Capsule cooling apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for cooling molded plastic objects, in particular caps for closing containers, are described, in which a perforated tubular body receives the objects to be cooled within it, a rotating helix body arranged in the tubular body transports the objects to an outlet of the tubular body from which the objects are transferred into a second perforated tubular body surrounding the tubular body, the objects are then transported along the second tubular body by a rotation of a second helix body, and in which the objects are cooled by ventilation passing through the holes in the tubular body and the second tubular body.

Description

Capsule cooling apparatus and methodBackground of the invention

[0001] The invention concerns an apparatus and a method for cooling a plurality of objects, particularly plastic objects.

[0002] Specifically, but not exclusively, the invention can be used to cool molded plastic objects, such as caps or lids of the type used to close containers such as bottles.

[0003] The cooling may be performed, in particular, on a production line to cool relatively hot caps coming from a molding apparatus and then feed the cooled caps to a cutting apparatus.State of the art

[0004] Patent publication ITPD2003000220A1 discloses a cooling machine for molded plastic objects, in which the objects are fed into a perforated horizontal drum and transported by an internal screw coaxial to the drum, with a constant or variable pitch, while a fan produces a fluidized bed, mixing and cooling the objects. A motor rotates the drum along with the screw, or, in a variant, the drum is stationary and the screw rotates. The fan draws in ambient air and sends it to a distribution chamber, possibly passing through an air / water heat exchanger. The air then passes through a perforated pressurization plate to an intermediate space and is evenly distributed along the entire length of the drum. The intermediate space includes baffles that direct the air toward the drum at a predefined angle.

[0005] The prior art can be improved in several respects.

[0006] First, it is desirable to increase cooling productivity, especially in a production line of objects (e.g., molded plastic capsules) where the objects must be cooled to a certain temperature before processing can continue.

[0007] Second, it is desirable to increase the energy efficiency of the cooling, particularly with respect to the energy consumption required to generate the ventilation used to cool the objects.

[0008] Another benefit would be to increase cooling capacity using an apparatus with a relatively small overall dimensions.Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide a solution capable of solving one or more of the aforementioned limitations and drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] An object is to allow a considerable number of objects to be cooled to a desired temperature in a relatively short time.

[0011] An object is to provide a cooling apparatus and method that are alternatives to those of the prior art, particularly for cooling molded plastic objects such as, for example, caps for closing containers.

[0012] An advantage is to create a cooling apparatus with a small overall dimensions and at the same time relatively high productivity.

[0013] An advantage is to provide a constructionally simple and economical apparatus for cooling objects, particularly molded plastic objects such as, for example, caps for closing containers.

[0014] These aims and advantages, and others, are achieved by an apparatus and a method according to one or more of the claims listed below.

[0015] In one example, a method for cooling objects comprises the following steps: introducing the objects to be cooled into a tubular body, transporting the objects to an outlet of the tubular body by rotating a helix body arranged in the tubular body, transferring the objects from the outlet of the tubular body to an inlet of a second tubular body surrounding the tubular body, transporting the objects along the second tubular body by rotating a second helix body arranged in the second tubular body, wherein the obj ects are cooled by ventilation entering the tubular body and the second tubular body.

[0016] In particular, it is possible to provide for the objects to be transferred by gravity from the outlet of the tubular body onto the bottom of the second tubular body.

[0017] In one example, an apparatus for cooling objects comprises a tubular body, a helix transport body arranged in the tubular body to transport the objects from an inlet to an outlet of the tubular body, a second tubular body arranged around the tubular body to receive the objects exiting the tubular body, a second helix transport body arranged between the tubular body and the second tubular body to transport the objects from an inlet to an outlet of the second tubular body, and ventilation means to generate ventilation entering the tubular body and the second tubular body to cool the objects.

[0018] The cooled objects may include, in particular, molded plastic objects, for example, caps for closing containers.

[0019] The tubular body and the second tubular body may comprise, in particular, twocoaxial horizontal cylindrical drums.

[0020] It is possible to envisage embodiments in which a longitudinal axis of the tubular body does not coincide with a longitudinal axis of the second tubular body and / or in which a rotation axis of the helix transport body does not coincide with a rotation axis of the second helix transport body.

[0021] The second tubular body may be perforated (as well as the tubular body inside the second tubular body) so as to contain the objects and allow ventilation to pass through the holes in the second tubular body.

[0022] The cooling apparatus may be arranged, in particular, in a production line downstream of a molding apparatus configured to mold plastic objects (e.g., caps for closing containers) to receive the molded objects coming from the molding apparatus in line.

[0023] The cooling apparatus may be arranged, in particular, in a production line upstream of a cutting apparatus configured to cut plastic objects (e.g., caps for closing containers) to feed the cooled objects inline to the cutting apparatus. In particular, the cooling apparatus may be arranged in the production line between a molding apparatus and a cutting apparatus.

