Folding device and folding method for folding flap means of capsule

Abstract

The folding method comprises moving the punch element 4 of the folding device along a centering direction C towards the support element 2, inserting the punch element into the inside of the cup body until the centering element 5 of the punch element prevents the capsule 200 from moving along a plane perpendicular to the direction C and interacts with the inner part of the capsule with a radial clearance of <0.30 mm, and moving the support element in an operating direction O parallel to the direction C and having one component opposite thereto, guiding the capsule and punch element 4 along the direction O, during which the flap means interact with the abutment means 11 of the device to rotate the flap means from an initial configuration D extending outwardly of the cup body to a final configuration R folded inwardly of the cup body, wherein upon interaction of the centering element with the inner part of the capsule, the support element guides the capsule to interact with the abutment means in a centering position against the abutment means, the main axis P of the capsule and the longitudinal axis L of the abutment means being coincident, the outer protrusion 211 being spaced apart from the abutment means.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding apparatus and method for folding a flap means of a capsule or closure, for example made of plastic, of the type used to close containers such as bottles, and in particular to an apparatus and method for folding a flap means from an initial extended configuration in which the flap means projects outwardly from the body of the capsule to a final folded configuration in which the flap means projects inwardly from the body of the capsule, the capsule being provided with an outer protrusion extending laterally outwardly of the capsule.

[0002] For example, the capsule may be a so-called tethered capsule, i.e. a capsule that remains attached to the container even after it has been opened by means of a connecting element, also known as a tether or strip, which connects a part of the tamper-evident band or ring to a different part of the capsule, for example a part of the side wall of the capsule, thus enabling the capsule to be retained in the tamper-evident band even after the container has been opened.

[0003] The invention also relates to the combination of a capsule and a folding device for folding the flap means of the capsule. [Background technology]

[0004] In the prior art, capsules provided with a tamper-evident band provided with flap means leading away from the edge of the tamper-evident band are generally formed in a forming device, in particular by compression or injection molding. Leaving the forming device aside, the flap means of the capsule have an outwardly extending initial configuration in which the flap means protrude outside the body of the capsule. Before the capsule is associated with a container, the flap means of the capsule must be guided from the initially extended configuration to an inwardly folded final configuration in which the flap means extends inside the body of the capsule and is folded inside the tamper-evident band relative to the initially extended configuration, so that the flap means can interact with a ridge obtained in the neck of the container.

[0005] In order to guide the flap means from the initial extended configuration to the final folded configuration, folding devices are known in the prior art that comprise abutment means configured to abut against the flap means and cause the flap means to rotate around a deformable zone of the capsule, the deformable zone acting as a hinge made of plastic to connect the tamper-evident band to the flap means to obtain the final folded configuration.

[0006] The abutment means comprises an outer sleeve having an abutment surface arranged to abut against a portion of the edge of the capsule and configured to cooperate with the flap means to enable a first partial rotation of the flap means from an initial configuration in which it extends outward to an intermediate configuration in which the flap means is partially rotated towards the major axis of the capsule.

[0007] The abutment means further comprises an inner sleeve, coaxial with the outer sleeve and arranged closer to the longitudinal axis of the abutment means than the outer sleeve, and provided with a further abutment surface against which the flap means interacts to terminate its rotation and guide it to reach a final folded configuration in which it is folded inside the tamper-evident band, a configuration which the flap means must have before the capsule can be associated with the neck of the container.

[0008] The known folding device further comprises a support element movable along an operating direction to guide the capsule to interact with the abutment means and to obtain a final configuration folded towards the inside of the flap means, in particular a capsule moved by the support element towards the abutment means is guided to first interact with an abutment surface of the outer sleeve and subsequently with a further abutment surface of the inner sleeve.

[0009] In order to move the capsule away from the abutment means and maintain it resting against the support surface of the support element, the known folding device further comprises a punch element of substantially cylindrical shape, which extends longitudinally around the longitudinal axis, in particular coaxially with the longitudinal axis, and is configured to interact with an inner portion of the upper wall of the capsule, so that an outer portion of the upper wall opposite the inner portion remains in abutment against the support surface.

[0010] EP 1 243 520 A1 discloses a process for producing closure caps, which involves performing a folding operation immediately before or after a cutting operation in a rotary tower. The blocking portion of the security ring of the closure cap is folded against the bottom of the closure cap. A cutting unit is used to form a boundary break line along the closure cap so that the security ring can be separated. At two different heights, the folding operation is performed on one side and the cutting operation is performed on the other. The cutting operation is performed in two stages: in the first stage, the wall of the closure cap is made frangible, and in the second stage, the cutting is performed. The folding unit comprises a ring element with a conical outer surface.

[0011] One drawback of prior art folding devices is that many capsules are rejected due to improper folding of the flap means. These rejections, also known as "folding rejects," can amount to as much as 20% of the capsules folded in the folding device. In particular, many rejections are detected when tethered capsules, which are provided with a tamper-evident band having a flap means and an outer protrusion extending from the outer surface of the capsule to the outside of the capsule body, are folded. This outer surface may belong to the tamper-evident band and / or the side wall of the capsule body. This outer protrusion results in capsules that are not axisymmetric.

[0012] Because each capsule is fed to its respective support element at an unpredetermined angular orientation, the capsule is frequently guided to abut against the abutment means of known folding devices at a position with an unknown phase relative to the abutment means. As a result, the capsule may abut against the abutment means at a portion other than its edge, for example, at a portion of its outer surface above the protrusion. This leads to improper folding of the flap means and damage to the capsule, since the support element presses against the abutment means, and the outer protrusion has a protruding, extended portion that is not suspended and supported by part of the capsule and therefore can easily fold when subjected to a thrust acting thereon. As a result, damaged capsules must be rejected. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] One object of the present invention is to improve folding devices and folding methods of known types.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a folding device and a folding method that can overcome the drawbacks or difficulties of the prior art.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for folding a flap means of a capsule which ensures correct positioning of the capsule relative to cooperating abutment means when folding the flap means.

[0016] A further object is to provide an apparatus and method for folding the flap means of an axisymmetric capsule having an irregular outer contour, particularly a tethered capsule provided with an outer projection.

