Equipment and filling machines

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for lifting a package (402) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing (110) having an upper guide (221) and a lower guide (231) supporting a movable rod (202) for lifting the package (402), a gap (204) formed between the rod and the housing and extending between the guides for retaining lubricant that provides lubrication between the rod and the guides, a first scraper (222) for scraping the rod to remove lubricant that has passed through the upper guide, a second scraper (223) for scraping the rod to remove lubricant that has passed through the first scraper, a first space (224) and a second space (225) for receiving the lubricant scraped by the first and second scrapers, respectively, and a common lubricant outlet (126) to which the first and second spaces are fluidly connected. A filling machine (400) constituting the apparatus is also disclosed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for lifting packages. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus including a housing, a first scraper, and a second scraper. The present disclosure also relates to a filling machine for filling food packages with food. [Background technology]

[0002] It is commonly known in the food processing industry to use different types of filling machines to fill food packages with food. Such filling machines typically include a device for lifting the food package, for example towards a filling nozzle, so that the food package can be easily and safely filled. The equipment used in the food processing industry is designed to meet hygiene requirements.

[0003] Devices for lifting food packages in food processing equipment, particularly filling machines, have been used in the food processing industry for decades, but there is room for improvement to increase the hygiene level of filling machines.

[0004] For these reasons, there is a need for improved devices for lifting packages that meet the requirements associated with the food processing industry, such as hygienic design and food safety. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to at least partially overcome one or more of the above-identified limitations of the prior art, in particular to provide a device that is able to lift packages whilst efficiently meeting hygiene requirements in the food processing industry.

[0006] Another object is to provide such a device with improved durability.

[0007] Another object is to provide such a device in a cost-effective manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for lifting packages, the apparatus comprising: a housing having upper and lower guides supporting a rod extending through the housing and arranged for longitudinal movement to lift the package, a gap being formed between the rod and the housing, the gap extending from the upper guide to the lower guide for retaining a lubricant that provides lubrication between the rod and the upper and lower guides; and a lubricant trapping member disposed above the upper guide, surrounding the rod and for removing the lubricant that has passed through the upper guide from the gap. The lubricant scraper includes a first scraper that scrapes the outer surface of the rod, a second scraper that is positioned above the first scraper, surrounds the rod, and scrapes the outer surface of the rod to remove the lubricant that has passed through the first scraper, a first space that is formed between the upper guide and the first scraper, surrounds the rod, and receives the lubricant scraped off by the first scraper, a second space that is formed between the first scraper and the second scraper, surrounds the rod, and receives the lubricant scraped off by the second scraper, and a common lubricant discharge port that fluidly connects the first space and the second space.

[0009] The device is preferably arranged to lift the package, preferably towards the filling nozzle, so that the package is filled with the food product. This is provided by the rod of the device being movable in the longitudinal direction. It should be noted that the rod of the device may also be movable in the opposite direction to the longitudinal direction so that the package is lowered after being lifted. Thus, the rod is preferably arranged to provide vertical movement in either the longitudinal direction or the opposite direction to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the rod is in practice typically arranged to provide vertical movement in its opposite longitudinal direction.

[0010] The device is advantageous in that once the rod has moved longitudinally, i.e. once the rod has moved upward to lift the package, excess lubricant, such as leakage of lubricant above the second scraper, can be avoided or at least significantly reduced compared to conventional solutions, thereby maintaining a good hygiene level of the device. The upper and lower guides are preferably lubricant-free gaskets, so that a lubricant-free gasket solution is provided to avoid or at least reduce lubricant leakage in the device.

[0011] The rod is typically moved longitudinally at high speed, for example, when lifting a package, and the lubricant may follow the rod longitudinally to provide lubrication between the rod and the upper and lower guides due to the high speed. In this context, high speed may be interpreted as a speed of at least 4 m / s. Operating the device at high speeds may be disadvantageous because the lubricant may follow the rod and enter the sanitary zone of the device. Therefore, the device is particularly advantageous when the rod moves longitudinally at high speeds, and the device is arranged to remove lubricant from the outer surface of the rod to avoid or at least reduce the amount of lubricant passing into the sanitary zone of the device.

