Product dispensing device

Abstract

A product dispensing device (1) according to the invention comprises: at least two product feed devices (2, 2', 2") and respectively associated collecting containers (3, 3', 3"), wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") each have at least one closing device (4, 4', 4") on their underside and are adapted to dispense product quantities (P), wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") are adapted to perform a common tumbling movement, wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") can be brought alternately into a dispensing area (A) by means of the tumbling movement in order to dispense a provided product quantity (P), in which the outlet of that collecting container (3, 3', 3") in the dispensing area (A) is arranged above the opening cross-section of a product receiving device (5) and the corresponding closing device (4, 4', 4") is in the open state.This allows very high clock frequencies to be achieved and allows a compact and reliable transfer of the product portions.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a product dispensing device, for example for a product supply system, which can be used, for example, in conjunction with a combination scale.

[0002] When filling empty packaging, such as bags, cups, cans, or similar, modern packaging machines operate with such a high number of product portion transfers per minute or cycle frequency that it is challenging to reliably fill the packaging containers to be filled with specific product portions, determined, for example, by weighing, counting, time-controlled dosing, or similar, within the short time available. To prepare the product quantities to be filled into the packaging containers, a corresponding number of conventional filling scales or a combination scale are used, for example. In both cases, the product quantities ejected from spatially separated weighing containers of the conventional trolleys or the combination scale must be fed to the filling point of the packaging machine.

[0003] Product dispensing devices for this purpose are known from the prior art.

[0004] EP 0 979 393 B1 describes a product dispensing device with movable collecting containers. With this system, weighed product quantities from a weighing system are dispensed to a first and second product feed device. Positioned beneath these are a corresponding first collecting container and a corresponding second collecting container, each provided with closure flaps. A product receiving device is provided beneath the collecting containers, which opens into a corresponding packaging machine. The weighing system can dispense weighed product quantities into the first or second product feed device. These product quantities are then collected by the closed-closure collecting containers in such a way that the product quantities drawn apart by the collecting hopper wall are collected again into a compact form by a tapered interior space.The collection containers are arranged such that the outlet opening of a corresponding collecting hopper is always positioned within the circumference of the upper opening of the collection container in the direction of gravitational acceleration, so that they can receive a weighed quantity of product dispensed by the weighing system both in their dispensing position above the product receiving device and in another position. In a corresponding position, the product quantities contained in the collection containers can be ejected into the product receiving device by opening the respective closure flaps.

[0005] EP 1 184 648 B1 discloses a similar product dispensing device, which is additionally equipped with a device for opening the closure flaps in the receiving position. The opening of the closure flaps can be variably selected independently of the position of the collection containers (which are pivoted about an axis). This makes it possible to specifically prevent a specific product portion, for example, a missing quantity, from reaching the product receiving device. This product portion, however, can be dispensed into a separate receiving container.

[0006] EP 3 272 661 A1 discloses a product dispensing device for a product provision system, in which a first product feed device and a second product feed device provide quantities of product in a first collecting container and a second collecting container. Both collecting containers are each provided with first closure flaps and second closure flaps, respectively. As soon as the collecting containers are positioned over the product receiving device, the closure flaps can close or open to release the product into the product receiving device. The collecting containers can be pivoted to a dispensing position of the first collecting container or to a dispensing position of the second collecting container. In this case, the pivoting movement towards the respective other dispensing positions begins before the closure flaps have closed. In this case, the opening or closing direction of the closure flaps is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pivoting movement.

[0007] In state-of-the-art systems, the moving mass of the product dispensing device and product must always be decelerated before being ejected. This limits the number of product portions transferred per minute, referred to as the cycle rate, in state-of-the-art systems. Furthermore, in state-of-the-art systems, a mass of product has little time to settle, i.e., to collect compactly in a ejection container.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to increase the number of cycles and the efficiency and reliability of a product dispensing device.

[0009] This object is achieved by a product dispensing device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 14. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] A product dispensing device according to the invention comprises at least two collection containers, each with an associated product feed device. The collection containers, in turn, each have at least one closing device on their underside. The collection containers are adapted to dispense defined product quantities.

[0011] The collection containers are adapted to perform a common tumbling motion. This means that the system of collection containers performs a tumbling motion, with all collection containers then moving in the same direction. To dispense a provided quantity of product, the collection containers can be alternately brought into a dispensing area by the tumbling motion. The outlet of the corresponding collection container is arranged in the dispensing area above the opening cross-section of a product receiving device, preferably substantially centrally, and the corresponding closing device is in the open state.

