Coupling unit and coupling method for coupling a component to a container and apparatus for producing an article

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling unit for coupling a component to a container and a coupling method and to an apparatus for producing an article, the coupling unit comprising a coupling arrangement comprising: a frame; a housing; a gripping device constrained and rotatable with respect to the frame by a rotary motion mechanism and comprising a retaining element configured to selectively retain a component; and a coupling device constrained to the gripping device with respect to the frame and comprising a coupling element configured to constrain a couplable portion of the component to a coupling surface of the container at a predetermined coupling position. The gripping device and the coupling device are configured to move according to a rotation along an arc having a curved trajectory to: a removal position, in which the retaining element is oriented so as to enable the reception of at least one component to be retained; and a coupling position, in which the retaining element and the coupling element are placed so that the abutment surface of the container is in contact with the couplable portion of the component, by means of the rotary motion mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling unit and coupling method for connecting components to a container, and to an apparatus for producing related articles.

[0002] In particular, the containers under consideration are also configured for use as bulk items.

[0003] This invention is preferably, but not exclusively, applied in the field of manufacturing loose containers, such as capsules for brewing products like coffee, which will be referred to below without loss of generality. Background Technology

[0004] A coupling unit used to attach components to a container typically includes a retention device and a coupling device suitable for moving and handling the object in question.

[0005] Typically, containers in this technical field are capsule-shaped products (i.e., roughly upturned truncated cones with their widest parts facing upwards) and are made of semi-finished polymer materials.

[0006] Generally, the movement of the capsule is carried out by means of a device that moves with the transporter to intermittently reach different workstations, including, for example, a connecting workstation.

[0007] Typically, the various discontinuous processing steps involved are carried out at individual workstations, and the capsules are transported into these workstations by conveyors.

[0008] In this context, if the transporter moving the container has a non-zero velocity at each time coordinate, then the process is referred to as "continuous." The velocity considered refers to the velocity of the transporter during any processing step that links the component to the container relative to a fixed reference system, and is understood as the overall velocity of the transporter.

[0009] In this context, the term "container" refers to a structure shaped to accommodate material, and particularly to confine the material at least laterally. In this sense, when the shape of the container allows material to be held within it, or even when the container is shaped to hold material at a predetermined angle relative to the supporting plane during normal use by the user, the material is considered to be "laterally confined."

[0010] Such containers may be formed of one or more walls, depending on their contents or for specific aesthetic or functional reasons. For example, a container may be a box-like body capable of holding powders, liquids, gels, or similar products within it.

[0011] According to another example, the container may be cup-shaped or hemispherical, and thus the container consists only of curved walls. In this case, the curved walls include: a central base portion, which may preferably serve as a support surface; and lateral crowns that extend radially from the aforementioned base portion and are shaped to confine the product within the container during the envisioned filling or use operation.

[0012] In this context, the term "container" can be associated with the term "capsule," which is considered a broader and more general term.

[0013] In this context, when an interaction is established between two elements that allows the first element to determine the position of the second element, the first element is defined as "engaged" with the second element. This interaction can be, for example, mechanical, magnetic, or other types.

[0014] When a plane is parallel to a ground plane in which the forming unit object of the present invention is mounted, the plane is referred to as "horizontal".

[0015] Consistently, the term "vertical" defines a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane and therefore must be understood as a term relating to positioning or displacement involving orientation in a vertical direction, such as "higher, lower, up or down".

[0016] In this context, the term "selectivity" refers to a method of using a device or similar technical element that allows for the free activation or deactivation based on preference, and, in the presence of multiple available devices, the selection of which devices to activate simultaneously.

[0017] In this context, the term "stable" refers to the engagement of an object with respect to a constraint element, to which the object does not change its spatial position while being held in this manner.

[0018] In this context, the term "constraint" refers to a firm connection between two parts that still allows for specific movements. In other words, the term "constraint" defines a group of constraint conditions, including, for example: constraints that allow movement, constraints that allow rotation, constraints that allow translation, constraints that allow both rotation and translation, etc.

[0019] In this paper, the term "rotation" refers to a grouped symmetry operation that includes at least one rotation, i.e., a change in both elements of a spatial triple.

[0020] Therefore, in this sense, the term "rotation" includes pure rotation of rigid bodies, rotation-translation, and more complex types of rotation.

[0021] Consistent with this, the term "bending trajectory" refers not only to a purely rotational trajectory, but also to a curved line that may be produced by a complex symmetrical operation involving at least one rotation and achieved by, for example, a cam mechanism, linkage, hinge, etc.

[0022] In this document, the term "overlay" refers to a situation where the projection of the first element onto the reference plane and the projection of the second element onto the same reference plane occupy at least partially the same area.

[0023] The applicant has noted that the process typically carried out by means of a device for attaching a cap to a capsule involves transporting the cap in a horizontal orientation and then translating it vertically onto the cap to be welded.

[0024] It is worth noting that at this stage, the capsule is usually already filled with the required product, and therefore must be moved carefully in a specific direction to prevent even a small portion of the contents from spilling out.

[0025] Therefore, a common method for moving filled capsules is to maintain their vertical orientation by using a horizontal path.

[0026] During this trajectory, the capsule reaches the vertical coupling device, its top opening is oriented horizontally, and the cover also reaches a horizontal position, making the cover ready to couple with the capsule by closing the upper opening.

[0027] At this point, the movable cover is equipped and kept horizontal, allowing it to move vertically to contact the capsule and weld it.

[0028] The applicant has noted that this treatment method requires restrictions on the orientation and possible movement of the lid and container, which significantly limits the design and spatial organization of equipment responsible for the different stages of container treatment.

