Apparatus and method for dispensing the dosage of flavorings

Abstract

A flavor dispenser for dispensing doses of flavorant, comprising: a flavor chamber for containing flavorant; a dispensing member having a dosing volume for receiving flavorant from the flavor chamber, the dispensing member forming an opening to the dosing volume that receives flavorant from the flavor chamber. The reciprocating member is movable relative to the dispensing member between a closed position in which the opening is isolated from the flavor chamber; a first open position in which the opening is partially exposed to the flavor chamber and a quantity of flavorant can enter the dosing volume through the opening; and a position back to the closed position in which flavorant is dispensed by the dispensing member. The first open position of the reciprocating member is adjustable to vary the degree to which the opening is exposed to the flavor chamber to adjust the amount of flavorant received in the dosing volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for dispensing flavorings, particularly solid granular flavorings such as potato chips and crisp flavorings such as salt.

Background Art

[0002] When coating individual batches of a product with a flavoring, it is desirable to ensure that a known predetermined amount of the flavoring is dispensed to each batch of the product. For this purpose, in the art, usually, a desired amount of the flavoring is weighed with a weighing instrument and then dispensed for use in a further downstream process. The operation of a flavoring dispenser that weighs a known amount of flavoring using a weighing instrument is generally slow. This is because the flavoring needs to be allowed to settle and be stationary in order to accurately measure the weight of the flavoring to be dispensed.

[0003] Other flavoring dispensers are also known, which estimate the weight of the flavoring by filling a certain volume with the flavoring and examining its density, and measure the amount of the flavoring. An example of a volumetric flavoring dispenser is described in WO2018 / 037233A1. The feature of this flavoring dispenser lies in a plate having an opening that rotates within the flavoring chamber. In part of the rotation cycle, one side of the opening is open into the flavoring chamber and the opening is filled with the flavoring. Thereafter, the opening is isolated from the flavoring chamber, and at another location in the rotation cycle, the second side of the opening is open to dispense a predetermined amount of the flavoring. With such a flavoring dispenser, the dosage can be quickly weighed and dispensed.

[0004] Although the operating speed is improved according to the volumetric flavoring dispenser, a problem common to the above-described apparatuses is that it is difficult to adjust the system to dispense different amounts of the flavoring.

[0005] For example, in the dispenser disclosed in WO2018 / 037233A1, the amount of flavoring dispensed is determined by the size of the opening, so it is necessary to replace the internal components (i.e., the plate with the opening). This means that not only is it necessary to stop the operation while the internal components are being replaced, but it is also necessary to have different spare parts for each dosage the device dispenses.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a flavor dispenser that allows for easier adjustment of the amount of flavoring to be dispensed. [Overview of the project]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a flavor dispenser for distributing a dosage of flavoring is provided, comprising: a flavoring chamber for containing flavoring; a dispensing member having a dispensing volume for receiving flavoring from the flavoring chamber, the dispensing member forming an opening to the dispensing volume from which flavoring is received from the flavoring chamber; and a reciprocating member movable relative to the dispensing member between a closed position in which the opening is isolated from the flavoring chamber by the reciprocating member, a first open position in which the opening is partially exposed to the flavoring chamber and a certain amount of flavoring can enter the dispensing volume through the opening, and a position in which it returns to the closed position in which flavoring is distributed by the dispensing member. The first open position of the reciprocating member is adjustable, and the amount of flavoring received into the dispensing volume can be adjusted by changing the degree to which the opening is exposed to the flavoring chamber.

[0008] By providing a device that uses reciprocating motion to partially expose a volume that receives a dose of flavoring, the amount of flavoring entering the dose volume can be controlled by adjusting the degree of exposure. This is to limit the amount of flavoring that can flow into the dose volume by partial exposure before as much of the volume as possible is filled with flavoring or before the opening is closed by the return stroke of the reciprocating motion. By exposing only a small portion of the opening to the dose volume, only a small amount of flavoring will enter, while exposing more will allow more flavoring to enter. The degree to which the opening is exposed to the flavoring chamber can be easily adjusted, for example, by changing the range of the reciprocating motion. This adjustment can be done by controlling the drive means that operates the reciprocating member, or by providing the device with an adjustable physical stopper that prevents the reciprocating member from moving beyond a certain point.

[0009] A special advantage of this device is its ability to continuously adjust the amount of flavoring dispensed. For example, when adjusting the dosage dispensed by the device, a continuous range of possible reciprocating motion is available, from exposure slightly above 0% of the opening to 100% of the opening's exposure. This allows for a high level of control over the dispensed dosage.

[0010] A flavoring chamber is typically formed by one or more walls and a base. The dispensing member may be, for example, a region of the base of the flavoring chamber that has an opening. A reciprocating member can reciprocate so as to selectively cover or partially leave this opening. As will be described in more detail below, in such a structure, the opening at the base of the flavoring chamber is typically closed at its lower opening by a dispensing member, and the dispensing volume is determined by the thickness of the base (and therefore the depth of the opening) and the lateral spread of the opening.