[0024] The cooling apparatus comprises a tubular body and a second tubular body external to the tubular body. The cooling apparatus also comprises a helix body (or conveyor screw) and a second helix body (or second conveyor screw) external to the helix body.

[0025] The second helix body is interposed between the tubular body and the second tubular body. The tubular body may comprise, in particular, an external surface (e.g., cylindrical) in contact with an internal edge of the second helix body.

[0026] The helix body and the second helix body generate a cooling path in which a first portion of the path (or at least a part thereof), which is defined by the helix body and which is arranged internally to the tubular body, is arranged at least in part above a second portion of the path, which is defined by the second helix body and which is interposed between the second tubular body and the tubular body.

[0027] In use, the objects (capsules) are fed to the cooling apparatus and are then transported in sequence first by the helix body (innermost conveyor screw) and then by the second helix body (outermost conveyor screw) along a cooling path while a cooling gas (e.g., air) is blown in, generating ventilation within the helix body and the second helix body tolap and cool the objects transported along the aforementioned cooling path. The ventilation may include the movement of gas (air) at room temperature or of gas cooled by cooling media.Brief description of the drawings

[0028] The invention may be better understood and implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof, in which:Figure 1 is a schematic section, along a vertical section plane passing through a horizontal longitudinal axis of the apparatus, of a first example of a cooling apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;Figure 2 is a schematic section of a second example of a cooling apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;Figure 3 is a left-hand side view of Figure 2;Figure 4 is a vertical elevational side view of a third example of a cooling apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;Figure 5 is the V-V section of Figure 4;Figure 6 is a schematic section of a fourth example of a cooling apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;Figure 7 is a schematic cross-section of a fifth example of a cooling apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;Figure 8 is a left side view of Figure 7;Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a sixth example of a cooling apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;Figure 10 is a view of the apparatus of Figure 9 from a different perspective;Figure 11 is a bottom view of the apparatus of Figure 9;Figure 12 is a vertical elevation side view of a seventh example of a cooling apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;Figure 13 is section XIII-XIII of Figure 12;Figure 14 is a schematic cross-section of an eighth example of a cooling apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;Figure 15 shows a ninth example of a cooling apparatus made in accordance with thepresent invention.Detailed Description

[0029] Referring to the figures above, it should be noted that, for greater simplicity and clarity of explanation, similar elements from different embodiments have been indicated with the same numbering.

[0030] 1 has been indicated, as a whole, a cooling apparatus suitable for cooling loosely fed objects. The objects, in particular, are plastic objects. More specifically, the objects are objects made of molded plastics, for example by injection or compression. The molded plastic objects may include, in particular, caps for closing containers. The plastics of the objects may include, in particular, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and / or other types of polyethylene (PE) and / or polypropylene (PP) and / or other plastics.

[0031] Each object (for example, a cap for closing a container) may include, in particular, a cup-shaped body with a base wall defining a closed end of the cup-shaped body. The base wall may be, in particular, disc-shaped. Each object may comprise, in particular, a side wall adjacent to the base wall that extends around a longitudinal axis of the object. The side wall may be, in particular, a cylindrical wall coaxial with the longitudinal axis.

[0032] The cooling apparatus 1 may be arranged, in particular, in a production line (not illustrated) in which the cooling apparatus 1 is fed with relatively hot capsules from a molding apparatus and in which the capsules cooled by the cooling apparatus 1 are then fed to a cutting apparatus (e.g., a cutting apparatus suitable for producing a safety opening device on each capsule).

[0033] The cooling apparatus 1 comprises a perforated tubular body 2 configured to receive and contain the objects to be cooled. The tubular body 2 may comprise, in particular, a perforated cylindrical wall open at opposite ends. The tubular body 2 may comprise, in particular, a longitudinal axis. The tubular body 2 may be arranged with its longitudinal axis extended in a horizontal direction. However, it is possible to provide for an inclined arrangement of the longitudinal axis of the tubular body 2. The tubular body 2 is provided on one of its side walls with holes of such dimensions and distribution as to retain and contain the objects inside the body itself and to allow the passage (with the highest possible flow) of ventilation through the holes themselves, as will be better explained in the following description.

[0034] The cooling apparatus 1 comprises a helix body 3 (or internal transport screw) arranged inside the tubular body 2 to transport the objects towards an outlet 4 of the tubular body 2. The helix body 3 may comprise, in particular, at least one helically shaped rotating wall or barrier arranged to interact in contact with the objects, causing them to advance in a transport direction.

[0035] The helix body 3 (with fixed or variable pitch) is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, in particular a horizontal axis of rotation. The axis of rotation of the helix body 3 may coincide, in particular, with a longitudinal axis around which the helix body 3 develops. The longitudinal axis of the helix body 3 may coincide, in particular, with the longitudinal axis of the tubular body 2.

[0036] The cooling apparatus 1 comprises a second tubular body 5 that surrounds the tubular body 2. The second tubular body 5, or outer tubular body, is arranged around the tubular body 2 (or inner tubular body) to receive and contain the objects exiting the tubular body 2.

