Method and apparatus for forming objects from natural fiber-based substances

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for forming a workpiece in a forming device (1; 101; 101; in a method of forming an object (10) in a forming apparatus (1, 201), a natural fiber-based substance in the form of a sheet (2) enters the forming apparatus through an inlet (3) and an object (10) made of the natural fiber-based substance exits the forming apparatus through an outlet (6). A path (7) connects the inlet (3) and the outlet (6). A cutting unit (8; 8 ') placed along the path (7) is provided. 208) in order to separate the dose (9) of natural fiber-based substance from the sheet (2). The object (10) is positioned along the path (7) at the cutting unit (8; 208) downstream of the pressing unit (14; 114), and a dose (9) is pressed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming objects from natural fiber-based materials, in particular cellulose-based materials. Background Art

[0002] For reasons related to environmental protection, it is desirable to use natural and renewable materials (e.g. cellulose-based materials) to manufacture many objects currently made of synthetic polymer materials, in particular but not only in the field of packaging. In fact, cellulose-based materials are less polluting and easier to dispose of than synthetic polymer materials.

[0003] A forming apparatus for forming cellulose products from cellulose doses is known. The apparatus comprises a molding carousel having a plurality of molds, each mold comprising a first mold half and a second mold half movable relative to one another along a molding direction. Doses produced in a dedicated production line separate from the prior art apparatus are fed to the molding carousel, and a dose is inserted into each mold.

[0004] It is also possible to feed a cellulose web into a conventional forming apparatus. In this case, the dose is separated from the web using cutting edges mounted on the first and / or second mold halves. As the first and second mold halves move toward each other to form the object, the cutting edges interact with the cellulose web, separating the dose from the web. The dose is then immediately pressed between the first and second mold halves to form the object.

[0005] The structure and operation of the above-described forming apparatus is complicated since the cellulose web has to pass through the moulding carousel and in particular has to be inserted between the first and second mould halves in order to cut the doses from the cellulose web.

[0006] Furthermore, removing the remaining cellulose web from which the doses are cut from the moulding carousel is not a simple operation, in particular if the production speed is high.

[0007] When feeding the dose into the mold, it can happen that the dose shifts in an undesirable manner when the mold closes. For example, the dose may shift transversely to the molding direction. In particular, the dose may be positioned off-center relative to the mold axis. In these cases, the flow of the natural fiber-based material within the mold during molding becomes uneven, which can lead to defects in the molded object.

[0008] Some examples of known apparatuses for manufacturing objects from natural fiber-based materials are disclosed in US 2015 / 247286, SE 1950299, US 2021 / 380287. Summary of the Invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to improve methods and apparatus for producing objects from natural fiber-based materials, in particular cellulose-based materials.

[0010] Another object is to provide a forming apparatus for manufacturing objects from natural fiber-based materials, in particular cellulose-based materials, starting from sheets, wherein waste natural fiber-based materials can be easily removed.

[0011] Another object is to provide a forming apparatus for producing objects from natural fiber-based materials, in particular cellulose-based materials, comprising one or more molds of simple construction.

[0012] Another object is to provide a forming apparatus for producing objects from natural fiber-based materials, in particular cellulose-based materials, comprising one or more molds that are easy to maintain.

[0013] Another object is to provide a mould capable of producing high-quality objects by pressing doses made of natural fiber-based substances, in particular cellulose-based substances.

[0014] Yet another object is to provide a mould for manufacturing objects by pressing doses made of natural fiber-based substances, in particular cellulose-based substances, wherein the risk of incorrect positioning of the doses when the mould is closed is reduced.

[0015] In a first aspect of the invention, a method for forming an object in a forming apparatus is provided, wherein a natural fiber-based substance in sheet form enters the forming apparatus via an inlet, and wherein an object made of the natural fiber-based substance leaves the forming apparatus via an outlet, a path connecting the inlet and the outlet, wherein the sheet is cut in a cutting unit positioned along the path so as to separate a dose of natural fiber-based substance from the sheet, and wherein the object is formed by pressing the dose in a pressing unit positioned downstream of the cutting unit along the path.

[0016] Due to the first aspect of the invention, objects can be produced from natural fiber-based substances, such as cellulose, in a forming apparatus having a particularly simple structure.

[0017] Since the sheet is cut in a cutting unit located upstream of the pressing unit, the natural fiber-based material is already in dosed form when it enters the die. This eliminates the disadvantages of known forming devices associated with the need to pass the entire sheet web through the pressing unit and to remove the remaining material web from the pressing unit.

[0018] The dosage is carried out in concert with the pressing unit. In this way, it is no longer necessary to produce the dosage upstream of the forming device, which avoids the disadvantages associated with the storage of the dosage and the delivery of the dosage outside the forming device.

[0019] The cellulose-based material from which the objects are made can be a low-density material that is compressible, compactable, and formable into complex shapes. This makes it possible to create three-dimensional objects with even complex geometries by pressing the sheets. The pressing process allows the density of natural fiber-based materials to be increased, allowing the creation of even complex objects that would be impossible to create through thermoforming.

[0020] In one embodiment, the three-dimensional object is formed in a pressing unit by pressing the dose between a female mold half and a male mold half.

[0021] The female mold half and the male mold half are included in the mold of the forming unit.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cutting unit operates intermittently, while the pressing unit operates continuously.

[0023] In one embodiment, both the cutting unit and the pressing unit are operated intermittently.

[0024] In one embodiment, both the cutting unit and the pressing unit operate continuously.

[0025] The pressing unit may comprise a plurality of dies, or a single die.

[0026] The die of the pressing unit may be movable along a trajectory, such as a closed-loop trajectory.

[0027] The trajectory along which the die is movable may be circular.

[0028] The pressing unit may comprise a moulding turntable.

[0029] In alternative embodiments, the die of the pressing unit may move along a trajectory that is not a closed loop. For example, the die of the pressing unit may move forward and backward along a straight or curved trajectory.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the pressing unit may comprise a press having at least one mould arranged in a fixed position. The mould comprises a first mould half and a second mould half, at least one of the first mould half and the second mould half being movable towards the other for pressing the dose.

[0031] In one embodiment, the sheet material may be a continuous sheet material unwound from a reel.

[0032] In alternative embodiments, the sheets may be discrete planar sheets.

[0033] In one embodiment, the sheet can be unfolded from a storage configuration in which the sheet is folded forward and backward upon itself multiple times.

[0034] In one embodiment, the sheet from which the doses are cut is a material having a reduced density compared to the starting material fed to the forming apparatus.

[0035] In particular, the starting material may be a dense material, that is to say a material having a relatively high density.

[0036] The starting material can be fed from a reel.

[0037] A fiber separation unit may be provided upstream of the cutting unit for breaking the natural fiber-based material into fibers.

[0038] Downstream of the fiber separation unit, a compacting unit may be provided for compacting the fibers emerging from the fiber separation unit, thereby forming a sheet having a lower density than the starting material.

[0039] In this case, the sheet is a dry-laid material, which may also be referred to as "airlaid."

[0040] In a second aspect of the present invention, a forming device for forming an object from a natural fiber-based material is provided, which includes an inlet for the natural fiber-based material in sheet form, an outlet for the object made of the natural fiber-based material, wherein a path connects the inlet and the outlet, and the forming device also includes: a cutting unit positioned along the path, the cutting unit being used to cut the sheet so as to separate the dose of natural fiber-based material from the sheet; and a pressing unit arranged downstream of the cutting unit along the path, the pressing unit being used to form the object by pressing the dose.

[0041] Thanks to the second aspect of the invention, the technical effects previously described with reference to the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

[0042] In a third aspect of the present invention, a method for forming an object by compressing a dose made of a natural fiber-based material in a mold is provided, the mold comprising a male half-mold and a female half-mold, the female half-mold comprising a cavity, at least one half-mold selected from the female half-mold and the male half-mold being movable along a molding direction relative to the other half-mold selected from the male half-mold and the female half-mold, the method comprising the steps of inserting the dose into the mold and pressing the dose to form the object, wherein the step of inserting the dose into the mold comprises positioning the dose in a receiving space above the cavity so that the dose rests on a contact surface defining the bottom of the receiving space and at a distance from the bottom surface of the cavity, the mold further comprising a limiting device defining the receiving space on the side, wherein the limiting device comprises a plurality of movable parts that move transversely to the molding direction for pushing the dose toward the central area of ​​the mold.

[0043] Thanks to the third aspect of the invention, the positioning of the dose within the mould can be improved, reducing the risk that the dose is positioned in a way that it is not centered in the cavity. This allows limiting defects on the finished object, thus improving its quality.

[0044] In one embodiment, after the dose has rested on the contact surface, a movable part of the plurality of movable parts is moved towards a central area of ​​the mould so that the dose is centred in the cavity.

[0045] The restraining device may include a plurality of restraining elements, each restraining element defining one of the plurality of movable portions.

[0046] The limiting element acts like a centering element for centering the dose in the cavity. If the dose is positioned on the contact surface of the bottom portion delimiting the receiving space in a non-centered manner (that is, in such a way that the theoretical axis of the dose, which is positioned parallel to the molding direction, does not coincide with the theoretical axis of the cavity), the centering element moves in a coordinated manner towards the central area of ​​the mold and displaces the dose in such a way that the theoretical axis of the dose substantially coincides with the theoretical axis of the cavity.

