Device for dispensing bulk material

Abstract

Device (100) for dispensing bulk material comprising a container (3) for receiving and / or storing bulk material, an output area (5) for outputting bulk material, and a mechanism for initiating and / or controlling the output of bulk material in the output area (5), wherein, when using the mechanism, a successive discharge of bulk material from an upper portion of the bulk material present in the container (3) to the discharge area (5) is initiated and / or controlled, wherein the mechanism causes a successive upward lift of the bulk material remaining in the container (3), a base plate (2) which supports the bulk material in the gravitational field and is limited at the bottom, an ejector (4) for the successive discharge and / or successive removal of bulk material from the upper part of the bulk material present in the container to the discharge area (5), characterized in that the mechanism controls the ejector (4) so ​​that it performs a rotary and / or cyclical movement.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing bulk material, comprising a container for receiving and / or storing bulk material, a dispensing area for dispensing bulk material, and a mechanism for initiating and / or controlling the dispensing of bulk material in the dispensing area, wherein, when the mechanism is used, a successive dispensing of bulk material from an upper portion of the bulk material present in the container to the dispensing area is initiated and / or controlled. Technical background

[0002] Various devices and techniques are already known from the relevant state of the art and are presented below.

[0003] A device for dispensing bulk goods is known from the prior art. In such a device, the bulk goods are usually contained in a container, in the lower area of ​​which there is an opening or a mechanism for successive withdrawal of bulk goods from the container. For example, this could be an opening tap or a rotary valve. Such devices are frequently used in the catering or hotel industry, e.g., for the measured dispensing of beverages or cereals. Another area of ​​application is in so-called unpackaged stores. In such stores, customers can often fill the desired quantity of a product they wish to purchase themselves.

[0004] However, this state-of-the-art technology comes with numerous disadvantages. Viscous, inhomogeneous fluids frequently lead to deposits and, in particular, to blockages in the discharge area. Granular media such as cereals, etc., often and easily become jammed, especially under high gravitational pressure, i.e., in heavily filled containers. This can lead to a valve being partially or completely blocked, or a rotary valve being partially or completely mechanically blocked by the bulk material itself.This leads to discontinuous, uncontrolled dispensing of the bulk material, which is difficult to dose correctly, and regularly to functional impairments or complete failure of the device, to portions dispensed that are too small or too large and do not meet customer requirements, and consequently to dissatisfied customers who curse in the business premises and to negative or lacking positive recommendations, including public reviews on review portals.

[0005] The devices are also very maintenance-intensive and the responsible personnel are often heavily occupied with cleaning up incidents such as accidental spillage by the customer while operating the device and maintaining the ongoing hygiene of the equipment.

[0006] This is particularly difficult with hybrid bulk materials that combine liquid, viscous, sticky, and / or granular properties. Often, a malfunction of the dispensing unit can only be repaired by "reaching from above," i.e., through the container's refill opening. This is impractical and unhygienic for the remaining bulk material in the container.

[0007] Another problem is that it's often not possible to completely empty the containers. Customers often attempt to temporarily ensure continued receipt of bulk goods by "tilting" the container themselves. However, this customer approach is very cumbersome and inappropriate, and therefore only rarely used. This regularly leads to numerous customer accidents involving injuries and property damage in hotels, shops, and other businesses.

[0008] The frustrations for both the customer and the staff lead to negative feelings and a poor working atmosphere and purchasing behavior.

[0009] Devices for dispensing bulk goods in the food processing industry are known from the prior art. For example, US 2006 / 0 049 207 A1 describes a grain dispenser with a lifting tray and a linear displacement mechanism, which ensures that the lifting tray is raised to dispense grain.

[0010] US 2008 / 0 264 978 A1 describes a bulk food dispenser for dispensing predetermined amounts of food from a hopper using an auger driven by a handle. Forward movement of the handle causes the auger to rotate and advance the food for dispensing.