[0029] In addition, the applicant noted that all these individual steps that move the container when the filler is present create further problems, as the filler may be unintentionally released from the container due to its volatility.

[0030] The applicant also noted that connection devices with shorter travel distances have a longer average lifespan.

[0031] Similarly, the applicant has noted that the rapid approach of the retention and / or connection device to the filler product, such as powder, can cause undesirable air pressure thrust on the filler and result in undesirable filler spillage, thus making the exact final value of the filler unpredictable.

[0032] The applicant also noted that, due to unavoidable three-dimensional obstacles, the solutions proposed in the prior art require a minimum free space between the position where the component is received by the clamping device and the position of the component on the container surface to be constrained.

[0033] In addition, the applicant has discovered that during accidental spillage of dust from the container, some of the dust settles on the container's mating edge, to which the lid will subsequently be welded, potentially worsening or even completely damaging the weld.

[0034] Finally, through targeted research and simulation, the applicant discovered that the sweeping direction of air pressure acting on the flat surface of the filler causes limited movement of the filler, thereby reducing spillage from the container.

[0035] In addition, the applicant noted that the effect of undesirable overflow of the filling product also depends on the inherent characteristics, such as, for example, the size, shape, and density of the powder.

[0036] Therefore, the applicant has recognized that it is advantageous to arrange the components to be coupled to the container according to an orientation different from that taught by the prior art, and that the ability to better regulate and control the effect of air thrust on the contents of the container during the stage when the lid is close to the container can reduce the undesirable effects of movement of the contained powder. This ensures minimal displacement of the retention and coupling system in order to extend the average life of the coupling unit as much as possible and improve its productivity. Summary of the Invention

[0037] The applicant ultimately discovered that the ideal optimization of the above process was achieved by implementing a unit for attaching components to a container that could move the associated clamping and coupling devices in an efficient manner by minimizing the necessary movement, thereby reducing errors that might occur during such movement, increasing the availability of such devices, and allowing for better adaptation to the required processing conditions depending on the type of filling product used.

[0038] In particular, in a first aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a coupling unit for a component of a container, including coupling equipment.

[0039] Preferably, the coupling device includes a frame and a housing constrained to the frame.

[0040] Preferably, the housing includes at least one seating portion formed to stably position the container.

[0041] Preferably, the connecting device includes a clamping device constrained to the frame, which can be rotated relative to the frame by a rotary motion mechanism.

[0042] Preferably, the rotary motion mechanism has a horizontal rotation axis.

[0043] Preferably, the clamping device includes a retention element configured to selectively retain the component.

[0044] Preferably, the coupling equipment includes a coupling device that is constrained to the clamping device relative to the frame.

[0045] Preferably, the coupling device includes a coupling element configured to constrain a connectable portion of the component to a coupling surface of the container at a predetermined coupling position of the component relative to the container.

[0046] Preferably, the clamping device and the connecting device are configured such that they can be moved by the rotary motion mechanism along an arc with a curved trajectory to at least one of the following positions:

[0047] - Removal position, in which the retention element is oriented to receive at least one component to be retained.

[0048] - Connection position, in which the retaining element and the connecting element are positioned such that the abutting surface of the container and the connectable portion of the component are in contact.

[0049] Thanks to this technical solution, the applicant is able to move the clamping and connecting device in a precise, efficient and repeatable manner.

[0050] Furthermore, the applicant has noted that this technical solution allows the aforementioned device to reduce movement and swaying, thereby increasing its maximum service life.

[0051] Furthermore, thanks to this technological solution, the applicant is able to design and define the bending trajectory of the component that will approach the container.

[0052] In fact, the achievable bending trajectory can be a trajectory with a very large radius, and is therefore an effective alternative to the technical solution of vertical translation. However, the bending trajectory can also be a trajectory with a very small radius, so the movement of the component from the removal position to the connection position needs to be reduced, thereby making the possibility of product overflow very limited.

[0053] Furthermore, the short travel path of the components to the coupling position allows for a reduction in the processing time of each individual container at the same travel speed of the clamping and coupling devices, thereby increasing their productivity.

[0054] Furthermore, this method can also define different types of curved trajectories (e.g., arcs of ellipses, arcs of circles, or arcs of parabolas), including the desired gravitational translation portion that does not contribute much to the overflow of contents.

[0055] Furthermore, the freedom and adaptability of using curved trajectories allow for the creation of optimal rotary motion mechanisms based on the type of filling product used.

[0056] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for attaching components of a container to the container.

[0057] Preferably, the method includes providing a coupling unit containing coupling equipment.

[0058] Preferably, the connecting device includes a frame.

[0059] Preferably, the connecting device includes a housing constrained to the frame, the housing including at least one seating portion formed to stably receive the container.

[0060] Preferably, the connecting device includes a clamping device that is constrained to the frame and is movable.

[0061] Preferably, the coupling equipment includes a coupling device that is constrained to the clamping device and is movable.

[0062] Preferably, the coupling device is configured to constrain the component to the container at a predetermined coupling position, wherein the retaining element and the coupling element are positioned such that the abutting surface of the container and the coupling portion of the component are in contact with each other.

[0063] Preferably, the method includes disposing the container at the seating position.

[0064] Preferably, the method includes rotating the clamping device to the removal position of the component.

[0065] Preferably, the method includes selectively removing and retaining the component via the retention element.

[0066] Preferably, the method includes rotating the clamping device and the coupling device to the coupling position.