[0012] The movement of the collection containers can also be described as a three-dimensional pivoting movement. The collection containers are thus moved three-dimensionally between the product feeder and product receiving device without the collection container system rotating.

[0013] The product's direction of movement is also specified. The at least two collection containers do not change their position relative to each other; the system of collection containers is pivoted in space with a three-dimensional pivoting movement.

[0014] The tumbling motion, which is a three-dimensional pivoting movement, allows for smoother movement. The system has at least the duration of one cycle to pick up a product and slow it down accordingly, i.e., to decelerate it before it is ejected. This results in a more compact product portion.

[0015] Furthermore, a modular and simple design is possible. Furthermore, centralized discharge into the product dispensing device is possible without significant dispersion.

[0016] This allows for more efficient product handover.

[0017] Preferably, the collecting containers are attached to a holding device; further preferably, the holding device has a plurality of holding arms, to each of which a collecting container is connected.

[0018] This ensures that the collection containers are moved together and undergo a tumbling motion together.

[0019] Preferably, a plate is arranged above the collecting container, which plate has a recess in the areas where a collecting container is provided below. Corresponding discharge openings of the product feed devices are provided above the respective recess. For example, corresponding product feed devices can be used by part of a combination scale.

[0020] This allows product from the product feed devices to fall through the recesses into the collection containers below.

[0021] Preferably, the recesses are adapted to establish a connection between the product feed devices and the respective collection containers throughout the entire movement of the collection containers. The cross-sections are then always aligned, allowing product to always flow from the product feed device into the collection containers. This allows for optimal use of the time available for discharge.

[0022] Preferably, there is also a drive device which is connected to the holding device, and the drive device is designed to cause a wobbling movement of the collecting containers.

[0023] Preferably, the drive device consists of a drive unit and a connecting unit. The drive unit is adapted to execute a rotary movement, and the connecting unit is adapted to translate the rotary movement of the drive unit into a wobbling movement. This allows for a simple drive, with the connecting unit being constantly driven, allowing the collection containers to move with a constant movement.

[0024] Preferably, the connecting unit has a bearing that enables rotational movement about at least two axes. This makes it very easy to generate a wobbling movement from a rotational movement. Such a bearing can be a ball joint or universal joint, for example.

[0025] Preferably, the storage unit is hygienically sealed with a sealing device. This allows for use in the food or food processing industry.

[0026] Preferably, each collection container has an opening and closing mechanism for the respective at least one closing device, which is adapted to influence the opening state of at least one closing device depending on the position of the collection container. Thus, it is mechanically possible to easily influence the opening state of the corresponding closing device so that it is only open and can dispense product when the corresponding dispensing opening of the collection container is positioned above the product receiving device.

[0027] Preferably, an actuating element is provided for each collecting container. This actuating element is fixed relative to the collecting container and is configured to actuate the opening and closing mechanism for the at least one locking device depending on the pivoting state of the collecting container. For example, the actuating elements are mounted on the plate.

[0028] This ensures that a locking device on a collection container only opens when it is positioned above the product receiving device. Complex control of the locking device is also eliminated, as the opening state of the locking device can be configured depending on the position of the collection container.

[0029] Preferably, the product dispensing device is adapted to dispense the product quantities to a product receiving device. The product receiving device is funnel-shaped, preferably as a parabolic funnel, which allows products to be collected safely and without scattering. A parabolic funnel enables even better product flow by promoting a natural trajectory of product particles, as this allows a predetermined falling path to be established.

[0030] Preferably, the closing device is adapted to be opened outside the dispensing area in order to eject specific product portions outside the product receiving device, further preferably by changing the position of an actuating element, wherein product portions can preferably be ejected into a second product receiving device. This allows for a mis-ejection device to be implemented, i.e., mis-ejected portions reach the product receiving device.

[0031] Preferably, the center axes of the collecting containers extend obliquely downwards, and the centers of the inlets of the collecting containers lie on a virtual circle. However, the center axes of the collecting containers preferably do not intersect at a virtual point below the collecting containers, but are skewed to each other.

[0032] At the top (seen in the direction of fall of the product), the center axes of the collection containers are further apart than further down or at the lowest point.

[0033] This allows the product feed devices to be arranged easily and space-savingly above the collection containers.

[0034] It can also be achieved that, as the tumbling movement goes through, the respective outlet of the collecting container is moved radially inwards towards the discharge area, and radially outwards when the collecting container is not in the discharge position.