[0037] The cooling apparatus 1 comprises ventilation means configured to generate ventilation that can pass through the holes in the tubular body 2. The ventilation means may comprise, in particular, one or two or more than two fans 6 or blowers arranged below the second (outer) tubular body 5 to blow upwards. The ventilation means may comprise, in particular, one or two or three or more than three fans 7 or aspirators arranged above the second (external) tubular body 5 to draw air from below and thus promote ventilation. Each of the aforementioned fans 6 and 7 may, in particular, have variable flow rates.

[0038] In other examples, not illustrated, the ventilation means may comprise, in addition to or in place of the ventilation means described above, one or more fans (in particular, with variable flow) arranged to generate ventilation that enters the tubular body 2 (internal) and exits from the holes in the tubular body 2 passing from the inside to the outside of the tubular body 2 itself, to then affect the objects contained in the second tubular body 5 (external) and then exit the second tubular body 5 through any holes in the second tubular body 5 and / or through any opening (for example, arranged on one end) of the second tubular body 5.

[0039] In other examples, not illustrated, the ventilation means may comprise, in addition to or in place of the ventilation means described above, one or more fans (inparticular, with variable flow) arranged to generate ventilation that enters from one side of the second tubular body 5 and exits from an opposite side of the second tubular body 5, with a ventilation flow, in a predominantly horizontal direction, after passing through the holes of the two tubular bodies (internal and external).

[0040] In other examples, not illustrated, the ventilation means may comprise, in addition to or in place of the ventilation means described above, two or more fans (in particular, with variable flow) arranged on two opposite sides of the second tubular body 5 to generate two opposing ventilation flows that enter from the aforementioned opposite sides of the second tubular body 5 and exit (for example, joining into a single flow) from a third side (for example, upper) of the second tubular body 5.

[0041] It is also possible to provide ventilation means configured to generate at least one ventilation flow with a predominantly oblique direction (from bottom to top or vice versa), and / or to generate at least one ventilation flow with a predominantly vertical direction from top to bottom, and / or to generate two or more ventilation flows with different directions from each other, and / or to generate one or more controlled ventilation flows with directions that vary over time.

[0042] In particular, ventilation means may be configured to generate one, two, or more ventilation flows in any possible combination of inclinations, directions, paths, and time patterns.

[0043] The ventilation means may be configured to use ambient air as the ventilation gas.

[0044] The cooling apparatus 1 comprises a second helix body 8 (or external helix body) arranged between the tubular body 2 and the second tubular body 5 to transport the objects to an outlet 9 of the second tubular body 5.

[0045] The second tubular body 5 may, in particular, be perforated. The ventilation means may be configured, in particular, to generate ventilation that passes through the holes in the second tubular body 5.

[0046] The helix body 3 (internal) and the second helix body 8 (external) may be configured, in particular, to transport the objects in two respective transport directions that are parallel and opposite to each other, so that the objects are transported first in one transport direction and then in the opposite direction.

[0047] It is possible, in particular, for the second tubular body 5 to be integral with the second helix body 8 for rotation, as in these examples.

[0048] Alternatively, it is possible to provide for the second tubular body 5 to be fixed and the second helix body 8 to rotate.

[0049] It is possible to provide, in particular, that the tubular body 2 is integral in rotation with the helix body 3, as in these examples.

[0050] Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the tubular body 2 (internal) is fixed and that the helix body 3 (internal) is rotatable.

[0051] It is possible to provide, in particular, as in these examples, that the tubular body 2 (internal), the helix body 3 (internal), the second tubular body 5 (external), and the second helix body 8 (external) are all integral in rotation with each other.

[0052] In these examples, the assembly formed by the tubular body 2, the helix body 3, the second tubular body 5, and the second helix body 8 is mounted on rolling support means that guide its rotation on a support frame placed on the ground.

[0053] The helix body 3 (inner) may comprise, in particular, an inlet end portion arranged to receive objects, an outlet end portion arranged to deliver objects, and at least one intermediate portion that is interposed (in an axial direction, i.e., along a longitudinal axis, optionally horizontal, of the helix body 3) between the inlet end portion and the outlet end portion.

[0054] A helix pitch of the inlet end portion may be, in particular, smaller than a helix pitch of the intermediate portion.

[0055] A helix pitch of the inlet end portion may be, in particular, smaller than a helix pitch of the outlet end portion.

[0056] A helix pitch of the outlet end portion may be, in particular, smaller than a helix pitch of the intermediate portion.

[0057] A helix pitch of the outlet end portion may, in particular, be smaller than a helix pitch of the inlet end portion.

[0058] The inlet end portion may comprise, in particular, a greater number of helix starts than the outlet end portion.

[0059] The inlet end portion may comprise, in particular, a greater number of helix starts than the intermediate portion.

