IT202100006041A1 - DEVICE AND METHOD OF PITCH CHANGE BETWEEN CONTAINERS. - Google Patents

Description

"DEVICE AND METHOD OF PITCH CHANGE BETWEEN CONTAINERS"

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a pitch change device and method for changing the pitch, i.e. the distance, between two items, in particular containers, which are made to advance in succession one after the other between an infeed area and an area of output.

The embodiments described here also refer to a packaging machine comprising a pitch change device according to the invention.

In particular, the pitch change device can? be used in container filling and packaging machines to change the mutual distance between containers between a first and a second container processing station.

The containers in question can be, in particular, containers for pharmaceutical use, such as for example vials, flasks, or the like.

STATE OF THE ART

Machines for packaging containers are known, which comprise a plurality of of treatment stations placed in succession one to the other along a line of advancement of the containers, comprising a plurality? of stations, including a filling station, a capping station and a packing station.

? It is also known that successive treatment stations often work with speeds different, why? necessary from time to time to adjust and adapt the pitch, i.e. the distance, between the containers supplied at the entrance to the downstream station.

In particular, ? it is necessary to adjust the advancement step of the containers entering the packaging station, to adapt them to the shape and type of the picking devices present in it.

The speeds? The processing times of the automatic machines in question, particularly in the case of packaging containers for pharmaceutical use, are in fact relatively high, ie in the order of 250-350 containers per minute, or even more.

Usually, the picking devices pick up the single containers, or those arranged in ordered groups, and move them into suitable predefined packages, or to further downstream stations. ? therefore it is necessary that the containers are sufficiently spaced to allow the picking devices to grip them correctly, without interfering with the following containers, and possibly also to make a complete round trip between the picking position and the position of release, and vice versa.

This need? all the more felt when more small are the containers in question. Consequently, more small are the containers, pi? the pitch must be large, i.e. the distance between successive containers, increasing the ratio between pitch and diameter of the container.

In the state of the art solutions are known which comprise two wheels, each provided with respective seats on its periphery, arranged one downstream of the other along the line of advancement, and transfer means arranged in correspondence with an exchange zone between the two wheels , which cooperate with one and/or the other seat of the first and second wheel to transfer each time an article from one to the other.

These transfer means interfere with and come into contact with the respective articles to direct them towards the seat of the second wheel and position them therein, normally at high speeds. of processing above. Consequently the articles are subjected to rubbing, making the known solutions unsuitable for treating articles made of fragile materials, for example glass, and/or having a particular surface finish, or provided with respective labels, or the like, which could therefore be damaged.

Furthermore, the presence of the transfer devices involves an increase in the overall size of the pitch change devices, making their use in different types of machines not very versatile.

Is there therefore a need? to perfect a pitch change device which can overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the technique.

In particular, an object of the present invention ? that of providing a pitch change device which comprises a limited number of components and has limited overall dimensions.

Another object of the present invention ? that of realizing a pitch change device which does not subject the transported articles to friction, preventing possible damage to their external surface.

An additional purpose? that of developing a pitch change device which allows any unsuitable items to be selected and rejected simply and quickly, without interfering with the subsequent items.

An additional purpose? that of developing a pitch change method which allows the pitch between two successive articles to be changed efficiently, without subjecting the articles to rubbing and therefore without damaging any surface finishes thereof.

To obviate the drawbacks of the prior art and to obtain these and further objects and advantages, the Applicant has studied, tested and implemented the present invention.

DISCOVERY DISPLAY

The present found ? expressed and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims disclose other characteristics of the present invention or variants of the idea of the main solution.

In accordance with the aforesaid objects, the invention relates to a pitch change device for the advancement of articles which overcomes the limits of the prior art and eliminates the defects present therein.

The pitch change device according to the invention can be used in particular to change the pitch between containers for pharmaceutical use, such as for example vials, flasks or the like between a first and a second workstation of an automatic machine for packing containers.

The pitch change device according to the invention comprises:

- an entrance area and an exit area;

- a first wheel having a first pitch diameter, perimetrically equipped with a plurality? first seats spaced apart by a first constant pitch; - a second wheel having a second pitch diameter, perimetrically equipped with a plurality? of second seats, spaced apart by a second constant pitch, different from said first pitch;

- a support plane configured to support the containers during transport on said first wheel and said second wheel. In a preferred embodiment, the second seats are spaced apart by a second pitch, constant and greater than the aforementioned first pitch which characterizes the distance between the aforementioned first seats.

