EP3162721A1

EP3162721A1 - An apparatus for handling receptacles

Info

Publication number: EP3162721A1
Application number: EP15306741.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roberto Zoni; Andrea Bocchi
Original assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Current assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Priority date: 2015-11-02
Filing date: 2015-11-02
Publication date: 2017-05-03

Abstract

There is described a receptacle handling apparatus (1, 1'') comprising a conveying carousel (3, 3'') and a plurality of handling units (4, 4'') configured to advance along a path (Q) defined by rotation of the conveying carousel (3, 3''). Each handling unit (4, 4") comprises one receptacle support pedestal (33) supporting, in use, one respective receptacle (2) and moveable in a vertical direction (V). The apparatus (1, 1'') further comprises elevation adjusting means (34, 34") configured to adjust the positions of said pedestals (33) along the vertical direction (V) for adapting to different receptacle formats. The elevation adjusting means (34, 34") comprise one height-adjusting bar (35, 35'') for each pedestal (33) and actuator means (36, 36') selectively activated to move each pedestal (33) along the vertical direction (V) via the respective height-adjusting bar (35, 35'').

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for labeling and filling receptacles of varying formats with pourable products, such as carbonated liquids (including sparkling water, soft drinks and beer) or non-carbonated liquids (including still water, juices, teas, sport drinks, liquid cleaners, wine, etc), emulsions, suspensions, high viscosity liquids and beverages containing pulps.
The present invention may be also used to particular advantage for any type of receptacles, such as containers or bottles made of base components, like glass, plastics, aluminum, steel, and composite containers

BACKGROUND ART

The above-mentioned receptacles are commonly filled with pourable products, capped, labeled and subjected to further packaging operations prior to be distributed as batches of receptacles to sale points.
In particular, the overall packaging process comprises manifold processing steps including for example, the rinsing, the sterilization, the filling, the labeling and the capping of the receptacles. The processing steps are typically performed by a variety of processing machines, such as rinsing machines, sterilization machines, filling machines, capping machines and labeling machines.
These processing machines are commonly defined by carousel-type machines. Most typically, the filling and labeling of a succession of receptacles is performed while the receptacles are conveyed by one carousel during the filling process and while the receptacles are conveyed by another carousel during the labeling process. Furthermore, labeling of each receptacle is obtained before or after the filling thereof; in the latter case, each receptacle is also capped before labeling.
More recently, however, a new type of compact apparatus has been proposed which is capable of performing both the filling and labeling operations on the receptacles within one single carousel continuously rotating around a central axis.
This new type of apparatus further comprises a plurality of handling units, peripherally mounted to the carousel and advancing along a path defined by the rotation of the carousel itself, and a labeling unit, placed adjacent to one peripheral section of the carousel for feeding labels thereto.
The apparatus also comprises a feeding conveyor, which feeds the receptacles to be filled and labeled to one respective handling unit and an outlet conveyor which receives filled and labeled receptacles from the plurality of handling units.
More specifically, each handling unit comprises a gripping member configured to hold one respective receptacle in correspondence with the receptacle neck in a vertical orientation.
Furthermore, each handling unit has a filling device apt to fill the relative receptacle with a pourable product during rotation of the carousel. In particular, the filling device has an outlet mouth adapted to seal a pouring/inlet opening of the receptacle during filling thereof.
Additionally, each handling unit comprises a pedestal configured to further support the relative receptacle in the vertical orientation during advancement by the carousel. The pedestal is positioned so that the respective receptacle exerts a force onto the outlet mouth of the respective filling device for guaranteeing a good sealing of the pouring/inlet opening of the respective receptacle during filling thereof.
Each handling unit also comprises a motor mounted to the filling device and configured to rotate the respective receptacle around its longitudinal axis so that one respective label fed by the labeling unit to the carousel can be wrapped around the respective receptacle.
It is known in the field that the processing machines and apparatuses mentioned must be able to deal with varying formats of receptacles. Accordingly, in the specific case of the new compact carousel-type apparatus each handling unit must provide for a mechanism adapted to match the position of the pedestals of the handling units on the format of the receptacles to be filled and labeled.
Commonly, this is realized by an operator manually exchanging the position of the pedestals during a format change.
Alternatively, an automatic mechanism for adjusting the position of the pedestals is described in EP 1264771 A1 for the particular case of a labeling apparatus. The labeling apparatus comprises a carousel rotatable around a central axis and a plurality of receptacle handling units peripherally mounted to the carousel.
Each receptacle handling unit comprises one centering assembly for centering one respective receptacle and one receptacle support pedestal for retaining on top the respective receptacle.
Furthermore, the carousel comprises a circular centering assembly support structure rotatable around the central axis for carrying the centering assemblies of the plurality of handling units and a circular pedestal support structure rotatable around the central axis for carrying the pedestals of the plurality of handling units.
The carousel further comprises a rotating shaft carrying the centering assembly and the pedestal support structure. The latter is positioned below and coaxial to the centering assembly support structure.
Furthermore, the carousel comprises a fixed column supporting the rotating shaft and having a helical thread on its outer surface. The carousel also has a slider assembly supporting the pedestal support structure and adapted to axially shift the pedestal support structure for positioning the pedestal support structure in height.
More specifically, the slider assembly has a driving unit with a gear motor and a gear transmission and a slider which is coupled to the pedestal support structure by means of bearings and to the fixed column. The slider can be actuated by the gear motor and the gear transmission to axially slide along the fixed column so that the position in height of the pedestals supported by the pedestal support structure can be adjusted as a function of the format of the receptacles to be labeled.
Such a mechanism has the drawback that the total sum of forces acting in use is to be supported by the slider assembly and the fixed column. In particular, critical is the connection between the slider and the fixed column. In the case of the compact apparatus capable of performing both the filling and labeling operations, as described above, these forces would be significantly larger than for a labeling apparatus as disclosed in EP 1264771 A1 . Accordingly, the implementation of the introduced mechanism would be impossible or at least impractical due to the need of a massive redesign of the overall configuration of such a compact apparatus.
A further drawback is the use of a gear motor and a gear transmission providing for the forces needed to move in a controlled manner the pedestal support structure.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for filling receptacles to overcome, in a straightforward and low-cost manner, the aforementioned drawbacks.
According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for handling receptacles as claimed in claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic top plan view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for handling receptacles according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of parts of the apparatus of Figure 1, with details removed for clarity;
Figure 3 shows a bottom view of details of the parts of Figure 2;
Figure 4 shows an enlarged perspective bottom side view of a detail of the parts of Figures 2 and 3;
Figure 5a shows a larger-scale section view along plane V-V of Figure 4 in a first configuration;
Figure 5b shows a larger-scale section view along plane V-V of Figure 4 in a second configuration;
Figure 6 shows larger-scale section views along plane V-V of Figure 4 in two further different configurations;
Figure 7 shows a section along plane VII-VII of Figure 5a;
Figure 8 is analogous to Figure 3 and shows a bottom view of a possible variant of the parts of Figure 1, with details removed for clarity;
Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; and
Figure 10 shows a section analogous to Figure 5a relative to the apparatus of Figure 9, with details removed for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates as a whole a receptacle handling apparatus for filling and labeling receptacles 2 during advancement along a path P from an inlet station 1a to an outlet station 1b.
Apparatus 1 comprises:

