U.S. patent application number 13/334192 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-28 for device and method for distributing residual air in pasty masses, in particular for the production of sausages.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALBERT HANDTMANN MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH & CO. KG. Invention is credited to Martin Ried, Uwe Weckenmann.
Application Number | 20120159805 13/334192 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43858399 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120159805 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ried; Martin ; et
al. |
June 28, 2012 |
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING RESIDUAL AIR IN PASTY MASSES, IN
PARTICULAR FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SAUSAGES
Abstract
A device and a method for distributing residual air in a pasty
mass, in particular for the production of sausages, with a housing
comprising a flow channel and an inlet and outlet for the pasty
mass, and with a distributor means for deflecting and mixing the
pasty mass thoroughly in the flow channel, where the distributor
means can be adjusted such that the mixing of the pasty mass can be
adjusted.
Inventors: |
Ried; Martin;
(Ehingen-Sontheim, DE) ; Weckenmann; Uwe;
(Uttenweiler, DE) |
Assignee: |
ALBERT HANDTMANN MASCHINENFABRIK
GMBH & CO. KG
Biberach
DE
|
Family ID: |
43858399 |
Appl. No.: |
13/334192 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
34/386 ;
34/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F26B 3/082 20130101;
F26B 1/00 20130101; F26B 3/092 20130101; A22C 11/0209 20130101;
A22C 11/06 20130101; F26B 1/005 20130101; A22C 11/0245
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
34/386 ;
34/241 |
International
Class: |
F26B 21/06 20060101
F26B021/06; F26B 7/00 20060101 F26B007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 22, 2010 |
EP |
10196558.0 |
Claims
1. A device for distributing residual air in pasty masses,
comprising: a housing comprising a flow channel and an inlet and an
outlet for the pasty mass, and a distributor means for deflecting
and thoroughly mixing the pasty mass in the flow channel,
characterized in that wherein the installed distributor means can
be adjusted such that mixing can be adjusted.
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized wherein the
position of the installed distributor means can be changed such
that one of the free cross-section of flow in the flow channel can
be adjusted at least in sections, the effective length of the
section with a reduced cross-section of flow can be adjusted, and a
combination thereof.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the position of the
installed distributor means can be one of adjusted and controlled
upstream of the distributor means, seen in the direction of flow,
depending on one of the pressure, the filling speed, the viscosity,
the consistency, and a combination thereof of the pasty mass.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distributor means
comprises a piston which is movable at least in a portion of the
flow channel, so that the effective length of the piston in the
flow channel can be adjusted.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the distributor means
can be moved out of the flow channel.
6. The device at least according to claim 4, wherein the piston is
connected to a pressure spring, and the piston can be moved through
the pasty mass against the spring force.
7. The device according to claim 6, and wherein a pretension of the
spring can be adjusted.
8. The device according to claim 4, wherein the distributor means
can be moved by a drive.
9. The device at least according to claim 4, wherein the piston (7)
one of tapers at least in sections against the direction of flow of
the pasty mass, is embodied conically, and a combination
thereof.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distributor means
comprises one of a gate valve for reducing the cross-section, an
iris diaphragm, a rotary piston stop valve, and a ball valve.
11. The device according to of claim 1, wherein the inlet of the
device can be connected to the outlet of a conveyor system of a
filling machine, and the outlet of the device can be connected to
an attachment.
12. A method of distributing residual air in pasty masses,
comprising conducting the pasty mass through a residual air
distributing device, deflecting and mixing the pasty mass by a
distributor means, and adjusting the mixing by adjusting the
installed distributor means.
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising changing
the position of the installed distributor means, whereby one of a
free cross-section of flow in the flow channel is adjusted at least
in sections, the effective length of the section with a reduced
cross-section of flow is adjusted, and a combination thereof.
14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising one of
adjusting and controlling the position of the installed distributor
means depending on one of the pressure of the pasty mass upstream
of the distributor means, seen in the direction of flow, the
filling speed, the viscosity, the consistency of the pasty mass,
and a combination thereof.
