WO2021110240A1

WO2021110240A1 - Centering device for a capping unit

Info

Publication number: WO2021110240A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/083392
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pierluigi Quagliarella
Original assignee: Sidel Participations
Priority date: 2019-12-03
Filing date: 2019-12-03
Publication date: 2021-06-10

Abstract

There is described a centering device (5) for a capping unit (1) configured to apply closures (2) to articles (3) containing a pourable product; the centering device (5) having a centering axis (C) and comprising: a supporting portion (15) extending at least partially around the centering axis (C) and configured to support one article (3) to be capped at a time at a neck portion (3a) of the article (3), so that a longitudinal axis (D) of the article (3) is coaxial to the centering axis (C); and at least one abutment member (16) extending axially from the supporting portion (15); the abutment member (16) comprising an abutment surface (18) for the axial abutment, in use, of a flange (3b) of the container (3) extending radially from the neck portion (3a) relatively to the longitudinal axis (D); the abutment surface (18) comprising a first portion (19) orthogonal to the centering axis (C) and defining a radially outermost portion of the abutment surface (18), relative to the centering axis (C), and a second portion (20), inclined with respect to the first portion (19) towards the supporting portion (15) and defining a radially innermost portion of the abutment surface (18), relative to the centering axis (C).

Description

CENTERING DEVICE FOR A CAPPING UNIT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a centering device for a capping unit configured to apply closures to articles containing a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product.

BACKGROUND ART

As it is known, many pourable products such as liquid products (mineral oils, lubricant oils, detergents), food liquid products (milk, fruit juice, pulp drinks or soft drinks in general) or granular or powder products (flour, sugar, salt or the like) are sold in containers having various shapes and dimensions and made of different materials, such as plastic bottles.

Such containers are configured to be subjected to a filling operation and, afterwards, a capping operation carried out by means of a suitable capping unit.

Typically, capping units are part of more complex packaging assemblies configured to carry out a series of successive operations onto the containers such as a filling operation, by means of a filling unit, the capping operation and a labelling operation, by means of a labelling unit.

Normally, the filling unit, the labelling unit and the capping unit are of the rotatable type, meaning that during respectively the filling, the labelling and the capping operations the containers are advanced along respectively a filling path, a labelling path and a capping path by means of respective conveying carousels. Furthermore, the filling unit, the labeling unit and the capping unit are arranged in succession and are typically connected to one another by interposed conveyor devices, such as star wheels. A capping unit of the known type usually comprises:

- a carousel rotatable about an axis, preferably a vertical axis;

- a plurality of receiving devices arranged peripherally relative to the vertical axis, carried by the carousel along a circular path and each configured to receive one container to be capped at a time and to advance the latter along an arc-shaped capping path;

- a plurality of capping devices, or "capping heads", peripherally carried by the carousel, arranged in vertical alignment with the respective receiving devices and selectively drivable to apply a closure, normally a cap such as a screw cap, to the respective container carried by the underneath receiving device; and a cap feeding device arranged adjacent to the carousel for delivering the closures to the capping heads. In detail, capping heads are controllable to perform an ascending/descending motion, parallel to the carousel axis, to apply the closures to the containers. In some embodiments, each capping head is further controllable to perform a rotary motion about a capping head axis, in order to fasten the cap to the corresponding container.

Each receiving device typically comprise a centering device having a centering axis and including:

- a fixing portion for mounting and fixing the receiving device itself to the carousel; and

- a supporting portion, carried by the fixing portion, normally integrally extending from the fixing portion, extending partially around the centering axis and configured to receive and support one container at a time at a neck portion thereof, so that a longitudinal axis of the containers is coaxial, i.e. centered, to the centering axis.

Conveniently, the supporting portion is so arranged that also the capping head axis is coaxial with the centering axis.

Each centering device generally comprises a plurality of abutment members, typically in form of teeth axially extending upwardly from the supporting portion, spaced apart from one another around the centering axis and comprising an upper flat abutment surface for abutment of a flange of the neck portion of the respective container to be capped.

Hence, the teeth define, in use, an axial abutment for one flange at a time, thereby counteracting the downwardly pushing force exerted on the neck portion of the container by the respective capping head during capping.

