JP2015504822A - Damping system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for filling a container (1) with food (20) is provided. The method includes the following steps: transporting food into the hopper (2a, 2b, 35); while the food is in the hopper, the food is moved to the first tamping block (7). A container (1) having an upward opening is placed under the hopper; and the hopper is opened so that the stuffed food falls from the hopper into the container. [Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and system for tamping a product so that the product can be more easily packed into a container. In this context, “container” means a container, such as a tray, having an upward opening. In particular, the present invention relates to tamping food for filling into containers on food packaging production lines.

  Typically, food packaging production lines include a system for placing food in the container and a system for sealing the container, for example, automatic application of a film lid on the tray. The packed and sealed containers are then labeled and can be distributed to the desired sales channel such as a supermarket.

  Preferably, as many of the production lines as possible are automatically activated to reduce packaging costs and increase speed and efficiency. This can cause problems when packaging loose items such as salads. For example, if a portion of a leafy leaf salad is automatically placed in a container, the salad usually flows and forms a “dome” shape that extends in the height direction of the container. Attempting to seal such packaging containers can result in poor sealing and non-uniform sealing, increasing food spillage and waste during tray transport.

  In order to overcome this problem, in this technical field, all salads in the container are accommodated in the container so that there is nothing on the edge of the container against the sealing process that occurs. It is known to harden or “press” on the salad. Usually a full-size salad is measured and placed in a preformed container. Because of its bulky nature and indefinite volume density, the salad extends and settles above the height of the container, thus making the container unsuitable for packaging. The container is then moved along the conveyor to a tamping station where the salad is tamped to fit all within the container.

  However, due to the unstable nature of the initial salad, the leaves tend to fall out of the container and on the edge of the container as they move along the conveyor to the tamping station. Although the manual operator can repack the leaves of the leaf to allow sealing, of course, the use of the manual operator negates the advantages of the automated system. They also reduce the efficiency of the packaging process.

  Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved method and system for packaging and sealing bulk items of food in a container so that the container can be sealed, to minimize food spillage, and to overcome the above problems. Exists in the field.

  FR-A-2848624 allows food material to fall by gravity from the food dispenser down from the transmission tube aligned with the opening of the container to prevent food from falling onto the perimeter. A method and apparatus for filling a container with food material is disclosed. With the guide still in place, the food is then pushed down by a pressure plate that passes through the transmission tube. The container is then sealed in a conventional manner. The guide is arranged so that the upper part of the container is aligned with the lower part of the container or fits within the container.

  However, there are disadvantages to this device. For example, the guide must correspond exactly to the size of the container. Otherwise, food falls to the side of the container (if the guide is too large) or the container is not sufficiently filled (if the guide is too small). Further, when pulling back the transmission tube and the pressure plate from the container, there is a possibility that the food is caught or dropped out of the container. In addition, the method requires that the container be present before the tamping process can begin and that the product has finished flowing through the transmission tube.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, we provide a method for filling a container with food including the following steps; transporting the food into a hopper; using a tamping block in the hopper The container with an upward opening is placed under the hopper; and the hopper is opened so that the baked food falls from the hopper into the container.

  Thus, the present invention provides a new tamping inventive step to reduce the volume of food while still in the hopper. Conventional devices that squeeze food only after it has been transported to the container can spill food on the outside of the container or on the edge of the container, affecting the sealing process. Thus, conventional devices typically require a number of manual operators to remove loose spilled food (such as salad leaves) prior to the sealing or capping process. By first tamping the food in the hopper, the food falls from the hopper into the container in a pre-compressed and tamped state. This significantly reduces the amount of food spilling from the container, thus eliminating the need for manual operator use, immediately reducing costs and increasing system efficiency.

  Typically, the container is a pre-formed, hard plastic tray.

  Furthermore, when packaging food on a production line, the food is usually stored in the hopper for a short period of time before being transported to a container. This “dead time” is used to improve the efficiency and throughput of the production line by tamping the food while still in the hopper. Furthermore, the container need not be in place under the hopper until the hopper is opened. This means that compared to FR-A-284624, tamping may occur before the container is placed under the hopper. This means the advantage that the throughput of the tray can be increased.

  Preferably, the hopper includes a lower portion including a door, and releasing the food from the hopper includes opening the door such that the food falls from the hopper into the container. The door may be sliding or hinged. Typically, the door is driven by a pneumatic mechanism, but may alternatively be operated by an electronically operated motor.

  The method may further include a subsequent step of lowering the tamping block toward the container through the open door of the hopper. This advantageously assists in keeping the pre-compacted food in its tamped state as it falls towards and into the container.

  Preferably, the step of lowering the tamping block towards the container is performed simultaneously with the opening of the hopper. This means that the food is released from the hopper with the downward pressure exerted by the tamping block. This has the advantage of allowing the food to drop rapidly into the container, and lowering the tamping block with the food helps to guide the food into the container. It also helps prevent food from “swelling” after it has been tamped in the hopper.

  The tamping block may be lowered by an amount sufficient to mash the food with the tamping block while the food is in the container. This has the advantage of providing a further tamping process for food. Preferably, in this second tamping process, the food is rammed so that the food is below the container's sealing line. When food is below the sealing line, it tends not to “re-inflate” beyond the sealing line due to friction on the side walls of the container.

  The method further has the advantage that the step of lowering the hopper towards the container may be included, wherein the step of lowering the hopper towards the container and the step of tamping the food while in the hopper are performed simultaneously. . The step of lowering the hopper toward the container helps guide the food into the container when the hopper door is opened. Since this step is performed simultaneously with tamping the food in the hopper, the hopper is lowered into position before the hopper door is opened to release the food.

