DE102015105295B4 - Insertion machine and insertion process - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for mechanically inserting at least one plate-shaped product (1a) into an open-top tray (2), wherein
- The at least one product (1a) or one of several products (1a, b) existing portion on a in the direction of passage (10) running product conveyor (7) in the direction of passage (10) is transported and dropped,
- A tray (2) located lower than the downstream end of the product conveyor (7) and positioned so that the product (1a) at the desired location on the bottom of the tray (2) comes up. characterized in that
the transverse position of the product (1a) in the transverse direction (11) on the product conveyor (7) is determined,
the tray (2) is positioned below the end of the product conveyor (7), depending on the previously determined transverse position of the product (1a),
- the product conveyor (7) for the purpose of throwing the product (1a) under the on the end region of the product conveyor (7) lying in a discharge position product (1a) in the direction of passage (10) is rolled or pulled away,
- Due to gravity, the product (1a) falls downwards from the discharge position, so that the product (1a) comes up at the desired location on the bottom of the tray (2).

Description

field of use

The invention relates to an insertion machine and a loading method, inserted by means of products in the top open, mostly trough-shaped, trays and this tray is then sealed by a sealed on the edge sealing film.

II. Technical background

In this way, a variety of products is packed, but just the insertion of pliable parts such as sliced meat is a problem, as well as such products must be accurately positioned in the tray.

It is already known, pliable products such as slices of meat - individually or fanned superimposed to portions - transport by means of a product conveyor and drop over the discharge edge in a tray, which is below the discharge edge.

• - Je langsamer das Produkt über die Abwurfkante bewegt wird, umso größer ist das Kippmoment, welches das Produkt erfährt, und damit die Gefahr, dass das Produkt nicht auf der ursprünglichen Unterseite im Tray aufkommt, sondern ganz oder teilweise gewendet,
• - je größer die Geschwindigkeit ist, mit der das Produkt über die Abwurfkante schießt, umso geringer ist dieses unerwünschte Kippmoment, jedoch umso größer ist die Relativgeschwindigkeit beim Auftreffen auf dem Tray wenn der Tray stillsteht oder nur relativ langsam in Richtung der sich bewegenden Produkte mitbewegt wird.

There is the problem of the speed to be selected:

• The slower the product is moved over the discharge edge, the greater is the tilting moment experienced by the product, and thus the risk that the product will not come up on the original underside in the tray, but turned completely or partially,
• - The greater the speed at which the product shoots over the discharge edge, the lower is this undesirable tilting moment, but the greater is the relative speed when hitting the tray when the tray is stationary or moved relatively slowly in the direction of the moving products ,

In this context is from the DE 2401193 A a device for the orderly introduction of flat, milk-filled tubular bag packages in trays known, in which the trays are moved up and positioned below the region of the product conveyor in the transverse direction. The dropping of the tubular bag packs into the tray takes place in that the respective product conveyor is tilted to the side.

In this context, so-called. Jumping bands are already known, in which the discharge edge of the product conveyor in the conveying direction can be moved back and forth very quickly, so that for throwing the then designated as a jump edge discharge edge is quickly withdrawn under the product, so that virtually no overturning moment can occur , The product sinks downwards with vertical acceleration, but of course retains its horizontal speed which it had lost when contact with the product conveyor was lost. Therefore, the product is braked shortly before leaving the product conveyor in such a jump band and ideally brought to a standstill.

Superimposed on all solutions, of course, is the desire to work at the highest possible speeds in order to increase the efficiency of the device.

A particular problem in this case with a lot of liquid wetted products, such as marinated slices of fresh meat, because it can easily happen when inserting these products that drips from this liquid something on the edge of the tray and at this point then no dense Sealing the later sealing of the sealing film is achieved more, if not previously this contamination is removed meticulously from the edge.

In this context, it is already known when inserting the products in the tray to protect the upper edge of the tray by means of a mask covering from contamination. However, the mask is used over and over again and mechanically approximated and removed at each tray to approximate to the next tray.

There is still the danger that liquid plugs that have formed on the inner edge of the mask, drip during the relative movement to the tray and in turn impinge on the edge of the tray.

In addition, often different storage forms of the products are desired in the trays.

III. Presentation of the invention

Technical task

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a device and a method for inserting bending sleep products in trays that allow a variable as possible drop in the trays at the lowest possible cost of construction for the device.

Solution of the task

This object is solved by the features of claims 1 and 16. Advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims.

With regard to the method, this object is achieved in that on the one hand the Products in the longitudinal direction transporting product conveyor is designed as a jump band, so in and against the direction of passage of the products quickly moving front discharge edge, a so-called jump edge has.

Therefore, the tray positioned below the discharge point is movable in the transverse direction to the passage direction, but preferably also not in the direction of passage.

This has the advantage that the storage position of the product in the tray can be precisely controlled both in the direction of passage and transversely thereto:

In the direction of travel, the position is controlled by when and how quickly the jump edge of the product conveyor is withdrawn and transversely to the storage position is determined by what position in the transverse direction below the discharge position, the tray is in the moment of impact of the product in the tray, which usually controlled as a function of the previously determined transverse position of the product or the portion of products on the product conveyor.

In this way, in a tray, of course, each a single product in the designated, usually central storage position are stored, but usually yes a portion of several disc-shaped products are stored in such a tray, what then many possibilities To be available:

Portionwise delivery:

In general, the portion is in the direction of passage staggered discs on the delivering product conveyor, and is placed exactly in this orientation in the tray after previously determined the position of the portion in the direction of passage and / or also in the transverse direction on the product conveyor.

Sometimes, however, there is a portion of intentionally stacked directly on top of each other. Even then, this stack can be stored unchanged in the tray.

A portion located on the product conveyor can thus be stored unchanged in the tray with the same structure.

Delivery of individual products:

Sometimes, however, the products are individually transported on the product conveyor by being spaced in the direction of passage, usually also spaced differently, and not always transported in the same transverse position and possibly also orientation on the product conveyor.

