PACKAGING MACHINE AND THE RELATED METHOD

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a packaging machine, equipped with an apparatus for the distribution and positioning of tablets or suchlike, and therefore pills, lozenges, or other similar or comparable products, of various shapes and sizes, in suitable blisters or seatings disposed in one or more translatable strips.

[0002] The present invention concerns, in particular but not exclusively, a packaging machine comprising a compact distribution apparatus.

[0003] The present invention also concerns a method to distribute tablets or suchlike in a packaging machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Distributor units are known, compact or not compact, which are used for positioning and distributing tablets or pills in blister packs, for example for the pharmaceutical, food, or other sectors having similar needs.

[0005] The distributor units use a distributor disc suitably disposed for the synchronized release of the tablets in a strip which translates and has suitable seatings, or blisters, to accommodate the tablets.

[0006] Hereafter, the term tablets includes pills, lozenges, capsules, and other products of a similar or comparable type or size.

[0007] By compact distributor units we mean units with a compact shape, for example as described in WO2019/115445.

[0008] These units are designed and manufactured to work a high variability of types and shapes of tablets, to guarantee considerable productivity, to reduce the intervention times of ordinary maintenance, to make the tablets travel the shortest possible path, thus generating less wear on them, and to reduce the bulk and consumption.

[0009] In document EP 2555982, in the name of the Applicant, another known distributor unit is described, which is particularly functional, efficient and requires reduced maintenance. WO2011/120790 A1 also discloses an apparatus according to preamble of claim 1.

[0010] Known distributor units, as we said, are used to transfer or continuously position the tablets in blisters organized on a translatable strip. The translatable strip presents, on each occasion, at least one row of blisters in correspondence with at least one row of holes disposed on a distributor disc.

[0011] The distributor disc is also associated with brushes which allow a correct distribution of the tablets in the rows of holes in the distributor disc.

[0012] The distributor disc is rotated by means of suitable drive means above the translatable strip and, in general, has a tangential speed lower than the speed of advance of the strip, so as to increase the time it stays under the brushes, thus improving the efficacy of temporary positioning of the tablets in the holes of the disc.

[0013] While intervening on known timing parameters that regulate the timing advance of the deposition of the tablets on the strip, to compensate for the difference in speed between disc and strip, it is obvious that the tangential speed of the holes of the disc which are located near the center of the distributor disc is different from, in particular lower than, the tangential speed of the holes of the disc which are located near the periphery of the disc.

[0014] The larger the diameter of the distributor disc, following, for example, the use of a high-width translatable strip, the more this disadvantage is accentuated,

[0015] Often, in packaging machines, it is necessary to use a translatable strip having two or more rows of blisters, for example for so-called "two-row" packaging machines, which would therefore require large diameter distributor discs, with tangential speeds that are too different between zones near the center and zones near the periphery of the disc.

[0016] Known distributor discs, therefore, do not lend themselves efficiently and productively to be used in "two-row" packaging machines or in any case for machines having a high-width translatable strip.

[0017] A known feeding device for packaging machines is also disclosed in the document GB-A-905948.

[0018] Other limitations and disadvantages of conventional solutions and technologies will be clear to a person of skill after reading the remaining part of the present description with reference to the drawings and the description of the embodiments that follow, although it is clear that the description of the state of the art connected to the present description must not be considered an admission that what is described here is already known from the state of the prior art.

[0019] There is therefore a need to make a packaging machine which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0020] One purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide a packaging machine equipped with a distribution apparatus which is able to feed tablets also to a strip with a large width and comprising several rows of blisters, so as to increase the efficiency and productivity of the packaging machine.

[0021] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine equipped with an effective and compact distribution apparatus, which allows not only to possibly increase the number of rows of blisters, and therefore the effectiveness and productivity of the packaging machine, but also an effective and uniform distribution of the pills or tablets in the corresponding blisters, in any case maintaining the compactness of the packaging machine.

[0022] Another purpose is to provide an effective and productive method for distributing pills or tablets on a translatable strip, in particular a strip which can be used in a multi-row packaging machine.

[0023] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0025] In accordance with the above purposes, the present invention concerns a packaging machine, comprising at least a strip, translatable in a direction of translation and provided with organized blisters and a distribution apparatus able to transfer and position tablets or suchlike in the blisters of the strip.

[0026] The distribution apparatus comprises at least a pair of separate distributor members, rotatable and provided with holes configured to present themselves on each occasion in correspondence with the blisters of the strip, in order to transfer and position the tablets or suchlike in the blisters in corresponding zones or sectors of the strip, separate from each other.

