Apparatus and method for continuous processing of caps

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for continuous processing of caps (2) is described, wherein each cap (2) comprises a sidewall (21) extending about a longitudinal axis (L) between a first end (211) and a second end (212), a transverse wall (22) connected to the first end (211) of the sidewall (21), and a plurality of tabs (23) projecting from the second end (212) of the sidewall (21). The apparatus (1) comprises: a bending station (11) including a bending carousel (110) and a plurality of bending units (111), each configured to bend a plurality of tabs (23) of a cap (2) toward a longitudinal axis (L); a supply unit (12) arranged upstream of the bending station (11) and configured to move the caps (2) along a movement path to supply the caps (2) to the bending station (11), each cap (2) taking a predetermined orientation at a first inspection position (P1) along the movement path; a pericentric camera (101) arranged along the movement path and defining a unique optical axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis (L) of a cap placed at the first inspection position (P1); and a control unit connected to the pericentric camera (101) for driving it in synchronization with the caps (2) moving along the movement path.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for continuous processing of caps.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for continuous processing of caps. [Background technology]

[0003] Typically, the cap comprises a body and a tamper-evident ring joined together by a connecting strip. More specifically, the tamper-evident ring comprises a plurality of tabs protruding from one end of the side wall of the cap. The device of the type described herein allows the tabs on the side wall to bend. Thus, when the tabs are bent, the tamper-evident ring remains attached to the neck of the container even when the cap body is separated from the neck of the container. An example of this type of device is described in patent document WO2006138095A1.

[0004] The cap may also include notches (or recesses or slits) formed in the sidewall of the cap. Typically, the region separating the cap body and the tamper-evident ring (i.e., the connecting strip) may be made of a series of notches and bridges, i.e., a frangible connecting region that joins the body and the tamper-evident ring and allows it to break when the cap is first twisted off. In other types of caps, such as those called "tethered" caps, the permanent connecting region of the tear strip does not tear, keeping the cap body connected to the tamper-evident ring, thereby reducing waste in the environment. Similar to conventional caps, the connecting region of a tethered cap may include a series of notches and bridges. Alternatively, the connecting region of a tethered cap may be in the form of a recess or narrow section that is thinner than the cap body and tamper-evident ring and breaks when the cap is first twisted off the container.

[0005] For a cap to function properly, it is important to ensure that the tab is well made and free of defects. Additionally, in both traditional and tethered caps, the notching or recess must be of high quality to not only allow the user to easily open the container, but also to prevent unwanted tearing before the first use.

[0006] Thus, the need to inspect caps before they are applied to containers is particularly felt in this field.

[0007] Typically, inspection is performed after bending. That is, after bending toward the longitudinal axis of the cap, the tab may cover part of the inner surface of the sidewall, making it difficult to detect defects in the tab itself or to inspect for notches or recesses. One solution to this problem is to inspect the cap before bending the tab. This type of solution typically involves using a dedicated inspection device installed downstream from the bending device. However, this solution is complex and increases the overall size of the machine. If the device also forms the notch, the complexity and overall size increase.

[0008] The document EP 3911483 A1 describes an apparatus for processing caps, which comprises a cutting unit and a conveying means defining a conveying path between the cutting unit and the cap. The caps are inspected by a detection system located downstream of the cutting unit in order to fully detect the inner wall of the cap. However, this document does not provide detailed instructions on how the inspection is carried out. Furthermore, the inspection is carried out after bending, which means that the tabs may cover part of the inner surface, making it difficult to accurately detect defects. Summary of the Invention

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus and method for continuous processing of caps to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art.

[0010] More specifically, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a relatively compact apparatus that allows for inspection of a cap while the cap is inside the apparatus.

[0011] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for effectively inspecting caps.It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for effectively inspecting notches or recesses.

[0012] This object is fully achieved by the presently disclosed device and method for continuous processing of caps, as characterized in the appended claims.

[0013] More specifically, each cap has a sidewall extending about the longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, a transverse wall coupled to the first end of the sidewall, and a plurality of tabs projecting from the second end of the sidewall. The caps may be made of a plastic material.

[0014] The apparatus is configured to perform a process on the cap.The apparatus includes a bending station.

[0015] The bending station is configured to bend the plurality of tabs of each cap toward the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the bending station includes a bending carousel that rotates about an axis of rotation.

[0016] In one example, the bending station includes a plurality of bending units, each configured to bend a plurality of tabs of the cap toward the longitudinal axis, and the bending units are mounted on a bending carousel.

[0017] The bending units may be configured to simultaneously bend the tabs of a corresponding plurality of caps toward the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the bending units may be configured to sequentially bend the tabs of a corresponding plurality of caps toward the longitudinal axis. Preferably, each bending unit is mounted on the bending carousel around an axis of rotation of the bending carousel.

[0018] The apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to move the cap, for example along a movement path.

[0019] Preferably, the path of travel is located upstream of the bending station.

[0020] The supply unit is configured to supply the cap to the bending station. The supply unit can supply multiple caps to the bending station simultaneously or sequentially.

[0021] Preferably, each cap is oriented at a first inspection position along the path of movement.

[0022] The apparatus comprises a first camera mounted along the path of movement and defining its own optical axis, preferably the optical axis of the first camera being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cap at the first inspection position.

[0023] The first camera is configured to observe an outer surface of the sidewall of the cap. The first camera is configured to capture the entire outer surface of the sidewall of the cap.

[0024] Preferably, the first camera is a pericentric camera. The camera may include a biconvex lens or a Fresnel lens. The first camera may be configured to view an outer surface of a first end of the sidewall about the longitudinal axis and / or an outer surface of a second end of the sidewall about the longitudinal axis.

[0025] The apparatus comprises a control unit connected to the first camera (or the pericentric camera), and preferably the control unit drives the first camera in synchronization with the movement of the cap along the movement path.

[0026] The control unit may be configured to receive image data from the first camera captured by the first camera and representative of the sidewall of the cap at the first inspection position.

[0027] A pericentric camera has the advantage that it can capture the entire side wall of the cap and observe the details of the cap regardless of the orientation of the cap along the movement path (i.e., regardless of which direction it is facing). A device manufactured in this way makes it possible to inspect the side wall of the cap, and in particular the tab, before the tab is bent towards the longitudinal axis.

[0028] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive an ordered series of caps. The inlet can be connected to a supply unit. The supply unit can be configured to receive the ordered series of caps from the inlet.

[0029] In one embodiment, each cap assumes a predetermined orientation at a second inspection position along the path of travel. The apparatus may include a second camera. The second camera may be a pinhole camera or a wide-angle camera. The second camera (i.e., the pinhole camera or the wide-angle camera) is preferably positioned along the path of travel and defines its own optical axis. The optical axis of the second camera preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cap at the second inspection position to axially observe the inner surface of the side wall of the cap.

[0030] Preferably, the second camera is a pinhole camera, which has the advantage of a large aperture angle (i.e., about 90°).

[0031] Another advantage of a pinhole camera is that the diameter of the part facing the cap to be inspected is small (e.g., smaller than a corresponding wide-angle camera), which allows for greater freedom in its placement and makes it possible to observe small objects such as caps.

[0032] In one example, the second inspection position may be for receiving a cap with a notch or recess in the side wall or a wall of reduced thickness.

[0033] In this document, the term "notching" is used to mean a notch or a series of notches, but the invention may also be applied to caps with a slit (or slits) and / or walls of narrow thickness.

[0034] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a third inspection position in which the cap is oriented, preferably the third inspection position is for receiving a cap having a notch in its side wall.

