A method and an apparatus for moving objects away from a mould

Abstract

A method for transporting an object having one concave sidewall away from a mold, the method comprising the steps of: - providing a removal element movable along a path and a guide element; - extracting the object from the mold and releasing the object onto a support surface at a position between the removal element and the guide element when the removal element is at a distance from the object; - displacing the removal element toward the object such that the removal element contacts the sidewall; - moving the removal element along a portion of the path to transport the object toward a transport position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Invention Field This invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing an object from a mold, such as from a mold included in a compression molding apparatus intended to form the object by means of a dosage of molding polymer material. The molding apparatus may, for example, be shaped as a molding rotary rack.

[0002] More specifically, the method and apparatus according to the invention allow objects already produced in the mold to be transported, for example, to an unloading conveyor, by removing such objects from the mold.

[0003] The method and apparatus according to the invention are particularly suitable for conveying objects having, for example, protruding edge regions shaped as flanges, and / or objects defined by open sidewalls, i.e., sidewalls that gradually widen toward the opening of the object. Examples of such objects are capsules intended to contain powdered or granular substances such as coffee, which are formulated to prepare beverages or other food fluids; preforms of a certain type intended to be formed into containers by die blow molding or stretch die blow molding processes; or containers such as cups, wide-mouthed bottles, or bowls.

[0004] However, the method and apparatus according to the present invention can also be used to transport other types of objects, such as, for example, lids. Prior Technology

[0005] Background of the Invention Apparatus for producing objects by compressing a quantity of polymer material is known. Prior art apparatuses include multiple molds, each comprising a convex portion having a punch and a concave portion having a cavity. The molds are positioned in the peripheral region of a molding rotary rack rotatable about a vertical axis. Prior art apparatuses also include a removal rotary rack having multiple removal elements, each of which is adapted to receive an object just formed and extracted from the mold, for transporting the object away from the molding rotary rack and conveying it to, for example, an ejector conveyor.

[0006] Each removal element may have a C-shaped transport portion having a base in which the object to be transported can be housed, and two lateral protrusions defining the bottom. A retaining guide is further provided, which cooperates with the removal element to keep the object guided during transport toward the discharge conveyor. Specifically, as the object is transported toward the discharge conveyor, each object contacts the removal element in its lateral region. Furthermore, each object contacts the guide in another lateral region of the object along a diameter opposite to the aforementioned lateral regions.

[0007] Objects are typically conveyed from top to bottom to the removal element, as the object system is detached from a portion of the mold that the object has formed into contact with, the mold portion being positioned above the support plate of the removal device. The object is then released onto the support plate. The object is thus inserted between the transport section of the removal element and the stationary guide, for transport toward the discharge conveyor.

[0008] When the object to be transported is defined by a generally cylindrical lateral surface, such as in the case of a lid, the type of removal rotary rack described above provides excellent performance. However, when the object to be transported has protrusions from the sidewalls of the object, such as protruding edge areas formed as flanges, or when the object to be transported has truncated conical sidewalls or, more generally, sidewalls widening towards the ends, such as in the case of capsules used for coffee or similar products, mechanical interference can occur between the object to be transported and the removal element, and / or between the object to be transported and the stationary guide. This can be disadvantageous due to the fact that the object can be incorrectly positioned on the removal device, making it impossible to transport the object correctly, and in the worst case, even causing clamping that stops the device.

[0009] Examples of prior art devices are disclosed in US 2012 / 171319 and US 2012 / 201920. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Invention Summary One object of the present invention is to improve the method and apparatus for transporting objects that must be removed from molding equipment, specifically objects produced by compression molding.

[0011] Another objective is to provide a method and apparatus for removing an object from a mold, wherein the risk of the object being mispositioned when it is released from the mold is reduced.

[0012] Another objective is to provide a method and apparatus for successfully removing objects, even those with protruding edge zones, from a mold, such as those formed as flanges.

[0013] Another objective is to provide a method and apparatus for successfully removing objects from a mold, even those with sidewalls that gradually widen toward the ends of the object, such as truncated conical sidewalls.

[0014] In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for transporting a concave object with sidewalls away from a mold is provided, the method comprising the following steps: - Provides a removal element that can move along the path, and a guide element; - While the removal element is spaced apart from the object, the object is extracted from the mold and released onto the support surface at a position between the removal element and the guide element; - Displace the removal element toward the object so that the removal element contacts the sidewall; - Move the removal element along one part of the path to transport the object toward the delivery location.

[0015] Due to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to transport an object extracted from the mold toward the transport position without unwanted interference between the object and the removal element and / or between the object and the guide element. Such interference prevents the object from being correctly positioned between the removal element and the guide element, thereby making it difficult to transport the object toward the transport position. When the object is positioned between the removal element and the guide element, the removal element is actually in a larger retracted position compared to the prior art, at a distance from the guide element, resulting in a clearance between the removal element and the object and / or between the object and the guide element. The object can thus be positioned between the removal element and the guide element without interfering with the removal element and / or the guide element. This reduces the risk of the object being incorrectly positioned between the removal element and the guide element.

