Patent ID: 12258159

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes generically a machine for making capsules “C” containing powder product “R”, indicated below simply as the machine1.

The machine1according to the invention comprises a plurality of processing stations2and movement means3configured for conveying the capsules “C” during processing through the various processing stations2.

By way of example, the capsules “C” may comprise a capsule body made by moulding a metallic material, in particular aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

As may be seen inFIG.1, the capsules “C” may have the shape of a substantially truncated cone shaped solid of revolution, with a slight taper and vertex positioned at the bottom, closed at the bottom by a circular base “B”, equipped at the top with a circular opening “A”, and equipped with an edge wall “P” defined by a circular crown lying horizontally.

One or more inserts “I” may also be inserted inside the capsule “C”.

In general, the processing stations2are configured to perform respective processes aimed at making capsules “C” containing powder product “R” in a respective predetermined processing time.

By way of example and as described in more detail below, the machine1may comprise a plurality of processing stations2including at least one between: a feeding station2aconfigured for feeding the capsule bodies; a filling and dosing station2bwherein the powder product “R” is dosed and introduced inside the capsule body; a station2cfor making a closing cover, and a sealing station, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the cover is stably connected to the capsule body.

The plurality of processing stations2may also comprise at least one insertion station2dconfigured for applying to the capsule body a respective insert “I”, such as, for example, an insert made of filtering material.

The plurality of processing stations2may also comprise at least one compression and cleaning station2edesigned in particular for cleaning the edge portion “P” of the capsule body after the insertion inside it of the powder product “R”.

The movement means3are, on the other hand, configured for conveying the capsules “C” along a processing path extending through the plurality of processing stations2.

In other words, the processing path extends at the machine1, in such a way as to allow each capsule “C” to be transported at or also inside the various processing stations2to allow the latter to operate on them.

Structurally, the movement means3comprise a transfer drum4and a plurality of units5each designed to receive at least one respective capsule body.

In particular, each unit5is coupled to the lateral surface of the transfer drum4, in such a way that the rotation of the transfer drum4allows them to be conveyed along the working path which therefore extends along a substantially circular trajectory, in particular along a circular arc.

More specifically, each units5is coupled to a lateral surface of the transfer drum4and configured to be positioned relative to said lateral surface in such a way as to adopt a predetermined orientation relative to said transfer drum4.

Moreover, each unit5is configured to rotate with respect to the lateral surface of the transfer drum4on which it is mounted, rotating about a respective a respective orientation axis “X” parallel to the axis of rotation “Y” of the transfer drum4.

Preferably, each orientation axis “X” lies at the lateral surface of the transfer drum4.

In other words, each unit is connected in an idle fashion to the transfer drum4at its lateral surface, in such a way as to be adjustable so that it can be suitably aligned with each processing station2according to their specific operating requirements.

For example, at a filling station, wherein the powder product R″ must be introduced inside the capsule body, it may be necessary for the unit to adopt a substantially horizontal configuration, in such a way as to allow the capsule body to be completely filled without the risk that the powder product “R” falls outside it.

Advantageously, the ability to orient the individual units provides the machine1with a high versatility and efficiency; in fact, it is the individual units which are suitably oriented relative to the individual processing stations2, with it no longer being necessary to position the processing stations2as a function of the orientation of the individual units5along the processing path and only at those points where the orientation is compatible with the performance of a specific processing step.

Preferably, the transfer drum4is configured to adopt a succession of different angular positions wherein at least one unit5in positioned at a respective processing station2.

In other words, the transfer drum4may be set in rotation in discrete steps in such a way that in successive steps a predetermined unit5is moved along the processing path and passes one after another through the various processing stations2which form part of the machine1.

In this way, the capsule bodies after being fed to the machine1are in sequence transferred to the units5, processed and finally extracted from the units5in such a way as to be moved towards further machines positioned downstream and designed, for example, to perform a grouping and packaging of the capsules C.

The units5may thus adopt different orientations relative to the lateral surface of the transfer drum4as a function of the specific angular position of the transfer drum4and therefore as a function of the processing station2at which they are in that specific angular position.

