Production lines for molded fiber products

Abstract

The invention relates to a production line for molding fiber products. The production line (10) comprises a plurality of consecutive processing units (13, 14, 19, 18) and a device for controlling the processing units (13, 14, 19, 18). The device is arranged as at least one control unit (47) which is positioned in connection with one of the processing units (13, 14, 19, 18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a production line for molded fiber products, comprising several consecutive processing units and a device for controlling said processing units. Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent Application No. 2005 / 0150624A1 discloses a method and apparatus for producing molded fiber bodies using a low-concentration fiber slurry for vacuum forming and heat curing. The use of porous materials as mold inserts for the vacuum forming and heat curing stations improves productivity and facilitates demolding. During forming, the upper half of the mold moves along the necessary path to transfer the wet fiber body to the heat curing station.

[0003] Traditionally, this process has been controlled manually or automatically. Production is often automated, but product packaging is manual. This, of course, requires human operators and is not cost-effective. Control is often the final stage of the process, so defective products can only be removed at that point. If removed only at the end, defective products can adhere to, disrupt, or even damage the processing unit. Furthermore, adjusting the production line takes a long time, and changes to the product or process itself are minimal. In other words, a single production line manufactures only one type of product.

[0004] In the known art, the upper half of the mold, or in other words the upper mold, moves between the two processing stages. Therefore, the heavy upper mold requires a sturdy support. Moreover, the heavy upper mold has a great deal of inertia, making its movement very slow. Furthermore, when using slurry, it takes time to vacuum the fibers to the surface of the product in the mold. This prolongs the forming and pressing stages and the entire production cycle. After thermoforming and hot pressing, the semi-finished product is moved using a vacuum-operated conveying device (such as a manipulator with a suction cap for each product). The manipulator has a complex structure that requires a lot of space. This prolongs the production time and the production line itself. Furthermore, it takes time to create a vacuum strong enough to hold the product and to move it in different directions. Therefore, slow forming and conveying are paired in the prior art process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a new production line for molded fiber products that is more versatile and yet faster than before. The characteristic features of the production line according to the present invention are described herein. These lines include several options for adjusting the production line and the products themselves. Several units can be used in various combinations. The processes are uninterrupted and rapid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate some embodiments of the invention.

[0007] Figure 1a shows a side view of a production line for molding fiber products according to the present invention,

[0008] Figure 1b shows a side view of the production line with the cover,

[0009] Figure 2 shows a top view of a production line equipped with a conveying device according to the present invention,

[0010] Figure 3 Another top view of a production line equipped with a conveying device according to the present invention is shown,

[0011] Figure 4 Another top view of a production line equipped with a conveying device according to the present invention is shown,

[0012] Figure 5 Schematically showing the production stages of a production line according to the invention,

[0013] Figure 6a A pair of dies used in the forming stage is shown,

[0014] Figure 6b A pair of dies for a hot pressing stage is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a conveying device according to the present invention,

[0016] Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of the conveying device,

[0017] Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of another conveying device according to the present invention,

[0018] Figure 10 A further schematic perspective view shows another conveying device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Figure 1a A perspective view of a production line 10 for molding fiber products according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2Figure 1 shows a top view of the same production line 10. Similar to conventional fiber web manufacturing, the line consists of a wet end 11 and a dry end 12. The wet end primarily involves forming, while the dry end includes drying and other finishing processes. However, here, there are two forming stages, more specifically, two forming units 13 arranged side by side. Furthermore, there are two hot pressing stages, more specifically, two hot pressing units 14 arranged one behind the other. Furthermore, one of the hot pressing units is positioned between the two forming units. This makes the production line compact. Furthermore, the processing cycle is very short, for example, a maximum of five seconds. In other words, forming takes only a few seconds, and the semi-finished product must be quickly transferred to the next stage. With this layout, transfer distances are minimized, and both forming stages can function as quickly as possible. Forming takes longer than hot pressing, hence the presence of two forming units. In other words, the hot pressing stage takes even less time than the forming stage. The hot pressing stage can then be continuous. Here, the forming unit and the first hot press unit belong to the wet end, and starting from the second hot press unit, the remaining processing units belong to the dry end. If the hot press takes about five seconds, the forming takes a few seconds longer, but less than twice the hot press time. The processing cycle can be changed according to the basis weight of the product, so that the heaviest products can have a second or two longer processing cycles. Other processing in the dry end is barrier coating, air drying of the barrier, a cutting unit with quality inspection, and final packaging. All units are integrated with each other to form a complete production line for molded fiber products.