  The hopper is preferably lowered so that its lower part is aligned with the upper part of the container. In this case, the size of the opening of the hopper is substantially the same as the size of the upper opening of the container so that food does not spill on the sides of the container. Alternatively, the hopper may be lowered onto the top of the container and aligned with the container. As a further alternative, the hopper opening may be smaller than the container opening, lowering the hopper into the container.

  The method may further include a subsequent step of mashing the food product using a second tamping block disposed separately from the first tamping block while the food product is in the container; Lower the curtain toward the container so that the lower part of the container is below the opening of the container; and remove the second tamping block from the container while the curtain is still in the lowered position. Subsequent tamping ensures that food that is not initially tamped is sufficiently tamped below the height of the container opening to reduce food spills, and the food to be sealed is There is the advantage of ensuring that it is not at the edge of the container.

  The step of transporting food into the hopper may be performed at a first position, and the step of tamping the food while the food is in the hopper is performed at a second position, wherein the first and second The positions of are separated. When used in a food packaging production line, the first position may be at a position on the production line and the second position may be at a position on a different production line. In such a case, the hopper is movable between the two positions, for example on the carriage. Having separate locations for transporting and tamping the food has the advantage of reducing the so-called “dwell time” of the system, thereby increasing the rate at which the container can be filled with food and increasing throughput. . This will be described in more detail in the “Detailed Description” section of this specification.

  Alternatively, the top of the hopper may be sized to accommodate both food transport and tamping processes in the same location. In such a case, the hopper has a substantially trapezoidal shape, and guides the food conveyed from the first position to the tamping position in the hopper on the inclined side.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a tamping system for filling a container with food is provided; the tamping system includes: a hopper for holding food; the food is in the hopper In between, a tamping block operable to mash said food in a first tamping process; and wherein the hopper removes food from the hopper so that the food falls from the hopper into a container having an upward opening. Includes an openable and closable opening operable to discharge.

  Preferably, the tamping system of the second aspect of the present invention may further comprise a control device for actuating the tamping block in the first tamping process to open an openable opening; The tamping block is actuated before opening the openable opening.

  A controller that activates the tamping block before opening the openable opening ensures that the food is tamped while in the hopper. The advantages of “pre-hardening” this food in the hopper are as described above.

  The openable / closable opening may preferably include a door disposed at the bottom of the hopper, the door being operable to open so that food can fall from the hopper into the container. As described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention, the door may be actuated electronically or may be driven by a pneumatic mechanism. Typically, the openable and closable opening may include two hinged doors that abut each other in a closed position, providing a surface on which food can be tamped by a tamping block; Open, move in a hinged manner and move away from each other. The hinge is preferably in a position on the door to provide a strong foundation on which to squeeze the food.

  The tamping system may further include a first lowering device operable to lower the tamping block through the open hopper door toward the container. This helps the food keep its compressed state after being tamped in the hopper, thereby reducing the outflow of food from the container.

  The first lowering device is operable to lower the tamping block by an amount sufficient for the food to be tamped in the second tamping process by the tamping block while the food is in the container. Also good. This has the advantage of providing a second tamping of the food.

  Preferably, the control device is operable to open an openable and closable opening and simultaneously activate the first lowering device. This offers the advantage that the food is released from the hopper under pressure from the tamping block. This means that the food is guided to the container more rapidly than if the food simply fell from the hopper to the container by gravity. This feature of the invention also helps to prevent the food from expanding when it is tamped in the hopper and then moved from the hopper to the container.

  Furthermore, the tamping system of the present invention may include a second lowering device operable to lower the hopper toward the container. Preferably, the controller causes the tamping block and the second lowering device to be activated simultaneously in the first tamping process so that the hopper is in the lowered position before the hopper opens and releases the food. Lowering the hopper in this way provides a guide for food falling from the hopper into the container, thereby preventing the food from flowing out.

  The second lowering device may be operable to lower the hopper so that the lower part of the hopper is aligned with the opening of the container. Alternatively, the second lowering device may be operable to lower the hopper so that the lower portion of the hopper is higher than and aligned with the opening of the container, and in yet another alternative, the second lowering device is It may be operable to lower the hopper so that the lower part is lower than the opening of the container.

  The tamping block may preferably have a tamping surface in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion when the tamping block is lowered, said surface being said to have an internal cross-sectional area of the hopper. Have substantially the same area. For example, the tamping surface may be substantially rectangular and corresponds to the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the inner wall of the hopper. This feature means that when the tamping block is lowered through the hopper, the food that gets stuck or stuck on the inner wall of the hopper has the advantage of being pushed down and tamped, thereby reducing food waste. For example, the tamping block can have a circular tamping surface and the hopper can be substantially cylindrical, although other shapes are envisioned.

  Typically, the tamping system may further include a food dispenser adapted to dispense food into the hopper. Preferably, the food dispenser is disposed in a first position and the first tamping block is disposed in a second position, wherein the first and second positions are spaced apart, more preferably The hopper is movable between the first and second positions. As will be described in detail in the “Detailed Description” section of this specification, this arrangement has the advantage of allowing increased container throughput.

  Alternatively, the hopper may be trapezoidal with the hopper's lower part and the hopper's upper part parallel; further, the tamping block and the food dispenser are aligned with the hopper's upper opening. The trapezoidal nature of the hopper means that it includes a ramp that guides the food dispensed from the food dispenser to the bottom of the hopper to be tamped in the hopper. This particular shape of the hopper is particularly beneficial because it does not require the hopper to move between a remote food filling position and a tamping position, thus reducing the number of moving parts required.

