Product dispensing device

Abstract

A product dispensing device (1) according to the invention comprises at least two product feeders (2, 2 ', 2' '), each having a respective collecting container (3, 3', 3 ''), the collecting containers (3, 3 ', 3'') each having at least one closing device (4, 4', 4 '') on the bottom side thereof and being adapted to dispense a product quantity (P), the collecting containers (3, 3 ', 3'') being adapted to perform a common tilting movement, the closing device (4, 4', 4 '') being arranged in the collecting containers (3, 3 ', 3'') being arranged in the collecting containers (3, 3', 3 ''), and the closing device (4, 4 ', 4'') being arranged in the collecting containers (3, 3', 3 '') being arranged in the collecting containers (3, 3 ', 3''). In order to dispense a defined amount of product (P), the collecting containers (3, 3 ', 3' ') can alternately enter a dispensing region (A) by means of an overturning movement, in which dispensing region (A) the outlet of the respective collecting container (3, 3', 3 '') lies above the opening cross-section of the product receiving device (5) and the respective closing device (4, 4 ', 4' ') is in the open state. As a result, a particularly high cycle frequency can be achieved and a compact and reliable transfer of the product part can be carried out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a product dispensing device, for example for a product conveying system, which can be used, for example, in combination with a combination weigher. Background Art

[0002] When filling empty packaging (such as bags, cups, cans, etc.), modern packaging machines operate with such a high number of product portion transfers or cycle frequencies per minute that it is difficult to reliably fill a certain product portion, which has been determined reliably by, for example, weighing, counting, time-controlled dosing, etc., into the packaging container to be filled within the short available time. In order to provide the product quantity to be filled into the packaging container, for example, a suitable number of conventional filling scales or combination scales are used. In both cases, the product quantity dispensed from the spatially separated weighing container of the conventional scale or combination scale needs to be supplied to the filling point of the packaging machine.

[0003] For this purpose, product dispensing devices are known from the prior art.

[0004] EP 0979393 B1 describes a product dispensing device with a movable collection container. Through this system, product quantities weighed from a weighing system are conveyed to a first product feeder and a second product feeder. Corresponding first and second collection containers are positioned, each equipped with flaps. Below the collection containers is a product receiving device that leads to a corresponding packaging machine. In this arrangement, the weighing system can dispense the weighed product quantities into the first or second product feeder. These product quantities are then collected by a collection container with a closed flap, allowing the product quantities that have escaped from the walls of the collection hopper to be collected again into a compact shape within the conical interior. The collection containers are arranged so that the outlet openings of the respective collection hoppers, in the direction of gravitational acceleration, are always within the circumference of the upper openings of the collection containers. This allows them to receive the weighed product quantities dispensed by the weighing system at a dispensing location above the product receiving device and at another location. At the corresponding location, the product quantities contained in the collection containers can be dispensed into the product receiving device by opening the corresponding flaps.

[0005] EP 1184648 B1 discloses a similar product dispensing device, which additionally includes a device for opening a flap in the receiving position. Here, too, the flap can be opened variably, independently of the position of the collecting container (which rotates about an axis). This makes it possible to prevent certain product portions (e.g., under-quantity) from entering the product receiving device. Alternatively, these product portions can be transferred to a separate receiving container.

[0006] EP 3272661 A1 discloses a product dispensing device for a product delivery system, wherein a first product feeder and a second product feeder provide a quantity of product in a first collecting container and a second collecting container, respectively. Both collecting containers are provided with a first baffle or a second baffle. Once the collecting container is positioned above a product receiving device, the baffle can be closed or opened to allow product to be dispensed into the product receiving device. The collecting container can be rotated to a dispensing position for the first collecting container or a dispensing position for the second collecting container. The rotational movement toward the respective dispensing position begins before the baffle closes. The opening or closing direction of the baffle is therefore perpendicular to the direction of rotation.