Then the position of each individual product in the direction of passage and / or also in the transverse direction on the product conveyor is usually determined and optionally further changed, for example in the transverse direction by a corresponding mechanical centering, wherein the rotational position of the product on usually before dropping into the tray the product conveyor can still be changed.

• - gestaffelt in Durchlaufrichtung,
• - oder gestaffelt in Querrichtung,
• - oder beides kombiniert, sodass eine z.B. zickzackförmige Ablagereihe entsteht,
• - oder auch jede andere Ablageformation.

By controlling the timing of the withdrawal of the jump edge on the one hand and the positioning of the tray in the transverse direction under the discharge point on the other hand then different storage formations can be achieved in the tray:

• - staggered in the direction of flow,
• - or staggered in the transverse direction,
• - or both combined, so that eg a zigzagged storage row is created,
• - or any other filing formation.

The disadvantage of dropping off a jump band is merely that the velocity of the product in the direction of travel may not be too high during ejection, a maximum of about 300 mm per second, or even during the drop, so the retraction of the jump edge, the product to be thrown even should be in the forward direction.

As a result, the ejecting product conveyor must be reduced in speed before its launch or even completely stopped, which lowers the storage frequency in the tray.

However, this disadvantage is often accepted because of the higher variability of storage options in the tray.

If the tray can be rotated in the discharge position about its vertical axis, even star-shaped storage patterns can be generated in which the products are each aligned from the center pointing radially outward, or partial formations thereof.

With moist products, especially marinated meat slices, there is a high risk that drops of liquid from the product, either during the flight of the product towards the tray or only when the product on the bottom of the tray, and by spraying on the edge of the tray deposit.

During the subsequent sealing of an occlusive sealing foil spanning the tray on the edge of the tray, such liquid droplets present there can cause leaks in the sealed seam and, as a result, lead to spoilage of the product in the tray.

Therefore, according to the invention, the edge of the tray is preferably covered by an overlying mask during the ejection, which prevents the impact of liquid droplets on the edge of the tray. The mask is located at such a small distance above the edge of the tray or is even on this that penetration of liquid droplets in between is not possible. Preferably, the mask covers the entire edge of the tray.

In order for the product to be able to enter the tray, the mask-which likewise generally lies horizontally like the tray-has a passage opening, which in particular is only slightly smaller than the upper opening of the tray. From the edges of this passage opening preferably extending circumferentially walls down. When positioning the mask over the tray, these walls protrude into the recess of the tray and preferably contact the bottom of the tray with its bottom edge.

The peripheral walls have such an outer circumference that they can just be inserted into the recess of the tray, either preferably the oblique walls of the usually slightly conically tapered downwards interior of the tray are used for centering or the walls of the mask Even in the state used in the tray in all places a - but keep as small as possible - distance to the walls of the tray so that no adhering to the walls of the tray dirt can adhere to the outer sides of the circumferential wall of the mask.

Preferably, the mask is immersed in the tray prior to the start of the drop, moved along with the tray during the discharge in the transverse direction with and moved after stopping the storage of the product in the tray again out of the tray and moved back to the starting position.

For the necessary relative movements between the tray and mask preferably the mask is moved back and forth at the same height in the transverse direction, while the vertical relative movement is performed by the tray, which preferably rests on a liftable and lowerable lifting device.
This has the advantage that the tray in the vertical direction can be lifted very far up to the delivering product conveyor, and the drop height of the product is kept low.

Especially if the mask has a small height, so for example, the walls facing downwards from the passage opening are not too high, but the vertical movement can be accomplished by means of the mask, so the trays under the discharge opening always remain at the same height.

This makes it possible, for example, to use a relatively simply designed transport device which positions and also transports the trays in the transverse direction, for example a simple conveyor belt on which the trays rest with their bottom or side conveyor rails with which the protruding two edges of the trays rest.

The movement in the transverse direction can also be effected by means of the mask by the form-fitting immersed in the tray mask performs the movement in the feed direction and thereby takes the tray.

In order for the product to be thrown off or the portion to be thrown on the product conveyor to be conveyed in the correct rotational position about the vertical axis and at the correct transverse position on the product conveyor, they are positioned before the ejection with respect to the transverse position and preferably also with respect to the rotational position Aligned to the vertical axis, for which several methods are available:

One is to run just above the product conveyor, so in the height range of the product lying on it or portion lying on both sides of the product bands, preferably with the speed of the product conveyor, these bands in the direction of passage of an initially large distance approach each other to a small distance, which corresponds to the transverse extent of the product to be positioned. Since this smallest distance between the moving bands is at the transverse position at which the product is to be located, the product is positioned transversely.

By projecting from the moving bands towards the center of the product conveyor paddles in the height range of the product through the direction of the leading edge or end edge of the product is also aligned with respect to the rotational position about the vertical axis by these are brought to the corresponding edge of the product to the plant. The side edges of the product lying in the direction of passage are also aligned in the direction of passage by such running bands.

Another possibility is to push through transversely to the center of the product conveyor out, both sides arranged cross slide the product on the product conveyor to the desired transverse position and thereby align the product also in terms of its rotational position about the vertical axis because of the system of cross slides on the side edges ,

The cross slides can be firmly positioned and thus not run along with the product on the product conveyor - because the transverse positioning should preferably be done with all described possibilities of lateral positioning with the product conveyor running, not to reduce the efficiency of the insertion machine - or a vertical axis, which remote from the contact surface of the cross slide to the product to be pivoted and thereby be limited to be movable with the product, in which case preferably the contact surface viewed in the plan view is convexly curved.

Another possibility is to arrange on both sides just above the product conveyor an approximately plate-shaped pivoting segment pivotable about an upright axis, whose upright narrow side is convexly curved, in such a way that when pivoting about the upright axis in the direction this upright narrow side, the contact surface towards the product, always protruding in the direction of the longitudinal center of the product conveyor. By pivoting in the direction of travel while the product is between the two pivoting segments, the product is thus displaced in the direction of the longitudinal center of the product conveyor.

