Output wheel with double collecting wheel for a packaging machine

Abstract

There is described a packaging machine (1) for packaging a pourable product into containers (2), the packaging machine (1) comprises: at least one operative unit (3, 4) configured to perform a packaging operation on the containers (2) and having a carousel (5, 8) for conveying the containers (2) along an operative path; an output wheel (11) arranged operatively downstream of the operative unit (3, 4) and configured to receive the processed containers (2) from the operative unit (3, 4); the packaging machine (1) further comprises at least two collecting wheels (12, 13) arranged operatively downstream of the output wheel (11) and configured to collect the containers (2) from the output wheel (11) and to feed the containers (2) to two respective distinct exit rows (14a, 14b).

Description

OUTPUT WHEEL WITH DOUBLE COLLECTING WHEEL FOR A PACKAGING MACHINE

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine for packaging a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product, into containers, such as glass or plastic bottles or jars.

[0002] Packaging machines for packaging a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product like water, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, milk, juice or similar, into containers are known.

[0003] In detail, such packaging machines are configured for packaging the pourable product by means of the containers.

[0004] To this end, the known packaging machines comprise a number of operative units, each configured to carry out a specific operation during a packaging process of the aforementioned pourable product into the containers.

[0005] For example, a packaging machine typically comprises:

[0006] - a filling unit configured to fill the containers with a predetermined amount of pourable product;

[0007] - a capping unit configured to apply one cap to each filled container; and, preferably

[0008] - a labelling unit configured to apply labels either onto the filled and capped containers or onto the containers prior to the filling and capping thereof.

[0009] According to a well-known configuration, each one of the aforementioned units comprises a respective carousel configured to convey the containers along an operative path, along which the containers are subjected to the respective operation (filling, capping, labelling).

[0010] Usually, a packaging machine of the known type further comprises:

[0011] - an outfeed wheel arranged downstream of all the operative units and which is configured to receive the processed containers from the carousel of the last operative unit (typically, the capping unit);

[0012] - a single linear conveyor, such as a belt conveyor, which is arranged downstream of the outfeed wheel thereby receiving the processed containers therefrom.

[0013] More precisely, the linear conveyor is configured to output the processed containers from the packaging machine, with the purpose of feeding them to other operative units, such as a palletizer unit.

[0014] In light of the above, it is evident that the single linear conveyor must absorb the totality of the processed container, whatever the production rate may be.

[0015] In this regard, the Applicant has observed that in some cases, for example in case of a high production rate whereby the carousels of the various units operate at high speed, a high number of containers flows into the linear conveyor, thereby increasing the risk of impacts, jamming and damage of the containers.

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine which is designed to overcome the above-mentioned drawback in a straightforward and low-cost manner.

[0017] This object is achieved by a packaging machine as claimed in the appended independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are laid down in the appended dependent claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] is a schematic top-view, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging machine according to the present invention; and

[0020] is a larger-scale, schematic top-view, with parts removed for clarity, of a detail of the packaging machine of.

[0021] With reference to, number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine configured for packaging a pourable product preferably a pourable food product such as water, milk, beer, wine, soft drinks, juice or similar, into containers 2, such as plastic or glass bottles or jars, which the present description will refer to without however losing generality.

[0022] Packaging machine 1 comprises a number of operative units, each configured to carry out a specific packaging operation during a packaging process of the aforementioned pourable product into the containers 2.

[0023] For example, each operative unit may be one of a filling unit, a capping unit or a labelling unit.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment shown in, packaging machine 1 comprises:

[0025] - a filling unit 3 for filling containers 2 with the pourable product; and

[0026] - a capping unit 4 for capping containers 2, i.e. for applying caps or closure members onto the filled containers.

[0027] That is, the filling unit 3 and the capping unit 4 define respective operative units of the packaging machine 1.

[0028] In detail, filling unit 3 comprises:

[0029] - a carousel 5 rotatable about a central axis A, preferably vertical, and configured to retain and advance a sequence of containers 2 along an arc-shaped filling path;

[0030] - a plurality of filling devices or filling valves 6, which are peripherally carried by carousel 5 and which are configured to deliver a predetermined amount of pourable product into containers 2 while these latter are advanced along the filling path.

