Plants for the treatment of containers

Abstract

To provide a container processing plant capable of transporting any type of container.SOLUTION: A transport device (1) that receives and transports a container from a container supply / pickup device (3) includes a gripping unit (7) including a first holding element and a second holding element, in which the first holding element and the second holding element are slidably connected to a fixed support unit (5), and travels along the fixed support unit (5) by separate linear motor actuators, defining a housing for a container (2) between them. The container supply / container pickup device (3) includes a support plate (16) at a bottom that can be connected to the gripping unit (7) at each of departure and / or arrival stations, and an ascending or an ascendable portion that is inserted into the housing from below is provided to independently support the container (2) of the gripping unit (7).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant for processing containers, equipped with a conveying device for conveying the containers along a movement path between a supply device for supplying the containers and a pick-up device for picking up the containers. The containers referred to in the present invention can be of any type and made of any material, for example glass bottles, plastic bottles, cans, vials, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] The definition of a plant for treating containers in the context of the present invention means any plant intended to carry out operations on containers, such as, for example, a washing plant, a filling plant, a labelling plant, a capping plant, a boxing plant, a packaging plant, etc.

[0003] Conveying devices for containers have been widely used in plants of this type for the past decades and many different types have been developed over time.

[0004] Particularly in recent years, various transport devices have been developed which use linear motors to move gripper units along a movement path, each gripper unit typically being configured to hold a container while the container moves forward along the movement path.

[0005] Examples of this type of delivery device are described in WO 2013 / 185957, WO 2013 / 189656, JP 2014-024665, WO 2014 / 90581, WO 2015 / 36159, WO 2015 / 36197, WO 2016 / 12171, EP 3034441, WO 2016 / 102092, EP 3045399, DE 4133114, EP 3109189, JP 2018-184294, WO 2018-222223, WO 2018-222224, WO 2018-222225, WO 2018-222226, WO 2018-222227, WO 2018-222228, WO 2018-222229 ... No. 019 / 49031, International Publication No. 2019 / 49032, International Publication No. 2019 / 082111, JP 2019-119588 A, European Patent Application Publication No. 3521219, International Publication No. 2019 / 159116, International Publication No. 96 / 27544, International Publication No. 99 / 03766, International Publication No. 2003 / 47977, European Patent Application Publication No. 1327591, European Patent Application Publication No. 1645340, International Publication No. 2011 / 131704, European Patent Application Publication No. 2511203, and European Patent Application Publication No. 2511205.

[0006] The solutions proposed up to now have been very diverse, but they have always been application-specific solutions and therefore could only be used for very specific types of containers within a given context: for example, solutions have been proposed in which the gripping units are equipped with a kind of gripper capable of holding the neck of plastic bottles, but they could not be used to transport any type of container, such as cans or vials. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 185957 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2013 / 189656 [Patent Document 3] JP 2014-024665 A [Patent Document 4] WO 2014 / 90581 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2015 / 36159 [Patent Document 6] International Publication No. 2015 / 36197 [Patent Document 7] International Publication No. 2016 / 12171 [Patent Document 8] European Patent Application Publication No. 3034441 [Patent Document 9] International Publication No. 2016 / 102092 [Patent Document 10] European Patent Application Publication No. 3045399 [Patent Document 11] DE 4133114 A1 [Patent Document 12] European Patent Application Publication No. 3109189 [Patent Document 13] JP 2018-184294 A [Patent Document 14] WO 2019 / 49031 [Patent Document 15] WO 2019 / 49032 [Patent Document 16] International Publication No. 2019 / 082111 [Patent Document 17] JP 2019-119588 A [Patent Document 18] European Patent Application Publication No. 3521219 [Patent Document 19] International Publication No. 2019 / 159116 [Patent Document 20] WO 96 / 27544 [Patent Document 21] WO 99 / 03766 [Patent Document 22] WO 2003 / 47977 [Patent Document 23] European Patent Application Publication No. 1327591 [Patent Document 24] European Patent Application Publication No. 1645340 [Patent Document 25] International Publication No. 2011 / 131704 [Patent Document 26] European Patent Application Publication No. 2511203 [Patent Document 27] European Patent Application Publication No. 2511205 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In this connection, the technical object forming the basis of the present invention is to create a plant for treating containers which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0009] In particular, the technical object of the present invention is to create a plant for processing containers, which is equipped with a conveying device for conveying the containers and which, at least in its overall structure, can be easily adapted to containers of any type and size.

