WO2015071827A1

WO2015071827A1 - Apparatus for conveying products

Info

Publication number: WO2015071827A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/065958
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tienno Bettati
Original assignee: Bett Sistemi S.R.L.
Priority date: 2013-11-12
Filing date: 2014-11-11
Publication date: 2015-05-21
Also published as: ITBO20130620A1

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for conveying products, comprising a plurality of parts defining means (12) for feeding the products and means (14) for engaging and guiding the same products transported by the feed means and one or more devices (18) for transmitting the motion, which are operatively connected, at the inlet, to a respective longitudinal rotatable axis (22), defining a rotational motion of actuation of the device (18), and operatively connecting, at the outlet, one or more of the following axes: a longitudinal rotatable outlet axis (24), which transmits a drive motion at the inlet to a further drive device (18), a perpendicular translating axis (16) defining corresponding means for mobile support of the respective part of the conveying line to be moved, a transversal rotatable axis (26) for transmitting drive motion to a further drive device (18') and, if necessary, to a transversal rotatable axis (26) for transmitting drive motion to a further drive device (18').

Description

DESCRIPTION

APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING PRODUCTS

Technical field

This invention relates mainly to an apparatus for conveying products. Background art

There are prior at apparatuses for conveying products, preferably in a machine or a system for processing the products, and wherein the products are preferably in the form of containers for liquids, preferably food liquids, such as cans or the like, and they have in particular a format different from each other, that is to say, a different height; the apparatuses comprise, normally, one or more lines for conveying the products, adjacent and parallel to each other, and wherein the respective conveying line comprises a plurality of parts defining, respectively, means for feeding the products and means for engaging and guiding the products transported by the feed means.

More specifically, in the conveying apparatuses of the prior art type described above, the parts of the respective conveying line are mobile, or can be moved, relative to each other, to define respectively at least a first and a second configuration for conveying products having a format different from each other.

More specifically, the prior art apparatuses of the type described above comprise corresponding mobile support means for the respective part to be moved, in particular for means for engaging and guiding the upper face of the products, and at least one or more devices for driving the movable supporting means by a corresponding motion, generated by a respective actuator.

However, the drive, devices which are designed to transmit the movement to the drive devices positioned parallel to, or alongside, and which are therefore designed, overall, to operate the transversely aligned mobile support means of conveyor lines parallel to each other are not also able to be drive corresponding drive devices longitudinally distributed along the conveying apparatus.

As a result, in order to operate these drive devices which are able to transmit the movement solely to drive devices positioned parallel to the main device, the personnel must move along the conveying apparatus and operate individually each transversal row of devices for transmitting the motion.

For this reason, a problem felt in these prior art conveying apparatuses relates to the excessive time which the personnel must take for the size changeover.

Another need felt in the field concerns the need to set up, in a fast and easy manner, the means for transmitting the motion along the conveying means, in particular for transmitting the motion between drive devices and operating a corresponding part of the conveying apparatus, in particular to perform a change of configuration, which is suitable for conveying a different format of products.

Disclosure of the invention

This invention proposes a novel solution, alternative to the solutions known up to now and which can overcome one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages and/or meet one or more of the requirements mentioned in or inferable from the above.

An apparatus is provided for conveying products, preferably in a machine or a system for processing the products, wherein the products are preferably in the form of containers for liquids, preferably food liquids, such as cans or the like, and have in particular a format different from each other, the different format being in particular defined by a different height of the same products; the apparatus comprises one or more lines for conveying the products, preferably adjacent to each other, wherein the respective conveying line comprises a plurality of parts defining, respectively, means for feeding the products and means for engaging and guiding the products transported by the feed means; respective parts of the conveying line being movable relative to each other to define, respectively, at least a first and a second conveying configuration, preferably for conveying products having formats different from each other; there are means for the movable support of the part of the conveying line to be moved relatively to perform the configuration change, and at least one or more devices for driving the movable supporting means by a corresponding configuration change motion generated by a respective actuator; characterised in that the respective drive device is operatively connected, at the inlet, to a respective rotatable axis defining a rotational motion of actuation of the device, and operatively connects, at the outlet, a translating axis defining or driving corresponding movable supporting means of the respective part of the conveying line to be moved, and it is designed to connect at the outlet one or more of the following axes: a longitudinal rotatable outlet axis, which is in particular designed to transmit a drive motion at the inlet to another drive device, and a transversal rotatable axis, which is in particular designed to transmit a drive motion to a further drive device.

In this way, it is possible to operate the different mobile parts for changing the configuration of the conveying apparatus, acting in a simultaneous and centralised manner, that is to say, in a particularly fast and easy fashion and, if necessary, also in a fully automatic manner, using corresponding electronic control means, without requiring any use of personnel.

According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided for conveying products, preferably in a machine or a system for processing the products, wherein the products are preferably in the form of containers for liquids, preferably food liquids, such as cans or the like, and have in particular a format different from each other, the different format being in particular defined by a different height of the same products; the apparatus comprises one or more lines for conveying the products, preferably adjacent to each other, wherein the respective conveying line comprises a plurality of parts defining, respectively, means for feeding the products and means for engaging and guiding the products transported by the feed means; respective parts of the conveying line being movable relative to each other to define, respectively, at least a first and a second conveying configuration, preferably for conveying products having formats different from each other; there are means for the movable support of the part of the conveying line to be moved relatively to perform the configuration change, and at least one or more devices for driving the movable supporting means by a corresponding configuration change motion generated by a respective actuator; characterised in that there are means, or a shaft, for transmission of motion, which have an adjustable length. In this way, it is possible, during the assembly, to easily position the means, or shaft, for transmitting the motion to the corresponding coupling point.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other innovative aspects are set out in the appended claims and the technical features and advantages are also apparent from the detailed description which follows of a non-limiting example embodiment of it with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for conveying products according to this invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of only the drive means and devices which control the size change of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus for conveying products according to this invention;

