BONARELLI MAURIZIO (IT)
TACCHINI PAOLO (IT)
BONARELLI MAURIZIO (IT)
| WO2002100745A1 | 2002-12-19 |
| FR567438A | 1924-03-01 |
CLAIMS
1. Apparatus for conveying containers (100) comprising belt means (2) , moved by pulley means (3, 4) along a longitudinal direction of advancement (S) , and supporting elements (6) of said containers (100) associable with said belt means (2) by means of connecting elements (5) fixed to said belt means (2) , characterised in that each connecting element (5) comprises coupling means (7) for engaging and blocking a respective supporting element (6) and driving means (8), suitable for engaging holding means (9) of pulley means (3, 4) for moving said belt means (2) .
2. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said coupling means (7) of said connecting element (5) comprises at least one shaped element (71, 72) suitable for engaging a seat (40) of a respective supporting element (6) .
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said driving means (8) of said connecting element (5) comprises a protrusion (81) , and said holding means (9) comprises cavities having a shape complementary to said protrusion (81) .
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said driving means (8) of said connecting element (5) comprises a cavity and said holding means (9) comprises protrusions having a shape complementary to said cavity.
5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein said cavity and said protrusion comprise concave and convex portions, respectively, of cylindrical .or spherical surfaces . 6. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein said cavity and said protrusion comprise surface portions having matching profile. 7. Apparatus according to any one of preceding claims, wherein said coupling means (7) and said driving means (8) are associated with an external surface (2a) and an internal surface (2b) of said belt means (2) , respectively.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said coupling means (7) and said driving means (8) are removably connected to each other and to belt means (2) by fixing means (55) .
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said belt means
(2) comprises connecting openings (2c) for connecting said coupling means (7) to said driving means (8) .
10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each supporting element (6) comprises a resting portion (45) and lateral supporting portions (62) for supporting and maintaining at least one container (199) erect.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said supporting portions (62) are divergent and form at least one housing (47) -more or less "V" shaped.
12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising frame means (10) provided with guiding means (11, 12, 111, 112) for supporting and guiding said belt means (2) . 13. Apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein each connecting element (5) comprises reference means (51, 52) configured for abutting said guiding means (11, 12, 111, 112) .
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said reference means (51, 52) comprises fixing portions (51a, 52a) suitable for engaging in corresponding longitudinal grooves (lib, 12b, 111b, 112b) of said guiding means (11, 12, 111, 112) .
15. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said reference means (51, 52) is adjacent to said driving means (8) .
16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said reference means (51, 52) is fixed to said driving means (8) and/or to said coupling means (7) . 17. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said driving means (8) and said reference means (51, 52) are made in a single body.
18. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising first contrast means (13) and second contrast means (15) suitable for abutting and maintaining said supporting elements (6) connected to respective connecting elements (5) in a coupling condition (G) .
19. Apparatus according to claim 18, as appended to any of claims 12 to 17, wherein said contrast means (13, 15) is connected to said frame means (10) . 20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein said first contrast means (13) is movable between a contact position (C) , wherein it abuts and blocks said supporting elements (6) in coupling condition (G) , and a detachment position (D) , wherein said first contrast means (13) are at a distance from said supporting elements (6) to allow detachment from belt means (2) .
21. Apparatus according to any previous claim, comprising third contrast means (14) suitable for abutting and maintaining said containers (100) in respective supporting elements (6) .
22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising moving means (60) suitable for driving said pulley means
(3, 4) in rotation.
23. Apparatus according to claim 21 and 22, as appended to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein said pulley means
(3, 4), said .frame means (10) and said third contrast means (14) are movable along a transverse direction of adjustment (T) , more or less orthogonal to said direction of advancement (S) . 24. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said pulley means (3, 4) comprises a drive pulley (3) rotating around a first rotation axis (A) and a driven pulley (4) rotating around a second rotation axis (B) more or less parallel to said first rotation axis (A) . 25. Apparatus according to claims 23 and 24, wherein said moving means (60) is connected to said drive pulley (3) and. is movable with the latter along said direction of adjustment (T) .
26. Apparatus according to claim 23 and claim 24 or 25, comprising first positioning means (20) and second positioning means (21) for supporting and moving said pulley means (3, 4) and said frame means (10) in such a way as to adjust the position along said direction of adjustment (T) .
27. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said first positioning means (20) comprises fist movable supporting means (63) suitable for supporting said drive pulley (3) and said frame means (10) , said first movable supporting means (63) being slidably supported by first fixed supporting means (64) . 28. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said first positioning means (20) comprises first actuating means (25) suitable for moving said first movable supporting means (63) along said direction of adjustment (T) .
29. Apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said first positioning means (20) comprises first transmission of motion means (66) interposed between said first actuating means (25) and said first movable supporting means (63) .
30. Apparatus according to claim 28 o 29, wherein said first actuating means (25) is of" the rotating type, for example, brushless electric motors.
31. Apparatus according to claim 30, as appended to claim 29, wherein said first transmission means (66) comprises screw drive system coupling means. 32. Apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein said second positioning means (21) comprises second movable supporting means (90) suitable for supporting said driven pulley (4) and said frame means
(10) , said second movable supporting means (90) being slidably supported by second fixed supporting means (91) .
33. Apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said second positioning means (21) comprises second actuating means (26) suitable for moving said second movable supporting means (90) along said direction of adjustment (T) . 34. Apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said second positioning means (21) comprises second transmission of motion means (94) interposed between said second actuating means (26) and said second movable supporting means (90) . 35. Apparatus according to claim 33 o 34, wherein said second actuator means (26) is of the rotating type, for example, brushless electric motors.
36. Apparatus according to claim 35, as appended to claim 34, wherein said second transmission means (94) comprises screw drive system coupling means.
37. Apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 36, comprising interconnecting means suitable for connecting said first positioning means (20) to said second positioning means (21) to allow the latter to move said pulley means (3, 4) and said frame means (10), simultaneously, to the same quantity in the direction of adjustment (T) .
38. Apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said interconnecting means is of the electronic and/or mechanical type.
39. Apparatus according to claims 27 and 32, wherein said fixed supporting means (64, 91) is fixed to a fixed frame (210) of a machine (200) with which apparatus (1) can be associated. 40. Apparatus according to claims 25 and 27, wherein said moving means (60) comprises motor means (69) suitable for driving a drive shaft (62) supporting said drive pulley (3) and rotatably supported by said first movable supporting means (63) . 41. Apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said motor means (69) is fixed and supported by said first movable supporting means (63) .
42. Apparatus according to claim 40 or 41, wherein said moving means (60) comprises fourth, transmission means
(61) interposed between said motor means (69) and said drive shaft (62) .
43. Apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said fourth transmission means (61) comprises a speed reducer and/or right angle gear.
44. Apparatus according to one of claims 24 to 43, when claim 24 is appended to claim 23, comprising third positioning means (22) suitable for moving said third contrast means (14) for adjusting the position along said direction of adjustment (T) .
45. Apparatus according to claim 44, wherein said third positioning means (22) comprises third movable supporting means (53) suitable for supporting- said third contrast means (14) and slidably supported by third fixed supporting means (54) .
46. Apparatus according to claims 39 and 45, wherein said third fixed supporting means (54) is fixed to said fixed frame (210) . -
47. Apparatus according to claim 45 or 46, wherein said third positioning means (22) comprises third actuating means (27) suitable for moving said third movable supporting means (53) along said direction of adjustment (T) .
48. Apparatus according to claim 47, wherein said third positioning means (22) comprises third transmission of motion means (56) interposed between said third actuating means (27) and said third movable supporting means (53) .
49. Apparatus according to claim 47 o 48, wherein said third actuating means (27) is of the rotating type, for example, brushless electric motors. 50. Apparatus according to claim 49, as appended to claim 48, wherein said third transmission means (56) comprises screw drive system coupling means .
51. Apparatus according to one of claims 44 to 50, comprising a plurality of third positioning means (22) .
52. Apparatus according to claim 51, comprising further connecting means suitable for connecting said plurality of third positioning means (22) to one another to allow these to move said contrast means (14) simultaneously, to the same extent in the direction of adjustment (T) .
53. Apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said further interconnecting means is of the electronic and/or mechanical type.
54. Apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 53, comprising tensioning means (35) suitable for changing the distance between said drive pulley (3) and said driven pulley (4) along said direction of advancement (S) to adjust the tension of said belt means (2) .
55. Apparatus according to claims 26 and 54, wherein said tensioning means (35) is interposed between said second positioning means (21) and said driven pulley (4) . 56. Apparatus according to claims 32 and 55, wherein said tensioning means (35) comprises first supporting means (37), fixed to second movable supporting means (90) of said second positioning means (21) , and second supporting means (36) supporting said driven pulley (4) and slidably supported by said first supporting means (37) .
57. Apparatus according to claim 56, wherein said second supporting means (36) is movable along a direction of tensioning (V) which is more or less parallel to the direction of advancement (S) and more or less orthogonal to said second rotation axis (B) of said driven, pulley (4) .