[0067] Preferably, the method includes activating the coupling element within a predetermined coupling time to create a stable connection between the coupling portion of the component and the abutting surface of the container.

[0068] Preferably, the method includes deactivating the retaining element and the connecting element, thereby deactivating the constraint between the retaining element and the component.

[0069] Preferably, the method includes moving the retaining element and the connecting element away from the component to reach the removal position.

[0070] This technological solution allows the clamping and coupling device to be moved in a repeatable, precise, and efficient manner, thereby mitigating or eliminating unwanted oscillations.

[0071] Furthermore, thanks to this technical solution, the applicant is able to design and define a bending trajectory along which the lid approaches the container, thereby generating the desired and controllable movement of the lid from the removal position to the connection position, thus greatly limiting the possibility of product spillage.

[0072] Furthermore, this degree of freedom and adaptability of the available curved trajectory allows for the selection of the most suitable rotary motion mechanism based on the type of filling product used.

[0073] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for producing articles, the apparatus comprising at least one connecting unit manufactured according to the first aspect described above.

[0074] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a coupling unit for a component of a container, the coupling unit comprising coupling equipment.

[0075] Preferably, the coupling device includes a housing, which in turn includes at least one seating portion formed to receive the container in a stable manner.

[0076] Preferably, the coupling device includes a clamping device that itself includes a retention element configured to selectively retain the component.

[0077] Preferably, the coupling equipment includes a coupling device constrained to the clamping device and configured to constrain the coupling portion of the component to the coupling surface of the container.

[0078] Preferably, the clamping device and the coupling device are configured to move toward the housing in a coupling position, where the clamping device and the coupling device close the at least one housing containing the container, and wherein the retaining element is positioned to contact the abutting surface of the container with the coupling portion of the component.

[0079] Preferably, the connecting device includes an air alteration device, which further includes a suction conduit and an inert gas delivery conduit, which are open in the at least one seating portion and arranged to alter the internal air within the at least one seating portion when the at least one seating portion is closed by the clamping device and the connecting device.

[0080] Because of these features, the air inside the housing can be altered before the component is attached to the container. This capability becomes particularly useful when the component to be attached is a container lid filled with oxidation-sensitive products such as food.

[0081] Therefore, the possibility of altering the air inside the housing when it is clamped and closed by the coupling device can allow for an increase in the service life of the product contained within the container.

[0082] In at least one of the foregoing aspects, the present invention may also have at least one of the following preferred features.

[0083] Preferably, the connecting device is constrained to the clamping device and is movable relative to the clamping device to move from an extended configuration to a connected configuration, in which the connecting device is at a predetermined non-zero distance from the connectable portion of the component, and in the connected configuration, the connecting device is in contact with the connectable portion.

[0084] Thanks to this technical solution, only a second type of movement of the clamping device can be achieved, which can be a specific adjustment relative to the previously described bending trajectory.

[0085] In this way, the movement steps of the element toward the indwelling component can be further optimized to produce the desired connection.

[0086] Furthermore, in this way, the coupling device can only approach and contact the component when it is desired to continue attaching the component to the container.

[0087] This solution is particularly interesting when the connecting element is always active, and therefore the actual implementation of the connection step between the component and the container occurs selectively only when the connecting device comes into contact with the component.

[0088] In this way, the connection process can be further managed and optimized.

[0089] Preferably, when the connecting device is in the connecting position, the connecting device is constrained to the clamping device relative to the clamping device and can be vertically translated, and the vertical translation is configured to allow the connecting device to move reversibly between the extended configuration and the connecting configuration.

[0090] This establishes a compact and efficient mode for the individual, limited movement of the connecting device.

[0091] Preferably, the rotary motion mechanism is a pivot component.

[0092] Alternatively, the motion mechanism may be an articulated joint, a cam mechanism, a linkage system, or a similar solution.

[0093] This enables the desired bending trajectory to be achieved with a reliable and space-saving motion mechanism.

[0094] Preferably, the indwelling element operates under reduced pressure.

[0095] This ensures an effective selective constraint system.

[0096] Preferably, the component is a cap. Preferably, the container is a capsule.

[0097] Preferably, the connecting element is a welder.

[0098] In this way, a strong and lasting constraint can be established between the component and the container.

[0099] Preferably, the welder is of the thermal or ultrasonic type.

[0100] This technological solution allows for the establishment of strong and robust constraints between components and containers in a highly efficient manner and in a short period of time.

[0101] Preferably, the removal location is substantially vertical.

[0102] This means that the indwelling element has its own indwelling surface, which is oriented at least primarily vertically.

[0103] This facilitates the exchange and removal of components carried by other devices, as this orientation reduces the likelihood of collisions with moving mechanisms or products moving in different directions.

[0104] Preferably, the connection position is substantially horizontal.

[0105] This ensures effective control over the container and its contents during various movement and connection steps.

[0106] Furthermore, specifying that the connection position is horizontal and the removal position is vertical can reduce the size of the reciprocating motion, while maintaining the possibility of reversibly transferring from one position to another through minimal rotational linear movement.

[0107] This becomes apparent, for example, if we consider positioning the seating portion and the corresponding retaining element close to each other on opposite sides of the rotary motion mechanism, such that they are already stacked after a short stroke.

[0108] Preferably, the abutting surface is the upper edge of the container, which defines the upper opening.

[0109] This method allows for an ideal connection without obstructing the upper opening.

[0110] Preferably, the connecting element is constrained to the retaining element and can be translated.

[0111] This further optimizes the movement of the various components used in the connection process, thereby reducing the possibility of further damage to the components.

