WO2016042439A2

WO2016042439A2 - An apparatus for packaging products inside respective containment elements.

Info

Publication number: WO2016042439A2
Application number: PCT/IB2015/056863
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano SUCCI
Original assignee: Corazza S.P.A.
Priority date: 2014-09-17
Filing date: 2015-09-08
Publication date: 2016-03-24
Also published as: EP3221219A2; MA40964B1; WO2016042439A3; EP3221219B1

Abstract

Described is an apparatus (10) for packaging products (5) inside respective containers (7), the product being preferably defined by a plurality of articles grouped together, in a corresponding packaging configuration; the product being preferably in the form of a food product and in particular in the form of a product with a soft consistency, such as a processed cheese or the like; the container preferably consisting of a first and a second part associated with each other to form a chamber for housing the product, and defining respectively a base body, or bottom, and an upper body, or lid. The apparatus comprising a frame (12) for supporting the respective means which perform the packaging and comprising means (14) for packaging, or inserting, the product in the respective container, means (16) for feeding in the products, in particular coming from a corresponding machine for making the products, means (18) for feeding out the packaged products from the packaging apparatus, and means (20) for making a conveying path which allows the corresponding products, in particular to be packaged or already packaged, to pass beyond the apparatus (10).

Description

DESCRIPTION

AN APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PRODUCTS INSIDE RESPECTIVE CONTAINMENT ELEMENTS

Technical field

This invention relates to an apparatus for packaging products inside respective containment elements.

Background art

There are prior art apparatuses for packaging groups of packages of processed cheese inside respective containers or box-shaped cartons comprising a frame for supporting the respective means which perform the packaging, means for packaging, or inserting, the product in the respective container, means for feeding in the products and means for feeding out the packaged products from the packaging apparatus.

These prior art packaging apparatuses are designed to serve a single machine for wrapping processed cheese portions, that is, simultaneously a pair of machines for wrapping the processed cheese portions.

In practice, once an apparatus has been installed for packaging packages coming from a respective machine for packaging portions of processed cheese, if the plant is to be provided with a second machine for packaging packages of processed cheese, it is necessary to purchase an entire new apparatus designed to package products from both the machines for packaging portions of processed cheese.

Moreover, once a single packaging apparatus has been set up for a pair of machines for making portions of processed cheese, if one of the machines for making packs of processed cheese interrupts the feeding of the product, it is necessary to block the entire packaging apparatus and therefore, consequently, also the other machine for making the packs of processed cheese, with consequent stoppage of the entire plant and considerable economic losses for the firms using the machines. The need is also felt in the sector for an apparatus for inserting products in corresponding containers, which occupies an extension which is as limited as possible inside the respective industrial area or plant. Aim of the invention

This invention therefore proposes a new solution as an alternative to the solutions known up to now and, more specifically, proposes to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks and/or problems and/or to meet one or more of the needs felt in the trade or inferable from the above.

An apparatus is provided for packaging products inside respective containers, the product being preferably defined by a plurality of articles grouped together, in a corresponding packaging configuration; the product being preferably in the form of a food product and in particular in the form of a product with a soft consistency, such as a processed cheese or the like; the container preferably consisting of a first and a second part associated with each other to form a chamber for housing the product, and defining respectively a base body, or bottom, and an upper body, or lid; the apparatus comprising a frame for supporting the respective means which perform the packaging, comprising means for packaging, or inserting, the product in the respective container, means for feeding in the products, in particular coming from a corresponding machine for making the products, and means for feeding out the packaged products from the packaging apparatus, characterised in that it comprises means for making a conveying path, which allows the corresponding products, to be packaged or already packaged, to pass beyond the apparatus.

In this way, it is possible to make a packaging apparatus which is already set up for an easy arrangement, in the respective plant, of a further packaging apparatus, in particular to serve a further machine for making products, without requiring the complete replacement of the first machine. Manufacturing companies can adapt the plant to the specific needs at the time, without incurring excessive investment costs. Brief description of the drawings

This and other innovative aspects, or specific advantageous features of the invention, are set out in the appended claims and its technical features and advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows of preferred advantageous embodiments of it which must be considered purely as non-limiting examples; the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a side view of a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention, in the operating condition with a corresponding machine for making corresponding products;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the configuration of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plant using the first preferred embodiment of apparatus according to this invention and a second preferred embodiment of apparatus according to this invention;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the configuration of Figure 4;

- Figures 6A to 6E show various working steps of the apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a first preferred embodiment 10 of apparatus for packaging products 5 inside respective containers, in particular cartons, 7. In Figures 4 and 5, the first preferred embodiment 10 of the apparatus is used together, or in combination, with a second preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10', the components of which, which are similar to those of the first preferred embodiment, maintain the same reference labels and, to avoid making this description excessively lengthy, will not be described in detail. The apparatuses 10 and 10' serve respective machines 9, 9 for packaging a product, which, as illustrated, are positioned longitudinally aligned with each other along a main longitudinal conveying direction of the product, that is, according to the longitudinal direction of extension of the plant. More specifically, as illustrated, the first preferred embodiment 10 of apparatus is situated upstream of the second preferred embodiment of apparatus 10', according to the longitudinal direction of extension of the product or feed direction of the products towards the outfeed of the plant. The product 5 is preferably defined by a plurality of articles grouped together, in particular to be inserted together in the respective container 7, and which arrive at the apparatus 10 or 10' already grouped together according to a corresponding packaging configuration.

More specifically, the articles, especially in the form of respective single packages of processed cheese, can, for example, have a general prismatic shape with a base generally triangular formed by two converging long sides and a short side or heel which is circumferential or rectilinear. In the grouped condition, the articles are arranged with the long sides in contact with each other and they have overall a circular or polygonal outer profile.

The product is preferably in the form of a food product and in particular in the form of a product with a soft consistency, such as a processed cheese or the like.

The product, or the single article, or pasty product, is wrapped in a corresponding wrapper, defining a primary packaging of the product, the wrapper being preferably defined by a sheet of plastic film or aluminium film, which is suitably folded around the material to be packed, in particular, as mentioned above, around the corresponding processed cheese, in respective packing machines 9.