[0031] In use, empty containers 2 are fed to carousel 5, preferably by means of an input wheel 7 of machine 1 arranged upstream of filling unit 3, and are retained by this latter at respective peripheral seats thereof. The filling path defines a filling angle with respect to axis A, along which containers 2 are conveyed by rotation of carousel 5. At the same time, each filling device 6, which is preferably located above one respective seat, feeds the pourable product into the respective container 2 retained by such seat.

[0032] Similarly, capping unit 4 comprises:

[0033] - a carousel 8 rotatable about a central axis A, preferably vertical, and configured to retain and advance a sequence of containers 2 along an arc-shaped capping path;

[0034] - a plurality of capping devices or capping heads (known per se and not shown), which are peripherally carried by carousel 8 and which are configured to apply a cap or closure member to a respective container 2 while this latter is advanced along the capping path.

[0035] In light of the above, each operative unit 3, 4 defines an operative path (specifically, a filling path or capping path) and comprises a respective rotatable carousel 5, 8 for conveying the containers 2 along such operative path.

[0036] In one embodiment, the operative unit may be a labelling unit (not shown) for labelling the containers 2 advanced along a labelling path, which then defines the operative path.

[0037] That is, machine 1 may also comprise such a labelling unit.

[0038] In the case in which machine 1 comprises both the filling unit 3 and the capping unit 4, the operative path is defined by both the filling path and the capping path.

[0039] Preferably, packaging machine 1 further comprises a transfer wheel 10 operatively interposed between the filling unit 3 and the capping unit 4. The transfer wheel is configured to transfer the filled containers from the carousel 5 to the carousel 8.

[0040] Packaging machine 1 also comprises an output wheel 11 arranged operatively downstream of the capping unit 4, and configured to receive the filled and capped containers therefrom.

[0041] In detail, output wheel 11 is arranged downstream of all the operative units, and more precisely downstream of the operative unit which is last along the operative path.

[0042] That is, the output wheel 11 is arranged downstream of the most downstream operative unit of the at least two operative units.

[0043] Hence, output wheel 11 is configured to receive (or withdraw) capped containers 2 from carousel 8, that is processed containers from the (last) operative unit.

[0044] According to an aspect of the present invention, packaging machine 1 further comprises at least two collecting wheels 12, 13. The collecting wheels 12 and 13 are arranged operatively downstream of the output wheel 11. The collecting wheels 12 and 13 are configured to collect the containers 2 from the output wheel 11 and to feed the containers 2 to two respective distinct exit rows 14a, 14b.

[0045] Opportunely, output wheel 11 is rotatable about a central axis C, preferably vertical.

[0046] Opportunely, collecting wheels 12, 13 are both rotatable about respective central axes D, E, which are preferably vertical.

[0047] According to the non-limiting preferred embodiment shown, packaging machine 1 comprises two collecting wheels, a first collecting wheel 12 and a second collecting wheel 13.

[0048] Furthermore, packaging machine 1 comprises at least two linear conveyors 15, 16, each defining one said exit row 14a, 14b, respectively.

[0049] Preferably, each linear conveyor 15, 16 is a belt conveyor.

[0050] According to the invention, each collecting wheel 12, 13 is configured to feed the respectively collected containers 2 (collected from the output wheel 11) to a single respective linear conveyor 15, 16.

[0051] More precisely, the machine 1 comprises a first linear conveyor 15, defining a first exit row 14a, and a second linear conveyor 16, defining a second exit row 14b.

[0052] According to the invention, the first collecting wheel 12 feeds containers 2 only to the first linear conveyor 15, whereas the second collecting feeds containers 2 only to the second linear conveyor 16.

[0053] Advantageously, output wheel 11 includes a first group of support members 11a (only schematically shown), adapted to receive and support a first plurality of containers 2a, and a second group of support members 11b (only schematically shown), adapted to receive and support a second plurality of containers 2b.

