EA038954B1 - Filling device for a packaging machine for filling pourable goods into containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A filling device (1) for a packaging machine for the automatic filling of pourable goods (5) into containers (4), comprising a housing (40) and a filling channel (2) formed therein, and a controllable channel closure (3) to control the filling of pourable goods (5) into containers (4). The channel closure (3) comprises a pivotable closure element (6), which in the mounted state is accommodated in a closure receiver (32) in the housing (40), the closure receiver (32) extending transversely through the filling channel (2) in a transverse direction (44). The closure element (6) comprises a drive shaft (7), which extends out of the housing (40) on a drive side (45) of the housing (40), and via which the closure element (6) can be controllably pivoted to close the filling channel (2) in a closed position (11) and, at least in a central region (34), to completely release said filling channel (2) in an open position (13). A wall (15) of the housing (40) comprises an insertion opening (49) for the closure element (6) to allow the insertion or removal of the closure element (6) through the insertion opening (49) into or out of the closure receiver (32) during assembly or maintenance. The closure element (6) is mounted to one side of the filling channel (2) on the drive side (45) and is sealed off from the housing (40) on the drive side (45) by means of a round section (8) of the element.

Description

The present invention relates to a filling device with a housing and a filling channel extending therein and with a channel gate for use in a packaging machine for the controlled and automatic filling of bulk materials into containers. In addition, the invention relates to a packaging machine equipped with such a filling device for filling bulk materials into containers. The filling device according to the invention can be used for filling all kinds of bulk materials. It is preferable to use this type of filling device and the packing machine equipped with it when filling fine-grained substances, that is, when filling small and dust-like substances such as cement. Alternatively, the invention can be used for packaging other bulk materials, for example in the field of chemicals or food.

Various filling devices are known from the prior art, provided with a channel dam. GB 416215 discloses a packaging machine having a valve in the filling channel which rotates on a valve shaft extending across the longitudinal extension of the filling channel. The valve contains a round damper that can be rotated on the valve shaft, provided it is centered. The pivoting valve shaft runs centrally through the filling channel. In the vertical position, the flap closes the filling channel with a circular cross-section. Rotating 90 ° to the horizontal position makes the filling channel open to a large extent. In the open position, both the pivot shaft and the flap are located in the center of the material flow. During the filling of bulk solids, the friction of the medium to be filled causes continuous heavy wear on the pivot shaft and flap. Consequently, constant maintenance and replacement of the pivot shaft and damper is necessary. This entails not only downtime for the packaging machine, but for the entire installation. Greater wall thickness can increase service life, but at the same time reduce the flow volume. The damper creates an obstruction in the flow, which significantly increases the friction and flow resistance of the bulk solids. Seizing or crusting can occur on the pivot shaft and flap, further obstructing the flow of material. For this reason, the use of this type of valve has not found wide application for filling bulk materials.

DE 3150682 A1 discloses a valve at the outlet of a filling turbine of a packaging machine for bulk material, where bulk material is discharged from the filling module by means of a filling wheel with blades distributed around the circumference. The control is provided by the valve. The valve is rotatable and is located inside the filling module in a cylindrical insert, which is located radially directly outside the filling wheel, which is equipped with blades. The valve forms a 90 ° turn for material flow. To this end, the valve or channel in which the valve is located has a curved inner surface to direct the flow of material from the generally tangential direction of flow within the filling module to a radial direction towards the filling point. The disadvantage of this system is that a 90 ° turn is effective over a very short distance. In addition, the abrasive bulk material continues to collide with the leading edge of the valve and the wall of the cylindrical insert, where it causes particularly severe wear. The rather significant wear is also caused by the narrow point of deflection of the abrasive bulk material near the valve, in which the leading edge of the valve is continuously exposed to the flow of material against which it strikes. Consequently, all edges require hardening to withstand heavy working conditions, yet they will still wear out within a short time. Replacing components is difficult because the filling module must be completely separated from the material path and completely disassembled. For this reason, this system is not widely used in the market.

Thus, for duct dampers, scissor valves are most often used, in which the scissor grips release the elastic part of the filling channel when opened, while the scissor grips close the filling channel, partly in the low flow position and completely in the closed position. This type of scissor valve works reliably and can ensure the tight closing of the filling channel while providing high flow capacity. The scissor grips practically do not wear out, since there is no friction with the substance that is being filled. However, it is disadvantageous that the channel dam can act in the elastic part of the filling channel in such a way that a filling device with a larger radius is required. Moreover, scissor movements cause wear on the elastic sleeve, which requires constant replacement. Although not the entire filling module needs to be completely disassembled, downtime will be increased. In addition, the elastic sleeve and its compressible part lengthen the filling channel, which leads to an increase in the resistance of the pipeline.

In the case of rotary packaging machines containing a plurality of filling devices distributed around the circumference, this will increase the diameter of the packaging machine and thus increase the overall size.

The valve provides a small construction volume and a reduced installation length. In this type of duct damper, a pivoting movable plate is placed between two other steel plates. The filling channel passes through three adjacent steel plates. The pivot axis of the central sliding plate, which selectively releases the filling channel, runs parallel to the filling channel. The eccentric pivoting movement closes the filling channel first partially and finally completely in order to control the filling process.

For sealing, the three steel plates are pressed against each other by a spring in such a way as to ensure a sufficient seal on the outside. This type of duct damper works reliably and requires little space in the filling duct. However, steel plates rubbing against each other are subject to constant wear. The wall thickness of the plate can be increased in order to extend the service life. However, each of the steel plates must be replaced during maintenance, causing downtime. Moreover, it requires assembly work. Another disadvantage is that during operation, a certain amount of material falls out between the steel plates. Even if these are relatively small quantities, it still leads to contamination of the packaging machine and the surrounding area. Over time, the seal will clog the valve and impede the movement of the movable plate.

