WO2023012569A1

WO2023012569A1 - Cooling apparatus and method for cooling caps

Info

Publication number: WO2023012569A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/056788
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca GALAMINI
Original assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa
Priority date: 2021-08-04
Filing date: 2022-07-22
Publication date: 2023-02-09
Also published as: IT202100021155A1

Abstract

A cooling apparatus for cooling caps is described comprising a conveyor to convey the caps including: loop belt means provided with an upper conveying branch that is movable along a longitudinal direction; an inlet zone for the entry in sequential order of the caps on the belt means and an outlet zone for the exit of the caps. The cooling apparatus further comprises fluid dispensing means for cooling the caps and guide means shaped so as to bound a plurality of longitudinal tracks adjacent to each other and travelable by the caps when the belt means are driven, wherein the guide means comprise diverting means shaped to transfer the caps along a transverse direction from a longitudinal track to a further longitudinal track parallel thereto so that a path of each of the caps between the inlet zone and the outlet zone comprises more than a revolution on the loop and the sequential order of the caps is maintained. A cooling method for cooling caps is described comprising a step of diverting the caps to transfer them along a transverse direction from a longitudinal track to a further longitudinal track parallel thereto.

Description

Cooling apparatus and method for cooling caps

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling apparatus and method for cooling caps. The caps may comprise, for merely exemplary and non-limiting purposes, cup-shaped bodies suitable for closing a container, such as plastic closures of the type used for closing bottles, or suitable for containing substances, such as food products, such as coffee.

[0002] Specifically but not exclusively, the cooling apparatus and method of the present invention may use hot caps, in particular caps formed by a forming or moulding apparatus, and may convey such caps by cooling them and make them available to a working apparatus. An example of a working apparatus may comprise a cutting apparatus and/or bending apparatus and/or inspection apparatus and/or packaging apparatus and/or filling apparatus, etcetera.

[0003] Such caps are generally made of plastic and are produced by a forming or moulding apparatus with a high production rate (today equal to 1000 - 2000 caps per minute). Once removed from a mould of the forming apparatus, the caps have a high temperature between 80 and 100°C and their shape is not yet stable. In order to be worked soon after the moulding such caps must be quickly cooled up to an optimal working temperature (about 35 - 40 °C). Background of the invention

[0004] They are known apparatuses for cooling caps having a conveyor belt structure provided with an upper conveying branch for conveying caps and one or more fans arranged above the upper conveying branch for blowing air at a predefined temperature so as to cool the conveyed caps.

[0005] European Patent no. EP1448466 Bl discloses an apparatus for cooling caps comprising a tub- shaped structure and a fan arranged for flowing air through the slots obtained at the tub base. The slots are oriented so as to simultaneously advance and cool the caps. The tub-shaped structure branches off in a set of partial channels that extend parallel to each other and are separated from each other by thin partition walls.

[0006] A disadvantage of the known apparatuses is that while conveying the caps, the known apparatus mixes them preventing a predefined cap from being traced in a production line and thus preventing to associate a working process or apparatus upstream of the cooling process with a downstream working process or apparatus on a predefined cap. In other words, a sequential order on the predefined processing on one or more caps is not maintained. Furthermore, the caps entering the known cooling apparatus lose their initial orientation (for example caps with the cavity directed upwards or downwards), thus requiring the adoption of intermediate apparatuses to orient the caps when required by the working process or apparatus downstream of the cooling apparatus.

[0007] A disadvantage of the prior art apparatuses is that, in order not to deform the hot caps, such apparatuses have a low speed in conveying the caps.

[0008] A further disadvantage is that the deformed caps may more easily stick to each other or with the surfaces they come in contact with thus blocking and damaging the cooling apparatus.

[0009] A further disadvantage of the known apparatuses is that cooling occurs in an uneven and poorly efficient way.

[0010] Another disadvantage of the known apparatuses is that they are bulky.

[0011] Such disadvantages cause a low production yield (low production speed and high number of wastes), high energy consumption and poor quality of the cooled and/or produced caps.

[0012] They are also known feed apparatuses for feeding caps to a conveyor belt. Such apparatuses for feeding caps may be in turn conveyor belts, conveying discs or pneumatic conveying channels.

[0013] When the conveyor belt to be fed is of the roller shutter type or a channel conveyor or a belt conveyor with ridges, dividing the belt into slats or channels or corridors and if each corridor is intended to be fed with a row of caps, the feed apparatus must direct or push the row of caps along a same slat or channel or corridor during the movement of the conveyor itself.

[0014] A disadvantage of the feed apparatuses of the known type is that they fail to maintain the caps in a row or fill a corridor with a relatively high number of caps.

[0015] A further drawback is that if the caps are in a “softened” state, i.e., due to their temperature they are easily mechanically deformable, such as by mutual impact between the caps or with surfaces of the feed apparatus, the known apparatuses fail to maintain the caps undeformed, causing the deformed caps to be discarded. In addition, as the caps in the softened state stick more easily to each other or to the surfaces they contact, the cap feed apparatuses of the known type easily jam causing the conveyor halting and the interruption of the production line wherein the cap feed apparatus is fitted.

Summary of the invention

[0016] An object of the invention is to improve the known cooling apparatuses and methods for cooling caps.

[0017] A further object is to provide a cooling apparatus and method for cooling caps capable of solving one or more of the aforesaid limits and drawbacks of the prior art.

[0018] A further object is to provide a cooling apparatus and method alternative to those of the prior art.

[0019] These and other objects are reached by a cooling apparatus and method for cooling caps according to one or more of the hereinafter reported claims.

[0020] Still another object is to improve the cap feed apparatuses of the known type.

[0021] Still another object is to obtain a cap feed apparatus for feeding a shutter or channel or corridor or a ridge-equipped conveyor which allows to easily feed the conveyor with a row of caps.

[0022] Still another object is to obtain a cap feed device which substantially does not jam and/or that makes it possible to discard a limited number of caps.

[0023] In one version, a cooling apparatus for cooling caps comprises a conveyor to convey the caps including: loop belt means provided with an upper conveying branch that is movable along a longitudinal direction; an inlet zone for the entry in sequential order of the caps on the belt means; an outlet zone for the exit of the caps. The cooling apparatus further comprises fluid dispensing means for cooling the caps and guide means shaped so as to bound a plurality of longitudinal tracks adjacent to each other and travelable by the caps when the belt means are driven, wherein the guide means comprise diverting means shaped to transfer the caps along a transverse direction from a longitudinal track to a further longitudinal track parallel thereto so that a path of each of the caps between the inlet zone and the outlet zone comprises more than a revolution on the loop and the sequential order of the caps is maintained as far as the outlet zone.

[0024] In one version, a cooling method for cooling caps is provided comprising: conveying caps by closed loop belt means provided with an upper conveying branch that is movable along a longitudinal direction, feeding an inlet zone of the belt means; making the caps exit an outlet zone of the belt means; dispensing a cooling fluid to the caps during the conveying; during the conveying, being provided to guide the caps along a plurality of longitudinal tracks on the belt means, wherein guiding comprises diverting the caps to transfer them along a transverse direction from a longitudinal track to a further longitudinal track parallel thereto such that a path of each of the caps between the inlet zone and the outlet zone comprises more than one revolution on the loop and the sequential order of the caps is maintained as far as the outlet zone.

[0025] Owing to the invention it is possible to work delicate caps without deforming them. [0026] Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a cooling method for cooling caps while maintaining a sequential order of the caps.

[0027] Owing to the invention it is possible to provide an apparatus and a cooling method for cooling caps leaving the apparatus according to a desired orientation with respect to the initial orientation of each cap.

[0028] Owing to the invention it is possible to make available a compact cooling apparatus for cooling caps.

[0029] Owing to the invention it is possible to reduce cap production wastes and increase the production yield.

[0030] Owing to the invention it is possible to make available an energy-efficient cooling apparatus and method.

