WO2016008579A1

WO2016008579A1 - Method and device for filling containers on a support structure

Info

Publication number: WO2016008579A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/001431
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Daubert
Original assignee: Feige Filling GmbH
Priority date: 2014-07-14
Filing date: 2015-07-10
Publication date: 2016-01-21
Also published as: DE102014010327A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for gravimetrically filling containers (20) with a fluid, in particular viscous, filling material, wherein the containers (20), arranged in a group on a support structure (30) in a free-standing manner, are moved via a transport device in the region of a filling machine, and transferred in groups to a filling station (8) of the filling machine using the support structure (30), said filling station (8) having a filling site (16) with a controllable filling valve, and said filling site (16) being secured to a filling arm (10) that is pivotally arranged in the region of the filling station (8), by means of which filling arm the filling site (16) is moved to an opening of the container (20) in order to fill one of the containers (20), wherein a first support structure (30) is transported, together with the containers (20), onto a first weighing device (32) in the region of the filling station (8), on which first weighing device (32), a first amount of the containers (20) on the first support structure (30) are gravimetrically filled, and wherein the first support structure (30) is transported, together with the containers (20), to a second weighing device (32) in the region of the filling station (8), on which second weighing device (32), a second amount of the containers (20) on the first support structure (30) are gravimetrically filled.

Description

Method and device for filling containers on one

Structure

description

The invention relates to a method for filling containers according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a method according to the preamble of claim 9 and a device according to the preamble of claim 10.

Methods of the type mentioned above are commonly used in pallet filling machines. In such filling containers container are connected to a filling stations and filled at a filling station arranged there. A container composite is usually arranged free standing on a running as a pallet structure. Typical container shapes are e.g. Barrels. The containers are transported with a pallet to a weighing device and filled there individually gravimetrically. This has the advantage that no time and energy consuming additional steps for separating and later merging the container must be performed. It is known to operate pallet filling machines with semi-automatic or fully automatic filling stations. For filling the containers, the filling stations are guided manually at semi-automatic filling stations, for example, to an opening of the container located on a pallet. For example, in fully automated filling stations, the filling stations are attached to a slide which is motor-driven in the XY direction and are guided to the opening of the containers on the basis of a previously performed optical detection of container position parameters. The filling points are finally moved in the Z direction to the openings typically arranged at the top of the containers.

Among other things, in the known filling methods theoretically achievable throughput rates are not achieved because the filling and the mechanical processing such as opening, closing or so-called clinching the container on a

CONFIRMATION COPY common structure is carried out strictly sequentially. The continuous filling of the container is thus interrupted by the mechanical processing. The sequential processing is usually carried out because the containers are filled with a gravimetric filling method and weight measurements during filling would be distorted by mechanical forces, for example when opening or closing other containers on a common support structure.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device which assists the fastest possible filling of containers with in particular viscous liquids at high throughput rates.

The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, a method having the features of claim 9, as well as by a device having the features of claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The basic idea of the present invention is that filling time-parallel working is made possible. In the method and apparatus according to the invention it is provided that a filling of containers is performed simultaneously to a mechanical manipulation with force on containers in the region of a filling station of a filling machine. In a first variant, this filling time-parallel work, ie the work carried out parallel to the filling, is made possible by the use of two weighing devices which operate separately from one another. The weighing devices can each separately detect a weight for gravimetric filling of containers. In particular, it is envisaged that the weighing devices can detect different container carriers or container carriers such as pallets or the like in terms of weight.

In a pallet filling machine according to the invention, empty containers, in particular barrels, are automated on a first supporting structure, for example as a pallet, at least partially controlled by a user or manually transported into the area of a filling station of a filling machine. Preferably, the structure is parked on a first weighing device. This is done, for example, by means of a chain conveyor or the like. A manual transport can be carried out for example by means of an industrial truck. In a next step, it is preferably provided that a first pivotable action arm or a tool carried on a linearly movable tool slide opens the containers standing on the pallet, for example by automatically unscrewing screw caps at the inlet openings. Alternatively it can be provided that the opening is carried out wholly or partly by users of the system, preferably using a pivotable action arm. In this process, weighing is usually not necessary.

