Machine for classifying together filter bags for infusion products

Abstract

A machine for classifying together filter bags (1) for infusion products is described, comprising a movement wheel (2) rotating about a first rotation axis (X2), a rotating transfer wheel (3) rotating about a second rotation axis (X3) in synchronism with the movement wheel (2), means (4) for collecting the filter bags (1), a plurality of gripping elements (5) positioned along the circumference of the transfer wheel (3), movable therewith, for picking up the filter bags (1) from the movement wheel (2) in a first angular position and releasing them in the collecting means (4) in a second angular position after travelling a rotation angular sector (TA) in the feed direction (A), sensor means (7) configured to detect possible defects of the filter bags (1), positioned to identify the defective filter bags (1D) before they reach the second angular position in which the collecting means (4) are located, a rejection area (8) configured to receive the defective filter bags (1D), located downstream of the collecting means (4) and upstream of the first angular position with respect to the feed direction (A), the machine further comprising locking control means (9) configured to control the gripping elements (5) to prevent the release of the filter bags (1D) in the second angular position when the sensor means (7) detect that the filter bags (1D) being gripped are defective.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a machine for sorting together filter bags for infusion products such as tea, coffee, and chamomile (in powder, granule, or leaf form). Background Technology

[0002] The term "filter bag" is used to refer to at least two types of filter bags: a single-chamber filter bag, which in its minimum construction includes a sheet of filter material forming a chamber to contain a single-agent soaking product; and a double-chamber filter bag, which also includes a single sheet of filter paper but forms two separate chambers. Each chamber contains a single-agent soaking product. The two chambers are folded toward each other to form a single top end (inverted "V") and a "W"-shaped bottom end.

[0003] Single-chamber and double-chamber filter bags can also be equipped with labels and ties to attach the labels to the filter bags.

[0004] Finally, an outer packaging sleeve can be added to the filter bags mentioned above to wrap and seal individual filter bags in a sealed or unsealed manner.

[0005] A machine for manufacturing filter bags for such soaking products is known from patent document WO2017 / 145044.

[0006] This machine can move continuously, so its productivity is higher than that of a stepping machine, thus maintaining the high quality of the filter bags.

[0007] This type of machine includes at least a continuously rotating turntable having multiple first clamping elements on its circumferential surface for holding the corresponding filter material sheets formed, and multiple worktables associated with the corresponding first clamping units. These worktables are configured to operate on the filter material sheets to partially or completely form filter bags along at least one predetermined rotational angle segment of the rotating turntable. Therefore, the basic concept of the machine is that it includes multiple operating units, all performing the same operation on the filter material sheets, all operating units being independent of each other and continuously driven about a rotational axis.

[0008] After the operation on the filter material sheet is completed, each operating table and the corresponding clamping unit reach the output area of ​​the motion turntable and release the sheet so that it can be transferred to subsequent processing steps / tables, such as other motion turntables.

[0009] As described above, depending on the type of filter bag formed, the final configuration of the filter bag is produced by a single turntable of the machine or by multiple turntables (having a similar structure as described above and collectively defining the machine). Therefore, the latter must be conveyed to a collection or stacking area, or, if defective, released to a collection area for defective products, different from the previous area.

[0010] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an operating unit that can operate at the same high speed as one or more turntables present in the machine to pick up filter bags from the turntables, while being able to discharge any defective filter bags or release filter bags in the collection or stacking area.

[0011] A scheme for an operating unit for releasing filter bags is known from patent document WO2019 / 087012. This patent document discloses a conveyor wheel that rotates in continuous motion and has multiple clamping devices positioned along the conveyor wheel. These clamping devices are configured to each receive a filter bag from a corresponding operating table and release the filter bag in a collection area. Each clamping device is movable between a first operating position for receiving a filter bag from a previous turntable or for releasing a filter bag in a collection area, and a second operating position for holding the filter bag. A control unit and an auxiliary control device are also present. The control unit is configured to measure any defects in the filter bag formed on the previous turntable, and the auxiliary control device is positioned on the conveyor wheel and connected to the control unit.

[0012] The auxiliary device allows the selected clamping unit to release the defective filter bag in the unloading area according to the signal from the control unit, with reference to the rotation direction of the reference wheel, the unloading area being positioned before the collection area.