  However, other shapes for the hopper are envisioned if they have a surface that allows food to be transported from the food dispenser to the tamping location.

  The tamping system may further include a second tamping block that is arranged separately from the first tamping block and operable to mash while the food is in the container in a third tamping process. The tamping system further includes a curtain operable to be lowered toward the container by a third lowering device, the curtain being lowered such that the lower part of the curtain is below the opening of the container, wherein Remove the 2 tamping block from the container while the curtain is still down. Such a second tamping block has the advantage of ensuring that food that has not been tamped sufficiently in the first and second tamping processes is rammed below the height of the container opening. This ensures that nothing is attached to the lip of the container to be sealed and reduces spillage and waste of food.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for filling a plurality of containers with food, said method comprising the following steps: (a) conveying the food into a hopper at a first position; (B) moving the hopper to a second position spaced from the first position; and any of the following: (c) using a first tamping block, Tamping while in the hopper; (d) placing a container with an upward opening under the hopper in the second position; (e) opening the door so that food drops from the hopper into the container. Open; (f) remove container from under second position hopper; and (g) move hopper back to first position; and repeat steps (a)-(g); or: (1 ) A container having an upward opening is installed under the hopper at the second position. (D1) Open the door so that the food falls from the hopper into the container; (e1) In the first tamping process, the tamping block is used to ram the food in the container at the second position. (F1) Remove the container from below the hopper in the second position; and (g1) move the hopper back to the first position; and repeat steps (a) to (g1).

  The features of the first and second aspects of the invention may be incorporated into the third aspect of the invention.

  The time required for filling the container with the food and solidifying the food can be divided into so-called “residence time” and “index time”. “Residence time” is the time during which the food in the container is tamped at the second position. Preferably, the container is stationary for this process. “Index time” is the time taken between the tamping processes. Typically this is the time it takes for an empty container to move from that position to the position below the second position hopper when the previous container is filled. In the method of this third aspect of the invention, the inventors reduce the “residence time” without compromising the “index time” and thus increase the throughput of the container filled with the crushed food. It was.

  Preferably, the container may be arranged under the hopper in the second position after the time when the hopper moves to the second position. This includes the container being placed under the hopper at the same time that the hopper reaches the second position. This means that the “index time” of the system is not limited by the time it takes to move the hopper. However, the container may be placed under the hopper in the second position after the time when the hopper is moved to the second position. This aspect of the invention is described in more detail in the “Detailed Description” section of this specification.

  In a third aspect of the invention, tamping may occur in the hopper itself (so-called “pre-tamping”) or in the container. Alternatively, the food product may be pre-compacted in a hopper in a first tamping process and subsequently crushed in a container in a second tamping process.

  The plurality of containers are preferably arranged on a movable conveyor and separated by a fixed pitch. As an example, the containers are usually spaced apart on a conveyor at a fixed pitch, such as 14 inches. Thus, while a container is filled and tamped with food, the next container to be processed is in a “hold” position 14 inches apart on the conveyor. If the first container is filled with the baked food, the hopper moves from the second position to the first position, and the next container is in the second position from its "holding position". The food is refilled and returned to the second position in less than or equal to the time it takes to move 14 inches to the lower position (so-called “index time”). Alternatively, the hopper moves from the second position to the first position and takes 14 inches to move from its “hold” position to the position below the hopper in the second position. It takes more time to refill the food and return to the second position.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tamping system for filling a plurality of containers with food. The tamping system includes: a hopper for holding food, including a closable opening; operable in use for dispensing food into a hopper in a first position A food dispenser located in a first position; a hopper transport device operable in use for transporting the hopper between a first position and a second position spaced from the first position; A container transport device operable in use for transport; a tamping block located in a second position; and a control device operable to perform the following steps: (a) in a hopper in the first position Activating a food dispenser to convey food; (b) activating a hopper transport device to move the hopper containing food to a second position; and (c) one of the following: Lowering the tamping block so as to squeeze the food while in the hopper at a position; (d) a container transport device to place a container having an upward opening under the hopper at the second position; (E) opening an openable opening to release food from the hopper into the container; (f) actuating the container transport device to remove the container from under the hopper in the second position; g) actuating the hopper transport device to return the hopper to the first position; where the control device further repeats steps (a) to (g); or: (c1) the second position (D1) Open the openable opening, release food from the hopper into the container, and squeeze the food into the container. Lower the tamping block into the container for consolidation; (e1) actuate the container transport device to remove the container from under the hopper in the second position; and (f1) return the hopper to the first position. The control device further repeats steps (a) to (f1).

  The features of the first, second and third aspects of the invention may be incorporated into the fourth aspect of the invention.

  As briefly described above, and as described in detail below, the system of the fourth aspect of the present invention has the advantage of increasing the throughput of containers filled with crushed food.

  In a fourth aspect of the invention, tamping may occur in the hopper (so-called “pre-tamping”) or in the container. Alternatively, the food product may be pre-compacted in a hopper in a first tamping process and subsequently crushed in a container in a second tamping process.

  The control device may further control the container transport device and the hopper transport device so that the container is located under the hopper in the second position after the time when the hopper moves to the second position.

  Usually, the container transport device is a movable conveyor on which containers are arranged and separated by a fixed pitch.

The present invention will now be compared and contrasted with the prior art by referring to the following drawings.
1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the 3rd example of the invention in this application in time T1. It is a perspective view of the 3rd example of the present invention in time T2 after T1. It is a perspective view of the 3rd example of the present invention in time T3 after T2. It is a perspective view of the 3rd example of the present invention in time T4 after T3. It is a perspective view of the 3rd example of the present invention in time T5 after T4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tamping device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a first position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tamping device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a second position. 1 is a perspective view of a dual lane food packaging system including one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the step of the 1st and 2nd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the step of the 3rd Example of this invention. These are the flowcharts which show the outline of the step of the 4th Example of this invention.