[0027] The distributor members comprise discs or annular elements that are independent and concentric with respect to each other.

[0028] The distribution apparatus comprises a support provided with at least a slit (for the passage of the tablets or suchlike. The slit is disposed above the blisters of the strip.

[0029] The translatable strip of the packaging machine can be drivable so as to advance at a constant speed.

[0030] At least one of the discs or annular elements can also be drivable so as to advance at a constant angular speed.

[0031] At least one of the discs or annular elements can be drivable in vibration during rotation.

[0032] The distributor members can also be synchronized so as to present at least a common deposit line in correspondence with the slit, so that along the common deposit line, at least a row of holes of one distributor member is aligned with a row of holes of the other distributor member.

[0033] The deposit line can be substantially orthogonal to the direction of translation of the strip.

[0034] The support of the distribution apparatus can also be fixed with respect to the strip and to the discs or annular elements.

[0035] In some embodiments, a first distributor member of the at least one pair of distributor members is configured to transfer and position the tablets or suchlike in the blisters in a first zone or sector of the strip and a second distributor member of the at least one pair of distributor members is configured to transfer and position the tablets or suchlike in the blisters in another zone or sector of the strip, separate from the first zone or sector.

[0036] In some embodiments of the invention, the holes of the distributor members can be positioned on the distributor members according to rows directed in a substantially radial direction or slightly offset.

[0037] The distributor members can be driven so as to have different rotation speeds.

[0038] The border zone between the distributor members can be positioned substantially in correspondence with a line of the strip, directed substantially in the direction of translation of the strip and able to separate the sectors of the strip.

[0039] The invention also concerns a method for distributing tablets in a packaging machine, comprising the transfer and positioning of the tablets or suchlike in organized blisters provided on a strip translatable in a direction of translation by means of a distribution apparatus; wherein the transfer and positioning of the tablets or suchlike takes place in corresponding zones or sectors of the strip that are separated from each other, by means of at least a pair of distributor members separate, rotatable and provided with holes configured to present themselves on each occasion in correspondence with the blisters of the strip; the distributor members comprise discs or annular elements independent and concentric with respect to each other; the distribution apparatus comprises a support provided with at least a slit for the passage of the tablets or suchlike; the slit is disposed above the blisters of the strip.

[0040] According to another aspect of the method, the strip can advance at a constant speed.

[0041] Moreover, the distributor members can have different rotation speeds.

[0042] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description, drawings and attached claims. The drawings, which are integrated and form part of the present description, show some forms of embodiment of the present invention, and together with the description, are intended to describe the principles of the disclosure.

[0043] The various aspects and characteristics described in the present description can be applied individually where possible. These individual aspects, for example aspects and characteristics described in the description or in the attached dependent claims, can be the object of divisional applications.

[0044] It is understood that any aspect or characteristic that is discovered, during the patenting process, to be already known, shall not be claimed and shall be the object of a disclaimer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

• fig. 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a distribution apparatus of a packaging machine according to the invention;
• fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a pair of distribution discs of the present apparatus;
• fig. 3 is a schematic lateral elevation view of the present apparatus.

[0046] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0047] We will now refer in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof.

[0048] Before describing these embodiments, we must also clarify that the present description is not limited in its application to details of the construction and disposition of the components as described in the following description using the attached drawings. The present description can provide other embodiments and can be obtained or executed in various other ways. We must also clarify that the phraseology and terminology used here is for the purposes of description only, and cannot be considered as limitative.

[0049] Fig. 1 is used to describe embodiments of a distribution apparatus 10 for a packaging machine, configured to transfer and position tablets or suchlike in organized blisters 15 of at least one translatable strip 16. The distribution apparatus 10 comprises at least a pair of separate, rotatable distributor members 12, 13 provided with holes 20 configured to present themselves on each occasion in correspondence with the blisters 15 of the translatable strip 16, so as to transfer and position the tablets or suchlike in the blisters 15 in relative zones or sectors S1, S2 of the strip 16, separate from each other.

[0050] The process of distributing the tablets or suchlike in the blisters 15 of the strip 16 can take place substantially continuously, guaranteeing high productivity and efficiency of the distribution apparatus 10.

[0051] The strip 16 can be driven so as to advance with a constant speed.

[0052] However, in other variant embodiments, it could also be provided that the distribution apparatus 10 can operate discontinuously.

[0053] The distributor members 12 and 13 comprise discs, annular elements or suchlike, as schematically shown, which are independent and concentric with respect to each other.