[0112] Preferably, the housing includes a retention device in the at least one seating portion, the retention device being configured to selectively retain the container when in the seating portion.

[0113] This solution enables improved and effective control of the container during the desired processing stages.

[0114] The indwelling device is preferably a suction cup or a similar system that operates under reduced pressure.

[0115] Preferably, the housing includes at least one moving device configured to move the indwelling device.

[0116] Preferably, the moving device is configured to reversibly vertically translate the seating portion by moving it between a lowered configuration and an elevated configuration, wherein in the lowered configuration, the seating portion is at a first distance from the upper surface of the housing, and in the elevated configuration, the seating portion is at a second distance from the upper surface of the housing that is greater than the first distance.

[0117] This allows for the movement of the seating unit and / or the container housed therein, thereby facilitating its removal or release and / or connection steps.

[0118] Preferably, the moving device includes a vertically translatable piston configured to move between the lowering configuration and the raising configuration.

[0119] Preferably, the clamping device includes a plurality of the retention elements.

[0120] In this way, the productivity of the connection unit can be improved.

[0121] Preferably, the plurality of units of the indwelling element are aligned with a specific reference in a parallel or vertical direction.

[0122] Preferably, the housing includes a plurality of seating portions, which can be stacked by corresponding connecting elements when in the connection position.

[0123] This allows for the simultaneous connection of several components to several containers.

[0124] Preferably, the connecting unit includes a transporter on which the connecting equipment is mounted.

[0125] In this way, the moving step can be combined with the connecting step described above, making the entire process more industrially advantageous.

[0126] Preferably, the transporter is a rotary turntable.

[0127] In this way, the transport vehicle will return to the same reference position after rotating 360°.

[0128] This technological solution allows for the creation of turntables that quickly and efficiently remove and process desired containers, minimizing the time required by moving along a closed processing path.

[0129] Preferably, the transporter includes multiple connecting devices.

[0130] In this way, the productivity of the connection unit can be further improved.

[0131] Preferably, the seating portion and the container are moved by the transporter through continuous motion when placed in the seating portion.

[0132] Preferably, the transporter moves at a constant speed.

[0133] The applicant discovered that, due to this technical solution, the desired processing can be carried out in a continuous manner, i.e., by keeping the system in motion at all times, so that the equipment can perform operations generated by the equipment while moving uniformly in space according to its constraints with the transporter.

[0134] In fact, this method allows for the activation of the associated motion mechanism with lower acceleration and deceleration than required by existing technologies, since all the devices envisioned in the process are included and move coherently with it. This technological solution means that the total time of each stage of the movement and connection process is shorter than that of known intermittent technologies, and also increases the average lifespan of the mechanical parts used, as they are not subject to sudden acceleration and deceleration.

[0135] It is noteworthy that the method employed by the applicant in this case appears to be the opposite of the approach of keeping the connector in a fixed external position to minimize connection errors. This operating condition stems from the fact that the applicant has conducted targeted and in-depth research to verify that a connector moving in space can operate correctly and repeatably if it moves at a constant speed and therefore does not experience significant acceleration or deceleration.

[0136] Preferably, the method includes moving the coupling device from an extended configuration to a coupled configuration, in which the coupling device is at a predetermined non-zero distance from the coupled portion of the component, and in the coupled configuration, the coupling device is substantially in contact with the coupled portion.

[0137] In this way, only the second type of relative adjustment movement of the clamping device can be achieved, which can be a specific adjustment relative to the previously described bending trajectory.

[0138] Preferably, when the connecting device is in the connecting position, the movement of the connecting device occurs by vertical translation relative to the clamping device.

[0139] Thanks to this technological solution, the connection can be made efficiently and quickly.

[0140] Preferably, the indwelling element used in the method operates under reduced pressure.

[0141] Preferably, the indwelling element used in the method is a suction cup or a similar technical solution.

[0142] In this way, selective constraints can be created while minimizing the required space.

[0143] Preferably, the connecting element used in the method is a thermal or ultrasonic welder.

[0144] Preferably, if the connecting element is an ultrasonic welder, it generates ultrasonic pulses to further separate the component from the connecting element before the step of moving the retaining element and the connecting element back to the removal position.

[0145] This improves the separation between connecting elements and components, enhances process quality, and increases the cleanliness of the connecting device.

[0146] Preferably, the coupling unit used in the method includes a transporter on which the coupling equipment is mounted.

[0147] Preferably, the transporter used in the method is a rotary turntable.

[0148] This method allows a process to be implemented in which the connection automatically returns to the predetermined desired location.

[0149] Preferably, the connecting unit used in the method moves according to continuous motion.

[0150] Preferably, the connecting unit used in the method comprises multiple devices.

[0151] Preferably, the connection occurs during approximately 50° rotation of the rotary turntable.

[0152] This achieves an optimal balance between the radial dimensions of the rotary table, the associated processing time, and the rotational speed of the table itself.

[0153] Preferably, the connection temperature is between 150°C and 300°C, and the processing time is between 0.2 seconds and 0.8 seconds, preferably 0.4 seconds.

[0154] This method allows for a strong and resistant bond between the component and the container.

[0155] Preferably, the connection unit is configured to receive a container from a first upstream device according to the process flow.

[0156] Preferably, the connection unit is configured such that it can receive components from a second downstream device according to the process flow.

[0157] Preferably, the connecting unit is configured such that it can transfer the component constrained to the container to the second device placed downstream according to the process flow.

[0158] It is worth noting that this type of solution is preferred when the transporter is a rotating turntable.

