IT202000008944A1 - EQUIPMENT FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH A POWDER MATERIAL - Google Patents

Description

Description

EQUIPMENT FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH A

POWDER MATERIAL

Technical field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for filling containers with a powdered material.

Known art

? known for some time the need to fill and close containers, such as bottles, vials, syringes, etc., with quantity? dosed of a filling material.

If the containers are intended for use in technical sectors such as, for example, the chemical, pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector,? often required to meet high accuracy requirements regarding the volume of material to be placed in each container. Furthermore, ? it is often necessary to guarantee the maintenance of predetermined conditions of the working environment to avoid any contamination of the filling material and also to ensure? operator safety.

Have therefore been developed equipment that allows you to fill the containers with quantities? dosing of a material and closing these containers in a controlled work environment.

A known type of apparatus comprises a withdrawal station in correspondence with which the containers to be filled are transported and a filling station comprising dispensing means. Downstream of the filling station? a capping station is arranged, equipped with a device for capping the containers, and a possible capping station subsequent to the capping station. The containers are moved from one operating station to the next station by manipulators, for example by robotic arms. Patent EP 2280 873 describes an apparatus of the above type. A further example of the aforementioned type of equipment? illustrated in patent EP 3307 629. The patent describes an apparatus comprising a filling station and a capping station, arranged downstream of the filling station and separated from this station by a separation partition designed to prevent the entry of contaminants into the station filling. The containers arranged in respective seats shaped by a rack are transported to the filling station, which? inserted in a transport tank. The filling station? provided with a first manipulator, arranged to extract one container at a time from the rack, transport it to a dispenser to carry out the filling and, subsequently, transport it to a transfer device. At the filling station are also associated air delivery means to create a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure and thus avoiding any contamination. An additional manipulator? arranged beyond the separating baffle to pick up a container from the transfer device and take it to the capping station and then place it, once the capping has been completed, inside a further rack.

The known apparatuses do not allow to manage in an optimal way powdered materials which are difficult to process or materials which have physical and chemical characteristics which make their distribution in the containers difficult. A complained problem? that, in the case of use of such materials, it is not possible to satisfy the precision requirement required for dosing the powder material.

In the pharmaceutical field, difficult to process powdered materials are, for example, hygroscopic powders, having a melting temperature close to room temperature which generates adhesiveness problems. relevant if you work in environmental conditions above 15? C and / or with humidity? relative greater than 25%.

Therefore, equipment is required which solves the above problem. Presentation of the invention

The task of the present invention? that of solving the aforementioned problems by devising an apparatus which allows to effectively fill containers with a powdered material.

Within the scope of this task, a further object of the present invention? that of devising an apparatus which allows to carry out a precise dosage of the powder material, in particular in the case of using a powder material which has chemical and / or physical characteristics which make it difficult to work.

A further object of the present invention? to provide equipment for filling containers with a powder material that is versatile, configurable according to the properties? of the material to be treated. An additional purpose? that of providing equipment that allows to maximize the consumption of the powder material.

An additional purpose? to supply an equipment that guarantees to maintain a condition of sterility in an optimal way? of the process.

Another purpose of the invention? to provide equipment that? able to handle containers safely and reliably. Another purpose? that of providing equipment that allows the number of containers discarded to be reduced to a minimum at each production cycle.

Another purpose? that of supplying an apparatus with a simple constructive and functional conception, endowed with reliable operation, of versatile use, as well as? relatively inexpensive cost.

The aforementioned purposes are achieved, according to the present invention, by the apparatus for filling containers with a powder material according to claim 1.

The apparatus for filling containers with a powdered material comprises a container feeding station; a filling station, arranged downstream of said feeding station, comprising a metering unit configured to fill each said container with a quantity of metering of a powdered material, said metering unit comprising at least one pair of metering members, each said metering member being able to alternatively carry out the withdrawal of a quantity? dosed of said material in powder and the expulsion of said quantity? metering of said powder material into a relative container, each metering member defining a calibration chamber inside it.

The equipment also includes a pneumatic circuit that connects each said metering member to a source of positive pressure and to a source of negative pressure respectively to introduce a flow of a fluid inside said calibration chamber and to create a vacuum condition in said calibration chamber , each said metering member being fed independently by said pneumatic circuit to regulate the pressure value in an autonomous way.

The possibility? to regulate the pressure independently for each dosing device allows to carry out the withdrawal of the material and the filling of the containers in a precise way as you can? adjust the pressure in each dispenser to create a vacuum condition in the calibration chamber, during the withdrawal phase, and the pressure of the dispensed fluid flow, during the filling phase, based, for example, on the characteristics of the powder material. Furthermore, the precise regulation of pressure in each dosing device allows to compensate for any tolerance errors, obtaining a uniform dosage for all the dosing devices.

Preferably, said pneumatic circuit comprises at least one pair of diverter valves connected to relative said metering members, each said diverter valve receiving a flow of a pressurized fluid at its inlet and also being connected to said source of negative pressure, each said diverter valve being controlled to selectively allow the passage of said fluid or to allow the creation of a vacuum condition in said calibration chamber of the relative metering member.

Advantageously, each metering member comprises a casing having one end? open and a piston, housed inside said casing, said piston comprising a filter, said filter being associated with a head of said piston.

Preferably said calibration chamber? defined between an internal wall of said casing and said head of said piston, at said end open.

Preferably, in a step of filling said containers, said piston of each metering member? operable in translation, upon actuation of a relative actuator member, along a longitudinal direction of said casing, to expel a quantity? dosed material in powder form in a relative container, and / or said diverter valve associated with said metering member? controlled to introduce a flow of fluid into said calibration chamber for expelling said powdered material.

Preferably, in a step of withdrawing said powder material, each said metering member exerts a compressive force on a layer of said powder material, which is compacted in said calibration chamber, and / or? created a vacuum condition in said calibration chamber.

