Combination scale with mounting structure, method for mounting screw feeder and mounting structure

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a combination scale including a screw feeder configured to convey material by rotating about an axis of rotation extending in an axial direction, and the screw feeder is rotated by a motor via a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes a male member and a female member. One of the male member and the female member includes a pin structure, and the other of the male member and the female member includes a receiving slot. The receiving groove is designed to allow the pin structure to slide therein when the male member slides into the female member. The receiving slot extends from the open end to the closed end via the intermediate region and defines at least a first section and a second section extending in different directions from the intermediate region. The first section extends from the intermediate region to the open end and the second section extends from the intermediate region to the closed end. An intermediate region is defined within the first end wall, the second end wall, and a top wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall. The first end wall and the second end wall are not parallel. The first section is in communication with a first region portion of the intermediate region and the second section is in communication with a second region portion of the intermediate region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination weigher, a mounting structure for mounting a screw feeder to the combination weigher, and a method for mounting the screw feeder. Background Art

[0002] Combination weighers, such as Figure 1 The combination weigher shown in position number 100 is commonly used in the food and feed industry to generate portions of food products and feed products that meet predefined weight targets. This combination weigher includes a dispersion unit 101, which is configured to receive food or feed items from a feeding unit generally located above the scale. Multiple conveyor units 102 extend radially away from the dispersion unit for receiving the food or feed items. Multiple weigh hoppers 103 are associated with the conveyor units for receiving food or feed products from the conveyor units. The weigh hoppers are operated by a control unit that repeatedly monitors the weight in each weigh hopper to obtain the optimal weight combination in two or more weigh hoppers to achieve a target weight. The food or feed products then fall from the selected two or more weigh hoppers into a discharge chute and further fall into bags, trays, etc.

[0003] Such a conveying unit comprises a groove and a screw feeder 104 arranged in the groove, wherein the screw feeder is mechanically attached to a motor unit and is configured to propel the received food or feed product from a feeding end in the groove to a discharging end of the groove and into an associated weighing hopper via a rotational movement of the screw feeder 104, for example via a collecting hopper into an associated weighing hopper.

[0004] When mounting the screw feeder 104 to the motor unit, tools are typically required and the mounting process can be time consuming. WO 2020 / 079217, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a mounting device having a structure that automatically moves a pin structure into a mounting slot through operation of a motor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to easily, quickly and conveniently mount a screw feeder on a motor unit, preferably without tools, and to ensure stable fixation during use to reduce accidental removal of the screw feeder.

[0006] To achieve these and other objects, the present disclosure provides, in a first aspect, a combination weigher including a screw feeder configured to convey an object by rotating about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction, and the screw feeder being driven by a motor via a mounting structure, the mounting structure including a male member and a female member, the male member having an outer diameter substantially equal to or smaller than an inner diameter of the female member,

[0007] - wherein one of the male and female components comprises a pin structure and the other of the male and female components comprises a receiving slot,

[0008] - wherein the receiving groove is designed to allow the pin structure to slide in the receiving groove when the male part slides into the female part,

[0009] - wherein the receiving groove extends from the open end through the middle region to the closed end,

[0010] wherein the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section, the first section extending, for example, between opposing first and second side walls, and the second section extending, for example, between third and fourth side walls, the first and second sections extending in different directions from the middle region, the first section extending from the middle region to the open end, and the second section extending from the middle region to the closed end, and

[0011] -The intermediate area is defined within a first end wall, a second end wall, and a top wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall are not parallel, and wherein the first segment is in communication with a first area portion of the intermediate area, and the second segment is in communication with a second area portion of the intermediate area.

[0012] This may allow easy installation and removal of the screw feeder, eg for cleaning and / or maintenance, by rotating the male and female parts relative to each other.

[0013] One of the male and female components may form part of the screw feeder or may be removably attached to the screw feeder, while the other of the male and female components may be rotated by a motor. The receiving groove may be formed along the outer surface of the male component or along the inner surface of the female component. The pin structure may be arranged on the inner surface of the female component or the outer surface of the male component, respectively, so that when the male component slides into the female component, the pin structure is allowed to slide in the receiving groove.

[0014] The first end wall may have a first ratio between an X component extending in the axial direction and a Y component extending perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second end wall may have a second ratio between an X component extending in the axial direction and a Y component extending perpendicular to the axial direction, wherein the second ratio may be smaller than the first ratio, so that a first angle between the first end wall and the top wall may be smaller than a second angle between the second end wall and the top wall. This may facilitate movement of the pin from the first segment to the second segment via the intermediate segment.

[0015] The first section may extend between opposing first and second sidewalls, at least one of the sidewalls having a stepped arrangement including alternating sections having different ratios of axial to transverse components. The stepped arrangement may at least partially hinder accidental removal of the pin structure from the receiving slot.

[0016] One of the first sidewall and the second sidewall may have a stepped arrangement, while the other of the first sidewall and the second sidewall may have a continuous arrangement, wherein the continuous arrangement is non-stepped. By providing a continuous arrangement, such as a smooth arrangement, on one of the sidewalls, movement of the pin structure along the surface may facilitate movement of the pin structure from the open end toward the intermediate region.

