Apparatus and method for continuous treatment of a lid

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for continuously treating caps (2) is described, wherein each cap (2) has a side wall (21) extending about a longitudinal axis (L) between a first end (211) and a second end (212), a transverse wall (22) joined to the first end (211), and a plurality of tabs (23) protruding from the second end (212). The apparatus (1) comprises: a bending station (11) comprising a bending carousel (110) and a plurality of bending units (111), each bending unit being configured to bend a plurality of tabs (23) of a cap towards a longitudinal axis (L); a feeding unit (12) configured for moving the caps (2) along a movement path upstream of the bending station (11) and for feeding the caps (2) to the bending station (11) wherein each cap (2) adopts a predetermined orientation at a first inspection position (P1) along the movement path; a ring outside camera (101) positioned along the path of movement and defining its own optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis (L) of the cover (2) provided at the first inspection position (P1); a control unit connected to the outer ring camera (101) to drive it in synchronization with the movement of the cover (2) along the movement path.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for continuously processing caps. The present invention also relates to a method for continuously processing caps. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a cap includes a body and a tamper-evident ring joined to each other by a connecting strip; more specifically, the tamper-evident ring includes a plurality of tabs protruding from one end of the sidewall of the cap. An apparatus of the type described herein allows bending the tabs of the sidewall; thus, when the tabs are bent, the tamper-evident ring remains attached to the neck of the container even when the body of the cap is separated from the neck of the container. An example of such an apparatus is described in the patent document WO2006138095A1.

[0003] The cap may also include a groove (or recess or slit) made in the sidewall of the cap. Generally, the area where the cap body is separated from the tamper-evident ring (i.e., the connecting strip) may be made to have a series of grooves and bridges, i.e., a frangible connection area that joins the body to the tamper-evident ring and is intended to tear when the cap is unscrewed for the first time. In other types of caps, for example, those called "tethered" caps, the permanent connection area of the tear strip does not tear and keeps the cap body attached to the tamper-evident ring, thus reducing litter in the environment. Similar to traditional caps, the connection area of the tethered cap may include a series of notches and bridges; alternatively, the connection area of the tethered cap may be in the form of recesses or narrow thickness portions that are smaller in thickness than the cap body and the tamper-evident ring and tear when the cap is unscrewed from the container for the first time.

[0004] In order for the cap to function properly, it is important to ensure that the tabs are well manufactured and free of defects; in addition, for traditional caps and tethered caps, the grooves or recesses must be of high quality so as to not only make it easier for the user to open the container but also prevent unwanted tearing before the first use.

[0005] Therefore, in this field, there is a particularly strong felt need to inspect the caps before applying them to the containers.

[0006] Generally, the inspection is performed after bending; this means that after bending towards the longitudinal axis of the cap, the tabs may cover a part of the inner surface of the sidewall, making it difficult to detect defects in the tabs themselves or to inspect the grooves or recesses. One solution to this problem is to inspect the cap before bending the tabs. Generally, such a solution involves using a dedicated inspection device located downstream of the bending device. However, such a solution is complex and increases the overall size of the machine. If the device also makes grooves, the complexity and overall size increase.

[0007] The document EP3911483A1 describes a device for processing caps, which includes a cutting unit and a conveying device that defines a transport path for entering and exiting the cutting unit. The inspection of the caps is performed by a detection system located downstream of the cutting unit to fully inspect the inner wall of the caps. However, this document does not explain in detail how the inspection is carried out. In addition, the inspection is performed after bending, which means that the tabs may cover a part of the inner surface, making it difficult to accurately detect defects. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device and a method for continuously processing caps to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] More specifically, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a relatively compact device that allows inspecting the caps while they are still inside.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for effectively inspecting caps. Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for effectively inspecting grooves or recesses.

[0011] This object is fully achieved by the device and method for continuously processing caps according to the present disclosure characterized in the appended claims.

[0012] More specifically, each cap has a side wall extending around a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, a transverse wall joined to the first end of the side wall, and a plurality of tabs protruding from the second end of the side wall. The caps can be made of plastic material.

[0013] The device is configured to perform processing on the caps. The device includes a bending station.

[0014] The bending station is configured to bend the plurality of tabs of each cap towards the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the bending station includes a bending turntable that rotates around a rotation axis.

[0015] In one example, the bending station includes a plurality of bending units, each bending unit being configured to bend the plurality of tabs of a cap towards the longitudinal axis. The bending units are mounted on the bending turntable. The plurality of bending units can be configured to bend the plurality of tabs of a corresponding plurality of caps towards the longitudinal axis simultaneously. Alternatively, the plurality of bending units can be configured to bend the plurality of tabs of a corresponding plurality of caps towards the longitudinal axis continuously. Preferably, each bending unit is mounted on the bending turntable around the rotation axis of the bending turntable.

[0016] The device includes a feeding unit configured to move the caps, for example, along a moving path.

[0017] Preferably, the moving path is located upstream of the bending station. The feeding unit is configured to feed the caps to the bending station. The feeding unit may feed multiple caps to the bending station simultaneously or continuously.

[0018] Preferably, along the moving path, each cap adopts a predetermined orientation at the first inspection position.

[0019] The device includes a first camera, which is positioned along the moving path and defines its own optical axis. Preferably, the optical axis of the first camera is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cap at the first inspection position.

[0020] The first camera is configured to observe the outer surface of the sidewall of the cap. The first camera is configured to capture the entire outer surface of the sidewall of the cap.

[0021] Preferably, the first camera is a pericentric camera. The camera may include a biconvex lens or a Fresnel lens. The first camera may be configured to observe the outer surface of the first end of the sidewall around the longitudinal axis, and / or observe the outer surface of the second end of the sidewall around the longitudinal axis.

[0022] The device includes a control unit connected to the first camera (or pericentric camera). Preferably, the control unit drives the first camera synchronously with the movement of the cap along the moving path. The control unit may be configured to receive from the first camera the image data captured by the first camera and representing the sidewall of the cap at the first inspection position.

[0023] The advantage of the pericentric camera is that it captures the entire sidewall of the cap to be able to observe its details, regardless of the orientation of the cap along the moving path (i.e., regardless of which direction it is facing). The device thus manufactured allows the inspection of the sidewall of the cap, especially the tab, before the tab is bent towards the longitudinal axis.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes an inlet configured to receive an ordered series of caps. The inlet may be connected to the feeding unit. The feeding unit may be configured to receive an ordered series of caps from the inlet.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, along the moving path, each cap adopts a predetermined orientation at the second inspection position. The device may include a second camera. The second camera may be a pinhole camera or a wide-angle camera. The second camera (i.e., the pinhole camera or the wide-angle camera) is preferably positioned along the moving path and defines its own optical axis. The optical axis of the second camera is preferably aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cap at the second inspection position to axially observe the inner surface of the sidewall of the cap.

[0026] Preferably, the second camera is a pinhole camera. It has the advantage of a large aperture angle (i.e., about 90°). Another advantage of the pinhole camera is that the part facing the lid to be inspected has a small diameter (e.g., smaller than the corresponding wide-angle camera), which allows for a greater degree of positioning freedom, enabling the observation of small objects such as lids.

[0027] In one example, the second inspection position can be designed to receive a lid having a groove or recess or a narrow-thickness wall provided on its sidewall.

[0028] As used herein, the term groove is used to denote a notch or a series of notches; however, the present invention can also be applied to lids having slits (or multiple slits) and / or narrow-thickness walls.

[0029] In one embodiment, the device includes a third inspection position where the lid assumes a predetermined orientation. Preferably, the third inspection position is designed to receive a lid having a groove provided on its sidewall.

[0030] For example, the device includes a plurality of side cameras that define respective plural optical axes radially oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lid at the third inspection position so as to observe the outer surface of the sidewall of the lid.

[0031] Preferably, the control unit is connected to the pinhole camera and to the plurality of side cameras to receive respective image data, and is programmed to process the image data in order to derive information about the grooves on the sidewall of each lid.

