DE102015206407A1 - Device for dosing powdered product - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for dosing preferably pulverulent filling material (21, 63), comprising at least one product container (42, 62), with at least one transfer device (44, 64, 65) containing a metered product (21, 61, 63). into a container lower part (23), wherein at least one vibration generator (50) is provided, which sets the transfer means (44, 64, 65) in oscillation, in order to still on the transfer means (44, 64, 65) located Füllgut (21, 61 , 63).

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a device for metering powdered product according to the preamble of the independent claim.

A generic device is already out of the DE 10 2007 031 856 A1 known. This is characterized in that in addition to the movement system, a drive unit is provided for applying a force to the transfer punch to support the transfer of the filling material into the container. As a result, the adhesion of the contents to the transfer stamp is already significantly reduced. Nevertheless, further optimization is desirable.

This object is achieved by the features of independent claim.

Advantages of the invention

The device according to the invention for metering powdered filling material according to the features of the independent claim has the advantage that, in comparison to other known devices, a guaranteed shaking off of the powder compacts and powder adhesions can be achieved as an example of a possible filling material. This is possible according to the invention in that at least one vibration generator is provided, which sets the transfer means, for example a transfer stamp, in vibration. In an expedient development it is provided that the vibration generator generates ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves are preferably in a frequency range between 20 kHz to 70 kHz, particularly preferably in the range 35 kHz. In this case, the vibration structure expands 35,000 times a second and then contracts again. In a particularly expedient development, longitudinal waves are generated. Precisely because of the spontaneous accelerations in the opposite direction associated with this kind of sound wave as well as the inertia of the filling material, the adhesion forces between the transfer means and the contents are overcome. This is inventively achieved in that the filling material particles are put into natural oscillations by the sound. These are put into such a movement that they literally break themselves off. The detached powder compacts, so compressed contents, continue unhindered their further way down into the container base. Since the vibrator has no contact with the dosing or a lower segment, they can not stick together.

In an expedient refinement, it is provided that the transfer means is constructed as a resonant component. Here, a frequency of 35 kHz with an amplitude of 40 μm has proved to be particularly expedient. However, other areas may be appropriate.

Further expedient developments emerge from further dependent claims and from the description.

drawing

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

The 1 a schematic plan view of an apparatus for filling, for example, powdered filling material according to a first embodiment,

2 a schematic three-dimensional overall view with product container and segment circulation,

3 an overall perspective view according to 2 , but without product container and segment circulation,

4 a schematic sectional view through a filling device according to 3 .

5 a 90 ° opposite 4 rotated schematic sectional view of the filling device,

6 a representation of the vibrator with a schematic amplitude and waveform,

7 an enlarged sectional view of the transfer stamp in the end position,

8th an enlarged sectional view of the transfer stamper in the intermediate stroke, in which the vibrator is excited,

9 a schematic sequence of a dosing with dosing,

10 a representation of an alternative dosing by means of screw jack or doser.

A device 20 for dosing powdery contents 21 is in 1 shown schematically. The device 20 includes a spur gear 26 , where several container carriers 39 are arranged. These serve to receive containers 22 , which from container base 23 and Container shell 24 consist. In the container base 23 becomes filling material 21 metered and subsequently through the container shell 24 locked. By way of example, twelve stations 1-12 are shown, in which different processing steps take place. Every container carrier 39 has a variety of shots 54 on for receiving the containers 22 , The pictures 54 are in every container carrier 39 arranged in a row, for example in two rows of five shots 54 , At a station 1 empty, closed containers 22 , consisting of container base 23 and container shell 24 , supplied from a supply. The containers 22 are each individually in the recordings 54 of the container carrier 39 introduced.

At station 2, the containers are 22 opened, ie the container shell 24 is from the container base 23 removed so that the container bottom 23 in the recording 54 remains. Alternatively, the feeding and opening of the containers could 22 also done at the same station. Station 3 is in the embodiment of 1 not occupied.

At station 4 are not clean opened containers 22 sorted out over a rake, which is a little way into the upper part of the container 24 into driving. Is the container 22 not clean separated and is the container base 23 still on the container shell 24 so the whole container will be 22 ejected.

