WO2001034475A1 - Installation and method for making individual pre-measured tablets for infusion - Google Patents

Installation and method for making individual pre-measured tablets for infusion Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001034475A1
WO2001034475A1 PCT/FR2000/003097 FR0003097W WO0134475A1 WO 2001034475 A1 WO2001034475 A1 WO 2001034475A1 FR 0003097 W FR0003097 W FR 0003097W WO 0134475 A1 WO0134475 A1 WO 0134475A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
dose
filter paper
sheets
installation
reinforcing strip
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2000/003097
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Blanc
Christian Ferrier
Original Assignee
Compagnie Mediterraneenne Des Cafes S.A.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Compagnie Mediterraneenne Des Cafes S.A. filed Critical Compagnie Mediterraneenne Des Cafes S.A.
Priority to AT00976115T priority Critical patent/ATE264790T1/en
Priority to DE60010112T priority patent/DE60010112T2/en
Priority to AU14003/01A priority patent/AU1400301A/en
Priority to EP00976115A priority patent/EP1227978B1/en
Publication of WO2001034475A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001034475A1/en

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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
    • B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B1/30—Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality or the material fed or filled
    • B65B1/36—Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality or the material fed or filled by volumetric devices or methods
    • 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
    • B65B29/025—Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package packaging infusion material into pods

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an installation for the manufacture of individual pods. It also relates to a process capable of being implemented by this installation.
  • the invention applies to the manufacture of individual pods of the type containing between two sheets of filter paper a dose of product to be infused.
  • the product to be infused can in a preferential case be ground coffee or any other product such as tea.
  • document EP-A-225494 describes an apparatus for filling pouches on a lower filter paper tape with a measure of a substance of which an infusion is to be made, these pouches being covered with a paper tape upper filter and then being sealed to form sachets containing the substance, thereby forming a continuous strip of sachets.
  • This device comprises a stationary support table on which advances, in stages, a series of devices in the form of shallow bowls each formed of an essentially quadrangular plate comprising a central depression with rounded edges, the bottom of the depression comprising holes by which a vacuum can be applied.
  • the device presented in this document is mainly concerned with improving the displacement of the individual pods during their manufacture and for this purpose proposes a chain system for forming cuvettes on the lower sheet of filter paper.
  • the device presented according to this prior art offers a dosing system and implementation of the dose of ground coffee not very advantageous.
  • Document EP-A-0773160 also discloses an apparatus for manufacturing sachets of ground coffee powder comprising a fixed support surface on which a supply chain comprising a plurality of flat cup-shaped devices advances intermittently, each said devices being formed by a substantially quadrangular plate having a central cavity with rounded edges.
  • This apparatus comprises one or more fixed dosing containers having a bottom provided with a pair of through holes with a diameter corresponding to the volumetric quantity of coffee powder to be supplied on the or the lower strips of paper so as to form a dose intended for a sachet, a first distribution disc rotating intermittently and provided with a plurality of pairs of holes spaced angularly so that for each displacement in angular rotation, a pair of holes is arranged in vertical alignment with respect to said pair of holes formed in the bottom of said metering container.
  • this device offers a rotating dosing and dose depositing tray in the bowl formed on the lower filter paper sheet.
  • this system only two doses of coffee can be deposited simultaneously.
  • Document WO-A-92 20579 shows a device for delivering a dose of chamomile for packaging in sachets. It discloses a mobile plate in which a hole allows the reception of a determined dose, then its evacuation to another post. This sequential plate system is moved in translation independently of an ejection piston, which considerably complicates the synchronization of the device.
  • the device applies specifically to flowering chamomiles for which the problems associated with pulverulent materials (such as ground coffee) are not present: product leaks, limited compressibility in particular.
  • the type of packaging to be produced is also different taking into account the different aroma extraction processes (infusion and not forced leaching).
  • the present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of current systems. To do this, it offers a particularly advantageous installation and method for manufacturing individual pods.
  • the invention indeed includes numerous improvements improving the quality and the productivity in the manufacture of pods.
  • One of the first objects of the invention is to authorize a massive production of pods by installations making several pods in parallel.
  • the installation has the advantage of comprising means capable of dosing several doses and depositing them simultaneously, online, on the lower sheet of filter paper with increased reliability, by secure synchronization of the moving parts.
  • Another object of the invention is to improve the tamping and filling stages of the pod. Indeed, it allows to maintain a constant weight of the dose of ground coffee integrated in the pod.
  • Another object of the invention is to avoid any risk of tearing of the sheets of filter paper surrounding the product to be infused and this by means of freedom of movement and deformation of the sheets of filter paper before assembly.
  • the invention makes it possible to manufacture pods having high rigidity by the interposition of a reinforcement around the periphery of the pod.
  • the intercalation of a reinforcing strip between the two sheets of filter paper also makes it possible to involve this element of rigidity in order to obtain good displacement and good positioning of the pods during their manufacture.
  • the invention also makes it possible to ensure the preservation of coffee or of another product under the best conditions by evacuating after formation of the pod all the oxygen present in the dose of product to be infused.
  • the present invention relates to an installation for the manufacture of individual pods containing, between two sheets of filter paper, one lower and the other upper, a dose of product to brew such as ground coffee, said installation comprising: means for feeding upper and lower filter paper sheets, means for supporting and forming bowls on the lower filter paper sheet, means for depositing a dose of the product to be infused in each bowl, - and means for moving pods to the during their manufacture, characterized by the fact that
  • each cuvette consist of one or more assemblies formed: - of a reserve compartment for the product to be infused equipped with an evacuation for the delivery of a dose, of a device with a drawer placed under the reserve compartment and including the drawer, provided with a hole for receiving the dose, said drawer being able by a translational movement to bring the dose towards ejection means with translative piston.
  • 2 ° - it comprises a single motor shaft for driving the slide and the piston in their translational movements, and means for transmitting movement between on the one hand the shaft and on the other hand the slide and the piston.
  • the drive shaft is perpendicular to the directions of translation of the piston and of the slide;
  • the transmission means between the drive shaft and the piston are at least one cam mounted on the drive shaft and connected by its profile to the election means;
  • the means of transmission between the drive shaft and the slide comprise at least one system formed of:
  • the profile of the cams has an asymmetry adapted to the desired amplitude of the translational movement of the slide valve and of the piston - the assembly or assemblies are movable in translation in a direction orthogonal to the means for supporting and forming cups, between a position raised and an ejection position flush with the support and bowl-forming means, - the drive of the assembly in translation is generated by the drive shaft and transmitted to the assembly by transmission means the transmission means between the drive shaft and the assembly are at least one cam mounted on the drive shaft and connected by its profile to the assembly, the evacuation comprises a peripheral jacket secured to the c reserve compartment and surrounding a conduit mounted in spring suspension in the jacket and the lower end of which applies to the drawer, allowing adaptation to different drawer heights the reserve compartment comprises at least one pale molt in rotation in rotation above the drain the reserve compartment incorporates
  • the reinforcing strip is a strip of cardboard, the two faces of which are covered with a thermoplastic film and that the assembly means are heating heads allowing the cardboard strip to be heat-bonded to the sheets.
  • the cutting means also allow the formation of aligned and uniformly distributed holes in the direction of movement on the strip of reinforcement
  • the installation comprises one or more spiked rollers cooperating with the holes for a drive without undesirable movement of the reinforcement strip, - the lateral position of the holes in the reinforcement strip and of the slots in the sheets of filter paper is identical
  • the invention also relates to a process for the production of individual pods containing, between two sheets of filter paper, one lower and the other upper, a dose of product to be infused such as ground coffee, said process being suitable for being implemented by the installation according to the invention and by which:
  • the pods are moved during their manufacture, characterized by the fact
  • the method comprises different embodiments including those exposed below- after: before ejection of the dose, the drawer device is lowered to a level flush with the bowls, and it is raised after ejection of the dose, - the product to be infused is pre-crushed when it is evacuated to the receiving hole, and the pre-pressing pressure is adjusted to adjust the density of the dose, all or part of the manufactured pods are weighed and, - the pre-pressing pressure is regulated according to the constant differences between the weighings and the fixed weight instruction, we bring a reinforcement strip, we make cuts in the reinforcement strip by adapting the configuration of the cuts to that of the doses, we adjust the position of the cuts opposite the cuvettes, we insert the reinforcement strip between the two sheets of filter paper and we assemble them.
  • the two faces of the reinforcing strip are covered with a thermoplastic film; the reinforcing strip and the two sheets of filter paper (2, 3) are assembled by heat-bonding, - before assembly, the sheet of filter paper is drawn faster than the reinforcing strip, to release the filter paper in order to avoid excessive stresses on the filter paper during assembly, - At least partially splitting the sheet or sheets of filter paper before assembly, near the bowls and in the direction of their movement.
  • Figure 1 illustrates, in section, a part of the installation according to the present invention. We see certain steps in the production of the pod.
  • FIG. 2 shows the production of individual pods from a lower sheet of filter paper, an upper sheet of filter paper and an interposed reinforcement strip.
  • Figure 3 is a synthetic view of the installation according to the invention in longitudinal view.
  • FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of means for driving the ejection means.
  • Figure 5 is a sectional view along line A-A.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the possible displacement of the assembly constituting the means for depositing a dose.
  • Figure 7 is a partial side view of Figure 6.
  • Figure 8 illustrates the translational movement of the drawer and a preferred mode for this actuation.
  • Figure 9 is a partial side view.
  • An individual pod for example filled with a dose of ground coffee, generally comprises two sheets of filter paper, one lower and the other upper, containing the product to be infused.
  • the pods are formed from sheets, generally strips unrolling as they are manufactured.
  • FIG. 1 shows the formation of pods 1 comprising within them a dose 4 of product to be infused 5.
  • This dose 4 is itself enclosed between two sheets of filter paper, one lower 2 and the other upper 3, as shown in FIG. 2.
  • a reinforcing element can make it possible to increase the rigidity of the circumference of the individual pod 1.
  • the presence of such a reinforcing strip 24 is also illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • an installation for the production of pods 1 comprises means 6 for feeding sheets 2 and 3. As illustrated in FIG. 3, these means 6 could be a set of rollers capable of storing and unrolling the sheets of paper. filter 2, 3 in band.
  • the lower filter paper sheet 2 After its unwinding, the lower filter paper sheet 2 undergoes a deformation in order to constitute cuvettes 9 on its surface, said cuvettes 9 allowing reception of a dose 4 of the product to be infused 5.
  • the installation also includes displacement means. As shown in FIG. 3, these displacement means can comprise a rolling strip 21 allowing the chain of studs 7 able to receive the bowls 9 by means of a cavity 8. The chain of studs 7 thus formed allows progressive advancement pods 1 during their manufacture.
  • the installation comprises specific means for depositing a dose 4 in each bowl 9.
  • these means may consist of one or more assemblies marked 10 in FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 1 shows a more detailed view of such assemblies 10.
  • the reserve compartment 11 stores the product to be infused 5. It also makes it possible to deliver a quantity of the product to be infused 5 to the drawer device 12 by means of an outlet 22.
  • the drawer device 12 comprises, for its part, a hole 14 for receiving the dose 4 located opposite the discharge 22 from the reserve compartment 11.
  • the receiving hole 14 has a configuration identical to that of the final dose 4 to be formed.
  • the drawer device 12 comprises an essential part called drawer 13 capable of being put into translation once the receiving hole 14 is filled with the dose 4. By this translational movement, the receiving hole 14 can come opposite an opening 23 formed on the assembly 10 in order to deliver the dose 4 to the cuvette 9 formed on the lower sheet of filter paper 2.
  • Figure 2 shows this possibility of realization ensuring high productivity.
  • Ejection means 15 identified in Figure 1 are present to eject the dose 4 out of the receiving hole when it this arrives opposite the opening 23 formed at the bottom in the assembly 10 and leading to the bowls 9.
  • a piston 35 produces the ejection means 15 by axial mobility between a raised position of rest and a lowered position passing through the opening 23 to release the entire dose, pack it and shape it.
  • the slide 13 and the piston 35 are advantageously driven by a single motor shaft 51 which ensures a synchronization of movements which is sufficiently safe to avoid any blockage or malfunction.
  • Movement transmission means between the drive shaft 51 and the slide 13 and the piston 35 respectively are also provided.
  • cam system 37, 38 mounted on the motor shaft 51.
  • the cam transforms the rotation of the shaft 51 into translation of the piston 35.
  • the cam 38 mounted on the motor shaft 51 drives, at one end, a lever 42 connected (by pivot) to the profile of the cam 38 by a roller 44.
  • the lever 42 is in pivot connection with a link 45 secured to the drawer 13 directly or by means of a connecting piece 48.
  • a pivot 43 ensures the oscillating movement of the lever 42 during the rotation of the motor shaft 51 and of the cam 38.
  • Front and rear stops advantageously limit the amplitude of the oscillation of the lever 42 and therefore the translation of the drawer 13.
  • the motor shaft 51 is itself the output shaft of any current motorization, particularly an electric motor. To ensure optimal transfer of the dose 4 to a cavity 8 and avoid its sudden fall, it is advantageous to lower the assembly 10 (at least for its constituent parts closest to the cavities 8) during ejection, to a flush level.
  • the assembly or assemblies 10 are movable in a direction orthogonal to the means for supporting and forming the cups 9, also corresponding to the direction of translation of the piston 35.
  • the assembly 10 can be driven by the drive shaft 51, with a cam motion transmission.