[0032] In one example, the control unit is programmed to derive a developed image based on the image data received from the plurality of side cameras, where the developed image shows the sidewall of the lid represented in a plane.

[0033] In one example, the device includes a fourth inspection position where the lid assumes a predetermined orientation. Preferably, the fourth inspection position is designed to receive a lid having characters molded on the inner surface and / or outer surface of the transverse wall. The device can include an identification camera that defines its own optical axis preferably aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lid provided at the fourth inspection position to image the characters molded on the inner surface and / or outer surface of the transverse wall of the lid.

[0034] The device can include a rejection device located downstream of the identification camera with respect to the feed path of the lid. The control unit is connected to the identification camera to receive image data. The control unit can be programmed to process the image data to derive information about the characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall of the lid, thereby defining an OCR system.

[0035] The control unit can be programmed to drive the ejection device based on the derived information about the molded characters so as to separate one or more lids from the stream of lids being transported past the fourth inspection position. The separation by the ejection device can occur downstream or upstream of the identification camera (thus defining a feedback system). The molded characters can represent the cavities of the mold in which the lids have been manufactured. Thus, the separation by the ejection device can occur based on the cavities in which the lids have been manufactured.

[0036] In one example, the feeding unit includes a conveying element located upstream of the bending station. Preferably, the conveying element includes a conveying turntable. The conveying turntable is configured to move the lids along at least a portion of the movement path so as to load the lids one by one onto the bending turntable of the bending station.

[0037] Preferably, the first inspection position is located in the at least a portion of the movement path. Preferably, the outer ring camera is stationary relative to the conveying turntable.

[0038] In one example, the second inspection position is located in the at least a portion of the movement path. Thus, the side wall of the lid can be inspected before the tab is bent inwardly, preferably inspecting the grooves on the side wall of the lid, thereby preventing the tab from blocking the field of view between the camera and the side wall of the lid or the grooves on the side wall of the lid. Preferably, the second camera (i.e., a pinhole or wide-angle camera) is stationary relative to the conveying turntable.

[0039] The fact that the outer ring camera is located at the conveying turntable upstream of the bending turntable makes the device compact.

[0040] In one example, the device includes a skid plate that interacts with the conveying turntable to slidably support the lids moved by the conveying turntable.

[0041] In one embodiment, the skid plate includes a black opaque portion, and the outer ring camera is directed at the black opaque portion of the skid plate. In one embodiment, the skid plate includes an additional black opaque portion, and the pinhole camera is directed at the black opaque portion of the skid plate. The black opaque portion has the advantage of providing good contrast for the images captured by the outer ring camera and / or by the pinhole or wide-angle camera.

[0042] In one embodiment, along the movement path, each lid assumes a predetermined orientation at the fifth inspection position. The device can include a fixed focal length camera that is positioned along the movement path and defines its own optical axis that is preferably aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lid at the fifth inspection position to observe the outer surface and / or the inner surface of the transverse wall of the lid.

[0043] Preferably, the fifth inspection position is located in the above at least a portion of the movement path.

[0044] In one example, the transfer turntable includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The outer-ring camera is directed towards the first side, and the fixed-focus camera is directed towards the second side. In one embodiment, the skateboard includes a transparent portion, and the fifth camera is directed towards the transparent portion of the skateboard. In this way, the outer surface of the lateral wall of the lid can be inspected.

[0045] In one example, the pinhole camera is stationary relative to the transfer turntable. The outer-ring camera and the pinhole camera can both be directed towards the first side.

[0046] The outer-ring camera, the pinhole camera, and the fixed-focus camera allow the entire lid to be inspected, that is, they allow both the inner surface and the outer surface of the side wall and the lateral wall of the lid to be inspected.

[0047] In one embodiment, the device includes a cutting station. Preferably, the cutting station includes a cutting turntable that rotates about a rotation axis and is adapted to receive a plurality of cutting units, which are configured to make grooves on the side wall of the lid. Preferably, the transfer turntable is located between the cutting turntable and the bending turntable and is configured to receive the lid from the cutting turntable such that a part of the movement path is defined by the movement of the cutting turntable.

[0048] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the cutting station is configured to receive a plurality of cutting units, each of which is adapted to make grooves on the side wall of the lid; in this case, the cutting station is adapted to cut the grooves and move the lid along a part of the movement path defined by the movement of the cutting turntable. In one embodiment, the cutting station is configured to receive a plurality of cutting units but does not cut grooves in the lid; in this other case, the cutting station does not perform any cutting, so the cutting station is configured to move the lid along a part of the movement path defined by the movement of the cutting turntable without cutting grooves. This gives the device the advantage of being modular, making it suitable both for cutting grooves within the device and for receiving, for example, lids that already have grooves made in them directly in the mold.

[0049] In one example, the device includes an outfeed conveyor. The outfeed conveyor can be configured to receive the lid from the bending station. The outfeed conveyor can be configured to move the lid along an outfeed path, which is preferably located downstream of the bending station. The device can include an outlet for discharging the processed lid from the device. The device can include a third inspection position according to one or more features of the present disclosure and a plurality of cameras according to one or more features of the present disclosure; the third inspection position can be located along the outfeed path.

[0050] In one example, the device includes a fourth inspection position and an identification camera according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, and the fourth inspection position can be located along the outfeed path.

[0051] In one embodiment, the feeding unit includes a feeding conveyor belt configured to continuously transport the lids one by one along a feeding path towards the bending station or towards the cutting station (when present). Preferably, the feeding path forms part of the moving path. The outer-ring camera and / or the pinhole camera, the plurality of side cameras and / or the identification camera may be positioned along the feeding path.

[0052] Preferably, in embodiments provided with a transfer turntable, the feeding conveyor belt is located upstream of the transfer turntable. In embodiments provided with a cutting station (i.e., a cutting turntable), the feeding conveyor belt is located upstream of the cutting turntable. The cutting turntable may be located between the feeding conveyor belt and the transfer turntable. Thus, the feeding conveyor belt may be configured to feed a series of lids to the cutting turntable.

[0053] In one example, the control unit is programmed to process the image data captured by the outer-ring camera and compare them with reference data representing the correct positioning of the plurality of tabs, so as to derive information about an alarm signal in response to a negative result of the comparison.

[0054] The present disclosure teaches how to effectively inspect a lid by means of an inspection system before bending the tabs on the lid. The inspection system includes an outer-ring camera located upstream of the bending station and configured to inspect the outer surface of the side wall of the lid. Preferably, the outer-ring camera defines an optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis to observe the lid from above. The inspection system may include a pinhole camera located upstream of the bending station and configured to inspect the inner surface of the side wall of the lid. Preferably, the pinhole camera defines an optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis to observe the lid from above (relative to the direction defined by gravity). The inspection system may include a fixed-focus camera located upstream of the bending station and configured to inspect the outer surface of the transverse wall of the lid. Preferably, the fixed-focus camera defines an optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis to observe the lid from below. The system may include a plurality of side cameras located upstream or downstream of the bending station and configured to inspect the outer surface of the transverse wall of the lid, in particular to inspect the grooves on the outer surface of the transverse wall. Preferably, the plurality of side cameras define a corresponding plurality of optical axes oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis to observe the lid from the side (i.e., transversely to the longitudinal axis).

[0055] The present disclosure also provides a method for continuously processing lids.

[0056] The method includes the step of bending a plurality of tabs towards the longitudinal axis by means of a bending station according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0057] The method includes the step of moving the lids along a moving path by a feeding unit according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0058] The method includes the step of feeding the lid to the bending station, for example, by means of a feeding unit.

[0059] The method includes the step of capturing image data by means of a first camera, where the first camera is a first camera according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0060] Preferably, the method includes the step of capturing image data by means of a camera outside the ring, which is positioned along the movement path and defines its own optical axis that is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lid when the lid is in the first inspection position.

[0061] The method includes the step of driving the camera outside the ring synchronously with the movement of the lid along the movement path by means of a control unit.

[0062] In one example, the method includes the step of capturing image data by means of a second camera.