a conveying carousel 3 adapted to rotate around a vertically extending central axis A; and
a plurality of handling units 4 equally spaced angularly about axis A along a peripheral portion 5 of said conveying carousel 3 and configured to advance along a circular path Q defined by the rotation of said conveying carousel 3 around said central axis A.

Apparatus 1 further comprises feeding means 6 arranged upstream of carousel 3 along path P and configured to receive receptacles 2 in a known manner at inlet station 1a and to advance said receptacles 2 along a first portion P1 of path P to a first transfer station 7 for feeding the receptacles 2 to the plurality of handling units 4. In particular, at first transfer station 7 each one of the receptacles 2 is fed to one respective handling unit 4 advancing along path Q. and through first transfer station 7 and a second transfer station 9 downstream of first transfer station 7 along path P.
The apparatus 1 further comprises:

filling means 8 carried by the plurality of handling units 4 and configured to fill each receptacle 2 with a pourable product as such receptacle 2 is retained by one respective handling unit 4 and advanced along a second portion P2 of path P from first transfer station 7 to second transfer station 9; and
labeling means 10 configured to apply at least one label 11 onto each receptacle 2 during advancement of the receptacle 2 along portion P2 of path P.

It must be noted that portion P2 of path P corresponds to an arc of path Q, preferably greater than 270°. More specifically, portion P2 of path P is identical to path Q between transfer station 7 and transfer station 9.
Additionally, apparatus 1 has discharge means 12 placed downstream of carousel 3 along path P, configured to receive receptacles 2 from carousel 3, in particular at second transfer station 9, and to advance receptacles 2 along a third portion P3 of path P to outlet station 1b.
In particular, feeding means 9 comprise a plurality of star wheels 6a, 6b, two in the example of Figure 1, each of which is rotatable about one respective rotation axis B, B' parallel to axis A. In more detail, star wheel 6a is arranged peripherally adjacent, in particular tangential, to carousel 3 at first transfer station 7.
Discharge means 12 comprise one or more star wheels 12a, 12b, two in the specific example of Figure 1, adapted to rotate around respective rotation axes C and C' , parallel to axes A, B and B'. Star wheels 12a, 12b are configured to convey receptacles 2 from second transfer station 9 to outlet station 1b for transferring filled receptacles 2 to further processing machines (not shown and known as such). Star wheel 12a is arranged peripherally, in particular tangential, to carousel 3 at second transfer station 9.
Furthermore, labeling means 10 are placed peripherally adjacent to carousel 3, downstream of first transfer station 7 along path P, in particular along portion P2 of path P. Accordingly, labeling means 10 are in particular arranged downstream of first transition station 7 and upstream of transfer station 9 along path P. Labeling means 10 are adapted to transfer a succession of labels 11 to carousel 3.
In particular, labeling means 10 are configured to feed, in a known manner, one label 11 to one respective handling unit 4 carrying one respective receptacle 2 for applying such label 11 to the receptacle 2 itself during advancement of the latter along portion P2 of path P.
More specifically, labeling means 10 cooperate with carousel 3 at a label transfer station 16, interposed between transfer stations 7 and 9 along portion P2 of path P.
Furthermore, labeling means 10 are configured to supply a pattern of glue onto the back side of each label 11 allowing for sticking the label 11 itself to the respective receptacle 2. In particular, each handling unit 4 and labeling means 10 are adapted to cooperate in such a manner to wrap one respective label 11 around one respective receptacle 2.
With reference to Figure 2, carousel 3 comprises a fixed base support structure 17 and a rotary body 18 rotatably supported on the fixed base support structure 17 and carrying the plurality of handling units 4.
In particular, rotary body 18 is rotatable about the central axis A and has a substantially annular configuration. Furthermore, fixed base support structure 17 rests on the plant floor on a plurality of adjustable legs 17a. Adjustable legs 17a are configured to compensate for an uneven plant floor so as to correctly orient the carousel 3.
Carousel 3 further comprises driving means (not shown and known as such) having a drive shaft (not shown and known as such) defining the central axis A and which is coupled to the rotary body 18 in such a manner that drive means are adapted to actuate rotation of rotary body 18 around central axis A.
More specifically, rotary body 18 comprises an upper support structure 19, a lower support structure 20 and a rotating disc 21. Rotating disc 21 is mounted on base support structure 17 and is adapted to rotate around axis A. The support structures 19, 20 have substantially annular configurations, are positioned adjacent and coaxial to each other and to rotating disc 21. More specifically, support structure 20 is positioned above and mounted to rotation disc 21 and lies below the support structure 19.
Rotary body 18 also has a plurality of distancing elements 22 equally spaced along axis A and interposed between rotating disc 21 and support structure 20. Distancing elements 22 are configured to fix support structure 20 onto rotating disc 21.
Rotary body 18 further comprises a plurality of vertically extending support posts 23 equally spaced along axis A having an orientation parallel to axis A and interposed between support structures 19 and 20. Accordingly, distancing elements 22 and support posts 23 couple the support structures 19 and 20 to rotating disc 21 so as that support structure 19 and 20 are apt to rotate together with rotating disc 21.
With reference to Figure 2, filling means 8 comprise a plurality of filling devices 27 each of which is part of one respective handling unit 4 and each of which is configured to selectively feed the pourable product into one respective receptacle 2 as the respective handling unit 4 advances along path Q and as the respective receptacle 2 advances along path P.
In more detail, each filling device 27 is mounted equally spaced along axis A to rotary main body 18, in particular to upper support structure 19.
Additionally, each filling device 27 comprises:

