Patent Application
20100107565
The invention concerns a clip machine for dividing up and closing tubular packagings filled with filling material, and a method of controlling such a clip machine.
In particular the invention concerns a clip machine for dividing up and closing tubular packagings filled with filling material by means of closure clips, comprising at least a first and a second closure tool unit which for setting and closing at least one closure clip (clip) are reversibly movable relative to each other between an open position and a closure position. The invention further concerns a method of controlling such a clip machine.
A clip machine of the kind set forth hereinbefore is typically used to close bags or tubular packagings (tubular casing or sausage case) filled with liquid to thick-pasty or also (in part) granular content. Firstly in that procedure the filling material is introduced into the packaging and thereafter, in the case of a tubular packaging, divided up into portions by means of displacement elements. For that purpose the displacement elements constrict the tubular casing in the radial direction and displace the filling material which is in the constriction region in the axial direction, with respect to the tube axis. A tubular plaited portion is thus formed in the constriction region. In the next working cycle a closure element or in the case of a double clip arrangement two closure elements such as closure clamps or clips are applied to the tubular plaited portion formed, by means of the two closure tools which are moved relative to each other. The closure tools respectively include in paired relationship a punch and a die, between which the clip is converted in shape during the closure operation until the closure position is reached (reversal point of the movement). After closure the closure tools are moved back into their starting or open position.
High demands are made on the quality of such a closure. On the one hand it may not be so firm that the packaging casing is damaged in the closure procedure whereby filling material can escape or be contaminated. On the other hand however the closure must be sufficiently sealing so that for example in subsequent handling of the closed product it does not slip out of the packaging casing.
To ensure secure closure of the closure clips, in known clip machines the closure spacing or closure height, that is to say the smallest distance between the punch and the die when the clip is closed around the tubular plaited portion, is checked and adjusted. As is known for that purpose the rest position of at least one of the closure tools is altered.
EP patent application 0 900 733 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,785) discloses a clip machine having a distance sensor for detecting the closure spacing with a distance sensor arranged stationarily with respect to the closure tools, and a reference surface. That makes it possible to actually detect a value corresponding to the closure clip height. However the distance sensor is directly subjected to the acceleration forces acting on the closure tools as it is fixedly connected thereto and is moved therewith. Depending on the sensitivity of the respective sensor the function thereof can be adversely affected thereby or the sensor itself can be damaged, whereby reliable accurate detection of the closure spacing is no longer guaranteed. A further possible error source is formed here by the connecting lines of the distance sensor, which by virtue of the movement of the sensor in each closure operation are also moved and deformed and in that way can be damaged.
German laid-open application No 10 2005 026 219 (US 20060272374) further discloses a clip machine having a measuring device which detects the resilient deflection or spring travel of a spring upon closure of a clip, deduces the closure force therefrom and compares it to predetermined values. If a predetermined value for the spring travel is exceeded the rest position of one of the closure tools can be re-adjusted manually or by motor means. If the spring travel exceeds a maximum value it is provided that the clip machine is stopped. The arrangement further has a position sensor for monitoring the rest position of the closure tool. That known clip machine permits an approximately constant pattern in respect of the spring travel and thus indirectly the closure force. The measuring device of that clip machine is however of a complicated structure with many components which can represent potential sources of error.
Therefore the object of the present invention is to improve a clip machine and a method of controlling that clip machine such that the risk of misdirected manipulation is lessened, the loading on the closure tools is reduced and closure of a closure clamp or clip around the packaging casing is made into a more reliable procedure.
In particular there is proposed a clip machine for dividing up and closing tubular packagings filled with filling material by means of closure clips, comprising at least a first and a second closure tool unit which for setting and closing at least one closure clip (clip) are reversibly movable relative to each other between an open position and a closure position. In accordance with the invention in that respect there is provided at least one piezoelectric sensor which is connected to one of the closure tool units and which is adapted to measure a closure force applied upon closure of a closure clip and to output a measurement value representing the closure force.
A piezoelectric sensor includes one (or more) so-called piezoelectric crystal, on the crystal surface of which, when a mechanical strain is involved, there occur electrical charges, the magnitude of which is proportional to the strain. In the above-described arrangement the charge produced is therefore proportional to the closure force. Hereinafter in this context to simplify the situation reference will be made to measuring the closure force by means of the piezoelectric sensor. It is possible to use piezoelectric crystals such as quartz, piezoelectric ceramics but also all other suitable piezoelectric materials.