The first and second seats on the respective wheels are each shaped to receive a single container.

The first and second wheels define a sliding path between the inlet area of the first wheel and the outlet area of the second wheel, in which each container ? made to advance, by the first wheel, for a first section of the sliding path which extends from the entry area to an exchange area, and, by the aforementioned second wheel, for a second section of the aforementioned sliding path which extends from the exchange at the exit area.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second pitch diameters are arranged tangent to each other in the exchange zone, so that the container is ? simultaneously received by a first and a second seat arranged facing each other in the exchange area.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the second seat ? configured so that the container assumes a substantially stable remaining position during the second leg of the sliding path. With ?stable? here and throughout the subsequent description it is understood that the relative position between the container and the second seat, once the container is been received in the respective second seat in correspondence with the exchange area, it remains unchanged up to the exit area.

According to embodiments, the first and second segments are substantially defined by respective circumferential arcs placed continuous and in succession to each other, and along the entire sliding path the container maintains substantially the same radial distance from the center of the respective wheel , without in fact undergoing any translation in the radial direction with respect to the aforementioned wheels, in particular in correspondence with the exchange area.

The pitch change device also includes a unit? control and command configured to adjust the speed? of rotation of the first and second wheel, in such a way that the relationship between the first and the second step is substantially equal to the relationship between the respective speed? peripheral of the first and second wheel.

According to embodiments, the two wheels are configured to rotate about respective first and second rotation axes, which are arranged substantially parallel to a vertical directrix. In this way, during the sliding path, the respective wheels drag the containers positioned resting on the support plane, arranged horizontally.

According to embodiments, each seat of said plurality? of first seats and second seats has an abutment wall configured to embrace a portion of an outer wall of said containers.

In particular, in the exchange area the respective tail edges which delimit the abutment walls of the respective facing seats both interfere with a rear portion of the container in the forward direction. By tail edges are meant the edges which rearwardly delimit the respective seats, which lie substantially on the circumference defined by the pitch diameter of the respective wheel.

According to further embodiments, the pitch change device comprises containment means associated with one, or both, of the first and second wheels, configured and arranged to prevent the containers from coming out of their respective seats in the radial direction during advancement along the scroll path.

According to further embodiments, the pitch change device comprises a deflection member configured to allow a predetermined container to come out of one of said second seats in correspondence with said exit zone.

According to further embodiments, the pitch change device comprises a recovery area, located downstream of the exit area with reference to the container sliding path, and configured to allow the containers to come out, which have not been diverted by means of the deflection device, from the second wheel.

Embodiments described here also refer to a machine for packing containers comprising a plurality of containers. of processing and treatment stations for said containers, including at least one filling station, and a station for capping the containers, and a pitch change device according to the invention positioned upstream or downstream of at least one of said stations.

According to embodiments, the pitch changing device ? located downstream of the capping station and the capping station ? configured to cap the containers arranged spaced apart from each other by a constant pitch equal to said first pitch.

Further embodiments described herein relate to a method for changing the spacing pitch between containers successively advanced along a flow path between an inlet zone and an outlet zone.

The method includes the steps of:

- bring into rotation a first wheel with a first speed? peripheral, said first wheel having a first pitch diameter and being perimetrically equipped with a plurality? first seats spaced apart by a first constant pitch;

- bring a second wheel into rotation with a second speed? device different from the first speed? peripheral, said second wheel having a second pitch diameter and being perimetrically equipped with a plurality? second seats spaced apart by a constant second pitch and different from said first pitch, preferably greater than the latter; - receiving in each first seat, located each time at the inlet area, a container and transporting it along a first section of the sliding path on a support plane up to an exchange area;

- receiving in each second seat, placed from time to time facing a first seat in correspondence with said exchange area, a container coming from said first wheel and transporting it for a second section of the sliding path on said support plane towards an area of output. According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second pitch diameters are arranged tangentially in the exchange area, and the method provides for housing a container in a second seat of the second wheel, while said container is simultaneously also received in a first seat of the first wheel facing the second seat, so that said container assumes in the second seat a substantially stable remaining position during advancement along said second section.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method provides for rotating the first wheel and the second wheel with respective speeds. of rotation such that the relationship between the speed? peripheral of the first wheel and the speed? peripheral of the second wheel is equal to the ratio between the first pitch and the second pitch.

