Apparatus for compression molding concave objects

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a supply device (2) for supplying at least one polymeric material, a cutting section (5) for cutting a unit portion (4) of polymeric material from the polymeric material supplied by the supply device (2), a mould (6) including at least half moulds, at least one of which is movable towards the other half moulds for compression moulding an object from the unit portion (4), at least one conveying section (7), suction means and blowing means. The conveying section (7) includes a pressing section (10) having a contact surface (10a) and a transfer surface (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a concave object - particularly a container - by compression molding.

[0002] The apparatus according to the present invention can be used, for example, to manufacture capsules designed to contain a powder or granular substance - such as coffee, etc. - for the preparation of a fluid of a beverage or other food product. Alternatively, the apparatus according to the present invention can be used to manufacture a preform designed to be subjected to a blow process or a stretch - blow process for forming a container - such as a bottle. More generally, the apparatus according to the present invention can also be used to manufacture any type of container - such as a glass, a jar, or a bowl - or other concave object - such as a container cap.

[0003] The apparatus according to the present invention enables the manufacture of a concave object made of a single material, starting from any polymer material that can be compression - formed. Alternatively, the apparatus according to the present invention enables the manufacture of a concave object having a multi - layer structure - that is, having a wall formed by two or more layers made of a plurality of different polymer materials and provided one on top of the other.

Background Art

[0004] Apparatuses for manufacturing an object from a unit component of compression - formed polymer material also exist in the prior art. The prior - art apparatuses include an extruder for distributing the polymer material and a plurality of molds each having a male part provided with a punch and a female part provided with a cavity. The prior - art apparatuses also include a plurality of conveying parts each for transferring a unit component of the polymer material from the extruder to the mold.

[0005] [[ID=,24]]In the mold of the prior - art apparatus, for example, the female part is disposed below the male part such that the cavity of the female part faces upward. After being cut from the extruder, a unit component of the polymer material is released so as to move from the conveying part into the cavity of the female part. As a result, the unit component falls from above towards the bottom of the cavity.

[0006] Alternatively, the male part is positioned below the female part with the male part's punch facing upwards. A unit amount of polymer material is released from the conveyor section onto the male part's punch after being cut from the extruder.

[0007] Therefore, the male and female parts move toward each other, deforming a unit volume and thereby forming it according to the desired shape.

[0008] Although conventional equipment can often operate satisfactorily, it faces several challenges, particularly—and not exclusively—when it is necessary to compression mold multilayered units—that is, units consisting of multiple layers made of different materials. In this case, the precise placement of the units within the mold is a particularly important operation.

[0009] In some cases, if the unit quantity is not correctly distributed within the mold, conventional equipment may produce defective objects.

[0010] Furthermore, due to the temperature reached, a unit amount of polymer material may not be cut from the conveying section, or a portion may remain attached to the conveying section. As a result, an object with reduced thickness or an uneven distribution of material may be formed. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] Therefore, the technical objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can overcome the problems of the prior art.

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for compression molding a plurality of unit quantities, each containing at least one polymer material that can be correctly positioned inside the mold.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device in which there is no risk of the unit quantity—even a portion of it—remaining attached to the conveying section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The technical objectives and specified purposes described above are substantially achieved by an apparatus having the technical features described in one or more claims. Dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] The present invention - A dispensing device for dispensing at least one polymer material, - A cutting unit for cutting a unit amount of polymer material from the polymer material distributed by the distribution device, - Having two semi-molds, at least one of the semi-molds is a mold that is movable toward the other semi-mold to compress and mold an object from the unit amount, - At least one transport unit that is movable along a closed path defined between the distribution device and the mold, and is configured to acquire the unit quantity from the distribution device and then release the unit quantity into the mold, - Suction means and blowing means connected to or connectable to the transport section, and selectively activated to hold or release the unit quantity, Includes a device equipped with the following:

[0016] The conveying unit is configured to perform a rotational motion around a rotation axis that intersects the closed path, rotating between a first direction in which the unit quantity is received by the conveying unit and a second direction in which the unit quantity is released onto the mold.

[0017] The transport section includes a pressing section having a contact surface.

