IT201600101508A1 - MACHINE AND METHOD FOR REALIZING ARTICLES IN CAPSULE - Google Patents

Description

"MACHINE AND METHOD FOR THE REALIZATION OF ARTICLES IN CAPSULE"

FIELD OF APPLICATION

Embodiments described herein refer to a machine, and to a related method, for manufacturing capsules containing a reagent product and a filter.

In particular, embodiments described here refer to a machine for making capsule articles that can be used, for example, in electronic cigarettes, or other vaporization or aromatization devices.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Capsule articles for inhalation or aspiration of substances contained therein are known and which can be used, for example, in electronic cigarettes or other inhalation devices, typically provided with a reservoir of liquid, such as water or an aqueous mixture, and with a vaporization or atomization device.

The capsule articles discussed generally comprise a container, or capsule, containing a predefined dose or quantity of a certain reactant product or substance, for example tobacco, or other substance to be inhaled, and a filter.

The suction or inhalant action produced by the user creates a flow of aspirated air in which the vaporized or atomized liquid is dragged, forcing its passage through the aforementioned reagent substance. This step extracts or drags flavoring substances and / or active ingredients contained in the same reagent substance which are then aspirated or inhaled by the user.

In these capsules, the product and the filter are kept in position by means of special closing elements, which prevent the product and / or the filter from escaping, but at the same time allow the passage of vapors, fumes, and / or aromas to the outside.

For example, capsules containing a dose of tobacco and a filter are known, which can be used in suitable devices, or electronic cigarettes, provided with means for heating the dose of tobacco.

In the production of these articles in capsules, one of the most frequent problems concerns the closure of the capsules which, in addition to requiring long execution times, often also does not allow to obtain a correct and efficient sealing, at the same time allowing the passage of steam and / or aromas to the outside.

Other limitations and disadvantages of conventional solutions and technologies will be clear to a person skilled in the art upon reading the remainder of the present description with reference to the drawings and the description of the embodiments which follow, although it is understood that the description of the state of the technique related to the present description should not be considered an admission that what described here is already known from the state of the prior art. There is therefore the need to provide a machine, and a relative method, for the production of an article in a capsule of the type described above, which overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the known art and allow the operations to close these caps to be carried out quickly. and automatic.

An object of the present invention is to provide a machine, and the relative method, for the production of articles in capsules which allow to obtain correctly closed capsules and at the same time have high production rates.

In order to obviate the drawbacks of the known art and to obtain these and further objects and advantages, the Applicant has studied, tested and implemented the present invention.

EXPOSURE OF THE FOUND

The present invention is expressed and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims disclose other features of the present invention or variants of the main solution idea.

Embodiments described herein refer to a machine for making articles in the form of a capsule. The aforesaid articles comprise a container, or capsule, having in the case a actually closed bottom, advantageously perforated, containing a dose of a reacting product, a filter arranged above the reacting product, and a closure element, fixed to the container and configured to hold the filter in place and seal everything, but at the same time allowing the passage of steam and / or aromas towards the outside.

According to the invention, the reagent product can be tobacco, or another substance, depending on the destination and / or use of the capsule itself.

In accordance with embodiments, the reacting product can be powdered, minced, ground, in grains, in bars, etc.

For example, such capsules can find application in association with electronic cigarettes, vaporization devices, or devices defined as "carbonizer" in the smoking articles sector, and provided with a resistance and a resistance power supply to heat the reacting product and produce aroma. / steam that can be sucked in by a user in a similar way to a traditional smoking item.

According to further embodiments, these capsules can also find application in evaporator / vaporizer devices for medicinal, antiparasitic substances, or devices for perfuming an environment, provided with suitable means for heating the reagent product in the capsule and obtaining aromas / vapors.

The machine according to the invention in its general constitution advantageously comprises a capsule feeding station, in which the empty capsules are fed correctly oriented, an output station, from which the complete capsule is picked up and sent to subsequent packaging phases, and a transfer device, provided with one or more receiving members each suitable for receiving one or more capsules and for transferring them from the capsule feeding station to the outlet station along a transfer path.