[0159] In this way, while keeping the turntable rotating, it can carry the container picked up by the second device placed downstream and bring it to the work area, where the container comes into contact with the components received by the first device placed upstream according to the process flow.

[0160] In other words, the selectability of the startability of the coupling device relative to the housing and rotary turntable configuration allows for the removal of products from the device located downstream of the coupling unit and enables it to interact with products supplied by the device placed upstream, increasing the opportunity to change the collaboration and thus reducing process time and required size.

[0161] Preferably, the suction conduit opens into the housing at the upper opening of the container.

[0162] In this way, the oxygen-rich air inside the container can be inhaled more easily and quickly.

[0163] Preferably, the inert gas delivery conduit opens into the housing at the upper opening of the container.

[0164] In this way, the inert gas delivered at the upper nozzle can enter the container more easily and quickly, replacing the air inside the container.

[0165] Preferably, the inert gas is a gas with a very low oxygen content, for example, less than 1%, or more preferably zero oxygen content.

[0166] Preferably, the inert gas is nitrogen or carbon dioxide or a mixture thereof.

[0167] Preferably, the suction conduit and the inert gas delivery conduit open into the housing from opposite sides of the at least one sitting portion relative to the container.

[0168] This creates an optimal flow of gas from the delivery conduit to the suction conduit through the container in between, thereby promoting rapid air exchange within the container.

[0169] Preferably, both the suction conduit and the inert gas delivery conduit open into the housing via a flange that defines the at least one seating portion at the top.

[0170] Preferably, the flange is provided with a through hole for connecting the suction conduit and the inert gas delivery conduit, and when the clamping device is closed on the housing, the upper surface of the housing faces the clamping device.

[0171] Preferably, when the container is housed in the seat, one edge of the upper opening rests on the flange.

[0172] Preferably, in the device, a corresponding recess is formed at the through-hole, opening toward the element, to allow gas to flow between the inert gas delivery conduit and the suction conduit at the upper opening of the container.

[0173] In some embodiments, the suction conduit and the inert gas delivery conduit are adjustablely opened within the housing to determine the final pressure within the housing when the device and the coupling device are moved to the coupling position.

[0174] This adjustment of the pressure inside the shell can positively influence certain characteristics of the connection process or certain characteristics of the final vessel obtained from the connection process.

[0175] Preferably, the suction conduit and the inert gas delivery conduit are open in the housing such that when the clamping device and the connecting device are moved to the connecting position, the final pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0176] In this way, the connection between the container and the components is carried out under depressurization conditions.

[0177] This allows, for example, if the component is a container sealing membrane, a container sealed by a membrane that is slightly curved toward the inside of the container, thus creating a slightly concave outer surface. This feature, in addition to being more aesthetically pleasing, makes the finished container easier to pack into boxes and better able to withstand external pressure conditions, such as during air transport.

[0178] Preferably, the final pressure is 50 to 200 mbar lower than atmospheric pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0179] The features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of embodiments illustrated by non-limiting examples, wherein:

[0180] - Figure 1 This is a schematic side sectional view of the connecting unit manufactured according to the present invention in the removed position;

[0181] - Figure 2 This is another schematic side sectional view of the coupling unit manufactured according to the present invention in the removed position with the container;

[0182] - Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A schematic front view of section III;

[0183] - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the housing of the intermediate connection unit;

[0184] - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the clamping and connecting device;

[0185] - Figure 6a and Figure 6b The diagrams show a schematic perspective view of the container used by the coupling device of the present invention and a schematic side view of the container at the end of the coupling process.

[0186] - Figure 7 express Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a connecting unit, which includes a rotating turntable;

[0187] - Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing an article production apparatus according to the present invention, viewed from above. Detailed Implementation

[0188] First refer to Figure 8 800 indicates an apparatus for producing articles, the apparatus being arranged to produce finished containers 10 ready for packaging or use.

[0189] The equipment 800 preferably includes a supply station 801, a filter forming station 802, a sealing station 803 for sealing the filter to the container 10, and a filling station 804 for filling the container 10.

[0190] The exemplary embodiments described below relate to a capsule-shaped container 10 filled with the desired product and on which the component 20 is applied.

[0191] In the specific context described herein, container 10 is a capsule element for preparing brewed beverages, particularly a coffee capsule. More specifically, the filler placed inside the capsule is coffee powder.

[0192] Preferably, the capsule 10 may be made of a multilayer material, such as a material consisting of layers of PP (polypropylene) and / or EVOH (vinyl alcohol) in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PS (polystyrene). Otherwise, the capsule may be made of a multilayer material having at least one metal alloy layer, such as an aluminum-based layer.

[0193] Furthermore, the component 20 used is a cover made of polyamide material. In particular, the cover can be a multilayer polymer laminate, wherein at least one layer is aluminum.

[0194] Preferably, the side of the lid facing the inside of the container may have a layer of adhesive material intended to melt and bond with the container during welding.

[0195] Preferably, a high-melting-point material can be present on the outside rather than the inside, so that the material will not melt when heat is applied to melt the layer disposed on the inside.

[0196] Such a polymer cap includes a laminated portion 25 that can be effectively heat-welded to a capsule 10, which is also made of, for example, a polymer material.

[0197] In this example, and as Figure 6a and Figure 6b As shown, the capsule 10 has a generally upturned truncated cone shape, with a generally flat and circular base 11, from which the sidewalls 12 protrude laterally.

[0198] The sidewall 12 is inclined relative to the vertical line, and it has a smaller diameter at the base 11 and a larger diameter at the upper opening 13.

[0199] Refer to Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 7 It can be seen that the sidewall 12 of the container 10 terminates at the top, with the edge 14a protruding radially outward from the container 10 itself.

