Device for discharging and / or dosing material and a method for at least partially dismantling such a device

Abstract

Device (1) for discharging and / or dosing material, in particular granular and / or powdery filling material, comprising: a cellular wheel (6) which is designed to be rotated about a rotation axis (8); and a cellular wheel housing (20), wherein the cellular wheel (6) is arranged in the cellular wheel housing (20) and the cellular wheel housing (20) is configured to support the cellular wheel (6) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (8); wherein the cellular wheel housing (20) comprises: at least one first opening (22) and one second opening (24) which are substantially opposite one another and are arranged axially to the axis of rotation (8) of the cellular wheel (6); a first closure device (26) for closing the first opening (22) of the cellular wheel housing (20) and supporting the cellular wheel (6) on a first side of the cellular wheel (6); a second closure device (28) for closing the second opening (24) of the cellular wheel housing (20); a first quick-release fastener (40) for at least temporarily fixing the first closure device (26) to the cellular wheel housing (20) such that the first closure device (26) essentially tightly closes the first opening (22); and a second quick-release fastener (42) for at least temporarily fixing the second closure device (28) to the cellular wheel housing (20) such that the second closure device (28) essentially tightly closes the second opening (24); wherein the first closure device (26) is pivotable and arranged with a double hinge (30) on the cellular wheel housing (20) and is designed to be displaced translationally in a substantially axial direction of the cellular wheel (6) in order to decouple it from the cellular wheel (6) arranged in the cellular wheel housing (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for discharging and / or dosing material, in particular granular and / or powdery filling material, and to a method for at least partially dismantling such a device.

[0002] Particularly in the packaging industry, so-called rotary valves are preferred for feeding, discharging, and / or dosing materials or contents. These typically comprise an inlet and an outlet, as well as a controllable and / or adjustable dosing device, often in the form of a rotating rotary valve. The rotary valve typically comprises one or more vanes, which can be used to convey the contents and / or stop their flow.

[0003] Rotary valves are installed, for example, under silos and / or bunkers and / or hoppers to relieve the so-called silo pressure on bulk materials and to relieve the load on downstream discharge devices such as screws, trough chain conveyors, tubular chain conveyors, or discharge weigh-belts. Rotary valves are also installed above mixers, dryers, and / or mills for the volumetrically metered discharge or feeding of material into continuous mixing and processing processes.

[0004] A key function of such rotary valves is to achieve and / or maintain a predetermined filling pressure in the conveying systems downstream of the rotary valve. This ensures consistent filling of packaging and / or controlled and / or metered material transfer.

[0005] To ensure proper functioning of the rotary valve and / or to repair a defect, it must be possible to disassemble the rotary valves. They must also be cleaned at regular intervals. Particularly if the rotary valve comes into contact with food and / or pharmaceutical substances, for example, specified hygiene standards must be met.

[0006] However, since rotary valves are usually connected to one or more other conveying systems, it is advantageous if the interior of a rotary valve is accessible without having to decouple it from the other conveying systems. Therefore, most rotary valves are designed with a removable cover on an easily accessible side of the rotary valve, closing an access opening. This access opening allows for inspection and / or cleaning of the interior of the rotary valve without having to remove the rotary valve from the system of other conveying systems.

[0007] In addition, a rotary valve is usually coupled to a motor that drives the rotary valve. In particular, the connection between the motor outside the rotary valve and the rotary valve inside the rotary valve presents special requirements regarding maintenance and cleaning. Therefore, it is advantageous if this connection is easily accessible. However, access to this part of the rotary valve requires a complex decoupling of the rotary valve from the motor. Furthermore, special tools and auxiliary equipment are usually required to remove and / or store the dismantled parts. For these reasons at least, maintaining and / or cleaning a conventional rotary valve is complex and time-consuming.

[0008] DE 20 2005 004 889 U1 describes a lock for bulk material with a housing which has a cylindrical interior with a longitudinal axis, an inlet opening into the interior and an outlet opening out of the interior, with a first cover which, in an operating position, closes the interior at a first end face and is articulated parallel to itself by the housing, with a cell wheel which is mounted at one end on the first cover so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis but is non-displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis and is movable with the first cover out of the interior in the direction of the longitudinal axis or into it.

[0009] DE 20 2007 003 357 U1 describes a rotary valve with a housing, a rotor, several housing covers and a pull-out device for at least one housing cover, which has a linear guide device, characterized in that the pull-out device is provided for several housing covers.

[0010] DE 102 42 563 B4 describes a lock for bulk material with a housing, with a cylindrical interior, with an inlet opening into the interior, with an outlet opening out of the interior, with a cell wheel arranged in an operating position in the interior so as to be rotatably driven about a longitudinal axis.

[0011] DE 101 96 215 B3 describes a device for removing magnetic foreign material with a rotary valve and a housing in which a cylindrical chamber is arranged which receives powdery granules fed thereto and is provided with a rotor, which stores powdery granules fed thereto through an inlet, feeds them to one of the troughs of the rotor, and discharges them to the outside through an outlet, and which has an inspection door which opens and closes an inspection opening provided on a side plate of the housing.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for discharging and / or dosing material that can be maintained and / or cleaned quickly and / or easily. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for discharging and / or dosing material that can be at least partially disassembled quickly and easily to enable advantageous maintenance and / or cleaning of the device.

[0013] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the subclaims.

[0014] A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for discharging and / or dosing material, in particular granular and / or powdery filling material, comprising: a cellular wheel which is designed to be rotated about a rotation axis; a cellular wheel housing, wherein the cellular wheel is arranged in the cellular wheel housing and the cellular wheel housing is configured to support the cellular wheel so that it can rotate about a rotation axis; wherein the cellular wheel housing has: at least a first opening and a second opening which are substantially opposite one another and are arranged axially to the rotation axis of the cellular wheel; a first closure device for closing the first opening of the cellular wheel housing and supporting the cellular wheel on a first side of the cellular wheel; a second closure device for closing the second opening of the cellular wheel housing;at least one first quick-release fastener for at least temporarily fixing the first closure device to the cellular wheel housing such that the first closure device essentially tightly closes the first opening; and at least one second quick-release fastener for at least temporarily fixing the second closure device to the cellular wheel housing such that the second closure device essentially tightly closes the second opening, wherein the first closure device is pivotable and arranged with a double hinge on the cellular wheel housing and is configured to be displaced translationally in a substantially axial direction of the cellular wheel for decoupling from the cellular wheel arranged in the cellular wheel housing.