Brief description of the drawings

[0031] The invention shall be better understood and implemented referring to the appended drawings which show some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cooling apparatus for cooling caps in which a conveyor according to a first embodiment is shown, with some components removed for simplicity’s sake;

Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the cooling apparatus of Figure 1 which shows, in particular, an inlet zone for the entry of the caps onto the belt means and a feed device for feeding the caps, some components, such as a cover casing, are removed for greater clarity; Figure 3 is an enlargement of Figure 2 wherein the feed device of Figure 2 is shown;

Figure 3 a is a schematic plan view of the feed device of Figure 2 with some elements removed, in which a feed channel for feeding caps is shown;

Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the feed device of Figure 2 in which a portion of a movable channel is in an alignment position, with some components removed for greater clarity;

Figure 4a is a schematic plan view of the feed device wherein a portion of a movable channel is in a retracted position, with some components removed for greater clarity;

Figure 4b is a schematic plan view of the portion of a movable channel in a spaced position, with some components removed for greater clarity;

Figure 4c is a schematic plan view of the portion of a movable channel in an advanced position, with some components removed for greater clarity;

Figure 4d is a schematic plan view of the portion of a movable channel in a near position, with some components removed for greater clarity;

Figure 5 is an elevation side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with some components removed, which shows in particular the belt means and fluid dispensing means for dispensing a fluid in a chamber within the loop;

Figure 5a is a schematic elevation side view wherein the belt means, the chamber inside the belt means and a volume outside the belt means are shown;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the cooling apparatus of Figure 1 which shows in particular a longitudinal direction, guide means which bound a plurality of longitudinal tracks travelable by the caps and a transfer zone in which diverting means are arranged to divert the caps on the belt means;

Figure 7 is a plan schematic view of the cooling apparatus of Figure 1 related in particular to the guide means, which shows in particular elongated elements and tilted elements;

Figure 7a is a plan schematic view of the cooling apparatus of Figure 1 related to, in particular, guide means and belt means in which corridors obtained on the belt means for receiving the caps are shown;

Figure 8 is a partial plan view of the cooling apparatus of Figure 1, with some components, such as some elongated elements, removed to better show the belt means;

Figure 8a is a partial perspective view from below of the guide means and belt means, in which at least two wheels for dragging belt means are shown;

Figure 8b is an enlargement of Figure 8a in which in particular containment means directed towards a lower conveying branch of the belt means are shown;

Figure 9 is an enlargement of Figure 8 in which the belt means and plates, wherein holes are obtained, are shown;

Figure 10 is a diagram of a cap production line in which a forming or moulding apparatus for forming caps, the cooling apparatus of Figure 1 for cooling caps and a further working apparatus are shown;

Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of a conveyor according to a second embodiment, in which an inlet zone and an outlet zone are both positioned on a lower conveying branch; Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a conveyor according to a third embodiment comprising a vertical structure, in which an inlet zone and an outlet zone are both positioned on a lower conveying branch; Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a conveyor according to a fourth embodiment comprising a vertical structure, in which an inlet zone is positioned on a lower conveying branch and an outlet zone is positioned on an upper conveying branch;

Figure 14 is a first transverse section of the cooling apparatus of Figure 1 - taken on a first plane transverse to the longitudinal direction - in which the inlet zone and the guide means are shown;

Figure 15 is a second transverse section of the cooling apparatus of Figure 1 - taken on a second plane transverse to the longitudinal direction - in which the guide means and the containment means of Figure 8b are shown;

Figure 16 is a third transverse section of the cooling apparatus of Figure 1 - taken on a third plane transverse to the longitudinal direction - in which the inlet zone and the guide means are shown;

Figure 17 is a detail of Figure 15, which shows the guide means;

Figure 18 is a further detail of Figure 15 which shows the guide means and the containment means of Figure 8b.

Detailed description

[0032] Referring to the above-mentioned Figures, a cooling apparatus 1 for cooling caps 2 is described. Each cap 2 of such caps 2 comprises a hollow body, in particular a cup-shaped body, i.e. a glass-shaped body. The cup-shaped body is provided with a closed portion, i.e. a base, and an open portion opposite to the closed portion. The cap 2 may be suitable in particular for the closure of a container, such as a stopper of the type used for closing a bottle. The cap 2 may be a container element for containing a substance, such as a food substance, for example coffee. The cap 2 may be, in particular, a plastic preform.

[0033] The cooling apparatus 1 comprises in particular a conveyor 5 for conveying caps 2 comprising loop belt means 6 provided with an upper conveying branch 6a movable along a longitudinal direction L. The upper conveying branch 6a defines an upper conveying plane, on which the caps 2 are conveyed. The upper conveying plane may be substantially horizontal.

[0034] The belt means 6 further comprise, in particular, a lower conveying branch 6b movable along a further longitudinal direction opposite to the longitudinal direction L. The lower conveying branch 6d defines a lower conveying plane, substantially parallel to, and positioned below, the upper conveying plane.

[0035] The belt means 6 comprise connecting curved branches 6c, 6d between the upper conveying branch 6a and the lower conveying branch 6b. The connecting curved branches 6c, 6d comprise a “descent” connecting curved branch 6c which defines a conveying curved surface, in particular a semi-cylindrical surface centred on a rotation axis R (in a half-circle with the convexity on the left in the schematic section of Figure 5a), and a further “rise” curved branch 6d which defines a further conveying curved surface, in particular a further semi-cylindrical surface centred on a further rotation axis R’ (in a half-circle with the convexity on the right of the schematic section of Figure 5a). The terms “descent” and “rise” are meant with respect to the longitudinal direction L along which the upper conveying branch 6a is slidable and to the mutual position between the upper conveying branch 6a and the lower conveying branch 6b. The rotation axis R is transverse, in particular substantially orthogonal, to the longitudinal direction L. The rotation axis R is substantially parallel to the upper conveying plane and/or the lower conveying plane. The further rotation axis R’ is substantially parallel to the rotation axis R.

[0036] The upper conveying branch 6a, the lower conveying branch 6b and the connecting curved branches contribute to convey the caps 2 along the loop. In other words, the conveyor structure 5 is such that it can convey the caps along the loop of the belt means 6 making the caps perform more revolutions on the loop (i.e. on the upper conveying branch 6a and on the lower conveying branch 6b) as will be described hereinafter.

[0037] The conveyor 5 comprises, in particular, a support frame, or fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ arranged to support various components of the conveyor 5. The fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ may be arranged to support and/or connect further components of the cooling apparatus 1. The fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ may comprise first side plates 50a, 50a’ and second side plates 50b, 50b’ arranged sideways of the belt means 6, where “sideways” means with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ works as a frame and may be removably fixed (directly or indirectly) to a flooring P, such as an industrial flooring (Figure 14).

[0038] The conveyor 5 comprises, in particular, an inlet zone 3 for the entry in a sequential order of the caps 2 on the belt means 6 and an outlet zone 4 for the exit of the caps 2 from the belt means 6.

[0039] In the specific example shown in the Figures, the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 are arranged on the upper conveying branch 6a. The inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 have a triangle or trapezoid shape, i.e. with at least a side tilted with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The plan shape of the inlet zone 3 and outlet zone 4 respectively is defined by side edges of the belt means 6 and by tilted elements of diverting means that will be disclosed hereinafter in the present description. In a conveyor 5’ according to a second embodiment (Figure 11) and in a conveyor 5” according to a third embodiment (Figure 12), the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 may be both arranged on the lower conveying branch 6b.

[0040] In alternative, in a conveyor 5”’ according to a fourth embodiment (Figure 13), the inlet zone 3 may be positioned on the lower conveying branch 6b and the outlet zone 4 on the upper conveying branch 6b, thus allowing, in use, the conveyor 5”’ to convey the caps 2 lifting them between a height of the lower conveying branch 6b and a height of the upper conveying branch 6a. In a further embodiment not shown of the conveyor the inlet zone 3 may be positioned on the upper conveying branch 6a and the outlet zone 4 may be positioned on the lower conveying branch 6b, making it possible, in use, to lower the height of the caps 2 between the inlet zone and outlet zone. The person skilled in the art may choose to position the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 respectively on opposite conveying branches, such as on the lower conveying branch 6b and on the upper conveying branch 6a, to obtain in the outlet zone 4 a desired orientation of the cap when each cap 2 is to be overturned. The positioning of the inlet zone 3 and of the outlet zone 4 on opposite conveying branches makes it possible to vary the height and overturn the caps 2.

[0041] The cooling apparatus 1 comprises, in particular, fluid dispensing means 9 adapted to dispense a fluid, in particular air with a temperature lower than the temperature of the caps 2, towards the caps 2 so as to cool them.

[0042] Referring to Figures 5 and 5a, the belt means 6 define a region C inside the loop which is mostly surrounded by the belt means 6 and a volume ZP outside the loop wherein the caps 2 are conveyed. The belt means 6 are provided with one or more holes 13 which may be passed through by a fluid (Figure 9), such as a coolant for cooling the caps 2. In other words, the holes 13 of the belt means 6 are arranged to put the region C in fluid communication with the volume ZP. This allows the fluid dispensed by the fluid dispensing means 9 to lap the caps 2 and cool them by convection.

[0043] The cooling apparatus 1 comprises, in particular, cooling means 10 suitable for cooling the fluid. The cooling means 10 comprise a heat exchanger, such as an air/water heat exchanger, arranged to allow a heat exchange to cool the fluid. The cooling means 10 may be connected to a refrigerating device (not shown) arranged to supply a refrigerated fluid, such as water, to the cooling means 10. In a further version not shown, the refrigerating device may be included (integrated) in the cooling apparatus 1. The refrigerating device may comprise a compressor, an evaporator, and a further heat exchanger connected with each other. The cooling means 10 may comprise, in particular, a fan for cooling the fluid and/or allow the fluid circulation. The cooling means 10 comprise a fluid inlet for the entry of fluid to be cooled and a fluid outlet for the exit of the cooled fluid. The cooling means 10 may comprise a filter to retain any fluid impurities, such as dust and/or plastic residues of the caps 2. The cooling means 10 are arranged outside the belt means 6 below the lower conveying branch 6b. The cooling means 10 may be connected to the fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ of the conveyor 5.