[0012] A cavity is understood as a geometrical cavity of a certain shape that defines its perimeter, i.e., a technical design parameter that gives the device specific technical characteristics. Thus, the cavity is created so that its geometry defines the shape of the device part that surrounds it or the shape of the device part that is enclosed by the cavity. The cavity may have a lateral extension, i.e., between the rod and the housing, of, for example, between 2 and 15 mm. This is advantageous because it allows a sufficient amount of lubricant to be introduced into the cavity so that the parts in the device are efficiently lubricated.

[0013] A first space should be understood as a geometrical void of a certain shape that defines its perimeter, i.e., a technical design parameter that gives the device certain technical properties. The first space is therefore created in such a way that its geometry defines the shape of the part of the device that surrounds it or that is surrounded by it.

[0014] The second space should be understood as a geometrical void of a certain shape that defines its perimeter, i.e., a technical design parameter that gives the device certain technical properties. The second space is therefore created in such a way that its geometry defines the shape of the part of the device that surrounds it or that is surrounded by it.

[0015] In the present context, the term "fluidly connected" should be interpreted as each of the first space and the second space being connected to a common lubricant outlet such that lubricant can be discharged from each of the first space and the second space to the common lubricant outlet.

[0016] The upper and lower guides are sometimes referred to as upper and lower wear rings. The upper and lower guides are typically lubricated by a lubricant present in the gap when the rod is moved vertically. This is advantageous because it reduces wear on the upper and lower guides, thereby improving the durability of the device.

[0017] The first scraper is preferably arranged to surround the rod, i.e., in a ring shape around the rod, and is configured to scrape the outer surface of the rod. The first scraper is configured to reside on the outer surface of the rod and remove the lubricant that has passed through the upper guide from the gap. When the first scraper removes the lubricant that resides on the outer surface of the rod, the lubricant is preferably scraped into the first gap, which is fluidly connected to a common lubricant outlet so that the lubricant can be discharged from the device through the common lubricant outlet.

[0018] The second scraper is preferably arranged to surround the rod, i.e., in a ring shape around the rod, and is configured to scrape the outer surface of the rod. The second scraper is thereby configured to reside on the outer surface of the rod and remove the lubricant that has passed through the first scraper. When the second scraper removes the lubricant present on the outer surface of the rod, the lubricant is scraped into the second space, which is fluidly connected to a common lubricant outlet, allowing the lubricant to be discharged from the device. In this way, the lubricant removed from the outside of the rod by either the first scraper or the second scraper is directed to the common lubricant outlet for discharge from the device. This is advantageous because it can avoid or at least reduce the discharge of lubricant in the sanitary zone of the device. This is further advantageous because it can improve control over the location of the lubricant present within the device, preventing it from entering the sanitary zone of the device. This is advantageous in that it can meet sanitary requirements in the food processing industry.

[0019] The device is further advantageous in that a common lubricant outlet can be connected to a single outlet point, so that both the first and second spaces can be drained to one outlet, which is advantageous in that only one outlet is required even though two different spaces are drained of lubricant.

[0020] The second space may be fluidly connected to the first space via a fluid flow path, and lubricant may be drained from the second space through the fluid flow path to the first space and further to a common lubricant outlet. The second space is in fluid communication with the first space via a fluid path. This is advantageous because it allows lubricant to be drained from either the first space or the second space to a common lubricant outlet in a simple and efficient manner. It is also advantageous because it only requires one drain.

[0021] The first space may be defined by the housing, the upper guide, the rod, and the first scraper. In other words, the first space may be defined by surface portions of the housing, the upper guide, the rod, and the first scraper. These surface portions may consequently define the shape and physical extent of the first space while forming it. This is advantageous because it allows lubricant removed from the outside of the rod by the first scraper to be received by the first space before being discharged from the first space to a common lubricant outlet.

[0022] The housing may include an upper main portion and an upper member disposed on the upper main portion, the second scraper being disposed in a groove formed in the upper member. This is advantageous because it allows the second scraper to be introduced into the device in a simple manner while reducing the risk of damaging the second scraper. This is further advantageous because it allows the second scraper to be removed from the device in a simple manner.

[0023] The second space may be defined by the upper member, the upper main part, the first scraper, the rod, and the second scraper. In other words, the second space may be defined by surface portions of the upper member, the upper main part, the first scraper, the rod, and the second scraper. These surface portions may thereby define the shape and physical extension of the second space while forming it. This is advantageous because it allows lubricant removed from the outside of the rod by the second scraper to be received by the second space before being discharged from the second space to a common lubricant outlet.

