Device for packaging product, in particular food-type product

Abstract

A device (1) for packaging a product, in particular a food-type product, comprising: a container (2) made of a material that is flexible and substantially impermeable to gas and water vapour, which forms in its interior a compartment (3) for containing the product and is provided with at least one passage opening (4; at least one functional port (5) which can be closed in a gas-tight manner and is associated with the container (2) and is in fluid communication with the containing compartment (3); at least one monitoring port (7) associated with the container (3) and in fluid communication with the containment compartment (3), the monitoring port (7) being adapted to allow passage of fluid at least from the interior towards the exterior of the compartment; and an assembly (8) for detecting at least one chemical physical parameter of the environment within the containment compartment.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for packaging products, in particular food type products.

[0002] With particular but not exclusive reference to the agricultural sector, packaging devices are known that allow products such as cereals, seeds and grains to be preserved, stored and able to be transported in an inert environment, protecting them from deterioration caused by parasites, proliferation of molds and bacteria and oxidation processes.

[0003] As is known, the preservation of agri-food products aims at preserving their properties (e.g., edibility and nutritional value) over time, avoiding the proliferation of bacteria, fungi, molds and other microorganisms that tend to produce waste products toxic to humans and limiting oxidation processes.

[0004] In some cases, these devices consist of a hermetically sealed container within which the product may be maintained under vacuum conditions (ie, at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure).

[0005] A solution of this type is known, for example, from EP 3 472 067 B1, which describes a vacuum storage and transport device comprising a gastight container provided with a filling port which is hermetically sealed after the introduction of the product, and a non-return valve which only allows the passage of gas from the interior of the container to the outside. In addition, the device comprises a transport bag provided with a treatment tank, into which the filled and sealed container is inserted.

[0006] After the product has been inserted into the container and its filling port has been sealed, air is extracted from the interior of said container through a non-return valve by means of an extraction unit, so that the product remains in an inert environment under vacuum.

[0007] This anaerobic preservation technology is based on the principle that the respiration of the microbial flora present within the container rapidly consumes the residual oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, which fills the interstitial spaces between the products, inhibiting product degradation.

[0008] Such a device may be equipped with sensors to detect or measure information about the environment present inside the container, such as, for example, sensors for humidity, temperature or carbon dioxide concentration.

[0009] However, devices of this known type are not without disadvantages, including the fact that the time required to deplete the residual oxygen in the container cannot be predicted in advance and that there is therefore still a risk that product degradation processes may be triggered during this period, and the fact that even after the death of the parasite that produced the eggs, any parasite eggs may hatch, thereby triggering further product corrosion.

[0010] In order to eliminate these drawbacks, known preservation systems consist of introducing the product into a hermetically sealed container made of a material with reduced permeability to gases and water vapor, from which the residual air is extracted and an inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide is introduced into the container. The amount of inert gas introduced is usually controlled by measuring its weight or dispensing time, which depends on the size of the container, the type of product placed therein and the expected storage time. Such systems are usually used to monitor the chemical and physical parameters of the environment inside the container during storage.

[0011] For example, electronic devices are known for measuring these parameters, which are equipped with a needle probe that must be introduced through the wall of the container to perform the necessary checks. Therefore, a designated operator must regularly perform these measurements on all the units stored, then taking care to seal the probe insertion hole to restore the seal of the container.

[0012] This mode of operation requires a lot of labor to perform the inspection, in addition to the risk of compromising the container seal and therefore the preservation state of the product within the container.

[0013] Likewise, US2008 / 0202213A1 describes an alternative solution in which a hermetically sealed container is used, which is provided with a one-way sampling valve in order to perform periodic sampling of the gas mixture inside the container by means of a hand pump and to measure the relative oxygen concentration by means of a suitable sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the container is associated with an electronic device for measuring and recording data related to oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, temperature and humidity of the internal air, which is housed inside the container and can transmit these data to an external receiver via a connection cable or via a remote connection device.

[0014] In the first case, extracting the air through the sampling valve requires manual intervention by a designated operator. In the second case, the electronics need to be housed inside the container to perform the required measurements, which does not allow verification of its proper operation and complicates the operations to be performed if replacement or maintenance work is required.

[0015] The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the background art cited above by providing a device for packaging products, in particular products of the food type, which makes it possible to automate the checks necessary to ensure the quality of the products, reducing if not eliminating the use of labour.

