AN APPARATUS FOR DOSING RESPECTIVE PORTIONS OF A

PRODUCT. Technical field

This invention relates to an apparatus for dosing respective portions of a corresponding product.

The product being, in particular, in the form of a foodstuff, and being preferably in the form of a pasty product, especially a semi-solid pasty product, that is to say, being in the form of yeast, stock cube paste, butter, margarine or other.

Background art

Apparatuses are known for dosing respective portions of a corresponding semi-solid pasty product, in particular yeast, which are designed to be used in corresponding apparatuses for packing respective portions of product in corresponding packages or wrappers.

These prior art dosing apparatuses comprise respective means for dosing respective predetermined portions of product, and means for feeding the product towards the dosing means, the feeding means being designed for delivering the product at a respective zone for inserting the product in the dosing means, in particular at an end and/or upper zone of the dosing means, that is, of the respective dosing chamber.

More specifically, a dosing apparatus is described in patent publication No. WO 2012/069971 which comprises respective screw means which are housed in a rotatable fashion inside a respective dosing chamber and which feed the product towards a respective nozzle for discharging corresponding predetermined portions of product from the dosing chamber.

The need is felt in the field for dosing apparatus which is particularly effective and efficient and in particular which allows predetermined portions to be obtained which are particularly precise.

The need is also felt in the sector for dosing apparatus which avoids every risk of blocking of the product inside the dosing means, in particular when the product is in the form of a material which is excessively liquid or robust.

The need is also felt in the sector to provide a dosing apparatus which is easy to clean.

The need is further felt in the sector for dosing apparatus which has a reduced number of components and/or a reduced structural complexity. The need is also felt in the sector to provide a dosing apparatus which is limited in size.

The need is also felt in the sector to provide a dosing apparatus which is quick and easy to maintain. Disclosure 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 or problems and/or to meet one or more of the needs felt in the trade or inferable from the above.

An apparatus is therefore provided for dosing respective portions of a corresponding product, in particular in the form of a food product, and preferably in the form a pasty product, especially a semi-solid pasty product, such as yeast, stock cube paste, butter, margarine or other, the dosing apparatus being designed to be used in a corresponding apparatus for packing respective product portions in a corresponding containment package, preferably defined by a respective wrapper, in particular defined by a respective sheet of foldable material which is wrapped around, in particular in contact with, the respective portion of product; the dosing apparatus comprises means for dosing respective predetermined portions of product, the dosing means being in particular in the form of respective screw means which are housed in a rotatable fashion inside in a respective dosing chamber, and which feed the product towards a respective nozzle for unloading from the dosing chamber; means for feeding the product towards the dosing means, the feeding means being designed for delivering the product at a respective zone for inserting the product in the dosing means, in particular at an end and/or upper zone of the dosing means, that is, of the respective dosing chamber; characterised in that the means for feeding the product towards the dosing means comprise means for feeding the product towards the dosing means, the means for feeding the product being in the form of corresponding screw means.

In this way, it is possible to provide a dosing apparatus which avoids every risk of blocking of the product inside the dosing means and at the same time allows predetermined portions to be obtained which are particularly precise.

Brief description of the drawings

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

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of packing apparatus using a dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view, shown in partial cutaway, of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 showing in particular the screw means for feeding the product according to this invention;

- Figure 3A is a cutaway view of the zone for feeding the product according to the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 3B is a cutaway view of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention, similar to Figure 3A and in particular illustrates a different working position - relative to that of Figure 3A - of the means flattening and/or breaking the product;

- Figure 4 is a schematic side view, showing the arrangement of the dosing screw and the screw for feeding the product, according to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 5 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the dosing device according to this invention, showing the arrangement of the screw for feeding the product;

