DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to an apparatus for moving containers. In particular, the apparatuses for which this invention is intended may be intended to move containers of different types and made of different materials, for example glass bottles, plastic vials, cardboard boxes, etc. between a plurality of distinct stations.

This invention also relates to an apparatus of the type equipped with a guide with linear motors along which conveying units are made to move forward in a controlled way, the conveying units in turn retaining and moving the containers.

Prior art apparatuses of this type usually comprise a guide, which defines a movement path. Also associated with this movement path, which extends between an infeed station and an outfeed station, there is at least one processing station, in many cases more than one. The term “processing” in the context of this invention means any operation which is carried out on the containers. Usually, the type and structure of the processing station depend on multiple factors, such as the container type, material and use. For example, if the containers are bottles intended to contain a drink, the processing station will typically be different from that necessary if the containers are cardboard boxes intended for non-food use. Therefore, this invention can be applied in both cases, and, in general, in cases which are very different from each other.

There are already prior art apparatuses for moving containers which use conveying units driven by means of linear motors, and, over time, various types of them have been proposed. A feature shared by nearly all of the prior art types is the fact that they have a closed loop guide along which the infeed station, one or more processing stations, and the outfeed station are positioned, in order. However, the apparatuses which have been proposed up to now have the considerable disadvantage of having large dimensions. That is mainly due to the fact that prior art guides with linear motors have to follow paths of extension in which there are no bends with small radii of curvature (such as sharp elbow bends), since they would make it impossible to precisely manage the movement of the conveying units and of the containers. Furthermore, in many prior art plants, the apparatuses for moving containers must extend between stations positioned in such a way that they are out of alignment, which would make it necessary to define a tortuous path of extension for the guide, typically with a winding shape. However, the spaces available do not always allow the creation of winding paths with large enough radii of curvature.

In contrast, when the space available is sufficient, that translates into apparatuses for moving containers which have very large dimensions, occupying a large space.

Moreover, the need to use large radii of curvature means that for most of these types of apparatuses, the containers are moved along most of the movement path without being subjected to any processing, merely to convey them from one processing station to the next.

Further disadvantages linked to the prior art apparatuses for moving containers, and to the plants of which they are a part, relate both to processing times, and to flexibility, that is to say, the ability of the apparatus to adapt to the rest of the plant.

The first aspect, linked to processing times, arises when the containers reach the processing station. In fact, in apparatuses with linear motors, the containers remain motionless in the processing station, until the end of their processing, unlike what happens in the case of carrousel apparatuses in which the entire processing is completed in the carrousel rotation time. That is particularly disadvantageous if the processing station is configured to carry out processing operations which require a lot of time (again in this case, depending on the type of container), as for example in the case in which the processing required is filling or washing of the containers.

The second aspect, linked to flexibility of assembly of the apparatus, mainly arises during the design and installation step. In fact, for most of the apparatuses, the movement path defined by the guide is barely adaptable and in many cases cannot be adapted to any particular features of the plant (for example like the construction features of the building or of the apparatuses already present in the plant and which cannot be shifted).

In this context the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to provide an apparatus for moving containers with linear motors which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

In particular the technical purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus for moving containers which can be more compact than the prior art apparatuses.

It is also the technical purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus for moving containers which allows a reduction in the container processing times compared with the prior art apparatuses.

The technical purpose specified and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by an apparatus for moving containers as described in the independent claim.

Preferred embodiments are described in the appended dependent claims.

Further features and the advantages of this invention will be more apparent in the detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate several preferred, non-limiting embodiments of an apparatus for moving containers, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of this invention, during a first operating step;

- Figures 2 to 15 show in order a sequence of further operating steps of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 16 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 17 is an enlarged view of a detail of the apparatus of Figure 16;

- Figure 18 is a perspective view from a different viewpoint of the apparatus of Figure 16;

- Figure 19 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 16;

- Figure 20 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 16;

- Figure 21 is a perspective view from a different viewpoint of a detail of the apparatus of Figure 20;

- Figure 22 is a perspective view from a further different viewpoint of a further detail of the apparatus of Figure 20;

- Figure 23 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 20; and

- Figures 24 to 43 show in order a sequence of operating steps of a further embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 1 .

With reference to the above-mentioned figures the reference number 1 denotes in its entirety an apparatus for moving containers 2 according to this invention.

The apparatus 1 for moving containers 2 comprises a guide 3, which defines a movement path, and a plurality of conveying units 4, movable along the movement path, which are slidably associated with the guide 3 and which are configured to retain and to move the containers 2. More precisely, the guide 3 is a guide with linear motors and the conveying units 4 are movable along the guide 3 by means of the linear motors of the guide 3 itself. The aspects which are strictly linked to operation of the guides 3 with linear motors, and in particular to operation of the linear motors themselves and to the interaction of the guide 3 with the conveying units 4, are aspects which are in themselves known to a person expert in the sector and will not be explained in further detail in the description below.

The guide 3 and the movement path defined by it extend at least between an infeed station 5 and an outfeed station 6. As explained in more detail below, in the preferred embodiments the guide 3 defines a closed movement path, that is to say, it defines a movement path which extends first from the infeed station 5 to the outfeed station 6, and then from the outfeed station 6 to the infeed station 5.

Along the movement path, in an intermediate position between the infeed station 5 and the outfeed station 6, at least one processing station 7 is associated with the guide 3. The expression “processing station” means any station in which there are means present which are configured to carry out any processing on the containers 2 moved by the conveying units 4. As indicated above, the term “processing” means any operation which can be carried out on the containers 2; the specific processing therefore depends on the type of plant in which the apparatus 1 is inserted. For example, processing may consist of filling the container 2, closing or capping the container 2, labelling the container 2, washing the container 2, etc.

Advantageously, in use, the conveying units 4 receive the containers 2 when they are in the infeed station 5, retain the containers 2 while they move forward along the movement path towards the outfeed station 6, and release the containers 2 when they are in the outfeed station 6. That is visible, for example, in Figure 19 for a first embodiment, and in Figure 23 for a second embodiment.

In the preferred embodiments, the conveying units 4 retain the containers 2 between the infeed station 5 and the outfeed station 6 along the entire movement path, therefore even when the conveying units 4 are in the processing station 7. However, alternative embodiments are possible, in which the conveying units 4 may disengage from and engage with the containers 2 multiple times along the movement path; one example of these embodiments is given by the case in which the conveying units 4 engage with the containers 2 from the infeed station 5 to the processing station 7, disengage from the containers 2 when the conveying units 4 reach the processing station 7 (for example to allow the processing to be carried out), and engage with the containers 2 again to move them along the movement path from the processing station 7 to the outfeed station 6.

In the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures, each conveying unit 4 is configured to move only one container 2 along the movement path between the infeed station 5 and the outfeed station 6. However, embodiments are possible in which each conveying unit 4 is configured to move a plurality of containers 2. In some embodiments, each conveying unit 4 can also be configured to operate in conjunction with one of the adjacent conveying units 4, in such a way as to move in a coordinated way a plurality of containers 2 (for example, two adjacent conveying units 4 can convey, in addition to the respective containers 2, also an additional container 2 by locking it between them).

Advantageously, each conveying unit 4 can switch its configuration between an operating configuration and a home configuration. Moreover, each conveying unit 4 is preferably movable independently of the others.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 16 to 23 each conveying unit 4 comprises two retaining elements 8 each slidably coupled to the guide 3. The two retaining elements 8 are separate and are configured to be moved along the guide 3 autonomously. However, their movement is coordinated in such a way that the two retaining elements 8 switch their configuration relative to each other between the operating configuration in which they are drawn close together to lock the container 2 between them and the home configuration in which they are spaced apart to allow both positioning of a new container 2 (at the infeed station 5), and removal of a container 2 already processed (at the outfeed station 6).

