MASSARI, Mirco (Via La Spezia 241/A, Parma, I-43100, IT)
CARANCINI, Mirco (Via La Spezia 241/A, Parma, I-43100, IT)
MASSARI, Mirco (Via La Spezia 241/A, Parma, I-43100, IT)
| CLAIMS 1. - A clamping device (16) for clamping a capped container (2) filled with a pourable product; said container (2) being elongated along an axis (A) and comprising: - a main body (5) and a neck (6) axially protruding from said main body (5) ; - a cap (9) fitted to a first portion (7) of said neck (6) ; and - an annular element (10) which radially protrudes from said neck (6) ; said clamping device (16) being characterized by comprising: - a first and a second jaw (20, 21) movable between an open position in which they are detached from said cap (9) of said container (2), and a closed position in which they clamp a lateral surface (12) of said cap (9); and - an element (22) defining a recess (23), which may be engaged by at least a portion of said annular element (10) . 2. - A clamping device as claimed in claim 1, characterized by comprising first and a second abutting element (35, 36) which may abut against a head surface (4) of said cap (9) , so as to contain the movement of said container (2) along said axis (A) . 3. - A clamping device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said first and second jaw (20, 21) comprise respectively said first and said abutting element (35, 36) . 4. - A clamping device as claimed in anyone of previous claims, characterized in that said first and second jaws (20, 21) are elastically loaded towards said closed position. 5. - A clamping device as claimed in claim 4, characterized by comprising: - a first arm (25) which may rotate about a second axis (C) , defines, on a first side, one (20) of said first or second jaw (20, 21) , and is operatively connected, on a second side, to a roller (28) ; - a second arm (40) which may rotate about a third axis (D) and defines the other (21) between said first and second jaw (20, 21); and - a spring (30) connected to one (25) between said first or said arm (25, 40) in a position which is detached from corresponding second and third axis (C, D) ; said first and second arm (25, 40) comprising respectively a first and a second toothed sector (41, 42) meshing to one another and rotatable respectively about said second and third axis (B, C) . 6. - A rotary conveyor (11), characterized by comprising: - a frame (15) which may rotate about a fourth axis (B) ; and - a plurality of said clamping devices (16) , which are fitted to said frame (15) and protrude from said frame (15) on the opposite side of said fourth axis (B) . 7. - A rotary conveyor as claimed in claim 6, characterized by comprising a fixed cam (29) which cooperates, in use, with a plurality of rollers (28) to move respective clamping devices (16) between respective closed and open positions. 8. - A rotary conveyor as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said spring (30) of each said clamping device (16) is connected to said frame (15) . 9. - A capping unit (1) , comprising: - a capping machine (3) for capping a plurality of containers (2) with respective caps (9) ; - a rotary conveyor (11) according to anyone of claim 6 to 8, which receives a plurality of capped containers (2) from said capping machine (3); and - a further conveyor (13) which receives said capped containers (2) from said rotary conveyor (11). 10. - A capping unit according to claim 9, characterized in that said further conveyor (13) comprises at least an ascending initial portion, proceeding from said rotary conveyor (11) ; the inclination of said conveyor (13) varying between 1.5% and 2%. 11.- A method for transferring at least one capped container (2) filled with a pourable food product and coming out from a capping machine (3); said container (2) being elongated along an axis (A) and comprising: - a main body (5) and a neck (6) axially protruding from said main body (5) ; - a cap (9) coupled with a first portion (7) of said neck (6); and - an annular element (10) which radially protrudes from a second portion (8) of said neck (6); said method being characterized by comprising the steps of: - clamping a lateral surface (12) of said cap (9) of each said container (2) by a clamping device (16); and engaging at least a portion of said annular element (10) within a recess (23) defined by said clamping device (16) . |
The present invention, relates to a clamping device for clamping a plurality of capped containers, and to a method for conveying a plurality of capped containers. BACKGROUND ART
Containers, especially when made in PET, of the known type comprise a main body and a neck portion protruding from and gently rounded to the main body.
More precisely, the neck portion substantially comprises :
- a screwed portion which defines a pouring opening and is coupled with a cap; and
- an annular element which radially protrudes from the screwed portion and is arranged below such screwed portion.
Bottling lines are known which comprise a plurality of units for carrying out respective operations on containers .
In greater detail, bottling line comprises at least a rinsing unit for rinsing containers, a filling unit for filling containers with a pourable food product, a capping unit for capping the containers, and a grouping unit for forming groups of containers.
Bottling lines also comprises one or two star- wheels which receive the capped containers from the capping unit and trasnfer such capped containers to a linear conveyor.
In greater detail, star-wheel are known comprising a frame which rotates about an axis, and defines a plurality of circumferential seats which house the portions of respective containers .
In a first solution, the seats of an unique star- wheel are engaged by a first side of the main bodies of the containers while a fixed counter-guide cooperates with a second side of the main bodies of the containers.