[0044] The fluid dispensing means 9 are fluidly connected to the cooling means 10 so as to receive therefrom the cooled fluid. The fluid dispensing means 9 comprise at least a delivery diffuser 93 fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the cooling means 10 and at least a fluid dispensing manifold 92 in fluid communication with the chamber C. Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 5, in the specific example shown, a delivery diffuser 93 and more (two) fluid dispensing manifolds 92 are provided which flow into the chamber C at substantially central positions with respect to the loop of the belt means 6. The at least one delivery diffuser 93 and the at least one fluid dispensing manifold 92 may be connected by one or more dispensing ducts 91 (four in the specific example).

[0045] The cooling apparatus 1 further comprises guide means 7 shaped so as to bound a plurality of longitudinal tracks 70 travelable by the caps 2 when the belt means 6 are driven. The longitudinal tracks 70 are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction L.

[0046] The guide means 7 are arranged around belt means 6 and are fixed to the fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ of the conveyor 5 to space the guide means 7 apart from the belt means 6 to allow the movement of the latter. In other words, the guide means 7 are fitted on the fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’ , 50b’ so that the guide means 7 are spaced apart form the belt means 6 not to interfere with the movement of the belt means 6.

[0047] The guide means 7 comprise, in particular, elongated elements 71 arranged longitudinally alongside and spaced apart from one another to define (separate) the longitudinal tracks 70. Such elongated elements 71 may comprise, in particular, rod-shaped elements and/or plate-shaped elements.

[0048] In the specific example shown in particular in Figures 6 and 8, 21 longitudinal tracks 70 are present.

[0049] The guide means 7 comprise, in particular, diverting means 72 shaped to transfer the caps 2 along a traverse direction - with respect to the longitudinal direction L - from a longitudinal track 70a to a further longitudinal track 70b parallel thereto so that a path of each one of the caps 2 between the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 comprises more than a revolution around the loop of the belt means 6 and the sequential order of the caps 2 is maintained along the path as far as the outlet zone 4.

[0050] In the specific example shown in the Figures, more (two) longitudinal tracks 70 are interposed between the longitudinal track 70a and the further longitudinal track 70b.

[0051] In a further version not shown, the diverting means 72 may be shaped to transfer the caps 2 between two longitudinal adjacent tracks 70.

[0052] The diverting means 72 bound a plurality of transverse tracks 72a travelable by the caps 2. The diverting means 72 comprise, in particular, at least two tilted elements substantially parallel and tilted with respect to the longitudinal direction L to divert the caps 2 from the longitudinal direction L so that the caps 2 advance transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction L along the transverse tracks 72a when the belt means 6 are driven. Such tilted elements may comprise further rod-shaped elements and/or further plate-shaped elements. In the specific example shown in particular in Figures 6 and 8, 18 transverse tracks 72a are present.

[0053] Referring in particular to Figures 6 and 7, the diverting means 72 are positioned in a transfer zone 73 which is interposed between the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4. In other words, the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 are positioned at opposite sides of the transfer zone 73.

[0054] Each longitudinal track 70 of the plurality of longitudinal tracks 70 is provided with a track start wherein the caps 2 enter the longitudinal track 70 and a track end wherein the caps 2 leave the longitudinal track 70, the plurality of transverse tracks 72a connects the end of the longitudinal track 70a to the start of the further longitudinal track 70b to allow the revolutions of the path of the caps 2 between the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 with continuity. In other words, the longitudinal track 70a and the additional longitudinal track 70b are respectively provided with a track start 70a’, 70b’ and a track end 70a”, 70b”. The track end 70a” of the longitudinal track 70a is connected to the respective track start 70b’ of the further longitudinal track 70b by a transverse track 72a of the plurality of transverse tracks 72a to allow the caps 2 to travel the path between the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 without interruption.

[0055] The cooling apparatus 1 comprises support means 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d to connect the guide means 7 to the fixed part of the conveyor 5. The support means may comprise, in particular, one or more support structures positioned around the bet means 6. The support structures may comprise, in particular, crossbeams or rods, such as profiles.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1, each support structure 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d may support a respective part of guide means 7. Regarding the upper conveying branch 6a of the belt means 6 (Figure 5a), the support means comprise an upper support structure 55a connecting two side plates 50a and 50b and supporting at the bottom a part of guide means 7 so that the guide means 7, in particular the elongated elements 71 and the tilted elements 72 are facing the upper conveying branch 6a (Figure 1). Regarding the lower conveying branch 6b, the support means comprise a lower support structure 55b connecting two side plates 50a and 50b and supporting at the top a part of guide means 7 so that the guide means 7, in particular the elongated elements 71 are facing the lower conveying branch 6b (Figure 14).

[0057] The guide means 7 comprise, in particular, curved guide parts 75a, 75b placed alongside and spaced apart from one another to guide the caps 2 in a conveying zone A. B connecting the upper conveying branch 6a and the lower conveying branch 6b (Figures 1, 2 and 5 a).

[0058] In particular, a curved guide part 75a, or “descent” guide part, arranged in the conveying zone A for guiding the caps 2 of the upper conveying branch 6a to the lower conveying branch 6b and a further curved guide part 75b, or “rise” guide part arranged on the conveying zone B for guiding the caps 2 of the lower conveying branch 6b to the upper conveying branch 6a. In the example shown in the Figures, each of the two curved guide parts 75a, 75b guides the caps 2 along arcs of circumference parallel to one another and respectively centred on the rotation axis and on the further rotation axis R’.

[0059] Each one of the curved guide parts is supported so as to be directed towards the belt means 6 from a respective support structure 55c, 55d removably fixed to the fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ of the conveyor 5.

[0060] The two curved guide parts 75a, 75b may be removably fixed to the fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ of the conveyor 5 independent of each other and a remaining portion of guide means 7 so that each part of the curved guide 75 a, 75b may be singularly removed from the conveyor 5 for maintenance operations.

[0061] The guide means 7 comprise, in particular, containing means 74 provided with at least a containing surface 74a facing the lower conveying branch 6b and arranged to contain the caps 2 and prevent the caps 2 from falling by gravity when they are conveyed along the lower conveying branch 6b (Figure 18). In other words, the containing means 74 are arranged to contact the caps 2 and allow conveying the caps 2 without them falling from the conveyor 5. The containing means 74 may comprise elongated plate- shaped or rod- shaped containing elements 74. Such containing elements are supported by the lower support structure 55b and arranged alongside to one another substantially parallel to the further longitudinal direction L’. Each containing element 74 may face a respective longitudinal track 70a. In the specific example shown in the Figures 14-18, the containing elements 74 may have a rectangular- like, in particular rectangular, transverse section. In a further version not shown the containing elements 74 may have a circular transverse section.

[0062] The guide means 7 may comprise, in particular, further containing means 75 provided with at least a further containing surface 75a facing at the top the upper conveying branch 6a and arranged to contain the caps 2 and prevent the caps 2 from moving away from the belt means 6. The further containing means 75 may comprise elongated plate-shaped or rodshaped containing elements 75. Such containing elements 75 are supported by the upper support structure 55a and arranged alongside to one another substantially in parallel. Each containing element 74 may face a respective longitudinal track 70a. In the specific example shown in the Figures 14-18, the further containing elements 75 have a circular transverse section. In a further version not shown the further containing elements 75 may have a rectangular-like cross-section, in particular rectangular.

[0063] The belt means 6 comprise, in particular, a plurality of transverse plates 11 placed alongside to one another along the loop of the belt means 6. The one or more holes 13 of the belt means 6 are obtained in particular on each transverse plate 11 of the plurality of transverse plates 11 and pass through a thickness of the transverse plate 11. The plurality of transverse plates 11 gives the belt means 6 a roller shutter belt type structure.

[0064] The belt means 6 comprise in particular, at least a belt 61 (the apparatus 1 of the specific example shown in the Figures comprises three belts 61), for example at least a toothed belt. On the at least one belt 61 each transverse plate 11 is removably fixed, in particular by a fitting bracket I la and one or more bolted connections 1 lb (Figure 9).

[0065] The belt means 6 comprise, in particular, a plurality of ridges 62 which are transverse, spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction E for pushing the caps 2 when the belt means 6 are driven (Figures 3 and 7a). The plurality of ridges 62 bounds on the belt means 6 a plurality of corridors 63 arranged to house the caps 2. In use, the plurality of ridges 62 allows the caps to slide along each corridor 63 of the plurality of corridors 63 when the caps 2 are diverted by the diverting means 72. [0066] In the specific example, each corridor 63 is bounded by a transverse plate 11 and two ridges 62 arranged on two opposite long sides of each transverse plate 11. The ridges 62 (and corridors 63) are arranged transverse with respect to the longitudinal direction L. In the specific example the ridges 62 (and corridors 63) are arranged substantially orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal direction L.

[0067] The ridges 62 may comprise plate-shaped elements or rod-shaped elements. In the specific example, the ridges 62 have a rectangular-like section, in particular rectangular. Each ridge 62 may be made in a single piece or may comprise more ridges connected along the transverse direction.

[0068] In a further version not shown, the belt means 6 may comprise a holed carpet on which the ridges 62 are obtained.

