Technical Field

The present invention relates to a packaging machine for products, in particular food products.

Background Art

Packaging machines of known type are usually provided with a packaging chamber inside which are placed special packaging means configured to carry out the operations necessary to apply a packaging to one or more products.

Generally, the packaging machines are also provided with a movement line, which takes, at inlet, the product to be packaged and moves it, e.g. by means of conveyor and/or lifting belts, inside the packaging chamber.

In the special sector of the packaging machines for food products, packaging involves the application of a packaging to the products able to minimize the influence of the external environment, thus preserving the organoleptic properties thereof and prolonging their life.

However, the known type of packaging machines have some drawbacks linked to the fact that the air present in the packaging chamber is, more often than not, contaminated by various polluting agents, such as e.g. dust, fumes, unburnt hydrocarbons, bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., which inevitably end up inside the product packaging, thus causing the speed of deterioration.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is therefore to devise a packaging machine for products able to control and treat the air inside the packaging chamber to ensure optimal conditions for the packaging of a product.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a packaging machine for products able to sanitize the air inside the packaging chamber prior to and/or during the packaging of a product.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a packaging machine for products wherein the air in the packaging chamber is controlled by means of an extremely compact and space-saving solution.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a packaging machine for products wherein the air in the packaging chamber is controlled by means of an extremely durable solution.

Still one object of the present invention is to devise a packaging machine for products which allows the mentioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as low cost solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present packaging machine for products having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a packaging machine for products, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet nonlimiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packaging machine for products according to the present invention in which the frame has been partially removed for better clarity,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the air treatment means of the packaging machine of Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the air treatment means of the packaging machine of Figure 1 ,

Figure 4 is a front sectional view of the air treatment means of the packaging machine of Figure 1 ,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the air treatment means of the packaging machine of Figure 1.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to such figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a packaging machine for products, particularly food products.

As shown in Figure 1, the machine 1 is provided with a packaging assembly 2 defining at least one packaging chamber 3 inside which at least one product is packaged.

The term “packaging” relates to the application operations of a packaging to a product in order, e.g., to enable it to be transported, sold or stored. Advantageously, the machine 1 comprises air treatment means 4 mounted on the packaging assembly 2 and configured to treat the air inside the packaging chamber 3.

In particular, with the term air “treatment”, the processes are meant which allow the removal of bacterial, viral and/or polluting agents present in the air, thus sanitizing it.

In detail, the air treatment means 4 are configured to sanitize the air present in the packaging chamber 3 prior to and/or during product packaging operations, drastically decreasing the pollutants that may be deposited on the product.

As shown in Figure 2, the air treatment means 4 comprise at least one fluid- operated treatment circuit 5 provided with a taking port 6 of the air to be treated from the packaging chamber 3 and an inlet port 7 of the treated air in the packaging chamber 3. In addition, the air treatment means 4 are provided with filtering/sanitizing means 8, mounted along the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5 and positioned between the taking port 6 and the inlet port 7 to filter/sanitize the air to be treated.

Conveniently, at least the taking port 6 and the inlet port 7 of the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5 are located inside the packaging chamber 3 so that the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5 can take the air to be treated from the packaging chamber 3, move it towards the filtering/sanitizing means 8, and feed the treated air into the packaging chamber.

Appropriately, the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5 comprises air movement means 9 from the taking port 6 to the inlet port 7.

In particular, the air movement means 9 are configured to generate an air stream through the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5 from the taking port 6 to the inlet port 7.

Preferably, the air movement means 9 are of the motorized type, such as e.g. a fan.

In one or more embodiments, shown in Figure 2, the air movement means 9 are mounted on the taking port 6 to push air from the latter towards the inlet port 7.

In one or more embodiments, shown in Figure 5, the air movement means 9 are mounted on the inlet port 7 to extract air from the taking port 6 towards the inlet port 7.

As shown in Figure 3, the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5 comprises a filtering chamber 10 positioned between the taking port 6 and the inlet port 7. Preferably, the filtering chamber 10 is connected in a fluid- operated manner to the taking port 6 and to the inlet port 7 by means of respective taking duct 11 and inlet duct 12.

