Apparatus and method for automatically filling and capping containers

Abstract

An apparatus (10; 10') for automatically filling and capping containers (C) comprises a drive surface (17, 17', 17'') and first transport members (21), the first transport members (21) being movable on the first drive surface (17) without contact due to magnetic interaction between a first rotor magnetic field of the first transport members (21) and a first stator magnetic field generated by first electrical means provided relative to the first drive surface (17) such that the first transport members (21) are movable relative to the first drive surface (17) by selective energization of the first electrical means. Each transport member (21) supports and transports at least one closure element (T) and at least one container (C) to a filling station (15) and a capping station (16).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically filling and capping small size containers, such as vials, flasks or vials, which can be filled with fluid, solid, powder or gel products and closed with closure elements such as stoppers, crimp caps or ring nut caps, respectively. The apparatus can be used, for example, in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, health, chemical and / or food sectors. [Background technology]

[0002] In the chemical, cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical packaging industry, various devices and methods are known for automatically packaging containers such as vials or flasks which are filled and closed as they travel to and from one or more work stations.

[0003] There is an increasing demand in the art for equipment that can package such containers in a safe, sterile environment that is environmentally sustainable, quiet, does not generate contaminants or agents that may contaminate the containers and / or the products contained therein, and that minimizes, if not completely eliminates, human intervention to carry out normal operations in the art.

[0004] In particular, at least one device is known from US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0229866, in which the movement of the container is carried out in a contactless mode using a drive device driven by an electromagnetic power source, without directional constraints or fixed paths, and without the generation of particles due to friction, for example using technology known as a "planar motor".

[0005] Such planar motors comprise magnetic means configured to cooperate with current-carrying means operatively associated therewith to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields to influence said magnetic means. In particular, these magnetic means are attached to a drive device, and current-carrying means, such as coils, are incorporated into a fixed drive surface along which the drive device can slide without contact due to controlled electromagnetic fields generated between the magnetic means and the current-carrying means. Furthermore, planar motors are highly versatile, as they can follow both linear and curved trajectories or paths relative to the drive surface by providing appropriate commands to the current-carrying means.

[0006] In such known systems, the containers are supplied at an input station and placed one at a time in each drive, which then transports the containers towards the filling and closing stations.

[0007] The closure station has a receptacle that houses a plurality of closure elements and provides them in a properly separated manner via a feeder.

[0008] At the closing station, a planar motor moves the container along the feeder, preferably in a continuous tractive movement, so that a closing element is placed at the opening of the container.

[0009] Closing the container by this towing movement makes it difficult to accurately center the closure element relative to the container, and since this centering operation must be performed gradually and slowly due to the towing movement, it leads to a slower closing step and is clearly less reliable.

[0010] Alternatively, in another solution known in the art, the dosing device may comprise a vibration means for vibrating to advance the closure elements to a pick-up position to pick up the corresponding containers one at a time for closing them.

[0011] However, a drawback of using such vibration means is that in order to advance the closure element, small amounts of particles and dust may also be transported and stirred up, which may not only be scattered into the surrounding working environment but may also fall into the container and contaminate the contents.

[0012] Thus, there exists a need for an apparatus for automatically packaging containers that overcomes at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0013] To achieve this, the technical problem of creating an apparatus that can fill and cap containers without the risk of dispersing even small amounts of particles and / or dust into the working environment that could contaminate the contents contained within the container itself must be overcome.

[0014] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a safe device for automatically filling and capping containers, which ensures hygiene and cleanliness standards suitable for use in equipment for the chemical, cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical sectors, which normally require a contamination-free, sterile environment.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and develop a method for automatically filling and capping containers that is highly reliable and efficient.

[0016] Applicant has conceived, tested and embodied this invention which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and achieves these and other objects and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variants of the main idea of ​​the invention.

[0018] In view of the above object, in order to solve the technical problem disclosed above in a new and original manner and to provide significant advantages over the prior art, the present invention provides an apparatus for automatically packaging containers, comprising a base plane provided with a reference surface associated with current-carrying means configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields, and one or more transport members, each of said transport members being provided with magnetic means configured to interact with the current-carrying means to selectively displace each corresponding transport member along a working path and maintain it spaced apart from the reference surface.

[0019] In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises: - a first drive surface; and - a first transport member, the first transport member being movable on the first drive surface in a contactless manner by magnetic interaction between a first stator magnetic field generated by first electrical means provided relative to the first drive surface and a first rotor magnetic field of the first transport member, the first stator magnetic field being generated by the first electrical means provided relative to the first drive surface so that the first transport member can move relative to the first drive surface by selectively energizing the first electrical means; the apparatus further comprises a second transport member, the second transport member being movable on the second drive surface of the first input station in a contactless manner by magnetic interaction between a second stator magnetic field generated by second electrical means provided relative to the second drive surface and a second rotor magnetic field of the second transport member, the second transport member being provided with second support members configured to hold a plurality of the containers; The apparatus further comprises a third transport member, the third transport member being movable on the third drive surface without contact due to magnetic interaction between a third stator magnetic field generated by third electrical means provided relative to the third drive surface of the second input station and a third rotor magnetic field of the third transport member, the third stator magnetic field being generated by the third electrical means provided relative to the third drive surface so that the third transport member can move relative to the third drive surface of the second input station by selectively energizing the third electrical means.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, the second transport member is provided with a second support member configured to hold a plurality of the containers, and a first pick-and-place device is provided with the first transport member configured to pick up one or more of the containers from the second support member in a first pickup zone and place the picked-up containers onto the first transport member.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, the third transport member is provided with a third support member configured to hold a plurality of closure elements, and a second pick-and-place device is provided that is configured to pick up one or more of the closure elements from the third support member in a second pickup zone and place the picked-up closure elements directly onto a container filled with liquid that has been placed on the first transport member by the first pick-and-place device, or onto the first transport member.

