Sub-quantity-weighing scale and method for operating a sub-quantity-weighing scale

Abstract

The invention relates to a sub-quantity-weighing scale (10) and to a method for operating a sub-quantity-weighing scale, in particular for portioning products, wherein the sub-quantity-weighing scale comprises a storage device (11), a weighing device (12) and a collecting device (13), wherein products can be fed to the weighing device by means of the storage device, wherein the weighing device has a scale (18), wherein the products can be delivered to the collecting device by means of the weighing device taking into account the weight of the products, wherein the weighing device has a plurality of weighing containers (21), arranged in a circle relative to a vertical axis (28) of the sub-quantity-weighing scale, for receiving the products, wherein the collecting device has at least one product chute (24) and forms a collecting opening (26) for discharging products on the vertical axis, wherein the product chute is associated with at least two weighing containers and is inclined with respect to the collecting opening such that the products can slide on the product chute to the collecting opening, wherein the product chute is designed with feed channels (29) each associated with one weighing container.

Description

[0001] October 27, 2025

[0002] Hastamat Verpackungstechnik GmbH + Co. KG G / HAS-022-WO 35633 Lahnau Scu / kos

[0003] Partial quantity scale and method for operating a partial quantity scale

[0004] The invention relates to a partial quantity scale and a method for operating a partial quantity scale, in particular for portioning products, wherein the partial quantity scale comprises a storage device, a weighing device and a collecting device, wherein products can be fed to the weighing device by means of the storage device, wherein the weighing device has a scale, wherein the products can be discharged to the collecting device by means of the weighing device taking their weight into account, wherein the weighing device has a plurality of weighing containers arranged circularly around a vertical axis of the partial quantity scale for receiving the products, wherein the collecting device has at least one product chute and forms a collecting opening for discharging products on the vertical axis, wherein the product chute is assigned to at least two weighing containers and is inclined towards the collecting opening,that the products can slide down the product chute to the collection opening.

[0005] Such partial quantity scales are well known and are used to combine multiple portions of a product. For this purpose, a certain number or quantity of a product is collected in the weighing containers of the partial quantity scale, and the weight of each quantity is determined using a scale. Then, those weighing containers are selected whose combined product weight is closest to the target weight of the product to be packaged. The products from these containers are then transferred to the collecting device and combined into a single portion in a suitable transport container or packaging. The emptied weighing containers are refilled so that the process can be repeated.

[0006] Known partial quantity scales can have weighing containers arranged in a circular configuration, similar to a carousel, which can rotate around a common vertical axis. In this case, it is sufficient to provide a storage device and a collection device, since, with each rotation of the weighing containers or weighing device around the vertical axis, one weighing container can be filled with products and another emptied at a rate corresponding to the number of weighing containers. Furthermore, partial quantity scales are known in which the storage device is designed with a plurality of storage containers, each arranged above a weighing container.The products can be removed via a central collection device that is connected to all weighing containers and forms a collection opening through which the products can be transferred as a portion to, for example, a packaging machine or a transport device.

[0007] In such partial quantity scales, the products are usually fed via a central hopper in the area of ​​the vertical axis of the storage device. The products fall or slide onto a central, conical distribution device and are conveyed from the inside out into storage containers. From the storage containers, portions of the product are dispensed to the weighing hoppers of a scale, and subsequently, the products pass from the respective weighing hoppers via a product chute of the collecting device into the collection opening, through which the products exit the partial quantity scale. The product to be portioned falls from top to bottom onto a surface or into a container of the partial quantity scale at each stage of the feeding, pre-portioning, weighing, and dispensing process. In this way, the product can be easily conveyed between the respective devices using gravity.However, this is not always advantageously possible with all types of products.

[0008] When products fall from a weighing container onto a product chute and slide down to the collection opening, they can be unevenly distributed upon impact. This means that not all products immediately reach the collection opening via the shortest path from their point of impact. Due to their shape, some products may impact the chute in such a way that they are initially accelerated perpendicular or tangentially to the collection opening, thus traveling a comparatively longer distance. Once at the collection opening, the products may then circle around it or meander towards it.Since a new portion can only be assembled by opening the weighing containers once all products of the previous portion have been discharged through the collection opening, the portioning speed of the partial quantity scale is also determined, among other things, by how quickly the products of the respective portion can travel from the weighing container to the collection opening.