[0016] In one embodiment, during the step of extracting the object from the mold, the extraction element brings the object into contact with the support surface by passing the object between the removal element and the guide element.

[0017] The extraction element not only removes the object from the mold, but also accompanies the object as it moves away from the mold until the instant the object contacts the support surface. The extraction element thus controls the position of the object as it moves toward the support surface, thereby preventing the object from freely falling onto the support surface, which could adversely affect the accuracy of positioning the object on the support surface.

[0018] In one embodiment, the removal element holds the object as the extraction element moves away from the support surface.

[0019] In addition to moving the object toward the transport position, the component removal function performs another function: helping the object to be properly detached from the component removal mechanism.

[0020] In one embodiment, the object includes a protruding edge zone that protrudes outward from one end of the sidewall.

[0021] During the step of displacing the removal element toward the object, a portion of the protruding edge zone is received in a recessed zone provided in the removal element.

[0022] In this way, the removal element can be placed close to the sidewall of the object without interfering with the protruding edge area. This allows the object to be centered relative to the removal element using the sidewall of the object, which can potentially increase the accuracy of object positioning.

[0023] In one embodiment, the removal element holds the object by acting on the protruding edge zone to prevent the object from moving off the supporting surface.

[0024] This is an effective way to ensure that the object can be detached from its own components.

[0025] In one embodiment, the sidewall of the object contacts the guide element, such that as the object is transported toward the transport position, it is held between the removal element and the guide element and guided.

[0026] This prevents the unwanted movement of objects.

[0027] In one embodiment, a portion of the protruding edge zone is housed in an indentation provided in the guide element.

[0028] This can further help the self-extracting component detach from the object.

[0029] In a second embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: - At least one mold used to form an object; - At least one removal element for removing the object from the mold, the at least one removal element being movable along a path; - A guiding element, which is intended to cooperate with the removal element to keep the object guided as it is removed from the mold; - A positioning device for positioning the removal element at a variable distance from the guide element along the path. When the object is placed between the removal element and the guide element, the positioning device is configured such that the removal element is at a distance from the object. The positioning device is further configured to move the removal element toward the guide element so as to bring the removal element into contact with the sidewall of the object.

[0030] The apparatus of the second state according to the present invention makes it possible to obtain the advantages described above with reference to the method of the first state according to the present invention. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0031] The invention can be better understood and practiced with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention, and in the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of an apparatus for producing objects by compression molding; Figure 2 is an enlarged plan view of the removal device of the apparatus in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of the cam included in the removal device of Figure 2; Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-section showing details of the device of Figure 1 in the position where the object has been extracted from the mold; Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 4 relating to the position following that in Figure 4, where the object is about to be released onto the support surface of the removal device; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4 showing the narrower portion of the removal device in relation to the position following Figure 5, with the object resting on the support surface; Figure 7 is a simplified cross-section showing the object resting on the support surface an instant after the instant in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a schematic cross-section showing a portion of the device of Figure 1 in the position shown in Figure 6. Implementation

[0032] Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Figure 1 shows an apparatus 1 for producing objects made of polymer materials by compression molding.

[0033] In the example shown, device 1 is assembled for producing object 2, which is shaped into a capsule for coffee or for other substances in granular or powder form containing components intended for fluid extraction. As shown in Figure 5, object 2 has a sidewall 3 extending about axis Y, and a transverse wall 4 extending transversely to axis Y, specifically perpendicular to axis Y. Each object 2 further includes a protruding edge zone 5 that protrudes outward at the end of the sidewall 3. The protruding edge zone 5 may be shaped as a flange, to which a sealing film may be applied, for example, by gluing or sealing.

[0034] The transverse wall 4 is positioned at another end of the side wall 3 opposite to the end of the side wall 3 with the protruding edge zone 5, so as to close the other end. The side wall 3 may be truncated conical and have a lateral dimension, such as a diameter, which increases from the transverse wall 4 toward the protruding edge zone 5.

[0035] Apparatus 1 can also be used to produce objects that differ from the capsules shown in the diagram, but still have prominent edge zones, such as containers, such as wide-mouthed bottles, cups, or bowls, or certain types of prefabricated parts. Alternatively, apparatus 1 can be used to produce other objects, specifically concave objects, such as, for example, lids.