[0047] In one embodiment, a movable part of the plurality of movable parts is comprised in a female mold half and is movable transversely to the molding direction to reduce the volume of a variable-volume forming area defined in the cavity.

[0048] The movable part comprised in the female mold half may comprise a plurality of sectors movable transversely to the molding direction, which sectors laterally delimit the cavity.

[0049] In this case, the restraining means may comprise a plurality of restraining elements which are fixed relative to the movable part of the first mould half, that is to say relative to the aforementioned segments.

[0050] In this way, the limiting element performs a centering function for the dose received in the receiving space, whereas the movable part of the female mold half allows the dose to be compressed uniformly during molding.

[0051] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a mould for forming an object by compressing a dose made of a natural fiber-based substance is provided, the mould comprising a male half-mold and a female half-mold, the male half-mold and the female half-mold comprising a cavity, the female half-mold and the male half-mold being movable relative to each other along a moulding direction, wherein a receiving space for receiving the dose is defined above the cavity, the mould further comprising a limiting device which delimits the receiving space laterally, the bottom of the receiving space being delimited by a contact surface intended to receive the dose (on which the dose rests) and being at a distance from the bottom surface of the cavity, wherein the limiting device comprises a plurality of movable parts which are displaceable transversely to the moulding direction to push the dose towards a central area of ​​the mould.

[0052] The mould according to the fourth aspect of the invention allows obtaining the technical effects previously described with reference to the method according to the third aspect of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The present invention may be better understood and implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several example non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0054] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a forming apparatus for forming an object from a natural fiber-based material;

[0055] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 , showing an alternative embodiment of the forming apparatus;

[0056] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 1 , showing another alternative embodiment of the forming apparatus;

[0057] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 Magnified details;

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic cross section showing the Figures 1 to 4 a mold in a forming device, in which an initial position a dose made of a natural fiber-based substance is received in the mold;

[0059] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A section through plane VI-VI of FIG, wherein the dose is not shown;

[0060] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 5 A cross section with the die in the middle position;

[0061] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 6 A cross section with the die in the middle position;

[0062] Figure 9 is similar to Figure 5 a cross section with the die in its final position;

[0063] Figure 10 is similar to Figure 6 a cross section with the die in its final position;

[0064] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing the initial position Figure 5 a concave portion of the die into which the dose has been inserted according to the first embodiment;

[0065] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 The section of plane XII-XII;

[0066] Figure 13 is a schematic plan view showing the initial position Figure 5 a concave portion of the mould into which, according to a second embodiment, the dose has been inserted;

[0067] Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 The section of plane XIV-XIV;

[0068] Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of a female mold portion including limiting means for limiting the dose laterally;

[0069] Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 A schematic cross section of plane XVI-XVI;

[0070] Figure 17 is similar to Figure 15 Schematic plan view showing a female mold portion provided with a restriction device according to an alternative embodiment;

[0071] Figure 18 is similar to Figure 17 Schematic plan view of a die portion provided with a restriction device according to another alternative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Figure 1 A forming device 1 for forming an object starting from a sheet 2 is shown.

[0073] The sheet material 2 is a material made of a natural fiber-based substance, optionally a cellulose-based substance.

[0074] In particular, the sheet material 2 may comprise a film in a substantially dry state, such as a so-called "airlaid" structure, or a structure having a consistency similar to fluff.

[0075] This does not mean that the sheet 2 must be completely dry. In fact, the sheet 2 can include a limited percentage of moisture. More specifically, the moisture content of the sheet 2 can be less than or equal to 30% by weight.

[0076] In one embodiment, the sheet 2 is composed of a substance comprising cellulose in an amount greater than or equal to 70% by weight.

[0077] In one embodiment, the amount of cellulose present in the sheet 2 may be greater than or equal to 80% by weight.

[0078] The remainder of the natural fiber-based substance from which the sheet 2 is made may comprise, for example, additives intended to impart predetermined properties to the object, or synthetic polymers.

[0079] The sheet material 2 may have a multilayer structure. In particular, the sheet material 2 may include a thicker center layer interposed between two thinner outer layers. Both the center layer and the outer layers may be primarily made of a natural fiber-based material, in particular cellulose. The outer layers may optionally be glossier than the center layers. The outer layers improve the appearance of the object to be formed from the sheet material 2 and reduce the risk of the sheet material 2 being broken or damaged during processing.

[0080] The outer layers may be glued to the center layer, or simply held in contact with the center layer without the intervening adhesive.

[0081] The sheet 2 may also have a multi-layer structure, comprising thicker layers coupled to thinner layers.

[0082] In this case, the thicker layer can also be glued to the thinner layer or simply positioned in contact with the thinner layer without the use of an adhesive substance.

[0083] In order to fix the outer or thinner layers relative to the central layer or relative to the thicker layers, a calendering device can be used.

[0084] The objects produced in the forming apparatus 1 may be packaging components, such as caps, lids, capsules, containers, cutlery, etc. The forming apparatus 1 may also be used to produce objects for applications other than packaging. The objects produced in the forming apparatus 1 may have a concave shape, a flat shape, or a generally three-dimensional shape.

[0085] The sheet 2 enters the forming device 1 through the inlet 3 .

[0086] In the example shown, the sheet 2 is initially wound on a reel 4. The sheet 2 can be unwound from the reel 4 by an unwinding device comprising, for example, a pair of unwinding rollers (not shown) optionally positioned in a loop 5 formed by the sheet 2 unwound from the reel 4.

[0087] In this case, the inlet 3 is defined in the region of the forming device 1 in which the sheet 2 starts to advance inside the forming device 1 after being unwound from the reel 4 .

[0088] In the forming device 1, an outlet 6 may also be defined through which objects formed in the forming device 1 can leave the forming device 1. For example, the outlet 6 may be defined at a not shown outfeed conveyor that moves the formed objects away from the forming device 1.

[0089] The inlet 3 and the outlet 6 are connected to each other by a path 7 along which the natural fiber-based substance moves to be transferred from the inlet 3 to the outlet 6 .

[0090] More specifically, the natural fiber-based material moves along the path 7 in an advancement direction F, which may vary in different areas of the path 7 .

[0091] In the example shown, the path 7 comprises a first straight portion followed by a second curved portion, in particular having the shape of an arc of a circle. However, other geometries of the path 7 are possible.

[0092] The forming apparatus 1 comprises a cutting unit 8 positioned at a cutting position P along the path 7 .

[0093] The cutting unit 8 is configured to cut from the sheet 2 a plurality of doses 9 , each dose corresponding to an object to be formed, in the sense that an object is formed from each dose 9 .

[0094] Each dose 9 can thus be defined as a blank, that is to say a semi-finished product intended to be subsequently processed to obtain an object.

[0095] Each dose 9 is made up of a fixed amount of natural fiber-based material. In other words, each dose 9 corresponds to the mass of the natural fiber-based material that can form a single object.

[0096] In the example shown, each dose 9 has a cylindrical shape. More specifically, each dose 9 is shaped like a disk with a base diameter much larger than its height. However, this is not required, and in embodiments not shown, the dose 9 may have a non-cylindrical shape.

[0097] The cutting unit 8 may include a cutting block 11 operating with a base 12 .

[0098] In the example shown, the sheet 2 is moved forward through the cutting unit 8 while the sheet 2 lies in a substantially horizontal plane.

[0099] The cutting block 11 may be positioned above the base 12, but this is not required.

[0100] The cutting block 11 and the base 12 can be moved relative to each other in a direction that is arranged transversely (e.g., vertically) relative to the plane of the sheet 2. In the example shown, the cutting block 11 and the base 12 can be moved relative to each other in a vertical direction. However, this is not required, and in an embodiment not shown, the cutting block 11 and the base 12 can be moved relative to each other in a non-vertical direction depending on the orientation of the sheet 2.

[0101] More specifically, the base 12 may be positioned in a fixed position, while the cutting block 11 may be moved, for example in a vertical direction, towards or away from the base 12 .

[0102] The cutting block 11 is provided with at least one cutting element, such as a blade, for cutting the doses 9 from the sheet 2. The cutting element may comprise a cutting die.

[0103] In the example shown, the cutting block 11 is provided with a plurality of cutting elements for obtaining a plurality of doses 9 from the sheet 2 simultaneously.

[0104] The base 12 may have one or more grooves in which the cutting elements of the cutting block 11 engage. Alternatively, the base 12 may have further cutting elements that operate together with the cutting elements of the cutting block 11. The base 12 may also be defined by a flat surface facing the cutting block 11, for example made of a yielding material such as an elastomeric material.

[0105] In the example shown, the cutting unit 8 simultaneously produces a plurality of doses 9 from the sheet 2. For example, obtained from the sheet 2 in a single cutting step are one or more rows comprising a plurality of doses 9, these rows being positioned perpendicular to the direction of advance F. In the example shown, each time the cutting block 11 interacts with the sheet 2, at least one row comprising four doses 9, which is positioned perpendicular to the direction of advance F, is obtained.

[0106] Downstream of the cutting unit 8 , not shown alignment means may be provided for aligning the doses 9 belonging to the same row one after the other in a single row 13 in which the doses 9 are arranged one after the other in the advancement direction F.