  • Figures 6 and 7 show a cam 39 driving by pivot on its profile, by a roller 49, a rod 50 integral with the assembly 10.
  • the rod 50 is only illustrative of an example of transmission movement towards the whole 10.
  • the asymmetrical profiles of the cams are adapted to the movements to be produced, in particular as to their amplitude.
  • the relative angular positioning of the cams also determines the succession of movements of the slide 13, the piston 35 and the assembly 10.
  • FIGS 4 to 9 illustrate the case of a set 10 raised, a piston 35 at rest and a drawer halfway.
  • the cam systems 37, 38, 39 described above are doubled, at the two ends of the motor shaft 51 for a better distribution of the forces.
  • one or more blades 52 are driven in a substantially vertical rotational movement (along the axis of the receiving hole 14). The blade 52 passing near the hole 14 distributes the routing of the product towards the hole 14.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a blade 52 as well as its drive by pinions and rotating shaft.
  • the present installation also makes it possible, according to a variant, to produce doses 4 of different heights, by modifying the height of the drawer 13.
  • the discharge 22 will have a . particular configuration.
  • the discharge 22 has an internal periphery consisting of a jacket 55 preferably in the form of a ring (for doses 4 with a circular profile).
  • the jacket 55 is a translation guide for a conduit 53 adjusted and movable therein.
  • a shoulder 5 ⁇ a a on the jacket 55, a shoulder 56b on the conduit 53 as well as a compression spring 54 suspend the conduit 53 which is applied to the upper surface of the drawer 13. Depending on the height of the latter, the spring 54 is more or less compressed.
  • the reserve compartment 11 comprises a pre-pressing cylinder 16. As shown, the pre-pressing cylinder 16 is located above the outlet 22.
  • the pre-pressing cylinder 16 can be actuated to facilitate filling of the receiving hole 14 and possibly carrying out a first packing of the dose 4 of the product to be infused 5.
  • the supply pressure of the pre-pressing cylinder 16 can be adjustable in order to adjust the density of the dose 4.
  • the installation will include weighing means 19, constituted by any current means, allowing recovery weight measurement information 20.
  • This Weight measurement information 20 can be retrieved and processed at the level of a programmable controller 18. This signal transmission is reflected in FIG. 1.
  • the programmable controller is able, possibly after statistical operations, to act on the pressure for supplying the pre-pressing cylinder 16 in order to ensure the feedback thereof according to the set weight setpoint.
  • the individual pods 1 may include a reinforcing element interposed between the two sheets of filter paper 2 and 3 around the periphery of the dose 4 of product to be infused 5.
  • the installation according to the invention could allow the supply and use of a reinforcing strip 24 as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the reinforcing strip is a strip of cardboard, the two faces of which are covered with a thermoplastic film.
  • the installation will include means 25 for supplying this reinforcing strip, for example formed in a similar manner to the means 6 for bringing the upper and lower filter paper sheets 2,3.
  • the invention will also include means 26 for cutting the reinforcing strip 24 in order to form cuts 27 there of a configuration adapted to that of the doses 4. These cuts 27 will face the bowls 9 formed on the sheet of paper lower filter 2 so as to surround the dose 4.
  • Common cutting means 26 could be implemented in particular by a cookie cutter method.
  • the installation will also include means for assembling the reinforcing strip 24 with the sheets of filter paper 2 and 3.
  • the assembly is preferably carried out on the periphery of the dose 4 at the level of the reinforcing strip 24.
  • the assembly means consist of heating heads 28 able to come to be applied around the periphery of the dose 4 and to assemble by fusing the sheets of filter paper 2, 3 and the reinforcement strip 24.
  • thermoplastic film 24 will preferably consist of a cardboard strip, the two faces of which are covered with a thermoplastic film.
  • the sheets of filter paper 2 and 3 undergo deformations which place them under heavy stress. This is essentially the case when the cups 9 are formed on the lower filter paper sheet 2 and when the dose 4 is covered by the upper filter paper sheet 3 which must conform to the domed shape of the dose 4.
  • the invention may include additional means of advance 29.
  • the advance means 29 are capable of increasing the speed of movement of the sheet of filter paper 2 or 3 relative to the reinforcing strip 24 before their assembly. . ' It is thus found downstream of the additional advance means 29 the formation of a loosening 30 on the sheet of filter paper 2 making it possible to avoid excessively high tensions during the formation of the bowls 9.
  • the additional advance means 29 make it possible to limit the stresses applied in tension on the sheets of filter paper in the direction of movement of these sheets.
  • the invention may further comprise means for at least partially splitting the sheet or sheets of paper.
  • filter 2,3 near the bowls 9.
  • the slots 31 produced will orient in the direction of movement of the sheets and offer additional freedom of internal movement to the sheets of filter paper 2 and 3.
  • the means for splitting may for example consist of a roller comprising at its periphery cutting edges applying under pressure to the sheets of filter paper 2 and 3.
  • the cutting means 26 may further comprise means capable of perforating the reinforcing strip 24 at regular space. Holes 32 are thus formed aligned and uniformly distributed in the direction of movement on the reinforcing strip 24 as also appears in FIG. 2.
  • the holes 32 can cooperate with one or more spike rollers 33 whose pins are inserted in the holes
  • the alignments of holes 32 are made to cooperate with the slots 31 formed on the upper and lower filter paper sheets 2, 3. In this way, the positioning of the pins of the pin rollers
  • the installation presented here comprises an injection head 34 for an inert gas within the dose 4 of product to be infused 5.
  • the injected inert gas evacuates the residual oxygen present in the dose 4. This therefore ensures better preservation of the coffee with optimal taste qualities.
  • nitrogen will be used as the inert gas.
  • the operation of the installation according to the present invention can be articulated according to the steps described below and according to the manufacturing method according to the invention.
  • the two sheets of filter paper 2,3 are brought from storage means.
  • the lower sheet 2 On the first sheet of filter paper, the lower sheet 2, cups 9 are formed.
  • the sheet of filter paper 2 is supported for example by means of a rolling strip 21 comprising a series of pads 7 provided with cavities 8 where the bowls 9 are integrated.
  • the pods 1 are moved during training to the following manufacturing steps.
  • the invention has the particularity of comprising the following stages:
  • the product to be infused 5 is stored in a reserve compartment 11 - a dose 4 is discharged from this reserve compartment 11 to a receiving hole 14 formed in a drawer device 13.
  • the ejection and optionally a compression of the dose 4 can be carried out by means of ejection 15 in the form of a translating piston 35.
  • pre-brewing of the product to be infused 5 can be carried out during its evacuation. Furthermore, the pre-pressing pressure produced by a pre-pressing cylinder 16 can be adjusted so as to vary the density of the dose 4 according to a desired set point.
  • the pre-pressing pressure is regulated according to the deviations observed between the weighings and the set weight target.
  • a reinforcing strip 24 is brought.
  • a cut is then made in the reinforcement strip 24 by adapting the configuration of these cuts to the configuration of the doses.
  • the position of the cutouts thus produced is then adjusted with respect to the cups 9 formed on the lower filter paper sheet 2.
  • the reinforcing strip 24 is then interposed between the two sheets of filter paper 2, 3 and then they are assembled.
  • the step of superimposing the reinforcing strip 24 and the lower filter paper sheet 2 is carried out before depositing the dose 4 of the product to be infused 5.
  • the reinforcing strip comprises two faces covered with a thermoplastic film so as to be able to assemble it to the sheets of filter paper 2, 3 by heat sealing.
  • a lower sheet of filter paper 2 is brought in by feeding means 6.
  • a reinforcing strip 24 is used, this is also brought in by means 25 which may be of similar design. .
  • the reinforcing strip 24 undergoes cuts 27 by means of cutting means 26.
  • the reinforcing strip 24 and the lower filter paper sheet 2 are then substantially superimposed.
  • the filter paper sheet 2 is driven at a slightly higher speed with respect to the reinforcing strip 24. It then loosens as shown in FIG. 3 before the assembly step.
  • the bowls 9 are then formed on the surface of the lower filter paper sheet 2.
  • the assembly is carried out in particular by heat-bonding the sheet of filter paper 2 and the reinforcing strip 24. The advance of this assembly then continues towards the means capable of depositing a dose 4 of product to be infused 5.
  • This deposition is carried out by the evacuation of a quantity of product to be infused 5 into a receiving hole 14 formed on a drawer 12.
  • This drawer 12 then undergoes a translational movement towards an ejection zone where the dose 4 will be deposited in the bowl 9.
  • the assembly 10 is lowered for ejection of the dose 4 near the bowl 9.
  • a sheet of pods 1 is thus formed which can be used after cutting. This cutting can be performed after the steps described above to form individual pods. As has just been described, pods 1 are produced in series and aligned in the direction of movement of the installation.
  • Figure 2 shows the realization of four pods in parallel.
  • drawer device 13. drawer

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns an installation for making individual pre-measured tablets (1) comprising, between two sheets of filter paper, one below, the other on top, a dose (4) of product (5) to be infused. The invention is characterised in that means for depositing a dose (4) in each cup are provided and consist of one or several assemblies (10) formed by: a reserve compartment (11) for the product to be infused (5) provided with an outlet (12) for delivering one dose; a sliding device 12 located under the reserve compartment (11) and provided with a hole for receiving (14) the dose (4), said sliding device being adapted to carry the dose to ejection means (15) by a translation movement. The invention also concerns a method implemented by said device. The invention is applicable to pre-measured tablets of ground coffee.

Description

"Installation et procédé de fabrication de dosettes individuelles pour l'infusion" "Installation and method of manufacturing individual pods for infusion"
La présente invention concerne une installation pour la fabrication de dosettes individuelles. Elle concerne également un procédé apte à être mis en œuvre par cette installation.The present invention relates to an installation for the manufacture of individual pods. It also relates to a process capable of being implemented by this installation.
L'invention s'applique à la fabrication de dosettes individuelles du type renfermant entre deux feuilles de papier filtre une dose de produit à infuser.The invention applies to the manufacture of individual pods of the type containing between two sheets of filter paper a dose of product to be infused.
Le produit à infuser peut dans un cas préférentiel être du café moulu ou tout autre produit tel que du thé.The product to be infused can in a preferential case be ground coffee or any other product such as tea.
L' invention ici présentée pourra permettre de fabriquer des dosettes telles que décrites dans la demande de brevet antérieure du demandeur WO9507041. Cependant, cette application à des dosettes particulières n'est pas limitative.The invention presented here could make it possible to manufacture pods as described in the applicant's earlier patent application WO9507041. However, this application to particular pods is not limiting.
On connaît déjà diverses installations permettant la fabrication de dosettes individuelles. Dans ce cadre, le document EP-A-225494 décrit un appareil pour remplir des pochettes sur un ruban de papier filtre inférieur d' une mesure d' une substance dont doit être faite une infusion, ces pochettes étant recouvertes d'un ruban de papier filtre supérieur et étant ensuite scellées pour former des sachets contenant la substance, en formant ainsi une bande continue de sachets. Cet appareil comporte une table de support stationnaire sur laquelle avance, par étapes, une série de dispositifs en forme de cuvettes peu profondes formés chacun d'une plaque essentiellement quadrangulaire comportant une dépression centrale avec des bords arrondis, le fond de la dépression comportant des trous par lesquels un vide peut être appliqué.Various installations are already known allowing the manufacture of individual pods. In this context, document EP-A-225494 describes an apparatus for filling pouches on a lower filter paper tape with a measure of a substance of which an infusion is to be made, these pouches being covered with a paper tape upper filter and then being sealed to form sachets containing the substance, thereby forming a continuous strip of sachets. This device comprises a stationary support table on which advances, in stages, a series of devices in the form of shallow bowls each formed of an essentially quadrangular plate comprising a central depression with rounded edges, the bottom of the depression comprising holes by which a vacuum can be applied.
L'appareil présenté dans ce document s'attache surtout à améliorer le déplacement des dosettes individuelles au cours de leur fabrication et propose pour ce faire un système en chaîne de formation de cuvettes sur la feuille de papier filtre inférieure. Cependant, l'appareil présenté selon cette antériorité propose un système de dosage et de mise en place de la dose de café moulu peu avantageux.The device presented in this document is mainly concerned with improving the displacement of the individual pods during their manufacture and for this purpose proposes a chain system for forming cuvettes on the lower sheet of filter paper. However, the device presented according to this prior art offers a dosing system and implementation of the dose of ground coffee not very advantageous.
En effet, un nombre insuffisant de doses peut être réalisé de façon simultanée ce qui nuit à la productivité de l' installation.In fact, an insufficient number of doses can be produced simultaneously, which affects the productivity of the installation.