[0022] In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a pick-and-place station, and the first and second pick-and-place devices are arranged to orderly distribute at least one closure element and at least one container at a time outside or inside the receiving support means of each transport member. In particular, in another aspect of the invention, the first pick-and-place device is configured to pick up only one container at a time from the second transport member, and the second pick-and-place device is configured to pick up only one closure element at a time from the third support member and position it in a first receiving seat and a second receiving seat of the receiving support means, respectively.

[0023] This arrangement has the advantage that at least the packaging of the container can be carried out without the risk of raising particles and / or dust which may contaminate the product contained therein.

[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a filling station configured to fill the container loaded on the first transport member, and a capping station configured to close the filled container with the closure element loaded on the same first transport member by the second pick-and-place apparatus.

[0025] In another aspect of the present invention, the first and second input stations are provided with input means having the function of inputting at least one first support member having a plurality of the closure elements and at least one second support member having a plurality of the containers.

[0026] Further, two or more moving members are provided at the first and second input stations, each of the moving members being provided with a magnetic means, each magnetic means being configured to interact with a current-carrying means to selectively displace each corresponding moving member along the input path and maintain it spaced apart from a reference surface.

[0027] In another aspect of the present invention, the filling station is provided with filling means including at least a first filling device provided for a first working section of the working path and a second filling device provided for a second working section of the working path, and in particular, each of the at least first or second filling devices is provided with at least one delivery nozzle for delivering a specific amount of product into the corresponding container, the at least one delivery nozzle being axially aligned with the corresponding first or second working section and positioned above the corresponding first or second filling position of the transport member.

[0028] In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a capping station, which further includes a capping means positioned next to the filling station along the working path, and which includes at least a first or second capping device for closing each filled container for each of the first or second working sections.

[0029] In another aspect of the present invention, the at least first or second capping device is provided with a first capping head or a second capping head, respectively, and the first and second capping heads are configured to pick up each corresponding closure element when the corresponding transport member is in the corresponding first pickup position or second pickup position, respectively, and to selectively switch temporarily from a raised position to a lowered position to close each corresponding container with the picked-up closure element when the same transport member is in the corresponding first or second capping position, respectively.

[0030] In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a first detection member configured to detect possible positioning errors of the container placed on the first transport member by the first pick-and-place apparatus.

[0031] In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a second detection member configured to detect possible positioning errors of the closure element placed on the first transport member by the second pick and place apparatus.

[0032] In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a central control unit configured to instruct the transport element to retrace the movement circuit of the working path and follow a first return section to resolve the positioning error.

[0033] This configuration makes the device extremely versatile, reduces waste, and also makes the device more reliable, since if no proper operation is performed, the operation can be easily repeated by replacing the affected transport member.

[0034] In another aspect of the invention, the first transport member is provided with a first support member configured to hold one or more of the containers, preferably one of the containers.

[0035] In another aspect of the invention, the first transport member is disposed on the first drive surface so as to be displaceable and / or rotatable with at least two degrees of freedom, the second transport member is disposed on the second drive surface so as to be displaceable and / or rotatable with at least two degrees of freedom, and the third transport member is disposed on the third drive surface so as to be displaceable and / or rotatable with at least two degrees of freedom.

[0036] In another aspect of the invention, the working path is a closed path.

[0037] In another aspect of the invention, at least the first drive surface and the second drive surface form a base plate that defines a common drive surface.

[0038] In another aspect of the invention, the third drive surface together with the first and second drive surfaces form the base plate acting as a common drive surface.The invention also relates to a method for automatically filling and capping containers using the apparatus specified in the above aspect.

[0039] In another aspect of the present invention, the method includes a first input step in which a first pick and place device picks up one container at a time from a second transport member holding a plurality of containers and places the picked-up container on the first transport member, and a second input step in which a second pick and place device picks up one closure element at a time from a third transport member holding a plurality of closure elements and places the picked-up closure element directly onto the container placed on the first transport member by the first pick and place device in the first input step or onto the first transport member.

[0040] In another aspect of the invention, the method comprises at least one filling step and at least one capping step, in which the container is first filled and then capped with at least one closure element as described above at a filling station and a capping station of the device, respectively.

[0041] In another aspect of the present invention, in the first loading step, the first pick-up member picks up one container at a time to position the container in the corresponding first housing seating when the corresponding first housing seating is in a first distribution position, and in the second loading step, the second pick-up member picks up one container at a time to position the container in the corresponding second housing seating when the corresponding second housing seating has completed movement along the moving circuit of the working path and reached a second distribution position.

[0042] In another aspect of the present invention, during the filling step, the transport member advances until it reaches the vicinity of the filling station, continues toward a first or second working section, and reaches a first or second filling position, respectively, at which a first filling device or a second filling device delivers a specific amount of product to the corresponding container using at least one corresponding delivery nozzle axially aligned with the corresponding first or second working section.

[0043] In another aspect of the present invention, in the capping step, the transport member advances over the first or second working section to reach a first pickup position or a second pickup position, respectively, at which a first or second capping device temporarily descends to pick up the corresponding closure element, and after the corresponding closure element has been picked up, the transport member advances from the first or second pickup position to a first or second capping position, at which the first or second capping device again descends to close the container with the corresponding closure element.