[0024] The housing may include a disk disposed between the upper main part and the upper member, the disk may be coupled to the upper main part such that a groove is formed between the upper main part and the disk, and the first scraper may be disposed in the groove formed by the upper main part and the disk. This is advantageous because it allows the first scraper to be introduced into the device in a simple and efficient manner while reducing the risk of damaging the first scraper. The first scraper can be introduced by removing the upper member and the disk, placing the first scraper in the groove formed by the upper main part and the disk, and then placing the disk and the upper member back on the upper main part. This is further advantageous because the disk can hold the first scraper in place. This is also advantageous because it allows the first scraper to be removed in a simple and efficient manner.

[0025] The first scraper may preferably be surrounded by one or more O-rings arranged to apply even pressure around the periphery of the scraper.

[0026] The disc may have a through hole that forms part of the fluid flow path connecting the second space and the first space. This is advantageous because the lubricant removed from the outside of the rod by the second scraper can be easily drained from the second space to the first space in an easy manner, with the fluid flow path formed to facilitate drainage. This is further advantageous because there is no need to introduce unnecessary paths between the first space and the second space, and the fluid flow path can be designed as efficiently as possible.

[0027] The first scraper may contact the rod and include upper and lower protrusions spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal extension of the rod, with an intermediate space formed between the protrusions, and the lower protrusion may include a recess forming a channel between the intermediate space and the first space. This is advantageous because the upper and lower protrusions allow the first scraper to more efficiently scrape the lubricant from the rod. It is also advantageous because lubricant removed from the outside of the rod into the intermediate space can be drained into the first space via the recess in a simple and efficient manner to avoid introducing the lubricant into the sanitary zone of the device. The recess further prevents lubricant from accumulating in the intermediate space, creating pressure on the intermediate space and forcing the lubricant into the sanitary zone of the device.

[0028] The device may comprise: a third scraper positioned below the lower guide and surrounding the rod, the third scraper for scraping the outer surface of the rod and removing the lubricant that has passed through the lower guide from the gap; and a fourth scraper positioned below the third scraper and surrounding the rod, the fourth scraper for scraping the outer surface of the rod and removing the lubricant that has passed through the third scraper; a third space formed between the third scraper and the fourth scraper and surrounding the rod for receiving the lubricant scraped by the fourth scraper; and a further lubricant outlet to which the third space may be fluidly connected.

[0029] This is advantageous because it makes it possible to maintain a good hygiene level of the device, since oil leakage below the fourth scraper can be avoided or at least reduced compared to conventional solutions, which is advantageous if the rod is preferably moved in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction, i.e. downwards, for example when the food package is lowered.

[0030] The third scraper is preferably arranged to surround the rod, i.e., in a ring shape around the rod, and is configured to scrape the outer surface of the rod. As a result, the third scraper is configured to remove the lubricant that has passed through the lower guide from the gap. When the third scraper removes the lubricant remaining on the outer surface of the rod, the lubricant is preferably directed toward the gap. The fourth scraper is preferably arranged to surround the rod, i.e., in a ring shape around the rod, and is configured to scrape the outer surface of the rod. As a result, the fourth scraper is configured to remove the lubricant that has passed through the third scraper. When the fourth scraper removes the lubricant remaining on the outer surface of the rod, the lubricant is directed to the third space, which is fluidly connected to a further lubricant outlet.

[0031] A third space should be understood as a geometrical void of a certain shape that defines its perimeter, and thus the third space is created such that its geometry defines the shape of the part of the device that surrounds or is surrounded by the third space.

[0032] The housing may include a lower main portion and a bottom member disposed on the lower main portion, and the fourth scraper may be disposed in a groove formed in the bottom member. This is advantageous because it allows the fourth scraper to be introduced into the device in a simple manner while reducing the risk of damaging the fourth scraper. This is further advantageous because it allows the fourth scraper to be removed from the device in a simple manner.

[0033] The third space may be defined by the third scraper, the base member, the fourth scraper, and the rod. In other words, the third space may be defined by surface portions of the third scraper, the base member, the fourth scraper, and the rod. These surface portions may ultimately define the shape and physical extent of the third space. This is advantageous because it allows lubricant removed from the outside of the rod by the third scraper to be received by the gap rather than being directed into the sanitary zone of the device.

[0034] The lower member may be connected to the lower main portion such that a groove is formed by the lower main portion and the lower member, and the third scraper may be disposed in the groove formed by the lower main portion and the lower member.