On connaît par ailleurs du document EP-A-0773160 un appareil de fabrication de sachets de poudre de café moulu comprenant une surface support fixe sur laquelle une chaîne d'alimentation comportant une pluralité de dispositifs plats en forme de coupelle avance de manière intermittente, chacun desdits dispositifs étant formé par une plaque sensiblement quadrangulaire ayant une cavité centrale avec des bords arrondis. Cet appareil comprend un ou plusieurs conteneurs fixes de dosages ayant un fond doté d' une paire de trous traversants d'un diamètre correspondant à la quantité volumétrique de poudre de café devant être fournie sur la ou les bandes inférieures de papier de manière à former une dose destinée à un sachet, un premier disque de distribution tournant de façon intermittente et doté d'une pluralité de paires de trous espacés angulairement de manière que pour chaque déplacement en rotation angulaire, une paire de trous soit disposée en alignement vertical vis à vis de ladite paire de trous ménagée dans le fond dudit conteneur de dosage.Document EP-A-0773160 also discloses an apparatus for manufacturing sachets of ground coffee powder comprising a fixed support surface on which a supply chain comprising a plurality of flat cup-shaped devices advances intermittently, each said devices being formed by a substantially quadrangular plate having a central cavity with rounded edges. This apparatus comprises one or more fixed dosing containers having a bottom provided with a pair of through holes with a diameter corresponding to the volumetric quantity of coffee powder to be supplied on the or the lower strips of paper so as to form a dose intended for a sachet, a first distribution disc rotating intermittently and provided with a plurality of pairs of holes spaced angularly so that for each displacement in angular rotation, a pair of holes is arranged in vertical alignment with respect to said pair of holes formed in the bottom of said metering container.
Pour permettre un dosage amélioré, cet appareil propose un plateau rotatif de dosage et de dépôt de la dose dans la cuvette formée sur la feuille de papier filtre inférieure. Cependant, selon ce système, seules deux doses de café peuvent être déposées simultanément.To allow improved dosing, this device offers a rotating dosing and dose depositing tray in the bowl formed on the lower filter paper sheet. However, according to this system, only two doses of coffee can be deposited simultaneously.
Encore une fois, une limitation importante de la productivité s'ensuit. Le documen t WO-A-92 20579 mon tre un disposi tif de délivrance d' une dose de camomille pour son condi tionnement en sachet . Il divulgue un pla tea u mobile dans lequel un trou permet la réception d' une dose déterminée, puis son évacua tion à un a utre poste . Ce système de plateau séquentiel est mu en translation indépendamment d'un piston d'éjection ce qui complique considérablement la synchronisation du dispositif.Again, a significant limitation in productivity ensues. Document WO-A-92 20579 shows a device for delivering a dose of chamomile for packaging in sachets. It discloses a mobile plate in which a hole allows the reception of a determined dose, then its evacuation to another post. This sequential plate system is moved in translation independently of an ejection piston, which considerably complicates the synchronization of the device.
Par ailleurs, le dispositif s'applique spécifiquement à de la camomille en fleurs pour laquelle les problèmes liés aux matières pulvérulentes (tel du café moulu) ne sont pas présents : fuites du produit, compressibilité limitée notamment .Furthermore, the device applies specifically to flowering chamomiles for which the problems associated with pulverulent materials (such as ground coffee) are not present: product leaks, limited compressibility in particular.
Le type d'emballage à réaliser est, en outre différent compte tenu des procédés différents d' extraction des arômes (infusion et non lixiviation forcée) .The type of packaging to be produced is also different taking into account the different aroma extraction processes (infusion and not forced leaching).
La présente invention a pour but de pallier les inconvénients des systèmes actuels. Elle propose pour ce faire une installation et un procédé de fabrication de dosettes individuelles particulièrement avantageux.The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of current systems. To do this, it offers a particularly advantageous installation and method for manufacturing individual pods.
L' invention comprend en effet de nombreux perfectionnements améliorant la qualité et la productivité dans la fabrication des dosettes.The invention indeed includes numerous improvements improving the quality and the productivity in the manufacture of pods.
L'un des premiers buts de l'invention est d'autoriser une production massive de dosettes par des installations fabriquant de façon parallèle plusieurs dosettes à la fois. Pour y parvenir, l'installation a l'avantage de comporter des moyens aptes à doser plusieurs doses et à les déposer simultanément, en ligne, sur la feuille de papier filtre inférieure avec une fiabilité accrue, par une synchronisation sûre des parties mobiles . Un autre but de l'invention est d'améliorer les étapes de tassage et de remplissage de la dosette. En effet, elle permet de maintenir un poids constant de la dose de café moulu intégrée dans la dosette.One of the first objects of the invention is to authorize a massive production of pods by installations making several pods in parallel. To achieve this, the installation has the advantage of comprising means capable of dosing several doses and depositing them simultaneously, online, on the lower sheet of filter paper with increased reliability, by secure synchronization of the moving parts. Another object of the invention is to improve the tamping and filling stages of the pod. Indeed, it allows to maintain a constant weight of the dose of ground coffee integrated in the pod.
Un autre objet de l'invention est d'éviter tout risque de déchirement des feuilles de papier filtre entourant le produit à infuser et ce par le biais d'une liberté de mouvement et de déformation des feuilles de papier filtre avant l'assemblage.Another object of the invention is to avoid any risk of tearing of the sheets of filter paper surrounding the product to be infused and this by means of freedom of movement and deformation of the sheets of filter paper before assembly.
De plus, l'invention permet de fabriquer des dosettes possédant une grande rigidité par l' intercalement d'un renfort sur le pourtour de la dosette.In addition, the invention makes it possible to manufacture pods having high rigidity by the interposition of a reinforcement around the periphery of the pod.
L' intercalement d'une bande de renfort entre les deux feuilles de papier filtre permet également de faire participer cet élément de rigidité pour obtenir un bon déplacement et un bon positionnement des dosettes au cours de leur fabrication. L'invention permet également d'assurer la conservation du café ou d'un autre produit dans les meilleures conditions en évacuant après formation de la dosette tout l'oxygène présent dans la dose de produit à infuser. D'autres buts et avantages apparaîtront au cours de la description qui suit qui n'est cependant donnée qu'à titre indicatif.The intercalation of a reinforcing strip between the two sheets of filter paper also makes it possible to involve this element of rigidity in order to obtain good displacement and good positioning of the pods during their manufacture. The invention also makes it possible to ensure the preservation of coffee or of another product under the best conditions by evacuating after formation of the pod all the oxygen present in the dose of product to be infused. Other objects and advantages will appear during the description which follows, which is however given only for information.
La présente invention concerne une installation pour la fabrication de dosettes individuelles renfermant, entre deux feuilles de papier filtre, l'une inférieure et l'autre supérieure, une dose de produit à infuser tel du café moulu, ladite installation comportant : des moyens d' amenée des feuilles de papier filtre supérieure et inférieure, des moyens de support et de formation de cuvettes sur la feuille de papier filtre inférieure, des moyens pour déposer une dose du produit à infuser dans chaque cuvette, - et des moyens de déplacement de dosettes au cours de leur fabrication, caractérisée par le fait queThe present invention relates to an installation for the manufacture of individual pods containing, between two sheets of filter paper, one lower and the other upper, a dose of product to brew such as ground coffee, said installation comprising: means for feeding upper and lower filter paper sheets, means for supporting and forming bowls on the lower filter paper sheet, means for depositing a dose of the product to be infused in each bowl, - and means for moving pods to the during their manufacture, characterized by the fact that
1° - les moyens pour déposer une dose dans chaque cuvette sont constitués d'un ou plusieurs ensembles formés : - d' un compartiment de réserve du produit à infuser doté d'une évacuation pour la délivrance d'une dose, d'un dispositif à tiroir placé sous le compartiment de réserve et dont le tiroir, pourvu d'un trou de réception de la dose, ledit tiroir étant apte par un mouvement de translation à amener la dose vers des moyens d'éjection à piston translatif. 2° - elle comprend un arbre moteur unique pour l'entraînement du tiroir et du piston dans leurs mouvements de translation, et des moyens de transmission de mouvement entre d'une part l'arbre et d'autre part le tiroir et le piston.1 ° - the means for depositing a dose in each cuvette consist of one or more assemblies formed: - of a reserve compartment for the product to be infused equipped with an evacuation for the delivery of a dose, of a device with a drawer placed under the reserve compartment and including the drawer, provided with a hole for receiving the dose, said drawer being able by a translational movement to bring the dose towards ejection means with translative piston. 2 ° - it comprises a single motor shaft for driving the slide and the piston in their translational movements, and means for transmitting movement between on the one hand the shaft and on the other hand the slide and the piston.
L'installation comprend les modes de réalisation possibles suivants : l'arbre moteur est perpendiculaire aux directions de translation du piston et du tiroir ; les moyens de transmission entre l'arbre moteur et le piston sont au moins une came montée sur l'arbre moteur et reliée par son profil aux moyens d'élection ; les moyens de transmission entre l'arbre moteur et le tiroir comprennent au moins un système formé de :The installation includes the following possible embodiments: the drive shaft is perpendicular to the directions of translation of the piston and of the slide; the transmission means between the drive shaft and the piston are at least one cam mounted on the drive shaft and connected by its profile to the election means; the means of transmission between the drive shaft and the slide comprise at least one system formed of:
1 une came montée sur l'arbre moteur, 1 a cam mounted on the motor shaft,
• un levier relié, par pivot, par sa première extrémité à la came au niveau de son profil et par sa seconde extrémité à une biellette entraînant le tiroir, " un pivot de montage du levier, situe entre ses deux extrémités et assurant un mouvement oscillatoire, le profil des cames a une asymétrie adaptée a l'amplitude souhaitée du mouvement de translation du tiroir et du piston. - le ou les ensembles sont mobiles en translation selon une direction orthogonale aux moyens de support et de formation de cuvettes, entre une position relevée et une position d'éjection affleurant les moyens de support et de formation de cuvettes, - l'entraînement de l'ensemble en translation est généré par l'arbre moteur et transmis a l'ensemble par des moyens de transmission les moyens de transmission entre l'arbre moteur et l'ensemble sont au moins une came montée sur l'arbre moteur et reliée par son profil à l'ensemble, l'évacuation comprend une chemise périphérique solidaire du compartiment de réserve et entourant un conduit monté en suspension par ressort dans la chemise et dont l'extrémité inférieure s'applique sur le tiroir, permettant une adaptation à différentes hauteurs de tiroir le compartiment de réserve comporte au moins une pâle mue en rotation en rotation au-dessus de l'évacuation le compartiment de réserve intègre un vérin de prétassage facilitant le remplissage du trou et effectuant un premier tassage de la dose, et la pression d'alimentation du vérin de prétassage est réglable pour ajuster la densité de la dose, elle comprend des moyens de pesage de la dosette permettant le retrocontrôle de la pression d'alimentation du venn de prétassage selon la consigne de poids fixée, - elle comporte :• a lever connected, by pivot, by its first end to the cam at its profile and by its second end to a rod driving the drawer, "a lever mounting pivot, located between its two ends and ensuring an oscillatory movement , the profile of the cams has an asymmetry adapted to the desired amplitude of the translational movement of the slide valve and of the piston - the assembly or assemblies are movable in translation in a direction orthogonal to the means for supporting and forming cups, between a position raised and an ejection position flush with the support and bowl-forming means, - the drive of the assembly in translation is generated by the drive shaft and transmitted to the assembly by transmission means the transmission means between the drive shaft and the assembly are at least one cam mounted on the drive shaft and connected by its profile to the assembly, the evacuation comprises a peripheral jacket secured to the c reserve compartment and surrounding a conduit mounted in spring suspension in the jacket and the lower end of which applies to the drawer, allowing adaptation to different drawer heights the reserve compartment comprises at least one pale molt in rotation in rotation above the drain the reserve compartment incorporates a pre-pressing cylinder facilitating filling of the hole and carrying out a first compression of the dose, and the supply pressure of the pre-pressing cylinder is adjustable to adjust the density of the dose, it includes weighing means of the pod allowing the retrocontrol of the supply pressure of the pre-pressing venn according to the set weight setpoint, - it comprises:
• des moyens d' amenée d' une bande de renfort apte à s'intercaler entre les deux feuilles de papier filtre ;• means for feeding a reinforcing strip capable of being inserted between the two sheets of filter paper;
• des moyens de découpe de la bande de renfort pour y former des découpes d'une configuration adaptée a celle des doses et venant en vis à vis des cuvettes ;• means for cutting the reinforcing strip in order to form cutouts in a configuration adapted to that of the doses and facing the cuvettes;