[0035] For example, the apparatus may include a plurality of side cameras each defining a plurality of optical axes oriented radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the cap at the third inspection position to view the outer surface of the side wall of the cap.

[0036] Preferably, the control unit is connected to the pinhole camera and the plurality of side cameras and is programmed to receive image data from each of them and process the image data to derive information regarding the notching of the side wall of each cap.

[0037] In one example, the control unit is programmed to derive an unfolded image from image data received from the multiple side cameras, the unfolded image showing a side wall of the cap represented in a planar form.

[0038] In one example, the apparatus includes a fourth inspection position where the cap is oriented. Preferably, the fourth inspection position is for receiving a cap having lettering molded on the inner and / or outer surface of the side wall. The apparatus may include a recognition camera defining a unique optical axis, preferably aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cap, positioned at the fourth inspection position to capture an image of the lettering molded on the inner and / or outer surface of the side wall of the cap.

[0039] The apparatus may include a rejection device located downstream of the recognition camera with respect to the feed path of the cap. A control unit is connected to the recognition camera to receive image data. The control unit may be programmed to process the image data to derive information about characters molded on the inner surface of the side wall of the cap, thus defining an OCR system.

[0040] The control unit may be programmed to drive the rejector to separate one or more caps from the stream of caps moving through the fourth inspection station based on the derived information about the molded characters. The separation by the rejector may occur downstream or upstream of the recognition camera (thus defining a feedback system). The molded characters may represent the cavities of the mold in which the caps were made. Thus, the separation by the rejector may occur based on the cavities in which the caps were made.

[0041] In one example, the supply unit comprises a transport element arranged upstream of the bending station, preferably comprising a transport carousel configured to move the caps along at least a portion of a movement path for individual loading of the caps into the bending carousel of the bending station.

[0042] Preferably, the first inspection position is located on said at least part of the path of movement. Preferably, the pericentric camera is fixed relative to the transport carousel.

[0043] In one example, the second inspection position is located on at least a portion of the path of travel. Therefore, the sidewall of the cap, preferably the notch in the sidewall of the cap, can be inspected before the tab is bent inward, thereby preventing the tab from blocking the field of view between the camera and the sidewall of the cap or the notch in the sidewall of the cap. Preferably, the second camera (i.e., a pinhole camera or a wide-angle camera) is fixed relative to the transport carousel.

[0044] The pericentric camera is installed on the transfer carousel upstream of the bending carousel, making the device compact.

[0045] In one example, the apparatus includes a slide plate that interacts with the transport carousel to slidably support caps that are moved by the transport carousel.

[0046] In one embodiment, the slide plate includes a black opaque portion and the pericentric camera is directed toward the black opaque portion of the slide plate. In one embodiment, the slide plate includes an additional black opaque portion and the pinhole camera is directed toward the black opaque portion of the slide plate. The black opaque portion has the advantage of providing good contrast to the images captured by the pericentric camera and / or the pinhole or wide-angle camera.

[0047] In one embodiment, each cap is oriented at a fifth inspection position along the path of travel. The apparatus may include a fixed focus camera positioned along the path of travel and defining its own optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cap, preferably at the fifth inspection position, for observing the outer and / or inner surfaces of the lateral walls of the cap.

[0048] Preferably, the fifth inspection position is located on said at least part of the path of movement.

[0049] In one example, the transfer carousel has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the pericentric camera is directed toward the first surface, and the fixed focus camera is directed toward the second surface. In one embodiment, the slide plate includes a transparent portion, and the fifth camera is directed toward the transparent portion of the slide plate. This allows for inspection of the outer surface of the side wall of the cap.

[0050] In one example, the pinhole camera is fixed relative to the transport carousel. The pericentric camera and the pinhole camera may both be aimed at the first surface.

[0051] Pericentric cameras, pinhole cameras, fixed focus cameras allow the entire cap to be inspected, i.e. they allow both the inner and outer surfaces of the side walls and the inner and outer surfaces of the lateral walls of the cap to be inspected.

[0052] In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cutting station. Preferably, the cutting station includes a cutting carousel adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation and to receive a plurality of cutting units configured to form notches in the sidewalls of the caps. Preferably, the transfer carousel is located between the cutting carousel and the bending carousel and configured to receive the caps from the cutting carousel, such that a portion of the movement path is defined by the movement of the cutting carousel.

[0053] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the cutting station is configured to receive a plurality of cutting units, each adapted to form a notch in the sidewall of the cap; in this case, the cutting station is adapted to insert the notches and move the cap along a portion of the path of movement defined by the movement of the cutting carousel. In one embodiment, the cutting station is configured to receive a plurality of cutting units, but does not insert notches into the cap. In another case, the cutting station does not perform any cuts, and therefore the cutting station is configured to move the cap along a portion of the path of movement defined by the movement of the cutting carousel without inserting notches. This gives the apparatus the advantage of modularity, making it suitable both for inserting notches internally and for receiving caps with notches already formed, for example, directly in a mold.

[0054] In one example, the apparatus includes an outfeed conveyor, which can be configured to receive the caps from the bending station.

[0055] The outfeed conveyor may be configured to move the caps along an outfeed path, preferably located downstream of the bending station. The apparatus may include an outlet for discharging the processed caps from the apparatus. The apparatus may include a third inspection position according to one or more features of the present disclosure and a plurality of cameras according to one or more features of the present disclosure, and the third inspection position may be disposed along the outfeed path.

[0056] In one example, the apparatus may include a fourth inspection position and recognition camera according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, where the fourth inspection position may be located along the outfeed path.

[0057] In one embodiment, the feeding unit includes an in-feed conveyor belt configured to transport the caps individually and continuously along an in-feed path toward the bending station or, if present, the cutting station. Preferably, the in-feed path forms part of the movement path. A pericentric camera and / or a pinhole camera, multiple side cameras and / or recognition cameras may be installed along the in-feed path.

[0058] Preferably, in embodiments where a transfer carousel is provided, the in-feed conveyor belt is located upstream of the transfer carousel. In embodiments where a cutting station (i.e., cutting carousel) is provided, the in-feed conveyor belt is located upstream of the cutting carousel. The cutting carousel may be located between the in-feed conveyor belt and the transfer carousel. Thus, the in-feed conveyor belt may be configured to supply a series of caps to the cutting carousel.

[0059] In one example, the control unit is programmed to process image data captured by the pericentric camera, compare them with reference data representing the correct positions of the plurality of tabs, and derive information regarding a warning signal in response to a negative comparison result.

[0060] The present disclosure teaches how caps can be effectively inspected before the tabs of the cap are bent by an inspection system including a pericentric camera located upstream of the bending station and configured to inspect the outer surfaces of the side walls of the cap. Preferably, the pericentric camera defines an optical axis coincident with the longitudinal axis to view the cap from above. The inspection system may also include a pinhole camera located upstream of the bending station and configured to inspect the inner surfaces of the side walls of the cap. Preferably, the pinhole camera defines an optical axis coincident with the longitudinal axis to view the cap from above (relative to the direction defined by gravity). The inspection system may also include a fixed-focus camera located upstream of the bending station and configured to inspect the outer surfaces of the lateral walls of the cap. Preferably, the fixed-focus camera defines an optical axis coincident with the longitudinal axis to view the cap from below. The system may also include multiple side cameras located upstream or downstream of the bending station and configured to inspect the outer surfaces of the lateral walls of the cap, specifically to inspect the outer surfaces of the lateral walls for notching. Preferably, the side cameras define corresponding optical axes oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis for viewing the cap from the side (ie transversely to the longitudinal axis).

[0061] The present disclosure also provides a method for continuous processing of caps.