[0017] This object is achieved by a folding device and a folding method according to one or more of the claims set out below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] The folding device according to the invention comprises abutment means arranged to cooperate when folding the flap means of the capsule, and a punch element coaxial with the abutment means and provided with an enlarged centring portion which is adapted to engage with an inner part of the body of the capsule to connect it to the punch element and ensure that the capsule is moved towards the abutment means into a centered position relative to the abutment means, i.e. so that the main axis of the capsule coincides with the longitudinal axis of the abutment means.

[0019] By means of the present invention it is possible to obtain an apparatus and a method for folding the flap means of an axisymmetric capsule provided with an outer projection, which allows for accurate centering of the capsule relative to the abutment means.

[0020] The invention therefore makes it possible to achieve accurate folding of the flap means even in axially asymmetric capsules provided with outer projections.

[0021] Accordingly, the present invention makes it possible to reduce rejection from production of capsules provided with outer protrusions.

[0022] In one embodiment, a folding method is provided for folding a flap means of a capsule, wherein the capsule comprises a cup body defined by a side wall and an end wall that bounds the side wall at one end, a tamper-evident band connected to the side wall by a connecting element and having an edge to which the flap means joins, and an outer protrusion extending laterally outside the capsule.

[0023] The folding method is - placing the capsule with one end facing upwards on a support element of a folding device; - moving a punch element of the folding device along a centering direction towards the support element and inserting the punch element inside the cup body until the centering element of the punch element interacts with an inner part of the capsule with a clearance, in particular a radial clearance of <0.30 mm, so as to prevent or limit the movement of the capsule along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction; - moving the support element along an operating direction parallel to the centering direction and having at least one component opposite to the centering direction, the movement of the support element along the operating direction comprising guiding the capsule and the punch element along the operating direction; - during movement of the support element along the operating direction, interacting the abutment means of the folding device with the flap means to rotate the flap means from an initial configuration extending outwardly of the cup body to a final configuration folded inwardly of the cup body, Here, when the centering element interacts with the inner part of the capsule, the main axis of the capsule and the longitudinal axis of the abutment means coincide, so that the support element guides the capsule interacting with the abutment means in a centering position relative to the abutment means, where the outer protrusion remains spaced apart from the abutment means.

[0024] In one embodiment, a folding device for a flap means of a capsule is provided, wherein the capsule comprises a cup body defined by a side wall and an end wall that bounds the side wall at one end, a tamper-evident band connected to the side wall by a connecting element and having an edge to which the flap means joins, and an outer protrusion extending laterally outside the capsule.

[0025] The folding device is a support element arranged to bear, receive and support the capsule with one end facing upwards, the support element being movable along an operating direction; a punch element inserted inside the cup body and configured to be movable along a centering direction parallel to the operating direction and having at least one component opposite to the operating direction, the punch element being provided with a centering element arranged to interact with an inner part of the capsule with a clearance, in particular a radial clearance of <0.30 mm, <0.15 mm or <0.05 mm, when the punch element is inserted inside the cup body, so as to prevent or limit the movement of the capsule along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction; abutment means configured to interact with the flap means to rotate the flap means from an initial configuration extending outwardly of the cup body to a final configuration folded inwardly of the cup body; Here, when the centering element interacts with the inner part of the capsule, the main axis of the capsule and the longitudinal axis of the abutment means coincide so that the support element can guide the capsule along the operating direction at a centering position of the capsule relative to the abutment means, wherein the outer protrusion remains spaced apart from the abutment means.

[0026] In one embodiment, there is provided a combination of a capsule and a folding device for folding a flap means of the capsule. a cup body defined by a side wall and an end wall bounding the side wall at one end; a tamper-evident band connected to the side wall by a connecting element and having an edge to which the flap means joins; an outer protrusion extending laterally outside the capsule.

[0027] a folding device for folding the flap means of the capsule, a support element arranged to bear, receive and support the capsule with one end facing upwards, the support element being movable along an operating direction; a punch element inserted inside the cup body and configured to be movable along a centering direction parallel to the operating direction and having at least one component opposite to the operating direction, the punch element being provided with a centering element arranged to interact with an inner part of the capsule with a clearance, in particular a radial clearance of <0.30 mm, <0.15 mm or <0.05 mm, when the punch element is inserted inside the cup body, so as to prevent or limit the movement of the capsule along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction; abutment means configured to interact with the flap means to rotate the flap means from an initial configuration extending outwardly of the cup body to a final configuration folded inwardly of the cup body; Here, when the centering element interacts with the inner part of the capsule, the main axis of the capsule and the longitudinal axis of the abutment means coincide so that the support element can guide the capsule along the operating direction at a centering position of the capsule relative to the abutment means, wherein the outer protrusion remains spaced apart from the abutment means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] The invention may be better understood and implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of non-limiting examples, some embodiments thereof. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of a folding device for folding flap means of a capsule according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of a folding device for folding flap means of a capsule according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of a folding device for folding flap means of a capsule according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] Enlarged detail of Figure 1. [Figure 5] Enlarged detail of Figure 2. [Figure 6] Enlarged detail of Figure 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is another enlarged detail view of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. [Figure 8]2 is a perspective view of a centering element provided in the folding device of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a capsule arranged with its open end facing downwards and provided with flap means that can be folded by one of the folding devices according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 9 positioned with the open end facing downwards, in an initially extended configuration in which the flap means extends towards the outside of the cup body of the capsule. [Figure 11] 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 9 arranged with the open end facing downwards, in a final configuration in which the flap means are folded towards the inside of the cup body of the capsule. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] For ease of disclosure, similar elements of different embodiments are designated below by the same reference numerals.

[0030] 1 to 3, three embodiments of folding devices are shown, identified respectively by the reference numerals 1, 100 and 1000. The folding devices 1, 100 and 1000 are arranged to perform a folding operation on a capsule or closure 200, in particular to fold a flap means 201 provided on the capsule 200 from its initial extended configuration D towards the outside of the cup body 202 of the capsule 200 (shown in particular in FIG. 10) to its final folded configuration R towards the inside of the cup body 202 of the capsule 200 (shown in particular in FIG. 11).

[0031] The folding devices 1, 100 and 1000 are capable of carrying out folding operations, for example folding capsules 200, which may be formed as disclosed below.

[0032] With particular reference to Figures 9 to 11, capsule 200 is made, for example, from plastic and is of the type used to close containers such as bottles.

