WO2018154370A1

WO2018154370A1 - Device for dispensing products stored in bulk

Info

Publication number: WO2018154370A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/057519
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mitja GOLENKO; Primož GOLENKO
Original assignee: BP BLISTER PACK d.o.o.
Priority date: 2017-02-23
Filing date: 2017-11-30
Publication date: 2018-08-30
Also published as: SI25106A

Abstract

A dispensing device for dispensing items stored in bulk (1) eliminates self-locking of the dispensed items (2). The dispensing device (1) has an opening (1.1.1) on the upper part for loading a hopper (1.1) with items (2). The hopper (1.1) has a built-in inner helix with an angle A which during the downward movement of items (2) causes interacting movements between items (2), thereby avoiding self-locking between the items (2) and the inner surface (1.1.2) of the hopper. Opening and closing of the top shut-off element (3) and the bottom shut-off element (4) determines the number of discharged items (2) which are discharged from the dispensing device (1) during a single cycle. By setting the distance (X) between the bottom shut-off element (4) and the top shut-off element (3) it is selected whether to feed in one or more than one item (2) in a single cycle. The bottom part (5) has a cross-section (5.2) without a built-in helix A and may be a basic part of the hopper (1.1) or be mounted to the hopper (1.1) in a telescopic manner, and mounted by a screw (5.1).

Description

DEVICE FOR DISPENSING PRODUCTS STORED IN BULK

BACKGROUND

[0001] The invention concerns a technical system which enables high precision partial dispensing of small and medium size bulky products in a manner which allows the smooth feeding of the said products in the dispensing device hopper.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

[0002] The system is designed so that the products to be dispensed randomly (per partes) are inserted into the spherical hopper of the dispensing device where the force of gravity presses them towards the two shut-off elements. The shut-off elements control the dispensing of the products from the hopper according to the desired time.

The latest state-of-the-art dispensing devices exhibit a weakness in that the products that we are trying to dispense occasionally get stuck in the dispensing device leading to a standstill in the production process. In order to eliminate these weaknesses, it is necessary to upgrade these dispensing devices with shaking conveyors, compressed air or other peripheral systems that allow the smooth feeding of products. Moreover, the dispensing devices available on the market are adapted to only one type of product and do not allow dispensing of multiple pieces of products/items at a time.

The said invention hereby solves the problem of random dispensing of one or multiple items at a time. In addition, the said invention also solves another problem, i.e. due to the spherical shape of the hopper the products in the dispensing device storage unit cannot be blocked. In this way, the undisrupted operation of the dispensing device is achieved, whereby no other peripheral units to eliminate blocking are needed.

The said invention is intended for dispensing small rigid items/products, semi-finished products, mainly in the pharmaceutical industry, although it can also be used in other industry sectors where smooth and timely dispensing of items is required. The items exit the dispensing device only by the force of gravity to the intended location which can be optionally set and is at different distances from the dispenser orifice according to the industry requirements where the said dispenser is used.

[0003] No similar system was found in the SIPO-DS patent databases. Nonetheless, we enclose the following patent documentation in which we account for the differences, namely the first patent published under patent application No.: 9400112 describes the technical innovation with which we determine the flow of solid materials, whereby we can regulate the speed. The folded spherical dispensing device, which is the essential technical innovation of the presented technical invention, is not presented with this invention.

The second patent published under patent application No.: 23968 describes the technical invention for the supply of lubricant, mainly for rail vehicles. This patent application also does not specify the folded spherical dispensing device which is the essence of the technical invention of our patent application.

The third patent published under patent application No.: 24105 describes a technical invention for supplying fuel to the heating device. This patent application also does not specify the folded spherical dispensing device which is the essence of the technical invention of our patent application.

The fourth patent published under patent application No.: 9400280 describes the technical invention for collecting and prefabrication of waste cans. -This patent application also does not specify the folded spherical dispensing device which is the essence of the technical invention of our patent application.

