Filling device, in particular food product filling device, for a metering of a given weight and/or volume of a filling material that is to be metered, system with the device, and method

Abstract

A filling device for a metering of a given weight and/or volume of a filling material (14) that is to be metered, including a collecting container (20) which is configured for the filling material (14) that is to be metered to be collected therein, and further including a metering element which is configured, for a metering of the filling material (14), to remove a defined volume of the filling material (14) out of the collecting container (20), and including a support module (26) movably supporting the metering element (24, 28).

Claims

1. A filling device for a metering of a given weight and/or volume of a filling material (14) that is to be metered, with a collecting container (20) which is configured for the filling material (14) that is to be metered to be collected therein, with a metering element (24, 28) which is configured, for a metering of the filling material (14), to remove a defined volume of the filling material (14) out of the collecting container (20), and with a support module (26) movably supporting the metering element (24, 28), wherein the support module (26) forms a rotation axis (36) and is configured to rotate the metering element (24, 28) around the rotation axis (36) for the purpose of removing the defined volume of the filling material (14) out of the collecting container (20), and wherein the support module (26) comprises at least one linear bearing (46), by which the metering element (24, 28) is adjustable between a removal position and a transfer position.

2. The filling device according to claim 1, wherein for a removal of the defined volume of the filling material out of the collecting container, the metering element (24, 28) is configured to be moved through a receiving volume (22) of the collecting container (20) by the support module (26).

3. The filling device according to claim 1, wherein the support module (26) is configured to rotate the metering element around the rotation axis (36) for a transfer of the removed filling material (14) to a receptacle (12) that is to be filled.

4. The filling device according to claim 1, further comprising a wipe-off element (54), which is configured, prior to a transfer of the filling material (14), to reduce the filling material (14) located in the metering element (24, 28) to the given volume.

5. The filling device according to claim 4, wherein the support module (26) is configured, in an adjustment from the removal position to the transfer position, to guide the metering element (24, 28) past the wipe-off element (54) in order to wipe off and/or densify the filling material (14) that is located in the metering element (24, 28).

6. The filling device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one transfer element (60), via which, in a transfer position of the metering element (24, 28), the filling material (14) that is to be metered can be conveyed from the metering element (24, 28) directly to a receptacle (12) that is to be filled.

7. The filling device according to claim 1, wherein the collecting container (20) is implemented as a tub, whose inner contour has an even curvature at least in a subregion.

8. The filling device according to claim 1, further comprising an outflow device (56), which is configured to transport away a liquid out of the collecting container (20), wherein an outlet opening (58) is arranged below a minimum ladling level of the metering element (24, 28).

9. The filling device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one further metering element (28), which is supported movably parallel to the one metering element (24) via the support module (26) and is configured, for a metering of the filling material (14), to remove a defined volume of the filling material (14) out of the collecting container (20).

10. The filling device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one liquid-metering module (72) which is configured, after a filling of a receptacle (12) that is to be filled with a filling material (14) by the metering element (24, 28), to fill the receptacle (12) with a liquid until a desired total filling volume and/or total filling weight has been reached.

11. A system with at least one filling device according to claim 1 for a filling of receptacles (12) that are to be filled with a given weight and/or volume of a filling material that is to be metered.

12. A method for a metering of a filling material by a filling device according to claim 1, wherein the support module (26) rotates the metering element (24, 28) around the rotation axis (36) for removing the defined volume of the filling material (14) out of the collecting container (20), and wherein the metering element (24, 28) is adjusted between the removal position and the transfer position by the linear bearing (46) of the support module (26).

13. The filling device according to claim 1, wherein the metering element is implemented as a metering ladle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. In the drawings an exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. Someone skilled in the art will purposefully also consider the features separately and will find further expedient combinations.

