CN219790765U - Device for introducing food into a container - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for introducing a food product into a container, the food product having at least one solid component, the apparatus comprising: i) A conveyor (2), the conveyor (2) in turn comprising a support (23) for supporting the food product, the support (23) defining an area (21) for temporary storage of the food product; the support (23) further defines a plurality of dispensers (220) for dispensing food product into the container; ii) heating means (4) for heating the storage area (21); ii) means (3) for positioning the container under the dispenser (220) and at the dispenser (220).

Description

Device for introducing food into a container

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to a device for introducing food products, in particular solid food bars, into a container.

Background

Systems for introducing food products into containers are known, these systems comprising a rotating turntable over which the hot food products are poured. The turntable includes a distributor plate provided with a plurality of peripheral product passage holes. The container is placed under the product passage hole and filled with the food by dropping. In many cases, the food product is then subjected to a pasteurization treatment to destroy the bacterial load. A disadvantage of such a pasteurization treatment is that it risks modifying the flavor and integrity of the solid portion of the food ingredient.

Disclosure of Invention

In this case, the technical task underlying the present utility model is to propose a device for introducing a food product into a container that allows preserving the taste and integrity of the solid portion.

The technical task set and the aims specified are basically achieved by a device for introducing a food product into a container, comprising: i) A conveyor, which in turn comprises a support for supporting the food product, the support defining a storage area for temporarily storing the food product; the support is movable and further defines a plurality of dispensers for dispensing the food product into the container; ii) positioning means for positioning the container under and at the dispenser; characterized in that the device comprises heating means for heating the storage area.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the utility model will become more apparent from the illustrative and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a device for introducing food products into a container, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a plan view of a device according to the utility model;

figure 2 shows a cross-section view along the plane A-A of figure 1;

figures 3 and 4 show an enlarged detail of figure 2;

figure 5 shows a perspective view of the components of the device according to the utility model;

figure 6 shows a plan view of the device of figure 5;

figure 7 shows a cross-section according to plane A-A of figure 6.

Detailed Description

In the figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a device for introducing a food product (having at least one solid component) into a container. Treated foods typically include bulk products such as legume or seed products (advantageously non-pumpable solid products which can be excessively damaged). For example, the block product may comprise beans, tomato blocks or plant (fruit and/or vegetable) blocks. Some preferred examples: green soy beans, mushrooms (possibly block mushrooms), globe artichoke (possibly block globe artichoke). In one aspect, the chunk product may comprise a meat chunk. The container may be made of glass. However, the block product may also be metallic, plastic or otherwise.

The device 1 suitably comprises a conveyor 2. Suitably, the conveyor 2 is a turntable. Advantageously, the conveyor 2 is a rotary carrousel 20. Such a turntable 20 rotates about an axis of rotation 200, the axis of rotation 200 typically being spatially fixed. As shown in fig. 2, the axis of rotation 200 is vertical. The dial 20 is motorized to allow rotation about the axis of rotation 200.

The conveyor 2 in turn comprises a support 23 for supporting the food products. The support 23 is movable (preferably, the support 23 is rotatable about an axis 200). Suitably, the support 23 defines an area 21 for temporary storage of the food product. The support 23 further comprises a plurality of dispensers 220 for introducing food product into the container. Such a dispenser 220 may also be referred to as a liner. The dispenser 220 is disposed (afford) in the storage area 21; in particular, the dispenser 220 extends downwardly from the storage area 21. The dispenser 220 is arranged along the outer circumference of the conveyor 2. Suitably, the distributors 220 follow each other at the same radial distance from the rotation axis 200. In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, there are more than 20 dispensers 220. The dispensers 220 each define a product passage aperture 22. Such holes 22 are through holes. They pass through the peripheral portion of the conveyor 2 between the top and bottom, preferably vertically.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser 220 may be devoid of a valve for preventing food product transfer. In such a solution, the dispenser 220 is therefore always open to allow the passage of the food product. In an alternative solution, there may be an accessory closing the dispenser not associated with the container.

Suitably, the device 1 may have a barrier that prevents food products from being positioned in a section of the carousel 20 that overlaps with the area between unloading and loading of the containers. Thus, the food product is located in the region of the respective container 9 associated with the dispenser 220 (which suitably extends more than 180 ° around the rotation axis 200).

