EP1415919A1 - Method and apparatus for filling trays with a food product - Google Patents

Abstract

The method of filling trays (B) with a food material (M) involves allowing the latter to fall by gravity from a dispenser (1) down a guide tube (2) aligned with the tray opening, to prevent food dropping onto the peripheral edges (Z). The food material is then pressed down by a pressure plate (3) which passes through the guide tube. The trays are then covered with a closure film. Claims include a machine for tray filling using the method.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for fill trays with a food product.

It relates more precisely to the filling of containers identical which are mobile at the tail leu leu, forming a "train" which advances in a filling station suitable for depositing a dose in each container product data.

Once filled, the containers continue on their way to a closing station.

Containers can be advanced either step by step or continuously, for example at uniform speed, the filling means being designed naturally depending on the mode of advancement to work properly, in synchronism with the movement of the containers.

These containers can be independent of each other, or attached to each other for later separation.

The containers are for example trays or rigid boxes or semi-rigid, made of plastic, cardboard or light metal.

They have an opening directed upwards and which is provided with a flat and horizontal peripheral rim, on which is sealed (after filling the containing) a closure element in the form of a thin plate or film lidding.

The sealing can be done for example by gluing or application of heat if we are dealing with a heat-sealable plastic film.

The food product can be a loose, fluid or semi-pasty product, heterogeneous or not.

By way of non-limiting example, we can cite charcuterie products such as bacon or diced ham, fruit compotes, mixtures of fruits or vegetables, salads and prepared meals containing meat, fish and / or vegetables and sauce.

The invention does not relate to the device for dispensing doses. determined of the product, which can be of a type known per se, for example consisting of a distributing hopper associated with a weighing system.

Nor does it concern upstream devices for forming trays, nor downstream of sealing and cutting.

The invention is only concerned with the installation in each of the trays of product doses delivered by said dispensing device.

The invention was originally designed for the filling of containers in the form of thermoformed plastic trays belonging to a set of trays adjoining each other, forming a single and continuous strip, or "train of trays", which advances step by step in the filling station in which a dose is placed in each tray determined of the product, which flows by gravity into the tray, this strip then continuing its way towards a sealing station in which the tray is hermetically covered with a protective film, for example heat-sealed, after which the train of trays is subdivided into a cutting station in individual trays or in several trays intended to be sold in batches.

In the train of trays, these are attached to each others by their peripheral rim, flat in shape.

It is on this edge that the sealing film is fixed.

It is this particular embodiment which will be explained below. in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it being understood that this presentation is not in no way limiting as to the extent of the protection sought.

During the filling and closing operations subsequent, in particular by sealing, there may arise two difficulties.

The first results from the fact that part of the product risks unexpectedly place on rim of container, such as a container, so that subsequent sealing cannot be done in good conditions, causing birth a risk of poor sealing between the cover and the flange.

The second is related to the fact that the product, which is poured into the gravity tray, risk of being distributed irregularly, in particular of form a dome, which then also poses a problem for proper sealing tray, and may affect the proper presentation of the product in particular when the cover is transparent or translucent, allowing the consumer to see the product inside the tray.

In addition, if the tray is not sealed tightly, there is a risk of gas leakage when the product is packaged under modified atmosphere, which is the case for a large number of products food.

The existence of a dome can also cause an abnormal stretch, leading to an anisotropic distribution of tensions within the film, and risks subsequent tearing or loosening.

These difficulties are all the more frequent since, for the sake of production yield, a high filling rate is sought.

To overcome this, it is necessary to plan at the exit of the filling, upstream of the sealer, a monitoring and recovery station manual, in which workers check that there is no product accidentally deposited on the rim of the trays, or any unwanted dome formed in the trays. Otherwise, they must intervene manually to restore the situation.

We understand that this work is tedious, and that it strikes in a way not negligible the overall cost of the filling operation.

The invention aims to solve these problems.

a) on positionne au-dessus de chaque barquette un fourreau de guidage vertical, à paroi mince, ouvert à ses extrémités haute et basse, et dont la portion d'extrémité basse est ainsi conformée et dimensionnée que son contour correspond sensiblement à celui de la barquette ;

b) on déplace ledit fourreau verticalement vers le bas, dans une position dite "abaissée", de manière à en amener ladite portion d'extrémité basse soit à fleur de l'ouverture de la barquette, soit, sur une certaine profondeur, à l'intérieur de cette dernière, de manière à canaliser le produit à la verticale de la barquette ;

c) on laisse s'écouler une dose prédéterminée du produit alimentaire de haut en bas dans le fourreau de telle sorte qu'elle se dépose à l'intérieur de la barquette sans se déposer sur son rebord périphérique.

The process which is the subject of the present invention is a process for filling a food product with a series of containers, such as trays, which are movable with the tail leu leu, forming a "train of trays", each tray having an opening directed upwards having a peripheral rim, of flat shape, while its bottom is supported by a sliding sole or a horizontal conveyor, this train of trays being movable horizontally in the direction of a station for closing the tray full, for example of sealing, according to which:

a) a vertical guide sleeve, with a thin wall, open at its upper and lower ends, is positioned above each tray, and the lower end portion of which is shaped and dimensioned so that its outline corresponds substantially to that of the tray;

b) moving said sheath vertically downwards, in a so-called "lowered" position, so as to bring said lower end portion either flush with the opening of the tray, or, to a certain depth, at the 'inside the latter, so as to channel the product vertically from the tray;

c) a predetermined dose of the food product is allowed to flow from top to bottom in the sheath so that it is deposited inside the tray without being deposited on its peripheral rim.

According to the invention, and while the sheath remains in lowered position, the product contained therein is compacted using a pallet pressing which crosses the sleeve, completely or partially, and undertakes to inside the tray, by moving from top to bottom at a level suitable for correct packing of the product, after which the above is moved upwards sheath and said pallet to bring them out of the filled tray and release the latter, which is then routed to said closure station.

The barrel section is designed so that the product is correctly channeled in the tray when it is plumb and vertical of the tray; in addition, the positioning of the lower edge of the sheath is defined in such a way that, with the sleeve in its lowered position, the product does not cannot escape into the peripheral gap between the edge of the tray and the wall of the lower edge of the sheath.

This prevents the product from overflowing on the edge of the tray.

In addition, the pressing operation ensures the removal of domes any product.

The subsequent sealing can therefore be done optimally, on clean and smooth tray edges, without abnormal tension on the film lidding.

The state of the art in this area can be illustrated by the document JP-52 132989. The known device of the latter relates to the filling of trays in the shape of a pyramid trunk, flared upwards, and provided with a flat and horizontal peripheral edge. Before filling a tray, introduces into the latter a funnel of complementary shape, provided also of a peripheral rim which is superimposed on that of the tray and the protect.