15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising conducting
the pasty mass from a conveyor system of a filling machine into the
residual air distributing device, wherein the residual air in the
pasty mass is uniformly distributed, and subsequently feeding the
pasty mass to an attachment.
16. The device according to claim 1 in combination with an outlet
of a conveyor system of a filling machine.
17. The device according to claim 7, wherein the device is for the
production of sausages.
18. The device according to claim 4, wherein the piston comprises
several baffles arranged thereon.
19. The device according to claim 5, wherein the piston can be
moved out of the flow.
20. The device according to claim 8, and wherein the piston can be
moved by a drive.
21. The device according to claim 9, and wherein the piston is
embodied conically in sections.
22. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method is for the
production of sausages.
23. The method according to claim 14, further comprising
controlling the position of the installed distributor means such
that the pressure is kept largely constant.
24. The method according to claim 15, wherein subsequently feeding
the pasty mass to an attached comprises ejecting the pasty mass via
a filling tube.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of
European Application No. 10196558.0, filed Dec. 22, 2010. The
entire text of the priority application is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosure relates to a device and a method for
distributing residual air in pasty masses, in particular for the
production of sausages.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the production of sausages, pasty masses are filled into
sausage casings by means of filling machines. During the processing
of the pasty masses, however, undesired air accumulations occur in
the pasty mass.
[0004] Therefore, so-called residual air distributors or nozzles
have been already used in the outlet, i.e. in an area downstream of
the conveyor system or else e.g. in the filling tube.
[0005] A dispersion of air bubbles, however, can only be achieved
in the area downstream of the conveyor system, i.e. on the pressure
side, as corresponding pressure differences are required for
this.
[0006] However, it is extremely difficult to correctly select air
distribution systems which are employed downstream of the conveyor
system. A certain distributor inset which deflects and mixes the
pasty mass thoroughly to thus homogenize the pasty mass, however,
is only suited for a certain field of application. Therefore,
various distributor insets are required when the product is changed
several times. The distributor insets then must be exchanged in a
time-consuming manner, or else a distributor inset must be
completely removed if products with relatively large ingredients,
e.g. ham sausage, are produced. Therefore, a filling line which,
for example, consists of a vacuum filler plus attachments (e.g.
metal detectors, clippers, etc.) must be moved apart for inserting
or exchanging the distributor insets. However, to change the
distributor insets means [0007] expenditure of much time, [0008]
functional problems (e.g. the casing brake at the clipper must be
readjusted), [0009] misalignments of the individual units as to
their angularity and height (undesired distortions and warping at
components) [0010] relatively long interruption of the production
operation, and [0011] physical strain in case of heavy attachments
(e.g. moving heavy clip machines).
[0012] The known distributor insets act as throttles due to a
reduction of the cross-section and initially cause a pressure
build-up in the outlet of the conveyor system, i.e. in front of the
distributor inset.
[0013] FIG. 11 shows a corresponding distributor inset. This
pressure build-up, however, varies depending on the filling rate
and further parameters, e.g. the consistency and viscosity of the
mass, temperature, air content, etc.
[0014] The distributor insets have a fixed sectional area of flow
in the installed state, therefore, a conveyor system pressure
depending on the filling speed builds up. For the air to be able to
uniformly distribute in the product by using the distributor inset,
a corresponding conveyor system pressure must be built up.
[0015] With too little pressure build-up, the air is only
insufficiently uniformly distributed. With an excessive pressure
build-up, the product is mechanically heavily stressed with
negative effects on product quality.
[0016] Consequently, the distributor's cross-section must match the
product consistency and filling speed. Here, a compromise is always
only possible if a certain type of distributor is employed.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0017] Starting from this situation, one aspect underlying the
present disclosure is to provide a device and a method for
distributing residual air in pasty masses which can distribute the
air in the pasty mass optimally homogenously, even in case of
viscosity differences of the pasty mass and changes in the filling
speed, without the device or a part of the device having to be
exchanged.
[0018] So, in accordance with the disclosure, the device comprises
a housing which comprises a flow channel as well as an inlet and an
outlet for the pasty mass. The flow channel is defined such that it
extends from the inlet to the outlet. A distributor means is
provided in the flow channel by which the pasty mass can be
deflected and thoroughly mixed. By the deflection and thorough
mixing caused by it, the air inclusions are distributed. The pasty
mass then has a more homogenous air distribution at the outlet of
the housing.
