EP0582089B1 - Device and method for the careful packaging of a product - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for gentle filling one very sensitive to external influences Product made from elongated, sticky and sticky separable components, such as pasta, with a conveyor line on which the product is conveyed , with several in a row in the conveying direction arranged, made of parallel bars The rows of bars formed extend across the conveyor line and those in a run into the conveyor line Position the conveyor line completely, whereby alternately a sliding group of Rows of bars remain in the conveyor line while one another displaceable group of rows of bars the route at least partially releases.

In addition, the invention relates to a method for gentle filling of one against external influences very sensitive product, made of elongated, together adherent and separable components, such as Pasta, which is on a conveyor line subsidized product is loosened.

Finally, the invention relates to a method for gentle filling of one against external influences very sensitive product, made of elongated, together adherent and separable components, such as Pasta, which is through an outlet subsidized product is loosened.

Devices and methods of this type are used in the manufacture and packaging of ready meals needed to batch-cooked and temporarily stored in a container Loosen up food gently and into individual components to separate before going on to a dosing and Packaging device leading conveyor abandoned become. Noodles in particular stick or stick depending on their shape and the length of time that has elapsed since the cooking process Time differently to each other, with individual Additional types of pasta such as spaghetti or macaroni are still intertwined. Attempts to mechanical Separation of these very sensitive to external influences Until now, products have always led to a more or less great impairment of the appearance of the in the dishes presented in the packaging, what after Possibility should be avoided.

From US-A-2 969 628 is one of the features of the preamble of claim 1 having known device with the help of which a predetermined amount of Food, the particles of which are coherent Have a consistency, for example tea or coffee can be measured. For this purpose it is in one a lower slider and a vertically arranged shaft Upper comb arranged transversely to the passage opening of the Shaft can be retracted into this. At inserted lower slider and opened upper comb the measuring section fills with the one to be measured Food. Then the upper ridge becomes across Move the measuring section so that no further part of the Food can fall into the measuring section. Then the lower slide is opened so that the content of the Measuring section down into a pack to be filled can pour.

When the slide is closed, the one to be measured is jammed Food in the measuring section, and under the Inflowing mass pressure. A loosening of the Food cannot be expected under these circumstances become. In the case of particles adhering to one another, it must rather can be expected that after opening the measuring section the slider below the content of the measuring section falls as a coherent mass without falling a substantial loosening is to be expected. More like that the food already falls into a compressed form closed slide and open comb of that Refill funnel in the measuring section. There is a loosening up not to be expected from this facility, in particular not from the point of view that sensitive products, those of elongated, sticking together and from each other separable components exist through the shaft slide down.

The object of the present invention is therefore a Device and a method of the type mentioned in the introduction specify, with the help of sensitive products gentle and loosened up without deformation and into its components can be separated.

This object is achieved with a device solved in the case of the at least two rows of rods having displaceable groups at least one Part of the rows of bars of a movable group in Direction of conveyance between the rows of bars of the other group is arranged.

With this device the product components are on released their way through the conveyor track several times and held back again, making the product components a Experience loosening and separation. Even a lot sensitive products, such as pasta, which are used for Sticking and sticking together tend to be on this Way equalized again and again during the promotion loosened up so that they have no opportunity to to stick unwanted bales together.

EP-A-317 750 describes a method; according to the generic terms of Claims 20 and 21 became known with the help of one through external influences in his Consistency controllable product that consists of a number separable constituents, which at least partially attached to each other and under the Slightly deform under the influence of mechanical forces, packed can be. With this process, the product falls, before it is packaged in due to its own heaviness a measuring section in the downward direction of a Slider is closed and after filling it up can also be closed by another slide can. Immediately after the measuring section is filled the bottom slider opened so the product into one Packaging container can fall, again because of of its own weight. To glue the individual Preventing product components is the whole Measuring section controlled so that only small quantities, each are to be measured in the measuring section and from this to the filling container can enter. That way the product to be filled is constantly in motion, so that its Components don't find an opportunity to get together glue. For a continuously working Feeding system can and should use the previously known method not be used.

