Dosing device for dosing liquid or pasty products, in particular food products, and manufacturing machine having such a dosing device

Abstract

The invention is based on a metering device for metering liquid or pasty products, in particular food products, which comprises at least one frame unit (12) and a number of pump units (14) for conveying the liquid or pasty products, the pump units (14) being arranged, in particular fixed, on a plate-shaped base member (16) of the frame unit (12), in particular on a format plate. It is proposed that the metering device comprises at least one reinforcing unit (18), the reinforcing unit (18) having at least one fluid line (20, 38) and comprising at least one reinforcing member (22, 24) at least substantially fixedly connecting the pump units (14) to each other, the reinforcing member (22, 24) being arranged on the pump unit (14) on a side of the pump unit (14) opposite the base member (16) and / or the pump discharge nozzle (60) of the pump unit (14).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a metering device for metering liquid or pasty products, in particular food products, which has at least one frame unit and a number of pump units for conveying the liquid or pasty products, the pump units being arranged, in particular fixed, on a frame unit, in particular on a plate-shaped base member, in particular on a format plate. [Background technology]

[0002] Such metering devices are already known, in which the support of the actuating forces and torques in the area of ​​the pump units occurs via the base element, so that movements of the pump units relative to one another due to the actuating forces and torques can occur, which can result in high wear on the pump units and can lead to their premature failure.

[0003] Furthermore, a metering device for metering liquid or pasty products is already known from DE 22 27 069 A1, which has at least one frame unit and a number of pump units for conveying the liquid or pasty product, the pump units being arranged on a base element of the frame unit. The metering device already known from DE 22 27 069 A1 has at least one reinforcing unit, which comprises at least one reinforcing element which connects the pump units to one another at least substantially fixedly.

[0004] Furthermore, a metering device is already known from GB 2 287 702 A1 in which a single pump unit is used to deliver a liquid or pasty product. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is in particular to provide a universal metering device and a universal manufacturing machine which have improved properties with regard to stability, in particular bending stiffness, in the region of the pump block which contains the pump unit. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 or claim 10, whilst advantageous configurations and further developments of the invention can be taken from the dependent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is based on a metering device for metering liquid or pasty products, in particular food products, which has at least one frame unit and a number of pump units for conveying the liquid or pasty products, the pump units being arranged, in particular fixed, on a frame unit, in particular on a plate-shaped base member, in particular on a format plate.

[0007] It is proposed that the metering device has at least one reinforcing unit, which comprises at least one reinforcing element having at least one fluid line and connecting the pump units to one another at least substantially rigidly, the reinforcing element being arranged on the pump unit on the side of the pump unit facing away from the base element and / or the pump delivery nozzle. An embodiment according to the invention advantageously allows for a high stability to be achieved in the region of the pump block of the metering device including the pump unit, in particular in terms of bending stiffness. Advantageously, a particularly rigid configuration of the pump block including the pump unit is realizable. Advantageous force flows in the pump block including the pump unit are realizable in a structurally simple manner. Advantageously, a long service life of the pump block including the pump unit is realizable, in particular because undesirable movements of the pump units relative to one another can be advantageously counteracted. Advantageously, pump assemblies, in particular of the pump block, which are entirely replaceable, can be realized. Advantageously, alternative pump assemblies can be retrofitted to the metering device, which in particular facilitates a simple adaptation of the metering device to the desired operating conditions, for example larger conveying volumes, different hygiene classes (clean, ultraclean and aseptic), etc.

[0008] Preferably, the metering device has at least two pump units for conveying the liquid or pasty product. Particularly preferably, the metering device has two pump units for conveying the liquid or pasty product, for example four pump units, six pump units, eight pump units, ten pump units, twelve pump units, etc. However, it is also conceivable that the metering device has an odd number of pump units, for example three pump units, five pump units, seven pump units, nine pump units, eleven pump units, etc. The pump units 14 are preferably individually connected to the tank units of the metering device, in particular via individual supply lines of the metering device. The tank unit in particular comprises at least one tank element in which the liquid or pasty product can be placed. It is also conceivable for the tank unit to comprise a plurality of tank elements, in which different products can be placed in each tank element, which can be conveyed into the container by the pump units, so that in particular so-called fractional filling (ABAB or ABCD) is possible. Alternatively or additionally, for multi-layer products or products with various ingredients, a series connection of several tank members and / or several metering devices is also conceivable, which allows for example puddings topped with cream and filled into cups etc. It is also conceivable that each pump unit is assigned one individual tank member of the tank unit. Other configurations and / or allocations of tank units and pump units that are considered appropriate by a person skilled in the art are likewise conceivable.

[0009] The pump unit is preferably fixed to the base member, in particular fixed separately to the base member by a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection, for example by screwing, clamping, latching, etc. The pump unit is preferably removable separately from the base member, in particular after removing the reinforcement from the pump unit. The base member is preferably realized in a bending-rigid manner. The base member preferably has a maximum thickness of more than 10 mm, preferably more than 20 mm, very particularly preferably more than 25 mm. In particular, the base member has a maximum thickness with a value in the range of values ​​between 20 mm and 50 mm. The base member is preferably realized as a particularly planar format plate. The base member preferably has at least one through hole for the passage of a pump delivery nozzle of the pump unit. The base member may have a number of individual through-holes, with each individual through-hole being assigned to a separate pump outlet nozzle, or the base member may have one, in particular a central, through-hole to which a number of, in particular all, pump outlet nozzles of the pump unit are assigned and through which all pump outlet nozzles of the pump unit extend. The base member is preferably arranged, in particular fixed, on the pump unit on the side of the pump unit facing the pump outlet nozzles of the pump unit. The through-holes of the base member or the individual through-holes of the base member may preferably be covered by the pump unit by fixing the pump unit to the base member. Other configurations and / or arrangements of the base member that are considered appropriate by the person skilled in the art are likewise conceivable.