[0062] The method includes bending a plurality of tabs toward a longitudinal axis by a bending station according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0063] The method includes steps performed by a supply unit to move a cap along a movement path according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0064] The method includes the step of feeding the cap to a bending station, for example performed by a feeding unit.

[0065] The method includes capturing image data, performed by a first camera, the first camera according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0066] Preferably, the method includes a step of capturing image data performed by a pericentric camera installed along the path of movement and defining a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cap when the cap is in the first inspection position.

[0067] The method includes a step, performed by a control unit, of driving a pericentric camera in synchronization with the cap moving along a movement path.

[0068] In one example, the method includes capturing image data, performed by a second camera.

[0069] Preferably, the method includes a step of capturing image data performed by a pinhole camera installed along the path of movement and defining a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cap when the cap is in the second inspection position, the cap assuming a predetermined orientation at the second inspection position.

[0070] The method may include receiving a stream of caps having notches in their sidewalls at a third inspection position, the caps assuming a predetermined orientation at the third inspection position. The method includes capturing image data performed by a plurality of side cameras, each defining a plurality of optical axes oriented radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the cap when the cap is in the third inspection position, to observe an outer surface of the sidewall of the cap. The method may include receiving image data from the pinhole camera and / or the plurality of side cameras, performed by a control unit, and processing the received image data to derive information regarding the notching in the sidewall of each cap.

[0071] In one example, the supply unit includes a transport carousel constructed in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Preferably, the transport carousel is located upstream of the bending station. The method may include moving the caps along at least a portion of the path of movement performed by the transport carousel. The method may include individually loading the caps into a bending carousel of the bending station performed by the transport carousel. In one example, the first inspection position is located in the at least a portion of the path of movement.

[0072] The pericentric camera may be fixed relative to the transport carousel.

[0073] In one embodiment, the method includes providing a second inspection position along the path of movement, where the cap assumes a predetermined orientation at the second inspection position. The method may also include providing a pinhole camera defining a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cap when the cap is in the second inspection position. The method includes providing a fifth inspection position along the path of movement, where the cap assumes a predetermined orientation at the fifth inspection position, and providing a fixed-focus camera running along the path of movement, where the fixed-focus camera defines a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cap when the cap is in the fifth inspection position. The second inspection position and / or the fifth inspection position may be located on at least a portion of the path of movement defined by the transport carousel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0074] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figures 1A-1D] 1 illustrates an apparatus for processing caps, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a portion of an apparatus for processing caps, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A-3C]1 illustrates a portion of an apparatus for processing caps, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Fig. 4.5A-5B.6A-6B] 1 illustrates different exemplary embodiments of a processing device, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] 1 shows a cross section of a cap with multiple unbent tabs. [Figure 7B] 1 shows a cross section of a cap having multiple tabs bent toward the longitudinal axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0075] The numeral 1 in the drawings designates an apparatus for continuous processing of caps 2. The caps 2 include a side wall 21 extending about a longitudinal axis L between a first end 211 and a second end 212. The caps 2 include a transverse wall 22 connected to the first end 211 of the side wall 21. The caps 2 include a plurality of tabs 23 projecting from the second end 212 of the side wall 21.

[0076] The cap 2 may also include notches or narrowed thicknesses formed in the side walls 21 of the cap. The cap 2 may also include lettering molded into the inner surface of the side walls 22 of the cap 2.

[0077] The apparatus 1 comprises a bending station 11. The bending station 11 includes a bending carousel 110 that rotates about a rotation axis R. The bending station 11 comprises a plurality of bending units 111 that are arranged on the bending carousel 110 equidistant from one another around the rotation axis R. Each bending unit 111 is configured to bend a plurality of tabs 23 of the caps 2, such that the bending station 11 is configured to bend the tabs 23 of the plurality of caps 2 in successive cycles.

[0078] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a cutting station 15 including a cutting carousel 150 rotating about a rotation axis R'. The cutting carousel 150 may be configured to receive a plurality of cutting units adapted to notch the side wall 21 of the cap 2, such that the cutting station 15 is configured to notch the side wall 21 of the cap 2 in successive cycles. Alternatively, the notching may be performed upstream of the apparatus 1, for example in a mold for forming the cap 2.

[0079] The apparatus 1 includes a supply unit 12. The supply unit 12 is configured to continuously move the caps 2 along a movement path. The supply unit 12 is configured to continuously receive the caps 2 from the cutting carousel 150 and continuously supply the caps 2 to the bending carousel 110. More specifically, the supply unit 12 includes a transport carousel 120 installed upstream of the bending carousel 110, the transport carousel 120 rotating about a rotation axis T that is preferably parallel to the rotation axis R of the bending carousel 110 and parallel to the rotation axis R' of the cutting carousel 150. The transport carousel 120 is configured to receive the caps 2 from the cutting carousel 150 and supply the caps 2 to the bending carousel 110. Thus, the transport carousel 120 is installed between the cutting carousel 150 and the bending carousel 110.

[0080] The supply unit 12 comprises an in-feed conveyor belt 121 located upstream of the cutting station 15 and configured to continuously supply caps 2 to the cutting station 15 (i.e., the cutting carousel 150).

[0081] The apparatus 1 includes an outfeed conveyor 16 disposed downstream of the bending station 12 and configured to continuously receive the bent caps 2 from the bending station 12 and deliver the caps 2 from the apparatus 1. The outfeed conveyor 16 preferably includes an outfeed carousel 160 configured to receive the bent caps 2 from the bending carousel 110, and an outfeed conveyor belt 161 disposed downstream of the outfeed carousel 160 for receiving the caps 2 and transporting them toward an exit of the apparatus 1.

[0082] As a result, inside the apparatus 1, each cap 2 is transported along a movement path of the cap 2 from the entrance I to the exit U of the apparatus 1. More specifically, the path of the cap 2 is defined by the movement of the infeed conveyor belt 121, the movement of the cutting carousel 150, the movement of the transfer carousel 120, the movement of the bending carousel 110, the movement of the outfeed carousel 160, and the movement of the outfeed conveyor belt 161.

[0083] The movement path of the cap 2 is therefore made up of an infeed path defined by the infeed conveyor belt 121, a cutting path defined by the cutting carousel 150, a movement path portion or transport path defined by the transport carousel 120, and an outfeed path portion defined by the outfeed carousel 160 and the outfeed conveyor belt 161.

[0084] The movement path of the cap 2 includes at least a first inspection position P1, and more specifically, the movement path of the cap includes a plurality of inspection positions including a second inspection position P2, a third inspection position P3, a fourth inspection position P4 and a fifth inspection position P5. Preferably, at the first inspection position P1, the second inspection position P2, the third inspection position P3, the fourth inspection position P4 and the fifth inspection position P5, the cap 2 assumes a predetermined orientation, preferably with its longitudinal axis L oriented perpendicular to the movement path and with the outer surface of its lateral wall 22 facing downwards with respect to the direction determined by gravity.

[0085] The apparatus 1 includes a plurality of cameras. More specifically, the apparatus 1 includes a pericentric camera 101. The pericentric camera 101 is installed along a movement path, specifically along a movement path portion (or a transport path) defined by the transport carousel 120. The pericentric camera 101 is configured to image the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2. The pericentric camera 101 defines a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is positioned at a first inspection position P1. Thus, the first inspection position P1 is located on the transport carousel 120 along the transport path. More specifically, the transport carousel 120 includes a first surface 120A and a second surface 120B opposite the first surface 120A, and the optical axis of the pericentric camera is directed toward the first surface 120A of the transport carousel 120.