[0069] The conveyor 5 comprises, in particular at least two wheels 51, 52 arranged to drag the belt means 6. In particular, the at least one belt 61 is arranged about the at least two wheels 51, 52 to mesh the at least two wheels 51, 52. In the specific example, the conveyor 5 is provided on a drive shaft rotatable about the rotation axis R on which three drive shafts 51 are fitted, and a driven shaft rotatable about the further rotation axis R’ on which three driven wheels 52 are fitted. Referring to the Figure 2, a motor-reducer unit 54 may be connected to the drive shaft to drive the drive shaft in rotation about the rotation axis R. The motor-reducer unit 54 may be supported by the fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ of the conveyor 5. The drive shaft and the driven shaft and the respective wheels 51, 52 are supported by, and connected to, the fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ of the conveyor 5, by support means, such as bearings. In detail, the drive shaft is supported by, and fixed to the plates 50a, 50b, and the driven shaft is supported by, and connected to the plates 50a’, 50b’. The conveyor 5 further comprises adjustment means 53 arranged to adjust the tensioning of the at least one belt 61 mutually moving away or closer to the at least two wheels 51, 52. In the specific example shown in particular in Figure 1, the adjustment means 53 comprise guides and respective linear sliders.

[0070] In a further version not shown, the conveyor 5 may comprise at least a drive roller and at least a driven roller respectively rotatable about the rotation axis R and the further rotation axis R’ to drag the belt means 6.

[0071] The cooling apparatus 1 further comprises a feed device 30 arranged at the inlet zone 3 to feed the belt means 6 with the caps 2. The feed device 30 comprises a feed channel 31 travelable by the caps 2 provided with a fixed channel portion 33 and a movable channel portion 32 arranged to direct the caps 2 into the inlet zone 3. The movable channel portion

32 is at least partially positioned above the upper conveying branch 6a.

[0072] In the example shown in the Figure 4, a transverse dimension of the channel 31 is shaped to permit the transit of a single cap 2, i.e. the distance between the side walls of the channel 31 is greater than a size, such as a diameter, of the cap 2. In particular, the distance between the side walls of the channel 31 may be 2-3 mm greater than the diameter of the cap 2. This allows the channel 31 to feed the caps 2 in a row one after the other, so that the caps 2 follow the order in sequence along the channel 31.

[0073] The channel 31 is shaped to be crossed at least partially by a fluid conveying flow, in particular air, which allows to feed the caps 2 giving the caps 2 a predetermined feed speed. The feed device 30 may comprise a fluid conveying flow generating device. In alternative, the feed device 30 may receive the flow from a further fluid conveying flow generating device (not shown) outside the cooling apparatus 1. In a version not shown the channel 31 comprises a conveyor belt to feed the caps 2 to the belt means 6. The conveyor belt may comprise a movable carpet or conveying rollers. In a further version not shown, the channel 31 comprises a chute to feed the caps 2 by gravity. In a still further version not shown, the channel 31 is connected to a peripheral zone of a feed carousel arranged to convey in a circular way the caps 2 and direct them into the channel 31.

[0074] The movable channel portion 32 is configured to oscillate with respect to the fixed channel portion 33 about a transverse oscillation axis S, in particular substantially orthogonal, with respect to the upper conveying branch 6a or lower conveying branch 6b. The fixed channel portion 33 may be removably fixed to the fixed part 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ of the conveyor 5. In the example shown in particular in Figure 4, the fixed channel portion

33 is arranged with a main dimension thereof, which extends along a fixed feed axis Y, substantially parallel to the upper conveying branch 6a (or the lower conveying branch 6b). [0075] The fixed channel portion 32 extends longitudinally along a movable feed axis W.

[0076] The movable channel portion 32 is alternatively oscillatable between a first position and a second position. In the second position the movable channel portion 32 is retracted along the longitudinal direction L with respect to the first position.

[0077] In use, when the belt means 6 are driven the channel portion 32 switches from the first position to the second position to go towards a corridor 63 feeding such corridor 63, and switches from the second position to the first position to take the corridor 63 along the longitudinal direction L to keep on filling such corridor 63. [0078] The first position may comprise an advanced position Q in which the movable channel portion 32 is substantially advanced along the longitudinal direction L with respect to the fixed channel portion 33 (Figure 4c). In the advanced position N the movable feed axis W and the fixed feed axis Y form an angle |3.

[0079] The second position may comprise a retracted position N wherein the movable channel portion 32 is retracted with respect to the fixed channel portion 33 along the longitudinal direction L (Figure 4a). In the retracted position N the movable feed axis W and the fixed feed axis Y form an angle a.

[0080] In other words, the movable channel portion 32 is alternatively oscillatable between the advanced position Q, wherein the movable channel portion 32 is advanced along the longitudinal direction L with respect to the fixed channel portion 33, and a retracted position N wherein the movable channel portion 32 is retracted along the longitudinal direction L with respect to the fixed channel portion 33. When the belt means 6 are driven, the movable channel portion 32 switches from the advanced position Q to the retracted position N to go towards a corridor 63 which is retracted with respect to the fixed portion 33 and the movable channel portion 32 passes from the retracted position N to the advanced position Q to take the corridor 63 along the longitudinal direction L. In particular, the movable channel portion

32 is arranged to oscillate symmetrically with respect to the fixed feed axis of the fixed channel portion 33.

[0081] Alternatively, the first position may comprise an alignment position M in which the movable channel portion 32 is substantially aligned with respect to the fixed channel portion

33 (Figures 3a and 4) and the second position may comprise the retracted position N in which the movable channel portion 32 is retracted along the longitudinal direction L with respect to the fixed channel portion 33. In the alignment position M, the movable feed axis W is substantially aligned to the fixed feed axis Y. In case the alignment position M and the retracted position N are provided respectively as the first and second position, the movable channel portion 32 is oscillatable alternatively between the alignment position M, in which the movable channel portion 32 is substantially aligned to the fixed channel portion 33, and the retracted position N (Figure 4a) in which the movable channel portion 32 is retracted along the longitudinal direction L with respect to the fixed channel portion 33.

[0082] In alternative, the first position may comprise the advanced position Q in which the movable channel portion 32 is advanced with respect to the fixed channel portion 33 along the longitudinal direction L and the second position may comprise the alignment position M.

[0083] The feed device 30 comprises, in particular, an eccentric mechanism 34 arranged to make the movable channel portion 32 oscillate. The eccentric mechanism 34 may comprise, in particular, a connecting rod 34a - crank 34b mechanism. The eccentric mechanism 34 may comprise, in particular, an oscillating glyph. In a version not shown, the eccentric mechanism 34 may comprise, in particular, a cam and a respective driven element.

[0084] Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, the eccentric mechanism 34 is connected kinematically to one of the at least two wheels 51, 52 (in the specific example the eccentric mechanism 34 is connected to the drive wheel 51) by one or more pulleys 34d provided with a proper transmission ratio and relative transmission belts so as to mechanically synchronise a movement of the belt means 6 with the oscillation of the movable channel portion 32. In a version not shown, the kinematic connection between one of the at least two wheels 51, 52 and the movable channel portion 32 may comprise toothed wheels meshed with each other with an adequate transmission ratio.

[0085] The feed device 30 further comprises adjustment means (not shown) that may be driven to adjust the extent of oscillation of the movable channel portion 32 relative to the fixed channel portion 33 (or equivalently to the fixed feed axis Y). In other words, the adjustment means allow to adjust an angle between the fixed feed axis Y and the movable feed axis W. The adjustment means may be driven, in particular, to adjust the first and second position so that they are symmetrical with respect to the feed axis Y, i.e. so that an angle between the fixed feed axis Y and the movable feed axis W is substantially the same for both the first position and the second position (i.e. the angle P is substantially the same as the angle a). In alternative, the adjustment means may be driven to adjust the first and second position so that they are symmetrical with respect to the feed axis Y, i.e. so that the angle between the fixed feed axis Y and the movable feed axis W is different respectively for the first position and the second position (i.e. the angle P is substantially different from the angle a). The adjustment means may be connected to the eccentric mechanism 34.

[0086] In alternative, the movable channel portion 32 may be electronically synchronised to the belt means 6, in particular by means of position sensors of the belt means 6 and a drive unit (such as a servomotor and/or a pneumatic drive) configured to make the movable channel portion 32 oscillate based on the position of the belt means 6.

[0087] The synchronisation between the belt means 6 - in particular between the upper conveying branch 6a sliding along the longitudinal direction L - and the movable channel portion 32 is performed such that the upper conveying branch 6a slides at a longitudinal speed selected according to the feed speed of the caps 2. For instance, the feed speed of the caps 2 (measured in the channel 31) may be about 1/3 of the longitudinal speed of the upper conveying branch.

[0088] In use, the movable channel portion 32, oscillating, increases the time the movable channel portion 32 is facing a respective corridor 63 such that even at a high feed speed of the caps 2 (or longitudinal speed of the upper conveying branch 6a) the respective corridor 63 is filled with the predetermined amount of caps 2. In the specific example, at the inlet zone 3 each corridor 63 is filled with a set of three caps 2.