[0018] The conveying part also has a transfer surface. The transfer surface is designed to define contact with the unit quantity, and is defined by the contact surface and the surface surrounding the conveying part surrounding the pressing part.

[0019] The pressing part is movable between a storage position where the contact surface is located on the same plane as the surrounding surface and a protruding position where the contact surface protrudes with respect to the surrounding surface.

[0020] The pressing part has a plurality of through holes on the contact surface that are connected or connectable to the suction means and the blowing means so as to selectively fluid communicate between the unit quantity and the suction means for holding the unit quantity or the blowing means for releasing the unit quantity.

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to more accurately position the unit quantity in the mold than in the prior art. In practice, by the conveying part bringing the unit quantity from the first orientation to the second orientation, it is possible to direct the unit quantity toward the mold, and by the invention combining the pressing part and the blowing means, it is possible to supply the unit quantity to the mold.

[0022] According to an aspect of the present invention, the two half molds are a male part and a female part, respectively.

[0023] Therefore, the conveying part can release the unit quantity into the male part by the pressing part and the blowing means so as to reduce the risk that the unit quantity is off-centered or asymmetrically arranged inside the mold.

[0024] Moreover, since the unit quantity is released onto the male part, the part of the unit quantity that first touches the mold contacts the male part, and thus is intended to form the inner surface of the molded object. In this way, since the unit quantity is cooled, the risk of having scars on the outer surface of the molded object is eliminated, thereby improving the quality of the object.

[0025] The male part has an upper surface, that is, a support area. The upper surface is substantially horizontal.

[0026] At the second position, since the conveying part - that is, the unit component - exists on a substantially horizontal plane, the pressing part is also configured to move in a vertical direction toward the mold.

[0027] This prevents the unit component from being arranged in an inclined posture that may cause non-uniform filling of the mold.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing device may have a co-extrusion device that dispenses a continuous multi-layer co-extrusion structure including at least two layers made of various materials.

[0029] In one embodiment, the device includes at least one cutting part that cuts a unit component of the polymer material from the polymer material dispensed by the dispensing device.

[0030] The cutting part may be supported by the conveying part.

[0031] Alternatively, instead, the cutting part may be arranged upstream of the conveying part and separated from the conveying part.

[0032] In one embodiment, the cutting part is configured to cut a unit component having a parallelepiped shape from a continuous structure dispensed by the dispensing device.

[0033] The unit component having a parallelepiped shape can be particularly easily obtained by simply cutting a flat extrusion part without generating waste.

[0034] Moreover, the unit component having a parallelepiped shape is defined by flat surfaces. More specifically, the surface of the unit component designed to be placed on the male part is flat in this case. Therefore, even if the male part does not have side walls, it is possible to stably arrange the unit component on the male part well.

[0035] The stability when the unit quantity is placed on the male portion is further increased if the male portion is defined by a cross-sectional surface that defines a flat region for supporting the unit quantity.

[0036] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the non-limiting description following non-exclusive embodiments of an apparatus for manufacturing concave objects, particularly containers, by compression molding. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided solely for illustrative purposes and without limiting the scope of the present invention. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 3A] Figures 1 and 2 show details of the apparatus and illustrate the various processing steps within the apparatus. [Figure 3B] Figures 1 and 2 show details of the apparatus and illustrate the various processing steps within the apparatus. [Figure 3C] Figures 1 and 2 show details of the apparatus and illustrate the various processing steps within the apparatus. [Figure 3D] Figures 1 and 2 show details of the apparatus and illustrate the various processing steps within the apparatus. [Figure 3E] Figures 1 and 2 show details of the apparatus and illustrate the various processing steps within the apparatus. [Figure 3F] Figures 1 and 2 show details of the apparatus and illustrate the various processing steps within the apparatus. [Figure 3G] Figures 1 and 2 show details of the apparatus and illustrate the various processing steps within the apparatus. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic diagram of the components of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 4B] This is a schematic diagram of the components of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 4C]This is a schematic diagram of the components of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 5A] Figures 4A to 4C are schematic cross-sectional views of the constituent elements. [Figure 5B] Figures 4A to 4C are schematic cross-sectional views of the constituent elements. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Referring to the attached drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes an entire apparatus for manufacturing concave objects—particularly containers—by compression molding.

