Storage module for storing and / or receiving a bulk material and dosing device for a bulk material

Abstract

Storage module (1) for storing and / or receiving a bulk material, in particular for storing and / or receiving foodstuffs, for a dosing device (2) for dosing the bulk material, wherein the dosing device (2) has at least one dosing housing (4) having an interior space (3) for receiving the bulk material and at least one movably arranged dosing element (5) for adjusting and / or controlling the discharge of the bulk material from the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4) and / or for controlling the size of the bulk material flow from the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4), wherein the dosing housing (4) has an inlet opening (6) for supplying the bulk material to the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4) and an outlet opening (7) for discharging the bulk material from the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4), in particular wherein the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4) is formed by a receiving funnel (8) is characterized bythat the storage module (1) can be arranged on the dosing housing (4) in such a way that the bulk material from the storage module (1) can be fed to the interior (3) of the dosing housing (4) via the inlet opening (6) of the dosing housing (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a storage module for storing and / or receiving a bulk material having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a dosing device for a bulk material having the features of the preamble of claim 12.

[0002] Known storage modules for storing and / or receiving bulk goods are used in particular for storing and / or receiving foodstuffs. For example, in the production of finished products containing several different foodstuffs, the storage modules serve to temporarily store the different foodstuffs for the final product. Such storage modules are designed like sacks or as sacks.

[0003] Known dosing devices comprise a dosing housing having an interior space for receiving the bulk material and a movably arranged dosing element for adjusting and / or controlling the discharge of the bulk material from the interior space of the dosing housing and / or for controlling the size of the bulk material flow from the interior space of the dosing housing. The dosing housing has an inlet opening for supplying the bulk material to the interior space of the dosing housing and an outlet opening for discharging the bulk material from the interior space of the dosing housing. In particular, the interior space of the dosing housing is formed by a receiving hopper. The interior space of the dosing housing tapers, in particular, towards the outlet opening. For example, in the production of end products comprising multiple foodstuffs, the dosing devices serve to dose the foodstuffs for the end product according to predetermined recipes.

[0004] Such bulk material comprises, in particular, a multitude of powdery, granular and / or lumpy elements which are in a “pourable” form. The “bulk material” could be, for example, flour, salt or coffee powder. Such a bulk material is capable of flowing similarly to a fluid when appropriate forces are applied. In this respect, it is also referred to here as a “bulk material flow”, which can also be referred to as a mass flow of the bulk material. In the following, the “bulk material flow” therefore refers in particular to the mass flow of the bulk material, and the term “adjusting and / or controlling the size of a bulk material flow” then refers to the adjustment and / or control of the corresponding size of the mass flow of the bulk material; this should be noted.

[0005] As already partially mentioned above, bulk goods are usually delivered in containers or transport containers, such as bags on appropriate pallets. The problem with this is that the container can become contaminated during transport, for example by pests such as mice and / or other vermin. In the food industry in particular, product acceptance of the transport containers takes place in the so-called "black area". If the corresponding hygiene requirements are met, the delivered goods, in particular the transport containers, are then inspected. If the inspection is successful, the inspected goods are then approved for use in the company's hygiene area. In particular, the goods, in this case the bags in particular, are then repackaged on plastic pallets. The goods inspected orRepackaged goods are then located in the so-called “white area”, i.e. they are then hygienically tested and are then stored / kept there under certain hygienic conditions.

[0006] However, the supply of bulk material to the dosing devices known in the prior art is not yet optimally designed. There is initially a high risk that some of the bulk material, particularly from a bag-like storage module, will be poured past the inlet opening and thus lost. This is particularly the case when a bag-like storage module as described above, in particular a bag, is used to supply the bulk material to the dosing device. Another problem with the prior art is that the inspected goods, particularly the bags repackaged on plastic pallets, must then be transported pallet by pallet through the company to the dosing device. This creates a corresponding risk of accidents, and sufficient space must also be available for the pallets to be moved.The method of feeding the bulk material to the dosing devices known in the state of the art is therefore not yet optimally designed.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of designing and / or further developing a storage module for storing and / or receiving a bulk material and / or a dosing device for a bulk material in such a way that the problems of the prior art are avoided or at least reduced, in particular whereby a "pouring past" of the bulk material past the inlet opening of the dosing housing should be easily avoidable, in particular whereby the storage module should be structurally as simple and cost-effective as possible and / or the maintenance effort for the dosing device is reduced.

[0008] This object underlying the invention is now initially achieved by a storage module for storing and / or receiving a bulk material for a dosing device for dosing the bulk material with the features of claim 1.

[0009] One aspect of the invention is essentially that the storage module can be arranged on the dosing housing in such a way that the bulk material can be fed from the storage module to the interior of the dosing housing via the inlet opening of the dosing housing.

[0010] Thus, this storage module, by positioning it appropriately on the dosing housing, makes it easy to prevent a portion of the bulk material from being poured past the inlet opening of the dosing housing and thus being lost. Nevertheless, the storage module is structurally simple and therefore cost-effective.

[0011] The storage module preferably comprises a storage container, a discharge opening, and a shut-off device. The shut-off device is movable between a closed position and a discharge position. In particular, this allows not only the inspection of the transport containers to be carried out in the "black area," but also the transfer of the bulk material, in particular from the bags, into a respective storage module after this initial inspection. The storage containers can then be used and / or stored in the so-called "white area."

[0012] This further improves handling of the storage module. The shut-off means is positioned in its closed position until the storage module is arranged on the dosing housing in the desired relative position to the dosing housing. In said desired relative position, the discharge opening of the storage module and the inlet opening of the dosing housing are essentially congruent with one another. If the discharge opening of the storage module and the inlet opening of the dosing housing are each round, they are then concentric with one another. Further preferably, the discharge opening can be closed using the shut-off means, and the discharge opening can be opened using the shut-off means.

