Capsule polishing brush, capsule polishing system, and capsule polishing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a capsule polishing brush (14) extending along an axis (18) and comprising capsule conveying bristles (20) from one end of the brush to the other, the conveying bristles (20) being arranged around the axis in turns of a helical capsule conveying ramp, and capsule polishing bristles (22) having a free end, the polishing bristles (22) being located between the turns of the helical conveying ramp, the diameter of the brush (14) at the free end of the polishing bristles between the turns (24) increasing from one end of the brush (14). The invention also relates to a capsule polishing system and a method for polishing capsules.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsule polishing brush, a capsule polishing system and a capsule polishing method. Prior art

[0002] In the fields of nutrition and pharmaceuticals, a capsule is an item intended to be swallowed orally and consists of a hard, hollow shell containing an active substance. Such capsules may contain, for example, vitamins, dietary supplements, an active ingredient, etc.

[0003] During the capsule manufacturing process, two parts of a hard shell are joined to enclose a substance and thus form the product in a commonly consumed form. During this step, it is not uncommon for unwanted powder to remain stuck to the outer surface of the shell.

[0004] The capsule production process therefore generally includes a step of removing the powder stuck to the outer surface of the shell. This step is called "capsule polishing".

[0005] One solution is to polish the capsules by hand. However, the work rate is then insufficient to maintain an industrial pace.

[0006] To solve this problem, mechanical capsule polishing systems exist, equipped with a rotating, helical brush within a wall. The brush moves the capsules along the wall and simultaneously polishes the sides of the bristles. For example, patent applications WO2019161893A1, WO2008154948A1, KR20140131234A, and US2918691A disclose such systems in various configurations. The polishing of the capsules and the resulting production rate can be improved using such a polishing system.

[0007] In particular, there is a need for high-quality capsule polishing while ensuring a high production rate. Statement of the invention

[0008] To this end, the invention proposes a capsule polishing brush extending along an axis and comprising capsule conveying bristles from one end of the brush to the other, the conveying bristles being arranged around the axis in turns of a helical capsule conveying ramp. The brush also comprises capsule polishing bristles having a free end, the polishing bristles being positioned between the turns of the helical conveying ramp, the diameter of the brush at the free end of the polishing bristles between the turns increasing from one end of the brush.

[0009] The brush is preferably at least 0.2 meters long, measured along its axis. Preferably, the brush length is between 0.2 and 3.0 meters, more preferably between 0.25 and 1.5 meters. For example, it is 1.0 meter.

[0010] According to one variant, the diameter of the brush at the free end of the polishing bristles between the turns increases from one end to half the length of the brush, the brush preferably being conical over part of the length of the brush.

[0011] According to one variant, the diameter of the brush at the free end of the polishing bristles between the turns is constant over part of the length of the brush, preferably over half the length of the brush.

[0012] According to one variant, the conveyor bristles are thicker than the polishing bristles.

[0013] The invention also relates to a capsule polishing system, comprising a capsule inlet and outlet, the brush as described above, the end of the brush having the smallest diameter at the free end of the polishing bristles being at the inlet.

[0014] According to one variant, the system further includes a wall around the brush, extending between the inlet and outlet, with the conveyor bristles having their free end in contact with the inner face of the wall.

[0015] According to one variant, the system further includes at least one protrusion from the inner face of the wall towards the brush, at least some conveyor bristles being deformed by the protrusion or protrusions during the rotational movement of the brush around the axis.

[0016] According to one variant, the protrusion(s) are able to come into contact with the capsules in such a way as to influence the trajectory of the capsules during the rotational movement of the brush around the axis.

[0017] According to one variant, the protuberance(s) are tabs extending towards the brush from the outer face of the wall.

[0018] According to one variant, the protrusions are carried by the arms of a U-shaped rail, the rail being on the external face of the wall and the protrusion or protrusions arranged in a staggered pattern on the arms of the rail extend towards the brush through openings in the wall.

[0019] According to one variant, the system also includes a suction unit capable of removing dust from inside the wall, with the dust being expelled through the wall into the area of ​​the protrusions.