In a second solution, the seats of a first star- wheel are engaged by a first side of the main bodies of the containers, the seats of a second star-wheels are engaged by a first side of the necks of the containers while a fixed counter-guide cooperates with the second side of the main bodies of the containers.
Known star-wheel of the above-described type are normally used for transferring containers of different format, in particular containers having different diameter of the main body.
When the format of the containers needs to be changed, in the first solution, it is necessary to replace the unique star-wheel and the counter-guide. Differently, in the second-solution, it is necessary to replace the second star-wheel and the counter-guide.
These operations are cost and time-consuming.
A need is felt within the industry to transfer containers of different format while reducing the number of components to be replaced.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a clamping device for clamping a capped container which meets the above- identified requirement.
The aforementioned object is achieved by the present invention as it relates to a clamping device for clamping a capped container as claimed in claim 1.
The invention also relates to a method for transferring a capped container as claimed in claim 11. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One preferred embodiment is hereinafter disclosed for a better understanding of the present invention, by way of non-limitative example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 shows a top view of a capping station with a rotary conveyor which comprises a plurality of clamping devices according to the present invention;
- Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the capping station of Figure 1, with components removed for clarity;
- Figures 3 and 4 show a top and a frontal view of a rotary conveyor of the capping station of Figures 1 and 2;
- Figure 5 is a section along line V-V of Figure 2;
- Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a clamping device of Figure 1; .
4
- Figures 7 and 8 are respectively a top and bottom view of the clamping device of Figure 6;
- Figure 9 is a section along line IX-IX of the clamping device of Figure 7; and
- Figure 10 is a strongly enlarged view of some particular of Figure 2.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
With reference to Figure 1, numeral 1 indicates a capping unit for capping containers 2.
More precisely, each container 2 extends along a respective axis A and comprises (Figures 2, 5 and 10) :
- a main body 5; and
- a neck 6 axially protruding from the main body 5. In greater detail, neck 6 comprises:
- a screwed top portion 7 which defines a pouring opening and onto which a cap 9 is screwed;
an unscrewed bottom portion 8 which is rounded to main body 5; and
an annular element 10 which is axially interposed between top and bottom portions 7, 8, and radially protrudes from such top and bottom portions 7, 8.
In particular, cap 9 comprises a flat head surface 4 and a cylindrical lateral surface 12.
Containers 2 are preferably made in plastic material, especially PET.
Containers 2 may be filled with a pourable product, especially with a pourable food product. Non-limiting examples of pourable food products are water, beer, sodas or. fruits juices.
Very briefly, capping station 1 is adapted to be incorporated within a bottling line.
Bottling line comprises a rinsing unit for rinsing containers 2, a filling unit for filling containers 2 with a pourable product (like a food product), capping unit 1 and a grouping unit for creating groups of containers 2.
Capping unit 1 substantially comprises:
- a capping machine 3 , which is fed with containers 2 to be capped and outputs capped containers 2 ;
- a rotary conveyor 11 which is fed by capping machine 3 with capped containers 2 and conveys containers 2 along an arc- shaped path P; and
- a linear conveyor 13 which is fed with containers 2 by rotary conveyor 11.
More precisely, rotary conveyor 11 receives capped containers 2 from capping machine 3 at an inlet station I of path P and feeds linear conveyor 13 with capped containers 2 at an output station O of path P.
Rotary conveyor 11 substantially comprises (Figure
5) :
a fixed part 14;
- a frame 15 rotatable relative to fixed part 14 about an axis B which is vertical in the embodiment shown; and
a plurality of clamping devices 16 each fitted to frame 15.
More precisely, fixed part 14 comprises:
- a tubular element 100 elongated about axis B ;
- a cam 29 ; and
- a support structure 101 which is interposed between tubular element 100 and cam 29.
Frame 15 comprises, in turn, (figure 5) :
- a shaft 17a which is driven in rotation by a not shown motor about axis B and is housed within tubular element 100 through the interposition of a bearing;
- a top disk 18;
a bottom disk 17b rotatable about axis B integrally with shaft 17a; and
- an intermediate disk 17c rotatably integral with top and bottom disks 18, 17b about axis B .
Clamping devices 16 protrude from an outer peripheral edge 19 of top disk 18.
Support structure 101 extend on a lateral side of disks 17b, 17c.
Linear conveyor 13 comprises a first end which is adjacent to conveyor 11, and a second end which is opposite to conveyor 11.
At least a first portion of conveyor 13 adjacent to the first end is ascending.
In other words, capped containers 2 are conveyed along at least an initially upward path.
More precisely, the inclination of conveyor 13 ranges between 1.5% and 2%. Preferably, the inclination of conveyor 13 is 1.75%.