[0036] Apparatus 1 includes the dispensing device 6 shown in FIG. 2 for dispensing at least one polymer material. The dispensing device 6 may include a co-extrusion device for dispensing a continuous extrusion comprising multiple layers of polymer materials that are different from each other. Alternatively, the dispensing device 6 may include an extrusion device configured to extrude a continuous single-material extrusion, i.e., an extrusion made of a single polymer material rather than multiple polymer materials that are different from each other.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the dispensing device 6 may have an outlet opening 7, which has a rectangular or square shape, for dispensing a continuous extrusion formed into a strip having a rectangular or square cross-section. If the strip has a rectangular cross-section, the base of the rectangle may be much larger than its height, even if this condition is not necessary.

[0038] The apparatus 1 further includes a molding device, which, in the illustrated example, is shaped as a molding rotary press 8, as shown in FIG. 1. The molding rotary press 8 is rotatable about individual axes, which, in the illustrated example, are vertically positioned. The molding rotary press 8 has a plurality of dies 9 in its peripheral region, each of which is assembled to form a dose of polymer material obtained by cutting a continuous extrusion from the dispensing device 6 in a manner that allows the object 2 to be obtained by compression molding. The dies 9 are distributed along the entire periphery of the molding rotary press 8, for example, at equal angles.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the mold 9 moves along the trajectory PS, which in the example shown is formed as a closed path, such as a circular path centered on axis A.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, each mold 9 includes a convex portion 10 and a concave portion 11 aligned with each other along a molding axis S, which is vertical in the illustrated example. In the illustrated example, the convex portion 10 is positioned below the concave portion 11, but this condition is not necessary. Other configurations of the convex portion 10 and the concave portion 11 are possible.

[0041] The convex portion 10 and concave portion 11 of each mold 9 can move relative to each other between the maximum open position PA shown in FIG8 and a forming position (not illustrated). In the maximum open position PA, the convex portion 10 and concave portion 11 are spaced apart from each other at their maximum distance. In the forming position, the convex portion 10 and concave portion 11 are close to each other, making it possible to define a forming chamber between the convex portion 10 and the concave portion 11, the forming chamber having a shape corresponding to the shape of the object 2 to be formed.

[0042] The apparatus 1 includes a drive device for moving the convex portion 10 and the concave portion 11 between a maximum open position PA and a formed position. In the illustrated example, the drive device is associated with the convex portion 10, which moves along a corresponding molding axis S, while the concave portion 11 is held in a fixed position along the molding axis S. However, in an alternative embodiment, it is possible to move only the concave portion 11 along the molding axis S, or to move both the concave portion 11 and the convex portion 10 along the molding axis S.

[0043] The drive device can be, for example, hydraulic, or mechanical, such as a cam. The drive device includes a rod 12, as shown in FIG. 8, with a convex portion 10 positioned at the end of the rod.

[0044] The transport device 13 is positioned between the dispensing device 6 and the molding rotary rack 8. The transport device 13, partially visible in Figure 1, is shaped as a transport rotary rack in the illustrated example. The transport device 13 includes a plurality of transport elements 14, each configured to transport a dose of polymer material separated from the polymer material exiting the dispensing device 6 toward the molding rotary rack 8.

[0045] The device 1 further includes a removal device 15, which is assembled from the mold 9 to remove the object 2 that has just been formed by the compression molding dose.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 and 8, the removal device 15 includes a central body 16 rotatable about axis Z, which is vertical in the example shown in Figure 1. Axis Z may be parallel to axis A of the molding rotary rack 8.

[0047] The removal device 15 further includes a support plate 17 fixed relative to the central body 16. The support plate 17 is thus rotatable together with the central body 16 about axis Z. The support plate 17 is defined by a support surface 18, which is suitable for statically receiving the object 2 that must be removed from the molding rotary rack 8.

[0048] The removal device 15 further includes a plurality of removal elements 19, each of which is adapted to collect the object 2 extracted from the corresponding mold 9 and transport the object 2 away from the molding rotary rack 8. Specifically, an output conveyor 20, for example shaped as a belt conveyor, may be provided, positioned downstream of the removal device 15, for receiving the corresponding object 2 from the removal elements 19 and removing the object 2 from the device 1. The output conveyor 20, schematically shown in FIG. 2, may extend along individual output axes U.

[0049] An intermediate support 21 is provided between the removal device 15 and the discharge conveyor 20, and is schematically shown in Figure 2. The intermediate support 21 is adapted to temporarily support the object 2 when the removal element 19 displaces the object 2 previously placed on the support plate 17 toward the discharge conveyor 20.

[0050] Each removal element 19 includes a conveying portion 22 adapted to engage with an object 2 for conveying the object from the mold 9 toward the discharge conveyor 20. The conveying portion 22, which may be C-shaped, has a base 23 in which the object 2 can be housed. The base 23 is defined by two lateral protrusions 24.

[0051] Each removal element 19 further includes an elongated portion 25 that protrudes from the transport portion 22 toward the axis Z. The elongated portion 25 may be configured generally radially relative to the axis Z.