Appropriately, in use, the filtering chamber 10 extends along a mainly horizontal longitudinal direction and at least the inlet duct 12 is arranged substantially vertically, by arranging at least the inlet port 7 facing upwards.

In the context of the following disclosure, the terms “vertical”, “horizontal”, “upper” and “lower” are intended to refer to the conditions of normal use of the air treatment means 4, i.e., those shown in Figure 1 in which the air treatment means 4 are mounted in the packaging chamber 3 of the packaging machine 1.

As shown in Figure 3, the filtering/sanitizing means 8 comprise at least one dispensing assembly 13 for dispensing a treatment liquid 14 which is adapted to interact with the air to be treated, by filtering and sanitizing it.

Preferably, the treatment liquid 14 comprises at least water.

Even more preferably, the treatment liquid 14 comprises at least one air treatment detergent mixed with water. For example, the detergent may be an antibacterial and/or an antiviral detergent.

Appropriately, the dispensing assembly 13 is provided with at least one dispensing element 15 arranged internally to the filtering chamber 10 to dispense the treatment liquid 14.

Preferably, the dispensing element 15 is of the nozzle type and is adapted to split the treatment liquid 14 into drops, thus generating a jet of treatment liquid 14 at the outlet.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the dispensing assembly 13 is provided with a pair of dispensing elements 15 arranged aligned along the direction of extension of the filtering chamber 10.

It goes without saying that the dispensing assembly 13 may contain more or fewer dispensing elements 15 depending on the operational requirements.

Conveniently, the dispensing assembly 13 comprises at least one diffuser element 16 adapted to intercept the treatment liquid 14 dispensed by the dispensing element 15 to release it inside the filtering chamber 10.

In particular, the diffuser element 16 is arranged facing the dispensing element 15 to intercept the dispensed treatment liquid 14.

In detail, the dispensing element 15 generates a jet of treatment liquid 14 directed towards the diffuser element 16. The diffuser element 16 intercepts the jet of liquid which, as it breaks, diffuses inside the filtering chamber 10 in the opposite direction to the direction of outflow of the treatment liquid 14.

Usefully, the dispensing assembly 13 is configured to release the treatment liquid 14 into the filtering chamber 10 in an opposite direction to the direction of movement of the air stream inside the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the filtration.

For this purpose, the dispensing element 15 is placed in the filtering chamber 10 to generate a jet of liquid directed in the direction of movement of the air stream, and the diffuser element 16 is arranged downstream of the dispensing element 15 to intercept the jet of liquid and disperse it in the opposite direction.

In the context of the present disclosure, the expressions “upstream” and “downstream” are intended relative to the direction of movement of the air stream inside the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5.

Usefully, the air treatment means 4 comprise at least one pumping system 17 of the treatment liquid 14 from at least one source 18 of the treatment liquid 14 towards the filtering/sanitizing means 8. In particular, the pumping system 17 is configured to feed the dispensing assembly 13 by taking the liquid from the source 18 and directing it towards the dispensing element 15.

The term “source” means any source adapted to supply the treatment liquid 14 to the filtering/sanitizing means 8, such as e.g. a container or a water system of the building in which the packaging machine 1 is installed.

Usefully, the air treatment means 4 comprise at least one tank 19 containing the treatment liquid 14. Appropriately, the pumping system 17 is adapted to feed the filtering/sanitizing means 8 by taking the treatment liquid 14 from the tank 19 and/or from the source 18.

Conveniently, the tank 19 comprises a fluid- operated connection element 20 to the source 18 which allows the tank 19 to be refilled by taking the treatment liquid 14 directly from the source 18.

Preferably, the fluid- operated connection element 20 is of the type of a linking duct to the source 18.

It cannot however be ruled out that the tank 19 may be refilled by means of other methods such as, e.g., manual insertion of the filtering liquid, replacement of the tank 19 with another tank 19, etc. In particular, as we will see in detail in the continuation of the present disclosure, the particular conformation of the air treatment means 4 allows easily refilling the tank 19 by introducing the treatment liquid 14 directly from the inlet port 7.

