Combination weighing machine with mounting structure, screw feeder mounting method, and mounting structure

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a combination weighing machine including a screw feeder configured to convey objects by rotating around an axially extending rotation axis and rotated by a motor via a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes a male portion and a female portion. One of the male and female portions includes a pin structure, and the other of the male and female portions includes a receiving slot. The receiving slot is designed so that the pin structure can enter the receiving slot when the male portion enters the female portion. The receiving slot extends from an open end to a closed end via an intermediate region, and defines at least a first section and a second section extending in different directions from the intermediate region. The first section extends from the intermediate region to the open end, and the second section extends from the intermediate region to the closed end. The intermediate region is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall, and a ceiling connecting them. The first end wall and the second end wall are non-parallel. The first section communicates with a first region portion of the intermediate region, and the second section communicates with a second region portion of the intermediate region.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a combination weigher, a mounting structure for mounting a screw feeder to a combination weigher, and a method for mounting a screw feeder. [Background technology]

[0002] Combination weighers, such as those shown at location 100 in Figure 1, are commonly used in the food and feed industry to produce portions of food and feed products that meet predefined weight targets. Such combination weighers include a distribution unit 101 configured to receive food or feed items from an input unit, typically located above the weigher. A plurality of transport units 102 extend radially from the distribution unit to receive the food or feed items from the distribution unit. A plurality of weigh hoppers 103 are associated with the transport units and receive the food or feed products therefrom. The weigh hoppers are operated by a control unit by repeatedly monitoring the weights in each of the weigh hoppers to find an optimal weight combination across the two or more weigh hoppers to achieve the target weight. The food or feed products are then dropped from the selected two or more weigh hoppers into a discharge chute for further storage in bags, trays, or the like.

[0003] Such a conveying unit comprises trenches and a screw feeder 104 disposed therein, the screw feeder being mechanically connected to a motor unit and configured to advance the received food or feed product by the rotational action of the screw feeder 104 from the inlet end of the trench to the outlet end of the trench, for example via a collection hopper to an associated weighing hopper.

[0004] Attaching the screw feeder 104 to the motor unit often requires the use of tools, which can make the attachment process time-consuming. WO2020 / 079217, incorporated herein by reference, discloses an attachment device that includes a structure that automatically moves a pin structure into an attachment slot upon activation of a motor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An objective of embodiments of the present disclosure is to attach the screw feeder to the motor unit simply, quickly, conveniently, preferably without tools, and to ensure stable fixation during use to reduce unintentional removal of the screw feeder.

[0006] To these and other objects, the present disclosure provides, in a first aspect, a screw feeder configured to convey objects by rotating about an axially extending axis of rotation, the screw feeder being driven by a motor via a mounting structure, the mounting structure including a male portion and a female portion, the male portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as or smaller than an inner diameter of the female portion; - one of the male and female portions includes a pin structure and the other of the male and female portions includes a receiving slot; - The receiving slot is designed to allow the pin structure to slide into it when the male slide enters the female part. - the receiving slot extends from an open end through an intermediate region to a closed end; the receiving slot defines at least a first section extending in different directions from the intermediate region, e.g., between opposing first and second side walls, and a second section extending, e.g., between the third and fourth side walls, the first section extending from the intermediate region to the open end and the second section extending from the intermediate region to the closed end; and - the intermediate region is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall, and a ceiling connecting the first end wall and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall are not parallel to each other, the first section communicates with a first region portion of the intermediate region, and the second section communicates with a second region portion of the intermediate region; A combination weighing machine is provided.

[0007] This allows the screw feeder to be easily attached and detached by rotating the male and female portions relative to one another, for example for cleaning or maintenance.

[0008] One of the male and female portions may form part of the screw feeder or may be removably attached, and the other of the male and female portions may be rotated by a motor. The receiving slot may be formed along the outer surface of the male portion or along the inner surface of the female portion. The pin structure may be correspondingly located on the inner surface of the female portion or the outer surface of the male portion, such that the pin structure can slide within the receiving slot when the male portion is inserted into the female portion.

[0009] The first end wall may have a first ratio between an X component extending in the axial direction and a Y component extending perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second end wall may have a second ratio between the X component extending in the axial direction and the Y component extending perpendicular to the axial direction, the second ratio being smaller than the first ratio, such that a first angle between the first end wall and the ceiling is smaller than a second angle between the second end wall and the ceiling. This configuration may facilitate movement of the pin from the first section through the intermediate section to the second section.

[0010] The first section may extend between opposing first and second side walls, at least one of which has a stepped layout including alternating segments with different ratios between axial and orthogonal components, and the stepped layout may at least partially prevent the pin structure from unintentionally disengaging from the receiving slot.

[0011] One of the first and second side walls may have a stepped layout, and the other of the first and second side walls may have a continuous layout, where the continuous layout is not stepped. By providing one of the side walls with a continuous layout (e.g., a smooth layout), movement of the pin structure along this surface may facilitate movement of the pin structure from the open end to the intermediate region.