[0060] The inlet end portion may comprise, in particular, at least two helix starts comprising a first helix start, which may continue to extend up to the outlet end portion, and a second helix start, which may instead terminate at a certain distance from the outlet end portion. The aforementioned first helix start of the inlet end portion may extend, in particular, for no more than one or two turns (for example, for approximately one turn or slightly less).

[0061] It is possible to envisage, in some embodiments (such as those in Figure 6 or Figure 14), that a helix pitch of the inlet end portion is greater than a helix pitch of the intermediate portion. In some of these examples, a helix pitch of the inlet end portion may be, in particular, greater than a helix pitch of the outlet end portion. In some of these examples, a helix pitch of the outlet end portion may be smaller than a helix pitch of the intermediate portion. It is possible to envisage, in particular (as in Figures 6 and 14), that a helix pitch of the helix body decreases progressively along the outlet end portion and / or along the intermediate portion and / or along the inlet end portion.

[0062] The second helix body 8 (external) may comprise, in particular, a first end portion arranged to receive the objects exiting the helix body 3, a second end portion opposite the first end portion and arranged to deliver the objects, and at least one third intermediate portion that is interposed (in an axial direction, i.e. along a longitudinal axis, optionally horizontal, of the second helix body 8) between the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0063] A helix pitch of the first end portion may be, in particular, smaller than a helix pitch of the third intermediate portion.

[0064] A helix pitch of the first end portion may be, in particular, smaller than a helix pitch of the second end portion.

[0065] A helix pitch of the second end portion may be, in particular, smaller than a helix pitch of the third intermediate portion.

[0066] The first end portion may comprise, in particular, a greater number of helix starts than the second end portion.

[0067] The first end portion may comprise, in particular, a greater number of helix starts than the third intermediate portion.

[0068] The first end portion may comprise, in particular, at least two helix starts comprising a first helix start, which may continue to extend up to the second end portion,and a second helix start, which may instead terminate at a certain distance from the second end portion. The aforementioned first helix start of the first end portion may extend, in particular, for no more than one or two turns (for example, for approximately one turn or slightly less).

[0069] It is possible to envisage, in some embodiments (such as in the specific examples in Figure 6 or Figure 14), that a helix pitch of the first end portion is greater than a helix pitch of the third intermediate portion. In some of these examples, a helix pitch of the first end portion may be, in particular, greater than a helix pitch of the second end portion. In some of these examples, a helix pitch of the second end portion may be smaller than a helix pitch of the third intermediate portion. It is possible to foresee, in particular (as in the examples of Figures 6 and 14), that a helix pitch of the second helix body 8 progressively decreases along the second end portion and / or along the third intermediate portion and / or along the first end portion. In other examples (not illustrated) it is possible to foresee that a helix pitch of the second helix body progressively increases along the second end portion and / or along the third intermediate portion and / or along the first end portion.

[0070] The second tubular body 5 may comprise, in particular, a first end where the aforementioned outlet 9 of the second tubular body 5 is located, and a second end opposite the aforementioned first end and closed by a wall 10 arranged opposite the outlet 4 of the tubular body 2 and positioned at a certain distance from the outlet 4 of the tubular body 2 so as to leave a suitable passage for the transfer of objects from the outlet 4 of the tubular body 2 to the inside of the second tubular body 5.

[0071] It is possible to provide that the helix body 3 (internal) and the second helix body 8 (external) are rotatable with the possibility of varying their rotation speed independently of each other. It is possible, in particular, to provide rolling support means interposed between the helix body 3 and the second helix body 8 to allow the two aforementioned bodies to rotate with respect to each other. In particular, it is possible to provide control means (not illustrated) configured to operate the two bodies 3 and 8 independently of each other (for example, two separate motors, each configured to operate the rotation of a respective body).

[0072] In some embodiments, the helix body 3 (internal) extends towards the outlet of the helix body 3 itself in a specific winding direction, clockwise or counterclockwise, and the second helix body 8 (external) extends towards the outlet of the second helix body 8itself in a winding direction opposite to the aforementioned specific winding direction of the helix body 3. In these examples, the helix body 3 and the second helix body 8 may be rotated around respective rotation axes (coinciding with each other, or parallel, or almost parallel, where “almost” means that the imperfect parallelism still allows the rotatable arrangement of one body inside the other) with opposite directions of rotation with respect to each other (to allow the transport of the objects in the pre-established cooling path).

[0073] An example of this arrangement is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. It is noted that the winding direction of each conveyor screw (helix body 3 and second helix body 8) should not be considered in absolute terms but with reference to the predefined transport direction of the same conveyor screw and, since the transport directions of the two conveyors are opposite to each other, here the orientation is discordant in relation to the transport directions even if the two winding directions are the same in absolute terms.

[0074] Especially in these last examples, it is possible to foresee that the ventilation means is configured to concentrate the ventilation towards two respective areas of the tubular body 2 and the second tubular body 5 which are arranged side by side, one on the right and the other on the left with reference to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body 2 and the second tubular body 5, and which are the areas where the objects in use tend to accumulate when the tubular body 2 and the second tubular body 5 are rotated. The ventilation means may comprise, in particular, at least two lower fans 6 each arranged to concentrate the ventilation in a respective preferential accumulation area of the objects.

