WO2021136581A1

WO2021136581A1 - Filling unit for filling receptacles

Info

Publication number: WO2021136581A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/087140
Authority: WO
Inventors: Filippo Bandini; Fabrizio FAVA; Roberto ALCIATI
Original assignee: Sidel Participations
Priority date: 2019-12-30
Filing date: 2019-12-30
Publication date: 2021-07-08

Abstract

Filling unit (10) for filling a receptacle (2) in a filling machine (1), the filling unit (10) comprising; - a filling valve (16) for filling the receptacle (2) with a pourable product; - a gripper (22) for gripping the receptacle (2); - an actuator (25) comprising an actuation element (27); - a magnetic coupling between the actuation element (27) and the gripper (22);the actuator (25) being configured to cause a movement of the actuation element (27) between a first position of the actuation element (27) with respect to the filling valve (16) and a second position of the actuation element (27) with respect to the filling valve (16); - a cam follower (37), the filling unit (10) being configured so that the cam follower (37) can be subjected to a movement between a first position of the cam follower (37) with respect to the filling valve (16) and a second position of the cam follower (37) with respect to the filling valve (16); and - a mechanical coupling between the cam follower (37) and the gripper (22).

Description

FILLING UNIT FOR FILLING RECEPTACLES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a filling unit for a filling machine for the filling of receptacles such as bottles, cans, containers, jars, vessels or the like.

Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a filling machine for the filling of receptacles such as bottles, containers, cans, jars, vessels or the like. BACKGROUND ART

There are known filling machines for the filling of receptacles such as bottles, containers, cans or the like, in particular for the filling of the receptacles under aseptic conditions. Typical filling machines comprise a plurality of filling units configured to fill the receptacles with the pourable product and at least one conveying device carrying the filling units and configured to advance the filling units along an advancement path. In particular, the filling units retain respective receptacles when advancing along a first portion of the advancement path and are void of receptacles when advancing along a second portion of the advancement path. In use, the filling of the receptacles occurs during advancement of the respective filling units along at least a section of the first portion.

In the past years, filling machines of the rotary-type have become more and more important as these allow for increased production capacities. A typical filling machine of the rotary-type comprises a conveyor carousel defining the conveying device.

In particular, the conveyor carousel peripherally carries the filling units and is configured to advance the filling units along a circular advancement path.

A typical filling unit comprises:

- a filling valve configured to fill the receptacles with the pourable product; and

- a gripping assembly having a gripping element configured to retain one respective receptacle during advancement of the filling unit along the first portion of the advancement path.

Some filling units also comprises an actuation assembly configured to control the axial distance between the filling valve and the gripping element for modifying the axial distance between the filling valve and the receptacle.

In particular, the control is such that the gripping elements are arranged closer to the filling valve during the filling of the receptacles than when receiving or releasing the receptacles.

It is known that at least portions of the filling machines and the filling units require frequent cleaning cycles so as to guarantee the required cleanliness and/or the required sterility. During such cleaning cycles typically chemically active agents are used. This means that the components of the filling machine, which are exposed to these chemical agents must have the required chemical resistance and must disclose mechanical properties and workings, which reduce the risk of microbes nesting on these components.

There is a continued desire within the sector to further improve the known filling units and filling machines so as to facilitate the cleaning of the filling units and filling machines.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a filling unit for overcoming at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a filling unit coming along with improved cleaning characteristics. It is another object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a filling machine for overcoming at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a filling machine, in particular of the rotary-type, which comes along with improved cleaning characteristics.

According to the present invention, there is provided a filling unit according to the independent claim 1.

Further advantageous embodiments of the filling unit according to the present invention are specified in the respective claims being directly and/or indirectly dependent on the independent filling unit claim.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a filling machine according to claims 8 to 9. According to the present invention there is also provided a filling method according to claims 10 to 13.

A filling unit according to the present invention, with respect to the prior art, allows also for saving manufacturing cost for the filling unit or the filing machine which comprises the filling unit.

A filling unit according to the present invention is configured to carry out a method according to any one of claims 10 and 11.

A filling machine according to the present invention is configured to carry out a method according to any one of claims 12 and 13.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a filling machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the filling machine of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 3 is a side view of a detail of the filling machine of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With particular reference to Figure 1, reference number 1 indicates as a whole a filling machine for the filling of receptacles, in particular for the filling of receptacles under controlled and/or aseptic conditions.