[0020] According to one variant, the wall has dust suction ports through the wall, the ports being between rows of passage lights for the protrusions.

[0021] According to one variant, the brush axis is vertical.

[0022] According to one variant, the entry is in a direction tangential to the turns.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for polishing capsules, comprising the following steps: provide a capsule polishing system as described above; generate a rotational movement of the brush around the axis; introduce the capsules into the system through the inlet; convey the capsules from the inlet to the outlet through the conveyor ramp moving around the axis; evacuate and recover the capsules at the outlet.

[0024] The use of the verb "comprendre" (to understand), its variants, and its conjugations in this document does not in any way preclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. The use of the indefinite article "un" (a / an) or the definite article "le" (the / it) to introduce an element does not preclude the presence of multiple such elements.

[0025] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc., are used in this document exclusively to differentiate different elements, without implying any order between these elements.

[0026] All the embodiments and advantages of the brush are applicable, mutatis mutandis, to the polishing system and the polishing method, and vice versa. The different embodiments can be considered individually or in combination. Brief description of the figures

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying figures which show: there figure 1 A schematic view of a capsule polishing system; the figure 2 , a schematic view of an example of a capsule polishing brush; the figure 3, a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the making of a capsule polishing brush.

[0028] The drawings in the figures are not to scale. Similar features are generally denoted by similar reference numerals in the figures. Within the scope of this document, identical or analogous features may bear the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the presence of reference numerals or letters in the drawings shall not be considered limiting, even when such numerals or letters are specified in the claims. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0029] The invention relates to a capsule polishing brush extending along an axis and comprising capsule conveying bristles from one end of the brush to the other and capsule polishing bristles. The capsule conveying bristles are arranged around the axis in turns of a helical capsule conveying ramp, the conveying bristles having a free end. The capsule polishing bristles are located between the turns of the helical conveying ramp. The polishing bristles have a free end, the diameter of the brush at the free end of the polishing bristles increasing from one end of the brush. By having a smaller diameter at one end of the brush, a greater number of capsules can be introduced between the turns of the conveying bristles and then conveyed to a larger diameter at the free end of the polishing bristles to polish the capsules.This results in good quality polishing while ensuring a high production rate.

[0030] There figure 1 Figure 10 illustrates a polishing system comprising a brush according to the invention. The system 10 comprises a cylindrical wall 12 with a capsule inlet 15 and a capsule outlet 16. The system includes a capsule polishing brush 14 (shown in Figures 2 and 3 ) in the wall 12. The brush 14 allows on the one hand to convey the capsules from the entrance 15 to the exit 16 of the wall 12 and on the other hand, to ensure the polishing of the capsules, in cooperation with the wall 12. The wall 12 delimits a closed enclosure, by opercula of the type operculum 17.

[0031] There figure 2Figure 14 shows the capsule polishing brush. The brush 14 extends along an axis 18 and has a first end 141 and a second end 142. The brush 18 is rotatably mounted in the wall 12, and is guided in rotation at each of its ends 141, 142 relative to the wall 12. A drive unit including a motor enables the rotation of the brush around the axis 18.

[0032] The brush is preferably at least 0.2 meters long, measured along its axis, for example, between approximately 0.3 meters and approximately 1.5 meters, with a margin of error of 10%. Alternatively, or in addition, the brush is preferably less than 3.0 meters long, measured along its axis.

[0033] The conveyor bristles may be a different color (perceptibly or imperceptibly) from the polishing bristles. Alternatively, they may be the same color. They may be, for example, gray, encompassing any shade of gray between black and white, including both colors.

[0034] Conveyor and / or polishing bristles can be made of synthetic and / or polymer material, for example polyamide.