[0013] It has been noted that the position of the unloading area of ​​defective filter bags relative to the collection area is along a decreasing angle segment of rotation, and at high production speeds of the machine, this may cause a response delay in the auxiliary devices, thereby transporting defective bags outside the unloading area or even into the collection area. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a machine for sorting filter bags for soaking products together in continuous motion, which can complete the cycle for forming filter bags in a fast and accurate manner and can safely store the filter bags.

[0015] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a machine for sorting filter bags for soaking products together, which is capable of selecting and discarding unsuitable filter bags with a high level of safety, while maintaining a reduced size and high flexibility at high operating speeds.

[0016] The objective is fully achieved by the machine for forming filter bags for soaking products according to the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of example only and do not limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings:

[0018] - Figures 1 to 3 A schematic front view of a conveyor wheel, which forms part of a machine according to the invention for sorting filter bags for soaking products together, is shown with three corresponding different operating configurations.

[0019] - Figure 4 This is a bottom-view perspective view of the filter bag collection device shown in the previous image;

[0020] - Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top-view partial perspective view of the collection device;

[0021] - Figure 6 It constitutes Figures 1 to 3 A three-dimensional view of the extracted subject from a portion of the machine's discard area;

[0022] - Figure 7 It constitutes Figures 1 to 3 A perspective view showing details of the clamping element of a portion of the conveyor wheel, with some parts cut off to better show the others;

[0023] - Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the clamping device for the transmission wheels connected to the first and second control devices in the previous diagram, with some parts cut off to better show the other parts. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Refer to the accompanying drawings, especially... Figures 1 to 3 The machine according to the invention (generally marked 100) is used to manufacture and classify filter bags 1 that contain and classify infused products (e.g., measured quantities of tea, coffee, chamomile in the form of powder, granules or leaves).

[0025] The term "filter bag" can be used to refer to at least two types of filter bags.

[0026] The first type is called the single-chamber type, which includes a filter material sheet that forms a single chamber to contain a single-agent soaking product.

[0027] The second type of filter bag is called a dual-chamber type, which consists of a single sheet of filter material forming two separate chambers. Each chamber contains one dose of soaking product. The two chambers are folded toward each other to form a single top end (inverted "V" shape) and a bottom end (in "W" shape).

[0028] Both types of filter bags can be equipped with grip tags and ties to attach the tags to the formed filter bag 1.

[0029] An outer packaging sleeve can also be added to wrap and seal each individual filter bag formed.

[0030] According to the present invention, the machine 100 is based on the concept of being able to obtain various types of filter bags, including those described above (from simpler single-chamber filter bags to more complex double-chamber bags with ties and labels in outer packaging sleeves), and, if necessary, adds an operating table designed to perform the required operations (folding and / or applying ties and labels, and / or applying outer packaging sleeves, etc.) on the filter material sheets or filter bags while keeping the machine running continuously.

[0031] The machine 100 for forming filter bags 1 for soaking products and sorting them together (starting from filter material sheets, each filter material sheet having at least one dose of soaking product) includes a motion wheel 2 that is rotatable (preferably in continuous motion) about a first rotation axis X2.

[0032] The machine 100 also includes a transmission wheel 3, which can rotate about a second rotation axis X3 in a manner synchronized with the motion wheel 2 (preferably in continuous motion), the second rotation axis X3 being parallel to the first rotation axis X2.

[0033] In the configuration shown, the motion wheel 2 is positioned lower than the transfer wheel 3. The machine 100 also includes a device 4 for collecting the filter bag 1 (in this case, the formed filter bag), which is configured to receive the filter bag 1 and positioned close to the transfer wheel 3.

[0034] The machine also includes multiple clamping elements 5 (only one is shown here as an example), which are positioned along the circumference of the conveyor wheel 3 and can move with the conveyor wheel 3.

[0035] Each clamping element 5 is configured to pick up the filter bag 1 from the motion wheel 2 at a first angular position, and is configured to release the filter bag 1 in the collection device 4 at a second angular position after traveling the rotation angle segment TA along the feed direction A.

[0036] Furthermore, the machine 100 includes a sensor device 7 (in this case, located upstream of the device 4 for collecting the formed filter bag 1 relative to the feed direction A), which is configured to detect possible defects in the filter bag 1, so as when a defective filter bag 1 reaches the aforementioned second corner position where the collecting device 4 is located. Figure 1 Previously, defective filter bag 1D was identified.

