Process and system for the preparation of coffee tablets

Abstract

A line for the continuous production of coffee tablets comprises a plurality of forming supports (20), defining forming cavities (21), which are moved in sequence and stepwise through a succession of processing 5 stations comprising at least one station for loading and / or dosing a precursor (III), at least one pressing station (IV), and at least one unloading station (VI). The pressing station (IV) is configured to subject doses of precursor (D) to compaction inside respective forming cavities (21) of the forming supports (20) in presence of a further energy transfer, preferably in 10 the form of thermal energy, for the purpose of obtaining a tablet body (R). The production line (5) is configured to maintain the tablet body (R) in a condition of absence of compression and in presence of the further energy transfer, inside the respective forming cavity (21), in at least one position (V) that is comprised between the pressing station (IV) and the unloading 15 station (V).

Description

[0001] "Process and system for the preparation of coffee tablets" * * *

[0002] TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to the coffee industry and has been developed with particular reference to the production of tablets, or similar dosing units free a functional casing, formed from roasted and ground coffee powder, for use in devices for the preparation of beverages. The tablets obtainable by means of the processes and systems in accordance with the invention are designed for preferred use on automatic and semi-automatic preparation machines, but their provision for use on other preparation devices, such as "moka" type or "Neapolitan" type coffee makers, or pressfilter coffee makers, or percolator devices, is not excluded.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] The preparation of liquid food products on preparation machines or devices, starting from pre-portioned doses of a precursor, is widely widespread, particularly for the preparation of hot beverages, such as for example coffee and coffee-based beverages.

[0007] In some known solutions, the dose of the beverage precursor has a functional external housing, that is, it is packaged in a more or less rigid capsule, and the corresponding preparation machine is configured so that a preparation liquid (typically water) passes through said capsule, to deliver the beverage at the outlet. For other preparation devices, the dose of precursor is instead contained in a functional casing that is flexible and permeable to water, typically a paper casing, usually referred to as a "pod". In some cases, the pods are intended for use on automatic or semiautomatic preparation machines, while in other cases they are provided for use on coffee makers or percolators. Also in these solutions, however, the flexible and permeable functional casing is traversed by a flow of the preparation liquid.

[0008] The packaging of the single dose of precursor in its functional casing involves various drawbacks, related to the higher cost of the product, the greater complexity of the production process, the requirements for correct ecological disposal of the used capsules or pods and the environmental impact due to the related gaseous emissions.

[0009] These problems have been addressed in the past by proposing the obtainment of dosing units of the precursor having a self-supporting structure that does not necessarily require an external functional casing, particularly in the form of tablets or pills. Said tablets or pills can be packaged in groups in a same container, for example a bag formed with a material having good oxygen barrier properties, so as to avoid rapid deterioration of the product (typically due to oxidation phenomena). These tablets are therefore designed to be inserted into the respective preparation machines as they are, i.e., without the beverage preparation process presupposing the use of the functional casing (capsule or paper housing).

[0010] Various methods for the production of coffee tablets are known, wherein dosed quantities of roasted and ground coffee, having a certain moisture content, are fed into respective cavities of a molding equipment, to be subjected to a compression and thus form corresponding coffee tablets, which are then extracted from said cavities.

[0011] The known methodologies, however, present certain drawbacks, related to the failure to achieve correct organoleptic profiles in the final beverage and to problems of tablet integrity, due for example to dusting, breakage and, above all, to the formation of lateral cracks in the tablets.

[0012] Object and Summary

[0013] In its general terms, the present invention aims to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, by means of an improved process for producing coffee powder tablets. An auxiliary object of the invention is to indicate such a process that is simply implementable.

[0014] At least one of the aforementioned objects is achieved, according to the invention, by a process, a system and a tablet having the characteristics indicated in the attached claims. The claims constitute an integral part of the technical teaching that is provided herein in relation to the invention.

[0015] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, made with reference to the attached drawings, provided by way of non-limiting example only, wherein:

[0017] - figures 1 and 2 are a schematic perspective view and a schematic side elevation view of a coffee tablet according to possible embodiments;

[0018] - figure 3 is a schematic representation of a process for producing coffee tablets according to possible embodiments;

[0019] - figure 4 is a schematic perspective representation of a forming device usable in a process for producing coffee tablets according to possible embodiments;

[0020] - figures 5-17 are partial and schematic representations intended to exemplify a sequence of operations performed in a process for producing coffee tablets according to first possible embodiments;

[0021] - figure 18 is a partial and schematic representation intended to exemplify a sequence of operations performed in a process for producing coffee tablets according to second possible embodiments;

[0022] - figure 19 is a partial and schematic representation intended to exemplify a sequence of operations performed in a process for producing coffee tablets according to third possible embodiments;

[0023] - figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of a coffee powder tablet according to further possible embodiments;

[0024] - figure 21 is a partial and schematic representation intended to exemplify a sequence of operations performed in a process for producing coffee tablets according to fourth possible embodiments;

[0025] - figure 22 is a partial and schematic representation intended to exemplify a sequence of operations performed in a process for producing coffee tablets according to fifth possible embodiments;

[0026] - figure 23 is a schematic perspective representation of a first apparatus usable in a process for producing coffee tablets according to possible embodiments;

[0027] - figure 24 is a partial and schematic plan view of a production line employing two apparatuses of the type shown in figure 23; and

[0028] - figure 25 is a schematic perspective representation of a second apparatus usable in a process for producing coffee tablets according to possible embodiments. Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0029] The reference to an embodiment in this description is intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or feature described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as "in one embodiment", "in various embodiments" and the like, possibly present in different places in this description, are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular conformations, structures or features defined in this description can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, even different from those depicted. The numerical and spatial references (such as "upper", "lower", "high", "low", etc.) used herein are for convenience only and therefore do not define the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments. In the present description and in the attached claims, the indication that the mentioned tablets or dosing units have a self-supporting structure, particularly free of an external casing, is intended to indicate that said tablets or units do not require, for the extraction of the beverage (liquid coffee), the presence of an external casing based on non-edible substances, such as a capsule or a flexible and permeable coating, that is, they are designed to be inserted as they are into the corresponding preparation machines: this, naturally, does not exclude that the tablets may be provided with a coating layer, for example based on additives and / or an alginate or other polysaccharide, or that, for the purposes of marketing and preservation, the tablets or dosing units are packaged in suitable containers, such as bags, packets, trays, etc.

[0030] In the figures, the same reference numbers are used to indicate analogous or technically equivalent elements.

[0031] In figures 1 and 2, a coffee dosing unit or coffee tablet obtainable in accordance with possible embodiments of the invention is illustrated by way of example. The tablet, indicated as a whole by T, is constituted by a compacted mass of a powdery or granular precursor, having a self- supporting structure and free of a functional casing, that is, lacking a capsule body or a casing body made of flexible and permeable material. In various embodiments the precursor is coffee powder, particularly roasted and ground coffee. In various embodiments, for the purpose of preparing a beverage, the tablet T is intended to be traversed by a flow of a preparation liquid, typically hot water, at a pressure indicatively comprised between 8 and 12 bar, particularly between 10 and 12 bar. However, the case of beverage preparation via gravity percolation is not excluded.

[0032] In the exemplified case, the tablet 1 has a substantially cylindrical central portion 2, and two opposite end portions 3 and 4, of reduced diameter. The portions 3 and 4 each define an end face 3a, 4a of the tablet 1 and, preferably, a respective radiused peripheral part 3b, 4b, for connection to the central portion 2. Embodiments of this type can be advantageous for the purpose of extracting the tablet 1 from a respective forming mold, in the production phase. In the depicted example the end faces 3a and 4a are substantially flat but, in possible variant embodiments, at at least one of said end faces, in particular at least at the upper face 3a, at least one generally hollow or recessed zone is defined.

[0033] Other solid shapes for the tablet are not excluded, although the preferred shapes are those characterized by a geometry of revolution (including substantially toroidal or frustoconical shapes), which allow obtaining optimal compaction of the coffee powder and equidistance of the peripheral surface of the tablet relative to its core or center. Other possible shapes for the tablets are those characterized by a curved surface (such as substantially spherical or ellipsoidal shapes).