Document WO 2013/079183 A1 discloses a filling device for a packaging machine for filling bulk material, such as cement, into valve packs, the filling device comprising a filling channel and a controllable channel valve for controlling the passage through the filling channel of the bulk material intended for filling into the valve. package. The channel damper has a rotary closing head, which contains two rounded sections located on opposite walls of the filling channel and connected to each other in a certain angular range by means of an eccentric closure wall. The rounded section is followed on one side by a drive shaft, through which the eccentric closure wall can be rotated to completely close or completely empty the filling channel. The rounded sections are supported on opposite walls of the filling channel, performing the simple function of seals to prevent bulk material from spilling out of the filling channel. The drive shaft is brought out on the drive side and is moved to various pivot positions by means of a cylinder. To further improve the sealing of the filling channel, a plug is attached to the outer opposite side with screws in such a way as to completely prevent loose material from spilling out. This idea is based on the assumption that any bulk material that can get into the space between the rounded section and the plug downstream of the rounded section can accumulate there and not interfere with the operation. However, it has been found that any bulk material that accumulates during operation in the area between the plug and the rounded section can solidify over time and thus interfere with ongoing operation and possibly even cause the channel damper to jam. This dead zone also leads to an increase in cleaning work if the device is used, for example, for food (flour, cocoa, etc.). When the intermediate space is clogged, the wrapping machine must be stopped and the plug removed to clean the intermediate space between the rounded section and the plug. These downtime are undesirable and can result in the shutdown of the entire plant, including upstream and downstream equipment. Eliminating this plug may seem like a simple solution, but such an implementation is impractical, since at present, contamination due to the release of bulk material should be minimized as much as possible.

US 3,191,906 discloses a hemispherical valve for liquids that may contain solids. This known valve is not suitable for bagging abrasive bulk material due to the difficulty in permanently isolating the hemispherical surfaces from the abrasive material. In addition, this known valve has axial pins permanently immersed in the fluid flow, which in the case of bulk materials can lead to severe wear. In addition, assembly and disassembly as well as manufacturing are very complex.

Thus, an object of the present invention is a channel damper filling device for an automatic packaging machine for filling bulk material into containers and a packaging machine equipped with this device, which provides low wear in combination with high filling speeds and which allows to achieve high cleanliness of the surrounding area.

The problem is solved by a filling device having the features set forth in claim 1 and a packaging machine having the features set forth in claim 20 of the claims. Preferred specific embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. Further advantages and properties of the invention can be taken from the general description and from specific examples.

The device according to the present invention is proposed for a packaging machine for automatically filling bulk material into containers (in particular, valve bags or open-mouth bags). The filling device comprises a housing and a filling channel formed therein and a controllable channel damper for controlling the filling of bulk materials into containers. The duct damper contains a rotary closing head. In the assembled position, the closing head is located in a sealing socket in the housing. The sealing socket extends laterally across the filling channel. This means that the seal seat crosses the path of the medium defined by the filling channel. The closing head comprises a drive shaft extending on the drive side of the housing from the outside relative to the housing and by means of which the rotation of the closing head is controlled so as to close the filling channel when it is in the closed position and completely release it when it is in the open position, at least , in the central part. It is also possible to carry out intermediate positions. The wall (in particular the outer wall or outer wall) of the housing has (on the outer surface of the housing) a feed opening for the closing head in order to insert and / or withdraw (externally and outwardly) the closing head during assembly or maintenance through the feed opening into the seal seat ... On one side of the filling channel, the closing head is supported only on the drive side and fits snugly on the drive side to the housing by means of a rounded head section. On the side opposite to the drive side, no sealing is required since the closing head is not supported on that side and the bulk material cannot penetrate outside or into the outer chamber.

The filling device according to the present invention has many advantages. A significant advantage is that the closing head is only supported on one side of the filling channel, i.e. only on the drive side. The drive end must be provided with a bore to guide the drive shaft outward so that the drive moves the closing head to the desired position. It has been found that maintaining the closing head on the opposite side is optional. This eliminates the need to make a hole in the wall. There is no intermediate chamber between the end cap and the rounded, one-piece head section of the closing head, which may cause long-term interference in operation.

Further, the invention provides ease of assembly and disassembly as well as operation with low maintenance costs. The filling device has a separate housing and can therefore also be used for existing packaging machines.

The body of the filling device is located outside the bulk material and is not placed, for example, inside the filling module. Replacing the closing head does not require removing the entire filling device or dismantling the filling module to insert the closing head into the interior. Therefore, the filling device is also suitable for retrofitting existing packaging machines. The significant operational advantage stems from the fact that even replacing the closing head does not require much effort. In particular, the filling device according to the invention allows the closing head to be pulled away from the housing (outward, not inward). The filling device does not need to be dismantled completely. Also, there is no need to separate the filling device from the product feed unit or product discharge unit. For replacement during maintenance, as well as for assembly or disassembly, the closing head can be inserted and also removed from the side or bottom through the feed opening. If space permits, mounting can be done from above. All these cases require only very short downtime during maintenance and repair.

For installation, the closing head can be inserted into the seal seat laterally, in the transverse direction, or along the transverse direction, or parallel to the transverse direction. The closing head can also be removed through the feed hole during installation.

When dismantling, the seal seat is accessible through the feed hole.

The feed port is preferably located on the drive side. In this case, no holes in the housing on the opposite side are required. Alternatively, the feed opening could be located on the opposite side of the drive, and in simple embodiments it could be tightly sealed with a cover. In this case, no bore of the drive shaft is provided.

