KR20070028374A - Apparatuses and method for transferring plastics material to a compression moulding machine - Google Patents

Abstract

forming means movable along a first path for compression moulding doses of plastics; a plurality of transfer means for transferring said doses to said forming means; a plurality of arm means, each arm means being associated with a corresponding transfer means for moving said transfer means along a second path having a portion substantially coinciding with a further portion of said first path. ® KIPO & WIPO 2007

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERING PLASTIC MATERIAL TO COMPRESSION MOLDING DEVICE {APPARATUSES AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING PLASTICS MATERIAL TO A COMPRESSION MOULDING MACHINE}

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating a predetermined dose of a flowable material or flowable material dose. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus used for compression molding certain doses of plastic to obtain articles such as preforms for containers such as bottles.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method and apparatus for the extrusion or insertion of a polymer product into a molding cavity of a molding machine having a circular conveyor rotating in continuous motion one or more liquid polymers dispensed by at least one dispensing outlet. It is about. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method and corresponding means for treating a liquid polymer having some viscosity to be conveyed to a molding cavity of a molding machine in extrusion of a plastic product.

Product molding by extrusion molding is achieved by moving the punch (male element of the mold) against or into the hollow die (arm element of the mold). The punch is indented into a hollow die containing a liquid polymer having a somewhat viscous viscosity, in particular a plastic mass, i. A particular application of the present invention is for molding preforms intended for the production of subsequent plastic bottles (commonly referred to as stretch-blow molding). However, this application can be different and varied.

The preforms for making bottles and the like are made up of the projecting upper neck and the hollow body below the neck, the hollow body being substantially smooth and axially long.

Typically, conventional molding machines for making polymeric articles by compression molding include carousels or circular conveyors carrying a plurality of dies and corresponding plurality of punches. Circular conveyors rotate continuously and intermittently.

The circular conveyor rotates around the vertical axis and each die during rotation, and receives the plastic dose heated to the desired temperature to have sufficient fluidity. Subsequently, the dosage form is compressed upon mutual access of the punch and die (until the mold is closed). After a given time after this step the mold is opened and the preform is taken out of the instrument.

The molding machine is connected to an extrusion device for discharging a liquid polymer having some viscosity. This polymer is divided into dosage forms and transferred to the cavity of the molding machine die.

When the polymer doses have a relatively small mass, it is known to transfer the doses to the die of the rotating molding machine by means of a transfer device having suitable separating members (also referred to as "hands") that move continuously along the circular path. Along this path, the separating member picks up the dosage form from the fixed dispensing outlet belonging to the extruder of the polymer and releases it at the point where the path overlaps and contacts the path of the die.

This release occurs very quickly when the separating member is superimposed on and coaxial with the die cavity. This is practically only possible with relatively small masses of the administration. This is possible, for example, when the dosage forms are suitable for forming a cap in the form of a capsule to close a common plastic bottle for soft drinks or other foamed beverages.

On the other hand, when polymer products having a relatively high mass, such as preforms of polyethylene ether phthalate (PET), currently used in the market to be produced in general plastic bottles (through known stretch blow molding operations), must be molded, Loading in a die is a very precise operation.

Indeed, in this case, it is virtually impossible to transport the agent from the separating member through the die cavity with an action that takes place almost instantaneously because the agent has a relatively large length and requires sufficient time to transport it. This time is not useful in the disclosed conventional transfer device.

In order to overcome this disadvantage, a molding machine has been proposed in which the dosage form is released by a dispensing device having a plurality of dispensing outlets which are continuously movable along circular and horizontal paths (patent application WO 03/047834). The die does not move along a simple circular path but can move well in the radial direction with respect to the circular conveyor, so that the more circular the path of the dispense dispense outlet is, the more specific the arc can go along the normal arc. Thus, for a particular portion of the path (and therefore a specific time), the dispensing outlet is located coaxially with the die cavity and its operation coincides with the motion of the cavity.

However, the technique disclosed in WO 03/047834 has the disadvantage of complexity and installation cost of the molding machine. The mechanism according to WO 03/047834 is usually very complicated in that the number of dies is usually very large, and in that a number of operations are performed and it is desired to operate at very high speeds. Finally, the die requires very precise positioning and making the die movable relative to the circular conveyor complicates the positioning.

Also, in the proposed technique, based on the radial movement of the die, it is necessary but not possible to obtain the exact equivalence of the displacement and dispensing exit from the die in the shared portion. In fact, the circumferential speed of the die changes as the radial position changes, but not for dispensing outlets where the radial position is constant. As a result, in the shared part, the dispensing outlet cannot be kept coaxially below and below the cavity, so that the delivery of the administration cannot be made accurately. In fact, even if the diameter of the administration is close to the minimum diameter of the cavity, it is not even possible to carry out the transfer.

The disadvantages disclosed above are exacerbated as the means for carrying out the transporting of the administration differ in form and properties and the surface thereof inevitably comes into contact with a viscous liquid polymer.

Another disadvantage of the prior art is that the polymer dosage forms are likely to adhere to the surface of the contacting means due to their physical state (a liquid phase with some viscosity at temperatures in excess of 200 ° C. in the case of PET).

The adhesion effect disclosed above essentially impedes the movement of the polymer, causing serious drawbacks, especially when the polymer is provided to simply move through gravity. For example, if the polymer has to flow by gravity along the surface that receives it, the tendency to adhere to the surface can hinder its movement to the extent that the provided work becomes impossible.

Alternatively, when the agent is administered in a die cavity, especially when the cavity is relatively narrow or deep in shape, the agent may be attached to the wall of the cavity. Once adherent, the agent will not be able to be located exactly inside the cavity. For example, if the polymer administration has a relatively large volume relative to the volume of the cavity, the polymer will protrude above the cavity to the extent that it is not possible to close the die during the compression step by the punch.

In particular, during molding of preforms for bottles having a capacity of 1 liter or less, the die cavity has a relatively narrow and long form. Thus, there is a relatively high risk that the descending agent will contact the side walls of the cavity before reaching the bottom.

The aforementioned problem of attaching the agent to the contact surface is greatly aggravated in that the agent descends while moving the die not only continuously in a circular path but also at relatively high speeds. In fact, due to the centrifugal force faced, the polymer is pushed to the side wall of the cavity.

When relatively small masses of the agent are delivered to the die cavity, the agent may roll or rotate as it is provided in a substantially spherical form. On the other hand, when the dosage form has a relatively large mass and a relatively complex shape, as in the molding of PET preforms, the dosage form is usually located in the mold cavity with the longitudinal axis arranged along a preset direction.

Furthermore, effective heat transfer localized in the contact zone is achieved between the doser and its contact surface. This results in a change in the regular and substantially uniform heat distribution of the polymer. In particular, excessive temperature drops can easily occur, although locally, which lead to microcrystallization or microsolidification of the polymer. As a result, irregular nuclei occur in the polymer that can cause irregularities and defects in the final product.

Another disadvantage of the prior art is associated with the way the separating member of the conveying device picks up the administration from the discharge zone of the dispensing outlet.

In fact, each separating member is generally provided with a concave contact surface that is open at one side, the contact surface being configured to collide as soon as the dispenser exits the dispensing outlet, push it into a horizontal component, guide the lowering and transfer it to the die cavity. do. Collision between the agent and the separating member results in a confinement of the agent to the contact surface. The administration can thus protrude far from the separating member or, at the concave surface of the separating member, can occupy an inappropriate position by subsequent descent.

In addition, cutting means suitable for cutting out the outflow of the polymer exiting the dispensing outlet are usually connected with the conveying means to separate the dosage form immediately before contacting the separating member. The cutting means may for example comprise a plurality of blades, each blade being fixed to a respective operating member.

During the cutting operation, the blade exerts a thrust with a horizontal component on the doser, which can protrude the dose away from the separating member or worsen the positioning, similar to the aforementioned collision with the contact surface.

This defect is particularly pronounced when the agent has a significant mass and is in a particularly very long form.

Another drawback of the prior art is that known cutting means have a rather complicated structure. In fact, the same number of blades as the number of separating members must be provided, and each blade must be sharpened or replaced if it is correctly mounted or excessively worn on the separating member.

It is an object of the present invention to improve the apparatus and method for treating a predetermined amount of flowable material administration, especially in the extrusion of plastics.

Another object is to transfer an object, such as a predetermined amount of plastic dosage form, to an operating means suitable for processing the object, such as molding means, and to accurately position the object on the operating means even when the object has a relatively large volume and a relatively complex shape. To provide a device that can be.

Yet another object is to provide a device that allows sufficient time to transfer an object, such as a plastic dosage form, having a large mass and a relatively complex shape, into an operating means suitable for processing an object, such as a molding means.

Another object is to provide a device capable of manipulating a pre-determined amount of flowable material, in particular a dose of plastic, so as not to be excessively attached to the interaction surface of the device with which the dose is in contact.

Another object is to provide a device which can be manipulated so that a predetermined amount of flowable material, in particular a dose of plastic, is not excessively and unevenly cooled by contact with the interaction surface of the device.

Another object is to provide a device with cutting means of a relatively simple structure for separating a predetermined amount of flowable material dose from the dispensing means.

Another object includes a dispensing device for dispensing a predetermined amount of a flowable material dispenser and cutting means for isolating the dispenser from the dispensing device, wherein the cutting means neatly and effectively cuts the dispenser so that the dispenser transfers the means. It is to provide a device that can be accurately accommodated in.

An apparatus provided according to the first aspect of the present invention

Molding means moveable along the first route for compression molding of the plastic dosage form;

A plurality of conveying means for conveying said administration body to said shaping means; And

A plurality of arm means each connected with the transfer means to move the transfer means along a second path,

Part of the second path is substantially coincident with an additional part of the first path.

An apparatus provided according to the second aspect of the present invention

Operating means movable along the first path for interacting with the object;

Conveying means for conveying said object to said operating means; And

Arm means for moving said conveying means along a second path having a portion substantially coincident with another part of said first path,

The arm means is characterized in that it comprises a first arm means pivotally connected to a second arm means connected to the conveying means.

An apparatus provided according to the third aspect of the present invention

Operating means movable along the first path to interact with the object;

A plurality of conveying means for conveying said object to said operating means; And

A plurality of arm means supported by the support means,

Each said arm means is connected with corresponding transfer means for moving said transfer means along a second path having a portion substantially coincident with another portion of said first path, wherein said arm means of said plurality of arm means It is characterized in that it is movable only with one degree of freedom with respect to the support means.

More specifically, it comprises a rotary transfer mechanism having a plurality of transfer chambers of continuous rotation, each chamber adapted to receive the polymer and transfer it to the die cavity. The chamber may have a closed side to receive all polymers, or may have a partially open side and only a portion of the polymer may be contained within the chamber. The receptive action displaces the polymer to move with the horizontal component.

The transfer mechanism includes moving means suitable for continuously moving the transfer chamber along the same path such that the same path has a portion that is paired with the path of the die, wherein each transfer chamber is coaxially disposed over the cavity of the die and is The movement is paired with the movement of the die, and the transfer to the die cavity is performed in this part. The apparatus further includes means suitable for transferring the single polymer from the dispensing outlet to the transfer chamber.

According to the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, a relatively long path can be used, thereby transferring the object or administration from the conveying means to the forming or operating means for a long time.

In particular, in compression molding of plastic dosage forms, even if the dosage form has a relatively large mass, such as in dosage forms for molding PET preforms used to produce common plastic bottles for soft drinks or other foam beverages, Can be effectively and accurately transferred to the cavity of the forming means starting from the polymer dispensing apparatus.

In addition, by positioning plastic dosers more precisely, compression molding techniques can be improved in all applications. In addition, when the forming means comprises a plurality of punches interacting with each die, the distance between the punch and the die is relatively small in the region where the dose is inserted into the die and is substantially the same as the length of the dose, thus providing You can increase the speed.

In one embodiment, the conveying mechanism comprises a support which rotates in synchronous manner with a forming apparatus equipped with forming means, each conveying chamber being a mechanism or mechanism which rotates by a rotating support. The instrument has two degrees of freedom with respect to the support. Suitable fastening means causes movement of the instrument in relation to each position from the rotating support to align the movement and the path of the transfer chamber during each rotation of the support. This movement is implemented such that there are paired parts on the path described above.

An apparatus provided according to the fourth aspect of the present invention

Molding means for compression molding the plastic dosage form;

Conveying means moveable along a looped path for conveying said dosage form to said shaping means; And

Other transport means moveable along another looped path for transporting said administration to said transport means.

An apparatus provided according to the fifth aspect of the present invention

Conveying means for conveying a predetermined amount of flowable material dose from the separation position to the delivery position; And

A receiving means for receiving said administration at said delivery site to define a form for said administration,

The transport means is characterized in that it comprises a form control means to obtain a precursor of the form to the administration.

The method provided according to the sixth aspect of the invention

Transferring a predetermined amount of flowable material dose from the separation position to the delivery position; And

Forming a form for the subject after receiving the subject at the delivery position,

Wherein said dosage form is shaped to form a precursor of said form from said dosage form during said transfer step.

In one embodiment, the form and hence dimensions of the dose of a predetermined amount of flowable material, in particular plastic, is geometrically adjusted within the interior cavity of the transfer chamber so that the dose can be subsequently accurately inserted into the die cavity.

In particular, the transfer chamber is provided with an inner cavity whose sides are defined or defined by the cylindrical side, the transverse dimension of which is not greater than the minimum transverse dimension inside the die cavity of the inlet zone.

The dosage form is inserted into the transfer chamber in a form that may differ from the shape of the interior cavity of the chamber and is physically controlled by the transfer chamber. In other words, the dosage form will take the form of a side that defines an interior cavity of the transfer chamber. The dose tends to match the shape of the interior cavity of the transfer chamber, depending on the temperature in the transfer chamber and the time spent, depending on the intrinsic properties of the polymer, in particular the viscosity of the material, which is a function of the termination of the polymer and its molecular weight.

Also provided is a form of “modeling” a dosage form to impart a predetermined form to the dosage form using a fluid delivered inside the transfer chamber.

If the agent is subsequently released within the die cavity, the agent is shaped so that it can enter the cavity without contacting the side walls of the die cavity during lowering. Although the sidewalls of the doser and die cavity are in contact with each other, this contact does not prevent the descent of the doser and accurate positioning within the die.

This is particularly useful when the die cavity is relatively deep or shallow relative to the mass of the administration, and / or when the speed of operation of the device is relatively high.

In addition, by means of the shape adjusting means, the route of the dose delivered from the transfer chamber to the die cavity can be achieved so quickly that no paired portions of the route according to the first three aspects of the invention are needed. In this mating portion, each transfer chamber is disposed thereon coaxially with the die cavity.

Further suitable means are provided for completely or partially reducing the attachment between the administration and the internal contact surface of the transfer chamber.

In general, according to the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention, the delivery of the dosage form from the conveying means to the shaping means takes place very quickly and regularly. In addition, contact between the means for manipulating the administration and the agent itself is avoided or at least limited. This reduces the risk of the agent attaching to the interaction surface, which is the contact surface, and thereby placing it undesirably.

The shape control means make the shape of the dosage form suitable for optimal shaping so that the object can achieve the best physical / chemical characteristics.

For example, it has been found that the best results are obtained in terms of the quality of the product achieved if the dosage form has a shape that is as close as possible to the cavity of the mold into which it is inserted. On the other hand, if the dosage form has a shape that is very different from the cavity into which it is inserted, the dosage form will suffer detrimental local deformation during compression molding and result in a physically / chemically low quality product.

The device provided according to the seventh aspect of the invention comprises a conveying means for conveying a predetermined amount of flowable material administration from a separation position to a delivery position, to prevent the administration from adhering to the conveying means in a significant amount. In order to prevent the adhesion means characterized in that connected to the conveying means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, contact or at least minimization of contact between the transport means and the administration agent overcomes the disclosed disadvantages and makes it possible to use means and methods that are not practicable without the present invention.

In particular, it is possible to achieve more precise positioning of the dosage form, in particular to improve the compression molding technique for all applications.

In one embodiment, the anti-stick means comprises means for forming a fluidic layer interposed between the interacting surfaces of the conveying means with which the agent contacts. The fluid layer is characterized to completely or partially reduce the adhesion between the agent and the interaction surface.

In particular, the fluid is a gas, in particular a gas. However, it is also possible to use other gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and the like.

The fluid layer is formed by passing the fluid through a portion of the conveying means arranged with an interaction surface such that the fluid emerges from and is distributed to the surface. For this purpose, the part of the conveying means on which the interaction surface is arranged has a distributed passage and fluid is supplied and exited through the passage. These passages are relatively small, numerous and distributed in the interaction plane.

In one embodiment, the interaction surface is formed on a wall of porous material to allow fluid to pass therethrough. A supply means suitable for supplying the fluid is applied to the porous wall so that the fluid crosses the porous wall as the fluid exits the interaction surface.

Unlike porous walls, a wall can be provided in a nonporous material in which a number of small holes are formed to allow fluid to pass through, and these holes are distributed in areas that are not in contact with the administration. For example, these holes can have a helicoidal distribution to cover the interaction surface as much as possible.

According to another example, the porous wall is replaced with a wall of a plurality of elements joined together to elevate a plurality of relatively thin separation lines formed properly distributed on the interaction surface. Fluid can pass through these openings.

Intervening the fluid layer between the contacting surface and the polymer at sufficient pressure and flow rate values (depending on the application and testing on relative equipment) completely or at least partially reduces the adhesion effect of the agent, in practice, causing the agent to interact with the interaction surface. It can be prevented from sticking or sticking.

In fact, if the fluid layer is generally formed at a relatively low suitable flow rate and pressure value (one or several is sufficient), contact between the agent and the interaction surface is actually prevented. If contact nevertheless occurs, this is for a local and limited period of time. In addition, it has been found that limiting the contact time between the agent and the interacting surface to a relatively small value has a fairly limited macroscopic adhesion effect. That is, if the attachment time is only a few microseconds, the adhesion effect is substantially zero.

