Machine for Making Packs of an Infusion Product

Abstract

A machine for making packs (2) of infusion products, created by a first sheet (21) of packaging material, forming a recess, in which a batched quantity of product (20) is placed, and a second sheet (22) of packaging material, applied on the first sheet (21) of packaging material and joined thereto peripherally. The machine includes a work assembly (30) for feeding the first sheets (21) to a carrousel (10), operated to rotate on a horizontal axis, in suitable step relation with the feeding of the sheets. The carrousel (10) has, made on its periphery, an ordered series of cavities (11), which receive the first sheets (21) for forming thereon, a respective recess, whose shape is suitable for containing the batched quantity of product (20). A filling group (40) introduces the batched quantity of product (20) into the recess formed on the first sheets (21), connected to the cavities (11) of the carrousel (10). A group (50) for feeding single second sheets (22) joins mutually the first and second sheets (21, 22) in an area all around the recess filled the batched quantities of product (20). A discharge work assembly (610) removes the packed products (2) from the carrousel (10).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a machine for making packs of infusion products, in particular coffee and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are packs of infusion products used to obtain, by suitable machines, beverages like coffee or similar.

These packs are usually called “pods”.

In particular, the pods include a first sheet of filter paper, which forms a recess, containing a batched quantity of product, and a second sheet of filter paper, joined peripherally to the first sheet, so as to close the pack.

The sheets of filter paper are usually made of heat-weldable material.

Different types of machines have been worked out for producing the pod packs.

These machines usually feed a first band of filter paper to a forming station, in which an ordered series of recesses are made on the band, arranged along one row or more rows situated one beside another.

The so obtained recessed band is fed, in a substantially linear feeding direction, to a filling station, where the batched quantities of product are put into the single recesses.

A second band of filter paper is then applied to the first one and welded thereto, peripherally with respect to the recesses.

Thus, the band is cut around each recess, usually having a circular profile, so as to obtain single packs.

Particularly stepwise operated machines are used in the field for packing infusion products.

In the above machines, the packing cycle requires dwelling of the band of filter paper for a time necessary to perform each single processing operation, aimed at completing of the product packing.

Therefore, the production cycle of these machines is interrupted as many times as many operations are to be performed in order to obtain the pack.

Moreover, the duration of each dwell is defined by the minimum time required for the respective processing.

Also machines operating continuously are used, that is machines, in which the processed products are managed continuously, without any break for performing necessary processing.

The above type of packaging machines includes machines, which work tangentially and machines, which work along production lines.

In order to perform each processing, the tangentially working machines usually use a pair of carrousels, cooperating in a region corresponding to only one tangent point.

In practice, the items are fed to suitable work stations, situated on the first rotating carrousel, while the respective work assembly is situated on the second rotating carrousel, operated continuously in suitable step relation with the first one.

These machines perform only one operation with each pair of carrousels and they can perform efficiently only short and very simple operations in the position corresponding to the only tangent point, at which the work station is connected to the respective work assembly.

The continuous machines operating on parallel lines can be used for more complicated packaging operations, which requires considerable time intervals.

In these machines, each processing operation is performed by a wok assembly carried by a conveyor, which joins the conveying line, on which the items are conveyed, along a section necessary for carrying out the operation item. Joining of the conveyor and the conveying line, which are usually belt conveyors, occurs when the single item and the respective work assembly move with the same speed, so as to allow processing operations requiring some time.

However, the machines operating on parallel lines can be cumbersome, and thus require high costs due to the need of production spaces, especially when the processing operations to be performed are numerous and complicated.

There are also machines, which work continuously in axial directions, e.g. compressing, plug-applying machines, etc.

These machines are complex and cumbersome and they have only one work assembly.

Thus, the known machines have considerable limitations related to the productivity and functionality, and they usually have a complicated structure, difficult to manage in the available spaces.

In the specific case of the machines for packaging infusion products, considerable disadvantages derive particularly from the fact that they package a plurality of products arranged adjacent to one another on a band being processed.

Actually, these machines usually produce a significant amount of scraps of filter paper, deriving from the cutting single packs, forming the pods, from the processed band, which results in the increase of production costs.

The remarkable quantity of scraps mentioned above is especially due to the need to change the size, when necessary, for obtaining pods having different dimensions from a band with constant width.

Since the band must contain anyway the dimensions of the pods, the percentage of wasted material, can be rather high.

Another disadvantage of the prior art machines derives from the limits imposed by the type of filter paper, which can be used, in particular regarding the paper thickness.

Actually, the requirements of mechanical resistance, connected to the band pulling steps, exclude the use of thin or soft paper.

A further disadvantage of the prior art machines is the limited number of the packs obtainable on the filter paper band in rows arranged one beside another.

Usually, there are no more than two parallel rows of recesses, because of the necessity to prepare mechanical means working on the band sides, as well as because of the tensions created on the band between the rows.

Obviously, this limits the machine production capability.

Moreover, possible damage to one row of recesses, e.g. tearing, are easily transmitted to the row beside.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to resolve the above problems, by proposing a machine for making packs of infusion products, which allows efficient processing, optimizing the production rate and reducing the waste of packaging material.

Another object of the present invention is to propose machine, whose structure allows use of any type of packaging material, in particular as afar as thickness, nature, weft, and permeability thereof are concerned.

Within the above objects, it is a further object of the present invention that of proposing a machine for making packs of infusion products, whose concept is simple, working reliable, use versatile, and dimensions reduced.

The above mentioned objects are obtained, in accordance with the contents of the claims, by the machine for making packs of infusion products, including a first sheet of packaging material, forming a recess, in which a batched quantity of product is placed, and a second sheet of packaging material, applied on said first sheet of packaging material and joined thereto along its outline characterized in that it includes at least one work assembly for feeding said first sheets of packaging material; a carrousel, operated into rotation on a horizontal axis, in a suitable step relation the feeding of said first sheets and having, made on its periphery, an ordered series of cavities for receiving and forming a respective recess, whose shape is suitable for containing said batched quantity of product; filling group for introducing said batched quantity of product into said recess formed on said first sheets; a group for feeding single second sheets of packaging material to said carrousel in positions corresponding to said fist sheets filled with said batched quantity of product, and for joining mutually said sheets in an area all around said filled recess; a discharge assembly, which moves said packs away from said cavities of said carrousel

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristic features of the invention are pointed out in the following description, with particular reference to the enclosed Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a machine for making packs of infusion products, proposed by the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are respective axonometric, enlarged views of an infusion product as it appears in subsequent working steps;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are respective, partial, front views of the above carrousel connected to a work assembly;

FIG. 5 is a partial, top view of the above mentioned cavities made on the carrousel;

FIGS. 6, 7 and 15 are views of particulars of the above mentioned carrousel and of a general work assembly, connected thereto;

Figures from 8 to 14 show different views and enlarged particulars of the above mentioned work assembly for feeding a first sheet of filter paper;

Figures from 16 to 19 are different views of the above filling group of the proposed machine;

Figures from 20 to 23 are different views of the above mentioned work assembly for feeding a second sheet of filter paper;

Figures from 24 to 27 are views of the above mentioned work assembly for discharging the packed product, in subsequent working steps.

BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Having regards to the above Figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates a machine for making packs 2 for infusion products, in particular pods for preparing, by means of suitable machines, infusion beverages like coffee or the like.

The packs 2 include a first sheet 21 of filter paper, with a recess made therein for receiving a batched quantity of product 20, and a second sheet 22 of filter paper, joined to the first one along the edge, so as to close the pack 2 (See FIGS. 2 and 3).

The sheets 21, 22 are made of heat-weldable material.

The machine 1 includes a carrousel 10, carried, with possibility of rotation on a horizontal axis, by a motor shaft 12 supported a stationary frame 13 of the machine.

The carrousel 10 is driven into rotation, preferably with continuous motion, by motor means of known type, not shown.

The carrousel 10 has an ordered series of cavities 11, made along its edge and aimed at receiving single first sheets while being formed.

The cavities 11 are preferably arranged in more rows, one beside another, as shown in FIG. 5.

The cavities 11 are aimed at being set in communication with suction means, not shown, by respective suction conduits, so as to hold the above first sheets 21 (see FIGS. 11A, 11B).

A plurality of satellite devices 3, 4, 5, 6 cooperate with the carrousel 10, preferably according to the method for continuous processing of items, proposed by the contemporary Patent Application No. B02004A 000545 filed on Sep. 7, 2004 by the same Applicant.

In particular, according to the shown embodiment, there are four satellite devices, which carry respectively work assemblies 30 for feeding and forming first sheets 21, work assemblies 40 for filling the recess made on the first sheets 21 with a batched quantity of product 20, work assemblies 50 for feeding and closing single second sheets 22 and work assemblies 60 for cutting the so obtained pack 2.

As it is more precisely shown in the above mentioned Patent Application, the satellite devices 3, 4, 5, 6, carrying the respective work assemblies 30, 40, 50, 60, are aimed at being driven into rotation on an axis parallel to the one of the carrousel 10, so as to connect the above mentioned single work assemblies 30, 40, 50, 60 to respective work stations located in regions corresponding to the rows of cavities 11, arranged along the edge of the carrousel 10.

More precisely, the general satellite device S, shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, includes four general work assemblies G, arranged angularly and offset with respect to the center of the device, aimed at withdrawing items from a general withdrawing station P and at transferring them to respective work stations (cavities 11 in fact) of the carrousel 10; the work assemblies G move in synchrony with the cavities 11 along an angular path included between an engaging initial angular position α1 and a disengaging final angular position α2.

Likewise, the work assemblies G can perform a reverse action to withdraw items from the work station (cavities 11), so as to transfer them to the discharging stations P.

In particular, each satellite device S includes a disc 23, mounted idle, by rolling bearings means, on an axis integral to the machine stationary frame 13.

The disc 23, carries, in positions offset with respect to the center, one sleeve 24 for each work assembly, with a respective toothed wheel 25, rotating idly on a fulcrum F, coinciding with the axis of the sleeve 24.

The toothed wheel 25 can rotate freely by means of suitable roll bearings means on the sleeve (see e.g. FIG. 12)

The fulcrum F is aimed at describing a circumference, concentric with the axis of the satellite device S, and indicated with broken line B in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

The circumference C intersects a circumference, concentric with the axis of the carrousel 10, indicated with broken line B in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in two points corresponding to the above mentioned initial position α1 and final angular position α2.

When the cavity 11 is coupled to the respective work assembly G, the carrousel 10 drives the satellite device S into rotation with an angular speed, which depends on the path defined between the initial angular position α1 and final angular position α2.

A guiding element 26 is fastened to each toothed wheel 25, by known fastening means.

A carriage 27 slides inside the guiding element 26 and supports a respective work assembly G.

The sliding of the carriage 27 along the guiding element 26 is obtained by means of e.g. a prismatic coupling with grooved guides 28 (see FIG. 15).

The carriage 27 carries, integrally cantilevered, a bracket 29, aimed at relating to and coupling with respective coupling means 14 of the respective work station, formed by one row of cavities 11: these means are preferably magnetic means, of the type protected by the Patent Application No. BO2004A 000547, filed on Sep. 7, 2004 by the Applicant.

The bracket 29 carries centering means 290, e.g. a conical pin, aimed at engaging with a corresponding coupling seat 140, made on the coupling means 14 (see FIG. 6).

Advantageously, the centering means 290 include suitable absorbing means 291, e.g. elastic or hydraulic, aimed at absorbing possible impacts deriving from the connection of the row of cavities 11 with the respective work assembly G.

FIG. 7 shows additional coupling means 141 of mechanical type, aimed at fastening the carriage 27 to the carrousel 10.

The additional coupling means 141 include a lever 142, carried oscillating on a pin 143, integral with the carrousel 10 and forming a hook, aimed at engaging with a tooth 144 integral with the carriage 27.

The lever 142 carries a roller 145, which is aimed at following a front cam 146, fastened to the machine stationary frame 13, so as to make the lever 142 rotate angularly between a coupling position, determined by a spring 147, and an uncoupling position 142a.

The sleeve 24 has an axial hole 240, through which suitable operating means 241 and locking means 242 operate.

In particular, the means 241, 242 include respectively a cylindrical sleeve 243 and a push rod, fastened axially to a stem 244 sliding axially inside the cylindrical sleeve 243.

The cylindrical sleeve 243 slides axially inside the axial hole 240. The above mentioned means 241, as well as the means 242 are operated by a cam mechanism so as to translate move axially.

In particular, the operating means 241 are moved by a first axial, motionless cam 245, fastened coaxial to the disc 23, and by a first roller 246, carried by a first bracket 247, integral with the cylindrical sleeve 243.

