EMPTYING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EMPTYING A SILO OF A PACKAGING SYSTEM

Abstract

An emptying device for completely emptying at least one silo of at least one rotary packaging system, and rotary packaging system, including at least one silo, at least two filling stations with at least one filling spout each in connection with the silo, and such an emptying device, including a discharge pipe with a take-up opening. The longitudinal extension of the take-up opening is larger than its transverse extension. In the method for completely emptying a silo of a rotary packaging system with two filling stations with one filling spout each and such an emptying device, the packaging system is provided for rotating continuously during emptying.

Claims

1. An emptying device for completely emptying at least one silo of at least one rotary packaging system comprising: at least two filling stations with at least one filling spout each; comprising at least one discharge pipe with at least one take-up opening; wherein the longitudinal extension of the take-up opening is larger than its transverse extension.

2. The emptying device according to claim 1, wherein the take-up opening is adapted to the circumference of the packaging machine.

3. The emptying device according to claim 1, wherein the take-up opening comprises at least one effective angle.

4. The emptying device according to claim 1, wherein in the transverse extension, the take-up opening shows a substantially U-shaped and/or V-shaped cross section.

5. The emptying device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge pipe is provided pivotable at least in sections.

6. The emptying device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge pipe is provided traversable at least in sections.

7. The emptying device according to claim 1, wherein the take-up opening is provided with at least one protective device.

8. The emptying device according to claim 1, wherein at least one dedusting device is assigned to the take-up opening.

9. The emptying device according to claim 1, wherein the emptying device is configured mobile.

10. A rotary packaging system comprising at least one silo, at least two filling stations with at least one filling spout each in connection with the silo, and at least one emptying device according to claim 1.

11. A method for completely emptying a silo of a rotary packaging system with at least two filling stations with at least one filling spout each and at least one emptying device according to claim 1; wherein the packaging system rotates continuously during emptying.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the packaging system rotates at a reduced peripheral speed compared to a filling operation.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the discharge pipe is traversed and/or pivoted when changing filling spouts.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least one conveyor element of the packaging system, in particular at least one filling turbine, conveys the residual product out of the rotating silo and into the take-up opening through the filling spout when passing it.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the packaging machine keeps rotating until the silo is completely emptied by way of emptying at intervals through the filling spouts.

Description

[0042] The figures show in: [0043] FIG. 1 a schematic illustration of a packaging system according to the invention with an emptying device according to the invention in a perspective plan view; [0044] FIG. 2 a schematic illustration of a packaging system according to the invention with an emptying device according to the invention in a side view with the discharge pipe flipped up; [0045] FIG. 3 a schematic illustration of a packaging system according to the invention with an emptying device according to the invention in a side view with the discharge pipe in functional connection with a filling spout; [0046] FIG. 4 a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an emptying device according to the invention in a perspective view; [0047] FIG. 5 a schematic illustration of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4 in a side view; [0048] FIG. 6 a schematic illustration of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4 in a plan view; [0049] FIG. 7 a schematic illustration of another exemplary embodiment of an emptying device according to the invention in a perspective rear view; [0050] FIG. 8 a schematic illustration of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7 in a perspective front view; [0051] FIG. 9 a schematic illustration of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7 in a side view; [0052] FIG. 10 a schematic illustration of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7 in another side view; [0053] FIG. 11 a schematic illustration of another exemplary embodiment of a packaging system according to the invention in a side view with the emptying device in the rest position; [0054] FIG. 12 a schematic illustration of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 11 with the emptying device in an intermediate position; and [0055] FIG. 13 a schematic illustration of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 11 with the emptying device in the emptying position.

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a packaging system 100 according to the invention with an emptying device 1 according to the invention in a schematic, perspective plan view.

[0057] The packaging system 100 according to the invention is configured as a rotary packaging system 100 and comprises multiple filling stations 102 disposed distributed over the circumference of the packaging system 100. FIG. 1 shows one filling station 102 only. Each of these filling stations 102 comprises a filling spout 103 where a bag intended for filling is filled while the packaging system 100 is rotating.

[0058] In the center of the packaging system 100, a silo 101, not shown in FIG. 1, is provided, which supplies, via dedicated supply lines, product intended for filling from the silo 101 to each of the filling stations 102 respectively the filling spouts 103.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of the filling stations 102 respectively each filling spout 103 is provided with a conveyor element 104, presently a filling turbine 104, by means of which product can be filled into a bag 200 intended for filling.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment shown, a housing structure 105 is provided over the circumference around the packaging system 100, wherein in the housing structure 105 a clearing device 106 is provided through which the emptying device 1 respectively the discharge pipe 2 with the take-up opening 3 of the emptying device 1 can establish a functional connection with the filling spouts 103 of the filling stations 2 rotating past.