The receptacles can be of any type including bottles 2, jars, vessels, containers, cans or the like, in particular being made of base components, like glass, paper or cardboard, plastics, aluminum, steel, and composites.

In particular, the receptacles may be adapted to be filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, even more particular a liquid or a viscous pourable food product.

In the following, we limit the description to the specific example of bottles 2 adapted to be filled with any type of pourable food product such as carbonated liquids (e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer), non-carbonated liquids (including still water, juices, teas, sport drinks, wine, etc.) and beverages containing pulps. However, it should be clear that the invention also relates to other types of receptacles, such as containers, jars, vessels, cans or the like. It should also be clear that the invention also relates to receptacles, which are adapted to be filled with other kinds of pourable products such as sugar, salt and others.

With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, each bottle 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A and comprises a pouring/inlet opening 3 allowing for the introduction and the outpouring of the pourable product respectively into and out of bottle 2. In particular, each bottle 2 also comprises a hollow main body 4 having a bottom portion 5 and a top portion 6 opposite to bottom portion 5 and carrying pouring/inlet opening 3. In particular, each top portion 6 is spaced apart from the respective bottom portion 5 along longitudinal axis A.

With particular reference to Figures 1 to 3, filling machine 1 comprises:

- a conveyor, in particular a conveyor carousel 9 rotatable around a central axis B (in particular having a vertical orientation), configured to advance bottles 2 along a conveying path P, in particular being arc-shaped; and

- a plurality of filling units 10 mounted to the conveyor, in particular conveyor carousel 9, and each one being configured to fill at least one respective bottle 2 during advancement of the respective bottle 2 along at least a section of conveying path P.

More specifically, filling units 10 are mounted to a peripheral portion of conveyor carousel 9 and are equally spaced apparat around rotation axis B.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the conveyor, in particular conveyor carousel 9, is configured to advance filling units 10 along an (endless) advancement path Q, and in particular through a receiving station 11 and a release station 12 at which filling units 10 respectively receive and release respective bottles 2. Preferentially, the conveyor, in particular conveyor carousel 9, is configured to advance filling units 10 along a first portion Q1 and a second portion Q2 of advancement path Q when advancing respectively from receiving station 11 to release station 12 and from release station 12 to receiving station 11. In particular, each filling unit 10 is configured to retain one respective bottle 2 when advancing along first portion Q1 and to be void of the respective bottle 2 when advancing along second portion Q2.

Preferentially, each filling unit 10 is configured to fill the respective bottle 2 during advancement along at least a section of first portion Q1.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, filling machine 1 also comprises an inlet conveyor 13 configured to deliver bottles 2, in particular empty bottles 2, to filling units 10 at receiving station 11 and an outlet conveyor 14 configured to receive bottles 2, in particular filled bottles 2, released from filling units 10 at release station 12.

Each of the filling units can have one or more of the following features referred to the filling unit 10. Each of the filling units 10 can have all the following features referred to the filling unit 10. The filling unit 10 comprises a filling valve 16 for filling the bottle 2. The filling valve 16 is configured to fill the respective bottle 2 with the pourable product, in particular during advancement of the respective filling unit 10 along at least the section of first portion Q1.

More specifically, each filling valve 16 comprises a flow channel (not shown and known as such) for the pourable product extending along a longitudinal axis C, and in particular having a circular cross-section. Longitudinal axis C can be considered as an axis of the filling valve 16.

The filling valve 16 comprises an outlet mouth 19, in particular coaxial to the flow channel, for allowing, in use, an outflow of the pourable product out of the flow channel (and therewith out of filling valve 16) and towards and into the bottle 2.

Preferably, the filling valve 16 also comprises a valve body (not shown and known as such) arranged within the respective flow channel so as to control the outflow of the pourable product out of the outlet mouth 19. In particular, the valve body is configured to at least open and close a fluidic connection between the flow channel and the outlet mouth 19.

Preferentially, the filling valve 16 is configured to operate in non-contact mode; i.e. no contact between filling valve 16 and the bottle 2 is established during the filling of the bottle 2. In particular, the bottle 2 is, in use and during the filling of bottle 2, spaced apart from the filling valve 16, in particular the outlet mouth 19, so as to avoid the contact between bottle 2 and the filling valve 16, in particular the outlet mouth 19.

In particular, contact mode indicates that a contact, in particular a sealing contact, between bottle 2 and the filling valve 2 is established. In this way, one seals the inner of bottles 2 from the outer environment during the filling of bottles 2.