In a next step, a filling arm with a filling location and, for example, an inlet connection arranged in the region of the filling station is guided over a first container and positioned above the opened inlet opening of the container. As explained above, it can also be provided that the filling points are fastened to a motor-driven carriage, wherein the carriage is linearly movable at least in one direction. For this purpose, the carriage is guided linearly guided on a support frame above the container to be filled. When using a carriage or tool carriage that can only be moved in one direction, it is envisaged that the containers are moved for displacement in an angular or transverse direction with respect to the linear guide of the carriage with the aid of a conveying device arranged below the container, such as, for example, a supporting chain conveyor , It is also conceivable that the support frame is movably mounted together with the carriage in a transverse direction of the carriage displacement direction. Another possibility is that the carriage is linearly movable in an angle to each other extending directions, ie in a plane. For filling the container, a liquid is guided, for example via a hose or via a line to the inlet nozzle and inserted by means of a controllable filling valve into the container. The weighing device allows a gravimetric filling of the containers on the common structure.

It has proven to be advantageous to detect the position of the containers or the container closures via sensors and to process them for the activation or positioning of the action arm and / or the filling arm and / or a linearly movable carriage. Preferably, one or more cameras and / or scanners, such as laser scanners, are used as sensors.

Once a first number of arranged on the common structure container is filled, this structure is preferably transported to a second weighing device. As mentioned, this can be done by a chain conveyor or a support chain conveyor. The free first weighing device is advantageously occupied with a next structure with other containers. In a next step, the pivotable filling arm or the linearly movable carriage is pivoted or moved with the filling point on the container on the second weighing device and the remaining on this structure, not yet filled containers are filled in the manner described.

The second weighing device can also be used for gravimetric filling. During filling on the second weighing device, the containers can be mechanically loaded in the region of the first weighing device. For example, the containers can be screwed on. The weight measurement on the second weighing device is not disturbed. This parallel process enables efficient operation and supports throughput-optimized filling of containers arranged on a common supporting structure.

As soon as all containers are filled in the region of the second weighing device, it is preferably provided that the filling arm is pivoted over the containers in the region of the first weighing device and there started in the manner already described with the filling of containers on the next supporting structure. During filling on the first weighing device is thought that the action arm is pivoted on the container on the second weighing device and there again mechanical work, such as the screwing and / or the clinching - the so-called clinching - performed at least some of the filled containers , A particular advantage of the invention is that a completely parallel operation, namely the filling and the mechanical processing of containers, in particular connected to a filling station of a filling machine, can be carried out. Mechanical work on the barrels can be, for example, the opening or closing of filling openings. Such mechanical work can also be the Verdeckein or the sealing and / or the clinching - the so-called clinching - of containers. In the mechanical processing of the container typically creates a force that would affect the weighing result and thus interfere with the filling of the container. This problem is eliminated by performing the mechanical work and filling on separate weighing equipment. According to the invention, a method for the gravimetric filling of containers with a liquid, in particular viscous filling material, in which the containers are arranged in a composite on a supporting structure arranged free-standing over a transport device in the region of a filling machine and transferred to the supporting structure connected to a filling station of the filling machine wherein the filling station has a filling station with a controllable filling valve and wherein the filling station is fastened to a filling arm arranged pivotably in the region of the filling station or to a carriage which can be moved linearly in at least one direction, with which the filling station for filling one of the containers is connected to or over an opening of the container is moved, wherein a first support structure is transported with the containers on a first weighing device in the region of the filling station, on the first weighing device a first number of containers on the first structure will be filled gravimetrically n, the first structure with the containers is transported to a second weighing device in the region of the filling station, and on the second weighing device, a second number of containers on the first structure are filled gravimetrically.

In the present invention, it has been shown that working in parallel to filling time, ie, for example, mechanical manipulation of containers during filling, can lead to a significant increase in throughput rates. To implement the filling time-parallel work is proposed to arrange at a filling machine with two weighing devices at least one, in particular exactly one filling arm in the region of a filling station, which has a filling point with a controllable filling valve. The weighing devices are in particular arranged so that the filling arm can move the filling point over at least part of each weighing device. In a variant, it can be provided that the entire area of each weighing device is achieved with the filling arm or the filling point of the filling arm. It has proved to be sufficient that only partial areas of each weighing device can be swept with the filling arm.