In turn, the container is preferably made of paper-based material, such as card, or in any case a foldable material, and substantially rigid, to define a respective box-shaped body, in particular comprising a first 7a and a second 7b part, in particular cup-shaped, which are associated with each other to define a respective chamber for housing the product.

The first and second part defining, respectively, a base body, or bottom, 7a and an upper body, or lid, 7b of the package.

Moreover, the first and second parts of the container defining respective and opposite end walls, respectively lower and upper in use, which are parallel to each other.

The first and second part 7a, 7b of the container also comprise respective peripheral or lateral walls, which extend perpendicularly from the flat end walls and which define overall the lateral peripheral wall of the container preferably shaped in the form of a circumference, or polygon.

In practice, the box-shaped element or carton preferably comprises a base body, or bottom, which can be associated with, preferably by mutual joining along the corresponding peripheral profile, with a relative upper body, or lid. The mutual joining between the base body and upper body being preferably guaranteed by a corresponding adhesive joining strip, provided at the lateral peripheral walls of the base body and upper body of the container or carton.

As illustrated, each of the embodiments of the apparatus 10, 10' comprises a frame 12 for supporting the respective means which perform the packaging, comprising means 14 for packaging, in particular inserting, the product in the respective container, means 16 for feeding in the products, in particular coming from a corresponding machine 9 for making the products and means 18 for feeding out the packaged products from the packaging apparatus, towards a respective destination.

As illustrated, along the longitudinal direction of extension and/or feeding of the products, the apparatus comprises a front longitudinal zone A, a rear longitudinal zone P and opposite lateral zones , respectively for front access to the packaging means, labelled F, and access to a corresponding zone for power supply means, or control panel, of the respective apparatus, in turn labelled B. Advantageously, the respective apparatus 10, 10' comprises means 20, 20' for making a conveying path which allows the corresponding products, in particular products to be packaged in respective containers or products already packaged in respective containers, to pass beyond the apparatus 10 or 10'.

In practice, means are set up in the apparatus 10 or 10' which allow an advantageous path to be set up for bypassing the apparatus for products which are not packaged by the same apparatus 10 or 10' and which are destined for another use, in particular to another packaging apparatus or simply a destination for collecting the product.

In practice, the by-pass path picks up the products upstream of the apparatus 10 or 10' and transfers them downstream of the apparatus 10 or 10', in particular without performing on these any packaging or boxing activities.

Advantageously, the means for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus 10 or 10' are in the form of a zone 20 or 20', provided in the apparatus 10 or 10', which is designed to receive corresponding conveying means 21 or 23 for corresponding products to be packaged, in particular boxed in a respective carton, or already packaged, or boxed in the respective carton.

In practice, advantageously, the frame 12 for supporting the respective apparatus 10 or 10' is designed to define means for supporting corresponding means 21 or 23 for conveying corresponding products, to be packaged or already packaged, the conveying means 21 or 23 being designed to define a respective path which makes it possible to pass beyond the corresponding apparatus 10 or 10'.

As illustrated, advantageously, the means, or zone, 20, 20' for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the same and corresponding apparatus 10 or 10' are positioned inside the outline of the corresponding apparatus, in particular inside the plan and/or vertical outline of the apparatus. Advantageously, the means for conveying corresponding products, to be packaged or already packaged, which are designed to define a path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus 0 or 10', are in the form of a corresponding conveyor belt 21 or 23, that is, in the form of an endless conveyor belt 21 or 23.

Advantageously, the zone for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus 10 or 10' is in the form of a corresponding free space, or channel 20 or 20', which extends preferably extends longitudinally to the apparatus.

Advantageously, the zone for making a conveying path, which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus 10 or 10', is in the form of a corresponding free space, or channel, 20 or 20', which extends at the operational packaging means of the apparatus 10 or 10'.

More specifically, the free space or channel is in the form of a zone, preferably with a longitudinal extension of the apparatus, in which, if necessary, it is possible to place conveying means and, therefore, in which there are not present, or in which there do not move, the operational packaging means of the apparatus.

Advantageously, with reference to the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10, the zone 20 for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus 10, extends at a transversally intermediate zone of the apparatus, in particular of the operational packaging means of the apparatus, that is, in a zone between the lateral edges of the apparatus and inside the packaging zone of this.

Advantageously, with reference to the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10', the zone 20' for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus 10', extends at a transversally lateral zone of the apparatus, in particular of the operational packaging means of the apparatus, in particular at the zone facing the front access side F of the operational packaging means of the apparatus.

According to another viewpoint, the respective apparatus 10 or 10' has respective longitudinal end edges and respective lateral or transversal edges, with the means designed to define a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus, that is, corresponding crossing means, which are in the form of a free space between the longitudinal end edges and end lateral edges.

In practice, advantageously, the apparatus 10 defines an inner zone, or longitudinal channel, of passage or crossing for the conveying means which are designed to cross the packaging apparatus.

Advantageously, the zone 20 or 20' for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus 10 or 10' is equipped inside with a protective cover of the apparatus, in particular a protective cover of the operational packaging means.

As illustrated, with regard to the first preferred embodiment 10 of the apparatus, the zone 20 for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus 10 extends in height at, or substantially at, the means 14 which operate the packaging of the product in the apparatus 10.

As illustrated, with regard to the second preferred embodiment 10' of the apparatus, the zone 20' for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus 10' extends in height below the operational packaging means of the apparatus 10'.

Advantageously, the frame 12 for supporting the respective apparatus 10 or 10' comprises corresponding attachment or fastening means for the corresponding means 21 or 23 for conveying corresponding products, to be packaged or already packaged, and defining a respective path which makes it possible to pass beyond the corresponding apparatus 10 or 10'. Advantageously, although not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, the first and second preferred embodiment of the apparatus could also have corresponding mutual coupling means.

More specifically, the frame 12 for supporting the packaging apparatus 10 or 10' could comprise corresponding attachment or fastening means for the frame 12 for supporting a corresponding packaging apparatus 10' or 10, in particular when it is positioned adjacent to or facing the apparatus 10 or 10'.

