RU2839175C1 - Method of food products packaging and machine for said method implementation - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: packaging and storage.

SUBSTANCE: method includes stages of preparation at collection station (1) of multiple containers (C_A - C_D) for intake, wherein each container (C_A - C_D) for intake contains multiple products (A_1-4 - D_1-4), which are identical to each other, but different from products (A_1-4 - D_1-4) of other containers for intake; preparation of a plurality of containers (R_n) for dispensing, to be filled at dispensing station (2); preparation of a plurality of nodes (U_A - U_D) of intake and delivery, wherein each unit (U_A - U_D) of intake and dispensing is made with possibility to perform stage of intake of amount N_AD, where N>=2, products, respectively, from each container (CA - CD) for intake, so that each node (U_A - U_D) of intake and distribution takes products (A_1-4 - D_1-4), which are identical to each other, but different from products (A_1-4 - D_1-4), taken by other units of intake and distribution of said plurality of units (U_A - U_D) of intake and dispensing, then the following further steps are successively performed: first dispensing of a first amount M1_AD (where N > M1 >=1) of products (A_1-4 - D_1-4) into one corresponding container for dispensing with subsequent relative movement between plurality of nodes (U_A - U_D) of intake and discharge and plurality of containers for discharge (R_A - R_D), in order to perform second dispensing using each unit (U_A - U_D) of intake and dispensing and dispensing of second amount M2_AD, where N-M1 >= M2 >= 1, products of N-M1 products remaining from those that were taken into one corresponding container (R_A - R_D) dispensing so that each unit (U_A - U_D) of intake and dispensing performs first and second dispensing into different containers (R_A - R_D) dispensing to fill containers (R_A - R_D) dispensing various products (A_1-4 - D_1-4), and wherein first and second dispensing are carried out successively without nodes performing (U_A - U_D) of intake and discharge stage intake between first and second dispensing of products.

EFFECT: method and machine for packaging food products are provided that can make the formation of packages from groups of products with different flavors accurate, safe and productive.

15 cl, 9 dwg

Description

Field of technology

The present invention relates to a method for packaging food products.

The invention also relates to a food packaging machine for carrying out this method.

State of the art

The expression "food products" according to the present invention means soft and semi-hard products, such as cheeses.

These products are formed and packaged in individual portions (in a shape, typically, but without limiting the scope of the invention, with a triangular cross-section) using suitable forming machines.

Forming units usually form only one type of food product (that is, only one taste).

In order to produce a package with different products (flavors), it is necessary to first produce each type (flavor) of product for each production cycle, and then mix the products of different types (flavors) to obtain the desired package.

In practice, the final package must contain food products with different flavours inside (from a minimum of two different portions to at least eight different portions per package, depending on the market or production requirements and the type of final package, which can be polygonal or round).

After individual formation of food products, each group of products of one taste is placed in a suitable containing base, which is moved to a storage system designed with the possibility of receiving a group of containing bases, each of which contains products of one taste, subject to packaging.

In the subsequent step, the containing bases with a group of products of one taste in the storage system are fed along the feeding line and usually with a step-by-step movement in accordance with a given sequence: that is, each base containing a taste alternates with a base containing another taste.

Each containing base intersects at a point on the feed line with the first intake and dispensing device, designed with the possibility of collecting a group of individual products of the same flavor and subsequently dispensing the same products of the same flavor into an intermediate plate, similar in geometric parameters to the containing base, located on the conveyor belt along the feed line.

The intermediate plate, moving in the feed direction, intersects with the second intake and dispensing device, designed with the possibility of taking a group of food products of one taste and dispensing them from above to stations for separating groups of food products of one taste and for forming groups of food products with different tastes.

The dividing station comprises a pyramidal dividing device having a plurality of grooved channels (along its surfaces) designed to direct the respective individual food products with one flavour to a rotating carousel (around a vertical axis) provided with the respective moulding containers (again similar in geometric parameters to the containing base) designed to accommodate the individual food product in a given position inside the container.

This operational stage of dispensing food products on the pyramid separator is carried out for each group of products of the same taste before completing each molding container rotating on the carousel.

Each molding container, equipped with a group of food products of one taste, during its rotation intersects with a third device for collecting and dispensing, designed with the possibility of collecting a group of food products of one taste and dispensing it inside one of the pre-emptied containing bases, and then moves to the filling and closing station.

In fact, after the containing bases are cleared of a group of food products of the same flavor, they are fed outside the dividing and forming station and transferred to the filling and closing station.

