BR112014012752B1 - filling device for packing refined grains and bulk powdered goods and packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

FILLING DEVICE FOR A PACKING MACHINE AND PACKING MACHINE Filling device for a packaging machine and packaging machine having a filling device comprising a filling channel and a controllable channel shutter to control passage through the filling channel. Bulk material must be filled in a valve bag. The channel plug comprises a pivoting closing head disposed within the filling channel, the pivot axis of which is oriented transverse to the filling channel so that in the closed position the channel plug completely closes the filling channel and in the fully open fully clears the fill cross section.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling device for a packaging machine and a packaging machine equipped with at least one filling device for filling bulk goods in valve bags. The filling device according to the invention can be used to pack any type of goods in bulk. This type of filling device and packaging machine equipped therein is particularly preferred for packaging refined grain products, that is, for packaging fine, powdery materials such as cement.

[0002] In the state of the art a wide variety of filling devices has been disclosed which comprises a filling channel and comprises at least one controllable channel plug to control the passage through the bulk material filling channel must be filled in one valve bag. Known filling devices tend to provide two or three different channel filling positions for different degrees of channel spacing. With the channel shutter wide open and the fill channel cross section largely cleared, high speed flow is enabled where high fill weights per unit time are bagged.

[0003] In order to precisely control the filled quantity or the filled volume, the filling rate is reduced near the end of the filling and filling process then continues at low flow speed. For this purpose, the controllable channel plug significantly reduces the cross section of the filling channel. As the fill capacity or the target fill volume has been reached, the channel shutter is completely closed so that filling stops.

[0004] GB 416.215 a packaging machine was disclosed, having, in the filling channel, a valve which is pivotally accommodated on a valve axis extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the filling channel. The valve comprises a rounded closing plate which is pivotable through the valve shaft provided centralized thereon. The pivotable valve shaft extends centrally through the filling channel. In the vertical position, the closing plate closes the circular filling channel. A 90 ° pivot for a horizontal position causes the filling channel to be largely cleared. In the open condition, both the pivot shaft and the closing plate are positioned in the center of the product flow. When packing goods in bulk the contact rubs with the product to be bagged, therefore, causes continuous, heavy wear on the pivot shaft and the closing plate. Frequent maintenance and replacement of the pivot shaft and the closing plate are therefore required on a regular basis. Increased wall thickness can increase service life, while reducing the flow rate. The closing plate forms an obstacle in the flow of passage, considerably increasing the flow and friction resistance of the bulk material.

[0005] Scissor valves are therefore used for example for channel shutters where scissor-shaped claws release the entire elastic part of the filling channel, while the scissor claws close the filling channel, partially in the low speed position. flow and entirely in the closed position. This type of scissor valve operates reliably and can provide tight closure of the fill channel while allowing high flow rates. Scissor jaws experience virtually no wear, as long as they do not rub against the product to be filled. There is, however, the drawback that the channel plug must act on the elastic filling channel part in order to require a radially larger filling device. In addition, scissor movements cause wear on the elastic hose so changes are needed on a regular basis. The elastic hose extends the length of the filling channel to result in greater pipe friction.

[0006] In the case of rotary packaging machines comprising a plurality of filling devices distributed along the circumference this will result in a larger diameter of the packaging machine and, therefore, a larger total size.

[0007] A slip valve achieves a small structural volume and a reduced mounting length. In this type of channel plug a pivotally supported sliding plate is accommodated between two other steel plates. The filling channel extends through three adjacent steel plates. The pivot axis of the slide central plate, which selectively brightens the filling channel, extends in parallel to the filling channel. The pivoting eccentric movement closes the filling channel, first partially and finally completely, in order to enable a defined control of the filling process.

