WO2024153313A1

WO2024153313A1 - Capping machine with output in line cap decoration

Info

Publication number: WO2024153313A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/050929
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antonio MANCINO; Mattia Giuliani
Original assignee: Sidel Participations
Priority date: 2023-01-17
Filing date: 2023-01-17
Publication date: 2024-07-25

Abstract

There is described a capping machine (1) for cappin g containers (2) adapted to contain a pourable produc t, the capping machine (1) comprising:- a first conveyor ( 3) for advancing a plurality of containers (2) along a cap ping path (C) and comprising a plurality of capping devi ces (4), each capping device being configured for cappi ng a respective container (2) advancing along the cappin g path (C);- a second conveyor (6) which is arranged opera tively downstream of the first conveyor (3) for receiving a 10 plurality of capped containers (2) therefrom, and configured for advancing the capped containers (2) along a decorating path (D); and a decorating module (7) which is operatively associated to the second conveyor (6 ) and configured for applying a decoration (8) on each ca p (2a) 15 of the capped containers (2) advancing along the decorating path (D); wherein the capping machine (1 ) is configured so that the operation of the decorating module (7) is synchronized with the operation of the cappi ng devices (4).

Description

CAPPING MACHINE WITH OUTPUT IN LINE CAP DECORATION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a capping machine for capping containers adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product. BACKGROUND ART Packaging a pourable product, and preferably a pourable food product such as water, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, milk, juice or similar, into containers is known. Such a packaging process is carried out by means of packaging assemblies which typically comprise a number of units or machines, each configured to carry out a specific operation during the packaging of the product into the containers. For example, in case of plastic containers, such as bottles or flacons, a packaging assembly typically comprises: - a blower machine configured to form plastic containers starting from known preforms of plastic material; - a filling machine configured to fill the containers with a predetermined amount of pourable product; - a capping machine for capping the filled containers; and - a labelling machine for labelling the containers. In case the containers are made of glass, such as glass bottles or glass jars, the treatment assemblies generally comprise, instead of the blower machine, a washing machine, configured to wash the glass bottles with a washing fluid (such as water) prior to the filling, capping and labelling operations. In light of the above, all the aforementioned machines define, together, a packaging line along which the pourable product is packaged into the containers. It is known in the field the need for decorating the caps after their application onto the respective containers. More specifically, it is known the need for applying a decorative motive, e.g. for applying a label, onto the top wall of each cap. Such motive can be purely decorative or including useful or technical or traceability information, for example a QR code or a bar code. This process is typically carried out by means of a decorating unit including a conveyor and a decorating module (e.g. a PSL-type labeller module). In particular, the capped containers are fed to the conveyor, which is configured for conveying the capped containers along a decorating path. The decorating module (e.g. the PSL-type labeller module) is associated to the conveyor. More in particular, the PSL labeller module is arranged along the decorating path, so as to apply a label onto each cap. According to the known solutions, the decorating unit is typically operatively separated from the capping machine and from the other machines of the packaging assembly. More specifically, the capping machine comprises a capping carousel, and the conveyor of a typical decorating unit is operatively separated from the capping carousel by at least one passive buffer. In some cases, an operator manually loads the capped containers in the conveyor of the decorating unit. Therefore, the decorating unit defines a completely separated and standalone unit with respect to the capping machine (and the other machines), whereby the decoration process is operatively separated and disjoined from the capping operation, with no synchronization with the capping operation or other operations of the packaging process. The need is felt for simplifying the architecture of the known packaging assemblies, thereby reducing the footprint of their layout as well as reducing the use of buffers. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a capping machine which is designed to meet at least one of the above-mentioned needs in a straightforward and low-cost manner. This object is achieved by a capping machine as claimed in claim 1 and by a packaging line according to claim 17. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic top view, with parts removed for clarity, of a capping machine according to the present invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic top view, with parts removed for clarity, of the capping machine of Figure 1 according to an alternative configuration. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1, number 1 indicates as a whole a capping machine for capping containers 2 adapted to contain a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product, such as water, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, milk, juice or the like. Preferably, containers 2 are defined by plastic bottles or flacons. Alternatively, containers 2 may be made of glass (bottles, jars or the like). Preferably, capping machine 1 is part of a packaging line (known per se and not shown) for packaging the pourable product into containers 2, i.e. by means of containers 2. The packaging line is configured for packaging the pourable product by means of containers. The packaging line comprises the capping machine 1. The packaging line comprises a filling machine for filling the containers with the pourable product. The packaging line comprises a forming machine for forming the containers starting from preforms. The forming machine can be for example a stretch blow molding