[0010] Another technical object of the present invention is to make a conveying device for conveying containers, which can be easily used in a plant for processing containers in order to move the containers from a first device to a second device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] This technical object and the stated aims are substantially realised by a plant for treating containers as set out in the appended claims.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of some preferred, non-limiting embodiments of a plant for treating containers, equipped with a conveying device for conveying containers, as illustrated in the attached drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a transport device according to a first embodiment of the invention, the transport device moving a container forward towards a pick-up device for picking up the container; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the transport device of FIG. 1 with a container reaching a pick-up device. [Diagram 3] 3A-3D show two successive steps during which the transport device of FIG. 2 releases a container to a pick-up device; [Figure 4] 3A-3D show two successive steps during which the transport device of FIG. 2 releases a container to a pick-up device; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a delivery device according to a second embodiment of the invention, in a configuration similar to that of FIG. 4; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a transport device according to the invention, in which the transport device is moving a container forward towards a pick-up device for picking up the container; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram of the transport device of FIG. 6 with a container reaching a pick-up device. [Figure 8] 8 is a view of the transport device of FIG. 7 after the plate of the pick-up device has been lifted. [Figure 9] 9A-9C show two successive steps during which the transport device of FIG. 8 releases a container to a pick-up device. [Figure 10] 9A-9C show two successive steps during which the transport device of FIG. 8 releases a container to a pick-up device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the delivery device of FIG. 10 from another perspective. [Figure 12] 11 shows the delivery device of FIG. 10 from yet another perspective. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view of the delivery device of FIG. 12 without the container. [Figure 14]FIG. 4 is a diagram of a fourth embodiment of a delivery device according to the invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a fourth embodiment of a delivery device according to the invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of two gripping units of a fifth embodiment of a transport device according to the invention (the transported containers are shown in outline only). [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the two gripping units of FIG. 16 mounted on a fixed support unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a top view of the element in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] With reference to the above figures, the reference number 1 indicates as a whole a conveying device according to the invention, adapted to convey a container 2 along a movement path.

[0015] The invention relates to a plant for processing containers 2 comprising a conveying device 1 and a pick-up device 3 for picking up the containers 2 as well as a supply device 1 for supplying the containers 2 .

[0016] The attached figure shows only the final section of the travel path, i.e. the section terminating at the container pick-up device 3 (arrival station 4), while the initial section, i.e. the section at the supply device for supplying the container 2 (departure station), is not shown.

[0017] The transport device 1 comprises a fixed support unit 5. The fixed support unit 5 extends along an elongated track and parallel to the path of movement along part of its length. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed support unit 5 defines a sliding rail 6. In some preferred embodiments, the elongated track is closed.

[0018] At least one gripping unit 7 is slidably associated with the fixed support unit 5 for moving along the extended track. In some embodiments, the gripping unit 7 moves circularly along the extended track, especially when the extended track is closed. Advantageously, however, similar to any other prior art transport device 1, the transport device 1 according to the invention also comprises a plurality of gripping units 7 mounted one after the other on the fixed support unit 5. As will be explained in more detail below, each gripping unit 7 is movable independently of the others along the fixed support unit 5, meaning, for example, that each unit is movable while one or more of the others are stationary and / or can move at different instantaneous speeds relative to the others. In another way, the fact that the gripping units 7 move independently of each other does not mean that the gripping units 7 can change position relative to each other along the extended track, unless the fixed support unit 5 is specifically configured with multiple parallel paths that allow the gripping units 7 to "overtake" each other.