[0020] The dry end process follows the same design baseline as the wet end process. The second hot press unit is identical to the first. The barrier coating is then applied by spraying through precision nozzles. There is at least one row of nozzles arranged to move to each row of articles, and advantageously there is one nozzle for each article in the row. Figure 3 In the embodiment, there are two rows of nozzles 15 that move longitudinally. Moreover, there may be one or more rows of nozzles 15 that move in the transverse direction ( Figure 4 ). For example, there are biodegradable and recyclable additives for coating molded fiber products. Plant-based barrier coating and additive technologies are recyclable, biodegradable, compostable and food safe. These barrier coating solutions can be suitable for producing a wide range of high-quality cellulose-based products that are resistant to oil, grease and water. Here, air drying for the barrier is performed using a fan. Advantageously, drying can utilize a separate blowing device that is arranged to blow into each product using a nozzle. Moreover, the blank or the nozzle is moved vertically. In this way, the distance of the air blowing from the surface of the product is less than 20 mm, more advantageously less than 10 mm. In Figure 1aIn the example shown, there are blowing nozzles 16 on both sides of the blank, primarily showing the options of facing the barrier coating surface differently. In practice, only the wet barrier is dried. A third option is an oven with elevator transport. Furthermore, printing can, for example, add decoration or logos to the final product. Figure 1a In the example, the printing 17 is at the top, while the barrier is sprayed from below. In a separation unit 18, the product is separated from the blank into individual pieces at the end of the stem 12. In other words, the blank is a semi-finished panel containing several products. This separation is performed, for example, using a mechanical die-cutter. Simultaneously with die-cutting, an automated visual inspection system can be used to verify the high quality of the final product. Sensors, imaging devices, or probes are located at the stem to enable quality control and in-process adjustments. For example, by adjusting the processing cycle and other processing parameters, the quality and residual moisture content of the final product can be influenced.

[0021] Figure 2 、 3 4 show three different types of production lines, in which the blanks are moved horizontally between the various production stages. The production line consists of several interconnected units. First there is a wet section 11, in which there is a hot pressing unit 14 and two forming units 13. The blanks are formed in one of the forming units 13 and then move to the first hot pressing unit 14. The blanks then move to the second hot pressing unit 14 and via the barrier unit 19 to the drying unit 20 and finally to the separating unit 18. In these embodiments, the blanks are rectangular and have dimensions of approximately 800–1200 mm. In Figure 2 In the wet section 11, the units are oriented longitudinally. This minimizes movement in the wet section. Before the second hot press unit 14, the blanks are rotated 90 degrees. Then, the units in the dry section are oriented transversely. Again, movement in the dry section is minimized, thus minimizing the overall length of the production line. Following the first hot press unit 14, there is advantageously a transfer unit 21 equipped with some measuring devices. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, rotation of the blanks is possible.

[0022] Figure 3 The production line shown in FIG has in the trunk 12 with Figure 2 The same units are used in the same way, but these are longitudinal. Rotation of the blank is then unnecessary. Moreover, the length of each unit can be varied. Figure 4 A hybrid configuration is shown, in which a transfer unit 21 is located between two forming units 13 forming the wet end 11. Then, at the beginning of the dry end 12, there is only one hot pressing unit 14. Here, the transfer unit is integrated into the barrier unit 19 and the separation unit 18. This makes the production line extremely compact and short. The transfer unit can also be integrated into some other unit.

[0023] As shown in the figure, each processing unit can have a different structure than the other units in the production line. For example, the forming unit and the first hot pressing unit can be combined into a single unit with a common lower frame. In the main body, these units are simply independent modules, but a common lower frame is also possible. At the end of the main body, a finishing unit can be located, combining two or more functions such as sorting, inspection, and packaging into a single unit.