machine. The line is configured so that the operation of each machine is automatically synchronized with the operation of all the other of said machines of the line. The line comprises a decoration machine for decorating the respective bodies of the containers. The decoration machine is preferably a labelling machine. The line is configured so that the operation of the decoration machine is automatically synchronized with the operation of all the other of said machines of the line. Therefore, each machine of the line is blocked with respect to all the other machines. The line comprises the forming machine, in particular if the containers are plastic containers. In case the containers are glass containers, the line can comprise a washing machine instead of the forming machine. A packaging line is therefore defined, along which the pourable product is packaged into containers 2. Capping machine 1 comprises: - a first conveyor, in particular a carousel 3 rotatable about a central axis X, for advancing a plurality of containers 2 to be capped along a capping path C; and - a plurality of capping devices, preferably capping heads 4 of the known type (and only schematically shown), which are peripherally mounted on carousel 3 and which are configured for capping at least one container 2 at a time by means of a respective cap 2a, while the container is advancing along capping path C. In detail, according to a manner known and not described in detail, carousel 3 receives the containers 2 to be capped from an input device, such as an input star wheel 5, and receives the caps 2a to be applied from a cap feeder 11 arranged peripherally to carousel 3. In greater detail, carousel 3 has a plurality of grippers 3a (or, in another embodiment, receiving seats), each gripper 3a being arranged below one respective capping head 4, so as to keep the gripped container 2 in a capping position. Each cap 2a is fed to a respective capping head 4, which is then configured to apply such cap 2a to the container 2 below it, while such container 2 is advanced along capping path C. According to one aspect of the invention, capping machine 1 further comprises: - a second conveyor 6, arranged operatively downstream of carousel 3 for receiving a plurality of capped containers 2 therefrom and configured for advancing the capped containers 2 along a decorating path D; and - a decorating module 7 operatively associated with second conveyor 6 and configured for applying a decoration 8 on each cap 2a of the capped containers 2 advancing along decorating path D. In greater detail, decorating module 7 is configured to apply decorations 8 on a top wall of each cap 2a. Second conveyor 6 and decorating module 7 define together a decorating unit 10 of capping machine 1. Preferably, second conveyor 6 is embodied as a star wheel rotatable about a central axis Y (preferably parallel to axis X) and defines an output device 6 for capping machine 1, configured for outputting the capped containers 2 from the capping machine. The output device 6 is an output star wheel 6. Accordingly, in the following description the terms “second conveyor”, “output device” and “output star wheel” are interchangeable. According to the embodiment shown, since first conveyor is embodied as a carousel 3 and second conveyor 6 is embodied as a star wheel, paths C and D are arc- shaped about the respective axes X, Y. According to the embodiment shown, second conveyor 6 has a plurality of grippers 6a for gripping the containers 2 and for advancing them along decorating path D. Grippers 6a are peripherally mounted to the star wheel defining second conveyor 6. In light of the above, decorating module 7 is associated with an output device 6 of capping machine 1 and the decoration process is carried out on such output device 6. In other words, capping heads 4 define a capping process and decorating module 7 defines a decorating process. Preferably, containers 2 exit capping machine 1 by means of a belt conveyor 50 which is arranged downstream of second conveyor 6 and configured to receive the capped and decorated containers 2. According to the invention, capping machine 1 is configured so that the operation of decorating module 7 is automatically synchronized with the operation of capping heads 4. In particular, capping machine 1 is configured so that the decorating process is automatically synchronized with the capping process. More in particular, capping machine 1 is configured so that the operation of decorating module 7 is automatically synchronized with the rotation of carousel 3 about central axis X. Carousel 3 is configured to advance containers 2 along capping path C with a capping pitch. The capping pitch is the distance along the capping path C between the respective axes of two consecutive containers, in normal condition. Second conveyor 6 is configured to advance containers 2 along decorating path D with a decorating pitch. The decorating pitch is the distance along the decorating path D between the respective axes of two consecutive containers, in normal condition. According to the invention, the decorating pitch is equal to the capping pitch. In particular, capping machine 1 is configured so that decorating module 7 applies decorations 8 on the caps 2a along a section of decorating path D having a pitch equal to the capping pitch. In light of the above, second conveyor 6 defines an output star wheel of capping machine 1 and the decorating process is carried out at such output star wheel. The decorating process is synchronized with the capping process. Thanks to this configuration, decorating unit 10 is integrally part of capping machine 1 and does not operate as a separate standalone unit with respect to capping machine 1 or the packaging assembly. Accordingly, there is no need for a passive buffer between capping machine 1 and decorating unit 10, thereby reducing the footprint of the layout of capping machine 1 and simplifying the architecture thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, decorating module 7 comprises a labeller of the PSL type, which entails the use of self-adhesive labels initially attached on a support web from which they must then be separated to be directly glued onto the respective caps 2a. Hence, in this case each decoration 8 is defined by a self-adhesive label initially provided attached on a support web 8a. Such decorating module 7 is configured to apply at least one label to each cap 2a. The decorating module 7 is preferably of the type Pressure Sensitive Label and is preferably configured for applying, for each container advancing on the decorating path, a respective decoration on the top wall of the respective cap. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, decorating module 7 comprises a laser printer configured to sequentially print a decorating motive onto each cap 2a. Hence, in this case each decoration 8 is defined by a laser-printed motive. According to a preferred embodiment, capping machine 1 comprises: - a sensor device 12 arranged adjacent to capping path C and configured to sequentially detect the presence of containers 2 or capped containers 2 thereon, and to generate a signal correlated to the detection of a container 2 or a capped container 2; and - a control unit 13 configured to receive a plurality of said signals and to control decorating module 7 as a function of the signals. Sensor device 12 can be configured to detect the presence of containers on the input star wheel 5 or on the carousel 3. A first sector of the capping path C can be defined by the input star wheel 5 and a second sector of the capping path C can be defined by the carousel 3. In another embodiment, sensor 12 is configured to detect the presence of caps 2a onto containers 2. In this way, the operation of decorating module 7 can be easily automatically synchronized with the operation of capping heads 4, according to the invention. In particular, in case the sensor device 12 detects that there is no container under a capping head 4, and therefore that there is a gap in the advanced containers, the operation of the decorating module 7 will occur as a function of the gap, and in particular the decorating module 7 will be temporary stopped to avoid the application of the decoration at the instant the absent container is supposed to move under the decorating module 7. In this way the efficiency of the machine is improved. Figure 2 schematically illustrates an alternative configuration of capping machine 1 according to the present invention. Since capping machine 1 according to such alternative configuration is similar to capping machine 1 according to the configuration described above, only the differences between the two configurations will be highlighted, using the same reference numbers for equal or corresponding parts. In particular, capping machine 1 according to the alternative configuration further comprises a third conveyor 14 which is interposed between carousel 3 and second conveyor 6. Conveniently, third conveyor 14 is defined by a star wheel which is interposed between carousel 3 and output star wheel 6. Accordingly, third conveyor 14 is rotatable about a central axis W, which is preferably parallel to axes X and Y. According to an aspect of the invention, third conveyor 14 is configured to receive the capped containers 2 from carousel 3, to impart a predetermined angular orientation to each received container 2, and to feed the oriented containers 2 to second conveyor 6 with their respective predetermined angular orientation, so that decoration module 7 applies the respective decoration 8 on each cap 2a with a specific angular orientation with respect to the body of the respective container 2. In detail, third conveyor 14 comprises a plurality of support plates 15 peripherally mounted thereon and each rotatable about its own central axis, preferably independently from one another. In light of the above, third conveyor 14 defines an orientation star wheel configured to impart a correct angular orientation to each container 2 advanced thereon. Conveniently, sensor 12 is further configured to detect an initial angular orientation of the containers 2 advanced along capping path C, and to send a signal correlated to such detection to control unit 13. Accordingly, as schematized in Figure 2, control unit 13 is configured to receive a plurality of such signals and to control third conveyor 14 as a function of said signals, so as to drive each support plate 15 for imparting a rotation thereto, in order to provide the appropriate angular orientation to each container 2. Conveniently, third conveyor 14 is configured to advance the capped containers 2 with a pitch equal to said capping pitch. Preferably, capping machine 1 further comprises a transfer conveyor 16 interposed between carousel 3 and third conveyor 14. Conveniently, transfer conveyor 16 is defined by a star wheel interposed between carousel 3 and third conveyor 14. Accordingly, transfer conveyor 16 is rotatable about a central axis Z, which is preferably parallel to axes X, Y and W. Transfer conveyor 16 is configured to receive the capped containers 2 from carousel 3 and to feed the capped containers 2 to third conveyor 14. In this way, an interference between support plates 15 and capping heads 4 can be avoided. Hence, the effectiveness of capping machine 1 according to the invention is increased, without however rendering the architecture thereof too cumbersome and complicated. The advantages of capping machine 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description. In particular, since decorating unit 10 is integrally part of capping machine 1 and does not operate as a separate standalone unit with respect to capping machine 1 or the packaging assembly, and since the decorating process is automatically synchronized with the capping process, there is no need for a passive buffer between capping machine 1 and decorating unit 10. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the footprint of the layout of capping machine 1 and to simplify the architecture thereof. The capping machine 1 is therefore provided with an in line caps decoration functionality which is positioned at the output of the machine, to reduce the footprint of the line, in particular where there is the need of having also a forming machine, a filling machine, and a labelling machine for decorating the bodies of the containers. Clearly, changes may be made to capping machine 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Capping machine (1) for capping containers (2) adapted to contain a pourable product, the capping machine (1) comprising: - a first conveyor (3) for advancing a plurality of containers (2) along a capping path (C) and comprising a plurality of capping devices (4), each capping device being configured for capping a respective container (2) advancing along the capping path (C); - a second conveyor (6) which is arranged operatively downstream of the first conveyor (3) for receiving a plurality of capped containers (2) therefrom, and configured for advancing the capped containers (2) along a decorating path (D); and - a decorating module (7) which is operatively associated to the second conveyor (6) and configured for applying a decoration (8) on each cap (2a) of the capped containers (2) advancing along the decorating path (D); wherein the capping machine (1) is configured so that the operation of the decorating module (7) is automatically synchronized with the operation of the capping devices (4). 