In other embodiments, such as that schematically illustrated in Figures 1 to 15, each conveying unit 4 may comprise a single element slidably coupled to the guide 3, equipped with gripping means switchable between the operating configuration and the home configuration.

In the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures, the containers 2 are schematically illustrated as having a cylindrical shape solely for illustrative purposes to approach the shape of a bottle or a vial. However, as already indicated, this invention is not limited by the features of the container 2, such as for example the shape, the material and the dimensions; in fact, it may be applied for any type of container, therefore even if the containers are not cylindrical, for example even cardboard boxes with the shape of a parallelepiped.

The guide 3 in turn comprises at least one first stretch 9 and one second stretch 10; the first stretch 9 defines a first portion of the movement path, and the second stretch 10 defines a second portion of the movement path. The first portion of the movement path is positioned upstream of the second portion. Advantageously, the conveying units 4 which are moved along the guide 3 and along the movement path, one after another, starting from the infeed station 5 and arriving at the outfeed station 6, first travel along at least part of the first stretch 9 of the guide 3 and of the first portion of the movement path and then at least part of the second stretch 10 of the guide 3 and of the second portion of the movement path.

The first stretch 9 and the second stretch 10 of the guide 3 are physically separate and distinct, and the guide 3 also comprises a first connecting section 11 , which is movable relative to the first stretch 9 and to the second stretch 10, between a first loading position and a first unloading position, for transferring one or a group of conveying units 4 from the first stretch 9 to the second stretch 10. When the first connecting section 11 is in the first loading position, the same first connecting section 11 is coupled to the first stretch 9 for receiving the conveying units 4 from the first stretch 9, whilst when the first connecting section 11 is in the first unloading position, the same first connecting section 11 is coupled to the second stretch 10 for feeding the conveying units 4 present on it to the second stretch 10. Preferably, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first loading position, the first connecting section 11 appears to be a continuation of the first stretch 9, whilst, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first unloading position, the second stretch 10 of the guide 3 appears to be a continuation of the first connecting section 11. An example of the first connecting section 11 in the first loading position is schematically shown in Figures 2 to 4, whilst an example of the first connecting section 11 in the first unloading position is also schematically shown in Figures 5 to 7.

Advantageously, the first connecting section 11 defines a first intermediate portion of the movement path, which is interposed between the first portion of the movement path and the second portion of the movement path, which are defined respectively by the first stretch 9 and by the second stretch 10. Preferably, the first stretch 9 comprises a first connecting end 12 and the second stretch 10 comprises a second connecting end 13. The first connecting section 11 is associated with the first connecting end 12, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first loading position, whilst the first connecting section 11 is associated with the second connecting end 13, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first unloading position. Moreover, preferably, the first connecting section 11 extends between a first movable end 14, which is coupled to the first connecting end 12 when the first connecting section 11 is in the first loading position, and a second movable end 15, which is at the opposite end to the first movable end 14.

In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in the accompanying figures, the first connecting section 11 translates between the first loading position and the first unloading position; Figure 19, for example, shows the first connecting section 11 during one of its translations between the first loading position and the first unloading position. In other embodiments, not illustrated, the first connecting section 11 , in contrast, rotates between the first loading position and the first unloading position. In yet other embodiments, also not illustrated, the first connecting section 11 translates and rotates between the first loading position and the first unloading position.

Depending on the way the first connecting section 11 moves between the first loading position and the first unloading position, and on the arrangement of the first stretch 9, of the second stretch 10 and of the first connecting section 11 relative to each other, different couplings are possible between the first connecting section 11 and the second stretch 10. In some embodiments, the first movable end 14 of the first connecting section 11 , is associated with the first connecting end 12 when the first connecting section 11 is in the first loading position, and with the second connecting end 13, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first unloading position. In other embodiments, in contrast, it is the second movable end 15 of the first connecting section 11 that is associated with the second connecting end 13 when the first connecting section 11 is in the first unloading position.

An important difference which may characterise the possible embodiments, relates to the order in which the conveying units 4, and consequently the containers 2 which are retained and moved by the conveying units 4, are moved from the first stretch 9 to the first connecting section 11 and from the first connecting section 11 to the second stretch 10. In fact, in some embodiments the order in which the conveying units 4 are moved from the first connecting section 11 to the second stretch 10 corresponds to the order in which the conveying units 4 are moved from the first stretch 9 to the first connecting section 11 (in this case the operation reflects that of a FIFO system, since the first conveying unit 4 which is moved from the first stretch 9 to the first connecting section 11 , is also the first conveying unit 4 to have been moved from the first connecting section 11 to the second stretch 10). This way of operating is adopted when, in the first unloading position, the first connecting section 11 is coupled to the second stretch 10 by means of its own second movable end 15. In other embodiments, in contrast, it is possible that the order in which the conveying units 4 are moved from the first connecting section 11 to the second stretch 10 is the opposite of the order in which the conveying units 4 are moved from the first stretch 9 to the first connecting section 11 (in this case the operation reflects that of a LIFO system, since the first conveying unit 4 which is moved from the first stretch 9 to the first connecting section 11 , is the last conveying unit 4 to have been moved from the first connecting section 11 to the second stretch 10). This way of operating is adopted when, in the first unloading position, the first connecting section 11 is coupled to the second stretch 10 by means of its own first movable end 14, as in the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures.

In the preferred embodiments, the first stretch 9 and the second stretch 10 extend respectively along a first main line and along a second main line, with the first main line and the second main line being straight and parallel to each other. Moreover, advantageously, the first connecting section 11 extends along a fourth main line, which is parallel to both the first main line and the second main line.

In these embodiments, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first loading position, the first main line and the fourth main line are coincident with each other (as shown in Figure 2), and the first connecting section 11 constitutes a continuation of the first stretch 9. Similarly, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first unloading position, the second main line and the fourth main line are coincident with each other (as shown in Figure 5), and the second stretch 10 constitutes a continuation of the first connecting section 11 .

In the preferred embodiments, the first connecting section 11 translates perpendicularly relative to the first main line and to the second main line.

In the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, the first connecting section 11 is moved only by means of a translation perpendicular to the first main line and to the second main line, and the first connecting end 12 and the second connecting end 13 are aligned with each other along a line perpendicular to the first main line and to the second main line (therefore parallel to the line of the translation).

Advantageously, both the first stretch 9 and the second stretch 10 of the guide 3 are motionless, that is to say, both of the two stretches 9, 10 are fixed and stationary relative to the ground; however alternative embodiments are possible, in which the first stretch 9 and/or the second stretch 10 are movable. Moreover, if both the first stretch 9 and the second stretch 10 are movable, it is possible that they are movable either one relative to the other or that they are movable together (therefore keeping their position relative to each other constant); the latter case could occur, for example, if both the first stretch 9, and the second stretch 10, are placed on a same translating carriage.

Although in some embodiments the outfeed station 6 could be associated with the second stretch 10 of the guide 3, hereinafter is a description of the preferred embodiment of this invention, which is the embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in the accompanying figures, in which the guide 3 also comprises a third stretch 16, with which the outfeed station 6 is associated. The third stretch 16, defines a third portion of the movement path which is placed downstream of the second portion of the movement path. The third stretch 16 of the guide 3 is physically separate and distinct from the second stretch 10.

In these embodiments the guide 3 also comprises a second connecting section 17 which is movable between a second loading position and a second unloading position for transferring a conveying unit 4, or a group of conveying units 4, from the second stretch 10 to the third stretch 16; when the second connecting section 17 is in the second loading position, the second connecting section 17 is coupled to the second stretch 10 for receiving the conveying units 4 from the second stretch 10, whilst when the second connecting section 17 is in the second unloading position, the second connecting section 17 is coupled to the third stretch 16 for feeding the conveying units 4 present on it to the third stretch 16.