[0044] In another aspect of the invention, after both loading steps, a first detection member and a second detection member detect a possible positioning error of the closure element and / or the container placed on the corresponding transport member, and if a positioning error is detected, the first transport member retraces its movement circuit to correct the positioning error.

[0045] After the capping step, a third detection element and a fourth detection element detect a possible capping error in the container, and if the capping error is detected, the first transport element travels through a first return section and / or a second return section to resolve the capping error.

[0046] Furthermore, a vibration step may be provided before or after the capping step, in which the first transport member vibrates to agitate the filled or, as the case may be, capped container, substantially achieving a mixing and / or centrifugal effect on the product(s) contained in the container, or keeping particles of the product(s) contained in the container in suspension to prevent settling phenomena.

[0047] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] 1 is a simplified schematic plan view of an apparatus for automatically filling and capping containers according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1a] 2 is a view similar to the plan view of FIG. 1 showing an example of some of the possible motion paths of a first transport member included in the apparatus of FIG. 1; [Figure 2] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 3] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 5] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 6] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 7] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 8]2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 9] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 10] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 11] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 12] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 13] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 14] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 15] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 16] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 17] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 18] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 19] 2 is a plan view showing enlarged details of various operating stations included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate an example operating sequence illustrating the steps of the method for filling and capping containers of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10 is a similar simplified schematic plan view of an apparatus for automatically filling and capping containers according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The scope of protection is determined by the claims, and it should be noted that the wording and terminology used in this specification, as well as the figures and descriptions in the accompanying drawings, only serve to facilitate understanding and explanation of the present invention, and their purpose is to present a non-limiting example of the present invention itself.

[0050] For ease of understanding, wherever possible, identical reference numerals have been used throughout the drawings to refer to identical common elements, and it is understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without the need for detailed description.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 1, the device 10 of the present invention is suitable for automatically packaging containers C by moving them along a moving path PM, and can in particular be used to fill the containers C and cap them with each corresponding closure element T.

[0052] The container C may be, without limiting generality, a vial, a flask or any other type of container of low mass, and may in particular contain a liquid, a solid, i.e. powdery or gel-like fluid product.

[0053] The closure element T can be, for example, a cap, a crimp cap or a ring nut cap. In the example shown here, the closure element T is preferably a crimp cap.

[0054] For clarity of explanation, the following description refers to both Figure 1, which is an overall view of an example device 10, and Figure 1a, which shows example paths of movement taken by some of the moving parts of the device during operation. Clearly, there are other paths that these moving parts may take, and the paths shown in Figure 1a are not intended as limitations on the invention, but are merely illustrative.

[0055] Figure 1a shows both the path of movement (shown as a continuous line) taken by the moving parts of apparatus 10 during normal operation of apparatus 10, and the path (shown as a dashed line) taken by the moving parts of apparatus 10 as they return to one or more operating stations where the operation of one or more operating stations needs to be repeated if the operation of those stations is not performed properly, as will be described in more detail below.

[0056] The apparatus 10 comprises a first input station 12 for inputting containers C, a second input station 14 for inputting closure elements T, a pick-and-place station 13 for distributing the containers C and closure elements T in an orderly manner, a filling station 15 for filling the containers C with a particular product, a capping station 16 for capping the containers C with each corresponding closure element T, and an unloading station 18 for preparing the filled and closed containers C for subsequent dispensing and labeling steps.

[0057] The device 10 comprises a first drive surface 17 below which are associated current supply means (not shown) of known type arranged to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields (which may be locally distributed) along the path of movement PM, for example comprising a number of electrical coils or windings which, in use, are connected to an electrical energy supply network having suitable voltage and current values.

[0058] The apparatus 10 also includes a second drive surface 17 ′ extending at the first input station 12 and a third drive surface 17 ″ extending to the second input station 14 .

[0059] In the example shown, the first, second and third drive surfaces 17, 17', 17'' all come together to form a base plate 11 that defines a common drive surface.

[0060] In other embodiments, not shown, the base plate 11 is defined only by the first and second drive surfaces 17, 17'.

[0061] It should be noted that the path of movement PM is determined or influenced by the placement of the current carrying means.

[0062] The apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of first transport members 21 operatively associated with the first drive surface 17 and movable relative to the first drive surface 17 by a magnetic field generated by an electric current means. Specifically, the first transport members 21 are provided with magnetic means, such as permanent magnets (not shown) of known types, configured to interact with the magnetic field to cause selective displacement of the first transport members 21. In this way, by appropriately commanding the electric current means, the first transport members 21 can move independently relative to the first drive surface 17 while remaining spaced a fixed distance from the first drive surface 17, i.e., without contacting the first drive surface 17, advantageously with multiple degrees of freedom. Note that this distance must allow for proper interaction between the electric current means and the magnetic means.

[0063] Furthermore, the first input station 12 is provided with a second transport member 22, and the second input station 14 is provided with a third transport member 23, which are also provided with magnetic means configured to interact with the current-carrying means in the same way as the transport member 21 and therefore have the same movement characteristics. Each of the second and third transport members 22, 23 is provided with a base plate, e.g., rectangular, which is provided with support means (not shown) for supporting a corresponding support member or tray 100, on which a plurality of containers C and / or a plurality of closure elements T can be placed. Specifically, each tray 100 is provided with a plurality of receiving seats capable of receiving the containers C and / or closure elements T, which will be described in detail below.

[0064] Preferably, the transport members 21, 22, 23 are made as moving parts of a magnetically driven "planar motor" as is self-evident in the prior art.