[0010] The reinforcing element can be embodied as a reinforcing bar, a reinforcing plate, a reinforcing tube, a reinforcing bolt, a reinforcing rod, or another component deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, which connects the pump units to each other at least substantially rigidly. By "substantially rigidly connected to each other" is meant in particular the connection of at least two elements or units, in particular pump units, which are preferably connected to each other in such a way that they do not move relative to each other, except for possible elastic deformations, for example due to thermal expansion, etc. Preferably, the pump units are connected to each other via the reinforcing element in such a way that they are at least substantially immovable. The pump units are preferably connected to each other via at least one reinforcing element in such a way that they do not move relative to each other, except for elastic deformations, for example due to elastic deformations of the pump unit housings, etc., and functional movements of the internal components of the pump unit, for example functional movements of pistons, valves, diaphragms, etc.

[0011] Preferably, the reinforcing element is arranged on the pump unit on the side of the pump unit facing away from the base element and / or the pump discharge nozzle. However, alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the reinforcing element is arranged, in particular spatially, between the pump units or on one side of the pump unit. For example, it is conceivable that the reinforcing element is arranged between at least two pump units and embodied as an intermediate plate which connects the pump units at least substantially rigidly to one another. The reinforcing element has, in particular, an integral fluid line for discharging or supplying fluid to the pump units. In one embodiment of the reinforcing element with a fluid line, it is conceivable that the reinforcing element is arranged on one side of the pump unit and connects the pump units at least substantially rigidly to one another, for example similar to the arrangement of an exhaust elbow in an internal combustion engine. It is also conceivable that the reinforcing element connects the pump units at least substantially rigidly to one another across the pump units, in particular across the housings of the pump units, in particular at the end of the pump unit facing away from the base element, along a direction extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the drive axis of the pump units. If the reinforcing element extends over several pump units, it is conceivable that at least one intermediate part or several intermediate parts of the reinforcing unit are arranged on the reinforcing element, which is in particular embodied as a threaded rod, as a bar, as a rod, etc., and which are configured to bridge possible gaps between the respective pump units. For example, the intermediate part can be realized as a washer, as an intermediate sheet, as an intermediate plate, etc. It is also conceivable that the reinforcing element is realized in one part with the pump unit, in particular forming part of two pump housings of at least two pump units connected to one another."In one piece" in particular means at least material-to-material bonding, e.g. by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection moulding process and / or another process deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, and / or preferably moulded in one piece from a single blank or via an additive manufacturing process, e.g. 3D printing, by production, e.g. by casting and / or by production in a single-component or multi-component injection moulding process.

[0012] In particular, in at least one exemplary embodiment of the metering device according to the invention, the reinforcing element has a maximum thickness, in particular a maximum height, in particular more than 30 mm, preferably more than 40 mm, particularly preferably more than 50 mm. In particular, the reinforcing element has a maximum thickness, in particular a maximum height, with a value in the range of values ​​between 40 mm and 80 mm. The reinforcing element is preferably connected to the pump unit by a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection and / or by a substance-to-substance connection. Preferably, the reinforcing element is connected to the pump unit in a non-destructive manner, for example by a screw fastening, in particular is fixed to the pump unit. The reinforcing unit may comprise a single reinforcing element which at least substantially rigidly connects the pump units to one another or the reinforcing unit may comprise a plurality of reinforcing elements which at least substantially rigidly connect the pump units to one another. Other configurations and / or arrangements of the reinforcing element or elements, which are considered appropriate by a person skilled in the art, are likewise conceivable.

[0013] It is further proposed that the pump unit is in each case fixed at one end to the base member and at the other end to the reinforcing member. The pump unit is preferably spatially arranged between the base member and the reinforcing member, in particular when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the base member. The term "substantially perpendicular" is meant to define an orientation in one direction, in particular with respect to a reference direction, in which case this direction and the reference direction, in particular when viewed in the projection plane, include an angle of 90°, in particular with a maximum deviation of less than 8°, preferably less than 5°, particularly preferably less than 2°. When the pump unit is arranged between the base member and the reinforcing member, the reinforcing member may extend partially between the pump units. For example, it is conceivable that the reinforcing member is arranged on the side of the pump unit opposite the base member, in which case one or more projections of the reinforcing member extend between at least two pump units and the pump unit is directly supported or fixed on the one or more projections. Preferably, the reinforcing element has at least one coupling interface that is realized corresponding to a pump unit coupling interface of at least one of the pump units and at least one further coupling interface that is realized corresponding to a coupling interface of at least one further pump unit of the pump units, in which case the coupling interface of the reinforcing element and the further connection interface are realized identically. The reinforcing element preferably has a plurality of coupling interfaces that are realized corresponding to respective coupling interfaces of the pump units. The plurality of coupling interfaces of the reinforcing element preferably correspond to a plurality of pump units at which the reinforcing element can be arranged for at least substantially fixedly connecting the pump units to one another. This configuration according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to realize, by means of the base element, the pump units and the reinforcing element, something like a double T-beam / I-beam for reinforcing the pump block including the pump units. Advantageously, in the region of the pump block of the metering device including the pump units, a high stability can be realized, especially in terms of bending stiffness.Advantageously, a particularly rigid construction of the pump block including the pump units can be realized. An advantageous force flow in the pump block including the pump units can be realized in a structurally simple manner. Advantageously, a long service life of the pump block including the pump units can be realized, in particular since undesired movements of the pump units relative to one another can be advantageously counteracted.