- Figure 6 is a vertical cross section through the line labelled VI-VI in Figure 5 of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 7 is a vertical cross section through the line labelled VII-VII in Figure 5 of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 8 is a transversal cross section through the line labelled VIII-VIII in Figure 4 of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 9 is a transversal cross section through the line labelled IX-IX in Figure 5 of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 10A is a perspective view of the screw for feeding the product towards the dosing means of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 10B is a perspective view, taken from a different angle to that of Figure 10A, of the screw for feeding the product towards the dosing means of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 10C is a perspective view showing only the movable component of the screw for feeding the product towards the dosing means of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 10D is a perspective view, taken from a different angle to that of Figure 10C, showing only the movable component of the screw for feeding the product towards the dosing means of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 10E is a front perspective view of the screw for feeding the product towards the dosing means of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 1 1 is a transversal cross section of the chamber for feeding the product towards the dosing means of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 12 is a perspective, cutaway view which shows in detail the chamber for feeding the product and the zone for inserting the product in the dosing means of the preferred embodiment of the dosing apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a second preferred embodiment of the comb means for flattening and/or breaking up the product in the feed chamber.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

The accompanying drawings schematically illustrate a preferred embodiment 11 of apparatus for packaging a product or products in a corresponding package P, the package being preferably in the form of a wrapper for containing the corresponding product and which is defined by a respective sheet of foldable material, in particular a plastic or aluminium film or the like, the sheet or wrapper surrounding the respective portion of product and preferably in contact with the respective, especially the entire, outer surface of the product.

The product to be packaged is, in particular, in the form of a pasty product, and preferably in the form of a semi-solid pasty product, that is to say, it is such as to be deformable and have a plastic consistency; basically, the product is such as to maintain the shape given to the product.

More specifically, the product to be packed is in the form of a food product, and is preferably in the form of yeast, for example brewer's yeast, stock cube paste, butter, margarine or other items.

In short, although not specifically illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the wrapper or sheet in the packing apparatus is partly preformed, or folded, into a cup shape, open at the top to receive the predetermined portion of product, and is then reclosed, by folding on the same product of corresponding portions of the side walls, which protrude above the product.

As illustrated in Figure 1 , the apparatus 1 1 comprises means 13 for feeding the packages being formed, which are in the form of a circular and rotatable feed table, on which are preferably dosed simultaneously two predetermined portions of product at a time; the feed means could be formed in any other suitable manner, for example it could comprise an endless conveyor belt, which extends along a linear feed path.

More specifically, the means for feeding the packets, or feed table 13 comprises shaped seats or pockets, denoted by the reference numeral 15, which accommodate the cup-shaped container or wrapper.

As illustrated, the apparatus 1 1 also comprises an apparatus 10 for dosing respective portions of the product, in particular for simultaneously dosing two predetermined portions of product into corresponding cup-shaped packages or wrappers.

More specifically, as illustrated, the dosing apparatus 10 comprises means 12 for dosing respective predetermined portions of the product, the dosing means being, in particular, in the form of respective screw means 14, 14, which are housed in a rotatable fashion inside a respective dosing chamber 16, 16, the screw means 14, 14 feeding the product towards a respective nozzle 18 for discharging, in particular below, from the dosing chamber 16. More specifically, as illustrated, the dosing apparatus 10 comprises first and second dosing means 12, 12, which are aligned with each other according to the direction, in particular circumferential, for feeding the packages and, as mentioned, which allow a pair of packages to be filled simultaneously.

The first and second dosing means 12, 12 comprise respective dosing chambers 16, 16 which, preferably, extend parallel to each other and which house respective screw dosing means 14, 14.

As illustrated, the dosing means are, preferably, directed vertically and, however, in other embodiments not illustrated, might also be oriented at a certain angle relative to the vertical and preferably convergent towards the zone for discharging the product.

More specifically, the dosing screw means 14, 14 comprise respective helical means 17, which are supported on a respective shaft 19 and which are designed to engage and feed the product. As illustrated, the spiral means 17 have a respective outer edge which mates with the inner profile of the respective dosing chamber 16.

As illustrated, the dosing means 12, 12 comprise corresponding drive means, or corresponding electric motor, 20, 20 which are connected to a respective upper end of the respective shaft 19 so as to rotate it and obtain, by the screw feeder 14, 14, the propulsion and compaction of the product feeding towards the respective nozzle 18, 18 for discharging from the corresponding dosing chamber 16, 16.

The screw dosing means 14, 14 could be made as described in international patent application No. WO 2012/069971 in the name of the same Applicant and the content of which must be considered as incorporated herein by reference.