[0011] US 2003 / 0 234 264 A1 describes a hermetically sealable dispenser for measuring and dispensing predetermined amounts of a granular product using a flexible, rotatable paddle wheel mounted within the dispenser. The spaces between the paddle wheel blades form measuring compartments. The paddle wheel is dimensioned to form a hermetic seal near one end of the container.

[0012] DE 10 2017 100 760 A1 describes a device for receiving and discharging piece or bulk material into and out of a storage container, which comprises a drum with a base located inside the drum, wherein the base in the drum is moved along a central axis of the container during the receiving and / or discharging of the piece or bulk material in order to convey the piece or bulk material out of the drum.

[0013] Often, the customer has no control over the desired dispensing quantity or speed. For example, the diameter of a tap and the dispensing speed for a beverage are predetermined by physical parameters. In another example, a portion size is predetermined by the system, determined by the size of a rotary valve. However, some customers want to buy less than one portion, while others, who would willingly purchase a large quantity in the form of multiple portions, are discouraged from purchasing by the rotary valve.

[0014] The present invention aims to remedy these problems and to provide a device for dispensing bulk material that is easy, safe and reliable to operate and also requires very little maintenance and easy care. Description of the invention

[0015] The present invention aims to remedy the problems of the prior art and to provide a device for dispensing bulk material that is easy, safe and reliable to operate and also requires very little maintenance and easy care.

[0016] Bulk material within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, granular material. Granular material is material with any granular properties. The characteristic physical properties, such as granularity, can vary greatly. For example, cocoa powder can be a bulk material, but so can muesli, cornflakes, dried noodles, raisins, fruit, candy, or butter. Bulk material is often suitable for consumption, but this is by no means necessarily the case. Another example includes bulk material in the form of decorative beads, stones, or glass fragments.

[0017] Bulk material within the meaning of the invention also includes fluids such as water, milk, coffee or juices, or mixed and hybrid forms, e.g. yoghurt, cream, slush, soft ice cream, crushed ice, bubble tea, etc.

[0018] Bulk material is material that is suitable for pouring in at least one conceivable form or in at least one conceivable manner. Material being conveyed is also considered bulk material.

[0019] The problem is solved by the device having the features of claim 1.Accordingly, a device for dispensing bulk material is provided, comprising a container for receiving and / or storing bulk material, a dispensing area for dispensing bulk material, and a mechanism for initiating and / or controlling the dispensing of bulk material in the dispensing area, wherein use of the mechanism causes a successive dispensing of bulk material from an upper portion of the bulk material present in the container to the dispensing area, wherein the mechanism causes a successive upward lift of the bulk material remaining in the container, a base plate which supports the bulk material in the gravitational field and is limited at the bottom, an ejector for the successive dispensing and / or successive removal of bulk material from the upper portion of the bulk material present in the container to the dispensing area, wherein the mechanism controls the ejector so that it executes a rotary and / or cyclical movement.

[0020] Fluids and granular media have a hydrostatic pressure that increases with depth. Since the pressure is high in the lower part of the container, any wedging of the granular material that occurs in this area is amplified by the overlying layers of bulk material, making it difficult to discharge the bulk material from this area.

[0021] By gradually releasing bulk material from the upper portion of the container, unwanted jamming or blockage is avoided, and the bulk material can be removed and dispensed easily, reliably, and with minimal energy consumption. The mechanism allows for the initiation and control of the dispensing of bulk material. This allows the user to operate it easily and in a controlled manner, allowing for very precise interaction with the device, especially with precise dosing of the desired amount.

[0022] Since the successive discharge of bulk material is also based on an upper portion of the bulk material present in the container, discharge of bulk material is also guaranteed - completely independent of the current fill level of the container. The fill level of the container cannot therefore fall below a minimum fill level, below which dispensing of bulk material is no longer possible, as can be the case, for example, with a liquid outlet on a state-of-the-art container if the fill level of the container falls below the height of the liquid outlet, which is usually non-zero. Even with granular bulk material, a state-of-the-art container often cannot be emptied completely and completely, especially not without additional effort.The invention is always oriented towards an upper portion of the bulk material present in the container and thus enables the continuous discharge of bulk material until the container is, for example, completely and cleanly emptied.