As shown in Figure 2, the pumping system 17 comprises a fluid- operated pumping circuit 21 adapted to put the dispensing assembly 13 in fluidic communication with the tank 19 and/or with the source 18. Furthermore, the pumping system 17 is provided with pumping means 22 adapted to take the treatment liquid 14 and convey it through the fluid-operated pumping circuit 21 towards the dispensing assembly 13.

Preferably, the pumping means 22 are of the type of a hydraulic pump.

Suitably, the pumping means 22 are mounted along the fluid- operated pumping circuit 21 and positioned between the tank 19 and the dispensing assembly 13. In particular, the pumping means 22 are connected in a fluid- operated manner to the tank 19 by means of an intake duct 23, through which the treatment liquid 14 is taken, and to the dispensing assembly 13 by means of a delivery duct 24, through which the dispensing element 15 is fed with the taken treatment liquid 14.

In one embodiment, shown in Figure 5, the pumping means 22 are mounted on the filtering chamber 10 and are arranged, in use, internally to the tank 19 to draw the filtering liquid 14 directly from the tank 19. Such an expedient makes the air treatment means 4 extremely compact, as well as reducing the components required to convey the filtering liquid 14 towards the dispensing assembly 13.

Advantageously, the air treatment means 4 comprise a recovery assembly 25 of the treatment liquid 14 arranged downstream of the filtering chamber 10 to collect the treatment liquid 14 released in the treated air and convey it towards the tank 19.

In particular, the recovery assembly 25 comprises at least one recovery duct 26 which is adapted to put the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5 in fluidic communication with the tank 19.

Usefully, the recovery assembly 25 comprises at least one deflecting element 27 arranged downstream of the filtering chamber 10 and adapted to intercept the treated air in order to collect and convey the treatment liquid 14 dispersed in the treated air towards the recovery duct 26.

Preferably, the deflecting element 27 is arranged inside the inlet duct 12 connecting the filtering chamber 10 to the inlet port 7.

Since the inlet duct 12 is arranged substantially vertically, the treatment liquid 14 intercepted by the deflecting element 27 falls by gravity into the filtering chamber 10 where, as will be described in detail later in the present disclosure, is collected and conveyed towards the tank 19.

As shown in Figure 3, the deflecting element 27 is arranged protruding into the inlet duct 12 to define a narrowing of the latter.

In particular, the deflecting element 27 has at least one abutment portion 27a, adapted to intercept at least the treatment liquid 14, and defines at least one opening 27b adapted to allow the passage of at least the treated air. For this purpose, the deflecting element 27 is arranged transversely to the inlet duct 12, preferably inclined downwards, and has at least one end detached from the inlet duct 12 to define the opening 27b.

Preferably, the recovery assembly 25 comprises a plurality of deflecting elements 27 arranged alternately along the inlet duct 12. In particular, the abutment portion 27a of at least one deflecting element 27 is arranged facing the opening 27b of at least another deflecting element 27. By means of this arrangement, the deflecting elements 27 make a labyrinth-like path for the treated air capable of progressively retaining the treatment liquid 14 released in the treated air.

As shown in the figures, the tank 19 is coupled in a fluid- operated manner to the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5 defining at least partially the recovery duct 26. Preferably, the tank 19 is directly coupled to the filtering chamber 10.

In particular, the tank 19 faces the filtering chamber 10 to at least partially define the recovery duct 26.

Even more particularly, the tank 19 and the filtering chamber 10 comprise respective openings mutually facing each other to at least partially define the recovery duct 26.

Such an arrangement allows making air treatment means 4 which are very compact and in which the elements necessary for their operation are connected to each other in a simple and effective manner. This, moreover, makes it possible to simplify and speed up the operations of maintenance and replacement of the elements of the air treatment means 4.

Preferably, the tank 19 is mounted, in use, below the filtering chamber 10 so that the treatment liquid 14 intercepted by the deflecting element 27 falls by gravity inside the tank 19, passing through the recovery duct 26.

Furthermore, this arrangement allows the tank 19 to be filled by introducing the treatment liquid 14 directly from the inlet port 7.

In one or more versions, the tank 19 is coupled to the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5 in a removable manner, allowing it to be removed in order to carry out various operations, such as, e.g., replacement with another tank 19, cleaning the filtering chamber 10 and/or the tank 19, refilling the tank 19, etc.