[0035] This is advantageous because it allows the third scraper to be introduced into the device in a simple and efficient manner while reducing the risk of damaging the third scraper. This is further advantageous because it allows the third scraper to be held in place by the base member. It is also advantageous because it allows the third scraper to be removed in a simple and efficient manner. The third scraper may preferably be disposed in a groove surrounded by one or more O-rings arranged to apply even pressure around the scraper.

[0036] The rod may be configured to move longitudinally at a speed of at least 4 m / s. This is advantageous as it enables the apparatus to lift food packages at high speeds so as to provide time-efficient and cost-efficient filling of the packages. The rod may be configured to move in an opposite direction to the longitudinal direction at a speed equal to the speed at which the food is filled into the packages.

[0037] According to a second aspect, there is provided a filling machine for filling food products into packages, the filling machine comprising an apparatus according to the first aspect.

[0038] The advantages and features of the second embodiment are generally similar to those described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0039] Further objects, features, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.

[0040] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic view of a filling machine with a device for lifting packages; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a package lifting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the upper portion of the package lifting device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lower portion of the package lifting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1 , a filling machine 400 is shown as an example. The filling machine 400 is depicted in a highly simplified manner, showing only the relevant components for understanding how the device 100 for lifting packages 402 is integrated into the filling machine 400. It is therefore understood that the filling machine 400 generally further includes conventional components commonly used in filling machines, which are not shown or described in the following disclosure. The filling machine 400 is for filling packages 402 with food. The food is preferably filled into the packages 402 by a filling nozzle 404. The filling machine 400 includes a device 100 for lifting packages 402. More specifically, the depicted filling machine 400 comprises two devices 100 arranged side by side for lifting the respective packages 402. The respective devices 100 for lifting packages 402 depicted in FIG. 1 are identical and will be jointly described below with reference to one, the other, or both of the devices 100. The respective devices 100 for lifting packages 402 may or may not be identical. The filling nozzle 404 is positioned above the apparatus 100 in its longitudinal direction L, which is typically the same as the vertical direction, so that the apparatus 100 can lift each package 402 toward the filling nozzle 404 before filling the package 402 with food. Each apparatus 100 comprises a housing 110 having an upper member 111 and a lower member 112. Each apparatus 100 further comprises a gripping arrangement 140 positioned above the upper member 111 of the housing 110. The gripping arrangement 140 is positioned to grip the package 402 before lifting it. As further shown in FIG. 1 , each apparatus 100 comprises a common lubricant outlet 126 and a further lubricant outlet 136, which will be described in more detail below.

[0043] Referring also to Figure 2, the device 100 for lifting packages 402 introduced in connection with Figure 1 is illustrated in further detail by way of example. In Figure 2, as in Figure 1, two similar devices 100 are illustrated side by side, each device 100 positioned to lift a respective package 402. The two devices 100 have similar features and are positioned in a similar manner. To avoid repetition, only the device 100 on the right side will be described in connection with Figure 2. However, it should be noted that the following disclosure is equally valid for the device on the left side of Figure 2 as it is for the device on the right side of Figure 2.

[0044] As described above, the device 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 includes a rod 202, an inner rod 208, an upper guide 221, and a lower guide 231, with the rod 202 extending through the housing 110 between the upper guide 221 and the lower guide 231. The rod 202 is movable in a longitudinal direction L, and the upper guide 221 and the lower guide 231 are arranged to support the rod 202. The rod 202 is movable in the longitudinal direction L to lift the package 402. Preferably, the rod 202 is movable in the longitudinal direction L at a speed of at least 4 m / s. Furthermore, the rod 202 is movable in a direction L' opposite to the longitudinal direction L to lower the package 402. The rod 202 may be configured to move in a direction L' opposite to the longitudinal direction L, preferably at a speed less than the speed at which the rod 202 moves in the longitudinal direction L, although the rod 202 may move at the same speed in both the longitudinal direction L and the direction L' opposite to the longitudinal direction L. The inner rod 208 extends through the rod 202 and is arranged to actuate or move the gripping arrangement 140 introduced in connection with FIG. 1 between different states, for example, a gripping state for gripping the package 402 and a release state for releasing the package 402.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2 , a gap 204 is formed between the rod 202 and the housing 110 and extends between the upper guide 221 and the lower guide 231. The gap 204 is configured to hold any suitable lubricant that provides lubrication between the rod 202 and the upper guide 221 and the lower guide 231. The housing 110 includes an inlet 113 disposed in fluid communication with the gap 204 to supply the lubricant to the gap 204. The inlet 113 may be referred to as an oil inlet. The housing 110 may include an overflow outlet 114 disposed in fluid communication with the gap 204. The overflow outlet 114 is configured to drain the lubricant from the gap 204 when the lubricant level exceeds the level of the overflow outlet 114, i.e., when the lubricant exceeds the maximum level of the gap 204. The overflow outlet 114 may be referred to as a first oil outlet configured to drain the lubricant from the apparatus 100. The lubricant is used to lubricate the rod 202, and the lubricant is supplied to the outer surface of the rod 202, and the upper guide 221 and the lower guide 231 are also lubricated when the rod 202 is moving in the longitudinal direction L or the direction L' opposite to the longitudinal direction L. This is advantageous because it not only improves the life of both the rod 202 and the upper guide 221 and the lower guide 231, but also allows these components to be lubricated in a simple and efficient manner when the rod 202 is moving in the longitudinal direction L or the direction L' opposite to the longitudinal direction L.

