An infeeding device for infeeding products, being tablets, pills, capsules, internally of cells of a celled continuous strip

Abstract

The infeeding device (100) comprises a drum element (1), drivable in rotation about a rotation axis (H) and comprising, annularly along the respective annular surface, a series of sectors (S), distinct and moved away from one another, each containing a group of housings (S1, S2) having a shape suitable to receive internally thereof respective products and having a reciprocal arrangement of housings (E1, E2) which corresponds to an arrangement of groups of cells (A1, A2) present in portions (N1) that are successive and moved away of a celled continuous strip (N).

Description

[0001] AN INFEEDING DEVICE FOR INFEEDING PRODUCTS, BEING TABLETS, PILLS, CAPSULES, INTERNALLY OF CELLS OF A CELLED CONTINUOUS STRIP

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning the packaging of products, in particular pharmaceutical, parapharmaceutical, food products, internally of corresponding cells of a celled continuous strip.

[0005] In particular, the invention concerns an infeeding device for infeeding products, being tablets, pills, capsules, internally of cells of a celled continuous strip moved along an advancement direction.

[0006] DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0007] In this sector use of continuous strips is known, made of different materials, which are unwound from relative reels and subjected to various processes for formation of a celled continuous strip comprising a series of cells, arranged in predetermined and reciprocal orientations and arrangements, destined to receive, internally thereof, corresponding products, such as, for example, tablets, pills, capsules.

[0008] The continuous strips can be made of a heat-formable plastic material, such as for example PVC; in this case, the continuous strips are subjected to processes of heat-forming for creating cells.

[0009] The continuous strips can also be made of aluminium, and in these cases the continuous strips are subjected to processes of extrusion for realising the cells.

[0010] For the continuous strips of plastic material, the process of heat-forming enables realising the cells using profiles, i.e. shape and size, which can substantially correspond to those of the products which are to be packaged internally thereof.

[0011] In the case, instead, of continuous strips are made of aluminium, this is not possible, owing to the different structure of the material and the process of extrusion which has to be carried out for the formation of the cells.

[0012] Therefore, in the case of use of continuous strips made of aluminium, it is not possible to realise the cells with a shape and dimension that substantially correspond to those of the products to be packaged internally thereof, but only to produce cells which have a shape and dimensions that are larger than those of the products.

[0013] Further, the continuous strips made of aluminium are more delicate with respect to those made of a heat-formable plastic material, and therefore are liable to be damaged in the case of dragging or impacts.

[0014] Therefore, the ways in which the operations of infeeding of the products are to be made vary according to the type of material with which the celled continuous strip is made.

[0015] Further, also the shape and size of the products have an impact on the type of infeeding which is to be selected to proceed to a correct filling of the cells of the celled continuous strip, both in the case of those being made of a heat- formable plastic material, and for those made of aluminium.

[0016] Therefore, time by time, according to the conformation and size of products to be packaged, and also for the type of material with which the celled continuous strip is made, it is necessary to predispose corresponding types of infeeding devices.

[0017] For example, a first method of infeeding used is the accumulation type, which includes the use of trays or crates, into which the products are infed to create accumulation areas of products above a transit area of the celled continuous strip, and with skimming systems, for example rotary brushes, the upper surface of the celled continuous strip is “skimmed” facilitating the inserting of the products internally of the cells.

[0018] An infeed method of this type is however not utilisable for strips made of aluminium, as the rotation of the brushes might damage them.

[0019] Further, according to the effective dimensions of the products in relation to the dimensions of the cells, there might occur an erroneous insertion of the products in the cells, as more than a single product might fall into a single cell, or there might even occur a situation in which some cells do not receive products at all.

[0020] Another method at present used includes the use of descent channels (chutes) for products, flanked thereto, which are positioned above a transit area of the celled continuous strip: a descent channel for a respective cell to be filed present in the celled continuous strip.

[0021] This technique is used both for the celled continuous strips made of a heat- formable plastic material, and for those made of aluminium.

[0022] The products, falling by force of gravity along the channels, are deposited internally of respective cells.

[0023] The shape of the channels, in particular, the section thereof, must however be designed and realised as a function of the effective dimensions and shape of the products.

[0024] Therefore, in a case of size change of the products, the channels must be demounted and replaced with others.

[0025] Further, in this solution, in order to avoid any products inserting by error internally of a same cell, mechanisms must be used, of a mechanical or pneumatic type, so as to halt, time by time, the products along the channels which are located above the product falling into a respective cell.

[0026] These mechanisms, however, can cause damage to the products by scratching or damaging them.

[0027] Further, especially in cases in which the celled continuous strips are made of aluminium, in which the dimensions of the cells are oversized with respect to the products, there is still the risk that more than one product at a time will fall, and insert, into a same cell.

[0028] A further and other type of technique of infeeding at present in use, includes the use of a drum element, drivable in rotation about a rotation axis comprised in a vertical plane to the advancement direction of the celled continuous strip. The drum element comprises, over the whole extension of the respective lateral surface, a continuous and indistinct series of dimensioned seats, each of which will receive, internally thereof, a respective product which is to be inserted into a corresponding cell of the celled continuous strip.

[0029] The products are infed loosely into the upper part of the drum element, to create a products accumulation area, and by means of a skimming system, such as for example rotary brushes, the products are intended to be singly placed into the various seats.

[0030] The rotation of the drum element carries the products into the seats in a release area which is beneath the drum element and above a transit area of the celled strip.