[0033] The capsule 200 may be formed in a forming device, for example in a respective mold of the forming device, in particular by compression or injection molding.

[0034] The cup body 202 of the capsule 200 comprises an end wall 203 of substantially circular shape and a side wall 204, e.g., a substantially cylindrical wall, the side wall 204 extending from the periphery of the end wall 203 to an end edge 205 thereof.

[0035] Thus, the cup body 202 is defined by a side wall 204 and an end wall 203 .

[0036] The end wall 203 is provided with an outer end surface 220 facing outward from the cup body 202 and an inner end surface 221 opposite the outer end surface 220 and facing inward from the cup body 202 .

[0037] The outer end surface 220 extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main axis P of the capsule 200 .

[0038] The capsule 200 further comprises a substantially annular shaped tamper evident band or safety ring 206 suitable for informing the user about the integrity of the packaged product.

[0039] A tamper-evident band 206 is associated with the end edge 205 of the cup body 202 opposite the end wall 203 .

[0040] The capsule 200 may further comprise a connecting element 207 arranged to connect a portion of the side wall 204 to a portion of the tamper-evident band 206 .

[0041] The connecting element 207 may in particular comprise a bridge element or bridge, i.e. a plastic element intended to be broken by the user during the initial opening of the container to which the capsule 200 is applied so as to provide evidence of tampering with the closure of the container, and / or at least one tether element 208 which, on the other hand, allows the capsule 200 to be retained in its tamper-evident band 206 even after the container has been opened.

[0042] The capsule 200 is in particular a so-called tethered capsule, i.e. a capsule that remains attached to the container even after the container is opened by one or more tether elements 208 that connect a portion of the tamper-evident band 206 to a different portion of the capsule 200, for example a portion of the side wall 204 of the capsule 200, thus enabling the capsule 200 to be retained at its tamper-evident band 206 even after the container is opened.

[0043] An intended separation line, which may comprise a number of cuts or openings separated by connecting elements 207, is defined between the cup body 202 and the tamper-evident band 206.

[0044] The side wall 204 has a closed end 209 disposed at the end wall 203 and an open end 210 disposed at the tamper-evident band 206. The end wall 203 bounds the side wall 204 at one end, specifically at the closed end 210.

[0045] The capsule 200 further comprises an outer protrusion 211 extending laterally outward from the capsule 200. The outer protrusion 211 causes the capsule 200 to be non-axially symmetrical.

[0046] The outer protrusion 211 in particular extends from the outer surface of the capsule 200 towards the outside of the capsule 200 .

[0047] The protrusion 211 is suitable for facilitating locking of the capsule 200 in the open position in the container once the container is opened.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer protrusions 211 extend from the outer surface of the tamper-evident band 206 .

[0049] The side wall 204 has an outer surface 212 on which a plurality of knurling lines 213 may be provided, the plurality of knurling lines 213 being designed to facilitate gripping of the capsule 200 by a user tightening or loosening the capsule 200 in or from a container, or by a capping machine applying the capsule 200 to a container to be closed.

[0050] The sidewall 204 further comprises an inner surface 214 on which are provided internal threads 215 designed to engage with the external threads of a container.

[0051] The capsule 200 may further comprise a sealing element 216 that allows the product contained in the container to be isolated from the outside environment.

[0052] The sealing element 216 may have a substantially annular shape.

[0053] The sealing element 216 comprises an inner sealing surface 217 facing towards the inside of the capsule 200 , i.e. towards the main axis P of the capsule 200 .

[0054] The side wall 204 may include a first annular portion 218 having a substantially annular shape, the first annular portion 218 continuing away from the outer periphery of the end wall 203 and extending along a direction parallel to the major axis P.

[0055] The side wall 204 may further comprise a second portion 219 that extends radially relative to the first annular portion 218 in a direction away from the main axis P and is connected to an edge of the first annular portion 218 on one side.

[0056] The side wall 204 may further include a third annular portion 222 having a substantially annular shape, the third annular portion 222 continuing away from the edge of the second portion 219 and extending along a direction parallel to the main axis P.

[0057] The sealing element 216 may protrude from an inner surface area 223 of the second portion 219. The inner surface area 223 is the surface area of ​​the second portion 219 facing the inside of the cup body 202.

[0058] In one embodiment not shown, the sealing element 216 protrudes from the inner end surface 221 of the end wall 203 .

[0059] The flap means 201 is provided on the tamper-evident band 206. In particular, the flap means 201 protrudes from a part of the edge 224 of the tamper-evident band 206.

[0060] The tamper-evident band 206 comprises a deformable zone 225 connected to the edge 224 , which acts as a plastic hinge suitable for connecting the flap means 201 to the tamper-evident band 206 .

[0061] The flap means 201 is suitable for interacting with the annular ridge of the container to axially retain the tamper-evident band 206 in use, i.e. when the flap means 201 is arranged in the final folded configuration R. In other words, the flap means 201 functions to prevent movement of the tamper-evident band 206 parallel to the main axis P when the capsule 200 is loosened from the mouth during initial opening of the container, thus facilitating the breaking of the connecting element 207, and therefore allowing the tamper-evident band 206 to be separated from the cup body 202, or to remain tethered to one or more tether elements 208 in the case of a tethered type capsule 200.

[0062] The flap means 201 may comprise a first portion 226 having one circumferential end connected to the deformable zone 225 and a second portion 227 connected to the first portion 226 .

[0063] The first portion 226 and the second portion 227 may comprise an annular panel or a plurality of flaps.

[0064] Leaving the forming apparatus aside, the flap means 201 has an outwardly initially extended configuration D in which the flap means 201 projects outside the cup body 202 of the capsule 200. Before the capsule is associated with a container, the flap means 201 of the capsule 200 must be moved from the initially extended configuration D to an inwardly folded final configuration R in which the flap means 201 projects inwardly of the cup body 202 of the capsule 200, and in particular is folded inside the tamper-evident band 206 so that the flap means 201 can interact with a resulting ridge on the container in use.

[0065] The folding operation is carried out, for example, by a folding device 1, 100, 1000 according to the invention.

[0066] A description of the folding device 1 is given below, in which folding device 100 and folding device 1000, the differences from folding device 1 are emphasized while the description of elements that are identical in form and / or function is not repeated.