A piezoelectric sensor arranged in the proposed fashion is capable at any time of determining the force just acting on the closure clip. In that way the closure operation can be terminated immediately when a prescribed value for the closure force is reached. That therefore in practice excludes the closure force exceeding the predetermined value.
In an advantageous embodiment of the clip machine according to the invention the piezoelectric sensor is arranged in at least immediate proximity with the main flow of the closure force. In such an arrangement the piezoelectric sensor is disposed directly in the flow of force acting on the closure clip. Therefore the same force or a force of the same magnitude acts on the piezoelectric sensor as on the closure clip. Additional recalculation or modification of the value delivered by the piezoelectric sensor in order for example to be able to take into consideration geometrical factors of a closure lever such as flexing by virtue of a lever action are not required. That means that determining the closure force is simpler and more accurate.
In that respect it is further advantageous if in the rest position of the closure tool unit the piezoelectric sensor is subjected to a prestressing with in a further configuration can be adjustable. That prestressing simulates an initial force which is already present, in which case the fact of that force falling below the specified value can indicate a technical problem such as jamming of a closure tool, from which a tensile stress can result. The display of such a value which differs from the selected prestressing can lead to a corresponding reaction on the part of the control system. The measurement range of the piezoelectric sensor can be displaced by virtue of the adjustability of the piezoelectric sensor prestressing, thereby permitting adaptation of the piezoelectric sensor to the control arrangement or to different clip sizes. In addition, prestressing of the piezoelectric sensor can prevent an unwanted change in the sign of the measurement values, as can occur in the case of a wrongly adjusted variation in the neutral position or a defective variation in the neutral position which is caused by fluctuations in the ambient conditions. That can eliminate a further possible source of error in terms of measurement.
In a preferred embodiment the piezoelectric sensor is in the form of an encapsulated sensor. In that way it is protected from almost all environmental influences whereby the accuracy of the measurement values can be increased. In particular the piezoelectric sensor can be efficiently protected from moisture in that way as clip machines have to be regularly cleaned for hygiene reasons.
In a further preferred embodiment the piezoelectric sensor is arranged on the support mounting of the closure tool units or is arranged stationarily relative to the machine housing, whereby the feed lines of the piezoelectric sensor can also be arranged stationarily relative to the machine housing. Both the piezoelectric sensor and also the feed lines are therefore not moved with the closure tools and are not subjected to the acceleration forces occurring in that case. That arrangement protects the piezoelectric sensor and the feed lines from damage due to the acceleration forces which occur and thus permits reliable measurement.
It is moreover advantageous for the piezoelectric sensor to be mounted in a protected position in order to additionally protect it from damage due to moving parts. That can be implemented by a covering for the piezoelectric sensor. The piezoelectric sensor however can also be disposed in an opening or recess in the support mounting or in the machine frame.
In addition in the clip machine according to the invention there can be provided a control unit with an event data memory which is adapted to at least temporarily store the current measurement value and compare it to a first selected value range. With sufficient memory space it is also possible to store series of measurement values over a prolonged time.
By virtue thereof it is possible to read deviations in the closure force out of the memory in ongoing operation or also subsequently in order to be able to draw conclusions about incorrect operation or a malfunction. That enables inter alia the manufacturer of the clip machine to more quickly discover the causes for an operating disturbance or a defect on the machine or to permit or support quality control.
It is advantageous if the control unit is adapted to compare the current measurement value with a second selected value range and to output a control signal if the measurement value leaves the second selected value range. A third selected value range characterizes an increased closure force which could lead to damage to the clip machine, the closure clip or the packaging material. Therefore in an embodiment according to the invention the control unit is adapted to compare the current measurement value with a third selected value range and to stop the clip machine if the measurement value leaves the third selected value range.
In a further advantageous configuration of the clip machine according to the invention the control unit is adapted to record the variation in the closure force over travel and/or time and to analyze it in order upon deviations from a predetermined variation to output a signal which displays said deviation and/or acts in a predetermined manner on the clip machine. Analysis of the force-travel pattern and/or the force-time pattern permits conclusions to be drawn about the wear for example of the closure tools or also the quality of the closure clips. Ultimately it is possible to provide information about the quality of the closure, by means of that analysis. If in that respect an inadmissibly high level of wear is detected a corresponding signal can display that and automatically arrange maintenance of the clip machine or require the operator to perform maintenance.