[0031] Laterally of the drum element, between the upper loading area and the lower release area, in the rotation direction of the drum element, a rigid retaining element of products is located, having a complementary shape to that of the lateral surface of the drum element, to prevent the products present in the seats from falling externally thereof during the rotation of the drum element.

[0032] In this case too, however, there are various drawbacks.

[0033] Firstly, the number of the seats present on the lateral surface of the drum element is overabundant with respect to the number of the cells transiting in the release area, which is to avoid a situation in which some cells might remain empty following the passage of the celled strip through the products release area.

[0034] Further, the presence of the rigid containing element, which constitutes a sort of casing, can cause damage to the products, as the products, during the rotation of the drum element, tend to exit from the respective seats and can be trapped between a wall of the seat and the rigid containing element.

[0035] A situation like the above can cause dragging of the products along the rigid containing element, with a consequent deterioration thereof.

[0036] Further, there are issues with synchronisation between the rotation of the drum element and the advancement of the celled strip, with consequent centring problems between the seats and the cells at the passage of the cells in the release area.

[0037] Further, in the various technical solutions mentioned in the foregoing, the products that are not completely intact, being chipped, scratched or possibly non-suitable for packaging, as they contain a quantity of active ingredient or excipients that does not conform, can be, without distinction, inserted anyway in the cells of the celled strips together with products that are instead fully intact and compliant for packaging.

[0038] In these cases, it will be necessary to proceed to the rejection of the blister packs, with consequent rejection and loss also of the products that are intact and suitable for packaging.

[0039] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0040] An object of the present invention an aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a novel infeeding device for infeeding products, being tablets, pills, capsules, internally of cells of a celled continuous strip, which is able to obviate the drawbacks referenced in the foregoing.

[0041] In particular, an aim of the invention is to provide a novel infeeding device which can be utilisable independently of the material with which celled continuous strips are realised, thus, for example, both in a case of celled continuous strips made of a heat-formable plastic material, and in a case of celled continuous strips made of aluminium, and independently of the type and shape of the products to be packaged, and that therefore can be considered an infeeding device of a “universal” type.

[0042] A further aim of the invention is to provide an infeeding device able to infeed, internally of the cells of celled continuous strips, only products that are intact and suitable for packaging, and to guarantee a complete filling of all the celled strip for each group of cells present in the celled strip.

[0043] The above-mentioned advantages are obtained according to the contents of the claims.

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The characteristics of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the infeeding device object of the present invention will be described in the following description with reference to the appended tables of drawings, in which:

[0045] - figure 1 illustrates, schematically and in a partly-sectioned frontal view, a first preferred embodiment of the infeeding device of the invention;

[0046] - figure 2 illustrates, schematically and in a lateral view in vertical section, some significant components of the infeeding device of the invention of figure 1;

[0047] - figure 3 illustrates, schematically and in a perspective view, a possible preferred embodiment of a particular component of the infeeding device of the invention conformed in such a way as to be usable for infeeding products to a celled continuous strip having a series of strip portions consecutive to one another, in which each strip portion comprises cells which are reciprocally arranged according to a first possible arrangement and configuration of cells;

[0048] - figure 4 illustrates, schematically and in a perspective view, a possible further preferred embodiment of the component of figure 3 of the infeeding device of the invention, which is conformed in such a way as to be usable for infeeding products to a celled continuous strip having a series of strip portions consecutive to one another which are reciprocally arranged according to a further possible arrangement and configuration of cells;

[0049] - figures from 5A to 5F illustrate, in respective schematic frontal views, a possible mode of functioning of the infeeding device of the invention in the preferred embodiment of figure 1 for the successive release of products internally of at least two consecutive rows of cells present in a section of the celled continuous strip during transit in the section of the celled continuous strip into a release area beneath the infeeding device;

[0050] - figure 6 illustrates a view, in a larger-scale view, of the detail denoted by letter K of figure 5D;

[0051] - figure 7 is a schematic perspective view, of a possible use of the infeeding device of the invention;

[0052] - figure 8 illustrates, in a respective schematic perspective view, a further possible use of the infeeding device of the invention;

[0053] - figure 9 is a frontal schematic view, of some other components of the infeeding device of the invention;

[0054] - figure 10 is an extremely schematic view of portions of celled continuous strips realised in a different material, for example heat-formable plastic material and aluminium, with a different conformation of the respective cells;

[0055] - figure 11 illustrates, in a partly-sectioned frontal schematic view, a possible further preferred and advantageous embodiment of the infeeding device of the invention, in a step of release of products that are intact and suitable for packaging into respective cells present in the celled strip;

[0056] - figures 12A and 12B illustrate, schematically and according to respective frontal views, two distinct operating steps of the operation of the infeeding device of figure 11 in a case in which non-intact and / or non-suitable products for packaging, or which are not in sufficient number for filling all the cells of a respective group of cells present in the celled strip, have not been released in the cells of the celled strip;

[0057] - figure 13 illustrates, schematically and in a frontal view, a particular operating step of the invention of the infeeding device of figure 11 in which the not intact or non-suitable products for packaging are released into a collecting bin of products to be rejected;

[0058] - figure 14 illustrates, schematically and in a partly-sectioned frontal view, a further possibly operating step of the invention of the infeeding device of figure 11 in which the products that are intact and suitable for packaging, on which are not in a sufficient number for filling all the cells of a respective group of cells present in the celled strip, and which have not been released in the cells of the celled strip, are newly transported into an accumulation and products infeed area.