The filling unit 10 comprises a gripper 22 for gripping the receptacle 2 so as to retain the bottle 2. The gripper 22 is configured to grip for example the neck of the bottle 2.

The gripper 22 could be considered part of a gripping assembly 15. The filling unit 10 comprises the gripping assembly 15. The gripping assembly 15 is for retaining the bottle 2, in particular during advancement of the respective filling unit 10 along first portion Q1.

In particular, the gripper 22 comprises a pair of gripping fingers configured to cooperate with one another so as to grip the respective bottle 2. Preferentially, each gripping finger extends within the respective first plane. The filling unit 10 comprises an actuator 25. The actuator 25 comprises an actuation element 27. The actuator 25 could be considered as part of an actuation assembly 17. The filling unit 10 comprises the actuation assembly 17.

The filling unit 10 comprises a magnetic coupling between the actuation element 27 and the gripper 22.

The actuator 25 is configured to cause a movement of the actuation element 27 between a first position of the actuation element 27 with respect to the filling valve 16 and a second position of the actuation element 27 with respect to the filling valve 16. In figures 2 and 3 the actuation element 27 adopts the second position. The filling unit 10 is configured to guide the movement of the actuation element 27.

The filling unit 10 is configured so that, in normal operating condition of the filling unit 10 and by means of the magnetic coupling, the first position of the actuation element 27 corresponds to a first position of the gripper 22 with respect to the filling valve 16. The first position of the gripper 22 in turn corresponds to a first position of the gripped bottle 2 with respect to the filling valve 16.

The filling unit 10 is configured so that, in normal operating condition of the filling unit 10 and by means of the magnetic coupling, the second position of the actuation element 27 corresponds to a second position of the gripper 22 with respect to the filling valve 16. The second position of the gripper 22 in turn corresponds to a second position of the gripped bottle 2 with respect to the filling valve 16.

In figures 2 and 3 the bottle 2 adopts the respective second position.

The filling unit 10 is configured so that, in normal operating condition of the filling unit 10 and by means of the magnetic coupling, the movement of the actuation element 27 corresponds to a movement of the gripper 22 with respect to the filling valve 16. The movement of the gripper 22 comprises at least a translational component.

In normal operating condition of the filling unit 10, the gripper 22 is dragged by the movement of the actuation element 27, so that the movement of the gripper 22 is caused by the movement of the actuation element 27.

Said translational component is such that the first position of the gripper 22 and/or of the gripped bottle 2 corresponds to a first distance between the gripped bottle 2 and the filling valve 16 and the second position of the gripper 22 and/or of the gripped bottle 2 corresponds to a second distance between the gripped bottle 2 and the filling valve 16.

With distance it is to be intended the relative position along the axis C of the filling valve 16 between the inlet opening 3 of the bottle 2 and the outlet mouth 19 of the filling valve 16.

The second distance is different from said first distance.

The second distance is lower than the first distance. In particular, the first position of the gripper 22 and/or of the bottle 2 can be considered as a no filling position and the second position of the gripper 22 and/or of the bottle 2 can be considered as a filling position.

The filling unit 10 comprises a cam follower 37. The filling unit 10 is configured so that the cam follower 37 can be subjected to a movement between a first position with respect to the filling valve 16 and a second position with respect to the filling valve 16. The filling unit 10 is configured to guide the movement of the cam follower 37. The filling unit 10 comprises a mechanical coupling between the cam follower 37 and the gripper 22.

The filling unit 10 is configured so that, by means of the mechanical coupling, the first position of the cam follower 37 corresponds to the first position of the gripper 22.

The filling unit 10 is configured so that, by means of the mechanical coupling, the second position of the cam follower 37 corresponds to the second position of the gripper 22.

The filling unit 10 is configured so that, by means of the mechanical coupling, the movement of the cam follower 37 corresponds to said movement of the gripper 22.

In normal operating condition of the filling unit 10, the cam follower 37 is dragged by the movement of the gripper 22, so that the movement of the cam follower 37 is caused by the movement of the gripper 22, which in turn is caused by the movement of the actuation element 27.

Therefore, in normal operating condition of the filling unit 10, the movement of the actuation element 27 corresponds to said movement of the cam follower 37.

The filling unit 10 can cooperate with a guiding cam 36 of the filling machine 1, to guarantee a smooth transfer of a filled bottle 2 at release station 12 even in the case of a malfunction of the actuator 25. As a malfunction of the actuator 25 can be considered a situation in which the actuation element 27 is blocked in the second position, so that also the gripper 22 is blocked in the respective second position, with also the gripped bottle 2 blocked in the respective second position. This malfunction can be considered as an accidental blockage of the actuator 25 with the actuation element 27 adopting the second position.