[0013] The discharge opening is opened using the shut-off device when the storage module is positioned in the desired position relative to the dosing housing. Before opening, when the shut-off device is in its closed position, the bulk material is safely contained within the storage module, in particular, it can be retained in the storage container against gravity.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the storage module, the storage module can be arranged and / or arranged on the dosing housing in such a way that, when the shut-off means is positioned in its dispensing position, the bulk material can be fed from the storage container to the interior of the dosing housing via the inlet opening of the dosing housing.

[0015] The bulk material is preferably fed from the storage container through the inlet of the dosing housing to the interior of the dosing housing by gravity. For this purpose, the storage container is positioned both above the discharge opening of the storage module and above the inlet of the dosing housing, provided the storage module is positioned in the desired position on the dosing housing.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the storage module, the storage module has a connecting element. The shut-off means is movably, in particular displaceably, arranged on the connecting element. The storage module can be effectively connected to the dosing housing and / or effectively supported on the dosing housing by means of the connecting element.

[0017] The connecting element thus enables simple yet secure guidance of the shut-off device. The connecting element also prevents the storage module from tilting relative to the dosing housing.

[0018] It may be advantageous if the connecting element has a through-opening. The discharge opening of the storage module is realized and / or can be realized through the through-opening of the connecting element.

[0019] The connection and / or support of the connecting element to the dosing housing thus takes place completely adjacent to the through-hole, so that the dosing housing can absorb forces acting from the storage module onto the dosing housing particularly well. Furthermore, the through-hole reliably prevents the bulk material from being misdirected past the inlet opening of the dosing housing.

[0020] Advantageously, the storage container is effectively connected and / or can be effectively connected to the connecting element in such a way that a free passage cross-section for the bulk material is formed by means of the passage opening of the connecting element when the shut-off means is positioned in its discharge position.

[0021] In particular, the reservoir is partially inserted into the through-opening of the connecting element by means of a neck portion. The reservoir preferably makes full contact with the connecting element in the area of ​​the through-opening.

[0022] The connecting element preferably has a first plate and a second plate. The shut-off means is more preferably designed as a gate valve and is movably arranged between the two plates.

[0023] For this purpose, the first plate and / or the second plate has a recess in an outer surface facing the other plate in each case, in which the shut-off means, in particular the gate valve, is received and / or guided.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the storage module, the gate valve is displaceable from its closed position towards its dispensing position in the longitudinal direction of the first plate and the second plate and / or substantially parallel to a plane of the first plate and / or to the second plate.

[0025] This is made possible in particular by the recess described. The gate valve is preferably guided on two opposite sides of the connecting element and can only be moved in a specific direction (or vice versa). The thickness of the first or second plate is perpendicular to the plane of the respective plate. The displaceability "essentially" parallel to the plane of the first plate and / or the second plate means that it is possible to deviate from the parallel displaceability by up to 10°. The longitudinal direction of the respective plate lies in or parallel to the plane of the respective plate.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the storage module, the shut-off means has a gripping area. The shut-off means protrudes, at least with the gripping area, from an outer periphery of the storage module, in particular an outer periphery of the connecting element, when the shut-off means is positioned in its closed position.

[0027] The grip area is designed, for example, with a hole and / or in a hook shape. The barrier can be moved manually using the grip area. Automated movement using an actuator is also conceivable. Forces for moving the barrier can be easily transferred to the barrier via the grip area.

[0028] Preferably, the shut-off means can be locked in its closed position and / or in its dispensing position, in particular by means of a respective locking means.

[0029] This ensures that the shut-off device is not accidentally moved out of its closed position and / or its dispensing position. For example, if the storage module is impacted during transport, the shut-off device remains in the closed position with increased security if the shut-off device is locked in its closed position. For example, if the storage module is impacted during dosing using a dosing device on which the storage module is then mounted, the shut-off device remains in the dispensing position with increased security if the shut-off device is locked in its dispensing position.

[0030] The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a dosing device for a bulk material having the features of claim 12.

[0031] One aspect of the invention then essentially lies in the fact that a storage module as described above is additionally provided for storing and / or receiving the bulk material and / or that the storage module can be arranged and / or is arranged on the dosing housing in such a way that the bulk material can be fed from the storage module to the interior of the dosing housing via the inlet opening of the dosing housing.

[0032] The advantages described above for the storage module also apply to the dosing device. Due to the features described, both the storage module and the entire dosing device are structurally simple and thus cost-effective. In particular, the fact that the storage module can be arranged on the dosing housing of the dosing device enables quick and convenient assembly and disassembly of the storage module on the dosing housing, thus simplifying or reducing maintenance effort, particularly for cleaning the interior of the dosing housing, which offers significant advantages.

[0033] It may be advantageous if the dosing housing has at least one guide area, in particular two rib-shaped elevations. In particular, the storage module can be placed and / or slid onto the dosing housing over and / or along the guide area.

[0034] This makes connecting the storage module to the dosing housing particularly easy. Incorrect positioning and / or jamming can be reliably prevented by the at least one guide area.

[0035] Preferably, the dosing housing has at least one stop region. The storage module, in particular the connecting element of the storage module, can be supported in the stop region on the dosing housing in a specific position relative to the dosing housing.

[0036] This makes it easy to ensure that the specified position is reached when connecting the storage module to the dosing housing. In the specified position, the discharge opening of the storage module is essentially congruent with the inlet opening of the dosing housing.