[0075] In other embodiments (see Figures 1, 2, 6, 7, 13 and 14), it is possible to foresee that the helix body 3 (internal) develops towards the exit of the helix body 3 itself in a specific winding direction, clockwise or counterclockwise, and that the second helix body 8 (external) develops towards the exit of the second helix body 8 itself in a winding direction equal to the aforementioned specific winding direction of the helix body 3. In these examples, the helix body 3 and the second helix body 8 may be operated in rotation around respective rotation axes that coincide with each other, or are parallel, or almost parallel, with absolutely equal directions of rotation. The helix body 3 and the second helix body 8 may, in particular, be integral with each other in rotation.

[0076] The cooling apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, a loading hopper 11 arranged on one side of the cooling apparatus 1 for loading the objects onto the bottom ofthe tubular body 3 and a discharge chute 12 arranged on the same side of the cooling apparatus 1 for unloading the objects from the second tubular body 5.

[0077] The cooling apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, one or more deflectors 13 arranged to guide the ventilation generated by the ventilation means so as to direct the ventilation towards the objects transported along the cooling path. Each of the aforementioned deflectors 13 may be orientable.

[0078] The cooling apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, diffusing means 14 arranged to diffuse the ventilation generated by the ventilation means. The diffusing means 14 may comprise, for each lower fan 6, a fixed divergent duct applied to an outlet of the respective fan 6.

[0079] It is possible to provide, in particular, cooling means (not illustrated) configured to cool the ventilation generated by the ventilation means. The cooling means may comprise, in particular, heat exchanger means arranged to cool the ambient air upstream of the ventilation means.

[0080] It is possible to envisage embodiments, such as that of Figure 15, in which the helix body 3 and the second helix body 8 are offset, that is, they can be rotated around respective rotation axes that do not coincide with each other (for example, as in Figure 15, rotation axes that are parallel and spaced apart).

[0081] In the example shown in Figure 15, the helix body 3 and the second helix body 8 are operated with directions of rotation that are discordant with respect to each other. In this way (combination of discordant rotations and rotation axes spaced apart from each other) the objects P are moved by the helix body 3 and the second helix body 8 along two paths that are significantly staggered with respect to each other, as will be better explained below.

[0082] The operation of the cooling apparatus 1 may implement, in particular, a method for cooling objects which comprises the steps of introducing the objects into the tubular body 2 (internal) and transporting the objects towards the outlet 4 of the tubular body 2 by means of a transport action exerted by the helix body 3 internal to the tubular body 2. The method also comprises the steps of transferring the objects exiting the tubular body 2 into the second tubular body 5 and transporting the objects inside the second tubular body 5 towards an outlet 9 of the second tubular body 5 by means of a transport action exerted by the second helix body 8 internal to the second tubular body 5.

[0083] The objects transported along the path (outward and return in one transport direction and then in the opposite direction) defined by the helix body 3 (internal) and the second helix body 8 (external) are cooled by means of ventilation which is generated by the ventilation means and which passes through the holes in the second tubular body 5 (external) and the holes in the tubular body 2 (internal). If the second tubular body 5 is not perforated, ventilation may enter inside the tubular body 2 or in any ventilation passage space provided between the second tubular body 5 and the tubular body 2.

[0084] The aforementioned operation of the cooling apparatus 1 may be implemented, in particular, continuously.

[0085] The objects to be cooled (in particular, plastic objects, for example, container closure caps) may be fed inline to the cooling apparatus 1 from a molding apparatus. The cooled objects may be sent inline from the cooling apparatus 1 to a processing apparatus, in particular a cutting apparatus.

[0086] As mentioned, it is possible to envisage a production line (not illustrated) with a molding apparatus for molding plastic objects, the cooling apparatus 1 for cooling the objects taken from the molding apparatus, and a cutting apparatus for cutting the objects taken from the cooling apparatus 1.

[0087] It is possible to envisage that the objects transported along the cooling path inside the cooling apparatus 1 are fluidized by the aforementioned ventilation so as to generate a fluidized bed of objects in the tubular body 2 and / or in the second tubular body 5.

[0088] It is possible to envisage that the ventilation means and / or the cooling means is regulated in feedback (by means of electronic and programmable control means of the cooling apparatus 1) based on a temperature of the objects, in particular an exit temperature of the objects exiting the second tubular body 5 and / or an intermediate temperature of the objects exiting the tubular body 2 and before entering the second tubular body 5. and / or an inlet temperature of the obj ects before entering the tubular body 2. It is possible, for example, to increase a cooling flow generated by the ventilation means (in particular, by increasing a rotation speed of one or more fans 6 or 7) and / or decrease a ventilation temperature (in particular, by increasing a power of the cooling means) as at least one of the above- mentioned measured temperatures of the objects increases.