[0017] The first side wall can have a stepped arrangement, and the first end wall can have a stepped arrangement, wherein the first side wall can extend in a manner that is continuous with the first end wall to form a common stepped wall. The common stepped wall can extend from the open end to the top wall, which can further hinder the pin structure from being accidentally removed from the receiving slot.

[0018] The stepped arrangement may define a pattern comprising a plurality of alternating A segments and B segments, each A segment and each B segment having an X component extending in the axial direction and a Y component extending in a direction transverse to the axial direction, wherein the A ratio is the ratio between the Y component and the X component of the A segment, and the B ratio is the ratio between the Y component and the X component of the B segment, the A ratio being different from the B ratio. This may provide a gradient that may increase resistance to accidental removal of the pin structure.

[0019] At least a plurality of the A segments may be identical, and at least a plurality of the B segments may be identical. However, some of the A segments and / or B segments may be different to change the gradient of the first end wall and / or the first side wall, for example, to increase the distance between the stepped wall and the second segment.

[0020] The pattern can be a repeating pattern along at least a portion of a common stepped wall. As an example, the pattern can be repeated on opposite sides of a stepped section, wherein at least one or more A sections are different, or wherein at least one or more B sections are different.

[0021] The first segment may have a first X component extending in the axial direction, and the second segment may have a second X component extending in the axial direction, wherein the second X component may be shorter than the first X component. This may provide the second segment being shorter than the first segment.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the first segment may have a first Y component extending in a direction transverse to the axial direction, and the second segment may have a second Y component extending in a direction transverse to the axial direction, wherein the second Y component is shorter than the first Y component. This may provide a second segment that is shorter than the first segment.

[0023] The ratio between the first Y component and the first X component may be different from the ratio between the second Y component and the second X component.

[0024] The second section can be defined between the drive surface, the oppositely disposed locking surface, and a closed end connecting the drive surface and the locking surface. During operation of the combination weigher, the pin structure can be arranged in the second section, and the second section can form a partially enclosed space defined by the drive surface, the locking surface, and the closed end. When the pin structure is arranged to contact the drive surface that can push the pin structure, the screw feeder can be rotated by the motor 208, thereby allowing the screw feeder to rotate. When the motor is stopped to thereby terminate rotation of the mounting structure, the pin structure can continue its movement and can move toward the locking surface, which can stop the movement of the pin structure.

[0025] In order to facilitate insertion of the pin structure into the second section, the length of the drive surface may be longer than the length of the locking surface.

[0026] The drive surface and the locking surface may be substantially parallel. The locking surface may terminate in a guide surface that extends transversely to the locking surface, such as in a direction toward the first end wall. This may increase the opening into the second section to facilitate movement of the pin structure from the intermediate region to the second section.

[0027] The guide surface and the second side wall may extend transversely to each other and may join at a pointed edge, whereby the thickness of the wall region formed between the guide surface and the second side wall may decrease towards the pointed edge. This may further facilitate movement of the pin structure into the second section of the receiving slot.

[0028] The first segment and the second segment extend from the intermediate region in different directions. The first segment may extend at an angle within a range of 20 to 60 degrees relative to the axial direction, while the second segment may extend in another direction relative to the axial direction at an angle within a range of 20 to 60 degrees relative to the axial direction. The first segment may extend at an angle between 75 and 100 degrees relative to the second segment to facilitate movement of the pin structure from the open end to the closed end during rotation of the male and female components relative to each other.

[0029] One of the male and female components may include an additional pin structure, and the other of the male and female components may include an additional receiving slot. The additional receiving slot may be designed to allow the additional pin structure to slide into the additional receiving slot when the male component slides into the female component. By providing two sets of receiving slots and corresponding pin structures, the mounting structure may be more robust, for example, with respect to torque transmission.

[0030] In order to increase the stability of the mounting structure, the additional pin structure and the additional receiving slot may be displaced 180 degrees relative to the pin structure and the receiving slot, as this may improve the balance of the mounting structure.

[0031] The first area portion of the intermediate area and the second area portion of the intermediate area can be separated by a plane extending through a tip, the tip extending between the first section and the second section and thus separating the first section and the second section. The tip can facilitate easier movement of the pin structure between the first section and the second section.

[0032] The first segment defines a centerline extending between geometric center points of a cross section of the first segment perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Based on this definition of the centerline, the centerline can extend helically around the axis of rotation, for example, such that the angle between the centerline and the axis of rotation is between 20 and 60 degrees.

[0033] In one embodiment, one of the male and female components can include a pin structure, and the other of the male and female components can include an additional receiving slot, i.e., two receiving slots. The two receiving slots can be identical, or one receiving slot can be a mirror image of the other, with the two receiving slots having or not having the same dimensions. A mirror image arrangement as used herein means that the first segment and the second segment extend in a mirror image relative to the other receiving slot. The receiving slot and the mirror image receiving slot do not necessarily have the same dimensions, but they extend in different directions relative to the axis of rotation, for example, at opposite angles relative to the axis of rotation.