[0037] More preferably, the stop region is formed on the guide region, in particular on at least one of the rib-shaped elevations. The stop region is formed, in particular, at an angle to a connecting direction predetermined by the guide region. When the storage module is arranged on the dosing housing, the storage module is then moved relative to the dosing housing, in particular in the connecting direction, until further movement is no longer possible due to contact of the storage module with the dosing housing in the stop region.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the dosing device, an outer circumference of the dosing housing essentially corresponds to an outer circumference of the connecting element. Only a (small) gap is formed between the dosing housing and the connecting element when the connecting element is effectively connected to the dosing housing and / or effectively supported on the dosing housing. In particular, the adjacent outer surfaces of the dosing housing and the connecting element then lie in one plane. In particular, no step is formed between the dosing housing and the connecting element.

[0039] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the dosing device, the dosing element is arranged and / or positionable at least partially in the region of the outlet opening of the dosing housing. The discharge of the bulk material and / or the size of the bulk material flow from the interior of the dosing housing can be adjusted and / or controlled by positioning and / or moving the dosing element.

[0040] The dosing element has an axis. As a first possibility, the discharge of the bulk material from the interior of the dosing housing and / or the size of the bulk material flow can be adjusted and / or controlled by positioning or moving the dosing element substantially along and / or in the direction of its axis. In particular, a specific size of a free outlet cross-section of the outlet opening of the dosing housing is set by a specific positioning of the dosing element.

[0041] Preferably, the dosing element has at least one dosing section and the dosing section has at least one groove and / or at least one channel.

[0042] The dosing element is also arranged to rotate about a rotational axis. This provides a "second movement option" for the dosing element or for the dosing section, in particular, on the one hand, along and / or in the direction of its axis (as the first movement option), and on the other hand, rotatable about its rotational axis (as the second movement option). The discharge of the bulk material from the interior of the dosing housing and / or the control of the size of the bulk material flow can therefore now - as a second option - and in particular also additionally, be adjusted and / or controlled by a rotational movement of the dosing element with the aid of the groove and / or the channel. In particular, this now enables or enables the most precise dosing process possible in a very short overall dosing time.

[0043] With regard to the foregoing, it should also be briefly pointed out that the terms "first option" and "second option" are not intended to define any restriction and / or limitation and / or, initially, any specific order of these options. The respective terms "first option" and "second option" are intended merely to initially describe the different options for adjusting and / or controlling the size of the bulk material flow. However, the dosing device has both of these options, so that with the aid of this dosing device according to the invention designed in this way, a dosing process can be carried out optimally, in particular depending on the type of bulk material in question, and the dosing device is designed very flexibly for this purpose.Depending on the selection, the two aforementioned options can be implemented with the aid of the dosing device, either individually or together, or both options can be combined accordingly, particularly staggered one after the other or at least partially simultaneously. Thus, with the dosing device according to the invention configured in this way, a control process or the dosing process for a bulk material can be optimally designed and implemented.

[0044] More preferably, the dosing section is designed and / or constructed in a substantially conical and / or frustoconical shape. The free outlet cross-section of the outlet opening of the interior of the dosing housing can be adjusted particularly easily and yet precisely by means of the conical and / or frustoconical section, in particular since the axis and / or a virtual extension of the axis of the dosing element or of the dosing section penetrates the outlet opening. The conical and / or frustoconical dosing section is oriented such that the dosing element has a larger circumference at the end facing away from the dosing housing than at the end facing the dosing housing. In this context, substantially conical and / or frustoconical means, in particular, that the conical and / or frustoconical shape can be deviated from by a "slight" curvature of the surface lines of the cone, as opposed to straight surface lines.The term "slight" curvature refers in particular to a curvature with a radius of curvature greater than the height of the conical and / or truncated cone-shaped dosing section. Furthermore, the term "essentially" here also means that the conical and / or truncated cone-shaped shape can be deviated from by means of the recesses in the grooves and / or flutes present in the outer surface of the cone. The free outlet cross-section of the outlet opening can be formed, in particular, adjacent to the conical and / or truncated cone-shaped dosing section. The risk of the outlet opening becoming clogged with bulk material is reduced by the conical and / or truncated cone-shaped dosing section, in particular because the bulk material cannot adhere to the conical and / or truncated cone-shaped dosing section. For this purpose, a correspondingly acute opening angle of the cone is selected.

[0045] It may be advantageous if a drive system is provided and / or present, wherein the dosing element is movable with the aid of the drive system substantially along an axis of the dosing element and / or rotatable about a rotation axis of the dosing element.

[0046] It would be conceivable, for example, that the drive system comprises a motor for rotation about the rotation axis and a linear actuator for linear movement substantially along and / or in the direction of the axis, which are coupled and / or can be coupled to the dosing element by means of a corresponding gear mechanism.

[0047] Advantageously, the dosing element is and / or can be effectively coupled to the drive system by means of a connecting means, in particular via a shaft, for transmitting the forces and / or moments that can be provided by means of the drive system.

[0048] Such a connecting means, in particular the shaft, is then particularly part of the aforementioned gear mechanism. The rotational axis or shaft is then formed with the aid of the connecting means. Preferably, the connecting means is operatively connected to the metering element on one side and operatively connected to the drive system on the other side.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment of the dosing device, the drive system is arranged below the outlet opening of the dosing housing. In particular, the connecting means, when coupled, is arranged outside the interior of the dosing housing.