[0023] As a technical effect, the device also overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular the disadvantages of the cited prior art.

[0024] The invention further discloses a novel method for dispensing bulk material from a container into a dispensing area, comprising initiating and / or controlling a successive dispensing of bulk material from an upper portion of the bulk material present in the container to the dispensing area. All aspects mentioned in connection with the device according to the invention can also be used in any form, in particular individually or in combination, in connection with the method for dispensing bulk material and the use of the mechanism.

[0025] Upper sub-range: The definition of the "upper sub-range" within the meaning of the invention depends on the situation, but will be clear to a person skilled in the art with regard to the function and the effects achieved. At high fill levels and within the limits of high fill levels, however, at least the upper 50% of the available bulk material defines the upper sub-range. However, the upper sub-range can also be smaller according to the invention, e.g. 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%, 1% or 0.5% of the available fill volume or less. At lower fill levels, however, more of the upper sub-range can also be included, e.g. 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 99% or even 100% (the latter is the case when the device is close to being completely empty). In particular, this means that the “upper part” defined in this way comprises proportionally more of the total quantity of bulk material, the less total quantity of bulk material is present in the device (e.g.when the fill level drops due to continuous withdrawal of bulk material from the device).

[0026] In one example, the container is almost empty; only a small portion of bulk material is in the container. For example, the bulk material is muesli and only a residue, enough for breakfast for one person, is still in the container - this does not have to be the case, however, but is merely an illustrative example. The user now dispenses this small portion, i.e. all of the bulk material. The device according to the invention can do this completely in a short time. In one example, this takes a few seconds, e.g. 2 seconds. In one example, an ejector is used to dispense the bulk material, and this ejector requires one dispensing cycle of the ejector to do so, for example only a single rotation or a single translational movement.

[0027] In the case described above, the “upper part” therefore comprises 100%, or at least up to 100%, of the upper bulk material.

[0028] The term “upper sub-area” is to be interpreted dynamically and depending on the situation.

[0029] According to a further development, the mechanism causes the bulk material remaining in the container to be lifted gradually upwards. This has numerous advantages.

[0030] The lift continuously delivers additional bulk material, at least close to the dispensing area through which the bulk material is dispensed. The dispensing area and any dispensing devices, such as dispensing hoppers and / or ejectors, can be kept in the same location, particularly at a constant dispensing height, which can facilitate controlled operation and, for example, the subsequent collection of the bulk material into a target container for the user.

[0031] In addition, the bulk material is stored high up, especially when the container is only slightly full. This is even more hygienic and protects the bulk material from contamination. Because dirt and air pollutants sink to the bottom, the air higher up is cleaner. Furthermore, people and other living creatures such as animals have less contact with the bulk material when it is stored high up, which further improves cleanliness and hygiene.

[0032] According to a further development, the device comprises an ejector for the successive discharge and / or successive removal of bulk material from the upper part of the bulk material present in the container to the discharge area.

[0033] The ejector allows the bulk material to be removed particularly efficiently from the upper section. Furthermore, the ejector allows the bulk material to be discharged particularly efficiently to the discharge area.

[0034] According to a further development, the ejector performs a rotary and / or cyclical movement. In one example, the ejector comprises a bucket wheel. In one example, the bulk material is removed and / or discharged by at least one bucket of the bucket wheel. This also allows the bulk material to be "shoveled out" efficiently and in a controlled manner.

[0035] According to a further development, the mechanism controls the ejector. This allows the user to control the ejector in a convenient, functional, and controlled manner.

[0036] According to a further development, the working height of the ejector remains constant during the successive dispensing of bulk material. This provides a stationary dispensing of bulk material that is intuitively controllable for the user and comfortable to use. In particular, the dispensing area and any dispensing devices, such as the dispensing hopper and / or ejector, can be kept in the same location, especially at a constant dispensing height, which can facilitate controlled operation and, for example, the consecutive collection of the bulk material into a target container.