[0054] Each support member 11a or 11b may be, for example, a gripper member adapted to grip each container 2 at a neck portion thereof.

[0055] Alternatively, each support member 11a or 11b may be defines by a receiving seat obtained in the peripheral portion of the output wheel 11.

[0056] In the following, the support members of the first group may be indicated as “first support members 11a”, and the support members of the second group may be indicated as "second support members 11b”.

[0057] As shown in particular in, the first support members 11a are interspersed in an alternate manner with the second support members 11b.

[0058] In detail, each first support member 11a is preceded and followed by a second support member 11b.

[0059] Consequently, the containers 2a of the first plurality are interspersed, in use, in an alternate manner with the containers 2b of the second plurality.

[0060] According to the invention, the first collecting wheel 12 collects only the containers 2a from first support members 11a, and the second collecting wheel 13 collects only the containers 2b from second support members 11b.

[0061] Thanks to the presence of at least two collecting wheels 12, 13 and the at least two respective linear conveyors 15, 16, the Applicant has observed a significative reduction of the risk of impacts between processed and output containers 2, as well as a reduction of jamming and damage thereof.

[0062] In fact, by dividing the flow of processed containers to output into two sub-flows of containers 2a, 2b, the total flow of processed containers 2 to be output from the operative units 3, 4 is managed by at least two linear conveyors 15, 16.

[0063] This results in a better managing of the output flow and, ultimately, in less risk of jamming, damage and impacts.

[0064] This is particularly relevant for high production rates / speeds.

[0065] Consequently, the total production costs are reduced.

[0066] Preferably, the two collecting wheels 12, 13 are configured to collect containers 2 in parallel from the output wheel 11.

[0067] In this way, it is ensured that each linear conveyor 15, 16 receives substantially the same rate of containers 2a, 2b, respectively, so that the total production rate can be maintained constant.

[0068] As shown in, the output wheel 11 is configured to advance the containers 2 along an outfeed path along which the containers 2a, 2b are spaced by a first pitch F1.

[0069] In particular, each container 2a and the subsequent container 2b on the output wheel 11 are spaced by an angular distance which defines such first pitch F1.

[0070] More in particular, each first support member 11a is spaced by the subsequent second support member 11b by an angular distance equal to the first pitch F1.

[0071] In other words, the support members 11a, 11b of the output wheel 11 are spaced from one another along the outfeed path by said first pitch F1.

[0072] Advantageously, each one of the collecting wheels 12, 13 is configured to advance the containers 2a, 2b spaced by a second pitch F2 greater than the first pitch F1.

[0073] In particular, each container 2a and the subsequent container 2a on the first collecting wheel 12 are spaced by an angular distance which defines such second pitch F2.

[0074] Similarly, each container 2b and the subsequent container 2b on the second collecting wheel 13 are spaced by an angular distance which defines such second pitch F2.

[0075] More specifically, each collecting wheel 12, 13 includes a plurality of collecting members 17 (only schematically shown, for example gripper members or, alternatively receiving seats, located at a peripheral portion of each respective collecting wheel 12, 13) arranged along the outfeed path, each configured to receive and support a respective processed container 2a, 2b respectively.

[0076] Accordingly, the collecting members 17 are spaced, on each collecting wheel 12, 13, along the outfeed path by said second pitch F2.

[0077] Opportunely, the second pitch F2 is defined by a (angular) distance equal to the first pitch F1 times the number of collecting wheels 12, 13 that are present in packaging machine 1.

[0078] Hence, in the preferred described embodiment wherein the machine 1 includes two collecting wheels 12, 13, second pitch F2 is double the first pitch F1.

[0079] In this way, it is ensured that the collecting wheels 12, 13 advance with a peripheral velocity correspondent to the peripheral velocity of the output wheel 11.

[0080] Hence, it is ensured that all the wheels are synchronous with one another, thereby ensuring the desired production rate.