[0015] In the present application, particular reference is made to a device for discharging and / or dosing material, which forms at least part of a rotary valve. Furthermore, in the present application, particular reference is made to essentially flowable bulk material and / or essentially powdery, granular and / or granular material and / or filling material which is essentially in pourable form and can be discharged and / or dosed, for example, by the described device and / or a rotary valve. Exemplary material and / or filling material includes, in particular, dry foodstuffs (e.g., coffee, rice, sugar, salt, flour, spices, and the like) and / or medications and / or substance(s) for their preparation and / or bedding and / or building materials and / or similar substances and / or mixtures thereof.

[0016] The cellular wheel preferably comprises a hub around which the cellular wheel can be driven to rotate, and one or more (e.g. five, eight or ten) blades which are arranged on the hub, extend substantially radially from the hub and are particularly suitable for conveying material mentioned in the process. The cellular wheel is preferably rotationally symmetrical about its axis of rotation. The center of mass of the cellular wheel preferably lies substantially on its axis of rotation, which preferably runs substantially centrally through the hub. The cellular wheel housing is designed to support the cellular wheel at at least one point, preferably at two points which are provided on opposite regions of the hub and / or on two opposite sides of the cellular wheel.

[0017] The cellular wheel housing has two openings, each of which can be substantially tightly covered and / or closed by a closure device, for example a lid and / or a cover. An opening and the associated closure device preferably form a hatch or a hatch cover, wherein the interior of the cellular wheel housing is accessible from the outside through the hatch and the hatch cover is configured to substantially tightly close the opening. A substantially tight closure describes in particular a sealing such that at least no or hardly any material escapes from the interior of the cellular wheel housing. A substantially fluid-tight sealing of the first and / or second opening of the cellular wheel housing is also preferred.

[0018] Preferably, the cellular wheel housing and / or the cellular wheel and / or the first and / or second closure device consists or consist at least partially of steel, stainless steel, aluminum and / or gray cast iron.

[0019] Preferably, the second closure device is arranged substantially pivotably on the cellular wheel housing, more preferably in each case by means of one or more hinges. This enables advantageous displacement of the first closure device and / or the second closure device to substantially completely expose the first opening or the second opening. Pivoting of the first closure device in such a way that the cellular wheel arranged in the cellular wheel housing can be removed through the first opening and / or taken out of the cellular wheel housing is particularly advantageous. Likewise, a compact design can be achieved in this way while simultaneously providing excellent exposure of the first and / or second opening.

[0020] The first closure device is arranged on the cellular wheel housing with one or more double hinges, so that a rotational and / or translational displacement of the second closure device relative to the associated opening can take place. This is also preferred for the second closure device. A mechanism for displacing the first closure device is particularly advantageous, which mechanism initially enables a translational displacement of the first closure device in a substantially axial direction of the cellular wheel when the first opening is opened. This allows a particularly advantageous decoupling of the first closure device from the cellular wheel located in the cellular wheel housing, as explained further below.

[0021] Preferably, the first closure device comprises exactly one first quick-release fastener. Particularly preferably, the first closure device consists of a lid and exactly one first quick-release fastener or a part of exactly one first quick-release fastener.

[0022] Preferably, the second closure device comprises exactly one second quick-release fastener. Particularly preferably, the second closure device consists of a lid and exactly one second quick-release fastener or a part of exactly one second quick-release fastener.

[0023] Preferably, the first quick-release fastener fixes the first closure device to the rotary valve housing during operation of the rotary valve such that the first closure device essentially seals the first opening. Preferably, the second quick-release fastener fixes the second closure device to the rotary valve housing during operation of the rotary valve such that the second closure device essentially seals the second opening.

[0024] Particularly preferably, during operation of the rotary valve, the first opening is closed by the first closure device, and the first closure device is secured exclusively by the first quick-release fastener. In other words, the first quick-release fastener secures the first closure device not only temporarily, but preferably continuously during operation of the rotary valve. The first closure device is essentially immovably connected to the first opening of the rotary valve housing. During operation of the rotary valve, the first closure device is essentially permanently connected to the first opening of the rotary valve housing.

[0025] Particularly preferably, during operation of the rotary valve, the second opening is closed by the second closure device, and the second closure device is secured exclusively by the second quick-release fastener. In other words, the second quick-release fastener secures the second closure device not only temporarily, but preferably continuously during operation of the rotary valve. The second closure device is essentially immovably connected to the second opening of the rotary valve housing. During operation of the rotary valve, the second closure device is essentially permanently connected to the second opening of the rotary valve housing.

[0026] Advantageously, the first quick-release fastener and / or the second quick-release fastener comprise(s), in particular for temporarily or permanently fixing the first or second closure device: one or more spring-loaded locking elements; and / or one or more tension locks, and / or one or more eccentric levers; and / or one or more clamps; and / or one or more snap fasteners and / or similar fasteners. Preferably, the first quick-release fastener and / or the second quick-release fastener can be operated and / or opened and / or closed essentially without tools. Further preferably, the first quick-release fastener and / or the second quick-release fastener can be manually operated by a person, in particular unlocked and / or locked, in particular without the additional use of tools.In particular, it is possible to move the first locking device and / or the second locking device with one hand, in particular without tools or other aids.