[0039] The term "container" could mean, for example, a capsule for coffee, or a fluid, or other substance containing food that can be extracted by a jar, glass, or bowl. Alternatively, apparatus 1 may be used to manufacture a preform intended to form a container by blow molding. It is also possible to use apparatus 1 to manufacture a cap for a container.

[0040] Apparatus 1 comprises a dispensing device 2 for dispensing at least one polymer material. For example, dispensing device 2 may include a co-extrusion device for dispensing a continuous co-extruded structure 3 comprising multiple layers of different polymer materials.

[0041] In other words, the dispensing device 2 may be configured to distribute a single polymer material, that is, it may be made of a single polymer material, or it may be made of a multilayer polymer material, that is, it may be formed of several layers made of different polymer materials side by side.

[0042] The distributor 2 is equipped with an outlet opening having a rectangular or square shape for distributing a continuous structure, such as a strip having a rectangular or square cross-section. If the cross-section of the strip is rectangular, the rectangular base may be much larger than the height, even if this condition is not required. According to the attached drawings, the outlet opening faces downward so as to distribute the continuous structure 3 downward along a vertical or substantially vertical outlet direction. However, this condition is not required.

[0043] In other words, the distributing device 2 is configured to distribute unit quantities 4 that have the shape of a parallelepiped.

[0044] According to embodiments not shown, the outlet opening may have a shape different from a rectangular or square shape in order to distribute a continuous structure having other types of cross-sections, such as a cylindrical cross-section.

[0045] Apparatus 1 also includes a cutting section 5 for cutting a unit amount 4 of polymer material (i.e., continuous structure 3) from the polymer material dispensed by dispensing apparatus 2.

[0046] In the illustrated example, there are multiple cutting sections 5. Alternatively, the cutting sections 5 may be made near the exit opening and can be operated to cut a unit quantity 4 from the continuous structure 3.

[0047] Apparatus 1 also includes a mold 6 comprising two semi-molds, at least one of which is movable toward the other to compress and mold an object from a unit quantity 4. Preferably, the mold 6 may mean a structure made, or that can be made, like a carousel with a plurality of semi-molds.

[0048] Preferably, the two semi-molds may be manufactured as a female and a male 6a aligned with each other along a forming axis which may be vertical, as shown in the attached drawings, for example.

[0049] The male part 6a can be shaped like a punch and positioned to form the inner surface of an object, for example, a coffee capsule. The male part 6a can be positioned below the female part, so that the female part has a downward-facing molding cavity.

[0050] In alternative embodiments not shown, the male part may be positioned above the female part.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the punch of the male part 6a has a flat support area 6b for a unit quantity 4.

[0052] The apparatus 1 includes at least one transport unit 7 configured to acquire a unit quantity from the distribution device 2 and subsequently release the unit quantity into the mold 6.

[0053] The transport unit 7 is movable along a closed path defined between the distribution device 2 and the mold 6.

[0054] Preferably, the conveying section 7 is made in the form of a blade.

[0055] Preferably, as shown in the attached drawings, the apparatus 1 includes a plurality of transport units 7 that are continuously movable along a closed path between the distribution device 2 and the mold 6.

[0056] Preferably, as shown in the attached drawings, the cutting section 5 is included in or defined at the end for obtaining a unit quantity 4 of the conveying section 7.

[0057] Each cutting section 5 is associated with and, in particular, supported by the transport section 7. For example, each cutting section 5 can have a shape such as a cutting edge that defines the transport surface 8.

[0058] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the conveying unit 7 is made in the form of a blade.

[0059] The transport unit 7 is also configured to perform rotational motion around a relative axis that traverses a closed path in order to rotate between the first and second orientations.

[0060] According to the first orientation shown in Figures 3C and 3D, the unit quantity 4 is received by the conveying unit 7. According to the attached drawings, the first orientation is substantially perpendicular to the exit direction of the continuous structure 3 from the dispensing device 2. Alternatively, if the dispensing device 2 does not distribute the material in a vertical direction, the first orientation is also not perpendicular.

[0061] According to the second orientation shown in Figures 3A, 3F, and 3G, the unit quantity 4 is discharged onto the mold 6. According to the attached drawings, the second orientation is substantially horizontal along the upper surface of the male part 6a, i.e., the support area 6b.

