METERING DEVICE FOR A PACKAGING MACHINE, PACKAGING MACHINE WITH SUCH A METERING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A METERING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority to German patent application DE 102024131 245.9, filed on October 25, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The invention concerns a metering device for a packaging machine, with at least one metering unit comprising at least two weigh hoppers, each of which has at least one pouring element which is movably, in particular tiltably, supported and has at least one pouring edge.

In known metering devices, pouring elements are in a ready-to-operate state arranged in such a way that their pouring edges are arranged substantially on a common line, in particular extending coaxially along a horizontal direction, wherein below the pouring elements a common funnel is arranged to which the pouring elements feed bulk material, for example flour, coffee beans or the like, for a feeding to a filling tube of a packaging machine. As a result of the arrangement of the pouring edges of the pouring elements on a common line, the funnel has a longitudinal extent that substantially corresponds to an extent of the pouring edges. Side walls of the funnel have a defined minimum angle with respect to the vertical, such that the bulk material can be reliably transferred into the filling tube. Because of the relationship between the large longitudinal extent of the funnel and the maintaining of the minimum angle of the side walls with respect to the vertical, a large overall height of the funnel results.

SUMMARY

The objective of the invention is in particular to provide a generic metering device, a generic method for operating a metering device and a generic packaging machine having improved properties with regard to a compact design, to an operator's comfort, to maintenance and to a metering unit exchange. The objective is achieved according to the invention.

The invention is based on a metering device for a packaging machine, in particular for a vertical tubular-bag machine, with at least one metering unit comprising at least two weigh hoppers, each of which has at least one pouring element, in particular having a rectangular cross-section shape, wherein the at least one pouring element is supported movably, in particular tiltably.

It is proposed that, in at least one operation state, in particular of the metering device, the pouring elements are – with respect to the pouring edges – arranged opposite one another, in particular mirror-symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane, and in particular free of elements arranged between the pouring elements. The implementation of the metering device according to the invention advantageously allows realizing a compact implementation of the metering device. Due to the opposite-situated arrangement of the pouring elements, a funnel of the metering device can advantageously be realized with a small opening, such that it is advantageously possible to realize a small overall height of the funnel, in particular with side walls of the funnel having, in comparison with already known metering devices, minimum angles with the vertical that remain constant, preferably without a negative influence on a production performance of the metering device.

The metering device is preferably configured for a metering of bulk material in the form of food products, for example coffee beans, coffee powder, flour, sugar, muesli or the like. “Configured” is in particular to mean specifically furnished, specifically programmed, specifically designed and/or specifically equipped. By an object being configured for a certain function is in particular to be understood that the object fulfils and/or executes said certain function in at least one application state and/or operation state. The metering device preferably comprises at least one funnel, in particular the aforementioned funnel, which, viewed along a vertical direction, is arranged below the metering unit. The metering unit is preferably configured to feed, in a manner already known to someone skilled in the art, bulk material to the funnel for a feeding to a filling tube of a packaging machine comprising the metering device. Preferentially, in at least one operation state of the metering device, the pouring elements are configured for a feeding of bulk material, in particular in a predetermined quantity, to the funnel.

