ITMO20090143A1 - EMBOSSING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Description

Embossing apparatus

Background of the invention

The invention relates to an embossing apparatus, in particular for the production of capsules for containers having at least one part provided with elements embossed in relief and / or in recess.

Specifically, but not exclusively, the invention can be used to produce capsules in metallic material, such as crown caps for bottles, lids for jars, and so on.

It is known to form a pictogram (for example a design, a decoration, an inscription, a symbol, a trademark, etc.) on a capsule for containers by means of a relief printing, or embossing, obtained by means of a compression embossing punch.

Patent publication KR 20050009324 describes the production of continuous caps in which a cylindrical capsule is processed by first forming means to reduce its width, by second forming means to shape it in a truncated cone shape, by third and fourth forming means to generate various notches on the frusto-conical surface, and by fifth forming means comprising a compression punch cooperating with a counter-punch or die to obtain a relief pattern on the end wall of the capsule.

The molding of embossed motifs on the gasket of a crown cap is also known from US patent publication 3705122.

Patent publications GB 409389 and GB 404889 describe the blanking and shaping of a metal strip to obtain caps which are subsequently embossed with a punch in an embossing station to obtain a pictogram in relief.

Patent publication US 4588465 describes a carousel rotating between various positions, in which the cap is fed to the carousel in a first position, an adhesive is deposited in the cap in a second position, a previously cut gasket is glued to the cap in a third position, and an embossing punch imprints a raised design on the gasket in a fourth position.

Patent publication GB 1109812 shows an apparatus for producing decorated metal caps for bottles, in which a step of embossing the caps takes place on a rotating machine.

Patent publication FR 2783509 describes the insertion of a gasket in a crown cap and the subsequent punching of the lateral surface of the cap to fix the gasket to the cap.

It is also known from the patent publication GB 257908 to obtain metal caps provided with decorations which are both colored and in relief by means of an embossing punch with engraved parts which are colored before embossing.

It is also known to form relief designs on the bottom of a crown cap directly in the molding and drawing press of the hollow body structure of the capsule for containers (for example of the shell or shell of the crown cap).

Summary of the invention

In particular, the present invention relates to the formation of raised impressions (embossing) performed separately with respect to the molding and drawing of the structure of the hollow body of the capsule of the container. In other words, the embossing of the hollow body is carried out after the hollow body structure has been made in the press, typically by stamping and drawing sheet metal. In particular, embossing takes place outside the molding press of the hollow body.

An object of the invention is to provide an embossing apparatus, in particular suitable for embossing elements with a concave body such as for example caps for closing containers, with a relatively high productivity.

An advantage is to make available a device with a relatively small footprint.

Another advantage is to make an apparatus capable of embossing relatively small objects with relatively high accuracy.

A further advantage consists in a reduced risk of damage to the embossed object.

These aims and advantages and others besides are all achieved by the apparatus according to one or more of the claims reported below.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate some non-limiting examples of implementation.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus for embossing closure capsules for containers of the type with a transport carousel.

Figure 2 shows a top plan view of the apparatus in figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side view in vertical elevation of a part of the apparatus of Figure 1 including the detection zone of the image pre-printed on the capsules.

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a detail of the apparatus of the previous figures with highlighted some parts of one of the embossing devices which are rotated by the transport carousel.

Figure 6 shows a detail of an operating unit rotated by a transport carousel according to another embodiment suitable for the processing (embossing) of capsules with the bottom facing downwards. Figure 7 shows a detail of the apparatus version of Figure 6 in a detection zone of the pre-printed design on the capsules.

Figure 8 shows a top plan diagram of an embossing apparatus for capsules of the type with several operating carousels connected in series.

Figure 9 shows a detail, in vertical elevation, of the first carousel of the apparatus of figure 8 in which the phases of detection of the pre-printed image on the capsules and of phasing take place by varying the orientation of the capsules themselves , in an embodiment version of an embossing apparatus in which the capsules have the bottom facing downwards.

Figure 10 shows a passage area of the capsules from the first carousel (in which the image of the capsules is phased with respect to the embossed imprint that will have to be embossed later) to the second transfer carousel.

Figure 11 shows a detail of the third carousel of the apparatus of figure 8 in which the embossing phase of the imprint in relief on the capsules takes place.

Figure 12 shows a detail of an embossing device for capsules configured to operate on capsules with the bottom facing upwards.

