ES2567320T3 - Apparatus and method for transporting lids for containers - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Apparatus for transporting lids (13) for containers (12) comprising a unit (16) for supplying the lids (13), said apparatus being configured to transport said lids (13) of the supply unit (16) towards a rear operating station (40), said apparatus comprising a collection area (14) configured to receive the covers (13) of the supply unit (16) and a multiple collection device (29) provided with a plurality of heads of clamping (30) to simultaneously collect an organized group of covers (13) and configured to be movable on top of the feeding unit (16) between a position in the collection area (14) and a position in said subsequent operating station ( 40), said apparatus comprising; - a multiple positioning device (18) provided with a plurality of accommodation seats (19), each of said accommodation seats (19) being configured to be aligned vertically with a corresponding one of the clamping heads (30) in the position in the collection area (14), - a movement device (25) configured to move said organized group of covers (13) in a direction of movement (S), from said collection area (14) towards the device multiple positioning (18) and to insert them into said accommodation seats (19), said supply unit (16) being configured for feeding said covers (13) in a forward direction (D) transverse to said direction of movement ( S) of said covers (13) defined by said movement device (25); characterized in that each of said accommodation seats (19) is configured to receive inside and individually accommodate a corresponding one of said covers (13) of said organized group of covers (13), each of said accommodation seats ( 19) open at the top and being provided with a side opening (23) for the insertion of a cover (13), configured so that a path of introduction of a corresponding cover (13) from the collection area (14) to a corresponding accommodation seat (19) is tangential, parallel to a common placement plane or in parallel between the collection area (14) and the multiple positioning device (18), wherein said multiple collection device (29 ) comprises a positioning slide (42) cantileverly mounted and capable of sliding transversely with respect to said forward direction (D) defined by the supply unit (16) and configured to move the heads it is fastened (30) in a direction transverse to said direction of advance (D).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Apparatus and method for transporting lids for containers Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a corresponding method for transporting lids for containers, such as beverage bottles, bottles, drinking fountains or other containers or receptacles. In particular, the apparatus is applied, although not exclusively, in machines for the treatment of containers and lids, such as a washing, drying and sterilizing machine.

Background of the invention

Machines used to wash containers for liquids are known, such as, but not only, the consumption of bottles, bottles, drinking fountains or other containers, used for the nutrition of animals, such as guinea pigs or laboratory rodents or others. .

It is known that, before washing, the containers are closed with suitable caps or capsules; The lids are shaped with a lip so that the animals can drink the liquid contained in the container and, at the end of the wash, they must be supplied again closed and filled with another feeding liquid.

It is known to provide machines for washing the containers comprising a plurality of operating stations arranged in line with each other. The machines may comprise a station for loading the closed containers, a station for the removal of the lids of the containers, or an uncapping station, a washing station, a refilling station and a closing station for closing the containers that They have been washed and refilled, using such caps.

In known machines, the containers or lids can be transferred between the operating stations manually or in automated mode.

In the latter case, it is possible to provide that the lids or containers are transferred by transfer means such as conveyor belts, collection devices, transport devices or the like.

Within the scope of this type of machines, international patents WO-A-2010/125168, WO-A- 2010/140042, WO-A-2010/140043, WO-A-2011/045256, WO-A- are known 2011/138661 and WO-A-2011/158085, all in the name of the present applicant.

A device according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method according to the preamble of claim 14, for simultaneously feeding the container closure caps are known from document FR-A-2,606,006.

In addition, from GB-A-2,280,428 a device for sealing containers simultaneously using closure lids is known.

In particular, the international patent WO-A-2010/140048 in the name of the present applicant is also known, which describes a machine for the treatment of liquid containers that provides automatic movement operations of the containers and the lids.

This known machine comprises a loading station for the containers undergoing treatment, an uncapping station in which the lids are removed from each of the containers, a washing station for washing the containers without a lid, and a additional closing station in which the washed containers are closed again with the respective lids.

In particular, once they have been washed, the covers are transferred by means of transfer to a collection area, where there is a multiple collection device that collects them in groups organized for subsequent additional closing operations.