[0065] In one aspect of the invention, the first transport member 21 is configured to move, i.e., support and transport, at least one corresponding container C and at least one corresponding closure element T from the pick and place station 13 towards the filling station 15, the capping station 16 and then the removal station 18 along a working path PL, which is shown in dashed lines in the drawings. It should be noted that the working path PL forms part of the movement path PM.

[0066] Each first transport member 21 comprises a receiving and supporting means 24 for receiving and / or supporting at least one closure element T and at least one container C. The receiving and supporting means 24 comprises at least a first receiving seat 25 for receiving the corresponding container C and a second receiving seat 26 for receiving the corresponding closure element T. Furthermore, the receiving and supporting means 24 may comprise suitable support members (not shown) for supporting and keeping the plurality of containers C and / or closure elements T in a stable position.

[0067] In the example provided here, each first transport member 21 is approximately square in shape, and the first accommodating seat 25 is formed at the center of gravity of the first transport member 21, whereas the second accommodating seat 26 is formed at an eccentric position and aligned with the first accommodating seat 25.

[0068] In a possible embodiment, the second member 22 and the third member 23 serve to move the containers C and closure elements T along their respective input paths PA from the first and second input stations 12, 14 to the pick-and-place station 13. It should be noted that the input path PA forms another part of the movement path PM, which in the embodiment shown is a substantially linear path along which the second and third transport members 22, 23 move in both directions. It will be clear that in other embodiments the input path can have other shapes in relation to the specific operational requirements.

[0069] The first input station 12 can be equipped with input means for inputting the containers C, and the second input station 14 can be equipped with corresponding input means for inputting the closure elements T. In particular, the input means have the function of inputting, for example in the inlet zone ZI, at least one first tray 100a provided with a plurality of containers C and at least one second tray 100b provided with a plurality of closure elements T.

[0070] The entrance zone ZI may be provided with a transport device (not shown) of a substantially known type, which has the function of transporting and positioning the first tray 100a onto the second transport member 22 and transporting and positioning the second tray 100b onto the third transport member 23. Specifically, the second transport member 22 is programmed to transport the first tray 100a along the input path PA toward the pick-and-place station 13, for example, to position the first tray 100a in the first pickup zone ZP1, and the third transport member 23 is programmed to transport the second tray 100b along the input path PA toward the pick-and-place station 13, for example, to position the second tray 100b in the second pickup zone ZP2.

[0071] The pick-and-place station 13 is provided with a pickup distribution device 27, which comprises a first pickup device 29 located near a first pickup zone ZP1 and a second pickup device 30 located near a second pickup zone ZP2, which pickup devices are configured, for example, as arms arranged on both sides of the axis of symmetry X of the device 10.

[0072] In a possible embodiment, the first and second pick-up devices 29, 30 can be any type of known or future created mechanical member capable of picking up one or more closure elements T at a time or picking up one or more containers C at a time.

[0073] Specifically, the first pickup device 29 has the function of picking up one container C at a time from the first tray 100a in order to position the container C in the corresponding first accommodating seat 25 of the first transporting member 21 when the corresponding first accommodating seat 25 is at the first distribution position PD1, and the second pickup device 30 has the function of picking up one closure element T at a time from the second tray 100b in order to position the closure element T in the corresponding second accommodating seat 26 of the same transporting member 21 when the corresponding second accommodating seat 26 is at the second distribution position PD2.

[0074] In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the second transport member 22 of the first pickup zone ZP1 and the third transport member 23 of the second pickup zone ZP2 are programmed to perform a number of movements suitable to enable the first pickup device 29 to access the containers C placed in the first tray 100a and the second pickup device 30 to access the closure elements T placed in the second tray 100b.

[0075] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the second and third transport members 22, 23 and the first and second pickup devices 29, 30 are dimensioned and arranged to be able to pick up the container C in the first tray 100a and the closure element T in the second tray 100b and place them on the same first transport member 21, taking into account that they can move relative to each other.

[0076] The pick-and-place station 13 may be provided with first and second detection members 31 and 32, respectively, configured to detect possible positioning errors of the closure element T and the container C on the first transport member 21. In the example shown, the detection members 31, 32 are mirror images of each other with respect to the axis of symmetry X and are oriented on either side thereof.

[0077] It should be noted that when the first transport member 21 is at the first dispensing position PD1 and the second dispensing position PD2, respectively, the first receiving seat 25 is positioned just below the gripping end of the first pickup device 29, and the second receiving seat 26 is positioned just below the gripping end of the second pickup device 30, so that the corresponding container C is accurately placed in the first receiving seat 25, and the corresponding closure element T is accurately placed in the second receiving seat 26.

[0078] At the pick-and-place station 13 the first transport member 21 moves along a movement circuit CM (FIG. 1 a ) of a working path PL which extends until it encounters the filling station 15 and the capping station 16 .

[0079] In a possible embodiment, the movement circuit CM is a closed circuit, and if the first and / or second detection members 31, 32 detect a positioning error of the closure element T or the container C, the first transport member 21 can move along this closed circuit, as necessary, so that the first transport member 21 can be returned to the first dispensing position PD1 or the second dispensing position PD2.

[0080] The device 10 comprises, at the filling station 15, a filling means 33 configured to fill the containers C, and, at the capping station 16, a capping means 34 arranged after the filling means 33 along the working path PL, the capping means 34 configured to sequentially cap the containers C with corresponding closure elements T carried on the same transport member 21.

[0081] The working path PL may include at least one working section in the filling station 15 and the capping station 16, and in a specific example, may include two working sections, a first and a second working section TL1, TL2.