The trays adjoin each other by their rim, and the train of trays passes under a centralized distribution system from which falls the bulk product; surplus product that does not fall into the funnel falls on the peripheral rim of the funnel, and not on that of the tray.

This therefore remains clear, which promotes the subsequent sealing of the tray with heat-sealed film.

This funnel therefore does not guide and channel the the whole product inside the tray; otherwise a subsequent scraping of the rim of the funnel is required, as shown in Figure 1 (c) of this document.

The device disclosed by the Japanese document does not contain any press pallet.

It therefore does not allow an adequate distribution of the product in the tray.

On the contrary, given the flared shape (in trunk of pyramid) of the funnel and the fact that this funnel is almost completely pressed into the container during filling, its withdrawal upwards causes with it the dome of product that may have formed, especially if the product question is sticky.

• un fourreau mobile verticalement ayant pour fonction de canaliser le produit au cours de sa descente dans la barquette afin qu'il ne se dépose pas inopinément sur le rebord périphérique de cette dernière ;
• une palette presseuse qui a pour fonction de tasser le produit et de le répartir convenablement dans la barquette.

However, the present invention is essentially based on the presence of the following two bodies, which work jointly:

• a vertically movable sheath having the function of channeling the product during its descent into the tray so that it does not settle unexpectedly on the peripheral rim of the latter;
• a pressing pallet which has the function of packing the product and distributing it properly in the tray.

The sheath and the pallet therefore cooperate so that the product food remains properly confined inside the tray, so as not to interfere with the proper execution of the subsequent closure of the tray, as explained above.

The combination of the sheath with a pressing pallet which is a essential component of the invention, is not known or even suggested by this Japanese document.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, it This is a process for filling a food container belonging to a "train of trays", forming a continuous horizontal band, in which said trays are attached to each other by their peripheral rim, flat in shape, the opening of the trays being directed upwards while their bottom is supported by a sole or a horizontal conveyor, this train of trays being movable horizontally towards a sealing station.

a) on arrête le déplacement du train de barquettes ;

b) on dispose au-dessus et à l'aplomb de la barquette un fourreau de guidage d'axe vertical, à paroi mince, ouvert à ses extrémités haute et basse, et dont la portion d'extrémité basse est ainsi conformée et dimensionnée qu'elle peut s'engager avec un faible jeu à l'intérieur de la barquette ;

c) on déplace ledit fourreau verticalement vers le bas de manière à en engager ladite portion d'extrémité basse, sur une certaine profondeur, à l'intérieur de la barquette ;

d) on laisse s'écouler une dose prédéterminée du produit alimentaire de haut en bas dans le fourreau de telle sorte qu'elle se dépose à l'intérieur de la barquette ;

e) on fait avancer conjointement le train de barquettes et le fourreau, alors que celui-ci demeure engagé, par sa portion d'extrémité basse, dans ladite barquette, en direction d'une palette de pressage plane et horizontale, laquelle est mobile verticalement, et est ainsi conformée et dimensionnée qu'elle peut s'engager avec un faible jeu à l'intérieur du fourreau et de la barquette ;

f) on arrête le train de barquettes et le fourreau en dessous et à l'aplomb de ladite palette de pressage ;

g) on déplace ladite palette verticalement vers le bas de manière à lui faire traverser de part en part le fourreau et à l'engager à l'intérieur de la barquette, de telle façon qu'elle vienne presser le produit qui y est contenu, en le tassant légèrement ;

h) on déplace vers le haut ledit fourreau et ladite palette pour les faire ressortir de la barquette, et libérer cette dernière.

According to the invention:

a) the movement of the tray train is stopped;

b) a guide sleeve of vertical axis, with a thin wall, open at its upper and lower ends, and the lower end portion of which is thus shaped and dimensioned, is disposed above and below the tray. 'it can engage with little play inside the tray;

c) moving said sheath vertically downward so as to engage said lower end portion, to a certain depth, inside the tray;

d) a predetermined dose of the food product is allowed to flow from top to bottom in the sheath so that it is deposited inside the tray;

e) the train of trays and the sheath are made to jointly advance, while the latter remains engaged, by its lower end portion, in said tray, in the direction of a flat and horizontal pressing pallet, which is movable vertically , and is thus shaped and dimensioned that it can engage with little play inside the sheath and the tray;

f) stopping the train of trays and the sheath below and directly above said pressing pallet;

g) the said pallet is moved vertically downwards so as to make it pass right through the sheath and to engage it inside the tray, so that it comes to press the product which is contained therein, by compacting it slightly;

h) moving said sheath and said pallet upward to make them stand out from the tray, and release the latter.

The filling being finished, the sheath is moved backwards in order to position itself above and directly above a new tray, after which the cycle can be repeated.

The device which is also the subject of the present invention is adapted to fill a series of identical containers, such as as trays, which are movable at the tail leu leu, forming a "train of trays ", each tray having an opening directed upwards having a peripheral rim, flat in shape, this train of trays being mobile horizontally in a direction called "longitudinal", in direction in direction a station for closing full trays, for example sealing.

a) Un convoyeur apte à déplacer ledit train de barquettes suivant ladite direction longitudinale ;

b) Des moyens de distribution positionnés au-dessus de la trajectoire du train de barquettes, qui sont aptes à délivrer des doses déterminées de produit en vue du remplissage de chacune des barquettes dudit groupe de barquettes;

c) Au moins un fourreau de guidage vertical, à paroi mince, ouvert à ses extrémités haute et basse, et dont la portion d'extrémité basse est ainsi conformée et dimensionnée que son contour correspond sensiblement à celui des barquettes ;

d) Des moyens pour déplacer ledit fourreau verticalement vers le bas, dans une position dite "abaissée", de manière à en amener ladite portion d'extrémité basse, soit à fleur de l'ouverture de la barquette, soit, sur une certaine profondeur, à l'intérieur de cette dernière ou, au contraire, vers le haut, pour l'en écarter ;

e) Des moyens pour laisser s'écouler de haut en bas dans chaque fourreau une dose prédéterminée de produit alimentaire fournie par lesdits moyens de distribution, de telle sorte que cette dose peut se déposer par gravité à l'intérieur de la barquette associée, tandis que la portion d'extrémité basse du fourreau correspondant se trouve en position abaissée, soit à fleur de l'ouverture de la barquette, soit engagée sur une certaine profondeur, à l'intérieur de cette dernière ;

f) Au moins une palette de pressage plane et horizontale, mobile verticalement, ainsi conformée, positionnée et dimensionnée qu'elle peut, par un mouvement vertical du haut vers le bas traverser ledit fourreau complètement ou partiellement, puis s'engager partiellement dans la barquette associée, en y tassant légèrement le produit qui s'y trouve alors que le fourreau se trouve en position abaissée ;

g) Des moyens pour déplacer verticalement, du bas vers le haut, d'une part ledit fourreau et ladite palette, afin de les écarter de la barquette pleine (B') et de la libérer.