a filling head 28 having a substantially cylindrical support bell 29 with an outlet mouth (not shown), wherein the outlet mouth is apt to selectively establish in a known manner a fluid connection between a pourable product storage tank (not shown) and the inner of the respective receptacle 2 for filling the respective receptacle 2 with the pourable product; and
a gripping member 30 configured to hold one respective receptacle 2 in correspondence with the receptacle neck 2a in a vertical orientation; i.e. the respective longitudinal axis D of receptacle 2 is parallel to axis A.

In particular, each support bell 29 has a longitudinal axis E parallel to axis A and is rotatable around said axis E.
Each gripping member 30 is designed to hold the respective receptacle 2 coaxial with respect to the respective support bell 29 so that a pouring/inlet opening of the respective receptacle 2 is sealable by the outlet mouth of the respective support bell 29.
Each handling unit 4 further comprises one motor unit 31 attached in particular to the respective filling device 27 and adapted to actuate rotation of support bell 29 around axis E. Accordingly, motor unit 31 is configured to actuate rotation of the respective receptacle 2 around its longitudinal axis D during advancement along portion P2 of path P.
With reference to Figures 2, 5a, 5b and 6, each handling unit 4 further comprises a support assembly 32 adapted to support one respective receptacle 2. In particular, support assembly 32 is apt to interact with a bottom portion 2b of the respective receptacle 2. Furthermore, support assembly 32 is carried by lower support structure 20.
In more detail, each support assembly 32 comprises a receptacle support pedestal 33 designed to support one respective receptacle 2 and being moveable in a vertical direction V parallel to the central axis A.
Moreover, apparatus 1 comprises elevation adjusting means 34 configured to adjust the position of said pedestals 33 along the vertical direction V for adapting to different receptacle formats (see Figure 6).
Elevation adjusting means 34 comprise:

one respective height-adjusting bar 35 for each pedestal 33, mounted along the peripheral portion 5 of conveying carousel 3 and extending parallel to the central axis A;
actuator means 36 apt to be selectively activated to move pedestals 33 along said vertical direction V via the respective height-adjusting bar 35.

More specifically, each handling unit 4, in particular the respective support assembly 32 comprises one respective height-adjusting bar 35 having a longitudinal axis F, parallel to axis A, onto which the respective pedestal 33 is mounted rotatably around axis F.
Furthermore, each height-adjusting bar 35 extends through a respective opening 37 of lower support structure 20.
In the specific example of Figures 2 to 4, actuator means 36 comprise a plurality of motor assemblies 41, each one coupled to one respective pedestal 33 through the respective height-adjusting bar 35.
Each motor assembly 41 has one respective electrical motor 42 mounted to rotary body 18, in particular to lower support structure 20. Each motor 42 comprises a rotating motor shaft 42a extending through lower support structure 20 and coupled to one respective actuation member of actuator means 36, in the specific example of Figures 2, 3, 4, 5a, 5b and 6 a toothed belt 43. Additionally, each actuation member, i.e. the toothed belt 43, is coupled to one respective height-adjusting bar 35. Accordingly, each motor 42 is apt to drive the respective belt 43 through the respective shaft 42a and correspondingly to actuate the rotation of the height-adjusting bar 35.
With particular reference to Figures 5a, 5b, 6 and 7, elevation adjusting means 34 further comprise rotation conversion means adapted to transform the rotation of height-adjusting bars 35 into the movement along vertical direction V of the respective pedestals 33.
Additionally, elevation adjusting means 34 comprise one motion transmission assembly 44 for each handling unit 4. In particular, each motion transmission assembly 44 belongs to one respective support assembly 32.
In more detail, each motion transmission assembly 44 is designed to couple the respective pedestal 33 to actuator means 36. More specifically, each motion transmission assembly 44 is coupled to one respective motor 42, in particular through one respective belt 43.
Each motion transmission assembly 44 comprises:

one rotation transmission unit 45 coupled to one respective height-adjusting bar 35 and configured to rotate the respective height-adjusting bar 35 around its axis F; and
one translation unit 46 coupled to the respective height-adjusting bar 35 and adapted to transform the rotation of the respective height-adjusting bar 35 into a linear movement of the respective pedestal 33 along direction V.