It can be observed that, thanks to said pneumatic circuit connected to said metering members, which allows to independently regulate the pressure in the metering members, and also thanks to the fact that the aforementioned technologies can be combined or used separately, i.e. vacuum-pressure technology and the mechanical action for the picking and filling phases, the equipment allows to minimize the impact that hardly workable powder materials can have in the phases of picking up the powder material and filling the containers, ensuring stability. to such processes.

Preferably, said filling station comprises a feeding tank, adapted to contain a predetermined quantity? of said powdered material, arranged adjacent to said metering unit.

Preferably said feed tank? rotatable about a substantially vertical axis of rotation.

Preferably, said metering unit comprises a support device carrying said at least one pair of metering members.

Preferably, said support device comprises a pair of arms, integral with a stem, said arms each carrying at least one metering member. According to an aspect of the invention, each said arm carries a pair of metering members.

Preferably said stem? driven in rotation around an axis of rotation by a motor member to bring said metering members alternately in correspondence with said feeding tank, to carry out the withdrawal of the powder material, and in a position above said containers to fill said containers .

Preferably, said arms are arranged at the ends. diametrically opposite of said stem.

Preferably, said supply tank comprises a containment body adapted to contain said predetermined quantity? of said powdered material.

Preferably said containment body? operable in rotation about said substantially vertical axis of rotation.

Advantageously, said feeding tank comprises at least one cavity. collection, made on a wall of said containment body, able to function as a collection tank for said powder material, in a recovery phase of said powder material. The forecast of at least one cavity? collection of the powder material has the effect of maximizing the consumption of the powder material, with a consequent reduction in production costs. The cavity in fact, it allows to recover inside at least a part of the powder material which remains in the containment body of the feeding tank when the material of the batch runs out.

Preferably, said containment body comprises a bottom wall and a perimeter wall, which extends from said bottom wall, called at least one cavity. collection being made on said bottom wall.

Preferably called cavity? collection extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to said bottom wall.

Preferably said at least one cavity? collection has a slotted shape in plan.

Preferably said feed tank? associated with a first rotation shaft, able to be rotated around said substantially vertical axis of rotation by a second motor member.

Preferably said containment body? movable in translation, upon actuation of a third motor member, along a direction parallel to said substantially vertical axis of rotation, in a phase of recovery of said powder material.

Preferably, said supply tank comprises a lid arranged above said containment body, said lid having at least one opening for the insertion of said metering members in said containment body.

Preferably, in a step of recovering said powdered material, said lid? movable according to a translation motion, upon actuation of a motor member, along a direction parallel to said substantially vertical axis of rotation, in the opposite direction with respect to the translation motion of said containment body.

Preferably, said apparatus comprises optical sensor means configured to detect the thickness of the layer of powder material contained inside said containment body.

Preferably, said optical sensor means comprise at least one optical fiber. Preferably, said optical sensor means are adapted to send a signal to a unit? control when the level of said powder material detected? lower than said predetermined value.

Preferably called unit? control ? configured to command, upon receipt of said signal by said optical sensor means, the rotation of said containment body around said substantially vertical axis of rotation by a rotation angle of a value such as to align said metering members with said at least a cavity? collection.

Preferably called unit? control ? also? configured to command, upon receipt of said signal, the translation actuation of said containment body and of said lid along said direction parallel to said axis of rotation in respectively opposite directions.

Preferably, said apparatus comprises a first manipulator which can be operated in motion to transport at least one said container from said feeding station to said filling station.

Preferably, said apparatus comprises a capping station, arranged downstream of said filling station.

Preferably, said apparatus comprises a second manipulator which can be operated in motion to transport at least one said container from said filling station to said capping station and to transport each said container from said capping station to a subsequent station. Preferably, said apparatus comprises a capping station arranged downstream of said capping station.

Preferably said capping station? separated from said sealing station by a dividing wall.

Preferably, said apparatus comprises a third manipulator.

Preferably said third manipulator? operable in movement to transport at least one said container towards said capping station.

Preferably each said manipulator? made by a robotic arm. The use of robotic arms to handle the containers allows to obtain an efficient transport of the containers and also allows? to maintain a level of cleanliness at the end of the process better than the use of handling systems such as, for example, conveyors, augers, etc.

Preferably, said apparatus comprises an insulator which delimits an internal region in which said feeding station, said filling station, said capping station and said capping station are arranged so as to prevent mutual contamination between the external environment and said internal region.

Preferably said isolator? associated with a control group of the characteristics of the internal region bounded by the isolator.

Preferably, said control unit comprises a series of filters, suitable for filtering the air taken from the region, and a series of fans which introduce a laminar flow of filtered air into the region which allows to maintain an environmental control necessary to carry out an aseptic process.

Preferably said laminar flow flows in a vertical direction.

Brief description of the drawings

The details of the invention will become more evident from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for filling containers with a powder material according to the invention, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a top view of the apparatus in question;

figure 2 shows a perspective view of a detail of the apparatus object of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the detail illustrated in Figure 2;

figure 4 shows a longitudinal section view of the detail illustrated in figure 3 along the plane of line IV-IV;

figure 5 shows a plan view of the detail illustrated in figures 2-4; figure 6 shows a perspective view of a further detail of the apparatus;

figure 7 shows a plan view of the detail illustrated in figure 6;

figure 8 shows a sectional view of the detail illustrated in figures 6 and 7 along the line VIII-VIII;

figure 9 shows a diagram of a pneumatic circuit for pressurizing and depressurizing the seal of a robotic arm used in the apparatus;

Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a pneumatic circuit relating to a pair of metering members of the apparatus.

Embodiments of the invention

With particular reference to these figures, yes? indicated as a whole with 1 the apparatus for filling containers with a powdered material and for closing containers according to the present invention.

The containers 2 can be bottles, vials and the like, intended, for example, for the pharmaceutical, biotechnological or chemical sector.

Preferably the powder material? a material with physical and chemical characteristics that make it difficult to work. Pi? in particular, the term hardly workable powder material means a powder that has characteristics such as not to be easily manageable in order to obtain a high precision in the dosage.

