EP3040285A1 - Machine d'emballage et procédé pour la fabrication de capsules de préparation de boissons - Google Patents

Machine d'emballage et procédé pour la fabrication de capsules de préparation de boissons Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3040285A1
EP3040285A1 EP15202092.1A EP15202092A EP3040285A1 EP 3040285 A1 EP3040285 A1 EP 3040285A1 EP 15202092 A EP15202092 A EP 15202092A EP 3040285 A1 EP3040285 A1 EP 3040285A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
capsules
carousel
film
seats
machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP15202092.1A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP3040285B1 (fr
Inventor
Ulisse Rapparini
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aroma System SRL
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Aroma System SRL
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/162—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by feeding web material to securing means
    • B65B7/164—Securing by heat-sealing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B29/00—Packaging of materials presenting special problems
    • B65B29/02—Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package
    • B65B29/022—Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package packaging infusion material into capsules
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/50—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using rotary tables or turrets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
    • B65B65/003—Packaging lines, e.g. general layout

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns the field of machines for packaging capsules for producing beverages. More specifically, the present invention concerns the field of machines for simultaneously closing a plurality of capsules for producing beverages by means of closing elements cut from a film.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to at least partially solve the aforementioned problems.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine for packaging capsules that wastes little material to make the closing elements and that is compact and efficient.
  • the present invention is based on the idea of making a machine of the type with a carousel for simultaneously packaging a plurality of capsules for producing beverages in which the capsules are transported on a carousel during the packaging steps and in which the imprints of the cutting of the closing elements on the film are arranged along two or more rows that are parallel to each other and offset. In this way, it is possible to use a compact machine and to avoid needless material waste.
  • a machine for simultaneously packaging a plurality of capsules for producing beverages comprising a carousel, adapted for transporting capsules along a circular direction during packaging, wherein the capsules are housed on the carousel in suitable seats, and a transportation device for transporting a film along a linear sliding direction
  • the machine also comprises cutting means adapted for cutting closing elements, to close a surface of the capsules, from the film wherein the sliding direction of the film lies on a plane parallel to the carousel and wherein the cutting means are adapted for cutting the closing elements so that the imprints of the cutting of the closing elements on the film are arranged along two or more rows that are parallel to one another and offset, so that the space occupied by two or more imprints that are mutually adjacent and belong to two or more distinct rows, respectively, measured along the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, is less than or equal to the sum of the dimensions of each of the adjacent imprints measured individually along said same direction and where
  • the carousel with its rotation in the circular direction of advancement of the machine, makes it possible to bring the capsules to the various operative stations of the machine so as to carry out the packaging of the capsules while the capsules are housed on the carousel.
  • the expression "plane parallel to the carousel” means a plane parallel to the plane defined by the upper surface of the carousel, i.e. the surface, generally circular in shape, on which the seats for housing the capsules are made.
  • a machine for simultaneously packaging a plurality of capsules for producing beverages comprising a carousel comprising seats for the capsules so as to transport the capsules along a circular direction during packaging, transportation means for transporting capsules open towards the carousel and for inserting them in the seats of the carousel, a transportation device for transporting a film along a linear sliding direction that lies on a plane parallel to the carousel, cutting means for cutting closing elements from the film in the section in which it slides along the linear sliding direction and closing means configured to apply the closing elements to the capsules when the capsules are housed on the carousel, wherein the cutting means are adapted for cutting the closing elements so that the imprints of the cutting of the closing elements on the film are arranged along two or more rows that are parallel to each other and offset, so that the space occupied by two or more imprints that are mutually adjacent and belong to the two or more distinct rows, respectively, measured along la direction perpendicular to the
  • the machine further comprises dosers for filling the capsules housed in the seats of the carousel.
  • the dosers can be advantageously arranged between the transportation means and the closing means along the circular direction of advancement of the machine defined by the carousel.
  • the machine further comprises extraction means for extracting the packaged capsules from the carousel.
  • the extraction means can be advantageously arranged between the closing means and the transportation means along the circular direction of advancement of the machine defined by the carousel.
  • a machine in which the spatial arrangement of the imprints on the film corresponds to the spatial arrangement of the seats of the capsules on the carousel.
  • the closing elements can be cut and applied to the capsule to be closed, in a single operation.
  • a machine in which two or more imprints of the cutting of the closing elements that are mutually adjacent and belong to two or more distinct rows, respectively, are arranged along a direction forming an angle comprised between 35° and 55°, preferably between 40° and 50°, preferably 45°, with respect to the sliding direction of the film. This particular arrangement of the imprints on the film ensures that the waste of material used is decreased.
  • a machine in which the transportation device of the film is configured so that, during the transportation along the linear sliding direction, the film at least partially overlaps the carousel.