[0012] The first side wall may have a stepped layout, the first end wall may have a stepped layout, and the first side wall may be continuous with the first end wall to form a common stepped wall that may extend from the open end to the ceiling, which may further prevent the pin structure from unintentionally disengaging from the receiving slot.

[0013] The stepped layout may define a pattern including a plurality of alternating A and B sections, each having an X component extending axially and a Y component extending perpendicular to the axial direction, with the A ratio, which is the ratio of the Y component to the X component of the A section, being different from the B ratio, which is the ratio of the Y component to the X component of the B section, thereby providing a gradient that enhances the resistance of the pin structure to unintentional disengagement.

[0014] At least some of the A sections may be identical and at least some of the B sections may be identical, however, some of the A sections and / or some of the B sections may be different to change the slope of the first end wall and / or first side wall, e.g., to increase the distance between the stepped wall and the second section.

[0015] The pattern may be a pattern that is repeated along at least a portion of a common stepped wall, for example, the pattern may be repeated on opposite sides of stepped sections where at least one or more A sections are different or where at least one or more B sections are different.

[0016] The first section may have a first axially extending X component and the second section may have a second axially extending X component, which may be shorter than the first X component, thereby making the second section shorter than the first section.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the first section may have a first Y-component extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second section may have a second Y-component extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the second Y-component being shorter than the first Y-component, such that the second section may be shorter than the first section.

[0018] The ratio between the first Y component and the first X component may be different from the ratio between the second Y component and the second X component.

[0019] The second section may be defined between the drive surface, the opposing locking surface, and a closed end connecting the drive surface and the locking surface. During operation of the combination weighing machine, the pin structure may be positioned in the second section, which may form a partially enclosed space defined by the drive surface, the locking surface, and the closed end. Rotation of the screw feeder by the motor 208 is achieved by placing the pin structure in contact with the drive surface portion and the drive surface pushing against the pin structure, thereby rotating the screw feeder. When the motor is stopped and the mounting structure stops rotating, the pin structure continues to move and may move toward the locking surface, stopping its movement.

[0020] The length of the drive surface may be greater than the length of the lock surface to facilitate insertion of the pin structure into the second section.

[0021] The drive surface and the locking surface may be substantially parallel. The locking surface may terminate in a guide surface extending transversely thereto, e.g., toward the first end wall, which may enlarge an opening into the second section to facilitate movement of the pin structure from the intermediate region into the second section.

[0022] The guide surface and the second sidewall may extend laterally from one another and be connected at a pointed edge, whereby a wall region formed between the guide surface and the second sidewall may have a reduced thickness toward the pointed edge, which may facilitate movement of the pin structure into the second section of the receiving slot.

[0023] The first and second sections extend in different directions from the intermediate region. The first section may extend at an angle between 20 and 60 degrees from the axial direction, while the second section may extend in the opposite direction from the axial direction at an angle between 20 and 60 degrees from the axial direction. The first section may extend at an angle between 75 and 100 degrees relative to the second section to facilitate movement of the pin structure from the open end to the closed end while the male and female portions are rotated relative to one another.

[0024] Either the male or female portion may include an additional pin structure, and the other of the male or female portion may include an additional receiving slot designed to allow the additional pin structure to slide through when the male portion is inserted into the female portion. Providing two sets of receiving slots and corresponding pin structures can make the mounting structure more robust, for example, with regard to torque transmission.

[0025] To increase the stability of the mounting structure, the additional pin structure and the additional receiving slot may be positioned 180 degrees offset relative to the pin structure and the receiving slot, which may improve the balance of the mounting structure.

[0026] The first area portion of the intermediate region and the second area portion of the intermediate region can be separated by a plane through a sharp edge extending between and separating the first section and the second section, The sharp edge can facilitate movement of the pin structure between the first section and the second section.

[0027] The first section defines a centerline extending between geometric center points of cross sections of the first section perpendicular to the axis of rotation. According to this centerline definition, the centerline may extend in a spiral around the axis of rotation, for example, such that the angle between the centerline and the axis of rotation is between 20 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0028] In one embodiment, one of the male and female sections includes a pin structure, and the other of the male and female sections includes an additional receiving slot, i.e., two receiving slots. These two receiving slots may be identical, or one slot may form a mirror layout of the other receiving slot, which may or may not be identical in size. Mirror layout in this context means that the first and second sections extend as mirror images of each other. The receiving slot and the mirrored receiving slot do not necessarily have to be identical in size, but they extend in different directions relative to the axis of rotation, e.g., at opposite angles relative to the axis of rotation.

[0029] The mirror layout allows the pin to slide into one receiving slot when rotating in one direction and into the other receiving slot when rotating in the opposite direction.