[0067] In Figures 1, 2 and 3, which relate to three embodiments of a folding device according to the invention, the capsule 200 is shown at the end of the folding operation with the flap means 201 arranged in the final folding configuration R.

[0068] With particular reference to Figures 1, 4 and 7, the folding device 1 comprises a support element 2 arranged to support, receive and support a capsule 200 arranged with its open end 210 facing upwards.

[0069] The support element 2 comprises a bearing surface 3 which is intended to come into contact with the outer end surface 220 when the capsule 200 is placed on the support element 2 and subjected to a folding operation.

[0070] The support element 2 is movable, in particular axially, along an operating direction O to allow the capsule 200 to be guided to undergo a folding operation. The operating direction O is in particular directed upwards, i.e. away from the outer end face 220. The operating direction O is in particular vertical.

[0071] The support element 2 therefore supports the capsule 200 during its axial movement along the operating direction O.

[0072] The operating direction O is parallel to the axis X of the folding device 1 .

[0073] The folding device 1 further comprises a punch element 4, which is inserted inside the cup body 202 and is configured to be movable, in particular axially, along a centering direction C which is parallel to the operating direction O and has at least one component opposite to the operating direction O. The centering direction C is in particular vertical.

[0074] The punch element 4 is provided with a centering element 5 arranged to interact with an inner portion of the capsule 200 with clearance when the punch element 4 is inserted inside the cup body 202 so as to prevent or limit movement of the capsule 200 along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction C.

[0075] The clearance is in particular a radial clearance of <0.30 mm.

[0076] The clearance may include a radial clearance of <0.15mm, particularly <0.05mm.

[0077] The centering element 5 is therefore arranged to guide the capsule 200 during its axial movement along the centering direction C in particular.

[0078] In particular, the punch element 4 is further provided with a stem 6 arranged coaxially with the axis X.

[0079] The centering element 5 is also arranged in particular coaxially with the axis X.

[0080] Radial clearance means the clearance measured along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis X.

[0081] The centering element 5 comprises a body 8 which may be substantially in the shape of a disk or a cylinder.

[0082] The body 8 of the centering element 5 is sized so that at least one portion of its circumferential area 7 can interact with the interior portion of the capsule 200 .

[0083] A clearance is defined between the centering element 5 and the capsule 200. In particular, a clearance is defined between the circumferential area 7 of the centering element 5 and an inner portion of the capsule 200.

[0084] The circumferential area 7 may in particular have an annular shape.

[0085] The centering element 5 has in particular a cross section taken along a cross section perpendicular to the axis X that is larger than the cross section of the stem 6 taken along a cross section perpendicular to the axis X.

[0086] The body 8 may further comprise a pair of opposite faces comprising an upper face 9 and a lower face opposite the upper face 9 and facing the bearing face 3 of the support element 2. Each of these opposite faces may be connected to the circumferential area 7 by a respective connection zone 10, which may in particular be chamfered.

[0087] The centering element 5 may be fitted into the stem 6. In particular, in one embodiment, the centering element 5 and the stem 6 may be formed as a single body.

[0088] The inner portion of the capsule 200 with which the body 8, and in particular the circumferential area 7, may interact may comprise at least one portion of the inner surface 228 of the first annular portion 218 (i.e., the surface of the first annular portion 218 facing the inside of the cup body 202), and / or at least one portion of the inner sealing surface 217 of the sealing element 216, and / or at least one surface portion 229 of the internal thread 215.

[0089] In particular, with reference to the example of FIG. 1, the centering element 5 is fitted to one end of the stem 6 and is configured to interact with a portion of the surface 217 of the first annular portion 218 in use, i.e., when the punch element 4 is inserted into the cup body 202.

[0090] Furthermore, in use, the underside of the centering element 5 is intended to come into axial contact with at least a portion of the inner end surface 221 of the capsule 200. In other words, in addition to the aforementioned inner portion, the body 8 also interacts with the capsule 200 by means of the underside of the body 8 of the centering element 5 in use.

[0091] In other words, in use, the centering element 5 is inserted into the cup body 202 until a face of the centering element 5 , in particular the lower face, comes into contact with the inner end face 221 of the capsule 200 .

[0092] The folding device 1 further comprises an abutment means 11 configured to interact with the flap means 201 to rotate the flap means 201 from an initial configuration D extended outwardly of the cup body 202 to a final configuration R folded inwardly of the cup body 202.

[0093] The abutment means 11 has a longitudinal axis L which coincides with the axis X of the folding device 1 .

[0094] The support element 2 is axially movable so as to move towards and away from the abutment means 11. In Figures 1 to 6 the support element 2 is shown in a spaced apart position E in which the support element 2 is spaced apart from the abutment means 11 and does not interact with it.

[0095] In use, when the support element 2 moves the capsule 200 axially along the operating direction O to guide the flap means 201 to interact with the abutment means 11, the support element 2 also moves the punch element 4 along the same direction together with the centering element 5, which is inserted into the cup body 202 and has a circumferential area 7 connected with the inner part of the capsule 200 with clearance.

[0096] When the centering element 5 interacts with the inner part of the capsule 200, the main axis P of the capsule 200 and the longitudinal axis L of the abutment means 11 coincide, so that the support element 2 can guide the capsule 200 along the operating direction O at a centering position of the capsule 200 relative to the abutment means 11, wherein the outer protrusions 211 remain spaced apart from the abutment means 11. In this way, the protrusions 211 or other undesirable parts do not interact with the abutment means 11, and therefore the abutment means 11 does not damage the capsule 200 when the capsule 200 is guided by the support element 2 to abut against the abutment means 11.

[0097] By providing the capsule 200 with a main axis P coinciding with the longitudinal axis L of the abutment means 11 and by providing a centering element 5 that maintains this coincidence during axial movement of the capsule 200 along the operating direction O, the outer protrusions 211 remain spaced apart from the abutment means 11 during the folding operation and do not interact with the abutment means 11, so that the capsule 200 is brought into a state where it interacts with the abutment means 11 in a centering position that allows accurate folding of the flap means 201 even for an axially asymmetric capsule 200 provided by the outer protrusions 211.

[0098] Accordingly, by providing the centering element 5 it is therefore possible to reduce rejection from the production of capsules having outer protrusions.