[0008] For sealing, the three steel plates are pressed against each other influenced by a spring, in order to provide sufficient sealing to the outside. This type of channel shutter works reliably and requires little space in the direction of the fill channel. Steel plates, sliding over each other, are subject to continuous wear. The wall thickness of the sliding plate can be increased to extend the service life. In addition, each of the steel plates must be replaced at maintenance intervals which cause downtime. This also causes assembly work. Another disadvantage is that, in the course of the operation, some product escapes externally between the steel plates. Even if these are comparatively small amounts, they result in contamination of the packaging machine and its surroundings. A seal around the slide valve would clog over time and prevent movement of the slide plate.

[0009] It is, therefore, the object of the present invention to provide a filling device for a packaging machine and a packaging machine equipped with such filling device enabling high flow rates, the filling device, in particular, showing little requirement space and preferably, causing little wear.

[0010] This object is resolved by a filling device, having the characteristics according to claim 1 and by a packaging machine, having the characteristics according to claim 18. Preferred specific modalities are the themes of the sub claims. Additional advantages and features of the present invention can be taken from the general description and the description of an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] The filling device according to the invention for a packaging machine is equipped with a filling channel and comprises at least one controllable channel plug to control the passage through the bulk material filling channel to be filled in. valve bag. The channel plug comprises a pivotable closing head that is at least partially arranged within the filling channel and whose pivot axis is oriented transverse to the filling channel. The channel plug is structured in such a way that when the closed channel plug is closed it substantially closes the fill channel entirely and when it is fully open it clears the fill cross section at least in a central region.

[0012] The filling device according to the invention has many advantages. The inventive filling device shows the considerable advantage of requiring little space which is achieved, for example, by means of the closing head pivot axis oriented transverse to the filling channel. At the same time, there is little wear and tear. When fully open, the filling channel is completely cleared for passage. When fully open, the closing head does not substantially extend into the filling channel. Preferably, the filling channel is released to pass in its entirety. Preferably none of the other obstacles extends to the filling cross section of the filling channel when opened.

[0013] When fully open, the pivoting closing head is preferably pivoted entirely outside the filling channel. The proportion of the central area in the pivot axis of the closing head that can be advantageously whitened is advantageously equivalent to at least 25% of the cross sectional area of the filling channel. The proportion of the central area in the cross-sectional area of the fill channel that can be entirely cleared is preferably at least 33% and in particular at least 50% and particularly preferably at least 66% or 75% or more. A proportion that can be entirely cleared of 80%, 90% or 95% and more is preferred.

[0014] When fully open the central area of preference is entirely lightened around a central axis and / or around an axis of symmetry of the fill channel, where a diameter of the central lightened area is at least half the diameter associated with the fill channel.

[0015] In a specific preferred embodiment of the invention of the channel shutter and / or the closing head comprises at least one rounded section. At least one rounded section passes through the fill channel. This configuration is particularly advantageous since a rounded closing head section in the position where the closing head passes through the fill channel results in a particularly tight structure requires little maintenance and therefore involves little wear. Rotating movement of the closure head in relation to the filling channel wall involves much less wear than translational movement of the sliding plates through bulk material and when using commercially available seals the bulk material is even better protected from escaping. Bulk material can be prevented entirely from escaping into the environment, at least on one side by attaching a screw cap. Any product must be deposited in the space between the lid and the rounded section, this will not obstruct the pivoting movement between the rounded section and the lid.

[0016] The closing head is in particular pivotable around a pivot axis extending centered through the rounded section. This means that the rounded section of the closing head is pivoted in relation to the filling channel wall which results in a particularly wear-resistant structure. This enables to achieve high reliability and long execution times.

[0017] The channel plug is preferably adjustable by means of a lever or an eccentric member and a unit, between at least one open and closed position. It is preferred for the channel plug to be transferred from at least one closed position to at least one partially open and, finally, to a fully open position.

[0018] It is also conceivable for the channel shutter to be continuously variable between a completely closed and open position. The unit may show different configurations and may for example comprise an electric motor or the unit may be, or comprise, a cylindrical unit.