To ensure that the first and second closure tool units are in a predetermined position such as for example the rest position at the beginning of each closure operation there is further provided in accordance with the invention a position sensor, by means of which the rest position of at least one closure tool unit can be detected. The position sensor is connected to the control unit and can output a corresponding readiness signal upon detection of the at least one closure tool unit. The position sensor used can be for example a rotary sensor, the signal of which can be used to adjust the rest position of the at least one closure tool unit.
In regard to the method according to the invention of controlling a clip machine, that affords the same advantages as are described hereinbefore in relation to the clip machine according to the invention.
Further features and advantages of the clip machine according to the invention and the method according to the invention are described hereinafter in the following description of the embodiments by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures. The terms “top”, “bottom”, “left” and “right” used in the description of the embodiments relate to the Figures of the drawings in an orientation with the references and Figure identifications being normally readable. In the Figures:
The portion shown in
In the closure position the punch 110 has approached the die of a second closure tool unit (not shown), as far as a minimum closure spacing. When the elbow lever arrangement 112 is straightened and the punch 110 is thus moved into the closure position the force applied to deform and close a clip is therefore carried by way of the support mounting 126.
As shown in
In the illustrated embodiment shown in
In the illustrated embodiment the closure force applied upon closure of a clip is transmitted to the housing by way of the elbow lever arrangement 112 and the support mounting 126. In that case the support mounting 126 is compressed. That compression effect is slight but is sufficient to exert a force on the piezoelectric sensor 138 arranged in the recess of the support mounting 126. That causes the piezoelectric sensor 138 to be deformed and it outputs an electric signal corresponding to the force causing the compression effect, that is to say the closure force.
In addition a position sensor 132 is so arranged on the machine housing that it is capable of establishing the rest position of the punch carrier 124 and thus the punch 110 secured thereto. In the illustrated embodiment this is a contactlessly measuring sensor such as for example an optical or capacitive sensor. It is however also possible to use a mechanically operating sensor. In addition it is possible to use a rotary sensor as the sensor for detecting the rest position of the punch carrier 124 and the thus the punch 110 secured thereto, by means of the signal of which the stepping motor of the adjusting drive 142, 144 can also be directly actuated.
The closure force applied in a closure operation is determined in the above-described manner solely by the piezoelectric sensor 138 arranged in the recess in the support mounting 126. That very simple measurement arrangement avoids possible sources of error and improves the accuracy of the measurement result as the number of deformed components has been reduced and it is possible to dispense with additional or unnecessarily complicated measurement devices. Adjustment or correction of the rest position of the punch 110 is effected for example in the manner described in greater detail with reference to
The portion of a further embodiment of the clip machine according to the invention, shown in
Unlike the
As can further be seen from
In a closure operation the spring 130 is also compressed in accordance with its spring characteristic by an amount dependent on the closure force. By reference to the spring travel, in addition to the signal of the piezoelectric sensor 138, it is possible to infer the level of the closure force. To limit the spring travel or to be able to approach a given region of the spring characteristic of the spring 130 it is possible to prestress the spring 130. If adjustability of the prestressing is provided, that can provide for example for adaptation of the control system.
Additionally or also alternatively thereto it is possible to provide for a safeguard against overload by means of such a spring arrangement. In that case it is possible to select a spring which deforms only when a given force is reached, such as for example the desired closure force or a slightly higher force, so as to avoid exceeding the closure force and thus prevent damage to the clip machine, the packaging material and/or the closure clip, by the spring yielding. If, as described hereinbefore, the arrangement provides for adjustability of the prestressing, in that way it is possible to adjust the force at which the overload-preventing means is activated.
The diagrammatic view in
After the selection device 210 has made the selection of the value range or ranges a comparison device 218 of the control 200 makes a comparison of the value range or ranges with the measurement value which is outputted by the measuring device 220 and which represents the closure force applied upon closure of a clip. The comparison unit 218 then passes a command to a display device 222 to display the event and/or to an event data memory 224 for protocolling the event and/or to an adjusting drive 226 for adjusting or re-adjusting the rest position and/or to a main machine control 228 for stopping the clip machine. The comparison device 218 makes the choice to which of the components 222, 224, 226 and 228 is outputted, on the basis of the comparison of the measurement value obtained with the measuring device 220 with a plurality of value ranges, as described by way of example with reference to
The display device 222 displays the event. That can preferably be effected optically but also or additionally acoustically. Advantageously a display or screen in combination with an acoustic warning signal is appropriate for that purpose.