[0046] 3 and 4, the device 100 comprises an upper main portion 213 and a lower main portion 214. The device 100 also comprises a disk 217. The upper member 111, introduced in connection with FIG. 1, is disposed on the upper main portion 213. The disk 217 is disposed between the upper main portion 213 and the upper member 111. The disk 217 is preferably connected to the upper main portion 213 such that a groove 219 is formed by the upper main portion 213 and the disk 217. The disk 217 comprises a through hole 217a. The bottom member 112, introduced in connection with FIG. 1, is disposed on the lower main portion 214. The bottom member 112 is connected to the lower main portion 214 such that a groove 218 is formed by the lower main portion 214 and the bottom member 112.

[0047] As best shown in FIG. 3 , which shows the upper side 100a of the device 100, the device 100 comprises a first scraper 222 and a second scraper 223. The first scraper 222 is disposed above the upper guide 221 and in a groove 219 formed by the upper main portion 213 and the disk 217. The first scraper 222 is disposed in the groove 219 and is surrounded by two O-rings 229 that are arranged to apply uniform pressure around the first scraper 222. Thus, the two O-rings 229 support the first scraper 222. The first scraper 222 surrounds the rod 202 to scrape the outer surface of the rod 202. Preferably, the first scraper 222 is stationary relative to the outer surface of the rod 202 such that the rod 202 is movable in the longitudinal direction L so that the first scraper 222 scrapes the outer surface of the rod 202. In other words, the first scraper 222 preferably presents an interference fit around the rod 202. The first scraper 222 is positioned to reside on the outer surface of the rod 202 and to remove lubricant passed by the upper guide 221 from the gap 204 as the rod 202 moves in the longitudinal direction L.

[0048] The first scraper 222 comprises an upper protrusion 222a and a lower protrusion 222b. The upper protrusion 222a and the lower protrusion 222b are in contact with the rod 202 and are arranged at a distance D from each other along the longitudinal extension of the rod 202, thereby forming an intermediate space 227 between the upper protrusion 222a and the lower protrusion 222b. The lower protrusion 222b comprises a recess (not shown) that forms a channel (not shown) between the intermediate space and the first space 224, which will be described in more detail below, so that the lubricant scraped off by the first scraper 222 can pass through the recess to the first space 224. The recess may be a cutout provided in the lower protrusion 222b.

[0049] The second scraper 223 is disposed above the first scraper 222. The second scraper 223 is disposed in a groove 215 formed in the top member 111. The second scraper 223 preferably surrounds the rod 202 to scrape the outer surface of the rod 202. Preferably, the second scraper 223 is stationary relative to the outer surface of the rod 202 so that the second scraper 223 scrapes against the outer surface of the rod 202 while the rod 202 is movable in the longitudinal direction L. In other words, the second scraper 223 preferably exhibits an interference fit around the rod 202. The second scraper 223 is disposed on the outer surface of the rod 202 and removes the lubricant that has passed through the first scraper 222 when the rod 202 moves in the longitudinal direction L.

[0050] The device 100 includes a first space 224 and a second space 225. The first space 224 is formed between the upper guide 221 and the first scraper 222 and surrounds the rod 202. The first space 224 is arranged to receive the lubricant scraped off by the first scraper 222. The first space 224 is defined by the housing 110, the upper guide 221, the rod 202, and the first scraper 222. Thus, the first space 224 has a lateral extension between the housing 110 and the rod 202 and a vertical extension between the upper guide 221 and the first scraper 222.