As illustrated, the apparatus 10 or 10' comprises respective means 100 or 100' for controlling the apparatus, the control means being designed to control the means which perform the packaging of the product.

Advantageously, the control means 100 or 100' of the respective apparatus 10 or 10' are also designed to control the conveying means 23 or 21 which define a path designed to pass beyond the adjacent packaging apparatus 10' or 10, in particular means 23 or 21 for conveying products already packaged or to be packaged, in particular coming from the apparatus upstream 10 or destined to the apparatus downstream 10'. Advantageously, as illustrated, the apparatus 10 comprises means for feeding out the respective products already packaged which define, or flow into, conveying means 23 which define a path designed to pass beyond a corresponding apparatus 10' for packaging corresponding products, which is situated longitudinally downstream of the apparatus 10. Advantageously, the apparatus 10' comprises means for feeding in the products to be packaged, which define, or derive from, the conveying means 21 defining a path designed to pass beyond a corresponding apparatus 10 for packaging corresponding products, which is situated longitudinally upstream of the apparatus 10'.

Advantageously, the respective zone 20, 20' provided in the corresponding apparatus 10, 10' and which is designed to receive corresponding means 21 , 23 for conveying corresponding products and suitable to pass beyond the corresponding apparatus 10 or 10', is in the form of a longitudinal free space, preferably linear, in particular parallel to the path for feeding the products inside the means 14 which perform the packaging in the respective apparatus 10 or 10'.

Advantageously, the means 20, 20' for making a conveying path which allows corresponding products to pass beyond the apparatus are in the form of a respective tunnel, in particular defined by a respective protective cover, having, transversally, a general arch shape which extends longitudinally, and which defines a corresponding internal space suitably for the passage or conveying of products. The cover of the tunnel being preferably made from transparent material to allow the viewing of the products during feeding and being in part fixed to and supported by the frame which supports the conveying means 21 or 23.

Advantageously, the conveying means 21 or 23, which define a path suitable to pass beyond a corresponding apparatus 10 or 10', for packaging respective products, extend longitudinally between a longitudinal end for receiving the respective product to be packaged or already packaged upstream of the apparatus to pass beyond and a longitudinal end downstream of the same apparatus to be passed beyond. Advantageously, the apparatus 10, 10' comprises respective means 30, which are designed to divide an area 300, which is in particular in the form of a lateral area according to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus, that is, a rear area relative to the front part for access to the packaging means, the area 300 housing respective power supply means, in particular in the form of a respective control panel, for electric motors, in particular in the form of brushless motors, which operate the packaging means of the apparatus.

Advantageously, the separating means are in the form of a respective wall 30, which, in particular, extends longitudinally and/or vertically to the apparatus.

Advantageously, in the first preferred embodiment 10 of the apparatus, the zone 20 for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus 10 is provided between the separating means, or wall, 30, for an area 300 for housing respective power supply means, and the means which package the products.

Advantageously, as mentioned, the zone 20' for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus 10' is provided to the side of the corresponding machine, according to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus, in particular on the transversal side opposite to that occupied by the area 300 respective power supply means. As may be inferred in particular from Figures 3 and 6A, the means which package the products of this apparatus 10 comprise means 40 which feed the products to be packaged and which are in particular in the form of respective endless conveyor belt.

Moreover, the means which perform the packaging of the products comprise means 42 for feeding corresponding containers 7.

Advantageously, the means 42 for feeding the containers 7 keep the opposite parallel end faces of the respective container 7 oriented according to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus and/or feeding downstream of the product during packaging.

Further advantageously, the means 42 for feeding the containers 7 have means 421 , in particular which are slidable, for feeding the containers towards a respective releasing end 420, the feed means extending vertically, or perpendicularly, relative to the apparatus, in particular defining a feed trajectory vertical or perpendicular to the apparatus of the containers 7.

In practice, the means 42 for feeding the containers feed the containers 7 sequentially and aligned with each other, in particular by gravity downwards, towards the release end 420, at which they are picked up by corresponding separating means of the parts 7a and 7b of the respective containers 7, as will be described in more detail below.

In practice, the means for feeding the containers comprise feed means in the form of a corresponding slidable guide chute for the containers 7, which are positioned in the chute one on top of the other and sequentially fed to a position or end for releasing the containers, at which there are corresponding means for supporting or stopping the vertical movement of the containers.

The containers inside the feed chute 421 engage, peripherally, with corresponding containers adjacent to and vertically aligned with the container 7.

The lower container 7 of the stack of containers, in the release position 420, engages, with the corresponding peripheral or lateral surface, which is facing downwards, corresponding engaging and supporting surfaces (not illustrated in detail in the drawings), which are provided on the feed chute 421.

Advantageously, the means which perform the packaging of products inside respective containers comprise means 44 for separating the first and second parts 7a, 7b of the respective container.

In practice, the means which perform the packaging of products inside respective containers comprise means 44 for the passage of the containers, or of a part of them 7a, in particular the bottom part 7a of the box-shaped body containing the product, to means 46 for filling the respective container, or a corresponding part 7a, with the corresponding product 5.

Advantageously, the separating means of the parts of the container also define means44' for passage of the corresponding part, or lid, 7b of the container, in particular the lid part 7b of it, to the means 48 to the means for feeding the same part 7b of the container, in particular towards a zone, or station, for closing the container.

More specifically, advantageously, the separating means of the first and second part of the container define means for passage of the same part 7a to the means 46 for filling with the corresponding product.

Advantageously, the separating and/or passage means 44, 44' are in the form of means designed to move the respective container, in particular the first part 7a and/or the second part 7b, especially both, in order to separate them from each other, in a transversal direction, or in a transversal plane, and in any case preferably at right angles, to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus and/or feeding downstream of the products during packaging. More specifically, the means 44 and/or 44' for the separating and/or passage of the container, in particular of the part 7a and/or of the part 7b of this, move in a transversal plane, in particular at right angles to the direction of longitudinal extension of the apparatus and/or feeding downstream of the product during packaging.