[0035] This allows the product to be ejected as close to the center as possible, saving the fall distance and further contributing to the product settling.

[0036] Preferably, the collecting containers are bevelled at their lower end, and at least one closure flap rests on the bevel.

[0037] This allows the closure flap to be opened and closed without much energy, and also allows for easy and uncomplicated ejection of the product.

[0038] Preferably, appropriate collection containers are provided on three or four product feeders. This allows for faster cycle frequencies.

[0039] A method according to the invention for actuating a product dispensing device comprises tumbler-like movements of the collecting containers, in which the collecting containers alternately move over the dispensing area of ​​the product receiving device. This ensures that the collecting containers are alternately emptied into the product receiving device.

[0040] Preferably, the closing device of the collection container, which is located above the output area of ​​the product receiving device, opens. This ensures that the products are completely discharged and that the product is also completely caught by the product receiving device. This further increases the efficiency of the product dispensing device.

[0041] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view of components of a product dispensing device. Fig. 2 is a simplified view compared to Fig. 1 , where the collecting containers are not shown. Fig. 3 is a sectional view, and represents the same simplified view as in Fig. 2 Fig. 4 is an expanded side view of a product dispensing device, also showing the product feeders. Fig. 5 is a top view of a corresponding plate and the product feeders, below which the catch containers are provided. Fig. 6 shows a complete product dispensing cycle for a system with three catch containers. Fig. 7 shows a side view of components of a product dispensing device, including two product receiving devices.

[0042] In Fig. 1 important components of a product dispensing device 1 are shown. Three collecting containers 3, 3' and 3" are arranged below a plate 7, which is designed here as a disc. Here, only the first collecting container 3 and the second collecting container 3' are visible in detail - the third collecting container 3" is arranged here behind the first collecting container 3 and the second collecting container 3' and is therefore not completely visible. The collecting containers 3 and 3' can each be closed with a closing device 4 or 4', the lower end of the collecting containers 3 and 3' is bevelled so that the closing devices 4 or 4' can rest against the bevel.

[0043] In Fig. 1 the first collecting container 3 is in the closed state, the second collecting container 3' is in the open state.

[0044] Furthermore, each of the collecting containers 3, 3' is provided with an opening and closing mechanism 10, 10', which controls the opening of the respective closing device 4, 4'. Actuating elements 11 are attached to the plate 7, and depending on the pivoting state of the respective collecting containers 3, 3', the actuating elements 11 actuate the opening and closing mechanism 10, 10' of the closing device 4, 4', so that they are either open or closed. A housing 9e is mounted on the plate 7, in which the drive device 9 (not shown here) is provided. A product receiving device 5, designed here as a parabolic funnel, is arranged below the collecting containers 3, 3' and 3".

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a simplified representation; no collecting containers are shown here. The disc-shaped plate 7 is again shown; this is also placed on the housing 9e. Furthermore, actuating elements 11, 11' and 11' are provided on the plate 7, three of which are visible in this case. Below the plate 7, a holding device 6 is provided, on which three holding arms 6a, 6a' and 6a" are provided. The holding device 6 is connected to the drive device 9 (not shown here) - the holding device 6 is movably connected to the plate 7. Between the holding device 6 and the plate 7, a sealing device 9d is provided, which seals the space between the lower side of the plate 7 and the holding device 6 accordingly.

[0046] The support arms 6a, 6a' and 6a" are adapted to undergo a wobbling movement, whereby the support arms 6a, 6a' and 6a" are alternately raised and lowered.

[0047] Fig. 3 is a sectional view based on the Fig. 2 , here you can see some more components. Here you can see that there is a recess 8 in the plate 7 - through this, product can be dropped into a collecting container underneath (not shown here). It can also be seen that there is a connecting unit 9b inside the housing 9e, which has a bearing 9c that is placed inside the plate 7. A sealing device 9d is arranged underneath. At the upper end of the connecting unit 9b there is a crank element 9f, in which the upper end of the connecting unit 9b is mounted. When the crank element 9f is rotated by a drive unit 9a, the connecting unit 9b does not rotate, but pivots in a three-dimensional pendulum motion.

[0048] Fig. 4 shows a more complete representation of a product dispensing device 6, with basically the same components as the Fig. 1 , except that here a first and second product feed device 2, 2' is provided above the plate 7 (the third product feed device 2" is hidden here and thus not shown). Through recesses 8, 8' and 8" provided in the plate 7 (not shown here), product can fall from the product feed devices 2, 2' into the first collecting container 3 and second collecting container 3' located below.