[0014] It is further proposed that the reinforcing element has a main extension surface which extends at least substantially parallel to a main extension surface of the base element, in particular to the above-mentioned main extension surface of the base element. By "main extension surface" of an element or unit is meant a plane which extends in particular parallel to the largest side of a smallest imaginary rectangular parallelepiped which completely surrounds this element or unit, in particular through the centre point of the rectangular parallelepiped. Preferably, in the state in which the reinforcing element is arranged on the pump unit, the main extension surface of the reinforcing element extends at least substantially parallel to the main extension surface of the base element on which the pump unit is arranged. Preferably, in the ready-to-operate state, in particular in the state in which the metering device is mounted on a manufacturing machine which includes the metering device, the main extension surface of the base element extends at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane and / or at least substantially parallel to a mounting surface of a pedestal or frame of the manufacturing machine. "Substantially parallel" in particular means an orientation in one direction, in particular in one plane, relative to a reference direction, in which this direction has a deviation from the reference direction in particular of less than 8°, preferably less than 5°, particularly preferably less than 2°. Preferably, the reinforcing element is arranged on a surface of the pump unit that extends at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base element. The surface of the pump unit on which the reinforcing element is arranged, in particular fixed, on the pump unit is preferably arranged on the side of the pump unit that faces away from the base element when the pump unit is arranged on the base element. With regard to the mechanical reinforcing function, the reinforcing element preferably has a function comparable to the upper flange of a double T-beam / I-beam. With regard to the mechanical reinforcing function, the reinforcing element preferably has a function comparable to the upper flange of a double T-beam / I-beam. This configuration according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to achieve a high stability, in particular in terms of bending stiffness, in the region of the pump block of the metering device including the pump unit. Advantageously, a particularly stiff configuration of the pump block including the pump unit can be obtained. An advantageous force flow in the pump block including the pump unit can be realized in a structurally simple manner.

[0015] It is also proposed that the reinforcing element extends over at least two pump units, in particular over all pump units, of the plurality of pump units, and in particular directly supports them, when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base element. The reinforcing element extends, preferably completely, over two pump units, in particular over all pump units, of the plurality of pump units, when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base element. When viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base element, the maximum overall length of the reinforcing element preferably corresponds to the maximum extension length of two pump units, in particular all pump units, of the plurality of pump units, in a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base element, in addition to the spacing in particular between the individual pump units. However, it is also conceivable that the maximum overall length of the reinforcing element has a different value that is deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, for example, in particular less than 90%, preferably less than 70%, etc., of the maximum extension length of two pump units, in particular all pump units, of the plurality of pump units along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base member. Particularly preferably, the reinforcing element extends starting from one edge pump unit of the plurality of pump units to at least the other edge pump unit, as viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base member. For example, if there are a total of two pump units, the reinforcing element extends from one pump unit to the other pump unit, and if there are a total of four pump units, the reinforcing element extends from one end pump unit to the other end pump unit across two pump units arranged between these end pump units. Preferably, the pump units are arranged in a row on the base member, in particular aligned with one another, in which case the reinforcing element extends across this row. However, it is contemplated that the pump units may have different arrangements on the base member, such as a zigzag arrangement, an arcuate arrangement, a circular arrangement, a polygonal arrangement, etc., as deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art.In the state arranged on the base element, the pump units, in particular directly adjacent pump units, preferably have a predefined distance from one another along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base element. The distance between the pump units, in particular directly adjacent pump units, has a maximum value of, in particular, less than 40 mm, preferably less than 30 mm, very particularly preferably less than 20 mm. Particularly preferably, the distance between directly adjacent pump units has a maximum value in the range of values ​​between 15 mm and 18 mm. Preferably, the distances between all directly adjacent pump units are identical in terms of their value, in particular apart from differences in manufacturing tolerances. This configuration according to the invention advantageously allows the realization of a structurally simple connection of the pump units, whereby an at least substantially rigid connection can be realized. Advantageously, a high stability can be realized in the region of the pump block of the metering device comprising the pump units, in particular in terms of bending stiffness. Advantageously, a particularly rigid configuration of the pump block comprising the pump units can be realized. An advantageous force flow in the pump block comprising the pump units can be realized in a structurally simple manner. Advantageously, a long service life of the pump block including the pump units is possible, in particular because undesired movements of the pump units relative to one another can be counteracted in an advantageous manner.

[0016] Moreover, it is proposed that the reinforcing unit comprises at least one further reinforcing element, in particular at least one fluid line, which connects the pump units to one another at least substantially fixedly. The further reinforcing element preferably has an at least substantially similar, in particular identical, configuration to the reinforcing element. In particular, the description of the reinforcing element also applies to the further reinforcing element. However, it is also conceivable that the further reinforcing element has a different configuration compared to the reinforcing element, in particular with regard to the additional functions of the further reinforcing element, for example fluid guidance, heat transport, etc. Preferably, the reinforcing element and / or the further reinforcing element are manufactured from a metallic material. However, it is also conceivable that the reinforcing element and / or the further reinforcing element are manufactured from another material, which is considered suitable by the person skilled in the art, for example synthetic material, composite material, etc. The reinforcing element and the further reinforcing element may be connected to one another, in particular in addition to the connection via the pump unit, for example by a form-locking and / or force-locking connection. Preferably, the reinforcing element and the further reinforcing element are components realized separately from one another, in particular arranged, which may be arranged separately in the pump unit. This configuration according to the invention advantageously allows a large manufacturing range to be selected for the production of the reinforcement unit, which nevertheless advantageously allows a high stability. Advantageously, a structurally simple connection of the pump units to one another can be realized, whereby an at least substantially rigid connection can be realized. Advantageously, a particularly rigid configuration of the pump block including the pump units can be realized.