In the pharmaceutical field, powders that are difficult to process are, for example, highly hygroscopic powders, having a melting temperature close to room temperature which generates problems of adhesiveness. marked if you work in environmental conditions above 15? C and / or with humidity? relative greater than 25%. An example of a powder material? the monohydrate form of Cyclophosphamide, which has a melting temperature in the range of 40-45? C, but what can you do? degrade already? at temperatures above 30? C. The chemical degradation causes a modification of the physical characteristics that compromise the workability? in the dosing process.

The apparatus 1 comprises a frame which defines the supporting structure of the apparatus. The frame 3 supports a substantially horizontal work surface 4 on which a series of operating stations are arranged, as described below.

Preferably to frame 3? associated with an insulator that surrounds the work surface 4 to isolate the operating stations from the external environment and thus avoid contamination between the external environment and the internal region delimited by the insulator. The insulator also performs the function of guaranteeing the safety of the operators, in particular in the case in which cytotoxic powder materials are treated.

Pi? in particular, the insulator has a box-like shape and? fixed to a part of the frame 3 arranged, in a mounting configuration, at the top so as to enclose the operating stations inside it. The insulator will not be? further described as per s? known.

To the isolator? associated with a control group of the characteristics of the internal region delimited by the insulator itself, which? designed, in particular, to check the level of purity of the air in this region. The control group includes a series of filters, designed to filter the air taken from the region, and a series of fans that introduce a laminar flow of filtered air into the region. Laminar flow flows in a vertical direction. The vertical and laminar air flow allows to maintain an environmental control that? necessary to carry out an aseptic process.

In a region below the work surface 4, the frame 3 forms a base, not visible in the figures, suitable for housing the motorization systems of the apparatus. In correspondence with a passage area between the base and the region above the work surface 4, sealing means, not shown, are arranged to prevent mutual contamination from occurring between the two regions.

The frame 3? preferably made of stainless steel and covered with stainless steel panels to allow easy sterilization.

The apparatus 1 comprises a power supply station 5 arranged to receive a plurality of products. of containers 2 and transfer them to a pickup area 6.

The feeding station 5 comprises a transfer member 7 which? made by a rotating table around a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The transfer body 7 can? have a discoid shape.

The transfer member 7 receives the containers 2 from a transport member, such as, for example, a conveyor belt, not visible in the figures, and? driven in rotation around the axis of rotation to lead the containers 2 towards the pick-up area 6. The transport member? placed inside a sterilization tunnel to ensure sterility? of containers 2.

The transfer agency 7? provided with guide means 8 which convey the containers 2 towards the pick-up area 6. Preferably the containers 2 arriving at the pick-up area 6 are arranged aligned.

The apparatus 1 also includes a first manipulator 9 adapted to move the containers 2 from the feeding station 5 to a subsequent filling station 10, arranged downstream of the feeding station 5. Downstream of the filling station 10? a capping station 11 is arranged. A second manipulator 9 transports the containers 2 from the filling station 10 to the capping station 11.

Each manipulator 9? made by a robotic arm, pi? in detail by an anthropomorphic robot.

Each robotic arm 9? isolated from the base by sealing means and comprises, in a known way, a base associated with a series of segments connected by joints.

At one end? opposite to the base, which represents the wrist of the robotic arm, gripping means 12 are connected.

The gripping means 12 comprise at least one gripper member which? alternatively movable, upon activation of an actuator, between a gripping configuration and a release configuration of a container 2. Preferably the actuator, not visible in the figures,? pneumatic type.

According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping means 12 comprise a pair of gripper members which are operated by respective actuators to grasp and release the corresponding containers 2.

Each gripper member comprises an operative portion consisting of two clamping elements which are approached, in the gripping configuration, and spaced apart in the release configuration. The operative portion, not visible in the figures,? associated with the wrist of the robotic arm 9 through a connection portion, also not visible in the figures.

The connection portion? coated with a cover element to prevent any contamination of the pincer organ itself by the powder material and also to prevent? to contaminate the powdered material.

The roofing element can be made from a bellows equipped with a tightness control system.

Preferably each gripper member? made of stainless steel or an antistatic plastic material.

The gripping means 12 are provided with sensors, not shown, which are able to detect whether each gripper member has gripped a relative container.

To the robotic arm 9 are also associated? a series of nozzles, not visible in the figures, which are arranged in proximity? of the gripping means 12, above the gripping means 12. The nozzles are connected to a supply circuit of an inert gas such as, for example, argon or nitrogen, so as to blow the gas into each container 2 before the filling the container 2 with a powder material and subsequently filling the container 2.

The joints of the robotic arm 9 are equipped with pressurized seals. Pi? in particular, the apparatus comprises a pneumatic circuit 50 for pressurizing and depressurizing the seals of each robotic arm 9.

In Figure 9? illustrated a diagram of the pneumatic circuit 50 for the pressurization and depressurization of a seal of a robotic arm 9. The circuit 50 allows to set the pressure of a fluid in the seal of the robotic arm 9 to a value within a range selected by the operator and, in general, allows you to check the condition of the gasket.

The circuit 50 comprises a proportional pressure regulating valve 51 connected, by means of a first conduction means 52, to a respective gasket of the robotic arm 9. The proportional pressure regulating valve 51? suitable for setting the pressure of a fluid entering the seal.

Preferably the fluid? compressed air.

The proportional pressure relief valve 51? connected to a safety valve 53. This safety valve 53 allows the inlet pressure to the valve 51 to be kept below a maximum limit value. The maximum limit value? the maximum pressure value accepted at the inlet by the proportional pressure relief valve 51. When is the inlet pressure at valve 51? less than or equal to this maximum limit value? ensured the maintenance of the integrity? of the mechanical components contained in it and? therefore also? ensured the correct functioning of the valve.

The safety valve 53 receives compressed air at a pressure P1 and d? driven by a pressure P0.