Figure 13 shows a detail of the lower group of a device for embossing capsules with the bottom facing downwards.

Figure 14 shows the embossing device of Figure 13 with also the upper embossing unit.

Figure 15 shows a further version of a carousel for transporting capsules in the context of an embossing apparatus with a different system for detecting the image pre-printed on the capsules.

Figure 16 shows a detail of a device for holding a capsule and for changing its orientation.

Figure 17 shows a further version of an embossing apparatus for closure caps for containers in a top plan view.

Figure 18 shows three operational phases in sequence of a method for embossing and simultaneous molding of a gasket inside a capsule for closing containers.

Figure 19 is a top plan view of an apparatus for the production of capsules (crown caps) equipped with embossing and an internal sealing gasket for closing containers.

Figure 20 is a bottom side view, in vertical elevation, of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is an enlarged detail of figure 20.

Detailed description

In the following some apparatuses for the embossing processing of capsules for containers will be described starting from capsules already produced in previous processes. The embossing is used in particular to emboss a design or pictogram on the capsule, such as for example an inscription, a symbol, a code, a logo, a trademark, a graphic representation or any other element in relief having a predetermined conformation and / or layout. These previous processes are already known and will therefore not be discussed in detail in the present description. Said known processes may include, in particular, at least one (compression) molding operation, such as for example stamping by shearing and drawing sheet metal in order to obtain from a (continuous or discrete) sheet of metal a plurality of concave bodies which they will form the main structure (shell or shell) with which to make the capsules for containers.

The capsules for containers object of the present description can relate in particular to caps having at least one main concave body structure (shell or shell) made of metal. It is possible that the capsules in question are optionally crown caps for bottles, or metal lids for various types of containers.

In this description, methods and apparatuses will therefore be treated in which the embossing to impress portions in relief on the capsule is carried out separately, at another time and / or in another place, with respect to the operation of forming the concave structure of the capsule itself, for example by molding. , ie in which it is provided to emboss the already printed capsule structure. It is possible, for example, to carry out the embossing process in the same phase (substantially at the same time and / or in the same place) in which the so-called chewing operation is carried out, i.e. the molding of the gasket inside the structure main concave body (shell or conch) of the capsule.

With reference to Figure 1, an apparatus is shown for embossing capsules for containers (for example crown caps) starting from capsules already formed in a known way (for example printed by means of shearing and drawing operations of metallic material in sheet or foil ). This apparatus, in particular, is suitable for working substantially independently of the molding apparatus which prepares the capsules to be embossed. Basically, the apparatus of figure 1 is not necessarily arranged to operate in line or continuously with respect to one or more capsule molding apparatuses.

The embossing apparatus can comprise, as in the case of figure 1, a hopper 1 which is configured to receive the concave body structures of the capsules (typically metallic shells). The hopper 1 is designed in particular to receive the capsules arranged in bulk. The hopper 1 is connected to a feeder 2, for example of the rotary type, configured to receive the capsules from the hopper 1 and to feed the capsules in an orderly manner, for example in a single row, to a downstream user. In the specific case, the feeder has an outlet connected to a feeding channel 4 which could be equipped with a capsule orientation device (of known type) capable of arranging the capsules according to a desired orientation or arrangement, for example with the concavity facing upwards or downwards.

With 3 an upper frame has been indicated designed to support the capsule feeding system and in this case including the hopper 1 and the feeder 2, with 5 a transport carousel where the embossing of the capsules is carried out, with 6 a discharge channel for removing and conveying the embossed capsules leaving the carousel, with 7 a main base configured to support the carousel.

The transport carousel or embossing carousel 5 rotates (continuously) around an axis of rotation which in the specific case is vertical. The transport carousel 5 comprises a plurality of operating groups, each of which comprises an embossing device (as will be better explained hereinafter). The operative groups are arranged on the periphery of the carousel angularly spaced from each other. The transport / embossing carousel is provided (internally) with various devices (of a known type and not described in detail) designed to move and operate the various moving and operating parts of the operating units.

The main base 7 could contain inside it the various devices predisposed to rotate the carousel (for example the motorization). The discharge or outlet channel 6 could comprise a duct, for example substantially fixed, having a portion arranged in an outlet area of the carousel to divert the capsules from the orbital rotary motion (the capsules having such orbital rotary motion by virtue of the fact of be carried by the rotating carousel) to an output motion which is radial or which has at least one radial component towards the outside in order to exit and move away from the carousel itself.