  • the transportation device of the film is configured so that, during the transportation along the linear sliding direction, the film at least partially overlaps the carousel.
  • the system can be configured so that the first edge of the film coincides with a line parallel and close to the tangent to the carousel parallel to the sliding direction.
  • a machine in which the transportation device of the film is configured so that, during the transportation of the film along the linear sliding direction, the film does not overlap the carousel.
  • the system can be configured so that the film is arranged so that the second edge of the film, i.e. the edge closest to the centre of the carousel with respect to the first edge of the film, is a lateral distance from the centre of the carousel that is greater than the radius of the carousel.
  • a machine in which the seats of the capsules are arranged on two or more concentric circles, centred on the centre of the carousel. This arrangement of the seats is particularly advantageous for making a compact machine.
  • a machine in which the seats are arranged on the two or more concentric circles in phase, i.e. so that each n-th capsule on an outermost circle corresponds to the n-th capsule on an innermost circle, adjacent to the n-th capsule on the outermost circle.
  • the pairs of adjacent seats of different circles are arranged along the same radius of the carousel.
  • a machine in which the seats are arranged on the two concentric circles out of phase, i.e. so that each seat of one of the circles is positioned between two seats of the other circle.
  • a machine in which the cutting means are arranged so as to cut closing elements for capsules not adjacent to one another. In this way, a contribution is made to decreasing material waste.
  • a machine in which the cutting means are arranged so as to cut closing elements not adjacent to one another. In this way, a contribution is made to decreasing material waste and to increasing the compactness of the machine.
  • closing means are welding means, i.e. adapted for applying the closing means to the capsules by welding.
  • a machine in which the closing means are arranged so as to apply closing elements to capsules not adjacent to one another. In this way a contribution is made to decreasing material waste and to increasing the compactness of the machine.
  • a machine is provided in which the welding means are arranged in a non-contiguous manner with respect to the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the film. In this way a contribution is made to decreasing material waste and to increasing the compactness of the machine.
  • a method for simultaneously packaging a plurality of capsules for producing beverages, for example espresso, by means of a machine comprising a carousel comprising seats for the capsules so as to transport the capsules along a circular direction during packaging comprising the following steps: a) arranging open capsules in the seats of the carousel; b) transporting a film along a linear sliding direction that lies on a plane parallel to the carousel; c) cutting closing elements from the film in the section in which it slides along the linear sliding direction; d) applying the closing elements to the capsules when the capsules are housed on the carousel; in which the cutting of the closing elements from the film in the section in which it slides along the linear sliding direction is done so that the imprints of the cutting of the closing elements on the film are arranged along two or more rows that are parallel to one another and offset, so that the space occupied by two or more imprints that are mutually adjacent and belong to the two or more distinct rows, respectively,
  • the method further comprises the step of filling the capsules housed in the seats of the carousel with the desired product.
  • the method further comprises the step of extracting the packaged capsules from the carousel.
  • a method is provided in which the spatial arrangement of the imprints for cutting on the film corresponds to the spatial arrangement of the seats of the capsules on the carousel.
  • a method in which two or more imprints of the cutting of the closing elements that are mutually adjacent and belong to two or more distinct rows, respectively, are made so as to be arranged along a direction forming an angle comprised between 35° and 55°, preferably between 40° and 50°, preferably 45°, with respect to the sliding direction of the film.
  • This particular arrangement of the imprints ensures a decrease in waste.
  • a method in which the cutting of the closing elements takes place at the seats. In this way, the cutting of the closing elements and their application to the capsules can take place in a single operation.
  • a method is provided in which the cutting of the closing elements does not take place at the seats, so that the closing elements must subsequently be transported to the seats, to close the capsules.
  • a method is provided in which the seats of the capsules are arranged on two or more concentric circles, centred on the centre of the carousel.
  • a method is provided in which the seats are arranged on the two concentric circles in phase, i.e. so that each n-th capsule on an outermost circle coincides with the n-th capsule on an innermost circle, adjacent to the n-th capsule on the outermost circle.
  • a method is provided in which the seats are arranged on the two concentric circles out of phase, i.e. so that each seat on one of the circles is positioned between two seats on the other circle.
  • a method is provided that further comprises the step of filling the capsules with the soluble and/or infusion product for producing the desired beverage when the capsules are housed on the carousel.
  • FIGs 1a and 1b schematically show capsules C for producing beverages that can be packaged by means of the machine and/or the method according to the present invention.
  • the capsules C can, for example, contain soluble and/or infusion products like, for example, ground coffee, milk and/or powdered cocoa, tea leaves or similar.
  • the capsule shown in figure 1a is open and comprises a capsule body 16 comprising a capsule bottom 17 and a side wall that define the containment volume of the capsule. On the opposite side to the capsule bottom 17, the capsule C is open so as, for example, to be able to insert the product from which the desired beverage is obtained.