[0052] The removal element 19 is positioned above the support plate 17. As shown in FIG4, the removal element 19 is spaced apart from the support plate 17 at least near the individual transport section 22.

[0053] The device 1 further includes a guide element 26 adapted to interact with the object 2, specifically with the sidewall 3 of the object 2, to guide the object 2 as it is conveyed toward the discharge conveyor 20 by the removal element 19. The guide element 26, which may have an arched shape, is positioned outside the conveying section 22, that is, at the position furthest from the axis Z relative to the conveying section 22.

[0054] The guiding element 26 is mounted in a fixed position on the device 1.

[0055] The removal device 15 further includes a positioning device for positioning the removal element 19 at a variable distance from the axis Z, depending on the angular position of the removal element 19 about the axis Z. The positioning device may include, for example, a cam element 27 disposed in a fixed position on the device 1. In the example shown, the cam element 27 is positioned above the support plate 17 and the removal element 19. The cam element 27 has a cam track 28 extending along a centerline LC, as shown in Figure 3. The centerline LC is a closed loop extending about the axis Z. Points on the centerline LC are located at different distances from the axis Z.

[0056] The centerline LC is located on a plane that is transverse to the axis Z, specifically perpendicular to the axis Z.

[0057] The cam element 27 shown in Figure 3 is different from the cam element 27 shown in Figure 2. The two cam elements differ only in the slightly different shapes of their center lines LC, but they operate according to the same principle.

[0058] The cam track 28 can be shaped as a groove. In the example shown, as shown in Figure 4, the cam track 28 faces downwards so as to face the removal element 19.

[0059] For each removal element 19, the positioning device further includes a cam follower 29 configured to engage with a cam track 28. Each cam follower 29 may be formed as a roller, which may be freely rotatable about an axis parallel to axis Z and adapted to be housed in the cam track 28. Each cam follower 29 is fitted onto the corresponding removal element 19 and may be provided, for example, on the upper surface of the removal element 19, i.e., on the surface of the removal element 19 positioned on the opposite side relative to the support plate 17.

[0060] The removal element 19 is supported by a support disk 17 so that it is slidable relative to the support disk 17 to move toward or, alternatively, away from, the axis Z. Specifically, the removal element 19 may be slidable relative to the support disk 17 along individual radial directions. To allow the removal element 19 to slide on the support disk 17, a sliding guide 30 may be provided, for example, formed as a groove in which the corresponding protrusion of the removal element 19 engages.

[0061] Each removed element 19 can move along a closed path P, as shown in Figure 1. Specifically, path P is the path of the center point of the base 23.

[0062] Each removal element 19 includes a recessed area 34, as shown in Figures 4 through 7, which is configured to accommodate a portion of the protruding edge area 5 when the object 2 is placed on the support surface 18. The recessed area 34 is formed on the surface of the removal element 19 facing the support disk 17, that is, on the lower surface of the removal element 19 in the illustrated example. The recessed area 34 is defined transversely to the axis Z by a stop surface 36 facing the support surface 18 of the support disk 17. The stop surface 36 may be, for example, a flat surface positioned perpendicular to the axis Z.

[0063] The guide element 26 is defined in the plan view by an inner contour, which may have an introduction widening 38, the distance between the guide element 26 and the axis Z gradually decreasing along the introduction widening. The introduction widening 38 allows the object 2 to begin interacting with the guide element 26 in a progressive manner. Downstream of the introduction widening 38, the inner contour of the guide element 26 substantially replicates the path P of the removal element 19, the inner contour being offset by a substantially constant amount relative to the path.

[0064] An indentation 35 is provided on the guide element 26, and the indentation 35 is shaped, for example, into a stepped shape, which is configured to receive another portion of the protruding edge zone 5, which is diametrically opposite to the portion of the protruding edge zone 5 received in the recessed zone 34. Additionally, the indentation 35 is provided on the surface of the guide element 26 facing the support disk 17, that is, on the lower surface of the guide element 26.

[0065] The indentation 35 is defined by the support surface 37, which is positioned laterally to axis Z and faces downward, i.e., towards the support plate 17. The support surface 37 may be flat and may be positioned, for example, perpendicular to axis Z.

[0066] During operation, the central body 16 and the support disk 17 are continuously rotated together about axis Z. The removal element 19, supported by the support disk 17, is also rotated about axis Z. The cam follower 29 associated with the removal element 19 moves along the cam track 28 of the cam element 27. As the cam follower 29 moves along the cam track 28, the distance of each cam follower 29 from axis Z varies. Therefore, the removal element 19, guided by the sliding guide 30, moves, for example, in the radial direction relative to the support disk 17.

[0067] In this way, each removed element 19 moves along the closed path P, as schematically shown in Figure 1.

