WO2011137987A2

WO2011137987A2 - Device for subdividing flexible tubular packages

Info

Publication number: WO2011137987A2
Application number: PCT/EP2011/002092
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Jens; Torben Lorenzen
Original assignee: Tipper Tie Technopack Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-05-03
Filing date: 2011-04-26
Publication date: 2011-11-10
Also published as: DE202010006380U1; WO2011137987A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for subdividing flexible tubular packages. Such devices are used, in particular, in sausage production. During sausage production, the flexible packaging tube is tied off by tie-off elements. Then the tie-off elements are spread out in parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The invention relates to the coordination of this spreading movement with a deflecting appliance of a subsequent removal appliance for transporting away the stuffed sausage. By this means the distance between the removal appliance and the tie-off elements is always low.

Description

Device for dividing tubular packagings

The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of the protection claim 1. Devices of this type are mainly used in sausage production, where sausage meat as pasty filling in the sausage intestine as

filled tubular packaging and the latter is then partially closed.

If this closure takes place with closure clips applied to the sausage ends, it is necessary first to constrict the filled sausage casing with constricting elements to a small diameter, which the clips can then embrace. In many applications, it is desirable for the reduced diameter tube section to extend a certain length, such as to place two staples side by side on the packaging tube to simultaneously close the trailing sausage leading end and trailing end trailing sausage. For this purpose, the constriction elements are usually combined into two groups, which are arranged offset along the tube axis. Each of the groups laces the hose. At least one of the groups is movable along the tube axis, namely, it is moved away after the constriction of the other group, so that forms a longer filling material-free tube section. This axial mobility of the constricting elements results in a gap of varying length being created between the constricting elements and a discharge device following the direction of movement of the packaging tube for the finished sausages, into which the sausages can sag.

In order to prevent this, it is conceivable to arrange and control a telescoping treadmill as a discharge device in such a way that the end of the insertion element facing the insertion elements

Treadmill in synchronization with these reciprocates. The gap between treadmill and constricting elements can thereby be kept constantly small throughout the subdivision process, so that sagging of the sausages is avoided.

However, the production of the synchronization is not easy. A mechanical connection between the constricting elements and the treadmill to be moved comes into consideration, which however is structurally complex. A common control for the axial movements of the Einschürelemente and the treadmill end is not exactly possible. Because due to fluctuations in the compressibility of the medium, for example due to temperature changes in the sausage meat, is the

Distance traveled by the constricting elements at a certain compressed air supply, not easily reproducible. It is known to coordinate the movement of the treadmill with the radial movement of the necking elements so that the treadmill end can lead between the open necking elements

(US2003 / 0073397 AI). However, this is unsuitable for the solution of the problem of the varying distance in the axial movement of the constricting elements. The invention has the object to improve the synchronization between constriction and treadmill end. It solves this problem by the features of claim 1. The subclaims relate to further improvements of the invention.

The invention relates to devices with constricting elements which are movable along the tube axis. This does not rule out that there are fixed retention elements next to it. In particular, a group of constriction elements may be arranged axially fixed and a second, which is arranged between the first group and the discharge device, be axially movable. The telescoping of the treadmill is achieved in devices according to the invention characterized in that the tape runs over a front deflecting device, along the

Hose axis is movable. The front diverter of the treadmill does not necessarily have to be the foremost element of the treadmill hanger. It does not have to deflect by a full 180 °. This refers to the deflection device which is closest to the constriction elements and at which the transport of the products begins. Here it is important to keep the gap to the constriction elements small.

Mobility along the tube axis in this sense does not necessarily mean a movement strictly parallel to that axis. It is sufficient that a movement component is parallel to the tube axis. In particular, in the removal device, it is conceivable to design it slightly sloping or rising, such as the finished products directly to a lower or higher working table o. reach. The invention is based on a device which has a spreading drive for the movement of the constricting elements and a telescopic drive independent of the spreading drive for the movement of the deflecting device. According to the invention, a control device is provided, which is set up to control the telescopic drive at any rate during a movement section of the deflection device as a function of the movement of the constriction elements. Control in this sense means that the movement speed of the deflection device is influenced by the control device.

Advantageously, the control device has at least one distance sensor which is set up to generate a signal as a function of the distance between the movable constriction elements and the deflection device. The force exerted by the spreading drive does not always have to be converted in a reproducible manner into a specific movement of the constricting elements, since the opposing force largely depends on the compressibility of the filling material and is subject to these fluctuations. Especially in sausage production, the compressibility of the sausage meat changes over time with the temperature. The detection of the distance between the constricting elements and the deflecting device by the control device makes it possible to control such fluctuations or to control them independently of them. It is therefore particularly advantageous in this case if the control device is set up to control the telescopic drive as a function of the signal from the distance sensor. Advantageously, the movable constricting elements and the deflecting device is at least one elastically deformable buffer element, wherein these buffer elements are arranged so that in the event of a reduction in the distance between the movable constriction elements and the deflecting device, first the buffer element associated with the constricting elements is associated with the deflecting device Buffer element comes into contact before other moved with the constriction components with other components that are moved with the deflection in

Come in contact. These buffer elements act as shock absorbers should the controller fail or, in the case of very severe compressibility fluctuations or other disturbances, be unable to prevent the components from colliding.

