Method for operating a metering device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a metering device (10) for metering liquid and / or paste-like products, in particular foods, said device having at least one metering unit (12) with at least one metering pump (14) and with at least one switching valve (16) for switching between an intake and a discharge, and at least one computing unit (18) for controlling the metering unit (12) in an open-loop and / or closed-loop manner. It is proposed that in at least one measuring step (20) the metering unit (12) is actuated, by means of the computing unit (18), to determine a consistency of the product, wherein in at least one metering initialisation step (22), depending on the data of the measuring step (20), a parameter set for actuating the switching valve (16) and / or the metering pump (14) is loaded or generated by means of the computing unit (18) during a metering of the product.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Procedure for operating a

[0003] State of the art

[0004] A method for operating a dosing device for dosing liquid and / or pasty products, in particular foodstuffs, which has at least one dosing unit with at least one dosing pump and with at least one switching valve for switching between suction and ejection, and at least one computing unit for controlling and / or regulating the dosing unit, has already been proposed.

[0005] From US 6 450 215 B1 and WO 2011 / 039122 A1, for example, dosing devices with at least one dosing unit for dosing liquid and / or pasty products, which has at least one dosing pump and at least one switching valve for switching between suction and ejection, and with at least one computing unit, as well as methods for controlling the dosing unit by means of the computing unit, are known.

[0006] Current dosing technology for filling machines typically features servo drives, which allow the optimization of filling parameters required for an optimal filling process. This optimization is achieved through visual observation of the dosing process by the operator, who then saves the determined parameters in a recipe management system.

[0007] Product diversity in the food industry is extremely high, with many different products being processed on the same filling line, sometimes in very different fill quantities. Furthermore, the products vary from batch to batch (sometimes depending on the season) and often even within a single batch. This forces the operator, in addition to creating an almost unmanageable number of recipes, to continuously monitor the production process and make adjustments to the settings if necessary. Problems frequently occur when starting up a line or changing product types and manifest themselves in deviations in filling accuracy, dripping, and splashing of the dosing device, thus reducing line productivity.

[0008] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic method for operating a dosing device and a generic dosing device with improved properties with regard to process reliability and ease of use. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and claims 12 and 13, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The invention is based on a method for operating a dosing device for dosing liquid and / or pasty products, in particular foodstuffs, which has at least one dosing unit with at least one dosing pump and with at least one switching valve for switching between suction and ejection, and at least one computing unit for controlling and / or regulating the dosing unit.

[0011] It is proposed that in at least one measuring step, the dosing unit is controlled by the computing unit to determine the consistency of the product, wherein in at least one dosing initialization step, depending on the data of the measuring step, a parameter set for controlling the changeover valve and / or the dosing pump during dosing of the product is loaded or generated by the computing unit. The inventive design of the method makes it possible, in particular, to reliably dose liquid and / or pasty products. In particular, an automated consistency determination can be achieved. Furthermore, a parameter set suitable for the product or the consistency of the product can advantageously be generated for controlling the changeover valve and / or the dosing pump. This advantageously minimizes the manual adjustment effort required by an operator.Preferably, the method can provide the operator with simplified options for finding production-safe settings in the first step and / or completely automate the monitoring and determination of the optimal dosing device settings. Furthermore, inline process control at the filling point can be enabled. Furthermore, inline viscosity measurement can be enabled without additional measuring devices. The method is fundamentally applicable to various servo-controlled dosing devices.

[0012] The dosing device is used in particular for dosing liquid and / or pasty products, wherein the dosing device is particularly designed to dispense the product in a defined amount, in particular into a sales container provided for it. The dosing device can in particular comprise one or more dosing units. The at least one dosing unit is in particular formed by a dosing device. The dosing unit is used in particular for directly dispensing the product into a container provided for it. The dosing unit preferably comprises at least one dosing pump for conveying the liquid or pasty products.

[0013] The dosing pump and / or the switching valve are / are, in particular, servo-controlled. Alternatively, drives without servo drives that deliver a constant force, such as pneumatic drives, are also conceivable, in which case the motion data can be recorded using separate measuring systems.

[0014] The dosing pump is preferably connected to a tank unit of the dosing device via a, in particular individual, supply line of the dosing device. The tank unit comprises, in particular, at least one tank element in which the liquid or pasty product(s) can be arranged. It is also conceivable for the tank unit to comprise a plurality of tank elements, wherein different products can be arranged in the individual tank elements and can be conveyed into containers by means of the dosing pump, in particular to enable so-called sorted filling (ABAB or ABCD). Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of tank elements and / or a series connection of several dosing devices is also conceivable for multi-layered products or products with different ingredients, in order to enable, for example, a pudding with a cream topping that is filled in a cup, or the like.It is also conceivable for each dosing pump to be assigned a single tank element of the tank unit. Further configurations and / or divisions of the tank unit and the pump units that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. Furthermore, the at least one dosing unit has at least one switching valve for switching between suction and discharge. The switching valve can, in particular, be used to change the pumping direction of the dosing pump. Suction can, for example, serve to temporarily stop discharge, for example, when changing containers. Furthermore, this can prevent dripping, for example.

[0015] A "processing unit" is understood, in particular, to be a unit with an information input, an information processing unit, and an information output. The processing unit advantageously has at least one processor, a memory, input and output means, further electrical components, an operating program, control routines, control routines, and / or calculation routines. The components of the processing unit are preferably arranged on a common circuit board and / or advantageously arranged in a common housing. The processing unit also serves, in particular, to control and / or regulate the changeover valve and / or the dosing pump. The processing unit serves, in particular, as a servo controller. The processing unit is intended, in particular, to carry out a change to the stored parameters in a recipe software.Alternatively, in a partially automated solution, it would also be conceivable for the loaded or generated parameters to be suggested to the operator for input.