For this purpose, it is desirable that there be a precise redproco positioning of the individual fastening heads of the multiple collection device and each of the covers of a specific organized group of covers to be collected.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to produce a lid transport apparatus that allows precise positioning of the covers of the organized groups of covers to be collected and, therefore, reduces or avoids interference during the movement operations of a station from one operating system to another from a container treatment machine.

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Another purpose of the present invention is to produce a transport apparatus for the covers that is simple and economical.

Another purpose of the present invention is to improve a transport method that is reliable, repeatable and efficient.

The applicant has devised, tested and realized the present invention to overcome the inconveniences of the state of the art to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variants of the main inventive idea.

The apparatus for transporting lids for containers according to claim 1 comprises a unit for the supply of lids and is configured for transporting the lids of the supply unit to a subsequent operating station.

The apparatus also comprises a collection area configured to receive covers of the supply unit and the multiple collection device provided with a plurality of fastening heads in order to simultaneously collect an organized group of covers and configured to be movable over the Supply unit, between a position in the collection area and an operating position in the next station.

The apparatus also includes:

- a multiple positioning device provided with a plurality of accommodation seats, each of which is configured to receive inside and individually housing a corresponding one of the covers of said organized group of covers, each of the accommodation seats being configured to be vertically aligned with a corresponding clamping head in position in the collection area; each of the accommodation seats being open at the top and being provided with a side opening for the insertion of a cover, and which is configured so that a path for introducing a corresponding cover of the collection area into a seat corresponding housing is tangential to the accommodation seats, parallel to a common or parallel support plane between the collection area and the multiple positioning device and

- a movement device configured to move the organized group of covers in the direction of movement of the collection area towards the multiple positioning device and to insert them into the accommodation seats.

The supply unit is configured to feed the covers in a transverse direction of advance to the direction of movement of the covers defined by the movement device.

In this way it is possible to obtain a precise and repetitive positioning of the covers so that they are always available in the same position for subsequent collection by the clamping heads.

With the present invention, therefore, interference problems between the parts of the clamping heads and the same covers are avoided, and therefore the damages or manual interventions of an operator to restore the operating conditions of the machine are avoided. of treatment.

Some forms of application refer to an additional container closing station using lids comprising the apparatus for transporting lids for containers as described above.

Some forms of application refer to a machine for the treatment of containers and lids comprising the additional closing station.

The present invention also relates to a method for transporting lids for containers according to claim 14 comprising: the supply of the lids using a unit for feeding lids in a direction of advancement and transport of the lids of the lids. unit for feeding caps to a subsequent operating station. In particular, the transport provides simultaneous collection of an organized group of covers, aligned in a direction of advance defined by the supply unit, by means of a plurality of clamping heads in a position in a collection and delivery area of the group of covers organized in a position in the subsequent operating station.

The method provides simultaneous movement, in a direction of movement transverse to the direction of advance, of the organized group of covers or the sequential movement of each of the covers of the organized group of covers, from the collection area to the accommodation seats of a multiple positioning device. Each of the accommodation seats receives inside and individually houses a corresponding one of the

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covers, so the covers are both aligned in a direction parallel to the direction of advance, and also aligned with the clamping heads. The covers move from the collection area laterally, that is, in a transverse direction of movement with respect to the direction of advance.

The covers are inserted in the corresponding accommodation seats along a tangential introduction path to the accommodation seats, in parallel to a common or parallel plane that extends between the collection area and the multiple positioning device.

Accommodation seats of a multiple positioning device are provided, which receives the covers that move and are aligned horizontally in a direction parallel to a direction in which the clamping heads are arranged in the position in the collection area. On the other hand, each of the accommodation seats is aligned vertically with a corresponding clamping head in the position in the collection area.

Some application forms refer to a method for re-closing containers using lids comprising the procedure for transporting containers as described above.

In addition, some application forms refer to a method for treating containers and lids comprising the method for additional closure of containers with lids as described above.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a transport apparatus for the lids for containers according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a transport apparatus according to the present invention associated with a treatment machine;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of a part of the apparatus according to the present invention, in a first operating condition;

- Figure 4 is a plan view of a detail of the apparatus according to the present invention;

- Figure 5 is a perspective view of a part of the apparatus of Figure 3 in a second operating condition;

- Figure 6 is a perspective view of a part of the apparatus of Figure 3 in a third operating state.