• des moyens d'assemblage de la bande de renfort avec les feuilles de papier filtre, permettant la formation sur la dosette d' un pourtour renforce sur le plan de la rigidité. - la bande de renfort est une bande de carton dont les deux faces sont recouvertes d'un film thermoplastique et que les moyens d'assemblage sont des têtes chauffantes permettant le thermocollage de la bande de carton sur les feuilles. - elle comporte des moyens d' avance supplémentaire aptes a augmenter la vitesse de déplacement d' une ou des deux feuilles de papier filtre relativement a la bande de renfort avant l'assemblage, de façon a créer un relâchement de la feuille de papier filtre par rapport à la bande de renfort, ledit relâchement évitant d'appliquer de trop fortes contraintes au papier filtre pendant l'assemblage. elle possède des moyens pour fendre au moins partiellement la ou les feuilles de papier filtre a proximité des cuvettes et suivant la direction de leur déplacement, permettant de limiter les tensions au sein du papier filtre pendant l'assemblage, les moyens de découpe permettent en outre la formation de trous alignés et uniformément répartis dans la direction de déplacement sur la bande de renfort, et l'installation comporte un ou plusieurs rouleaux à picots coopérant avec les trous pour un entraînement sans mouvement indésirable de la bande de renfort, - la position latérale des trous dans la bande de renfort et des fentes dans les feuilles de papier filtre est identique L' invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication de dosettes individuelles renfermant, entre deux feuilles de papier filtre, l'une inférieure et l'autre supérieure, une dose de produit à infuser tel du café moulu, ledit procédé étant apte à être mis en œuvre par l'installation selon l'invention et par lequel :• means for assembling the reinforcing strip with the sheets of filter paper, allowing the formation on the pod of a rim which reinforces in terms of rigidity. - The reinforcing strip is a strip of cardboard, the two faces of which are covered with a thermoplastic film and that the assembly means are heating heads allowing the cardboard strip to be heat-bonded to the sheets. - It includes additional feed means capable of increasing the speed of movement of one or two sheets of filter paper relative to the reinforcement strip before assembly, so as to create a loosening of the sheet of filter paper by relative to the reinforcing strip, said relaxation avoiding applying excessive stresses to the filter paper during assembly. it has means for at least partially splitting the sheet or sheets of filter paper proximity of the bowls and in the direction of their movement, making it possible to limit the tensions within the filter paper during assembly, the cutting means also allow the formation of aligned and uniformly distributed holes in the direction of movement on the strip of reinforcement, and the installation comprises one or more spiked rollers cooperating with the holes for a drive without undesirable movement of the reinforcement strip, - the lateral position of the holes in the reinforcement strip and of the slots in the sheets of filter paper is identical The invention also relates to a process for the production of individual pods containing, between two sheets of filter paper, one lower and the other upper, a dose of product to be infused such as ground coffee, said process being suitable for being implemented by the installation according to the invention and by which:
- on amène les deux feuilles de papier filtre; - on supporte la feuille de papier filtre inférieure et on y forme des cuvettes;- bring the two sheets of filter paper; - support the lower filter paper sheet and form bowls;
- on dépose dans chaque cuvette une dose du produit à infuser ;- a dose of the product to be infused is placed in each bowl;
- on déplace les dosettes au cours de leur fabrication caractérisé par le fait- the pods are moved during their manufacture, characterized by the fact
• qu'on dépose dans chaque cuvette une dose du produit à infuser de la façon suivante : " qu' on stocke le produit à infuser dans un compartiment de réserve " qu'on évacue une dose depuis le compartiment de réserve vers un trou de réception de la dose formé dans un dispositif à tiroir " qu'on effectue un mouvement de translation du tiroir pour amener la dose présente dans le trou de réception vers un emplacement où on l'éjecte vers une cuvette par poussée d'un piston translatif " et qu'on entraîne le tiroir et le piston dans leur mouvement de translation par un même arbre moteur. Le procédé comporte différents modes de réalisation dont ceux exposes ci-après : avant l'éjection de la dose on abaisse le dispositif à tiroir à un niveau affleurant avec les cuvettes, et on le relève après l'éjection de la dose, - on effectue un prétassage du produit à infuser lors de son évacuation vers le trou de réception, et on règle la pression de prétassage pour ajuster la densité de la dose, on pesé tout ou partie des dosettes fabriquées et, - on régule la pression de prétassage selon les écarts constates entre les pesées et la consigne de poids fixée, on amène une bande de renfort, on réalise des découpes dans la bande de renfort en adaptant la configuration des découpes a celle des doses, on ajuste la position des découpes en vis a vis des cuvettes, on intercale la bande de renfort entre les deux feuilles de papier filtre et on les assemble. on recouvre les deux faces de la bande de renfort d'un film thermoplastique ; on assemble la bande de renfort et les deux feuilles de papier filtre (2, 3) par thermocollage, - avant l'assemblage, on entraîne plus rapidement la feuille de papier filtre que la bande de renfort, pour relâcher le papier filtre afin d' éviter de trop fortes contraintes du papier filtre pendant l'assemblage, - on fend au moins partiellement la ou les feuilles de papier filtre avant l'assemblage, à proximité des cuvettes et suivant la direction de leur déplacement.• that a dose of the product to be infused is placed in each bowl as follows: "that the product to be infused is stored in a reserve compartment" that a dose is discharged from the reserve compartment to a receiving hole of the dose formed in a drawer device "that a translational movement of the drawer is carried out to bring the dose present in the receiving hole towards a location where it is ejected towards a bowl by pushing a translating piston "and which the slide and the piston are driven in their translational movement by the same motor shaft. The method comprises different embodiments including those exposed below- after: before ejection of the dose, the drawer device is lowered to a level flush with the bowls, and it is raised after ejection of the dose, - the product to be infused is pre-crushed when it is evacuated to the receiving hole, and the pre-pressing pressure is adjusted to adjust the density of the dose, all or part of the manufactured pods are weighed and, - the pre-pressing pressure is regulated according to the constant differences between the weighings and the fixed weight instruction, we bring a reinforcement strip, we make cuts in the reinforcement strip by adapting the configuration of the cuts to that of the doses, we adjust the position of the cuts opposite the cuvettes, we insert the reinforcement strip between the two sheets of filter paper and we assemble them. the two faces of the reinforcing strip are covered with a thermoplastic film; the reinforcing strip and the two sheets of filter paper (2, 3) are assembled by heat-bonding, - before assembly, the sheet of filter paper is drawn faster than the reinforcing strip, to release the filter paper in order to avoid excessive stresses on the filter paper during assembly, - At least partially splitting the sheet or sheets of filter paper before assembly, near the bowls and in the direction of their movement.
Les dessins ci-joints sont donnés à titre d'exemples indicatifs et non limitatifs. Ils représentent un mode de réalisation préféré selon l'invention. Ils permettront de comprendre aisément l'invention.The attached drawings are given as indicative and non-limiting examples. They represent a preferred embodiment according to the invention. They will allow the invention to be easily understood.
La figure 1 illustre, en coupe, une partie de l'installation selon la présente invention. On y voit certaines étapes de fabrication de la dosette.Figure 1 illustrates, in section, a part of the installation according to the present invention. We see certain steps in the production of the pod.
La figure 2 montre la réalisation de dosettes individuelles à partir d'une feuille de papier filtre inférieure, d'une feuille de papier filtre supérieure et d'une bande de renfort intercalée. La figure 3 est une vue synthétique de l'installation selon l'invention en vue longitudinale.FIG. 2 shows the production of individual pods from a lower sheet of filter paper, an upper sheet of filter paper and an interposed reinforcement strip. Figure 3 is a synthetic view of the installation according to the invention in longitudinal view.
La figure 4 montre un mode de réalisation préféré de moyens d'entraînement des moyens d'éjection.FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of means for driving the ejection means.
La figure 5 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne A-A. La figure 6 illustre le déplacement possible de l'ensemble constitutif des moyens pour déposer une dose.Figure 5 is a sectional view along line A-A. FIG. 6 illustrates the possible displacement of the assembly constituting the means for depositing a dose.
La figure 7 est une vue partielle de côté de la figure 6. La figure 8 illustre le mouvement de translation du tiroir et un mode préféré pour cet actionnement . La figure 9 est une vue partielle de côté.Figure 7 is a partial side view of Figure 6. Figure 8 illustrates the translational movement of the drawer and a preferred mode for this actuation. Figure 9 is a partial side view.
Une dosette individuelle, par exemple remplie d'une dose de café moulu, comprend généralement deux feuilles de papier filtre l'une inférieure l'autre supérieure, renfermant le produit à infuser. Les dosettes sont formées à partir de feuilles, généralement des bandes se déroulant au fur et à mesure de la fabrication.An individual pod, for example filled with a dose of ground coffee, generally comprises two sheets of filter paper, one lower and the other upper, containing the product to be infused. The pods are formed from sheets, generally strips unrolling as they are manufactured.
Dans ce sens, la figure 1 présente la formation de dosettes 1 comportant en leur sein une dose 4 de produit à infuser 5. Cette dose 4 est elle-même enfermée entre deux feuilles de papier filtre, l'une inférieure 2 et l'autre supérieure 3, telles que représentée en figure 2.In this sense, FIG. 1 shows the formation of pods 1 comprising within them a dose 4 of product to be infused 5. This dose 4 is itself enclosed between two sheets of filter paper, one lower 2 and the other upper 3, as shown in FIG. 2.
Comme il sera décrit plus loin en détail, un élément de renfort peut permettre d'augmenter la rigidité de la circonférence de la dosette individuelle 1. La présence d'une telle bande de renfort 24 est illustrée également en figure 2.As will be described below in detail, a reinforcing element can make it possible to increase the rigidity of the circumference of the individual pod 1. The presence of such a reinforcing strip 24 is also illustrated in FIG. 2.
Généralement, une installation pour la fabrication de dosette 1 comprend des moyens 6 d'amenée des feuilles 2 et 3. Comme l'illustre la figure 3, ces moyens 6 pourront être un ensemble de rouleaux aptes à stocker et à dérouler les feuilles de papier filtre 2, 3 en bande.Generally, an installation for the production of pods 1 comprises means 6 for feeding sheets 2 and 3. As illustrated in FIG. 3, these means 6 could be a set of rollers capable of storing and unrolling the sheets of paper. filter 2, 3 in band.
Après son déroulement, la feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2 subit une déformation afin de constituer des cuvettes 9 sur sa surface, lesdites cuvettes 9 permettant la réception d'une dose 4 du produit à infuser 5.After its unwinding, the lower filter paper sheet 2 undergoes a deformation in order to constitute cuvettes 9 on its surface, said cuvettes 9 allowing reception of a dose 4 of the product to be infused 5.
Des moyens de support et de formation de cuvettes tels que présenté aux figures. Le plaquage de la feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2, par une action mécanique ou pneumatique, sur une surface de mise en forme peut être mis en œuvre dans ce cadre selon tout procédé courant.Support and bowl-forming means as shown in the figures. The plating of the lower filter paper sheet 2, by a mechanical or pneumatic action, on a shaping surface can be implemented in this context according to any common method.
Pour assurer le transfert au cours de la fabrication des dosettes 1 en cours de formation, l'installation comprend également des moyens de déplacement. Comme présenté en figure 3, ces moyens de déplacement peuvent comprendre une bande roulante 21 permettant l'enchaînement de plots 7 aptes à recevoir les cuvettes 9 par le biais d'une cavité 8. La chaîne de plots 7 ainsi formée permet l'avancée progressive des dosettes 1 au cours de leur fabrication.To ensure the transfer during the manufacture of pods 1 during training, the installation also includes displacement means. As shown in FIG. 3, these displacement means can comprise a rolling strip 21 allowing the chain of studs 7 able to receive the bowls 9 by means of a cavity 8. The chain of studs 7 thus formed allows progressive advancement pods 1 during their manufacture.
Selon l'invention, l'installation comprend des moyens particuliers pour déposer une dose 4 dans chaque cuvette 9.According to the invention, the installation comprises specific means for depositing a dose 4 in each bowl 9.
A cet effet, ces moyens pourront être constitués d'un ou plusieurs ensembles repérés 10 en figure 3. La figure 1 montre une vue plus détaillée de tels ensembles 10.To this end, these means may consist of one or more assemblies marked 10 in FIG. 3. FIG. 1 shows a more detailed view of such assemblies 10.
Ceux-ci, dont le nombre n'est pas limité pour permettre la formation de doses 4 simultanées et en parallèle, comprennent chacun un compartiment de réserve 11 et un dispositif à tiroir 12 tels qu'illustrés également en figure 1.These, the number of which is not limited to allow the formation of simultaneous and parallel doses 4, each include a reserve compartment 11 and a drawer device 12 as also illustrated in FIG. 1.
Le compartiment de réserve 11 assure le stockage du produit à infuser 5. Il permet par ailleurs de délivrer une quantité du produit à infuser 5 vers le dispositif à tiroir 12 par le biais d'une évacuation 22.The reserve compartment 11 stores the product to be infused 5. It also makes it possible to deliver a quantity of the product to be infused 5 to the drawer device 12 by means of an outlet 22.
Le dispositif à tiroir 12 comprend quant à lui un trou de réception 14 de la dose 4 situé en vis à vis de l'évacuation 22 du compartiment de réserve 11.The drawer device 12 comprises, for its part, a hole 14 for receiving the dose 4 located opposite the discharge 22 from the reserve compartment 11.
Tel qu'illustré en figure 1, le trou de réception 14 a une configuration identique à celle de la dose finale 4 à constituer .As illustrated in FIG. 1, the receiving hole 14 has a configuration identical to that of the final dose 4 to be formed.
Le dispositif à tiroir 12 comprend une partie essentielle appelée tiroir 13 apte à être mis en translation une fois que le trou de réception 14 est rempli de la dose 4. Par ce mouvement de translation, le trou de réception 14 peut venir en regard d'une ouverture 23 formée sur l'ensemble 10 afin de délivrer la dose 4 vers la cuvette 9 constituée sur la feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2.The drawer device 12 comprises an essential part called drawer 13 capable of being put into translation once the receiving hole 14 is filled with the dose 4. By this translational movement, the receiving hole 14 can come opposite an opening 23 formed on the assembly 10 in order to deliver the dose 4 to the cuvette 9 formed on the lower sheet of filter paper 2.
On assiste donc à un mouvement de va et vient du tiroir 13. L'usage de plusieurs ensembles 10 juxtaposés ou, dans un mode de réalisation préféré, d'un seul ensemble 10 comportant plusieurs groupes de trous de réception 14, d'évacuation 22 et d'ouverture 23, permet la réalisation simultanée de plusieurs doses et leur délivrance en parallèle sur la feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2.There is therefore a back and forth movement of the drawer 13. The use of several sets 10 juxtaposed or, in a preferred embodiment, of a single set 10 comprising several groups of receiving holes 14, evacuation 22 and opening 23, allows the simultaneous production of several doses and their delivery in parallel on the lower filter paper sheet 2.