[0063] Preferably, the method includes the step of capturing image data by means of a pinhole camera, which is positioned along the movement path and defines its own optical axis that is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lid when the lid is in the second inspection position, where the lid adopts a predetermined orientation at the second inspection position.

[0064] The method may include the step of receiving a stream of lids having grooves provided on their side walls at a third inspection position, where the lids adopt a predetermined orientation at the third inspection position. The method may include the step of capturing image data by means of a plurality of side cameras, which define respective optical axes that are radially oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lid when the lid is in the third inspection position so as to observe the outer surface of the side wall of the lid. The method may include the following steps performed by means of a control unit: receiving image data from the pinhole camera and / or from the plurality of side cameras, and processing the received image data in order to derive information about the grooves on the side wall of each lid.

[0065] In one example, the feeding unit includes a conveyor turntable manufactured according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Preferably, the conveyor turntable is located upstream of the bending station. The method may include the step of moving the lid along at least a portion of the movement path by means of the conveyor turntable. The method may include the step of loading the lids one by one onto the bending turntable of the bending station by means of the conveyor turntable. In one example, the first inspection position is located in the said at least a portion of the movement path. The camera outside the ring may be stationary relative to the conveyor turntable.

[0066] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of providing a second inspection position along a movement path, with the lid assuming a predetermined orientation at the second inspection position; the method may include the step of providing a pinhole camera that defines its own optical axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lid when the lid is in the second inspection position. The method includes: the step of providing a fifth inspection position along the movement path, with the lid assuming a predetermined orientation at the fifth inspection position; and the step of providing a fixed focal length camera that is carried out along the movement path, the fixed focal length camera defining its own optical axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lid when the lid is in the fifth inspection position. The second and / or fifth inspection positions may be located in at least a portion of the movement path defined by a transfer turntable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments shown by way of non - limiting example in the drawings, in which:

[0068] - Figures 1A to 1D shows an apparatus for processing lids according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0069] - Figure 2 shows a portion of an apparatus for processing lids according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0070] - Figures 3A to 3C shows a portion of an apparatus for processing lids according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0071] - Figure 4 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6A and Figure 6B show different exemplary embodiments of a processing apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0072] - Figure 7A shows a cross - section of a lid having a plurality of unbent tabs;

[0073] - Figure 7B shows a cross - section of a lid having a plurality of tabs that have been bent towards the longitudinal axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] The numeral 1 in the drawings represents an apparatus for continuously processing lids 2. The lid 2 includes a side wall 21 that extends around a longitudinal axis L between a first end 211 and a second end 212. The lid 2 includes a transverse wall 22 joined to the first end 211 of the side wall 21. The lid 2 includes a plurality of tabs 23 protruding from the second end 212 of the side wall 21.

[0075] The cover 2 may also include a groove or a narrow thickness portion made on the side wall 21 of the cover. The cover 2 may include characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall 22 of the cover 2.

[0076] The device 1 includes a bending station 11. The bending station 11 includes a bending turntable 110 that rotates about a rotation axis R. The bending station 11 includes a plurality of bending units 111 that are equidistantly arranged from each other on the bending turntable 110 about the rotation axis R. Each bending unit 111 is configured to bend a plurality of tabs 23 of the cover 2, such that the bending station 11 is configured to bend the tabs 23 in a plurality of covers 2 in a continuous cycle.

[0077] Preferably, the device 1 includes a cutting station 15. The cutting station 15 includes a cutting turntable 150 that rotates about a rotation axis R'. The cutting turntable 150 may be configured to receive a plurality of cutting units adapted to cut grooves on the side wall 21 of the cover 2, such that the cutting station 15 is configured to cut grooves on the side wall 21 of the cover 2 in a continuous cycle. Alternatively, the grooving may be performed upstream of the device 1, for example, in a mold for forming the cover 2.

[0078] The device 1 includes a feeding unit 12. The feeding unit 12 is configured to continuously move the cover 2 along a moving path. The feeding unit 12 is configured to continuously receive the cover 2 from the cutting turntable 150 and continuously feed the cover 2 to the bending turntable 110. More specifically, the feeding unit 12 includes a transfer turntable 120 that is located upstream of the bending turntable 110 and rotates about a rotation axis T, which is preferably parallel to the rotation axis R of the bending turntable 110 and parallel to the rotation axis R' of the cutting turntable 150. The transfer turntable 120 is configured to receive the cover 2 from the cutting turntable 150 and feed the cover 2 to the bending turntable 110. Thus, the transfer turntable 120 is located between the cutting turntable 150 and the bending turntable 110.

[0079] The feeding unit 12 includes a feeding conveyor belt 121 that is located upstream of the cutting station 15 and is configured to continuously feed the cover 2 to the cutting station 15 (i.e., the cutting turntable 150).

[0080] The device 1 includes a discharging conveyor 16. The discharging conveyor 16 is located downstream of the bending station 12 and is configured to continuously receive the bent cover 2 from the bending station 12 and discharge the cover 2 from the device 1. The discharging conveyor 16 preferably includes a discharging turntable 160 that is configured to receive the bent cover 2 from the bending turntable 110, and includes a discharging conveyor belt 161 that is located downstream of the discharging turntable 160 to receive the cover 2 and transport the cover 2 toward the outlet of the device 1.

[0081] Thus, inside the device 1, each lid 2 is transported from the inlet I to the outlet U of the device 1 along the movement path of the lid 2. More specifically, the path of the lid 2 is defined by the movement of the feeding conveyor belt 121, the movement of the cutting turntable 150, the movement of the transfer turntable 120, the movement of the bending turntable 110, the movement of the discharging turntable 160, and the movement of the discharging conveyor belt 161.

[0082] Thus, the movement path of the lid 2 includes a feeding path defined by the feeding conveyor belt 121, a cutting path defined by the cutting turntable 150, a part of the movement path or transfer path defined by the transfer turntable 120, and a part of the discharging path defined by the discharging turntable 160 and the discharging conveyor belt 161.

[0083] The movement path of the lid 2 includes at least a first inspection position P1; more specifically, the movement path of the lid includes a plurality of inspection positions, including a second inspection position P2, a third inspection position P3, a fourth inspection position P4, and a fifth inspection position P5. Preferably, at the first inspection position P1, the second inspection position P2, the third inspection position P3, the fourth inspection position P4, and the fifth inspection position P5, the lid 2 adopts a predetermined orientation. Preferably, its longitudinal axis L is oriented perpendicular to the movement path, and the outer surface of its transverse wall 22 points downward relative to the direction defined by gravity.

[0084] The device 1 includes a plurality of cameras. More specifically, the device 1 includes an outer-ring camera 101. The outer-ring camera 101 is positioned along the movement path, particularly along the part of the movement path (or transfer path) defined by the transfer turntable 120. The outer-ring camera 101 is configured to image the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the lid 2. The outer-ring camera 101 defines its own optical axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 when the lid 2 is set at the first inspection position P1. Thus, the first inspection position P1 is located on the transfer turntable 120 along the transfer path. More specifically, the transfer turntable 120 includes a first surface 120A and a second surface 120B opposite to the first surface 120A, and the optical axis of the outer-ring camera points to the first surface 120A of the transfer turntable 120.

[0085] The device 1 includes a pinhole camera 102, which is positioned along the movement path, particularly along the transfer path. The pinhole camera is configured to image the inner surface of the side wall 21 of the lid 2. The pinhole camera 102 defines its own optical axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 when the lid 2 is set at the second inspection position P2. The optical axis of the pinhole camera points to the first surface 120A of the transfer turntable 120.

[0086] Device 1 includes a fixed - focal - length camera 105 positioned along a conveyance path. The fixed - focal - length camera 105 is configured to image an outer surface of a lateral wall 22 of the lid 2. The fixed - focal - length camera 105 defines its own optical axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 when the lid 2 is disposed at the fifth inspection position P5. The optical axis of the fixed - focal - length camera 105 points to the second surface 120B of the conveyance turntable 120 to image the outer surface of the lateral wall 22 of the lid 2.