[0050] This allows for particularly easy cleaning of the connecting element, or cleaning of the connecting element is not necessary, since the connecting element has no contact with the bulk material. Furthermore, replacing the dosing element, especially together with the connecting element and / or the drive system, is also simplified. In addition, the volume of the interior of the dosing housing available for the bulk material is not reduced by the connecting element, especially in contrast to a connecting element arranged inside the interior.

[0051] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the dosing device, the outlet opening of the dosing housing is formed by a receiving funnel end, in particular the lower end facing the dosing element. The outlet opening is thus formed in the region of the interior of the dosing housing with the smallest cross-section, with the cross-sections being formed in particular perpendicular to a funnel axis of the receiving funnel and / or perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0052] The metering housing preferably has an agitator with at least one agitating element and a drive device. The agitating element is arranged at least partially within the interior of the metering housing and is movable, in particular rotatable, by means of the drive device. The agitating element improves the continuous supply of the bulk material to the outlet opening of the interior of the metering housing. In particular, adhesion of bulk material to an inner wall of the metering housing facing the interior can be avoided by moving the agitating element.

[0053] It may be advantageous if the drive device comprises a gear with an annular external gear and a drive gear. The stirring element is arranged on the annular external gear. The annular external gear meshes with the drive gear.

[0054] This allows for easy movement of the stirring element. The stirring element is movable, in particular, along the inner wall of the dosing housing facing the interior, particularly at a constant distance from this inner wall. The bulk material can be fed into the interior of the dosing housing through the annular external gear, whereby this feed is not impaired by the annular external gear.

[0055] Advantageously, the drive gear is functionally coupled and / or can be coupled to a motor. This allows the movement of the stirring element as a whole to be achieved using simple means and with minimal effort in terms of device and control technology.

[0056] In particular, a storage module can be arranged selectively and / or sequentially at several different dosing devices. The storage module can then be refilled at a refilling station in the meantime. Furthermore, the same or several different storage modules, filled with different or identical bulk materials, for example, can be arranged sequentially at a dosing device. This allows for particularly flexible and complex dosing processes for one or more different bulk materials.

[0057] There are now a multitude of possibilities for advantageously designing and developing the storage module according to the invention for storing and / or receiving a bulk material and the dosing device according to the invention for a bulk material. Reference may first be made to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and the claims subordinate to claim 12. Preferred embodiments of the storage module according to the invention for storing and / or receiving a bulk material and the dosing device according to the invention for a bulk material are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the drawing and the associated description. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the dosing device with a storage module connected to the dosing device and / or supported on the dosing device in a side view in section, Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the dosing device with the storage module according to Fig. 1 in another in contrast to Fig. 1 side view rotated by 90°, Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the dosing device with the storage module according to Fig. 1 in a three-dimensional view partly in section, Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a first plate and a second plate of a connecting element of the storage module from Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 in a three-dimensional exploded view, Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a dosing housing of the embodiment of the dosing device from Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 in a three-dimensional view, Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the dosing housing, the second plate and a shut-off means arranged in a closed position of the embodiment of the dosing device from Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 in a three-dimensional view, Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the dosing housing, the second plate and the shut-off means arranged in a dispensing position of the embodiment of the dosing device from Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 in a three-dimensional view, Fig. 8 shows a highly schematic representation of the dosing housing and the connecting element of the embodiment of the storage module from Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 in an exploded view in a side view partly in section, and Fig. 9 shows a highly schematic representation of the dosing housing and the connecting element of the storage module connected to the dosing housing Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 in a side view, partly in section.

[0058] Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 each show a storage module 1 for storing and / or receiving a bulk material, in particular for storing and / or receiving food, for a dosing device 2 for dosing the bulk material. Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 each also show this dosing device 2. The dosing device 2 has at least one dosing housing 4 having an interior space 3 for receiving the bulk material and at least one movably arranged dosing element 5 for adjusting and / or controlling the discharge of the bulk material from the interior space 3 of the dosing housing 4 and / or for controlling the size of the bulk material flow from the interior space 3 of the dosing housing 4. The dosing housing 4 has an inlet opening 6 for supplying the bulk material to the interior space 3 of the dosing housing 4 and an outlet opening 7 for discharging the bulk material from the interior space 3 of the dosing housing 4. In particular, the interior space 3 of the dosing housing 4 is formed by a receiving hopper 8.

[0059] The dosing housing 4 is designed as a sheet metal construction, such as Fig. 3. The dosing housing 4 has, among other things, four side walls and a lid with the inlet opening 6, but in particular no bottom. The receiving funnel 8 adjoins the inlet opening 6. The outlet opening 7 of the dosing housing 4 is formed by an end E of the receiving funnel 8, in particular the lower end facing the dosing element 5.

[0060] The storage module 1 can be arranged on the dosing housing 4 in such a way that the bulk material from the storage module 1 can be fed to the interior 3 of the dosing housing 4 via the inlet opening 6 of the dosing housing 4.

[0061] The storage module 1 can be arranged, in particular, on the cover of the dosing housing 4. The dosing housing 4 can be arranged, for example, on a further processing machine and / or mixing station and can be supported, in particular, with the lower end faces of the side walls facing downwards, for example, on such a further processing machine and / or mixing station.

[0062] The storage module 1 comprises a storage container 9, a dispensing opening 10, and a shut-off device 11. The shut-off device 11 is movable between a closed position VP and a dispensing position AP.

[0063] In particular, the storage container 9 has a capacity of 8L to 30L. The storage container 9 is designed, for example, as a wide-neck barrel with a capacity of approximately 26L and a neck diameter of approximately 203mm. It is also conceivable for the storage container 9 to have a capacity of less than 26L, e.g., approximately 10L. The capacity refers to the internal volume of the storage container 9 available for accommodating bulk material.