According to embodiments, along the transfer path, the machine can comprise a station for dosing and introducing the reagent product, a station for cutting and inserting the filters, and a station for closing the capsules.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the machine comprises, at the capsule closing station, a closing unit for stabilizing the contents of the capsules with at least one closing element to form a capsule article, so as to obtain a correct and efficient positioning, leaving free the passage of fumes and / or vapors that the reacting product eventually produces.

According to possible embodiments, the closure group may comprise an engagement device suitable for positioning a closure element in cooperation with the opening of the capsule, and a welding device to weld the closure element to the capsule.

According to a possible variant, the engagement device acquires the closing element and moves it in relation to the opening of the capsule. A further variant is the fact that the engagement device acquires the closing element from a vertical, horizontal or inclined delivery member.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the engagement device is also configured to temporarily position the closing element at a desired engagement angle Θ, said engagement angle Θ being defined as the angle between a first plane of position π of the opening of the capsule and a second plane of position γ of the closing element.

In accordance with a further aspect, the welding device moves the closing element in direct connection with the edge of the deputy and welds it to it.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description, the drawing tables and the attached claims. The drawing tables, which are integrated and forming part of the present description, illustrate some embodiments of the present object and, together with the description, aim to describe the principles of disclosure.

The various aspects and features described in the present disclosure can be applied individually where possible. These individual aspects, for example aspects and characteristics present in the description or in the attached dependent claims, can be the subject of divisional questions.

It should be noted that any aspect or characteristic that is found to be already known during the patenting procedure is intended not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.

ILLUSTRATION OF DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings in which: - fig. 1 is a schematic top view of a machine for making items in capsules in accordance with the embodiments described here;

- figs. 2a and 2b are respectively an exploded view and a sectional view of a capsule article in accordance with the embodiment described herein;

- fig. 3 is a top view of a closing station of a machine in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

- fig. 4 is a perspective view of a closing station of a machine according to embodiments described here;

- fig. 5 is a partially sectioned perspective view of a closing station of a machine according to embodiments described here;

- figs. 6-8 illustrate successive steps of a closure method used with a machine according to embodiments described herein;

- figs. 9-12 illustrate some details of a closure assembly during the closure of the articles in caps according to embodiments described herein.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numbers have been used wherever possible to identify identical common elements in the figures. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be conveniently incorporated into other embodiments without further specification.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described here using the attached figures refer to a machine 10 for manufacturing articles 20 in capsules.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a possible embodiment of an article 20 of the type under discussion comprising a container 22, also called a capsule, defining a containment compartment 27 suitable for containing inside it a dose of a reactant product 24 and a filter 26.

By way of non-limiting example, the filter 26 can comprise cellulose acetate, cotton, paper, or combinations thereof.

In accordance with embodiments, the bottom of the container 22 is provided with holes of such dimensions as to allow the passage of air, vapors or the like through them, but at the same time to prevent the reagent product 24 from escaping through them.

According to the invention, the reactant product 24 can be tobacco, or another substance, in relation to the destination and / or use of article 20.

In accordance with embodiments, the reacting product can be powdered, minced, ground, in grains, in bars, etc.

According to possible embodiments, the article 20 may also include a closing element 28 configured to close the capsule 22, so that the dose of reagent product 24 and the filter 26 do not escape from the containment compartment 27.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the capsule 22 can have a substantially tubular shape having a section of desired shape, such as, for example, circular, or polygonal characterized by an equivalent diameter. In the case of a cylindrical capsule 22, the equivalent diameter corresponds to the diameter of the circular section.

According to possible embodiments, the capsule 22 has a first end 22a closed and a second end 22b, opposite the first end 22a, having an opening 23, through which the doses of the reactant product 24 and the filter 26 can be introduced.

According to possible embodiments, the capsule 22 can comprise an abutment portion 25 having an equivalent external diameter greater than the average size of the equivalent diameter of the capsule 22. For example, the abutment portion 25 can comprise an annular crown, protrusions, grooves or other, so as to provide a certain and predefined abutment reference to the closing element 28 when it is placed to close the capsule 22.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the capsule 22 can comprise a positioning seat 29 inside the containment compartment 27 configured to keep the filter 26 in position in a predefined and certain position in the containment compartment 27.

