The present invention relates to an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like.

Background art

In industry it is frequent to resort to devices suitable for filling adapted vessels with raw materials having various shapes and dimensions.

In particular, the need is noted to package within adapted bags partially processed raw materials in order to transfer them to the departments (or facilities) where the final steps of such packaging operations will be performed.

If one considers the food industry, for example, it can be observed easily that pasta has to be transferred from an adapted hopper to respective bags, which are adapted to contain a predetermined quantity of individual products (macaroni, spaghetti, et cetera).

Likewise, with cereals there is the same problem during packaging (consider rice, for example, packaged within bags of preset weight).

However, the most specific requirements of precision in dosage are typical of the pharmaceutical industry.

In particular it is noted that before blister packaging it is generally necessary to have a predetermined quantity of individual products in bags (or other containers having any shape, rigidity and/or dimensions), which are then closed hermetically to avoid any contamination of the contained products.

The arrangement of the products within the individual bags must be performed by specialized personnel, which adjusts the dispensing of the product (for example contained in an adapted hopper that lies above the dispenser), continuously checking the quantity of product that is present in the bag by means of a balance (or the like).

Since the bags in turn must be packaged inside boxes in order to facilitate their transport, the bags must be arranged with due care in the boxes in order to avoid the damage of capsules, tablets and the like: an impact of the bag against the floor or a hard surface would cause the mutual collision of the individual products contained therein; scratched, damaged or chipped products will have to be rejected during final packaging (placement in blisters). Therefore, in practice the step of arrangement of the bags in the boxes also is risky, since it might cause an increase in waste.

In order to obviate this drawback it is frequent to resort to filling the bags while they are already inserted in the box (in general each box is adapted to contain several bags).

The consequence of this production choice is the need for an operator dedicated to filling the bags, who aligns the dispenser with the mouth of each bag and repeats this operation at each filling.

It is evident that this need forces an increase in operating costs and a certain randomness in filling precision, since it is the skill of the operator that determines the filling parameters and the time required for the alignment of the dispenser with the next mouth.

It should also be noted that the closure and opening of the dispenser are controlled- by an adapted valve body, which closes the opening through which the products flow out.

The valve body, generally made of metallic material, can easily damage by crushing them the products that become interposed between the closure partition and the walls of the opening.

A series of severe problems is therefore observed in dispensers of the known type which reduce the overall efficiency and cause a high rate of damaged products. Disclosure of the invention

The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, by providing an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like that ensures integrity of the products being distributed, thus avoiding their accidental damage.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to propose an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like that does not require the constant presence of an operator for its management.

A further object of the invention is to propose an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like that is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.

Another object of the invention is to propose an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like that is particularly lightweight.

Another object of the invention is to propose an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like that is adapted to avoid the phenomenon of cross-contamination with consequent increase in safety for products and operators.

Another object of the invention is to propose an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like that is particularly versatile and suitable for the filling of an unspecified number of bags which are optionally contained within a respective box.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like that has a low cost, is relatively simple to provide in practice and is safe in application.

This aim and these objects, as well as others that will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like, of the type comprising an upper inlet, for connection to the emission opening of a component such as a hopper, a tubular element, which is controlled by an adapted valve body and is provided with a dispensing port, characterized in that said valve body comprises at least one blocking partition which can rotate with respect to one of its axes, said axis being transverse to the internal cavity of said tubular element, said blocking partition being made of substantially deformable material, of the type of a polymer and the like, said blocking partition having a shape and dimensions which are complementary to those of said cavity for blocking it when the partition is arranged transversely with respect to said cavity.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packaging station provided with an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the station of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a sectional side view of an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a sectional side view of the lower portion of an assembly for dosed dispensing of pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a top view of the bell of the lower portion of Figure 4. Ways of carrying out the invention

With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains, plugs, closure caps, small items and the like. The assembly 1 can be installed effectively on a packaging station 2.

It is specified immediately that the terms "plugs" and "closure caps" are understood to include all closure devices that insure the isolation of a component (or of its content from the outside environment): consider membranes for closing containers for drugs, which can be crossed by the needle of a syringe to draw the drug (or substance), or caps designed to protect the tip of the needle of the syringe.