[0019] In accordance with the disclosure, the distributor means can
now be adjusted such that mixing can be adjusted. Thus, by
adjusting the distributor means, mixing can be adapted to different
production conditions and different viscosities of the product
and/or different filling speeds. A higher degree of mixing also
means higher pressure loss in the flow channel and thus a pressure
increase in front of the device. A lower degree of mixing means
lower pressure loss in the flow channel and thus lower back
pressure in front of the device. Thus, by adjusting the distributor
means, the admission pressure that is required to uniformly
distribute air in the product can be adjusted. Here, the disclosure
offers the following advantages: [0020] optimal filling pressure
with corresponding optimal air distribution independent of the
filling speed and flowability of the product at varying parameters,
such as filling speed and viscosity [0021] the distributor means no
longer has to be exchanged for product-specific adaptations, so
that the displacement of heavy attachments and an extended loss of
production are eliminated, [0022] damage to the product by
unintentional high pressure build-up can be effectively prevented,
[0023] a corresponding device can be easily integrated in the
region of the outlet of a filling machine, [0024] no multitude of
different distributor systems is required anymore, so that
manufacturing costs can be saved. The insets can be universally
used; handling and cleaning possibilities are improved.
[0025] So, according to the present disclosure, the position of the
installed distributor means can be changed, whereby in particular
the free cross-section of flow in the flow channel can be adjusted
at least in sections, and/or the effective length of the section
with a reduced cross-section of flow can be adjusted.
[0026] If the free cross-section of flow is reduced, the
turbulences and thus the mixing increase as the cross-section of
flow reduces. If the distributor means has a certain length, a
section of a reduced cross-section of flow corresponding to this
effective length results in the flow channel. This effective length
can now be varied by moving the distributor means. Thus, by
changing the free cross-section of flow and/or the effective length
of the section of a reduced cross-section of flow, mixing and thus
throttling can be adjusted.
[0027] It is particularly advantageous for the position of the
installed distributor means to be adjusted or controlled depending
on the pressure p which prevails in front of the distributor means,
seen in the direction of flow, and/or the viscosity and/or
consistency of the pasty mass. The system can be self-controlling,
or a controlling means can be provided here which, for example,
measures the pressure upstream or downstream of the device and then
controls the position of the distributor means corresponding to a
determined set point or set point range. However, in addition or as
an alternative, viscosity can be determined, or a corresponding
value can be entered via a corresponding input means, wherein the
position of the distributor means is then adjusted correspondingly.
The matching positions have been determined in advance by
trial.
[0028] It is also possible to enter a value for the consistency
into the controlling means. A corresponding value then corresponds
to a certain product of a corresponding composition and with a
certain proportion and size range of pieces. Such values are
determined by trial, and then suited positions of the distributor
means are stored and adjusted by means of the controlling means.
Advantageously, the position of the installed distributor means is
selected such that the pressure in front of the device is
essentially constant or is within a constant range.
[0029] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the
distributor means comprises a piston, in particular with several
baffles arranged on it, which is movably arranged at least in a
portion of the flow channel such that the effective length of the
piston in the flow channel can be adjusted. Depending on the
effective length L1 of the baffles of the piston, the pasty mass
then must flow over a varying number of baffles, so that a varying
mixing or throttling results depending on the effective length L1.
Baffles here mean elevations on the piston which hinder the flow
path of the pasty mass.
[0030] It is particularly advantageous for the distributor means,
in particular the piston, to be movable out of the flow channel.
The distributor means then only moves into the flow channel to the
required extent to hinder the flow of the pasty mass. Here, it is
particularly advantageous that the piston or the distributor means
can also be completely retracted, or that it can then even be
removed without the device having to be dismounted. This is in
particular advantageous with products containing large pieces.
The distributor means according to the disclosure, in particular
the piston, in a simple manner permit a continuously variable
adjustment of the degree of mixing or the throttling effect.