The invention is particularly geared to that a gravimetric filling is carried out with the weighing devices. Alternatively or additionally, a time or volume-related filling of containers can be performed.

In the method according to the invention, it is provided, in particular, that first of all a first number of containers are filled on the first weighing device. This first number is in particular smaller than the total number of containers arranged on the first supporting structure in the region of the first weighing device. It is also envisaged that a second Number of containers of the first structure to be filled on the second weighing device. This second number is in particular also smaller than the total number of containers on the structure. Preferably, the sum of the first number and the second number is equal to the total number of containers. This means that after a pass through the first weighing device and the second weighing device all containers of a supporting structure are filled. Preferably, it is contemplated that on the first weighing device half the number of containers are filled the structure and on the second weighing device, the second half the number of containers are filled on the structure. In an odd number of containers may be provided to fill an additional container on the first or on the second weighing device.

It is particularly preferred to use the method according to the invention in a pallet filling machine. For a pallet is used as a framework on which preferably four barrels are arranged. The containers arranged on the supporting structure preferably have a capacity of more than 10, 25, 50 or 100 liters.

In a further preferred variant of the invention, the containers are arranged line by line on the supporting structure. In particular, two lines are provided. It has proved to be efficient if, according to the principle explained above, all containers of a first number of lines are filled on the first weighing device and all containers of a second number of lines on the second weighing device. Accordingly, a line-by-line filling can be provided in each case on a supporting structure.

Advantages of the invention are to be seen in particular in the fact that the filling machine used for the method or the components necessary for the method are structurally simple and inexpensive. The method or a filling machine for the application of the method is also easy to automate.

Swing arm structures such as the described filling arm or an action arm provided for the mechanical working on the containers can be easily supplemented with one or more drives for the motorized movement of parts of the arm. Schwenkarmkonstruktionen this type require little space and can be easily swung out of the range of the weighing device or the structure with the containers. The container on the structure or the weighing device are thus good and quickly accessible. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided in the inventive method that at least one container is mechanically processed on a supporting structure on the first weighing device, in particular is opened, while at least one container is filled on a second supporting structure on the second weighing device. As already mentioned above, the mechanical processing or manipulation particularly involves opening, closing, folding and clinching (clinching) of containers. It is also contemplated that mechanical processing includes aligning and / or positioning, eg, lifting, rotating, and moving containers on the structure.

In this embodiment of the invention is thought that two different structures are arranged with containers on each weighing device. In the starting phase of the method, initially only one supporting structure is arranged on the first weighing device, wherein the second weighing device is not occupied. In the starting phase, it can thus be provided that at least one container is mechanically processed on a supporting structure on the first weighing device, wherein initially no filling is carried out on the second weighing device. After the first structure has been transported from the first weighing device to the second weighing device, the start phase is completed.

In a further embodiment it is provided that at least one container is mechanically processed on a supporting structure on the second weighing device, in particular closed, while at least one container is filled on a supporting structure on the first weighing device. As already mentioned, it can be provided that at least some work steps are performed during the filling by a user of the system. This can e.g. the positioning or alignment of a filling station or a selection of the mechanical processing steps. It can be provided that the user uses hand-held tools and / or tools guided on a swivel arm.

Further preferably, it is provided that a filling arm is used with at least one drive, wherein the drive moves at least a portion of the filling arm and / or supports a movement of at least a portion of the filling. The drives can be designed in particular and cooperate with the filling arm in such a way that parts of the arm can be moved independently, ie without external support by a user. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least some of the drives support manual guidance of parts of the filling arm. This allows manual operation of the filling station using reduced muscle power. The drives and or the filling valve are preferably controlled by a control device of the filling machine.

In a next embodiment it is provided that a filling arm is used with at least two Füllarmsegmenten, in which at least two Füllarmsegmente are pivotable in at least one plane. The use of multiple arm segments allows for flexible pivoting of the arm and flexible positioning of the filling point arranged on the filling arm. At least some of the arm segments are preferably hinged to each other with hinges. At least one arm segment is articulated to a support structure in the region of the filling station. It is also conceivable to use ball joints or the like, which allow, for example, a movement in more than two directions. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that at least some arm segments are designed to be extensible. For this, e.g. be provided a telescopic extension. This extension can also be actuated by a motor drive. By extending one or more arm segments larger areas of the filling station can be achieved.