[0027] The cellular wheel advantageously has a first bearing device on the first side and a second bearing device on a second side opposite the first side. The cellular wheel preferably has a bearing device on each side of the hub of the cellular wheel for supporting the cellular wheel in the cellular wheel housing. For example, the first bearing device and / or the second bearing device of the cellular wheel comprises or is or are: a projection; and / or a pin; and / or a bearing mandrel; and / or a recess; and / or a (blind) hole; and / or a slewing ring. The first bearing device and the second bearing device can be substantially similar, identical, or different. Advantageously, the cellular wheel can thus be easily removed from the cellular wheel housing, and the cellular wheel can thus be easily and reliably cleaned.In particular, removing the cellular wheel makes it possible to easily and reliably clean a recess and / or a (blind) hole and / or a rotating ring, as the cellular wheel can be placed in a washing machine and / or cleaned with a high-pressure cleaner, etc. In particular, it is possible to remove the cellular wheel from the cellular wheel housing with one hand, in particular without tools or other aids.

[0028] The first closure device preferably has a counter-bearing device which is designed to support the cellular wheel by preferably bringing it into substantially precise engagement with the first bearing device of the cellular wheel. The counter-bearing device can, for example, have or be a pin, a bearing mandrel, a recess, a (blind) hole, a pocket and / or a rotating ring. The bearing device and the counter-bearing device can preferably be coupled to the first bearing device in a simple manner, for example by translationally bringing it together parallel to the rotation axis of the cellular wheel. Advantageously, a counter-bearing device in the form of a projection, a pin or a bearing mandrel can be easily cleaned, even if the closure device is not separated from the cellular wheel housing, since foreign substances, in particular material transported through the cellular wheel lock, etc., do not or only partially stick to the counter bearing device and / or the counter bearing device is easy to reach and can therefore be easily cleaned mechanically, e.g. with a brush.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the first bearing device of the cellular wheel comprises a pocket and / or a recess and / or a (blind) hole, and the counter-bearing device of the first closure device comprises a pin and / or a projection and / or a bearing mandrel, which can be coupled to the first bearing device with a substantially precise fit. Alternatively, preferably, the first bearing device of the cellular wheel comprises a pin and / or a projection and / or a bearing mandrel, and the counter-bearing device of the first closure device comprises a pocket and / or a recess and / or a (blind) hole, which the first bearing device can receive with a substantially precise fit.

[0030] Preferably, the first bearing device and the counter-bearing device form a pivot bearing, which enables low-friction and, preferably, substantially play-free and / or robust mounting and / or rotation of the cellular wheel about its axis of rotation. In particular, the described configuration of the first bearing device and the counter-bearing device makes it possible to obtain an easy-to-assemble pivot bearing that is highly susceptible to failure and allows for easy maintenance and / or cleaning. In particular, this makes it possible to mount at least one side of the cellular wheel with structures arranged exclusively inside the cellular wheel housing. This eliminates the need to seal elements typically arranged outside the cellular wheel housing, such as a rolling bearing. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve a more compact and / or simplified design of the device.In addition, cleaning effort is reduced because no or fewer seals need to be cleaned.

[0031] Advantageously, the second closure device has a drive opening through which the second bearing device of the cellular wheel can be coupled to a drive unit, in particular a motor, and driven in rotation by the latter. This drive unit is preferably arranged axially to the rotational axis of the cellular wheel.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the drive opening is configured to receive a drive element of a drive unit, wherein the drive unit is arranged outside the cellular wheel housing, and the drive element can be arranged at least partially within the drive opening and, optionally, at least partially within the cellular wheel housing. Furthermore, the drive element can preferably be coupled and / or engaged with the second bearing device of the cellular wheel in such a way as to drive the latter in rotation, in particular to transmit a torque thereto. In particular, the drive element and the second bearing device of the cellular wheel form a shaft-hub connection.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, the cellular wheel housing or the second closure device comprises a transmission element, which is arranged at least partially in the drive opening and is configured to support the cellular wheel by engaging it with the second bearing device of the cellular wheel and to transmit torque from a drive unit to the cellular wheel to drive the cellular wheel. The transmission element preferably serves to transmit torque from the drive unit to the cellular wheel to drive it in rotation. In particular, the transmission element and the second bearing device of the cellular wheel form a shaft-hub connection.

[0034] Advantageously, the transmission element is rotatable and at least partially mounted in the drive opening. By coupling the transmission element to the second bearing device of the cellular wheel, the cellular wheel is rotatably mounted in the cellular wheel housing via the transmission element. Furthermore, it is preferred that the transmission element essentially tightly closes and / or covers the drive opening in the second closure device. Optionally, one or more seals can be provided.

[0035] Preferably, the transmission element has a coupling element on the side facing the interior of the cellular wheel housing, which coupling element is configured to be coupled to the second bearing device of the cellular wheel in such a way that it can transmit a torque to the cellular wheel for rotating the latter about its axis of rotation. The coupling element can, in particular, comprise a projection and / or a pin; and / or a bearing mandrel; and / or a recess; and / or a (blind) hole; and / or a recess; and / or a slewing ring.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment, the second bearing device of the cellular wheel is arranged at least partially in the drive opening and is configured to be coupled to a drive element of a drive unit in such a way as to transmit torque to the cellular wheel for rotating the cellular wheel. Advantageously, the cellular wheel, in particular a region of the hub of the cellular wheel and / or the second bearing device of the cellular wheel, preferably essentially seals the drive opening. Alternatively and / or additionally, one or more sealing elements can be provided to essentially seal an area between the cellular wheel and the second closure device.

[0037] To achieve improved sealing of the drive opening, an air and / or gas purge can be provided. This generates overpressure in an area of the drive opening that is sealed off from the interior of the cellular wheel housing. This further prevents material from escaping from the cellular wheel housing. Preferably, the present device has only one drive connection to the outside of the cellular wheel housing, since the bearing formed by the first closure device and the first bearing device of the cellular wheel is arranged entirely within the cellular wheel housing, which makes the provision of an air and / or gas purge at this bearing unnecessary or less necessary.

