Funnel for receiving and dispensing products

Abstract

The funnel (1) for receiving and dispensing products (13) in bulk, in particular tablets, coated tablets, oblongs or capsules, comprises a base body (2) with a filling opening (9) and a dispensing opening (11). The base body (2) has an inner profile that narrows towards the dispensing opening (11) and has a funnel surface (6) extending along the inner profile. The base body (2) also has at least a first and a second segment (3, 5), wherein the first segment (3) and the second segment (5) are decoupled from each other along at least one dividing line (7). Furthermore, the funnel (1) has an excitation element (15) that is associated with the first segment (3) of the base body (2) and that is configured to excite the first segment (3) to a movement relative to the second segment (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a funnel for receiving and dispensing products, in particular tablets, dragees, oblongs or capsules, in packaging plants.

[0002] Packaging such products presents a challenge, particularly the precise singulation required to ensure reliable dosing and efficient filling of the packages or containers. Bulk materials, due to their shape and surface, tend to stick together or flow unevenly, leading to blockages and inefficiencies.

[0003] Various devices, such as vibrating conveyor systems and rotating drums, have been developed to solve these problems. However, these technologies exhibit shortcomings in singulation, damage prevention, and adaptability to different product types.

[0004] Hoppers and chutes for conveying bulk materials are widely used, but they encounter problems with materials that have high dimensional stability, such as tablets and capsules, particularly due to blockages that impede material flow and lead to insufficient discharge. This often requires manual intervention and impairs the efficiency of the packaging line, resulting in increased production times and costs.

[0005] In publications CN 1 18 479 114 A, CN 1 05 819 028, and JP 2003 - 291 919 A, funnel arrangements are disclosed in which several segments form a funnel. The segments are movable such that the funnel can be moved from a constricted arrangement in the region of the discharge opening to a widened arrangement in order to adapt the discharge end of the funnel to the opening of a package. CN 2 02 828 106 U discloses a funnel comprising flap-like segments. The flap-like segments can be moved into an open and a closed position of the funnel. Finally, CN 2 19 296 211 U discloses a funnel for use in ore mining. The hopper consists of three horizontally divided segments, two of which are rotated around a vertical axis by a drive mechanism to loosen ore material trapped in the hopper.

[0006] The present invention is based on the objective of creating a funnel that overcomes existing challenges, avoids product jams and increases the efficiency of packaging processes.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a funnel according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] The funnel according to the invention for receiving and dispensing products (preferably in bulk), in particular tablets, coated tablets, oblongs, or capsules, comprises a base body. The base body has at least one filling opening and one dispensing opening, wherein the base body has an inner profile that narrows towards the dispensing opening and has a funnel surface circumferential along the inner profile. The base body also has at least a first and a second segment, wherein the first segment and the second segment are decoupled from each other along at least one dividing line. The funnel further comprises an excitation element that is associated with the first segment of the base body and is configured to excite the first segment to oscillate relative to the second segment.

[0009] Due to the two decoupled segments and the reciprocal excitation of the first segment by means of the excitation element, the discharge of the hopper can be significantly improved, because an accumulation of the products present as bulk material within the hopper can either be prevented or the hopper can be effectively discharged even if the bulk material is accumulated.

[0010] The inner profile of the funnel, which narrows towards the dispensing opening, can preferably be in the form of a truncated cone. Various other symmetrical configurations of the inner profile are also conceivable. Even asymmetrical configurations can be used.

[0011] The filling opening can preferably be circular or square, but can also be oval or in the shape of any polygon. In the case of polygons, the corners are preferably rounded. Asymmetrical filling openings are also conceivable.

[0012] The output opening is usually circular, but can also be square, oval, or in the shape of any polygon. Asymmetrical output openings are also conceivable.

[0013] The planes in which the filling opening and the dispensing opening lie are preferably parallel to each other, but can also be inclined to each other or, in the case of a lateral filling opening, even perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, it is preferred that the filling opening and the dispensing opening lie one above the other or that a projection of the dispensing opening lies within the boundaries of the filling opening.