[0200] The abutting surface 14B is defined on the edge 14A and is configured to form a connection area with the connectable portion 25 of the cover 20.

[0201] Preferably, the cap 20 is circular in shape and can be overlapped to the upper opening 13 of the capsule 10, and the connectable portion 25 of the cap 20 is an annular portion that can be overlapped to the abutment surface 14b.

[0202] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the diagram, 100 represents the connection unit between the capsule 10 and the cap 20, including the connection device 1, which further includes:

[0203] -Frame 2,

[0204] - Housing 50, which is constrained to frame 2 and includes a pair of seating portions 51, which are formed to receive capsule 10 in a stable manner.

[0205] - A clamping device 30, comprising a pair of retention elements 31, each retention element being arranged to retain a corresponding cap 20 of each capsule disposed in the housing 51, and

[0206] - Connecting device 40, which includes a pair of connecting elements 41, each connecting element being arranged to connect the cover 20 to a corresponding capsule 10 disposed in the seat 51.

[0207] Each seat 51 may be a cylindrical recess in which the capsule 10 is placed, and the two seat 51 are preferably aligned according to the sagittal line of the connecting unit 100.

[0208] The housing 50 includes a retention device 55 in each seating portion 51, which is configured to retain the container 10 when the container 10 is placed in the housing 51.

[0209] In one implementation, each indwelling device 55 may selectively indwell the container 10, for example, by means of a suction cup or a similar system under decompression.

[0210] The housing 50 also includes a moving device 58 configured to move the indwelling device 55, and specifically to vertically translate the indwelling device 55 by moving between a lowered configuration and an elevated configuration in an elevated position relative to the upper surface 59 of the housing 50, in which the indwelling device is received into the housing 51 and in the elevated configuration protrudes from the housing 51.

[0211] Preferably, and as Figure 1 As shown, the moving device 58 includes a piston 58a that can be vertically translated, the piston being configured to move between the lowering configuration and the raising configuration.

[0212] Each indwelling element 31 is configured to selectively retain the cap 20 to itself, and preferably operates under reduced pressure (e.g., a suction cup). This engagement condition is depicted in Figure 1 middle.

[0213] In more detail, Figure 1 This indicates the configuration of the clamping device 30 and the connecting device 40, wherein they are in the removal position Pp, i.e., in the removal position, the retention element 31 is oriented such that it can receive at least one cover 20 to be retained.

[0214] Preferably, the removal position Pp is determined by the basic vertical orientation of the retention element 31.

[0215] Starting from the removal position Pp, the coupling device 1 can move toward the coupling position Pa via the rotary motion mechanism 33, wherein the clamping device 30 and the coupling device 40 rotate toward the housing 50, thereby closing the seating portion 51 and bringing the cover portion 20 into contact with the edge 14 of the corresponding capsule 10.

[0216] The rotary motion mechanism 33 is in Figure 2 The pivot is referred to as a pivot member, which has a horizontal rotation axis Z1 and is interconnected with the frame 2 and the box-shaped body 60, which includes a clamping device 30 and a connecting device 40.

[0217] The box-shaped body 60 is generally parallelogram in shape and has a clamping device 30 and a connecting device 40 at a first end 61 opposite to the second end 62, and a pin 33 is constrained to the box-shaped body 60 in a region located at an intermediate position between the first end 61 and the second end 62.

[0218] This configuration allows the clamping device 30 and the coupling device 40 to rotate around the pin 33 according to the same rotation R1 and perform a bending trajectory C1, thereby moving reversibly from the removal position Pp to the coupling position Pa.

[0219] In the case shown in the figure, the curved trajectory C1 is preferably an arc that is substantially equal to 90°.

[0220] Alternatively, this bending trajectory C1 can be an elliptical or parabolic arc, or a further bending path that can be achieved through a linkage or cam mechanism.

[0221] The connecting device 40 is constrained to the clamping device 30 and can move.

[0222] More specifically, the connecting device 40 is constrained to the clamping device 30 and can be translated.

[0223] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the connecting device 40 is translated from an extended configuration to a connected configuration. In the extended configuration, the connecting device is at a predetermined non-zero distance from the connectable portion 25 of the component 20. In the connected configuration, the connecting device is in contact with the connectable portion 25. When the connecting device 40 is in the Pa connected position, this translation preferably occurs in the vertical direction.

[0224] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connecting device 40 includes a connecting element 41, which is a thermal welder.

[0225] This welder 41 is preferably always active and, in the extended configuration, is at a sufficient distance from the connectable portion 25 to prevent the cap 20 from overheating when it is constrained to the indwelling element 31 before contacting the capsule 10.

[0226] Preferably, the predetermined distance is between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0227] When the connecting device 30 and the clamping device 40 are brought into the connecting position Pa, the connecting element 41 moves vertically and simultaneously approaches or contacts the retaining element 31 and contacts the connectable portion 25 of the cover 20.

[0228] More specifically, the connecting element 41 is positioned and shaped such that when the connecting position Pa is reached, a welding surface 45 is presented, which is substantially planar continuous with the retention surface 35 of the suction cup 31.

[0229] Alternatively, the welding surface 45 may protrude outward from the retention surface 35 during its translational stroke to apply additional pressure to the connectable portion 25 during the welding step.

[0230] The indwelling surface 35 is substantially circular in shape, and preferably has a maximum diameter smaller than the diameter of the upper opening 13 of the capsule 10.

[0231] Preferably, the indwelling surface 35 is the bottom surface of a suction cup or similar technical solution.