La figure 2 présente cette possibilité de réalisation assurant une grande productivité.Figure 2 shows this possibility of realization ensuring high productivity.
Des moyens d'éjection 15 repérés en figure 1 sont présents pour éjecter la dose 4 hors du trou de réception lorsque celui- ci parvient en vis-à-vis de l'ouverture 23 formée au bas dans l'ensemble 10 et débouchant sur les cuvettes 9.Ejection means 15 identified in Figure 1 are present to eject the dose 4 out of the receiving hole when it this arrives opposite the opening 23 formed at the bottom in the assembly 10 and leading to the bowls 9.
Un piston 35 réalise les moyens d'éjection 15 par une mobilité axiale entre une position relevée de repos et une position abaissée traversant l'ouverture 23 pour dégager l'intégralité de la dose, la tasser et la mettre en forme.A piston 35 produces the ejection means 15 by axial mobility between a raised position of rest and a lowered position passing through the opening 23 to release the entire dose, pack it and shape it.
Le tiroir 13 et le piston 35 sont avantageusement entraînés par un seul arbre moteur 51 ce qui assure une synchronisation des mouvements suffisamment sûre pour éviter tout blocage ou dysfonctionnement.The slide 13 and the piston 35 are advantageously driven by a single motor shaft 51 which ensures a synchronization of movements which is sufficiently safe to avoid any blockage or malfunction.
Des moyens de transmission de mouvement entre l'arbre moteur 51 et respectivement le tiroir 13 et le piston35 sont aussi prévus.Movement transmission means between the drive shaft 51 and the slide 13 and the piston 35 respectively are also provided.
A titre préféré, il s'agit d'un système à cames 37, 38 montées sur l'arbre moteur 51.As a preference, it is a cam system 37, 38 mounted on the motor shaft 51.
En se référant aux figures 4 et 5, la translation du pistonReferring to Figures 4 and 5, the translation of the piston
35 est produite par la came 37 sur le profil de laquelle circule un galet 41 lié au piston 35 par le biais d'un cadre35 is produced by the cam 37 on the profile of which circulates a roller 41 linked to the piston 35 by means of a frame
40.' De façon connue en soi, la came transforme la rotation de l'arbre 51 en translation du piston 35.40. ' In a manner known per se, the cam transforms the rotation of the shaft 51 into translation of the piston 35.
Concernant le tiroir 13, la came 38 montée sur l'arbre moteur 51 entraîne, par une extrémité, un levier 42 relié (par pivot) au profil de la came 38 par un galet 44.As regards the slide 13, the cam 38 mounted on the motor shaft 51 drives, at one end, a lever 42 connected (by pivot) to the profile of the cam 38 by a roller 44.
A sa deuxième extrémité, le levier 42 est en liaison pivot avec une biellette 45 solidaire du tiroir 13 directement ou par l'intermédiaire d'une pièce de liaison 48.At its second end, the lever 42 is in pivot connection with a link 45 secured to the drawer 13 directly or by means of a connecting piece 48.
Un pivot 43 assure le mouvement oscillant du levier 42 au cours de la rotation de l'arbre moteur 51 et de la came 38.A pivot 43 ensures the oscillating movement of the lever 42 during the rotation of the motor shaft 51 and of the cam 38.
Des butées avant et arrière limitent avantageusement l'amplitude de l'oscillation du levier 42 et donc la translation du tiroir 13.Front and rear stops advantageously limit the amplitude of the oscillation of the lever 42 and therefore the translation of the drawer 13.
. L'arbre moteur 51 est quant à lui l'arbre de sortie de toute motorisation courante, particulièrement un moteur électrique . Pour assurer le transfert optimal de la dose 4 vers une cavité 8 et éviter sa chute brutale, il est avantageux d'abaisser l'ensemble 10 (au moins pour ses parties constitutives les plus proches des cavités 8) lors de l'éjection, à un niveau affleurant.. The motor shaft 51 is itself the output shaft of any current motorization, particularly an electric motor. To ensure optimal transfer of the dose 4 to a cavity 8 and avoid its sudden fall, it is advantageous to lower the assembly 10 (at least for its constituent parts closest to the cavities 8) during ejection, to a flush level.
Pour ce faire, le ou les ensembles 10 sont mobiles selon une direction orthogonale aux moyens de support et de formation des cuvettes 9, correspondant aussi à la direction de translation du piston 35. Comme pour le tiroir 13 et le piston 35, l'ensemble 10 peut être mu par l'arbre moteur 51, avec une transmission de mouvement par came.To do this, the assembly or assemblies 10 are movable in a direction orthogonal to the means for supporting and forming the cups 9, also corresponding to the direction of translation of the piston 35. As for the drawer 13 and the piston 35, the assembly 10 can be driven by the drive shaft 51, with a cam motion transmission.
A ce sujet, les figures 6 et 7 montrent une came 39 entraînant par pivot sur son profil, par un galet 49, une tige 50 solidaire de l'ensemble 10. Bien entendu, la tige 50 est seulement illustrative d'un exemple de transmission du mouvement vers l'ensemble 10.In this regard, Figures 6 and 7 show a cam 39 driving by pivot on its profile, by a roller 49, a rod 50 integral with the assembly 10. Of course, the rod 50 is only illustrative of an example of transmission movement towards the whole 10.
En se référant aux figures 4 à 9, on note que les profils asymétriques des cames sont adaptés aux mouvements à produire, notamment quant à leur amplitude. Le positionnement angulaire relatif des cames détermine par ailleurs la succession des mouvements du tiroir 13, du piston 35 et de l'ensemble 10.Referring to Figures 4 to 9, it is noted that the asymmetrical profiles of the cams are adapted to the movements to be produced, in particular as to their amplitude. The relative angular positioning of the cams also determines the succession of movements of the slide 13, the piston 35 and the assembly 10.
Les figures 4 à 9 illustrent le cas d'un ensemble 10 relevé, d'un piston 35 au repos et d'un tiroir à mi-chemin. Avantageusement, les systèmes à cames 37, 38, 39 décrits précédemment sont doublés, aux deux extrémités de l'arbre moteur 51 pour une meilleure répartition des efforts.Figures 4 to 9 illustrate the case of a set 10 raised, a piston 35 at rest and a drawer halfway. Advantageously, the cam systems 37, 38, 39 described above are doubled, at the two ends of the motor shaft 51 for a better distribution of the forces.
Toujours de façon préférée, une ou plusieurs pâles 52 sont animées d'un mouvement de rotation sensiblement verticale (suivant l'axe du trou de réception 14). La pâle 52 passant à proximité du trou 14 répartit l'acheminement du produit vers le trou 14.Still preferably, one or more blades 52 are driven in a substantially vertical rotational movement (along the axis of the receiving hole 14). The blade 52 passing near the hole 14 distributes the routing of the product towards the hole 14.
La figure 6 illustre un mode de réalisation d'une pâle 52 ainsi que son entraînement par pignons et arbre tournant. La présente installation permet également, selon une variante, de produire des doses 4 de hauteurs différentes, en modifiant la hauteur du tiroir 13.FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a blade 52 as well as its drive by pinions and rotating shaft. The present installation also makes it possible, according to a variant, to produce doses 4 of different heights, by modifying the height of the drawer 13.
Pour s'adapter à ces variations de hauteur et pour s'appliquer précisément sur le tiroir 13, l'évacuation 22 aura une. configuration particulière.To adapt to these height variations and to apply precisely to the drawer 13, the discharge 22 will have a . particular configuration.
Dans ce cadre et comme illustré à la figure 6 l'évacuation 22 a une périphérie interne constituée d'une chemise 55 préférentiellement sous forme d'une bague (pour des doses 4 au profil circulaire) .In this context and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the discharge 22 has an internal periphery consisting of a jacket 55 preferably in the form of a ring (for doses 4 with a circular profile).
La chemise 55 est un guide de translation pour un conduit 53 ajusté et mobile dans celle-ci.The jacket 55 is a translation guide for a conduit 53 adjusted and movable therein.
Un épaulement 5βa a sur la chemise 55, un épaulement 56b sur le conduit 53 ainsi qu'un ressort 54 de compression mettent en suspension le conduit 53 qui s'applique sur la surface supérieure du tiroir 13. Selon la hauteur de ce dernier, le ressort 54 est plus ou moins comprimé.A shoulder 5βa a on the jacket 55, a shoulder 56b on the conduit 53 as well as a compression spring 54 suspend the conduit 53 which is applied to the upper surface of the drawer 13. Depending on the height of the latter, the spring 54 is more or less compressed.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le compartiment de réserve 11 comprend un vérin de prétassage 16. Comme représenté, le vérin de prétassage 16 se situe au- dessus de l'évacuation 22.According to one embodiment, the reserve compartment 11 comprises a pre-pressing cylinder 16. As shown, the pre-pressing cylinder 16 is located above the outlet 22.
De cette façon, le vérin de prétassage 16 peut être actionné pour faciliter le remplissage du trou de réception 14 et éventuellement effectuer un premier tassage de la dose 4 du produit à infuser 5.In this way, the pre-pressing cylinder 16 can be actuated to facilitate filling of the receiving hole 14 and possibly carrying out a first packing of the dose 4 of the product to be infused 5.
Pour améliorer encore le fonctionnement de ces ensembles 10, la pression d'alimentation du vérin de prétassage 16 peut être réglable afin d'ajuster la densité de la dose 4.To further improve the operation of these assemblies 10, the supply pressure of the pre-pressing cylinder 16 can be adjustable in order to adjust the density of the dose 4.
En effet, en tassant plus le produit à infuser 5, il est possible d'augmenter la masse volumique finale de la dose 4.In fact, by packing more of the product to be infused 5, it is possible to increase the final density by dose 4.
Par ce biais, il est également possible d'assurer une régulation en continu du poids des dosettes fabriquées.Through this, it is also possible to ensure continuous regulation of the weight of the manufactured pods.
Ainsi, l'installation comprendra des moyens de pesage 19, constitués par tout moyen courant, permettant la récupération d'une information 20 de mesure du poids. Cet Le information de mesure du poids 20 peut être récupérée et traitée au niveau d'un automate programmable 18. Cette transmission de signal est reflétée en figure 1. L'automate programmable est apte, éventuellement après des opérations statistiques, à agir sur la pression d'alimentation du vérin de prétassage 16 afin d'en assurer le rétrocontrôle selon la consigne de poids fixée.Thus, the installation will include weighing means 19, constituted by any current means, allowing recovery weight measurement information 20. This Weight measurement information 20 can be retrieved and processed at the level of a programmable controller 18. This signal transmission is reflected in FIG. 1. The programmable controller is able, possibly after statistical operations, to act on the pressure for supplying the pre-pressing cylinder 16 in order to ensure the feedback thereof according to the set weight setpoint.
Comme indiqué précédemment, les dosettes individuelles 1 peuvent comporter un élément de renfort intercalé entre les deux feuilles de papier filtre 2 et 3 sur le pourtour de la dose 4 de produit à infuser 5.As indicated above, the individual pods 1 may include a reinforcing element interposed between the two sheets of filter paper 2 and 3 around the periphery of the dose 4 of product to be infused 5.
Pour ce faire, l'installation selon l'invention pourra permettre l'amenée et l'utilisation d'une bande de renfort 24 telle qu'apparaissant en figure 2.To do this, the installation according to the invention could allow the supply and use of a reinforcing strip 24 as shown in FIG. 2.
Dans un mode préféré de réalisation, la bande de renfort est une bande de carton dont les deux faces sont recouvertes d'un film thermoplastique.In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing strip is a strip of cardboard, the two faces of which are covered with a thermoplastic film.
Pour mettre en œuvre une telle bande de renfort 24, l'installation comprendra des moyens d'amenée 25 de cette bande de renfort, par exemple constitués de façon similaire aux moyens 6 pour amener les feuilles de papier filtre supérieure et inférieure 2,3.To implement such a reinforcing strip 24, the installation will include means 25 for supplying this reinforcing strip, for example formed in a similar manner to the means 6 for bringing the upper and lower filter paper sheets 2,3.
L'invention comprendra également des moyens de découpe 26 de la bande de renfort 24 pour y former des découpes 27 d'une configuration adaptée à celle des doses 4. Ces découpes 27 viendront en vis à vis des cuvettes 9 formées sur la feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2 de façon à entourer la dose 4.The invention will also include means 26 for cutting the reinforcing strip 24 in order to form cuts 27 there of a configuration adapted to that of the doses 4. These cuts 27 will face the bowls 9 formed on the sheet of paper lower filter 2 so as to surround the dose 4.
Des moyens de découpe 26 courants pourront être mis en œuvre notamment par une méthode à l'emporte-pièce.Common cutting means 26 could be implemented in particular by a cookie cutter method.
L'installation comprendra en outre des moyens d'assemblage de la bande de renfort 24 avec les feuilles de papier filtre 2 et 3. L'assemblage s'effectue préférentiellement sur le pourtour de la dose 4 au niveau de la bande de renfort 24.The installation will also include means for assembling the reinforcing strip 24 with the sheets of filter paper 2 and 3. The assembly is preferably carried out on the periphery of the dose 4 at the level of the reinforcing strip 24.
