EP4728495A1 - Bulk dosing unit and related system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a bulk dosing unit (100; 200) of bulk products contained in a bulk product container (10), wherein a sliding assembly (122) of the bulk dosing unit (100; 200) is provided for sliding a dosing element (121) between a closed position, in which a bulk product is not dispensed, and a maximum dispensing position, in which a bulk product can be dispensed at the maximum flow rate, and vice versa, wherein in the closed position an opening portion (121'') of the dosing element (121) is able to be arranged spaced away from a container aperture (11) of a bulk product container and simultaneously a device engagement portion (123'') is able to arrange an aperture cover (12) of a bulk product container (10) to completely cover a container aperture (11) of a bulk product container (10) and in the maximum dispensing position the opening portion (121'') of the dosing element (121) is able to be superimposed to a container aperture (11) of a bulk product container (10) and simultaneously the device engagement portion (123') is able to arrange an aperture cover (12) of a bulk product container (10) to substantially completely uncover a container aperture (11) of a bulk product container (10), allowing the dosing of a bulk product to be dispensed according to the position of the dosing element (121) in between the closed position and the maximum dispensing position.

Description

BULK DOSING UNIT AND RELATED SYSTEM

Field of the invention

The present invention is in the field of bulk products dispensing and dosing systems, for bulk food and/or beverage products.

In particular, the present invention relates to a bulk dosing unit for dispensing and dosing bulk products stored in a bulk product container. Moreover, the present invention relates to a bulk product container to store bulk food and/or beverage products. Finally, the present invention relates to a bulk dosing system combining the bulk dosing unit and the bulk product container. For the purpose of the present description, “food" is meant to include any human-consumable solid substance and “beverage" is meant to include any human-consumable liquid substance, to be consumed as such or in combination with other elements or after being subject to a specific process.

Background of the invention

Bulk food and/or beverage products are items offered in large quantities, which can be purchased in large, bulk lots or transferred from a bulk container into smaller containers for purchase reasons. Bulk food and/or beverage products may be priced less compared to packaged foods because they are typically packaged in large generic bulk containers and packaging for grocery outlets, which utilizes lesser natural resources. In this regards, bulk products allow to use less packaging, thus being more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Reducing of packaging waste is an object of the bulk products, especially for products usually portioned in heavy packaging (such as cardboard boxes, thick plastic jugs and glass jars) , together with a better control of portions, which, in turn prevents food and/or beverage waste. In particular, the consumer may buy bulk products cheaper compared to the prepackaged packages of the same products and in the desired amount instead than in a fixed and predetermined amount.

The dispensing of bulk products is usually done from bulk containers defined by open bins storing the bulk product to be dispensed, the latter being provided with scoops allowing a manual dosing.

T o avoid a direct interaction between the user and the bulk product stored in the bulk container, gravity-driven containers are known which are operated with levers for actuating the gravityfeeding of the bulk products.

Known bulk dispensing systems work with standard canisters, where a retailer has to fill manually the product into the canister, losing the traceability and creating hassle in product handling. The whole process is time consuming and should be improved. Moreover, periodic cleaning of such a bulk dispensing systems is required to prevent the appearance of the system from becoming dirty and to avoid hygiene problems, the issue becoming more apparent when the bulk dispensing systems store bulk food and/or beverage products facing food safety requirements.

The document LIS2012104041 A1 describes a beverage dispenser comprising a bag of a beverage suspended within a volume of the dispenser itself. A valve mechanism is configured to be fluidly coupled to an interior of the bag to selectively dispense beverage from the bag. Furthermore, a press is provided, movably supported in the volume below the bag, to press upwardly against the bag together with a spring, the latter resiliently urging the press towards the volume.

This dispenser allows the use of a specific container product which can improve traceability, cleaning and the safety of the product to be dispensed, as well. Nevertheless, the dispenser needs a complex structure wherein the bag must be suspended in the volume of the dispenser to allow the proper functioning. Moreover, the specific construction of the dispenser cannot allow to manage bulk product of a solid or powdered type.

It would therefore be desirable to provide an alternative solution to helps dispensing products able to minimize the disadvantages described above. Particularly, it would be desirable to have a bulk dispenser able to provide a precise dosing of bulk products of a solid or powdered type. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a bulk dispenser able of guaranteeing better protection of the product to be dispensed limiting the contact safety issues.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a bulk dispenser able to minimize the aforementioned drawbacks.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a bulk dispenser able to allow multiple and precise dosing of a powdered or solid food and/or beverage bulk products from a flexible bulk product container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bulk dispenser able to allow the charging and discharging of the bulk product container without the user being in contact with the product stored in the bulk product container.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by a bulk dosing unit according to the attached claims.

The bulk dosing unit comprises: a containment housing which defines a containment volume for receiving a bulk product container; a dispensing opening defined on the containment housing for dispensing a bulk product; a feeding assembly arranged at least partly inside the containment housing and able to move a bulk product in a bulk product container toward the dispensing opening; a dosing device able to be actuated for dispensing and dosing a bulk product; wherein the dosing device comprises a dosing element and a sliding assembly for sliding the dosing element at the dispensing opening between a closed position, in which a bulk product is not dispensed, and a maximum dispensing position, in which a bulk product can be dispensed at the maximum flow rate, and vice versa, wherein the dosing device comprises one or more device engagement portions, arranged toward the containment volume and able to engage an aperture cover of a bulk product container, wherein the dosing element has at least an opening portion, and wherein in the closed position the opening portion is able to be arranged spaced away from a container aperture of a bulk product container and simultaneously the device engagement portion is able to arrange an aperture cover of a bulk product container in a fully closed position, to completely cover a container aperture of a bulk product container, and in the maximum dispensing position the opening portion is able to be superimposed to a container aperture of a bulk product container and simultaneously the device engagement portion is able to arrange an aperture cover of a bulk product container in a fully opened position, to substantially completely uncover a container aperture of a bulk product container, allowing the dosing of a bulk product according to the position of the dosing element in between the closed position and the maximum dispensing position.

The dosing device allows the precise dosing of the bulk product from the bulk product containers allowing the user the avoid the contact with the bulk product itself, assuring a better protection of the bulk product from the environment (i.e. , humidity, oxygen, dust, etc.) when not dispensed. The dosing device also allows an easily dosing according to management of the aperture cover, i.e. the area of the container aperture which is opened by acting on the aperture cover.

In an embodiment, the dosing element has a covering portion and an opening portion arranged side by side, and wherein in the closed position the covering portion is able to be superimposed to a container aperture of a bulk product container and simultaneously the device engagement portion is able to arrange an aperture cover of a bulk product container in a fully closed position, to completely cover a container aperture of a bulk product container, and in the maximum dispensing position the opening portion is able to be superimposed to a container aperture of a bulk product container and simultaneously the device engagement portion is able to arrange an aperture cover of a bulk product container in a fully opened position, to substantially completely uncover a container aperture of a bulk product container, allowing the dosing of a bulk product according to the position of the dosing element in between the closed position and the maximum dispensing position.