[0089] In particular, when the belt means 6 are driven and the upper conveying branch 6a flows along the longitudinal direction L, the movable channel portion 32 may move with at least a speed that is parallel and concordant with the longitudinal direction L so as to limit an impact between the caps 2 and the movable channel portion 32, thus avoiding damaging the caps 2.

[0090] The movable channel portion 32 is bounded by a first side wall 32b and by a second side wall 32a that is movable with respect to the first side wall 32b. The second side wall 32a is provided, in particular, with a free end 32a’ facing the inlet zone 3.

[0091] The second side wall 32a is rotatable between a near configuration G (Figure 4d) in which one end 32a’ of the second side wall 32a is at a set distance D from the first side wall 32b and a spaced configuration H (Figure 4b) in which the end 32a’ is positioned at a further distance D’ from said first side wall 32b that is greater than said set distance D.

[0092] In other words, the second side wall 32a is rotatable around a further transverse oscillation axis S ’ , in particular substantially orthogonal to a bottom wall 32c of the movable channel portion 32, the set distance D and the further distance D’ between the end 32a’ and the first side wall 32b is measured on a plane that is substantially parallel to the bottom wall 32c. The further oscillation axis S’ may be substantially parallel to the oscillation axis R.

[0093] The first side wall 32b and the second side wall 32a are connected to each other by means of elastic means 35 configured to be deformed when the end 32a’ of the second side wall 32a is at a distance from the first side wall 32b greater than the set distance D or greater than a reference distance that is greater than the set distance D.

[0094] A bottom wall 32c bounds at the bottom the movable channel portion 32 to contact the caps 2 when the latter ones slide into the movable channel portion 32. The bottom wall 32c is fixed with respect to the channel portion 33. Such bottom wall 32c may comprise a horizontal plate. The bottom wall 32c may comprise a plate-shaped element fixed to the fixed wall 50a, 50b, 50a’, 50b’ of the conveyor 5.

[0095] The first side wall 32b, the second side wall 32a and the bottom wall 32c may be provided with pass-through holes or slots.

[0096] The feed device 30 further comprises sensor means configured to detect a variation of the distance of the end 32a’ of the second side wall 32a from the first side wall 32b and generate a corresponding signal, in particular an alarm signal.

[0097] The sensor means may comprise sensor means of the optical and/or resistive and/or inductive and/or strain gauge type.

[0098] Referring to Figure 3, the elastic means 35 comprise a traction spring provided with two ends respectively connected to the first side wall 32b and to the end 32a’ of the second side wall 32a. In alternative, types of elastic elements other than the traction spring may be provided, such as a compression spring or an elastic lamina or similar.

[0099] The spaced configuration H may correspond to a failure configuration wherein one or more caps 2 get stuck in the movable channel portion 32. A failure situation such as that shown in Figure 4b may in fact occur where a cap 2 tends to be alongside the cap 2 at the front and thus exerts a force against the first side wall 32b and the second side wall 32a. The yielding of the movable channel portion 32, obtained owing to the arrangement of the elastic means 35 may soften an impact between the caps 2 and the movable portion 32. In other words, in the failure configuration the particular structure of the movable channel portion 32 may avoid damaging the cooling apparatus 1 due to the caps 2 got stuck, and detecting the displacement between the first side wall 32b and the end 32a’, i.e. the variation of the distance of the end 32a’ of the second side wall 32a from the first side wall 32b may generate an alarm signal. The yielding of the movable channel portion 32 may further prevent the caps 2 from deforming permanently.

[0100] The cooling apparatus 1 comprises in particular retaining means 36, 37 that may be controlled to selectively permit and prevent the transit of the caps 2 through the channel 31. The retaining means 36, 37 comprise a retaining element 36a, 37a shaped to contact the caps 2 and drivable by an actuator 36b, 37b. In the specific example shown in particular in Figure 3, the retaining means 36, 37 comprise a pair of retaining rods 36a, 37a movable to retain sideways a cap 2 in an intermediate position of the channel 31 between the fixed channel portion 33 and the movable channel portion 32. The pair of retaining rods 36a, 37a may be driven by a respective pair of linear actuators 36b, 37b. In a further version not shown, the retaining means may be different from those described, for example they may comprise elements drivable in rotation. In a further version not shown, the retaining means comprise one or more shutters, such as one or more plunger shutters, which may be lifted and/or lowered to allow and/or avoid the transit of the caps 2. The one or more shutter elements may be fitted above the channel 31. In alternative, in this last version the shutter elements may be fitted below the channel 31, and slide in a slot obtained at the base of the channel. The one or more shutters may comprise a plunger.

[0101] The feed device 30 further comprises detecting and control means configured to detect the number of the caps 2 which pass through a predefined section of the channel 31 and to control the retaining means 36, 37 to: prevent the transit of the caps 2 if a set number of caps 2 has not been reached, or permit the transit of the caps 2 if the set number of the caps 2 has been reached. [0102] In other words, the detecting and control means detect how many caps are present in the channel 31 so that the conveyor 5 is fed continuously with the predefined number of caps 2. This allows the feed device 30 for feed evenly the belt means 6 with a predefined number of caps 2, because a high number of caps in the channel 31, i.e. a number greater than the predefined number, may cause the caps 2 to deform. The detecting and control means may comprise at least a presence (or level) sensor positioned in the predefined section of the channel 31. The presence sensor may be of the optical type. The detecting and control means are further configured to vary the sliding speed of the belt means 6 depending on the number of caps 2 detected in the channel 31.

[0103] The cooling apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, fluid suction means 8 connected fluidly to the fluid inlet of the cooling means 10 to suck the fluid from the volume ZP and transfer the fluid to the cooling means 10 thereby making a closed cooling circuit. In other words, the air flow dispensed by the fluid dispensing means 9, sucked by the suction means 8 and cooled by the cooling means 10 is substantially the same. In alternative, an open cooling circuit may be provided wherein the fluid is dispersed into the environment once reached the volume ZP. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that such open circuit is less efficient that the closed cooling circuit described above while permitting an efficient cooling of the caps 2.

[0104] In a further version not shown, a circuit may be seen wherein the fluid dispensing means are arranged to dispense the fluid into the volume ZP and the suction means are structured to suck the fluid from the chamber C. In alternative, fluid distribution means may be provided that dispense fluid into the volume ZP making an open cooling circuit.

[0105] In the specific example shown in the Figures 1 and 2, the suction means 8 are arranged outside the loops of the belt means 6 and provided with suction mouths 80c facing the belt means 6. The suction mouths 80c are obtained on box- shaped elements 80a, 80b arranged at peripheral zones of the conveyor 5, in particular the box-shaped elements 80a, 80b face the connection conveying zones A, B.

[0106] The box-shaped suction elements 80a, 80b comprise an upper box-shaped suction element 80a arranged at a height above the upper conveying branch 6a and a lower boxshaped suction element 80b arranged at a height below the lower conveying branch 6b. The box-shaped suction elements 80a, 80b may be connected to each other by means of further manifolds 81. In the specific example two groups of box-shaped suction elements 80a, 80b each of which comprises an upper box-shaped suction element 80a and a lower box-shaped suction elements 80b. The suction means 8 may comprise, in particular, a suction device to generate a difference of pressure and suck the fluid. The suction device may comprise, in particular, a fan or a centrifugal aspirator.

[0107] The conveyor 5 may comprise, in particular, a cover casing 55, or case, arranged so as to surround the box- shaped suction elements 80a, 80b and the belt means 6. As shown in Figure 5a, the casing 55 bounds the volume ZP outside the belt means 6.

[0108] The casing 55 may comprise heat sealing panels to thermally insulate the volume ZP. [0109] As visible in the Figures, the conveyor 5 has a globally compact shape with respect to a belt conveyor of the know type, having wheels 51, 52 with a relatively high diameter with respect to a longitudinal length (measured for instance along the longitudinal direction L). Such relative compactness leads to a low S/V ratio, external exposed surface/overall volume, which gives the conveyor 5 a good energy efficiency with poor heat exchange losses.

[0110] The conveyor 5” according to a third embodiment (Figure 12) and the conveyor 5” ’ according to a fourth embodiment (Figure 13) comprise a substantially vertical structure. Such substantially vertical structure may provide that the wheels 51, 52 are arranged one over the other (in the specific examples of the Figures 12 and 13 at least four wheels arranged on more levels are provided). The substantially vertical structure has a S/V ratio lower than the conveyor 5 according to the first embodiment (Figure 2) and with respect to the conveyor 5” according to the second embodiment (Figure 11), resulting in an increase of the cooling efficiency with the same plan surface occupied by the conveyor.

[0111] As mentioned, the substantially vertical structure of the conveyor 5’” according to the fourth embodiment may provide the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 respectively on the lower conveying branch 6b and on the upper conveying branch 6a. This allows the conveyor 5”’ to work as an elevator allowing to convey caps 2 from a lower height to an upper height. In addition, all the versions of the conveyor described so far having an inlet zone and an outlet zone arranged on different conveying branches, lower or upper, allow to obtain caps in the outlet zone having an overturned orientation with respect to the same caps in the inlet zone. In other words, based on the position of the inlet zone and outlet zone with respect to the conveying branches, the conveyor also performs an orienting function, in particular an overturning function.