[0034] In general terms, the diameter of the tablets T can be comprised between 30 and 55 mm, preferably between 35 and 48 mm, but a diameter less than 30 mm is not excluded. The thickness of the tablets can be comprised between 5 and 25 mm, preferably between 7 and 20 mm. The diameter of the tablets T depends essentially on the diameter of the tablet holder of the preparation machines for which the tablets themselves are intended. The thickness depends more on the type of tablets T in relation to the type of product to be dispensed. In this perspective, in preferred embodiments:

[0035] - tablets T designed for the preparation of a single dose of espresso coffee can have a thickness comprised between 10 and 14 mm, preferably between 11 and 12.2 mm;

[0036] - tablets T designed for the preparation of filter coffee can have a thickness comprised between 10 and 20 mm, preferably between 10.5 and 18 mm; - tablets T designed for the preparation of long coffee can have a thickness comprised between 11 and 16 mm, preferably between 12.6 and 13.5 mm;

[0037] - bi-dose tablets T (i.e. , intended for the preparation of two doses of the aforementioned products) can have a thickness comprised between 13 and 18 mm, preferably between 15.4 and 16 mm.

[0038] Preferably, the roasted and ground coffee used for the preparation of the tablets T has a particle size comprised between 200 and 800 pm. The x50 / powders ratio is preferably comprised between 15 and 35 pm. The coffee type can be Arabica, or Robusta, or Arabica / Robusta blends, preferably with a roasting color from 25 to 65°N. The use of blends between one or more types of roasted and ground coffee and other substances, for example flavoring substances and / or soluble substances, for example soluble coffee, is not excluded from the scope of the invention.

[0039] The weight of the tablet 1 , that is, of the mass M that constitutes its body, can be comprised between 4.5 g, for example for the preparation of single doses of coffee, and 20 g, for example for the preparation of filter coffee. Possible preferred weights can be the following:

[0040] - from 4.5 g, preferably 6.5 g, to 7.5 g, in the case of tablets T designed for the preparation of a single dose of espresso coffee;

[0041] - from 9 g to 20 g, preferably 18 g, in the case of tablets T designed for the preparation of filter coffee;

[0042] - from 7.5 g to 8.5 g, in the case of tablets T designed for the preparation of long coffee; and

[0043] - from 9 g to 10.5 g, in the case of bi-dose tablets T.

[0044] The residual moisture content of the tablets T, at the end of the production process, is preferably comprised between 2 and 5% by weight.

[0045] As mentioned, the tablet T may optionally be provided with a coating layer, for example based on additives and / or an alginate or other polysaccharide.

[0046] In the development of new coffee compaction methodologies to obtain tablets suitable for machine dispensing, of the type discussed above, the Applicant has identified the need to perform at least one relaxation phase of the compacted precursor. This relaxation phase allows discharging the tensions that lead to cracks in the compacted tablet and relaxing the compaction bonds so as to have a tablet with great integrity and better dispensability.

[0047] In accordance with the technical solution proposed here, said relaxation phase is obtained in the production phase via a specific waiting time, subsequent to the phase of compaction of the precursor, during which the tablet body is no longer subjected to compression, but an additional energy input is nevertheless provided to it, preferably in the form of thermal energy. Preferably, in the waiting phase, the tablet body is constrained so as to allow its relaxation along a first direction and at the same time its containment along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In preferred embodiments, for this purpose, in the waiting phase the tablet body is constrained by the peripheral wall of the respective forming cavity, but in the absence of a lower and / or upper constraint, or at the lower and / or upper face of the tablet. In this way, it is possible to obtain a relaxation of the tablet body in the second direction, which also results in a different compaction in the first direction, due to passive compression. During the compression phase the tablet indeed accumulates internal tensions, which compromise its integrity if the tablet is unloaded immediately or right after the compression phase. Stationing in the mold in the absence of force leads to a gradual relaxation of said internal tensions, which avoids the formation of cracks.

[0048] Given that said waiting / relaxation phase must be performed with a concurrent energy input, it could be performed - in principle - in the same station or processing position wherein the precursor is compressed inside the respective forming cavity. However, such an approach could lead to significant increases in cycle time, compared to simple compaction with energy input and compression.

[0049] For this reason, in the following, various possible methods will be exemplified which allow obtaining the waiting phase with timings compatible with those required for rapid and efficient industrial production on a continuous operation line, in particular through a parallelization of the compression and waiting phases within said continuous operation line.

[0050] Figure 3 represents in simplified schematic form a possible sequence of operations of a possible process for the production of coffee tablets T in a production line indicated as a whole by 5. The line 5 provides for the use of a plurality of forming supports 20, each defining at least a part of one or more forming cavities 21 , in particular the part corresponding to a peripheral surface of the cavity. The supports 20 are made to advance in sequence by means of a transport line 6, for example with a constant pitch, although this is not essential, through a succession of processing positions, among which at least a pressing position, a waiting position and an unloading position, as clarified below.

[0051] In various embodiments the transport line 6, of conception known per se, is configured to cause the advancement of the forming supports 20 in sequence and equidistant from each other, according to a direction A. However, the use of known magnetic transport systems, which free the distance between the forming supports, or the use of transport systems that allow the movement of the forming supports both in advancement and in retraction, is not excluded from the scope of the invention.

[0052] The path traveled by the supports 20 can be linear or circular, and their translation or sliding according to direction A can be obtained by any suitable modality known in the field of industrial processing lines that provide for a succession of processing stations.

[0053] In general terms, the process comprises that a mass of precursor GC, which includes powdery or granular coffee, is fed to a dosing system 12, to obtain single doses of precursor D. Each forming support 20, or at least a portion thereof, is brought to a feeding position III, wherein a dose of precursor D or each dose of precursor D is introduced into a respective forming cavity 21 of a support 20. Each support 20, or at least said portion thereof, is then brought to at least one pressing position IV, wherein a dose of precursor D or each dose of precursor D is subjected to a compaction inside the respective forming cavity 21 , to form a corresponding tablet body T. In the pressing position IV the dose of precursor is subjected, in addition to a mechanical compression, to a further energy transfer, which can consist of a heat input or another type of energy (for example microwaves or ultrasound).

[0054] The pressing position IV is preferably a static position, but the case of a production line configured, in a manner known per se, so that the pressing members (30, 40) move along the line together with the forming supports, at least during the pressing phase, is not excluded from the scope of the invention.

[0055] Each forming support 20, or at least the aforesaid portion thereof, is brought to an unloading position VI, preferably but not necessarily static, wherein the tablet body T or each tablet body T is removed from the respective forming cavity 21 , for a subsequent processing.

[0056] As better explained below, between the at least one pressing position IV and the unloading position VI, the process according to the invention provides that each forming support 20, or at least the aforesaid portion thereof, is brought to at least one waiting position V, preferably but not necessarily static, in the absence of compression, but in the presence of the further energy transfer on the tablet body T.

[0057] Referring to the non-limiting example shown in figure 3, in a first phase I of the process, the mass GC of roasted (toasted) and ground coffee is obtained, in a way known per se.

[0058] Preferably, in a second phase II of the process, the mass GC is subjected to a controlled humidification, particularly a homogeneous humidification, in order to obtain a mass of humidified coffee WGC, i.e., having a predetermined water content. The humidification phase can be carried out according to any known technique in the field.

[0059] In a third phase III of the process, the mass of humidified coffee is conveyed to a dosing and / or loading station 12, by means of which, via at least one dosing nozzle 12a, each dose D of humidified coffee powder is introduced into a respective cavity 21 of a forming support 20, particularly for the molding of the tablet bodies. In the example, associated with the forming support 20 is a lower forming part 30, which defines at least one lower punch, configured to close the cavity 21 inferiorly and thus allow the containment of the dose D inside the cavity itself.