[0019] Each gripping unit 7 is configured to hold and move a container 2 along a movement path. Indeed, advantageously, the gripping unit 7 comprises a first holding element 8 slidably connected to the fixed support unit 5 and having a first working part 9, and a second holding element 10 slidably connected to the fixed support unit 5 and having a second working part 11. In a preferred embodiment, each gripping unit 7 is composed of an assembly of the first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10. According to a method that will be explained in detail below, the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 are configured to define between them a housing 12 for the container 2 that is moved along the movement path.

[0020] The second retaining element 10 is aligned alongside the first retaining element 8 such that one is located upstream (rear) and one is located downstream (front) relative to the direction in which the first retaining element 8 and the second retaining element 10 move forward along the travel path.

[0021] When the extension track along which the fixed support unit 5 runs is closed, the working range and the return range are considered to be identical in the extension track. The working range is the range along which the gripping unit 7 is positioned and along which the gripping unit 7 moves the container 2 forward along the movement path, while the return range is the range along which the gripping unit 7 is positioned and along which the gripping unit 7 returns from the end of the working range to the starting point. When the first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10 move along the working range, the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 move along the movement path.

[0022] The first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10 are also independently movable along the fixed support unit 5. In particular, each of them is movable by a respective linear motor actuator, which is part of the transport device 1.

[0023] The first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10 are independently movable but coordinated with each other, and by complementary movements, independently but appropriately controlled, can be switched between their complementary configurations, working and home. In the working configuration (FIG. 2 or FIG. 7), the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 are closed together and define between them a housing 12 for the container 2. Meanwhile, in the home configuration (FIG. 4 or FIG. 10), the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 are distanced from each other so as to allow the container 2 to be positioned between them (so that the container 2 in the housing 12 can be blocked by switching to the next working configuration) or to allow the container 2 previously contained in the housing 12 to come out.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, at least at the departure station and / or the arrival station 4 of the travel path, the first working unit 9 and the second working unit 11 are positioned alongside the fixed support unit 5, below or above the fixed support unit 5, but at a distance in either case to keep the space below the housing 12 sufficiently free.

[0025] Indeed, advantageously, the movement path extends between the departure station and the arrival station 4, and at least at the departure station and / or the arrival station 4, the device defines a space below the first working part 9, the second working part 11 (and the support part described below) to enable the container supply device and / or the container pick-up device 3, respectively, to be positioned below the gripping unit 7.

[0026] Preferably, the first working unit 9 and the second working unit 11 switch from a home position to a working position at a departure station of the travel path and maintain the working configuration as the first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10 move along the working range of the extended track and move the container 2 forward along the travel path. The first working unit 9 and the second working unit 11 switch to the home configuration at an arrival station 4 of the travel path.

[0027] Advantageously, the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 are cooperatively configured to at least partially surround the container 2 when in the working configuration and prevent the container 2 from emerging from the side of the housing 12. As shown in the attached figures, this result can be achieved, for example, by giving only one of the two, the first working part 9 and the second working part 11, a C, U or V shape (seen in plan). In contrast, the other can be constituted by a simple flat vertical wall, preferably perpendicular to the path of movement. In contrast, in other embodiments, both the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 can have a C, U, L or V shape.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first working unit 9 and the second working unit 11 are configured to lock the container 2 to be moved between them, preventing the container 2 from moving relative to the housing 12 when the first working unit 9 and the second working unit 11 are in the working configuration.

[0029] In contrast, in other embodiments, the first working unit 9 and the second working unit 11 are configured not to lock the container 2 to be moved between them, and when the first working unit 9 and the second working unit 11 are in the working configuration but holding the container 2, they hold the container while allowing movement relative to the housing 12 (e.g. rotation around the container 2 itself).

[0030] In some embodiments, it is also possible that the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 can adopt different positions on the respective holding elements 8, 10 and / or that the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 can change their shape in order to be adapted to different types and sizes of containers 2. In particular, it may be the case that the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 can adopt different positions to vary their distance from each other and / or that those with a C, U or V shape can change their shape by increasing or decreasing the slope of the inclined zone.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10 may be provided with a number of interchangeable working parts 9, 11 to enable management of a number of containers 2 having different shapes and / or sizes.