ILLUSTRATION OF THE DESIGNS

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

- fig. 1 ? a schematic top view of a pitch changing device according to embodiments described herein;

- fig.1a ? an enlarged detail of fig. 1;

- fig.2 ? a sectional view along the plane II-II of fig.1;

- fig. 3 ? a schematic top view of a pitch change device according to a variant embodiment;

- fig. 4 ? a schematic top view of a pitch changing device according to embodiments described herein in a first operating position; - fig. 5 ? a schematic top view of the pitch change device of fig. 4, shown in a second operating position;

- fig. 6 ? a partial and schematic three-dimensional view of a container packaging machine comprising the pitch change device of fig. 3;

- fig. 7 ? a schematic top view of a possible application of a wheelbase change device according to the invention.

For ease of understanding, identical reference numerals have been used wherever possible to identify identical commonalities in the figures. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be conveniently incorporated into other embodiments without further clarification.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Will it be done? now reference in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more? examples are illustrated in the attached figures by way of non-limiting example. Even the phraseology and terminology used here? for non-limiting example purposes.

Embodiments described here with reference to the attached figures, refer to a pitch changing device 10 configured to change the pitch, i.e. the distance, between two articles 11 fed along a sliding path T between an infeed area 12 and a exit area 13.

The articles can be containers 11, for example for pharmaceutical use, such as vials, vials, flasks, or the like, generally having a shape that is at least partially cylindrical, even if it is not? except that the pitch change device 10 according to the invention can also be used to change the pitch between containers having different shapes, or articles of different types.

The pitch change device 10 comprises a first star wheel 14, equipped on the perimeter with a plurality of of first seats 15 arranged spaced one from the other by a first constant pitch P1, each of which ? shaped to accommodate a single article, in this case a container 11.

This first wheel 14 ? configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation Y1.

The first wheel 14 has a first pitch diameter D1. For ?pitch diameter? here and in the continuation of the description is meant the maximum diameter of the circumference in which ? inscribed wheel, indicated in fig. 1 with a dotted line shaped like a circle having the aforementioned first diameter D1.

Can the first seats 15 be defined by respective cavities? separated from each other by first ridges 20.

The first seats 15 can have a shape that is at least partly matched to the section of the containers 11 to be moved, for example a shape that is at least partly circular, oval, or possibly polygonal.

According to embodiments, at least in the case in which the first seats 15 are at least partly circular, the respective corners, or edges, of the head 21 and tail 22 of the first crests 20 lie substantially on the circumference defined by the first diameter D1.

The first wheel 14 ? configured to advance the containers 11 for a first section T1 of the transfer path between the input area 12 and an exchange area 16.

The 10 pitch change device can? furthermore comprise an inlet line 34 arranged upstream of the inlet area 12, and configured to transport containers 11 placed in succession one after the other at a distance corresponding to the first step P1.

The pitch change device 10 also comprises a second star wheel 17.

The second wheel 17 ? configured to rotate around a second rotation axis Y2, parallel to the first rotation axis Y1.

The second wheel 17 has a second pitch diameter D2 (fig. 1), preferably greater than the first pitch diameter D1.

The second wheel 17 ? equipped on the perimeter with 18 second offices, each of which? shaped to accommodate a single article, in this case a container 11, spaced apart by a constant second pitch P2, different from the first pitch P1.

Can the second seats 18 be defined by respective cavities? separated from each other by second crests 23, the edges, or edges, of the head 24 and tail 25 of which lie substantially on the circumference defined by the second diameter D2.

The second seats 18 can have a shape at least partially matching the section of the containers 11 to be handled, for example a shape that is at least partially circular, oval, or possibly polygonal.

The second wheel 17 ? in particular configured to accommodate a container 11 in its own second seat 18 in the exchange area 16 and transfer it along a second section T2 of the sliding path T towards the outlet area 13.

The 10 pitch change device can? comprising an outlet line 35 arranged downstream of the outlet area 13, and configured to transport containers 11 placed in succession one after the other at a distance corresponding to the second step P2.

According to embodiments illustrated in the figures, if the pitch change device 10 is configured to increase the distance between the containers 11 from the inlet area 12 to the outlet area 13, the second pitch P2 ? greater than the first step P1.

As an indication, the second step P2 pu? be between 1.1 and 2 times the first step P1, for example equal to about 1.5 times the first step P1. In other embodiments, not shown, if it is necessary to reduce the distance, ie the step, between the containers 11 from the inlet area 12 to the outlet area 13, the second step P2 will be able to be smaller than the first step P1.