This feature is explained by the fact that a certain amount of time or more is required to achieve the adhesion effect so that chemical / physical adhesion can be exerted. This reaction time is a function of material, temperature and local pressure. The fluid continues to interfere with this process, preventing the same attachment from occurring or completely preventing all contact.

Temperature control of the fluid supplied between the agent and the reaction surface to lower the temperature of the face and / or the interaction face of the agent makes the above-mentioned effect obtained by the layer of fluid stand out.

When the cooled fluid passes through the wall or simply contacts both the interacting surface and the surface of the doser, the temperature is lowered at least at the surface, thereby increasing the viscosity of the doser, thereby reducing the adhesion of the flowable material. In fact, it has been found that as the contact time (in the millisecond range) increases, the wall temperature should decrease to avoid adhesion.

In the above case where the interaction surface is arranged on a wall of porous material, or if the fluid crosses a relatively narrow hole, the fluid itself has a "cooling effect" upon expansion as it exits through the wall. The cooling effect of the fluid is completely different from that achieved through relatively extended physical contact with the interacting surface of the carrier's transport means. In fact, the first case is a kind of microcooling that only affects the most superficial layer of the agent, which is distributed over the entire surface in a regular and uniform manner. On the other hand, in the case of contact between the carrier and the delivery means in the presence of a fluid, strong and relatively deep cooling, which is limited to a relatively small portion of the agent, occurs, which has a detrimental effect on the formed product.

In addition, the fluid prevents polymer penetration inside the pores (pores) or inside other openings provided in the interaction surface.

In another embodiment, to reduce adhesion, the interaction surface is vibrated by suitable means (eg, sonotrode).

As experimentally found, oscillating the interaction surface to a stable frequency and density value (depending on the application and easily verifiable) can completely or at least partially reduce the effect of adhesion of the administration to the interaction surface, In practice, the agent does not adhere or adhere to the interaction surface. The description of this phenomenon is as follows. In each oscillation cycle, the adherence effect of the agent and hence local dropout occurs and the time interval at which the agent is attached to the interaction surface is very short, thereby preventing macroscopic attachment of the agent to the interaction surface.

It should also be emphasized that the vibration generates a pressure wave system that acts as compressed air interposed between the interaction surface and the administration, similar to a layer of compressed air.

In another embodiment, the anti-stick means comprises a coating of the interaction surface by a material having anti-stick properties for the administration.

An apparatus provided according to an eighth aspect of the invention comprises a conveying means with recesses for conveying a predetermined amount of flowable material dose from a disengaged position to a delivery position, to define the dose within the recesses. Characterized in that it further comprises limiting means for interacting with said conveying means.

In one embodiment, the conveying means comprises a plurality of operating members, each operating member being provided with a contact surface, configured to push the administration in a horizontal component to guide the descending administration. The operating member travels along a closed path that intersects with the discharge zone of the dispensing outlet of the flowable material, impinges on and detaches the administration.

Each operating member is connected to a retaining or confining means for partitioning an at least partially closed area that, in coordination with the contact surface, can be maintained horizontally within the administration body. Means are further provided for driving the retaining means in synchronization with the action of the dispensing outlet and the movement of the respective operating member such that the dispenser holding zone is substantially closed near the time point at which the polymer is discharged from the dispensing outlet.

The contact surface of each operation member may be a concave surface with one side open. Each holding means is suitable for closing at least part of the recess of each operating member.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, when the delivery means is in the disengaged position to separate the administration, the administration is enclosed in the recess of the delivery means by a confining element. As a result, in spite of the recoil effect by the collision of the transport means and the administration body and / or the thrust applied by any cutting means, the administration body cannot escape from the recess of the transport means. Rather, the administration is fixed at the correct position inside the transport means for transport to a subsequent delivery position.

An apparatus provided according to the ninth aspect of the present invention includes molding means for compression molding a predetermined amount of plastic dosage form; And insertion means extending along a longitudinal axis for conveying the plastic dose to the cavity means of the shaping means, wherein the means for insertion is insertable into the cavity means for releasing the dose. It is characterized by having a predetermined shape and dimensions along the axis.

The insertion means includes a passage conduit for the administration, the passage conduit being tubular and provided with an inlet connected to the outlet of the dispensing device. The passage conduit has a lower end at least a substantial portion of its axial length inserted into the cavity of the mold. The doser descends through the passage conduit and exits the mold cavity through the outlet of the conduit.

By means of the insert, the administration does not come into contact with the side wall of the shaping means. The dosage form is released by the inserting means in the bottom region such that even when it comes into contact with the side wall of the forming means, it is found to be significantly accurate within the forming means.

An apparatus provided according to the tenth aspect of the present invention includes molding means for extruding a predetermined amount of plastic dosage form; An extrusion apparatus for extruding the plastic; And cutting means for disadvantageous said dosage body from said extrusion device, said cutting means comprising a single cutting element.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a device can be obtained which has a very simple structure and which allows the dosage form to be separated from the extrusion device. The presence of a single cutting element simplifies the installation and maintenance work of the cutting means in the device.

An apparatus provided in accordance with an eleventh aspect of the invention includes conveying means for conveying a predetermined amount of flowable material dose from a separation position to a delivery position; And cutting means for separating the dose from the dispensing device, wherein the contact means is disposed opposite the cutting means to interact with the dose.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the administration can be neatly and effectively separated from the delivery device. The contact means prevents the agent from being towed away from the transport means.

In addition, the contacting means keeps the subject in the vicinity of the conveying means even when the subject collides with the conveying means. In this way, the dosage form is correctly positioned on the transport means.

An apparatus provided according to a twelfth aspect of the invention includes a conveying means for conveying a predetermined amount of flowable material dose from a disengaged position to a conveyed position, said conveying means being primarily movable at a first level. Means, said transfer means comprising a second transfer means for delivering said administration to said first transfer means, said second transfer means being primarily movable at a second level.

In one embodiment, the shaping means is disposed in the delivery position for compression molding of the dosage form.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, it is possible to improve the transport of the administration to the shaping means, for example. The first conveying means increases the flexibility of the device such that its path is paired with the path of the shaping means and the path of the second conveying means.

The invention may be better understood and practiced with reference to the accompanying drawings which show illustrative and non-limiting embodiments below.

1 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus for transferring a plastic dosage form dispensed by a dispensing means to a dosage form means;

2 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1.

3 is a schematic diagram of the dynamic aspect of FIG. 2.

4 is an enlarged view of the arm means of the device of FIG. 2.

5 shows a second embodiment of the arm means of the device of FIG. 2.

6 is an enlarged view of the arm means of FIG. 5.

7 shows a third embodiment of the arm means of the device of FIG. 2.

8 is an enlarged view of the arm means of FIG. 7.

9 shows a fourth embodiment of the arm means of the device of FIG. 1.

10 is an enlarged view of the arm means of FIG. 9.

Figures 11 to 16 are schematic cross sectional views, along the vertical plane, of a series of steps performed by the apparatus of Figure 2 when transferring the plastic dosage form from the dispensing means to the shaping means.

17 to 22 are schematic cross sectional views, along a vertical plane, of a series of steps performed by one form of the apparatus of FIG. 2 when transferring a plastic dosage form from a dispensing means to a forming means.

FIG. 23 shows one form of the apparatus of FIG. 2 with a plurality of dispensing outlets on the second conveying means.

24 is a cross sectional view along the central axis and perpendicular plane of the device of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of the first conveying means of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of one form of the first conveying means of FIG. 2.

FIG. 27 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of another form of the first conveying means of FIG. 2.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane XXVIII-XXVIII of FIG. 27.

29 is a schematic axial sectional view of yet another form of the first conveying means of FIG. 2.

30 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of another form of the first conveying means of FIG. 2.

FIG. 31 is a schematic cross sectional view along the vertical axis of a series of steps performed by the first conveying means of FIG. 25 when transferring the plastic dosage form from the dispensing head to the shaping means;

32 is an axial sectional view of another form of the first conveying means of FIG. 2.

33 is a schematic cross sectional view along a vertical axis of a series of steps performed by another embodiment of a conveying means for conveying a plastic dosage form from a dispensing means to a shaping means;

34 is an enlarged view of the first conveying means of FIG. 32.

35 shows one form of the first conveying means of FIG. 34.

36 shows another form of the first conveying means of FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 shows another form of the first conveying means of FIG. 34.

38 is a perspective view of a second conveying means of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 39 is a plan view of FIG. 38 from above.

40 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XL-XL plane of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is an axial sectional view of one embodiment of the second transfer means in FIG. 38. FIG.

FIG. 42 is another cross-sectional view taken along plane XLII-XLII of FIG. 40.

FIG. 43 is a schematic plan view of one form of the apparatus of FIG. 2, including cutting means for cutting the plastic dose exiting the dispensing means, the limiting means being in the second conveying means of the dose; FIG.

FIG. 44 is a schematic plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 43 with some of the details omitted and other details added to show the dynamic behavior of the second conveying device.

45 to 48 are enlarged views of the subsequent operating steps of the conveying means of FIG. 43.

49 to 51 are enlarged views of the continuous operation steps of the conveying means and cutting means of FIG. 43 made between the steps shown in FIGS. 47 and 48.

52 to 55 are cross-sectional views taken along lines LII-LII, LIII-LIII, LIV-LIV, and LV-LV of FIGS. 45 to 48, respectively.

56 and 57 are cross-sectional views of two further operational steps of the conveying means of FIGS. 51 to 54 after separating the administration from the dispensing means.

58 is a schematic perspective view of another operational step of the second conveying means of FIG. 43.

59 is an axial sectional view of one embodiment of a second transfer means.

60 is a plan view from above of another embodiment of the second conveying means;

FIG. 61 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 42.

62 to 64 are enlarged views of a portion of the second conveying means showing the continuous operation step of the second conveying means of FIG. 61 in connection with the cutting means and the distributing means.

65 is an axial sectional view of the inserting means of the plastic dosage form supplied to the shaping means by the dispensing means.

66-70 are schematic diagrams of a continuous step of inserting a dosage form into a shaping means.

FIG. 71 is an enlarged detail of one embodiment of the distributing means of FIG. 64; FIG.

72 to 76 are schematic views of a continuous step of inserting the dosage form into the shaping means by one form of the dispensing means of FIG. 65.

FIG. 77 shows another form of the inserting means of FIG. 65.

78 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 77;

79-83 are schematic views of a continuous step of inserting a dosage form into the shaping means in the form of the inserting means of FIG. 77;

FIG. 84 shows another form of the inserting means of FIG. 65.

85-89 are schematic diagrams of a continuous step of inserting a dosage form into the shaping means by the form of the insert means of FIG.

FIG. 90 shows another form of the inserting means of FIG. 65.

FIG. 91 shows another form of the inserting means of FIG. 56.

92 is an external view of the tubular wall of the insertion means of FIG. 91.

93 shows one form of the shaping means of FIG. 65.

94 is a plan view of the cutting means for cutting the plastic dosage form from the delivery means.

FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XCV-XCV plane of FIG. 94.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, administration of plastic doses, in particular of polymeric plastics, dispensed into dispensing means consisting of fixed outlets or ports 11 for dispensing polymer belonging to dispensing means 10, such as extruder means Amount or dose D, for example, to a molding means comprising a plurality of molds 21 provided in a molding machine or molding apparatus 20 having a carousel or a circular conveyor rotating in a continuous motion. An apparatus for doing so is provided.

Extruder means 10 are of a known kind and are only schematically shown in the drawings. As is known, the extruder means 10 may cause the plastic to be at a suitable temperature (eg 270-300 for PET) to have a somewhat viscous liquid state such that the plastic can have sufficient mobility to be released from the fixed dispensing outlet 11. Heating).

The dispensing outlet 11 dispenses a continuous extruded body M (often having a circular cross section) of fluid plastic, which, for example, places a knife (or a plurality of knives) adjacent to the outlet for cutting the extruded body M. Likewise, the extrudate is divided into a series of doses (D), such that it is divided in a constant manner to produce a series of plastic doses (D).

The mold 21 is rotated along a first circular path leading from the circular conveyor 26 along a horizontal plane with a vertical axis in a traditional molding machine 20 operating in continuous movement, which molding machine is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. As noted, a plurality of correspondences also carried by the circular conveyor 26 suitable for being introduced into the cavity of the corresponding mold 21 to form the desired plastic product (eg, preform or preform) through a compression process. A punch 27 is provided.

The mold 21 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is designed for molding preforms suitable for continuous molding (typically blow molding) of bottles with thermoplastic resins (especially PET). This preform consists of the neck, the last shape of the bottle, and the community intended to form its receptor during bottle making.

In this case, the mold is formed of an upper mold 21b having a through cavity and a recessed lower mold 21a. The lower mold 21a has a cavity, the surface of which is concave, flat and substantially cylindrical, giving the shape to the outer surface of the community of the preforms, while the upper mold 21b has its surface It has a through cavity that is concave and shapes the outer surface of the neck. Since the upper mold has radial projections, the upper mold 21b is divided into at least two halves (two in the case shown) which are suitable to be separated laterally from one another so that the preform is separated. The concave surfaces of the two-part molds 21a and 21b form a cavity of the mold 21.

For example, since the upper mold 21b is lost, it is evident that the present invention can be applied to molds having different shapes of cavities. Moreover, the mold 21 may be suitable for other products.

The mold 21 is rotated by the circular conveyor 26 together with the other mold 21.

At the end of the rotation of the molding machine 20, a machine or apparatus 60 is provided for separating the preform from the apparatus 20.

In order to transfer the polymer dose D from the fixed dispensing outlet 11 to the cavity of the mold 21, a first transfer machine or transfer mechanism 40 is provided for rotation about a vertical axis, which transfer mechanism is continuous A first transfer means consisting of a plurality of rotating transfer chambers 50, each transfer chamber 50 adapted to receive a polymer dose D and continuously transfer it to the cavity of the mold 21 Do.

The conveying mechanism 40 is provided with a moving means suitable for continuously moving said conveying means, which means according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, forming apparatus about a vertical shaft 47 having a fixed shaft. And a circular support portion 46 disposed on the horizontal plane so as to rotate in synchronism with the. The moving means also has a plurality of mechanisms or arm means 41, each of which carries a respective transfer means or transfer chamber 50 at its free end. Each arm means 41 has a degree of freedom 2 with respect to the support 46, and a fixing means suitable for determining the movement of the arm means 41 with respect to the angular position of the rotating support 46. Equipped.

In particular, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, each arm means 41 consists of a segmented arm having two members or arms pivoted to each other, wherein the first member or arm 41a of the arms is rotated. And an inner end pivoted to the support 46 and the other end pivoted to the second member or arm 41b. The second member or arm has a free outer end for carrying the transfer chamber 50.

For serialization of the member 41a of the arm means 41, the fastening means is provided with a corresponding first fastening track acting on the first drive means, for example the idle wheel 42a, carried by the member 41a. 45A) and a second fixed track 45B acting on a second drive means such as, for example, idle wheel 42a, carried by the member 41b for serializing the member 41b. This is done in a way that clearly defines the movement of the transfer chamber 50 during each rotation of the support 46.

These tracks 45A, 45B force the appropriate points of the two members 41a, 41b of the arm means 41 to follow their respective paths; At each respective position of each arm means 41 in relation to the stationary part of the device, the position of the members 41a, 41b is kept in a clearly determined state with respect to the support 46, and thus arm means 41. The movement of c) and thus other movements in the path P2 of the transfer chamber 50 and in the path P2 remains clearly determined in combination with the movement of the support 46.

In a second embodiment of the arm means 41 of the first conveying device 40 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each arm means 41 has its inner end connected to the pivot support 46 by a pivot 48. It differs from the previous embodiment in that it has a pivoted first member 41a and a free end thereof with a second member 41b for carrying the transfer chamber 50. Instead of pivotally connecting the member 41b to the first member 41a, the member 41b is axially slid relative to the first member 41a in the form of a short pipe or guide. Has the potential (without any other movement). Also here, as in the preceding embodiment (FIG. 2), the first fixed track 45A is driven for example by a first drive such as an idle wheel 42b carried by a lever 49 fixed to the member 41a. It is provided to act on the means, and the second fixed track 45B is provided to act on the second drive means, for example the idle wheel 42b, which is carried at the inner end of the member 41b. This is a way to clearly define the movement of the transfer chamber 50 during each rotation of the support 46.

In a third embodiment of the arm means 41 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each arm means 41 has a segmented arm having two members or arms 41a, 41b pivoted together. The first member or arm 41a is pivoted at an end on the rotary support 46, and the second member or arm 41b of the member carries the transfer chamber 50. Nevertheless, for each segment arm means 41, the transfer mechanism 40 has a third member or arm 42 pivoted on the rotary support 46 and fixed on the segment arm 41. In particular, the third member 42 is pivoted onto the second member 41b through the rotary support 46 and the other end thereof through the inner end as a whole to form a segment quadrilateral with the arm 41. The movement of the segment quadrilateral mechanism formed of the three members 41a, 41b, 42 with respect to the support 46 is limited by a single fixed track 45C. For example, each arm means 41 has a drive means 42c, such as an idle wheel, pivoted on a segment axis between two arms 41a, 41b fixed bilaterally along the track 45C. This constrains the appropriate point of the segment quadrilateral following a given path and, in combination with the movement of the support 46, clearly determines the path P2 of the transfer chamber 50 and its movement along the path P2.

In the fourth embodiment of the arm means 41 shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, each arm means 41 is carried by a rotary support 46 and is a member or arm that is constrained thereto by a restraint of degrees of freedom 1. 41d is provided. In particular, each member 41d has a respective transfer chamber 50 at its outer end and engages in a prism manner with a short pipe or sleeve 461 fixed to the rotary support 46 in relation to being axially slidable. do. Alternatively, the member 41d can also be pivoted on the rotation support 46 as a constraint of 1 degree of freedom. The single stationary track 45D is like an idle wheel disposed on the member 41d to form the path P2 of the transfer chamber 50 and its movement along the path during the rotation of the support 46 every turn. It is provided to act on the drive means 42d.