Likewise, the locking means 242 are operated by a second, axial, motionless cam 248, coaxial with the disc 23, and by a second roll 249, carried by a second bracket 250, integral with the stem cylindrical sleeve 244, so as to move axially.

The push rod, carried by the stem 244, is aimed at translating from a rear position up to a fore position, protruding from the guiding element 26 through a respective hole, in order to engage a hollow 251 made on the carriage 27, so as to block the motion of the carriage 27.

Each toothed wheel 25 engages with a respective idle wheel 31, rotatably carried on the disc 23, which in turn engages with a central, motionless wheel 32, coaxial with the disc 23 of the satellite device S.

The central, motionless wheel 32 has a toothless down-stepped section 33, whose extension corresponds to the angular path, in which the work assembly G is matches the row of cavities 11 of the carrousel 10.

In the shown example, the down-stepped section extends through 90°, (see FIG. 4A).

In practice, the gear formed by the central, motionless wheel 32 and the idle wheels 31, is aimed at driving the toothed wheels 25 into rotation on its fulcrum F, supporting the work assemblies G, during an idling step, while the presence of the down-stepped section 33 disengages the work assembly G from the motion transmission during the active step.

In the shown case, the machine includes a first satellite device 3, carrying four work assemblies 30 for feeding and forming first sheets 21, supported by as many carriages 27, as described before.

The sheets 21 are advantageously fed by an apparatus 300, to form single sheets of packaging material, described in a more precise way in the contemporaneous Patent Application No. B02004A 00542 filed on Sep. 7, 2004 by the same Applicant.

The feeding and forming groups 30 withdraw single first sheets 21 in a first withdrawing station 310, situated in a position corresponding to a machine 300, transfer the sheets 21 to a respective row of cavities 11 of the carrousel 10 and finally, form, on the latter, recesses suitable for containing batched quantity of product 20.

In particular, said work assemblies 30 withdraw and form the single first sheets 21, according to a system for transferring items from a withdrawing station to a work station, disclosed in another contemporaneous Patent Application No. B02004A 00546 filed on Sep. 7, 2004 by the same Applicant.

As it is better shown in the above mentioned Patent Application, the feeding and forming means 30 (see Figures from 8 to 14), include an actuator element 34, aimed at driving a plurality of units 35, carried by respective stems 36, so as to move orthogonal with respect to the axis of the satellite device.

The actuator element 34 includes e.g. a mechanism operated by the previously described cylindrical sleeve 243.

In particular, the cylindrical sleeve 243 is rigidly connected to a bracket 340, which, in turn, carries a tie rod 544, extending parallel to the rotation axis of the carrousel 10.

Toggles 341 are connected to the tie rod, to operate the stems, carrying the units 35 to move synchronously in an axial direction.

Each unit includes a platform 35a, keyed onto the stem 36, a head 35b, a shaft 37, aimed at connecting the platform 35a to the head 35b, and self-leveling means 38, situated between the platform 35a and the head 35b (see FIG. 14).

The shaft 37, onto which the head 35b is keyed, is fastened to the platform 35a in known way and it can oscillate with respect thereto within a prefixed 3D angle.

The above oscillation is allowed by the width of a seat 380 made in the platform 35a, concentric to the stem 36, inside which the shaft is introduced freely.

The self-leveling means 38 include preferably three push rods 381, spaced apart angularly and equidistant with respect to the axis of the platform 35a; elastic means 382, preferably disc springs, are situated between the platform 35a and each push rod 381.

Each push rod 381 slides axially in a related hole 383, made in the platform 35a, and engages with a corresponding conical seat 384, made in the inner surface 350 of the head 35b turned toward the platform 35a.

The head 35a, of e.g. with squared horizontal cross-section, includes a body having an inner surface 350 and an outer surface 351, and groups 352, for example four.

Each group 352 intersects the body of the head 35b along its whole depth and is located at a corresponding corner.

The outer surface 351 of the above body has preferably a circular impression 353, centered with respect to the axis of the head 35b (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

In particular, the above circular impression 353 is aimed at forming a first sheet 21, according to the shape of the cavities 11 made on the carrousel 10. Known heating means, not shown, supply the amount of heat necessary to form the above first sheets 21.

Each group 352 includes a sleeve 354, a gripping group 355 and a lever 355 (see FIG. 10).

The sleeve 354 can slide axially with respect to the inside of the head 35b body and protrudes with respect to the upper part of the inner surface 350 of a threaded part 357, engaged with a nut 358 and a locknut 359.

At the other end, the sleeve 354 forms a flat surface 360, whose portion coupled with the above circular impression 353, has curved cross-section (see FIG. 9).

The axial sliding of the sleeve 354 is contrasted by preloaded elastic means 361, situated between the sleeve and the head 35b, and limited by the abutment of the nut 358 against the inner surface 350 of the head 35b body.

The gripping group 355 is situated inside the sleeve 354, inside which it can slide axially against the preloaded elastic means 362, situated between the sleeve 354 and the group.

This axial sliding is limited by a first end stop 363, defined by the abutment of the head 364, carried by a relative stem and forming an end of the gripping group 355, against the outer surface of the threaded part 357 of the sleeve 354.

The above first end stop 363 defines a first outer idle point of the group.

The gripping group 355 includes, on its outer side, a head 365, which carries a plurality of needles 366, e.g. four, arranged in correspondence to the corners of a square.

A lever 556, orthogonal with respect to the axis of the gripping group 355, transits in a through hole 367, made in the sleeve 354.

The outer surface of the head 365 is flat and coplanar with the flat surface 360, when the gripping group 355 goes in abutment against the first end stop 363.

The abutment of the nut 358 against the inner surface 350 of the head 35b body, defines a second end stop 386, which identifies a second outer idle point for axial sliding of the sleeve 354.

In particular, the coupling of the nut 358 and the locknut 359 with the threading of the threaded part 357 is performed in such a way, that, if no outer stresses act on the flat surface 360, it protrudes from the outer surface 351.

The flat surface 360 protrudes with respect to the outer surface 351 of the head 35b body by a quantity, which can be adjusted by the regulation of the nut 358 on the threaded part 357.

Each needle 366 includes a point 366a, preferably conical, and a shank 366b, rigidly fastened to the head 365.

As shown in FIG. 11a, the first withdrawing station 310 has a substantially flat withdrawing surface 311, which, in the given working configurations, face a respective head 35b and has recesses 312, whose number is equal to the number of the groups 352, and whose depth is at least equal to the length of the needles 366.