[0081] The advantages of packaging machine 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0082] In particular, thanks to the presence of at least two collecting wheels 12, 13 and the at least two respective linear conveyors 15, 16, the Applicant has observed a significative reduction of the risk of impacts between processed and output containers 2, as well as a reduction of jamming and damage thereof.

[0083] In fact, by dividing the flow of processed containers to output into two sub-flows of containers 2a, 2b, the total flow of processed containers 2 to be output from the operative units 3, 4 is managed by at least two linear conveyors 15, 16.

[0084] This results in a better managing of the output flow and, ultimately, in less risk of jamming, damage and impacts.

[0085] This is particularly relevant for high production rates / speeds.

[0086] Consequently, the total production costs are reduced.

[0087] Clearly, changes may be made to packaging machine 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Packaging machine (1) for packaging a pourable product into containers (2), the packaging machine (1) comprising:- at least one operative unit (3, 4) configured to perform a packaging operation on the containers (2) and comprising a carousel (5, 8) for conveying the containers (2) along an operative path;- an output wheel (11) arranged operatively downstream of the operative unit (3, 4) and configured to receive the processed containers (2) from the operative unit (3, 4);and wherein the packaging machine (1) further comprises at least two collecting wheels (12, 13) arranged operatively downstream of the output wheel (11) and configured to collect the containers (2) from the output wheel (11) and to feed the containers (2) to two respective distinct exit rows (14a, 14b).Packaging machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the packaging machine (1) comprises at least two linear conveyors (15, 16), each defining one said exit row (14a, 14b),and wherein each collecting wheel (12, 13) is configured to feed the respectively collected containers (2) to a single respective linear conveyor (15, 16).Packaging machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the two collecting wheels (12, 13) comprise a first collecting wheel (12) and a second collecting wheel (13), the output wheel (11) includes a first group of support members (11a), adapted to receive and support a first plurality of containers (2a), and a second group of support members (11b), adapted to receive and support a second plurality of containers (2b), the support members (11a) of the first group being interspersed in an alternate manner with the support members (11b) of the second group;wherein the machine is configured so that the first collecting wheel (12) collects only the containers (2a) from support members (11a) of said first group, and wherein the machine is configured so that the second collecting wheel (13) collects only the containers (2b) from support members (11b) of said second group.Packaging machine as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the two collecting wheels (12, 13) comprise a first collecting wheel (12) and a second collecting wheel (13),wherein the two linear conveyors (15, 16) include a first linear conveyor (15) and a second linear conveyor (16);wherein machine is configured so that the first collecting wheel (12) feeds the collected containers (2a) only to the first linear conveyor (15), and wherein the machine is configured so that the second collecting wheel (13) feeds the collected containers (2b) only to the second linear conveyor (16).Packaging machine as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the two collecting wheels (12, 13) are configured to collect containers (2) in parallel from the output wheel (11).Packaging machine as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the output wheel (11) is configured to advance the containers (2) along an outfeed path along which the containers (2) are spaced by a first pitch (F1);and wherein each one of the collecting wheels (12, 13) is configured to advance the containers (2a, 2b) spaced by a second pitch (F2) greater than the first pitch (F1).Packaging machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the output wheel (11) includes a plurality of support members (11a, 11b) arranged along the outfeed path, each configured to receive and support a respective processed container (2a, 2b);wherein each collecting wheel (12, 13) includes a plurality of collecting members (17) arranged along the outfeed path, each configured to receive and support a respective processed container (2a, 2b);wherein the support members (11a, 11b) are spaced along the outfeed path by said first pitch (F1);and wherein the collecting members (17) are spaced along the outfeed path by said second pitch (F2).Packaging machine as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the second pitch (F2) is defined by a distance equal to the first pitch (F1) times the number of collecting wheels (12, 13) of packaging machine (1).Packaging machine as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the operative unit is a filling unit (3) or a capping unit (4) or a labelling unit.Packaging machine as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, and comprising at least two operative units (3, 4) arranged one after the other along the operative path;and wherein the output wheel (11) is arranged downstream of the most downstream operative unit (4) of the at least two operative units (3, 4).

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