For example, in Figures 2 to 4 the second connecting section 17 is in the second loading position, whilst in Figures 5 to 7 the second connecting section 17 is in the second unloading position. Advantageously, similarly to what was described for the first connecting section 11 , the second connecting section 17 also appears to be a continuation of the second stretch 10, when the second connecting section 17 is in the second loading position, whilst the third stretch 16 appears to be a continuation of the second connecting section 17, when the second connecting section 17 is in the second unloading position.

Preferably, moreover, the second connecting section 17 defines a second intermediate portion of the movement path which is interposed between the second portion of the movement path and the third portion of the movement path.

In the preferred embodiments, the third stretch 16 comprises a third connecting end 18, with which the second connecting section 17 is associated, when the second connecting section 17 is in the second unloading position. Moreover, preferably, the second connecting section 17 extends between a third movable end 19, which is associated with the third connecting end 18 when the second connecting section 17 is in the second unloading position, and a fourth movable end 20, which is at the opposite end to the third movable end 19.

In the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures, the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 17 are alternatively couplable to the second stretch 10 at the same second connecting end 13 of the second stretch 10. The second stretch 10 is in fact configured both to receive the conveying units 4 from the first connecting section 11 , and to release the conveying units 4 to the second connecting section 17, across its second connecting end 13. Therefore, in this case, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first unloading position, the first connecting section 11 and the second stretch 10 are coupled to each other, whilst the second connecting section 17 and the second stretch 10 are uncoupled from each other; when, in contrast, the second connecting section 17 is in the second loading position, the second connecting section 17 and the second stretch 10 are coupled to each other, whilst the first connecting section 11 and the second stretch 10 are uncoupled from each other.

However, different embodiments are in any case possible, in which the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 17 are couplable to the second stretch 10 respectively the former at the second connecting end 13, and the latter at a first opposite end 21 of the second stretch 10, which is at the opposite end to the second connecting end 13. In that case it is also possible that the second connecting section 17 is in the second loading position when the first connecting section 11 is in the first unloading position, that is to say, that the second connecting section 17 and the first connecting section 11 are both simultaneously coupled to the second stretch 10. In these embodiments, one of either the first movable end 14 or the second movable end 15 of the first connecting section 11 is associated with the second connecting end 13, whilst one of either the third movable end 19 or the fourth movable end 20 of the second connecting section 17 is associated with the first opposite end 21 .

In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in the accompanying figures, the second connecting section 17 translates between the second loading position and the second unloading position; Figure 19, for example, also shows the second connecting section 17 during one of its translations between the second loading position and the second unloading position.

In some embodiments, the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 17 translate parallel to each other.

In the preferred embodiments, the second connecting section 17 translates perpendicularly relative to the first main line and to the second main line.

In the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, the second connecting section 17, similarly to the first connecting section 11 , is moved only by means of a translation perpendicular to the first main line and to the second main line, and the first connecting end 12, the second connecting end 13 and the third connecting end 18 are aligned along a line perpendicular both to the first main line and to the second main line. In this case, the same third movable end 19 of the second connecting section 17 is associated with the second connecting end 13 of the second stretch 10, when the second connecting section 17 is in the second loading position, and with the third connecting end 18 of the third stretch 16, when the second connecting section 17 is in the second unloading position.

In any case, different embodiments of the apparatus 1 are possible, not illustrated, in which the second connecting section 17 rotates between the second loading position and the second unloading position or in which the second connecting section 17 translates and rotates between the second loading position and the second unloading position.

Therefore, as seen, depending on the type of movement of the second connecting section 17 between the second loading position and the second unloading position, and on the position of the first stretch 9 and of the second stretch 10 relative to each other, different couplings from what is shown in the accompanying figures are possible between the second connecting section 17 and the third stretch 16.

In some embodiments, as for example in those illustrated, the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 17 are movable in a coordinated way, in ways which will be described in detail below.

In some embodiments, not illustrated, the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 17 are movable together, in such a way that, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first loading position, the second connecting section 17 is in the second loading position and, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first unloading position, the second connecting section 17 is in the second unloading position.

Similarly to what was previously described for the first connecting section 11 , also for the second connecting section 17 an important difference between the possible embodiments relates to the order in which the conveying units 4, and consequently the containers 2 which are retained and moved by the conveying units 4, are moved from the second stretch 10 to the second connecting section 17 and from the second connecting section 17 to the third stretch 16. In fact, in some embodiments the order in which the conveying units 4 are moved from the second connecting section 17 to the third stretch 16 is that in which the conveying units 4 are moved from the second stretch 10 to the second connecting section 17 (in this case the operation reflects that of a FIFO system, since the first conveying unit 4 which is moved from the second stretch 10 to the second connecting section 17 is the first conveying unit 4 to be moved from the second connecting section 17 to the third stretch 16). This way of operating is adopted when, in the second unloading position, the second connecting section 17 is coupled to the third stretch 16 by means of its own fourth movable end 20. In other embodiments, in contrast, the order in which the conveying units 4 are moved from the second connecting section 17 to the third stretch 16 is the opposite of the order in which the conveying units 4 are moved from the second stretch 10 to the second connecting section 17 (in this case the operation reflects that of a LIFO system, since the first conveying unit 4 which is moved from the second stretch 10 to the second connecting section 17, is the last conveying unit 4 to be moved from the second connecting section 17 to the third stretch 16). This way of operating is adopted when, in the second unloading position, the second connecting section 17 is coupled to the third stretch 16 by means of its own third movable end 19, as in the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures.

In the preferred embodiments, the third stretch 16 extends mainly parallel to the first main line and the second main line, advantageously along a third main line. Moreover, preferably, the second connecting section 17 extends along a fifth main line. In these embodiments, when the second connecting section 17 is in the second loading position, the second main line and the fifth main line are coincident with each other and, when the second connecting section 17 is in the second unloading position, the third main line and the fifth main line are coincident with each other.

Advantageously, the third stretch 16 of the guide 3 is motionless, similarly to what was previously described for the first stretch 9 and for the second stretch 10 of the preferred embodiments. However, alternative embodiments are possible, not illustrated, in which the third stretch 16 is movable, whilst the first stretch 9 and/or the second stretch 10 are fixed, or in which the third stretch 16 is fixed, whilst the first stretch 9 and/or the second stretch 10 are movable. Moreover, if the third stretch 16 is movable with the first stretch 9 and the second stretch 10, it is possible that the third stretch 16 is movable relative to the first stretch 9 and/or to the second stretch 10, or that the third stretch 16 is movable together with the first stretch 9 and/or with the second stretch 10 (therefore keeping their positions relative to each other constant); this latter case could occur, for example, if the first stretch 9, the second stretch 10 and the third stretch 16 are placed on a same translating carriage. Advantageously, the guide 3 also comprises a feeding stretch 22 which is configured to feed the conveying units 4 to the first stretch 9 and which is movable between a pick-up position and a releasing position. When the feeding stretch 22 is in the pick-up position, it receives the conveying units 4, whilst when the feeding stretch 22 is in the releasing position, it feeds the conveying units 4 to the first stretch 9. When the feeding stretch 22 is in the releasing position, moreover, the feeding stretch 22 is coupled to the first stretch 9 at an infeed end 23 of the first stretch 9, which is at the opposite end to the first connecting end 12 of the first stretch 9, with which the first connecting section 11 is associated. Substantially, therefore, the feeding of the conveying units 4 from the feeding stretch 22 to the first stretch 9 and the movement of the conveying units 4 from the first stretch 9 to the first connecting section 11 occur at opposite ends of the first stretch 9, respectively at the infeed end 23 and at the first connecting end 12. Figure 1 shows the apparatus 1 in which the feeding stretch 22 is in the releasing position (and feeding of the conveying units 4 to the first stretch 9 is in progress) and the first connecting section 11 is in the first loading position.