With reference to Figure 2, 8 indicates a sensor designed to detect pre-printed drawings (for example lithographic drawings) on the surface of the capsules. The sensor 8 could comprise a camera vision system or other sensor of the optical type.

In this specific apparatus it is envisaged that each capsule (or structure with a concave body or shell or shell) is processed by the apparatus itself with a portion of the bottom (bottom) facing upwards (i.e. each structure with a hollow body has its concavity facing down).

With reference to Figure 3, 9 indicates the upper portion of the embossing tool, with 10 an annular support element configured to support an annular peripheral area of the capsule, with 11 a motor designed to place in rotation the support element 10 which can rotate on itself around a rotation axis (vertical) which in the specific case coincides with the embossing axis, with 12 an embossing punch (lower or counter-punch) configured to imprint a pictogram (any type of figure or symbol or design or element in relief with the desired shape and arrangement) on the bottom of the capsule, with 13 a cam member for activating the embossing movement of the punch 12, with 14 a transmission system for transmitting the motion from the engine 11 to the support element 10.

Figure 5 describes the embossing device in greater detail. With 15 was indicated a sheet-holder for holding the capsules in position, with 16 an (upper) embossing punch, with 17 an extractor member for the ejection of the capsule from the carousel, with 18 a gripping device ( for example of the star type) to take the capsule and drag it into rotation in solidarity with the carousel, with 19 the lower portion of the embossing tool as a whole (comprising the lower punch 12 and the support element 10 which in turn it could be loaded by an elastic element, similar to the sheet-holder 15, or it could be rigidly coupled), with 20 a lid or upper containment element for the capsules moving along a circular path moved by the socket 18.

The upper portion 9 of the embossing tool comprises the sheet-holder 15, which is configured to operate on an annular peripheral area of the capsule, and also comprises the embossing punch 16 which bears the parts in relief (and / or in recess) to imprint the pictogram on the cap (in cooperation with corresponding parts in recess or in relief present on the other punch, ie the lower punch or counter-punch). The sheet press 15 is equipped with an elastic element (for example a calibrated spring) which loads the sheet press 15 itself with a determined force so as to allow a controlled deformation of the sheet which forms the bottom portion of the capsule which is embossed.

Operation will be described below.

The capsules are fed and conveyed into the feeding channel 4 and then enter in an orderly manner (for example one by one) into the transport carousel 5 where embossing takes place.

The capsules are guided to position themselves in the gripping device 18 (transport star) which carries them along the rotary path of the carousel. The capsules are substantially contained at the top by the lid 20. Each capsule is retained by the support element 10 by means of retention means, for example of the magnet or suction type. The support element 10 is connected to the motor 11 (for example of the stepper type) which is able to make it rotate by a certain quantity through an electronic drive and control (feedback control guided by the sensor 8 which detects the position of the image on the capsule). The capsule, which was taken from the carousel and carried by it in rotation, passes in front of the sensor 8 (for example by means of a 90 ° image taken that has been schematized in figures 3 and 4), which detects the lithographic design printed on the surface of the capsule.

The control unit (not shown) controls the motor 11 on the basis of the image signal supplied by the sensor 8. The support element 10 of the capsule is then commanded to rotate by the amount necessary to phase (i.e. with a desired relative arrangement) the capsule with the relative punch 16, ie to phase the pre-printed design on the capsule with the pictogram in relief (or in recess) present on the punch which must be embossed (embossed) on the capsule.

Continuing along the path, the capsule already in phase (i.e. positioned in the desired position), is lifted by the lower punch 12, which in turn is moved (raised) by the cam 13. The capsule then comes into contact with the sheet press 15 and it is (immediately) blocked by this, before the lower punch 12 and the upper punch 16 enter into compression action of the capsule to effect the embossing. Then the further movement of the lower punch 12 causes the deformation of the plate of the capsule and the embossing of the pictogram.

Subsequently, always continuing in its own rotary path guided by the carousel, the capsule remains held by the lower punch 12 which begins to lower away from the upper punch 16. The capsule therefore comes into contact with the support element 10 and at that point the extractor member 17 (fixed) to convey the capsules into the discharge channel or outlet 6.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, an embossing apparatus is described in which the capsules are processed with the concavity facing upwards, that is, with the bottom facing downwards.