[0009] The present invention therefore aims to propose a partial quantity scale and a method for operating a partial quantity scale that enables faster portioning. This objective is achieved by a partial quantity scale with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 16.

[0010] The partial quantity weigher according to the invention, in particular for portioning products, comprises a storage device, a weighing device and a collecting device, wherein the products can be fed to the weighing device by means of the storage device, wherein the weighing device has a scale, wherein the products can be discharged to the collecting device by means of the weighing device taking their weight into account, wherein the weighing device has a plurality of weighing containers arranged circularly around a vertical axis of the partial quantity weigher for receiving the products, wherein the collecting device has at least one product chute and forms a collecting opening for discharging products on the vertical axis, wherein the product chute is assigned to at least two weighing containers and is inclined towards the collecting opening so that the products can slide on the product chute to the collecting opening.wherein the product chute is designed with feed channels each assigned to a weighing container.

[0011] In the partial quantity weigher according to the invention, the products can slide down the product chute from the weighing containers to the collection opening. Each product chute is assigned to at least two weighing containers, so that products from two or more weighing containers can be conveyed to the collection opening via a single product chute. The product chute itself is equipped with feed channels, each of which is assigned to a single weighing container. This means that products falling from the respective weighing containers onto the product chute pass directly through the respective assigned feed channel of the product chute. Because each weighing container has its own feed channel, it is prevented that products falling from the weighing container onto the product chute are spread out over a large area on the product chute, slide in a serpentine line to the collection opening, or circle around the collection opening.Rather, the products are concentrated by the feed channel towards the collection opening and guided directly to it, thus optimizing the path length of each product to the collection opening. This makes it possible to portion products in shorter cycles, as there is no need to wait for all products on the product chute to reach the collection opening or stop circulating around it.

[0012] It is particularly advantageous if a funnel forms the collection opening. The product chute can then be positioned on the funnel in such a way that the products slide directly from the chute into the funnel, at the lower end of which the collection opening can be located. A portioning machine, a transport device, a conveyor, a pipe, a conveyor belt, a transport container, or similar equipment can be connected directly below the collection opening.

[0013] A transfer area can be designed between the storage device and the weighing containers so that the products can slide or fall into the weighing containers, and a discharge area between the weighing containers and the collecting device can be designed so that the products can slide or fall onto the feed channels. Since the products can slide, damage to delicate products from falling is advantageously prevented. Depending on the type of products, it is also possible for the products to fall, which can increase the conveying speed. In either case, the products can thus be conveyed through the partial load scale by gravity.

[0014] The weighing device can be arranged with the weighing containers in a horizontal feed plane, with the collecting device being arranged in a discharge plane below the feed plane. In particular, each weighing container can be designed such that it has at least one receiving surface or base that is also substantially horizontal. The receiving surface(s) of the base of the weighing container can also be inclined at an acute angle relative to the horizontal feed plane, so that the product can easily slide or fall from the storage device onto the receiving surface(s). The weighing container can further have steep, vertical side walls, allowing it to hold a larger number of products. Alternatively, the weighing container can also consist solely of three, four, or more receiving surfaces that together form the base of the weighing container.

[0015] The collecting device can be located in the discharge plane below the feed plane. A product can then easily slide or fall from a weighing container to the collecting device. Alternatively, the discharge plane can be positioned relative to the feed plane at a distance that prevents a product from falling freely. A discharge area can thus be located below the transfer area.

[0016] The feed channels can each be formed by a fold or a channel, with the fold or channel extending from the weighing hopper to the collection opening. If the feed channel is formed by a fold, the fold can have a wedge-shaped cross-section. If the feed channel is formed by a channel, the channel can have a semicircular or free-form cross-section. Alternatively, multiple folds can be formed to create a feed channel. It is essential that the feed channel begins below the weighing hopper and is oriented towards the collection opening. The feed channel can be straight and run along the shortest possible path between the weighing hopper and the collection opening.