The stage of filling the containing base is followed by the stage of closing the packaging with a suitable lid.

However, this method of forming packages and the corresponding machine have several disadvantages.

In particular, the step of separating individual products of the same taste obtained using a pyramidal separating device having a plurality of grooved channels, and the need to dispense an individual food product of the same taste from above may lead to a violation of the positioning of the individual product due to an uncontrolled fall in the groove.

This uncontrolled fall of the individual product, together with the fact that the product has a consistency that is, so to speak, “elastic” and therefore deformable, can cause accumulations with subsequent jams as it falls along the chute or lands on the forming container in the wrong position.

These jams or incorrect positioning of products cause frequent machine stops with subsequent operator intervention and, consequently, a subsequent reduction in the productivity of the production line.

Other types of forming packages with mixed products are known, such as those described in patent documents DE 202005019906 U1 (bottle packaging) and DE 202011050807 U1 (yoghurt packaging).

These documents describe installations that have two product feed lines, the first line with containers filled with products of one type (one flavor), and the second line with containers that are to be formed with products of different types (multiple flavors).

Between the two lines are robotic units with pick-up and placement heads. Each head is designed to pick up products of one flavor from the first line from a container and then unload them all together into a package with different flavors for forming and feeding along the second line.

In short, there is a group of intake and output heads (equal in number to the types of products of the same flavor present) which, as they move continuously, take a certain amount of products of the same flavor from the intake area and output it all into the package that is to be formed.

In practice, all collected products are issued at the same time.

Technical problem solved by the invention

The technical problem that the invention is aimed at solving is the creation of a method for packaging food products that will eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

In particular, the technical problem that the invention is aimed at solving is the creation of a machine for packaging food products in which the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art are eliminated.

Another technical problem solved by the invention is to provide a method and machine for packaging food products that can make the formation of packages from groups of products with different flavors extremely precise and safe, while maintaining adequate productivity.

Another technical problem solved by the invention is to provide a method and a machine for packaging food products that are capable of managing various combinations for packaging food product groups in packages without the need to modify production stages and stations of the machine.

The indicated problems are completely solved in the method and machine for packaging food product groups according to the invention, characterized in the attached claims.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred non-limiting embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Fig. 1 is a schematic top view of a food packaging machine implementing the packaging method according to the invention;

- Fig. 2 is a schematic side view in exploded view of a food packaging obtained by means of the method and machine according to the invention;

- Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of a dispensing container which is part of the machine of Fig. 1;

- Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a pick-up and drop-off station, part of the machine of Fig. 1, in a configuration for picking up food products;

- Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the pick-up and drop-off station of Fig. 4 in a food product dispensing configuration;

- Fig. 6a-6c are schematic top views illustrating a corresponding series of stages for filling containers for dispensing multi-flavour or mixed product packages in accordance with the method and machine according to the invention.

Implementation of the invention

With reference to the attached drawings, in particular Fig. 1 and Fig. 6a-6c, the method and machine according to the invention are intended for packaging food products with one flavor or with different flavors.

Preferably, the expression "food products" according to the invention means soft and semi-hard products, such as cheeses.

According to the following description, the packages are circular in shape and each portion of the food product has a triangular cross-section, which does not limit the scope of protection to these described embodiments.

In fact, the method and the machine can be used for polygonal packages of regular and irregular shape (with a square or triangular shape or with more than one side, such as, for example, octagonal) and with products having a geometric shape other than a triangular shape.

In addition, to simplify the description, four-packs of products will be mentioned, but product packages may range from a minimum of two to an increase, but without thereby limiting the scope of protection.

As illustrated (Fig. 1), the method for forming multi-flavour or mixed packaging of products, in particular food products, includes the step of preparing at the pick-up station 1 a plurality of containers C _A - C _D for pick-up.

Each of the collection containers C _A - C _D contains a plurality of products A _1-4 - D _1-4 that are identical to each other but different from the products of other collection containers that form part of the plurality of collection containers C _A - C _D.

The method of formation includes a stage in which a plurality of containers R _n for dispensing, subject to filling, are also prepared at the dispensing station 2.

In addition, the method of formation includes the stage of preparing a plurality of nodes U _A - U _D for collection and distribution.

Each unit U _A - U _D of pick-up and delivery is designed with the possibility of movement between the pick-up station 1, where it takes products A _1-4 - D _1-4 from the containers C _A - C _D for pick-up, and the delivery station 2, where the containers R _n for delivery are located.

