, a first module 7a is active, is associated to the first series 2a, and adopts the wrap around condition. In Figure 3, a second module 7b is active, is associated to the second series 2b, and adopts the wrap around condition. In Figure 3, a third module 7c is active, is associated to the third series 2c, and adopts the wrap around condition. In Figure 3, a fourth module 7d is active, is associated to the fourth series 2d, and adopts the wrap around condition. In Figure 3, each active labelling module absorbs one fourth of the production rate. Said plurality of configurations can comprise a multiple aggregate partial label configuration, according to which for each module of at least one group of labelling modules, the labelling module is associated to a respective series which is different from the series to which other modules of the group are associated, and adopts the partial label condition. For example, a first labelling module of the group is associated to the first series and adopts the partial label condition, and a second labelling module of the group is associated to the second series and adopts the partial label condition. The single aggregate partial label configuration can be for example a single aggregate front rear partial label configuration, according to which a first labelling module 7a being associated to all the series adopts the front partial label operative condition, and another module 7b or 7c being associated to all the series adopts the rear partial label operative condition. Each of Figures 2B and 5 shows a respective example of a single aggregate front rear partial label configuration. In Figure 2B, a first module 7a is associated to all the series and adopts the front partial label operative condition, and a second module 7b is associated to all the series and adopts the rear partial label operative condition. In Figure 5, a first module 7a is associated to all the series and adopts the front partial label operative condition, and a third module 7c is associated to all the series and adopts the rear partial label operative condition. In Figure 5, a second module 7b and a fourth module 7d are inactive. In each of Figures 2B and 5, each active labelling module absorbs the whole production rate. The multiple aggregate partial label configuration can be for example a multiple aggregate front rear partial label configuration. According to the multiple aggregate front rear partial label configuration, for each module of a first group of labelling modules 7a and 7b, the labelling module 7a or 7b is associated to a respective series 2a or 2b which is different from the series to which other modules of the first group are associated, and adopts the front partial label condition. According to the multiple aggregate front rear partial label configuration, for each module 7c or 7d of a second group of labelling modules 7c and 7d, the labelling module 7c or 7d is associated to a respective series 2a or 2b which is different from the series to which other modules of the second group are associated, and adopts the rear partial label condition. Figure 4 shows an example of a multiple aggregate front rear partial label configuration, which corresponds to a double aggregate front rear partial label configuration. In Figure 4, the first group comprises a first module 7a which is associated to the first series 2a and adopts the front partial label condition, and a second module 7b which is associated to the second series 2b and adopts the front partial label condition. In Figure 4, the second group comprises a third module 7c which is associated to the first series 2a and adopts the rear partial label condition, and a fourth module 7d which is associated to the second series 2b and adopts the rear partial label condition. In Figure 4, each active labelling module absorbs one half of the production rate. The single aggregate partial label configuration can be for example a single aggregate upper lower partial label configuration, according to which a first labelling module 7a being associated to all the series adopts the upper partial label operative condition, and another module 7c being associated to all the series adopts the rear partial label operative condition. Figure 8 shows a single aggregate upper lower partial label configuration. In Figure 8, a first module 7a is associated to all the series and adopts the upper partial label operative condition, and a third module 7c is associated to all the series and adopts the lower partial label operative condition. In Figure 8, a second module 7b and a fourth module 7d are inactive. In Figure 8, each active labelling module absorbs the whole production rate. The multiple aggregate partial label configuration can be a multiple aggregate upper lower partial label configuration. According to the multiple aggregate upper lower partial label configuration, for each module of a first group of labelling modules 7a and 7b, the labelling module 7a or 7b is associated to a respective series 2a or 2b which is different from the series to which other modules of the first group are associated, and adopts the upper partial label condition. According to the multiple aggregate upper lower partial label configuration, for each module 7c or 7d of a second group of labelling modules 7c and 7d, the labelling module 7c or 7d is associated to a respective series 2a or 2b which is different from the series to which other modules of the second group are associated, and adopts the lower partial label condition. Figure 7 shows an example of a multiple aggregate upper lower partial label configuration, which corresponds to a double aggregate upper lower label configuration. In Figure 7, the first group comprises a first module 7a which is associated to the first series 2a and adopts the upper partial label condition, and a second module 7b which is associated to the second series 2b and adopts the upper partial label condition. In Figure 7, the second group comprises a third module 7c which is associated to the first series 2a