- Figure 3 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the drive device according to this invention;

- Figure 4 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the drive device according to this invention;

- Figure 5 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the drive device according to this invention;

- Figure 6 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the drive device according to this invention;

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the transmission shaft according to this invention;

- Figure 8 is a side view of the transmission shaft according to this invention in a condition prior to the coupling with corresponding means for transmitting the motion;

- Figure 9 is a side view of the transmission shaft in the coupling condition;

- Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross section of a detail relative to the coupling zone of the transmission shaft according to this invention;

- Figure 11 is a front view of the coupling element of the transmission shaft according to the preferred embodiment of this invention;

- Figures 12A to 12E illustrate different steps for setting up and mounting in the transmission chain of this preferred embodiment the transmission shaft according to this invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment 10 of the apparatus for conveying products in a machine or a plant for processing the products. More specifically, the products are preferably in the form of containers for liquids, in particular liquid food, such as cans or other containers, especially cans of beer.

More specifically, the products have a format different from each other, the different format being defined in particular by a different height of the products or cans.

In Figure , the product conveyed is denoted by the reference numeral 11. As may be inferred also with reference to Figure 2, the apparatus 10 preferably comprises one or more lines, in particular adjacent to each other, for conveying the products.

As illustrated, the respective conveying line comprises a plurality of parts defining, respectively, means 12 for feeding the products and means 14 for engaging and guiding the same products transported by the feed means 12.

In more detail, the respective conveying line comprises a conveyor belt 12, for example of the type with articulated links, on which the products 11 rest, in particular with the respective bottom face or surface, and which are fed along a respective path, and means, in particular in the form of a respective linear element or bar 14, which extends longitudinally along the direction of extension of the feed means or conveyor belt 12, and which is designed to engage the products on the respective upper face, in such a way as to define respective means for engaging and guiding the product, in particular such as to prevent overturning of the products being fed on the means or conveyor belt.

In practice, the linearly elongate element, or bar, 14 is located above the conveyor belt 12, at a height substantially corresponding to the height of the products transported, and is positioned substantially at the centre line of the conveyor belt, that is to say, at the centre line of the upper transporting surface supporting the products.

In this apparatus, respective parts of the conveying line are mobile, or can be moved, relative to each other, in such a way as to define, respectively, at least a first and a second conveying configuration, preferably for conveying products having a format different from each other.

In more detail, in the preferred embodiment, the means, or longitudinal element, 14 for engaging and guiding products and the feed means, or the conveyor belt, 12 are mobile or can be moved relative to the other, for allowing an easy transport of products having a format different each other, that is, in this case, having a different height.

More specifically, according to the preferred embodiment, the longitudinally elongate means, or element, 14 for engaging and guiding the products are mobile, or can be moved, in particular perpendicularly, relative to the feed means, or conveyor belt, 12, as highlighted by the two- way arrow H of Figure 1.

The conveying apparatus comprises means designed to move, relatively, the corresponding parts of the respective conveying line and which comprise movable supporting means 16 for the respective part 14 to be moved, in particular, as illustrated, for the means for engaging and guiding the products, that is to say, for the longitudinally elongate element, or bar, 14 for engaging the upper face of the products 11 , so as to avoid the overturning of these products during the feeding on the feed means 12. The means designed for moving, relatively, the respective parts of the conveying line also comprise one or more devices 18 for driving the movable supporting means 16 by a corresponding drive motion, which is generated by a corresponding actuator, in particular by a primary or shared drive 20.

In the preferred embodiment, the shared actuator 20 is defined by a rotatable crank handle, which is directly associated with a first device 18 for driving the motion.

However, it will understood that the drive might also comprise a corresponding control motor, preferably conveniently controlled, automatically, by corresponding electronic processing means, in particular by the processing and control means of the machine or plant in which the conveying apparatus is installed.

As illustrated, the means for conveying the respective line 12 extend along a respective longitudinal direction, that is to say, according to a respective path which may also comprise curved stretches in particular in the same plane of conveying the products, and the other conveying lines extend parallel to this line and are transversely spaced from it.

As illustrated, the means 14 for guiding and engaging the products are perpendicularly spaced, or perpendicularly aligned, relative to the conveying means 12 of the conveying line illustrated.

As illustrated, the respective drive device 18 is operatively connected, at the inlet, to a respective rotatable axis, in particular longitudinal, 22 which defines a rotational motion of actuation of the device 18.

Advantageously, the drive device 18 also connects, at the outlet, a translating axis 16, in particular defining corresponding movable supporting means for the respective part to be moved to achieve the format change of the conveying line.

According to another embodiment not illustrated, the axis 16 might also actuate corresponding and further movable supporting means of the respective part of the conveying line to be moved.

Advantageously, the drive device 18 is also designed to operatively connect, at the outlet, one or more of the following axes:

- a longitudinal rotatable outlet axis 24, in particular which is designed to transmit a drive motion at the inlet to another drive device 18, which is longitudinally positioned along the conveying apparatus,

- and a transversal rotatable axis 26, in particular for the transmission of a respective drive motion to a further drive device 18 of the motion of a conveying line alongside the line 12 served by this drive device 18.

As may be inferred in particular from Figure 2, the drive device 18 is also designed to operatively connect, at the outlet, a second transversal rotatable axis 28, in particular for the transmission of a drive motion to a further device drive 18' of a further conveying line alongside the line 12 served by this drive device 18.