All of the above inventions use completely different technical solutions to the proposed invention. None of the above inventions uses a folded- spherical hopper in order to solve or eliminate self-locking of the dispensing elements and thus enable a smooth, continuous operation of the dispensing unit without any additional forces, vibrations or similar for the elimination of self-locking. None of the above-mentioned patents use an opening or closing system in the form of shut-off elements. None of the known patents use a technical solution for setting the length or capacity of a single dispensing cycle as is shown in our proposed invention by setting the distance X between top shut-off element 3 and the bottom shut-off element 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The said invention is described in detail below with the description of the case and the submitted figures which show the following: Figure 1 : The side view of the dispensing device system 1 with a tender 1.1 and top shut-off element 3 and bottom shut-off element 4 with a partial cross-section of the lower part.

Figure 2: The top view P and the hopper cross-sections of the dispensing device 1.1 exhibiting the spiral - spherical storage unit shape A with the indicated items 2 for dispensing in the upper part, while the lower part does not include a twisting section.

Figure 3: Items 2 which are dispensed, with a cross-section.

Figure 4: View D - of the dispensing device 1 bottom up exhibiting the bottom shut-off element 4 in both its end positions with an indicated opening/closing direction K.

Figure 5: It shows a cross-section of the lower part 5, the dispensing device 1 where the top shut-off element 3 and bottom shut-off element 4 are visible in the closed position and waiting items 2 above the top shut-off element 3. The arrows with the direction K show the direction of movement of the top shut-off element 3 and bottom shut-off element 4.

Figure 6: This shows a cross-section of the lower part 5 of the dispensing device 1 where the top shut-off element 3 is visible in the open position, and the bottom shut-off element 4 is visible in the closed position together with the illustrated dropped items 2 which are waiting in the queue, in direction S, to the bottom shut-off element 4, where they are waiting to be discharged from the bottom part 5. The arrows K show the direction of movement of shut-off elements 3 and 4.

Figure 7: It shows a cross-section of the lower part 5 of the dispensing device 1 where the top shut-off element 3 is visible in the closed position, and the bottom shut-off element 4 is visible in the open position. It shows the discharge of items 2 which occurs due to the force of gravity, in direction S, immediately after opening the bottom shut-off element 4. The arrows show the direction of movement of shut-off elements 3 and 4.

The said invention which is presented in this patent application is integrated into a system/assembly by the dispensing device 1 which consists of a spherical-/spiral-shaped hopper 1.1, the upper shut-off element 3, the bottom shut-off element 4 which are mounted by the dispensing device outlet or bottom part 5 which is placed over the storage unit 1.1 and attached to the hopper 1.1 with a screw 5.1.

On the upper side, the hopper 1.1 has an opening 1.1.1 for loading items/products, semifinished products 2 to be dispensed into the entire system. Filling through the top opening 1.1.1 of the hopper 1.1 can also be performed via a hopper or any other auxiliary system for feeding items 2 into the dispensing device 1.

The dispensing device 1 is expected to be at least 10 times longer than the length L of items 2 to be fed with the dispensing device 1. It can be of any length since this ensures the sufficient number of items 2 waiting to be fed. The dispensing device hopper 1.1 is twisted around its centre axis viewed longitudinally in the direction of the dispensing device 1 by the angle A ranging from 10 to 100 degrees by five times the length L of item 2 which is being fed. The angle of tortuosity A may be left- or right- turning.

The inner surface 1.1.2 of the hopper 1.1 is smooth with a degree of processing of roughness of at least N5 so that the items 2 which are transported through it can achieve the minimum friction coefficient because of their own weight downward in direction S through cross-sections 1.1.3 relative to the inner surface/wall of the tender 1.1.2 and in this way allow the unobstructed flow of items 2.

