System for manufacturing sausage-shaped products with different types of consumable containers

Abstract

A system (100) for manufacturing sausage-shaped products, such as sausages, the system (100) comprising a cutting machine (CM) and at least one clip reel (200) of a first type and at least one clip reel (300) of a second type, or only at least one clip reel (300) of a second type, each of the clip reels (300) being configured to receive a plurality of closing devices, such as clips, wound thereon. The first type of clip reel (200) has a hub (210) having a longitudinal central axis (CA1) and an inner surface (212) provided with first coupling means (240) arranged at least substantially in the center of the clip reel (200) with respect to the longitudinal central axis (CA1). The second type of clip reel (300) has a hub (310) having a longitudinal central axis (CA2) and an inner surface (312) provided with second coupling means (340a, 340b) arranged at least near the center of the clip reel (200) with respect to the longitudinal central axis (CA2). The cutting machine (CM) has at least one reel holding device (RH) configured to hold at least one first type of clamping reel (200) or said second type of clamping reel (300), and comprises at least one shaft (410) for receiving the first type of clamping reel (200) or said second type of clamping reel (300). Furthermore, the cutting machine (CM) comprises at least one abutment means (416) against which the first or second type of clamping reel (200, 300) mounted on the shaft (410) abuts in one axial direction of the shaft (410) and at least one counter-coupling means (440) cooperating with the first or second coupling means (240, 340a, 340b) of the first or second type of clamping reel (200, 300), the clamping reel (200, 300) can be reversibly fixed on the shaft (410) along the other axial direction of the shaft (410).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a system for producing sausage-shaped products, comprising a clipping machine having at least one reel holding device and a clip reel of a first and / or second type for storing closing devices thereon. The invention also relates to a clip reel of the second type. Background Art

[0002] In practice, the cutting machine is used to produce sausage-shaped products, such as sausages, wherein the filling material is fed into a tubular packaging casing, which is stored on a filling tube and which is closed at its front end by at least one closing device, such as a closing clamp. After a predetermined portion of the filling material has been fed into the tubular packaging casing, a braided portion at least substantially free of filling material is formed on the tubular packaging casing, and at least one first closing clamp is placed on the braided portion and closed on the braided portion by a clamping device for closing the packaging casing that has just been filled. In addition, at least one second closing clamp can be placed for closing the front end of the sausage-shaped product to be produced next. Subsequently, the sausage-shaped product that has just been produced is separated from the remaining supply of packaging material and the finished sausage-shaped product is discharged from the cutting machine.

[0003] Usually, the closing clip is stored as a clip supply in the form of a continuous clip line wound on a clip reel, as disclosed, for example, in DE 20 200 7 006 428 U1. The clip reel comprises a reel body having a hub and a disc-shaped outer wall respectively arranged at the axial front end surface of the hub. The outer wall extends beyond the circumferential surface of the hub in the radial direction. The storage space defined by the inwardly facing surface of the disc-shaped outer wall and the outer circumferential surface of the hub is used to accommodate the clip line.

[0004] This known clip reel can be placed on a rotatable clipping reel holder, but fixed in the axial direction. After the clip reel has been placed on the clipping reel holder, the clip line is inserted into the cutting area of ​​the clipping machine. During each cutting operation, the clipping machine pulls one clip from the clip line. The clip reel is thus rotated by the tension in the clip line due to the pulling of the clipping machine or by an active drive on the clipping reel holder to feed the next clip of the clip line to the cutting area.

[0005] Depending on the sausage-shaped product to be manufactured, different sizes of clips may be used, which generally have a U-shape or a shape similar to the letter "U". For example, they may differ in the length of the legs of the U-shaped clip and / or the distance between the legs (i.e., the length of the base of the U-shaped clip). Depending on the size of the clips to be used, different numbers of clips may be wound onto the same clip reel to form a clip supply.

[0006] The number of pieces of sausage-shaped product to be manufactured can vary greatly depending on the product. For example, it is possible that a certain product is to be produced in very large quantities, so that empty clip reels need to be frequently replaced with full clip reels. Furthermore, if clips with large geometric dimensions have to be used for the product to be manufactured, the number of necessary changes increases significantly further. On the other hand, it is also possible to manufacture products in small quantities that require the use of only a few clips. In this case, if the geometric dimensions of the clips are small, many clips will be mounted on one reel, but here, due to the small number of products to be produced, the reels must be frequently replaced and the unused clips must be stored as tied capital.

