JP2585819B2 - Improved semi-automatic stuffer with casing brake and turret assembly - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a food processing machine, and more particularly to a packaging machine such as a filling machine of a kind for producing sausages and similar meat fillings and food fillings, and more specifically. The present invention relates to a filling machine that integrates a turret assembly with a filling horn, a casing brake, and a discharge tray mechanism.

The production of sausages and sausage-like meat fillings, as well as filling foods, is highly automated. As a result of meaningful and valuable research in the United States, various machines
It was developed to automate or semi-automate the production of meat and food fillings. One such machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,142,273.
Issue. It was issued to Robert W. Gay of New York, New York, on March 6, 1979, and was transferred to Rheim Manufacturing Company. In this machine, sausage material is pumped from a large barrel into a turret assembly with a stuffed horn. This assembly has a plurality of stuffing horns which pass sequentially through the feeding, stuffing and end clip working positions. The pleated casing,
At the feed position, it is placed over the end of the stuffing horn, at which point the casing and the material pressed into the horn leave the horn at the same time and pass through the casing brake. When the stuffing material fills the casing, the casing exerts a slight pressure on the material and holds it. By means of the casing brake, the casing is delivered under a uniform tightening force. Next to the casing brake, the clip mechanism operates intermittently, creating an empty part of the casing past the brake, clipping that part and determining the end of the sausage and the beginning of the next sausage. . A representative highly desirable clip mechanism was issued to Clyde R. Velarde on January 11, 1977, and was issued to Reem of New York, New York.
It is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,675,945, assigned to Maniyu Acting Company. The clipped food is sent to a discharge tray, from which it is discharged and sent to a conveyor line or manual operation. Discharge is performed laterally downward so as to roll to a level below the working height of the machine.

Another notable machine is the United States, which was issued to Alfred Evans et al. On June 30, 1987, and transferred to Tipper Tie, Ins., Apetscus, NC. Patent No. 4,675,945
Issue. In this machine, a mechanism for moving the casing brake is provided, which intermittently unloads the tensile force on the casing during clipping of the food. While U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,142,273 and 4,675,945 have proven to be highly desirable machines, there is still room for improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One important aspect of the present invention is that it has a combination of an improved filling horn of a filling machine and a casing brake. This combination first has a stuffing horn forming a discharge port. The horn is adapted to receive a casing and has two sectioned portions. The portions are a first horn portion and a second horn portion, wherein the first horn portion has a first horn portion outside dimension and the second horn portion has a second horn portion outside dimension. ing. The latter is smaller in size than the former. In addition, this combination has a casing-brake mechanism, which intermittently brakes the movement of the casing away from the stuffing horn past the discharge port by the application of a tightening force to the casing on the horn. You.
This mechanism also has two sectioned parts. These parts are a first brake part and a second brake part, having an inner dimension dimensioned according to the dimensions of the horn part, between the two brake parts and the first horn part. Alternatively, between the second brake part and the first horn part, a tightening force is applied to the casing on the horn when: That is, either the second brake part or both parts are in the brake position relative to the first horn part.

The jam horn and the casing brake mechanism are mounted on the machine such that the casing brake and the jam horn move toward and away from the jam and clip positions. In the stowed position, the first brake portion and the second brake portion are both in a braking position relative to the first horn portion and cooperate with the first horn portion to apply a clamping force to the casing.
In the clip position, the second brake portion remains in the braking position relative to the first horn portion, and only the second brake portion cooperates with the first horn portion to brake the casing.

With this combination, complete braking is applied to the casing by both braking parts, and partial braking is provided only by the second braking part. The second brake portion provides full tightening and braking during food stuffing and partial tightening and braking during clipping.

Another important aspect of the present invention is that
It has an assembly. This assembly
It has a turret assembly and a separate stuffing horn. The assembly defines a cylindrical central passage and a cylindrical branch passage. The central passage defines a central passage centerline, and the branch passages that are in open communication with the central passage are positioned at an acute angle to the central passage and the central passage centerline, respectively. Separate stuffing horns each define a first partial passage substantially parallel to the central passage.
Has a part. A second portion forming a second passage that is in open communication with the first partial passage is at an acute angle to the central passage and is in open communication with the branch passage. Further, the turret assembly has a collar removably secured to the assembly along the branch passage and holding the jam horn relative to the assembly.

Yet another important aspect of the present invention is that it has an improved food dispensing tray for a filling machine. This tray has the advantages not previously achieved in the smallest space,
It is a unique one that fully satisfies the functions required for the ejection device. Fully understand the invention and its objects, effects, and advantages,
Evaluation will fully demonstrate the value of the invention in the context of this type of technology.