[0112] In a version not shown, the conveyor 5 may comprise a tilted structure that extends in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal direction L. This tilted structure may be obtained, in particular, arranging the at least two wheels 51, 52 on two heights different from each other. Such tilted structure allows the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 positioned on a same conveying means of the belt means 6 to be positioned at two heights different from each other.

[0113] In use, the belt means 6 are driven by the rotation of the drive wheel 51 and the feed device 30 feeds the belt means 6 in the inlet zone 3 inserting the caps 2 in discreet groups (in the specific example of three caps 2) in each corridor 63. The corridor 63 (dragged along the longitudinal direction L) conveys the group of caps 2 towards the guide means 7, in particular directs each cap 2 towards the start of a respective longitudinal track 70. At this stage the cap 2 travels through the respective longitudinal track 70 pushed by a ridge 62 of the corridor 63 and guided alongside by the elongated elements 71. Simultaneously, the fluid dispensing means 9 dispense cooled air inside the chamber C. The through-holes 13 obtained in the belt means 6 (or equally in the transverse plates 11) permit the transit of the fluid allowing to cool the caps 2 by convection.

[0114] Once the belt means 6 have channelled the caps into the longitudinal tracks 70, the caps 2 keep on being conveyed, firstly along a curved guide part 75a of the guide means 7 which allow to guide the caps of the upper conveying branch 6a to the lower conveying branch 6b, and then on the lower conveying branch 6b along the further longitudinal direction L’, always travelling along respective longitudinal tracks 70. At this point, i.e. when the caps 2 are conveyed along the lower conveying branch 6b, each cap 2 is pushed by the ridge 62, as guided sideways by the elongated elements 71 and slithers on the containment means 74 which allow the caps 2 to be retained in the conveyor 5 preventing them from falling by gravity (Figure 18). Consequently, cooperating with a further curved guide part 75b of the guide means 7, the belt means 6, pushing the cap 2 by the ridge 62, allow the caps 2 to rise towards the upper conveying branch 6a. After that the corridor 63 is (again) on the upper conveying branch 6a, the cap 2 travels the end of the respective longitudinal track 70 and is conveyed towards a transfer zone 73 adjacent to the end of the respective track 70 in which the diverting means 72 divert the caps 2 transversely - with respect to the longitudinal direction L - transferring them from the longitudinal track 70a to the further longitudinal track 70b substantially parallel thereto. During such deviation the cap 2 slithers transversely along the respective corridor 63. At this point the cap 2 has performed a first revolution along the loop defined by the belt means 6. The conveying (and cooling) of the cap 2 continues until the cap 2 travels along a path made up of more revolutions about the loop of the belt means 6 until it reaches the outlet zone 4 wherein the cap 2 leaves the belt means 6 with a temperature that is compatible with a later processing step of the cap 2.

[0115] At the outlet zone 4 the cap 2 may be diverted by one of the tilted elements 72 and be thus evacuated by belt means 6 (and by the cooling apparatus 1). In alternative, it is possible to provide an extractor device for extracting the caps by a fluid current. In a further version not shown, the extraction device may comprise a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder, to mechanically extract the cap/s 2 from the belt means 6.

[0116] In use, the cap 2 is supplied to the belt means 6 in an overturned orientation, i.e. with the closed portion facing the belt means 6 and with the open portion facing the guide means 7. The inlet orientation may depend on the working apparatus arranged upstream of the cooling apparatus 1. However, it may be provided to feed the cap 2 with the open portion facing the belt means 6 and the closed portion facing the guide means. In a version not shown, in the inlet zone 3 or outlet zone 4, overturning means may be provided to vary the orientation of the caps 2.

[0117] The cooling apparatus 1 may be inserted in a production line 100 of the caps 2, in particular downstream of a “hot” working apparatus, such as a forming or moulding apparatus and upstream of a “cold” working apparatus, such as a cutting and/or bending and/or inspection apparatus.

[0118] The production line 100 comprises, in particular, a production path travelable by the caps 2. The production path may be defined by a specific shape of ducts, channels of rotating carousels, wherein the caps 2 are moved by air flows or moving members.

[0119] Referring to Figure 10, the production line 100 comprises, in particular, a forming apparatus 101 arranged for heating and/or moulding a plurality of doses of plastics for forming the caps 2. The forming apparatus 101 may form the caps 2 giving to the caps 2 (exiting the forming apparatus 101) a high temperature of about 90-100°C which corresponds to a non-stable shape of the caps 2. In other words, the caps 2 just formed are in a “soft” state due to their high temperature. In such a “soft” state the caps 2 are susceptible of undesired deformations which may compromise, in particular in terms of quality, the future processing.

[0120] The production line may comprise, in particular, a “cold” working apparatus 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 arranged to work the caps 2. The working apparatus 102, 103, 104 may comprise a cutting apparatus 102 for cutting the caps 2 and/or a folding apparatus 103 arranged for deforming a portion of the caps 2 and/or an inspection apparatus 104 arranged for inspecting the caps 2 and/or a stacking apparatus 105 for stacking the caps 2 and/or a packaging apparatus 106 for packaging the caps 2 and/or a filling apparatus 107 for filling the caps 2 with a food substance. In particular, in order to make a precise cut on the cap, the cutting apparatus 102 requires the cap to be at a suitable temperature, such as of about 35- 40 °C, which corresponds to a stable shape of the cap 2. In particular, the stacking apparatus 105 is arranged to stack the caps 2 one over the other, the closed portion of a cap being inserted at least partially on the open portion of an adjacent cap. The stacking apparatus 105 may receive caps 2 oriented in a same direction, such as in the overturned orientation. The stacking of the caps requires the caps 2 to be at a stable, even and relatively low temperature, such as of about 35-40 °C, to avoid that the stacked caps 2 stick to each other or that, shrinking as a result of cooling, they get stuck with each other. Downstream of the stacking apparatus 105 the packaging apparatus 106 may be provided to pack the stacked caps 2.

[0121] With respect to the production path of the caps 2, the cooling apparatus 1 is arranged downstream of the forming apparatus 101 and upstream of the “cold” working apparatus 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107.

[0122] The cooling apparatus 1 may implement a cooling method to cool the caps 2 comprising the following steps.

[0123] A step of conveying the caps 2 by means of the closed loop belt means 6 and provided with an upper conveying branch 6a that is movable along the longitudinal direction L. [0124] A step of feeding the inlet zone 3 of the belt means 6 according to a sequential order of said caps 2 on the belt means 6.

[0125] A step of making the caps 2 exit an outlet zone 4 of the belt means 6.

[0126] A step of dispensing a cooling fluid 9 towards the caps 2 during the step of conveying, wherein during the step of conveying, it is provided to guide the caps 2 on the belt means 6 along a plurality of longitudinal tracks 70, the longitudinal tracks 70 being adjacent to one another along the longitudinal direction L.

[0127] The step of guiding comprises, in particular, a step of diverting the caps 2 to transfer them along the transverse direction from a longitudinal track 70a to a further longitudinal track 70b parallel thereto such that the path of each of the caps 2 between the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 comprises more than one revolution on the loop and the sequential order of the caps 2 is maintained in the outlet zone 4.

[0128] The step of feeding comprises a step of starting the cooling apparatus which includes detecting the caps 2 entering, and permitting the transit of the caps 2 if a set number of the caps 2 is reached, or preventing the transit of the caps 2 if the set number of the caps 2 has not been reached.

[0129] In other words, in the step of starting, the transit of the caps 2 is prevented by the retaining means 36, 37; the caps 2 fed into the channel 31 accumulate until reaching a set section of the channel 31 positioned upstream of the retaining means 36, 37 at a set distance from the retaining means 36, 37; when the caps reach the predefined section it is provided permitting the transit of the caps 2 entering the belt means 6 to continuously feed the belt means 6.

[0130] The step of starting further comprises driving the moving belt means 6 until reaching a sliding speed when at operating speed. The step of driving the belt means 6 until reaching a sliding speed when at operating speed may overlap temporally with the step of preventing the transit of the caps 2.

[0131] The dispensing of the cooling fluid into the chamber C inside the loop of the belt means 6 allows an even cooling of the conveyed caps, as, thanks to the particular position of the fluid dispensing means 9, the majority of the heat exchange surface suitable for cooling the caps faces the cooling fluid dispensing points. The cooling uniformity, as well as its energy and production efficiency is further enhanced by the holes obtained in the belt means 6 which allow a heat exchange between the cooling air and the caps 2 by convection.

[0132] Such energy aspect is further encouraged by the compact shape of the conveyor 5, i.e. with a low surface and volume ratio, which contributes to reduce losses in the heat exchange.