[0017] It is further proposed that together with the reinforcing element and the base element the pump unit is realized in such a way that the pump unit as a whole is modularly replaceable. Preferably the pump unit together with the reinforcing element and the base element, when they are fixed to one another, form an assembly group module which is preferably removable and replaceable as a whole from other components and units, for example in case of a defect in the pump unit, a change in the maximum conveying volume or other requirements change in the pump unit. Preferably the pump unit together with the reinforcing element and the base element form a mounting module. By "mounting module" it is meant in particular a module which comprises a number of components which are arranged to form a unit which is assembled in advance and then mounted as a whole on another unit. This configuration according to the invention advantageously allows the realization of modularity at least in the region of the pump block which comprises the pump unit. Due to the reinforcing element a high level of stability can be achieved even during the removal of the pump block from the rest of the metering device, which makes it possible to counteract undesirable deformations, in particular when the pump block is removed from the metering device. Advantageously the pump block with the desired bending stiffness according to the customer's wishes can be easily and quickly replaced. Advantageously, a high level of stability can be achieved in the region of the pump block of the metering device including the pump unit, in particular with regard to bending stiffness. Advantageously, a particularly rigid configuration of the pump block including the pump unit can be realized. Advantageously, pump assemblies, in particular of the pump block, which are exchangeable as a whole can be realized. Advantageously, it becomes easier to retrofit the metering device with alternative pump assemblies, which in particular makes it possible to simply adapt the metering device to the desired operating conditions, e.g. larger conveying volumes, different hygiene classes (clean, ultraclean and sterile), etc.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the reinforcing element has at least one fluid line which is adapted to convey, in particular to deliver, a CIP cleaning medium provided for a CIP cleaning (clean-in-place) of the pump unit. The fluid line is preferably integrated into the reinforcing element. The fluid line is preferably realized as an internal passage in the reinforcing element. The fluid line is preferably fluidly connected to a flushing opening of the pump unit, in particular with the reinforcing element arranged on the pump unit. The reinforcing element preferably forms a CIP bar (clean-in-place bar). The further reinforcing element preferably has an integrated fluid line. The fluid line of the further reinforcing element is realized in the same way as the fluid line of the reinforcing element. The further reinforcing element preferably forms a further CIP bar (clean-in-place bar). This configuration according to the invention makes it possible to integrate additional functions in a structurally simple manner in the reinforcing element and / or in the further reinforcing element. Advantageously, in the region of the pump block of the metering device comprising the pump unit, a high stability, in particular in terms of bending stiffness, can be achieved together with the configuration of the additional functions of the pump block comprising the pump unit.

[0019] It is further proposed that the metering device has at least one drive unit, which is arranged on a base frame of the frame unit, in which case the base frame is fixed to the base member and the pump unit is arranged at least at one end, in particular at the other end at which the reinforcing member is arranged on the pump unit, between two side wall members of the base frame without being fixedly connected. Preferably, the pump unit is not directly connected to the side wall member at their other end. The reinforcing member and / or the further reinforcing member are preferably arranged between the two side wall members of the base frame without being fixedly connected, in particular when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base member. The reinforcing member and / or the further reinforcing member are preferably not directly connected to the side wall members. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, it is conceivable that the metering device is realized in one alternative configuration independently of the reinforcing unit. Preferably, in this alternative configuration, in particular one that is realized independently of the reinforcing unit, the metering device for metering liquid or pasty products, in particular food products, has at least one frame unit and a number of pump units for conveying liquid or pasty products, the pump units being arranged, in particular fixed, in a base member, in particular a plate-like base member, in particular a format plate, of the frame unit, and the metering device further has at least one drive unit, which drive unit is arranged in a base frame of the frame unit, in which the base frame is fixed to the base member, and the pump unit is arranged without being fixedly connected at least at one end, in particular at the other end where the reinforcing member is arranged on the pump unit, between two side wall members of the base frame. The term "without being fixedly connected" is meant in particular to define an arrangement of components or units relative to one another, in which the components or units are at least partially separated from one another and in which there is a gap between the components or units in at least one region in particular.In particular, when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base member, the pump units are preferably arranged at a distance from one another with respect to the side wall member, at least at the other end of the pump unit, which is opposite to the end of the pump unit at which the pump unit is fixed to the base member. Preferably, the pump units are movable relative to the side wall member at least in the region of the other end, in particular when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base member, in order to compensate for elastic deformations, such as thermally induced elastic deformations. The reinforcing member and / or the further reinforcing member are preferably arranged at a distance from the side wall member, in particular when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base member. Preferably, the reinforcing member and / or the further reinforcing member are movable relative to the side wall member at least in the region of the other end, in particular when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the base member, in order to compensate for elastic deformations, such as thermally induced elastic deformations. The drive unit preferably has a number of drives for driving the pump units. The drives can be realized as electric drives, hydraulic drives, pneumatic drives, mechanical drives, such as cam disk drives, etc., or as another drive considered appropriate by the skilled person. It is conceivable that the drive unit has a single drive per pump unit or that the drive unit drives several pump units with one drive, in terms of drive technology, the pump units being connected to the drive via couplings and / or via transmissions. This configuration according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to realize a rigid configuration of the pump block including the pump units, whereby an elastic deformation of the pump block including the pump units can advantageously be achieved in the region of the drive block, whereby a particularly long service life can be realized. A particularly long-life metering device can be realized. Advantageously, a high level of stability can be realized in the region of the drive block of the metering device including the drive unit, especially with respect to bending stiffness.Advantageously, a particularly rigid construction of the pump block including the pump unit and the drive block including the drive unit is possible.