The dosing element being provided with a covering portion and an opening portion allows to always manage an aperture cover of a bulk product container, wherein the covering portion may maintain the contact with an aperture cover.

In an embodiment, the containment housing is provided with a door allowing access to the containment volume, wherein the dosing device is provided on the door.

The door allows the access to the containment volume as well as the arrangement of the whole dosing device. In this regard, the operations of charging and discharging of the bulk product containers are simplified.

In an embodiment, the dosing element is provided with at least one of the device engagement portions and/or the sliding assembly is provided with at least one of the device engagement portions.

The device engagement portions allow the bulk dosing unit to operate on the aperture cover of the bulk product container to ensure to proper dosing, as well as the proper protection of the bulk product, when the dosing device is actuated.

In an embodiment, the dosing device comprises a lever arranged outside the containment volume and allowing a user to actuate the sliding assembly at least from the closed position to the maximum dispensing position.

In this way, the user can control the dosing of the bulk product while dispensing the same in a simple and effective mode.

In an embodiment, the sliding assembly comprises one or more elastic elements connected to the dosing element to dispose the dosing element in the closed position when the sliding device is not actuated.

In this way, the dosing device assures the protection of the bulk product while avoiding the overdosing of the same.

In an embodiment, the dosing element further comprises a nozzle portion at the opening portion.

This allows to define a single element to contact the bulk product from the dosing to the dispensing.

In an embodiment, the feeding assembly comprises at least a plate able to move and/or to compress a bulk product container arranged on or in contact with the plate, wherein the plate is movable in the containment volume between a resting position, in which the plate is arranged inside the containment volume to maximize the volume available for a bulk product container inside the containment volume preferably substantially at a side of the containment housing inside the containment volume, and a maximum displacement position, wherein the plate is arranged inside the containment volume to minimize the volume available for a bulk product container inside the containment volume preferably spaced out from the side of said containment housing inside said containment volume, being parallel to or inclined with respect to said side.

The plate helps during the dispensing operation by allowing and easily way to discharge almost completely the bulk product from the bulk product container.

Moreover, the position of the plate at a side of the containment housing allows to reduce the complexity, as well as the footprint, of the bulk dosing unit.

In an embodiment, the feeding assembly further comprises a pushing device operatively connected to the plate to force the plate toward the maximum displacement position.

The pushing device maintains the bulk product container always in the preferred position for the dispensing, forcing the bulk product toward the container aperture.

In an embodiment, the feeding assembly further comprises a locking device operatively connected with the plate and with the door, wherein the locking device comprises a locking mechanism arranged inside the containment housing at the resting position, to lock the plate at the resting position, and an unlocking mechanism operatively connected to the locking mechanism and arranged to be at least partly in contact with the door, to unlock the plate from the resting position when the door is closed. In this way, the locking mechanism allows an easily charging of the bulk product container inside the containment volume, reducing the effort of the operator in charge of it. Moreover, the unlocking mechanism allows to automatically positioning the plate for the dispensing without any intervention by the operator.

In an embodiment, the containment housing further comprises a locking device of an aperture frame of a bulk product container able to firmly maintain the position of an aperture of a bulk product container with respect to the containment housing while the dosing device is actuated. The firmly positioning of the bulk product container is hereby guaranteed to ensure a smooth actuation of the dosing device.

In a further aspect, the object of the present invention is to provide a bulk product container able to minimize the aforementioned drawbacks.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a bulk product container able to allow multiple and precise dosing of a powdered or solid food and/or beverage bulk products, while allowing the charging and discharging of the same without the user being in contact with the product stored in the bulk product container.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by a bulk product container according to the attached claims.

The bulk product container comprises: an inner volume defined by a closed envelope for storing bulk food and/or beverage products, a container aperture defined on the envelope; an aperture frame arranged at the container aperture to delimit the container aperture; an aperture cover movable coupled to the aperture frame for covering and uncovering the container aperture; wherein the aperture cover is movable with respect to the aperture frame from a fully closed position, to completely cover the container aperture, to a fully opened position, to substantially completely uncover the container aperture, and wherein the aperture cover is provided with one or more container engagement portions able to be engaged by a dosing device of a bulk dosing unit according to the present invention to arrange the aperture cover between the fully closed position and the fully opened position.

The aperture cover permits to always protect the bulk product content when the dispensing is not requested. In particular, the container engagement portions provided on the aperture cover allow the latter to be moved by a corresponding actuator in the bulk dosing unit, which is defined by the device engagement portions of the bulk dosing unit according to the present invention. The precise dosing is easily performed according to the area of the container aperture which is opened by the aperture cover.

In a further aspect, the aperture frame is provided with one or more rail guides and the aperture cover is provided with one or more guiding elements to fit the rail guides and to allow the sliding of the aperture cover with respect to the aperture frame.

The presence of the rail guides and of the guiding elements allows the sliding of the aperture cover over the container aperture, thus maintaining a good protection of the bulk product.

In a further aspect, the inner volume is vacuumized to reduce the volume of the closed envelope until the first opening of the container aperture.

This allows a reduction of the volume which, in turn, helps in the charging operation the bulk product container to easily fit the containment volume of the bulk dosing unit.

In a further aspect, the object of the present invention is to provide a bulk dosing system able to a bulk dosing system able to minimize the aforementioned drawbacks.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a bulk dosing system able to allow multiple and precise dosing of a powdered or solid food and/or beverage bulk products, while allowing the charging and discharging of the same without the user being in contact with the product stored in the bulk product container.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by a bulk dosing system according to the attached claims.

The bulk dosing system comprises a bulk dosing unit according to one of the embodiments of the present invention and a bulk product container according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, wherein the bulk product container is able to be housed in the containment housing.

In this way, the bulk dosing unit and the bulk product container according to the present invention are able to co-operate to maximise their effects, the one part, i.e. the bulk dosing unit, referring to the co-operating part, i.e. the bulk product container, and vice versa.