  • the side wall of the capsule comprises a projecting edge that defines a surface S on the opposite side to the capsule bottom 17.
  • the projecting edge surrounds and also defines the opening G of the capsule.
  • the capsule C shown in figure 1a is frusto-conical in shape, so that the surface S is circular, but alternatively the capsule C and therefore the surface S can have any other shape, for example polygonal.
  • Figure 1b shows the capsule C of figure 1a closed by means of a closing element 5.
  • the closing element 5 was applied to the projecting edge of the capsule.
  • the closing element can preferably be welded to the projecting edge, for example thermo-welded.
  • the closing element 5 can be glued to the projecting edge.
  • the closing element 5 can be adapted for hermetically closing the capsule, so as to optimise the conservation of the organoleptic properties of the product contained in the capsule.
  • the closing element 5 can be made of aluminium.
  • the closing element 5 can for example be a filtering element, for example filter paper or similar. In this case, the closing element 5 prevents the product contained in the capsule C from coming out from the capsule, but allows for example the passage of gas and/or liquid through its surface.
  • Figure 2 schematically illustrates a 3D view of a machine 1 for packaging capsules C for producing beverages according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the machine 1 comprises a carousel 2 adapted for transporting the capsules C, housed on the carousel 2 in suitable seats 8, along a circular direction, during the packaging steps.
  • the various operative stations of the machine 1 are positioned so as to operate on the capsules C housed in the seats 8 of the carousel 2.
  • the circular direction of advancement of the machine is in the anti-clockwise direction and is schematically indicated by the arrow F.
  • the carousel 2 rotates around its centre O.
  • the rotation of the carousel 2 can, for example, be actuated by a first motor 12.
  • the carousel 2 rotates in the anti-clockwise direction along the direction F.
  • Figure 2 shows that the seats 8 of the capsules C are arranged on the carousel 2 on two concentric circles A and B centred on the centre O of the carousel 2.
  • the seats 8 can be arranged on the carousel 2 also on more than two concentric circles centred on the centre O of the carousel, for example on 3, 4, 5 or on a greater number of concentric circles.
  • the seats 8 can be arranged on the two or more concentric circles in phase.
  • the seats 8 can be arranged on the carousel 2 so that each n-th capsule CA(n) on the circle A, for example the outermost one, corresponds to the n-th capsule CB(n) on the circle B, for example the innermost one, adjacent to the n-th capsule CA(n).
  • the corresponding seats 8, i.e. for the capsules CA(n) and CB(n), on the two concentric circles, respectively, are, in this way, located substantially along the same radius of the carousel 2 as shown in figure 3 or in figure 4 .
  • the seats 8 are arranged side-by-side in pairs along the perimeter of the carousel 2 so as to form two concentric circles, an outer one A, i.e. with larger diameter, and an inner one B, i.e. with a smaller diameter, and so that the two corresponding seats of the same pair belonging to the two distinct circles are arranged substantially along the same radius of the carousel 2.
  • This characteristic of the seats arranged in phase on the various circles can also be implemented with a number greater than two of concentric circles.
  • the seats 8 can be arranged on the two or more concentric circles out of phase, as shown schematically in figure 5 .
  • the seats 8 are side-by-side in pairs along the perimeter of the carousel 2 so as to form two concentric circles, an outer one A, i.e. with a larger diameter, and an inner one B, i.e.
  • the shape of the seats 8 shown in the figures is circular, but they can be of any shape, for example polygonal, compatible with the shape of the capsules C to be packaged.
  • the machine 1 shown in figure 2 also comprises a transportation device 3 for transporting a film 4, at least partially along a linear sliding direction X that lies on a plane parallel to the carousel 2.
  • the expression "plane parallel to the carousel 2" means a plane parallel to the plane defined by the upper surface of the carousel 2 on which the seats 8 for the capsules are arranged.
  • the device 3 can, for example, comprise a roller pulling system for unwinding the film 4 from an unwinding reel 25 to a winding reel 26. In the embodiment shown in figure 2 , the film 4 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow I.
  • the transportation device 3 can comprise one or more pulling rollers 23 and one or more rollers that rotate idly
  • the pulling rollers 23 are the rollers that actuate the movement of the film 4.
  • the rollers that rotate idly 24 are rollers that rotate freely under the pulling action of the film 4 due to the action of the pulling rollers 23.
  • the pulling roller 23 can be actuated by a second motor 13 of the machine 2 so as to unwind the film 4 from the unwinding reel 25 and to wind it back up into the winding reel 26.
  • the motor 12 that sets the carousel 2 in motion is the same one that sets the transportation device 3 in motion.