Advantageously, the spreading drive comprise a pneumatic cylinder with a piston and the telescopic drive comprises a pneumatic cylinder with a piston and the control device at least one valve which is so in communication with the two cylinders that their pistons at least for one direction of movement with compressed air introduced through this valve be charged. In this case, the control device can be realized in a particularly simple manner.

Advantageously, the expansion drive comprises a pneumatic cylinder with a piston, and there is provided a Spreizpositi- onssensor which is adapted to generate a dependent of the a- xialen position of the piston in the pneumatic cylinder Spreizpositionssignal. In contrast to an alternative arrangement of such a sensor on a moving component, this facilitates the transmission of the Signals to the controller by not requiring clearance for cables. Rather, the Spreizpositionssensor can be arranged on the outside of the cylinder wall, so that it is not moved relative to the control device. The Spreizpositionssensor can measure the axial relative position of the piston in the cylinder via a magnetic field measurement. For this purpose, the piston preferably has a magnetic, preferably ferromagnetic, component.

Advantageously, the control device is set up to control the telescopic drive as a function of the spread position signal. If the axial position of the deflection device is known, then the spread position sensor assumes the function of the distance sensor. It is advantageous to control the deflecting device as a function of the spreading position and not vice versa, because the position of the deflecting device is subject to less fluctuations, for example as a result of changed compressibilities of the filling material or the like. Under a control depending on a size, the invention not only understands a control in which only the size in question is received as input. Also included are controls in which this size additionally influences the output variable in addition to other input variables.

Advantageously, the telescopic drive comprises a pneumatic cylinder with a piston, and there is provided a telescope position sensor which is adapted to generate a dependent of the axial position of the piston in the pneumatic cylinder telescope position signal. In this way, the position of the deflection without moving sensor can be determined. The telescope position sensor may be disposed on the outside of the cylinder wall, so that it is not moved relative to the control device, which causes the cable facilitated. The telescope position sensor can measure the axial relative position of the piston in the cylinder via a magnetic field measurement. For this purpose, the piston preferably has a magnetic, preferably ferromagnetic, component.

Advantageously, the control device is set up in this case to control the telescopic drive in dependence on the telescope position signal. In particular, the telescope position sensor together with the Spreizpositions- sensor, when its signal enters as another input to the controller, a distance sensor, for which no moving cables are required.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the invention in side view;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the invention in side view.

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the invention in side view.

The leading end of a subsequent sausage 1 is connected via a filling material-free intestinal section 4 with an already completely divided sausage 2. The leading end of this sausage 2 is closed with a closure clip 3. Likewise, two (not shown) two closing clips are to be placed on the filling material-free intestinal section. Then the intestine can be in between with one (not shown) are severed knife. However, it is also conceivable that only a closing clip is placed and the intestine is not severed, so that forms a sausage chain.

In any case, the constricted to two groups 5 and 6 constriction elements must be spread axially, so that space for the closing clips to be set together with Verschließwerkzeugen is created. In this case, the first group 5 is fixed axially from the perspective of the trailing sausage 1, while the second 6 can be pushed away from the first group 5. This is done by means of a pneumatic cylinder 7, in which a piston 8 is guided axially movable. The piston 8 is connected to a piston rod 9 and this with a holder 10 for the movable group 6 of constriction elements. The holder 10 is rigidly connected via the piston rod 9 with the piston 8, so that each movement of the piston 8 leads to the same movement of the movable constriction elements 6.

The finished divided sausage 2 is transported away from the device by a total of 11 designated discharge device. For this purpose, a treadmill 12 moves along the arrow L. The treadmill is telescopic by the front guide roller 13 along the tube axis in the direction of movement L of the completely separated sausage 2 and against this direction L can be moved. The drive is effected by a pneumatic cylinder 14, in which a piston 15 and a piston rod 16 attached thereto move. At the end of the piston rod 16 remote from the piston rod drive rod 17 is fastened, on which the guide roller 13 is rigidly suspended. The connection is rigid so that a movement movement of the piston 15 with a movement of the same extent, the guide roller 13 is accompanied.