The station 5 is a filling device 60 the dosing device 20 in which the in the container carrier 39 located container bottom parts 23 be filled. The filling device 60 is in detail in the 2 - 10 shown. Optionally, at the station 6, a further filling device may be provided, so that, for example, the first filling device 60 at the station 5 performs a partial filling and the second filling device makes a final final filling and more accurate dosage of the amount. At the station 7, a weighing device can be provided provided to the filled containers 22 to check. Station 8 is an ejection station, where the damaged or not or incorrectly filled containers 22 can be eliminated. At station 9, the container tops 24 again on the now filled container bottom parts 23 positioned and locked in the station 10. This can be done, for example, by lowering the container tops 24 on the container bases 23 respectively. Station 11 gives the filled containers 22 again. At station 12, the container carriers 39 cleaned to incorrect filling or incorrect picking up the containers 22 in the container carrier 39 to avoid.

A movement system 47 can, over two columns 46 moves, a lifting movement relative to a machine 41 perform as indicated by the double arrow. The movement system 47 is about two bolts 48 , preferably hexagon bolt, with the machine 41 connected. The movement system 47 moves stuffing punch 45 for pressing the contents 21 as well as at least one transfer means, for example a transfer stamp 44 , that of the transfer of the filling material compact 61 serves. The movement system 47 forms the basis for holding a transfer station and a stuffing station. This includes the movement system 47 a plate-shaped cross member that extends along the columns 46 relative to the machine 41 lets move. At this cross member are the stuffing punches 45 and / or the delivery stamps 44 attached. This will cause a relative movement of the stuffing die 45 and the transfer stamp 44 relative to the metering disk 40 and / or to the container carrier 39 allows. The transfer station comprises at least the transfer stamps 44 , The stuffing station comprises at least the stuffing dies 45 , In addition to the movement system 46 . 47 can the handing over stamp 44 which is part of a vibrator 50 are to be stimulated to self-oscillation. Component of the vibrator 50 is a converter 30 , which via a coupling agent 54 , preferably a coupling screw, with a Trägersonotrode or sonotrode 35 is connected, see also for example 4 , The sonotrode 35 is with the transfer stamp 44 or with several transfer stamps 44 connected in series or arranged. The sonotrode 35 is with the transfer stamp 44 either via the coupling agent 54 or over one on the transfer stamp 44 connected thread connected. The generator is via a cable and a RF plug to the converter 30 connected. The converter 30 is via a converter bracket 33 . 34 which consists of a cover plate 33 and a bridge 34 exists, held and stored. This bridge 34 surround the sonotrode 35 laterally, without touching it and serves to accommodate the converter 30 above the sonotrode 35 , By four screws 31 becomes the required clamping of the converter 30 through the cover plate 36 and bridge 34 generated. The bridge 34 is on the crossbeam of the movement system 47 arranged. The bridge 34 is by two bolts 32 with the movement system 47 connected. The location can be through pins 56 be secured such as in 4 shown.

The product container 42 is through a plate 36 covered for protection against external influences. At this cover plate 36 may be another optional guide 37 the transfer stamp 44 be attached. This guide 37 facilitates the introduction of transfer stamps 44 into the dosing disc 40 , The material of this guide 37 should be a non-weldable plastic or similar material. It should not be made of metal or ceramics.

In 3 is also a reject element 53 to see which one over a reject 51 with the cover plate 36 connected is. The deflector element 53 is formed part-circular and serves to in the product container 42 located filling material 21 the metering openings 52 supply. The handover stamp 44 can through the rejector 51 and the rejection element 53 passed through to the compacts 61 from the dosing openings 52 in the container bases 23 to convict as well as in the 4 and 5 seen.

The filling device 60 includes a product container 42 for the contents 21 which has an outer, vertically encircling boundary wall. The product container 42 lies on a substantially disc-shaped bottom, the dosing disc 40 on. In the dosing disc 40 are in each case equal angular intervals dosing 52 or dosing opening groups 55 formed, which with at least one transfer stamp 44 of the vibrator 50 interact. The handover stamp 44 are part of the vibrator 50 , The handover stamp 44 are with at least one Trägersonotrode 35 connected, which in turn in at least one converter 30 with a coupling agent 58 , For example, a coupling screw is connected or screwed. The vibrator 50 is part of the movement system 47 which uses columns 46 a transfer hub for the transfer stamps 44 generated. The columns 46 can be moved up and down accordingly. In the transfer position are located under the metering 52 the dosing disc 40 in the container carrier 39 the available container bases 23 for receiving the product to be dosed 21 ,