[0016] Preferably, the dosing unit determines the consistency of the product, and the data acquired therefrom, in particular the servo data, is used to load or generate a parameter set for operating the dosing unit with the product. In the measuring step, the computing unit preferably controls the dosing unit to carry out a measuring sequence, with the dosing pump and / or the changeover valve preferably being provided to carry out defined processes. The dosing initialization step is carried out in particular before or during a dosing process, with a parameter set for controlling the changeover valve and / or the dosing pump being loaded in the dosing initialization step. The dosing initialization step is carried out in particular when there is a product change and / or a detected change in the viscosity of the product.The parameter set for controlling the switching valve and / or the dosing pump is loaded or generated depending on the data, especially the measurement data, of the measurement step. The parameter set for controlling the switching valve and / or the dosing pump can either be regenerated repeatedly or selected and loaded from a variety of predefined parameter sets.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable to evaluate data from an entire production run and use this to determine optimal parameters for a recipe. For example, a parameter could be continuously adjusted depending on environmental and / or process conditions.

[0018] It is further proposed that in the at least one measuring step at least one piston stroke of the dosing pump is carried out, wherein operating parameters, in particular servo data, of the dosing pump are recorded by the computing unit to determine the consistency of the filled product. The operating parameters are preferably recorded via electronics of the dosing pump and / or by means of the computing unit. The dosing pump is in particular free of additional sensors for directly recording the operating parameters. Preferably, the operating parameters are recorded and / or an entire determination of the consistency is carried out free of additional sensors for directly recording the consistency. The product, in particular the new product, is pumped forwards or backwards with the piston stroke, wherein the operating parameters in particular allow conclusions to be drawn about the product consistency.As an alternative to servo data, time / displacement dynamics can also be recorded when a piston drive torque is applied at a constant level. This advantageously allows for easy determination of consistency. Furthermore, complex and / or expensive sensors can be dispensed with. Furthermore, air pockets can be detected, in particular.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one measuring step, the product is pumped back towards the feed tank. Preferably, the product is pumped back towards the feed tank during at least one piston stroke of the measuring step. In particular, it would also be conceivable for the product to be pumped forward towards an outlet in at least one state, in particular during at least one piston stroke of the measuring step. Alternatively, pumping can also take place via a partially open dosing valve of the dosing unit into a flushing plate of the dosing device or into a product container in order to determine the parameters. This can be particularly useful if the product is very sensitive to negative pressure and is destroyed as a result. The dosing valve is coupled in particular to the changeover valve. However, a separate design between the dosing valve and the changeover valve would also be conceivable.In particular, it would also be conceivable for the metering valve and the changeover valve to be coupled to separate drives. The metering valve and the changeover valve are coupled, in particular, via a common valve rod. The metering valve forms, in particular, a part of the changeover valve. Preferably, the metering valve can only be opened when a suction channel of the changeover valve is completely closed. When the changeover valve and the metering valve move together, the metering valve must, in particular, have sufficient closure overlap. The changeover valve and / or the metering valve, in particular the changeover and metering valve, can, in particular, be designed in various conventional fluid technology designs that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as, for example, as a linear slide valve, in particular horizontal or vertical, as a rotary slide valve, in particular vertical or horizontal, or as a seat valve with a control cone.

[0020] This makes it possible, in particular, to avoid unnecessary dispensing of the product. As a result, waste can advantageously be kept to a minimum, whereby advantageously high efficiency can be achieved. It is further proposed that in the at least one measuring step, the changeover valve is moved into a first measuring position in which a suction channel of the dosing unit is maximally open. When the suction channel is open, the dosing pump is connected in particular to the tank unit, in particular to a tank element of the tank unit, wherein a piston stroke leads in particular to the product being sucked out of the tank unit. When the suction channel is open, an outlet, in particular an outlet of the dosing valve, is in particular completely closed. A maximally open suction channel corresponds in particular to a 100% opening of the suction channel.Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the dosing unit's switching valve to be moved to a defined position with a reduced intake cross-section. This would, in particular, provide a clear measuring position in which consistency can be determined for all products. Furthermore, with the suction channel fully open, large values ​​can advantageously be generated for the measured data of the operating parameters, which can be advantageously differentiated.

[0021] It is further proposed that in the at least one measuring step, a piston of the metering pump moves a full piston stroke at least twice, in particular at least three times. Preferably, in the at least one measuring step, the piston of the metering pump moves a full piston stroke at least twice, in particular at least three times, while the changeover valve is in the first measuring position, in which a suction channel of the metering unit is maximally open. The piston strokes are preferably carried out identically. This allows, in particular, a plurality of comparable measuring sequences to be carried out. Furthermore, an average value can be calculated using the plurality of measuring sequences.

[0022] It is further proposed that the data of the measuring step be checked in at least one test step and, if differentiation is insufficient, an alternative measuring step be carried out. In the alternative measuring step, the changeover valve is preferably in a further measuring position in which the suction channel of the dosing unit is not fully open. Preferably, in the at least one alternative measuring step, the piston of the dosing pump travels a full piston stroke at least twice, in particular at least three times, while the changeover valve is in the alternative measuring position in which a suction channel of the dosing unit is only partially open. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageously reliable determination of the consistency. Furthermore, incorrect parameterization can advantageously be avoided.In particular, an advantageously reliable method for operating a dosing device for dosing liquid and / or pasty products can be provided.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that in the at least one dosing initialization step, the data from the measuring step be compared with stored test data, in particular a lookup table, and a parameter set matching the data from the measuring step for controlling the switching valve and / or the dosing pump is loaded from the test data. Preferably, the computing unit has a memory unit, wherein a plurality of parameter sets for controlling the switching valve and / or the dosing pump are stored on the memory unit. The plurality of parameter sets are preferably each linked to test data sets corresponding to the measurement data.In the dosing initialization step, in particular, a check is carried out to determine the test data set with which the data from the measuring step has the maximum match, whereby the parameter set for controlling the changeover valve and / or the dosing pump is loaded accordingly, which is linked to the test data set with the maximum match. In this case, it would also be particularly conceivable for a consistency value to be determined from the data from the measuring step, which is comparable to a test consistency value of the test data, so that maximum match of a value must be checked. Preferably, with a corresponding design of the dosing initialization step, the parameter set is not generated, but rather selected and loaded from existing parameter sets, for example from a lookup table. This makes it possible, in particular, to advantageously achieve simple and rapid determination of a suitable parameter set.Furthermore, it is possible in particular to avoid the generation of parameter sets that are unsuitable for the dosing device. In particular, a plausibility check of a set parameter set can be dispensed with. In particular, an advantageously reliable method for operating a dosing device for dosing liquid and / or pasty products can be provided. It is further proposed that the at least one dosing initialization step directly follows the measuring step or the testing step. The consistency is measured directly before the parameter set is set and thus before production begins. However, it would also be conceivable for further steps to be carried out between the dosing initialization step and the measuring step or the testing step, which are in particular directly assigned to the measuring step, the testing step or the dosing initialization step.This makes it possible, in particular, to reliably prevent production with an incorrect parameter set. In particular, it makes it possible to provide an advantageously reliable method for operating a dosing device for dosing liquid and / or pasty products.