Preferably, a drive is provided, which is in particular designed as a cylindrical drive. The drive is preferably in communication with the closing head by means of a lever.

In all configurations, the filling device is suitable for and adapted to be installed in a packaging machine that is equipped with at least one filling station, which packaging machine allows the controlled filling of bulk material into a container hanging from the filling station.

The filler body is a separate part. This housing is preferably connected to the filling module of the packaging machine. It is also possible for the filling device to comprise a filling module.

The filling device includes a housing and a filling channel extending therein preferably from the supply side to the discharge side. The supply side is connected, in particular, with the product supply unit, and the discharge side, in particular, with the discharge channel.

The seal seat is in particular cylindrical in shape. The closure head preferably comprises a closure wall offset from the center line with respect to the pivot axis. Constipation

The 3,038954th wall is preferably axially connected to the rounded head section. Particularly preferably, the closing head essentially consists of a drive shaft, a rounded head section and a closure wall. In all configurations, the closure wall is preferably a cylindrical portion or a semi-cylindrical portion and may have a cross section of a segment of a circle. The circle segment has a central angle, in particular less than 210 °, preferably less than 180 °, and a segment height that is 1.2 times less than the radius, and in particular less than the radius of the circle segment. The outer contour of the closure wall, in particular, is enclosed in a semicircular cylinder. The exact configuration of the outer contour of the closure wall can have different profiles. In any case, a circular outer contour is preferred.

In a preferred embodiment, the closing head is located in the housing so that it does not touch the side of the housing opposite to the side of the drive.

In particular, there is a small gap between the contour of the closing head and the housing wall on the side opposite to the drive side.

In preferred configurations, the housing comprises a valve body portion and an associated bearing housing portion. Part of the bearing housing, in particular, fits snugly against a part of the valve body. The valve body part and the bearing housing part can be formed as one piece. However, it is possible and preferable for the valve body part and the bearing housing part to be formed as separate parts that are connected to each other. For example, a portion of a bearing housing may have a flange member for screwing to a portion of a valve body by means of a flange. Preferably, the bearing housing portion is releasably connected to the valve housing portion. Preferably, the closing head is rotatably supported on a portion of the bearing housing.

In preferred configurations, the bearing housing portion is hollow and connected, and in particular screwed, to the valve housing portion. Particularly preferably, a portion of the valve body (excluding the filling channel) is sealed outwardly. Particularly preferably, a part of the bearing housing is sealed outwardly. The part of the bearing housing is sealed from the part of the valve body and / or the filling channel, preferably by means of a closing head and at least one seal. A portion of the bearing housing is preferably sealed outwardly towards the drive by means of at least one seal. This seal provides a particularly tight configuration.

In preferred embodiments, a portion of the bearing housing surrounds the drive shaft of the closing head. Preferably, at least one seal is located on the side of the filling channel in the interior of the bearing housing portion to seal the drive shaft from the filling channel. A bearing assembly for supporting the drive shaft relative to a portion of the bearing housing is preferably located closer to the outer end of the drive shaft. The outwardly sealed hollow space preferably extends between the inner wall of the bearing housing portion and the drive shaft, which space is aerated by at least one aeration nozzle, in particular to significantly reduce the flow of bulk material from the filling channel into the hollow space through the seal. The aeration nozzle allows overpressure to be applied to the hollow space, which results in a (minor) flow of purge air from the hollow space through the seal to the filling channel in order to greatly reduce or inhibit the transfer of bulk material. The flow of purge air is particularly preferably controlled so that the pressure in the hollow space is at least about the same as in the filling channel, or preferably higher than the pressure prevailing in the filling channel.

Preferably, the housing comprises two opposite walls or side walls, one of the two walls or side walls being located on the drive side. Preferably, the body includes two walls made in the form of outer walls opposite to each other. The wall opposite to the drive side is in particular designed as an outer wall (separating the housing from the environment).

Preferably, the feed opening is provided on the drive side. Alternatively, it is possible for said feed opening or another feed opening to be located on a wall opposite to the drive side. When the closing head is horizontally aligned in the mounted state, or when the lateral direction is approximately horizontal, the drive side is preferably located on the side wall of the housing. In these and other configurations, it is preferable to make the through hole or through hole when fabricating the body so as to substantially provide one feed port, each on opposite sides of the body. It is then possible to provide that the closing head can be inserted from either side, or it is not necessary to position the actuator or the actuator side on the right or left.

Preferably, the wall opposite to the drive side has a through hole which is closed by a closure device. This through hole can be used for a feed hole, provided the dimensions are correct. In this case, the feed screw

- 4 038954 This can be done on the side opposite to the drive side. In this case, the drive shaft must be brought in from the drive end. In all these configurations, the through hole in the wall opposite to the drive side is closed by a closure device. Preferably, the closure device closes the through hole by plunging into the through hole, thus forming part of the channel wall of the filling channel. Preferably, the inner surface of the closure device comes into at least partial direct and direct contact with the bulk material to be filled in bags.

It is also possible to design the drive side on the bottom or top surface of the housing. The delivery opening is in particular located on the drive side if the delivery opening is formed on the lower side wall of the housing. The feed opening is in particular accessible from the outside. The feed hole is not formed in the inside of the filling module. The transverse direction then, during, and in particular after, a typical installation is approximately vertical.

