Auxiliary device for sleeving casing into filling pipe

Abstract

The utility model provides an auxiliary device for sleeving a casing into a filling pipe, which comprises a curled film main body, the film main body is curled in a natural state to form a C-shaped tubular structure with a longitudinal opening, and horn mouth parts are arranged at two ends of the film main body. By arranging the curled film main body and utilizing the C-shaped tubular structure formed in the natural state, when the auxiliary device is sleeved into the filling pipe, the tubular film main body can form a temporary isolation layer between the casing and the filling pipe. And the chance that the casing is in direct contact with the port or the pipe wall of the filling pipe is reduced, so that the risk that the casing is damaged due to direct scratching is reduced, and the casing is protected. And the horn mouth parts arranged at the two ends of the film main body provide effective guidance for sleeving the auxiliary device into the filling pipe and subsequently sleeving the casing into the auxiliary device. Therefore, an operator can more easily align and place the auxiliary device at the port of the filling pipe, the alignment operation is simplified, and the smoothness of the sleeving process is improved.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processing equipment technology, and in particular to an auxiliary device for connecting a sausage casing to a filling pipe. [Background Technology]

[0002] In the traditional production process of sausages, Chinese sausages, and other cured meats, attaching the casing to the filling tube is an essential step before filling. Currently, this step mainly relies on manual operation, where workers carefully open the opening of the casing by hand and then slide it onto the predetermined position on the filling tube. However, this traditional manual operation method has several problems that urgently need to be addressed:

[0003] First, sausage casings, especially natural casings (such as sheep and pig casings) or some thinner, lower-strength synthetic collagen casings, are relatively fragile and have limited toughness. When manually inserting the casings into metal or hard plastic filling tubes, the open end of the casing is easily rubbed and scraped against the edge of the outlet or the surface of the tube wall during sliding towards the main body. Although some filling tubes have chamfered outlets (e.g., a sausage filling tube disclosed in Chinese Utility Model Patent CN215836832U with a chamfer on the outside of the opening to prevent scratching the casing), in actual production, the edge of the filling tube port may still have areas that are not completely smooth or have tiny burrs due to long-term wear, cleaning scraping, or manufacturing tolerances. These uneven surfaces can easily cause the casing to be scratched, punctured, or cracked when in contact with it, resulting in casing waste and directly increasing production costs. Furthermore, replacing damaged casings can interrupt the filling process, reducing the overall efficiency of the production line.

[0004] Secondly, manual casing installation is relatively inefficient and requires a high level of skill and meticulousness from the operators. Workers need to carefully control the force and angle to avoid damaging the casings. On large-scale, fast-paced sausage production lines, this step often becomes a bottleneck affecting the overall production rhythm. Repeating such delicate operations for extended periods can easily lead to worker fatigue, potentially increasing the likelihood of operational errors and casing damage, while also increasing the workers' workload. [Utility Model Content]

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an auxiliary device for inserting sausage casings into a filling tube. It aims to solve the problem that when sausage casings are manually inserted into the filling tube, the open end or main body of the casing is easily scraped against the edge of the filling tube or the tube wall, resulting in casing breakage and perforation, which causes casing waste, increases production costs, and affects production efficiency. At the same time, it is committed to improving the convenience and reliability of operation.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] An auxiliary device for inserting a sausage casing into a filling tube includes a rolled-up membrane body, wherein the membrane body is a C-shaped tubular structure with a longitudinal opening rolled up in its natural state, and the membrane body has flared mouths at both ends.

[0008] As described above, in an auxiliary device for inserting a casing into a filling tube, the flared opening is formed by extending outwardly at the end of the membrane body, and when the membrane body is in a C-shaped tubular structure, the outer edge of the flared opening is formed as a guide curl.

[0009] As described above, an auxiliary device for connecting a casing to a filling pipe has at least one operating hole through the flared ends at both ends for easy pulling.

[0010] As described above, an auxiliary device for inserting a casing into a filling tube, wherein the membrane body is made of a food-grade material with shape memory properties.

[0011] As described above, in an auxiliary device for inserting a casing into a filling tube, the food-grade material with shape memory properties is a pre-shaped polymer elastomer film.

[0012] As described above, in an auxiliary device for connecting a casing to a filling pipe, the rolled edge of the flared mouth is rolled outward to form an arc-shaped structure.

[0013] As described above, an auxiliary device for connecting a casing sleeve to a filling pipe has two operating holes symmetrically arranged on each of the flared openings.

