Apparatus and method for automatically closing a container

Abstract

An apparatus (10) and method for automatically closing one or more containers (11) by means of corresponding closure elements (12), said apparatus (10) comprising a base plate (13) and one or more conveying members (16A, 16B), each comprising magnetic means (32) and configured to support a container (11) or, in some cases, a crimping device (20), for coordinated movement relative to said base plate (13) through the energization of suitable electrical elements (31).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically closing (i.e. capping) containers, in particular small containers such as vials, flasks, bottles, etc., which are filled with liquid, solid, powder, gel-like products and closed with a closure element such as a cap, crimp cap, ring seal cap, etc. By way of non-limiting example, the apparatus and method according to the invention can be applied in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, healthcare, chemical and / or food fields or sectors, for example as an integral part of more complex machines for the automatic packaging of the aforementioned products. [Background technology]

[0002] In the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, healthcare, chemical, and / or food industries, there are several known methods and devices that use planar motors well known to those skilled in the art for automatically packaging products into containers, such as, but not limited to, small containers such as vials, flasks, and small bottles.

[0003] In these sectors, there is an increasing demand for machines and methods that are able to package products in a safe, sterile, ecologically sustainable and quiet environment without generating contaminants or agents that could contaminate the product or its container, and in which human intervention to perform the various packaging operations is minimized, if not practically eliminated.

[0004] In recent years, the Applicant has designed and developed various methods and automatic devices utilizing planar motors, and some new and original technical solutions have been protected by multiple patent applications, some of which have been published, for example, in WO 2020 / 240601, WO 2021 / 001863, WO 2021 / 014476 and WO 2022 / 201207.

[0005] Another solution known in the art is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0225814, which proposes using a planar motor to move multiple containers towards a filling station.

[0006] Planar motors are known to include magnetic means, such as permanent magnets, in conjunction with operatively associated electrical conduction means configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields that influence the magnetic means. In some embodiments, the magnetic means are attached to a transport member, known to those skilled in the art as a "mover," while the electrical conduction means, including, for example, coils, are incorporated into a base plate having a fixed drive surface, and controlled electromagnetic fields selectively generated between the magnetic means and the electrical conduction means enable the transport member to move (preferably without contact) relative to the base plate. Typically, each transport member can move independently of the other transport members relative to the fixed drive surface, maintain a distance of the order of a few millimeters (e.g., 1-4 mm) from the fixed drive surface, and move at high speeds, such as a few meters per second (e.g., 4 m / s), with significant accelerations exceeding 1 or 2 g, and with positioning accuracy of a few microns. Furthermore, planar motors currently available on the market are extremely versatile and, by appropriately controlling the electrical energization means using, for example, complex commercially available software, can follow the most diverse trajectories and paths, not only straight or curved, but also horizontal to the drive surface.

[0007] However, known devices and methods do not provide for using a planar motor to perform the "capping" step (understood as covering the container with a suitable closure unit such as a cap or lid) and also the possible subsequent "crimping" step (understood as placing, for example, a metal safety crimp cap on the container). Indeed, until now, the prior art has always used rotary electric motors for these steps, usually in combination with a mechanical advancement mechanism, with the drawbacks associated with using such motors / mechanical mechanisms in sterile environments such as the aforementioned pharmaceutical, cosmetic, healthcare, chemical, and / or food sectors.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to provide an apparatus and develop a method for automatically closing containers and completing the packaging of highly sensitive products, especially in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, healthcare, chemical, and / or food sectors, that can overcome at least the aforementioned drawbacks present in the prior art.

[0009] To achieve this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of creating a device and developing a method for automatically closing containers in which all work steps are carried out without the risk of generating and spreading even small amounts of particles and / or dust into the work environment that could contaminate the product inside the container or the container itself.

[0010] In particular, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for automatically closing and sealing containers that ensures safety, hygiene and cleanliness standards so that they can also be used in machines in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, healthcare, chemical and / or food sectors where regulations in force in most countries require a sterile and contaminant-free working environment.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for automatically closing and sealing containers that is reliable, efficient, and allows for high productivity (e.g., tens of thousands of closure operations per hour, including perfect crimps).