[0049] Fig. 5 shows a top view of the plate 7, where it can be seen that three recesses 8, 8' and 8" are provided. Furthermore, the connecting unit 9b is shown here, which is located in the middle. It can be seen that three product feed devices 2, 2' and 2" are present, each of which opens in a funnel-shaped recess 8, 8' and 8".

[0050] Fig. 6 shows a complete movement cycle of the product dispensing device, in which the crank element 9b is rotated completely once (360°) and in which all three collecting containers 3, 3' and 3" open once.

[0051] Above, a view from below of the plate 7 and the three collecting containers 3, 3' and 3" is shown - below, a side view from the front, here the opening and closing mechanisms 10, 10' and at least one actuating element 11 are also visible. In the isometric view, however, only the first and second collecting containers 3 and 3' are shown - the third collecting container 3" is hidden.

[0052] In Fig. 6 (a) The starting position is shown, so here the angle of rotation of the crank element 9f is 0°. Here, the first collecting container 3 is completely closed by the locking device 4, the second collecting container 3' is completely open, and the collecting container 3" is completely closed by the corresponding locking device 4". The lower end of the opened second collecting container 3' is now located in the center (below the virtual center of the plate 7).

[0053] In Fig. 6 (b) the crank element 9f has rotated by 60°, and the angle of inclination of the connecting device 9b is correspondingly different - above the plate 7, the connecting device 9b is pivoted forward, below the plate 7, correspondingly backward. Here, it can be seen that the first collecting container 3 has pivoted towards the center and has partially opened; the second collecting container 3' is also still partially open, but is now in a closing movement and has pivoted slightly away from the center. The third collecting container 3" remains closed.

[0054] In Fig. 6 (c) The crank element 9f has rotated a further 60°, thus setting a rotation angle of 120° relative to the starting position. Due to the movement of the crank element 9f, the connecting element 9b above the plate 7 has now pivoted to the left and below the plate 7 to the right. The first collecting container 3 is now completely open and pivoted over the center, the second collecting container 3' is now completely closed, and the third collecting container 3" is also completely closed by the corresponding locking device 4".

[0055] In Fig. 6 (d) The crank element 9f has now rotated a further 60°, resulting in an angle of 180° relative to the starting position. The connecting element 9b has now tilted to the rear left above the plate 7, and then correspondingly to the front left below the plate 7. The first collecting container 3 is now still partially open and is in a closing movement and has pivoted slightly away from the center; the second collecting container 3' is completely closed and remains closed; and the third collecting container 3" is in the opening movement and is only partially open and has pivoted towards the center.

[0056] In Fig. 6 (e) The crank element 9f has rotated a further 60°, and an angle of 180° relative to the starting position is now set. The connecting element 9b is now tilted backward above the plate 7, and forward above the plate 7 accordingly. The first collecting container 3 is completely closed and remains closed, the second collecting container 3' is also completely closed, and the third collecting container 3" is completely open and is now located directly above the center, i.e., above the discharge position.

[0057] In Fig. 6 (f) The crank element 9f was rotated a further 60°, now with a rotation angle of 300° relative to the starting position. The connecting element 9b is now tilted to the rear left above the plate 7, and to the front right above the plate 7. Here, it can be seen that the first collecting container 3 is completely closed, the second collecting container 3' is opening and partially open and pivoting toward the center, and the third collecting container 3" is in a closing movement but is still partially open.

[0058] Out of Fig. 6 It can be seen that only one collection container 3, 3' or 3" pivots towards the center, then opens the corresponding closing device 4, 4' or 4", can then eject the product, and then begins a closing movement, while another discharge container 3', 3" or 3 is already moving towards the center and begins to open. In this way, a fast, compact and reliable discharge can be realized.

[0059] Fig. 7 shows a similar view as Fig. 1 Here, however, two product receiving devices 5 and 5' are provided, both designed as parabolic funnels. The inner product receiving device 5 is designed as in Fig. 1 used to receive product quantities from the three collecting containers 3, 3' and 3" when these are located in the center, i.e. in the dispensing area. The outer product receiving device 5' has a larger diameter and is arranged around the inner product receiving device 5. It serves to collect incorrectly ejected items. In the case of incorrect ejections (e.g. incorrect product quantities), each actuating element 11 can be pulled upwards so that the respective collecting container 3, 3' and 3" can also open accordingly in a position outside the dispensing area.