[0059] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the accompanying tables of drawings, reference numeral (100) denotes the infeeding device for infeeding of products (P), being tablets, pills, capsules, internally of cells of a celled continuous strip (N), object of the present invention, in its entirety, and in the various possible preferred embodiments thereof.

[0060] The infeeding device (100) of the invention is suitable for and is destined to be used for the infeeding of products (P), being for example, as mentioned, tablets, pills, capsules, in all those cases in which the celled continuous strip (N) is moved along an advancement direction (V), on the basis of a predefined advancement motion, and comprises a series of strip portions (N1) consecutive to one another and distanced from one another, with each strip portion (N1) comprising a group of cells (A1 ; A2) which are reciprocally arranged with a predetermined arrangement and configuration of cells (D1; D2).

[0061] The portions of strip (N1) are distanced so as to enable a separation thereof by cutting-off, once the relative groups of cells have been filled with respective products.

[0062] For example, in figure 3, solely by way of example, a celled continuous strip (N) is illustrated having a series of portions (N1) consecutive and distanced from one another, in which each strip portion (N1) comprises a group of cells (A1) which are reciprocally arranged according to an arrangement and configuration of cells (D1) comprising at least a row, in this case two parallel rows, of five cells.

[0063] Instead, for example in figure 4, again solely by way of example, a celled continuous strip (N) is illustrated that has a series of portions (N1) consecutive and distanced from one another, where each strip portion (N1) comprises a group of cells (A2) which are reciprocally arranged according to an arrangement and configuration of cells (D2) comprising two parallel rows of cells, in which a first row comprises three cells, and a second row which comprises two cells.

[0064] It is specified that the infeeding device (100) is engineered and realised in relation to a respective characteristic feature as described in the following, in order to be applicable to any arrangement of groups of cells that can be present in a celled continuous strip, independently of the type of material with which the celled continuous strip is realised, as well as the type and format of the products.

[0065] The infeeding device (100) comprises a drum element (1), which is drivable in rotation about a horizontal rotation axis (H), and which is positionable with respect to the celled continuous strip (N) in such a way that the rotation axis (H) is arranged in a vertical plane with respect to the celled continuous strip (N) at a transit area (Z) of the celled continuous strip (N) and with a lower end (10) of the drum element (1) arranged superiorly of the transit area (Z) of the celled continuous strip (N) in order to define a products release area (F).

[0066] A peculiarity of the infeeding device (100) of the invention consists in the fact that the drum element (1) is conformed in such a way as to comprise, annularly along the respective lateral surface, a series of operating sectors (S), distinct and moved away from one another.

[0067] In greater detail, in accordance with the arrangement of the groups of cells in the various portions of the celled continuous strip, the drum element (1) is realised and configured with each operating sector (S) of the series of operating sectors (S) comprising a group of housings (S1 ;S2) which are reciprocally arranged with an arrangement and configuration of housings (E1; E2) corresponding to the predetermined arrangement and configuration of cells (D1, D2) present in the series of strip portions (N1) of the celled continuous strip (N).

[0068] Further, each housing of the group of housings (S1; S2) is conformed and dimensioned to receive internally thereof a respective single product (P).

[0069] In other words, the drum element present in the infeeding device of the invention is time by time realised and configured in such a way that, in the various sectors arranged distanced from one another annularly along the lateral surface of the drum element, groups of housings are present, having a reciprocal arrangement which exactly matches the arrangement of the groups of cells in the various portions of the celled continuous strip.

[0070] For example, is illustrated in figure 3, in a case in which the series of portions (N1) consecutive to one another and distanced of the celled continuous strip (N) comprises a group of cells (A1) which are reciprocally arranged according to an arrangement and configuration of cells (D1) comprising two parallel rows of five cells, then, in each sector (S) present annularly along the lateral surface of the drum element (1), there will be groups of housings (S1) present, having an arrangement and configuration of housings (E1) comprising two parallel rows of five housings.

[0071] Instead, as for example illustrated in figure 4, in a case in which the series of portions (N1) consecutive to one another and distanced of the celled continuous strip (N) comprises a group of cells (A2) that are reciprocally arranged according to an arrangement and configuration of cells (D2) comprising two parallel rows of cells, in which a first row comprises three cells and a second row comprises two cells, then, in each sector (S) present annularly along the lateral surface of the drum element (1), there will be groups of housings (S2) present having an arrangement and configuration of housings (E2) comprising two parallel rows of housings, in which a first row comprises three housings and a second row comprises two housings.

[0072] The infeeding device (100) further comprises a products accumulation chamber (2), which is arranged superiorly of the drum element (1) and which is conformed to receive and accumulate internally thereof products (P) that are to be transferred and infed internally of the cells of the celled continuous strip (N).

[0073] The accumulation chamber (2) is inferiorly open in such a way that the products (P) accumulated therein are in contact, during the rotation of the drum element (1), with the series of operating sectors (S) present annularly along the lateral surface of the drum element (1) for inserting the products (P) into respective housings of the groups of housings (S1 ;S2) present in the operating sectors (S).

[0074] The infeeding device (100) is also equipped with a products retaining system (3), for retaining the products (P) in the respective housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) during the rotation of the drum element (1) from the products accumulation chamber (2) to the products release area (F).

[0075] A further special aspect of the infeeding device (100) of the invention consists in the fact that the products retaining system (3) comprises, starting from the products accumulation chamber (2) and along to the products release area (F), in the rotation direction of the drum element (1) (see for example figure 1 , or the sequence of figures from 5A to 5F), a first retaining element (31) made of a flexible elastomeric material, which is arranged facing, and which has a complementary shape with respect to, a first part (11) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) and a second rigid containing element (32), consecutive to the first containing element (31), which is arranged facing, and which has a complementary shape with respect to a second part (12) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1).