[0062] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 1 includes a conveying device 9 which has a central support 9a, is rotatable about a relative axis, and is configured to move at least one conveying unit 7 along a closed path. The conveying device 9 also includes means for adjusting the orientation 9b which is configured to move the conveying unit 7 between a first orientation and a second orientation.

[0063] The central support 9a is configured to support a plurality of transport units, and the orientation adjustment means 9b is configured to selectively move each transport unit 7 between a first orientation and a second orientation along a closed path when each transport unit 7 is close to the distribution device 2 or the mold 6.

[0064] In other words, the transport unit 7 is configured to change its relative orientation while moving along a closed path.

[0065] Each transport unit is connected to an arm 9c supported by a central body 9a, and a means 9b for adjusting the orientation is configured to rotate each transport unit 7 around an arm 9c that coincides with the axis of rotation of the transport unit 7.

[0066] Therefore, the conveying device 9 is configured to move the conveying unit 7 along a path oriented from an acquisition position (where the distribution device 2 exists and the conveying unit 7 acquires a unit quantity 4) and a discharge position (where the mold 6 exists and the conveying unit 7 discharges the unit quantity 4 from the mold 6). In this context, the means for adjusting the orientation 9b is preferably configured to adjust the orientation of the unit quantity 4 from the acquisition position to the release position in the latter half of the closed path. In the attached drawing, the axis of rotation of the central body 9a is parallel to the molding direction of the mold 6.

[0067] The apparatus 1 also includes a suction means and a blowing means that are connected to or connectable to the conveying section 7 and are selectively operable to hold or release the unit quantity 4, respectively.

[0068] In other words, the suction means is configured to hold a unit quantity 4 on the conveying unit 7, while the blowing means is configured to release the unit quantity 4.

[0069] Preferably, the suction means can be created by a vacuum source.

[0070] Preferably, the blowing means can be made by a compressed air source.

[0071] The conveying section 7 further comprises a pressing section 10 having a contact surface 10a, and a conveying surface 8 designed to define contact with a unit quantity 4, which is defined by the contact surface 10a and the surrounding surface 10b of the conveying section 7 surrounding the pressing section 10.

[0072] The pressing portion 10 is movable between a retracted position (for example, shown in Figure 4A) and a protruding position (for example, shown in Figure 4B).

[0073] In the storage position, the contact surface 10a is positioned on the same plane as the surrounding surface 10b, thus defining the transport surface 8. This configuration is suitable for picking up and transporting unit quantities of 4.

[0074] At the protruding position, the contact surface 10a protrudes relative to the surrounding surface 10b (i.e., relative to the conveying surface 8) in order to release a unit amount 4 into the mold 6.

[0075] Preferably, the pressing portion 10 is made by forming a piston that defines a contact surface 10a having a circular or square shape.

[0076] The transport surface 8 is sized so that the unit quantity 4 (single or multilayer) adheres to the transport surface 8, in order to minimize deformation of the unit quantity 4 during transport.

[0077] Preferably, the conveying surface 8 is sized to have a larger area than the surface of the unit quantity 4.

[0078] Preferably, the contact surface 10a is sized to have a smaller area than the surface of the unit quantity 4, in a manner that facilitates the pushing and removal of the unit quantity 4 from the conveying surface 8.

[0079] Therefore, the pressing part 10 is a mechanical member that presses a unit amount 4 downward (in the configuration shown in the attached drawing) at the appropriate moment, helping it to be removed from the transport surface 8 and released into the mold 6.

[0080] The pressing portion 10 has a plurality of passage holes 11 on the contact surface 10a that are connected to or connectable to suction means and blowing means, and are configured to selectively establish fluid communication between a unit amount and the suction means or blowing means.

[0081] Preferably, the multiple holes 11 are distributed around the contact surface 10a, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

[0082] Alternatively, the multiple holes 11 are distributed across the entire contact surface 10a.

[0083] In this context, the passage hole 11 is configured to prevent the suction means from peeling off a unit amount 4 from the conveying surface 8. In other words, the suction means is configured to maintain contact with the conveying surface 8 and hold the unit amount 4 throughout its path from the acquisition position to the release position.