[0024] It is further proposed that the dosing initialization step be followed by a production dosing step in which the switching valve and / or the dosing pump are operated to dose the product during production using the parameter set. The production dosing step forms, in particular, part of a production process. Preferably, in the production dosing step, the product is dispensed, in particular dosed, into a product container provided for this purpose. The product is dispensed and dosed via the dosing unit, in particular the switching valve and the dosing pump. Depending on the position of the switching valve, the product is sucked from the tank unit by piston strokes of the dosing pump and discharged via an outlet of the dosing valve.This makes it possible to provide, in particular, an advantageously reliable method for operating a dosing device for dosing liquid and / or pasty products.

[0025] It is also proposed that the dosing initialization step be triggered automatically during production start-up. The dosing initialization step is performed, in particular, before the actual production, in particular before the production dosing step. The dosing initialization step and, in particular, the measuring step are performed automatically, in particular, upon production start-up, especially with a new product. This allows operation to be advantageously carried out with an optimal set of parameters.

[0026] It is further proposed that standard operating parameters be monitored, in particular continuously, in at least one production step, wherein, upon registration of a change in the operating parameters, a product change is inferred and the dosing initialization step is automatically triggered. Preferably, standard operating parameters are monitored, in particular continuously, in the production dosing step. The dosing initialization step is therefore triggered, in particular, automatically during production by monitoring the standard operating parameters and registering a change. The change in the standard operating parameters occurs, in particular, due to a changed product, such as during a tank switchover. This makes it possible, in particular, to maintain dosing quality throughout the entire production run.In particular, an advantageously reliable method for operating a dosing device for dosing liquid and / or pasty products can be provided. Furthermore, product changes due to shearing can also potentially be detected.

[0027] It is further proposed that the computing unit automatically adjusts a cycle rate in the production dosing step depending on the loaded or generated parameter set, in particular a dosing cycle time of the loaded or generated parameter set. The dosing cycle time is particularly dependent on the loaded or generated parameter set, wherein the dosing cycle time can be determined anew for each dosing initialization step or can already be stored as part of the loaded or generated parameter set. The cycle rate is particularly formed by a cycle rate of the dosing device, wherein a cycle rate of the entire production system can preferably be adjusted by the computing unit. In particular, if the dosing cycle time is correspondingly shortened by selecting a corresponding parameter set by the computing unit, the cycle rate, in particular the output of the line, can be automatically increased.In contrast, if the dispensing cycle time is extended, the cycle rate is automatically reduced. This can provide a particularly advantageous high level of production efficiency. In particular, manual adjustment of the cycle time is eliminated.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that the product's consistency be determined by means of a sensor unit, in particular a viscometer, of the dosing device, which is connected to the computing unit by transmission technology, in particular for the transmission of electronic data. It is conceivable that the method for achieving the above-mentioned object, in an alternative embodiment, is designed to be independent of the use of the dosing unit for carrying out the measurement process for determining the product's consistency.Preferably, in the method in the alternative embodiment, in particular in the embodiment designed independently of the use of the dosing unit for carrying out the measurement sequence for determining the consistency of the product, a consistency determination of the product is carried out solely by means of the sensor unit, in particular by means of the viscometer, of the dosing device, in particular independently and / or without use of the dosing unit for determining the consistency of the product. Preferably, in particular in the alternative embodiment of the method, a parameter set for controlling the changeover valve and / or the dosing pump during dosing of the product is loaded or generated by the computing unit, preferably exclusively depending on the data acquired by the sensor unit.In an embodiment of the method in which the sensor unit as well as the dosing unit are used to determine the consistency of the product, it is conceivable that the sensor unit as well as the dosing unit are controlled by the computing unit to determine the consistency of the product, wherein the sensor unit and the dosing unit can be controlled by the computing unit simultaneously or at different times. In an embodiment of the method in which the sensor unit as well as the dosing unit are used to determine the consistency of the product, it is also conceivable that only the sensor unit or only the dosing unit is controlled by the computing unit to determine the consistency of the product. The sensor unit, in particular the viscometer, is preferably provided for detecting a viscosity of the liquid and / or pasty products.The sensor unit can be designed to measure the viscosity directly or indirectly, in particular as a result of an "in situ" measurement by arranging the sensor unit in a fluid line, wherein the sensor unit is preferably designed as a viscometer, such as a process viscometer, a quartz viscometer, a capillary viscometer, a rotational viscometer, or the like. It is also conceivable that the sensor unit is designed to measure the viscosity of the products directly or indirectly by measuring a dynamic fluid pressure and correspondingly evaluating the recorded data, by measuring a Coriolis force and correspondingly evaluating the recorded data, or by another method deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.The sensor unit can advantageously be used, particularly independently of the dosing unit, to determine the consistency of products in production processes in which preferably homogeneous products, particularly products without lumpy components, such as desserts, puddings, sauces, or the like, are processed. The inventive design of the method enables, in particular, process-reliable dosing of liquid and / or pasty products. In particular, automated consistency determination can be achieved. Furthermore, a parameter set suitable for the product or the consistency of the product can advantageously be generated for controlling the changeover valve and / or the dosing pump. This advantageously minimizes the manual adjustment effort required by an operator.Preferably, the method can provide the operator with simplified options for finding production-safe settings in the first step and / or fully automate the monitoring and determination of the optimal dosing device settings. Furthermore, inline process control at the filling point can be enabled. Furthermore, inline viscosity measurement can advantageously be enabled. The method is generally applicable to various servo-controlled dosing devices. It can advantageously implement redundant consistency determination of the product, particularly when the dosing unit is used to carry out the measurement sequence for determining the product's consistency and the sensor unit for determining the product's consistency is present.Furthermore, in particular when the dosing unit is used to carry out the measuring process for determining the consistency of the product and the sensor unit is present to determine the consistency of the product, a continuous determination of the consistency of the product can be carried out by means of the sensor unit, while the use of the dosing unit to carry out the measuring process for determining the consistency of the product is only started, for example, as soon as a deviation of a consistency of the product from a predetermined limit value is determined by means of the sensor unit.Furthermore, an early warning function can advantageously be implemented by means of the sensor unit, particularly when the sensor unit is present for determining the consistency of the product without using the dosing unit to carry out the measurement process for determining the consistency of the product, which can be used to alert an operator to a deviation in the consistency of the product, so that the operator can set a correspondingly modified parameter set that can be selected manually by the operator or automatically by the computing unit or can be suggested to the operator for selection. Furthermore, by using the sensor unit, in particular without using the dosing unit, for determining the consistency of products, an advantageously simple retrofit solution for existing dosing devices can be implemented.

