A method for bottling a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products and an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract

A method for bottling a predetermined number of pharmaceutical articles includes positioning a partition wall (4) relative to a descending channel (1) in a working position such that a first inlet portion (21A) of a first accumulation chamber (21) and a second inlet portion (22A) of a second accumulation chamber (22) are respectively able to receive different numbers of pharmaceutical articles from the descending channels (1) to create an imbalance in the accumulation of pharmaceutical articles between the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second accumulation chamber (22), wherein one of the two accumulation chambers (21, 22) accumulates a predetermined number of articles faster than the other accumulation chamber, which are to be unloaded into a first bottle (F1) positioned by a conveyor line (L) below an unloading conduit (3). Once a predetermined number of pharmaceutical articles to be inserted has been accumulated in one of the two accumulation chambers (21, 22), the method includes: unloading the pharmaceutical articles into a first bottle (F1), positioning a second bottle (F2) under the unloading conduit (3), and then, once a predetermined number of pharmaceutical articles have been accumulated in the other accumulation chamber (21, 22), unloading the pharmaceutical articles from the other accumulation chamber into the second bottle (F2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of packaging bottles for pharmaceutical or quasi-pharmaceutical products, and more specifically to inserting a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products, such as tablets, into each bottle.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for bottling a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products, and to a related apparatus designed to count the pharmaceutical products and subsequently unload them into the contents of the related bottles for performing the method. Background Technology

[0003] For packaging pharmaceutical products into bottles, it is known that a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products need to be bottled for market.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to count and pre-accumulate the contents of the bottles before unloading them, until the predetermined quantity is reached for bottling.

[0005] In this regard, known devices are referred to in the art as counters for counting pharmaceutical articles to be inserted into bottles in a given quantity, and then for unloading these articles into bottles.

[0006] Pharmaceutical products are typically stacked in storage funnels, while bottles awaiting bottling are pushed forward one after another along a conveyor line, for example, made of a screw conveyor.

[0007] To transport pharmaceutical products from storage funnels to the filling area above bottles that are moving forward along the conveyor line, a vibrating conveyor is used. This vibrating conveyor has a series of “V”-shaped transport channels in which the pharmaceutical products leaving the storage funnel are deposited.

[0008] Vibrating conveyors use their vibrational motion to propel pharmaceutical products deposited in various transport channels forward, separating them from one another.

[0009] For example, Figure 1A The image shows a known device for counting pharmaceutical articles from a vibrating conveyor, which are then inserted into bottles that are propelled forward along the conveyor line.

[0010] The known device (A1) includes multiple descending channels (D1), each descending channel having an inlet (a) and an outlet (b).

[0011] The descending channel (D1) is arranged such that the inlet (a) is directly downstream of the end of the conveying channel of the vibrating conveyor (V), so that the pharmaceutical product that has passed the end of the conveying channel can fall into the inlet (a) of the descending channel (D1) under the action of gravity, and thus fall into the descending channel (D1) and be conveyed toward the outlet (b).

[0012] The device (A1) includes a sensor device (S1) arranged to count the pharmaceutical products falling inside each descending channel (D1) and configured to provide the device (A1) with data on the total number of pharmaceutical products present inside the descending channel (D1).

[0013] The device (A1) also includes an accumulation chamber (C1), which is typically funnel-shaped and arranged below a descending channel (D1). It is pre-configured to receive and accumulate pharmaceutical articles exiting from the outlet (b) of the descending channel (D1) until the amount necessary for subsequent insertion into the relevant vial (F) is reached.

[0014] The lower part of the accumulation chamber (C1) includes an unloading port (S1) for unloading the pharmaceutical products accumulated inside it.

[0015] There is a door (G1) that can be moved to open and close the unloading port (S1).

[0016] The device (A1) is also equipped with a closing element (E) for the outlet (b) of the descending channel (D1), which can be activated to close the outlet (b) once the accumulation chamber (C1) contains the required amount of pharmaceutical product for the jars (F).

[0017] The equipment (A1) is arranged such that the unloading port (S1) of the accumulation chamber is located above the conveyor line (L) of the bottle (F).