  • the rollers that rotate idly 24 can be arranged so as to define the path of the film 4 from the unwinding reel 25 to the winding reel 26.
  • the system can comprise a first roller that rotates idly 24a and a second roller that rotate idly 24b arranged substantially on the same level so as to define at least one section of the path of the film 4 parallel to the plane of the carousel 2. In figure 2 this section is the section between the roller 24a and the roller 24b.
  • the film 4 is preferably made of flexible material.
  • the film 4 can be made of aluminium, paper, filter paper, multi-layer materials, impermeable materials, filtering materials, or similar.
  • the film 4 comprises a first edge 9 and a second edge 10 that, in the section of path parallel to the carousel 2, are parallel to the sliding direction X.
  • first edge 9 is meant to indicate the edge that, in this section of path, is furthest from the centre O of the carousel 2 with respect to the second edge 10, which, on the other hand, is closer to the centre O thereof.
  • the relative position of the carousel 2 and of the film 4 in the section of path parallel to the carousel 2 can vary according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.
  • the film 4 can at least partially or completely overlap the carousel 2.
  • the film 4, in this section of its path in which it slides parallel to the carousel 2 may not overlap the carousel itself but slides laterally with respect to the carousel 2.
  • Figures 2 , 3 and 5 show configurations in which the film 4 completely overlaps the carousel 2 in the section of path in which it slides parallel to the carousel 2.
  • the transportation device 3 of the machine 1 is configured so that, during transportation, the film 4 overlaps the carousel 2 so that the first edge 9 of the film 4 coincides with a line parallel and close to the tangent to the carousel 2 parallel to the sliding direction X.
  • the first edge 9 of the film 4 coincides with a line intersecting the carousel 2, parallel to the tangent to the carousel 2 parallel to the direction X.
  • the transportation device 3 is configured so that, during transportation along the sliding direction X parallel to the carousel 2, the film 4 is arranged so that the second edge 10 is a distance from the centre O of the carousel 2 greater than the radius R of the carousel 2, so that the film 4 does not overlap the carousel 2. In this case, the film 4 slides laterally with respect to the carousel 2.
  • the machine 1 also comprises cutting means 11, adapted for cutting closing elements 5, for closing the capsules C, from the film 4.
  • the cutting means 11 can for example comprise blade shearing systems, toothed blade shearing systems, die punch or laser cutter. As shown in the figures, the cutting means 11 are configured so as to cut the closing elements 5 from the film 4 in the section in which the film 4 slides along the sliding direction X parallel to the carousel 2. When the cutting means 11 cut the closing elements 5 from the film 4 imprints for cutting the film 4 are made.
  • the cutting means can comprise first cutting means 111 for a first row 7I of imprints of the cutting 6 on the film 4 and second cutting means 11II for a second row 7II of imprints of the cutting 6 on the film 4 (see for example figure 7 ).
  • Figures 6a and 6b schematically show the imprints of the cutting of the closing elements in a film, respectively according to the state of the art and according to the present invention.
  • the cutting means 11 are adapted for cutting the closing elements 5 so that the imprints 6 of the cutting of the closing elements 5 on the film 4 are arranged along two or more parallel rows, i.e. along at least one first row 7I and a second row 7II.
  • the two rows 7I and 7II are also parallel to the sliding direction X.
  • the two rows 7I and 7II are offset, so that the space occupied by two imprints 6 that are mutually adjacent and belong to the two distinct rows 7I and 7II, respectively, measured along the direction Y perpendicular to the sliding direction X, is less than or equal to the sum of the dimensions of each of the adjacent imprints 6, measured individually along the same direction Y.
  • two imprints 6 of the cutting of the closing elements 5 that are mutually adjacent and belong to the two distinct rows 7I and 7II, respectively can be arranged along a direction E forming an angle ⁇ comprised between 35° and 55°, preferably between 40° and 50°, preferably 45°, with respect to the sliding direction X of the film 4.
  • the cutting means 11 are adapted for cutting the closing elements 5 in the section in which the film 4 slides parallel to the carousel 2 along the sliding direction X so that the imprints 6 of the cutting of the closing elements 5 on the film 4 are arranged along two or more rows that are parallel to each other and offset, so that the space occupied by the two or more imprints 6 that are mutually adjacent and belong to the two or more distinct rows, respectively, measured along the direction Y perpendicular to the sliding direction X, is less than or equal to the sum of the dimensions of each of the adjacent imprints 6 measured individually along said same direction Y.
  • the distribution of the imprints of the cutting on the film 4 is optimised so as to minimise the amount of film 4 not used to form the closing elements 5.
  • the closing elements 5a are cut along parallel rows that are not offset.