[0012] Applicant has invented, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to achieve these and other objects and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe further features of the invention or variants of the main inventive idea.

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, and to solve the technical problem disclosed above in a new and original way and also achieve considerable advantages compared to the prior art, an apparatus for automatically closing a container by a closing unit comprises a base plate having a drive surface and a first conveying member on which the container is placed, the first conveying member being positionable and movable on the drive surface by magnetic coupling between a rotor magnetic field generated by a magnetic means of the first conveying member and a stator magnetic field generated by an electrical means provided on the base plate, and the first conveying member being movable relative to the drive surface by selectively energizing the electrical means.

[0015] The closure unit comprises both a cap and a crimp cap in the form of a cylindrical cover configured to receive the cap therein and functioning to seal the closure of the container airtight.

[0016] The apparatus also includes a crimping device configured to crimp the crimp cap.

[0017] The term "crimping" refers to the act of crimping a crimp cap onto a container, which requires mechanical deformation of the crimp cap to attach it to the container.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one of the crimping device and the first conveying member is selectively - moving crimp caps connected to the containers placed on the first carrier member until they are moved toward each other and the crimping elements of the crimping device contact the crimp caps; rotated to allow the crimping device to crimp the crimp cap around the entire circumference of the annular shoulder of the container. It is configured as follows.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a control unit configured to selectively control energization of the electrical means to enable movement of the first conveying member or, as the case may be, selectively block the first conveying member relative to the drive surface.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the crimping device is mounted on a second conveying member movable on the drive surface, the second conveying member comprising further magnetic means configured to interact with the electrical means.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the control unit is also configured to selectively control energization of the electrical means to enable movement of the second transport member.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the crimping element comprises at least one blade or one or more disks.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the crimping element is fixedly or rotatably mounted on the arm, in particular the blade is preferably fixedly mounted and one or more disks are rotatably mounted on the arm.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the arm is configured to be movable to adjust the distance of the crimping element relative to the drive surface.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the arm is coupled to two levers, each of which is attached to a corresponding second conveying member.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the first conveying member and / or the crimping device are configured to selectively move in a vertical direction perpendicular to the drive surface when crimping the crimping cap onto the annular shoulder of the container.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a closure area in which a crimping device interacts with the container to crimp the crimped cap, and in particular, the closure area defines a first axis perpendicular to the drive surface, such that the cap, crimped cap, and container are coaxial with the first axis at least during the crimping step.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the device includes a pushing member configured to push the crimp cap against the container and maintain the container in a stable position.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the pusher member is disposed in the closed region and is coaxial with the first axis.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the first carrier member comprises a receiving member with a seating into which the container can be securely inserted.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the sheeting has a central axis that is parallel to the first axis.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for automatically closing a container with a closure unit, the method comprising: an apparatus comprising a base plate having a drive surface; and a first conveying member on which the container rests, the first conveying member being positionable and movable on the drive surface by magnetic coupling between a rotor magnetic field generated by magnetic means of the first conveying member and a stator magnetic field generated by electrical means provided on the base plate, the first conveying member being movable relative to the drive surface by selective energization of the electrical means, the apparatus also comprising a crimping device configured to crimp a crimp cap of the closure unit.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the step of: at least one of the crimping device and the first conveying member selectively: - moving the crimp caps connected to the containers placed on the first carrier member until they are moved toward each other and the crimping elements of the crimping device contact the crimp caps; rotated to allow the crimping device to crimp the crimp cap around the entire circumference of the annular shoulder of the container.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, a capping step is provided in which a cap is inserted from above the container.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, a subsequent crimping step is also provided in which a crimped cap is first placed over the cap and then a lower portion of the same crimped cap is mechanically deformed against the annular shoulder of the container.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, the first conveying member is moved on the drive surface or blocked on the drive surface during the crimping step.