The cross-section of each recess 312 defines a polygon, which contains the one defined by the tips of the needles 366 fastened to each head 365.

Finally, the respective work station on the carrousel 10 has block abutments 15, situated at the side of each cavity 11, in a number equal to the number of the groups 353, so that each block abutment goes into contact with a respective lever 356 to raise the head 365 of the gripping group 355 to the flat surface 360 of the sleeve 354.

Downstream of the first satellite device 3, along the feeding direction A of the carrousel 10, the machine 1 includes a second satellite device 4, carrying four work assemblies 40 for filling batched quantities of product 20, supplied by an apparatus 400 for batching powder products, according to the method and the same apparatus described in another contemporary Patent Application No. BO2004A 000543 filed on Sep. 7, 2004 by the same Applicant.

Each filling group 40 (see Figures from 16 to 19) is aimed at withdrawing a series of batched quantities of product 20 from a respective second withdrawing station 410 of the apparatus 400, situated above the carrousel 10, at transferring the above batched quantities 20 to a respective row of cavities 11, where respective formed first sheets 21 are situated, and finally, at compressing at he above batched quantities 20 against the above cavities 11 covered with the first sheets 21.

In particular, each work assembly 40 includes a body 40a, with introduced thereinside, a plurality of plungers 41, carried by respective grooved stems 42.

Mechanisms with toggles 43, as the ones described for the feeding and forming groups 30, operate the grooved stems 42 into axial motion between a rear configuration and a fore configuration.

In particular, the mechanism with toggles 43 is operated by a tie rod 644 guided by a bracket 640, fastened to the push rod, connected to the stem 244, which is operated by a cam mechanism 248 and roller 249 like the ones already described.

The plungers 41 forms each a concave head 41a, aimed at hollow a respective batched quantity of product 20.

The shape of the concave head 41a is preferably complementary to the shape of the cavity 11, so as obtain a whole of a pod.

A second mechanism 44, operated by the sleeve 243, controlled by a cam mechanism 245 and roller 246, already illustrated, controls a series of shutter devices 45, aimed at allowing, during respective working steps, the passage of two batched quantities 20 from the second withdrawing stations 410 to the concave heads 41a of the plungers 41, the strong holding of the batched quantities 20 against the concave heads 41a during the transferring to respective work stations, and finally, the discharge of the quantities 20 in correspondence to respective cavities 11, covered with the first sheets 21.

In particular, each shutter device 45 forms preferably a plate of four lobes 450, overlapping a portion of the outer surface of the body 40a, which engages a pair of plungers 41, situated one beside another.

The plate 450 is rotatably carried on a pin 451, in a median position between the above pair of plungers 41, coaxial with the grooved stems 42 (see FIG. 18).

The plate of four lobes 450 has also a pair of opposite openings 452, whose shape allows the passage of a respective batched quantity 20.

In the shown example, the openings 452 have a substantially circular shape.

The pin 451 is driven to rotate by a sleeve 243, integral with a rack 46, parallel to the axis of the satellite device 4.

The rack 46 engages with an intermediate wheel 47, which in turn, engages with a pinion 48, keyed onto the pin 451, driving it into rotation.

In practice, during some working steps, the openings 452 overlap respective concave heads 41a, freeing the passage to the respective batched quantities 20, while during other working steps, the same openings are turned with respect to the previous configuration and the four-lobe plate 450 acts as a cover situated above the concave heads 41a.

During the active step of the respective work assembly 40, the grooved stems 42 rotate continuously.

In fact, the grooved stems 42 are introduced coaxial into the grooved hub of respective toothed wheels 49, which are operated, by the interposition of suitable idle wheels idle wheels 490, from a single conical pinion 491, situated below, engaged with a fixed toothed crown 492, arranged coaxial with the carrousel 10.

In particular, the conical pinion 491 is carried by a shaft 493, arranged parallel to the grooved stems 42.

The shaft 493 is house, in a passing through condition, in a suitable seat 494, made in the body 40a of the respective filling group 40.

Advantageously, the shaft 493 has a suitable shoulder 495, situated inside the seat 494.

Suitable, preloaded elastic means 496 act between the seat 494 and the shoulder 495, so as to ensure a firm engagement between the conical pinion 491 and the fixed toothed crown 492, in the beginning of the active step of the respective filling group 40.

A third satellite device 5, situated downstream of the second satellite device 4, carries four work assemblies 50 for feeding and closing the second sheets 22.

Each of the four work assemblies 50 is aimed at withdrawing second sheets 22 from an apparatus 300 for forming single sheets of packaging material, in a first withdrawing station 310 (see FIG. 1), at transferring and feeding the above second sheets 22 to respective recesses, already filled with the batched quantity 20 of product, and at closing the so formed pack by heat-welding.

The apparatus 300 for forming single second sheets 22 is quite identical to the apparatus for forming first sheets 21.

Likewise, the above mentioned work assemblies 50 include feeding and forming groups 30, described previously, with the only differences explained below.

First of all, the heads 35b of the units 35 include respective circular impressions 51, concave not convex, since the second sheets 22 must cover respective cavities, already filled with product (see FIGS. 21 and 22).

Further, the same heads 35b include, situated thereinside, a heating member 52 of known type, aimed at heating the first sheets 21 and the second sheets 22, in order to heat-weld them.

In particular, the heating member 52 is e.g. ring-like and is introduced, outside the circular impression 51, inside the head 35b in the joining area (see Figures from 20 to 23).

Finally, the machine 1 includes a fourth satellite device 6, carrying four respective work assemblies 60, aimed at trimming peripherally the so obtained packs and at allowing the latter to move away from the respective work stations formed by the rows of cavities 11 (see Figures from 24 to 27).

In particular, each trimming group 60 includes a bracket 61, parallel to the axis of the satellite device

The bracket 61 has pins 62, orthogonal thereto, hinged to the toggle mechanisms 63 of the previously described type.

The mechanisms 63 are controlled by a respective cylindrical sleeve 243, operated in turn, as it has been said previously, by a respective cam mechanism.

In practice, the bracket 61 moves between a rear configuration and a fore configuration, in which the packaging material is trimmed.

The bracket 61 carries, orthogonal thereto, a plurality of trimming units 64, aimed at trimming scraps of filter paper from the respective packages.

In particular, the trimming units 64 are keyed into suitable seats 61a made in the bracket 61.