[0038] Optionally, the second bearing device in particular can have one or more securing elements which at least slightly complicate, hinder or even prevent decoupling between the cellular wheel and the cellular wheel housing. A securing element can, for example, comprise a groove or a bead on which a spring-loaded element is supported. In particular, axial securing of the cellular wheel when the first locking device is open is advantageous in order to at least (slightly) complicate or prevent uncontrolled displacement of the cellular wheel. Likewise, a "click" when inserting the cellular wheel into the cellular wheel housing can indicate that the cellular wheel is correctly seated. In particular, removal or insertion of the cellular wheel can be carried out essentially with one hand and without aids such as tools.

[0039] Preferably, the first opening and / or the second opening is / are configured for inserting and / or removing the cellular wheel into or from the cellular wheel housing. The first opening and the second opening can be substantially similar, identical, or different. The first opening and / or the second opening is / are preferably substantially circular and slightly larger than the circumference of the cellular wheel, such that the cellular wheel can be inserted into or removed from the cellular wheel housing with a substantially precise fit through the first opening and / or the second opening. Optionally, the first and / or the second closure device can be completely decoupled from the cellular wheel housing.

[0040] The device can be designed such that the cellular wheel is driven in rotation by an external drive unit. Alternatively and / or additionally, the device can comprise a drive unit for driving the cellular wheel in rotation. The drive can be achieved by directly coupling the cellular wheel to at least part of the drive unit. Alternatively, one or more transmission elements can be provided which transmit torque to the cellular wheel. A drive unit comprises, for example, an asynchronous motor or a servomotor or a compressed air motor or another type of prime mover to drive the cellular wheel in rotation. Preferably, the cellular wheel can be driven at a variable speed such that a substantially constant volume flow is generated and / or a substantially constant filling pressure is applied in a conveying device connected to the device.

[0041] Advantageously, the cellular wheel housing comprises at least one supply line for feeding material into the interior of the cellular wheel housing and / or to the cellular wheel. Equally advantageously, the cellular wheel housing comprises a discharge line for discharging material from the cellular wheel housing and / or away from the cellular wheel. Preferably, the supply line and the discharge line are arranged substantially opposite one another radially to the axis of rotation of the cellular wheel, in particular such that the supply line and the discharge line are arranged substantially vertically or diagonally one above the other during intended operation. This enables advantageous discharge and / or metering of the material with the assistance of gravity. Preferably, the supply line and / or the discharge line has / have a coupling device to which a hopper and / or a pipe and / or a device suitable for feeding and / or discharging material to or from the device can be coupled.This may, for example, be a flange and / or a screw connection and / or a press connection and / or a socket connection or similar or a device suitable for these and similar connections.

[0042] The cellular wheel housing preferably comprises a substantially cylindrical main body, wherein the first opening is preferably arranged at least partially on a base or cover surface, and the second opening is preferably arranged at least partially on an opposite base or cover surface. Such a configuration of the cellular wheel housing enables, in particular, reduced costs and / or reduced manufacturing effort and / or a compact and / or stable design.

[0043] Another advantage is / are one or more edges and / or corners inside the cellular wheel housing which are chamfered and / or rounded so that little or no material gets stuck in them and cleaning them is easier. Such a design of the device, in particular of the cellular wheel housing, is particularly advantageous because it minimizes or at least reduces dead space, i.e. an area in which material gets stuck and is not or only slowly transported on. For this purpose, an interior space of the cellular wheel housing which is only slightly larger than the space taken up by the rotating cellular wheel is advantageous. In this way, an accumulation of material can be minimized, which in particular makes cleaning the device easier.

[0044] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for at least partially disassembling a device according to a first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of: opening the first quick-release fastener; releasing the first opening of the cellular wheel housing by translationally displacing the first closure device for decoupling from the cellular wheel arranged in the cell housing and pivoting the first closure device; removing the cellular wheel. Optionally, the method can further comprise the steps of: opening the second quick-release fastener; opening the second opening of the cellular wheel housing by displacing, in particular pivoting, the second closure device and / or the cellular wheel housing. In particular, one or more of these steps can each be carried out one-handed and / or without tools.

[0045] As stated above, it is advantageous to initially displace the first closure device essentially translationally, in particular essentially parallel to the direction of rotation of the cellular wheel, and subsequently essentially pivotally relative to the cellular wheel housing. In this way, a particularly advantageous decoupling of the closure device from the cellular wheel can be achieved, since first a preferably essentially precisely fitting coupling of the first bearing device of the cellular wheel to the counter-bearing device of the first closure device is released, and subsequently the first opening of the cellular wheel housing is preferably essentially completely released, so that the cellular wheel can be removed from the cellular wheel housing through the first opening, preferably with only one hand.

[0046] A further advantage is that parts of the rotary vane housing, in particular the first and second openings as well as the supply and discharge lines, can remain essentially stationary, which avoids decoupling of the device from upstream and / or downstream devices for conveying and / or guiding the material.

[0047] Preferably, the device is configured such that initially and / or exclusively either the first closure device for opening the first opening or the second closure device for opening the second opening can be displaced. This is particularly advantageous because a specific area of the device can be inspected and / or maintained and / or cleaned without further, unnecessary disassembly of other components of the device. This further reduces, in particular, the time and / or labor required for cleaning and / or maintenance.