[0082] In a possible embodiment shown in the drawings, as shown in FIG. 1a, the working path PL is divided at the filling station 15 into a first working section TL1 and a second working section TL2, which in the example shown are symmetrical to each other with respect to the axis of symmetry X and converge near the unloading station 18.

[0083] In this way, filling and closing operations for two different containers C can be performed in parallel, i.e., in each work section TL1 and TL2. Furthermore, these operations can be performed simultaneously for each container C, or they can be temporarily staggered, for example by a few seconds, to prevent the two first transport elements 21 from interfering with each other in the zone where the two work sections TL1 and TL2 converge. Preferably, at the entrance to the filling station 15 (FIGS. 12 and 13), each first transport element 21 is oriented so that each receiving seat 25, 26 is aligned with the corresponding work section TL1, TL2, and the second receiving seat 26 is initially positioned towards the filling means 33.

[0084] The filling means 33 may comprise at least one filling device, for example a first filling device 36 provided for the first working section TL1 and / or a second filling device 37 provided for the second working section TL2.

[0085] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the filling means 33 (FIG. 1) comprises a first filling device 36 and a second filling device 37, which are arranged as mirror images of each other with respect to the axis of symmetry X and are arranged on either side of it.

[0086] The filling devices 36, 37 are provided with delivery nozzles 39a, 39b capable of delivering a specific amount of product into a corresponding container C, and these delivery nozzles 39a, 39b are axially aligned with the corresponding working sections TL1, TL2 (FIG. 1a) and positioned above the first and second filling positions PR1, PR2 of the first transporting member 21, respectively. Specifically, when the first transporting member 21 is positioned at the first and / or second filling positions PR1, PR2, the delivery nozzles 39a, 39b are coaxial with the corresponding first receiving seats 25 for filling the containers C placed in the first receiving seats 25.

[0087] Furthermore, the first transport member 21 vibrates to agitate the filled container C, substantially achieving a mixing and / or centrifugal effect on the product(s) contained in said container C, or keeping particles of the product(s) contained in the container in suspension to prevent settling.

[0088] The capping means 34 may comprise at least one capping device, and in particular in the example shown here may comprise two capping devices referred to as a first capping device 41 and a second capping device 42, which are provided for the first working section TL1 and / or the second working section TL2, respectively.

[0089] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first capping device 41 and the second capping device 42 are substantially identical to each other and are mirror images of each other with respect to the axis of symmetry X, and are arranged on either side thereof.

[0090] In the example shown here, a first capping device 41 is operably associated with the first working section TL1 and is provided with a first closing head 43, which is configured to selectively temporarily switch from a raised position to a lowered position to pick up a corresponding closing element T when the first transport member 21 is in the first pickup position PP1 (Figures 1a, 13) and to close a corresponding container C when the same first transport member 21 is in the first closing position PC1.

[0091] At the first pick-up position PP1, the first transport element 21 is positioned on the first working section TL1 so that the second receiving seat 26 on which the closure element T is located is coaxially aligned with the first closing head 43. At the first closing position PC1, the same first transport element 21 is positioned so that the first receiving seat 25 on which the filled container C is located is coaxially aligned with the first closing head 43.

[0092] Further in the example shown here, a second closure device 42 (Figure 1) is operably associated with the second working section TL2 and is provided with a second closure head 45, which is configured to selectively temporarily switch from a raised position to a lowered position to pick up the corresponding closure element T when the first transport member 21 is in the second pickup position PP2 (Figures 1a, 15) and to close the corresponding container C when the same first transport member 21 is in the second closure position PC2.

[0093] At the second pick-up position PP2, the first transport element 21 is positioned on the second working section TL2 so that the second receiving seat 26 with the closure element T positioned thereon is coaxially aligned with the second closing head 45. At the second closing position PC2, the same first transport element 21 is positioned so that the first receiving seat 25 with the filled container C positioned thereon is coaxially aligned with the second closing head 45.

[0094] For example, each closure head 43, 45 (FIG. 1) can be provided with holding means, not shown in the drawings, which can temporarily hold the closure element T for closing the corresponding container C. In a possible embodiment, said holding means comprises or is constituted by a suction member which holds the corresponding closure element T by suction.

[0095] In other possible embodiments, the capping station 16 may be provided with other closing means capable of performing the same function as the first and second capping devices 41, 42, which may be of a known type or may be derived in the future.

[0096] A third and / or fourth detection element 46, 47 may also be arranged after the capping station 16, which detection element 46, 47 is configured to detect possible closure errors of the container C, in particular to detect the height of the container C closed by the corresponding closure element T.

[0097] By way of non-limiting example, the detection members 31, 32, 46, and 47 may be optical sensors, photocells, video cameras, etc. In particular, the detection members 31, 32, 46, and 47 are operatively connected to a central control unit 48 (FIG. 1) that can coordinate and direct the movement of the first transport member 21 in relation to the various inputs it receives, particularly in the presence of positioning and / or capping errors.

[0098] In some embodiments, the working path PL (FIG. 1a) may also comprise a first return section TR1 operably connected to the first working section TL1 and / or a second return section TR2 operably connected to the second working section TL2.

[0099] Specifically, the first return section TR1 and the second return section TR2 have the function of enabling the first transport member 21 equipped with a container C in which a capping error has been detected by the third detection member 46 or the fourth detection member 47 to return to the moving circuit CM and resume the first or second working section TL1, TL2.

[0100] This is particularly advantageous because it allows the capping error to be resolved by completing the improper capping or by applying a new cap, thereby avoiding the waste of the container C.