[0037] According to another aspect of the invention, the crimping device is attached to a second conveying member which is moved on the drive surface during the crimping step, the second conveying member comprising further magnetic means configured to interact with the electrical means.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, the first conveying member and / or the crimping device are selectively moved in a vertical direction perpendicular to the drive surface during the crimping step.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, a pressing member presses the crimped cap against the container placed on the first conveying member during the crimping step, thereby holding the container in a stable position.

[0040] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic, partial cross-sectional side view of a general device of the present invention for automatically closing a container, according to a first embodiment, with some parts shown separated from one another to allow a better understanding of the device itself and its operation. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic side view of an example of a container that can be automatically closed by a device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of an apparatus of the present invention according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of a device for automatically closing a container according to a third embodiment of the invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of a device for automatically closing a container according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the device of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the apparatus of FIG. 5, with some parts shown spaced apart in the same manner as in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the same parts as in FIG. 2 in the closed position of the container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] It must be made clear that the phraseology and terminology used in this specification, as well as the figures of the accompanying drawings, however they may be described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the invention, the scope of protection being defined by the claims, and their purpose is to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself.

[0043] To facilitate understanding, the figures use the same reference numerals to indicate identical common elements whenever possible, and it will be understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be combined or incorporated into other embodiments as appropriate without further description.

[0044] With reference to the drawings, the device 10 according to the invention for automatically closing a container 11 by means of a closing unit 12 comprises, as components common to all embodiments, a base plate 13 having a drive surface 15 which is preferably fixed, for example horizontal, and a first conveying member 16A (Figures 1 and 3 to 8), i.e. a moving body, configured to move relative to the drive surface 15 and support each container 11.

[0045] In the accompanying drawings, a first axis X perpendicular to the reference plane 15, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X (Figs. 5 and 6), and a third axis Z perpendicular to both the first axis X and the second axis Y (Figs. 5-8) are shown by dashed lines and dots, with axes X, Y, and Z being oriented to form a set of three orthogonal axes.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of first support members 16A, each first support member 16A configured to support a respective container 11.

[0047] In some embodiments of the invention (FIGS. 3-8), the apparatus also includes a second conveying member 16B similar to the first conveying member 16A and configured to support a crimping device 20, which will be described in more detail below.

[0048] The containers 11 (FIG. 2) are any type of container, particularly a small container, such as a vial, flask, or bottle, commonly used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, healthcare, chemical, and / or food industries, and suitable for filling a wide variety of products, including liquids, solids, powders, and gels. For example, each container 11 comprises a hollow body 21, a neck 22 with a central hole 23, and a ring 25 (or annular protrusion) at the upper end of the neck 22, the ring 25 having a thickness S1 of, for example, several millimeters. The lower part of the ring 25 is provided with an annular shoulder 26 of several millimeters, which may be perpendicular to the central axis of the container 11 or may be slightly inclined downwards and / or may be radiused relative to the cylindrical wall of the neck 22.

[0049] In the example shown here, each closure unit 12 includes both a cap 27 (FIG. 1) and a crimp cap 29. The cap 27 is made of, for example, a plastic material and is suitable for precise insertion into the central hole 23 to cap the container 11 after the product to be packaged has been properly inserted into the container 11. The cap 27 preferably has an upper portion 30 having an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the ring 25 and a thickness S2, for example, of a few millimeters. The crimp cap 29 is made of metal, for example, aluminum, and has the shape of a cylindrical cover that houses the cap 27 and serves to seal the closure of the container 11. The height A (FIGS. 1 and 7) of the crimp cap 29 is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the sum of the thickness S1 of the ring 25 and the thickness S2 of the upper portion 30 and the annular shoulder portion 26.