[0061] FIG. 2 schematically shows a packaging system 100 according to the invention respectively rotary packaging system 100 with an emptying device 1 according to the invention, wherein the discharge pipe 2 is moved respectively pivoted back. Thus, the discharge pipe is in the rest position 15. Then the packaging system 100 can rotate unimpeded in the normal filling operation for filling bulk material respectively product into bags 200.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment shown, a silo 101 is provided comprising outlet cones 108 matched to the quantity of the filling stations, through which the product respectively the bulk material is supplied to the individual filling stations 2 respectively filling spouts 103.

[0063] For completely emptying, the discharge pipe 2 in the exemplary embodiment shown can be pivoted forwardly and moreover, traversed forwardly, such that the discharge pipe comes to be in the emptying position 16, in which the filling spout passes through the elongated take-up opening 3. Then, during the rotation of the packaging system 100, product can be blown respectively conveyed through the filling spout 103 out of the silo 101 into the take-up opening 3. To this end, the rotation speed can be adapted and in particular reduced as compared to the filling operation, depending on the configuration.

[0064] Depending on the configuration, the emptying device 1 according to the invention comprises at least one conveyor element, not shown in detail, wherein the product respectively bulk material conveyed into the take-up opening 3, can be conveyed off by means of this conveyor element in a suitable way. Depending on the configuration, however, the product may proceed solely on the basis of gravity e.g. into a collecting container provided.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a packaging system 100 according to the invention with an emptying device 1 according to the invention, wherein the take-up opening 3 of the discharge pipe 2 of the emptying device 1 is mounted in functional connection with a filling spout 103 of an empty filling station 102 of the packaging system 100 according to the invention, to perform complete emptying respectively high-speed emptying of the packaging system 100.

[0066] To this end, the product is not filled into bags 200 out of the silo 101, as shown in FIG. 2, but supplied to the emptying device 1 through the filling spouts 103. To this end, product is blown out of each of the filling spouts 103 into the take-up opening 3, as the pertaining filling spout 103 is brought into a functional connection with the take-up opening 3. Then the product is conveyed further in a suitable way through the discharge pipe 102.

[0067] FIG. 4 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of an emptying device 1 according to the invention, in a perspective front view.

[0068] Again one can see that the emptying device 1 comprises a discharge pipe 2 with a take-up opening 3. The take-up opening 3 according to the invention is configured such that the longitudinal extension 4 is larger than the transverse extension 5.

[0069] The elongated configuration of the take-up opening 3 provides a take-up opening 3 according to the invention which is not, as in the prior art, adapted, respectively docked, to the contour of the filling spout 103, but is provided such that during rotation of the packaging system 100 the filling spout 103 can pass through the take-up opening 3 for an extended time period.

[0070] To this end, the cross section 9 of the take-up opening 3 is configured substantially U-shaped respectively V-shaped respectively in a suitable profile. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the appropriate configuration of the wall 10 of the discharge pipe 2 in the region of the take-up opening 3 achieves that, depending on the configuration, a filling spout 103 rotating past can laterally dip respectively move into the take-up opening 3.

[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of an emptying device 1 according to the invention according to FIG. 4 in a side view.

[0072] One can recognize a displacement mechanism 11 for pivoting the discharge pipe 2 and a displacement mechanism 12 for traversing the discharge pipe 2. One can further recognize the V-shaped respectively U-shaped cross section 9 of the take-up opening 3.

[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of an emptying device 1 according to the invention according to the FIGS. 4 and 5 in a plan view.

[0074] One can recognize that the take-up opening 3 is matched to the circumference of the packaging system 100, to which end it is configured substantially slightly bent respectively arcuate.

[0075] Moreover one can recognize that the take-up opening is provided with an effective angle 6, which defines a distance that a filling spout 103 travels through, respectively along, the take-up opening 3 during the rotation. The effective angle 6 is viewed from the center of rotation 107 of the packaging system 100.

[0076] Such a configuration of the take-up opening 3 particularly allows to achieve that when passing through the elongated take-up opening 3, a filling spout 103 is in functional connection with the take-up opening 3 respectively the emptying device 1 as long as possible. Thus, during the rotation, in particular during a continuous rotation of the packaging system 100, completely emptying respectively high-speed emptying of the silo 101 can be enabled. A start-stop operation as in conventional systems is not necessary since the suitably configured take-up opening 3 allows continuous operation respectively rotation of the packaging system 100.