[0037] Machine 100 also includes a disposal area 8 configured to receive defective filter bags 1D.

[0038] Therefore, the disposal area 8 is located below the collection device 4.

[0039] As shown in the figure, relative to the feed direction A, the discard area 8 is located downstream of the collection device 4 and upstream of the first corner position.

[0040] As shown again, the machine 100 includes a locking control device 9, which is configured to control the clamping element 5 to prevent the filter bag 1D from being released at a second corner position (i.e., in the collection device 4) when the sensor device 7 detects a defect in the clamped filter bag 1D.

[0041] More specifically, the locking control device 9 is configured to control the clamping element 5 holding the defective filter bag 1D to release the defective filter bag 1D only after it has passed the second angular position along the feed direction A, so that the defective filter bag 1D is released into the disposal area 8 downstream of the collection device 4.

[0042] As shown again, the collecting device 4 is provided with a bottom opening 4b, which is located near the conveyor wheel 3 and is sized so that the clamping element 5 passes through when it passes the second corner position.

[0043] In other words, the machine includes a conveyor wheel that can move filter bags to the storage area quickly, efficiently, and precisely, while selectively discarding filter bags deemed defective without slowing down the machine's operation.

[0044] Even if a defective bag is present, the wheel structure described in detail below allows the clamping unit to always pass over the collection device, and the defective bag will be unloaded into the disposal area after passing through the collection device.

[0045] In short, the basic concept of machine 100 is that it includes one or more wheels, each wheel having an operating unit, all operating units performing the same operation on the filter material sheet, and all operating units being independent of each other and continuously driven about the axis of rotation.

[0046] This design allows for intermediate or complete operation of the filter bag on a large number of filter material sheets within a unit of time and in a reduced space (angular segment).

[0047] The present invention schematically describes two wheels 2 and 3 that form part of a machine 100. These wheels may be the last operating wheels along the feed line A of the machine 100, and may be combined with a single turntable for forming a filter bag or with a series of continuously rotating turntables connected to each other for completing the filter bag 1.

[0048] As shown again, the collection device 4 includes two opposing vertical walls 11 and 12 and a base 13. The two vertical walls 11 and 12 are positioned at a distance D apart to contact the opposite sides of the filter bag 1, and the base 13 is configured to support the bottom of the filter bag from below.

[0049] Therefore, the base 13 is equipped with a bottom opening 4b.

[0050] It should be noted that the base 13 of the collecting device 4 is positioned horizontally and substantially perpendicular to the spokes of the conveyor wheel 3.

[0051] It should be noted that each clamping element includes a clamp 5, which includes two jaws 5a and 5b for holding the filter bag 1 and is hinged to the conveyor wheel 3; each clamp 5 is connected to a clamp control device 6, which is configured to rotate the two jaws 5a and 5b between a clamping or releasing position and a position for holding the filter bag 1, wherein in the clamping or releasing position, the two jaws 5a and 5b are spaced apart from each other. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the position used to hold the filter bag 1, the two claws 5a and 5b are brought close together with the filter bag 1 inserted in the middle, so as to hold the filter bag 1 for time at least along the rotation angle segment TA between the first angular position and the second angular position. Figure 2 ).

[0052] It should be noted that the clamping element 5 is also configured and operable such that when it releases the filter bag 1 in the collection device 4, the clamping element 5 moves along the accumulation direction ( Figure 2 (Indicated by arrows) Push the additional filter bag that is already positioned in the collection device 4 to make room for the filter bag to be released each time.

[0053] In view of this, one of the two claws 5a and 5b is configured to push an additional filter bag located in the collection device 4 in the accumulation direction.

[0054] Therefore, the rotation angle segment TA of each clamping element 5 along the feed direction A between the first angular position and the second angular position is less than 180°.

[0055] Preferably, the transmission wheel 3 has a rotation direction V3 that is opposite to the rotation direction V2 of the motion wheel 2.

[0056] It should be noted that the sensor device 7 includes at least one sensor (camera) and a processing unit 17. The sensor is configured to detect defects in the filter bag picked up by the clamping element 5. The processing unit 17 is connected to the sensor to receive a signal from the sensor that the clamping element 5 has picked up the defective filter bag 1D, and is connected to the locking control device 9 to send a locking start signal to the locking control device 9 to prevent the clamping element 5 from releasing the defective filter bag 1D at the second corner position.

