WO2007090517A1

WO2007090517A1 - Apparatus and method for separating products

Info

Publication number: WO2007090517A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/000585
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Jürs; Wolfhard Kowalski; Jörg HOLTZ; Martin Pietsch
Original assignee: Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader Gmbh + Co. Kg
Priority date: 2006-02-11
Filing date: 2007-01-19
Publication date: 2007-08-16
Also published as: DE102006006901A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for separating products, comprising a feed element for feeding a multiplicity of unsorted products, means for separating the products, wherein the means comprises at least one holding element which is configured as a movable suction nozzle (14), and comprising a discharge element for discharging the separated products, which apparatus is distinguished by the fact that the or each suction nozzle (14) has a suction opening (25) which has at least one radially outwardly directed component. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method.

Description

Nordic Engineering Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KG, Geniner Str. 249, D-23560 Luebeck

Device and method for separating products

description

The invention relates to a device for separating products, comprising a feed element for feeding a plurality of unsorted products, means for

Separating the products, wherein the means comprises at least one designed as a movable suction nozzle holding member, and a discharge element for discharging the separated products.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for separating products, comprising the steps of: supplying a plurality of unsorted products by means of a feed element, separating the products by at least one movable suction nozzle, discharging the products by means of a discharge element.

Such devices and methods are used in particular in the food industry or in the packaging industry for food. In the mentioned but also in other areas, it is desirable or necessary to assemble individual lots, for example packaging lots from several products, from an unsorted mixture. The devices have a feeding element, e.g. is designed as a rotating storage plate. On this

Stock plates are a variety of products next to and / or on top of each other. In the case of fillets e.g. The products are sticky and have a delicate consistency. With the means for separating, namely the suction nozzle, the products are sucked in, picked up and discharged again in the region of the discharge element. During the transport of the products from the feed element to the discharge element, the cross

Suction nozzles with the product sucked thereon a transition region in which upright edges are located as a boundary of the feed element and / or the discharge element. From practice, devices and methods are known in which the suction nozzles have suction ports which are directed perpendicular to the product. In other words, the vertical feed movement of the suction nozzle and the suction opening are aligned parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the suction nozzles. The suction channel inside the suction nozzle ends at the end face of the suction nozzle head or opens into a straight extension of the suction channel into the suction opening. When taking or picking up products, it is inevitable that products from the lower layers are sucked in as well.

These known devices and methods have the disadvantage that the products when picking up each other and strip each other from the suction nozzle, especially when the suction nozzle has sucked a product lying further down. Since the products may overlap one another on the feed element, the likelihood that the suction nozzle will strike a product that is at least partially overlapped / covered by another product is high. In addition to the problem of stripping the products from the suction nozzle, the product may also be damaged by the negative pressure. Another problem of the known devices is that products which are released from the suction nozzles in the transition region between the feed element and the discharge element remain lying on the edge / edge of the feed element and / or the discharge element. This can lead to blockages up to a standstill of the device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, a simple device for reliable and gentle product intake of the products of a

Supply element and delivering the products to a discharge element to create. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to propose a corresponding method.

This object is achieved by a device having the features mentioned in the fact that the or each suction nozzle has a suction opening, which exits laterally from a suction nozzle head of the suction nozzle. This allows the products to suck in laterally, so that removal of individual products from a product mixture in the horizontal direction can take place. This also allows products safe be received and delivered, which are located in lower layers on the feed, since the lower products are not retained by overlying products and their gravity. In other words, the device according to the invention ensures reliable handling of all products regardless of their position. Also, the device works very gentle on the product, since the vacuum can be reduced compared to conventional devices adapted to the delicate consistency of the products.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the suction opening extends at an acute angle to the central axis of the suction nozzle, preferably obliquely downwards. This ensures that all products, including the lowest-level products that are located directly on the feed element, can be safely sucked in and picked up.

Advantageously, the suction opening is formed in a conically tapered region of the suction nozzle head. As a result, the inclusion of the products of the lowest layer is further facilitated.

In a preferred embodiment of the device, a roller element is arranged in a transfer region between the feed element and the discharge element. With this design, it is ensured in a surprisingly simple and reliable manner that products dropped from the suction nozzle can be fed back to the actual transfer process. The roller element causes products located on the roller element to fall either on the discharge element or back onto the delivery element, depending on the weight distribution. Furthermore, products that fall on the roller element, so on a rounding, spared. Preferably, the roller element has a conical shape. Due to the shaping according to the invention, the rotation of the roller element is supported in the event that a product lies on the roller element.