Tracks 45A, 45B to form the resulting path P2 in the part T1 coinciding with the circular path P3 of the mold in the path (Figs. 3, 5, 7, 9) in which the transfer chamber 50 is continuously transported. , 45C, 45D) can be appropriately designed. Along the portion T1 described above, each transfer chamber 50 is positioned substantially coaxially over the cavity of the mold 21, the movement of each transfer chamber 50 coinciding with the movement of the mold. Along this portion T1, the transfer of the polymer dose D from the chamber 50 to the cavity of the mold 21 takes place.

Due to the coincidence of the movement in the portion T1, each dose D is transferred to the cavity of the mold by providing the appropriate length to the portion T1 where the path P2 coincides with the path P3. While the transfer chamber 50 can remain relatively coaxial over the mold (depending on the rotational speed of the molding machine 20 and the length of the corresponding part T1).

For use in accordance with the present invention, other arm means or mechanisms 41 may also be used which differ from the above examples and nevertheless with respect to the modes of operation and kinematic effects obtainable in the spirit of the present invention. .

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the path P3 of the mold 21 is circular, and the matching portion T1 is also circular accordingly. Nevertheless, the path P3 can be made in other forms. For example, the portion T1 may also have a straight portion formed. In this case, there is little or no centrifugal thrust on the polymer dose.

The apparatus according to the invention provides a second transfer means suitable for transferring the polymer dose (D) from the dispensing outlet 11 to the transfer chamber 50. This conveying means, as in the embodiment shown in the previous figures and in the following examples, moves the polymer dosage body from the fixed point from which it is discharged (dispensing outlet 11), thereby conveying it through the movement with the horizontal component. Transferring to chamber 50 may be suitable for moving the polymer dose. Alternatively, it is possible to carry out the transfer only by vertically dropping the polymer dose (D) directly from the fixed dispensing outlet into the transfer chamber 50. In this case, members are provided in connection with the outlet, for example, a piston for pushing out the extruded material and a knife for cutting the extruded material, such as a knife, which is separated from the dispensing outlet port and gravimetrically transferred to a transfer chamber disposed below the outlet. There are members that drop into elements such as dropping or pushing with compressed air.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 16, a plurality of operating means or second transfer means 31 which are continuously rotated in order to transfer the polymer dose D from the dispensing outlet 11 to the transfer chamber 50. A second rotary feed machine or second feed mechanism 30 is provided. Each second transfer means 31 has a concave inner surface 32b of a laterally open U-shaped cross section, intended to be in contact with the polymer dose (D). The surface 32b extends axially along an almost vertical axis and is open on the side and allows the polymer dosage (D) to flow in contact with the surface 32b to induce the accompanying polymer dosage (D). It is shaped to form a channel that can.

The second transfer mechanism 30 transfers the polymer dose D from which the operating means is discharged from the dispensing outlet 11 by relative movement in the transverse direction, and transfers the polymer dose D into the transfer chamber 50. A moving means suitable for continuously operating the operation means 31 in a manner arranged one at a time is provided.

The movement means is centered on (or in FIG. 7) a shaft coaxial with the shaft 47 of the support portion 46 having a fixed shaft to which the operation means 31 is fixed at its periphery, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 20. A circular support 36 arranged on a horizontal plane synchronously rotating with the forming machine, as shown in the case shown in FIG. The operating means 31 are arranged such that the open side of the surface 32b is oriented tangentially forward with respect to the rotational direction.

The path P4 formed by the concave inner contact surface 32b extends on the horizontal plane and is short from the dispensing outlet 11 such that the upper end of the concave inner contact surface 32b passes below the outlet 11 on which the knife 13 is disposed. It is disposed below and at a distance (however, it is sufficient to avoid the impact on the lower end of the extrudate M falling from the outlet). In addition, the path P4 is disposed above the path P2 below the chamber 50 at a short distance to brush the upper end of the chaver 50 while the lower end of the concave inner contact surface 32b moves. do.

The passing path P4 of the means 31 is circular and has the part indicated by T2 in FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 9, which coincides with the path P2 of the transfer chamber 50. While following this portion T2, each operating means 31 is located in a position that is substantially coaxial over the transfer chamber 50, and the operation of the operating means 31 coincides with the operation of the transfer chamber 50. The path P4 followed by the means 31 results in a completely circular means that is essentially fixed to the support 46, and the path P2 of the transfer chamber 50 suitably shapes the path of the fixed track 45. This is a path which is biased relative to the circular path and made to coincide with the portion T2 of the path P4 of the operation means 31.

The dispensing outlet 11 is located near the upstream end of the portion T2.

In use, the means 31 are passed under the dispensing outlet 11, in which the administration body D cut directly by the knife 13 enters the cavity formed by the inner contacting surface 32b and is brought into contact with the contacting surface. Pushed by the contact of the horizontal motion. On the other hand, the administration body D is also dropped by gravity while slid in a guided manner along the contact surface 32b until it leaves the contact surface and falls into the transfer chamber 50 below. This transfer is carried along the portion T2 as a path in which the contact surface 32b is positioned substantially coaxially above the transfer chamber 50 and moves in the same motion with the transfer chamber, as described above.

Due to the correspondence between the part T2 where the path P4 coincides with the path P2 and has an appropriate length, and the movement in this part T2, the rotational speed of the molding machine 20 and the part A relatively long time can be obtained (depending on the length of T2) during which the correct transfer of each dose D from the dispensing outlet 11 to the transfer chamber 50 can be obtained.

The lower part 33 of the surface 32b is closed and converges to perfect the descent of the dosage form D into the release sheet.

11 to 14 show the development steps associated with the transfer of the polymer dose D from the dispensing outlet 11 to the transfer chamber 50 via the operating means 31, all of which take place at the matching portion T2. .

FIG. 11 shows the dosage form D which has been directly separated from the extrudate M by the operation of the knife 13 after entering directly into the cavity of the surface 32b. This step corresponds to the Q1 position in FIG.

In Figures 12-14 the polymer dose (D) descends along the surface 32b until it is fully entered into the transfer chamber 50 below (Figure 14).

15 and 16 show the development steps associated with the transfer of the polymer dose D from the transfer chamber 50 to the cavity of the lower mold 21, all of which take place in the matching portion T1.

21 and 22 show a downward thrust by injecting a pressurized fluid of air or other gas into the transfer chamber 50 above the dose D and in this way through the lower port of the chamber 50. Shows a device of the method of discharging more quickly).

To this end, a first closure means suitable for closing the upper port of the transfer chamber 50 is provided, wherein the upper port is formed with one or more holes, through which the polymer dose (D) Pressurized fluid is dispensed into the chamber 50 by means of suitable compressed fluid dispensing means to eject pressure through it. In the embodiment shown, the first closing means has a closure 54 which is positioned to close the upper port whenever the upper port of the transfer chamber 50 is in a properly overlapped position above the mold cavity. When this overlap occurs, the pressurized fluid is transferred into the transfer chamber 50 to forcibly pressurize the administration body D underneath through the hole 54a which is formed in the closure 54 and is downwardly oriented.

The closure 54 is fixed below the outer edge of the rotation support disk 36a of the second transfer mechanism 30. The support disk 36a is concentrically connected to the support 36, which carries the operating means 31 and extends to a diameter such that the outer edge thereof is disposed on the path of the mold 21. The kinematic characteristics of the machine 30 and the molding machine 20 are characterized in that for each transfer chamber 50 superimposed on the cavity of the mold 21, a closure 54 is arranged above the transfer chamber 50. Has a relationship arranged to close the port. In this step, pressurized fluid is inserted through the closure 54 such that the polymer dose (D) is pressed downward into the mold cavity below the transfer position. The closure 54 then acts as discharge means for discharging the polymer dose D from the transfer chamber 5.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the second transfer means 30 for transferring the polymer dose D from the dispensing outlet 11 to the transfer chamber 50 comprises a fixed dispensing outlet 11. In combination there is a rotating circular conveyor 15 carrying a plurality of second dispensing outlets 16 suitable for dispensing the plastic which is moved along the circular path P5 in the horizontal plane in the peripheral direction. More specifically, the circular conveyor 15 rotates about a vertical central axis 15A and is located on the shaft 15A which is connected to the fixed outlet 11 by the rotary connection joint 151. 152 is provided. The joint 151 ensures continuity of the fluid connection between the fixed outlet 11 and the rotary port 152.

Inside the circular conveyor 15 a center channel 153 is formed which extends away from the port 152 and extends along the axis 15A, which extends radially far from the bottom of the center channel 153 and with respect to the vertical axis. A plurality of channels 154 for supplying a number of second outlets 16 facing downwards, which are arranged at the periphery of the circular conveyor 15, are arranged at equal intervals with the axis 15A and are angularly arranged at equal intervals. A plurality of transverse channels 154 are formed.

Each port 16 is suitable for dispensing the extrudate of the polymer dosage unit, each of which cooperates with the means for dividing the ejected extrudate into a plurality of dosages (D). For example, the dividing means is a shutting means 17 which is axially movable within the port and is suitable for dividing the ejected polymer by closing the outlet hole 161 of the outlet 16. Alternatively, the dividing means can be a knife (not shown).

The above-mentioned circular conveyor 15 with corresponding associated members is already known, for example in the form disclosed in the international patent application PCT / EP2003 / 07325 filed in the name of the applicant.

The means of movement of the transfer chamber 50 is suitable for continuously moving the chamber 50 such that the path P2 of the transfer chamber has a portion that coincides with the path P5 of the secondary dispensing outlet 16. Each transfer chamber 50 is in a position that is substantially coaxial below the secondary port 16 and the movement of the transfer chamber 50 coincides with the movement of the secondary port 16 during the transfer. Transfer of the polymer dose (D) to the chamber 50 takes place.

In use, the ejected polymer descends continuously from the dispensing outlet 11 and reaches the secondary port 16 through the channels 153, 154. The secondary port acts synchronously with the movement of the circular conveyor 15 dispensing the polymer dose (D) one by one in succession (or multiple outlets simultaneously) while the part overlapping precisely above the chamber 50 ( Traveling along T5), while in this portion, the administration D falls down into the transfer chamber 50 by gravity.

Due to the part T5 coinciding with the path P5 and having an appropriate length, a relatively long time is used depending on the rotational speed of the molding machine 20 and the length of the part T5 in order to match the movement along the part T5. And during this time it is possible to transfer the dosage D from each second dispensing outlet 16 to the transfer chamber 50 below.

According to the embodiment of the arm means 41 shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, in the matching portions T1, T2, T5, unlike the previous two embodiments, the movement (trajectory and speed) of the transfer chamber 50 is achieved. Does not exactly coincide with the movement of the mold 21 or the respective movement of the operating means 31 or the second dispensing outlet 16, but nevertheless is close enough precisely to such movement.

The first conveying means 50 may comprise shape adjusting means suitable for geometrically deforming the shape, by which means the mold 21 is not brought into contact with the wall of the cavity during the lowering of the plastic dose D. Each dimension of the plastic dose (D) can be modified in a manner that is suitable for lowering into the cavity of the cavities. The shape adjusting means has a particularly useful application when the mold cavity is relatively deep and narrow compared to the mass of the polymer dose (D), and / or when the operating speed is relatively high. It is common practice to form PET preforms used to produce conventional plastic bottles for mineral water or other carbonated beverages, as in the case where the mold cavity is relatively deep and narrow compared to the mass of the administration.

According to an embodiment, the shape of the inner cavity 50a of the transfer chamber 50 geometrically adjusts the shape of the polymer dose (D). In other words, the dose D is inserted into the transfer chamber 50 having a shape that may differ from the shape of the internal cavity 50a of the chamber, and due to the inherent fluidity and plasticity, It is physically adjusted by the cavity in the sense that D) takes the same shape as the cavity, in particular the same as the side shape of the cavity.

As observed above, due to the adjustment means, the passage of the polymer dose from the transfer chamber to the mold cavity can be achieved so fast that the route P2 does not require the portion T1 to match the route P3 and In the meantime, each transfer chamber 50 is in a position above the cavity substantially coaxially with the cavity of the mold 21.

According to the embodiments of FIGS. 11-16, 25, 27, 28, the internal cavity 50a of the transfer chamber 50 is laterally partitioned by the inner surface 51b of the side wall 51, The inner surface is cylindrical, has a vertical busbar, possibly circular cross section, and the transverse dimension of the inner surface is not larger than the minimum transverse dimension of the inlet region of the mold cavity.

For example in the example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the diameter of the cavity of the upper portion 21b of the mold is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical side of the lower portion 21a. In this case, the diameter of the inner cavity 50a is slightly smaller than the diameter of the cavity of the upper portion 21b. Alternatively, the same applies when the diameter of the cylindrical side of the cavity of the lower part 21a of the mold is smaller than the diameter of the cavity of the upper part 21b.

When the dose D is released downward into the cavity of the mold 21 by the chamber 50, the dose D is allowed to pass through the cavity without contacting the side wall of the cavity during the descent. Even when contacting, the lowering and accurate positioning of the administration body D inside the mold 21 are not prevented. Since the transverse dimension (diameter) of the inner cavity 50a cannot be smaller than the transverse dimension expected by the dispenser D discharged from the dispensing outlet 11, the dose D into the chamber 50. It can be inserted better.

The inner cavity 50a of the transfer chamber 50, in addition to being laterally partitioned by a cylindrical closed sidewall 51, has a lower base suitable for alternating into the closed and open positions via means not shown. It can be closed at the bottom by a second closing means comprising a wall 52.

The upper base of the inner cavity 50a can also be closed by a first closing means 53 consisting of an upper base wall, which can be opened and closed via means not shown.

In the step where the transfer chamber 50 receives the polymer dose D from the dispensing outlet 11, the upper wall 53 is in the open position, while the lower wall 52 is in the closed position. In the transfer chamber 50 dispensing the polymer dose D to the mold cavity, the upper wall 53 is in the closed position, while the lower wall 52 is in the open position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom base wall 52 is flat and lies on a horizontal plane in a closed position. To reach the open position, the bottom base wall 52 moves along the same horizontal plane, which is adjacent to the lower edge of the side wall 51. In particular, the lower base wall 52 rotates about the side wall 51 around the pivot 521 having a vertical axis and is connected to the wall 51.

Similarly, the upper base wall 53 is flat and moves with the upper wall left on the horizontal plane in the closed position to reach the open position. In particular, the upper base wall 53 rotates about the side wall 51 around the pivot 531 having a vertical axis and is connected to the side wall 51.

As the polymer dose D comes into contact with the inner surface of the cavity 50a of the transfer chamber 50, in particular the inner surface 51b and the inner surface 52b of the lower wall 52, the transfer chamber 50 Attachment prevention means to completely or partially reduce the attachment caused by such contact.

According to the embodiment of the transfer chamber 50 shown in FIG. 25, the attachment preventing means comprises dispensing means suitable for supplying a fluid, in particular a gas such as air, to the cavity of the transfer chamber 50. The discharged fluid forms a gap between the inner surface of the transfer chamber 50 and the polymer dose (D) to reduce the adhesion effect between the polymer dose (D) and the inner contact surface.

The side wall 51 and the lower wall base 52 of the transfer chamber 50 are preferably porous in order to allow fluid to pass through the thickness of these side walls and the base. In this case, a second side wall 51 'is provided on the outer side of the side wall 51 coaxially with the side wall, which surrounds the side wall 51 and is connected to the side wall at the upper and lower edges. Between the two side walls 51 and 51 ', there is defined a side chamber 51a which encloses the porous side wall 51 at 360 degrees and extends along the entire height of the side wall or almost along its entire height. The side chamber 51a is suitable for conveying pressurized gas into the chamber 51a through the channel 59 and the inlet 56 and from the chamber through the porous wall 51 into the transfer chamber 50. It is connected to means (not shown in the figure).

A second outer base wall 52 ′ is also provided that is below the lower wall 52 and is integral with the lower wall along the outer edge. Between the two side walls 52, 52 ′, there is a thin lower chamber 52a extending over the entire length of the base wall 52, which lowers the pressurized gas into the chamber 52a and the chamber. It is also connected with means suitable for conveying from the conveying chamber 50 through the porous wall 52.

Pressurized gas is conveyed to the chambers 52a and 51a and passes through the porous walls 52 and 51 from the chamber, between the inner surfaces 52b and 51b of the walls 52 and 51 and the outer surface of the polymer dose D. Form a layer or gap of gas to be interposed. The gas filled gap prevents contact between the polymer dose (D) and the walls 52, 51, or at least reduces the size and contact time of the contact area, thereby reducing the polymer dose (D) and the walls 52, 51. Prevents the macroscopic contact effect between the two), thereby promoting an effective downward flow of the agent.

By interposing a fluid-filled gap having a sufficient pressure and a flow rate value that varies from application to application and between the contacting surface and the polymer dose (D), the adhesion effect of the polymer dose (D) is achieved. It is possible to reduce (D) completely or at least partially to such a level that it does not actually stick and remain adhesive to the surface.

In fact, by forming a gap filled with a fluid having an appropriate flow rate and generally a relatively low pressure value (one or a few bars is sufficient), contact between the polymer dose (D) and the contact surface is prevented. Nevertheless, if contact occurs, such contact is local and time limited. In this regard, it has been found through experiments that by limiting the contact time between the polymer dose (D) and the surface to a relatively small value, a correspondingly low macroscopic contact effect is obtained. If the contact time is a few milliseconds, the macroscopic contact effect is substantially zero.

Such a phenomenon can be explained from the fact that a contact time smaller than a predetermined value (reaction time) is required so that the chemical-physical adhesion can have an effect in order to obtain a contact effect. This reaction time is a function of material, temperature and local pressure. Fluid-filled gaps lead to continuous interruption of the process, so that maximum adhesion does not occur or even all contacts are prevented.