The assembly 1 comprises an upper inlet 3 for the connection of a component of the type of a hopper to the emission opening.

The accompanying figures do not show the component of the type of a hopper: one can in any case consider that such component is an actual tank within which the products are collected downstream of the production system. These tanks are generally closed hermetically (in particular for pharmaceutical products but also in the case of products for food use) and comprise a valve which, when the discharge duct of the tank is arranged so as to coincide perfectly with the upper inlet 3 of the assembly 1 , allows the outflow of the products and their entry into the assembly 1. The assembly 1 is constituted substantially by a tubular element 4, which is controlled by an adapted valve body and is provided with a dispensing port.

With particular reference to the present embodiment, the valve body comprises at least one blocking partition 5, which can rotate with respect to one of its axes 6.

The rotation axis 6 of the partition 5 is arranged transversely to the internal cavity 7 of the tubular element 4.

The blocking partition 5 is made of substantially deformable material, of the type of a polymer and the like: this constructive choice ensures that if the partition 5, while being moved to the configuration for blocking the internal cavity 7, finds a single product interposed between its edge and the internal surface of the cavity 7, it does not break, scratch and/or split it, by taking advantage of the elastic deformability of such edge.

Among the polymers that can be used to provide the partitions 5, silicone-based ones are mentioned merely by way of example; however, polyamides, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene and other polymeric materials that have an elastic deformability that conforms to the mechanical strength of the products that they must treat should not be excluded.

It should be noted appropriately that the blocking partition 5 has a shape and dimensions which are complementary to those of the cavity 7 in order to block it (hermetically) when the partition 5 is arranged transversely with respect to the cavity 7: in particular, the edge of the partition 5 is deformed upon coming into contact with the internal surface of the cavity 7, since its breadth (the diameter of the partition 5) can be even slightly greater (on the order of at least a few hundredths of a millimeter) than the inside diameter of the cavity 7.

According to a specific embodiment of unquestionable interest in practice and in application, the valve body comprises a rotor 8 which is provided with at least two blocking partitions 5.

The partitions 5, also with respect to the rotor 8, are mutually jointly connected and mutually separated by a preset angle: in this manner it is possible to define blocking surfaces which are mutually separated by predefined angles, so that whenever the rotor 8 rotates through such angle it moves from a first blocking configuration to a subsequent blocking configuration.

The partitions 5 in fact can rotate with respect to a common rotation axis (the axis 6 that has already been defined) and the cavity 7 is blocked at the transverse arrangement, with respect to it, of at least one of the partitions 5.

Merely by way of example, it is noted that a rotor 8 provided with two partitions 5 identifies successive blocking configurations which are mutually separated by 90° angles; if the partitions 5 of the rotor 8 are three, the successive blocking configurations are mutually separated by 60° angles; if the partitions 5 of the rotor 8 are four, the successive blocking configurations are mutually separated by 45° angles. Further increases in the number of partitions 5 cause consequent reductions in the breadth of the angle that separates two successive blocking configurations.

In a further embodiment of unquestionable applicability which is certainly advantageous in terms of efficiency of the system on which the assembly will be installed, the dispensing mouth comprises at least two independent output channels 9.

It is possible to fit on each one of the channels 9 a substantially soft tubular element 10 in order to facilitate the correct conveyance of the products that are exiting from the respective channel 9: the tubular element 10 can in fact be inserted easily in the bag to be filled, if any, with the assurance that no product can go outside such bag.

In particular it is noted that downstream of the valve body and upstream of the dispensing port there is a flow diverter 11, which is provided with an orientable carousel 12, which has a through channel 13a which is aligned upstream with the output opening of the valve body and downstream with at least one of the independent channels 9 to convey the flow of products dispensed by the valve body to only one of the channels 9 at a time.

Analyzing more specifically the constructive characteristics of a possible embodiment, the flow diverter 1 1 comprises a concave bell 13, which is provided, on its lower lateral portion, with respective holes 9a for accommodating at least two channels 9.

In turn, the orientable carousel 12 is constituted by a block whose shape and dimensions are complementary to those of the concave bell 13 for rotatable accommodation therein.