[0030] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a screw feeder for a combination weighing machine, the screw feeder including, for example, an auger-type conveying portion having a centerless auger shape, and further including a male portion, the male portion including a receiving slot, - the receiving slot extends from the open end through the intermediate region to the closed end; the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending in different directions from the intermediate region, the first section extending from the intermediate region toward the open end and the second section extending from the intermediate region toward the closed end; and The intermediate region is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall, and a ceiling connecting them, the first end wall and the second end wall being non-parallel, and the first section communicates with a first region portion of the intermediate region, and the second section communicates with a second region portion of the intermediate region.

[0031] Alternatively, the screw feeder may include an auger-type conveying portion, for example, in the form of a centerless auger, and a male portion that may include a pin structure slidably disposed within a receiving slot that may be formed in a corresponding female portion that may engage a motor that drives the screw feeder.

[0032] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a screw feeder for a combination weighing machine, the screw feeder including, for example, an auger-type conveying section having a centerless auger shape, and further including a female section, the female section including a receiving slot, the receiving slot extends from the open end through the intermediate region to the closed end; the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending in different directions from the intermediate region, the first section extending from the intermediate region toward the open end and the second section extending from the intermediate region toward the closed end; and The intermediate region is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall, and a ceiling connecting them, the first end wall and the second end wall being non-parallel, and the first section communicates with a first region portion of the intermediate region, and the second section communicates with a second region portion of the intermediate region.

[0033] Alternatively, the screw feeder may include an auger-type conveying portion, for example, in the form of a centerless auger, and a female portion that may include a pin structure slidably disposed within a receiving slot that may be formed in a corresponding male portion that may engage a motor that drives the screw feeder.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a male part of a mounting structure for mounting a screw feeder to a combination weighing machine, the male part having an engagement structure for engaging with a motor for rotating the screw feeder via the male part, the male part having a receiving slot; the receiving slot extends from the open end through the intermediate region to the closed end; - the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending in different directions from an intermediate region, the first section extending from the intermediate region toward the open end and the second section extending from the intermediate region toward the closed end; and The intermediate region is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall, and a ceiling connecting them, the first end wall and the second end wall being non-parallel, and the first section communicates with a first region portion of the intermediate region, and the second section communicates with a second region portion of the intermediate region.

[0035] Alternatively, the male portion may have an engagement structure that engages with a motor for driving the screw feeder via the male portion, and the male portion may include a pin structure slidably disposed within a receiving slot that may be formed in a corresponding female portion.

[0036] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a female portion of a mounting structure for mounting a screw feeder to a combination weighing machine, the female portion having an engagement structure for engaging with a motor for rotating the screw feeder through the female portion, the female portion having a receiving slot; the receiving slot extends from the open end through the intermediate region to the closed end; - the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending in different directions from an intermediate region, the first section extending from the intermediate region toward the open end and the second section extending from the intermediate region toward the closed end; and The intermediate region is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall, and a ceiling connecting them, the first end wall and the second end wall being non-parallel, and the first section communicates with a first region portion of the intermediate region, and the second section communicates with a second region portion of the intermediate region.

[0037] Alternatively, the female portion may have an engagement structure that engages with a motor for driving the screw feeder via the female portion, and the female portion may include a pin structure slidably disposed within a receiving slot that may be formed in the corresponding male portion.

[0038] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of operating a combination weighing machine according to the first aspect, wherein the pin is slid from the open end of the receiving slot to the intermediate region as the female portion rotates in a first rotational direction relative to the male portion, and the pin is slid from the intermediate region to the second section by further rotating the female portion in the first rotational direction relative to the male portion.

[0039] It should be understood that a person skilled in the art can readily recognize that any feature described in combination with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspects of the present disclosure can also be combined with the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, and vice versa.

[0040] The combination weighing machine according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, and the screw feeders, male parts, and female parts according to the second to fifth aspects are well suited to carrying out the method steps according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, and therefore what has been said above with respect to the combination weighing machine, screw feeder, male part, and female part also applies equally to the method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a combination weighing machine. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a part of the combination weighing machine. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows different views of the male part of the mounting structure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a different view of the male part of the mounting structure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows two different male parts from an end view. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows two different male parts from an end view. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows the two receiving slots deployed (not to scale). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the male part with the engagement structure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a different view of the screw feeder. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a different view of the screw feeder. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows two receiving slots in a mirror layout in exploded and perspective views, respectively. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows two receiving slots in a mirror layout in exploded and perspective views, respectively. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows two receiving slots in a mirror layout in exploded and perspective views, respectively. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the spiral wound layout of the centerline of the first receiving section. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows the spiral wound layout of the centerline of the first receiving section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] FIG. 1 shows an example of a combination weighing machine 100 commonly used in the food or feed industry to produce portions of food or feed products that meet a predetermined weight target. The combination weighing machine 100 includes a distribution unit 101 configured to receive food or feed items from an input unit (not shown), typically located above the combination weighing machine. A plurality of conveying units 102 extend radially from the distribution unit 101 and are used to receive the food or feed products from the distribution unit. A plurality of weighing hoppers 103 communicate with the conveying unit 102 and receive the food or feed products therefrom. The weighing hoppers 103 are operated by a control unit (not shown) by repeatedly monitoring the weights in each of the weighing hoppers to find an optimal weight combination for the two or more weighing hoppers to achieve the target weight. The food or feed products are then dropped from the selected two or more weighing hoppers into a discharge chute for further storage in bags, trays, etc.