According to possible embodiments, the closure element 28 has a shape conjugated to the capsule 22 and can have an opening 28a, or a plurality of holes. This opening 28a allows the substances produced by the dose of reagent product 24 to pass, during use, from the inside of the capsule 22 to the outside, passing through the filter 26. In this way, in the case of application to electronic cigarettes, a user can aspirate the aroma of tobacco in a similar way to what happens with traditional smoking articles.

According to possible embodiments, the closing element 28 can have an annular shape, or the continuous closing part with holes.

The opening 28a allows the passage of the substances produced by the dose of reagent product 24 from inside the capsule 22 to the outside, passing through the filter 26 during use.

The realization of an article 20 in a capsule involves carrying out various operational phases in succession one to the other. In particular, according to possible formulations of the present invention, the operating steps provide for providing at least one capsule 22, inserting a suitably dosed dose of reactant product 24 and subsequently a filter 26 sized according to production requirements, closing the capsule 22 with the closing element 28, and supplying the obtained capsule article 20 to further work stations to possibly carry out further operating steps.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the Applicant has studied, tested and built a machine 10 that allows these operations to be performed in succession one to the other in a fast and precise way.

According to possible embodiments, the machine 10 for making capsule articles 20 can comprise a capsule feeding station 11, also known as a capsule input station, and an output station 15, from which the capsule articles 20 are picked up and sent to subsequent work stations or packaging.

According to possible embodiments, the outlet station 15 can provide that, before delivering the articles 20 in capsule, one or more control operations of the articles 20 obtained are carried out, such as, for example, weighing, sealing, size, or other.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the machine 10 can comprise a transfer device 16 provided with one or more receiving members 18 each suitable for receiving one or more capsules 22 and configured to transfer and position the capsules 22 from the capsule feeding station 11 to the exit station 15 along a transfer path P.

According to possible embodiments, a plurality of intermediate operating stations indicated in the figures with the numbers 12, 13, 14.

According to possible embodiments, the machine 10 can comprise a station for dosing and introducing the reagent product 12, a station for cutting and inserting filters 13, and a station for closing capsules 14.

In accordance with embodiments, the transfer device 16 can comprise a transfer wheel 17, provided on its periphery with at least one receiver member 18.

With reference to the figures, the transfer wheel 17 is configured to rotate around its own central axis X, so as to arrange the receiving members 18, from time to time, in correspondence with the work stations of the machine 10 along the path P.

It should be noted that this is only a possible embodiment of a transfer device 16 and does not exclude that it may comprise other similar transfer members, such as for example linear transfer members, or of another type.

In accordance with embodiments, the transfer wheel 17 can rotate stepwise, i.e. intermittently, moving the receiving members 18 from time to time along the transfer path P.

According to embodiments, the receiving members 18 can comprise a support plate 32 provided with a set number of housing seats 34, into which the capsules 22 can be inserted.

In accordance with embodiments, the housing seats 34 can be through holes made in the support plate 32, in which the caps 22 are positioned with the lower part of their abutment portion 25 resting on the support plate 32.

According to other possible embodiments, the housing seats 44 can be configured in a manner conjugated to the section of the caps 22, or to the abutment portion 25, so as to hold the latter in position and prevent them from moving at least laterally and downwards.

In accordance with these possible embodiments, the capsules 22 can possibly be moved from bottom to top. This aspect allows to optimize the closure of the capsule 22 with the closure element 28.

In accordance with embodiments, each support plate 32 comprises the same number of housing seats 34, for example six as shown in the figures, but the number can also be smaller or larger.

According to embodiments, in the capsule feeding station 11 there are capsule feeding devices 22, not illustrated, configured to position in each housing seat 34 of the receiver member 18 positioned at the capsule feeding station 11 a capsule 22 oriented with the opening 23 facing upwards.

In accordance with embodiments, the reagent product dosing station 12 can comprise dosing and introduction devices, not shown, configured to introduce into each capsule 22, present in the receiver member 18 which is located in the aforementioned product dosing station. reagent 12, a dose of reactant product 24, for example of tobacco, of the desired weight and / or volume according to the dimensions of the containment compartment 27 and / or to the production requirements.