Advantageously, as may be easily inferred from Figures 1 and 2, the longitudinal rotatable outlet axis 24 extends longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal inlet axis 22.

As illustrated, the translating outlet axis 16 extends perpendicularly to the inlet axis 22. More specifically, the outlet translating axis is reciprocatingly movable upwards and downwards for positioning the respective guiding bar, or element, 14 at the operating height necessary for conveying the respective products.

As illustrated, also, the translating outlet axis 16 extends along a direction perpendicular to the device 18, that is, to the means 14 for engaging and guiding the feed means 12.

As may be inferred, the transversal rotatable outlet axis 26, that is, the first transversal rotatable outlet axis from the drive device 18, extends transversely to the longitudinal inlet axis 22 and, when - as illustrated here - it is present, also transversely to the longitudinal outlet axis 24.

Moreover, as may be inferred, in turn, the second transversal outlet axis 28 extends transversely to the inlet axis 22 and, when - as illustrated - it is present, also transversely to the longitudinal outlet axis 24.

As may be inferred, the second transversal outlet axis 28 extends from the side of the device 18 which is opposite to that of extension of the first transversal rotatable outlet axis 26.

More specifically, as may be well inferred from Figure 2, the respective transversal rotatable outlet axis 26 or 28, that is, the first and/or the second transversal rotatable outlet axis from the drive device 18, is designed to actuate a corresponding drive device 18', which is operatively connected at the outlet to a corresponding translating axis, in particular oriented perpendicularly, 16 defining corresponding movable supporting means of the respective part of a respective adjacent conveying line to be moved.

More specifically, the rotatable inlet axis 22 and outlet axes 24, 26 or 28 move with a rotatable motion in the opposite different angular directions to obtain a corresponding vertical movement upwards or downwards of the translating bars 16 which support the guide or format change means 14 of the conveying apparatus.

Advantageously, the drive device 18 comprises pulling transmission means, or units, 30 and driving transmission means, or units, 32.

In the device drive 18, the respective driving transmission means 32 are operatively connected to the pulling transmission means 30.

More specifically, the pulling transmission means 30 of the drive device 18 have, at the inlet, the respective longitudinal rotatable axis 22 defining the rotational motion of the device 18 and defining driving means for corresponding driving transmission means 32.

Moreover, the pulling transmission means 30 of the drive device 18 are designed to operatively connect, at the outlet, the longitudinal rotatable axis 24, which is designed to transmit a drive motion at the inlet to another drive device 18, in particular longitudinally positioned along the conveying line of the device drive 18.

As illustrated, the driving transmission means 32 of the drive device 18 have, at the outlet, the respective translating, in particular perpendicular, axis 16 defining corresponding movable supporting means for the respective part of the conveying line to be moved.

In practice, the pulling transmission means 30 of the drive device 18 have means, labelled 301 and 302, for transmitting the motion towards the corresponding driving transmission means 32.

More specifically, the means for transmitting the motion towards the corresponding driving transmission means 32 comprise a profile defining a worm screw 301 , in particular with a helicoidal profile, which is coaxially mounted on the rotatable actuating outlet axis 22, and possibly with the rotatable outlet axis 24, and meshes with a corresponding gear wheel 302, more specifically with helical gears, which is in turn operatively connected to the corresponding driving transmission means 32.

The involute profile of the worm screw is made on a corresponding axis, in particular cylindrical, which is connected coaxially, as illustrated, or which defines the longitudinal inlet and outlet axes.

Moreover, as illustrated, advantageously, the driving transmission means 32 of the drive device 18 have means for actuating the translating axis 16 supporting the respective part of the conveying line to be moved.

The actuating means of the translating axis 16 comprise a respective toothed sprocket, or gear wheel, 321 , in particular with straight teeth, which is meshed with a corresponding rack gear 322, integral with the translating axis 16, and in particular formed directly in the profile of the translating axis 16. More specifically, advantageously, the first transversal rotatable outlet axis 26 and/or the second transversal rotatable outlet axis 28, are designed to transmit a drive motion to a further device drive 18', described in more detail below.

More specifically, as illustrated, the pulling transmission means 30 are operatively connected to the driving transmission means 32 through a respective axis, in particular transversal, 33.

More specifically, the gear wheel, in particular with helical gears, 302 of the pulling transmission means 30 and the toothed sprocket, or wheel, in particular with straight teeth, 321 of the driving transmission means 32 are integral with the transversal operational connection axis 33.

Advantageously, the transversal axis 33 for operational connection between the pulling transmission means 30 and the driving transmission means 32 is integral with a respective transversal rotatable axis 26 or 28, or both the first and second transversal rotatable axes, coming out from the drive device 18.

More specifically, the transversal axis 33 is in the form of a hollow shaft which receives axially and pulls the corresponding transversal rotatable axis 26 and/or 28.

Advantageously, the pulling transmission means 30 and/or the driving transmission means 32 are housed in a respective box-shaped body 40. Advantageously, the box-shaped body has a plurality of walls, defining in particular a prismatic body, having respective extension holes for the rotary and translating axes.

The box-shaped body 40 defines the corresponding housing seats for the respective gears.

More specifically, as illustrated, the pulling transmission means 30 and the driving transmission means 32 are housed in a same box-shaped body. However, it will be understood that the pulling transmission means 30 and the driving transmission means 32 might also be contained in respective and different box-shaped bodies, and are, in that case, connected to each other through the transversal operational connection axis 33, which would come out from a box-shaped body and enter in the box-shaped body alongside.