[0031] Advantageously, the distributor means, in particular the
piston, is connected with a compressible element, in particular a
pressure spring, whereby the distributor means or the piston can be
moved against the spring force through the pasty mass. A
corresponding arrangement can be very easily realized and moreover
permits a self-regulating system wherein the piston or the
distributor means, respectively, is moved in front of the apparatus
or in front of the piston depending on the pressure. Thus, a simple
self-regulating system results.
[0032] It is particularly advantageous for the pretension of the
compressible element, in particular the spring, to be adjustable.
The in particular continuously variable adjustment of the spring
pretension serves an optimal adaptation in case of great viscosity
variations which can occur due to different products (e.g.
liverwurst, ham sausage).
[0033] However, it is also possible for the distributor means or
the piston to be movable by a drive, for example, an electric
servomotor, or via compressed air. Then, the distributor means or
the piston can be moved to an exact position by a controlling
means.
[0034] If the piston tapers at least in sections against the
direction of flow of the pasty mass and has a conical design in
particular at least in sections, with a correspondingly
complementary shape of the housing, the piston can also function as
a shut-off valve in its home position. The conical design moreover
involves shorter control paths.
[0035] As an alternative to the embodiment of the distributor means
as a piston, the distributor means can also comprise means of the
following group: a gate valve for reducing the cross-section, an
iris diaphragm, a rotary piston stop valve or a ball valve.
Depending on their position, the free cross-section of flow in the
flow channel can be changed by these means by them moving at an
angle to the direction of flow of the pasty mass, in particular
perpendicularly to the direction of flow of the pasty mass.
[0036] So, according to the present disclosure, the inlet of the
device can be connected with the outlet of a conveyor system of a
filling machine, and the outlet of the device can be connected with
an attachment, for example a metal detector or a clipper, or else a
filling tube. Thus, the device for distributing residual air in
pasty masses can be employed at the outlet of a conveyor system of
a filling machine. As an alternative, the device can be simply
integrated by manufacturers of filling machines, independent of the
manufacturers of the attachments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The present disclosure will be illustrated below in greater
detail with reference to the following figures:
[0038] FIG. 1 roughly schematically shows the construction
according to the present disclosure,
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section through an embodiment according
to the present disclosure where the distributor means is arranged
in the flow channel,
[0040] FIG. 3 shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, wherein the
distributor means is moved out of the flow channel,
[0041] FIG. 4 shows a section through a device according to the
present disclosure with a piston without baffle,
[0042] FIG. 5 shows a perspective representation of a possible
embodiment of a piston with several baffles,
[0043] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section through a device according to
the disclosure according to a further embodiment comprising a
controlled drive,
[0044] FIG. 7 shows a front view of a distributor means in the form
of an iris diaphragm according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure,
[0045] FIG. 8 schematically shows another embodiment of a
distributor means in the form of a gate valve,
[0046] FIG. 9 schematically shows a section through a particular
embodiment of a piston with several baffles arranged upon it,
[0047] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a distributor means in
the form of a rotary piston stop valve according to the present
disclosure, and
[0048] FIG. 11 shows a section through an outlet region of a
filling machine with an exchangeable distributor inset according to
prior art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0049] FIG. 1 shows the principal construction of a filling line
with a device 1 for distributing residual air in a pasty mass
according to the present disclosure. Here, the filling line
comprises a filling machine 2, in particular a vacuum filler, which
comprises, as is schematically shown, a feed hopper 20 via which
product is fed to a not represented conveyor system, for example in
the form of a vane pump. Via the conveyor system, the pasty mass is
fed to the device 1 downstream of the conveyor system seen in the
direction of transport T, for distributing residual air. In the
device 1, the pasty mass is deflected and thoroughly mixed thereby.
In the process, the residual air in the pasty mass can distribute
uniformly. The pasty mass is then further fed in the direction of
transport T to an attachment 3. Such an attachment can comprise,
for example, a metal detector 3b and an automatic clipper 3a, or it
can also be embodied, for example, in the form of a filling tube.