The method of formation also includes the stage of collecting at the collection station 1, by means of each collection and delivery node U _A - U _D , the quantity N _AD , (with N >=2) of products respectively from each container C _A - C _D for collection.

In the illustrated example, all products (four in total) are taken from each collection container C _A - C _D.

It should be noted that the pick-up and drop-off node UA picks up products A _1-4 , which are identical to each other but different from products B _1-4 , C _{1-4 ,} and D _1-4 , which are picked up by other pick-up and drop-off nodes U _B , U _C , and U _D .

The method of formation includes a sequential stage of moving (preferably simultaneously) the units (U _A - U _D ) of collection and delivery in the direction of the delivery station 2, at which the following additional stages are sequentially performed.

Carrying out a first dispensing using each pick-up and delivery unit U _A - U _D for dispensing a first quantity M1 _AD of products A _1-4 - D _1-4 (with a quantity N of products exceeding M1 that is greater than or equal to 1), from a quantity of picked-up products N _AD , into one corresponding dispensing container, from a plurality of dispensing containers R _n .

Implementation of relative movement between a set of nodes U _A - U _D for pick-up and delivery and a set of containers R _n for delivery.

After the above-mentioned relative movement between the nodes and containers, performing a second issuance, during a time different from the first issuance, by each node U _A - U _D of pick-up and issuance for issuing a second quantity M2 _AD of products (with a quantity N of products of which products M1 have already been issued, and where M1 is greater than or equal to M2, which, in turn, is greater than or equal to 1), of products N-M1 remaining from those that have been picked up, into one corresponding container for issuing from a plurality of containers R _n for issuing.

This operation is carried out in such a way that each intake and delivery unit U _A - U _D performs a first and a second delivery into different delivery containers from a plurality of delivery containers R _n in order to fill the delivery containers R _n with different products A _1-4 - D _1-4 .

The first and second stages of issuance are carried out one after the other without each node U _D performing the collection and issuing of the subsequent collection of products A _1-4 - D _1-4 (from the collection containers).

In light of this, the first and second stages of product distribution take place while the R _n distribution containers remain stationary.

The stages of issuing nodes U _A - U _D of intake and issuance are performed by each node U _A - U _D at different times and in different containers R _n , respectively.

In addition, the stages of issuing the U _A - U _D intake and issuance units are repeated in a quantity equivalent to the quantity of products that were previously collected in one stage, and until each food product is completely issued for each U _A - U _D intake and issuance unit.

Thus, it should be noted that each pick-up and delivery unit picks up all the products present in the corresponding pick-up container, and then starts to unload additional products sequentially and one product at a time and at different times, into different pick-up containers, maintaining the pick-up position until the products are exhausted, and not returning to pick up additional products from the pick-up containers until all the picked-up products are exhausted.

Therefore, each node U _A - U _D of the pick-up and delivery remains in the same position during the first and second delivery, as well as subsequent deliveries, until all the picked-up products have been completely delivered.

It should be noted that the stage of the first issuance and/or the second issuance by each node U _A - U _D of collection and issuance is carried out simultaneously in each corresponding container R _n for issuance.

Preferably, the number of products A _1-4 - D _1-4 dispensed in the first dispensing is identical to the number of products A _1-4 - D _1-4 dispensed in the second dispensing, and is preferably equal to 1.

It should be noted that the step of relative movement between the plurality of pick-up and delivery units U _A - U _D and the plurality of delivery containers R _n consists of feeding the plurality of delivery containers R _n along the feed direction D and with intermittent movement, while the plurality of pick-up and delivery units U _A - U _D remain stationary at the delivery station 2.

A set of intake and output units U _A - U _D collect products A _1-4 - D _1-4 using a suction system 3 (which will be described in more detail below).

Preferably, at the end of filling the R _n dispensing containers, the products A _1-4 to D _1-4 present in each R _n dispensing container are taken away for placement in the corresponding packaging C _AD with subsequent connection to the lid 4.

In the illustrated example, packages C _AD correspond to containers C _A - C _D for collection and are designated by the same item number.

It should be noted that at the end of filling the R _n dispensing containers, the products A _1-4 - D _1-4 released into each R _n dispensing container are picked up and moved to the corresponding C _A - C _D collection container after being emptied by the U _A - U _D collection and dispensing unit.

In light of this, therefore, the mixed products present in each of the containers R _n for dispensing are taken and placed in the corresponding packaging C _AD , previously emptied at the above-mentioned stage of taking products with one taste by the taking and dispensing units.