In this way, the separating and/or passage means 44, 44' allow an apparatus to be made with a particularly contained longitudinal extension. More specifically, the separating and/or passage means 44, 44' comprise means 441 , 441 ' for engaging and gripping the container, in particular the first and/or the second part 7a, 7b of the respective container, and means 442, 442' for moving the engaging and gripping means 441 , 441 '.

More specifically, the engaging and gripping means are in the form of a suction body 441 , 441 ', in particular at the end of a corresponding supporting rod 443, 443'.

Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in Figures 6A to 6C, the movement means 442, of the means 441 for engaging and gripping the container, or a corresponding part, in particular bottom part 7a, are designed to move the container, or the corresponding part 7a, along a rotary path, in particular from a position in which the container, or the corresponding part 7a, is oriented vertically, as illustrated in Figure 6A, to a position in which the container, or the corresponding part 7a, is oriented horizontally, as illustrated in Figure 6C.

Advantageously, the movement means 442 of the means 441 for engaging and gripping the container, or a corresponding part, in particular bottom part 7a, are also designed to move the container, or the corresponding part 7a, along a path, preferably translational, for lowering and, preferably, inserting the container or the corresponding part 7a, on the product to be packaged.

More specifically, the means 44 for the separating and/or passage of the container, or of a corresponding part define part 7a, of the means for inserting, or filling, 46 of the product 5 in the container, or a corresponding part.

More specifically, the translating movement of the container, or of the corresponding part 7a, is performed with the container, or corresponding part 7a, oriented horizontally and with the respective open face facing downwards.

Advantageously, the movement means comprise a connecting rod arm 443 for supporting, in particular for movably supporting, the means 441 for engaging and gripping the container, or the corresponding part 7a, the connecting rod arm 443 being supported in a freely rotatable fashion by a crank lever arm 444.

By rotating the crank lever arm 444, 444', which moves angularly in an alternating fashion, the latter rotates, in combination with corresponding guide means 445, 445' of the connecting rod arm 443, 443', the crank lever arm 444, 444' with a corresponding rotational movement, which moves the means 441 , 441 ' for engaging and gripping the container, or the corresponding part 7a, between the position in which the container, or the corresponding part (7a, 7b), is oriented vertically, and the position in which the container, or the corresponding part 7a, is oriented horizontally, and returns backwards to the position for picking up a new container, or a corresponding part 7a.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 6A to 6C, the guide means 445, 445' of the connecting rod arm 443, 443' comprise a respective runner for linear sliding, labelled 446 (the runner for the means for the passage of the lid is not shown in detail in the drawings) for a respective rail 447, 447', which is integral with the connecting rod arm 443, 443'.

The runner 446 is rotatable relative to a respective longitudinal axis, being rotated by the rail 447, 447' by the effect of the rotation of the connecting rod arm 443, 443'.

Advantageously, the engaging and gripping means are in the form of a suction body 441 , 441 ', in particular at the end of a corresponding supporting rod 448, 448'.

The means 44 which operate on the base part 7a of the container have the rod 448 which is, advantageously, supported by a corresponding actuator 449, in particular in the form of a cylinder, in particular of the pneumatic type, which moves the gripping and engaging means 443 with the container, or the corresponding part 7a, towards the product to be packaged, as illustrated in Figure 6C.

More specifically, the crank lever arm 444, 444' which extends longitudinally has, at the end opposite that of connection to the connecting rod 443, 443', a corresponding toothed sector 4441 , 4441 ', which is moved by a corresponding operating belt mobile with alternating motion, which operates the crank lever arm with alternating angular motion, as mentioned above, and which is not shown in detail in the accompanying drawings.

The means 14 for packaging the product in the respective container comprise means 50 for feeding the package being formed, in particular comprising a first part of the container, or bottom part, 7a and the product 5.

The feed means 50 feed the package being formed preferably between a plurality of operating stations.

In practice, the respective container 7 or the respective part 7a, 7b is picked up in a raised position and delivered to the corresponding operating means of the apparatus in a respective lowered position.

Moreover, the means 14 for packaging the product comprise, as mentioned above, second means 48 for feeding the second part, or lid, 7b of the container towards the closing station of the package or for assembly of the second part, or lid, 7b on the first part, or base, 7a, which is the station in the filling condition of the product 5.

As illustrated, the means 48 for feeding the second part, or lid, of the container 7b extend longitudinally, and parallel to the means 50 for feeding the package being formed, in particular comprising a first part of the container, or bottom part, 7a and the product 5.

As illustrated, the second feed means 48 for the lid of the respective container are in the form of a respective endless conveyor belt which extends linearly with the first feed means 50 for the package being formed. As illustrated, the second means 48 for feeding the lid of the respective container extend alongside the separating wall 30 and are at a transversal zone inside the apparatus.

As illustrated, the first feed means 50 for the package being formed and the second feed means 48 for the lid of the respective container are transversally spaced from each other.

Advantageously, the means which perform the packaging comprise means 52 of stacking the product, including in particular means 54 for positioning a separating sheet 3 between one layer and another of the product.

More specifically, the means 54 for positioning a separating sheet 3 between one layer and another of the product are provided upstream, that is, immediately upstream, of the means 44, 44' for passage and separation of the containers.

Advantageously, the means 54 for positioning a separating sheet 3 between one layer and another of the product are in the form of means designed to move the sheet in a plane transversal to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus and/or feeding downstream of the products.

In practice, the means 54 for positioning a separating sheet 3 between one layer and another of the product are in the form of means which are designed to move the sheet in a plane parallel to the plane in which the separating and/or passage means 44, 44' move the corresponding container or the respective part.

The means 54 for positioning a separating sheet 3 between one layer and the other of the product comprise means 541 for engaging and gripping the separating sheet and means 542 for moving the engaging and gripping means. As illustrated, the means 542 for moving the means 541 for engaging and gripping the sheet 3 are designed to move the sheet with a rotary trajectory, in particular from a raised pick up position to a lowered position for positioning the sheet on the product to be packaged.