To facilitate understanding, the same reference numbers have been used, when possible, to identify common common elements in the drawings.

Detailed description of some embodiments

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a transport apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention is described, which is usable for the transport of covers 13 from a unit 16 for the supply of covers 13 to another workstation.

The supply unit 16 is configured to define a direction of advance D of the covers 13, which is typically a linear or longitudinal direction.

For example, an operating station may be an additional closing station 40 (Figure 2) configured to close the containers 12 at the top with the covers 13, generally after both the containers 12 and the covers 13 are they have washed and dried, with the provision that, in general, the containers 12 are also filled, for example, with feed liquid.

The additional closing station 40 may be part of a machine 11 for the treatment, washing and refilling of containers 12 and the corresponding lid 13. The machine 11 generally receives the dirty containers 12 with their covers 13 placed. The lids of the containers 12 are removed and washed, dried and filled, while the lids 13, once separated from the containers 12, are also washed and dried, then used once again to return to close the cleaned and refilled containers.

Typically, for example, during the treatment cycle in machine 11, the containers 12 are contained in the shelves 41, within which a plurality of suitable individual housings are provided in which the containers 12 are arranged according to a positioning pattern desired in "n" rows and "m" columns. For example, both the value "n" and the value of "m" can be an integer greater than or equal to two. For example, a positioning pattern of the containers 12 on a shelf 41 can be three rows by six columns,

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Abbreviated 3x6, as shown in Figure 2 for example, or 3x5, or 3x4, or even 4x6, 4x5 or other positioning patterns.

The containers 12 may be bottles or the like to feed small animals, such as guinea pigs, mice, hamsters and others, for example used in pharmaceutical research laboratories. The caps 13 are generally all the same shape and size.

The apparatus 10 can be configured to move at least one cover 13 of a collection area 14, which can be fed by the supply unit 16 that receives the covers 13 in the direction of advance D, towards a delivery area 15 in the station additional closure 40.

Figure 2 is used to describe a plurality of application forms, all of which can be combined with the application forms described herein, in which the apparatus 10 is configured to move a plurality of caps 13 at a time, in in this case three covers 13. In particular, the apparatus 10 comprises a mobile multiple collection device 29, which includes a plurality of holding heads 30. The multiple collection device 29 is configured to collect an organized group of covers 13 at a time. and make it available in delivery area 15.

The clamping heads 30 can be connected to, incorporated or integrated with, or comprise mechanical treatment devices, suction devices operating under lower atmospheric pressure, pumping devices, magnetic clamping devices or similar devices with the function of retaining and subsequently selectively release the covers 13 during the movement.

It may be provided that the multiple collection device 29 is also configured to re-close the containers 12 using the lids 13.

In possible implementations, the clamping heads 30 can be configured according to a pattern that repeats a part, for example a column formed by the "n" housings, of the guideline of the shelves of the shelves 41.

The clamping heads 30 are configured to collect and retain, essentially simultaneously, an organized group of covers 13 supplied by the supply unit 16.

The multiple collection device 29 comprises a positioning slide 42 cantilever mounted and capable of sliding transversely, in this case perpendicularly as indicated by the arrow F, with respect to the direction of advancement D defined by the supply unit 16, which It can be typically linear. In general, the clamping heads 30 are installed in the positioning slide 42, oriented below in order to collect the lids 13, in ordered groups, and dispose of them to close the containers 12. The positioning slide 42 so both it moves the clamping heads 30 in a transverse direction, in this case perpendicular, to a working direction X of the shelves 41 in the washing machine 11, which is also transverse to the forward direction D.

The clamping heads 30 are arranged with respect to each other as a function of the positioning pattern and the distances at which the containers 12 are arranged in the shelf 41 and at which the covers 13 are maintained.

The clamping heads 30 are selectively movable in a substantially vertical direction G by a corresponding actuator 43, so that they can be lowered or raised in order to collect, support and position the covers 13 during the closing stages of the containers 12.