[0048] In the following, individual embodiments for achieving the object are described by way of example with reference to the figures. In some cases, the individual embodiments described have features that are not absolutely necessary to carry out the claimed subject matter, but which provide desired properties in certain applications. Thus, embodiments that do not have all the features of the embodiments described below are to be regarded as falling within the scope of the described technical teaching. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary repetition, certain features are only mentioned in relation to individual embodiments described below. It is pointed out that the individual embodiments should therefore not only be considered in isolation, but also in conjunction with one another.Based on this overview, those skilled in the art will recognize that individual embodiments may also be modified by incorporating one or more features of other embodiments. It should be noted that a systematic combination of the individual embodiments with one or more features described with reference to other embodiments may be desirable and useful and should therefore be considered encompassed by the description. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows an exemplary device for discharging and / or dosing material in an operational state; Fig. 2 shows the exemplary device of the Fig. 1 with first opening open and decoupled cell wheel; Fig. 3 shows the exemplary device of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with first opening open, decoupled cell wheel and second opening open; Fig. 4 shows a rear view of the exemplary device as in Fig. 2 shown; Fig. 5 shows a section along the rotation axis of the cell wheel of an exemplary device for discharging and / or dosing material; Fig. 6 shows a section along the rotation axis of the cell wheel of another exemplary device for discharging and / or dosing material. Detailed description of the drawings

[0049] The Fig. 1 shows an exemplary device 1 for discharging and / or dosing material in an operational state. The device 1 comprises a cellular wheel housing 20 with a main body 21. The cellular wheel housing 20 accommodates a cellular wheel 6. The device 1, in particular the cellular wheel housing 20, comprises a first closure device 26 for substantially tightly closing a first opening 22 and a second closure device 28 for substantially tightly closing a second opening 24 of the cellular wheel housing 20. The cellular wheel 6 is rotatably mounted within the cellular wheel housing 20 and is designed to be driven in rotation by a drive unit 34. Furthermore, in an operational state of the device 1, the first closure device 26 is preferably coupled to the cellular wheel 6 such that the cellular wheel 6 is rotatably mounted by the first closure device 26.

[0050] An aforementioned drive unit 34 can be included in the device 1 or provided externally and can be coupled to the device 1, in particular to the cellular wheel 6. By rotating the cellular wheel 6 in a desired and / or predetermined manner, the device 1 is configured to discharge and / or meter material, in particular granular and / or powdery and / or pourable filling material. Advantageously, the drive unit 34 is configured to rotate the cellular wheel 6 in a predetermined and / or predeterminable manner about its axis of rotation 8. This can be made possible in particular by a control and / or regulation system. For example, a measuring device in a downstream conveying device can measure a pressure and / or a flow rate of the material and regulate the rotation of the cellular wheel 6 such that a predetermined and / or predeterminable target value is reached and / or kept substantially constant.Furthermore, stopping the rotation can essentially completely interrupt the output of the material.

[0051] Preferably, the device 1 is configured to be arranged below a silo and / or a hopper and / or a storage container and / or a feed line, or positioned behind one or more of the aforementioned and / or similar devices in the conveying direction of the material. Further preferably, the device 1 is configured to be arranged above another conveying device and / or a further processing device and / or a filling device, or in front of one or more of the aforementioned and / or similar devices in the conveying direction of the material.

[0052] For this purpose, the cellular wheel housing 20 of the exemplary device 1 shown preferably has at least one supply line 46 and at least one discharge line 48 on its main body 21. In an intended operating orientation, the supply line 46 is preferably arranged in an upper region of the cellular wheel housing 20 and the discharge line 48 in a lower region of the cellular wheel housing 20. This has the advantage that a desired and / or predetermined discharge and / or dosing of material through the device 1 is supported by the natural flow of the material due to the effect of gravity on the material.

[0053] Preferably, the first closure device 26 is arranged substantially pivotably on the main body 21 of the cellular wheel housing 20. By substantially pivoting the first closure device 26, an advantageous release of the first opening 22 of the cellular wheel housing 20 can be achieved, since the first closure device 26 remains connected to the cellular wheel housing 20 and thus does not have to be laboriously removed and stored separately from the device 1. Nevertheless, by pivoting the first closure device 26, a preferably complete release of the first opening 22 can be achieved, thereby enabling advantageous access to the interior of the cellular wheel housing 20, in particular to the cellular wheel 6. Particularly preferred, for example, is the provision of one or more hinges 30, via which the first closure device 26 is arranged on the main body 21 of the cellular wheel housing 20.One or more double hinges 30 are provided, which allows a particularly advantageous displacement of the first closure device 26. This is explained in particular below with reference to FIG. Fig. 2. Furthermore, pivoting of the first closure device 26 can preferably be carried out with one hand, in particular without the aid of tools or other aids.

[0054] Furthermore, the second closure device 28 is preferably arranged pivotably on the main body 21 of the cellular wheel housing 20. Furthermore, the second closure device 28 can preferably be at least temporarily fixed to the main body 21 of the cellular wheel housing 20 with one or more second closure devices 42. Temporarily fixed means that the fixation can be released, in particular essentially non-destructively. In other words, the fixation is not irrevocable. During operation of the cellular wheel lock, the fixation can be permanent. During a break in operation or interruption in operation, e.g., for maintenance, the fixation can be released by displacing the first closure device 26 and / or the second closure device 28. A particularly preferred embodiment is shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and described in detail below.

[0055] The first closure device 26 is preferably fixed to the cellular wheel housing 20 with at least one first quick-release fastener 40. The first quick-release fastener 40 is characterized in particular in that it can be opened and / or closed manually and / or without additional tools, such as a screwdriver, open-end wrench, and the like, by a person or a robot. This enables simple and, in particular, rapid locking and / or unlocking of the first quick-release fastener 40 and / or fixing of the first closure device 26 at or above the first opening 22 of the cellular wheel housing 20. The first quick-release fastener 40 preferably comprises an actuating element 44, in particular a (hand)grip and / or a lever and / or a knob, which can preferably be manually actuated and / or displaced in order to close or open the first quick-release fastener 40.This makes it possible, in particular, for the first opening 22 of the cellular wheel housing 20 to be opened or released essentially with one hand, in particular without the aid of tools or other aids.

[0056] The Fig. 1 shows a closed, exemplary first quick-release fastener 40, which has an actuating element 44 arranged on the main body 21 of the cellular wheel housing 20 and which exerts a force on the first closure device 26, so that it is essentially fixed in position relative to the main body 21 of the cellular wheel housing 20. Preferably, the first closure device 26 further comprises one or more engagement structures 43, which can be coupled in a substantially form-fitting manner to an element of the first quick-release fastener 40 and which essentially prevents, or at least limits, displacement in one or more directions. As shown, an engagement structure 43 can, for example, comprise a groove into which a pin of the first quick-release fastener 40 can engage.