  In a first embodiment of the present invention, a tamping system 200 is provided as shown in FIG. The tamping system 200 includes a container conveyor (not shown) on which a plurality of containers are spaced apart at a predetermined pitch. The conveyor is typically a fixed pitch index conveyor that includes a plurality of indexing flights spaced at a fixed pitch. Two such containers are labeled 1a and 1b. Here, the container is moving in the direction of the arrow “D”.

  The tamping system 200 further includes a trapezoidal hopper 35 that includes an upper portion 36, a lower portion 37 and an inclined side surface 38. The lower portion 37 includes a pair of doors 6a and 6b attached to 21 by hinges. The tamping block 7 and the food dispenser 30 are provided on the upper part 36 of the hopper 35.

  The doors 31 a and 31 b on the food dispenser 30 are opened, and the food 20 is discharged from the food dispenser 30 into the hopper 35 on the inclined side surface 38. The food 20 is guided down on the inclined side 38 by gravity until it stops on the closed doors 6a, 6b in the lower part 37 of the hopper 35. In the closed position, the doors 6a, 6b abut against each other so as to form a base for the hopper.

  The tamping block 7 is then lowered by a linear actuator (not shown) to compress the food 20 between the tamping block 7 and the closed doors 6a, 6b in the first tamping process. Since the area of the tamping block 7 perpendicular to its movement is substantially the same as the size of the lower part 37 of the hopper, all the food is tamped. The doors 6a and 6b are “scraper type” doors suspended by hinges 21 on the doors themselves. This means that the door provides a solid foundation on which to perform the first tamping process.

  At the same time that the food 20 is being tamped in the first tamping process, the hopper 35 is lowered by a mechanism (not shown) so that the lower portion 37 is level with the upper portion of the container 1a. Since the cross-sectional area of the lower part 37 is smaller than the area of the open part of the upper part of the container, all food falls from the hopper 35 into the container. Normally, when the lower part 37 is in the lowered position, there is a 15 mm gap between the lower part 37 and the edge of the container on all sides of the container. Alternatively, the lower and upper cross-sectional areas of the container may be the same, or the lower cross-sectional area may be larger than the upper part of the container.

  In use, the container 1a is moved along the container conveyor until it is in a position below the lower part 37 of the hopper 35. When the container 1a is in a fixed position, the container conveyor is stopped. When the hopper 35 is in the lowered position, the pneumatic mechanism 11 is operated to open the doors 6a and 6b around the hinge 21 to allow the food 20 to fall from the hopper 35 into the container 1a. The container need not be in place until the doors 6a, 6b are opened. Lowering the hopper 35 toward the container serves as a guide for the food 20 falling from the hopper 35 to the container 1a.

  Since the doors 6a, 6b are opened when the food 20 is compressed by the tamping block 7 in the first tamping process, the food 20 is released from the tamping block 7 with pressure. The tamping block 7 continues to be lowered through the hopper 35 and into the container so as to further compress the food 20 in the second tamping process.

  When the second tamping process is completed, the tamping block 7 is raised again to its original position, the doors 6a, 6b are closed, and the hopper 35 returns to its original position. During this time, the food dispenser 30 is refilled with food. Thereafter, the next container 1b to be filled is transported along the container conveyor until it reaches a position below the hopper 35. The process is then repeated.

  On the other hand, the filled container 1a (an example of a filled container is shown in 25) is transported along the container conveyor to the next device in the food production line.

  While the tamping system 200 has been described with respect to a single hopper 35, a two-hopper system is envisioned that simultaneously fills the tamped product into two containers. Similarly, a system including three or more hoppers is envisaged.

  In the second embodiment, the next device in the food production line is a secondary tamping system 300 operable to perform a third tamping process. Such a secondary tamping system 300 is shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b. The secondary tamping device includes tamping blocks 301a and 301b and curtains 302a and 302b. The curtains are connected by a rigid cross member 306 to move in synchronism. Figures 7a and 7b show a secondary tamping device comprising two tamping blocks; however, the following description refers to a single block for purposes of clarity. The filled container 1a moves from the tamping system 200 and stops on the conveyor under the tamping block 301a. The tamping block 1 a is connected to the pneumatic mechanism 310 by a hard member 308. During use, the hydraulic mechanism 310 lowers the tamping block 301a into the filled container 1a for tamping food in the third tamping process. Immediately after the third tamping process occurs, the curtain 302a is lowered by the pneumatic system 305 with the tamping block still in the container. As shown in FIG. 7b, the curtain is smaller than the container so as to be lowered into the container itself. The tamping block 301a is then raised while the curtain is in the container to prevent the food from flowing out when the tamping block is raised. Next, with the curtain, the container moves along the conveyor to the next device (usually a container seal device) in the food production line. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, mechanism 310 may be driven by means other than pneumatic, such as hydraulic.

  FIGS. 7a and 7b show a dual secondary tamping system 300 having two side-by-side tamping blocks. However, secondary tamping systems with one tamping block are envisioned, as are systems with more than two blocks. It should also be noted that FIGS. 7a and 7b show a secondary tamping system 300 used in a “dual lane” container sealing line having two lines of containers passing adjacent to each other. However, the secondary tamping system 300 is also suitable for use in a single lane container seal line or in a container seal line that includes more than two lanes.