Brief description of the drawings

These and further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the disclosure of the preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of a non-limiting example in the accompanying figures, wherein:

- Figure 1 is front perspective view of the bulk dosing unit in a preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 is rear perspective view of the door of the bulk dosing unit of Figure 1 provided with the dosing device;

- Figure 3A is a front perspective view of the bulk dosing unit of Figure 1 with the plate in the maximum displacement position;

- Figure 3B is a lateral plan view of the bulk dosing unit of Figure 3A;

- Figure 4A is a front perspective view of the bulk dosing unit of Figure 1 with the plate in the resting position;

- Figure 4B is a lateral plan view of the bulk dosing unit of Figure 4A;

- Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the bulk dosing unit of Figure 1 with the door closed:

- Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the bulk product container in a preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

- Figure 7A is a front perspective view of the bulk product container of Figure 6 with the aperture cover in the fully closed position;

- Figure 7B is a front perspective view of the bulk product container of Figure 6 with the aperture cover in the fully opened position;

- Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the bulk dosing system in a preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

- Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the bulk dosing system of Figure 8 during the housing of the bulk product container in the containment housing;

- Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a detail of the locking device of the aperture frame of the bulk dosing system of Figure 8;

- Figure 11 is a lateral plan view of the bulk dosing system of Figure 8 with the plate in the resting position;

- Figure 12 is a lateral plan view of the bulk dosing system of Figure 8 with the plate between the resting position and the maximum displacement position; - Figure 13 is a lateral plan view of the bulk dosing system of Figure 8 with the plate in the maximum displacement position;

- Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the bulk dosing system of Figure 8 during the removing of the empty bulk product container from the containment housing;

- Figure 15 is a front perspective view of a detail of the locking device of the aperture frame of the bulk dosing unit in a second embodiment according to the present invention;

- Figure 16 is a front perspective view of a detail of the locking device of Figure 15, wherein the locking device is moving towards the unlocking position;

- Figure is 17 a front perspective view of a detail of the locking device of Figure 15, wherein the locking device is in the unlocking position;

- Figure 18 is a front perspective view of a detail of the locking device of Figure 15, wherein the locking device is moving towards the locking position;

- Figure 19 is a front perspective view of a detail of the locking device of Figure 15, wherein the locking device is in the unlocking position;

- Figure 20 is a front perspective view of a detail of the locking device of Figure 19, wherein the locking device is moving towards the unlocking position, wherein the aperture membrane is peeled off.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

Referring to Figures 6, 7A and 7B, a bulk product container 10 is illustrated and herewith described according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The aforementioned bulk product container 10 is able to co-operate with a bulk dosing unit 100, as illustrated in the Figures 1-5 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The combination, or co-operation, of the bulk product container 10 with the bulk dosing unit 100 defines a bulk dosing system 1 , as illustrated in the Figures 8-14 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this way, the bulk dosing unit 100 and the bulk product container 10 of the present invention are able to co-operate to maximise their effects.

In the following, reference will be to one part, i.e. the bulk dosing unit 100, when co-operating with the other part, i.e. the bulk product container 10, and vice versa, although each of the parts can be defined separately without incorporating the other to define its inventive concept. Figure 6 illustrates the bulk product container 10 in a preferred embodiment according to the present invention. The perspective view of Figure 6 shows the bulk product container 10 as comprising an envelope 13 of a closed type able to define an inner volume (not shown) for storing bulk food and/or beverage products (not shown). Preferably, the bulk product is filled after the closed envelope 13 is partly formed, in a process known as form-fill-seal, which seals the envelope to define the closed envelope 13 at the end of the filling. Different ways of defining the closed envelope can be used.

In the preferred embodiment, the bulk product container 10 is flexible or compressible, which means that the closed envelope 13 is made by flexible or compressible materials. Plastic, paper or multi-layered materials, i.e. materials combining sheets or portions of plastic, paper, aluminium, etc., are suitable to define the closed envelope 13.

As illustrated, the envelope 13 has a parallelepiped shape, which can be different according to further embodiment (not shown) based on the dimension and shape of the envelope itself or on the dimension, shape and volume of its bulk content.

To allow a reduction in volume of the closed envelope 13, the inner volume can be vacuumized, preferably after or during the filling of the bulk product to contain. This feature, even if not essential to the present invention, helps in the charging operation of the bulk product container 10 in the bulk dosing unit 100, as below described in greater details, to easily fit the containment volume of the same. Moreover, the vacuumized inner volume simplifies the transport operations reducing the associated costs. The reduced volume of the closed envelope 13 is maintained until the first opening of the container aperture 11 , then the volume can expand, i.e. due to the flexibility or compressibility of the closed envelope 13, or can be maintained by the bulk dosing unit 100 after its insertion.

The bulk product container 10 is thus provided with a container aperture 11 defined on the closed envelope 13. In the present embodiment, such container aperture 11 is defined on one of the thickest side wall of the closed envelope 13, disposed on the bottom portion of the same to allow the dispensing of the greatest amount of bulk product by gravity, sensibly reducing the leftover.

According to different embodiment, not shown, the container aperture can be defined on a different portion of the same wall, i.e. on the top portion but reducing the use of the gravity force to allow the dispensing, or on a different wall of the closed envelope, i.e. the bottom wall where the effect of the gravity force on the dispensing can be even greater.

To maintain the envelope 13 closed before the first use, an aperture membrane 15 is provided with, preferably maintaining said container aperture 11 tightened and preferably sealed on the aperture frame 14. Such an aperture membrane 15 is preferably of a tightness type, to preserve the bulk content inside the bulk product container 10. This aperture membrane 15 can be made of any material that allows the closure of the container aperture 11 and the protection of the content as well. Moreover, such aperture membrane 15 is of a flexible type but rigid or semi-rigid aperture membranes can be employed.

Once the bulk product container 10 is operated for the dispensing, at the first use the aperture membrane 15 is pulled away in order to open the container aperture 11. The sequence of Figure 6 and 7A clearly shows the removal of the aperture membrane 15, in which the latter is pulled upward for its removal. Two more elements are provided on the closed envelope 13 to complete the bulk product container 10 according to the present invention, which are an aperture frame 14 and an aperture cover 12. These elements are preferably made of plastic or metallic materials, defining rigid elements with respect to the closed envelope. According to further embodiments, any suitable material can be used.

The aperture frame 14 is arranged at the container aperture 11 to delimit the same. The dimension of this aperture frame 14 is such to allow the complete access to the container aperture 11 while defining a frame around the borders of the same. Preferably, the aperture frame 14 has a dimension slightly larger than the container aperture 11 , but even very large dimensions can be used.

The aperture cover 12 is coupled to the aforementioned aperture frame 14 in a movable way, preferably able to slide on the aperture frame 14 with respect to the container aperture 11 , so it is configured as a slider in the preferred embodiment. The aperture cover 12 has a dimension able to completely fit the aperture frame 14, but according to further embodiments (not shown) larger dimension of aperture cover 12 can be used. This allows the aperture cover 12 to cover and to uncover the container aperture 11 according to the needs for dispensing and dosing the bulk product from the bulk product container 10. As the aperture cover 12 is covering the container aperture 11 of the closed envelope 13, it prevents the flow out of the food and/or beverage product from the inner volume of the bulk product container 10.

Moreover, the aperture cover 12 is preferably detachable from the aperture frame 14 which allows the use and re-use of the same aperture cover 12 to multiple bulk product containers 10.