[0020] It is further proposed that the reinforcement unit preferably has at least one flexurally rigid, in particular double T-beam-shaped, drive reinforcement, on which the drive units, in particular the drives of the drive units, are arranged, in particular fixed, in which the drive reinforcement, in particular with at least one longitudinal axis running substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the reinforcement, is at least substantially fixedly connected to the side wall. The drive units are preferably fixed to the drive reinforcement by a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection, for example by a screw fastening, clamping connection, latching connection, etc. The drive reinforcement is preferably at least substantially fixedly connected to the side wall at an end of the side wall facing away from the base. The drive reinforcement is preferably connected to the side wall by a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection and / or by a material-to-material connection. Preferably, the drive reinforcement is connected to the side wall in a non-destructive manner, for example by a screw fastening, in particular fixed to the side wall. It is also conceivable that the drive reinforcement is realized in one piece together with the side wall element. The side wall element preferably extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis of the drive reinforcement and / or to the main extension plane of the base element. This configuration according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to realize a rigid configuration of the pump block including the pump unit. A particularly long-lived metering device can be realized. Advantageously, a high level of stability, in particular in terms of bending stiffness, can be realized in the region of the drive block of the metering device including the drive unit. Advantageously, a particularly rigid configuration of the pump block including the pump unit and the drive block including the drive unit can be realized.

[0021] Furthermore, a manufacturing machine is proposed which comprises at least one metering device according to the invention. The manufacturing machine may comprise further devices and / or units which are deemed appropriate by the skilled person and which can be used for the processing of products, in particular food products. The manufacturing machine is preferably configured for the production, filling, packaging and / or secondary packaging of food products. In addition to the metering device, the manufacturing machine may comprise a number of further devices and / or units which are deemed appropriate by the skilled person, for example forming devices for packaging, cutting devices, filling devices, sterilizing devices, closing devices, secondary packaging devices, container supply devices, etc. This configuration according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to realize a manufacturing machine with a stable metering device. Advantageously, it is possible to realize a convenient exchangeability of individual units or components, in particular a pump block and / or a drive block, for a functional change of the metering device.

[0022] The inventive metering device and / or the inventive manufacturing machine are not limited to the applications and configurations described herein. In particular, to perform the functions described herein, the inventive metering device and / or the inventive manufacturing machine may include a different number of individual parts, components and units than those described above. Furthermore, with respect to the ranges of values ​​given in this disclosure, values ​​within the above ranges are also disclosed and are considered usable as desired.

[0023] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings, in which one exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawings, the description and the claims include combinations of several features. Those skilled in the art will also consider these features individually and will find other suitable combinations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a production machine according to the invention, which is equipped with at least one metering device according to the invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of the metering device according to the invention; [Diagram 3] 2 shows a schematic diagram of a pump block of a metering device according to the invention, which includes a pump unit of the metering device according to the invention; [Figure 4] 2 shows a schematic diagram of a drive block of the metering device according to the invention, which includes a drive unit of the metering device according to the invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a sterile fluid distributor unit of a metering device according to the invention arranged in a pump unit. [Figure 6] 3 shows a schematic view of a lifting unit of the metering device according to the invention, which can be arranged on a frame unit of the metering device according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] In Fig. 1 a production machine 56 is shown with at least one dosing device 10 for dosing a liquid or pasty product, in particular a food product. The production machine 56 is preferably configured for the production and / or processing of a product, in particular a food product. The production machine 56 can be realized for example as a food packaging machine, as a food filling machine, as a food production machine, as a combination of the above mentioned machines etc. The production machine 56 may include devices and / or units considered appropriate by the person skilled in the art and used for the production and / or processing of a product, in particular a food product, such as a sterilization device, a filling device, a closing device, a secondary packaging device, a container supply device etc.