and adopts the lower partial label condition, and a fourth module which is associated to the second series 2b and adopts the lower partial label condition. In Figure 7, each active module absorbs one half of the production rate. The advantages of labelling machine 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description. In particular, thanks to the various flexible and settable operative configurations of labelling machine 1 according to the invention, a large increase in flexibility and versatility of decoration is obtained. In fact, by varying the operative configuration, different types of decorative patterns of the container can be obtained with the same machine, and the switching between one type of pattern to the other type can be very quick and/or very easy to be implemented. Therefore, the changeover of the machine can be more quick and/or more easy. In particular, this increase in flexibility can be obtained when each of the labelling modules of said plurality of the roll fed type. Hence, a very advantageous and cost-effective manner for increasing the versatility of labelling machine 1 is thereby reached. Furthermore, a label format change can be performed in a very easy and fast manner, as it is sufficient to select the desired operative configuration of labelling machine 1 as an input, for example on the aforementioned user interface, when present. The machine can anyway comprise other types of labelling modules, like for example PSL or cold glue modules. Clearly, changes may be made to labelling machine 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Labelling machine (1) for labelling containers (2) adapted to contain a pourable product, the labelling machine (1) comprising: - a conveyor (6) configured for advancing a flow of containers (2) to be labelled along a labelling path (L), the flow of containers comprising a plurality of series (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) of successive containers (2); - a plurality of labelling modules (7; 7a; 7b; 7c; 7d), each configured to operate on the flow of containers for applying labels (3; 3a, 3b) on the containers (2); wherein the labelling machine (1) is configured so that each labelling module (7) of said plurality can be selectively controlled in an active state, whereby it operates on the flow of containers, or in an inactive state, whereby it does not operate on the flow of containers; wherein the labelling machine (1) is configured so that each active labelling module (7) can selectively operate on one or more respective series (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) of said series, which respective series (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) are thereby associated to the labelling module (7); and wherein the labelling machine (1) is configured so that each active labelling module (7) can selectively adopt one of a plurality of operative conditions, each operative condition being associated to a respective type of label (3a; 3b) applicable on the containers (2) by the labelling module (7), so that when a labelling module (7) adopts a given operative condition such labelling module (7) applies the corresponding associated type of label (3a; 3b). 2.- Labelling machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the labelling machine (1) is configured for defining a plurality of operative configurations of the machine, and for selectively adopting one of said configurations, each operative configuration corresponding to a determined combination of: - labelling modules (7) which are active; - operative condition adopted by each active labelling module (7); - respective series (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) of containers associated to each active labelling module. 3.- Labelling machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the labelling machine (1) is configured so that the operative configuration adopted by it can vary, such that a variation of said operative configuration corresponds to a variation of labelling modules (7) which are active and/or to a variation of the operative condition adopted by each active labelling module (7) and/or to a variation of the respective series (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) of containers associated to each active labelling module (7). 4.- Labelling machine as claimed in claim 2 or 3, and comprising an automatic control device (D) including a user interface by means of which an input is settable by a user, which input corresponds to a selected configuration of said operative configurations, the machine being configured so that the control device sets automatically the machine at least partially or completely in the inputted or selected configuration. 5.- Labelling machine according to any of Claims from 2 to 4, wherein the containers of each series are intercalated along the flow with respect to the containers of the other series (2b). 6.- Labelling machine according to Claim 5, wherein the machine is configured so that each active module can adopt selectively: - a wrap around operative condition corresponding to the application of wrap around labels, a wrap around label being a label having length so as to cover an angular sector on the outer surface of the respective container measuring at least 360°, and/or a label which has a length which suffices to wrap completely around the outer lateral surface of the respective container, and/or a label the length of which is equal or bigger than the total angular extension of the outer lateral surface of the respective container; - a partial label operative condition which corresponds to the application of partial labels, a partial label being a label which has a length so as to cover an angular portion on the outer surface of the respective container measuring less than 360°, for example between 180° and 360°, or between 90° and 180°, or 90°, or less than 90°, or less than 30°, and/or a label which has a length which does not suffice to wrap completely around the outer lateral surface of the respective container, and/or a label which has a length which is smaller than the total angular extension of the outer lateral surface of the respective container. 