[0018] Below the unloading port (S1) is a tubular unloading element (T1) that connects the unloading port (S1) to the opening of the bottle (F). This connecting element is positioned by a conveyor line (L) suspended below the counter device (A1) and is used to unload the pharmaceutical product into the bottle (F).

[0019] The hatch (G1) at the unloading port (S1) is positioned to keep the unloading port (S1) closed until the accumulation chamber (C1) contains the predetermined number of pharmaceutical products that must be dispensed from the descent channel (D1).

[0020] Then, once the predetermined quantity of pharmaceutical product required for the bottling bottle (F) has fallen into the accumulation chamber (C1), the closing element (E) of the descent channel (D1) is activated to close the outlet (b) of the descent channel (D1), while the hatch (G1) moves to open the unloading port (S1) and allow the pharmaceutical product to fall into the unloading conduit (T1), which transports the pharmaceutical product inside the bottle (F).

[0021] Once all pharmaceutical products have been unloaded from the unloading port (S1), the hatch (G1) can return to the closed position of the unloading port (S1), and the closing element (E) moves to open the outlet (b) of the descent channel (D1) by allowing another pharmaceutical product to fall into the accumulation chamber (C1); at the same time, the conveyor line (L) positions the next bottle to be filled (F*) below the unloading conduit (T1).

[0022] For this type of equipment, in order to increase productivity, i.e. the number of bottles filled in a given unit of time (e.g., per minute), one approach is to intervene by increasing the operating speed of the vibrating conveyor so that a greater number of pharmaceutical products can fall into the drop channel.

[0023] This has proven to be largely effective when the quantity of pharmaceutical products to be inserted into the bottle is quite large.

[0024] On the other hand, when the number of drug products to be inserted into the bottle is very small, for example, less than 20 to 30, the same effect is not achieved.

[0025] In fact, in these situations, it is necessary to keep one or more of the descending channels closed, otherwise a large amount of pharmaceutical products will accumulate in the accumulation chamber, exceeding the amount required during the pause time of the bottles below the counter device.

[0026] Currently, another known method for improving productivity is to pre-set two or more counter devices, both manufactured as described above, one next to the other (e.g., Figure 1B As shown), this allows the second device (A2) to fill the second bottle (F2) while the first device (A1) is filling the first bottle (F1).

[0027] However, it is clear that this model requires sufficient pre-allocated space for the positioning of each counter device on one side next to another, thus presenting drawbacks in terms of workspace size and optimization.

[0028] Furthermore, it is possible that one of the two devices may accumulate a predetermined number of products in its accumulation chamber, which are then unloaded into one bottle and then into another bottle. In these cases, before starting the conveyor line, it is necessary to wait for the other device to also accumulate a predetermined number of products in its accumulation chamber, and then unload these products into the corresponding bottles positioned below it. Summary of the Invention

[0029] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to describe a method for bottling a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products, and an apparatus for implementing the method, which can eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art apparatus described above.

[0030] Therefore, specifically, the object of the present invention is to describe a method and related equipment for implementing the method, which can reduce the time required to bottle a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products, thereby ensuring high productivity.

[0031] According to the claims, the exemplified purpose is achieved by a method for bottling a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products and by related equipment for implementing the method. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The features of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the apparatus enabling the implementation of the method of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying tables, wherein:

[0033] -As mentioned above Figure 1A A cross-sectional view along a vertical section schematically illustrates a known type of apparatus for bottling a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products.

[0034] -As mentioned above Figure 1B A cross-sectional view along a vertical section schematically illustrates a prior art method for improving productivity, where, similar to... Figure 1A The two identical devices shown are arranged side-by-side, one next to the other, for filling two bottles simultaneously;

[0035] - Figure 2 This is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of an apparatus for implementing the method of the present invention;

[0036] - Figures 3A to 3E The sequence of operations for bottling a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products is illustrated schematically and in accordance with their respective vertical sectional views. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Referring to the accompanying table, reference numeral (100) indicates the equipment used by the method of the present invention for bottling a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products.

[0038] The equipment (100) is configured to receive, count and unload pharmaceutical products such as tablets, and is arranged above the conveyor line (L) of bottles (F) to be filled.