[0016] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to allow optimal pest control of parasites that could damage the quality of the packaged product, avoiding the formation of waste products and the consequent economic damage.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to allow timely and effective monitoring of the state of preservation of the product, as well as monitoring of the proper functioning of the electronic devices used, in order to facilitate their maintenance or, if necessary, their replacement.

[0018] A further object of the invention is to have a simple constructional form and to have a reduced number of components.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to enable the reuse of electronic components in different containers in order to control the purchase cost for the user.

[0020] It is by no means the least object of the invention to have a structure which is simple, relatively easy to provide in practice, safe in use, effective in operation and of relatively low cost.

[0021] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by the device of the invention for packaging products, in particular products of the food type, according to claim 1 and optionally provided with one or more of the features set out in the dependent claims.

[0022] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a device for packaging products, in particular products of the food type, illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for packaging products, in particular food type products; Figures 2 to 6 is used Figure 1 A perspective view of the sequential operation steps of the product packaging method of the device; Figure 7 yes Figure 1 a view of a portion of the device on an enlarged scale; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged stereoscopic view of a detection component; Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view of Fig.10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Fig.11 In the step of applying the detection component to the monitoring port Fig.10 an enlarged view of a portion of the device; Fig.12 and Fig.13 They are Fig.10 a perspective view of a detection assembly of the device during the step of being applied to a monitoring port and applied to said port; Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A partial cross-sectional view of Fig.15 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Fig.16 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the present invention; Fig.17 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0023] With particular reference to the accompanying drawings, an apparatus for packaging products, in particular products of the food type, is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1 .

[0024] The apparatus 1 may be used, for example, to package bulk and non-bulk products, such as cereals, grains, etc., for preservation and / or transportation purposes.

[0025] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the product P is shown by way of example as bulk cereals, but the possibility of using the device 1 for other purposes, even outside the food sector, is not excluded.

[0026] The device 1 comprises a container 2 made of a flexible material substantially impermeable to gases and water vapour (humidity), forming inside it a compartment 3 for containing the product and provided with at least one passage opening 4 for introducing the product into and / or removing it from said compartment.

[0027] The term "substantially" should be understood to mean "within typical manufacturing tolerances".

[0028] The container 2 is made of a material that can obtain a bidirectional barrier effect on the passage of gas and water vapor (humidity). In more detail, the material preferably has a thickness of at most 6 cm 3 / m 2 / 24h oxygen transmission rate (OTR, oxygen transmission rate) and at most equal to 20 g / m 2 / 24h water vapor transmission rate (WVTR, water vapor transmission rate).

[0029] The container 2 can be made of a multilayer material obtained, for example, by co-extrusion of different plastic material layers (polyamide PA, ethylene vinyl alcohol EVOH, polyethylene PE), or of a thin plastic material coated with a sealing material or having an adhesive layer of aluminum with polypropylene PP or polyethylene PE or polyamide PA or other thermoplastic material.

[0030] The shape and size of the container 2 may vary depending on the intended use of the device 1 .

[0031] In use, at least one passage opening 4 has to be sealed airtight and may be provided with a matching pressure-type or hinge-type airtight closing element.

[0032] In one possible embodiment, the container 2 is provided with a single passage opening 4 ( Figures 15 to 17 ).

[0033] Alternatively, the container 2 may be provided with two passage openings 4a and 4b, the first opening 4a being used to introduce the product into the receiving compartment 3 and the second opening 4b being used to discharge the product from the receiving compartment 3 ( Figures 1 to 14 ). Typically, the first opening 4a is arranged in the upper part of the container 2 (with reference to the positioning in the case of use), and the second opening 4b is arranged in the lower part of said container.

[0034] The shape, size and positioning of the passage openings 4 or 4a and 4b may vary depending on the intended use of the device 1 .

[0035] The device 1 further comprises at least one functional port 5 associated with the container 2, the functional port 5 being in fluid communication with the containing compartment 3. The functional port 5 can be closed airtightly when not in use.

[0036] The at least one functional port 5 is preferably formed by a through hole provided directly in the wall of the container 2 , but alternative embodiments are not excluded.

[0037] The device 1 may have a first valve device associated with at least one functional port 5, which first valve device is normally in a closed configuration and allows fluid to pass in at least one direction when actuated into an open configuration. Such first valve devices are not shown in detail because they are of conventional type.

[0038] The first valve device in the open configuration may be adapted to allow a bidirectional flow of fluid from the interior to the outside of the containing compartment 3 and from the outside to the interior of the containing compartment 3 .