[0057] The exemplary first quick-release fastener 40 can be unlocked in particular by pivotally displacing the actuating element 44 and thus dissolving the coupling with the first closure device 26 and / or the one or more engagement structures 43. This is particularly evident in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Preferably, the first quick-release fastener 40 comprises a spring-loaded element which, in the closed state of the first quick-release fastener 40, substantially prevents, or at least makes more difficult, unwanted and / or unintentional displacement of the actuating element 44.

[0058] Alternatively and / or in addition to the described, exemplary first quick-release fastener 40, the following can be provided: one or more spring-loaded locking elements; and / or one or more tension fasteners, and / or one or more eccentric levers; and / or one or more clamps; and / or one or more snap fasteners and / or one or more twist fasteners and / or one or more screw fasteners and / or one or more similar fasteners. In particular, the one quick-release fastener 40 or the multiple quick-release fasteners 40 can be operated essentially with one hand, in particular with a tool or other aid.

[0059] Preferably, a plurality, for example two or four, of quick-release fasteners 40 are provided in order to achieve improved fixation of the first closure device 26 to the cellular wheel housing 20. Particularly when high pressure prevails within the cellular wheel housing 20 during operation of the device, a plurality of first quick-release fasteners 40 is advantageous, as this allows improved fixation of the first closure device 26. The first quick-release fasteners 40 can be provided in substantially opposite regions of the first opening 22 and / or point-symmetrically. The first quick-release fasteners 40 can be configured substantially similarly, identically, or differently.

[0060] The second closure device 28 preferably comprises one or more second quick-release fasteners 42, which can be designed similarly or identically or differently to the one or more first quick-release fasteners 40 as described above. Advantageously, all first and second quick-release fasteners 40, 42 of the device 1 are designed essentially identically and / or can be operated in the same way, thereby further simplifying opening and / or closing. By opening the second quick-release fastener 42, the second closure device 28 can be pivoted relative to the main body 21 and thus the second opening 24 (see Fig. 3) can be accessed without the cellular wheel housing 20 having to be separated from the drive device 34 and, preferably, without the aid of tools.

[0061] The Fig. 2 shows the exemplary device 1 of the Fig. 1 with the first opening 22 open and the cellular wheel 6 decoupled and removed from the cellular wheel housing 20.

[0062] The first closure device 26 of the cellular wheel housing 20 is in a displaced state, whereby the first opening 22 is essentially completely exposed. In this example, a double hinge 30 is provided for displacing the first closure device 26, in particular for initially displacing the first closure device 26 essentially in a translational manner, essentially orthogonal to a plane spanned by the first opening 22. This translational displacement can advantageously release, in particular, a preferred coupling of the cellular wheel 6 to the first closure device 26. Thereafter, the closure device 26 can be displaced in a substantially rotating and / or pivoting manner relative to the main body 21 of the cellular wheel 20, for example, up to the Fig. 2. Such displacement enables, in particular, a substantially complete release and / or opening of the first opening 22 of the cellular wheel housing 20, in particular for advantageous cleaning and / or inspecting the interior of the cellular wheel housing 20 and / or for removing or inserting the cellular wheel 6 from the cellular wheel housing 20. As an alternative to one or more double hinges 30, other devices can be provided which enable an equally or similarly advantageous displacement of the first closure device 26.

[0063] Alternatively and / or in addition to the displacement of the first closure device 26 shown and described in the process, devices for displacement with any combination of translational and / or rotational displacement can be provided - essentially simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, a displacement of the first closure device 26 similar to a passenger aircraft door, in particular comprising a substantially translational displacement orthogonal to the plane spanned by the first opening 22 and a subsequent substantially translational displacement essentially parallel to this plane. For this purpose, for example, one or more guide rails and sliding devices can be provided.Alternatively and / or additionally, the first closure device 26 can be arranged on the cellular wheel housing 20 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is oriented parallel to the rotation axis 8 of the cellular wheel 6 and the first closure device 26 remains substantially parallel to the plane spanned by the first opening 22 during pivoting. Such displacement can preferably be performed with only one hand or one-handed.

[0064] The exemplary cellular wheel 6 comprises a hub 10, which is substantially rotationally symmetrical about its rotational axis 8. Furthermore, the cellular wheel 6 comprises one or more, for example, six, blades 12, which extend radially and are preferably arranged axially symmetrically on the hub 10. However, the cellular wheel 6 can also have more or fewer blades 12. Likewise, one or more of the blades 12 can be curved and / or bulbous, at least in some areas.

[0065] The exemplary cellular wheel 6 further comprises a first bearing device 14 on a first side of the cellular wheel 6, which is preferably formed integrally with the hub 10. The first bearing device 14 is designed such that it can be coupled to and / or engaged with a counter-bearing device 18 of the first closure device 26, preferably with one hand and / or without tools. Thus, a pivot bearing can be formed in a simple manner. Advantageously, the first bearing device 14 comprises a coupling structure that is substantially complementary and / or supplementary to a coupling structure of the counter-bearing device 18. In the example shown, the first bearing device 14 comprises a pocket and / or a (blind) hole with an opening on the first side of the cellular wheel 6.The counter-bearing device 18 of the first closure device 26 comprises a pin and / or a bearing mandrel, which is designed to be received in the pocket and / or in the (blind) hole to form a bearing, in particular a pivot bearing for rotatable support. The counter-bearing device 18 can be formed integrally with the first closure device 26 or arranged thereon. Preferably, the cellular wheel 6 can thus be mounted in a simple, low-friction manner on its first side in the cellular wheel housing 20.

[0066] Alternatively to the embodiment shown, the first bearing device 14 may comprise a pin and / or a bearing mandrel, as shown for example in Fig. 6, and the counter bearing device 18 a correspondingly shaped recess and / or a (blind) hole.

[0067] A pivot bearing of this or a similar design is particularly advantageous because the coupling between the first closure device 26 and the cellular wheel 6 can be easily accessed and / or released and, in particular, does not require any additional parts to be removed. This allows opening of the first opening 22 and access to the interior of the cellular wheel housing 20 quickly and without tools, preferably with one hand. Furthermore, cleaning the bearing is facilitated.