In this case, the positioning slide 42 is slidably mounted on a bridge structure 44 by the corresponding transverse linear grains 45, in this case perpendicular to the working direction X along the machine and also transverse to the direction of advance D. The selective movement of the positioning slide 42 is driven by a mechanical actuator 46, in this case a screw, for example with recirculation balls, connected directly to the positioning slide 42.

The supply unit 16 can be a charging station provided to feed the covers 13 in organized groups, for example formed by two, three, four or even more than four covers 13, to the collection area 14.

The collection area 14 may be arranged immediately downstream of the supply unit 16 and may comprise a support plane, for example.

In other forms of application, for example those shown in Figures 1-3 and 5, 6, the feed unit 16 is provided with the collection area 14.

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The supply unit 16 may comprise a conveyor belt 17, for example, configured to transfer the covers 13 from a supply station, which is not shown in the drawings, to the collection area 14, in the forward direction D. In consequently, the movement, by means of suitable actuators, and the longitudinal development of the conveyor belt 17 can define the direction of advance D. In possible implementations, the conveyor belt 17 may be provided with side containment walls 38 for the covers 13.

The supply unit 16 may comprise transfer means such as a rotating drum, vibration means, or other transfer means suitable for the purpose and adapted to define the direction of advance D.

Between the collection area 14 and the delivery area 15 of a multiple positioning device 18, it can be interposed, configured to receive and position the organized groups of covers 13.

During transport operations, the organized group of covers 13 to be transferred to the delivery area 15 is arranged on each occasion in a precise manner, so that it can be collected and transported by the multiple collection device 29.

The multiple positioning device 18 (Figures 3 and 4) is provided with a plurality of positioning housings or seats 19, in each of which a cover 13 can be placed in a controlled manner.

The accommodation seats 19 are all in the same way, the coincidence with those of the covers 13, in order to accommodate them accurately inside.

We hold that the accommodation seats 19 allow precise and repetitive positioning of the organized groups of covers 13 and, therefore, to avoid the interferences that could be generated between the clamping heads 30 and the covers 13.

Each of the accommodation seats 19 may have a slightly larger floor size, for example at least 1%, optionally at least 2% or even at least 5%, up to a maximum of 10%, optionally up to a maximum of 7 %, than the plan size of each of the covers 13.

The accommodation seats 19 are made in accordance with the positioning pattern of the clamping heads 30 as described above. Thus, when the multiple collection device 29 is located above the multiple positioning device 18, the accommodation seats 19 are axially aligned, that is, vertically aligned, as can be seen in Figure 1, with the clamping heads 30 Consequently, the cover groups 13 that are positioned on each occasion in the accommodation seats 19 are also aligned vertically with the clamping heads 30. On the other hand, as explained in detail below, the covers 13 positioned precisely in the accommodation seats 19 they are also aligned, generally horizontally, in a direction P parallel to the direction of advance D.

In the described application forms, the use of Figures 3-6, the multiple positioning device 18 comprises a support platform 20, for example in a prismatic way. The accommodation seats 19 can be provided on the support platform 20, in accordance with the predefined pattern. In possible implementations, the accommodation seats 19 are made lower, that is, they are made as holes or cavities, open at the top and partly laterally, in the thickness of the support platform 20.

As we have said, the accommodation seats 19 made in the support platform 20 have a shape and coupling sizes with the planar shape and sizes of the covers 13.

Each of the accommodation seats 19 has a side opening 23 (Figure 4) for insertion of a cover 13. Each opening 23 is made laterally so that the path of insertion of the cover 13 of the collection area 14 occurs tangentially, in parallel to a common plane or in parallel that extends between the collection area 14 and the multiple positioning device 18.

Each opening 23 has an amplitude configured to allow passage through it of one of the covers 13, essentially without interference.

Each of the accommodation seats 19 is also open at the top, so that the cover 13 placed therein can be removed in the direction of extraction G (figures 1, 2 and 6) transverse, for example perpendicular, to the plane common or arranged in parallel between the collection area 14 and the multiple positioning device 18. As we have said, this extraction can be carried out by means of the clamping heads 30 described above that are vertically movable.

In the application forms described with reference to Figure 4, the accommodation seats 19 are bounded at the bottom by a bottom wall 22 (Figure 4) and laterally by a side stop wall 21 having the opening 23 through the which is possible to insert a cover 13.