(2) It is shown in:

(3) FIG. 1. a schematic view of a system with a filling device,

(4) FIG. 2 a further view of the filling device with a conveying device,

(5) FIG. 3 a side view through the filling device with the conveying device and a liquid-metering module,

(6) FIG. 4 a detailed side view of a filling module of the filling device, with a metering element in a removal position,

(7) FIG. 5 a further detailed side view with the metering element during removal of filling material out of a collecting container,

(8) FIG. 6 a further detailed side view with the metering element after removal of the filling material,

(9) FIG. 7 a further detailed side view with the metering element after a linear traversing into a transfer position, and

(10) FIG. 8 a further detailed side view with the metering element after a rotation into a transfer position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) FIGS. 1 to 8 show a system according to the invention with a filling device 10. The system with the filling device 10 is configured for filling receptacles 12, 12′ which are to be filled with a given weight and/or volume of a filling material 14 that is to be metered. The filling device 10 is implemented as a food product filling device. The filling device 10 is configured for a metered filling of a filling material 14 that is embodied as a food product. The filling device 10 is configured for a metering of a given weight and/or volume of the filling material 14 that is to be metered. The filling material 14 may for example be pieces of fruit. Preferably the filling material 14 is implemented by pieces of fruit which may have a moisture content. Principally it is also conceivable that the filling material 14 is implemented as a powder or as a different piece-wise bulk material. The system comprises a filling material feed. The filling material feed is here exemplarily realized as a conveyor belt. Principally it is also conceivable for the filling material feed to be realized in another way that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art.

(12) The filling device 10 comprises two filling modules 16, 18. The two filling modules 16, 18 are implemented substantially identically, and therefore only the first filling module 16 will be described in detail in the following. For an explanation of the second filling module 18 the description of the first filling module 16 may be referred to. The two filling modules 16, 18 are connected in series one after the other one.

(13) The filling module 16 of the filling device 10 comprises a collecting container 20. The collecting container 20 is embodied as a collecting tub. The collecting container 20 is embodied as a longish tub. The collecting container 20 comprises an inner contour having an even curvature. The collecting container 20 comprises a semi-circle-shaped inner contour. The collecting container 20 forms a receiving volume 22. The inner contour of the collecting container 20 delimits the receiving volume 22. The collecting container 20 is configured for the filling material 14 that is to be metered to be collected therein. The collecting container 20 is mounted via a mounting unit that is not shown in detail. The mounting unit could, for example, be realized as a frame standing on feet.

(14) The filling module 16 of the filling device 10 comprises a metering element 24. The metering element 24 is configured, for the purpose of metering the filling material 14, to remove a defined volume of the filling material 14 out of the collecting container 20. The filling device 10 comprises a support module 26, which is configured for a support of the metering element 24. The metering element 24 is movably supported via the support module 26. The metering element 24 is supported via the support module 26 in such a way that it is movable relative to the collecting container 20. The filling module 16 of the filling device 10 comprises further metering elements 28. The metering elements 28 are arranged parallel to the metering element 24. The further metering elements 28 are also movably supported by the support module 26. For a metering of the filling material 14, the further metering elements 28 are configured to remove a defined volume of the filling material 14 out of the collecting container 20. By means of the further metering elements 28 and the metering element 24, respective simultaneous removal of a defined volume of the filling material 14 out of the collecting container 20 is enabled. In the implementation shown the first filling module 16 of the filling device 10 comprises ten metering elements 24, 28, which are movably supported by the support module 26 and are configured for a removal of a defined volume of the filling material 14 out of the collecting container 20. Principally it would also be conceivable that the first filling module 16 has a different number of metering elements 24, 28, for example four or twenty. The metering elements 24, 28 are implemented identically. Hence only the one metering element 24 will be described in detail in the following. For an explanation of all other metering elements 28 the following description of the one metering element 24 may be referred to.

(15) The metering element 24 is realized as a metering ladle. The metering element 24 realized as a metering ladle has on a first end a convex metering region 30. The convex metering region 30 spans a metering volume 32. The convex metering region 30 has a cylinder-shaped inner contour. Principally it is also conceivable that the metering region 30 is realized as a hemisphere-shaped inner contour or that the inner contour has a different shape that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art. The metering volume 32 spanned by the convex metering region 30 of the metering element 24 corresponds to the volume to be metered of the filling material 14. The metering element 24 comprises a connecting bar 34. The metering region 30 is connected to a first end of the connecting bar 34. The metering region 30 may be implemented integrally with the connecting bar 34. Principally it is also conceivable that the metering region 30 is introduced in an element that is realized separately from the connecting bar 34 and is in a mounted state connected with the connecting bar 34. In this way differently-sized metering regions 30 could be connected with the connecting bar 34 in a particularly simple manner, and metering elements 24 having differently sized volumes could be provided easily for the metering of the filling material 14. On a second end the connecting bar 34 of the metering element 24 is connected with the support module 26. The metering element 24 is configured for a removal of a defined volume of the filling material 14 out of the collecting container 20. For a metered removal of the filling material 14 out of the collecting container 20, the metering element 24 is moved at least with its metering volume 32 through the receiving volume 22 of the collecting container 20.