[0084] For example, multiple passage holes 11 are opened on the contact surface 10a to establish fluid communication between the unit quantity 4 interacting with the transport surface 8 and the vacuum source.

[0085] In this context as well, the through-hole 11 allows the blowing means to easily remove the unit quantity 4 from the surface when the conveying section 7 is in the open position. In other words, the combined movement of the pressing section 10 and the operation of the blowing means through the passage hole 11 ensure the precise removal of the unit quantity 4 from the conveying section, as well as the precise positioning of the unit quantity 4 on the mold 6.

[0086] For example, the blowing means may include a compressed air source configured to remove a unit amount 4 from the conveying surface 8 through the passage hole 11.

[0087] Therefore, the passage hole 11 is connected to a vacuum source when the conveying unit 7 is attempting to acquire, or is just acquiring, a unit quantity 4 from the supply device 2, so that the unit quantity 4 remains fixed without being subjected to unintended deformation, and then connected to a compressed air source when the conveying unit 7 is facing the mold 6 and the pressing unit 10 is in the protruding position. In other words, the conveying unit 7 allows for easier removal of the unit quantity 4 from the conveying surface 8 so that the unit quantity 4 can be supplied to the mold 6 when needed.

[0088] Therefore, as shown in Figure 4C, the transport unit 7 is equipped with a special internal duct 11a which is arranged to communicate with the passage hole 11 and the suction and / or blowing means, or can be used for suction or blowing air.

[0089] Preferably, the suction means and the blowing means are also in communication with a mechanism 12 for moving the pressing portion 10 and can be selectively operated to move the pressing portion 10 between a retracted position and a protruding position.

[0090] In other words, the movement of the pressing portion 10 is performed by the aforementioned moving mechanism 12, which can be operated by appropriate control or by suction or blowing means.

[0091] Preferably, the moving mechanism 12 consists of a guide portion on which a part of the pressing portion 10 can slide. In particular, operation using a blower (or suction) is caused by the interaction between the blower (or suction) and the inner surface of the pressing portion 10, which causes movement between the retracted position and the protruding position.

[0092] In other words, the blowing means introduces air against the inner wall of the pressing section 10 and pushes it from the storage position to the protruding position (Figure 5A) (Figure 5B).

[0093] Similarly, the action applied by the suction means generates a force on the contact surface 10a. This force causes the pressing part 10 to slide further within the relative guide, returning the pressing part 10 to its retracted position (Figure 5A).

[0094] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the storage position of the pressing portion 10 is determined by a suction means (i.e., a vacuum source) that holds a unit amount 4 against the transport surface 8 by sucking in air, as shown in Figure 5A, and keeps the pressing portion 10 (i.e., the contact surface 10a) on the same plane as the surrounding surface 10b.

[0095] Similarly, the protruding position of the pressing portion 10 originates from the blowing means (i.e., compressed air source), which blows air to release a unit amount 4 from the conveying surface, keeping the pressing portion 10 (i.e., contact surface 10a) separated from the surrounding surface 10b, as shown in Figure 5B.

[0096] Preferably, the inner duct 11a may be used to connect the suction method or the blowing method to the moving mechanism 12 so as to achieve both the retention or blowing of the unit quantity 4 and the movement of the pressing part 10 by operating the suction method or the blowing method, respectively.

[0097] Preferably, the conveying section 7 is provided with a temperature control means for adjusting the temperature of the unit quantity 4 during conveying, and / or the conveying section 7 is provided along a closed path.

[0098] Advantageously, temperature control means may be used to prevent the unit quantity 4 from being excessively cooled or overheated.

[0099] Preferably, the temperature control means includes, or may be formed to be, a heating means for preventing excessive cooling of the unit quantity 4 during transport, which could result in suboptimal compression during the formation of the object in the mold 6.

[0100] Alternatively, the temperature control means may include, or be designed as, a cooling means to prevent excessive adhesion of the unit quantity 4 to the conveying section 7 when the conveying section tends to overheat.

[0101] Preferably, the temperature control means includes an inner duct 13 that surrounds the pressing portion 10 and is arranged in fluid communication with an air source or water source.