The weigh hoppers preferably have a functionality for a metering of bulk material, which is already known to someone skilled in the art. Preferentially, in particular in at least one exemplary embodiment of the metering unit, the pouring elements in each case have a movement axis, in particular a tilt axis, running at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane. “Substantially parallel” is in particular to mean an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction differs from the reference direction in particular by less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The pouring elements preferably have a rectangular cross-section shape, in particular when viewed in the horizontal plane. Preferentially, the pouring elements in each case have at least one pouring edge, which is in particular realized as a longitudinal edge. The pouring edge of the respective pouring element is preferably realized as a longitudinal edge of the respective pouring element, along which the respective pouring element has its maximum longitudinal extent. In at least one operation state, in particular of the metering device, the pouring elements are – with respect to the longitudinal edges – arranged opposite one another, in particular mirror-symmetrically to the vertical plane, and in particular free of elements arranged between the pouring elements. Preferentially, in the operation state in which the pouring elements are arranged opposite one another, a maximum distance between the pouring edges of the pouring elements along a horizontal direction is in particular smaller than 25 cm, preferably smaller than 15 cm and particularly preferably smaller than 5 cm. In at least one possible implementation of the weigh hoppers, the pouring elements are preferably realized free of closure flaps arranged movably on the pouring elements. The pouring elements preferably in each case delimit a receiving space in which bulk material that is to be metered can be arranged, wherein the pouring elements themselves can be moved for pouring out the bulk material, in particular for feeding the bulk material to the funnel. The pouring edges of the pouring elements are preferably edges of the pouring elements via which – as a result of a movement, in particular a tilting movement, of the pouring elements – the bulk material to be metered can be conveyed out of the pouring elements, in particular out of the respective receiving space. However, in at least one further possible implementation of the weigh hoppers, it is also conceivable that the receiving space of the respective weigh hopper is realized so as to be stationary, in particular relative to a housing of the respective weigh hopper, and that the pouring elements are realized as closure flaps which in each case have a pivot axis running at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, wherein the pouring elements are configured to close the receiving space of the respective weigh hopper, in particular towards the funnel, and, as a result of a pivoting movement, to expose a discharge opening of the receiving space facing towards the funnel. Preferentially, in the further possible implementation, in at least one operation state, the weigh hoppers are arranged mirror-symmetrically to the vertical plane, wherein preferably the pivot axes of the pouring elements and/or the pouring edges of the pouring elements are arranged mirror-symmetrically to the vertical plane. In the further possible implementation in which the pouring elements are realized as closure flaps, pouring edges of the pouring elements preferably come at least temporarily into contact with the bulk material that is to be metered while the bulk material can be conveyed out of the respective receiving space, in particular while the bulk material is trickling out of the respective receiving space. Preferentially, in the further possible implementation in which the pouring elements are realized as closure flaps, as a result of a movement, preferably a tilting movement, of the pouring elements relative to the receiving space, pouring edges of the pouring elements come at least temporarily into contact with the bulk material and/or the bulk material moves at least temporarily out of the receiving space over the pouring edges.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the two weigh hoppers in each case have a housing on which, in particular in which, the respective pouring element is supported movably, in particular tiltably, wherein the housings of the two weigh hoppers are supported movably, in particular pivotably, relative to each other, wherein at least after a movement of the housings of the weigh hoppers towards each other the pouring elements are arranged opposite one another, in particular with respect to the pouring edges. Preferably, in particular in the possible implementation of the weigh hoppers in which the pouring elements themselves define the respective receiving space, in a state in which the housings of the weigh hoppers bear against each other, the pouring elements are arranged opposite one another, in particular with respect to the pouring edges, and/or mirror-symmetrically to the vertical plane. Preferably, in particular in the further possible implementation in which the movably supported pouring elements close the respective receiving space towards the funnel, the pouring elements are preferably realized as closure flaps, and in a state in which the housings of the weigh hoppers bear against each other, the pouring elements are arranged opposite one another, in particular with respect to the pivot axes, and/or mirror-symmetrically to the vertical plane, wherein preferably the pivot axes of the pouring elements are arranged mirror-symmetrically to the vertical plane. Preferentially, in particular in the further possible implementation in which the movably supported pouring elements are realized as closure flaps, in a state in which the housings of the weigh hoppers bear against each other, the pouring elements are arranged opposite one another with respect to the vertical plane. Preferably, in the further possible implementation of the weigh hoppers in which the pouring elements are realized as closure flaps, as a result of a movement of the housings away from each other, the pivot axes of the pouring elements are respectively arrangeable at an angle relative to the vertical plane that differs from 90°, 180° and 360°. The housings are preferably supported movably, in particular pivotably, on a frame of the metering device. Preferentially, the housings are each supported so as to be movable, in particular pivotable, relative to each other around a movement axis, in particular a pivot axis, of the metering unit, which runs at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The expression “substantially perpendicular” is in particular meant to define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular when viewed in a projection plane, include an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. Preferentially, in particular in a possible implementation of the weigh hoppers in which the pouring elements themselves define the receiving space, the pouring elements are respectively supported in the corresponding housing so as to be tiltable relative to the housing around the respective tilt axis of the corresponding pouring element. Preferably, the housings are realized so as to be at least partially open on one side. Preferably, the housings are realized so as to be at least partially open on a side facing towards the funnel, in particular in order to enable a feeding of bulk material to the funnel by means of the pouring elements in a manner already known to someone skilled in the art. It is also conceivable that, as an alternative to the housings, the weigh hoppers each have a largely open frame, in which the corresponding pouring element is movably supported and which is respectively supported so as to be movable relative to the frame of the metering device. The implementation of the metering device according to the invention advantageously allows realizing a high degree of maintenance-friendliness of the weigh hoppers, in particular since comfortable access to individual components of the weigh hoppers can be realized when the housings have been moved apart. Advantageously, special maintenance flaps on the housings can be dispensed with, which in particular advantageously results in a saving of installation space. Advantageously, a compact implementation of the metering device can be realized. Due to the opposite-situated arrangement of the pouring elements, a funnel of the metering device can advantageously be realized with a small opening, such that it is advantageously possible to realize a small overall height of the funnel, in particular with side walls of the funnel having, in comparison with already known metering devices, minimum angles to the vertical that remain constant, preferably without a negative influence on a production performance of the metering device.