[0035] The brush 14 has capsule conveying bristles 20 and capsule polishing bristles 22. The bristles 20 and 22 are not shown in detail in the figures. The conveying bristles 20 are thicker than the polishing bristles 22. This is because the larger diameter conveying bristles 20 are stiffer than the polishing bristles 22; the conveying bristles 20 thus allow the capsules to move along the brush 14. The smaller diameter polishing bristles 22 are softer than the conveying bristles 20; the polishing bristles 22 thus allow the capsules to be polished as they move along the brush 14. As an example, the polishing bristles 22 may have a diameter between 0.07 and 0.08 mm, preferably 0.075 mm. Conveyor bristles 20 can have a diameter between 0.3 and 0.6 mm, preferably 0.4 mm.

[0036] The conveying bristles 20 are arranged around the axis 18 in spirals 24 of a helical capsule conveyor ramp. The counterclockwise rotation of the brush 14, viewed from above, moves the capsules from end 141 to end 142. Other features allow the capsules to be conveyed along the brush 14, as described below. Furthermore, and by way of example only, the spiral pitch can be between 40 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 40 and 50 mm. This allows for the processing of a large volume of capsules while ensuring good polishing quality. Preferably, the brush 24 has between 5 and 25 spirals, enabling efficient capsule processing.

[0037] The polishing bristles 22 have a free end 26 such that the diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 increases from the end 141 of the brush. The external diameter of the brush 14 at the polishing bristles 22 also increases from the end 141. Thus, the volume between the turns 24 is greatest at this end 141 of the brush. In other words, since the polishing bristles 22 are shorter (transversely to the axis 18) at the end 141, the available space between the turns 24 is greater at the end 141. This allows more capsules to be polished at the end 141. In connection with the figure 1The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the turns 24 increases from the end 141 of the brush 14, which is opposite the inlet 15 of the wall 12. The larger space or volume available between the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 and the wall 12 allows more capsules to be conveyed to the inside of the wall 12 for polishing, thus increasing the capsule processing rate. Therefore, the polishing bristles 22 form a helical polishing ramp whose external diameter increases from the end 141 of the brush.

[0038] There figure 3This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of the capsule polishing brush 14. The brush 14 is shown in a horizontal position with end 141 on the left and end 142 on the right. A lug 28 at end 141 and a recess 30 at end 142 allow for the positioning and rotation of the brush 14 within the wall 12. The conveying bristles 20 and the polishing bristles 22 (not shown in detail) extend from a shaft 32 of the brush (transversely to axis 18), between ends 141 and 142. The bristles 20 and 22 are fixed at one end to the shaft 32, while their other end remains free. The free end of the bristles 20 and 22 is aligned with, or even in contact with, the wall 12.

[0039] The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end of the spiral conveyor bristles 20 can be variable. Preferably, this diameter is constant to ensure efficient movement of the capsules along the brush 14. In other words, the length of the conveyor bristles 20, transverse to the axis 18 and the shaft 32, is constant along the brush 14. The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end of the conveyor bristles 20 is between 95 mm and 100 mm.

[0040] The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the turns 24 increases from one end 141. On the figure 3The length of the polishing bristles 22, transverse to the axis 18 and the shaft 32, increases from the end 141. The length of the polishing bristles 22 may increase regularly or not. The length of the polishing bristles 22 may increase gradually or in steps, regularly or irregularly. The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the turns 24 may increase from one end 141 up to half the length of the brush 14. This allows a significant volume of capsules to be introduced, properly distributed along the brush 14, so that they can be polished effectively. According to the example of the figure 3The diameter of the brush 14 is conical along part of its length between its ends, with a flare from the lower end 141. The regularity of the brush diameter increase between the spirals allows for the gradual spreading of the capsules reaching the brush 14 through the opening 15 in the wall 12. This prevents the formation of capsule clumps that become blocked as they move along the brush, and thus avoids voids in the capsule production process. Therefore, the diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the spirals 24 can be conical along half its length to achieve the above effects.

[0041] The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the coils 24 can be constant over a portion of the brush's length. The consistent brush diameter at the ends of the polishing bristles 22 ensures high-quality polishing, especially since a significant number of capsules can be properly distributed along the brush thanks to the increasing diameter of the brush between the coils. Because the capsules are well distributed when they reach the constant brush diameter between the coils, the polishing is of good quality. For example, the diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the coils 24 is constant over half the brush's length. This ensures a balance between the increasing diameter of the brush between the coils, allowing for good distribution of the capsules, and the constant diameter of the brush between the coils, allowing for sufficient polishing.