Although being functionally valid, the known centering devices for capping units of the above-mentioned type are still open for further improvement, in particular as to increase the lifespan thereof.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a centering device for a capping unit which is designed to meet the above-mentioned need in a straightforward and low-cost manner.

This object is achieved by a centering device for a capping unit as claimed in claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view, with parts removed for clarity, of a capping unit including a plurality of centering devices according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a larger-scale perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a particular of the capping unit of Figure 1 and showing only one centering device;

Figure 3 is a larger-scale side view, with parts removed for clarity, of a detail of the centering device of Figure 2; and

Figure 4 is a larger-scale perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a detail of the centering device of Figure 2. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1, number 1 indicates as a whole a capping unit configured to apply closures 2 to articles, in particular containers 3 containing a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product such as water, milk, fruit juice, soft drinks or the like.

In this specific embodiment, containers 3 are defined by bottles, in particular plastic bottles, having a longitudinal axis D and already filled with the pourable product during a filling operation and to be capped by capping unit 1, and closures are defined by internally- threaded caps 2 configured to be fastened to neck portions 3a of containers 3. Accordingly, neck portions 3a are provided with an external threading.

Preferably, capping unit 1 is part of a known packaging assembly configured to carry out a series of successive operations onto containers 3 and comprising, in one embodiment, at least a filling unit (not shown) and a labelling unit (not shown).

In the example shown, capping unit 1 receives, in use, filled containers 3 from the filling unit, by means of a non-shown inlet conveyor, and feeds capped containers 3 to the labelling unit, by means of a non-shown outlet conveyor.

As shown in Figure 1, capping unit 1 essentially comprises: a carousel 4 rotatable about a central axis, preferably a vertical axis A;

- a plurality of receiving devices 5 carried by carousel 4 in respective peripheral positions relative to axis A, advanced by carousel 4 along a circular path (not shown) and each configured to receive and support one respective container 3 to be capped at a time and to advance this latter along an arc-shaped capping path (not shown);

- a plurality of capping devices, in particular capping heads 6 (known per se and not described in detail) carried by carousel 4 in respective peripheral positions relative to axis A, conveniently arranged in vertical alignment with the respective receiving devices 5 and selectively drivable to apply one cap 2 at a time to the respective container 3 carried by the underneath receiving device 5; and a cap feeding device 7 arranged adjacent to carousel 4 and configured for delivering a plurality of caps 2 to capping heads 6, in succession.

In detail, each capping head 6 has a central capping head axis B parallel to axis A and comprises:

- a drive portion 8 mounted to an upper portion 10 of carousel 4 and engaged by a driving shaft 11 apt to drive a motion of drive portion 8, in particular an axial ascending/descending motion and a rotary motion about axis B; and

- an engagement portion 12, inferiorly carried by drive portion 8, having a seat configured to receive and hold one cap 2 at a time, and apt to apply such cap 2 to the relative container 3.

In greater detail, each capping head is controllable to move downward towards the respective container 3 to be capped, to rotate to fasten the relative cap 2 to the neck portion 3a of container 3, and to move upward back to its original resting position.

In the following, reference will be made to a single receiving device 5 configured to retain and support a respective container 3 to be capped, for the sake of brevity. However, since all receiving devices 5 are similar for structure and function, the features described hereinafter for such receiving device 5 are applicable to all receiving devices 5 of capping unit 1.

As visible in Figures 1 and 2, receiving device 5 comprises a fixing portion 13 configured to be fixed to carousel 4, for mounting and fixing receiving device 5 to carousel 4, preferably by means of bolts 13a. Alternatively, any other suitable fastening means can be provided. In detail, fixing portion 13 is fixed, in use, to an annular support plate 14 located at a lower portion of carousel 4 coaxially to axis A. More precisely, fixing portion 13 is fixed to the radially outermost annular end of plate 14, relative to axis A. In greater detail, fixing portion 13 is defined by a plate having a substantially semi-circular shape.

Furthermore, each receiving device 5 comprises a supporting portion 15 carried by fixing portion 13 and configured to support container 3 at its neck portion 3a. In particular, supporting portion 15 integrally extends from the fixing portion 13, so that supporting portion 15 and fixing portion 13 define a single piece without solution of continuity (i.e. seamless).

More in particular, receiving device 5 has an axis C, fixing portion 13 extending partially around axis C and supporting portion 15 also extending partially around axis C.