[0034] The mirror image arrangement enables the pin to slide into one of the receiving slots during rotation in one direction and slide into the other receiving slot during rotation in the opposite direction.

[0035] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a screw feeder for a combination weigher, the screw feeder comprising a spiral transport portion and a male component, the spiral transport portion being, for example, a centerless spiral, wherein the male component comprises a receiving groove,

[0036] - wherein the receiving groove extends from the open end through the middle region to the closed end,

[0037] - wherein the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending from the middle region in different directions, the first section extending from the middle region to the open end and the second section extending from the middle region to the closed end, and

[0038] -The intermediate area is defined within a first end wall, a second end wall, and a top wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall are not parallel, and wherein the first segment is in communication with a first area portion of the intermediate area, and the second segment is in communication with a second area portion of the intermediate area.

[0039] Alternatively, the screw feeder may include a spiral transport portion, for example in the shape of a centerless spiral, and a male component, wherein the male component includes a pin structure arranged to slide in a receiving slot, which may be formed at a corresponding female component. The female component may engage a motor for driving the screw feeder.

[0040] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a screw feeder for a combination weigher, the screw feeder comprising a spiral transport portion and a concave component, the spiral transport portion being, for example, a centerless spiral shape, wherein the concave component comprises a receiving groove,

[0041] - wherein the receiving groove extends from the open end through the middle region to the closed end,

[0042] - wherein the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending from the middle region in different directions, the first section extending from the middle region to the open end and the second section extending from the middle region to the closed end, and

[0043] -The intermediate area is defined within a first end wall, a second end wall, and a top wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall are not parallel, and wherein the first segment is in communication with a first area portion of the intermediate area, and the second segment is in communication with a second area portion of the intermediate area.

[0044] Alternatively, the screw feeder may include a spiral transport portion, for example in the shape of a centerless spiral, and a female component, wherein the female component includes a pin structure arranged to slide in a receiving slot, which may be formed at a corresponding male component. The male component may engage a motor for driving the screw feeder.

[0045] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a male component for a mounting structure for mounting a screw feeder to a combination weigher, the male component having an engagement structure for engaging with a motor to rotate the screw feeder via the male component, wherein the male component includes a receiving groove,

[0046] - wherein the receiving groove extends from the open end through the middle region to the closed end,

[0047] - wherein the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending from the middle region in different directions, the first section extending from the middle region to the open end and the second section extending from the middle region to the closed end, and

[0048] -The intermediate area is defined within a first end wall, a second end wall, and a top wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall are not parallel, and wherein the first segment is in communication with a first area portion of the intermediate area, and the second segment is in communication with a second area portion of the intermediate area.

[0049] Alternatively, the male component may have an engagement structure for engaging with the motor to drive the screw feeder via the male component, wherein the male component may include a pin structure arranged to slide in a receiving groove, which may be formed at the corresponding female component.

[0050] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a female component for a mounting structure for mounting a screw feeder to a combination weigher, the female component having an engagement structure for engaging with a motor to rotate the screw feeder via the female component, wherein the female component includes a receiving groove,

[0051] - wherein the receiving groove extends from the open end through the middle region to the closed end,

[0052] - wherein the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending from the middle region in different directions, the first section extending from the middle region to the open end and the second section extending from the middle region to the closed end, and

[0053] -The intermediate area is defined within a first end wall, a second end wall, and a top wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall are not parallel, and wherein the first segment is in communication with a first area portion of the intermediate area, and the second segment is in communication with a second area portion of the intermediate area.

[0054] Alternatively, the female component may have an engagement structure for engaging with the motor to drive the screw feeder via the female component, wherein the female component may include a pin structure arranged to slide in a receiving groove that may be formed at the corresponding male component.

[0055] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for operating a combination weigher according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, wherein, during rotation of the female component relative to the male component in a first rotational direction, the pin is slid from the open end to the middle area of ​​the receiving groove, and by further rotation of the female component relative to the male component in the first direction, the pin is slid from the middle area to the second section.

[0056] It should be understood that those skilled in the art will easily recognize that any feature described in conjunction with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspects of the present disclosure may also be combined with the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, and any feature described in conjunction with the sixth aspect of the present disclosure may also be combined with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0057] The combination weigher according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as well as the screw feeder, male component, and female component according to the second to fifth aspects, are well suited for performing the method steps according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description of the combination weigher, screw feeder, male component, and female component also applies to the method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Figure 1 An example of a combination weigher is shown,

[0059] Figure 2 shows a part of the combination weigher,

[0060] Figure 3 and Figure 4 showing different views of the male part of the mounting structure,

[0061] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Two different male parts are shown in end view,

[0062] Figure 6 Two expanded receiving slots are shown (not to scale),

[0063] FIG7 shows a male component with an engaging structure,

[0064] Figure 8 and Figure 9 shows different views of the screw feeder,

[0065] Figures 10 to 12 The two receiving slots are shown in a mirror-image arrangement in an expanded view and a perspective view, respectively, and

[0066] Figure 13 and Figure 14 A helically wound arrangement of the center line of the first receiving section is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Figure 1 An example of a combination weigher 100 is shown, which is typically used in the food or feed industry to generate portions of food or feed products that meet predefined weight targets. The combination weigher 100 includes a dispensing unit 101 configured to receive food or feed items from a feed unit (not shown), typically located above the combination weigher. A plurality of conveyor units 102 extend radially away from the dispensing unit 101, which receives the food or feed items. A plurality of weigh hoppers 103 are associated with the conveyor units 102 and receive the food or feed products from the conveyor units 102. The weigh hoppers 103 are operated by a control unit (not shown) that repeatedly monitors the weight in each weigh hopper to achieve the optimal weight combination in two or more weigh hoppers to achieve a target weight. The food or feed products then drop from the selected two or more weigh hoppers into a discharge chute and further into bags, trays, etc.