[0087] Device 1 includes a slide plate 14 that interacts with the conveyance turntable 120 to slidably support the lid 2 moved by the conveyance turntable 120. At the first inspection area P1, the slide plate 14 includes a black opaque portion 141, and the outer - ring camera 101 (i.e., the optical axis defined by the outer - ring camera 101) points to the black opaque portion 141 of the slide plate 14. At the second inspection area P2, the slide plate 14 includes an additional black opaque portion 142, and the pinhole camera 102 (i.e., the optical axis defined by the pinhole camera 102) points to the additional black opaque portion 142 of the slide plate 14. At the fifth inspection area P5, the slide plate 14 includes a transparent portion 143, and the fixed - focal - length camera 105 (i.e., the optical axis defined by the fixed - focal - length camera 105) points to the transparent portion 143 of the slide plate 14.

[0088] Device 1 includes a plurality of side cameras 103 positioned at a delivery conveyor belt 161 along a delivery path. The plurality of side cameras 103 define a plurality of optical axes that are radially oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 when the lid 2 is in the third inspection position P3 to image an outer surface of the side wall 21 of the lid 2. Preferably, the plurality of side cameras 103 are configured to observe a grooved or narrow - thickness portion made on the side wall 21 of the lid 2. More specifically, the control unit processes a developed image of the image data received from the plurality of side cameras 103, where the side wall 21 of the lid 2 is represented in a plane.

[0089] Device 1 includes an identification camera 104 positioned at a delivery conveyor belt 161 along a delivery path. The identification camera 104 defines its own axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 when the lid 2 is in the fourth inspection position to image characters molded on an inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of the lid 2.

[0090] Device 1 includes a control unit programmed to drive the outer-ring camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the plurality of side cameras 103, the recognition camera 104, and the fixed focal length camera 105 in synchronization with the lid 2 through the first inspection position P1, the second inspection position P2, the third inspection position P3, the fourth inspection position P4, and the fifth inspection position P5. The outer-ring camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the plurality of side cameras 103, the recognition camera 104, and the fixed focal length camera 105 define a plurality of cameras, each configured to capture image data and transmit the image data to the control unit.

[0091] In one example, the control unit receives the image data from the pinhole camera 102 and the plurality of side cameras 103 to derive information about the grooves made on the side wall 21 of the lid 2.

[0092] The device may include a rejection device 13 downstream of the recognition camera 104 on the outgoing conveyor belt 161D. The control unit receives the image data from the recognition camera 104 and processes the data to derive information about the characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of the lid 2. Preferably, the control unit drives the rejection device 13 based on the derived information about the molded characters to separate one or more lids from the flow of lids transported through the fourth inspection position P4.

[0093] In one example, the incoming conveyor belt 121 and the outgoing conveyor belt 161 include a black opaque surface on which the lateral wall 22 of the lid 2 rests as the lid 2 moves along the path.

[0094] In one example, the transfer turntable 120 includes a guiding crown wheel 122 configured to abut against a part of the outer surface of the side wall of the lid 2 as the lid 2 is transported on the transfer turntable 120. Alternatively or additionally, the slide plate 14 may include air suction holes 144, for example, at the black opaque portions 141, 142 and / or at the transparent portion 143, to hold the lid 2 in place on the transfer turntable 120 along the path.

[0095] Figure 5B and Figure 6BThe layout of device 1 is shown by way of example, in which one or more of the outer-ring camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the plurality of side cameras 103, and the fixed focal length camera 105 are located in the transfer turntable 120. In particular, the outer-ring camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the plurality of side cameras 103, and the fixed focal length camera 105 are located in the transfer turntable 120. In one example, the transfer turntable 120 may be configured to receive the lid 2 from the feeding conveyor belt 121 such that the lid 2 is inspected by one or more (or all) of the outer-ring camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the plurality of side cameras 103, and the fixed focal length camera 105; in one example, the transfer turntable 120 may be configured to receive the lid 2 from the cutting turntable 150 such that the lid 2 is inspected by one or more (or all) of the outer-ring camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the plurality of side cameras 103, and the fixed focal length camera 105.

[0096] In one example, the straight line connecting the rotation axis R of the bending turntable 110 and the rotation axis R' of the cutting turntable 150 divides the plane into an upper half-plane and a lower half-plane. Preferably, when one or more (or all) of the outer-ring camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the plurality of side cameras 103, and the fixed focal length camera 105 are located in the transfer turntable 120, one or more (or all) of the outer-ring camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the plurality of side cameras 103, and the fixed focal length camera 105 are located in the same half-plane (i.e., the lower half-plane or the upper half-plane). The rotation axis of the transfer turntable 120 may be located in the upper half-plane or the lower half-plane. In particular, the rotation axis of the transfer turntable 120 is located in the same half-plane as the camera (i.e., one or more or all of the outer-ring camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the plurality of side cameras 103, and the fixed focal length camera 105) and / or the feeding conveyor belt 121. The camera may be located on the same half-plane of the feeding conveyor belt 121.

[0097] In the operating sequence of device 1, the inlet I of device 1 receives a series of caps 2. The feed conveyor belt 121 transports the caps 2 from the inlet I of device 1 along a feed path to the cutting turntable 150, and the feed path is preferably substantially straight. The cutting turntable 150 receives a series of caps 2 and transports them along a cutting path defined by the movement of the cutting turntable 150. Additionally, the cutting station 15 can cut a groove on the side wall 21 of the cap 2, or the cutting station 15 can receive caps that already have grooves provided. The cutting turntable 150 then transfers the caps to the transfer turntable 120, and the transfer turntable 120 transports the caps along a transfer path; on the transfer path defined by the movement of the transfer turntable 120, when the cap is in the second inspection position P2, the pinhole camera 102 captures image data representing the inner surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2. On the transfer path, when the cap is in the fifth inspection position P5, the fixed-focus camera 105 captures image data representing the outer surface of the transverse wall 22 of the cap. Again on the transfer path, when the cap 2 is in the first inspection position P2, the outer ring camera 101 captures image data representing the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2.

[0098] Next, the transfer turntable 120 transfers the cap 2 onto the bending turntable 110. The bending turntable 110 continuously receives the caps 2. Each bending unit 111 of the bending station 11 bends the tab 23 of the cap 2. More specifically, each bending unit 111 includes a support member and a plunger. The support member is configured to supportively receive the outer surface of the transverse wall 22 of the cap 2, and the plunger is configured to be inserted into the cap 2 when the tab 23 is being bent to hold the cap 2 in place on the support member. The support member and the plunger can move relative to each other along a direction parallel to the rotation axis R of the bending turntable 110 between a spaced-apart position where they do not interfere with each other and a closing position where they cooperate to hold the cap 2 in place on the support member during bending. Preferably, the transfer turntable 120 and the bending turntable 110 are located at the same height along a direction parallel to the rotation axis R of the bending turntable 110; thereafter, the support member and the plunger of the bending unit 111 move towards each other to allow the tab 23 to be bent. Once the tab 23 of the cap 2 has been bent towards the longitudinal axis L, the cap 2 is transferred to the discharge conveyor 16, specifically to the discharge turntable 160, and then along a discharge path to the discharge conveyor belt 161.

[0099] On the discharge path, when the cap 2 is in the fifth inspection position P4, the identification camera 104 captures image data representing the characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall 22 of the cap 2. Next, when the cap 2 is in the inspection position P5, the multiple side cameras 103 capture image data representing the side wall 21 of the cap 2. On the discharge path, the rejection device 13 can be controlled by the control unit based on the derived information about the molded characters to separate one or more caps 2 from the flow of caps 2 being transported along the discharge path through the fourth inspection position P4.

[0100] The following paragraphs, listed in alphanumerical order for reference, are a non-limiting example way of describing the present invention.