In other words, for each angular position which can be adopted by the transfer drum4, it is known which units5are located at which processing stations2, so it is possible to associate with each unit5a specific orientation which the unit5must adopt and which is determined as a function of the angular position adopted at that moment by the transfer drum4.

Preferably, the units are positioned radially about the axis of rotation “Y” of the transfer drum4and are equidistant from each other (at a constant spacing) on its lateral surface.

In this way, the transfer drum4can be moved according to successive steps in which its angular position is always modified by a predetermined constant value.

Preferably, each unit5comprises a damping device configured to reduce the vibrations to which it is subjected when the transfer drum4varies its angular position (rotates relative to the transfer axis Y).

In fact, the step-by-step movement of the transfer drum4applies a continuous acceleration and deceleration to the individual units and to the capsule bodies contained therein.

The presence of the damping devices therefore prevents this non-continuous movement from causing an undesired deterioration of the capsule body which is being processed whilst it passes through the various production steps, or an accidental movement of the elements inserted inside it (whether it is the powder product “R” or further inserts “I”).

Advantageously, in addition to the shock absorbing device which is configured as a passive device, each unit5may further comprise a compensating device which, on the other hand, acts on the respective unit5for modifying the inclination in such a way as to compensate for an acceleration generated when the transfer drum4varies its angular position.

In other words, the compensating device guarantees that the unit5maintains a correct orientation whilst it is conveyed between one processing station2and the next.

For example, after the powder product “R” has been introduced into the capsule body it is necessary to guarantee that the latter is not inclined before applying at least one retaining element such as, for example, the cover, therefore the compensating device rotates (for example, continuously) the unit5whilst it is conveyed along the semi-circular trajectory determined by the transfer drum4in such a way as to keep it in a substantially horizontal configuration along the stretch in question.

Each unit5also has at least one suction hole, in particular at least one suction hole for each capsule body which its is configured to receive, which is operatively connectable to a suction source.

By means of the suction holes it is therefore possible to generate a negative pressure which promotes the correct retaining of the capsule bodies inside the respective units5along the entire processing path and independently of the specific orientation which they adopt for aligning with the various processing stations2.

The machine1also comprises a detection system6associated with at least one processing station2for assessing the correct execution of the processes of the processing station2(more specifically, for assessing the correct positioning of at least one of said units5relative to one of said processing stations2).

More specifically, the detection system comprises at least one sensor (of the optical, mechanical, electromagnetic or other type) which inspects the capsule bodies at the outfeed from the respective processing station2, in such a way as to detect any defects or imperfections due to the process or to the raw and/or semi-finished materials used for the process which can determine the need to reject a predetermined capsule body.

According to a particular embodiment, illustrated schematically inFIG.2, the machine1comprises a station2afor feeding the capsule body, made, for example, by a conveyor belt which receives the capsule bodies from a process upstream of the machine1and conveys them in a plane located substantially below the transfer drum4.

Once the capsule bodies arrive at the transfer drum they are received in respective units5and retained, for example, thanks to the negative pressure generated by the suction source and exerted on the capsule bodies through the suction ducts.

Downstream of the feed station2athere is an insertion station2d.

Said insertion station2dcomprises a first element2dfor inserting an insert I and a second element2dfor inserting an insert I with a dosing station2binterposed between them.

More in detail, downstream of the feed station2athere is a first insertion station in which a first insert “I” is introduced inside the capsule body. In said station there is the first insertion element.

The insertion station2dmay, for example, comprise a path for unwinding a reel of web made of material designed to make the insert “I” and one or more punches acting along the path and configured to engage the web, detaching a succession of inserts “I”, promoting the insertion inside the capsule body.

Downstream of the first insertion station2dthere is at least one station2bfor dosing the powder product “R”, two dosing stations2bin the specific configuration shown by way of example inFIG.2.

In particular, simultaneously with the rotation of the transfer drum4which carries a predetermined unit5from the first insertion station2dto the at least one dosing station2b, there is also a relative rotation of the unit5relative to the lateral surface of the transfer drum4, in such a way as to bring it into a substantially horizontal configuration, which allows the powder product “R” to be inserted inside the capsule body in a correct manner.