[0068] Such a conveying unit 102 comprises a groove and a screw feeder 104 arranged in the groove, wherein the screw feeder 104 is mechanically attached to a motor unit (not shown) and is configured to propel the received food or feed product from the feeding end of the groove to the discharging end of the groove and into an associated weighing hopper 103 via the rotational movement of the screw feeder 104, for example via a storage hopper into an associated weighing hopper 103, in which the food material is collected.

[0069] Figure 2A portion of a combination weigher 200 is shown. The combination weigher 200 may include multiple screw feeders 204, only one of which is shown. The screw feeders 204 are configured to convey material by rotating about an axis of rotation 209 extending in an axial direction, indicated by arrow 211. Each screw feeder 204 may be arranged in a groove 206 extending outward from a dispersing unit (not shown). The groove 206 may be inclined along the axial direction A to facilitate conveying material in the axial direction A. The screw feeders 204 are rotated by a motor 208, which is schematically shown by a dashed line and a box 208. A separate motor may be provided to drive each screw feeder 204. The screw feeders 204 may be mounted to the motor 208 via a mounting structure 210, wherein the mounting structure 210 includes a male component 210A and a female component 210B.

[0070] exist Figure 2 In FIG. 2 , the screw feeder 204 includes a centerless spiral transport portion 212 and a female component 210B in the mounting structure 210. The male component 210A may include an engagement structure 214 (see also FIG. 7 ) to engage the male component 210A to the motor 208 to drive the screw feeder 204.

[0071] Alternatively, the screw feeder 204 may include a spiral transport portion 212, particularly a centerless spiral portion, and a male component 210A in the mounting structure 210. The female component 210B may alternatively include an engagement structure 214 (see also FIG. 7 ) to engage the female component 210B with the motor 208 to drive the screw feeder 204.

[0072] The outer diameter of the male component 210A is substantially equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the female component 210B, facilitating insertion of the male component 210A into the female component 210B. The gap between the female component 210B and the male component 210A can be small to provide good load-bearing strength and the ability to absorb torque transverse to the direction of rotation. The gap can, for example, be less than 3 mm, meaning the inner diameter of the female component 210B is at most 3 mm larger than the outer diameter of the male component 210A. The gap can be less than 1% of the diameter of the male component 210A. This allows the male component 210A to be supported by the female component 210B, thereby absorbing radial forces and torque transverse to the axis of rotation. Consequently, the screw feeder 204 can be supported solely by the motor via the mounting structure 210.

[0073] A small gap can be established along the insertion section (not shown) along which the male component 210A is inserted into the female component 210B. To provide good stability, the length of the insertion section can exceed the outer diameter of the male component 201A. The length of the insertion section can be, for example, 2, 3, 4, or 5 times the outer diameter of the male component 210A.

[0074] One of the male and female components 210A, 210B includes a pin structure 216 (see, e.g., Figure 8 and Figure 9 ), the other of the male component 210A and the female component 210B includes a receiving groove 218 (see, e.g. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0075] Figure 3 and Figure 4 2 shows different views of the male component 210A in the mounting structure 210. The male component 210A includes a receiving groove 218 that can be arranged along the outer surface of the male component 210A. The receiving groove 218 is designed to allow the pin structure 216 (see FIG. 216 ) to be inserted into the female component 210B when the male component 210A is slid into the female component 210B. Figure 8 and Figure 9 ) slides in the receiving groove 218. This can be achieved by rotating the male component 210A and the female component 210B relative to each other. The receiving groove 218 extends along the outer periphery of the male component 210 from the open end 222 through the intermediate region 224 to the closed end 226 (see also Figure 6 ).

[0076] Receiving slot 218 defines at least a first section 228 and a second section 230. The first section is defined between first sidewall 242 and second sidewall 244, and the second section is defined between third sidewall 245 and fourth sidewall 247. The first and second sections extend from central region 224 in different directions. First section 228 extends from central region 224 to open end 222, while second section 230 extends from central region 224 to closed end 226. When male component 210A slides into female component 210B, pin structure 216 slides within receiving slot 218 from open end 222 in first section 228 to central region 224, and further to closed end 226 in second section 230. Because the second section 230 extends from the middle region 224 in a direction different from the direction in which the first section 228 extends from the middle region 224, the second section 230 can provide a locking effect that prevents or at least reduces the risk of accidental disengagement between the male component 210A and the female component 210B in the mounting structure 210.