[0042] The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end of the polishing bristles 22, between the spirals of the conveying bristles 20, is between 55 mm and 65 mm at the end 141 of the brush and is between 85 and 95 mm at the end 141 of the brush.

[0043] The diameter of the shaft 32 is shown as constant on the figure 3 , the increasing diameter of the brush 14 between the turns 24 being obtained by polishing bristles 22 of increasing length transversely to the shaft 32. The diameter of the shaft 32 could also be variable, increasing from the end 141 and the polishing bristles 22 of constant length.

[0044] According to the figure 1The inlet 15 of the polishing system 10 is positioned opposite the end of the brush 14 with the smallest diameter at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 20. This allows a larger volume of capsules to be polished. The inlet 15 can open perpendicularly to the axis 18 of the brush 14. Preferably, the inlet 15 is tangential to the spirals 24, for example, along the direction of the arrow 34 of the figure 2 The advantage is the ability to optimally insert the capsules between the spirals, efficiently conveying them along the brush. Outlet 16 is directed downwards, allowing the capsules to be ejected by gravity when they are positioned near it. The polishing bristles 22 also facilitate the expulsion of capsules through outlet 16.

[0045] The brush 14 is at least partially—preferably completely—embedded in the wall 12. The free ends of the conveying bristles 20 are in contact with the inner face of the wall. This prevents the capsules from being forced back between the polishing bristles 20 and the inner face of the wall 12. The diameter of the brush at the free end of the conveying bristles 20 is at least equal to the inner diameter of the wall 12.

[0046] To allow the capsules to be conveyed towards the outlet 16 of the wall, the system includes at least one protrusion 36 extending from the inner face of the wall 12 towards the brush 14. The protrusion(s) 36 create a disturbance in the movement of the capsules to facilitate their conveying towards the outlet 16 by the rotation of the conveyor bristle ramp 20. More specifically, at least some of the conveyor bristles 20 are deformed or bent by the protrusions 36 during the rotation of the brush 14 around the axis 18. The deformation of the conveyor bristles 20 disrupts or influences the trajectory of the capsules, causing them to advance along the brush 14. The deformation of the conveyor bristles 20 is temporary, lasting only until the bristles 20 have passed over the protrusion(s) 36.

[0047] The protrusion(s) 36 are elements that reduce the internal diameter of the wall 12, thereby deforming the conveying bristles 20 and facilitating the advancement of the capsules. The protrusion(s) 36 may be a deformation of the internal face of the wall 12. According to the figure 1 The protrusion(s) 36 are tabs extending towards the brush 14 from the outer face of the wall 12. The tab(s) forming the protrusion 36 can be introduced from the outside of the wall 12 towards the inside of the wall 12. This makes it easier to create the protrusion(s) 36 inside the wall 12.

[0048] Also, the protrusion(s) 36 are also able to come into contact with the capsules so as to influence their trajectory during the rotational movement of the brush 14 around the axis 18 and thus promote the conveyance of the capsules.

[0049] The protrusions 36 can be arranged in several rows along the wall 12, along the axis 18. For example, the protrusions 36 in the form of tabs can be supported by the arms of a rail 38 with a U-shaped cross-section (and transverse to the axis 18). The ends of the arms have a crenellated shape, the asperities being the tabs, elongated along the axis 18 and penetrating through the wall 12. The rail 38 is applied against the wall 12, on the outer face, so that the protrusion(s) 36 extend towards the brush 14 through longitudinal slots 40 in the wall 12. The manufacture of the wall 12 equipped with protrusions 36 is simplified. In addition, the size of the protrusions 36 in the direction of the axis 18 is easily modifiable by changing the rail 38, which allows for fine-tuning the conveying of the capsules.Furthermore, the presence of the protrusions 36 in several rows, for example in two rows at the end of the rail branches, allows the friction forces of the conveyor hairs 20 to be distributed on the protrusions 36 in several zones.