It will be understood that the pulling transmission means 30 and the driving transmission means 32 might be positioned transversely spaced from each other in any desired position, in which they are either close to each other or apart.

More specifically, angular motion drive devices 18 may be provided which have both pulling transmission means 30 and driving transmission means 32, thereby allowing the possibility of transferring the movement to a plurality of outlet axes, in particular, as illustrated, a longitudinal axis, one or two transversal axes and a translating axis.

A second embodiment of the drive device 18 comprises only the driving transmission means 32, which would receive at the inlet a respective transversal axis, for example 26 or 28 coming out from the drive device 18, and provide at the outlet the movement to a perpendicular translating axis 16 and, if necessary, to a further transversal axis designed to actuate a further drive device 18' for the actuation of a corresponding and further perpendicular translating axis 16, as may be inferred from Figure 2.

The respective drive device 18' is designed to actuate the change of configuration of corresponding conveying lines parallel to or alongside the line 12, on which is positioned the main drive device, or the device for transmitting the motion for control or primary drive, 18.

A motion drive device has been provided which is suitable for being particularly versatile in use, in particular to be used both in a conveying apparatus which has a plurality of lines parallel and also in a conveying apparatus which has a single conveying line. In the latter case, one simply does not insert or provide the transversal rotatable axes 26 and 28.

With reference also to figures 7 to 1 , it may be seen how this conveying apparatus also has drive transmission means, in particular rotatable means for transmitting motion, which are in the form of a corresponding shaft 50, which has, advantageously, an adjustable length, in particular an axial or longitudinal length which is adjustable or variable.

In this way, it is possible, during the assembly, to easily position the means, or shaft, for transmitting the motion to the corresponding coupling point.

More specifically, advantageously, there are means, or shaft, 50 for transmitting motion in the form of a respective elongate body, or rod, 52 at the ends of which there are respective coupling means 54 in the motion transmitting condition to coupling means 55, in particular provided at the rotatable rods coming out from the drive device 18 illustrated previously. Advantageously, the end coupling means comprise at least one coupling element 54, which is movable longitudinally relative to the elongate body 52 and it can be positioned relative to it, in particular relative to the elongate body 52, in particular with respect to the corresponding end of this elongate body, in a respective longitudinal operating position, at which it is coupled in the motion transmitting condition to a corresponding coupling element 55.

More specifically, on the elongate body 52 there are first and second end coupling elements 54, 54, of which at least one is movable longitudinally relative to the elongate body, in such a way that it can be positioned relative to it, in particular with respect to the corresponding end of it, in a respective longitudinal operating position in the condition of motion transmission and connection to a corresponding coupling element 55. In this way, it is considerably easy to use. In effect, it is possible to modify in any desired manner the longitudinal position of any of the coupling elements 54 and 54, if necessary both, with considerable advantage for the assembly personnel, who do not need to pay special attention to the length of the rod 52 to obtain the coupling of this with the corresponding means to which the transmission shaft 50 is coupled.

Advantageously, the coupling element 54 has a coupling block 541 from which a corresponding portion 542 extends, in particular slidable, for connecting with the elongate body 52 of the transmission means or shaft 50.

As may be inferred, the elongate body 52 of the transmission means or shaft is hollow inside, being preferably in the form of a respective tubular metallic or plastic body, with the connecting portion 542 of the respective coupling element 54 which enters and slides inside the cavity of the elongate body.

More specifically, the connecting portion 542 has an outside surface, which engages by sliding the inner surface which defines the cavity of the elongate body 52.

Advantageously, there are connecting means rotating between the corresponding coupling element 54 and the elongate body 52.

More specifically, advantageously, the connecting means rotating between the corresponding coupling element 54 and the elongate body 52 are provided between the connecting portion 542 of the coupling element 54 and the same elongate body 52.

More specifically, the means for connection in rotation are provided between the outer surface of the connecting portion 542 of the coupling element 54 and the perimeter, in particular circumferential, surface, which defines the inner cavity of the elongate body 52.

As may be inferred, the elongate body of the transmission means or shaft 50 preferably has a circular cross-section which an inner circular cavity which is designed to house a connecting portion 542 having a corresponding circular outer profile.

More specifically, the connecting means rotating between the corresponding coupling element 54 and the elongate body 52 of the transmission means, or shaft, comprise one or more radial projections, extending longitudinally, on the elongate body 52 or on the connecting portion 542, coupling with corresponding one or more radial recesses, also extending radially, respectively on the other of the elongate body 52 or connecting portion 542. More specifically, advantageously, one or more radial projections 523 are provided at the surface, in particular circular, which defines the inner cavity of the elongate body 52, whilst one or more radial recesses 544 are provided at the outer surface of the connecting portion 542 of the coupling element 54.

There are, advantageously, means for guiding the longitudinal sliding movement of the coupling element 54 relative to the elongate body 52. More specifically, the guide means of the longitudinal movement of the coupling element 54 relative to the elongate body 52 are provided between the connecting portion 542 of the coupling element 54 and the same elongate body 52, and in particular between the outer surface of the connecting portion 542 and the surface which defines the inner cavity of the elongate body 52.

More specifically, the means for guiding the longitudinal movement of the coupling element 54 relative to the elongate body 52 are defined by one or more radial projections 523, in particular at the circumferential surface defining the inner cavity of the elongate body 52, extending longitudinally and which couple with one or more longitudinal radial recesses 544, in particular provided at the outer surface of the connecting portion 542 of the coupling element 54.

The longitudinal length of the projections and recesses guarantees an excellent pulling action in rotation and guiding for the longitudinal movement of the elongate connecting portion 542 inside the hollow elongate body 52.

