WO2017006230A1 - Method for producing a capsule for preparation of a drink - Google Patents

Method for producing a capsule for preparation of a drink Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017006230A1
WO2017006230A1 PCT/IB2016/053982 IB2016053982W WO2017006230A1 WO 2017006230 A1 WO2017006230 A1 WO 2017006230A1 IB 2016053982 W IB2016053982 W IB 2016053982W WO 2017006230 A1 WO2017006230 A1 WO 2017006230A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
closing element
band
dose
product
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2016/053982
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Libero Facchini
Original Assignee
Libero Facchini
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 Libero Facchini filed Critical Libero Facchini
Publication of WO2017006230A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017006230A1/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
    • B65B29/00—Packaging of materials presenting special problems
    • B65B29/02—Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package
    • B65B29/022—Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package packaging infusion material into capsules
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
    • B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2793/00—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation
    • B29C2793/0045—Perforating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C51/006—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor for making articles having hollow walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C51/26—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C51/266—Auxiliary operations after the thermoforming operation
    • B29C51/268—Cutting, rearranging and joining the cut parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/04—Dielectric heating, e.g. high-frequency welding, i.e. radio frequency welding of plastic materials having dielectric properties, e.g. PVC
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/76—Making non-permanent or releasable joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
    • B29C66/131—Single flanged joints, i.e. one of the parts to be joined being rigid and flanged in the joint area
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
    • B29C66/23—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations
    • B29C66/232—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations said joint lines being multiple and parallel, i.e. the joint being formed by several parallel joint lines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
    • B29C66/24—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight
    • B29C66/242—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours
    • B29C66/2422—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours being circular, oval or elliptical
    • B29C66/24221—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours being circular, oval or elliptical being circular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
    • B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
    • B29C66/5346—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat
    • B29C66/53461—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat joining substantially flat covers and/or substantially flat bottoms to open ends of container bodies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/54—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
    • B29C66/545—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles one hollow-preform being placed inside the other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/849—Packaging machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
    • B29L2031/7174—Capsules