[0011] This device requires only relative motion between a reciprocating member and a dispensing member, although it is preferable that the dispensing member is fixed during use and the reciprocating member is movable. The reciprocating member is usually movable (preferably within the flavor chamber) relative to the flavor chamber and / or the dispensing member fixed to the flavor chamber. This configuration is advantageous because the reciprocating member can agitate the flavor within the flavor chamber when covering or exposing the opening to the dispensing volume, making it easier to fill the dispensing volume evenly. This configuration is particularly useful when dispensing flavors that do not flow freely, such as many types of flavors for potato chips.

[0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reciprocating member is movable relative to the dispensing member between a closed position, a second open position (different from the first open position) in which the opening is partially exposed to the flavor chamber and a certain amount of flavor can enter the dispensing volume through the opening, and a position where it returns to the closed position and the flavor is distributed by the dispensing member. The second open position of the reciprocating member is adjustable, allowing the amount of flavor received into the dispensing volume to be adjusted by changing the degree to which the opening is exposed to the flavor chamber. The second open position can improve the speed and efficiency of the device.

[0013] For example, the reciprocating member may be movable relative to the dispensing member between the first and second open positions, passing through a closed position, such that one complete reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member includes both the first and second open positions. In other words, one complete reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member may dispense two doses of flavoring instead of one. Since the most stressful operation of the reciprocating member is the reversal of the direction of motion, being able to dispense two doses in one cycle is a significant advantage. For example, the reciprocating member may move along a straight or arched path. The closed position may be located approximately in the center of this path, and the first and second open positions may expose either the left or right side of the opening to the dispensing volume, i.e., corresponding to the opposing ends of the path on which the reciprocating member moves. The reciprocating member may, for example, expose the left side of the opening, then move to the closed position for dispensing the flavoring, and then move along the path to expose the right side of the opening, thereby allowing more flavoring to be placed into the dispensing volume.

[0014] As described above, for example, if the openings are arranged vertically and can be filled and distributed through a single opening, the administration volume may have only one opening, but it is preferable that the administration member further defines a second opening to the administration volume, through which flavoring is distributed from the administration volume, and that the distribution member further comprises a distribution member configured to selectively open and close the second opening. The distribution member may be operable to close the second opening while the administration volume is receiving flavoring from the flavoring chamber, and then open the second opening when the administration volume is separated from the flavoring chamber. In the case of a high-speed device, the second opening begins to open when the first opening begins to close, or vice versa, so that no large amount of additional flavoring flows into the administration volume.

[0015] In many embodiments, the dispensing member includes a closing surface defining a dispensing opening from which flavoring is dispensed from a flavoring dispenser, and the dispensing member is movable relative to the dosing member, selectively dispensing flavoring by changing the positional relationship between the second opening and the dispensing opening. A common form of the dispensing member is a plate having an opening, the opening passing over or aligned with the second opening of the dosing member so that flavoring can be dispensed from the dosing volume. A region of the plate away from the opening may act to close the second opening.

[0016] Preferably, the dispensing member is movable relative to the dispensing member at least between a first filling position in which the second opening is at least partially closed by the dispensing member and a dispensing position in which the position of the dispensing opening substantially aligns with the position of the second opening. For example, the dispensing member may move between a position in which the second opening is completely closed by the closing surface of the dispensing member and a position in which the dispensing opening is at least partially aligned with the second opening, enabling the dispensing of flavorings.

[0017] Conveniently, the distribution member may be rotatably fixed to the reciprocating member so that it is simultaneously actuated by the movement of the reciprocating member. Thus, a single drive system can simultaneously move the reciprocating member between its closed and open positions, and move the distribution member between its filled and distributed positions. Preferably, the closed position of the reciprocating member corresponds to the distributed position of the distribution member, and each open position of the reciprocating member corresponds to each filled position of the distribution member.

[0018] The dispensing opening may be smaller than the second opening, but it is preferable that when the openings are aligned, the dispensing opening completely overlaps the second opening so that all of the flavoring agent is reliably distributed from the administration volume.

[0019] As described above, the reciprocating member may also serve an auxiliary function to move the flavoring within the flavoring chamber to agitate the flavoring. Therefore, to maximize this effect, the reciprocating member is preferably positioned almost completely inside the flavoring chamber. This configuration further allows the reciprocating member to be easily lifted out of the flavoring chamber, so that the device can be easily disassembled, for example, for cleaning between flavoring changes.

[0020] To further improve the ability of the reciprocating member to move the flavoring, preferably the reciprocating member comprises a separation surface which acts to close the dispensing member opening and isolate it from the flavoring chamber, and the reciprocating member comprises a body portion which extends further away from the separation surface and acts to move the flavoring within the flavoring chamber as the reciprocating member moves between an open position and a closed position. Preferably, or alternatively, a thin plate may function as the reciprocating member. Preferably, the body portion of the reciprocating member has a thickness of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, and more preferably at least 5 cm. By effectively providing a reciprocating member with a larger volume, the position of more flavoring changes as the flavoring moves within the flavoring chamber, improving the stirring effect.