[0101] A. An apparatus 1 for continuously processing caps 2, wherein each cap 2 has a side wall 21 extending around a longitudinal axis L between a first end 211 and a second end 212, a transverse wall 22 joined to the first end 211 of the side wall 21, and a plurality of tabs 23 protruding from the second end 212 of the side wall 21, the apparatus comprising:

[0102] - A bending station 11 configured to bend the plurality of tabs 23 of the cap 2 towards the longitudinal axis L;

[0103] - A feeding unit 12 configured to move the cap 2 along a moving path located upstream of the bending station 11 and to feed the cap 2 to the bending station 11, wherein along the moving path, each cap 2 assumes a predetermined orientation at a first inspection position P1.

[0104] - A control unit connected to one or more cameras included in the apparatus 1 to drive them synchronously with the movement of the cap 2 along the moving path.

[0105] A1. The apparatus 1 according to paragraph A, wherein the bending station 11 includes a bending turntable 110 rotating around a rotation axis R and a plurality of bending units 111, each bending unit 111 being configured to bend the plurality of tabs 23 of the cap 2 towards the longitudinal axis L.

[0106] A2. The apparatus 1 according to any one of paragraphs A to A1, wherein the feeding unit 12 includes a transfer turntable 120 located upstream of the bending station 11, the transfer turntable 120 being configured to move the cap 2 along at least a part of the moving path so as to load the cap 2 into the bending station 11 one by one.

[0107] A2.1. The apparatus 1 according to paragraph A2, wherein the transfer turntable 120 is configured to load the cap 2 onto the bending turntable 110 of the bending station 11.

[0108] A2.2. The apparatus 1 according to paragraph A2 or A2.1, which includes a slide plate 14 that interacts with the transfer turntable 120 to slidably support the cap 2 moved by the transfer turntable 120.

[0109] A3. The apparatus 1 according to any one of paragraphs A to A2.2, which includes a delivery conveyor 16 configured to receive the cap 2 from the bending station 11 and move the cap 2 along a delivery path downstream of the bending station 11.

[0110] A4. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A to A3, wherein the feeding unit 12 includes a feeding conveyor belt 121 configured to continuously transport the lids 2 one by one along a feeding path towards the bending station 11, and the feeding path forms part of a moving path.

[0111] A5. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A to A4, which includes a cutting station 15, and the cutting station includes a cutting turntable 150 that rotates around a rotation axis R' and is adapted to receive a plurality of cutting units configured to make grooves on the side wall 21 of the lid 2.

[0112] A5.1. The device 1 according to paragraph A5, wherein the transfer turntable 120 of the feeding unit 12 is located between the cutting turntable 150 and the bending turntable 110 and is configured to receive the lid 2 from the cutting turntable 150, such that part of the moving path is defined by the movement of the cutting turntable 150, and the transfer turntable 120 is manufactured according to any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2.

[0113] A6. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A to A5.1, which includes a first camera positioned along the moving path and defining its own optical axis, and the optical axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 provided at the first inspection position P1.

[0114] A6.1. The device 1 according to paragraph A6, wherein the first camera is an outer-ring camera 101.

[0115] A6.1.1. The device 1 according to paragraph A6.1, wherein the outer-ring camera 101 includes a biconvex lens.

[0116] A6.1.2. The device 1 according to paragraph A6.1, wherein the outer-ring camera 101 includes a Fresnel lens.

[0117] A6.2. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A6 to A6.1.2, wherein at least part of the moving path is defined by the transfer turntable 120 according to any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2, and the first inspection position P1 is located in the at least part of the moving path.

[0118] A6.3. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A6 to A6.1.2, wherein the feeding path is defined by the feeding conveyor belt 121 according to paragraph A4, and the first camera is positioned along the feeding path.

[0119] A6.4. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A6 to A6.3, wherein the control unit is connected to the first camera to drive the first camera synchronously with the movement of the lid 2 along the moving path.

[0120] A7. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A to A6.4, wherein along the moving path, each lid 2 adopts a predetermined orientation at the second inspection position P2, and the device 1 includes a second camera which is positioned along the moving path and defines its own optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 at the second inspection position P2, so as to axially observe the inner surface of the side wall 21 of the lid 2.

[0121] A7.1. The device 1 according to paragraph A7, wherein the second camera is a pinhole camera 102.

[0122] A7.2. The device 1 according to paragraph A7, wherein the second camera is a wide-angle camera 102.

[0123] A7.3. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A7 to A7.2, wherein at least a part of the moving path is defined by a transfer turntable 120 according to any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2, and wherein the second inspection position P2 is located in the at least a part of the moving path.

[0124] A7.3.1. The device 1 according to paragraph A7.3, which includes a slide plate 14 according to paragraph A2.2, wherein the slide plate 14 includes a black opaque part 141, and the second camera points to the black opaque part 141 of the slide plate 14.

[0125] A7.4. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A7 to A7.2, wherein the feeding path is defined by a feeding conveyor belt 121 according to paragraph A4, and wherein the second camera is positioned along the feeding path.

[0126] A7.5. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A7 to A7.4, wherein the control unit is connected to the second camera to drive the second camera synchronously with the movement of the lid along the moving path.

[0127] A7.6. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A7 to A7.5, wherein the control unit is connected to the second camera to receive image data from the second camera, and is programmed to derive information about the grooves made on the side wall 21 of each lid 2.

[0128] A8. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A to A7.6, which includes:

[0129] - A third inspection position P3, where the lid 2 adopts a predetermined orientation at the third inspection position P3, and the third inspection position P3 is intended to receive the lid 2 provided with grooves on its side wall 21, and

[0130] - A plurality of side cameras 103, which define a corresponding plurality of optical axes radially oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 at the third inspection position P3, so as to observe the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the lid 2.

[0131] A8.1. The device 1 according to paragraph A8, wherein at least a part of the movement path is defined by a transfer turntable 120 according to any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2, and wherein a third inspection position P3 is located in said at least a part of the movement path.

[0132] A8.2. The device 1 according to paragraph A8, wherein the feeding path is defined by a feeding conveyor belt 121 according to paragraph A4, and wherein a plurality of side cameras 103 are positioned along the feeding path.

[0133] A8.2.1. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A8 to A8.2, wherein the control unit is connected to a plurality of side cameras 103 to drive them synchronously with the movement of the lid 2 along the movement path.

[0134] A8.3. The device 1 according to paragraph A8, wherein the discharging path is defined by a discharging conveyor 16 according to paragraph A3, and wherein a third inspection position P3 is positioned along the discharging path.

[0135] A8.3.1. The device 1 according to paragraph A8.3, wherein the control unit is connected to a plurality of side cameras 103 to drive it synchronously with the movement of the lid 2 along the discharging path.

[0136] A8.4. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A8 to A8.3.1, wherein the control unit is connected to a plurality of side cameras 103 to receive image data from the plurality of side cameras 103, and is programmed to derive information about the grooves made on the side wall 21 of each lid 2.

[0137] A9. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A to A8.4, comprising:

[0138] - A fourth inspection position P4, at which the lid 2 adopts a predetermined orientation, the fourth inspection position P4 being intended for receiving a lid 2 with characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall 22, and

[0139] - An identification camera 104, which defines its own optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 at the fourth inspection position P4 to image the characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall 22 of the lid 2.

[0140] A9.1. The device 1 according to paragraph A9, wherein at least a part of the movement path is defined by a transfer turntable 120 according to any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2, and wherein a fourth inspection position P4 is located in said at least a part of the movement path.

[0141] A9.2. The device 1 according to paragraph A9, wherein the feeding path is defined by a feeding conveyor belt 121 according to paragraph A4, and wherein the identification camera 104 is positioned along the feeding path.

[0142] Device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A9 to A9.2, wherein the control unit is connected to the identification camera 104 to drive the identification camera 104 synchronously with the movement of the lid 2 along the movement path.

[0143] Device 1 according to paragraph A9, wherein the delivery path is defined by the delivery conveyor 16 according to paragraph A3, and wherein the fourth inspection position P4 is located along the delivery path.

[0144] Device 1 according to paragraph A9.3, wherein the control unit is connected to the identification camera 104 to drive the identification camera synchronously with the movement of the lid 2 along the delivery path.

[0145] Device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A9 to A9.3.1, wherein the control unit is connected to the identification camera 104 to receive image data and is programmed to process the image data to derive information about the characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of each lid 2, thereby defining an OCR system.