More specifically, as illustrated, the dosing apparatus 10 comprises means 22 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12, the feeding means being designed for delivering the product at a respective zone 120 for inserting the product in the dosing means 12, 12, in particular at an end and/or upper zone of the dosing means 12, 12, that is, of the respective dosing chamber 16, 16.

The means 22 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 comprise means for feeding the product towards the same dosing means, the means for feeding the product being, advantageously, in the form of corresponding screw means 24.

Basically, advantageously, there are means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means, in particular in the form of respective screw means, which extend, that is, they have a respective front end which extends to, or in the vicinity of, or immediately in front of a zone 120, 120 for feeding product in the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the corresponding drawings, the zone for introducing the product in the dosing means 12, 12 is in the form of a volumetric space, or space, extending longitudinally according to the direction of longitudinal extension of the dosing means 12, 12, or respective dosing screw means 14, 14, the volumetric space being in particular provided at the rear of the dosing means 12, 12, or respective dosing screw means 14, 14.

As illustrated, advantageously, at the volumetric space 120, 120 for introducing in the dosing means 12, 12 extend corresponding spiral means 17, 17 of the corresponding dosing screw means 14, 14.

Advantageously, as may be inferred and as will explained in more detail below, the zone 120, 120 for introducing or inserting the product in the dosing means 12, 12 is in front, laterally, and delimited above by corresponding surface means, or surfaces, and is open at the front or frontally to allow the introduction of the material in the dosing means.

Moreover, the zone 120, 120 for introducing or inserting the product in the dosing means 12, 12 opens at the bottom in the corresponding dosing means 12, 12, that is, in the respective dosing chamber 16, 16 which houses the corresponding dosing screw feeder 14, 14.

Advantageously, the means for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12, which are in particular in the form of corresponding screw feeder means 24, are in the form of means which compress the product entering in the corresponding dosing means 12, 12.

This ensures that the product does not become blocked inside the corresponding screw or dosing means 12, 12.

More specifically, as may be inferred, the means for feeding the product towards the dosing means, which are in particular in the form of respective screw means 24, are in the form of means designed to compress the product, whilst this feeds, or is fed, towards the dosing means.

Advantageously, as will be described in more detail below, the means for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12, which are in particular in the form of respective screw means 24, are in the form of means designed for crushing or breaking the compacted product, in particular designed for crushing or breaking the compacted product whilst feeding towards the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as may be seen, the means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12, which are in particular in the form of respective screw means, comprise a part 24a, in particular at the rear, for picking up and feeding the product and a part 24b, in particular at the front, for feeding and compressing the product in the corresponding dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the means 22 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 comprise a respective chamber 26 for housing the means 24 for feeding the product, the housing chamber 26 opening, in particular at the front, in 26', at a zone 120, 120 for introducing the product of the corresponding dosing means 12, 12.

More specifically, as illustrated, the chamber 26 for housing the means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 is defined by a plurality of peripheral walls, respectively rear 26a, lateral, which are opposite to one another, 26b, 26c and lower 26d.

More specifically, as illustrated, the chamber 26 for housing the means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 is also which is open at the top, in 26", for receiving the product to be fed to the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the chamber 26 of the means for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 has a respective surface, in particular lower 26d, in particular circumferentially shaped, which mates with the profile or outer shape, in particular circumferential, of the means for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12, or screw means 24.

Advantageously, as may be seen in the drawings, the chamber 26 of the means for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 has a respective surface, in particular lower 26d, which has a respective edge 26'd, in particular in the form of a front end edge, which protrudes, or delimits, the zone 120 for feeding in the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as may be seen in the drawings, the chamber 26 of the means 22 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 has at the zone 120, 120 for introducing the product in the corresponding dosing means 12, 12, or at the respective front part, an upper wall 12e which converges towards the inserting zone 120, 120 to define means for conveying the product in the zone 120, 120 for introducing the product in the dosing means 12, 12.

More specifically, as may be inferred from the drawings, the chamber 26 of the means 22 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 is defined by the lower part of the hopper 260 for loading the product in the dosing apparatus 10.