(16) The support module 26 forms a rotation axis 36. The support module 26 comprises a bearing shaft 38 that forms the rotation axis 36. The bearing shaft 38 is configured for a connection of the metering element 24, 28. The bearing shaft 38 extends in a transverse direction relative to the collecting container. The bearing shaft 38 extends in a mounted state parallel to a transverse axis of the collecting container 20. The bearing shaft 38 is supported rotatably around its middle axis, which is equivalent to the rotation axis 36. The support module comprises two bearing blocks 40, 42, which the bearing shaft 38 is supported on such that it is rotatable. The bearing blocks 40, 42 are respectively arranged on opposite-facing long sides of the collecting container 20. The bearing blocks 40, 42 each comprise a bearing receptacle, in which the bearing shaft 38 is rotatably supported. The two bearing blocks 40, 42 are arranged coaxially with each other with their bearing receptacles. The support module 26 comprises a first drive unit 44. The first drive unit 44 is embodied as an electromotor. Principally it would also be conceivable that the first drive unit 44 is embodied as a different drive unit, for example as a pneumatic or hydraulic motor. The drive unit 44 is configured for driving the bearing shaft 38. The drive unit 44 is consequently configured for moving the metering element 24. The first drive unit 44 is connected to the one bearing block 40.

(17) The support module 26 comprises two linear bearings 46. The linear bearings 46 are configured to support respectively one bearing block 40, 42 relative to the collecting container 20. The linear bearings 46 each form a bearing axis, along which the bearing blocks 40, 42 are linearly displaceable. The bearing axes of the two linear bearings 46 run parallel to each other.

(18) The linear bearings 46 each comprise a bearing rail 48. The bearing rail 48 is attached on an outer side of a side wall of the collecting container 20. Principally it is also conceivable that the support module 26 has its own frame, which the bearing rails 48 of the linear bearings 46 are arranged on in a positionally fixed manner, each next to the side wall of the collecting container 20. The linear bearings 46 each comprise a guiding element 50. The guiding elements 50 are respectively connected with the corresponding bearing rail 48 of the linear bearing 46 in a form-fit fashion. The guiding elements 50 are respectively coupled with the bearing rail 48 such that they are axially displaceable. The guiding elements 50 are axially displaceable relative to the bearing rails 48 along the bearing axis. Each of the guiding elements 50 is fixedly connected with a respective one of the bearing blocks 40, 42. Principally it is also conceivable that the guiding elements 50 are implemented integrally with the respective bearing block 40, 42. The support module 26 comprises a second drive unit 52, which is configured for an axial displacement of the guiding element 50 in the bearing rail 48. The second drive unit 52 is embodied as an electromotor. The support module 26 comprises a transmission unit (not shown in detail), which is configured to translate a rotational movement of the second drive unit 52 into an axial movement of the guiding element 50 relative to the bearing rail 48. The transmission unit could, for example, comprise a gear wheel that is connected with the guiding element 50, is rotationally drivable by means of the drive unit 52 and engages into a toothed rod which is coupled with the bearing rail 48.