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the technical sector of production of capsules for preparation of drinks.
  • the present invention relates to a method for producing a capsule for preparation of a drink.
  • the present invention relates to a method for producing a capsule usable in an automatic machine and containing a product in powder form, leaf form or the like (for example powdered coffee or tea, leaf tea, concentrates or freeze-dried drinks) which is destined to be mixed with a liquid (for example hot water or cold water at pressure) to obtain a drink.
  • a product in powder form, leaf form or the like for example powdered coffee or tea, leaf tea, concentrates or freeze-dried drinks
  • a liquid for example hot water or cold water at pressure
  • the prior art discloses a method for producing a capsule for preparation of a drink, which comprises steps of: producing a first container made of non- woven textile (or possibly a pleated filter paper) for containing a dose of product for preparation of the drink; arranging a dose of product for preparation of the drink in the first container; producing by means of moulding (for example injection moulding) of a plastic material, a second container, for containing the first container, so that the second container is perforable to enable exit of the drink from the second container; arranging the first container in the second container.
  • the known method includes fixing, to the first container and the second container, a closing element made of aluminium and polypropylene coupled sheet, which is perforable.
  • the closing element is fixed to the first container and to the second container so that the first container and the closing element form a first chamber containing the dose of product and so that the second container and the closing element form a sealed second chamber containing the first container.
  • the above-mentioned method for producing a capsule has a limited productivity: it requires that the first container, the second container and the closing element be produced in dedicated worksites and subsequently assembled to one another so as to form the capsule.
  • the first container made of non-woven textile or pleated filter paper is produced in a first site (or indeed by a first company)
  • the second container made of plastic is produced in a second site (or a second company)
  • the closing element made of aluminium and polypropylene coupled sheet is produced in a third site (or by a third company).
  • the first container, the second container and the closing element are assembled with a relative product to produce the capsule.
  • the aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-mentioned drawback.
  • the method of the present invention enables producing the first container and the second container in the same production line and starting from the same band of plastic material suitable for thermoforming. Further, the assembly of the capsule is also carried out along the same production line.
  • the method of the invention advantageously has a greater productivity with respect to the known method and this enables reducing the final cost of a capsule.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a method for producing a capsule for preparation of a drink, according to the present invention
  • reference numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a capsule (see in particular figures 2 and 3) for preparation of a drink obtainable with the method of the present invention.
  • the method of the invention comprises steps of: - step-feeding a band (2) made of a plastic material suitable for thermoforming;
  • first container (3) for containing a dose of product (4) for production of a drink, conforming a first cell (30) in the band (2) by thermoforming so that the first container (3) comprises a plurality of through- holes (not illustrated) dimensioned for retaining in the first container (3) the dose of product (4) and for enabling exit from the first container (3) of a drink obtained by mixing the dose of product (4) with a liquid;
  • a closing element (6) to the first container (3), following the step of arranging the dose of product (4) in the first container (3), so that the first container (3) and the closing element (6) form a first chamber containing the dose of product (4), which closing element (6) is perforable so as to enable entry of liquid into the first chamber, suitable for mixing with the dose of product (4) so as to form the drink, in the first chamber;
  • the band (2) is preferably made of polypropylene, which is an easy material to eliminate and recycle.
  • the method can comprise a further step of heating a portion (2a) of band (2).
  • the steps of thermoforming the band (2) so as to produce the first container (3) and the second container (5) are carried out at the heated portion (2a) of band (2).
  • thermoforming the band (2) so as to produce the first container (3) and the step of thermoforming the band (2) so as to produce the second container (5) can be carried out contemporaneously.
  • productivity of the disclosed method is advantageously optimised.
  • the step of cutting the band (2) along the edge first of the first container (3) and the step of cutting the band (2) along the edge (50a) of the second container (5) are preferably carried out contemporaneously.
  • the productivity of the disclosed method is advantageously optimised.
  • the step of arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5) can be carried out by means of a robotic arm (not illustrated).
  • the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the first container (3) is preferably carried out in such a way that the closing element (6) is manually removable from the first container and the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the second container (5) is carried out in such a way that the closing element (6) is manually removable from the second container (5).
  • the capsule (1) obtained is a capsule (1) advantageously completely recyclable after use thereof.
  • the method ensures that the first container (3) and the second container (5) are made of the same material and that the closing element (6) is removable therefrom so as to be able to separate the dose of product (4). Therefore, as the first container (3) and the second container (5) are made of the same material it is not necessary to separate them for elimination.
  • the capsule obtainable by means of the known method is non- recyclable: the first container is made of a non-woven textile (or possible of pleated filter paper) and the closing element cannot be fixed to the first container in such a way as to be manually removable therefrom. Therefore the closing element, the first container and the dose of product, after preparation of the drink, are not separable from one another.
  • the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the first container (3) can be carried out by radio-frequency welding.
  • the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the second container (5) can be carried out by radio-frequency welding.
  • the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the first container (3) is preferably carried out before the step of arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5). Further, the method can comprise a step of fixing a transponder (not illustrated) to the first container (3) before arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5).
  • the first container (3) and the second container (5) can be produced so as to be reciprocally couplable to one another so as to form a single body.
  • the step of arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5) comprises the step of coupling them so as to form a single body.
  • the method of the invention enables simultaneously producing a plurality of first containers (3) and a plurality of second containers (5) and, consequently, after the automatic insertion (by means of a robotic arm) of each first container (3) containing a dose of product (4) into one of the second containers (5) a plurality of capsules (1) is obtained.
  • the plurality of capsules (1) can be counted. Further, the capsules (1) can be arranged stacked on one another and can be transferred to a machine that packages them.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

A method for producing a capsule (1) for preparation of a drink, comprising steps of: step-feeding a band (2) made of a plastic material suitable for thermoforming; producing a first container (3) conforming a first cell (30) in the band (2) by thermoforming so that the first container (3) comprises a plurality of through-holes, producing a second container (5) conforming a second cell (50) in the band (2) by thermoforming so that the second container (5) is perforable; arranging a dose of product (4) for preparation of the drink in the first container (3); fixing a closing element (6) to the first container (3), so that the first container (3) and the closing element (6) form a first chamber containing the dose of product (4), which closing element (6) is perforable; cutting the band (2) along the edge (30a) of the first container (3) and cutting the band (2) along the edge (50a) of the second container (5); arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5); fixing the closing element (6) to the second container (5), so that the second container (5) and the closing element (6) form a sealed second chamber containing the first container (3).