According to embodiments, the rotation axes Y1, Y2 are arranged along a vertical direction.

The 10 pitch change device can? furthermore comprise a support plane 19 configured to support the containers 11 during transport on the first 14 and on the second wheel 17.

The support plan 19 can? extend at least along the first section T1 and the second section T2. For example, support plan 19 can? have a form defined by a plurality? of arcs of circumference, consistent with the shape and size of the sliding path T, but pu? also a support plane 19 having different shapes and dimensions can be provided.

The respective first and second seats 15, 18 can be configured in such a way as to each receive and drag a respective container 11 so that the position of the container 11 in the seat 15, 18 remains substantially stable along the respective sections T1, T2 of the path of sliding T.

By way of example, the seats 15, 18 can be shaped in such a way as to transport containers 11 having a diameter between 15mm and 60mm. The containers 11 are preferably cylindrical.

The number of seats 15, 18 and the size of the respective diameters D1, D2 of the first 14 and of the second wheel 17 can vary according to the size of the seats 15, 18 and the ratio to be obtained between the first pitch P1 and the second step P2.

According to embodiments, the first 15 and the second seat 18 can have a shape and size at least partially related to the shape and size of the container 11 to be transported.

According to embodiments, each seat of the plurality? of first seats 15 and second seats 18 has a respective abutment wall 26, 27 configured to embrace a portion of the outer wall of the containers 11. In particular, the first 15 and second seat 18 can have at least a portion of the abutment wall 26, 27 having an arc of a circle shape, having a radius substantially equal to that of the container 11 to be transported.

The profiles of the abutment walls 26, 27 are shaped in such a way as to guarantee the containment of the container 11 during the exchange between the first 14 and the second wheel 18 (fig. 1a).

According to embodiments, the abutment wall 26, 27 extends from the tail edges 22, 25 towards the head edges 21, 24.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first diameter D1 and the second diameter D1 are arranged tangent in the exchange zone 16.

For ?willing bribes? it is understood that the circumferences defined by the two diameters D1, D2 can substantially touch in correspondence with the exchange zone 16, or that they can be spaced apart by a maximum distance ?x due to the manufacturing tolerances of the components, for example less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, so as to avoid possible and undesirable friction between the wheels 14, 17 during their reciprocal rotation (fig. 2).

In this way, in the exchange area 16, the container 11 is simultaneously received by a first seat 15 and by a second seat 18 facing each other.

The two wheels 14, 17 are configured to rotate in the same direction in the exchange area 16, so that the second seat 18 interferes with the container 11 to be moved when it is moving. still inserted in the first seat 15.

In particular, in the exchange area 16 the respective tail edges 22, 25 of the respective facing seats 15, 18 are arranged substantially facing and tangent to each other, so as to both interfere with a rear portion of the container 11 in the direction of advancement.

In this way, the container 11 is positioned stably in the second seat 18 directly in the exchange area 16 and maintains the same position with respect to it for the entire second section T2, up to the outlet area 13.

In particular, the central axis Yc of the container 11 always remains at the same distance with respect to the abutment wall 27 of the second seat 18, without undergoing any translation with respect thereto, n? in the radial direction, n? in the circumferential direction.

According to embodiments, the two diameters D1, D2 of the two wheels 14, 17 are placed substantially tangent to each other in correspondence with a central axis Yc of the container 11 positioned in the exchange area 16.

The pitch diameters D1, D2 substantially correspond to the diameter on which the reference point of the seats 15, 18 of the container 11 lies which, in the case of a circular container 11, corresponds to the center C of the circle (fig. 1a). Downstream of the exchange area 16, the container 11 will remain? stable in the position assumed in the second seat 18 towards the outlet area 13, while the first seat 15 released from the container 11 will continue? the race towards the entrance area 12.

The pitch change device 10 comprises, in a known manner, actuation members 28, 29, associated with each wheel 14, 17 and configured to make them rotate about the respective rotation axes Y1, Y2. The actuating members 28, 29 can each comprise its own drive member, or can a single driving member suitable for supplying motion to both wheels 14, 17, possibly associated with suitable gear motor mechanisms, should be provided. The pitch change device 10 also comprises a unit? of control and command 30 configured to rotate the first wheel 14 with respective speeds? of rotation such that the first wheel 14 has a first speed? peripheral V1 and the second wheel 17 a second speed? peripheral V2, different from the first speed? peripheral V1.