In the preferred embodiments, the feeding stretch 22 extends parallel to the main lines which are defined by the other elements of the guide 3 (the first stretch 9, the second stretch 10 and the first connecting section 11 ). Advantageously, the feeding stretch 22 translates and/or rotates between the pick-up position and the releasing position. In particular, the feeding stretch 22 translates, between the pick-up position and the releasing position, perpendicularly relative to the first line of extension and to the second line of extension, and parallel to the movement of the first connecting section 11 between the first loading position and the first unloading position. Figure 19 and 23 show the feeding stretch 22 while it is moved from the releasing position to the pick-up position (in these figures, the feeding stretch 22 does not move any conveying units 4). Similarly to what was described for the movement of the first connecting section 11 , further embodiments are however possible in which, in contrast, the feeding stretch 22 rotates between the pick-up position and the releasing position or in which the feeding stretch 22 rotates and translates between the pick-up position and the releasing position.

Advantageously, in the preferred embodiments in which the guide 3 comprises the feeding stretch 22, when the feeding stretch 22 is in the pickup position, the feeding stretch 22 is coupled to the third stretch 16 for receiving the conveying units 4 from the third stretch 16, at a second opposite end 24 of the third stretch 16, which is at the opposite end to the third connecting end 18 of the third stretch 16 with which the second connecting section 17 is associated. Preferably, the feeding stretch 22 therefore defines a third intermediate portion of the movement path, which is interposed between the third portion and the first portion, closing the movement path.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 16 to 19, the conveying units 4 are fed to the feeding stretch 22 after having disengaged from the containers 2, that is to say, that the feeding stretch 22 feeds only the conveying units 4 to the first stretch 9. In this embodiment, the feeding stretch 22 feeds the conveying units 4 upstream of the infeed station 5, which is associated with the first stretch 9, whilst the feeding stretch 22 receives the conveying units 4 downstream of the outfeed station 6, which is associated with the third stretch 16.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 20 to 23, in contrast, the conveying units 4 are moved to the feeding stretch 22 after having received the new containers 2 to be processed, that is to say, that the feeding stretch 22 feeds conveying units 4 which retain the containers 2 to the first stretch 9. Therefore, unlike what was described for the previous case, in this embodiment, the feeding stretch 22 is positioned downstream of the infeed station 5; the latter, similarly to the outfeed station 6, is in fact associated with the third stretch 16. Advantageously, the feeding stretch 22 also extends parallel to the first main line and to the second main line; moreover, preferably, the feeding stretch 22 translates perpendicularly to the first main line and to the second main line, between the pick-up position and the releasing position.

In any case, the feeding stretch 22 allows recirculation of the conveying units 4, whether they retain the containers 2, or they do not retain the containers 2.

However, this invention is not limited by the type of extension of the feeding stretch 22, or by it positioning, or by the ways in which it is moved between the pick-up position and the releasing position (for example, below reference is made to how the feeding stretch 22 may be directly associated with the second stretch 10 when the outfeed station 6 is positioned along the second stretch 10).

In the preferred embodiments, all of the elements which are part of the guide 3 (the first stretch 9, the second stretch 10, the third stretch 16, the first connecting section 11 , the second connecting section 17 and the feeding stretch 22, or those effectively present between them) extend parallel to each other.

In all of the embodiments, all of the elements which are part of the guide 3 (the first stretch 9, the second stretch 10, the third stretch 16, the first connecting section 11 , the second connecting section 17 and the feeding stretch 22, or those effectively present between them) are equipped with linear motors for moving the conveying units 4.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the guide 3 comprises the first stretch 9, the second stretch 10 and the third stretch 16, which define respectively the first portion, the second portion and the third portion of the movement path, the first connecting section 11 , the second connecting section 17 and the feeding stretch 22, which define respectively the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion of the movement path and the third intermediate portion.

Starting from the infeed station 5, in which they receive the containers 2 (in ways described below), the conveying units 4, retaining the respective containers 2, are moved along the first stretch 9 towards the first connecting end 12 and away from the infeed end 23; when the first connecting section 11 is in the first loading position, the first connecting end 12 is associated with the first movable end 14 of the first connecting section 11 and the guide 3 extends along the first stretch 9 and the first connecting section 11 substantially without a break. The conveying units 4 pass beyond the first connecting end 12 and are positioned along the first connecting section 11. Then the first connecting section 11 is moved from the first loading position to the first unloading position, where the first movable end 14 of the first connecting section 11 is coupled to the second connecting end 13 of the second stretch 10. In this configuration the guide 3 extends along the first connecting section 11 and the second stretch 10 substantially without a break. The conveying units 4 are moved beyond the second connecting end 13, towards the first opposite end 21 of the second stretch 10. When the conveying units 4 previously present on the first connecting section 11 have been transferred onto the second stretch 10, the first connecting section 11 uncouples from the second stretch 10 and the second connecting section 17 moves until it reaches the second loading position. At that point the second connecting section 17 and the second stretch 10 are coupled to each other, with the third movable end 19 coupled to the second connecting end 13. In this configuration the guide 3 extends along the second stretch 10 and the second connecting section 17 substantially without a break. The conveying units 4 are then moved from the second stretch 10 to the second connecting section 17. When the conveying units 4 are on the second connecting section 17, the second connecting section 17 is moved from the second loading position to the second unloading position, in which the second connecting section 17 is coupled to the third stretch 16, with the third movable end 19 associated with the third connecting end 18 of the third stretch 16. In this configuration the guide 3 extends along the second connecting section 17 and the third stretch 16 substantially without a break. When the second unloading position is reached, the conveying units 4 are moved from the second connecting section 17 to the third stretch 16, passing beyond the third connecting end 18. The conveying units 4 are moved along the third stretch 16 and in the outfeed station 6, the conveying units 4 free the containers 2. At that point the conveying units 4 continue their movement towards the feeding stretch 22, which is in the pick-up position. When the conveying units 4 are on the feeding stretch 22, the same feeding stretch 22 is moved from the pick-up position to the releasing position; in this latter position, the feeding stretch 22 is coupled to the first stretch 9, whose infeed end 23 is associated with the feeding stretch 22, and the conveying units 4 are transferred onto the first stretch 9. At this point, the infeed station 5 being associated with the first stretch 9, at the infeed station 5 the containers 2 are fed to the conveying units 4. From this point, the movement cycle begins again and again follows what has been described up to now.

Therefore, it should be noticed that in the preferred embodiment the movement path is advantageously a closed path and comprises, in order: the first portion (defined by the first stretch 9), the first intermediate portion (defined by the first connecting section 11 ), the second portion (defined by the second stretch 10), the second intermediate portion (defined by the second connecting section 17), the third portion (defined by the third stretch 16) and the third intermediate portion (defined by the feeding stretch 22).

In some embodiments at least some portions of the movement path are travelled along twice with motion in both directions, whilst others are travelled along in one direction.

Moreover, the conveying units 4 retain and move the containers 2 in the part of the movement path which goes from the infeed station 5 to the outfeed station 6, whilst they move without containers 2 in the return part, from the outfeed station 6 to the infeed station 5.

What is described is the preferred movement for the conveying units 4 since it is particularly advantageous for a processing sequence for the containers 2 such as that described below. However, alternative embodiments are possible, not illustrated in the accompanying figures.

In one of these alternative embodiments, the guide 3 does not comprise the third stretch 16 and the second connecting section 17: in this case the outfeed station 6 is associated with the second stretch 10 of the guide 3 and the conveying units 4 are recirculated to the first stretch 9 directly from the second stretch 10 (by means of the feeding stretch 22); what is described above relative to the third stretch 16 in this case applies for the second stretch 10.

In another of these alternative embodiments, the guide 3 comprises the third stretch 16, with which the outfeed station 6 is associated, but does not comprise the second connecting section 17. In this case the first connecting section 11 , is movable not just between the first loading position and the first unloading position, but also between the first unloading position, in which the first connecting section 11 is coupled to the second stretch 10 for receiving the conveying units 4 from the second stretch 10, and a final position, in which the first connecting section 11 is coupled to the third stretch 16 for feeding the conveying units 4 to the third stretch 16 in a way completely similar to what is described above for the second connecting section 17.