[0032] According to an optional aspect of the invention, at least one of the first working part 9 or the second working part 11 also comprises a support 13 which, in the working configuration, constitutes a lower support for the container 2 arranged in a housing 12 formed between the first working part 9 and the second working part 11. In other words, the support 13 constitutes at least a part of a bottom wall for the housing 12.

[0033] In some embodiments, only one of the working units 9, 11 comprises a support 13. In other embodiments, both working units 9, 11 comprise a support 13.

[0034] A support 13 is provided connected to each working portion 9 , 11 , in some embodiments the support portions 13 have complementary shapes and join together to form at least a part of the bottom wall of the housing 12 .

[0035] Depending on design choice, support 13 (or each support 13) may adopt different shapes.

[0036] In some embodiments, the support 13 comprises one or more protrusions 14. These protrusions 14 extend in a cantilever style, mainly along the parallel direction of the movement path. Preferably, when viewed in plan, these protrusions 14 have the appearance of fingers, with a constant cross section or a cross section that decreases away from the rest of the working part to which the protrusions 14 are fixed. If both working parts 9, 11 comprise a support 13 with protrusions 14, these two supports 13 are advantageously shaped to match each other.

[0037] In some embodiments, the support 13 is also U- or C-shaped and defines the periphery of the bottom wall of the housing 12 and is intended to support the container 2 at the outer side of the bottom of the container 2. Depending on the embodiment, the U or C can have various dimensions, as shown for example in Figures 4 and 5.

[0038] In some embodiments, the U- or C-shaped support 13 may be present on only one working portion, while in other embodiments, a second support 13 configured to fill the space in the center of the U or C may be present on the other working portion (see FIG. 4 or FIG. 5).

[0039] In some embodiments, the support 13 is rigidly connected to the remainder of the first working portion 9 or second working portion 11 of which it is a part.

[0040] In contrast, in some embodiments, the support 13 is connected with a certain degree of freedom to the remainder of the first working unit 9 or second working unit 11 of which it is a part. In particular, the support 13 is movable relative to the remainder of the first working unit 9 or second working unit 11 of which it is a part about a vertical axis of rotation and / or along a horizontal direction of transverse or vertical movement relative to the path of movement.

[0041] It is particularly advantageous if the movement path follows a curved trajectory to provide a movable support 13. It is particularly advantageous if both the first working unit 9 and the second working unit 11 are provided with a support 13 and if the two supports 13 are connected to one another.

[0042] The support 13 only partially closes the bottom of the housing 12, i.e. it defines a bottom wall with an incomplete or opening 15. This is advantageously implemented as follows: In the working configuration, the housing 12 is partially open at the bottom, allowing units suitable for interacting with the container 2 contained in the housing 12 itself to be inserted into the housing 12 from below. Furthermore, the support 13 is preferably shaped in such a way that the respective working parts 9, 11 can be switched between the working configuration and the home configuration, while they are inserted into the housing 12 from below and interact with the container 2. For that purpose, it is necessary that the open space 15 into which they are inserted is not completely surrounded by the support 13, but instead opens laterally, at least at the side directed towards the other working part. This embodiment is particularly preferred if such a unit is a unit for loading or unloading the container 2 into or from the housing 12, as for example in the embodiment of Figs. 6 to 13.

[0043] Advantageously, the support 13 is therefore configured to couple to a container supply device at a departure station of the movement path and to a container pick-up device 3 at an arrival station 4 of the movement path. At the same time, when the support 13 is present, it enables the supply device and / or the pick-up device 3, respectively, to interact with the bottom of the container 2 and to support the container 2 from below during supply to and / or pick-up from the housing 12, respectively.

[0044] In some embodiments in which there is only one support 13, the support 13 is advantageously part of the holding element 8, 10, this support 13 being arranged rearward relative to the forward movement direction of the container 2 along the movement path.