[0007] In systems according to the prior art, the product dispensing device and the moving mass of the product always have to be slowed down before being dispensed. Therefore, in systems according to the prior art, the transfer of product portions per minute (hereinafter referred to as "cycles") is limited.

[0008] Furthermore, in prior art systems, the product quality has little time to stabilize, ie cannot be compacted in the discharge container. Summary of the Invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to increase the cycle times, efficiency and reliability of a product dispensing device.

[0010] This problem is solved by a product dispensing device as claimed in claim 1 and a method as claimed in claim 14. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0011] A product dispensing device according to the present invention comprises at least two collecting containers, each having an associated product feeder. The collecting containers each comprise at least one closure device on their bottom side. The collecting containers are suitable for dispensing a defined amount of product.

[0012] The collecting containers are adapted to perform a common tumbling motion. This means that the system of collecting containers performs a tumbling motion in which all collecting containers move in the same direction. To dispense a defined amount of product, the collecting containers can be alternately introduced into a dispensing area using this tumbling motion. In this dispensing area, the outlet of the respective collecting container is arranged above the open cross section of the product receiving device, preferably substantially in the center, and the corresponding closure device is open.

[0013] The movement of the collecting container can also be referred to as a three-dimensional rotational movement. Thus, the collecting container is moved three-dimensionally between the product feeder and the product receiving device, without the system of collecting containers rotating.

[0014] The direction of movement of the product is also predetermined. At least the two collecting containers do not change their relative position to each other; the system of collecting containers rotates in space in a three-dimensional rotational movement.

[0015] Due to this tumbling motion (which is a three-dimensional rotational motion), a smoother movement can be achieved; the system has at least one cycle time to receive the product and to stabilize accordingly, ie slow down, before the product is dispensed. The product portion will thus be more compact.

[0016] Furthermore, a modular and simple construction can be achieved. Furthermore, centralized discharge into the product dispensing device can be achieved without significant spillage.

[0017] Thus, a more efficient product transfer can occur.

[0018] Preferably, the collecting container is attached to a holding device; more preferably, the holding device comprises a plurality of holding arms, each holding arm being connected to the collecting container.

[0019] This ensures that the collecting containers move together and perform a joint tilting movement.

[0020] Preferably, a plate is arranged above the collecting container, the plate having a recess in the area below which the collecting container is arranged. Corresponding dispensing openings of the product feeders are arranged above the respective recesses. Thus, for example, a portion of the combination weigher can use a corresponding product feeder.

[0021] Thus, the product in the product feeder can be dispensed through the recess into the collecting container below.

[0022] Preferably, these grooves are adapted to establish a connection from the product feeder to the respective collecting container throughout the entire movement of the collecting container. This ensures that the cross sections are always aligned, thus ensuring that the product can always flow from the product feeder into the collecting container. This allows for optimal use of the time available for discharge.

[0023] Preferably, a drive device is also present, which is connected to the holding device and is designed to generate a tilting movement of the collecting container.

[0024] Preferably, the drive device comprises a drive unit and a connection unit. The drive unit is adapted to perform a rotational movement, while the connection unit is adapted to convert the rotational movement of the drive unit into a tilting movement. This allows for a simple drive in which the connection unit is continuously driven, thereby enabling the collection container to be moved with a constant movement.

[0025] Preferably, the connecting unit has a bearing that enables rotational movement about at least two axes. Thus, the rotational movement can very easily induce a tilting movement. Such a bearing can be, for example, a ball joint or a cardan joint.

[0026] The bearing is preferably sealed in a hygienic manner by means of a sealing device, which enables it to be used in the food industry or food processing industry.

[0027] Preferably, each collecting container has an opening and closing mechanism for the corresponding at least one closure device, which is adapted to influence the opening state of the at least one closure device depending on the position of the collecting container. Thus, the opening state of the corresponding closure device can be easily influenced mechanically, so that it opens and enables product dispensing only when the corresponding dispensing opening of the collecting container is located above the product receiving device.