in 4 is a section through a part of the filling device 60 shown in front view. It can be seen that the vibration generator 50 the handover stamp 44 put into mechanical vibrations by these each with coupling agents 58 with the sonotrode 35 are connected to transmit the vibrations. The sonotrode 35 in turn is via the coupling agent 54 with the converter 30 connected. In 6 is shown at which point the converter 30 is attached. The attachment is namely on a flange which is arranged in a node K of vibration. In this oscillation node K, the amplitude A of the oscillation is equal to zero. The length of the sonotrode 35 is approximately lambda / 2, where lambda represents the wavelength of the oscillation. The length of the transfer stamp 44 is chosen so that their ends vibrate with the largest possible amplitude A, so are not located in a node K. The length of the transfer stamp 44 For example, approximately lambda, the wavelength of the oscillation. In the arrangement shown in accordance with 6 can be particularly preferred to generate fast longitudinal waves, which still at the transfer stamp 44 adhering filling material 21 Will get removed. However, the structure is otherwise possible if it can be ensured that a sufficient vibration, especially at the end of the transfer stamp 44 can be done.

The filling device 60 serves to dose the contents 21 in the waiting container bases 23 , For this purpose, the product container 42 gradually turned. The angle of rotation depends on the angular distances of the dosing openings 52 or dosing opening groups 55 in the dosing disc 40 , During the standstill phase of the product container 42 be in the range of dosing 52 located filling material 21 , For example, powder or pellets, by a downward movement of at least one stuffing die 45 which is in a stuffing box holder 49 hung up, to a compact 61 shaped. The compact 61 is built in five steps by pressing five times as in 9 shown. In the sixth cycle, in the transfer area, in which the metering disk 40 with those in the container carrier 39 located container bottom parts 23 and transfer stamp 44 Align, the compact becomes 61 through the transfer stamp 44 from the dosing disc 40 in the respective container base 23 pushed over, compare 9 , Especially with sticky contents 21 or by static charge could the pressed 61 still at the transfer stamps 44 stick to it. This is now prevented by the vibrator 50 ,

At the end of the described transfer stroke the movement system moves 46 . 47 including the vibrator 50 in a liner, like in 8th to see. The handover stamp 44 are now just above the dosing disc 40 so that a possible contact of the system is excluded with this.

Now, the vibrator 50 activated. The vibrator 50 For example, it consists of the converter 30 , the carrier sonotrode 35 and a handover stamp 44 , A generator, not shown, generates an electrical alternating voltage by means of the converter 30 is converted into a mechanical vibration. Due to the transformed AC voltage, the vibrator expands 50 For example, 35,000 times a second and then contracts again. The converter 30 transfers this ultrasonic oscillation to the coupled sonotrode 35 , The sonotrode 35 to generate the ultrasonic vibration transmits the ultrasonic vibration to the transfer stamp 44 , The at the transfer stamp 44 adhesive compact 61 or the product residues are also placed in ultrasonic vibration. Due to the fast longitudinal movements and the associated spontaneous accelerations in the opposite direction and the inertia of the compact 61 Adhesion forces become the transfer stamp 44 adhesive compact 61 or adhering Füllgutrückstände overcome. Alone by the vibration takes place a spin-off of Füllgutteilchen, then unhindered by gravity their further way in free fall in the container bottom part 23 in the container carrier 39 continue. For moist contents 21 the effect of dissolving is even more intense than with completely dry product 21 , The reason for this is the fourfold speed of sound in water compared to air.

In particular, a frequency range of 20 kHz to 70 kHz is suitable. The smaller the frequency, the larger the amplitude A, but also the size of the tool. With a view to adequate amplitude A and small space, a frequency of 35 kHz is particularly suitable. However, the skilled person will choose the frequency range suitable depending on the application.