The object is also achieved by a method with the steps mentioned above in that the products are sucked for separation by means of the suction nozzle from the side, in the sucked state horizontally released from the product mixture and then transported vertically upwards and delivered to the discharge element. The resulting benefits have already been described above.

Further preferred and / or advantageous features and method steps emerge from the subclaims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments and the method will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing shows:

1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for weight-optimized assembly of products to a lot with a device according to the invention for separating the products,

2 shows the device for separating with a suction nozzle in suction mode,

3 shows the device according to FIG. 2 in dispensing mode, FIG.

FIG. 4 shows the device according to FIG. 2 in the cleaning mode, FIG.

5 shows a schematic sequence of the method steps,

6 is a sectional view of the Saugdüsenkopfes with lateral outlet of

suction opening,

7 shows the suction nozzle head according to FIG. 6 in a view rotated by 90 °, 8 is a detailed view of the transition region between the feed element and Abftihrelement with a roller element,

Fig. 9 is a plan view of several arranged around a trained as a rotating turntable feed element discharge element with corresponding

Roller elements, and

Fig. 10 is a detail view of the attachment of the roller elements.

The device described below is used for singling fillets for the weight-optimized assembly of multiple products to a Verpackungslos. Of course, the device can also be used for separating other products and for other purposes.

The apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a feed element 11 for feeding a plurality of unsorted products 12, means 13 for separating the products 12, wherein the means 13 comprises a plurality of holding elements designed as suction nozzles 14, and a discharge element 15 for discharging the separated products 12. In the described embodiment, a weighing device 16 is arranged in the transport direction T of the products 12 or in the conveying direction of the products 12 in front of the discharge element 15. However, there is also the possibility that the products 12 may be discharged from the suction nozzles 14 directly to the discharge element 15 (see, e.g., Figures 2 to 4). The feed element 11 is designed as a rotating storage plate, which is filled by a feed belt 17 or the like, and ensures a continuous influx of a product mixture, ie a variety of unsorted and disordered products.

The suction nozzles 14 are connected to a vacuum system 33, which can generate both overpressure and negative pressure. In other words, the suction nozzles 14 can blow to receive the products 12 sucking and assisting in dispensing the products 12 and cleaning the suction nozzles 14. A plurality of suction nozzles 14 is arranged in a ring around the feed element 11 and preferably fixed to one fixed position of a frame 18 or the like attached. Each holding element or each suction nozzle 14 is movable for receiving a product 12 from the feed element 11, transporting the product 12 via a transition region 19 between the feed element 11 and discharge element 15 to the discharge element 15 and for dispensing the product 12 (in the embodiment shown in FIG the weighing device 16) directly to the discharge element 15 (see Figures 2 to 4) is formed. The suction nozzles 14 have a plurality of degrees of freedom, so that arbitrary points within the range of the suction nozzle 14 can be achieved within a plane. The movement usually extends in a vertical plane, so that the suction nozzles 14 "scan" the feed element 11 in the radial direction in a linear manner.The control of the suction nozzles with respect to their movements can take place mechanically, for example via cam disks or else electronically.

The design of the suction nozzles 14 is explained in detail with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Each suction nozzle 14 has a nozzle body 20. At a free end 21 of the

Nozzle body 20 is a Saugdüsenkopf 22 is formed. The nozzle body 20 is preferably formed as a rotational body and has a (rotation) or

Central axis 23 on. In the nozzle body 20, a nozzle channel 24 is formed, which in

Area of Saugdüsenkopfes 22 comes to the outside. In the region of the suction nozzle head 22, the suction nozzle 14 is conical, such that the suction nozzle head 22 tapers slightly tapered pointed. In other words, the diameter of the ball decreases

Suction nozzle head 22 toward the free end 21.