[0019] In all configurations it is preferred for the closing head to extend to at least one wall of the filling channel. Or, it is possible for the closing head to extend to, or pass through, the opposite walls of the filling channel. The closing head is provided with a rounded section preferably in the through passages in order to facilitate the sealing of these passages to the outside. Or the closing head can pass through one of the walls only. On the other wall the closing head can be oriented.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the closing head includes in the region of the interior of the filling channel an eccentric closing wall in orientation in relation to the pivot axis. The closing wall for example can be configured as a wall section of a cylinder, extending along a specific angular section. This enables this section of wall which serves as a closing wall to move more or less far into the filling channel by means of a pivoting movement. The lightened part of the filling channel depends on the rotation angle of the closing head. The pivot axis does not extend through the interior of the fill channel. The pivot axis preferably comprises a pair of axis stubs which are connected in the region of the filling channel by at least one eccentric closing wall.

[0021] The closing wall is in particular configured to enable the filling channel to be completely interrupted at least in an angular position. Preferably, the cross section of the filling channel can also be completely cleaned and cleared in at least one angular position.

[0022] In all configurations it is preferable for the filling channel to be substantially rectangular in an angled section at least adjacent to the closing head. The filling channel is in particular substantially rectangular in cross section, at least in a region in front of, and / or at least in a region behind, the closure head.

[0023] It is also possible for the filling channel to be substantially rectangular in cross section over a significant part of or over its entire length. The corners can be configured rounded. It is also possible for the filling channel to have two opposite sides parallel to each other with the other two sides in an oval or round shape.

[0024] It is also possible for the filling channel to be rounded or oval in shape over part, or in full compliance.

[0025] The filling channel preferably shows in the region of the closing head at least one recess in which at least part of the closing wall is received while the closing wall is in an entirely open position. This configuration has the advantage that, even in a fully open position, there are no additional obstacles in the fill channel. In addition, there are no dead spaces, which are favorable in terms of flow technology. No further mixing will take place.

[0026] It is preferred for the filling channel to have in the region of the closing head at least one depression into which at least part of the closing wall enters while the closing wall is in the closed position. At least one edge of the closing wall in particular enters the depression in the closed position while at the other end of the closing wall the edge is still located in the recess so that the filling channel is reliably closed in the set.

[0027] In preferred configurations it is possible for the pivot axis to be arranged outside the center of the filling channel. So at least one rounded configured section is preferably larger in diameter than at least one transverse dimension of the filling channel.

[0028] In all configurations it is preferred for the filling unit to comprise a filling box to receive the intermediate supply of the bulk material to be bagged. Preferably at least one conveyor element is provided which in particular is a conveyor turbine. It is possible and particularly preferable for the conveyor element to be disposed within the filling box. The interior space of the filling box, from which the filling channel extends from the outside, is preferably in a rounded shape. The conveyor turbine is preferably received in the rounded region in the filling box. In the case of vertically rotating conveyor turbines, the filling channel preferably extends tangentially outwardly from a lower region and, in particular, in the lower region of the filling box.

[0029] When assembled at least part of the closing head is preferably arranged within a rectangular area surrounding as closely as possible the outer periphery and / or the cross-sectional area of the filling box. In the case of conveyor turbines rotating on a horizontal axis of rotation of at least part of the closing head, it preferably rests below the interior of the filling box. In the case of conveyor turbines rotating on an axis of vertical rotation, at least part of the closing head is preferably disposed laterally from the interior of the filling box.

[0030] In this way a particularly compact structure is achieved from at least part of the conveyor turbine blades extending over the top or laterally of the closing head. This creates a compacted spatial configuration requiring little volume in the radial direction on a rotating packaging machine. This configuration does not require any more mounting space than the known variant having a slide valve. Thus, the outside diameter does not increase, which would result in a higher peripheral speed of the packaging machine.

[0031] It is advantageous that a small packaging machine diameter increases the placement quota for placing equipment operating automatically, thus increasing the overall capacity. The discharge characteristics are likewise increased since the low peripheral speed of the packaging machine enables greater precision in unloading and low stresses on the bag since the tangential speed in unloading is lower than in the case of larger diameter packaging machines . The channel shutter according to the invention enables function reliability with a small total diameter.