(19) The metering element 24 is connected to the bearing shaft 38. The metering element 24 is fixedly connected to the bearing shaft 38 with a second end that is situated opposite the metering region 30. Preferably the metering element 24 is connected to the bearing shaft 38 by a screw connection. Principally it is also conceivable that the metering element 24 is fixedly connected to the bearing shaft 38 by a form-fit connection and/or via substance-to-substance bond, for example by a welding or gluing connection. By means of the support module 26 the metering element 24 is axially displaceable along the bearing axis of the linear bearings 46 and supported rotatably around the rotation axis 36 of the bearing shaft 38 relative to the collecting container 20. All metering elements 24, 28 are connected to the bearing shaft 38. By means of the support module 26, all metering elements 24, 28 of the filling module 16 of the filling device are axially displaceable along the bearing axis of the linear bearings 46 and supported rotatably around the rotation axis 36 of the bearing shaft 38 relative to the collecting container 20. All metering elements 24, 28 of the filling module 16 of the filling device 10 are axially displaceable and rotatable simultaneously and in identical manners by the support module 26.

(20) The filling module 16 of the filling device 10 comprises a wipe-off element 54. The wipe-off element 54 is configured, prior to a transfer of the filling material 14, to reduce the filling material 14 located in the metering element 24 to the given volume. The wipe-off element 54 is configured to wipe off filling material 14 protruding beyond the metering volume 32 of the metering element 24. The wipe-off element 54 is further configured to densify the filling material 14 that is located in the metering volume 32 of the metering element 24. By wiping off excess filling material 14 protruding from the metering volume 32, the filling material 14 taken in by the metering element 24 can be reduced to always respectively the same volume by means of the wipe-off element 54. By densifying the filling material 14 located in the metering region 30 of the metering element 24, an even filling of the metering region 30 with the filling material 14 is achievable. For wiping off and densifying the metering element 24 is guided along past the wipe-off element 54. Principally a movement of the wipe-off element 54 is also conceivable such that the wipe-off element 54 is traversed along the metering element 24. When the metering element 24 is traversed past the wipe-off element 54, preferably the filling material 14 located in the metering region 30 is preferably densified in the metering volume 32 and at the same time filling material 14 which cannot be pressed into the metering volume 32, and therefore protrudes beyond the metering volume 32, is wiped off. The wiped-off filling material 14 drops back into the collecting container 20. While the metering element 24 is guided past, the wipe-off element 54 preferably lies on an upper edge of the metering region 30. Principally it is also conceivable that a small gap remains between the metering element 24 and the wipe-off element 54. The wipe-off element 54 is embodied as a rod. The wipe-off element 54 that is embodied as a rod extends over an entire width of the collecting container 20. The wipe-off element 54 that is embodied as a rod extends over all the metering elements 24, 28 and is configured to wipe all the metering elements 24, 28. The wipe-off element 54 has a circular cross section. Principally it is also conceivable for the wipe-off element 54 to have a different cross section, for example a cross section having a flattened or tapering region on a side facing towards the metering element 24, 28. The wipe-off element 54 is preferably implemented of a stiff material. Principally it is preferably conceivable that the wipe-off element 54 has an elastic lip on the side facing towards the metering elements 24, 28, which densifies and wipes off the filling material 14.

(21) The filling module 16 of the filling device 10 comprises one transfer element 60 per each metering element 24, 28. The transfer element 60 is configured to convey the filling material 14 that is to be metered from the corresponding metering element 24, 28 directly to the receptacle 12 that is to be filled. The transfer element 60 is realized as a transfer tube. The transfer element 60 realized as a transfer tube is arranged on a first axial end of the collecting container 20. The transfer element 60 is arranged in a transfer region of the corresponding metering element 24, 28. The transfer element 60 is preferably fixated to the collecting container 20. Principally it is also conceivable that the transfer elements 60 have their own frame, via which they are firmly fixated in the transfer region. The transfer element 60 realized as a transfer tube is oriented vertically. An upper end of the transfer element 60, which forms a filling material entry, is realized on a level with the upper edge of the collecting container 20. A lower end of the transfer element 60 is arranged below a lower end of the collecting container 20. The lower end of the transfer element 60 forms a filling material exit, out of which the filling material 14 can drop directly into a receptacle 12 that is to be filled. During filling the receptacle 12 that is to be filled preferably adjoins the filling material exit, allowing the metered filling material 14 to drop into the receptacle 12 completely.