According to one of the innovative aspects of this invention, the processing station 7 is associated with the first connecting section 11 and is movable with it. Advantageously, moreover, the processing station 7 is configured to operate during the movement of the first connecting section 11 between the first loading position and the first unloading position. Embodiments are possible in which the processing station 7 operates either during the movement of the first connecting section 11 from the first loading position to the first unloading position, or during the movement of the first connecting section 11 from the first unloading position to the first loading position, or both during the movement of the first connecting section 11 from the first loading position to the first unloading position, and during the movement of the first connecting section 11 from the first unloading position to the first loading position. In any case, this invention is not in any way limited by the ways in which the processing station 7 operates.

In particular, the processing station 7 may be configured to operate both during its movement from the first loading position to the first unloading position, and during its movement from the first unloading position to the first loading position, if the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 17 are movable together. As described below, and illustrated in the accompanying figures 1 to 15, in fact, when the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 17 are movable together, the second connecting section 17 may have to perform its movement cycle twice, before the first connecting section 11 can unload the containers 2 to the second stretch 10.

In some embodiments, the processing station 7 is a filling station 25 which comprises a plurality of filling devices 26, which are configured to fill the containers 2. Advantageously, moreover, the filling devices 26 of the filling station 25 are configured to fill the containers 2 during the movement of the first connecting section 11 between the first loading position and the first unloading position.

In other embodiments, in contrast, the processing station 7 is a closing station 27, which comprises a plurality of closing devices 28, which are configured to close the containers 2. Advantageously, moreover, the closing devices 28 of the closing station 27 are configured to close the containers 2 during the movement of the first connecting section 11 between the first loading position and the first unloading position.

Although the processing station 7 is configured to process the containers 2 during the movement of the first connecting section 11 between the first loading position and the first unloading position, that does not rule out the possibility of it also processing them while it is in the first loading position and/or in the first unloading position.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 has a plurality of processing stations 7 associated with the guide 3 along the movement path. In particular, in the embodiments illustrated the apparatus 1 has two processing stations 7: one of the two processing stations 7 is a filling station 25 which comprises a plurality of filling devices 26, which are configured to fill the containers 2; the other processing station 7, in contrast, is a closing station 27 which comprises a plurality of closing devices 28, which are configured to close the containers 2. Moreover, the filling station 25 is positioned upstream, along the movement path, relative to the closing station 27. Advantageously, the filling station 25 is associated with the first connecting section 11 and is movable with it, whilst the closing station 27 is associated with the second stretch 10. Preferably, therefore, the filling devices 26 are configured to fill the containers 2 when the first connecting section 11 is moved between the first loading position and the first unloading position, whilst the closing devices 28 are configured to close the containers 2 while they are motionless on the second stretch 10. This solution is particularly advantageous because the time necessary to fill the containers 2 is usually significantly longer than that necessary for closing, and having combined the filling operation with the movement allows a reduction in any dead times.

Advantageously, the closing station 27 comprises a first number of closing devices 28 and each of these closing devices 28 is configured to close the containers 2 at a first rate; the filling station 25, in contrast, comprises a second number of filling devices 26 and each of these filling devices 26 is configured to fill the containers 2 at a second rate. The ratio between the first rate and the second rate is an integer, which is equal to the ratio between the second number of filling devices 26 and the first number of closing devices 28, and is advantageously equal to or greater than two.

In the embodiments illustrated, there are fourteen filling devices 26, whilst there are seven closing devices 28: therefore, the second number is fourteen whilst the first number is seven. Consequently, the ratio between the second number and the first number is two. Therefore, the ratio between the first rate and the second rate is also two: meaning that, in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the closing devices 28 are configured to close the containers 2 at a rate which is double the rate at which the filling devices 26 are configured to fill the containers 2. Substantially, in a time period which is necessary for the filling devices 26 to fill the containers 2, the closing devices 28 close double the number of filled containers 2. In this case, since the number of closing devices 28 is half that of the filling devices 26, in a same time period the number of containers 2 closed by the closing devices 28, is equal to the number of containers 2 filled by the filling devices 26.

In any case it is possible, in other embodiments, that the ratio between the first rate and the second rate and/or the ratio between the second number of filling device 26 and the first number of closing devices 28 is not an integer. For example, there may be ten filling devices 26, whilst there may be three closing devices 28; in this case the second number is ten whilst the first number is three. Consequently, the ratio between the second number and the first number is not an integer.

In the embodiments in which the guide 3 also comprises the second connecting section 17, the second connecting section 17 is moved cyclically between the second loading position and the second unloading position at the first rate, whilst the first connecting section 11 is moved cyclically between the first loading position and the first unloading position at the second rate. With reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, and to what was previously described, the second connecting section 17 is moved from the second loading position to the second unloading position and vice versa, at a rate which is double the rate at which the first connecting section 11 is moved from the first loading portion to the first unloading portion and vice versa.

In particular, in the time during which the first connecting section 11 is moved from the first loading position to the first unloading position (during which the filling devices 26 fill the fourteen containers 2), the second connecting section 17 is moved from the second loading position to the second unloading position, from the second unloading position to the second loading position and again from the second loading position to the second unloading position (the first time moving seven closed containers 2 and the second time moving another seven closed containers 2).

Advantageously, the first connecting section 11 shifts from the first loading position to the first unloading position at the same time as a shifting of the second connecting section 17 from the second loading position to the second unloading position.

More generally, since, as indicated, it is possible that the second connecting section 17 may have to shift multiple times from the second loading position to the second unloading position and vice versa, in the time in which the first connecting section 11 must shift only once, in some embodiments the first connecting section 11 only shifts when the second connecting section 17 shifts for the last time (therefore, the two movements are coordinated but disconnected).

In the cases illustrated in the accompanying figures, in contrast, the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 17 move together. Consequently, the first connecting section 11 moves forward and backward between the first loading position and the first unloading position each time the second connecting section 17 shifts from the second loading position to the second unloading position (obviously the transfer of the conveying units 4 from the first connecting section 11 to the second stretch 10 will only occur after the last shift in each series). In all of the accompanying figures this is the situation illustrated.

In some embodiments the infeed station 5 is associated with the first stretch 9 of the guide 3. In particular, in some cases in which the infeed position of the containers 2 is fixed, the infeed station 5 is advantageously placed at the infeed end 23 of the first stretch 9 of the guide 3, which is at the opposite end to the first connecting end 12. In other cases, in contrast, the infeed station 5 extends for a significant part of the first portion of the movement path.

In the preferred embodiments, the apparatus 1 also comprises a feeding device 29, which is configured to feed the containers 2 to the conveying units 4.

In some embodiments, the feeding device 29 comprises at least one robotic system 30 equipped with at least one arm 31 , which is configured to pick up each container 2 from a loading zone and to position the container 2 in a position suitable for allowing it to be gripped by the conveying unit 4, preferably positioning them at a conveying unit 4 in the home configuration which is then switched to the operating configuration before the arm 31 releases the container 2. Advantageously, the arm 31 has, at one end, a gripping triangle 32, which tightens around the container 2 without altering its shape, and which is configured to move the container 2 towards the conveying units 4.

In the embodiment of Figures 16 to 19, the apparatus 1 comprises two robotic systems 30, and each of them has, at one end, the gripping triangle 32 for moving the containers 2 towards the conveying units 4. The feeding device 29 also comprises a conveyor belt 33, which is slidable relative to the robotic systems 30 and on which the containers 2 arriving at the infeed station 5 are positioned; the conveyor belt 33, preferably extends parallel to the first main line, and is in a position such that the arms 31 are able to pick up the containers 2 from the conveyor belt 33 and to feed them to the conveying units 4.