An embodiment of the method according to the invention of controlling a clip machine will now be described with reference to
Each production start S300 involves beginning initialization of the clip machine, which includes inter alia the control method according to the invention. At the same time a production selection is made with initialization at S304. The set-up method begins with determining the rest position S302 by means of the position sensor which is coupled to an adjustable closure tool unit and which produces and outputs a rest position value representing the rest position of the set closure tool unit. On the basis of the product selection, a next method step S306 involves checking whether the determined rest position value suits the selected product. If that is not the case the rest position is set in the method step S308. Setting is effected by means of a setting drive which can be controlled manually or automatically by a signal outputted by the control system in accordance with the product selection. In a further alternative any motor drive can be regulated by way of a rest position value which is virtually permanently detected so that it moves the closure tool into the desired reference position which suits the selected product.
When the desired rest position value is reached the closure force is measured at S310 with the first closure operation (and at each further closure operation). The measured closure force is compared in the interrogation step S314 to the value range which was previously selected in the step S312 and which is ascertained on the basis of the product selection made in step S304. If the comparison shows that the measured closure force lies outside the selected value range 3 the clip machine is stopped in the step S316 and the event is protocolled and/or displayed in the step S318.
If the measured closure force is in the selected value range 3 then in a next step S320 the closure force is compared to a second selected value range. If the comparison shows that the closure force is outside the value range 2 the rest position is re-adjusted in the step S322 and the event protocolled and/or displayed in the step S324.
If the checking procedure in step S320 shows that the measured closure force is also within the selected value range 2 then in a next step S326 a check is made to ascertain whether it is in a first selected value range. If that is not the case the event is protocolled and/or displayed in step S328.
In each of the steps S318, S324 and S328 the event protocol can contain items of information about the product selection, the set or determined rest position, the selected value range for the closure force and also the measured closure force and the action effected.
If in contrast the checking operation in step S326 shows that the measured closure force is also in the selected value range 1 then the next step S330 involves querying whether production is concluded and/or whether in the meantime a manual command has been given to stop the machine. The same interrogation, whether production is concluded or whether a stop command has issued, in step S330 is also effected in relation to step S322 of adjusting the rest position if the measured closure force is outside the selected value range 2. If that is the case the machine is stopped in step S332. Otherwise the next closure cycle is set in operation with step S310.
In the
The use of a piezoelectric sensor for measuring the closure force makes it possible to measure the force not only at the time at which the closure spacing is reached but at any time during a closing operation. With the values recorded in that way it is possible for any closing operation to record and evaluate a force-time relationship and/or a force-travel relationship.
Evaluation of those relationships, for example by a comparison with predetermined force relationships, makes it possible to obtain information about the quality of the closure. It is also possible to infer possible quality fluctuations in regard to the closure clips or wear of the closure tools, from deviations from ideal force relationships. In a development of the above-described control it is possible for the results of such evaluation to be incorporated into the control of the clip machine, insofar for example with excessively severe wear of the closure tools, a corresponding signal is outputted or the clip machine is stopped.
The flow chart in
In a further configuration (not shown) of the clip machine according to the invention it is possible for the
It is further possible for the piezoelectric sensor 138 to be fitted into an opening in the support mounting 126 such as a bore or the like. The piezoelectric sensor 138 would then be disposed directly in the center of the main flow of force, whereby it would be possible to achieve still more accurate measurement of the closure force.
Irrespective of its function described in connection with the control 200 the piezoelectric sensor 138 can also be used as a pure monitoring device which triggers stoppage of the clip machine if the value rises above or falls below a given measurement value range. If it can be ensured that the closure force does not depart from a preset range under normal operating conditions the control of the clip machine according to the invention can be further simplified in that way. As the clip machine is then stopped by the piezoelectric sensor 138 only in emergency situations such as machine damage or wear phenomena and in which repair is to be effected, post-regulation of the closure force by the control 200 can then be entirely omitted.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102008053456.0-27 | Oct 2008 | DE | national |