In particular, the translation units 46 of the plurality of motion transmission assemblies 44 define the rotation conversion means.
Additionally, each motion transmission assembly 44 has a housing 47 protruding downwards from and being secured to lower support structure 20.
Moreover, each rotation transmission unit 45 of the plurality of motion transmission assemblies 44 comprises one circular rotation actuation element 48 rotatably housed within the respective housing 47, in particular adjacent to lower support structure 20. Furthermore, each rotation actuation element 48 and the respective height-adjusting bar 35 are coaxial with respect to each other and each rotation actuation element 48 has a respective through-hole 48a through which the respective height-adjusting bar 35 extends in a slideable manner.
Each height-adjusting bar 35 comprises, along at least a portion of the height-adjusting bar 35 itself, a plurality of first interaction elements, in the specific example channels 49 extending parallel to axis F on the outer surface of the height-adjusting bar 35.
Each rotation transmission unit 45, in particular the respective rotation actuation element 48 comprises a plurality of second interaction elements, more specifically a plurality of elongated inner teeth 50 each of which is apt to cooperate with one respective channel 49 of the respective height-adjusting bar 35. More precisely, each inner tooth 50 is configured to engage the respective channel 49 of the respective height-adjusting bar 35.
Each rotation transmission unit 45, in particular the respective rotation actuation element 48 comprises a plurality of engagement elements, in particular a plurality of outer teeth 51 adapted to cooperate with the respective toothed belt 43 of actuator means 36. Thus, actuator means 36 are adapted to actuate rotation of each height-adjusting bar 35 through the cooperation of the respective motor assembly 41, in particular the respective motor 42 and the respective belt 43 with the respective rotation actuation element 48.
With reference to Figures 5a, 5b and 6, each translation unit 46 comprises a nut element 55 configured to cooperate with the respective height-adjusting bar 35, in particular to adjust the position of the respective pedestal 33 along said vertical direction V.
In more detail, each nut element 55 is configured to cooperate with a threaded portion 56 of the respective height-adjusting bar 35. In particular, each nut element 55 has a threaded portion itself which is configured to engage with threaded portion 56 of the respective height-adjusting bar 35.
Furthermore, each nut element 55 is housed in an angularly fixed manner within the respective housing 47 of the respective motion transmission assembly 44 and is coaxially aligned with the respective height-adjusting bar 35. In particular, the respective height-adjusting bar 35 extends through the nut element 55.
Thus, in use, each motor 42 selectively actuates rotation of the respective shaft 42a coupled to the respective belt 43 which, accordingly, is moved by rotation of the respective shaft 42a itself.
Furthermore, each moving belt 43 actuates rotation of the respective rotation actuation element 48 which again actuates rotation of the respective height-adjusting bar 35. Due to the cooperation of each height-adjusting bar 35 with the respective nut element 55 the respective height-adjusting bar 35 moves into vertical direction V. In particular, each height-adjusting bar 35 moves down- or up-wards as a function of the direction of rotation of the shaft 42a of the respective motor 42. Correspondingly, each pedestal 33 moves into direction V together with the respective height-adjusting bar 35.
With reference to Figure 2, 4, 5a, 5b and 6, apparatus 1 further comprises height-adjusting means 57 adapted to control the position of each pedestal 33 along vertical direction V during advancement of the respective handling unit 4 along path Q.
In particular, height-adjusting means 57 are designed to move, in the specific example by means of a cam mechanism, the pedestals 33 from an extracted configuration (see Figure 5b) to a retracted configuration (see Figure 5a). In particular, pedestals 33 have a position being lower in the retracted configuration than in the extracted configuration.
In more detail, height-adjusting means 57 control the position of each pedestal 33 during advancement of the respective handling unit 4 along path Q, in particular along a portion Q1 of path Q between approximately second transfer station 9 and first transfer station 7 so as to allow removal of one respective receptacle 2 from the respective handling unit 4 at second transfer station 9 and for insertion of one new respective receptacle 2 into the respective handling unit 4 at first transfer station 7.
More specifically, height-adjusting means 57 comprise:

a fixed guide member, in particular a bar-shaped cam 58 placed adjacent to carousel 3; and
a plurality of cam follower assemblies 59, each one associated to one respective handling unit 4 and adapted to cooperate with cam 58.

In more detail, cam 58 is fixedly mounted to base support structure 17 and has an arc-shaped configuration in correspondence with the curvature of rotation disc 21.
In the specific example, as visible in Figure 2, cam 58 is tapered towards its ends 58a, 58b and has a lower cam surface 58c. In particular, lower cam surface 58c has a changing height profile and comprises two main profile portions 58d in the proximity of edges 58a and 58b, an auxiliary profile portion 58e, interposed between main profile portions 58d, and two respective transition profile portions 58f, each arranged between one respective main profile portion 58d and the auxiliary profile portion 58e. Furthermore, cam 58 is arranged in such a manner that auxiliary profile portion 58e extends approximately between second transfer station 9 and first transfer station 7.
In particular, lower cam surface 58c defines a main horizontal plane H1 and an auxiliary horizontal plane H2, perpendicular to axes A, E and F. More particularly, main horizontal plane H1 is defined by main profile portions 58d and auxiliary horizontal plane H2 is defined by auxiliary profile portion 58e. Furthermore, auxiliary horizontal plane H2 lies at a lower height than main horizontal plane H1.
With particular reference to Figures 4, 5a, 5b and 6, each follower assembly 59 comprises a cam follower 60 coupled to the respective motion transmission assembly 44, in particular to the respective nut element 55 of the respective handling unit 4 and configured to interact with cam 58 and the respective height-adjusting bar 35.
Furthermore, each follower assembly 59 comprises a spring element 61 configured to bias the position of the respective pedestal 33 into the extracted configuration (see Figure 5b).
Each spring element 61 is placed within the respective housing 47 of the respective motion transmission assembly 44. In particular, each spring element 61 is interposed between the respective nut element 55 and the inner bottom wall 47a of the respective housing 47.
Each cam follower 60 comprises:

a wheel 62 designed to contact the lower cam surface 58c of cam 58 along portion Q1 of path Q and to follow the profile of lower cam surface 58c;
a connecting element 63 coupled to wheel 62, extending through a slot 64 of the respective housing 47 and connected to the respective nut element 55.