[0054] Moreover, at least one of the discs or annular elements that make up the distributor members 12 or 13 can be driven so as to advance with constant angular speed.

[0055] Moreover, at least one of the discs or annular elements that make up the distributor members 12 or 13 can be driven in vibration during rotation.

[0056] Moreover, embodiments described here also concern a method to distribute tablets and suchlike on the at least one translatable strip 16 provided with the blisters 15 to receive the tablets or suchlike. The method comprises the distribution of tablets or suchlike on the at least one first zone or sector S1, S2 of the strip 16 by means of a first rotatable distributor member 12 and the distribution on at least one other zone or sector S2, S1 of the strip 16, separated from the first zone or sector S1, S2 by means of a second distributor member 13 rotatable and separate from the first distributor member 12.

[0057] In particular, in embodiments described here, a first distributor member 12 of the pair of distributor members 12, 13 is configured to transfer and position the tablets or suchlike in the blisters 15 in a first zone or sector S1 of the strip 16 and a second distributor member 13 of the pair of distributor members 12, 13 is configured to transfer and position the tablets or suchlike in the blisters 15 in another zone or sector S2 of the strip 16, separate from the first zone or sector S1.

[0058] As we said before, the distributor members 12 and 13 can operate according to a continuous distribution and positioning process, so as to guarantee high productivity to the distribution apparatus 10.

[0059] In particular, the distribution apparatus 10 comprises a rotary assembly 11 comprising the first distributor member 12 and the second distributor member 13. As will be seen hereafter, each distributor member 12 and 13 of the rotary assembly 11 is preferably provided with its own drive device.

[0060] According to some embodiments, a feed device 14 can be provided configured to feed a series of tablets toward the rotary assembly 11.

[0061] The feed device 14 can be, for example, but not restricted to, a loading hopper, a screw feed system, a pusher loading system, a drawer feed system, a pneumatic feed system, or a combination of these, or other.

[0062] The feed device 14 can, for example, be configured to feed the tablets continuously, or it can be configured to feed the tablets discontinuously, for example at a predetermined frequency.

[0063] In other variants, it is possible to provide to feed the tablets discontinuously, in batches of limited volume (batch processing), for example by manually loading the tablets contained in special containers, bags or other. For example this can be provided if special production batches are to be loaded, or according to other needs.

[0064] A series of tablets to be positioned in the appropriate blisters 15 of the strip 16, for example translatable in direction L, are poured onto the rotary assembly 11 by means of the feed device 14, or manually in the case of special processing needs.

[0065] As we said above, the term tablets also includes pills, lozenges or other similar products.

[0066] In possible embodiments, given by way of non-restrictive example, the distribution apparatus 10 can be provided with a series of brushes 17, suitably motorized, which aid the correct distribution of the tablets on the surface of the distributor members 12 and 13.

[0067] According to the invention, the apparatus 10 comprises a fixed support 18, on which a slit 19 for transferring the pills, tablets or suchlike to the strip 16 is made.

[0068] The distributor members 12 and 13 are slightly distanced from the fixed support 18.

[0069] In possible embodiments, each of the distributor members 12, 13 is provided with rows D1, D2 of holes 20, to allow the passage of the tablets through the slit 19 and then to the strip 16, according to a deposit line D which will be discussed hereafter.

[0070] The rows D1 and D2 of holes 20 are made on the distributor members 12 and 13 in a substantially radial direction, or suitably offset with respect to the radial direction, so as to obtain a correct positioning of the deposit line D.

[0071] In possible embodiments, given by way of non-restrictive example, the distribution apparatus 10 can be provided with another brush 21, configured to rotate around an axis substantially parallel to the surface of the rotary assembly 11.

[0072] The function of the brush 21 is to contain the products in the loading zone of the products to be disposed in the blisters 15 of the strip 16 and to prevent them from advancing inappropriately toward the front unloading zone and then toward the slit 19.

[0073] The strip 16, shown by way of non-restrictive example, is provided with a line M, which defines the two zones or sectors S1 and S2 of the strip, hence a so-called "two-row" machine. As we said, the two zones or sectors S1 and S2 are separate from each other.

[0074] In particular, the line M is directed in a direction L of advance of the strip 16. The line M can also be the center line of the strip 16, therefore the zones or sectors S1 and S2 of the strip 16, in this case, will have the same number of blisters 15 on one side and on the other with respect to the line M.

[0075] The line M also represents the line along which the strip 16 is cut, after the blisters 15 have been filled with tablets: each of the blisters 15a subsequent to the distribution apparatus 10 is filled with a tablet.