[0099] The abutment means 11 comprises first abutment means 12 and second abutment means 13 configured to interact with the flap means 201 to effect rotation of the flap means 201 about the deformable zone 225 of the capsule 200 .

[0100] In particular, in use, while the capsule 200 is moved along the operating direction O, the flap means 201 first interacts with the first abutment means 12 and subsequently with the second abutment means 13 .

[0101] The first abutment means 12 and the second abutment means 13 are axially movable relative to each other.

[0102] In particular, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the first abutment means 12 are axially movable and the second abutment means 13 are fixed.

[0103] In use, the first abutment means 12 is moved under the thrust of the capsule 200 along a direction parallel to and having a component coincident with the steering direction O, in particular an upward direction S, when the capsule 200 is guided into abutment against the first abutment means 12. The upward direction S is in particular vertical.

[0104] The first abutment means 12 may comprise an outer sleeve 14 with an abutment surface 15 arranged to abut against the flap means 201 .

[0105] The abutment surface 15 comprises at least one portion of an inclined surface 16 formed to cooperate with the flap means 201 to enable a first partial rotation of the flap means 201 from an initially outwardly extended configuration D to an intermediate configuration in which the flap means 201 is partially rotated towards the main axis P and longitudinal axis L of the capsule 200.

[0106] The abutment surface 15 may further include a step portion 17 configured to abut and receive a portion of the edge 224 of the tamper-evident band 206 .

[0107] In use, the capsule 200 is in fact moved by the support element 2 along the operating direction O, and when the flap means 201 abuts against a portion of the inclined surface 16, the flap means 201 is partially rotated. During continued axial movement of the capsule 200, a portion of the edge 224 will then abut against the abutment surface 15. At this point, the flap means 201 has reached an intermediate configuration.

[0108] The step portion 17 may in particular be interposed between two inclined surface portions 16, each of which connects a portion of the step portion 17 with the outer surface 18 of the outer sleeve 14 and cooperates to rotate the flap means 201 in an intermediate configuration.

[0109] The second abutment means 13 may comprise an inner sleeve 19 which is coaxial with the outer sleeve 14 and is arranged closer to the longitudinal axis L relative to the outer sleeve 14 .

[0110] Further, the inner sleeve 19 is provided with a further abutment surface 20 arranged to abut against the flap means 201 and configured to cooperate with the flap means 201 to enable further rotation of the flap means 201 from the intermediate configuration to the inwardly folded final configuration R.

[0111] The further abutment surface 20 is in particular arranged at a higher height than the abutment surface 15 .

[0112] The further abutment surface 20 may comprise a concave curvature 21 configured to facilitate gradual rotation of the flap means 201 from the intermediate configuration to the inwardly folded end configuration R.

[0113] The abutment means 11 may further comprise, for example, elastic means 22 associated with the first abutment means 12 so as to always urge the first abutment means 12 to the support position A where the first abutment means 12 is located when the capsule 200 is not interacting with the first abutment means 12.

[0114] The elastic means 22 may in particular comprise an elastic element such as, for example, a spring.

[0115] After the edge 224 comes into contact with the step portion 17, the support element 2 continues to be moved along the operating direction O, thus pressing the capsule 200 against the first abutment means 12 and causing an axial movement of the first abutment means 12 along the operating direction O against the action of the elastic means 22.

[0116] Thus, the flap means 201 in the intermediate configuration interacts with the further abutment surface 20. The angular orientation of the flap means 201 in the intermediate configuration and the shape of the concave curvature 21 are intended to facilitate gradual rotation of the flap means 201 from, for example, the intermediate configuration to the inwardly folded final configuration R.

[0117] The stroke of the support element 2 along the operating direction O ends when the flap means 201 of the capsule 200 is in an end configuration R folded inwardly of the cup body 202. In the end position of the stroke of the support element 2 along the operating direction O, the flap means 201 abuts against a part of the side surface 23 of the inner sleeve 19.

[0118] In order to move the capsule 200 away from the second abutment means 13, the punch element 4 is again driven to move along the centering direction C. In this way, the centering element 5, which is connected with the inner part of the capsule 200 with a clearance, exerts a thrust force on the inner part of the capsule 200 with which it contacts, and the capsule 200 is accordingly moved along the centering direction C. In particular, in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the centering element 5, which is connected with the inner part of the capsule 200 with a clearance, is its underside, which is in axial contact with the inner end face 221 of the capsule 200, exerting a thrust force on the capsule 200 and resulting in a shift of the capsule 200 along the centering direction C.

[0119] The centering element 5 therefore also guides the capsule 200 during its axial movement along the centering direction C.

[0120] The support element 2 is driven to move, in particular along a downward direction B, in a direction parallel to the centering direction C and having at least one component coinciding with the centering direction C, in particular simultaneously with the movement of the punch element 4 along the centering direction C. The downward direction B is in particular vertical.

[0121] The support element 2 therefore supports (abuts against) the capsule 200 even during its axial movement along the downward direction B.

[0122] The folding device 100 of Figures 2 and 5 differs from the folding device 1 in that the centering element 5 is fitted at a set distance from the free end 24 of the stem 6 and is configured to interact with a portion of the inner sealing surface 217 of the sealing element 216 in use, i.e. when the punch element 4 is inserted into the cup body 202.

[0123] The free end 24 of the stem 6 is designed to come into axial contact with the capsule 200 in use. In other words, in use, the centering element 5 of the folding device 100 is inserted into the cup body 202 until the free end 24 of the stem 6 comes into contact with the inner end surface 221 of the capsule 200.

[0124] After the flap means 201 has been guided to the folding end configuration R, when the capsule 200 needs to be moved away from the second abutment means 13, the punch element 4 is again driven to move along the centering direction C. In this way, the centering element 5 connected with the inner part of the capsule 200 with a clearance exerts a thrust force on the inner part of the capsule 200 with which the centering element 5 comes into contact, and accordingly the capsule 200 is also moved along the centering direction C. In particular, in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the centering element 5 connected with the inner part of the capsule 200 with a clearance is the free end 24 of the centering element 5, which exerts a thrust force on the inner end face 221 of the capsule 200, resulting in the movement of the capsule 200 along the centering direction C.

[0125] The folding device 1000 of Figures 3 and 6 differs from the folding device 100 in that the centering element 5 is fitted at a set distance from the free end 24 of the stem 6, which is greater than the distance in the punch element 4 of the folding device 100.