The means 542 for moving the means 541 for engaging and gripping the sheet 3 comprise an arm 543, oscillating between a raised position for picking up the sheet 3 and a lowered position for releasing the sheet 3 and which supports, in a rotary fashion according to a longitudinal direction of the apparatus, a rod 544, which carries the suction cup 541 for engaging and gripping the sheet 3. A belt 545 carried by the oscillating arm rotates, using a corresponding gear (not shown) integral with the rod 544 carrying the suction cup 541 , the rod and relative suction cup from a position facing upwards, for picking up the sheet, and a position facing downwards, for releasing the sheet 3.

The means 54 for stacking the products comprise means, or surface, movable perpendicularly 546, which support the product and which are designed to move between a plurality of progressively lowered positions for receiving a corresponding layer of product and a completely lowered position for passage of the product to the means for inserting the product in the container or in a corresponding part 7a of this.

The means 54 of stacking the products also comprise means, or plate, 547 movable, in particular transversely, for the temporary support of the product 5 and which are moved between an extended position for supporting the product and a withdrawn position for unloading the product on the stacking means 546 which can be lowered perpendicularly.

As illustrated, advantageously, the packaging means comprise means 461 for lifting the product to a position for inserting in the container or in the corresponding part 7a.

More specifically, not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, there are means for transferring the product from the stacking means to the means 461 for lifting the product to a position for inserting in the container or in the corresponding part 7a.

There are means, denoted by the reference numeral 39, for the passage of the product to the means which perform the packaging, which are in particular in the form of means for pushing and translating forwards the product towards the stacking station and towards the station for inserting the product in the container, in particular in a corresponding part 7a of this. As illustrated, the packaging means comprise means 55 for tipping the container or corresponding part 7a, with the product inserted. In this way, the product inserted in the container, or in the base part 7a of this, has the respective free face facing upwards, in view of a direct access to this.

There are means, denoted by the reference numeral 551 , for the passage of the product from the inserting means 54 to the tipping means 55, the passage means 551 being in particular in the form of means for pushing and translating forwards the product being formed, that is, the container, in particular in a corresponding part 7a of this, with the product contained. There are means, denoted by the reference numeral 553, which feed the container or the corresponding part 7a of it, with the product inserted, in the condition as tipped by the tipping means 55 onto means 50 of feeding the package being formed.

The apparatus also comprises advantageous means 58 for supplying accessory articles to the package, preferably in the form of a respective print-out, that is, an article consisting of a respective sheet or a plurality of sheets, in particular in the form of an advertising or promotional leaflet, preferably which is positioned on the product 9, situated inside the container, or the corresponding part 7a of this.

Advantageously, the means 58 for supplying the accessory articles 2 comprise one or more means 581 , or chutes, which are designed to feed corresponding accessory articles 2, preferably of types different from one another.

More specifically, the respective means, or chute, 581 for feeding the accessory articles 2 define means, in particular slidable, for feeding the accessory articles 2 towards a respective releasing end 582, extending advantageously vertically, or perpendicularly, to the apparatus.

In this way, it is possible to make a corresponding apparatus which has a particularly contained length.

More specifically, the means, or chutes, 581 for feeding the accessory articles 2 feed the accessory articles 2 sequentially and aligned with each other, in particular by gravity downwards.

Advantageously, the means 58 of supplying the accessory articles comprise means 583 for the passage of corresponding accessory articles 2 to the package, in particular on the product 9 contained inside a respective container or corresponding part 7a of it.

Advantageously, the means 583 for passing the accessory articles are designed to move the respective accessory articles 2 transversally, or in a transversal plane, to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus and/or feeding downstream of the products.

Further advantageously, the means 583 for passage of the accessory articles are designed to move the respective accessory articles 2 in a plane parallel to the plane in which the separating and/or passage means 44, 44' move the respective container or the respective corresponding part 7a or 7b.

More specifically, as illustrated, the means 583 for passage of the accessory articles 2 comprise means 584 for engaging and gripping the respective accessory article 2 and means 585 for moving the engaging and gripping means 584.

As illustrated, the means 585 for moving the means 584 for engaging and gripping the accessory article 2 are designed to move the accessory article with a rotary trajectory, in particular from a raised pick up position to a lowered position for positioning the accessory article 2 on the product 9 contained in the container or in the corresponding part 7a of this.

The means 585 for moving the means 584 for engaging and gripping the accessory article 2 comprise respective first and second arms 586, 587, oscillating between a raised position for picking up the accessory articles 2 and a lowered position for releasing the accessory articles.

The oscillating arms 586, 587 support a longitudinal bar 588, to which corresponding radial rods 589 are integral, which carry respective suction means 584 for engaging and gripping the respective accessory element 2. A belt 586' carried by the oscillating arm 586 rotates, using a corresponding gear (not shown), the longitudinal bar 588, and with this the rods 589 which carries the suction means 584, in such a way that the rods 589 and the relative suction means 584 rotate from a position facing upwards, for picking up the respective accessory article 2 to a position facing downwards, for releasing the respective accessory article 2 on the product contained in the container or corresponding part 7a of this.

As illustrated, the longitudinal bar 588 for shared supporting of the rods for carrying suction means for engaging and gripping respective accessory articles moves up and down above corresponding means for feeding the package being formed.

Advantageously, the first feed means 50 for the package being formed and/or the second feed means 48 for the second part, or lid, (7b) of the container extend longitudinally to the apparatus.

In practice, the means for feeding the package being formed feed the package being formed in steps placing it at the respective workstations. The feed means, in particular in step mode, of the package being formed comprise means, or pair of parallel tracks, 491 for supporting the package being formed, in particular for the bottom of the part 7a of the container which contains the product, and means 492, also in the form of a pair of longitudinally elongate elements, which engage and feed the packages being formed, normally resting on the longitudinal means 491 for supporting the package being formed.

The means 492 for engaging and feeding the packages being formed comprise means which are movable cyclically between a raised position, in which they extend beyond the supporting means 491 for the packages being formed, and a forward position, for feeding the package being formed in a longitudinally advanced position, in particular at a successive workstation, in particular in the form of a station for receiving a respective accessory article 2.