It should be noted that each pick-up and drop-off node U _A - U _D picks up each set of products A _1-4 - D _1-4 simultaneously from pick-up containers C _A - C _D.

In this connection, each node U _A - U _D of the intake and delivery completely takes each set of products A _1-4 - D _1-4 from the containers C _A - C _D for intake (emptying them).

It should also be noted that all containers C _A - C _D for collection are located in collection station 1 in one row and on a common surface.

Fig. 1 shows a machine for carrying out the method described above for forming multi-flavour or mixed packaging of products, in particular food products.

The machine (designated as a whole by the reference number 100) comprises a pick-up station 1 containing a plurality of pick-up containers C _A - C _D (in this example, of a circular shape).

Each collection container C _A - C _D contains a plurality of products A _1-4 - D _1-4 that are identical to each other but different from products A _1-4 - D _1-4 of other collection containers of the plurality of collection containers C _A - C _D (in this non-limiting example, each container contains four food products of one flavor that are different from the food products of one flavor of other containers in this combination: C _A contains four products A _1-4 , C _B contains four products B _1-4 , C _C contains four products C _1-4 , _CD contains four products D _1-4 .

The collection station 1 contains a conveyor 8, on which, by means of a coordinated movement unit 9, containers C _A - C _D are arranged sequentially in a row.

The conveyor 8 (for example, an endless belt) contains a plurality of separating elements 9 located between each container C _A - C _D for collection. The conveyor 8 moves with a constant step, where each step corresponds to the feeding of the container in such a way that after each step it moves to the position in which the container preceding it was located before the feeding in the feeding direction D.

At each step there is a lifting unit 10, located below the conveyor 8 and designed with the possibility of raising and lowering vertically the receiving container C _A - C _D for collection above when it is stationary.

The lifting unit 10 is actuated when the pick-up container C _A - C _D is positioned at the pick-up station to facilitate the pick-up of products from the pick-up and delivery unit U _A - U _D (see Fig. 4 and as described in more detail below).

In practice, when the pick-up containers C _A - C _D arrive at the pick-up station 1, during the stop, the lifting units 10 lift the pick-up containers C _A - C _D from the conveyor 8, and each pick-up and delivery unit U _A - U _D takes all the products (Fig. 4) from the corresponding pick-up containers, the lifting units 10 then lower the empty pick-up containers C _A - C _D and return them to the conveyor 8.

Containers C _A - C _D of products of the same taste are fed to conveyor 8 from a suitable storage unit 21, located next to conveyor 8 upstream from collection station 1 and designed with the possibility of feeding to it synchronously with feeding to conveyor 8.

The machine 100 comprises a dispensing station 2 containing a plurality of dispensing containers R to be filled.

The dispensing station 2 preferably comprises a conveyor belt 11 (closed in a loop) arranged parallel to and next to the conveyor 8 of containers C _A - C _D for collection.

In the illustrated example, the conveyor belt 11 advances with a constant step-by-step motion identical to the motion of the conveyor 8, and with a motion that alternates with the motion of the conveyor 8 (intermittent motion).

In other words, when the conveyor 8 of containers C _A - C _D for picking up is stationary, the conveyor belt 11 feeds containers R _n for dispensing by one step and vice versa, that is, when the conveyor 8 of containers C _A - C _D for picking up moves forward by one step, the conveyor belt 11 is stationary.

Connected to the conveyor belt 11 are containers R _n for dispensing, which in geometric parameters are similar to containers C _A - C _D for dispensing and are preferably equipped with dividing walls 12 for forming zones for receiving food products released by the collection units (Fig. 3).

The number of walls 12 and their location depend on the number of products and their geometric shape processed on the machine.

As an example, Fig. 3 shows a round-shaped dispensing container with four walls 12 for forming four nests for food products.

Machine 100 also comprises a plurality of pick-up and delivery units U _A - U _D , which in the illustrated case is equal to the number of products that must be inserted into each container R _n for delivery, in our example it is equal to four.

Each unit U _A - U _D of pick-up and delivery is designed with the possibility of movement between the pick-up station 1, where it takes products A _1-4 - D _1-4 from the containers C _A - C _D for pick-up, and the delivery station 2, where the containers R _n for delivery are located.