It is moreover proposed that the two weigh hoppers in each case have a housing, in particular the aforementioned housing, on which, in particular in which, the respective pouring element is supported movably, in particular tiltably, wherein the housings of the two weigh hoppers are supported so as to be movable, in particular pivotable, relative to each other along an arcuate movement path of the weigh hoppers. The arcuate movement path of the weigh hoppers preferably runs in a plane extending at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. The metering device preferably comprises at least one guide unit, by means of which the arcuate movement path of the housings can be realized. The guide unit may comprise, for example, per each housing at least one arcuate guide rail and at least one guide carriage, at least one guide roller or the like, which is movably supported on the guide rail. The guide unit may be realized as a sliding guide unit, as a roller guide unit, or as a different guide unit deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art. The implementation of the metering device according to the invention advantageously allows realizing a large movement possibility of the housings with a small space requirement for realizing, for example, user-friendly access to the weigh hoppers. It is advantageously possible to realize a high degree of maintenance-friendliness of the weigh hoppers, in particular since comfortable access to individual components of the weigh hoppers can be realized when the housings have been moved apart. Advantageously, special maintenance flaps on the housings can be dispensed with, which in particular advantageously results in a saving of installation space. Advantageously, a compact implementation of the metering device can be realized.

Beyond this, it is proposed that the metering device comprises at least one movement coupling unit, wherein the two weigh hoppers in each case have a housing, in particular the aforementioned housing, on which, in particular in which, the respective pouring element is supported movably, in particular tiltably, wherein depending on a movement of at least one of the housings of the two weigh hoppers, the housings of the two weigh hoppers are, in particular at least substantially synchronously, movable by the movement coupling unit in different, in particular opposed, directions. The metering device preferably comprises at least one drive unit, in particular an electric motor unit, which is configured to move the housings relative to each other, in particular via the movement coupling unit. However, it is also conceivable that the metering device is realized free of a drive unit for a moving of the housings, and the housings can be moved manually by an operator. The movement coupling unit may be realized as a gear transmission unit, as a coupling rod unit, or as a different movement coupling unit deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, in order to realize a movement dependency of the housings. The implementation of the metering device according to the invention advantageously allows realizing a simple movement dependency of the housings in order to realize, for example, at the same time user-friendly access to the weigh hoppers. It is advantageously possible to realize a high degree of maintenance-friendliness of the weigh hoppers, in particular since comfortable access to individual components of the weigh hoppers can be realized when the housings have been moved apart. Advantageously, special maintenance flaps on the housings can be dispensed with, which in particular advantageously results in a saving of installation space. Advantageously, a compact implementation of the metering device can be realized.

It is further proposed that the metering unit comprises at least one volume metering unit in particular a metering screw, which is, depending on a movement of the housings of the two weigh hoppers, movable relative to the two weigh hoppers by the movement coupling unit, and is in particular movable between the weigh hoppers. The volume metering unit preferably has a functionality for a metering of bulk material, which is already known to someone skilled in the art. Preferentially, the volume metering unit is realized as a metering screw. However, it is also conceivable that the volume metering unit has a different implementation deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art. The volume metering unit is preferably supported so as to be translationally movable, in particular by means of a guide carriage or the like of the guide unit of the metering device, on a frame of the metering device. A movement axis of the volume metering unit preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and/or at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axes of the housings of the weigh hoppers. The volume metering unit is preferably connected in terms of movement to the weigh hoppers by means of the movement coupling unit, in particular by means of thrust rods of the movement coupling unit. Preferably, as a result of a pivoting movement of the weigh hoppers relative to each other, the volume metering unit is translationally movable between the two weigh hoppers, in particular until a discharge opening of the volume metering unit is arranged above the funnel. Preferentially, as an alternative to the two weigh hoppers, the volume metering unit is arrangeable above the funnel in order to realize a change in metering type by means of the metering device. The implementation according to the invention advantageously allows realizing a compact implementation of the metering device. Advantageously, a movement of the weigh hoppers relative to each other and a movement of the volume metering unit relative to the weigh hoppers can be realized by means of a drive unit of the metering device, as a result of which it is advantageously possible to save costs for additional drive units. Advantageously, a space-saving accommodation of two types of metering systems can be realized. Advantageously, a high degree of flexibility with regard to the possible uses of the metering device can be realized. Advantageously, a simple maintenance capability of the individual metering systems is enabled.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the two weigh hoppers in each case have a housing, in particular the aforementioned housing, on which, in particular in which, the respective pouring element is supported movably, in particular tiltably, wherein the housings of the two weigh hoppers in each case have an at least partly open side wall, wherein the at least partly open side wall is arranged on a side of the housings of the two weigh hoppers which is oriented at least substantially parallel to the pouring edge of the respective pouring element. Preferentially, the at least partly open side walls are arranged on a side of the respective housing which, in the operation state in which the pouring elements are arranged opposite one another, faces towards the other housing. The implementation of the metering device according to the invention advantageously allows realizing user-friendly access to the weigh hoppers in at least one position of the housings relative to each other. It is advantageously possible to realize a high degree of maintenance-friendliness of the weigh hoppers, in particular since comfortable access to individual components of the weigh hoppers can be realized when the housings have been moved apart. Advantageously, special maintenance flaps on the housings can be dispensed with, which in particular advantageously results in a saving of installation space. Advantageously, a compact implementation of the metering device can be realized.