[0086] The apparatus 1 comprises a pinhole camera 102 installed along the movement path, in particular along the transport path. The pinhole camera is configured to image the inner surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2. The pinhole camera 102 defines a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is placed in the second inspection position P2. The optical axis of the pinhole camera is directed towards the first face 120A of the transport carousel 120.

[0087] The apparatus 1 includes a fixed-focus camera 105 installed along the transport path. The fixed-focus camera 105 is configured to image the outer surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2. The fixed-focus camera 105 defines a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is positioned at the fifth inspection position P5. The optical axis of the fixed-focus camera 105 is directed toward the second face 120B of the transport carousel 120 so as to image the outer surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2.

[0088] The apparatus 1 includes a slide plate 14 that interacts with a transport carousel 120 and slidably supports a cap 2 that is moved by the transport carousel 120. In a first inspection zone P1, the slide plate 14 includes a black, opaque portion 141, and the pericentric camera 101 (i.e., the optical axis defined by the pericentric camera 101) is directed toward the black, opaque portion 141 of the slide plate 14. In a second inspection zone P2, the slide plate 14 includes an additional black, opaque portion 142, and the pinhole camera 102 (i.e., the optical axis defined by the pinhole camera 102) is directed toward the additional black, opaque portion 142 of the slide plate 14. In a fifth inspection zone P5, the slide plate 14 includes a transparent portion 143, and the fixed-focus camera 105 (i.e., the optical axis defined by the fixed-focus camera 105) is directed toward the transparent portion 143 of the slide plate 14.

[0089] The apparatus 1 includes a plurality of side cameras 103 installed on the outfeed conveyor belt 161 along the outfeed path. The side cameras 103 define a plurality of optical axes oriented radially with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is in the third inspection position P3 to capture an image of the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2. Preferably, the side cameras 103 are configured to observe notches or narrow portions formed in the side wall 21 of the cap 2. More specifically, the control unit processes an unfolded image in which the side wall 21 of the cap 2 is represented in a plane from the image data received from the side cameras 103.

[0090] The apparatus 1 includes a recognition camera 104 mounted along the outfeed path of the outfeed conveyor belt 161. The recognition camera 104 defines a unique axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is in the fourth inspection position, in order to image the characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2.

[0091] The apparatus 1 comprises a control unit programmed to drive the pericentric camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the plurality of side cameras 103, the recognition camera 104 and the fixed focus camera 105 in synchronization with the cap 2 passing through the first inspection position P1, the second inspection position P2, the third inspection position P3, the fourth inspection position P4 and the fifth inspection position P5. The pericentric camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the plurality of side cameras 103, the recognition camera 104 and the fixed focus camera 105 define a plurality of cameras each configured to capture image data and transmit the image data to the control unit.

[0092] In one example, the control unit receives image data from the pinhole camera 102 and the multiple side cameras 103 to derive information about notching formed in the side wall 21 of the cap 2 .

[0093] The apparatus may include an rejection device 13 located downstream of the recognition camera 104 on the outfeed conveyor belt 161D. The control unit receives image data from the recognition camera 104 and processes the data to derive information about characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2. Preferably, the control unit drives the rejection device 13 based on the derived information about the molded characters to separate one or more caps from the stream of caps moving through the fourth inspection position P4.

[0094] In one example, the infeed conveyor belt 121 and the outfeed conveyor belt 161 have a black, opaque surface on which the lateral walls 22 of the caps 2 rest as they move along the path.

[0095] In one example, the transport carousel 120 includes a guide crown wheel 122 configured to abut a portion of the outer surface of the side wall of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is transported on the transport carousel 120 .

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, the slide plate 14 may be provided with air suction holes 144, for example in the black opaque portions 141, 142 and / or the transparent portion 143, to hold the cap 2 in place on the transport carousel 120 along the path.

[0097] 5B and 6B show, by way of example, a layout of apparatus 1 in which one or more of pericentric camera 101, pinhole camera 102, multiple side cameras 103, and fixed focus camera 105 are installed within transport carousel 120. In particular, pericentric camera 101, pinhole camera 102, multiple side cameras 103, and fixed focus camera 105 are installed within transport carousel 120.

[0098] In one example, the transfer carousel 120 can be configured to receive the caps 2 from the in-feed conveyor belt 121 so that the caps 2 are inspected by one or more (or all) of the pericentric camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the multiple side cameras 103, and the fixed focus camera 105. In one example, the transfer carousel 120 can be configured to receive the caps 2 from the cutting carousel 150 so that the caps 2 are inspected by one or more (or all) of the pericentric camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the multiple side cameras 103, and the fixed focus camera 105.

[0099] In one example, a line connecting the rotation axis R of the bending carousel 110 and the rotation axis R' of the cutting carousel 150 divides the plane into an upper half-plane and a lower half-plane. Preferably, when one or more (or all) of the pericentric camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the multiple side cameras 103, and the fixed-focus camera 105 are installed in the transport carousel 120, the one or more (or all) of the pericentric camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the multiple side cameras 103, and the fixed-focus camera 105 are installed in the same half-plane (i.e., the lower half-plane or the upper half-plane). The rotation axis of the transport carousel 120 can be located in the upper half-plane or the lower half-plane. In particular, the axis of rotation of the transport carousel 120 is located in the same half-plane of the cameras (i.e., one or more or all of the pericentric camera 101, the pinhole camera 102, the multiple side cameras 103 and the fixed focus camera 105) and / or of the in-feed conveyor belt 121. The cameras can be installed in the same half-plane of the in-feed conveyor belt 121.

[0100] In the operating sequence of the apparatus 1, the entrance I of the apparatus 1 receives a series of caps 2. The infeed conveyor belt 121 transports the caps 2 from the entrance I of the apparatus 1 along an infeed path, which is preferably substantially linear, to the cutting carousel 150. The cutting carousel 150 receives the series of caps 2 and transports them along a cutting path defined by the movement of the cutting carousel 150. The cutting station 15 may further notch the sidewalls 21 of the caps 2, or the cutting station 15 may receive caps that already have notches. The cutting carousel 150 then transports the caps to the transport carousel 120, which transports the caps along the transport path. When the caps are at the second inspection position P2 on the transport path defined by the movement of the transport carousel 120, the pinhole camera 102 captures image data representing the inner surface of the sidewalls 21 of the caps 2. On the transfer path, the fixed focus camera 105 captures image data representing the outer surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap when the cap is at the fifth inspection position P5. Also on the transfer path, the pericentric camera 101 captures image data representing the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2 when the cap is at the first inspection position P2.

[0101] Next, the transfer carousel 120 transfers the caps 2 to the bending carousel 110. The bending carousel 110 receives the caps 2 in succession. Each bending unit 111 of the bending station 11 bends the tabs 23 of the caps 2. More specifically, each bending unit 111 includes a support configured to supportably receive the outer surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2, and a plunger configured to be inserted into the cap 2 to hold the cap 2 in place on the support while the tabs 23 are being bent. The support and the plunger are movable relative to each other along a movement direction parallel to the rotation axis R of the bending carousel 110 between a spaced position where they do not interfere with each other and a close position where they act in cooperation to hold the cap 2 in place on the support during bending.

[0102] Preferably, the transfer carousel 120 and the bending carousel 110 are installed at the same height along a direction parallel to the rotation axis R of the bending carousel 110, after which the support and plunger of the bending unit 111 move towards each other to enable bending of the tabs 23. Once the tabs 23 of the caps 2 have been bent towards the longitudinal axis L, the caps 2 are transferred to the outfeed conveyor 16, in particular to the outfeed carousel 160, and then to the outfeed conveyor belt 161 along the outfeed path.