  Accordingly, the tamping system 200 of the first embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of “pre-compacting” the salad in the hopper before it is discharged into the container. This means that less food (such as salad) spills out of the container or on the lip, thereby reducing waste and increasing the reliability of subsequent container sealing.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an overview of the steps outlined above. In step 901, food is transported from the food dispenser to the hopper.

  In step 902, the food conveyed to the hopper is tamped by the tamping block while in the hopper. In step 903, the stuffed food is placed under the hopper so that the food can be dropped from the hopper into the container. Optionally, as step 904, the hopper may be lowered toward the container so that the food product does not have to be very far from the hopper and fall into the container. In step 905, the hopper door opens and the pre-compacted food falls into the container.

  The method may further include optional steps 906, 907 and 908. In step 906, while the food is in the container, the container remains under the hopper and the food is tamped by the first tamping block. Preferably, the tamping block is kept lowered through the hopper when the door is opened so that the pre-tamped food falls under the force from the tamping block and continues to be tamped in the container. .

  In step 907, the container is positioned away from the hopper and the first tamping block. Lower the curtain so that the lower position of the curtain is lower than the opening of the container. Thereafter, it is advantageous to further taminate the food, so in step 908 the food in the container is tamped by the second tamping block.

  The description of the first and second embodiments with respect to FIGS. 1, 7a and 7b includes optional steps 904, 906, 907 and 908 of the flowchart of FIG.

  The filling position shown generally at 101 includes two hoppers 2a, 2b. The hopper includes a hopper body 3, an upper part 4 and a lower part 5. The lower part 5 includes a set of hinged “scraper type” doors 6a and 6b similar to that shown in FIG. Although FIG. 2 shows an example of a “dual” tamping system 100 that includes two hoppers 2a, 2b, it is understood that the tamping system 100 may include a single hopper or more than two hoppers. Will.

  In the filling position 101, the food 20 is put into a hopper from a food dispenser (not shown) as indicated by the arrow in FIG. The upper part 4 of the hopper is flared so that food can be easily guided into the hopper body 3. The main body 3 has a rectangular cross section, but other shapes such as a cylindrical main body 3 are envisaged. At this time T1, the doors 6a and 6b come into contact with each other so that the lower part 5 of the hopper is closed and a foundation for the hopper 2 is formed. Accordingly, the food is accommodated in the hopper body 3.

  FIG. 3 shows the tamping system at time T2 after T1. As shown in the figure, the containers 1a and 1b moved along the conveyor in the direction of the arrow “A”. Further, the hoppers 2 a and 2 b moved along the carriage 10 to a tamping position generally indicated by 102. In this embodiment, the conveyor and carriage 10 are linear; however, other shapes are envisioned to fit a particular packaging line, such as a curved conveyor and carriage. The hoppers 2a and 2b are connected to each other through a rigid hopper cross beam 12a and are movably attached to the carriage 10 through the mounting 12. The hopper cross beam 12a is connected to the mounting 12 through a vertical slide 12b (see FIG. 3). The hopper is attached to the carriage in a conventional manner (using a quick release clamp, etc.), but that method is not discussed further here.

  The hard hopper cross beam 12a keeps the hoppers 2a and 2b separated at a fixed pitch.

  Although the tamping location 102 includes two tamping blocks 7a, 7b, it will be appreciated that the tamping system may include a single tamping block or more than two tamping blocks. Ideally, the number of tamping blocks 7 corresponds to the number of hoppers 2. In the present embodiment, the two tamping blocks 7a and 7b are attached to the hard tamping cross beam 9 via the respective hard tamping bars 8a and 8b. The tamping cross beam keeps the tamping blocks 7a and 7b separated by a fixed pitch. The pitch of the tamping block 7 is equal to the pitch of the hoppers 2a, 2b so that the tamping block is coaxial with the hopper. The tamping cross beam 9 is attached to the linear actuator 15.

  As shown in FIG. 3, at time T2, the tamping blocks 7a and 7b are moved to the hopper upper portion 4 so that the hoppers 2a and 2b can move from the filling position 101 to the tamping position 102 along the carriage 10 without being blocked. Align and separate vertically from hopper top 4.

  FIG. 4 shows the tamping system 100 at time T3 after T2. Here, the containers 1a, 1b have moved along the conveyor so that they are in a position below their respective hoppers 2a, 2b. The pitch between the containers 1a and 1b is the same as the pitch between the hoppers 2a and 2b and the tamping blocks 7a and 7b. The containers 1a and 1b are kept at an accurate pitch using a fixed pitch index conveyor having an indexing flight. However, other conveyors may be used, such as variable pitch index conveyors or conveyors without indexing flights, except that containers are placed on the conveyor at the required pitch (eg, by gripper arms)) .

  The following description refers to a single container 1a and its corresponding hopper 2a for purposes of clarity.

  The tamping block 7a is lowered through the upper part 4 of the hopper 2a in the direction of arrow B by the linear actuator 15a (see FIG. 4). The tamping block 7a contacts the food 20 and compresses it between the tamping block 7a and the closed hopper doors 6a, 6b in the first tamping process. The scraper-type door hangs on a hinge on the door itself, thus providing a solid solid base on which the first tamping process can be performed. The first tamping process has the advantage of reducing food volume. The position of the tamping block 7a at the first tamping position is indicated by 7a '. Similarly, the position of the lowered tamping block 7b is indicated by 7b '.

  The area of the tamping block 7a perpendicular to the direction of movement is substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the hopper body 3a so as to compress all of the food 20 in the hopper when the tamping block 7a is lowered. is there. This also allows food caught on the side of the hopper body (eg lettuce leaves etc.) to be tamped by the tamping block 7a.