Each trimming unit 64 includes a shaped head 65, a trimming cup-like blade 66, and a paper pressing cup 67.

The shaped head 65 slides axially and carries, on one end, an impression 68, aimed at hollow the product packaged during the trimming and discharge steps.

When the product to pack is a two-shell-like pack, the impression 68 forms a concave recess, substantially equal to a half product, but it is also possible to pack one-shell-like products, by using substantially flat impressions 68.

Likewise, it is possible to obtain packages of other forms.

The shaped head 65 has also, in the region corresponding to the impression 68, suction ducts 69, which lead to an inner chamber 70, connected to known suction means, not shown.

The suction means are aimed at keeping the packaged product in adherence within the impression 68 during the transferring to a respective discharge station 610 (FIG. 27).

In the shown case, the shaped head 65 is made in two parts, however it can be made also in one piece or in another way, according to the constructive preferences.

At the end opposite to the impression 68, the shaped head 65 forms a sleeve 65a, having a terminal threaded portion 65b.

A nut 71 and a locknut 72 are coupled with the terminal threaded portion 65b.

The trimming cup blade 66 forms, at its lower end, a blade of continuous shape, e.g. circular, and, at its upper end, it carries a sleeve 66a, keyed axially outside the sleeve 65a.

The longitudinal extension of the sleeve 66a is smaller than the extension of the hollow sleeve 65a, so that the terminal part of the sleeve 66a is situated below the nut 71.

Moreover, the sleeve 66a has also a threaded end, to be tightened with a respective nut 85, in abutment against the outer surface 61b of the bracket 61.

The tightening blocks the downward sliding of the sleeve 66a.

Anyway, it is sufficient to change the tightening of the nut 85 or of the nut 71 and the locknut 72, to adjust the relative positioning of the trimming cup-blade and of the shaped head 65.

Finally, the paper pressing cup 67 forms substantially an overturned cup, keyed onto the sleeve 66a of the trimming cup blade 66 through a central hole 74, made on the flat surface 75 of the pressing cup 67.

In particular, this coupling is preferably made with a clearance and in such a way that the paper pressing cup 67 slides on the sleeve 66a.

The paper pressing cup 67 forms, at its lower end, an edge 76, with a wedge shape, aimed at pushing, in abutment against the carrousel 10, a respective paper pressing seat 77, e.g. ring-like, situated outside the cavity 11.

The axial positioning of the paper pressing cup 67 is determined by elastic means 78, interposed between the upper flat surface 75 of the beaker and the seat 61a of the bracket 61, in a position corresponding to a respective abutment 79, made therein.

A push rods device 80 positions axially the trimming cup blade 66.

The push rods device 80 includes preferably three pegs 81, equidistant and regularly spaced apart with respect to the axis of the working unit 64.

Each peg 81 is introduced, passing therethrough, inside holes 178, 179, made respectively in the bracket 61 and in the paper pressing cup 67.

Each peg 81 includes, at the respective ends, a head 81a, in abutment against the upper surface of the bracket 61, and a substantially half-spherical push rod 81b, which goes in contact with a respective flat surface 82, situated at the bottom of a respective hollow, made on the top of the trimming cup blade 66.

A collar 83, formed by the peg 81 above the push rod 81b, acts as abutment for respective preloaded elastic means 84, aimed at maintaining the coupling of the head 81a with the upper surface of the bracket 61 (see FIG. 25B).

A counter-blade seat 185 is located in the carrousel 10, between the cavity 11 and the paper pressing seat 77, so as to match the trimming cup blade 66 during the trimming step, when the trimming unit 64 is in the fore position.

Withdrawing means 90, situated downstream of the trimming satellite device 6, are carried, with possibility to rotate, by a shaft 91, coaxial with the carrousel.

The withdrawing means 90 form substantially a star device, which has a withdrawing unit 92 at the head of each radial rod.

Each unit 92 is aimed at withdrawing, e.g. by known suction means, the packages 2 of a row, kept by respective shaped heads 65, so as to transfer them to the subsequent production or storage areas.

The operation of the machine for making packs of infusion products is described now, with reference to the described embodiment.

However, other embodiments, e.g. stepwise operation or other ways, remain within the protective scope of the present invention.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the carrousel 10 is operated to move continuously on the shaft 12, in the direction indicated with the arrow A.

Generally, when a row of cavities 11 of the carrousel 10 and a work assembly G carried by a general satellite device S are situated at the respective initial angular position a1, the coupling means 14 act, so as to refer and couple the carriage 27, supporting the work assembly G, to the row of cavities 11, in a reliable way, so as to perform a given operation on the cavities 11 of the carrousel 10.

Then, the carrousel 10 rotates the idle disc 23 of the satellite device S, carrying the active work assembly G.

In particular, the fulcrum F of the work assembly G covers a circumference portion B of the satellite device S, included between the initial angular position a1 and the final angular position α2.

What above is possible, because the guiding element 26 of the above mentioned carriage 27, carrying the active work assembly G, is free to rotate on its fulcrum F, since its idle wheel 31 is disengaged from the central, motionless wheel 32, as engaged with the toothless down-stepped section 33.

Likewise, the push rod, carried by the stem 244, which protrudes from the sleeve 14, is in its rear position and thus, it does not engage the carriage 27, and consequently, it is free to move along the guiding element 26 (FIG. 13).

In short, the active work assembly G moves, because it is solidly fastened to the row of cavities 11 of the carrousel 10.

In practice, the active work assembly G, pulled by the carrousel 10, performs a double rotational movement, about the fulcrum F, and a radial movement with respect to the carrousel 10 along the guiding element 26.

It is to be pointed out that, during the active step, the carriage 27 is always arranged radial with respect to the carrousel 10 (FIGS. 4A and 4B).

The relative speed of the active work assembly G with respect to the row of cavities 11, to which it is connected, is zero, so as to make it possible to perform the respective operation during the angular path, from the initial angular position a1 to the final one α2.

During the operations performed by the active work assembly G, the remaining non-active work assemblies G, carried by the same satellite device S, rotate on their fulcrum F, due to the engagement with the central, motionless wheel 32, and on the axis of the satellite device S, due to the pulling action operated by the carrousel 10 on the active work assembly G (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

Moreover, the respective push rod, carried by the stem 244, engages with the relative carriage 27 and thus it prevents the translation of the supported work assembly G (FIG. 4A).

When the active work assembly G reaches the final angular position a2, the coupling means 14 are deactivated, so as to move the work assembly G away from the row of cavities 11.