[0068] As the removed element moves along the closed path P, the mold 9 moves along the trajectory PS. When the object 2, compressed and molded in the mold 9, has cooled within the mold 9 to a temperature sufficient for handling the object 2 without damaging it, the mold 9 moves the convex portion 10 and the concave portion 11 relative to each other, specifically—in the example shown—by moving the convex portion 10 downwards to its maximum open position PA. The object 2 can now be extracted from the mold 9.

[0069] In the example shown, as shown in Figure 4, after the mold 9 has been opened, the object 2 remains associated with the concave portion 11.

[0070] The concave portion 11 includes an annular forming element 31 extending about the molding axis S and adapted to the outside of the sidewall 3 of the formed object 2. The concave portion 11 further includes an extraction element 32 defined by a forming surface 33 adapted to externally form the transverse wall 4 of the object 2. The extraction element 32 is movable along the molding axis S between a forming position PF and an extraction position shown in FIG. 4, in which the extraction element 32 has brought the object 2 to contact with the support surface 18 for detaching the object 2 from the concave portion 11. In the forming position PF, the extraction element 32, together with the annular forming element 31 and the convex portion 10, cooperates to form the object 2. To transfer from the forming position PF to the extraction position, the extraction element 32 moves along the molding axis S toward the convex portion 10. When this occurs, the extraction element 32 pushes against the transverse wall 4 of the object 2, thereby applying a force to the object 2 that allows it to be detached from the annular forming element 31.

[0071] When the mold 9 is in the maximum open position PA, the transport element 14 of the transport device 13 and the removal element 19 of the removal device 15 are inserted between the convex portion 10 and the concave portion 11. The removal element 19 is positioned at a level higher than the transport element 14. As shown in FIG4, the removal element 19 is at a distance D1 from the guide element 26 during this step, and the distance D1 is greater than the maximum lateral dimension Dmax of the object 2. Specifically, in the example shown, the maximum lateral dimension Dmax is the outer diameter of the protruding edge zone 5. On the other hand, the distance D1 is presented on the center plane of the removal element 19, that is, on the plane passing through the center of the base 23.

[0072] The extraction element 32 to which object 2 is anchored now begins to move along the molding axis S toward the convex portion 10 to detach object 2 from the annular forming element 31. Simultaneously, the cam element 27 and the cam follower 29 move the removal element 19 toward the guide element 26.

[0073] Figure 5 shows the instant at which the extraction element 32 moves toward the convex portion 10 and has detached the object 2 from the annular forming element 31 to bring the object 2 to a position between the removal element 19 and the guide element 26. The object 2 is still anchored to the extraction element 32. The removal element 19 is now at a distance D2 from the guide element 26. Although the distance D2 is less than the distance D1, it is still greater than the maximum lateral dimension Dmax of the object 2. For this reason, the extraction element 32 allows the object 2 to pass between the removal element 19 and the guide element 26 without interfering with the protruding edge zone 5 of the object 2 and / or interfering with the removal element 19 and / or the guide element 26.

[0074] The extraction element 32 continues its stroke toward the support surface 18 until the protruding edge zone 5 of the object 2 rests on the support surface 18. Simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 6, the removal element 19 moves toward the object 2 such that the protruding edge zone 5 of the object 2 is at least partially received within the recessed zone 34 of the removal element 19. The stop surface 36 of the removal element 19 is now at least partially positioned above the protruding edge zone 5 of the object 2.

[0075] During the rotation of the central body 16 about axis Z, the positioning device moves the removal element 19 toward the object 2, so that the removal element 19 contacts the side wall 3 of the object 2.

[0076] When object 2 reaches the end of the introduction widening 38 of guide element 26, a portion of the protruding edge zone 5 facing guide element 26 is contained in indentation 35.

[0077] Furthermore, due to the shape of the guiding element 26, the sidewall 3 of the object 2 comes into contact with the guiding element 26.

[0078] After the object 2 is positioned on the support surface 18, the extraction element 32 returns backward, that is, it moves along the molding axis S toward the annular forming element 31. The removal element 19 and / or the guide element 26 engage with the object 2 and hold the object 2 close to the support surface 18. The object 2 is thus detached from the extraction element 32 and remains resting on the support plate 17. Specifically, the stop surface 36 and / or the support surface 37 block the protruding edge zone 5 of the object 2, thereby preventing the object 2 from returning toward the annular forming element 31 together with the extraction element 32.

[0079] Object 2 is thus released onto the supporting surface 18.

[0080] When the sidewall 3 of object 2 comes into contact with the removal element 19 and the guide element 26, it reaches the gripping position PP, as shown in Figure 7. In this configuration, specifically, the removal element 19 contacts a portion of the sidewall 3 of object 2, while the guide element 26 contacts another portion of the sidewall 3 of object 2, which is diametrically opposite to the portion of the sidewall 3 contacted by the removal element 19.