[0050] The protrusions 36 can be staggered along the rows. For example, the protrusions 36 can be staggered along the arms of the rail 38. In other words, the protrusions 36 on one arm of the U-shaped section of the rail 38 are offset from the protrusions 36 on the other arm of the U-shaped section. The protrusions 36 on one arm are not directly opposite the other arm. The staggered arrangement of the protrusions 36 prevents the conveyor bristles 20 from being subjected to uniform pressure, thus better influencing the movement of the capsules during the rotation of the brush 14.

[0051] The protrusions 36 can be arranged along the entire length of the wall 12, between the inlet 15 and the outlet 16, along the brush 14. This allows the movement of the capsules to be disrupted along the entire length of the wall 12, up to the capsule outlet 16.

[0052] The system 10 may further include a suction unit capable of removing dust from inside the wall 12. For this purpose, a negative pressure is created between the inside and outside of the wall 12. The dust may be drawn in at the top or bottom of the wall 12; preferably, the dust is expelled through the wall 12. This allows for more efficient dust removal. To this end, the wall 12 may include openings 42 along its length between the inlets 15 and outlet 16 of the capsules. The openings 42 have a smaller diameter than the capsules to prevent the capsules from being drawn in. A pressure difference is exerted across the wall 12, for example via the orifices 42 between the inside and outside of the wall 12. A cover 44 extending along the wall 12 and covering, by means of a seal 46, the orifices 42 makes it possible to create a vacuum to draw dust from the capsules through the orifices 42.An opening 48 in the cover 44 allows dust to be drawn in. Preferably, the opening 48 is at the base of the cover 44 so as to facilitate dust removal also by gravity (particularly after the system has been switched off).

[0053] Advantageously, dust is expelled through wall 12 into the area of ​​the protrusions 36. This creates a braking zone for the capsules by the protrusions 36—disrupting or influencing their movement—and allows dust dislodged by the polishing bristles 22 to be drawn into this zone. This improves dust evacuation and therefore polishing in general. For this purpose, the openings 42 through wall 12 are, for example, located between the rows of passages 40 for the protrusions 36. This creates a braking zone between two rows of protrusions 36, allowing dust to be drawn into this zone. In addition, this allows the cover 44 to be placed on the rail 38 supporting the protrusions 36. Thus, the cover 44 forms a vacuum space in which the rail 38 is located. Dust from the capsules is sucked into this space and evacuated via the mouth 48.Thus, the leaks caused by the openings 40 between the inside and outside of the wall 12 are compensated for by the presence of the cover 44 and the seal 46. Capsule dust can also be drawn in through the openings 40, although to a lesser extent than through the orifices 42. In any case, the presence of the openings 40 does not negatively impact the performance of the system.

[0054] According to the figure 1The axis 18 of the brush 14 is vertical. In other words, the brush 14 and the wall 12 are vertical. The advantage is that the system has a smaller footprint. The quality of the conveying provided by the system 10 along the wall 12 and to the outlet 16 allows the system to be positioned vertically, thus saving floor space. The system is more compact. Furthermore, the increased elevation of the capsules (which is greater in this system for an equivalent length of inclined tube 12) allows for the filling of larger drums, resulting in reduced processing time.

[0055] The polishing of the capsules is carried out according to the following method. In the polishing system 10 described, a rotational movement of the brush 14 around the axis 18 is generated. Capsules are introduced into the system 10 through the inlet 15, between the spirals 24 of the conveying bristles 20. The tangential orientation of the inlet 15 facilitates the introduction of the capsules between the spirals 24. Since the capsules are introduced opposite the smallest diameter of the brush at the free end of the polishing bristles 22, a large volume of capsules can be introduced. The capsules are conveyed from the inlet 15 to the outlet 16 by the conveying ramp moving around the axis 18. The rotation of the brush 16, in cooperation with the protrusion(s) 36, allows the capsules to be conveyed towards the end 142 of the brush 14.During conveying by the conveyor bristles 20, the capsules encounter an increase in the diameter of the brush at the free end of the polishing bristles 22. As they are conveyed, the capsules are progressively pressed against the wall 12 by the polishing bristles 22, allowing them to be polished. More precisely, the capsules are pressed against the wall 12 by the free end of the polishing bristles 22. Polishing by the free end of the polishing bristles 22 is more effective than polishing by the side of the bristles 22. The increasing diameter of the brush at the polishing bristles 22 from end 141 promotes polishing by the free end of the polishing bristles 22. Also, the lengthening of the polishing bristles 22 as the capsules are conveyed also promotes the spreading of the capsules along the brush; Such a brush makes it possible to increase the volume of polished capsules while ensuring quality polishing.Finally, the capsules are evacuated through outlet 16 and are recovered polished.