[0026] In Fig. 2, a detailed view of a metering device 10 for metering liquid or pasty products, in particular food products, into a container (not shown in detail here), in particular into a cup-shaped container, is shown. The metering device 10 comprises at least one frame unit 12 and a number of pump units 14 for conveying liquid or pasty products, which pump units 14 are arranged in a fixed manner, in particular on a plate-shaped base member 16 of the frame unit 12, in particular on a format plate (see also Fig. 3). In the exemplary embodiment described here, the metering device 10 has, as an example, eight pump units 14. However, it is also conceivable that the metering device 10 has another number of pump units 14 that is deemed appropriate by the skilled person, in particular a number suitable for the particular field of use of the metering device 10. Preferably, the pump units 14 are arranged in a row on the base member 16, in particular aligned with one another (see Fig. 3). The pump units 14 are preferably fixed to the base member 16, in particular individually to the base member 16 by a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection, for example by a screw connection, a clamping connection, a latch connection, etc. Preferably, the pump units 14 are individually removable from the base member 16. The base member 16 preferably has at least one through-hole 58 for the passage of a pump discharge nozzle 60 of the pump unit 14 (see FIG. 3). The pump discharge nozzles 60 of the pump unit 14 are preferably fixed to the pump unit 14 such that they are individually replaceable. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the base member 16 has a plurality of individual through-holes 58, each through-hole 58 being assigned to a single pump discharge nozzle 60 of an individual pump unit 14. However, it is also conceivable that the base element 16 has one, in particular a central, through-hole 58 to which several, in particular all, of the pump discharge nozzles 60 of the pump units 14 are assigned and through which all, in particular all, of the pump discharge nozzles 60 of the pump units 14 extend. The pump discharge nozzles 60 of the pump units 14 may all have the same design or may be realized differently. The pump discharge nozzles 60 are preferably realized in such a way that they are individually exchangeable.The pump discharge nozzle 60 can be realized as a flat valve nozzle, as a screw-type slide nozzle, as a rotary slide nozzle or as another pump discharge nozzle 60 deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. The base member 16 is preferably arranged on, and in particular fixed to, the pump unit 14 on the side of the pump unit 14 facing the pump discharge nozzle 60 of the pump unit 14. Preferably, the respective through-holes 58 of the base member 16 are covered by the pump unit 14 due to the fixing of the pump unit 14 on the base member 16.

[0027] The metering device 10 preferably has at least one tank unit 62, which includes at least one tank member 64 in which a liquid or pasty product can be placed. A mixer unit is preferably arranged in the tank unit 62 in a manner already known to the skilled person. The pump units 14 are preferably connected individually to the tank members 64, in particular via individual supply lines of the metering device 10. It is also conceivable for the tank unit 62 to include several tank members 64, in which case various products can be arranged in each tank member 64, which can be conveyed into the container by the pump unit 14, thus allowing multi-layered products or products with different ingredients, for example puddings topped with cream and filled into cups or the like. In one configuration of the tank unit 62 with several tank members 64, preferably each pump unit 14 is assigned a single tank member 64 of the tank unit 62. It is further conceivable that the pump units 14 can be supplied with products individually or jointly via the pipeline system of the production machine 56, the products being stored in separate silos or the like. Other configurations and / or allocations of the tank unit 62 and the pump unit 14 are contemplated as well, as would be deemed appropriate by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0028] The metering device 10 has at least one reinforcing unit 18, which comprises at least one reinforcing element 22, in particular at least one fluid line 20, which connects the pump units 14 to one another at least substantially rigidly (see Figs. 2 and 3). Preferably, the reinforcing unit 18 comprises at least one further reinforcing element 24, which in particular comprises at least one fluid line 38 and which connects the pump units 14 to one another at least substantially rigidly. The further reinforcing element 24 preferably has an at least substantially similar, in particular identical, configuration to the reinforcing element 22. In particular, the description of the reinforcing element 22 also applies to the further reinforcing element 24. However, it is also conceivable that the further reinforcing element 24 has a different configuration compared to the reinforcing element 22, in particular with regard to additional functions of the further reinforcing element 24, such as fluid guidance, heat transport, etc.

[0029] Preferably, the pump unit 14 is in each case fixed at one end 26 to the base member 16 and at the other end 28 to the reinforcing member 22 and / or the further reinforcing member 24. The pump unit 14 is preferably spatially arranged between the base member 16 and the reinforcing member 22 and / or the further reinforcing member 24, in particular when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 34 of the base member 16. The reinforcing member 22 preferably has a main extension plane 30 extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 34 of the base member 16. The further reinforcing member 24 preferably has a main extension plane 32 extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 34 of the base member 16. Preferably, when viewed along a direction 36 extending at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane 34 of the base member 16, the reinforcing member 22 extends across at least two pump units 14 of the plurality of pump units 14, in particular across all pump units 14, and in particular directly supports these pump units 14. Preferably, when viewed along a direction 36 extending at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane 34 of the base member 16, the further reinforcing member 24 extends across at least two pump units 14 of the plurality of pump units 14, in particular across all pump units 14, and in particular directly supports these pump units 14. The reinforcing member 22 and the further reinforcing member 24 are preferably arranged side by side, in particular fixed, on the pump units 14, in which case the reinforcing member 22 and the further reinforcing member 24 extend across the plurality of pump units 14 along the direction 36. The pump unit 14 together with the reinforcing element 22 , the further reinforcing element 24 and the base element 16 are preferably realised in such a way that they are entirely replaceable in modular form and in particular entirely removable from the frame unit 12 .

[0030] The reinforcing element 22 and / or the further reinforcing element 24 can be realized as reinforcing bars, reinforcing plates, reinforcing tubes, reinforcing bolts, reinforcing rods or as other components deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, which at least substantially fixedly connect the pump units 14 to one another. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing element 22 and the further reinforcing element 24 are preferably realized as CIP bars. The reinforcing element 22 and the further reinforcing element 24 preferably each have an integral fluid line 20, 38, in particular for delivering or supplying a fluid to the pump unit 14. The reinforcing element 22 and / or the further reinforcing element 24 at least have a fluid line 20, 38, which is configured for conveying, in particular for delivering, a CIP cleaning medium supplied for the CIP cleaning of the pump unit 14. The metering device 10 preferably includes at least one cleaning supply line 66, via which a CIP cleaning medium can be supplied to the pump unit 14 (see FIG. 2). The cleaning supply line 66 is preferably arranged, in particular integrated, in a connecting member 68 supported movably relative to the base member 16 (see FIG. 2). The connecting member 68 is preferably realized as a flushing bar, which can be actively moved by a motor 70 of the metering device 10 relative to the base member 16. The connecting member 68 preferably comprises a number of connecting openings (not shown in detail here). The number of connecting openings preferably depends on the number of pump units 14, in particular the number of pump discharge nozzles 60. The connecting openings are preferably configured to receive the pump discharge nozzles 60 in the cleaning position of the connecting member 68. In the cleaning position of the connecting member 68, the cleaning medium is preferably introduced into the pump unit 14 via the pump discharge nozzles 60 and discharged via the fluid line 20 of the reinforcing member 22 and / or the fluid line 38 of the further reinforcing member 24.