Each pick-up and delivery unit U _A - U _D is configured to pick up from the pick-up station 1 a series of N _AD products A _1-4 - D _1-4 , respectively, from each pick-up container C _A - C _D (Fig. 4), in such a way that each pick-up and delivery unit U _A - U _D picks up products A _1-4 - D _1-4 , which are identical to each other, but differ from products A _1-4 - D _1-4 , picked up by other pick-up and delivery units included in the set of pick-up and delivery units U _A - U _D.

Machine 100 also comprises a drive system 5 for driving the intake and delivery units U _A - U _D from and to the delivery station 2.

Drive system 5 is programmed to perform the following sequential steps in sequence.

Carrying out a first dispensing using each node U _A - U _D of pick-up and dispensing for dispensing a first quantity M1 _AD of products A _1-4 - D _1-4 (with a quantity N of products exceeding M1 that is greater than or equal to 1), from a quantity of products N _AD taken in one corresponding dispensing container from a plurality of containers R _n for dispensing.

Carrying out a relative movement between a plurality of pick-up and delivery nodes U _A - U _D and a plurality of delivery containers R _n , and then performing a second delivery in a time different from the first delivery, by each pick-up and delivery node U _A - U _D to deliver a second quantity M2 _AD of products (with a quantity N of products from which products M1 have already been delivered, and where M1 is greater than or equal to M2, which, in turn, is greater than or equal to 1), N-M1 products remaining from those that have been delivered, into one corresponding delivery container from the plurality of delivery containers R _n .

This operation is carried out in such a way that each intake and delivery unit U _A - U _D performs the first and second dispensing at different times and into different dispensing containers R _n in order to fill the dispensing containers R _n with different products A _1-4 - D _1-4 .

The first and second stages of issuance are carried out sequentially without performing the collection by the U _A - U _D collection units and issuing further collection of products A _1-4 - D _1-4 (from the collection containers).

In the case shown in the attached drawings, four individual product deliveries A _1-4 - D _1-4 are programmed sequentially into containers R _n for delivery without further pick-ups performed by pick-up and delivery units U _A - U _D.

Preferably, the plurality of containers R _n for dispensing are designed with the possibility of linear feeding along the feeding direction D with a step-by-step movement in such a way as to always be in a stationary position when they receive products A _1-4 - D _1-4 from the intake and dispensing units UU _D.

In other words, the conveyor 11 moves stepwise and synchronously with the intake and delivery units U _A - U _D in such a way as to always move the container R _n for delivery under each of the intake and delivery units U _A - U _D.

As illustrated, each intake and discharge unit U _A - U _D comprises an intake and discharge head 13 having a plurality of suction elements 14 connected to the above-mentioned suction system 3.

The number of suction elements 14 is equal to the number of products A _1-4 - D _1-4 present in each container C _A - C _D for collection, and in this case there are four of them.

The intake and delivery head 13 is connected to the linear drive 15, which determines the drive system 5 of each intake and delivery unit U _A - U _D.

This linear drive 15 allows each head 13 to move along a horizontal plane above the corresponding container C _A - C _D for collection, which, thanks to the lifting unit 10, moves towards the head 13 which takes in the products A _1-4 - D _1-4 and allows collection using the suction elements 14 (see Fig. 4).

Preferably, the linear drive 15 moves each intake head 13 along a direction transverse to the feed direction D.

More preferably, the linear drive 15 moves each intake head 13 along a direction perpendicular to the feed direction D.

It should be noted that the 5 movement system forces the U _A - U _D intake and delivery units to perform movements only in the horizontal plane, that is, without other movements in space outside the horizontal plane.

This design of the movement system 5 for the pick-up and delivery heads 13 results in the release of the products A _1-4 - D _1-4 by falling from above towards the delivery containers R _n (with a reduced delivery height). After pick-up, the drive 15 carries the head 13 with the products A _1-4 - D _1-4 , picked up at the delivery station 2 (see Fig. 5).

The U _A - U _D intake and delivery units are controlled by control unit 16, programmed to coordinate the steps of movement, intake and delivery of the U _A - U _D units.

The head 14 for collecting and dispensing is also provided with a device 17 for moving around the vertical axis Z of the head 14 for adjusting the reciprocating position of each suction element 14 after collecting the corresponding food product.

The moving device 17 moves the products taken from the containers C _A - C _D for collection away from each other before releasing them into the containers R _n for dispensing. This moving of the products away from each other ensures a safer fall during dispensing, i.e. without any contact with the product(s) already dispensed.