The device 1 is here designed such that the degree of mixing, i.e.
the degree of deflection or throttling, can be adapted to different
process parameters. Thus, independent of the conveyor speed, the
viscosity or the consistency of the pasty mass, a suited conveyor
system pressure range can always build up in the device in front of
the device 1 which is required for the pasty mass to be
sufficiently homogenized, and moreover in order not to damage the
pasty mass. Advantageously, this pressure is within a range of 1 to
25 bar. To correspondingly adapt the pressure loss in the device 1,
i.e. the mixing, the position of the distributor means 1 can be
adjusted without the distributor means or parts thereof having to
be dismounted. By adjusting the distributor means, the free
cross-section of flow in the flow channel can be adjusted at least
in sections, and/or the effective length of the section can be
adjusted with a reduced cross-section of flow.
[0050] As in FIG. 1, here, too, the device 1 for distributing
residual air is arranged between the filling machine 2 and the
attachment 3. The device 1 is here arranged at the conveyor system
outlet of the filling machine 2, advantageously screwed to it. The
device 1 here comprises a housing 5 with an inlet 13 and an outlet
14 in which a flow channel 12 for the pasty mass 4 is arranged. On
the outlet side 14 of the housing 5, there is the same thread as at
the conveyor system outlet of the filling machine 2, so that an
attachment 3 can be easily connected, instead of to the conveyor
system outlet, to the outlet of the device 1. At its inlet side 13,
the housing 5 also comprises a thread by means of which it can be
connected to the filling machine 2. Thus, the pasty mass can be
conveyed from the filling machine 2 into the housing 5 of the
device 1. A corresponding arrangement is advantageous for all
embodiments.
[0051] The distributor means 10 is arranged in the flow channel 12
such that it can reciprocate, as is represented by the arrow. The
flow channel 12 is defined such that it extends from the inlet 13
to the outlet 14, as is represented by the arrows. In this
embodiment, the distributor means comprises a piston 7 comprising
several baffles 6 arranged on it. The pasty mass must flow in the
flow channel 12 over or through the baffles 6 of the piston 7,
leading to a mixing of the pasty mass and a throttling of the mass
flow. The reduction of the cross-section caused by the distributor
means 1 causes a pressure increase in front of the piston 7.
[0052] FIG. 5 shows a perspective representation of a possible
embodiment of a corresponding piston 7 with several baffles 6. The
baffles 6 are here embodied on the e.g. cylindrical piston 7 such
that they project over the piston's surface, seen in the radial
direction. Different baffles projecting from the piston can
comprise different shapes and dimensions. It is also possible that
some baffles 6 arranged annularly around the piston 7 comprise
openings 6a through which the pasty mass can be directed in the
direction of transport. It is also possible that some baffles have
a diameter together with the piston which essentially corresponds
to the inner diameter of the housing 5, such that the baffle 6
essentially terminates with the inner wall of the housing 5 while
it is still movable within it, one portion 6b of the baffle
annularly arranged around the piston 7 being cut-out such that the
pasty product is forced to flow over the baffle in this area.
[0053] Thus, the distributor means 1, i.e. here the piston with the
baffles, causes a section in which the cross-section of flow is
reduced. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the complete section
with a reduced cross-section of flow has the length L (the piston 7
also already causes a reduction of the cross-section). The
effective length of the section of the piston with baffles 6 is
referred to as L1. Effective length is defined as the length of the
corresponding section which is arranged in the flow channel.
[0054] At the piston 7, there are an upper sealing section 11a and
a lower sealing section 11b which are designed as slide seals, in
particular sealing rings. The slide seal 11a prevents pasty mass
from flowing into an area 30 of the housing where e.g. the pressure
spring 8 is arranged and thus limits the flow channel 12. The seal
11b prevents the pasty mass from flowing in the direction of the
distributor means or baffles, respectively, when the distributor
means is moved out of the flow channel. The piston furthermore
comprises a guide 19 by which the piston can be reciprocated in the
e.g. tubular housing 5 corresponding to the arrow direction, i.e.
opposite to and with the direction of flow. The inlet 13 and the
outlet 14 are located here in a region laterally of the trajectory
of the piston 7. At the rear end of the piston 7, here in a region
behind the annular projection 19, there is a pressure spring 8. Via
the pressure spring 8, the piston 7 is loaded in a defined manner.