In short, the present invention includes a discharge tray, a mechanical linkage that supports and directs the movement of the tray, a powered actuator mechanism that drives the linkage, and a food detection mechanism for initial operation of the actuator mechanism. The power of the actuator mechanism allows the discharge tray to be moved in two directions via the linkage, for example, a) the discharge direction and simultaneously b) the transverse direction to the discharge direction. While the tray is moving, the leading edge of the tray climbs up the adjacent guide mechanism and the tray is tilted. The food on the tray is pressed out of the stuffing horn and can be quickly and continuously packed, and very slightly coaxially with the horn discharge axis and at almost the same height as this axis. Then, discharge is performed after moving quietly.

As will be described in greater detail below, the mechanical linkage preferably has a parallelogram linkage. The actuator mechanism also has a rotary actuator that drives the middle link of the parallelogram linkage at the vertical axis rotational connection. In addition, the tray is mounted on a linkage link that rotates about a horizontal pivot connection. The rotation actuator is activated by the detection of the food by the food detection mechanism. The actuator then cycles the mechanical linkage and tray during dispensing and returns to the start position.

The important features of the invention will be more fully appreciated by a detailed description of the preferred embodiments below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings illustrate advantageous embodiments of the invention, which are not the only forms claimed by the invention. The drawings and the following description of the preferred embodiments
It is not limiting of the claims, but merely in keeping with the principles of interpretation of the claims. In accordance with this principle, the claims will be interpreted with specific examples and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings will be briefly described to facilitate understanding of the drawings and the following description.

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a sophisticated semi-automatic filling machine.

FIG. 2 is a side view partially showing the filling machine of FIG. 1 and showing internal details.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the food discharge tray of the filling machine of FIG. 1 at a food receiving position.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a food discharge tray at a discharge position.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a part of the stuffing machine of FIG. 1 in a sectional view for showing the details of the inside, and the positions of the turret assembly with stuffing horn and the casing brake are as follows.
This is the position when the jam horn and the casing brake are in the jam position.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the same part as that shown in FIG. 5 of the stuffing machine of FIG. 1, and the positions of the turret assembly with stuffing horn and the casing brake are the same. Is the position when is at the clip position.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the same part as FIGS. 5 and 6, and the positions of the turret assembly with stuffed horn and the casing brake are the positions when the stuffed horn is in the supply position.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, showing the yoke for axially moving the turret assembly with a stuffed horn.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a turret assembly with a stuffed horn.

FIG. 10 is a rear end view of the turret assembly with a stuffed horn.

FIG. 11 is a split sectional view of the turret assembly with a stuffed horn. The horn at the supply position is shown below the center line 11-11.
The figure which showed the horn of the packed position above center line 11-11.

 FIG. 12 is an end view of the filling machine.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a clip mechanism and a turret assembly of the filling machine.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing details of a stuffing horn and a casing brake in a stuffing position.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the stuffing horn and the casing brake at the clip position.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the details of the food discharge tray mechanism of the filling machine, showing a state at the time of receiving the food as in the figure.

 FIG. 17 is a detailed view of a mounting portion of the food discharge tray.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the food discharge tray mechanism, showing a state of discharging the food.

In the following, spatial terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right” etc. will be mentioned with respect to the components of the filling machine. These terms indicate the specific spatial orientation of the components and have the purpose of assisting the reader in understanding. These terms do not limit the possible orientations of the possible variant components of the invention, except as incorporated in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is directed to U.S. Patent Nos. 4,001,926 and 4,023,238.
Nos. 4,142,273, 4,675,945 and 4,766,713 have been incorporated.

The preferred embodiment of the stuffer according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 and is shown in a non-operational standstill. The appearance of the filling machine 10 has a decorative streamline shape and is protected by a design patent. This machine 10
A horned turret assembly having a plurality of horns is provided. The finely divided material is pumped into the machine from the right side of FIG. 1 (not shown because it is not part of the invention)
Pressed in. When the material indicated by reference numeral 20 in FIG. 5 exits the packed horn, the casing 22 stored on the horn
Also comes out, and on the food discharge tray 26, the packed product 24
Is formed. In the area indicated by the reference numeral 28 in FIG. 1, a clip mechanism 30 schematically shown in FIG. 13 is disposed, which intermittently clips the emptied casing part and connects the end of the product to be discharged to the next end. Close the beginning of the product. The clips pass through a stuffing machine and are supplied from a pancake tray 32 at the top. Hinge mounted translucent guards 34, 35, 36
Protects operators and enhances hygiene. All of the above-listed components are mounted on a base or frame, indicated generally at 38, with wheels below the frame.