The porous wall was made of a material having a pore diameter of 5 × 10 ⁻³ mm to 20 × 10 ⁻³ mm, and excellent results were obtained by conveying a gas at a pressure of 0.5 to 1 bar into the chambers 51a and 52a.

FIG. 31 illustrates the operation of the transfer chamber 50 shown in FIG. 25. The transfer chamber 50 is initially disposed below this dispensing outlet approximately coaxially with the first position P1, for example dispensing outlet 11, for receiving the administration D. FIG. The chamber 50 then moves to a second position P2 located above the mold cavity, in particular the transfer chamber 50 positioned substantially coaxially with the mold cavity above the mold cavity which discharges the polymer dose (D). It is.

The movement of the chamber 50 is relative, i.e. this movement can be moved following the displacement of the chamber while the plastic supply means is stationary and the mold is moving, or along other and various combinations of such movements. have.

While the transfer chamber 50 receives the dose D from the dispensing outlet 11, the upper wall 53 is in the open position, while the lower wall 52 is in the closed position. During the transfer chamber 50 releasing the polymer dose to the mold cavity, the upper wall 53 is in the closed position, while the lower wall 52 is in the open position. In this step where the transfer chamber 50 lowers the polymer dose D into the mold cavity, the lower base wall 52 is open and the upper base wall 53 is opened. When in the closed state, the pressurized gas discharged into the chamber 50 through the walls 51 and 52 creates a “shot” effect that quickly and effectively pushes the dosage form D into the mold.

As shown in FIG. 26, a wall of nonporous material can be provided alternately with the porous wall, wherein the wall of the nonporous material also encounters contact with the polymer dose (D) to allow passage of fluid therethrough. A small hole 57 may be provided to be distributed in the region. For example, such holes 57 may be distributed helically so as to cover as much of the contact area as possible. According to another alternative example, the porous wall may be replaced with a wall composed of a plurality of members joined to form a plurality of relatively narrow separation lines therebetween, which separation lines are formed and distributed in a manner suitable for the contact area. Allow fluid to flow through.

The above-mentioned advantageous effects produced by the fluid-filled gap thermally condition the fluid sent between the contact surface and the polymer dose (D) to lower the temperature of the polymer dose (D) and / or the contact surface. By becoming prominent.

To this end, means (not shown) suitable for thermally regulating the fluid or gas may be provided to lower the temperature of the fluid or gas. In this case, the gas-filled gap formed between the inner surface of the transfer chamber 50 and the outer surface of the polymer injector 50 also creates effective heat exchange with the mass of the walls 52, 51 and the outer surface of the polymer injector D. This heat exchange can be used to promote the flow of the polymer dosage (D). The fluid cooled by passing through the walls or passing through both the contact surfaces 51b and 52b and the polymer dose (D) has a low temperature at least on its surface, thus lowering the viscosity of the polymer dose (D) and further Reduce the adherence of the agent. Indeed, as contact time increases (in microseconds to milliseconds), the temperature of the wall will have to be reduced to prevent sticking. Whether the contact surface is disposed on a wall of porous material, or where the fluid passes through a relatively narrow hole, the fluid has an advantageous "cooling effect" by itself due to expansion as it exits upon passage of the wall. Clearly, the temperature of the fluid is adjusted to avoid excessive cooling even if the polymer dosage (D) is local to produce microcrystals of material or irregularities in the material. In any case, the cooling effect on the polymer dose (D) produced by the fluid is completely different from that obtained through the relatively long-term direct physical contact of the dose and the contact surface of the handling means of the dose. Indeed, in the former case, it is in the form of microcooling, ie microcooling, which affects only the most superficial layer of the polymer carrier (D), which is distributed in a regular and uniform manner over its entire surface. On the other hand, in the case of contact between the polymer dose (D) and the handling means, it is relatively strong and deep cooling but limited to a relatively narrow area of the dose, which hinders the results for the article formed as described above.

Alternatively, gas may be sent into the transfer chamber 50 in a flow tangentially directed to the contact surfaces 52b and 51b so as to create a narrow gap across the surface, ie in contact with the surface. The presence of pressurized gas in the chamber 50 also has an important beneficial effect when the transfer chamber 50 is in the part T1 to lower the polymer dose D into the cavity of the mold 21. When the lower base wall 52 is open while the upper base wall 53 remains closed, the pressurized gas released into the chamber 50 through the walls 51 and 53 causes the dose to be lowered into the mold cavity. This creates an "foaming" effect that is both effective and quickly pushed. This advantageous effect is achieved by sending the gas into the chamber 50 in various ways, for example by providing a porous wall 51 as described above. This effect can be enhanced by sending gas through one or more holes 57 as shown in FIG. This gas is used to push the polymer dose (D) downward into the mold cavity.

Alternatively, the effect described above is also achieved by making the upper base wall 53 out of the porous material and sending gas to the chamber 50 through it. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, a second base wall 53 ′ provided above and joined along the outer edge of the wall 53 is provided. A narrow upper chamber 53a is formed between the two walls 53, 53 ′, which extends over the entire area of the base wall 53, into the chamber 53a and to the lower base wall 52. In this open case it is connected to a means suitable for directing pressurized gas into the transfer chamber 50 through the porous wall 53.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 26, one or more holes 57 in the upper base wall 53 may also be of considerable diameter to direct fluid to the chamber 50 to push the polymer dose D downward. Can be prepared.

FIG. 27 shows a variation of the transfer chamber 50 substantially the same as FIG. 25, wherein the upper base wall 53 is provided to direct fluid to the chamber 50 and push the polymer dose D downwards. The difference is that instead of being made of a porous material, it has one or more holes 57 of considerable diameter.

The variant shown in FIG. 29 is substantially similar to the transfer chamber 50 of FIG. 26, where the lower base wall 52 is not porous but numerous small holes or a plurality of narrow separations such that the fluid passes through, such as the side wall 51. A line is prepared. The upper base wall 53 has one or more holes 57.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 32, the upper base wall 53 may not be provided. In this case, the polymer dose (D) has a dimension which is smaller than or equal to the cavity of the mold, in particular the diameter dimension, so that the polymer dose (D) can be lowered by gravity into the cavity.

In the variant of FIG. 32, the lower base wall 52 is not a single block, but rather two elements 525 rotatable about the side wall 51 about each pivot having a vertical axis and connected to the side wall 51. Is done. The two elements 525 together block the exit of the chamber 50 upon rotation until it is in the closed position and form a porous wall 52. On the other hand, the two elements 525 enable the discharging of the administration body D upon rotation outward to the open position.

The lower wall 52 may also not be provided. In this case, as shown in FIG. 37, the absence of the bottom wall 52 may be used to provide a specific mechanism for dispensing gas to keep the polymer dose (D) suspended and to prevent the polymer dose from falling into the transfer chamber. Compensated by the method. This operation is naturally stopped if the polymer dose (D) has to be lowered into the mold cavity. In particular, in FIG. 37, the side walls 51 are continuous and the porous chamber 50 is shown. The chamber 50 does not have a lower base wall, and pneumatic support means are provided to prevent the lowering of the polymer dose (D). This pneumatic support means has a looped conduit 511 around the lower outlet of the chamber 50 without disturbing the discharge of the polymer carrier (D), which loops below the lower edge of the side wall 51. Is placed. Conduit 511 is supplied with one or more inlet ports 512 to generate a fluid jet upwardly into the lower outlet of chamber 50 through properly oriented holes 513. By properly adjusting the pressure of the discharged fluid, it is possible to keep the polymer dose (D) in the suspended state inside the chamber 50, thereby preventing the dose (D) from falling through the lower outlet. Of course, this is done when it is necessary to stop the descent of the administration body D, which supplies the fluid to the conduit 511, and vice versa, when the administration body D needs to be lowered.

The fluid may be suitably guided to form a gap filled with fluid to prevent the agent D from adhering to the contact surface.

According to an embodiment of the transfer means suitable for adjusting the shape of the polymer dose (D) shown in FIG. 30, the concave side wall 51 which determines the boundary of the transfer chamber 50 is for example the dose D ) Has a side hole 520 for inserting laterally. The chamber 50 is pneumatically shaped means suitable for releasing the compressed fluid oriented through the side opening 520 to the inner surface 51b of the side wall 51 against the dose D to adjust the shape of the dose. It is provided. In particular, the side wall 51 of the chamber 50 has two vertical conduits 521 connected to a source of compressed fluid not shown by the channel 22. The vertical conduit 521 is provided with a number of holes 523 suitable for ejecting the fluid jet towards the holes 520. According to this, the polymer dose D is controlled by contacting the side wall 51 with the fluid layer interposed and by the dynamic action of the fluid discharged from the aperture 523.

As shown in FIG. 26, according to another embodiment for adjusting the shape of the polymer dose (D), there is provided a pneumatic forming means suitable for releasing the compressed fluid into the transfer chamber 50, which is a polymer dose. It acts on the side of sieve D to control its geometry. The transfer chamber 50 is substantially identical to that shown in FIG. 25, but instead of porosity, the side wall has a number of holes 57 larger in diameter than the voids through which the compressed fluid, eg air, Injected into the cavity 50a, the fluid is oriented against the side of the polymer dose (D) to control its shape. In particular, the cross-sectional diameter of the administration body D is reduced so that the administration body can be lowered into the cavity of the mold 21 so as not to contact the wall of the mold 21.

According to the above solution, it is possible to adjust the shape of the administration body D in an appropriate manner by changing only the characteristics of the fluid introduced into the chamber 50 without changing the geometrical shape of the chamber 50. The same hole 57 may be provided on the upper base 53, but may also be provided on all the bases for the purpose of pressing the polymer dose D downwardly into the mold cavity.

In the transfer chamber 50 shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, anti-stick means are provided to reduce, in whole or in part, the adhesion between the polymer dose (D) and the inner surface of the transfer chamber 50.

In this case, the chamber 50 and in particular its inner surfaces 51b and 52b are frequently vibrated to prevent or at least partially reduce the macroadhesive effect between the polymer administration D and the inner surface. Indeed, according to the appropriate vibration values, for example, since the plastic is viscous, even if the plastic produces an adhesive point at the microscopic level, this adhesive point is very small and only exists for a very short time, so that the macroscopic contact between material and contact surface The adhesion is relatively small and the adhesion phenomenon between the contact surface 51b and the polymer administration body D is drastically reduced. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the transfer chamber 50 is frequently used to prevent, or at least reduce, the adhesion effect between the polymer dose D and the inner surfaces 51b and 52b. Vibration generating means 55 for vibrating is provided on the outer surface of the transfer chamber 50.

In the case of PET plastics, excellent results were obtained by vibrating excitation acting on a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis of the transfer chamber 50 at a frequency of 300 pulses per second.

Although not shown in the drawings, another embodiment of the transfer chamber 50 may include a cavity portion of the chamber 50 to completely or partially reduce adhesion between the polymer dose D and the inner surface of the transfer chamber 50. Providing an anti-stick coating thin film disposed to shield the inner surface of 50a), the thin film being comprised of a material having anti-stick properties with respect to the polymer carrier (D), for example PTFE (Teflon), the outer surface of the thin film Forms an adhesive surface with the polymer dosage unit (D).

The transfer chamber 50 shown in FIG. 35 differs from that of FIG. 34 in that the base walls 52, 53 are porous to allow fluid or gas to pass through the thickness portion thereof.

The transfer chamber of FIG. 36 differs from FIG. 35 in that the upper base wall 53 is not porous but has one or more holes 57 to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

According to the embodiment of the means 31 shown in FIGS. 38, 39 and 40, the operating means is provided with anti-stick means for completely or partially reducing the adhesion between the administration body D and the inner surface 32b. do.

The means 31 have a concave wall 32 open on the side, the inner surface of which forms an adhesive surface 32b. The lower end 33 of the wall 32 is circularly closed and has an axial portion that slightly converges downward.

The means 31 have dispensing means suitable for forming a gap or fluid layer, for example a gas layer, along the inner surface 32b in order to completely or partially reduce the adhesion effect between the agent D and the inner surface.

In particular, the concave wall 32 (including the lower portion 33) is porous to allow gas to pass therethrough and has a second tubular wall 320 coaxial with it outside the curved wall 32, wherein the second tubular The lower and upper ends of the wall 320 are coupled to the concave wall 32. Between the two walls 32, 320, a chamber is formed which surrounds the curved porous wall 32 and extends along or over most of its length, the chamber 34 being compressed into the chamber 34. It is connected with means 38 (partially only shown in FIG. 40) suitable for supplying gas.

The chamber 34 is bisected into an upper portion 34 'and a lower portion 34 "supplied by a conduit 35' and a conduit 35", respectively, and the conduit is more suitable for lowering the dose D. The two chamber portions 34 of fluid having different pressure characteristics for control.

Excellent results were obtained with the walls 32 formed of porous material having the features described above for the transfer chamber 50. In addition, as described above, a means suitable for thermally controlling the gas to lower the temperature may be provided (not shown in the drawing), which has the above-described features and results.

Alternatively, gas can be supplied to the contact surface 32b by flow tangentially oriented with respect to the surface to create a gap in contact with the surface.

The gap filled with the fluid between the contact surface 32b of the operating means 31 and the polymer administration body D provides the above-described effect on the transfer chamber 50.

41 and 42 show a variant of the anti-stick means for completely or partially reducing the contact between the contact surface 32b of the treatment means 31 and the administration body D. FIG. Such operating means 31 and in particular their inner surface 32b are frequently vibrated to prevent or at least partially reduce the macroscopic adhesion effect between the administration body D and the inner surface.

Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, it is suitable to frequently vibrate the concave wall 32 to prevent or at least reduce the adhesive effect between the administration body D and the inner surface 32b. The vibration generating means 55 is provided on the outer surface of the operation means 31.

Alternatively, a coating thin film is provided on the inner surface of the concave wall 32 to completely or partially reduce the adhesion between the polymer dose (D) and the inner surface 32b of the operating means 31, the thin film being a polymer. It is composed of a material having anti-adhesive properties with respect to the administration body (D), for example PTFE (teflon), and the outer surface of the thin film forms the adhesion surface with the polymer administration body (D).

65-70 illustrate an apparatus having a dispensing means 10 suitable for delivering a plastic dosage form from a dispensing outlet or port 11 disposed in a lower position, the dispensing outlet being a dispensing means 10. It is disposed on the lower surface 12 of the).

The plastic is first heated to a temperature that can achieve a somewhat viscous fluid state, such as about 300 ° C. in the case of PET, to take sufficient mobility. The plastic then advances under pressure along the channel 130 inside the dispensing means 10 to the dispensing outlet 11.

The dispensing means 10 also has a shutter 14 suitable for separating the amount of material forming the dose D from the downstream end of the extrudate M of the viscous fluid material dispensed along the channel 130. do.

In particular, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 65-70, the shutter 14 takes the form of a vertically movable piston fitted inside a cylindrical vertical cavity 150 terminating on the lower surface 12, the piston The lower end of the to form a distribution outlet or port (11). Channel 130 terminates inside cavity 150 at point 131 located upstream of outlet 11. The shutter 14 is disposed above the point 131 so that the material discharged from the point 131 can flow and descend through the lower portion of the cavity 150. When the shutter is manufactured to move downstream through point 131, the extrudate M is blocked and the final end is separated to insert the dose into the mold cavity.

The mold 21 shown in the figure is operated by a molding machine and is configured to form a preform suitable for subsequent manufacture, generally blow molding the bottle with a thermoplastic (particularly PET). This preform has a neck having a final shape provided in the bottle, and a hollow body configured to form the container body of the bottle during the manufacturing stage of the bottle. In this case, the mold is formed with an upper portion 220 having a lower portion 210 and a through cavity. The lower portion 210 has a substantially cylindrical concave and flat surface 211 which shapes the outer surface of the hollow body of the preform, while the upper portion 220 has a complex surface 221 which shapes the outer surface of the neck. Have If a radial projection is provided at the top, the top 220 is separated into two halves (two in the case shown) suitable for moving transverse to each other to free the preform. Two concave surfaces 211, 221 form the cavity of the mold 21.

The present invention can also be used with a mold having a cavity different shape, for example where the top 220 is omitted and the bottom 210 has a similar shape. The mold is typically driven by a molded circular conveyor (not shown in the figure) having a plurality of continuously driven molds. The body 25 and the corresponding mold can be connected to the circular conveyor or can be separated from the circular conveyor and moved by the circular conveyor during the work cycle phase and during other steps that can be separated from the circular conveyor. In the latter case, the mold is moved by a shuttle.

An insertion member 300 having a passage conduit 310 for the administration is provided, which is configured in the shape of a tube, and has an inlet 310a at the upper end and an outlet 310b at the lower end.

The passage conduit 310 is connected to the dispensing outlet 11 of the dispensing means 10 at the inlet 310. In particular, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 65, the upper end of the conduit 310 abuts against the lower base of the dispensing means 10, with the dispensing outlet 11 mating with the inlet 310a.

The lower portion 311 of the conduit 310 in which the outlet 310b is disposed is inserted into the mold cavity over most of its axial length. The portion 311 acts on the overall axial length of the conduit 310.

According to the method, the passage conduit 310 is inserted with respect to the axial length equivalent of the passage conduit inside the mold cavity with the distribution means 10 whose outlet 11 is connected to the inlet 310a. Whereby the doser descends and is completely released into the mold cavity through the outlet of the conduit passageway.

66-70 illustrate a series of steps performed by the device shown in FIG. 65 when the device inserts the dosage form into the mold cavity according to the first embodiment.

Passage conduit 310 is arranged with the mold cavity such that the axis of passage conduit 310 and the axis of the mold cavity substantially coincide (FIG. 66). The mold and dispensing means 10 then move perpendicular to each other in a manner in which the lower portion 311 of the passage conduit 310 is disposed inside the mold cavity (FIGS. 67, 68, and 69). In the embodiment shown, the dispensing means 10 remain at a constant level, but only the mold moves vertically.