[0103] On the outfeed path, when the cap 2 is at the fifth inspection position P4, the recognition camera 104 captures image data representing the characters molded on the inner surface of the side wall 22 of the cap 2.

[0104] The multiple side cameras 103 then capture image data representing the side walls 21 of the caps 2 when the caps 2 are in the inspection position P5. On the outfeed path, the rejector 13 may be controlled by the control unit to separate one or more caps 2 from the stream of caps 2 moving along the outfeed path through the fourth inspection position P4 based on the derived information about the formed characters.

[0105] The following paragraphs, listed alphabetically for reference, are non-limiting examples illustrating the present invention. A. An apparatus 1 for the continuous processing of caps 2, each cap 2 comprising a side wall 21 extending around a longitudinal axis L between a first end 211 and a second end 212, a transverse wall 22 connected to the first end 211 of the side wall 21, and a plurality of tabs 23 projecting from the second end 212 of the side wall 21, the apparatus 1 comprising: a bending station 11 configured to bend the tabs 23 of the cap 2 towards the longitudinal axis L; a supply unit 12 arranged upstream of the bending station 11 and configured to move the caps 2 along a movement path and to supply the caps 2 to the bending station 11, each cap 2 taking a predetermined orientation along the movement path at a first inspection position P1; a control unit connected to one or more cameras included in the device 1 and adapted to drive the cameras in synchronization with the cap 2 moving along a path of movement. A1. The apparatus 1 described in paragraph A, wherein the bending station 11 includes a bending carousel 110 rotating about a rotation axis R and a plurality of bending units 111, each bending unit 111 configured to bend a plurality of tabs 23 of the cap 2 toward the longitudinal axis L. A2. The apparatus 1 described in any one of paragraphs A to A1, wherein the supply unit 12 includes a transport carousel 120 installed upstream of the bending station 11, and the transport carousel 120 is configured to move the caps 2 along at least a portion of the movement path to individually load the caps 2 into the bending station 11. A2.1. The apparatus 1 described in paragraph A2, wherein the transfer carousel 120 is configured to load the caps 2 into the bending carousel 110 of the bending station 11. A2.2. The device 1 according to paragraph A2 or A2.1, comprising a slide plate 14 which interacts with the transport carousel 120 to slidably support the caps 2 which are moved by the transport carousel 120. A3. The apparatus 1 described in any one of paragraphs A to A2.2 includes an outfeed conveyor 16 configured to receive the cap 2 from the bending station 11 and move the cap 2 along an outfeed path downstream of the bending station 11. A4. The apparatus 1 described in any one of paragraphs A to A3, wherein the supply unit 12 includes an infeed conveyor belt 121 configured to transport the caps 2 individually and continuously along an infeed path towards the bending station 11, the infeed path forming part of the movement path. A5. The apparatus 1 described in any one of paragraphs A to A4 comprises a cutting station 15 including a cutting carousel 150 rotating about a rotation axis R', the cutting carousel 150 adapted to receive a plurality of cutting units configured to form notches in the side wall 21 of the cap 2. A5.1. The apparatus 1 described in paragraph A5, wherein the transport carousel 120 of the supply unit 12 is installed between the cutting carousel 150 and the bending carousel 110 and is configured to receive caps 2 from the cutting carousel 150, so that part of the movement path is defined by the movement of the cutting carousel 150, and the transport carousel 120 is made according to any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2. A6. An apparatus 1 described in any one of paragraphs A to A5.1, comprising a first camera installed along the movement path and defining a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis L of a cap 2 placed at a first inspection position P1. A6.1. The apparatus 1 according to paragraph A6, wherein the first camera is a pericentric camera 101. A6.1.1. The apparatus 1 described in paragraph A6.1, wherein the pericentric camera 101 comprises a biconvex lens. A6.1.2. The apparatus 1 according to paragraph A6.1, wherein the pericentric camera 101 comprises a Fresnel lens. A6.2. The apparatus 1 of any one of paragraphs A6 to A6.1.2, wherein at least a portion of the movement path is defined by a transport carousel 120 of any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2, and the first inspection position P1 is located on said at least a portion of the movement path. A6.3. The apparatus 1 of any one of paragraphs A6 to A6.1.2, wherein the infeed path is defined by an infeed conveyor belt 121 described in paragraph A4, and the first camera is installed along the infeed path. A6.4. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A6 to A6.3, wherein the control unit is connected to the first camera and drives it in synchronization with the cap 2 moving along the movement path. A7. Apparatus 1 described in any one of paragraphs A to A6.4, wherein each cap 2 takes a predetermined orientation at a second inspection position P2 along the movement path, and apparatus 1 is provided with a second camera installed along the movement path and defining its own optical axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 at the second inspection position P2 for axially observing the inner surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2. A7.1. The device 1 described in paragraph A7, wherein the second camera is a pinhole camera 102. A7.2. The device 1 described in paragraph A7, wherein the second camera is a wide-angle camera 102. A7.3. The apparatus 1 of any one of paragraphs A7 to A7.2, wherein at least a portion of the movement path is defined by a transport carousel 120 of any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2, and the second inspection position P2 is located on said at least a portion of the movement path. A7.3.1. The device 1 described in paragraph A7.3, comprising the slide plate 14 described in paragraph A2.2, wherein the slide plate 14 includes a black opaque portion 141, and the second camera is directed toward the black opaque portion 141 of the slide plate 14. A7.4. The apparatus 1 according to any one of paragraphs A7 to A7.2, wherein the infeed path is defined by an infeed conveyor belt 121 according to paragraph A4, and the second camera is installed along the infeed path. A7.5. The apparatus 1 of any one of paragraphs A7 to A7.4, wherein the control unit is connected to the second camera and drives it in synchronization with the cap moving along the movement path. A7.6. The device 1 described in any one of paragraphs A7 to A7.5, wherein the control unit is connected to a second camera and programmed to receive image data from the second camera and derive information regarding the notching formed in the side wall 21 of each cap 2. A8. a third test position P3 in which the cap 2 is oriented, the third test position P3 being intended to receive a cap 2 having a notch in its side wall 21; - The apparatus 1 described in any one of paragraphs A to A7.6, comprising a plurality of side cameras 103 each defining a plurality of optical axes directed radially relative to the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 at a third inspection position P3 so as to observe the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2. A8.1. The apparatus 1 described in paragraph A8, wherein at least a portion of the path of movement is defined by a transport carousel 120 described in any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2, and the third inspection position P3 is located on said at least a portion of the path of movement. A8.2. The device 1 described in paragraph A8, wherein the infeed path is defined by the infeed conveyor belt 121 described in paragraph A4, and the multiple side cameras 103 are installed along the infeed path. A8.2.1. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A8 to A8.2, wherein the control unit is connected to a plurality of side cameras 103 and drives them in synchronization with the cap 2 moving along the movement path. A8.3. The apparatus 1 described in paragraph A8, wherein the outfeed path is defined by the outfeed conveyor 16 described in paragraph A3, and the third inspection position P3 is located along the outfeed path. A8.3.1. The apparatus 1 described in paragraph A8.3, wherein the control unit is connected to the plurality of side cameras 103 and drives them in synchronization with the cap 2 moving along the outfeed path. A8.4. The device 1 described in any one of paragraphs A8 to A8.3.1, wherein the control unit is connected to a plurality of side cameras 103 and is programmed to receive image data from the plurality of side cameras 103 and derive information regarding notching formed in the side wall 21 of each cap 2. A9. a fourth inspection position P4 in which the cap 2 is oriented, the fourth inspection position P4 being intended to receive a cap 2 having characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22; - The device 1 described in any one of paragraphs A to A8.4, comprising a recognition camera 104 defining its own optical axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 at a fourth inspection position P4 for imaging characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2. A9.1. The apparatus 1 described in paragraph A9, wherein at least a portion of the movement path is defined by a transport carousel 120 described in any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2, and the fourth inspection position P4 is located on said at least a portion of the movement path. A9.2. The device 1 described in paragraph A9, wherein the infeed path is defined by an infeed conveyor belt 121 described in paragraph A4, and the recognition camera 104 is installed along the infeed path. A9.2.1. The device 1 according to any one of paragraphs A9 to A9.2, wherein the control unit is connected to the recognition camera 104 and drives it in synchronization with the cap 2 moving along the movement path. A9.3. The apparatus 1 described in paragraph A9, wherein the outfeed path is defined by the outfeed conveyor 16 described in paragraph A3, and the fourth inspection position P4 is located along the outfeed path. A9.3.1. The device 1 according to paragraph A9.3, wherein the control unit is connected to the recognition camera 104 and drives it in synchronization with the cap 2 moving along the outfeed path. A9.4. The device 1 of any one of paragraphs A9 to A9.3.1, wherein the control unit is connected to the recognition camera 104 to receive image data and is programmed to process the image data to derive information about characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of each cap 2, thereby defining an OCR system. A9.4.1. The apparatus 1 described in paragraph A9.4 comprises an exclusion device 13 installed downstream of the recognition camera 104 with respect to the supply path of the caps 2, and the control unit is programmed to drive the exclusion device 13 to separate one or more caps 2 from the stream of caps 2 moving through the fourth inspection position P4 based on derived information regarding the formed characters. A10. An apparatus 1 described in any one of paragraphs A to A9.4.1, wherein each cap 2 takes a predetermined orientation at a fifth inspection position P5 along the movement path, and the apparatus 1 is provided with a fixed-focus camera 105 installed along the movement path and defining its own optical axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis L of the cap at the fifth inspection position P5 for observing the outer surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2. A10.1. The apparatus 1 of paragraph A10, wherein a portion of the path of movement is defined by a transport carousel 120 of any one of paragraphs A2 to A2.2, and the fifth inspection position P5 is located on said portion of the path of movement. A10.1.1. The apparatus 1 according to paragraph A10.1, comprising a slide plate 14 according to paragraph A2.2, the slide plate 14 including a transparent portion 143, and the fixed focus camera 105 being directed towards the transparent portion 143 of the slide plate 14. A10.2. The apparatus 1 of any one of paragraphs A10 to A10.1.1, wherein the control unit is connected to the fixed focus camera 105 and drives it in synchronization with the cap 2 moving along the movement path. A10.3. The device 1 described in any one of paragraphs A10 to A10.2, wherein the control unit is connected to a fixed focus camera 105 and is programmed to receive image data from the fixed focus camera 105 and derive an image representing the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2. A11. the bending station 11 comprises a bending carousel 110 rotating about a rotation axis R and a plurality of bending units 111, each bending unit 111 being configured to bend a plurality of tabs 23 of the cap 2 towards its longitudinal axis L; the supply unit 12 comprises a transport carousel 120 arranged upstream of the bending station 11, the transport carousel 120 being configured to move the caps 2 along at least a portion of a movement path in order to load the caps 2 individually onto the bending carousel 110 of the bending station 11; the supply unit 12 comprises an infeed conveyor belt 121 configured to transport the caps 2 individually and successively towards