Filling device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023805879
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-10-28
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing filling devices struggle to achieve a better seal, especially when filling fine or very fine bulk materials, leading to potential contamination and inefficiencies in the filling process.
A filling device with a pivotable closure element and a circumferential sealing device, which includes a side wall with a seal transverse to the filling channel, ensures a secure seal and prevents product leakage, and optionally incorporates a product removal device to manage any stray material.
The improved sealing mechanism effectively prevents product contamination and ensures precise control over the filling process, maintaining a clean environment and efficient operation, especially when handling fine materials.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Filling device
[0002] Description
[0003] The present invention relates to a filling device for a packaging machine for the preferably automatic filling of bulk materials into containers, comprising at least one housing and at least one filling channel formed therein, and at least one controllable channel closure for controlling the filling of bulk materials into containers. The channel closure comprises at least one pivotable closure member which, in the assembled state, is received in a closure receptacle in the housing, wherein the closure receptacle extends in a transverse direction to the filling channel through the filling channel and at least partially through the housing.A drive shaft is provided on the closure member, which extends outward from the housing on a drive side of the housing and via which the closure member can be pivoted, in particular in a controlled manner, in order to close the filling channel in a closed position and to release it essentially completely in at least a central region in an open position. The closure member comprises at least one side wall and at least one closure element, wherein the side wall is arranged in the closure receptacle in the housing outside the region of the filling channel, and wherein the closure element is arranged at least partially within the closure receptacle in the region of the filling channel.In the prior art, a wide variety of filling devices have become known which have a filling channel and which have at least one controllable channel closure in order to control the flow of a bulk material to be filled into a valve bag through the filling channel.
[0004] In known filling devices, the channel closure is often moved into two or three different positions in order to expose the filling channel to varying degrees. If the channel closure is opened wide and the cross-section of the filling channel is largely exposed, filling occurs in a coarse flow, with a high filling weight being added per unit of time.
[0005] To precisely control the filled quantity or volume, the filling rate is reduced toward the end of the filling process, and subsequently filling occurs only in a fine stream. To this end, the cross-section of the filling channel is significantly reduced by the controllable channel closure. Once the filled quantity or the desired filling volume is reached, the channel closure is completely closed, stopping the filling process.
[0006] Such filling devices are known, for example, from DE 10 2011 119 624 Al and DE 10 2016 119 191 Al.
[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to further develop such filling devices with a channel closure in such a way that a better seal is achieved, in particular when filling fine or very fine bulk materials.
[0008] This object is achieved by a filling device having the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.
[0009] The filling device according to the invention is intended for use on or in a packaging machine for the preferably automatic filling of bulk materials into containers. The filling device according to the invention comprises at least one housing and at least one filling channel formed therein, as well as a controllable channel closure for controlling the filling of bulk materials into containers. The channel closure comprises at least one pivotable closure member which, in the assembled state, is received in a closure receptacle in the housing. The closure receptacle extends in a transverse direction to the filling channel through the filling channel and at least partially through the housing.At least one drive shaft is provided on the closure member, which extends outwards from the housing on a drive side of the housing and via which the closure member can be pivoted, in particular in a controlled manner, in order to close the filling channel in a closed position and to release it essentially completely in at least a central region in an open position. The closure member comprises at least one side wall and at least one closure element, wherein the side wall is arranged in the closure receptacle in the housing outside the region of the filling channel and wherein the closure element is arranged at least partially within the closure receptacle in the region of the filling channel. Furthermore, at least one circumferential sealing device is assigned to the side wall in order to effect a seal between the side wall and the closure receptacle, and at least one seal transverse to the filling channel is assigned to the closure element.
[0010] Preferably, at least one side wall, in particular on the shaft side, is provided, on which the closure element is received. Depending on the design, such an L-shaped configuration of the closure member can be advantageously used in the region of the closure receptacle. Depending on the design, however, side walls can also be provided to the left and right of the filling channel, between which the closure element extends through the closure receptacle.