Preferably, at least one aeration nozzle is located in the closure device to aerate the area of the seal seat and / or the area of the closure head as required. It has been found that minor or major problems can arise with the direction of the fluidized bulk material, in particular into the area of the channel dam. This applies in particular to cases after long periods of inactivity and is also related to the substance. Such an aeration nozzle in the area of the closing head or the sealing seat, respectively, can ensure reliable operation. The invention makes it possible to modify even existing packaging machines with a filling device having such an aeration nozzle on the sealing seat. This allows you to eliminate significant problems when filling problematic substances and even when filling usually not problematic substances, aeration as needed allows you to maintain a constant state of the bulk material.

It is preferable to place the aeration nozzle in the wall of the housing in the direction upstream of the closing head, with which it is necessary to aerate the filling channel as required. Such an aeration nozzle is in particular provided in the wall of the housing and is located near the bottom when the device is properly assembled. This (low level) aeration nozzle allows the area upstream of the closing head to be aerated in order to improve the flow of the bulk material. This aeration nozzle can be used when filling any container (eg valve bags or open mouth bags) or, for example, after extended downtimes.

It is particularly preferred to use an aeration nozzle upstream of the closure head and the (other) aeration nozzle on the closure device in order to thus provide a particularly controlled aeration of the region upstream of the closure head and immediately downstream of the closure head or near closing head for setting and adjusting suitable fluidizing properties.

Preferably, the locking head comprises a drive shaft and a rounded head section and a closure wall offset from the center of the drive shaft.

Particularly preferably, the closure wall is substantially formed by a hollow cylindrical segment or a cylindrical segment, and is preferably enclosed in a semi-cylinder having an outer diameter of a rounded head section, and is preferably formed as a flat surface without any interfering edges that turns inward towards the filling channel.

In preferred configurations, the filling channel is substantially rectangular in cross section, at least in the region of the closing head. It is allowed that the corners are rounded.

In preferred configurations, the filling channel in the region of the closure head has at least one recess into which the closure wall at least partially fits when the closure wall is in the fully open position. In the region of the closure head, the filling channel preferably has at least one recess, into which the closure wall at least partially enters when the closure wall is in the closed position. Preferably, the closing edge of the closure wall enters the groove when the closure wall is moved to the closed position (locked position). The groove can be formed in the filling channel and can be formed by a depression or made in a depression. The trailing edge tapers, in particular towards the end.

The closing edge of the closure wall in relation to the closure wall itself, in particular, provides a wear buffer. When the front end is worn, the closure wall goes further into the groove to close the filling channel. Consequently, operation is possible with low maintenance costs. If the material on the leading edge is worn out, the obturator simply pivots a little further into the groove to ensure a tight seal.

Preferably, an insert is provided in the recess, for example the insert is fastened with screws. The insert preferably almost (or substantially) completely fills the recess. Preferably, a (small) groove remains in order that the end or closing edge of the closure wall

- 5 038954 entered it in a locked position to ensure a tight closure of the filling channel. The part of the groove not filled with the insert remains in the recess.

Particularly preferably, the recess is designed so that the closure wall can be completely inserted into it. In this open position, the closure wall preferably completely fills the recess so that in the open position a (almost) interference-free filling channel is provided, which corresponds to the cross-section provided at the front and rear. The shut-off wall practically does not impede the flow of the substance.

In all configurations, the filling device may comprise a delivery element and / or a filling module for accommodating an intermediate amount of bulk material that will subsequently be packaged. The supply element can be represented as a supply turbine. Alternatively, other feed elements can be used, such as pneumatic lines or screws, or pump feed. All of these delivery elements create pressure within the filling module, and in particular in the filling channel. The overpressure is generated by the supply element and also by the addition of air in order to make the bulk material flowable and to set and adjust the desired flow rate accordingly. Only the addition of air makes bulk materials such as cement, flour, cocoa and many others flowable. This fluidizing air also increases the prevailing internal pressure, which contributes to the unwanted flow of bulk material out of the filling channel. This also increases the overhead required for compaction.

In all configurations and specific embodiments, it is preferred that the closing head, when installed, is at least partially located within a rectangular region surrounding as close as possible the outer periphery and / or the inner cross-sectional region of the filling module, the lateral edge of the rectangular region being oriented parallel to the path of the filling channel passing through the body.

It is preferable that at least the inner region of the filling module, from where the filling channel exits, is rounded. Preferably, the delivery element is located in the filling module.

In all configurations, it is possible and preferred for the filling device to comprise a filling location that is connected to the filling channel. In particular, an elastic sleeve is provided between the filling station and the filling channel. The elastic sleeve is preferably installed in a straight path. Preferably, the elastic sleeve forms a rectilinear extension of the filling channel and / or filling site.

In addition, in another configuration, the filling device is made for a packaging machine for automatically filling bulk material into containers (in particular, bags, preferably valve bags or bags with an open mouth) and comprises a housing, a filling channel formed therein and a controlled channel damper for controlling the filling. bulk materials in containers. The channel damper contains a closing head, which can be rotated and, when installed, is placed in a sealing socket in the housing. The seal seat extends laterally across the filling channel or crosses the filling channel. The closing head comprises a drive shaft extending on the drive side of the housing from the outside relative to the housing and by means of which the rotation of the closing head is controlled so as to completely close the filling channel when it is in the closed position, and completely open it when it is in the fully open position, according to at least in the central part (and, in particular, completely along the entire cross section). On the wall (outer wall) of the housing there is a feed opening for the closing head, which allows the closing head to be inserted during installation through the supply opening into the sealing socket. In contrast to the first configuration described above, the closing head is pivotally supported on the wall opposite the drive side by the hollow supporting ring segment, while the closing head is supported on the drive side and sealed by the rounded head section. In addition, this configuration of the filling device has many advantages as it provides reliable and stable operation. The hollow regions between the end cap and the one-piece, rounded head section on the opposite side of the drive side reliably prevent clogging since the supporting annular section is hollow and thus does not impede the flow of bulk material in both directions. It is assumed that a supporting ring segment is provided on the side opposite to the drive side so as to provide a pivotable support or rotatable support surface for the closing head. Specific embodiments are susceptible to configurations and specific embodiments as described above. One or essentially only difference is that a supporting ring segment is provided. The supporting ring segment preferably comes into contact around the perimeter of the circumference. Alternatively, it is assumed that the supporting ring segment may not be supported around the entire circumference, but only in one part, or two parts, or more parts of the circumference.