[0107] In an alternative embodiment not shown, a sheet 2 may be used having a width measured perpendicular to the advancement direction F that is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter or transverse dimension of the doses 9. In this case, the doses 9 cut by the cutting block 11 are already arranged in a single row 13 along the advancement direction F.

[0108] The forming device 1 also includes a removal device (not shown) for moving the remaining sheet material, i.e. the waste of the sheet material 2, i.e. the sheet material from which the dose 9 has been removed, away from the cutting unit 8. In the example shown, the remaining sheet material comprises a sheet material web having a plurality of holes. At each hole, a dose 9 is separated from the sheet material 2.

[0109] The removal device may comprise a winding element, such as a roller, for winding the remaining sheet material onto an empty reel, not shown.

[0110] The pressing unit 14 is positioned downstream of the cutting unit 8. In the example shown, the pressing unit 14 is configured similarly to a molding carousel 15. The molding carousel 15 can rotate about a rotation axis Z, which in the example shown is vertically positioned. However, this is not essential, and in alternative embodiments, the molding carousel 15 can rotate about a rotation axis that is horizontally positioned or positioned according to an inclined orientation.

[0111] The pressing unit 14 is arranged at a position between the cutting unit 8 and the outlet 6 .

[0112] The pressing unit 14 comprises a plurality of moulds 16, each of which comprises a first mould half 17 and a second mould half 18 aligned with each other along a moulding axis D. Figure 1 1 and 2. In FIG, only the moulding axis D of one mould 16 is shown. The moulding axis D can be arranged vertically, but this is not essential.

[0113] The moulding axis D is the axis passing through the central area of ​​the object to be formed by the interaction of the first mould half 17 and the second mould half 18. This does not mean that the object formed is axisymmetric.

[0114] In the example shown, the first mold half 17 is a lower mold half, and the second mold half 18 is an upper mold half arranged above the first mold half 17 .

[0115] In the example shown, the first mold half 17 is a female mold half comprising a cavity 60 in which the dose 9 can be received. The second mold half 18 is a male mold half comprising a punch adapted to enter the cavity 60 to press the dose 9 and obtain the object.

[0116] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the first mold half 17 can be a male mold half located below the second mold half 18, in which case the second mold half 18 is a female mold half. In this embodiment, the dose 9 can be released on the male mold half.

[0117] The first and second mold halves 17 , 18 can be moved toward each other along a molding direction D1 parallel to the molding axis D to compress the dose 9 , or away from each other to remove the formed object from the mold and allow a new dose 9 to be inserted between the first and second mold halves 17 , 18 .

[0118] To this end, the pressing unit may comprise an actuating device, which may be, for example, a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuator. A mechanical actuator, such as a cam, may also be provided.

[0119] The actuating device may be associated with the first mold half 17, which moves along the molding direction D1, while the second mold half 18 remains fixed in position along the molding direction D1. Alternatively, the actuating device may be associated with the second mold half 18, which moves along the molding direction D1, while the first mold half 17 remains axially fixed. The actuating device may also act on both the first mold half 17 and the second mold half 18.

[0120] If the pressing unit 14 comprises a moulding carousel 15 , the moulds 16 are mounted in the peripheral region of the moulding carousel 15 , for example in angularly equidistant positions around the axis of rotation Z.

[0121] More specifically, the molding turntable 15 may include a first support member 19, for example, having a circular shape, supporting the first mold half 17, and a second support member 20, for example, having a circular shape, supporting the second mold half 18. The first support member 19 and the second support member 20 may be fixed relative to each other so that each first mold half 17 is aligned with the corresponding second mold half 18 along the corresponding molding direction D1.

[0122] If the pressing unit 14 comprises a moulding carousel 15 , during the rotation of the moulding carousel 15 about the axis of rotation Z, the mould 16 can be moved along a circular trajectory.

[0123] As the molds 16 move along a circular trajectory, each mold 16 moves from an open position to a closed position. In the open position, the first mold half 17 and the second mold half 18 are spaced apart from each other, allowing a dose 9 of a natural fiber-based substance to be inserted between the first mold half 17 and the second mold half 18. The dose 9 can be released onto the mold half in the lower position, for example, the first mold half 17. In the open position, it is also possible to remove a recently formed object from the mold 16, for example, while the object remains attached to the second mold half 18.

[0124] The closed position can be defined as a forming position since in the closed position the first and second mold halves 17, 18 are close to each other and are configured such that a forming chamber is defined between them having a shape corresponding to the shape of the object to be obtained.

[0125] In this way, an object is formed by pressing or compression molding the dose 9 .

[0126] When the natural fiber-based material is pressed or compression molded in the mold 16, a pressure of more than 200 bar is applied to the material. The natural fiber-based material is heated until it reaches a temperature in the range of 150-200° C. The heating of the natural fiber-based material can take place in the mold 16, and / or upstream of the mold 16, so that the natural fiber-based material arriving at the mold 16 is already at the desired temperature.

[0127] When the mold 16 has been held in the closed position for a time sufficient to form the object, the first mold half 17 and the second mold half 18 are moved away from each other to bring the mold 16 into the open position.

[0128] exist Figure 1 In FIG, the die 16 is shown schematically without the associated punch, so that it is not possible to distinguish between the die 16 in the closed position and the die in the open position.

[0129] The pressing unit 15 defines a forming area 31 of the forming apparatus 1. Figure 1In the example shown, in the forming area 31 there are a plurality of moulds 16 , each comprising a first mould half 17 and a second mould half 18 which are aligned along a moulding direction D1 and can be moved relative to each other along the moulding direction D1 to form the object.

[0130] The cutting position P is located at a distance from the shaping area 31 , in particular is arranged upstream of the shaping area 31 along the path 7 .

[0131] In this way, interference between the cutting unit 8 and the pressing unit 14 can be avoided. In particular, the remaining sheet separated from the dose 9 can be moved away from the cutting unit 8 without interfering with the pressing unit 14.

[0132] In an embodiment not shown, the pressing unit 14 may include a plurality of dies 16 that can move along a closed path having a non-circular shape, similar to Figure 1 The mold 16 is shown.

[0133] In another alternative embodiment, the pressing unit 14 may include a single die 16 arranged in a fixed position.

[0134] The forming apparatus 1 further comprises a conveying device 21 for conveying the doses 9 coming from the cutting unit 8 towards the pressing unit 14 .

[0135] The conveying unit 21 may be shaped similarly to the conveying carousel 22 and may be rotatable about an axis Z1 , which may be parallel to the rotation axis of the molding carousel 15 , for example vertical.

[0136] The conveying device 21 may comprise a plurality of conveying elements that are movable along a closed path. If the conveying device 21 comprises a conveying carousel 22, the conveying elements may be movable along a circular path.

[0137] Each delivery element is configured to receive a dose 9 separated from the sheet 2 and to deliver the dose 9 to the mould 16. In particular, the delivery element is configured to be inserted between the first mould half 17 and the second mould half 18 in order to release the dose 9 into the mould 16.

[0138] During delivery, the dose 9 may remain associated with the corresponding delivery element due to mechanical means, pneumatic means or a combination thereof.

[0139] During operation, a sheet 2 is unwound from a reel 4 and enters the forming apparatus 1 through an inlet 3. The sheet 2 moves forward along a path 7 in an advancing direction F and reaches a cutting unit 8 located at a cutting position P. In particular, the sheet 2 can be indexed along the path 7 so as to stop at the cutting position P when the cutting unit 8 cuts the sheet 2. In an alternative embodiment, the sheet 2 can be continuously advanced along the path P.

[0140] The doses 9 produced by the cutting unit 8 are delivered to a conveying device 21 , for example after having been arranged in a single row 13 .

[0141] At the same time, the remaining sheet separated from the dose 9 is moved away from the cutting position P and wound onto an empty reel so that it can be disposed of subsequently.

[0142] Each delivery element of the delivery device 21 collects a dose 9 and delivers it toward the corresponding mold 16. When the delivery element reaches a position where it is inserted between the first mold half 17 and the second mold half 18, it releases the dose 9, which is then delivered to the mold 16. This can occur due to gravity and / or mechanical and / or pneumatic means included in the delivery element. In the example shown, the delivery element releases the dose 9 into the cavity 60 formed in the first mold half 17 below. In an alternative embodiment, if the first mold half 17 comprises a male mold half, the delivery element can release the dose 9 onto the upper surface of a punch included in the first mold half 17.

[0143] When the mould 16 is in the open position, the dose 9 is inserted into the mould 16. When the mould 16 is in the open position, it is also possible to remove the formed object from the mould 16 and move it away from the forming device 1 through the outlet 6.

[0144] After receiving the dose 9, the mold 16 is brought into a closed position so that the dose 9 can be formed between the first and second mold halves 17, 18 to obtain the desired object. After forming the object, the mold 16 can be returned to an open position to remove the formed object and receive a new dose 9.

[0145] exist Figure 1 In the forming apparatus 1 shown, the cutting unit 8 operates intermittently, as the sheet 2 is indexed along the advancement direction F and the cutting elements of the cutting unit 8 interact with the sheet 2 to cut the dose 9 while the sheet 2 is stationary at the cutting position P.

[0146] In contrast, the pressing unit 14 operates continuously, since the molding carousel 15 rotates continuously and during the rotation of the molding carousel 15 each mold 16 performs a forming cycle.

[0147] Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of a forming device 101 is shown, in which the doses 9 are produced by intermittently cutting the sheet 2 and in which the objects are also formed intermittently.