[0024] The present invention relates to one or more conveyor devices for a production line for molded fiber products. The conveyor device has a linear movement to move the blanks between production stages. Here, the conveyor device is arranged as a conveyor unit 21, and in a production line 10, several conveyor units 21 are arranged in or between multiple production stages and move the molded fiber products through the entire production line 10. During production, several molded fiber products are present in one blank. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment, each transmission unit 21 is located between two processing units, and Figure 4 In the case of a transport unit 21 is integrated into one or more processing stages. Figure 4 In the example, the dry section 12 has four processing units, each with its own internal transfer unit. However, the use of separate transfer units allows for inspection of the blanks during production and, if problems arise with the product, even removal and destruction of the blanks in the middle of the processing line. All three lines 10 shown are T-shaped, with a wet section 11 followed by a dry section 12.

[0025] Figure 5 The principle of the wet section 11 is shown, which includes three processes, namely two forming stages and the first hot pressing stage in between. Here, two forming units 13 always supply the formed blanks to the hot pressing unit 14, so that all processes are always carried out. The forming units are identical and they perform the same forming process, so that the manufacture of the blanks is always continuous. When one starts the process, the other ends. Here, the male half of the mold is the upper part and the female half is the lower part. The upper mold moves vertically, while the lower mold is fixed. The male mold descends and the foam is squeezed between the upper and lower molds. Then, the sliding mold (here is the lower mold) slides under hot pressing conditions and stops, and the upper mold of the hot pressing descends to dry the blank. When setting up the production line, you can choose which one is male or female, and which one is movable or fixed.

[0026] Here, in the wet section 11, the transfer unit 21 comprises a movable sled 23, which is arranged to move the molded fiber product or blank 24 from the forming unit 13 to the hot pressing unit 14 at this stage. First (step 1), the sled 23 slides from the first hot pressing unit 14 to the bottom of the first forming unit 13, where it waits for the formed product blank 24. Figure 5 , the blank 24 is shown with dense hatching. Then, the upper die 25 of the first forming unit 13 descends to hand the blank 24 over to the pulley 23 (step 2). In step 3, the pulley 23 collects the formed product blank 24, and the upper die 25 that is next formed rises back to the top position (step 4). Then, the pulley 23 slides back to the bottom of the hot pressing unit together with the blank 24 (step 5). At step 6, the upper die of the hot pressing unit 14 descends to dry the just-formed product blank, while the second forming unit is ready for the newly formed blank, and at the same time, the first forming unit starts processing again. When using foamed fibers, the production cycle in the hot press is at most about five seconds. At the same time, the forming stage takes eight to ten seconds, particularly for multi-layer products. For slurry, the forming stage takes tens of seconds.

[0027] In practice, the trolley 23 comprises a partial mold 26 with a profile corresponding to the molded fiber product. Consequently, only a portion of the mold is movable, allowing it to be moved quickly. More precisely, the transport portion in the wet end is simply the top portion of the lower mold, which serves as a lightweight component. This lightweight structure is at least partially porous and / or has a lattice structure, as will be explained later. Only the outer side and lower surface are solid metal.

[0028] At the wet end 11, the trolley 23 is arranged to move between the two forming units 13, between which there is a hot pressing unit PU. At this point, the hot pressing unit also acts as a transfer unit that picks up the blanks from the two forming units. Figure 5 In the figure, the hot pressing unit 14 is located in the center. The partial mold 26 moves horizontally back and forth. At the hot pressing unit 14, an anvil 27 is located below the trolley 23 and the partial mold 26. The anvil is a stable support for the lightweight partial mold, which is at least partially made of a grid structure produced by additive manufacturing. The anvil may also have inlet and / or outlet connections. The anvil is used to withstand the high pressure of the hot pressing.