[0032] This particular configuration enables to replace filling devices according to the invention of filling devices of other designs so that not only new packaging machines can be equipped with inventive filling devices but so can older machines where new filling devices filling according to the invention can be installed during maintenance.

[0033] The filling device may comprise a filling tip that is in communication with the filling channel. The fill spout preferably communicates with the fill channel via an elastic hose. A second elastic hose for a scissor valve to tighten the elastic hose with which it can be dispensed. What is required is only an elastic hose - comparatively short - to interrupt communication regarding the weight between the filling tip and the rest of the filling channel. This enables, for example, gross weight where the filling nozzle with the valve bag attached to them is weighed during the filling process in order to precisely adapt the weight to be filled.

[0034] The packaging machine according to the invention comprises at least one filling device, as described above. The packaging machine can be configured as a single spout packaging machine comprising a single spout. It is also possible for a packaging machine to comprise several filling nozzles arranged adjacent to each other and configured as a so-called series packer. This type of packaging machine is particularly preferably rotary and comprises on its circumference multiple filling devices for valve bags filling with material to be bagged during the rotation of the packaging machine.

[0035] More advantages and features of the present invention can be taken from the exemplary modality, which will be described below with reference to the included figures.

[0036] The figures show in:

[0037] Fig. 1 a simplistic top view of a rotating packaging machine;

[0038] Fig. 2 a filling device for a packaging machine according to Fig. 1;

[0039] Fig. 3 the filling device channel shutter according to Fig. 2;

[0040] Fig. 4 the filling device according to Fig. 2 in a schematic section with a schematic valve bag;

[0041] Fig. 2 a filling device according to Fig. 4 with a partially closed channel plug; and

[0042] Fig. 6 the filling device according to Fig. 4 with the filling channel completely closed;

[0043] Fig. 1 illustrates a simplistic top view of a packaging machine 50 according to the invention which serves to fill bulk goods in valve bags. The packaging machine 50 for example fills valve bags 4 with cement.

[0044] The packaging machine 50 rotates clockwise in the direction of arrow 54. An automatic bag fitter 51 is provided in an angular position suitable for choosing valve bags 4 from a bag stock 53 and automatically throwing the valve bags 4 um by one, in the filling nozzles 30 rotating past.

[0045] Valve bags 4 are filled with the material to be bagged during continuous rotation. Padding first occurs in the high-speed stream until a target weight threshold is reached. Filling then continues at low speed until the final weight is reached. An establishment phase can proceed until the angular position is reached where the unloading belt is provided in which the filled valve bags are unloaded. The weight of the valve bags 4 can be checked again on the unloading belt 52. The filled valve bags 4 are transported outside.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows a filling device 1 for example for a packaging machine 50 according to Fig. 1. The currently shown filling device 1 comprises a filling box 25 with a conveyor element 24 provided therein it is currently a conveyor turbine 27 rotating on a horizontal axis. To allow visualization of the interior of the filling box 25, the closing of the cover plate on the side of the filling box has been omitted in the illustration according to Fig. 2. This allows visualization of the internal space 29 of the filling box, including the conveyor turbine 27 .

[0047] The bulk material to be bagged is delivered to the filling box 25 through the product inlet 26. The material to be bagged is instated through the conveyor turbine 27 which currently rotates clockwise towards the channel of filling 2 which extends in a lower region 28 and, currently, in the lower region of the filling box 25 approximately horizontally externally.

[0048] There follows a channel 3 plug provided in the filling channel 2. The channel 3 plug comprises a closing head 6 which is accommodated in an approximately cylindrical housing 32. The closing head 6 is provided pivotable in accommodation 32 and can be pivoted by means of lever 9 and unit 10. Unit 10 is currently provided by a cylindrical unit 14, which enables transferring the closing head 6 from a closed position to a partially open position and, later, to a fully open position 13 as shown in Fig. 2.