[0081] Object 2 is placed on support surface 18 in an inverted configuration, that is, the protruding edge zone 5 faces downward and the transverse wall 4 faces upward. In this configuration, in which object 2 is also formed in mold 9, the concave surface of object 2, defined by sidewall 3 and transverse wall 4, faces support surface 18.

[0082] The protruding edge zone 5 is accommodated in the recessed zone 34 to ensure that the removal element 19 is close to the sidewall 3 of the object 2, but not close to its protruding edge zone 5. The removal element 19 thus utilizes the sidewall 3 of the object 2 to transport the object 2 toward the discharge conveyor 20, which ensures greater accuracy and reliability during the transport of the object 2 by means of the removal element 19.

[0083] Furthermore, by accommodating a portion of the protruding edge zone 5 opposite to the removal element 19 within the indentation 35, it is ensured that, downstream of the gripping position PP, the guide element 26 interacts with the object 2 at the object's sidewall 3. This makes it possible to further improve the accuracy and reliability of the removal element 19 in transporting the object 2 by coordinating the operation of the guide element 26.

[0084] By accommodating the protruding edge zone 5 within the recessed zone 34, the object 2 can be held close to the support surface 18 to allow for detachment of the object 2 from the extraction element 32. This is facilitated by the interaction between the protruding edge zone 5 and the stop surface 36. Even the guide element 26 may, in some cases, assist in the detachment of the object 2 from the extraction element 32 due to the interaction between the protruding edge zone 5 and the support surface 37.

[0085] Figure 3 shows some significant points reached by the removal element 19 along its path along the centerline LC of the cam track 28. Specifically, PR indicates the receiving position, where the object 2 is received between the removal element 19 and the guide element 26 and rests on the support surface 18. Subsequently, as described above, the cam element 27, which coordinates the operation of the cam follower 29, moves the removal element 19 toward the object 2, thereby bringing the removal element 19 into contact with the sidewall 3 of the object 2. This occurs at the contact position P1 indicated in Figure 3.

[0086] It should be noted that as the cam track 28 moves from the storage position PR to the contact position P1, the distance between the center line LC of the cam track 28 and the axis Z gradually increases. This means that the removal element 19 moves outward, that is, it gradually moves away from the axis Z.

[0087] As object 2 moves along path P, sidewall 3 comes into contact with guide element 26 due to the shape of guide element 26. This occurs at the gripping position PP, as shown in Figure 7.

[0088] Downstream of the gripping position PP, the removal element 19 continues to move the object 2, which is now in contact with the guide element 26, toward the discharge conveyor 20. As this occurs, the object 2 initially moves along a portion of a path that can be generally circular. Subsequently, the cam element 27, in cooperation with the cam follower 29, further moves away from the removal element 19, for example, in the radial direction. The object 2 thus gradually moves toward the periphery of the support plate 17, and subsequently, as shown in FIG2, is transferred from the support plate 17 to the intermediate support 21, which may be at the same height as the support plate 17.

[0089] The removal element 19 is further slid outward toward the support plate 17 until the object 2 is positioned on the discharge conveyor 20, such that the object 2 is positioned along the discharge axis U of the discharge conveyor 20. This occurs in the conveying position PC, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, where the object 2 is conveyed to the discharge conveyor 20.

[0090] After the object 2 has been conveyed to the discharge conveyor 20, the removal element 19 moves toward the axis Z by means of the cam element 27 which operates in conjunction with the cam follower 29 until it reaches the storage position PR again, where the removal element 19 stores the new object 2.

[0091] Although reference has always been made to the object 2 with the protruding edge zone 5 in the examples described above, the methods and apparatus described above can also be usefully used for removing objects with truncated conical walls from the mold 9, or more generally, for objects with walls that narrow upwards from the support surface 18 when the object 2 is placed on the support plate 17. In this case, storing the object 2 on the support plate 17 when the removal element 19 is in the retracted position and therefore there is a gap between the removal element 19 and the object helps to avoid interference between the side wall 3 of the object 2 and the removal element 19.