[0068] To achieve improved tightness, a seal 29 can be arranged on the first closure device 26 and / or on the main body 21 around the first opening 22. Preferably, when the first closure device 26 is fixed to the main body 21, this seal forms a substantially tight connection between them.

[0069] The Fig. 3 shows the exemplary device of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with the first opening 22 open, the decoupled cell wheel 6 and the second opening 24 open. In comparison to the state as in the Fig. 2 additionally shows the second closure device 28 and the drive unit 34 coupled thereto pivoted relative to the main body 21 of the cellular wheel housing 20. As depicted, the actuating element 44 of the second quick-release fastener 42 is in a displaced state, such that the second quick-release fastener 42 has been opened and / or released and / or decoupled from the engagement structure 43. The second closure device 28 has been pivotally displaced about a hinge (not shown). This exposes the second opening 24 of the cellular wheel housing 20, so that the interior of the cellular wheel housing 20 is accessible from a second side. Likewise, the accessibility of the second closure device 28 is improved, which in particular facilitates cleaning and / or servicing of the drive of the cellular wheel 6.Furthermore, decoupling and / or disassembling the drive unit 34 is not necessary, as it is relocated together with the second locking device 28. Thus, the laborious disassembly of the drive unit 34 is eliminated.

[0070] Advantageously, the second closure device 28 has a drive opening 32, through which a connection of the cellular wheel 6 to a drive unit 34 arranged outside the cellular wheel housing 20 and / or on the peripheral side of the second closure device 28 for driving the cellular wheel 6 is enabled. Preferably, the drive opening 32 is substantially circular and / or provided substantially centrally in the second closure device 28.

[0071] Advantageously, at least one drive element 35 and / or at least one transmission element 36 is arranged at least partially in the drive opening 32 for transmitting a torque from a drive unit 34 to the cellular wheel 6 and for supporting the cellular wheel 6 on a second side, as described in detail in Fig. 5 and described below.

[0072] Furthermore, a seal 29 is preferably arranged on the second closure device 28 and / or on the main body 21 around the second opening 24, so that a substantially tight connection is achieved from which, in particular, no material can escape.

[0073] The Fig. 4 shows a rear view of the exemplary device 1 as in Fig. 2. As shown, the second closure device 28 in this example is arranged with a hinge 30 on the main body 21 of the cellular wheel housing 20. Preferably, the hinge 30 is designed to be so stable that a repeatable displacement of the second closure device 28 together with the drive unit 34 is possible without the hinge 30 being damaged due to the weight of the latter.

[0074] Preferably, a second quick-release fastener 42 is provided in the region of the hinge 30, which prevents rotational displacement and / or pivoting of the second closure device 28 about the hinge 30. In this example, the second quick-release fastener 42 comprises a substantially spherical and spring-loaded actuating element 44 for unlocking the second quick-release fastener 42. By lifting and / or raising the actuating element 44, the locking of the hinge 30 by the actuating element 44 is released, enabling pivoting of the second closure device 28.

[0075] Alternatively and / or additionally, one or more cotter pins and / or other mechanically blocking elements may be provided, which substantially block displacement of the second closure device 28. One or more such blocking elements can preferably be removed and / or relocated with one hand.

[0076] The Fig. 5 shows a section along the rotation axis 8 of the cellular wheel 6 of an exemplary device 1 for discharging and / or dosing material with the first opening 22 open and the second opening 24 of the cellular wheel housing 20 closed.

[0077] The hub 10 of the cellular wheel 6 can - as shown - be partially hollow, which in particular achieves a lower weight. The advantageous embodiment of the cellular wheel 6 shown further comprises a first bearing device 14 on a first side, which is pocket-shaped in order to be coupled to a bearing mandrel of the counter-bearing device 18 of the first closure device 26 and to be able to form a particularly advantageous pivot bearing therewith, which in particular enables simple coupling and decoupling and robust mounting of the cellular wheel 6. The cellular wheel 6 can further comprise, on a second side, a second bearing device 16 with a pocket and / or a (blind) hole for simple and tool-free coupling to a bearing mandrel of a transmission element 38, which is rotatably arranged in a drive opening 32 of the second closure device 28.Such a cellular wheel 6 is particularly advantageous because it is compact and easy to manufacture. Furthermore, such a cellular wheel 6 can preferably be decoupled from and / or coupled to the transmission element 38 essentially with one hand and / or without tools.

[0078] Preferably, the transmission element 38 is rotatably mounted in the drive opening 32 of the second closure device 28 and configured to be driven in rotation by the drive unit 34. Preferably, a substantially annular sealing element 38 surrounds the transmission element 38 to seal an area between the peripheral wall of the drive opening 32 and the transmission element 38, so that little or no material reaches the drive components outside the interior of the cellular wheel housing 20. To achieve further improved sealing of the drive opening 32, an air and / or gas purge can additionally be provided, which generates excess pressure and essentially prevents, or at least significantly reduces, the penetration of material.

[0079] The cellular wheel 6 or the second bearing device 16 further comprise one or more coupling structures which can be brought into engagement with the transmission element 38 such that a torque can be introduced and / or transmitted from the transmission element 38 to the cellular wheel 6. This can, for example, comprise a groove and / or a web and / or a pin which extends radially and can be coupled in a substantially form-fitting manner to one or more corresponding coupling structure(s) of the transmission element 38. The one or more coupling structures can be designed differently and / or identically and / or arranged substantially symmetrically about the axis of rotation of the cellular wheel 6 and / or the transmission element 38.The transmission element 38 is preferably designed to be coupled to a drive unit 34 and to be driven in rotation by the latter, for example via a drive element 35. In particular, the drive element 35 and the transmission element 38 and the second bearing device 16 form a shaft-hub connection.