More specifically, in use, movement of each wheel 62 follows on main horizontal plane H1 during advancement of the respective handling unit 4 along path Q between approximately first transfer station 7 and second transfer station 9 and follows on auxiliary horizontal plane H2 during advancement of the respective handling unit 4 along portion Q1 of path Q approximately between second transfer station 9 and first transfer station 7.
Furthermore, each connecting element 63 is designed to impart a linear movement along direction V of the respective nut element 55 along portion Q1 of path Q in correspondence with the interaction of the respective wheel 62 and cam 58.
Additionally, the linear movement of each nut element 55 is delimited through interaction of the respective connecting element 63 with the respective slot 64.
In particular, each height-adjusting bar 35 is designed to follow the linear movement of the respective nut element 55 along direction V so as to move the respective pedestal 33 from the extracted to the retracted configuration or from the retracted to the extracted configuration.
In use, prior to the filling and labeling process itself and during a change of the format of receptacles 2, elevation adjusting means 34 of apparatus 1 are activated for moving pedestals 33 of the plurality of handling units 4 for adapting the position of the pedestals 33 according to the format of receptacles 2.
In particular, each motor assembly 41 of actuator means 36 is activated for rotating the respective rotation actuation element 48 which puts the respective height-adjusting bar 35 into rotation around its longitudinal axis F. The cooperation of the respective rotating height-adjusting bar 35 and the respective nut element 55 leads to a linear movement of the respective height-adjusting bar 35 along direction V which also leads to a linear movement of the respective pedestal 33. The sense of orientation of the respective shaft 42a of the respective motor 42 determines whether the respective pedestal 33 is moved up- or downwards.
After that the pedestals 33 have reached their positions determined by the format of receptacles 2, the filling and labeling process can be started. The filling and labeling process will be, for reasons of simplicity, described with particular reference to the example of one handling unit 4 only. However, it must be understood that the working principle is the same for each one of the plurality of handling units 4.
In more detail, feeding means 6 convey a succession of receptacles 2 from inlet station 1a to first transfer station 7. The handling unit 4 advances along path Q through first and second transfer stations 7, 9. At first transfer station 7 one respective receptacle 2 is fed to handling unit 4. In particular, at first transfer station 7 the respective gripping member 30 grips the respective receptacle 2 in correspondence with the receptacle neck 2a. Furthermore, during transfer of the respective receptacle 2 from first transfer station 7 to handling unit 4, the respective pedestal 33 is in its retracted configuration due to the interaction of the respective follower assembly 59 with cam 58. In particular, wheel 62 is in contact with the auxiliary profile portion 58e of the lower cam surface 58c. Upon further advancement of the respective handling unit 4 along path Q wheel 62 continuous to contact the lower cam surface 58c at first at the auxiliary profile portion 58e, then the respective transition profile portion 58f and finally on the main profile portion 58d in the vicinity of edge 58b, until losing contact with the lower cam surface 58c, and, accordingly, with cam 58. At this point, the respective pedestal 33 is in its extracted configuration due to the action of the respective spring element 61 on the respective nut element 55. Additionally, this leads to the respective pedestal 33 acting on the respective supported receptacle 2 so as that a good seal of the pouring/inlet opening of the respective receptacle 2 by the respective support bell 29 of the respective filling head 28 is guaranteed.
Upon further advancement of handling unit 4 the respective motor unit 31 actuates rotation of the respective receptacle 2 around its axis D and one respective label 11 is transferred and applied onto the respective receptacle 2 by labeling means 10 at label transfer station 16.
Additionally, the filling of the respective receptacle 2 with the pourable product, known as such and not further explained, is initiated by the respective filling device 27 before, during or after the labeling of the respective receptacle 2.
Then, upon further advancement of the respective handling unit 4 along path Q and after the filling of the respective receptacle 2, the respective follower assembly 59 interacts again with cam 58 in the proximity of second transfer station 9. In particular, the respective wheel 62 contacts lower cam surface 58c at first at main profile portion 58d in the vicinity of edge 58a, then with the respective transition profile portion 58f and finally with auxiliary profile portion 58e. This then moves the respective pedestal 33 to its retracted configuration and the respective receptacle 2 is transferred to discharge means 12 at second transfer station 9. Afterwards, the respective receptacle 2 is conveyed by discharge means 12 from second transfer station 9 to outlet station 1b for feeding the receptacle 2 to further processing machines.
After transfer of the respective receptacle 2 to discharge means 12, the respective handling unit 4 is ready to receive a new receptacle 2 at first transfer station 7 and to repeat the steps described above.
With reference to Figure 8, numeral 36' illustrates a possible variation of actuator means, only partially shown to the extent necessary for the comprehension of the present invention, being part of apparatus 1; as actuator means 36' are similar to actuator means 36, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
In more detail, actuator means 36' comprise a plurality of motor assemblies 41', each of which is designed to cooperate with two or more, in the specific example of Figure 8 four, handling units 4 for controlling, in particular synchronously, the position of the respective pedestals 33.
Each motor assembly 41' comprises:

one electrical motor 42' having a shaft 42'a;
one actuation member, in particular a toothed belt 43' coupled to electrical motor 42' and to four respective motion transmission assemblies 44; and
one or more belt tensioning members 67', in the specific example two configured to interact with belt 43'.