[0101] The unloading station 18 (FIG. 1) is provided with at least one unloading device 49, which can be provided with a unloading arm 50, which is configured to remove the container C closed by a corresponding closure element T from the first transport member 21 in order to transfer the container C to another work zone, for example for labeling the container C. The unloading of the closed container C takes place in the corresponding unloading zone ZE (FIGS. 1, 1a).

[0102] The working path PL may include a return section TR at the removal station 18, which returns the empty first transport member 21 towards the moving circuit CM so that it can again reach the first distribution position PD1.

[0103] Furthermore, in a possible embodiment, the unloading station 18 is also provided with a reject zone ZS, which is intended to receive and discard the first transport element 21 provided with a container C for which a capping or positioning error cannot be resolved. For example, such a reject zone ZS is provided with a removal device 51 configured to remove the container C to be discarded, so that the empty first transport element 21 can return towards the movement circuit CM by the return section TR.

[0104] The operation of the device 10 described above corresponds to a first embodiment of the method of the present invention, which comprises the following steps:

[0105] However, for the sake of clarity, the operational steps relating to the containers C on the first tray 100a and the closure elements T on the second tray 100b are described first in a particular order, it being understood that this order is not intended to limit the invention and that the same operations can be performed cyclically for all other trays 100, closure elements T and containers C. Furthermore, although the cycle of operations for packaging containers C is described below for only one first transport member 21, it is understood that there can be many other transport members 21 on the work path PL during this cycle performing the same operations.

[0106] In the loading step, in the entrance zone ZI, a first tray 100a provided with a plurality of containers C is loaded into the first loading station 12, and a second tray 100b provided with a plurality of closure elements T is loaded into the second loading station 14. Then, the transfer device transfers and positions the first tray 100a to the second transport member 22, and transfers and positions the second tray 100b to the third transport member 23. Next, the second and third transport members 22 and 23 transport the first tray 100a and the second tray 100b to the first and second pickup zones ZP1 and ZP2, respectively (FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0107] Thereafter, a pick-up and distribution device 27 picks up at least one closure element T and at least one container C at a time and distributes and places them onto the receiving support means 24 of the same first transport member 21 moving along the moving circuit CM (Figs. 4-10).

[0108] The first pickup device 29 picks up the container C and places it in the first receiving seat 25 of the first transport member 21 located at the first dispensing position PD1. Before proceeding, the first detection member 31 verifies that the container C is properly placed in the corresponding first receiving seat 25 and, if necessary, sends a signal to the central control unit 48 informing it of a positioning error (FIGS. 7-10).

[0109] The first transport member 21 advances along the movement circuit CM and stops at the second dispensing position PD2. The second pick-up member 30 then picks up the closure element T and places it in the second receiving seat 26 of the same first transport member 21 located at the second dispensing position PD2. Before proceeding, the second detection member 32 verifies that the closure element T is properly placed in the second receiving seat 26 and possibly sends a signal to the central control unit 48 informing it of a positioning error (FIGS. 4, 5, 6).

[0110] If neither the first nor the second detection member 31, 32 detects a positioning error, the first transport member 21 advances to the vicinity of the filling station 15 and then continues toward the first or second working section TL1, TL2. The selection of whether to send the first transport member 21 to the first or second working section TL1, TL2 is correlated with the number of other first transport members 21 that may be present below the first filling member 36 or below the second filling member 37, so as to send the first transport member 21 to the working section with the least space (FIG. 11).

[0111] On the other hand, if either the first or second detection member 31, 32 detects a positioning error, the first transport member 21 moves along the movement circuit CM and is repositioned to the first or second dispensing position PD1, PD2 so as to bring the container C and / or closure element T to the correct position in the corresponding first or second positioning seat 25, 26.

[0112] Hereinafter, as an example, the filling step and the capping step will be described in the case where the first transport member 21 continues to move toward the first working section TL1.

[0113] In the filling step, the first transport member 21 stops at the first filling position PR1 so that the container C is positioned just below the corresponding delivery nozzle 39a of the first filling device 36, and the container C is filled with a specific product from this delivery nozzle 39a (Figure 12).

[0114] In the next capping step, the first capping device 41 closes the container C with a closure element T carried on the same first transport member 21. Specifically, after filling, the first transport member 21 advances to the first pick-up position PP1 and places the closure element T below the first closure head 43 (FIG. 13). Next, the first capping head 43 is temporarily lowered to the lowered position to pick up or retrieve the closure element T, and then returns to the raised position (FIG. 14). The first transport member 21 then advances to the first capping position PC1 and retrieves the filled container C below the first capping head 43. Next, the first capping head 43 is again lowered to the lowered position to close the container C.

[0115] After the container C is closed, the first transport member 21 moves to the removal station 18, where the third detection member 46 verifies that the container C has been properly capped and, if necessary, sends a signal to the central control unit 48 to notify it of any capping errors (Figure 15).

[0116] If a capping error occurs, the first transport member 21 does not advance toward the removal station 18, but instead proceeds through the first return section TR1, first entering the moving circuit CM or part thereof, and then re-enters the first working section TL1 to complete capping of the container C or to perform a new capping of the container C.

[0117] Once the capping error is resolved, the first transport member 21 proceeds to the unload station 18. If the capping or positioning error cannot be resolved, the first transport member 21 will proceed in any case to the unload station 18 and then be discarded.