  • the spatial arrangement of the imprints 6a is such that the unused space between them is very wide and consequently the material of the film that is wasted is high.
  • a further advantage of the optimised arrangement of the imprints 6 of the cutting of the closing elements 5 on the film 4 according to the present invention is that of allowing a film 4 to be used having a smaller width (i.e. dimension along the direction Y) with respect to the case in which the imprints 6 are arranged along parallel rows that are not offset to cut closing elements 5 having the same dimensions. This further reduces the amount of material of film 4 required.
  • the imprints 6 can be circular in shape, as shown in figure 6b , in the case in which the surface S to be closed of the capsule C is circular.
  • the imprints can be of any other shape, for example polygonal, compatible with the shape of the surface S of the capsule C to be closed.
  • the imprints 6 are circular in shape with diameter D, they are arranged on the film 4 so that the lateral distance, i.e. measured along the direction Y, between the centres of adjacent imprints 6 belonging to different rows 7I and 7II, is less than or equal to the diameter D of a single imprint 6.
  • the cutting means 11 can be arranged so as to cut closing elements 5 not adjacent to one another. If for example a first cutting means 11I cuts the n-th closing element 5I(n) of the row 7I, a second cutting means 11II can be arranged so as to cut the (n+1)-th closing element 5II(n+1) of the row 7II and not the n-th closing element 5II(n) of the row 7II. Cutting means 11 arranged so as to cut closing elements 5 that are mutually adjacent, indeed, would have to be distanced apart, due to the bulk thereof, with the consequent increase in distance of the imprints 6 of the closing elements 5 on the film 4 and thus an increase in material waste.
  • the transportation device 3 is configured so that the film 4 overlaps the carousel 2, the cutting means 11 arranged so as to cut closing elements 5 that are not adjacent to one another are also arranged so as to cut closing elements 5 that are applied to capsules C that are not adjacent to one another.
  • the second cutting means 11II cuts the (n+1)-th closing element 5II(n+1) of the row 7II, for the capsule CB(n+1) on the inner concentric circle B and not the n-th closing element 5II(n) of the row 7II, for the capsule CB(n) adjacent to the capsule CA(n).
  • the closing means 21 are configured to apply the closing elements 5 to the capsules C when the capsules C are housed on the carousel 2.
  • the closing means can comprise first closing means 21I for a first row A of seats 8 of capsules C on the carousel 2 and second cutting means 11II for a second row B of seats 8 of capsules C on the carousel 2 (see for example figure 7 ).
  • the closing means 5 are thermo-welded to the capsules by the closing means 21.
  • the closing means 21 can thus comprise welding means, for example thermowelders.
  • the closing means 21 are at the cutting means 11.
  • the first closing means 21I are at the first cutting means 11I and the second closing means 21II are at the second cutting means 11II.
  • the closing means 5 can be cut from the film 4 and applied to the capsules C in a single operation.
  • the shape of the cutting means 11 and of the closing means 21 can be any one that is compatible with the shape of the surface S of the capsule C to be closed.
  • the closing means 21 can be arranged so as to apply the closing elements 5 to capsules C that are not adjacent to one another in an analogous manner to what is explained above with reference to the cutting means. If for example the first closing means 21I apply a closing element 5 to the capsule CA(n) on the outermost concentric circle A, the second welding means 21II are positioned to apply a closing element 5 to the capsule CB(n+1) on the inner concentric circle B and not to the capsule CB(n) adjacent to the capsule CA(n).
  • the spatial arrangement of the imprints 6 on the film 4 corresponds to the spatial arrangement of the seats 8 of the capsules C on the carousel 2. More specifically, the seats 8 of the capsules C are arranged so as to overlap the imprints 6 on the film 4 in the direction Y in the point of tangency between the carousel 2 and the first edge 9 of the film 4. In this way, the closing elements 5 can be cut and applied to the capsule C in a single operation. It should also be noted that in this case the angular speed with which the carousel 2 rotates is synchronous with the speed with which the film 4 slides, so that as the film 4 slides, the capsules C in the seats 8 suitably rotate.
  • the spatial arrangement of the imprints 6 on the film 4 may not correspond to the spatial arrangement of the seats 8 of the capsules C on the carousel 2 even if in the figures this correspondence is shown.
  • the closing elements 5 are first cut from the film 4 and are then transported to the seats 8 to be applied to the capsules C to close them. In this transportation step it is possible to correct any discrepancy between the spatial arrangement of the imprints 6 on the film 4 and the spatial arrangement of the seats 8 on the carousel 2.
  • the machine 1 according to the present invention can also comprise transportation means for transporting onto the carousel 2 the open capsules C that must be packaged and for positioning them in the seats 8 of the carousel 2.