Cross-sections: A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D, E-E, inner holes 1.1.3 of the storage unit 1.1 are minimally larger than the cross-section 2.1 of items 2 which are being fed. In case of a greater angle of the tortuosity of the hopper 1.1, the cross -section oversize of the opening 1.1.3 of the hopper 1.1 shall be greater than in the case of a smaller angle of tortuosity A of the hopper 1.1. In this way you prevent seizing up to occur between the external surfaces 2.2, items 2 and inner wall surfaces 1.1.2 of the storage unit 1.1. -It is envisaged that the cross-section of the hopper (1.1.3) is by 2% to 25% greater than the cross-section (2.1) of item (2) which is being fed.

The angle A of the tortuosity of the hopper 1.1 prevents self-locking to occur between items 2 and the inner surfaces 1.1.2 of the hopper walls 1.1 because of the weight of items 2 since the latter are moving in a downward direction and at the same time around the centre axis of the hopper 1.1 along the helix which is determined by the angle A, and in this way there is also a partial movement occurring between the surfaces 2.2 due to the screw movement which means that because of these movements, static positions between items 2 cannot occur which could consequently lead to the formation of self-locking wedges between items 2 which would press on the inner walls 1.1.2 of the hopper 1.1 that could in turn cause self-locking of items 2 in the hopper 1.1 because of the aforementioned forces and the friction coefficient. The angle of tortuosity A may be right- or left-turning and moves from 10 to 100 degrees at five-times the length of item 2.

Below we describe the operation of the technical mechanics, i.e. the cycle of the spherical dispensing device for bulky products 1. The items 2 in the filled hopper 1.1 press on the first top shut-off element 3 with the force of gravity of all items 2. Both shut-off elements (top shut-off element 3 and bottom shut-off element 4) are in the closed position during the first step. This phase is shown in Figure 5.

During the next step, we open the top shut-off element 3 which is done by pulling - pulling out of the top shut-off element 3 which may be performed manually, mechanically, electromechanically, pneumatically or optionally as depicted in the direction K in Figure 6. The top shut-off element 3 must be opened relatively quickly and fully, which means that it must be opened at least to the extent that the cross-section 1.1.3 of the hopper 1.1 was fully achieved.

When the top shut-off element 3 is opened, the items 2 fall onto the lower shut-off element 4 which is still closed and away from the upper shut-off element, viewed by the centerline of the dispensing device 1 for one length L of the item or a multiple of the length of items 2 depending on how many items are to be fed in a single cycle. This phase is shown in Figure 6.

Then we shift the shut-off element 3 in direction K as shown in Figure 7. The shut-off element 3 should be as thin as possible that at the beginning a radius 3.1 is formed for it to slide between items 2 so as not to damage them and thus shutting off the inflow of items 2 or stopping them on the shut-off element 3. Items 2 are caught in the hopper 1.1 above the top shut-off element 3 and between the top shut-off element 3 and the bottom shut-off element 4. Then, the bottom shut-off element 4 should be opened to the fullest extent of the cross-section and quickly, following the same or similar principle. Due to the force of gravity, item 2 or items 2 (depending on the set length X between the top shut-off element 3 and the bottom shut-off element 4 with which it is easier to identify the length of the fed items 2 in the cycle) fall from the dispensing device 1 in the direction S to the envisaged - desired position which, however, is not the subject of this invention. This phase is shown in Figure 7.

Then, the bottom shut-off element 4 is once again closed and the entire cycle repeated according to the wishes/requirements of the process of the dispensing items 2.

It is particularly important from the technical aspect that the dispensing device is designed so that it possible to set the distance between the top shut-off element 3 and bottom shut-off element 4, thus meeting the condition that a single dispensing device 1 can be used for feeding items 2 of varying lengths L.

To feed a single item 2, you should previously set the distance X between the top shut-off element 3 and the bottom shut-off element 4 to the length L of one item 2. However, in order to feed more than one item 2 at the same time, you should set the distance X between the top shut-off element 3 and bottom shut-off element 4 to two times or multiple times the length L of item 2. This is done by partially loosening the screw 5.1 and by pulling or pushing (depending on the desired distance X) the lower part 5 from or to the hopper 1.1 to the desired distance X between the top shut-off element 3 and the bottom shut-off element 4. Then, again, turn the screw 5.1 so that a fixed frictional connection is created between the lower part 5 and the hopper 1.1.