[0076] In particular, as can be observed in the above-cited figures of the drawings, the first containing element (31) has an annular extension which covers the greater part of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) comprised between the accumulation chamber (2) and the lower part (10) of the drum element where there is the products release area (F).

[0077] The flexible elastomeric material with which the first containing element (31) is realised prevents, during the rotation of the drum element (1) from the products accumulation chamber (2) to the products release area (F), a fall of the products (P) present in the housings of the groups of housings (S1; S2), providing a soft and flexible support upon any eventual contact with the products (P) which tend to exit from the respective housings owing to the rotation of the drum element, preventing damage thereto.

[0078] Lastly, in further peculiarities, the infeeding device (100) of the invention comprises an. optic sensor (4) and a control unit (5).

[0079] The optic sensor (4) is arranged upstream of the transit area (Z) of the celled continuous strip (N) beneath the drum element (1) and is configured to detect the effective position of a group of cells (A1 ; A2) present in a respective strip portion (N1) which is advancing, according to the predefined advancement motion, towards the lower part (10) of the drum element (1), and then towards the products release area (F).

[0080] The control unit (5) is interfaced with the optic sensor (4) and with the drum element (1), and is configured to receive from the optic sensor (4) a datum on the position detected of the group of cells (A1; A2) present in the strip portion (N1) which is advancing towards the lower part (10) of the drum element (1), and towards the products release area (F).

[0081] In greater detail, the control unit (5) is configured, as a function of the datum received and of the predefined advancement motion of the celled continuous strip (N), so as to drive the drum element (1) in rotation with a respective rotation velocity in such a way that a respective operating sector (S), having a respective group of housings (S1; S2) containing respective products (P), transits in the lower part (10) of the drum element (1), to the position of the products release area (F), at the same time as the passage of the group of cells (A1;A2) through the products release area (F), in such a way that the products (P) present in the housings (S1 ; S2) fall and are inserted into respective cells (A1; A2).

[0082] Therefore, the infeeding device (100), owing to the combined presence of the optic sensor (4) and the control unit (5), is able to detect, in real-time, the effective position of the various groups of cells present in the various and successive portions of the celled continuous strip which are in arrival, on the basis of the advancement motion of the celled strip (which can be an advancement motion, alternating, continuous or mixed) in such a way as to drive the drum element (1) with an adequate rotation velocity in order for a group of housings (S1; S2) to transit in the products release area (F) contemporaneously with a corresponding group of cells (A1; A2) in order to be able to precisely release the products contained therein into respective cells.

[0083] Therefore, with the infeeding device it is possible to correctly infeed the products to inside respective cells of the celled continuous strip independently of possible displacements to the position of the cells due to the lengthening of the celled continuous strip during the forming processes of the cells, or due to other causes.

[0084] The infeeding device of the invention is therefore usable independently of the type of material with which the celled continuous strip is realised.

[0085] Therefore, the infeeding device of the invention is utilisable, see for example figure 10, both in a case in which the celled continuous strips (TP) made of a heat-formable plastic material, in which the cells (AP) can have different shapes and dimensions substantially corresponding to the actual shape and size of the products, and also in a case where the celled continuous strips (NA) are made of aluminium, wherein the respective cells (AA) have, instead, a shape and size that is greater than the effective shape and size of the products.

[0086] Further, owing to the presence of the first containing element made of a flexible elastomeric material, and to the arrangement of the groups of housings present in various sectors along the lateral surface of the drum element, which correspondingly replicate the arrangement of the groups of cells present in the various portions of strip, the infeeding device of the invention is suitable for use independently of the type of product, whether constituted by heat-sensitive tablets or capsules, or gummy pastilles.

[0087] The distance between the various sectors, where there are respective groups of housings, annularly along the lateral surface of the drum element, can differ, and preferably, but not exclusively, is greater than the distance between the various portions of strip, having respective groups of cells, present along the celled continuous strip.

[0088] This enables regulating the rotation velocity of the drum element more effectively so that a group of housings, containing respective products, transits in the products release area at the same time as a passage of a corresponding group of cells, enabling carrying out the release of the products internally of the cells with precision.

[0089] Further and other aspects of the infeeding device (100) of the invention are described in the following. The first retaining element (31) made of a flexible elastomeric material preferably comprises at least a belt (310) made of a flexible elastomeric material which is fixed, at a first end, to a first anchoring point (33) arranged internally of the products accumulation chamber (2), and fixed, at a second end, to a second anchoring point (34), in a position that is external of the drum element (1) and in proximity of the second retaining element (32).

[0090] In this way, the belt (310) made of a flexible elastomeric material can assume a complementary shape to the first part (11) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1), and can be arranged facing, and skimming, the first part (11) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) so as to prevent, during the rotation of the drum element (1) from the products accumulation chamber (2) to the products release area (F), a fall of the products (P) present in the housings of the groups of housings (S1 ; S2), providing a soft and flexible support for any eventual contact with the products (P), preventing damage thereto.

[0091] Further, the belt (310) made of a flexible elastomeric material is maintained in a complementary shape to the first part (11) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1), and is arranged facing, and skimming, the first part (11) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1), by means of return elements (35) arranged between the first anchoring point (33) and the second anchoring point (34) (see figure 1).

