Patent Publication Number: US-8539743-B2

Title: Machine for packaging in capsules, also in vacuum and/or controlled atmosphere

Description:
FIELD OF THE ART 
     The present invention refers to the technology for automatic packaging machines. In particular, the invention concerns a machine to fill capsule with hydro-soluble products of infusion products to obtain hot beverages. International Classification B65 d. 
     STATE OF THE ART 
     Machines to package hot beverages or machines to fill and close capsules containing hydro-soluble products or infusion products to obtain hot beverages are well known. 
     Currently, to package capsule containing hydro-soluble products or infusion products to obtain hot beverages the market requires machines to operate at very high productions rhythms. 
     The problem to be solved is exactly to realize machines, to package capsules at very high hourly productivity, very reliable and even versatile to easily change both the capsule format and their structure, and in particular the structure of the closing diaphragms, either filtering or hermetic. 
     Besides the abovementioned problems, the present invention solves the problem of packaging sealed hermetic capsules both in a vacuum and/or in a controlled atmosphere. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION 
       The invention is now disclosed with specific reference to the figures of the drawings, which have been attached as un unbinding example. 
         FIG. 1  shows in axonometric view a cylindrical wheel (G) with horizontal axis, peripherally provided with rows (S) parallel and angularly equally distant at the step (P) of cavities (A) placed to be interchangeably equipped with moulds having different formats geometrically congruent to the format of the capsules to be packaged. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial axonometric view that highlights the positioning of each cavity (A) of the relative mould (F) geometrically congruent to the format of the capsule (C) filled and closed on the wheel (G) of the packaging machine that is object of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows in section a single cavity (A) of the wheel (G) set up with a mould (F) inside which has already been placed a capsule (C) filled with the product (E) closed inferiorly and superiorly with filtering diaphragms (D; D′). 
         FIG. 4  shows in section a cavity (A) inside which has already been inserted a mould (F′) geometrically fit for the insertion of a capsule (C′) of different structure and format. It can be noticed the application of the hermetic diaphragm (D″) and of the filtering diaphragm (D). 
         FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  show schematically an entire packaging process of the capsules (C), of which are indicated two subsequent phases realized in sequence in their respective operational stations (I; II; III; IV; VI). 
         FIG. 7  shows the application of a bell provided with an pump equipment that makes the vacuum (VACUUM) inside the capsules (C′). It can be noticed the presence of a thermosealing vacuum device (T). 
         FIG. 8  is similar to  FIG. 7  but the bell is filled with GAS. 
         FIG. 9  is similar to  FIGS. 7 and 8  but the bell has two compartments (VACUUM/GAS). 
     
    
    
     In the figures each single detail is marked as follows:
         A indicates the cavities placed on the cylindrical mantle of the wheel with horizontal axis.   C is a capsule for hydro-soluble or infusion products with the pierced bottom.   C′ is a capsule of different format with the bottom not yet pierced.   D indicates a filtering diaphragm applied on the inside wall of the bottom of the capsule (C; C′).   D′ indicates a diaphragm applied on the upper wall of the capsule (C) containing the infusion product (E).   D″ indicates an hermetic film applied on the capsule (C″) of different structure and format.   E indicates loose product introduced inside the capsules (C; C′).   F indicates a mould that is geometrically congruent with the format of the capsule to be filled of format (C).   F′ indicates a mould fit for the insertion of a capsule of different geometry (C′).   G indicates a cylindrical wheel with horizontal axis.   N indicates a feeding devices of the coming empty capsules.   N′ indicates a conveyer belt transporting the completed capsules.   P is the circumference step of the parallel rows (S) of cavities (A).   R indicates the horizontal rotation axis of the wheel (G).   S indicates rows of cavities parallel to the rotation axis (R).   T indicates a thermo-sealing devices.   VACUUM/GAS indicate a bell under vacuum or controlled atmosphere.       

     The clearness of the figures highlights the simplicity of the proposed solutions. It is obvious that in practice the realization fashions will allow several variations of practical realization both for the dimensioning and the structural proportioning of the various components and for the building materials according to the specific technologies. It is also evident that the operational and functional components such as cinematic devices for their actuation could be realized with different technological choices. 
     All the machines for the packaging of capsules, in a vacuum and/or in controlled atmosphere, that will present the innovative features such as basically described, illustrated and hereinafter claimed, will be included in the protection sphere of the prevent industrial invention.