[0029] Furthermore, the invention is based on a dosing device, in particular one of the aforementioned ones, with at least one dosing unit for dosing liquid and / or pasty products, in particular foodstuffs, which has at least one dosing pump and at least one switching valve for switching between suction and ejection, and with at least one computing unit for carrying out the method according to the invention. The inventive design of the dosing device enables, in particular, process-reliable dosing of liquid and / or pasty products. The manual adjustment effort required by an operator can advantageously be kept to a minimum, thus enabling a high level of operating comfort.

[0030] Furthermore, it is proposed that the dosing device comprises at least one sensor unit, in particular the one already mentioned above, in particular at least one viscometer, for determining the consistency of the product, which, in particular, is connected to the computing unit by means of transmission technology. The sensor unit can be connected to the computing unit by means of a wired or wireless communication connection. It is conceivable that the dosing device, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, is designed in an alternative embodiment independently of the use of the dosing unit for carrying out the measuring process for determining the consistency of the product. Preferably, the dosing device in the alternative embodiment, in particular in the embodiment designed independently of the use of the dosing unit for carrying out the measuring process for determining the consistency of the product, comprisesat least one dosing unit for dosing liquid and / or pasty products, in particular foodstuffs, which has at least one dosing pump and at least one switching valve for switching between suction and ejection, at least one computing unit and at least one sensor unit, in particular at least one viscometer, for determining the consistency of the product, which, in particular, is connected to the computing unit by means of transmission technology, wherein the computing unit is configured to carry out the method according to the invention, in which, in particular exclusively, depending on the data acquired by means of the sensor unit, a parameter set for controlling the switching valve and / or the dosing pump during dosing of the product is loaded or generated by means of the computing unit. It can advantageously,In particular, when the dosing unit is used to carry out the measuring process for determining the product's consistency and the sensor unit is present to determine the product's consistency, a redundant consistency determination of the product can be realized. Furthermore, in particular when the dosing unit is used to carry out the measuring process for determining the product's consistency and the sensor unit is present to determine the product's consistency, a continuous consistency determination of the product can be carried out by means of the sensor unit, while the use of the dosing unit to carry out the measuring process for determining the product's consistency is only started, for example, as soon as a deviation of the product's consistency from a predetermined limit value is detected by the sensor unit. Furthermore, in an advantageous manner,In particular, if the sensor unit for determining product consistency is present without using the dosing unit to carry out the measurement process for determining product consistency, an early warning function can be implemented by means of the sensor unit, which can alert an operator to a deviation in the product's consistency, allowing the operator to set a correspondingly modified parameter set, which can be manually selected by the operator or automatically selected by the processing unit or suggested to the operator for selection. Furthermore, by using the sensor unit, in particular without using the dosing unit, for determining product consistency, an advantageously simple retrofit solution for existing dosing devices can be implemented.

[0031] Furthermore, particularly in an embodiment of the dosing device with the sensor unit, it is proposed that the dosing device comprise at least one supply line, in particular the one already mentioned above, and at least one tank unit, in particular the one already mentioned above, for receiving liquid and / or pasty products, wherein the dosing unit, in particular at least the dosing pump, is connected to the tank unit via the supply line, wherein the sensor unit is arranged, in particular at least partially within a filling line of the tank unit, in a vicinity of a filling opening, in particular a filling nozzle, of the tank unit, via which the tank unit can be filled with liquid and / or pasty products. A “nearby area” should preferably be understood to mean an area that has a maximum extent of in particular less than 1,000 mm, preferably less than 500 mm and particularly preferably less than 250 mm.The sensor unit preferably has a maximum distance relative to the filling opening, in particular to the filling nozzle, which is in particular less than 500 mm, preferably less than 250 mm, and particularly preferably less than 125 mm. The sensor unit is most preferably arranged directly on the filling nozzle, in particular within a line section of the filling line flanged directly to the filling nozzle. The sensor unit is preferably arranged in a line section of the filling line in which a uniform product flow prevails, in particular to advantageously enable reliable and accurate data acquisition.By means of the inventive design, a reliable consistency determination can advantageously be realized, especially shortly before the product is fed to the dosing pump, thus enabling a reliable evaluation of the acquired data, which can advantageously be used for selecting or generating a parameter set. Advantageously, a design of the dosing device with a plurality of dosing pumps connected to the tank unit enables a structurally simple central measurement of the product's viscosity.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention is based on a production plant, in particular a filling plant, with at least one dosing device as described above. The production plant can comprise further devices and / or units that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and that can be used for handling products, in particular foodstuffs. The production plant is preferably intended for the manufacture, filling, packaging and / or repackaging of foodstuffs. In addition to the dosing device, the production plant can have a plurality of further devices and / or units that a person skilled in the art considers appropriate, such as, for example, a forming device for packaging, a cutting device, a filling device, a sterilization device, a closing device, a repackaging device, a container feeding device or the like.By means of the design according to the invention, a production plant with an advantageously reliable and easy-to-operate dosing device can be advantageously realized.