[0031] The metering device 10 further comprises at least one drive unit 40 (see Figs. 2 and 4), which is arranged on a base frame 42 of the frame unit 12, the base frame 42 being fixed to the base member 16, the pump unit 14 being arranged at least at one end 28, in particular at the other end 28, between two side wall members 44, 46 of the base frame 42 without being fixedly connected thereto, at which end 28 the reinforcing member 22 and / or the further reinforcing member 24 are arranged on the pump unit 14 (Fig. 2). The pump unit 14 is preferably not directly connected to the side wall members 44, 46 at the other end 28. The reinforcing member 22 and / or the further reinforcing member 24 are preferably arranged between the two side wall members 44, 46 of the base frame 42 without being fixedly connected thereto, in particular when viewed along a direction 36 extending at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 34 of the base member 16. Preferably, the reinforcing member 22 and / or the further reinforcing member 24 are not directly connected to the side wall members 44, 46. The pump unit 14 and the reinforcing member 22 and / or the further reinforcing member 24 are preferably spatially arranged between the base member 16 and the drive unit 40, in particular when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 34 of the base member 16.

[0032] In FIG. 4, the drive unit 40 is shown in a state where it is removed from the frame unit 12. The drive unit 40 preferably comprises a number of drives 50, 52, 72, 74 for driving the pump units 14. The drives 50, 52, 72, 74 can be realized as electric drives, as hydraulic drives, as pneumatic drives or as another drive considered appropriate by a person skilled in the art. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, the drive unit 40 comprises four drives 50, 52, 72, 74, where two drives 50, 52 are configured for driving the pistons of the pump unit 14 and two drives 72, 74 are configured for driving the valves of the pump unit 14. However, it is also conceivable that the drive unit 40 comprises a single drive for each piston of the pump unit 14 and for each valve of the pump unit 14. The drive unit 40 preferably has one coupling element 76, 78, 80, 82 for each drive 50, 52, 72, 74, each coupling element 76, 78, 80, 82 connecting the four drive elements, in particular the drive shafts, of the pump unit 14 to one another. The four piston drive shafts of the pump unit 14 for each drive 50, 52 and the four valve drive shafts of the pump unit 14 for each drive 72, 74 are preferably connected to one another in terms of drive technology via one coupling element 76, 78, 80, 82 each (see FIGS. 2 and 4). However, it is also conceivable to provide a single drive of the drive unit 40 for each piston drive shaft and for each valve drive shaft in order to achieve a single drive for each piston drive shaft and for each valve drive shaft.

[0033] The reinforcing unit 18 preferably has at least one flexurally rigid, in particular double T-beam-shaped, drive reinforcing element 48, on which the drive unit 40, in particular the drives 50, 52, 72, 74 of the drive unit 40, are arranged, in particular fixed, in which the drive reinforcing element 48, in particular with at least one longitudinal axis 54 running substantially parallel to the main extension faces 30, 32 of the reinforcing element 22 and / or the further reinforcing element 24, is at least substantially fixedly connected to the side wall elements 44, 46. The drive reinforcing element 48 is preferably arranged, in particular fixed, on the side of the side wall elements 44, 46 facing away from the base element 16. The drive reinforcing element 48 is preferably arranged, in particular fixed - together with the drive unit 40 as a whole - in the side wall elements 44, 46 in a modularly replaceable manner. For driving the piston drive shafts, the drives 50, 52 are preferably arranged, in particular fixed, on the upper flange of the drive reinforcement 48. For driving the valve drive shafts, the drives 72, 74 are preferably arranged, in particular fixed, on the lower flange of the drive reinforcement 48. However, it is also conceivable that all drives 50, 52, 72, 74 are arranged, in particular fixed, on the upper or lower flange of the drive reinforcement 48, or that the drives 50, 52 for driving the piston drive shafts are arranged, in particular fixed, on the lower flange, whereas the drives 72, 74 for driving the valve drive shafts are arranged, in particular fixed, on the upper flange. With the reinforcement 22 arranged on the pump unit 14, in particular when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 34 of the base 16, the valve drive shafts preferably extend through the reinforcement 22. With the further reinforcing member 24 arranged in the pump unit 14, the piston drive shaft preferably extends through the further reinforcing member 24, in particular when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 34 of the base member 16. Other configurations and / or arrangements of the drive unit 40 in the drive reinforcement member 48 that are considered appropriate by a person skilled in the art are likewise conceivable.