P0 means the pressure of the compressed air which? conducted by a source of compressed air 54 entering the circuit 50 while P1? the outlet pressure from a pressure regulator 55 arranged upstream of the safety valve 53.

Preferably the pressure P0? 6-8 bar while the pressure P1? a value less than P0.

Preferably the pressure P1 has a value lower than the aforesaid maximum limit value of the inlet pressure to the proportional pressure regulating valve 51.

Pi? in particular, a second compressed air conduction means 56, connected to the compressed air source 54, d? origin with two branches: a first branch 56a enters the pressure regulator 55 while a second branch 56b, to which the pressure P0 corresponds, constitutes a pilot signal for the safety valve 53.

The circuit 50 also includes? a control valve 57 which has inlet the compressed air coming out of the relative gasket of a robotic arm 9 and? connected at the outlet to a pressure sensor 58 and to a silencer 59. The control valve 57? piloted by pressure P0.

The pressure sensor 58 detects the pressure value in the gasket and sends to the unit? control an alarm signal if the measured value? outside the pressure range set by the operator. In case it is necessary to carry out maintenance operations on the gasket? It is possible to depressurize it by means of the control valve 57, by switching the control valve 57 and sending all the pressurized air in the gasket to the exhaust. Furthermore, ? Possible pressure losses or overpressures in the gasket can be detected by reading the pressure sensor 58.

The containers 2 are transported by the first robotic arm 9 from the pick-up area 6 to the filling station 10 and are released resting on a support member of the type of a plate, not visible in the figures.

At the filling station 10? arranged a weighing unit 13 comprising at least one load cell for measuring the tare weight of a container 2, before filling it with a powder material, and the gross weight of the container 2 once the filling with a powder material has been carried out. The equipment? equipped with a unit? control device suitable for managing the entire process and, in particular, for identifying the containers 2 to be rejected on the basis of the net weight determined starting from the acquired gross and tare weight data.

Preferably, the weighing unit 13 comprises a pair of load cells and a compensation cell designed to detect any disturbances during the weighing step, such as vibrations, and to eliminate such disturbances.

The weighing group 13? supported by a support 14 integral with the base of the apparatus.

The filling station 10 comprises a metering unit 15.

The metering unit 15 comprises a support device 16 carrying at least one pair of metering members 17, in which each metering member 17? able to alternatively carry out the withdrawal of a quantity? dosed material in powder and the dispensing of the quantity? powdered material in a relative container 2.

Each metering member 17? able to withdraw a quantity? metered of material from a feeding tank 18, arranged in proximity? of the dosage group 15, which will be? described below.

The support device 16 comprises a pair of arms 19 which each form at least one seat 20 for a respective metering member 17. According to a preferred embodiment, each arm 19 supports a pair of metering members 17 and, therefore, forms a pair of seats 20 for respective dosing members 17.

The arms 19 are connected integrally to a stem 21 and are mounted on the stem 21 so as to occupy positions at the ends. opposite of the diameter of the stem 21.

The stem 21? driven in rotation according to a rotation axis A by a first motor member 22. Pi? in particular, the stem 21? driven in rotation according to an alternating motion so as to bring the metering members 17 of each arm 19 alternately in correspondence with the feeding tank 18, to carry out the withdrawal of the powder material, and in a position above the containers 2 to carry out the filling.

The configuration of the support device 16 allows, upon actuation of the first motor member 22, to simultaneously take out the powder material by means of the metering members 17 carried by an arm 19 and the filling of the containers 2 by means of the metering members 17 carried by the arm 19 opposite. Preferably the stem 21? driven in rotation of a predetermined angle of rotation around the axis of rotation A.

Preferably the angle of rotation? substantially equal to 180?.

? It is possible to provide that each arm 19 conforms a series of supporting portions aligned along a vertical direction to keep each metering member 17 stably during the operating steps.

Each metering member 17 comprises inside a calibration chamber which defines the volume of the powder material to be inserted inside each container 2.

Each metering member 17 comprises a casing 23 having a tubular shape and a piston, not visible in the figures, which? housed inside the casing 23. The casing has one end? open and the calibration chamber? defined between an internal wall of the casing and a head of the piston, in correspondence with the aforementioned extremity open.

The piston comprises a hollow body internally and a head associated with a filter.

The filter ? made from a net, preferably made of metallic material, which? attached to an edge of the piston head and forms a surface of the piston head. The filter ? permeable to the passage of a flow of a fluid and d? impermeable to the passage of powder material.

The dimensions of the free spaces defined by the net are established on the basis of the type of powder material treated.

The head of the piston can? have a truncated cone shape.

The piston? can be operated in sliding, on activation of an actuator member, along a longitudinal direction to expel the powder material contained in the calibration chamber or to modify, if necessary, the dimensions of the calibration chamber as well as to carry out a cleaning operation of the piston itself . In the latter case, the piston? driven in sliding along a longitudinal direction for a stroke extending outside the casing 23. Each metering member 17? connected, by means of a pneumatic circuit 60, to a source of positive pressure and to a source of negative pressure respectively to introduce a flow of a fluid inside the calibration chamber and to create a vacuum condition in the calibration chamber. The source of negative pressure can? be a vacuum pump.

The source of positive pressure can? be a compressor or a source of a compressed inert gas such as, for example, nitrogen or argon. In the cleaning phase? employed a flow of compressed air or of an inert gas and in the phase of expulsion of the material pu? a stream of compressed air or a stream of an inert gas be employed.

Each metering member 17? controlled, by means of the pneumatic circuit 60, in an independent way with respect to the other metering members 17 in order to be able to carry out an autonomous regulation of the pressure in each metering member 17. The pneumatic circuit 60 allows to carry out a precise regulation of the pressure in each metering member 17 in a manner to compensate for any tolerance errors, obtaining a uniform dosage for all the dosing organs 17.