More specifically, as may be inferred from Figure 12C, the longitudinal length of the connecting means in rotation on the connecting portion corresponding with the entire longitudinal length of this portion 542.

There are advantageously means for longitudinally retaining the coupling element 54 relative to the elongate body 52 of the transmission means, or shaft 50.

Advantageously, the means 56 for longitudinally retaining the coupling element 54 relative to the elongate body 52 are designed to prevent the movement of the coupling element 54 towards the corresponding end of the elongate body 52.

More specifically, the means 56 for longitudinally retaining the coupling element 54 relative to the elongate body 52 are designed to prevent the longitudinal entry of the connecting portion 542 of the coupling element 54 inside the cavity of the elongate body 52 of the transmission means or shaft 50.

More specifically, advantageously, the means 56 for longitudinally retaining the coupling element 54 relative to the elongate body 52 are in the form of means which can be engaged, or fixed, to the outer surface of the elongate connecting portion 542 of the coupling element 54.

Advantageously, the means 56 for longitudinally retaining the coupling element 54 relative to the elongate body 52 are engageable, or fixable, in any longitudinal position of the outer surface of the connecting portion 542. Advantageously, the means 56 for longitudinally retaining the coupling element 54 relative to the elongate body 52 are in the form of engageable and disengageable means in particular relative to the outer surface of the connecting portion 542 of the coupling element.

Advantageously, the means 56 for longitudinally retaining the coupling element 54 relative to the elongate body 52 are in the form of means freely slidable along the outer surface of the connecting portion 542 of the coupling element.

Advantageously, the means 56 for longitudinally retaining the coupling element 54 relative to the elongate body 52 are in the form of means of contact against the corresponding transversal end edge of the same elongate body 52.

As illustrated, the means 56 for longitudinally retaining the coupling element 54 with respect to the elongate body 52 comprise an annular element 561 , preferably made of metal material, which surrounds the outside surface of the connecting portion 542 of the coupling element 54 and the means 562 for clamping and locking the annular element on the outer surface of the connecting portion 542.

As illustrated, the locking means operate between, and connect together, respective opposite free ends of the annular element 561.

The locking means are, in particular, defined by a corresponding screw, inserted in corresponding end seats, or holes, provided in the ends of the annular element and which couple with an opposite nut to define a locking action and, if necessary, release of the annular enclosing element 561. As may be inferred, the respective coupling element 54, 55 comprises respective means for coupling with the opposite or corresponding coupling element to provide a condition suitable for transmitting the motion.

Advantageously, the coupling means allow the respective transmission means or shaft to be positioned according to a respective longitudinal axis which has a corresponding angle, or angular connection, with respect to the axis of the coupling element to which they are connected.

In this way, it is possible to make drive transmission means which follow any desired path, in particular which extend following the conveying means to which they are associated, and in particular in such a way as to follow an appropriate curved path.

More specifically, the inserting block 551 has an outer surface for contact, by friction, with the inner surface of the receiving seat 541.

More specifically, advantageously, the means for coupling the respective coupling element 54 have a respective seat 541 for receiving a corresponding block 551 for inserting the opposite or corresponding coupling element 55.

Advantageously, the block 551 is coupled in the seat 541 in such a way as to slide freely longitudinally, to allow an angular positioning of these and in particular of the transmission means or shaft 50.

As illustrated, according to this invention, the receiving seat 541 defining corresponding coupling means is provided in the coupling element 54 which is fixed or connected to the elongate body 52 of the transmission shaft 50.

However, it will be understood that it would be possible to use on the transmission shaft 50 also a corresponding block 551 , and vice versa a receiving seat 541 on the element 55 to which the shaft 50 is connected, that is, it would also be possible to use on these any other type of coupling which is suitable for transmitting the motion.

More specifically, the receiving seat 541 has an inner surface 542 with a generally cylindrical shape.

In turn, the inserting block 551 has a general sphere-like shape.

The inserting block 551 has a convergent, or narrow, shape at the front in such a way as to facilitate the insertion of this in the cavity 5 1.

Advantageously, the means of coupling the respective coupling element 54 have meshing means 543 for transmitting the motion with corresponding means 552 of the opposite or corresponding coupling element 55.

Advantageously, the meshing means have corresponding radial cavity means 543, on a respective coupling element 54, which receive in insertion corresponding radially extending means 552 of the opposite or corresponding coupling element 55.

Advantageously, the receiving seat 541 has a central cavity 542, from which respective radial receiving cavities 543 extend, which receive in insertion corresponding radial protrusions, or pins 552 of the inserting block 551.

More specifically, there is a first and a second radial cavity 543, 543, which are angularly spaced to each other by 180° and which are designed to receive corresponding radial protrusions, or pins 552, 552, protruding transversely from the inserting block 551 and which are also spaced from each other by 180°.

Advantageously, the one or more radial projections, or pins, 552, 552, which are projecting transversely from the inserting block 551 , can freely slide longitudinally in the one or more radial cavities 543, 543, of the receiving cavity, in such a way as to allow an angled positioning of the transmission shaft, or means, 50 relative to the axis of the respective block 55, or to the axis of the rotatable shaft which supports the block 55.

Advantageously, there are means which are designed to prevent, in use, the longitudinal movement of the coupling element 54 away from the corresponding end of the transmission means or shaft 52.

More specifically, for defining the means which are designed to prevent the longitudinal movement away of the coupling element 54, the same coupling element 54 has a transversal end surface 545 for engaging an opposite surface of the coupling element 55 with which it couples.