In general, in each of the processing stations2it is possible for the units5to adopt different orientations depending on which orientation is most advantageous in terms of managing the positioning of the individual processing stations2in the machine1and/or optimising the performance of the various processes.

Downstream of the at least one dosing station2bthere is a compression and cleaning station2ein which any portions of the powder product “R” which have accidentally remained outside the capsule body, in particular placed on the edge portion “P” and which could therefore adversely affect the subsequent coupling of the cover to the capsule body, are eliminated.

Downstream of the compression and cleaning station2ethere is a second insertion station2dwhich allows the application of a further insert “I” which will therefore be positioned above the powder product “R”, facilitating the containment inside the capsule body.

In the specific example shown inFIG.2, at the second insertion station2d, the units5are again aligned with the lateral surface of the transfer drum4.

In other words, the structure shown inFIG.2allows inserts “I” to be applied inside the capsule body in such a way that the powder product “R” is enclosed between them.

Downstream of the second insertion station2dthere is a detection system6which controls the correct application of the second insert “I” and consequently the correct retaining of the powder product “R” by the latter.

Downstream of the detection system6there is a station2cfor making a closing cover, which may or may not coincide with the sealing station in such a way that inside the station the cover is not only made and applied to the capsule body, but also connected to it.

According to one aspect, the sealing station2ccomprises means for making a cover for closing said capsule body.

In particular, the station2cfor making the closing cover may comprise a path for unwinding a roll of web made of material designed to make the cover and one or more punches acting along the path and configured to engage the web, detaching a succession of covers and promoting the application and, if necessary, also the sealing to the edge portion “P” of the capsule body.

Downstream of the making station2cthere is an evacuation station2fby means of which the capsules “C” made by the machine1are transferred to further production processes situated downstream of the machine1.

In particular, the evacuation station may be embodied by a conveyor belt positioned below the transfer drum4, in such a way that by simply interrupting the fluid connection between the suction holes and the suction source of a predetermined unit it is possible to make the capsules “C” held by the unit fall onto the conveyor belt simply under the effect of the force of gravity, which is no longer opposed by the negative pressure generated by the suction source.

Advantageously, the invention achieves the preset aims overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art by providing the user with a machine for making capsules “C” containing powder products “R”, which is compact and versatile and which guarantees a correct movement of the capsule bodies along the processing path.

The invention also relates to a method for making capsules “C” containing powder product “R”, preferably which can be performed using a machine1made as described above.

According to one aspect, the method comprises a step of preparing a transfer drum4configured to rotate about a transfer axis Y, and a plurality of units5each designed to receive at least one capsule body, each unit5of said plurality of units5being coupled to a lateral surface of the transfer drum4.

According to another aspect, the method comprises the step of moving said transfer drum4so as to move said units5.

According to another aspect, the method comprises the step of selectively rotating at least one unit5relative to the lateral surface of the transfer drum4, so as to adopt a predetermined orientation with respect to said transfer drum4.

According to another aspect, the method also comprises at least one of the following steps:dosing2ba powder product R inside said capsule body;sealing a cover on said capsule body;

said dosing and sealing steps are performed when said unit5adopts a predetermined respective angular position relative to the lateral surface of the transfer drum4.

Further aspects of the method according to the invention are described below.

The method comprises conveying a succession of units5, each of which designed to receive at least one capsule body.

In particular, the units5are conveyed along a processing path extending through a plurality of processing stations2by means of a transfer drum4.

As described in more detail above relative to the machine1, the units5are coupled to a lateral surface of the transfer drum4and configured to rotate relative to it about the respective orientation axis “X”.

The units5are then made to pass along the processing path through the various processing stations2in such a way that the capsule bodies can be processed for making the capsules “C”.

During the movement of the units5along the working path, at least one unit5is selectively rotated relative to the lateral surface of the transfer drum4as a function of an angular position of the latter.

Preferably, the at least one unit5is rotated in such a way as to adopt a substantially horizontal configuration along at least one stretch of the processing path.

In this way, the units5can be selectively oriented according to the specific operating needs of the individual processing stations2.

Advantageously, the invention achieves the preset aims overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art by providing the user with a method for making capsules which makes it possible to optimise the management of the resources available, in particular relative to the use and the positioning of the various processing stations2.