Another possibility is to detect the transverse position of the product on the product conveyor only by a sensor, but not to prevent, but instead adjust the transverse position of the mask and / or tray at the discharge point to the transverse position of the product.

With regard to the device, the object is achieved in that initially a product conveyor is present, the individual products or products assembled in portions transported in the direction of passage and on his in the direction of travel movable front jump edge, the discharge edge throws off.

Below the jump edge, ie at a level lower than the jump edge, the respective tray in which the at least one product is to be stored, positioned in the transverse direction controlled and possibly also previously transported so that the product on the bottom of the tray in the desired Depositing position hits

Furthermore, a control is provided, which controls the one hand, the transport device for moving the tray under the discharge point in the transverse direction as well as the movement of the product conveyor and in particular the movement of the jump edge, so-depending on the known position of the product or portion on the product conveyor and Positioning the tray - the discarded product will pop up at the desired location on the bottom of the tray.

By means of the transport device for positioning the trays in the transverse direction, this transport device can additionally bring about transporting the empty trays.

For this purpose, a simple conveyor belt on which the trays are in a defined position or a side conveyor consisting of two parallel moving conveyor belts, on which the trays rest with their laterally projecting edges, may be sufficient, so that the tray hangs between the side conveyors.

Among other things, the control also controls the speed of the product to be ejected at the time of dropping in the direction of passage, which depends on the one hand on when the jump edge is retracted and from which initial position relative to the current position of the product in the direction of passage, as well as from the position of Trays and thus the distance of the transport device for the trays in the direction of passage of the product conveyors, which is fixed as a rule, since the transport device can move and position the tray only in the transverse direction, but not in the direction of passage.

Ideally, the controller controls the discharge so that the product is vertically above the desired storage position on the bottom of the underlying tray on the product conveyor, the product conveyor is stopped, so the product has no speed in the direction of passage more and preferably already quiet in the transverse direction and then only by pulling back the jump edge of the product conveyor is pulled under the product and thus the product falls vertically downwards.

In order to avoid the slowing down of the product conveyor to zero at a discharge, however, the product conveyor is usually pulled under the product while the product still moves at a defined discharge speed in the direction of flow, which should preferably be less than 300 mm per second.

Depending on the release speed of the product then the tray must be in Passing direction should be further removed from the jump edge of the product conveyor to the discharge period, also taking into account the vertical distance between the tray and the height at which the product is transported, and possibly also the inclination of this transport direction.

Preferably, there is additionally provided in the apparatus a transversely movable mask having a through opening and a rim for covering the edge of the tray, which is positioned over the tray when the product is dropped, to avoid topsoiling on the edge of the tray.

Through the passage opening, the at least one product can fall from top to bottom in the tray. The edge of the mask extending around the passage opening is dimensioned such that it can cover the upper peripheral edge of the tray as seen in plan view, in particular it can completely cover it.

From the inner contour of the edge of the mask, ie around the passage opening, circumferential walls extend downwards from the edge which, when the mask is placed on the tray, should dive into the recess of the tray, thus the mask and the two in the transverse direction have to be mobile.

For the immersion and moving out again a vertical relative movement between the mask and tray is necessary, which is effected by a lifting device, which preferably raises the respective tray to the arranged at the ejection position mask and preferably lowers after inserting the products of the mask down until the tray is out of engagement with the mask again.

The mask itself is preferably moved only horizontally back and forth in the transverse direction according to the transverse position of the tray and is not subject to any vertical movement, especially because in the opposite case, ie a vertical movement of the mask, the vertical distance between equipped with the mask tray and the Dropping position, so the product conveyor, would be larger, which would be detrimental for the purposeful storage of the products in the tray.

As a transport device, which moves the respective tray, for example, between the drops in the transverse direction, and the mask itself can be used, which dips so positively into the tray. Thus, by moving the mask in the transverse direction, for example by means of a mask transporter, it can take along the tray, which for this purpose only has to fall from below, for example by the transport device.

Of course, this is also possible if, conversely, the vertical approach takes place by lowering the mask into the tray, in which case, of course, the mask feed dog must additionally be movable in height.

However, the tray and mask may also be independently moved laterally synchronously, for example, by mechanically or electrically coupling the movement of the tray transporter in the transverse direction with the transverse movement of the mask, and if the mask is also supported by a vertical lowering elevator , the transverse movement of this lifting device.

If, in contrast, the tray is lifted at the discharge point in the direction of the mask, the transport device for the transverse positioning of the trays comprises such a lifting device, wherein this transport device may nevertheless be a conveyor belt which, by means of the vertical adjustment, is arranged by deflection rollers arranged in front of and behind the discharge position can be adjusted in height or in which the corresponding conveying device is divided into a plurality of separate sections in the transport direction and the portion under the discharge position with the tray can be raised and lowered thereon.

The wet products passing through the mask will leave drops of liquid on the mask, whether on the upper edge or on the inside of the downwardly facing walls of the mask. These drops of liquid will flow down the walls and eventually drip down from the bottom edge of the wall.

In order to avoid that such a dripping drop of liquid dripping from the mask during the relative movement of tray and mask in the transverse direction on the upper edge of the tray, preferably hanging on the lower edge of the walls hanging liquid drops are actively eliminated.

For this purpose, the bottom of the trays is covered with a suction material which absorbs liquid, and the downwardly projecting walls of the mask are formed so long that when the mask is immersed in the tray, the lower edge of the walls of the mask is seated on the absorbent material of the bottom and thereby existing liquid drops are absorbed by the absorbent material.

Thus, the falling through of the products through the through hole is as simple as possible, this should be designed as large as possible. The limitation lies in the fact that the walls running around the passage opening still have to fit into the recess of the tray.