[0060] The present application is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. It would also be conceivable for the collecting containers 3, 3', 3" to be rigidly connected to a plate 7, and for this disc to move with a wobbling motion. Furthermore, any number of collecting containers can be realized. Furthermore, a plate 7 is not absolutely necessary for the implementation of the invention—therefore, embodiments without a plate 7 are also conceivable. Bezugszeichenliste

[0061] 1 Product dispensing device 2, 2', 2" Product feeding device 3, 3', 3" Collecting container 4, 4', 4" Closing device 5, 5' Product receiving device 6 Holding device 6a, 6a`, 6a" Holding arm 7 Plate 8, 8', 8" Recess 9 Drive device 9a Drive unit 9b Connecting unit 9c Bearing 9d Sealing device 9e Housing 9f Crank element 10, 10', 10" Opening and closing mechanism 11, 11', 11" Actuating element PProduct quantity AOutput area

Claims

1. A product dispensing device (1), comprising: at least two collecting containers (3, 3', 3"), each with an associated product feed device (2, 2', 2"), wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") each have a closing device (4, 4', 4") on their underside, and are adapted to dispense product quantities (P), wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3) are adapted to perform a common tumbling movement, wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") can be brought alternately one after the other into a dispensing area (A) for dispensing a provided product quantity (P) by means of the tumbling movement, in which the outlet of that collecting container (3, 3', 3") is arranged above the opening cross-section of a product receiving device (5) and the corresponding closing device (4, 4', 4") is in the open state.

2. Product dispensing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") are attached to a holding device (6), wherein the holding device (6) preferably comprises a plurality of holding arms (6a, 6a', 6a"), to each of which a collecting container (3, 3', 3") is connected. (formerly 3) 3. Product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plate (7) is arranged above the collecting containers (3, 3', 3"), which plate has a recess (8, 8', 8") in the regions in which a collecting container (3, 3', 3") is provided below the plate (7), which recess is adapted to feed the product from product feed devices (2, 2', 2") to the respective collecting containers (3, 3', 3").

4. Product dispensing device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the recesses (8, 8', 8") are adapted to establish a connection from the product feed devices (2, 2', 2‴) to the respective collecting containers (3, 3', 3") over the entire movement sequence of the collecting containers (3, 3', 3").

5. Product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a drive device (9) which is connected to the holding device (6), wherein the drive device (9) is designed to cause a tumbling movement of the collecting containers (3, 3', 3").

6. Product dispensing device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the drive device (9) consists of a drive unit (9a) and a connecting unit (9b), wherein the drive unit (9a) is adapted to carry out a rotary movement and the connecting unit (9b) is adapted to translate the rotary movement of the drive unit (9a) into a wobbling movement.

7. Product dispensing device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the connecting unit (9b) includes a bearing (9c) which enables the rotational movement about at least two axes.

8. Product dispensing device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the bearing (9c) is hygienically sealed with a sealing device (9d).

9. Product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each collecting container (3, 3', 3") has an opening and closing mechanism (10, 10', 10") for the respective at least one closing device (4, 4', 4"), which is adapted to influence the opening state of the at least one closing device (4, 4', 4") depending on the position of the collecting container (3, 3', 3").

10. Product dispensing device (1) according to claim 9, wherein an actuating element (11, 11', 11") is provided for each collecting container (3, 3', 3"), which is stationary relative to the collecting container (3, 3', 3") and which is configured to actuate the opening and closing mechanism (10, 10', 10") for the respective at least one closing device (4) depending on the position of the collecting container (3, 3', 3").

11. Product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to dispense the product quantities (P) to a product receiving device (5, 5'), wherein the product receiving device (5) is preferably funnel-shaped, more preferably in the form of a parabolic funnel.

12. Product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 10 or 11, wherein the closing device (4) is adapted to be opened outside the dispensing area (A) in order to eject certain product portions outside the product receiving device (5), preferably by changing the position of an actuating element (11, 11', 11"), wherein product portions are preferably ejectable into a further product receiving device (5').

13. Product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central axes of the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") extend obliquely downwards and the centers of the inlets of the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") lie on a virtual circle.

14. A method for actuating a product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") perform a tumbling movement in which the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") move alternately over the dispensing area of ​​the product receiving device (5).

15. A method for actuating a product dispensing device (1) according to claim 14, wherein the closing device (4, 4', 4") of the collecting container (3, 3', 3") opens, which is located above the dispensing area (A') of the product receiving device (5).

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