[0037] In addition, the bulk material can be stored high, regardless of the fill level, especially when the container is only slightly full. This is even more hygienic and protects the bulk material from contamination. Because dirt and air pollutants sink to the bottom, the air higher up is cleaner. Furthermore, people and other living creatures such as animals have less contact with the bulk material when it is stored high, which further improves cleanliness and hygiene.

[0038] According to a further development, the working height of the ejector is reduced / lowered during the successive dispensing of bulk material. In this embodiment, which is an alternative to the stationary dispensing method, a lowering of the ejector is used - if necessary in addition - to dispense additional bulk material. As a result, to achieve the same dispensing rate of bulk material, less lift of the bulk material needs to be generated, which means less work needs to be performed in the gravitational potential. This allows the device to be operated efficiently with less mechanical, electrical, or other power. In another example, no lift is generated at all, and only the ejector is lowered to dispense additional bulk material.

[0039] According to a further development, the mechanism comprises a shaft. The shaft provides the energy required to operate the ejector, in particular through a rotational movement of the shaft. For example, an ejector mounted on a shaft, such as a paddle wheel, can be set in rotation by controlling / rotating the shaft.

[0040] In one example, the mechanism comprises a spindle. In another example, the mechanism comprises a threaded spindle. Such a spindle has numerous advantages. For example, a base plate or a lifting plate can be moved vertically and translationally when the spindle is rotated. In such an arrangement, for example, the base plate or the lifting plate has an internal thread (directly or through a spindle nut) and the spindle has an external thread. For example, the lifting plate or the base plate, on which bulk material is located, can be lifted and thus conveyed, for example, to the discharge area and ejector located higher up. In one embodiment, an ejector can also be moved vertically and translationally.

[0041] According to a further development, the shaft is designed as a threaded rod. For example, a base plate or a lifting plate can be moved vertically and translationally when the threaded rod is rotated. In such an arrangement, the base plate or lifting plate has, for example, an internal thread (directly or via a spindle nut) and the threaded rod has an external thread. For example, the lifting plate or base plate, on which bulk material is located, can be lifted and thus transported, for example, to the output area and ejector located further up. In one embodiment, an ejector can also be moved vertically and translationally.

[0042] According to a further development, the shaft penetrates the container. This allows for an efficient yet symmetrical arrangement. For example, the shaft penetrates the container centrally. This allows a paddle wheel attached to the shaft to operate effectively, as it can capture bulk material "all the way around" the container and discharge it successively.

[0043] The wave can also be shielded, for example. In this case, the wave does not penetrate the container directly, but indirectly. All kinds of penetration are conceivable. In one example, the wave penetrates the container centrally. This is particularly efficient for an ejector. However, it is essential for penetration that the wave is not positioned completely outside or next to the container.

[0044] According to an alternative design, the shaft is positioned adjacent to the container. This, like the previously mentioned shielding, is hygienic and also ensures the safe operation of the device. Since contact between the shaft and the bulk material is avoided, the bulk material cannot negatively affect the shaft, while at the same time the bulk material is protected from unsanitary contamination.

[0045] According to a further development, the device comprises an ejector for the successive discharge and / or successive removal of bulk material from the upper portion of the bulk material present in the container to the discharge area, and a shaft that drives the ejector and / or through which the mechanism causes the bulk material remaining in the container to be gradually lifted upwards. This device can, for example, drive the ejector—highly synergistically—and simultaneously gradually lift the bulk material further. This continuously supplies the ejector and discharge area with bulk material for discharge.

[0046] According to a further development, the mechanism can be driven mechanically, in particular with a crank. A crank is easy and controlled for the user to operate and requires no (e.g., electrical) energy. The energy is provided entirely by the user, who operates the crank. Furthermore, a rotary motion is already provided by the user. Such a rotary motion is particularly well suited for setting a shaft into a rotary motion by means of a gear, for example, a bevel gear.