[0014] The external shape of the funnel's base body can essentially correspond to the shape of the internal profile, but can in principle be any shape, for example cylindrical or cuboid.

[0015] The hopper can also be part of a larger unit for conveying bulk material.

[0016] In the context of this application, "decoupled" means that the first and second segments are mechanically decoupled in such a way that excitation of one segment does not result in excitation of the second segment.

[0017] In the simplest case, the first and second segments exist as separate components that are not connected to each other at the dividing line.

[0018] However, there can also be a connection between the first and second segments that does not transmit any excitations. The connection between the two segments could, for example, be achieved using an elastic element or a bellows.

[0019] Similarly, the base body of the funnel could be formed in one piece and yet be designed in such a way in the area of ​​the dividing line that the two segments are decoupled from each other in terms of excitation technology.

[0020] There can also be multiple first and / or multiple second segments.

[0021] A further advantage is that the excitation element is configured such that the movement path of an edge of the excited first segment, located in the region of the at least one dividing line, has at least one principal component along the dividing line, preferably running entirely along the dividing line. A reciprocal movement of the first segment along the dividing line between the two segments can effectively prevent product build-up or ensure the discharge of the hopper.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one dividing line runs in a plane, preferably straight, circular, or oval. The different configurations of the dividing line between the two segments allow the shaping and excitation of the first segment to be effectively adapted to different bulk materials and hopper shapes.

[0023] The plane containing the at least one dividing line can extend parallel to the central axis of the funnel or, alternatively, at an angle to it. If the dividing line is circular, the plane is perpendicular to the central axis of the funnel. If the dividing line is oval, the plane is inclined at an angle to the central axis of the funnel.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferred that the at least one dividing line has a two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally curved and / or angled shape.

[0025] Furthermore, it may be preferable that there is exactly one dividing line circumferentially around the funnel surface and that the first and second segments lie on top of each other.

[0026] In other preferred embodiments, at least two dividing lines separate the first and second segments. The first and second segments are preferably located next to each other.

[0027] Within the context of this application, the terms "one above the other" and "next to the other" refer to the arrangement of the funnel during operation.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferred that in the area of ​​the at least one dividing line there is a gap between the first and the second segment, which has a width of between 0.1 mm and 2.0 mm in the unexcited state and preferably also in the excited state.

[0029] The gap is preferably dimensioned such that the products, which are in bulk, cannot pass through the gap during conveyance through the hopper.

[0030] Preferably, the gap width remains identical even in the excited state, i.e., the relative movement of the first and second segments preferably takes place in one direction along the dividing line.

[0031] The excitation element is configured to excite the first segment to oscillate. The excitation frequency of the excitation element is preferably between 2 Hz and 50 Hz, more preferably between 5 Hz and 40 Hz, and particularly preferably between 10 Hz and 30 Hz.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferred that the hopper has at least one sensor and one control unit. The control unit is communicatively connected to the excitation element and to the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to detect the state of products in the area of ​​the hopper surface or in the interior of the hopper and to transmit a signal indicating the state of products in the area of ​​the hopper surface to the control unit. The control unit is further configured to receive and process the signal and, in response to the received signal, to send control commands to the excitation element for corresponding excitation. The excitation element is configured to receive the control commands and to excite the associated segment accordingly.This design of the funnel makes it possible to stimulate the first segment not continuously, but only selectively when product blockages occur.

[0033] The product states are, in particular, predetermined states that, for example, indicate an accumulation of products inside the hopper. The at least one sensor is preferably an optical sensor, more preferably a camera, a distance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a capacitive sensor. Alternatively, the at least one sensor can be a force sensor that monitors the weight of the hopper or at least a segment of it and uses this to detect an accumulation of products inside the hopper.

[0034] Preferably, a closed control loop is formed by the communicative connection described above between the control unit, the excitation element and the at least one sensor.

[0035] It is preferred that the second segment also be assigned a further excitation element, which is configured to excite the second segment to a movement relative to the first segment. Excitation of both segments can be particularly effective in preventing or dissolving product build-up.