The spring force of the spring 8 can be adjusted depending on
certain process parameters, in particular the viscosity or
consistency of the pasty mass, and also the filling speed. The
pretension of the pressure spring 8 can be adjusted with a nut. The
individual preferred parameters can be determined by trial. Thus,
the piston 7 can be at least partially moved out of the flow
channel 12 through the pasty mass 4 against the spring force of the
pressure spring 8. The higher the filling speed (flow rate) of the
pasty mass or the more viscous the product is, the more the piston
7 is moved in the direction of the pressure spring 8, as is
represented by the arrow. The number of baffles 6 (that means the
effective length L1) which the product 4 must pass is thereby
reduced, so that a weaker throttle effect and less mixing occur.
With a slower filling speed or a more liquid product, the piston
moves away from the pressure spring 8, so that the length L, i.e.
the effective length L of the piston and moreover also the length
L1 of the section with baffles 6, are increased, so that the pasty
mass 4 then has to flow again over more baffles, leading to better
mixing and moreover to a higher flow resistance and throttling. A
self-regulating system is formed wherein the pressure in a region
in front of the distributor means 1, i.e. here in front of the
piston 7, can be kept constant independent of which filling speed
is adjusted or which viscosity the pasty mass 4 has. This constant
filling pressure, however, is important for a successful
homogenization of air inclusions and is moreover also important for
the pasty mass not being damaged by excessive pressure. For this,
the spring tension can be adjusted. This distributor means 1, i.e.
here the piston 7 with the baffles 6, can also be completely moved
out of the flow channel 12, for example if the pressure in front of
the distributor means 1 is very high. This can be the case, for
example, if the filling speed is high and the product has a very
high viscosity, i.e. is very tough. However, it is also possible to
pull the distributor means manually out of the flow channel against
the spring force of the spring 8 if no throttling is desired.
[0055] Thus, the throttle effect and thus mixing can be adjusted
without the distributor means 10 having to be exchanged.
[0056] As is represented in FIG. 4, with products with coarse
ingredients, e.g. ham sausage, a piston 7 can be used which does
not have any additional baffles. Here, the baffle piston 7 can be
replaced, for example, by the piston without baffles, as is
represented in FIG. 4. This piston then serves to seal the hollow
space 30 in the housing 5 which is located behind the flow channel
12 and in which the pressure spring is arranged. Here, the piston 7
can be easily replaced without the device 1 having to be
dismounted.
[0057] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment according to the present
disclosure. Here, the distributor means 10, i.e. here the piston 7
with the baffles 6, is moved via a drive, as represented by the
arrows. The controlled drive can here be effected, for example, via
a not represented servomotor or compressed air. In controlling, for
example, the pressure of the pasty mass upstream of the distributor
means 10 or downstream of the distributor means can be detected by
a pressure sensor 31.
[0058] A controlling means 40 can then move the distributor means
to a certain position, for example, depending on the pressure
upstream of the distributor means 10, so that a certain constant
pressure can be adjusted in a region upstream of the distributor
means 10.
[0059] FIG. 7 shows another possible embodiment of the present
disclosure, wherein the distributor means 10 can be embodied as an
iris diaphragm, wherein the free cross-section of flow in the flow
channel 12 can be adjusted via the position of the installed iris
diaphragm. The adjustment of the cross-section of flow can be
effected here, as also described in the previous embodiments,
manually or via a controlling unit 40 by a not represented drive.
For manual adjustment, the lever 41 can be, for example,
reciprocated for adjusting the iris diaphragm. If filling speed is
high and/or the pasty mass is highly viscous, a weak throttling and
thus a weak mixing is selected, the iris diaphragm then having a
relatively large opening, as is represented in the right section of
FIG. 7. At a slower filling speed or with a low-viscosity pasty
mass, throttling is stronger and mixing is more intense due to the
turbulences, the opening then having a smaller diameter (see left
half of FIG. 7). This means that as the filling speed and/or
viscosity increase, the opening is enlarged. Here, it is neither
necessary to dismount the distributor means 10.