Alternatively, the dispensing means 10 can move vertically or both.

Extruded body M advances along channel 130 (FIG. 66) and finally along passage conduit 310 (FIG. 67) along the lower end of vertical cavity 150. When the portion of the extruded body M disposed below the point 131 reaches a preset length, the shutter 14 descends to block the extruded body M that separates the lower end portion, thereby dispensing the plastic dose D. (FIG. 68).

Next, the material descends along conduit 310 until the exit 310b of conduit 310 is reached (FIG. 69). At this point, while the dispensing agent D is discharged along the outlet 310b of the conduit 310, the conduit moves in the mold cavity with the same and reverse movement of the dispensing agent D relative to the conduit. Is separated from (FIG. 70). Finally, conduit 310 completely exits the mold cavity and returns to the starting position of the illustrated cycle position (FIG. 66).

As already disclosed, the dosing agent D flows to the bottom of the mold cavity by passage conduit 310 without contacting the side of the mold cavity as needed.

The closer the outlet of the conduit 310 is to the bottom of the mold cavity, the less the risk that the dose D contacts the sidewalls of the mold, and the more precise the location where the dose is placed inside the cavity.

However, in the case where it is desired to reduce the relative vertical stroke between the group composed of the dispensing means 10 and the group composed of the inserting means 300 and the mold, shortening the length of the lower portion 311 inserted into the mold cavity is necessary. It is possible.

Depending on the different factors, for example, the length varies with the geometry of the mold cavity. The larger the ratio between the diameter and the axial length, the shorter the length of the portion 311. The length may vary depending on the moving conditions of the mold. In the case where the mold is fixed or not exposed to remarkable centrifugal thrust, the length of the lower portion 311 can be shortened.

In many cases, it is sufficient for the lower portion 311 to penetrate a portion equal to at least one third of the axial length of the mold.

As in the case shown in the figures, where the lower portion 210 of the mold has a sidewall with a nearly vertical hair surface and the upper portion 220 has radial protrusions of the same or approximately the same height as the lower portion 210, The bottom 311 has an axial length such that the outlet 310b of the conduit extends at least beyond the top 220.

In general terms, it is preferable that the administration body (D) has a cross section as close as possible to the cross section of the mold cavity. As a result, the passage portion of the conduit 310 can be as close as possible to the passage portion of the mold cavity, taking into account the mechanical resistance that the walls of the conduit 31 must have. Nevertheless, since the wall must extend along the axial surface of the mold cavity without contact with the mold cavity and it must be possible to evacuate the gap between the wall and the surface of the cavity (therefore the air injected into the mold). The gap must exist because it extends to produce

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 66-70, after being separated from the material exiting the channel 130 by the shutter 140, the administration D lowers the conduit 310 due to gravity.

The lowering of the administration (D) is a compressed fluid with flow at an upstream point of the administration (D) disposed inside the passage conduit 310 to support the lowering and discharge of the administration outside the outlet 310b of the conduit. It can be pressed by inserting. Typically, the fluid is air, for example, but may be another gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide or other gas.

In particular, for example when the device is under the conditions shown in FIG. 68, the shutter separates the amount of material defining the dose D from the downstream end of the extrudate exiting the channel 130. The compressed fluid is then dispensed from its lower end.

According to the solution shown in FIG. 71 for this purpose, the shutter 14 has a head 141, which has a relatively thin through hole 142 and an axial channel connected to a source of compressed fluid (not shown). 143) is provided. The same effects and results can be obtained by using pores of various shapes or by using porous materials supplied by the compressed fluid source.

Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 72-76, the lowering of the dose D is performed by the shutter 14, which acts as a piston that pushes the dose along the conduit 310.

The first portion (FIG. 72, 73, and 74) of the dose insertion cycle is the same as the first portion of the cycle disclosed with reference to FIGS. 66, 67, and 68. The conduit 310 is aligned with the mold cavity such that the axis of the conduit 310 and the axis of the mold cavity 310 substantially coincide. Then, the mold and the distribution means 10 move in a direction perpendicular to each other so that the lower portion 311 is disposed inside the mold cavity. The material then advances along channel 130 (FIG. 72) and along passage conduit 310 (FIG. 73). The shutter 14 descends to block the material, and the lower end is separated from the extrudate M to define the dose D of material (FIG. 74).

In the second part of the cycle, the shutter 14 descends along the conduit 310, such as a piston along the conduit 310 until the administration D moves to the outlet 310b of the conduit 310. The administration (D) is pressurized. Thereafter, while the dosing agent D exits the outlet 310b of the conduit 310, the conduit 310 moves downward with respect to the conduit 310 and the falling movement of the shutter 14. And separated from the cavity in the same and opposite movement (FIG. 76).

Finally, the passage conduit 310 is disposed completely outside the mold cavity, and the shutter 14 returns to the beginning of the cycle shown (FIG. 72).

The shutter 14 may have a finish, coating and mechanical solution suitable to prevent the shutter 14 from adhering to the plastic.

77 and 78 are filled with carbon dioxide, nitrogen or other gas along the inner surface 320b by a suitable dispensing means in order to completely or partially reduce the adhesive effect between the administration D and the inner surface. Due to the fact that a defined gap is formed, it differs from the previous form because the administration body D flows along the inner surface 320b of the tubular wall 320 of the passage conduit 310.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the passage conduit 310 has an inner tubular wall 320, wherein the axial cavity defines the passage cavity of the dose D, the wall 320 of which the fluid is walled. It is configured to be porous to pass 320. Conduit 310 has a second tubular wall 330 coaxial with it outside the porous wall 320 (the lower end of the second tubular wall 330 couples to the porous wall 320), and the porous wall 320 A top support 370 having a looped cavity 370a having a looped cavity 370a that encloses an upper end of the < RTI ID = 0.0 > A gap defining a chamber 340 is defined between the two walls 320, 330 and the support 370, which encloses the porous tubular wall 320 at 360 ° and has the full or most length thereof. Extend accordingly. The chamber 340 is connected to a means (not shown) for supplying compressed fluid into the chamber 340 through the inlet 350 formed in the support 370.

Compressed fluid is supplied to the chamber 340 while the dosage form D is descending along the inner surface 320b. The fluid passes through the porous wall 320 to create a fluidic layer interposed between the inner surface 320b of the wall 320 and the outer surface of the dose (D). This fluid layer has the effect of preventing contact between the agent (D) and the wall (320) or reducing the persistence and range of the contact area, thus reducing the macroscopic adhesion effect between the agent (D) and the wall (320). And promote effective downward flow of the dosage form (D).

Excellent results were obtained by making the wall 320 from a porous material. The void has a diameter between 5 × 10 ⁻³ mm and 20 × 10 ⁻³ mm and supplies fluid to the chamber 340 at a pressure of 0.5 to 1 bar.

Alternatively, fluid may be supplied inside passage conduit 310 with flow tangentially oriented with inner surface 320b to create a layer in contact with surface 320b.

At the same time, this fluid layer provides effective heat exchange with most of the walls 320 and with the outer surface of the dose (D), which heat exchange can be suitably used to enhance the flow of the dose. In particular, means (not shown) for thermally controlling the temperature of the fluid such that the fluid passes through the wall 320 to lower the temperature of the outer surface of the dose D and the inner surface 320b of the passage conduit 310. It is possible to arrange. Lowering the surface temperature of the administration increases its viscosity and thus reduces adhesion to the wall 320. This effect is increased by lowering the wall 320 temperature.

This temperature is adjusted to prevent excessive cooling of the dosage form (D), even locally, to cause microcrystallization of the material or proliferation irregularities in the material.

Fluid supplied into the conduit 310 is partially discharged upward along the conduit, and part is discharged upward along the thin gap created between the outer surface of the conduit 310 and the surface of the mold cavity.

79-83 show a series of steps performed by the means of FIGS. 77 and 78 to insert the polymer dose (D) into the mold cavity.

The inserting means 300 moves into the mold cavity such that the axis of the mold cavity and the axis of the passage conduit 310 substantially coincide (FIGS. 79 and 80). The mold and dispensing means 10 then move vertically so that the passage conduit 310 is disposed inside the mold cavity.

In the embodiment shown, the dispensing means 10 is maintained at a constant level and the mold moves vertically.

Alternatively, the dispensing means 10 can be moved vertically, or can move in both directions. At the same time the extrudate M runs along the channel 130 and along the lower end of the vertical cavity 150 and finally along the tubular wall 310 (FIG. 80). When the extruded body M placed under the point 131 reaches the set length, the shutter 14 descends to block the extruded body M, and separates the lower end thereof from the plastic dose body D. ) Is formed (FIG. 82). The plastic then descends along the passage conduit 310 until it reaches the outlet 310b of the passage conduit. At this point, while exiting the outlet 310b of the polymer dose (D), the passage conduit 310 is caused by the same but opposite direction of the downward movement of the polymer dose (D) relative to the tubular wall. It is separated from the mold cavity (FIG. 83).

The passage conduit 310 is completely outside the mold cavity and returns to the initial position of the illustrated cycle as described above (FIG. 79).

Accordingly, the polymer dose (D) flows as accompanied by the passage conduit 310 to the bottom of the mold cavity without contacting the side of the conduit as desired.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 84 differs from the embodiment described above, due to the large number of anti-adhesion means suitable for facilitating the flow of the dose (D) along the conduit 310.

The passage conduit 310, in particular its inner surface 320b, is oscillated at a frequency value to avoid or at least reduce the adhesion between the dose and the adhesion surface 320b. Even if the material is viscous, and even if the material forms a point of adhesion at a fine level, due to the appropriate vibration values, the point of adhesion will be very small and will only be present for a very short time. The specific adhesion between the walls becomes very small. The vibration may also be assumed to generate a compressed wave system that acts as compressed air interposed between the contact surface and the administration body in the same manner as compressed air. As a result, the adhesion between conduit 310 and administration D at the visible level is dramatically reduced, allowing the administration to flow with little contact along the conduit.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 84, the vibration generating means 55 is adapted to vibrate the conduit 310 at a frequency value that can prevent or at least reduce the adhesion between the doser and the inner surface as described above. Is applied to the upper end of the conduit 310. In the case of PET administration, at a frequency of 300 pulses per second, excellent results can be obtained by vibrations acting on a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis of the conduit 310.

85-89 show a series of steps performed by the device of FIG. 84 while the dosage form D is inserted into the mold cavity.

First, the passage conduit 310 is placed in the mold cavity in such a way that the axis of the passage conduit 310 coincides with the axis of the mold cavity (FIGS. 85 and 86). The mold and dispensing means 10 then move perpendicular to each other in such a way that the lower part of the passage conduit 310 is inserted into the mold (FIGS. 87 and 88). The distribution means 10 is maintained at a constant level, only the mold is moved vertically. However, the dispensing means 10 may alternatively be moved vertically or in both directions.

At the same time, the extrudate M runs along the channel 130 and along the lower end of the vertical cavity 150 and finally along the passage conduit 310 (FIG. 86). When the part of the extrudate M at the bottom of the point 131 reaches the set distance, the shutter 14 descends to block the extrudate M, thereby separating the lower end thereof, thereby dispensing the substance D ) (FIG. 87).

Subsequently, the material descends along the tubular wall 310 until it reaches its exit 390 (FIG. 88). At this point, while discharging from the outlet 310b of the passage conduit 310, the administration D is controlled by the mold cavity by the same but opposite direction of the descending movement of the administration relative to the passage conduit 310. It is separated from the part (FIG. 89). Finally, the passage conduit 310 is completely placed outside of the mold cavity, returning to the initial position of the illustrated cycle as described above.

Thus, the administration body D flows in a state accompanied by the passage conduit 310 to the bottom of the mold cavity without contacting the side of the conduit.

The descent of the dossier D is a flow to facilitate the lowering and scavenging of the dosers outside the outlet 310b of the passageway conduit, a point upstream of the dosers D that is placed inside the tubular wall 310. It can be forced by inserting a compression fluid into it. If a shutter 14 is provided to separate the extrudate M and the amount of material forming the dosage form D from the downstream end, the shutter 14 is in a manner suitable for supplying compressed air to its bottom surface. It can be prepared as.

In particular, after separating the amount of material forming the dosage form D and the downstream end of the extrudate M exiting the channel 130, it is the shutter 14 that distributes the compressed air from its bottom surface. This case is for example when the device is in the state shown in FIG.

The air stream emitted from the head of the shutter 14 can only be used to separate the material of the administration D from the head.

FIG. 90 provides yet another embodiment an anti-stick means of a different type as described above to facilitate the flow of the agent D along the passage conduit 310.

In this case, passage conduit 310 comprises a thin layer of inner coating 371 of a material having anti-adhesive properties such as, for example, PTFE (Teflon), to the dose D, the inner side of which To form a contact surface with the.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 65 and 84, the upper end of the passage conduit 310 is fixed in direct contact with the bottom surface of the dispensing means 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 77, the conduit 310 and the means 10 are connected to each other. A space 170 is formed between the dispensing outlet 11 of the dispensing means 10 and the inlet 310a of the conduit 310, which can be kept open.

One of the functions of this space 170 is generally to prevent heat transfer by conduction between the body of the distribution means 10 and the conduit 310. In practice, the means 10 are kept at a significant high temperature, because the plastic processed inside the conduit has a very low viscosity. Thus, in order to keep the temperature of the conduit 310 very low to facilitate the flow of the administration along the conduit, it is desirable to insulate the conduit 310 to the means 10.

Another function of the space 170 is to insert into the conduit 310 if the fluid is cooled, especially to prevent the fluid from excessively lowering the lower temperature of the dispensing means 10 that the fluid comes into contact with. The waste fluid to the outside through the porous wall 320.

In addition, the space 170 can be used to slide a knife (not shown) parallel to the bottom surface 12; The knife separates the dose D along the cavity 150, alternatively from the material flowing with the shutters shown in FIGS. 65 and 84.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 91 and 92 are described above in that cooling of the conduit 310 is provided to completely or partially reduce the adhesion of the polymer dose (D) to the inner side of the conduit 310. It is different from yes. By lowering the temperature of the contact surface, the temperature of the polymer dosage body at least apparently drops, thereby increasing its viscosity, thereby reducing the adhesion of the plastic to the contact surface.

According to the embodiment shown, passage conduit 310 includes an inner tubular wall 420, the axial cavity forming a passage cavity of the polymer dose D, and the inner side 420b of the polymer dose. The contact surface with the sieve D is formed. The tubular wall 420 has grooves 440 formed on its outer surface, which grooves take the form of a double helix wound on the outer surface of the tubular wall 420; The double helix has two helixes 450a and 450b located at the top of the wall 420. The lower ends of the two helixes are connected to each other via a connecting rotator 460 disposed at the lower end of the tubular wall 420. A sealing washer 500 is provided below the rotating part 460.

Finally, the outer side of the wall 420 is surrounded by a thin adhesive outer liner 470, which acts as the outer wall for the channel 440 and the turn 460. A single continuous closed channel starts from helix 450a or 450b at the thickness of conduit 310 and descends as helix to the final end of wall 420 and passes through another helix through lower turn 460. , As a helix rises to the upper end of the wall 420 and is finally formed in such a way that it is discharged through the helix 450b or 450a. This channel is connected to a means (not shown) suitable for delivering compressed cooling fluid along this channel such that the temperature of the tubular wall 420 is lowered to an appropriate value. This cooling fluid is supplied to the continuous channel by the inlet 480.

The inserting means 300 may be associated with a suitable polymeric dosage supply means, different from the dispensing means 10 shown in FIGS. 65-91, which supply single polymer dose at the inlet of the tubular wall 310. It is a means that can discharge the sieve to the insertion means (300). For example, such a supply means may consist of a second conveyance or manipulation means called a "hand" of the type shown in Figures 38-40.

FIG. 43 shows a variant of the second conveying device 30 for conveying a plastic dose D dispensed from a dispensing means consisting of an extrusion means 10 and a fixed dispensing outlet or port 11.

The extrusion outlet 11 is substantially perpendicular to a continuous extruded body M (usually having a circular cross section) of fluidic plastic, which is divided according to the conventional way of producing a continuous polymer dosage body D of a predetermined length. In the direction.

This dispensing apparatus 100 is also composed of dispensing means for dividing the extruded body M. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 43, 55-22, the means consist of a knife 13, associated with the extrusion means 11, which rotates on a transverse plane associated with the dispensing direction of the extruded body M. do. The knife 13 operates at the rear end of the outlet 11, and cuts the extruded body M and divides the cut surface or blade 13a into a continuous dose d having a predetermined length and separated from each other. Equipped.

The second conveying device 30 is a plurality of transfers or operations that rotate continuously along a circular path P4 that intersects the discharge zone of the plastic extruded body M, as shown in FIGS. 43 and 44. Means 31.

As shown in FIG. 58, each conveying means 31 has an “U” -shaped concave wall 32, which is open on one side and is in contact with the polymer dose D via each inner contact surface 32b. The concave wall 32 extends axially along a substantially vertical side, one side being open and capable of carrying the polymer dose D to pass them in contact with the concave wall 32. It is formed to constitute a channel.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 52-58, for the complete descent of the polymer dose (D), each of the operating means 31, known as the “hand”, converges downward and forms a cavity funnel with an open bottom. Has a lower end 33.

The second transfer device 30 also causes the operation means 31 to transfer the dose flowing out from the dispensing outlet 11 in the lateral direction to transfer the dose D to the first transfer device 40. It has a moving means suitable for continuously operating the operation means 31 to discharge into the transfer chamber 50 at one time.

The means of movement consists of a circular support 36 arranged on a horizontal plane and having a fixed axis suitable for rotation on the vertical shaft 361 in synchronization with the action of the dispensing device 100.