As illustrated in fig. 1, 5-7, the plurality of dispensers 220 includes a first dispenser 8. The description below with reference to the first dispenser 8 may be repeated for a plurality (typically all) of the dispensers 220 described above. The first dispenser 8 in turn comprises a conduit 80, which conduit 80 is intended to extend into the container for dispensing the food product.

The first dispenser 8 suitably comprises an abutment washer 81, the abutment washer 81 being adapted to abut the mouth of one of the containers. An abutment washer 81 suitably surrounds the conduit 80. The gasket 81 is annular. The gasket 81 extends continuously annularly. The gasket 81 is advantageously a single unitary body, but may also be an assembly of several pieces. The gasket 81 may be made of plastic or elastomeric material or other materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the conduit 80 has a circular cross-section. The catheter 80 is thus a tubular element.

The abutment gasket 81 advantageously exerts a sealing action on the outer surface 800 of said duct 80. Such a surface 800 is typically cylindrical. The abutment washer 81 is advantageously a lip seal. Suitably, the gasket 81 extends circularly, but may have a different shape. In particular, the gasket 81 is of opposite shape with respect to the outer surface 800. The gasket 81 prevents unwanted leakage of product from the container during dispensing (both solid and possibly liquid components, but above all possible liquid components).

The first dispenser 8 preferably includes an outer sheath 82, the outer sheath 82 surrounding at least a section of the catheter 80. Suitably, the sheath 82 is a cylinder that may have one or more lateral openings. Suitably, the sheath 82 has a continuously extending lower peripheral edge. Above the lower peripheral edge, the above-mentioned opening (which defines a window) is open. Suitably, the sheath 82 and/or the catheter 80 may be made of a plastic material. However, they may also be made of other materials.

The combination of the sheath 82 and the catheter 80 advantageously forms/defines a centering means of one of the containers 9 with respect to the first dispenser 8.

In fact, an annular gap 83 for centering one of the containers is defined between the outer sheath 82 and said catheter 80. Such a gap 83 is intended to at least partially receive a lateral wall of the container.

As illustrated in fig. 7, an abutment washer 81 is placed on the bottom 830 of said annular gap 83. The bottom portion refers to an end opposite to an end of the container inserted into the gap 83. Thus, the washer 81 is advantageously located at the upper end of the gap 83.

The device 1 further comprises heating means 4 for heating said storage area 21.

Such heating means 4 may be of various types and nature. For example, the heating means 4 may comprise a resistor generating heat (typically by the joule effect). In an alternative embodiment, the heating device 4 may comprise at least one heating lamp (e.g. an infrared heating lamp). The heating means 4 may comprise a heating system for the working heating fluid, which is transported in the vicinity of the storage area 21. For example, such fluid may impinge directly on the food product or be transported in a heat exchanger that directly or indirectly heats the food product. Designated above is an exemplary but non-limiting list of heating devices 4.

Suitably, in the solution illustrated in the figures, the heating means 4 comprise a gap 40 placed at said temporary storage area 21. The heating fluid is transported in the gap 40. Suitably, such fluid is preheated in the heating system. Thus, the gap 40 acts as a heat exchanger for transferring heat to the food product placed on the support 23. Suitably, the gap 40 extends as an annularly extending strip, or as a strip extending only along a section of an imaginary annular line (suitably, more than 180 ° around the axis of rotation 200).

Suitably, the support 23 comprises an upper disc 231 (also referred to in technical terms as "plate") defining the storage area 21. The food product rests directly thereon. The disk 231 preferably has an annular shape. The dispensers 220 follow each other at the outer periphery. Conveyor 2 may also include an additional puck 232 positioned below the upper puck. Between the upper disc 231 and said lower additional disc 232 there is a chamber in which the heating fluid is transported, thereby defining the above-mentioned gap 40. Suitably, such a gap 40 has an inlet and an outlet for the heating fluid. Suitably, the heating fluid is recirculated in the gap 40. Downstream of the fluid outlet of the gap 40 and upstream of the inlet of the fluid into the gap 40, the heating system provides its heating (in fact, the fluid releases heat in the gap 40 in order to heat the food product). Possibly, such a gap 40 may have an annular shape. Which extends around the rotation axis 200.