[0043] Such a conveying unit 102 comprises a channel and a screw feeder 104 disposed therein, the screw feeder 104 being mechanically connected to a motor unit (not shown) and configured such that the rotational movement of the screw feeder 104 advances the received food or feed product from the inlet end of the channel to the outlet end of the channel, for example through a storage hopper where the food is collected and into an associated weighing hopper 103.

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of a combination weighing machine 200. The combination weighing machine 200 may be comprised of multiple screw feeders 204, only one of which is shown. The screw feeders 204 are configured to rotate about an axially extending axis of rotation 209, indicated by arrow 211, to convey objects. Each screw feeder 204 may be disposed within a groove 206 extending outward from a dispersion unit (not shown). The groove 206 may be inclined along the axial direction A to facilitate conveying the objects in the axial direction A. The screw feeders 204 are rotated by a motor 208, indicated schematically by the dotted line and box 208. A separate motor may be disposed to drive each screw feeder 204. The screw feeders 204 may be attached to the motor 208 by a mounting structure 210, which includes a male portion 210A and a female portion 210B.

[0045] 2, the screw feeder 204 includes a centerless auger-type conveying portion 212 and a female portion 210B of the mounting structure 210. The male portion 210A may include an engagement structure 214 (see also FIG. 7) that engages the male portion 210A with a motor 208 for driving the screw feeder 204.

[0046] Alternatively, the screw feeder 204 may include an auger-type conveying portion 212, particularly a centerless auger-shaped portion, and a male portion 210A of the mounting structure 210. The female portion 210B may alternatively include an engagement structure 214 (see also FIG. 7) that engages the female portion 210B with a motor 208 for driving the screw feeder 204.

[0047] The male portion 210A has an outer diameter substantially equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the female portion 210B to facilitate insertion into the female portion 210B. The clearance between the female portion 210B and the male portion 210A may be small to ensure good support strength and provide the ability to absorb torque perpendicular to the direction of rotation. The clearance may be, for example, less than 3 mm, i.e., the inner diameter of the female portion 210B is at most 3 mm larger than the outer diameter of the male portion 210A. The clearance may be less than 1% of the diameter of the male portion 210A, allowing the male portion 210A to be supported by the female portion 210B and absorb radial forces and moments perpendicular to the rotation axis. As a result, the screw feeder 204 may be supported solely by the motor via the mounting structure 210.

[0048] A small clearance may be provided along an insertion section (not shown) where the male portion 210A is inserted into the female portion 210B. For good stability, the insertion portion may have a length that exceeds the outer diameter of the male portion 210A. For example, it may have a length that is two, three, four, or five times the outer diameter of the male portion 210A.

[0049] One of the male and female portions 210A and 210B includes a pin structure 216 (see, for example, Figures 8-9), and the other of the male and female portions 210A and 210B includes a receiving slot 218 (see, for example, Figures 3-4).

[0050] 3-4 show different views of the male portion 210A of the mounting structure 210. The male portion 210A includes a receiving slot 218 that may be disposed along its outer surface. The receiving slot 218 is designed to allow the pin structure 216 (see FIGS. 8-9) to slide therein when the male portion 210A is slidably inserted into the female portion 210B. This can be achieved by rotating the male portion 210A and the female portion 210B relative to one another. The receiving slot 218 extends around the periphery of the male portion 210 from an open end 222 through an intermediate region 224 to a closed end 226 (see also FIG. 6).

[0051] The receiving slot 218 defines at least a first section 228 and a second section 230. The first section is defined between a first sidewall 242 and a second sidewall 244, and the second section is defined between a third sidewall 245 and a fourth sidewall 247. The first and second sections extend in different directions from the intermediate region 224. The first section 228 extends from the intermediate region 224 to the open end 222, and the second section 230 extends from the intermediate region 224 to the closed end 226. When the male portion 210A is inserted into the female portion 210B, the pin structure 216 slides within the receiving slot 218 from the open end 222 of the first section 228, through the intermediate region 224, and to the closed end 226 of the second section 230. Because the second section 230 extends from the intermediate region 224 in a direction different from the direction in which the first section 228 extends from the intermediate region 224, the second section 230 may provide a locking effect that prevents or at least reduces the risk of unintentional disengagement between the male portion 210A and the female portion 210B of the mounting structure 210.