Beyond this, the invention is based on a method for operating a metering device according to the invention. It is proposed that, in at least one method step, the housings, in particular the aforementioned housings, of the two weigh hoppers on which, in particular in which, the respective pouring elements are movably, in particular tiltably supported, are moved, in particular driven by a motor unit of the metering device, along a movement path of the weigh hoppers for an opposite-situated arrangement of the pouring elements with respect to the pouring edges. Preferably, the open-loop or closed-loop control unit of the metering device is configured for carrying out the method according to the invention. However, it is also conceivable that the metering device itself comprises a computing unit which is, in terms of open-loop controlling and/or of data technology, connected to the open-loop or closed-loop control unit of the metering device and is configured for carrying out the method according to the invention. The implementation of the metering device according to the invention advantageously allows realizing a high degree of maintenance-friendliness of the weigh hoppers, in particular since comfortable access to individual components of the weigh hoppers can be realized when the housings have been moved apart. Advantageously, special maintenance flaps on the housings can be dispensed with, which in particular advantageously results in a saving of installation space. Advantageously, a compact implementation of the metering device can be realized.

It is further proposed that, in particular in at least one method step of the method, at least one volume metering unit, in particular the aforementioned volume metering unit, in particular a metering screw, of the metering unit is moved depending on a movement and/or on a position of the housings of the two weigh hoppers relative to the two weigh hoppers, in particular between the weigh hoppers. Preferably, as a result of a movement coupling by means of the movement coupling unit, the volume metering unit is moved relative to the two weigh hoppers, depending on a movement of the housings of the two weigh hoppers. However, it is also conceivable that the metering device has an additional drive unit for moving the volume metering unit and has a sensor unit, such as for example a light barrier unit, an end switch unit or the like, for a detection of a position of the housings of the two weigh hoppers, wherein a movement of the volume metering unit is brought about depending on a position of the housings of the two weigh hoppers, which is in particular detected by the sensor unit. Further movement sequences and/or movement controls of the volume metering unit and the weigh hoppers relative to each other, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, are likewise conceivable. The implementation according to the invention advantageously allows realizing a compact implementation of the metering device. Advantageously, space-saving accommodation of two types of metering systems can be realized. Advantageously, a high degree of flexibility with regard to the possible uses of the metering device can be realized.

Furthermore, it is proposed that, in particular in at least one method step of the method, in particular by means of a movement coupling unit, in particular the aforementioned movement coupling unit, of the metering device, the volume metering unit is moved at least substantially synchronously with the weigh hoppers. Preferably, as a result of an, in particular rigid, movement coupling by means of the movement coupling unit, the volume metering unit is moved at least substantially synchronously with the weigh hoppers. However, it is also conceivable that, for example if the additional drive unit is used for moving the volume metering unit, the volume metering unit is moved temporally offset with respect to the weigh hoppers, and is for example moved only after the weigh hoppers have been completely traversed apart or the like. The implementation according to the invention advantageously allows realizing a compact implementation of the metering device. Advantageously, a space-saving accommodation of two types of metering systems can be realized. Advantageously, a high degree of flexibility with regard to the possible uses of the metering device can be realized.