[0047] According to a further development, the mechanism can be driven by a motor, in particular by an electric motor, in particular by an electric motor with different or continuously adjustable operating speeds. This is particularly convenient and the user has to do less work. For example, the motor can be triggered by a button, a touch sensor or by a gesture (e.g. by means of a light barrier, a photo sensor or similar). In this context, the trigger can be triggered, for example, by placing a container under the funnel. The continuously adjustable operating speeds enable the user to dispense and dose the dispensed amount particularly well.

[0048] According to one refinement, the mechanism is driven, fully or partially, pneumatically or hydraulically. Such drives represent an effective alternative or complement to a simple mechanical or electric drive. Such drives also offer advantageous control and effect characteristics, which generally result in very smooth and frictionless processes. In one example, a base plate or lifting plate is raised or lowered by hydraulics or pneumatics.

[0049] According to a further development, the device further comprises a bevel gear. The bevel gear can be used to set the shaft in rotation, whereby the rotational axis of the drive side (e.g., the crank) and that of the shaft do not necessarily have to coincide. In one example, the two rotational axes form a right angle.

[0050] According to a further development, the device further comprises a base plate which supports the bulk material in the gravitational field and limits it downwards.

[0051] In one example, the bulk material is carried, directly or indirectly, by a lifting plate. This has numerous advantages. For example, lifting work can be performed with a lifting plate. For example, it can be used to perform lifting work on the bulk material contained in the container. In particular, this allows additional bulk material to be transported from the upper part of the bulk material into the vicinity of the ejector and the discharge area during a successive discharge or successive ejection of bulk material by means of the ejector.

[0052] Such a base plate or lifting plate, for example, has an internal thread for a threaded spindle. However, a spindle nut can also be incorporated into the lifting plate or base plate for this purpose.

[0053] According to a further development, the base plate is arranged essentially horizontally. This is very space-efficient and allows for maximum use of the space in the container for bulk materials, even at maximum capacity.

[0054] According to an alternative development, the upper side of the base plate is inclined, in particular inclined in such a way that it has a gradient starting from the rear of the device in the direction of the output side or front side of the device, in particular with a gradient between 30 and 60 degrees, furthermore in particular between 40 and 50 degrees, furthermore in particular substantially 45 degrees.

[0055] For example, bulk material can slide down this slope due to gravity. This effect can also be used efficiently to discharge bulk material.

[0056] In one example, the bulk material is dispensed into the dispensing area simply by this gradient. For example, this eliminates the need for an ejector or other conveying mechanism. In one example, the device has no ejector, and the container for dispensing bulk material only has an opening. The bulk material then slides down the gradient, for example, when it is lifted further, and is automatically dispensed through the opening by gravity. In particular, the gradient in the base plate allows additional bulk material to be dispensed even when the container is low or almost empty.

[0057] According to a further development, the base plate is essentially round and the container is essentially cylindrical. For example, the container is a tube. In one example, the base plate is essentially circular. Due to this high symmetry of the device, a circular ejector, such as a paddle wheel with at least one paddle, can operate particularly efficiently. A paddle wheel attached to the shaft can thus operate effectively because it can capture bulk material "all the way around" the container and successively dispense it. Furthermore, the container is easy to manufacture because a tube can be used as the base material in its manufacture.

[0058] According to a further development, the base plate has a seal or sealing material in the edge area.

[0059] In one example, there is a distance, a manufacturing tolerance, or a gap, for example, between a lifting plate and the container, which is, for example, a cylinder tube. A seal or sealing material prevents, in particular, the unwanted passage of bulk material through this distance or gap and associated secondary effects such as wedging and jamming.

[0060] For example, the bulk material should not slip between the container and the lifting plate, as this would cause it to penetrate the underlying part of the device. It is difficult to remove from there. Bulk material can also become jammed in a gap.

[0061] It is therefore both very hygienic and beneficial to the continued smooth operation of the device to prevent this as described.