In this case the capsules arrive, as before, from the feeding channel and pass through a transport surface 51, for example a sliding surface with magnets. The capsules are then positioned in such a way as to be gripped by the gripping device 50 (for example of the transport star type) in order to be dragged by the carousel (similarly to what was previously described) which carries a plurality of angular embossing devices on the periphery. spaced apart.

Each embossing device comprises an upper punch 47, which can optionally have means for retaining the capsule, such as for example pneumatic means having a suction channel operating as a sucker, or magnet means. A sensor 54 is provided for detecting the image printed on the capsule, including for example a camera, with possible image taking at 90 ° in order to position the image sensor laterally with respect to the capsule passage area (as in the example described above). In particular, the sensor is able to detect the position of the design (for example lithographic printing) on the capsule. A motor 49 is configured to move (rotate) an annular gripping element 48 so as to position the capsule in phase with the punch 47. the latter is located inside the annular gripping element 48 , similarly to the lower punch 12 and to the support element 10 of the previous example.

The embossing process in this case comprises the upward movement of a lower embossing punch 53 which approaches the upper punch 47. This movement (lifting) leads, initially, to contact between the capsule and an element annular sheet press 52 (which surrounds the lower punch 53) and then to the compression interaction on the capsule of the punches 47 and 53 to carry out the embossing.

Referring now to figures 8 to 11, an embossing apparatus for capsules is described in which the operation of changing the orientation of the capsules (for the phasing of the pre-printed design with the pictogram that will be imprinted by the embossing), including the detection of the position of the design on the capsule, is carried out on a carousel separate from the carousel in which the embossing of the pictogram takes place.

In this case the capsules advance in sequence along a feeding channel 21 and are then gripped and rotated by a first carousel or carousel for orienting the capsules 23 in one of the ways already described above (see Figure 9). In the first carousel 23 the phase of drawing detection (lithography) takes place by means of a sensor 22 and the phase of variation of the orientation (timing) of the capsule. The capsule is then transferred to a transfer carousel 24 illustrated in greater detail in Figure 10, which shows a section of the area for transferring the capsules from the first carousel 23 (orientation carousel or capsule timing) to the transfer carousel 24.

The capsule, which is carried by a gripping member 28 (for example with suction or magnetic) of one of the operating groups of the first carousel 23, is transferred from this gripping member 28 to the carousel 24 using detachment means comprising, for example, example, of the blowing means.

The carousel 24 is equipped with a capsule gripping system which can include a star element 29 which, for example, could receive the capsules from another star transport element 27 of the first carousel 23. A member can also be provided. extraction 30 (fixed) to facilitate the ejection of the capsule from the first carousel 23. 31 indicates a sliding surface on which the capsules slide and 32 indicates a holding element (for example of the magnet type) operating to ensure the retention of the capsules by the transfer carousel 24, keeping the capsules in position towards the center of the star-shaped transport element 29. It is also possible to arrange an external guide element to laterally contain the capsules retained on the ™ star element 29.

Figure 11 shows the capsule transfer area between the transfer carousel 24 and the embossing carousel 25.

In this area, the capsule passes from the grip operated by the star grip elements 27 and 29 to a support element 33 (carried by the operating unit of the carousel 25) which moves upwards to interact in contact with the capsule . The support element 33 is annular in shape and can optionally perform the function of press-plate during the embossing phase (as already seen in previous examples). It is also possible to provide the support element 33 with magnetic means for gripping and holding the capsule in position.

The embossing molding operations take place substantially as previously described. Here the sheet metal pressing device in figure 11 is positioned in the lower embossing group.

With reference to Figure 12, an embossing device is described (optionally forming part of one of the operating units arranged on the periphery of a transport carousel) in which the lower embossing punch is made in at least two parts. A part of the end 44 is intended for contact with the capsule and is constructed in such a way as to be interchangeable, for example according to the processing to be carried out on the capsule.

The upper punch could also be made in at least two parts comprising at least one end part 42, intended for contact with the capsule, which is constructed (in particular connected to the rest of the punch by means of a resolvable connection) so as to be interchangeable. At least one of the punches, for example the upper punch, could be equipped with an annular member 41 with the function of press-plate operatively connected to an elastic element (not shown). The lower punch could further comprise an annular portion 43 which surrounds the end portion 44 and which is configured to support the capsule by contacting a peripheral portion of the capsule. The lower punch can comprise an elastic element 46 operating in the embossing step on a second part 45 connected in a removable way (for example by means of a screw connection) with the end part 44.