As described above, the mechanism 10 is semi-automatic. The operator
Input at the control panel 40, load on the casing,
During the start-up operation to fill the horn, the movement of the turret must be manipulated. Once loading is complete and the operator changes the control to the automatic mode, the cycle motion function begins. This puts the system in automatic mode and all movements are automatically controlled by the electric / pneumatic controller. The product size may be determined by a position control device contained in a filer (not shown; not included in the present invention) or paddle release member
Controlled by length measurement according to 39 (FIG. 18). While in the feed position, the operator must attach the casing to the horn. Activation and deactivation are also performed by the controller 42 via a pneumatic device.

In the case of FIGS. 5 to 11, the stuffed horned turret assembly 12 has a turret assembly 44.
The stuffing horns 14, 16, 18 are separate parts from the assembly, and are held in place by collars 46, 48, 50 described below. The yoke 52 has a ring portion 54 that fits over the outer groove of the assembly 44. The assembly is rotatable with respect to the yoke 52. The yoke is also shown in FIG. 8 and extends to a remote location 56. A multi-cylinder drive is mounted on the yoke 52 between the ring portion 54 and a remote location 56.

The turret assembly 44 is mounted on a manifold tube 58 for movement along the tube. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the turret assembly 12 is movable between at least three axial positions. The movement is powered by a multi-cylinder drive mounted on yoke 52. The turret assembly also has pins 57, 59
Can be removed by removing.

A yoke guide rod 60 added to the frame extends parallel to the manifold tube 58. Yoke 52 Away 56
Is slidable along guide rod 60. The multi-cylinder drive device includes first and second yoke drive cylinders 62, 64
have. The cylinders 62, 64 and their cylinder rods extend parallel to the manifold tube 58 and the guide rods 60. The far end of the first cylinder rod 66 of the first cylinder 62 is added to the frame. The second cylinder rod 68 has its far end attached to the yoke 52. When the rods 66, 68 are not extended, that is, retracted, the yoke 52 and turret assembly 12 assume the forward position shown in FIG. By extending the first rod 66 from the cylinder 62,
The yoke 52 and turret assembly 12 are driven to the intermediate position shown in FIG. As the second rod 68 extends from the cylinder 64, the yoke 52 and turret assembly 12 are moved to the rearward position shown in FIG.

The turret rotation actuator 70 is connected to the sprocket 74 by a drive belt 72. Actuator 70
Is attached to the frame 38. Sprocket 74
It is rotatable around a manifold tube 58 on the rear side of the turret assembly. The belt extends transversely to the manifold tube 58, and rotation of the sprocket 74 occurs about an axis that is collinear with the center line of the manifold tube 58.

The pin 76 projects forward from the sprocket 74 in the axial direction. It is best seen in Figure 10, but the pin holes 78
Are formed on the rear surface of the turret assembly 44. The pin 76 has such a size that the pin hole 78 projects into the pin hole 78 when the pin hole 78 comes close to the pin 76.

In the case of FIG. 7, the yoke 52 and the turret assembly 12 are in the rearward position, and the pin 76 protrudes into the pin hole 78. The turret assembly 12 includes a sprocket 74 and a belt 72.
Through the rotary control of the turret rotation actuator. As a result, the rotational positions of the horns 14, 16, 18 are
Determined by the actuator 70. Horn 14, 16, 18
Are spaced at equal angles in the radial direction, and the actuator 70 is adapted to switch the horns 14, 16, 18 in an arc equal to the distance between the two horns.

In the rear position of the yoke 52 and the turret assembly 12,
Horns 14, 16, 18 are in the feed position. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the horn can be accessed by an operator when the casing is mounted or when required. When the horn is in the forward position, the horn furthest from the operator and control panel 40 is brought to a stowed position relative to the casing brake mechanism 82, as seen in the horn 14 of FIG. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 to 18, the horn 14 is in the clip position at the middle position of the horn.

In FIG. 11, a manifold tube 58 forms an inner cylindrical manifold passage 84. The turret assembly 44 formed of Delrin ^tm defines a cylindrical central passage 86. It has a central passage 81 (line 11-11 in FIG. 11).
The manifold tube 58 is fitted over the entire length of the central passage 86, and the manifold passage 84 is collinear with the center line 81. The turret assembly 44 also includes a horn 14,1
A branch passage or branch pipe 90,94 for 6,18 is formed.
The branch pipes 90, 94, etc., each extend at an acute angle from the central passage 86, particularly at an angle of approximately 45 °. A radial hole 96 in the manifold tube 58 provides communication between the manifold passage 84 and the single branch tube of the turret assembly 44. A radial hole 96 is provided for communication with the branch pipe, to which the horn is communicated when in the packed position.