The fluid may be of various types, for example it may be in gaseous form, or in liquid form. Suitably, the fluid may be steam, typically water vapour.

The device 1 suitably comprises detection means 7 for detecting the level of the food product in at least one area of the support 23.

Advantageously, the device 1 comprises deflector means 24 for deflecting the food product, said deflector means 24 being placed above the support 23. The conveyor 2 moves under the deflector device 24. The deflector device 24 is advantageously placed at least a section of the storage area 21. The deflector device 24 is suitably movable at least between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the second configuration, the deflector device 24 extends more to the outside of the support 23 than in the first configuration. The transition (passage) from the first configuration to the second configuration and vice versa is regulated by the level detection means 7. For example, upon detecting a level above a predetermined threshold, a transition is made to the first configuration. Thus, the product has more room for dispensing and unwanted accumulation is avoided, which could affect the correct filling of the container. Possibly, the transition between the first configuration and the second configuration may occur continuously or discontinuously through one or more intermediate positions. In both cases, this advantageously takes place under command of the level detection means 7.

Suitably, the device 1 may comprise a trimming member 70 for food product accumulated above the dispenser 220, in particular above the dosing aperture 22. The trimming member 70 is transported over the dispenser 220/dosing aperture 22 during rotation of the conveyor 2. Thus, excess product is dispensed. For example, trimming member 70 may be a bar, typically horizontal. In technical terms (technical jargon), such a trimming member 70 may also be referred to as a doctor blade.

The device 1 comprises feeding means 5 for feeding the food product onto the support 23. Suitably, the feeding device 5 comprises a system for transporting the food product. For example, the conveyor system comprises a belt 502, the belt 502 conveying the products to a discharge device 501 placed above the conveyor 2.

Such a discharge means 501 suitably comprises a hopper. Suitably, the detection means 7 for detecting the level of food in an area is placed at least in the vicinity of the discharge means 501.

The supply means 5 comprise separation means 50 for separating the solid components from any liquid components present in the food product. Along the conveyor system, suitably along the belt 502, the device 50 comprises a mouth of a duct for collecting possible liquid components of the food product. For example, the band 502 may be perforated to facilitate passage of liquid components toward such mouths.

Suitably, the device 1 comprises introduction means 51 for introducing the liquid component from the separation means 50 into the container.

Suitably, the device 1 comprises a conveying line 6 for conveying the containers to the conveyor 2. The transport line 6 comprises an auger (auger) for spacing the containers. The conveying line 6 may suitably comprise a star wheel 61 for introducing containers into the conveyor 2. Such a star wheel 61 is placed downstream of the auger. The introduction means 51 for introduction into the container are advantageously placed along the conveying line 6. In particular, the introduction device 51 is placed at the auger. During the spacing of the containers, the liquid component may be introduced into the containers (e.g., by at least one nozzle dispensing such liquid component downwardly).

The device 1 further comprises means 3 for positioning the container at said dispenser 220, in particular at said aperture 22. The positioning means 3 position the container at least partially under said dispenser 220, in particular under said aperture 22. Suitably, the positioning device 3 is located downstream of the transportation device 6. In particular, the positioning device 3 forms an extension of the transport device 6.

The positioning device 3 comprises a container advance line 30, the container advance line 30 comprising an ascending ramp for lifting the containers and bringing them closer to the dispenser 220. Such an ascending ramp is preferably at the entrance of the container in the conveyor 2. Suitably, the propulsion line 30 also comprises a section of constant height in which the containers move in synchronism with the conveyor 2. Suitably, the propulsion line 30 comprises a descent section through which the containers move away from the conveyor 2. Such a drop section is preferably placed at the outlet of the container of the conveyor 2.

Suitably, the propulsion line 30 comprises a plurality of vibration zones. In particular, the vibration zone is located along a section of constant height between the ascending ramp and the descending section. The containers advantageously rest on respective plates, which in turn slide along the thrust line 30. Thus, the container is vibrated. Possibly, more than one plate may rest on a single vibration region at the same time. In an alternative solution, there may be no plate and the container is moved directly resting on the propulsion line 30.