[0092] A further and other preferred and advantageous aspect of the infeeding device (100) of the invention, consists in the fact that the products accumulation chamber (2) is mounted superiorly of the drum element (1) in such a way as to be angularly rotatable with respect to the drum element (1), for example about an axis coinciding with or parallel to the rotation axis of the drum element (see for example figure 9).

[0093] In this way it is possible to vary the accumulation position of the products with respect to the operating sectors (S) of the drum element (1), wherein the groups of housings (S1, S2) are present, for facilitating the inserting of the products into the housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) during the rotation of the drum element (1). This detail is especially useful according to the particular type and conformation of the products that are to be infed into the cells of the celled continuous strip.

[0094] Further, in a further preferred aspect, the infeeding device (100) can comprise discharging elements (50) of any eventual electrostatic loads which can accumulate on the drum element (1) during the rotation thereof (see for example figure 1).

[0095] For example, in a first possible embodiment, the discharging elements (50) of electrostatic loads can comprise ionising elements or blower elements, which can be arranged downstream of the products release area, considering the rotation direction of the drum element.

[0096] The drum element (1), as for example illustrated in figure 2, can be mounted on a relative flange (15) coaxially mounted to a drive shaft (16) so as to be drivable in rotation following the activation in rotation of the drive shaft (16).

[0097] Also, in a further preferred aspect, the infeeding device (100) can comprise a system (8) for facilitating the inserting of the products internally of the housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) during the rotation of the operating sectors (S) of the drum element (1) through the products accumulation chamber (2).

[0098] For example, the system (8) for facilitating the inserting of the products internally of the housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) can comprise rotary brushes (81) and / or agitator elements (82).

[0099] Figures from 5A to 5F illustrate a possible operating sequence of the infeeding device (100) of the invention in the preferred embodiment of figure 1 referring to the products (P) that are infed into the accumulation chamber (2) and which, during the rotation of the drum element (1), are inserted into a corresponding group of housings (S1, S2) present in a sector (S) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) which transits inferiorly of the accumulation chamber (2) (sequence of figures 5A, 5B, 5C).

[0100] The further rotation of the drum element (1), in the indicated direction, from the accumulation chamber (2) to the products release area (F), brings the products (P), inserted in respective housings of the group of housings (S1; S2), to transit at the first containing element (31) made of an elastomeric material, for example, a belt (310) arranged facing and skimming the lateral surface of the drum element, see for example figures 5D and 6.

[0101] The first containing element (31) made of a flexible elastomeric material prevents the fall of the products (P) present in the housings of the group of housings (S1; S2), but especially, as clearly visible in figure 6, provides a soft and flexible support upon any eventual contact with the products (P) which tend to exit from the respective housings, due to the rotation of the drum element, preventing damage thereto.

[0102] The further rotation of the drum element (1) (figure 5E) brings the products, present in the housings of the group of housings (S1 ; S2), to transit to the second rigid containing element which is located in proximity of the products release area (F), and, at the same time, the optic sensor (4) detects the effective position of a group of cells (A1; A2) to be filled present in strip portion (N1) of the celled strip (N) which is advancing towards the products release area (F), beneath the lower part of the drum element (1).

[0103] The control unit (5), therefore, as a function of the datum received from the optic sensor (4) on the effective position of the group of cells (A1; A2), and as a function of the type of advancement motion (for example, continuous or mixed) of the celled continuous strip (N), activates the drum element (1) in rotation with a suitable rotation velocity in such a way that the group of housings (S1 , S2) containing the products (P) reaches the products release area (F) at the same time as the passage of the group of cells (A1, A2) so that the products contained therein fall and insert into corresponding cells (A1; A2) (figure 5F).

[0104] Figure 11 illustrates a further possible preferred embodiment of the infeeding device (100) of the invention.

[0105] In this preferred embodiment, the infeeding device (100) further comprises a depression or aspiration application system (60) comprising a plurality of channels (61) which are arranged internally of the drum element (1) and which are connected to a source of depression, or aspiration (not illustrated).

[0106] The plurality of channels (61) has been illustrated in an entirely schematic way in a sort of spoke array, i.e. a plurality of radial lines, internally of the drum element (1).

[0107] In particular, the housings of each group of housings (S1, S2) of each operating sector (S) present annularly along the lateral surface of the drum element (1) are in communication, for example by means of a hole in the respective bottom, with a respective channel of the plurality of channels (61).

[0108] For example, according to a possible embodiment, all the housings of a group of housings (S1 , S2) can be in communication, via a common manifold, with a respective channel (61), or each housing of a group of housings (S1 , S2) can be communicating via a respective manifold with a corresponding channel (61).

[0109] The depression or aspiration system (60) is activatable, in a way that will be further described in detail in the following, to place one or more of the plurality of channels (61) and consequently also the housings of the groups of housings (S1 , S2) in communication with the source of application of depression or aspiration (for example by means of use of intercept elements, or flow regulating elements).

[0110] The infeeding device (100) of this preferred embodiment further comprises a viewing and control system (VC) for viewing and controlling the characteristics of intactness and suitability of the products (P).

[0111] The viewing and control system (VC) is arranged In an operating position facing a part of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) between the collection chamber (2) and the release area (F), and in any case upstream of the release area (F).

[0112] The viewing and control system (VC) can for example comprise, singly or in any combination thereof, optic sensors, video cameras, optic or infrared scansion devices, laser devices, etc., which are configured to detect the effective shape, dimensions and volume of the products, as well as the quantity of active ingredient or excipients present therein, therefore the intactness and suitability for packaging of the products (P) present in the housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) of the operating sectors (S) when they transit at the viewing and control system (VC).