[0028] Preferably, an actuating element is provided for each collecting container, the actuating element being fixed relative to the collecting container and being configured to actuate an opening and closing mechanism of the corresponding at least one closing device according to a rotational state of the collecting container.

[0029] For example, the actuating element is attached to the plate.

[0030] Therefore, can guarantee that the closure device of collection container just can open only when it is placed on product receiving device top.In addition, owing to can design the state of opening of closure device according to the position of collection container, therefore can omit the complicated control to closure device.

[0031] Preferably, the product dispensing device is adapted to dispense the product quantity into a product receiving device. The receiving device is designed in the shape of a funnel, preferably a parabolic funnel, which allows the product to be collected safely and not scattered. The parabolic funnel promotes a smoother product flow by promoting the natural trajectory of the product particles, as it allows a predetermined falling trajectory.

[0032] Preferably, the closure device is adapted to be opened outside the dispensing area in order to dispense a certain product portion outside the product receiving device, more preferably by changing the position of the actuating element, wherein the product portion can preferably be discharged into the second product receiving device. Thus, a misfire device can be achieved, which means that mishandled (product) does not end up in the product receiving device.

[0033] Preferably, the central axis of the collecting container extends obliquely downward, and the center of the inlet of the collecting container is located on an imaginary circle. More preferably, the central axes of the collecting container do not actually intersect at a point below the collecting container, but are skewed to each other.

[0034] At the top (seen in the direction of falling product), the central axes of the collecting containers are spaced further apart from one another than at a lower position or at the lowest point.

[0035] The product feeder can thus be arranged above the collecting container in a simple and space-saving manner.

[0036] This can also be achieved by moving the corresponding outlet of the collecting container radially inwards relative to the discharge area when the collecting container performs a tilting movement, and radially outwards when the collecting container is not in the discharge position.

[0037] The product can therefore be discharged as close to the center as possible, thereby shortening its falling distance, which further promotes product settling.

[0038] Preferably, the collecting container is inclined at its lower end, and at least one flap is in contact with the inclined surface.

[0039] The flap therefore does not require much energy to open and close and, moreover, a simple and direct discharge of the product becomes possible.

[0040] Preferably, corresponding collecting containers are provided on three or four product feeders. This can increase the circulation frequency.

[0041] A method for driving a product dispensing device according to the invention comprises causing a collecting container to perform a tilting movement, during which the collecting container is alternately moved over a dispensing area of ​​a product receiving device, thereby ensuring that the collecting container alternately discharges product into the product receiving device.

[0042] Preferably, the closure of the collecting container located above the dispensing area of ​​the product receiving device is opened. This ensures that the product is completely discharged and that the product is completely collected by the product receiving device. This further increases the efficiency of the product dispensing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 is a side view of components of a product dispensing device.

[0045] Figure 2 Compared to Figure 1 Simplified illustration of a device, wherein the collecting container is not shown.

[0046] Figure 3 is a sectional view showing the Figure 2 Same simplified view.

[0047] Figure 4 is an enlarged side view of the product dispensing device, also showing the product feeder.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a view from above of the corresponding plate and the product feeder, with a collecting container located below.

[0049] Figure 6 A complete product dispensing cycle is shown for a system having three collection containers.

[0050] Figure 7 A side view of components of a product dispensing device is shown, in which two product receiving devices are provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] exist Figure 1 , the essential components of the product dispensing device 1 are shown. Three collecting containers 3, 3', and 3" are arranged below a plate 7 (here designed as a disk). Only the first collecting container 3 and the second collecting container 3' are visible in detail—the third collecting container 3" is arranged behind them and is therefore not fully visible. Both collecting containers 3 and 3' can be closed by means of a closure device 4 or 4', the lower ends of which are beveled so that the closure device 4 or 4' can contact the bevel.