[0057] In the accompanying drawings, the sensor is shown only as an example at the motion wheel 2, which can be located in a previous operating wheel or turntable that is part of the machine.

[0058] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A single clamping element 5, a clamping control device 6, and a locking control device 9 are shown.

[0059] The gripper control device 6 includes:

[0060] - A first motion unit 18 includes at least two cam-driven rollers 18a configured to move (rotate) one of the two jaws 5a of the gripper 5, and capable of moving along a corresponding track 18c having a cam profile (in Figure 8 (Visible in the middle) movement;

[0061] - The second motion unit 19 includes at least one cam-driven roller 19a, which is configured to move (rotate) another pawl 5b of the gripper 5 and is movable along a corresponding track 19c having a cam profile;

[0062] - The third motion unit 20 includes a pair of cam-driven rollers 20a, which are configured to move the gripper 5 radially relative to the rotation axis X3 of the transfer wheel 3 and to move along a corresponding track 20c having a cam profile.

[0063] - A fourth motion unit 21, configured to allow tensioning of at least the second motion unit 19, and including a movable cam follower roller 21a in a track (not shown) having a cam profile whose path is opposite to that of the second motion unit 19.

[0064] The first three motion units 19, 20 and 21 are connected to the claws 5a and 5b via a linkage system 22, which is also capable of obtaining a mixed rotational and translational motion of the claws 5a and 5b during the angular motion of the gripper 5 along its circular path.

[0065] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the second motion unit 19 includes an additional cam-driven roller 19b, which is positioned at different heights along the rotation axis of the first roller 19a.

[0066] When a qualified filter bag 1 is present on the clamp 5, the additional cam follower roller 19b slides along a cam track segment (not shown) similar to the track followed by the first cam follower roller 19a.

[0067] When the gripper 5 picks up a defective filter bag 1D, the sensor 7 sends a signal to the processing unit 17, which activates the second control device 9, which includes:

[0068] -Control device 23, whose motion is connected to:

[0069] - Auxiliary cam track sector 24, which can be tilted or rotated, is configured to intercept the additional cam follower roller 19b of the second motion unit 19 to prevent the motion transmitted by the first cam follower roller 19a, and to prevent the opening motion of the gripper 5b of the gripper 5 at least within the angle locking section TAB starting from the second angular position.

[0070] The auxiliary cam track sector 24 has a limited extension and deactivates the first roller 19a within a path angle section of a few degrees, then releases the first cam driven roller 19a again and allows the gripper 5 to return to normal operation.

[0071] In essence, the position of the clamp 5 along the circumference of the conveyor wheel 3 can be summarized as follows, see [reference needed]. Figure 1 .

[0072] Position of the holder 5 with qualified filter bag 1:

[0073] - From the pick-up position (first corner position) to the release position (second corner position), that is, the angle segment TA, the gripper 5 is in the position for holding the filter bag 1;

[0074] - From the second corner position (unloading filter bag 1) to the third corner position, the clamp 5 is in the open position (angle segment TA1) for releasing filter bag 1 through the collection device 4;

[0075] - From the first triangular position to the fourth triangular position (near the discard area 8), the gripper 5 returns to the closed holding position (segment TA2), but can also remain in the open position;

[0076] - Near the discard area 8, that is, at the end of the angle segment TA2 (at the fourth corner position), the gripper 5 performs the opening movement of the claw to perform the angle segment TA3, which again terminates at the first corner position to pick up the new filter bag 1.

[0077] Position of the holder 1 with defective filter bag 1D:

[0078] - From the pick-up position (first corner position) to the release position (second corner position), that is, the angle segment TA, the gripper 5 is in the position for holding the defective filter bag 1D;

[0079] -Activate control device 9 to lock the opening of clamp 5 in angle locking section TAB starting from the second corner position (locking the defective filter bag 1D onto clamp 5), which ends after angle section TA1 to fully lock the opening of clamp 5 during passage through collection device 4.

[0080] - Restart the path of gripper 5 from the end of the reached angle locking position to the fourth corner position (near the discard area 8), and gripper 5 remains in the closed holding position (part of section TA2);

[0081] - Near the rejection area 8, that is, at the end of the angle segment TA2 (at the fourth corner position), the gripper 5 performs the opening movement of the claws 5a and 5b, thereby releasing the defective filter bag 1D in the rejection area 8, and then continues to the angle segment TA3, which again terminates at the first corner position to pick up a new filter bag.