[0050] Another component common to all embodiments of the invention is electrical means 31 (FIGS. 1 and 6-8), consisting for example of (or including) a coil of known type (not shown), associated with or present in base plate 13 and selectively energizable to generate one or more magnetic fields at least above drive surface 15. Furthermore, each of first and second conveying members 16A, 16B is provided with magnetic means 32, consisting for example of (or including) a permanent magnet 33 of known type, configured to interact with said one or more magnetic fields, such that selective energization of electrical means 31 allows for linear and / or rotational movements (even in the micrometer range) of conveying member(s) relative to drive surface 15 without contacting said conveying member(s). During such movements, conveying members 16A, 16B are kept at a distance D (FIGS. 7 and 8) from drive surface 15, which distance can vary between a few tenths of a millimeter and several millimeters.

[0051] In other words, the electric means 31 and the magnetic means 32 constitute the actual planar motor. The idea of ​​the invention is to use a planar motor to cap and crimp the containers 11 in the device 10 according to the invention.

[0052] Further elements common to all embodiments of the present invention are:

[0053] Each first conveying member 16A comprises a receiving member 35 (Figures 1, 7 and 8) in the shape of a glass or cup (also known to those skilled in the art as a "godet" in French), which is provided with a sheeting 36 having a central axis parallel to the first axis X and consisting, for example, of a bag-like cavity into which the body 21 of the container 11 can be inserted precisely or with a small gap.

[0054] The apparatus 10 comprises a pusher member (or counter member) 39, preferably parallel to or coincident with the first axis X, having a hollow lower seating 40 configured to receive the upper part of the crimped cap 29. The pusher member 39 may be arranged in a fixed position relative to the drive surface 15 during the capping and crimping steps, or may be movable relative to the drive surface 15, for example, moving only axially relative to the corresponding first conveying member 16A, or moving together with the first conveying member 16A parallel to the second axis Y and / or the third axis Z, or a combination thereof, as will be described in more detail below.

[0055] Furthermore, the device 10 comprises a control unit 41 (FIG. 1), for example of the electronic and programmable type, adapted to selectively energize the electrical means 31 and possibly also to direct the actuation of the pusher member 39.

[0056] In some embodiments of the invention, the pusher member 39 may be motorized in a known manner to selectively rotate about the first axis X under the control of the control unit 41. In this case, a flanged bearing of a known type (not shown) may optionally be provided at the bottom of the seating 36 of the receiving member 35 to enable the container 11 to rotate about the first axis X to follow the rotation of the pusher member 39.

[0057] The apparatus 10 of the present invention may be part of a more complex machine of any known or later developed type for automatically packaging products into containers 11 .

[0058] According to a first embodiment of the apparatus 10, shown very simplified and diagrammatically in FIG. 1, the crimping device 20 comprises a fixed blade 42, which for example has a linear profile and is substantially parallel to the drive surface 15 and arranged at a certain distance H therefrom.

[0059] In this case, the operation of the device 10 corresponding to one of the methods for closing the container 11 (i.e. capping and crimping the container 11) according to the present invention comprises the following steps (which are coordinated and commanded by the control unit 41): a preparation step in which the cap 27 and the crimping cap 29 are arranged coaxially with the pusher member 39 in the closure area 19, with the crimping cap 29 being placed on the cap 27 (this preparation step will not be described in detail, as it can be carried out in any way known to those skilled in the art); a capping step in which the pusher 39 is actuated, for example downwards, and the electrical means 31 are optionally energised or de-energised in an appropriate manner, so that the first conveying member 16A remains stationary relative to the drive surface 15 and effectively resists the action of the pusher 39 on the base plate 13, so that the cap 27 enters the central hole 23 of the container 11, the upper part 30 of the cap 27 contacts the ring 25, and at the same time the crimped cap 29 covers the cap 27, its lower part remaining in a vertical position and projecting below the annular shoulder 26; a crimping step in which, by energizing the electrical means 31, the first conveying member 16A carrying the container 11 capped with the cap 27 and fitted with the crimped cap 29 is gradually pressed against the blade 42, possibly alternatingly (i.e. moving towards and away from the blade 42), in a movement parallel to the third axis Z, while simultaneously rotating about the first axis X, so that after one or more complete rotations (for example three rotations), i.e. in a regular spiral from the outer periphery of the crimped cap 29 towards the central axis of the container 11, the lower part of the crimped cap 29 is completely folded against the annular shoulder 26 of the ring 25, possibly in the case where the contour of the annular shoulder 26 is inclined and / or radiused, the electrical means 31 are also energized so that the first conveying member 16A performs an axial movement (i.e. a movement parallel to the first axis X) in order to precisely follow this contour. In other words, the spiral trajectory is preferably not only described in one plane, but also descends or ascends along the contour of the annular shoulder 26. Instead of rotating the first conveying member 16A about the first axis X, it is also possible to rotate the push member 39 and thereby rotate the container 11 relative to the receiving member 35, or to combine the two rotational movements of the first conveying member 16A and the push member 39.