The aperture frame 14 is provided with rail guides arranged along the side walls of the same, while the aperture cover 12 is provided with a couple of guiding elements, arranged on the side portions of the same, to fit the rail guides of the aperture cover 12. The combination of the rail guides and of the guiding elements allows the sliding of the aperture cover 12 with respect to the aperture frame 14, in this way defining the opening and closuring of the container aperture 11 , and the dosing in between these positions as well, as explained in greater detail shortly after.

A different numbers or arrangement of the rail guides and of the guiding elements can be provided according to further embodiment, not shown.

The presence of the rail guides and of the guiding elements allows the sliding of the aperture cover 12 over the container aperture 11 , thus maintaining a good protection of the bulk product. Likewise, different technical solutions known in the art can be provided to allow the sliding of the aperture cover as above described.

In this regard, Figure 7A shows a perspective view of the bulk product container 10 with the aperture cover 12 in a fully closed position, in which the aperture cover 12 completely covers the container aperture 11 , while Figure 7B shows a perspective view of the bulk product container of Figure 6 with the aperture cover 12 in the fully opened position, in which the aperture cover 12 completely uncovers the container aperture 11. In the fully opened position the aperture cover could also be designed to substantially completely uncovers the container aperture, which is to uncover the container aperture in the extent to allow a great flow rate while minimizing the leftover to a predefined amount.

Thus, the aperture cover 12 permits to always protect the bulk product content when the dispensing is not requested. In particular, the protection of the bulk product is necessary after the removal of the aperture membrane 15, being the content no more sealed in the closed envelope 13 and thus exposed to the environment.

Thus, the aperture cover 12 is movable with respect to the aperture frame 14 from a fully closed position, to completely cover the container aperture 11 , to a fully opened position, to (substantially) completely uncover the container aperture 11 . In this regard, the aperture cover 12 is provided with one or more container engagement portions 12’, 12” able to be engaged by a dosing device 120 of a bulk dosing unit 100 (below detailed) to arrange the aperture cover 12 between the fully closed position (Figure 7A) and the fully opened position (Figure 7B).

In particular, the container engagement portions 12’, 12” provided on the aperture cover 12 allows the latter to be moved by a corresponding actuator in the bulk dosing unit 120, which is defined by the device engagement portions of the bulk dosing unit 120 according to the present invention. The precise dosing is easily performed according to the area of the container aperture 11 which is let opened by the aperture cover 12, wherein the greater the area is the greater the dispensing flow rate is.

Figure 1 illustrates the bulk dosing unit 100 in a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, in an opened and partly demounted configuration. The perspective view of Figure 1 shows the bulk dosing unit 100, i.e. of bulk products contained in a bulk product container 10 as above described, as comprising a containment housing 110 which defines a containment volume for receiving a bulk product container 10. The capacity and shape of the containment volume needs to be at least equal to the volume and shape of the bulk product container 10 to be housed, wherein in the preferred embodiment the containment volume has a larger volume than the bulk product container 10, and the same shape as well.

The containment housing 110 defines a frame for the bulk dispensing unit 100 and is shown with removed side panels to allow a detailed view of the inner space defined by the container volume. According to further embodiments (not shown) the containment housing can be devoid of the side panels, wherein the support for the bulk product container is made simply by rods interconnecting portions of the same frame or by the rigidity and shape of the bulk product container itself.

A dispensing opening 112 is defined on the containment housing 110. In particular, this dispensing opening is defined on one of the ticker sidewall of the containment housing 110 to match with the container aperture 11 of the bulk product container 10. Therefore, the dispensing opening 112 allows the dispensing of the bulk product, in turn dispensed from the container aperture 11. According to further embodiments (not shown), the position and the size of the dispensing opening can be different according the position and the size of the container aperture, and vice versa.

The dispensing opening 112 has a dimension greater than the dimension of the container aperture 11 , in this regard allowing the movement of the dosing element 121 with respect to the container aperture 11 , as described in greater detail in the present description.

A dosing device 120 is provided and able to be actuated for dispensing and dosing a bulk product, in particular the bulk product contained in a bulk product container 10. The dosing device 120 comprises a dosing element 121 and a sliding assembly 122, operatively coupled to each other the latter being able to slide the dosing element 121 at the dispensing opening 112. In the present embodiment, the dosing element 121 and the sliding assembly 122 are made separately, to allowing a simple and effective cleaning whereby the dosing element 121 is the only element of the dosing device 120 potentially in contact with the bulk product to dispense. According to different embodiments, not shown, the dosing element and the sliding element are made in a single piece or solidly connected to each other.

The sliding movement of the dosing element 121 is defined between a closed position, in which a bulk product is not dispensed, and a maximum dispensing position, in which a bulk product can be dispensed at the maximum flow rate, and vice versa.

The dosing device 120 comprises a lever 124, as a preferred solution, arranged outside the containment volume and allowing a user to actuate the sliding assembly 122 at least from the closed position to the maximum dispensing position, but different elements can be used to support the actuation. In the present embodiment, this lever 124 is part of the door 113 (detailed in the following) and is provided on the outer side of the same door 113 which exposes to the exterior part of the bulk dosing unit 100.

In this way, the user can control the dosing of the bulk product while dispensing the same in a simple and effective mode.

A plurality of device engagement portions 123’, 123” are provided by the dosing device 120 which permit the engagement of an aperture cover 12 of a bulk product container 10, i.e. as above described.

In the present embodiment, the dosing element 121 has a covering portion 12T and an opening portion 121” arranged side by side. Therefore, the dosing element 121 can be substantially defined by a plate having the covering portion 12T, i.e. a solid portion, on part of it and an opening portion 121”, i.e. a portion provided with an opening, to other part of it which is arranged side by side to the former. The dosing element 121 is design to interact with the aperture cover 12 and with the bulk product to be dispensed. In this regards, the covering portion 12T is therefore able to remain in contact with the aperture cover 12. In the preferred embodiment, herewith illustrated, the dosing element 121 is also provided with a nozzle portion 12T” at the opening portion 121”, which allows to define a single element to contact the bulk product from the dosing to the dispensing. A nozzle covering 141 is also provided coupled to the containment housing 110 to cover the nozzle portion at least partly 12T” and preventing the contact of the latter with the user. In the present embodiment, the nozzle covering 141 is arrange on the door 113 of the bulk dosing unit 100, in particular on its outer side. The nozzle covering is not essential to the invention, therefore can also be not part of the bulk dosing unit according to further embodiments not shown.