[0148] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of Figure 1 Components described are denoted by the same reference numerals already used and are not described again in detail.

[0149] The device 101 comprises an inlet 3 for the sheet 2 and an outlet 6 for a plurality of objects 10 formed starting from a dose 9. The inlet 3 and the outlet 6 are connected by a path 7 which, in the example shown, comprises a plurality of straight segments.

[0150] The device 101 includes a base 23 that supports the components of the device 101 .

[0151] A reel 4 may be mounted on the apparatus 101, on which the sheet 2 is wound. An unwinding device, not shown, allows the sheet 2 to be unwound from the reel 4 so that the sheet 2 passes through a cutting unit 8 positioned at a cutting position P along a path 7.

[0152] The sheet is unwound along the feeding direction S.

[0153] Figure 2 The cutting unit 8 shown is similar to Figure 1 The cutting unit 8 is shown and comprises a cutting block supporting a plurality of cutting elements for simultaneously obtaining a plurality of doses 9 on the sheet 2. In the example shown, the cutting unit 8 is configured to obtain a plurality of rows 26 of doses 9 on the sheet 2 in a single cutting operation. Each row 26 comprises a plurality of doses 9, for example six doses 9.

[0154] Each row of 26 doses 9 extends parallel to the feeding direction S.

[0155] The arrangement of the doses 9 in the rows 26 is chosen so as to minimize sheet 2 waste, ie the remnants of the sheet 2 remaining after the doses 9 have been cut.

[0156] For example, the doses 9 of a row 26 may be cut so that each dose 9 has at least one contact point with an adjacent dose 9 in the same row 26 , or in any case so that each dose 9 of a row 26 is as close as possible to an adjacent dose 9 of the same row 26 .

[0157] The rows 26 of doses 9 may be offset from one another so that one dose 9 of one row 26 is partially housed in a hollow defined between two consecutive doses 9 of an adjacent row 26 in plan view.

[0158] When the dose 9 has a substantially circular shape in plan view (as in the example shown), this arrangement is particularly effective for saving sheet material 2. For doses 9 having a shape in plan view other than a circular shape, other arrangements are possible.

[0159] In one embodiment not shown, the cutting unit 8 can be configured to obtain a single row 26 of doses 9 from the sheet 2. In this case, the sheet 2 has a width measured transversely to the feeding direction S that is slightly greater than or equal to the transverse dimension of the doses 9, for example the diameter of the doses 9 seen in plan view.

[0160] After the doses 9 have been separated from the sheet 2 in the cutting unit 8, a plurality of holes are left on it at the locations where the doses 9 were removed (not in the Figure 2 The remaining sheet 2 (shown in FIG) is wound on an empty reel 24.

[0161] The apparatus 101 further comprises a pressing unit 114 positioned downstream of the cutting unit 8 along the path 7. The pressing unit 114 may comprise a press 115 comprising a press Figure 2 The lower plate (not visible in the figure) is combined with the upper plate 25 in operation. The pressing unit 114 includes at least one mold 116. In the example shown, the pressing unit 114 includes a plurality of molds 116, each mold including a first mold half fixed to the lower plate and a second mold half fixed to the upper plate 25. Each first mold half is aligned with the corresponding second mold half along a molding direction, which in the example shown is perpendicular to the molding direction. Figure 2 plane.

[0162] The first mold half may, for example, be a female mold half and the second mold half may be a male mold half.

[0163] At least one plate selected from the lower plate and the upper plate 25 is movable relative to the other plate selected from the upper plate 25 and the lower plate in parallel with the molding direction. Due to this movement, the mold 116 can move between an open position and a closed position. More specifically, depending on the relative position of the lower plate and the upper plate 25, all molds 16 are simultaneously in the same position, for example, in an open position or in a closed position.

[0164] In the example shown, the dies 116 are positioned side by side in a row 27. This row 27 may comprise a number of dies 116 corresponding to the number of doses 9 belonging to a row 26 of doses 9 cut simultaneously on the sheet 2 in the cutting unit 8.

[0165] In the example shown of cutting a plurality of rows 26 of doses 9 in the cutting unit 8 , each row comprising six doses 9 , the row 27 comprises six dies 116 placed side by side.

[0166] The row 27 of dies is rectilinear and may be parallel to the feeding direction S, that is to say to the rows 26 of doses 9. The device 101 comprises a conveying device 121 for conveying the doses 9 from the cutting unit 8 to the pressing unit 114. Figure 2 Schematically shown as a rectangle.

[0167] The delivery device 121 may comprise a plurality of delivery elements, each of which comprises, for example, an arm and / or a suction cup and / or a prong or other elements. Each delivery element is configured to engage with a dose 9 in the cutting unit 8 and bring the dose 9 to a corresponding die 116, into which the dose 9 is released.

[0168] The dies 116 positioned along the row 27 may be positioned at a pitch (i.e. the distance between their centers) that is greater than the pitch of the doses 9 in the row 26 of doses 9 that have just been cut in the cutting unit 8. This may be due to the size of the dies 116 and / or the size of the opening / closing device coupled to the dies 116.

[0169] In order to correctly position the doses 9 in the dies 116 , the conveying device 121 can act as a bifurcating device that increases the distance between two adjacent doses 9 from an initial value to a final value. The initial value corresponds to the spacing between two doses 9 provided in the cutting position P, once the doses 9 have been cut by the cutting elements of the cutting unit 8 . The final value corresponds to the distance between two adjacent doses 9 when the doses 9 are inserted into the corresponding dies 116 , that is, to the spacing or distance between two consecutive dies 116 in a row 27 .

[0170] The conveying elements included in the conveying device 121 can be configured to convey the doses 9 along corresponding trajectories T (e.g., straight trajectories) that fan out from a row 26 of doses 9 in the cutting unit 8. In other words, the trajectories T can be divergent, that is, they diverge from the cutting unit 8 towards the pressing unit 114. In this way, the conveying device 121 acts similar to a bifurcating device.

[0171] The spacing or increase in distance that exists between two consecutive doses 9 displaced from the cutting unit 8 toward the pressing unit 114 depends on the type of object 10 to be formed and the shape and structure of the mold 116. For some objects 10 with particularly simple geometries that can be formed inside the mold without complex mechanisms, an increase in spacing may not be necessary. Therefore, in this case, there is no fork device, but rather a simple conveying device that conveys the doses 9 from the cutting unit 8 to the pressing unit 116 without affecting their distance.

[0172] Regardless of whether the delivery device 121 acts as a bifurcating device and regardless of whether it delivers the doses 9 without changing the distance of the doses 9 from one another, the delivery device 121 is configured to deliver the doses 9 along a path extending transversely to the feeding direction S.

[0173] The apparatus 101 further comprises an extraction device 28 for extracting the object 10 formed by the compressed dose 9 from the mold 116. Figure 2 There may also be an outfeed conveyor 29 positioned downstream of the take-out device 28 for transporting the objects 10 away from the forming apparatus 101, for example comprising a conveyor belt.

[0174] The outgoing conveyor 29 may comprise a conveyor belt that transports the objects 10 along an outgoing direction U that is parallel to the ingoing direction S, but optionally in an opposite direction thereto.

[0175] The take-out device 28 may include one or more take-out elements, not shown, positioned for picking up the objects 10 from the mold 116 and for placing the objects 10 on the outfeed conveyor 29 .

[0176] In one embodiment, each extraction element may comprise an arm. The arms of the extraction device 28 may coincide with the arms that transport the dose 9 from the cutting unit 4 to the pressing unit 114. In this case, a single manipulator, for example comprising one or more arms, serves both as a transport device for transporting the dose 9 into the mold 116 and as an extraction device for removing the object 10 from the mold 116.

[0177] The forming apparatus 101 allows good productivity to be achieved without complicating the mold 116 and by minimizing the amount of remaining sheet 2 (ie, sheet 2 waste).

[0178] Figure 3 A forming apparatus 201 according to another alternative embodiment is shown, which differs from Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiment shown in FIG is primarily because the operations for cutting the dose 9 and for forming the object occur continuously. To this end, the forming device 201 comprises a forming device 201 positioned at a cutting position P and Figure 4 The rotary cutting unit 208 is more visible in FIG. The cutting unit 208 comprises a cutting roller 30 which is continuously rotatable about its own longitudinal axis, which in the example shown is oriented horizontally.

[0179] On the cylindrical side surface of the cutting roller 30 there are one or more cutting members 33 shaped like protrusions or blades protruding outwardly from the cylindrical side surface in order to penetrate the sheet 2 and cut it in order to obtain a dose 9 therefrom.

[0180] The cutting unit 208 may further comprise a guiding arrangement 32 for guiding the sheet 2 and keeping the sheet 2 taut as it interacts with the cutting roller 30 .

[0181] A guide device 32 may be positioned below the cutting roller 30 .

[0182] The guiding device 32 may include two side guides 34 for guiding the sheet 2 along the feeding direction S, along which the sheet 2 moves forward toward the cutting unit 208 after being unwound from the reel 4 .

[0183] The side guides 34 allow the sheet 2 to remain centered relative to the cutting member 33 provided on the cutting roller 30 .

[0184] The side guides 34 may have respective converging initial sections 35 so that the sheet 2 can be inserted more easily between the side guides 34 .