the bending station 11 along an infeed path, the infeed path forming part of the movement path; Device 1 is an outfeed conveyor 16 configured to receive the caps 2 from the bending station 11 and move the caps 2 along an outfeed path downstream of the bending station 11; - an apparatus 1 described in any one of paragraphs A to A10.3, comprising: a cutting station 15 including a cutting carousel 150 rotating about a rotation axis R' and adapted to receive a plurality of cutting units configured to form notches in the side wall 21 of the cap 2, wherein the transport carousel 120 of the supply unit 12 is installed between the cutting carousel 150 and the bending carousel 111 and configured to receive the cap 2 from the cutting carousel 150, so that part of the movement path is determined by the movement of the cutting carousel 150. A11.1. a first camera according to any one of paragraphs A6 to A6.4, which is installed along the path of movement and defines a unique optical axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 arranged at a first inspection position P1, which first inspection position P1 is located on said at least part of the path of movement; a second camera according to any one of paragraphs A7 to A7.6, which is arranged along the path of movement and defines an optical axis of its own which coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 at a second inspection position P2, in which each cap 2 assumes a predetermined orientation at the second inspection position P2, the second inspection position P2 being located on said at least part of the path of movement; a third test position P3 in which the cap 2 is oriented, the third test position P3 being intended to receive a cap 2 having a notch in its side wall 21; - a plurality of side cameras 103 according to any one of paragraphs A8 to A8.4, each defining a plurality of optical axes oriented radially relative to the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 at a third inspection position P3 for observing the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2, the third inspection position P3 being arranged along the outfeed path; and a fourth inspection position P4 in which the cap 2 is oriented, the fourth inspection position P4 being intended to receive a cap 2 having characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22; a recognition camera 104 according to any one of paragraphs A9 to A9.4.1, defining a unique optical axis coincident with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 at a fourth inspection position P4 for imaging characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2, the fourth inspection position P4 being located along the outfeed path; and - Apparatus 1 described in paragraph A11, comprising a fixed-focus camera 105 described in any one of paragraphs A10 to A10.3, which is installed along the movement path and defines a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 at a fifth inspection position P5 for observing the outer surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2, wherein at the fifth inspection position P5 each cap 2 assumes a predetermined orientation, and the fifth inspection position P5 is located in at least the aforementioned part of the movement path. B. A method for continuous processing of caps, each cap (2) comprising a side wall (21) extending about a longitudinal axis (L) between a first end (211) and a second end (212), a transverse wall (22) connected to the first end (211) of the side wall (21), and a plurality of tabs (23) projecting from the second end (212) of the side wall (21), the method comprising: bending the tabs 23 of the cap 2 towards the longitudinal axis L by means of the bending station 11; - moving the caps 2 via a supply unit 12 along a movement path located upstream of the bending station 11 and feeding the caps 2 to the bending station 11, each cap 2 taking up a predetermined orientation along the movement path at a first inspection position P1; via a control unit, driving one or more cameras included in the device 1 in synchronization with the cap 2 moving along the movement path. B1. The method described in paragraph B, wherein the bending station 11 includes a bending carousel 110 that rotates about a rotation axis R and a plurality of bending units 111 associated with the bending station 11. B2. The supply unit 12 comprises a transport carousel 120 installed upstream of the bending station 11, and the method comprises the following steps performed by the transport carousel 120: - moving the cap 2 along at least a portion of a movement path; - loading the caps 2 individually into the bending station 11. B2.1. The method of paragraph B2, wherein the transfer carousel 120 individually loads the caps 2 into the bending carousel 110 of the bending station 11. B3. A method as described in any one of paragraphs B to B2.1, comprising a step of capturing image data by a first camera installed along the movement path and defining a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is in the first inspection position P1. B3.1. The method of paragraph B3, wherein the first camera is a pericentric camera 101. B3.1.1. The method of paragraph B3.1, wherein the pericentric camera 101 comprises a biconvex lens. B3.1.2. The method of paragraph B3.1, wherein the pericentric camera 101 comprises a Fresnel lens. B3.2. A method as described in any one of paragraphs B3 to B3.1.2, wherein at least a portion of the movement path is defined by a transport carousel 120 as described in any one of paragraphs B2 to B2.1, a first inspection position P1 is located on said at least a portion of the movement path, and a first camera is fixed relative to the transport carousel 120. B3.3. The method of any one of paragraphs B3 to B3.2, comprising a step performed by the control unit of driving the first camera in synchronization with the cap 2 moving along the movement path. B4. A method as described in any one of paragraphs B to B3.3, including a step of capturing image data by a second camera installed along the movement path and defining a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is in a second inspection position P2, at which the cap assumes a predetermined orientation. B4.1. The method of paragraph B4, wherein the second camera is a pinhole camera 102. B4.2. The method of paragraph B4, wherein the second camera is a wide-angle camera. B4.3. A method according to any one of paragraphs B4 to B4.2, wherein at least a portion of the movement path is defined by the movement of the transport carousel 120 according to any one of paragraphs B2 to B2.1, and the second inspection position P2 is located on said at least a portion of the movement path. B4.4. The method of any one of paragraphs B4 to B4.3, comprising a step executed by the control unit of receiving image data from the second camera and processing the received image data to derive information regarding the notching of the side wall 21 of each cap 2. B5. receiving, at a third test position P3, a stream of caps 2 provided with a notch on the side wall 21, the caps 2 assuming a predetermined orientation at the third test position P3; -A method described in any one of paragraphs B to B4.4, comprising a step of capturing image data by a plurality of side cameras 103, each defining a plurality of optical axes directed radially relative to the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2, when the cap 2 is in a third inspection position P3, to observe the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2. B5.1. The method described in paragraph B5 includes a step executed by a control unit of receiving image data from a plurality of side cameras 103 and processing the received image data to derive information regarding the notching of the side wall 21 of each cap 2. B6. - receiving a stream of caps 2 having characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 at a fourth test position P4, the caps 2 assuming a predetermined orientation at the fourth test position P4; -A method described in any one of paragraphs B to B5, comprising a step of capturing image data by a recognition camera 104 defining a unique optical axis aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is in a fourth inspection position P4 to image the characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2. B6.1. The following steps are performed by the control unit: receiving image data from the recognition camera 104; - processing the image data to derive information about the characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2, thus defining an OCR system. B6.1.1. The method described in paragraph B6.1, comprising a step executed by a control unit, based on derived information regarding the formed characters, of driving an exclusion device 13 installed downstream of the recognition camera 104 with respect to the supply path of the caps 2 to separate one or more caps 2 from the stream of caps 2 moving through the fourth inspection position P4. B7. - providing a fifth test position P5 along the movement path, the cap 2 being in a predetermined orientation at the fifth test position P5; -A method as described in any one of paragraphs B to B6.1.1, including a step of providing a fixed focus camera 105 along the movement path, the fixed focus camera 105 defining its own optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis L when the cap 2 is in the fifth inspection position P5. B7.1. The method described in paragraph B7, wherein at least a portion of the movement path is defined by the movement of the transport carousel 120 described in any one of paragraphs B2 to B2.1, and the fifth inspection position P5 is located on said at least a portion of the movement path. B7.2. The following steps are performed by the control unit: receiving image data from a fixed focus camera 105; - processing the image data to derive an image representative of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2. B8. the bending station 11 comprises a bending carousel 110 rotating about a rotation axis R and a plurality of bending units 111, each bending unit 111 being configured to bend a plurality of tabs 23 of the cap 2 towards its longitudinal axis L; the supply unit 12 comprises a transport carousel 120 arranged upstream of the bending station 11, the transport carousel 120 being configured to move the caps 2 along at least a portion of a movement path in order to load the caps 2 individually onto the bending carousel 110 of the bending station 11; the supply unit 12 comprises an infeed conveyor belt 121 configured to transport the caps 2 individually and successively towards the bending station 11 along an infeed path, the infeed path forming part of the movement path; The method comprises: receiving the caps 2 from the bending station 11 via an outfeed conveyor 16 and moving the caps 2 along an outfeed path downstream of the bending station 11; providing a cutting station 15 including a cutting carousel 150 rotating about a rotation axis R′ and adapted to receive a plurality of cutting units configured to form notches in the side wall 21 of the cap 2, the transport carousel 120 of the supply unit 12 being located between the cutting carousel 150 and the bending carousel 110; - receiving the cap 2 from the cutting carousel 150 via the transport carousel 120 such that part of the path of movement is defined by the movement of the cutting carousel 150. B8.1. - capturing image data by a first camera according to any one of paragraphs B3 to B3.3, which is located along the path of movement and defines a unique optical axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is in the first inspection position P1; - receiving a stream of caps 2 with a notch on the side wall 21 at a second test position P2, the caps 2 assuming a predetermined orientation at the second test position P2; - providing a second camera according to any one of paragraphs B4 to B4.4, the second camera defining its own optical axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is in the second inspection position P2, and acquiring image data via the second camera; receiving, at a third test position P3, a stream of caps 2 provided with a notch on the side wall 21, the caps 2 assuming a predetermined orientation at the third test position P3; - capturing image data by a plurality of side cameras 103 according to any one of paragraphs B5 to B5.1, each defining a plurality of optical axes oriented radially relative to the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is in the third inspection position P3, in order to observe the outer surface of the side wall 21 of the cap 2; - receiving a stream of caps 2 having characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 at a fourth test position P4, the caps 2 assuming a predetermined orientation at the fourth test position P4; - capturing image data by a recognition camera 104 according to any one of paragraphs B6 to B6.1.1, defining a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is in the fourth inspection position P4, in order to image the characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2; receiving the cap 2 at a fifth test position P5, the cap 2 being in a predetermined orientation at the fifth test position P5; - The method described in paragraph B8, comprising a step of capturing image data by a fixed-focus camera 105 described in any one of paragraphs B7 to B7.2, defining a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the cap 2 when the cap 2 is in the fifth inspection position P5, in order to image the characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of the cap 2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0106]