58. Apparatus according to claim 56 or 57, wherein said tensioning means (35) comprises pushing means (85) for exerting a predefined tensioning force on said second supporting means (36) , so as to move said driven pulley (4) away from said drive pulley (3) .
59. Apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said pushing means (85) includes elastic means.
60. Apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said pushing ■ means (85) comprises electric or pneumatic type of actuating means .
61. Apparatus according to any of claims 58 to 60, wherein said tensioning means (35) comprises first adjusting means (86) suitable for adjusting the force exerted by said pushing means (85) .
62. Apparatus according to any of claims 56 to 61, wherein said second supporting means (36) comprises guiding rods (38) slidably housed in respective seats (37a) of said supporting means (37) and fixed to a supporting pin (39) of said driven pulley (4) .
63. Apparatus according to any of claims 24 to 62, comprising angular . adjustment means (74) suitable for adjusting the angular position of said drive pulley (3) and/or said driven pulley (4) in relation to an ' adjustment axis (F) more or less orthogonal to said rotation axis (A / B) and more or less orthogonal to said direction of advancement (S) .
64. Apparatus according to claims 26 and 63, wherein said angular adjustment means (74) are interposed between said driven pulley (4) and said second positioning means (21) .
65. Apparatus according to claim 64, wherein said angular adjustment means (74) comprises a rotating pin (75) connected to said second positioning means (21) and suitable for supporting said driven pulley (4) rotatably around said adjustment axis (F) .
66. Apparatus according to claim 65, when claim 63 is appended to any of claims 56 to 62, wherein said rotating pin (75) is fixed to second supporting means (36) of said tensioning means (35) .
67. Apparatus according to claim 65 or 66, wherein said angular adjustment means (74) comprises second adjustment means (77) suitable for positioning and blocking said driven pulley (4) in a predefined angular position. 68. Apparatus according to any of claims 24 to 66, wherein said holding means (9) is made equidistant on an outer circumferential edge of said drive pulley (3) .
69. Apparatus according to claim 68, wherein said drive pulley (3) comprises a central disk (31) provided with ' an outer edge (31a) carrying said holding means (9) .
70. Apparatus according to claim 69, wherein said drive pulley (3) comprises two lateral disks (32, 33) placed on opposite sides of said central disk (31) and provided with respective peripheral edges (32a, 33a) for abutting and supporting belt means (2) .
71. Apparatus according to claim 70, wherein said central disk (31) and said lateral disks (32, 33) are spaced from one another and coaxial to said first ' rotation axis (A) of said drive pulley (3) . 72. Apparatus according to any of claims 24 to 70, wherein said driven pulley (4) comprises two outer disks (42, 43) provided with respective peripheral edges (42a, 43a) for abutting and supporting said belt means (2) .
73. Apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said outer disks (31) are spaced from one another and coaxial to said second rotation axis (B) of said driven pulley (4) .
74. Apparatus according to any of claims 24 to 72, wherein said drive pulley (3) and said driven pulley (4) comprise respective contrast disks (34, 44) suitable for abutting and maintaining said supporting elements (6) in said coupling condition (G) .
75. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said belt means (2) is made of inextensible metal.
76. Apparatus for conveying containers (100) comprising belt means (2), closed in a loop around pulley means (3, 4) and suitable for moving said containers (100) along a longitudinal direction of advancement (S) , and comprising moving means (60) for driving said pulley- means (3, 4), characterised in that it further comprises positioning means (20, 21) for supporting and moving said pulley means (3, 4) and said moving means (60) along a transverse direction of adjustment (T) .
77. Apparatus according to claim 76, wherein said pulley means (3, 4) comprises a drive pulley (3) rotating around a first rotation axis (A) and a driven pulley (4) rotating around a second rotation axis (B) more or less parallel to said first rotation axis (A) .
78. Apparatus according to claim 77, wherein said moving means (60) is connected to said drive pulley (3) .
79. Apparatus according to claims 77 or 78, wherein said positioning means (20, 21) includes first positioning means (20) provided with first movable supporting means (63), said first movable supporting means (63) being slidably supported by first fixed supporting means (64) and suitable for supporting said drive pulley (3) . 80. Apparatus according to claim 79, wherein said first positioning means (20) comprises first actuating means (25) suitable for moving said first movable supporting means (63) along said direction of adjustment (T) .
81. Apparatus according to claim 80, wherein said first positioning means (20) comprises first transmission of motion means (66) interposed between said first actuating means (25) and said first movable supporting means (63) .
82. Apparatus according to claim 80 o 81, wherein said first actuating means (25) is of the rotating type, for example, brushless electric motors.
83. Apparatus according to claim 82, as appended to claim 81, wherein said first transmission means (66) comprises screw drive system coupling means. 84. Apparatus according to any of claims 79 to 83, when claim 79 is appended to claim 78, wherein said moving means (60) comprises motor means (69) suitable for driving a drive shaft (62) supporting said drive pulley
(3) and rotatably supported by said first movable supporting means (63) . 85. Apparatus according to claim 84, wherein said motor means (69) is fixed and supported by said first movable supporting means (63) .
86. Apparatus according to claim 84 or 85, wherein said moving means (60) comprises fourth transmission means (61) interposed between said motor means (69) and said drive shaft (62) .
87. Apparatus according to claim 86, wherein said fourth transmission means (61) comprises a speed reducer and/or right angle gear. 88. Apparatus according to any of claims 77 to 87, wherein said positioning means (20, 21) includes second positioning means (21) comprising second movable supporting means (90) , said second movable supporting means (90) being slidably supported by second fixed supporting means (91) and supporting said driven pulley
(4) .
89. Apparatus according to claim 88, wherein said second positioning means (21) comprises second actuating means
(26) suitable for moving said second movable supporting means (90) along said direction of adjustment (T) .
90. Apparatus according to claim 89, wherein said second positioning means (21) comprises second transmission of motion means (94) interposed between said second actuating means (26) and said second movable supporting means (90) .
91. Apparatus according to claim 89 or 90, wherein said second actuating means (26) is of the rotating type, for example, brushless electric motors.
92. Apparatus according to claim 91, as appended to claim 90, wherein said second transmission means (94) comprises screw drive system coupling means .
93. Apparatus according to any one of claims 88 to 92, when claim 88 is appended to any one of claims 79 to 87, comprising interconnecting means suitable for connecting said first positioning means (20) and said second positioning means (21) to allow the latter to simultaneously move said pulley means (3, 4) and said moving means (60) to the same extent in the same direction of adjustment (T) .
94. Apparatus according to claim 93, wherein said interconnecting means is of the electronic and/or mechanical type .
95. Apparatus according to " any of claims 76 to 94, comprising connecting elements (5) , fixed to said belt means (2) for removably connecting supporting elements (6) arranged for receiving and housing said containers (100) .
96. Apparatus according to claim 95, wherein each connecting element (5) comprises coupling means (7) , for removably coupling with a respective supporting element (6) , and driving means (8) , suitable for engaging corresponding holding means (9) of pulley means (3, 4) for moving said belt means (2) .
97. Apparatus according to claim 96, wherein said coupling means (7) of said connecting element (5) comprises at least one shaped element (71, 72) configured for engaging a respective seat (40) of a respective supporting element (6) .
98. Apparatus according to claim 96 or 97, wherein said driving means (8) of said connecting element (5) comprises a protrusion (81) , and said holding means (9) comprises cavities having a shape complementary to said protrusion (81) ."
99. Apparatus according to claim 96 or 97, wherein said driving means (8) of said connecting element (5) comprises at least one cavity and said holding means (9) comprises protrusions having a shape complementary to said cavity.
100. Apparatus according to claim 98 or 99, wherein said cavity and said protrusion comprise concave and convex portions, respectively, of cylindrical or spherical surfaces .
101. Apparatus according to claim 98 or 99, wherein said cavity and said protrusion comprise surface portions having matching profile.
102. Apparatus according to any one of claims 96 to 101, wherein said coupling means (7) and said driving means
(8) are associated with an external surface (2a) and an internal surface (2b) of said belt means (2) , respectively .
103. Apparatus according to any of claims 96 to 102, wherein said coupling means (7) and said driving means (8) are removably connected to each other and to belt means (2) by respective fixing means (55) .
104. Apparatus according to claim 103, wherein said belt means (2) comprises a plurality of openings (2c) for connecting said coupling means (7) to said driving means (8) .
105. Apparatus according to any of claims 76 to 104, comprising frame means (10) provided with guiding means (11, 12, 111, 112) for supporting and guiding said belt means (2) .
106. Apparatus according to claim 105, when appended to any of claims 95 to 104, wherein each connecting element (5) comprises reference means (51, 52) configured for abutting said guiding means (11, 12, 111, 112) . 107. Apparatus according to claim 106, wherein said reference means (51, 52) comprises respective fixing portions
(51a, 52a) suitable for engaging in corresponding longitudinal grooves (lib, 12b, 111b, 112b) of said guiding means (11, 12, 111, 112) . 108. Apparatus according to claim 106 or 107, wherein said reference means (51, 52) is adjacent to said driving means (8) .