In this case, the capsule feeding could take place as previously indicated with reference to figure 5, by means of a feeding channel that conveys the capsules towards the carousel, in which each capsule is contained at the top by the lid 20, is taken by an element star grip 18 and is retained for example by means of magnets placed at the bottom. In successive positions of the carousel path, the capsule is brought towards the upper part 9 of the embossing unit (sheet press 15 and punch 16) by effect of the lifting of the lower part 19 of the unit itself.

At the end of the molding (embossing), the lower group 19 descends together with the embossed capsule and at this point the extractor member 17 conveys the capsule towards the discharge / outlet channel 6.

In other embodiments it is possible to carry out the embossing process of the capsule without the need to phase the (lithographic) design pre-printed on the capsule with the pictogram in relief to be imprinted on the capsule itself.

Figure 13 illustrates a further variant of the operating unit mounted on the embossing carousel. In this case the capsule is received, placed in rotation and, during the rotation movement, embossed and then ejected, with the bottom portion facing downwards, ie with the concavity facing upwards. The capsules are brought neatly in sequence inside the carousel, for example by means of an inlet channel and with the aid of an upper containment lid 59. Each capsule is positioned so as to interact in contact with a transport star 54 which drags it in rotation. Each capsule can be held in position by holding means such as, for example, one or more magnets which can be positioned, for example, in the support element 58. An extractor element has been indicated with 55. Figure 14 shows in greater detail the embossing device with the upper and lower embossing groups. The lower group is provided with a punch which can be provided, as in the specific case, with two parts 56 and 57, and with an annular plate press (operationally associated with an elastic thrust element) that surrounds the part 56 of the punch intended for embossing contact with the capsule. The punch can be divided into at least two parts in order to be able to quickly replace the actual printing part 56 (intended for the embossing contact). In use, the capsule is pushed towards the upper punch by lifting the lower embossing unit. At a certain point of the approach stroke, the capsule meets the upper group and is locked in the embossing position by the sheet press of the lower group. The lower punch 56 and 57 (bearing in the specific case the pictogram in relief) then cooperates with the upper punch (in the specific case bearing the corresponding pictogram in the recess) to impress the pictogram in relief on the capsule.

The upper group is provided with a ring 60, optionally loaded by an elastic element as in the case illustrated here, having in this case the function of extracting the capsule from the upper punch.

Figure 15 shows a version in which the sensor 8 arranged to detect the pre-printed image on the capsule is arranged inclined (with an oblique arrangement) with respect to the advancement path of the capsules arranged on the carousel (path lying on a horizontal plane). The sensor 8 can comprise a video camera or other CVS image taking means which, instead of being arranged at 90 ° or in axis as described in the previous cases, can operate with an inclined working axis.

With reference to figure 16, a system is shown for changing the orientation of the capsule, for example in order to phase (ie in a predetermined reciprocal arrangement) the (lithographic) design present on the capsule and the embossed impression to be obtained by embossing.

For this purpose, it is possible to provide that in the capsule manufacturing phase (molding) (for example in the sheet metal blanking and drawing press to obtain a crown cap equipped with a knurling on the periphery) the knurling is made in such a way as to result in phase (i.e. with a predetermined mutual arrangement) with respect to the pre-printed design on the sheet. This makes it possible to advantageously use a capsule gripping and reference system (with knurling) such as the one described in figure 16, in which a revolving spindle 62 for gripping the capsule 63 is provided with a plurality of teeth or compartments which they can be coupled (with interlocking coupling) with the crown formed by the knurling on the capsule 63.

In the phase of changing the orientation of the capsule, the rotation of the spindle 62 is provided on the basis of the image signal detected by the sensor. The use of an interlocking coupling system with the knurled crown on the capsule 63 favors the positioning of the capsule and therefore the precision in the operation of phasing the design on the capsule 63 and the tool that will have to emboss the capsule itself.

Figure 17 shows another version in which a single embossing carousel is equipped with at least two inlets and two outlets for the capsules (as indicated by the arrows that describe the two advancement paths that follow the two groups of capsules arranged neatly in sequence. This arrangement of two paths on the same carousel could be used, for example, in the case in which it is not necessary to phase the lithographic drawing with the imprint in relief. The various operating groups (operating on the capsules of both paths) can be made as in the cases described above. The version of figure 17 has an advantage in terms of cost and size, since the same operating groups (in particular the same embossing devices) work at least two capsules for each ride of the carousel.