[0045] In contrast, in some embodiments, the housing 12 is completely opened at the bottom and the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 are configured to lock the container 2 to be moved between them by acting only on the sides of the container 2. An example of this type, shown in Figs. 15 to 17, illustrates two adjacent gripping units 7. The first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10 of each gripping unit 7 are shown gripping a container 12. The container 2 is shown only in its outer dimensions. The gripping occurs only by the force exerted on the container by the first and second working parts 9, 11 of each holding element 8, 10. As can be easily deduced, there will always be an air gap of only a few millimeters if necessary, between the first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10, even if they are very close to each other in the working configuration.

[0046] The transport device 1 is arranged between a container supply device and a container pick-up device 3 , and the movement path extends between a departure station at the container supply device and a arrival station 4 at the container pick-up device 3 .

[0047] More specifically, at the departure station, the container supply device is coupled to the transport device 1 in order to position the container 2 between the first working part 9 and the second working part 11. In a preferred embodiment, that occurs while the first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10 are in the home configuration. In other embodiments, however, it is also possible that the container 2 is supplied directly into the housing 12 formed by the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 in the working configuration (this is possible when the first working part 9 and the second working part 11 are not configured to lock the container 2 when in the working configuration).

[0048] In order to release the container 2 contained in the housing 12 to the pick-up device 3 for picking up the container 2 at the arrival station 4, the transport device 1 is coupled to the pick-up device 3. Advantageously, the release occurs when the first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10 switch from the working configuration to the home configuration.

[0049] Both the supply device and the pick-up device 3 may adopt the most suitable structure depending on the requirements. Moreover, each type of pick-up device 3 may also be used as a supply device. This is fulfilled when the operations of the two cases are reversed.

[0050] In one embodiment, the delivery device may consist of a robotic arm suitable for positioning the container 2 at a precise location between the first workstation 9 and the second workstation 11 .

[0051] If the first working unit 9 and the second working unit 11 are in the home configuration when they arrive at the departure station, or are in the working configuration but switch to the home configuration to enable loading of the container 2, the transport device 1 is configured to switch the first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10 to the working configuration after the first working unit 9 and the second working unit 11 are still at the departure station and the container supply device has positioned the container 2 between the first working unit 9 and the second working unit 11.

[0052] Advantageously, the switching can take place by adopting special methods that make it possible to avoid undesired movements of the container 2. For example, if only one of the two working units 9, 11 is equipped with a support 13, the switching from the home configuration to the working configuration can advantageously take place by placing the working unit 9, 11 without the support 13 against or close to the container 2 and then moving the other working unit 11, 9 until it reaches the working configuration and forcing the support 13 to be inserted below the container 2. This method of handling can be particularly useful when the support 13 has to be forcibly inserted below the container 2.

[0053] At the arrival station 4 the transport device 1 is in contrast arranged to switch the first holding element 8 and the second holding element 10 from a working configuration to a home configuration.

[0054] In an embodiment in which the bottom wall of the housing 12 is open and something can be inserted from below, the container supply device and / or the container pick-up device 3 may comprise a lifting element for lifting and lowering the container 2. This lifting element is shaped so that it can be inserted into the housing 12 from below, through the space left free by the support 13.

[0055] In some embodiments, the supply device and / or the pick-up device 3 may comprise (at the departure station and / or at the arrival station 4, respectively) a support plate 16 connectable at its bottom to the gripping unit 7. The support plate 16 then comprises one or more lifting or liftable parts, which can be inserted from below into the housing 12 in order to independently support the containers 2 of the gripping unit 7.

[0056] Examples of this type are shown diagrammatically in the accompanying Figures 6 to 13, in which the pick-up device 3 is composed of a plate carousel 17. Each support plate 16 is then vertically movable relative to the carousel 17, can rotate relative to the carousel 17 about its central axis, and can rotate together with the carousel 17 about its central axis.