[0076] On both sides of the center line M there are therefore several parallel rows of blisters 15, for example five rows F1 of blisters 15, 15a in the first zone or sector S1 of the strip 16 and five rows F2 of blisters 15, 15a in the second zone or sector S2 of the strip 16.

[0077] The rows F1 and F2 are preferably parallel to each other and directed substantially in the direction L.

[0078] For each of the zones or sectors S1 and S2 of the strip 16 it is also possible to define a series of columns C1 and C2 of holes 20, belonging to the rows F1 and F2. The columns C1 and C2 are directed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction L.

[0079] The distributor members 12 and 13 are separate and, preferably, are configured to rotate independently of each other.

[0080] Thus, the distributor members 12 and 13 can be drivable so as to have different speeds of rotation.

[0081] If the distributor members 12 and 13 rotate independently of one another, the relative speeds of rotation must be suitably synchronized.

[0082] In the embodiment shown by way of non-restrictive example, the distributor members 12 and 13 are concentric discs or annular elements.

[0083] By way of example, it is assumed that the distributor members 12 and 13 rotate in the same direction R, however it would also be possible to provide that the distributor members 12 and 13 rotate in opposite directions.

[0084] The outermost distributor member 13 is provided with a perimeter ring 22 with a raised edge, in order to correctly contain the tablets on the surface of the distributor members 12 and 13.

[0085] The distributor member 12, for example, can be associated with a rotatable shaft 23 and connected to corresponding drive means, not visible in the drawings, for example a motor or other.

[0086] The distributor member 13 can be driven by the same means that drive the distributor member 12, for example providing suitable motion transmission elements, or it can be provided that it has its own drive means.

[0087] The drive means of the distributor member 13 can, for example, be a motor associated with a toothed wheel 24 able to engage on a corresponding toothing made on the perimeter ring 22.

[0088] Alternatively, the drive means of the distributor member 12 or 13 could be of another type: for example it would be possible to provide for the distributor member 13 a motor cooperating with transmission elements of a flexible type, such as belts, chains or suchlike, associated with the perimeter ring 22 of the distributor member 13.

[0089] Alternatively, the distributor member 13 could be transformed into the rotor of an electric motor, and would therefore be provided on the periphery with magnets and associated with an external stator.

[0090] The distributor member 13 can be supported, for example, by means of its own perimeter ring 22, by a series of fixed supports 25, for example idle pins or other.

[0091] In the embodiment described using fig. 1, by way of non-restrictive example, a certain number of fixed supports 25 are provided which are suitably positioned around the distributor member 13, for example three supports 25 equally distanced from each other, of which two are visible in fig. 1.

[0092] Alternatively, the external distributor member 13 could also be supported by a roller guide system associated with the perimeter edge of the distributor member 13, for example with its perimeter ring 22.

[0093] In the diagram of fig. 2 the distributor members 12 and 13 are schematically shown in the form of concentric discs or annular elements, and rotating for example in a direction R, concordant with the direction L of advance of the strip 16.

[0094] The rotation of the distributor members 12 and/or 13 is configured to allow a more rapid and effective temporary positioning of the tablets in the corresponding holes 20. The effectiveness of filling the distributor member 13, in particular, is guaranteed by its large number of rows D2 of holes 20 and its relatively low rotation speed.

[0095] The tangential rotation speed of the two distributor members 12 and 13 is different: in particular, the tangential rotation speed of the internal distributor member 12 will be greater than the tangential rotation speed of the external distributor member 13.

[0096] The two tangential speeds of the distributor members 12 and 13 will be such that, in correspondence with the slit 19, they have at least two rows D1' and D2' of holes 20 aligned substantially like two underlying columns C1 and C2 of blisters 15 of the strip 16, so as to define at least a deposit line D and to pour a tablet onto each blister 15 of a column C1 and a column C2 of the strip 16, which translates in the direction L.

[0097] The strip 16 can slide on a guide and support structure 26, see fig. 3, which is located under the apparatus 10.

[0098] In correspondence with the deposit line D, the structure 26 can have a raised portion 27, able to take the strip 16 substantially to the height of the fixed support 18, so as to promote the deposition of the tablets or suchlike in the blisters 15 which are found along the deposit line D.

[0099] The rows D1' and D2' of holes 20 aligned in direction D are substantially orthogonal to the direction L of advance of the strip 16, as are the columns C1 and C2 of the strip 16.

[0100] Substantially, therefore, the deposit line D of the tablets is substantially orthogonal to the direction L of advance of the strip and to its center line M.

