Cap feeding unit for a capping machine including in-line cap decoration

Abstract

There is provided a cap feeding unit (6; 6'; 6'') for a capping machine (1) which is configured for capping containers (2), wherein the feeding unit comprises: a conveyor (7; 11) configured to receive caps (2a) to be applied on the containers (2), to advance the caps (2a) along a decorating path (D; K), and to feed decorated caps (2a) towards the capping machine for the application thereof on the containers (2); - a decorating module (8) which is operatively associated to the conveyor (7; 11) and which is configured to apply a decoration (8a) on each cap (2a) advanced along the decorating path (D; K);and wherein the feeding unit (6; 6'; 6'') is con figured so that the operation of the decorating module (8) is automatically synchronized with the operation of the capping machine (4).

Description

[0001]CAP FEEDING UNIT FOR A CAPPING MACHINE INCLUDING IN-LINE CAP DECORATION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a cap feeding unit for a capping machine configured for capping containers adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product. BACKGROUND ART Packaging a pourable product, and preferably a pourable food product such as water, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, milk, juice or similar, into containers is known. Such a packaging process is carried out by means of packaging assemblies which typically comprise a number of units or machines, each configured to carry out a specific operation during the packaging of the product into the containers. For example, in case of plastic containers, such as bottles or flacons, a packaging assembly typically comprises: - a blower machine configured to form plastic containers starting from known preforms of plastic material; - a filling machine configured to fill the containers with a predetermined amount of pourable product; - a capping machine for capping the filled containers along a capping path; and - a labelling machine for labelling the containers. In case the containers are made of glass, such as glass bottles or glass jars, the packaging assemblies generally comprise, instead of the blower machine, a washing machine, configured to wash the glass bottles with a washing fluid (such as water) prior to the filling, capping and labelling operations. In light of the above, all the aforementioned machines define, together, a packaging line along which the pourable product is packaged into the containers. It is known in the field the need for decorating the caps after their application onto the respective containers. More specifically, it is known the need for applying a decorative motive, e.g. by applying a label, onto the top wall of each cap. Such motive can be purely decorative or including useful or technical or traceability information, for example a QR code or a bar code. This process is typically carried out by means of a decorating unit including a conveyor and a decorating device or module (e.g. a PSL-type labeller module for applying a label onto each cap, or a laser printer for printing a decorative motive onto each cap). In particular, the already capped containers are fed to the conveyor, which is configured for conveying the capped containers along a decorating path. The decorating module (e.g. the PSL-type labeller module or the laser printer) is associated to the conveyor. More in particular, the PSL labeller module is arranged along the decorating path, so as to sequentially apply a label onto each cap. Similarly, the laser printer is arranged along the decorating path, so as to sequentially print the decorative motive onto each cap. According to the known solutions, the decorating unit is typically operatively separated from the capping machine and from the other machines of the packaging assembly. More specifically, the capping machine comprises a capping carousel, and the conveyor of a typical decorating unit is operatively separated from the capping carousel by at least one passive buffer. In some cases, an operator manually loads the capped containers in the conveyor of the decorating unit. Therefore, the decorating unit defines a completely separated and standalone unit with respect to the capping machine (and the other machines), whereby the decoration process is operatively separated and disjoined from the capping operation, with no synchronization with the capping operation or other operations of the packaging process. The need is felt for simplifying the architecture of the known packaging assemblies, thereby reducing the footprint of their layout as well as reducing the use of buffers. In addition to the above, further drawbacks are known in the field. In particular, it is known to set a desired production speed or production rate (e.g. a determined number of containers produced, i.e. filled, capped, labelled and decorated, per unit of time, such as N containers per hour) and to keep this production rate constant throughout the packaging process. Being the production rate constant, the advancing speed of the capped containers will be related to the pitch of the containers along the capping path and the decorating path. Such pitch is defined as the linear