It should also be noted that the step of picking up products of the same flavor always occurs in the same picking position and with the picking and dispensing node A - U _D , which therefore picks up products of the same flavor for each picking cycle, completely emptying the picking container. For example, the node U _A always picks up products A _1-4 of the same flavor in the same position, at the end of the picking, the same position will be occupied by a new container C _A , to make products of type A _1-4 available to the same node U _A and so on for the remaining picking and dispensing containers C _BD and the remaining picking and dispensing nodes U _BC .

Machine 100 comprises a system 20 (for example, of an optical type) for checking the correct presence of products of different flavours located downstream from the intake and dispensing units relative to the feed direction D and above the conveyor 11.

Machine 100 comprises an additional independent unit 6 for picking up and dispensing, designed to pick up products A _1-4 - D _1-4 present in each container R _n for picking up, and to place them in the corresponding packaging C _AD .

The node 6 is located downstream of the control system 20 in such a way as to be activated only when the correct filling signal is present.

The independent unit 6 for picking up and dispensing contains a working head which is capable of simultaneously picking up all the formed products of different tastes and placing them in a given order inside the package C _AD , which, preferably, is an original container for picking up, which, emptied by the units U _A - U _D for picking up and dispensing, continues its path on the conveyor 8 until reaching the final position for filling with food products of different tastes.

As it moves forward, the empty container/package C _AD is controlled by two control units 18 and 19, which are designed to detect its correct presence and position, as well as the absence of products inside it.

Machine 100 also comprises a closing device 7 intended for subsequent connection of lid 4 to packaging _CD filled with products of different flavours.

Preferably, the closing device 7 is designed with the possibility of taking the lids 4 from the storage unit 22 and placing them above the packaging C _AD .

To illustrate the logic of the intake and output nodes U _A - U _D , an example is shown in Fig. 6a-6d.

In the illustrated case, a filling cycle (i.e., starting an empty machine) begins in which the four pick-up and delivery units have already picked up the corresponding products from the four pick-up containers in the pick-up area, while four empty pick-up containers have arrived at the pick-up station below the corresponding pick-up and delivery units.

In this case:

- U _A took products A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₃ and A ₄ ;

- U _B took products B ₁ , B ₂ , B ₃ and B ₄ ;

- U _C took away products C ₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ and C ₄ ;

- U _D took products D ₁ , D ₂ , D ₃ and D ₄ .

Fig. 6a shows the first simultaneous delivery of the first product of each flavor from A ₁ , B ₁ , C ₁ and D ₁ , respectively, to R _{1 ,} R ₂ , R ₃ and R ₄ .

It should be noted that the positioning of each product is in the same angular position as the containers, that is, in 1R ₁ , 1R ₂ , 1R ₃ and 1R ₄ , and in such a way as to determine:

- R ₁ with D _1,

- R ₂ with C ₁ ,

- R ₃ with B ₁ ,

- R ₄ with A ₁ .

At this point, the dispensing containers R _1-4 advance one step along the feed direction D in such a way as to move container R ₁ to the most advanced position outside the dispensing station (and therefore rejected since it has one product), and a new empty container R ₅ takes the place of the last container R ₄ in the row of containers filled with the first product, which advances one step (see Fig. 6b) together with the remaining dispensing containers.

Then, as shown again in Fig. 6b, a second simultaneous dispensing of the second product of each flavor A ₂ , B ₂ , C ₂ and D ₂ occurs with dispensing at an angular position for each dispensing container different from the previous position, that is, at 2R ₂ , 2R ₃ , 2R ₄ and 2R ₅ , to determine:

- R ₂ with C ₁ +D ₂ ,

- R ₃ with B ₁ +C ₂ ,

- R ₄ with A ₁ +B ₂ ,

- R ₅ with A ₂ .

At this point, the containers R _2-5 for dispensing are further advanced by one step along the feed direction D in such a way as to move the container R ₂ to the most advanced position outside the dispensing work area (and therefore rejected, since it has only two products), and a new empty container R ₆ takes the place of the last container R ₅ in the row of containers filled with the second product, which is advanced by one step (see Fig. 6c).

Then, as shown in Fig. 6c, a third simultaneous dispensing of the third product of each flavor A ₃ , B ₃ , C ₃ and D ₃ occurs with dispensing at an angular position for each container different from the two previous angular positions, that is, at 3R ₃ , 3R ₄ , 3R ₅ and 3R ₆ , and in such a way as to determine:

- R ₃ with B ₁ +C ₂ +D _3,

- R ₄ with A ₁ +B ₂ +C ₃ ,

- R ₅ with A ₂ +B ₃ ,

- R ₆ with A ₃ .