Each stuffed horn 14,16,18 made of stainless steel
It is in open communication with branch pipes such as 90 and 94. 9 and 11
Each color is made of stainless steel as shown
46,48,50 are removably screwed into the turret assembly 44 at the outer openings of the branch pipes 90,94 and surround the stuffing horns 14,16,18. These collars press the annular flange of the horn against the assembly 44 to secure the horn to the assembly 44.

The first portion 98 of each jam horn extends parallel to the manifold tube 58 and forms a passage parallel to the central passage 86 and the manifold tube 84, as shown in FIG. The second portion 100 of each horn follows the first portion 98 and extends at an acute angle to the centerline 81 equal to the angle formed by the branch pipe.

In front of the stuffing horns 14, 16, 18, the outer diameter of the manifold tube 58 is reduced. A sleeve 104 is fitted to the reduced outer diameter portion, and a piston pump 106 is additionally attached to the sleeve 104. This piston pump 106 drives a piston 108 in the manifold tube 58. Piston 108
The piston pump 106 is collinear with the manifold tube 58. As rod 110 of piston pump 106 extends, piston 108 is driven through manifold tube 58 toward radial opening 96 and operates in the manner of U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,238.
The end face 112 of the piston 108 is inclined at an acute angle equal to the branch pipe to which the radial opening 96 communicates, and the manifold passage
It is convenient to feed material from 84 through the radial opening and into the branch tube.

The mechanism shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,945 (FIGS. 10 and 11) causes the casing brake mechanism to repeatedly move forward and backward over a short distance. The drive cylinder 62 moves each stuffing horn sequentially to the stuffing position and the clip position, and from those positions. FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show the relationship between the movement of the casing / brake mechanism 82 and the horn. When the horn comes to the stuffing position, the casing brake mechanism also comes to the front stuffing position. When the horn is in the clip position, the brake mechanism is in the rear clip position. The travel distance of the horn to the clip position is longer than the travel distance of the brake mechanism there. As a result, the horn moves the casing
It is farther from the brake mechanism than at the jamming position of FIG.

The casing brake mechanism 82 has two annular casing brakes 114,116. The two brakes 114, 116 form two parts of the brake mechanism. A first brake 114 of these brakes is located in front of the second brake 116. Rake 114,116
Are most advantageously equal. First annular fixture
118 slide fits into the outer frame 120 and brakes 114,11
6 is used as a spacer. Second annular fixture 1
22 is screwed to the outer frame 120 and holds the parts 114, 116, 118 in the frame 120. Adjusting the mounting 122 applies a compressive force to the back of the brake 116.
The brake 116 also applies a compressive force to the fixture 118,
118 applies a compressive force to the back of the fixture 114. By this operation, the brakes 114 and 116 are adjusted and tightened, and the tightening force of the casing on the horn is adjusted. As with conventional single casing brakes, each casing brake 11
The 4,116 tightens the casing on the horn as the casing exits the horn past the brake. In the case of two brakes 114, 116, each brake helps provide the desired tightening force while the brake mechanism 82 is in the stowed position.

In contrast, the brake mechanism 82, in the clip position, only the second brake 116 applies a clamping force to the pleated casing. First part 98 of each jam horn
Has two first and second segments 124,126. The outer dimension of the second segment 126 is defined by the outer diameter, which is smaller than the outer dimension defined by the outer diameter of the first segment 124. The first segment 124 is
When it enters the brake mechanism and the brake mechanism and the horn are in the jammed position, they cooperate with both the first brake and the second brake. The first segment enters the brake mechanism and cooperates with the second brake only when the brake mechanism and the horn are in the clip position. The smaller diameter second segment penetrates into the first brake when the brake mechanism and horn are in the clip position, but does not cooperate with the second brake for braking. With the entry of the second segment in the clip position, a return to the already packed position is assured by continuous guidance of the casing past the first brake.

As a result of the placement of the horn segments and brakes, during jamming, full braking is applied to the pleated casing,
Partial braking is applied between the clips.

As mentioned above, and as shown in the related patents, the clip mechanism has a punch. The punch presses the clip against the die around the emptied casing, forming the beginning of the next product at the end of the product to be dispensed. The clip mechanism 30 has a pair of reject plates (not shown) which form a narrow space through which the casing passes. The constriction has an axial extension parallel to the axial extension of the turret assembly 12 and a lateral extension perpendicular to the extension. The exclusion plate narrows the narrow part around the casing in the lateral direction,
Squeeze the casing tightly. Clips are mounted laterally.