[0007] Since the clip reel holding device of the clipping machine is usually located above the upper housing portion of the clipping machine, such frequent replacement is a cumbersome task for the operator due to the weight of the clip reel loaded with a large number of clips made of metal and the need to lift the relatively heavy clip reel.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and a crimping reel for use in the system which allow easy production of a variety of sausage-shaped products, wherein closing clips of different sizes and / or numbers can be effectively used. Summary of the invention

[0009] The above mentioned objects are solved with respect to the system by the technical teaching given in independent claim 1. Dependent claims 2 to 7 define further embodiments of the inventive concept described in claim 1. With respect to the reel, the above mentioned objects are solved with respect to the technical teaching given in independent claim 8. Dependent claims 9 to 15 set forth advantageous embodiments of the invention defined in claim 8.

[0010] The following description contains specific information related to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0011] According to a first aspect, a system for manufacturing sausage-shaped products (such as sausages) comprises a cutting machine and at least one first type of winding disk and at least one second type of winding disk, or only at least one second type of winding disk, each winding disk being configured to receive a plurality of closing devices (such as clips) wound thereon, wherein the first type of winding disk has a hub with a longitudinal central axis and an inner surface, and the inner surface is provided with a first coupling device, the first coupling device being arranged at least approximately in the center of the winding disk relative to the longitudinal central axis, wherein the second type of winding disk has a hub with a longitudinal central axis and an inner surface, and the inner surface is provided with a second coupling device, the second coupling device being arranged at least approximately in the center of the winding disk relative to the longitudinal central axis. The clipping machine according to claim 1, wherein the clipping machine has at least one reel holding device, which is configured to hold at least one first or second type of reel; and includes at least one shaft for receiving the first type of reel or the second type of reel; at least one abutment device, the first or second type of reel mounted on the shaft abuts against the at least one abutment device in one axial direction of the shaft, and at least one relative coupling device, the at least one relative coupling device cooperates with the first or second coupling device of the first or second type of reel for reversibly fixing the reel on the shaft in another axial direction of the shaft.

[0012] Such a system can use different types of clip reels, such as a clip reel that can store a relatively smaller number of clips and a clip reel that can store a relatively larger number of clips than previous clip reels.

[0013] For example, if a product is to be manufactured continuously in large quantities, a reel can be used which can accommodate a greater number of clips than a reel for "normal" operation, with which the product will be produced in the usual quantity. This significantly reduces the number of times an empty reel needs to be replaced with a full reel, making the entire production process more efficient and reducing the physical strain on the operator. Once this production process has been completed and the product is now only manufactured in small quantities, a reel can be used which, as already explained, can only accommodate a significantly smaller number of clips than a reel storing a large number of clips. The smaller number of clips also reduces weight compared to the first-mentioned reel, which makes the changeover process easier for the operator.

[0014] This advantage is achieved by providing the gripping reel with coupling means which can be located at different positions on the inner side of the gripping reel hub depending on the type of gripping reel and can cooperate with the relative coupling means of the reel retaining means, wherein the relative coupling means and the abutment means of the reel retaining means can be the same for all reels. The abutment means can define an axial position which can be the same for all reels, making it easier for an operator to push the gripping reel onto the gripping retaining means.

[0015] In principle, the axial position of the first and second types of reel discs can also be defined only by the relative coupling means of the reel holding means. In this case, the abutment means can be omitted or the abutment means can be displaced in the axial direction so that they are no longer in contact with the reel disc and can therefore be used for other purposes.

[0016] The clipping machine used in the system may be configured so that the reel holding device can hold only one gripping reel of the first type or of the second type. It is also possible that the reel holding device of the clipping machine can hold two or more reels simultaneously, whereby the following combinations are possible: two or more reels of the first type, two or more reels of the second type or one reel of the first type and at least one reel of the second type and vice versa can be held by the reel holding device. If the reel holding device is capable of holding two gripping reels of the same or different type, it is further advantageous that the gripping reels are arranged side by side on the reel holding device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the distance between the abutment means and the counter-coupling means of the reel holding device may be at least approximately equal to the distance between the front end of the first or second type of reel on the first or second type of reel and the first or second coupling means of the first or second type of reel, so that the reel mounted on the shaft of the reel holding device cannot move in the axial direction of the shaft during operation. This allows the same abutment means and the same counter-coupling means of the reel holding device to be used for different reel types.

[0018] For compatibility with the system, the take-up disc can adopt the relevant dimensions on the system. For axial locking of the take-up disc of the first or second type, the take-up disc can abut on the abutment means on one side while interacting with the counter-coupling means on the other side through the first or second coupling means. The distance between the abutment means and the counter-coupling means can be defined as the locking distance.

[0019] For compatibility with other different types of reel discs, the locking distance between the abutment means and the counter-coupling means may be variable. For example, the shaft may be extendable, such as telescopically extendable, thereby increasing or decreasing the distance between the abutment means and the counter-coupling means.