[0011] The closure receptacle has, in particular, a round cross-section, which, as previously explained, is arranged transversely to the filling channel. By appropriately adapting the design of the side walls, a rotatable channel closure is provided, which can also be referred to as a so-called rotary slide valve.
[0012] The fact that the sealing device is provided all around means in particular that a round side wall adapted to a round closure receptacle is assigned a circumferential sealing device over the circumference.
[0013] The sealing device is assigned to the side wall all the way around, which means in particular that the sealing device can be provided either on the side wall and / or on the closure receptacle.
[0014] According to the invention, at least one seal is assigned to the closure element transversely to the filling channel. Such a seal transversely to the filling channel allows for even better sealing, and product is preferably wiped off the walls of the closure receptacle when the closure element is rotated. The fact that the at least one seal is assigned to the closure element transversely to the filling channel means, in particular, that the seal is assigned to or provided on the housing or the closure receptacle and / or the closure element.
[0015] The closure element can preferably also assume intermediate positions to reduce the free cross-section of the filling channel. For example, filling can occur in the coarse flow in the open position and in the fine flow in an intermediate position.
[0016] The filling device according to the invention offers many advantages. One significant advantage is that the product from the filling channel cannot easily penetrate between the closure receptacle and the closure element.
[0017] This is particularly advantageous for very fine and very fine products, since otherwise, depending on the design, some of the product would inevitably find its way out during the rotation of the closure element, potentially contaminating the surrounding area and, in particular, the shaft or shaft bearings. This is significantly improved or even prevented by the provision of the sealing device, depending on the design.
[0018] Preferably, a wall of the housing has an insertion opening for the closure member, allowing the closure member to be inserted into the closure receptacle through the insertion opening during assembly. Such a configuration enables simple assembly and maintenance of the filling device according to the invention, since the closure member can be removed and installed relatively easily. In particular, it is provided that the insertion opening is formed in the shaft-side wall of the housing.
[0019] Particularly preferably, at least two side walls are provided, with each side wall being assigned at least one circumferential seal to create a seal between the side walls and the closure receptacle. In particular, a shaft-side side wall is provided, which is guided in particular in the housing or in the closure receptacle. Furthermore, an opposite side wall is provided, which, in expedient embodiments, is accommodated or guided in a corresponding recess or in the closure receptacle in the opposite housing wall.
[0020] In expedient further developments, the seal associated with the closure element extends at least over the entire cross-section of the filling channel.
[0021] In particular, it is provided that the seal associated with the closure element extends from a side seal or a seal in or on one side wall to the seal in the other side wall. If only one seal is provided in a side wall, the sealing device of the closure element extends to this seal. This ensures that a closed seal is formed between the circumferential seal(s) and the seal on the closure element, perpendicular to the filling channel.
[0022] Preferably, the sealing device associated with the side wall is formed integrally with the sealing device associated with the closure element. This allows for particularly effective and secure sealing. If two side walls are provided, it is also preferred that the seals associated with the side walls or the circumferential seals be formed integrally with the sealing device of the closure element extending transversely thereto.
[0023] Preferably, at least one sealing device is accommodated in at least one groove in the housing or the closure receptacle. In this case, the sealing devices, or the sealing device itself, are designed in such a way that they protrude beyond the groove at least in sections.
[0024] In expedient developments, at least one sealing device is accommodated in at least one groove in the closure member. In this case, grooves or a one-piece groove are preferably provided in at least one side wall, or in the case of two side walls, in the side walls and / or transversely thereto in the closure element. Here, too, it is preferred that the sealing device be designed such that it projects beyond the groove at least in sections.
[0025] The sealing device preferably comprises at least one flexible material. The sealing device can, in particular, consist of a flexible material. A flexible material is, in particular, a compressible, expanded, and / or compactable material.
[0026] Particularly preferably, at least one sealing device is made of felt. The sealing device can preferably be made entirely of felt and / or comprise felt at least in sections. Depending on the design, another suitable flexible and sealing material can also be used.