This device includes:

a) A conveyor capable of moving said train of trays in said longitudinal direction;

b) Distribution means positioned above the trajectory of the train of trays, which are capable of delivering determined doses of product for the filling of each of the trays of said group of trays;

c) At least one vertical guide sleeve, with a thin wall, open at its upper and lower ends, and the lower end portion of which is so shaped and dimensioned that its outline corresponds substantially to that of the trays;

d) Means for moving said sheath vertically downward, in a so-called "lowered" position, so as to bring said lower end portion thereof, either flush with the opening of the tray, or to a certain depth , inside the latter or, on the contrary, upwards, to move it away;

e) means for letting a predetermined dose of food product supplied by said dispensing means flow from top to bottom in each sheath, so that this dose can be deposited by gravity inside the associated tray, while that the lower end portion of the corresponding sheath is in the lowered position, either flush with the opening of the tray, or engaged over a certain depth, inside the latter;

f) At least one flat and horizontal pressing pallet, movable vertically, so shaped, positioned and dimensioned that it can, by a vertical movement from top to bottom cross said sheath completely or partially, then partially engage in the tray associated, by lightly compacting the product therein while the sheath is in the lowered position;

g) Means for vertically moving, from the bottom up, on the one hand said sheath and said pallet, in order to separate them from the full container ( B ' ) and to release it.

• ledit fourreau de guidage présente une forme générale tubulaire comportant, en partie supérieure, une embouchure évasée, tandis que le reste de sa paroi s'étend verticalement et présente une section droite constante qui correspond, avec un léger jeu, au contour de la palette, si bien que le déplacement de cette dernière du haut vers le bas à l'intérieur du fourreau a pour effet de racler cette paroi, en décollant les résidus de produit susceptibles d'y adhérer, et de les faire descendre dans la barquette ;
• ledit fourreau de guidage est monté mobile suivant ladite direction longitudinale, et le dispositif comprend des moyens de commande et de synchronisation du déplacement du fourreau, adaptés pour déplacer celui-ci conjointement avec la barquette alors qu'il se trouve dans sa position abaissée, au cours du remplissage de la barquette ;
• ladite palette de pressage est également mobile suivant ladite direction longitudinale, et le dispositif comprend des moyens de commande et de synchronisation du déplacement de la palette adaptés pour la déplacer conjointement avec la barquette et le fourreau au cours du remplissage de la barquette ;
• le dispositif comporte des moyens de réglage de la course de déplacement vertical du fourreau et/ou de la palette ;
• le dispositif comporte des moyens de protection dudit train de barquettes, aptes à empêcher que des résidus de produit ne s'y déposent intempestivement, aussi bien avant qu'après le remplissage des barquettes.

According to a certain number of possible advantageous characteristics of this device:

• said guide sleeve has a generally tubular shape comprising, at the top, a flared mouth, while the rest of its wall extends vertically and has a constant cross section which corresponds, with a slight play, to the contour of the pallet, so that the displacement of the latter from top to bottom inside the sheath has the effect of scraping this wall, by peeling off the residues of product liable to adhere to it, and bringing them down into the tray;
• said guide sleeve is mounted movable in said longitudinal direction, and the device comprises means for controlling and synchronizing the movement of the sleeve, adapted to move the latter jointly with the tray while it is in its lowered position, at during filling of the tray;
• said pressing pallet is also movable in said longitudinal direction, and the device comprises means for controlling and synchronizing the movement of the pallet adapted to move it jointly with the tray and the sheath during filling of the tray;
• the device comprises means for adjusting the vertical displacement stroke of the sheath and / or the pallet;
• the device includes means for protecting said train of trays, capable of preventing product residues from inadvertently being deposited there, both before and after filling the trays.

In one possible embodiment, this device is a device to fill with food a group of trays belonging to a "train of trays", forming a continuous horizontal band, in which said trays are attached to each other by their peripheral rim, shaped flat, the opening of the trays being directed upwards while their bottom is horizontal, this train of trays being movable horizontally towards a sealing station.

• un convoyeur apte à déplacer pas-à-pas ledit train de barquettes suivant une trajectoire horizontale ;
• des moyens de commande de ce convoyeur agencés pour provoquer et pour arrêter périodiquement le déplacement du train de barquettes, en synchronisme avec le dispositif de remplissage ;
• une trémie distributrice apte à délivrer périodiquement et simultanément plusieurs doses déterminées de produit en vue du remplissage de chacune des barquettes dudit groupe de barquettes, ceci par l'intermédiaire d'un ensemble de godets de transfert adjacents disposés sous ladite trémie distributrice, au-dessus de la trajectoire suivie par le train de barquettes, chaque godet récepteur étant positionné au-dessus de la trajectoire d'une barquette à alimenter ;
• un chariot mobile horizontalement, en direction longitudinale, dans un sens ou dans l'autre, qui porte un ensemble de fourreaux de guidage adjacents, d'axe vertical, à paroi mince, ouverts à leurs extrémités haute et basse, aptes à se positionner sous l'ensemble des godets de transfert, en correspondance chacun avec un godet, et au-dessus du train de barquettes, la portion d'extrémité basse de chaque fourreau étant ainsi conformée et dimensionnée qu'elle est capable de s'engager avec un faible jeu à l'intérieur de l'une des barquettes du groupe ;
• des moyens pour déplacer ledit ensemble de fourreaux verticalement vers le bas de manière à en engager leur portion d'extrémité basse, sur une certaine profondeur, à l'intérieur d'une barquette du groupe ou, au contraire, vers le haut, pour l'en dégager ;
• des moyens pour laisser s'écouler de haut en bas dans chaque fourreau une dose prédéterminée de produit alimentaire fournie par ladite trémie distributrice, et provisoirement contenue dans le godet qui la surplombe, de telle sorte que cette dose peut se déposer par gravité à l'intérieur de la barquette associée, tandis que la portion d'extrémité basse du fourreau correspondant se trouve engagé, sur une certaine profondeur, à l'intérieur de cette barquette ;
• des moyens pour faire avancer conjointement le train de barquettes et l'ensemble des fourreaux, alors que ces derniers demeurent engagés, par leur portion d'extrémité basse, dans ledit groupe de barquettes, en direction d'un poste de tassement des produits, et pour y arrêter provisoirement ce groupe de barquettes ;
• un groupe de palettes de pressage planes et horizontales, mobile verticalement, dont les palettes sont réparties, conformées et dimensionnées de telle façon que chacune d'elles peut, par un mouvement vertical du haut vers le bas, tout d'abord pénétrer avec un faible jeu à l'intérieur de l'un des fourreaux du groupe, le traverser de part en part, puis s'engager partiellement dans la barquette associée, en y tassant légèrement le produit qui s'y trouve ;
• des moyens pour déplacer verticalement, du bas vers le haut, d'une part le groupe de fourreaux pour qu'ils ressortent du groupe de barquettes pleines, en le libérant et, d'autre part, le groupe de palettes, afin de les faire ressortir des barquettes et des fourreaux, autorisant ainsi un nouveau déplacement du chariot porte-fourreaux.