[0017] The product chute can be designed with two flat surface sections arranged at an obtuse angle or a right angle to each other, which together form the feed channel. The flat surface sections can be formed particularly easily by creating a fold in a straight plate, for example by bending, which forms the base of the feed channel. If the flat surface sections form an obtuse or right angle to each other, it is ensured that products cannot become jammed within the feed channel. This makes the product chute more versatile and suitable for a variety of products.

[0018] The product chute can be designed with a zigzag fold. This zigzag fold can be formed with an obtuse angle followed by adjacent obtuse or right angles. A cross-section of the product chute can then essentially resemble a "W". In further embodiments, additional feed channels can be connected to the at least two feed channels, so that the zigzag fold can be formed from a successive sequence of obtuse angles with obtuse or right angles.

[0019] The product chute can be advantageously designed with an edge fold. This edge fold can form a vertically extending side surface on the product chute. This side surface can have a steep flank and form a lateral boundary for the product chute on both sides. This prevents products from falling out of the product chute laterally if they do not enter the feed channels directly.

[0020] The product chute can be made from a single sheet of metal, either in one piece or in multiple parts. The sheet metal can be, for example, a steel sheet, preferably a stainless steel sheet. The feed channels can be made from a single sheet of metal, to which means for attaching the product chute may be attached. These means can be brackets, handles, or the like, which are, for example, welded to the sheet metal.

[0021] The product chute can be designed with a cross-section that tapers towards the collection opening. The product chute can then be shaped like an isosceles trapezoid and concentrate the products dispensed from the weighing containers onto the product chute as they move towards the collection opening.

[0022] The weighing container can be designed with an openable bottom, with an opening in the bottom positioned directly above the upper end of the feed channel. The product chute and / or feed channels can then be designed to ensure that all products dispensed from the weighing container reach the product chute and their respective feed channels. In the simplest embodiment, the openable bottom can be designed with an openable flap.

[0023] The base can be designed with two flaps, each of which can pivot about an axis. The at least two flaps then each form a receiving surface for the products. The flaps can be arranged at an angle to each other. When the flaps are opened, the products can be conveyed relatively quickly onto the product chute or into the respective feed channel. It is also possible to open the base completely. The respective axes of the flaps can be adjacent or run along a side edge of the respective flap.

[0024] The axis can be arranged radially relative to the vertical axis. Alternatively, the axis can be arranged tangentially relative to the vertical axis. With the radial arrangement of the respective axes relative to the vertical axis, it is possible to open the bottom of the weighing container directly above a feed channel, allowing the products to flow directly into the feed channel. If, on the other hand, the axes are arranged tangentially relative to the vertical axis, products also reach the edges of the feed channel, resulting in a wider distribution of products on the product chute, which may be undesirable.

[0025] The storage device and the collection device can each be arranged radially adjacent to the weighing containers. Thus, the storage device and the collection device can be located within a carousel-shaped arrangement of the weighing containers. This makes it possible to feed the products directly to the respective weighing container via the storage device. The circularly arranged weighing containers of the scale and storage containers can be mounted in a fixed position relative to each other. Alternatively, the circularly arranged weighing containers can rotate around their vertical axis, with a timed interruption of the rotation, corresponding to the number of weighing containers, to transfer and discharge products to the respective weighing containers or within a transfer or discharge area. All weighing containers can then also discharge products to the collection device.

[0026] The partial quantity scale can have multiple weighing containers and / or multiple product chutes. It is also possible to arrange two or more weighing containers together with a product chute. In this case, the number of weighing containers is always greater than the number of product chutes. Because the weighing containers are located above the product chutes, it is advantageous to have multiple product chutes, allowing for supports to be provided in the area of ​​the collection device to hold the weighing and storage devices above the collection device. This also makes it possible to remove only individual product chutes, for example, if a product jam at the collection opening needs to be cleared.

[0027] In the inventive method for operating a partial quantity scale, in particular for positioning products, the partial quantity scale comprises a storage device, a weighing device and a collecting device, wherein products are fed to the weighing device by means of the storage device, wherein the weighing device has a scale, wherein the products are discharged to the collecting device by means of the weighing device taking their weight into account, wherein a plurality of weighing containers of the weighing device arranged circularly around a vertical axis of the partial quantity scale receive the products, wherein the products are conveyed by at least one product chute of the collecting device to a collecting opening of the collecting device formed on the vertical axis, wherein the product chute is assigned to at least two weighing containers and is inclined towards the collecting opening.wherein the products slide on the product chute into feed channels of the product chute, each assigned to a weighing container, leading to the collection opening. For the advantages of the method according to the invention, reference is made to the description of advantages of the partial quantity weigher according to the invention.