[0036] The excitations of the first and second segments can preferably propagate in the same direction, but they can also propagate in different directions. The frequencies of the excitations of the first and second segments can preferably be identical, but they can also differ.

[0037] Preferably, each excitation element can be controlled independently. However, the same control signals can also be used for certain or all excitation elements.

[0038] Preferably, a packaging system for products in bulk, especially tablets, coated tablets, oblongs, or capsules, has the hopper described above. The products can be filled directly from the hopper into containers or blister packs. Alternatively, downstream feeding devices can be provided to convey the products exiting the hopper or to the final packaging.

[0039] The procedure for operating the funnel described above preferably comprises the following steps: - Providing the funnel; - Feeding the products, which are in bulk, into the filling opening; - at least temporarily exciting the first segment to oscillate relative to the second segment by means of the excitation element; and - Handing over the products from the dispensing opening.

[0040] In general, all features described with regard to the funnel according to the invention are also transferable to the process according to the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, corresponding process steps can be derived from the suitability of devices or features described with regard to the funnel according to the invention.

[0041] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the funnel according to the invention; Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of the funnel according to the invention; Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a third embodiment of the funnel according to the invention; and Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a funnel according to the invention within a packaging system.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the funnel 1 according to the invention with a base body 2 (see Fig. 4), which consists of exactly two segments, a first segment 3 and a second segment 5. Both segments 3 and 5 are completely separated from each other along a single dividing line 7 and arranged side by side. The base body 2 also has a filling opening 9 and a dispensing opening 11, which are opposite each other. Products 13 are fed into the hopper 1, for example, by an upstream feeding device 25 (see Fig. 4) fed in and fall from this into the hopper 1. The feeding device 25 can discharge the products 13 as bulk material into the hopper 1 or also as individual products into the hopper 1.

[0043] The products 13 move from the filling opening 9 towards the dispensing opening 11, generally in the direction of arrow F. However, the actual path of movement of the products 13 in the hopper will usually deviate significantly from this.

[0044] The schematically depicted funnel 1 has an inner profile in the interior of the funnel 1 with a funnel surface 6 surrounding the inner profile (see Fig. 4) The inner profile narrows towards the dispensing opening 11. The filling opening 9 is opposite the dispensing opening 11, and the filling opening 9 and the dispensing opening 11 may be aligned coaxially with each other.

[0045] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1. The two dividing lines 7, which are shown one behind the other in the figure, extend in a straight line along the surface of the truncated cone from the wide side to the narrow side. The dividing lines 7 lie in a plane that is parallel to the conveying direction F or parallel to a central axis 12 (see Figure 1). Fig. 4) of the funnel. The dividing lines 7 are formed here as open gaps 8, which are dimensioned such that the products 13 never pass through them.

[0046] An excitation element 15 (see Fig. 4) serves to excite the first segment 3. The excitation element 15 is described in more detail in connection with Fig. 4 described.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows another embodiment of the funnel 1 according to the invention. The difference to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 is as follows: Fig. The difference in embodiment 1 consists in the fact that there is only one dividing line 7, this dividing line 7 has an oval shape and lies in a plane that is inclined at an angle to the conveying direction F or to the central axis 12. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the first segment 3 lies below the second segment 5. The arrangement can, of course, also be reversed.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows another embodiment of the funnel 1 according to the invention. The difference to the embodiment shown in Fig. The reason for point 2 is that the dividing line 7 has a three-dimensionally curved shape here. The dividing line 7 no longer lies in a plane.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows the funnel 1 in a packaging system 17 with a control unit 19, a sensor 21, an excitation element 15 and optionally a further excitation element 22.

[0050] The filling of containers 23 in a packaging system 17 is shown schematically here. The containers 23 are moved under the hopper 1 along a direction of movement B, preferably in a timed sequence. The products 13 are fed into the hopper 1 by a feeding device 25 arranged above the hopper 1. The products 13 pass through the hopper 1 and fall into the container 23 located below the hopper 1. Subsequently, the container 23 is moved further along the direction of movement B and closed with a lid 27 by a closing device (not shown). In practice, several hoppers 1 are used side by side and / or one behind the other, filling several containers 23 simultaneously.