Moreover, a packaging machine, in particular a vertical tubular-bag machine, with at least one metering device according to the invention, is proposed. The packaging machine is preferably configured for a forming, for a filling and for a closing of packagings. The packaging machine may comprise further devices and/or units, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, which are usable for a forming, for a filling and/or for a closing of packagings, in particular food packagings, for example a conveying unit, a filling unit having, for example, the filling tube, a sealing device having, for example, a transverse sealing unit and a longitudinal sealing unit, a closure feeding device, a sterilization device or the like. The packaging machine preferably comprises at least one open-loop or closed-loop control unit for an open-loop or closed-loop control of the individual units and/or devices of the packaging machine, in particular in a manner already known to someone skilled in the art. The implementation of the packaging machine according to the invention advantageously allows realizing a compact implementation of the packaging machine. Due to the opposite-situated arrangement of the pouring elements, a funnel of the metering device can advantageously be realized with a small opening, such that it is advantageously possible to realize a small overall height of the funnel, in particular with side walls of the funnel having, in comparison with already known metering devices, minimum angles with the vertical that remain constant, such that the overall height of the packaging machine can also be kept low.

The metering device according to the invention, the method according to the invention and/or the packaging machine according to the invention shall here not be restricted to the application and implementation described above. In particular, in order to fulfil a functionality that is described here, the metering device according to the invention, the method according to the invention and/or the packaging machine according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components and units as well as method steps that differs from a number given here. Moreover, as for the value ranges indicated in this disclosure, values lying within the stated limits shall also be considered to be disclosed and to be usable as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Someone skilled in the art will purposefully also consider the features individually and will find further expedient combinations.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a packaging machine with at least one metering device according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the metering device according to the invention, wherein weigh hoppers of the metering device are arranged in an operational position, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 3 shows a further detailed view of the metering device according to the invention, wherein the weigh hoppers of the metering device are arranged in a traversed-apart position, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 4 shows a further detailed view of the metering device according to the invention, wherein a volume metering unit of the metering device is arranged in a position between the traversed-apart weigh hoppers, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention for an operation of the metering device according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 6 shows an alternative implementation of weigh hoppers of the metering device according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 7 shows a further alternative implementation of weigh hoppers of the metering device according to the invention, in a schematic illustration, and

FIG. 8 shows an additional further alternative implementation of weigh hoppers of the metering device according to the invention, in a schematic illustration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a packaging machine 12 for a packaging of products, in particular food products. The packaging machine 12 is preferably configured for a packaging of bulk material in the form of food products, for example coffee beans, coffee powder, flour, sugar, muesli or the like. The packaging machine 12 is preferably realized as a vertical tubular-bag machine. The packaging machine 12 comprises at least one metering device 10 (cf. FIGS. 2 to 4) for a metering of bulk material. The packaging machine 12 may comprise further devices and/or units, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, which are usable for a forming, for a filling and/or for a closing of packagings, in particular food packagings, for example a conveying unit, a filling unit having, for example, a filling tube 56, a sealing device having, for example, a transverse sealing unit and a longitudinal sealing unit, a closure feeding device, a sterilization device or the like. The packaging machine 12 preferably comprises at least one open-loop or closed-loop control unit 58 for an open-loop or closed-loop control of the individual units and/or devices of the packaging machine 12, in particular in a manner already known to someone skilled in the art.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the metering device 10. The metering device 10 for the packaging machine 12 comprises at least one metering unit 14 comprising at least two weigh hoppers 16, 18, each of which has at least one pouring element 20, 22 (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4), which in particular has a rectangular cross-section shape, which is supported so as to be movable, in particular – in at least one possible implementation of the weigh hoppers 16, 18 – tiltable, and which is in at least one further possible implementation of the weigh hoppers 16, 18 (not shown here in detail) supported so as to be pivotable. Preferentially, the pouring elements 20, 22 in each case have at least one pouring edge 24, 26, which is in particular realized as a longitudinal edge (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4). In at least one operation state, in particular in the operation state of the metering device 10 shown in FIG. 2, the pouring elements 20, 22 are arranged opposite one another with respect to the pouring edges 24, 26, in particular mirror-symmetrically to a vertical plane 28, and in particular free of elements arranged between the pouring elements 20, 22. Preferably, for an exemplary explanation of the functionality of the metering device 10, a possible implementation of the weigh hoppers 16, 18, in which the pouring elements 20, 22 themselves define a respective receiving space of the weigh hoppers 16, 18, is illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4. However, different implementations of the weigh hoppers 16, 18, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, are also conceivable, for example a further possible implementation of the weigh hoppers 16, 18 (not shown here in detail), in which a receiving space of the respective weigh hopper 16, 18 can be closed by pouring elements 20, 22 realized as closure flaps, wherein the pouring elements 20, 22 are configured to close the receiving space of the respective weigh hopper 16, 18 and to lay it open as a result of a pivoting movement.