[0118] When the first transport member 21 continues to move towards the second working section TL2, the filling step and capping step are implemented in the same manner, but with a second filling device 37 with a corresponding delivery nozzle 39b, a second capping device 42 with a corresponding second capping head 45, a fourth detection member 47, a second return section TR2 (Figures 13 to 17), and it is clear that these steps are carried out at a second filling position PR2 (Figure 14), a second pick-up position PP2 (Figure 15) and a second closing position PC2 (Figure 16).

[0119] It should also be noted that capping of the container C with the closure element T can be achieved by crimping or any other suitable technique or method.

[0120] Furthermore, a vibration step may be provided before or after the capping step, in which the first transport member 21 vibrates to agitate the filled or, as the case may be, closed container C, substantially achieving a mixing and / or centrifugal effect on the product(s) contained in said container, or keeping the particle(s) of the product(s) contained in the container in suspension to prevent settling phenomena.

[0121] Thereafter, when the removal station 18 is reached, the removal step begins in the removal zone ZE (Figure 17), and the removal device 49 uses the removal arm 50 to remove the container C capped with the corresponding closure element T and transport it towards another work zone, such as a labeling zone (Figure 18).

[0122] Once the capped container C has been removed, the now empty first transport member 21 advances along the return section TR towards the transfer circuit CM, in particular towards the first distribution zone PD1, to receive another container C and begin a new operating cycle.

[0123] If the container C has a capping or positioning error that cannot be resolved, instead of carrying out the removal step, the first transport member 21 proceeds along the first return section TR directly to the reject zone ZS (FIG. 19). A discard step then begins, in which the removal device 51 removes and discards the container C, emptying the first transport member 21, which then proceeds towards the movement circuit CM, in particular towards the first distribution zone PD1, to start a new operating cycle.

[0124] Figure 20 shows another embodiment of the device of the invention, which in this case is designated by the reference numeral 10'. This device differs from the embodiment of the device 10 described above with reference to Figure 1 in the location of the second input station 14 and the second pick-up zone ZP2, which are located closer to the capping station 16.

[0125] The arrangement of the second input station 14 and the second pickup zone ZP2 in the device 10' results in a different layout of the device, and the operation of the device also differs.

[0126] In this embodiment of the invention, at the first dispensing position PD1, the first pick-up device 29 picks up one container C at a time from the first tray 100a and positions it in the corresponding first receiving seat 25 of the first transport member 21. The first transport member 21 is then moved to reach the first filling position PR1 in the filling station 15, where the filling means 33, in particular the first filling device 36, fills the container C placed on the first transport member 21.

[0127] Then, the first transport member 21 carrying the filled containers C reaches the second dispensing position PD2, and the second pick-up device 30 picks up one closure element T at a time from the second tray 100b and positions it directly on the filled containers C placed on the first transport member 21. Note that the closure element T is not fitted into the container C but is placed on the top opening of the container C. Therefore, after this step, the container is not yet capped. Then, the first transport member 21 reaches the first capping position PC1 in the capping station 16, and lowers the first capping head 43 to cap the container C with the closure element T placed on the top opening of the container.

[0128] After capping, the first transport member 21 moves towards the removal zone ZE and possibly towards the reject zone ZS as described above with reference to the embodiment of FIG.

[0129] In this embodiment, the receiving and supporting means 24 only has a first receiving seat 25 for receiving and supporting one container C. In this embodiment, the closure element T is placed directly on the container C without first temporarily placing the closure element T on a dedicated seat of the first transport member 21, so it is possible not to provide a second receiving seat 26 for receiving and installing the closure element T.

[0130] In one variant, the device 10' can comprise two filling devices, for example the first filling device 36 and the second filling device 37 described with reference to the embodiment of Figure 1, and two capping devices, for example the first capping device 41 and the second capping device 42 described with reference to the embodiment of Figure 1.

[0131] It will be apparent that modifications and / or additions may be made to the apparatus 10, 10' and method described above without departing from the field and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0132] For example, in other embodiments of the invention not shown, the device 10, 10' may be provided with weighing means for weighing the container C before or after filling with the product P as described above.

[0133] In another embodiment not shown, if the delivery nozzles 39a, 39b are interchangeable in relation to the type of container C to be filled, the filling and closing station 15 of the device 10, 10' can be provided with a suitable gripping and moving device, which, for example, has mechanical arms configured to cooperate with each other and with the corresponding delivery nozzles 39a, 39b to exchange them.

[0134] In other embodiments, the device 10, 10' may have a layout different from the illustrated layout, which is substantially symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry X, for example it may have only an upper part or only a lower part compared to the layout of Figures 1 and 1a. In this case, the various operating means mentioned above, such as the filling means 33 and the capping means 34, may comprise only a part of the above-mentioned devices, for example only the first filling device 36, and thus the delivery nozzle 39a, and the first capping device 41, i.e. the first capping head 43, or only the second filling device 37, and thus the delivery nozzle 39b, and the second capping device 42, i.e. the second capping head 45. In the former case, the first transport member 21 follows the first working section TL1 and, optionally, the first return section TR1, passing through each position on these sections, whereas in the latter case, the first transport member 21 follows the second working section TL2 and, optionally, the second return section TR2, passing through each position on these sections.

[0135] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, it is clear to those skilled in the art that other equivalent forms of the device and method for automatically filling and capping containers having the features set forth in the claims can be achieved, and all such equivalent forms fall within the scope of protection set forth in the claims.

[0136] The purpose of the parenthetical signs in the appended claims is to improve readability only and shall not be considered as limiting the scope of protection provided by the claims.