[0089] It is possible to provide that a rotation speed of the helix body 3 and / or of thesecond helix body 8 is regulated in feedback (by means of electronic and programmable control means of the cooling apparatus 1) based on at least one temperature of the objects, in particular an exit temperature of the objects exiting the second tubular body 5 and / or an intermediate temperature of the objects exiting the tubular body 2 and before entering the second tubular body 5 and / or an entry temperature of the objects before entering the tubular body 2. It is possible, for example, to increase a rotation speed of the helix body 3 and / or of the second helix body 8 as at least one of the measured temperatures of the objects decreases (and vice versa).

[0090] It is possible to envisage embodiments that include all possible combinations of the following alternative characteristics: (i) internal conveyor screw (helix body 3) with fixed pitch or variable pitch, (ii) external conveyor screw (second helix body 8) with fixed pitch or variable pitch, (iii) internal conveyor screw and external conveyor screw with the same winding direction as the propeller or with opposite winding direction, (iv) absence of deflectors 13 or presence of deflectors 13, (v) presence of only one lower fan 6 or presence of at least two lower fans 6, (vi) absence of upper fans 7 or presence of at least one upper fan 7 (one, two, three or more than three upper fans 7), (vii) internal conveyor screw and external conveyor screw coaxial to each other or non-coaxial (with parallel or non-parallel axes).

[0091] The attached figures show only some of the possible embodiments obtainable with the aforementioned combinations of characteristics.

[0092] Figure 1 shows an example of a cooling apparatus 1 with a fixed-pitch helix body 3, a second fixed-pitch helix body 8, the same winding direction for both the helix body 3 and the second helix body 8 (note that the winding direction is considered in relation to the direction of transport of the objects for each conveyor screw, so the winding direction, which here would be opposite if considered in absolute terms, is considered the same because the direction of transport is opposite), the absence of deflectors 13, the presence of a lower fan 6, and the absence of upper fans 7.

[0093] Figures 2 and 3 show an example of a cooling apparatus 1 with a fixed-pitch helix body 3, a second fixed-pitch helix body 8, the same winding direction for the helix body 3 and the second helix body 8, the presence of deflectors 13, the presence of only one lower fan 6, and the absence of upper fans 7.

[0094] Figures 4 and 5 show an example of a cooling apparatus 1 with a fixed-pitch helix body 3, a second fixed-pitch helix body 8, the opposite winding direction for the helix body 3 and the second helix body 8, the absence of deflectors 13, the presence of at least two lower fans 6, and the absence of upper fans 7.

[0095] Figure 6 shows an example of a cooling system 1 with a variable-pitch helix body 3 (specifically decreasing), a second variable-pitch helix body 8 (specifically decreasing), the same winding direction, the presence of deflectors 13, the presence of only one lower fan 6, and the absence of upper fans 7.

[0096] Figures 7 and 8 show an example of a cooling system 1 with a fixed-pitch helix body 3, a second fixed-pitch helix body 8, the same winding direction, the presence of deflectors 13, the presence of only one lower fan 6, and the presence of at least one upper fan 7 (in this case, three).

[0097] Figures 9-11 show an example of a cooling system 1 with the presence of at least two lower fans 6 and the presence of at least one upper fan 7 (in this case, three).

[0098] Figures 12 and 13 show an example of a cooling apparatus 1 with a fixed pitch helix body 3, a second fixed pitch helix body 8, the same winding direction, the presence of deflectors 13, the presence of at least two lower fans 6, and the presence of at least one upper fan 7 (in this case three).

[0099] Figure 14 shows an example of a cooling apparatus 1 with a variable-pitch helix body 3, a second variable-pitch helix body 8, the same winding direction, the presence of deflectors 13, the presence of at least two lower fans 6, and the presence of at least one upper fan 7 (in this case, three).

[0100] Figure 15 shows an example of a cooling apparatus 1 in which the helix body 3 and the second helix body 8 are not coaxial with each other (in this example, they are parallel) and are operated with rotations that are discordant with each other.

[0101] Ventilation may be controlled, in particular, so as to generate a fluidized bed of obj ects in the innermost tubular body 2 and / or in the second outermost tubular body 5, taking care not to excessively agitate the objects floating in the fluidized bed to avoid damaging them and at the same time to cause a certain mixing of the objects and also ensure the effectiveness of the transport through the helix body 3 (innermost) and / or the second helix body 8 (outermost).

[0102] It is noted that the use of helix bodies (or transport screws) with a double principle at the entrance of the helix body (in particular, with a smaller pitch with respect to the intermediate area of the helix body and with respect to the exit of the helix body) allows for the introduction of the objects into the respective helix body (inner helix body 3 and second external helix body 8).

[0103] In the intermediate zone and at the exit of each helix body 3 and 8, the pitch of the respective helix bodies may be greater than at the entrance in order to facilitate the passage of cooling ventilation through the holes in the tubular bodies 2 and 5.