[0039] Furthermore, a removable closure 6 may be provided to close and protect the functional port 5 when not in use. If no first valve device is provided, the closure 6 must hermetically close the functional port 5 when not in use.

[0040] The device 1 preferably comprises a single functional port 5 , but it is not excluded that two functional ports 5 may be provided.

[0041] In the latter case, the first valve device possibly associated with each functional port 5 may allow bidirectional or unidirectional flow (one direction towards the inside of the containing compartment 3 and one direction towards the outside of the containing compartment 3 ) when in the open configuration.

[0042] The device 1 also comprises at least one monitoring port 7 associated with the container 2 and in fluid communication with the containing compartment 3, suitable for allowing the passage of a fluid at least from the interior towards the exterior of said compartment.

[0043] The at least one monitoring port 7 is preferably formed by a through hole provided directly in the wall of the container 2 , but alternative embodiments are not excluded.

[0044] The device 1 provides a detection component 8 for detecting at least one chemical-physical parameter of the environment in the containing compartment 3 .

[0045] In more detail, the detection assembly 8 comprises a measuring chamber 9 in fluid communication with the containing compartment 3 via the monitoring port 7 and at least one sensor 10 for measuring at least one parameter associated with the function of the measuring chamber 9 .

[0046] Preferably, the detection assembly 8 is arranged outside the containing compartment 3 .

[0047] Even more preferably, the detection assembly 8 is at least partially arranged outside the container 2 .

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the detection assembly 8 is arranged completely outside the container 2 .

[0049] The measuring chamber 9 of the detection assembly 8 is arranged in fluid communication with the interior of the containing compartment 3 via the monitoring port 7. In this way, the environment present inside the containing compartment 3 is identical to the environment present in the measuring chamber 9 where the measurement is performed.

[0050] Preferably, at least one sensor 10 faces directly into the interior of the measuring chamber 9 in order to test the environment present in the chamber and coming from the containing compartment 3 .

[0051] The at least one sensor 10 may be selected from the group consisting of a sensor for measuring a noble gas concentration, a sensor for measuring an oxygen concentration, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0052] The noble gas concentration measurement sensor may preferably be a carbon dioxide concentration measurement sensor. The carbon dioxide concentration measurement sensor is capable of detecting any concentration level (0 to 100%).

[0053] Furthermore, the pressure sensor can be an absolute pressure measuring sensor or a relative pressure measuring sensor.

[0054] The detection assembly 8 may comprise two or more sensors 10, preferably sensors selected from the group listed above.

[0055] Furthermore, the detection assembly 8 comprises an electronic unit for collecting and processing data, which is functionally associated with at least one sensor 10 and is of the type of a conventional programmed or programmable electronic board (not shown in the figure). The electronic data collection and processing unit receives as input the values ​​detected by at least one sensor 10.

[0056] The detection assembly 8 also comprises conventional remote data transmission means functionally associated with said data collection and processing unit, which operate according to known data transmission techniques and are not shown.

[0057] Such a detection assembly 8 can be associated in a permanent manner in a gas-tight manner with the monitoring port 7 .

[0058] In this case, the outer body of the detection assembly 8 may have a flange 11 or the like, which is heat-sealed or bonded to the outer wall of the container 2 near the monitoring port 7 .

[0059] The monitoring port 7 may be provided by a free opening allowing a bidirectional fluid communication between the interior of the containing compartment 3 and the measuring chamber 9 .

[0060] In addition, the detection assembly 8 can be temporarily and airtightly associated with the monitoring port 7. In this way, a single detection assembly 8 can be alternately applied to multiple containers 2 and / or can be reused in the case of damage and replacement of the container 2 during use. This special arrangement makes it possible to reduce the investment required to adopt the present invention in use.

[0061] Preferably, the connecting device 12 is inserted between the monitoring port 7 and the detection component 8, and comprises a first element 12a associated with the detection component 8 and a second element 12b associated with the monitoring port 7, the first element 12a and the second element 12b being connectable / disconnectable to each other, for example, by means of a quick connection (snap, bayonet, etc.) or a threaded connection, which elements are not shown in detail because they are of a known type.

[0062] A connecting channel 16 between the monitoring port 7 and the measuring chamber 9 passes through the connecting device 12 .