[0057] The support portion 13 has a rectangular plan with a long side significantly longer than the short side, while the support plate 16 has an overall circular plan with a diameter that can be inscribed in the housing 12 formed between the first working portion 9 and the second working portion 11.

[0058] The support plate 16 has a central diametrical channel 18 (in plan view, it has the shape of a circular segment with two bases) which separates into two mirror-like contact portions 19, each with a plan view having the shape of a circular segment with a base. The channel 18 has a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of the support portion 13, so that the support portion 13 can be completely contained within the channel 18. Furthermore, the support plate 16 is vertically movable between a lowered position (FIG. 7), in which the contact portion 19 is located at a lower height than the support portion 13 and the working portions 9, 11, and a raised position (FIG. 8), in which the support portion 13 is inserted into the channel 18 and the contact portion 19 projects inside the housing 12.

[0059] Thus, by suitably rotating the support plate 16, it is possible to position the support plate 16 in a lowered position below the gripping unit 7 when the gripping unit 7 reaches the arrival station 4, aligning the channel 18 with the support 13 (FIG. 7). The gripping unit 7 is maintained at the arrival station 4, and the support plate 16 can then be raised to a raised position so that the contacts 19 entering the housing 12 lift the container 2 against the support 13. At this point, the working parts 9, 11 (i.e. the holding elements) can be switched from the working configuration to the home configuration, releasing the container 2 resting on the support plate 16. A subsequent rotation of the carousel 17 will then bring the container 2 out of the path of movement.

[0060] In case the container 2 is not sufficiently stable once placed on the support plate 16 (e.g. in the case of bottles), it is also possible to provide an upper holding unit 20 in the container supply device and / or the container pick-up device 3 (equipped with the support plate 16). The upper holding unit 20 is movable between its raised position, vertically aligned with the support plate 16 and located outside the path of movement, and its lowered position, partially inserted into the path of movement to hold the upper part of the container 2 (e.g. the head of a bottle).

[0061] The operation of the conveying device 1 according to the invention and of a plant equipped with the conveying device 1 follows immediately from the above description and the illustrative drawings in the attached drawings.

[0062] The present invention provides important advantages.

[0063] Firstly, the invention allows one to develop a type of conveying device for conveying containers, which can be easily adapted to any type and size of container.

[0064] Secondly, the invention makes it possible to make a transport device for transporting containers which can be easily used in a plant for processing containers in order to move the containers from a first device to a second device.

[0065] The invention as described can be modified and adapted in various ways without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

[0066] All the details may be replaced with other technical equivalents, and the materials used, as well as the shape and dimensions of the various components, may be varied depending on the requirements.