[0077] The first segment 228 and the second segment 230 extend in different directions from the intermediate region 224. The first segment 228 may extend at an angle ranging from 20 to 60 degrees relative to the axial direction, while the second segment 230 may extend in another direction relative to the axial direction at an angle ranging from 20 to 60 degrees relative to the axial direction. The first segment 228 may extend at an angle between 75 and 100 degrees relative to the second segment 230.

[0078] The middle region 224 is defined by a first end wall 232, a second end wall 234, and a top wall 236 connecting the first end wall 232 and the second end wall 234. The first end wall 232 and the second end wall 234 are not parallel, which may facilitate the pin structure 216 (see FIG. Figure 8 and Figure 9 ) slides from first section 228 of receiving groove 218 to second section 230 of receiving groove 218. First section 228 communicates with first area portion 238 of intermediate region 224, while second section 230 communicates with second area portion 240 of intermediate region 224. First area portion 238 and second area portion 240 of intermediate region 224 communicate with each other and are not separated by a partition wall. Similarly, first section 228 and second section 230 communicate with first area portion 238 and second area portion 240 of intermediate region 224 and are not separated by a partition wall.

[0079] The first end wall 232 and the second end wall 234 are connected by a top wall 236 and extend in different directions from the top wall 236 to form an angle between the top wall 236 and the first end wall 232 and an angle between the top wall 236 and the second end wall 234, respectively, preferably each angle being at least 90 degrees. A first angle between the top wall 236 and the first end wall 232 is smaller than a second angle between the top wall 236 and the second end wall 234.

[0080] This can alternatively be represented by the X-component and Y-component of the end walls. That is, the first end wall 232 has a first ratio between the X-component extending in the axial direction and the Y-component extending perpendicular to the axial direction. The second end wall 234 has a second ratio between the X-component extending in the axial direction and the Y-component extending perpendicular to the axial direction. The second ratio is less than the first ratio.

[0081] The first section 228 extends between opposing first and second side walls 242, 244. The first side wall 242 has a stepped arrangement comprising alternating sections 246 having different ratios of axial to transverse components. The second side wall 244 has a continuous, or non-stepped, arrangement.

[0082] Both the first sidewall 242 and the first end wall 232 may have a stepped arrangement. Furthermore, the first sidewall 242 may extend in a manner that continues the first end wall 232, thereby forming a common stepped wall. The stepped arrangement may be defined as a pattern comprising at least a plurality of alternating A segments and B segments, wherein each A segment and B segment may have an X component extending in the axial direction and a Y component extending in a direction transverse to the axial direction. The A ratio is defined as the ratio between the Y component and the X component of the A segment, and the B ratio is the ratio between the Y component and the X component of the B segment, and the A ratio may be different from the B ratio. The stepped arrangement may include more than two different segments, as shown in the figure. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A plurality of convex sections, a plurality of concave sections, and a plurality of substantially planar sections are shown.

[0083] Each of the A segments may have the same size and shape, and each of the B segments may have the same size and shape. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, at least some of the A segments, but not all, are identical, and at least some of the B segments, but not all, are identical. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, some of the segments in the region of the second segment 230 are different.

[0084] Figure 6 An expanded view of the receiving slot 218 and the additional receiving slot 218A is shown. The receiving slot 218 and the additional receiving slot 218A can be identical, with the only difference being that they can be shifted 180 degrees relative to each other. To simplify the illustration of the two slots 218, 218A, some reference numerals have been added to the illustration of the receiving slot 218, while other reference numerals have been added to the illustration of the additional receiving slot 218A in the figure.

[0085] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment, the pattern includes A segments having the same size and shape, and B segments having the same size and shape. Alternatively, at least some of the A segments and / or B segments may have different shapes and / or sizes. This may be particularly applicable in the adjacent region X, because it can ensure sufficient material thickness in the adjacent region X where the corner of the second segment 230 of one of the receiving groove 218 and the additional receiving groove 218A is adjacent to the first side wall 242 of the other of the receiving groove 218 and the additional receiving groove 218A.

[0086] Figure 3 and Figure 4The second section 230 is shown as being defined between a drive surface 248, an oppositely disposed locking surface 250, and a closed end 226, wherein the closed end 226 connects the drive surface 248 and the locking surface 250. The drive surface 248 may be longer than the locking surface 250. During operation of the combination weigher 200, the pin structure 216 may be disposed in the second section 230. When the pin structure 216 is disposed in contact with the drive surface 248, which can push the pin structure 216, the screw feeder 204 can be rotated by the motor 208, thereby allowing the screw feeder 204 to rotate. When the motor 208 is stopped and thus the rotation of the male component 210A is terminated, the pin structure 216 (not in the Figure 3 and Figure 4 248 and the locking surface 250 may be arranged substantially in parallel.

[0087] The locking surface 250 may terminate in a guide surface 252 that extends transversely to the locking surface 250 at an angle that may, for example, be in the range of 100 to 160 degrees. Providing the guide surface 252 at an angle relative to the locking surface 250 may facilitate movement of the pin structure 216 into the second section 230.