[0062] According to a further development, the device further comprises a weighing device for weighing / determining the weight of bulk material dispensed by the device, in particular a weighing device that performs a force measurement or weight measurement on a support (9) that is suitable for arranging or placing a container for receiving bulk material thereon. In one example, a pressure sensor is used for this purpose.

[0063] This allows the user to easily and efficiently check the quantity or weight of the dispensed bulk material. For example, the user can also place a container on the tray. In one example, a measured weight or force is made perceptible or displayed to the user. For example, the measured weight appears on a digital display on the device.

[0064] According to a further development, the device further comprises a coupling and / or a separating mechanism which is designed to disassemble the device in the region of the coupling or the separating mechanism into at least a first part and a second part, wherein in particular the first part comprises the container and the second part comprises a base of the device.

[0065] This allows the container containing the bulk material to be separated from the base. In one example, the upper part containing the container, including the shaft and ejector, can be detached when the container is empty or needs to be replaced, and can be replaced with a filled container. This use as a "replacement cartridge" simplifies processes in retail, the procurement and delivery of goods, and general refilling. For example, the base, including the crank and gear, can remain in place, and only the first part of the device, which includes the container, is taken along for refilling or transported to the refilling site.

[0066] The coupling also enables effective control within the mechanism. For example, it can create an effective drive connection between a shaft and a bevel gear.

[0067] The device may include a base. In one example, the base is crescent-shaped or crescent-shaped. This provides high stability and sturdiness, while at the same time, the base does not interfere with the user's operation of the mechanism, as the base has an internal recess.

[0068] For example, the container is made of acrylic / PMMA. Acrylic / PMMA is very transparent. This allows the user to inspect the bulk material firsthand. In particular, the user does not have to rely on the container's labeling regarding the bulk material it contains and can, for example, form their own opinion about the quality of the bulk material based on its visual appearance. Acrylic / PMMA also absorbs harmful radiation, thus protecting the bulk material from harmful radiation.

[0069] In addition, acrylic glass / PMMA is more robust and less heavy than, for example, real glass.

[0070] In another example, however, the container or other parts of the device are made of real glass. Real glass, for example, can be manufactured with tighter tolerances, allowing for more precise dimensions and measurements.

[0071] In one example, the base plate and / or ejector are also made of acrylic / PMMA. This creates a great look for the device—and the user's view of the bulk material isn't obscured by the base plate / lifting plate or the ejector.

[0072] A hopper or a screen can be installed at the dispensing area to slow down the dispensed bulk material. This allows for particularly controlled dispensing. In particular, the user is not bombarded or covered by the ejector, even during intensive use of the mechanism. This contributes to hygienic use.

[0073] The funnel can be tapered. This allows even smaller containers to be filled in a controlled manner without any of the bulk material missing the container. This also contributes to good hygiene in the long term.

[0074] Of course, the funnel can also be made entirely of acrylic / PMMA or even made entirely of it. In one example, all the sides of the funnel and the funnel taper are made of acrylic / PMMA. The base can also be made of acrylic / PMMA. We think that's great! Character list

[0075] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention in lateral cross-section; Fig. 4 is a detailed view of a crank, including surrounding elements, in connection with the present invention; Fig. 5 a detailed view of an upper spindle bearing, including surrounding elements, in connection with the present invention, as it can be located on the upper cover of the device according to the invention in one embodiment of the invention.

[0076] In all figures, identical or functionally identical elements and devices have been provided with the same reference numerals, unless otherwise stated. Description of the drawings

[0077] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a perspective schematic view and a front view of an embodiment of the invention, respectively.

[0078] The device 100 comprises a container 3 for bulk material. Furthermore, the device 100 comprises a hand crank 15, which can be operated manually by a user, for example. Alternatively, an electric motor is conceivable. This is activated, for example, by a button or a continuous speed controller. A vertical shaft or threaded spindle is rotated by means of a bevel gear (not fully shown) and the coupling 18. The shaft / spindle is limited by the lower spindle bearing 13 and the upper spindle bearing 14.

[0079] Bulk material is dispensed in the dispensing area 5 using an ejector.