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The covers 13 bump in a stable and precise manner against the stop wall 21 of each housing seat 19 during use.

The bottom wall 22 of each of the accommodation seats 19 is suitable for supporting the covers 13.

The lower wall 22 may be arranged, during use, substantially coplanar with the collection area 14 or, in other embodiments, a little lower than it, for example a few millimeters lower.

In some forms of application, the support platform 20 has an outer perimeter edge 24 that is shaped to define the openings 23 of the accommodation seats 19. The support platform 20 is arranged, during use, with the openings 23 oriented towards the supply device 16, for example towards the conveyor belt 17.

In possible implementations, each of the accommodation seats 19 has a portion shaped as an introduction 39, which can for example delimit each opening 23 laterally, and which can facilitate the separation of the covers 13 and the insertion of the latter in the seats of housing 19.

In the application forms described using Figures 3, 5 and 6, the multiple positioning device 18 can be arranged laterally adjacent to the conveyor belt 17, or parallel to the transport direction of the covers 13 in the forward direction D. In this way, the accommodation seats 19 are arranged in the direction P parallel to the direction of advance D of the covers 13.

With reference to the application forms described for example using Figures 3, 5 and 6, the apparatus 10 may comprise a movement device 25, for example using linear translation, suitable for moving the covers 13 made available near the collection area 14 towards the multiple positioning device 18 and in a direction of movement S. In particular, the movement device 25 can be configured to simultaneously participate all the covers 13 of an organized group of covers 13 which is supplied, for example in the collection area 14, and to move them simultaneously towards the multiple positioning device 18, causing the insertion of each of the covers 13 in the respective accommodation seats 19.

The movement device 25 may be arranged in correspondence with the pick-up zone 14 and on the opposite side with respect to where the multiple positioning device 18 is.

In particular, the movement device 25 is provided to move the covers 13 of the collection area 14 towards the accommodation seats 19.

During the movement of the covers 13 it can be provided that these transfers remain in contact with at least the collection area 14 and / or the bottom wall 22 of the accommodation seats 19. During this operation the covers 13 are inserted through of the openings 23 in order to be stably positioned and abutting against the abutment wall 21 of each accommodation seat 19.

In the possible forms of application, the movement device 25 comprises a pushing element 26 for pushing the covers 13 received in the collection area 14 towards the multiple positioning device 18.

In possible forms of application, which are described, for example, with reference to Figures 1, 3, 5 and 6, the pushing element 26 is arranged above the transfer surface of the conveyor belt 17. The pushing element 26 has a suitable length to allow the transfer of the covers 13, in particular, an organized group of covers 13.

The pushing element 26 may comprise a fork 27, or similar U-shaped element; its teeth 27a, 27b are arranged laterally and substantially parallel to the longitudinal development of the conveyor belt 17 to define a concavity 27c oriented towards the covers 13 arriving from the supply unit 16.

The concavity 27c of the fork 27 has sizes such as to allow the covers 13 to be transferred to the multiple positioning device 18 to be inserted and contained therein, in particular, an organized group of covers 13 at a time.

In still other forms of application, the pushing element 26 may comprise a bar arranged parallel to the conveyor belt 17, a shock absorber or similar component that has the function of pushing the covers 13.

The movement device 25 may also include a drive device 28 provided to move the pushing element 26, and determine the movement of the covers 13.

The activation of the drive device 28 determines the movement of the pushing element 26 from the collection area 14, in which it is in its inactive condition, towards the multiple positioning device 18 in which it delivers the covers 13.

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The drive device 28 may be chosen from a group comprising at least one of a linear drive device, a pneumatic drive device, an electric drive device, a hydraulic drive device, bar crank mechanisms, or means similar suitable for determining a translation of the pushing element 26.

The apparatus 10 according to the present invention may also comprise an optical acquisition unit 31 provided to control the movements to which the covers 13 are subjected.

In one form of application, for example the one shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the optical acquisition unit 31 comprises at least one first detection device 32. The first detection device 32 is arranged between the supply unit 16 and the collection area 14, and is suitable for controlling the movement of the covers 13 towards the collection area 14.