According to embodiments, the second speed? peripheral V2 ? greater than the first speed? peripheral V1. In particular, the relationship between the speeds? peripherals V2:V1 pu? be substantially equal to the ratio between the steps P2:P1.

In particular, the respective speeds? peripherals V1, V2 are chosen in such a way that the respective tail vertices 22, 25 of the respective first and second seats 15, 18 are arranged facing each other in correspondence with the exchange area 16.

According to embodiments, the pitch changing device 10 can comprise containment and/or retention means 31 configured and arranged to prevent the containers 11 from coming out in the radial direction from the respective seats 15, 18 during the advancement along the sliding path T.

In fact, due to the high speed? rotation of the wheels 14, 17, such as to allow a production of at least 300 containers/minute, the containers 11 are subjected to a centrifugal force which could cause them to come out of the respective seat 15, 18.

According to embodiments, described with reference to figs. 3 and 6, the containment and/or retention means 31 comprise one or more? guides 32, 33, each arranged externally to a respective wheel 14, 17 along the sliding path T.

The guides 32, 33 extend at least along the entire section T1, T2 of the sliding path T affected by the respective wheel 14, 17.

According to embodiments, the ends of the guides 32, 33 associated with a wheel 14, 17, in correspondence with the exchange area 16, are arranged facing each other, substantially parallel to each other, and substantially tangent to the respective abutment walls 27, 26 of the respective seats 18, 15 of the other wheel 17, 14, so as to define a passage channel for a container 11 having a width substantially corresponding to the diameter of the container 11.

Preferably, the guides 32, 33 along the respective sections T1, T2 can be spaced apart from the respective abutment walls 26, 27 by a distance slightly greater than the diameter of a container 11, so as not to interfere with it during its movement .

According to possible variant embodiments, not shown, the first 14 and/or the second wheel 17 can comprise a vacuum system comprising a plurality of of suction channels, each communicating with a respective seat 15, 18, which act as retention means for the containers 11. In this case, the guides 32, 33 can be omitted or they can assist the action of the aforementioned vacuum system.

According to further embodiments, which can be combined with the previous ones, and described with reference to figs. 4-6, the pitch change device 10 comprises a deflection member 36 configured to allow the extraction of a predetermined container 11 from one of the second seats 18 in correspondence with the outlet area 13.

The organ of deflection 36 pu? comprise a deviator element 37 movable between an active position, in which it allows the extraction of a container 11 from the second seat 18 positioned from time to time in the outlet area 13 (figs. 3 and 4), and a non-active position, in which does not interfere with the containers 11, allowing them to go beyond the exit area 13 (fig. 5). In particular, in the active position, the diverter element 37 is positioned passing through the sliding path T followed by a container 11, and intercepts the containers 11 present from time to time in the outlet area 13, conveying them towards the outlet line 35. In the inactive position does the deflector element 37 ? positioned outside the sliding path T, and does not interfere in any way with the containers 11 transported by the second wheel 17.

According to embodiments, the deflection member 36 is vertically interposed between the support plane 19 and the second wheel 17.

The deflector element 37 can? present a shape at least partially mating with that of a second seat 18, so as to position itself, in the active position, vertically aligned above it, defining a substantially continuous abutment wall 38? with the abutment wall 27. The deflector element 37 can? be operated and moved from the active position to the inactive position by means of an actuation member 39 controlled by the unit? of control and command 30. In particular, the deflector element 37 can? be moved to the inactive position when an unsuitable container 11 is identified, i.e. one that does not comply with the required standards. This unsuitable container 11 can be identified by one or more? sensors, not illustrated, aimed at detecting one or more? between weight, shape, height, external appearance of the container 11 and communicating with the unit? control and command 30.

According to embodiments, the pitch change device 10 can comprise a recovery line 40, arranged in a recovery area 41 downstream of the exit area 13 with respect to the direction of advancement of the containers 11, configured to move the containers 11 away from the second wheel 17 which are not deflected by means of the deflection member 36 .

At the recovery area 41 pu? a matching organ 42 configured to intercept the rejected containers 11, still transported by the second wheel 17, and convey them towards the recovery line 40. According to further embodiments, the pitch change device 10 can be provided. comprise a bulkhead 43 movable between an open position (fig. 4), in which it allows the containers 11 extracted in the outlet area 13 to continue along the outlet line 35, and a closed position (fig. 5) in which it prevents the containers 11 to reach the output line 35 when the deflector member 36 ? in the active position.