[0126] The centering element 5 of the folding device 1000 is configured to interact with a portion of the surface 229 of the internal thread 215 in use, i.e. when the punch element 4 is inserted into the cup body 202 .

[0127] After the flap means 201 has been guided to the folding end configuration R, when the capsule 200 needs to be moved away from the second abutment means 13, the punch element 4 is again driven to move along the centering direction C. In this way, the centering element 5, which is connected with the inner part of the capsule 200 with a clearance, exerts a thrust force on the inner part of the capsule 200 with which the centering element 5 comes into contact, and accordingly the capsule 200 is also moved along the centering direction C. In particular, also in the embodiment of Fig. 3, the centering element 5, which is connected with the inner part of the capsule 200 with a clearance, is the free end 24 of the centering element 5, which exerts a thrust force on the inner end surface 221 of the capsule 200, resulting in the movement of the capsule 200 along the centering direction C.

[0128] The folding device 1 , 100 , 1000 as disclosed is suitable for implementing the folding method applied to the capsule 200 .

[0129] The folding method includes placing the capsule 200 supported on the support element 2 with the open end 210 facing upwards, i.e., placing the capsule 200 so that the outer end surface 220 of the end wall 203 of the capsule 200 is supported in contact with the support surface 3 of the support element 2.

[0130] The method further comprises the step of moving the punch element 4 along the centering direction C towards the support element 2 and inserting the punch element 4 inside the cup body 202 until the centering element 5 of the punch element 4 interacts with an inner portion of the capsule 200 so as to prevent or limit movement of the capsule 200 along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction C. In this way, the centering element C is in an engagement position I with the capsule 200 (shown in particular in Figures 4, 5 and 6).

[0131] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, in the engagement position I, the punch element 4 comes into contact with the inner surface 228 of the first annular part 218 and the inner end face 221 of the capsule 200, in particular by means of the centering element C.

[0132] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, in engagement position I, the punch element 4 contacts in particular the inner sealing surface 217 of the sealing element 216 of the capsule 200 by means of the centering element 5 and the inner end surface 221 of the capsule 200 by means of the stem 6 .

[0133] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, in the engagement position I, in particular, the punch element 4 contacts the face 229 of the internal thread 215 of the capsule 200 by means of the centering element 5 and the inner end face 221 of the capsule 200 by means of the stem 6 .

[0134] The method further includes moving the support element 2 along an operating direction O that is parallel to and has at least one component opposite to the centering direction C. Moving the support element 2 along the operating direction O includes guiding the capsule 200 and the punch element 4 along the operating direction O.

[0135] During the step of moving the support element 2 along the operating direction O, the method includes causing the flap means 201 to interact with the abutment means 11 and rotate the flap means 201 from an initially extended configuration D outside the cup body 202 to a final configuration R folded inwardly of the cup body 202, wherein when the centering element 5 interacts with the inner part of the capsule 200, the main axis P of the capsule 200 and the longitudinal axis L of the abutment means 11 coincide, such that the support element 2 guides the capsule 200 interacting with the abutment means 11 in a centering position relative to the abutment means 11, wherein the outer protrusion 211 remains spaced apart from the abutment means 11.

[0136] The step of inserting the punch element 4 inside the cup body 202 may include moving the capsule 200 by the centering element 5, in particular laterally, i.e., along a direction substantially perpendicular to the centering direction C, so as to align the main axis P with the longitudinal axis L.

[0137] The step of moving the support element 2 along the operating direction O may in particular comprise a step of guiding the flap means 201 to interact with at least one portion of the inclined surface 16 of the abutment surface 15 of the first abutment means 12 of the abutment means 11. The at least one portion of the inclined surface 16 is shaped to cooperate with the flap means 201 to enable a first partial rotation of the flap means 201 from an initially outwardly extended configuration D to an intermediate configuration in which the flap means 201 is partially rotated towards the main axis P of the capsule 200 and thus towards the longitudinal axis L of the abutment means 11.

[0138] Following the step of guiding the flap means 201 to interact with at least one portion of the inclined surface 16, the method may include guiding a portion of the edge 224 of the tamper-evident band 206 to abut against the step portion 17 of the abutment surface 15.

[0139] After the step of guiding a portion of the edge 224 of the tamper-evident band 206 to abut against the step portion 17, the folding method may include the step of continuing to move the support element 2 along the operating direction O and pressing the edge 224 at the step portion 17 to move the first abutment means 12 along a direction parallel to the operating direction O and having a component coincident with the operating direction O, in particular along an upward direction S.

[0140] Continuing to move the support element 2 along the operating direction O may include guiding the flap means 201 to progressively interact with portions of the further abutment surface 20 of the second abutment means 13 of the abutment means 11. The further abutment surface 20 is configured to cooperate with the flap means 201 to guide the flap means 201 from an intermediate configuration to an inwardly folded final configuration R, in which the flap means 201 is folded inside the tamper-evident band 206.

[0141] The folding method may further comprise, after obtaining the inwardly folded final configuration R, moving the punch element 4 again along the centering direction C to move the capsule 200 away from the abutment means 11.

[0142] The step of moving the punch element 4 again along the centering direction C may comprise simultaneously moving the support element 2 along a direction parallel to and having at least one component coincident with the centering direction C, in particular along a downward direction B. The step of moving the punch element 4 again along the centering direction C comprises pushing the capsule 200 by the punch element 4 into contact with the bearing surface 3 of the support element 2.

[0143] In particular, the punch element 4 can press the capsule 200 against the bearing surface 3 of the support element 2 by the underside of the centering element 5 or by the free end 24 of the stem 6 .

[0144] The step of inserting the punch element 4 inside the cup body 202 may include a step of guiding the circumferential area 7 of the centering element 5 to interact with an inner portion, in particular the inner sealing surface 217, of the sealing element 216 of the capsule 200 so as to prevent or limit movement of the capsule along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction C.

[0145] The step of inserting the punch element 4 inside the cup body 202 may include guiding the circumferential area 7 of the centering element 5 to interact with an inner portion, in particular the inner surface 228, of the first annular portion 218 of the capsule 200 so as to prevent or limit movement of the capsule 200 along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction C.