[0063] The monitoring port 7 may be provided by a free opening allowing a bidirectional fluid communication between the interior of the containing compartment 3 and the measuring chamber 9. As an alternative, a second valve device associated with the monitoring port 7 may be provided, which is normally in a closed configuration and is adapted to allow at least the passage of fluid from the interior of the containing compartment 3 towards the measuring chamber 9 when actuated into an open configuration. Said second valve devices are not shown in detail, since they are of conventional type.

[0064] If a connection device 12 and a second valve device are provided, the latter, ie the second valve device, is actuated into the open configuration by coupling the first element 12a with the second element 12b, separation of the first element 12a activating the second valve device to return to the closed configuration.

[0065] Furthermore, a removable closure 15 may be provided to close and protect the monitoring port 7 when it is not coupled to the detection assembly 8. If no second valve device is provided, the closure 15 must hermetically close the monitoring port 7 when not in use.

[0066] Furthermore, the device 1 may have at least one product containing element 13 ( Fig.17 ). The containment element 13 must be made of a material that is substantially permeable to gases and water vapor (humidity), so that the environment inside said element penetrates inside the containment compartment 3. Furthermore, since the containment element 13 is in direct contact with the product, if necessary, the containment element 13 must be made of a material with appropriate hygiene and compatibility requirements.

[0067] A plurality of product units can be placed in the containing compartment 3 , each product unit being enclosed in a respective containing element 13 .

[0068] Finally, the device 1 may provide a protection and / or transport element 14 inside which the container 2 is placed ( Figure 6 ). The element 14 may be provided with gripping elements, not shown, to facilitate transport of the device 1 .

[0069] Figures 1 to 9 A first embodiment of a device 1 is shown, wherein the container 2 is provided with a first opening 4a for product insertion and a second opening 4b for product withdrawal, the device 1 having a functional port 5 associated with a removable closure 6 , and a monitoring port 7 permanently associated with a detection assembly 8 .

[0070] The container 2 has a central tubular portion 2a which forms the side walls of the containing compartment 3 and is connected on the opposite sides to a corresponding funnel-shaped portion 2b which forms openings 4a and 4b at its ends which, once sealed in use, constitute the bottom and top of the compartment.

[0071] It should be noted that when the openings 4a and 4b are sealed, the functional port 5 is hermetically closed, and the monitoring port 7 is hermetically associated with the detection assembly 8, and the accommodating compartment 3 inside the container is substantially isolated from the external environment.

[0072] This embodiment of the device 1 is particularly designed for packaging bulk products arranged inside the containing compartment 3 in direct contact with the inner wall of the container 2 .

[0073] Furthermore, an outer element 14 for accommodating the container 2 may be provided.

[0074] Figures 10 to 14 A second embodiment of a device 1 is shown, comprising a container 2 of the above-described type, provided with a first opening 4a for product insertion and a second opening 4b for product withdrawal, the device 1 having a functional port 5 associated with a removable closure 6, and a monitoring port 7 temporarily associated with a detection assembly 8.

[0075] The connection device 12 is arranged between the monitoring port 7 and the detection component 8 .

[0076] In this case, too, an outer element 14 can be provided for receiving the container 2 .

[0077] Fig.15 A third embodiment of the device 1 is shown, in which the container 2 has a substantially tubular shape with a uniform cross section along its longitudinal extension, with a closed bottom 2c and the opposite end open to form a single passage opening 4. Furthermore, there is a functional port 5 associated with a removable closure 6, and a monitoring port 7 which can be temporarily and sealingly associated with a detection assembly 8 by means of a connection device 12.

[0078] This embodiment of the device 1 is particularly designed for packaging bulk products arranged inside the containing compartment 3 in direct contact with the inner wall of the container 2 .

[0079] Fig.16 A fourth embodiment of the device 1 is shown, which differs from the previous embodiment only in that the detection assembly 8 is permanently associated in a gas-tight manner with the monitoring port 7 by inserting a connection device 12 .

[0080] at last, Fig.17 A fifth embodiment of the device 1 is shown, in which the container 2 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, hollow inside, with a closed bottom 2d and open at opposite ends so as to form a single access opening 4. Furthermore, there is a functional port 5 associated with a removable closure 6 and a monitoring port 7 permanently and hermetically associated with a detection assembly 8. Alternatively, the detection assembly 8 can be temporarily and hermetically associated with the monitoring port 7 by inserting a connection device 12.

[0081] This embodiment of the device 1 is particularly intended for packaging products contained in one or more containing elements 13 arranged in a containing compartment 3 formed inside the container 2 .

