Product dispensing device

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 pouches, cups, cans, or similar containers, modern packaging machines operate at such a high rate of product transfers per minute that it is challenging to reliably fill the containers with specific product portions within the short time available. These portions may have been obtained by weighing, counting, timed dosing, or similar methods. To provide the necessary product quantities for filling the containers, a corresponding number of conventional filling scales or a combination scale are used. In both cases, the product quantities dispensed from the spatially separated weighing hoppers of the conventional scales or the combination scale must be fed to the filling point of the packaging machine.

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

[0004] EP 0 979 393 B1 describes a product dispensing device with movable collection containers. With this system, weighed product quantities from a weighing system are dispensed to a first and second product feeding device. A corresponding first and second collection container, each equipped with a closing flap, are positioned below these devices. A product receiving device is located below the collection containers, which feeds into a corresponding packaging machine. The weighing system can dispense weighed product quantities into either the first or the second product feeding device. These product quantities are then collected by the closed collection containers in such a way that the product, which is spread out by the collection funnel wall, is gathered again into a compact form through a tapered interior.The collection containers are arranged such that the outlet opening of a corresponding collecting funnel 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 any other position. In a corresponding position, the product quantities contained in the collection containers can be discharged into the product receiving device by opening the respective 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 selected independently of the position of the receiving containers (which are pivoted around an axis). This makes it possible to specifically prevent a certain product portion, for example, a missing quantity, from entering the product receiving device. This product portion can instead be dispensed into a separate receiving container.

[0006] EP 3 272 661 A1 discloses a product dispensing device for a product supply system, in which a first product feeder and a second product feeder provide product quantities in a first collection container and a second collection container, respectively. Both collection containers are each equipped with first and second closing flaps. Once the collection containers are positioned above the product receiving device, the closing flaps can close or open to release the product into the receiving device. The collection containers can be pivoted to a dispensing position of the first container or to a dispensing position of the second container. The pivoting movement towards the respective dispensing positions begins before the closing flaps have closed. The opening and closing direction of the closing flaps is perpendicular to the direction of the pivoting movement.

[0007] In prior art systems, the moving mass of the product dispensing device and the product must always be decelerated before being ejected. This limits the number of product portions transferred per minute, hereinafter referred to as the cycle time, in prior art systems. Furthermore, in prior art systems, the product mass has little time to settle, i.e., to compact in a dispensing 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 problem is solved 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 each have at least one closing device on their underside. The collection containers are adapted to dispense defined quantities of product.

[0011] The collection containers are designed to perform a common wobbling motion. This means that the system of collection containers performs a wobbling motion, with all containers moving in the same direction. The collection containers can be alternately moved by this wobbling motion into a dispensing area to release a pre-set quantity of product. In this dispensing area, the outlet of the corresponding collection container is positioned above the opening cross-section of a product receiving device, preferably substantially centrally, and the corresponding closing device is in the open position.

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

[0013] The direction of movement of the product is also predetermined. The at least two collection containers do not change their position relative to each other; the system of collection containers is pivoted in space using a three-dimensional swiveling motion.

[0014] The wobbling motion, which is a three-dimensional pivoting movement, allows for smoother operation; the system has at least the duration of one cycle to pick up a product and stabilize it accordingly, i.e., decelerate it, before it is ejected. The product portion is therefore more compact.

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

[0016] This allows for a more efficient product handover.

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

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

[0019] Preferably, a plate is arranged above the collection containers, which has a recess in the areas where a collection container is provided below. Corresponding dispensing openings for the product feeding devices are provided above each recess. For example, corresponding product feeding devices from a component of a combination scale can be used.

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

[0021] Preferably, the recesses are designed to establish a connection from the product feeding devices to the respective collection containers throughout the entire movement sequence of the collection containers. The cross-sections then always form a straight line, so that product can always pass from the product feeding device into the collection containers. This allows for optimal use of the time available for discharge.

[0022] Preferably, a drive device is also provided which is connected to the holding device, and the drive device is designed to cause a wobbling motion of the collection containers.

[0023] Preferably, the drive unit consists of a drive unit and a connecting unit. The drive unit is configured to perform a rotary motion, and the connecting unit is configured to translate the rotary motion of the drive unit into a wobbling motion. This allows for a simple drive system, in which the connecting unit is driven continuously, enabling the collection containers to move at a constant speed.

[0024] Preferably, the connecting unit has a bearing that allows rotational movement about at least two axes. In this way, a wobbling motion can be easily generated from a rotational movement. Such a bearing could, for example, be a ball joint or a universal joint.

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

[0026] Preferably, each collection container has an opening and closing mechanism for at least one closing device, which is adapted to influence the open state of at least one closing device depending on the position of the collection container. In this way, it is mechanically easy to influence the open 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, each collection container has an actuating element that is fixed in position relative to the container and is designed to actuate the opening and closing mechanism for the at least one closing device depending on the pivot position of the collection container. For example, the actuating elements are attached to the plate.