  When the tamping block 7a is lowered through the hopper body 3a in the first tamping process, the hopper horizontal bar 12a is lowered via the vertical slide 12b so that the hopper 2a is lowered toward the container 1a (FIG. 5). See). Preferably, this is done simultaneously with the tamping block 7a which compresses the food 20 against the closed hopper doors 6a, 6b in the first tamping process. In this embodiment, the hopper 2a is lowered so that the lower part 5 of the hopper is aligned with the upper part of the container. The periphery of the lower part 5 of the hopper 2a substantially corresponds to the edge of the container. The cross-sectional area of the lower part 5 is smaller than the area of the open part of the upper part of the container so that all of the food falls from the hopper 2a into the container. Normally, when the lower part 5 is in the lowered position, there is a 15 mm gap between the lower part 5 and the edge of the container on all sides of the container. Alternatively, the cross-sectional areas of the lower part and the upper part of the container may be the same.

  FIG. 5 shows the tamping system 100 at time T4 after T3. When the hopper 2a is lowered as described above, the hopper doors 6a and 6b are opened so that the food 20 falls from the hopper 2a into the container 1a in the direction of the arrow (as shown in FIG. 5). The container 1a is arrange | positioned on the conveyor under the hopper 2a. When the container 1a is in a fixed position under the hopper 2a, the conveyor is stopped so that the container 1a is stationary. The doors 6a and 6b are hinged at the hinge 21 and are driven by the pneumatic system 11 so as to open outward in a direction away from the container 1a. However, other means for releasing food from the hopper are envisioned, such as a single sliding door. It will be appreciated that the container 1a may be in a position below the hopper when the doors 6a, 6b are opened. For example, the container 1a may still be moving along the conveyor when the first tamping process is occurring.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the tamping block 7 a continues to descend through the hopper body 3 a and into the container via the linear actuator 15. This has the advantage of tamping the food within the container 1a itself in the second tamping process. While the tamping block is still compressing food against the doors 6a, 6b in the first tamping process, the hopper 2a is lowered toward the container 1a and the doors 6a, 6b are opened (as described above). This means that when the doors 6a, 6b are opened, the food is released from the tamping block 7a under pressure. This not only increases the speed at which food enters the container 1a, but also helps prevent the food from losing its compressed form.

  Lowering the hopper 2a toward the container 1a has the advantage of providing a guide surface for the food because the food is released into the container 1a before the second tamping process. As described above, the hopper 2a is lowered so that the lower part 5 of the hopper 2a cooperates with the edge of the container. This prevents spillage of food during the second tamping process. However, in other embodiments, the hopper 2a may be lowered so that the lower part of the hopper is above the container. In another embodiment, the area of the lower portion of the hopper is smaller than the area of the container, and the hopper is lowered into the container to further prevent the outflow of food.

  If the second tamping process occurs, the tamping block 7a is withdrawn from the container 1a and raised again through the hopper body 3a. The doors 6 a and 6 b are closed, and the hopper 2 a is again raised to its original position via the vertical slide 12. During this time, the food dispenser is refilled with food. The conveyor is then restarted and the filled containers 1a, 1b are transported to the next part of the production line. This is typically a container sealing device, but may be a secondary tamping system 300 as described above with respect to FIGS. 7a and 7b. An example of a filled container is shown at 25 in FIG.

  The inventors have realized further technical advantages provided by the apparatus of the third embodiment as described below. The time it takes to fill the container can be divided into “residence time” and “index time”. “Residence time” is the time during which the container is stationary under the hopper during the tamping process, and “index time” is the time when the container moves from one index position to the next. It takes time. The containers are usually made of plastic and so light that it is difficult to reduce the “index time” and it is difficult to move them rapidly along the conveyor.

  The inventors have found that the “residence time” is reduced by using hoppers 2a and 2b smaller than the hopper used in the first embodiment. Specifically, the lower height of the hoppers 2a, 2b means that the distance traveled by the tamping blocks 7a, 7b in the first and second tamping processes is reduced, so that the "residence time" ”Decreases and the throughput of the container increases.

  The reason why the hoppers 2a, 2b can be made smaller in the third embodiment is due to the fact that they move between the remote filling and tamping positions 101,102. In the trapezoidal hopper of the first embodiment, there is a requirement that the tamping block and the food dispenser operate on the same hopper. However, the trapezoidal hopper slope (shown in 38 of the first embodiment) is horizontal relative to allow food dispensed from the food dispenser to fall onto the slope and onto the doors 6a, 6b. A steep angle (usually 70 °) is required. This is especially true for salads that tend to stick to the hopper walls. As a result, tamping blocks are usually required to travel long distances when used with trapezoidal hoppers of about 600-700 mm, resulting in long “residence times”.

  The remote filling and tamping position of the third embodiment means that the hopper can be made smaller, reducing the length of movement of the tamping block and thus reducing the “residence time”.