[0033] The method according to the invention, the dosing device, and the production plant are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the method according to the invention, the dosing device, and the production plant may, in order to fulfill a function described herein, have a number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps that differs from the number stated herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. Drawings

[0034] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0035] They show:

[0036] Fig. 1 A production plant with at least one dosing device according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 a detailed view of the dosing device according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0037] Fig. 3 Dosing units of the dosing device according to the invention in a schematic representation,

[0038] Fig. 4 one of the dosing units comprising a switching valve and a dosing pump in a schematic sectional view and

[0039] Fig. 5 is a flow chart of a method according to the invention for operating a dosing device for dosing liquid and / or pasty products.

[0040] Description of the embodiment

[0041] Figure 1 shows a production system 38 with at least one dosing device 10 for dosing liquid or pasty products, in particular foodstuffs. The production system 38 is formed by a filling system. The production system 38 is preferably intended for the manufacture and / or processing of products, in particular foodstuffs. The production system 38 can be designed, for example, as a food packaging machine, as a food filling machine, as a food production machine, as a combination of the aforementioned machines, or the like.The production plant 38 may comprise further devices and / or units which appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art and which are used for the manufacture and / or processing of products, in particular foodstuffs, such as, for example, a sterilization device, a filling device, a closure device, a repackaging device, a container feeding device or the like.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the dosing device 10 for dosing liquid or pasty products, in particular foodstuffs, into containers (not shown in detail here), in particular into cup-shaped containers. The dosing device 10 comprises at least one dosing unit 12, preferably a plurality of dosing units 12. The dosing units 12 each have a dosing pump 14 for conveying the liquid or pasty products and a switching valve 16 for switching between suction and discharge. The dosing device 10 further comprises a computing unit 18. The computing unit 18 is provided for controlling and / or regulating the dosing unit 12.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiment described here, the dosing device 10 comprises, for example, eight dosing units 12. However, it is also conceivable for the dosing device 10 to comprise a different number of dosing units 12 that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, in particular a number that is appropriate for a specific area of ​​application of the dosing device 10. The dosing units 12 are preferably arranged in a row on a base element 40 of the dosing device 10, in particular aligned with one another (see Figure 3). The dosing units 12 are preferably fixed to the base element 40 by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection, such as a screw connection, a clamp connection, a snap-in connection, or the like, in particular individually fixed to the base element 40. The base element 40 preferably comprises at least one opening for a passage of pump discharge nozzles 44 of the dosing unit 12 (see Figure 3).The pump discharge nozzles 44 of the dosing unit 12 are preferably fixed to the dosing unit 12 in an individually replaceable manner. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the base element 40 has a plurality of individual openings, wherein each individual opening is assigned a single pump discharge nozzle 44 of a single dosing unit 12. However, it is also conceivable for the base element 40 to have one, in particular central, opening to which several, in particular all, pump discharge nozzles 44 of the dosing unit 12 are assigned, in particular through which all pump discharge nozzles 44 of the dosing unit 12 extend. The pump discharge nozzles 44 of the dosing unit 12 can all have an identical design or be designed differently. The pump discharge nozzles 44 are preferably designed to be individually replaceable.The pump discharge nozzles 44 can be designed as a flat valve nozzle, a screw slide nozzle, a rotary slide nozzle, or any other pump discharge nozzle 44 that a person skilled in the art would deem appropriate. The base element 40 is preferably arranged on the dosing units 12 on a side of the dosing units 12 facing the pump discharge nozzles 44 of the dosing unit 12, in particular fixed thereto.

[0044] The dosing device 10 preferably comprises at least one tank unit 46, which has at least one tank element 48 in which the liquid or pasty product(s) can be arranged. A mixer unit is preferably arranged on the tank unit 46 in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art. The dosing units 12 are preferably individually connected to the tank element 48 via, in particular, individual supply lines of the dosing device 10. It is also conceivable for the tank unit 46 to comprise a plurality of tank elements 48, wherein different products can be arranged in the individual tank elements 48, which can be conveyed into containers by means of the dosing units 12 in order to enable multi-layered products or products with different ingredients, such as a pudding with a cream topping that is filled into a cup or the like.In a configuration of the tank unit 46 with a plurality of tank elements 48, each dosing unit 12 is preferably assigned a single tank element 48 of the tank unit 46. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the dosing unit 12 to be supplied with products individually or jointly via a piping system of the production plant 38, and for the products to be stored in remote silos or the like. Other configurations and / or divisions of the tank unit 46 and the dosing units 12 that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are likewise conceivable. Furthermore, the dosing device 10 has a drive unit 50. The drive unit 50 preferably comprises a plurality of drives 52, 54, 56 for driving the dosing units 12. The drives 52, 54, 56 can be designed as electric drives, as hydraulic drives, as pneumatic drives, or as other drives that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art.The drives 52, 54, 56 are formed by servo drives. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the drive unit 50 comprises four drives 52, 54, 56, with two drives 52, 54 being provided for a piston drive of the dosing units 12, in particular the dosing pumps 14 of the dosing units 12, and two drives 56 being provided for a valve drive of the dosing units 12, in particular the changeover valves 16 of the dosing units 12. However, it is also conceivable for the drive unit 50 to comprise a separate drive for each piston 28 and each changeover valve 16. The drive unit 50 preferably comprises a coupling element for each drive 52, 54, 56, with the respective coupling element connecting four drive elements, in particular drive shafts, of the dosing units 12 to one another.Preferably, four piston drive shafts of the metering units 12 per drive 52, 54 and four valve drive shafts of the metering units 12 per drive 56 are drive-connected to one another via one of the coupling elements each (see Figure 2). However, it is also conceivable for an individual drive of the drive unit 50 to be provided for each piston drive shaft and each valve drive shaft in order to implement an individual drive of the respective piston drive shaft and the respective valve drive shaft. The valve drive shafts are each provided to move a valve rod 58 of one of the changeover valves 16, in particular axially. The piston drive shafts are each provided to move a piston rod 60 of one of the metering pumps 14 axially. The metering pump 14 and the changeover valve 16 therefore have linear drives, such as spindle drives or linear motors.