[0039] Specifically, the device (100) is configured to be positioned between a feeder for pharmaceutical products and a conveyor line (L) for bottles (F) of pharmaceutical products to be filled. The feeder is, for example, a vibrating conveyor for conveying rows of pharmaceutical products (not shown in the figures, of a known type and not related to the present invention).

[0040] The device (100) includes (for example, see Figure 2 ):

[0041] Multiple drug product drop channels (1) are configured to receive drug products from a drug product feeder (e.g., a vibrating conveyor) inside them and allow these products to fall freely.

[0042] An accumulation container (2) is arranged below the descending channel (1) and has an inlet (20) above it for receiving pharmaceutical articles falling from the descending channel (1) and has an unloading conduit (3) below it for unloading pharmaceutical articles into bottles (F) in a conveyor line (L) located below the unloading conduit (3).

[0043] The accumulation container (2) is suitable for forming including:

[0044] The first accumulation chamber (21) and the second accumulation chamber (22) are adjacent to each other;

[0045] The first unloading port (21B) is located below the first accumulation chamber (21) and is connected to the unloading conduit (3);

[0046] The second unloading port (22B) is located below the second accumulation chamber (22) and is connected to the unloading conduit (3);

[0047] A first closing element (21C) that can be activated to open / close a first unloading port (21B);

[0048] The second closing element (22C) can be activated to open / close the second unloading port (22B).

[0049] The accumulation container (2) also includes a partition wall (4) arranged below the descending channel (1) and in the area at the entrance (20) of the accumulation container (2) to separate the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second accumulation chamber (22) from each other.

[0050] In this way, the partition wall (4) divides the entrance (20) into a first entrance portion (21A) for the first accumulation chamber (21) and a second entrance portion (22A) for the second accumulation chamber (22).

[0051] Therefore, the first inlet section (21A) can receive the drug product from the first set of descending channels (1) and the first accumulation chamber (21) can accumulate a predetermined number of drug products to be inserted into the first bottle (F1), and the second inlet section (22A) can receive the drug product from the second set of descending channels (1), and the second accumulation chamber (22) can store a predetermined number of drug products to be inserted into the second bottle (F2).

[0052] The partition wall (4) is arranged to be movable and positioned relative to the descending channel (1) in the following positions: in a first position (P1), wherein the partition wall (4) is positioned such that the first inlet portion (21A) and the second inlet portion (22A) can receive pharmaceutical articles from an equal number of descending channels (1), and at least in a second position (P2, P3), wherein the partition wall (4) is positioned such that the first inlet portion (21A) and the second inlet portion (22A) can receive pharmaceutical articles from different numbers of descending channels (1) from each other.

[0053] For example, in the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the device (100) is made to include 12 descending channels (1).

[0054] Therefore, the partition wall (4) can be positioned in the first position (P1), in which the partition wall is positioned between the sixth descending channel (1) and the seventh descending channel (1), as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) is able to receive drug products from the six descending channels (1), and the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) is also able to receive drug products from the six descending channels.

[0055] In this first position (P1) of the partition wall (4), the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second accumulation chamber (22) are thus able to receive the same number of pharmaceutical products falling from the descending channels (1).

[0056] The partition wall (4) can also be positioned in a second position (P2), in which the partition wall is positioned between the 7th and 8th descending channels, for example, Figure 3A As shown, the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) is able to receive drug products from 7 descending channels, while the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) is able to receive drug products from 5 descending channels (1).

[0057] In this second position (P2) of the partition wall (4), the first accumulation chamber (21) is thus able to receive pharmaceutical products falling from a greater number of descending channels (1) than the second accumulation chamber (22).

[0058] The partition wall (4) can also be positioned in a third position (P3), in which the partition wall is positioned between the fifth and sixth descending channels, for example, as Figure 3C As shown, the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber is able to receive drug products from 5 descending channels, while the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) is able to receive drug products from 7 descending channels (1).

[0059] In the third position (P3) of the partition wall (4), the second accumulation chamber (22) is thus able to receive pharmaceutical products falling from a greater number of descending channels (1) than the first accumulation chamber (21).