(22) The first filling module 16 of the filling device 10 comprises an outflow device 56. The outflow device 56 is configured such that a liquid collecting in the collecting container 20 can flow out of the collecting container 20. The outflow device 56 is configured such that a liquid collecting in the receiving volume 22 of the collecting container 20 can be transported away. The liquid may, for example, be a liquid leaked from the filling material 14 or a liquid which is part of the filling material 14 that is to be filled. The outflow device 56 is configured to convey away a liquid below the minimum ladling level of the metering elements 24, 28. The outflow device 56 comprises an outlet opening 58. The outlet opening 58 is introduced in a side wall of the collecting container 20 at a lower lateral edge of the collecting container 20. The outlet opening 58 is arranged below the minimum ladling level of the metering elements 24, 28. By putting the outlet opening 58 into a side wall of the connecting container 20, a clogging of the outlet opening 58 by filling material 14 is advantageously avoidable. Preferably the outflow device 56 comprises a drain permitting the liquid to flow out of the collecting container 20 via the outlet opening 58. The drain may be realized as a downpipe, in which the liquid may flow off purely due to gravitation. Principally it is also conceivable that the outflow device 56 comprises a suction device via which the liquid may be sucked out of the receiving volume 22 of the collecting container 20 actively.

(23) Via the linear bearings 46 of the support module 26, the metering element 24, 28 is axially displaceable between a removal position and a transfer position. In a removal position, which is shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the metering element 24, 28 is oriented by means of the support module 26 such that it is pivotable with its metering region 30 through the receiving volume 22 of the collecting container 20 by a rotation around the rotation axis 36 of the bearing shaft 38. FIG. 4 shows the metering element 24, 28 in its removal position. In the removal position the metering element 24, 28 is placed such that it is pivotable through the receiving region 22 of the collecting container 20 by a 180-degree rotation around the rotation axis 36. In the removal position the metering element 24, 28 is not filled. The metering element 24, 28 is in its metering position oriented with an opening of its metering region 30 towards the receiving volume 22 of the collecting container 20.

(24) For a removal of a metered volume of filling material 14 out of the collecting container 20, the metering element 24, 28 is pivoted through the receiving volume 22 of the collecting container 20 by a 180-degree rotation of the bearing shaft 38. The 180-degree rotation of the metering element 24, 28 is driven by an operation of the first drive unit 44. By the 180-degree rotation the metering element 24, 28 is moved out of its removal position, with its metering volume in a fore position, through the receiving volume 22 of the collecting container 20 and thus through the entire filling material 14 that is collected therein. In its metering region 30 the metering element 24, 28 takes in a corresponding volume of filling material 14. FIG. 5 shows exemplarily a position of the metering element 24, 28 during a pivoting around the rotation axis 36. After the 180-degree rotation, the metering element 24, 28 is arranged in its filling position. In the filling position the metering region 30 of the metering element 24, 28 is filled with filling material 14. The filling material 14 herein preferably protrudes beyond the metering volume 32 of the metering region 30. The metering element 24 is over-filled. In the filling position the metering element 24, 28 faces with the opening of its metering region 30 away from the collecting container 20.

(25) If the metering element 24, 28 is arranged in its filling position, the metering element 24, 28 is linearly displaced from the removal position into a transfer position by means of the linear bearings 46 of the support module 26. The metering element 24, 28 is herein traversed past the wipe-off element 54. The wipe-off element 54 herein densifies the filling material 14 that is located in the metering region 30 of the metering element 24, 28 and wipes off filling material 14 that protrudes beyond the metering volume 32. The wiped-off filling material 14 drops back into the collecting container 20. Between the illustrations of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the metering element 24, 28 is traversed past the wipe-off element 54.

(26) When the metering element 24, 28 has been wiped and is in its transfer position (FIG. 7), the metering element 24, 28 is pivoted into the transfer region, above the transfer element 60, by a 180-degree rotation of the bearing shaft 38. By the 180-degree pivoting of the metering element 24, 28, the metering element 24, 28 is pivoted into its transfer position, which is shown in FIG. 8. In the transfer position the metering element 24, 28 is arranged with the opening of its metering region 30 directly above the transfer element 60. The metered filling material 14 located in the metering region 30 drops through the transfer element 60 into the receptacle 12 that is to be filled and is arranged below the transfer element 60. The 180-degree rotation of the metering element 24, 28 is driven by an operation of the first drive unit 44. After transfer of the filling material 14 from the metering element 24, 28 into the receptacle 12 that is to be filled via the transfer element 60, the metering element 24, 28 is empty and is brought back into its removal position for a following removal of filling material 14. For this purpose the metering element 24, 28 is displaced axially from the transfer position into the removal position by means of the linear bearings 46 of the support module 26.