Dans un mode préféré de réalisation illustré en figure 3, les moyens d'assemblage sont constitués de têtes chauffantes 28 aptes à venir s'appliquer sur le pourtour de la dose 4 et à assembler par thermocollage les feuilles de papier filtre 2, 3 et la bande de renfort 24.In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the assembly means consist of heating heads 28 able to come to be applied around the periphery of the dose 4 and to assemble by fusing the sheets of filter paper 2, 3 and the reinforcement strip 24.
Pour assurer un thermocollage efficace, la bande de renfortTo ensure effective heat sealing, the reinforcing strip
24 sera préférentiellement constituée d'une bande de carton dont les deux faces sont recouvertes d'un film thermoplastique.24 will preferably consist of a cardboard strip, the two faces of which are covered with a thermoplastic film.
Lors de la fabrication des dosettes 1, les feuilles de papier filtre 2 et 3 subissent des déformations qui les sollicitent fortement. C'est essentiellement le cas lors de la formation des cuvettes 9 sur la feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2 et lors de la couverture de la dose 4 par la feuille de papier filtre supérieure 3 qui doit épouser la forme bombée de la dose 4.During the manufacture of pods 1, the sheets of filter paper 2 and 3 undergo deformations which place them under heavy stress. This is essentially the case when the cups 9 are formed on the lower filter paper sheet 2 and when the dose 4 is covered by the upper filter paper sheet 3 which must conform to the domed shape of the dose 4.
Pour éviter que ces sollicitations produisent des arrachements des feuilles de papier filtre 2 et 3, l'invention pourra comprendre des moyens d'avance supplémentaires 29.To avoid these stresses producing tearing of the sheets of filter paper 2 and 3, the invention may include additional means of advance 29.
Tels que représentés en figure 3, sous forme d'un rouleau d'entraînement, les moyens d'avance 29 sont aptes à augmenter la vitesse de déplacement de la feuille de papier filtre 2 ou 3 relativement à la bande de renfort 24 avant leur assemblage. ' On constate ainsi en aval des moyens d'avance supplémentaire 29 la formation d'un relâchement 30 sur la feuille de papier filtre 2 permettant d'éviter de trop fortes tensions lors des formations des cuvettes 9.As shown in FIG. 3, in the form of a drive roller, the advance means 29 are capable of increasing the speed of movement of the sheet of filter paper 2 or 3 relative to the reinforcing strip 24 before their assembly. . ' It is thus found downstream of the additional advance means 29 the formation of a loosening 30 on the sheet of filter paper 2 making it possible to avoid excessively high tensions during the formation of the bowls 9.
Les moyens d'avance supplémentaire 29 permettent de limiter les contraintes appliquées en tension sur les feuilles de papier filtre dans le sens du déplacement de ces feuilles.The additional advance means 29 make it possible to limit the stresses applied in tension on the sheets of filter paper in the direction of movement of these sheets.
Pour obtenir le même résultat dans le sens transverse au déplacement, l'invention pourra en outre comprendre des moyens pour fendre au moins partiellement la ou les feuilles de papier filtre 2,3 à proximité des cuvettes 9. Comme représenté en figure 2 en trait pointillé, les fentes 31 réalisées s'orienteront suivant la direction du déplacement des feuilles et offrent une liberté de mouvement interne supplémentaire aux feuilles de papier filtre 2 et 3.To obtain the same result in the direction transverse to the movement, the invention may further comprise means for at least partially splitting the sheet or sheets of paper. filter 2,3 near the bowls 9. As shown in FIG. 2 in a dotted line, the slots 31 produced will orient in the direction of movement of the sheets and offer additional freedom of internal movement to the sheets of filter paper 2 and 3.
Les moyens pour fendre pourront par exemple être constitués d'un rouleau comportant à sa périphérie des tranchants s' appliquant sous pression sur les feuilles de papier filtre 2 et 3. Dans le cadre d'une utilisation d'une bande de renfort 24, les moyens de découpe 26 pourront en outre comprendre des moyens aptes à perforer la bande de renfort 24 à espace régulier. On forme ainsi des trous 32 alignés et uniformément répartis dans la direction de déplacement sur la bande de renfort 24 tel que cela apparaît également en figure 2.The means for splitting may for example consist of a roller comprising at its periphery cutting edges applying under pressure to the sheets of filter paper 2 and 3. In the context of the use of a reinforcing strip 24, the cutting means 26 may further comprise means capable of perforating the reinforcing strip 24 at regular space. Holes 32 are thus formed aligned and uniformly distributed in the direction of movement on the reinforcing strip 24 as also appears in FIG. 2.
Les trous 32 peuvent coopérer avec un ou plusieurs rouleaux à picot 33 dont les picots s'insèrent dans les trousThe holes 32 can cooperate with one or more spike rollers 33 whose pins are inserted in the holes
32 pour assurer un positionnement régulier et éventuellement un entraînement de la bande de renfort 24. Dans un mode préférentiel de réalisation, on fait coopérer les alignements de trous 32 avec les fentes 31 formées sur les feuilles de papier filtre supérieure et inférieure 2, 3. De cette façon, la mise en place des picots des rouleaux à picots32 to ensure regular positioning and possibly driving of the reinforcing strip 24. In a preferred embodiment, the alignments of holes 32 are made to cooperate with the slots 31 formed on the upper and lower filter paper sheets 2, 3. In this way, the positioning of the pins of the pin rollers
33 dans les trous 32 peut être effectuée sans devoir perforer les feuilles de papier filtre 2,3.33 in the holes 32 can be made without having to perforate the sheets of filter paper 2,3.
Suivant un autre mode de réalisation, l'installation ici présentée comprend une tête d'injection 34 d'un gaz inerte au sein de la dose 4 de produit à infuser 5.According to another embodiment, the installation presented here comprises an injection head 34 for an inert gas within the dose 4 of product to be infused 5.
De cette façon, le gaz inerte injecté évacue l'oxygène résiduel présent dans la dose 4. On assure ainsi une meilleure conservation du café avec des qualités gustatives optimales.In this way, the injected inert gas evacuates the residual oxygen present in the dose 4. This therefore ensures better preservation of the coffee with optimal taste qualities.
Préférentiellement , on utilisera de l'azote comme gaz inerte. Le fonctionnement de l'installation selon la présente invention peut s'articuler suivant les étapes décrites ci-après et selon le procédé de fabrication selon l'invention.Preferably, nitrogen will be used as the inert gas. The operation of the installation according to the present invention can be articulated according to the steps described below and according to the manufacturing method according to the invention.
Dans un premier temps, on amène les deux feuilles de papier filtre 2,3 depuis des moyens de stockage.First, the two sheets of filter paper 2,3 are brought from storage means.
Sur la première feuille de papier filtre, la feuille inférieure 2, on forme des cuvettes 9. Durant cette étape, la feuille de papier filtre 2 est supportée par exemple par le biais d'une bande roulante 21 comportant une série de plots 7 dotés de cavités 8 où s'intègrent les cuvettes 9.On the first sheet of filter paper, the lower sheet 2, cups 9 are formed. During this step, the sheet of filter paper 2 is supported for example by means of a rolling strip 21 comprising a series of pads 7 provided with cavities 8 where the bowls 9 are integrated.
Lorsque les cuvettes 9 sont formées, on dépose une dose 4 du produit à infuser 5.When the bowls 9 are formed, a dose 4 of the product to be infused 5 is deposited.
Ensuite, on déplace les dosettes 1 en cours de formation vers des étapes de fabrication suivantes. En ce qui concerne le dépôt d'une dose 4 du produit à infuser 5, l'invention a la particularité de comporter les étapes suivantes :Then, the pods 1 are moved during training to the following manufacturing steps. As regards the deposit of a dose 4 of the product to be infused 5, the invention has the particularity of comprising the following stages:
- on stocke le produit à infuser 5 dans un compartiment de réserve 11 - on évacue une dose 4 depuis ce compartiment de réserve 11 vers un trou de réception 14 constitué dans un dispositif à tiroir 13.- the product to be infused 5 is stored in a reserve compartment 11 - a dose 4 is discharged from this reserve compartment 11 to a receiving hole 14 formed in a drawer device 13.
- on effectue ensuite un mouvement de translation du tiroir 12 pour amener la dose 4 présente dans le trou de réception 14 vers un emplacement où on l'éjecte vers la cuvette 9. Cet emplacement peut être constitué par une ouverture 23 formée en partie inférieure de l'ensemble 10.- Then a translational movement of the drawer 12 is carried out to bring the dose 4 present in the receiving hole 14 to a location where it is ejected towards the bowl 9. This location can be constituted by an opening 23 formed in the lower part of the set 10.
L'éjection et éventuellement un tassage de la dose 4 peut être effectué par le biais de moyens d'éjection 15 sous forme d'un piston 35 translatif.The ejection and optionally a compression of the dose 4 can be carried out by means of ejection 15 in the form of a translating piston 35.
Pour faciliter la constitution de la dose 4 dans le trou de réception 14, un prétassage du produit à infuser 5 peut être réalisé lors de son évacuation. Par ailleurs, on peut régler la pression du prétassage réalisé par un vérin de prétassage 16 de façon à faire varier la densité de la dose 4 suivant une consigne voulue.To facilitate the constitution of the dose 4 in the receiving hole 14, pre-brewing of the product to be infused 5 can be carried out during its evacuation. Furthermore, the pre-pressing pressure produced by a pre-pressing cylinder 16 can be adjusted so as to vary the density of the dose 4 according to a desired set point.
Dans ce sens, il est particulièrement avantageux de réaliser un rétrocontrôle du poids des doses 4 du produit à infuser 5.In this sense, it is particularly advantageous to perform a feedback check on the weight of the doses 4 of the product to be infused 5.
Pour ce faire, on pèse tout ou partie des dosettes fabriquées 1 et, par exploitation du signal de mesure 20 qui en ressort, on régule la pression de prétassage selon les écarts constatés entre les pesées et la consigne de poids fixée.To do this, all or part of the manufactured pods 1 are weighed and, by using the measurement signal 20 which emerges therefrom, the pre-pressing pressure is regulated according to the deviations observed between the weighings and the set weight target.
Suivant le mode de réalisation où les dosettes 1 comprennent un élément de rigidité sur le pourtour de la dose 4, on amène une bande de renfort 24.According to the embodiment where the pods 1 comprise a stiffening element around the periphery of the dose 4, a reinforcing strip 24 is brought.
On assure ensuite une découpe dans la bande de renfort 24 en adaptant la configuration de ces découpes à la configuration des doses.A cut is then made in the reinforcement strip 24 by adapting the configuration of these cuts to the configuration of the doses.
On ajuste ensuite la position des découpes ainsi réalisées vis à vis des cuvettes 9 formées sur la feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2. On peut ensuite poser la bande de renfort 24 sur la feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2 puis venir positionner la feuille de papier filtre supérieure 3 sur la face supérieure de la bande de renfort 24.The position of the cutouts thus produced is then adjusted with respect to the cups 9 formed on the lower filter paper sheet 2. We can then place the reinforcement strip 24 on the lower filter paper sheet 2 and then position the filter paper sheet upper 3 on the upper face of the reinforcing strip 24.
La bande de renfort 24 se trouve alors intercalée entre les deux feuilles de papier filtre 2, 3 puis elles sont assemblées.The reinforcing strip 24 is then interposed between the two sheets of filter paper 2, 3 and then they are assembled.
A noter que préférentiellement, l'étape de superposition de la bande de renfort 24 et de la feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2 s'effectue avant le dépôt de la dose 4 du produit à infuser 5. Cependant, cette solution n'est pas limitative. Dans un mode préféré, la bande de renfort comprend deux faces recouvertes d'un film thermoplastique de façon à pouvoir l'assembler aux feuilles de papier filtre 2, 3 par thermocollage . On résume ci-après de façon successive les étapes de transformation de la dosette 1 au cours de sa fabrication.Note that preferably, the step of superimposing the reinforcing strip 24 and the lower filter paper sheet 2 is carried out before depositing the dose 4 of the product to be infused 5. However, this solution is not limiting . In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing strip comprises two faces covered with a thermoplastic film so as to be able to assemble it to the sheets of filter paper 2, 3 by heat sealing. The steps for transforming the pod 1 during its manufacture are summarized successively.
On amène tout d'abord une feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2 par le biais de moyens d'amenée 6. Dans le cas où une bande de renfort 24 est utilisée, celle- ci est également amenée par des moyens 25 pouvant être de conception similaire.First of all, a lower sheet of filter paper 2 is brought in by feeding means 6. In the case where a reinforcing strip 24 is used, this is also brought in by means 25 which may be of similar design. .
Au cours de son amenée, la bande de renfort 24 subit des découpes 27 par le biais de moyens de découpe 26. La bande de renfort 24 et la feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2 sont alors sensiblement superposées.During its supply, the reinforcing strip 24 undergoes cuts 27 by means of cutting means 26. The reinforcing strip 24 and the lower filter paper sheet 2 are then substantially superimposed.
De façon préférentielle, on entraîne à une vitesse légèrement supérieure la feuille de papier filtre 2 vis à vis de la bande de renfort 24. Il s'ensuit alors un relâchement 30 comme représenté en figure 3 avant l'étape d'assemblage.Preferably, the filter paper sheet 2 is driven at a slightly higher speed with respect to the reinforcing strip 24. It then loosens as shown in FIG. 3 before the assembly step.
On forme alors les cuvettes 9 sur la surface de la feuille de papier filtre inférieure 2.The bowls 9 are then formed on the surface of the lower filter paper sheet 2.