The mobile means 492 for engaging and feeding packages are therefore mobile from a lowered position for releasing the package being formed on the supporting means 491 and an initial withdrawn position at a successive position for picking up a corresponding and successive package being formed.

The means 492 for engaging and feeding the packages being formed comprise a first and a second elongate bar 493 having respective pegs 494, which protrude perpendicularly upwards and which define rear engaging means for the packages being formed.

Moreover, the means which perform the packaging of the apparatus comprise means 60 for applying the second part of the container, or lid, 7b on the first part, or base, 7a of the container with the product 9 contained inside it.

The means for applying the second part of the container, or lid, on the first part of the container with the product contained comprise means 601 for picking up of the second part of the container, or lid (7b) from the respective feed means 48 and consequent positioning of the second part of the container, or lid, 7b on the first part, or base, 7a of the container with the product 9.

As illustrated, the means 601 for picking up and positioning the second part of the container, or lid, 7b are in the form of means designed to move the respective second part of the container, or lid, 7b along a direction transversal, or in a transversal plane, to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus and/or feeding downstream of the products. As illustrated, the means 601 the means for picking up and positioning the second part of the container, or lid, 7b comprise means 602 for engaging and gripping the container 7b, and means 603 for moving the engaging and gripping means 602.

More specifically, the means 603 for moving the means 602 for engaging and gripping a relative part 7b are designed to move the corresponding part 7b of the container, along a rotary path, in particular from a position in which the corresponding part 7b is oriented horizontally to a position in which the corresponding part 7b is oriented horizontally, and/or inserts on the first part, or base, 7a of the container, with the product inserted therein.

The movement means 603 comprise an arm 604 for supporting, in particular, in an axially mobile fashion the means 602 for engaging and gripping the corresponding part 7b of the container, which is supported in a freely rotatable fashion by a crank arm 605, which when operated to move angularly makes, in combination with a corresponding rotation belt 606 supported by the crank lever arm 605 to the arm 604, a corresponding rotational movement which moves the means 602 for engaging and gripping the lid 7b between the position in which the lid 7b is on the respective conveyor 48 and the position in which the lid 7b is oriented horizontally at the first part or base 7a of the container.

The engaging and gripping means 602 for the lid 7b have a supporting rod 607 which is, advantageously, supported by a corresponding actuator 608, in particular in the form of a cylinder, in particular of the pneumatic type, which moves the gripping and engaging means 602 with the lid 7b facing the base 7a of the container with the product contained, closing the package to be packaged.

Once the package has been completed, means 610 feed the package on a corresponding chute 611 for feeding the package, in particular towards the means which pass beyond the packaging apparatus downstream 10'. In practice, an apparatus is thereby obtained which has a particularly contained longitudinal extension.

The apparatus has a special lid which can be opened and closed, preferably made of transparent panels, which defines in particular a front access zone for the personnel to the means which perform the packaging. It is thus possible to make a plant for packaging products inside respective containers which comprise a first and a second apparatus for packaging products inside respective containers, which comprise respective means 20, 20', in particular respective conveying means, for making a conveying path, which allows corresponding products to be packaged by the second apparatus downstream 10' or already packaged by the first apparatus upstream 10, to pass beyond the same and corresponding apparatus 10 or 10'.

More specifically, the first and second apparatuses 10, 10' are longitudinally aligned with each other in particular according to the longitudinal direction of conveying of the products and have respective packaging means 14, 14 which are identically configured to each other. The first and second apparatus 10, 10' of the plant are operatively independent of each other and are, also, positioned slightly offset from each other along the longitudinal direction with the second apparatus 10' which is slightly withdrawn backwards with respect to the first packaging apparatus 10, or the apparatus positioned upstream.

According to an advantageous feature of this apparatus 10, 10', there are, on the apparatus, means of visual detection of the product, the visual detection means being designed, in particular, to detect any missing products and/or missing labels on the product, and/or the presence, on the product, of labels which do not conform or are not desired and/or the presence, on the product, of poorly positioned labels.

Advantageously, the means for visual detection of the product operate whilst the product is being packed or boxed, in particular whilst the product is moving in the apparatus.

More specifically, the video camera for detecting the product could be positioned beneath the mobile means, or plate, 547, in particular transversely, which provide temporary support of the product 5, at the stacking means 54, wherein the mobile plate 547 could be advantageously made of transparent material to allow vision of the product or group of products using the video camera positioned below.

The invention described has evident industrial applications. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. It is also easy to imagine further embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein. Moreover, it will be understood that all the details of the invention may be substituted for technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for packaging products (5) inside respective containers (7), the product being preferably defined by a plurality of articles grouped together, in a corresponding packaging configuration; the product being preferably in the form of a food product and in particular in the form of a product with a soft consistency, such as a processed cheese or the like; the container preferably consisting of a first and a second part associated with each other to form a chamber for housing the product, and defining respectively a base body, or bottom, and an upper body, or lid; the apparatus comprising a frame (12) for supporting the respective means which perform the packaging, comprising means (14) for packaging, or inserting, the product in the respective container, means (16) for feeding in the products, in particular coming from a corresponding machine for making the products, and means (18) for feeding out the packaged products from the packaging apparatus, characterised in that it comprises means (20, 20') for making a conveying path, which allows the corresponding products, to be packaged or already packaged, to pass beyond the apparatus (10 or 10').

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , characterised in that the means for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus (10 or 10') are in the form of a zone (20), provided in the apparatus (10 or 10'), which is designed to receive corresponding means (21 , 23) for conveying corresponding products, to be packaged or already packaged.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the zone for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus (10 or 10') is in the form of a corresponding free space, or channel (20 or 20'), which extends in particular longitudinally to the apparatus, and preferably extends in a linear fashion.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the zone for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus (10 or 10') extends at the operational packaging means of the apparatus; and/or in that the zone (20) for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus (10), extends at a transversally intermediate zone of the apparatus, in particular of the operational packaging means of the apparatus, and/or in that the zone (20) for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus (10), extends vertically at the operational packaging means.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that the zone (20') for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus (10'), extends at a transversally lateral zone of the apparatus, in particular of the operational packaging means of the apparatus, in particular facing the front access side of the operational packaging means of the apparatus.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the zone (20 or 20') for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus (10 or 10') is equipped inside with a protective cover of the apparatus, in particular a protective cover of the operational packaging means.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame (12) for supporting the apparatus (10 or

10') is designed to define means for supporting corresponding means (21 or 23) for conveying corresponding products, to be packaged or already packaged, which are defined to define a path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus (10 or 0'); and/or in that the frame (12) for supporting the apparatus (10 and/or 10') comprises corresponding attachment or fastening means for the corresponding means (21 or 23) for conveying corresponding products, to be packaged or already packaged, which are designed to define a path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus (10 or 10').