[0034] In FIG. 5 a sterile fluid distributor unit 84 is shown, which in particular can be arranged optionally in the pump unit 14. The sterile fluid distributor unit 84 can preferably be provided optionally in the pump unit 14, in particular can be retrofitted, in particular depending on the field of use of the metering device 10. The sterile fluid distributor unit 84 can preferably be arranged in the pump unit 14 spatially between the drive reinforcement 48 and the reinforcement 22 and / or the further reinforcement 24, in particular when viewed along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane 34 of the base member 16. The sterile fluid distributor unit 84 is preferably configured in particular to supply sterile air to be conveyed to the pump unit 14. The sterile fluid distributor unit 84 preferably comprises a sterile air distribution line 86 assigned to the piston drive shaft. The piston drive shaft preferably runs through the sterile air distribution line 86 assigned to the piston drive shaft. Preferably, a sealing member is arranged in the region of the piston drive shaft in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the sterile fluid distributor unit 84 includes a sterile air distribution line 88 assigned to the valve drive shaft. The valve drive shaft preferably extends through the sterile air distribution line 88 assigned to the valve drive shaft. Preferably, a sealing member is arranged in the region of the valve drive shaft in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a lifting unit 90, which can be arranged in particular optionally on the frame unit 12. The lifting unit 90 can preferably be arranged in particular optionally depending on the field of use of the metering device 10, in particular retrofitted. The lifting unit 90 can preferably be arranged in particular fixedly on the side wall elements 44, 46 (see FIG. 2). The lifting unit 90 can preferably be arranged in particular fixedly on a base frame element 92 of the frame unit 12 at its end facing away from the pump unit 14. The base frame element 92 surrounds the base element 16 in particular completely, seen in particular in the main extension plane 34 of the base element 16. The relative position of the base element 16 with respect to the base frame element 92 can be actively changed by the lifting unit 90, in particular along a direction extending at least substantially perpendicularly to the main extension plane 34 of the base element 16. The lifting unit 90 preferably comprises a lifting motor 94 configured to drive two linear cylinders 96, 98, in particular via a synchronous shaft of the lifting unit 90, in order to actively change the relative position of the base member 16. It is considered that the relative position of the base member 16 can be changed in order to appropriately position the drive units 40 and / or pump units 14 on the frame unit 12, in particular when the metering device 10 comprises a plurality of drive units 40 and / or pump units 14, which are respectively different. The metering device 10 is preferably arranged, in particular fixed, on the machine frame of the manufacturing machine 56 via a base frame member 92. As an alternative to the lifting unit 90, the metering device 10 may also comprise a non-adjustable support unit (not shown in detail here) which connects the side wall members 44, 46 to the base frame member 92, in particular non-adjustably fixes the side wall members 44, 46 to the base frame member 92. Other configurations of the metering device 10 are likewise conceivable, with additional or alternative units and / or components appropriate for the field of use of the metering device 10, as deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A dosing device for dosing liquid or pasty products, in particular food products, comprising at least one frame unit (12) and a number of pump units (14) for conveying liquid or pasty products, the pump units (14) being arranged, in particular fixed, on a base element (16), in particular in the form of a plate, of the frame unit (12), in particular on a format plate, 2. A metering device comprising: at least one reinforcing unit (18), the reinforcing unit (18) having at least one fluid line (20, 38) and including at least one reinforcing element (22, 24) at least substantially fixedly connecting the pump units (14) to one another, the reinforcing element (22, 24) being arranged on the pump unit (14) on a side of the pump unit (14) opposite the base element (16) and / or a pump discharge nozzle (60) of the pump unit (14).

2. 2. The metering device according to claim 1, wherein the pump unit (14) is in each case fixed at one end (26) to the base member (16) and at the other end (28) to the reinforcing members (22, 24).

3. 3. The metering device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing members (22, 24) have main extension faces (30, 32) which extend at least substantially parallel to a main extension face (34) of the base member (16).

4. 4. The metering device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed along a direction (36) extending at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane (34) of the base member (16), the reinforcing member (22, 24) extends across at least two pump units (14) of the plurality of pump units (14), in particular across all pump units (14), and in particular directly supports these pump units (14).

5. 5. The metering device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing unit (18) comprises at least one further reinforcing element (22, 24), which in particular comprises at least one fluid line (20, 38) and which at least substantially fixedly connects the pump units (14) to one another.

6. 6. The metering device according to claim 1, wherein the pump unit (14) together with the reinforcing elements (22, 24) and the base element (16) is realized in such a way that the pump unit (14) as a whole is modularly replaceable.

7. The metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reinforcing element (22, 24) has at least one fluid line (20, 38) configured to transport, in particular discharge, a CIP cleaning medium supplied for CIP cleaning of the pump unit (14).

8. 8. The metering device according to claim 1, wherein at least one drive unit (40) is arranged on a base frame (42) of the frame unit (12), the base frame (42) is fixed to the base member (16), and the pump unit (14) is arranged between two side wall members (44, 46) of the base frame (42) without being fixedly connected at at least one end (28), in particular at the end (28) at which the reinforcing member (22, 24) of the pump unit (14) is arranged.

9. 9. The metering device according to claim 8, wherein the reinforcing unit (18) has at least one flexurally rigid, in particular double T-beam-shaped, drive reinforcing element (48), on which the drive unit (40), in particular a plurality of drives (50, 52, 72, 74) of the drive unit (40), are arranged, in particular fixed, and the drive reinforcing element (48), in particular having at least one longitudinal axis (54) extending substantially parallel to a main extension surface (30, 32) of the reinforcing element (22, 24), is at least substantially fixedly connected to the side wall elements (44, 46).

10. 10. A manufacturing machine comprising at least one metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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