Each suction nozzle 14 has a single suction opening 25, wherein the suction opening 25 has at least one radially outwardly directed component. In the embodiment shown, the suction opening 25 is a radially directed bore 26 extending laterally outwards from the nozzle channel 24. In other words, the suction opening 25 exits laterally from the suction nozzle head 22. In the direction of the center axis 23, the nozzle channel 24 ends at the end as a so-called blind hole, so that the single opening is formed laterally. The angle at which the bore 26 is relative to the central axis 23 may vary. In addition to an approximately rectangular arrangement is a slightly inclined orientation of the bore 26 to the nozzle channel 24 to form an acute angle α between the central axis 23 and central axis 27 of the Bore 26 is preferred. The angle α is then smaller than 90 °. The diameter of the bore 26 may also vary and should be adapted to the respective products 12. The contact surface 28 of the suction nozzle head 22 with the product 12 is formed flattened so that a flush and close contact of the suction nozzle head 22 in the region of the suction opening 25 on the product 12 is ensured. In the assembled state, the or each suction opening 25 is directed radially outwards, that is to say towards the edge of the stocker or to the element 29.

In the transition region 19 between the feed element 11 and the discharge element 15 (or the weighing device 16 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1), there are upright elements 29, e.g. Side walls of the feed element 11,

Plate edges, wall elements of the discharge element 15 and the weighing device 16.

These elements 29 may also be edges of receptacles or the like.

For various reasons, products 12 can lie on the element 29 or the elements 29. To ensure reliable operation of the device

10 and to avoid that further products 12 are left behind

Dump products 12, a roller member 30 is disposed in the transition region 19.

The roller element 30 is arranged in the region of the highest point of the element 29, so that the products 12 inevitably fall onto the roller element 30 in the event that, for example, they detach from the suction nozzle 14 during transport. Each of a suction nozzle 14 associated roller member 30 is rotatably supported, and preferably in the region of walls 34 of the discharge element 15 and the weighing device 16. The roller member 30 is mounted on both sides and detachably arranged and secured such that lying on the respective roller member 30 products alone inevitably and automatically by their own weight to the feed element 1 1 or the discharge element 15 and the weighing device 16 are fed. The roller elements 30 have a conical shape and are preferably formed with a profiled surface. This profiling may affect parts of the surface or the entire surface. In other embodiments, cylindrical shapes or other forms of rotation of the rolling elements 30 may also be provided. In the area of the discharge of the products 12 from the suction nozzle 14 to the discharge element 15, a collecting container 31 for product residues or the like is arranged. In other words, the collecting container 31 is a kind of cleaning station which is formed directly within the movement range of the suction nozzle 14. The collecting container 31 is connected to a channel 32, which extends into the region of the discharge element 15. Several of the collecting containers 31 may be connected to a common collecting container (not shown).

For sucking or supporting the dispensing of the products as well as for the

Cleaning process, each suction nozzle is connected to a (common) control, by means of which the individual movements on the one hand and the application of the vacuum (suction), switching off the vacuum and cleaning (puffing) on the other hand depending on the corresponding signals executable.

In embodiments not shown, the suction nozzles 14 may also have a plurality of openings which are directed radially outwardly and / or frontally in the direction of the central axis 23 of the suction nozzles 14. These openings can then be opened or closed depending on the application, optionally, so that a variable intake u.a. is ensured depending on the position of the products 12 on the feed element 11.

In the following, the method is explained in more detail in particular with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5: An unsorted product mixture is fed to the device 10, for example, via the feed belt 17. From the feed belt 17, the products 12 fall onto the feed element 11, namely the stock plate. The storage plate transports the products 12 again and again in its orbit past the surrounding holding elements or suction nozzles 14. The suction nozzles 14 reciprocate in the radial direction, optionally in contact with the feed element or contactlessly at a short distance from the feed element 11. They can perform a movement in the X-direction or in superimposed X-direction and Z-direction. In the latter case, a wave-shaped course of the suction nozzle can thus be generated. Because of this "Sniffing" the products 12 moving past the suction nozzle 14 are detected, sucked and picked up by means of the suction nozzles.

FIG. 2 shows the position of the suction nozzle 14 shortly before picking up a product 12 or with sucked product 12. The vacuum system 33 is set to suction (see arrow S). FIG. 3 shows the position of the suction nozzle 14 during the delivery of the products 12 to the discharge element 15. In order to discharge the products 12 or release them from the suction nozzle 14, the vacuum can only be switched off. To assist in releasing, the vacuum system 33 can also be switched, namely to the puff mode (see arrow P). Finally, in FIG. 4, the suction nozzle 14 is in the cleaning position in a mouth region of the channel 32. The vacuum system is in turn set to the puff mode, so that the entire system can be cleaned.