[0082] In use, in order to package a quantity of product, loose or collected in a containing element 13, by using the device 1 with a corresponding detection assembly 8 provided with at least a sensor 10 for measuring the concentration of an inert gas of the carbon dioxide type, the following steps are performed: - if a second opening 4b is provided, sealing the second opening 4b (by strapping, heat sealing, etc.); - introducing the product into the containing compartment 3 through the first opening 4a or the only passage opening 4; - sealing the first opening 4a or the only passage opening 4 (by strapping, heat sealing, etc.); - extracting the air present inside the containment compartment 3 through the functional port 5; - activating the detection assembly 8 gas-tightly associated with the monitoring port 7; - Inert gas, preferably carbon dioxide, is introduced into the containment compartment 3 via the functional port 5 until a concentration value measured by the inert gas concentration measuring sensor 10 of the detection assembly 8 is reached which is at least equal to the desired or set inert gas concentration threshold value in the electronics unit.

[0083] Such an inert gas concentration threshold is preferably provided in the electronic unit of the assembly, which can then perform an automatic check by comparing the measured concentration value with the threshold and signal to the operator when to stop introducing the inert gas.

[0084] Alternatively, the operator may directly check the measured concentration value and stop the introduction of the inert gas when a desired threshold value is reached.

[0085] During subsequent storage of the device 1, at least one chemical-physical parameter of the environment present in the containing compartment 3 can be kept monitored by measuring at least one chemical-physical parameter of the environment present in the containing compartment 3 with the aid of the detection component 8 and comparing this parameter with a corresponding critical threshold value expected or set in the electronic unit of the component.

[0086] If the device 1 is provided with an element 14 , there is also a step of introducing the container 2 into said element.

[0087] Air extraction is performed by using a conventional vacuum pump, the inlet of which is sealingly connected to the functional port 5 either directly or through suitable fittings.

[0088] The inert gas is introduced using a conventional gas injection system, with a delivery being gas-tightly connected to the functional port 5 either directly or through appropriate fittings.

[0089] If two functional ports 5 are provided, air is sucked in through one functional port equipped with a first valve device allowing fluid to pass toward the outside of the containing compartment 3, and inert gas is introduced through one functional port equipped with a first valve device allowing fluid to pass toward the inside of the compartment.

[0090] Activation of the detection assembly 8 may occur at any time prior to the introduction of the inert gas.

[0091] If the detection assembly 8 is removable, the closure 15 (if provided) must be removed prior to activation and the assembly applied to the monitoring port 7 by engaging the connection device 12 .

[0092] It should be noted that during the introduction of the inert gas, the detection assembly 8 allows the relative concentration in the environment within the containment compartment 3 to be measured continuously or at set time intervals so as to accurately introduce its desired amount according to the concentration threshold desired or set in the electronic data collection and processing unit of the detection assembly 8.

[0093] During the storage of the device 1, at least one chemical-physical parameter of the environment present in the containing compartment 3 can be automatically controlled continuously or at set time intervals by the detection assembly 8. If the parameter reaches a set critical threshold, the electronic unit of the detection assembly 8 can be set to send an alarm message. For example, if the parameter monitored during storage is the concentration of an inert gas present in the environment inside the containing compartment 3, if the detection value drops below a preset critical threshold, the electronic unit of the detection assembly 8 can send a message to warn the operator that it is necessary to perform a top-up of the inert gas so as not to damage the storage state of the product. Even when any refilling is carried out, the detection assembly 8 allows the concentration of the inert gas in the environment inside the containing compartment 3 to be continuously measured so as to accurately introduce the required amount of inert gas according to the threshold set in the electronic unit of the detection assembly 8.

[0094] If necessary, the product can be removed by opening the second opening 4 b (if provided) or the only passage opening 4 .

[0095] These steps are Figures 2 to 6 Detailed description is given in the following with reference to a first embodiment of the device 1 , but other versions of the device 1 also remain valid.