Advantageously, there are opposite elastic means 555 for engaging the corresponding transversal end surface of the coupling element 54.

More specifically, the opposite engagement surface 555 is defined by an elastic ring 555, in particular positioned at the rear of the inserting block 551.

More specifically, as illustrated, the coupling element 55 is supported by a corresponding rotary axis or shaft and has a respective block 551 widened relative to a narrow portion for coupling to the rotary axis or shaft to which it is associated.

More specifically, the elastic ring 555 is located at the narrow, or reduced diameter, portion for connecting the block 551 to the axis or rotary shaft to which it is associated.

The transmission means or shaft 50 allow implementing an advantageous assembly method, in particular for transmitting a corresponding motion, or movement, in an apparatus for conveying products, for example of the type illustrated here.

The method for assembly of the transmission means, or shaft comprises, advantageously, adjusting, or defining, in use, that is to say, in the installed condition, the length of the transmission shaft 50.

More specifically, according to this assembly method, an end, or end element, 54 for coupling to the shaft 50 is extended longitudinally until this couples with a corresponding opposite coupling unit 55 and the end, or end element, 54 is retained in the coupling position.

More specifically, a preferred sequence assembly is illustrated in Figures 12A to 12E.

More specifically, in a first step, illustrated in Figure 12A, a respective end, in particular having a respective coupling element 54 is associated with a corresponding coupling element 55 and then the transmission means, or shaft, 50 are positioned at an opposite element 55 to be connected, positioning the other end, or coupling element, 54 of the shaft 50 in front of this, as may be inferred from Figures 12B and 12C.

More specifically, in this step, it is possible to check whether the length of the supporting elongate body, in particular tubular, 52 is adequate and, if it is not, it can be shortened, for example by cutting off a piece, as shown for example by means of the saw illustrated in Figure 12C.

Next, as illustrated in Figure 12D, the coupling end, or element, 54 of the transmission shaft, or means, 50 extends or moves longitudinally, as already indicated, relative to the corresponding end of the elongate supporting body 52, until coupling the end, or element, 54 with the opposite element 55.

At this point, as shown in Figure 12E, the locking means, or annular element 56, lock on the sliding portion 542 of the movable end and 54, for example by means of a corresponding Allen key, thereby locking any possible re-entry of the slidable portion 542 inside, or relative to, the elongate body 52.

For this reason, this process can provide a corresponding elongate body 52 of the transmission shaft 50 with appropriate length, solely at the time of assembly.

It is, in this way, possible to obtain an easy assembly of the transmission means, or shaft, 50 in the respective condition of use, without having to first prepare structural components, for example, the corresponding elongate supporting body, of precisely predetermined length. It is therefore sufficient for the assembly personnel to have available corresponding tubular elements or bodies 52 with fixed length, which are then suitably sized, in particular shortened, directly during their assembly in the respective working position.

This avoids, during the assembly, the waste of time necessary to exactly design the length of the transmission shafts or for procuring consequent tubular elements or bodies 52 of suitable length, which have not already been prepared in advance.

The invention described has evident industrial application. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. In particular, one skilled in the art could easily imagine further embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein. It will also be understood that all the details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for conveying products, preferably in a machine or a system for processing the products, wherein the products are preferably in the form of containers for liquids, preferably food liquids, such as cans or the like, and have in particular a format different from each other, the different format being in particular defined by a different height of the same products; the apparatus comprises one or more lines for conveying the products, preferably adjacent to each other, wherein the respective conveying line comprises a plurality of parts defining, respectively, means (12) for feeding the products and means (14) for engaging and guiding the products transported by the feed means; respective parts of the conveying line being movable relative to each other to define, respectively, at least a first and a second conveying configuration, preferably for conveying products having formats different from each other; there are means (16) for the movable support of the part of the conveying line to be moved relatively to perform the configuration change, and at least one or more devices (18, 18') for driving the movable supporting means (16) by a corresponding configuration change motion generated by a respective actuator (20); characterised in that the respective drive device is operatively connected, at the inlet, to a respective rotatable axis defining a rotational motion of actuation of the device (18, 18'), and operatively connects, at the outlet, a translating axis (16) defining or driving corresponding movable supporting means of the respective part of the conveying line to be moved, and it is designed to connect at the outlet one or more of the following axes: a longitudinal rotatable outlet axis (24), which is in particular designed to transmit a drive motion at the inlet to another drive device ( 8), and a transversal rotatable axis (26), which is in particular designed to transmit a drive motion to a further drive device (18').

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , characterised in that the drive device (18) is operatively connected, at the inlet, to a respective longitudinal rotatable axis (22) defining a rotational motion of actuation of the device (18).

3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive device (18) is designed to operatively connect, at the outlet, a second transversal rotatable axis (28) for the transmission of a drive motion to a further drive device (18').

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the longitudinal rotatable outlet axis (24) extends longitudinally aligned with the inlet axis (22).

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the translating outlet axis (16) extends perpendicularly to the inlet axis (22).

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transversal rotatable outlet axis (26) extends transversely to the inlet axis (22).

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second transversal rotatable outlet axis (28) extends transversely to the inlet axis (22), extending from the side opposite that of extension of the transversal rotatable outlet axis (26).

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the respective transversal rotatable outlet (26, 28) is designed to actuate a corresponding drive device (18'), which is operatively connected at the outlet to a corresponding translating axis (16) defining or driving corresponding movable supporting means of the respective part of the adjacent conveying line to be moved.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that the drive device (18) comprises pulling transmission means (30).

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that the drive device (18, 18') comprises driving transmission means (32).

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterised in that the driving transmission means (32) are operatively connected to the pulling transmission means (30).