Figure 18 shows three different phases of a molding / embossing operation in which the embossing of the capsule (or of the concave body structure of the capsule, generally metallic as in the specific case described here) is carried out in conjunction with the compression molding of the capsule. sealing gasket which is generally formed inside the concave structure. The gasket, as known, will have the function of making a seal on the upper mouth of the neck of the container to which the closing cap will be applied.

The capsule, comprising for example a concave body structure of a crown cap for bottles or a lid for containers or of another type of known metal capsule, was made by compression molding of a sheet or foil material. The method of forming the capsule 72 is substantially known (for example a stamping with blanking and drawing) and is not described in detail here.

The embossing / molding device can be applied to any of the operating groups associated with a carousel described above.

In this case, two processes are combined (molding of the gasket and embossing of the concave structure of the capsule) within the same operating group or embossing / molding device, with consequent advantages in terms of space and cost compared to a solution with two devices separated, one for embossing the capsule and the other for molding the gasket.

The process comprises a step of depositing a dose of plastic 71 (in the plasticized state) inside the concave part of the structure of the capsule 72, as illustrated in part 1 at the top of figure 18. This operation is substantially similar to the operation (note) for inserting the plastic dose which is currently carried out for molding a gasket in a usual closure cap for containers. This operation of depositing the dose in plastic is therefore not discussed in further detail.

In the next step (shown in the intermediate part 2 of Figure 18) a partial compression of the plastic dose is carried out by means of a punch 73 (upper) bearing a pictogram in relief (as in this case) or in a recess. The punch 73 could be equipped with a cooling system to keep the punch itself at a relatively low temperature.

The punch 73 is made in this case in two parts in which a central part 74 bears the embossing imprint (pictogram) while a peripheral part 75 of an annular shape surrounds the central part (similarly to other types of punches already used for chewing the caps, i.e. forming the internal gasket) and is susceptible to an axial movement (in the same direction as the compression molding of the gasket and embossing molding of the pictogram) with respect to the central part 74.

The peripheral part 75 will perform the function of lateral containment of the plastic material of the gasket in the subsequent phase (part 3 of figure 8) in which the compression forming of the gasket is completed and in which the embossing of the pictogram on the bottom portion of the capsule 72. The embossing device will comprise a counter-punch (not shown) which cooperates with the punch 73 to effect the molding / embossing. The counter-punch can also perform the function of supporting the capsule during the various molding / embossing phases. The counter-punch may also be equipped with a counter-shaping (embossing or embossing counterprint in relief) which cooperates with the shaping (embossing imprint in relief or in recess) present on the stamping / embossing punch 73. The molding / embossing device may also be equipped with elastic means which operate on the peripheral part 75 to keep it with a certain load in contact with the capsule.

It is possible to foresee, as shown in part 3 of figure 18, that the embossing operation involves a deformation (embossing) also of the gasket. In particular, it is possible to provide that the embossing device operates in such a way as to maintain a continuous covering, without interruptions or lack of plastic material, of the gasket on the internal surface of the capsule delimited by the peripheral part 75. Basically, it is possible to ensure that the central part 74 of the punch 73 does not come into contact with the capsule, to define a forming cavity having, possibly in each point, a distance space between the internal surface of the capsule and the part 74 of the punch which delimits the upper cavity forming, in which this distance space is filled by the plastic material which forms the gasket. It has been found that the layer of material (plastic) which is interposed between the punch 74 and the cap 72 and which will form the internal seal of the cap, may not be of constant thickness, even if the punch 74 does not come into contact with the cap. 72. For example, it is possible that the material does not completely occupy the space of the forming cavity, thus leaving areas with a greater thickness of material and others with less thickness. However, it is possible to obtain a distribution of the plastic material such as to form a gasket capable of guaranteeing an effective sealing of the capsule when closing a container.

With reference to Figures 19 to 21, an apparatus 81 for the production of capsules for closing containers (in particular for the production of crown caps) is now described, in which each capsule is equipped with an embossing and a internal sealing gasket. The apparatus 81 comprises an embossing apparatus 82 of the carousel type, which can comprise (as in the specific case) one of the embossing carousels described above. The embossing apparatus 82 has an input connected to a capsule feeding device (of a known type, for example of the type for in-line feeding of the capsules arranged one after the other, optionally on a horizontal path) and an outlet connected to a transfer carousel 83. The capsules are conveyed in an orderly manner by the feeding device towards the embossing apparatus 82 which receives them and rotates them (clockwise in the example of the figure 19) while embossing the capsules themselves (in one of the ways described above). The embossing apparatus 82 is provided with a plurality of embossing devices, for example such as those described above, distributed on the periphery of the carousel angularly spaced one from the other to effect the embossing during the rotary motion.