[0133] Furthermore, the heat exchange surface defined by the belt means 6 is particularly optimised by exploiting conveying the caps on both the upper conveying branch 6a and the lower conveying branch 6b. Indeed, owing to the guide means 7 around the belt means 6, the caps 2 succeed in travelling more revolutions about the chamber C remaining in contact for long with the refrigerated fluid so as to be properly cooled. Such optimising is further reached thanks to the particular arrangement of the diverting means 72 between the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 as the inclination of the diverting means 72 may encourage both the entry of the caps 2 ands the evacuation thereof from the belt means 6.

[0134] Furthermore, owing to the synergy between the guide means 7 and the belt means 6, in particular owing to the corridors 63 and the longitudinal tracks 70, as well as owing to the shape of the diverting means 72, each cap 2 maintains a sequential order between the inlet zone 3 and the outlet zone 4 making it possible to associate a process upstream of the cooling apparatus 1, such as a predefined moulding, to a working process downstream of the cooling apparatus 1, for example a predefined cutting and/or folding and/or inspection processing.

[0135] Furthermore, the fact that the caps 2 are diverted for the first time by the diverting means 72 only after almost a complete revolution allows to notably lower the temperature of the caps 2 (and thus notably “stiffen” the caps 2) before the diverting means 72 acts on it, thus avoiding undesired deformations of the caps 2.

[0136] The feed device 30 described above may be provided to feed caps 2 to a roller shutter or channel or corridor or ridge-equipped belt which is not included in a cooling apparatus. Each cap 2 of such caps 2 comprises a hollow body, in particular a cup-shaped body, i.e. a glass-shaped body. The cup-shaped body is provided with a closed portion, i.e. a base, and an open portion opposite to the closed portion. The cap 2 may be suitable in particular for closing a container, such as a stopper of the type used for closing a bottle. The cap 2 may be a container element for containing a substance, such as a food substance, for example coffee. The cap 2 may be, in particular, a plastic preform.

[0137] Hereinafter the reference numbers are related to the belt means 6 and the feed device 30 of the cooling apparatus 1, however the following description is meant to refer to a cap feed device for feeding belt means, such as a roller shutter or channel or corridor or ridge- equipped belt when the belt means 6 are not included in the cooling apparatus.

[0138] In this example the belt means 6 are closed in a loop and include an upper conveying branch 6a that is movable along a longitudinal direction L and a lower conveying branch 6b. The shutter belt includes an inlet zone 3 for the entry in sequential order of the caps 2 onto the belt means 6. The belt means 6 may be dragged by at least two wheels 51, 52 as those described for the conveyor 5 included in the cooling apparatus 1.

[0139] The belt means 6 comprise a plurality of ridges 62 which are transverse, spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction L, to push the caps 2 along the longitudinal direction L when the belt means 6 are driven and moving, the plurality of ridges 62 bounding on the belt means 6 a plurality of corridors 63 arranged for receiving the caps 2 and for allowing said caps 2 to slide along each corridor 63 of the plurality of corridors 63.

[0140] The feed device 30 is arranged at the inlet zone 3 for feeding the caps 2 to the belt means 6, the feed device 30 comprising a feed channel 31 that is travellable by the caps 2 provided with a fixed channel portion 33 and with a movable channel portion 32 arranged for directing the caps inside the inlet zone 3, the movable channel portion 32 being provided at one end of the channel 31.

[0141] The movable channel portion 32 is oscillatable between a first position and a second position. In the second position the movable channel portion 32 is retracted along the longitudinal direction L with respect to the first position.

[0142] The first position may comprise an advanced position Q equal to that previously described for the version of the feed device included in the cooling apparatus 1. The second position may comprise a retracted position N equal to that previously described for the version of the feed device included in the cooling apparatus 1.

[0143] In other words, the movable channel portion 32 is configured to oscillate with respect to the fixed channel portion 33 about an oscillation axis S, substantially orthogonal to the upper conveying branch 6a or lower conveying branch 6b. The movable channel portion 32 is oscillatable alternatively between an advanced position Q, in which the movable channel portion 32 is advanced along the longitudinal direction L with respect to the fixed channel portion 33, and a retracted position N in which the movable channel position 32 is retracted along the longitudinal direction L with respect to the fixed channel portion 33.

[0144] The movable channel portion 32 is bounded by a first side wall 32b and by a second side wall 32a that is movable with respect to the first side wall 32b.

[0145] In an alternative version, the first position may comprise an alignment position M equal to that previously described for the version of the feed device 30 included in the cooling apparatus 1. In this version the movable channel portion 32 is oscillatable between the alignment position M and the retracted position N. In a further alternative version, the second position may comprise the alignment position M. In this further version the movable channel portion 32 is oscillatable between the advanced position Q and the alignment position M.

[0146] The feed device 30 comprises an eccentric mechanism 34 equal to that previously described for the version of the feed device included in the cooling apparatus 1.

[0147] The feed device 30 comprises adjustment means (not shown) equal to those previously described for the version of the feed device included in the cooling apparatus 1. [0148] The second side wall 32a is rotatable between a near configuration G in which one end 32a’ of the second side wall 32a is at a set distance D from the first side wall 32b and a spaced configuration H in which the end 32a’ is positioned at a further distance D’ from the first side wall 32b that is greater than the set distance D.

[0149] The second side wall 32a is rotatable about an axis S’ substantially orthogonal to a bottom wall 32c of the movable channel portion 32, the set distance D and the further distance D’ between the end 32a’ and the first side wall 32b being measured on a plane substantially parallel to the bottom wall 32c.

[0150] The first side wall 32b and the second side wall 32a are connected to each other by means of elastic means 35 configured to deform when the end 32a’ of the second side wall 32a is distant from the first side 32b more than the set distance D or more than a reference distance greater than the set distance D.

[0151] The feed device 30 comprises sensor means configured to detect a variation of the distance of the end 32a’ of the second side wall 32a from the first side wall 32b and generate a corresponding alarm signal.

[0152] The feed device 30 further comprises in particular retaining means 36, 37 that may be controlled to selectively permit and prevent the transit of the caps 2 through the channel 31.

[0153] The retaining means comprise a retaining element 36a, 37a that is shaped to contact the caps 2 and drivable by an actuator 36a, 36b.

[0154] The feed device 30 further comprises detecting and control means configured to detect the number of the caps 2 which pass through a predefined section of the channel 31 and to control the retaining means 36, 37 to: prevent the transit of the caps 2 if a set number of caps 2 has not been reached, or permit the transit of the caps 2 if the set number of the caps 2 has been reached.

[0155] In use, the movable channel portion 32, oscillating, increases the time the movable channel portion 32 is facing a respective corridor 63 such that even at a high feed speed of the caps 2 (or longitudinal speed of the upper conveying branch 6a) the respective corridor 63 is filled with the predetermined amount of caps 2. In the specific example, at the inlet zone 3 each corridor 63 is filled with a set of three caps 2.

[0156] In particular, when the belt means 6 are driven and are moving and the upper conveying branch 6a slides along the longitudinal direction L, the movable channel portion 32 may move with at least a speed that is parallel and concordant with the longitudinal direction L so as to limit an impact between the caps 2 and the movable channel portion 32, thus avoiding damaging the caps 2 and/or the conveyor 5 itself.

[0157] In this example, the feed device 30 may comprise a conveyor 5, such as a roller shutter or channel or corridor or ridge-equipped conveyor.

[0158] The mobility of the movable channel portion with respect to the fixed channel portion allows the feed device to follow the corridors obtained in the belt means evenly occupying the corridors. This allows the cap feed device to feed the caps in a row at a relatively high speed while maintaining the integrity of the caps and production quality.

[0159] Furthermore, the structural flexibility of the first side wall with respect to the second side wall limits the risk that the caps get stuck/accumulate in the channel.

[0160] This further allows to detect, in combination with the sensor means, a failure condition and for example, to stop the belt means and/or the feed device movement to prevent damaging the feed device.

[0161] Furthermore, the particular configuration of the retaining means and of the detecting and control means allows the feed device to receive a suitable number of caps thus preventing further amassments and consequently deforming the caps and/or damaging the feed device itself.