[0021] Preferably, the main body is formed to provide a reciprocating member having a substantially wedge-shaped or triangular cross-section. Such a cross-section makes it easier for the reciprocating member to move inside the flavor chamber while pushing the flavor, and also makes it easier to move in the opposite direction to guide the flavor into the flavor volume. A triangular reciprocating member is particularly suitable for embodiments in which the reciprocating member moves between a first and a second open position, with flavors positioned on both sides thereof.

[0022] According to another option for improving the ability of a reciprocating member to change the position of the flavoring and facilitate its movement, the reciprocating member comprises a main part that closes the opening of the dispensing member so as to isolate it from the flavoring chamber, and an attachment part positioned at a distance from the main part, the attachment part acting to move the flavoring within the flavoring chamber as the reciprocating member moves between an open position and a closed position. The attachment part of this reciprocating member does not participate in opening and closing the dispensing volume, but plays a role in further moving the flavoring to improve the flow.

[0023] As described above, the reciprocating motion may include the linear motion of the reciprocating member, but it is preferable that the reciprocating member is rotatable about a rotation axis (i.e., reciprocates along an arc-shaped path) and the dispensing member opening is offset from the rotation axis. For example, the reciprocating member may include an arm extending away from the rotation axis, which selectively closes or partially opens the dispensing volume as the member rotates. If an attachment is provided for the reciprocating member, the rotation axis may be positioned between the main part and the attachment of the reciprocating member. This allows the attachment to move the flavoring as the member rotates, while balancing with the main part of the reciprocating member. If the arm is rotated away from the closed position, i.e., away from the position aligned with the opening, the attachment also rotates toward the opening. Therefore, preferably, the attachment of the reciprocating member comprises one or more guide surfaces configured to move the flavoring toward the opening to the dispensing volume as the reciprocating member rotates about the rotation axis. The guide surface extends toward the outer periphery of the flavoring chamber, preferably to approximately the outer periphery, so that when the guide surface rotates, the flavoring can be pushed through the flavoring chamber. Preferably, the main part and the accessory part divide the flavoring chamber into at least two other halves. With this configuration, a large amount of flavoring moves within the flavoring chamber as the reciprocating member rotates.

[0024] In many embodiments, the device further includes a drive system configured to reciprocate a reciprocating member between a closed position and each open position. The range of reciprocating motion provided by the drive system may be adjustable to control the degree to which the opening to the administration volume is exposed to the flavor chamber. Preferably, the drive system includes a bidirectional rotary drive system that can rotate the reciprocating member in two opposite directions of rotation. Preferably, the drive system includes a drive shaft having a tapered drive coupling. The drive system is generally configured to cause reciprocating motion by rotating the reciprocating member by a maximum of 180°, more commonly a maximum of 120°, and most commonly a maximum of about 90°. The rotation angle depends on the shape of the reciprocating member and the opening to the administration volume, as well as the required dosage, but a smaller rotation angle is preferred because a smaller rotation angle allows for more reciprocating motion and, consequently, more dosage in any given time.

[0025] Preferably, the installation area of ​​the reciprocating member within the flavor chamber is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, even more preferably at least 40%, and most preferably at least 50% of the installation area of ​​the flavor chamber. A larger installation area increases the volume of the reciprocating member, enhancing the movement effect that promotes the flow of flavors. Furthermore, a larger installation area reduces the amount of flavor resisting the rotational motion of the reciprocating member, making the device more efficient.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing an amount of a flavorant, comprising providing a flavorant chamber containing a flavorant; providing a dispensing member having a dispensing volume for receiving the flavorant from the flavorant chamber, the dispensing member forming an opening to the dispensing volume for receiving the flavorant from the flavorant chamber; moving a reciprocating member from a closed position in which the opening is isolated from the flavorant chamber by the reciprocating member to a first open position in which the opening is partially exposed to the flavorant chamber and an amount of the flavorant can enter into the dispensing volume through the opening, and moving the reciprocating member back to the closed position; and dispensing the flavorant received within the dispensing volume as a first dispensed amount of the flavorant. The first open position of the reciprocating member is selected from a plurality of possible first open positions that vary the degree to which the opening is exposed in the flavorant chamber based on a desired amount of the flavorant to be received within the dispensing volume.

[0027] This method may be implemented using the above-described apparatus, and thus the above description applies equally to this method, and all preferred features may equally be implemented as part of this method.

[0028] Since the above-described apparatus can adjust the first open position, this method comprises the step of selecting the first open position from a plurality of possible first open positions. As described above, for example, it may involve the step of selecting the range of the reciprocating motion, and thus there may be a continuous range of possible first positions. Alternatively, it is also possible to select from a predetermined finite number of possible first positions.

[0029] As described above, the present invention is particularly suitable for solid granular flavorants. Thus, preferably, the flavorant contained in the flavorant chamber and dispensed as an amount of the flavorant is a solid granular flavorant. However, alternatively, a liquid such as a marinade can also be used.