[0052] The first section 228 and the second section 230 extend in different directions from the intermediate region 224. The first section 228 may extend at an angle from 20 degrees to 60 degrees from the axial direction, while the second section 230 may extend in the opposite direction from the axial direction at an angle from 20 degrees to 60 degrees from the axial direction. The first section 228 may extend at an angle from 75 degrees to 100 degrees relative to the second section 230.

[0053] The intermediate region 224 is defined within a first end wall 232, a second end wall 234, and a ceiling 236 connecting the first end wall 232 and the second end wall 234. The first end wall 232 and the second end wall 234 are non-parallel, which may facilitate sliding of the pin structure 216 (see FIGS. 8 and 9 ) from the first section 228 of the receiving slot 218 to the second section 230 of the receiving slot 218. The first section 228 is in communication with a first region portion 238 of the intermediate region 224, and the second section 230 is in communication with a second region portion 240 of the intermediate region 224. The first region portion 238 and the second region portion 240 of the intermediate region 224 are in communication with each other and are not separated by a separating wall element. Similarly, the first and second second sections are in communication with the first and second second region portions 238, 240 of the intermediate region 224 without being separated by a separating wall element.

[0054] The first end wall 232 and the second end wall 234 are connected by a ceiling 236 and extend in different directions from the ceiling 236, forming angles between the ceiling 236 and the first and second end walls 232, 234, each preferably at least 90 degrees. The first angle between the ceiling 236 and the first end wall 232 is less than the second angle between the ceiling 236 and the second end wall 234.

[0055] This can alternatively be expressed in terms of the X and Y components of the end walls: first end wall 232 has a first ratio between its axially extending X component and its perpendicularly extending Y component; second end wall 234 has a second ratio between its axially extending X component and its perpendicularly extending Y component, where the second ratio is less than the first ratio.

[0056] The first section 228 extends between opposing first and second side walls 242, 244. The first side wall 242 has a stepped layout including alternating segments 246 with different proportions of axial and transverse components, while the second side wall 244 has a continuous, or non-stepped, layout.

[0057] Both the first side wall 242 and the first end wall 232 may have a stepped layout. Furthermore, the first side wall 242 may extend as an extension of the first end wall 232, forming a common stepped wall. The stepped layout may define a pattern including at least a plurality of alternating A and B sections. Each A and B section may have an X component extending axially and a Y component extending perpendicular to the axial direction. The A ratio, defined as the ratio of the Y component to the X component of an A section, may be different from the B ratio, defined as the ratio of the Y component to the X component of a B section. The stepped layout may include two or more different sections as shown. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate multiple convex sections, multiple concave sections, and multiple substantially planar sections.

[0058] Each A section can be the same size and shape, and each B section can be the same size and shape. However, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, at least some, but not all, of the A sections are identical, and at least some, but not all, of the B sections are identical. Some sections of the second section 230 area are different in Figures 3 and 4.

[0059] 6 shows an exploded view of receiving slot 218 and additional receiving slot 218A. Receiving slot 218 and additional receiving slot 218A may be identical except that they are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other. To simplify the illustration of the two slots 218, 218A, some reference numbers are used in the illustration of receiving slot 218 and other reference numbers are used in the illustration of additional receiving slot 218A.

[0060] 6, the pattern includes A sections of the same size and shape and B sections of the same size and shape. Alternatively, at least some A and / or B sections may be different shapes and / or sizes. This may be particularly relevant in adjacent region X, where the corners of second sections 230 of one receiving slot 218 and additional receiving slot 218A are adjacent to first sidewalls 242 of the other receiving slot 218 and additional receiving slot 218A, ensuring sufficient material thickness in adjacent region X.

[0061] 3 and 4 show the second section 230 defined between the drive surface 248, the opposing locking surface 250, and the closed end 226. The closed end 226 connects the drive surface 248 and the locking surface 250. The drive surface 248 may be longer than the locking surface 250. During operation of the combination weigher, the pin structure 216 may be disposed within the second section 230. When the pin structure 216 is disposed in contact with the drive surface 248, the motor 208 can rotate the screw feeder 204, thereby rotating the screw feeder 204. When the motor 208 is stopped and the male portion 210A stops rotating, the pin structure 216 (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) continues to move and may move toward the locking surface 250, thereby stopping the movement of the pin structure 216. The drive surface 248 and the locking surface 250 may be disposed substantially parallel.

[0062] The locking surface 250 may terminate in a guide surface 252 that extends transversely relative to the locking surface 250, and may be at an angle, for example, between 100 degrees and 160 degrees. Angling the guide surface 252 relative to the locking surface 250 facilitates movement of the pin structure 216 into the second section 230.