[0104] The reduction of the screw pitch at the entrance of each transport screw may be achieved, for example, by arranging a greater number of helix threads at the entrance than in the intermediate zone and at the exit (in particular, two threads at the entrance and one thread in the intermediate zone and at the exit), so that there will be more threads that will face the entrance of each transport screw (internal and external) for each revolution of the screw itself, where each thread has the capacity to attract objects inside the respective tubular body (internal and external).

[0105] It is also noted that the use of helix bodies (or conveyor screws) with a smaller pitch at the exit than in the intermediate zone (for example, with a continuously decreasing pitch towards the exit) allows for a valid compromise to be achieved between the need to lap the objects with a high ventilation flow and, at the same time, to generate a long cooling path to subject the objects to ventilation for a relatively long time.

[0106] It is possible to create a cooling apparatus in which the helix body 3 (internal) has a certain screw pitch in the entrance zone, a screw pitch in the intermediate zone that is higher than the pitch in the entrance zone, and a screw pitch in the exit zone that is lower than the pitch in the intermediate zone.

[0107] It is possible to create a cooling apparatus in which the second helix body 8 (external) has a certain screw pitch in the inlet area, a screw pitch in the intermediate area that is higher than the pitch in the inlet area, and a screw pitch in the outlet area that is lower than the pitch in the intermediate area.

[0108] It is observed that, during transport, due to the rotation of the tubular and helix bodies (internal and external) and to a rotating drag effect exerted by the rotating bodies themselves on the objects, the latter will tend to accumulate not exactly in a median area ofthe bodies, but in a position displaced laterally with respect to a vertical plane passing through the axis of rotation of the bodies themselves.

[0109] In the examples in which the two helix bodies 3 and 8 (internal and external) rotate in a discordant manner with respect to each other (one clockwise and the other counterclockwise), during transport along the respective tubular bodies 2 and 5 (internal and external), due to the opposite rotations the objects will tend to accumulate laterally in two positions staggered with respect to each other (one to the right and the other to the left, with reference to a single direction of transport), that is, in two positions not exactly superimposed in a vertical direction with respect to each other. It is noted that this arrangement, with two accumulations staggered from each other in the respective internal and external tubular bodies 2 and 5, allows for greater ventilation effectiveness since the flow of cooling gas can specifically affect each accumulation of objects, increasing the heat removal effect.

[0110] This effect may be further increased by generating ventilation specifically directed at the two staggered areas of accumulation of objects, for example using ventilation means with two or more fans 6 and / or with deflector means positioned to guide the flow of cooling gas.

[0111] Figure 15 schematically shows an example of this arrangement, with two accumulations of objects P staggered from each other in the respective tubular bodies 2 and 5 and with two concentrations of ventilation flow directed towards the two accumulations.

[0112] In this specific example, the mutual misalignment of the tubular bodies 2 and 5 and the respective helix bodies 3 and 8, combined with the operation of the helix bodies 3 and 8 with discordant rotations, allows the effect of the staggered arrangement (not vertically overlapping) of the accumulations of objects P to be accentuated, by laterally moving these accumulations one further to the right and the other further to the left compared to the case of helix bodies with coinciding rotation axes, with the consequent possibility of increasing the cooling capacity of the objects P by the ventilation.

[0113] The rotation axes of the helix bodies 3 and 8 must be spaced from each other in a lateral direction such as to accentuate the laterally staggered arrangement of the accumulations of objects P created by the discordant rotations of the helix bodies themselves, and not such as to diminish or cancel such laterally staggered arrangement.

[0114] Legend:1 Cooling apparatus2 Tubular body3 Helix body4 Tubular body outlet 5 Second tubular body6 Fans7 Fans8 Second helix body9 Second tubular body outlet 10 Wall11 Loading hopper12 Discharge chute13 Deflectors14 Diffuser means P Objects

Claims

CLAIMS1. Cooling apparatus comprising a tubular body (2) provided with holes and configured to contain objects to be cooled, a helix body (3) arranged inside said tubular body (2) to transport the obj ects towards an outlet (4) of said tubular body (2), ventilation means (6; 7) to generate ventilation which passes through the holes of said tubular body (2), a second tubular body (5) which surrounds said tubular body (2) to receive and contain the objects exiting said tubular body (2), and a second helix body (8) arranged between said tubular body (2) and said second tubular body (5) to transport the objects towards an outlet (9) of said second tubular body (5).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second tubular body (5) is perforated and said ventilation passes through the holes of said second tubular body.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said helix body (3) and second helix body (8) are configured to transport the objects in two respective transport directions parallel and opposite to each other.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second tubular body (5) is integral in rotation with said second helix body (8).

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said second tubular body is fixed and said second helix body is rotatable.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tubular body (2) is integral in rotation with said helix body (3), or wherein said tubular body is fixed and said helix body is rotatable.

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tubular body (2), helix body (3), second tubular body (5) and second helix body (8) are integral in rotation with each other.