A further advance of one step along the feed direction D moves container R ₃ to the most advanced position outside the dispensing work area (and therefore rejected since it only has three products), and a new empty container R ₇ takes the place of the last container R ₆ in the row of containers filled with the third product, which advances one step (see Fig. 6d).

Then, as shown in Fig. 6d, a fourth simultaneous dispensing of the fourth product of each flavor A ₄ , B ₄ , C ₄ and D ₄ occurs with dispensing at an angular position for each container different from the three previous angular positions, that is, at 4R ₄ , 4R ₅ , 4R ₆ and 4R ₇ , and in such a way as to determine:

- R ₄ with A ₁ +B ₂ +C ₃ +D ₄ ,

- R ₅ with A ₂ +B ₃ +C ₄ ,

- R ₆ with A ₃ +B ₄ ,

- R ₇ with A ₄ .

At this point the dispensing cycle is complete and the full R ₄ container can be fed to additional processing stations.

At this point, a new empty container R ₈ (not shown) takes the place of the last container R ₇ in the row of containers filled with the fourth product, which advances one step.

At this point, successive filling stages ensure that the pick-up containers are constantly and completely filled. In essence, the four pick-up and pick-up units pick up products from the four pick-up containers in the pick-up area and restart the pick-up of the first product A _1, B ₁ , C ₁ and D ₁ so as to have:

- R ₅ with A ₂ +B ₃ +C ₄ +D ₁ ,

- R ₆ with A ₃ +B ₄ +C ₁ ,

- R ₇ with A ₄ +B _1.

- R ₈ with A ₁ .

Starting from container R ₄ onwards (following the operations described above), the filling stages ensure that the dispensing containers, which are moving towards dispensing station 2, are completely and continuously filled.

Claims (31)