In the closed position the covering portion 12T is able to be superimposed to a container aperture 11 of a bulk product container 10 and simultaneously the device engagement portion 123” is able to arrange an aperture cover 12 of a bulk product container 10 in a fully closed position, to completely cover a container aperture 11 of a bulk product container 10. In the maximum dispensing position the opening portion 121” is able to be superimposed to a container aperture 11 of a bulk product container 10 and simultaneously the device engagement portion 123” is able to arrange an aperture cover 12 of a bulk product container 10 in a fully opened position, to substantially completely uncover a container aperture 11 of a bulk product container 10, allowing the dosing of a bulk product according to the position of the dosing element 121 in between the closed position and the maximum dispensing position. According to further embodiments, not shown, the dosing element has at least an opening portion, which means that it can be provided even only with the opening portion. When according to this last embodiment, in the closed position the opening portion is able to be arranged spaced away from a container aperture of a bulk product container and simultaneously the device engagement portion is able to arrange an aperture cover of a bulk product container in a fully closed position, to completely cover a container aperture of a bulk product container. Moreover, in the maximum dispensing position the opening portion is able to be superimposed to a container aperture of a bulk product container and simultaneously the device engagement portion is able to arrange an aperture cover of a bulk product container in a fully opened position, to substantially completely uncover a container aperture of a bulk product container, allowing the dosing of a bulk product according to the position of the dosing element in between the closed position and said maximum dispensing position.

The perspective view of Figure 2 allows a better view on the dosing device 120 and, specifically, on the device engagement portions 123’, 123”. According to the preferred embodiment herewith shown, the dosing element 121 is provided with one of the device engagement portions, specifically indicated with the number 123’ in Figure 2, and the sliding assembly 122 is provided with a couple of the device engagement portions, specifically indicated with the number 123” in Figure 2.

The device engagement portions 123’, 123” allow the bulk dosing unit 100 to operate on the aperture cover 12 of the bulk product container 10 to ensure to proper dosing, as well as the proper protection of the bulk product, when the dosing device 120 is actuated. In the present embodiment, the device engagement portion 123’ provided on the dosing element 121 is designed to allow the opening of the aperture cover 12, and in turn the container aperture 11 , while the device engagement portions 123” provided on the sliding assembly 122 are designed to allow the closing of the same aperture cover 12. A different (or reversed) arrangement of the device engagement portions can also be provided.

According to further embodiments (not shown), the dosing element can be provided with at least one of the device engagement portions and/or the sliding assembly can be provided with at least one of the device engagement portions. Moreover, even a single device engagement portion can be provided by the dosing device.

The aforementioned device engagement portions 123’, 123” are arranged toward said containment volume, thus facing the bulk container 10 or having protrusions facing the same. The device engagement portions 123’, 123” are thus able to engage an aperture cover 12 of a bulk product container 10. In particular, the device engagement portion 123’ provided on the dosing element 121 is designed to engage the corresponding container engagement portion 12’ arranged on the top portion of the aperture cover 12, similar in shape and size, while the device engagement portions 123” provided on the sliding assembly 122 are designed to engage the corresponding container engagement portions 12” arranged on the side portions of the same aperture cover 12. According to further embodiments (not shown), different arrangements and shapes can be provided for the device engagement portions, and for the container engagement portions as well.

The dosing device 120 allows the precise dosing of the bulk product from the bulk product containers 10 allowing the user the avoid the contact with the bulk product itself, assuring a better protection of the bulk product from the environment (i.e. , humidity, oxygen, dust, etc.) when not dispensed. The dosing device 120 also allows and an easily dosing according to management of the aperture cover 12, i.e. the area of the container aperture 11 which is opened by acting on the aperture cover 12.

Preferably, as in the illustrated embodiment, the sliding assembly 122 comprises a plurality of elastic elements 122’ connected to the dosing element 121 to dispose it in the closed position when the sliding device 120 is not actuated. In this way, the dosing device 120 assures the protection of the bulk product while avoiding the overdosing of the same.

The same sliding assembly can be provided with a single elastic element or even devoid of it, according to further embodiments (not shown).

Figure 2 also illustrates a door 113, as described above, of which the containment housing 110 of the bulk dosing unit 100 is provided, which closes the containment volume. In particular, the door 113 allows access to the containment volume.

In the present invention the above-described dosing device 120 is provided on the door 113, so that the latter allows the access to the containment volume as well as to the arrangement of the whole dosing device 120. In this regard, the operations of charging and discharging of the bulk product containers 10 are simplified.

In particular, the dosing element 121 is preferably mostly provided on the inner surface of the door 113, the one facing the containment volume, wherein only the nozzle portion 12T” (if any) is arranged to extend from the outer surface of the door 113, being inserted from the inner surface of the same door 113.

According to further embodiments (not shown), the bulk dosing unit can be devoid of such a door, the dosing device can be for example arranged on a frame disposed at an outer surface of the containment housing.

A feeding assembly 130 is also part of the bulk dosing unit 100 according to the present invention. This feeding assembly 130 is arranged at least partly inside the containment housing 110 and is able to move a bulk product in a bulk product container 10 toward the dispensing opening 112.

The feeding assembly 130 according to the present invention comprises a plate 131 able to move a bulk product container 10 arranged on or in contact to it. This movement can encompass a compression of the bulk product container 10 or, as in the present embodiment, can be replaced by such a compression. The plate 131 is movable in the containment volume between a resting position, in which the plate 131 is arranged inside the containment volume to maximize the volume available for a bulk product container 10 inside the containment volume, and a maximum displacement position, in which the plate 131 is arranged inside the containment volume to minimize the volume available for a bulk product container 10 inside the containment volume.

In this regard, Figure 3A shows a perspective view of the bulk dosing unit 100 of Figure 1 (while Figure 3B shows the same bulk dosing unit 100 of Figure 3A but in a lateral plan view) with the plate 131 in the maximum displacement position. Moreover, Figure 4A shows a perspective view of the bulk dosing unit 100 of Figure 1 (while Figure 4B shows the same bulk dosing unit 100 of Figure 4A but in a lateral plan view) with the plate 131 in the resting position. In the present embodiment, at the resting position the plate 131 is arranged substantially at a side 110’ of the containment housing 110 inside the containment volume, which is the bottom side of the same. The shape and extension of the plate 131 substantially correspond to the shape and extension of this side 110’ of the containment housing 110, from which the plate 131 is spaced out of a distance allowing the movement of the dosing element 121 between the closed position and the maximum dispensing position, and vice versa. At the maximum displacement position the plate 131 is spaced out from the side 110’ of the containment housing 110 inside the containment volume, being inclined with respect to the side 110’. Therefore, the plate 131 defines a rotating support for a bulk product container 10, rotating around a plate axis 13T. The latter is arranged in the containment housing 110 at the door of the bulk dosing unit 100, thus the rotation of the plate 131 compresses and inclines a portion of the bulk product container 10 to define a slope with the ability to move the bulk content toward the container aperture 11 taking advantage from the gravity force.

The plate 131 helps during the dispensing operation by allowing and easily way to discharge almost completely the bulk product from the bulk product container 10, thus minimizing the leftover.

Moreover, the position of the plate 131 at a side 110’ of the containment housing 110 allows to reduce the complexity, as well as the footprint, of the bulk dosing unit 100.