[0028] The process can be designed to portion free-flowing and / or rod-shaped products. In principle, any conceivable type of product can be portioned using the partial quantity weigher. Rod-shaped products can be present in the weighing hoppers in a random arrangement and fed to the collecting device. The weighing hoppers can also be round to improve the alignment of the rod-shaped products. The feed channels then align the free-flowing and / or rod-shaped products radially relative to the vertical axis as they slide through the respective feed channel, so that the free-flowing and / or rod-shaped products are already aligned as desired at the collecting opening and can be discharged in an orderly manner through the collecting opening.

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a partial quantity scale;

[0032] Fig- 2 a side view of the partial quantity scale;

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the partial quantity scale along a vertical axis;

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the partial quantity scale;

[0035] Fig. 5 shows a side view of a product chute;

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a top view of the product chute.

[0037] Figures 1 to 4 together show a partial quantity scale 10 in various configurations. The partial quantity scale 10 essentially consists of a storage device 11, a weighing device 12, and a collection device 13. A frame 14 is also provided for mounting the partial quantity scale 10 on a conveying or packaging device (not shown in detail here). The storage device 11 comprises a central, conical hopper 15 and, extending radially outward from it, channels 16 and storage containers 17. Products (not shown here) are dispensed onto the hopper 15 and distributed via the channels 16 to the storage containers 17. After the products are dosed into the storage containers 17, they are discharged from the storage containers 17 through a bottom 20 formed by two openable flaps 19 of the storage containers 17 to weighing containers 21 of a scale 18 of the weighing device 12.The weighing containers 21 are also designed with two openable flaps 22, which form a bottom 23 of the weighing containers 21.

[0038] Below the weighing device 12 is the collecting device 13, which here consists of product chutes 24 and a hopper 25 with a collecting opening 26 at a lower end 27 of the hopper 25. The storage containers 17 are each arranged above the weighing containers 21, and the weighing containers 21 are arranged in a circle above the product chutes 24 around a vertical axis 28 of the partial quantity scale 10. Products can thus be conveyed through the partial quantity scale 10 by their own weight. After the products have been dosed into the respective storage containers 17, they are dispensed into the weighing containers 21. To assemble a portion consisting of a specific quantity of products, the weighing containers 21 are opened after weighing with the scale 18 or the weighing containers 21. The total product weight of these containers essentially corresponds to the product weight of the portion.After the bottom 23 opens, the products fall onto the product chutes 24, slide to the collection opening 26, and are discharged through it. Further portions are formed in the same way in subsequent cycles.

[0039] As can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the product chute 24 is designed with feed channels 29, each of which is formed by a fold 30. The product chute 24 consists of a sheet 31, with each fold 30 forming flat surface sections 32 that are inclined together relative to the vertical axis 28 and extend radially towards the collecting opening 26. Crucially, the product chutes 24 are formed with a further fold 33 that separates the feed channels 29 from one another. A rim fold 35 is formed at each edge 34 of the product chutes 24. An upper rim fold 37 is formed at an upper end 36 of the product chute 24. The edge folds 35 and 37 thus form edge webs 38 and 39 of the product chute 24 respectively.The edge ribs 38 and 39 prevent products from falling out of the product chute 24 when the products fall onto the product chute 24 from the weighing containers 21.

[0040] The weighing containers 21 are designed with axes 40 that allow the flaps 22 to pivot tangentially relative to the vertical axis 28. The bottom 23 can thus be opened directly above the fold 30, so that the products falling out of the weighing container 21 first land on the product chute 24 in the area of ​​the fold 30. The surface sections 32 then concentrate the products in the feed channel 29 due to their inclination relative to the fold 30, such that the products slide directly and without detour towards the collection opening 26 due to the inclination of the product chute 24 relative to the vertical axis 28. This prevents undesirable swirling of the products in the area of ​​the hopper 25.