2.- Capping machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capping devices (4) define a capping process and the decorating module (7) defines a decorating process; wherein the capping machine (1) is configured so that the decorating process is automatically synchronized with the capping process. 3.- Capping machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, and comprising a carousel (3) rotatable about a central axis (X) and including a plurality of capping heads (4) for applying the caps (2a) to the containers (2), the carousel (3) defining said first conveyor and the capping heads (4) defining said capping devices. 4.- Capping machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the capping machine (1) is configured so that the operation of the decorating module (7) is automatically synchronized with the rotation of the carousel (3) about the central axis (X). 5.- Capping machine as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, and comprising an output device for outputting the capped containers (2) from the capping machine; wherein the second conveyor (6) defines the output device. 6.- Capping machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein the output device is an output star wheel. 7.- Capping machine as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the first conveyor (3) is configured to advance the containers (2) along the capping path (C) with a capping pitch, and the second conveyor (6) is configured to advance the containers (2) along the decorating path (D) with a decorating pitch; wherein the decorating pitch is equal to the capping pitch. 8.- Capping machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein the capping machine (1) is configured so that the decorating module (7) applies the decorations (8) on the caps (2a) along a section of the decorating path (D) having a pitch equal to the capping pitch. 9.- Capping machine as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, and further comprising: - a sensor device (12) configured to sequentially detect the presence or absence of containers or capped containers (2) on the capping path (C), and to generate a signal correlated to the presence or absence of a container or a capped container (2); and - a control unit (13) configured to receive a plurality of said signals and to control the decorating module (7) as a function of the signals, so that the operation of the decorating module (7) is synchronized with the operation of the capping devices (4). 10.- Capping machine as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, and comprising a third conveyor (14) interposed between first conveyor (3) and the second conveyor (6), the third conveyor (14) being configured to receive the capped containers (2) from the first conveyor (3), to impart a predetermined angular orientation to each received container (2) and to feed the oriented containers (2) to the second conveyor (6) with their respective predetermined angular orientation, so that the decoration module (7) applies each decoration (8) on the respective cap (2a) with a specific angular orientation with respect to the body of the respective container (2). 11.- Capping machine as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first conveyor (3) is configured to advance the containers (2) with a capping pitch, the third conveyor (14) is configured to advance the containers (2) with said capping pitch and the second conveyor (6) is configured to advance the containers (2) with a decorating pitch which is equal to the capping pitch. 12.- Capping machine according to claim 6 and according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the third conveyor (14) is defined by a star wheel which is interposed between the carousel (3) and the output star wheel (6). 13.- Capping machine according to any of claims 10 to 12, comprising a transfer conveyor (16) interposed between the first conveyor (3) and the third conveyor (14), the transfer conveyor (16) being configured to receive the capped containers (2) from the first conveyor (3) and to feed the capped containers (2) to the third conveyor (14). 14.- Capping machine according to claim 12 and 13, wherein the transfer conveyor (16) is defined by a transfer star wheel. 15.- Capping machine as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the decorating module (7) comprises a labelling module configured to sequentially apply at least one label (8) to each cap (2a), each label defining one respective decoration, the labelling module being preferably of the type Pressure Sensitive Label and being preferably configured for applying, for each container advancing on the decorating path, a respective decoration on the top wall of the respective cap. 16.- Capping machine as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 14, wherein the decorating module (7) comprises a printer configured to sequentially print a decorating motive onto each cap (2a), each decorating motive defining one respective decoration, the printer being preferably a laser printer or an inkjet printer. 17. Packaging line for packaging a pourable product by means of containers, comprising: - a capping machine according to any of claims 1 to 16; - a filling machine for filling the containers with the pourable product; - a forming machine for forming the containers starting from preforms; wherein the line is configured so that the operation of each machine is automatically synchronized with the operation of all the other of said machines of the line. 18. Packaging line according to claim 17, comprising a decoration machine for decorating the respective bodies of the containers, the decoration machine being preferably a labelling machine; the line being configured so that the operation of the decoration machine is automatically synchronized with the operation of all the other of said machines of the line.