Only one clamping device 16 will be hereinafter described as it is clear that that all clamping device 16 are identical to one another.
Each clamping device 16 advantageously comprises
(Figures 6 to 9) :
- a pair of jaws 20, 21 movable between an open position in which they are detached from cap 9, and a closed position in which they clamp lateral surface 12 of cap 9 of respective container 2 (Figure 10); and
- an element 22 defining a recess 23, which is engaged, in use, by at least a portion annular element 10 of respective container 2.
Furthermore, jaws 20, 21 are also movable between a rest position in which they cooperate with one another and do not grip cap 9 of relative container 2 (Figures 6 and 7 ) .
In particular, recess 23 is arc-shaped.
Furthermore, each clamping device 16 comprises:
- an arm 25 which is hinged to element 22 about an axis C in use vertical; and
- an arm 40 which is hinged to element 22 about an axis D parallel to axis C.
Arm 25 integrally defines:
- a lever 26 which is operatively connected, at an its end opposite to axis C, to a roller 28; and
- a lever 27 which is slanted with respect to lever 26 and defines, at an its end opposite to axis C, jaw 20.
Levers 26, 27 join to one another at axis C.
Roller 28 is rotatable about an axis E which is parallel to axis C, D. Roller 28 of each clamping device 16 cooperates with of cam 29 of conveyor 11 at inlet and output stations I, 0.
In particular, roller 28 rotates, through the interposition of a bearing, about a pin 39 which extends along axis E which is parallel to axes C, D (Figure 9) .
More precisely, pin 39 comprises:
- a top end portion 45 fitted to lever 26;
- an intermediate portion 46 about which roller 28 is rotatable; and
- a screwed bottom portion 47 onto which a nut 49 is screwed.
Cam 29 comprises a first and a second sector arranged respectively at station I, 0 of path P.
As first sector of cam 29 cooperates with each roller 28, jaws 20, 21 of relative clamping device 16 move from rest to open position at station I.
As second sector of cam 29 cooperates with each roller 28, jaws 20, 21 of relative clamping device 16 from closed to open position at station 0.
Clamping device 16 comprises a spring 30, helical in the embodiment shown, which is interposed between frame 15 of conveyor 11 and relative lever 26.
Spring 30 pre-loads jaws 20, 21 towards the rest position as relative clamping device 16 moves from station O to station I, and loads jaws 20 , 21 towards the closed position as relative clamping device 16 move from station I to station O.
More precisely, spring 30 reaches:
- its minimum length, when jaws 20 , 21 are in the rest position and do not grip cap 9 , i.e. along the portion of path P which extend from station 0 to station I (Figure 7 ) ;
- its medium length, when jaws 20 , 21 are closed and grip cap 9 , i.e. along the portion of path P which extend from station I to station 0 ; and
its maximum length when jaws 20 , 21 are the open position, i.e. at stations 0 , I of path P.
Spring 30 comprises (Figures 7 and 8 ) :
a first end 31 which is connected to relative lever 26 in a position, which is detached form axis C, and loads jaw 20 against jaw 21 ; and
■ a second end 32 , axially opposite to first end 31 , which is connected to a pin 33 .
Pins 33 of clamping device 16 are, in turn, fitted to disk 18 .
Arm 40 has a first end hinged about axis D to element 22 , and a second end, opposite to first end, which defines the jaw 21 .
Each clamping device 16 also comprises a first and a second L-shaped element 3 5 , 36 bolted respectively to jaws 20 , ' 21 .
More precisely, each element 35 , 36 comprises: a first portion 37 vertically protruding from respective jaws 20, 21; and
a second portion 38 which lies on an horizontal plane and horizontally * protrudes from relative portion 37.
In this way, portions 38 are arranged above aws 20, 21 and, in case that container 2 raise parallel to axis C, D, they abut against head surface 4 of cap 9 (Figure 10) .
Arm 25, 40 comprise respective toothed gears 41, 42 meshing to another and rotatable respectively about axes C, D (Figure 10) . Toothed gears 41, 42 may be replaced by toothed sectors .
In this way, as cam 29 causes the rotation of jaw 20 about axis C, gears 41, 42 cause a rotation of the same angle and in an opposite direction of jaw 21.
Element 22 is flat and lies on a plane, which is orthogonal to axes C, D.
Element 22 is fixed with respect to axis C, D and substantially comprises:
- a portion 60 which is coupled to levers 26, 27 through a pair of pins 61a, 61b which extend respectively along axes C, D; and
- a concave portion 62 which defines recess 23.
Pins 61a, 61b extend respectively about axes C, D and comprises :
- respective bottom head ends 63 which abut against portion 60 of element 22; respective intermediate portions 64 which are housed with play within respective holes of portions 60 and housed with interference within respective tubular elements 65; and
- respective screwed top ends 66 onto which relative nuts 67 are screwed.