[0060] In the schematic example, the station 12 includes a plurality of dosing nozzles 12a, in order to convey a plurality of doses D into respective cavities 21 of the forming support 20. However, the case of a single dosing nozzle, controllable for the dispensing of a dose D into a single-cavity support 20, or for the dispensing in sequence of multiple doses D into each cavity 21 of a multi-cavity support 20, is not excluded from the scope of the invention. The station 12 can also be obtained according to any known technique in the field. Each dose D is preferably introduced into the respective forming cavity 21 while the support 20 (with the associated lower part 30) is in a static condition, i.e. , with the support itself being temporarily stopped in a respective dosing or loading position. However, in other embodiments, the dosing could be performed on-the-fly, i.e., with the station 12 provided with a dispensing system configured to temporarily follow the support 20 during an advancement step thereof in the direction A.

[0061] In the schematic example of figure 3 the forming support 20 defines a plurality of cavities 21 and the lower forming part 30 defines a plurality of punches, but in possible variant embodiments the support 20 could include only a single cavity 21 , and the part 30 could have a single punch.

[0062] In accordance with possible embodiments, phase III can comprise a pre-dosing sub-phase, performed by means of a pre-dosing sub-station that includes intermediate cavities in which the coffee is pre-dosed, said intermediate cavities being configured to subsequently feed simultaneously respective cavities 21 of a support 20. Said sub-station can comprise for example a pre-dosing plate, fixed or movable, defining said intermediate cavities, with an associated mechanism configured for the subsequent discharge of the pre-dosed doses from the intermediate cavities to the respective cavities 21 of the support 20.

[0063] The pre-dosing sub-phase can be useful in the case where the supports 20 are hot during the dosing phase, for example following a previous tablet forming process, or because they are pre-heated (in the latter case, for example, the supports can be preliminarily maintained in a heating station, such as an oven, and then used already hot exploiting the corresponding thermal inertia). Should the support 20 be already hot, said pre-dosing sub-phase allows avoiding a serial or sequential dosing, which would cause the coffee dose D introduced into a first cavity 21 of the support 20 to heat up more than the coffee dose D introduced into the last cavity 21 of the same support.

[0064] Following the dosing phase III is a compression phase IV. In figure 3, phase IV is depicted by means of three different conditions arranged side by side according to direction A, for the sole purpose of easier understanding. In any case, the three operations indicated with IV-a, IV-b and IV-c can occur in a static condition of the support 20, or during its movement in direction A. The support 20 and the corresponding lower part 30 are brought by the transport line 6 to the pressing position (condition IV-a in figure 3), wherein each dose of moistened coffee D is subjected to compaction in the respective cavity 21 of the support 20. For this purpose, at the pressing position, an upper forming part 40 can be operative, having at least one upper punch insertable and slidable in the cavity 21 , in order to exert a compression on the dose D from the top downwards. In various embodiments, at the pressing position, an actuation system of the lower forming part 30 is also provided, configured to cause the sliding of the corresponding at least one lower punch inside the cavity 21 : in this way it is possible to exert a compression on the dose D in an axial direction, particularly from the bottom upwards, in combination with the compression action exerted through the upper forming part 40, when the support 20 is still in the pressing position (condition IV-b in figure 3). In possible variants, only one of the two parts 30 and 40 could be actuatable for the purpose of compressing the doses D. The actuation systems 14 and 15 of the forming parts 30 and 40 can be of any known conception, preferably based on the use of at least one respective hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

[0065] The case of forming supports 20 configured to perform a compression in a horizontal direction, i.e. , radial, is not excluded from the scope of the invention. In that case, the two parts 30 and 40 are not intended to perform an axial compression on the dose D, but to delimit the upper and lower surfaces of the compression space within each cavity 21 . In that case, the support 20 can include, at each cavity 21 , inserts that press laterally on the dose, in order to compress it to the final shape.

[0066] After the pressing, and thus the obtaining of a compacted dose P, the forming parts 30 and 40 are actuated in the opposite sense to the previous one (condition IV-c in figure 3), after which the support 20 with the associated part 30 - is translated to a waiting position, as highlighted in phase V: in this position the compacted dose - now indicated with R - is preferably constrained only by the peripheral surface of the respective forming cavity 21 .

[0067] After a time determined by the advancement rate of the transport line 6, the support 20, with the associated part 30, is brought to an unloading position, as highlighted in phase VI, wherein the now formed tablet T is extracted from the respective cavity (condition Vl-a of figure 3) and then transferred towards a further process phase (condition Vl-b of figure 3). Also in this case phase VI is depicted by means of two different conditions arranged side by side, for the purpose of easier understanding: the two conditions indicated with Vl-a and Vl-b can occur in a static condition of the support 20, or during its movement in direction A.

[0068] The extraction of the tablets T can be carried out according to any known modality, for example employing a system 50 provided with a suitable handling actuator 16. In the example the system 50 provides for vacuum extraction elements; in other embodiments the lower forming part 30 can be configured to slide its corresponding lower punch upwards, in order to lift the tablet up to a position external to the respective forming cavity 21 .

[0069] Irrespective of the specific construction of the mold and the extraction modalities, the tablets T can then be arranged for example on a conveying system, for the purposes of subsequent operations. In various embodiments, for example, a phase of application of a coating layer, for example of alginate, or a marking phase can be provided, during which, on the upper surface of the tablets T, a distinctive mark or a recognition code is defined in a known manner. The marking can also be performed by means of corresponding recessed or raised impressions on respective parts of the mold, such as the punches of parts 30 and / or 40. Following the marking phase, a phase of removal of residual heat from the tablets T can follow, for example via a suction system or with ventilation.

[0070] Subsequently, the packaging of the tablets T can be carried out. The tablets T can be packaged individually or in groups, in suitable containers having adequate oxygen barrier properties, such as for example bags, packets, trays, tubular containers. The tablets T can optionally be packaged under vacuum or in a controlled atmosphere in their respective packages.

[0071] In figure 4, a possible multi-cavity forming device usable in accordance with the invention is represented in a merely schematic form, which substantially forms a mold.

[0072] In this embodiment, the forming device comprises a forming support of the type already indicated by 20, in which a plurality of forming cavities are defined, substantially in the form of through holes defining only the peripheral surface of the cavities. In the embodiment shown in figure 4, at least a first series of cavities 21 , in a first portion 20a of the forming support 20, and a second series of cavities 22, in a second portion 20b of the forming support 20, are provided. Said first portion 20a and second portion 20b are respectively a front portion and a rear portion of the forming support 20, having as reference its direction of advancement A through the succession of processing positions of the processing line 5.

[0073] In figure 4, two lower forming parts 30' and 30" and at least one upper forming part 40 are also schematically represented, provided with respective lower punches 31 and upper punches 41 . The lower punches 31 of parts 30' and 30" are susceptible to insertion and sliding inside the cavities 21 and 22, respectively, of the forming support 20, while the upper punches 41 of part 40 are susceptible to insertion and sliding inside the cavities 21 and the cavities 22, respectively, when the forming support 20 is in two successive processing positions, as clarified below.

[0074] As can be understood, the forming parts 30', 30" and 40 are used in at least some of the processing positions in combination with the forming support 20: in particular, the lower parts 30' and 30" are usable in an active manner at least in the dosing and pressing phases / positions (and possibly in the waiting phase), while the upper forming part 40 is usable in an active manner at least in the pressing phase / position.

[0075] A possible use of the forming device of figure 4 is shown in the subsequent figures 5-17, limited to the processing positions previously identified as pressing, waiting and unloading. For simplicity of description, assume that figure 5 shows a start-up phase, i.e., wherein the forming support 20 shown is the first of a series of supports that are advanced in succession, for example at constant steps, through the line 5.

[0076] Figure 5 illustrates the condition wherein only the portion 20a of the support 20 is located at the pressing position, indicated with P1. In this condition, the doses of the precursor D are present inside the cavities 21 and 22. As can be seen, in position P1 , the cavities 21 are disposed inferiorly to the corresponding punches 41 of the upper forming part 40, which in this phase is in a raised position. In the example, the punches 31 of the lower forming parts 30' and 30" are inserted into the corresponding cavities 21 and 22 to support the doses from below. In the non-limiting example, assume that the lower parts 30' and 30" are associated with the support 20 so as to move therewith along the production line.