1. A method for forming multi-flavour or mixed packaging of products, in particular food products, comprising the following steps: - preparation at the pick-up station (1) of a plurality of pick-up containers (C _A - C _D ), wherein each pick-up container (C _A - C _D ) contains a plurality of products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) that are identical to each other but different from the products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) of other pick-up containers that form part of the plurality of pick-up containers (C _A - C _D ); - preparation of a plurality of containers (R _n ) for issuance, to be filled at the issuance station (2); - preparation of a plurality of units (U _A - U _D ) for picking up and delivering, wherein each unit (U _A - U _D ) for picking up and delivering is designed with the possibility of moving between a picking station (1), where it takes products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) from containers (C _A - C _D ) for picking up, and a delivering station (2), where containers (R _n ) for delivering are located; - picking up at the said picking station (1), using each picking and dispensing node (U _A - U _D ), a quantity (N _AD ), where N >= 2, of products from each picking container (C _A - C _D ), respectively, in such a way that each picking and dispensing node (U _A - U _D ) picks up products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) that are identical to each other but different from the products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) picked up by other picking and dispensing nodes of the said plurality of picking and dispensing nodes (U _A - U _D ), then - movement of the intake and delivery units (U _A - U _D ) to the delivery station (2), where the following further stages are carried out sequentially: i) performing a first dispensing of products using each node (U _A - U _D ) of the collection and dispensing for dispensing a first quantity M1 _AD (where N > M1 >=1) of products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ), from products N _AD collected at the collection station (1), into one corresponding container (R _n ) for dispensing from the specified plurality of containers (R _n ) for dispensing, ii) performing a relative movement between the set of nodes (U _A - U _D ) for picking up and delivering and the set of containers (R _n ) for delivering, and then iii) performing a second dispensing of products at a time different from the first dispensing, by means of each node (U _A - U _D ) of the pick-up and delivery for dispensing a second quantity M2 _AD, where N-M1 >=M2 >=1, of products from the N-M1 already picked-up products into the corresponding container for dispensing from the specified set of containers (R _n ) for dispensing, in such a way that each pick-up and delivery unit (U _A - U _D ) performs a first and second delivery of products into different delivery containers of said plurality of delivery containers (R _n ) in order to fill the delivery containers (R _n ) with products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) taken from different pick-up containers (C _A - C _D ), without the pick-up and delivery units (U _A - U _D ) performing any pick-up step between the first and second delivery of products. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein each unit (U _A - U _D ) of intake and delivery remains in the same position when the first and second delivery are performed at different times and into different containers, respectively. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in which said first dispensing and/or said second dispensing of products by each unit (U _A - U _D ) of collection and dispensing is carried out simultaneously into each corresponding container (R _n ) for dispensing. 4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) dispensed in the first product dispensing is identical to the number of products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) dispensed in the second product dispensing, and is preferably equal to one. 5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of relative movement between a plurality of pick-up and delivery units (U _A - U _D ) and a plurality of containers (R _n ) for dispensing consists of feeding a plurality of containers (R _n ) for dispensing along a feeding direction with intermittent movement, while the plurality of pick-up and delivery units (U _A - U _D ) remains stationary. 6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of intake and output units (U _A - U _D ) take in products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) using a suction system (3). 7. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at the end of filling the containers (R _n ) for dispensing, the products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) dispensed into each container (R _n ) for dispensing are taken and transferred into the corresponding packaging (C _AD ) with subsequent connection to the lid (4). 8. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at the end of filling the containers (R _n ) for dispensing, the products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) dispensed into each container (R _n ) for dispensing are collected and moved to a corresponding container (C _A - C _D ) for collection after it has been emptied by the collection and dispensing unit (U _A - U _D ). 9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each pick-up and drop-off unit (U _A - U _D ) picks up each plurality of products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) simultaneously from the pick-up containers (C _A - C _D ). 10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each pick-up and drop-off unit (U _A - U _D ) completely picks up each plurality of products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) from the pick-up containers (C _A - C _D ). 11. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second stages of dispensing products occur while the containers (R _n ) for dispensing remain stationary. 12. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein all containers (C _A - C _D ) for collection are placed at the collection station (1) in one row and on a common surface. 13. A machine for forming multi-flavour or mixed packaging of products, in particular food products, comprising: - a pick-up station (1) through which a plurality of pick-up containers (C _A - C _D ) pass, wherein each pick-up container (C _A - C _D ) contains a plurality of products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) that are identical to each other but different from the products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) of other pick-up containers from said plurality of pick-up containers (C _A - C _D ); - a dispensing station (2) through which a plurality of containers (R) for dispensing to be filled pass; - a plurality of pick-up and delivery units (U _A - U _D ), wherein each pick-up and delivery unit (U _A - U _D ) is configured to move between a pick-up station (1), where it picks up products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) from pick-up containers (C _A - C _D ), and a delivery station (2), where the drop-off containers (R _n ) are located, wherein each pick-up and delivery unit (U _A - U _D ) is configured to pick up from the pick-up station (1) a quantity N _AD , where N >= 2, of products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ), respectively, from each pick-up container (C _A - C _D ), such that each pick-up and delivery unit (U _A - U _D ) picks up products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) that are identical to each other but different from the products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) picked up and dropped off by said plurality nodes (U _A - U _D ) of intake and delivery; - a drive system (5) for driving the intake and delivery units (U _A - U _D ) from and to the delivery station (2), wherein said drive system (5) is programmed to sequentially perform the following successive steps: i) performing a first dispensing using each node (U _A - U _D ) of the pick-up and delivery for dispensing a first quantity M1 _AD , where N > M1 >=1, of products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ), from N _AD of picked-up products, into one corresponding container for dispensing from the specified plurality of containers (R _n ) for dispensing, ii) performing a relative movement between the set of nodes (U _A - U _D ) for picking up and delivering and the set of containers (R _n ) for delivering, and then iii) performing a second dispensing at a time different from the first dispensing, using each pick-up and dispensing unit (U _A - U _D ) to dispense a second quantity M2 _AD , where N-M1 >= M2 >=1, of products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ), from the N-M1 products remaining from those that have been picked up, into one corresponding dispensing container from said plurality of dispensing containers (R _n ), such that each pick-up and dispensing unit (U _A - U _D ) performs a first and second dispensing into different dispensing containers from said plurality of dispensing containers (R _n ) in such a way as to fill the dispensing containers (R _n ) with different products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ), wherein the first and second dispensing are performed sequentially, without the pick-up and dispensing units (U _A - U _D ) performing an additional pick-up of products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ). 14. The machine according to claim 13, in which a plurality of containers (R _n ) for dispensing are driven for their linear feeding along the step-by-step feeding direction (D), stopping when a plurality of intake and dispensing units (U _A - U _D ) dispense products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ). 15. The machine according to item 13 or 14, comprising an additional independent unit (6) for collecting and dispensing, designed with the possibility of collecting products (A _1-4 - D _1-4 ) from each container (R _n ) for dispensing and placing them in the corresponding packaging (C _AD ), wherein a closing device (7) is provided for subsequent connection of the packaging (C _AD ) with the lid (4).