[0014] As described above, in an auxiliary device for connecting a casing sleeve to a filling pipe, the operating hole is circular or elliptical.

[0015] As described above, in an auxiliary device for inserting a casing into a filling tube, the longitudinal opening width W of the C-shaped tubular structure formed by the roll of the membrane body (1) satisfies the proportional relationship between it and the diameter D of the tubular structure formed by the roll: 0.1D≤W≤0.5D.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0017] 1. By designing a curled membrane body and utilizing its naturally formed C-shaped tubular structure, this auxiliary device creates a temporary insulating layer between the casing and the filling tube when it is fitted into the filling tube. This reduces the chance of the casing directly contacting the filling tube port or tube wall, thereby lowering the risk of damage to the casing due to direct scraping and protecting it.

[0018] 2. The flared openings at both ends of the membrane body provide effective guidance for the insertion of the auxiliary device into the filling tube and for the subsequent insertion of the casing into the auxiliary device. The outwardly expanding flared shape makes it easier for the operator to align the auxiliary device and place it at the filling tube port, and also facilitates opening the casing and fitting the auxiliary device, simplifying the alignment operation and improving the smoothness of the fitting process.

[0019] 3. The C-shaped tubular structure formed by the membrane body has a longitudinal opening. This structural feature enables the auxiliary device to be extracted from inside the casing after guiding the casing onto the filling tube. Because it is not a completely closed tube but a C-shaped structure with an opening, the device can be deformed or "peeled" from the opening, providing the basis for subsequent device removal operations and avoiding the problems of permanent retention or difficulty in removal of the auxiliary device. [Attached Image Description]

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure in its natural state in this embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of the natural state of this embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the membrane body when it is fully unfolded under lateral stress in this embodiment.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0024] The auxiliary device for attaching sausage casings to a filling tube according to this invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit its scope. This auxiliary device is widely applicable to various food processing processes that require attaching sausage casings to filling tubes, and is particularly suitable for sausage and cured sausage filling production lines, effectively improving the efficiency of casing attachment and protecting the casings from damage.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the auxiliary device for connecting the casing to the filling tube according to this utility model mainly includes a rolled-up membrane body 1. The membrane body 1 is preferably made of a food-grade material with good elastic recovery and shape memory properties. For example, a pre-shaped polymer elastomer film with a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm can be used, such as modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), medical-grade polypropylene (PP), or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These materials not only meet food contact safety standards but also possess specific curling memory through processes such as hot pressing or cold bending.

[0026] In its natural state, such as Figure 1 As shown, the membrane body 1 automatically curls into an approximately cylindrical tubular structure due to the elasticity of its material or a pre-set shape memory effect. This tubular structure has a longitudinal opening 11 extending along its length, making the entire structure appear as a C-shaped tube. This C-shaped tubular structure and its opening 11 are key to achieving the core function of this embodiment. First, the C-shaped structure allows the auxiliary device to elastically deform under pressure in a specific direction, such as gripping force; second, the longitudinal opening 11 provides a structural basis for the operator to smoothly pull the auxiliary device out of the pre-insulated casing. To avoid potential damage to the casing or operator from the edges of the opening 11 during operation, its edges are preferably rounded, for example, through fine grinding, heat treatment to round it, or by coating it with a softer food-grade elastic material such as a thin layer of silicone (not shown in the figure).

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the longitudinal opening width W of the C-shaped tubular structure of the membrane body 1 in its naturally curled state can satisfy a specific proportional relationship with the outer diameter D of the tubular structure formed by its curling. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal opening width W can be designed to be 0.1 to 0.5 times the outer diameter D of the tubular structure, i.e., 0.1D≤W≤0.5D. The technical significance of setting this proportional range is as follows:

[0028] When the W value is small, close to 0.1D, the C-shaped tubular structure is closer to a complete circular tube, with better circumferential rigidity. It provides more stable support when guiding the casing and inserting it into the filling tube, and is less prone to excessive deformation. At the same time, the smaller opening can also prevent the casing from accidentally slipping in or getting stuck when inserting the auxiliary device.

[0029] When the W value is large, such as close to 0.5D or even larger, it can still maintain the basic tubular shape and elasticity. The C-shaped tubular structure is easier to open under external force, so that when the auxiliary device is pulled out, it can be more easily unfolded into an approximate plane, which greatly reduces the contact and friction with the inner wall of the casing, making the extraction action smoother.