[0082] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown and described above, the two opposing vertical walls 11 and 12 of the collecting device 4 and the base 13 define a C-shaped channel.

[0083] The construction and dimensions of the collecting device 4 are configured such that the clamping element 5 passes through it when it passes the second corner position described above.

[0084] In view of this, the collecting device 4 includes a head end having a front opening 4a and a bottom opening 4b, the front opening 4a being configured for the filter bag 1 conveyed by the clamping element 5 to enter from the front, and the bottom opening 4b being configured for the clamping element 5 to output downwards, the clamping element 5 being able to be in a released position or locked in a second holding position in the presence of a defective filter bag 1D.

[0085] It should be noted that each of the two opposing vertical walls 11 and 12 has a protrusion 14 projecting toward the bottom opening 4b. The protrusion 14 has an inclined profile and is configured to intercept and temporarily fold the outer edge or side of the filter bag 1 entering the device 4 (to define the inlet, thereby retaining the filter bag 1 entering the channel C) (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0086] In addition, the collecting device 4 has a bottom opening 4b made at the bottom of the channel C.

[0087] The base 13 of the collecting device 4 is formed by a pair of spaced-apart flat elements, with a bottom opening 4b between the pair of flat elements. Each flat element extends from one of the two vertical walls 11 and 12 in an L-shaped configuration that is mirrored to each other.

[0088] In view of this, the base 13 includes a separation tooth 15 that protrudes horizontally in the bottom opening 4b. The separation tooth 15 is configured to fold the defective filter bag 1D when it is being guided to the disposal area 8, so as to avoid contact between the defective filter bag 1D and the filter bag 1 previously placed on the base 13.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, the disposal area 8 for defective filter bags 1D includes a body 16 positioned near the conveyor wheel 3 for guiding, conveying, and releasing the defective filter bags 1D.

[0090] The main body 16 has a first curved surface 16a, the outline of which is substantially parallel to the trajectory of the clamping element 3 and matches the trajectory of the clamping element 5 along a limited angular segment.

[0091] The guide body 16 also includes at least one vertical channel 16b configured to allow the gripping elements 5 (i.e., claws 5a and 5b) to pass freely and to separate the gripping elements 5 from the defective filter bag 1D.

[0092] In view of this, the guide body 16 includes two vertical channels 16b, which allow the clamping element 5 to pass freely and at the same time allow the defective filter bag 1D to be separated from the clamping element 5.

[0093] The guide body 16 also includes a second surface 16c opposite to the first curved surface 16a, the second surface 16c being configured to guide the separation of the defective filter bag 1D and guide it to fall when a defective filter bag 1D is present.

[0094] The defective filter bags 1D that are then released will be collected in a suitable container (not shown).

[0095] The present invention also provides a method for grouping filter bags 1 used for soaking products together.

[0096] The method includes the following steps:

[0097] - The transmission wheel 3 is actuated in a manner synchronized with the motion wheel 2, wherein the transmission wheel 3 is equipped with a plurality of clamping elements 5 positioned along the circumference;

[0098] - At the first corner position, the filter bag 1 is picked up from the motion wheel 2 by the clamping element 5 among the multiple clamping elements 5;

[0099] - After traveling along the feed direction A and rotating in the angle segment TA, at the second angle position, the filter bag 1 picked up by the clamping element 5 is released in the collection device 4 located near the conveyor wheel 3.

[0100] -Detect possible defects in filter bag 1 using sensor device 7, so as to identify defective filter bag 1D before it reaches the second corner position where collection device 4 is located.

[0101] - When the sensor device 7 detects a defect in the clamped filter bag 1D, the control device 9 is actuated to prevent the clamping element 5 from releasing the filter bag 1D at the second corner position (i.e., in the collection device 4).

[0102] - Defective filter bags 1D are released in a disposal area 8 located below the collection device 4, wherein the disposal area 8 is located downstream of the collection device 4 and upstream of the first corner position relative to the feed direction A; and

[0103] When the clamping element 5 passes the second corner position, the clamping element 5 passes through the bottom opening 4b of the collecting device 4 located near the conveyor wheel 3.