It has proved to be efficient if the containers in the region of the two weighing devices are mechanically processed using at least one pivoting arm arranged pivotably in the region of the filling station. The swivel arm may have at its free end a holder for tools for mechanical processing or mechanical manipulation. Alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided to arrange sensors for position detection, such as cameras, light barriers, light grid sensors or the like, on the action arm. Sensors for position detection can also be provided in other areas of the filling station, e.g. pivotable or stationary on the filling arm.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the action arm for the execution of mechanical work on the containers along a guide device in the region of the filling station is moved. For this, the action arm is preferably arranged displaceably in the region of the filling station along a guide device. The displacement can be arranged in particular on a floor in the region of the filling station Rail arrangement done. Due to the possibility of shifting, the use of two action arms can be dispensed with. Only one action arm is necessary, with which all containers in the area of each weighing device can be reached. The throughput rate of a filling machine can be increased if it is provided that a control device of the filling machine controls the filling and / or monitored, and wherein the filling is performed at least partially automated. For filling preferably includes the explained mechanical work such as the opening or closing of the container. A partially automated filling is achieved, for example, in that a filling arm used and / or a used action arm on the basis of processor-controlled control commands for performing various Arbeitsbzw. Filling steps is moved by a motor, in particular without the intervention of a user during the processes. In a particularly preferred embodiment, filling, in particular the introduction of a liquid into the containers and / or the mechanical work on the containers is carried out automatically. In a further preferred embodiment, the inventive method is carried out fully automated, ie without intervention by a user.

The invention also provides a method having the features of the preamble of claim 1, in particular in conjunction with the features of one or more of claims 4 to 8, wherein the supporting structure is transported with containers to a weighing device and that a first container is filled on the weighing device, while at the same time at least a second container is mechanically processed. Preferably, the containers are filled gravimetrically on the weighing device. Advantages and variants of this method are evident in particular from the explanations concerning the features of other embodiments referred to.

In this method according to the invention a main time-parallel working is made possible using only a single weighing device. For this purpose, it is provided that the structure is initially weighed with empty containers initially; in a next step, the filling of a first container begins and during a first filling period, the mechanical work is performed on at least one other container on the common structure. Although the mechanical work disturbs the weight measurement, but is terminated before reaching a desired filling of a barrel. In particular, it can be provided that the mechanical work before or upon reaching a value the range 70% to 95%, in particular from the range 85% to 95%, to end an adjustable filling time. The weight measurement can thus be interrupted after a first weight recording and be resumed at the end of an adjustable filling time. So the gravimetric filling can be completed correctly. In the case of uninterrupted weight recording, the measurement results between the initial weight intake and the expiration of the adjustable filling time are not taken into account. After expiration of the adjustable filling time, it is provided that the container is further filled gravimetrically until it reaches a desired fill level. When filling the next container on the common structure can also be worked as explained in a first phase of filling mechanically to the other barrels without interrupting the filling. This variant has the advantage that only one weighing device is needed. A conceivable disadvantage of this variant is that the filling period of a container must first be estimated and that control of the filling station must regulate the parallel work accordingly. A disadvantage may also be that when changing the filling material, for example, from highly viscous to low viscosity media, a new calibration of the control must be performed to capture, for example, a change in filling time. According to the invention is also a filling machine for gravimetric filling of containers by a method according to one of claims 1 to 7, with a filling station having at least one filling point with a filling valve, wherein the filling point on a pivotally mounted in the filling station filling arm or at least one in a direction linearly movable carriage is attached, wherein the filling machine also comprises a weighing device for receiving a structure with it arranged in a composite freestanding containers, wherein the filling machine has a second weighing device and wherein the two weighing devices at least partially in the range of movement of the filling or of the carriage are arranged. In particular, it can be provided that the two weighing devices are arranged in a row spaced from each other. The filling arm is preferably pivotally attached to a holding element, which is arranged laterally and / or symmetrically to the two weighing devices in the region of the filling station. The lateral distance is preferably in the range of 200 to 500 mm, more preferably in the range of 300 to 400 mm. In particular, the lateral distance does not become the absolute distance to a point Weighing device understood, but the lateral offset of the holder with respect to the weighing device. In particular, the lateral offset is the perpendicular distance to a side of a rectangular surface that encloses the weighing devices, the surface being bounded by outer points or edges of the weighing devices.