In particular, the first dispenser 8 comprises a first portion 85 firmly constrained (or in any case constrained) to the sheath 82 and to the duct 80, and a second portion 86 firmly constrained (or in any case constrained) to connection means 87, the connection means 87 being used to connect the first dispenser 8 to the rest of the support 23. The connection means 87 may for example be a threaded connection means (but may also be of another type, for example bayonet-type).

Advantageously, the first dispenser 8 comprises a deformable constraint means 84, the deformable constraint means 84 connecting two parts of the first dispenser 8, in particular a first part 85 and a second part 86. Which allows vibration by deformation, but at the same time maintains the connection between the first portion 85 and the second portion 86. Suitably, the means 84 comprises elastic means 840 connecting the first portion 85 and the second portion 86. Suitably, all dispensers 220 are provided with similar deformable restraining means 84.

In the solution shown in fig. 7, the deformable constraint means 84 comprise two helical springs connecting a first portion 85 and a second portion 86.

The device 84 may possibly exert a damping effect on the vibrations.

Advantageously, the first dispenser 8 comprises annular sealing means 88. The annular seal 88 advantageously faces upwards. In particular, the annular sealing means 88 face the storage area 21 of the food product. Suitably, an annular seal 88 surrounds the inlet of the conduit 80. It can be directly accessed from the upper portion of the support 23 defining the storage area 21. Conveniently, it exerts a sealing action between the first dispenser 8 and a portion of the support 23 to which the first dispenser 8 is constrained.

Hereinafter, a method for introducing a food product having at least one solid component into a container is described. Food products typically include bulk products, such as legume or seed products. For example, the food product may comprise beans, tomato pieces or plant (fruit and/or vegetable) pieces. In one aspect, the food product may comprise meat pieces. In a particularly advantageous but not exclusive application, the food product may be green soy or soy.

Suitably, the method is carried out by a device 1 for introducing food products having one or more of the above-mentioned features.

The method comprises the step of positioning the food product on a temporary storage area 21 provided on the conveyor 2. The conveyor 2 is typically a rotary turntable 20.

In fact, the method comprises positioning the food product on a supporting support 23 forming part of the conveyor 2. Such a support 23 defines a storage area 21. Conveyor 2, and in particular support 23, comprises a plurality of dispensers 220 of food products in respective containers. Such a plurality of dispensers 220 also includes a first dispenser 8 for introducing food product into the first container 90.

Suitably, the step of positioning the food product on the support 23 may be performed before the step of separating the solid component from the liquid component of the food product. Advantageously, the liquid component may be recovered and dosed into the vessel prior to introduction of the solid component. Suitably, after recovery of the liquid component and before dosing the liquid component into the container, heat may be transferred to the liquid component, e.g. kept at a temperature. For example, the liquid component is inserted into the container at the inlet of the conveyor 2.

The method further comprises the step of transferring heat to the food product placed in said temporary storage area 21. Suitably, this allows the food product to be maintained at a temperature. Suitably, the step of transferring heat to the food product placed in said temporary storage area 21 may be performed in various ways. For example by means of a resistor placed near the storage area 21, by means of a heating lamp, by means of a heat exchanger, etc. In a preferred embodiment, a preheated fluid (e.g. water vapor) is introduced into the gap 40 in thermal contact with the storage area 21. Suitably, the gap 40 is located on the conveyor 2. Suitably, the gap 40 is located below the storage area 21.

The method comprises the step of bringing the first dispenser 8 and the first container 90 closer (preferably vertically closer) between the top and the bottom. This is advantageously achieved by lifting the first container 90.

The step of bringing the first dispenser 8 and the first container 90 closer to each other includes the step of introducing the conduit 80 of the first dispenser 8 into the first container 90. This is achieved by inserting the catheter 80 through the mouth 91 of the first container 90.

The step of moving the first dispenser 8 and the first container 90 between the top and bottom suitably comprises the sub-step of abutting the mouth 91 of the first container 90 by means of an annular abutment washer 81 surrounding the duct 80.

The method further includes the step of transporting the food product through the conduit 80 to dispense the food product into the first container 90.