[0060] The device (100) also includes sensor devices (S) (some of which are in Figure 2 (Illustrated schematically as known type), and blocking elements (10) for opening and closing the descending channels (1), these sensor devices are positioned and configured to provide data on the quantity of pharmaceutical articles present inside each descending channel (1) and falling into the first accumulation chamber (21) and into the second accumulation chamber (22).

[0061] The blocking element (10) is arranged and configured to be activated to close the descending channel (1) communicating with the entrance portions (21A, 22A) of the two accumulation chambers (21, 22) once a predetermined number of pharmaceutical articles to be inserted into the bottle has been reached inside it, and to be activated to open the descending channel (1) so that the pharmaceutical articles can fall from the descending channel (1) into the two accumulation chambers (21, 22) to re-accumulate a predetermined number of pharmaceutical articles for filling the next bottle.

[0062] According to the preferred but not exclusive embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the partition wall (4) is pre-configured to be rotatable about the axis of rotation.

[0063] The method of the present invention uses the above-described equipment to fill a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products into bottles that are propelled forward by a conveyor line below the unloading conduit.

[0064] The method of the present invention includes performing the following steps:

[0065] The partition wall (4) is moved and positioned relative to the descending channel (1) in a working position such that the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) can respectively receive different numbers of pharmaceutical articles from the descending channel (1) so as to make the accumulation of pharmaceutical articles between the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second accumulation chamber (22) unbalanced, wherein one of the two accumulation chambers (21, 22) accumulates a predetermined number of articles faster than the other accumulation chamber, which are to be unloaded into the first bottle (F1) positioned by the delivery line (L) below the unloading conduit (3).

[0066] Activate the blocking element (10) of the descending channel (1) communicating with the inlet portion (21A, 22A) of the accumulation chamber (21, 22), wherein, firstly, a predetermined amount of pharmaceutical product has been accumulated to close the descending channel (1), and then activate the closing element (21C, 22C) of the unloading port (21B, 22B) of the accumulation chamber (21, 22) to unload the pharmaceutical product accumulated therein into the unloading conduit (3), and thus unload it into the first bottle (F1) suspended below the unloading conduit (3);

[0067] When the other of the two accumulation chambers (21, 22) has completed the accumulation of the predetermined quantity of pharmaceutical products, the delivery line (L) is activated to position the second bottle (F2) below the unloading conduit (3).

[0068] Then, once a predetermined quantity of pharmaceutical products has accumulated in another accumulation chamber (21, 22), the blocking element (10) of the descending channel (1) connected to the inlet portion (21A, 22A) of the other accumulation chamber (21, 22) is activated to close the descending channel (1), and the closing element (21C, 22C) of the other accumulation chamber (21, 22) is activated to open the corresponding unloading port (21B, 22B) to unload the pharmaceutical products accumulated therein into the unloading conduit (3), and then unload them into the interior of the second bottle (F2) suspended below the unloading conduit (3).

[0069] Therefore, by means of the method of the present invention, by activating the partition wall, the number of descending channels communicating with the two accumulation chambers can be changed, thereby causing an imbalance in their filling, which in the sense of promoting a greater number of pharmaceutical products to fall into one of the two accumulation chambers, thus helping to achieve a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products to be unloaded into the bottle more quickly in one of the two chambers relative to the other.

[0070] Therefore, once one of the two chambers has reached a predetermined quantity of pharmaceutical products, and within a time period when the other chamber has also reached a predetermined quantity, the pharmaceutical products can be unloaded from the chamber where the predetermined quantity of pharmaceutical products has accumulated inside the bottle. Then, by activating the conveyor line, the other bottle can be positioned below the unloading conduit.

[0071] In this way, once another chamber has reached and accumulated a predetermined quantity of pharmaceutical products, the products can be unloaded into subsequent bottles waiting below the unloading conduit.

[0072] Therefore, using the method of the present invention, two accumulation chambers can be used to unload the drug product into a bottle positioned below the unloading conduit as a predetermined number of drug products are repeatedly reached inside one of the two accumulation chambers.