More specifically, belt tensioning members 67' are mounted to the respective motor 42'.
Furthermore, each toothed belt 43' cooperates with the respective rotation transmission unit 45, in particular with the respective rotation actuation elements 48 of the respective motion transmission assemblies 44.
Thus, in use, prior to the activation of the filling and labeling process itself each motor assembly 41' is activated to adjust synchronously the position of more than one respective pedestal 33 for adapting the positions to the particular receptacle format of the receptacles 2 to be filled and labeled.
It must be understood that actuator means 36' may also comprise solely one motor assembly 41' adapted to cooperate with all handling units 4 of the plurality of handling units 4 in a manner similar to the one illustrated in Figure 8.
With reference to Figure 9, numeral 1" indicates an alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention; as apparatus 1" is similar to apparatus 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts. Feeding means 6, labeling means 10 and discharge means 12 of apparatus 1" are identical to the ones of apparatus 1 as illustrated in Figure 1 and are therefore not illustrated in Figure 9.
In particular, apparatus 1" differs from apparatus 1 in different configurations of the carousel and the plurality of handling units which, in Figures 9 and 10, are indicated by reference numbers 3" and 4", respectively.
More specifically, carousel 3" comprises a rotary body 18" similar to rotary body 18 but differing from the latter by additionally including an intermediate support structure 68" interposed between upper support structure 19 and lower support structure 20. Intermediate support structure 68" has an annular configuration and is mounted to upper support structure 19 and the plurality of support posts 23.
With reference to Figures 9 and 10, each handling unit 4" differs from each handling unit 4 by comprising one respective support assembly 32" having a different configuration than support assembly 32.
In particular, each support assembly 32" is also supported by intermediate support structure 68" and has a motion transmission assembly 44" which is designed to couple actuator means 36 to pedestal 33 for controlling the position of the respective pedestal 33 in a manner different with respect to the motion transmission assembly 44.
It must be noted that, in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, actuator means 36 may also be exchanged by actuator means 36'.
Furthermore, each support assembly 32" has one respective height-adjusting bar 35" having a threaded portion 35"a. Additionally, each height-adjusting bar 35" has a first shank portion 35"b in the proximity of one end of the respective height-adjusting bar 35" and a second shank portion 35"c in the proximity of the other end. Similar to each height-adjusting bar 35 each height-adjusting bar 35" has first interaction elements, in particular channels 49" extending parallel to axis F on the outer surface of the height-adjusting bar 35", in particular of the respective threaded portion 35"a.
Furthermore, each height-adjusting bar 35" extends, in a movable manner parallel to direction V, through lower support structure 20 and intermediate support structure 68". In particular, first shank portion 35"b extends through intermediate support structure 68".
An additional difference of each support assembly 32" with respect to support assembly 32 is given by the respective pedestal 33 being only indirectly supported by the respective height-adjusting bar 35" in a manner described further below.
Each motion transmission assembly 44" differs with respect to each motion transmission assembly 44 in that the respective rotation transmission unit 45 is directly secured to lower support structure 20 and in that the respective translation unit, indicated with reference number 46", differs with respect to translation unit 46.
In the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, each rotation transmission unit 45, in particular its respective rotation actuation element 48 interacts with the respective height-adjusting bar 35", in particular with channels 49", in a manner analogous to what is described above with respect to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8.
Each translation unit 46" comprises one nut assembly 69" moveable along a direction parallel to direction V and axis A and coupled to pedestal 33 and to the respective height-adjusting bar 35". In particular, the respective nut assembly 69" is arranged between intermediate support structure 68" and lower support structure 20.
Furthermore, each translation unit 46" has a guide post 70", parallel to the respective height-adjusting bar 35" and to axis A, fixed to and interposed between lower support structure 20 and intermediate support structure 68". In particular, each guide post 70" is radially shifted towards axis A with respect to the corrisponding height-adjusting bar 35".
Each nut assembly 69" has:

a nut element 71" designed to cooperate with the respective height-adjusting bar 35", in particular with the respective threaded portion 35"a;
a pedestal support portion 72" carrying in a rotatable manner the respective pedestal 33; and
a guide portion 73" designed to cooperate with the respective guide post 70" for preventing unwanted rotations of nut assembly 69" around the respective height-adjusting bar 35".

More specifically, each nut element 71" has a threaded portion interacting with threaded portion 35"a of the respective height-adjusting bar 35". In particular, the respective height-adjusting bar 35" extends through the nut element 71". Each nut element 71" is connected to the respective pedestal support portion 72" and the respective guide portion 73". Each pedestal support portion 72" extends radially away from carousel 3" and each guide portion 73" extends radially towards axis A of carousel 3". In particular, guide portion 73" is mounted onto a respective guide post 70" in a sliding manner.
Furthermore, apparatus 1" differs from apparatus 1 in having another configuration of the respective height-adjusting means, in the following indicated with reference numeral 57", for moving each pedestal 33 from its extracted configuration to its retracted configuration and vice versa.
In particular, height-adjusting means 57" differ from height adjusting means 57 by having a guide member, different from the ones of height-adjusting means 57, in particular a ring-shaped cam 58" arranged adjacent to base support structure 17 and surrounding the latter. Additionally, height-adjusting means 57" differ from height-adjusting means 57 by having a plurality of cam follower assemblies, indicated by reference numeral 59", different from the cam follower assemblies 59. Each cam follower assembly 59" is associated to one respective handling unit 4", in particular to one respective support assembly 32" and designed to cooperate with cam 58".
In particular, cam 58" is fixed to base support structure 17 and is designed to determine the position of each pedestal 33 along vertical direction V during advancement of the respective handling units 4" along path Q. In particular, cam 58" comprises an upper cam surface 58c" providing for a changing height profile. The upper cam surface 58" c comprises a main profile portion 58"d, an auxiliary profile portion 58"e and two respective transition profile portions 58"f, each arranged between the main profile portion 58"d and the auxiliary profile portion 58"e. Furthermore, cam 58" is arranged in such a manner that auxiliary profile portion 58"e extends approximately between second transfer station 9 and first transfer station 7.
In particular, upper cam surface 58"c defines a main horizontal plane H"1 and an auxiliary horizontal plane H"2, perpendicular to axes A, E and F. More particularly, main horizontal plane H"1 is defined by main profile portion 58"d and auxiliary horizontal plane H"2 is defined by auxiliary profile portion 58"e. Furthermore, auxiliary horizontal plane H"2 lies at a lower height than main horizontal plane H"1.
Thus, cam 58" is designed in such a manner that pedestals 33 are in the retracted configuration during advancement of the respective handling units 4" between second transfer station 9 and first transfer station 7.
Furthermore, each cam follower assembly 59" comprises one cam follower 60" being designed to contact cam 58", in particular the upper cam surface 58"c. Furthermore, each cam follower 60" is designed to support the respective height-adjusting bar 35" of the respective support assembly 32".
Each cam follower assembly 59" further comprises a guide bar 75" protruding downwards from and connected to lower support structure 20, interacting with the respective cam follower 60" and adapted to prevent unwanted rotations of the respective cam follower 60" during advancement of the respective handling unit 4" along path Q. In particular, each guide bar 75" is parallel to axis A and is placed radially shifted outwards with respect to the corrispondence height-adjusting bar 35".
Furthermore, each cam follower 60" comprises:

a wheel 62" adapted to contact and to run, in use, over cam 58", in particular over upper cam surface 58"c;
a connecting element 63" connected to wheel 62", supporting in a rotatable manner the respective height-adjusting bar 35" and surrounding in a slideable manner guide bar 75".

Accordingly, movement of each wheel 62" follows on main horizontal plane H"1, during advancement of the respective handling unit 4" along path Q between approximately first transfer station 7 and second transfer station 9, and follows on auxiliary horizontal plane H"2, during advancement of the respective handling unit 4" along path Q between approximately second transfer station 9 and first transfer station 7.
Accordingly, cam 58" is designed such that each wheel 62" is in a raised position during advancement of the respective handling unit 4" along path Q between approximately second transfer station 9 and first transfer station 7 and is in a lowered position during advancement of the respective handling unit 4" along path Q between approximately second transfer station 9 and first transfer station 7. Each respective connecting element 63" is in a raised or lowered position in dependence of the position of the respective wheel 62". Furthermore, each connecting element 63" is adapted to move the respective height-adjusting bar 35" in a direction parallel to direction V and axis A, also the respective nut assembly 69" and through the latter also the respective pedestal 33 are controlled in position, so that the respective pedestal 33 is in its extracted or retracted configuration, respectively.
In use, prior to the filling and labeling process, activation of elevation adjusting means 34" allow for positioning of each pedestal 33 for adapting to different receptacle formats.
In particular, actuation of actuator means 36, or more particularly of each respective motor assembly 41 actuates rotation of the respective rotation actuation element 48. This leads to rotation of the respective height-adjusting bar 35" around axis F. Furthermore, the interaction of the respective nut element 71" with the respective height-adjusting bar 35" leads to movement of the respective nut assembly 69" in a direction parallel to direction V and axis A. In dependence of the sense of rotation provided for by the respective motor assembly 41 the respective nut assembly 69" moves up- or downwards. Together with the movement of the respective nut assembly 69" the respective pedestal 33 moves correspondingly.
Additionally, once the positions of the pedestals 33 have been adjusted according to the format of the receptacles 2 the filling and labeling process is activated as described further above with respect to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8. In the following, we focus the description on the function of the height-adjusting means 57", thereby, relying on the example of one single handling unit 4" which is, however, not intended to limit the scope of protection in any way.
In more detail, during advancement of the handling unit 4" the respective follower assembly 59" interacts with cam 58". In particular, wheel 62" runs along the upper cam surface 58" c of cam 58". At first transfer station 7, wheel 62" is in contact with auxiliary profile portion 58"e of upper cam surface 58" c and, correspondingly, the respective pedestal 33 is in its retracted configuration. Upon further advancement of the respective handling unit 4" along path Q wheel 62" runs from the auxiliary profile portion 58"e to the main profile portion 58"d, so that the respective pedestal 33 moves to the extracted configuration. Consequently, one respective receptacle 2 retained within the respective handling unit 4" is moved towards the respective support bell 29 for guaranteeing good sealing of the inlet/outlet opening of the respective receptacle 2.
Upon further advancement of the respective handling unit 4" along path Q, wheel 62" runs in the proximity of second transfer station 9 from the main profile portion 58"d to the auxiliary profile portion 58"e so that the respective pedestal 33 is in its retracted configuration at second transfer station 9 allowing for removal of the respective receptacle 2 from handling unit 4" at second transfer station 9 and to transfer the respective receptacle 2 to discharge means 12. After removal of the respective receptacle 2 the handling unit 4" is ready to receive a new receptacle 2 at first transfer station 7.
The advantages of apparatus 1 and 1" according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
Overall, apparatuses 1 and 1" provide for simple and automatic means to adapt apparatus 1 and 1" for a change in the format of the receptacles 2 to be filled and labeled during advancement along path P.
In particular, apparatus 1 provides for an automatic positioning of the pedestals 33 which is adapted to be applied in the new type of compact apparatuses which are capable of performing both the filling and labeling operations on the receptacles within one single carousel continuously rotating around a central axis.
Furthermore, positioning of the single pedestals 33 or of positioning groups of pedestals 33 independently from each other, allows optimizing the position of the pedestals 33 for obtaining the most appropriate sealing of the pouring/inlet opening of the respective receptacles as needed for an efficient filling process. It also allows to handle receptacles 2 having different formats and being fed to carousel 3 in a predefined manner at the same time. Accordingly, apparatuses 1 and 1" allow for more flexible receptacle handling processes.
Clearly, changes may be made to apparatus 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.
In an alternative embodiment not shown, the apparatus may comprise a carousel being configured to fill receptacles advanced by the filling carousel itself. The filling carousel may comprise the handling units and the elevation adjusting means according to the present invention. While the receptacles are advanced by the carousel no labeling process may be foreseen and labeling may be provided for by a separate labeling apparatus of the apparatus. The labeling apparatus may be placed downstream or upstream of the carousel.
In a further alternative embodiment not shown, the elevation adjusting means according to the present invention may be used in any other kind of carousel-type processing apparatus capable of performing one processing operation, such as filling, labeling or capping, on the receptacles within one single carousel continuously rotating around a central axis.
In an even other alternative embodiment not shown, the plurality of filling devices may comprise means to move the respective filling heads into the vertical direction for guaranteeing a good seal of the pouring/inlet opening by the respective support bell.
Finally, the height-adjusting means 57 of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8 may comprise a guiding member which may have an annual configuration and which may surround the support base structure 17.