More generally, the method comprises the step of introducing the food product placed in said storage area 21 into the container 9, causing said food product to be transported through a dispenser 220/aperture 22 provided on said conveyor 2. Suitably, the step of introducing the food product into the container 9 occurs at least partially during the rotation of the turntable (which acts as conveyor 2).

Suitably, the method comprises the step of vibrating the support 89 on which the first container 90 rests for facilitating the transport of the food product through said conduit 80 for dispensing the food product into the first container 90. Such a support 89 is part of the container advance line 30.

After dispensing a portion of the food product into the first container 90, the method includes the step of moving the mouth 91 of the first container 90 away from the abutment collar 81. Thus, the conduit 80 is removed and the product is placed in the first container 90 along the conduit 80. Gasket 81 also suitably allows sealing to prevent leakage of liquid components from mouth 91 during the filling step. In this sense, the gasket 81 thus acts as a dosing terminal (which prevents more product from entering the container).

In summary, in a preferred but non-limiting solution, the following therefore occurs:

the product on the support 23 (also called plate) is conveyed peripherally by the deflector 24, the filling holes 22 being arranged at the deflector 24;

in the presence of the hole 22, the product "drops by gravity" into the container below, which has been raised against the gasket 81 of the liner;

during a period of time (filling step), during rotation of the carousel, as much product as possible continues into the container by means of the vibrations of the container/liner system;

once the maximum dose (given by the volume enclosed between the upper surface of the product support 23 and the bottom of the container) is reached, the excess product is "brushed" onto the plate at the aperture 22;

once the vibration has ceased, the container will be (downwardly) distanced from the liner, ready to be taken out of the machine, typically through an outlet star wheel.

The utility model has important advantages.

First, the utility model allows the product to be introduced into the container to be maintained at a suitable temperature, even during the step of temporary accumulation of the product on the conveyor 2; in fact, the food product runs the risk of excessive cooling. Such expedient may avoid subsequent pasteurization of the product. In fact, pasteurization runs the risk of changing taste and spoiling product consistency.

The utility model thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept that characterizes the utility model. Furthermore, all the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In fact, all materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be anything, as desired.

Claims (9)

1. An apparatus for introducing a food product into a container, the food product having at least one solid component, the apparatus comprising:

i) -a conveyor (2), the conveyor (2) in turn comprising a support (23) for supporting the food product, the support (23) defining a storage area (21) for temporarily storing the food product; the support (23) is movable and further defines a plurality of dispensers (220) for dispensing the food product into the container;

ii) positioning means (3) for positioning the container under the dispenser (220) and at the dispenser (220);

characterized in that the device comprises heating means (4) for heating the storage area (21).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating device (4) comprises:

-a gap (40) placed at the storage area (21);

-a system for heating a heating fluid intended to be transported in said gap (40).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the gap (40) is arranged below the storage area (21) and is part of the conveyor (2).

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises feeding means (5) for feeding the food product onto the support (23); the dispenser (220) is arranged along the periphery of the conveyor (2).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the feeding device (5) comprises:

-separation means (50) for separating the solid component from any liquid component present in the food product;

-introducing means (51) for introducing the liquid component from the separating means (50) into the container;

the device (1) comprises a conveying line (6) for conveying the containers to the conveyor (2); the introduction means (51) for introduction into the container are placed along the conveying line (6).

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the apparatus comprises:

-deflector means (24) for deflecting said food product;

-level detection means (7) for detecting the food product in at least one region of the support (23);

-said deflector means (24) being placed at least one section of said storage area (21) and being movable at least between a first configuration and a second configuration; in the second configuration, protrudes more to the outside of the support (23) than in the first configuration; the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration and vice versa is regulated by the level detection means (7).

7. The device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the conveyor (2) is a rotating turntable.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the dispenser (220) is always open to allow the food product to pass through.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the positioning device (3) comprises a propulsion line (30) for propelling the container, the propulsion line (30) comprising a lifting ramp for lifting the container closer to the dispenser (220); the ascending ramp is placed at the entrance of the container into the conveyor (2); the propulsion line (30) further comprises a section of constant height in which the containers move synchronously with the conveyor (2).