The operating means 310 is fixed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotatable support, and the open side of the surface 32b is arranged to rotate in contact with the rotational direction.

In each rotation of the rotary support 36, the concave contact surface 32b of each operating means 31 moves to a position substantially coaxial with the dispensing outlet 111 and collides with the polymer dose D so that D) is separated from the dispensing zone immediately after being cut by the knife 13.

In particular, with reference to FIGS. 52 to 55, the circular path P4 is on a horizontal plane located below the dispensing outlet 11, so that the contact surface with the blade 13a of the knife 13 mediated. The upper end of 32b passes through a short distance from the exit.

As shown in FIG. 52, the distance separating the upper end of the surface 32b from the dispensing outlet 11 is sufficient to prevent the dispensing outlet 11 from colliding with the lower end of the plastic extruded body M. The extrudate is continuously dispensed at the outlet 11 after separation of the polymer dose (D).

The conveying device 30 comprises a bounding means 80 suitable for at least partially closing the concave contact surface 80 of the operating means 31, the operation of the dispensing apparatus 100 and the respective operating means 31. And drive means 85 for moving the confinement means 80 in synchronization with the movement of.

The drive means 85 is opened so that the concave contact surface 32b can enter the polymer dose D at the portion of the passage P4 where each operation means 31 approaches the separation position, but the polymer dose D ) Is fully closed at the moment when it is released by the dispensing outlet 11.

In this case, in spite of the collision with the contact surface 32b and the puncture by the blade 13a of the knife 13, the polymer dosing agent D is held horizontally by the limiting means 80 so that this polymer The administration body D cannot protrude out of the concave surface of the preceding operation means 31.

In the first embodiment shown in Figs. 43 and 44, each confinement means 80 (only one confinement means is shown in Fig. 43 for clarity) is movable in relation to the corresponding operation means 31. And a concave portion 23 in a door shape suitable for closing the concave contact surface 32b.

As shown in detail in FIG. 58, each concave portion or door 23 has an “U” -shaped cross section with one open and extends axially along a substantially vertical side, the concave surface 23b having a polymer dose. It consists of a concave surface 23b which forms a receiving space of the sieve D and in particular closes the concave surface 32b to have a substantially elliptical cross section.

The door 23 rotates about the rotatable support 36 and rotates about the vertical axis 240 to be on a horizontal plane between the open and closed positions of each operating means 31 controlled by the drive means. It is fixed to the end of the arm 24 which can vibrate.

Each drive means 85 is connected to a rotary support 36 and to a free end of each oscillating arm 24.

Each drive means 85 has one degree of freedom in relation to the rotational support 36 and in relation to the fixing part of the device to clearly define the movement of each door 23 during each rotation of the support 36. It is associated with a control member which sets the movement of the drive means 85 according to the angular position of the rotary support 36. As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the control member consists of a shape plate 88 on a horizontal plane above the rotary support 36 with the oscillating arm 24 and the drive means 85 mediated. The shape plate 88 is supported by the vertical axis 361 to be stationary in relation to the stationary portion of the device.

Each drive means 85 consists of a rocker arm 86 which rests on a substantially vertical axis 860 with respect to the rotational support 36, which acts as a cam and the side profile 88A of the form plate 88. A first end having a wheel 89 adapted to follow and a second end connected to the vibrating arm 24 via a connecting rod 87.

More specifically, in plan view, the rocker arm 86 is a substantially "V" -shaped body apex that is substantially planar to the cam 88 on each oscillating arm 24. It has a first branch 86a and a second branch 86a that is substantially in the same plane as the cam 88. The connecting rod 87 is substantially a branch 86a of the oscillating arm 24 and the rocker arm 86 such that the connecting rod 87 is connected to the oscillating arm 24 and the rocker arm 86 at respective portions having a reduced thickness. It is on the same plane as The wheel 89 is supported by the portion 86a of the rocker arm 86 to be on the same plane as the cam 88.

Finally, the drive means 85 maintains the wheel 89 in contact with the side profile 88A of the cam 88 by connecting the rocker arm 86 to a pivot fixed to the rotary support 36. It consists of 90.

In this case, for each angular position of the rotary support 36 associated with the cam 88, the position of the drive means 85 and thus the position of the vibrating arm 24 is clearly determined in relation to the support 36. do. As a result, the movement of each door 24 which positions the corresponding operation means 31 along the circular path P4 is clearly determined in combination with the movement of the support 36.

The operation of the second transfer device 30 to transfer the polymer dose (D) from the dispensing device 100 to the module 21 of the modular device 20 is described below and FIGS. 43, 44, 45 to 45. It occurs in accordance with the steps shown in Figs. 48, 49-51 and 52-57.

FIG. 44 shows all the operation means 31 of the second transfer means 30 and the limiting means 80 corresponding to each operation means with the door 23 in the correct position.

44-48 and 52-57 show sequentially different operating phases of the two operating means 31, one of which operating means 31 being rearward with the corresponding confinement means 80 in a spaced position. In the position, the other operating means 31 is located in the front position with the corresponding confinement means 80, the door 23 of which is in contact with the closed position and only a portion of which is shown for clarity. 45-48 and 52-57 denoted by dashed lines indicate the transfer chamber 50 under the first transfer device 40.

The dispensing outlet 11 is not shown, and only the cross section of the extrudate M coming out of this outlet 11 is shown.

45 and 52, the operating cycle of the device is conventionally shortly after the operating means 31 in the forward position passes through the discharge zone of the plastic extruded body M to separate the polymer dose D. It is set to begin, and this polymer dosage is placed in the space formed by the operating means 31 and the door 23 in the closed position.

From this time, the operating means 31 in the rear position starts to approach the separating position of the polymer dose D, and as a result, the door (such as shown in Fig. 45) opens the hollow portion of the contact surface 32b. 23 is brought to the open position by each oscillating arm 24.

The door 23 is then at a radial distance from the axis of rotation of the rotary support 36 which is smaller than the radial distance between the shaft and the plastic extruded body M flowing out of the dispensing outlet 11.

In the first operating step shown in FIGS. 46 and 53, the dispensing outlet does not interfere with the plastic extruded body M discharged from the dispensing outlet 11 due to the rotation of the rotary support 36. While passing (11), the operation means 31 remain in the rear position in association with the separation position.

In the second operating step shown in FIGS. 47 and 54, the operation means as shown in FIG. 48, due to the rotation of the vibrating arm 24 toward the closed position in the opposite direction to the rotation of the rotary support 31. When the 31 is brought close to the separating position at the same time, the door 23 gradually distributes the dispensing outlet 11 and the corresponding operating means until the door 23 sufficiently closes the hollow portion of the concave contact surface 32b. 31) gradually approaching.

Particularly during the first step, the rotation of the vibrating arm 24 causes the door 23 to rotate until the door 23 is positioned along the path P4 of the operation means 31 of the day of the dispensing outlet 11. Move away from the axis of rotation.

49 to 51, the knife 13 cuts the plastic extruded body M in a manner synchronized with the movement of the door 23 and the operation means 31.

In particular, when the operating means 31 are adjacent to the disengaged position, the knife 13 rotates in a very rapid motion about the axis of rotation, so that the blade 13a cuts the plastic extruded body M from the dispenser D therefrom. ). The cut ends immediately before the impact of the contact surface of the operating means 31 and the polymer dose D already located in the cavity of the substantially closed surface 32b by the door 23 as shown in FIG. do.

From this point of view, as shown in Figs. 55 to 57, the polymer dose (D) is pushed horizontally by the contact surface 32b, and at the same time, downward movement by gravity until discharged from the operating means 31. do.

The lowering of the polymer dose (D) takes place while the operating means (31) moves along a portion (T2) of the circular path (P4) to be transported into the transfer chamber 50 below.

44, 56 and 57, along the part T2, the door 23 continues to close the cavity of the contact surface 32b of the operating means 31. As shown in FIG.

At the end of the portion T2, after the dose D has been transferred to the lower chamber 50, the vibrating arm 24 is in an initial position to allow the door 23 to separate the new polymer dose D. The door 23 is rotated to the open position so as to gradually move away from the operating means 31 until it is located again.

Fig. 59 shows a form of the operating means 31 and the confining means 80, which completely or partially reduces the effect of adhesion between the polymer dose and the face and the contact surface of the means such that the polymer dose flows quickly and regularly. A suitable means for forming a fluid filled gap is provided along.

The operation means 31 substantially comprises an upper portion 360 and a lower portion 366 which are coaxial with each other. Top 360 has an open curved wall 361, the inner surface of which forms a contact surface 32b in contact with the polymer dose (D).

The door 23 of the confinement means 80 comprises a second wall 230, the inner surface of which forms the face 23b of the door 23 which is intended to be in contact with the polymer dose (D). do. Curved wall 361 is porous to allow fluid to pass therethrough. The outer tubular wall 362 is further coaxially coupled along the end edge of the curved wall 361 to form a closed chamber 363 that surrounds the curved porous wall 361 and extends along the entire length or nearly the entire length. Is provided. The second curved wall 230 is also porous to allow fluid to pass through and is connected to the second tubular outer wall 231. The second tubular outer wall 231 is along the end edge to the second curved wall 230 to form a second closed chamber 232 that surrounds the curved porous wall 230 and extends along its entire length or substantially the entire length thereof. Combined coaxially.

The lower portion 366 of the operating means 32 comprises a curved wall 367 having a closed profile cross section, the profile of which is shown in FIG. 58 which is suitable for guiding the lowering of the polymer dose (D). It is a downward tapered shape forming a lower funnel portion corresponding to the lower funnel portion. The curved wall 367 is porous to allow fluid to pass through and is connected to the third outer tubular wall 368. The third outer tubular wall 368 is along the end edge to the curved wall 367 to form a third closed looped chamber 369 that surrounds the curved porous wall 367 and extends along its entire or nearly full length. Combined coaxially. Fluid or pressurized gas enters the various chambers 365, 232, 369 by channel means not shown. The fluid passes through the porous walls 361, 230, 367 to form a gap or gas layer at the contact surface that is suitable to completely or partially reduce the attachment of the administration (D).

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 59, the lower portion 366 is divided into two consecutive segments, each segment having its respective chamber 369 separated from other similar chambers 369. Such chambers may be supplied with fluids having different physical properties (pressure, temperature) to better control the descent of the administration (D).

Alternatively, other means may be provided to reduce, in whole or in part, the adhesion between the polymer dose (D) and the contact surface 32b of the operating means 31.

The means may comprise a thin coating layer of material, such as PTFE, having anti-adhesion properties with respect to the polymer dose (D) to cover the cavity of the operating means 31, the surface of the coating layer being directed to the polymer dose (D). The contact surface 32b is formed.

According to a particular embodiment of the second conveying device 30 shown in FIG. 60, the confinement means 80 connected to each operation means 31 comprises a plurality of doors hinged to the outer periphery of the contact surface 32b in a vertical axis. Means configured to open and close the door 37 in synchronization with the operation of the operating means such that the recess is opened when the contact surface 32b is below the dispensing outlet 11 and closes as soon as the polymer dose D enters the recess. It includes.

60 also shows the operating means 31 of the device 30 having the device 30 and the door 37. The operating means 31 in the R1 position is at the point passing below the dispensing outlet 11 and the door 37 is in the open position. The operating means 31 at the next R2 position is already closed so that the door 37 surrounds the polymer dose (D) therein. The operating means 31 at the next R3 position also closes the door 37 to enclose the polymer dose D therein. Between the R3 and R4 positions, the means 31 hold the door 37 in the closed position in a position where the administration D is lowered and subsequently held outside the means 31.

This particular embodiment is used where there is a risk of forming a rebound of the agent D out of the recess of the surface due to the collision of the polymer agent D with the contact surface 32b. In this case, however, the administration body D remains constrained in the recess of the surface 32b.

The form of the disclosed embodiment provides for the use of only one door 37.

In FIG. 61, another embodiment of the apparatus is shown. The apparatus includes a dispensing apparatus 100, such as an extrusion apparatus, which dispenses the extruded plastic in a substantially vertical outlet direction. The plastic may be discharged, for example, from top to bottom from the dispensing device 100. The device comprises cutting means in which a single cutting element can be provided, such as a knife 13 mounted to a support device rotatable about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. In this way, the knife 13 moves in the transverse plane, in particular in a plane substantially perpendicular to the exit direction of the plastic discharged from the dispensing device 100.

The second conveying device 30 is located below the extrusion device 100 and the knife 13 and comprises a conveying circular conveyor which can be rotated about a substantially vertical axis. The conveying circular conveyor comprises a circular support 36 in the outer circumferential region in which a plurality of conveying means or operating means 31 are arranged, and the supporting portion 36 includes respective concave elements having a U-shaped cross section. The operation means 31 may be in the form described above, and an attachment prevention means may be provided.

When the transport circular conveyor rotates, the operating means 31 move along a looped path, more specifically, a circular path. The rotational direction of the operating means 31 along this circular path is inconsistent with other rotational directions of the knife 13. In the example shown in FIG. 61, the transport circular conveyor equipped with the operation means 31 rotates clockwise and the support device moves the knife 13 counterclockwise.

The first transfer device 40 is disposed below the second transfer device 30 to carry the transfer chamber 50 by means capable of transferring the administration body D to the shaping means.

In an embodiment not shown, the first transfer device 40 may not be provided. In this case, the operation means 31 delivers the administration body D directly to the shaping means.

The device shown in FIG. 61 comprises contact means 180 opposite the conveying or operating means 31 to interact with the administration body D. FIG. The contact means 180 comprises a contact element 81 having a U-shaped cross section open at one side and having a concave surface or recess 81b extending substantially in the axial direction along a vertical axis. The recessed portion 81b faces the recessed surface 32b of the conveying means 31 when the conveying means 31 is near the dispensing apparatus 100.

The contact element 81 is driven in alternating linear motion by means of a drive means 85 comprising one or more linear actuators 82, for example in pneumatic or hydraulic form. In particular, the contact element 81 moves along a linear trajectory substantially in contact with the circular path in which the operation means 31 is movable.

62-64 are schematic diagrams of successive operational steps of the apparatus of FIG.

In the initial stage shown in FIG. 62, the knife 13 separates the dose D from the plastic extrudates M which pass under the dispensing outlet 11 of the dispensing device 100 and exit the device. As indicated by arrow F1, the operating means 31 approaches the administration D and separates the administration D from the dispensing apparatus 100 and transfers it to the transfer chamber 50. At the same time, the contact element 80 approaches the administration D from the opposite side with respect to the part from which the operating means 31 comes, as indicated by arrow G1. The top of the administration body D rests on the recess 81b of the contact element 80.

In this way, the contact element 80 acts as a contact surface with respect to the knife 13 when the dose D is separated from the plastic extruded body M, which cuts the dose D accurately so that the plastic extrusion is performed. It prevents the sifting (M) from tearing or stretching. In addition, the contact element 80 limits the movement of the administration body D and prevents it from moving from the operating means 31. Without the contact element 80, the administration body D can be attached to the knife 13 by viscosity and towed from the operating means 31 to the knife 13. In fact, the knife 13 rotates in a direction inconsistent with the conveying circular conveyor and pulls the administration body D from the operating means 31 reaching below the dispensing apparatus 100, as indicated by arrow H1. easy to do.

As shown in FIG. 63, when contacted with the operating means 31 administration body D, the concave surface 32b of the operating means 31 is in the direction of arrow F2, that is, from the extrusion apparatus 100. Thrust in the direction transverse to the direction in which (D) is discharged is applied to the administration body (D). The administration body D is thus separated by the operating means 31 and moved from the dispensing device 100. At this stage, as indicated by arrow G2, the contact element 81 begins to retract with respect to the position shown in FIG. 61, but still remains in contact with the administration D. FIG. The contact element 81 thereby prevents the administration body D from which the operating means 31 has collided from moving significantly from the operating means 31 by the thrust applied by the collision. If this occurs, the administration body D may be incorrectly positioned relative to the operation means 31 and in the worst case the operation means 31 may not be able to transfer the administration body D to the transfer chamber 50.

At the same time, the administration body D descends along the concave surface 32b of the conveying means 31 via gravity until detached from the contact element 81. The dose D continues to move with the operating means 31 and is delivered to the transfer chamber 50, as indicated by arrow F3 in FIG. The contact element 81 is moved by the drive means 85 to be removed from the dispensing device 100, as indicated by arrow G3.

When the contact element 81 reaches the “end of stroke” shown in FIG. 64, the drive means 85 moves the contact element 81 back towards the dispensing device 100 through which the new dose flows. Therefore, the above cycle is repeated, and the new dosage form is removed by the drive means not shown.

The contact element 81 is interposed between the conveying means 31 and the knife 13. In particular, the confinement element 81 is disposed directly below the knife 13 such that as soon as the administration agent D is cut by the knife 13, it interacts with the administration agent D and the administration agent D is cut off. Afterwards it can continue to interact with the administration (D) when starting to descend into the transport means (31).

The contact element 80 also has a constant height H measured along the exit direction of the administration body D, which height is somewhat limited. Thus, the contact element 80 only interacts with the top of the administration body D, but this can ensure that the administration body D is correctly cut and delivered to the transport means 31.

The conveying means 31 can extend under the contact means 80 and pass under the contact means 80 without engaging the contact means 80.

The aforementioned contact means 181 has a particularly simple structure to comprise a single contact element 80 which can be moved by a simple linear actuator. In addition, the contact element 80 has a somewhat reduced mass and can move quickly without generating excessive inertia forces.

The forming means shown in FIG. 93 comprises a die cavity including a tubular wall 410, the inner wall 410b of which forms all or part of the die cavity.