Claims

A receptacle handling apparatus (1, 1") comprising:
- a conveying carousel (3, 3") rotatable around a central axis (A);

- a plurality of handling units (4, 4") mounted along a peripheral portion (5) of said conveying carousel (3, 3") and configured to advance along a path (Q) defined by the rotation of said conveying carousel (3, 3") around said central axis (A);
wherein each one of said handling units (4, 4") comprises one receptacle support pedestal (33) supporting, in use, one respective receptacle (2) and moveable in a vertical direction (V) parallel to the central axis (A); and
said apparatus (1, 1") further comprising elevation adjusting means (34, 34") configured to adjust the positions of said pedestals (33) along said vertical direction (V) for adapting to different receptacle formats;
characterized in that said elevation adjusting means (34, 34") comprise:
- one height-adjusting bar (35, 35") for each pedestal (33), coupled to the respective pedestal (33), mounted along the peripheral portion (5) of said conveying carousel (3) and extending parallel to the central axis (A); and

- actuator means (36, 36') selectively activated to move each pedestal (33) along said vertical direction (V) via the respective height-adjusting bar (35, 35").
The apparatus (1, 1") according to claim 1 wherein each height-adjusting bar (35, 35") comprises a longitudinal axis (F) parallel to the central axis (A) and rotatable around its longitudinal axis (F); the actuator means (36, 36') are coupled to each height-adjusting bar (35, 35") and configured to selectively activate the rotation of each height-adjusting bar (35, 35") around its respective longitudinal axis (F); the elevation adjusting means (F) further comprise rotation conversion means adapted to transform the rotation of the height-adjusting bars (35, 35") into the movement along said vertical direction (V) of the respective receptacle support pedestals (33).
The apparatus (1, 1") according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said elevation adjusting means (34, 34") further comprise:
- a plurality of rotation transmission units (45), each one coupled to one respective height-adjusting bar (35, 35") and configured to rotate the respective height-adjusting bar (35, 35"); and

- a plurality of translation units (46, 46"), each one coupled to one respective height-adjusting bar (35, 35") for transforming the rotation of the respective height-adjusting bar (35, 35") into the linear movement of the respective pedestal (33).
The apparatus (1, 1") according to claim 3, wherein each height-adjusting bar (35, 35") comprises first interaction elements arranged on an outer surface of said height-adjusting bar (35, 35") and each respective rotation transmission unit (45) comprises second interaction elements and the first and second interaction elements are configured to interact with each other.
The apparatus (1, 1") according to claim 4, wherein the first interaction elements of each respective height-adjusting bar comprise a plurality of channels (49, 49") extending along at least a portion of said height-adjusting bar (35, 35") parallel to the central axis (A) and the second interaction elements of each respective rotation transmission unit (45) comprise teeth (50) adapted to engage with the plurality of channels (49, 49") of the respective height-adjusting bar (35, 35").
The apparatus (1, 1") according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each height-adjusting bar (35, 35") extends through the respective rotation transmission unit (45).
The apparatus (1, 1") according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein each translation unit (46, 46") comprises a nut element (55, 71") configured to cooperate with the respective height-adjusting bar (35, 35") configured to adjust position of the respective pedestal (33) along said vertical direction (V).
The apparatus (1, 1") according to claim 7, wherein each height-adjusting bar (35, 35") comprises a threaded portion (56, 35"a) adapted to interact with a threaded portion of the respective nut element (55, 71") and said height-adjusting bar (35) is moveable along the vertical direction (V) with respect to the nut element (55) or the nut element (71") is moveable parallel to the vertical direction (V) with respect to the height-adjusting bar (35").
The apparatus (1, 1") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator means (36, 36') comprise at least one motor device (42, 42') and said motor device (42, 42') is adapted to selectively activate movement of one or more pedestals (33) along said vertical direction (V) via the respective height-adjusting bar (35, 35").
The apparatus (1, 1") according to claim 3 and 9, wherein the actuator means (36, 36") comprise at least one actuation member, in particular a belt (43, 43') for coupling the at least one motor device (42, 42') to at least one rotation transmission unit (45).
The apparatus (1, 1") according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the actuator means (36) comprise a plurality of motor devices (42), each one adapted to selectively activate movement of one respective pedestal (33) along said vertical direction (V) via the respective height-adjusting bar (35, 35").
The apparatus (1, 1") according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising height-adjusting means (57, 57") adapted to define the position of each pedestal (33) along said vertical direction (V) during advancement of the plurality of handling units (4, 4") along said path (Q).
The apparatus (1, 1") according to claim 12, wherein the height-adjusting means (57, 57") comprise a guide member (58, 58") placed adjacent and along at least a portion of the conveying carousel and a plurality of cam follower assemblies (59, 59"), each one coupled to one respective height-adjusting bar (35, 35"); wherein said plurality of cam follower assemblies (59, 59") are apt to interact with said guide member (58, 58") so as to follow a height profile defined by said guide member (58, 58") itself.
The apparatus (1, 1") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each handling unit (4, 4") is adapted to receive and support one respective receptacle (2) from a succession of receptacles and each handling unit (4, 4") comprises one respective filling device (27) for filling the respective receptacle (2).
The apparatus (1, 1") according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising labeling means (10) for applying labels (11) onto the receptacles (2) carried by the respective handling units (4, 4").