Advantageously, as may be seen in the drawings, the means 22 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12, in particular the means, or screw, 24 for feeding the product and/or the housing chamber 26 extend oriented transversally relative to the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as may be seen in the drawings, the means 22 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12, in particular the means, or screw, 24 for feeding the product and/or the housing chamber 26, in particular the respective lower surface 26d, extend inclined at an angle to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, preferably vertical, of the dosing means 12, 12.

In this way, the operation for washing the inner part of this dosing apparatus is facilitated.

Advantageously, as may be seen in the drawings, the screw means for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 are in the form of a single screw feeder 24, in particular designed to feed a first and a second dosing screw feeder 12, 12.

In this way, a reduced number of components and a lower structural complexity of the dosing apparatus is achieved.

More specifically, as illustrated, the screw feeder means for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 are in the form of a respective screw 24 having a respective rotary shaft 240 on which extend peripherally respective spiral means 241 advantageously defining first spiral means 24a for picking up and feeding the product and second spiral means 24b for feeding and compressing the product in the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the screw means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 comprise, at the respective end or front part 24b, a first and a second front spiral profile 241b, 242b, which, are, in particular, substantially transversal to each other, that is, at the same longitudinal height, and are angularly spaced or circumferentially distributed, in such a way as to apply a compression as much as possible continuous or uniform of the product during the steps of compressing the latter in the pickup zone 120, 120 of the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the screw means 24 for feeding the product comprise a respective spiral profile 240, which defines the first front compression profile 241 b and also the rear part 24a for picking up and feeding the product. Further advantageously, the screw means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 comprise a spiral body 24' which is rotatably supported by a respective fixed supporting body 24".

Advantageously, as shown, the spiral body 24' comprises a rotatable shaft, or sleeve, 24'b which supports, and is preferably integral with, the spiral means 240, 241 b, 242b and which is, in turn, rotatably supported, preferably at the end of the fixed supporting body 24".

Advantageously, as shown, the spiral means 240, in particular the part of these which defines the means for picking up and feeding the product, extends in a cantilever fashion behind the supporting shaft 24'b and they are positioned in use peripherally, with a respective radial clearance or space, around the fixed supporting body 24".

Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in Figure 8, the fixed supporting body 24' has a flange 24f for coupling to the rear wall 26a of the feed chamber, from the coupling flange 24f extending the fixed body 24', which is suitably hollow to allow the rotatable passage of respective drive transmission means, in particular in the form of a respective shaft 24t, to the spiral means, that is, to the rotatable shaft or sleeve 24'b for supporting the spiral means.

More specifically, as illustrated, the shaft or rotatable sleeve 24'b, which supports the spiral means is connected to the transmission shaft 24t, thanks to an end screw, labelled in Figure 8 with the reference numeral 24v.

More specifically, as illustrated, the screw means 24 for feeding the product comprise respective rotation means or electric motor 242, which are, in particular, supported on the rear wall 26a, that is, on the flange 24f, of the chamber 26 for housing the screw feed means 24, in particular at the end opposite that of the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figures 8 and 9, the spiral means 241 have a respective diameter corresponding to the total width of the dosing means 12, 12, that is to say, a diameter that is such as to feed the first and second dosing means 12, 12.

In practice, the spiral 241 of the feed means 22 has a width, or diameter, which substantially corresponds to the distance between the lateral ends of the first and second dosing means 12, 12, that is to say, the opposite transversal ends of the respective dosing chambers 26, 26 or substantially of the respective volumetric spaces 120, 120 for introducing the product in the dosing means.

Advantageously, there are means designed for adjusting the speed of rotation of the screw means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 as a function of a respective condition for feeding the product towards the dosing means, in particular depending on a respective condition of pressure, of the product being fed towards the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, the means designed for adjusting the speed of rotation of the screw means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 are designed to vary, respectively to increase and decrease, the speed of rotation of the screw means 24 during the step for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 in particular whilst the respective dosing means 12, 12 are dosing the product, especially for increasing or decreasing the condition of compression of the product being fed to the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, the means designed for adjusting the speed of rotation of the screw means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 are designed to stop the screw means 24, in particular whilst the dosing means 12, 12 are dosing the product.