In a typical stuffing machine, a clip mechanism is located next to the casing brake, opposite the stuffing horn. The casing brake and horn do not move in the path of the clip mechanism during movement. In the most advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the jammed position of the brake mechanism 82 and the horn, both the brake mechanism and the horn are in the path of the clip mechanism 30. In other words, it is located "inside" of the clipper, that is, in the "clip area". By moving from the jam position to the clip position, the brake mechanism and the horn move away from the clip mechanism and its path.

Also, in the most advantageous embodiment, unlike the rejection performed almost completely by the rejection plate of the clip mechanism,
Movement from the fill position to the clip position and the retraction of the piston pump 106 causes the casing to be almost completely emptied. This emptying operation is accomplished by the pumping of the milled material being interrupted while the horn and brake mechanism 82 move to the clip position. The piston pump 106 is withdrawn, reducing the pressure on the material at the horn opening.

Movement to the clip position causes the pleated casing to pass through the brake mechanism 82 and extend forward of the horn. The pumping of material from the source is aborted and the piston passes through the brake mechanism almost empty as the piston pump 106 is withdrawn. Despite the depressurization at the base of the branch pipe behind the horn, pressure is applied at the horn opening, some material remains fine and some material continues to flow out of the horn. The brake 116 performs an important function in the pleated casing area to prevent material from flowing out of the horn. Casing brake 116
Keeps in contact with the horn and prevents backflow, so that it flows only in front of the brake mechanism 82.

Returning to FIG. 1, the improved discharge tray mechanism for the filling machine
It has a product discharge tray 26. This tray 26 is shown in FIG.
Is the easiest to see. The tray 26 extends in the ejection direction and is curved in a direction transverse to the ejection direction.

The parallel, equal length mechanical multilink 118 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is attached to the tray frame pressing member 129 (FIGS. 16 and 18) by first pivots 124 and 128. The mechanical link 120 is connected to a rotary actuator output shaft 161 (FIG. 1).
6) and is keyed to the output shaft 161 by a key 163 (FIG. 16). The output shaft 163 is a mechanical link 120
(FIGS. 3, 4, and 16).

The first pivots 124, 126, 128 have links 118, 120, 122,
Attached to the frame for rotation about a substantially vertical stationary first pivot 130, 132, 134 (FIG. 3). First
The pivots 130, 132, 134 are aligned in the discharge direction parallel to the discharge axis.

The second pivots 136, 138, 140 (FIG. 2, FIG. 17, FIG. 3, FIG. 1)
6, FIG. 18) are attached to the ends of the links 118, 120, 122 opposite the first pivots 124, 126, 128, for example, the links opposite the first pivot, and the third pivots 142, 144, 146, (FIGS. 2, 17, 16, and FIG. 18) are mounted about a second, substantially vertical, pivot axis 148, 150, 152 (FIGS. 3, 16, 18). The second pivot axes 148, 150, and 152 are not stationary but are movable, and are aligned in a discharge direction parallel to the discharge axis.

The third pivot 142, 144, 146 is the second pivot 136, 138, 1
The product discharge tray 26 is attached to the second pivot 40. The third pivot thereby attaches the product discharge tray 26 to the mechanical links 118,120,122. The mounting is performed by a substantially horizontal and movable third pivot axis 154, 156, 158.
(FIG. 3).

As a result of such mounting, the product discharge tray 26
It is movable about pivots 124, 126, 128, and at the same time, is movable about third pivots 142, 144, 146. For example, (a) simultaneous horizontal movement is i) discharge direction and ii)
A lateral tilting movement and at the same time a vertical tilting movement are possible.

The pneumatic rotary actuator 160 (FIGS. 2 and 16)
It is attached to the frame pressure member 129 of the tray. The actuator 16 drives the actuator shaft 161.
This axis forms a first pivot 126 such that the mechanical link and the product discharge tray 26 move between the product receiving position and the product discharge position about the first pivot. The product receiving position is best shown in FIGS. Also, the product discharge position is best shown in FIGS. As can be seen by comparing the figures, the discharge position is farther from the discharge end of the horn than the product receiving position in the discharge direction. The discharge position is located farther from the horn discharge end in the discharge direction than the receiving position. The discharge position is located farther from the discharge axis in the lateral direction than the product receiving position. Further, the product discharge position is located closer to the inclined guide (and guard) 162 than the receiving position in the lateral direction.