[0073] Clearly, the method of this invention enables each bottle to be positioned below the unloading conduit at a frequency significantly superior to that of the prior art, thereby activating the bottle conveying line and thus significantly improving productivity.

[0074] This is because while one accumulation chamber is unloading the pharmaceutical product accumulated therein, another accumulation chamber receives and accumulates the pharmaceutical product so that it is ready to be unloaded once the subsequent bottle is positioned below the unloading conduit.

[0075] Further preferred aspects of the method of the present invention will be described below, with particular reference to... Figures 3A to 3E The order.

[0076] This method allows for the following conditions to be met: First closing element (21C) is positioned to close the first unloading port (21B) of the first accumulation chamber (21) and second closing element (22C) is positioned to close the second unloading port (22B) of the second accumulation chamber (22). Figure 2 In the case of (a situation where), the method includes executing a step loop, which includes the following steps:

[0077] The first bottle (F1) is positioned by the conveyor line (L) to pause below the unloading conduit (3) and the partition wall (4) is positioned in the working position (P2) relative to the descending channel (1), such that the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) can receive a greater number of pharmaceutical articles from the descending channel (1) than the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22), thereby creating an imbalance in the accumulation of pharmaceutical articles between the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second accumulation chamber (22), wherein the first accumulation chamber (21) accumulates a predetermined number of articles more rapidly than the second accumulation chamber (22), which are to be unloaded into the first bottle (F1) paused below the unloading conduit (3) (see...). Figure 3A );

[0078] Once the predetermined quantity of the drug product to be inserted into the first bottle (F1) has been reached in the first accumulation chamber (21), (see...) Figure 3B or Figure 3C ):

[0079] Activate the blocking element (10) to close the descending channel (1) that communicates with the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21);

[0080] The first closing element (21C) is activated to open the first unloading port (21B), thereby unloading the pharmaceutical product accumulated in the first accumulation chamber (21) into the unloading conduit (3), and thus positioning the first bottle (F1) suspended below the unloading conduit (3);

[0081] Activate the first closing element (21C) to close the first unloading port (21B) (see...) Figure 3D );

[0082] Start the conveyor line (L) to position the second bottle (F2) paused below the unloading conduit (3) (see Figure 3D or Figure 3E );

[0083] Activate the blocking element (1) to open the descending channel (1) communicating with the inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21). Figure 3E );

[0084] Once the predetermined quantity of the drug product to be inserted into the second bottle (F2) has been reached in the second accumulation chamber (22) (see...) Figure 3E ):

[0085] Activate the blocking element (10) to close the descending channel (1) that communicates with the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22);

[0086] The second closing element (22C) is activated to open the second unloading port (22B), thereby unloading the pharmaceutical product accumulated in the second accumulation chamber (22) into the unloading conduit (3), and thus positioning the second bottle (F2) suspended below the unloading conduit (3).

[0087] Preferably, in conjunction with or related to the step of activating a first closing element (21C) to open a first unloading port (21B) so as to unload the pharmaceutical product accumulated in the first accumulation chamber (21) into the unloading conduit (3) and thus fill a first bottle (F1) positioned below the unloading conduit (3), the method includes performing the following steps: moving and positioning a partition wall (4) relative to the descending channel (1) in a working position such that a second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) is able to receive the pharmaceutical product falling from at least one other descending channel (1) previously connected to the first inlet portion (21A), and then activating a blocking element (10) of the at least one other descending channel (1) to open the other descending channel (1) and allow the product contained therein to fall into the second accumulation chamber (22).

[0088] For example, based on the repeated operational requirements, the partition wall (4) can be moved and positioned in a location (P1) between the 6th and 7th descending channels (as shown). Figure 3B As shown), so that the number of descending channels communicating with the second inlet portion of the second accumulation chamber that is still being filled is increased by one descending channel, or the partition wall (4) can be positioned in a position (P3) between the fifth and sixth descending channels (as shown). Figure 3C (as shown), so that the number of descending channels connected to the second inlet portion of the second accumulation chamber that is still being filled is increased by two descending channels.

[0089] The above steps can be repeated cyclically.