[0146] The step of inserting the punch element 4 inside the cup body 202 may include guiding the circumferential area 7 of the centering element 5 to interact with the inner portion of the internal thread 215 of the capsule 200, in particular the surface 229 of the internal thread 215, so as to prevent or limit movement of the capsule 200 along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction C.

[0147] In one example, a combination of a capsule 200 and a folding device 1, 100, 1000 is provided, where the capsule 200 comprises: flap means 201 arranged to be folded by the folding device 1, 100, 1000; a cup body 202 defined by a side wall 204 and an end wall 203 bounding the side wall 204 at one end 209; a tamper-evident band 206 connected to the side wall 204 by a connecting element 207 and having an edge 224 to which the flap means 201 joins; and an outer protrusion 211 extending laterally outside the capsule 200.

[0148] As can be seen from the above, the folding device and folding method according to the invention, and the inventive combination of the folding device according to the invention for folding capsules and flap means of capsules, enable the limitations and drawbacks of prior art devices and methods to be overcome so as to successfully achieve the set objectives.

[0149] The device and method according to the invention are particularly useful for folding flap means in capsules provided with external projections.

[0150] The invention makes it possible to centre the capsule relative to the abutment means which cooperate with the capsule when folding the flap means so that the outer protrusions remain spaced apart from the abutment means, thus preventing the abutment means from exerting a thrusting action on the outer protrusions which could result in damage to the capsule.

[0151] Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to reduce rejects in the production of capsules provided with tamper-evident bands and outer protrusions having flap means.

Claims

1. A folding method for folding a flap means (201) of a capsule (200), comprising the steps of: The capsule (200) comprises a cup body (202) defined by a side wall (204) and an end wall (203) bounding the side wall (204) at one end (209), a tamper-evident band (206) connected to the side wall (204) by a connecting element (207) and having an edge (224) to which the flap means (201) joins, and an outer protrusion (211) extending laterally outside the capsule (200), The folding method includes: - placing said capsule (200) with one end (210) facing upwards, supported on a support element (2) of a folding device (1, 100, 1000); - moving the punch element (4) of the folding device (1, 100, 1000) along a centering direction (C) towards the support element (2) and inserting the punch element (4) inside the cup body (202) until the centering element (5) of the punch element (4) interacts with an inner part of the capsule (200) with a clearance, in particular a radial clearance of <0.30 mm, so as to prevent or limit the movement of the capsule (200) along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction (C); - moving the support element (2) along an operating direction (O) parallel to the centering direction (C) and having at least one component opposite to the centering direction (C), the movement of the support element (2) along the operating direction (O) comprising guiding the capsule (200) and the punch element (4) along the operating direction (O); - during said movement of said support element (2) along said operating direction (O), interacting said flap means (201) with the abutment means (11) of said folding device (1, 100, 1000) to rotate said flap means (201) from an initial configuration (D) extending outwardly of said cup body (202) to a final configuration (R) folded inwardly of said cup body (202); Including, a main axis (P) of the capsule (200) and a longitudinal axis (L) of the abutment means (11) coincide, and the outer protrusions (211) remain spaced apart from the abutment means (11), so that when the centering element (5) interacts with the inner part of the capsule (200), the support element (2) guides the capsule (200) interacting with the abutment means (11) in a centering position relative to the abutment means (11).

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the clearance comprises a radial clearance <0.15 mm, in particular <0.05 mm.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insertion of the punch element (4) inside the cup body (202) comprises moving the capsule (200) laterally by means of the centering element (5) so as to align the main axis (P) with the longitudinal axis (L).

4. The movement of the support element (2) along the operating direction (O) is - supporting said flap means (201) to interact with at least one portion of an inclined surface (16) of the abutment surface (15) of the first abutment means (12) of said abutment means (11), said at least one portion of said inclined surface (16) being shaped to cooperate with said flap means (201) to allow a first partial rotation of said flap means (201) from said initial configuration (D) extending outward to an intermediate configuration in which said flap means (201) is partially rotated towards said main axis (P) of said capsule (200); - subsequently guiding a portion of the edge (224) of the tamper-evident band (206) against the step (17) of the abutment surface (15); 4. The method of claim 1, comprising:

5. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein after the guiding of the part of the edge (224) of the tamper-evident band (206) that abuts against the step portion (17), the support element (2) continues to move along the operating direction (O) and presses the edge (224) against the step portion (17) so as to move the first abutment means (12) along a direction (S) that is parallel to the operating direction (O) and has a component that coincides with the operating direction (O).

6. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the continuation of the movement of the support element (2) along the operating direction (O) comprises guiding the flap means (201) to progressively interact with a plurality of portions of further abutment surfaces (20) of the second abutment means (13) of the abutment means (11), the further abutment surfaces (20) being configured to cooperate with the flap means (201) to guide the flap means (201) from the intermediate configuration to the inwardly folded final configuration (R) in which the flap means (201) is folded inside the tamper-evident band (206).

7. 7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising, after obtaining the inwardly folded final configuration (R), moving the punch element (4) again along the centering direction (C) to move the capsule (200) away from the abutment means (11).

8. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein during the re-movement of the punch element (4) along the centering direction (C), there is provided a simultaneous movement of the support element (2) along a direction (B) parallel to the centering direction (C) and having at least one component coincident with the centering direction (C), and wherein the re-movement of the punch element (4) along the centering direction (C) comprises pushing the capsule (200) into contact with a bearing surface (3) of the support element (2).

9. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the insertion of the punch element (4) inside the cup body (202) comprises guiding a circumferential area (7) of the centering element (5) to interact with an inner portion (217) of a sealing element (216) of the capsule (200) so as to prevent or limit movement of the capsule (200) along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction (C).

10. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the insertion of the punch element (4) inside the cup body (202) comprises guiding a circumferential area (7) of the centering element (5) to interact with an inner portion (228) of the first annular portion (218) of the capsule (200) so as to prevent or limit movement of the capsule (200) along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction (C).

11. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the insertion of the punch element (4) inside the cup body (202) comprises guiding a circumferential area (7) of the centering element (5) to interact with an inner portion (229) of an internal thread (215) of the capsule (200) so as to prevent or limit movement of the capsule (200) along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction (C).