[0146] Device 1 according to paragraph A9.4, which includes a rejection device 13 located downstream of the identification camera 104 with respect to the feed path of the lid 2, and the control unit is programmed to drive the rejection device 13 based on the derived information about the molded characters so as to separate one or more lids 2 from the stream of lids 2 transported through the fourth inspection position P4.

[0147] Device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A to A9.4.1, wherein along the movement path, each lid 2 assumes a predetermined orientation at the fifth inspection position P5, and the device 1 includes a fixed-focus camera 105, which is located along the movement path and defines its own optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid at the fifth inspection position P5 to observe the outer surface of the lateral wall 22 of the lid 2.

[0148] Device 1 according to paragraph A10, wherein a part of the movement path is defined by the transfer turntable 120 according to any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2, and wherein the fifth inspection position P5 is located in said part of the movement path.

[0149] Device 1 according to paragraph A10.1, which includes a slide plate 14 according to paragraph A2.2, wherein the slide plate 14 includes a transparent part 143, and the fixed-focus camera 105 is directed at the transparent part 143 of the slide plate 14.

[0150] Device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A10 to A10.1.1, wherein the control unit is connected to the fixed-focus camera 105 to drive the fixed-focus camera 105 synchronously with the movement of the lid 2 along the movement path.

[0151] Device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A10 to A10.2, wherein the control unit is connected to a fixed-focus camera 105 to receive image data from the fixed-focus camera 105 and is programmed to derive an image representing the transverse wall 22 of the lid 2.

[0152] Device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A to A10.3, wherein:

[0153] - The bending station 11 includes a bending turntable 110 that rotates about a rotation axis R and a plurality of bending units 111, each bending unit 111 being configured to bend a plurality of tabs 23 of the lid 2 towards the longitudinal axis L;

[0154] - The feeding unit 12 includes a transfer turntable 120 located upstream of the bending station 11, the transfer turntable 120 being configured to move the lid 2 along at least a part of the movement path so as to load the lid 2 one by one onto the bending turntable 110 of the bending station 11;

[0155] - The feeding unit 12 includes a feeding conveyor belt 121, the feeding conveyor belt 121 being configured to continuously transport the lids 2 one by one along the feeding path towards the bending station 11, the feeding path forming a part of the movement path,

[0156] The device 1 includes:

[0157] - A discharging conveyor 16, which is configured to receive the lid 2 from the bending station 11 and move the lid 2 along the discharging path downstream of the bending station 11;

[0158] - A cutting station 15, which includes a cutting turntable 150 that rotates about a rotation axis R' and is adapted to receive a plurality of cutting units, the plurality of cutting units being configured to make grooves in the side wall 21 of the lid 2, wherein the transfer turntable 120 of the feeding unit 12 is located between the cutting turntable 150 and the bending turntable 111 and is configured to receive the lid 2 from the cutting turntable 150 such that a part of the movement path is defined by the movement of the cutting turntable 150.

[0159] Device 1 according to paragraph A11, which includes:

[0160] - A first camera according to any one of paragraphs A6 to A6.4, which is positioned along the movement path and defines its own optical axis, the optical axis being aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 provided at the first inspection position P1, wherein the first inspection position P1 is located in at least a part of the movement path;

[0161] - A second camera according to any one of paragraphs A7 to A7.6, which is positioned along a movement path and defines its own optical axis, which optical axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 at the second inspection position P2, wherein, at the second inspection position P2, each lid 2 adopts a predetermined orientation, and wherein the second inspection position P2 is located in at least a part of the aforementioned movement path;

[0162] - A third inspection position P3, at which the lid 2 adopts a predetermined orientation, and the third inspection position P3 is intended to receive the lid 2 provided with a groove on its side wall 21;

[0163] - A plurality of side cameras 103 according to any one of paragraphs A8 to A8.4, which define respective optical axes radially oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 at the third inspection position P3 to observe the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the lid 2, wherein the third inspection position P3 is positioned along the delivery path;

[0164] - A fourth inspection position P4, at which the lid 2 adopts a predetermined orientation, and the fourth inspection position P4 is intended to receive the lid 2 with characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall 22;

[0165] - An identification camera 104 according to any one of paragraphs A9 to A9.4.1, which defines its own optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 at the fourth inspection position P4 to image the characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall 22 of the lid 2, wherein the fourth inspection position P4 is positioned along the delivery path;

[0166] - A fixed focal length camera 105 according to any one of paragraphs A10 to A10.3, which is positioned along the movement path and defines its own optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 at the fifth inspection position P5 to observe the outer surface of the transverse wall 22 of the lid 2, wherein, at the fifth inspection position P5, each lid 2 adopts a predetermined orientation, and wherein the fifth inspection position P5 is located in at least a part of the aforementioned movement path.

[0167] B. A method for continuously processing lids, each lid 2 having a side wall 21 extending between a first end 211 and a second end 212 around a longitudinal axis L, a transverse wall 22 joined to the first end 211 of the side wall 21, and a plurality of tabs 23 protruding from the second end 212 of the side wall 21, the method comprising the following steps:

[0168] - Bending the plurality of tabs 23 of the lid 2 towards the longitudinal axis L by means of a bending station 11;

[0169] - Move the lid 2 along a movement path located upstream of the bending station 11 by means of the feed unit 12 and feed the lid 2 into the bending station 11, wherein along the movement path, each lid 2 assumes a predetermined orientation at the first inspection position P1.

[0170] - Drive one or more cameras included in the device 1 synchronously with the movement of the lid 2 along the movement path by means of the control unit.

[0171] B1. The method according to paragraph B, wherein the bending station 11 includes a bending turntable 110 that rotates about a rotation axis R and a plurality of bending units 111 associated with the bending station 11.

[0172] B2. The method according to paragraph B or B1, wherein the feed unit 12 includes a transfer turntable 120 located upstream of the bending station 11, and the method includes the following steps performed by the transfer turntable 120:

[0173] - Move the lid 2 along at least a part of the movement path, and

[0174] - Load the lids 2 into the bending station 11 one by one.

[0175] B2.1. The method according to paragraph B2, wherein the transfer turntable 120 loads the lids 2 onto the bending turntable 110 of the bending station 11 one by one.

[0176] B3. The method according to any one of paragraphs B to B2.1, which includes the following steps: capturing image data by means of a first camera, the first camera being positioned along the movement path and defining its own optical axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 when the lid 2 is in the first inspection position P1.

[0177] B3.1. The method according to paragraph B3, wherein the first camera is the outer ring camera 101.

[0178] B3.1.1. The method according to paragraph B3.1, wherein the outer ring camera 101 includes a biconvex lens.

[0179] B3.1.2. The method according to paragraph B3.1, wherein the outer ring camera 101 includes a Fresnel lens.

[0180] B3.2. The method according to any one of paragraphs B3 to B3.1.2, wherein at least a part of the movement path is defined by the transfer turntable 120 according to any one of paragraphs B2 to B2.1, wherein the first inspection position P1 is located in the said at least a part of the movement path, and the first camera is stationary relative to the transfer turntable 120.

[0181] B3.3. The method according to any one of paragraphs B3 to B3.2, which includes the step of driving the first camera synchronously with the movement of the lid 2 along the movement path by means of a control unit.

[0182] B4. The method according to any one of paragraphs B to B3.3, which includes the following steps: capturing image data by means of a second camera, which is positioned along the movement path and defines its own optical axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 when the lid 2 is in the second inspection position P2, wherein, in the second inspection position P2, the lid adopts a predetermined orientation.

[0183] B4.1. The method according to paragraph B4, wherein the second camera is the pinhole camera 102.

[0184] B4.2. The method according to paragraph B4, wherein the second camera is a wide-angle camera.

[0185] B4.3. The method according to any one of paragraphs B4 to B4.2, wherein at least a part of the movement path is defined by the movement of the conveyor turntable 120 according to any one of paragraphs B2 to B2.1, and wherein the second inspection position P2 is located in said at least a part of the movement path.