[0077] Note that, in other embodiments, the forming device could comprise two upper forming parts 40, in positions corresponding to the lower forming parts 30' and 30". In such a case, the two said upper parts 40 could be associated with the forming support 20 to be movable therewith in direction A, similarly to the lower parts 30' and 30"; at the pressing position P1 , in addition to a system for actuating the lower part 30' or 30", a system for actuating the upper part 40 that is from time to time in position P1 would also be present.

[0078] Indicated schematically by E is an energy source that is supplied to the doses of precursor D during the pressing. Assume that the source E is intended to supply thermal energy, i.e., heat, to the doses. In this perspective, the source E can be represented by one or more electrical resistances, intended to heat the forming support 20 (and / or part 30' and / or part 30" and / or part 40), and therefore to heat the dose of precursor D by conduction during the pressing. In embodiments of this type, the support 20 and / or parts 30' and / or 30" and / or 40 are preferably formed with metallic material, or in any case a material that is a good heat conductor. The electrical resistance or resistances can be integrated into the support 20 and / or into parts 30' and 30" and / or into part 40 and / or into the transport line of the supports 20 (6, figure 3); alternatively, the supports 20 can be made to pass for this purpose through an oven or heating tunnel provided with the resistance or resistances E. Note in any case that, as explained below, the energy supplied to the precursor can be of another type, for example mechanical (in particular via ultrasound) or electromagnetic (in particular via microwaves or other radio frequencies). As already mentioned, furthermore, in possible embodiments, the forming support 20 could be already hot, because it was kept empty in an oven, and then used hot exploiting its thermal inertia.

[0079] In the schematic example depicted, an energy source E is also shown at the waiting position P2, which could be the same one already highlighted at the pressing position P1 (for example the aforementioned integrated resistances or the aforementioned oven or heating tunnel). In positions P1 and P2, one or more surfaces that delimit the cavity of the molding equipment is / are subjected to heating, for example to a temperature comprised between 40 and 150°C. In preferred embodiments, the dose of precursor is compressed in position P1 while at least a part of the peripheral surface of the cavities 21 is heated to a temperature different, preferably lower, than a temperature at which at least one of the bottom surface and the top surface, defined respectively by the punches 31 and 41 , is heated. By way of mere example, the temperatures can be the following:

[0080] - upper surface: between 55 and 130°C;

[0081] - portion of the peripheral surface: between 40 and 110°C;

[0082] - lower surface: between 50 and 110°C.

[0083] The subsequent figure 6 shows the pressing phase in the strict sense, during which, with the support 20 in position P1 , parts 30" and 40 are actuated in the sense of compressing together the doses of precursor contained in the cavities 21 of portion 20a of the support 20, with the concurrent supply of thermal energy provided by source E. The resulting compacted doses are here indicated with P.

[0084] After the pressing phase, and as shown in figure 7, parts 30" and 40 are actuated in the opposite sense to the previous one, i.e. , part 30" is brought back downwards and part 40 is brought back upwards. In this phase, the compacted doses of precursor P are not constrained inferiorly and / or superiorly by punches 31 and 41 , but only by the peripheral surface of the cavities 21. In this condition, preferably, the compacted doses P are located in an intermediate position of the cavities 21 , i.e., at a distance from punches 31 and 41 , this position being guaranteed by the adhesion and / or mechanical interference of the dose itself relative to the peripheral wall of the cavity (in the previous compression phase the dose tends to expand, and thereafter the precursor is at the beginning of its relaxation, with a further tendency to expand also in the radial direction).

[0085] Note, in general, that part 30” can be pushed upwards, in order to reach a determined position, where the compression is then exerted by part 40” alone, and after the compression phase the same part 30” is lowered, in order to separate from the compacted dose; alternatively, part 30” can be actuated upwards to actively compress the dose together with part 40”, and then be lowered to separate from the dose, before the subsequent waiting phase.

[0086] As shown in figure 8, after the cycle time necessary for the pressing phase and opening of parts 30” and 40 has elapsed, the support 20 with the associated parts 30' and 30" is translated in the advancement direction by the transport line, so that portions 20a and 20b of the support 20 are now in the waiting position P2 and in the pressing position P1 , respectively, which can be static positions, although this is not strictly necessary.

[0087] As can be seen, therefore, the stepwise advancement rate of the transport line (not necessarily constant steps, in the case of using a magnetic type transport line) is such that, at the end of an advancement step of the forming supports 20, the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b are at different processing positions. In particular, at the end of an advancement step, the first portion 20a of a forming support 20 is in a waiting position P2, and the second portion 20b of the same forming support 20 is in a pressing position P1 .

[0088] Also in the waiting position P2, as said, thermal energy is nevertheless supplied to the portion 20a of the support 20 via the source E, in order to favor the previously explained relaxation. The doses in the relaxation phase are now indicated with R. In the example, the relaxation at position P2 occurs predominantly in the axial sense, given the absence of the upper and lower constraints previously constituted by the punches 31 and 41.

[0089] This is followed, as visible in figure 9, by the pressing phase of the doses of precursor contained in the cavities 22 of the portion 20b of the support 20, with simultaneous supply of the thermal energy provided by the source E, according to modalities analogous to those previously indicated for the doses originally contained in the cavities 21 of the portion 20a.

[0090] As visible in figure 10, this is followed by the reopening of the forming parts 30' and 40, with the compacted doses P of the cavities 22 being constrained only peripherally, similarly to what was described above.

[0091] As shown in figure 11 , after the cycle time necessary for the pressing phase and reopening of parts 30" and 40 has elapsed, the support 20 with the associated parts 30' and 30" is translated in the advancement direction, so that the portions 20a and 20b of the support 20 are now in the unloading position P3 and in the waiting position P2, respectively, and a subsequent forming support 20i, immediately following the previous one, is translated in the advancement direction, so that its portion 20a is at the pressing position P1.

[0092] This is followed, as visible in figure 12:

[0093] - the compaction of the doses P contained in the cavities 21 of the portion 20a of the support 20i, with simultaneous supply of the thermal energy provided by the source E,

[0094] - the waiting phase of the compacted doses R contained in the cavities 22 of the portion 20b of the support 20, with simultaneous supply of the thermal energy provided by the source E,

[0095] - the start of the unloading phase of the now formed tablets T from the cavities 21 of the portion 20a of the support 20.

[0096] In the example shown, during the start of the unloading phase (position P3), the lower forming part 30" is actuated upwards, so as to push the tablets T at least partially outside the respective cavities 21 of the portion 20a of the support 20. This phase can occur simultaneously with the closing of the forming parts 30" and 40 referred to position P1 . With the tablets T in said condition, an extractor system 50 (for example operating by suction) is coupled to the tablets themselves. Subsequently, as shown in figure 13, during the lifting of the forming part 40 referred to position P1 , the extractor system 50 is also actuated, in the sense of completely removing the tablets T from the forming support 20 and transferring them to a subsequent processing station, not shown.

[0097] As shown in figure 14, after the cycle time necessary for the pressing phase and reopening of parts 30" and 40 referred to position P1 has elapsed, with simultaneous discharge of the tablets T by the extractor system 50 referred to position P3, the supports 20 and 20i with the associated parts 30' and 30" are translated by a further step in the advancement direction, so that:

[0098] - the portion 20a of the support 20 is beyond the unloading position P3,

[0099] - the portion 20b of the support 20 is in the discharging position P3,

[0100] - the portion 20a of the support 20i is in the waiting position P2, and

[0101] - the portion 20b of the support 20i is in the pressing position P1 .

[0102] This is followed (figure 15): - the pressing of the doses P contained in the cavities 22 of the portion 20b (position P1 ) of the support 20i,

[0103] - the waiting phase of the compacted doses R contained in the cavities 21 of the portion 20a (position P2) of the support 20i,

[0104] - the raising of the tablets T contained in the cavities 22 of the portion 20b (position P3) of the support 20.