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame (12) for supporting the packaging apparatus (10 or 10') comprises corresponding attachment or fastening means for the frame (12) for supporting a corresponding packaging apparatus (10' and/or 10), in particular positioned adjacent to and facing the apparatus (10 or 10').

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means, or zone, (20, 20') for making a conveying path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus (10 or 10') are positioned inside the outline of the apparatus, in particular inside the plan and/or vertical outline of the apparatus.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means (21 or 23) for conveying corresponding products, to be packaged or already packaged, which are designed to define a path which makes it possible to pass beyond the apparatus (10 or 10'), are in the form of a corresponding conveyor belt (21 or 23), and in particular in the form of an endless conveyor belt.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that the apparatus (10 or 10') comprises respective means (100 or 100') for controlling the apparatus, the control means being designed to control the means which perform the packaging of the product.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11 , characterised in that the control means (100 or 100') of the apparatus (10 or 0') are designed to control the conveyor means (23 or 21) which define a path designed to pass beyond an adjacent packaging apparatus, in particular for the products already packaged or to be packaged.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the apparatus (10) comprises means for feeding out the respective products already packaged which define a path designed to pass beyond a corresponding downstream apparatus (10') for packaging corresponding products.

14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the apparatus (10') comprises means for feeding in the products to be packaged, which define, or derive from, the conveying means (21) defining a path designed to pass beyond a corresponding apparatus (10) for packaging corresponding products.

15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means (20, 20') for making a conveying path which allows corresponding products, to be packaged or already packaged, to pass beyond the apparatus (10 or 10') are in the form of a respective tunnel, in particular defined by a respective protective cover, preferably made of transparent material.

16. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that the apparatus comprises means (30) which are designed to separate an area (300), in particular, a lateral area according to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus, for housing the respective means for powering the operating means of the apparatus, the separating means being in particular in the form of a respective partition wall (30) which extends in particular longitudinally and/or vertically to the apparatus.

17. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that the means which perform the packaging of the products inside respective containers comprise means (42) for feeding the containers; and/or in that the means (42) for feeding the containers keep the opposite end faces parallel to each other oriented according to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus and/or feeding downstream of the product being packaged.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the means (42) for feeding the containers have means (421), in particular which are slidable, for feeding the containers towards a respective releasing end (420), which extend vertically or perpendicularly to the apparatus; and/or in that the means (42) for feeding the containers fed the containers sequentially and aligned with each other, in particular by gravity downwards.

19. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that the means which perform the packaging of products inside respective containers comprise means (44) for separating the first and second parts (7a, 7b) of the respective container.

20. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that the means which perform the packaging of products inside respective containers comprise means (44) for the passage of the containers, or of a part of them, in particular the bottom part (7a), to means (46) for filling with the corresponding product.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, characterised in that the separating means define means for passage of the corresponding part, in particular the bottom part, (7a) of the container to the means (46) for filling with the corresponding product; and/or in that the separating means define means for passage of the corresponding part (7b) of the container, in particular the lid part (7b) of it, to the means (48) for feeding the respective part (7b) of the container, in particular towards a zone for closing the container.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20 or 21 , characterised in that the means which perform the packaging of products inside respective containers comprise means (44') for the passage of a part of the respective container, in particular the lid part (7b) of it, to the means (48) for feeding the respective part (7b) of the container, in particular towards a zone for closing the container.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterised in that the separating and/or passage means (44, 44') are in the form of means designed to move the container, in particular the first and/or the second part (7a, 7b) of the respective container, in order to separate them from each other, in a transversal direction, that is, in a plane in the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus and/or feeding downstream of the products; and in that the separating and/or passage means (44, 441') comprise means (441 , 441') for engaging and gripping the container, in particular the first and/or the second part (7a, 7b) of the respective container, and means (442, 442') for moving the engaging and gripping means (441 , 441').

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, characterised in that the movement means (442, 442') of the means (441 , 441 ') for engaging and gripping the container, or a part of it (7a, 7b), are designed to move the container, or the corresponding part (7a, 7b), of the container, along a rotary path, in particular from a position in which the container, or the corresponding part (7a, 7b), is oriented vertically to a position in which the container, or the corresponding part (7a, 7b), is oriented horizontally, and/or a path, preferably translational, for lowering and, preferably, inserting the container or the corresponding part (7a, 7b), on the product to be packaged.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, characterised in that the movement means comprise a crank lever arm (443, 443') for supporting the means (441 , 441 ') for engaging and gripping the container, or the corresponding part (7a, 7b), which is supported in a freely rotatable fashion by a crank arm (444, 444'), which when operated to move angularly makes, in combination with corresponding guide means (445, 445') of the crank lever arm (443, 443'), the crank lever arm (443, 443') perform a corresponding rotational movement which moves the means (441 , 441') for engaging and gripping the container, or the corresponding part (7a, 7b), between the position in which the container, or the corresponding part (7a, 7b), is oriented vertically and the position in which the container, or the corresponding part (7a), is oriented horizontally.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, characterised in that the guide means of the crank lever arm (443, 443') comprise a runner (446, 446') for linear sliding on a rail (447, 447') integral with the crank lever arm (443, 443'); the runner (446, 446') being rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis rotated by the rail (447, 447') by the effect of rotation of the crank lever arm (443, 443').

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 26, characterised in that the engaging and gripping means are in the form of a suction body (441 , 441') at the end of a corresponding supporting rod (448, 448').