In one embodiment of the filling machine it is provided that the filling arm has at least one drive, wherein the drive is designed to move at least part of the filling arm and / or to support a movement of at least part of the filling arm. In a preferred further development of the filling machine, it is provided that the filling arm has at least two filling arm segments, wherein at least two of the filling arm segments are each pivotable in at least one plane.

In a next embodiment, it is provided that the filling machine has an action arm or a tool slide which can be moved linearly in at least one direction, to which at least one tool for opening and / or closing the container can be fastened.

It can further be provided that the filling machine has a control device which is designed and set up to control and / or monitor the filling of the containers. Further advantages and variants will become apparent from the above explanations of the inventive method.

According to the invention may also be a filling machine with the features of the preamble of claim 10, in particular with the features of one or more of claims 11 to 12 and 13, wherein the filling machine has an action arm on which at least one tool for opening and / or closing the Container is attachable. Advantages and embodiments of the abovementioned methods and apparatus according to the invention apply accordingly to this filling machine. Embodiments of the invention are shown in the following figures. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a filling station in the plan view, and

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a filling station in plan view in a

alternative embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a purely schematic construction of a filling machine in the region of a filling station 8 in a plan view. In the figure 1, two weighing devices 32 are shown, on each of which a pallet 30 is positioned. On the pallets 30 are each four containers 20 in a loose composite. As shown in FIG. 1, the containers 20 can be placed on the pallet 30 in a disordered manner, that is to say in particular at different distances from each other. The weighing devices 32 are preferably arranged in the transport direction F one behind the other at a distance from one another in the region of the filling station 8. The pallets 30 are transported to the weighing device 32 via a transport device (not shown). Such a transport device may be designed, for example, as a chain conveyor. Also conceivable is a transport with a truck.

In the transport direction F side of the weighing devices 32, a filling arm 10 is arranged, which is preferably arranged symmetrically the weighing means 32. The filling arm 10 has a holder 12, which is e.g. attached to a support structure of a filling machine (not shown). Alternatively, and not limited to this embodiment, the holder 12 may be formed as a stand element, which is e.g. is arranged at the bottom in the region of the filling station 8. The stand element may e.g. be a or pillar. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that, instead of a filling arm 10, a carriage which can be moved linearly in at least one direction is arranged above the container 20. The carriage can do this at a particular torartig bw. be mounted movable like a portal-like support frame. For filling or for processing, the containers 20, which are positioned on a supporting structure designed, for example, as a pallet, are conveyed into the area below the carriage. For filling or for processing the container, a filling station with a filling valve or one or more tools is arranged on the carriage.

In a simple embodiment, it is thought that the carriage is linearly movable in one direction only. The transported on a supporting structure below the carriage containers are driven line by line with the carriage. The transport transversely to the direction of displacement of the carriage takes a arranged below the structure conveyor. The conveyor may be, for example, a chain conveyor or a conveyor or the like. It is also conceivable that the carrying the sled Support frame is mounted movable transversely to the carriage displacement direction, for example by means arranged in the foot region of the support frame rail guide.

In the present embodiment, the filling arm 10 has two straight arm segments 18, wherein a first arm segment 18 is pivotally mounted on the holder 12 via a hinge 14. The second arm segment 18 is articulated via a further joint 14 pivotally on the bracket 12 remote from the end of the first arm segment 18. In a further extension, a next joint 14 is arranged on the second arm segment, via which a filling point 16 is connected to the second arm segment 18. The joints 14 are formed as hinges which allow pivoting of the arm segments 18 in a plane. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least one of the joints 14 is formed as a ball joint or the like, so that one or more of the arm segments 18 are pivotable in the vertical and horizontal directions. Also independently of the present embodiment can be advantageously provided that one or more of the arm segments 18 are extendable. In particular, a telescopic extension can be provided. As a result, the filling arm 10 can cover larger areas of action.