With reference to Figure 1, downstream of the reagent product dosing station 12, along the transfer path P, there is the station for cutting and inserting the filters 13.

According to possible embodiments, not shown, this station for cutting and inserting the filters 13 is configured to size and introduce at least one filter 26 into the caps 22 and can comprise a device for cutting and introducing the filters configured to size the filters 26 and insert them at the 'inside of the capsule 22.

According to embodiments, downstream of the cutting and inserting station of the filters 13, along the transfer path P, the capsule closing station 14 can be provided. This capsule closing station 14 will be described in detail below.

Finally, control devices for the product obtained can be provided in the outlet station 15, and / or withdrawal means, not illustrated, configured to pick up the articles 20 in the capsule obtained and transfer them to subsequent packaging stations.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the capsule closure station 14 may comprise a closure group 40 configured to close the opening 23 of at least one capsule 22 with a closure element 28 to form an encapsulated article 20, or in a capsule.

At the time of closure, the capsule 22 contains at least one dose of reagent product 24 and a filter 26.

The closing element 28 is suitable for letting the fumes and / or vapors produced by the encapsulated article 20 pass through.

According to possible embodiments, the closing element 28 has one or more openings 28a through which the fumes and / or vapors produced inside the capsule 22 can exit.

The term closure of the capsule 22 means that the closure element 28 is stably fixed to the capsule 22 in its designated position.

In this way, the closure element 28 holds in position the filter 26 and the dose of reagent product 24. For example, the closure element 28 can be fixed to the capsule 22 by welding it on the edge of the opening 23, and / or on the portion abutment 25 and / or on the capsule wall 22.

According to possible embodiments, the closing group 40 can comprise:

- an engagement device 43 provided with at least one retaining seat 44 configured to temporarily associate with a closing element 28, said engagement device 43 being able to move the retaining seat 44 to position the closing element 28 in cooperation with the opening 23 of the capsule 22;

- a welding device 45 configured to weld the closing element 28 in direct connection at least with a stop portion 25 of the relative capsule 22.

According to a variant, the welding device 45 before proceeding with the welding moves the closing element 28 into position.

According to possible embodiments, the engagement device 43 is configured to acquire at least one closing element 28 and to move it in relation to the opening 23 of the capsule 22.

According to further embodiments, the engagement device 43 can be configured to acquire at least one closing element 28 from a vertical, or horizontal, or inclined delivery member 46.

According to a possible embodiment, the engagement device 43 is configured to temporarily position the closure element 28, before the closure element 28 engages the capsule 22.

According to a characteristic aspect of the present invention, the engagement device 43 can also be configured to temporarily position at least one closing element 28 of an engagement angle Θ with respect to the desired opening 23.

According to possible embodiments, the engagement angle Θ can be defined as the angle between a first plane π of the opening 23 and a second plane γ of the closing element 28.

According to possible embodiments, the engagement angle Θ is an acute angle. By acute angle we mean an angle less than 90 ° and greater than 0 °, that is, an acute angle other than a zero angle. The angle defined between the first plane π of the opening 23 and the second plane γ of the closing element 28 is intended as a positive angle.

According to possible embodiments, the engagement angle Θ can be less than 50 °. According to possible embodiments, the engagement angle Θ can preferably be less than 45 °. According to possible embodiments, the engagement angle Θ can be even more preferably less than 35 °. According to a possible embodiment, the engagement angle Θ can be an angle of about 10 °.

The Applicant has verified that the intervals and the determined values of the engagement angle Θ ensure that the closing element 28 adheres to the abutment portion 25 of the capsule 22 and remains in position even during welding by means of the welding device 45.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the engagement device 43 can be configured to arrange the closure element 28 in contact with the capsule 22 in an inclined position.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the welding device 45 can be configured to cooperate with the engagement device 43 to weld the closing element 28 to the capsule 22, positioning the closing element 28 in contact with the abutment portion 25 when the at least one closing element 28 is marginally associated with the retaining seat 44. By marginally associated it is meant that it is only partially inside the retaining seat 44 and is about to come out of it.

According to a variant, the engagement device 43 is configured to correctly position the closing element 28 in its seat, so that the welding device 45 only proceeds to solidify.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the retention seats 44 can be shaped to receive or withdraw the closing elements 28, retaining them by interference.

