Unit and method for filling containment elements of single-use capsules

摘要

A filling unit for filling single-use capsule containment elements (2) with a dose (33) of product for extraction or infusion drinks, comprising: - a transport line (4) for transporting the containment elements (2) extending along a first movement path (P) and provided with a plurality of support seats (5) for the containment elements (2) arranged successively along the first path (P) of movement; - a station (SR) for filling the containment elements (2) mentioned above with a dose (33) of product; wherein the filling station (SR) comprises: - at least a first containment seat (S1) designed to receive a dose (33) of product; - a substation (ST1) to form the dose (33) within the at least one first containment seat (S1) placed in a region (R1) to form the dose and provided with a device (6) to release a predetermined amount of product forming the dose (33) within the at least one first containment seat (S1), the release device (6) comprising: - at least one hopper (38) for feeding the product; - at least one element (40a; 40b) that rotates around a respective axis of rotation (X4; X5) and has a plurality of radial blades (60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60F) that extend away from the axis (X4; X5) of rotation; and - a filling chamber (61) placed under the rotating element (40a; 40b) and defining a volume to receive the product to release the product into the at least a first containment seat (S1) in the region (R1) to form the dose, the rotating element (40a; 40b) being configured to create a product feed flow from the hopper (38) to the filling chamber (61) to keep the filling chamber (61) full; - at least a second containment seat (S2) designed to receive the product dose (33) of the at least one first containment seat (S1); - a substation (ST2) to transfer the dose (33) of product from at least a first containment seat (S1) to at least a second containment seat (S2); - a substation (ST3) to release the dose (33) of product from at least a second containment seat (S2) to a containment element (2) transported by the transport line (4); characterized in that the filling station (SR) further comprises: - devices (7) for moving the at least one first containment seat (S1) between the training substation (ST1) and the transfer substation (ST2) and vice versa at along a second trajectory (P1) closed of movement; - additional mobile devices (8) for moving the at least a second containment seat (S2) along a closed third path (P2) located in a horizontal plane between the transfer substation (ST2) and the substation (ST3) of liberation and vice versa.