The block that constitutes the carousel 12 comprises an upper compartment 14 for containing the products dispensed by the valve body.

The compartment 14 in turn is connected to. the through channel 13 a.

A motor 15 is interposed between the bell 13 and the orientable carousel 12 and is designed to turn the carousel 12 according to predefined angles with respect to the fixed bell 13.

In particular, the motor 15 can be integrated in the connecting joint between the two components (the bell 13 and the carousel 12) or it is possible to provide transmission means 16 (such transmission means are pulleys and belts in the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures; this possibility is specified merely by way of example and in no way intends to exclude or limit the adoption of other transmission means) which couple the motor 15 to the carousel 12.

Analyzing in depth a particular example of application, the fact can be noted that the rotor 8 comprises a shaft (which coincides with the axis 6) which is arranged transversely with respect to the cavity 7 and is controlled by an adapted apparatus 17 for movement (this movement preferably consists of a rotation), according to predefined angles, with respect to the tubular element 4.

The cavity 7 comprises a transverse slot 18 at its internal section that is aligned with the partition 5.

The slot 18 is designed to accommodate a sealing ring 19 made of deformable material, such as a polymer and the like.

The partition 5, in the blocking configuration, has its perimetric edge in abutment against the sealing ring 19, with partial interference caused by the deformation of the partition 5 and of the ring 19.

The partition 5, as mentioned, can have slightly larger dimensions than the cavity 7 (in terms of diameter) in order to ensure a minimum interference thereof, in the blocking configuration, aimed at producing a perfect seal.

In the specific case, the partition 5 might also have the same diameter as the cavity 7, but a minimal protrusion of the sealing ring 19 would ensure the interference of one component with the other in the configuration for blocking the cavity 7.

It should be noted and pointed out conveniently that in order to achieve optimum operation and high precision in the positions, the motor 16 and the movement apparatus 17 are electric motors of the stepper type, both controlled by an adapted control and management unit 20.

In this case, adapted sensors, designed to detect the quantity of products introduced in the packages, are functionally associated with the unit 20 for feedback control of the motor 15 and of the movement apparatus 17.

It is equally important to point out that the partitions 5 have an external surface whose roughness value is comprises between 0.01 and 0.4 μπι, in order to contrast the unwanted adhesion of products to such surface. The surface roughness in fact hinders the adhesion of powders and gelatinous products, which are the most difficult products to manage in terms of unwanted adhesions to surfaces. The rotor 8 provided with the partitions 5 is provided monolithically; the partitions 5 protrude radially from a central sleeve and the outer surfaces of contiguous partitions 5 and the abutment surfaces between the partitions 5 and the sleeve are mutually blended and do not define gaps and cavities adapted to accidentally trap the products.

The assembly 1 according to the invention is particularly suitable for installation in a respective packaging station 2 of the type that comprises a supporting frame 21 for an accommodation surface 22 for at least one box (or any container as a function of the specific production requirements).

In turn, the box contains at least one bag to be filled with a product of the type of pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains and the like.

The surface 22 is conveniently surmounted by a dispenser arranged below a component of the type of a hopper that contains the products.

According to this embodiment, in the station 2, at least one load cell for instantaneous detection of the weight of the box (and of its content) is interposed between the surface 22 and the frame 21.

In this case, the dispenser is constituted by the assembly 1 according to the invention and therefore comprises at least one blocking partition 5, which can rotate, by the action of an adapted apparatus 17, with respect to an axis 6 thereof.

The blocking partition 5 is conveniently made of substantially deformable material of the type of a polymer and the like.

The blocking partition 5 further has a shape and dimensions which are complementary to those of an internal through cavity 7 of the dispenser in order to block it when the partition 5 is arranged transversely with respect to the cavity 7.

The signal output terminals of the load cell reach the control and management unit 20 designed to control the movement apparatus 17 for the rotation of the partition 5 in the configuration for opening and blocking the cavity 7.

More specifically, the station, at the assembly 1 , is provided with a product dispensing mouth downstream of the dispenser and comprises at least two independent output channels 9.