  In the drawing of FIG. 6, containers 1c and 1d are the containers to be filled next with food and are in their “hold” position on the conveyor. The hoppers 2a and 2b are transported along the carriage 10 from the food dispenser to the filling position 101 again. In the filling position 101, food is filled as described with respect to FIG. They are then transported again to the tamped position along the carriage 10 as previously described with respect to FIG. Conveyor speed and carriage speed are such that the containers 1 and 1d have finished moving to the tamping position 102 when the hoppers 2a, 2b are filled with food at the filling position 101 and returned to the tamping position 102. It is like this. (As described above, the time taken for the containers 1 and 1d to move from their “hold” position to the tamped position 102 in FIG. 6 is referred to as “index time”.) That is, the hopper 2a, Transport 2b, fill with food, and return to tamping position 102 within the index time of the system. This means that in the third embodiment, the index time remains the same while the dwell time is reduced, thereby increasing the throughput. However, it is also possible to transport the hoppers 2a, 2b to the filling position 101, fill the food and return it to the tamping position 102 over a longer time than the index time.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an overview of the steps of the third embodiment outlined above. In step 1001, the food is transported into the hopper at the filling position. In step 1002, the hopper is moved to the tamped position along the normal carriage. Here the hopper is in the tamped position and contains food. Next, in step 1003, the food is tamped in the hopper using the first tamping block in order to “pre-mash” the food.

  In step 1004, a container to be filled with food in a tamped position is placed under the hopper so that the food can fall into the container from the hopper. In step 1006, the hopper door is opened so that the pre-compacted food falls into the container. Optionally, before the hopper door is opened, the hopper may be lowered toward the container so that the distance that the food falls is shortened (step 1005).

  As a further optional step, the food can be crushed in the container (step 1007). This is done using a first tamping block that is lowered into the container after opening the hopper door to tampen the product in the container.

  In step 1008, the container filled with the tamped food is removed from under the hopper in the tamped position. Usually, the containers are transported along the conveyor to the next device on the production line, such as a tray sealer. The hopper is moved again along the carriage to the filling position (step 1009) and the process loops back to step 1001.

  The above description of the third embodiment with respect to FIGS. 2-6 includes optional steps 1005 and 1007.

  As described above, after the hopper is moved to the tamping position (specifically, when the hopper door is opened), the container at the tamping position is placed under the hopper. This has the advantage of increasing the throughput.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of the steps of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In step 1101, the food is transported into the hopper at the filling position. In step 1102, the hopper is moved to the tamped position along the normal carriage. Here the hopper is in the tamped position and contains food. In step 1103a, the container is placed under the hopper in the tamped position.

  In step 1105, the hopper door is opened so that food drops from the hopper into the container. Optionally, before the hopper door is opened, the hopper may be lowered toward the container so that the distance that the food falls is reduced (step 1104). In step 1106, the food product now in the container is tamped using the first tamping block. Usually, the first tamping block is lowered into the container through the open base of the hopper to mash the food.

  In step 1107, the container filled with the tamped food is removed from under the hopper in the tamped position. Usually, the containers are transported along the conveyor to the next device on the production line, such as a tray sealer. In step 1108, the hopper is moved back to the filling position along the carriage and the process loops back to step 1001.

  As described above, after the hopper is moved to the tamping position (specifically, when the hopper door is opened), the container at the tamping position is placed under the hopper. This has the advantage of increasing the throughput.

  The main advantage of both tamping systems 100 and 200 is their automatic nature. The automatic nature of the tamping system is provided by a timing control system (not shown). Knowing the system's input variables, such as the pitch of the containers on the conveyor and the speed of the container conveyor, for example, the container can stop at the exact location at the exact time, or the first tamping process can System 100, 200 can be set automatically so that the hopper door opens at the correct time. Alternatively, sensors can be used to determine when to place containers under the hopper, when to stop the conveyor, and when to automatically perform the first and second tamping processes.

  The above examples have been described with respect to a single container conveyor (single lane production line). However, the tamping system of the present invention may be used in a dual lane production line 400 having two production lines 401, 402, or a production line having four or more lanes, as shown in FIG. . In the present invention, up to 100 containers per minute can be filled with food compacted on a dual lane production line (50 containers per lane per minute).

  The features shown in the above embodiments are not limited to specific embodiments, and may be used in other embodiments.

  The above examples have been described primarily with reference to foodstuffs such as leafy leaf salad, protein, vegetables and pasta. However, the present invention is not limited to food products; it can be used to ramify other items such as clay, sand or mud, for example.

Claims (35)