In particular, the pneumatic circuit 60 comprises, for each metering member 17, a diverter valve 61 which receives a pressurized fluid at its inlet and? also? connected, by means of connection means 62, to a vacuum pump 63. The diverter valve 61? controlled to selectively allow the passage of a pressurized fluid or to create a vacuum condition in the calibration chamber of the relative metering member 17 so as to suck up the powder material. In Figure 10? shown is a diagram of the pneumatic circuit 60 relating to a pair of metering members 17a, 17b arranged diametrically opposite on the stem 21 or better metering members 17 which operate, at an instant of time t, in different operating phases.

Each diverter valve 61? connected at the outlet to a relative metering device 17a, 17b by means of the interposition of a pair of filters 64. The redundancy of the filters 64 guarantees a condition of maximum safety for the operator in case it is necessary to replace or carry out maintenance operations on one of the filters 64. The redundancy of the filters 64 also allows to guarantee a high level of sterility? of the fluids entering the metering members 17a, 17b.

Upstream of the diverter valves 61, the circuit 60 comprises a fluid distribution block 65 for the cleaning and expulsion phases. The distribution block 65 receives compressed air inlet for cleaning and for expelling compressed air or argon or nitrogen.

Compressed air? transported to the distribution block 65 by means of relative conduction means connected to a source of compressed air 66.

Argon and nitrogen are transported to the distribution block 65 respectively by means of relative conduction means connected respectively to a source of compressed argon 67 and to a source of compressed nitrogen 67.

? It is possible to expel the powder material by selecting one of the gases transported to the distribution block 65, ie compressed air or argon or nitrogen.

For each pair of metering members 17? connected, at the outlet to the distribution block 65, a first conduction means 68 which conveys a flow of compressed air to a pressure regulator 69.

The first means of conduction 68 d? origin, downstream of the pressure regulator 69, with two branches 68a, 68b relating to the cleaning steps of respective metering members 17a, 17b. To distribution block 65? also? connected at the outlet to a second conduction means 70 which conveys a flow of compressed air or a flow of a compressed inert gas at the inlet to a further pressure regulator 69 and, downstream of the pressure regulator 69, d? originates from a pair of branches 70a, 70b relating to the ejection steps of respective metering members 17a, 17b.

For each pressure regulator 69 the relative conducting means 68, 70 d? origin of two branches connected to respective metering members 17a, 17b arranged diametrically opposite on the stem 21 or better metering members 17 which operate, at an instant of time t, in different operating phases. By way of example, when the dispenser 17a? during the expulsion phase of the powder material, the opposite dispenser 17b? during the suction phase of the material, therefore, it will be? connected to the vacuum pump or vice versa. The configuration of the circuit 60 is optimized by exploiting the connection of each pressure regulator 69 to metering members 17 which operate, at a predetermined instant t, in different operating phases.

The circuit 60 associates the branch 68a of the first conduction means 68, which passes a compressed fluid for cleaning, and the branch 70a of the second conduction means 70, to each metering member 17, for example for the metering device indicated by 17a. it passes a fluid for the expulsion of the powder material. The branches 68a, 70a cross and at the node of the branches? connected a third conduction means 71 connected to the diverter valve 61.

Non-return valves 72 are arranged on each branch 68a, 70a to prevent the passage of fluids from one branch to the other and to prevent the creation of overpressures on the valves.

In the same way, for the further doser 17b the circuit 60 associates the branch 68b of the first conduction means 68, which passes a fluid for cleaning, and the branch 70b of the second conduction means 70 which allows a fluid to pass through the ? expulsion of the powder material. The branches 68ba, 70b cross and at the node of the branches? a third conduction means 73 connected to the diverter valve 61 is connected. The non-return valves 72 prevent the passage of fluids from one branch to the other. The pneumatic circuit 60 and the pneumatic circuit 50 for pressurizing the seals of the robotic arms 9 are controlled by means of a control panel which allows the modifications made, for example the adjustment operations, to be carried out, improving control over the circuits.

Each metering member 17? fed independently from the pneumatic circuit 60 described above with a flow of a fluid under pressure to expel the powdered material withdrawn or? connected to the vacuum pump to create a vacuum condition in the calibration chamber.

Alternatively or in combination with the expulsion of the powdered material with a pressurized fluid, each metering member 17 can? expel the powder material by the force exerted by the piston when? driven in translation inside the casing 23.

In a phase of withdrawal of the material in powder, can? a vacuum condition be created in the calibration chamber of each metering member 17 and / or the powder material? taken by applying a compression force of the dispenser 17 on the material which is compacted in the calibration chamber.

Around stem 21? mounted a member for cleaning 24 of the metering members 17 shaped as a ring.

The cleaning member 24 has a series of openings provided with suction means, not visible in the figures, in correspondence with which it can be used. each metering member 17 be inserted to remove the residual material which? remained adherent.

? It is possible to provide that the cleaning member 24 is equipped with a scraper element, not shown, arranged to cooperate with the suction means in removing the material.

The feeding tank 18? arranged adjacent to the support device 16 of the metering members 17 and? mounted on a base 25 integral with a first shaft 26, able to be rotated around a substantially vertical axis of rotation B by a second motor member 27.

The second motor member 27 transmits the rotational motion to the shaft 26 by means of transmission means 28.

The tree 26? also? connected to a third motor member 29 which drives it in translation along a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation B thanks to the interposition of screw means 30, for example a ball screw.

The supply tank 18 comprises a containment body 31 suitable for containing a predetermined quantity of water. of a powder material. The containment body 31? rotatable around the axis of rotation B upon actuation of the second motor member 27 and? driven in translation upon actuation of the third motor member 29.

The containment body 31? rotated by an angle of rotation whose value? changed periodically to allow the metering members 17 to withdraw the material from different regions of the layer of material contained inside the containment body 31.

Above the containment body 31? a lid 32 is arranged which occupies a fixed position with respect to the containment body 31.

The containment body 31 comprises a bottom wall 33 from which a perimeter wall 34 develops. Preferably the containment body 31 has a cylindrical shape.

On the back wall 33? made at least one cavity? collection tank 35 which functions as a collection tank for the powder material when the level of the material inside the containment body 31? lower than a predetermined reference value.