In particular, the tank 19 is coupled to the filtering chamber 10 by interposition of coupling means 28.

Usefully, the coupling means 28 comprise at least one seat 29 associated with one of either the tank 19 or the filtering chamber 10, and a projecting element 30 associated with the other of either the tank 19 or the filtering chamber 10. The projecting element 30 and the seat 29 are configured to make a coupling by shape, preferably interlocking, to couple the tank 19 to the filtering chamber 10. Furthermore, the coupling means 28 comprise at least one fastening element 31 mounted on one of either the tank 19 or the filtering chamber 10, and at least one bracket element 32 mounted on the other of either the tank 19 or the filtering chamber 10. The fastening element 31 is adapted to fasten to the bracket element 32 to secure the tank 19 to the filtering chamber 10 in order to strengthen the coupling between them. Preferably, the bracket element 32 and the fastening element 31 are mounted externally to the tank 19 and to the filtering chamber 10.

Advantageously, the tank 19 comprises a housing 33 inside which the pumping system 17 is at least partially mounted. In this way, it is possible to make air treatment means 4 which are more compact and easy to be installed in the packaging chamber 3.

In particular, the housing 33 has a substantially complementary shape to the pumping means 22 so that the latter can be mounted on the housing 33 by shape coupling.

Preferably, the housing 33 is formed at the lower end of the tank 19.

As shown in Figure 4, the air treatment means 4 comprise a retaining assembly 34 of the treatment liquid 14 arranged at least partially along the recovery duct 26 and configured to allow the flow of the treatment liquid 14 from the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5 to the tank 19 and to prevent the treatment liquid 14 from flowing from the tank 19 to the fluid- operated treatment circuit 5.

In particular, the retaining assembly 34 makes it possible to prevent the treatment liquid 14 present in the tank 19 from entering the filtering chamber 10 or escaping from the inlet port 7, e.g. due to the movement or overturning of the air treatment means 4.

To this end, the retaining assembly 34 is at least partially positioned between the tank 19 and the filtering chamber 10, and/or at least partially positioned between the filtering chamber 10 and the inlet port 7.

Suitably, the retaining assembly 34 comprises at least one of: at least one retaining element 35 arranged protruding in the recovery duct 26, at least one retaining element 35 arranged downstream of the filtering chamber 10, at least one retaining element 35 arranged downstream of the filtering chamber 10 and coinciding with the deflecting element 27.

In particular, as can be seen in Figure 4, the retaining element 35 has at least one storage portion 35a of the treatment liquid 14 and defines at least one opening 35b for the passage of the treatment liquid 14. To this end, the retaining element 35 is arranged transversely to the inlet duct 12 and has at least one end detached from the recovery duct 26 to define the opening 35b and an end constrained to the recovery duct 26 to define the storage portion 35a.

Usefully, the retaining element 35 is arranged inclined towards the tank 19 so that the opening 35b is positioned between the bottom of the tank 19 and the storage portion 35a.

Such a conformation of the retaining element 35 allows the treatment liquid 14 to be directed towards the opening 35b, when the filtering chamber 10 is arranged superiorly to the tank 19, and towards the storage portion 35a when the filtering chamber 10 is arranged inferiorly to the tank 19.

Preferably, the retaining assembly 34 comprises a plurality of retaining elements 35 arranged alternately along the recovery duct 26.

In other words, the storage portion 35a of at least one retaining element 35 is arranged facing the opening 35b of at least another retaining element 35. This arrangement provides a labyrinth-like path for the treatment liquid 14 to prevent this from passing from the tank 19 to the filtering chamber 10.

In one or more embodiments, the deflecting element 27 is substantially similar to the retaining element 35. In this way, the deflecting element 27 may itself operate as a retaining element 35 to prevent the escape of the treatment liquid 14 from the inlet port 7 and to allow the tank 19 to be filled by introducing the treatment liquid 14 from the inlet port 7.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular the fact is emphasized that, by means of the packaging machine for products according to the present invention, it is possible to control and treat the air inside the packaging chamber in order to ensure a packaging of the product in optimal conditions. Additionally, the packaging machine for products is able to sanitize the packaging chamber by means of a very compact, space-saving and durable solution.