[0105] Subsequently (figure 16) the reopening of the forming parts 30' and 40 in position P1 and simultaneous removal in position P3 of the tablets T from the cavities 22 of the portion 20b of the forming support 20 occurs.

[0106] As shown in figure 17, after the cycle time necessary for the aforementioned phases has elapsed, the transport line (6, figure 3) performs a further advancement step, so that:

[0107] - the support 20, from which all tablets T have been removed, is in a position completely beyond the discharging position P3 (for example to proceed along a circular path towards the dosing position (phase III, figure 3),

[0108] - the cavities 21 and 22 of the support 20i are respectively in the discharging position P3 and waiting position P2, and

[0109] - a subsequent forming support 202, immediately following the support 20i, has the portion 20a thereof at the pressing position P1 .

[0110] The cycle therefore continues in relation to the supports 2O2 and 20i with modalities analogous to those previously described with reference to figure 14 and subsequent ones.

[0111] In an embodiment of the type previously exemplified with reference to figures 5-17, the cycle time - i.e., the time elapsing between two successive advancement steps of a same forming support - can be for example equal to 30 seconds. More generally, with the proposed embodiments, it is possible for example to have a compression time comparable or equal to the waiting time: a total cycle time is therefore determined which is composed of the maximum time between the two aforementioned times (compression or waiting), to which the handling times of the forming supports and the corresponding parts 30', 30" and 40 are added. For merely exemplary purposes, with a compression time of 20s and a waiting time of 15s, and assuming 10s for the indicated handling operations, a cycle time of 30s is obtained. In figure 18, a possible further embodiment is illustrated, also in this case according to which a plurality of forming supports 20, with respective cavities 21 , are advanced in steps, preferably but not necessarily constant steps, through a plurality of successive processing stations / positions. For simplicity, the supports 20 are depicted here with a single cavity 21 , but clearly each support could include multiple cavities, with the corresponding doses of precursor intended to be processed simultaneously.

[0112] Also in this case the different positions are represented side by side according to an advancement direction for the sole purpose of easier understanding, it being understood that the various operations can occur in a static condition of the support 20, or during its movement in the advancement direction.

[0113] The position Pa is intended to represent the arrival of a support 20, with the associated lower part 30, where in the cavity 21 a dose of precursor D is contained, while the subsequent position Pd is intended to represent a possible step of checking the weight of the dose D, performed via the lower forming part 30, for example provided for this purpose with a load cell or similar sensor.

[0114] In position P1 , the pressing phase is carried out, according to the modalities already clarified previously, in order to obtain the compacted doses P. For simplicity, the individual phases of closing and opening of parts 30 and 40 have not been detailed here, being in any case analogous to those previously described. Similarly, the energy source E of figures 5-17 has not been represented here, it being understood however that, also in this embodiment, the pressing and waiting phases occur with supply of thermal energy.

[0115] The pressing performed in position P1 does not necessarily imply a lifting of the lower part 30 with the corresponding punch 31 . For this reason, in the exemplified case, the subsequent position Ps is intended to exemplify a phase of raising the compacted dose P, obtained via movement of the lower part 30, such as to bring the dose itself into an intermediate position of the cavity 21 , similarly to what was previously described, and therefore in the absence of constraints from above and below. In any case, as already indicated, the part 30 could be pushed upwards, in order to reach a position where the active compression is exerted by the part 40 alone, and after the compression phase the same part 30 is lowered, in order to separate from the compacted dose, or the part 30 could be actuated upwards so as to actively contribute to the compression of the dose, and then be lowered to separate from the dose itself, before the subsequent waiting phase.

[0116] The support 20 is then brought to the position indicated with P2i, i.e., a first waiting position, preferably but not necessarily static, corresponding to that previously described, in the absence of compression and of upper and lower constraints on the dose R during relaxation, but with the concurrent energy input.

[0117] The support 20 is then brought to the position indicated with P22, which is a further waiting position, analogous to position P2i, and therefore in the absence of compression but with concurrent energy input to the dose R.

[0118] The support 20 then reaches position P3, for discharging the now formed tablet T from the cavity 21 , similarly to what was previously described.

[0119] Also in embodiments of this type the total cycle time is composed of the maximum time between the compression time and the waiting time, to which the handling times are added. For example, with a compression time of 20s and a waiting time of 15s, and assuming 10s for handling, a cycle time of 30s is obtained.

[0120] Figure 19 illustrates a further possible embodiment, which differs from that of figure 18 solely in that it provides for two distinct pressing positions P1 i and PI2, one after the other, and three distinct waiting positions P2i, P22 and P2s, one after the other. It will therefore be appreciated that the compression phase could be done in multiple stages, each of which is interspersed with a relaxation phase.

[0121] As previously mentioned, the tablets T could have a shape different from that exemplified in figures 1 -2, for example distinguished by the presence of a hollow zone at at least one of the two end faces 3 and 4 thereof.

[0122] Figure 20 illustrates such a case, where it is assumed that the upper face 3 is the one intended to be initially hit by the flow of hot water during the process of extracting a coffee-based beverage, while the lower face 4 is the one corresponding to the beverage dispensing side, i.e., the side from which the hot water exits the tablet T, carrying therewith the extraction components, such as the lipophilic and water-soluble substances of the coffee.

[0123] In the exemplified case, at least at the upper face 3, at least one generally hollow or recessed zone is defined, indicated by C as a whole. In the example, the face 3 of the tablet T presents an annular portion 3a, which peripherally delimits the hollow zone C. The hollow zone C can have a depth - relative to the annular portion 3a - comprised between 0.2 and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 2 mm.

[0124] A similar hollow zone C could also be provided at the lower face 4.

[0125] The hollow zone C, or each hollow zone C, can be obtained via a corresponding conformation of the pressing surfaces of the punches 31 and / or 41 , i.e., a shape substantially complementary to that of the corresponding face of the tablet T.

[0126] The hollow zone C at least at the face 3 proves advantageous to allow a relaxation or expansion of the compacted coffee mass, during the preparation of a beverage, i.e., following the traversal of the body of the tablet T by the preparation water.

[0127] As indicated above, in possible embodiments, the energy supplied to the dose of precursor during the compression phase and in the waiting phase can be obtained via microwaves. Figure 21 schematically shows part of a possible equipment usable for this purpose. Also in this case the different positions are represented side by side according to an advancement direction for the sole purpose of easier understanding, it being understood that the various operations can occur in a static condition of the support 20, or during its movement in the advancement direction.

[0128] Also in this case the forming device consists of a support 20, here provided with a forming cavity 21 which is closed inferiorly, suitable for receiving a respective dose D of precursor. Assume that the position Pa of figure 21 is intended to represent the arrival of a support 20, which is subsequently translated by the transport line 6 to the pressing position P1 .

[0129] At the pressing position P1 , the support 20 is closed by an upper lid 60, having an upper opening for the passage of the stem of a punch 41 , actuatable in any known manner, belonging to an upper forming part 40. In this way, a variable-volume compression chamber is formed between the cavity 21 and the punch 41 . Also at the position P2, a device E for irradiating a beam 63 of electromagnetic waves is installed. The irradiation device E comprises an antenna 62a for emitting the beam of electromagnetic waves 63. The antenna 62a can for example be connected to a microwave generator 62b, for example a magnetron.

[0130] Via the punch 41 , the precursor is compressed with concurrent input of the microwaves 63, in order to obtain the compacted dose P. In embodiments of this type the moisture content (i.e., water content) of the precursor determines its heating level, given that:

[0131] - water is a lossy dielectric, having the property of absorbing electromagnetic waves and converting them into heat;

[0132] - the higher the moisture content of the dose, the higher the dielectric constant;

[0133] - the higher the dielectric constant, the greater the heating effect.

[0134] On this basis, the dose P during compaction is therefore heated indirectly, via the microwaves 63.