  • Figure 8 shows for example a pair of conveyor belts 14, adapted for transporting the capsules C, oriented in an orderly manner, close to the carousel 2.
  • the conveyor belts 14 can, for example, be positioned, with respect to the carousel 2, so that the capsules C, at the end of their journey along the conveyor belts 14, fall automatically into the seats 8 of the carousel.
  • a first conveyor belt is adapted for transporting the capsules C into the seats 8 of a first circle whereas a second conveyor belt is adapted for transporting the capsules C into the seats 8 of the second circle.
  • the machine 1 can further comprise mobile elements 15, for example mobile arms or thrusting punches for the insertion of the capsules C in the seats 8 on the carousel 2.
  • the open capsules transported by the conveyor belts 14 can for example come from a tank of open capsules or directly from a machine that produces the open capsules.
  • An example of the positioning of the conveyor belts in the architecture of the machine 1 is shown schematically in figure 2 .
  • the machine 1 can also comprise dosers 20, for filling the capsules C with the desired soluble and/or infusion product when the capsules are housed in the seats 8 of the carousel 2, in the case in which they arrive on the carousel 2 empty.
  • the machine comprises two dosers 20, i.e. one for each circle of seats 8 of the carousel 2, for the two dosers to be arranged out of phase with respect to the direction of rotation of the carousel.
  • one of the two dosers is further upstream in the direction of rotation of the carousel with respect to the second.
  • the system can comprise different numbers of dosers, for example the system can comprise a single doser with many outlets, one for each of the circles of seats of the carousel. Alternatively, the system can comprise as many dosers as there are circles of seats of the carousel.
  • An example of the positioning of the dosers 20 in the architecture of the machine 1 is shown schematically in figure 2 .
  • the dosers can be arranged between the transportation means of the capsules and the closing means along the direction F of advancement of the machine.
  • Figure 10 shows that the machine 1 according to the present invention can further comprise extractor means 22, for discharging the capsules C from the carousel 2, once they have been closed with the closing elements 5.
  • the extractors 22 preferably comprise suction cups, adapted for hooking the capsules C and removing them suitably from their seats 8.
  • the suction cups can for example grip onto the closing elements 5 of the capsules.
  • An example of positioning of the extractor means 22 in the architecture of the machine 1 is shown schematically in figure 2 .
  • the extractor means can be arranged between the closing means and the transportation means of the capsules along the direction F of advancement of the machine.
  • the machine 1 shown in figure 2 thus comprises a carousel 2 comprising seats 8 for the capsules C so as to transport the capsules along a circular direction during packaging, transportation means 14 for transporting open capsules towards the carousel 2 and for inserting them in the seats 8 of the carousel 2, a transportation device 3 for transporting a film 4 along a linear sliding direction X that lies on a plane parallel to the carousel, cutting means 11 for cutting closing elements 5 from the film in the section in which it slides along the linear sliding direction X and closing means 21 configured to apply the closing elements 5 to the capsules C when the capsules are housed on the carousel 2, wherein the cutting means 11 are adapted for cutting the closing elements 5 so that the imprints 6 of the cutting of the closing elements 5 on the film 4 are arranged along two or more rows 7 that are parallel to each other and offset, so that the space occupied by two or more imprints 6 that are mutually adjacent and belong to the two or more distinct rows 7, respectively, measured along the direction Y perpendicular
  • the machine 1 can optionally comprise dosers 20 to fill the capsules housed in the seats 8 of the carousel 2.
  • the dosers 20 can advantageously be arranged between the transportation means 14 and the closing means 21 along the circular direction of advancement F of the machine defined by the carousel 2.
  • the machine 1 can also further comprise extraction means 22 to extract the packaged capsules from the carousel 2.
  • extraction means 22 can be advantageously arranged between the closing means 21 and the transportation means 14 along the circular direction of advancement F of the machine defined by the carousel 2.
  • a method is also provided for packaging capsules C for producing beverages, for example espresso, by means of a machine 1 comprising a carousel 2 adapted for transporting capsules C, housed on the carousel 2 in suitable seats 8, along a circular direction and a transportation device 3 for transporting a film 4 along a linear sliding direction X.
  • a machine 1 comprising a carousel 2 adapted for transporting capsules C, housed on the carousel 2 in suitable seats 8, along a circular direction and a transportation device 3 for transporting a film 4 along a linear sliding direction X.
  • the transportation of the capsules along the circular direction by means of the carousel during packaging indicates that the capsules are transported by the carousel along the circular direction of advancement so as to carry out the various steps of the packaging of the capsules while the capsules are housed on the carousel.
  • the carousel with its rotation in the circular direction of advancement of the machine, allows the capsules to be brought to the various operative stations of the machine so as to carry out the steps of the method for packaging the capsules while the capsules are housed on the carousel.