[0077] The FIGS. 4 to 6 moreover illustrate that a protective device 7 is assigned to the take-up opening 3. The protective device 7 shown comprises, in the bottom face of the take-up opening 3, an edge 17 on which any bulk material respectively product trickling down is caught. Such caught product can then be sucked off through, or slide into, the discharge pipe 2, or be sucked off by means of the dedusting device 8.

[0078] The FIGS. 7 to 10 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an emptying device 1 according to the invention for a packaging system 100 according to the invention in a variety of perspective and side views.

[0079] Unlike the exemplary embodiment shown above, the take-up opening 3 is provided with a dedusting device 8, which during completely emptying respectively high-speed emptying sucks off any dust generated, so as to achieve a particularly clean complete emptying.

[0080] To this end, the dedusting device 8 in the exemplary embodiment shown, comprises two suction funnels 13 disposed in the top region of the take-up opening 3. The two suction funnels 13 respectively dust removal funnels 13 converge in a dust removal line 14 which allows to convey the sucked-off dust further.

[0081] Depending on the configuration, the suction funnels 13 respectively dust removal funnels may be provided on the bottom and/or sides of the take-up opening 3.

[0082] The FIGS. 11 to 13 schematically illustrate the sequence of motions of the suction duct 2 of an emptying device 1 according to the invention of a packaging system 100 according to the invention, as completely emptying starts. The basic structure of the emptying device 1 substantially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment described above.

[0083] FIG. 11 shows the discharge pipe 2 of the emptying device 1 in the rest position 15. The discharge pipe 2 of the emptying device 1 is in this position while the packaging system 100 runs in the normal filling operation.

[0084] If the silo 101 of the packaging system 100 is to be completely emptied, the suction duct 2 as shown in FIG. 12 in the exemplary embodiment shown is first pivoted forwardly by means of the displacement mechanism 11. In this intermediate position 18, the take-up opening 3 in the exemplary embodiment shown is located on the level of the filling spout 103, but still spaced apart some distance.

[0085] Due to the components provided on and around the filling spout 103, such as an ultrasound welding station, suction ducts, etc., the take-up opening 3 in the exemplary embodiment shown cannot be brought sufficiently near to the filling spouts 103 by way of pivoting alone.

[0086] Therefore, the discharge pipe 2 respectively the take-up opening 3, as shown in FIG. 13 in the exemplary embodiment shown, is then traversed forwardly to the emptying position 16 by means of the displacement mechanism 12, after pivoting.

[0087] In this position, during rotation of the packaging system 100, the filling spouts 103 pass through the take-up opening 3, conveying the product out of the silo 101 into the emptying device 1.

[0088] Then the filling spouts 103 dip into the opening 3 far enough so that any product trickling down is caught by the protective device 7 respectively the edge 17.

[0089] Due to the U-shaped respectively V-shaped or the like configuration of the cross section 9 of the take-up opening 3, the discharge pipe 2 respectively the take-up opening 3 in the exemplary embodiment shown does not require traversing when changing filling spouts. Each of the filling spouts 103 can move into, respectively through, the take-up opening 3.

[0090] Depending on the configuration, traversing of the discharge pipe 2 from the emptying position 16 to the intermediate position 18 or even the rest position 15 may be provided in changing filling spouts.

[0091] Comparing the FIGS. 11 and 13, one can also see that in the exemplary embodiment shown, the discharge pipe 2 is connected with a line 19 in terms of flow dynamics, in the emptying position 16. The product can be suitably conveyed further through this line 19.

[0092] The line 19 is presently configured stationary and the discharge pipe 2, configured separately, is separated from the line 19 in displacing from the emptying position to the intermediate position 18 or the rest position 15. Then, there is no more connection in terms of flow dynamics.

[0093] Depending on the configuration, the line 19 may be connected with the discharge pipe 2 in another way and/or be provided integrally.

[0094] Then, for example a flexible connection and/or use of a flexible tube or hose is advantageous to ensure displacing of the discharge pipe 2.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0095] 1 emptying device [0096] 2 discharge pipe [0097] 3 take-up opening [0098] 4 longitudinal extension [0099] 5 transverse extension [0100] 6 effective angle [0101] 7 protective device [0102] 8 dedusting device [0103] 9 cross section [0104] 10 wall [0105] 11 displacement mechanism [0106] 12 displacement mechanism [0107] 13 suction funnels [0108] 14 dust removal line [0109] 15 rest position [0110] 16 emptying position [0111] 17 edge [0112] 18 intermediate position [0113] 19 line [0114] 100 packaging system [0115] 101 silo [0116] 102 filling station [0117] 103 filling spout [0118] 104 filling turbine [0119] 105 housing structure [0120] 106 clearing device [0121] 107 center of rotation [0122] 108 discharge cone [0123] 200 bag