Preferentially, the pouring elements 20, 22 in each case have a movement axis 62, 64, in particular a tilt axis, running at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane 66. The pouring elements 20, 22 preferably have a rectangular cross-section shape, in particular when viewed in the horizontal plane 66. The metering device 10 preferably comprises at least one funnel 60 which, viewed along a vertical direction, is arranged below the metering unit 14. The metering unit 14 is preferably configured to feed, in a manner already known to someone skilled in the art, bulk material to the funnel 60 for a feeding to the filling tube 56. Preferentially, in at least one operation state of the metering device 10, the pouring elements 20, 22 are configured for a feeding of bulk material, in particular in a predetermined quantity, to the funnel 60.

Preferably, the two weigh hoppers 16, 18 in each case have a housing 30, 32 on which, in particular in which, the respective pouring element 20, 22 is supported movably, in particular tiltably, wherein the housings 30, 32 of the two weigh hoppers 16, 18 are supported movably, in particular pivotably, relative to each other, wherein at least after a movement of the housings 30, 32 of the weigh hoppers 16, 18 towards each other, the pouring elements 20, 22 are arranged opposite one another with respect to the pouring edges 24, 26. In particular, the metering device 10 comprises at least one clamping unit (not shown here in detail) which is configured to automatically connect the filling tube 56 and/or the funnel 60 to the weigh hoppers 16, 18 after a movement of the housings 30, 32 of the weigh hoppers 16, 18 towards each other. Preferably, in a state in which the housings 30, 32 of the weigh hoppers 16, 18 bear against each other, the pouring elements 20, 22 are arranged opposite one another with respect to the pouring edges 24, 26. The housings 30, 32 of the two weigh hoppers 16, 18 preferably in each case have an at least partly open side wall (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4), wherein the at least partly open side wall is arranged on a side 46, 48 of the housings 30, 32 of the two weigh hoppers 16, 18 which is oriented at least substantially parallel to the pouring edge 24, 26 of the respective pouring element 20, 22. Preferentially, the at least partly open side walls are arranged on the side 46, 48 of the respective housing 30, 32 which, in the operation state in which the pouring elements 20, 22 are arranged opposite one another, faces towards the other housing 30, 32.

The housings 30, 32 are preferably supported movably, in particular pivotably, on a frame 68 of the metering device 10. Preferentially, the housings 30, 32 are in each case supported movably, in particular pivotably, relative to each other around a movement axis 70, 72, in particular a pivot axis, of the metering unit 14, which runs at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane 66. Preferentially, the housings 30, 32 of the two weigh hoppers 16, 18 are supported so as to be movable, in particular pivotable, relative to each other along an arcuate movement path 34, 36 of the weigh hoppers 16, 18. The arcuate movement path 34, 36 of the weigh hoppers 16, 18 preferably runs in a plane extending at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane 66. The metering device 10 preferably comprises at least one guide unit 74 (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4), by means of which the arcuate movement path 34, 36 of the housings 30, 32 can be realized. The guide unit 74 may comprise, for example, per each housing 30, 32 at least one arcuate guide rail and at least one guide carriage, at least one guide roller or the like, which is supported movably on the guide rail. The guide unit 74 may be embodied as a sliding guide unit, as a roller guide unit, or as a different guide unit deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art.

The metering device 10 preferably comprises at least one movement coupling unit 38 (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4), wherein depending on a movement of at least one of the housings 30, 32, in particular of both housings 30, 32, of the two weigh hoppers 16, 18, the housings 30, 32 of the two weigh hoppers 16, 18 are movable by means of the movement coupling unit 38, in particular at least substantially synchronously, in different, in particular opposed, directions 40, 42. The metering device 10 preferably comprises at least one drive unit 54 (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4), in particular an electric motor unit, which is configured to move the housings 30, 32 relative to each other, in particular via the movement coupling unit 38.