109. Apparatus according to claim 108, wherein said reference means (51, 52) is fixed to said driving means (8) and/or to said coupling means (7) . 110. Apparatus according to claim 108, wherein said driving means (8) and said reference means (51, 52) are made in a single body.
111. Apparatus according to any of claims 95 to 110, when claim 105 is appended to any of claims 95 to 104, comprising first contrast means (13) and second contrast means (15) suitable for abutting and maintaining said supporting elements (6) fixed to said belt means (2) in a coupling condition (G) .
112. Apparatus according to claim 111, as appended to any of claims 12 to 110, wherein said contrast means (13, 15) is connected to said frame means (10) .
113. Apparatus according to claim 111 or 112, wherein said first contrast means (13) is movable between a contact position (C) , wherein it abuts and blocks said supporting elements (6) in coupling condition (G) , and a detachment position (D) , wherein said first contrast means (13) is at a distance from said supporting elements (6) to allow detachment from belt means (2) .
114. Apparatus according to any one of claims 95 to 113, when claim 105 is appended to any of claims 95 to 104, comprising third contrast means (14) suitable for abutting and maintaining said containers (100) stable in respective supporting elements (6) .
115. Apparatus according to claim 114, comprising third positioning means (22) suitable for supporting and moving said third contrast means (14) along said direction of adjustment (T) .
116. Apparatus according to claim 115, wherein said third positioning means (22) comprises third movable supporting means (53) , said third movable supporting means (53) being slidably supported by third fixed supporting means (54) and supporting said third contrast means (14) .
117. Apparatus according to claim 116, wherein said third positioning means (22) comprises third actuating means (27) suitable for moving said third movable supporting means (53) along said direction of adjustment (T) .
118. Apparatus according to claim 117, wherein said third positioning means (22) comprises third transmission of motion means (56) interposed between said third actuating means (27) and said third movable supporting means (53) .
119. Apparatus according to claim 117 or 118, wherein said third actuating means (27) is of the rotating type, for example, brushless electric motors. 120. Apparatus according to claim 119, as appended to claim 118, wherein said third transmission means (56) • comprises screw drive system coupling means. 121. Apparatus according to one of claims 115 to 120, comprising a plurality of third positioning means (22) . 122. Apparatus according to claim 121, comprising further connecting means suitable for connecting said plurality of third positioning means (22) to one another to allow these to move said third contrast means (14) simultaneously, to the same extent in the direction of adjustment (T) .
123. Apparatus according to claim 122, wherein said further interconnecting means is of the electronic and/or mechanical type .
124. Apparatus according to any one of claims 77 to 125, when claim 95 is appended to any one of claims 77 to 94 and claim 105 is appended to any one of claims 77 to 104, comprising tensioning means (35) suitable for changing the distance between drive pulley (3) and said driven pulley (4) along said direction of advancement (S) to adjust the tension of said belt means (2) .
125. Apparatus according to claim 124, as appended to any of claims 88 to 94, wherein said tensioning means (35) is interposed between said second positioning means (21) and said driven pulley (4) .
126. Apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said tensioning means (35) comprises first supporting means
(37) , fixed to second movable supporting means (90) of said second positioning means (21) , and second supporting means (36) supporting said driven pulley (4) and siidably supported by said first supporting means (37) .
127. Apparatus according to claim 126, wherein said second supporting means (36) is movable along a direction of tensioning (V) which is more or less parallel to the direction of advancement (S) and more or less orthogonal to said second rotation axis (B) of said driven pulley (4) .
128. Apparatus according to claim 126 or 127, wherein said tensioning means (35) comprises pushing means (85) for exerting a predefined tensioning force on said second supporting means (36) , so as to move said driven pulley (4) away from said drive pulley (3) .
129. Apparatus according to claim 128, wherein said pushing means (85) includes elastic means.
130. Apparatus according to claim 128, wherein said pushing means (85) comprises electric or pneumatic type of actuating means .
131. Apparatus according to any of claims 128 to 130, wherein said tensioning means (35) comprises first adjusting means (86) suitable for adjusting the force exerted by said pushing means (85) .
132. Apparatus according to any of claims 77 to 131, when claim 95 is appended to any one of claims 77 to 94 and claim 105 is appended to any one of claims 77 to 104, comprising angular adjustment means (74) suitable for adjusting the angular position of said drive pulley (3) and/or said driven pulley (4) in relation to an adjustment axis (F) more or less orthogonal to said rotation axis (A, B) and more or less orthogonal to said direction of advancement (S) .
133. Apparatus according to claim 132, as appended to any of claims 88 to 94, wherein said angular adjustment means
(74) is interposed between said driven pulley (4) and second positioning means (21) .
134. Apparatus according to claim 133, wherein said angular adjustment means (74) comprises a rotating pin (75) fixed to said second positioning means (21) and suitable for supporting said driven pulley (4) rotatably around said adjustment axis (F) .
135. Apparatus according to claim 133 or 134, wherein said angular adjustment means (74) comprises second adjustment means (77) suitable for positioning and blocking said driven pulley (4) in a predefined angular position.
136. Apparatus according to any of claims 96 to 104, wherein said holding means (9) is made equidistant on an external circumferential edge of said drive pulley (3) .
137. Apparatus according to claim 136, wherein said drive pulley (3) comprises a central disk (31) provided with an outer edge (31a) carrying said holding means (9) .
138. Apparatus according to claim 137, wherein said drive pulley (3) comprises two lateral disks (32, 33) placed on opposite sides of said central disk (31) and provided with respective peripheral edges (32a, 33a) for abutting and supporting belt means (2) .
139. Apparatus according to claim 138, wherein said central disk (31) and said lateral disks (32, 33) are spaced from one another and coaxial to said first rotation axis (A) of said drive pulley (3) .
140. Apparatus according to any one of claims 77 to 140, when claim 95 is appended to any one of claims 77 to 94 and claim 105 is appended to any one of claims 77 to 104, wherein said driven pulley (4) comprises two outer disks (42, 43) provided with respective peripheral edges (42a, 43a) for abutting and supporting said belt means (2) .
141. Apparatus according to claim 140, wherein said outer disks (31) are spaced from one another and coaxial to said second rotation axis (B) of said driven pulley (4) .
142. Apparatus according to claim 111, wherein said drive pulley (3) and said driven pulley (4) comprise respective contrast disks (34, 44) suitable for abutting and maintaining said supporting elements (6) in said coupling condition (G) .
143. Apparatus according to any one of claims 76 to 142, wherein said transverse direction of adjustment (T) is more or less orthogonal to said longitudinal direction of advancement (S) . 144. Apparatus according to any of claims 76 to 143, wherein said belt means (2) is made of inextensible metal.
145. Apparatus for conveying containers (100), comprising belt means (2) closed in a loop around a drive pulley
(3) and a driven pulley (4) , said belt means (2) being suitable for moving said containers (100) along a longitudinal direction of advancement (S) , characterised in that of comprising tensioning means (35) suitable for changing the distance between said drive pulley (3) and said driven pulley (4) along said direction of advancement (S) to adjust the tension of said belt means
(2) .
146. Apparatus according to claim 145, comprising first positioning means (20) and second positioning means (21) at least for rotatably supporting said drive pulley (3) and said driven pulley (4) , respectively.
147. Apparatus according to claims 146, wherein said tensioning means (35) is interposed between said second positioning means (21) and said driven pulley (4) .
148. Apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said tensioning means (35) comprises first supporting means
(37) , fixed to second movable supporting means (90) of said second positioning means (21) , and second supporting means (36) supporting said driven pulley (4) and slidably supported by said first supporting means
(37) . 149. Apparatus according to claim 148, wherein said second supporting means (36) is movable along a direction of tensioning (V) which is more or less parallel to the direction of advancement (S) and more or less orthogonal to a rotation axis (B) of said driven pulley (4) . 150. Apparatus according to claim 148 or 149, wherein, said tensioning means (35) comprises pushing means (85) for exerting a predefined tensioning force on said second supporting means (36) , so as to move said driven pulley (4) away from said drive pulley (3) . 151. Apparatus according to claim 150, wherein said pushing means (85) includes elastic means.
152. Apparatus according to claim 150, wherein said pushing means (85) comprises electric or pneumatic type of actuating means. 153. Apparatus according to any of claims 150 to 152, wherein said tensioning means (35) comprises first adjusting means (86) suitable for adjusting the force exerted by said pushing means (85) .
154. Apparatus according to any of claims 148 to 153, wherein said second supporting means (36) comprises guiding rods
(38) slidably housed in respective seats (37a) of said supporting means (37) and fixed to a supporting pin (39) of said driven pulley (4) .
155. Apparatus according to claim 154, wherein said second supporting means (36) comprises a pushing rod (138) housed slidably in a respective seat (37b) of said supporting means (37) and fixed to said supporting pin
(39) , said pushing rod (138) being provided with abutting means (135a) arranged for being engaged by said pushing means (85) .