The machine 1 is configured so that the guiding cam 36, by means of the rotation of the carousel 9 and in the case of accidental blockage of the actuator 25 with the actuation element 27 adopting the second position, exerts a decoupling action on the cam follower 37. This decoupling action is to be intended as an action which is transmitted, through the mechanical coupling between the cam follower 37 and the gripper 22, to the above mentioned magnetic coupling between gripper 22 and actuation element 27. This decoupling action overcomes the magnetic coupling between actuation element 27 and gripper 22, so as to allow and cause the movement of the cam follower 37 in the direction from the respective second position to the respective first position, therefore also the corresponding movement of the gripper 22 from the respective second position to the respective first position, and therefore also the corresponding movement of the bottle 2 from the respective second position to the respective first position.

In this way the bottle 2 can be forced in the first position although the actuator 25 is blocked in the second position of the actuation element 27.

In case of blockage of the actuator 25, the gripper 22 is dragged by the movement of the cam follower 37 from the respective second position to the respective first position, so that the movement of the gripper 22 from the respective second position to the respective first position is caused by the corresponding movement of the cam follower 37, which in turn is caused by the contact with the guiding cam 36. In case of accidental blockage of the actuator 25, the movement of the cam follower 37 does not correspond to the movement of the actuation element 27, because in this case the gripper 22 is decoupled from the actuation element 27. In case of blockage of the actuator 25 the cam mechanism

35 defined by the guiding cam 36 and the cam follower 37, to force the gripper 22 in the respective first position, has to overcome the magnetic coupling and not the higher force opposed by the blocked actuator 25. In this way the cam mechanism can be simpler and/or less robust, so as to save manufacturing cost for the filling unit 10 and/or for the machine 1.

Therefore the filling unit 10 is configured for cooperating with the guiding cam 36 of the filling machine 1 to reduce the manufacturing cost related to the cam mechanism 35 comprising the guiding cam 36 and the cam follower 37.

The machine 1 is configured so that the guiding cam 36, in the case of accidental blockage of the actuator 25 with the actuation element 27 adopting the second position, exerts said decoupling action so that the displacement of the gripper 22 from the respective second position to the respective first position occurs after the filling of the receptacle by the filling unit 10 and prior to the filling unit 10 reaching the release station 12. In this way the filling unit 10 can release the bottle 2 at the releasing station 12 with the bottle 2 correctly positioned in the first position.

The magnetic coupling comprises a magnet 24 carried by the actuation element 27. The magnetic coupling comprises a magnet 26 carried by the gripper 22.

In the following any magnet carried by the gripper 22 will be referred to as a second magnet. In the following, any magnet carried by the actuation element 27 will be referred to as a first magnet.

A magnet could be considered any kind of element, like a ferromagnetic element or similar, able to contribute to define the magnetic coupling.

The filling unit 10 defines a translational axis for said translational component of the movement of the gripper

22. Said translational axis can be for example parallel to the axis C of the filling valve 16. The axis of the filling valve 16 can be for example parallel to the central axis B of the conveyor 9. The first magnet 24 and the second magnet 26 are disposed axially one after the other along said translational axis. This disposition of the first magnet 24 and the second magnet 26 is showed in the detail of figure 3.

The actuator 25 can be a linear actuator. The actuation element 27 can be a stem or piston operatively coupled to the gripper 22 and configured to linearly move for controlling the gripper 22 between the first position and the second position.

The stem or piston is longitudinally positioned along said translational axis. The positioning of the stem or piston along said translational axis can be understood upon looking on figure 3.

The gripper 22 comprises a bar 29 defining a longitudinal extension of the stem or piston. The second magnet is carried by the bar 29. In this way the gripper 22 and the actuation element 27 can be more easily decoupled by the action of the guiding cam 36. It is to be considered in this connection that the decoupling action is an action that, when transmitted to the magnetic coupling, tends to move away from each other the first magnet 24 and the second magnet 26.

Alternatively the first magnet 24 and the second magnet 26 could be disposed one after the other transversally to said translational axis. This improves stability of the magnetic coupling.

The actuator 27 is coupled to the gripper 22, and in particular configured to control the respective gripper 22 between the first position and the second position.