[0080] The hopper 8 is essentially open downwards, which enables hygienic discharge of bulk material from the discharge area, e.g. into a container.

[0081] The functioning of the device and the method are particularly clear in the following discussion of the Fig. 3.

[0082] The device also has a shelf 9 and a base 12. Due to the crescent-shaped or sickle-shaped shape of the base 12, the device is stable and allows the user good access to the crank 15 through the recess.

[0083] The Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention in lateral cross-section.

[0084] The device 100 comprises a container 3 for bulk material. Furthermore, the device 100 comprises a hand crank 15, which can be operated manually by a user, for example. Alternatively, an electric motor is conceivable. This is activated, for example, by a button or a continuous speed controller. A shaft 6 or threaded spindle 7 is rotated via a bevel gear 17 by means of a coupling 18. The shaft 6 / threaded spindle 7 is delimited by the lower spindle bearing 13 and the upper spindle bearing 14 and is rotatably mounted there.

[0085] Bulk material is dispensed via the dispensing area 5 by means of an ejector 4. For example, an ejector 4 in the form of a rotating paddle wheel is permanently mounted on the shaft 6 / threaded spindle 7. Thus, a rotation of the shaft 6 / spindle 7 also causes a rotation of the ejector 4 and its paddle surfaces. However, other variants of the interaction between the shaft 6 / threaded spindle 7 and the ejector 4 are also conceivable.

[0086] The lifting plate 2 limits the bulk material in the container 3 at the bottom. The bulk material remaining in the container 3 is therefore located above the lifting plate 2.

[0087] The spindle nut 16 is inserted into the lifting plate 2. When the shaft 6 / threaded spindle 7 rotates, the lifting plate 2 moves vertically due to the interaction of the threads. This causes the lifting plate 2 to move upward, for example, during proper use, thereby "supplying" the ejector 4 with bulk material, which it removes from an upper portion of the bulk material.

[0088] Ejectors can therefore be rotated and lifting plates 2 can be raised by simply rotating a single shaft 6 / threaded spindle 7.

[0089] The following is a simple example of a usage process of the device 100 by a user: The user operates the hand crank 5 because they want to initiate the withdrawal of bulk material. In one example, the user grasps the hand crank 5 with their hand, or a part of their hand, such as one or more fingers, and rotates the hand crank. For example, they perform circular movements in a direction opposite to the clockwise direction. The bevel gear 17 and the downstream coupling 18 cause the shaft 6 / threaded spindle 7 to rotate. For example, the shaft 6 / threaded spindle 7 rotates clockwise ("right-hand") when the device is viewed from above.

[0090] By rotating the shaft 6 / threaded spindle 7, the interaction of the spindle nut 16 with the thread of the lifting plate 2 is raised and lifting work is performed on the lifting plate and the bulk material on it.

[0091] At the same time, the rotation of shaft 6 / threaded spindle 7 causes the ejector located on it to rotate. This simultaneous stroke delivers new bulk material to the ejector and simultaneously discharges it through the rotation of the ejector.

[0092] As a result, the ejector successively removes and discharges bulk material from the (currently) upper portion of the bulk material in the container. Thanks to the described arrangement and operation, the bulk material is discharged continuously, without significant force, and without significant damage.

[0093] At this point, it is emphasized again that the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular the disadvantages mentioned above, are thus overcome by the invention.

[0094] In the current state of the art, an effective gravitational pressure is created in the lower area of ​​the bulk material by the bulk material above it. This leads to wedging, particularly in the case of granular bulk material, or to adhesion in the case of sticky bulk material, but generally to strong static friction, which makes it difficult to remove bulk material from this lower area in a convenient, energy-efficient, and minimally damaging manner.

[0095] A guide rod or guide rail 20, preferably mounted in the rear area of ​​the device, prevents, for example, the lifting plate 2 from rotating along with the shaft 6 / threaded spindle 7. Such "rotation" would completely or partially prevent the lift. Therefore, the guide rod or guide rail 20 can ensure that a lift actually takes place and that lifting work is actually performed on the bulk material.