If the mechanical interference passively or actively generates a temporary deformation of the closing element 28, said deformation, according to the invention, is used to improve the positioning of the closing element 28 in the positioning and welding phases.

According to possible embodiments, the closing group 40 may comprise a conveyor device 41 configured to provide the closing elements 28 in succession to the engagement device 43.

According to possible embodiments, the conveyor device 41 has at least one operating line 42 configured to convey the closing elements 28 along a movement path defined by these operating lines 42.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the closing elements 28 are conveyed to a delivery area 42a, where they are placed in position so that the engagement device 43, from time to time, acquires them.

According to possible embodiments, in the delivery area 42a a delivery member 46 can be provided, configured to associate the closing elements 28 with the engagement device 43, positioning them inside the retaining seats 44 assigned.

According to a variant, the delivery member 46 can comprise a movable pusher which pushes the closing elements 28 each time into the holding seats 44. The delivery member 46 can be movable vertically, or horizontally, or along an inclined direction with respect to the retention seat 44.

It is evident that the closing elements 28 are conveyed while maintaining their connection portion 28b, ie the portion that will be welded onto the capsule 22, oriented to facilitate gripping and positioning.

According to possible embodiments, not shown, the closing elements 28 can be supplied to the conveyor device 41 already positioned, these closing elements 28 being positioned, for example, by means of a vibrating container.

By virtue of the generated oscillation and the conformation and weight of the closing elements 28, the vibrating container allows all the closing elements 28 to be oriented in the same way with a low probability of having an opposite orientation.

According to possible embodiments, the closing group 40 may comprise, along the operational transfer lines 42 of the conveyor device 41, one or more control devices 47 configured to detect the orientation of the individual closing elements 28.

For example, the control device 47 comprises a visual, infrared or other sensor 48, suitable for detecting the orientation of the closing elements 28 to signal, if necessary, the presence of an incorrectly oriented closing element 28, so as to remove or reposition it correctly, before it reaches the capsule 22.

With reference to the figures, the control devices 47 are positioned above the conveyor device 41 with the sensors 48 oriented towards the closing elements 28.

According to possible embodiments, the engagement device 43 can comprise a support body 49 movable between at least one position of acquisition of the closure elements 28 and a position of engagement of the closure elements 28 with the capsules 22.

According to a possible embodiment, the support body 49 is rotatably movable around a first axis of rotation R1 which can be positioned orthogonal to the plane of the direction of movement of said support body 49.

According to a variant, the engagement device 43 comprises a pickup member 50 with the retention seats 44 defined by a plurality of prongs 50a.

In accordance with this variant, the pick-up member 50 is conditioned in its position by the engagement device 43 between a pick-up position of the closing elements 28 and a position of engagement of the closing elements 28 with the capsules 22.

Said pick-up member 50 is advantageously rotatably connected to the support body 49, so as to rotate around a second rotation and positioning axis R2.

The withdrawal member 50 has a plurality of retention seats 44, so as to be able to withdraw even more closing elements 28 at the same time.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the support body 49 has a structure comprising at least one support bracket 51 associated with a first actuation pin 52 conditioning the position of the support body 49 and a second actuation pin 53 conditioning the position of the pickup member 50. In these embodiments, the first and second actuation pin 52 and 53 respectively define the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation and positioning axis R2.

According to possible embodiments, illustrated in Figure 5, the support body 49 can have a structure which comprises two lateral support brackets 51 connected to each other by means of the first actuation pin 52 and a second actuation pin 53 respectively defining the first axis of rotation RI and the second axis of rotation and positioning R2.

In particular, in accordance with the figures, the second axis of rotation and positioning R2 can be parallel to the first axis of rotation R1.

According to possible embodiments, not shown, the support body 49 and the pick-up member 50 can be selectively movable by means of independent movement members.

This allows the retention seats 44 to be positioned in a timed manner in the delivery area 42a, so as to receive the closing elements 28 and subsequently position them in contact with the capsules 22, tilting them during this movement even before they engage the capsules 22.