[0088] The guide surface 252 and the second side wall 244 can be arranged such that the guide surface 252 and the second side wall 244 extend transversely to each other at an angle, which can be, for example, in the range of 20 to 80 degrees. The guide surface 252 and the second side wall 244 can be joined at a tip 254. This can provide an uninterrupted wall extending from the open end 222 to the closed end 226, which can include a continuous second side wall 244, a guide surface 252, and a locking surface 250. The uninterrupted surface can be continuous, without steps, which can facilitate positioning the pin structure 216 in the second section 230 when the male component 210A and the female component 210B are rotated in one direction relative to each other.

[0089] When the motor 208 is stopped, the pin structure 216 (not in Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) continues its movement and moves toward the locking surface 250, the locking surface 250 can be prevented from stopping the pin structure 216, for example if a food or feed product gets stuck in the spiral member 212 (see Figure 2 ) and groove 206 (see Figure 2), which can exert a force on the screw 212. In response to this force, the pin structure 216 can continue its movement into the intermediate region 224. Upon impact with the stepped first end wall 232, the angle of the stepped section can ensure that the pin structure 216 is rebounded toward the second end wall 234. Because the second end wall 234 can be arranged at an obtuse angle relative to the top wall 236, the movement of the pin structure 216 back into the second section 230 can be facilitated.

[0090] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the male component 210A may include an additional receiving slot 218A, wherein the additional receiving slot 218A is designed to allow the additional pin structure 216A to slide in the additional receiving slot 218A when the male component 210A is slid into the female component 210B. Figure 9 As shown, the female component 210B may include an additional pin structure 216A. The additional pin structure 216A and the additional receiving slot 218A may be displaced 180 degrees relative to the pin structure 216 and the receiving slot 218.

[0091] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Two different male components 210A are shown in end view. Figure 5A The male component 210A is shown to be adapted to rotate clockwise (indicated by the letter R) about the axis of rotation when viewed from the outer end 256 where the receiving slot 218 and the additional receiving slot 218A extend from the open end 222 . Figure 5B The male component 210A is shown for counterclockwise rotation (indicated by the letter L) about the axis of rotation when viewed from the outer end 256 where the receiving slot 218 and the additional receiving slot 218A extend from the open end 222 .

[0092] The combination weigher 200 may include a plurality of screw feeders 204, each of which is mounted to a motor via a mounting structure 210. Each mounting structure 210 includes a male component 210A and a female component 210B, and each screw feeder 204 may include a screw 212 and a male component 210A or a female component 210B. A combination weigher 200 may include a plurality of screw feeders 204, each of which is configured to rotate clockwise around its respective rotation axis, so that the application Figure 5A Male component 210A is shown.

[0093] Another combination weigher 200 may include a plurality of screw feeders 204, each of which is configured to rotate counterclockwise about its own rotation axis, so as to apply the above-mentioned Figure 5BIn another alternative, the combination weigher 200 may include a plurality of screw feeders 204, some of which are configured to rotate clockwise around their respective rotation axes, and other of which are configured to rotate counterclockwise around their respective rotation axes, so as to apply the above-mentioned method. Figure 5A The convex part 210A shown and the Figure 5B In the latter case, each second screw feeder 210 may be arranged to rotate clockwise, while each other screw feeder 204 may be arranged to rotate counterclockwise.

[0094] Figure 6 The receiving slot 218 is shown expanded (not to scale). The receiving slot 218 defines at least a first section 228 and a second section 230 that extend in different directions from the middle region 224. The first section 228 extends from the middle region 224 to the open end 222, while the second section 230 extends from the middle region 224 to the closed end 226.

[0095] The middle region 224 is defined by a first end wall 232, a second end wall 234, and a top wall 236 connecting the first end wall 232 and the second end wall 234. The first segment 228 communicates with a first region portion 238 of the middle region 224, while the second segment 230 communicates with a second region portion 240 of the middle region 224. Dashed lines are used only to illustrate the first region portion 238 and the second region portion 240.

[0096] The first end wall 232 and the second end wall 234 are connected by the top wall 236 and extend from the top wall 236 in different directions to form an angle between the top wall 236 and the first end wall 232 and an angle between the top wall 236 and the second end wall 234, respectively, wherein each angle is preferably at least 90 degrees.

[0097] The first section 228 extends between opposing first and second side walls 242, 244. The first side wall 242 has a stepped arrangement comprising alternating sections 246. The second side wall 244 has a continuous, ie, non-stepped, arrangement.

[0098] Figure 6 A dashed center line 60 is shown, which is formed by connecting the geometric center points of the cross sections of the first section perpendicular to the axis of rotation 209 to one another. Figure 6 B shows such a cross section perpendicular to the axis of rotation and indicates the geometrical centre point 61. The dashed centre line 62 is formed in a similar manner by interconnecting the geometrical centre points of the cross sections perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second segment.

[0099] FIG. 7 shows a male member 210A having an engagement structure 214 for engaging with a motor 208 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) engages to drive the screw feeder 204 (see Figure 2 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 ). The convex part 210A is similar to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5A The male component 210A is shown in FIG. 2 and reference numerals refer to features identical to those in these figures. The engagement structure 214 may be integrally formed with the remainder of the male component 210A or may be a separate element attached to the remainder of the male component 210A, for example, by corresponding internal and external threaded connections, welding, or other processes.