distance along the capping path and / or the decorating path between the respective axes of two consecutive containers. It can occur that some conveyors are characterized by a rather large pitch of the containers, for example due to the size of the grippers or devices used in that particular conveyor. The larger the pitch, the higher must be the conveying speed of the containers along the respective paths, in order to maintain the production rate constant. However, if the conveying speed of the containers along the decorating path is too high, the decoration process can be performed by the decoration module with reduced accuracy or effectiveness. For example, in case a PSL module is used, the output speed of the labels could not be enough to reach the conveying speed of the capped containers along the decorating path. Similarly, in case a laser printer is used, the conveying speed could be too high for the printer to effectively imprint the decorative motive onto the caps. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cap feeding unit which is designed to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks in a straightforward and low-cost manner. This object is achieved by a cap feeding unit as claimed in claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 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 top view, with parts removed for clarity, of a capping machine including a cap feeding unit according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic top view, with parts removed for clarity, of the capping machine of Figure 1 and including a cap feeding unit according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a schematic top view, with parts removed for clarity, of the capping machine of Figure 1 and including a cap feeding unit according to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1, number 1 indicates as a whole a capping machine for capping containers 2 adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable product, such as water, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, milk, juice or the like. Preferably, containers 2 are defined by plastic bottles or flacons. Alternatively, containers 2 may be made of glass (such as bottles, jars or the like). Preferably, capping machine 1 is part of a packaging line (known per se and not shown) for packaging the pourable product into containers 2, i.e. by means of containers 2. The packaging line is configured for packaging the pourable product by means of containers 2. The packaging line comprises the capping machine 1. Preferably, the packaging line comprises a filling machine for filling the containers 2 with the pourable product. Preferably, the packaging line comprises a forming machine for forming the containers 2 starting from preforms. The forming machine can be for example a stretch blow molding machine. Conveniently, the packaging line is configured so that the operation of each machine is automatically synchronized with the operation of all the other of said machines of the packaging line. Preferably, the packaging line comprises a decoration machine for decorating the respective bodies of the containers 2. The decoration machine is preferably a labelling machine. Preferably, the decoration machine operates upstream of the filling machine. The packaging line is configured so that the operation of the decoration machine is automatically synchronized with the operation of all the other of said machines of the packaging line. Therefore, each machine of the packaging line is operatively blocked with respect to all the other machines of the packaging line. The packaging line comprises the forming machine, in particular if the containers 2 are plastic containers. The decoration machine operates preferably between the forming machine and the filling machine. In case the containers 2 are glass containers, the packaging line can comprise a washing machine instead of the forming machine. A packaging line is therefore defined, along which the pourable product is packaged into containers 2. Capping machine 1 comprises: - a first conveyor, in particular a carousel 3 rotatable about a central axis X, for advancing a plurality of containers 2 to be capped along a capping path C; and - a plurality of capping devices, preferably capping heads 4 of the known type (and only schematically shown), which are mounted on a peripheral portion of carousel 3 and which are configured for capping at least one container 2 at a time by means of a respective cap 2a, while the container 2 is advancing along capping path C. In detail, according to a manner known and not described in detail, carousel 3 receives the containers 2 to be capped from an input device, such as an input star wheel 5 arranged peripherally to carousel 3. In greater detail, carousel 3 has a plurality of grippers 3a (or, in another embodiment, receiving seats) for receiving one container 2 at a time. Each gripper 3a is arranged below one respective capping head 4, so as to keep the gripped container 2 in a capping position. Carousel 3 is configured to advance containers 2 along capping path C with a capping pitch CP, as seen in Figure 1. The pitch of the containers corresponds to the linear