The bulkhead 43 in the closed position can? position yourself near of the exit area 13, substantially in continuity? with the second guide 33, if present.

According to embodiments, the output line 35 and the recovery line 41, if present, can comprise respective conveyor belts 44, 45, moved by one or more? motor organs 46 commanded by? unit? control and command 30.

Embodiments described herein with particular reference to Figs. 6 and 7 also relate to a machine 50 for packaging containers 11 comprising a plurality of of treatment and processing stations, including at least one feeding station 56, a filling station 51 and a capping station 52, and a pitch change device 10 according to the invention located upstream or downstream of at least one of the aforementioned stations of treatment 56, 51, 52.

According to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 6, the 10 pitch change device ? located downstream of the capping station 51, and the inlet line 34 ? consisting of an advance line 53 of the containers 11 coming from the capping station 51.

According to embodiments, the capping station 51 comprises at least one capping device, not shown, suitable for capping the containers 11 at a constant pitch P, equal to the first pitch P1. Preferably, the capping station 52 comprises a star wheel 54 configured to rotate around a third axis of rotation Y3, parallel to the first axis of rotation Y1, and peripherally provided with a plurality of of seats 55, spaced one from the other by a pitch P corresponding to the first pitch P1, and each suitable for receiving and transporting a container 11.

According to further embodiments, pu? a further pitch change device 10 positioned between the filling station 51 and the capping station 52 should also be provided.

According to embodiments illustrated with reference to fig. 7, the pitch change device 10 ? disposed between the feeding station 56 and the filling station 51.

The power station 56 can? comprise a container feeding unit 60 of the "nest" type, comprising at least one container-holding tray 61 and a transfer device 62 configured to withdraw a container 11 from the tray 61 and transfer it to a star wheel 58 upstream of the change device -step 10.

The star wheel 58 ? provided on its periphery with respective seats 59 arranged at a defined pitch with respect to each other and ? configured to rotate around an axis of rotation Y4.

The step between the seats 59 and the speed? peripheral of the star wheel 58 are correlated to those of the first wheel 14 in such a way as to allow the transfer of the containers 11 between the respective seats 59, 15.

Tray 61 comprises a plurality of containment seats 63 arranged according to a matrix scheme, aligned by rows and columns.

The containment seats 63 can be configured as collars, i.e. tubular portions provided with an edge suitable for receiving in support a collar of a container 11 positioned in a respective containment seat 63.

The transfer unit 62 can? include at least one mechanical arm 64 provided at one end gripping means 65, 66 suitable for picking up at least one container 11 at a time from the tray 61 and transferring it to a seat 59 of the star wheel 58 positioned downstream.

According to embodiments, for example illustrated in fig. 7, each arm 64 can? comprising at least two gripping means 65, 66, each suitable for gripping and holding a single container 11. The two gripping means 65, 66 can be positioned one adjacent to the other, to pick up respective containers 11 adjacent to each other. The gripping means 65, 66 can be configured to keep the containers 11 spaced apart from each other by a distance correlated to the distance between the seats 59 of the downstream star wheel 58. This allows at least to halve the transfer times of the containers 11 from the tray 61 to the star wheel 58, consequently increasing the speeds? of work and productivity? of the machine 10.

Arm 64 can? be, for example, an anthropomorphic arm to pi? degrees of freedom, suitable for lifting the containers 11 to extract them from the containment seats 63, transferring them to a different position, for example by rotation around an axis of rotation Yr and releasing them into a respective seat 59.

The gripping means 65, 66 can include pliers, vices, possibly associated with holding means comprising suction systems.

Can also be expected two or more? arms 64, suitably staggered with respect to a common axis of rotation Yr, so as to increase the speed? container transfer 11.

By way of example in fig. 7 shows two arms 64 offset by 180? one with respect to the other, in such a way that when the first arm 64 ? in the pick-up position, the second arm 64 ? in the release position, and vice versa.

According to the embodiment of fig. 7, can it should be provided that the second wheel 17 is configured to release the containers 11 directly onto a conveyor device 57.

Further embodiments described here refer to a method for carrying out the step change between containers 11 made to advance one after the other along a sliding path T between an inlet area 12 and an outlet area 13.