[0100] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Shown for Figure 2 Different views of the screw feeder 204 of the combination weigher 200 are shown. The screw feeder 204 includes a centerless spiral transport portion 212 and a concave part 210B. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the embodiment, the female part 210B includes a pin structure 216 and an additional pin structure 216A (see Figure 9 ), the pin structure 216 and the additional pin structure 216A are configured to slide in the receiving slot 218 and the additional receiving slot 218A respectively (see Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B ).

[0101] The pin structure 216 and the additional pin structure 216A are arranged on the inner surface 258 of the female component 210B to facilitate the pin structure 216 and the additional pin structure 216A to slide in the receiving groove 218 and the additional receiving groove 218A arranged on the outer surface 220 of the male component 210A.

[0102] Figure 10 Two unfolded receiving slots 218, 218' are schematically shown in FIG. The two receiving slots 218 define at least a first section 228, 228' and a second section 230, 230', which extend from the middle area 224, 224' in different directions.

[0103] The receiving slot 218 is similar in style to Figure 61001. The receiving groove 218' is a mirror image of the receiving groove 218 in the mirror plane 1001. Herein, we refer to this receiving groove 218' as having a mirror image arrangement, which means that the receiving groove 218' extends in a spiral pattern opposite to the other receiving groove 218. They are not necessarily the same size, but they extend at opposite angles relative to the rotational axis 209.

[0104] In one embodiment, one of the male and female components including the receiving slot includes a receiving slot 218 and a receiving slot 218'. This allows the pin structure to automatically move toward the closed end in one of the receiving slots 218 and 218', selected based on the rotation direction of the motor and the screw feeder.

[0105] Figure 11 and Figure 12 A perspective view of a mirror-image arrangement of two receiving grooves 218 , 218 ′ is shown.

[0106] Figure 13 The center line 60 of the first section 228 is schematically shown to extend helically around the axis of rotation. Figure 6 The center line is shown in the schematic diagram of FIG, and is formed by connecting the geometric center points of the cross sections of the first segment perpendicular to the rotation axis 209. Due to the spiral shape of the center line, the first segment extends at an angle relative to the rotation axis. The angle is Figure 13 Indicated by β, this angle is typically between 20 and 60 degrees.

[0107] Figure 14 There is shown a corresponding centre line 62 of at least a first portion of the second section 230. This centre line extends at an angle in the range of 75 to 100 degrees relative to the centre line 60 of the first section.

Claims

1. A combination weigher, comprising a screw feeder configured to convey a material by rotating about a rotation axis (209) extending in an axial direction (211), wherein the screw feeder is rotated by a motor via a mounting structure, wherein the mounting structure includes a male part 210A and a female part 210B, wherein an outer diameter of the male part is substantially equal to or smaller than an inner diameter of the female part, -in, One of the male component (210A) and the female component (210B) includes a pin structure (216), and the other of the male component and the female component includes a receiving slot (218, 218A, 218'), - wherein the receiving groove is designed to allow the pin structure to slide in the receiving groove when the male component slides into the female component, - wherein the receiving groove extends from an open end (222) via an intermediate region (224) to a closed end (226), - wherein the receiving groove defines at least a first section (228) and a second section (230), the first section (228) extending between opposing first side walls (242) and second side walls (244), the second section (230) extending between opposing third side walls (245) and fourth side walls (247), the first section and the second section extending in different directions from the middle region, the first section extending from the middle region to the open end, and the second section extending from the middle region to the closed end, and -The intermediate area is defined within a first end wall (232), a second end wall (234), and a top wall (236) connecting the first end wall (232) and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall (234) are not parallel, and wherein the first segment is partially connected to the first area of ​​the intermediate area, and the second segment is partially connected to the second area of ​​the intermediate area.

2. The combination weigher according to claim 1, wherein: - said first end wall has a first ratio between an X component extending in said axial direction and a Y component extending perpendicular to said axial direction, - said second end wall has a second ratio between an X component extending in said axial direction and a Y component extending perpendicular to said axial direction, - said second ratio is smaller than said first ratio.

3. The combination weigher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first section extends between opposing first and second side walls, at least one side wall having a stepped arrangement including alternating sections having different ratios of a component in the axial direction to a component transverse to the axial direction.

4. The combination weigher according to claim 3, wherein: One of the first side wall and the second side wall has a stepped arrangement, and the other of the first side wall and the second side wall has a continuous arrangement.

5. The combination weigher according to claim 4, wherein: The first side wall has a stepped arrangement and the first end wall has a stepped arrangement, wherein the first side wall extends in continuation of the first end wall to form a common stepped wall.

6. The combination weigher according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The stepped arrangement defines a pattern including a plurality of alternating A segments and B segments, each A segment and each B segment having an X component extending in the axial direction and a Y component extending in a direction transverse to the axial direction, wherein an A ratio is a ratio between the Y component and the X component of the A segment, and a B ratio is a ratio between the Y component and the X component of the B segment, the A ratio being different from the B ratio.