The embossed capsules are then transferred to the transfer carousel 83 which conveys the capsules (along a rotating path with a motion that in the example of figure 19 is counterclockwise) towards a system (chewing system 84 of a substantially known type) to apply a plastic gasket inside the capsule.

The chewing system 84 can comprise, as in the specific case, a dose deposit carousel 85 which receives the capsules one by one from the transfer carousel 83 and conveys them to a dispensing area of a plastic material extruder. In this dispensing area, a cutting device separates a dose of plastic material from the continuous flow that is dispensed by the extruder, in synchrony with the advancement movement of the capsules, so that each dose of material falls inside of a capsule. Continuing along the path of the apparatus, each dose is molded by compression inside each capsule by the molding devices of a molding carousel 86 (having a plurality of angularly spaced molding devices) following the dose depositing carousel 85 ( with the optional interposition of an intermediate transfer carousel). The capsules with the embossing and the gasket are then moved away in a known way towards another user.

Claims (11)

CLAIMS 1. Apparatus comprising: - a transport device having at least one transport carousel (5; 23; 24; 25) rotatable about an axis of rotation; - a feeding device (1, 2, 4) configured to feed a plurality of objects arranged in sequence to said transport device; - a plurality of operating groups rotated by said transport carousel and angularly spaced from each other, each of said operating groups being configured to receive at least one of said objects from said feeding device, one or more of said operating groups comprising at least one embossing device having at least one punch (16; 47; 42; 56; 74) and a counter-punch (19; 53; 44) cooperating with each other at least one of which has a pictogram in relief / recess, called punch and counter- punch being configured to perform a reciprocal approaching movement during said rotation to impress said pictogram in relief / recess on said object. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or more of said operating units comprises at least one support element (10) configured to support an object, said support element being provided with the possibility of rotating around a further axis of rotation to change the angular orientation of the object it supports. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said transport device comprises at least one transport carousel which rotates a plurality of operating groups, each of which comprises both said embossing device and said support element. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said support element (10) has an annular shape extending around a movement axis along which said reciprocal approaching movement between punch and counter-punch takes place. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said further axis of rotation is parallel or coincident with said axis of movement. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said transport device comprises at least a first transport carousel (23) which rotates a plurality of operating groups, each of which comprises said support element (10), and at least a second transport carousel (25) connected downstream of said first transport carousel, said second transport carousel (25) rotating a plurality of operating groups, each of which comprises said embossing device. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said embossing device comprises means for holding said objects in position with respect to said punch and / or counter-punch, said holding means optionally comprising magnetic drive means for holding objects metal and / or pneumatically operated means. 8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said embossing device comprises a first annular member (48) which surrounds said punch (47) and which is equipped with first elastic means for exerting a pressure on an annular area of a first side of said object, and a second annular member (52) which surrounds said counter-punch (53) and which is equipped with second elastic means for exerting a pressure on another annular area of a second side of said object opposite to said first side. 9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said transport carousel comprises an inlet and an outlet for a plurality of objects arranged in sequence, and also comprises at least one further inlet and one further outlet for a further plurality of objects arranged in sequence 10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a sensor (8; 54; 22; 38) arranged along a path of advancement of said objects transported by said transport device, said sensor being configured to emit a signal relating to a parameter indicative of an orientation of said objects; means for changing the orientation of said objects; and a controller configured to control said means for changing orientation based on said signal. 11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said feeding device is optionally configured to feed a plurality of objects to an inlet of said transport carousel and to feed a further plurality of objects to a further inlet of said transport carousel. transport; said further inlet being optionally arranged, with reference to an operative rotation direction of said transport carousel, after said outlet and before said further outlet; said further outlet being optionally arranged, with reference to an operative rotation direction of said transport carousel, after said further inlet and before said inlet; said transport device optionally comprising two or more transport carousels operatively connected together along a path of advancement of said objects in sequence; said punch optionally having a pictogram in relief and said counter-punch optionally having a corresponding pictogram in the recess; said transport carousel (5) being optionally rotatable about a vertical rotation axis.