[0027] The present invention additionally relates to a filling device as described above, wherein instead of the at least one circumferential sealing device on the side wall and / or in addition thereto, at least one side wall comprises at least one product discharge device. If only one side wall is present, at least one such product discharge device is provided in particular on the shaft-side side wall. If two side walls are provided, a product discharge device is preferably provided on both side walls, wherein even with two side walls, depending on the design, a product discharge device can advantageously be used only on the shaft-side side wall.
[0028] Such a product discharge device, as an alternative to the rotating sealing device and / or in combination with the rotating sealing device, offers the advantage of particularly good sealing. This ensures, in particular, a good seal against the drive shaft and the drive shaft bearings.
[0029] In addition, particularly when using an additional seal, e.g. with purge air to seal the shaft bearing and the closure element, it can be ensured that purge air penetrating into the closure receptacle cannot penetrate into the filling channel in the event of a leak, e.g. of the shaft sealing rings.
[0030] Preferably, the product discharge device is provided downstream of the sealing device, starting from the filling channel. In this case, the product discharge device is provided, in particular, further outward or in the direction of the shaft or in the direction of the free side. Because the product discharge device is arranged downstream of a sealing device, starting from the filling channel, the remaining product, which reaches this area despite the sealing device, is discharged via the product discharge device.
[0031] Preferably, the product discharge device comprises at least one groove in at least one side wall. If two side walls are provided, as previously explained, such a product discharge device or groove can be provided only in the shaft-side side wall. Depending on the design, however, product discharge devices with at least one groove each can also be provided in both side walls.
[0032] In expedient developments, the groove is provided all the way around. In this way, product passing from the filling channel through the closure receptacle can penetrate over the entire circumference of the closure receptacle into the circumferential groove in the side wall or sides and be discharged. Preferably, at least one outlet is assigned to the groove. In this case, such an outlet is arranged, particularly in the assembled state, right at the bottom or at least in sections in a lower area, so that the product is conveyed or falls downwards through the groove by the rotation of the closure member and preferably by gravity and can be passively and / or actively discharged from an outlet.
[0033] In expedient embodiments, the product discharge device comprises at least one cleaning element. Such a cleaning element is particularly advantageous if there is a risk that the product located in the groove of the product discharge device will compact and clog the groove over time. The cleaning element then ensures that the groove remains permanently clear.
[0034] For this purpose, in expedient embodiments, the cleaning element can be filled, in particular, with a scraper and / or a mandrel, which protrudes at least partially into the groove. Due to the rotation of the closure member or the side walls and thus the rotation of the groove, the scraper or mandrel and / or the like preferably continuously sweeps the groove clear.
[0035] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiment which will be explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0036] The figures show:
[0037] Fig. 1 is a purely schematic representation of a packing system in a plan view;
[0038] Fig. 2 is a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a filling module with a filling device according to the invention in a perspective view;
[0039] Fig. 3 is a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a filling module with a filling device according to the invention in a sectional view from the side;
[0040] Fig. 4 is a purely schematic sectional view of the embodiment of the filling module according to Fig. 3 with the closure element in a different position;
[0041] Fig. 5 is a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a filling device according to the invention in a sectional view;
[0042] Fig. 6 is a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a filling device according to the invention in a perspective view;
[0043] Fig. 7 is a purely schematic representation of a closure member of an embodiment of a filling device according to the invention;
[0044] Fig. 8 is a purely schematic representation of the closure member according to Figure 7 with the sealing device inserted;
[0045] Fig. 9 is a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a filling device according to the invention in a sectional view.
[0046] Figure 1 shows a purely schematic plan view of a packing system 100 for filling bulk material into containers or bags 200. The packing system 100 is designed here as a rotating packing system 100 with several filling modules 101, each of which has a filling nozzle 105 directed radially outward. An empty bag 200 can then be placed or shot onto each filling nozzle 105 and filled during the rotation of the packing system 100. In particular, so-called valve bags can be used here.