Preferentially, the actuation assembly 17, in particular the linear actuator 25, even more particular the actuation element 27, are controlled such that the gripper 22 is kept into its second position during the filling of the bottle 2 with the pourable product, and in particular into its first position after filling of the bottle 2 and prior to reaching release station 12 and during advancement of the respective filling unit 10 along portion Q2.

The filling unit 10 is mounted on carousel 9.

In particular, the gripper 22 is, in use, controlled into the respective second or filling position so as to allow for a filling of bottle 2, and even more particular is controlled, in use, into the respective first or non filling position so as to allow for the feeding of the respective bottle 2 to the respective filling unit 10 at receiving station 11 and to allow for the release of the respective bottle 2 from the respective release station 12.

More specifically, the gripper 22 (substantially) extends within a respective first plane, in particular having a horizontal orientation.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the gripper 22 comprises a respective support base 23 carrying at least the gripping fingers.

Preferentially, the fingers are supported by the support base 23 at a first end portion of the respective support base 23. Preferentially, the support base 23 has a (substantially) plate-like configuration (i.e. an extension into the z-direction (thickness) is neglibile with respect to the extension into the x-y-directions).

Advantageously, the actuator 25 is configured to control the gripper 22 at least between the first position and the second position for controlling an axial distance between the filling valve 16, in particular the respective outlet mouth 19, and the gripper 22 and/or the respective first plane and/or the respective bottle 2. The inlet opening 3 of bottle 2 is positioned closer to the respective filling valve 16, in particular the outlet mouth 19, when, in use, the gripper 22 being controlled into the second position than when being controlled into the respective first position. The axial distance along axis C of the filling valve 16 between inlet opening 3 of bottle 2 and outlet mouth 19, in particular with respect to the axis C of the filling valve 16, is larger with the gripper 22 being controlled into the respective first position than with the gripper being controlled into the respective second position.

In other words, each actuation assembly 17 is configured to approach or withdraw the respective gripper 22 and/or the respective bottle 2 to or from the respective filling valve 16, in particular the respective outlet mouth 19. In other words, the gripper 22 and/or the respective bottle 2 is/are positioned in the proximity of and is/are distanced from the respective filling valve 16, in particular the respective outlet mouth 19, with the respective gripper 22 being controlled respectively into the respective second position and the respective first position.

It is to be noted that the axial distance with the gripper 22 being in the filling position can be such that the bottle 2 contacts the filling valve 16, in particular for sealing the inner of the bottle 2 from an outer environment. The axial distance can also be such that the bottle 2 and the filling valve 16 do not contact one another. In such a case, the inner of the bottle 2 is not sealed from the outer environment.

The actuator 25 is configured to control the gripper 22 into the filling or second position during the filling of the bottle 2.

The actuator 25 is configured to control the gripper 22 into the first or no filling position so that the respective gripper 22 is in the first or no filling position at receiving station 11 and/or at release station 12.

In particular, the axial distance between the gripper 22 and the filling valve 16, in particular the outlet mouth 19, is larger with the gripper 22 being at the first position than when being at the second position. Preferentially, the gripper 22 is linearly moveable between the respective first position and the respective second position, in particular into a vertical direction. Advantageously, the first magnet 24 and the second magnet 26 are magnetically coupled to one another in such a manner that, in use, the movement of the respective first magnet 24 results in a respective movement of the respective second magnet 26 (and as a consequence of the respective gripper 22) for controlling the respective gripper 22 between at least the first position and the second position. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the actuator 25 is configured to linearly move the respective first magnet 24 between the respective first position and the respective second position of the gripper 22.

Preferentially, also each second magnet 26 is moveable, in particular linearly moveable, between a respective first position and a respective second position in unison with the respective first magnet 24. In particular, each second magnet 26 is at its respective first position and its respective second position with the respective first magnet 24 being respectively at the respective first position and the respective second position.

With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, each actuator 25 comprises a linearly moveable stem or piston element 27 carrying the respective first magnet 24 and moveable between a respective retracted position and a respective extracted position. In particular, the respective first magnet 24 is at its first position and at its second position with the respective piston element 27 being respectively at its extracted position and its retracted position.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each piston element 27 and the respective first magnet 24 are coaxially arranged.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, each first magnet 24 and the respective second magnet 26 are coaxially arranged.

Preferably, each second magnet 26 is arranged in succession to the respective first magnet 24.