The cavity collection 35? open on one side facing the inside of the containment body 31 to allow the powder material to enter.

The cavity collection 35 extends along an orthogonal direction to the bottom wall 33, in the thickness of the base 25.

According to one embodiment, the cavity? collection 35 has a slotted plan shape.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6-8, the supply tank 18 comprises a pair of cavities. collection 35.

Optical sensor means configured to measure the thickness of the layer of powder material inside the containment body 31 are associated with the supply tank 18. The optical sensor means can comprise an optical fiber. The lid 32 forms an opening 36, for example in the shape of a slot, which allows the metering members 17 to be inserted into the containment body 31 to withdraw the powder material.

To the lid 32? associated with a conveying element 37 having a tubular shape, which? connected to a non-visible powder material discharge container to discharge the powder material into the containment body 31 when? it is necessary to restore the layer of the material. Does the waste container preferably use the force of gravity? to unload the material into the conveying element 37.

The lid 32? integral with a second shaft 38 which? it can be operated in translation by a motor component. Pi? in particular, in a phase of recovery of the powder material, the lid 32? driven in translation along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation B in an opposite direction with respect to the displacement of the containment body 31. In this way, the container 31 maintains a fixed position with respect to the containment body 31 allowing the recovery phase to be carried out of the material, what will it be? explained better below.

The second tree 38? coaxial to the first shaft 26.

The supply tank 18 also comprises? a collection member connected to the lid 32 which? activated to rake the powder material towards the cavity? collection 35, favoring the recovery of the powder material. The collection member performs the function of deaerating and compacting the layer of powder material before the material is removed by the metering members 17.

Preferably the collecting member has a helical shape.

Once the filling of the containers 2 has been completed, the containers 2 are weighed again by the weighing unit 13 to determine the gross weight of each container 2 and are picked up by the second robotic arm 9.

The second robotic arm 9 transports the containers to the capping station 11 and, once it arrives at this station 11, supports the containers by means of the gripping means 12 for a predetermined time interval necessary for the application of relative caps on the containers 2.

The capping station 11 comprises a first device 39 for feeding the caps which? made from a container having a truncated cone shape. The first power supply device 39? vibrating and forms a pair of outlet channels to release, step by step, a pair of caps to be applied on relative containers 2.

At the first power supply device 39 pu? be associated with a first pre-feeding device 40 consisting of a hopper containing a predetermined quantity? of caps. The 40? equipped with an unloading element, for example a unloading chute, to supply the plugs to the first feeding device 39.

The first 40 prefeed device? arranged in the vicinity? of an access point of the isolator to allow an easy loading of the plugs.

The capping station 11 also comprises? a capping device 41 which picks up the outgoing caps from the feeding device 39 and makes them available to the containers 2, preferably one pair of caps at a time.

Pi? in particular, the capping device 41 transports the caps towards the containers 2 and positions them aligned at the end? open of the containers 2, associating them with the containers 2. In the case of using bottles, the caps are positioned aligned with the mouths of the bottles.

The second robotic arm 9 can? be operated in motion to associate the caps to the containers 2 and complete the capping operation.

The second robotic arm 9 carries the capped containers 2 on a release surface 42.

The release plan 42? located in correspondence with a dividing wall 43 interposed between the capping station 11 and a subsequent capping station 44.

On the partition wall 43? made an opening in which? issued the release plan 42.

The capping station 11 comprises sensors, not shown, configured to detect the presence of the cap on each container 2. The sensors can be optical sensors such as, for example, cameras.

In the event that the cap on a container 2 is not detected, due to the loss of the cap during handling or during withdrawal, the second robotic arm 9? moved again towards the capping station 11 to carry out the capping of the container 2 previously detected. In the time interval in which the second arm 9 carries the capped container towards the release surface 42, the handling device 41 proceeds to pick up and make available the missing cap. The further cap taken from the handling device 41? expelled.

The capping station 44 comprises a second feeding device 45 for ferrules having a truncated cone shape. The power supply device 45? vibrant and? equipped with an outlet guide 46 to make the ferrules available to the containers 2.

To the power supply device 45 pu? be associated, as in the case of the capping station 11, with a pre-feeding device 47 consisting of a hopper containing a predetermined quantity? of ferrules. The pre-feeding device 47? equipped with a discharge element, for example a discharge chute, for supplying the ferrules to the feeding device 45.

The capping station 44 comprises a third robotic arm 9 for handling the containers 2.

The characteristics of the first and second robotic arm 9 are also applicable to the third robotic arm 9 with the exception of the nozzles since the third arm 9 does not deliver an inert gas into the containers 2.

The capping station 44 comprises a capping device 48 comprising means for supporting the containers equipped with closing caps and a series of capping heads each equipped with a capping blade oscillating between a disengagement position and a working position for deform the ferrule around the neck of the bottle.

The capping device 48 does not? further described as per s? known.

The third robotic arm 9 picks up the containers 2 from the release plane 42 and transports them to the sealing device 48 by pulling the ring nuts from the feeding device 45. The third robotic arm 9, during the transport of the containers 2 towards the capping station 48, makes the containers 2 pass under a device for riveting the respective caps so as to avoid the occurrence of a wrong positioning or a leakage of the caps.

The containers 2 at the outlet from the capping device 48 are transported by the robotic arm 9 on an outlet plane 49, to a subsequent station if the weight measured during the process? correct otherwise they are discarded.

The capping station 44 comprises sensors, not shown, configured to detect the presence of the ring nut on each container 2.

In the event that a ring nut is not detected on a container 2, due to the loss of the ring nut during handling or during withdrawal, the third robotic arm 9 maintains with the gripping means the container 2 equipped with the ring and? moved again towards the feeding device 45 to pick up the ring nut to be applied to the container 2 with the ring nut missing. The third robotic arm 9? then moved towards the capping device 48 to carry out the capping of the container 2.

The operation of the apparatus for filling containers with a powdered material is easily understood from the above description.