It is remarkable in that it includes, in combination:

• a conveyor capable of moving said train of trays step by step along a horizontal path;
• control means of this conveyor arranged to cause and periodically stop the movement of the train of trays, in synchronism with the filling device;
• a distributing hopper capable of periodically and simultaneously delivering several determined doses of product with a view to filling each of the trays of said group of trays, this by means of a set of adjacent transfer cups arranged under said dispensing hopper, above the trajectory followed by the train of trays, each receiving bucket being positioned above the trajectory of a tray to be supplied;
• a carriage movable horizontally, in longitudinal direction, in one direction or the other, which carries a set of adjacent guide sleeves, of vertical axis, with thin wall, open at their upper and lower ends, able to be positioned under the set of transfer buckets, each in correspondence with a bucket, and above the train of trays, the lower end portion of each sleeve being so shaped and dimensioned that it is capable of engaging with a low game inside one of the group's trays;
• means for moving said set of sleeves vertically downwards so as to engage their lower end portion, to a certain depth, inside a tray of the group or, on the contrary, upwards, for the '' release it;
• means for letting a predetermined dose of food product supplied by said dispensing hopper flow, from top to bottom in each sheath, and temporarily contained in the cup which overhangs it, so that this dose can be deposited by gravity on inside the associated tray, while the lower end portion of the corresponding sheath is engaged, over a certain depth, inside this tray;
• means for jointly advancing the train of trays and all of the sleeves, while the latter remain engaged, by their lower end portion, in said group of trays, in the direction of a packing station for the products, and to temporarily stop this group of trays;
• a group of flat and horizontal pressing pallets, vertically movable, whose pallets are distributed, shaped and dimensioned so that each of them can, by a vertical movement from top to bottom, first penetrate with a slight play inside one of the sleeves of the group, cross it right through, then partially engage in the associated tray, slightly compacting the product therein;
• means for vertically moving, from the bottom up, on the one hand the group of sleeves so that they come out of the group of full trays, releasing it and, on the other hand, the group of pallets, in order to make them out of the trays and sheaths, thus authorizing a new movement of the sheath carrier.

• Lesdits fourreaux sont portés par une armature qui est solidaire d'un étrier monté mobile en direction verticale par rapport audit chariot porte-fourreaux qui le supporte ;
• La partie supérieure desdits godets récepteurs et/ou desdits fourreaux est évasée, à la manière de l'embouchure d'un entonnoir ;
• La trémie distributrice est montée fixement suivant la direction longitudinale, tandis que le groupe de godets récepteurs est porté par un chariot mobile horizontalement, l'approvisionnement des godets récepteurs étant réalisé par déplacement pas à pas du chariot porte-godets sous la trémie distributrice, en sens contraire du sens d'avancement du train de barquettes, pendant que ledit chariot porte-fourreaux se trouve au poste de tassement des produits ;
• Chaque godet récepteur a un fond ouvert et est muni intérieurement d'un volet pivotant, apte à occuper, sélectivement, soit une position d'obturation, dans laquelle la dose de produit délivrée par la trémie distributrice reste retenue dans le godet, soit une position d'ouverture qui autorise l'échappement par gravité du produit ;
• Ce dispositif comporte des moyens de commande aptes à provoquer simultanément le pivotement de l'ensemble des volets du groupe de godets récepteurs de leur position d'obturation à leur position d'ouverture, et inversement ;
• La trémie distributrice comporte une partie supérieure fixe, et une partie inférieure qui est articulée autour d'un axe horizontal longitudinal médian, cette dernière étant articulée autour d'un axe horizontal longitudinal médian, tandis que le groupe de godets récepteurs est constitué de deux sous-groupes disposés symétriquement de chaque côté d'un plan de symétrie vertical longitudinal médian, ladite trémie étant agencée pour délivrer des doses de produit alternativement à chacun de ces sous-groupes, par basculements successifs d'un côté à l'autre ;
• La face inférieure desdites palettes possède un état de surface ou porte un revêtement apte à réduire son adhérence avec le produit ;
• Le dispositif est porté par un bâti mobile et aisément déplaçable, par exemple monté sur roulettes.

Furthermore, according to other possible characteristics:

• Said sleeves are carried by a frame which is secured to a stirrup mounted movable in a vertical direction relative to said sleeving carriage which supports it;
• The upper part of said receiving cups and / or said sleeves is flared, in the manner of the mouth of a funnel;
• The distributing hopper is fixedly mounted in the longitudinal direction, while the group of receiving buckets is carried by a horizontally movable carriage, the supplying of the receiving buckets is carried out by stepwise movement of the bucket holder carriage under the distributing hopper, opposite direction to the direction of advancement of the train of trays, while said sheathing carriage is at the product packing station;
• Each receiving cup has an open bottom and is internally provided with a pivoting flap, capable of selectively occupying either a closed position, in which the dose of product delivered by the distributing hopper remains retained in the cup, i.e. a position opening which allows the product to escape by gravity;
• This device comprises control means capable of simultaneously causing the pivoting of all the flaps of the group of receiving buckets from their closed position to their open position, and vice versa;
• The distributing hopper has a fixed upper part, and a lower part which is articulated around a median longitudinal horizontal axis, the latter being articulated around a median longitudinal horizontal axis, while the group of receiving buckets consists of two sub -groups arranged symmetrically on each side of a median longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry, said hopper being arranged to deliver doses of product alternately to each of these sub-groups, by successive swings from one side to the other;
• The underside of said pallets has a surface state or carries a coating capable of reducing its adhesion with the product;
• The device is carried by a mobile and easily displaceable frame, for example mounted on casters.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which will now be made thereof, with reference to the appended drawings, which represent a possible embodiment.

• La figure 1 est une vue schématique, en perspective, du dispositif, celui-ci étant vu obliquement de l'arrière ;
• La figure 2 est une vue de face du dispositif ;
• La figure 3 est une vue schématique et partielle, en perspective, du dispositif, celui-ci étant vu obliquement de l'avant ;
• La figure 4 est une vue en bout du dispositif ;
• La figure 5 représente un train de barquettes, vu de dessus ;
• La figure 6 représente, toujours vu de dessus, un lot de quatre barquettes remplies et operculées ;
• La figure 7 est une vue schématique et simplifiée des principaux composants du dispositif, ceux-ci étant représentés écartés les uns des autres, pour une meilleure lisibilité du dessin (vue "éclatée") ;
• Les figures 7A à 7D illustrent différentes étapes du procédé de remplissage selon l'invention.