The method includes the steps of:

- make a first wheel 14 rotate around a first axis of rotation Y1 with a first speed? peripheral W1, in which the first wheel 14 has a first pitch diameter D1, and ? perimetrically provided with a plurality? of first seats 15 spaced one from the other by a first pitch P1;

- make a second wheel 17 rotate around a second axis of rotation Y2, parallel to the first axis of rotation Y1, with a second speed? V2 different from the first speed? peripheral V1, in which the second wheel 17 has a second pitch diameter D2, and ? perimetrically provided with a plurality? second seats 18 spaced one from the other by a second pitch P2, greater than the first pitch P1;

- receiving in each first seat 15, placed from time to time in correspondence with an inlet area 12 to the first wheel 14, a container 11 and transporting it along a first section T1 of the sliding path T on a support plane 19 up to a trading area 16; - to receive in each second seat 18, placed from time to time facing a first seat 15 in correspondence with the exchange area 16, a container 11 coming from said first wheel 14 and transport it along a second section T2 of the sliding path T on the surface support 19 towards an exit zone 13.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first diameter D1 and the second diameter D2 are placed tangent in the exchange zone 16 and the method envisages housing the container 11 in a second seat 18 of the second wheel 17 while the container 11? simultaneously also received in a first seat 15 of the first wheel 14.

In particular, the method provides for receiving the container 11 in the second seat 18 in the exchange area 16 so that it assumes in the second seat 18 a substantially stable remaining position during the advancement from the exchange area 16 to the outlet area 13.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the method provides for rotating the first wheel 14 and the second wheel 17 with respective speeds. peripherals V1, V2 such that the relationship between the first V1 and the second speed? peripheral V2 is equal to the ratio between the first step P1 and the second step P2.

According to embodiments, the ratio of the second speed? peripheral V2 and the first speed? peripheral V1 can? be between 1.1 and 2, preferably between 1.4 and 1.6.

According to further embodiments, the method provides for diverting the containers 11 at the outlet area 13 by means of a diverting organ 36 towards an outlet line 35.

According to further embodiments, the method provides for the identification, along the sliding path T, of any unsuitable containers 11, or containers 11 which do not comply with the required requirements or standards. In the event that an unsuitable container 11 is identified, the method provides for actuating the deflection organ 36 bringing it to an inactive position, so as to allow the unsuitable container 11 to pass the exit zone 13 and reach a recovery area 40 located downstream.

? it is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or phases can be made to the pitch change device 10, the packaging machine 50 and the pitch change method described up to now, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims .

In the claims that follow, the references in brackets have the sole purpose of facilitating the reading and must not be considered as limiting factors as regards the scope of protection implied in the specific claims.

Claims (14)