[0047] For the automatic insertion or shooting of the empty bags 200, an automatic bag insertion plug 300 is provided in the embodiment shown here, which receives empty bags from a magazine in the embodiment shown into a firing channel and shoots them onto a free filling nozzle 105 when the latter passes through the firing channel.
[0048] During the rotation of the packing machine 100, the bag 200 attached to a filling nozzle 105 is filled and, after one revolution of the packing system 100, is transferred to a bag removal device 400.
[0049] Figure 2 shows a purely schematic perspective view of a filling module 101 which, in the embodiment shown, comprises a filling pot 102 with a conveying element 104 designed as a conveying turbine 103 and a filling device 1 according to the invention.
[0050] The filling device 1 comprises a channel closure 4 with a closure member 6 for a filling channel 3, wherein the channel closure 4 or the closure member 6 is designed as a so-called rotary slide valve 28 in the illustrated embodiment. By means of this closure member 6, the filling channel 3 can be opened or closed and / or narrowed at least in a central region 12, depending on the position of the closure element 15 of the closure member 6.
[0051] In order to rotate the closure member 6 or to displace the closure element 15, a drive 29 is provided in the embodiment shown here, which is connected or operatively connected to the drive shaft 8 of the channel closure 4.
[0052] Figures 3 and 4 show a purely schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a filling module 101 with a filling device 1 according to the invention. Here, too, the filling pot 102 with the conveyor turbine 103 can be seen, by means of which bulk material is conveyed into the filling channel 3 and subsequently into a connected or connectable filling nozzle 105 when a bag 200 to be filled is attached to it.
[0053] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the filling device 1 comprises a housing 2, by means of which the filling device 1 is arranged or accommodated on the filling pot 102. Depending on the design, the filling device 1 can also be formed integrally with the filling pot 102.
[0054] In the sectional views shown, the closure element 15 of the closure member 6 can be seen, which is accommodated in the closure receptacle 5 in the housing 2.
[0055] In Figure 3, it is shown purely schematically that the filling channel 3 is completely closed by means of the closure element 15, wherein for this purpose the closure member 6 or the closure element is then in the closed position 10.
[0056] Figure 4 shows that the channel closure 4, or rather the closure member 6, or the closure element 15, has been rotated such that the closure element 15 completely exposes the filling channel 3 in the view shown here. In this position, the closure member 6 is in the open position 11.
[0057] In this way, it can be achieved that when filling, for example, bulk material into a bag 200 attached to a filling nozzle 105, a defined quantity can be filled, since after reaching a predetermined filling weight, the closure member 6 can be transferred from the open position 11 to the closed position 10, so that no further product can pass through the filling channel 3 into the filling nozzle 105 or a bag 200 attached to it.
[0058] In addition, depending on the design, the filled quantity or volume can be precisely controlled by reducing the filling rate toward the end of the filling process and subsequently filling only in a fine flow. In advantageous designs, the cross-section of the filling channel can be significantly reduced, even in intermediate positions, thanks to the controllable channel closure. Once the filled quantity or the desired filling volume is reached, the channel closure is completely closed, stopping the filling process.
[0059] Figure 5 shows a purely schematic side sectional view of a filling device 1 according to the invention. Here, it can be seen that the filling device 1 comprises a housing 2, which has a filling channel 3 formed therein. A closure receptacle 5 for a channel closure 4 is provided in the housing 2.
[0060] The channel closure 4 comprises a closure member 6, which, in the embodiment shown here, has two side walls 13, 14, between which a closure element 15 is arranged. Depending on the design, only one side wall 13 may be provided, which forms an L-shaped component with the closure element. One side wall 13 is then the shaft-side wall in operative connection with the drive shaft 8.
[0061] In the embodiment shown here, the closure receptacle 5 is adapted to the contour of the closure member 6 and is round in shape. In the embodiment shown here, the closure receptacle 5 is designed in the transverse direction 7 to the filling channel 3 relative to the conveying direction of the filling channel 3, so that the closure member 5 is inserted or arranged in the housing 2 transversely to the conveying direction of the bulk material or transversely to the filling channel 3.