According to a further embodiment, not shown, at the maximum displacement position the plate is spaced out from the side of the containment housing inside the containment volume, being parallel with respect to the side. In this way, the plate defines a translating support for a bulk product container, from a side to the opposite one.

According to even further embodiments, not shown, more than one plate can be part of the feeding assembly or the shape and dimension of the plate can differ from the one of the side to which it is arranged during the resting position. Finally, different elements can be employed in replacement of such a plate.

The feeding assembly 130 further comprises a pushing device operatively connected to the plate 131 to force it toward the maximum displacement position.

The pushing device maintains the bulk product container 10 always in the preferred position for the dispensing, forcing the bulk product toward the container aperture 11 .

In the preferred embodiment, the pushing device comprises a piston 132’, acting passively as a spring to push the plate 131 , and levers 132”, to limit the rotation angle of the same plate 131.

According to further embodiments, not shown, the pushing device can be realized with different elements which ensure the movement of the plate as described, or its translation, in the containment housing.

In the present embodiment, the feeding assembly 130 further comprises a locking device operatively connected with the plate 131 and with the door 113. The locking device comprises a locking mechanism 133 arranged inside the containment housing 110 at the resting position, to lock the plate 131 at the resting position, and an unlocking mechanism operatively connected to the locking mechanism 133 and arranged to be at least partly in contact with the door 113, to unlock the plate 131 from the resting position when the door 113 is closed.

The locking mechanism 133 is defined by a clipping mechanism for blocking the plate 131 into horizontal position, i.e. at a side 110’. This clipping mechanism comprises a spring forced clip 133’ which engages a correspondent locking portion 133” of the plate 131 , allowing the plate 131 to be maintained in the resting position.

The unlocking mechanism is defined by the combination of an unlocking axis 134, operatively connected with the spring forced clip 133’, and of an unlocking pin 135, operatively connected with the unlocking axis 134. The pressing of the unlocking pin 135, when the door 113 is closed, activates the rotation of the unlocking axis 134 which, in turn, disengage the spring forced clip 133’ from the locking portion 133”, allowing the plate 131 to be automatically moved from the resting position to the maximum displacement position.

In this way, the locking mechanism 133 allows an easily charging of the bulk product container 10 inside the containment volume, reducing the effort of the operator in charge of it. Moreover, the unlocking mechanism allows to automatically positioning the plate 131 for the dispensing without any intervention by the operator.

The perspective view of Figure 8 illustrates the bulk dosing system 1 in a preferred embodiment according to the present invention. The bulk dosing system 1 comprises a bulk dosing unit 100 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention and a bulk product container 10 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the bulk product container 10 is able to be housed in the containment housing 110. Thus, the bulk dosing unit 100 and the bulk product container 10 according to the present invention are able to co-operate to maximise their effects, the one part, i.e. the bulk dosing unit 100, referring to the co-operating part, i.e. the bulk product container 10, and vice versa. In the following, a method for dispensing and dosing a bulk product is described, by using the bulk product container 10, a bulk dosing unit 100 and a bulk dosing system 1 according to the present invention, wherein the description is made according to the preferred embodiment which can be subject to changes, i.e. removing of steps.

The bulk product container 10, which is preferably of a flexible type (such as a flexible bag) can be delivered to a shop of bulk products. The bulk product container 10 is provided with the closed envelope 13 having the container aperture 11 covered by the aperture membrane 15, preferably of a tight membrane, and the aperture frame 14. The aperture cover 12 can be also provided with the bulk product container 10 or can be reused from a former emptied bulk product container 10.

Before use, the retailer (or a generic user) removes the aperture membrane 15 after having provided the aperture frame 14 with the corresponding aperture cover 12 in the full closed position (the aperture cover 12 can also be already in place on the aperture frame 14), following the sequence of Figure 6 and Figure 7 A. The container aperture 11 can thus remain closed only by the aperture cover 12.

The bulk dosing unit 100 needs to be prepared for the insertion of the bulk product container 10. In the present embodiment this follows the opening of the door 113. Figure 5 illustrates the bulk dosing unit 100 in a closed configuration. The door 113 is unlocked and opened by rotation, as in Figures 3A and 3B, giving access to the plate 131. In order to insert a bulk product container 10, the plate 131 is pushed down till the resting position, by rotating it around the plate axis 13T.

The bulk dosing unit 100 is now ready for bulk product container 10 insertion, as the plate 131 has been clipped into horizontal position. Moreover, the dosing element 121 is coupled to the sliding assembly 122.

The bulk product container 10 is inserted into the bulk dosing unit 100. In particular, the bulk product container 10 is inserted through the opening of the door 113 in the containment housing 110 to be housed in the containment volume above the aforementioned plate 131 , as represented in Figure 9. The insertion is facilitated thanks to the vacuumized bulk product container 10, which gives it a solid shape.

Once inserted, the bulk product container 10 is fixed relatively to the containment housing 110 or to the door 113, as clearly illustrated in the detail of Figure 10.

In this regard, the containment housing 110 further comprises a locking device 114 of an aperture frame 14 of a bulk product container 10 able to firmly maintain the position of an aperture 11 of a bulk product container 10 with respect to the containment housing 110 while the dosing device 120 is actuated. The firmly positioning of the bulk product container 10 is hereby guaranteed to ensure a smooth actuation of the dosing device 120.

In the present embodiment, the locking device 114 is defined by a top and bottom portions shaped to maintain and lock the aperture frame 14 between them, but different arrangements can be used as well. In particular, the locking device 114 has a rotating locker as top portion to fix the aperture frame 14 in contact with the bottom portion.

At this moment the aperture membrane 15 is peeled off in order to activate the bulk product container 10.

Once the bulk product container 10 is inserted, by closing the door 113 of the bulk dosing unit 100 the sliding device 120 is connecting to the aperture cover 12 and allows dispensing of bulk product out of the bulk product container 10. On the same detail of Figure 10 is also visible the unlocking pin 135 of the door 113, activating the unlocking mechanism of the plate131. The spring forced clip 133” is unlocked once the door 113 is closed, thanks to the rotation of the unlocking axis 134 activated with the pushing of the same unlocking pin 135. The plate 131 can thus start to move from the resting position toward the maximum displacement position.

The bulk dosing unit 100 is now ready for use, as represented for the bulk dosing system 1 of Figure 11.

By pulling the lever (handle) 124 down, the bulk product container 10 is opened and bulk product can flow through the container aperture 11 , which is connected to the aperture cover 12 and the container engagement portions 12’, 12”. The combination of the dosing device 120 and of the aperture cover 12 allow accurate dosing speeds of the bulk product, by varying the opening surface of the aperture cover 12. The sliding assembly 122 is guided by rails fixed on the door 113 and the elastic elements 122’ assure that the aperture cover 12 is slide back into the full closed position of the bulk product container 10 when the Iever124 is released.