A first solution is to dimension the passage opening and thus the outer circumference of the walls of the mask so large that they contact the insertion of the tray - usually tapered conically down walls - and the tray is used for centering.

As a result, however, the outer sides of the walls of the mask come into contact with the tray and dirt could be transferred.

It is therefore preferred that the mask is lowered accurately from above into the tray, but also keep the walls of the mask always a small distance from the walls of the tray during Mitbewegens with the tray.

In this case, however, it is not possible to use the mask as a tray conveyor, but then the trays on the one hand and the mask on the other hand have to be moved synchronously separately via a conveyor.

In addition, from the edge of the mask on one side, namely the front side in the direction of passage, a stop rise up, in the event that a product to be deposited in the tray does not directly hit the through hole of the mask but something flies too far. Such a product will then abut against the stop, thereby be braked abruptly and fall down into the through hole of the mask, since the stop is located directly on the edge of the through hole.

list of figures

• 1: die Einlegemaschine in einer ersten Bauform in perspektivischer Ansicht von oben,
• 2a: die Maschine der 1 in der Aufsicht,
• 2b: die Maschine der 1 geschnitten entlang der Linie B-B der 2a,
• 3a: die Maschine der 1 in der Frontansicht,
• 3b: die Maschine der 1 geschnitten entlang der Linie A-A der 3a,
• 4a-c: vergrößerte Ausschnitte aus 2 mit unterschiedlichen Möglichkeiten der Querpositionierung,
• 5a-e: verschiedene Zustände beim Einlegen,
• 6a-g: verschiedene Ablageformen im Tray,
• 7a-d: verschiedene Varianten der Relativbewegung von Maske und Tray zueinander.

Embodiments according to the invention are described in more detail below by way of example. Show it:

• 1 : the insertion machine in a first design in a perspective view from above,
• 2a : the machine of 1 in the supervision,
• 2 B : the machine of 1 cut along the line BB the 2a .
• 3a : the machine of 1 in the front view,
• 3b : the machine of 1 cut along the line AA the 3a .
• 4a-c : enlarged details 2 with different possibilities of lateral positioning,
• 5a-e : different states when inserting,
• 6a-g : different storage forms in the tray,
• 7a-d : Different variants of the relative movement of mask and tray to each other.

The 1 2a, b and 3a, b show in different views and sections a first embodiment of the insertion machine:

The core is in the direction of flow 10 movable product conveyors 7 in the form of an endlessly circulating conveyor belt, on its approximately horizontal upper strand products - as in 1 not yet shown - applied and in the direction of passage 10 can be transported to its front end edge, the jump edge 7a in the direction of passage 10 and can be moved against this, as will be explained later.

Below the level of the product conveyor 7 are in the transverse direction 11 to the passage direction 10 with the help of a tray conveyor 8th trays 2 in the transverse direction 11 transportable and under the front end of the product conveyor 7 in the transverse direction 11 the respective trays 2 positionable into which a product is to be dropped. At the tray outlet 23 at the end of the tray conveyor 8th is the tray sponsor 8th tilted down so the trays 2 from the tray outlet 23 Due to gravity can slip out on a there arranged further, not shown conveyor.

Opposite the tray conveyor 8th further upstream in the direction of flow 10 is in this case under the tray conveyor 8th a committee box 22 placed in the non-recyclable brought-up products can be dropped by not pointing to the beginning of the product conveyor 7 be transferred, but from a, not shown, preceding product conveyor in the committee box 22 be dropped.

Both the product conveyor 7 as well as the tray conveyor 8th are mounted in a machine frame, viewed from the - in the transverse direction 11 - behind the product conveyor 7 a tower-shaped housing 30 beyond the level of the product conveyor 7 from up to the top, at the front 30a a display 50a and below, a control unit 50b are arranged to operate and control the insertion machine.

The by means of the tray conveyor 8th transported trays 2 are preferably with their laterally projecting edge on corresponding conveyor elements on which the tray conveyor 8th represent and which are adjustable in their distance from each other, depending on the dimensions of the trays to be handled 2 ,

In general, be on the tray conveyor 8th - how best in the 2a and 2 B shown - no individual products 1a . b . c . d in the form of individual meat slices transported, but already in compiled portions 1 . consisting of several, in the direction of passage 10 slightly overlapping, meat slices 1a . b . c ,

As in 1 recognizable, can the jump edge 7a of the product conveyor 7 so far against the direction of passage 10 be moved back that - viewed in the supervision - that on the tray conveyor 8th located trays 2 in the direction of passage 10 even before the end of the product conveyor 7 and its leading edge 7a are located.

In the 2a and b, on the other hand, shows that the jump edge 7a also so far in the direction of passage 10 can be driven forward that the product conveyor 7 across the width of the tray conveyor 8th and the trays transported to it 2 extends.

In the supervision of the 2a It can be seen that, in this case, in the cross-section of product conveyors 7 and tray conveyor 8th on the product conveyor 7 a portion 1 is made up of several meat slices in a lengthwise direction, and just below that is a tray 2 in which this serving 1 should be stored centrally.

The snapshot of the 2a However, says nothing about whether the product promoters 7 at this moment is resting or still in the direction of passage 10 emotional.

The tray 2 under the portion to be discarded 1 is already in the transverse direction 11 positioned correctly.

If in this condition - for example, if the product conveyor is currently stationary 7 - the so-called dancer roller 32 , which is a pulley for the lower strand of the product conveyor 7 is moved along the recognizable vertical guide down, and thereby the lower run of the conveyor belt of the product conveyor 7 is strongly deflected down, so it is automatically in and against the direction of passage 10 movable front pulley of the product conveyor 7 at the front end, the jump edge 7a , contrary to the direction of passage 10 moved back. If this is done with sufficiently fast speed, so to speak, the portion 1 supporting product promoters 7 pulled away under this, and the portion 1 falls by gravity down into the tray below 2 in the desired local storage position.