The step sequence for separating the products is explained with reference to FIG. 5, wherein the arrow F indicates the order of an entire cycle.

On the feed element 11 is a product mixture, the products 12 may also lie in multiple layers. The suction nozzle 14 is moved in the X and Z directions and lowered onto the feed element 11. By means of the above-described "sniffing" as a kind of search movement, the suction nozzle 14 recognizes a product 12. The edge of the supply plate or an edge element 29 can serve as support by preventing evasion of the product mixture during the suction process As long as the suction nozzle 14 has received a product 12, a vacuum switch reports a negative pressure and the suction nozzle 14 receives the command to deliver the product 12 to the discharge element 15 (FIG. Steps a) and b)) For this purpose, the suction nozzle 14 initially moves in the horizontal X-direction in order to release the sucked product 12 from the product mixture (see step c).) After the sucked product 12 is free, ie completely from the product mixture is dissolved, the suction nozzle 14 moves upward in the Z direction and pivots in X direction (steps d) and e)) via the discharge element 15. It may happen that the product dissolves 12 and falls in the transition region 19 on the element 29. The roller element 30 in this case ensures that the product 12 either falls back on the feed element 11 or on the discharge element 15, so that an interruption or malfunction of the operation of the device 10 is avoided.

After the product 12 has been delivered to the discharge element 15, the suction nozzle 14 moves to pick up the next product 12 in the X-direction (step f)) and Z-direction (step g)), and then back to step a) kick off.

In between, or in the case of a detected contamination, the suction nozzle 14 can also be moved over the channel 32 for cleaning purposes in the X and Z directions and cleaned there by blowing and / or rinsing, so that the product residues or other impurities reach the collecting container 31. The pressure during blowing / flushing simultaneously and automatically causes a cleaning of the channel 32, which is flushed free during virtually every cleaning process.

Claims

claims

Device (10) for separating products (12), comprising a feed element (11) for feeding a plurality of unsorted products (12), means (13) for separating the products (12), wherein the means (13) comprises at least one as a movable suction nozzle (14) formed holding element, and a discharge element (15) for discharging the separated products (12), dad urch ken ze zen et that the or each suction nozzle (14) has a suction opening (25) laterally from a suction nozzle head (22) of the suction nozzle (14) emerges.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of suction nozzles (14) are arranged annularly around the feed element (1 1) and the suction nozzles (14) on the one hand stationary on a frame (18) and on the other hand movable for receiving a product (12 ) are formed by the feed element (11) and for delivery of the product (12) to the discharge element (15).

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the suction nozzles (14) have at least two degrees of freedom.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the suction opening (25) at an acute angle α to the central axis (23) of the suction nozzle (14).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the suction opening (25) is formed in a conically tapered region of the suction nozzle head (22).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in a transition region (19) between the feed element (11) and the

Abführelement (15) a roller element (30) is arranged.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the roller elements (30) are arranged in the transition region (19) that of the suction nozzle (14) sloping products (12) inevitably on the each suction nozzle (14) associated with roller element (30) fall.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the roller elements (30) are arranged in the transition region (19) that on the respective roller element (30) lying products (12) inevitably and automatically the feed element (11) or the Abführelement (15) can be fed.

9. Device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the roller element (30) is rotatably supported on both sides.

10. Device according to one of claims to 9, characterized in that the roller element (30) has a conical shape.

1 1. Device according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the surface of each roller element (30) is formed at least partially structured.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that within the range of movement of each suction nozzle (14) a collecting container (31) is arranged for product residues.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the collecting container (31) to a channel (32) is connected, which extends into the region of the discharge element (15).

14. A method of separating products (12), comprising the steps of: feeding a plurality of unsorted products (12) by means of a feed element (1 1), - Separating the products (12) by at least one movable suction nozzle (14), discharging the separated products (12) by means of a discharge element

(15), in that the products (12) are sucked from the side for separation by means of the suction nozzle (14), released horizontally from the product mixture in the sucked-in state, and then transported vertically upwards and to the discharge element (15).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the or each

Suction nozzle (14) the scanning element (11) scanned until a product (12) was sucked.