Another object of the present invention is therefore, the procedure mentioned in the introduction thereby improve that promoted on a conveyor line highly sensitive product is loosened continuously.

This object is achieved in that arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction from parallel mutually extending bars formed transversely to the Row of bars extending in alternation a movable group of at least two rows of bars with in the conveying direction between rows of bars of the other movable group of at least two rows of bars arranged rows of bars with the release of the previously of this Retained product components from the group Conveyor route is shifted while the other Group in their position within the group The conveyor line remains. Through these procedural steps If the product is loosened, if otherwise the conveying speed of the product changes must depend on the respective attack, d. H. a comparatively large or small amount of the product must be enforced. In any case, the inventive method the product as long as in motion kept gluing the individual components cannot be done.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the Invention is a method for the gentle filling of a product very sensitive to external influences characterized in that in the area of an outlet opening arranged one behind the other from parallel to each other extending bars formed transverse to the direction of the Extending rows of exhaust openings alternately a movable group of at least two rows of bars with one in the direction of passage between rows of bars other sliding group of at least two Rows of bars arranged rows of bars releasing the previously product components retained by this group the exhaust port is moved while the other group in their position within the Exhaust opening remains. Through this embodiment of the The inventive method can also by external Influences in products that can be influenced in their consistency gentle through an outlet opening from a container be filled.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the Invention is shared by half the number of rods shifted while the other half number in their Position remains. Through this embodiment ensures that approximately the same amount over the entire cross section of the outlet opening emerges.

Figur 1:

eine Seitenansicht einer Anlage zum Verpacken von Fertiggerichten,

Figur 2:

einen Querschnitt durch eine im unteren Auslaßschacht eines trichterförmigen Behälters angeordnete Auflockerungsvorrichtung,

Figur 3:

einen Längsschnitt durch die Auflockerungsvorrichtung der Figur 2.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an advantageous exemplary embodiment shown schematically in the drawing. Show it:

Figure 1:

a side view of a system for packaging ready meals,

Figure 2:

3 shows a cross section through a loosening device arranged in the lower outlet shaft of a funnel-shaped container,

Figure 3:

3 shows a longitudinal section through the loosening device of FIG. 2.

The system shown in Figure 1 for packaging ready meals consists essentially of an allocation body (1) in which the individual dishes of the ready meals dosed into the packaging container (2) before delivery, a conveyor designed as a belt conveyor (3) for continuously feeding the food to the feeder (1), and one above the upper run (4) of the conveyor (3) arranged, designed as a hopper Container (5), which is arranged at the lower end with its broad side walls (19, 19 ') parallel to the conveying direction the delivery device (3) aligned outlet shaft (6) with a loosening device (7) which is used after the preparation in the container (5) intermediate products, such as pasta, before delivery loosen and equalize on the conveyor (3), to make it as uniform as possible To ensure loading of the conveyor (3) and prevent others from sticking together food ingredients on the steep conveyor (8) of the conveyor (3) over the carrier webs of the conveyor belt, not shown (9) fall down and get in the transition area accumulate from the horizontal to the steep conveyor section.

The one shown in Figure 2, in the outlet shaft (6) of the container (5) Loosening device arranged in front of the outlet opening (23) (7) consists essentially of one A number of thinner, over the entire cross section of the outlet shaft distributed rods (10, 10 ') which are made of opposite directions (11, 11 ') into the outlet duct (6) can be moved into it. Round in cross-section their free ends are sharpened rods (10, 10 ') parallel next to each other in rows of bars (12, 12 ', 13, 13', 14, 14 ', 15, 15 ') and arranged in this way on two holding plates (16, 16 ') attached that each of the rods (10) in the direction of movement of the product first double row (12,13) together with the rods (10) of the third double row (14, 15) are displaceable while the rods (10 ') are in the direction of movement of the product third double row (12 ', 13') together with the bars (10 ') of the last double row (14 ', 15') are displaceable. The bars (10, 10 ') of two immediately series of bars (12, 13; 13, 12 '; 12', 13 ', etc.) are offset from one another arranged.