7. The combination weigher according to claim 6, wherein: At least a plurality of said A segments are identical, and wherein at least a plurality of said B segments are identical.

8. The combination weigher according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The pattern is a repeating pattern along at least a portion of the common stepped wall.

9. A combination weigher according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first segment has a first X-component extending in the axial direction, the second segment has a second X-component extending in the axial direction, and the second X-component is shorter than the first X-component.

10. A combination weigher according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first segment has a first Y component extending in a direction transverse to the axial direction, the second segment has a second Y component extending in a direction transverse to the axial direction, and the second Y component is shorter than the first Y component.

11. The combination weigher according to claim 9 and 10, wherein: A ratio between the first Y component and the first X component is different from a ratio between the second Y component and the second X component.

12. A combination weigher according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second section is defined between a drive surface, an oppositely disposed locking surface, and the closed end connecting the drive surface and the locking surface, wherein a length of the drive surface is longer than a length of the locking surface.

13. The combination weigher according to claim 12, wherein: The locking surface terminates in a guide surface that extends transversely to the locking surface.

14. The combination weigher according to claim 13, wherein: The guide surface and the second side wall extend transversely to each other and are joined at a point.

15. The combination weigher according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The drive surface and the locking surface are substantially parallel.

16. A combination weigher according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One of the male component and the female component includes an additional pin structure, and the other of the male component and the female component includes an additional receiving slot, wherein the additional receiving slot is designed to allow the additional pin structure to slide in the additional receiving slot when the male component is slid into the female component.

17. The combination weigher according to claim 16, wherein: The additional pin structure and the additional receiving slot are displaced 180 degrees relative to the pin structure and the receiving slot.

18. A combination weigher according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first area portion of the intermediate area and the second area portion of the intermediate area are separated by a plane extending through a tip (254) that separates the first segment and the second segment.

19. A combination weigher according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first segment defines a centerline that extends between geometric center points of a cross-section of the first segment perpendicular to the axis of rotation, wherein the centerline extends helically around the axis of rotation.

20. A combination weigher according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One of the male component (210A) and the female component (210B) includes a pin structure (216), such as a pin structure, and the other of the male component and the female component includes two receiving slots (218, 218B, 218').

21. The combination weigher according to claim 20, wherein: The receiving slots (218, 218B) are identical.

22. The combination weigher according to claim 20, wherein: One of the two receiving slots is a mirror image arrangement of the other of the two receiving slots (218, 218').

23. A screw feeder for a combination weigher, comprising a spiral transport portion and a convex component, wherein: The male component includes a receiving groove, - wherein the receiving groove extends from an open end through a middle region to a closed end, wherein the receiving groove defines at least a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section extending from the middle region in different directions, the first section extending from the middle region to the open end, and the second section extending from the middle region to the closed end, and -The intermediate area is defined within a first end wall, a second end wall, and a top wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall are not parallel, and wherein the first segment is partially connected to the first area of ​​the intermediate area, and the second segment is partially connected to the second area of ​​the intermediate area.

24. A screw feeder for a combination weigher, the screw feeder comprising a spiral transport portion and a concave component, wherein: The female component includes a receiving groove, - wherein the receiving groove extends from an open end through a middle region to a closed end, wherein the receiving groove defines at least a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section extending from the middle region in different directions, the first section extending from the middle region to the open end, and the second section extending from the middle region to the closed end, and -The intermediate area is defined within a first end wall, a second end wall, and a top wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall are not parallel, and wherein the first segment is partially connected to the first area of ​​the intermediate area, and the second segment is partially connected to the second area of ​​the intermediate area.

25. A male component for a mounting structure for mounting a screw feeder to a combination weigher, the male component having an engagement structure for engaging with a motor to rotate the screw feeder via the male component, wherein The male component includes a receiving groove, - wherein the receiving groove extends from an open end through a middle region to a closed end, wherein the receiving groove defines at least a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section extending from the middle region in different directions, the first section extending from the middle region to the open end, and the second section extending from the middle region to the closed end, and -The intermediate area is defined within a first end wall, a second end wall, and a top wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall are not parallel, and wherein the first segment is partially connected to the first area of ​​the intermediate area, and the second segment is partially connected to the second area of ​​the intermediate area.

26. A female component for a mounting structure for mounting a screw feeder to a combination weigher, the female component having an engagement structure for engaging with a motor to rotate the screw feeder via the female component, wherein The female component includes a receiving groove, - wherein the receiving groove extends from an open end through a middle region to a closed end, wherein the receiving groove defines at least a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section extending from the middle region in different directions, the first section extending from the middle region to the open end, and the second section extending from the middle region to the closed end, and -The intermediate area is defined within a first end wall, a second end wall, and a top wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall are not parallel, and wherein the first segment is partially connected to the first area of ​​the intermediate area, and the second segment is partially connected to the second area of ​​the intermediate area.

27. A method of operating a combination weigher according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein: During rotation of the female component relative to the male component in the first rotational direction, the pin slides from the open end to the middle area of ​​the receiving groove, and by further rotation of the female component relative to the male component in the first direction, the pin slides from the middle area to the second section.

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