[0060] At the end of the crimping step, the electrical means 31 is energized to move the first conveying member 16A containing the container 11 already capped and sealed with the crimped cap 29 towards the next work station, and another first conveying member 16A containing another container 11 is placed in position so that the above-mentioned operation can be repeated.

[0061] Because the cycle time to complete the closure operation (including capping and crimping) of the container 11 is very short, on the order of a fraction of a second, the productivity of the apparatus 10 of the present invention is very high, capable of thousands of operations per hour.

[0062] The above preparation and capping steps are common to other embodiments of the present invention described below.

[0063] According to a second embodiment of the apparatus 10, which is shown diagrammatically in Figure 3, the crimping device 20 comprises, instead of the fixed blade 42, a second conveying member 16B on which is mounted a pin 43 on which a wheel 45 is freely circumferentially rotating and which has a circular blade 46 configured to bend the lower part of the crimping cap 29 towards the annular shoulder 26. The central axis of the pin 43 (and therefore the central axis of the wheel 45) is parallel to the first axis X.

[0064] In this second embodiment, during the crimping step, the electrical means 31 are energized to hold the first conveying member 16A, on which the container 11 capped with the cap 27 and fitted with the crimped cap 29 is placed, stationary relative to the drive surface 15, while at the same time rotating the second conveying member 16B around the first conveying member 16A (i.e. around the first axis X). To achieve this, it must be clear that the outer diameter of the circular blade 46 must be large enough to avoid interference between the moving second conveying member 16B and the first conveying member 16A, which remains stationary and keeps the already capped container 11 and the crimped cap 29 coaxial with the first axis X.

[0065] In particular, when the electrical means 31 is energized, while the second conveying member 16B rotates around the first conveying member 16A, the circular blade 46 gradually approaches the first conveying member 16A and gradually moves along the container 11 in a spiral trajectory of, for example, three revolutions, until the same circular blade 46 completely rivets the crimp cap 29 to the annular shoulder 26, in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

[0066] According to a third embodiment of the apparatus 10, shown diagrammatically in Figure 4 and similar in many respects to the second embodiment described above, the crimping device 20, instead of comprising a single wheel 45, comprises two identical discs 47 which are coplanar with one another and parallel to the drive surface 15. Each disc 47 is mounted so as to rotate freely about a pin 49 supported at the end of an arm 50 attached to the second carrier member 16B. The outer diameters and centre distances of the two discs 47 are selected so as to simultaneously contact the crimp cap 29 at two substantially diametrically opposite points.

[0067] Furthermore, a guide fork 51 configured to contact the receiving member 35 containing the container 11 can be optionally provided below and parallel to the arm 50. This has the advantage of significantly reducing the overall size and weight of the components mounted on the second conveying member 16B.

[0068] The operation of the device 10 in the third embodiment (particularly the crimping step) is similar to that of the second embodiment described above, with the difference that because there are two discs 47 in contact with the crimping cap 29, the cycle time to complete one or more revolutions (e.g., three) around the crimping cap 29 required to perform the crimping perfectly is shorter.

[0069] According to a fourth embodiment of the apparatus 10, shown diagrammatically in Figures 5 to 8, the crimping device 20 comprises a single straight blade 52 having the same function as the blade 42, but which is not fixed but is attached to an adjustment means 53 configured to selectively adjust the distance H (Figure 7) of the same straight blade 52 from the drive surface 15.