[0052] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the first collecting container 3 is in a closed state, and the second collecting container 3' is in an open state.

[0053] In addition, the collecting containers 3 and 3' are each provided with an opening and closing mechanism 10, 10' for controlling the opening of the corresponding closing devices 4, 4'. An actuating element 11 is attached to the plate 7. Depending on the rotation state of the corresponding collecting containers 3, 3', the actuating element 11 actuates the opening and closing mechanisms 10, 10' of the closing devices 4, 4' to put them in an open or closed state. A housing 9e is mounted on the plate 7, in which a driving mechanism 9 (not shown here) is correspondingly provided. Below the collecting containers 3, 3' and 3", a product receiving device 5 is arranged, which is designed here as a parabolic funnel.

[0054] Figure 2 A simplified schematic diagram is shown; the collecting container is not shown here. The disc-shaped plate 7 is shown again; it is also mounted on the housing 9e. In addition, actuating elements 11, 11' and 11" are again provided on the plate 7; in this case, three actuating elements are visible. A holding device 6 is provided below the plate 7, on which three holding arms 6a, 6a' and 6a". are provided. The holding device 6 is connected to a drive mechanism 9 (not shown here) - the holding device 6 is movably connected to the plate 7. A sealing device 9d is provided between the holding device 6 and the plate 7, which sealing device accordingly seals the intermediate space between the underside of the plate 7 and the holding device 6.

[0055] The holding arms 6a, 6a' and 6a" are adapted to perform a tilting movement, so that the holding arms 6a, 6a' and 6a" are alternately raised and lowered.

[0056] Figure 3 is based on Figure 2 Schematic cross-section of the plate 7; some additional components can be seen here. Here, it can be seen that the plate 7 is provided with a groove 8 - through which the product can be discharged into a collection container below (not shown here). In addition, it can be seen that the housing 9e contains a connecting unit 9b, which has a bearing 9c, which is placed in the plate 7. A sealing device 9d is provided below. A crank element 9f is provided at the upper end of the connecting unit 9b, in which the upper end of the connecting unit 9b is mounted. When the drive unit 9a rotates the crank element 9f, the connecting unit 9b does not rotate, but instead rotates in a three-dimensional pendulum motion.

[0057] Figure 4 A more complete schematic diagram of the product dispensing device 6 is shown, with its components and Figure 1Basically the same, except that the first product feeder 2 and the second product feeder 2' are arranged above the plate 7 (the third product feeder 2" is hidden here and therefore not shown). The products from the product feeders 2, 2' can be distributed into the first collecting container 3 and the second collecting container 3' below through the grooves 8, 8' and 8" (not shown here) provided in the plate 7.

[0058] Figure 5 A plan view of the plate 7 is shown; it can be seen that three recesses 8, 8' and 8" are provided there. Furthermore, the centrally located connecting unit 9b is shown. It is clear that there are three product feeders 2, 2' and 2", each of which flows into a recess 8, 8' and 8" in a funnel-shaped manner.

[0059] Figure 6 A complete movement cycle of the product dispensing device 6 is shown, in which cycle the crank element 9b makes one complete rotation (360°) and in which all three collecting containers 3, 3' and 3" are opened once.

[0060] At the top, a view from below of the plate 7 and the three collecting containers 3, 3' and 3" is shown - below, a side view from the front is shown; here, the opening and closing mechanisms 10, 10' and at least one actuating element 11 can also be seen. However, in the isometric view, only the first collecting container 3 and the second collecting container 3' are shown - the third collecting container 3" is hidden.

[0061] exist Figure 6 (a) shows the initial position, i.e., here, the crank member 9f is rotated at an angle of 0°. Here, the first collecting container 3 is completely closed by the closing device 4, the second collecting container 3' is completely open, and the collecting container 3" is completely closed by the corresponding closing device 4". At this point, the lower end of the open second collecting container 3' is centered (below the virtual center of the plate 7).