[0045] The dosing units 12 each have a valve housing 64 and a pump housing 62 connected to the valve housing 64. The valve housing 64 delimits a valve chamber 66 of the switching valve 16, in which the valve rod 58 is movably mounted. Furthermore, the valve housing 64 has a product inlet 68 which is connected to the valve chamber 66. At a lower end of the valve chamber 66, a valve outlet 72 is arranged in the valve housing 64. The valve chamber 66 has a taper which, in at least one operating position of the switching valve 16, in particular a suction position, is arranged to overlap a suction channel 26 in the valve rod 58. In a discharge position of the switching valve 16, the taper is in particular closed. The switching valve 16 forms, in particular, a metering valve 74, in particular an outlet valve, at an end facing the valve outlet 72.Preferably, the metering valve 74 can only be opened when the suction channel 26 of the switching valve 16 is completely closed. An opening of the suction area has, in particular, a relatively long opening travel, which opens linearly over the entire travel. The metering valve 74 is provided to close or at least partially open the valve outlet 72, depending on an operating position of the switching valve 16. The pump housing 62 delimits a pump chamber 70 of the metering pump 14, in which the piston 28 and the piston rod 60 are guided and accommodated. The pump chamber 70, together with the piston 28, delimits a variable pump volume, which is connected to the valve chamber 66 via a channel.

[0046] The dosing device 10 comprises, particularly in an alternative embodiment, at least one sensor unit 94 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 2), in particular at least one viscometer, for determining the consistency of the product, which, in particular, is connected to the computing unit 18 via transmission technology. The sensor unit 94 can be connected to the computing unit 18 via a wired or wireless communication connection (not shown in detail here). The sensor unit 94, in particular the viscometer, is preferably provided for detecting a viscosity of the liquid and / or pasty products.The sensor unit 94 can be provided to detect the viscosity directly or indirectly, in particular as a result of an "in situ" measurement by arranging the sensor unit 94 in a fluid line, wherein the sensor unit 94 is preferably designed as a viscometer, such as a process viscometer, a quartz viscometer, a capillary viscometer, a rotational viscometer, or the like. It is also conceivable that the sensor unit 94 is provided to detect the viscosity of the products directly or indirectly by detecting a dynamic fluid pressure and correspondingly evaluating the detected data, by detecting a Coriolis force and correspondingly evaluating the detected data, or by another method deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.Advantageously, the sensor unit 94, in particular without using the dosing unit 12, can be used to determine the consistency of products in production processes in which preferably homogeneous products, in particular products without lumpy components, such as desserts, puddings, sauces or the like, are processed.

[0047] The dosing device 10 preferably comprises at least one supply line, in particular one supply line per dosing unit 12, via which the dosing unit 12, in particular the dosing pumps 14, is connected to the tank unit 46, in particular the tank element 48 (see Figure 2). The sensor unit 94 is preferably arranged, in particular at least partially within a filling line (not shown in detail here) of the tank unit 46, in a vicinity of a filling opening, in particular a filling nozzle, of the tank unit 46, via which the tank unit can be filled with liquid and / or pasty products via the filling line in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art (see Figure 2). The sensor unit 94 preferably has a maximum distance relative to the filling opening, in particular to the filling nozzle, which is in particular less than 500 mm, preferably less than 250 mm, and very particularly less than 125 mm.Most preferably, the sensor unit 94 is arranged directly on the filler neck, in particular within a section of the filling line flanged directly to the filler neck. The sensor unit 94 is preferably arranged in a section of the filling line in which a uniform product flow prevails, in particular to advantageously enable reliable and accurate data acquisition.

[0048] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method for operating the dosing device 10 for dosing liquid and / or pasty products. The method comprises a dosing initialization sequence 78, which is carried out in particular at a production start 76 or upon detection of a product change. The dosing initialization sequence 78 is automatically triggered during a production start. A dosing initialization step 22 is automatically triggered during a production start. The dosing initialization step 22 is carried out before actual production, in particular before a production dosing step 34. The dosing initialization step 22 and also a measuring step 20 are carried out automatically at a production start, in particular with a new product.Furthermore, in at least one production step 36, in particular during production, standard operating parameters are continuously monitored. If a change in the operating parameters is registered, a product change is inferred and the dosing initialization sequence 78, in particular the dosing initialization step 22, is automatically triggered. During the production dosing step 34, standard operating parameters are continuously monitored. The dosing initialization sequence 78, in particular the dosing initialization step 22, is therefore triggered, in particular, automatically during production by monitoring the standard operating parameters and registering a change. The change in the standard operating parameters occurs, in particular, due to a changed product, such as, for example, during a tank switchover.If a change in the standard operating parameters and / or a change in the product is detected, production is stopped in a first process step 80. Subsequently, in a further process step 82, a function for determining a parameter set for controlling the switching valve 16 and / or the dosing pump 14 is started. This function can be started automatically by a PLC after an automatic intermediate flush 83, automatically by an inline process monitor, or manually by an operator.

[0049] The method includes measuring step 20. Measuring step 20 follows, in particular, the further method step 82. Measuring step 20 forms part of the function for determining a parameter set for controlling the switching valve 16 and / or the dosing pump 14. In measuring step 20, the dosing unit 12 is controlled by means of the computing unit 18 to determine the consistency of the product.