In order to clarify the trajectory carried out, from time to time, by the engagement device 43, in Figures 9-12, the positions that the engagement device 43 assumes to position the closure element 28 until engaging the capsule 22 are illustrated. In particular, Figure 9 illustrates the step of picking up the closing elements 28 in the retaining seats 44.

Figure 10 illustrates the step in which the support body 49 is rotated around the first axis of rotation R1 and, before the closing element 28 engages the capsule 22, the pickup member 50 is rotated around the second axis of rotation rotation and positioning R2, so as to incline the closing element 28 by a desired engagement angle Θ.

Figure 11 illustrates the position of the engagement device 43 when the closure element 28 is in contact with the abutment portion 25 of the capsule 22.

Figure 12 illustrates a possible trajectory T substantially in an arc of circumference, along which the closing element 28 is positioned with a desired engagement angle Θ during picking, inclination and engagement.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the welding device 45 can comprise a supporting structure 54 to which one or more welding members 55 are fixed, suitable for welding the closing element 28 to the capsule 22, said supporting structure 54 being movable between a inactive position and at least one welding position.

According to possible embodiments, the bearing structure 54 can have a structure comprising two lateral support brackets 56 rotatably connected to a fixed support 60 by means of a third actuation pin 57 defining a third axis of rotation R3.

Said third axis of rotation R3 can be parallel to the first axis of rotation R1.

Also for the welding device 45 suitable handling means are provided to move the mobile supporting structure 54 and therefore the welding members 55 in a timed manner and coordinated with the engagement device 43.

According to possible embodiments, each welding member 55 can comprise a welding head 55a shaped in a conjugate manner with the shape of the closure element 28, the capsule 22 and the retaining seat 44.

According to possible embodiments, the welding head 55a is configured both to remove the closing element 28 from the holding seat 44, when the closing element 28 is in contact with the capsule 22, and to close with the closing element closure 28 the opening 23 of the capsule 22, both for welding the closure element 28 to the capsule 22.

The welding head 55a can be powered by an electric power source, so as to be able to weld the closing element 28 to the capsule 22.

For example, the welding member 55 can comprise a sonotrode, ie an ultrasonic welding device, or a thermal welder, an electro-thermal or other type of welder.

According to possible embodiments, the welding head 55a is configured to remove the closing element 28 from the retaining seat 44, when it is placed in contact with the capsule 22, until the opening is closed with the closing element 28. 23 of the capsule 22, zeroing the engagement angle Θ, the welding head 55a being configured to weld the closing element 28 to the capsule 22.

It is evident that the abutment portion 25 of the capsule 22 provides a reference for correctly positioning the closure element 28.

According to possible embodiments, the welding device 45 can comprise an abutment member 59, located below the caps 22, and cooperating with the sealing member 55 to provide a stable abutment on which the cap 22 rests during the welding of the element closure 28 to capsule 22.

The abutment member 59 is configured to move in the opposite direction with respect to the welding head 55a, for example, upwards when the welding head 55a is moved downwards.

The reciprocal movement of the abutment member 59 with the welding member 55 allows the closing element 28 to adhere correctly to the capsule 22, so as to ensure the correct welding of the two parts. This aspect also allows to keep the pressure force of the welding head 55a on the closing elements 28 constant, so as to be able to carry out the welding with predefined parameters.

In fact, in the event of a pressure force different from the preset parameters, the stop member 59 adapts its thrust up to the preset pressure force value.

According to possible embodiments, the welding device 45 can be configured to remove the closing elements 28 from the retaining seats 44, so that the engagement device 43 can move into the acquisition position to receive or withdraw the closing elements 28 for the next stage.

This allows the engagement device 43 to position itself again in the acquisition position in masked time, while the welding device 45 performs the welding of the closing element 28 to the capsule 22.

In accordance with other formulations, the present invention also relates to a closing method for closing the opening 23 of at least one capsule 22 with a closing element 28 to form an encapsulated article 20, said capsule 22 containing at least one dose of product reagent 24 and a filter 26 and said closing element 28 being suitable for letting the fumes and / or vapors produced by the encapsulated article 20 pass through.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the closing method can comprise:

- a phase of supplying at least one closing element 28 to an engagement device 43;

- a positioning step of at least one closing element 28 in direct relation to the opening 23 of the capsu

- a welding phase in which a welding device 45 integrates the closing element 28 in direct connection at least with the abutment portion 25 of the capsule 22.