[0080] As an alternative to the illustrated embodiment, a drive element 35 of the drive unit 34 can be arranged at least partially in the drive opening 32 and coupled directly to the cellular wheel 6, in particular to the second bearing device 18, in such a way as to drive it in rotation. A sealing element 36 is also preferably provided to seal the area between the drive element 35 and the peripheral wall of the drive opening 32.

[0081] The Fig. 6 shows a section through another exemplary device 1 for discharging and / or dosing material, wherein the first and second bearing devices 14, 16 each have a pin and / or a bearing mandrel. Accordingly, the counter-bearing device 18 of the first closure device 26 has a substantially complementary pocket in which the pin and / or the bearing mandrel of the first bearing device 14 can be rotatably mounted. Likewise, the transmission element 38 or the drive element 35 has a complementary pocket for rotatably supporting the second bearing device 16.

[0082] In contrast to device 1 in Fig. 4, the device 1 of the Fig.6 does not have a quick-release fastener on the hinge 30 of the second closure device 28. This further simplifies the opening of the second opening 24, since to open the second closure device 28, only a second quick-release fastener 42 needs to be unlocked and / or decoupled from the engagement structure 43 of the second closure device 28. List of reference symbols 1 device 6 Cell wheel 8 Rotation axis 10 Hub 12 shovels 14 first storage facility 16 second storage facility 18 Counter bearing device 20 cell wheel housings 21 main body 22 first opening 24 second opening 26 first locking device 28 second locking device 29 Seal 30 hinge 32 drive opening 34 Drive unit 35 Drive element 36 transmission element 38 Sealing element 40 first quick release 42 second quick release 43 Intervention structure 44 Actuating element 46 supply line 48 Derivation

Claims

[1] Device (1) for discharging and / or dosing material, in particular granular and / or powdery filling material, comprising: a cellular wheel (6) which is designed to be rotated about a rotation axis (8); and a cellular wheel housing (20), wherein the cellular wheel (6) is arranged in the cellular wheel housing (20) and the cellular wheel housing (20) is designed to support the cellular wheel (6) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (8); wherein the cellular wheel housing (20) comprises: at least one first opening (22) and one second opening (24) which are substantially opposite one another and are arranged axially to the axis of rotation (8) of the cellular wheel (6); a first closure device (26) for closing the first opening (22) of the cellular wheel housing (20) and supporting the cellular wheel (6) on a first side of the cellular wheel (6); a second closure device (28) for closing the second opening (24) of the cellular wheel housing (20); a first quick-release fastener (40) for at least temporarily fixing the first closure device (26) to the cellular wheel housing (20) such that the first closure device (26) essentially tightly closes the first opening (22); and a second quick-release fastener (42) for at least temporarily fixing the second closure device (28) to the cellular wheel housing (20) such that the second closure device (28) essentially tightly closes the second opening (24); wherein the first closure device (26) is pivotable and arranged with a double hinge (30) on the cellular wheel housing (20) and is designed to be displaced translationally in a substantially axial direction of the cellular wheel (6) in order to decouple it from the cellular wheel (6) arranged in the cellular wheel housing (20). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second closure device (28) is pivotably arranged on the cellular wheel housing (20). [3] Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first quick-release fastener (40) and / or the second quick-release fastener (42) comprises: a spring-loaded locking element; and / or a tension lock, and / or an eccentric lever; and / or a clamp; and / or a snap fastener. [4] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cellular wheel (6) has a first bearing device (14) on the first side and a second bearing device (16) on a second side opposite the first side. [5] Device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first bearing device (14) and / or the second bearing device (16) comprises or comprise: a pen; and / or a bearing mandrel; and / or a head start; and / or a deepening; and / or a (blind) hole; and / or a rebound; and / or a turntable. [6] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first closure device (26) has a counter-bearing device (18) which is designed to rotatably support the cellular wheel (6) by engaging it with the first bearing device (14) of the cellular wheel (6). [7] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second closure device (28) has a drive opening (32) through which the second bearing device (16) of the cellular wheel (6) can be coupled to a drive unit (34), in particular a motor, and driven in rotation by the latter. [8] Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the drive opening (32) is arranged to receive a drive element (35) of a drive unit (32). [9] Device (1) according to claim 7, further comprising a transmission element (36) which is arranged at least partially in the drive opening (32) and is designed to support the cellular wheel (6) by engaging it with the second bearing device (16) of the cellular wheel (6) and to transmit a torque from a drive unit (34) to the cellular wheel (6) for driving the cellular wheel (6). [10] Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the second bearing device (16) of the cellular wheel (6) is arranged at least partially in the drive opening (32) and is designed to be coupled to a drive element (35) of a drive unit (34) in such a way as to transmit a torque to the cellular wheel (6) for rotatingly driving the cellular wheel (6). [11] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first opening (22) and / or the second opening (24) is / are arranged for inserting and / or removing the cellular wheel (6) into or from the cellular wheel housing (20). [12] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive unit (34) for rotatingly driving the cellular wheel (6). [13] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cellular wheel housing (20) comprises a feed line (46) for feeding material into the interior of the cellular wheel housing (20) and / or to the cellular wheel (6). [14] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cellular wheel housing (20) comprises a discharge line (48) for discharging material from the cellular wheel housing (20) and / or away from the cellular wheel (6). [15] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cellular wheel housing (20) comprises a substantially cylindrical main body (21) and, preferably, the first opening (22) is arranged at least in regions on a base or cover surface and the second opening (24) is arranged at least in regions on an opposite base or cover surface. [16] Method for at least partially disassembling the device (1) according to one of claims 1-15, comprising the steps: Opening the first quick release fastener (40); Opening the first opening (22) of the cellular wheel housing (20) by translationally displacing the first closure device (26) to decouple it from the cellular wheel (6) arranged in the cellular wheel housing (20) and pivoting the first closure device (26); Removing the cell wheel (6); and, preferably, Opening the second quick release (42); and Opening the second opening (24) of the cellular wheel housing (20) by displacing, in particular pivoting, the second closure device (28) and / or the cellular wheel housing (20).

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