[0030] Preferably, after dispensing the flavorant received within the dosing volume, the reciprocating member is moved from the closed position to a second open position where the opening is partially exposed to the flavorant chamber such that an amount of flavorant in the dosing volume enters through the opening, the reciprocating member is returned to the closed position, and the method further comprises dispensing the flavorant received within the dosing volume as a second dose of flavorant, the second open position of the reciprocating member being selected from a plurality of possible second open positions that vary the extent to which the opening is exposed to the flavorant chamber based on the desired amount of flavorant to be received within the dosing volume. Thereby, in particular, one complete reciprocation of the reciprocating member includes both the first and second open positions and dispenses two doses rather than one dose, providing the above-described advantage of improved speed and efficiency. This can be achieved by the step of moving the reciprocating member from the first open position to the closed position and the second open position comprising moving the reciprocating member in one direction along a linear or arcuate path.

[0031] Typically, the opening is partially exposed to the flavorant chamber by substantially the same amount at the first and second open positions such that the first and second doses of flavorant are substantially the same amount. However, in other embodiments, it may be preferred for the first and second doses to be different.

[0032] As described above, one advantage of the present invention is that the dosing amount can be easily changed even during operation of the device. The first open position of the reciprocating member is adjusted to another one of the plurality of possible first open positions, the reciprocating member is moved from the closed position to the adjusted first open position, returned to the closed position, and a different amount of flavorant enters the dosing volume through the opening, and the flavorant received within the dosing volume is dispensed as an adjusted first dose (an amount different from the first dose of flavorant). The second open position may be adjusted similarly. Thus, this method can dispense different dosing amounts by adjusting the first (and second) open positions as needed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1A-1B] First and second perspective views showing one embodiment of the device. [Figure 2] Vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatus in Figures 1A and 1B. [Figure 3A-3B] First and second perspective views showing some elements of the apparatus in Figures 1A and 2. [Figure 4A-4C] Figures 1A to 3B show the elements of the device in three different positions during operation. [Figures 5A-5D] Schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the device in four different stages of operation. [Figures 6A-6D] Schematic plan view of one embodiment of the device in four different stages of operation. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing a method for dispensing flavorings using the apparatus described in one of the prior embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] One embodiment of a flavoring dispenser will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 4C.

[0035] Figures 1A and 1B show the external appearance of the flavor dispenser 1. The flavor dispenser comprises a housing assembly 10 that houses elements related to the flavor source and the measurement of flavor dosage, and the housing assembly 10 is mounted on a drive system 20 which connects to its interior.

[0036] Viewed from the outside, the housing assembly 10 comprises a circular lid portion 11 and a cylindrical side wall portion 12 that connects to a recess in the lower annular support plate 13. The annular support plate extends beyond the outer circumference of the cylindrical side wall portion and forms the base flange of the housing. This base flange has a series of bolt holes for bolting the housing assembly 10 to a support structure (not shown). The lid portion 11 closes the upper opening formed by the cylindrical side wall portion 12. The lid portion is larger than the aforementioned upper opening and extends beyond the outer circumference of the side wall portion. The lid portion is fixed in place by four clamp members 14, each clamp member comprising a shaft 14a extending from the base flange of the annular support plate 13 to the underside of the lid portion 11. The bolts 14b of each clamp member 14 pass through corresponding openings around the lid portion and are screwed into threaded cores of the corresponding shafts 14a.

[0037] As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the housing assembly further includes a fixed base plate 15. This fixed base plate is circular and closes the lower end of the cylindrical side wall portion 12. The periphery of the fixed base plate is connected to the inner surface of the annular support plate 13 by connecting connecting portions 152 and 153 (shown in Figures 3A and 3B) to complementary receiving-side connecting portions (not shown) on the inner surface of the lower end of the side wall portion 12. Together, the base plate 15, the side wall portion 12, and the lid portion 11 form a cylindrical flavor chamber 100 inside the housing assembly that houses the flavor source when in use. The fixed base plate 15 is continuous except for an off-center opening 151 that allows the base plate to function as a dispensing member (i.e., a member for measuring the amount of flavoring), as will be described in more detail below, and a central opening 152 that is aligned with the central axis of the cylindrical flavoring chamber 100, as will also be described in more detail below, allowing the drive shaft assembly 25 of the drive system 20 to penetrate and connect into the flavoring chamber.

[0038] Directly beneath the fixed base plate 15 of the housing assembly 10 is a rotatable base plate 16, which functions as a dispensing member (i.e., selectively dispensing the flavoring measured by the fixed base plate), as will be described in more detail below. The rotatable base plate 16 is circular and located inside the annular support plate 13, but its periphery is not connected to the annular support plate 13 so that it can rotate relative to the fixed base plate 15. The rotatable base plate 16 has an off-center opening 161, which is alignable with the opening 151 of the fixed base plate 15. The rotatable base plate 16 further has a central opening through which the drive shaft assembly 25 passes. Below the rotatable base plate 16, a spring 252 is mounted inside the first shaft element 251 of the drive system 25. The lower end of this spring is connected to the shaft of the cap member 253 of the drive system 25, and this shaft of the cap member 253 extends into the shaft element 251 and is connected to the shaft element 251. The upper end of the spring is connected to the lower surface of the rotatable base plate 16. This configuration of the spring 252 firmly pushes the rotatable base plate 16 upward relative to the fixed base plate located directly above it, and pulls the cap member 253 downward.