The holding plates (16, 16 ') are each at the free end of two Push rods (17, 17 ') releasably attached by means of Pneumatic cylinder, not shown, from opposite one another Directions (11, 11 ') from the outside towards each other opposite broad side walls (19, 19 ') of the outlet shaft (6) are too displaceable. The walls (19, 19 ') have passage openings (20, 20 ') for the rods (10, 10') on, in its one end position the outlet shaft (6) completely enforce and completely in their other end position are pulled out of the outlet shaft (6).

The push rods (17, 17 ') are in passage openings (21, 21 ') of the other holding plate (16', 16) as well as on the Outer sides of the narrow side walls (22, 22 ') of the outlet shaft (6) mounted longitudinally displaceable.

The displacement speed of the bars (10, 10 ') can be in Dependence on the filling level of the downstream conveyor (3) can be changed. These are at the conveyor (3) sensors, not shown, are provided with which the filling level or the loading weight is measured and their output signal to control the hydraulic cylinders serves.

When operating the loosening device (7) ready cooked dishes, such as pasta, until Task temporarily stored on the conveyor (3) in the container (5). Before commissioning the conveyor (3) are both holding plates (16, 16 ') in the in Figure 2 illustrated end position, in which all the rods (10,10 ') Push the outlet shaft (6) completely through and thereby the Prevent food from escaping. When starting up the conveying device (3) and the allocation member (1) the holding plate (16) is first in its other end position moved, in which the rods (10) completely from the Outlet duct (6) are pulled out. When pulling out the Bars (10) slide up to that point from the top or second uppermost row of bars (12 or 13) retained food components as far down into the outlet shaft (6) until they are on the subsequent rows of bars (12 ', 13') lie on. Then the holding plate (16) is in again brought their end position shown in Figure 2, wherein the free ends of the rods (10) of the top two Slide rows of bars (12, 13) between the food components.

Now that of the holding plate (16) opposite Holding plate (16 ') moved to its other end position, in which completely removes the rods (10 ') from the outlet shaft (6) are pulled out. The fall on the rows of bars (12 ', 13') food components lying down on the rows of bars (14, 15), with a considerable loosening and equalization takes place since these food components are used for one no longer by the weight of the in the container (5) located food quantity are burdened, on the other hand, because it is restrained from those of the rows of bars (12, 13) Loosen the food components. Then the holding plate (16 ') again in the end position shown in Figure 2 postponed.

Then the holding plate (16) is moved again, the ones retained by the rows of bars (12, 13, 14, 15) Food ingredients on the underlying Rows of bars (12 ', 13' or 14 ', 15') fall from where they are when moving the holding plate (16 ') the Rod rows (14, 15) or the conveyor (3) supplied become.

The process described is repeated until all in the container (5) temporarily stored food components have passed the outlet shaft (6) step by step.

A deformation of the food components is described with the Loosening device largely avoided, since only the two top rows of rods (12, 13) are in one Food-filled area of the discharge shaft (6) must be pushed while the ones below Rod rows (12 ', 13', 14,15,14 ', 15') when moving into the end position shown in Figure 2 not on food ingredients meet, because each of these previously from the displacement the bars down to the next row of bars or fell on the conveyor, which Other food ingredients slide down from above through the each row of bars above is prevented.

Claims (22)

