Lifting Mechanism for Filling Apparatus Format Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chainless filling devices for food products have complex mechanical constructions, particularly in their hoisting mechanisms, which complicate format changes and hinder the easy removal or integration of support elements for different container sizes and types.
Innovation Solution
A device with a vertically movable lifting mechanism for transferring support elements between main runs, featuring a hoist with runner sections integrated into the runner planes, eliminating the need for separate holding elements and allowing for easy format changes by keeping the movement paths of support elements freely accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex hoisting mechanism with rotating shafts and separate holding elements is used, then support elements can be transferred between main runs, but the device complexity increases and format changes become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex rotating shafts and separate holding elements from the hoisting mechanism. Instead, it uses a simplified lifting device that directly transfers support elements between main runs without these intermediate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining format change capability
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified lifting device serves multiple functions: it transfers support elements between main runs, ensures axial alignment, and allows easy format changes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If separate holding elements are used to accommodate support elements in the hoist, then support elements can be securely held, but the device complexity increases and format changes are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the holding function directly into the lifting device structure. The lifting device itself accommodates and holds support elements during transfer, eliminating the need for separate holding elements. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining secure holding capability
Solution Approach 2:
Separate holding elements are completely removed from the system. The lifting device is designed to directly accommodate support elements without any intermediate holding components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliability
3Speed
If lifting gear units are positioned within the movement path of support elements, then vertical transfer can be achieved, but the removal and integration of support elements is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is positioned such that vertical transfer occurs in one dimension while support element removal and integration occur in another dimension (horizontally accessible from sides). This spatial arrangement allows both functions to occur without interference, maintaining both transfer efficiency and operational ease
Data Source
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AI summary
Described and illustrated is a device (10) for filling containers (11), in particular bottles and cups, with foodstuffs, especially thin to pasty dairy and fat products, juices, waters or the like, comprising an upper run (OT) and a lower run (UT), which are the main sections of the device (10), and side sections (ST) connecting the main sections, comprising a plurality of endlessly drive-free support elements (12) arranged one after the other, which are provided with receptacles (17) for the containers (11) and are guided through the device (10) and along the sections and along work stations, comprising guide rails (20) on which the support elements (12) rest when guided through the main sections, comprising a drive (13) which guides the support elements (12) at least along the work stations, and comprising at least one side section (ST) designed as a lifting mechanism (15).by means of which the support elements (12) change between the main sections as they pass through the device (10), the lifting mechanism (15) having a lifting device (31) that is exclusively vertically movable for transferring the support elements (12) from one main section to the other main section.