Claims

1. A device (10; 10') for automatically filling and capping containers (C), comprising: a first drive surface (17); a first transport member (21); It is equipped with The first transport member (21) is movable on the first drive surface (17) without contact due to magnetic interaction between a first stator magnetic field generated by the first electric means provided relative to the first drive surface (17) and a first rotor magnetic field of the first transport member (21), the first stator magnetic field being generated by the first electric means provided relative to the first drive surface (17) so that the first transport member (21) can move relative to the first drive surface (17) by selectively energizing the first electric means; The device (10; 10') further comprises a second transport member (22), the second transport member (22) is movable on the second drive surface (17') without contact due to magnetic interaction between a second stator magnetic field generated by the second electric means provided relative to the second drive surface (17') of the first input station (12) so that the second transport member (22) can move relative to the second drive surface (17') by selectively energizing the second electric means, and a second rotor magnetic field of the second transport member (22); the second transport member (22) is provided with a second support member (100a) configured to hold a plurality of the containers (C); a first pick-and-place device (29) configured to pick up one or more of the containers (C) from the second support member (100a) in a first pickup zone (ZP1) and place the picked-up containers (C) on the first transport member (21); The device (10; 10') further comprises a third transport member (23), the third transport member (23) is movable on the third drive surface (17'') without contact due to magnetic interaction between a third stator magnetic field generated by the third electric means provided relative to the third drive surface (17'') of the second input station (14) and a third rotor magnetic field of the third transport member (23); the third stator magnetic field is generated by the third electric means provided relative to the third drive surface (17'') so that the third transport member (23) can move relative to the third drive surface (17'') by selectively energizing the third electric means; the third transport member (23) is provided with a third support member (100b) configured to hold a plurality of closure elements (T); A second pick-and-place device (30) is provided, which is configured to pick up one or more of the closure elements (T) from the third support member (100b) in a second pickup zone (ZP2) and place the picked-up closure elements (T) directly onto a container (C) filled with liquid and placed on the first transport member (21) by the first pick-and-place device (29), or onto the first transport member (21).

10. An apparatus (10; 10') characterized in that:

2. a filling station (15) configured to fill the containers (C) placed on the first transport member (21); a capping station (16) configured to cap the filled container (C) with the closure element (T) placed on the filled container by the second pick-and-place device (30) or on the same first transport member (21); 2. The device (10; 10') of claim 1, further comprising:

3. the first pick-and-place device (29) is configured to pick up only one of the containers (C) at a time from the second transport member (100a), and the second pick-and-place device (30) is configured to pick up only one of the closure elements (T) at a time from the third support member (100b); 3. Apparatus (10; 10') according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a first detection member (31) configured to detect possible positioning errors of the container (C) placed on the first transport member (21) by the first pick-and-place device (29); 4. An apparatus (10; 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a second detection member (32) configured to detect possible positioning errors of the closure element (T) placed on the first transport member (21) by the second pick-and-place device (30), 5. An apparatus (10; 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. and a third detection element (46) and / or a fourth detection element (47) arranged after the capping station (16) and configured to detect a possible capping error of the closure element (T) fitted on the container (C).

10. An apparatus (10; 10') according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 5 which depend on claim 2.

7. a central control unit (48) connected to the first detection member (31) and the second detection member (32) and configured to command the first transport member (21) to retrace the closed circuit (CM) of the working path (PL) to resolve the positioning error; Device (10; 10') according to claim 5 or 6, which relies on claim 4.

8. the central control unit (48) is connected to the third detection member (46) and the fourth detection member (47), and is configured to command the first transport member (21) to follow the first closed return section (TR1) or the second closed return section (TR2) of the working path (PL) to resolve the capping error.

8. Device (10; 10') according to claim 7, which recites claim 6.

9. the first transport element (21) is provided with a first support element (24) configured to hold one or more of the containers (C), preferably one of the containers (C); 9. An apparatus (10; 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the first transport member (21) is arranged on the first drive surface (17) so as to be displaceable and / or rotatable in at least two degrees of freedom; the second transport member (22) is arranged on the second drive surface (17') so as to be displaceable and / or rotatable in at least two degrees of freedom; the third transport member (23) is arranged on the third drive surface (17'') so as to be displaceable and / or rotatable in at least two degrees of freedom; 10. An apparatus (10; 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The first transport member (21) follows a closed working path; 11. An apparatus (10; 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. At least the first drive surface (17) and the second drive surface (17') form a base plate (11) defining a common drive surface; 12. An apparatus (10; 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the third drive surface (17'') together with the first drive surface (17) and the second drive surface (17') forms the base plate (11); 13. Apparatus (10; 10') according to claim 12.

14. A method for automatically filling and capping containers (C) using a device (10; 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: a first loading step in which a first pick-and-place device (29) picks up one container (C) at a time from a second transport member (22) holding a plurality of containers (C) and places the picked-up container onto a first transport member (21); a second input step in which a second pick-and-place device (30) picks up one closure element (T) at a time from a third transport member (23) holding a plurality of closure elements (T) and places the picked-up closure element directly onto the container (C) placed on the first transport member (21) by the first pick-and-place device (29) in the first input step, or onto the first transport member (21); a filling step of filling said container (C) at a filling station (15); a capping step in which the closure element (T) is fitted to the container (C) filled at the filling station (15) at a capping station (16); A method comprising:

15. after the first and second loading steps and / or the capping step, a central control unit (48) commands the first transport member (21) to follow a closed return path (CM, TR1, TR2) of the working path (PL) to resolve a positioning error or a capping error detected by a detection member (31, 32, 46, 47) after the first and / or second loading step or after the capping step.

15. The method of claim 14.

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