Description

METHOD FOR PRODUCING A CAPSULE FOR PREPARATION
OF A DRINK
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the technical sector of production of capsules for preparation of drinks. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for producing a capsule for preparation of a drink.
In greater detail, the present invention relates to a method for producing a capsule usable in an automatic machine and containing a product in powder form, leaf form or the like (for example powdered coffee or tea, leaf tea, concentrates or freeze-dried drinks) which is destined to be mixed with a liquid (for example hot water or cold water at pressure) to obtain a drink.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The prior art discloses a method for producing a capsule for preparation of a drink, which comprises steps of: producing a first container made of non- woven textile (or possibly a pleated filter paper) for containing a dose of product for preparation of the drink; arranging a dose of product for preparation of the drink in the first container; producing by means of moulding (for example injection moulding) of a plastic material, a second container, for containing the first container, so that the second container is perforable to enable exit of the drink from the second container; arranging the first container in the second container.
Further, the known method includes fixing, to the first container and the second container, a closing element made of aluminium and polypropylene coupled sheet, which is perforable. In detail, following the steps of arranging the dose of product in the first container and arranging the first container in the second container, the closing element is fixed to the first container and to the second container so that the first container and the closing element form a first chamber containing the dose of product and so that the second container and the closing element form a sealed second chamber containing the first container.
The above-mentioned method for producing a capsule has a limited productivity: it requires that the first container, the second container and the closing element be produced in dedicated worksites and subsequently assembled to one another so as to form the capsule.
In particular, the first container made of non-woven textile or pleated filter paper is produced in a first site (or indeed by a first company), the second container made of plastic is produced in a second site (or a second company), the closing element made of aluminium and polypropylene coupled sheet is produced in a third site (or by a third company). Further, in a fourth site, or a fourth company, the first container, the second container and the closing element are assembled with a relative product to produce the capsule.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the light of the above, the aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-mentioned drawback.
The above aim is obtained by means of a method for producing a capsule for preparation of a drink according to claim 1.
The method of the present invention enables producing the first container and the second container in the same production line and starting from the same band of plastic material suitable for thermoforming. Further, the assembly of the capsule is also carried out along the same production line.
The method of the invention advantageously has a greater productivity with respect to the known method and this enables reducing the final cost of a capsule. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the appended table of drawings, in which: - figure 1 illustrates a method for producing a capsule for preparation of a drink, according to the present invention;
- figures 2 and 3 respectively illustrate a lateral view and a perspective view of a capsule that can be obtained with the method of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the appended tables of drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a capsule (see in particular figures 2 and 3) for preparation of a drink obtainable with the method of the present invention.
With reference to figure 1 , the method of the invention comprises steps of: - step-feeding a band (2) made of a plastic material suitable for thermoforming;
- producing a first container (3), for containing a dose of product (4) for production of a drink, conforming a first cell (30) in the band (2) by thermoforming so that the first container (3) comprises a plurality of through- holes (not illustrated) dimensioned for retaining in the first container (3) the dose of product (4) and for enabling exit from the first container (3) of a drink obtained by mixing the dose of product (4) with a liquid;
- producing a second container (5), for containing the first container (3), conforming a second cell (50) in the band (2) by thermoforming so that the second container (5) is perforable to enable exit of the drink from the second container (5);
- arranging a dose of product (4) for preparation of the drink in the first container (3);
- fixing a closing element (6) to the first container (3), following the step of arranging the dose of product (4) in the first container (3), so that the first container (3) and the closing element (6) form a first chamber containing the dose of product (4), which closing element (6) is perforable so as to enable entry of liquid into the first chamber, suitable for mixing with the dose of product (4) so as to form the drink, in the first chamber;
- cutting the band (2) along the edge (30a) of the first container (3);
- cutting the band (2) along the edge (50a) of the second container (5);
- arranging, following the step of cutting the band (2) along the edge (30a) of the first cell (30), the first container (3) in the second container (5);
- fixing the closing element (6) to the second container (5), following the step of arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5) and the step of arranging the dose of product (4) in the first container (3), so that the second container (5) and the closing element (6) form a sealed second chamber containing the first container (3).
The band (2) is preferably made of polypropylene, which is an easy material to eliminate and recycle.
Further the method can comprise a further step of heating a portion (2a) of band (2). In this embodiment, the steps of thermoforming the band (2) so as to produce the first container (3) and the second container (5) are carried out at the heated portion (2a) of band (2).
The step of thermoforming the band (2) so as to produce the first container (3) and the step of thermoforming the band (2) so as to produce the second container (5) can be carried out contemporaneously. The productivity of the disclosed method is advantageously optimised.
The step of cutting the band (2) along the edge first of the first container (3) and the step of cutting the band (2) along the edge (50a) of the second container (5) are preferably carried out contemporaneously. The productivity of the disclosed method is advantageously optimised. The step of arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5) can be carried out by means of a robotic arm (not illustrated).
The step of fixing the closing element (6) to the first container (3) is preferably carried out in such a way that the closing element (6) is manually removable from the first container and the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the second container (5) is carried out in such a way that the closing element (6) is manually removable from the second container (5). The capsule (1) obtained is a capsule (1) advantageously completely recyclable after use thereof. In particular the method ensures that the first container (3) and the second container (5) are made of the same material and that the closing element (6) is removable therefrom so as to be able to separate the dose of product (4). Therefore, as the first container (3) and the second container (5) are made of the same material it is not necessary to separate them for elimination.
In fact, the capsule obtainable by means of the known method is non- recyclable: the first container is made of a non-woven textile (or possible of pleated filter paper) and the closing element cannot be fixed to the first container in such a way as to be manually removable therefrom. Therefore the closing element, the first container and the dose of product, after preparation of the drink, are not separable from one another.
In particular, the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the first container (3) can be carried out by radio-frequency welding. Likewise, also the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the second container (5) can be carried out by radio-frequency welding.
The step of fixing the closing element (6) to the first container (3) is preferably carried out before the step of arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5). Further, the method can comprise a step of fixing a transponder (not illustrated) to the first container (3) before arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5).
The first container (3) and the second container (5) can be produced so as to be reciprocally couplable to one another so as to form a single body. In this case, the step of arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5) comprises the step of coupling them so as to form a single body.
With reference to figure 1 , the method of the invention enables simultaneously producing a plurality of first containers (3) and a plurality of second containers (5) and, consequently, after the automatic insertion (by means of a robotic arm) of each first container (3) containing a dose of product (4) into one of the second containers (5) a plurality of capsules (1) is obtained.
In particular, the plurality of capsules (1) can be counted. Further, the capsules (1) can be arranged stacked on one another and can be transferred to a machine that packages them.