The containers 2 arriving at the feeding station 5 are transferred by means of the transfer member 7 from the conveyor belt to the release surface 6 and are picked up, preferably in pairs, by the first robotic arm 9.

The first robotic arm 9 transports a pair of containers 2 from the release surface 6 to the filling station 10 and, in particular, releases them to the weighing unit 13 to measure the tare weight of the containers 2.

Afterwards, ? filled each container 2 with a quantity? metering of a powder material by means of the metering unit 15.

In particular, each metering member 17, which? arranged above a relative container 2 from the support device 16, expels the quantity? of powder material contained in the calibration chamber inside the relative container 2. The expulsion of the powder material can? take place by moving the piston of the metering member 17 and / or by the flow of compressed air or an inert gas introduced into the calibration chamber by the pneumatic circuit 60.

Simultaneously with the expulsion of the powdered material into a container 2 by a metering member 17, at least one further metering member 17 carries out the withdrawal of a quantity? dosed material in powder from the feeding tank 18.

How does the feed tank 18 work? detailed below. In a phase of steady operation, the containment body 31 of the supply tank 18? driven in rotation around the axis of rotation B by an angle of rotation which? changed periodically to allow the metering members 17 to withdraw the material from different regions of the layer of material contained in the containment body 31 itself. The metering members 17 carried by the relative arm 19 are inserted through the opening of the lid 32 and each take a predetermined quantity of water. of powder material, defined by the volume of the calibration chamber.

The picking operation takes place through the application of a compression force by the pistons of the pair of metering members 17 on the layer of the powder material and / or by suction thanks to the creation of a vacuum condition in the calibration chambers.

The thickness of the layer of powder material inside the containment body 31? kept approximately constant thanks to the feeding of the material by the unloading container.

When the optical sensor means detect that the layer of material inside the containment body 31? below a predetermined value, due to the exhaustion of the material in the waste container, they send a signal to the unit? control. The unit? control unit commands the implementation of a recovery phase of the remaining powder material in the containment body 31.

In particular, the unit? controls the rotation of the containment body 31 around the axis of rotation B by a rotation angle having a value such as to bring the metering members 17 aligned with the cavity. collection 35 along a longitudinal direction. The? Rotation angle?, For example, 360?.

The containment body 31? also? driven in translation along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation B, by the action of the third motor member 29, on command of the unit? control. The lid 32? in turn carried out in translation along the same direction in the opposite direction to that of the containment body 31.

In the aforesaid phase of recovery of the powdered material, the metering members 17, aligned with the cavity? collection 35, can take the powder material contained in the cavity? and, thanks to the translation of the feeding tank 18, they can recover the material by exploiting the depth? of the cavity? collection 35. The withdrawal operation, in the recovery phase, takes place in the manner described for the steady-state operation phase.

Once the containers 2 have been filled, these containers are weighed again by the weighing unit 13 to measure the gross weight and are picked up by the second robotic arm 9 to be transferred from the filling station 10 to the subsequent capping station 11.

The unit? control establishes, on the basis of the net weight values, the suitability? of containers 2.

The first robotic arm 2, having completed the filling of the containers 2, performs a return stroke to pick up a further pair of empty containers 2.

The second robotic arm 9 transfers the pair of containers 2 under the capping device 41 and keeps them in position, by means of the gripping means 12, so that the respective caps are applied to the containers 2.

The capped containers 2 are subsequently transported by the second robotic arm 9 to the release surface 42.

The third robotic arm 9 picks up the pair of containers 2 from the release plane 42 and transports them to the capping device 48, taking a pair of ring nuts from the relative feeding device 45 during the path.

The capping device 48? operated to apply a capsule on each container 2 and cap each container 2.

The containers 2 are then transported by the third robotic arm 9 on the outfeed plane 49, towards a subsequent station.

If the net weight acquired at the filling station 10 does not? correct, containers 2 are discarded. The rejection of the containers 2 takes place only at the end of the capping process.

The apparatus according to the present invention achieves the purpose of effectively filling the containers with a powdered material thanks to the fact that it is possible to fill the containers effectively. adjust the pressure of the fluid entering the calibration chamber of each metering member and, equally, the negative pressure to create the vacuum in the chamber, independently of the other metering members.

The possibility? to regulate the pressure independently for the various dosing devices allows to reach an optimal level of precision in the phases of withdrawing the powder material and filling the containers, ensuring a precise dosage. For example, in the event of mechanical problems, the independent pressure adjustment allows to perform a compensation which, especially in the case of small volumes of material, is advantageous.

In the case of powdered materials that are difficult to process, the independent pressure regulation? useful to solve problems of incorrect dosage that may occur due to the characteristics of the material, for example due to the fact that it has an adhesiveness? relevant.

An advantageous aspect of the present equipment? the fact that the piston of each metering organ can? be operated in translation inside the relative casing to carry out the expulsion of the powder material, in combination with the introduction into the calibration chamber of the fluid fed by the pneumatic circuit or as an alternative to the fluid.

Similarly, in the withdrawal phase, you can? combine the compression exerted by the dosing device on the layer of the powder material with the suction due to the vacuum condition created in the calibration chamber. The possibility? to use the aforementioned technologies gives versatility? to the equipment since it easily adapts to different types of powder material. Depending on the characteristics of the treated powder material, it can? in fact, it is necessary to combine the flow of the fluid with the mechanical action of the piston or to use only the fluid or only the force exerted by the piston to expel the material.

It should be emphasized that, thanks to the pneumatic circuit connected to the metering members, which allows the pressure in the metering members to be regulated in a precise and independent manner, and also thanks to the fact that the aforementioned technologies for picking and filling can be combined or used separately, The equipment allows to minimize the impact that hardly workable powders can have in the phases of picking up the powder material and filling the containers, ensuring stability. to such processes.

A further advantage offered by the apparatus according to the present invention? that of maximizing the consumption of the powdered material thanks to the provision of a rotating feeding tank equipped with at least one cavity; of material collection.