1. Apparatus for gently filling a product which is very sensitive to outside influences and which comprises elongate constituents which adhere to each other and which can be separated from each other such as pasta, comprising a conveyor section on which the product is conveyed, wherein a plurality of rows of bars (12, 13, 12', 13', 14, 15, 74', 15') which are arranged in succession in the conveying direction and which are formed from bars (10, 10') extending in mutually parallel relationship extend transversely with respect to the conveyor section and in a position of being moved into the conveyor section pass completely through the conveyor section, wherein a displaceable group of rows of bars respectively remains alternately in the conveyor section white another displaceable group of rows of bars at least partially liberates the section, characterised in that of the groups having at least two rows of bars at least a part of the rows of bars (14, 15 and 12', 13' respectively) of the one displaceable group is respectively arranged in the conveyor direction between the rows of bars (12', 13', 14', 15' and 12, 13, 14, 15 respectively) of the other group.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the conveyor section extends through a container (5) from the inlet opening thereof to its outlet opening (23).
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the conveyor section has a downward gradient which conveys the product by virtue of its weight.
4. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the number of bars (10, 10') that extend through the cross-section are controlled in synchronous relationship.
5. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the number of bars (10, 10' ) extending through the cross-section is controlled in a successive cyclic frequency in dependence on a desired size of free portions.
6. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that at their free ends which penetrate into the cross-section at least some bars (10, 10') are of a configuration which promotes the movement of the product through the arrangement.
7. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterised in than the bars of two immediately successively arranged rows of bars (12, 13, 12', 13', 14, 15, 14', 15') are respectively arranged in mutually displaced relationship.
8. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that at least two rows of bars (12, 13, 14, 15; 12', 13', 14', 15') are displaceable independently of each other.
9. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the spacings between two rows of bars (12, 13; 12', 13'; 14, 15; 14', 15') which are displaceable independently of each other increase or remain at least the same in the direction of movement.
10. Apparatus according to one of claims 2 to 9 characterised in that the bars (10, 10') are displaceable into an outlet shaft (6) arranged at the lower end of the container.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 characterised in that in one of their limit positions the bars (10, 10') are pulled completely cut of the outlet shaft (6).
12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11 characterised in that the outlet shaft (6) has passage openings (20) for the bars (10, 10') in respective mutually oppositely disposed wall regions (19, 19').
13. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 12 characterised in that the bars (10, 10') are hydraulically displaceable.
14. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 13 characterised in that the speed of displacement of the bars (10, 10') is variable.
15. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 14 characterised In that the displacement travel of the bars (10, 10') is variable in accordance with the degree of filling of a downstream-disposed conveyor device (3).
16. Apparatus according to one of claims 2 to 15 characterised in that the container (5) is in the form of a feed hopper.
17. Apparatus according to one of claims 10 to 16 characterised in that half the number of bars (10, 10') is fixed on a respective holding plate (16, 16') and that the two holding plates (16, 16') are displaceable from mutually opposite directions from the exterior towards mutually opposite walls (19, 19') of the outlet shaft (6).
18. Apparatus according to claim 17 characterised in that the holding plates (16, 16') are respectively releasably fixed to the free ends of two respective push rods (17, 17').
19. Apparatus according to claim 18 characterised in that the push rods (17, 17') are guided in passage openings (21', 21) of the respective other holding plate (16', 16).
20. A process for gently filling a product which is very sensitive to outside influences and which comprises elongate constituents which adhere to each other and which can be separated from each other such as pasta, wherein the product which is conveyed on a conveyor section is loosened up, characterised in that of rows of bars (12, 13, 12', 13', 14, 15, 14', 15') which are arranged in succession in the conveyor direction and which are formed from bars (10, 10') extending in mutually parallel relationship and which extend transversely with respect to the conveyor section a displaceable group of at least two rows of bars (12, 13, 14, 15 and 12', 13', 14', 15' respectively) is respectively displaced alternately out of the conveyor section with rows of bars (14, 15 and 12', 13' respectively) arranged in the conveyor direction between rows of bars of another displaceable group of at least two rows of bars (12', 13', 14', 15' and 12, 13, 14, 15 respectively), releasing the product constituents previously retained by said group (12, 13, 14, 15 and 12', 13', 14', 15' respectively), while the respective other group (12', 13', 14', 15' and 12, 13, 14, 15 respectively) remains for so long in its position within the conveyor section.
21. A process according to claim 20 wherein the product which is disposed in a container is loosened up before it issues from the container on the conveyor section through a lower outlet opening.
22. A process according to claim 20 or claim 21 characterised in that in each case half the number of bars (10, 10') is jointly displaced while the other half of the number remains in its position.

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