[0064] The discharge opening 10 can be closed on the one hand by means of the shut-off device 11, and the discharge opening 10 can be opened on the other hand by means of the shut-off device 11. When the shut-off device 11 is positioned between its closed position VP and its discharge position AP, the discharge opening 10 is partially open.

[0065] The storage module 1 can be arranged on the dosing housing 4 and / or according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 arranged so that, when the shut-off means 11 is positioned in its discharge position AP, the bulk material from the storage container 9 can be fed to the interior 3 of the dosing housing 4 via the inlet opening 6 of the dosing housing 4. Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 each show the shut-off device 11 in its closed position VP. To supply the bulk material (not shown in detail) from the storage container 9 to the interior 3 of the dosing housing 4, the shut-off device 11 only needs to be moved from the situation shown here to its discharge position AP.

[0066] The storage module 1 has a connecting element 12, wherein the connecting element 12 is separately in Fig. 4. The Fig. 4, the shut-off means 11 is arranged movably, in particular displaceably, on the connecting element 12. The storage module 1 is connected by means of the connecting element 12 to the dosing housing 4, which is Fig. 5 is shown separately, can be effectively connected and / or can be effectively supported on the dosing housing 4.

[0067] Fig. 6 shows the dosing housing 4, a part of the connecting element 12 and the shut-off device 11 in its closed position VP. Fig. 7 shows the same part of the connecting element 12 as Fig. 6 with the shut-off means 11 in its dispensing position AP. The shut-off means 11 has a folding area 11.1, wherein this folding area 11.1 can be pivoted towards the dosing housing 4 when the shut-off means 11 is positioned in its dispensing position AP. The folding area 11.1 is in its pivoted position according to Fig. 7 from the outside to the dosing housing 4, in particular a corresponding side wall of the dosing housing 4.

[0068] The connecting element 12 has a through-opening 13. The discharge opening 10 of the storage module 1 is realized and / or can be realized through the through-opening 13 of the connecting element 12. The through-opening 13 is preferably cylindrical. The through-opening 13 thus has circular cross-sections. Other shapes of through-openings 13 are also conceivable.

[0069] The storage container 9 is effectively connected and / or can be effectively connected to the connecting element 12 in such a way that a free passage cross-section for the bulk material is formed by means of the through-opening 13 of the connecting element 12 when the shut-off means 11 is positioned in its discharge position AP. In particular, the storage container 9 protrudes with a neck region into the through-opening 13 of the connecting element 12. Preferably, the storage container 9 rests completely against the connecting element 12 in the through-opening 13 and / or the storage container 9 is sealed off from the connecting element 12, at least for the intended bulk material.

[0070] The connecting element 12 has a first plate 14.1 and a second plate 14.2. The shut-off means 11 is designed as a gate valve 15 and is movably arranged between the two plates 14.1, 14.2. For this purpose, the first plate 14.1 and / or the second plate 14.2 has a recess open toward the other plate 14.1, 14.2 and to one side, with the gate valve 15 being arranged in the recess formed by the first plate 14.1 and / or the second plate 14.2.

[0071] The gate valve 15 is moved from its closing position VP towards its discharge position AP, as shown in particular by means of an arrow in Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, displaceable in the longitudinal direction L of the first plate 14.1 and the second plate 14.2 and / or substantially parallel to a plane of the first plate 14.1 and / or the second plate 14.2. The dispensing position AP is defined by at least one dispensing position stop 11.2 for the shut-off means 11. Further movement of the shut-off means 11 away from the closed position VP is not possible due to contact with the dispensing position stop 11.2.

[0072] The shut-off means 11 has a gripping area 16. The shut-off means 11 protrudes, at least with the gripping area 16, beyond an outer periphery of the storage module 1, in particular an outer periphery of the connecting element 12, when the shut-off means 11 is positioned in its closed position VP. The gripping area 16 is arranged and / or formed in particular at the projecting end of the folding area 11.1. The gripping area 16 is formed, for example, by means of a hole in the shut-off means 11. To move the shut-off means 11, an operator can insert at least one finger into the hole. Other designs of the gripping area are also conceivable.

[0073] The blocking means could be lockable in its closed position and / or in its dispensing position, in particular by means of a locking means. Such a locking means can be designed, for example, as a spring-loaded ball, which engages in a corresponding recess in the closed position and / or in the dispensing position.

[0074] The Fig. The dosing housing 4 shown separately in Figure 5 has at least one guide region 17, in particular two rib-shaped elevations 17.1, 17.2 and / or two holding regions 17.5, 17.6. In particular, the storage module 1 can be placed and / or pushed onto the dosing housing 4 over and / or along the guide region 17.

[0075] A first locking groove 17.3 is formed in the first rib-shaped elevation 17.1, and a second locking groove 17.4 is formed in the second rib-shaped elevation 17.2. The two locking grooves 17.3, 17.4 are each L-shaped. A leg of the L-shaped locking groove 17.3, 17.4 that is perpendicular to the inlet opening 6 forms an opening in the upper side of the corresponding rib-shaped elevation 17.1, 17.2. A leg of the L-shaped locking groove 17.3, 17.4 that is parallel to the inlet opening 6 forms an undercut in the corresponding rib-shaped elevation 17.1, 17.2.

[0076] The dosing housing 4 has at least one stop region 18. The storage module 1, in particular the connecting element 12 of the storage module 1, can be supported in the stop region 18 on the dosing housing 4 in a specific position relative to the dosing housing 4.

[0077] The stop region 18 is formed on the guide region 17, in particular at least on one of the rib-shaped elevations 17.1, 17.2.