Furthermore, the metering unit 14 comprises at least one volume metering unit 44, in particular a metering screw, which is, depending on a movement of the housings 30, 32 of the two weigh hoppers 16, 18, movable by means of the movement coupling unit 38 relative to the two weigh hoppers 16, 18, and is in particular movable between the weigh hoppers 16, 18 (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4). The volume metering unit 44 is preferably supported so as to be translationally movable on the frame 68 of the metering device 10, in particular movable by means of a guide carriage or the like of the guide unit 74. A movement axis 76 of the volume metering unit 44 preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane 66 and/or at least substantially perpendicular to the movement axes 70, 72 of the housings 30, 32 of the weigh hoppers 16, 18. The volume metering unit 44 is preferably connected in terms of movement with the weigh hoppers 16, 18 by means of the movement coupling unit 38, in particular via thrust rods 78, 80 of the movement coupling unit 38 (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4). Preferably, as a result of a pivoting movement of the weigh hoppers 16, 18 relative to each other, the volume metering unit 44 is translationally movable between the two weigh hoppers 16, 18, in particular until a discharge opening of the volume metering unit 44 is arranged above the funnel 60 (cf. FIG. 4). Preferentially, as an alternative to the two weigh hoppers 16, 18, the volume metering unit 44 is arrangeable above the funnel 60 for realizing a change in a metering type by means of the metering device 10.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic flow chart of a method 50 for operating the metering device 10. In at least one method step 52 of the method 50, the housings 30, 32 of the two weigh hoppers 16, 18, in which the respective pouring elements 20, 22 are supported movably, in particular tiltably, are moved, in particular driven by the drive unit 54 of the metering device 10, along the movement path 34, 36 of the weigh hoppers 16, 18 for an opposite-situated arrangement of the pouring elements 20, 22 with respect to the pouring edges 24, 26, (cf. for example position of the weigh hoppers 16, 18 in FIG. 3 in contrast to the position of the weigh hoppers 16, 18 in FIG. 2). Preferably, in at least one method step 82 of the method 50, at least the volume metering unit 44, in particular the metering screw, of the metering unit 14 is moved, depending on a movement and/or on a position of the housings 30, 32 of the two weigh hoppers 16, 18, relative to the two weigh hoppers 16, 18, in particular between the weigh hoppers 16, 18 (cf. for example position of the volume metering unit 44 in FIG. 2 in contrast to the positions of the volume metering unit 44 in FIGS. 3 and 4). Preferentially, in particular by means of the movement coupling unit 38 of the metering device 10, the volume metering unit 44 is moved at least substantially synchronously with the weigh hoppers 16, 18, in particular in the method step 82 of the method 50. The method 50 for operating the metering device 10 may comprise further method steps deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art. Moreover, possible method steps which may be derived from the description of FIGS. 1 to 4 shall also be considered to be disclosed for the method 50.