If during the drop, so when retracting the jump edge 7a , the product conveyor 7 , so its upper strand, in the direction of passage 10 moves and thus also the lying on it, throwing off portion 1 So this must be taken into account by the jump edge 7a corresponding earlier under the portion to be discarded 1 is dropped, so that the portion 1 but at the desired storage position in the underlying tray 2 comes up.

The function of in 2a also shown lifting device 9 will be explained later.

After the under the product conveyor 7 positioned tray 2 is filled, this is done by means of the tray conveyor 8th continue to the tray outlet 23 transported there and usually taken over by another sponsor.

The dropping situation is more detailed in the detail 5a to 5e but using additional elements:

In the 5a to c, the discharge is shown in detail, in 5d becomes the already filled tray 2 on another tray conveyor 8th transported further and in 5e sealed in a sealing station.

In the sealing station of the 5e it can be seen that one is the opening 13 of the tray 2 spanning sealing film 3 by means of the seal stamp 27a a sealing device 27 encircling on the laterally projecting edge 2a of the tray 2 Sealed and thus the filled tray 2 is sealed tight.

This is done by means of the seal stamp 27a , which then preferably also over the entire edge 2a is formed circumferentially, the material of the sealing film 3 heated so much that it is consistently close to the seal stamp 27a with the material of the edge 2a of the tray 2 merges.

However, this is only guaranteed if on the top of the edge 2a of the tray 2 there is no soiling, particularly in the form of droplets of greasy liquid such as dropped gravy or even marinade.

To such a fouling the top of the edge 2a To avoid being dumped by products in the tray 2 preferably on the tray 2 a the edge 2a of the tray 2 mask covering 4 put on as in 5a to recognize:

This - in 1 . 2a, b and 3a, b has unused and nonexistent mask - as above the 5a represented - in the supervision of a circumferential edge 4 which is usually slightly wider than the edge 2a of the tray 2 , and in the middle a passage opening twelve which is slightly smaller than the upper opening 13 of the tray 2 , and of course preferably an outer contour in the same shape as the tray 2 in the supervision, only slightly larger, in this case rectangular.

Circumferentially around the passage opening twelve the mask 4 extended from the inner edge of the edge 4a from a wall 4b ring-shaped downwards so that the mask 4 with this wraparound wall 4b from the top of the tray 2 can dip, as in 5b and 5c shown in the drop-off situation.

This will prevent during the rejection of products 1a , b, c dirt on the top of the rim 2a of the tray 2 as it can reliably and with a very small distance from the edge arranged above it 4a the mask 4 is covered.

Furthermore, on the floor 2 B of the tray 2 another absorbent material 14 in the form of a nonwoven or similar, which rest on the products 1a , b, c can absorb existing liquid, which is, however, irrelevant for the purposes of the present invention, which is why the absorbent material 14 only in 5a is shown as an option and beyond in the 5d and e.

5b shows the situation immediately before dropping a serving 1 in the tray below 2 whose edge is from the mask 4 is covered:

The portion 1 located on the front end of the product conveyor 7 and has by the movement of its upper strand in the direction of passage 10 almost the front jump edge 7a reached.

After the portion 1 above the tray 2 into which it is to be dropped, or just ahead - depending on the instantaneous speed of the serving 1 in the direction of passage 10 - becomes the jump edge 7a by quickly moving down the dancer roller 32 pulled back and the portion 1 falls through the passage opening twelve the mask 4 as desired, in the tray 2 , as in 5c shown.

Once this has been done, it will be in accordance with 5d the mask 4 upwards relative to the tray 2 spaced as in 5d shown, and the filled tray 2 transported further to the sealing station according to 5e as already described above.

In these figures is also optional on that of the product conveyor 7 opposite top of the edge 4a the mask 4 one from the edge 4a upward towering stop 28 arranged. If a product to be thrown is not, as desired, directly from above into the tray 2 falls, but would fly too far, it bounces against this attack 28 and falls into the tray 2 ,

Like from the 2a and 2 B becomes clear, for this process also the position of the product to be thrown off 1a or the portion to be discarded 1 on the product conveyor 7 not only in the direction of passage, but also in the transverse direction 11 be known.

This can be done by using a simple transverse position sensor 15 on the product conveyor 7 upstream of its jump edge 7a - as in 4b shown - the lateral position only determined, but not actively changed.

Preferably, however, the products should not be too close to the edge of the conveyor belt of the tray conveyor 7 lie, and this is done by actively shifting in the transverse direction 11 reached.

In 1 is a very simple form of such a transverse positioning device 5 represented in the form of an edge from the edge towards the center of the product conveyor 7 reaching plate just above the product conveyor 7 , ie in the height range of the products transported on it, whose inclination and dimension of the inward bearing is adjustable.

However, this causes a transverse positioning of only one of the side edges of the product conveyor 7 ,

In the 4a-c are different embodiments of the transverse positioning 5 in the direction of the 2c shown:

4a shows the Querpositioniervorrichtung also shown in the remaining figures 5 in the version 5.1 :

It runs in the left and right edge of the product conveyor 7 " one side conveyor each 17 with an endless belt, which is guided around pulleys that rotate about vertical axes. Between the two oppositely directed dreams of this endless revolving side conveyor 17 , which thus has a moving side band 18 There is a gap 19 moving in the direction of passage 10 reduced at the inlet and at the point of the smallest distance 19 at least the extent of the transported product 1b in the transverse direction 11 is equal or slightly larger.

Because the distance 19 in the direction of passage 10 at the beginning is significantly larger than the transverse extent of a product 1b , becomes a product 1b even if it is in the transverse direction 11 not at the correct cross position on the product conveyor 7 " rests, through passages between the two circumferential side conveyors 17 pushed by their oppositely directed dreams to the correct transverse position.