156. Apparatus according to any of claims 145 to 155, comprising angular adjustment means (74) interposed between said tensioning means (35) and said driven pulley (4) for adjusting the angular position' of said driven pulley (4) in relation to an adjustment axis (F) . 157. Apparatus according to claim 156, as appended to claim 154 or 155, wherein said angular adjusting mean ' s (74) comprises a rotating pin (75) connected to said supporting pin (39) and suitable for supporting said driven pulley (4) rotatably around said adjustment axis (F) .
158. Apparatus according to claim 156 or 157, when claim 156 is appended to claim 149, wherein said adjustment axis (F) is more or less orthogonal to rotation axis (B) of said driven pulley (4) and more or less orthogonal to said direction of advancement (S) .
159. Apparatus according to claim 157 or 158, wherein said angular adjustment means (74) comprises an inner bushing (76) rotatably connected to said rotating pin (75) and rotatably supporting said driven pulley (4) . 160. Apparatus according to any one of claims 156 to 159, wherein said angular adjustment means (74) comprises second adjustment means (77) suitable for positioning and blocking said driven pulley (4) in a predefined angular position. 161. Apparatus according to claim 159 and 160, wherein said second adjustment means (77) comprises a plurality of threaded elements, associated with said inner bushing (76) and arranged for abutting a hub portion (39b) of said supporting pin (39) , said threaded elements (77) being adjustable axially in relation to said inner bushing (76) in such a way as to change the angular position of the latter in relation to said supporting pin (39) . 162. Apparatus according to any of claims 145 to 161, comprising moving means (60) suitable for driving said pulley means (3, 4) .
163. Apparatus according to one of claims 146 to 162, when claim 156 is appended to one of claims 146 to 155, wherein said first positioning means (20) and said second positioning means (21) are movable along a transverse direction of adjustment (T) more or less orthogonal to said direction of advancement (S) .
164. Apparatus according to claim 162 and 163, wherein said moving means (60) is supported by said first positioning means (20) . 165. Apparatus according to claim 163 or 164, wherein said first positioning means (20) comprises first movable supporting means (63) suitable for supporting at least said drive pulley (3) , said first movable supporting means (63) being slidably supported by first fixed supporting means (64) .
166. Apparatus according to claim 165, wherein said first positioning means (20) comprises first actuating means (25) suitable for moving said first movable supporting means (63) along said direction of adjustment (T) . 167. Apparatus according to claim 166, wherein said first positioning means (20) comprises first transmission of motion means (66) interposed between said first actuating means (25) and said first movable supporting means (63) . 168. Apparatus according to claim 166 or 167, wherein said first actuating means (25) is of the rotating type, for example, brushless electric motors.
169. Apparatus according to claim 168, as appended to claim 167, wherein said first transmission means (66) comprises screw drive system coupling means.
170. Apparatus according to any of claims 163 to 169, wherein said second positioning means (21) comprises second movable supporting means (90) suitable for supporting said driven pulley (4) , said second movable supporting means (90) being slidably supported by second fixed supporting means (91) .
171. Apparatus according to claim 170, wherein said second positioning means (21) comprises second actuating means (26) suitable for moving said second movable supporting means (90) along said direction of adjustment (T) . 172. Apparatus according to claim 171, wherein said second positioning means (21) comprises second transmission of motion means (94) interposed between said second actuating means (26) and said second movable supporting means (90) . 173. Apparatus according to claim 171 or 172, wherein said second actuating means (26) is of the rotating type, for example, brushless electric motors.
174. Apparatus according to claim 173, as appended to claim 172, wherein said second transmission means (94) comprises screw drive system coupling means.
175. Apparatus according to any one of claims 163 to 174, comprising interconnecting means suitable for connecting said first positioning means (20) to said second positioning means (21) to allow the latter to move said drive pulley (3) and said driven pulley (4) , simultaneously, to the same extent along said direction of adjustment (T) .
176. Apparatus according to claim 175, wherein said interconnecting means is of the electronic and/or mechanical type.
177. Apparatus according to claims 165 and 170, wherein said fixed supporting means (64, 91) is fixed to a fixed frame (210) of a machine (200) with which apparatus (1) can be associated. 178. Apparatus according to claims 165 when appended to claim 164, wherein said moving means (60) comprises motor means (69) suitable for driving a drive shaft (62) , said drive shaft (62) supporting said drive pulley (3) and being rotatably supported by said first movable supporting means (63) .
179. Apparatus according to claim 178, wherein said motor means (69) is fixed and supported by said first movable supporting means (63) .
180. Apparatus according to claim 178 or 179, wherein said moving means (60) comprises fourth transmission means (61) interposed between said motor means (69) and said drive shaft (62) .
181. Apparatus according to claim 180, wherein said fourth transmission means (61) comprises a speed reducer and/or right angle gear. 182. Apparatus according to any of claims 145 to 181, comprising connecting elements (5) , fixed to said belt means (2) and suitable for removably connecting supporting elements (6) to said belt means (2) , said supporting elements (6) being configured for receiving and housing said containers (100) .
183. Apparatus according to claim 182, wherein each connecting element (5) comprises coupling means (7) , for engaging and blocking a respective supporting element (6) , and driving means (8) , suitable for engaging corresponding holding means (9) of pulley means (3, 4) for moving said belt means (2) .
184. Apparatus according to claim 183, wherein said coupling means (7) of said connecting element (5) comprises at least one shaped element (71, 72) configured for engaging a respective seat (40) of a respective supporting element (6) .
185. Apparatus according to claim 183 or 184, wherein said driving means (8) of said connecting element (5) comprises a protrusion (81) , and said holding means (9) comprises cavities having a shape complementary to said protrusion (81) .
186. Apparatus according to claim 183 or 184, wherein said driving means (8) of said connecting element (5) comprises at least one cavity and said holding means (9) comprises protrusions having a shape complementary to said cavity.
187. Apparatus according to claim 185 or 186, wherein said cavity and said protrusion comprise concave and convex portions, respectively, of cylindrical or spherical surfaces . 188. Apparatus according to claim 185 or 186, wherein said cavity and said protrusion comprise surface portions having matching profile.
189. Apparatus according to any one of claims 183 to 188, wherein said coupling means (7) and said driving means (8) are associated with an outer surface (2a) and an inner surface (2b) of said belt means (2) , respectively.
190. Apparatus according to any of claims 183 to 189, wherein said coupling means (7) and said driving means (8) are removably connected to each other and to belt means (2) by respective fixing means (55) .
191. Apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said belt means (2) comprises a plurality of openings (2c) for connecting said coupling means (7) to said driving means (8) . 192. Apparatus according to any of claims 145 to 191, comprising frame means (10) provided with guiding means (11, 12, 111, 112) for supporting and guiding said belt means (2) .
193. Apparatus according to claim 192, when appended to any of claims 182 to 192, wherein each connecting element
(5) comprises reference means (51, 52) configured for abutting said guiding means (11, 12, 111, 112) .
194. Apparatus according to claim 193, wherein said reference means (51, 52) comprises respective fixing portions (51a, 52a) suitable for engaging in corresponding longitudinal grooves (lib, 12b, 111b, 112b) of said guiding means (11, 12, 111, 112).
195. Apparatus according to claim 193 or 194, when claim 193 is appended to any one of claims 183 to 192, wherein said reference means (51, 52) is adjacent to said driving means (8) .
196. Apparatus according to claim 195, wherein said reference means (51, 52) is fixed to said driving means (8) and/or to said coupling means (7) .
197. Apparatus according to claim 195, wherein said driving means (8) and said reference means (51, 52) are made in a single body.
198. Apparatus according to any one of claims 182 to 197, comprising first contrast means (13) and second contrast means (15) suitable for abutting said supporting elements (6) and maintaining the latter connected to said belt means (2) in a coupling condition (G) .
199. Apparatus according to claim 198, as appended to any of claims 192 to 197, wherein said contrast means (13, 15) is connected to said frame means (10) . 200. Apparatus according to claim 198 or 199, wherein said first contrast means (13) is movable between a contact position (C) , wherein it abuts and blocks said supporting elements (6) in coupling condition (G) , and a detachment position (D) , wherein said first contrast means (13) is at a distance from said supporting elements (6) to allow detachment from belt means (2) .
201. Apparatus according to any one of claims 182 to 200, comprising third contrast means (14) suitable for abutting and maintaining said containers (100) . stable in respective supporting elements (6) .
202. Apparatus according to claim 201, when claim 182 is appended to any one of claims 163 to 181 and claim 192 is appended to any one of claims 163 to 191, comprising third positioning means (22) suitable for supporting and moving said third contrast means (14) for adjusting the position along said direction of adjustment (T) .
203. Apparatus according to claim 202, wherein said third positioning means (22) comprises third movable supporting means (53) suitable for supporting said third contrast means (14) and slidably supported by third fixed supporting means (54) .