In extension of the second arm segment 18, a filling point 16 is connected via a joint 14 to the second arm segment 18. The filling point 16 has a controllable filling valve (not shown). For filling the container 20, the filling point 16 can be moved by means of the filling arm 10 via an opening of a container 20.

In the present embodiment, further, an action arms 22 is provided, which is the transport direction F to the side of the weighing device 32, the filling arm 10 opposite, arranged. A second action arm 22 is shown, showing the first action arm 22 after a displacement along a schematically indicated guide 34. Without limitation and not limited to the present embodiment, the action arm 22 may be arranged on the side of the filling arm 10. In order to reach the two weighing devices 32, the guide 34 may, for example, extend in an arc around the centrally arranged filling arm 10. The action arm 22 has, according to the construction of the filling arm 10 at least partially corresponding, a holder 24 which is arranged in the region of the filling station 8. The holder 24 can also be designed as a stand element, or as a pillar. It is also contemplated in the present invention to provide two action arms 22, or no action arm 22 at all. In a preferred embodiment, it is intended to provide exactly one action arm 22, which is movable along the guide 34 laterally of the weighing devices 32. This has the advantage of a less complex configuration of the filling station with simultaneously increased flexibility of the use of the action arm 22. It can thus be swept over eg flexible work areas with the action arm 22. With an action arm 22 which can be moved along a guideway 34, work steps can thus be carried out on both weighing devices 32.

The action arm 22 is constructed in a similar manner to the filling arm 10 described. The action arm 22 may in particular comprise one or more arm segments 26, which may be connected via e.g. designed as a hinge joints 14 to each other, or to the holder 24, are articulated. According to the explanations regarding the filling arm 10, the joints 14 may be designed such that the action arm 22, or individual or all arm segments 26 of the action arm 22, is movable in one or more planes spanning a space. In particular, it is envisaged that the arm segments 26 of the action arm 22 are horizontally and / or vertically pivotable about the joints 14. As also explained with respect to the filling arm 10, it can be provided that one or more arm segments 26 of an action arm 22 are telescopic or otherwise extendable. With a possibility of extension of the filling arm 10, or of the action arm 22, e.g. one or more joints 14 can be saved.

The filling arm 10 is in particular designed and positioned such that the filling point 16 is movable on a pallet 30 in the region of a weighing device 32 during a pivoting movement of the filling arm 10 at least over a first number of containers 20. In particular, it is envisaged that with the filling station 16 above a first weighing device 32, a first number of containers 20 on a first pallet 30 can be reached and a second number of containers 20 on the first pallet 30 after the shift to the second weighing device 32 can be reached in such a way that a total of all containers 20 of a pallet 30 can be filled in two filling phases, namely in each case in the region of a weighing device 32. It is preferably provided that the containers 20 are each filled in rows in the region of the weighing device 32. For this purpose, the containers should be arranged on the pallet 30 line by line. It is particularly preferred that initially the containers A and B, in particular starting with A in the region of the first weighing device 32 and then the Container C and D, in particular starting with C in the region of the second weighing device 32 are filled.

The action arms 22 are preferably equipped at their free end with a holder 28 for receiving sensors or tools. It can also be provided that one or more tools are firmly mounted on an action arm 22. Such tools may be, for example, screwing tools for screwing on and screwing on container lids. Furthermore, it is contemplated that, in particular at the free end of the action arm 22, preferably on the holder 28, sensors for determining the position of one or more containers 20 are arranged on the pallets 30. These sensors may in particular be image-processing sensors, scanners or light barrier sensors. One or more sensors are preferably arranged on an action arm 22. Alternatively or additionally, such sensors may be arranged at a sufficient distance above a weighing device 32. It is also conceivable that in each case at least one of the sensors is arranged in each case stationary above a weighing device 32 or first sensors are arranged above the first weighing device 32 and second sensors are arranged above the second weighing device 32 or that at least one of the sensors via both weighing devices 32 to the common Detection is arranged. It is also conceivable that at least some sensors are mounted on a further, preferably movable in the XY direction carriage above the weighing devices 32. It is understood that the aforementioned embodiments are also conceivable for a filling station with a single weighing device 32.