[0102] Preferably, the blowing means and suction means include temperature control means. In other words, the suction and blowing means can be selectively operated and used to adjust the temperature of the transport unit 7 while it is moving in a closed path.

[0103] For example, after the release of the unit quantity 4 in the mold 6, the suction means can be activated to recall the pressing part 10 and cool the conveying part 7 to reduce the temperature after contact with the unit quantity 4.

[0104] Referring to the attached drawings, particularly Figures 1, 2, and 3A-3G, the letters "A, B, C, D, E, F" indicate the various operating steps of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

[0105] Figure 3A shows process "A" and identifies the position adopted by the transport unit 7 in the closed portion of the path defined between the mold 6 and the dispensing device 2.

[0106] During this process, the conveying section 7 employs a substantially flat configuration and does not include the unit quantity 4 to be conveyed.

[0107] Preferably, during step "A", the pressing device 10 is positioned in the retracted position. Alternatively, the pressing device 10 may be positioned in the protruding position, but it must be retracted before it comes into contact with the unit quantity 4 again.

[0108] Preferably, the temperature control means may be in operation during step "A" to adjust the temperature of the conveying section 7, which has been previously changed by the temperature of the unit quantity 4.

[0109] During step "A", if the temperature control means coincides with the suction or blowing means, it is possible to operate the means to suction or blow air through the vent hole 11 at a temperature suitable for obtaining the desired adjustment.

[0110] Figure 3B shows step "B" representing the configuration adopted by the transport unit 7 when approaching the distribution device 2. In particular, the rotation of the transport unit 7 begins near the distribution device 2, which is suitable for positioning it from a second orientation to a first orientation. Preferably, in this step "B", means for adjusting the orientation 9b is activated, which rotates the transport unit 7 around its axis of rotation, i.e., positions the transport unit 7 around the arm 9c that connects to the central body 9a of the transport device 9.

[0111] Figures 3C and 3D show step "C" which identifies the engagement between the conveying unit 7 and the unit quantity 4.

[0112] Figure 3C, in particular, shows the distribution device 2 during the release of the continuous polymer structure 3. At this time, the transport unit 7 is in a substantially vertical position and is directed toward the continuous structure 3.

[0113] On the other hand, Figure 3D shows a transport unit 7, also located vertically, which is designed to transport the unit quantity 4 obtained from the continuous structure 3.

[0114] The actual engagement between the unit quantity 4 and the conveying unit 7 occurs between Figures 3C and 3D. In particular, during this engagement, the cutting unit 5 is interposed, which is defined in the accompanying drawings on the conveying unit 7 that cuts the unit quantity 4 from the continuous structure 3. During the "cutting" of the unit quantity 4 from the structure 3, the unit quantity 4 comes into contact with the conveying surface 8, i.e., a portion of the contact surface 10a and the surrounding surface 10b. During this engagement, the suction means is also operated to ensure that the unit quantity 4 is held on the conveying surface 8.

[0115] Meanwhile, Figure 3E shows step "D" representing the configuration employed by the conveyor unit 7 before it moves away from the dispensing device 2 toward the mold 6. More specifically, the conveyor unit 7 begins to rotate in a manner suitable for positioning it from a first orientation to a second orientation. The suction means are operated during this movement. Preferably, in this step, "D" is a means for correcting the orientation 9b that rotates the conveyor unit 7 toward its axis of rotation, i.e., activating the arm 9c that connects the conveyor unit 7 to the central body 9a of the conveying device 9.

[0116] Meanwhile, Figure 3F shows step "D" of identifying a second orientation adopted by the conveying unit 7 before reaching the mold 6. During this step, both the conveying unit 7 and the unit quantity 4 have a substantially horizontal orientation, and the suction means ensure that the unit quantity 4 is held and prevents accidental drops.

[0117] Finally, Figure 3G shows step "F" which identifies the release of unit quantity 4 in the mold 6. During this step, the pressing unit 10 is operated to cut the unit quantity 4 from the transport surface 8, i.e., from the surrounding surface 10b. After, or simultaneously with, the pressing movement of the pressing unit 10 from the retracted position to the protruding position, the suction means is deactivated and the blowing means is operated to remove the unit quantity 4 from the contact surface 10a as well.