[0092] From the above discussion, it will be understood that the present invention can be embodied in various embodiments, including but not limited to the following: Example 1 A method for transporting an object with one concave sidewall away from a mold, the method comprising the following steps: Provides a removal element that can move along a path, and a guiding element; When the removal element is at a certain distance from the object, the object is extracted from the mold and released onto a support surface at a position between the removal element and the guide element; The removal element is displaced toward the object, causing it to contact the sidewall. The removal element is moved along a portion of the path to transport the object toward a delivery location. Example 2: As in Example 1, wherein during the step of extracting the object from the mold, an extraction element acts on the object. Example 3: The method of Example 2 is used, wherein the extraction element removes the object from between the removal element and the guide element by bringing the object into contact with the support surface. Example 4: The method of Example 3 is as follows, wherein the removal element holds the object as the extraction element moves away from the support surface. Example 5: The method of Example 2, wherein the extraction element has a forming surface that forms a transverse wall of the object on the outside. Example 6: The method of Example 1, wherein the object includes a protruding edge zone that protrudes outward from one end of the sidewall. Example 7: As in Example 6, during the step of displacing the removal element toward the object, a portion of the protruding edge zone is received in a recessed zone disposed in the removal element. Example 8: As in Example 7, during the step of extracting the object from the mold, an extraction element acts on the object by moving it toward the support surface. As the extraction element moves away from the support surface, a removal element holds the object by means of a stop surface that defines the recessed area and faces the support surface, so as to act on the protruding edge area to prevent the object from moving away from the support surface. Example 9: As in Example 1, the sidewall of the object contacts the guiding element, the guiding element interacts with a region of the sidewall opposite to another region of the sidewall, and the other region interacts with the removal element to keep the object guided. Example 10: As in Example 9, the object includes a protruding edge zone that protrudes outward from one end of the sidewall, and a portion of the protruding edge zone is received in an indentation provided on the guide element. Example 11: The method of Example 1, wherein during the step of moving the removal element, the removal element moves outward to position the object on a discharge conveyor in the conveying position. Example 12 The method of Example 1 is used, wherein the object system is formed in an inverted configuration such that during the extraction step, one concave surface of the object faces the support surface. Example 13 An apparatus comprising: At least one mold used to form an object; At least one removal element for removing the object from the mold, the at least one removal element being movable along a path; A guiding element, adapted to operate in coordination with the removal element to guide the object as it is removed from the mold; A positioning device for positioning the removal element at a variable distance from one of the guide elements along the path, wherein when the object is housed between the removal element and the guide element, the positioning device is configured such that the removal element is at a distance from the object, and the positioning device is further configured to move the removal element toward the guide element until the removal element contacts one of the sidewalls of the object. Example 14: The apparatus as in Example 13, further comprising an extraction element for extracting the object from the mold. Example 15: The apparatus of Example 14, wherein the extraction element is assembled to release the object onto a support surface at a position between the removal element and the guide element. Example 16 The apparatus of Example 14, wherein the extraction element has a forming surface for forming a transverse wall of the object on the outside. Example 17: The apparatus of Example 13, wherein the removal element has a recessed area for receiving a portion of a protruding edge area that protrudes outward from the sidewall of the object, the recessed area facing a support surface that is adapted to support the object as it moves by the removal element. Example 18: The device as in Example 17, wherein the guide element has an indentation for accommodating one or more portions of the protruding edge zone, the indentation facing the support surface. Example 19: The apparatus of Example 13, wherein the mold includes a convex mold portion and a concave mold portion, the concave mold portion being positioned below the convex mold portion. Example 20: The device as described in Example 13, wherein the positioning device includes a cam element disposed in a fixed position and a cam follower mounted on the removal element for engaging with the cam element.

[0093] 1: Device 2: Object 3: Sidewall 4:Horizontal wall 5: Emphasize the peripheral areas 6: Distribute equipment 7: Exit opening 8: Molded rotary rack 9: Mold 10: Convex part 11: Concave part 12: pole 13: Transportation equipment 14: Transport Components 15: Remove the device 16: Central Main Body 17: Support Plate 18: Supporting surface 19: Remove Component 20: Discharge conveyor 21: Intermediate support component 22: Delivery Section 23: Base 24: Lateral protrusion 25: Slender section 26: Guiding element 27: Cam element 28: Cam Rail 29: Cam follower 30: Sliding guide 31: Ring forming element 32: Extraction element 33: Forming a surface 34: Recessed Zone 35: Indentation 36: Stop surface 37: Surface of the support pier 38: Introduction of Broadening D1, D2: Distance Dmax: Maximum horizontal dimension LC: Centerline A, Y, Z: Axis lines P: Path P1: Contact position PA: Maximum Open Position PC: Conveying Location PF: Formation Location PP: Grab location PR: Storage location PS: Track S: Molded axis U: Discharge axis

Claims

1. A method for transporting a concave object (2) having one sidewall (3) away from a mold (9), the object (2) having a maximum lateral dimension (Dmax), the method comprising the steps of: providing a removal element (19) movable along a path (P), a guide element (26), and a positioning device (27, 29) for positioning the removal element (19) at a variable distance from the guide element (26) along the path (P); while the removal element (19) is at a distance from the object (2), extracting the object (2) from the mold (9) and releasing the object (2) onto a support surface (18) at a position between the removal element (19) and the guide element (26), the distance between the removal element (19) and the guide element (26) being greater than the maximum lateral dimension (Dmax) of the object (2); and using the positioning device (27, 29) to... 29) Displace the removal element (19) toward the object (2) and make the removal element (19) contact the sidewall (3) of the object (2); Move the removal element (19) along a portion of the path (P) to transport the object (2) toward a transport position (PC).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning device (27, 29) moves the removal element (19) along a portion of the path (P) until it reaches a gripping position (PP), wherein the sidewall (3) of the object (2) is in contact with both the removal element (19) and the guide element (26).