[0185] The guide device 32 may further include two pairs of rollers 36. One pair of rollers 36 is positioned upstream of the cutting roller 30, while the other pair of rollers 36 is positioned downstream of the cutting roller 30. Each pair of rollers 36 includes a lower roller positioned below the sheet 2 and an upper roller positioned above the sheet 2, such that the sheet 2 passes between the lower roller and the upper roller of each pair of rollers 36.

[0186] The paired rollers 36 have a conveying function and move the sheet 2 forward in the advancing direction F.

[0187] The pair of rollers 36 also allows the sheet 2 to remain stretched, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming in the sheet 2 .

[0188] There may also be a support surface 37 for supporting the sheet 2 as it interacts with the cutting roller 30. The support surface 37 also helps to maintain the sheet 2 in an extended and undeformed configuration.

[0189] A support surface 37 may extend downstream of the cutting roller 30 for supporting the dose 9 after it has been cut from the sheet 2 .

[0190] The guiding device 32 may also comprise a covering element 64 which may be positioned above the sheet 2 so as to define, together with the support surface 37 and the lateral guides 34 , a closed channel within which the sheet 2 passes upstream of the cutting roller 30 .

[0191] The covering element 64 has an opening 65 at least at the cutting roller 30 so that the sheet 2 can access the cutting member 33. The opening 65 can continue downstream of the cutting roller 30.

[0192] Since the cutting roller 30 rotates continuously, the doses 9 are separated continuously from the sheet 2 .

[0193] In the example shown, the width of the sheet 2 is slightly greater than the greatest transverse dimension of the doses 9, that is to say, in the example shown, slightly greater than the diameter in plan of the doses 9. In this way, in the example shown, a single row of doses 9 is cut from the sheet 2.

[0194] In an embodiment not shown, the sheet 2 may have a width measured perpendicular to the feeding direction S which is greater than Figure 3 and Figure 4 The width shown in , makes it possible to cut multiple rows of doses 9 from the sheet 2 simultaneously.

[0195] The remaining sheet 2 (ie the sheet 2 after the dose 9 has been separated therefrom) is wound onto an empty reel 24 so that it can be disposed of subsequently.

[0196] A suction device 68 may be provided downstream of the cutting unit 208 for keeping the remaining sheet material 2 separated from the dose 9 adhered to the support surface 37 while it is being conveyed towards the empty reel 24 .

[0197] Downstream of the cutting unit 208 there is a pressing unit 14 which, in the example shown, comprises a similar Figure 1 The molded turntable 15 shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the molding turntable 15 is shown very schematically. However, it should be understood that the molding turntable 15 comprises a plurality of molds distributed along its periphery, each mold comprising a first mold half (e.g., a female mold portion) and a second mold half (e.g., a male mold portion) aligned with each other along the molding direction. As previously described with reference to Figure 1 As described, the first and second mold halves are movable between an open position and a closed position so that, during the rotation of the molding carousel 15, each mold passes from the open position to the closed position and back to the open position in order to receive the dose 9 to form the object and to allow the formed object to be removed from the mold.

[0198] The moulding carousel 15 is continuously rotatable about its own axis of rotation Z. The pressing of the doses 9 to obtain the objects thus takes place continuously.

[0199] The forming device 201 further comprises a conveying device 221 for conveying the doses 9 from the cutting unit 208 towards the pressing unit 14. Figure 4 It is schematically shown in FIG.

[0200] In the example shown, the delivery device 221 is of the rotary type and comprises at least one arm 66 to which is connected a delivery element 67 for picking up the dose 9 from the support surface 37 and delivering the dose 9 to the die. In the example shown, there are diametrically opposed arms 66. At one end of each arm 66 is mounted a delivery element 67 which may comprise a pointed member, a piercing surface through which air is sucked and / or blown, a gripping element, etc.

[0201] During operation, the sheet 2 is continuously unwound from the reel 4 and conveyed in the feed direction S until it reaches the cutting unit 208. Here, the cutting roller 30, which rotates continuously about its own longitudinal axis, interacts with the sheet 2 and cuts the doses 9 along their respective peripheries. The doses 9 are then conveyed to the mold by the conveying device 221 so that they can be pressed to obtain the desired object through a continuous forming process. In contrast, the remaining sheet 2 is wound onto the empty reel 24 so that it can be disposed of and, hopefully, recycled.

[0202] In an alternative embodiment, in any of the above figures, the delivery means for delivering the dose from the cutting location to the shaping area may comprise a robotic arm.

[0203] In the above examples, reference is always made to a sheet material 2 in the form of a continuous web unwound from a reel 4 .

[0204] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the sheet 2 may enter the forming device 1 in the form of separate pieces of the desired length.

[0205] In an alternative embodiment, the cutting unit may comprise a laser cutting device, wherein for example a laser beam is moved along a predetermined path corresponding to the perimeter of the dose.

[0206] There may also be a cutting unit comprising a water jet cutting device for separating the doses from the sheet.

[0207] In one embodiment, one or more additives, for example in liquid form, may be added to the natural fiber-based material in order to improve the properties of the formed object, such as resistance to water, grease or gas.

[0208] The additive can be applied to the sheet before the dose is cut, in particular upstream of the cutting unit. The additive can also be added in the cutting unit, that is to say when the dose is separated from the sheet.

[0209] Alternatively, the additive may be applied to the dose after it has been separated from the sheet, ie downstream of the cutting unit.

[0210] Thus, there may be an application device, such as a sprayer, positioned anywhere between the inlet for the sheet material and the pressing unit for applying one or more additives to the natural fiber based substance.

[0211] In one embodiment, downstream of the molding unit, there may be a heat treatment device and / or a radiation application device configured to subject the formed object to a heat treatment, in particular heating to a predetermined temperature, and / or applying radiation to the formed object. The purpose of the heat treatment or radiation is to fix the additives previously added to the natural fiber-based material and to activate them.

[0212] In one embodiment applicable to all forming devices described herein, there may be a pre-forming step for performing a preliminary forming of the dose 9 before it is pressed in a pressing unit to obtain the desired object.

[0213] More specifically, a preforming operation can be performed on the dose 9, which gives it a concave shape that does not yet conform to the final shape of the object being formed. This makes it easier to insert the dose into the mold and makes stretching and deformation of the material of the dose more gradual and less critical.

[0214] The pre-shaping step can be performed in the cutting unit, where a cutting element or cutting member disposed therein can deform the dose as it is cut. Alternatively, the pre-shaping step can be performed downstream of the cutting unit, before the dose is inserted into the mold. For example, a delivery element that delivers the dose can apply a force sufficient to deform the dose upon engagement with it, thereby imparting a preliminary concave shape to it.

[0215] As an alternative or in addition to the preforming step, the dose may be subjected to a localized compression operation, for example in order to define one or more, for example linear or punctate, regions in the dose, in which the material of the dose is deformed by compressing the dose. This may be done to promote deformation of the natural fiber-based material when the dose is compressed in the pressing unit, since the material tends to bend in the most compressed regions.

[0216] A local compression operation can even be performed in or downstream of the cutting unit before the dose is inserted into the mould, for example when the dose is transported from the cutting unit to the pressing unit.

[0217] Figures 5 to 10 An example of a mould 16 is shown which can be used to obtain an object from a dose formed from a natural fibre-based substance. In the example shown, the object has a concave shape and comprises a cup-shaped body.

[0218] The mold 16 comprises a first mold half 17, which in the example shown is a female mold portion 44. The mold 16 also comprises a second mold half 18, which in the example shown is a male mold portion 45. The first mold half 17 and the second mold half 18 are aligned along a molding axis D and are movable relative to each other along a molding direction D1 parallel to the molding axis D.

[0219] The mold 16 has a shaping region 46 in which the dose 9 is shaped to obtain the object. The volume of the shaping region 46 can gradually decrease from the moment the shaping region 46 receives the dose 9 to the moment the object is obtained. The shaping region 46 is thus a shaping region of variable volume.

[0220] The concave portion 44 comprises a plurality of segments 47 , for example four segments 47 , adapted to define a side surface of the shaped area 46 .

[0221] Each segment 47 is in contact with two adjacent segments 47 .

[0222] The sections 47 are in slidable contact with transverse elements 48 which define a transverse surface of the forming area 46 , that is to say a surface of the forming area 46 which extends transversely to the moulding direction D1 .

[0223] In particular, the section 47 is slidable to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The initial position shown goes to Figure 9 and Figure 10 Final position shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 An intermediate position is shown which the segment 47 reaches between the initial position and the final position.

[0224] The segments 47 can be moved under the action of one or more external actuators. In particular, each segment 47 can be moved due to the force exerted thereon by the corresponding external actuator and simultaneously due to the force exerted thereon by the adjacent segments 47.

[0225] In one embodiment, each segment 47 is connected to a corresponding external actuator, which may be mechanical, hydraulic, electric, pneumatic or other type, which moves the segment 47 along the first thrust direction toward the center area of ​​the forming area 46. For example, consider Figure 6 The first thrust direction is indicated by G1 for the segments 47 shown at the bottom. Each segment 47 is also moved by the adjacent segments 47 along a second thrust direction positioned transverse to the first thrust direction toward the center of the forming area 46. Figure 6 The second thrust direction is indicated by G2 in the segment 47 shown at the bottom. In the example shown, where there are four segments 47, the first thrust direction is perpendicular to the second thrust direction. The arrangement of the first and second thrust directions relative to each other can vary depending on the number of segments 47 present in the mold 16.