In parallel, the push rod carried by the stem 244 slides axially, operated by a respective cam mechanism and engages with the carriage 27 of the same work assembly G, locking again its translation along the guiding element 26.

During the inactive step, each work assembly G rotates on its fulcrum F, so as to reach the initial angular position α1 in a configuration suitable for operating the coupling means 14, in order to perform a further operation on the subsequent row of cavities 11, in the rotation direction A of the carrousel 10.

During the so-called “rest” step, each feeding and forming group 30, carried by the first satellite device 3 with possibility of rotation on its fulcrum F, reaches the configuration, in which a respective series of first sheets 21 is withdrawn from a first withdrawing station 310, situated downstream of a machine 300 for forming single sheets of packaging material (see FIGS. 11, 11A, and 11B).

In this condition, the centering means 290 are uncoupled and the push rod carried by the stem 244 engages the respective hollow 251, so as to prevent the axial sliding of the carriage 27 along the guiding element 26.

The heads 35b of the units 35, carried in fore position by the actuator element 34, goes in contact with the series of first sheets 21, situated on the withdrawing surface 311 of the first withdrawing station 310.

In particular, the needles 366 punch the first sheets 21 preferably in regions corresponding to adjacent areas, which will be subsequently trimmed, and enter the recesses 312.

During the punching of the first sheets 21, the flat surface 360 of the sleeve 354 is aligned with the outer surface of the head 365 and it substantially touches the first sheets 21.

During the subsequent rotation of the satellite device 3, the first sheets 21, solidly held by the heads 365 with the needles 366, are transferred to be fed to the carrousel 10 (see FIG. 12).

The feeding step begins when the work assembly 30 reaches the initial angular position α1, described previously, in which the centering means 290 refer to the respective coupling seat 140.

In the same way, the push rod carried by the stem 244 is withdrawn to disengage the carriage 27, carrying the work assembly 30.

The toothed wheel 25 is driven to rotate on the fulcrum F and on the axis of the satellite device 3, since it is pulled together with the carrousel 10.

In fact, the idle wheel 31 is situated in correspondence to the groove 33 of the central, motionless wheel 32.

During the angular path between the initial angular position α1 and the final angular position α2, the actuator element 34 leads the units 35 to the fore configuration.

The levers 556 are then stricken by the abutments 15, which cause the raising of the heads 365 with respect to the sleeve 354 (see FIG. 13B), while the flat surface 360 locks peripherally the first sheets 21 in a region corresponding to the respective cavity 11.

When the units 35 feeding step is finished, the circular impression 353 abuts against the inner surface of the cavity 11, to form the first sheet 21.

Heating means (not shown) are used to transmit heat in suitable step relation with the units 35 feeding, so as to obtain preferably heat-forming of the first sheets 21: in this connection see the Patent Application No. BO2004A 000544 filed on Sep. 7, 2004 by the same Applicant.

The work assembly 30 is uncoupled in the final angular position α2.

The first sheets 21, with the respective formed recesses, are held inside the cavities 11 by suction means acting therein.

The only function of the suction means is to contrast the centrifugal force, since the shaping of the sheets, obtained by the heat-forming, is stable.

Afterwards, the second satellite device 4 acts, carrying the filling groups 40 for withdrawing the batched quantities 20 of product, filling and compressing the quantities 20 on the recesses formed in the first sheets 21, suitably situated on the carrousel 10.

A filling group 40 reaches the second withdrawing station 410 during the idle step.

The axial sliding of the carriage 27 is prevented, since the push rod carried by the stem 244 engages the respective hollow 251, while the centering means 290 are free.

When the filling group 40 reaches the second withdrawing station 410, the plungers 41 are in a completely withdrawn configuration, while the shutter devices 45, set in contact with the withdrawing surface of the station 410, are rotated so that the openings 452 face the respective feeding openings of the batching machine 400, as well as the corresponding concave heads 41a.

In suitable step relation, the machine feeds the batched quantities 20 of product, which are received by the concave space of the concave heads 41a.

As soon as the batched quantity 20 is entirely put on the concave head 41a of the plunger 41, the shutter devices 45 are rotated synchronously, so as to cover the heads 41a and thus prevent the batched quantity 20 from leaving during the transferring step, which occurs during the subsequent rotation of the filling group 40 on the axis of the second satellite device 4.

When the respective initial angular position α1 has been reached, the filling group 40 matches with the carrousel 10.

The shutter devices 45, in contact with the peripheral portion of the carrousel 10, are rotated synchronously again, so that the openings 452 face the plungers 41, as well as the respective row of cavities 11, with the formed first sheets 21.

The feeding of the plungers 41, operated by the toggle mechanism 43, transfers the batched quantities 20 onto the recesses formed by the first sheets 21 and, in the final step of the stroke, compress the batched quantities 20 on the cavities 11.

During this step, the conical pinion 491 is engaged with the fixed toothed crown 492, so as to add a rotation movement to the plungers 41 feeding, in order to uniform the compression performed on the batched quantities 20 of product.

During the subsequent step of the cycle of packaging infusion products, the third satellite device 5 intervenes, equipped with work assemblies 50 for feeding and closing the second sheets 22.

The operation way of each of the work assemblies 50 coincides with the one already described in relation to the groups 30 for feeding and forming the first sheets 21, with the only differences explained below.

It is to be pointed out the during the active step of the respective work assembly 50, the second sheets 22 are arranged to cover respective batched quantities 20 of product, already formed inside the recesses of the first sheets 21, since the second sheets 22 go in abutment against the concave surface of the concave circular impressions 51 of the units 35.

Moreover, the heating means working near the joining portion of the respective first sheets 21 and second sheets 22, heat weld them.

When the packaging cycle of infusion products is finished, the fourth satellite device 6 intervenes, carrying the trimming groups 60.

During the bracket 61 feeding, by the toggles mechanism 63, the trimming groups 60 are set in contact with the peripheral portion of the carrousel 10, in a position corresponding to the row of cavities 11, already having the batched quantities 20 interposed between the first sheets 21 and the second sheets 22, joined thermally.

The feeding of the bracket 61 brings each edge 76 of the paper pressing cups 67 to contact the first sheets 21 and the second sheets 22, pushing them tightly inside the paper pressing seat 77.

In the final section of the bracket 61 feeding, the push rods devices 80 push the trimming cup blades 66 into contact with the first sheets 21 and the second sheets 22, protruding from the cavities 11, and to cut them.