Intermediate portions 64 of pin 61a, 61b engage respective holes of disk 18, which are arranged in a position radially outer with respect to the position at which pin 33 is fitted to disk 18.
Recess 23 is open on the opposite side of portion 60 and is shaped as an arc of circumference.
Each clamping device 16 further comprises pair of hollow cylindrical elements 70 which rotate integrally with respective jaws 20, 21 about relative axes C, D (Figure 9) .
Cylindrical elements 70, in particular, rotate, via interposition of bearings, with respect to tubular elements 65.
Each clamping device 16 finally comprises a crossbar 80 which lies on a plane which is orthogonal to axes B, C, and comprise two open seats 81 which are engaged by respective tubular elements 65 (Figure 7) .
In use, capping machine 3 receives containers 2 to be capped, caps such containers 2 with caps 9, and feeds rotary conveyor 11 with capped containers 2.
Rotary conveyor 11 receives capped containers 2 at inlet station I, conveys capped containers 2 along path P and outputs capped containers 2 at output station O to linear conveyor 13.
Linear conveyor 13 moves away capped container 2 from output station 0 along a path, which is at least initially ascending.
The operation of rotary conveyor 11 will be described in the following of the present description with reference to only one clamping device 16 and container 2, and starting from a configuration in which jaws 20, 21 are in the open position at station I and spring 30 has its medium length.
As clamping device 16 moves from station I to station 0, jaws 20, 21 are loaded by spring 30 in the closed position in which they grip cap 9 of container 2.
Jaws 20, 21 remain in the closed position, as clamping device 16 move from station I towards station 0.
More precisely, jaws 20, 21 clamp lateral surface 12 of cap 9, and annular element 10 of cap 9 engages recess 23.
As clamping device 16 reaches station 0, the second sector of cam 29 cooperates with roller 28, so as to move jaws 20, 21 in the open position in which they release containers 2 to linear conveyor 13.
More precisely, second cam 29 cooperates with roller
28, so as to rotate arm 25 anticlockwise about axis C and with reference to Figure 7.
In this way, spring 30 reaches its maximum length, and jaw 20 and gear 41 rotate in an anticlockwise direction about axis C. The anticlockwise rotation of gear 41 causes the clockwise rotation of gear 42, and,.therefore of jaw 20.
Accordingly, jaws 20, 21 container 2 is transferred to the first end of conveyor 13.
Afterwards, roller 28 ceases to cooperate with second sector of cam 29 immediately downstream from inlet station O. Accordingly, spring 30 causes the clockwise rotation of arm 25 (with reference to Figure 7) and, therefore, of jaw 20 and gear 41 about axis C.
At this stage, spring 30 reaches its minimum length position and loads jaw 20, 21 towards the rest position.
As clamping device 16 moves from station 0 to station I, jaws 20, 21 remain in the rest position.
As clamping device 16 reaches station I, the first sector of cam 29 cooperates with roller 28, so as to move jaws 20, 21 in the open position in which they receive cap 9 of relative container 2 from capping machine 3.
Afterwards, roller 28 ceases to cooperate with first sector of cam 29 immediately downstream from inlet station I. Accordingly, spring 30 causes the clockwise rotation of arm 25 (with reference to Figure 7) and, therefore, of jaw 20 and gear 41 about axis C.
Clockwise rotation of gear 41 about axis C cause the anticlockwise rotation of gear 42, and therefore, of jaw 21 about axis D (with reference to Figure 7) . At this stage, spring 30 reaches its medium position and loads jaw 20 , 21 towards the closed position; jaw 20 , 21 clamp lateral surface 12 of cap 9 and recess 23 cooperates with annular element 10 of cap 9 .
From an analysis of the features of clamping device 16 and of the method according to the present invention, the advantages it allows to obtain are apparent.
In particular, as they are transferred along path P by conveyor 11 , containers 2 cooperate with clamping devices 16 only. More precisely, caps 6 are clamped by jaws 20 , 21 and annular elements 10 engage relative recesses 23 of corresponding clamping device 16 .
In other words, main bodies 5 of containers 2 are neither clamped by clamping devices 16 nor cooperate with fixed counter-guide. Furthermore, main bodies 5 do not engage fixed seats of any rotary conveyor.
Accordingly, when it is necessary to transfer along path P containers 2 having different main bodies 5 shapes but with the same shape of neck 6 , there is no need to change any component of clamping devices 16 and/or conveyor 11 .
In this way, the cost and the time required for transfer containers 2 with the different main bodies 5 but with the same shape of neck 6 are dramatically reduced.
Furthermore, the release of containers 2 at output station 0 from relative clamping devices 16 to conveyor 13 is eased by the fact that conveyor 13 is ascending.
Finally, it is apparent that modifications and variants not departing from the scope of protection of the claims may be made to clamping devices 16 and to conveyor 11.