[0090] In this regard, when performing the above-described steps in a cyclical manner, before starting the step cycle, and before moving and positioning the partition wall (4) relative to the descending channel (1) in a working position such that the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) can respectively receive pharmaceutical articles from different numbers of descending channels (1), the method includes an initial positioning step of the blocking element (10) of the descending channel (1) to close the descending channel (1). Figure 2 The method includes the steps of activating a blocking element (10) to open the descending channel (1) and allowing the pharmaceutical articles received and present inside the descending channel (1) to fall and accumulate in the first accumulation chamber (21) and in the second accumulation chamber (22) respectively after moving and positioning the partition wall (4) relative to the descending channel (1) in a working position such that the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) respectively.

Claims

1. A method of bottling a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products, said method comprising: providing beforehand a conveying line (L) of bottles to be bottled and an apparatus (100) configured to receive, count and unload pharmaceutical products and arranged above said conveying line (L) of bottles to be bottled, said apparatus (100) comprising: a plurality of descending channels (1) of pharmaceutical products configured to receive pharmaceutical products inside them and to make them fall under the action of gravity; an accumulation container (2) arranged below said descending channels (1) and having an inlet (20) above for receiving pharmaceutical products from said descending channels (1) and an unloading duct (3) below for unloading pharmaceutical products into the interior of a bottle positioned by said conveying line (L) below said unloading duct (3), wherein said accumulation container (2) is configured to comprise: a first accumulation chamber (21) and a second accumulation chamber (22) adjacent to each other; a first unloading opening (21B) below said first accumulation chamber (21) and communicating with said unloading duct (3); a second unloading opening (22B) below said second accumulation chamber (22) and communicating with said unloading duct (3); a first closing element (21C) activatable to open / close said first unloading opening (21B); a second closing element (22C) activatable to open / close said second unloading opening (22B); a partition wall (4) arranged to mutually separate said first accumulation chamber (21) and said second accumulation chamber (22) in a region below said descending channels (1) and at said inlet (20) of said accumulation container (2) and to divide said inlet (20) into a first inlet portion (21A) for said first accumulation chamber (21) and a second inlet portion (22A) for said second accumulation chamber (22), so that said first inlet portion (21A) can receive pharmaceutical products from a first group of said descending channels (1) and said first accumulation chamber (21) can accumulate a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products to be inserted into a bottle, and so that said second inlet portion (22A) can receive pharmaceutical products from a second group of said descending channels (1) and said second accumulation chamber (22) can accumulate a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products to be inserted into a bottle, wherein said partition wall (4) is movable and positionable with respect to said descending channels (1) in a first working position (PI) so that said first inlet portion (21A) and said second inlet portion (22A) can receive pharmaceutical products from the same number of descending channels (1), and in a second working position (P2) so that said first inlet portion (21A) and said second inlet portion (22A) can also receive pharmaceutical products from a different number of descending channels (1) from each other. The device (100) also comprises a blocking element (10) which, once the interiors of the first accumulation chamber (21) and of the second accumulation chamber (22) have reached a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products to be inserted into the bottles, is able to be activated to close the descending channel (1) in communication with the inlet portions (21A, 22A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) and of the second accumulation chamber (22); The method comprises performing the following steps: moving and positioning the dividing wall (4) with respect to the descending channel (1) in a working position such that the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) are able to receive pharmaceutical products from different quantities of descending channel (1) from each other, so as to unbalance the accumulation of pharmaceutical products between the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second accumulation chamber (22), wherein one of the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second accumulation chamber (22) accumulates the predetermined number of pharmaceutical products more quickly than the other accumulation chamber, the pharmaceutical products being to be unloaded into a first bottle (F1) positioned by the conveying line (L) below the unloading conduit (3); activating the blocking element (10) of the descending channel (1) in communication with the corresponding inlet portion of the one accumulation chamber, wherein first, the predetermined number of pharmaceutical products has been accumulated for closing the descending channel (1), then activating the corresponding closing element of the corresponding unloading opening of the one accumulation chamber, so as to unload the pharmaceutical products accumulated therein into the unloading conduit (3) and thus into the interior of the first bottle (F1) paused below the unloading conduit (3); when the other of the first accumulation chamber (21) and of the second accumulation chamber (22) completes the accumulation of the predetermined number of pharmaceutical products, activating the conveying line (L) to position a second bottle (F2) below the unloading conduit (3), then, once the predetermined number of pharmaceutical products has been accumulated in the other accumulation chamber, activating the blocking element (10) of the descending channel (1) in communication with the corresponding inlet portion of the other accumulation chamber to close the descending channel (1) and activating the corresponding closing element of the other accumulation chamber so as to open the respective unloading opening to unload the pharmaceutical products accumulated therein into the unloading conduit (3) and then into the interior of the second bottle (F2) paused below the unloading conduit (3).