[0051] The second space 225 is formed between the first scraper 222 and the second scraper 223 and surrounds the rod 202. The second space 225 is arranged to receive the lubricant scraped off by the second scraper 223. The second space 225 is arranged to receive the lubricant scraped off by the first scraper 222 when the rod 202 moves vertically downward. The second space 225 is defined by the upper member 111 of the housing 110, the upper main portion 213 of the housing 110, the first scraper 222, the rod 202, and the second scraper 223. Thus, the second space 225 extends laterally between the upper member 111 and the rod 202 and between the upper main portion 213 and the rod 202, respectively, and has a vertical extension between the first scraper 222 and the second scraper 223.

[0052] The device 100 further includes a common lubricant outlet 126 to which the first space 224 and the second space 225 are fluidly connected. Because the first space 224 and the second space 225 are fluidly connected to the common lubricant outlet 126, the lubricant received by the first space 224 and the second space 225 is discharged by the common lubricant outlet 126. The common lubricant outlet 126 is positioned to discharge the lubricant scraped by the first scraper 222 or the second scraper 223 and received by the first space 224 or the second space 225. As further shown, the second space 225 is fluidly connected to the first space 224 via a fluid channel 228. Thereby, the lubricant received by the second space 225 can be discharged from the second space 225 through the fluid channel 228 to the first space 224 and further to the common lubricant outlet 126. The through-hole 217 a of the disk 217 introduced above preferably forms part of a fluid path 228 connecting the first and second spaces 224 , 225 .

[0053] The common lubricant outlet 126 may also be referred to as a secondary oil outlet arranged to drain lubricant from the device 100 .

[0054] As best shown in FIG. 4 , which shows the underside 100b of the apparatus 100, the apparatus 100 further includes a third scraper 232 disposed below the lower guide 231 and surrounding the rod 202. The third scraper 232 is positioned to scrape the outer surface of the rod 202 and remove lubricant that has passed through the lower guide 231 from the gap 204. The third scraper 232 may be designed similarly to the first scraper 222 described above and may have similar functions. The third scraper 232 is disposed within the groove 218 formed by the lower main portion 214 and the base member 112, as introduced above.

[0055] The apparatus 100 further includes a fourth scraper 233 disposed below the third scraper 232 and surrounding the rod 202. The fourth scraper 233 scrapes the outer surface of the rod 202 to remove the lubricant that has passed through the third scraper 232. The fourth scraper 233 may be designed similarly to the second scraper 223 described above and may have the same function. The fourth scraper 233 is disposed in the groove 216 formed in the bottom member 112, as introduced above.

[0056] The apparatus 100 also includes a third space 235 formed between the third and fourth scrapers 232, 233 and surrounding the rod 202. The third space 235 is positioned to receive the lubricant scraped off by the fourth scraper 222. The third space 235 is defined by the third scraper 232, the bottom member 112, the fourth scraper 233, and the rod 202. Thus, the third space 235 has a lateral extension between the bottom member 112 and the rod 202 and a vertical extension between the third and fourth scrapers 232, 233.

[0057] The device 100 comprises a further lubricant outlet 136 to which the third space 235 is fluidly connected. The further lubricant outlet 136 may also be referred to as a third oil outlet arranged to drain lubricant from the device 100.

[0058] Therefore, the scrapers 222, 223 of the upper part 100a of the device 100 are positioned to scrape the outer surface of the rod 202 primarily when the rod 202 is moved in the longitudinal direction L (typically, vertically upward). The scrapers 232, 233 of the lower part 1110b of the device 110 are positioned to scrape the outer surface of the rod 202 primarily when the rod 202 is moved in a direction L' opposite to the longitudinal direction L (typically, vertically downward). However, it should be noted that the scrapers 222, 223 of the upper part 100a of the device 100 may scrape the outer surface of the rod 202 when the rod 202 is moved in the direction L' opposite to the longitudinal direction L. In addition, the upper guide 221 and the lower guide 231 scrape off the lubricant forming on the outer surface of the rod 202 when the rod 202 is moved in the longitudinal direction L and when the rod 202 is moved in the direction L' opposite to the longitudinal direction L.

[0059] In addition to scraping off lubricant, the scraper is also useful for scraping off dust and other particles from the rod that may become lodged on the portion of the rod outside the device as the rod moves.