[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure member 6 is connected on a drive side 9 to a drive shaft 8, by means of which the closure member 6 can be moved or rotated in the closure receptacle 5. In this case, the closure member 6 can be displaced or rotated, in particular, between a closed position 10 and an open position 11, so that in a closed position 10, the filling channel 3 is essentially completely or even completely closed by the closure member 6 or the closure element 15. In the
[0063] In the opening position 11, the closure element 15 is rotated such that the filling channel 3 is released.
[0064] To prevent product conveyed through the filling channel 3 from migrating outward along the housing 2 in the direction of the shaft 8 or even to the opposite side, particularly during rotation of the closure member 6, sealing devices 16 are provided in the embodiment shown here, which are arranged in grooves 21 in the housing 2. The sealing devices 16 are provided circumferentially in the closure receptacle 5.
[0065] The sectional view also shows that, extending from the filling channel 3, behind the sealing device 16 of the side walls 13, 14, a circumferential groove 25 is formed in each of the side walls 13, 14, which, in the illustrated embodiment, provides a product discharge device 24. Depending on the design, a product discharge device 24 can also be provided only on the shaft-side side wall 13 or only on the opposite side wall 14.
[0066] Product that has reached this area despite the sealing devices 16, 19 can fall into these product discharge devices 24 or the grooves 25. The product can then fall downwards along the grooves 25, whereby in the illustrated embodiment, outlets 26 are provided through which the product can then be guided out of the housing 2 or fall out and can preferably be collected and discharged via a collecting funnel or the like.
[0067] If the drive shaft 8 is equipped with a so-called purge air seal with a purge air channel 34, as in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the product discharge device assigned to the shaft-side side wall 13 can also be provided to discharge purge air penetrating into the housing 2 or into the closure receptacle 5, for example in the event of a leak in the shaft sealing rings 33. In this way, the penetrating purge air does not reach the filling channel 3. This prevents the conveyed product from becoming uncontrolledly enriched with air, which changes the flow properties of the product and, in particular, lengthens the venting time of the bag before removal from the nozzle.
[0068] Figure 6 shows a purely schematic perspective sectional view of a filling device 1 according to the invention. A section of the housing 2 is not shown in order to provide a view into the interior of the housing 2 with a closure member 6 4 inserted into the closure receptacle 5. Here, too, it can be seen that sealing devices 16, 19 are provided in the grooves 21 and are provided circumferentially around the side walls 13, 14. Furthermore, it can be seen that a sealing device 19 is also provided transversely thereto over the closure member 15 and extends at least over the cross section 20 of the filling channel 3. Here, however, it extends from one sealing device 16 of the side wall 13 to the other sealing device 16 of the opposite side wall 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sealing devices 16, 19 are designed as a single piece.
[0069] The sealing devices 16, 19 are made of a flexible material 22, with felt being provided here in order to ensure the best possible seal while still allowing the sealing device 16, 19 to yield.
[0070] Figures 7 and 8 show a purely schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a closure member 6 according to the invention. Unlike in the previously illustrated embodiment, the sealing devices 16, 19 are not provided in a groove 21 in the housing 2; instead, the sealing devices 16 and 19 are inserted into grooves 21 in the side walls 13, 14 and in the closure element 15. The closure member 6 is then inserted into the closure receptacle 5 together with the sealing devices 16, 19.
[0071] Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a channel closure 4 according to the invention. In contrast to the previously shown embodiment, the housing 2 is not directly connected to the bearing 30 of the drive shaft 8, so that despite the sealing devices 16, 19, product emerging from the filling channel can virtually not reach the roller bearings 31 for the shaft 8 and thus cannot damage them. Furthermore, Figure 9 shows that the product discharge device 24 in all embodiments can comprise at least one cleaning element 27, which here is designed as a mandrel 32 or as a scraper 32.
[0072] The cleaning element can be positioned anywhere along the groove 25 and engages the groove 25 to remove any stuck product. This is particularly advantageous when filling with product that could compact in the groove and thus clog the groove 25 over time.