At the same time as the discharging of the dispensing device 1 is underway, you must no later than before the last cycle of the top shut-off element 3 is carried out, feed additional items 2 into the inlet opening 1.1.1 of the hopper 1.1, otherwise the dispensing device will fail to feed items 2 or in case of dispensing multiple items 2 at once, it will not operate correctly because it could in the last cycle before the empty hopper 1.1 only feed one item 2 or only so many items 2 that have remained in the hopper 1.1 of the dispensing device 1. Or between shut-off elements 3 and 4.

The bottom part 5 of the dispensing device 1 with the mounted shut-off element 3 is attached to the hopper 1.1 according to the telescoping principle which means that the lower part 5 is pressed through the hopper 1.1. At the same time this means that the inner cross-section of the lower part 5 is in cross-section equivalent or greater than the external cross-section of the hopper 1.1. The bottom part 5 is without the built-in inner helix, but the inner cross-section 5.2 is equal along the entire length. Since the external walls of the hopper 1.1 are relatively thin, this means that the waiting items 2 in the extension 5 are stopped more loosely than in the hopper 1.1. This does not represent a barrier for the discharge of items 2, since in the area between the top shut-off element 3 and the bottom shut-off element 4 there is only one or a small number of items 2 which are being fed in one single dispensing cycle, which means that no self-locking wedge can occur due to a small cumulative force of the weight of items 2 which results from the mass of items 2 caught between the lower shut-off element 4 and the upper shut-off element 3 or between the first and last waiting item 2 for discharge during the single cycle.

The lower part or the distance X can be prolonged and shortened at will depending on the length of item 2 or by a multiple of its length as has been described in the preceding text.

The lower part 5 has an opening 5.2 through which items 2, which are being fed, are discharged. The opening 5.2 is greater than the opening 1.1.3 of the hopper 1.1 at least by the thickness of the hopper walls 1.1 or even more to enable the insertion of the hopper 1.1. in the inner cross- section of the extension 5. The inner wall surface 5.3 of the lower part 5 may be rougher than the inner wall surface 1.1.2 of the hopper 1.1. The surface area of internal tender walls 1.1.2 must have a degree of roughness of at least N5.

The bottom part 5 set on the entire length X is fixed to the hopper 1.1 by turning the screw 5.1 and vice versa.

Given the possibility of setting the distance X via a telescoping manner using the extension 5, the lower part 5 must in the upper section be constructed so that even by the smallest possible set length X, the lower part 5 does not strike against the upper top shut-off element 3.

This length setting system for setting the distance X may be used in the proposed invention, however, this is not necessary, which means that the dispensing device 1 can be used with a fixed set distance X using which we can only feed items 2 corresponding the set/determined distance X.

The lower part 5 may also be an integral part of the hopper 1.1 which means that both components are made from one piece. In this case, the distance X between the top shut-off element 3 and the bottom shut-off element 4 is fixed and intended only for a determined product and determined number of products during one discharge operation.

In this case, the lower part 5 (from the top shut-off element 3) in the downward direction is made in the same cross-section and of the same surface quality as the hopper 1.1, but without the helix A.

Claims

Claims Patent claims

1. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by consisting of a hopper (1.1) as a basic part in which the upper shut-off element (3) is installed, a lower part (5) in which the lower shut-off element (4) is installed and the fastening screw (5.1) which attaches the folded lower part (5) to the hopper (1.1).

2. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 that the dispensing items (2) drop through the inlet (1.1.1) of the dispensing device (1) where they are restricted by the inner dispensing device walls (1) due to the force of gravity so that they can only drop through the cross-section (1.1.3) and only in the direction (S) to the closed top shut-off element (3) where they abut the shut-off element (3).