The cavity in fact, it allows to recover inside at least a part of the powder material that remains in the containment body of the feed tank when the material present in the discharge container ends, or when the material of the batch runs out. The fact that the dosing organs take the material from the cavity? collection, in the recovery phase, has the effect of significantly reducing, for each batch of material used, the quantity? of powdered material which is not? used for filling containers. The optimization of the consumption of the powder material leads to a reduction in production costs.

An aspect to underline? that the use of robotic arms to move the containers allows to obtain an efficient transport of the containers and also allows to reduce to a minimum the number of containers rejected at each production cycle. If the sensors present in the capping and capping stations do not respectively detect the presence of a cap or a ring nut on a container, the unit? control commands the movement of the robotic arms in order to recover the cap or the ring nut and apply them again on this container. The robotic arms allow you to change their trajectory according to your needs and, therefore, allow you to perform the aforementioned recovery functions. There? does that imply? It is possible to reduce the number of containers to be discarded.

Furthermore, the robotic arms for handling the containers allow to maintain a level of cleanliness at the end of the process better than the use of handling systems such as, for example, conveyors, augers, etc.

An advantage ? linked to the provision of an insulator that surrounds the operating stations, preventing contamination between the external environment and the operating region, as well as the provision of a control unit that generates a vertical laminar air flow inside the insulator. These characteristics are relevant in sectors that require precise environmental control during the process, such as, for example, the pharmaceutical sector, to preserve sterility. containers and product, as well as to ensure the safety of operators, especially in the case of use of cytotoxic products.

In the end, ? it should be emphasized that the configuration of the metering unit comprising a support device, which leads the metering units alternatively to withdraw the material and to carry out the filling, and, in particular, the fact that the metering units have a compact and compact configuration, allows to minimize the interaction with the vertical laminar air flow and, therefore, to minimize the onset of turbulence phenomena. In this way, the dosing group contributes to ensuring the maintenance of the sterility level. of the process. The equipment described as an example? susceptible of numerous modifications and variations according to different requirements.

In the practical implementation of the invention, the materials used, as well as? the shape and dimensions can be any according to the needs.

Where the technical characteristics mentioned in each claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the understanding of the claims and consequently they have no limiting value on the purpose of each element identified by way of d? example from such reference marks.

Claims (11)

Claims 1) Apparatus for filling containers with a powder material comprising a feeding station (5) arranged to feed a plurality of of said containers (2); a filling station (10), arranged downstream of said feeding station (5), comprising a metering unit (15) configured to fill each said container (2) with a quantity of metering of a powdered material, said metering unit (15) comprising at least one pair of metering members (17), each said metering member (17) being able to alternatively carry out the withdrawal of a quantity? dosed of said material in powder and the expulsion of said quantity? metering of said powder material into a relative container (2), each metering member (17) defining inside it a calibration chamber; a first manipulator (9) operable in motion to transport at least one said container (2) from said feeding station (5) to said filling station (10); a pneumatic circuit (60) which connects each said metering member (17) to a source of positive pressure (66, 67, 67?) and to a source of negative pressure (63) respectively to introduce a flow of a fluid inside of said calibration chamber and to create a vacuum condition in said calibration chamber, each said metering member (17) being fed independently by means of said pneumatic circuit (60) to regulate the pressure value autonomously. 2) Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said pneumatic circuit (60) comprises at least a pair of diverter valves (61) connected to relative said metering members (17), each said diverter valve (61) receiving a flow of a compressed fluid and being also? connected to said source of negative pressure (63), each said diverter valve (61) being controlled to selectively allow the passage of said fluid or to allow the creation of a vacuum condition in said calibration chamber of the relative metering member (17). 3) Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that each said metering member (17) comprises a casing (23) having one end? open and a piston housed inside said casing, said piston comprising a filter, said filter being associated with a head of said piston, said calibration chamber being defined between an internal wall of said casing and said head of said piston, in correspondence of said extremity? open. 4) Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, in a step of filling said containers (2) with quantity? dosages of powder material, said piston of each metering member (17)? operable in translation by a relative actuator member along a longitudinal direction of said casing (23) to expel a quantity? metering of powder material in a relative container (2) and / or said diverter valve (61) associated with said metering member (17)? controlled to introduce a flow of fluid into said calibration chamber for expelling said powdered material. 5) Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said filling station (10) comprises a feeding tank (18), able to contain a predetermined quantity? of said powdered material, arranged adjacent to said dosing unit (15), said feeding tank (18) being rotatable around a substantially vertical axis of rotation (B). 6) Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that said metering unit (15) comprises a support device (16) bearing said at least one pair of metering members (17). 7) Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that said support device (16) comprises a pair of arms (19) integral with a stem (21), said arms (19) each carrying at least one metering member (17), said stem (21) being driven in rotation around a rotation axis (A) by a motor member (22) to bring said metering members (17) alternately in correspondence with said feeding tank (18), to carry out the withdrawal of the powdered material, and in a position above said containers (2) to fill said containers (2). 8) Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that said arms (19) are mounted at the ends? diametrically opposite of said stem (21) so that, upon actuation of said motor member (22), the at least one metering member (17) carried by an arm (19)? arranged in correspondence with said feeding tank (18) to carry out the withdrawal of said powder material and, at the same time, the at least one metering member (17) carried by the opposite arm (19); arranged above a container (2) to fill said container (2) with said powder material. 9) Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a capping station (11) arranged downstream of said filling station (10); a second manipulator (9), operable in motion to transport at least one said container (2) from said filling station (10) to said capping station (11) and to transport each said container (2) from said capping station ( 11) to a later station. 10) Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a capping station (44), said capping station (44) being arranged downstream of said capping station (11), said capping station (11) being separate from said sealing station (44) from a dividing wall (43); a third manipulator (9) operable in motion to transport at least one said container (2) towards said capping station (44). 11) Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an insulator which delimits an internal region in which said stations (5, 10, 11, 44) are arranged so as to prevent mutual contamination between the external environment and said region internal.