Patent Document 1

Patent document 2

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for the continuous processing of caps (2), each cap (2) comprising a side wall (21) extending around a longitudinal axis (L) between a first end (211) and a second end (212), a transverse wall (22) connected to the first end (211) of the side wall (21), and a plurality of tabs (23) projecting from the second end (212) of the side wall (21), the apparatus (1) comprising: a bending station (11) comprising a bending carousel (110) rotating about a rotation axis (R) and a plurality of bending units (111), each bending unit (111) configured to bend the tabs (23) of the cap (2) towards the longitudinal axis (L); a supply unit (12) located upstream of the bending station (11) and configured to move the caps (2) along a movement path to supply them to the bending station (11), each cap (2) taking a predetermined orientation along the movement path at a first inspection position (P1); a pericentric camera (101) installed along said path of movement and defining a unique optical axis coinciding with said longitudinal axis (L) of said cap placed in said first inspection position (P1); - a control unit connected to said pericentric camera (101) for driving said cap (2) in synchronism with its movement along said path of movement.

2. 2. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein each cap (2) assumes a predetermined orientation at a second inspection position (P2) along the movement path, and the apparatus (1) comprises a pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) installed along the movement path and defining a unique optical axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis (L) of the cap (2) at the second inspection position (P2) for axially observing the inner surface of the side wall (21) of the cap (2).