Advantageously, the means designed for adjusting the speed of rotation of the screw means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 are designed to drive the screw feeder in an angular direction opposite to the direction for feeding the product, in particular whilst the dosing means 12, 12 are dosing the product. '

In this way, it is possible to vary as desired and in a suitable manner the degree of compressing the product into the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, there are means 27 for detecting a condition of pressure of the product being fed towards the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as may be seen in the drawings, the means 27 for detecting a condition of pressure of the product being fed towards the dosing means 12, 12 are situated inside the zone 120, 120 for feeding in and/or introducing in the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, there are means 121 for diverting or conveying the flow of product in the respective first and second dosing means 12, 12, in particular provided at the zone 120, 120 for introducing into the corresponding dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the corresponding drawings, the means 121 for diverting the flow of products in the respective first and second dosing means 12, 12 comprise a first and a second opposite surfaces diverging from each other 121 a, 121 b positioned between the first 12 and the second 12 dosing means.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the corresponding drawings, the first and second opposite surfaces for diverting the flow of products 121a, 121 b extend from a single vertex or joining zone 121c and are preferably extended vertically.

Advantageously, the means, or sensor, 27 for detecting the pressure of the product are provided on the means 121 for diverting the flow of products, in particular at the zone, or face, 121c for joining between the first and second diverting surfaces 121a, 121 b.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the corresponding drawings, the means 121 for diverting the flow of products, in particular the first and second diverting surfaces 121 a, 121 b extend on the side of the dosing means 12, 12 which is opposite that of extension of the feeding means 22. Advantageously, the screw means for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12, in particular the respective rotary supporting shaft 240, extend in a cantilever fashion from the respective fixed supporting means 24", that is to say, from the rear wall 26a of the chamber 26 for feeding the product.

More specifically, as illustrated, the means 27 for detecting the pressure are positioned above, in particular just above, the zone of extension of the screw means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12. Advantageously, there are means 28 for flattening or pushing the product in the means 22 for feeding the product.

Advantageously, there are also means 24, 28 for splitting or breaking the compacted product.

More specifically, the means 28 for flattening the product in the feed means 22 define respective means for crushing or breaking up the compacted product.

Advantageously, the means 28 for flattening and/or breaking up the product are positioned above the means 22 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as may be seen in the corresponding drawings, the means 28 for flattening and/or breaking up the product are positioned, in particular are fixed, to the loading hopper, in particular at or in the vicinity of the chamber 26 for housing the means 24 for feeding the product from the means 26 for feeding the product towards the dosing means.

In particular, as illustrated, in the flattening position, the means for flattening and/or breaking up the product extend to or inside the feeding chamber 26.

Advantageously, as may be seen in the corresponding drawings, the means for flattening and/or breaking up the product are moveable between a rest position, preferably raised, in particular allowing free passage of the product being fed to the chamber 26 of the means for feeding towards the dosing means 12, 12 and a position for engaging with the product, preferably lowered.

Advantageously, the means 28 for flattening and/or breaking up the product are driven periodically, preferably after a predetermined number of machine cycles, in particular a number of predetermined machine cycles depending on the features of the respective product to be dosed.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the corresponding drawings, the means for flattening and/or breaking up the product are defined by corresponding comb unit means 28 having a plurality of prongs or rods 281 transversally spaced, and preferably parallel to each other, supported by a corresponding transversal rod 282.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the corresponding drawings, the means 28 for flattening and/or breaking up the product are rotatable with respect to an articulation pin 282, in particular defined by the supporting rod of the prongs 281 , between the rest position, preferably raised, in particular allowing free passage of the product being fed to the containment hopper and the position for engaging with the product, preferably lowered.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the corresponding drawings, the means 28 for flattening and/or breaking up comprise respective drive means 283, in particular in the form of a respective actuator or pneumatic cylinder, which are fixed outside the hopper body 260 defining the chamber 26 of the means 22 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as may be seen in the corresponding drawings, there are means 30 which are designed to clean the means 28 for flattening and/or breaking up the compacted product.