[0029] Figure 6a A pair of moulds for use in a production line according to the invention is shown. The moulds are used to produce moulded fibre products. Figure 6aThe pair of molds in FIG. 2 is formed by an upper mold 25 and a lower mold 28. This pair of molds is used to mold fiber products. Therefore, a channel 29 is provided between the molds for supplying foamed fibers. Here, channel 29 is located in the lower mold 28, which is preferably stationary, while the upper mold 25 is vertically movable. This facilitates channel arrangement. During molding, air and water are discharged through outlets 30 provided in the molds 25 and 28. Some of these outlets can function as special connections combining air blowing and vacuum connections. Here, the upper mold 25 includes two special connections 31, and air blowing is indicated by dashed arrows. Air blowing facilitates removal of the newly formed product from the upper mold after molding. Special connections can be used for both the lower and upper molds. Alternatively, special connections can be used to supply fibers into the cavity 32 defined by the pair of molds, and subsequently allow water to flow out through the same connection during molding. This ensures uniform filling of the cavity. Several supply channels are possible on the exterior of the product surface, which also allows the entire surface of the product to be porous. Furthermore, the distance and number of outlets 30 can be used to control the efficiency of dewatering. For example, the vertical walls of the product may require more efficient dewatering than the horizontal bottom of the product. The side walls and upper corners are located away from the outlets at the bottom. Therefore, more outlets may be present.

[0030] As mentioned earlier, the mold 25 or 28 includes a porous article surface 33 made by additive manufacturing. At least a portion of the article surface 33 is in the form of a layer 34 without defined pores. The porosity of the layer is therefore small enough to allow air and water to exit the article during forming and pressing, while still retaining the fibers on the article surface of the mold. In other words, the porous layer is able to separate the fibers from the fluid. This is important when using foam (in which a mixture of fibers, water and air is guided between two molds). In effect, the foam carries the fibers for forming. In foam forming technology, aqueous foam is used instead of water as a carrier medium in the manufacture of fiber-based articles. Below the layer 34 is a support grid 35 that allows flow in any direction to the nearest outlet.

[0031] Figure 6b A pair of dies for hot pressing is shown. Advantageously, the shaped article is hot pressed twice, but more commonly, the shaped article is hot pressed one to three times. Figure 6b In the example, the lower mold 28 is smooth and, depending on the application, contains cooling or heating channels 36 to enhance tool performance. In additive manufacturing, channels can be easily incorporated into any part of the mold, such as support structures or the porous layer itself. Here, the upper mold 25 is porous, and the fluid is expelled through it via outlet 30. In the next hot press unit, the upper mold is smooth, and the lower mold has a porous part surface.

[0032] exist Figure 7In the embodiment, the trolley 23 is supported by a linear conductor 37 arranged at a distance from the local die 26. Therefore, the conductor 37 is away from the hot parts. In other words, the steel conductor is well placed under the high-temperature pressing die. Therefore, the linear conductor remains straight without thermal expansion. Moreover, the conductor is supported only to the intermediate unit, here to the first hot pressing unit. Therefore, possible thermal expansion will not extend to the adjacent units. In addition, there is a vertical movement ( Figure 8 ). In this way, when the upper die is lowered without any unnecessary force being applied to the linear conductor 37, the partial die 26 can reach the stationary anvil 27. This movement is only a few centimeters, but it is crucial for the function of the sliding mechanism. For example, the linear conductor is equipped with one or more linear motors. The linear conductor, together with the pulley and the partial die, requires very little space. Moreover, when the transfer unit is arranged between multiple production stages, the transfer unit itself is away from the heat treatment. The transfer unit does extend to the total length of the machine, but this compromise is acceptable to ensure reliable transfer between the processing units. The transfer unit moves the blanks in a fast, but safe and robust manner. The sliding mechanism allows the partial die to slide between multiple processing stages without interfering with the processing itself.