7.- Labelling machine according to Claim 6, wherein said plurality of configurations comprises: a single aggregate wrap around configuration, according to which, in said plurality of modules, a single labelling module (7a) being associated to all the series of containers adopts the wrap around condition; a single aggregate partial label configuration, according to which, in said plurality of modules, a single labelling module (7a) being associated to all the series of containers adopts the partial label condition; a multiple aggregate wrap around configuration, according to which, in said plurality of modules, for each module (7a; 7b; 7c; 7d) of a group of labelling modules (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d), the labelling module (7a; 7b; 7c; 7d) is associated to a respective series (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) which is different from the series to which other modules of the group are associated, and adopts the wrap around condition; a multiple aggregate partial label configuration, according to which according to which, in said plurality of modules, for each module (7a; 7b) of at least one group of labelling modules (7a, 7b), the labelling module (7a; 7b) is associated to a respective series (2a; 2b) which is different from the series to which other modules of the group are associated, and adopts the partial label condition. 8.- Labelling machine according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein the machine is configured so that, for each labelling module adopting the operative partial label condition, the operative partial label condition can be selectively a front partial label operative condition, corresponding to the application of a partial label on a front sector of the container, or a rear partial label operative condition, corresponding to the application of a partial label on a rear sector of the container. 9.- Labelling machine according to Claim 8, wherein said plurality of configuration comprises: - a single aggregate front rear partial label configuration, according to which, in said plurality of modules, at least a first labelling module (7a) being associated to all the series adopts the front partial label operative condition, and at least a second module (7c) being associated to all the series adopts the rear partial label operative condition; - a multiple aggregate front rear partial label configuration, according to which, in said plurality of modules, for each module (7a; 7b) of at least a first group of labelling modules (7a, 7b),the labelling module (7a; 7b) is associated to a respective series (2a; 2b) which is different from the series to which other modules of the first group are associated, and adopts the front partial label condition, and, for each module (7c; 7d) of at least a second group of labelling modules (7c, 7d), the labelling module (7c; 7c) is associated to a respective series (2a; 2b) which is different from the series to which other modules of the second group are associated, and adopts the rear partial label condition. 10.- Labelling machine according to Claim 8 or 9, the machine is configured so that, for each labelling module adopting the operative partial label condition, the operative partial label condition can be selectively an upper partial label operative condition, corresponding to the application of a partial label on a upper sector of the container, with respect to the height of the container, or a lower partial label operative condition, corresponding to the application of a partial label on a lower sector of the container, with respect to the height of the container. 11.- Labelling machine according to Claim 10, wherein said plurality of configuration comprises: - a single aggregate upper lower partial label configuration, according to which, in said plurality of modules, a first labelling module (7a) being associated to all the series adopts the upper partial label operative condition, and a second module (7c) being associated to all the series adopts the lower partial label operative condition; - a multiple aggregate upper lower partial label configuration, according to which, in said plurality of modules, for each module (7a; 7b) of at least a first group of labelling modules (7a, 7b),the labelling module (7a; 7b) is associated to a respective series (2a; 2b) which is different from the series to which other modules of the first group are associated, and adopts the upper partial label condition, and, for each module (7c; 7d) of at least a second group of labelling modules (7c, 7d), the labelling module (7c; 7c) is associated to a respective series (2a; 2b) which is different from the series to which other modules of the second group are associated, and adopts the lower partial label condition. 12.- Labelling machine as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein each labelling module (7) of said plurality comprises: - a support unit (8) for supporting a web (4) of labelling material in a wound form; - a feed roller configured for feeding the web (4) of labelling material along a feed path (P); - a cutting unit (12) configured for repeatedly cutting the web (4) thereby separating a sequence of labels (3) therefrom; - a label transfer drum (13) rotatable about a central axis (X) thereof and configured to sequentially receive the labels (3) and to transfer such labels (3) to an application station (A) for the application thereof onto respective containers (2); and - a gluing roller (14) configured to apply glue to the labels (3) being transferred by the transfer drum (13) prior to their application onto the respective containers (2). 13.- Labelling machine according to Claim 12, wherein each module of said plurality is configured so that the cutting unit operates for cutting the web or upstream with respect to the drum (13), or on the web being carried by the drum (13).