[0060] From the foregoing description, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described and shown, the invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A device (100) for lifting a package (402), said device (100) comprising: a housing (110) having an upper guide (221) and a lower guide (231) supporting a rod (202) arranged to move in a longitudinal direction (L) to lift the package (402); the rod (202) extending through the housing (110), a gap (204) being formed between the rod (202) and the housing (110), the gap (204) extending from the upper guide (221) to the lower guide (231) for retaining a lubricant for providing lubrication between the rod (202) and the upper guide (221) and the lower guide (231); a first scraper (222) disposed above the upper guide (221), surrounding the rod (202), for scraping the outer surface of the rod (202) to remove the lubricant that has passed through the upper guide (221) from the gap (204); a second scraper (223) disposed above the first scraper (222), surrounding the rod (202), for scraping the outer surface of the rod (202) to remove the lubricant that has passed through the first scraper (222); a first space (224) formed between the upper guide (221) and the first scraper (222) and surrounding the rod (202) to receive the lubricant scraped off by the first scraper (222); a second space (225) formed between the first scraper (222) and the second scraper (223) and surrounding the rod (222) for receiving the lubricant scraped off by the second scraper (223); a common lubricant outlet (126) through which the first space (224) and the second space (225) are in fluid communication with each other; An apparatus (100) comprising:

2. The second space (225) is fluidly connected to the first space (224) via a fluid channel (228), and the lubricant is discharged from the second space (225) via the fluid channel (228) to the first space (224) and further to a common lubricant outlet (126). The apparatus (100) of claim 1.

3. The first space (224) is defined by the housing (110), the upper guide (221), the rod (202), and the first scraper (222).

3. The apparatus (100) of claim 1 or 2.

4. The housing (110) comprises an upper main part (213) and an upper member (111) disposed on the upper main part (213), and the second scraper (225) is disposed in a groove (215) formed in the upper member (111). An apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the second space (225) is defined by the upper member (111), the upper main part (213), the first scraper (222), the rod (202) and the second scraper (223); The apparatus (100) of claim 4.

6. The housing (110) comprises a disk (217) located between the upper main part (213) and the upper member (111); the disc (217) is connected to the upper main part (213) such that the groove (219) is formed by the upper main part (213) and the disc (217); the first scraper (222) is disposed in the groove (219) formed by the upper main part (213) and the disc (217); 6. Apparatus (100) according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the disc (217) comprises a through hole (217a) forming part of the fluid channel (228) connecting the second space (225) to the first space (224); 10. The apparatus (100) of claim 2 or 6.

8. the first scraper (222) is in contact with the rod (202) and comprises an upper protrusion (222a) and a lower protrusion (222b) arranged at a distance (D) from each other along the longitudinal extension of the rod (202); an intermediate space (227) is formed between the upper protrusion (222a) and the lower protrusion (222b), and the lower protrusion (222b) has a recess that forms a channel between the intermediate space (227) and the first space (224); An apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. a third scraper (232) disposed below the lower guide (231), surrounding the rod (202), for scraping the outer surface of the rod (202) to remove the lubricant that has passed through the lower guide (231) from the gap (204); a fourth scraper (233) disposed below the third scraper (232), surrounding the rod (202), for scraping the outer surface of the rod (202) to remove the lubricant that has passed through the third scraper (232); a third space (235) formed between the third scraper (232) and the fourth scraper (233) and surrounding the rod (222) to receive the lubricant scraped off by the fourth scraper (222); a further lubricant outlet (136) with which said third space (235) is in fluid communication; Equipped with An apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The housing (110) comprises a lower main portion (214) and a bottom member (112) disposed on the lower main portion (214), and the fourth scraper (233) is disposed in a groove (216) formed in the bottom member (112).

10. The apparatus (100) of claim 9.

11. the third space (235) is defined by the third scraper (232), the bottom member (112), the fourth scraper (233) and the rod (202); The apparatus (100) of claim 10.

12. the bottom member (112) is connected to the lower main portion (214) such that the groove (218) is formed by the lower main portion (214) and the bottom member (112); The third scraper (232) is disposed in a groove (218) formed by the lower main portion (214) and the bottom member (112).

12. Apparatus (100) according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The rod (202) is configured to be moved in a longitudinal direction (L) at a speed of at least 4 m / s. An apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A filling machine (400) for filling packages (402) with food products, said filling machine (400) comprising an apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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