Whilst in the embodiment of Figures 16 to 19 the feeding device 29 is associated with the first stretch 9 of the guide 3, in other embodiments it may be associated with a same stretch with which the outfeed station 6 is associated, downstream of the latter, as in the case of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 20 to 23, in which the containers 2 are not fed directly to the first stretch 9 but to the third stretch 16.

Figures 20 to 23 also show a different embodiment of the feeding device 29 (which could also be associated with the first stretch 9). In this embodiment, there is a conveyor 34 which at its end part extends first transversally to the movement path and then alongside the movement path; in such a way as to position each container 2 at a conveying unit 4 in the home configuration, supporting it from below at least until the conveying unit 4 has switched to the operating configuration.

However, in other embodiments not illustrated it is possible that there is a conveyor 34 which extends transversally, and in particular perpendicularly, to the movement path. In this case the conveyor 34 allows each container 2 to be positioned between two retaining elements 8 of a same conveying unit 4 in the home configuration; when the container 2 reaches this position the conveying unit 4 switches to the operating configuration closing the container 2 between the respective two retaining elements 8. The conveying unit 4, and the respective container 2, are then moved in such a way as to allow the next container 2 to be gripped by another conveying unit 4. Embodiments are also possible, also not illustrated, in which a plurality of conveyors 34 are present. For example, there may be two conveyors 34 present, each of which is similar to that shown in Figure 23. In this case the two conveyors 34 may be alongside each other, respectively one nearer to and one further from the feeding stretch 22. The two conveyors 34 are configured to operate in a synchronised way, in such a way that the containers 2 are fed while avoiding any interference, for example interference between the containers 2 fed by the conveyor 34 nearer to the feeding stretch 22 (first conveyor 34) and the conveying units 4 in the operating configuration which move the respective containers 2 fed by the conveyor 34 further from the feeding stretch 22 (second conveyor 34). In fact, if the various movements are not controlled, the latter conveying units 4, and the respective containers 2, could collide with the other containers 2 fed by the first conveyor 34. To achieve synchronisation so as to avoid the interference described above, it is possible that upstream of the two conveyors 34 there is a divider which sorts the containers 2 between the first conveyor 34 and the second conveyor 34. Advantageously, the movement of the conveying units 4 in the infeed station 5, and the movement of the containers 2 along the conveyor 34 are coordinated in such a way that the containers 2 are picked up by the conveying units 4 while both they, and the conveying units 4, are moving.

However, embodiments are possible in which the conveying units 4 engage with the containers 2 in a different way, such as for example when the containers 2 and the conveying units 4 are not moving relative to each other. In any case, the apparatus 1 according to this invention is not limited by the type or by the operation of the feeding device 29 for the containers 2.

At the outfeed station 6 the apparatus 1 comprises a pick-up device 35 which is configured to pick up the containers 2 from the conveying units 4. At the outfeed station 6 the conveying units 4 free the containers 2, which are picked up by the pick-up device 35 which can then transfer them onto an outfeed guide 36. In the embodiments illustrated the outfeed guide 36 advantageously extends perpendicularly relative to the first main line and to the second main line.

In the preferred embodiments, the pick-up device 35 in turn comprises a carrousel 37, which picks up the containers 2 from the conveying units 4 at the outfeed station 6, and a transfer starwheel 38, which receives the containers 2 from the carrousel 37 and which places them on the guide 3 at the outfeed 36. In the known way, the carrousel 37 and the transfer starwheel 38 advantageously rotate relative to each other.

In the preferred embodiment, in which the apparatus 1 is intended for filling and closing bottles or vials, the carrousel 37 is part of a labelling machine (in the accompanying figures the labelling units are not illustrated).

Below is a description of an example of an operating cycle of the apparatus 1 according to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 15. The operating cycle will be described with reference to a first group of conveying units 4 which, in the example in the accompanying figures, is constituted of fourteen conveying units 4.

In the starting situation shown in Figure 1 , the feeding stretch 22 is in the releasing position, and is coupled to the infeed end 23 of the first stretch 9. The conveying units 4 are in the home configuration and are being transferred from the feeding stretch 22 to the first stretch 9 of the guide 3; these conveying units 4, as will be described below, had been received by the feeding stretch 22 when it was in the pick-up position. In parallel a corresponding number of containers 2 (a group) is shown arriving at the infeed station 5 which is located along the first stretch 9. At that point, the feeding device 29, feeds each container 2 of the group to a different conveying unit 4, which is switched to the operating configuration, in such a way that the conveying units 4 retain and can move the containers 2 while they travel along the movement path.

The conveying units 4 loaded with the respective containers 2, are moved along the first stretch 9 of the guide 3 until they are near the first connecting end 12 at which the group is compacted (Figure 2). In the accompanying figures the first connecting section 11 placed in the first loading position is already associated with the first connecting end 12; the conveying units 4 are then transferred onto the first connecting section 11 (Figure 3).

Associated with the first connecting section 11 is the filling station 25 (schematically illustrated with a rectangle in Figure 4), which has the filling devices 26 placed alongside each other (fourteen in the case illustrated); as soon as the conveying units 4 are each placed at a respective filling device 26 (Figure 3), the filling devices 26 are activated to start filling the containers 2 (Figure 4). The filling continues during the movement of the first connecting section 11 from the first loading position to the first unloading position. As can be seen, in this embodiment the second connecting section 17 is movable in a way coordinated with the first connecting section 11 ; the second connecting section 17 is in the second loading position, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first loading position (Figure 4) whilst the second connecting section 17 is in the second unloading position, when the first connecting section 11 is in the first unloading position (Figure 5).

When the first unloading position has been reached and filling has ended (Figure 5), the conveying units 4, and the respective containers 2, are transferred from the first connecting section 11 to the second stretch 10 of the guide 3 (Figure 6), with which the closing station 27 is associated, which in this case is advantageously a capping station. The number of closing devices 28 present in the closing station 27, is half that of the filling devices 26 present in the filling station 25. For this reason, the containers 2 which were previously filled are closed in two successive stages. In Figure 7, the closing station 27 is shown by a rectangle, similarly to the filling station 25 of Figure 4. As can be seen the closing station 27 is drawn near to the second connecting end 13, and, after having been transferred from the first connecting section 11 , the conveying units 4 are positioned one half each at a closing device 28, and the other half beyond the closing device 28 towards the first opposite end 21. Then the closing devices 28 are activated to close the first half of the group of containers 2.

During the step of closing the first half of the containers 2, the first connecting section 11 and the second connecting section 17 are moved respectively from the first unloading position to the first loading position and from the second unloading position to the second loading position. This movement allows the second connecting section 17, when the closing devices 28 have closed the first half of the containers 2 of the group, to be coupled to the second stretch 10 and to be ready to receive half of the group of conveying units 4 and the respective first half of the closed containers 2 (Figure 8).

When the second closing section 17 has received the conveying units 4 which move the closed containers 2 of the first group (Figure 9), the second half of the conveying units 4 of the group have been moved along the second stretch

10 until they are at the closing station 27, in such a way that the closing devices 28 can close the second half of the containers 2 of the group (Figures 9-10). In the meantime the first connecting section 11 is again moved from the first loading position towards the first unloading position whilst the second connecting section 17 with the first half of the group of conveying units 4 is moved from the second loading position (Figure 9) to the second unloading position (Figure 10).