Claims

1) A method for producing a capsule (1) for preparation of a drink, characterised in that it comprises steps of:
- step-feeding a band (2) made of a plastic material suitable for thermoforming;
- producing a first container (3), for containing a dose of product (4) for production of a drink, conforming a first cell (30) in the band (2) by thermoforming so that the first container (3) comprises a plurality of through-holes dimensioned for retaining in the first container (3) the dose of product (4) and for enabling exit from the first container (3) of a drink obtained by mixing the dose of product (4) with a liquid;
- producing a second container (5), for containing the first container (3), conforming a second cell (50) in the band (2) by thermoforming so that the second container (5) is perforable to enable exit of the drink from the second container (5);
- arranging a dose of product (4) for preparation of the drink in the first container (3);
- fixing a closing element (6) to the first container (3), following the step of arranging the dose of product (4) in the first container (3), so that the first container (3) and the closing element (6) form a first chamber containing the dose of product (4), which closing element (6) is perforable so as to enable entry of liquid, suitable for mixing with the dose of product (4) so as to form the drink, in the first chamber;
- cutting the band (2) along the edge (30a) of the first container (3); - cutting the band (2) along the edge (50a) of the second container (5);
- arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5);
- fixing the closing element (6) to the second container (5), following the step of arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5) and the step of arranging the dose of product (4) in the first container (3), so that the second container (5) and the closing element (6) form a sealed second chamber containing the first container (3).
2) The method of the preceding claim, comprising a further step of heating a portion (2a) of band (2) and wherein the steps of thermoforming the band
(2) so as to produce the first container (3) and the second container (5) are carried out at the heated portion (2a) of band (2).
3) The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of thermoforming the band (2) so as to produce the first container (3) and the step of thermoforming the band (2) so as to produce the second container
(5) are carried out contemporaneously.
4) The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of cutting the band (2) along the edge (30a) of the first container (3) and the step of cutting the band (2) along the edge (50a) of the second container (5) are carried out contemporaneously.
5) The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5) is carried out by means of a robotic arm.
6) The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the first container (3) is carried out in such a way that the closing element (6) is manually removable from the first container (3) and the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the second container (5) is carried out in such a way that the closing element (6) is manually removable from the second container (5). 7) The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the first container (3) is carried out by radio- frequency welding.
8) The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the second container (5) is carried out by radio- frequency welding.
9) The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of fixing the closing element (6) to the first container (3) is carried out before the step of arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5). 10) The method of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of fixing a transponder to the first container (3) before arranging the first container (3) in the second container (5).
PCT/IB2016/053982 2015-07-06 2016-07-01 Method for producing a capsule for preparation of a drink WO2017006230A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102015000030783 2015-07-06
ITUB2015A001968A ITUB20151968A1 (en) 2015-07-06 2015-07-06 METHOD TO PRODUCE A CAPSULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF A BEVERAGE

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2412645A1 (en) * 2010-07-28 2012-02-01 Samar Technologies Ltd. Pre-filled infusion capsule, associated manufacturing method and device
WO2013171663A1 (en) * 2012-05-14 2013-11-21 Sarong Societa' Per Azioni Apparatus and method for making capsules with filter
WO2013189555A1 (en) * 2012-06-20 2013-12-27 Ima Industries S.R.L. Method and machine for making single use capsules for beverages
US20150175347A1 (en) * 2012-06-18 2015-06-25 K-Fee System Gmbh Portion capsule and method for producing a beverage by means of a portion capsule

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2412645A1 (en) * 2010-07-28 2012-02-01 Samar Technologies Ltd. Pre-filled infusion capsule, associated manufacturing method and device
WO2013171663A1 (en) * 2012-05-14 2013-11-21 Sarong Societa' Per Azioni Apparatus and method for making capsules with filter
US20150175347A1 (en) * 2012-06-18 2015-06-25 K-Fee System Gmbh Portion capsule and method for producing a beverage by means of a portion capsule
WO2013189555A1 (en) * 2012-06-20 2013-12-27 Ima Industries S.R.L. Method and machine for making single use capsules for beverages

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