[0135] At the end of the pressing phase, after the reopening of the lid 60 with the corresponding punch 41 , the support 20 passes into the subsequent waiting position P2, wherein a further lid 60 is closed again on the support 20, with activation of a second irradiation device E, resulting in a further energy input to the dose R now in the relaxation phase (naturally, as an alternative to what is illustrated, a single generator 62b could be provided to which the two antennas 62a referred to positions P1 and P2 are connected, or the phases referred to positions P1 and P2 could occur inside a same tunnel provided with the antennas 62a). In this case, the energy input occurs in the absence of an upper constraint on the dose R, still allowing the axial relaxation of the precursor. Note however that also in this case at least one lower punch of the type previously indicated with 31 could be associated with the support 20.

[0136] After the necessary waiting time, the line 6 translates the forming support 20 into the subsequent position P3, for unloading the tablet T, via an extraction system that picks up the tablet itself directly from inside the cavity 21 .

[0137] Naturally, also in the case of energy input via microwaves, the support 20 can comprise a plurality of forming cavities, with the elements indicated with 40, 41 and 60 in figure 21 modified accordingly. However, as already mentioned, the production line could be configured so that the microwave input in positions P1 and P2 is obtained via the transit of the supports 20 through a tunnel, equipped with antennas for the propagation of microwaves onto the supports that station from time to time in said positions P1 and P2.

[0138] It goes without saying that at least some of the parts of the equipment shown in figure 21 must be formed with a material transparent to microwaves.

[0139] As indicated above, in possible embodiments, the energy supplied to the dose of precursor during the compression phase and in the waiting phase can be obtained via ultrasound, i.e., with input of mechanical vibration. Figure 22 schematically shows part of a possible equipment usable for this purpose. Also in this case the different positions are represented side by side according to an advancement direction for the sole purpose of easier understanding, it being understood that one or more of the various operations can occur in a static condition of the support 20, or during its movement in the advancement direction.

[0140] Also in this case the forming device consists of a support 20, provided with at least one forming cavity 21 closed inferiorly, suitable for receiving a respective dose D of precursor. In the extremely schematic example represented, the support 20 is supported on the line 6 via generic elastic means 70, suitable for allowing a downward movement of the support 20, i.e., allowing the application of a compression on the dose D contained in the corresponding cavity 21 .

[0141] Assume that the position Pa of figure 22 is intended to represent the arrival of a support 20, which is subsequently translated by the transport line 6 to the pressing position P1 .

[0142] At the position P1 , preferably static, a vibrating assembly is provided which provides the energy source E, configured to transmit a mechanical vibration to the dose D. The vibrating assembly can comprise components of a known conception, among which:

[0143] - an ultrasound generator, not shown, suitable for generating an electrical wave having a frequency in the ultrasound range,

[0144] - an electromechanical transducer 71 , suitable for transforming said electrical wave into a mechanical vibration, and

[0145] - a sonotrode 72, suitable for transferring the mechanical vibration generated by the transducer 71 to the dose of precursor D, and whose lower face is intended to close the upper opening of the cavity 21 .

[0146] The assembly E, or at least the sonotrode 72, is mounted in a movable manner, so as to be susceptible of assuming a raised position and a lowered position relative to the support 20. The assembly E can also include a booster 73, interposed between the electromechanical transducer 71 and the sonotrode 72, in order to amplify the mechanical vibration.

[0147] In embodiments of this type the precursor can be added with an aggregating agent, in view of the subsequent application of energy via ultrasonic mechanical vibrations. The aggregating agent is preferably a liquid agent, particularly water.

[0148] With the support in the pressing position P1 , preferably static in relation to the advancement direction of line 6, the assembly E (or its sonotrode) is lowered, so that the lower surface of the sonotrode 72 subjects the dose D to pressing, acting substantially as a punch. This movement determines overall a lowering of the support 21 , given the presence of the corresponding elastic means 70. This is followed by the actuation of the sonotrode 72 for the purpose of applying ultrasonic vibrations, whereby the coffee particles adhere and compact together, in order to obtain the compacted dose P.

[0149] Also in this case, therefore, the precursor is compressed with concurrent energy input, with the dose being heated indirectly via the ultrasonic vibrations.

[0150] At the end of the pressing phase, the assembly E (or the sonotrode) is raised, and the support 20 is transferred to the subsequent waiting position P2, wherein a further assembly E is lowered onto the support 20. In this case, however, the extent of the downward movement of the sonotrode 72 is such that its lower surface rests on the surface of the compacted dose P, without determining a compression thereof (and thus without determining any substantial compression of the elastic means 70).

[0151] The activation of the sonotrode 72 referred to in position P2 determines a consequent further input of vibrational energy to the dose R now in the relaxation phase. In this case, the energy input occurs in the absence of a substantial upper constraint on the dose R, nevertheless allowing the relaxation of the precursor. Note however that also in this case at least one lower punch of the type could be associated with the support 20

[0152] After the necessary waiting time, the line 6 translates the forming support 20 to the subsequent position P3, for the unloading of the tablet T, via an extraction system which picks up the tablet itself directly from inside the cavity 21 .

[0153] Naturally also in the case of energy input via microwaves the support 20 can provide for a plurality of forming cavities, with the other elements of figure 22 modified accordingly.

[0154] From the description provided, the characteristics and advantages of the present invention are clear.

[0155] It is clear that numerous variants are possible for the person skilled in the art to the process and system described as an example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow.

[0156] The continuous production line could include a single loading and / or dosing station on multiple forming supports, and a plurality of compression stations and waiting stations. Similarly, the production line could comprise a single discharging station to which all forming supports arrive, or the discharging phase could be performed at the end of each waiting phase. It is also possible to configure the line with a plurality of stations configured for the pre-dosing and compaction of the doses of precursor, and a single discharging station.

[0157] In possible variant embodiments the supports could be configured to be actuatable, in the waiting phases, so as to increase the diameter of each forming cavity, so that the compacted dose is not peripherally constrained but only superiorly and inferiorly, via the punches 31 and 41 . In this perspective, for example, each cavity could be defined between two respective parts or inserts of the support that are movable away from and towards each other, via a suitable actuation system, between an opening position and a closing position, usable in the waiting and pressing positions, respectively.

[0158] In figure 23, an apparatus for the production of tablets obtained in accordance with a possible variant embodiment of the invention is illustrated in schematic form.

[0159] The apparatus, indicated by 100 as a whole, has a substantially carousel structure, and comprises a rotating support 101 , for example in the form of a table, which defines or supports tablet forming supports, or parts thereof, and which moves in steps. In the example, the rotating support 101 directly defines a series of lower forming parts 30a, each comprising a respective group of forming cavities 21 , the parts 30a being spaced from one another in the circumferential direction of the support 101 , preferably equidistant from each other.

[0160] Preferably, the cavities 21 are through cavities having associated lower punches, configured to perform the functions of the punches previously indicated with 31 (by way of example, the support 101 can be understood to represent a part functionally similar to the part 20 of figure 4, with an associated lower part functionally similar to the part 30' or 30" of the same figure).

[0161] In the non-limiting example, the support 101 also supports upper forming parts, indicated with 40a, provided with respective upper punches, configured to perform the functions of the punches previously indicated with 41 (by way of example, the part 40a can be understood to represent a part functionally similar to the part 40 of figure 4, which in this case moves in direction A with the support 101 ). In the example, the upper forming parts 40a are represented as members hinged to the support 101 , i.e., susceptible of moving at least in part with angular movement between their respective closing (or pressing) and opening positions of the cavities 21 : however, in possible variants, the parts 40a (or the corresponding upper punches) could be configured for linear movement from top to bottom, and vice versa, similarly to the forming parts previously indicated with 40. The parts 40a could optionally be in a static position, relative to the rotational movement of the support 101 , so that below each of them a different lower forming part 30a is found from time to time.

[0162] With 102 is indicated a heating station, such as an oven, preferably having a longitudinal arc development, through which the forming parts 30a- 40a are susceptible of transiting during the rotation of the support 101 according to the movement direction A. 1

[0163] With 103 is indicated a pressing station which is configured, for example by means of an electrical, or pneumatic or hydraulic actuation system, to exert a pressure on each upper forming part 40a relative to the corresponding lower forming part 30a, i.e. , to provide the compression of the coffee doses contained in the corresponding cavities 21 .