In particular, the first magnet 24 and the second magnet 26 are (linearly) spaced apart from one another, in particular defining a respective separation space interposed between the respective first magnet 24 and the respective second magnet 26. Even more particular, the respective separation space is partially occupied by portions of the respective housings 28 within which first magnet 24 and the respective second magnet 26 are enclosed in.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, each first magnet 24 and each second magnet 26 is enclosed within a respective housing 28 distinct from the other housings 28.

Preferentially, the respective housing 28 of each first magnet 24 is (mechanically) connected to the respective piston element 27.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, each actuation assembly 17 comprises a support bar 29 carrying the respective second magnet 26. In particular, the respective housing 28 within which the respective second magnet 26 is enclosed, is mechanically fixed to support bar 29.

Preferentially, each support bar 29 contacts and protrudes, in particular orthogonally protrudes, from the respective support base 23.

More specifically, each support bar 29 comprises a respective first end portion 30 and a second end portion 31.

Preferentially, each second magnet 26, in particular the respective housing 28, is connected to the respective first end portion 30 of the respective support bar 29.

Preferentially, each second end portion 31 contacts the respective support base 23, in particular at a respective second end portion of the respective support base 23 opposed to the respective first end portion of the respective support base 23.

In particular, each second magnet 26 and the respective support bar 29 are coaxial.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the actuator 25 also comprises a housing 32 enclosing at least a portion of the respective support bar 29. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the actuator 25 is supported on the respective conveyor carousel

9.

Preferentially, the actuator 25 and the gripper 22 interpose a respective portion of carousel conveyor 9 in between one another. In other words, the actuator 25 and the gripper 22 are arranged within opposing sides of carousel conveyor 9.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the first magnet 24 and the second magnet 26 are arranged on an opposing side of carousel conveyor 9 with respect to gripper 22.

Preferentially, a portion of each actuator assembly 17, in particular the respective support bar 29, even more also a portion of the respective housing 32, extends through conveyor carousel 9.

With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, filling machine 1 also comprises a cam mechanism 35 configured to control the gripper 22 into the first position, in particular after the filling of the respective bottle 2 has been terminated, and even more particular prior to the respective filling unit 10 reaching release station 12.

With particular reference to Figure 2, the cam mechanism 35 is configured to control the gripper 22 into the respective first position, in particular after the filling of the bottle 2 has been terminated, and even more particular prior to the respective filling unit 10 reaching release station 12. In particular, cam mechanism 35 is configured as a safety mechanism in order to guarantee that the gripper 22 is controlled, in particular after the filling of the respective bottle 2 has been terminated, and in particular prior to the respective filling unit 10 reaching release station 12, into the respective first position in the case of blockage of the actuator 25 with actuation element 27 in the respective second position.

In particular, in the case of a correct functioning of the actuator 25, and therefore in normal operating condition of the filling unit 10, it is the actuator 25 itself which moves the gripper 22 from the second position to the first position after the filling of the respective bottle 2 has been terminated, and in particular prior to the respective filling unit 10 reaching release station 12.

Preferentially, cam mechanism 35 comprises a guiding cam 36 arranged adjacent to conveyor carousel 9. In particular, in use, any interaction between cam follower 37 and guiding cam 36 actuates the movement of the gripper 22 in the direction from the respective second position to the respective first position.

In use, filling machine 1 fills bottles 2 with the pourable product, in particular during advancement of bottles 2 along conveying path P.

In particular, considering the case in which the machine comprises a plurality of filling units angularly distributed around the central axis B, each filling unit 10, even more particular the respective filling valve 16, fills one respective bottle 2 during advancement along at least a section of first portion Q1.

More specifically, inlet conveyor 13 feeds bottles 2 to be filled to receiving station 11, each filling unit 10 receives one respective bottle 2 at receiving station 11, retains the respective bottle 2 while filling unit 10 advances along portion Q1 and while the respective bottle 2 advances along conveying path P and delivers the respective filled bottle 2 to outlet conveyor 14 at release station 12. Advantageously, during the filling of the bottle 2, the gripper 22 of each filling unit 10 is controlled into the respective second position. Preferentially, the gripper 22 is controlled into the respective first position after the filling of the respective bottle 2, and in particular prior to the respective filling unit 10 reaching the release station 12.

More specifically, after the filling, and in particular prior to the respective filling unit 10 and the respective bottle 2 reaching release station 12, the gripper 22 of each filling unit 10 is controlled into the respective first position. In particular, this shall guarantee to allow a transfer of bottles 2 to outlet conveyor 14 at release station 12.