1. Device for varying the pitch between containers (11) advancing in a single row, in particular containers (11) for pharmaceutical use, comprising: - an entry zone (12) and an exit zone (13); - a first wheel (14) having a first pitch diameter (D1) and circumferentially provided with a plurality of? of first seats (15) ) spaced at a constant first pitch (P1); - a second wheel (17) having a second primitive diameter (D2) and circumferentially provided with a plurality of? of second seats (18) ) spaced at a constant second pitch (P2), different from, in particular greater than, said first pitch (P1); - a flat support (19) configured to support the containers (11) advanced by said first (14) and second wheel (17), wherein said first (14) and second wheel (17) define a sliding path (T), along which each container (11) ? advanced by said first wheel (14) for a first section (T1) of said sliding path (T) from said input area (12) up to an exchange area (16), and by said second wheel (17) for a second section (T2) of said sliding path (T) from said exchange zone (16) to said outlet zone (13), characterized in that said first (D1) and second pitch diameter (D2) are tangent in said exchange area (16), so that the container (11) is simultaneously received by a seat of said first seats (15) and by a seat of said second seats (18) in said exchange area (16), in which each of said second seats (18) ? sized and configured so that the container (11) maintains a substantially stable position in the second seat (18) where ? housed during the advancement from said exchange area (16) to said outlet area (13), and by the fact that it comprises a unit? control and command (30) configured to adjust the speed? peripherals (V1, V2) of said first (14) and second wheel (17) in such a way that the ratio between the speed? peripheral (V1) of said first wheel (14) and the speed? peripheral (V2) of said second wheel (17) is substantially equal to the ratio between said first (P1) and second pitch (P2). 2. Device (10) as in claim 1, wherein said first (14) and second wheels (17) are configured to rotate around respective first (Y1) and second rotation axes (Y2) arranged substantially vertically and parallel to one to the other. 3. Device (10) as in claim 1 or 2, wherein each seat (15, 18) of said plurality? of first (15) and second seats (18) has an abutment wall (26, 27) configured to embrace a portion of an outer wall of said containers (11). 4. Device (10) as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising containment and/or retention means (31) configured and arranged to prevent the containers (11) from coming out in the radial direction from the respective first (15) and/or second seats (18) during the advancement along said sliding path (T). 5. Device (10) as in claim 4, wherein said containment and/or retention means (31) comprise at least one of a guide (32, 33) arranged externally to the first and second wheel (14, 17) along the flow path (T) and a vacuum system comprising a plurality? of channels communicating with the seats (15, 18) of the first and second wheels (14, 17). 6. Device (10) as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a deflection member (36) configured to allow the extraction of a predetermined container (11) from one of said second seats (18) near the of said exit area (13). 7. Device (10) as in claim 6, comprising a recovery line (40) arranged in a recovery area (41) downstream of said exit area (13), and configured to move away from said second wheel (17) the containers (11) not deflected by means of said deflection member (36). 8. Device (10) as in claim 7, wherein said deflection member (36) comprises at least one deflector element (37) movable between an active position in which it intercepts the containers (11) in said outlet zone (13) for directing them along an exit line (35), and an inactive position, in which it allows the containers (11) on said second wheel (17) to pass said exit zone (13) and reach said recovery zone (41) . 9. Device (10) as in claim 8, comprising a bulkhead (43) movable between an open position, in which it allows the containers (11) to continue along said outlet line (35), and a closed position in which it prevents the containers (11) to reach said outlet line (35) when said diverter element (37) ? in this inactive position. 10. Device (10) as in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein said deflection member (36) ? vertically arranged between said flat support (19) and said second wheel (17). 11. Machine (50) for packaging containers (11) comprising a plurality of of treatment stations for said containers (11) including a feeding station (56), a filling station (51) and a capping station (52), characterized in that it further comprises a device (10) as in a any of the preceding claims arranged between the filling station (51) and the feeding station (56), wherein said feeding station (56) comprises a tray (61) supporting said containers and a transfer unit (62) configured for pick up at least two adjacent containers (11) from said tray (61) and transfer them each into a pair of seats (59) of a star wheel (58), which cooperates with said first wheel (14). 12. Method for changing the pitch between containers (11) advanced in single file along a flow path (T) between an inlet zone (12) and an outlet zone (13), comprising the steps of: - make a first wheel (14) rotate with a first speed? peripheral (V1), said first wheel (14) having a first pitch diameter (D1) and being equipped circumferentially with a plurality? of first seats (15) spaced at a constant first pitch (P1); - make a second wheel (17) rotate with a second speed? peripheral (V2) different from the first speed? peripheral (V1), said second wheel (17) having a second primitive diameter (D1) and being equipped circumferentially with a plurality? of second seats (18) spaced at a constant second pitch (P2) and different from, in particular greater than, said first pitch (P1); - receiving a container (11) in each first seat (15) positioned from time to time in correspondence with said inlet area (12) and transporting it along a first section (T1) of the sliding path (T) on a support surface (19) up to an exchange area (16); - to receive in each second seat (18) placed from time to time facing a first seat (15) in correspondence with said exchange area (16) a container (11) coming from said first wheel (14) and transport it for a second portion (T2) of said sliding path (T) on said support plane (19) towards said exit zone (13), characterized in that said first (D1) and second (D2) pitch diameters are tangent in said exchange zone (16), so that the container (11) ? simultaneously received in a seat of said first seats (15) and in a seat of said second seats (18) in said exchange area (16), wherein each container (11) assumes in said second seat (18) a substantially stable during the advancement from said exchange area (16) to said exit area (13), and by the fact that said method provides for rotation of said first wheel (14) and said second wheel (17) with respective speeds? peripherals (V1, V2) such that the relationship between said first (V1) and second speed? peripheral (V2) is equal to the ratio between said first (P1) and second step (P2). 13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the ratio between the speeds? peripherals (V2, V1) of the second wheel (17) and of the first wheel (14) ? between 1.1 and 2, preferably between 1.4 and 1.6. 14. Combination of a device (10) as in any one of claims from 1 to 10 and at least one container (11), in particular cylindrical and for pharmaceutical use, in which said container (11) is arranged in said exchange area (16), simultaneously received by one of said first seats (15) and by one of said second seats (18) arranged facing each other, a central axis (Yc) of said container (11) substantially crossing in a point of tangency between said first pitch diameter (D1) and said second pitch diameter (D2) of the respective first (14) and second wheel (17).