distance along the path between the respective axes of two consecutive containers, in normal condition. The respective axis of each container is the longitudinal axis of the container. In case of bottles, the longitudinal axis of the container is the longitudinal axis of the bottle. Capping machine 1 further comprises a cap feeding unit 6 for feeding caps 2a to carousel 3. The feeding unit 6 comprises a second conveyor 7, configured to receive caps 2a to be applied on containers 2, to advance caps 2a along a decorating path D, and to feed caps 2a towards carousel 3 for the application thereof on containers 2. According to an aspect of the present invention, feeding unit 6 comprises a decorating module 8 which is operatively associated to second conveyor 7 and which is configured to apply a decoration 8a on each cap 2a advanced along decorating path D. Hence, according to the invention, the decoration of caps 2a occurs at feeding unit 6, i.e. upstream of carousel 3 and before caps 2a are fed to carousel 3. Therefore, the second conveyor 7 is configured to feed decorated caps 2a towards carousel 3. In the example shown, decorating module 8 is configured to apply decorations 8a on a top wall of caps 2a. Second conveyor 7 is preferably embodied as a star wheel rotatable about a central axis Y. Accordingly, since first conveyor is embodied as a carousel 3 and second conveyor 7 is embodied as a star wheel, paths C and D are arc-shaped about the respective axes X, Y. In one embodiment, decorating module 8 comprises a labelling module configured to sequentially apply at least one label 8a to each cap 2a. Each label 8a defines, in this case, one respective decoration. Preferably, such labelling module is of the type Pressure Sensitive Label (PSL) and is configured for applying a respective label 8a on the top wall of each cap 2a advancing along decorating path D. In one embodiment, the decorating module 8 comprises a printer configured to sequentially print a decorating motive onto each cap 2a. Each decorating motive defines, in this case, one respective decoration. The printer is preferably a laser printer or an inkjet printer. According to the embodiment shown, second conveyor 7 has a plurality of retaining devices, for example embodied as grippers 7a, for retaining caps 2a and for advancing them along decorating path D. Grippers 7a are mounted to a peripheral portion of the star wheel defining second conveyor 7. In light of the above, decorating module 8 is associated with feeding unit 6 (namely, it is part of such feeding unit 6) of capping machine 1 and the decoration process is carried out within such feeding unit 6. In this regard, capping heads 4 define a capping process and decorating module 8 defines a decorating process. Preferably, feeding unit 6 further comprises an inlet conveyor 60 for inletting caps 2a to second conveyor 7. Preferably, capped containers 2 exit capping machine 1 by means of a belt conveyor 50 arranged downstream of carousel 3. Conveyor 50 is configured to receive the capped containers 2 with the decorated caps 2a applied thereon. According to a further aspect of the invention, feeding unit 6 is configured so that the operation of decorating module 8 is automatically synchronized with the operation of capping heads 4. In particular, capping machine 1 is configured so that the decorating process is synchronized with the capping process. More in particular, capping machine 1 is configured so that the operation of decorating module 8 is synchronized with the rotation of carousel 3 about central axis X. Thanks to this configuration, the packaging line includes a decorating unit, which comprises second conveyor 7 and decorating module 8 and is therefore defined by feeding unit 6, which is integrally part of capping machine 1 and does not operate as a separate standalone unit with respect to capping machine 1 or the packaging line. Accordingly, there is no need for a passive buffer between capping machine 1 and the decorating unit, thereby reducing the footprint of the layout of capping machine 1 and simplifying the architecture thereof. Second conveyor 7 is configured to advance caps 2a along decorating path D with a decoration pitch DP for at least part of such decorating path D. According to an aspect of the invention, decoration pitch DP is smaller than capping pitch CP. For example, decoration pitch DP ranges from 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of capping pitch CP. Preferably decoration pitch DP is 1 / 2 of capping pitch CP. The pitch of the caps is the linear distance along the path between the respective axes of two consecutive caps, in normal condition. According to a first preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figure 1, second conveyor 7 is configured to automatically change a pitch of caps 2a along the decorating path D from the decoration pitch DP to the capping pitch CP. In detail, decorating path D comprises a first section S1, along which said pitch of caps 2a along the decorating path D corresponds to the decoration pitch DP, and a second section S2, along which said pitch of caps 2a along the decorating path D corresponds to the capping pitch CP. This means that the distance