[0232] The welding surface 45 is basically in the form of a circular crown and is arranged radially outside the retention surface 35.

[0233] The welding surface 45 is shaped such that when the connecting element 41 is brought into the connecting position Pa, the welding surface can at least partially overlap with the abutting surface 14b of the capsule 10.

[0234] The connecting device 1 also includes an air changing device 90, which is arranged to change the air in the seat 51 when the clamping device 30 and the connecting device 40 are moved to the connecting position Pa to close the seat 51.

[0235] The air alteration device 90 includes a suction conduit 91 and an inert gas delivery conduit 92, which extend from the opposite portion of the seating portion 51 into the housing 50 in a manner substantially parallel to their alignment direction along the sagittal line.

[0236] Specifically, both conduits 91 and 92 are connected to flange 93, defining a seat 51 above to form part of the upper surface 59 of housing 50. Specifically, when capsule 10 is placed in the corresponding seat 51, edge 14a of capsule 10 rests on flange 93.

[0237] The flange 93 is also suitably provided with a through hole 94, which connects the conduits 91 and 92 to the upper portion of the seat 51, thereby opening them at the corresponding upper opening 13 of the capsule 10.

[0238] On the clamping device 30, a corresponding recess 95 that opens toward the clamping element 31 is also provided at the through hole 94, so that gas flows between the inert gas delivery conduit 92 and the suction conduit 91 at the upper opening 13 of the corresponding capsule 10.

[0239] The inert gas supplied from the supply wire 92 is preferably nitrogen.

[0240] Therefore, refer to Figures 1 to 5 The method of connecting the cap 20 to the capsule 10 includes:

[0241] a. A connection unit 100 with the above-mentioned features is provided.

[0242] b. Rotate the clamping device 30 to the removal position Pp of the cover 20.

[0243] c. Use suction cup 31 to selectively remove and retain lid 20.

[0244] d. Two capsules 10 are provided in the two seating portions 50.

[0245] e. Rotate the clamping device 30 and the connecting device 40 to the connecting position Pa.

[0246] f. Move the welder 41 vertically to the connecting configuration so that it contacts the connectable part 25.

[0247] g. The welding machine 41 is activated until a predetermined connection time Ta is reached, so as to create a stable connection between the connectable part 25 and the abutment surface 14b, i.e., to close the capsule 10.

[0248] h. Discontinue the use of suction cup 31 and welding device 41.

[0249] i. Move the welder 41 vertically to the extended configuration.

[0250] l. Rotate the clamping device 30 and the connecting device 40 to the removal position Pp.

[0251] m. Start over from point c.

[0252] Preferably, the welder 41 is thermal and applies a temperature of 150°C to 300°C for a predetermined connection time Ta, which is between 0.2 seconds and 0.8 seconds, preferably 0.4 seconds. Advantageously, when the welder is thermal, it can always be kept open at the desired temperature and can be brought close to or away from the cover 20 depending on the desired welding operation. Alternatively, the welder can be an ultrasonic welder, and the ultrasonic welder can advantageously be opened and closed during the welding cycle.

[0253] Preferably, the welder 41 applies a uniform pressure of 45 Psi to 85 Psi to the connectable portion 25.

[0254] Preferably, when the clamping device 30 and the connecting device 40 are rotated to the connecting position Pa, and before the welding machine 41 is activated, the suction conduit 91 and the inert gas delivery conduit 92 are opened. In this way, the air present in the sitting portion 51, and especially the air contained in the capsule 10, is substantially replaced by nitrogen, so that when the cover 20 is closed on the corresponding capsule 10, the product contained therein is in inert air and substantially free of oxygen.

[0255] Furthermore, the air intake and nitrogen supply are regulated to achieve a final pressure within the casing 50 that is 50 mbar to 200 mbar lower than atmospheric pressure, and this value is maintained at the connection position Pa by the sealing of the clamping device 30 and the coupling device 40. In this way, the subsequent coupling process is carried out at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, and this pressure is maintained inside the capsule after it is sealed by the cap 20.

[0256] Therefore, when the shell 50 is opened again to extract the finished capsule 10, the cap 20 tends to bend slightly inward toward the capsule, as... Figure 6b As described. In this way, the possibility that the cap 20 of the capsule 10 may be convex is reduced, that is, the possibility that the cap 20 of the capsule 10 has a convex outer surface is reduced, which may cause some inconvenience during packaging.

[0257] After capsule 10 is completed, they will be lifted vertically to be transferred to the subsequent work station.

[0258] Reference Figure 8 It can be seen that the connection unit 100 includes a transporter 200, on which multiple connection devices 1 are mounted.

[0259] Such a transport 200 is a rotating turntable.

[0260] Preferably, there are 48 connecting devices 1 mounted on the rotating turntable.

[0261] Refer again Figure 8 The multiple devices 1 are installed by aligning each sagittal line through which the center of the seat of each connecting device 1 passes with the corresponding radial line of the rotating turntable.

[0262] Reference Figure 1 It can be seen that the box-shaped body 60 can be moved in such a way that the retaining element 31 can be reversibly brought from the removal position Pp to the connection position Pa by the first cam system 70.

[0263] Similarly, the indwelling device 55 moves reversibly between a lowering configuration and a raising configuration via a drive device 58 including a second cam system 80.

[0264] Preferably, the step of welding the cap 20 to the capsule 10 is completed when the rotary turntable rotates between 30° and 180°.

[0265] Preferably, multiple connecting devices 1 are constrained on the rotary turntable 200 at their maximum circumference, thereby facilitating the exchange of finished containers with other external devices.