The inclined guide 162 is provided with a frame pressing member 129 of the tray.
A stationary member attached to the Incline guide (guard) 16
Numeral 2 is extended in the discharge direction, extends vertically near the discharge axis, and is brought into contact with the discharge tray 26 by the action of gravity. In that case,
The discharge tray 26 may be located at a product receiving position, a discharge position, or any position between these positions. Discharge tray
As shown in FIG. 18, 26 is tilted at an angle sufficient to allow the product to roll off the discharge tray by the action of gravity while in the discharge position, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, while in the product receiving position, the tray 26 is in a posture capable of holding the product thereon.

The product detection paddle member 39 shown in FIG. 18 has a paddle surface.
166, and the paddle surface extends laterally. A fourth pivot 168 also attaches the paddle to a mounting block 170 in the product path exiting the horn. The paddle member 39 is mounted about a fourth, substantially horizontal, pivot axis 172. In this way, the paddle member moves upward and also moves along the discharge direction about the fourth pivot axis 172 under the force of the product exiting the horn (FIG. 18 shows the paddle member). The member is shown in the rest position).

The mounting block 170 is mounted on the tray frame on a tilt guide (guard) 162 and moves along the discharge direction. By mounting in this manner, the position of the paddle member 39 can be changed along the discharge direction. Removable fixings
174 removably mounts the mounting block 170 on an inclined guide (guard) 162 to the frame of the tray.

A spring 176 is disposed between the braid 39 and the block 170. The spring 176 preloads the paddle 39 so that it comes into contact with the product. The electrical switch (FIG. 2) has a mounting block adjacent to the paddle 39
Installed on 170. The electric switch 178 is tripped through the horn member 39 by the movement of the product exiting the horn, causing the member 39 to pivot. This electric switch 178 is connected to the rotation actuator 1 via a control circuit.
It is connected to 60 and supplies power to the actuator from the power supply.

The product leaving the horn is received by the product discharge tray at the product receiving location. The product sensing paddle can be positioned to detect the desired length of finished product leaving the horn. With the operation of the advantageous product discharge tray mechanism, the finished product leaves the horn, the casing is cut off and comes into contact with the paddle. With this contact, axis 17
The paddle member 39 pivots about 2. Pad member 39
Turns actuate the electrical switch 178. Activation of the electrical switch inputs control logic to stop product flow. This causes the clipper to clip the product. Upon completion of this operation, the clapper is opened and the horn is retracted from the clipped product.
At the end of this, control logic commands the power circuit to power the rotary actuator and the dispense movement begins.

The product discharge tray is thereby moved to the discharge position. As shown in FIG. 12, the product size can be adjusted by vertically adjusting the tray via the bracket 180. Thus, at the discharge position of the discharge tray, the finished product is separated from the stuffing horn (in the discharge direction),
It is dispensed at approximately the same position as previously occupied by the product, while the tray is in the receiving position.

The advantageous embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail. With this detailed description, those skilled in the art will be able to make and use the machine of the present invention. Also, the illustrated advantageous embodiment is the best form contemplated by the inventor. However, the invention
It also exists as partial idea, partial hardware. The detailed description of the preferred embodiment shown must not be mixed or received with the only claimed result of the invention. This is because the present invention covers a wider range than the described hardware. In order to particularly point out and distinctly claim what is considered to be the invention, the following claims include the following claims.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-63-258709 (JP, A) JP-A-63-164865 (JP, A) West German Patent Application Publication 1632143 (DE, A)

Claims (22)