Fig. 2 shows schematically parts of a filling station 16 in the region of a filling machine in plan view. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1, only one weighing device 32 is provided. The weighing device 32 is aligned in this embodiment to the filling arm 10 so that the filling station 16 with the filling arm 10 via each of the containers 20 on the pallet 30 is movable. Each particular upward opening of each container 20 on the pallet 30 in the region of the weighing device 32 can be achieved by the filling station 16, so that each container 20 can be filled on the pallet 30. Optionally, as shown, an action arm 22 may be provided which may be provided for detecting the position of the containers 20, or their openings, and / or for mechanically manipulating the containers 20. Mechanical manipulation includes, among other things, opening, closing, clinching, and positioning the containers or container openings. The action arm 22 in In particular, FIG. 2 may be identical to the action arm 22 of FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, it is not necessary for the holder 24 of the action arm 22 to be displaceable along a path. In particular, it is envisaged that the action arm 22 reaches at least all upper regions of the container 20 during the pivoting of its arm segments 26. In particular, the action arm 22 is formed, independently of the present embodiment, to open and close the container openings of the containers 20 and / or the position of the containers 20 and / or their openings (not shown) on the pallet 30 in the area of the weighing device 32 capture. For this purpose, the action arm 22 - regardless of the present embodiment - be equipped with opening and / or closing tools and / or sensors for position detection. Furthermore, independently of the present exemplary embodiment, the filling arm 10 and the action arm 22 can be equipped with one or more drives, with which at least some of the arm segments 18, 26 of the filling arm 10, or the action arm 22, are pivotable and / or a pivoting movement of at least some the arm segments 18, 26 can be supported. In particular, it is envisaged that these drives are arranged in the region of one or more of the joints 14. In particular, it can be provided that a drive is mounted with a hollow shaft on a propeller shaft. The filling of containers 20 at a filling station 16 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 and - as applicable - according to the embodiment of Fig. 2 can, for example, proceed with a selection of the following steps: Transport a first pallet 30 with containers 20 in the region of a first Weighing device 32; Depositing the first pallet 30 on the first weighing device 32; Determining the position of the containers 20 and / or the openings or closures of the containers 20 on the first pallet 30; Opening the containers 20 on the first pallet 30, preferably using the action arm 22, in particular by processing the information on the position of the containers 20, or the container openings; Placing the container lid in receptacles provided for this purpose on or in the region of the action arm 22; Pivoting the filling arm 10 for positioning the filling station 16 to the opening of a container 20 on the first pallet 30; Opening a filling valve of the filling station 16 for filling a first container 20 on the first pallet 30; Detecting the weight of the first pallet 30 by means of the first weighing device 32, wherein the weight is detected in particular continuously and wherein the weight detection starts before filling a container and / or ends after or at the end of filling a container 20; Close the filling valve when it reaches a desired degree of filling of the container 20; Filling further containers 20 on the first pallet 30 in the region of the first weighing device 32 in the manner mentioned; Transporting the first pallet 30 into the region of the second weighing device 32 and depositing the first pallet 30 onto the second weighing device 32; Transporting a second pallet of containers 20 into the area of the first weighing device 32 during or after transport of the first pallet 30 into the area of the second weighing device 32; Filling the remaining containers 20 on the first pallet 30 in the region of the second weighing device 32, in particular using the filling arm 10; Opening the containers 20 on the second pallet 30 in the region of the first weighing device 32, in particular using the action arm 22 during the filling of the remaining containers 20 on the first pallet 30 in the region of the second weighing device 32; Detecting the weight of the first pallet 30 by the second weighing device 32 during the filling of the remaining containers 20 on the first pallet 30; Pivoting the filling arm 10 in the region of the first weighing device 32 above the second pallet 30 after filling the remaining container 20 on the first pallet 30 in the region of the second weighing device 32; Moving the action arm 22 from the area of the first weighing device 32 into the area of the second weighing device 32, in particular during the pivoting of the filling arm 10; Filling the containers 20 on the second pallet 30 in the region of the first weighing device 32; Closing and / or clinching the container 20 on the first pallet 30 in the region of the second weighing device 32, in particular during the filling of the container 20 on the second pallet 30 in the region of the first weighing device 32; Removal of the first pallet 30 from the area of the second weighing device 32.