[0113] The viewing and control system (VC) is preferably arranged in an operating position facing a part of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) in which there is present the first containing element (31) made of a flexible elastomeric material, and therefore in a position between the accumulation chamber (2) and the second rigid containing element (32).

[0114] In this regard, the first containing element (31) made of a flexible elastomeric material is appropriately made of a transparent material or at least one able to enable the viewing and control system (VC) to view and control to geometric and physical properties of the products (P) contained in the housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) of the various operating sectors (S) present in the lateral surface of the drum element (1) during the passage thereof before the viewing and control system (VC).

[0115] The viewing and control system (VC) is interfaced with the control unit (5) in such a way as to transmit, to the control unit (5), respective information on the basis of the control carried out on the products (P).

[0116] The viewing and control system (VC) is also configured to detect any absence of products in a given group of housings (S1, S2) of a respective operating sector (S) and to transmit a respective corresponding datum to the control unit (5).

[0117] In this way, when the viewing and control system (VC) has detected that, internally of a given group of housings (S1 , S2) there are present one or more products (D) that are not intact or non-suitable for packaging, or one or more housings of a given group of housings (S1, S2) has not been filled with a respective product, then the control unit (5), in conjunction with, or in advance of, the transit of the given group of housings (S1, S2) to the release area (F), activates the depression or aspiration application system (60) so that the depression or aspiration application system (60) commands the channel (61) or channels (61), communicating with the housings of the group of housings (S1 , S2) to retain, internally of the housings (S1, S2), the respective products contained therein, preventing release thereof into the cells (A1; A2) of the group of cells (A1 ; A2) of the portion of celled strip (N1) in transit in the release area (F) (see for example figures 12A, 12B).

[0118] In other words, should at least one of the housings of a group of housings (S1 , S2) contain a product (D) identified as defective or not suitable for packaging at the collecting bin, then with the system for application of the depression or aspiration (60), following the activation of the channel (61), or channels (61), communicating with the housings of the group of housings (S1 , S2), it will be possible to retain all those products present in the housings of the group of housings (S1, S2) during the passage thereof at the release area (F).

[0119] In this way, it is possible to prevent a group of cells (A1; A2) of the portion of celled strip (N1) in transit in the release area (F) from being filled with a group of products containing one or more defective or non-suitable products for packaging and thus to prevent the realising of a blister pack containing defective or non-suitable products, and which would therefore be destined to a subsequent rejection.

[0120] Alternatively, in a case in which one or more housings of a group of housings (S1 , S2) has not been filled with a respective product, i.e. one or more housings of a group of housings (S1, S2) is empty, and therefore lacking a respective product, then with the system for application of the depression or aspiration (60), following the activation of the channel (60), or channels (61), communicating with the housings of the group of housings (S1 , S2), it will be possible to retain the products present in the remaining housings of the group of housings (S1, S2) during the passage thereof at the release area (F).

[0121] In this way, it is possible to avoid having portions of celled strip (N1) having one or more cells lacking product, and therefore to avoid realising blister packs having suitable products but with one or more cells lacking products, and which would therefore be destined to a subsequent rejection. The infeeding device (100) further comprises a collecting bin (R) of products (D) that are defective or non-suitable for packaging which is arranged facing a part of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) in a position downstream of the release area (F) and upstream of the accumulation chamber (2), considering the rotation direction of the drum element (1).

[0122] Therefore, in conjunction with the transit of a given group of housings (S1 , S2) containing one or more products (D) that is defective or non-suitable for packaging at the collecting bin (R), and with the deactivation of the system for application of the depression or aspiration (60), it is possible to release, by force of gravity, the products (D) that are defective or non-suitable for packaging into the collecting bin (R) (see for example figure 13).

[0123] According to a first possible mode of configuration of the system for application of the depression or aspiration (60) and for the configuration and arrangement of the various channels (61), the deactivation of the system for application of the depression or aspiration (60) can relate to the channel (61), or channels (61) that communicate with all the housings of the group of housings (S1, S2), that is, both with the housings containing defective or nonsuitable products for packaging and with the housings containing products that are intact and suitable for packaging.

[0124] In this case, all the products present in the group of housings are released and fall into the collecting bin, therefore including also any products that are intact and suitable for packaging, if present.

[0125] Alternatively, in a further possible mode of configuration of the system for application of the depression or aspiration (60) and for the configuration and arrangement of the various channels (61), the deactivation of the system for application of the depression or aspiration (60) can relate exclusively to the channel (61), or channels (61) that communicate with those housings of the group of housings alone in which there are present products that are defective or non-suitable for packaging.

[0126] In this second case, therefore, only the products (D) which are defective or non-suitable for packaging are released into the collecting bin (R), while the remaining other products, intact and suitable for packaging, are retained in the respective housings and will be released, following the deactivation of the respective channels, once the housings newly reach into the accumulation chamber (2).

[0127] Instead, in a case in which at least a housing of a group of housings (S1, S2) were to be lacking a respective product, but the products contained in the remaining housings have all been identified as intact and suitable for packaging by the viewing and control system (VC), then the system for activation of the depression or aspiration (60) will be kept active until the given group of housings (S1, S2) has reached the accumulation chamber (2) in order to retain the products internally thereof during the rotation of the drum element (1), and then deactivated for the products to be released internally of the accumulation chamber (2) in order for a subsequent insertion thereof into housings of other groups of housings to be enabled (see for example figure 14).