According to possible embodiments, the positioning step provides for positioning the closing element 28 by an engagement angle Θ, the engagement angle Θ being defined as the angle between a first plane π of the opening 23 and a second plane γ of the closing element 28.

According to possible embodiments, the closure method may also include an engagement step with an engagement angle Θ of the closure element 28 with the capsule 22.

According to possible embodiments, the engagement angle Θ is an acute angle. By acute angle we mean an angle less than 90 ° and greater than 0 °, that is, an acute angle other than the null angle.

According to possible embodiments, the closing element 28 is put in contact with at least the abutment portion 25 of the capsule 22 according to an engagement angle Θ.

According to possible embodiments, the welding step provides that the closing element 28 is extracted from the engagement device 43 and positioned for welding by means of the specific welding member 55.

According to possible embodiments, the positioning step involves tilting the closing element 28 by an engagement angle Θ less than 50 °. According to possible embodiments, the engagement angle Θ can preferably be less than 45 °. According to possible embodiments, the engagement angle Θ can be even more preferably less than 35 °. According to a possible embodiment, the positioning phase requires the engagement angle Θ to be approximately 10 °.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the supply step provides that at least one of the retention seats 44 receives or withdraws at least one closing element 28, retaining it by mechanical interference.

According to possible embodiments, the welding step provides that the welding device 45 welds the closure element 28 to the capsule 22, while the engagement device 43 moves to the acquisition position to receive subsequent closure elements 28.

It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the machine, and to the method, for the production of a capsule article described up to now, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art will undoubtedly be able to realize many other equivalent forms of a machine, and of a method, for the production of an article in a capsule. having the characteristics expressed in the claims and therefore all falling within the scope of protection defined by them.

In the following claims, the references in brackets are for the sole purpose of facilitating reading and should not be considered as limiting factors as regards the scope of protection underlying the specific claims.

Claims (22)