[0039] A reciprocating member 17 is located inside the flavoring chamber 100. In Figures 3A and 3B, this reciprocating member 17 is shown together with a fixed base plate 15. The reciprocating member 17 has a flat bottom surface, is located on the fixed base plate 15, and rotates relative to the fixed base plate 15 during the operation of the device. The reciprocating member 17 comprises a main part 171 and an accessory part 172.

[0040] The main part 171 is an arm that extends from the center of the flavoring chamber 100 to approximately the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall 12. This main arm 171 has a roughly triangular cross-section, and the size of the cross-section increases from the center of the flavoring chamber 100 towards the inner circumference of the side wall 12, so that the arm widens towards its end. The end of this arm is for selectively opening and closing the opening 151 of the fixed base plate 15, which is located near the periphery of the fixed base plate during reciprocating motion, as will be described in more detail below.

[0041] The attachment portion 172 faces the main arm portion 171 within the flavoring chamber with respect to the center point, and in a plan view, its outer edge has an arc-shaped outer circumference that follows the inner surface of the side wall portion 12. The attachment portion has considerable thickness and slopes from the periphery of the flavoring chamber 100 toward the center, guiding the flavoring on the attachment portion toward the center of the flavoring chamber. The attachment portion occupies a considerable volume within the flavoring chamber to move a large amount of flavoring, and plays a role in pushing the flavoring toward the opening 151 of the fixed base plate 15 as the reciprocating member moves.

[0042] The center of the reciprocating member is connected to the drive system 20 at its lower surface. The upper end of the cap member 253 is connected to the lower surface of the reciprocating member and transmits driving force to the reciprocating member. The shaft of the cap member 253 extends through the fixed base plate 15 and the rotating base plate 16 and connects to the inside of the drive shaft element 251. Since the aforementioned spring 252 is connected to the cap member, it pushes up the rotating base plate below and at the same time firmly pulls the reciprocating member 17 down towards the fixed base plate. Thus, this spring effectively sandwiches the fixed base plate between the reciprocating member and the rotating base plate, and when the reciprocating member and the rotating base plate are positioned to cover the opening 151, they each firmly close the opening 151. Furthermore, since both the reciprocating member 17 and the rotating base plate 16 are connected to the same drive system 20, when the drive shaft assembly 25 rotates, they rotate in a fixed relationship with each other.

[0043] The drive system 20 is implemented to reduce the recoil of the drive shaft assembly 25, which will be described in more detail below. The drive system 20 includes a mounting structure that includes two vertical arms 21 parallel to the drive shaft, mounted on both sides of the drive shaft 25. The top of each arm is fixedly connected to an upper cross plate 22 located below the annular support plate 13 and extending in the width direction of the housing 12. In use, the annular support plate 13 is fixed to a support structure (not shown) by bolting it to the upper surface of the support structure via bolt holes 13a. The upper cross plate 22 is fixed to the lower surface of the support structure, and the device is mounted on the support structure. This configuration provides fixed mounting positions for both the flavoring chamber (i.e., via the annular support plate) and the drive system (i.e., via the upper cross plate). The lower ends of each arm 21 extending downward from the upper cross plate are connected to bolts 23 that pass through the lower cross plate 24. The lower cross plate 24 supports the drive motor and gearbox, which are mounted below the lower cross plate 24 in the figure. The center of the lower cross plate connects to the drive shaft assembly 25, and in particular to a tapered drive coupling 254 that is vertically movable on the drive shaft. The tapered drive coupling 254 is located above the lower cross plate and rotates relative to the lower cross plate 24. Each bolt 23 passes through the lower cross plate 24 and is equipped with a spring 23a. The spring connects to the base of the bolt 23 at its lower end and to the underside of the lower cross plate 24 at its upper end. The spring 23a biases the lower cross plate 24 upward, thereby biasing the tapered drive coupling 254 upward into the tapered groove of the drive shaft element 251. This mounting configuration, which biases the tapered drive coupling 254 upward, combined with the spring 252, reduces the effects of backlash or recoil in the system when the reciprocating member rotates, ensuring that a consistent dosage is produced.

[0044] Figures 4A to 4C show the reciprocating member at three different positions during the reciprocating cycle.

[0045] In Figure 4B, the reciprocating member 17 is in the closed position, at which point the main part 171, i.e., the arm, covers the opening of the fixed base plate. This position also corresponds to the position where the opening 161 of the rotating base plate 16 aligns with the opening 151 of the fixed base plate 15, and the flavoring located at the opening 151, i.e., within the administration volume, is distributed from the device so that it falls by gravity through the aligned openings. However, the width of the arm 171 is considerably larger than the width of the opening 151, and the arm 171 needs to move a certain distance before the opening begins to be exposed. As a result, the rotating base plate also moves to some extent before the opening 151 is exposed, and is at least partially and possibly completely closed by the rotating base plate 16 before the flavoring begins to enter the opening.