[0186] B4.4. The method according to any one of paragraphs B4 to B4.3, which includes the step of receiving the image data from the second camera by means of a control unit and the step of processing the received image data to derive information about the grooves on the side wall 21 of each lid 2.

[0187] B5. The method according to any one of paragraphs B to B4.4, which includes the following steps:

[0188] - At the third inspection position P3, receiving a stream of lids 2 provided with grooves on their side walls 21, wherein the lids 2 adopt a predetermined orientation at the third inspection position P3;

[0189] - Capturing image data by means of a plurality of side cameras 103, which define a respective plurality of optical axes radially oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 when the lid 2 is in the third inspection position P3, so as to observe the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the lid 2.

[0190] B5.1. The method according to paragraph B5, which includes the step of receiving the image data from the plurality of side cameras 103 by means of a control unit and the step of processing the received image data to derive information about the grooves on the side wall 21 of each lid 2.

[0191] B6. The method according to any one of paragraphs B to B5, which includes the following steps:

[0192] - At a fourth inspection position P4, receive a stream of covers 2 having characters molded on an inner surface of a transverse wall 22, wherein the cover 2 assumes a predetermined orientation at the fourth inspection position P4;

[0193] - Capture image data by means of an identification camera 104, the identification camera 104 defining its own optical axis aligned with a longitudinal axis L of the cover 2 when the cover 2 is in the fourth inspection position P4, in order to image the characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall 22 of the cover 2.

[0194] B6.1. A method according to paragraph B6, comprising the following steps performed by a control unit:

[0195] - Receive image data from the identification camera 104;

[0196] - Process the image data to derive information about the characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall 22 of the cover 2, thereby defining an OCR system.

[0197] B6.1.1. A method according to paragraph B6.1, comprising the following steps performed by a control unit: Drive a rejection device 13 located downstream of the identification camera 104 relative to the feed path of the cover 2 based on the derived information about the molded characters, in order to separate one or more covers 2 from the stream of covers 2 transported through the fourth inspection position P4.

[0198] B7. A method according to any one of paragraphs B to B6.1.1, comprising the following steps:

[0199] - Provide a fifth inspection position P5 along a movement path, where the cover 2 assumes a predetermined orientation at the fifth inspection position;

[0200] - Along the movement path, provide a fixed focal length camera 105, the fixed focal length camera 105 defining its own optical axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis L when the cover 2 is in the fifth inspection position P5.

[0201] B7.1. A method according to paragraph B7, wherein at least a part of the movement path is defined by the movement of a transfer turntable 120 according to any one of paragraphs B2 to B2.1, and wherein the fifth inspection position P5 is located in said at least a part of the movement path.

[0202] B7.2. A method according to any one of paragraphs B7 to B7.1, comprising the following steps performed by a control unit:

[0203] - Receive image data from the fixed focal length camera 105;

[0204] - Process the image data to derive an image representing the transverse wall 22 of the cover 2.

[0205] B8. A method according to any one of paragraphs B to B7.1, wherein:

[0206] - The bending station 11 includes a bending turntable 110 that rotates around a rotation axis R and a plurality of bending units 111, and each bending unit 111 is configured to bend a plurality of tabs 23 of the cover 2 towards the longitudinal axis L;

[0207] - The feeding unit 12 includes a transfer turntable 120 located upstream of the bending station 11, and the transfer turntable 120 is configured to move the cover 2 along at least a part of the moving path so as to load the cover 2 onto the bending turntable 110 of the bending station 11 one by one;

[0208] - The feeding unit 12 includes a feeding conveyor belt 121, and the feeding conveyor belt 121 is configured to continuously transport the cover 2 along the feeding path towards the bending station 11 one by one, and the feeding path forms a part of the moving path.

[0209] The method includes the following steps:

[0210] - Receive the cover 2 from the bending station 11 through the discharging conveyor 16 and move the cover 2 along the discharging path downstream of the bending station 11;

[0211] - Provide a cutting station 15, which includes a cutting turntable 150 that rotates around a rotation axis R' and is adapted to receive a plurality of cutting units, and the plurality of cutting units are configured to make grooves on the side wall 21 of the cover 2, wherein the transfer turntable 120 of the feeding unit 12 is located between the cutting turntable 150 and the bending turntable 110;

[0212] Receive the cover 2 from the cutting turntable 150 through the transfer turntable 120, so that a part of the moving path is defined by the movement of the cutting turntable 150.

[0213] B8.1. A method according to paragraph B8, which includes the following steps:

[0214] - Capture image data by means of a first camera according to any one of paragraphs B3 to B3.3, the first camera is positioned along the moving path and defines its own optical axis, and the optical axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the cover 2 when the cover 2 is in the first inspection position P1;

[0215] - Receive, at the second inspection position P2, a stream of covers 2 provided with grooves on their side walls 21, wherein the covers 2 adopt a predetermined orientation at the second inspection position P2;

[0216] - Provide a second camera according to any one of paragraphs B4 to B4.4 and capture image data through the second camera, the second camera defines its own optical axis, and the optical axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the cover 2 when the cover 2 is in the second inspection position P2;

[0217] - At a third inspection position P3, receive a flow of the lid 2 having grooves provided on its side wall 21, wherein the lid 2 adopts a predetermined orientation at the third inspection position P3;

[0218] - Capture image data by means of a plurality of side cameras 103 according to any one of paragraphs B5 to B5.1. The plurality of side cameras 10 define respective plurality of optical axes that are radially oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 when the lid 2 is in the third inspection position P3, so as to observe the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the lid 2, and

[0219] - At a fourth inspection position P4, receive a flow of the lid 2 having characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall 22, wherein the lid 2 adopts a predetermined orientation at the fourth inspection position P4;

[0220] - Capture image data by means of an identification camera 104 according to any one of paragraphs B6 to B6.1.1. The identification camera 104 defines its own optical axis that is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 when the lid 2 is in the fourth inspection position P4, so as to image the characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall 22 of the lid 2;

[0221] - At a fifth inspection position P5, receive the lid 2, wherein the lid 2 adopts a predetermined orientation at the fifth inspection position P5;

[0222] - Capture image data by means of a fixed focal length camera 105 according to any one of paragraphs B7 to B7.2, so as to image the characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall 22 of the lid 2. The fixed focal length camera 105 defines its own optical axis that is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the lid 2 when the lid 2 is in the fifth inspection position P5.

Claims

1. A device (1) for continuously processing caps (2), wherein each cap (2) has a side wall (21) extending around a longitudinal axis (L) between a first end (211) and a second end (212), a transverse wall (22) joined to the first end (211) of the side wall (21) and a plurality of tabs (23) protruding from the second end (212) of the side wall (21), the device include: - a bending station (11) comprising a bending turntable (110) rotating about a rotation axis (R) and a plurality of bending units (111), each bending unit (111) being configured to bend the plurality of tabs (23) of the cover (2) towards the longitudinal axis (L); a feeding unit (12) configured to move the caps (2) along a movement path upstream of the bending station (11) and to feed the caps (2) to the bending station (11), wherein along the movement path each cap (2) adopts a predetermined orientation at a first inspection position (P1); - an annular camera (101) positioned along said movement path and defining its own optical axis aligned with said longitudinal axis (L) of said cover arranged at said first inspection position (P1); - a control unit connected to the ring outside camera (101) to drive the ring outside camera (101) in synchronism with the movement of the cover (2) along the movement path.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, in, Along the moving path, each cover (2) adopts a predetermined orientation at a second inspection position (P2), and the device (1) includes a pinhole or wide-angle camera (102), which is positioned along the moving path and defines its own optical axis, and the optical axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis (L) of the cover (2) at the second inspection position (P2) to axially observe the inner surface of the side wall (21) of the cover (2).