[0164] In the depicted example, the sector indicated with L corresponds to a phase of loading the humidified coffee doses into the cavities 21 of a lower forming part 30a, which can be performed by means of a loading station of a known type, possibly integrating a dosing system, for example with modalities similar to those previously described. Also in this embodiment, a pre-dosing sub-phase or sub-station, fixed or movable, as previously indicated, can be provided.

[0165] After the loading of the doses, the same lower forming part 30a is closed by means of the corresponding upper forming part 40a. For simplicity, in figure 23 the closing mechanism of the part 40a has not been represented, which can be of any known conception. Preferably, in any case, the closing of the part 40a onto the part 30a that occurs in this phase is not aimed at obtaining the final compression of the coffee doses, although such closing may correspond to a minimal pressure on the coffee.

[0166] After closure, the forming support constituted by the parts 30, 40 closed together transits stepwise through the heating station 102, i.e., in the sector indicated with H, during which said forming support, and therefore the coffee doses contained therein, is heated.

[0167] At the outlet from the heating device 102, i.e., from the sector H, the forming support reaches the subsequent sector P, wherein the station 103 provides to exert on the part 40a the pressure necessary to obtain the final compaction of the coffee doses. In such an embodiment, the compression force exerted by means of the station 103 can be higher and shorter compared to that used in the previous embodiments.

[0168] At the end of the application of the force by the pressing station 103, while the considered forming support 30a-40a is preferably still in the sector P, the consequent compression from the top on the single coffee doses ceases; for example, the forming part 40a can be slightly raised, while the lower punches can be slightly lowered, so that each tablet is in an intermediate position of the cavities 21 , i.e., at a distance from the corresponding lower and upper punches (i.e., in a condition similar to that of position P" of figure 8). Each tablet is therefore constrained only laterally inside the respective cavity 21 .

[0169] Following a further rotation step of the support 101 , the considered forming support 30a-40a thus arrives in the sector indicated with D, corresponding to a station for unloading the tablets from the respective cavities 21 , which in this case can also be obtained with modalities similar to those previously described.

[0170] After the unloading of the tablets, and a consequent further rotation step of the support 101 , the same forming support will again be at the sector L, i.e., for loading the coffee into the cavities 21 .

[0171] In the case of the apparatus of figure 23, each forming support 30a- 40a transits stepwise through the heating station 102, i.e., the sector H, in the example for at least five steps. In this way, heat is supplied to the lower forming support 30a - typically metallic- which then persists also at the end of the compression phase carried out at the sector P. As said, after said compression phase the lower and upper constraints to the tablet, constituted by the punches of parts 30a and 40a, are removed, so that also in this solution each compacted coffee dose can be temporarily maintained inside the respective forming cavity 21 , in a waiting condition, in the absence of compression but in the presence of a further energy transfer, represented by the residual heat of the lower forming support 30a.

[0172] With an apparatus of the indicated type, assuming for exemplary purposes only a diameter of the support 101 of about 2 m, with eight forming sections 30a-40a each comprising thirty-four cavities 21 , and a time for a complete rotation of the support 101 equal to one minute, it is possible to obtain 272 tablets per said complete rotation. Again for merely exemplary purposes, with reference to a given forming section 30a-40a, the loading time (sector L) can be 12 s, the heating time (sector H) can be 30 s, the pressing time (sector P) can be 8 s, and the unloading time (sector D) can be 12 s.

[0173] With the solution of figure 23, the relaxation or waiting phase is obtained starting from the retraction of the punches of the forming parts 30a and 40a (sector P), until the unloading phase (sector D) of the tablets from the respective cavities 21 , and therefore also during a step of advancement of the support 101 .

[0174] However, in accordance with possible variants, between the sectors P and D of figure 23, a further intermediate section could be provided, corresponding to a specific waiting or relaxation step of the already compressed coffee contained in a forming support 30a-30b, which therefore takes place in a static position of the support 101 , while the coffee doses contained in a subsequent forming support 30a-30b (with reference to the rotation direction A) are subjected to pressing in the section P.

[0175] With the use of the apparatus 100 of figure 23, there are in any case a plurality of forming supports, which allow subjecting at least one coffee dose to compression, while another coffee dose previously compacted in the form of a tablet is in the relaxation phase.

[0176] Figure 24 schematically shows how at least one apparatus 100 of the type shown in figure 23 can be inserted into a continuous production line. In the specific example depicted, at least two apparatuses 100 are disposed near a conveyor system, represented only partially and indicated by 106 as a whole, which is movable according to a respective advancement direction B. The apparatuses 100 are arranged such that their respective discharging stations, at the sectors D, are in a position adjacent to the conveyor system 106, or in any case in a relative position with respect thereto that allows unloading the respective finished tablets onto it.

[0177] In figure 24, two loading stations are further indicated by 105, each at a respective sector L, configured for the dosing and any pre-dosing (if not performed previously) and the loading of the single doses into the cavities of the various forming supports according to figure 23 (note that, alternatively, the two apparatuses 100 could be arranged mirroring each other and with their respective supports 101 rotating in opposite directions, so as to have the sectors L in adjacent positions and served by a single loading station).

[0178] As can be understood, the coordinated stepwise movement of the two apparatuses 100 is such that the now formed tablets T can be unloaded simultaneously, at the sectors D, from respective forming sections carried by the rotating supports 101 , with the conveyor system 106 then directing the tablets T towards a packaging system. In the example, a metering device 107 is operative along the conveyor system 106, configured in a manner known per se in order to regulate the flow of the tablets T arranged on the same conveyor system 106 towards the subsequent phase foreseen by the process, for example packaging.

[0179] The type of solution exemplified with reference to figure 23 is also usable in an apparatus whose advancement system is based, instead of on a rotating support, on a closed-loop conveyor system.

[0180] An example in this regard is shown in figure 25 where the apparatus, indicated by 100' as a whole, includes a loop conveyor 10T, in place of a rotating support. In this figure, the same reference numbers as in figures 23-24 are used, to indicate elements analogous or equivalent from a technical and / or functional point of view to those described with reference to said figures 23-24.

[0181] In this case the conveyor 101 ' carries a plurality of supports defining the forming cavities, with associated respective lower and upper forming parts 30a-40a, which are openable and closable according to what was previously described. The supports, comprising the parts 30a-40a, are advanced stepwise in the direction A, also in this case through a loading sector L (with possible dosing) provided with the respective loading station 105, a heating sector H provided with the respective heating device 102, a pressing sector P provided with the respective pressing device, and an unloading sector D, provided with the respective discharging station 104.

[0182] As can be understood, also in this case, following the loading phase via the device 105 (sector L), the various forming supports are advanced stepwise by the conveyor 10T first through the heating device 102 (sector H) and then through the pressing device 103 (sector P), to then arrive at the discharging station 104 (sector D), where the tablets T are moved onto the conveyor 106.

[0183] Also in this solution, therefore, the pressing device 103 (sector P) provides to exert on the part 40a of a given support the pressure necessary to obtain the final compaction of the coffee doses. At the end of the application of the force by the station 103, the considered forming support advances by one step, with the retraction of the punches of its parts 30a and 40a, so that each tablet is in an intermediate position of the cavities 21 (i.e. , in a condition similar to that of position P" of figure 8), and therefore constrained only laterally inside the respective cavity: the relative position of the forming support, i.e. , a waiting position, is indicated with P11 in figure 25. Optionally, before arriving in correspondence with the sector D for unloading, the same forming support can be subjected to one or more further waiting steps, such as that indicated with P22 in figure 25, although this may not be essential.