By emptying the bulk product container 10 through the container aperture 11 , the plate 131 is pushed upwards (rotated around the plate axis 13T) by the piston 132’, allowing constant dispensing flow through the container aperture 11 . The plate 131 is therefore able to compact the flexible bulk product container 10, as illustrated in the lateral plan view of Figure 12.

Once the maximum angle of the plate 131 is reached, all the bulk product has been dispensed through container aperture 11 (with no or reduced leftover) and the bulk product container 10 is folded to a maximum compression, as illustrated in the lateral plan view of Figure 13.

Once the bulk product container 10 is empty, the door 113 is opened and the bulk product container 10 removed.

Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the bulk dosing system of Figure 8 during the removing of the empty bulk product container 10 from the containment housing 110.

Figure 15 illustrates a bulk dosing unit 200 in a second embodiment according to the present invention, in an opened configuration. In particular, the bulk dosing unit 200 of the second embodiment corresponds to the bulk dosing unit 100 of the first embodiment wherein the locking device 214 of the aperture frame 14 is of a different type, as illustrated in the detail view of Figure 15. In this regard, the same reference numbers will be maintained when reference is made to the same elements.

Thus, the containment housing 110 comprises a locking device 214 of an aperture frame 14 of a bulk product container 10 able to firmly maintain the position of an aperture 11 of a bulk product container 10 with respect to the containment housing 110 while the dosing device 120 is actuated. The firmly positioning of the bulk product container 10 is hereby guaranteed to ensure a smooth actuation of the dosing device 120.

In the second embodiment, the locking device 214 is defined by locking plate 214’, able to rotate around an axis which corresponds to the same axis as the dispenser door 113. The locking plate 214’ is also provided with a locking wall 214”, able to slide with respect to the locking plate 214’. According to different embodiments, not illustrated, a different axis of rotation can be used for the movement of the locking plate, but a different movement for the locking wall can be provided as well.

The rotation of the locking plate 214’ and the sliding of the locking wall 214” allow to lock and unlock the bulk product container 10 inside the bulk dosing unit 200, to define a bulk dosing system 2 as illustrated in Figures 17-20, so as the bulk product container 10 is positioned in a predefined location preventing the bulk product (such as, the coffee powder) to be deposited on the top of the aperture frame 14 of the same. In particular, the locking plate 214’ is movable (in a rotational fashion with respect to the axis of rotation) from a container unlocking position (as illustrated in Figure 17) to a container locking position (as illustrated in Figures 15, 19 and 20), and viceversa. Moreover, the locking wall 214” is movable (in a sliding fashion with respect to the locking plate 214’) from a frame locking position (as illustrated in Figures 19 and 20) to a frame unlocking position (as illustrated in Figures 16, 17 and 18), and viceversa.

Thus, in the container unlocking position, the locking plate 214’ allows the bulk product container 10 to be housed in the containment housing 110 by allowing full access to the same. In the container locking position, the locking plate 214’ does not allow either to house it or to remove it from the containment housing 110 by at least partly closing the same. In the frame locking position, the locking wall 214” allows the frame 14 of the bulk product container 10 to be firmly locked in the predefined location (while it is housed inside the containment housing 110) by pressing the locking wall 214” to the same. In the frame unlocking position, the locking wall 214” is detached from the frame 14, so as to allow the locking plate 214’ to be moved.

The locking wall 214” preferably having dimensions such that the thickness of the same is able to completely cover the thickness of the frame 14, while different thicknesses can also be used.

Figure 15 illustrates the locking plate 214’ and the locking wall 214” respectively container locking position and in the frame locking position.

The perspective view of Figure 16 illustrates the bulk dosing unit 200 of the second embodiment while the locking plate 214’ is moving (rotating) from the container locking position to the container unlocking position, so as to prepare the bulk dosing unit 200 for the insertion of the bulk product container 10. Also, in the second embodiment this follows the opening of the door 113.

In order to insert a bulk product container 10, the plate 131 is pushed down till the resting position, by rotating it around the plate axis.

The bulk dosing unit 200 is now ready for bulk product container 10 insertion, as the plate 131 has been clipped into horizontal position. Moreover, the dosing element 121 is coupled to the sliding assembly 122.

The bulk product container 10 is inserted into the bulk dosing unit 200. In particular, the bulk product container 10 is inserted through the opening of the door 113 in the containment housing 110 to be housed in the containment volume above the aforementioned plate 131 , as represented in Figure 17. The insertion is facilitated thanks to the vacuumized bulk product container 10, which gives it a solid shape.

Once inserted, the bulk product container 10 is fixed by the locking device 214 to firmly maintain the position of an aperture of a bulk product container 10 with respect to the containment housing 110 while the dosing device 120 is actuated. This is obtained first by moving back the locking plate 214’ from the container unlocking position to the container locking position, as the sequence of Figures 18 and 19. Then, the locking wall 214” is moved from the frame unlocking position to the frame locking position, as also illustrated in Figure 19, preferably by sliding down the locking wall 214” with respect to the locking plate 214’ till it contacts the frame 14 (preferably by pressing it).

At this moment the aperture membrane 15 is peeled off in order to activate the bulk product container 10, as illustrated in Figure 20.

Once the bulk product container 10 is inserted, by closing the door 113 of the bulk dosing unit 200 the sliding device 120 is connecting to the aperture cover 12 and allows dispensing of bulk product out of the bulk product container 10, as already described in the first embodiment which is herewith cited by reference. The locking device 214 according to the second embodiment thus prevents the bulk product to be deposited on the upper edge of the frame 14 during the dispensing operation, the effect being also achieved in view of the dimensions of the locking wall 214”.

Once the bulk product container 10 is empty, the door 113 is opened again and the bulk product container 10 removed by repeating in a reverse way the same operations already described for housing the same.

The present invention therefore describes a bulk dosing unit, using bulk product container preferably of single use and flexible as canister. The bulk product container is positioned into a bulk dosing unit, allowing the opening and closing of the container aperture through an aperture cover by sliding device. The bulk product container is laying on a plate, allowing the bulk product container to be compressed and pushing the remaining bulk product towards the outlet.

The goal of the invention is a bulk dosing unit, a bulk product container and a bulk dosing system, allowing multiple dosing of a powdered or solid product from the aforementioned bulk product container via a bulk dosing unit connected to it, allowing charging and discharging of the bulk product container without the user being in contact with the dosed bulk product.