[0104] In addition, each time the filter bag 1 is released from the collection device 4, the clamping element 5 pushes another filter bag already located in the collection device 4 in the accumulation direction to make room for the filter bag released each time.

[0105] The predetermined goal was fully achieved through the machine structure just described.

[0106] In fact, the machine according to the invention is extremely flexible, can be configured according to the filter bags to be manufactured, and has high productivity.

[0107] The conveyor wheel constructed in this way is extremely precise and has a high degree of operational flexibility, regardless of the number of turntables in the machine or their position within the machine.

[0108] The presence of the sensor device, along with the combination of the first and second control devices, defines a system that can accurately and quickly select and eliminate defective filter bags, even at high operating speeds.

Claims

1. A machine for sorting together filter bags (1) for soaking products, comprising: - A motion wheel (2) that can rotate about a first rotation axis (X2); - A transmission wheel (3) that can rotate about a second rotation axis (X3) in a manner synchronized with the motion wheel (2), the second rotation axis (X3) being parallel to the first rotation axis (X2). - A collection device (4) for collecting the filter bag (1), which is configured to receive the filter bag (1) and positioned close to the conveyor wheel (3); - A plurality of clamping elements (5) are positioned along the circumference of the conveyor wheel (3) and are movable with the conveyor wheel between a pick-up mechanism and a release mechanism, the pick-up mechanism being used to pick up the filter bag (1) from the moving wheel (2) at a first angular position, and the release mechanism being used to release the filter bag (1) in the collection device (4) at a second angular position after traveling a rotation angle segment (TA) along the feed direction (A). - A sensor device (7) configured to detect possible defects in the filter bag (1) to identify the defective filter bag (1D) before it reaches the second corner position where the collection device (4) is located. - A rejection area (8) configured to receive the defective filter bag (1D), the rejection area (8) being located below the collection device (4); The machine is characterized in that, relative to the feed direction (A), the discard area (8) is located downstream of the collection device (4) and upstream of the first corner position, the machine further includes a locking control device (9) configured to control the clamping element (5) to prevent the release of the defective filter bag (1D) at the second corner position, i.e., in the collection device (4), when the sensor device (7) detects that the clamped filter bag (1D) is defective, and the collection device (4) is equipped with a bottom opening (4b) located near the conveyor wheel (3) and sized to be passed through by the clamping element (5) when the clamping element (5) passes through the second corner position.

2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the collecting device (4) comprises two opposing vertical walls (11, 12) and a base (13), the two vertical walls (11, 12) being positioned at a distance (D) apart to contact opposite sides of the filter bag (1), the base (13) being configured to support the bottom of the filter bag from below, the base (13) being provided with the bottom opening (4b).

3. The machine according to claim 2, wherein each of the two opposing vertical walls (11, 12) is provided with a protrusion (14) projecting toward the bottom opening (4b), the protrusion (14) having an inclined profile and being configured to intercept and temporarily fold the side of the filter bag (1) into the collection device (4).

4. The machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the base (13) of the collecting device (4) is formed by a pair of flat elements spaced apart from each other, the bottom opening (4b) being between the pair of flat elements, each flat element extending from one of the two vertical walls (11, 12) in an L-shaped configuration mirrored to each other.

5. The machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the base (13) includes a separation tooth (15) protruding horizontally in the bottom opening (4b), the separation tooth (15) being configured to fold the defective filter bag (1D) as it is directed to the discard area (8) to prevent contact between the defective filter bag (1D) and the filter bag (1) previously placed on the base (13).

6. The machine according to claim 2, wherein the base (13) of the collecting device (4) is positioned horizontally and substantially perpendicular to the spokes of the conveying wheel (3).

7. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotational angle segment (TA) of each clamping element (5) traveling in the feed direction (A) between the first angular position and the second angular position is less than 180°.

8. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rejection area (8) of the defective filter bag (1D) includes a body (16) for guiding and conveying the defective filter bag (1D), the body (16) being positioned near the conveyor wheel (3) and including at least one vertical channel (16b) configured to allow the clamping element (5) to pass freely and to allow the defective filter bag (1D) to separate from the clamping element (5).

9. The machine according to claim 8, wherein the body (16) for guiding and conveying the defective filter bag (1D) comprises: A first curved surface (16a) having a profile substantially parallel to the trajectory of the clamping element (5); and a second surface (16c) opposite the first curved surface (16a) configured to guide the defective filter bag (1D) that has been released.