[0033] As explained earlier, in the wet section, the transport unit also serves as a hot pressing unit. The lightly sliding partial mold can be quickly accelerated and decelerated without a large force. Moreover, the sled under the actual partial mold utilizes a spring so that the partial mold can be fully lowered to reach the fixed anvil and thus perform hot pressing ( Figure 7 After the blank is formed, suction is used to lift it along with the upper die. As the upper die rises with the blank, the mobile partial die slides underneath it. The vacuum is turned off, and the product blank gently falls onto the top of the partial die. The partial die slides and transfers the blank to the hot press unit, and the forming process begins again. An innovative spring structure keeps the trolley lightweight yet functional.

[0034] As mentioned above, the transfer in the wet section is performed between the wet section and the dry section using linear motors, and between the remaining units in the dry section using transfer units. According to the present invention, in the dry section, the transfer unit 21 comprises a transfer table 39 arranged between two processing stages. In other words, the transfer table is capable of moving the blanks between multiple processing units. The transfer table can also rotate the blanks for the next processing stage, with Figure 2Similarly. Essentially, a transfer unit operates between two processing stages or units. It can also operate within three preceding processing units. For example, a transfer plate picks up a blank from the first hot press unit and then moves it to the barrier unit via the transfer unit itself. Furthermore, the transfer unit may also perform some processing of the product or at least some measurement or inspection. Thus, the transfer unit serves not only for transport but also for processing and inspection.

[0035] Figure 9 An embodiment of a transfer table 39 is shown. Here, a perforated plate 40 is present in the transfer table 39, which is arranged to move the molded fiber products between two processing stages. The perforations or other porous structures reduce the weight of the plate. Moreover, a vacuum can be arranged in conjunction with the plate to hold and support the blanks during transfer. Advantageously, the perforated plate 40 is supported by one or more bidirectional slides 41. In other words, the slides slide in two directions. In this way, the plate can pass from the previous unit to the next unit. Figure 9 The other end is shown in dashed lines. Furthermore, in this way, the plate stays in a cell for a very short time. For example, the plate will only stay between the hot pressing dies for a few seconds. Thus, thermal problems such as thermal expansion are avoided. Advantageously, each bidirectional slide 41 is retractable, extending the plate's trajectory.

[0036] When the plate is moving rapidly, the blank must be held somehow. A simple and effective option is a vacuum through the perforated plate. Another option is end stops. Figure 9 In the example, perforated plate 40 has end stops 42. The blanks fall onto the plate, and the end stops hold them during rapid transport. Instead of end stops, the plate could have edges around it. Even if the transport units are independent, they can be synchronized. For example, all plates can be moved forward simultaneously and then back together. Furthermore, the movements can be pre-set, minimizing the forces exerted on the production line's frame.

[0037] The transfer units are approximately half the length of the processing units, while the remaining dimensions remain the same for reasons of modulation and standardization. The actual transfer table and in particular the plate are kept as light as possible so that as little force as possible is used for acceleration and deceleration between the units as required. The transfer table uses a small electric motor as drive force, and ball bearings inside telescopic slides or other tracks keep the movement smooth. Advantageously, all transfer units are identical and at the same height, which is possible due to the standardization of the processing. After receiving the blank, the transfer table slides to the next unit and lowers the blank onto the top of the fixed base plate. As Figure 4As shown, the transfer table 39 can be attached to the interior of other processing units. The sliding mechanism allows sliding between processing stages without disturbing the process and with a significantly reduced risk of thermal expansion.

[0038] exist Figure 9 In the embodiment, a bidirectional slide 41 is located below the transfer plate TP. The slide can also be supported on the side of a frame fixed to the transfer unit or from above. The perforated plate makes the plate very light. Moreover, the transfer plate requires little space in the vertical direction. Moreover, it is easy to drop the blanks onto the top of the plate, for example in a hot pressing unit. The plate can be made of a metal mesh or the like with sufficient rigidity. However, the holes in the plate can be the size of the product or even larger. In Figure 10 In the embodiment, the plate 40 has the same number of large holes as the number of blank articles. Thus, a plate or cup can be partially passed through the plate via the large holes or the entire article can be exposed via the holes. Thus, the blank will be held stably during movement. Moreover, one or both sides of the article are accessible for handling or inspection. In other words, the transfer table can be located in the unit during the process in question. Thus, a separate transfer unit may be unnecessary, which would shorten the entire production line. Figure 10 In the transport unit, the slides 41 are fixed to the frame 43 and they are retractable. In this way, the plate also extends to the previous unit and the next unit. In the transport unit, there may be some processing stages or at least some inspections and measurements.