The trimming operation finishes when the blade of the trimming cup blades 66 reaches the respective counter-blade seat 185.

The so finished packs 2 are closed between the respective cavities 11 and shaped heads 65, since they are kept by suction means, which act in correspondence to the cavities 11 (see FIG. 25B).

The transferring of the packs 2 to the subsequent discharge station 610 is allowed by the activation of the suction means acting at the inner chambers 70, connected to the shaped heads 65, as described.

In suitable step relation, the coupling means of the work assembly 60 are disengaged and the units 64 withdrawn (see FIG. 26).

The locking means 242 lock again the carriage 27, and the respective work assembly 60 is rotated until it reaches the discharge station 610, situated beside the fourth satellite device 6.

In the station 610, the bracket 61, carrying the units 64, is moved again by the toggles mechanism 63, so as to transfer the packs 2, carried by the shaped heads 65, to the withdrawing means 92 (see FIG. 27).

In particular, the suction means connected to the inner chambers 70 of the shaped heads 65 are deactivated, when the packs 2 face the respective withdrawing means 92, so as to receive and hold them tightly.

During the next rotation, the withdrawing device, prepares packs 2 obtained in other working areas.

The described machine reaches the object of making packs of infusion products, such as coffee and the like, with the best use of filter paper.

In particular, an advantage of this machine lies in fact that it allows to reduce substantially the removed filter paper, i.e. production wastes, which obviously diminishes the packs cost.

This is obtained due to making of the packs 2 by using single sheets 21, 22 of filter paper, on the rotating carrousel 10.

Actually, the dimensions of the single sheets 21, 22 of filter paper are adapted to the dimensions of the packs to be made and can be suitably varied, if the packs size is changed.

The use of single sheets 21, 22 of filter paper for making packs 2 does not limit the type of packaging material, in particular as far as thickness, weft, and permeability thereof are concerned.

The user can choose any kind of paper, even thin or soft, because there are no particular requirements concerning the mechanical resistance, connected to the pulling of the filter paper band.

It is also possible to use packaging materials different than filter paper, e.g. sheets of permeable material, natural and/or synthetic, or a kind of fabric obtained with natural and/or synthetic fibers.

The use of single sheets 21, 22 of filter paper avoids the transmission of tensions and possible defects from one row to another of the filter paper band, which is a disadvantage of the prior art machines.

A further advantage of the proposed machine lies in the fact that it allows to make packs of infusion products, working in parallel on any number of rows, arranged side by side, so as to obtain high productivity.

Moreover, due to the continuous operation of the carrousel 10, the productivity is further increased, since the processed products are not stopped during the packaging cycle.

In particular, also the most delicate steps, such as the packs filling or closing, are performed by connecting the respective satellite devices to the carrousel 10, while it rotates continuously.

This result is obtained first of all by the fact that each work station 6 is connected to the respective work assembly G along the angular path between the initial angular position a1 and the final angular position α2, and not in only one tangent point, as it occurs in the prior art tangential machines.

Moreover, the proposed machine allows to perform all the processing steps on the same carrousel 10, so as to optimize the production spaces, not only with respect to the continuous, linear machines, but also with respect to the less bulky, tangential machines.

It is to be pointed out that the performing of subsequent operations by the machine is very efficient, because the coupling between the work stations and the respective work assemblies, preferably magnetic, but also mechanical or of other type, is stable and does not transmit shocks to the mechanical means involved in the given working step.

Finally, the above results are obtained by a machine of simple and compact structure, versatile use and reliable operation.

Another advantage derives form the fact that the heat-formed recesses of the first sheets 21 satisfy the prefixed geometrical characteristics, which allows to optimize the filling of the recesses with the batched quantities of product 20.

It is understood that the proposed invention has been described, with reference to the enclosed figures, as a mere, not limiting example. Therefore, it is obvious that any changes or variants applied thereto remain within the protective scope defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A machine for making packs of infusion products, the packs including a first sheet (21) of packaging material, having at least one recess, in which a batched quantity of product (20) is placed, and a second sheet (22) of packaging material, applied on said first sheet (21) of packaging material and joined thereto peripherally, characterized in that it includes at least one work assembly (30) for feeding said first sheets (21) of packaging material; a carrousel (10), operated to rotate on a horizontal axis, in suitable step relation with the feeding of said first sheets (21) and having, made on its periphery, an ordered series of cavities (11)for receiving said first sheets (21) and forming thereon a respective recess with a shape suitable for containing said batched quantity of product (20); a filling group (40) for introducing said batched quantity of product (20) into said recess formed on said first sheets (21) associated to said cavities (11) of said carrousel (10); a group (50) for feeding single second sheets (22) of packaging material to said carrousel (10) in positions corresponding to said first sheets (21) filled with said batched quantity of product (20), and for joining mutually said sheets (21, 22) in an area all around said filled recess; a discharge work assembly (610) for moving said packs (2) away from said cavities (11) of said carrousel (10).

2. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said carrousel (10) is operated to rotate continuously.

3. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said continuously rotating carrousel (10) has at least one ordered series of cavities (11), active between an initial angular position (α1) and a final angular position (α2), to pack respective products fed to the ordered series of cavities (11); at least one satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6), which is driven to rotate on an axis parallel to the one of said carrousel (10) and which has at least one work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60); means (14) for coupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) of the satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6) with said ordered series of cavities (11) of the carrousel (10), in said initial angular position (α1) of the series of cavities (11) and for uncoupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) from said ordered series of cavities (11) in said final angular position (α2).

4. A machine, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6) is mounted idle on a fixed axis (130) and is driven to rotate by said carrousel (10) by the subsequent engaging of a plurality of work assemblies (30, 40, 50, 60) with said series of cavities (11) of the carrousel (10).

5. A machine, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that it includes supporting means (26, 27) of said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60), pivoted eccentrically on said satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6), on a fulcrum (F), which covers a circumference (C) intersecting the circumference arc (B), covered by said series of cavities (11) of the carrousel (10), at said initial angular position (a1) and said final angular position (α2).

6. A machine, as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that said supporting means (26, 27) of said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) include a guiding element (26), pivoted on said satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6) on said fulcrum (F) and a carriage (27), sliding along said guiding element (26) and supporting said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60).

7. A machine, as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that it includes locking means (242), which prevents translation of said carriage (27) with respect to said guiding element (26), when said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) is not connected to said series of cavities (11).