[0041] Because each of the product chutes 24 forms two feed channels 29, one product chute 24 can discharge products from two weighing containers 21. This results in a simplified design of the collecting device 13. At the same time, if necessary, the product chutes 24 can be individually removed to access, for example, the collecting opening 26 in the hopper 25. This does not require complete disassembly of all product chutes 24. The partial quantity scale 10 can thus be easily maintained during operation without significant effort.

Claims

October 27, 2025 Hastamat Verpackungstechnik GmbH + Co. KG G / HAS-022-WO 35633 Lahnau Scu Patent claims 1. Partial quantity weigher (10), in particular for portioning products, wherein the partial quantity weigher comprises a storage device (11), a weighing device (12) and a collecting device (13), wherein products can be fed to the weighing device by means of the storage device, wherein the weighing device has a scale (18), wherein the products can be discharged to the collecting device by means of the weighing device taking their weight into account, wherein the weighing device has a plurality of weighing containers (21) arranged circularly around a vertical axis (28) of the partial quantity weigher for receiving the products, wherein the collecting device has at least one product chute (24) and forms a collecting opening (26) for discharging products on the vertical axis, wherein the product chute is assigned to at least two weighing containers and is inclined towards the collecting opening so that the products can slide on the product chute to the collecting opening,characterized in that the product chute is designed with feed channels (29) each assigned to a weighing container.

2. Partial quantity scale according to claim 1, characterized in that a funnel (25) forms the collecting opening.

3. Partial quantity scale according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a transfer area between the storage device (11) and the weighing containers (21) is designed such that the products can slide or fall into the weighing containers, and wherein a discharge area between the weighing containers and the collecting device (13) is designed such that the products can slide or fall onto the feed channels (29).

4. Partial quantity scale according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing device (12) with the weighing containers (21) is arranged in a horizontal feed plane, wherein the collecting device (13) is arranged in a discharge plane below the feed plane.

5. Partial quantity scale according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed channels (29) are each formed by a fold (30) or a groove, wherein the fold or the groove extends from the weighing container (21) to the collecting opening (26).

6. Partial quantity scale according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product chute (24) is formed with two flat surface sections (32) arranged at an obtuse angle or at a right angle to each other, which together form the feed channel (29).

7. Partial quantity scale according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product chute (24) is designed with a zigzag fold.

8. Partial quantity scale according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product chute (24) is formed with an edge fold (35).

9. Partial quantity scale according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product chute (24) is formed from a sheet (31) in one piece or in multiple parts.

10. Partial quantity scale according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product chute (24) is designed with a cross-section tapering towards the collecting opening (26).

11. Partial quantity scale according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing container (21) is designed with an openable bottom (23), wherein a bottom opening of the bottom is arranged directly above an upper end (36) of the feed channel (29).

12. Partial quantity scale according to claim 11, characterized in that the base (23) is formed with two flaps (22), wherein the flaps are each pivotable about an axis (40).

13. Partial quantity scale according to claim 12, characterized in that the axis (40) is arranged radially relative to the vertical axis (28).

14. Partial quantity scale according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage device (11) and the collecting device (13) are each arranged radially adjacent to the weighing containers (21).

15. Partial quantity scale according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the partial quantity scale (10) has a plurality of weighing containers (21) and / or a plurality of product chutes (24).

16. Method for operating a partial quantity scale (10), in particular for portioning products, wherein the partial quantity scale comprises a storage device (11), a weighing device (12) and a collecting device (13), wherein products are fed to the weighing device by means of the storage device, wherein the weighing device has a scale (18), wherein the products are discharged to the collecting device by means of the weighing device taking their weight into account, wherein a plurality of weighing containers (21) of the weighing device arranged circularly around a vertical axis (28) of the partial quantity scale receive the products, wherein the products are discharged by at least one product chute (24) of the collecting device to a collecting opening (26) of the collecting device formed on the vertical axis, wherein the product chute is assigned to at least two weighing containers and is inclined towards the collecting opening, characterized in that ,that the products on the product slide are each in one, The product slides from the weighing container to the collection opening via the feed channels (29) of the product chute.

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that pourable and / or rod-shaped products are portioned.

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