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterised in that the supporting rod of the gripping means is supported by a corresponding actuator (449), in particular in the form of an actuator cylinder, in particular of the pneumatic type, which moves the gripping and engaging means (443) with the container, or the corresponding part (7a), towards the product to be packaged.

29. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means which perform the packaging comprise means (52) of stacking the product, including in particular means (54) for positioning a separating sheet (3) between one layer and another of the product.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, characterised in that the means (54) for positioning a separating sheet (3) between one layer and another of the product are in the form of means designed to move the sheet in a plane transversal to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus and/or feeding downstream of the products.

31. The apparatus according to claim 29 or 30, characterised in that the means (54) for positioning a separating sheet (3) between one layer and another of the product are in the form of means which are designed to move the sheet in a plane parallel to the plane in which the separating and/or passage means (44, 44') move the corresponding container or the respective part (7a, 7b).

32. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 31 , characterised in that the means (54) of stacking the products comprise means, or surface, (546) movable perpendicularly which support the product and which are designed to move between a plurality of progressively lowered positions for receiving a corresponding layer of product, and means, or plate, (547) movable transversely, for the temporary support of the product and subsequent unloading of the product on the stacking means (546) which can be lowered perpendicularly.

33. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises means (39) for the passage of the product to the means which perform the packaging, which are in particular in the form of means for pushing and translating forwards the product towards the stacking station and towards the station for inserting the product in the container.

34. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the packaging means comprise means (461) for lifting the product to a position for inserting in the container or in the corresponding part (7a).

35. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the packaging means comprise means (55) for tipping the container or the corresponding part (7a) of it, with the product inserted, and means (553) which feed the container or the corresponding part (7a) of it, with the product inserted, in the tipped condition onto means (50) of feeding the package being formed.

36. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises means (58) of supplying to the package accessory articles (2) of the package, preferably in the form of a print-out, in particular in the form of an advertising or promotional leaflet, preferably which is positioned on the product (9) inside the container, or of the corresponding part (7a).

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, characterised in that the supplying means (58) comprise one or more means (581) for feeding corresponding accessory articles (2).

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, characterised in that the respective means (581 ) for feeding the accessory articles (2) comprise means, in particular slidable, for feeding the accessory articles (2) towards a respective releasing end (582), extending vertically or perpendicularly to the apparatus; and/or in that the means (581 ) for feeding the accessory articles (2) feed the articles accessory (2) sequentially and aligned with each other, in particular by gravity downwards.

39. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that the means (58) of supplying the accessory articles comprise means (583) for the passage of corresponding accessory articles (2) to the package, in particular on the product (7) contained inside a respective container or corresponding part (7a) of it.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, characterised in that the means (583) for passing the accessory articles are designed to move the respective accessory articles (2) transversally, or in a transversal plane, to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus and/or feeding downstream of the products.

41 . The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means (14) for packaging the product in the respective container comprise means (50) for feeding the package being formed, in particular comprising a first part of the container, or bottom part, (7a) and the product (5).

42. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means (14) for packaging the product comprise second, or respective, means (48) for feeding the second part, or lid, (7b) of the container towards the closing station of the package or for assembly of the second part, or lid, (7b) on the first part, or base, (7a), once filled with the product (5).

43. The apparatus according to claim 42, characterised in that the means (48) for feeding the second part, or lid, of the container (7b) extend, in particular longitudinally, and parallel to the means (50) for feeding the package being formed, in particular comprising a first part of the container, or bottom part, (7a) and the product (5).

44. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 43, characterised in that the first feed means (50) for the package being formed and the second feed means (48) for the second part, or lid, (7b) of the container are transversally spaced from each other.

45. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means which perform the packaging comprise means (60) for applying the second part of the container, or lid, (7b) on the first part, or base, (7a) of the container with the product (9) contained inside it.

46. The apparatus according to claim 45, characterised in that the means for applying the second part of the container, or lid, on the first part of the container with the product contained comprise means (601) for picking up of the second part of the container, or lid (7b) from the respective feed means (48) and consequent positioning of the second part of the container, or lid, (7b) on the first part, or base, (7a) of the container with the product (9).

47. The apparatus according to claim 46, characterised in that the means (601) for picking up and positioning the second part of the container, or lid, (7b) are in the form of means designed to move the respective second part of the container, or lid, (7b) along a direction transversal, or in a transversal plane, to the longitudinal direction of extension of the apparatus and/or feeding downstream of the products.

48. The apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 47, characterised in that the means (48) for feeding the second part, or lid, of the container (7b), extend alongside the separating wall (30) and are at a transversal zone inside the apparatus.

49. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises means of visual detection of the product, the visual detection means being designed, in particular, to detect any missing products and/or missing labels on the product, and/or the presence, on the product, of labels which do not conform or are not desired and/or the presence, on the product, of poorly positioned labels.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, characterised in that the means for visual detection of the product operate whilst the product is being packed or boxed, in particular whilst the product is moving in the apparatus.

51. A plant for packaging products inside respective containers, characterised in that it comprises a first and a second apparatus for packaging respective products, which comprise respective means (20, 20') for making a conveying path, which allows corresponding products, to be packaged by the second apparatus or already packaged by the first apparatus, to pass beyond the same and corresponding apparatus (10 or 10').

52. The plant according to claim 51 , characterised in that the first and second packaging apparatus have respective packaging means which are identically configured.

53. The plant according to claim 51 or 52, characterised in that the first and second packaging apparatus are aligned with each other, in particular according to the longitudinal direction of conveying the products.

54. The plant according to any one of claims from 51 to 53, characterised in that the first and second packaging apparatus are operatively independent from each other.

55. The plant according to any one of claims 51 to 54, characterised in that the first and second packaging apparatus have respective means which perform the packaging, which are slightly offset longitudinally from each other, in particular those of the second apparatus project towards the rear part of the apparatus with respect to those of the first apparatus upstream.

56. The plant according to any one of claims 51 to 55, characterised in that the first and second packaging apparatus are made according to any of the corresponding claims from 1 to 50.