[0051] The control unit 19 is communicatively connected to the excitation element 15 and the sensor 21. The sensor 21 can detect the state of products 13 in the area of ​​the hopper surface 6, in particular a product build-up, and transmit a signal to the control unit 19. The control unit 19 receives the signal and, in response, sends control commands for corresponding excitation to the excitation element 15. The excitation element 15 receives the control commands and excites the first segment 3 accordingly.

[0052] If a further excitation element 22 is available for the second segment 5, the same sensor data and, if applicable, the same control commands can be used as for the first excitation element 15. The first and second excitation elements 15, 22 can also be configured as components of a single excitation unit.

[0053] Funnel 1 can be continuously excited to prevent product build-up, or it can be excited only upon detection of product build-up. It is also conceivable to continuously excite funnel 1 and, upon detection of product build-up, either provide a stronger excitation and / or provide additional excitation of the second excitation element 22.

Claims

[1] Funnel (1) for receiving and dispensing products (13), in particular tablets, coated tablets, oblongs or capsules, which has a base body (2), wherein the base body (2) has at least one filling opening (9) and one dispensing opening (11), wherein the base body (2) has an inner profile that narrows towards the dispensing opening (11) with a funnel surface (6) circumferential along the inner profile, wherein the basic body (2) has at least a first and a second segment (3, 5), wherein the first segment (3) and the second segment (5) are decoupled from each other along at least one dividing line (7), wherein the funnel (1) further comprises an excitation element (15) which is assigned to the first segment (3) of the base body (2) and is configured to excite the first segment (3) to an oscillation relative to the second segment (5). [2] Funnel (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the excitation element (15) is configured such that a motion path of an edge (16) of the excited first segment (3), which is arranged in the area of ​​the at least one dividing line (7), has at least one principal component along the dividing line path, preferably runs completely along the dividing line path. [3] Funnel (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the at least one dividing line (7) runs in a plane, preferably in a straight line, in a circular shape or in an oval shape. [4] Funnel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one dividing line (7) has a curved and / or angled shape. [5] Funnel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that exactly one dividing line (7) circumferentially exists on the funnel surface (6) and the first and second segments (3, 5) lie on top of each other. [6] Funnel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that at least two dividing lines (7) exist that separate the first and second segments (3, 5) from each other, and that the first and second segments (3, 5) are adjacent to each other. [7] Funnel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the area of ​​the at least one dividing line (7) there is a gap (8) between the first and second segment (3, 5) which has a width of between 0.1 mm and 2.0 mm in the non-excited state and preferably also in the excited state. [8] Funnel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the excitation frequency of the excitation element (15) is between 2 Hz and 50 Hz. [9] Funnel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the funnel (1) has at least one sensor (21) and a control unit (19), wherein the control unit (19) is communicatively connected to the excitation element (15) and to the at least one sensor (21), wherein the at least one sensor (21) is configured to detect states of products (13) in the area of ​​the funnel surface (6) and to transmit a signal indicating the states of products (13) in the area of ​​the funnel surface (6) to the control unit (19), and wherein the control unit (19) is configured to send control commands for a corresponding excitation to the excitation element (15) in response to the received signal. [10] Funnel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second segment (5) is also assigned a further excitation element (22) which is set up to excite the second segment (5) to a movement relative to the first segment (3). [11] Method for operating a hopper (1) for receiving and discharging products (13) in bulk, in particular tablets, coated tablets, oblongs or capsules, comprising the following steps: - Providing a funnel (1) according to one of the preceding claims; - Feeding products (13) into the filling opening (9); - at least temporary or permanent excitation of the first segment (3) to an oscillation relative to the second segment (5) by means of the excitation element (15); and - Dispensing the products (13) from the dispensing opening (11).

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