[0226] Depending on the combination of forces acting on each segment 47 directed along the first thrust direction and along the second thrust direction, respectively, each segment 47 moves along a movement line that is angled relative to the first thrust direction and relative to the second thrust direction toward the central area of ​​the forming area 46. In the example shown in which there are four segments 47, each segment 47 moves along a movement line that is angled at 45° relative to the first thrust direction and the second thrust direction toward the central area of ​​the forming area 46.

[0227] In this way, the segments 47 are simultaneously moved towards the central area of ​​the shaped area 46 to form the object, a movement similar to the closing movement of the part constituting the diaphragm of a camera.

[0228] The male portion 45 comprises a punch 49 extending along the moulding axis D and positioned to enter the forming zone 46 in order to form the object from the inside.

[0229] On the outside of the punch 49 there is a tubular element 50 relative to which the punch 49 can slide.

[0230] The actuation means allows the female and male portions 44 , 45 to move relative to each other so that the female and male portions 44 , 45 move towards each other to form an object, or they move away from each other to allow the formed object to be removed from the mold 16 .

[0231] During operation, the concave portion 44 and the convex portion 45 are initially located at a distance from each other, in which position the dose 9 is inserted into the shaped area 46 .

[0232] The sectors 47 are positioned in an initial position in which they define an enlarged configuration C1 of the shaped area 46. The sectors 47 thus delimit a shaped area 46 of relatively large volume, capable of receiving the natural fiber-based substance constituting the dose 9, which has a relatively low density and therefore occupies a large amount of space.

[0233] The female portion 44 and the male portion 45 move towards each other until the tubular element 50 comes to rest against the section 47, as shown. Figure 5 When this occurs, a closed forming chamber 51 is defined between the concave portion 44 and the convex portion 45, the volume of which is much greater than the final volume of the object.

[0234] The punch 49 is initially in a return position in which it does not protrude from the tubular element 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 shown.

[0235] The punch 49 then enters the forming zone 46 and moves towards the transverse element 48 until it is positioned at a distance therefrom which is substantially equal to the thickness of the end wall 52 of the object, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown.

[0236] In this way, the natural fiber-based substance constituting the dose 9 is compressed into the end wall 52 .

[0237] The segments 47 which until this moment were in the first position corresponding to the enlarged configuration C1 of the shaped area 46 now begin to move towards each other. In this way, the Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second position of the segment 47 is shown, which corresponds to the final configuration C2 of the forming chamber 51. In this configuration, the segment 47 is positioned at a distance from the punch 49 that corresponds to the thickness of the side wall 53 of the object. In this way, the side wall 53 is compressed due to the interaction between the segment 47 and the side parts of the punch 49.

[0238] The free edge 54 of the side wall 53 is formed as a result of the interaction between the dose 9 and a surface portion of the tubular element 50 .

[0239] The object formed in this way can now be removed from the mold.

[0240] In an alternative embodiment, the die 16 may be moved from the position indicated above, even by following a different sequence of movements than described above, for example by moving the punch 49 towards the transverse element 48 before or even simultaneously with the movement of the section 47. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The initial position shown goes to Figure 9 and Figure 10 Final position shown.

[0241] The mould 16 allows obtaining a high degree of compaction of the natural fibre-based substance.

[0242] Due to the movement of the segments 47 towards the punch 49 and due to the punch 49 and the transverse element 48 being movable towards each other, an isostatic compression can be performed, wherein the compressive forces are applied to the natural fiber based substance in a substantially uniform manner along different lines.

[0243] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Shown Figures 5 to 10 Visible in the drawing is the concave portion 44 of the die 16 into which the dose 9 is inserted, the dose having a substantially cylindrical shape, in particular the shape of a cylinder having a height less than the diameter of the base.

[0244] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 In FIG. 4 , the segments 47 are positioned in an initial position in which they define an enlarged configuration C1 of the shaped region 46 .

[0245] The maximum transverse dimension W of the dose 9 is smaller than the minimum transverse dimension W1 of the shaped area 46 in the enlarged configuration C1 .

[0246] In the example shown, in plan view, the maximum transverse dimension W is the diameter of the dose 9. In plan view and in the enlarged configuration C1 , the minimum transverse dimension W1 is the minimum distance between opposite side surfaces of the shaped region 46.

[0247] Since the maximum transverse dimension W of the dose 9 is smaller than the minimum transverse dimension W1 of the shaped area 46 , the dose 9 can enter the shaped area 46 until it comes into contact with the transverse element 48 and can rest on the transverse element 48 without interfering with the segment 47 , in particular without contacting it.

[0248] Thus, the dose 9 can be completely received in the shaped area 46 in the enlarged configuration C1 without being deformed prematurely. Furthermore, the risk of waste material due to parts of the dose 9 remaining outside the shaped area 46 is substantially eliminated.

[0249] The dose 9 is then compressed due to the movement of the sectors 47 and the interaction between the concave portion 44 and the convex portion 45 to obtain the desired object.

[0250] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The female portion 44 of the mold 16 is shown having just received the shape of the Figure 11 and Figure 12 The shape of the dose 9 shown in FIG. 3 is different from that of the dose 309. More specifically, the dose 309 has the shape of a parallelepiped. In the example shown, the dose 309 has the shape of a parallelepiped, the height of which is smaller than the dimensions of the base, that is, smaller than the length and width of the base, which may even be equal to each other.

[0251] The transverse dimensions of the dose 309 (i.e., the length L1 and the width L2 of the associated bottom) are greater than the minimum transverse dimension W1 of the shaped area 46 in the expanded configuration C1. Thus, when the dose 309 is released between the concave portion 44 and the convex portion 45 of the mold 16, the dose 309 rests on the upper surface 55 of the segment 47 at a distance from the transverse element 48 that defines the bottom of the shaped area 46.

[0252] The natural fiber-based substance constituting the dose 309 then enters the forming zone 46 to be compressed and produce the desired object, thanks to the interaction with the convex portion of the mold 16 .

[0253] Dose 309 is particularly easy to obtain because it can be manufactured by simply cutting the sheet without generating waste material.

[0254] On the other hand, when using a parallelepiped-shaped dose 309, it may be necessary to act on the molded object to remove any waste material, depending on the shape of the object.

[0255] In general, the doses processed in any forming apparatus or mold described herein can have any desired shape. More specifically, in addition to having a circular or quadrilateral shape in plan view as previously described, the doses can generally have a polygonal shape in plan view, such as a hexagon or pentagon.

[0256] Figure 15 and Figure 16 A first mold half is shown, which in the example shown is a female mold half or mold portion 144 according to an alternative embodiment. The female portion 144 comprises Figures 5 to 10The segments 47 described are similar to a plurality of segments 147 , which are movable as already described with reference to the segments 47 .

[0257] Figure 15 and Figure 16 The sectors 147 shown in FIG differ from the sectors 47 mainly in that, in their upper region, they are provided with a step 56. As a whole, the step 56 of the sector 147 defines a receiving space 57 intended to temporarily receive a dose 9 when it is released into the mould and then to be compressed due to the interaction between the female part 144 and the corresponding male part or male mould half.

[0258] The receiving space 57 is delimited by a contact surface 58 positioned transversely to the molding direction D1, that is to say transversely to the molding axis D parallel to the molding direction D1. In particular, the contact surface 58 may be positioned perpendicular to the molding direction D1.

[0259] In the illustrated example where the molding direction D1 is substantially vertical, the contact surface 58 may be substantially horizontal.

[0260] The contact surface 58 is positioned to receive the dose 9 , which rests thereon, when the dose is released into the mould.

[0261] The receiving space 57 is further delimited by a limiting surface 59 that extends transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to the contact surface 58. In the example shown, the limiting surface 59 is substantially vertical. As will be described in more detail below, the limiting surface 59 is intended to laterally limit the dose 9. The limiting surface 59 and the contact surface 58 together define a step 56.

[0262] The female part 144 has a cavity 60 for forming an object starting from the dose 9. In the example shown where the female part 144 is positioned below the male part, the cavity 60 is open upwards and is delimited by a bottom surface 61. The bottom surface 61 extends transversely to the moulding direction D1.

[0263] The receiving space 57 is positioned above the cavity 60 .

[0264] The contact surface 58 is at a distance from the bottom surface 61 .

[0265] In plan view, the receiving space 57 has a shape similar to the shape of the dose 9 .

[0266] In the example shown where the dose 9 has a cylindrical shape with a height smaller than the base diameter, the receiving space 57 has a circular shape in plan view, at least when the section 147 is positioned in the first position corresponding to the enlarged configuration C1 of the shaped area 46 .

[0267] If the shape of the dose 9 in plan view is not circular, the shape of the receiving space 57 in plan view is therefore also different and corresponds to the geometric shape of the dose 9 .

[0268] The transverse dimension of the receiving space 57 , ie the dimension of the receiving space 57 perpendicular to the moulding direction D1 , is greater than the corresponding dimension of the dose 9 .

[0269] For example, if the dose 9 has a cylindrical shape, the bottom diameter of the dose 9 is smaller than the diameter in plan view of the receiving space 57. In this way, the dose 9 can be accommodated in the receiving space 57 without being subjected to undesired deformation.