[0070] The adjustment means 53 comprises an arm 55 (Figs. 5 to 8) parallel to the drive surface 15, at one end of which the straight blade 52 is attached and at the other end of which is connected to two identical levers 56, the base of each of which is pivoted to the second carrying member 16B to form a toggle mechanism.

[0071] In the fourth embodiment shown here, the length of the straight blade 52 is at least equal to a multiple of the perimeter of the crimping cap 29, which integer multiple is advantageously three, thereby allowing helical crimping to be achieved by three concentric revolutions.

[0072] The operation of the device 10 according to the fourth embodiment, and in particular the crimping step, provides a first sub-step in which the electrical means 31 are energized to move the two second conveying members 16B towards or away from each other, so that the articulation formed by the lever 56 and the arm 55 moves the straight blade 52 to the desired distance H from the drive surface 15. The distance H can be varied in advance depending on the size of the container 11 to be closed, and in particular even during the crimping step to follow the profile of the annular shoulder 26, as described above for the other embodiments.

[0073] The crimping step also includes a second sub-step, which can be performed in one of three ways: a) According to the first mode, the electric means 31 is energized and the two second conveying members 16B move together towards the container 11, mimicking the movement of a reciprocating saw, alternately moving back and forth parallel to the third axis Z until they gradually come into contact with the crimping cap 29, thereby crimping it. At the same time, the electric means 31 is energized and the first conveying member 16A moves linearly parallel to the second axis Y. During this linear movement, it is preferable that the container 11 does not remain blocked within the receiving member 35, but rather follows the direction and movement of the contact of the linear blade 52, rolling along the contour of the linear blade 52 and enabling complete crimping over the entire circumference of the crimping cap 29. To achieve this, it is advantageous to rotate the pushing member 39 appropriately so that the container 11 and the crimping cap 29 also rotate together with the pushing member 39. b) According to a second mode, crimping is carried out by energising the electrical means 31, so that the first conveying member 16A carrying the container 11 capped with the cap 27 and fitted with the crimped cap 29 is gradually pressed against the blade 42, possibly alternating in a movement parallel to the third axis Z (i.e. moving towards and away from the blade 42), and at the same time is translated in a straight line parallel to the second axis Y and rotated about the first axis X, so that after one or more complete rotations (e.g. three rotations), i.e. in a regular spiral from the outer periphery of the crimped cap 29 towards the central axis of the container 11, the lower part of the crimped cap 29 is completely folded against the annular shoulder 26 of the ring 25. In this case, if the contour of the annular shoulder 26 is also inclined and / or rounded, the electrical means 31 are energized so that the first conveying member 16A and / or the second conveying member 16B also perform an axial movement (i.e. a movement parallel to the first axis X) in order to accurately follow this contour. c) According to a third variant, crimping is performed as provided in the first embodiment described above (i.e. with the straight blade 52 remaining stationary at the distance H reached in the first substep, while the crimping cap 29 is rotated around the first axis X by the first conveying member 16A). In this case, the length of the straight blade 52 may be very short.

[0074] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the new and ingenious solution of using a planar motor consisting of electrical means 31 and magnetic means 32 to perform automatic closure of the container 11 offers considerable advantages in terms of reliability, productivity and cleanliness, since it does not generate contaminants.

[0075] It will be apparent that modifications and / or additions of parts or steps may be made to the closure device 10 and method described above without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described with reference to some particular examples, it is clear to those skilled in the art that other equivalent forms of devices and methods for automatically closing containers can be realized which have the features set out in the claims and which therefore all fall within the field of protection defined by the claims.