[0128] Figure 7 illustrates a possible mode of use of the infeeding device (100) of the invention, realisable for both embodiments of figure 1 and figure 11.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, two drum elements (1) can be arranged coaxially to one another in order to be able to infeed products into two celled continuous strips arranged parallel to one another, with the aim of increasing productivity.

[0130] The two celled continuous strips can also have arrangements of groups of cells different to one another, and likewise the two drum elements can have groups of housings each having a different arrangement, with each corresponding to the arrangement of the groups of cells in the two celled continuous strips.

[0131] Also, according to another possible embodiment of the invention not illustrated in the figures, in its various preferred embodiments, the drum element can be realised with a longitudinal extension, i.e. in the direction of the rotation axis, so that the groups of cells present in each sector can be arranged and used for infeeding the products to least two celled continuous strips that are contiguous and parallel to one another, and which have a same arrangement of groups of housings, and which advance according to a same advancement motion.

[0132] Further, according to another possible embodiment of the invention not illustrated in the figures, in its various preferred embodiments, the drum element can be realised with a longitudinal extension, i.e. in the direction of the rotation axis, so that the groups of cells present in each sector can be arranged and utilised for infeeding the products to groups of cells present in series of strip portions parallel to one another and flanked to a single celled continuous strip.

[0133] Differently, in figure 8, two drum elements (1) are arranged consecutive to one another in such a way as both to be used for infeeding products to a single celled continuous strip transiting beneath them.

[0134] This last solution can be adapted and utilisable in case where the advancement velocity of the strip is particularly rapid.