[0063] Guide surface 252 and second side wall 244 are arranged to extend laterally from each other at an angle that may be between 20 degrees and 80 degrees, for example. They may be connected by a pointed end 254. This may form a continuous wall surface from open end 222 to closed end 226, and this continuous surface may include the continuously extending portion of second side wall 244, guide surface 252, and locking surface 250. This continuous surface, which may be continuous and without steps, facilitates positioning of pin structure 216 within second section 230 when male portion 210A and female portion 210B are rotated in one direction relative to each other.

[0064] If the pin structure 216 (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) continues to move toward the locking surface 250, stopping the motor 208 may prevent the locking surface 250 from stopping the pin structure 216. For example, food or feed product may become lodged between the auger 212 (see FIG. 2 ) and the groove 206 (see FIG. 2 ), exerting a force on the auger 212. As a result, the pin structure 216 may continue to move toward the intermediate region 224 in reaction to such a force. If the pin structure 216 strikes the stepped first end wall 232, the angle of the step may cause the pin structure 216 to bounce toward the second end wall 234. The second end wall 234 may be positioned at an obtuse angle relative to the ceiling 236, facilitating movement of the pin structure 216 back toward the second section 230.

[0065] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the male portion 210A can include an additional receiving slot 218A that is designed to allow the additional pin structure 216A to slide into it when the male portion 210A slides into the female portion 210B. As shown in Figure 9, the female portion 210B can include an additional pin structure 216A. The additional pin structure 216A and the additional receiving slot 218A can be positioned 180 degrees offset relative to the pin structure 216A and the receiving slot 218A.

[0066] Figures 5A and 5B show two different male parts 210A in end views. The male part 210A shown in Figure 5A is for rotation in a clockwise direction (indicated by the letter R) about an axis of rotation when viewed from the outer end 256 where the receiving slot 218 and the additional receiving slot 218A extend from the open end 222. The male part 210A shown in Figure 5B is for rotation in a counterclockwise direction (indicated by the letter L) about an axis of rotation when viewed from the outer end 256 where the receiving slot 218 and the additional receiving slot 218A extend from the open end 222.

[0067] The combination weighing machine 200 includes multiple screw feeders 204, and each screw feeder 204 may be attached to a motor via a mounting structure 210. Each mounting structure 210 includes a male portion 210A and a female portion 210B, and each screw feeder 204 may include an auger 212 and either the male portion 210A or the female portion 210B. A single combination weighing machine 200 may include multiple screw feeders 204, all of which may be configured to rotate clockwise about their respective rotation axes, whereby the male portion 210A is applied as shown in FIG. 5A.

[0068] Another combination weighing machine 200 may include multiple screw feeders 204, all of which may be configured to rotate counterclockwise about their respective axes of rotation, with male portion 210A applied as shown in Figure 5B. Still alternatively, the combination weighing machine 200 may include multiple screw feeders 204, with some of which are configured to rotate clockwise about their respective axes of rotation and others of which are configured to rotate counterclockwise about their respective axes of rotation, with male portion 210A applied as shown in Figure 5A and male portion 210A applied as shown in Figure 5B. In the latter case, every other one of the screw feeders 210 may be arranged to rotate clockwise and the others may be arranged to rotate counterclockwise.

[0069] 6 shows receiving slot 218 deployed (not to scale). Receiving slot 218 defines at least a first section 228 and a second section 230 that extend in different directions from intermediate region 224. First section 228 extends from intermediate region 224 to open end 222, and second section 230 extends from intermediate region 224 to closed end 226.

[0070] The intermediate region 224 is defined within a first end wall 232, a second end wall 234, and a ceiling 236 connecting the first end wall 232 and the second end wall 234. The first section 228 communicates with a first region portion 238 of the intermediate region 224, and the second section 230 communicates with a second region portion 240 of the intermediate region 224. The dotted lines illustrate only the first and second region portions 238, 240.

[0071] The first end wall 232 and the second end wall 234 are connected by a ceiling 236 and extend in different directions from the ceiling 236, forming angles between the ceiling 236 and the first end wall 232, 234, each of which is preferably at least 90 degrees.

[0072] The first section 228 extends between opposing first and second side walls 242 and 244. The first side wall 242 has a stepped layout made up of alternating segments 246. The second side wall 244 has a continuous, or non-stepped, layout.

[0073] Figure 6 shows a dotted centerline 60 formed by interconnecting the geometric center points of the cross sections of the first section perpendicular to the axis of rotation 209. Figure 6B shows a cross section perpendicular to the axis of rotation, showing geometric centerline 61. Dotted centerline 62 is formed in a similar manner by interconnecting the geometric center points of the cross sections of the second section perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0074] Figure 7 shows male part 210A with engagement structure 214 for engagement with motor 208 (see Figure 2) for driving screw feeder 204 (see Figures 2, 8, and 9). Male part 210A is similar to male part 210A shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5A, and reference numerals refer to the same features as in those figures. Engagement structure 214 may be integrally formed with the remainder of male part 210A, or may be a separate element attached to the remainder of male part 210A by, for example, threading with respective internal and external threads, welding, or other process.