In these drawings:

• Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the device, the latter being viewed obliquely from the rear;
• Figure 2 is a front view of the device;
• Figure 3 is a schematic and partial perspective view of the device, the latter being viewed obliquely from the front;
• Figure 4 is an end view of the device;
• FIG. 5 represents a train of trays, seen from above;
• FIG. 6 represents, still seen from above, a batch of four filled and sealed trays;
• Figure 7 is a schematic and simplified view of the main components of the device, these being shown apart from each other, for better readability of the drawing ("exploded"view);
• FIGS. 7A to 7D illustrate different stages of the filling method according to the invention.

Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, showing a variant of the device, equipped with protective plates.

FIG. 1 represents the device according to the invention associated with a guide track VG whose upper face, flat, smooth and horizontal, has a sliding sole S for a train of trays T.

It is a set of trays adjoining each other, obtained by thermoforming a quality plastic strip food, in a known type of forming station, not shown, located upstream of the device (on the right, if we consider Figures 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7).

An appropriate conveying system ensures the step-by-step movement of the train of trays T , movement symbolized by the arrow p in certain figures.

In the example illustrated, the train of trays comprises successive rows of four trays B , of rectangular shape with rounded angles. They are contiguous to each other, by horizontal flat edges, or banks, Z.

In the regions of angles common to four neighboring trays these edges have approximately square cutouts D , while on each lateral edge of the train of trays "V" cutouts D ' are present in the zone corresponding to the interval between two rows (see Figures 5 and 6).

These cuts are made in the forming machine for compensate for the stretching of the plastic during the formation of the trays.

The longitudinal axis of the tray train is referenced X-X 'on the figure 5.

The advance of the tray train preferably corresponds to the row spacing, referenced " e " in FIG. 5, or is a multiple of e .

As seen more particularly in Figures 1 and 4, the filling device according to the invention is carried by a chassis 9 made of steel stainless including a pair of massive vertical columns 90 mounted on a base 92 provided with casters 900 for supporting the ground.

These columns 90 support a frame 91 of general shape rectangular parallelepiped, composed of vertical uprights 92, crosspieces horizontal 93, and horizontal beams 94 fixed to each other and to columns 90, for example by welding.

The frame 9 is thus shaped so that it is possible to bring it near one of the lateral edges of the guide track VG of the train of trays, the frame 92 being placed partially under this track, while the frame 91 comes to overhang it (See figure 4).

The central unit, in the form of a microcomputer or a programmable automaton for example, which is adapted to drive the various jacks and motors ensuring the sequential control of the mobile members of the device are housed in an AC control cabinet, facing outwards, and therefore easily accessible.

The device therefore forms a removable assembly.

It can be easily moved away from the VG channel, for example to be cleaned.

It can be easily replaced by a similar device, but of different characteristics, for example for filling trays with other dimensions and / or trains of trays configured otherwise.

• une trémie distributrice 4 ;
• un ensemble de godets 1, dits "de transfert", portés par un premier chariot 6 ;
• un ensemble de fourreaux 2, dits "de guidage", portés par un second chariot 7 ;
• un ensemble de palettes 3, dites "de pressage", portées par un coulisseau 8 ;
• L'ensemble des godets se trouve situé en hauteur à un niveau supérieur à celui de l'ensemble des fourreaux, si bien que -comme on le verra plus loin- ce dernier peut être positionné sous l'ensemble de godets.

This device essentially comprises the following functional sub-assemblies, supported by the frame 91:

• a distributor hopper 4;
• a set of buckets 1, called "transfer", carried by a first carriage 6;
• a set of sleeves 2, called "guiding", carried by a second carriage 7;
• a set of pallets 3, called "pressing", carried by a slide 8;
• The set of buckets is located in height at a level higher than that of the set of sleeves, so that - as will be seen later - the latter can be positioned under the set of buckets.

The distributing hopper 4, of known type, is intended to distribute and to channel doses of predetermined weight and / or volume of material, for the filling of each of the trays which scrolls on the sole S.

With the embodiment of the device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, it is a question of successively filling groups of twenty-four trays of the train, each group - such as that referenced " G " in FIG. 5- comprising six rows of four trays.

The number of buckets 1, sheaths 2 and pallets 3 is also twenty-four, and their positioning above the train of trays is such that each of them is plumb with a tray of the group in a train stop position T.

The buckets 1 and the sleeves 2 are sleeves with a vertical axis in thin sheet of stainless steel, open at their upper and lower ends, and having in the upper part a flared mouth 10, respectively 20 (shape funnels).

Their section in their main portion (below the mouthpiece) is identical in shape and size to the outline of the tray.

More specifically, the sheath 2 can partially fit together, practically free of play, by its lower end portion, inside the tray assigned to it.

Pallets 3 are flat and horizontal plates, the contour is such that they can engage axially, also without significant play, in the scabbard assigned to them and cross the latter completely, from top to low. Each pallet 3 is rigidly fixed to the slide by means of a pair of vertical rods 30.

The distributor hopper 4 is in two parts. It comprises a fixed upper part 40 and a lower part 41 articulated around an axis W-W ' supported by crosspieces 93 of the chassis 91.

Part 4 is made up of four separate compartments arranged in a square.

The same is true for part 41.

The hoppers 40 and 41 have a general pyramidal shape, the large base faces upwards.

Each compartment of the fixed hopper 40 opens into a pivoting hopper compartment 41, even if the latter is inclined.

An electric motor 42 makes it possible to alternate the part 41 alternately on one side or the other so that the outlets of its four constituent compartments are on one side or the other of the median axis XX ′ , in order to successively supply two half-rows of group G (see Figure 5), this via buckets 1 and sleeves 2, as will be seen below.

An electric motor not shown makes it possible to move the first carriage 6 on longitudinal horizontal guides 60 arranged on one side, and above, of the VG track. A suitable frame 61, integral with this carriage, supports all buckets 1.

In the initial position, or "neutral" position, the carriage 6 is in an advanced position, just in front of the pallet assembly 3.

From this initial position, the carriage 6 can be moved step by step, with a double step of the above-mentioned value " e ", which corresponds to the pitch of the trays, towards the rear - in the opposite direction to the direction d 'advance of the train of trays- (to the right therefore, in Figures 1 to 3), on a course of 3 x e.

It can be moved in opposite directions continuously, to return to its initial position.

Each bucket 1 internally comprises a shutter constituted by a pivoting flap 11, or hatch, as will be detailed later with reference in Figures 7 to 7c.

Already, it can be noted that the frame 61 supports a jack pneumatic 110 and a control mechanism with cranks 111 and connecting rods 112 which allow the pivoting of all the flaps to be controlled simultaneously 11 to move them from their closed position to their retracted position, and vice versa.