[0039] It is also possible to set different types of conveyors to work simultaneously in one conveyor unit. This speeds up the movement of the blanks. Moreover, different conveyors can even move in the same direction at the same time. For example, the lining slide can be supported by a connecting rod arm forming another conveyor. Then, using two simultaneous movements, the blank is moved from one processing unit to another in two seconds or less. Another embodiment is that there is a gripper together with the transfer plate in the conveyor unit. Thus, the conveyor table brings the blank to the conveyor unit, and then the gripper takes the blank in its hands and grabs it, and the conveyor table moves back. Now one side of the blank is bald, so that, for example, a barrier spray can be performed. After spraying, the gripper hands the blank over to the next conveyor plate or another conveyor to move the blank further.

[0040] The gripper may include several suction caps or other devices to hold the blanks. Each product has one suction cap, or at least as many as are needed to hold the blanks. The gripper can move vertically and / or horizontally. Furthermore, the gripper can move laterally to remove defective blanks from the processing line. If the blanks are sufficiently rigid, parallel belt conveyors can be used instead of transfer plates, particularly after drying. The belts rotate in one direction without moving back and forth, which speeds up movement.

[0041] Figure 1bA production line 10 according to the present invention is shown, comprising several successive processing units 13, 14, 19, 18 and a device for controlling these processing units 13, 14, 19, 18. According to the present invention, this device is configured as at least one control unit 47, which is positioned in connection with one of the processing units 13, 14, 19, 18. This allows the production line, and indeed each processing unit, to be adjusted to suit the needs, thereby tailoring the properties of the final product. The control unit can be located before or after the processing unit. This allows for a universal production line for each product. Preferably, the control unit 47 is located before the separation unit 18. This allows, for example, diagnostics for quality issues to be performed before separation. Alternatively, the control unit 47 is preferably located after the forming unit 13 and / or the hot pressing unit 14. This allows for quick adjustments to the preceding units if necessary.

[0042] A control unit 47 is also placed between the various processing stages in the stem to measure and control the processing stages, particularly forming and hot pressing. The control unit can also be used for measuring and quality checking the products. According to the present invention, the control unit 47 includes an analysis device 50 for the blanks 24, including the molded fiber products, during manufacturing. Furthermore, after each processing stage, defective products can be removed from the production line. In other words, defective products can be removed from the process at the control unit. Furthermore, the control unit can be used to control the production line's processing by adjusting one or more previous and / or subsequent processing stages based on measurement data. In other words, the control unit 47 includes devices for controlling the subsequent and / or previous processing units 13, 14, 19, 18 and / or changing the timing of the operating cycles of the processing units 13, 14, 19, 18. This is highly valuable and allows for a high level of automation while also optimizing the process. This impacts the lifespan of the processing components and, therefore, the lifespan of the production line itself. A transfer table can also be placed within the control unit. Other transfer methods can also be used in conjunction with the transfer table.

[0043] The production line 10 includes a frame 43 with a cover panel 44, a portion of which is transparent and / or openable. Thus, the production line is closed on the sides to ensure worker safety. At the bottom, there is a fixed panel 45 that can be removed if necessary. The upper panel 46 is two-part, with a transparent lower portion. When the upper panel is in place, the operator can monitor the processing through the transparent lower portion. For example, if a blank becomes stuck, the operator can lift or otherwise open the upper panel of the processing unit and remove the stuck blank. Alternatively, only the transparent portion can be openable or liftable, while the other panels are fixed. Furthermore, the blanks can be unloaded automatically or semi-automatically without stopping the production line. Furthermore, the production line 10, or at least the control unit 47, includes a ventilation device to solidify the conditions, particularly for analysis. In this way, the processing and analysis of the product remain stable and reliable.