- 6 038954

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a packaging machine having at least one filling device for automatically filling bulk material into containers. The packaging machine contains at least one filling module, and a housing, and a filling channel made in it, and a controllable channel gate for controlling the filling of bulk materials into containers. The channel damper contains a closing head, which can be rotated and, when installed, is placed in a sealing socket in the housing. The seal socket extends laterally through the filling channel. The closing head comprises a drive shaft extending on the drive side of the housing from the outside relative to the housing and by means of which the rotation of the closing head is controlled so as to close the filling channel when it is in the closed position and completely release it when it is in the open position, at least in the central part. The wall (outer wall or outer wall) of the housing has a feed opening for the closing head so that the closing head can be inserted through the feed opening into the sealing socket during installation. The closing head is preferably supported on one side of the filling channel only on the drive side and is sealed on the drive side with respect to the housing by means of a rounded head section. Alternatively, it is also possible for the closing head to be supported or mounted on a bearing on the opposite side of the drive side by a hollow supporting ring segment located on the side opposite to the drive side.

The housing with the channel damper can be made as a single unit with the filling module. Preferably, the housing is a separate part that connects to the filling module. The filling channel preferably extends in a straight line from the body with the channel damper to the filling point, to which containers (eg valve packs) are fed, which are filled with bulk material. In the case of open mouth bags, there is generally a gentle bend of about 90 ° (about ± 15 °), with a corresponding bend radius and downward, which is usually not required for valve bags. In the region of the closing head, the filling channel is preferably (in particular generally or even always) straight. It should be understood that a rectilinear filling channel has, in addition to a precisely straight path, preferably a filling channel path covering small angles, for example up to 2.5 °, or 5 °, or up to 10 °.

In all configurations, the duct damper is suitable in order, in particular, to control the filling quantity or the filling volume of the bag. Thus, as a rule, the closing head is moved to the open position at the beginning of the filling process in order to start the filling process at a high flow rate. Shortly before the completion of the filling process, the product flow is reduced and filling continues at a low flow rate. Product flow is preferably substantially controllable, also including moving the closing head from a fully open position to a partially open position. When full filling or the target filling volume is reached, the channel flap closes completely in order to stop filling. It is possible that the closing head has two, three or more intermediate positions.

The present invention provides a duct damper that requires a very small structural volume and a short face-to-face length. The filling device and the channel damper are suitable for retrofitting. Minimum wear is achieved.

In the open position, the filling channel is preferably completely empty. Preferably, the fraction of the cross-sectional area of the filling channel that can be completely emptied is at least 50%, and in particular at least 66%, and preferably more than 75%.

Particularly preferably, the portion that can be completely released reaches 80%, 90%, 95%, and particularly preferably 98% or more. In all configurations, it is preferred that the rounded head section be made in one piece. A suitable o-ring, such as an O-ring, a labyrinth o-ring, a rotary shaft lip seal, etc., may be provided around the circumference to seal the rounded head section against the housing wall.

In the present invention, the channel flap is significantly affected by the flow of material or the flow of bulk material only if the channel flap closes at least a portion of the channel. In the fully open position, the channel damper does not protrude into the channel and does not deflect the flow of bulk material. This ensures especially minimal wear. During filling at a high flow rate, the channel damper (practically does not create significant or) does not create a deflection of the flow of bulk material.

In all configurations, the channel flap, and in particular the rounded section of the channel flap head, can have a diameter that is greater than the height of the filling channel, so that it becomes possible to simultaneously insert the closure wall into the recess on one side of the filling channel and into the recess on the other side of the channel, thus completely closing the filling channel. The rounded head section and the closing head as a whole can be centered on the filling

- 7 038954th canal or eccentrically relative to the filling canal.

In all specific embodiments and configurations, the filling device and / or packaging machine according to the invention is preferably filled into containers in the form of sacks or pouches. In this preferred embodiment, the term container may be replaced by the more accurate term pouch. Although the following exemplary embodiment contemplates filling bulk material into valve bags, open mouth bags can also be filled appropriately using a suitably adapted packaging machine. As such, the invention can serve for filling bulk material in open-mouth bags or also in valve bags.

Other advantages and features of the present invention can be taken from exemplary embodiments, which will be discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings show:

fig. 1 is a simplified top view of a rotary packaging machine;

fig. 2 shows a filling device for a packaging machine according to FIG. 1, viewed from the side of the duct damper drive;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of the filling device according to FIG. 2, viewed from the opposite side;

fig. 4 is a schematic cross-section of the filling device according to FIG. 3;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of a channel dam of the filling device according to FIG. 2;

fig. 6 is a schematic longitudinal section of the filling device according to FIG. 2 schematically showing a container with a closed filling channel;

fig. 7 is an illustration in accordance with FIG. 6 with a closing head in a partially open position;

fig. 8, the filling device according to FIG. 6 with the closing head in the fully open position.