The tubular wall 410 may be porous to allow gas to be noticed. A gas distribution means is provided, whereby pressurized gas can be sent from the outside through the porous wall 410 to be discharged at the contact surface.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 93, the die is formed with a concave bottom 210 and a top 220 with a through cavity. The lower portion 210 has a substantially circular smooth concave surface 410b that imparts the outer surface shape of the hollow body of the preform, while the upper portion 220 has a concave surface 221 which imparts the outer surface shape of the neck. . Since the concave surface 221 is provided with a radial protrusion, the upper portion 220 has at least two halves (in this case two halves shown) suitable for moving laterally away from each other to release the preform. Are separated. Two concave surfaces 410b and 221 form a die cavity.

The bottom 210 of the die includes an inner tubular wall that forms the porous tubular wall 410, the inner surface 410b of which forms a tubular portion of the bottom of the die cavity.

Meanwhile, the bottom of the cavity is closed by a non-porous concave lower bottom plate 430.

The lower portion 210 of the die includes a second tubular wall 421 coaxially disposed outside the tubular porous wall 410, wherein the top and bottom of the second tubular wall 421 are coupled to the tubular porous wall 410. do. A chamber 441 is formed between the two walls 410 and 421, which surrounds the tubular wall 410 360 degrees and extends along its entire length or about its entire length. The chamber is connected to a means (not shown) suitable for sending pressurized gas through the inlet 451 into the chamber 441 and from there through the porous wall 410 into the tubular wall 410.

Pressurized gas is sent to the chamber 441 and the polymer dose (D) descends along the inner surface 410b of the wall 410. The gas passes through the porous wall 410 to form a gap filled with gas interposed between the inner surface 410b and the outer surface of the polymer dose (D). The gap or layer of gas prevents contact between the polymer dose (D) and the wall 410 or at least reduces the contact area to reduce microadhesion between the polymer dose (D) and the wall 410, thereby reducing the polymer dose. (D) has the effect of promoting an effective downward flow.

Excellent results have been achieved by constructing the wall 410 from a porous material, the pores having a diameter between 5 x 10 ^-3 mm and 20 x 10 ^-3 mm, and the gas pressure sent to the chamber 441 is 0.5 to 1 bar.

Further suitable means (not shown) may be provided for temperature control of the gas to lower the temperature. In this case, the gas filled gap between the inner surface 410b and the outer surface of the polymer dose (D) results in an effective heat exchange with the mass of the wall 410 and the outer surface of the polymer dose (D), which heat exchanges the polymer dosage. It can be used to promote the flow of. The decrease in the surface temperature of the polymer dose increases its viscosity and causes it to adhere less to the wall 410. This beneficial effect is further increased by the temperature reduction of the wall 410.

This temperature is adjusted to prevent local but excessive cooling of the polymer dosage unit (D) resulting in microcrystallization of the material and at least initial irregularities in the material.

Alternatively, a gas having a flow in the direction of contact with the contact surface 410b may be sent inside the tubular wall 410 such that a gap in contact with the surface occurs.

94 and 95 show cutting means suitable for cutting the continuous plastic extrudates M exiting the plastic dispensing outlet 11 forming the dosage form D. FIG.

The cutting means 70 comprise a substantially flat wall 71 on which a cutting profile 73 is formed. The wall 71 has a smooth surface 71b which comes into contact with the plastic during the cutting of the plastic extruded body M. As shown in FIG. The cutting means 70 comprises dispensing means suitable for forming a gap or layer of gas along the contact surface 71b to completely or partially reduce the adhesion effect between the continuous plastic extruded body M and the surface 71b. do.

In particular, the wall 71 is porous to allow fluid to pass therethrough and is further provided with means suitable for sending pressurized gas into and out of the chamber 74 through the porous wall 71 to be discharged from the contact surface 71b. .

Excellent results were obtained with the wall 71 formed of the porous material having the aforementioned characteristics. Suitable means (not shown) for temperature control of the gas to lower the temperature can be provided to achieve the features and results described above.

Alternatively, a gas having a flow in the direction in contact with the surface can be sent to the contact surface 71b so that a gap in contact with the surface is generated.

Although the present invention is disclosed in the description and the drawings for transferring a dosage form to a die when the plastic dosage form relates to transporting a plastic cavity to a mold cavity, the invention also applies to the case where the dosage form is disposed on top of the mold punch. In this case, the mold punch will be turned upside down and placed underneath the die to provide a direct or indirect elevation to the somewhat pronounced cavity that can accommodate the dose.

Features disclosed in the description of the drawings in conjunction with specific embodiments may be claimed for or as claimed in other disclosed embodiments.

Claims (263)