[0073] List of reference symbols
[0074] 1 filling device 31 rolling bearings
[0075] 2 housing 32 thorn / scratch
[0076] 3 Filling channel 33 Shaft seal
[0077] 4 Channel closure 34 Purge air channel
[0078] 5 closure holder 100 packing machine
[0079] 6 Closure element 101 Filling module
[0080] 7 Transverse direction 102 Filling pot
[0081] 8 Drive shaft 103 Conveyor turbine
[0082] 9 Drive side 104 Conveyor element
[0083] 10 Closed position 105 Filling nozzle
[0084] 11 Opening position 200 bags / containers
[0085] 12 central area 300 Sackauf plug
[0086] 13 Side wall 400 bag removal
[0087] 14 Side wall
[0088] 15 locking element
[0089] 16 Sealing device
[0090] 17 Wall
[0091] 18 Insertion opening
[0092] 19 Sealing device
[0093] 20 Cross section of the
[0094] Filling channel s
[0095] 21 grooves
[0096] 22 flexible material
[0097] 23 Fil z
[0098] 24 Product discharge device
[0099] 25 grooves
[0100] 26 outlets
[0101] 27 Cleaning element
[0102] 28 rotary valves
[0103] 29 Drive
[0104] 30 warehouses
Claims
Claims:
1. Filling device (1) for a packaging machine (100) for filling bulk materials (300) into containers (200), comprising at least one housing (2) and at least one filling channel (3) formed therein and at least one controllable channel closure (4) for controlling the filling of bulk materials into containers, wherein the channel closure (4) comprises at least one pivotable closure member (6) which, in the assembled state, is received in a closure receptacle (5) in the housing (2), wherein the closure receptacle (5) extends in a transverse direction (7) to the filling channel (3) through the filling channel (3) and at least partially through the housing (2), wherein a drive shaft (8) is provided on the closure member (6), which extends outwards from the housing (2) on a drive side (9) of the housing (2) and via which the closure member (6) is pivotable,to close the filling channel (3) in a closed position (10) and to release it substantially completely in an open position (11) at least in a central region (12), wherein the closure member (6) comprises at least one side wall (13, 14) and at least one closure element (15), wherein the side wall (13, 14) in the closure receptacle, (5) is arranged in the housing (2) outside the area of the filling channel (3) and wherein the closure element (15) is arranged within the closure receptacle (5) in the area of the filling channel (3), characterized in that at least one circumferential sealing device (16) is assigned to the side wall (13, 14) in order to ensure a seal between the side wall (13, 14) and the closure receptacle (5) to effect and that at least one seal (19) is assigned to the closure element (15) transversely to the filling channel (3). Filling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a wall (17) of the housing (2) has an insertion opening (18) for the closure member (6) in order to be able to insert the closure member (6) through the insertion opening (18) into the closure receptacle (5) during assembly. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two side walls (13, 14) are provided, wherein each side wall (13, 14) is assigned at least one circumferential sealing device (16) in order to effect a seal between the side walls (13, 14) and the closure receptacle (5). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the seal (19) assigned to the closure element (15) extends at least over the entire cross-section (20) of the filling channel (3).Filling device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the seal (16) assigned to the side wall (13, 14) is formed integrally with the seal (19) assigned to the closure element (15). Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sealing device (16, 19) is received in at least one groove (21) in the housing (2). Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sealing device (16, 19) is received in at least one groove (21) in the closure member (6). Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sealing device (16, 19) comprises at least one flexible material (22). Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sealing device (16, 19) consists of felt (23). Filling device (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one side wall (13, 14) comprises at least one product discharge device (24). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the product discharge device (24), starting from the filling channel (3), is arranged downstream of the sealing device (16, 19). Filling device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the product discharge device (24) comprises at least one groove (25) in the side wall (13, 14). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the groove (25) is provided circumferentially. Filling device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the groove (25) is assigned at least one outlet (26).Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 15, wherein the product discharge device (24) comprises at least one cleaning element (27). Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning element (27) is assigned to the groove (25).