The twenty-four sleeves 2 are attached and attached to each other others, at their mouths, just like the buckets 1. These sheaths are supported by a frame 72 which is integral with a stirrup 71 mounted on the second carriage 7. The latter is movable in translation along guides 70 arranged longitudinally and horizontally on one side, and above, of the VG track, in below the guides 60 of the first carriage. An electric motor, not shown, allows the carriage 7 to be moved continuously, in one direction or the other.

When the carriage 7 is in its initial, or "neutral" position, all of its sleeves 2 are adjacent, with a spacing corresponding to the pitch "e", of all the buckets, provided that the carriage 6 is also located in its neutral position.

From this position, the carriage 7 can be moved continuously in the reverse direction of a stroke equal to 3 x e so that at the end of the stroke each barrel is exactly positioned under a bucket, in the axis thereof, when the carriage 6 is in its neutral position.

The stirrup 71, and the set of sleeves 2 of which it is integral, is movable in vertical direction relative to the carriage 7, over a small height. A ad hoc electric motor (not shown) is provided to move it selectively either in a raised position in which the lower edge of the sleeves is located at a level slightly higher than the rim of the trays, i.e. a position lowered in which the lower edge of the sleeves is at a level slightly lower than the rim of the trays (which are on the sole S).

The slide 8 is suitably guided in translation, according to the vertical direction.

A known system 80, for example of the connecting rod-crank type driven by an electric motor can move it up or down.

When the slide 8 is in the high position, the pallets 3 are lie in a horizontal plane located at a level higher than that of the edge upper sleeve 2.

When in the low position the paddles are at a level located inside the trays, this level corresponding to the face approximately flat desired for the product, slightly packed, in its tray.

In FIG. 7, as well as in the following figures 7A to 7D, we have assumed, in order to lighten the explanations relating to the implementation of the method, that it there are only two rows of buckets, sheaths and pallets, and the hopper 4 feeds only one of these rows at a time.

At each operating cycle of the device, therefore, a group of two rows (e.g. two rows of four), not one group of six rows as shown in figure 5.

In Figure 7 we symbolized by the double arrows f and h, the possibilities of movement in horizontal and longitudinal direction, in one direction or in the other, first and second carriages 6 and, respectively 7; there was symbolized by the double arrows i and j, the possibilities of moving in the direction vertical, in one direction or the other, of the set of sleeves 2 and, respectively of the slide 8.

At the start of a cycle, it is assumed that the two carriages are in their neutral position, the carriage 7 being located just in front of the carriage 6; the caliper 71 is in the raised position. The set of sheaths overhangs a group of filled trays B ' , in which the materials M' have been slightly packed. The slide 8 is in the high position, each pallet 3 overhanging a sheath 2.

All of the cups 1 contain a predetermined dose of product which has previously been delivered to it by the hopper 4. The product is trapped therein because the shutter flaps 11 are in the active position, closing the exit area of the buckets (position referenced 11 ′ on the figures). The flaps 11 may simply consist of a portion of the wall of the bucket, pivotally mounted around a horizontal and transverse axis Y-Y ' .

The tray train T is at a standstill.

A filling cycle takes place as follows:

The carriage 7 is moved to its retracted position to position itself under the carriage 6, each sheath 2 thus coming into correspondence with a bucket 1, under this one.

Each bucket / barrel pair sits directly above an empty tray B.

The set of sleeves is lowered so that their lower edge 21 penetrates slightly inside the corresponding tray (arrow i ₁ , FIG. 7A).

The flaps 11 are pivoted to bring them into their open position (arrow k); The product contained in each well 1 therefore flows by gravity into the underlying sheath 2 (arrow 1) and is deposited in the tray B ;

The sheath being vertical and plumb with a tray, it channels the descent of the product M and guides it properly downward, vertically, the partial nesting of its lower end inside the tray preventing any unexpected escape of this product on the Z zones corresponding to the edges connecting the trays together.

All of the sleeves being kept lowered, the train of trays T and the carriage 6 are moved jointly, step by step, forward (arrows p and h ₁ , FIG. 7B).

During this transfer, the edges 21 therefore remain engaged in the trays, so that the undesirable overflow of the product remains impossible.

When the carriage 7 has reached its neutral position (most advanced), we also stop the movement of the train of trays. Each scabbard is then found under a pallet 3.

The slide 8 is then moved downwards (arrow j ₁ ) so that each pallet enters the underlying sheath, crosses it right through, and comes - at the end of the stroke - to crush the dome of product M possibly formed and flatten this product, tamp it more or less intensely, so as to obtain in the tray a dose M ' suitably distributed.

It should be noted that during its downward movement at inside the sheath, the pallet scrapes the internal wall of it on the almost its entire height (of constant cross section).

This ensures that all (or almost all) of the dose which was spilled there is transferred to the tray.

The slide 8 and all of the sleeves 2 are then successively moved upward (arrows j ₂ and i ₂ , FIG. 7c) so that the pallets 3 and the lower edges of the sleeves 2 are released from the train of trays .

The latter is then again moved to the sealing station 7D, station of known type in which a film 50 is fixed on the zones Z perfectly clean separating the trays, in excellent conditions by therefore (Figure 7D).

This sealing is carried out for example by hermetic sealing, with heat, of the film 50 on the zones Z , where appropriate after introduction into the tray of an inert gas improving the preservation of the product M ' .

At the outlet of the sealer there is a cutting station allowing the trays to be separated either individually or in batches, such as the batch of four trays illustrated in FIG. 6. In this case, this same station can be designed to also make weakening lines LA (precuts) which facilitate the subsequent separation of the trays from the batch by the consumer.

While the products are compacted using the pallets, we proceed to fill the cups 1 previously emptied.

For this, the flaps 11 having been returned to their active position 11 ′, the carriage is moved step by step, in the reverse direction, to pass it under the distributing hopper 4 (arrow f ₁ , FIG. 7B).

At each step, a row of buckets (starting with the rear row) is supplied. When all the rows have been supplied, the carriage 6 returns to its advanced position (neutral position), in the immediate vicinity of the carriage 7 (arrow f ₂ , FIG. 7C).

The cycle can then be repeated, for filling a new one group of trays.

Product packing and replenishment operations buckets being made simultaneously, in masked times, it is possible to work at high speed.

With the device in Figures 1 to 4, each hopper 4 to four compartments successively supplies two half-rows (left / right) of buckets, i.e. eight buckets in total, after tilting of the movable part 41 of a side then the other of the median longitudinal plane.

We then go to the supply of the following two rows, after the carriage 6 has retreated over a stroke of a double pitch 2a.

The hopper 4 is itself supplied by a system of ad hoc distribution connected to a tank containing the food product.