In particular, the actuation assembly 17 of each filling unit 10, in particular the respective linear actuator 25, even more particular the respective stem or piston element 36, is coupled to the respective gripper 22 by magnetic interaction.

In case of a malfunction of the actuation assembly 17, cam mechanism 35 guarantees control of the respective gripper 22 into the respective first position.

The advantages of filling units 10 and/or filling machine 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description. The cam mechanism 35 guarantees a smooth transfer of a respective filled bottle 2 at release station 12 even in the case of a malfunction of the respective actuation assembly 17. In particular, the gripper 22 comprises a carrier structure 38 connected to the respective support base 23 and carrying the respective cam follower 37.

The advantages of filling units 10 and/or filling machine 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, by providing for actuation assembly 17 having first magnet 24 and second magnet 26 it is possible to improve the cleaning properties of filling machine 1, in particular as portions of the actuation assembly 17, in particular actuator 25, can be arranged outside of the portion of filling machine 1 which needs to be cleaned. A further advantage resides in providing for cam mechanism 35 so as to guarantee a smooth release of bottle 2 at release station 12 even if the respective actuation assembly 17 presents a malfunction.

Clearly, changes may be made to filling machined 1 and 1 and/or filling units 10 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1.- Filling unit (10) for filling a receptacle (2) in a filling machine (1), the filling unit (10) comprising;

- a filling valve (16) for filling the receptacle (2) with a pourable product;

- a gripper (22) for gripping the receptacle (2);

- an actuator (25) comprising an actuation element (27);

- a magnetic coupling between the actuation element (27) and the gripper (22); the actuator (25) being configured to cause a movement of the actuation element (27) between a first position of the actuation element (27) with respect to the filling valve (16) and a second position of the actuation element (27) with respect to the filling valve (16); - a cam follower (37), the filling unit (10) being configured so that the cam follower (37) can be subjected to a movement between a first position of the cam follower (37) with respect to the filling valve (16) and a second position of the cam follower (37) with respect to the filling valve (16);

- a mechanical coupling between the cam follower (37) and the gripper (22); wherein the filling unit (10) is configured so that, in normal operating condition of the filling unit (10) and by means of the magnetic coupling: - the first position of the actuation element (27) corresponds to a first position of the gripper (22) with respect to the filling valve (16), which first position of the gripper (22) in turn corresponds to a first position of the gripped receptacle (2) with respect to the filling valve (16);

- the second position of the actuation element (27) corresponds to a second position of the gripper (22) with respect to the filling valve (16), which second position of the gripper (22) in turn corresponds to a second position of the gripped receptacle (2) with respect to the filling valve (16);

- the movement of the actuation element (27) corresponds to a movement of the gripper (22) with respect to the filling valve (16), the movement of the gripper (22) comprising at least a translational component so that the first position of the gripper (22) corresponds to a first distance between the gripped receptacle (2) and the filling valve (16) and the second position of the gripper (22) corresponds to a second distance between the gripped receptacle (2) and the filling valve (16), the second distance being different from said first distance; wherein the filling unit (10) is configured so that, by means of the mechanical coupling: - the first position of the cam follower (37) corresponds to the first position of the gripper (22);

- the second position of the cam follower (37) corresponds to the second position of the gripper (22);

- the movement of the cam follower (37) corresponds to said movement of the gripper (22);

- in normal operating condition of the filling unit (10), the movement of the actuation element (27) corresponds to said movement of the cam follower (37).

2. Filling unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein: - the filling unit (1) is configured so that a guiding cam (36) of the machine, by means of the rotation of a carousel (9) carrying the filling unit (10), and in the case of accidental blockage of the actuator (25) with the actuation element (27) adopting the second position, exerts a decoupling action on the cam follower (37) which overcomes the magnetic coupling between actuation element (27) and gripper (22), so as to cause the movement of the cam follower (37) in the direction from the respective second position to the respective first position and the corresponding movement of the gripper (22) from the respective second position to the respective first position.

3. Filling unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic coupling comprises a magnet (24) carried by the actuation element (27) and a magnet (26) carried by the gripper (22).

4. Filling unit (10) according to claim 3, wherein the filling unit (10) defines a translational axis for said translational component.

5. Filling unit (10) according to claim 4, wherein the first magnet (24) and the second magnet (26) are disposed axially one after the other along said translational axis.

6. Filling unit (10) according to claim 5, wherein:

- the actuation element (27) comprises a stem longitudinally positioned along said translational axis; - the gripper (22) comprises a bar (29) defining a longitudinal extension of the stem, the second magnet being carried by the bar (29).