[0266] Thanks to this technological solution, the applicant has demonstrated its ability to connect at least 1,500 components to the container per minute.

Claims

1. A coupling unit (100) for connecting a container (10) to a component (20), the coupling unit comprising: - Connecting device (1), the connecting device comprising: Frame (2), A housing (50) constrained to the frame (2), the housing including at least one seating portion (51) configured to stably receive the container (10), A clamping device (30) is constrained to the frame (2) and is rotatable (R1) relative to the frame (2) via a rotational motion mechanism (33) having a horizontal rotation axis (Z1), and the clamping device includes a retention element (31) configured to selectively retain the component (20). A connecting device (40) is constrained to the clamping device (30) relative to the frame (2), and the connecting device includes a connecting element (41). The connecting element is configured to constrain the connectable portion of the component (20) to the connecting surface (11) of the container (10) at a predetermined connecting position (Pa) relative to the container (10). The clamping device (30) and the connecting device (40) are configured to be able to move along an arc with a curved trajectory (C1) according to the rotation (R1) via the rotary motion mechanism (33) to the following positions: At the removal position (Pp), the retention element (31) is oriented to receive at least one component to be retained. In the connection position (Pa), the retention element (31) and the connection element (41) are positioned such that the abutting surface (14b) of the container (10) contacts the connectable portion (25) of the component (20).

2. The connection unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting device (40) is constrained to be movable relative to the clamping device (30) so as to be able to move from an extended configuration to a connecting configuration in which the connecting device is at a non-zero predetermined distance from the connectable portion (25) of the component (20), and in the connecting configuration in which the connecting device is in contact with the connectable portion (25).

3. The connection unit (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting device (40) is constrained to be able to make a vertical translation (T1) relative to the clamping device (30) when the connecting device (40) is in the connecting position (Pa), and the vertical translation (T1) is configured to move the connecting device (40) reversibly between the extended configuration and the connecting configuration.

4. The connecting unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The indwelling element (31) functions under reduced pressure.

5. The connecting unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The component (20) is a cover.

6. The connecting unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The container (10) is a sac-like structure.

7. The connecting unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The connecting element (41) is a thermal or ultrasonic welder.

8. The connecting unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The removal position (Pp) is vertical.

9. The connecting unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The connection position (Pa) is horizontal.

10. The connecting unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The abutting surface (14b) is the upper edge (14a) of the container (10), which defines the upper opening (13).

11. The connecting unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The connecting element (41) is constrained to be able to translate to the retaining element (31).

12. The connecting unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The housing (50) includes a plurality of seating portions (51), which, when in the connection position, can be stacked by corresponding connecting elements (41).

13. The coupling unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the coupling unit comprising a transporter (200) in which the coupling equipment (1) is housed.

14. The connection unit according to claim 13, wherein, The transporter (200) is a rotating turntable.

15. The connection unit (100) according to claim 13, wherein, The seating unit (51) and the container (10) move in a continuous manner when the container is received into the seating unit (51).

16. A method for attaching a component (20) to a container (10), the method comprising: A connection unit (100) is provided, the connection unit comprising: - Connecting device (1), the connecting device comprising: Frame (2), A housing (50) constrained to the frame (2), the housing including at least one seating portion (51) configured to stably receive the container (10), A clamping device (30) is constrained to the frame (2) with permissible movement. A connecting device (40) is constrained to the clamping device (30) with permissible movement and configured to constrain the component (20) to the container (10) at a predetermined connecting position (Pa), wherein the retaining element (31) of the clamping device (30) and the connecting element (41) of the connecting device (40) are positioned such that the abutting surface (14b) of the container (10) and the connectable portion (25) of the component (20) are in contact with each other. The container (10) is disposed in the seating portion (51). The clamping device (30) is rotated to the removal position (Pp) of the component (20), and the component (20) is selectively removed and retained by the retention element (31). Rotate the clamping device (30) and the connecting device (40) to the connecting position (Pa). The connecting element (41) is activated for a predetermined connection time (Ta) to establish a stable connection between the connectable portion (25) of the component (20) and the abutting surface (14b) of the container (10). This disables the retaining element (31) and the connecting element (41), thereby invalidating the constraint between the retaining element (31) and the component (20). The indwelling element (31) and the connecting element (41) are moved away from the component (20) to reach the removal position (Pp).

17. The method of claim 16, the method comprising moving the coupling device (40) from an extended configuration to a coupling configuration, wherein the coupling device is at a non-zero predetermined distance from the connectable portion (25) of the component (20), and wherein the coupling device is in contact with the connectable portion (25) in the coupling configuration.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, When the connecting device (40) is in the connecting position (Pa), the movement of the connecting device (40) is performed by a vertical translation (T1) relative to the clamping device (30).

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The indwelling element (31) operates under reduced pressure.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The connecting element (41) is a thermal welder or an ultrasonic welder.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, If the connecting element (41) is an ultrasonic welder, and before the retaining element (31) and the connecting element (41) move toward the removal position (Pp), the connecting element generates ultrasonic pulses to further separate the component (20) from the connecting element (41).

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The connection unit (100) includes a transporter (200), in which the connection equipment (1) is received.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The transporter (200) is a rotating turntable.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The connecting unit (100) moves in a continuous manner.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The connection between the component (20) and the container (10) is made during the rotation of the rotary turntable at 50°.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The connecting unit (100) moves in a continuous manner, and the connection between the component (20) and the container (10) is performed during a rotation of 50° on the rotary turntable.

27. An apparatus for producing articles, said apparatus comprising at least one coupling unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

Images