along the path between two consecutive caps, in the first section S1, is equal to the decoration pitch DP, and, in the second section S2, is equal to the capping pitch CP. Second conveyor 7 is configured to cyclically vary the distance between grippers 7a for defining the first section S1 and the second section S2, that is for defining a switch between the first section S1 and the second section S2. According to the invention, decorating module 8 is configured to apply the decorations 8a onto caps 2a at the first section S1, that is wherein the pitch of caps 2a corresponds to the decoration pitch DP. Conveniently, second conveyor 7 is configured to feed the decorated caps 2a, i.e. caps 2a which decorating module 8 has already applied a decoration 8a on, towards carousel 3 at the second section S2. In light of the above, decorating module 8 is arranged at first section S1, i.e. adjacent to first section S1. Moreover, first section S1 is arranged upstream of second section S2, with respect to the direction of advancement of caps 2a along decorating path D. Inlet conveyor 60 is arranged adjacent to second conveyor 7, in a position upstream of first section S1. Thanks to the above configuration, it is ensured that the decoration is made at a position in which the pitch of the caps 2a is not too large and, consequently, the advancing speed of the caps 2a is not too high, given a constant predetermined production rate. This ensures that the labelling module or the printer defining decorating module 8 has the time to effectively apply the decoration 8a on the caps 2a with the required accuracy, while respecting at the same time the predetermined production rate. In fact, the smaller the pitch of caps 2a along decorating path D (and especially along first section S1), the lower can be the advancing speed of such caps 2a therealong (i.e. the rotation of second conveyor 7 about axis Y) in order to match the desired production rate. This results in a more effective decoration of caps 2a while maintaining the desired production rate. In one embodiment, second conveyor 7 includes a system (not shown) for varying the mutual distance between adjacent pairs of grippers 7a along decorating path D. For example, such system can consist in a plurality of actuators, each associated with a gripper 7a, and configured for rotating the gripper 7a about its own axis, so as to vary the distance of gripper 7a with respect to the adjacent grippers 7a. In this way, a distance between two adjacent grippers 7a along first section S1 can be less than such distance along second section S2, thereby defining decoration pitch DP smaller than capping pitch CP. Preferably, feeding unit 6 further comprises an input conveyor 10, in particular embodied as a transfer star wheel, arranged operatively adjacent to, and downstream of, second conveyor 7, and configured to receive the decorated caps 2a from second conveyor 7, to advance the decorated caps 2a along a transfer path T with said capping pitch CP, and to feed the decorated caps 2a to carousel 3. More specifically, input conveyor 10 is interposed between second conveyor 7 and carousel 3, thereby defining a cap feeding carousel, or a so called pick- and-place carousel for feeding the decorated caps 2a to carousel 3. Conveniently, second conveyor 7 is configured to feed the decorated caps 2a to input conveyor 10 at said second section S2. In this way, caps 2a reach carousel 3 at capping pitch CP while being decorated at decoration pitch DP, so that the aforementioned advantages can be reached while ensuring proper space for the capping heads 4 and other components of carousel 3. Moreover, the presence of input conveyor 10 ensures a smoother transition of caps 2a between second conveyor 7 and carousel 3. With reference to Figure 2, number 6’ indicates a feeding unit according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Since feeding unit 6’ is similar to feeding unit 6, only the differences between them will be described hereinafter, using the same reference numbers for equal or corresponding parts. In particular, feeding unit 6’ differs from feeding unit 6 in that it comprises a cap dosing device 11 arranged operatively adjacent to, and downstream of, second conveyor 7, for receiving decorated caps 2a therefrom, and configured to advance the decorated caps 2a along a dosing path K and to selectively dose the decorated caps 2a towards carousel 3. In particular, dosing device 11 is configured to receive the decorated caps 2a to fit said decoration pitch DP and to feed the decorated caps 2a towards carousel 3 to fit said capping pitch CP, thereby changing the pitch of the decorated caps 2a along dosing path K from decoration pitch DP to capping pitch CP. Preferably, dosing device 11 comprises a rail member 12 onto which caps 2a slide, in use, and a dosing flap 13 arranged at a terminal end of the rail member 12. Rail member 12 can alternatively be embodied as a tube within which caps 2a are conveyed. In detail, second conveyor 7 feeds caps 2a advancing with decoration pitch DP to an initial end of rail member 12; then, caps 2a are advanced along dosing path K, until reaching dosing flap 13; finally, such dosing flap 13 doses