204. Apparatus according to claims 177 and 203, wherein said third fixed supporting means (54) is fixed to said fixed frame (210) .
205. Apparatus according to claim 203 or 204, wherein said third positioning means (22) comprises third actuating means (27) suitable for moving said third movable supporting means (53) along said direction of adjustment (T) .
206. Apparatus according to claim 205, wherein said third positioning means (22) comprises third transmission of motion means (56) interposed between said third actuating means (27) and said third movable supporting means (53) .
207. Apparatus according to claim 205 or 206, wherein said third actuating means (27) is of the rotating type, for example, brushless electric motors.
208. Apparatus according to claim 207, as appended to claim 206, wherein said third transmission means (56) comprises screw drive system coupling means. 209. Apparatus according to one of claims 202 to 207, comprising a plurality of third positioning means (22) .
210. Apparatus according to claim 209, comprising further connecting means suitable for connecting said plurality of third positioning means (22) to one another to allow these to move said contrast means (14) simultaneously, to the same extent in the direction of adjustment (T) .
211. Apparatus according to claim 210, wherein said further interconnecting means is of the electronic and/or mechanical type. 212. Packaging machine comprising an apparatus for conveying containers according to one of claims 1 to 75, or one of claims 76 to 144, or one of claims 145 to 211. |
Apparatus for transporting containers
The invention relates to a conveyor apparatus, specifically, an apparatus suitable for moving containers such as bottles, vials, carpules, syringes and similar in an automatic packaging machine used for pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic and/or food products .
The conveyor apparatuses are configured for transferring containers to be packed through a series of operating stations of a packaging machine at which a plurality of operations are carried out on containers, such as, filling with a product, weighing, closure, etc.
The known conveyor apparatuses typically comprise a conveyor belt, closed in a loop around a drive pulley and an idle pulley and provided with driving elements or housing seats for said containers .
The conveyor belt comprises an upper moving branch and a lower return branch and is moved in a longitudinal driving direction by the drive pulley, which is placed at the end downline of the upper branch. Especially in the pharmaceutical field, metal conveyor belts, typically made of stainless steel with smooth polished surface, are used, which are particularly suitable in the packaging processes where products are to be handled in aseptic or sterile environments to avoid particle or microbiological contamination. The metal conveyor belts can, in fact, be washed and sterilized effectively during the periodic cleaning operations.
Movement of the conveyor belt is generally brought about by means of a drive pulley provided with teeth, typically cylindrical pins, suitable for engaging in the respective holes made- in the belt .
The driving is sometimes done also owing to the friction created between the outer edge of the pulley and the inner surface of the metal conveyor belt. The meshing between the pulley and the belt makes it possible to refer the angular position of the pulley with the linear
position of the belt and thereby maintain a step relation between the containers and the operating stations . One significant problem encountered in this type of conveyor apparatuses is the possible, gradual escape of the pulley pins from the respective holes in the belt, , because of the difference in dimensions between the pitch of the pins and that of the holes, as well as because of the incorrect belt tension. The escape of the pins, even partial, causes a sliding of the belt on the pulley and consequently phase shifts or variations of the position of the containers conveyed with respect to the machine's operating stations.
In addition to this, the escape of the pins causes abnormal stresses of considerable intensity both on the pins as well as on the holes, such as to lead to localised deformations and/or breakage.
The presence of through holes on the metal conveyor belt is also not very suitable in applications that require the installation of the conveyor apparatus in aseptic/sterile environments, especially in packaging of pharmaceutical products. For example, if the conveyor apparatus is inserted in a dosing machine for liquid pharmaceutical products, if the latter spill and accidentally spread on the outer surface of the conveyor belt, the presence of holes on it will allow the passage and spreading to the internal part of the conveyor belt, thereby dirtying a plurality of organs and elements of the conveyor apparatus, such as pulleys, guides, etc . In this case, long and complicated washing and sanitization and/or sterilization operations will have to be carried out, which may also require dismantling of the components and organs of the apparatus .
Certain types of conveyor apparatuses comprise one or more flat surfaces on which the containers rest and slide, drawn into motion by suitable projecting elements of the conveyor belt. Said elements, generally in the form of prongs or
teeth, are equidistant from one another in such a way as to form compartments inside which the containers to be handled are inserted. One or more longitudinal abutting guides maintain the containers inside the compartments during the movement .
In certain applications, the compartments are made directly on the conveyor belt and have a divergent V-shape in the direction of the longitudinal abutting guide for housing and moving containers of different sizes. The rubbing of containers on these supporting surfaces may, however, lead to certain problems like the generation of particles of material of the containers or of the surfaces which can contaminate the product to be packed; the generation of static electricity charges which can alter the correct working of the electric or electronic means or devices present in the packaging machine; the need for a considerably powerful drive unit to overcome the friction caused by rubbing of a large number of containers . To overcome these problems, in certain conveyor apparatuses the containers are placed directly on the belt, supported laterally and at the back by suitable containment means and frontalIy by one or more longitudinal abutting guides. Alternatively, conveyor belts are also known, provided with supporting elements, commonly referred to as "godet", having seats with divergent containment walls to house containers of different shapes, in collaboration with a longitudinal abutting guide.
The supporting elements are removably connected to the conveyor belt by means of suitable coupling devices in such a way as to be rapidly assembled and/o disassembled from the belt, for example, in case of washing and sanitization of the conveyor apparatus and/or in case of their replacement for size change of the containers. Said coupling devices may comprise shaped pins solidly connected to said supporting elements and suitable for engaging in corresponding through holes or slots made on the
belt. These devices allow ' easy and rapid assembly and disassembly of the supporting elements, but the presence of openings on the belt is hardly suitable as already disclosed and explained above. Fixing devices are also known, comprising fixing blocks fixed to the belt and provided with guides for removable and slidable coupling to respective supporting elements. These fixing blocks prevent the product to be packed from passing into the internal part of the belt; however, because of their shape and configuration, they must be disassembled, like the supporting elements, to be washed and sanitized effectively.. This involves an increase in machine stop times necessary for disassembling the blocks and preparing the apparatus for periodic cleaning and sanitization operations. In order to transfer containers of different shapes, apart from having receiving seats of adaptable shape, the known conveyor apparatuses have adjusting means capable of changing the relative position of the belt and the longitudinal abutting guides. In known packaging machines, in particular in dosing machines, a fixed vertical reference plane is defined, in relation with which the operating stations are aligned and in relation to which the mouths of the containers must be necessarily aligned. With change in the dimensions of the latter, it, therefore, becomes necessary to adjust the position in relation to said vertical reference plane, i.e. to adjust the position of the conveyor apparatus in a transverse direction in relation to the longitudinal direction of advancement of the belt . In known conveyor apparatuses, these adjustments are made manually by specialist technicians, who shift the guide or the longitudinal abutting guides, the drive pulleys of the metal belt, the frame and the supporting guides of the latter. These adjustments, in addition to requiring specialist labour, need long shutdowns of the apparatus and the packaging machine, with resulting interruption and
reduction of production.
The transverse adjustment of the drive pulleys is done using suitable slidable couplings associated with supporting shafts of said pulleys. In particular, in case of drive pulley, suitable transmission organs allow the corresponding supporting shaft, which is connected to the machine's drive unit, to rotate and at the same time slide axially. These transmission organs have the disadvantage of introducing plays and inaccuracies in the movement of the belt and consequently, in the positioning of the containers conveyed by the belt at the operating stations. The entity of these plays and inaccuracies may be variable, depending on the transverse position of the belt and/or wear and tear of the transmission organs. An object of this invention is to improve the known conveyor apparatuses for containers, in particular, by increasing the flexibility of use, the reliability and the precision of movement of containers . Another object is to obtain a conveyor apparatus capable of moving the containers in a precise and accurate manner, ensuring the absence of skidding between the conveyor belt and pulleys, i.e. maintaining the correct step ratio between the latter. A further object is to obtain a conveyor apparatus which makes it possible to hook on to and release the containers supporting elements from the conveyor belt rapidly, easily and reliably.
A still further object is to make a conveyor apparatus which ensures the maximum stability of containers during their movement, independently of their size.
Another object is to make a conveyor apparatus which can be cleaned and sanitized easily and efficiently, in compliance with the standards and regulations regarding packaging of pharmaceutical products in an aseptic and/or sterile environment .
A further object is to obtain a conveyor apparatus which
makes it possible to carry out the adjustment operations for container size change automatically.
A still further object is to obtain a conveyor apparatus which, ensures a transmission of movement to containers almost free of plays and inaccuracies.
In a first aspect of the invention, a containers conveyor apparatus is provided comprising belt means closed in a loop around pulley means suitable for moving said belt means in a longitudinal direction of advancement, and supporting elements prearranged for receiving and housing said containers and removably associated, in a coupling condition, with said metal belt means by means of connecting elements fixed to said belt means characterised in that each connecting element comprises coupling means suitable for coupling with a respective supporting element, and driving means, suitable for engaging corresponding holding means of pulley means for moving said belt means.
Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a conveyor apparatus capable of moving the containers in a precise accurate manner, maintaining the step ratio between the pulley means and the belt means .
Since each connecting element comprises coupling means and driving means, the position of the corresponding supporting element and thereby of the container conveyed is defined precisely and clearly in relation to belt means. In fact, there is no need for separate seats for fixing the coupling means and the driving means on the latter, as such separation can introduce positioning errors. The coupling between the driving means and the holding means ensures a correct step reference between the belt means and the drive pulley during the working and prevents relative slipping and sliding between the latter. The shape of the driving means and holding means allows a regular meshing at each step as well as the recovery of phase displacement or sliding, if any.
The coupling means of the connecting elements further make it
possible to hook and unhook the supporting elements of the containers on the conveyor belt means in a rapid, easy and reliable manner, to allow easy size change operations and effective washing and cleaning operations. Owing to the structure and shape of belt means and connecting elements the apparatus can be cleaned and sanitized easily and efficiently.
In a second aspect of the invention an apparatus for conveying containers is provided, comprising belt means closed in a loop around a pulley means is and suitable for moving a . plurality of said containers in a longitudinal direction of advancement and comprising moving means for setting in rotation said pulley means, characterised in that it further comprises positioning means configured for supporting and moving said pulley means and said moving means along a transverse direction of adjustment.
Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a conveyor apparatus which has a transmission of motion of belt means that is almost free of plays and inaccuracies. The positioning means, in fact, make it possible to move the moving means, comprising motor means and drive shaft for the connection to pulley means, in order to carry out size change operations. This solution avoids the use of sliding joints or couplings, which are, however, necessary for bringing about simultaneous translation or rotation of the shaft in case of fixed moving means. In a third aspect of the invention, an apparatus for conveying containers is provided comprising belt means closed in a loop around a drive pulley and a driven pulley, said belt means being suitable for moving said containers along a longitudinal direction of advancement, characterised in that it comprises tensioning means suitable for changing the distance between said drive pulley and said driven pulley along said direction of advancement for adjusting the tension of said belt means.
Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to make
a conveyor apparatus that is capable of moving the containers in a precise accurate manner.
The tensioning means make it possible to maintain the belt means constantly in tension, with a pre-fixed tensioning force, thereby ensuring optimum meshing between pulleys and belt means and preventing slipping between the latter.
The tensioning means also makes it possible to adjust the aforementioned tensioning force easily and quickly according to the specific requirements, for example, number and dimensions of containers, sliding speed, etc.
The invention will be better understood and carried into effect with reference to the attached drawings , in which an embodiment is shown by way of non-limiting example, in which:
Figure 1 is a partial front view of the conveyor apparatus for containers according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a partial and enlarged schematic front view of the apparatus in Figure I 7 showing drive pulley means and belt means, some parts having been removed for a better view of other parts; Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the apparatus in Figure
2;
Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of Figure 2, showing a connection element fixed to belt means;
Figure 5 is a partial cross-section according to a plane V-V of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a partial cross-section according to a plane VI-
VI of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is an enlarged partial view of a detail of Figure 3 , showing a supporting element in association with a container; Figure 8 is a partial cross-section according to a plane
VIII-VIII of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is a partial cross-section according to a plane IX-
IX of Figure 1;
Figure 10 is a partial cross-section according to a plane X-X of Figure 1;
Figure 11 is an enlarged partial view of a detail of Figure
3, showing a driven pulley and tensioning means associated with it.
With reference to Figures 1 to 10, a conveyor apparatus 1 for containers 100 is shown, comprising belt means 2, closed in a loop around pulley means 3, 4 configured for driving said belt means 2 along a longitudinal direction of advancement S . The belt means 2 is made of inextensible metallic material and typically consists of a stainless steel belt, flat and smooth, suitable for packaging pharmaceutical products in aseptic and sterile environment.
Apparatus 1 further comprises supporting elements 6, so- called "godet", configured for receiving and housing the containers 100 and removably associated with metal belt 2, in a hooking condition G, by means of connecting elements 5 fixed equidistant from one another to said belt means 2.
Each connecting element 5 comprises coupling means 7 which allows removable coupling of a respective supporting element 6 and driving means 8, intended for engaging in holding means 9 made in pulley means 3, 4. The reciprocal engagement or meshing between the driving means 8 and the holding means 9, at least partially, drives metal belt 2 following rotation of pulley means 3 , 4 and ensures the step ratio between said pulley means 3, 4 and said belt means 2, preventing relative slipping and sliding of the latter. Pulley means 3, 4 comprises a drive pulley 3 rotating around a first rotation axis A and a driven pulley 4, idling around a second rotation axis B. The rotation axes A, B are parallel to one another and substantially orthogonal to the direction of sliding S of belt means 2. Rotation axes A, B are further substantially orthogonal to a vertical reference plane R along which the containers 100 are moved and in relation to which the operating stations of a packaging machine 200, with which the conveyor apparatus can be associated must be aligned. The holding means 9 is made on an outer circumferential edge of said drive pulley 3 , equidistant with step equal to the
step between two adjacent connecting elements 5 fixed to metal belt 2 (Figure 2) .
In an embodiment of the apparatus that is not shown, the holding means 9 is present also on a respective outer circumferential edge of driven pulley 4.
The coupling means 7 and the driving means 8 of each connecting element 5 are associated with an outer surface 2a and an inner surface 2b, respectively, of metal belt means 2. The coupling means 7 includes one or more shaped elements 71, 72, configured to engage a seat 40 made in a corresponding supporting element 6.
With reference to Figures 3 and 7, the coupling means 7 may include, for example, a pair of shaped pins 71, 72 with flat heads for engaging slidably in seat 40 of supporting element 6, in this particular case consisting of a longitudinal groove, with a "T" shaped cross-section.
Conveyor apparatus 1 comprises frame means 10 configured for supporting and guiding the belt means 2 in its movements . In particular, the frame means 10 supports first contrast means 13, provided for abutting and maintaining supporting elements 6 in coupling condition G, preventing them from slipping off and getting unhooked from coupling means 7 of the respective connecting elements 5 (Figures 8 and 10) The first contrast means 13 is movable between a blocking position C, where it abuts and blocks supporting elements 6 in condition G, and a release position D, wherein it is at a distance from said supporting elements 6 to allow removal from belt means 2 (Figure 7) . The first contrast means 13 is positioned at an upper or conveying branch of belt means 2, i.e. the branch which conveys the supporting elements 6 provided with containers 100.
The first contrast means 13 is, for example, hinged by means of fulcrums 17 to connecting portions 110 of said frame means 10, so as to be able to rotate between said blocking position C and said release position D, and the other way around.
In an embodiment that is not shown, the contrast means 13 is slidably fixed to frame means 10 so as to move between said blocking position C and release position D.
Manual driving means 19 is provided, consisting, for example, of a knob 120 for moving a threaded rod 121, fixed to said contrast means 13 for rotating the latter between the blocking C and release D positions.
Apparatus 1 comprising also second contrast means 15 removably fixed to frame means 10 and configured for abutting and maintaining supporting elements 6 in coupling condition G at the lower or return branch of belt means 2. The first contrast means 13 and the second contrast means 15 comprise respective friction portions 13a, 15°, respectively, made up of one or more straight rods, intended for making contact with the supporting elements 6.
In an embodiment of the apparatus that is not shown, these friction portions are replaced by a plurality of idle rollers, rotatably supporting by said contrast means 13, 15 and intended for abutting said supporting elements 6. The driving means 8 of each connecting element 5 comprises a protrusion 81 provided for engaging in holding means 9 which consist of a series of cavities obtained in drive pulley 3 and having a shape complementary to said protrusion. The protrusions 81 act as driving teeth for meshing with the corresponding cavities 9 of drive pulley 3.
The protrusion 81 and the corresponding cavity 9 comprise portions of complementary surfaces, concave and convex, respectively, for example, a cylindrical or spherical surface . The protrusion 81 may also be shaped like a straight tooth with sides having profile matching that of the walls of each cavity 9, similar to that in toothed wheels.
In an embodiment of apparatus 1 that is not shown, the driving means 8 of each connecting element 5 comprises a cavity or compartment, intended for being engaged by holding means 9 of drive pulley 3 consisting of protrusions having
complementary shape.
These cavities and protrusions obviously have the same shapes and features of protrusion 81 and relative cavity 9 of drive wheel 3. The working of said embodiment of apparatus 1 is identical to that of the sort of structure disclosed above. The coupling between the driving means 8 and the holding means 9 ensures a correct step reference between the belt means 2 and the drive pulley 3 during the working, since it prevents relative slipping and sliding between the latter. This is obtained also owing to the shape of the protrusions and cavities, which allows correct meshing at each step, so that a phase displacement, if any, due to a difference in step between two consecutive protrusions and two consecutive cavities is recovered by automatic "centring" of each protrusion inside its cavity. In fact, it is noticed that, if a protrusion inserts itself in its respective cavity with a difference, as compared to the exact position required, its shape will allow automatic adaptation to the cavity, i.e. a correct repositioning inside the latter.