3. The method of claim 2 includes a removal device (15) assembled from the mold (9) to remove the object (2), the removal device (15) being a central body (16) rotatable about an axis (Z).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the positioning device (27, 29) may further move the removal element (19) along another portion of the path (P), downstream of the gripping position (PP), initially along a portion of the path (P) which is substantially circular, and subsequently move away from a rotation axis (Z) for use by the central body (16).

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the positioning device (27, 29) further moves away from the removal element (19) from the axis (Z) in a radial direction.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein during the step of extracting the object (2) from the mold (9), an extraction element (32) acts on the object (2).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the extraction element (32) brings the object (2) into contact with the support surface (18) by passing the object (2) between the removal element (19) and the guide element (26).

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the removal element (19) holds the object (2) as the extraction element (32) moves away from the support surface (18).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the extraction element (32) has a forming surface (33) that forms a transverse wall (4) of the object (2) on the outside.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the object (2) includes a protruding edge zone (5) that protrudes outward from one end of the sidewall (3).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein during the step of displacing the removal element (19) toward the object (2), a portion of the protruding edge zone (5) is received in a recessed zone (34) provided in the removal element (19).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein during the step of extracting the object (2) from the mold (9), an extraction element (32) acts on the object (2) by moving the object (2) toward the support surface (18), and as the extraction element (32) moves away from the support surface (18), the removal element (19) holds the object (2) by a stop surface (36) that defines the recessed area (34) and faces the support surface (18) to act on the protruding edge area (5) to prevent the object (2) from moving away from the support surface (18).

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the sidewall (3) of the object (2) comes into contact with the guide element (26), the guide element (26) interacts with a region of the sidewall (3) relative to another region of the sidewall (3), the other region interacting with the removal element (19) to maintain the guided object (2).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the object (2) includes a protruding edge zone (5) that protrudes outward from one end of the sidewall (3) and wherein a portion of the protruding edge zone (5) is received within an indentation (35) provided in the guide element (26).

15. The method of claim 1, wherein during the step of moving the removal element (19), the removal element (19) is moved outward to position the object (2) on one of the discharge conveyors (20) of the conveying position (PC).

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the object (2) is formed in an inverted configuration such that during the extraction step, a concave surface of the object (2) faces the support surface (18).

17. An apparatus for removing an object (2) from a mold (9), comprising: at least one mold (9) for forming an object (2) having a maximum lateral dimension (Dmax); at least one removal element (19) for removing the object (2) from the mold (9), the at least one removal element being movable along a path (P); a guide element (26) adapted to coordinate with the removal element (19) for guiding the object (2) as the object (2) is removed from the mold (9); and a positioning device (27, 29) for positioning the removal element (19) at a variable distance from the guide element (26) along the path (P), the positioning device (27, 29) being positioned when the object (2) is received between the removal element (19) and the guide element (26). 29) The removal element (19) is assembled such that it is a distance away from the object, and the positioning devices (27, 29) are further assembled such that the removal element (19) moves toward the guide element (26) until the removal element (19) contacts one of the sidewalls (3) of the object (2). The positioning devices (27, 29) are assembled such that the distance between the removal element (19) and the guide element (26) is greater than the maximum lateral dimension (Dmax) of the object (2) as the object (2) passes between the removal element (19) and the guide element (26). The positioning devices (27, 29) are configured such that the removal element (19) can be further moved along another part of the path (P), initially along a part of the path (P) which is substantially circular and then away from the axis (Z).

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising an extraction element (32) for extracting the object from the mold (9).

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the extraction element (32) is configured to release the object (2) onto a support surface (18) in a position between the removal element (19) and the guide element (26).

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the extraction element (32) has a forming surface (33) that forms a transverse wall (4) of the object (2) on the outside.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the removal element (19) has a recessed area (34) for receiving a portion of a protruding edge area (5) that protrudes outward from the sidewall (3) of the object (2), the recessed area (34) facing a support surface (18) adapted to support the object (2) while the object (2) is moved by the removal element (19).

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the guide element (26) has an indentation (35) for receiving one or more portions of the protruding edge zone (5), the indentation (35) facing the support surface (18).

23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the mold (9) comprises a convex mold portion (10) and a concave mold portion (11), the concave mold portion (11) being positioned below the convex mold portion (10).

24. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the positioning device (27, 29) includes a cam element (27) disposed in a fixed position and a cam follower (29) mounted on the removal element (19) for engaging with the cam element (27).

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