[0077] In the following claims, references in parentheses are for the purpose of readability only and should not be considered as limiting factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A device (10) for automatically closing a container (11) by means of a closing unit (12), comprising: The device (10) comprises: a base plate (13) having a drive surface (15); a first conveying member (16A) on which the container (11) is placed; a crimping device (20) configured to crimp a crimp cap (29) of said closure unit (12); Equipped with The first conveying member (16A) is positionable and movable on the drive surface (15) by magnetic coupling between a rotor magnetic field generated by a magnetic means (32) of the first conveying member (16A) and a stator magnetic field generated by an electric means (31) provided on the base plate (13), and the first conveying member (16A) is movable relative to the drive surface (15) by selectively energizing the electric means (31). An apparatus (10), comprising: At least one of the crimping device (20) and the first conveying member (16A) is selectively - moving the crimping caps (29) connected to the containers (11) placed on the first conveying member (16A) until they are moved towards each other and the crimping elements of the crimping device (20) come into contact with the crimping caps (29) of the closure units (12); - rotated to allow said crimping device (20) to crimp said crimp cap (29) all around the annular shoulder (26) of said container (11); The device (10) is configured to:

2. a control unit (41) configured to selectively control the energization of the electrical means (31) so as to move the first conveying member (16A) on the drive surface (15) or to block the first conveying member (16A) on the drive surface (15) when the crimping cap (29) is crimped onto the annular shoulder (26) of the container (11). The device (10) of claim 1, further comprising:

3. The crimping device (20) is attached to a second conveying member (16B) movable on the drive surface (15); The second conveying member (16B) comprises further magnetic means (32) adapted to interact with the electric means (31).

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

4. The crimping element comprises at least one blade (42, 46, 52) or one or more disks (47). Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

5. The crimping elements of the crimping device (20) are fixedly or rotatably mounted on arms (50, 55) Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

6. The arms are configured to be movable (50, 55) to adjust the distance (H) of the crimping element relative to the drive surface (15).

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that

7. The arm (55) is connected to two levers (56), Each of the two levers (56) is attached to a corresponding second conveying member (16B).

7. Device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that

8. The first conveying member (16A) and / or the crimping device (20) are configured to be selectively moved in a vertical direction perpendicular to the drive surface (15) when crimping the crimp cap (29) onto the annular shoulder (26) of the container (11). Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

9. a pressing member (39) configured to press the crimp cap (29) against the container (11) placed on the first conveying member (16A) and hold the container (11) in a stable position; The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

10. The first conveying member (16A) comprises a receiving member (35) provided with a seating (36) into which the container (11) can be securely inserted. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that

11. A method for automatically closing a container (11) by means of a closing unit (12), comprising: The method comprises: a base plate (13) having a drive surface (15); a first conveying member (16A) on which the container (11) is placed; a crimping device (20) configured to crimp a crimp cap (29) of said closure unit (12); Using an apparatus (10) comprising: The first conveying member (16A) is positionable and movable on the drive surface (15) by magnetic coupling between a rotor magnetic field generated by a magnetic means (32) of the first conveying member (16A) and a stator magnetic field generated by an electric means (31) provided on the base plate (13), and the first conveying member (16A) is movable relative to the drive surface (15) by selectively energizing the electric means (31).

1. A method comprising: At least one of the crimping device (20) and the first conveying member (16A) is selectively - moving the crimping caps (29) connected to the containers (11) placed on the first conveying member (16A) until they are moved towards each other and the crimping elements of the crimping device (20) come into contact with the crimping caps (29) of the closure units (12); - rotated to allow said crimping device (20) to crimp said crimp cap (29) all around the annular shoulder (26) of said container (11); A method configured to:

12. The first conveying member (16A) is moved on the drive surface (15) during the pressing step or is blocked on the drive surface (15).

12. The method according to claim 11 .

13. the crimping device (20) is attached to a second conveying member (16B) that is moved on the drive surface (15) during the crimping step; The second conveying member (16B) comprises further magnetic means (32) adapted to interact with the electric means (31).

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The first conveying member (16A) and / or the crimping device (20) are selectively moved in a vertical direction perpendicular to the drive surface (15) during the crimping step. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that

15. A pressing member (39) presses the crimping cap (29) against the container (11) placed on the first conveying member (16A) during the crimping step, and holds the container (11) in a stable position. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that

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