[0118] In other words, the pressing unit 10 moves the unit quantity 4 toward the mold 6 (in particular toward the support area 6b of the male part 6a), and the blowing means performs the actual separation of the unit quantity 4 and its release in the mold 6 (i.e., it is placed on the upper surface of the male part 6a, i.e., on the support area 6b).

[0119] Advantageously, the aforementioned apparatus 1 can overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0120] The joint action between the pressing part 10 and the blowing means ensures that the unit volume 4 within the mold 6 is reliably released. Referring to the attached drawings, the pressing part 10 and the blowing means enable the reliable release of the unit volume 4 on the support area 6b of the mold 6.

[0121] Advantageously, the pressing unit 10 performs the first movement of the unit quantity 4 toward the mold 6. As a result, once the unit quantity 4 is released, it is ensured that changes in the trajectory of the unit quantity 4 on the mold 6 or abrupt landing, which could result in suboptimal centering of the unit quantity, are avoided. In other words, precise positioning of the unit quantity 4 in the mold 6 makes it possible to obtain molding by more uniform and accurate compression of the object, and thus obtain an object of the desired quality.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiment, since the unit quantity 4 is deposited on the support region 6b of the male portion 6a, the pressing portion 10 and the blowing means ensure that the formation of undesirable marks on the outer portion of the formed object is prevented.

Claims

1. A dispensing device for dispensing at least one polymer material, A cutting unit for cutting a unit amount of polymer material from the polymer material distributed by the distribution device, It has two semi-molds, and at least one of the semi-molds is a mold that can move toward the other semi-mold to compress and mold an object from the unit amount, At least one transport unit is movable along a closed path defined between the distribution device and the mold, and is configured to acquire the unit quantity from the distribution device and then release the unit quantity into the mold, The transport section is connected to, or can be connected to, a suction means and a blower means that can be selectively started to hold or release the unit quantity, The at least one conveying unit is further configured to perform a rotational motion around a rotation axis intersecting the closed path, rotating between a first direction in which the unit quantity is received by the conveying unit and a second direction in which the unit quantity is released onto the mold. The transport unit has a pressing unit having a contact surface and a transport surface, the transport surface being designed to define contact with the unit quantity and being defined by the contact surface and the surface surrounding the transport unit that surrounds the pressing unit. The pressing portion is movable between a storage position in which the contact surface is flush with the surrounding surface and a protruding position in which the contact surface protrudes relative to the surrounding surface, thereby releasing the unit amount into the mold. The pressing portion has a plurality of through holes on the contact surface that are connected to or connectable to the suction means and the blowing means, so as to selectively establish fluid communication between the unit amount and the suction means that holds the unit amount or the blowing means that releases the unit amount. The suction means and the blowing means are also in communication with a mechanism that moves the pressing portion and can be selectively started to move the pressing portion between the retracted position and the protruding position. Device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conveying unit is equipped with a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the conveying unit during transport and / or along the closed path.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the temperature control means is defined by an inner duct surrounding the pressing portion and is provided to be in fluid communication with an air source or a water source.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the suction means and the blowing means are equipped with the temperature control means.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of through holes are distributed on the peripheral portion of the contact surface.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cutting portion is included on or defined on the end portion of the conveying portion that acquires the unit quantity.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the conveying section is made of a blade or cutting edge.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the pressing portion is made of a piston that defines a contact surface having a circular or square shape.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, comprising a transfer device having a central support that is rotatable around an axis and configured to move the at least one transport unit along the closed path, and a means for adjusting the orientation configured to move the transport unit between the first orientation and the second orientation.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, The aforementioned central support section is configured to support multiple transport sections, The means for adjusting the orientation is configured to selectively move each of the plurality of transport units between the first orientation and the second orientation along the closed path when each of the plurality of transport units approaches the distribution device or the mold. Device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, Each of the aforementioned transport units is connected to an arm supported by the central support unit, The means for adjusting the orientation is configured to rotate each of the plurality of transport units around the arm that coincides with the axis of rotation. Device.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, The distribution device is configured to distribute unit quantities in a parallelepiped shape, One of the two semi-molds has an upper end defined by a substantially flat region that supports the unit quantity, Device.

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