It is not necessary for the sheath 2 to penetrate through its part lower inside the tray (or other container).

Depending on the product concerned, it suffices that, the sheath being in its lowered position, the gap between its lower edge and the opening of the tray is small enough to prevent any "leakage" of the product. In practice the width of this gap depends, of course, on the grain size of the product in question.

Advantageously, the lowering races of the sleeves and / or the pallets are precisely adjustable, so that the width of this gap and / or the degree of pressing of the product can be adapted to the characteristics of the product.

Preferably, their movement speed is also adjustable.

In a possible embodiment, the pallets can be carried by a carriage which, like the carriage 7, is movable in the longitudinal direction. Thus, they can accompany the sleeves in their joint movement with the train of trays, which makes it possible to increase the duration of pressing without increase - or slightly increase - the overall filling time.

The underside of the pallets 3 is advantageously embossed or coated with a non-stick material, able to reduce the risk that a fraction of the product remains stuck against this face when removing the pallet.

The central unit contained in the AC cabinet is designed to order sequentially, in synchronism with the supply of the hopper 4, the various motors for the horizontal movements of the carriages 6, 7, for the vertical displacements of the sheath support bracket 71 and of the slide 8, the shutter control cylinder 11, and the advance of the train of trays.

Electric motors are advantageously of the "brushless" type (brushless), commonly used in servo applications in industrial robotics.

The conveyor ensuring the step-by-step movement of the train trays can be of any known type. It may in particular consist of a set of movable jaws adapted to grip and release the lateral edges of said train.

As an indication, in the example illustrated, the trays are cuvettes having a length between 80 and 100 mm, a width between between 60 and 80 mm, a depth between 30 and 50 mm; their wall, of preferably is slightly flared upwards; the width of the sealing strip film peripheral is of the order of 4 to 5 mm. The amplitude of penetration of the lower portion of the sheaths in the trays is a few millimeters.

Still for information, the device allows you to work on a rate of 15 cycles per minute, and therefore fill 360 trays per minute (15 groups of 24 units).

In the variant illustrated in FIG. 8, the device is equipped protective devices intended to prevent residues of the product liable to to remain adhere to certain mobile organs do not inadvertently fall into them trays and / or on the clean peripheral zones formed by their rim device before or after filling (and before sealing).

To this end, the carriage 7 is secured to a pair of plates horizontal 200, 201 which extend upstream and downstream respectively above of the tray train, and which are thus capable of intercepting all residues and waste likely to escape from buckets 11 or pallets 3 which overhang and fall back on the train of trays. These plates being movable with the carriage 7, they do not prevent the matching of the sleeves 2 with the buckets 1 in the recoil position of the carriage, nor with the pallets 3 in its advanced position.

Instead of rigid plates, one could use horizontal roller blinds. In this case, each curtain would be attached to a end of the carriage 7, its opposite end which can be wound on a drum rotary horizontal horizontal axis arranged at the inlet and, respectively, at the outlet of the device.

As already said, the invention applies equally well to containers attached to each other only to independent containers forming a line which is moved by suitable conveying means, for example a series of cleats mobile, and the operation can be done either step by step or continuously, for example at uniform speed.

Claims (17)