[0028] This ensures that a closing device on a collection container only opens when it is positioned above the product receiving device. Furthermore, a complex control system for the closing device is unnecessary, as its open state can be determined based 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, which is funnel-shaped, preferably as a parabolic funnel, enabling the products to be collected reliably and without scattering. A parabolic funnel allows for even better product flow by promoting a natural trajectory of product particles – as a fall path can thus be predetermined.

[0030] Preferably, the closing device is adapted to open 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. In this way, a mis-ejection device can be implemented, i.e., mis-ejected portions are returned to the product receiving device.

[0031] Preferably, the central axes of the collection containers slope downwards, and the centers of the inlets of the collection containers lie on a virtual circle. More preferably, however, the central axes of the collection containers do not intersect virtually at a single point below the containers, but are skew to each other.

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

[0033] This allows the product feeding devices to be arranged easily and in a space-saving manner above the collection containers.

[0034] This also makes it possible to achieve that, as the tumbling motion is carried out, the respective outlet of the collection container is moved radially inwards towards the dispensing area, and radially outwards when the collection container is not in the ejection position.

[0035] This allows the product to be ejected as close to the center as possible, saving on the fall distance, which further contributes to stabilizing the product.

[0036] Preferably, the collection containers are beveled at their lower end, and at least one closure flap rests against the bevel.

[0037] This allows the locking flap to be opened and closed without much energy, and also enables easy and uncomplicated disposal of the product.

[0038] Preferably, three or four product feeding devices are equipped with corresponding collection containers. This allows for faster cycle times.

[0039] A method according to the invention for actuating a product dispensing device comprises the collection containers performing a wobbling motion, in which the collection containers move alternately over the dispensing area of ​​the product receiving device. This ensures that the collection containers are emptied alternately into the product receiving device.

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

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below 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 collection containers are not shown. Fig. 3 is a sectional view and represents the same simplified view as in Fig. 2 Figure 4 is an extended side view of a product dispensing device, also showing the product feeding devices. Figure 5 is a top view of a corresponding plate and the product feeding devices, below which the collection containers are located. Figure 6 shows a complete product dispensing cycle for a system with three collection containers. Figure 7 shows a side view of components of a product dispensing device, including two product receiving devices.

[0042] In Fig. 1 The figures show important components of a product dispensing device 1. Below a plate 7, which is designed here as a disc, are arranged three collection containers 3, 3' and 3". Only the first collection container 3 and the second collection container 3' are visible in detail here; the third collection container 3" is located behind the first and second collection containers 3' and is therefore not fully visible. The collection containers 3 and 3' can each be closed with a closing device 4 or 4', respectively. The lower end of the collection containers 3 and 3' is beveled so that the closing devices 4 or 4' can rest against the bevel.

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

[0044] Each of the collection containers 3, 3' is further equipped 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 pivot position of the respective collection containers 3, 3', the actuating elements 11 actuate the opening and closing mechanism 10, 10' of the closing device 4, 4', so that these are either open or closed. A housing 9e is mounted on the plate 7, in which the drive unit 9 (not shown here) is provided. A product receiving device 5, here designed as a parabolic funnel, is arranged below the collection containers 3, 3' and 3".

[0045] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a simplified representation; no collection containers are depicted here. The disc-shaped plate 7 is again shown, and this too is mounted on the housing 9e. Actuating elements 11, 11', and 11' are again provided on the plate 7; in this case, three of them are visible. A holding device 6 is provided below the plate 7, and three holding arms 6a, 6a', and 6a" are provided on this device. The holding device 6 is connected to the drive unit 9 (not shown here) and is movably connected to the plate 7. A sealing device 9d is provided between the holding device 6 and the plate 7, which seals the gap between the underside of the plate 7 and the holding device 6.

[0046] The support arms 6a, 6a' and 6a" are adapted to undergo a wobbling motion, causing the support arms 6a, 6a' and 6a" to alternately rise and fall.

[0047] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view based on the Fig. 2 Here are some further components. It can be seen that a recess 8 is provided in the plate 7 – through this, product can be discharged into a collection container below (not shown here). It is also evident that a connecting unit 9b is provided inside the housing 9e, which has a bearing 9c located within the plate 7. A sealing device 9d is arranged below this. A crank element 9f is provided at the upper end of the connecting unit 9b, in which the upper end of the connecting unit 9b is supported. When the crank element 9f is rotated by a drive unit 9a, the connecting unit 9b does not rotate, but it 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, above the plate 7, a first and second product feed device 2, 2' are provided (the third product feed device 2" is concealed here and therefore 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 collection container 3 and second collection container 3' below.