Because of the revolving side conveyor 17 each outwardly projecting paddle 29 at opposite positions of the bands of the side conveyor 17 are arranged, push these paddles 29 against the trailing edge of the product 1b and thereby align the product in the rotational position about the horizontal axis in the transverse direction, if the side conveyors 17 run a little faster than the product conveyor 7 " , However, if the side conveyors 17 slightly slower than the product conveyor 7 " , the product is running 1b with his front against a pair of paddles 29 , And is thereby also aligned in its rotational position about the vertical axis.

4b shows another transverse positioning device 5.2 in which in both side edge areas of the product conveyor 7 " in the height range above where the product passing through 1b can be reached, depending on a cross slide 16 is arranged, the front end surface extends approximately in, and by means of a sliding punch 20 in the transverse direction 11 can be moved.

That between the cross slides 16 continuous product 1b can by extending one or both of independently controllable sliding punch 20 by means of the respective cross slide 16 in the transverse direction 11 be moved and positioned.

Because the product 1b while in the direction of passage 10 moved, either as shown here, the sliding punch 20 a limited distance in running through direction 10 with the speed of the product 1b be moved or even - which is not shown - are pivoted about an upright pivot axis, in which case, however, the product contacting end face of the cross slide 16 is preferably convex.

In 4b Further, upstream of the lateral positioning device is a lateral position sensor 15 arranged, which is the transverse position of the passing product 1b determined.

At the in 4b this solution can serve to the home position of the cross slide 16 in the transverse direction 11 adjust.

However, there is also another solution in which the lateral positioning device exclusively consists of such a transverse position sensor 15 exists, so the transverse position of the product 1b on the product conveyor only determined, but not mechanically changed, but instead with the information of the transverse position of the tray 2 is set in the appropriate transverse position at the discharge point.

4c shows a further variant of a Querpositioniervorrichtung 5.3 :

It is on both sides in the edge region of the product conveyor 7 " just above, so in the height range of the product lying on it 1b , a lying in a horizontal plane, plate-shaped pivoting segment 31 present, which is about an upright pivot axis 21 is pivotable. This pivoting segment 31 has a product transported between them 1b facing contact surface 31a on, which is one of the narrow sides of the plate, and which is convexly curved such that its distance from the upright pivot axis 21 contrary to the direction of passage 10 increases.

By pivoting such a pivoting segment 31 , or even both swivel segments 31 synchronous, in the direction of passage 10 so reduces the distance 19 between the pivot segments 31 and positions the product 1b in the transverse direction 11 ,

The at the inlet is preferably carried out at such an angular velocity that the closest points of the two contact surfaces 31a at the same speed in the direction of passage 10 move like the product conveyor 7 "

As a result, the storage position of each product 1a , b, c or any portion conveyed as a whole 1 in the longitudinal direction by means of appropriate control of the jump edge 7a and in the transverse direction by means of transverse positioning of the tray 2 can be determined and by superimposing these two positions any desired position of a product or portion on the ground 2 B of the tray 2 can be achieved, can be very different storage formations of meat slices in trays 2 to reach:

In a rectangular tray 2 like in the 6a to 6e represented, thus two elongated meat slices can be partially overlapping each other in the direction of passage 10 according to 6a either by fanning in this state already on the product conveyor 7 were delivered or delivered as individual meat slices and between their separate drops the jump edge 7a according to the desired offset in the direction of passage of the two products 1a , b was controlled.

A fanning out in the transverse direction 11 according to 6b the meat slices 1a . b . c let yourself Achieve by adding one disc after each disc, starting with the bottom disc 1a , the tray 2 by the distance of the meat slices in the transverse direction 11 was relocated. With two in the transverse direction 11 Non-contact next to each other deposited meat slices 1a . b is the necessary offset of the tray 2 in the transverse direction 11 correspondingly larger.

Also two in the transverse direction 11 spaced rows of in the direction of passage 10 fanned slices 1a . b . c according to 6 can be achieved by changing the position of the tray 2 first, for example, the top row with the meat slices 1a . b . c is created and then after transverse offset of the tray 2 the lower row by the appropriate distance, the two rows in turn by discarding a closed portion of meat slices 1a . b . c can be made or by individual drops of the individual meat slices and then appropriate control of the jump edge 7a between the individual drops according to the offset in the direction of passage 10 the storage positions of the discs 1a , b, c.

The zigzag-shaped spaced storage positions of 6d can be achieved by placing each one of the slices between each individual drop 1a and b both a change in the transverse position of the tray 2 as well as a changed position of the jump edge 7a is required immediately before the discarding of individual slices.

Also, the arcuate arrangement of meat slices 1a-e according to 6f in a possibly also arcuate or semi-circular or even rectangular tray 2 can be achieved in this way.

Furthermore, star-shaped storage positions can be according to 6g reach when the tray 2 - Which is designed in this case in the supervision round - in addition to its vertical axis is rotatable.

Like that 5b and 5c to remove, is the risk of contamination for the top of the edge 2a a tray 2 the smaller the denser, that is, the smaller the distance, during the discharge of products, the peripheral edge 4a the mask 4 above the edge 2a of the tray 2 located.

That's why the mask becomes 4 yes, with its preferably circumferential wall 4b immersed in the tray, so that at the time of dropping in the transverse direction 11 and also in the direction of passage 10 are positively connected with each other.

Because in the insertion machine only such a mask 4 is present, one after another repeatedly in a new tray 2 Diving is a vertical approach and immersion movement of tray 2 and mask 4 before each new filling of a tray 2 necessary.

As the 7a-d This is possible in different ways, since either the mask 4 or the tray 2 can move vertically for this vertical approach:

In the 7a, b becomes the vertical movement of the tray 2 performed while the mask 4 always remains in the same altitude and only in the transverse direction 11 limited back and forth is movable:

For this purpose, the product conveyor 7 shown in section, so that its upper run and lower run are spaced from one another visible in section, and the zoomed product to be discarded 1a rests on its upper strand.