Claims

1. A plant for processing containers (2), comprising a container supply device, a container pick-up device (3) and a transport device (1), said transport device (1) being arranged between said container supply device and said container pick-up device (3) for transporting the containers (2) along a movement path extending between a departure station and a arrival station (4) of the plant, The conveying device (1) a fixed support unit (5) extending along the elongated track and parallel to said path of movement along part of its length; at least one gripping unit (7) slidably associated with said fixed support unit (5) for circular movement along said elongated track and configured to hold and move a container (2) along said path of movement; Equipped with Furthermore, the gripping unit (7) comprises a first holding element (8) slidably connected to the fixed support unit (5) and having a first working part (9), the gripping unit (7) comprises a second holding element (10) slidably connected to the fixed support unit (5) alongside the first holding element (8) and having a second working part (11); the conveying device (1) comprises separate linear motor actuators for the first holding element (8) and for the second holding element (10), when the first holding element (8) and the second holding element (10) move along the working range of the extension track, the first working part (9) and the second working part (11) move along the movement path, said first holding element (8) and said second holding element (10) are moved independently along said stationary support unit (5) by means of separate linear motor actuators and by their independent movement, said first holding element (8) and said second holding element (10) being switchable between their complementary configurations between a working configuration, in which said first working part (9) and said second working part (11) are closed together and define between them a housing (12) for said container (2), and a home configuration, in which said first working part (9) and said second working part (11) are at a distance from each other, said first working unit (9) and said second working unit (11) are in said working configuration when said first holding element (8) and said second holding element (10) move along said working range of said extension track in order to move said container (2) forward along said movement path, At the departure station, the container supply device is coupled to the transport device (1) for positioning a container (2) between the first work station (9) and the second work station (11), while the first holding element (8) and the second holding element (10) are in a home configuration, the transport device (1) is configured to switch the first holding element (8) and the second holding element (10) into the working configuration while the first working unit (9) and the second working unit (11) are still at the departure station and after the container supply device has positioned the container (2) between the first working unit (9) and the second working unit (11), At the arrival station (4), the transport device (1) is configured to switch the first holding element (8) and the second holding element (10) into a home configuration, when the first holding element (8) and the second holding element (10) are switched from the working configuration to the home configuration, at the arrival station (4), the transport device (1) is coupled to the container pickup device (3) for releasing the container (2) contained in the housing (12) to the container pickup device (3), In said working configuration, said housing (12) is at least partially open at the bottom, allowing the insertion into said housing (12) from below of a unit suitable for interacting with said container (2) contained in said housing (12); The plant, wherein each of the container supply devices and / or the container pickup devices (3) comprises a support plate (16) connectable at its bottom to the gripping unit (7) at the departure station and / or the arrival station (4), respectively, the support plate (16) comprising one or more raised or liftable portions which are inserted into the housing (12) from below in order to independently support the container (2) of the gripping unit (7) at the departure station and / or the arrival station (4), respectively.

2. 2. The plant for processing containers as described in claim 1, wherein each of the container supply devices and / or the container pickup devices (3) also comprises an upper holding unit (20), which is vertically aligned with the support plate (16) and movable between an upper position located outside the movement path and a lowered position partially inserted into the movement path to hold an upper portion of the container (2).

3. 3. A plant for treating containers according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first working part (9) and the second working part (11) are configured to lock the container (2) for movement between them when in a working configuration.

4. 4. A plant for treating vessels according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the first working part (9) or the second working part (11) comprises a support part (13), which in the working configuration constitutes a lower support part for a vessel (2) arranged in the housing (12) between the first working part (9) and the second working part (11).

5. 5. A plant for treating containers as claimed in claim 4, wherein the support (13) comprises one or more protrusions (14), which extend in a cantilever style mainly along a direction parallel to the path of movement.

6. 5. A plant for treating vessels according to claim 4, wherein the support (13) is U- or C-shaped.

7. A plant for treating vessels according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the support (13) only partially closes the bottom of the housing (12).

8. A plant for processing containers according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the support (13) is configured to couple with the container supply device at the departure station and / or with the container pickup device (3) at the arrival station (4), respectively, enabling each of the supply device and / or the pickup device (3) to interact with a bottom of the container (2) for supplying the container (2) to the housing (12) and / or for picking up the container (2) from the housing (12).

9. 9. A plant for treating vessels according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein both the first working part (9) and the second working part (11) comprise a support part (13), which in the working configuration constitutes a lower support part for a vessel (2) arranged between the first working part (9) and the second working part (11).

10. A plant for treating containers as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the second holding element (10) is arranged behind the first holding element (8) relative to the forward movement direction of the container (2) along the movement path, the second holding element (10) comprising the support (13).

11. 4. A plant for treating containers as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the housing (12) is completely open at the bottom and the first working part (9) and the second working part (11) are configured to lock the container (2) to be moved between them by acting only on the sides.

12. A plant for treating containers according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first working part (9) and the second working part (11) are positioned side-by-side on the fixed support unit (5).

13. A plant for processing containers as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least at the departure station and / or the arrival station (4), the conveying device defines a space below the first working section (9) and the second working section (11) to enable each of the container supply device and / or the container pickup device (3) to be positioned below the gripping unit (7).

14. A plant for treating containers according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a plurality of holding units (7) mounted one after the other on the fixed support unit (5) and movable independently of one another along the fixed support unit (5).

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