Claims

CLAIMS1) An infeeding device (100) for infeeding products (P), such as tablets, pills, capsules, internally of cells of a celled continuous strip (N), in which the celled continuous strip (N) is moved along an advancement direction (V) on a basis of a predefined advancement motion and comprises a series of strip portions (N1) consecutive to one another and distanced from one another, with each strip portion (N1) comprising a group of cells (A1; A2) which are reciprocally arranged with a predetermined arrangement and configuration of cells (D1; D2), wherein the infeeding device (100) comprises: a drum element (1), drivable in rotation about a rotation axis (H), wherein the drum element (1) is arranged with respect to the celled continuous strip (N) in such a way that the rotation axis (H) is arranged in a vertical plane with respect to the celled continuous strip (N) at a transit area (Z) of the celled continuous strip (N) and with a lower end (10) of the drum element (1) arranged superiorly of the transit area (Z) of the celled continuous strip (N) in order to define a products release area (F), wherein the drum element (1) is conformed in such a way as to comprise, annularly along the respective lateral surface, a series of operating sectors (S), distinct and distanced from one another, wherein each operating sector (S) of the series of operating sectors (S) comprises a group of housings (S1 ;S2) which are reciprocally arranged with an arrangement and configuration of housings (E1, E2) corresponding to the predetermined arrangement and configuration of cells (D1, D2) present in the series of strip portions (N1) of the celled continuous strip (N), with each housing of the group of housings (S1 ; S2) being conformed and dimensioned to receive internally thereof a respective single product (P); a products accumulation chamber (2), arranged superiorly of the drum element (1) and conformed to receive and accumulate internally thereof products (P) that are to be transferred and infed internally of the cells of the celled continuous strip (N), the accumulation chamber (2) is inferiorly open in such a way that the products (P) accumulated therein are in contact, during the rotation of the drum element (1), with the series of operating sectors (S) present annularly along the lateral surface of the drum element (1) forinserting the products (P) into respective housings of the groups of housings (S1 ;S2) present in the operating sectors (S); a products retaining system (3), for retaining the products (P) in the respective housings of the groups of housings (S1 , S2) during the rotation of the drum element (1) from the accumulation chamber (2) until the products release area (F), in which the products retaining system (3) comprises, starting from the products accumulation chamber (2), and until the products release area (F) in the rotation direction of the drum element (1), a first retaining element (31) made of a flexible elastomeric material, arranged facing, and having a complementary shape with respect to a first part (11) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) and a second rigid containing element (32), consecutive to the first containing element (31), arranged facing, and having a complementary shape with respect to a second part (12) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1); an optic sensor (4), arranged upstream of the transit area (Z) of the celled continuous strip (N) beneath the drum element (1), wherein the optic sensor (4) is configured to detect the position of a group of cells (A1 ; A2) present in a respective strip portion (N1) which is advancing, according to the predefined advancement motion, towards the lower part (10) of the drum element (1), and then towards the products release area (F); a control unit (5), interfaced with the optic sensor (4) and the drum element (1), wherein the control unit (5) is configured to receive from the optic sensor(4) a datum on the position detected of the group of cells (A1; A2) present in the strip portion (N1) which is advancing towards the lower part (10) of the drum element (1), and towards the products release area (F) and, as a function of the datum received and of the predefined advancement motion of the celled continuous strip (N), to drive the drum element (1) in rotation with a respective rotation velocity in such a way that a respective operating sector(5), having a respective group of housings (S1; S2) containing respective products (P), transits in the lower part (10) of the drum element (1), to the position of the products release area (F), at the same time as the passage of the group of cells (A1;A2) through the products release area (F) such that theproducts (P) present in the housings (S1 ; S2) fall and are inserted into respective cells (A1; A2).2) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first retaining element (31) made of a flexible elastomeric material comprises at least a belt (310) made of a flexible elastomeric material which is fixed, at a first end, to a first anchoring point (33) arranged internally of the products accumulation chamber (2), and fixed, at a second end, to a second anchoring point (34), in a position that is external of the drum element (1) and in proximity of the second retaining element (32), such that the belt (310) made of a flexible elastomeric material assumes a complementary shape to the first part (11) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) and is arranged facing, and skimming, the first part (11) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) such as to prevent, during the rotation of the drum element (1) from the products accumulation chamber (2) to the products release area (F), a fall of the products (P) present in the housings of the groups of housings (S1; S2), providing a soft and flexible support upon any eventual contact with the products (P), preventing damage thereto.3) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the belt (310) made of a flexible elastomeric material is maintained in a complementary shape to the first part (11) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1), and is arranged facing, and skimming, the first part (11) of the lateral surface of the drum element (1), by means of return elements (35) arranged between the first anchoring point (33) and the second anchoring point (34).4) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in any one of claims from 1 to 3, comprising: a depression or aspiration application system (60) interfaced with the control unit (5) and comprising a plurality of channels (61) which are arranged internally of the drum element (1) and which are in communication with respective housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) present in the operating sectors (S) of the drum element (1), wherein the channels (61) are activatable independently with respect to one another to retain the productsinternally of respective housings of a given group of housings (S1 , S2) of the groups of housings (S1, S2) present in the operating sectors (S) of the drum element (1); a viewing and control system (VC) for viewing and controlling intactness and suitability characteristics for packaging of the products (P), the viewing and control system (VC) being arranged in an operating position which is facing a part of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) between the collection chamber (2) and the release area (F) and interfaced with the control unit (5); wherein the viewing and control system (VC) is configured to detect the intactness of shape and suitability of contents of the products (P) present in the housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) which transit at the viewing and control system (VC), as well as the absence of products in respective housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) which transit at the viewing and control system (VC), and to transmit to the control unit (5) respective information relating to the presence of not intact or non-suitable products for packaging, or of the absence of products, internally of one or more housings of a given group of housings (S1, S2), wherein the control unit (5) is configured, when the viewing and control system (VC) has detected that internally of a given group of housings (S1, S2) there are present one or more products (D) that are not intact or non-suitable for packaging, or one or more housings of a given group of housings (S1 , S2) has not been filled with a respective product, to activate the depression or aspiration application system (60), in conjunction with, or in advance of, the transit of said given group of housings (S1 , S2) at the release area (F), in such a way that the depression or aspiration application system (60) activates the channel (61), or channels (61), communicating with the housings of said given group of housings (S1, S2) to retain, internally of the housings, the respective products contained therein, preventing release thereof into the cells (A1, A2) of a group of cells (A1 ; A2) of the portion of celled strip (N1) in transit in the release area (F).5) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the viewing andcontrol system (VC) for viewing and controlling intactness and suitability characteristics and suitability for packaging of the products (P) is arranged in an operating position which is facing a part of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) in which there is present the first containing element (31) made of a flexible elastomeric material, wherein the first containing element (31) made of a flexible elastomeric material is made of a transparent material or in any case suitable for enabling the viewing and control system (VC) to view and control the geometric and physical properties of the products (P) contained in the housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) of the various operating sectors (S) present in the lateral surface of the drum element (1) during the passage thereof at the viewing and control system (VC).6) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 4 and 5, comprising a collecting bin (R) of products (D) that are defective or nonsuitable for packaging which is arranged facing a part of the lateral surface of the drum element (1) in a position downstream of the release area (F) and upstream of the accumulation chamber (2), wherein the control unit (5) is configured, in conjunction with the transit of a given group of housings (S1, S2) containing at least a product (D) that is defective or non-suitable for packaging at the collecting bin (R), to deactivate the channel (61), or the channels (61), of the system for application of the depression or aspiration(60) communicating with the housings of said given group of housings (S1, S2) in such a way that the products (D) that are defective or non-suitable for packaging are released into the collecting bin (R).7) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 4-6, wherein the control unit (5) is configured, when the viewing and control system (VC) has detected that at least a housing of a given group of housings (S1, S2) is lacking a respective product, and that the products (P) contained in the remaining housings of the given group of housings (S1 , S2) are all intact and suitable for packaging, to maintain active the channel (61), or the channels(61), of the system for activation of the depression or aspiration (60) communicating with the housings of said given group of housings (S1, S2), and then to retain the products internally of the housings, until said givengroup of housings (S1, S2) reaches the accumulation chamber (2).8) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in any one of claims from 1 to 7, wherein the products accumulation chamber (2) is mounted superiorly of the drum element (1) in such a way as to be rotatable with respect to the drum element (1) to vary the accumulation position of the products with respect to the operating sectors (S) of the drum element (1), wherein the groups of housings (S1, S2) are present, for facilitating the inserting of the products into the housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) during the rotation of the drum element (1).9) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in any one of claims from 1 to 8, comprising discharging elements (50) of electrostatic loads which accumulate on the drum element (1) during the rotation of the drum element (1).10) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the discharging elements (50) of electrostatic loads comprise ionising elements or blower elements.11) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in any one of claims from 1 to 10, wherein the drum element (1) is mounted on a relative flange (15) coaxially mounted to a drive shaft (16) and is drivable in rotation following the activation in rotation of the drive shaft (16).12) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in any one of claims from 1 to 11, comprising a system (8) for facilitating the inserting of the products internally of the housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) during the rotation of the operating sectors (S) of the drum element (1) through the products accumulation chamber (2).13) The infeeding device (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the system (8) for facilitating the inserting of the products internally of the housings of the groups of housings (S1, S2) comprises rotary brushes (81) and / or agitator elements (82).

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