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, In the case where the first closing element (21C) is positioned to close the first unloading opening (21B) of the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second closing element (22C) is positioned to close the second unloading opening (22B) of the second accumulation chamber (22), the method comprises performing a step cycle comprising the following steps: In the case where the first closing element (21C) is positioned to close the first unloading opening (21B) of the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second closing element (22C) is positioned to close the second unloading opening (22B) of the second accumulation chamber (22), the method comprises performing a step cycle comprising the following steps: positioning a first bottle (Fl) in suspension under the unloading conduit (3) by means of the conveying line (L) and positioning the partition wall (4) in a second working position (P2) with respect to the descending channel (1) so that the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) can receive a greater number of pharmaceutical products from the descending channel (1) than the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22), thereby causing an accumulation imbalance of pharmaceutical products between the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second accumulation chamber (22), in which the first accumulation chamber (21) accumulates the predetermined number of products more rapidly than the second accumulation chamber (22), the pharmaceutical products to be unloaded into the first bottle (Fl) in suspension under the unloading conduit (3); once the predetermined number of pharmaceutical products to be inserted into the first bottle (Fl) has been reached in the first accumulation chamber (21): activating the blocking element (10) to close the descending channel (1) communicating with the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21); activating the first closing element (21C) to open the first unloading mouth (21B) so as to unload the pharmaceutical products accumulated in the first accumulation chamber (21) into the unloading conduit (3) and therefore to fill the first bottle (Fl) positioned in suspension under the unloading conduit (3), activating the first closing element (21C) to close the first unloading mouth (21B); activating the conveying line (L) to position a second bottle (F2) in suspension under the unloading conduit (3); activating the blocking element (10) to open the descending channel (1) communicating with the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21); once the predetermined number of pharmaceutical products to be inserted into the second bottle (F2) has been reached in the second accumulation chamber (22): activating the blocking element (10) to close the descending channel (1) communicating with the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22); activating the second closing element (22C) to open the second unloading mouth (22B) so as to unload the pharmaceutical products accumulated in the second accumulation chamber (22) into the unloading conduit (3) and therefore to fill the second bottle (F2) positioned in suspension under the unloading conduit (3).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, In combination or in association with the step of activating the first closure element (21C) to open the first unloading opening (21B) so as to unload the pharmaceutical products accumulated in the first accumulation chamber (21) into the unloading conduit (3) and therefore the first bottle (Fl) which is positioned so as to be suspended below the unloading conduit (3), the method comprises the step of moving and positioning the dividing wall (4) in a working position with respect to the descending channels (1) so that the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) can receive the pharmaceutical products falling from at least another descending channel (1) previously in communication with the first inlet portion (21A), then activating the blocking element (10) of the at least another descending channel (1) to open the other descending channel (1) and make the pharmaceutical products contained therein fall into the second accumulation chamber (22).

4. The method of any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein, The method comprises the step of cyclically performing the step cycle and, before starting the step cycle, and before the step of moving and positioning the dividing wall (4) in a working position with respect to the descending channels (1) so that the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) can receive the pharmaceutical products from a different number of descending channels (1) from each other, the method comprises the initial positioning step of the blocking element (10) of the descending channels (1) so as to close the descending channels (1), then, after the step of moving and positioning the dividing wall (4) in a working position with respect to the descending channels (1) so that the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) can receive the pharmaceutical products from a different number of descending channels (1) from each other, the method comprises the step of activating the blocking element (10) so as to open the descending channels (1) and make the pharmaceutical products received and present inside the descending channels (1) fall and accumulate in the first accumulation chamber (21) and in the second accumulation chamber (22).