[0075] 8-9 show different views of the screw feeder 204 for the combination weighing machine 200 shown in FIG. 2. The screw feeder 204 is composed of a centerless auger-type conveying section 212 and a female section 210B. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the female section 210B includes a pin structure 216 and an additional pin structure 216A (see FIG. 9) configured to slide through a receiving slot 218 and an additional receiving slot 218A, respectively (see FIGS. 3, 4, 5A, and 5B).

[0076] The pin structure 216 and the additional pin structure 216A are disposed on the inner surface 258 of the female portion 210B, thereby facilitating sliding of the female portion 210B within the receiving slot 218 and the additional receiving slot 218A disposed on the outer surface 220 of the male portion 210A.

[0077] 10 diagrammatically shows two receiving slots 218, 218' deployed. Both receiving slots 218 define at least a first section 228, 228' and a second section 230, 230' extending in different directions from an intermediate region 224, 224'.

[0078] The pattern of receiving slots 218 is similar to that shown in FIG. 6, with receiving slot 218' being the mirror image of 218 at mirror surface 1001. Here, receiving slot 218' is said to have a mirror layout, meaning that it extends in an opposite spiral pattern compared to the other receiving slots 218. They do not necessarily have to be the same size, but they extend at opposite angles relative to axis of rotation 209.

[0079] In one embodiment, one of the male and female portions with receiving slots includes both receiving slot 218 and receiving slot 218', allowing the pin structure to automatically move toward the closed end of either receiving slot 218, 218' depending on the direction of rotation of the motor and screw feeder.

[0080] 11 and 12 show perspective views of a mirrored layout of the two receiving slots 218, 218'.

[0081] Figure 13 diagrammatically illustrates how the centerline 60 of the first section 228 extends in a spiral around the axis of rotation. The centerline, also shown in Figure 6, is formed by interconnecting the geometric center points of the cross sections of the first section that are perpendicular to the axis of rotation 209. Because the centerline is spiral, the first section extends at an angle to the axis of rotation. This angle, designated β in Figure 13, is typically between 20 and 60 degrees.

[0082] 14 shows the corresponding centerline 62 of at least a first portion of the second section 230. This centerline extends at an angle of at least 75 degrees and at most 100 degrees relative to the centerline 60 of the first section.

Claims

1. a screw feeder configured to convey an object by rotating about an axis of rotation (209) extending in an axial direction (211), the screw feeder being rotated by a motor via a mounting structure, the mounting structure having a male portion (210A) and a female portion (210B), the outer diameter of the male portion being substantially the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the female portion; one of the male and female parts (210A, 210B) comprises a pin structure (216) and the other of the male and female parts comprises a receiving slot (218, 218A, 218'); - said receiving slot is designed so that said pin structure can slide into it when said male part penetrates said female part; - said receiving slot extends from an open end (222) through an intermediate region (224) to a closed end (226); - the receiving slots extend in different directions from an intermediate region and define at least a first section (228) extending between opposing first and second side walls (242, 244) and a second section (230) extending between opposing third and fourth side walls (245, 247), the first section extending from the intermediate region to the open end and the second section extending from the intermediate region to the closed end; and the intermediate region is defined by a first end wall (232), a second end wall (234), and a ceiling (236) connecting the first end wall (232) and the second end wall (234), the first end wall and the second end wall (234) are not parallel, the first section communicates with a first region portion of the intermediate region, and the second section communicates with a second region portion of the intermediate region; Combination weighing machine.

2. - said first end wall has a first ratio between an X component extending in said axial direction and a Y component extending perpendicular to said axial direction; - said second end wall has a second ratio between an X component extending in said axial direction and a Y component extending perpendicular to said axial direction; - the second ratio is smaller than the first ratio; The combination weighing machine according to claim 1.

3. the first section extends between opposing first and second side walls, at least one of the first and second side walls having a stepped layout including alternating segments having different ratios between the axial component and the component perpendicular to the axial component; The combination weighing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. one of the first and second side walls has a stepped layout and the other of the first and second side walls has a continuous layout; The combination weighing machine according to claim 3.

5. the first side wall has a stepped layout, the first end wall has a stepped layout, and the first side wall is continuous with the first end wall to form a common stepped wall; The combination weighing machine according to claim 4.

6. The stepped layout defines a pattern including a plurality of alternating A sections and B sections, each of the A and B sections having an X component extending in the axial direction and a Y component extending in at least a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and an A ratio, which is a ratio between the Y component and the X component of the A section, is different from a B ratio, which is a ratio between the Y component and the X component of the B section. The combination weighing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. At least a plurality of the A sections are identical, and at least a plurality of the B sections are identical. The combination weighing machine according to claim 6.