[0078] A stop area 18 is formed in each case on the rib-shaped elevations 17.1, 17.2, in particular in the area of ​​the leg of the L-shaped locking groove 17.3, 17.4 lying parallel to the inlet opening 6.

[0079] The connecting element 12, in particular its second plate 14.2, has a positioning groove 12.1, 12.2 corresponding to the rib-shaped elevations 17.1, 17.2. When connected, the respective rib-shaped elevation 17.1, 17.2 protrudes from the connecting element 12 to the metering housing 4 into the associated positioning groove 12.1, 12.2. A positioning web 12.3, 12.4 is formed in each of the positioning grooves 12.1, 12.2. In particular, the positioning web 12.3, 12.4 is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the positioning grooves 12.1, 12.2. The storage module 1, in particular the connecting element 12 of the storage module 1, can be supported in particular with the positioning web 12.3, 12.4 on the dosing housing 4 in its stop area 18 in the specific relative position to the dosing housing 4.

[0080] The connecting element 12, in particular its second plate 14.2, has an opening 12.5, 12.6 corresponding to each of the two holding areas 17.5, 17.6. When connected to the dosing housing 4, the respective holding area 17.5, 17.6 protrudes from the connecting element 12 into the corresponding opening 12.5, 12.6 and / or penetrates this opening 12.5, 12.6.

[0081] In the following, based on the overview of Fig. 4 to Fig. 9 a connection process from the storage module 1 to the dosing housing 4 is described. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 each show only the second plate 14.2 of the connecting element 12. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 each show a side view of the connecting element 12 and the dosing housing 4, wherein the dosing housing 4 is shown completely and the connecting element 12 is shown in a section through the first positioning groove 12.1. Fig. Figure 8 shows the shut-off device 11 in a position which is achieved when the storage module 1 is arranged on the dosing housing 4, and not in the state arranged on the connecting device 12. The simplified representations for clarifying the connection process from Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 furthermore do not show the division of the connecting means 12 into the two plates 14.1, 14.2.

[0082] The storage module 1 with the shut-off device 11 in its closed position VP is moved in a direction perpendicular to the inlet opening 6 towards the dosing housing 4, as shown in Fig. 8 is symbolized by the double-dash-dotted line. The rib-shaped elevations 17.1, 17.2 are inserted into the corresponding positioning grooves 12.1, 12.2, the holding areas 17.5, 17.6 into the corresponding openings 12.5, 12.6, and the positioning webs 12.3, 12.4 into the corresponding locking grooves 17.3, 17.4. When the positioning webs 12.3, 12.4 have reached the respective leg of the corresponding L-shaped locking groove 17.3, 17.4 lying parallel to the inlet opening 6, the storage module 1 is moved along this leg parallel to the inlet opening 6 until the positioning webs 12.3, 12.4 contact the respective stop area 18. In this position, the storage module 1 is secured by the stop area 18, in particular an undercut one, against undesired movement away from the dosing housing 4 in a direction perpendicular to the inlet opening 6.

[0083] The shut-off means 11 is now moved into its dispensing position AP until it reaches the dispensing position stop 11.2, and the folding region 11.1 is pivoted. Preferably, a dispensing position stop 11.2 is formed on each of the holding regions 17.5, 17.6. The dispensing position stop 11.2 is formed, in particular, on a projection of the respective holding region 17.5, 17.6 that projects toward the inlet opening 6. When the shut-off means 11 is positioned in the dispensing position AP, the storage module 1 is also secured against undesired movement away from the dosing housing 4 in a direction perpendicular to the inlet opening 6 by contact between the shut-off means 11 and the dispensing position stops 11.2 of the holding regions 17.5, 17.6. Disassembly of the storage module 1 from the dosing housing 4 is carried out by the same steps just described but in reverse order.

[0084] As just described, the storage module 1 can be secured in the correct, immovable position relative to the dosing housing 4 without the need for tools. This allows the storage module 1 to be secured in the correct, immovable position relative to the dosing housing 4 in less than 2 minutes. The above applies both to the assembly of the storage module 1 to the dosing housing 4 and, analogously, to the disassembly of the storage module 1 from the dosing housing 4.

[0085] This allows all elements, components, and / or areas of the dosing device 2 to be accessed quickly and easily. In particular, hygiene-relevant elements, components, and / or areas of the dosing device 2, e.g., for cleaning purposes, can be accessed quickly and easily.

[0086] An operator is then able to quickly and easily clean all critical parts that come into contact with the bulk material, such as the dosing element 5, the receiving hopper 8, and / or the storage container 9. Cleaning is carried out using suitable processes, e.g., manually, with the aid of a dishwasher, and / or with the aid of a disinfection device.

[0087] An outer circumference of the dosing housing 4 essentially corresponds to an outer circumference of the connecting element 12. The two outer circumferences are each rectangular.

[0088] The dosing element 5 is arranged and / or positionable at least partially in the region of the outlet opening 7 of the dosing housing 4. The discharge of the bulk material and / or the size of the bulk material flow from the interior 3 of the dosing housing 4 can be adjusted and / or controlled by positioning and / or moving the dosing element 5. The dosing element 5 has at least one dosing section 19, and the dosing section 19 has at least one groove 20 and / or at least one channel. The dosing section 19 is designed and / or constructed essentially conically and / or truncated conically.

[0089] The dosing element 5 is arranged and / or positionable relative to the outlet opening 7 such that an axis A of the dosing element 5 and / or the virtual extension of the axis A penetrates the outlet opening 7. The axis A and / or the virtual extension of the axis A penetrates the outlet opening 7, in particular centrally. The axis A and / or the virtual extension of the axis A penetrates the outlet opening 7 substantially perpendicular to a plane of the outlet opening 7.