[0062] exist Figure 6 In (b), crank element 9f has been rotated 60°; correspondingly, the angle of inclination of connecting device 9b is different—it is rotated forward above plate 7 and backward below it. It is clearly visible here that the first collecting container 3 has been rotated toward the center and is partially open. The second collecting container 3' is also still partially open but is now in the process of closing and has been rotated slightly away from the center. The third collecting container 3" remains closed.

[0063] exist Figure 6In (c), crank member 9f has rotated another 60°, bringing the rotation angle relative to the initial position to 120°. Due to the movement of crank member 9f, connecting member 9b has now rotated to the left above plate 7 and to the right below plate 7. The first collecting container 3 is now fully open and rotated to the top of the center. The second collecting container 3' is now fully closed, and the third collecting container 3" is also fully closed by the corresponding closure device 4".

[0064] exist Figure 6 In (d), crank element 9f has now been rotated a further 60° and is now at an angle of 180° relative to its initial position. Connecting element 9b is now tilted toward the rear left above plate 7 and, correspondingly, toward the front left below plate 7. At this point, first collection container 3 is still partially open and in the process of closing, having been rotated slightly away from center; second collection container 3' is completely closed and remains closed; and third collection container 3" is in the process of opening, only partially open, and has been rotated toward center.

[0065] exist Figure 6 In (e), crank element 9f has been rotated another 60°, now at an angle of 240° relative to the initial position. Connecting element 9b is now tilted backward above plate 7 and, correspondingly, forward below plate 7. The first collecting container 3 is completely closed and remains closed, the second collecting container 3' is also completely closed, and the third collecting container 3" is completely open and now located directly above the center, i.e., above the discharge position.

[0066] exist Figure 6 In (f), crank element 9f has rotated another 60°, now 300° relative to its initial position. Connecting element 9b is now tilted toward the left and rear above plate 7, and correspondingly toward the right and front above plate 7. Here, we can see that first collecting container 3 is completely closed, second collecting container 3' is open and partially open, and is rotating toward the center, and third collecting container 3" is in the process of closing but remains partially open.

[0067] from Figure 6 As can be clearly seen in the figure, only one collecting container 3, 3' or 3" is rotated towards the center, then opens the corresponding closure device 4, 4' or 4", can then dispense the product and then enters the closing movement, while the other discharge container 3', 3" or 3 is already moved in the direction of the center and starts to open. As a result, a fast, compact and reliable discharge can be achieved.

[0068] Figure 7 Shown with Figure 1 However, here two product receiving devices 5 and 5' are provided, both designed as parabolic funnels as an example. Figure 1As in the embodiment of the present invention, the inner product receiving device 5 serves to receive the product quantity from the three collecting containers 3, 3' and 3" when these are located in the central position, i.e. within the dispensing area. The outer product receiving device 5' has a larger diameter and is arranged around the inner product receiving device 5. It serves to collect mishandlings. In the event of a mishandling (e.g. an incorrect product quantity), each actuating element 11 can be pulled upwards, so that the corresponding collecting container 3, 3' and 3" is also opened in a position outside the dispensing area.

[0069] The present application is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is also conceivable that the collecting container 3, 3', 3" is fixedly connected to the plate 7 and that the disc (plate) performs a tilting movement. Furthermore, any number of collecting containers can be implemented. Furthermore, the plate 7 is not absolutely required for implementing the present invention - therefore, embodiments without the plate 7 are also conceivable. Reference Signs List 1 Product dispensing device 2, 2', 2" product feeders 3, 3', 3" collection containers 4, 4', 4" closures 5. 5' product receiving device 6 Holding device 6a, 6a', 6a" retaining arms 7 boards 8, 8', 8" grooves 9. Driving mechanism 9a Driver 9b Connection unit 9c bearings 9c Sealing device 9e housing 9f crank mechanism 10, 10', 10" opening and closing mechanism 11, 11', 11" actuators P Product Volume A Allocation Area