[0270] In particular, in the example shown, the dimensions of the receiving space 57 transverse to the moulding direction D1 (eg the diameter of the receiving space 57 ) are very close to the transverse dimensions of the dose 9 (in particular the bottom diameter) and are only slightly larger than the latter.

[0271] When the segment 147 is in the position corresponding to the expanded configuration C1, the dose 9 is released between the concave portion 144 and the corresponding convex portion. The dose 9 rests on the contact surface 58 and is held at a distance from the bottom surface 61 of the cavity 60. The dose 9 is at least partially accommodated in the receiving space 57, although the upper part of the dose 9 may protrude from the receiving space 57, although this is not necessary. The limiting surface 59 serves as a limiting device to prevent lateral displacement of the dose 9, that is, to prevent the dose 9 from being displaced in an undesirable manner transversely to the molding direction D1.

[0272] As the segment 147 moves towards the center of the mold, that is to say towards the molding axis D1, the volume of the forming area 46 gradually decreases, as already explained with reference to FIG. Figures 5 to 10 The receiving space 57 also gradually decreases while the dose 9 is pushed into the cavity 60 towards the bottom surface 61 .

[0273] The limiting surface 59, which gradually reduces in lateral dimension, continues to prevent undesired lateral displacement of the dose 9 as it is compressed. Furthermore, the limiting surface 59 ensures that the dose 9 is inserted into the cavity 60 in a centered manner, such that the axis of the dose 9 (or the central region of the dose 9 if the dose 9 has a non-axisymmetric geometry) substantially coincides with the molding axis D1.

[0274] This improves the quality of the formed object, since defects related to incorrect positioning of the dose 9 in the mould are minimised.

[0275] In the example shown, the limiting surface 59 therefore has a dose 9 centering function as well as a dose 9 lateral limiting function.

[0276] In an alternative embodiment, the limiting surface 59 may have only a lateral limiting function for the dose 9, that is to say preventing an undesired displacement of the dose 9 transversely to the moulding direction D1, without having a centre function. In the latter case, the transverse dimension of the receiving space 57 may be greater than Figure 15 and Figure 16 The difference between the transverse dimensions shown, that is to say the transverse dimensions of the receiving space 57 and the transverse dimensions of the dose 9, can be greater than Figure 15 and Figure 16 The differences shown.

[0277] Thus, the limiting surface 59 acts as limiting means which, in the case in question, comprises a plurality of limiting elements defined by the portion of the segment 147 in which the step 56 is formed. The limiting elements are therefore integral with the segment 147 and define movable portions which are displaceable transversely to the moulding direction D1 for pushing the dose 9 towards the central region of the mould, in particular towards the moulding axis D.

[0278] The contact surface 58 and the limiting surface 59 may be outside the forming area 46. More generally, the contact surface 58 and the limiting surface 59 may be separate from the contact forming surface for forming the dose 9. In this case, the contact surface 58 and the limiting surface 59 have a dose 9 limiting function and, if desired, a dose 9 centering function, but they do not contribute to forming the object.

[0279] exist Figure 15 and Figure 16 In the example shown, the limiting surface 59 extends 360° around the moulding axis D, that is to say it extends continuously around the side edge of the dose 9. However, this is not essential, as the limiting surface 59 can extend less than 360° around the moulding axis D, e.g. Figure 17 shown.

[0280] Figure 17 A first mold half is shown which, in the example shown, comprises a female mold half or portion 244 comprising a Figures 5 to 10 There are also a number of limiting elements 62 for limiting the dose 9 laterally.

[0281] More specifically, a restraining element 62 is coupled to each segment 47, which is fixed relative to the corresponding segment 47. In particular, each restraining element 62 can be fixed to the upper surface of the corresponding segment 47. Each restraining element 62 is delimited by a side surface 63 directed toward the molding axis D. Each side surface 63 can be a cylindrical surface portion, or a substantially flat and vertical surface, or even have another shape.

[0282] In the example shown and in plan view, the side surface 63 is defined by Figure 17 The dashed line in FIG. 1 indicates an inscribed circle K. The diameter of the circle K is slightly larger than the bottom diameter of the dose 9, which is cylindrical in the example shown.

[0283] The side surfaces 63 delimit the receiving space 57 laterally, that is to say they delimit the receiving space 57 around the moulding axis D.

[0284] In contrast, the contact surface 58 delimiting the bottom of the receiving space 57 (that is to say transversely to the moulding direction D1 ) is formed by a portion of the upper surface of the section 47 .

[0285] The mold including the concave portion 244 operates in a manner similar to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The operation of the mold including the concave portion 144 is shown. Although the contact element 62 interacts with the dose 9 only at a predetermined angular position about the molding axis D, after the dose 9 has come to rest on the contact surface 58, an undesired displacement of the dose 9 transverse to the molding direction D1 is prevented. Moreover, as the segments 47 and the limiting element 62 therewith gradually move toward the molding axis D, the limiting element 62 pushes the dose 9 in a centered manner toward the center of the cavity 60, thereby preventing the dose 9 from being positioned in an uncentered position in the cavity 60.

[0286] If the diameter of the circle inscribed in the limiting surface 59 is sufficiently larger than the dimension of the dose 9 transversely to the moulding direction D1 , the centreing function of the limiting element 62 may not exist.

[0287] Figure 18 The first mold half is shown in plan view and in the example shown is a female mold half or mold portion 344 having a cavity 360 whose dimensions are constant transversely to the molding direction D1. That is, the cavity 360 has side walls extending around the molding axis D, which have constant dimensions and shape. Figure 18 In the embodiment of , there is no section 47 which in the previous embodiment allowed a change in the volume of the shaped region.

[0288] In contrast, there are a plurality of limiting elements 362 for defining a receiving space 57 above the cavity 360. The receiving space 57 is bounded by a contact surface 58 positioned transversely to the molding direction D1 and, in the example shown, the contact surface 58 is the upper surface of the concave portion 344. The receiving space 57 is also bounded by a limiting surface defined by the side surfaces 63 of each limiting element 362.

[0289] The limiting element 362 is a movable part that can be moved towards the central area of ​​the mold. More specifically, the limiting element 362 can be moved towards the molding axis as shown by the arrow F1 so as to gradually reduce the size of the receiving space 57 and thus position the dose 9 in a central manner in the cavity 360.

[0290] Figures 5 to 18 The mold shown is available in Figures 1 to 4 Examples of dies used in forming equipment shown. Figures 1 to 4 The forming device shown can also be used with Figures 5 to 18 The structures shown are molds of different structures, such as a conventional mold with a cavity having a constant shape and size in the female mold portion.

[0291] In one embodiment, not shown, the dose can be trimmed after it has been cut and separated from the sheet, regardless of its shape. More specifically, the dose can be trimmed downstream of the cutting unit, for example at any point along the dose path from the cutting unit to the pressing unit. The dose can also be trimmed in the mold.

[0292] Dose trimming is a cutting operation by which a limited amount of natural fiber-based material near the edge of the dose is removed in order to improve cutting accuracy and reduce variability in dose size from one dose to another.

[0293] In another embodiment, not shown, the molded object can be trimmed directly in the mold or downstream of the pressing unit.

[0294] Trimming the object allows improving the quality of the edges of the object, increasing the precision of its dimensions and eliminating any excess natural fiber-based substance, in particular if the dose and the molded object have shapes that differ from one another in plan view.

[0295] Trimming the dose or molded object involves removing small amounts of the natural fiber-based material, which can be accomplished without overly complicating the structure of the forming equipment.

[0296] also, Figures 5 to 18 The mold shown can also be used with Figures 1 to 4 The forming apparatus shown is used in different forming apparatuses. In particular, Figures 5 to 18 The mould shown in can also be used in a forming device to which a dose has been produced outside the forming device. More specifically, Figures 5 to 18 The die shown in can be used in forming equipment where the doses 9 cut from the sheet are not consistent with the forming.

[0297] Further features of some aspects of the invention are set out in the numbered clauses below.

[0298] Item 1: A method for forming an object (10) by compressing a dose (9; 309) made of a natural fiber-based substance in a mold, the mold comprising a male mold half and a female mold half (144; 244; 344), the female mold half comprising a cavity (60; 360), at least one mold half selected from the female mold half (144; 244; 344) and the male mold half being movable along a molding direction (D1) relative to the other mold half selected from the male mold half and the female mold half (144; 244; 344), the method comprising inserting the dose (9; 309) into the mold and compressing the dose (9; 309) to form the object (10) 0), wherein the step of inserting the dose (9; 309) into the mould comprises positioning the dose (9; 309) in a receiving space (57) above the cavity (60; 360) such that the dose (9; 309) rests on a contact surface (58) which delimits the bottom of the receiving space (57) and is at a distance from a bottom surface (61) of the cavity (60; 360), the mould further comprising a limiting device which laterally delimits the receiving space (57), wherein the limiting device comprises a plurality of movable parts which move transversely to the moulding direction (D1) to push the dose (9; 309) towards a central area of ​​the mould.

[0299] Item 2: A method according to item 1, wherein the limiting device includes a plurality of limiting elements (62; 362) that define movable parts of the plurality of movable parts, and wherein the limiting elements (62; 362) move toward a central area of ​​the mold after the dose (9; 309) has rested on the contact surface (58) so that the dose (9; 309) is centered in the cavity (60; 360).