[0090] The respective dosing element 5 or the respective dosing section 19 has a particularly helical groove 20 or a helically extending groove 20. The groove 20 is formed in the dosing section 19 of the dosing element 5. The groove 20 extends, in particular, over the entire dosing section 19. It would also be conceivable, however, for the groove to extend only over part of the dosing section.

[0091] A drive system 21 is provided and / or present, wherein the dosing element 5 is movable with the aid of the drive system 21 essentially along the axis A of the dosing element 5 and / or rotatable about a rotation axis R of the dosing element 5. As shown here, the axis A and the rotation axis R are congruent with each other. An offset of the axis and the rotation axis is also conceivable.

[0092] The dosing element 5 is effectively coupled and / or can be coupled to the drive system 21 by means of a connecting means 22, in particular via a shaft, for transmitting the forces and / or moments that can be provided by means of the drive system 21.

[0093] The connecting means 22, in particular the shaft, projects into the dosing element 5, wherein in particular a rotary bearing is formed and / or arranged between the dosing element 5 and the connecting means 22, in particular the shaft.

[0094] The dosing element 5 is, on the one hand, movable, in particular in the vertical direction, along and / or in the direction of its axis A, here in particular upwards and downwards, and is also rotatable or rotatable in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about its axis of rotation R.

[0095] The drive system 21 is arranged below the outlet opening 7 of the dosing housing 4. In particular, the connecting means 22 is arranged outside the interior space 3 of the dosing housing 4 in the coupled state.

[0096] The dosing housing 4 has an agitator 23 with at least one stirring element 24 and a drive device 25, such as in particular Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. The stirring element 24 is arranged at least partially within the interior space 3 of the dosing housing 4 and is movable, in particular rotatable, by means of the drive device 25. Fig. 1 and Fig.3 show, by way of example, two stirring elements 24 which are arranged offset by 180° from one another.

[0097] The drive device 25 has a gear 26 with an annular external gear 27 and a drive gear 28. The stirring element 24 is arranged on the annular external gear 27. The annular external gear 27 engages with the drive gear 28. The stirring element 24 is connected at one end to the drive gear 28 and projects from the drive gear 28 toward the outlet opening 7 into the interior space 3. The stirring element 24 is plate-shaped with rectangular cross-sections and has a bend toward the drive gear 28.

[0098] The drive gear 28 is functionally coupled and / or can be coupled to a motor (not shown here). The motor is preferably designed as an electric motor. Rotation of the motor rotates the drive gear 28 and thus the external gear 27. The rotation of the external gear 27 allows the stirring element 24 to be moved along the receiving hopper 8, in particular at the same distance from the receiving hopper 8. List of reference symbols 1 storage module 2 Dosing device 3 Interior 4 Dosing housing 5 Dosing element 6 Entrance opening 7 Exit opening 8 receiving hoppers 9 storage containers 10 Discharge opening 11 Barrier devices 11.1 Folding area 11.2 Dispensing position stop 12 connecting element 12.1 first positioning groove 12.2 second positioning groove 12.3 first positioning bridge 12.4 second positioning bar 12.5 first breakthrough 12.6 second breakthrough 13 Passage opening 14.1 first plate 14.2 second plate 15 gate valves 16 Grip area 17 Management area 17.1 first rib-shaped elevation 17.2 second rib-shaped elevation 17.3 first locking groove 17.4 second locking groove 17.5 first stopping area 17.6 second holding area 18 Stop area 19 Dosing section 20 grooves 21 Drive system 22 connecting devices 23 agitator 24 stirring element 25 Drive device 26 gearboxes 27 ring-shaped external gear 28 drive gear VP locking position AP delivery position L Longitudinal direction of the first plate 14.1 and the second plate 14.2 A axis of the dosing element 5 R Rotation axis of the dosing element 5 E End of the receiving funnel 8