A control unit 18 controls in Fig. 1, a valve 19, from which a compressed air line 20 leads to both pneumatic cylinders 7 and 14, so that the pistons are acted upon via this compressed air line 20 so that the constriction elements 6 as well as the front guide roller 13 in Move conveying direction L. Preferably, for the opposite movement of the same components, a second, also connected to the control unit 18 valve 21 is provided with an associated with him, also connected to both cylinders 7 and 14 compressed air line 22. The supply air sources connected to the valves 19 and 21 on the delivery side are marked with D. In this way, by alternately activating the valves 19 and 21, the control device can trigger a synchronous reciprocating movement of the constricting elements 6 with the deflection roller 13, so that the gap between the treadmill 12 and the constricting elements 6 is kept substantially uniformly small.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, however, independent valves and compressed air lines are provided for each cylinder and for each direction of movement, ie a total of four. All valves are controlled by a control unit 18, so that they specify the time of the start of movement and also can change the speeds during the respective movements by varying the valve openings.

In Fig. 2, the control unit 18 is connected to a distance sensor 23 which is rigidly mounted on the drive rod 17. This distance sensor 23 is an over a Mag measuring field functioning proximity sensor whose signal depends on the distance to the holder 10 of the moving constriction elements 6. To improve the signal quality, a ferromagnetic component 24 is mounted on the holder 10 opposite the distance sensor 23. Without this component 24, the distance sensor is preferably designed as an inductive sensor.

With the aid of the distance sensor 23, the control unit 18 continuously checks whether the distance is in a desired, possibly presettable, range. If he is not or threatens to leave this area, then the control unit 18 changes the opening degree of at least one of the valves such that the distance is maintained.

To prevent damage in the case of possible malfunctions, rubber elements 25 and 26 are arranged as bumpers on the mutually facing points of the holder 10 on the one hand and the drive linkage 17 on the other hand. A collision of the components is thereby cushioned.

In Fig. 3, a sensor 28 disposed on the cylinder 7 measures the axial position of the piston 8 therein. Also, this sensor 28 detects a magnetic field, and to improve its accuracy, a ferromagnetic component 29 is attached to the piston 8. The sensor 28 forwards its signal to the control unit 18. In a corresponding manner, a sensor 30 is arranged on the other cylinder 14, which measures the axial position of the piston 8. Also on this piston a ferromagnetic component 31 is attached. This second sensor 30 also forwards its signal to the control unit 18. From the two signals of the sensors 28 and 30, the control unit 18 determines the distance between the wegten constriction elements 6 and the guide roller 13 and controls, if this distance is not maintained, the opening degree of at least one of the valves.

Claims

claims

Device for dividing tubular packaging (2) for pasty filling material with constricting elements (5, 6) for constricting the packaging tube

(2), which are movable along the tube axis, a spreading drive (7), which is adapted to drive the constricting elements (5, 6) in both directions along the tube axis, a discharge device for the subdivided tubular packages

(2) comprising a treadmill (12) circulating a front deflector (13) facing the male members (5, 6), the front deflector (13) being movable along the tube axis, and a telescopic operator (14) is arranged to drive the deflecting device (13) in both directions along the tube axis, characterized in that a control device (18) is provided, which is adapted, the telescopic drive (14) in any case during a movement section of the deflecting device (13) in dependence To control movement of the constriction elements (5, 6) along the tube axis.

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (18) comprises at least one distance sensor (23) which is adapted to generate a signal in dependence on the distance between the movable constriction elements (5, 6) and the deflection device (13).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device (18) is established is to control the telescopic drive (14) in response to the Sig nals of the distance sensor (23).

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable one Schnürelementen (5, 6) and the deflecting device (13) each at least one elastically deformable buffer element (25, 26) is associated, and these buffer elements (25, 26) arranged so are that, in the event of a reduction in the distance between the movable constricting elements (5, 6) and the deflecting device (13), the buffer element (26) associated with the constricting elements (5, 6) is initially connected to the buffer element (25) associated with the deflecting device (13). comes into contact before other components moving with the constricting elements (5, 6) come into contact with other components which are moved with the deflecting device (13).

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spreading drive

(7) comprises a pneumatic cylinder (12) with a piston (8), the telescopic drive (14) comprises a pneumatic cylinder (14) with a piston (31) and the control device (18) comprises at least one valve (19, 21) with the two cylinders (7, 14) is in communication that their pistons (8, 31) at least for a direction of movement with through this valve

(19, 21) supplied compressed air are applied.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spreading drive (7) has a pneumatic cylinder (7) with a piston (8). and a spread position sensor (28) is provided which is adapted to generate a spread position signal dependent on the axial position of the piston (8) in the pneumatic cylinder (7).

Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control device (18) is arranged to control the telescopic drive (14) in dependence on the spread position signal.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the telescopic drive (14) comprises a pneumatic cylinder (14) with a piston (31) and a telescope position sensor (30) is provided, which is adapted from the axial position of the piston (31 ) in the pneumatic cylinder (14) to produce dependent Teleskoppositionssignal.

Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the control device (18) is arranged to control the telescopic drive (14) in dependence on the telescope position signal.