(57) [Claims] A stuffing machine combining a stuffing horn and a casing brake, wherein the stuffing horn defines a discharge opening adapted to receive a casing, and the first horn forms a discharge opening.
A horn segment and a second horn segment, wherein the first horn segment has a first horn segment outer dimension and the second horn segment is smaller than the first horn segment outer dimension. Two casing break mechanisms having outer dimensions of the horn segment and intermittently damping the casing movement away from the stuffing horn after passing the discharge opening by applying a clamping force to the casing on the horn, It has a first casing brake and a second casing brake, and the first casing brake and the second casing brake have an outer dimension of the first horn segment and an outer dimension of the second horn segment. With combined internal dimensions, only the second casing brake and the first horn segment in the casing on the horn Or between both the first and second casing brakes and only the first horn segment, in which case the first casing brake or the second casing brake or Both the casing and the brake are in the braking position with respect to the first horn segment, the stuffing horn and the casing and brake mechanism are mounted on the stuffing machine, and the stuffing position of the brake mechanism and the horn with each other. To and away from this position, wherein both the first and second casing brakes are in a braking position relative to the first horn segment and cooperate with the first horn segment to provide To the tightening force,
And also moves the casing brake mechanism and the stuffing horn to and away from the other position, in which case only the second casing brake is in the braking position relative to the first horn segment. Heretofore, only the second casing brake cooperates with the first horn segment to brake the casing, and when both casing brakes assume the braking position with respect to the first horn segment, If the two casing brakes exert a complete braking action on the casing and the first casing brake moves away from the first horn segment, the second casing brake exerts a partial braking action on the casing, whereby the material Stuffing characterized by full braking during stuffing and partial braking between product clips A stuffing machine that combines a horn and a casing brake. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second horn segment is provided near the discharge opening, and the first horn segment is located farther from the discharge opening than the second horn segment. The combination packing machine described. 3. The packing horn near the discharge opening is cylindrical, the first horn segment is cylindrical and has a first outer diameter, and the second horn segment is cylindrical and smaller than the first outer diameter. The combination filling machine according to claim 1, wherein the combination filling machine has a second outer diameter. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second horn segment is provided near the discharge opening, and the first horn segment is located farther from the discharge opening than the second horn segment. The combination packing machine described. 5. The two casing brakes according to claim 1, wherein the clamping force applied by the second casing brake is substantially half of the clamping force applied by both the casing brakes. The filling machine according to claim 1. 6. The filling horn defines a product discharge direction, and in a direction opposite to the discharge direction, a first horn is provided.
The segment is further from the discharge opening than the second horn segment, and also has a first outer diameter;
Further, a second horn segment is located near the discharge opening and has a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter;
The stuffing horn and the casing / brake mechanism are assembled to the stuffing machine, and the horn and the brake mechanism move from the braking position to another position. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the robot moves in a discharge direction longer than the moving distance.
The filling machine described. 7. A stuffing horn and a casing brake mechanism are assembled to a machine, and the horn and the brake mechanism move away from the braking position in a direction opposite to a discharge direction, and further move away from the braking position. The movement of the horn is greater than the movement of the casing and brake mechanism during the movement towards the position 7. The stuffing machine according to claim 6, wherein the brake mechanism moves away from its braking position. 8. The filling machine according to claim 7, wherein the casing brake mechanism in the braking position is located in the clip area. 9. The filling machine according to claim 8, wherein the filling horn in the braking position is located in the clip area. 10. The movement from the braking position moves the casing brake mechanism and the stuffing horn out of the clip area, the movement substantially emptying the casing and creating a substantially empty casing end. The filling machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: 11. An improved discharge tray mechanism for a stuffing machine with a stuffing horn having a discharge end, comprising a product discharge tray and means for mounting the tray, the mounting means being provided in both directions. Means for simultaneously moving the product discharge tray from the filling horn discharge end to the product discharge direction and the horizontal direction transverse to the product discharge direction, the moving means comprising a parallelogram linkage; A mechanical linkage coupled to the dispensing tray; and means for vertically tilting the product dispensing tray during movement by the moving means, wherein the tilting means comprises a tilt disposed near the product dispensing tray. The product discharge tray comes into contact with the inclined guide, and slides along the inclined guide during movement under the action of the moving means. The oblique means cooperates to move the product discharge tray between the product receiving position and the product discharge position, and includes means for driving the moving means in association with the mounting means. An improved discharge tray mechanism for a filling machine, wherein 12. The improved discharge tray mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the driving means drives the mechanical linkage. 13. The improved discharge tray mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the driving means is operatively connected to the parallelogram linkage and drives the linkage. 14. The improved discharge tray mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the product discharge tray forms part of a parallelogram linkage. 15. A parallelogram linkage comprising at least two parallelogram linkages.
With two parallel links, at least one of these links