3. The spherical dispensing device is characterized by the claim 1 and 2 that by opened the top shut-off element (3) in the direction (K) to the left, the items (2) drop downwards only in the direction (S) to the closed bottom shut-off element (4) where they abut the shut-off element (4).

4. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 and 3 that if by closing the top shut-off element (3) in the direction (K) to the right when the spherical dispensing device is filled with items (2) and we then open the bottom shut-off element (4) in the direction (K) to the left, this causes the items (2) to drop from the area between the shut-off elements (3) and (4) from the dispensing device (1.1) downwards (S) in the direction of the force of gravity and they are limited by the surface area (5.3) of the bottom part (5).

5. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 and 4 that if by closing the bottom shut-off element (4) in the direction (K) to the right after the discharge of items (2) via the shut-off element (4) and we then open the top shut-off element (3) in the direction (K) to the left, this opens the only path for items (2) in the direction (S) from the tender (1.1) onto the shut-off element (4).

6. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 that the lower part (5) is the basic part of the hopper (1.1) and both parts are homogeneously made from one piece.

7. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 6 that in case the lower part (5) is the basic part of the hopper (1.1), the distance (X) between the top shut-off element (3) and the bottom shut-off element (4) is fixed, the inner cross- section (5.2) of the lower part (5) from the top shut-off element (3) downwards is equivalent or greater than the inner cross-section (1.1.3) of the hopper (1.1), whereby it is not folded at the angle of tortuosity (A).

8. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claims 1, 6 and 7 that irrespective of whether the lower part (5) is a basic part of the hopper ( 1.1 ) or mounted, its cross-section (5.2) is without the angle of tortuosity (A).

9. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 that the inner hopper cross-section (1.1) is made spherically or runs tortuously around its axis to the top shut-off element (3) by any angle of tortuosity (A) which depends on the length and cross-section of items (2) and ranges from 10 to 100 degrees by five times the length of the item (2).

10. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 2 that the angle of tortuosity (A) of the hopper (1.1.) is left-turning or right-turning.

11. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 2 that the cross- section of the hopper (1.1.3) is by 2% to 25% greater than the cross-section (2.1) of item (2) which is being fed.

12. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 and 6 that the inner surface (1.1.2) of the storage unit (1.1) is manufactured smooth with the process of treatment of at least N5 or finer.

13. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 and 6 that two shut-off elements (3) and (4) can be installed in the hopper (1.1) and the lower part (5) which can also be the basic homogeneous part of the hopper (1.1), of which the top shut-off element (3) opens and closes the cross-section (1.1.3) of the hopper), while the bottom shut-off element (4) opens and closes the cross-section (5.2) of the lower part (5) as marked with the direction (K).

14. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 and 13 that for the purposes of the proper operation of the dispensing device (1), the top shut-off element (3) and the bottom shut-off element (4) are spaced by the length or a multiple of the item length (2) which is illustrated by the dimension (X).

15. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 and 14 that the bottom shut-off element (4) can be moved away from the top shut-off element (3) by pulling the lower part (5) downwards which can be performed using the telescopic console extension (5) in which the lower shut-off element (4) is mounted.

16. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 and 14 that the shut-off element (4) can be moved closer to the top shut-off element (3) by pulling the bottom part (5) upwards which can be performed using the telescopic console extension (5) in which the lower shut-off element (4) is mounted.

17. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by claims 1, 15 and 16 that the extension (5) can be affixed to the dispensing device (1) by tightening the screw (5.1) so that the top shut-off element (3) and the bottom shut-off element (4) are attached to equivalent predefined distances (X).

18. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 and 4 that the edge (3.1) of the top shut-off element (3) is curved into a radius, while the shut-off element (3) is as thin as possible. The spherical dispensing device (1) is characterized by the claim 1 and 5 that the lower shut-off element (4) and its edge (4.1) can also be constructed geometrically similarly than the top shut-off element (3), while it can also be constructed in any other way.