7. Filling unit (10) according to claim 4, wherein the first magnet (24) and the second magnet (26) are disposed one after the other along a direction transversal to said translational axis.

8. Filling machine (1) comprising:

- a filling unit (10) according to claim 2 or to any one of claims from 3 to 7 when dependent on claim 2; - said conveyor carousel (9), said conveyor carousel

(9) being rotatable around a central axis (B) and carrying the filling unit (10) on a radially peripheral position relative to said central axis (B);

- said guiding cam (36).

9. Filling machine according to claim 8, configured so that: the filling unit (10), during the rotation of the carousel (9), receives the respective receptacle (2) at a receiving station (11) and releases the respective receptacle (2) at a release station (12); the filling unit (10) advances along a first portion (Ql) and a second portion (Q2) of an advancement path (Q) when advancing respectively from the receiving station (11) to the release station (12) and from the release station (12) to the receiving station (11); the filling unit (10) fills the received and gripped receptacle (2) during advancement along at least a section of the first portion (Ql); the guiding cam (36), in the case of accidental blockage of the actuator (25) with the actuation element (27) adopting the second position, exerts said decoupling action so that the displacement of the gripper (22) from the respective second position to the respective first position occurs after the filling of the receptacle by the filling unit (10) and prior to the filling unit (10) reaching the release station (12).

10. Filling method (10) for filling a receptacle (2) in a filling machine (1), comprising; a movement of an actuation element (27) of an actuator (25), from a first position of the actuation element (27) with respect to a filling valve (16) for filling the receptacle (2) and a second position of the actuation element (27) with respect to the filling valve (16);

- a movement of a cam follower (37) between a first position of the cam follower (37) with respect to the filling valve (16) and a second position of the cam follower (37) with respect to the filling valve (16); wherein, by means of a magnetic coupling magnetic between the actuation element (27) and a gripper (22) gripping the receptacle (2):

- the first position of the actuation element (27) corresponds to a first position of the gripper (22) with respect to the filling valve (16), which first position of the gripper (22) in turn corresponds to a first position of the gripped receptacle (2) with respect to the filling valve (16);

- the movement of the actuation element (27) causes a movement of the gripper (22) with respect to the filling valve (16), the movement of the gripper comprising at least a translational component so that the first position of the gripper (22) corresponds to a first distance between the gripped receptacle (2) and the filling valve (16) and the second position of the gripper (22) corresponds to a second distance between the gripped receptacle (2) and the filling valve (16), the second distance being different from said first distance; wherein, by means of a mechanical coupling between the cam follower (37) and the gripper (22): - the first position of the cam follower (37) corresponds to the first position of the gripper (22);

- the movement of the actuation element (27) corresponds to said movement of the cam follower (37).

11. Filling method according to claim 10, wherein, in case of accidental blockage of the actuator (25) with the actuation element (27) adopting the second position, a guiding cam (36) exerts a decoupling action on the cam follower (37) which overcomes the magnetic coupling between actuation element (27) and gripper (22) of the filling unit (10), so as to cause the movement of the cam follower (37) in the direction from the respective second position to the respective first position and the corresponding movement of the gripper (22) from the respective second position to the respective first position.

12. Filling method according to claim 11, - the movement of the actuation element (27) occurs during a rotation of a conveyor carousel (9) around a central axis (B), the carousel (9) carrying a filling unit (10) on a radially peripheral position relative to said rotation axis (B), the filling unit (10) comprising the filling valve (16), the actuator (27), the cam follower (37), the mechanical coupling and the magnetic coupling;

- the decoupling action is exerted by means of the rotation of the conveyor (9).

13. Filling method according to claim 12, wherein: during the rotation of the carousel (9), the filling unit (10) receives the respective receptacle (2) at a receiving station (11) and releases the respective receptacle (2) at a release station (12); the filling unit (10) advances along a first portion (Ql) and a second portion (Q2) of an advancement path (Q) when advancing respectively from the receiving station (11) to the release station (12) and from the release station (12) to the receiving station (11); the filling unit (10) fills the received and gripped receptacle (2) during advancement along at least a section of the first portion (Ql); the guiding cam (36), in the case of accidental blockage of the actuator (25) with the actuation element (27) adopting the second position, exerts said decoupling action so that the displacement of the gripper (22) from the respective second position to the respective first position occurs after the filling of the receptacle by the filling unit (10) and prior to the filling unit (10) reaching the release station (12).