[0101] As previously said, the rows F1 of blisters 15 belong to a first zone or sector S1 of the strip 16, while the rows F2 of blisters 15 belong to a second zone or sector S2 of the strip 16, therefore, in this example, the distributor member 13 releases the tablets on the first zone or sector S1 of the strip 16, while the distributor member 12 releases the tablets, pills or suchlike on the second zone or sector S2 of the strip 16.

[0102] The zones or sectors S1 and S2, as we said and in the case of a two-row machine, are divided by a center line M, which is substantially positioned in the separation zone between the internal distributor member 12 and the external distributor member 13, and therefore near the internal edge of the distributor member 13 and the external edge of the distributor member 12.

[0103] The distributor member 13 could be provided, by way of example, with a number of rows D2 of holes 20 greater than the number of rows D1 of holes 20 of the distributor member 12, as schematically shown in fig. 2.

[0104] In the event, for example, that the number of rows D2 of holes 20 of the distributor member 13 is double the number of rows D1 of the distributor member 12, the tangential speed of the distributor member 13 can be equal to about half of the tangential speed of the distributor member 12, so as to obtain a correct definition of the deposit line D on the strip 16.

[0105] In the case of a packaging machine with more than two sectors of rows of the strip 16, for example a so-called "three-row" machine, therefore with three sectors of strip separated by two centerlines, it is possible to choose to feed one sector with one distributor member 12 or 13 and the other two adjacent sectors with the other distributor member 13 or 12, or vice versa.

[0106] Alternatively, it would be possible to provide one distributor member for each sector of rows of the strip 16, therefore three separate distributor members.

[0107] As an alternative to what has been shown, it could also be provided that the two distributor members 12 and 13 are separate but not concentric, for example providing that the distributor members 12 and 13 are positioned in sequence along the strip 16 and providing, for example, that the distributor member 12 distributes the tablets on the innermost second zone or sector S2 of the strip 16 and that the distributor member 13 is positioned upstream or downstream of the distributor member 12 and distributes the tablets on the outermost first zone or sector S1 of the strip 16. In this case, the two distributor members 12 and 13 could also have an equal or similar diameter and the same or similar speeds of rotation.

[0108] The solution with the distributor members 12 and 13 in the form of concentric discs or annular elements, however, guarantees greater compactness to the packaging machine, since, substantially, in the case of distributor discs disposed in sequence, it would be necessary to halve the distribution units of the tablets, pills or suchlike, and also the brushes, the supports for the strip and so on. Furthermore, the packaging machine would have to be made, in the case of separate distributor members but located in sequence, with a length greater than in the case of a packaging machine provided with a distribution apparatus with separate but concentric distributor members.

[0109] As has been seen, thanks to the use of at least one pair of separate distributor members 12 and 13, for example concentric discs or annular elements, it is possible to provide a distribution apparatus 10 which is very efficient, productive and able, above all, to distribute tablets or suchlike on a strip 16 comprising two or more sectors S1 and S2 of blisters 15, divided by a center line M on which there is no deposition.

[0110] Thanks to the concentric positioning of the external distributor member 13 with respect to the internal distributor member 12, moreover, it is possible to provide the external distributor member 13 with a number of rows D2 of holes 20 greater than the number of rows D1 of holes 20 of the internal distributor member 12, thus allowing to reduce the tangential speed of the external distributor member 13 and to increase the time it stays under the various brushes 17.

[0111] The present apparatus 10 with separate distributor members 12 and 13, in particular concentric discs or annular elements, could be advantageously applied also to a packaging machine with single-row strip, but with a width such that it would be necessary to provide, otherwise, a disc with too big a diameter, with all the problems described in the introduction. Also in the case of a single-row strip, separate zones or sectors S1 and S2 can be identified on the strip 16, comprising a certain number of blisters 15 situated near an internal zone of the strip and a certain number of blisters situated near an external zone of the strip.

[0112] It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts can be made to the distribution apparatus and method for a packaging machine as described heretofore, without departing from the scope of the present invention

[0113] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of distribution apparatus for a packaging machine, and corresponding method, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0114] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading: they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection claimed in the specific claims.