[0056] The brush, the system and the process are for example applicable for polishing capsules in the pharmaceutical field or also in the field of nutrition (and this is not limited to).

[0057] The present invention has been described above in relation to specific embodiments, which are purely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the examples illustrated or described above, and that its scope is more broadly defined by the claims introduced below.

Claims

1. A capsule polishing brush (14) extending along an axis (18) and having a length of at least 0.2 metres measured along the axis (18), the brush (14) comprising: • bristles (20) for conveying the capsules from one end of the brush to another end, the conveying bristles (20) being arranged around the axis along the turns of a helical conveying ramp of the capsules; • bristles (22) for polishing the capsules having a free end, the polishing bristles (22) being between the turns of the helical conveying ramp, the diameter of the brush (14) at the free end of the polishing bristles between the turns (24) increasing from one end of the brush (14).

2. The brush (14) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diameter of the brush (14) at the free end (26) of the polishing bristles (22) between the turns (24) increases from one end (141) to half the length of the brush (14), the brush preferably being tapered over part of the length of the brush.

3. The brush (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the brush (14) at the free end (26) of the polishing bristles (22) between the turns (24) is constant over part of the length of the brush, preferably over half the length of the brush.

4. The brush (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying bristles (20) are thicker than the polishing bristles (22).

5. A capsule polishing system (10), comprising: • an inlet (15) and an outlet (16) for capsules; • the brush (14) according to one of the preceding claims, the end (141) of the brush having the smallest diameter at the free end (26) of the polishing bristles (20) being at the inlet (15).

6. The system (10) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a wall (12) around the brush (14), extending between the inlet (15) and the outlet (16), the conveying bristles (20) having their free end in contact with the internal face of the wall (12).

7. The system (10) according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising at least one protuberance (36) from the internal face of the wall towards the brush (14), at least some of the conveying bristles (22) being deformed by the protuberance(s) (36) during rotational movement of the brush (14) about the axis (18).

8. The system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the protuberance(s) (36) are capable of coming into contact with the capsules so as to influence a trajectory of the capsules during the rotational movement of the brush (14) about the axis (18).

9. The system (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the protuberance(s) (36) are tongues extending towards the brush (14) from the external face of the wall (12).

10. The system (10) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the protuberances (36) are carried by the legs of a rail (38) of U-shaped cross-section, the rail being on the external face of the wall (12) and the protuberance(s) (36) arranged in a staggered manner on the legs of the rail (38) extending towards the brush (14) through openings (40) of the wall (12).

11. The system (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a suction unit adapted to evacuate dust from within the wall (12), the dust being evacuated through the wall (12) in the area of the protuberances (36).

12. The system according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the wall (12) comprises orifices (42) for the suction of the dust through the wall (12), the orifices (42) being between rows of openings (40) through which the protuberances (36) pass.

13. The system (10) according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the axis (18) of the brush (14) is vertical.

14. The system (10) according to one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the inlet (15) is in a direction tangential to the turns (24).

15. A method of polishing capsules, comprising the following steps: • providing a system (10) for polishing capsules according to one of claims 5 to 14; • generating a rotational movement of the brush (14) about the axis (18); • introducing the capsules into the system through the inlet (15); • conveying the capsules from the inlet (15) to the outlet (16) by the conveying ramp moving around the axis; • evacuating and collecting the capsules at the outlet (16).

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