According to this non-limiting preferred embodiment, supporting portion 15 is defined by a semi-circular collar protruding upwardly and substantially in the axial direction, relative to axis C, from fixing portion 13.

Supporting portion 15 is configured to support neck portion 3a of container 3 so that axis D of container 3 is coaxial, i.e. centered, to axis C. Conveniently, supporting portion 15 is so arranged that also capping head axis B is coaxial, i.e. centered, to axis C.

In light of the above, receiving device 5 defines a centering device, preferably is a centering device, comprising fixing portion 13 and supporting portion 15, wherein supporting portion 15 is configured to support container 3 so that this latter is aligned, i.e. centered, with respect to the respective capping head 6.

Hence, axis C is a centering axis of receiving device 5.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned centering, receiving device comprises a radial abutment wall (known per se and not shown) facing axis C and configured to provide, according to a manner known and not described in detail, a radial abutment surface for neck portion 3a, relative to axis C.

Receiving device 5 further comprises a plurality of abutment members, preferably a plurality of teeth 16, extending upwardly and substantially in the axial direction from supporting portion 15 and spaced apart from one another around axis C.

In particular, receiving device 5 comprises three teeth 16, preferably equally spaced from one another around axis C. More in particular, teeth 16 integrally extend from supporting portion 15, so that teeth 16 and supporting portion 15 define a single piece without solution of continuity 8 (i.e. seamless).

Preferably, teeth 16 extend from the radially innermost edge of supporting portion 15, relative to axis C.

Teeth 16 define, in use, an axial abutment for a flange 3b of container 3 extending radially from neck portion 3a relative to axis D. To this end, each tooth 16 comprises an abutment wall 17 defining an abutment surface 18 for the axial abutment, in use, of flange 3b, as shown in Figure 3.

Therefore, abutment wall 17 is an upper wall of tooth 16 and abutment surface 18 is an upper surface of tooth 16. Hence, abutment surface 18 provides, i.e. defines, in use (when receiving device 5 is mounted to carousel 4), a counter-surface to counteract the downwardly axial pushing force exerted on neck portion 3a, and on flange 3b, by the respective capping head 6 during capping.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, abutment surface 18 comprises a first portion 19 orthogonal to axis C, preferably flat, and defining a radially outermost portion of abutment surface 18 (and therefore of abutment wall 17), relative to axis C.

Abutment surface 18 further comprises a second portion 20 conveniently inclined with respect to first portion 19 towards supporting portion 15, i.e. inclined downwardly when receiving device 5 is mounted to carousel 4, preferably flat and defining a radially innermost portion of abutment surface 18 (and therefore of abutment wall 17), relative to axis C.

In particular, second portion 20 is inclined relative to first portion 19 of a given angle so that, in use, flange 3b abuts against second portion 20 after abutting against first portion 19, due to the capping force exerted thereon by capping head 6.

More in particular, angle is conveniently dimensioned so that, in use and during capping, flange 3b does not abut against first portion 19 and second portion 20 at the same time, nonetheless reaching, contacting and abutting against second portion 20, only after having abutted against first portion 19.

In this way, the lifespan of each tooth 16 is increased, while wear thereof is reduced.

In fact, since flange 3b is integrally connected to neck portion 3a, the system defined by flange 3b and neck portion 3a is similar to a cantilever beam.

Hence, the area at the joint between flange 3b and neck portion 3a is the area of maximum stress, i.e. the area where the bending moment is maximum and also the most rigid area when it comes to bending.

In light of the above, the radially innermost portion of tooth 16, relative to axis C, is the most stressed portion of tooth 16 itself, during capping.

Thanks to the above configuration, the load originated from the downward pushing force exerted by the capping head 6 and transmitted to flange 3b during capping is gradually distributed along abutment surface 18. According to this preferred embodiment shown, second portion 20 is inclined relative to first portion 19 of an angle comprised between 3° and 5°, preferably an angle of 4.40°.

As visible in particular in Figure 4, second portion 20 has, at its radially innermost end relative to axis C, a width, measured in a direction orthogonal to axis C and to the relative radial direction, greater than the width at its radially outermost end, i.e. the end adjacent to the radially innermost end of first portion 19. In the specific embodiment shown, second portion 20 has a trapezoidal shape, with the minor base contiguous to first portion 19 and the major base arranged in a radially more internal position than the minor base.