[0030] This ratio also directly affects the effect of reducing the diameter of the pressure-bearing tube. When the operator inserts a casing (not shown in the figure) from the flared end 12 onto the outer periphery of the membrane body 1, the casing applies a certain radial pressure to the C-shaped tubular structure. Due to the presence of the longitudinal opening 11 and the elasticity of the membrane body 1, the two sides of the opening 11 of the C-shaped tubular structure will contract inward, temporarily reducing the effective outer diameter D' of the entire C-shaped tube. This design allows the casing to be easily and quickly fitted even if the inner diameter of the casing is not much different from the outer diameter D of the auxiliary device in its natural state, through this "pressure-bearing inward contraction" mechanism. This is particularly important for improving the casing efficiency in mass production. Those skilled in the art can optimize the design of this W / D ratio based on the elastic modulus, thickness, and specific casing specifications of the selected material to achieve the best operating feel and functional realization.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, outwardly sloping flared portions 12 are integrally formed at both longitudinal ends of the membrane body 1. When the membrane body 1 is in a curled C-shaped tubular state, these two flared portions 12, naturally enclosed by the sloping end faces, play a crucial guiding role. When this auxiliary device is fitted into a metal filling tube (not shown in the figure) of a sausage or salami filling machine, the flared portions 12 can contact the port of the filling tube before the membrane body 1. Due to its sloping guiding surface, it can ensure that the auxiliary device slides in smoothly and centrally, effectively avoiding direct collision between the front end of the device and any burrs or sharp edges that may exist at the port of the filling tube, thereby indirectly protecting the casings subsequently fitted onto the auxiliary device. Similarly, when natural or artificial casings (not shown in the figure) are pre-fitted onto this auxiliary device, the flared portions 12 at the other end can also gently open the opening of the casing, guiding the casing to slide smoothly to the outer periphery of the membrane body 1.

[0032] To further maximize the protective function, the entire outer periphery of the flared opening 12 is specially designed with a rolled edge 121 structure. For example... Figure 2 As shown, this rolled edge 121 is preferably an arc-shaped flange structure formed by rolling and fixing the end edge of the membrane body 1 outward. This arc-shaped rolled edge design ensures that all guiding edges that may come into contact with the casing are smooth and rounded, thereby completely eliminating the risk of scratching or puncturing the delicate casing due to tiny burrs or sharp angles that may exist at the material cutting edges. This is particularly significant when using thinner or lower-strength natural casings (such as sheep casings or pig casings) for high-speed, large-volume production of products such as Chinese sausages and Cantonese sausages, as it can significantly reduce the casing breakage rate, save costs, and ensure production continuity.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, to enable the operator to easily and securely hold the auxiliary device of the embodiment and smoothly pull it out of the casing, another preferred improvement of this utility model is that at least one, more preferably two, symmetrically arranged pull-out operation holes 122 are respectively provided through the flared openings 12 at both ends. These operation holes 122 can be circular or elliptical in shape to facilitate finger insertion or tool hooking. In actual operation, after the casing is successfully fitted onto the filling tube by the auxiliary device, the operator can insert their thumb and forefinger into the two operation holes 122 on one end of the flared opening 12. This not only allows for a firm grip on the auxiliary device, but also, during the outward pulling process, the C-shaped tubular membrane body 1 can be slightly opened from its longitudinal opening 11, or its entire body tends to unfold into an approximately planar state, through the cooperation of the fingers. This deformation significantly reduces the circumferential contact pressure and friction area between the auxiliary device and the inner wall of the sausage casing, allowing the entire auxiliary device to be easily and smoothly pulled out from inside the sausage casing along the axial direction of the filling tube without pulling or damaging the sausage casing already positioned on the filling tube. To ensure optimal operating experience and safety, the edges of the operating hole 122 can also be finely rounded, such as by chamfering, grinding, or using an in-mold rounded corner design.

[0034] To further improve the smoothness of the auxiliary device, a food-grade certified low-friction treatment can be applied to the inner surface (i.e., the surface facing the filling tube after being rolled up) and / or the outer surface (i.e., the surface in contact with the casing after being rolled up) of the membrane body 1. For example, a thin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can be plasma-sprayed, or a film form of a polymer material with extremely low surface energy and coefficient of friction, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), can be selected. This low-friction surface treatment ensures minimal resistance during the insertion and removal process, whether it is the sliding of the casing relative to the auxiliary device or the sliding of the auxiliary device relative to the filling tube, thereby making the entire operation more efficient and labor-saving.