12. A folding device (1, 100, 1000) for folding flap means (201) of a capsule (200), said capsule (200) comprising a cup body (202) defined by a side wall (204) and an end wall (203) bounding said side wall (204) at one end (209), a tamper-evident band (206) connected to said side wall (204) by a connecting element (207) and having an edge (224) to which said flap means (201) joins, and an outer protrusion (211) extending laterally outside said capsule (200), The folding device (1, 100, 1000) comprises: a support element (2) arranged to bear, receive and support said capsule (200) with one end (209) facing upwards, said support element (2) being movable along an operating direction (O); a punch element (4) adapted to be inserted inside the cup body (202) and movable along a centering direction (C) parallel to the operating direction (O) and having at least one component opposite to the operating direction (O), the punch element (4) being provided with a centering element (5) arranged to interact with an inner part of the capsule (200) with a clearance, in particular a radial clearance of <0.30 mm, <0.15 mm or <0.05 mm, when the punch element (4) is inserted inside the cup body (202), so as to prevent or limit the movement of the capsule (200) along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction (C); - abutment means (11) configured to interact with said flap means (201) to rotate said flap means (201) from an initial configuration (D) extending outwardly of said cup body (202) to a final configuration (R) folded inwardly of said cup body (202); Equipped with A folding device (1, 100, 1000) wherein, when the centering element (5) interacts with the inner part of the capsule (200), the main axis (P) of the capsule (200) and the longitudinal axis (L) of the abutment means (11) coincide and the outer protrusion (211) remains spaced apart from the abutment means (11) so that the support element (2) can guide the capsule (200) along the operating direction (O) at a centering position of the capsule (200) relative to the abutment means (11).

13. 13. The device (1, 100, 1000) according to claim 12, wherein the punch element (4) is further provided with a stem (6) coaxial with the longitudinal axis (L), and the centering element (5) is fitted into the stem (6) at one end of the stem (6) or at a set distance from the free end (24) of the stem (6) intended to come into axial contact with the capsule (200), the centering element (5) and the stem (6) being formed, in particular, as a single body.

14. 14. The device (1, 100, 1000) according to claim 13, wherein the centering element (5) is substantially formed in the form of a disk.

15. 15. The device (1, 100, 1000) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the abutment means (11) comprises first abutment means (12) and second abutment means (13) configured to interact with the flap means (201) to effect rotation of the flap means (201) around the deformable zone (225) of the capsule (200), the first abutment means (12) and the second abutment means (13) being axially movable with a relative movement of one relative to the other.

16. 16. The device (1, 100, 1000) according to claim 15, wherein the first abutment means (12) is axially movable along a direction (S) parallel to the operating direction (O) and having a component coincident with the operating direction (O), and the second abutment means (12) is fixed.

17. 17. The device (1, 100, 1000) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first abutment means (12) comprises an outer sleeve (14) having an abutment surface (15) arranged to abut against the flap means (201), the abutment surface (15) comprising at least one portion of an inclined surface (16) formed to cooperate with the flap means (201) to enable a first partial rotation of the flap means (201) from the initial configuration (D) extending outward to an intermediate configuration in which the flap means (201) is partially rotated towards the main axis (P) of the capsule (200).

18. 18. The device (1, 100, 1000) of claim 17, wherein the abutment surface (15) further comprises a step portion (17) configured to abut and receive a portion of the edge (224) of the tamper-evident band (206).

19. 19. The device (1, 100, 1000) of claim 18, wherein the step portion (17) is interposed between two inclined surface portions (16), each of which connects a portion of the step portion (17) with the outer surface (18) of the outer sleeve (14), and which cooperate to rotate the flap means (201) in the intermediate configuration.

20. 20. The device (1, 100, 1000) of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the second abutment means (13) comprises an inner sleeve (19) coaxial with the outer sleeve (14) and positioned closer to the longitudinal axis (L) relative to the outer sleeve (14), and wherein the inner sleeve (19) is further provided with a further abutment surface (20) arranged to abut against the flap means (201) and configured to cooperate with the flap means (201) to enable further rotation of the flap means (201) from the intermediate configuration to the final configuration (R) folded inward.

21. 21. The device (1, 100, 1000) of claim 20, wherein the further abutment surface (20) comprises a concave curvature (21) formed to facilitate gradual rotation of the flap means (201) from the intermediate configuration to the inwardly folded final configuration (R).

22. 22. The device (1, 100, 1000) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the abutment means (11) further comprises elastic means (22) associated with the first abutment means (12) so as to always urge the first abutment means (12) to the support position (A).

23. Use of a folding device (1, 100, 1000) according to any one of claims 12 to 22 for implementing a folding method for folding flap means (201) of a capsule (200) according to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

24. A combination of a capsule (200) and a folding device (1, 100, 1000) for folding a flap means (201) of said capsule (200), said capsule (200) comprising: a cup body (202) defined by a side wall (204) and an end wall (203) bounding said side wall (204) at one end (209); a tamper-evident band (206) connected to said side wall (204) by a connecting element (207) and having an edge (224) to which said flap means (201) joins; - an outer projection (211) extending laterally outside said capsule (200); Further provided with The folding device (1, 100, 1000) comprises: a support element (2) arranged to bear, receive and support said capsule (200) with one end (209) facing upwards, said support element (2) being movable along an operating direction (O); a punch element (4) adapted to be inserted inside the cup body (202) and movable along a centering direction (C) parallel to the operating direction (O) and having at least one component opposite to the operating direction (O), the punch element (4) being provided with a centering element (5) arranged to interact with an inner part of the capsule (200) with a clearance, in particular a radial clearance of <0.30 mm, <0.15 mm or <0.05 mm, when the punch element (4) is inserted inside the cup body (202), so as to prevent or limit the movement of the capsule (200) along a plane perpendicular to the centering direction (C); - abutment means (11) configured to interact with said flap means (201) to rotate said flap means (201) from an initial configuration (D) extending outwardly of said cup body (202) to a final configuration (R) folded inwardly of said cup body (202); Equipped with When the centering element (5) interacts with the inner part of the capsule (200), the main axis (P) of the capsule (200) and the longitudinal axis (L) of the abutment means (11) coincide and the outer protrusion (211) remains spaced apart from the abutment means (11), so that the support element (2) can guide the capsule (200) along the operating direction (O) at a centering position of the capsule (200) relative to the abutment means (11).

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