During closing of the second half of the containers 2 of the first group, the first half of the conveying units 4 and the respective containers 2, are therefore moved by the second connecting section 17 until they are at the third stretch 16 of the guide 3 (Figure 10). After the transfer of the first half of the conveying units 4 of the group onto the third stretch 16 (Figure 11 ), the second connecting section 17 is moved from the second unloading position to the second loading position again (Figure 12 - the first connecting section

11 is also moved simultaneously). In the meantime the first half of the conveying units 4 begin moving towards the outfeed station 6 (it may even already start the unloading operations). When the second connecting section 17 is again in the second loading position (Figure 12), the second half of the containers 2 of the first group, which were closed during the steps shown from Figure 9 to Figure 11 , are moved from the second stretch 10 to the second connecting section 17 (Figures 12 and 13). When the conveying units 4, which move the second half of the containers 2 of the first group, are all on the second connecting section 17 (Figure 13), the second connecting section 17 is again moved from the second loading position to the second unloading position (Figure 14).

When the second connecting section 17 reaches the second unloading position, the conveying units 4 which retain and move the second half of the containers 2 of the group, filled and closed, are also transferred from the second connecting section 17 to the third stretch 16 (Figure 15). Then all of the containers 2 of the first group are moved towards the outfeed station 6, which is associated with the third stretch 16 (not illustrated). The conveying units 4 disengage from the containers 2 at the outfeed station 6 and are transferred onto the feeding stretch 22 of the guide 3 which is in the pick-up position. When all of the conveying units 4 are on the feeding stretch 22, that feeding stretch 22 is moved from the pick-up position to the releasing position, and the cycle can begin again.

As previously explained, the movement of only one group of containers 2 (first group of containers 2) has been described up to now. However, the apparatus 1 may advantageously be configured to simultaneously move a plurality of groups of containers 2; at each moment each group of containers 2 is located in a different position and is subjected to a different operating step.

More generally, considering the apparatus 1 of Figures 1 to 15, it is possible to control the guide 3 with linear motors in such a way as to have in: a first group of conveying units 4 at the infeed station 5 at the start of the step of loading with the containers 2; a second group of conveying units 4 in the filling station 25 at the start of the filling operations; a third group of conveying units 4 at the closing station 27, with a first half of the containers 2 at the start of the closing operations and the other half waiting; a fourth group of conveying units 4 on the third stretch 16 of the guide 3, half of which have already moved beyond the outfeed station 6 and half of which are starting to reach the outfeed station 6; and a fifth group of empty conveying units 4, on the feeding stretch 22 and being transferred from the third stretch 16 to the first stretch 9.

Each group of conveying units 4 then moves forward along the movement path as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 15.

If a stretch or connecting section is long enough to simultaneously house multiple groups of conveying units 4, even more of them may be present.

In one possible embodiment of this invention, shown in Figures 24 to 43, the apparatus 1 comprises two first connecting sections 11 , each of which is associated with the filling station 25. Therefore, the apparatus 1 has two filling stations 25, one for each first connecting section 11 .

Moreover, the apparatus 1 comprises two second stretches 10, with each of which the closing station 27 is associated. Therefore, the apparatus 1 has two closing stations 27, one for each second stretch 10. When the two first connecting sections 11 are in the respective first unloading positions, each of the two first connecting sections 11 is coupled to one of the two second stretches 10. In particular, the first connecting section 11 which in the figures is placed higher is in the first unloading position when it is coupled to the second stretch 10 which in the figures is placed higher, whilst the first connecting section 11 which in the figures is placed lower is in the first unloading position when it is coupled to the second stretch 10 which in the figures is placed lower.

Advantageously, the two first connecting sections 11 are in the respective first unloading positions simultaneously (see for example Figure 28) since there are two second stretches 10 present; the two first connecting sections 11 , in contrast, are in the respective first loading positions one at a time (see for example Figures 25 and 26) since there is only one first stretch 9 present.

It should be noticed that the first connecting section 11 which in the figures is placed lower, when it is moved between its first loading position and its first unloading position, adopts a first intermediate position in which it is associated with the second stretch 10 which in the figures is placed higher. This first connecting section 11 is configured to not transfer the conveying units 4 with the respective containers 2 to the second stretch 10 when it is in the first intermediate position.

Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises two second connecting sections 17; when the two second connecting sections 17 are in the respective second loading positions, each of the two second connecting sections 17 is coupled to one of the two second stretches 10. In a way substantially similar to that previously described, the second connecting section 17 which in the figures is placed higher is in the second loading position when it is coupled to the second stretch 10 which in the figures is placed higher, whilst the second connecting section 17 which in the figures is placed lower is in the second loading position when it is coupled to the second stretch 10 which in the figures is placed lower. Moreover, the two second connecting sections 17 are in the respective second loading positions simultaneously (see for example Figure 31 ) since there are two second stretches 10 present; the two second connecting sections 17, in contrast, are in the respective second unloading positions one at a time (see for example Figures 34 and 35) since there is only one third stretch 16 present. It should also be noticed that the second connecting section 17 which in the figures is placed higher, when it is moved between its second loading position and its second unloading position, adopts a second intermediate position in which it is associated with the second stretch 10 which in the figures is placed lower. This second connecting section 17 is configured to not receive the conveying units 4 with the respective containers 2 from the second stretch 10 when it is in the second intermediate position.

However, embodiments are possible, not illustrated, in which only one second connecting section 17 is present, alternatively couplable to the two second stretches 10, which will be briefly described below. In this case the second connecting section 17 is in the second loading position both when it is coupled to the second stretch 10 placed lower in the figures, and when it is coupled to the second stretch 10 placed higher in the figures.

Figures 24 to 43 show the operating steps for processing two groups of containers 2 (referred to below as the first group and the second group). The two groups are visible distinct from each other in Figure 27, in which the first group is positioned on the first connecting section 11 placed higher whilst the second group is positioned on the other first connecting section 11 (the one placed lower). Based on this division, two groups are also identifiable for the conveying units 4: the conveying units 4 of the first group retain and move the containers 2 of the first group, whilst the conveying units 4 of the second group retain and move the containers 2 of the second group.

Below is a detailed description of a particular embodiment of the apparatus 1 defined above. In particular, reference will be made to an apparatus 1 comprising: two first connecting sections 11 , with each of which a filling station 25 is associated (for example, in the accompanying figures each filling station 25 associated with one of the two first connecting sections 11 has fourteen filling devices 26 placed alongside each other, but there may be any number); and two second stretches 10, with each of which a closing station 27 is associated (for example, in the accompanying figures each closing station 27 associated with one of the two second stretches 10 has seven closing devices 28 placed alongside each other, but in this case too there may be any number). In the embodiment illustrated, the number of closing devices 28 is half that of the filling devices 26. However, that shall not be understood as limiting for this invention. Below is an outline description of operation of the embodiment of the apparatus 1 of this type, in particular highlighting the differences compared with the embodiment previously described and schematically illustrated in Figures 1 to 15.

The ways in which the conveying units 4 and the respective containers 2 to be filled, are transferred from the feeding stretch 22 to the first stretch 9 and from the first stretch 9 to the first connecting section 11 is the same as for the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 15. However, the embodiment shown in Figures 24 to 43 differs in that it comprises two first connecting sections 11 : the first group of conveying units 4 - and of respective containers 2 to be filled - are transferred from the first stretch 9 to one of the two first connecting sections 11 (Figure 25), whilst the second group of conveying units 4 (that is to say, the rest of the conveying units 4) - and the respective containers 2 to be filled - are transferred to the other of the two first connecting sections 11 (Figures 26 and 27). In the embodiments illustrated half of the conveying units 4 are transferred, with the containers 2 to be filled, to each of the first connecting sections 11 (the first group and the second group advantageously contain the same number of containers 2); however embodiments are possible in which a different number of conveying units 4 is transferred to each of the two first connecting sections 11 , with the first group comprising a number of containers 2 different from that of the second group.

Following the transfer of the first group of containers 2 - and of the respective conveying units 4 - from the first stretch 9 to the first connecting section 11 (the one which in the accompanying drawings is placed lower), the two first connecting sections 11 are moved in such a way that the first connecting section 11 which received the containers 2 reaches the first intermediate position (during this movement filling of the containers 2 may begin, carried out by the filling devices 26, present in the filling station 25 associated with the first connecting section 11 ), whilst the other first connecting section 11 reaches its first loading position to allow the transfer of the second part of the containers 2 - with the respective conveying units 4 - starting from a first home position (in which it is located for example in Figure 24).