[0096] Furthermore, in order to package a quantity of product, either loose or collected in a containing element 13, by using a device 1 in which a corresponding detection assembly 8 is provided with at least a sensor 10 for measuring the concentration of an inert gas such as carbon dioxide and a pressure sensor 10, the following steps are performed: - if a second opening 4b is provided, sealing the second opening 4b (by strapping, heat sealing, etc.); - introducing the product into the containing compartment 3 through the first opening 4a or the only passage opening 4; - sealing the second opening 4a or the only passage opening 4 (by strapping, heat sealing, etc.); - activating the detection component 8 associated with the monitoring port 7; - suctioning the air present inside the accommodation compartment 3 through the functional port 5 until a pressure value inside said accommodation compartment, measured by the pressure sensor of the detection assembly 8, is reached which is at least equal to the pressure threshold value desired or set in the electronic unit of said assembly; - Inert gas, preferably carbon dioxide, is introduced into the containment compartment 3 through the functional port 5 until a concentration value measured by the inert gas concentration measuring sensor 10 of the detection assembly 8 is reached which is at least equal to the inert gas concentration threshold value desired or set in the electronics unit of said assembly.

[0097] During subsequent storage of the device 1, the at least one chemical-physical parameter can be kept monitored by measuring, with the aid of the detection component 8, at least one chemical-physical parameter of the environment present in the containing compartment 3 during storage of the device 1 and comparing this parameter with a corresponding critical threshold value expected or set in the electronic unit of the component.

[0098] If the device 1 is provided with an element 14 , there is also a step of introducing the container 2 into such an element.

[0099] If two functional ports 5 are provided, air is extracted through one functional port equipped with a first valve device allowing fluid to pass toward the outside of the containing compartment 3, and inert gas is introduced through one functional port equipped with a first valve device allowing fluid to pass toward the inside of said compartment.

[0100] In this case, any use of the monitoring port 7 and activation of the detection component 8 must take place at the latest before the air extraction.

[0101] This mode of operation makes it possible to automatically carry out, during packaging and subsequent storage, an optimal control both of the degree of vacuum applied to the container 2 and of the concentration of inert gas present in the environment inside the containment compartment 3 .

[0102] During storage, the detection assembly 8 allows monitoring the pressure value and / or the concentration of the inert gas inside the containment compartment 3 continuously or at set intervals, so that if a desired or set critical threshold is reached, an alarm message is sent.

[0103] Likewise, according to the sensors equipped with the detection assembly 8, other chemical and physical parameters of the environment in the containing compartment 3, such as temperature, humidity and / or oxygen concentration, can be monitored during storage.

[0104] In practice, it has been found that the described invention has achieved the intended purpose and objectives, with particular emphasis on the fact that the device according to the invention and the packaging method using the device can automatically ensure the best preservation state of the product and minimize the use of manual labor.

[0105] Furthermore, the device according to the invention has a simple, easy to provide and low-cost structure, moreover allowing the electronic components to be reused in a version with a removable detection assembly.

[0106] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0107] Moreover, all the details may also be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0108] In practice, the materials used as well as the possible shapes and dimensions may be any according to requirements, without thereby abandoning the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0109] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102022000010997 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0110] In case technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, these reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and therefore, these reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by these reference signs by way of example.

Claims

1. A device (1) for packaging products, in particular food-type products, comprising: - a container (2) made of a flexible material substantially impermeable to gases and water vapor, inside which a compartment (3) for containing the product is formed, and which is provided with at least one passage opening (4; 4a, 4b) for introducing the product into the compartment and / or discharging the product from the compartment; at least one functional port (5) which can be closed in an airtight manner and is associated with the container (2) and is in fluid communication with the containing compartment (3); at least one monitoring port (7) associated with the container (2) and in fluid communication with the containing compartment (3), the monitoring port (7) being suitable for allowing the passage of a fluid at least from the interior towards the exterior of the compartment; and - a component (8) for detecting at least one chemical-physical parameter of the environment in the containing compartment (3), The detection component (8) comprises a measuring chamber (9) and at least one sensor (10), wherein the measuring chamber (9) is fluidically connected to the containing compartment (3) via the monitoring port (7); and the sensor (10) is used to measure the at least one parameter associated with the measuring chamber (9).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The detection component (8) is arranged outside the containing compartment (3).

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The detection component (8) is at least partially arranged outside the container (2).

4. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The detection component (8) is hermetically and permanently associated with the monitoring port (7).

5. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The detection component (8) can be associated with the monitoring port (7) in an airtight and temporary manner.

6. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The device (1) comprises a connecting device (12), which is inserted between the monitoring port (7) and the detection component (8); the connecting device (12) comprises a first element (12a) and a second element (12b), the first element (12a) being associated with the detection component (8); and the second element (12b) being associated with the monitoring port (7), the elements allowing mutual connection / disconnection.

7. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The apparatus (1) comprises a first valve device which is normally in a closed configuration and is adapted to allow fluid to pass in at least one direction when the first valve device is actuated into an open configuration, and the first valve device is associated with the at least one functional port (5).

8. The device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The first valve device in the open configuration is suitable for allowing a bidirectional flow of fluid from the inside towards the outside of the containing compartment (3) and from the outside towards the inside of the containing compartment (3).

9. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) comprises a removable closure (6) associated with the at least one functional port (5).

10. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) comprises a single functional port (5).

11. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) comprises two functional ports (5).

12. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The monitoring port (7) is an opening freely allowing bidirectional fluid communication between the interior of the containing compartment (3) and the measuring chamber (9).

13. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The apparatus (1) comprises a second valve device associated with the monitoring port (7), the second valve device being normally in a closed configuration and being adapted to allow fluid to flow at least from the interior towards the exterior of the containing compartment (3) when the second valve device is actuated into an open configuration.

14. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second valve device is actuated into an open configuration by coupling of the first element to the second element, and separation of the first element activates the second valve device to return to a closed configuration.

15. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that A single passage opening (4) is provided for introducing the product into the containing compartment (3) and for discharging the product from the containing compartment (3).

16. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The device (1) comprises two passage openings (4a, 4b), a first opening (4a) for introducing the product into the containing compartment (3), and a second opening (4b) for discharging the product from the compartment.

17. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The detection component (8) comprises at least one of a sensor for measuring the concentration of an inert gas, a sensor for measuring the concentration of an oxygen gas, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, and a temperature sensor.

18. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The detection assembly (8) comprises an electronic unit for collecting and processing data, the electronic unit being functionally associated with the at least one sensor (10).

19. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The detection assembly (8) comprises transmission means for remote transmission of data, said transmission means being functionally associated with the electronic collection and processing unit.

20. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) comprises at least one product containing element (13) adapted to be positioned within the containing compartment (3), the containing element being made of a material substantially permeable to gas and water vapour.

21. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device (1) comprises a protective and / or transport element (14) in which the container (2) is placed.

22. A method for packaging products, in particular food-type products, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: - providing a device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 21, wherein the detection assembly (8) is provided with at least one sensor (10) for measuring the concentration of the noble gas, - provide a certain amount of product to be packaged, - introducing said quantity of product into said containing compartment (3) through said at least one passage opening (4; 4a), - sealing of said at least one passage opening (4; 4a), - suction of the air present in the containing compartment (3) through the at least one functional port (5), - activating said detection component (8) associated with said monitoring port (7), and - introducing the inert gas into the containing compartment (3) via the at least one functional port (5) until a value of the inert gas concentration measured by the inert gas concentration measuring sensor (10) of the detection component (8) is reached which is at least equal to a desired or set inert gas concentration threshold value in the electronic unit of the component.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The method further comprises the steps of maintaining monitoring of at least one chemical-physical parameter of the environment present in the containing compartment (3) during storage, measuring the chemical-physical parameter by means of the detection component (8) and comparing the chemical-physical parameter with a corresponding critical threshold value expected or set in the electronic unit of the component.

24. A method for packaging products, in particular food-type products, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: - providing a device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 21, wherein the detection assembly (8) is provided with at least a sensor (10) for measuring the concentration of an inert gas and a pressure sensor (10); - provide a certain amount of product to be packaged; - introducing said quantity of product into said containing compartment (3) through said at least one passage opening (4; 4a); - sealing of said at least one passage opening (4; 4a); - activating the detection component (8) associated with the monitoring port (7); - suctioning the air present inside the containing compartment (3) through the at least one functional port (5) until a pressure value inside the compartment detected by the pressure sensor (10) of the detection assembly (8) is reached which is at least equal to a pressure threshold value desired or set in the electronic unit of the assembly; and - introducing the inert gas into the containing compartment (3) via the at least one functional port (5) until a value of the inert gas concentration measured by the inert gas concentration measuring sensor (10) of the detection component (8) is reached which is at least equal to a desired or set inert gas concentration threshold value in the electronic unit of the component.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The method further comprises the steps of maintaining monitoring of at least one chemical-physical parameter of the environment present in the containing compartment (3) during storage, measuring the chemical-physical parameter by means of the detection component (8) and comparing the chemical-physical parameter with a corresponding critical threshold value expected or set in the electronic unit of the component.

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