The first detection device 32 may have the function of counting the number of covers 13 that are transferred on each occasion to the collection area 14.

The optical acquisition unit 31 can also comprise at least a second detection device 36, in this case two second detection devices 36, configured to detect the presence and, possibly, the correct positioning or alignment of the covers 13 in the seats of housing 19 of the multiple positioning device 18.

Embodiments of the application may provide that the first 32 and the second device or detection devices 36 are chosen from a group comprising at least one of a video camera, a light emitter, a laser emitter, an encoder or a photodiode

In some forms of application it may be provided that, before the collection area 14, the supply unit 16 is provided with a locking device 33 with the function of selectively blocking the advance of more covers 13 towards the collection area 14. The blocking device 33 allows the passage of a certain number of covers 13, possibly counted by the first detection device 32, to the collection area 14. The number of covers 13 that are allowed to pass may correspond to the number of seats of housing 19 provided in the multiple positioning device 18.

In some forms of application it may be provided that the locking device 33 comprises a pin 34 capable of being selectively actuated by an actuating device 35 which disposes it transversely to the direction of advance D of the covers 13.

In the application forms in Figures 3, 5 and 6, two locking devices 33 are provided, arranged on opposite sides with respect to the conveyor belt 17.

In the form of application in Figure 5 it is also provided that the apparatus 10 comprises a delimitation element 37 with the function of delimiting the collection area 14 and therefore the space containing the covers 13.

The delimitation element 37 is shaped like a plate and is arranged transverse to the direction of advance D of the covers 13. In this way, the covers 13, advancing from the supply unit 16 towards the collection area 14, are blocked so soon as they meet the delimitation element 37. The delimitation element 37 is arranged in a suitable position to allow subsequent insertion of the covers 13 in the accommodation seats 19.

More specifically, the delimitation element 37 is positioned in correspondence with the last opening 23 present in the multiple positioning device 18, evaluated with respect to the direction of advance of the covers 13.

The operation of the apparatus 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

The covers 13 are advanced by means of the conveyor belt 17, in a direction of advancement D, and towards the collection area 14 which is contained in the conveyor belt 17 or, possibly, separated from it.

The first detection device 32 counts the number of covers 13 that pass in the collection area 14. The blocking device 33 is activated to block the progress of more covers 13, once the predetermined number of the covers 13 has been reached. .

The covers 13 advance in the collection area 14, for example due to the pushing effect of the other covers 13, or the effect of the conveyor belt 17 in sf, are blocked by the delimitation element 37.

Both the locking device 33 and the delimitation element 37 prevent direct control of the unit, that is, the activation / deactivation, of the conveyor belt 17, which can be advanced continuously during the collection operations.

5 The covers 13 are then moved by the movement device 25 of the collection area 14 towards the multiple positioning device 18. During the transfer, the covers 13 are inserted into the accommodation seats 19 in which the collection device 29 it is arranged to pick them up to make them available to the delivery zone 15, usually for the purpose of re-closing or recapping the containers 12 once they have been washed, dried and refilled.