  • the carousel 2 comprising the seats 8, the transportation device 3, the film 4, the cutting means 11 and the welding means 21 can have the characteristics already described earlier, with reference to the machine 1 for simultaneously packaging a plurality of capsules C for producing beverages.
  • the capsules C are loaded onto the carousel 2. More specifically, the capsules C are brought into the seats 8 on the carousel 2. For example, this can occur by means of one or more conveyor belts 14, which carry the capsules C, oriented in an orderly manner and open, close to the carousel 2.
  • the conveyor belts 14 can, for example, be positioned, with respect to the carousel 2, so that the capsules C, at the end of their journey, fall automatically in their seats 8.
  • An example of this step is shown schematically in figure 8 .
  • Mobile arms 15 can, for example, take care of the subsequent insertion of the capsules C in the seats 8 of the carousel 2.
  • the capsules C Before the capsules C are closed, they can be filled with the soluble and/or infusion product P for producing the desired beverage, by means of, for example, the use of suitable dosers 20.
  • the dosers 20 are shaped like inverted cones, but any other shape is suitable for being used.
  • the dosers 20 ensure that the correct amount of product that must be contained in the capsule C itself is deposited inside the capsule C.
  • This step of the method an example of which is shown schematically in figure 9 , only takes place in the case in which the capsules C arrive on the carousel 2 empty. In this case, if the surface S of the capsule C is the only open surface of the capsule C, it is, indeed, necessary to fill them before the surface S is closed by the closing elements 5.
  • the closing elements 5, previously cut by the cutting means 11 from the film 4, are preferably applied to the capsules C, so as to close, for example hermetically, the surface S.
  • the application of the closing elements 5 can take place, for example, by thermowelding, by means of the welding means 21.
  • An example of this step is schematically illustrated in figure 7 in the case in which the film 4 and the carousel 2 overlap. In this case, indeed, in figure 7 it is also possible to see the step of cutting the closing elements 5 from the film 4.
  • the capsules C are preferably discharged from the carousel 2, by means of the extractors 22.
  • the extractors 22 can comprise suction cups adapted for gripping the capsules C and removing them suitably from their seats 8. In this way, the seats 8 are freed from the closed capsules C, so that new open capsules C can be loaded onto the carousel 2.
  • An example of this step is schematically illustrated in figure 10 .
  • the shape of the surface S of the capsules C and therefore the shape of the imprints 6 that the cutting means 11 produce on the film 4 can be whatever is suitable.
  • cases have been shown in which the imprints of the cuts are arranged on two rows that are parallel and offset, but the number of rows can be greater than two. It is clear that in analogy also the number of concentric centres A, B on which the seats 8 for the capsules C on the carousel 2 are arranged can be greater than two.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
EP15202092.1A 2014-12-29 2015-12-22 Machine d'emballage et procédé pour la fabrication de capsules de préparation de boissons Active EP3040285B1 (fr)

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ITBO20140734 2014-12-29

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Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT201700012521A1 (it) * 2017-02-06 2018-08-06 Gd Spa Sistema di chiusura di contenitori mediante elementi di chiusura ottenuti da un foglio continuo di materiale per una macchina confezionatrice a passo doppio.
CN109292126A (zh) * 2018-11-21 2019-02-01 苏州英派克自动化设备有限公司 一种烟用杯状胶囊注液封装装置
EP3511254B1 (fr) 2018-01-15 2020-08-12 T.M.E. S.p.A. Dispositif et procédé pour appliquer un morceau de film de matériau sur un récipient
IT202000018790A1 (it) * 2020-07-31 2022-01-31 Gd Spa Unità di movimentazione di articoli
IT202000018850A1 (it) * 2020-07-31 2022-01-31 Gd Spa Unità e metodo di movimentazione e riempimento di un contenitore ed apparato di produzione di articoli ad essi correlati
WO2022029547A1 (fr) * 2020-08-05 2022-02-10 G.D S.P.A. Dispositif et processus de transfert
WO2023084393A1 (fr) * 2021-11-09 2023-05-19 Compopack S.R.L. Machine destinée à la production d'emballages jetables de produits, particulièrement de produits moulus ou en poudre
JP2023536311A (ja) * 2020-08-07 2023-08-24 ジ・ディ・ソシエタ・ペル・アチオニ 構成要素を物品に結合させるための結合デバイス
IT202200024315A1 (it) * 2022-11-25 2024-05-25 Tecmes Srl Stazione di formatura di filtri per capsule filtranti di caffè
US12122546B2 (en) * 2020-08-05 2024-10-22 G.D S.P.A. Transfer device and transfer process

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AT505545A4 (de) * 2007-12-20 2009-02-15 Christian Marek Mechanische befüllungsmaschine
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FR2280456A1 (fr) 1974-08-02 1976-02-27 Rech Et Expl Cale Procede d'emboutissage de capsules de fermeture de bouteilles, munies d'une languette de dechirage
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FR2827835B1 (fr) 2001-07-26 2003-12-19 Erca Formseal Dispositif pour decouper une rangee d'opercules dans une bande a opercules et les fixer sur une rangee de recipients remplis

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EP1564143A1 (fr) * 2004-02-17 2005-08-17 Hans Rychiger AG Dispositif de mise sur des objets de parties de feuilles d'une bande
AT505545A4 (de) * 2007-12-20 2009-02-15 Christian Marek Mechanische befüllungsmaschine
WO2011039709A2 (fr) * 2009-10-02 2011-04-07 Ima Flavour S.R.L. Machine pour le conditionnement de produits à infuser dans des capsules, comprenant une unité d'alimentation

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT201700012521A1 (it) * 2017-02-06 2018-08-06 Gd Spa Sistema di chiusura di contenitori mediante elementi di chiusura ottenuti da un foglio continuo di materiale per una macchina confezionatrice a passo doppio.