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein include: a third inspection position (P3) in which the cover (2) adopts a predetermined orientation, the third inspection position (P3) being intended for receiving a cover (2) provided with notches on its side wall (21), and - a plurality of side cameras (103) defining a respective plurality of optical axes oriented radially relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cover (2) at the third inspection position (P3) in order to observe the outer surface of the side wall (21) of the cover (2), The control unit is connected to the pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) and to the plurality of side cameras (103) to receive corresponding image data and is programmed to process the image data in order to derive information about the notches of the side wall (21) of each cover (2).

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, include: a fourth inspection position (P4) in which the cover (2) adopts a predetermined orientation, the fourth inspection position (P4) being intended for receiving a cover (2) having characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall (22), - a recognition camera (104) defining its own optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis (L) of the cover (2) at the fourth inspection position (P4) to image the characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall (22) of the cover (2), and - a rejection device (13) located downstream of the recognition camera (104) with respect to the feed path of the caps (2), wherein the control unit is connected to the recognition camera (104) to receive image data and is programmed to process the image data to derive information about the characters molded on the inner surface of the transverse wall (22) of each cover (2), thereby defining an OCR system, and the control unit is programmed to drive the rejection device (13) based on the derived information about the molded characters so as to separate one or more covers (2) from the flow of covers (2) transported through the fourth inspection position (P4).

5. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in: - the feeding unit (12) comprises a conveying turntable (120) located upstream of the bending station (11), the conveying turntable (120) being configured to move the caps (2) along at least a portion of the movement path so as to load the caps (2) one by one onto the bending turntable (110) of the bending station (11); - the first inspection position (P1) is located in at least one portion of the movement path, the outside-of-loop camera (101) being stationary relative to the transport carousel (120).

6. The device (1) according to claim 5 comprises a slide plate (14), which interacts with the conveying turntable (120) to slidably support the cover (2) moved by the conveying turntable (120), wherein the slide plate (14) comprises a black opaque portion (141), and the outside ring camera (101) points to the black opaque portion (141) of the slide plate (14).

7. The device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein - along said movement path, each cover (2) adopts a predetermined orientation at a fifth inspection position (P5), said device (1) comprising a fixed focus camera (105) positioned along said movement path and defining its own optical axis, said optical axis being aligned with said longitudinal axis (L) of said cover (2) at said fifth inspection position (P5) in order to observe the outer surface of said transverse wall (22) of said cover (2); - a fifth inspection position (P5) is located in said at least one portion of said movement path; -The conveyor turntable (120) includes a first surface (120A) and a second surface (120B) opposite to the first surface (120A), the ring outside camera (101) points to the first surface (120A), and the fixed focus camera (105) points to the second surface (120B).

8. The device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, in, Along the moving path, each cover (2) adopts a predetermined orientation at a second inspection position (P2), the device (1) includes a pinhole or wide-angle camera (102), the pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) is positioned along the moving path and defines its own optical axis, the optical axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis (L) of the cover (2) at the second inspection position (P2), wherein the second inspection position (P2) is located in at least a portion of the moving path, the pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) is stationary relative to the conveying turntable (120), wherein the conveying turntable (120) includes a first surface (120A) and a second surface (120B) opposite to the first surface (120A), and the ring outer camera (101) and the pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) are both pointing to the first surface (120A).

9. An apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, comprising a cutting station (15), the cutting station (15) comprising a cutting turntable (150), the cutting turntable (150) rotating around a rotation axis (R') and suitable for receiving a plurality of cutting units, the plurality of cutting units being configured to make grooves on the side wall (21) of the cover (2), wherein the conveying turntable (120) is located between the cutting turntable (150) and the bending turntable (110) and is configured to receive the cover (2) from the cutting turntable (150), so that a portion of the moving path is defined by the movement of the cutting turntable (150).

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, include: - a delivery conveyor (16) configured to receive the caps (2) from the bending station (11) and to move the caps (2) along a delivery path downstream of the bending station (11); - a third inspection position (P3) in which the cover (2) adopts a predetermined orientation, the third inspection position (P3) being intended for receiving a cover (2) provided with notches on its side wall (21); - a plurality of side cameras (103) defining a respective plurality of optical axes oriented radially relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cover (2) at the third inspection position (P3) in order to observe the outer surface of the side wall (21) of the cover (2), Wherein the third inspection position (P3) is located along the delivery path.

11. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The feeding unit (12) comprises a feeding conveyor belt (121) configured to continuously transport the caps (2) one by one along a feeding path toward the bending station (11), the feeding path forming a part of the moving path, wherein one or more of the following conditions are met: i) the ring outer side camera (101) is positioned along the feeding path; ii) the device (1) comprises a pinhole or wide-angle camera (102), the pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) being positioned along the feeding path; iii) the device (1) comprises a plurality of side cameras (103), wherein the plurality of side cameras (103) are positioned along the feeding path; iv) The device (1) comprises a recognition camera (104), which is positioned along the feeding path.

12. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The control unit is programmed to process image data captured by the outside ring camera (101) and compare the image data with reference data representing the correct positioning of the plurality of tabs (23) so as to derive an alarm signal in response to a negative result of the comparison.

13. A method for successively processing caps (2), each cap (2) having a side wall (21) extending about a longitudinal axis (L) between a first end (211) and a second end (212), a transverse wall (22) joined to the first end (211) of the side wall (21), and a plurality of tabs (23) protruding from the second end (212) of the side wall (21), the method comprising: The following steps are involved: - bending the plurality of tabs (23) of the cover (2) towards the longitudinal axis (L) by means of a bending station (11), the bending station (11) comprising a bending turntable (110) rotating about a rotation axis (R) and a plurality of bending units (111) associated with the bending station (110); - moving the caps (2) along a movement path upstream of the bending station (11) by means of a feeding unit (12) and feeding the caps (2) to the bending station (11), wherein along the movement path each cap (2) adopts a predetermined orientation at a first inspection position (P1); - capturing image data by means of an outside-the-ring camera (101), which is positioned along the movement path and defines its own optical axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis (L) of the cover (2) when the cover (2) is in the first inspection position (P1); - The ring outside camera (101) is driven synchronously with the movement of the cover (2) along the movement path by a control unit.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The following steps are involved: - capturing image data by means of a pinhole or wide-angle camera (102), said pinhole or wide-angle camera being positioned along said movement path and defining its own optical axis, said optical axis being aligned with said longitudinal axis (L) of said cover (2) when said cover (2) is in a second inspection position (P2), wherein, in said second inspection position (P2), said cover (2) adopts a predetermined orientation; - receiving, at a third inspection position (P3), a flow of caps (2) provided with grooves on their side walls (21), wherein said caps (2) adopt a predetermined orientation at said third inspection position (P3); - capturing image data by means of a plurality of side cameras (103), the plurality of side cameras (103) defining a respective plurality of optical axes oriented radially relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cover (2) when the cover (2) is in the third inspection position (P3), so as to observe the outer surface of the side wall (22) of the cover (2), and - receiving, by means of a control unit, image data from the pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) and image data from the plurality of side cameras (103), and processing the received image data in order to derive information about the notches on the side wall (21) of each cover (2).

15. The method according to claim 14, in, The feeding unit (12) comprises a transfer carousel (120) located upstream of the bending station (11), and the method comprises the following steps performed by the transfer carousel (120): - moving the cover (2) along at least a portion of the movement path, and - loading the covers (2) one by one onto the bending turntable (110) of the bending station (11), The first inspection position (P1) is located in at least a portion of the moving path, and the outside ring camera (101) is stationary relative to the conveying turntable (120).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The following steps are involved: - providing a second inspection position (P2) along the movement path, the cover (2) adopting a predetermined orientation at the second inspection position (P2); - providing a pinhole or wide angle camera (102) defining its own optical axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis (L) of the cover (2) when the cover (2) is in the second inspection position (P2); - providing a fifth inspection position (P5) along the movement path, the cover (2) adopting a predetermined orientation at the fifth inspection position (P5); - providing a fixed focus camera (105) along the movement path, the fixed focus camera defining its own optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis (L) when the cover (2) is in the fifth inspection position (P5); Wherein, the second inspection position (P2) and the fifth inspection position (P5) are located in at least a portion of the moving path defined by the conveying turntable (120).

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