[0046] In Figure 4A, the reciprocating member 17 is rotated clockwise relative to the position in Figure 4B, and the main part 171, i.e., the arm, partially covers the opening 151 of the fixed base plate, with the right side of the opening 151 exposed to the flavoring chamber. When the reciprocating member 17 is in this position, a certain amount of flavoring enters the opening 151 from the flavoring chamber. In this position, the rotating base plate 16 is also rotated, and the positions of the two openings 151 and 161 are offset. That is, the lower side of the opening 151 of the fixed base plate 15 is partially or completely closed, so the flavoring that enters the upper side of the opening 151 is not distributed by the system, but is collected together inside the opening, i.e., inside the administration volume, to form the amount of flavoring administered. When the reciprocating member 17 rotates counterclockwise back to the closed position, this amount of flavoring is administered.

[0047] In Figure 4C, the reciprocating member 17 is rotating counterclockwise relative to the position in Figure 4B, and the main part 171, i.e., the arm, partially covers the opening 151 of the fixed base plate, in which case the left side of the opening 151 is exposed to the flavoring chamber. In this case as well, when the reciprocating member 17 is in this position, a certain amount of flavoring enters the opening 151 from the flavoring chamber. As mentioned above, in this position, the rotating base plate 16 is also rotating, and the positions of the two openings 151 and 161 are offset, so that the lower side of opening 151 is partially or completely closed. When the reciprocating member 17 rotates clockwise and returns to the closed position, this dose of flavoring is dispensed.

[0048] This reciprocating cycle can be further understood by referring to Figures 5A-5D and 6A-6D, which show four different stages in the operation of the device, and Figure 7, which outlines the sequence of processes in the operation of the device.

[0049] Figures 5A and 6A show the apparatus with the reciprocating member in the closed position. This may be the default position of the reciprocating member, for example, when the reciprocating member is idle. As can be clearly seen in Figure 5A, the reciprocating member 17 covers the upper opening of the opening 151 of the fixed base plate 15, so that no flavoring enters the dispensing volume. In this position, the rotating base plate 16 is positioned so that the position of the opening 161 aligns with the position of the opening of the fixed base plate 15. The opening 161 is larger than the opening 151 and completely surrounds the opening 151, so that no flavoring is retained.

[0050] In step S100, as the reciprocating member 17 rotates, the arm defining the main part 171 moves to the first open position shown in Figures 5B and 6B. In this first open position, the right side of the opening 151 of the fixed base plate 15 is partially exposed. It should also be noted that as the reciprocating member moves to this first open position, the attachment 172 of the reciprocating member moves toward the opening 151. This movement of the attachment 172 not only acts to agitate the flavoring but also pushes the flavoring toward the opening 151, promoting its inflow into the opening and making it easier for the flavoring to solidify and adhere. As shown in Figure 5B, upon reaching the first open position, the flavoring passes from the flavoring chamber 100 into the administration volume, i.e., the space defined by the opening 151. The amount of flavoring that enters the opening 151 depends on the amount of the opening exposed to the flavoring chamber, the duration of exposure, and the degree to which the flavoring flows freely into the opening. With solid granular flavorings, the flavorings typically do not flow beyond the exposed area of ​​the opening. In other words, if the opening is only partially exposed, the dispensing volume, or the space defined by the opening, will only be partially filled.

[0051] Next, in step S200, the reciprocating member 17 rotates in the opposite direction to step S100, returning the arm 171 to the closed position. This separates the flavoring in the opening from the flavoring in the flavoring chamber, effectively shearing a single dose of flavoring. In step S300, as the arm 171 returns to the closed position, the opening 161 of the rotatable base plate returns to a position that aligns with the opening 151 of the fixed base plate, and the dose of flavoring D is distributed. When the reciprocating member 17 returns to the closed position, it will be as shown in Figures 5C and 6C. It should be understood that there may be some overlap between steps S200 and S300, as flavoring may begin to be distributed before the reciprocating member 17 has completely returned to the closed position.

[0052] In step S400, the reciprocating member 17 continues to move from the closed position to the second open position shown in Figures 5D and 6D. In this second open position, the left side of the opening 151 of the fixed base plate 15 is partially exposed. In this case as well, the attachment 172 of the reciprocating member acts to push the flavoring toward the opening 151 to facilitate filling. As shown in Figure 5D, while the reciprocating member moves to the second open position, the flavoring passes from the flavoring chamber 100 into the dosing volume, i.e., the space defined by the opening 151. In this case as well, the amount of flavoring that enters the opening 151 depends on the amount of the opening exposed to the flavoring chamber, the exposure time, and the degree to which the flavoring flows freely into the opening. Since the same amount of opening 151 is usually exposed in the second open position as in the first open position, approximately the same dosing volume is measured in both positions, although this is not mandatory.