caps 2a towards carousel 3, namely in such a way that each cap 2a is then gripped by a capping head 4 of carousel 3, thereby matching capping pitch CP. In greater detail, dosing flap 13 is configured to be selectively opened with a frequency matching capping pitch CP. To this end, feeding unit 6’ is advantageously configured so that the operation of dosing device 11, and particularly of dosing flap 13, is automatically synchronized with the operation of capping heads 4. In light of the above, dosing device 11 defines an active buffer for decorated caps 2a, wherein “active” means that is operation is not passive but instead it is synchronized with the operation of the decorating module 8, of capping heads 4 and of capping machine 1. To this end, feeding unit 6’ conveniently comprises: - a sensor device 14 configured to sequentially detect the presence or absence of containers on carousel 3 along capping path CP, and to generate a signal correlated to the detection; and - a control unit 15 configured to receive a plurality of said signals and to control dosing device 11, and particularly dosing flap 13, as a function of the signals, so that the operation of dosing device 11 is automatically synchronized with the operation of the capping heads 4. Preferably, also feeding unit 6’ comprises input conveyor 10, which in this case is arranged operatively adjacent to, and downstream of, dosing device 11, and is configured to receive the decorated caps 2a from dosing device 11, to advance the decorated caps 2a along transfer path T with said capping pitch CP, and to feed the decorated caps 2a to carousel 3. Thanks to the peculiar configuration of feeding unit 6’, second conveyor 7 can operate with a single pitch, namely decoration pitch DP. In this way, complicated systems for changing the pitch of caps 2a can be avoided, while ensuring the same advantages reached by the feeding unit 6 as described above. With reference to Figure 3, number 6’’ indicates a feeding unit according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Since feeding unit 6’’ is similar to feeding unit 6 and 6’, only the differences with respect to these latter will be described hereinafter, using the same reference numbers for equal or corresponding parts. In particular, feeding unit 6’’ comprises a cap dosing device 11 of the type already described above in connection with feeding unit 6’. The difference between feeding unit 6’’ and feeding unit 6’ is that dosing device 11 defines the second conveyor and that the dosing path K defines the decorating path D. Accordingly, decorating module 8 is configured to apply decorations 8a onto the caps 2a advanced along dosing path K, i.e. at dosing device 11. In other words, the decoration process occurs at dosing device 11. Since dosing flap 13 is configured to be selectively opened (with the modality described above) with a frequency matching capping pitch CP, dosing device 11 define an active buffer, as explained above. Hence, caps 2a accumulate one after the other along dosing path K. Therefore, the pitch of the caps 2a advancing along dosing path K is clearly smaller than capping pitch CP. Preferably, also feeding unit 6’’ comprises input conveyor 10, which in this case is arranged operatively adjacent to, and downstream of, dosing device 11, and is configured to receive the decorated caps 2a from dosing device 11, to advance the decorated caps 2a along transfer path T with said capping pitch CP, and to feed the decorated caps 2a to carousel 3. Thanks to the above configuration, the decoration is carried out, once again, at a pitch which is smaller than the capping pitch CP, hence sufficiently small so that the application of each label 8, or the print of each decorative motive, can be effectively performed. Each decoration or decorative motive or label 8, which is applied on the cap, can include any useful or technical or traceability information, for example a QR code or a bar code. In each of the embodiments, the cap feeding module can comprise a further decorating module for applying a further decoration on each cap. The further decorating module 8 can be for example a printing module for printing any technical or traceability information, in the form for example of a bar code or QR code or any another kind of code. The advantages of feeding unit 6, 6’, 6’’ according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description. In particular, the fact that decoration is made at feeding unit 6, 6’, 6’’, allows to decorate caps 2a at a decoration pitch DP different than capping pitch CP, and advantageously smaller than capping pitch CP. As said, this ensures that the application of the decorations 8a onto caps 2a is performed nominally and effectively, while maintaining the desired predetermined production rate imposed by the packaging line. At the same time, the fact that the decoration process is synchronized with the capping process allows to avoid a standalone unit for decoration. Furthermore, since the decorating unit is integrally part of capping machine 1 and does not operate as a separate standalone unit with respect to capping machine 1 or the packaging line, and since the decorating process is automatically synchronized with the capping process, there is no need for a passive buffer between capping machine 1 and the decorating unit. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the footprint of the layout of capping machine 1 and to simplify the architecture thereof and of the packaging line. Capping machine 1 is therefore provided with an in line cap decoration functionality which is operatively positioned at the input of capping machine 1, to reduce the footprint of the line, in particular where there is the need of having also a forming machine, a filling machine, and a labelling machine for decorating the bodies of the containers. Moreover, the decoration of the caps being carried out in the cap feeding unit, the quality of the decoration can be better controlled. These advantages are reached, according to the invention, without undermining the quality of the decoration. Clearly, changes may be made to feeding unit 6, 6’, 6’’ and to capping machine 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Cap feeding unit (6; 6’; 6’’) for a capping machine (1) which is configured for capping containers (2) adapted to contain a pourable product and which has a first conveyor (3) for advancing a plurality of containers (2) along a capping path (C) with a capping pitch (CP), the capping machine comprising a plurality of capping devices (4) for capping the containers (2) advanced along the capping path (C), the pitch of the containers corresponding to the linear distance along the path between the respective axes of two consecutive containers, wherein the feeding unit comprises: - a second conveyor (7; 11) configured to receive caps (2a) to be applied on the containers (2), to advance the caps (2a) along a decorating path (D; K), and to feed decorated caps (2a) towards the first conveyor (3) for the application thereof on the containers (2); - a decorating module (8) which is operatively associated to the second conveyor (7; 11) and which is configured to apply a decoration (8a) on each cap (2a) advanced along the decorating path (D; K); and wherein the feeding unit (6; 6’; 6’’) is configured so that the operation of the decorating module (8) is automatically synchronized with the operation of the capping devices (4).2.- Feeding unit (6; 6’) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second conveyor (7) is configured to advance the caps (2a) with a decoration pitch (DP) for at least part of the decorating path (D); the pitch of the caps corresponding to the linear distance along the path between the respective axes of two consecutive caps; and wherein the decoration pitch (DP) is smaller than the capping pitch (CP). 3.- Feeding unit (6) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second conveyor (7) is configured to automatically change a pitch of the caps (2a) along the decorating path (D) from the decoration pitch (DP) to the capping pitch (CP). 4.- Feeding unit (6) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second conveyor (7) includes a plurality of retaining devices (7a), each configured for retaining one cap (2a) and for conveying such cap (2a) along the decorating path (D); and wherein the decorating path (D) comprises a first section (S1) along which said pitch of the caps (2a) along the decorating path (D) corresponds to the decoration pitch (DP), and a second section (S2) along which said pitch of the caps (2) along the decorating path (D) corresponds to the capping pitch (CP).5.- Feeding unit (6) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the decorating module (8) is configured to apply the decorations (8a) onto the caps (2a) at the first section (S1). 6.- Feeding unit (6) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the second conveyor (7) is configured to feed the decorated caps (2a) towards the first conveyor (3) at the second section (S2). 7.- Feeding unit (6) as claimed in any of the claims 4 to 6, wherein the second conveyor (7) is configured to cyclically vary the distance between the retaining devices (7a) for defining a switch between the first section (S1) and the second section (S2). 8.- Feeding unit (6) as claimed in any one of the claims 4 to 7, and comprising an input conveyor (10) arranged operatively adjacent to, and downstream of, the second conveyor (7), and configured to receive the decorated caps (2a) from the second conveyor (7), to advance the decorated caps (2a) along a transfer path (T) with said capping pitch (CP), and to feed the decorated caps (2a) to the first conveyor (3); wherein the second conveyor (7) is configured to feed the decorated caps (2a) to the input conveyor (10) at said second section (S2). 9.- Feeding unit (6’) as claimed in claim 1 or 2,and further comprising a cap dosing device (11) arranged operatively adjacent to, and downstream of, the second conveyor (7), for receiving decorated caps (2a) therefrom, and configured to advance the decorated caps (2a) along a dosing path (K) and to selectively dose the decorated caps (2a) towards the first conveyor (3). 10.