8. the pattern being a repeating pattern along at least a portion of the common stepped wall. The combination weighing machine according to claim 6 or 7.

9. the first section has a first X component extending in the axial direction, and the second section has a second X component extending in the axial direction, the second X component being shorter than the first X component; The combination weighing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the first section has a first Y component extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second section has a second Y component extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the second Y component being shorter than the first Y component; The combination weighing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the ratio between the first Y component and the first X component is different from the ratio between the second Y component and the second X component; The combination weighing machine according to claim 9 or 10.

12. the second section is defined between a drive surface, an opposing locking surface, and the closed end connecting the drive surface and the locking surface, the length of the drive surface being greater than the length of the locking surface; The combination weighing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the locking surface terminates in a guide surface extending transversely to the locking surface; The combination weighing machine according to claim 12.

14. the guide surface and the second side wall extend laterally from one another and are connected by a pointed end; The combination weighing machine according to claim 13.

15. the drive surface and the lock surface are substantially parallel; The combination weighing machine according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. One of the male part and the female part has an additional pin structure, and the other of the male part and the female part has an additional receiving slot, and the additional receiving slot is designed so that the additional pin structure can slide when the male part is inserted into the female part. The combination weighing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. the additional pin structure and the additional receiving slot are offset 180 degrees relative to the pin structure and the receiving slot; The combination weighing machine according to claim 16.

18. the first area portion of the intermediate region and the second area portion of the intermediate region are separated by a plane passing through a sharp end (254) extending between and separating the first section and the second section. The combination weighing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. the first section defines a centerline extending between geometric center points of a cross section of the first section perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the centerline extending in a spiral around the axis of rotation; The combination weighing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. One of the male and female portions (210A, 210B) comprises a pin structure, such as one pin structure (216), and the other of the male and female portions comprises two receiving slots (218, 218B, 218'); The combination weighing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The two receiving slots are identical (218, 218B). The combination weighing machine according to claim 20.

22. one of the two receiving slots is a mirror layout of the other of the two receiving slots (218, 218'); The combination weighing machine according to claim 20.

23. A screw feeder for a combination weighing machine, the screw feeder comprising an auger-type conveying portion and a male portion, the male portion comprising a receiving slot; - said receiving slot extends from the open end through an intermediate region to the closed end; - the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending in different directions from an intermediate region, the first section extending from the intermediate region toward the open end and the second section extending from the intermediate region toward the closed end; and the intermediate region is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall, and a ceiling connecting them, the first end wall and the second end wall are non-parallel, and the first section communicates with a first region portion of the intermediate region, and the second section communicates with a second region portion of the intermediate region; Screw feeder for combination weighing machine.

24. A screw feeder for a combination weighing machine, the screw feeder having an auger-type conveying section and a female section, the female section having a receiving slot; - said receiving slot extends from the open end through an intermediate region to the closed end; - the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending in different directions from an intermediate region, the first section extending from the intermediate region toward the open end and the second section extending from the intermediate region toward the closed end; and the intermediate region is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall, and a ceiling connecting them, the first end wall and the second end wall are non-parallel, and the first section communicates with a first region portion of the intermediate region, and the second section communicates with a second region portion of the intermediate region; Screw feeder for combination weighing machine.

25. a male portion of a mounting structure for mounting a screw feeder to a combination weighing machine, the male portion having an engagement structure for engaging with a motor for rotating the screw feeder via the male portion, the male portion having a receiving slot; - said receiving slot extends from the open end through an intermediate region to the closed end; - the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending in different directions from an intermediate region, the first section extending from the intermediate region toward the open end and the second section extending from the intermediate region toward the closed end; and the intermediate region is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall, and a ceiling connecting them, the first end wall and the second end wall are non-parallel, and the first section communicates with a first region portion of the intermediate region, and the second section communicates with a second region portion of the intermediate region; Male part of screw feeder for combination weighing machine.

26. a female portion of a mounting structure for mounting a screw feeder to a combination weighing machine, the female portion having an engagement structure for engaging with a motor for rotating the screw feeder via the female portion, the female portion having a receiving slot; - said receiving slot extends from the open end through an intermediate region to the closed end; - the receiving slot defines at least a first section and a second section extending in different directions from an intermediate region, the first section extending from the intermediate region toward the open end and the second section extending from the intermediate region toward the closed end; and the intermediate region is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall, and a ceiling connecting them, the first end wall and the second end wall are non-parallel, and the first section communicates with a first region portion of the intermediate region, and the second section communicates with a second region portion of the intermediate region; Female part of screw feeder for combination weighing machine.

27. A method for operating the combination weighing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein when the female portion rotates in a first rotational direction relative to the male portion, a pin is slid from an open end of the receiving slot to the intermediate region, and when the female portion is further rotated in the first rotational direction relative to the male portion, the pin is slid from the intermediate region to the second section. How to operate a composite light aircraft.

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