[0184] As can be seen, also in the embodiment of figure 25, a parallelization of the compression and waiting times takes place (i.e., while at least one dose is subjected to compression, another dose is in a waiting / relaxation condition), the cycle time being defined by the sum of the longer of these times plus the non-overlapping handling times.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A process for the production of coffee tablets, or similar coffee dosing units having a self-supporting structure, in a continuous production line (5; 100; 100') in which a plurality of forming supports (20; 20i-20s; 30a, 30a-40a), each defining at least a portion of one or more forming cavities (21 ; 21 , 22), are moved stepwise through a succession of processing positions, wherein the process comprises the operations of:A) providing a mass of precursor (WGC) that includes powdery or granular coffee;B) supplying the mass of precursor (WGC) to a dosing system (12) to obtain doses of precursor (D);C) depositing at least one dose of precursor (D) in a respective forming cavity (21 ; 21 , 22) of a corresponding forming support (20; 20i-20s; 30a; 30a-40a);D) subjecting the dose of precursor, or each dose of precursor, to compaction (P1 ; P11, PI2) inside the respective forming cavity (21 ) of the forming support (20; 20i-20s; 30a; 30a-40a) via pressing means (30; 40), for the purpose of obtaining a tablet body;F) removing (P3) the tablet body, or each tablet body, from the respective forming cavity (21 ) of the forming support (20; 20i-20s; 30a; 30a- 40a); wherein operation D) comprises subjecting the dose of precursor, or each dose of precursor, to a compression and to a further energy transfer (E; 63), preferably in the form of thermal energy, wherein, after operation D) and before operation F), there Is provided the operation of:E) temporarily maintaining the tablet body inside the respective forming cavity (21 ) of the forming support (20; 20i-20s; 30a; 30a-40a) in a waiting condition (P2; P2i, P22; P2i, P22, P2s), in absence of compression and in presence of the further energy transfer (E, 63) on the tablet body.

2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein operation E), or a part thereof, is performed on a tablet body intended for obtaining a first tablet(T), while operation D), or a part thereof, is performed simultaneously on a dose of precursor intended for obtaining a second tablet (T).

3. The process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the at least one waiting condition (P2; P2i, P22; P2i, P22, P2s) the tablet body:- is peripherally constrained inside the respective forming cavity (21 ) and is not constrained from above and / or from below, or- is constrained from below and / or from above inside the respective forming cavity (21 ) and is not constrained peripherally.

4. The process according to any one of claims 1 -3, wherein a cycle time elapsing between two successive steps of the continuous production line (5; 100; 100') is equal to the longest of a time of execution of operation D) and a time of execution of operation E), plus the corresponding movement times of a forming support (20; 20i-20s; 30a; 30a-40a) and of the pressing means (30, 40).

5. The process according to any one of claims 1 -4, wherein each forming support (20) has a first set of cavities (21 ) and a second set of cavities (22), and wherein, at the end of an advancement step of the forming supports (20), the doses of precursor or the tablet bodies contained in the first set of cavities (21 ) and the doses of precursor or the tablet bodies contained in the second set of cavities (22) are simultaneously subjected to two different consecutive operations selected from operations C) - F).

6. The process according to claim 5, wherein at the end of an advancement step of the forming supports (20):- the tablet bodies contained in the first set of cavities (21 ) of the first portion (20a) are subjected to operation E), and the doses of precursor contained in the second set of cavities (22) of the second portion (20b) are subjected to operation D), and / or- the tablet bodies contained in the second set of cavities (21 ) of the second portion (20b) of a first forming support (20) are subjected to operation E), and the doses of precursor contained in the first set of cavitiesimmediately subsequent to the first forming support (20), are subjected to operation D).

7. The process according to claim 1 , wherein operation D) comprises at least two successive compaction phases (P11, PI2).

8. The process according to claim 1 , wherein operation E) comprises at least two successive waiting phases (P2i, P22; P2i, P22, P2s).

9. The process according to any one of claims 1 -8, wherein the forming supports are moved stepwise along a substantially linear path or along a substantially circular path.

10. The process according to any one of claims 1 -9, wherein operation B) comprises a pre-dosing phase, in which the precursor is fed to a plurality of intermediate cavities, configured to subsequently feed simultaneously a plurality of doses of precursor into respective forming cavities (21 ; 21 , 22) of a corresponding forming support (20; 20i-20s; 30a; 30a-40a).

11. A tablet for extraction via hot water of liquid coffee in a preparation device, obtained with the process according to one or more of claims 1 -10.

12. A production line for coffee tablets, or similar coffee dosing units having a self-supporting structure, wherein the production line (5; 100; 100') is a continuous line in which a plurality of forming supports (20; 20i-20s; 30a; 30a-40a), each defining at least a part of one or more forming cavities (21 ; 21 , 22), are moved in sequence and stepwise through a succession of processing stations, by means of a transfer line (5), the production line comprising:- at least one loading and / or dosing station (12), configured to deposit at least one precursor amount (D) in a respective forming cavity (21 ; 21 , 22) of a corresponding forming support (20; 20i-20s; 30a; 30a-40a);- at least one pressing station (P1 ), capable of receiving the formingsupport (20; 20i-20s; 30a; 30a-40a), or at least a portion thereof (20a, 20b), and configured to subject the precursor amount or each precursor amount to compaction inside the respective forming cavity (21 ) in presence of a further energy transfer, preferably in the form of thermal energy, for the purpose of obtaining a tablet body;- at least one discharging station (P3), capable of receiving the forming support (20; 20i-20s; 30a; 30a-40a), or at least said portion thereof (20a, 20b), and configured for the removal of the tablet body or of each tablet body from the respective forming cavity (21 ), wherein the at least one pressing station comprises compression means (30, 40; 30', 30"; 40), configured for subjecting the precursor amount or each precursor amount to a compression, and wherein the production line (5) is configured to maintain the tablet body in a condition of absence of compression and in presence of the further energy transfer (E, 63) on the tablet body, inside the respective forming cavity (21 ), in at least one position that is between the pressing station (P1 ) and the discharging station (P3).

13. The production line according to claim 12, wherein each forming support (20) defines a plurality of forming cavities (21 , 22), which comprise at least a first set of cavities (21 ) in a first portion (20a) of the forming support (20), and a second set of cavities (22), in a second portion (20b) of the forming support (20), said first portion (20a) and said second portion (20b) being respectively a front portion and a rear portion of the forming support (20), with reference to the direction of advancement (A) process through the succession of processing stations, and wherein, at the end of an advancement step of the forming supports (20), the precursor amounts or the tablet bodies contained in the first set of cavities (21 ) of the first portion (20a) and the precursor amounts or the tablet bodies contained in the second set of cavities (22) of the second portion (20b) are at two different processing stations.

14. The production line according to claim 12 or claim 13, comprising a transport line (6; 100) configured to move the forming supports along a substantially linear path or a substantially circular path.

15. The production line according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein the compression means (30, 40; 30', 30"; 40) are configured to be brought away from the tablet body contained inside a respective forming cavity (21 ) at least in said position comprised between the pressing station (P1 ) and the discharging station (P3).

16. The production line according to any one of claims 12-15, wherein the at least one loading and / or dosing station (12) comprises a predosing sub-station, which defines a plurality of intermediate cavities to which respective pre-dosed amounts of precursor are supplied, and which is configured to subsequently feed simultaneously the pre-dosed amounts of precursor from the plurality of intermediate cavities to a corresponding plurality of forming cavities (21 ; 21 , 22) of a forming support (20; 20i-20s; 30a; 30a-40a), wherein preferably the pre-dosing sub-station comprises a pre-dosing plate, fixed or movable, defining said intermediate cavities, with an associated mechanism configured for the subsequent discharge of the pre-dosed amounts of precursor into the respective forming cavities of the forming support.

17. The production line according to any one of claims 12-16, comprising an apparatus (100) having a substantially carousel structure, comprising a rotating support (101 ) which defines or supports a plurality of forming supports (30a, 40'), or parts thereof, and which moves stepwise, the apparatus (100) further comprising:- at least one heating station (102),- at least one pressing station (103),- at least one loading and / or dosing station (105)- at least one discharging station (D).

18. The production line according to any one of claims 12-16, comprising an apparatus (100) having a closed-loop conveyor (101 '), which supports a plurality of forming supports (30a, 40a), or parts thereof, and which moves stepwise, the apparatus (100) further comprising:- at least one heating station (102),- at least one pressing station (103),- at least one loading and / or dosing station (105)- at least one unloading station (D).

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