Puis, on effectue l'assemblage notamment par thermocollage de la feuille de papier filtre 2 et de la bande de renfort 24. L' avance de cet ensemble se poursuit alors vers les moyens aptes à déposer une dose 4 de produit à infuser 5.Then, the assembly is carried out in particular by heat-bonding the sheet of filter paper 2 and the reinforcing strip 24. The advance of this assembly then continues towards the means capable of depositing a dose 4 of product to be infused 5.
Ce dépôt s'effectue par l'évacuation d'une quantité de produit à infuser 5 dans un trou de réception 14 formé sur un tiroir 12. Ce tiroir 12 subit ensuite un mouvement de translation vers une zone d'éjection où la dose 4 sera déposée dans la cuvette 9. Avantageusement, l'ensemble 10 est abaissé pour une éjection de la dose 4 à proximité de la cuvette 9.This deposition is carried out by the evacuation of a quantity of product to be infused 5 into a receiving hole 14 formed on a drawer 12. This drawer 12 then undergoes a translational movement towards an ejection zone where the dose 4 will be deposited in the bowl 9. Advantageously, the assembly 10 is lowered for ejection of the dose 4 near the bowl 9.
Il s'agit alors de recouvrir la dosette 1 de la feuille de papier filtre supérieure 3. Pour ce faire, des moyens d'amenée 6 assurent l'arrivée de la -feuille de papier filtre supérieure 3 au-dessus de la dosette 1 ainsi partiellement constituée.It is then a matter of covering the pod 1 with the upper filter paper sheet 3. To do this, supply means 6 ensure the arrival of the upper filter paper sheet 3 above the pod 1 as well. partially incorporated.
En appliquant une tête chauffante 28 au-dessus de la feuille de papier filtre supérieure 3, on assure sa déformation pour épouser la surface supérieure de la dose 4 et son assemblage par thermocollage sur les pourtours de la dose 4.By applying a heating head 28 above the upper filter paper sheet 3, its deformation is ensured to match the upper surface of dose 4 and its assembly by heat-bonding around the edges of dose 4.
Par la suite, il est possible d'évacuer l'oxygène résiduel au sein de la dose 4 par le biais d'une injection d'un gaz inerte tel que de l'azote.Thereafter, it is possible to evacuate the residual oxygen within the dose 4 by means of an injection of an inert gas such as nitrogen.
On forme ainsi une nappe de dosettes 1 qui sont utilisables après découpe. Cette découpe peut être effectuée après les étapes décrites ci-dessus pour constituer des dosettes individuelles . Tel que cela vient d'être décrit, on réalise des dosettes 1 en série et alignées suivant le sens de déplacement de 1' installation.A sheet of pods 1 is thus formed which can be used after cutting. This cutting can be performed after the steps described above to form individual pods. As has just been described, pods 1 are produced in series and aligned in the direction of movement of the installation.
De façon préférentielle, on réalisera en outre une fabrication en parallèle de plusieurs lignes ou séries des dosettes 1 ici présentées.Preferably, a parallel production of several lines or series of pods 1 here presented will also be carried out.
La figure 2 présente la réalisation de quatre dosettes en parallèle . Figure 2 shows the realization of four pods in parallel.
REFERENCESREFERENCES
1. dosette1. pod
2. feuille de papier filtre inférieure 3. feuille de papier filtre supérieure2. lower filter paper sheet 3. upper filter paper sheet
4. dose de produit à infuser4. dose of product to infuse
5. produit à infuser5. product to infuse
6. moyens d'amenée des feuilles6. means of feeding the leaves
7. plot 8. cavité7. stud 8. cavity
9. cuvette9. bowl
10. ensemble10. together
11. compartiment de réserve11. reserve compartment
12. dispositif à tiroir 13. tiroir12. drawer device 13. drawer
14. trou de réception14. receiving hole
15. moyens d'éjection à piston15. piston ejection means
16. vérin de prétassage16. pre-pressing cylinder
17. électrovannes commandées 18. automate programmable17. controlled solenoid valves 18. programmable controller
19. moyens de pesage19. weighing means
20. mesure du poids20. weight measurement
21. bande roulante21. tread
22. évacuation 23. ouverture22. evacuation 23. opening
24. bande de renfort24. reinforcement strip
25. moyens d'amenée de la bande de renfort25. means for supplying the reinforcing strip
26. moyens de découpe26. cutting means
27. découpe 28. tête chauffante27. cutout 28. heating head
29. moyens d'avance supplémentaire29. additional means of advance
30. relâchement30. relaxation
31. fentes31. slots
32. trous 33. rouleaux à picots32. holes 33. spiked rollers
34. tête d'injection34. injection head
35. piston 37. came 38. came35. piston 37. cam 38. cam
39. came39. cam
40. cadre40. frame
41. galet41. pebble
42. levier 43. pivot42. lever 43. pivot
44. galet44. pebble
45. biellette45. link
48. pièce de liaison48. connecting piece
49. galet 50. tige49. roller 50. rod
51. arbre moteur51. motor shaft
52. pâle52. pale
53. conduit53. leads
54. ressort 55. chemise54. spring 55. shirt
56a, 56b. épaulement 56a, 56b. shoulder

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Installation pour la fabrication de dosettes individuelles (1) renfermant, entre deux feuilles de papier filtre, l'une inférieure (2) et l'autre supérieure (3), une dose (4) de produit à infuser (5) tel du café moulu, ladite installation comportant : a - des moyens d'amenée (6) des feuilles de papier filtre supérieure et inférieure (2, 3) , b - des moyens de support et de formation de cuvettes (9) sur la feuille de papier filtre inférieure (2), c - des moyens pour déposer une dose (4) du produit à infuser dans chaque cuvette (9), d - et des moyens de déplacement de dosettes (1) au cours de leur fabrication, caractérisée par le fait que1. Installation for the manufacture of individual pods (1) containing, between two sheets of filter paper, one lower (2) and the other upper (3), a dose (4) of product to be infused (5) such ground coffee, said installation comprising: a - means for feeding (6) sheets of upper and lower filter paper (2, 3), b - means for supporting and forming bowls (9) on the sheet of lower filter paper (2), c - means for depositing a dose (4) of the product to be infused in each bowl (9), d - and means for moving pods (1) during their manufacture, characterized by the make that
1° - les moyens pour déposer une dose dans chaque cuvette sont constitués d'un ou plusieurs ensembles (10) formés :1 ° - the means for depositing a dose in each cuvette consist of one or more assemblies (10) formed:
- d'un compartiment de réserve (11) du produit à infuser (5) doté d'une évacuation (22) pour la délivrance d'une dose- a reserve compartment (11) of the product to be infused (5) provided with a discharge (22) for the delivery of a dose
(4) ,(4),
- d'un dispositif à tiroir (12) placé sous le compartiment de réserve (11) et dont le tiroir (13), pourvu d'un trou de réception (14) de la dose (4), ledit tiroir (13) étant apte par un mouvement de translation à amener la dose (4) vers des moyens d'éjection (15) à piston (35) translatif.- a drawer device (12) placed under the reserve compartment (11) and including the drawer (13), provided with a receiving hole (14) of the dose (4), said drawer (13) being adapted by a translational movement to bring the dose (4) to ejection means (15) with piston (35) translative.
2° - elle comprend un arbre moteur (51) unique pour l'entraînement du tiroir (13) et du piston (35) dans leurs mouvements de translation, et des moyens de transmission de mouvement entre d'une part l'arbre (51) et d'autre part le tiroir (13) et le piston (35) .2 ° - it comprises a single drive shaft (51) for driving the slide (13) and the piston (35) in their translational movements, and movement transmission means between on the one hand the shaft (51 ) and on the other hand the drawer (13) and the piston (35).
2. Installation pour la fabrication de dosettes individuelles (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que : a - l'arbre moteur (51) est perpendiculaire aux directions de translation du piston (35) et du tiroir (13) ; b - les moyens de transmission entre l'arbre moteur (51) et le piston (35) sont au moins une came (37) montée sur l'arbre moteur (51) et reliée par son profil aux moyens d'éjection (15) ; c - les moyens de transmission entre l'arbre moteur (51) et le tiroir (13) comprennent au moins un système formé de : - une came (38) montée sur l'arbre moteur (51), un levier (42) relié, par pivot, par sa première extrémité à la came (38) au niveau de son profil et par sa seconde extrémité a une biellette (45) entraînant le tiroir (13) - un pivot (43) de montage du levier (42), situe entre ses deux extrémités et assurant un mouvement oscillatoire, d - le profil des cames (37, 38) a une asymétrie adaptée à l'amplitude souhaitée du mouvement de translation du tiroir (13) et du piston (35) .2. Installation for the production of individual pods (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that that: a - the drive shaft (51) is perpendicular to the directions of translation of the piston (35) and of the slide (13); b - the transmission means between the motor shaft (51) and the piston (35) are at least one cam (37) mounted on the motor shaft (51) and connected by its profile to the ejection means (15) ; c - the means of transmission between the motor shaft (51) and the slide (13) comprise at least one system formed by: - a cam (38) mounted on the motor shaft (51), a lever (42) connected , by pivot, by its first end to the cam (38) at its profile and by its second end has a link (45) driving the drawer (13) - a pivot (43) for mounting the lever (42), located between its two ends and ensuring an oscillatory movement, d - the profile of the cams (37, 38) has an asymmetry adapted to the desired amplitude of the translational movement of the slide (13) and of the piston (35).
3. Installation pour la fabrication de dosettes individuelles (1), selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée
Figure imgf000028_0001
que le ou les ensembles (10) sont mobiles en translation selon une direction orthogonale aux moyens de support et de formation de cuvettes (9), entre une position relevée et une position d'éjection affleurant les moyens de support et de formation de cuvettes (9).3. Installation for the production of individual pods (1), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized
Figure imgf000028_0001
that the assembly or assemblies (10) are movable in translation in a direction orthogonal to the support and bowl-forming means (9), between a raised position and an ejection position flush with the support and bowl-forming means ( 9).
4. Installation pour la fabrication de dosettes individuelles (1), selon la revendication 3, caractérisée par le fait que l'entraînement de l'ensemble (10) en translation est généré par l'arbre moteur (51) et transmis à l'ensemble (10) par des moyens de transmission. 4. Installation for the manufacture of individual pods (1), according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive of the assembly (10) in translation is generated by the motor shaft (51) and transmitted to the assembly (10) by transmission means.
5. Installation pour la fabrication de dosettes individuelles (1) , selon la revendication 4 en combinaison avec la revendication 2, caractérisée par le fait que les moyens de transmission entre l'arbre moteur (51) et l'ensemble (10) sont au moins une came (39) montée sur l'arbre moteur (51) et reliée par son profil à l'ensemble (10) .5. Installation for the manufacture of individual pods (1), according to claim 4 in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the transmission means between the motor shaft (51) and the assembly (10) are at at least one cam (39) mounted on the motor shaft (51) and connected by its profile to the assembly (10).
6. Installation pour la fabrication de dosettes individuelles (1), selon la revendication 4 ou 5, caractérisée par le fait que l'évacuation (22) comprend une chemise (55) périphérique solidaire du compartiment de réserve (11) et entourant un conduit (53) monté en suspension par ressort (54) dans la chemise (55) et dont l'extrémité inférieure s'applique sur le tiroir (13) , permettant une adaptation à différentes hauteurs de tiroir (13).6. Installation for the manufacture of individual pods (1), according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the discharge (22) comprises a jacket (55) peripheral secured to the reserve compartment (11) and surrounding a conduit (53) mounted in spring suspension (54) in the jacket (55) and the lower end of which is applied to the drawer (13), allowing adaptation to different heights of drawer (13).
7. Installation pour la fabrication de dosettes individuelles (1), selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisée par le fait que le compartiment de réserve (11) comporte au moins une pâle' (52) mue en rotation en rotation au-dessus de l'évacuation (22).7. Installation for the manufacture of individual pods (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the reserve compartment (11) comprises at least one pale ' (52) moved in rotation in rotation above the drain (22).
8. Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisée par le fait que le compartiment de réserve (11) intègre un vérin de prétassage (16) facilitant le remplissage du trou (14) et effectuant un premier tassage de la dose (4), et que la pression d'alimentation du vérin de prétassage (16) est réglable pour ajuster la densité de la dose (4) . 8. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the reserve compartment (11) incorporates a pre-pressing cylinder (16) facilitating the filling of the hole (14) and carrying out a first packing of the dose (4), and that the supply pressure of the pre-pressing cylinder (16) is adjustable to adjust the density of the dose (4).
9. Installation selon la revendication 8, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comprend des moyens de pesage (19) de la dosette (1) permettant le rétrocontrôle de la pression d'alimentation du vérin de prétassage (16) selon la consigne de poids fixée. 9. Installation according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises weighing means (19) of the pod (1) allowing the feedback of the supply pressure of the pre-pressing cylinder (16) according to the weight setpoint fixed.
10. Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comporte :10. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises:
- des moyens d'amenée (25) d'une bande de renfort (24) apte à s' intercaler entre les deux feuilles de papier filtre (2, 3) ;- supply means (25) of a reinforcing strip (24) capable of being inserted between the two sheets of filter paper (2, 3);
- des moyens de découpe (26) de la bande de renfort (24) pour y former des découpes (27) d'une configuration adaptée à celle des doses (4) et venant en vis à vis des cuvettes ;- Cutting means (26) of the reinforcing strip (24) for forming cutouts (27) of a configuration adapted to that of the doses (4) and facing the bowls;
- des moyens d'assemblage de la bande de renfort (24) avec les feuilles de papier filtre (2, 3), permettant la formation sur la dosette (1) d'un pourtour renforcé sur le plan de la rigidité.- Means for assembling the reinforcing strip (24) with the sheets of filter paper (2, 3), allowing the formation on the pod (1) of a periphery reinforced in terms of rigidity.