[0060] FIG. 8 shows another possible embodiment according to the
present disclosure. Here, the distributor means 10 is embodied as a
gate valve 16 which can be moved transversely to the direction of
transport T of the pasty mass into the flow channel 12. The gate
valve can be either actuated manually for reducing the
cross-section or be driven via a drive (compressed air, servomotor,
etc). The position of the gate valve 16 can be either actuated
manually or adjusted by a controlling means 40, as described above,
depending on the pressure in front of the gate valve. Self-control
via a spring 8 is also possible. The pasty mass exerts a
compressive force onto the valve, so that it is pressed upwards
against the spring force of the spring 8, as was also described in
connection with the first embodiment. The pretensioning force of
the spring 8 can also be adjusted in this embodiment e.g. via a
nut.
[0061] It is particularly advantageous, as is shown in FIG. 9, if
the distributor means 10, i.e. here the piston 7 with the baffles
6, at least in sections comprises a cross-section tapering against
the direction of flow and being at least in sections in particular
conical. The housing 5 then has a correspondingly complementary
shape. The baffle piston can then also serve as a shut-off valve in
its home position. Moreover, the control paths are shorter.
[0062] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment according to the present
disclosure. Here, the distributor means is embodied as a rotary
piston stop valve or according to the ball valve principle. The
stop valve can here be adjusted by manual control. However, it is
also possible to adjust the stop valve electrically, pneumatically
or hydraulically. This can be done by open-loop or closed-loop
control. With closed-loop control, the position of the distributor
means 10 can be controlled, as in the previous embodiments,
depending on the pressure upstream of the distributor means 10,
i.e. here upstream of the rotary piston stop valve.
[0063] Depending on the position of the stop valve, the sectional
area of flow is changed causing a correspondingly higher or lower
pressure in the conveyor system outlet. Thus, the same advantages
result as they have been described in connection with the previous
embodiments.
[0064] The best results with respect to the homogenization of the
pasty mass result with the embodiments shown in connection with
FIGS. 2 and 3, where the effective length L, i.e. the total
effective length of the distributor means in the flow channel 12,
and in particular also the effective length L1 of the section with
baffles 6 in the flow channel 12, can be adjusted.
[0065] Below, an operating method for the device according to the
disclosure will be illustrated more in detail, in particular in
connection with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0066] Pasty mass is introduced into the inlet 13 of the housing 5
upstream of the device 1 via the not represented conveyor system of
the filling machine 2 for distributing residual air. For a certain
process with a certain filling speed (flow rate) and a pasty mass
with a certain viscosity and/or consistency, the pressure spring 8
is adjusted to a suited pretension determined by trial. During the
operation, the piston 7 is then moved through the pasty mass to a
certain position, so that a certain effective length L of the
piston in the flow channel 12 and also a certain effective length
L1 of the section with the baffles 6 in the flow channel 12
results. Variations in the speed of the pasty mass 4 can thus also
be easily compensated, so that an essentially constant pressure can
be maintained upstream of the distributor means 10, i.e. here in
front of the piston 7. The pasty mass 4 in this embodiment flows
over the different baffles 6 or through them, so that residual air
in the pasty mass can be uniformly distributed. The pasty mass with
the distributed residual air can then be fed to an attachment 3 via
the outlet 14. With a varying filling speed, the position of the
distributor means changes, so that varying mixing or throttle
effects result. With a new process with a highly changing viscosity
of the pasty mass, the compressive force of the spring can also be
adjusted.
[0067] Instead of the self-regulating system by means of the
pressure spring 8, as described before, a controlling means 40 can
also adjust the position of the distributor means via a drive, for
example depending on the pressure upstream of the distributor means
10. Thus, the effective length L, i.e. the total piston length in
the flow channel 12 or also the effective length L1 of the baffle
section, can then be adjusted to maintain the pressure upstream of
the distributor means 10 within a largely constant range. The
pressure typically varies within a range of +/-30%, exceptionally
also above it. In case of lumpy products, the piston can also be
pulled completely out of the flow channel 12 into a space 30 of the
housing behind the flow channel 12, so that no more throttling and
mixing is effected.
* * * * *