[0049] The closing head comprises rounded sections 8 in the walls, 15 and 16 of the filling channel 2 where the closing head 6 passes through the walls 15 and 16. This facilitates the sealing of the filling channel 2 externally since sealing is only required for a rotating surface which does not move through the bulk material. Therefore, there is very little wear compared to other closing heads.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the channel plug 3 with the closing head 6 accommodated pivotable around the pivot axis 7. The pivot axis 7 extends centered through the rounded sections 8 of the closing head 6 .

[0051] The lever 9 which, in combination with the unit 10, causes the closing head 6 for pivot, to be shown once again. A pivoting movement of the closing head 6 causes the closing wall 18 to pivot around the pivot axis 7. This enables to lighten or close part or all of the filling channel 2. The pivot axis 7 extends transversely towards the longitudinal extension of the filling channel 2 and even perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filling channel 2.

[0052] With reference to figures 4 to 6 the function of the filling device 1 and the obturator channel 3 will be discussed below.

[0053] In the position shown in Fig. 4 the channel plug 3 is fully opened, since the closing wall 18 of the closing head 6 is in the upper position. The central region 34 is entirely cleared.

[0054] In this configuration, not all the cross section of the filling channel 2 is launched in the fully open position 13 and does not show any significant interfering outline. Bulk material 5 transported through the conveyor turbine 27 is filled into the valve bag 4 through the filling channel 2, the elastic hose 31 and the filling nozzle 30. During this valve bag 4 it is hung by the filling nozzle 30 by your valve. The filling nozzle with the hanging valve bag 4 is received by the filling device 1 and does not communicate with respect to weights. The closing wall is pivoted upwards from the filling channel.

[0055] Fig. 5 shows the partially open position 12 in which the closing head 6 is at an angle other than position 20 of rotation and in which the portion 19 enabling free flow through the filling channel 2 is visibly reduced. The closing wall 18 filled more than half of the filling channel 2 and was pivoted out of the upper recess 22 inside the filling channel 2 to the pivot position 20a. In contrast, the closing wall 18 in the pivot position 20 shown in Fig. 4 is still completely within the recess 22.

[0056] Fig. 5 clearly shows that in the case of a vertical arrangement at least part of the closing head 6 and the channel plug 3 is below the filler box 25 and the inner space 29 of the filler box and also below the turbine carrier 27. In this way, very little space is required in the longitudinal direction of the filling device.

[0057] Fig. 6 shows the closed position 11 of the obturator channel 3 in which the closing wall 18 fills the entire filling channel 2. In this pivot position 20b an edge of the closing wall 18 projects into the depression 23, in the bottom of the filling channel 2 in order to achieve a tight, labyrinth-shaped closure 33 of the filling channel 2. In this position the closing head 6 is pivoted further away from the position of Fig. 5. The filling channel 2 later can be opened by pivoting the closing head 6 back to the positions shown in Fig. 5 or Fig. 4.

[0058] In preferred configurations the channel plug is provided with a cylindrical accommodation in it for the closing head 6 so, for example, manufacturing is facilitated. The bottom of the cylindrical housing can be equipped with a corresponding insert 56 so that the respective wall of the filling channel shows virtually no obstacle where swirling can occur in the flow of bulk material. The depression 23 is preferably of such a shape and sized small enough that no significant interference with the product flow will occur.

[0059] Fig. 6 additionally shows in a dashed line the rectangular surface 58 of the outer periphery of the currently visible portion of the filling box 25. It can be seen clearly that part of the obturator channel 3 is disposed within this boundary line. What is shown in particular is the part of the closing head 6 and even the entire part of the closing head 6 resting in the region of the filling channel within the outer periphery 58.

[0060] Fig. 6 additionally shows in a dashed line the rectangular surface 57 surrounding as close as possible the internal space of the filling box 25. Part of the closure head 6 is arranged within the dotted rectangular surface 57.

[0061] Throughout the invention it provides a very advantageous filling device which in operation causes minimal wear, safely seals the filling channel from the outside and only requires little space. This allows relocating known filling devices to achieve a longer service life combined with a reliable function. In addition, the mounting dimensions of known filling devices can be satisfied to allow relocations without any problems.