Such trapezoidal shape provides for a better distribution of the load along second portion 20, since the area of second portion 20 increases in the most stressed area, i.e. the radially innermost one.

Preferably, first portion 19 has a substantially rectangular shape, with the short side correspondent to the minor base of second portion 20.

Conveniently, each tooth 16 further comprises a slanted surface 21 arranged radially adjacent to second portion 20, in particular contiguous to second portion 20 in a position radially more internal than second portion 20, with respect to axis C; slanted surface 21 is inclined with respect to second portion 20 towards supporting portion 15, i.e. inclined downwardly when receiving device is mounted to carousel 4.

More specifically, slanted surface 21 defines a chamfered edge of tooth 16, arranged at the radially innermost upper edge of each tooth 16 and inclined of a given angle b relative to second portion 20 so as to be unreachable by flange 3b during abutment of flange 3b against abutment surface 18.

In other words, flange 3b never cooperates in contact nor abuts, in use, against slanted surface 21.

Thanks to the above configuration, the load originated from the downward pushing force exerted by the capping head 6 is never transmitted to the radially innermost edge of each tooth 16, i.e. to the most stressed area of each tooth 16.

According to this preferred embodiment, slanted surface 21 is inclined relative to said second portion 20 of an angle b comprised between 30° and 50°, an angle of 40.60°.

Conveniently, at least teeth 16 are made in a metallic alloy of Cr, Mn, Ni, Si, N, C, Fe, preferably Cr 17, Mn 8, Ni 8.5, Si 4, N 0.13, C 0.10, Fe Bal.

In one embodiment, supporting portion 15 and teeth 16 are made in a metallic alloy of Cr, Mn, Ni, Si, N, C, Fe, preferably Cr 17, Mn 8, Ni 8.5, Si 4, N 0.13, C 0.10, Fe Bal.

In a further embodiment, the whole receiving device 5 is made in a metallic alloy of Cr, Mn, Ni, Si, N, C, Fe, preferably Cr 17, Mn 8, Ni 8.5, Si 4, N 0.13, C 0.10, Fe Bal.

Alternatively, at least teeth 16 are made in a metallic alloy of Cr, Ni, Mo, preferably a precipitation- hardened metallic alloy of Cr, Ni, Mo, even more preferably stainless steel grade 13-8.

In one embodiment, supporting portion 15 and teeth 16 are made in a metallic alloy of Cr, Ni, Mo, preferably a precipitation-hardened metallic alloy of Cr, Ni, Mo, even more preferably stainless steel grade 13-8.

In a further embodiment, the whole receiving device 5 is made in a metallic alloy of Cr, Ni, Mo, preferably a precipitation-hardened metallic alloy of Cr, Ni, Mo, even more preferably stainless steel grade 13-8.

The operation of capping unit 1 is described hereinafter with reference to a single receiving device 5, i.e. to a single centering device, according to the present invention and starting from a condition in which a filled container 3 is fed to carousel 4 and received by supporting portion 15 of such receiving device 5.

In this condition, axis D, axis C and axis B of the relative capping head 6 are coaxial, i.e. aligned and centered.

At this point, capping head 6 is fed with one cap 2 and is controlled to move towards neck portion 3a to apply (fasten) cap 2 thereon. During capping, capping head 6 exerts a pushing force on container 3 directed axially downward, thereby causing flange 3b to abut against teeth 16, and in particular firstly against first portions 19 and then against second portions 20, without ever abutting against slanted surfaces 21.

This gradual abutment occurs due to the bending of flange 3b relative to neck portion 3a.

After capping, capping head 6 is controlled to move back into its original position.

The advantages of receiving device 5 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, the above-described geometrical configuration of teeth 16 ensures a wear reduction of each tooth 16, since such configuration provides for a better and gradual distribution of the loads and for better under-stress conditions at the most stressed area of teeth 16. Hence, the lifespan of each tooth 16 and, therefore, of each receiving device 5 is increased.

Clearly, changes may be made to receiving device 5 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, receiving device 5 could comprise only one abutment member in the form of a single edge, for example a single edge extending at least partially around axis C and having an abutment wall similar to abutment wall 17 of tooth

16.