FIG. 1 shows a simplified top view of a packaging machine 100 in accordance with the present invention, which serves to fill any desired bulk material into containers 4, namely valve bags. For example, a packing machine 100 fills the valve packs 4 with cement. Alternatively, the packaging machine 100 may be a serial packer (packaging machine) or a single filling station packaging machine. All packing machines can be made to fill valve bags or open mouth bags.

The packaging machine 100 rotates clockwise in the direction of arrow 104. The automatic bag stacker 101 is provided at a suitable angular position to pick up containers 4 from the bag storage 103 and automatically attach these containers 4 one at a time to filling stations 30 rotating past.

The containers 4 are filled with bulk material to be filled during continuous rotation. Filling at first takes place at high speed until the desired weight is reached. Filling then continues at low speed until the final weight is reached. The lowering phase can be followed until a tilting position is reached at which the discharge belt 102 is fed into which the filled containers are discharged. The weight of the containers 4 can be rechecked on the discharge belt 102. The filled containers 4 are removed.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a filling device 1 for a packaging machine 100 according to FIG. 1. The filling device 1 comprises a housing 40. The filling device 1 and, accordingly, the housing 40 of the filling device 1 can be made entirely or integrally with the filling module 25. In this illustrative embodiment, the filling module 25 is a separate part, which is connected and preferably connected by means of screws with a filling device 1, and in particular with a housing 40.

In the interior 29 of the filling module 25, the filling module 25 comprises a supply member 24, which is a supply turbine 27 in this illustrative embodiment. Alternatively, any other feeding elements can be used. The upper edge of the filling module is provided with an inlet 26 through which the substance to be filled enters the filling module 25. In the lower part 28 of the filling module 25, a filling channel 2 begins and continues into the body 40 of the filling device 1.

The filling device 1 comprises a housing 40 with a filling channel 2 and a channel damper 3. The channel damper 3 contains a closing head 6 (which is not shown in the illustration according to Fig. 2) and a drive shaft 7, which can be rotated and found in various positions by means of a lever 9 and actuator 10, which is a cylindrical actuator 14 in order to optionally close or partially or completely open the filling channel 2.

The housing 40 includes a valve body portion 41 and a bearing housing portion 42 mounted on the flange.

On the drive side 45, the filling channel 2 is followed by a side wall or wall 15, while on the opposite side 46 the filling channel 2 is followed by a side wall or wall 16.

- 8 038954

On the opposite side 46 (opposite side 46 = side opposite to the side 45 of the actuator) there is a plug 55.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the filling device 1 and the filling module 25 of FIG. 2 from the opposite side. A cross-section of the housing 40 can be identified that is approximately triangular in a side view. This shape is advantageously attached to the lateral lower extreme area of the filling module 25, which makes it possible to provide a particularly economical in terms of space and volume, the placement of the channel shutter 3. The plug 55 closes the through hole 47 (see Fig. 4) in the wall 16.

The filling station can be attached to the face 48 of the housing 40, for example by means of an elastic hose 30, for filling the attachable containers. FIG. 3 it is possible to identify the aeration nozzle 59 in the plug 55, by means of which the filling channel 2 can be aerated as required in the area of the sealing seat 32 (see FIG. 4) of the channel dam 3. This allows the bulk material present in the immediate vicinity of the closing head to be aerated. 6 to ensure proper fluidizing properties. Optionally, the aeration nozzle 59 can be used as a purge cleaner for the filling channel 2.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the illustration in accordance with FIG. 3, where the various cross-hatching views for the valve body portion 41, bearing housing portion 42 and filling module 25 clearly show that these portions are separate components. Alternatively, the filling module 25 can be formed integrally with the valve body portion 41.

The filling channel 2 extends from the inner part 29 of the filling module 25 into the housing 40. In the position shown, the closing head 6 with the closure wall 18 is in a closed position (both are not shown in cross-section), in which the filling channel is completely closed by the closure wall 18. In the top view the approximately L-shaped structure of the closing head 6 can be identified in the region of the filling channel 2. The closing head 6 comprises a closure wall 18 extending transversely through or crossing the filling channel 2 and a rounded head section 8 in the wall 15 of the body 40. The rounded head section 8 provides an almost complete outer seal of the filling channel 2. The seal 51 follows the rounded head section 8 downstream. The seal 51 largely prevents particulate matter from entering the cavity 53 of the bearing housing portion 42. This reliably protects the bearing assembly 52, which is located only on the drive side 45, from the ingress of bulk material. Additional sealing is preferably provided by at least one aeration nozzle 54, with which the cavity 53 between the drive shaft 7 and the wall of the bearing housing portion 42 can be subjected to a controlled overpressure, in particular to create a purge air flow from the cavity 53 into the filling channel 2 in order to provide an even better seal.

FIG. 4, it can be seen that the closing head 6 with the drive shaft 7, the rounded head section 8 and the closing wall 18 extends in a transverse direction 44 transverse to the orientation of the filling channel 2.

On the side 46 opposite the side 45 of the actuator, a through hole 47 is formed in the wall 16 of the housing 40, which is closed by a plug 55. The through hole 47 in this illustrative embodiment has the same diameter as the feed hole 49 on the side 45 of the actuator with which it is is concentric. This means that basically two feed openings are provided. Basically, the closing head 6 can be inserted into the sealing seat 32 from both the drive side 45 and the opposite side 46.

The plug 55 almost completely (or completely) fills the through hole 47 in the axial direction, thus forming part of the filling channel 2, which has no or almost no interfering edges.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, it is optimal to insert the closing head 6 from the drive side 45, since the closing head 6 may, for example, first be attached to the bearing housing portion 42. Thereafter, the closure wall 18 and the rounded head section 8 are inserted into the feed opening 49 and the bearing housing portion 42 is screwed onto the valve housing portion 41. This method allows simple and quick installation, in particular during maintenance or replacement, since the channel damper 3 can be inserted from the side. The housing 40 does not need to be removed from the product path, and it is not necessary to separate the product path. To remove the closing head 6, it is only necessary to open the housing 40 from the side.