[0053] Next, the reciprocating member 17 rotates in the opposite direction to step S400, returning the arm 171 to the closed position in step S500. This position is the same as that shown in Figures 5C and 6C. As a result, the flavoring is dispensed again in step S600. At this point, one complete cycle of the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member 17 is completed. Multiple reciprocating cycles may be performed sequentially to repeatedly dispense multiple doses of the flavoring.

[0054] If you wish to adjust the amount of flavoring administered, it is convenient to do so after step S600. The flowchart in Figure 7 shows such options at S700. If you wish to adjust the dosage, you may also adjust the first open position and the second open position in step S750. For example, the operator may change the range of reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member 17 to change the degree to which the opening 151 is exposed to the flavoring chamber. A narrower range of reciprocating motion results in less exposure of the opening 151, thus reducing the amount of flavoring administered. Similarly, a wider range of reciprocating motion exposes more of the opening, resulting in a larger dosage. Although the option to change the amount of flavoring administered is shown only after step S600, it is also possible to adjust the range of reciprocating motion after step S300 (i.e., while the reciprocating member is in the closed position immediately after the first open position).

[0055] If there is no need to change the amount of flavoring, the reciprocating member 17 may pass the closed position reached in step S600 and continue its movement to the first open position shown in Figures 5A and 6A (i.e., step S100), starting a new reciprocating cycle to recover approximately the same new amount of flavoring. Alternatively, if the range of reciprocating motion is to be changed, the reciprocating member 17 moves from the closed position reached in step S600 to the adjusted first open position, and the new amount of flavoring is recovered in the opening 151.

[0056] The above describes the operation of the machine, but it is generally desirable to calibrate the dosage before operation. The machine may be calibrated to a specific type of flavoring by setting an arbitrary first open position and dispensing the dosage of flavoring into the weighing scale. Next, the weight of the flavoring may be measured and the range of reciprocating motion may be adjusted accordingly; that is, a larger range of reciprocating motion for heavier doses of flavoring and a smaller range of reciprocating motion for lighter doses of flavoring. Then, for example, the reciprocating member may be moved to the adjusted first or second open position and returned to the closed position to dispense a different dosage of flavoring. The dosage of this flavoring may be weighed again and further adjustments may be made to fine-tune the dosage. Furthermore, this may be used to construct a series of predetermined first and second open positions corresponding to each preferred weight choice. For example, if it is known that one reciprocating range provides 5 grams of a particular flavoring and another reciprocating range provides 10 grams of that flavoring, it is possible to conveniently change between the dosages of two different flavorings. Different predetermined open positions may be used for different types of flavorings. This is because each flow characteristic can affect the relationship between the dosage and the amount of opening 151 exposed with each return stroke.

[0057] It should also be noted that the system may be adjusted so that the entire opening is exposed at each of the first and second open positions. This maximizes the amount of flavoring dispensed and corresponds to a state where the dispensing volume is completely filled. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0058] [Patent Document 1] WO2018 / 037233A1

Claims

1. A flavoring dispenser for distributing the dosage of flavorings, A flavoring chamber for containing flavorings, A dispensing member having a dispensing volume for receiving flavoring from the flavoring chamber, the dispensing member forming the opening which includes a first opening used to distribute an adjustable amount of flavoring to the dispensing volume that receives flavoring from the flavoring chamber, A reciprocating member comprising: a closed position in which the opening is isolated from the flavor chamber by the reciprocating member; a first open position in which one of the first openings is partially exposed to the flavor chamber and a certain amount of flavor can enter the dispensing volume through the opening; and a position in which the reciprocating member returns to the closed position in which the flavor is distributed by the dispensing member, The reciprocating member comprises a separation surface, the separation surface acts to close the dispensing member opening and separate it from the flavoring chamber, and the reciprocating member further comprises a main body portion extending away from the separation surface, the main body portion acts to move the flavoring in the flavoring chamber as the reciprocating member moves between the open position and the closed position, The dispensing member further defines a second opening to the dispensing volume, and the dispensing member is configured to selectively open and close the second opening through which the flavoring is distributed from the dispensing volume, and the dispensing member further comprises this dispensing member. To change the range of reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member, the first open position of the reciprocating member is selectable and adjustable from a continuous range of possible first open positions, thereby changing the degree to which one of the first openings is exposed to the flavor chamber and adjusting the amount of flavor received into the dispensing volume. A flavor dispenser further comprising a drive system including a drive motor configured to cause the reciprocating member to reciprocate between the closed position and the first open position, wherein the range of the reciprocating motion provided by the drive system is adjustable by adjusting the first open position of the reciprocating member.

2. The flavor dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the reciprocating member is movable relative to the flavor chamber, and / or the dispensing member is fixed relative to the flavor chamber when the reciprocating member moves between the open position and the closed position.

3. A flavor dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reciprocating member is movable relative to the dispensing member between the closed position, the second open position in which one first opening is partially exposed to the flavor chamber and a certain amount of flavor can enter the dispensing volume through the opening, and the position in which it returns to the closed position and the flavor is distributed by the dispensing member, the second open position of the reciprocating member is adjustable, and the amount of flavor received in the dispensing volume can be adjusted by changing the degree to which the one first opening is exposed to the flavor chamber.