Claims

1.- A centering device (5) for a capping unit (1) configured to apply closures (2) to articles (3) containing a pourable product; said centering device (5) having a centering axis

(C) and comprising: a supporting portion (15) extending at least partially around said centering axis (C) and configured to support one article (3) to be capped at a time at a neck portion (3a) of the article (3), so that a longitudinal axis (D) of the article (3) is coaxial to said centering axis (C); and

- at least one abutment member (16) extending axially from said supporting portion (15); said abutment member (16) comprising an abutment surface (18) for the axial abutment, in use, of a flange (3b) of said container (3) extending radially from said neck portion (3a) relatively to said longitudinal axis

(D); said abutment surface (18) comprising a first portion (19) orthogonal to said centering axis (C) and defining a radially outermost portion of the abutment surface (18), relative to the centering axis (C), and a second portion (20), inclined with respect to the first portion (19) towards said supporting portion (15) and defining a radially innermost portion of the abutment surface (18), relative to the centering axis (C).

2.- The centering device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion (20) is inclined relative to said first portion (19) of a given angle (a) so that, in use, said flange (3b) abuts against said second portion (20) after abutting against said first portion (19).

3.- The centering device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said second portion (20) is inclined relative to said first portion (19) of a given angle (a) comprised between 3° and 5°, preferably 4.40°.

4.- The centering device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the second portion (20) of said abutment surface (18) has, at its radially innermost end, a width, measured in a direction orthogonal to the centering axis (C) and to the radial direction, greater than the width at its radially outermost end.

5.- The centering device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second portion (20) has a trapezoidal shape, with the minor base contiguous to the first portion (19) and the major base arranged in a position radially more internal than the minor base.

6.- The centering device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein said abutment member (16) further comprises a slanted surface (21) arranged radially adjacent to said second portion (20) in a position radially more internal than said second portion (20), said slanted surface (21) being inclined with respect to the second portion (20) towards said supporting portion (15).

7.- The centering device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said slanted surface (21) defines a chamfered edge of said abutment member (16) inclined of a given angle (b) relative to the second portion (20) so as to be unreachable by said flange (3b) during abutment of said flange (3b) against said abutment surface (18).

8.- The centering device as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein said slanted surface (21) is inclined relative to said second portion (20) of a given angle (b) comprised between 30° and 50°, preferably 40.60°.

9.- The centering device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, and comprising a plurality of said abutment members (16) equally spaced apart from one another around said centering axis (C). 10.- The centering device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, and comprising three abutment members (16) equally spaced apart from one another around said centering axis (C).

11.- The centering device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein at least said abutment member 816) is made in a metallic alloy of Cr, Mn, Ni, Si, N, C, Fe, preferably Cr 17, Mn 8, Ni 8.5, Si 4, N 0.13, C 0.10, Fe Bal.

12.- The centering device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein at least said abutment member

(16) is made in a metallic alloy of Cr, Ni, Mo, preferably a precipitation-hardened metallic alloy of Cr, Ni, Mo, even more preferably stainless steel grade 13-8.

13.- The centering device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein said centering device (5) is carried, in use, by said capping unit (1) along a capping path and is configured to advance one article (3) to be capped at a time along said capping path and to support said article (3) in a position centered relative to a capping head (6) of the capping unit (1) apt to apply a closure (2) to said article (3), so that a longitudinal axis (B) of said capping head (6) is coaxial to said centering axis (C).

14.- The centering device as claimed in claim 13, and further comprising a fixing portion (13) carrying said supporting portion (15) and configured to be mounted to said capping unit (1); the centering device (5) being fixed, in use, to said capping unit (1) by means of said fixing portion (13).

15.- A capping unit (1) configured to apply closures (2) to articles (3) containing a pourable product, said unit (1) comprising: a rotatable conveyor (4) configured to convey articles (3) to be capped along a capping path; - a plurality of capping heads (6) each one having a longitudinal axis (B) and configured to apply one closure (2) at a time to a corresponding article (3); and - a plurality of centering devices (5) as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, the centering devices (5) being carried by said conveyor (4) and each one being arranged in a position so that said centering axis (C) is coaxial to the longitudinal axis (B) of one respective capping head (6).