[0050] In measuring step 20, the switching valve 16 is moved into a first measuring position in which the suction channel 26 of the dosing unit 12 is maximally open. In a first sub-step 84 of measuring step 20, the switching valve 16 is moved into a first measuring position in which the suction channel 26 of the dosing unit 12 is maximally open. When the suction channel 26 is open, the dosing pump 14 is connected to the tank unit 46, in particular to the tank element 48 of the tank unit 46, wherein a piston stroke leads in particular to a suction of the product from the tank element 48 or to a pumping back of product already located in the valve chamber 66. When the suction channel 26 is open, the valve outlet 72 is completely closed. A maximally open suction channel 26 corresponds in particular to a 100% opening of the suction channel 26. The suction channel 26 is completely open in the maximally open state.The suction channel 26 is located in particular at least partially in the valve rod 58.

[0051] Furthermore, in measuring step 20, at least one piston stroke of the dosing pump 14 is carried out, wherein operating parameters, in particular servo data, of the dosing pump 14 are recorded by the computing unit 18 to determine the consistency of the filling product. In a second sub-step 86 of measuring step 20, at least one piston stroke of the dosing pump 14 is carried out, wherein operating parameters, in particular servo data, of the dosing pump 14 are recorded by the computing unit 18 in a third sub-step 88 of measuring step 20 to determine the consistency of the filling product. In measuring step 20, the piston 28 of the dosing pump 14 travels a full piston stroke at least twice, in particular at least three times.In the second sub-step 86 of the measuring step 20, the piston 28 of the metering pump 14 moves at least twice, in particular at least three times, a full piston stroke, while the changeover valve 16 is in the first measuring position, in which a suction channel 26 of the metering unit 12 is maximally open. The operating parameters are recorded via electronics of the metering pump 14 and / or by means of the computing unit 18. The metering pump 14 is free of additional sensors for directly recording the operating parameters. Recording of the operating parameters and an overall determination of the consistency takes place free of additional sensors for directly recording the consistency. In the measuring step 20, the product is pumped back towards a feed container 24, in particular towards the tank element 48.In the second sub-step 86 of the measuring step 20, the product is pumped back toward a feed container 24, in particular toward the tank element 48, by means of the dosing pump 14. The product is pumped back toward the feed container 24 during at least one piston stroke of the measuring step 20. It would also be particularly conceivable for the product to be pumped forward toward the valve outlet 72 in at least one state, in particular during at least one piston stroke of the measuring step 20. Alternatively, the product can also be pumped via a partially open dosing valve 74 of the dosing unit 12 into a flushing plate (not shown) of the dosing device 10 or into a product container in order to determine the parameters. This can be particularly useful if the product is very sensitive to negative pressure and is destroyed as a result.

[0052] This is followed by a test step 30. In test step 30, the data from measuring step 20 are checked; if differentiation is insufficient, an alternative measuring step 32 is carried out. If differentiation is possible, test step 30 is followed by dosing initialization step 22. In alternative measuring step 32, the changeover valve 16 is in a further measuring position in which the suction channel 26 of the dosing unit 12 is not fully open. Preferably, in alternative measuring step 32, the piston 28 of the dosing pump 16 travels a full piston stroke at least twice, in particular at least three times, while the changeover valve 16 is in the alternative measuring position in which the suction channel 26 of the dosing unit 12 is only partially open.In the alternative measuring step 32, in particular, the second sub-step 86 and the third sub-step 88 of the measuring step 20 are repeated, with the switching valve 16 in an alternative position. Test step 30 then occurs again.

[0053] In the dosing initialization step 22, a parameter set for controlling the switching valve 16 and the dosing pump 14 during dosing of the product is loaded or generated by the computing unit 18, depending on the data from the measuring step 20. The parameter set for controlling the switching valve 16 and the dosing pump 14 is loaded or generated depending on the data, in particular the measurement data, from the measuring step 20 or the alternative measuring step 32. The parameter set for controlling the switching valve 16 and the dosing pump 14 can either be repeatedly regenerated or selected and loaded from a variety of predefined parameter sets.In the dosing initialization step 22, the data from the measuring step 20 can be compared with stored test data, in particular a lookup table, and a parameter set matching the data from the measuring step 20 for controlling the switching valve 16 and the dosing pump 14 can be loaded from the test data. For this purpose, the computing unit 18 has a memory unit, wherein a plurality of parameter sets for controlling the switching valve 16 and the dosing pump 14 are stored on the memory unit. The plurality of parameter sets are each linked to test data sets corresponding to the measured data. In the dosing initialization step 22, it can be checked which test data set the data from the measuring step 20 has the greatest match with, wherein the parameter set for controlling the switching valve 16 and the dosing pump 14 is loaded accordingly, which is linked to the test data set with the greatest match.In particular, it would also be conceivable to determine a consistency value from the data of measurement step 20, which is comparable to a test consistency value of the test data, so that maximum agreement of a value must be checked. Preferably, with a corresponding design of dosing initialization step 22, the parameter set is not generated, but rather selected and loaded from existing parameter sets, for example, from a lookup table. Dosing initialization step 22 directly follows measurement step 20 or test step 30. The loaded or generated parameter set is set as the operating parameter set.

[0054] After the dosing initialization step 22, a set of parameters can be checked again in a further manual test step 90 by the operator through visual inspection and / or weight testing. Production can then be started or continued in a start step 92.

[0055] The dosing initialization step 22 and / or the further manual test step 90 is followed by the production dosing step 34, in which the switching valve 16 and the dosing pump 14 are operated to dose the product during production using the parameter set. The production dosing step 34 forms, in particular, a part of a production. Preferably, in the production dosing step 34, the product is dispensed, in particular dosed, into a product container provided for this purpose. The product is dispensed and dosed via the dosing unit 12, in particular the switching valve 16 and the dosing pump 14. Depending on the position of the switching valve 16, the product is sucked from the tank unit 46 by piston strokes of the dosing pump 14 and dispensed via an outlet of the dosing valve 74.In the production dosing step 34, particularly at the beginning of the production dosing step 34, the computing unit 18 automatically adjusts a cycle rate depending on the loaded or generated parameter set, in particular a dosing cycle time of the loaded or generated parameter set. In particular, the cycle rate of the entire production system 38 is adjusted. If the dosing cycle time is shortened accordingly by the selection of a corresponding parameter set by the computing unit 18, the cycle rate, in particular the output of the line, is automatically increased. In contrast, if the dosing cycle time is extended, the cycle rate is automatically reduced. It would also be conceivable for the cycle rate to be adjusted already in the dosing initialization step 22.