In FIGS. 6 to 8, further exemplary embodiments of the invention, in particular of the weigh hoppers according to the invention, are shown. The following descriptions and the drawing are substantially restricted to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein with regard to components having the same denomination, in particular with regard to components having the same reference numerals, reference may in principle also be made to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiment, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 5. In order to distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, one, two or three apostrophe(s) has/have been added to the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 6 to 8.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative implementation of weigh hoppers 16′, 18′ of a metering device 10′ according to the invention. The metering device 10′ comprises at least one metering unit 14′ having at least two weigh hoppers 16′, 18′, each of which has at least one pouring element 20′, 22′, in particular with a polygonal, preferably triangular, cross-section shape, wherein the at least one pouring element 20′, 22′ is supported movably, in particular tiltably. In at least one operation state, the pouring elements 20′, 22′ are arranged opposite one another, in particular with respect to pouring edges 24′, 26′ of the pouring elements 20′, 22′, in particular mirror-symmetrically to a vertical plane 28′, preferably free of elements arranged between the pouring elements 20′, 22′. Preferentially, the pouring elements 20′, 22′ in each case have at least one pouring edge 24′, 26′, which is in particular realized as a longitudinal edge. The pouring edge 24′, 26′ of the respective pouring element 20′, 22′ is preferably realized as a longitudinal edge of the respective pouring element 20′, 22′, wherein the respective pouring element 20′, 22′ in particular has its maximum longitudinal extent along the pouring edge 24′, 26′. Preferably, in at least one operation state, in particular in a filling state, the pouring elements 20′, 22′ are arranged opposite one another with respect to the pouring edges 24′, 26′, in particular mirror-symmetrically to the vertical plane 28′, in particular free of elements arranged between the pouring elements 20′, 22′. The pouring elements 20′, 22′ are preferably realized free of closure flaps arranged movably on the pouring elements 20′, 22′. Preferentially, the pouring elements 20′, 22′ in each case themselves delimit a receiving space in which bulk material that is to be metered can be arranged, wherein the pouring elements 20′, 22′ themselves can be moved for pouring out the bulk material, in particular for feeding the bulk material to a funnel (not shown here in detail). The pouring edges 24′, 26′ are preferably edges of the pouring elements 20′, 22′ via which, as a result of a movement, in particular a tilting movement, of the pouring elements 20′, 22′ around a movement axis 62′, 64′ of the respective pouring element 20′, 22′, the bulk material that is to be metered can be conveyed out of the pouring elements 20′, 22′, in particular out of the respective receiving space. With regard to further features of the metering device 10′ shown in FIG. 6, reference is in principle also made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIG. 7 shows a further alternative implementation of weigh hoppers 16″, 18″ of a metering device 10″ according to the invention. The metering device 10″ comprises at least one metering unit 14″ having at least two weigh hoppers 16″, 18″, each of which has at least one pouring element 20″, 22″, in particular at least one pouring element 20″, 22″ realized as a closure flap, wherein the at least one pouring element 20″, 22″ is supported movably, in particular tiltably. In at least one operation state, the pouring elements 20″, 22″ are arranged opposite one another, in particular with respect to pouring edges 24″, 26″ of the pouring elements 20″, 22″, in particular mirror-symmetrically to a vertical plane 28'', in particular free of elements arranged between the pouring elements 20″, 22″. Preferentially, the pouring elements 20″, 22″ in each case have at least one pouring edge 24″, 26″, which is in particular realized as a longitudinal edge. The pouring edge 24″, 26″ of the respective pouring element 20″, 22″ is preferably realized as a longitudinal edge of the respective pouring element 20″, 22″, wherein the respective pouring element 20″, 22″ in particular has its maximum longitudinal extent along the longitudinal edge. Preferably, in at least one operation state, in particular in a filling state and in a pouring state, the pouring elements 20″, 22″ are arranged opposite one another with respect to the pouring edges 24″, 26″, in particular mirror-symmetrically to the vertical plane 28″, in particular free of elements arranged between the pouring elements 20″, 22″. The pouring elements 20″, 22″ are preferably realized as closure flaps, which in each case are supported pivotably on a receiving space of the respective weigh hopper 16″, 18″ and are capable of closing or opening a discharge opening of the receiving space. The receiving space of the respective weigh hopper 16″, 18″ is realized so as to be stationary, in particular relative to a housing (not shown here in detail) of the respective weigh hopper 16″, 18″, wherein the pouring elements 20″, 22″ realized as closure flaps in each case have a movement axis 62″, 64″, which is realized as a pivot axis and runs at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane 66″. The pouring elements 20″, 22″ are preferably configured to close the receiving space of the respective weigh hopper 16″, 18″, in particular towards a funnel (not shown here in detail), and, as a result of a pivoting movement, to expose a discharge opening of the receiving space that faces towards the funnel. The pouring elements 20″, 22″ realized as closure flaps are preferably arranged on an outer side of the respective receiving space in order to expose or close the discharge opening of the respective receiving space, in particular as a result of a movement outside the respective receiving space. However, it is also conceivable that the pouring elements 20″, 22″ are alternatively arranged on an inner side of the respective receiving space in order to expose or close the discharge opening of the respective receiving space, in particular as a result of a movement of the pouring elements 20″, 22″ within the respective receiving space. With regard to further features of the metering device 10″ shown in FIG. 7, reference is in principle also made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIG. 8 shows a further alternative implementation of weigh hoppers 16‘‘‘, 18‘‘‘ of a metering device 10‘‘‘ according to the invention. The metering device 10‘‘‘ comprises at least one metering unit 14‘‘‘ having at least two weigh hoppers 16‘‘‘, 18‘‘‘, each of which has at least two pouring elements 20‘‘‘, 22‘‘‘, which are in particular realized as closure flaps, wherein the at least two pouring elements 20‘‘‘, 22‘‘‘ are supported movably, in particular tiltably. In at least one operation state, at least one pouring element 20‘‘‘ of the weigh hopper 16‘‘‘ and at least one pouring element 22‘‘‘ of the weigh hopper 18‘‘‘ are arranged opposite one another, in particular with respect to pouring edges 24‘‘‘, 26‘‘‘ of the respective pouring element 20‘‘‘, 22‘‘‘, , in particular mirror-symmetrically to a vertical plane 28‘‘‘, in particular free of elements arranged between the pouring elements 20‘‘‘, 22‘‘‘. With regard to further features of the metering device 10‘‘‘ shown in FIG. 8, reference is in principle also made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7, since the metering device 10‘‘‘ shown in FIG. 8 substantially corresponds to the metering device 10″ shown in FIG. 7 except for a number of pouring elements 20‘‘‘, 22‘‘‘ arranged per weigh hopper 16‘‘‘, 18‘‘‘ on a receiving space.