- Feeding unit (6’) as claimed in claims 2 and 9, wherein the dosing device (11) is configured to receive the decorated caps (2a) to fit said decoration pitch (DP) and to feed the decorated caps (2a) towards the first conveyor (3) to fit said capping pitch (CP), thereby changing the pitch of the decorated caps (2a) along the dosing path (K) from the decoration pitch (DP) to the capping pitch (CP); and wherein the feeding unit (6’) is configured so that the operation of the dosing device (11) is automatically synchronized with the operation of the capping devices (4). 11.- Feeding unit (6’) as claimed in claim 10, and further comprising: - a sensor device (14) configured to sequentially detect the presence or absence of containers (2) on the first conveyor (3) along the capping path (C), and to generate a signal correlated to the detection; and - a control unit (15) configured to receive aplurality of said signals and to control the dosing device (11) as a function of the signals, so that the operation of the dosing device (11) is automatically synchronized with the operation of the capping devices (4). 12.- Feeding unit (6’) as claimed in claim 10 or 11, and comprising an input conveyor (10) arranged operatively adjacent to, and downstream of, the dosing device (11), and configured to receive the decorated caps (2a) from the dosing device (11), to advance the decorated caps (2a) along a transfer path (T) with said capping pitch (CP), and to feed the decorated caps (2a) to the first conveyor (3). 13.- Feeding unit (6’’) as claimed in claim 1, and comprising a cap dosing device (11) for advancing the caps (2a) along a dosing path (K) with a pitch smaller than the capping pitch (CP), and for dosing the caps (2a) towards the first conveyor (3); the pitch of the caps corresponding to the linear distance along the path between the respective axes of two consecutive caps; wherein the dosing device (11) defines said second conveyor; wherein the dosing path (K) defines said decorating path; and wherein the decorating module (8) is configuredto apply the decorations (8a) onto the caps (2a) advanced along the dosing path (K). 14.- Feeding unit (6’) as claimed in claim 13, and comprising an input conveyor (10) arranged operatively adjacent to, and downstream of, the dosing device (11), and configured to receive the decorated caps (2a) from the dosing device (11), to advance the decorated caps (2a) along a transfer path (T) with said capping pitch (CP), and to feed the decorated caps (2a) to the first conveyor (3). 15.- Feeding unit as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the second conveyor (7) comprises a star wheel peripherally carrying the caps (2a) and rotatable about a central axis (Y) for advancing the caps (2a) along the decorating path (D). 16.- Feeding unit as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the decorating module (8) comprises: - a labelling module configured to sequentially apply at least one label (8a) to each cap (2a), each label defining one respective decoration, the labelling module being preferably of the type Pressure Sensitive Label and being preferably configured for applying, for each cap (2a) advancing on the decorating path (D), a respective decoration on the top wall of the respective cap (2a); or- a printer configured to sequentially print a decorating motive onto each cap (2a), each decorating motive defining one respective decoration, the printer being preferably a laser printer or an inkjet printer. 17.- Capping machine (1) for capping containers (2) adapted to contain a pourable product, the capping machine comprising: - a first conveyor (3) for advancing a plurality of containers (2) along a capping path (C) with a capping pitch (CP) and comprising a plurality of capping devices (4) for capping the containers (2) advanced along the capping path (C); and - a cap feeding unit (6; 6’; 6’’) as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims. 18.- Capping machine as claimed in claim 17, and comprising a carousel (3) rotatable about a central axis (X) and including a plurality of capping heads (4) for applying the caps (2a) to the containers (2); wherein the carousel (3) defines said first conveyor and the capping heads (4) define said capping devices; wherein the capping machine (1) comprises a star wheel (7) peripherally carrying the caps (2a) and rotatable about a central axis (Y) for advancing the caps (2a) along the decorating path (D), the star wheel (7) defining said second conveyor;and wherein the capping machine (1) is configured so that the operation of the decorating module (8) is synchronized with the rotation of the carousel (3) about its central axis (X).

19. Packaging line for packaging a pourable product by means of containers, comprising: - a capping machine according to claim 17 or 18; - a filling machine for filling the containers with the pourable product; - a forming machine for forming the containers starting from preforms; - a decoration machine for decorating the respective bodies of the containers, the decoration machine being preferably a labelling machine and being preferably positioned between the forming machine and the filling machine; the packaging line is configured so that the operation of each machine is automatically synchronized with the operation of all the other of said machines of the packaging line.

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