WO2018142373A1 (fr) * 2017-02-06 2018-08-09 G.D Società per Azioni Système destiné à la fermeture de contenants au moyen d'éléments de fermeture obtenus à partir d'une feuille continue de matériau destiné à une machine d'emballage à double pas
EP3511254B1 (fr) 2018-01-15 2020-08-12 T.M.E. S.p.A. Dispositif et procédé pour appliquer un morceau de film de matériau sur un récipient
CN109292126A (zh) * 2018-11-21 2019-02-01 苏州英派克自动化设备有限公司 一种烟用杯状胶囊注液封装装置
CN109292126B (zh) * 2018-11-21 2024-11-26 苏州英派克自动化设备有限公司 一种烟用杯状胶囊注液封装装置
US20230192419A1 (en) * 2020-07-31 2023-06-22 G.D S.P.A. Movement unit for articles
IT202000018850A1 (it) * 2020-07-31 2022-01-31 Gd Spa Unità e metodo di movimentazione e riempimento di un contenitore ed apparato di produzione di articoli ad essi correlati
WO2022023925A1 (fr) * 2020-07-31 2022-02-03 G.D S.P.A. Unité et procédé pour le déplacement et le remplissage d'un contenant, appareil doté d'une telle unité
IT202000018790A1 (it) * 2020-07-31 2022-01-31 Gd Spa Unità di movimentazione di articoli
CN115956051A (zh) * 2020-07-31 2023-04-11 吉地股份公司 用于容器的运动和填充的单元和方法以及具有单元的设备
WO2022023923A1 (fr) * 2020-07-31 2022-02-03 G.D S.P.A. Unité de déplacement d'articles
US12404060B2 (en) 2020-07-31 2025-09-02 G.D S.P.A. Unit and method for the movement and filling of a container, apparatus with such a unit
US12208971B2 (en) * 2020-07-31 2025-01-28 G.D S.P.A. Movement unit for articles
JP2023535115A (ja) * 2020-07-31 2023-08-16 ジ・ディ・ソシエタ・ペル・アチオニ 容器を移動および充填するためのユニットおよび方法ならびにそのユニットを有する装置
JP2023535114A (ja) * 2020-07-31 2023-08-16 ジ・ディ・ソシエタ・ペル・アチオニ 物品のための移動ユニット
JP2023536307A (ja) * 2020-08-05 2023-08-24 ジ・ディ・ソシエタ・ペル・アチオニ 移送デバイスおよびプロセス
CN116209623A (zh) * 2020-08-05 2023-06-02 吉地股份公司 传递装置和方法
US12338026B2 (en) 2020-08-05 2025-06-24 G.D S.P.A. Transfer device and process
US12122546B2 (en) * 2020-08-05 2024-10-22 G.D S.P.A. Transfer device and transfer process
WO2022029547A1 (fr) * 2020-08-05 2022-02-10 G.D S.P.A. Dispositif et processus de transfert
JP2023536311A (ja) * 2020-08-07 2023-08-24 ジ・ディ・ソシエタ・ペル・アチオニ 構成要素を物品に結合させるための結合デバイス
WO2023084393A1 (fr) * 2021-11-09 2023-05-19 Compopack S.R.L. Machine destinée à la production d'emballages jetables de produits, particulièrement de produits moulus ou en poudre
WO2024111008A1 (fr) * 2022-11-25 2024-05-30 Tecmes Srl Station de formation de filtres pour filtrer des capsules de café
IT202200024315A1 (it) * 2022-11-25 2024-05-25 Tecmes Srl Stazione di formatura di filtri per capsule filtranti di caffè

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