Advantageously, as can be seen in the corresponding drawings, the means 30 designed to clean the means 28 for flattening and/or breaking up the compacted product are in the form of corresponding fixed comb unit means, that is to say, they comprise a plurality of prongs, or rods, 301 , transversally spaced from each other, and preferably parallel to each other, which are located offset with respect to the prongs or rods 281 of the movable comb unit means 28, in such a way that, when the means 28 for breaking up and/or flattening reach the respective rest position, more specifically raised, the prongs or rods 281 of the movable comb unit means 28 pass, or are positioned, between the prongs or rods 301 of the fixed comb unit means making it possible to achieve an action for disengaging the product from the movable comb unit means 28.

More specifically, as illustrated, the means 30 designed to clean the forming means are provided above the means 22 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12, in particular being fixed to the loading hopper 260, in particular above the chamber 26 for housing the means 24 for feeding the product from the means 26 for feeding the product towards the dosing means.

Advantageously, the means 24 for crushing or breaking up the compacted product are inside the chamber 26 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12.

In effect, as already mentioned above, the screw means 24 are designed for crushing or breaking the compacted product inside the chamber 26 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12, and in particular they are designed for crushing or breaking the compacted product whilst feeding towards the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the corresponding drawings, and in particular from Figure 1 1 , there are means 32 designed to engage the product which are radially protruding with respect to the screw means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12.

Advantageously, the means 32 designed to engage the product, which is radially protruding with respect to the screw means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 comprise corresponding means 32 protruding from the surface, in particular from the lower surface 26d, of the chamber 26 of the means 22 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12.

In particular, as illustrated, the means 32 designed to engage the product which is radially protruding with respect to the screw means 24 for feeding the product towards the dosing means 12, 12 comprise a plurality of respective slats 32, which extend along the feed direction of the product inside the chamber 26 or according to the direction of extension of the screw means 24 for feeding the product, in particular the slats 32 protruding from the surface of the respective lower wall 26d of the feed chamber 26 and being preferably circumferentially equidistant from each other.

Advantageously, there are means 35 which exert on the dosing screw means 14 a counter-thrust, or an opposing retaining action, to the thrust exerted on the product produced by the means 22 for feeding the product to the dosing means 12, 12.

More specifically, the counter-thrust means comprise, or are in the form of, a respective collar 35, preferably made of rigid plastic material, which wraps around the outside of the shaft 19 of the dosing screw means, preferably at the end for attaching this to the respective drive means and in particular in the upper position of the corresponding zone 120, 120 for introducing the product in the dosing means 12, 12, and the inner surface of the collar 35 is engaged by the shaft 19 of the dosing means 12, 12 on the side opposite that of thrust by the product, and preferably only when this thrust becomes excessive or exceeds a respective level of stress. Figure 13 shows a second preferred embodiment of the means 28 for flattening or pushing the product in the means 22 for feeding the product, and which are designed to cause the crushing or breaking up the compacted product.

The second preferred embodiment of the means 28 for flattening and/or breaking up the product is identical to that of the first preferred embodiment, from which it differs, however, in that, further advantageously, the means for flattening and/or breaking up the product are defined by corresponding comb unit means 28 having a plurality of prongs or rods 281 which are transversally spaced, and substantially parallel to each other, which are located, or extend, at least the respective front end of these, along a respective arc-shaped path, which corresponds to, or mates with, the outer circumferential profile of the screw means so as to push the product into the screw means, in particular inside the means, or portion, 24a for picking up and feeding these, in a substantially uniform manner along most of the perimeter outer edge, in particular along the entire upper side, of the screw means 24, that is, so as to position substantially the entire series of prongs 281 in the vicinity of the outer perimeter of the screw means or the respective propeller.

More specifically, as illustrated, the transversal end or lateral prongs L. 281 are positioned, in a condition for flattening and/or breaking up the product, alongside the screw means, especially alongside the screw of the screw means.

Basically, as is evident, the features described above allow the following corresponding advantageous effects to be achieved:

- having a dosing apparatus which is particularly effective and efficient and in particular which allows predetermined portions to be obtained which are particularly precise;

- having a dosing apparatus which avoids every risk of blocking of the product inside the dosing means, in particular when the product is in the form of a material which is excessively hard and robust;

- of providing a dosing apparatus which is easy to clean;

- having a dosing apparatus which has a reduced number of components and/or a reduced structural complexity;

- of providing a dosing apparatus which is of limited size; and/or

- of providing a dosing apparatus which is easy to maintain.

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 preferred 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.