[0020] The coupling means of the take-up drum may be designed in different ways. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling means of the take-up drum of the first or second type comprises at least one rib extending at least approximately in the circumferential direction for interacting with a counter coupling means of the reel holding device.

[0021] This ensures axial stability of the take-up drum by allowing the mating coupling means to interact with the ribs. This interaction stabilizes the take-up drum, effectively preventing it from tilting and tipping over.

[0022] The first type of take-up disk may have exactly one rib and the second type of take-up disk may have two ribs axially spaced apart relative to each other. It is advantageous if the two ribs are arranged symmetrically relative to a center plane extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the take-up disk. Furthermore, the rib may extend over the entire inner circumferential surface of the hub in an orientation at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the take-up disk. Likewise, the rib may extend along the inner circumferential surface of the hub only in sections.

[0023] The cross-sectional shape of the rib can be designed differently and adapted to the requirements. It is advantageous when at least one portion of the rib, preferably the side wall, extends at least approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal center axis of the take-up drum. Preferably, the rib has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0024] In some embodiments, the counter-coupling means of the shaft of the reel retaining device includes a biasing means so that when a force is applied to the counter-coupling means, the counter-coupling means retracts into the shaft and when no force is applied to the counter-coupling means, the counter-coupling means returns away from the shaft.

[0025] In this way, the reel can be easily attached to and removed from the reel holding device by retracting the counter-coupling device during the steps of mounting and dismounting the corresponding reel. The counter-coupling device may include a tubular shaped body or a cuboid shaped body or other types of bodies. The counter-coupling device may include a flat or non-flat surface at its front end, such as preferably a cone.

[0026] By sliding the clamping disc on the shaft of the reel holding device from the front side, the relative coupling device is retracted into the shaft. When the reel slides, the relative coupling device moves back outside the shaft and locks the reel.

[0027] In another embodiment, the counter-coupling means comprises a plurality of retainer noses, preferably arranged circumferentially.

[0028] By providing a plurality of retainer noses, a reel having a certain degree of circumferentially arranged ribs is made compatible with the reel retaining device by having a plurality of retainer noses to interact with the reel retaining device. Even when there is a gap in the first or second coupling device of the first and / or second type of reel, the plurality of retainer noses ensures that there is always at least one retainer nose to interact with the first or second coupling device.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the reel holding device comprises two shafts, each shaft being for receiving a reel of the first or second type, wherein preferably the two shafts are arranged at least substantially opposite each other.

[0030] Having multiple shafts for holding the pinch reels increases uptime during production even further, since the second pinch reel can be used as a backup pinch reel when the first pinch reel is emptied.

[0031] In the case of two shafts, these shafts can be attached to a common bracket, which is attached to the frame of the clipper so that the bracket extends between the two shafts. Here, the longitudinal axes of the two shafts can be coaxial with each other or form an obtuse angle with each other.

[0032] Utilize the reel holding device, the pinch reel is preferably positioned near the cutting position of the cutting machine, so that the distance between the pinch reel and the cutting position is minimized.By making the pinch reel be positioned substantially opposite to each other, it can be ensured that the pinch reel can not contact each other.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the first and second types of reel drums comprise radially extending outer walls defining a space for the closing means and one of the outer walls abuts against the abutment means of the reel retaining means.

[0034] The outer wall may serve as a housing for the retaining clip. Thus, preferably, the diameter of the outer wall may be greater than the diameter of the corresponding take-up reel hub. Furthermore, the outer wall may abut against the device to axially stabilize the take-up reel during operation. The outer wall may be disc-shaped, square or have any other shape.

[0035] In another embodiment, the outer wall of the take-up disk includes at least one hole, or at least one outer wall is composed of a transparent or translucent material.

[0036] The hole enables the operator to check the loaded clips from all sides of the clip reel.Alternatively or additionally, a transparent outer clip reel wall allows easy inspection of the amount of clips loaded on the clip reel.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second type of reel holds at least 1.5 times the amount of clips as the first type of reel. As previously described, this has the advantage that reels with more clips can be used in the system.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention (second aspect of the present invention), a winding disc for holding a closing device, which is used to make sausage-shaped products, such as sausages, comprises a hub having an inner surface and a longitudinal center axis, and wherein the inner surface of the hub comprises a coupling device, wherein the coupling device is suitable for locking the winding disc on the shaft of the winding disc holding device of the cutting machine by coupling the relative coupling device of the shaft with the coupling device of the winding disc.

[0039] Such a crimping reel is compatible with the system for making sausage-shaped products as previously described.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the take-up drum consists of two halves, which are preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane extending at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the hub, and the hubs are preferably releasably connected to each other to form the take-up drum, wherein at least one latching hook is further preferably used to connect the halves.