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Claims (14)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. Apparatus for transporting lids (13) for containers (12) comprising a unit (16) for supplying the lids (13), said apparatus being configured to transport said lids (13) of the supply unit (16) towards a subsequent operation station (40), said apparatus comprising a collection area (14) configured to receive the covers (13) of the supply unit (16) and a multiple collection device (29) provided with a plurality of heads of clamping (30) to simultaneously collect an organized group of covers (13) and configured to be movable on top of the feeding unit (16) between a position in the collection area (14) and a position in said subsequent operating station ( 40), said apparatus comprising; - a multiple positioning device (18) provided with a plurality of accommodation seats (19), each of said accommodation seats (19) being configured to be aligned vertically with a corresponding one of the clamping heads (30) in the position in the collection area (14), - a movement device (25) configured to move said organized group of covers (13) in a direction of movement (S), from said collection area (14) to the multiple positioning device (18) and to insert them into said accommodation seats (19), said supply unit (16) being configured for feeding said covers (13) in a forward direction (D) transverse to said movement direction (S) of said covers (13) defined by said movement device (25) ; characterized by that each of said accommodation seats (19) is configured to receive inside and individually accommodate a corresponding one of said covers (13) of said organized group of covers (13), each of said accommodation seats (19) being open at the top and being provided with a side opening (23) for insertion of a cover (13), configured so that a path of introduction of a corresponding cover (13) from the collection area (14) to a seat corresponding housing (19) is tangential, parallel to a common placement plane or parallel between the collection area (14) and the multiple positioning device (18), wherein said multiple collection device (29) comprises a positioning slide (42) cantilever mounted and capable of sliding transversely with respect to said forward direction (D) defined by the supply unit (16) and configured to move the clamping heads (30) in a direction transverse equation to said direction of advance (D). 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the multiple positioning device (18) comprises a support platform (20) in which said accommodation seats (19) are provided. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said support platform (20) has an external perimeter edge (24) that is shaped to define the openings (23) of the accommodation seats (19). 4. Apparatus as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said support platform (20) is arranged, during use, with the openings (23) oriented towards the feeding device (16). 5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the accommodation seats (19) are delimited at the bottom by a bottom wall (22) that functions as a support for the cover (13) and laterally by a wall of lateral support (21) that functions as a stop for the cover (13) and has a corresponding opening (23) through which a cover (13) is inserted. 6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the accommodation seats (19) has a portion shaped as an introduction (39), configured to delimit each opening (23) laterally, and to facilitate the separation of the covers (13) and the insertion of the covers (13) in the accommodation seats (19). 7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said collection zone (14) and said multiple positioning device (18) has a common positioning plane. 8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said multiple positioning device (18) is adjacent to said collection area (14). 9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supply unit (16) of said covers (13) comprises said collection area (14). 10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement device (25) comprises a pushing element (26) for pushing at least one of said covers (13) of the collection area (14) towards the device of multiple positioning (18) and by which said pushing element (26) comprises a fork (27) with a concavity (27c) oriented towards the covers (13) that arrive from said supply unit (16) and is configured to receive said organized group of tapas (13). 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, before the collection area (14), said supply unit (16) is provided with a locking device (33) to block the advance of said lids (13 ). 12. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fastening heads (30) are installed in the positioning slide (42), oriented downwards, in order to collect the covers (13) and arrange them to close the containers (12). 13. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning slider (42) is slidably mounted on a bridge structure (44) by means of corresponding linear grids (45) transverse to the direction of advance (D ), because a mechanical drive device (46) is provided directly connected to the positioning slide (42) and configured for the selective movement of the positioning slide (42), and because a drive device (43) is provides configured to selectively move said holding heads, raising or lowering them, in a substantially vertical direction (G), in order to collect, support and position the covers (13) during the closing stages of the containers (12). 14. Method for transporting lids (13) for containers (12) comprising: - supplying said covers by means of a cover supply unit (16) (13) in a forward direction (D), - transporting said covers (13) from the cover supply unit (16) (13) to a subsequent operating station (40), providing at least the simultaneous collection of an organized group of covers (13) aligned in a direction of feed (D) defined by the supply unit (16), using a series of clamping heads (30) in a position in a collection area (14), and delivering said covers (13) to a position in said subsequent station operating (40), which provides: - moving the covers (13) in a direction of movement (S) transverse to the direction of advance (D) from said collection area (14) to accommodation seats (19) of a multiple positioning device (18), characterized by that each of the accommodation seats (19) that receive inside and individually accommodate a corresponding one of said covers (13), so that said covers (13) are both aligned in a direction (P) parallel to the direction of advancement (D), and also aligned with the clamping heads (30), said housing seats (19) being aligned with the clamping heads (30) in the position in the collection area (14), wherein said covers (13) are inserted in the corresponding accommodation seats (19) in a tangential introduction path to said accommodation seats (19), parallel to a common plane or to a parallel plane that extends between the collection area (14) and the multiple positioning device (18); wherein the clamping heads (30) move between the position in the collection area (14) and the position in said subsequent operating station (40) in a direction transverse to said direction of advancement (D) by a device of multiple collection (29) comprising a positioning slide (42) mounted on a cantilever and sliding transversely with respect to said forward direction (D).