The coupling means 7 and the driving means 8 are removably interconnected by means of a known type of fixing means 55 such as screws or threaded grub screws which may be separate and distinct from said coupling means 7 or integrated with these. In this case, the shaped pins 71, 72 may comprise threaded shanks 55 intended for engaging in respective threaded seats 82 of driving means 8 (Figure 7) Belt means 2 comprises a plurality of openings 2c equidistant along the length of said belt means, which make it possible to fix the connecting elements 5 to said belt means 2. In particular, the openings 2c allow connection between the coupling means 7 and the corresponding driving means 8, i.e. the passage of fixing means 55 (Figure 3) . Once fixed to belt means 2, the coupling means 7 and the driving means 8, connected to one another, completely occlude these openings 2c thereby preventing the passage and,
spreading of substances or products that may have been accidentally spilt or spread on the outer surface 2a on the inner surface 2b.
For this purpose, a sealing gasket 78 may be provided, such as an "0-ring", which is placed between the shaped pin 71, 72 and the inner surface 2a of belt means 2 to prevent passage of liquid substances or products through opening 2c. In such cases, shaped pin 71, 72 is provided with a seat for receiving gasket 78 (Figure 4) . The connecting elements 5 can also be washed and sterilized whether assembled in place on belt means .2, for example by means of sterilization procedures using hydrogen peroxide, or after dismantling them from said belt means. Each supporting element 6 comprises a resting portion 45 for one or more containers 100 and supporting portions 46 suitable for supporting the latter laterally to hold them erect. The supporting portions 46 form divergent walls of an open housing 47, which is more or less triangular or V-shaped in plane view, for receiving containers of different shapes (Figure 3) .
Alternatively, housing 47 has a semicircular shape for receiving only one container shape.
Supporting element 6 shown in the Figures is capable of receiving a pair of containers 100 side by side. It may, however, be made for supporting two or more containers or a single container.
Third contrast means 14 can be provided for supporting and maintaining containers 100 stable in their respective housings 47, especially during their movement. In particular, the third contrast means 14 transversely abuts containers 100 with respect to the longitudinal sliding direction S, with a respective friction portion 14a. The frame means 10 comprises guiding means 11, 12, 111, 112 provided for supporting and guiding belt means 2. The guiding means comprises first longitudinal guides 11, 12, consisting of a pair of straight slats or bars, at a distance from one
another and parallel to the direction of advancement S and interconnected by a plurality of connecting crosspieces 16.
Said first longitudinal guides 11, 12 abut the inner surface
2b of said belt means 2 by means of respective friction portions 11a, 12a, at their upper branch, and form a respective elongated channel or cavity 18.
The guide means further comprises second longitudinal guides
111, 112 entirely similar to first longitudinal guide means
11, 12 but intended for abutting the inner surface 2b of said belt means 2 by means of respective friction portions, at the lower or return branch of the latter.
The second longitudinal guides 111, 112 form a respective elongated cavity 118.
Each connecting element 5 comprises reference means 51, 52 configured for engaging in said elongated cavities 18, 118 and abutting the guide means 11, 12, 111, 112 in order to prevent belt means 2 from shifting in the transverse direction.
Said reference means 51, 52 substantially comprises a pair of prismatic elements associated with inner surface 2b of belt means 2 and situated on opposite sides of driving protrusion
8.
The driving means 8 and the reference means 51, 52 are made in a single body and form a single element comprising a central portion, which forms the protrusion 81 for the holding means 9, and lateral portions which constitute the reference means 51, 52.
In this configuration, the threaded seats 82 of driving means
8 for the fixing means 55 are made in said lateral portions 51, 52.
In an embodiment that is not shown, the reference means 51,
52 may be distinct and connected to driving means 8 or coupling means 7.
The reference means 51, 52 further comprise respective anchoring portions or tailpieces 51a, 52a for engaging in corresponding longitudinal straight grooves lib, 12b, 111b,
112b made in the respective guide means 11, 12, 111, 112. Insertion of said tailpieces 51a, 52a in grooves prevents detachment of connecting elements 5, and thereby of belt means 2, from guide means 11, 12, 111, 112. The longitudinal guides 11, 12, 111, 112, reference means 51, 52 connecting elements 5 and at least the friction portions 13a, 14a, 15a of contrast means 13, 14, 15 are made of material having low friction coefficient, good resistance to wear and high resistance to chemical agents, for example, a thermoplastic material with high specific weight, such as polyethylene .
In order to allow apparatus 1 to convey containers 100 of different sizes, the pulley means 3, 4, the frame means 10 and the third contrast means 14 are movable and adjustable in position along a transverse direction of adjustment T more or less orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of advancement S and to the vertical reference plane R.
The direction of adjustment T is also parallel to the rotation axes A, B of pulleys 3, 4. This adjustment must be made in order to maintain the containers 100 aligned to the vertical reference plane , R irrespective of their dimensions and/or shapes. Apparatus 1 comprises first positioning means 20 and second positioning means 21 configured for moving the pulley means 3, 4 and the frame means 10 along said direction of adjustment T.
Apparatus 1 also comprises adjusting means 22 suitable for moving the third contrast means 14 for adjusting the position along the direction of adjustment T. With reference to Figure 8, the first positioning means 20 is capable of moving first mobile supporting means 63 of drive pulley 3 and frame means 10.
The first mobile supporting means 63 is, in fact, slidably supported by first fixed supporting means 64 of apparatus 1, connected to a fixed frame 210 of packaging machine 200.
The first movable supporting means 63 may comprise, for
example, an elongated sleeve provided at one end of a respective hub 63a, for rotatably supporting said drive pulley 3 and a supporting lever 65, which supports the frame means 10. The first positioning means 20 comprises first actuating means 25 of the rotating type, for example, electric brushless motors, connected to said first movable supporting means 63 by means of first transmission means 66, comprising, for example, screw drive system coupling means. In particular, the first actuating means 25 drives a leadscrew 67 which engages with a threaded portion 63b of movable supporting means 63 bringing about translation, because the rotation of said fixed supporting means 63 is blocked by antirotation elements 68, ' for example, one or more stop pins.
Alternatively, the first actuating means 25 may be of the linear type, and be connected directly to said movable supporting means 63. With reference to Figure 9, the second positioning means 21 is capable of moving second movable supporting means 90 provided for supporting the driven pulley 4 and the frame means 10 along said direction of adjustment T. The second mobile supporting means 90 is, in fact, slidably supported by second fixed supporting means 91 of apparatus 1, connected to fixed frame 210 of packaging machine 200.
The second movable supporting means 90 comprises a sliding pin 92, slidably inserted inside second fixed supporting means 91, and an attaching element 93 fixed to one end of said sliding pin 92 and suitable for supporting said frame means 10 and said idle pulley 4. In particular, a supporting plate 115 of said frame means 10 is fixed to attaching element 93.
The second fixed supporting means 91 comprises a respective sleeve provided with cylindrical hole 91a for housing the sliding pin 92, with suitable plain bushes placed in between. The second positioning means 20 comprises second actuating
means 26 of the rotating type, for example, electric brushless motors, connected to said second movable supporting means 90 by means of second transmission means 94, comprising, for example, screw drive system coupling means. ■ In particular, said second actuating means 26 drives a second leadscrew 95, consisting of a tube threaded internally, which engages with a threaded shank 96 fixed coaxially to the end of sliding pin 92 and opposite to attaching element 93. Since the second movable supporting means 90 cannot rotate as it is fixed to frame means 10 and to driven pulley 3, the rotation of the second leadscrew 95 determines the movement of second movable supporting means 90 in the direction of adjustment T. Alternatively, the second actuating means 26 may be of the linear type, and be connected directly to said second movable supporting means 90.
A fixing element 98 makes it possible to connect the first screw drive system coupling means 94 and the second actuating means 27 to fixed frame 210. Interconnecting means is provided which ■ is capable of interconnecting said positioning means 20, 21 and allow these to move simultaneously to the same extent in the same direction of adjustment T. The interconnecting means is of the electronic type and comprises, for example, electronic means for handling and control of actuating means 25, 26. In an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention (not shown) , the interconnecting means is of the mechanical type, for example belt and/or gear mechanisms, driven only by first actuating means 25 or only by second actuating means 26. The third positioning means 22 of third contrast means 14 is capable of moving third movable supporting means 53 with which said third contrast means 14 is fixed.
Said third movable supporting means 53 comprises a supporting shaft slidably supported by third fixed supporting means 54 of apparatus 1 and a connection end 53a to which a supporting frame 14b of said third contrast means 14 is connected.
The third fixed supporting means 54 is connected rigidly to
fixed frame 210 of packaging machine 200 and comprises a spindle provided with a cylindrical seat 54a suitable for housing the supporting shaft 53, by interposing suitable plain bushes. The third positioning means 22 comprises third actuating means 27 of the rotating type, for example, electric brushless motors, connected to said third movable supporting means 53 by means of third transmission means 56, comprising, for example, screw drive system coupling means. The third actuating means 27 drives a third leadscrew 57 which engages with a threaded end 53b, opposite connecting end 53a, of supporting shaft 53 determining the movement, since the latter is prevented from rotating by respective antirotation elements 59. Alternatively, the third actuating means 27 may be of the linear type, and be connected directly to third movable supporting means 63.