In the illustration shown in FIG. 4, it is also possible to identify the outlet end of the lower aeration nozzle 35, which is connected almost in front of the closing wall 18, which is in the closed position, so as to provide effective aeration of the area immediately upstream of the closure wall 18 when the next filling process is to be started.

Aeration can also be provided through an aeration nozzle 59 in plug 55 so that air can be supplied through aeration nozzles 35 and 59 immediately upstream and downstream of the barrier wall 18.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a duct damper 3 including an actuator which in

- 9 038954 in this case is a cylindrical actuator 14, a lever 9 and a closing head 6, including a drive shaft 7, a rounded head section 8 and a closure wall 18 extending longitudinally transversely. In the installed state, the face 38 of the closure wall 18 is positioned a short distance from the wall of the channel 16 or from the inner wall of the plug 55 in order to provide non-contact, continuous reliable operation.

The structure of the cylindrical segment of the closure wall 18 is shown in the illustration of FIG. 5. This configuration provides the advantage that it allows the bulk material to pass unimpeded through the (almost) smooth-walled filling channel 2 in a fully open position.

Its operation will be briefly discussed below with reference to FIG. 6, 7 and 8.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the filling station 30 following the section 31 of the flexible sleeve. This flexible sleeve 31 ensures that the filling device 1 of the filling module 25 does not communicate with the containers or valve pack 4 from a weighing point of view. Bulk material 5, which is filled in accordance with the gross method, is shown schematically in the valve bag 4. This means that the container 4 or bag is weighed together with the bulk material during filling.

In the illustration of FIG. The 6-channel damper 3 or the closing head 6 are in the fully closed position 11, in which the filling channel 2 is completely closed. In this side view, the cylindrical seal seat 32 can be identified. Above the filling channel 2, there is a recess 22, into which the closure wall 18 fully fits in the open position. Below the filling channel 2 there is a recess 23 substantially filled with an insert 56. The insert 56 is held in place by the screw shown. In the insert 56, this leaves open a small part of the edge or groove (as shown in Fig. 8), into which the closure wall 18 enters from above in the closed position 11, in which the filling channel 2 is completely reliably closed.

Further, in the direction of flow, the (lower) aeration nozzle 35 can be identified upstream of the closing head 6 in the housing 40, while the air outlet from the aeration nozzle 59 can be identified within the seal seat 32. The aeration nozzles 35 and 59 aerate the bulk material 5 upstream of downstream and downstream of the shut-off wall 18.

While in FIG. 6, the filling channel 2 is completely closed, the central part 34 of the filling channel 2 can be completely released in a fully open position (see FIG. 8).

FIG. 7 shows a partially open position 12, in which the closing wall 18 of the closing head 6 has been partially turned upward to open the lower part of the filling channel 2.

FIG. 7 it is possible to identify the groove 23a that remains from the recess 23 after the insert 56 has been installed. The groove 23a can be realized directly in the corresponding wall of the filling channel if the insert is not provided. When closed, as shown in FIG. 6, the trailing edge 18a fits into the groove 23a, thereby creating a complete closure. When the trailing edge 18a wears out at the front end, the trailing wall pivots slightly further to close the filling channel tightly. In simple embodiments, this is automatically done by a drive (such as a cylindrical drive 14). In these embodiments, the material of the closure wall 18 serves as a wear buffer.

Reference numeral 43 in FIG. 7 denotes the (bottom) wall 43 of the housing 40 on which the aeration nozzle 35 is located.

FIG. 8 shows the fully open position 13 in which the filling channel 2 is completely empty, practically 100%. In this position 13, the closure wall 18 fully extends into the upper recess 22.

In this position, the configuration of the cylindrical segment of the closure wall 18 makes it possible to free the filling channel 2 from obstructions.

FIG. 8 shows rectangular surfaces 57 and 58. The closing head 6 intersects with a rectangular boundary surface 57, which is defined by the inner surface of the filling module 25. The closing head 6 also intersects the narrowest outer surface 58 surrounding the filling module 25, each of the side surfaces of the rectangles 57, 58 runs at least approximately parallel to the orientation of the filling channel 2. This clearly shows that a very compact, space-saving design is achieved, which also allows the retrofitting of old existing equipment with the filling device 1 according to the invention.

In addition, in FIG. 8 shows an alternative configuration where the closing head 6 is supported or mounted on a bearing on the side 46 opposite to the drive side 45 by a support ring segment 50. The support ring segment 50 is hollow and may be circular as shown in FIG. 8. This configuration provides support for the closing head on both sides 45, 46 of the filling channel 2. The opposite side 46 can be closed with a plug 55. The hollow configuration of the supporting ring segment 50 allows for freedom of transport and material replacement. There is no closed hollow space that can be completely filled with the substance and thus

- 10 038954 hinder further work. In addition, an aeration nozzle can be dispensed with for aerating the interstitial space. An aeration nozzle 59 for fluidizing the bulk material in the filling channel can be attached to plug 55.

In general, the present invention provides a useful filling device and a useful packaging machine with which it becomes possible to achieve efficient, controlled and automatic filling of bulk material into containers, and in particular valve or open mouth bags. The duct damper configuration ensures reliable operation and low wear. In addition, a useful aeration means is provided.

The filling device is subject to minimal wear during operation and more reliably closes the filling channel from the outside, even under conditions of increased supply pressure, and requires very little space. This makes it possible to replace known filling devices in order to increase the service life in combination with reliable operation. In addition, the installation dimensions can correspond to known filling devices in order to carry out replacement without problems.