As close as possible to the product conveyor 7 is the mask 4 - as in the 5a-e shown - positioned.

The tray 2 is standing on a tray conveyor 8th in the form of a conveyor belt conveyed in this case from the left on such a height that he is under the mask 4 can move through.

Then in the direction of the 7a a fork-shaped lifting device 9 as they are in the 2a, b is drawn with its two prongs under the side - in and opposite to the transverse direction 11 - above edge 2a of the tray 2 retracted and by raising the lifting device 9 , as in 7b shown - the tray 2 from the tray conveyor 8th lifted off and as far as possible, especially the bottom of the edge 4a the mask 4 contacting, lifted and in this state the discharge of the product 1a carried out.

To the tray 2 in this state in the transverse direction 11 to be able to position as desired, is the lifting device 9 in the transverse direction 11 movable and positionable.

The advantage of this solution is that when dropping the vertical distance between the brought product 1a and the tray 2 is relatively low.

In the 7c, d is shown a solution in which the vertical position of the mask 4 for immersion in the tray 2 is changed:

The empty tray 2 will turn - this time with its bottom - upright on a tray conveyor 8th For example, transported from the left under the Drop point, and there under the mask 4 positioned.

The in the 2a, b illustrated lifting device 9 lies with its tines permanently under the outwardly projecting edge 4a the mask 4 on, and can the mask 4 move both vertically and transversely 11 move and position.

When the tray 2 just under the mask 4 is located and preferably resting, the mask is 4 with the help of the lifting device 9 , which in this case also the mask transporter 26 is initially lowered vertically down so that the perimeter wall 4b the mask 4 into the interior of the tray 2 dips, preferably until the lifting device 9 almost or actually on the edge 2a of the tray 2 seated.

If still a shift in the transverse direction 11 of the tray 2 is necessary - before or after the release of the currently delivered product 1a - This is done by moving the lifting device 9 and thus the mask transporter 26 in the transverse direction 11 , causing the mask transporter 26 on the one hand the mask 4 and because of their positive engagement in the tray 2 also the tray 2 in the transverse direction 11 on the tray conveyor 8th moves to the desired transverse position.

This solution is located at the drop of the tray 2 a little further below the product conveyor 7 so the fall path of the product 1 is longer, but must for this solution, for example, the fork-shaped Maskentransporteur 26 , the same time as a lifting device 9 does not always look in the direction of the 7c . 7d under the mask 4 be retracted, but in the direction of passage 10 can the mask transporter 26 in always the same position relative to the mask 4 remain and be designed to be movable only in the vertical and in the transverse direction, which the mechanical structure of this lifting device against the solution of 7a, b simplified.

The in the 2a, b illustrated solution of the lifting device 9 therefore corresponds to the in the 7a, b illustrated solution.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1a - h

Product, meat slice

1

portion

2

tray

2a

edge

2 B

ground

3

sealing film

4

mask

4a

edge

4b

wall

5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3

Querpositioniervorrichtung

6

liquid drops

7

product conveyor

7a

jump edge

8th

Tray conveyor

9

lifting device

10

Throughput direction

11

transversely

12

Passage opening (mask)

13

Opening (tray)

14

absorbent material

15

Cross position sensor

16

cross slide

17

side conveyors

18

accompanying side band

19

distance

20

sliding temple

21

swivel axis

22

Committee crate

23

Tray outlet

24

25

26

mask carrier

27

sealer

27a

seal

28

attack

29

paddle

30

casing

30a

front

31

tilting segment

31a

contact area

32

dancer roll

50

control

50a

display

50b

operating unit

Claims (29)