The third positioning means 22 further includes an attaching element 50 which makes it possible to support and fix the third screw drive system coupling means 56 and the third actuating means 27 to fixed ' frame 210.
Apparatus 1 comprises a pair of third positioning means 22, placed between the drive pulley 3 and the driven pulley 4. The third positioning means 22 may, however, be more than two, for example, if the belt means 2 is particularly long and/or large sized containers 100 are to be conveyed. Apparatus 1 comprises further interconnecting means capable of connecting the pair of third positioning means 22. The further interconnecting means is of the electronic type and comprises, for example, respective electronic means for handling and control of third actuating means 27. In an embodiment of the apparatus that is not shown, the interconnecting means is of the mechanical type driven by third actuating means. 27 of one of the third positioning means 22.
The positioning means 20, 21, 22, make it possible to
automatically move pulley means 3, 4, the frame means 10 and the third abutting means 14 along said direction of adjustment T and thereby make it possible to carry out rapid, easy and precise size change operations without manual intervention by operators.
These operations can, in fact, be carried out by the machine's control and handling means, in which it is possible to enter and save in memory the operating data and parameters associated with each container size transportable by the apparatus .
The possibility of carrying out size change without manual intervention by operators is particularly advantageous in applications in the pharmaceutical field, in which the conveyor apparatus is inserted in a production process in an aseptic or sterile environment, in which manual human intervention must be reduced to the minimum to avoid contamination.
Apparatus 1 further comprises moving means 60 provided for rotating drive pulley 3 around first rotation axis A and suitably fixed to said drive pulley 3 so as to be movable with it along the direction of adjustment T.
The moving means 60 comprises motor means 69, consisting of a rotating brushless electric motor, which rotates a drive shaft 62 on a free end 62a to which drive pulley 3 is fixed. The connection between motor 69 and drive shaft 62 may be direct or indirect by interposing suitable fourth motion transmission means 61, consisting of a speed reducer and/or right angle gear. The motor 69 and the fourth transmission means 61 are fixed to an end 63c of first movable supporting means 63 opposite hub 63a.
The first movable supporting means 63 has a coaxial hole 63d for the passage and rotatable support of drive shaft 62 by means of suitable roller bearings. In this way, the assembly consisting of the motor 69, fourth transmission means 61, drive shaft 62 and drive pulley 3 is
entirely supported by first movable supporting means 63, which is movable inside fixed supporting means 64, as disclosed earlier.
This solution, in which the motor 69 is en bloc and moves with the drive shaft 62 and the drive pulley 3 , avoids the use of slidable joints or couplings, such as grooved profiles, to bring about simultaneous movement and rotation of the shaft. This makes it possible to simplify the structure of moving means 60 and first positioning means 20 and, at the same time, makes it possible to eliminate plays and inaccuracies in the transmission of rotation, which such slidable joints or couplings could introduce.
An angular offset between the shaft of motor 69 and drive shaft 62 of drive pulley 3 would, in fact, result in a linear offset of the belt means 2 , i.e. an inaccurate and incorrect positioning of containers 100 at the operating stations of packaging machine 200, during the working.
Conveyor apparatus 1 comprises tensioning means 35 suitable for changing the centre distance between the drive pulley 3 and the driven pulley 4 in order to adjust the tension of belt means 2. A correct tension is essential for giving belt means 2 the necessary rigidity and to ensure the containers 100 move along " a more- or less plane and horizontal trajectory. The tensioning means 35 comprises first supporting means, 37, fixed to attaching element 93 of second positioning means 21, and second supporting means 36 which support the driven pulley 4 and are slidably supported by said supporting means 37. The second supporting means 36 is movable axially along a longitudinal direction of tensioning V, more or less parallel
• to the direction of advancement S and orthogonal to the second axis of rotation B of driven pulley 4.
The second supporting means 36 comprises one or more guiding rods 38 parallel and spaced, for example two, arranged on a plane parallel to vertical reference plane R and fixed to a
supporting pin 39 of driven pulley 4. Each rod 38 shows one end inserted slidably inside a respective seat 37a of supporting means 37, and the other end fixed to a coupling portion 39a of said supporting pin 39, for example, shaped like a plate.
The supporting pin 39 also has a hub portion 39b suitable for rotatably supporting the driven ' pulley 4.
A pusher rod 138 is provided, interposed between the two guiding rods 38, also fixed to coupling portion 39a and slidable inside a respective seat 37b of supporting means 37. Inside said seat 37b, pusher means 85 is provided, suitable for exerting a predefined tensioning force or push on corresponding pusher rod 138. Said pusher means 85 is, for example, of the elastic type and consists of one or more cylindrical helical springs which act in compression on an abutment 138a of said pusher rod 138, in such a way as to push the latter out of supporting means 7. The pusher rod 138 thus acts in the direction of tensioning V in such a way as to move the second rotation axis B of driven pulley 4 away from supporting means 7, and thereby place belt means 2 in tension with said predefined force. First adjustment means 86 is provided suitable for adjusting the degree of compression of elastic pushing means 85 and the intensity of the tensioning force. The first adjusting means 86 comprises a ring nut engaged in a threading made in seat 37a in which the pushing means 85 is inserted. The latter can be preloaded by acting manually on the ring nut. In a variation of conveyor apparatus 1 that is not shown, the pushing means 85 comprises a pneumatic or electric linear actuator which acts directly on pushing rod 138. In this case, the first adjusting means 86 comprises parts for adjusting the pressure and/or flow rate of compressed air or electricity. Conveyor apparatus 1 further comprises angular adjusting means 74 suitable for adjusting the angular position of the
driven pulley 4 in relation to an adjustment axis F more or less orthogonal and incident to second rotation axis B of driven pulley 3. Said adjusting axis F is also orthogonal to the direction of advancement S . The angular adjusting means 74 comprises an oscillating pin 75 fixed to hub portion 39b of supporting pin 39. The longitudinal axis of rotating pin 75 coincides with the regulation axis F. The rotating pin 75 rotatably supports an internal bushing 76 to which the driven pulley 4 is idly splined with suitable bushings interposed in between. The internal bushing 76 can therefore rotate around the adjustment axis F and its angular position, and therefore that of the driven pulley 4, in relation to supporting pin 39 is defined and fixed using second adjusting means 77 of angular adjustment means 74.
With specific reference to Figure 11, the adjusting means 77 comprises two or more threaded elements, for example micrometer screws, screwed in respective through holes obtained in a bottom wall of internal bushing 76 and arranged for abutting with respective shanks a front surface of hub portion 39b in supporting pin 39. By acting on said adjuster screws 77 it is possible to modify the angular position of the internal bushing 76 in relation to hub portion 39b. According to an embodiment of the apparatus that is not shown, the angular adjustment means 74 must be arranged for adjusting the angular position of drive pulley 3 in relation to a respective adjustment axis more or less orthogonal and incident to first rotation axis A of said pulley 4. In a further embodiment of the apparatus, the angular adjustment means 74 are configured for adjusting the angular position of both pulley 3, 4.
With reference to Figures 5 and 8, the drive pulley 3 comprises a central disk 31 and two side disks 32, 33, said disks 31, 32 and 33 being spaced at equal distances and coaxial to the first rotation axis of drive pulley 3.
The central disk 31 has a respective outer circumferential
edge 31a carrying the holding means 9, consisting of a plurality of angularly equidistant hollows. Each hollow is open on the side and consists of a cylindrical surface portion with generating lines parallel to first rotation axis A of drive pulley 3.
The two side disks 32, 33 are arranged on the opposite sides of the central disk 31 and have respective peripheral edges 32a, 33a meant for abutting and supporting the belt means 2. The side disks 32, 33 contribute to driving belt means 2 by friction, while the central disk 31 in virtue of hollows 9 prevents possible relative slipping and sliding of belt means 2 during the movement .
With reference to Figure 11, the driven pulley 4 comprises two outer disks 42, 43 provided with respective peripheral edges 42a, 43a suitable for abutting and supporting belt means 2. The outer disks 42, 43 and spaced from one another and coaxial to the second rotation axis B of driven pulley 4. These outer disks 42, 43 can be made in a single body. In order to ensure correct drainage of a washing liquid during the apparatus 1 cleaning operations, in drive pulley 3, disks 31, 32, 33 form a conical hub with the respective portions 31c, 32c, 33c and have passage openings 31b, 32b. Similarly, in driven pulley 4 the outer disks 42, 43 form a conical hub 42c and have passage openings 42b to allow drainage of the washing liquid.
The drive pulley 3 and the driven pulley 4 comprise a first contrast disk 34 and a second contrast disk 44, respectively, suitable for abutting the containment elements 6 and maintaining them in the coupled condition G.