11. Installation selon la revendication 10 caractérisée, par le fait que la bande de renfort (24) est une bande de carton dont les deux faces sont recouvertes d' un film thermoplastique et que les moyens d'assemblage sont des têtes chauffantes (28) permettant le thermocollage de la bande de carton (24) sur les feuilles (2, 3) . 11. Installation according to claim 10 characterized in that the reinforcing strip (24) is a strip of cardboard, the two faces of which are covered with a thermoplastic film and that the assembly means are heating heads (28). allowing the cardboard strip (24) to be fused onto the sheets (2, 3).
12. Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 ou 11, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comporte des moyens d'avance (29) supplémentaire aptes a augmenter la vitesse de déplacement d'une ou des deux feuilles de papier filtre (2, 3) relativement à la bande de renfort (24) avant l'assemblage, de façon à créer un relâchement (30) de la feuille de papier filtre par rapport à la bande de renfort (24), ledit relâchement (30) évitant d'appliquer de trop fortes contraintes au papier filtre pendant l'assemblage. 12. Installation according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises additional means of advance (29) capable of increasing the speed of movement of one or two sheets of filter paper (2 , 3) relative to the reinforcing strip (24) before assembly, so as to create a loosening (30) of the sheet of filter paper relative to the reinforcing strip (24), said loosening (30) avoiding d '' apply too much stress to the filter paper during assembly.
13. Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 12, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle possède des moyens pour fendre au moins partiellement la ou les feuilles de papier filtre (2, 3) à proximité des cuvettes (9) et suivant la direction de leur déplacement, permettant de limiter les tensions au sein du papier filtre pendant l'assemblage.13. Installation according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that it has means for at least partially splitting the sheet or sheets of filter paper (2, 3) near the bowls (9) and following the direction of their displacement, to limit the tensions within the filter paper during assembly.
14. Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 13, caractérisée par le fait que les moyens de découpe (26) permettent en outre la formation de trous (32) alignés et uniformément répartis dans la direction de déplacement sur la bande de renfort (24), et que l'installation comporte un ou plusieurs rouleaux à picots (33) coopérant avec les trous (32) pour un entraînement sans mouvement indésirable de la bande de renfort (24) .14. Installation according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the cutting means (26) further allow the formation of holes (32) aligned and uniformly distributed in the direction of movement on the reinforcing strip (24), and that the installation comprises one or more spiked rollers (33) cooperating with the holes (32) for driving without undesirable movement of the reinforcing strip (24).
15. Installation selon revendication 14 en combinaison avec la revendication 13, caractérisée par le fait que la position latérale des trous (32) dans la bande de renfort (24) et des fentes (31) dans les feuilles de papier filtre (2,3) est identique.15. Installation according to claim 14 in combination with claim 13, characterized in that the lateral position of the holes (32) in the reinforcement strip (24) and of the slots (31) in the sheets of filter paper (2,3 ) is identical.
16. Procédé de fabrication de dosettes individuelles renfermant, entre deux feuilles de papier filtre, l'une inférieure (2) et l'autre supérieure (3), une dose (4) de produit à infuser (5) tel du café moulu, ledit procédé étant apte à être mis en œuvre par l'installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 15 et par lequel : a - on amène les deux feuilles de papier filtre (2, 3); b - on supporte la feuille de papier filtre inférieure (2) et on y forme des cuvettes (9) ; c - on dépose dans chaque cuvette (9) une dose (4) du produit à infuser (5) ; d - on déplace les dosettes (1) au cours de leur fabrication caractérisé par le fait -- qu'on dépose dans chaque cuvette (9) une dose (4) du produit à infuser (5) de la façon suivante : qu'on stocke le produit à infuser (5) dans un compartiment de réserve (11) - qu'on évacue une dose (4) depuis le compartiment de réserve (11) vers un trou de réception (14) de la dose (4) formé dans un dispositif à tiroir (12)16. Method for manufacturing individual pods containing, between two sheets of filter paper, one lower (2) and the other upper (3), a dose (4) of product to be infused (5) such as ground coffee, said method being able to be implemented by the installation according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and by which: a - the two sheets of filter paper (2, 3) are brought; b - the lower filter paper sheet (2) is supported and cups are formed there (9); c - a dose (4) of the product to be infused (5) is deposited in each bowl (9); d - the pods (1) are moved during their manufacture, characterized by the fact - that a dose (4) of the product to be infused (5) is deposited in each bowl (9) in the following manner: stores the product to be infused (5) in a reserve compartment (11) - that a dose (4) is discharged from the reserve compartment (11) towards a reception hole (14) for the dose (4) formed in a drawer device (12)
- qu'on effectue un mouvement de translation du tiroir (13) pour amener la dose (4) présente dans le trou de réception (14) vers un emplacement où on l'éjecte vers une cuvette (9 ) par poussée d'un piston translatif (35).- We carry out a translational movement of the drawer (13) to bring the dose (4) present in the receiving hole (14) to a location where it is ejected to a bowl (9) by pushing a piston translative (35).
- et qu'on entraîne le tiroir (13) et le piston (35) dans leur mouvement de translation par un même arbre moteur (51)- And that drives the slide (13) and the piston (35) in their translational movement by the same motor shaft (51)
17. Procédé selon la revendication 16, caractérisée par le fait qu'avant l'éjection de la dose (4) on abaisse le dispositif à tiroir (12) à un niveau affleurant avec les cuvettes (9), et on le relève après l'éjection de la dose (4). 17. The method of claim 16, characterized in that before the ejection of the dose (4) the drawer device (12) is lowered to a level flush with the bowls (9), and it is raised after l ejection of the dose (4).
18. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 16 ou 17, caractérisé par le fait qu'on effectue un prétassage du produit à infuser (5) lors de son évacuation vers le trou de réception (14) et qu'on règle la pression de prétassage pour ajuster la densité de la dose (4)18. Method according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that a pre-pressing of the product to be infused (5) is carried out during its evacuation to the receiving hole (14) and that the pressure of pre-pressing to adjust the dose density (4)
19. Procédé selon la revendication 18, caractérisé par le fait que :19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that:
- on pèse tout ou partie des dosettes (1) fabriquées et- We weigh all or part of the pods (1) manufactured and
- on régule la pression de prétassage selon les écarts constatés entre les pesées et la consigne de poids fixée.- the pre-pressing pressure is regulated according to the deviations observed between the weighings and the fixed weight setpoint.
20. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 16 à 19, caractérisé par le fait que :20. Method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that:
- on amène une bande de renfort (24)- we bring a reinforcement strip (24)
- on réalise des découpes (27) dans la bande de renfort (24) en adaptant la configuration des découpes (27) à celle des doses (4)- cuts (27) are made in the reinforcement strip (24) by adapting the configuration of the cuts (27) to that of the doses (4)
- on ajuste la position des découpes (27) en vis à vis des cuvettes (9) - on intercale la bande de renfort (24) entre les deux feuilles de papier filtre (2, 3) et on les assemble.- the position of the cutouts (27) is adjusted opposite the bowls (9) - the reinforcing strip (24) is inserted between the two sheets of filter paper (2, 3) and they are assembled.
21. Procédé selon la revendication 20, caractérisé par le fait que - on recouvre les deux faces de la bande de renfort (24) d'un film thermoplastique ;21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that - the two faces of the reinforcing strip (24) are covered with a thermoplastic film;
- on assemble la bande de renfort (24) et les deux feuilles de papier filtre (2, 3) par thermocollage.- The reinforcing strip (24) and the two sheets of filter paper (2, 3) are assembled by heat sealing.
22. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 20 ou 21, caractérisé par le fait qu'avant l'assemblage, on entraîne plus rapidement la feuille de papier filtre (2, 3) que la bande de renfort (24), pour relâcher le papier filtre afin d' éviter de trop fortes contraintes du papier filtre pendant l'assemblage. 22. Method according to any one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that before assembly, the sheet of filter paper (2, 3) is driven more quickly than the reinforcing strip (24), to release filter paper to avoid excessive stresses on the filter paper during assembly.
23. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 20 à 22, caractérisé par le fait qu'on fend au moins partiellement la ou les feuilles de papier filtre (2, 3) avant l'assemblage, à proximité des cuvettes (9) et suivant la direction de leur déplacement. 23. Method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that at least partially splits the sheet or sheets of filter paper (2, 3) before assembly, near the bowls (9) and following the direction of their movement.
PCT/FR2000/003097 1999-11-09 2000-11-07 Installation and method for making individual pre-measured tablets for infusion WO2001034475A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT00976115T ATE264790T1 (en) 1999-11-09 2000-11-07 ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING INDIVIDUAL INFUSION CANS
DE60010112T DE60010112T2 (en) 1999-11-09 2000-11-07 ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SINGLE PIPES
AU14003/01A AU1400301A (en) 1999-11-09 2000-11-07 Installation and method for making individual pre-measured tablets for infusion
EP00976115A EP1227978B1 (en) 1999-11-09 2000-11-07 Installation and method for making individual pre-measured tablets for infusion

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9914034A FR2800709B1 (en) 1999-11-09 1999-11-09 INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SINGLE PODS FOR INFUSION
FR99/14034 1999-11-09

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AT (1) ATE264790T1 (en)
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EP1997748A1 (en) * 2007-06-01 2008-12-03 Marco Reati Precharged ground coffee capsule, method for its production and apparatus for implementing said method
US20100256797A1 (en) * 2007-11-13 2010-10-07 Ima Flavour S.R.L. Machine for making pods containing infusion products
US8356462B2 (en) * 2007-11-13 2013-01-22 Ima Flavour S.R.L. Machine for making pods containing infusion products
US9474290B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2016-10-25 The Folger Coffee Company Process of producing dual-compacted ground roast coffee tablet
US9756869B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2017-09-12 The Folger Coffee Company Ground roast dual compressed coffee tablet
US9603376B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2017-03-28 The Folger Coffee Company Ground roast dual compressed coffee tablet
US9474291B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2016-10-25 The Folger Coffee Company Process for producing compacted ground roast coffee tablet
US10315785B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2019-06-11 Gima S.P.A. Unit and method for filling containers forming single-use capsules for extraction or infusion beverages
WO2015118450A1 (en) * 2014-02-06 2015-08-13 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Unit and method for releasing product for extraction or infusion beverages in containers forming single-use capsules or pods
US10913554B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2021-02-09 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Unit and method for releasing product for extraction or infusion beverages in containers forming single-use capsules or pods
CN106132834A (en) * 2014-02-06 2016-11-16 吉玛股份公司 For the product of extraction or beverage brewed being discharged into unit and the method for the container forming single use utricule or bag
CN106163935A (en) * 2014-02-06 2016-11-23 吉玛股份公司 For filling unit and the method for the container of the single use utricule forming extraction or infusion beverage
WO2015118446A1 (en) * 2014-02-06 2015-08-13 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Unit and method for filling containers forming single-use capsules for extraction or infusion beverages
US20180178935A1 (en) * 2014-07-08 2018-06-28 Gima S.P.A. Unit and method for filling containing elements of single-use capsules
US11548670B2 (en) 2014-07-08 2023-01-10 Gima S.P.A. Unit and method for filling containing elements of single-use capsules for extraction or infusion beverages
CN106604868A (en) * 2014-07-08 2017-04-26 吉玛股份公司 Unit and method for filling containing elements of single-use capsules
WO2016005857A1 (en) * 2014-07-08 2016-01-14 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Unit and method for filling containing elements of single-use capsules
CN106604868B (en) * 2014-07-08 2019-03-01 吉玛股份公司 Fill the unit and method of the receiving element of disposable utricule
WO2016005861A1 (en) * 2014-07-08 2016-01-14 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Unit and method for filling containing elements of single-use capsules for extraction or infusion beverages.
US10800562B2 (en) 2014-07-08 2020-10-13 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Unit and method for filling containing elements of single-use capsules
US10889397B2 (en) 2014-08-06 2021-01-12 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Unit and method for filling containers of single-use capsules for extraction or infusion beverages
WO2016020822A1 (en) * 2014-08-06 2016-02-11 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Unit and method for filling containers of single-use capsules for extraction or infusion beverages
CN106660647A (en) * 2014-08-06 2017-05-10 吉玛股份公司 Unit and method for filling containers of single-use capsules for extraction or infusion beverages
US11896025B2 (en) 2018-10-01 2024-02-13 The Folger Coffee Company Coffee composition and items made therefrom
US11903395B2 (en) 2018-10-01 2024-02-20 The Folger Coffee Company Coffee composition and items made therefrom
WO2022177621A1 (en) * 2021-02-19 2022-08-25 Altria Client Services Llc Apparatuses and methods for loading containers with products
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AU1400301A (en) 2001-06-06
DE60010112T2 (en) 2005-04-28
DE60010112D1 (en) 2004-05-27
EP1227978B1 (en) 2004-04-21
FR2800709A1 (en) 2001-05-11
FR2800709B1 (en) 2001-12-14
ATE264790T1 (en) 2004-05-15
EP1227978A1 (en) 2002-08-07

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