Claims

1. A product dispensing device (1), comprising: at least two collecting containers (3, 3', 3"), each having a corresponding product feeder (2, 2', 2"), wherein each collecting container (3, 3', 3") has a closure device (4, 4', 4") on its bottom side, and each collecting container (3, 3', 3") is suitable for dispensing a product quantity (P), wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") are adapted to perform a common turning movement, In order to dispense a given amount of product (P), the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") can be moved sequentially to a dispensing area (A) by the tilting movement, in which the outlet of the corresponding collecting container (3, 3', 3") is located above the opening cross section of the product receiving device (5) and the corresponding closing device (4, 4', 4") is in an open state.

2. The product dispensing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The collecting container (3, 3', 3") is attached to a holding device (6), wherein the holding device (6) preferably comprises a plurality of holding arms (6a, 6a', 6a"), the collecting container (3, 3', 3") being connected to each of the holding arms.

3. Product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein A plate (7) is arranged above the collecting containers (3, 3', 3"), and the plate (7) has grooves (8, 8', 8") in the area where the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") are arranged below the plate (7), and the grooves are suitable for supplying the products from the product feeders (2, 2', 2") to the corresponding collecting containers (3, 3', 3").

4. The product dispensing device (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The grooves (8, 8', 8") are suitable for establishing a connection from the product feeder (2, 2', 2") to the respective collecting container (3, 3', 3") throughout the movement of the collecting container (3, 3', 3").

5. The product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive mechanism (9) connected to the holding device (6), wherein The drive mechanism (9) is configured to cause a tilting movement of the collecting container (3, 3', 3").

6. Product dispensing device (1) according to claim 5, wherein The driving device (9) is composed of a driving unit (9a) and a connecting unit (9b), wherein the driving unit (9a) is suitable for performing rotational motion, and the connecting unit (9b) is suitable for converting the rotational motion of the driving unit (9a) into a flipping motion.

7. Product dispensing device (1) according to claim 6, wherein The connecting unit (9b) comprises a bearing (9c) capable of rotational movement about at least two axes.

8. Product dispensing device (1) according to claim 7, wherein The bearing (9c) is sealed in a hygienic manner using a sealing device (9d).

9. Product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein Each collecting container (3, 3', 3") has an opening and closing mechanism (10, 10', 10") for corresponding at least one closing device (4, 4', 4"), and the opening and closing mechanism is suitable for influencing the opening state of the at least one closing device (4, 4', 4") according to the position of the collecting container (3, 3', 3").

10. Product dispensing device (1) according to claim 9, wherein Each collecting container (3, 3', 3") is provided with an actuating element (11, 11', 11"), which is fixed relative to the collecting container (3, 3', 3") and is configured to actuate an opening and closing mechanism (10, 10', 10") for the corresponding at least one closing device (4) according to the position of the collecting container (3, 3', 3").

11. Product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, suitable for dispensing a quantity of product (P) to a product receiving device (5, 5'), in, The product receiving device (5) is preferably funnel-shaped, more preferably in the form of a parabolic funnel.

12. Product dispensing device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The closure device (4) is suitable for opening outside the dispensing area (A) to dispense a certain product portion outside the product receiving device (5), preferably by changing the position of the actuating element (11, 11', 11"), wherein, preferably, the product portion can be discharged into another product receiving device (5').

13. Product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The central axis of the collecting container (3, 3', 3") extends obliquely downward, and the center of the inlet of the collecting container (3, 3', 3") is located on a virtual circle.

14. A method for actuating a product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The collecting containers (3, 3', 3") perform a tilting movement in which they are moved alternately over a dispensing area of ​​the product receiving device (5).

15. Method for actuating a product dispensing device (1) according to claim 14, wherein The closure device (4, 4', 4") of the collecting container (3, 3', 3") located above the dispensing area (A') of the product receiving device (5) is opened.

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