10. The machine according to claim 8, wherein the body (16) includes two vertical channels (16b) that allow the clamping element (5) to pass freely and simultaneously allow the defective filter bag (1D) to separate from the clamping element (5).

11. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor device (7) comprises at least one sensor and a processing unit (17), the sensor being configured to detect defects in the filter bag picked up by the clamping element (5), the processing unit (17) being connected to the sensor to receive from the sensor a signal that the clamping element (5) has picked up a defective filter bag (1D), and being connected to the locking control device (9) to send a locking start signal to the locking control device (9) to prevent the clamping element (5) from releasing the defective filter bag (1D) at the second corner position.

12. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the clamping element (5) is further configured and operable such that, when the filter bag (1) is released in the collection device (4), the clamping element (5) pushes another filter bag already positioned in the collection device (4) in the cumulative direction to make room for each released filter bag.

13. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each clamping element comprises a clamper including two jaws (5a, 5b) for holding the filter bag (1), and the clamper is hinged to the transfer wheel (3); each clamper is connected to a clamper control device (6) configured to rotate the two jaws (5a, 5b) between a clamping or releasing position and a holding position of the filter bag (1), wherein in the clamping or releasing position the two jaws (5a, 5b) are spaced apart from each other, and in the holding position of the filter bag (1) the two jaws (5a, 5b) are brought together with the filter bag (1) inserted in the middle, so as to hold the filter bag (1) over time at least along the rotation angle segment (TA) between the first angular position and the second angular position.

14. The machine according to claim 13, wherein the clamping element (5) is further configured and operable such that, when the filter bag (1) is released in the collection device (4), the clamping element (5) pushes another filter bag already positioned in the collection device (4) in the accumulation direction to make room for each released filter bag, wherein one of the two claws (5a, 5b) is configured to push the other filter bag located in the collection device (4) in the accumulation direction.

15. The machine according to claim 13, wherein the gripper control device (6) includes at least a first motion unit (18), the first motion unit including a cam follower roller (18a), the cam follower roller (18a) being configured to move one of the two jaws (5a) of the gripper and being movable along a corresponding track (18c) having a cam profile to obtain the gripping or releasing position and the holding position.

16. The machine of claim 15, wherein the gripper control device (6) further comprises a second motion unit (19) including an additional cam follower roller (19b), and wherein the locking control device (9) includes a control device (23) activating in the presence of a defective filter bag (1D), movably connected to an auxiliary sector (24) of a rotatable cam track and configured to intercept the additional cam follower roller (19b) of the second motion unit (19) to lock the opening movement of the two jaws (5a, 5B) of the gripper in at least one angle locking section (TAB).

17. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the position of the motion wheel (2) is lower than that of the transmission wheel (3).

18. A method for grouping filter bags (1) for soaking products together, comprising the following steps: - The transmission wheel (3) is actuated in a manner synchronized with the motion wheel (2), the transmission wheel (3) being equipped with a plurality of clamping elements (5) positioned circumferentially. - At the first corner position, the filter bag (1) is picked up from the motion wheel (2) using one of the plurality of clamping elements (5); - After traveling along the feed direction (A) and rotating through the angular segment (TA), at the second angular position, the filter bag (1) picked up by the clamping element (5) is released in the collection device (4) located near the transfer wheel (3). - The sensor device (7) detects possible defects in the filter bag (1) to identify the defective filter bag (1D) before it reaches the second corner position where the collection device (4) is located. - When the sensor device (7) detects that the clamped filter bag (1D) is defective, the locking control device (9) is actuated to prevent the clamping element (5) from releasing the defective filter bag (1D) in the second corner position, i.e., in the collection device (4). - Release the defective filter bag (1D) in a disposal area (8) located below the collection device (4), the disposal area (8) being located downstream of the collection device (4) and upstream of the first corner position relative to the feed direction (A); When the clamping element (5) passes through the second corner position, the clamping element (5) passes through the bottom opening (4b) of the collecting device (4) located near the conveyor wheel (3).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein each time the filter bag (1) is released into the collection device (4), the clamping element (5) pushes another filter bag already located in the collection device (4) in the accumulation direction to make room for the filter bag released each time.

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