Claims

CLAIMS Cooling apparatus (1) for cooling caps (2), comprising a conveyor (5) for conveying said caps (2) including:

- closed loop belt means (6) provided with an upper conveying branch (6a) that is movable along a longitudinal direction (L) and with a lower conveying branch (6b);

- an inlet zone (3) for the entry in sequential order of said caps (2) onto said belt means (6);

- an outlet zone (4) for the exit of said caps (2) from said belt means (6); said cooling apparatus (1) further comprising fluid dispensing means (9) suitable for dispensing a fluid to said caps (2) to cool said caps (2) and guide means (7) conformed so as to bound a plurality of longitudinal tracks (70) travelable by said caps (2) when the belt means (6) is driven, said longitudinal tracks (70) being adjacent to one another along said longitudinal direction (L); characterized in that said guide means (7) comprises diverting means (72) conformed to transfer said caps (2) along a transverse direction from a longitudinal track (70a) to a further longitudinal track (70b) parallel thereto of said plurality of longitudinal tracks (70) such that a path of each of said caps (2) between said inlet zone (3) and said outlet zone (4) comprises more than a revolution on said loop and said sequential order of said caps (2) is maintained along said path as far as said outlet zone (4). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said diverting means (72) bounds a plurality of transverse tracks (72a) that are travelable by said caps (2). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein said longitudinal track (70a) and said further longitudinal track (70b) are provided respectively with a track start (70a’, 70b’) and with a track end (70a”, 70b”), the track end (70a”) of said longitudinal track (70a) being connected to the respective track start (70b’) of said further longitudinal track (70b) through a transverse track (72a) of said plurality of transverse tracks (72a) to enable said caps (2) to travel said path without interruption between said inlet zone (3) and said outlet zone (4). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said diverting means (72) comprises tilted elements (72) substantially parallel to one another and tilted with respect to said longitudinal direction (L) to divert said caps (2) from said longitudinal direction (L) so that said caps (2) advance transversely to said longitudinal direction (L) along said transverse tracks (72a) on said belt means (6) when said belt means (6) is driven. Cooling apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said diverting means (72) is arranged in a transfer zone (73) of said cooling apparatus (1), said transfer zone (73) being interposed between said inlet zone (3) and said outlet zone (4). Cooling apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said inlet zone (3) and said outlet zone (4) are both arranged on said upper conveying branch (6a) or are both arranged on said lower conveying branch (6b) or said inlet zone (3) is arranged on said lower conveying branch (6b) and said outlet zone (4) is arranged on said upper conveying branch (6a) or vice versa. Cooling apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said guide means (7) comprises elongated elements (71) arranged longitudinally alongside and spaced apart from one another to define said longitudinal tracks (70). Cooling apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said guide means (7) comprises curved guide parts (75a, 75b) alongside and spaced apart from one another to guide said caps (2) in a connecting conveying zone (A, B) connecting said upper conveying branch (6a) and said lower conveying branch (6b). Cooling apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said guide means (7) comprises containing means (74) provided with at least one containing surface (74a) facing said lower conveying branch (6b) and arranged for containing said caps (2) and preventing said caps (2) from falling by gravity when said caps (2) are conveyed along said lower conveying branch (6b). Cooling apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said guide means (7) is fitted to a fixed part (50a, 50a’, 50b, 50b’) of said conveyor (5) so that said guide means (7) is spaced apart from said belt means (6) so as not to interfere with the movement of said belt means (6). Cooling apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said belt means (6) comprises a plurality of ridges (62) which are transverse, spaced apart from one another along said longitudinal direction (L), to push said caps (2) along said longitudinal direction (L) when said belt means (6) is driven, said plurality of ridges (62) bounding on said belt means (6) a plurality of corridors (63) arranged for receiving said caps (2) and for enabling said caps (2) to slide along each corridor (63) of said plurality of corridors (63) when said caps (2) are diverted by said diverting means (72). Cooling apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a feed device (30) arranged at said inlet zone (3) for feeding said caps (2) to said belt means (6), said feed device (30) comprising a channel (31) for feeding that is travellable by said caps (2) that is provided with a fixed channel portion (33) and with a movable channel portion (32) arranged for directing said caps inside said inlet zone (3), said movable channel portion (32) being provided at one end of said channel (31). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 12, wherein said movable channel portion (32) is configured to oscillate with respect to said fixed channel portion (33) around an oscillation axis (S) substantially orthogonal to said upper conveying branch (6a) or to said lower conveying branch (6b). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 13, wherein said movable channel portion (32) is alternatively oscillatable between an advanced position (Q), in which said movable channel portion (32) is advanced along said longitudinal direction (L) with respect to said fixed channel portion (33), and a retracted position (N) in which said movable channel portion (32) is retracted along said longitudinal direction (L) with respect to said fixed channel portion (33). Cooling apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said movable channel portion (32) is bounded by a first side wall (32b) and by a second side wall (32a) that is movable with respect to said first side wall (32b). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 15, wherein said second side wall (32a) is rotatable between a near configuration (G) in which one end (32a’) of said second side wall (32a) is at a set distance (D) from said first side wall (32b) and a spaced configuration (H) in which said end (32a’) is positioned at a further distance (D’) from said first side wall (32b) that is greater than said set distance (D). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 16, wherein said second side wall (32a) is rotatable around an axis (S’) substantially orthogonal to a bottom wall (32c) of said movable channel portion of (32), said set distance (D) and said further distance (D’) between said end (32a’) and said first side wall (32b) being measured on a plane substantially parallel to said bottom wall (32c). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said first side wall (32b) and said second side wall (32a) are connected together by elastic means (35) configured to be deformed when said end (32a’) of said second side wall (32a) is at a distance from said first side wall (32b) that is more than said set distance (D) or more than a reference distance that is greater than said set distance (D). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 18, wherein said feed device (30) comprises sensor means configured to detect a variation in distance of said end (32a’) of said second side wall (32a) from said first side wall (32b) and generate an alarm signal when said end (32a’) of said second side wall (32a) is at a distance from said first side wall (32b) that is greater than said set distance (D) or more than a reference distance that is greater than said set distance (D). Cooling apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein said feed device (30) further comprises retaining means (36, 37) which is controllable to permit and prevent selectively the transit of said caps (2) through said channel (31). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 20, wherein said retaining means comprises a retaining element (36a, 37a) that is shaped to contact said caps (2) and is drivable by an actuator (36a, 36b). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said feed device (30) further comprises detecting and control means configured to detect the number of said caps (2) that traverse a predefined section of the channel (31) and to control said retaining means (36, 37) to:

- prevent the transit of said caps (2) if a set number of said caps (2) has not been reached, or

- permit the transit of said caps (2) if said set number of said caps (2) has been reached. Cooling apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said belt means (6) defines a region (C) inside said loop which is surrounded for the most part thereof by said belt means (6) and a volume (ZP) outside said loop and in which said caps (2) are conveyed, said fluid dispensing means (9) being connected fluidly to said region (C) to dispense said fluid in said region (C), said belt means (6) being provided with one or more holes (13) to place in fluid communication said region (C) with said volume (ZP) so as to enable said fluid to contact said caps (2). Cooling apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising:

- cooling means (10) suitable for cooling said fluid and connected fluidly to said fluid dispensing means (9), and

- fluid suction means (8) connected fluidly to said volume (ZP) and to said cooling means (10) for sucking said fluid from said volume (ZP) and transferring said fluid to said cooling means (10), making a closed cooling circuit. Cooling apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said belt means (6) comprises a plurality of transverse plates (11) placed alongside one another along said loop, each transverse plate (11) of said plurality of transverse plates (11) being fitted to at least one belt (61) provided in said belt means (6), said at least one belt (61) being wrapped around at least two wheels (51, 52) and drivable by the rotation of one of said at least two wheels (51, 52). Cooling apparatus (1) according to claim 25 as appended to claim 23, wherein said one or more holes (13) are obtained on said plurality of transverse plates (11). Production line (100) of caps (2) comprising a cooling apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26 and further comprising:

- a production path that is travellable by said caps (2);

- a forming apparatus (101) arranged for heating and/or moulding a plurality of doses of plastics for forming said caps (2);

- a working apparatus (102, 103, 104) arranged for working said caps (2); wherein said cooling apparatus (1) is arranged downstream of said forming apparatus (101) and upstream of said working apparatus (102, 103, 104), where “upstream” and “downstream” are relative to said production path. Production line (100) according to claim 27, wherein said working apparatus (102, 103, 104) is chosen from a group comprising a cutting apparatus (102) arranged for cutting said caps (2) and/or a folding apparatus (103) arranged for deforming a portion of said caps (2) and/or an inspection apparatus (104) arranged for inspecting said caps (2) and/or a stacking apparatus (105) for stacking said caps (2) and/or a packaging apparatus (106) for packaging said caps (2) and/or a filling apparatus (107) to fill said caps (2) with a food substance. Cooling method for cooling caps (2) for closing a container, comprising:

- conveying said caps (2) by closed loop belt means (6) provided with an upper conveying branch that is movable along a longitudinal direction (L),

- feeding an inlet zone (3) of said belt means (6) according to a sequential order of said caps (2) on said belt means (6);

- making said caps (2) exit an outlet zone (4) of said belt means (6);

- dispensing a cooling fluid to said caps (2) during said conveying; - during said conveying, guiding said caps (2) along a plurality of longitudinal tracks (70) on said belt means (6), said longitudinal tracks (70) being adjacent to one another along said longitudinal direction (L) characterized in that said guiding comprises diverting said caps (2) to transfer said caps (2) along a transverse direction from a longitudinal track (70a) to a further longitudinal track (70b) parallel thereto such that a path of each of said caps (2) between said inlet zone (3) and said outlet zone (4) comprises more than one revolution on said loop and said sequential order of said caps (2) is maintained as far as said outlet zone (4). Cooling method according to claim 29, wherein said feeding step comprises detecting said caps (2) upstream of said inlet zone (3), and permitting the transit of said caps (2) to said inlet zone (3) if a set number is reached of said caps (2) upstream of said inlet zone (3), or preventing the transit of said caps (2) if a set number of said caps (2) is not reached.