Claims

1. Packaging machine, comprising at least a strip (16), translatable in a direction of translation (L) and provided with organized blisters (15) and a distribution apparatus (10) able to transfer and position tablets or suchlike in the blisters (15) of said strip (16), characterized in that said distribution apparatus (10) comprises at least a pair of separate distributor members (12, 13), rotatable and provided with holes (20) configured to present themselves on each occasion in correspondence with said blisters (15) of said strip (16), in order to transfer and position said tablets or suchlike in said blisters (15) in corresponding zones or sectors (S1, S2) of said strip (16), separate from each other, wherein said distributor members (12, 13) comprise discs or annular elements, that are independent and concentric with respect to each other and wherein the distribution apparatus (10) comprises a support (18) provided with at least a slit (19) for the passage of the tablets or suchlike, said slit (19) being disposed above the blisters (15) of the strip (16).

2. Packaging machine as in claim 1, wherein said strip (16) is drivable so as to advance at a constant speed.

3. Packaging machine as in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of said discs or annular elements is drivable so as to advance at a constant angular speed.

4. Packaging machine as in any claim hereinbefore, wherein at least one of said discs or annular elements is drivable in vibration during rotation.

5. Packaging machine as in any claim hereinbefore, wherein said distributor members (12, 13) are synchronized so as to present at least a common deposit line (D) in correspondence with said slit (19), so that along said common deposit line (D), at least a row (D1') of holes of one distributor member (12) is aligned with a row (D2') of holes (20) of the other distributor member (13).

6. Packaging machine as in claim 5, wherein said deposit line (D) is substantially orthogonal to the direction (L) of translation of said strip (16).

7. Packaging machine as in claim 5 or 6, wherein said support (18) is fixed with respect to the strip (16) and to the discs or annular elements.

8. Packaging machine as in any claim hereinbefore, wherein a first distributor member (12) is configured to transfer and position said tablets or suchlike in said blisters (15) in a first zone or sector (S1) of said strip (16) and a second distributor member (13) is configured to transfer and position said tablets or suchlike in said blisters (15) in another zone or sector (S2) of said strip (16), separate from said first zone or sector (S1).

9. Packaging machine as in any claim hereinbefore, wherein said holes (20) are positioned on said distributor members (12, 13) according to rows (D1, D2, D1', D2') directed in substantially radial directions or slightly offset.

10. Packaging machine as in any claim hereinbefore, wherein said distributor members (12, 13) can be driven so as to have different rotation speeds.

11. Packaging machine as in any claim hereinbefore, wherein the border zone between said distributor members (12, 13) disposed concentrically one with respect to the other is positioned substantially in correspondence with a line (M) of said strip (16), directed substantially in the direction (L) of translation of said strip (16) and able to separate the sectors (S1, S2) of said strip (16).

12. Method for distributing tablets in a packaging machine as in any claim hereinbefore, said method comprising the transfer and positioning of tablets or suchlike in organized blisters (15) provided on a strip (16) translatable in a direction of translation (L) by means of a distribution apparatus (10);
characterized in that the transfer and positioning of said tablets or suchlike takes place in corresponding zones or sectors (S1, S2) of said strip (16) that are separated from each other, by means of at least a pair of distributor members (12, 13) separate, rotatable and provided with holes (20) configured to present themselves one each occasion in correspondence with said blisters (15) of said strip (16), said distributor members comprising discs or annular elements independent and concentric with respect to each other; and wherein the distribution apparatus (10) comprises a support (18) provided with at least a slit (19) for the passage of the tablets or suchlike, said slit (19) being disposed above the blisters (15) of the strip (16).

13. Method as in claim 12, wherein said strip (16) advances at a constant speed.

14. Method as in claim 12 or 13, wherein said distributor members (12, 13) have different rotation speeds.

Ansprüche

1. Verpackungsmaschine umfassend mindestens einen Streifen (16), der in einer Verschiebungsrichtung (L) verschiebbar und mit geordneten Blistern (15) versehen ist, und eine Verteilungsvorrichtung (10), die imstande ist, Tabletten oder dergleichen in die Blister (15) des Streifens (16) zu überführen und darin zu positionieren, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verteilungsvorrichtung (10) mindestens ein Paar separate Verteilungselemente (12, 13) umfasst, die drehbar und mit Löchern (20) versehen sind, die so konfiguriert sind, dass sie sich jedes Mal in Entsprechung mit den Blistern (15) des Streifens (16) präsentieren, um die Tabletten oder dergleichen in entsprechenden voneinander getrennten Zonen oder Sektoren (S1, S2) des Streifens (16) in die Blister (15) zu überführen und darin zu positionieren, wobei die Verteilungselemente (12, 13) Scheiben oder ringförmige Elemente umfassen, die unabhängig voneinander und konzentrisch zueinander sind, und wobei die Verteilungsvorrichtung (10) einen Träger (18) umfasst, der mit mindestens einem Schlitz (19) für den Durchgang der Tabletten oder dergleichen versehen ist, wobei der Schlitz (19) oberhalb der Blister (15) des Streifens (16) angeordnet ist.