Claims

[1] Storage module (1) for storing and / or receiving a bulk material, in particular for storing and / or receiving foodstuffs, for a dosing device (2) for dosing the bulk material, wherein the dosing device (2) has at least one dosing housing (4) having an interior space (3) for receiving the bulk material and at least one movably arranged dosing element (5) for adjusting and / or controlling the discharge of the bulk material from the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4) and / or for controlling the size of the bulk material flow from the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4), wherein the dosing housing (4) has an inlet opening (6) for supplying the bulk material to the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4) and an outlet opening (7) for discharging the bulk material from the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4), in particular wherein the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4) is formed by a receiving hopper (8) is formed, characterized bythat the storage module (1) can be arranged on the dosing housing (4) in such a way that the bulk material from the storage module (1) can be fed to the interior (3) of the dosing housing (4) via the inlet opening (6) of the dosing housing (4). [2] Storage module (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the storage module (1) has a storage container (9), a dispensing opening (10) and a shut-off means (11), wherein the shut-off means (11) is movable between a closed position (VP) and a dispensing position (AP). [3] Storage module (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the discharge opening (10) can be closed by means of the shut-off means (11) and wherein the discharge opening (10) can be opened by means of the shut-off means (11). [4] Storage module (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized bythat the storage module (1) can be arranged and / or is arranged on the dosing housing (4) in such a way that, when the shut-off means (11) is positioned in its discharge position (AP), the bulk material can be fed from the storage container (9) via the inlet opening (6) of the dosing housing (4) to the interior (3) of the dosing housing (4). [5] Storage module (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by in that the storage module (1) has a connecting element (12), wherein the shut-off means (11) is arranged movably, in particular displaceably, on the connecting element (12), wherein the storage module (1) can be effectively connected to the dosing housing (4) with the aid of the connecting element (12) and / or can be effectively supported on the dosing housing (4). [6] Storage module (1) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the connecting element (12) has a through-opening (13), wherein the discharge opening (10) of the storage module (1) is realized and / or can be realized through or with the aid of the through-opening (13) of the connecting element (12). [7] Storage module (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the storage container (9) is effectively connected and / or can be effectively connected to the connecting element (12) in such a way that a free passage cross-section for the bulk material is formed by means of the passage opening (13) of the connecting element (12) when the shut-off means (11) is positioned in its discharge position (AP). [8] Storage module (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by that the connecting element (12) has a first plate (14.1) and a second plate (14.2), wherein the shut-off means (11) is designed as a gate valve (15) and is movably arranged between the two plates (14.1, 14.2). [9] Storage module (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the gate valve (15) is displaceable from its closing position (VP) towards its discharge position (AP) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the first plate (14.1) and the second plate (14.2) and / or substantially parallel to a plane of the first plate (14.1) and / or to the second plate (14.2). [10] Storage module (1) according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized by in that the blocking means (11) has a gripping region (16), wherein the blocking means (11) protrudes at least with the gripping region (16) relative to an outer circumference of the storage module (1), in particular an outer circumference of the connecting element (12), when the blocking means (11) is positioned in its closed position (VP). [11] Storage module (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized bythat the blocking means (11) can be locked in its closed position (VP) and / or in its dispensing position (AP), in particular by means of a respective locking means. [12] Dosing device (2) for a bulk material, in particular for foodstuffs, with at least one dosing housing (4) having an interior space (3) for receiving the bulk material and with at least one movably arranged dosing element (5) for adjusting and / or controlling the discharge of the bulk material from the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4) and / or for controlling the size of the bulk material flow from the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4), wherein the dosing housing (4) has an inlet opening (6) for supplying the bulk material to the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4) and an outlet opening (7) for discharging the bulk material from the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4), in particular wherein the interior space (3) of the dosing housing (4) is formed by a receiving funnel (8), characterized bythat in addition a storage module (1) for storing and / or receiving the bulk material according to one of claims 1 to 11 is present and / or that the storage module (1) can be arranged and / or is arranged on the dosing housing (4) in such a way that the bulk material can be fed from the storage module (1) via the inlet opening (6) of the dosing housing (4) to the interior (3) of the dosing housing (4). [13] Dosing device (2) according to claim 12, characterized by that the dosing housing (4) has at least one guide region (17), in particular two rib-shaped elevations (17.1, 17.2), in particular wherein the storage module (1) can be placed and / or pushed onto the dosing housing (4) over and / or along the guide region (17). [14] Dosing device (2) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized bythat the dosing housing (4) has at least one stop region (18), wherein the storage module (1), in particular the connecting element (12) of the storage module (1), can be supported in the stop region (18) on the dosing housing (4) in a specific position relative to the dosing housing (4). [15] Dosing device (2) according to claim 14, characterized by that the stop region (18) is formed on the guide region (17), in particular at least on one of the rib-shaped elevations (17.1, 17.2). [16] Dosing device (2) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by that an outer circumference of the dosing housing (4) substantially corresponds to an outer circumference of the connecting element (12). [17] Dosing device (2) according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized bythat the dosing element (5) is arranged and / or positionable at least partially in the region of the outlet opening (7) of the dosing housing (4), wherein the discharge of the bulk material and / or the size of the bulk material flow from the interior (3) of the dosing housing (4) is adjustable and / or controllable by positioning and / or moving the dosing element (5). [18] Dosing device (2) according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized by that the dosing element (5) has at least one dosing section (19) and the dosing section (19) has at least one groove (20) and / or at least one channel. [19] Dosing device (2) according to claim 18, characterized by that the dosing section (19) is designed and / or constructed substantially conically and / or truncated conically. [20] Dosing device (2) according to one of claims 12 to 19, characterized bythat a drive system (21) is provided and / or present, wherein the dosing element (5) is movable with the aid of the drive system (21) substantially along an axis (A) of the dosing element (5) and / or rotatable about a rotation axis (R) of the dosing element (5). [21] Dosing device (2) according to claim 20, characterized by that the dosing element (5) is and / or can be effectively coupled to the drive system (21) by means of a connecting means (22), in particular via a shaft, for transmitting the forces and / or moments that can be provided by means of the drive system (21). [22] Dosing device (2) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized by that the drive system (21) is arranged below the outlet opening (7) of the dosing housing (4), in particular wherein the connecting means (22) is arranged outside the interior (3) of the dosing housing (4) in the coupled state. [23] Dosing device (2) according to one of claims 12 to 22, characterized by that the outlet opening (7) of the dosing housing (4) is formed by an end (E) of the receiving funnel (8), in particular the lower end facing the dosing element (5). [24] Dosing device (2) according to one of claims 12 to 23, characterized by that the dosing housing (4) has an agitator (23) with at least one agitating element (24) and a drive device (25), wherein the agitating element (24) is arranged at least partially within the interior (3) of the dosing housing (4) and is movable, in particular rotatable, with the aid of the drive device (25). [25] Dosing device (2) according to claim 24, characterized bythat the drive device (25) has a gear (26) with an annular external gear (27) and with a drive gear (28), wherein the stirring element (24) is arranged on the annular external gear (27), wherein the annular external gear (27) is in engagement with the drive gear (28). [26] Dosing device (2) according to claim 25, characterized by that the drive gear (28) is functionally coupled and / or can be coupled to a motor.

Images