Directly upstream of the channels 9 there is the flow diverter 1 1, which is provided with the orientable carousel 12, provided with the through channel 13a which is aligned upstream with the dispensing port and downstream with at least one of the independent channels 9 for the conveyance of the flow of dispensed products from the valve body to a single one of the channels 9 at a time.

The motor 15, designed to actuate the diverter 1 1, is controlled and actuated by the control and management iinit 20.

The station 2, downstream of the area provided with the assembly 1 , further comprises apparatuses 23 which are aimed at closing the bags hermetically: if the bags are made of metallic material (for example aluminum) or polymeric material (for example polyethylene), one can resort to a heat-sealing unit designed to join by heat-sealing the upper flaps of such bags.

The box, which contains the hermetically closed bags, can thus be taken from the station 2 and placed in storage or prepared for shipping by specific operators.

With the present invention, the problems described above have been solved, proposing an assembly for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains and the like that ensures the integrity of the products being distributed, avoiding their accidental damage.

Advantageously, the present invention proposes an assembly 1 for dosed dispensing of products such as pills, tablets, capsules, pellets, powders, granules, grains and the like that does not require the constant, presence of an operator for its management. Conveniently, the assembly 1 is particularly versatile and suitable for filling an unspecified number of bags which are optionally contained within a respective box.

These characteristics allow an important reduction in the time for packaging and filling the bags and the boxes, with a consequent increase in the efficiency and productivity of the station 2 in which the assembly 1 is installed.

The adoption of the rotor 8 (provided with blocking partitions) that can rotate by the action of the apparatus 17 which is actuated in feedback by the unit 20 (on the basis of the signal supplied by the load cell that is present at the surface 22) positively ensures a considerable increase in the precision of the quantity of products introduced in each bag: one does not entrust in any way the discretion of the operator thanks to the complete automation of the detections (detection of the instantaneous weight of the load rested on the surface 22) and of the introduction of products in the bags.

Obviously, complete automation ensures high speed of the workingcycle, with a consequent increase in the overall efficiency of the assembly 1 and of the station 2.

The assembly 1 and the station 2 in which it is installed are particularly compact, since dosage and distribution are performed by means of a single .component: the evident reduction in space occupation ensures a logistical optimization of the installation area of the station 2. The reduced dimensions also cause a very low weight of the assembly 1 and of the station 2, which can thus also be of the portable type (on wheels) if it is necessary to reconfigure the apparatus within which it works.

The assembly 1 is particularly easy to assemble and clean: in particular, separation of the components occurs without having to resort to specific equipment, using at most simple tools. All the components disassembled from the assembly 1 can be sterilized at high temperature (even higher than 130°C) to suppress any contamination. All these characteristics make the assembly 1 particularly economical, both in terms of operating costs and in terms of purchase costs, particularly if one refers to the performance that it can provide, which in practice exceeds the performance of known types of dosage device.

The capability of the assembly 1 and of the station 2 in which the assembly 1 is installed to perform dosage on several different bags sequentially, all managed by means of a complete automation of the process, is particularly important.

A particularly relevant characteristic of the assembly 1 is its aptness not to damage tablets or in general the products that are managed: in view of the high costs of the products (especially in the pharmaceutical sector), this characteristic is fundamentally important.

Moreover, one should not forget that the assembly 1, thanks to the specific value of roughness of the surfaces of the partitions 5, avoids the adhesion of the products to the partitions 5: this particular characteristic also reveals itself to be fundamental when it is necessary to provide very precise dosage.

Specifically with the assembly 1 according to the invention it is possible to obtain a dosage precision of more or less 1% with respect to the desired weight: a percentage that is difficult to achieve with dosage devices of the known type controlled by operators.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

For example, it should be specified that the channels 9 might be provided in any number as a function of the packaging requirements.

The versatility of the assembly 1 is particularly evident if one considers that it is sufficient to replace the bell 13 (provided with the desired number of holes 9a with which the channels 9 are to be mated) and act on the management software in order to modify the extent of the rotations imparted to the carousel 12 by the motor 15.

With a minimal number of components provided to size it is therefore possible to adapt a standard assembly 1 to any packaging requirements.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.

Moreover, it is noted' that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.