[0062] These provisions enable very compact structures and require little space.

[0063] List of reference numbers: 1 filling device 2 filling channel 3 plug channel 4 valve bag 5 bulk material 6 closing head 7 pivot shaft 8 round section 9 lever 10 unit 11 closed position 12 partially open position 13 open position 14 cylindrical unit 15 wall 16 wall 17 interior of filling channel 18 closing wall 19 proportion 20 pivot position 20a pivot position 20b pivot position 21 cross section 22 recess 23 depression 24 conveyor element 25 fill box 26 inlet 24 conveyor turbine 28 lower region 29 internal filling box space 30 filling nozzle 31 elastic hose 32 accommodation 33 closing labyrinth 34 central region 50 packaging machine 51 bag holder 52 discharge belt 53 bag stock 54 direction of rotation 55 cover 56 insert 57 rectangular surface 58 rectangular surface

Claims (15)

1. Filling device (1) for packing refined grains and bulk powdered goods, such as cement, in a valve bag (4) hanging from a filling machine filling spout, having a filling channel (2) and at least one controllable channel plug (3) to control the passage through the filling channel (2) of the bulk material (5) to be filled in the valve bag (4), in which the channel plug (3) , comprises, arranged at least partially within the filling channel (2), a pivoting closing head (6), whose pivot axis (7) is oriented transversely to the filling channel (2), so that in the closed state the shutter channel (3) disconnect the filling channel substantially completely and in an entirely open state, completely clean the filling cross section in at least one central region (34), characterized by the fact that the channel plug is provided with a cylindrical accommodation , and where closing head (6) comprises in the interior region (17) of the filling channel (2) at least one closing wall (18) arranged eccentric in relation to the pivot axis (7), and in which the pivot axis comprises a pair of axis stubs that are connected in the region of the filling channel by at least one eccentric closing wall (18), and in which the closing wall (18) is configured as a section of a cylinder wall extending along an angular section. 2. Filling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the channel plug (3) is adjustable by means of a lever (9) and a unit (10) between at least one open position (12, 13) and a closed one (11) and wherein the unit (10) preferably comprises a cylindrical unit (14). 3. Filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the closing head (6) at least projects on opposite walls (15,16) of the filling channel (two). Filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the proportion (19) of the filling channel (2) cleared by the closing wall (18) depends on the angle of rotation (20) of the closing head (6). Filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filling channel (2) is substantially rectangular in cross-section (21) at least adjacent to the closing head (6 ). Filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the filling channel (2) comprises at least one recess (22) in the region of the closing head (6) in the which at least part of the closing wall (18) is arranged when the closing wall (18) is in an entirely open position (13). Filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the filling channel (2) comprises at least one depression (23) in the region of the closing head (6) in the which at least part of the closing wall (18) enters when the closing wall (18) is in a closed position (11). Filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pivot axis (7) is disposed off-center of the filling channel and / or the channel plug (3 ) comprises at least one rounded section (8) and passes through the filling channel (2) with the rounded section (8) and where at least one rounded section (8) is larger in diameter than a cross-sectional dimension of the fill. Filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a filling box (25) is provided to receive an intermediate supply of bulk material (5) to be bagged. Filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one conveyor element (24) is provided which is configured in particular as a conveyor turbine (27). 11. Filling device (1) according to any of claims 9 and 10, characterized by the fact that at least the region (28) of the internal space (29) of the filling box (25) where the channel exits filling are designed rounded preferably with the conveyor turbine (27) received in it. 12. Filling device (1) according to claim 9 or 11, characterized in that when assembled at least part of the closing head (6) is located within a rectangular area around it, as strictly as possible, the outer periphery and / or the cross-sectional area of the fill box. 13. Filling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a filling nozzle (30) is connected to the filling channel (2). Filling device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that an elastic hose (31) is provided between the filling nozzle (30) and the filling channel (2). 15. Packaging machine (50), characterized by the fact that it has at least one filling device (1), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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