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , characterised in that the pulling transmission means (30) of the drive device (18) have, at the inlet, the respective rotatable axis (22) defining the rotational motion of actuation of the same device (18), and they are designed to be connected, at the outlet, to the longitudinal rotatable axis (24) of the drive device ( 8).

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the pulling transmission means (30) of the drive device (18) have means (301 , 302) for transmitting the motion towards the corresponding driving transmission means (32).

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterised in that the means for transmitting the motion towards the corresponding driving transmission means (32) comprise a profile defining a worm screw (301), which is coaxially mounted on the rotatable actuating axis (22) and meshing with a corresponding gear wheel (302), more specifically with helical gears, which is operatively connected to the corresponding driving transmission means (32).

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterised in that the driving transmission means (32) of the drive device (18, 18') have, at the outlet, the respective translating axis (16) defining or driving corresponding movable supporting means of the respective part of the conveying line to be moved.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterised in that the means for actuating the translating axis (16) comprise a respective toothed sprocket (321), which is operatively connected to the pulling transmission means (30) of the drive device (18) and is meshed with a corresponding rack gear (322) integral with the translating axis (16).

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 16, characterised in that the first transversal rotatable outlet axis (26) and/or the second transversal rotatable outlet axis (28) are operatively connected to the driving transmission means (32) and/or to the pulling transmission means (30) of the drive device.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterised in that the pulling transmission means (30) are operatively connected to the driving transmission means (32) through a respective axis, in particular transversal, (33).

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterised in that the gear wheel (302) of the pulling transmission means (30) and the toothed sprocket (321) of the driving transmission means (32) are integral with the transversal axis (33) for operational connection between the pulling transmission means (30) and the driving transmission means (32).

20. The apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, characterised in that the transversal axis (33), for operational connection between the pulling transmission means (30) and the driving transmission means (32), is integral with one or more transversal rotatable axes (26, 28) of the drive device.

21. The apparatus according to any one of 9 to 20, characterised in that the pulling transmission means (30) and/or the driving transmission means (32) are housed in a respective box-shaped body (40).

22. The apparatus according to claim 21 , characterised in that the pulling transmission means (30) and the driving transmission means (32) are housed in a same box-shaped body (40).

23. The apparatus according to claim 21 , characterised in that the pulling transmission means (30) and the driving transmission means (32) are contained in a respective and different box-shaped body.

24. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the respective conveying line comprises a conveyor belt (12), preferably of the type with articulated links, on which the products rest and are fed, and means, or elongate element (14) which are designed to engage the products on the respective upper face to define means which prevent the overturning of the products advancing on the belt.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, characterised in that the means, or longitudinal element, for engaging and guiding (14) and the feed means, or the conveyor belt, (12) are movable relative to each other, in particular, that the means, or elongate longitudinal element, for engaging and guiding (14) are movable relative to the feed means, or conveyor belt (12).

26. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that there are means, or shaft, (50) for transmitting motion, which have an adjustable length.

27. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that there are means, or shaft (50) for transmitting motion comprising an elongate body, or rod (52) the ends of which are provided with respective means for coupling to corresponding means (55) in the motion transmitting condition, the end coupling means comprising at least one coupling element (54), the coupling element (54) being movable longitudinally relative to the elongate body so that it can be positioned relative to it, in particular relative to the corresponding end of it, in a respective longitudinal operating position, at which it is coupled in the motion transmitting condition to an opposite and corresponding coupling element (55).

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterised in that the end coupling means comprise a first and a second ends coupling element (54, 54) each associated with a corresponding end of the elongate body (52).

29. The apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, characterised in that the respective coupling element (54) has a coupling block (541) from which a portion (542) extends, in particular slidable, for connecting with the elongate body (52) of the transmission means or shaft.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, characterised in that the elongate body (52) of the transmission means or shaft is hollow inside and the connecting portion (542) of the respective coupling element (54) enters and slides inside the cavity of the elongate body.

31. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 30, characterised in that there are connecting means rotating between the corresponding coupling element (54) and the elongate body (52).

32. The apparatus according to claim 31 , characterised in that the connecting means rotating between the corresponding coupling element (54) and the elongate body (52) are provided between the connecting portion (542) of the coupling element (54) and the same elongate body (52), in particular between the outer surface of the connecting portion

(542) and the surface which defines the inner cavity of the elongate body (52).

33. The apparatus according to claim 31 or 32, characterised in that the connecting means rotating between the corresponding coupling element (54) and the elongate body (52) are provided between the outer surface of the connecting portion (542) and the surface which defines the inner cavity of the elongate body (52).

34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterised in that the connecting means rotating between the corresponding coupling element (54) and the elongate body (52) comprise one or more radial projections (523) extending longitudinally coupling with corresponding one or more longitudinal radial recesses (544).

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, characterised in that the one or more radial projections (523) are provided at the surface which defines the inner cavity of the elongate body (52) and the one or more radial recesses

(543) are provided at the outer surface of the connecting portion (542) of the coupling element (54).

36. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 35, characterised in that means are provided for guiding the longitudinal movement of the coupling element (54) relative to the elongate body (52).

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, characterised in that the means for guiding the longitudinal movement of the coupling element (54) relative to the elongate body (52) are provided between the connecting portion (542) of the coupling element (54) and the same elongate body (52), in particular between the outer surface of the connecting portion (542) and the surface which defines the inner cavity of the elongate body (52), and they are preferably defined by the one or more radial projections (523) extending longitudinally coupling with corresponding one or more longitudinal radial recesses (543).

38. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 37, characterised in that means (56) are provided for longitudinally retaining the coupling element (54) relative to the elongate body (52) of the transmission means or shaft (50).

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, characterised in that the means (56) for longitudinally retaining the coupling element (54) relative to the elongate body (52) are designed to prevent the moving of the coupling element (54) towards the corresponding end of the elongate body (52), and in particular they are designed to prevent the longitudinal entry of the connecting portion (542) of the coupling element (54) inside the cavity of the elongate body (52) of the transmission means or shaft (50).

40. The apparatus according to claim 38 or 39, characterised in that the means (56) for longitudinally retaining the coupling element (54) relative to the elongate body (52) are in the form of means which are engageable, or fixable, to the outer surface of the connecting portion (542) of the coupling element (54), in particular engageable, or fixable, in any longitudinal position of the outer surface of the connecting portion (542).

41. The apparatus according to any one of claims 38 to 40, characterised in that the means (56) for longitudinally retaining the coupling element (54) relative to the elongate body (52) are in the form of means which are disengageable, in particular from the outer surface of the connecting portion (542) of the coupling element (54).

42. The apparatus according to any one of claims 38 to 41 , characterised in that the means (56) for longitudinally retaining the coupling element (54) relative to the elongate body (52) are in the form of means of contact against the corresponding end edge of the same elongate body (52).

43. The apparatus according to any one of claims 38 to 42, characterised in that the means (56) for longitudinally retaining the coupling element (54) relative to the elongate body (52) comprise an annular element (561), which surrounds the outer surface of the connecting portion (542) of the coupling element (54) and of the locking means (562).

44. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 43, characterised in that the respective coupling element (54, 55) has respective coupling means in the motion transmitting condition with an opposite or corresponding coupling element (55, 54).

45. The apparatus according to claim 44, characterised in that the coupling means allow the transmission means or shaft to be positioned according to a respective longitudinal axis which defines a corresponding angle or angular connection with the axis of the element to which they are connected.

46. The apparatus according to claim 44 or 45, characterised in that the means for coupling the respective coupling element (54, 55) have a respective seat (541) for receiving a corresponding block (551) for inserting the opposite or corresponding coupling element (55, 54).

47. The apparatus according to claim 46, characterised in that the inserting block (551) has an outer surface for contact with the surface defining the receiving seat (541).

48. The apparatus according to claim 46 or 47, characterised in that the block (551) is coupled in the receiving seat (541) in such a way as to slide freely longitudinally, to allow an angular positioning of the transmission means or shaft (50).

49. The apparatus according to any one of claims 46 to 48, characterised in that the receiving seat (541) is provided in the coupling element (54) which is fixed to the elongate body (52) of the transmission shaft (50).

50. The apparatus according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterised in that the receiving seat (541) is defined by an inner surface (542) with a generally cylindrical shape.

51. The apparatus according to any one of claims 46 to 50, characterised in that the inserting block (551) has a general sphere-like shape.

52. The apparatus according to any one of claims 44 to 51 , characterised in that the means of coupling the respective coupling element (54) have meshing means (543) for transmitting the motion with corresponding means (552) of the opposite or corresponding coupling element (55).

53. The apparatus according to claim 52, characterised in that the meshing means have corresponding cavity means (543) extending radially which are provided on a respective coupling element (54) and which receive in insertion corresponding radially extending projection means (552) of the opposite or corresponding coupling element (55).

54. The apparatus according to claim 52 or 53, characterised in that the receiving seat (541) has a central cavity (542) from which respective radial receiving cavities (543) extend for corresponding radial protrusions, or pins (552) of the inserting block (551).

55. The apparatus according to any one of claims 52 to 54, characterised in that there is a first and a second radial cavity (543, 543) angularly spaced to each other by 180° designed to receive corresponding radial protrusions, or pins (552, 552) of the inserting block (551) spaced from each other by 180°.

56. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 55, characterised in that there are means which are designed to prevent, in use, the longitudinal movement of the coupling element (54) away from the corresponding end of the transmission means or shaft (52).

57. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 56, characterised in that the coupling element (54) has a transversal end surface (545) engaging against a corresponding surface (555) of the coupling element (55) with which it is coupled.

58. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 57, characterised in that there are opposite elastic means (555) for engaging a corresponding transversal end surface (545) of the coupling element (54).

59. The apparatus according to claim58, characterised in that the engagement surface (555) is defined by an elastic ring (555), in particular positioned at the rear of the inserting block (551).

60. A motion drive device (18 or 18'), used in particular in a corresponding conveyor apparatus, characterised in that it is as indicated in any one of the preceding claims.

61. A transmission shaft (50), used in particular in a corresponding apparatus for conveying products, characterised in that it is as indicated in any one of the preceding claims.

62. A coupling element (54 or 55), used in particular in a corresponding transmission shaft and/or in a corresponding apparatus for conveying products, characterised in that it is as indicated in any one of the preceding claims.

63. A process for assembling a transmission shaft (50), used in particular in a corresponding apparatus for conveying products, characterised in that the length of the transmission shaft (50) is adjusted, in use.

64. A process for assembling a transmission shaft (50), used in particular in a corresponding apparatus for conveying products, characterised in that a coupling end, or end element (54) of transmission means or shaft (50) extends longitudinally until coupling with a corresponding and opposite coupling element (55) and the end, or end element (54) is retained longitudinally in the coupling position.

65. The process according to claim 63 or 64, characterised in that there is, when assembling, an elongate body (52) of the transmission shaft (50) of suitable length.

66. The apparatus, device, shaft, element and process each respectively characterised in that it is as indicated in any one of the preceding claims and/or as described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.