[0049] Fig. 5 Figure 7 shows a top view of plate 7, revealing three recesses 8, 8' and 8". The connecting unit 9b, located in the center, is also shown. Three product feed devices 2, 2' and 2" are present, each funnel-shaped and opening into a 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 once completely (360°) and in which all three collection containers 3, 3' and 3" open once.

[0051] The top image shows a bottom view of plate 7 and the three collection containers 3, 3' and 3"; the bottom image shows a side view from the front, where the opening and closing mechanisms 10, 10' and at least one actuating element 11 are also visible. However, in the isometric view, only the first and second collection containers 3 and 3' are shown – the third collection container 3" is obscured.

[0052] In Fig. 6 (a) The starting position is shown, where the rotation angle of the crank element 9f is 0°. Here, the first collection container 3 is completely closed by the closing device 4, the second collection container 3' is completely open, and the collection container 3" is completely closed by the corresponding closing device 4". The lower end of the open second collection container 3' is now located in the center (below the virtual center point 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 plate 7, the connecting device 9b has pivoted forward, and below plate 7, it has pivoted backward. It can be seen that the first collection container 3 has pivoted towards the center and partially opened. The second collection container 3' is also still partially open, but is now closing and has pivoted slightly away from the center. The third collection container 3" remains closed.

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

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

[0056] In Fig. 6 (e) The crank element 9f has rotated a further 60°, and is now set at an angle of 240° relative to its starting position. The connecting element 9b is now tilted backwards above plate 7 and correspondingly forwards below plate 7. The first collection container 3 is completely closed and remains closed, the second collection container 3' is also completely closed, and the third collection container 3" is completely open and is now located directly above the center, that is, 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 initial position. The connecting element 9b is now inclined backwards to the right above plate 7, and correspondingly forwards to the left above plate 7. Here it can be seen that the first collection container 3 is completely closed, the second collection container 3' is opening and partially open and pivoting towards the center, and the third collection container 3" is in a closing motion but still partially open.

[0058] Out of Fig. 6 It becomes apparent that only one collection container 3, 3' or 3" pivots towards the center, then the corresponding closing device 4, 4' or 4" opens, then can eject the product, and then enters a closing motion, while another discharge container 3', 3" or 3" is already moving towards the center and beginning to open. This allows for a fast, compact, and reliable discharge.

[0059] Fig. 7 shows a similar view to Fig. 1 However, two product receiving devices 5 and 5' are provided here, both exemplary implemented as parabolic funnels. The inner product receiving device 5 is configured as in Fig. 1 This is used to receive product quantities from the three collection containers 3, 3' and 3" when they 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 catch incorrect dispensing. For incorrect dispensing (e.g., incorrect product quantities), each actuating element 11 can be pulled upwards so that the respective collection container 3, 3' and 3" can also open in a position outside the dispensing area.

[0060] The present application is not limited to the embodiments mentioned above. It would also be conceivable that the collection containers 3, 3', 3" are fixedly connected to a plate 7, and that this plate moves with a wobbling motion. Furthermore, any number of collection containers can be implemented. A plate 7 is also not strictly necessary for the realization of the invention – embodiments without a plate 7 are therefore also conceivable. Bezugszeichenliste

[0061] 1 Product dispensing device 2, 2', 2" Product feeding device 3, 3', 3" Collection 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 Product quantity Output area

Claims

1. Product dispensing device (1), comprising: at least two collecting containers (3, 3', 3"), each with a respective product feeder (2, 2', 2"), where the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") each have a closing device (4, 4', 4") on their bottom side, and are adapted to dispense product quantities (P), wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") are adapted to perform a common tumbling motion, wherein, for the purpose of dispensing a provided product quantity (P), the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") are moveable one after another through the tumbling motion into a dispensing area (A), in which the outlet of the respective collecting container (3, 3', 3") is positioned above the opening cross-section of a product receiving device (5) and the corresponding closing device (4, 4', 4") is in the opened 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.

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 has a recess (8, 8', 8") in the areas where a collecting container (3, 3', 3") is provided below the plate (7), which is adapted to feed the product from product feeders (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 feeders (2, 2', 2") to the respective collecting containers (3, 3', 3") over the entire motion process of the collecting containers (3, 3', 3").

5. Product dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which also comprises a drive mechanism (9), which is connected to the holding device (6), wherein the drive mechanism (9) is configured to cause a tumbling motion 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 perform a rotary motion, and the connecting unit (9b) is adapted to convert the rotary motion of the drive unit (9a) into a tumbling motion.

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

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

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 one actuating element (11, 11', 11") is provided for each collecting container (3, 3', 3"), which is stationary with respect 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 claim 10 or 11, wherein the closing device (4) is adapted to be opened outside the dispensing area (A) to dispense 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 dischargeable 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 downward and the centers of the inlet of the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") lie on a virtual circle.

14. 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 motion in which the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") move alternately over the dispensing area of the product receiving device (5).

15. 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"), which is positioned above the dispensing area (A') of the product receiving device (5), opens.

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