Alternative to the variant with dosing disc 40 is a filling of the containers 22 also possible via a so-called jack or doser. The structure of such a variant is in 10 shown. In this case, there is a Füllgutbehältnis 62 in which, in previous steps, the contents contained therein 63 already compressed. In the next step, a tube emerges 64 into the contents 63 in the product container 62 and closes a certain amount of contents 63 with the bottom of the container 62 one. Excess filling 63 is displaced to the side and leads to a homogenization of the still in the dosing tube 64 located filling material 63 , One in a tube 64 guided piston 65 determines the dosed volume. After the contents 63 now in the tube 64 is enclosed drives a compressor block 66 abruptly on the piston 65 and thus densifies the contents 63 Additionally. This causes the contents 63 in the subsequent movements not back from the tube 64 falls out. The tube 64 then moves back together with the piston 65 and the compact 61 from the contents 63 and the product container 62 out. tube 64 , Contents 63 and pistons 65 Now move in the direction of the prepared, open container base 23 until the arrangement is directly above it. Im in 10 As shown, a T-shaped carrier rotates 67 around 180 °. After a downward movement is the tube 64 with the compact therein 61 directly above the available open container base 23 , The tube 64 and / or the hoops 65 acts as a transfer agent. The transfer block 68 exerts a blow on the piston 65 a force on the compact 61 from that to the solution of the compact 61 and leads to the subsequent transfer. Again, it is possible the piston 65 and / or the tube 64 (Handover means) as an ultrasonic vibration structure and the Koben 65 and / or the tube 34 after successful transfer of the compact 61 encourage to still on the piston 65 and / or tubes 34 to solve located powder residues. The two steps, forming a compact 61 and transfer of the compact 61 in the container base 23 , take place simultaneously. However, this is not mandatory. So it will always parallel pellets 61 shaped and on the opposite side in the container base 23 to hand over. However, a simultaneous sequence is not mandatory.

In a further embodiment of a transfer means 44 becomes the piston 65 replaced by a filter. In this case, the contents become 63 , preferably powder or pellets or granules or the like via vacuum into the tube 64 sucked. The transfer of the contents 21 respectively. 63 by means of compressed air. According to the invention, in this embodiment, the vibration generator 50 be provided, he briefly placed the filter during product transfer into vibration to the contents 21 . 63 better to detach from the filter element. In this embodiment, the filter acts as a transfer means.

It should be noted that this embodiment is not limited to a specific container sizes, but is applicable to any container sizes. As containers capsules are particularly preferred, but the use is not limited thereto.

Also the number and arrangement of the containers 22 within a segment is freely selectable and independent of the vibration generator 50 , Furthermore, it is conceivable that basic construction on machines with multi-row container openings in the dosing 40 and the container carrier 39 to take over. Also, the structure could be mounted on any filling machine.

The described device for dosing powdered filling material is particularly suitable for powder dosing devices in the pharmaceutical field. However, it is not limited thereto and can be used for dosing any powder types, without departing from the spirit. In particular, the device is suitable for filling a sticky filling material. Often, these products are not medications but, for example, dietary supplements or the like. But other applications are possible.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007031856 A1 [0002]

Claims (15)

Device for dosing preferably powdered product ( 21 . 63 ), with at least one product container ( 42 . 62 ), with at least one transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) containing a metered product ( 21 . 61 . 63 ) into a container base ( 23 ), characterized in that at least one vibration generator ( 50 ) is provided, the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) is vibrated to still at the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) ( 21 . 61 . 63 ) to solve. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration generator ( 50 ) at least one converter ( 30 ) and / or at least one sonotrode ( 35 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) is vibrated with ultrasound, in particular by means of longitudinal waves. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the sonotrode ( 35 ) and / or the length of the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) is a multiple of half the wavelength (lambda / 2) of the oscillation with which the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) vibrates. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sonotrode ( 35 ) and / or the converter ( 30 ) along an axis of the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) are arranged, along which the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) is designed to be movable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sonotrode ( 35 ) with several transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) is coupled vibrationally. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) at least one handover stamp ( 44 ) and / or at least one tube ( 64 ) and / or at least one piston ( 65 ) and / or at least one filter. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one movement system ( 46 . 47 . 68 ) is provided which the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) and / or the sonotrode ( 35 ) and / or the converter ( 30 ) towards the container base ( 23 ) emotional. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the converter ( 30 ) and / or the sonotrode ( 35 ) is fixed in a vibration node (K). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one converter holder ( 33 . 34 ) is provided which the converter ( 30 ) above the sonotrode ( 35 ), without the sonotrode ( 35 ) to touch. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a metering disc ( 40 ) at least one metering opening ( 52 ), the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) for transferring the metered product ( 21 . 61 . 63 ) at least partially into the metering opening ( 52 ) is designed to be movable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sonotrode ( 35 ) and / or the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) are made of a vibration-technically suitable material such as aluminum or a suitable alloy such as a titanium alloy. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sonotrode ( 35 ) with the converter ( 30 ) and / or with the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ) with at least one coupling agent ( 54 . 58 ), preferably a coupling screw, and / or a pin and / or a thread in the transfer means ( 44 . 64 . 65 ), connected is. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vibrations are generated electrically, mechanically and / or piezoelectrically. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one container carrier ( 39 ) is provided for receiving at least one container ( 22 ), in particular a container lower part ( 23 ).

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