List of reference numbers:

- filling device;

- filling channel;

- channel damper;

- container, valve package;

- bulk material;

- closing head;

- drive shaft;

- rounded head section;

- lever arm;

- drive unit;

- closed position, locked position;

- partially open position;

- open position;

- cylindrical drive;

- wall (drive side);

- wall;

- locking wall;

a - closing edge;

- notch;

- deepening;

a - groove;

- feeding element;

- filling module;

- inlet;

- feed turbine;

- inlet of the filling channel;

- internal space of the filling module;

- filling place;

- elastic tube;

- sealing socket;

- central part;

- (bottom) aeration nozzle;

- front surface 18;

- frame;

- part of the valve body;

- part of the bearing housing;

- (bottom) wall;

- transverse direction;

- drive side;

- opposite side;

- through hole;

- front surface 41;

- feeding hole;

- supporting ring segment;

- seal;

- bearing assembly;

- hollow space;

- aeration nozzle for 53;

- 11 038954

- plug;

- insert;

- rectangular surface;

- rectangular surface;

- aeration nozzle at 55;

100 - packing machine;

101 - bag stacker;

102 - unloading tape;

103 - stock of packages;

104 - direction of rotation.

Claims (16)

1. Filling device (1) for a packaging machine for automatic filling of bulk material (5) into containers (4), containing a housing (40) and a filling channel (2) made in it and a controlled channel damper (3) for controlling the filling of bulk material (5) into containers (4), while the channel damper (3) contains a closing head (6), which is rotatable and in the installed state is located in the sealing socket (32) in the housing (40), while the sealing socket (32) extends in the transverse direction (44) across the filling channel (2), and the closing head (6) comprises a drive shaft (7) extending on the drive side (45) of the housing (40) outside of the housing (40), and by means of which control is provided by turning the closing head (6) so as to close the filling channel (2) when it is in the closed position (11) and completely release it when it is in the fully open position (13), at least in the central part (3 4), while the wall (15) of the body (40) has a feed hole (49) for the closing head (6) so that the closing head (6) can be inserted and / or removed during installation or maintenance through the feed hole (49 ) into and out of the sealing seat (32), the closing head (6) being supported on one side of the filling channel (2) - on the side (45) of the drive - and sealed on the side (45) of the drive with respect to the housing (40) by means of a rounded section of the head (8), characterized in that the aeration nozzle (35) is located in the wall (43) of the housing in the direction upstream of the closing head, with which it is necessary to aerate the filling channel; the housing (40) contains a part (41) of the valve body and a part (42) of the bearing housing connected thereto, and the closing head (6) is supported for rotation on the part (42) of the bearing housing, in this case, in particular, the part ( 42) of the bearing housing is sealed against part (41) of the valve housing; part (42) of the bearing housing is hollow and connected to part (41) of the valve body; part (42) of the bearing housing surrounds the drive shaft (7) of the closing head (6), and in which at least one seal (51) is located in the inner region of the part (42) of the bearing housing on the side of the filling channel to seal the drive shaft (7) away from the filling channel (2), and closer to the outer end is a bearing assembly (52) to support the drive shaft (7) relative to the bearing housing portion (42), and in which between the inner wall of the bearing housing portion (42) and the drive shaft (7 ) a hollow space (53) is provided, which can be aerated using at least one aeration nozzle (54) in order to reduce the flow of bulk material from the filling channel into the hollow space through the seal (51). 2. A filling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the closing head (6) is positioned in the housing (40) so that it does not touch the side (46) of the housing opposite to the side (45) of the drive. 3. A filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the housing (40) comprises two opposite walls (15, 16), one of the two walls being located on the side (45) of the drive. 4. A filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a feed opening (49) is provided on the drive side (45) or in which the supply opening (49) is located on a wall (16) opposite the drive side. 5. A filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the wall (46) opposite to the side (45) of the drive has a through hole (47) which is closed by means of a plug (55). 6. The filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the plug (55) is immersed in the through hole (47), thus forming part of the channel wall of the filling channel. 7. A filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the aeration nozzle (59) is located in the plug (55) to aerate the area of the seal seat (32) as - 12 038954 required. 8. A filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the closing head (6) is inserted into opposite walls (15, 16) of the filling channel (2). 9. A filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing head includes a drive shaft (7), a rounded head section (8), and a closure wall offset from a center line with respect to the drive shaft. 10. A filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the closure wall is substantially formed by a hollow cylindrical segment or a cylindrical segment, or is enclosed in a semi-cylinder having an outer diameter of a rounded head section. 11. A filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the filling channel (2) is substantially rectangular in cross section (21) in the region of the closing head (6). 12. A filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the filling channel (2) has in the region of the closing head (6) at least one recess (22), into which the closing wall (18 ), when the closure wall (18) is in the fully open position (13), and in which the filling channel (2) has at least one recess (23) in the region of the closing head (6), into which at least partially the closure wall (18) enters when the closure wall (18) is in the closed position (11). 13. A filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one supply element (24) and a filling module (25) for receiving an intermediate amount of bulk material (5), which will subsequently be packaged. 14. A filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least part of the closing head (6) in the installed state is located within a rectangular region surrounding as close as possible the outer periphery and / or the inner cross-sectional region of the filling module (25 ). 15. A filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the filling station (30) is connected to the filling channel (2) and in which an elastic sleeve (31) is provided between the filling station (30) and the filling channel (2). 16. A packaging machine (100) comprising at least one filling device (1) according to claims 13-15.