[0044] The control unit is placed between the multiple processing units in the dryer. The length of the control unit is approximately 1400mm, more commonly 1000-1500mm. In other ways, the same dimensions apply to the other processing unit frames. The control unit is also modular, thus ensuring easy attachment to the production line. For example, the dry content of the blank is measured after the first hot press unit, and then the second hot press unit is adjusted if necessary. Moreover, temperature, humidity and other properties can be measured during manufacturing. In addition, the shape and size of the blank can be detected using, for example, a camera machine field of view. Preferably, the size of the control unit 47 is larger than the blank 24 including the molded fiber product during manufacturing. In this way, the entire blank can be measured at once. Alternatively, the blank can be measured during its linear movement.

[0045] According to the present invention, the analysis device 50 is arranged to completely face at least one of the sides of the blank 24. Then, the entire side can be measured or otherwise analyzed at once. Both sides of the article can be analyzed simultaneously. Figure 10 Similarly, the conveying device 39 is a perforated plate 40 with sufficiently large holes to analyze all or at least part of the molded fiber product. Here, the upper side is open for measurement, while the lower side is mostly open.

[0046] The control unit is used to measure and inspect the products and even control the processing of the production line. Advantageously, a control unit is placed between each processing stage in the stem, with the possibility of attaching a transfer table inside the control unit. In this way, the blanks can be transported quickly, yet safely and robustly. While the control units do extend the overall length of the production line, they ensure reliable, controlled, and synchronized processing. Furthermore, the processing can include some inspection devices.

[0047] Figure 1bA control panel 48 is shown, detached from the armrest. The control panel can slide forward and backward as needed. Preferably, the control panel 48 is a touchscreen. Alternatively, there may be several control panels, supported from the top by arms that allow the cover panels to be opened. Furthermore, the control panel may have a bracket secured to the floor. Furthermore, VR glasses with augmented reality may be utilized.

Claims

1. A production line for molding fiber products, the production line (10) comprising a plurality of consecutive processing units (13, 14, 19, 18) and a device for controlling the processing units (13, 14, 19, 18), the plurality of consecutive processing units including two forming units (13), characterized in that Each forming unit (13) is arranged for foam forming technology, and the device is arranged as several control units (47), which are positioned along the production line (10), and the control units (47) include a conveying device (39), which is arranged to move the molded fiber products between two or three processing units (13, 14, 19, 18), wherein the control unit (47) includes an analysis device (50), which is used for the blank (24), which includes the molded fiber product during manufacturing.

2. The production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit (47) is arranged upstream of the processing units (14, 19, 18).

3. The production line according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit (47) is arranged after the processing units (13, 14, 19, 18).

4. The production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit (47) is integrated in the processing unit (13, 14, 19, 18).

5. The production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit (47) is larger in size than the blank (24) comprising the molded fiber product during manufacture.

6. The production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The analysis device (50) is arranged to completely face at least one of the side surfaces of the blank (24).

7. The production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The analysis device (50) is arranged to function during linear movement of the blank (24).

8. The production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit (47) is arranged before the separation unit (18) included in the production line (10).

9. The production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit (47) is arranged after the forming unit (13) and / or the hot pressing unit (14) included in the production line.

10. The production line according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit (47) is integrated into the barrier unit (19) and / or the separation unit (18) included in the production line (10).

11. The production line according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The control unit (47) comprises means for controlling the immediately succeeding and / or preceding processing unit (13, 14, 19, 18) and / or for changing the timing of the operating cycles of the processing units (13, 14, 19, 18).

12. The production line according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The conveying device (39) is a perforated plate (40) having holes large enough to analyze all or at least part of the molded fibrous article.

13. The production line according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The transfer device (39) is arranged to remove defective molded fiber products from the control unit (47).

14. The production line according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The production line (10) comprises a frame (43) having a cover panel (44), a portion of which is transparent and / or openable.

15. The production line according to claim 14, characterized in that The production line (10) or at least the control unit (47) comprises ventilation means for curing conditions, in particular for analysis.

16. The production line according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The control unit (47) includes a control panel (48).

17. The production line according to claim 16, characterized in that The control panel is a touch screen.

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