CLAIMS 1. Closing unit for closing an opening (23) of at least one capsule (22) with a closure element (28) to form an encapsulated article (20), called capsule (22) containing at least one dose of reagent product ( 24) and a filter (26) and said closing element (28) being suitable for letting the fumes and / or vapors produced by the inside of said encapsulated article (20) pass, characterized in that said closing unit comprises: - an engagement device (43) provided with at least one retention seat (44) configured to temporarily associate with said closing element (28), said engagement device (43) being able to move said retention seat (44) ) to position said closing element (28) in cooperation with said opening (23) of said capsule (22); - a welding device (45) configured to weld said closing element (28) in direct connection at least with an abutment portion (25) of said capsule (22). 2. Closing assembly as in claim 1, characterized in that said engagement device (43) is configured to temporarily position said closure element (28) at an engagement angle (Θ) with respect to said opening (23) , said engagement angle (Θ) being defined as the angle between a first lying plane (π) of said opening (23) and a second lying plane (γ) of said closing element (28). 3. Closing group as in claim "<a 0> nawattawi -, -, <O> Ì0da] fact that said engagement angle (Θ) is an acute angle greater than 0 °. 4. Closing group as in claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that said engagement angle (Θ) is less than 50 °, in particular less than 45 °, more particularly less than 35 °. 5. Closing unit as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said engagement device (43) is also configured to arrange said at least one closure element (28) in contact with said capsule (22) in an inclined position . 6. Closing unit as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said retention seats (44) are configured to receive or withdraw said closing elements (28), retaining them by interference. Closing assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said welding device (45) is configured to cooperate with said engagement device (43) to weld said closure element (28) to said capsule ( 22), positioning said closing element (28) in contact with said abutment portion (25) when said closing element (28) is marginally associated with said retention seat (44). 8. Closing unit as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said engagement device (43) comprises a support body (49) movable between at least one acquisition position of said closure elements (28) and a engagement position of said closing elements (28) with said capsules 9. Closing unit as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said engagement device (43) comprises a pick-up member (50) having a plurality of said retention seats (44) defined by a plurality of prongs (50a), being said withdrawal member (50) conditioned by said engagement device (43) between a withdrawal position of said closure elements (28) and a position of engagement of said closure elements (28) with said capsules (22). 10. Closing unit as in claims 8 and 9, characterized in that said support body (49) has a structure comprising at least one support bracket (51) associated with a first actuation pin (52) conditioning the position of said support body (49) and a second actuation pin (53) conditioning the position of said pick-up member (50), said first and second actuation pin (52, 53) respectively defining a first axis of rotation (RI) and a second axis of rotation and positioning (R2). 11. Closing unit as in claims 8 and 9, or 10, characterized in that said support body (49) and said pick-up member (50) can be selectively moved independently. Closing unit as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said welding device (45) comprises a bearing structure (54) to which one or more welding members (55) suitable for welding said sealing element are fixed. closure (28) to said capsule (22), said bearing structure (54) being movable between an inactive position and at least one welding position. 13. Closing assembly as in claim 12, characterized in that said one or more welding members (55) each comprise a welding head (55 a) configured both to remove said closure element (28) from said retention seat (44), when said closing element (28) is in contact with said capsule (22), both to close said opening (23) of said capsule (22) with said closing element (28), and to weld said element closure (28) to said capsule (22). 14. Closing unit as in claim 12 or 13, characterized by the fact that said welding device (45) comprises an abutment member (59), located below said caps (22), and cooperating with said welding member (55 ) to provide a stable abutment on which said capsule (22) rests during the welding of said closing element (28) to said capsule (22). Closing unit as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said welding device (45) comprises a sonotrode. 16. Machine for making an encapsulated article (20) comprising a capsule (22) containing at least one dose of reagent product (24) and a filter (26), and a closing element (28) placed to close a opening (23) suitable for letting the fumes and / or vapors produced from the inside of said encapsulated article (20) pass, said machine comprising: - a capsule feeding station providing a plurality of said capsules (22); - a station for dosing the reactant product (12) configured to dose and introduce said at least one dose of reactant product (24) into said capsules (22); - a station for cutting and inserting filters (13) configured to size and introduce at least one said filter (26) into said capsules (22); - an output station (15) configured to supply at the output, or to subsequent work stations, a plurality of said articles (20) obtained; - a transfer device (16) provided with one or more receiving members (18) configured to receive a plurality of said capsules (22), said transfer device (16) being configured to transfer and position said capsules (22) from said capsule feeding station (11) to said outlet station (15), along a transfer path (P), characterized by the fact that said machine also includes: - a capsule closing station (14) provided with at least one closing unit (40) as in any one of claims 1 to 15 to close said opening (23) of said capsules (22) to form said articles (20) in capsule. 17. Closing method for closing an opening (23) of at least one capsule (22) with a closure element (28) to form an encapsulated article (20), called capsule (22) containing at least one dose of reagent product ( 24) and a filter (26) and said closing element (28) being suitable for letting the fumes and / or vapors produced by the inside of said encapsulated article (20) pass, characterized by the fact that said method comprises: - a phase of supplying at least one closing element (28) to an engagement device (43); - a positioning step of the at least one closing element (28) in direct relationship with said opening (23) of said capsule (22); - a welding step in which a welding device (45) integrates said closing element (28) in direct connection at least with an abutment portion (25) of said capsule (22). 18. Method as in claim 17, characterized in that said positioning step provides for positioning said closing element (28) by an engagement angle (Θ), said engagement angle (Θ) being defined as the angle comprised between a first lying plane (π) of said opening (23) and a second lying plane (γ) of said closing element (28). 19. Method as in claim 18, characterized by the fact that said engagement angle (Θ) is an acute angle greater than 0 °. 20. Method as in claim 18 or 19, characterized in that it also includes a step of engagement, with said engagement angle (0), of said closure element (28) with said capsule (22). 2 1. Method as in claim 20, characterized in that said engagement step provides that said closure element (28) is put into contact at least with said abutment portion (25) of said capsule (22) according to said angle d 'engagement (Θ). 22. Method as in any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that said welding step provides that said closing element (28) is extracted from said engagement device (43) and positioned for welding by means of a specific welding member (55) of said welding device (45).