8. A machine, as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said locking means (242) include at least one push rod member, carried by said satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6), with possibility to slide axially, and operated to move by cam means (248, 249) between a rear, disengaging position, and a fore position, in which it engages with a hollow (251) made on said carriage (27).

9. A machine, as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said supporting means (26, 27) of said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) are operated to rotate by engaging means (25, 31), connected to said satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6) and coupled to a central, motionless wheel (32), arranged coaxial to said satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6).

10. A machine, as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said central, motionless wheel (32) has a toothless down-stepped section (33), which disengages said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) during said active step.

11. A machine, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said means (14) for coupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) to said series of cavities (11) cooperate with centering means (290), carried integral with the work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60).

12. A machine, as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that said centering means (290) include at least one conical pin, which engages with a corresponding coupling seat (140), made on said means (14) for coupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) to said series of cavities (11).

13. A machine, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said carrousel (10) carries mechanical coupling means (141), which block said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) in its active step, and which include a coupling member (143), carried oscillating by a lever (142), following cam means (146), so as to move between a position of coupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60), determined by spring means (147) and an uncoupling position (142a).

14. A machine, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said means (14) for coupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) to said series of cavities (11) are magnetic.

15. A machine, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6) carries, regularly spaced apart, a plurality of work assemblies (30, 40, 50, 60), which cooperate in succession with corresponding series of cavities (11), distributed along the carrousel (10) periphery.

16. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it includes at least one trimming group (60), consisting of respective trimming means (66), which trim said pack (2) along a peripheral area.

17. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said work assembly (30) for feeding said first sheets (21) of packaging material includes respective heating means, which thermo-form recesses on said first sheets (21).

18. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said work assembly (50) for feeding said second sheets (22) includes respective heating means (52), situated near a peripheral portion of said first sheets (21) joined to said second sheets (22), to heat-weld them.

19. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one said work assemblies (30, 50) for feeding said first and second sheets (21, 22) forms a system for transferring them from a withdrawing station (310) to a series of cavities (11), which includes a gripping group (355), moving between a first withdrawing station (310) of said items (21, 22) and said series of cavities (11), and having at least one needle (366) for punching, at least partially, the sheet (21, 22) in said first withdrawing station (310) and for transferring said sheets to the series of cavities (11), means (556, 360, 15) for disengaging said needle (366) from said sheet (21, 22), cooperating functionally with the gripping group (355) in a position corresponding to said series of cavities (11).

20. A machine, as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that said gripping group (355) including substantially a head (365) with said needle (366), is carried slidingly axially by a unit (35) operated by an actuator (34), since said group (355) is subjected to elastic means (362) on one side, and in abutment against a first end stop (363) on the other side, so as to define a first outer dead center of said head (365) and in that said disengaging means include at least one lever (556), integral with said gripping group (355), a flat surface (360), connected to said gripping unit (35), both facing said series of cavities (11), when said gripping group (355) is connected thereto, an abutment (15), situated near said series of cavities (11) and contacting said lever (556), with consequent translation of said gripping group (355) against said elastic means (362), to define the uncoupling of said needle (366) from said sheet (21, 22) kept by the flat surface (360).

21. A machine, as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that said actuator (34) includes a toggle mechanism (341), articulated to a stem (36), which carries said withdrawing unit (35).

22. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said filling group includes a body (40a), at least one plunger (41), forming a concave head (41a) and sliding axially inside said body (40a), shutter means (45) for keeping a batched quantity of product (20) inside said concave head (40a) of said plunger (40).

23. A machine, as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that said plunger (41) is carried by a stem (42), operated axially by actuator means (43) including a toggle mechanism.

24. A machine, as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that said stem (42) has a grooved section to be operated to rotate by respective gears (49, 490).

25. A machine, as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that said gears (49, 490) of said filling group (40) are operated to rotate by a conical pinion (491), which engages with a fixed toothed crown (492), coaxial to the carrousel (10), when said filling group is connected to said series of cavities (11) to feed respective batched quantities of product (20).

26. A machine, as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that said shutter means (45) form a four-lobe plate (450) carried with possibility to rotate by a pin (451) in a position median and coaxial with a respective pair of plungers (41), said plate (450) having a pair of opposite openings (452), allowing a passage of respective batched quantities of product (20).

27. A machine, as claimed in claim 26, characterized in that said pin (451) is keyed onto a respective pinion (48) meshed with a respective intermediate wheel (47), operated by a rack (46), which moves longitudinally and alternately.

28. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said group (30) for feeding first sheets (21) includes a convex impression (353), carried with possibility to slide axially by the respective withdrawing unit (35) to form said first sheets (21).

29. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said group (50) for feeding said second sheets (22) includes a concave impression (51), carried with possibility to slide axially by the respective withdrawing unit (35), to join said second sheets (22) with said lift truck (1) containing said batched quantities of product (20).

30. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said discharging group (610) includes a shaped head (65), forming a preferably concave impression (68), which receives said packs (2), and which faces aspiration ducts (69), connected to aspiration means to hold rigidly said packs (2).

31. A machine, as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that said trimming group (60) includes at least one trimming cup blade (66), sliding axially and carrying, at its lower end, a blade of continuous profile, which goes in abutment against respective counter blade seat (185), outer to the joining area of said first and second sheets (21, 22) to trim a respective peripheral portion thereof.

32. A machine, as claimed in claim 28, characterized in that said trimming group (60) includes at least a paper pressing cup (67), forming substantially an overturned cup, keyed with possibility to slide axially on said trimming cup blade (66) and carrying, on its lower end, and edge (76) of wedge shape, which intercepts a respective peripheral area of said first sheets (21) joined to the second sheets (22), and pushes, in abutment against said carrousel (10), a respective

33. A machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said packaging material is filter paper.

34. A machine, as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said continuously rotating carrousel (10) has at least one ordered series of cavities (11), active between an initial angular position (α1) and a final angular position (α2), to pack respective products fed to the ordered series of cavities (11); at least one satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6), which is driven to rotate on an axis parallel to the one of said carrousel (10) and which has at least one work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60); means (14) for coupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) of the satellite device (3, 4, 5, 6) with said ordered series of cavities (11) of the carrousel (10), in said initial angular position (α1) of the series of cavities (11) and for uncoupling said work assembly (30, 40, 50, 60) from said ordered series of cavities (11) in said final angular position (α2).

35. A machine, as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that said packaging material is filter paper.