[0056] During the production dosing step 34, the production step 36 is carried out.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the method to include a sensor unit detection step 96, in which the consistency of the product is determined alternatively or additionally by means of the sensor unit 94, in particular by means of the viscometer, of the dosing device 10, which, in particular, is connected to the computing unit 18 for transmission purposes, in particular for transmitting electronic data. It is conceivable that, in an alternative embodiment, the method is designed to carry out the measurement process for determining the consistency of the product independently of the use of the dosing unit 12.Preferably, in the method in the alternative embodiment, in particular in the embodiment designed independently of the use of the dosing unit 12 for carrying out the measurement sequence for determining the consistency of the product, a consistency determination of the product is carried out solely by means of the sensor unit 94, in particular by means of the viscometer, of the dosing device 10, in particular independently and / or without use of the dosing unit 12 for determining the consistency of the product. Preferably, in particular in the alternative embodiment of the method, a parameter set for controlling the changeover valve 16 and / or the dosing pump 14 during dosing of the product is loaded or generated by the computing unit 18 depending on the data acquired by the sensor unit 94.In an embodiment of the method in which the sensor unit 94 and also the dosing unit 12 are used to determine the consistency of the product, it is conceivable that the sensor unit 94 and also the dosing unit 12 are controlled by the computing unit 18 to determine the consistency of the product, wherein the sensor unit 94 and the dosing unit 12 can be controlled simultaneously as well as at different times by the computing unit 18. In an embodiment of the method in which the sensor unit 94 and also the dosing unit 12 are used to determine the consistency of the product, it is also conceivable that only the sensor unit 94 or only the dosing unit 12 is controlled by the computing unit 18 to determine the consistency of the product in order to load or generate a parameter set for controlling the changeover valve 16 and / or the dosing pump 14 when dosing the product.In an embodiment of the method in which the product's consistency is determined solely by means of the sensor unit 94, all method steps previously described in connection with the product's consistency being determined by the dosing unit 12 are preferably omitted. In an embodiment of the method in which the product's consistency can be determined using both the sensor unit 94 and the dosing unit 12, the method comprises the sensor unit detection step 96 in addition to the method steps previously described in connection with the product's consistency being determined by the dosing unit 12.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for operating a dosing device (10) for dosing liquid and / or pasty products, in particular foodstuffs, which device has at least one dosing unit (12) with at least one dosing pump (14) and with at least one switching valve (16) for switching between suction and ejection, and at least one computing unit (18) for controlling and / or regulating the dosing unit (12), characterized in that in at least one measuring step (20) the computing unit (18) controls the dosing unit (12) to determine the consistency of the product, wherein in at least one dosing initialization step (22) a parameter set for controlling the switching valve (16) and / or the dosing pump (14) during dosing of the product is loaded or generated by the computing unit (18) depending on the data of the measuring step (20).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the at least one measuring step (20) at least one piston stroke of the metering pump (14) is carried out, wherein operating parameters, in particular servo data, of the metering pump (14) are recorded by the computing unit (18) to determine the consistency of the filling product.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the at least one measuring step (20) the product is pumped back in the direction of a feed tank (24).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the at least one measuring step (20) the switching valve (16) is moved into a first measuring position in which a suction channel (26) of the dosing unit (12) is maximally open.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the at least one measuring step (20) a piston (28) of the metering pump (14) moves at least twice, in particular at least three times, a complete piston stroke.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one test step (30) the data of the measuring step (20) are checked and in the event of a lack of differentiation an alternative measuring step (32) is carried out.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the at least one dosing initialization step (22) the data of the measuring step (20) are compared with stored test data, in particular a lookup table, and a parameter set matching the data of the measuring step (20) for controlling the changeover valve (16) and / or the dosing pump (14) is loaded from the test data.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one dosing initialization step (22) directly follows the measuring step (20) or the testing step (30).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing initialization step (22) is followed by a production dosing step (34) in which the changeover valve (16) and / or the dosing pump (14) are operated to dose the product during production by means of the parameter set.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing initialization step (22) is triggered automatically during a production start.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one production step (36), in particular continuously, standard operating parameters are monitored, wherein upon registration of a change in the operating parameters, a product change is inferred and the dosing initialization step (22) is automatically triggered.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computing unit (18) in the production dosing step (34) automatically adapts a cycle rate depending on the loaded or generated parameter set, in particular a dosing cycle time of the loaded or generated parameter set.

13. Method at least according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a determination of the consistency of the product is carried out by means of a sensor unit (94), in particular a viscometer, of the dosing device (10), which is connected to the computing unit (18) by transmission technology.

14. Dosing device with at least one dosing unit (12) for dosing liquid and / or pasty products, in particular foodstuffs, which has at least one dosing pump (14) and at least one switching valve (16) for switching between suction and ejection, and with at least one computing unit (18) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Dosing device according to claim 14, characterized by at least one sensor unit (94), in particular a viscometer, for determining the consistency of the product, which is connected to the computing unit (18) by transmission technology.

16. Dosing device according to claim 15, characterized by at least one supply line and at least one tank unit (46) for receiving liquid and / or pasty products, wherein the dosing unit (12), in particular at least the dosing pump (14), is connected to the tank unit (46) via the supply line, wherein the sensor unit (94), in particular at least partially within a filling line of the tank unit (46), is arranged in a vicinity of a filling opening, in particular a filling nozzle, of the tank unit (46), via which the tank unit (46) can be filled with liquid and / or pasty products.

17. Production plant, in particular filling plant, with at least one dosing device (10) according to one of claims 14 to 16.

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