3. a third inspection position (P3) in which the cap (2) is oriented, the third inspection position (P3) being intended to receive a cap (2) having a notch in its side wall (21); a plurality of side cameras (103) each defining a plurality of optical axes directed radially relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cap (2) at the third inspection position (P3) for observing the outer surface of the side wall (21) of the cap (2); 3. The device (1) of claim 2, wherein the control unit is connected to the pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) and the plurality of side cameras (103), and is programmed to receive image data from each of them and process the image data to derive information about the notching in the side wall (21) of each cap (2).

4. a fourth inspection position (P4) in which the cap (2) is oriented, the fourth inspection position (P4) being intended to receive a cap (2) having characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall (22); a recognition camera (104) defining a unique optical axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis (L) of the cap (2) at the fourth inspection position (P4) in order to image the characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall (22) of the cap (2); - an exclusion device (13) installed downstream of the recognition camera (104) with respect to the supply path of the caps (2), 4. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the control unit is programmed to be connected to the recognition camera (104) to receive image data, to process the image data to derive information about characters molded on the inner surface of the lateral wall (22) of each cap (2), thereby defining an OCR system, and the control unit is programmed to drive the rejection device (13) to separate one or more caps (2) from the stream of caps (2) moving through the fourth inspection position (P4) based on the derived information about the molded characters.

5. the supply unit (12) comprises a transport carousel (120) located upstream of the bending station (11), the transport carousel (120) being configured to move the caps (2) along at least a portion of the movement path and to load the caps (2) individually into the bending carousel (110) of the bending station (11); The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first inspection position (P1) is located on said at least part of the movement path, and the pericentric camera (101) is fixed relative to the transport carousel (120).

6. 6. The device (1) of claim 5, further comprising a slide plate (14) that interacts with the transport carousel (120) and slidably supports the cap (2) moved by the transport carousel (120), the slide plate (14) including a black opaque portion (141), and the pericentric camera (101) being directed toward the black opaque portion (141) of the slide plate (14).

7. - each cap (2) assumes a predetermined orientation at a fifth inspection position (P5) along said path of movement, said device (1) comprising a fixed focus camera (105) installed along said path of movement and defining its own optical axis coinciding with said longitudinal axis (L) of said cap (2) at said fifth inspection position (P5) in order to observe the outer surface of said lateral wall (22) of said cap (2); said fifth inspection position (P5) is located on said at least part of said path of movement, The apparatus (1) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the transport carousel (120) includes a first surface (120A) and a second surface (120B) opposite the first surface (120A), and the pericentric camera (101) is directed toward the first surface (120A) and the fixed focus camera (105) is directed toward the second surface (120B).

8. 8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein each cap (2) assumes a predetermined orientation at a second inspection position (P2) along the path of movement, and the apparatus (1) comprises a pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) installed along the path of movement and defining a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis (L) of the cap (2) at the second inspection position (P2), the second inspection position (P2) being located on at least a portion of the path of movement, the pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) being fixed relative to the transport carousel (120), the transport carousel (120) having a first surface (120A) and a second surface (120B) opposite the first surface (120A), and both the pericentric camera (101) and the pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) being directed toward the first surface (120A).

9. 9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a cutting station (15) including a cutting carousel (150) rotating about a rotation axis (R') and adapted to receive a plurality of cutting units configured to form notches in the side wall (21) of the cap (2), wherein the transfer carousel (120) is installed between the cutting carousel (150) and the bending carousel (110) and is configured to receive the cap (2) from the cutting carousel (150), so that part of the movement path is defined by the movement of the cutting carousel (150).

10. an outfeed conveyor (16) configured to receive the caps (2) from the bending station (11) and move them along an outfeed path downstream of the bending station (11); a third inspection position (P3) in which the cap (2) is oriented, the third inspection position (P3) being intended to receive a cap (2) having a notch in its side wall (21); a plurality of side cameras (103) defining respective optical axes directed radially relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cap (2) at the third inspection position (P3) for observing the outer surface of the side wall (21) of the cap (2); 10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third inspection position (P3) is located along the outfeed path.

11. The feeding unit (12) comprises an in-feed conveyor belt (121) configured to transport the caps (2) individually and successively towards the bending station (11) along an in-feed path, the in-feed path forming part of the movement path, wherein one or more of the following conditions are met: i) the pericentric camera (101) is installed along the infeed path; ii) the device (1) comprises a pinhole camera or a wide-angle camera (102), the pinhole camera or the wide-angle camera (102) being installed along the in-feed path; iii) the device (1) comprises a plurality of side cameras (103), the plurality of side cameras (103) being installed along the in-feed path; iv) the device (1) comprises a recognition camera (104), the recognition camera (104) being installed along the in-feed path.

12. 12. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control unit is programmed to process image data captured by the pericentric camera (101), compare them with reference data indicative of the correct positions of the plurality of tabs (23), and derive a warning signal in response to a negative result of the comparison.

13. A method for continuous processing of caps (2), each cap (2) having a side wall (21) extending around a longitudinal axis (L) between a first end (211) and a second end (212), a transverse wall (22) connected to the first end (211) of the side wall (21), and a plurality of tabs (23) projecting from the second end (212) of the side wall (21), the method comprising: bending the tabs (23) of the cap (2) towards the longitudinal axis (L) by means of a bending station (11), the bending station (11) comprising a bending carousel (110) rotating about a rotation axis (R) and a plurality of bending units (111) associated with said bending station (110); - moving said caps (2) via a supply unit (12) along a movement path located upstream of said bending station (11) and feeding said caps (2) to said bending station (11), said caps (2) taking up a predetermined orientation along said movement path at a first inspection position (P1); - capturing image data by a pericentric camera (101) installed along said path of movement and defining a unique optical axis coinciding with said longitudinal axis (L) of said cap (2) when said cap (2) is in said first inspection position (P1); - driving, via a control unit, said pericentric camera (101) in synchronism with said cap (2) moving along said path of movement.

14. - capturing image data by a pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) positioned along said path of movement and defining a unique optical axis coinciding with said longitudinal axis (L) of said cap (2) when said cap (2) is in a second inspection position (P2) in which said cap (2) assumes a predetermined orientation; - receiving, at a third inspection position (P3), a stream of caps (2) provided with a notch on their side wall (21), said caps (2) assuming a predetermined orientation at said third inspection position (P3); - capturing image data by a plurality of side cameras (103) defining a plurality of optical axes directed radially relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the cap (2) when the cap (2) is in the third inspection position (P3) in order to observe the outer surface of the side wall (22) of the cap (2); - receiving, via the control unit, the image data from the pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) and the image data from the plurality of side cameras (103), and processing the received image data to derive information about the notching of the side wall (21) of each cap (2).

15. The supply unit (12) comprises a transport carousel (120) installed upstream of the bending station (11), and the method comprises the following steps performed by the transport carousel (120): - moving said cap (2) along at least a portion of said path of movement; - loading said caps (2) individually into said bending carousel (110) of said bending station (11), 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first inspection position (P1) is located on the at least part of the path of movement, and the pericentric camera (101) is fixed relative to the transport carousel (120).

16. - providing a second inspection position (P2) along said path of movement, said cap (2) being in a predetermined orientation at said second inspection position (P2); - providing a pinhole or wide-angle camera (102) defining a unique optical axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis (L) of said cap (2) when said cap (2) is in said second inspection position (P2); - providing a fifth inspection position (P5) along said path of movement, said cap (2) being in a predetermined orientation at said fifth inspection position (P5); - providing, along said path of movement, a fixed focus camera (105) defining a unique optical axis which coincides with said longitudinal axis (L) when said cap (2) is in said fifth inspection position (P5); 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second inspection position (P2) and the fifth inspection position (P5) are located on at least a portion of the path of movement defined by the transport carousel (120).

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