The procedure presented shows the distribution of process steps, in particular for automated filling in the distribution to two weighing devices. In particular, the opening and closing of some of the containers takes place parallel to the filling of other containers 20, without any mechanical manipulation, for example as a result of the opening or closing, of the container disturbing the gravimetric filling. The weight detection of the container on the pallet by means of the weighing devices is thus not falsified by mechanical stress during the manipulation of the container. The use of in particular two weighing devices thus enables a fast, apart from the pivoting times of the filling, continuous and efficient filling of containers on pallets or other structures guided by a filling machine containers. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

8 filling station

10 filling arm

12 Filler arm holder

14 joint

16 filling point

18 arm segment

20 containers

22 action arm

24 action arm holder

26 action arm segment

28 bracket

30 structure

32 weighing device

34 guide device

F conveying direction

*****

Claims

claims

1. A method for the gravimetric filling of containers (20) with a liquid, in particular viscous medium, wherein the container (20) in a composite on a supporting structure (30) arranged free-standing over a transport device in the region of a filling machine moves and with the supporting structure (30) are transferred to a filling station (8) of the filling machine, wherein the filling station (8) has a filling station (16) with a controllable filling valve and wherein the filling station (16) is arranged on a filling arm pivotally arranged in the region of the filling station (8) (10) or is attached to a carriage which is linearly displaceable at least in one direction, with which the filling point (16) for filling one of the containers (20) is moved to or via an opening of the container (20), characterized in that first supporting structure (30) with the containers (20) is transported to a first weighing device (32) in the region of the filling station (8), on the first weighing device (32 ) a first number of containers (20) on the first support structure (30) are filled gravimetrically, the first support structure (30) with the containers (20) on a second weighing device (32) in the region of the filling station (8) is transported, and on the second weighing device (32) a second number of containers (20) on the first support structure (30) are filled gravimetrically.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one container (20) on a supporting structure (30) on the first weighing device (32) is mechanically processed, in particular is opened, while at least one container (20) on a second supporting structure ( 30) on the second weighing device (32) is filled.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one container (20) on a supporting structure (30) on the second weighing device (32) is mechanically processed, in particular closed, while at least one container (20) a supporting structure (30) on the first weighing device (32) is filled.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filling arm (10) is used with at least one drive, wherein the

■ gsTATiouNuewonc Drive at least a portion of the filling arm (10) moves and / or supports a movement of at least a portion of the filling arm (10).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filling arm (10) with at least two Füllarmsegmenten (18) is used, in which at least two Füllarmsegmente (18) are pivotable in at least one plane.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (20) in the region of the two weighing means (32) using at least one pivotally mounted in the region of the filling station (8) arranged action arm (22) are machined.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the action arm (22) for performing mechanical work on the containers (20) along a guide device (34) in the region of the filling station (8) is moved.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device of the filling machine controls the filling and / or monitored, and wherein the filling is performed at least partially automated.

9. A method having the features of the preamble of claim 1, in particular in conjunction with the features of one or more of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the supporting structure (30) with containers (20) is transported to a weighing device (32) and in that a first container (30) is filled on the weighing device (32), while at the same time at least one second container (20) is mechanically processed.

10. A filling machine for gravimetric filling of containers by a method according to one of claims 1 to 7, with a filling station (8) having at least one filling point (16) with a filling valve, wherein the filling point (16) on a pivotable in the area the filling station (8) arranged filling arm (10) or is attached to a at least in one direction linearly movable carriage, wherein the filling machine also comprises a weighing device (32) for receiving a supporting structure Characterized in that the filling machine has a second weighing device (32) and wherein the two weighing devices (32) at least partially in the range of movement of the filling arm (10) and the Sleds are arranged.

11. Filling machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the filling arm (10) has at least one drive, wherein the drive is designed to move at least a part of the filling arm (10) and / or a movement of at least a part of the filling arm (10). to support.

12. Filling machine according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the filling arm (10) has at least two Füllarmsegmente (18), wherein at least two of the Füllarmsegmente (18) are each pivotable in at least one plane.

13. Filling machine according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the filling machine has an action arm (22) or at least in one direction linearly movable tool slide on which at least one tool for opening and / or closing the container (20) attachable is.

14. Filling machine according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the filling machine has a control device which is designed and arranged to control the filling of the container (20) and / or monitor.