[0300] Clause 3: The method of clause 2, wherein the cavity (360) has a constant shape and size, and the restraining element (362) is movable over the cavity (360) transverse to the molding direction (D1).

[0301] Item 4: A method according to item 1 or 2, wherein the cavity (60) includes a forming area (46) of variable volume defined by a plurality of segments (47; 147), the plurality of segments being movable transversely to the molding direction (D1) to reduce the volume of the forming area (46), and a movable portion of the plurality of movable portions coinciding with a segment (47; 147) of the plurality of segments (47; 147).

[0302] Clause 5: A method according to clause 4 when dependent on clause 3, wherein each restraining element (62) is fixed relative to a segment (47; 147) of the plurality of segments (47; 147).

[0303] Clause 6: Method according to any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the receiving space (57) is delimited by a limiting surface for laterally limiting the dose (9; 309), the limiting surface extending continuously around the central area.

[0304] Clause 7: Method according to any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the receiving space (57) is delimited by a limiting surface for laterally limiting the dose (9; 309), the limiting surface extending around the central area over an angle of less than 360°.

[0305] Item 8: A mold for forming an object (10) by compressing a dose (9; 309) made of a natural fiber-based substance, the mold comprising a male mold half and a female mold half (144; 244; 344), the female mold half comprising a cavity (60; 360), at least one mold half selected from the female mold half (144; 244; 344) and the male mold half being movable along a molding direction (D1) relative to the other mold half selected from the male mold half and the female mold half (144; 244; 344), wherein a portion for receiving the dose (9; 309) is defined above the cavity (60). ), the mould further comprising a limiting device which delimits the receiving space (57) on the sides, the bottom of the receiving space (57) being delimited by a contact surface (58) intended to receive the dose (9; 309) (on which the dose (9; 309) rests) and being at a distance from the bottom surface (61) of the cavity (60; 360), wherein the limiting device comprises a plurality of movable parts which are displaceable transversely to the moulding direction (D1) for pushing the dose (9; 309) towards a central area of ​​the mould.

[0306] Item 9: A mould according to item 8, wherein the restraining means comprises a plurality of restraining elements (62; 362) defining movable parts of the plurality of movable parts, and wherein the restraining elements (62; 362) are movable towards a central area of ​​the mould after the dose (9; 309) has rested on the contact surface (58) so that the dose (9; 309) is centred in the cavity (60; 360).

[0307] Clause 10: The mold of clause 9, wherein the cavity (360) has a constant shape and size, and the restraining element (362) is movable over the cavity (360) transverse to the molding direction (D1).

[0308] Item 11: A mold according to item 8 or 9, wherein the cavity (60) includes a forming area (46) of variable volume defined by a plurality of segments (47; 147), the plurality of segments (47; 147) being capable of moving transversely to the molding direction (D1) to reduce the volume of the forming area (46), and a movable part of the plurality of movable parts coinciding with a segment (47; 147) of the plurality of segments (47; 147).

[0309] Clause 12: A mould according to clause 11 when dependent on clause 9, wherein each restraining element (62) is fixed relative to a segment (47; 147) of the plurality of segments (47; 147).

[0310] Item 13: The mold according to any one of items 8 to 12, wherein the receiving space (57) is delimited by a limiting surface for limiting the dose (9; 309) at the sides, the limiting surface extending continuously around the central area.

[0311] Item 14: The mold according to any one of items 8 to 12, wherein the receiving space (57) is delimited by a limiting surface for limiting the dose (9; 309) laterally, the limiting surface extending around the central area over an angle of less than 360°.

Claims

1. A method for forming a three-dimensional object (10) in a forming device (1; 101; 201), wherein a natural fiber-based substance in the form of a sheet (2) enters the forming device through an inlet (3), and wherein the three-dimensional object (10) made of the natural fiber-based substance leaves the forming device through an outlet (6), a path (7) connecting the inlet (3) and the outlet (6), wherein the sheet (2) is cut in a cutting unit (8; 208) positioned along the path (7) so as to separate a dose (9; 309) of the natural fiber-based substance from the sheet (2), and wherein the three-dimensional object (10) is formed by pressing the dose (9; 309) between a female half-mold (17) and a male half-mold (18) of a pressing unit (14; 114), the pressing unit (14; 114) being positioned downstream of the cutting unit (8; 208) along the path (7).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of conveying the dose (9; 309) from the cutting unit (8; 208) to the pressing unit (14; 114).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In a single cutting operation, the cutting unit (8; 208) cuts a plurality of doses (9; 309) arranged in a row (26) at a predetermined interval on the sheet (2).

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressing unit (114) comprises a plurality of dies (116) arranged in a row (27) at predetermined intervals.

5. A method according to claim 4 as dependent on claim 3, wherein the spacing of the doses (9; 309) along the row (26) is smaller than the spacing of the dies (116) along the line (27), the method comprising the step of increasing the spacing between the doses (9; 309) while conveying the doses (9; 309) towards the dies (116) so as to bring each dose (9; 309) to one die (116).

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of rows (26) of doses (9; 309) are cut in the cutting unit (8; 208) in a single cutting operation, the plurality of rows (26) of doses (9; 309) being parallel to one another and wherein optionally two adjacent rows (26) of doses (9; 309) are offset from one another to minimize waste of sheet material (2).

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the cutting unit (8; 208) comprises at least one cutting element supported by a cutting block (11), and wherein the cutting block (11) is moved in a direction transverse to the plane in which the sheet (2) lies in the cutting unit (8; 208) so as to bring the cutting element into contact with the sheet (2) to cut the dose (9; 309), or so as to disengage the cutting element from the sheet (2).

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cutting unit (8; 208) comprises a cutting roller (30) supporting at least one cutting member (33) and being rotatable about its axis so that the cutting member (33) interacts with the sheet (2).

9. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressing unit (14; 114) comprises at least one mold (16), the mold (16) comprising the female mold half (17) and the male mold half (18), and wherein at least one mold half selected from the female mold half (17) and the male mold half (18) is movable along a molding direction (D1) relative to the other mold half selected from the male mold half (18) and the female mold half (17), so that the mold (16) can be shifted between an open position and a closed position.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of moulds (16) are arranged in the pressing unit (14; 114), the moulds (16) being supported by a moulding turntable (15), each mould (16) being movable between an open position and a closed position when the moulding turntable (15) rotates about its axis of rotation (Z).

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the pressing unit (114) comprises a first plate supporting a plurality of female mold halves and a second plate (25) supporting a plurality of male mold halves, at least one plate selected from the first plate and the second plate (25) being linearly movable relative to another plate selected from the second plate (25) and the first plate to press the dose (9; 309).

12. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a forming area (46) of variable volume is defined between the female half-mold (17) and the male half-mold (18), and wherein the volume of the forming area (46) is reduced to form the three-dimensional object (10) by moving a plurality of segments (47; 147) included in one half-mold selected from the female half-mold (17) and the male half-mold (18) transversely to the molding direction (D1) to form the three-dimensional object (10).

13. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the female mold half (17) comprises a cavity (60; 360), and wherein the dose (9; 309) is positioned in a receiving space (57) defined above the cavity (60; 360) between a plurality of limiting elements (62; 147; 362), the method further comprising the steps of: The limiting element (62; 147; 362) is moved transversely to the molding direction (D1) towards a central area of ​​the receiving space (57) in order to center the dose (9; 309) relative to the cavity (60; 360).

14. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the natural fibre based material is a cellulose based material.

15. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dose (9) has the shape of a disk or, in plan view, a polygonal shape.

16. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dose (9; 309) is subjected to a preliminary treatment upstream of the pressing unit (14; 114), the preliminary treatment being selected from the group consisting of: preforming the dose (9; 309) upstream of the pressing unit (14; 114) so ​​that the dose (9; 309) has a concave shape, locally compressing at least one area of ​​the dose (9; 309).

17. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the starting material made of the natural fiber-based substance enters the forming device (1; 101; 201), a fiber separation unit is provided upstream of the cutting unit (8; 208), in which the starting material is broken into fibers, and a compacting unit is provided downstream of the fiber separation unit for compacting the fibers coming out of the fiber separation unit and obtaining the sheet (2) having a density lower than that of the starting material.

18. A forming apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object (10) from a natural fiber-based substance, comprising an inlet (3) for the natural fiber-based substance in the form of a sheet (2), an outlet (6) for the three-dimensional object (10) made from the natural fiber-based substance, wherein a path (7) connects the inlet (3) and the outlet (6), the forming apparatus further comprising: A cutting unit (8) positioned along the path (7); 208), the cutting unit being used for cutting the sheet (2) so as to separate the dose (9; 309) of natural fiber-based substance from the sheet (2); a pressing unit (14; 114) positioned downstream of the cutting unit (8; 208) along the path (7), the pressing unit being used for forming the three-dimensional object (10) by pressing the dose (9; 309) between a concave half-mold (17) and a convex half-mold (18) comprised in the pressing unit (14; 114).

19. Apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising conveying means (21; 121; 221) for conveying the doses (9; 309) from the cutting unit (8; 208) to the pressing unit (14; 114).

20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the conveying device (121) comprises a bifurcation device for increasing the spacing between the doses (9; 309) from an initial value that the spacing between the doses (9; 309) has in the cutting unit (8) to a final value that the spacing between the doses (9; 309) has in the pressing unit (114).

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