Method for filling a food product with a series of containers, such as trays, which are movable with the tail leu leu, forming a "train of trays" ( T ), each tray ( B ) having an opening directed upwards having a peripheral rim, of flat shape, while its bottom is supported by a sliding sole (S) or a horizontal conveyor, this train of trays being movable horizontally in the direction of a station (5) for closing the full tray , for example sealing, according to which: a) a vertical guide sleeve (2) with a thin wall, open at its upper and lower ends, is positioned above each tray, the lower end portion (21) of which is thus shaped and dimensioned as its outline corresponds substantially to that of the tray; b) the said sheath (2) is moved vertically downwards, in a so-called "lowered" position, so as to bring the said lower end portion either flush with the opening of the tray ( B ), or, on a certain depth, inside the latter, so as to channel the product vertically from the tray; c) a predetermined dose of the food product (M) is allowed to flow from top to bottom in the sheath (2) so that it is deposited inside the tray without being deposited on its peripheral rim; characterized by the fact that : while the sheath (2) remains in the lowered position, the product ( M ) which is contained therein is compacted by means of a pressing pallet (3) which passes through the sheath (2), completely or partially, and s' engages inside the tray ( B ' ), this by moving from top to bottom at a level suitable for good packing of the product, after which said sheath (2) and said pallet (3) are moved up bring them out of the tray ( B ' ), and release the latter, which is then routed to said station (5) for closure. Method for filling with a food product a container belonging to a "train of containers" ( T ) forming a continuous horizontal band in which said containers ( B ) are attached to each other by their peripheral rim, of flat shape, the opening of the trays being directed upwards while their bottom is supported by a sliding sole (S) or a horizontal conveyor, this train of trays being movable horizontally in the direction of a sealing station (5), according to which: d) the movement of the train of trays is stopped; e) a guide sleeve (2) with a vertical axis, with a thin wall, open at its upper and lower ends, and the lower end portion (21) of which is disposed above and directly above the tray. is thus shaped and dimensioned that it can engage with little play inside the tray; f) moving said sheath (2) vertically downwards so as to engage said lower end portion, to a certain depth, inside the tray ( B ); g) a predetermined dose of the food product (M) is allowed to flow from top to bottom in the sheath (2) so that it is deposited inside the tray; h) the train of trays (T) and the sheath (2) are jointly advanced, while the latter remains engaged, by its lower end portion (21), in said tray ( B ), in the direction of a flat and horizontal pressing pallet (3), vertically movable, so shaped and dimensioned that it can engage with little play inside the sheath and the tray; i) the train of trays (T) and the sleeve (2) are stopped below and directly above said pressing pallet (3); j) the said pallet (3) is moved vertically downwards so as to make it pass right through the sheath (2) and to engage it inside the tray ( B ' ), so that it comes to press the product ( M ) contained therein, compacting it slightly; k) moving said sheath (2) and said pallet (3) upwards to bring them out of the tray ( B ' ), and release the latter. Device for filling with a food product ( M ) a series of identical containers, such as trays, which are movable at the tail leu leu, forming a "train of trays" ( T ), each tray ( B ) having an opening directed upwards having a peripheral rim, of flat shape, this train of trays being movable horizontally in a direction called "longitudinal", in the direction of a station (5) for closing the full trays, for example lidding, characterized by the fact that it includes: a) A conveyor capable of moving said train of trays in said longitudinal direction; b) distribution means (1- 4) positioned above the trajectory of the train of trays, which are capable of delivering determined doses of product (M) for the filling of each of the trays of said group of trays; c) At least one vertical guide sleeve (2), with a thin wall, open at its upper and lower ends, and the lower end portion (21) of which is shaped and dimensioned so that its outline corresponds substantially to that of the trays ; d) means for moving said sheath (2) vertically downwards, in a so-called "lowered" position, so as to bring said lower end portion thereof, ie flush with the opening of the tray ( B ), either, over a certain depth, inside the latter or, on the contrary, upwards, to move it away; e) means (110-111-112, 11) for allowing a predetermined dose of food product supplied by said dispensing means (1-4) to flow from top to bottom in each sheath (2), so that this dose can be deposited by gravity inside the associated tray ( B ), while the lower end portion (21) of the corresponding sleeve (2) is in the lowered position, ie flush with the opening of the tray ( B ), is engaged over a certain depth, inside the latter; f) At least one flat and horizontal pressing pallet (3), vertically movable, so shaped, positioned and dimensioned that it can, by a vertical movement from top to bottom pass through said sleeve (2) completely or partially, then s 'partially engage in the associated tray ( B' ), slightly compacting the product ( M ) therein while the sheath (2) is in the lowered position; g) Means for vertically moving, from the bottom up, on the one hand said sheath (2) and said pallet (3), in order to separate them from the full container ( B ' ) and to release it. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said guide sleeve (2) has a generally tubular shape comprising, at the top, a flared mouth (20), while the rest of its wall extends vertically and has a constant cross section which corresponds, with a slight play, to the contour of the pallet (3) so that the displacement of the latter from top to bottom inside the sheath has the effect of scraping this wall, by peeling off the residues of product likely to adhere to it, and to bring them down into the tray ( B ). Device according to claim 3 or 4, in which said guide sleeve (2) is mounted movable in said longitudinal direction, characterized in that it comprises means for controlling and synchronizing the movement of the sleeve adapted to move the latter together with the tray ( B ), while it is in its lowered position, during filling of the tray. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said pressing pallet (3) is also movable in said longitudinal direction, and that it comprises means for controlling and synchronizing the movement of the pallet (3) adapted to move it together with the tray ( B ) and the sleeve (2) during filling of the tray. Device according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the vertical movement stroke of the sleeve (2) and / or the pallet (3). Device according to one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that it includes means (200, 201) for protecting said train of trays capable of preventing unwanted product residues therefrom, as well before only after filling the trays. Device according to claim 3, for filling a food product ( M ) with a group ( G ) of trays ( B ) belonging to a "train of trays" ( T ), forming a continuous horizontal band, in which said trays are attached to each other by their peripheral rim, of flat shape, the opening of the trays being directed upwards while their bottom is horizontal, this train of trays being movable horizontally, in a direction called "longitudinal", in the direction of a sealing station (5), characterized in that it comprises: a) A conveyor capable of moving said train of trays step by step in said horizontal and longitudinal direction b) control means of this conveyor arranged to cause and periodically stop the movement of the train of trays ( T ), in synchronism with the filling device; c) A distributing hopper (4) capable of periodically and simultaneously delivering several determined doses of product ( M ) with a view to filling each of the trays of said group of trays, this by means of a set of receiving buckets (1) adjacent which are arranged under said distributor hopper (4), above the trajectory followed by the train of trays, each receiving bucket (1) being positioned above the trajectory of a tray ( B ) to be supplied; d) A carriage (7) movable in horizontal and longitudinal direction, in one direction or the other, which carries a set of adjacent guide sleeves (2), of vertical axis, with thin wall, open at their upper ends and low, capable of being positioned under all of the transfer buckets (1), each in correspondence with a bucket, and above the tray train, the lower end portion (21) of each sleeve (2) being thus shaped and dimensioned that it is capable of engaging with little play inside one of the trays ( B ) of said group ( G ); e) means for moving said set of sleeves (2) vertically downward so as to engage their lower end portion (21), to a certain depth, inside a tray of the group or, at on the contrary, upwards, to release it; f) means (110-111-112, 11) for letting flow from top to bottom in each sheath (2) a predetermined dose of food product supplied by said dispensing hopper (4), and temporarily contained in the cup ( 1) which overhangs it, so that this dose can be deposited by gravity inside the associated tray ( B ), while the lower end portion (21) of the corresponding sheath (2) is engaged, to a certain depth, inside this tray; g) means for jointly advancing the train ( T ) of trays and all of the sleeves (2), while the latter remain engaged, by their lower end portion, in said group ( G ) of trays, management of a product packing station, and to temporarily stop this group of trays; h) A group of flat and horizontal pressing pallets (3), vertically movable, whose pallets (3) are distributed, shaped and dimensioned in such a way that each of them can, by a vertical movement from top to bottom, firstly penetrate with a slight clearance inside one of the sleeves (2) of the group, cross it right through, then partially engage in the associated tray ( B ' ), compacting it slightly the product ( M ) therein; i) Means for vertically moving, from the bottom up, on the one hand the group of sleeves (2) so that they come out of the group of full trays ( B ' ), releasing it and, on the other hand , the group of pallets (3), in order to bring them out of the trays and sheaths, thus authorizing a new movement of the sheath carrier carriage (7). Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the said sleeves (2) are carried by a frame (72) which is integral with a stirrup 5 (71) mounted movable in vertical direction relative to the said sleeving carriage (7) who supports it. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the upper part (10) of said receiving cups and / or (20) of said sleeves is flared, in the manner of the mouth of a funnel. Device according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the said distributing hopper (4) is fixedly mounted in the longitudinal direction, while the group of receiving buckets (1) is carried by a carriage (6) movable horizontally and longitudinally, the supply of the receiving buckets being carried out by step-by-step movement of the bucket-carrying carriage (6) under the distribution hopper (4), in the opposite direction to the direction of advance (p) of the tray train T ), while said trolley (7) sheath holder is at the product packing station. Device according to one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that each receiving bucket (1) has an open bottom and is internally provided with a pivoting flap (11), capable of occupying, selectively, either a position of obturation (active position), in which the dose of product delivered by the distributing hopper remains retained in the bucket (1), that is to say an open position (retracted position), which allows the free escape, by gravity, of the product. Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that it comprises control means (110-111-112) capable of simultaneously causing the pivoting of the set of flaps (11) of the group of receiving buckets (1), their closed position to their open position, and vice versa. Device according to one of Claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the said distributing hopper has a fixed upper part (40) and a lower part (41) which is articulated around a median longitudinal horizontal axis ( W-W ' ) , while the group of receiving buckets (1) consists of two sub-groups arranged symmetrically on each side of a median longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry, said hopper (4) being arranged to deliver doses of product alternately to each of these subgroups, by successive swings from one side to the other. Device according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the underside of said pallets (3) has a surface condition and / or carries a coating capable of reducing its adhesion with the product. Device according to one of Claims 9 to 16, characterized in that it is carried by a movable and easily displaceable frame (9), for example mounted on casters (900).

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