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second helix body (8) comprises a first end portion arranged to receive the objects exiting from said helix body (3), a second end portion opposite said first end portion and arranged to deliver the objects, and at least a third intermediate portion which is interposed between said first end portion and said second end portion; wherein: a helix pitch of said first end portion is smaller than a helix pitch of said thirdintermediate portion; and / or a helix pitch of said first end portion is smaller than a helix pitch of said second end portion; and / or a helix pitch of said second end portion is smaller than a helix pitch of said third intermediate portion; and / or said first end portion comprises a greater number of helix starts than said second end portion; and / or said first end portion comprises a greater number of helix starts than said third intermediate portion; and / or said first end portion comprises at least two helix starts comprising a first helix start, which continues to extend up to said second end portion, and a second helix start, which ends at a distance from said second end portion; wherein said first helix start of said first end portion extends, in particular, for no more than one or two turns; or wherein: a helix pitch of said first end portion is greater than a helix pitch of said third intermediate portion; and / or a helix pitch of said first inlet end portion is greater than a helix pitch of said second end portion; and / or a helix pitch of said second outlet end portion is less than a helix pitch of said third intermediate portion.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said ventilation means comprises one or two or more than two fans (6) arranged below said second tubular body (5) to blow upwards.

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said ventilation means comprises one or two or three or more than three fans (7) arranged above said second tubular body (5) to suck from below.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second tubular body (5) comprises a first end where said outlet (9) of said second tubular body (5) is arranged, and a second end that is opposite to the first and that is closed by a wall (10) arranged opposite said outlet (4) of said tubular body (2) and at a distance from saidoutlet (4) of said tubular body (2) to leave a passage for the entry of objects into said second tubular body (5).

12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said helix body (3) and said second helix body (8) are rotatable with the possibility of varying their rotation speed independently of each other.

13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said helix body (3) extends towards said outlet (4) of said tubular body (2) in a given winding direction, clockwise or anticlockwise, and wherein said second helix body (5) extends towards said outlet (9) of said second tubular body (5) in an opposite winding direction, anticlockwise or clockwise, with respect to said given winding direction, and wherein said helix body (3) and said second helix body (8) can be rotated around respective rotation axes which are coincident with each other, or parallel, or almost parallel, and which have opposite rotation directions with respect to each other.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said tubular body (2) is integral in rotation with said helix body (3) and said second tubular body (5) is integral in rotation with said second helix body (8), and wherein said ventilation means is configured to concentrate the ventilation towards two respective accumulation zones which are arranged side by side, one on the right and the other on the left with reference to a longitudinal axis of said apparatus, and which are accumulation zones where objects tend to accumulate when said tubular body (2) and said second tubular body (5) are operated in rotation; said ventilation means comprising, in particular, at least two fans (6) placed side by side.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said respective rotation axes of said helix body (3) and said second helix body (8) are spaced apart from each other in such a way as to accentuate a mutual distance between said accumulation zones where objects tend to accumulate when said tubular body (2) and said second tubular body (5) are driven into rotation.

16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said helix body (3) extends towards said outlet (4) of said tubular body (2) in a given winding direction, clockwise or anticlockwise, and wherein said second helix body (8) extends towards said outlet (9) of said second tubular body (5) in a winding direction, clockwise or anticlockwise,equal to said given winding direction of said helix body (3), and wherein said helix body (3) and said second helix body (8) can be rotated around respective rotation axes coinciding with each other or parallel or almost parallel and with equal rotation directions; said helix body (3) and said second helix body (8) being, in particular, integral with each other in rotation.

17. Cooling method for cooling objects using an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, said method comprising the following steps: introducing said objects into said tubular body (2), transporting the objects towards said outlet (4) of said tubular body (2) by means of a rotation of said helix body (3), transferring said objects from said tubular body (2) into said second tubular body (5), transporting said objects along said second tubular body (5) by means of a rotation of said second helix body (8), and cooling said objects by means of said ventilation.

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein said objects comprise objects made of plastics, in particular closure caps for containers, and / or wherein said objects to be cooled are fed in line to said cooling apparatus (1) coming from a moulding apparatus and / or wherein said cooled objects are sent in line from said cooling apparatus (1) to a subsequent processing apparatus, in particular a cutting apparatus.

19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said objects are fluidized by said ventilation so as to generate a fluidized bed in said tubular body (2) and / or in said second tubular body (5).

20. Method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein a rotational speed of said helix body (3) and / or said second helix body (8) is feedback adjusted based on a temperature of said objects.

21. Method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein a flow rate and / or a temperature and / or a flow direction of said ventilation is feedback adjusted based on a temperature of said objects.

22. Production line, comprising a moulding apparatus for moulding plastic objects, a cooling apparatus for cooling objects taken from said moulding apparatus, and a cutting apparatus for cutting objects taken from said cooling apparatus, wherein said cooling apparatus (1) is made according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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