Forming means 21; A plurality of conveying means (50) for conveying said administration body (D) to said forming means (21); And A plurality of arm means 41 respectively connected to the transfer means 50 to move the transfer means 50 along a second path P2, Part of the second path (P2) is substantially coincident with the further part of the first path. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first path (P3) is circular. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the forming means is mounted on a continuously rotatable circular conveyor (carousel). 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the forming means comprises a die and a punch for interacting to form a container preform with the administration body D. 5. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the arm means is supported by rotatable support means. 6. 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the arm means (41) is movable in two degrees of freedom with respect to the support means (36). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the arm means (41) is movable in one degree of freedom with respect to the support means (36). 8. The arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm means (41) comprises first and second arm means (41a, 41b) pivotally connected to each other, and said conveying means (50) Device in connection with a second arm means (41b). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm means (41a) is pivotally connected to the support means (36). 10. The first and second actuating means (45A) acting on the first arm means (41a) to move the conveying means (50) along the second path (P2). And second actuating means (45B) acting on the two arm means (41b). 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first actuating means comprises a first cam means (45A) and the second actuating means comprises a second cam means (45B). 10. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the other pivot pivotally connects the support means (36) and the second arm means (41b) to form a segmented quadrilateral means for moving the conveying means (50). And arm means (42). 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein said segmental tetravariate means are operated by a single cam (45C). 8. The arm according to claim 5 or 7, wherein the arm means (41) comprises a plurality of arms (41d) each having one end connected to the support means (36) and the other end supporting the transfer means (50). Characterized in that the device. 15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the arms of the plurality of arms (41D) are actuated by a single cam (45D). 16. Device according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising guide means (461) for allowing each arm of the plurality of arms (41d) to slide relative to the support means (36). 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the guiding means comprises respective sleeves 461, wherein an arm of the plurality of arms 41D is slidable within the sleeve 461, and each of the sleeves 461 is supported. Device characterized in that it is connected to the means (36). The device according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of arms is pivotally connected to the support means. 19. Other transfer means (16; 31) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the other transfer means (16; 31) are movable along a third route (P4; P5) for delivering the administration (D) to the transfer means (50). The apparatus further comprises a). 20. The device according to claim 19, wherein said second path (P2) has a part (T2; T5) substantially coincident with another part of said third path (P4; P5). The device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the third path (P4; P5) is circular. 22. The device according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the other conveying means (16; 31) are mounted on another circular conveyor which is capable of continuous rotation. 23. The device according to any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising an extruder (10) for extruding said dosage body (D) for delivery to said other conveying means (31). 23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the other conveying means comprises a plurality of extrusion outlets 16 connected to the common extruder 10 by respective conduits 153, 154. Device. The device according to claim 23, wherein the extrusion device is arranged in a fixed position. 26. The device according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the other conveying means (16; 31) and the shaping means (21) are arranged on both sides of the conveying means (50). 27. The conveying means (50) according to any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the conveying means (50) is provided between a first surface on which the shaping means (21) is movable and a second surface on which the other conveying means (16; 31) are movable. The device, characterized in that the movable in the middle of the plane. 29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the first face is located below the second face. Operating means 21 movable along the first path P3 for interacting with the object D; Conveying means (50) for conveying said object (D) to said operating means (21); And Arm means 41 for moving the conveying means 50 along a second path P2 having a part T1 substantially coincident with the other part of the first path P3, The arm means (41) is characterized in that it comprises a first arm means (41a) pivotally connected to a second arm means (41b) connected with the conveying means (50). 30. The device according to claim 29, wherein the first path (P3) is circular. Device according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the operating means (21) are mounted on a continuously rotatable circular conveyor (26). 32. An apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein said operating means comprises molding means (21) for compression molding a plastic dosage body (D). 33. The device according to claim 32, wherein the forming means comprises a die device (21) and a punch device which cooperate together to form a preform of the container into the administration body (D). 34. The device according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the arm means (41) is supported by rotatable support means (36). 35. The device according to claim 34, wherein the arm means (41) is movable in two degrees of freedom with respect to the support means (36). 35. The device according to claim 34, wherein the arm means (41) is movable in two degrees of freedom with respect to the support means (36). 37. An apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein said first arm means (41a) is further pivotally connected to said support means (36). 36. The first arm means according to any one of claims 29 to 35, or 34 to move the conveying means 50 along the second path P2. And first actuating means (45A) acting on (41a) and second actuating means (45B) acting on said second arm means (41b). 39. An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said first actuating means comprises a first cam means (45A) and said second actuating means comprises a second cam means (45B). 38. The other arm means (42) according to claim 29 or 37, pivotally connected to said support means (36) and said second arm means (41b) to form a segmented quadrilateral means for moving said conveying means (50). The apparatus further comprises a). 41. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said segmental tetravariate means are operated by a single cam (45C). 42. Another conveying means (16; 31) according to any one of claims 29 to 41, which is movable along a third path (P4; P5) for delivering said object (D) to said conveying means (50). Apparatus further comprising a. 43. An apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said second path (P2) has a part (T5) substantially coincident with another part of said third path (P4; P5). 44. The device of claim 42 or 43, wherein the third path is circular (P4; P5). 45. An apparatus according to any one of claims 42 to 44, characterized in that the other conveying means (16; 31) are mounted on another circular conveyor which is rotatable continuously. 46. The device according to claim 42, wherein the other conveying means (16; 31) and the actuating means (21) are arranged on both sides of the conveying means (50). 47. The conveying means (50) according to any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the conveying means (50) is provided between a first surface on which the forming means (21) is movable and a second surface on which the other conveying means (16; 31) are movable. The device, characterized in that the movable in the middle of the plane. 48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the first face is located below the second face. Operating means movable along the first path to interact with the object; A plurality of conveying means for conveying said object to said operating means; And A plurality of arm means supported by the support means, Each said arm means is connected with a corresponding transfer means for moving said transfer means along a second path having a portion substantially coincident with another portion of said first path, The arm means of the plurality of arm means are movable only in one degree of freedom with respect to the support means. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the first path is circular. 51. A device according to claim 49 or 50, wherein the drive means is mounted on a continuously rotatable circular conveyor. 52. A device according to any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein said operating means comprises molding means for compression molding a plastic dosage form. 53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the forming means comprises a die apparatus and a punch apparatus that cooperate together to form a preform of the container into the dosage form. 54. A device according to any one of claims 49 to 53, wherein said support means is rotatable. 55. The device of any of claims 49-54, wherein the arm is actuated by a single cam. A device according to any one of claims 49 to 55, wherein each arm of the plurality of arm means has one end connected with the support means and the other end supporting the conveying means. 57. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 49 to 56 further comprising guide means for allowing each arm of the plurality of arm means to slide relative to the support means. 59. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the guiding means comprises respective sleeves, an arm of the plurality of arms is slidable within the sleeve, and each sleeve is connected to the support means. 57. An apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 56 wherein each arm of the plurality of arms is pivotally connected to the support means. 60. An apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 59, further comprising other transport means moveable along a third path for delivering the object to the transport means. 61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein said second path has a portion substantially coincident with another portion of said third path. 62. The device of claim 60 or 61, wherein the third path is circular. 63. An apparatus according to any one of claims 60 to 62, wherein said other conveying means is mounted on another circular conveyor which is capable of continuous rotation. 64. An apparatus according to any one of claims 60 to 63, wherein said other conveying means and said actuating means are disposed on both of said conveying means. 65. The method according to any one of claims 60 to 64, wherein said conveying means is movable in a plane intermediate between a first surface on which said operating means is movable and a second surface on which said other conveying means is movable. Device. 66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the first face is located below the second face. Molding means for compression molding the plastic dosage form; Conveying means moveable along a looped path to convey said dose to said forming means; And And other conveying means movable along another looped path for conveying said administration to said conveying means. 68. An apparatus according to claim 67 wherein said shaping means is movable along another looped path. 69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the another looped path is circular. 70. An apparatus according to any one of claims 67 to 69 wherein said shaping means is mounted on a continuously rotatable circular conveyor. 71. The apparatus of any one of claims 67 to 70, wherein the forming means comprises a die apparatus and a punch apparatus that cooperate together to form a preform of the container into the dose. 72. An apparatus according to any one of claims 67 to 71 wherein said conveying means is movable by respective arm means. 73. An apparatus according to claim 72 wherein said arm means is supported by rotatable support means. 74. An apparatus according to claim 72 or 73 wherein said conveying means comprises a plurality of storage elements fixed to each end of said arm means. 75. The device of claim 74, wherein the storage element is substantially tubular in shape. 75. The device of claim 74, wherein the storage element is concave in shape, open laterally. 77. The device of any of claims 67-76, wherein the other looped path is circular. 78. A device according to any one of claims 67 to 77, wherein said other conveying means is mounted on another circular conveyor that is capable of continuous rotation. 79. The apparatus according to claim 78, wherein said other conveying means comprises a plurality of concave elements connected to the outer circumferential region of said other circular conveyor. 80. The apparatus of claim 79, wherein the concave element has a U-shaped cross section. 81. The device of any one of claims 67-80, further comprising an extrusion device for extruding said dosage body and delivering it to said other conveying means. 79. An apparatus according to any one of claims 67 to 78 wherein said conveying means comprises a plurality of extrusion outlets connected to a common extrusion apparatus by respective conduits. 85. An apparatus according to claim 81 or 82 wherein the extrusion device is disposed in a fixed position. 84. The apparatus according to any one of claims 67 to 83, wherein said other conveying means and said shaping means are disposed on both sides of said conveying means. 85. The apparatus according to any one of claims 67 to 84, wherein said conveying means is movable in a plane intermediate between a first surface on which said operating means is movable and a second surface on which said other conveying means is movable. Device. 86. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said first side is located below said second side. Conveying means for conveying a predetermined amount of flowable material dose from the separation position to the delivery position; And Receiving means for receiving the dose at the delivery site to define a form for the dose, And said conveying means comprises form control means to obtain a precursor of said form to said dosage form. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shape control means imparts substantially cylindrical shape to said precursor. 89. A device according to claim 87 or 88, wherein the shape control means imparts a transverse dimension to the precursor that is less than the minimum transverse dimension of the cavity of the receiving means. 90. The apparatus of any one of claims 87 and 89, further comprising forming means for extruding the plastic dosage form. 91. A device according to claim 90, wherein said shaping means is mounted on a continuously rotatable circular conveyor. 92. An apparatus according to claim 90 or 91, wherein said receiving means is formed in said shaping means. 93. An apparatus according to any one of claims 90 to 92 wherein said shaping means interacts together to shape a preform of a container into said dosage form. 95. The apparatus of claim 90, wherein the cavity is formed in the die apparatus. 95. An apparatus according to any one of claims 87 to 94, wherein said conveying means is defined by side wall means, each said side wall means extending along a respective longitudinal axis. 97. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein the sidewall means is substantially tubular in shape. 98. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the sidewall means is substantially cylindrical. 98. The apparatus of any of claims 95-97, wherein the sidewall means is substantially continuous about the longitudinal axis. 98. The apparatus of any of claims 95-97, wherein the side wall means has an open concave cross section. 100. The apparatus of claim 99, wherein the open concave end cross section is U-shaped. 101. An apparatus according to any one of claims 95 to 100, wherein said conveying means has a first opening disposed at one end of said side wall means to receive said administering body in said disengaging position. 102. An apparatus according to claim 101 further comprising first closing means for selectively closing said first opening. 107. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein the first closure means is movable in a predetermined plane in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. 103. The device of any of claims 101-103, wherein the transfer means has a second opening opposite the first opening to release the dose at the delivery position. 107. The apparatus of claim 104, further comprising second closing means for selectively closing the second opening. 107. The apparatus according to claim 105, wherein said second closing means comprises a shutter element that is movable on the other side in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis. 107. The apparatus of claim 106, wherein the second closing means comprises other shutter means, wherein the shutter means and the other shutter means are movable in the other side in a scissor-shaped operation. 108. The apparatus of any one of claims 104 to 107, wherein the second opening is operably positioned below the first opening. 109. The method of any one of claims 104 to 108, wherein the second opening is connected with pneumatic support means, the pneumatic support means being operative to supply pressurized gas to hold the dose within the transport means. Device characterized in that possible. 109. The apparatus of claim 109, wherein the pneumatic support means comprises a plurality of openings connected to conduits disposed along the outer periphery of the side wall means, the conduits connected to a source of pressurized gas. 119. A device according to any one of claims 87 to 110, wherein said shape control means comprises a shaping surface for shaping said precursor. 119. A device according to claim 111, wherein the forming surface comprises an inner surface of the sidewall means. 119. The apparatus of any one of claims 87-112, wherein the shape control means comprises co-molding means. 119. A device according to claim 113, wherein the pneumatic forming means is connected with the sidewall means. 116. The administration according to claim 113 or 114, wherein when 113 refers to 112 or 111, said pneumatic forming means acts on a portion of said administration body and said portion acts on said forming surface. Wherein the device is positioned to be separate from the other parts of the sieve. 115. The apparatus of any of claims 113-115, wherein when p. 113 refers to 110, the pneumatic forming means is connected with an end region having the U-shaped cross section. 116. The device of any one of claims 87-116, further comprising discharging means for discharging said administration body from said dispensing means in said delivery position. 118. The apparatus of claim 117, wherein said discharging means comprises a supply device for supplying pressurized fluid towards said dispensing body for discharging said dispensing means from said conveying means. 118. The apparatus of claim 118, wherein 117 refers to 102 or 103, wherein the supply device is provided to the first closing means. 119. The method according to any one of claims 87 to 119, wherein the conveying means has a shape and dimension insertable into the receiving means to release the dosage form within the bottom region of the receiving means at the delivery position. Device. 121. An apparatus according to any one of claims 87 to 120, wherein said conveying means is disposed below said conveying means in said conveying position. 121. An apparatus according to any one of claims 87 to 121, wherein said conveying means is provided with anti-stick means for preventing said administration from adhering to said conveying means in a substantial amount. 122. The method of any one of claims 87 to 122, wherein the conveying means is movable along one path having a portion, the portion substantially coinciding with another portion of the other path on which the receiving means is movable. Device. 123. The apparatus according to any one of claims 87 to 122, wherein the conveying means is mounted to the arm means, and the arm means is rotatably configured by rotatable support means. Conveying means for conveying a predetermined amount of flowable material dose from the separation position to the delivery position; And And anti-stick means connected to said conveying means to prevent said dosage form from adhering to said conveying means in a substantial amount. 126. The apparatus of claim 125, further comprising forming means for compression molding the plastic of the dosage form. 126. The apparatus of claim 126, wherein the shaping means is mounted on a continuously rotatable circular conveyor. 127. The apparatus of claim 126 or 127, wherein the forming means comprises a die apparatus and a punch apparatus that cooperate together to form a container preform into the administration body. 129. The device according to any one of claims 126 to 128, wherein said shaping means is arranged in said delivery position to receive said administration from said conveying means. 133. The apparatus of any one of claims 125 to 129, further comprising extrusion means for dispensing and delivering the dose to the transfer means. 131. The method of any one of claims 125 to 130, wherein the transfer means comprises: first transfer means for moving the dose between the disengaged position and the intermediate position and the dose to the intermediate position and the transfer position And a second conveying means for moving between. 134. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the first conveying means is movable along a first looped path and the second conveying means is movable along a second looped path. 134. The method of any one of claims 125 to 132, wherein said anti-stick means comprises supply means for supplying said fluid to form a layer of fluid near the interaction surface of said transport means. Device. 134. The apparatus of claim 133, wherein the fluid is compressed air. 137. The device of claim 133 or 134, wherein the supply means comprises a plurality of pores formed in a wall of porous material and defined by the interaction surface. 137. The apparatus of claim 133 or 134, wherein the supply means comprises a plurality of conduits having ends at the interaction surface. 137. The apparatus of claim 136, wherein conduits in the plurality of conduits are distributed in the interaction surface according to the helical configuration. 137. The apparatus according to claim 133 or 134, wherein said supply means comprises a plurality of slots formed between respective adjacent elements forming said interaction surface. 138. The chamber of any one of claims 133-138, further comprising a chamber formed between the first and second walls, wherein the first wall is defined by the interaction surface and the second wall and the first wall. 2 the wall is outside of the first wall and the chamber is connected to supply means for supplying the fluid to distribute the fluid to the supply means. 140. The device of any one of claims 125 to 139, wherein said anti-sticking means comprises cooling means for cooling said administration. 145. The apparatus of claim 140, wherein the cooling means cools the interaction surface. 145. The apparatus of claim 140, or 141, wherein the cooling means comprises cooling means for the fluid. 142. The apparatus according to any one of claims 125 to 142, wherein said attachment preventing means comprises vibration generating means for vibrating said conveying means. 143. The apparatus of claim 143, wherein said vibration generating means comprises an ultrasonic generator. 145. The apparatus according to claim 143 or 144, wherein the vibration generating means generates vibration in a direction crossing the main axis from which the conveying means extends. 145. The device of any one of claims 125 to 145, wherein the anti-sticking means comprises an anti-stick coating formed on the face of the transfer means intended to interact with the agent. 146. The device of claim 146, wherein the anti-stick coating consists of polytetrafluoroethylene. 148. A device according to any one of claims 125 to 147, wherein said conveying means is surrounded by side wall means, each said side wall means extending along a respective longitudinal axis. 148. The apparatus of claim 148, wherein the side wall means is substantially tubular in shape. 149. The apparatus of claim 149, wherein the sidewall means is substantially cylindrical. 151. The apparatus of any of claims 148-150, wherein the side wall means is substantially continuous about the longitudinal axis. 151. The apparatus of any one of claims 148-150, wherein the sidewall means comprises a first portion having an open concave cross section. 152. The apparatus of claim 152, wherein the open concave cross section is U-shaped across the longitudinal axis. 153. The device of claim 152 or 153, wherein said attachment preventing means is connected with said first portion. 154. The device of any one of claims 152 to 154, wherein the sidewall means comprises a ring portion disposed below the first portion to guide the dose towards the delivery position. 155. The apparatus of claim 155, wherein the ring portion is funnel shaped inside. 156. The apparatus of claim 155 or 156, wherein the attachment preventing means is connected to the ring portion. 158. A device according to any one of claims 148 to 158, wherein said attachment preventing means is connected with an inner side of said side wall means, said inner side extending around said longitudinal axis. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said attachment preventing means is connected with an end face surrounding one end of a recess formed in said conveying means by said side wall means. 162. The apparatus of claim 159, wherein the end face is disposed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. 161. The apparatus of claim 159 or 160, wherein 159 refers to 158, wherein the end face is operably disposed below the inner side. 161. The device according to any one of claims 159 to 161, wherein the end face is formed in a closing means movable to selectively open and close the recess. 162. The apparatus of claim 162, wherein the closure means is movable in a plane extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. 168. The method according to any one of claims 126 to 129, or any one of claims 130 to 163 quoting any of claims 126 to 129. And having a shape and dimension insertable into the cavity means to release the dosage form within the bottom region of the cavity means. 167. The method of any of claims 131-165, wherein the conveying means comprises knife means for separating the dose from the extrudate flowing from the extrusion device. Device characterized in that. 167. The apparatus of claim 165, wherein said anti-stick means is connected with a cut surface of said knife means. Conveying means with recesses for conveying a predetermined amount of flowable material administration from the separation position to the delivery position; And A confinement means for interacting with said conveying means to confine said dose within said recess. 167. The apparatus of claim 167, further comprising molding means for compression molding a predetermined amount of plastic dosage form. 168. The apparatus according to claim 168, wherein said shaping means is mounted on a continuously rotatable circular conveyor. 171. The apparatus of claim 168 or 169, wherein the shaping means comprises a die apparatus and a punch apparatus that cooperate together to form a container preform into the dose. 170. The device of any one of claims 167-170, further comprising receptive means for receiving said administration at said delivery location. 171. A device according to claim 171, wherein said receiving means comprises a cavity of said forming means. 171. A device according to claim 171, wherein said receiving means comprises another conveying means for conveying said dose from said delivery position to said shaping means. . 173. The apparatus according to claim 173, wherein said conveying means and said shaping means are disposed on both sides of said other conveying means. 174. The apparatus according to claim 173 or 174, wherein said conveying means is movable along a looped path and said other conveying means is movable along another looped path. 175. The method according to any one of claims 173 to 175, wherein said other conveying means is movable in a plane intermediate between a first surface on which said shaping means is movable and a second surface on which said conveying means is movable. Device. 176. The apparatus of claim 176, wherein the first face is located below the second face. 177. The apparatus according to any one of claims 167 to 177, wherein said confining means comprises at least another concave portion facing said concave portion. 178. The apparatus according to claim 178, wherein said confining means comprises another concave, said other concave and said further concave connected to both end regions of said conveying means. 179. The apparatus of claim 179, wherein the other recess and the further recess are pivotally connected to the both end regions. 180. An apparatus according to any one of claims 167 to 180, wherein said conveying means comprises a plurality of conveying elements connected to the outer circumferential region of the conveying circular conveyor. 181. The apparatus according to claim 181, wherein said confining means comprises a plurality of confining elements, at least one of said confining elements being provided for each conveying element. 182. The method according to any one of claims 167 to 182, wherein said conveying means and said confinement element, when interacting together, form at least one tubular element formed therein with a recess surrounding said administration body. Device. 185. The apparatus of claim 183, wherein the recess has a substantially elliptical cross section. 184. A device according to any one of claims 167 to 184, further comprising actuating means for causing a relative movement between said conveying means and said confining means. 185. The apparatus according to claim 185, wherein said actuating means maintains said confining means in contact with said conveying means at least between said separating position and said delivery position. 186. The device of claim 185 or 186, wherein the actuating means is connected with the limiting means. 187. A device according to any one of claims 185 to 187, wherein said actuating means comprises a cam disposed in a fixed position of said device. 187. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein said confining means is mounted at the end of each lever operable by said cam. 189. The apparatus of claim 189, wherein a respective rocker arm is interposed between the cam and the lever. 192. The apparatus of claim 190, wherein the rocker arm is mounted to a rotatable disk means supporting the confinement means. 192. The attachment prevention of any one of claims 167 to 191, wherein at least one of the transporting means and the confining means prevents attachment of the administration agent to at least one of the transporting means and the confining means in significant amounts. Means provided. 192. The apparatus of claim 192, wherein the attachment preventing means comprises supply means for supplying the fluid to form a layer of fluid near an interaction surface of at least one of the transport means and the confinement means, Device intended to interact. 194. The apparatus of claim 193, wherein the fluid is compressed air. 194. The apparatus of claim 193 or 194, wherein said supply means comprises a plurality of pores formed in a wall of porous material and defined by said interaction surface. 195. The chamber of any of claims 193-195, further comprising chamber means formed between a first wall defined by the interaction surface and a second wall outside the first wall, wherein the chamber means comprises: the fluid; And supply means for supplying the fluid to distribute the fluid to the supply means. 196. The device of any one of claims 167-196, wherein a bottom of the recess is provided with a ring for guiding the dose at the delivery position. 197. The apparatus of claim 197, wherein the ring portion is funnel shaped inside. 197. The apparatus of claim 197 or 198, wherein 197 or 198, when quoting any one of claims 192 to 196, is characterized in that said attachment preventing means is connected with said ring portion. 198. The method of claim 199, wherein, when the term 197 refers to any one of claims 193 to 196, the ring portion is first and second connected with a first source of the fluid and a second source of the fluid, respectively. And a zone, said first and second sources having different pressures. 202. The apparatus of claim 200, wherein the first zone and the second zone are disposed continuously along the axis of the ring portion. 202. The apparatus of claim 201, wherein the axis is substantially vertical. 202. The apparatus according to any one of claims 167 to 202, further comprising an extrusion device for dispensing said delivery agent to said conveying means. 203. The apparatus of claim 203, further comprising cutting means for separating the dose from the extrudate flowing from the extrusion apparatus. 204. The apparatus of claim 204, wherein the cutting means comprises a single cutting element rotatable about an axis of rotation. Molding means for compression molding a predetermined amount of plastic dosage form; And An insertion means extending along a longitudinal axis for conveying said plastic dosage form to the common means of said forming means, Said insertion means having a predetermined shape and dimension along said longitudinal axis such that said insertion means is insertable into said cavity means for releasing said administration body. 206. The apparatus of claim 206, wherein the shaping means is a continuously rotatable circular conveyor. 207. The apparatus of claim 206 or 207, wherein the forming means comprises a die apparatus and a punch apparatus that cooperate together to form a container preform into the dose. 208. The apparatus of claim 208, wherein the cavity means is formed in the die apparatus. 209. The device according to any one of claims 206 to 209, further comprising a moving device for moving said cavity means towards said insertion means such that said insertion means is optionally inserted into and exits said cavity means. Characterized in that the device. 210. An apparatus according to any one of claims 206 to 210, wherein said insertion means is defined by side wall means, each said side wall means extending along said longitudinal axis. 213. The apparatus of claim 211, wherein the side wall means is substantially tubular in shape. 213. The apparatus of claim 212, wherein the side wall means is substantially cylindrical. 213. The apparatus of any of claims 211 to 213, wherein the side wall means is axially open. 214. The device of any one of claims 206-214, further comprising form control means for forming a precursor of the form formed by the shaping means from the dosage form. 215. The apparatus of claim 215, wherein the shape adjusting means comprises a forming surface formed inside the sidewall means. 216. The device of any one of claims 206-216, wherein the inserting means is provided with anti-sticking means for preventing the administration agent from substantially adhering to the inserting means. 221. The device of any of claims 206-217, further comprising cooling means associated with the insertion means for cooling the administration. 218. The apparatus of claim 218, wherein the cooling means comprises a first conduit for directing coolant to the insertion means and a second conduit for separating the coolant from the insertion means. 219. The apparatus of claim 219, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are disposed spirally around the insertion means. 220. The device of any of claims 206-220, wherein the inserting means is disposed in a fixed position relative to an extrusion device for extruding the dose. 225. The apparatus of claim 221, wherein the insertion means is in contact with an extrusion outlet of the extrusion apparatus. 225. The apparatus of claim 221, wherein the insertion means is spaced apart from the extrusion device such that cutting means is interposed between the extrusion device and the insertion means. 225. The device of any one of claims 206-223, further comprising ejection means for discharging said administration body from said insertion means and into said cavity means. 224. The apparatus of claim 224, wherein the discharge means comprises pneumatic discharge means. 224. The apparatus of claim 224, wherein the discharge means comprises piston means moveable within the insertion means along the longitudinal axis. Molding means for extruding a predetermined amount of plastic dosage form; An extrusion apparatus for extruding the plastic; And Cutting means for disadvantageous of the dosage form from the extrusion device, Said cutting means comprise a single cutting element. 227. The device of claim 227, wherein the cutting element is supported by a support device that is rotatable about an axis of rotation. 228. The apparatus according to claim 227 or 228, further comprising transfer means for receiving said dosage body from said extrusion means and transferring it to said forming means. 229. The apparatus according to claim 229, wherein said conveying means comprises a plurality of concave elements mounted in an outer circumferential region of the circular conveyor apparatus that is rotatable about another axis of rotation. 230. The device of claim 230, wherein the support device is rotatable in a direction opposite to the other direction of rotation of the circular conveyor. 231. The apparatus of claim 230, or 230 according to 229, quoting 228, wherein the axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the other axis of rotation. 234. A device according to any one of claims 229 to 232, wherein said cutting element is interposed between said conveying means and said extrusion device. 233. The apparatus of any of claims 229 to 233, wherein the cutting element is movable in a plane across the discharge direction of the plastic discharged from the extrusion device. Conveying means for conveying a predetermined amount of flowable material dose from the separation position to the delivery position; Cutting means for separating the dose from the dispensing device; And And a contact means disposed opposite said cutting means to interact with said administration body. 235. The apparatus of claim 235, wherein said contact means is interposed between said cutting means and said conveying means. 236. The apparatus of claim 236, wherein the contact means is disposed below a surface on which the cutting means is movable. 235. A device as claimed in any of claims 235 to 237, wherein said contact means comprises a single contact element. 238. The device according to any one of claims 235 to 238, wherein said contact means is reciprocable along an orbit. 238. The device of claim 239, wherein the trajectory is substantially tangential to the path of the conveying means. 245. The apparatus of claim 240, wherein the path is circular. 241. A device according to claim 240 or 241, wherein said conveying means is movable along said path in a rotational direction opposite to another direction of rotation of said cutting means. 242. The apparatus according to any one of claims 235 to 242, wherein said contact means is provided with a recess for interacting with said administration, said recess facing a recess of said transfer means. 245. A device according to any one of claims 235 to 243, further comprising confinement means for substantially enclosing said administration within said transport means. 245. The apparatus of any one of claims 235-244, wherein the dispensing device comprises a plastic injection device. 245. The apparatus of any one of claims 235-245, further comprising molding means for compression molding the dosage form. A conveying means for conveying a predetermined amount of flowable material dose (D) from the separating position to the delivering position, said conveying means mainly comprising a first conveying means (50) movable at a first level; The conveying means comprises a second conveying means (16; 31) for delivering said administration (D) to said first conveying means (50), said second conveying means (16; 31) being primarily at a second level. The device, characterized in that movable in. 247. The apparatus according to claim 247, further comprising forming means (21) disposed in said delivery position for compression molding said dose (D), said forming means being primarily movable at a third level. 248. The apparatus of claim 248, wherein the third level is below the first level. 252. The apparatus of any of claims 247-249, wherein the first level is below the second level. 252. The device according to any one of claims 247 to 250, wherein the first conveying means comprises a plurality of tubular elements (50) connected to respective ends of the arm means (41). 87. Any one of claims 1-28, 29-48, 49-66, 87-86, 87 127. 124. 145. 145. 145. 145, 205, 205, 206, 227, 227, 226, 227, 226, 226, 227, 226, 227, 226, 227, 226, 227, 226, 227, 227, 226, 227, 226, 245. The device according to any one of claims 234, 235-246, and 247-251, according to at least one. Transferring a predetermined amount of flowable material dose from the separation position to the delivery position; And Forming a form for the administration after receiving the administration at the delivery location, Wherein said dosage form is shaped to form a precursor of said form from said dosage form during said transfer step. 253. The method of claim 253, wherein said shaping forms a substantially cylindrical precursor. 253. The method of claim 253 or 254, wherein the shaping imparts the transverse dimension to the precursor that is less than the minimum transverse dimension of the cavity into which the precursor is inserted at the delivery position. 255. The method of any one of claims 253 to 255, wherein said shaping step compresses the plastic of the dosage form. 260. The method of claim 256, wherein the compression molding forms a container preform with the dosage form. 260. The method of any one of claims 253-257, wherein said shaping mechanically shapes said precursor using a forming surface. 270. The method of any one of claims 253-258, wherein the shaping comprises pneumatically shaping the precursor. 259. The method of claim 259, wherein the pneumatic shaping directs pressurized fluid to the sides of the precursor. 260. The method of claim 259 or 260, wherein when 259 refers to 258, the mechanical shaping is on a portion of the dose and the portion is from another portion of the dose where the pneumatic shaping is made. Characterized in that spaced apart. 268. The method of any one of claims 253 to 261, wherein said dosage form is extruded prior to said conveying step. 262. The method of any one of claims 253 to 262, wherein the shaping is done when the administration descends from the separation position to the delivery position.

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