2. Verpackungsmaschine gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Streifen (16) antreibbar ist, so dass er sich mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit vorwärtsbewegt.

3. Verpackungsmaschine gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei mindestens eine der Scheiben oder eines der ringförmigen Elemente antreibbar ist, so dass sie/es sich mit konstanter Winkelgeschwindigkeit vorwärtsbewegt.

4. Verpackungsmaschine gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei mindestens eine der Scheiben oder eines der ringförmigen Elemente während der Rotation in Schwingung antreibbar ist.

5. Verpackungsmaschine gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Verteilungselemente (12, 13) synchronisiert sind, so dass sie mindestens eine gemeinsame Ablagelinie (D) in Entsprechung mit dem Schlitz (19) aufweisen, so dass entlang der gemeinsamen Ablagelinie (D) mindestens eine Reihe (D1') von Löchern des einen Verteilungselements (12) mit einer Reihe (D2') von Löchern (20) des anderen Verteilungselements (13) ausgerichtet ist.

6. Verpackungsmaschine gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei die Ablagelinie (D) im Wesentlichen orthogonal zu der Verschiebungsrichtung (L) des Streifens (16) ist.

7. Verpackungsmaschine gemäß Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei der Träger (18) in Bezug auf den Streifen (16) und die Scheiben oder ringförmigen Elemente feststehend ist.

8. Verpackungsmaschine gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei ein erstes Verteilungselement (12) so konfiguriert ist, dass es die Tabletten oder dergleichen in einer ersten Zone oder einem ersten Sektor (S1) des Streifens (16) in die Blister (15) überführt und darin positioniert, und ein zweites Verteilungselement (13) so konfiguriert ist, dass es die Tabletten oder dergleichen in einer anderen Zone oder einem anderen Sektor (S2) des Streifens (16), getrennt von der ersten Zone oder dem ersten Sektor (S1), in die Blister (15) überführt und darin positioniert.

9. Verpackungsmaschine gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Löcher (20) auf den Verteilungselementen (12, 13) in Reihen (D1, D2, D1', D2') positioniert sind, die in im Wesentlichen radialen Richtungen oder leicht versetzt ausgerichtet sind.

10. Verpackungsmaschine gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Verteilungselemente (12, 13) so angetrieben werden können, dass sie verschiedene Rotationsgeschwindigkeiten haben.

11. Verpackungsmaschine gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Grenzzone zwischen den zueinander konzentrisch angeordneten Verteilungselementen (12, 13) im Wesentlichen in Entsprechung mit einer Linie (M) des Streifens (16) positioniert ist, im Wesentlichen in der Verschiebungsrichtung (L) des Streifens (16) ausgerichtet und imstande ist, die Sektoren (S1, S2) des Streifens (16) zu trennen.

12. Verfahren zur Verteilung von Tabletten in einer Verpackungsmaschine gemäß irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das Verfahren die Überführung und Positionierung von Tabletten oder dergleichen in geordnete(n) Blister(n) (15), die auf einem Streifen (16) vorliegen, der in einer Verschiebungsrichtung (L) verschiebbar ist, mittels einer Verteilungsvorrichtung (10) umfasst, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Überführung und Positionierung der Tabletten oder dergleichen in entsprechenden voneinander getrennten Zonen oder Sektoren (S1, S2) des Streifens (16) durch mindestens ein Paar separate Verteilungselemente (12, 13) stattfindet, die drehbar und mit Löchern (20) versehen sind, die so konfiguriert sind, dass sie sich jedes Mal in Entsprechung mit den Blistern (15) des Streifens (16) präsentieren, wobei die Verteilungselemente (12, 13) Scheiben oder ringförmige Elemente umfassen, die unabhängig voneinander und konzentrisch zueinander sind, und wobei die Verteilungsvorrichtung (10) einen Träger (18) umfasst, der mit mindestens einem Schlitz (19) für den Durchgang der Tabletten oder dergleichen versehen ist, wobei der Schlitz (19) oberhalb der Blister (15) des Streifens (16) angeordnet ist.

13. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 12, wobei sich der Streifen (16) mit konstanter Geschwindigkeit vorwärtsbewegt.

14. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 12 oder 13, wobei die Verteilungselemente (12, 13) unterschiedliche Rotationsgeschwindigkeiten haben.