4. The flavor dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the reciprocating member is movable relative to the dispensing member between the first open position and the second open position, passing through the closed position, such that one complete reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member includes both the first and second open positions.

5. The flavor dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dispensing member has a closing surface that defines a dispensing opening from which the flavor is dispensed from the flavor dispenser, the dispensing member is movable relative to the dosing member, and the flavor is selectively dispensed by changing the positional relationship between the second opening and the dispensing opening.

6. The flavor dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the dispensing member is movable with respect to the dispensing member between a first filling position in which the second opening is at least partially closed by the dispensing member and a dispensing position in which the position of the dispensing opening substantially coincides with the position of the second opening.

7. The flavor dispenser according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the dispensing member is rotatably fixed to the reciprocating member so as to actuate the dispensing member simultaneously with the movement of the reciprocating member.

8. The flavor dispenser according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the closed position of the reciprocating member corresponds to the distribution position of the dispensing member, and each open position of the reciprocating member corresponds to each filling position of the dispensing member.

9. The flavoring dispenser according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein when the positions of the distribution opening and the second opening are aligned, the distribution opening completely overlaps the second opening.

10. The flavor dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the reciprocating member is substantially completely located within the flavor chamber.

11. The flavoring dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main body has a thickness of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, and more preferably at least 5 cm.

12. The flavor dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the main body is formed to provide the reciprocating member having a substantially wedge-shaped or triangular cross-section.

13. The flavor dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the reciprocating member comprises a main part that closes the dispensing member opening so as to isolate it from the flavor chamber, and an accessory part that is spaced apart from the main part, the accessory part acts to move the flavor in the flavor chamber when the reciprocating member moves between the open position and the closed position.

14. The flavoring dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the reciprocating member is rotatable about a rotation axis, and the dispensing member opening is offset from the rotation axis.

15. The flavor dispenser according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the rotating shaft is disposed between the main part of the reciprocating member and the accessory part of the reciprocating member.

16. The flavor dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the attachment of the reciprocating member comprises one or more guide surfaces configured to move the flavor toward the opening to the dispensing volume as the reciprocating member rotates about the rotation axis.

17. The flavor dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the installation area of ​​the reciprocating member within the flavor chamber is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, even more preferably at least 40%, and most preferably at least 50% of the installation area of ​​the flavor chamber.

18. A method for distributing the dosage of flavorings, A step of providing a flavoring chamber for containing flavorings, A step to provide a dispensing member having a dispensing volume for receiving a flavoring from a flavoring chamber, wherein the dispensing member further comprises a dispensing member configured to distribute an adjustable amount of flavoring from the dispensing volume, the dispensing member having an opening to the dispensing volume that receives the flavoring from the flavoring chamber and includes a first opening used for dispensing an adjustable amount of flavoring, and further defining a second opening to the dispensing volume, the dispensing member having an opening to distribute the flavoring from the dispensing volume through the second opening, and the dispensing member having a dispensing member configured to selectively open and close the second opening, A drive system including a drive motor moves a reciprocating member from a closed position in which the opening is isolated from the flavor chamber by the reciprocating member to a first open position in which one first opening is partially exposed to the flavor chamber and a certain amount of flavor can enter the administration volume through the opening, and then moves the reciprocating member back to the closed position. The process includes distributing the flavoring received within the aforementioned administration volume as a first dose of flavoring, The first open position of the reciprocating member is selected from a continuous range of possible first open positions, which changes the range of reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member to vary the extent to which the one first opening is exposed to the flavor chamber, based on a desired amount of flavor to be received in the administration volume.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the steps of: distributing the flavoring received in the administration volume; moving the reciprocating member from the closed position to a second open position in which one first opening is partially exposed to the flavoring chamber so that a certain amount of flavoring enters the administration volume through the opening; returning the reciprocating member to the closed position; and distributing the flavoring received in the administration volume as a second dose of flavoring, wherein the second open position of the reciprocating member is selected from a plurality of possible second open positions that change the degree to which one first opening is exposed to the flavoring chamber based on a desired amount of flavoring to be received in the administration volume.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the step of moving the reciprocating member from the first open position to the closed position and the second open position comprises the step of moving the reciprocating member in one direction along a linear or arc-shaped path.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the one first opening is partially exposed to the flavor chamber by substantially the same amount in the first and second open positions, such that the first and second doses of flavor are substantially the same amount.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, comprising the steps of adjusting the first open position of the reciprocating member to another one of the plurality of possible first open positions, moving the reciprocating member from the closed position to the adjusted first open position, returning it to the closed position, allowing different amounts of flavoring to enter the administration volume through the opening, and distributing the flavoring received in the administration volume as an adjusted first dose, wherein the adjusted first dose is a different amount from the first dose.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the flavoring contained in the flavoring chamber and distributed as a dosage of flavoring is a solid granular flavoring.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 23, performed using the flavoring dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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