[0096] Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the container and the lifting plate can be designed in such a way that "co-rotation" is prevented. For example, a deviation from a circular shape is made or a straight section is incorporated into the circular arc.

[0097] The hopper 8 is essentially open downwards, which enables hygienic discharge of bulk material from the discharge area, e.g. into a container.

[0098] The device also has a shelf 9 and a base 12. Due to the crescent-shaped or sickle-shaped shape of the base 12, the device is stable and allows the user good access to the crank 15 through the recess.

[0099] The Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of a crank, including surrounding elements, in connection with the present invention.

[0100] The user operates the crank 15. A vertical shaft or threaded spindle is rotated via the bevel gear 17 (and the downstream coupling). The device uses this rotation in particular to perform lifting work on the bulk material by performing translational work on a lifting plate, as well as to rotate an ejector, which ejects bulk material from an upper portion of the bulk material in the container to an output area of ​​the device.

[0101] The Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of an upper spindle bearing, including surrounding elements, in connection with the present invention, as it can be located on the upper cover of the device according to the invention in one embodiment of the invention.

[0102] The threaded spindle is rotatably mounted in the upper spindle bearing 14. A mounting 19 is also shown. List of reference symbols 100 device 2 lifting plates / base plate 3 containers 4 rotor-shaped ejectors 5 Output area 6 Wave 7 threaded spindle 8 funnels 9 filing 10 Container wall 11 Cylinder barrel 12 Stand 13 spindle bearing, lower 14 spindle bearing, upper 15 crank 16 spindle nut 17 Gearbox (bevel gear), symbolically represented by the bevel gear 18 Clutch 19 Fastening 20 guide rail

Claims

[1] Device (100) for dispensing bulk material comprising a container (3) for receiving and / or storing bulk material, an output area (5) for outputting bulk material, and a mechanism for initiating and / or controlling the output of bulk material in the output area (5), wherein, when using the mechanism, a successive discharge of bulk material from an upper portion of the bulk material present in the container (3) to the discharge area (5) is initiated and / or controlled, wherein the mechanism causes a successive upward lift of the bulk material remaining in the container (3), a base plate (2) which supports the bulk material in the gravitational field and is limited at the bottom, an ejector (4) for the successive discharge and / or successive removal of bulk material from the upper part of the bulk material present in the container to the discharge area (5), characterized by , that the mechanism controls the ejector (4) so ​​that it performs a rotary and / or cyclical movement. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the working height of the ejector (4) is constant during the successive discharge of bulk material. [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the working height of the ejector (4) is reduced / lowered during the successive discharge of bulk material. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism comprises a shaft (6, 7). [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the shaft (6, 7) penetrates the container (3). [6] Device according to claim 4, wherein the shaft (6, 7) is arranged adjacent to the container (3). [7] Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the shaft (6, 7) is designed as a threaded rod (6, 7). [8] The device of claim 1, further comprising an ejector (4) for successively discharging and / or successively removing bulk material from the upper part of the bulk material present in the container (3) to the discharge area, and a shaft (6, 7) which drives the ejector (4) and / or by means of which the mechanism causes the bulk material remaining in the container (3) to be lifted successively upwards. [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism can be driven mechanically by a crank (15). [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism can be driven pneumatically or hydraulically. [11] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism can be driven by an electric motor. [12] Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a bevel gear (17). [13] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (2) is arranged substantially horizontally. [14] Device according to claims 1 to 13, wherein the upper side of the base plate (2) is inclined such that it has a gradient from the rear of the device towards the output side or front side of the device. [15] Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the base plate (2) is substantially round and the container is substantially cylindrical. [16] Device according to one of claims 1 and 15, wherein the base plate (2) has a seal or a sealing material in the edge region. [17] Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a weighing device for weighing / determining the weight of bulk material dispensed by the apparatus. [18] Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a coupling (18) and / or a separating mechanism which is adapted to disassemble the device in the region of the coupling (18) or the separating mechanism into at least a first part and a second part.

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