15. The improved discharge tray mechanism according to claim 14, wherein one is a drive link. 16. The improved discharge tray mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the driving means has a rotary actuator operatively connected to the driving link and driving the driving link. 17. The improved discharge tray mechanism according to claim 11, wherein said driving means has a rotary actuator. 18. The product discharge tray, wherein the product discharge tray is inclined at an angle with respect to the inclined guide at the product receiving position, and at a higher angle with respect to the inclined guide at the discharge position. Item 14. The improved discharge tray mechanism according to Item 11. 19. A product detecting member provided as a pivotable paddle member, and a transmitting means having a switch operatively connected to the driving means are provided.
12. The improved discharge tray mechanism according to claim 11. 20. The improved discharge tray mechanism according to claim 19, wherein the switch is an electric switch, the driving means is a pneumatic driving means, and the switch is operatively connected to the driving means. 21. An improved discharge tray mechanism for a stuffing machine and a power supply, wherein the stuffing machine manufactures a product packed with food, having a frame and a stuffing horn, wherein the stuffing horn is Having a discharge end and defining a discharge direction, the discharge direction being collinear with the direction of movement of the product during filling, the filling horn is further centered along the discharge end of the horn A product discharge tray extends in the discharge direction and is curved in the transverse direction with respect to the discharge direction. The first pivot pivots about a substantially vertical first pivot axis to attach the link to the stuffer frame so that the first pivot axis is parallel to the discharge axis. Aligned in the discharge direction A second pivot is mounted on the link opposite the first pivot, thereby mounting a third pivot, described below, about a substantially vertical second pivot axis, with the second pivot axis parallel to the discharge axis. A third pivot is mounted on the second pivot, the third pivot mounting the product discharge tray on the second pivot, thereby providing a mechanical link about the substantially horizontal third pivot axis. The product discharge tray is movable about the first pivot and the third pivot at the same time, thereby enabling simultaneous horizontal movement in the discharge direction and the lateral direction and simultaneously oblique movement in the vertical direction, A rotary actuator mounted on the tray and operatively connected to the first pivot connects the mechanical link and the product discharge tray to the product around the first pivot. Moved between the take-up position and the discharge position, in which case the distance from the product discharge end of the stuffing horn to the discharge position in the discharge direction is greater than the distance to the receiving position, from the discharge axis, The distance to the discharge position in the horizontal direction is greater than the distance to the receiving position, and the discharge position of the product is closer to the tilt guide of the discharge tray described later than the product receiving position in the horizontal direction. The inclined guide mounted on the frame extends in the discharge direction and also vertically near the discharge axis,
Further, the inclined guide is provided so that when the product discharge tray is at the product receiving position or the discharge position, or at any position between these positions, the product discharge tray is brought into contact with the product discharge tray under the action of gravity. The product discharge tray is tilted at an angle sufficient to allow the product to roll off the tray under the effect of gravity when the tray is in the discharge position, and when the tray is in the product receiving position. Is adapted to hold a product thereon, the product sensing paddle having a laterally extending paddle surface, and a fourth pivot in the path of the product exiting the stuffing horn. By mounting the paddle on the mounting block about a substantially horizontal and lateral fourth pivot axis, the paddle is moved upwardly and under the force of the product leaving the jamming horn. Along the ejection direction about the door axis,
Can be moved, the mounting block is mounted on the inclined guide of the tray frame, it can move along the discharge direction, can change the position of the product detection paddle, and can pack the mounting block on the inclined guide A removable fixture is used to removably secure to the machine frame and a spring is positioned between the paddle and the mounting block to load the paddle into the product path exiting the horn. An electrical switch is mounted on the stuffer frame near the product detection paddle and tripped by pivoting the product detection paddle by movement of the product exiting the stuffing horn; The switch is operatively connected to the rotary actuator, which supplies power to the actuator from a power source, so that the product leaving the stuffing horn is manufactured. It is received by the product discharge tray at the receiving position, so that the product detection paddle can be in a position to detect the desired length of finished product exiting the filling horn, and furthermore, The finished product that leaves the horn contacts the product detection paddle, pivots this member, activates the rotary actuator, and moves the discharge tray to the product discharge position, where the finished product is placed in the receiving position. An improved discharge tray mechanism for a stuffing machine and a power supply, characterized in that the product is discharged from the horn in a discharge direction at a position substantially equal to the position occupied by the product at the time. 22. A turret assembly with a jammed horn, wherein the turret assembly defines a cylindrical central passage defining a central passage centerline, and a cylindrical branch passage openly associated with the central passage. Wherein each branch passage is formed at an acute angle with respect to the center passage and the center line, and separate packing horns each include a first segment forming a first segment passage substantially parallel to the center passage; A second segment that is in open communication with the first segment passage, forms an acute angle with the central passage, and forms a second segment passage that is in open communication with the branch passage, the turret assembly body along the branch passage; A removably secured collar holds the jam horn against the turret assembly body and a manifold manifold coaxial with the central passage. Forming a passage and a radial opening from the manifold passage, wherein a pump is disposed in the manifold tube coaxially with the central passage, and a piston is mounted on the pump inside the manifold tube;
It is movable in the direction of the radial opening by the pump,
A turret assembly with a filling horn, characterized in that the piston has an angled bevel to smoothly guide the material from the manifold passage through the radial opening and into the branch pipe.