(27) The system comprises a conveying device 62. The conveying device 62 is configured for a transport of the receptacles 12 that are to be filled. The conveying device 62 The conveying device 62 comprises a conveyor belt 64. The conveyor belt 64 is configured to transport the receptacles 12 that are to be filled in a transport direction 74. The conveyor belt 64 is implemented having a width that allows a side-by-side arrangement of the receptacles 12 which are to be filled simultaneously.

(28) The second filling module 18 is implemented identically to the first filling module 16. The second filling module 18 is preferably implemented mirror-symmetrically to the first filling module 16. The second filling module 18 also comprises a collecting container 20′ as well as metering elements 24′, 28′, which are movably supported via a support module 26′, and transfer elements 60′. The second filling module 18 will therefore not be described in detail. The filling device 10 comprises a filling material feed 66. The filling material feed 66 is configured for a feeding of the filling material 14 into the collecting containers 20, 20′ of the filling device 10. The filling material feed 66 is arranged between the filling modules 16, 18. The filling material feed 66 comprises two chutes 68, 68′, via which the filling material 14 can slide into the collecting containers 20, 20′. The system comprises a conveyor belt 70, via which the filling material 14 of the filling material feed 66 is fed to the filling device 10.

(29) The first filling module 16 of the filling device 10 comprises one lifting module 76 per each receptacle 12 that is to be filled. The lifting modules 76 are respectively configured to lift the corresponding receptacle 12 that is to be filled, for a filling with the filling material 14, from the conveyor belt 64 of the conveying device 62. The lifting modules 76 are in particular configured, for a filling with the filling material 14, to lift the receptacles 12 that are to be filled to the filling material exit of the respective transfer element 60. The lifting modules 76 each comprise a weight measuring module 78, which is configured to measure the weight of the receptacle 12 that is filled with the filling material 14. The weight measuring module 78 comprises, for example, a weighing cell, by means of which the weight of the filled receptacle 12 can be measured. By this arrangement of the weight measuring module 78 the weighing cells are advantageously arrangeable in a dry region of the filling device 10 for a measuring of the weight of the receptacles 12.

(30) The filling device 10 comprises a control and regulation unit 80. The control and regulation unit 80 is configured for a controlling of the filling device 10. The control and regulation unit 80 actuates the respective drive units 44, 52 of the support module 26 to move the metering elements 24, 28 according to a method as described herein. The control and regulation unit 80 is also configured to control the lifting modules 76. The control and regulation unit 80 is furthermore configured to control the weight measuring modules 78 of the lifting modules 76 and to store measured weights of the receptacles 12 which are filled with the filling material 14.

(31) The filling device 10 comprises a liquid-metering module 72. Viewed in the transport direction 74 of the conveying device 62, the liquid-metering module 72 is arranged downstream of the filling modules 16, 18 of the filling device 10. The liquid-metering module 72 comprises per each receptacle 12 that is to be filled a spray nozzle, via which the liquid can be discharged into the receptacle 12. The liquid-metering module 72 is configured to fill the receptacles 12 that are to be filled, depending on the weight measured by the weight measuring modules 78, with an adapted quantity of liquid in order to precisely obtain a required total weight of the receptacle 12 from the filling material 14 and the liquid. The control and regulation unit 80 is configured for a controlling of the liquid-metering module 72. On the basis of the filling weight measured by the corresponding weight measuring module 78, the control and regulation unit 80 calculates for each receptacle 12 that is to be filled a required quantity of liquid which is necessary to obtain a desired total filling weight of the filling material 14 located in the receptacle 12. The control and regulation unit 80 actuates the liquid-metering module 72 in such a way that each receptacle 12 is filled with the required quantity of liquid.