Conveying food into the hopper;
Tamping the food with a first tamping block while the food is in the hopper;
Placing a container having an upward opening under the hopper;
Opening the hopper so that the baked food falls from the hopper into the container;
A method of filling a container with food. The hopper has a lower part including a door,
Releasing the food from the hopper includes opening the door such that the food falls from the hopper into the container;
The method of claim 1. Further comprising the step of lowering the first tamping block toward the container through the open door of the hopper.
The method of claim 2. Lowering the first tamping block toward the container is performed simultaneously with the step of opening the hopper.
The method according to claim 2 or 3. The first tamping block is lowered by an amount sufficient to tampen the food by the first tamping block while the food is in the container;
The method according to claim 3 or 4. Further comprising lowering the hopper toward the container;
The steps of lowering the hopper towards the container and tamping the food while the food is in the hopper are performed simultaneously,
The method of any one of claims 1-5. The hopper is lowered towards the container so that the lower part of the hopper is at the same height as the opening of the container;
The method of claim 6. The hopper is lowered toward the container such that the lower portion of the hopper is higher than the opening of the container;
The method of claim 6. The hopper is lowered toward the container such that the lower portion of the hopper is lower than the opening of the container;
The method of claim 6. Tamping the food using a second tamping block located away from the first tamping block while the food is in the container;
Lowering the curtain toward the container such that the lower part of the curtain is located below the opening of the container;
Removing the second tamping block from the container while the curtain is still in the lowered position;
10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: The step of transporting the food into the hopper is performed at a first position;
The step of tamping the food while the food is in the hopper is performed in a second position;
The first position and the second position are separated from each other;
The method according to claim 1. The hopper is movable between the first position and the second position;
The method of claim 11. A tamping system for filling food containers,
A hopper for holding food,
A first tamping block operable to mash the food in a first tamping process while the food is in the hopper;
With
The hopper has an openable and closable opening operable to release the food from the hopper so that the food falls from the hopper into a container having an upward opening.
Tamping system. A controller for operating the first tamping block in the first tamping process and opening the openable opening;
The control device further operates the first tamping block before opening the openable / closable opening.
14. A tamping system according to claim 13. The openable / closable opening has a door disposed at a lower portion of the hopper,
The door is operable to open so that food drops from the hopper into the container;
15. A tamping system according to claim 13 or 14. Further comprising a first lowering device for lowering the first tamping block through the door opened by the hopper toward the container;
16. A tamping system according to claim 15. The first lowering device has the first tamped amount sufficient to mash the food product in the second tamping process by the first tamping block while the food product is in the container. Operable to lower the block,
The tamping system according to claim 16. A second lowering device for lowering the hopper toward the container;
The tamping system according to any one of claims 13 to 17. The control device is operable to open the openable opening and simultaneously activate the first lowering device;
The tamping system according to any one of claims 16 to 18. The control device operates the first tamping block in the first tamping process and simultaneously operates the second lowering device.
20. A tamping system according to claim 18 or 19. The first tamping block has a tamping surface that lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the tamping block when the tamping block is lowered;
The surface has substantially the same area as the internal cross-sectional area of the hopper;
The tamping system according to any one of claims 13 to 20. The second lowering device is operable to lower the hopper so that the lower part of the hopper is at the same height as the opening of the container.
The tamping system according to any one of claims 18 to 21. The second lowering device is operable to lower the hopper such that the lower portion of the hopper is higher than the opening of the container;
The tamping system according to any one of claims 18 to 21. The second lowering device is operable to lower the hopper so that the lower part of the hopper is lower than the opening of the container;
The tamping system according to any one of claims 18 to 21. A food dispenser for dispensing food into the hopper;
The tamping system according to any one of claims 13 to 24. The food dispenser is installed in a first position;
The first tamping block is installed in a second position;
The first position and the second position are separated from each other;
The tamping system according to claim 25. The hopper is movable between the first position and the second position;
27. A tamping system according to claim 26. The hopper has a trapezoidal shape in which the lower portion of the hopper and the upper portion of the hopper are parallel to each other,
Further, the tamping block and the food dispenser are aligned with the upper opening of the hopper.
26. A tamping system according to claim 25 when dependent on any one of claims 15-24. In a third tamping process, further comprising a second tamping block that is placed away from the first tamping block and operable to mash the food while the food is in the container Prepared,
The tamping system further includes a curtain operable to be lowered toward the container by a third lowering device;
The curtain is lowered so that the lower part of the curtain is lower than the opening of the container;
The second tamping block is removed from the container while the curtain is still in the lowered position;
29. A tamping system according to any one of claims 13 to 28. (A) conveying the food into the hopper at the first position;
(B) moving the hopper to a second position away from the first position;
And having
(C) tamping the food using a first tamping block while the food is in the hopper at the second position;
(D) installing a container having an upward opening under the hopper in the second position;
(E) opening the hopper so that the food falls from the hopper into the container;
(F) removing the container from under the hopper in the second position;
(G) moving the hopper back to the first position;
A method of repeating steps (a) to (g), or
(C1) installing a container having an upward opening under the hopper in the second position;
(D1) opening the hopper so that the food falls from the hopper into the container;
(E1) tamping the food in the container at the second position using a tamping block in a first tamping process;
(F1) removing the container from under the hopper in the second position;
(G1) moving the hopper back to the first position;
And repeating steps (a) to (g1).
A method for filling a plurality of containers with food. After the point of time when the hopper is moved to the second position, the container is disposed under the hopper in the second position;
The method of claim 30. The plurality of containers are arranged on a movable conveyor and separated at regular intervals.
32. A method according to claim 30 or 31. A tamping system for filling a plurality of containers with food,
A hopper for holding food, having a closable opening;
A food dispenser installed in a first position and operable in use for dispensing food into the hopper in the first position;
A hopper transporter operable in use for transporting the hopper between the first position and a second position remote from the first position;
A container transport device operable in use for transporting the container;
A tamping block installed in the second position;
A control device;
With
The controller is
(A) actuating the food dispenser to transport food into the hopper at the first position;
(B) actuating the hopper transport device to move the hopper containing the food to the second position;
Is operable to perform, and
(C) lowering the tamping block to ram the food while the food is in the hopper at the second position;
(D) actuating the container transport device to place a container having an upward opening under the hopper in the second position;
(E) opening the openable / closable opening to release the food from the hopper into the container;
(F) actuating the container transport device to remove the container from under the hopper in the second position;
(G) actuating the hopper transport device to return the hopper to the first position;
The control device further repeats steps (a) to (g), or
(C1) actuating the container transport device to place a container having an upward opening under the hopper in the second position;
(D1) opening the openable / closable opening to release the food from the hopper into the container and lower the tamping block into the container to solidify the food in the container; ,
(E1) actuating the container transport device to remove the container from under the hopper in the second position;
(F1) actuating the hopper transport device to return the hopper to the first position;
The control device further repeats steps (a) to (f1),
Tamping system. The control device further includes the container transporting device and the hopper transporting so that the container is disposed under the hopper at the second position after the time when the hopper moves to the second position. Control the device,
34. A tamping system according to claim 33. The container transport device is a movable conveyor,
The containers are arranged on the movable conveyor and spaced apart at regular intervals;
A tamping system according to claim 33 or 34.

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