5. An apparatus (100) for capping bottles of a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products, the apparatus being configured to perform the method of the preceding claim and comprising: a plurality of descending channels (1) of pharmaceutical products configured to receive the pharmaceutical products inside and make them fall under the action of gravity; an accumulation container (2) arranged below the descending channels (1) and having an inlet (20) above for receiving the pharmaceutical products from the descending channels (1) and an unloading conduit (3) below for unloading the pharmaceutical products into the interior of a bottle positioned in a conveying line (L) below the unloading conduit (3), wherein the accumulation container (2) is suitable to form: a first accumulation chamber (21) and a second accumulation chamber (22) adjacent to each other; a first unloading opening (21B) located below the first accumulation chamber (21) and communicating with the unloading conduit (3); a second unloading opening (22B) located below the second accumulation chamber (22) and communicating with the unloading conduit (3); a first closing element (21C) activatable to open / close the first unloading opening (21B); a second closing element (22C) activatable to open / close the second unloading opening (22B); a partition wall (4) arranged to mutually separate the first accumulation chamber (21) and the second accumulation chamber (22) in a region below the descending channels (1) and at the inlet (20) of the accumulation container (2), and to divide the inlet (20) into a first inlet portion (21A) for the first accumulation chamber (21) and a second inlet portion (22A) for the second accumulation chamber (22), so that the first inlet portion (21A) can receive pharmaceutical products from a first group of the descending channels (1) and the first accumulation chamber (21) can accumulate a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products to be inserted into a first bottle (F1), and so that the second inlet portion (22A) can receive pharmaceutical products from a second group of the descending channels (1) and the second accumulation chamber (22) can accumulate a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products to be inserted into a second bottle (F2), wherein the partition wall (4) is movable and positionable with respect to the descending channels (1) in a first working position (P1) in which it is positioned so that the first inlet portion (21A) and the second inlet portion (22A) can receive pharmaceutical products from the same number of descending channels (1), and at least in a second working position (P2) in which it is positioned so that the first inlet portion (21A) and the second inlet portion (22A) can receive pharmaceutical products from a different number of descending channels (1) from each other, the apparatus (100) further comprising: a sensor device (S) positioned and configured to provide data on the number of pharmaceutical products present inside each descending channel (1) and falling into the first accumulation chamber (21) and into the second accumulation chamber (22); a control unit (CU) configured to receive the data from the sensor device (S) and to control the movement and positioning of the partition wall (4) with respect to the descending channels (1) in the first working position (P1) and in the second working position (P2) according to the data received from the sensor device (S). A blocking element (10) for opening and closing the descending channel (1), arranged and configured to be activated to close the descending channel (1) in communication with the inlet portions (21A, 22A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) and of the second accumulation chamber (22) once the inside thereof has reached the predetermined number of pharmaceutical products to be inserted into the bottles, and to be activated to open the descending channel (1) to enable the pharmaceutical products to fall from the descending channel (1) into the first accumulation chamber (21) and into the second accumulation chamber (22) to re-accumulate a predetermined number of pharmaceutical products for the bottling of successive bottles.

6. The device (100) according to claim 5, wherein The partition wall (4) is movable with respect to the descending channel (1) to be positioned in a second working position (P2) in which the partition wall (4) is positioned with respect to the first inlet portion (21A) and to the second inlet portion (22A) so that the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21) can receive a greater number of pharmaceutical products from the descending channel (1) than the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22), and in which the partition wall (4) is also movable so as to be positionable also in a third working position (P3) in which the partition wall (4) is positioned with respect to the first inlet portion (21A) and to the second inlet portion (22A) so that the second inlet portion (22A) of the second accumulation chamber (22) can receive a greater number of pharmaceutical products from the descending channel (1) than the first inlet portion (21A) of the first accumulation chamber (21).

7. The device (100) according to claim 6, wherein The partition wall (4) is predisposed to be rotatable about an axis of rotation.

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