List of references in the drawings:

1 , 2 Bulk dosing system

10 Bulk product container

11 Container aperture

12 Aperture cover

12’ Container engagement portions

12” Container engagement portions

13 Closed envelope

14 Aperture frame 15 Aperture membrane

100, 200 Bulk dosing unit

110 Containment housing

110’ Side

112 Dispensing opening

113 Door

114, 214 Locking device

120 Dosing device

121 Dosing element

12T Covering portion

121” Opening portion

12T” Nozzle portion

122 Sliding assembly

122’ Elastic elements

123’ Device engagement portions

123” Device engagement portions

124 Lever

130 Feeding assembly

131 Plate

13T Plate axis

132’ Piston

132” Levers

133 Locking mechanism

133’ Spring forced clip

133” Locking portion

134 Unlocking axis

135 Unlocking pin

141 Nozzle covering

214’ Locking plate

214” Locking wall

Claims

1. A bulk dosing unit (100; 200) of bulk products contained in a bulk product container (10), said bulk dosing unit (100; 200) comprising: a containment housing (110) which defines a containment volume for receiving a bulk product container (10); a dispensing opening (112) defined on said containment housing (110) for dispensing a bulk product; a feeding assembly (130) arranged at least partly inside said containment housing (110) and able to move a bulk product in a bulk product container (10) toward said dispensing opening (112); a dosing device (120) able to be actuated for dispensing and dosing a bulk product; characterized in that said dosing device (120) comprises a dosing element (121) and a sliding assembly (122) for sliding said dosing element (121) at said dispensing opening (112) between a closed position, in which a bulk product is not dispensed, and a maximum dispensing position, in which a bulk product can be dispensed at the maximum flow rate, and vice versa, wherein said dosing device (120) comprises one or more device engagement portions (123’, 123”), arranged toward said containment volume and able to engage an aperture cover (12) of a bulk product container (10), wherein said dosing element (121) has at least an opening portion (121”), and wherein in said closed position said opening portion (121”) is able to be arranged spaced away from a container aperture (11) of a bulk product container (10) and simultaneously said device engagement portion (123”) is able to arrange an aperture cover (12) of a bulk product container (10) in a fully closed position, to completely cover a container aperture (11) of a bulk product container (10), and in said maximum dispensing position said opening portion (121”) is able to be superimposed to a container aperture (11) of a bulk product container (10) and simultaneously said device engagement portion (123’) is able to arrange an aperture cover (12) of a bulk product container (10) in a fully opened position, to substantially completely uncover a container aperture (11 ) of a bulk product container (10), allowing the dosing of a bulk product according to the position of said dosing element (121) in between said closed position and said maximum dispensing position.

2. The bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to claim 1 , wherein said dosing element (121) has a covering portion (12T) and an opening portion (121”) arranged side by side, and wherein in said closed position said covering portion (12T) is able to be superimposed to a container aperture (11) of a bulk product container (10) and simultaneously said device engagement portion (123”) is able to arrange an aperture cover (12) of a bulk product container (10) in a fully closed position, to completely cover a container aperture (11) of a bulk product container (10), and in said maximum dispensing position said opening portion (121”) is able to be superimposed to a container aperture (11) of a bulk product container (10) and simultaneously said device engagement portion (123’) is able to arrange an aperture cover (12) of a bulk product container (10) in a fully opened position, to substantially completely uncover a container aperture (11) of a bulk product container (10), allowing the dosing of a bulk product according to the position of said dosing element (121) in between said closed position and said maximum dispensing position.

3. The bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said containment housing (110) is provided with a door (113) allowing access to said containment volume, wherein said dosing device (120) is provided on said door (113).

4. The bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said dosing element (121) is provided with at least one of said device engagement portions (123’) and/or said sliding assembly (122) is provided with at least one of said device engagement portions (123”).

5. The bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said dosing device (120) comprises a lever (124) arranged outside said containment volume and allowing a user to actuate said sliding assembly (122) at least from said closed position to said maximum dispensing position.

6. The bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said sliding assembly (122) comprises one or more elastic elements (122’) connected to said dosing element (121) to dispose said dosing element (121) in said closed position when said sliding device (120) is not actuated.

7. The bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to one of claims from 1 to 6, wherein said dosing element (121) further comprises a nozzle portion (12T”) at said opening portion (121”).

8. The bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to one of claims from 1 to 7, wherein said feeding assembly (130) comprises at least a plate (131) able to move and/or to compress a bulk product container (10) arranged on or in contact with said plate (131), wherein said plate (131) is movable in said containment volume between a resting position, in which said plate (131) is arranged inside said containment volume to maximize the volume available for a bulk product container (10) inside said containment volume preferably substantially at a side (110’) of said containment housing (110) inside said containment volume, and a maximum displacement position, in which said plate (131) is arranged inside said containment volume to minimize the volume available for a bulk product container (10) inside said containment volume preferably spaced out from said side (110’) of said containment housing (110) inside said containment volume, being parallel to or inclined with respect to said side (110’) .

9. The bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to claim 8, wherein said feeding assembly (130) further comprises a pushing device operatively connected to said plate (131) to force said plate (131) toward said maximum displacement position.

10. The bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to claim 2 and to one of claims from 8 to 9, wherein said feeding assembly (130) further comprises a locking device operatively connected with said plate (131) and with said door (113), wherein said locking device comprises a locking mechanism (133) arranged inside said containment housing (110) at said resting position, to lock said plate (131) at said resting position, and an unlocking mechanism (134) operatively connected to said locking mechanism (133) and arranged to be at least partly in contact with said door (113), to unlock said plate (131) from said resting position when said door (113) is closed.

11. The bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said containment housing (110) further comprises a locking device (114; 214) of an aperture frame (14) of a bulk product container (10) able to firmly maintain the position of an aperture (11) of a bulk product container (10) with respect to said containment housing (110) while said dosing device (120) is actuated.

12. A bulk product container (10) comprising: an inner volume defined by a closed envelope (13) for storing bulk food and/or beverage products, a container aperture (11) defined on said envelope (13); an aperture frame (14) arranged at said container aperture (11) to delimit said container aperture (11); an aperture cover (12) movable coupled to said aperture frame (14) for covering and uncovering said container aperture (11); characterised in that said aperture cover (12) is movable with respect to said aperture frame (14) from a fully closed position, to completely cover said container aperture (11), to a fully opened position, to substantially completely uncover said container aperture (11), and wherein said aperture cover (12) is provided with one or more container engagement portions (12’, 12”) able to be engaged by a dosing device (120) of a bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 11 , to arrange said aperture cover (12) between said fully closed position and said fully opened position.

13. A bulk product container (10) according to claim 12, wherein said aperture frame (14) is provided with one or more rail guides and said aperture cover (12) is provided with one or more guiding elements to fit said rail guides and to allow the sliding of said aperture cover (12) with respect to said aperture frame (14).

14. The bulk product container (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said inner volume is vacuumized to reduce the volume of said closed envelope (13) until the first opening of said container aperture (11).

15. A bulk dosing system (1 ; 2) characterized in that it comprises a bulk dosing unit (100; 200) according to one of claims from 1 to 11 and a bulk product container (10) according to one of claims from 12 to 14, wherein said bulk product container (10) is able to be housed in said containment housing (110).