When the second group has been transferred onto the other first connecting section 11 (the one which in the accompanying drawings is placed higher), the filling devices 26 present in the filling station 25 of this first connecting section 11 also start filling the containers 2 (Figure 27). However, it is possible that the filling devices 26 of both of the filling stations 25 only activate at this moment.

The filling also continues during the subsequent movement of the two first connecting sections 11 , towards the respective first unloading positions, shown in Figure 28: when the two first connecting sections 11 reach the respective first unloading positions, the containers 2 advantageously have already been filled (Figure 28) and they are transferred, by means of the transfer of the conveying units 4 with which the containers 2 are associated, from the two first connecting sections 11 to the two second stretches 10 (Figure 29 and 30).

As can be seen, the two first connecting sections 11 are movable together. However, embodiments are possible in which, for example, the two first connecting sections 11 move independently of each other.

Moreover, it is possible that the transfer of the conveying units 4 - and of the filled containers 2 - from the first connecting sections 11 to the second stretches 10 occurs simultaneously for each of the two first connecting sections 11 (unlike what is shown in Figures 29 and 30).

When the conveying units 4 have been transferred to the two second stretches 10, part of the containers 2 of the first group and part of the containers 2 of the second group are closed: the closing stations 27, each having closing devices 28, are positioned on the second stretches 10. In particular, in the accompanying figures in the closing stations 27 half of the containers 2 present on each of the two second stretches 10 are closed (as indicated, in fact, the number of closing devices 28 is advantageously half that of the filling devices 26), as shown in Figure 30. For this reason, as described below, the containers 2 which were previously filled are closed in two successive stages. In more detail, half of the containers 2 are closed, of both groups, which are positioned nearer the second connecting end 13, at which each connecting section 17 is couplable to the respective second stretch 10.

During closing of the containers 2, the two first connecting sections 11 are moved in such a way as to return to the respective starting positions (with the first connecting section 11 which in the figures is placed higher reaching the first home position), whilst the two second connecting sections 17 are moved until they reach the respective second loading positions (Figure 31 ). In particular, the second connecting section 17 which in the figures is shown lower reaches the second loading position starting from a second home position (in which it is located for example in Figures 24 to 26), whilst the second connecting section 17 placed higher reaches the second loading position by passing through the second intermediate position.

The conveying units 4 and the respective closed containers 2 are transferred from the two second stretches 10 to the two second connecting sections 17, whilst the conveying units 4 and the respective containers 2 to be closed are moved along the second stretches 10 until they reach the closing station 27, in such a way that each container 2 is positioned at a closing device 28 (Figure 32).

The two second connecting sections 17 are then moved in such a way as to be able to transfer the closed containers 2 to the third stretch 16. Following a first movement of the second connecting sections 17, one of the two second connecting sections 17 (the one drawn lower in the accompanying figures) reaches the respective second unloading position and transfers the conveying units 4, with the respective closed containers 2, to the third stretch 16 (Figures 33 and 34). Then, following a second further movement of the second connecting sections 17, the other of the two second connecting sections 17 (the one drawn higher in the accompanying figures) reaches the respective second unloading position and transfers the conveying units 4, with the respective closed containers 2, to the third stretch 16 (Figures 35 and 36) whilst the second connecting section 17 placed lower in the figures reaches the second home position.

The two second connecting sections 17 are then moved in such a way that each of them is again coupled to one of the two second stretches 10: the two second connecting sections 17 then return to the respective second loading positions. During these movements of the second connecting sections 17 (both during the first movement, and during the second movement and during the movement until the respective second loading positions are reached), the containers 2 which are still in the second stretch 10 are closed by the closing devices 28 in the closing station 27.

The transfer of the conveying units 4, and of the respective closed containers 2, from the two second stretches 10 to the two second connecting sections 17 and, finally, from the two second connecting sections 17 to the third stretch

16 occurs similarly to what was previously described. In fact, notice the correspondence between Figures 32 to 36 (regarding one part - advantageously half - of the first group and of the second group of the containers 2) with Figures 37 to 43 (regarding the other part - advantageously the other half - of the first group and of the second group of the containers 2). In contrast, in the embodiments in which only one second connecting section

17 alternatively couplable to the two second stretches 10 is present, it is moved from its unloading position to its loading position during closing of the containers 2, when the two first connecting sections 11 are moved in such a way as to return to the respective starting positions. Advantageously, in these embodiments the second connecting section 17 has a length equal to at least double the length of the second connecting section 17 of the embodiment in which two second connecting sections 17 are present.

In particular two different cases are possible for moving the second connecting section 17.

In the first case, the second connecting section 17 is moved from the second unloading position to the second loading position in which it is coupled to the second stretch 10 placed higher in the accompanying figures. In order to reach this position, the second connecting section 17 passes through a first transit position in which it is coupled to the second stretch 10 placed lower in the figures, without receiving the conveying units 4 and the respective containers 2. When the second connecting section 17 reaches the second loading position, the second connecting section 17 is coupled to the second stretch 10 placed higher and receives the conveying units 4 and the respective closed containers 2. Then, the second connecting section 17 is moved until it reaches a further second loading position and couples to the second stretch 10 placed lower in the figures, from which it receives the conveying units 4 and the respective closed containers 2. From this position, the second connecting section 17 is moved until it reaches the second unloading position, in which it is coupled to the third stretch 16, and the conveying units 4 with the closed containers 2, are transferred to the third stretch 16. Then, what was just described is repeated to transfer the rest of the conveying units 4 and the closed containers 2 from the second stretches 10 to the third stretch 16.

In the second case, in contrast, the second connecting section 17 is moved from the second unloading position to the second loading position in which it is coupled to the second stretch 10 placed lower in the accompanying figures. The conveying units 4 and the respective closed containers 2 are transferred from the second stretch 10 to the second connecting section 17. Then, the second connecting section 17 is moved from this position to a further second loading position in which it is coupled to the second stretch 10 placed higher in the accompanying figures, from which it receives the conveying units 4 and the respective closed containers 2. From here, the second connecting section 17 is moved until it reaches the second unloading position, transferring the conveying units 4 and the respective closed containers 2 to the third stretch 16 (passing through a second transit position in which the second connecting section 17 is coupled to the second stretch 10 placed lower without receiving the conveying units 4 and the respective containers 2). Then, what was just described is repeated to transfer the rest of the conveying units 4 and the closed containers 2 from the second stretches 10 to the third stretch 16.

Then, both regarding the preferred embodiments in which two second connecting sections 17 are present and regarding the alternative embodiments in which only one second connecting section 17 is present, the cycle begins again and is carried out similarly to what was described up to now.

An embodiment of this type, advantageously the one comprising the two second connecting sections 17, is advantageous if two groups of containers 2 which are different from each other must be filled and closed. In fact, in an apparatus 1 of this type, it is possible to differentiate between both the two filling stations 25 (for example, one filling station 25 could be configured to fill glass bottles - first group - and the other filling station 25 could be configured to fill plastic water cooler refill bottles - second group), and the two closing stations 27 (according to the previous example, one closing station 27 could be configured to close the glass bottles - first group - and the other closing station 27 could be configured to close the plastic water cooler refill bottles - second group).

This invention brings important advantages.

The apparatus for moving containers according to this invention is more compact than the prior art apparatuses.

Moreover, the apparatus for moving containers according to this invention allows a reduction in container processing times compared with the prior art apparatuses.

Finally, it should be noticed that this invention is relatively easy to produce and that even the cost linked to implementing the invention is not very high. The invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

All details may be substituted with other technically equivalent elements and the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may vary according to requirements.