[0035] The casing-attaching protective auxiliary device described in this utility model has broad application prospects in the food processing field, including sausages, cured sausages, ham sausages, and other products that require casings to be attached to filling tubes for meat paste or other fillings. Its usage steps are briefly described below:

[0036] S1, the operator takes this auxiliary device, holds it steadily with one hand, and uses the other hand to guide a pre-prepared sausage casing or a bundle of sausage casings, using the flared end 12 and its rolled edge 121 at one end of the auxiliary device as a guide, and easily puts it on the outer periphery of the elastic rolled film body 1.

[0037] S2, the operator places the auxiliary device, already fitted with sausage casing, with its flared end 12 aligned with the port of the filling tube of the sausage filling machine or other filling equipment, and then smoothly inserts the auxiliary device, along with the sausage casing, into the filling tube to the predetermined depth. During this process, the membrane body 1 acts as a protective layer, ensuring that the inner wall of the sausage casing does not directly rub or scratch against the port or wall of the filling tube.

[0038] S3. After the casing has been successfully transferred and positioned on the filling tube by the auxiliary device, the operator can gently hold the end of the casing on the filling tube with one hand, and hold the auxiliary device through the operating hole 122 with the other hand, apply a slight force to make it open or flatten from the longitudinal opening 11, and at the same time smoothly pull the auxiliary device outward along the axis of the filling tube from the inside of the casing.

[0039] S4. After the auxiliary device is completely pulled out, the sausage casing is intact and evenly fitted onto the filling tube, and the operator can then begin the subsequent filling operation of minced meat or other fillings.

[0040] In summary, this utility model, through the ingenious combination of its unique elastic curling film body 1, longitudinal opening 11, two guiding flared mouths 12, anti-scratch curling edge 121, and convenient pull-out operation hole 122, not only successfully solves the technical problem of easy damage to sausage casings when using traditional manual casing or simple auxiliary tools, significantly improving the yield and utilization rate of sausage casings and reducing production costs, but also greatly simplifies the operation steps, reduces the labor intensity of workers, and improves the overall production efficiency and hygiene level of the casing process before filling sausages, cured sausages, and other products. This device has a simple structure, moderate cost, and is easy to clean and disinfect, possessing significant economic benefits and promotional value.

[0041] The above are implementation methods provided in conjunction with specific content, and it is not intended that the specific implementation of this application is limited to these descriptions. Any methods or structures that are similar to those of this application, or any technical deductions or substitutions made based on the concept of this application, should be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for connecting a sausage casing sleeve to a filling pipe, characterized in that, The membrane body (1) is a C-shaped tubular structure formed by curling in its natural state and having a longitudinal opening (11). The membrane body (1) has flared mouths (12) at both ends.

2. A device for facilitating the insertion of a casing sleeve into a filling tube according to claim 1, characterised in that The flared opening (12) is formed by extending outwardly from the end of the membrane body (1), and when the membrane body (1) is in a C-shaped tubular structure, the outer edge of the flared opening (12) is formed as a guide curl (121).

3. A device for facilitating the insertion of a casing sleeve into a filling tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the two flared mouths (12) is provided with at least one operating hole (122) for easy pulling.

4. A device for facilitating the insertion of a casing sleeve into a filling tube according to claim 1, characterized in that The membrane body (1) is made of food-grade material with shape memory properties.

5. A device for facilitating the insertion of a casing sleeve into a filling tube according to claim 4, characterised in that The food-grade material with shape memory properties is a pre-shaped polymer elastomer film.

6. A device for facilitating the insertion of a casing sleeve into a filling tube as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The rolled edge (121) of the flared mouth (12) is rolled outward to form an arc-shaped structure.

7. A device for facilitating the insertion of a casing sleeve into a filling tube as claimed in claim 3, wherein, Two operating holes (122) are symmetrically provided on each of the horn mouths (12).

8. The auxiliary device for connecting the casing sleeve to the filling pipe according to claim 7, characterized in that, The operating hole (122) is circular or elliptical.

9. A device for facilitating the insertion of a casing sleeve into a filling tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The width W of the longitudinal opening (11) of the C-shaped tubular structure formed by the roll-up of the membrane body (1) satisfies the proportional relationship between it and the diameter D of the tubular structure formed by the roll-up: 0.1D≤W≤0.5D.

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