Revendications

1. Machine d'emballage, comprenant au moins une bande (16), pouvant être translatée dans une direction de translation (L) et pourvue de blisters organisés (15) et un appareil de distribution (10) capable de transférer et de positionner des comprimés ou analogues dans les blisters (15) de ladite bande (16), caractérisée en ce que ledit appareil de distribution (10) comprend au moins une paire d'éléments distributeurs séparés (12, 13), pouvant tourner et pourvus de trous (20) configurés pour se présenter à chaque occasion en correspondance avec lesdits blisters (15) de ladite bande (16), afin de transférer et de positionner lesdits comprimés ou analogues dans lesdits blisters (15) dans des zones ou secteurs correspondants (S1, S2) de ladite bande (16), séparés l'un de l'autre, dans lequel lesdits éléments distributeurs (12, 13) comprennent des disques ou des éléments annulaires, qui sont indépendants et concentriques l'un par rapport à l'autre et dans lequel l'appareil de distribution (10) comprend un support (18) pourvu d'au moins une fente (19) pour le passage des comprimés ou analogues, ladite fente (19) étant disposée au-dessus des blisters (15) de la bande (16).

2. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ladite bande (16) peut être entraînée de manière à avancer à une vitesse constante.

3. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle au moins un desdits disques ou éléments annulaires peut être entraîné de manière à avancer à une vitesse angulaire constante.

4. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle moins un desdits disques ou éléments annulaires peut être entraîné en vibration pendant la rotation.

5. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle lesdits éléments distributeurs (12, 13) sont synchronisés de manière à présenter au moins une ligne de dépôt commune (D) en correspondance avec ladite fente (19), de sorte que le long de ladite ligne de dépôt commune (D), au moins une rangée (D1') de trous d'un élément distributeur (12) est alignée avec une rangée (D2') de trous (20) de l'autre élément distributeur (13).

6. Emballeuse selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que ladite ligne de dépôt (D) est sensiblement orthogonale à la direction (L) de translation de ladite bande (16).

7. Emballeuse selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans laquelle ledit support (18) est fixe par rapport à la bande (16) et aux disques ou éléments annulaires.

8. Emballeuse selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle un premier élément distributeur (12) est configuré pour transférer et positionner lesdits comprimés ou analogues dans lesdites blisters (15) dans une première zone ou secteur (S1) de ladite bande (16) et un second élément distributeur (13) est configuré pour transférer et positionner lesdits comprimés ou analogues dans lesdites blisters (15) dans une autre zone ou secteur (S2) de ladite bande (16), séparée de ladite première zone ou secteur (S1).

9. Emballeuse selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle lesdits trous (20) sont positionnés sur lesdits éléments distributeurs (12, 13) selon des rangées (D1, D2, D1' D2') orientées dans des directions sensiblement radiales ou légèrement décalées.

10. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle lesdits organes de distribution (12, 13) peuvent être entraînés de manière à avoir des vitesses de rotation différentes.

11. Emballeuse selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la zone de bordure entre lesdits organes distributeurs (12, 13) disposés concentriquement l'un par rapport à l'autre est positionnée sensiblement en correspondance avec une ligne (M) de ladite bande (16), dirigée sensiblement dans la direction (L) de translation de ladite bande (16) et apte à séparer les secteurs (S1, S2) de ladite bande (16).

12. Procédé de distribution de comprimés dans une machine d'emballage comme dans l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ledit procédé comprenant le transfert et le positionnement de comprimés ou analogues dans des blisters organisés (15) prévus sur une bande (16) pouvant être translatée dans une direction de translation (L) au moyen d'un appareil de distribution (10) ; caractérisé en ce que le transfert et le positionnement desdits comprimés ou analogues ont lieu dans des zones ou secteurs correspondants (S1, S2) de ladite bande (16) qui sont séparés l'un de l'autre, au moyen d'au moins une paire d'éléments distributeurs (12, 13) séparés, rotatifs et munis de trous (20) configurés pour se présenter à chaque fois en correspondance avec lesdits blisters (15) de ladite bande (16), lesdits éléments distributeurs comprenant des disques ou des éléments annulaires indépendants et concentriques l'un par rapport à l'autre ; et dans lequel l'appareil de distribution (10) comprend un support (18) muni d'au moins une fente (19) pour le passage des comprimés ou similaires, ladite fente (19) étant disposée au-dessus des blisters (15) de la bande (16).

13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ladite bande (16) avance à une vitesse constante.

14. Procédé selon la revendication 12 ou 13, dans lequel lesdits éléments distributeurs (12, 13) ont des vitesses de rotation différentes.

Drawing