Method for mechanically inserting at least one plate-shaped product (1a) into an open-top tray (2), wherein - the at least one product (1a) or a portion consisting of several products (1a, b) runs in a direction of passage (10) Product conveyor (7) in the direction of passage (10) is transported and discarded, - a tray (2) located lower than the downstream end of the product conveyor (7) and positioned so that the product (1a) at the desired location on the Bottom of the tray (2) comes up. characterized in that - the transverse position of the product (1a) in the transverse direction (11) on the product conveyor (7) is determined, - the tray (2) depending on the previously determined transverse position of the product (1a) below the end of the product conveyor (7 ) - the product conveyor (7) is rolled away or pulled away in the direction of travel (10) under the product (1a) lying in a discharge position on the end region of the product conveyor (7) in the discharge position (7), - the product (1a) due to gravity falls from the discharge position down so that the product (1a) at the desired location on the bottom of the tray (2) comes up. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that for a staggered in the transverse direction (11) storing products (1a) the process is repeated several times and intervening the tray (2) in the transverse direction (11) by the desired distance of the individual products (1a). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for a staggered in the direction of passage (10) storing products (1a) the process repeatedly and between the discharge position in the direction of passage (10) by the desired distance of the individual products (1a) is changed , Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (1a) is dropped from the product conveyor (7) at a speed of at most 300 mm / sec beyond its jump edge (7a). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that prior to discharge, a mask (4) covering the edge (2a) of the tray (2), in particular completely, is positioned with a passage opening (12) over the tray (2) and during the process Abwurfs in particular with the tray (2) is moved. Method according to Claim 5 , characterized in that from the edges of the passage opening (12) walls (4b) protrude downward, and in particular the walls (4b) when positioning over the tray (2) and vertical approximately in the tray (2) protrude. Method according to one of Claims 5 or 6 , characterized in that the mask (4) is moved at the same height and the tray (2) is raised and lowered for the positive engagement of tray (2) and mask (4). Method according to one of Claims 5 or 6 , characterized in that the tray (2) is moved at the same height and the mask (4) is raised and lowered for the positive engagement of tray (2) and mask (4). Method according to one of Claims 7 or 8th , characterized in that the tray (2) is positioned in the transverse direction (11) by means of the mask (4) immersed in it, in particular dipped in it. Method according to one of Claims 5 to 9 , characterized in that after removal of the mask (4) from the tray (2) the filled tray (2) is further transported and sealed in a sealing station by sealing a sealing foil (3) spanning the tray (2) on the edge (2a) of the tray (2) is sealed. Method according to Claim 6 or one of the Claim 6 referred back Claims 7 to 10 , characterized in that the mask (4) is lowered into the tray (2) far enough that its walls (4b) touch the bottom (2b) of the tray (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one product (1a) on the product conveyor (7) in the transverse direction (11) positioned and / or compressed in the transverse direction (11) by in the direction of passage (10) transversely approaching each other , with the product conveyor (7) in the direction of passage (10) and the side of the product (1a) optionally laterally contacting side bands (18). Method according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to twelve , characterized in that the at least one product (1a) on the product conveyor (7) in the transverse direction (11) and / or compressed in the transverse direction (11) by pressing against the product in at least one transverse direction (11) in particular in the direction of passage (10) moving product (1a) by means of oppositely directed, in the direction of passage (10) fixedly positioned cross slide (20). Method according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the transverse slides (20) are stationarily positioned in the passage direction (10) or run along the product conveyor (7) in the direction of passage (10) for a limited distance, in particular by the transverse slides being laterally spaced from the product conveyor (7), Swivel upright pivot axis with the product conveyor and in particular have a convex curved stamp surface. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to twelve characterized in that the at least one product (1a) is positioned on the product conveyor (7) in the transverse direction (11) relative to the tray (2) by determining the transverse position of the product (1a) on the product conveyor (7), positioning the tray (2) in the transverse direction (11) under the discharge edge (7a) of the product conveyor (7) at the previously determined transverse position of the product (1a) transported thereon. Device for inserting at least one product (1a, b) into an open top tray (2) with - a product conveyor (7) for transporting the at least one product (1a) in the direction of passage (10) and dropping the product (1a) into one Tray (2), - a transversely extending (11) to the direction of passage (10) extending transport device to position the tray (2) at a level below the product conveyor (7) in the transverse direction (11), - a controller (50), which can control the movement of the product conveyor (7) and the transport device for the tray (2) in the transverse direction (11), characterized in that - the product conveyor (7) has a front jump edge (7a) which is movable in the direction of passage (10), - The controller (50), which can also control the movement of the jump edge (7a) of the product conveyor (7) so that the discarded product (1a) at the desired position on the bottom (2b) of the tray (2) comes up. Device after Claim 16 , characterized in that - a mask (4) which is movable above the tray (2) in the transverse direction (11), in particular approximately horizontally, for covering the edge (2a) of the tray (2) is provided with - one around a passage opening ( 12) circumferential upper edge (4a), viewed in the plan view, the upper peripheral edge (2a) of the tray (2), in particular completely cover. Device after Claim 17 , characterized in that the mask (4) from the inner contour of the edge (4a) from downwardly facing, in particular circumferential, walls (4b), in particular in the form of a single annular circumferential wall (4b). Device according to one of the device claims 17 or 18 , characterized in that a lifting device (9) which is movable in particular in the transverse direction (11) for lifting and lowering the tray (2) or the mask (4) is present for the purpose of vertical approaching, in particular dipping, one another in the mask (4) and Tray (2). Device according to one of the device claims 17 to 19 , characterized in that - the transport device for the tray (2) in the transverse direction (11) movable mask (4) and its mask feed dog (26). or - the transport device for the tray (2) is a conveyor belt which can move in the transverse direction (11) and whose movement in the transverse direction (11) is coupled to the mask conveyor (26). Device according to one of the device claims 18 to 20 , characterized in that the passage opening (12) of the mask (4) is so large that the walls (4b) of the mask (4) just in the opening (13) of the open-top tray (2) fit, in particular the walls (4b) of the mask (4) but laterally contact the most inclined walls of the tray (2). Device according to one of the device claims 18 to 21 characterized in that the bottom (2b) of the tray (2) is covered by a suction material (14) suitable for absorbing drops of liquid (6) formed, for example, on the lower edge of a wall (4b) of the mask (4) ) hang. Device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that on the product conveyor (7 ', 7'') a Querpositioniervorrichtung (5.1) is arranged, the two on both sides of the product (1b) arranged in the height range, in the direction of passage (10) transversely relative to each other, with the product conveyor (7 ', 7'') running side bands (18), in particular endless, circumferential side conveyor (17) comprises. Device after Claim 23 , characterized in that the endless, circulating side conveyor (17) rotate around two each in the direction of passage (10) spaced upright axes. and / or the distance of the running side bands (18) in the direction of passage (10) at the end minimally Dimension of the product (1a) in the transverse direction (11) corresponds. Device after Claim 23 or 24 , characterized in that at least the distance (19) in the direction of passage (10) at the end of the two idler bands (18) is adjustable. Device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that on the product conveyor (7 ', 7'') a Querpositioniervorrichtung (5.2) is arranged, the two on both sides of the product (1a) arranged in its height range, mutually movable cross slide (16), in particular only in the transverse direction (11) against each other movable slide punch (20), comprising, in particular independently controlled against the product (1b) are extendable .. Device after Claim 26 , characterized in that the transverse slide (16) in the direction of passage (10) a limited distance are movable, in particular with the speed of the product conveyor (7 ', 7''). Device after Claim 26 , characterized in that the transverse slide (16) are fixedly positioned in the passage direction (10) and in particular at the end remote from the slide punch (20) end about an upright pivot axis (21) are pivotable, in particular so that the slide punch (20) in the direction of passage (10) has the speed of the product conveyor (7 ', 7''), and in particular the slide punch (20) has a convexly convexly curved end face. Device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that a transverse positioning device (5.3) is present, which comprises a transverse position sensor (15) for the product (1b) on the product conveyor (7 ', 7'') and one in the transverse direction ( 11) movable, controllable transport device for the tray (2), which is able to adjust the transverse position of the tray (2) depending on the determined transverse position of the product (1a).

Images