[0041] The reel can be made of different materials. If the reel is made of plastic, in particular biodegradable plastic, the reel can be produced by separately molding the two halves of the reel. Afterwards, the halves can be combined to form the final reel. This production method can reduce production costs.

[0042] The locking hook provides a simple mechanism for connecting the two halves. Other mechanisms besides the latching hook are also possible, such as a bayonet mount or internal and external threads.

[0043] In another embodiment, the coupling means of the take-up drum comprise two somewhat circumferentially arranged ribs.

[0044] The two ribs ensure that the clip reel is substantially compatible with the system in both orientations. Whatever the orientation, at least one rib may interact with the counter-coupling means of the reel retaining means.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling means of the take-up disc comprises at least one circumferentially extending groove.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, at least one groove may be used as coupling means for coupling with a counter coupling means. In this respect, the groove may extend completely or partially along the circumferential surface of the hub in an orientation at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the take-up drum. The use of at least one groove provides the advantage of axially stabilizing the take-up drum without having to abut against an abutment means of the reel retaining device.

[0047] The use of one or more grooves on the inner circumferential surface of the hub and, in particular, multiple relative coupling devices on the shaft of the reel holding device of the clipping machine makes it possible to omit the abutment device provided on the reel holding device, thereby allowing engagement of at least one relative coupling device, but advantageously multiple relative coupling devices, to securely fix the clamping reel axially on the shaft.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment, the interaction of the counter-coupling means with the coupling means of the take-up drum comprises a protrusion of the counter-coupling means into a free space defined by the coupling means of the take-up drum.

[0049] This enables the take-up disc to be held on the shaft. The counter-coupling means holds the take-up disc on the track by protruding into the free space defined by the coupling means or the recess of the take-up disc. The interaction may preferably be a form-fitting interaction.

[0050] In some embodiments, the hub includes an outer wall extending radially from the outer surface of the hub to hold the closure device between the outer surface of the hub and the outer wall. By doing so, the outer wall acts as a side barrier to prevent the closure device stored therein from being damaged. Therefore, the assembly consisting of the reel and the closure device is compact and easy to transport.

[0051] In another embodiment, the reel includes at least one space for an item. The item may be, for example, a transponder, an RFID tag, a data storage device, or other items. This may be useful for categorizing the reel by storing reel-specific information or reel-specific information on the item.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the at least one space comprises at least a dielectric covering the object. The dielectric may protect the object from impacts. When such an arrangement of the object is required by an external reading system, the dielectric may be part of the take-up tray.

[0053] In some embodiments, the clip reel can be reversibly attached to the reel holder in a first or second orientation. This ensures that the clip reel can be attached in both directions. In addition, it can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. Since a full reel can be very heavy, this can be advantageous during installation of the clip reel on the system.

[0054] According to another aspect, a first type of take-up disk for holding a closure device comprises a hub having an inner surface and a longitudinal center axis, and wherein the inner surface of the hub comprises coupling means, wherein the coupling means in conjunction with the relative coupling means of the shaft locks the first type of take-up disk to the shaft by coupling the relative coupling means of the shaft with the coupling means of the take-up disk. The coupling means of the first type of take-up disk comprises at least one groove, which is preferably substantially circumferentially centered.

[0055] Other features of the present disclosure applicable to either the first or second type of take-up reel may be combined with this embodiment of the first type of take-up reel, and vice versa.

[0056] Providing a circumferential groove as coupling means is advantageous in that a counter coupling means of the reel retaining means can interact with the groove to lock the reel, similar to a track.

[0057] The gripping reel with the relative coupling means including the groove as described above is compatible with the system in which the reel holding means does not include the abutment means. Therefore, the gripping reel can be mounted on the reel holding means without making the gripping reel abut against the abutment means.

[0058] Features applicable to other systems in the present disclosure are also applicable to systems without abutment means.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the width of the shaft relative to the coupling means is equal to the width of the groove of the take-up disk, so that the take-up disk is locked in both axial directions.

[0060] The closing device stored on the clip reel may be an R-clip. The R-clip comprises a U-shape and may be connected to each other by extensions extending away from the free edge of the U-shape. Typically, several R-clips may form a chain and, due to some flexibility, the chain may be bent into a circle, thereby forming a winding around a central axis. Thus, the R-clip chain may be wound multiple times around the outer surface of the clip reel central hub. In this way, up to 7300 R-clips may be stored on a single clip reel.

[0061] Prior to operation, the reel is loaded with the closure. The free end of the closure chain is then attached to the outwardly facing surface of the hub of the reel between the outer walls. Thereafter, the chain is wound around the hub so that several turns around the hub are achieved. The filled reel is attached to the reel holder. The free end can be used to attach the closure chain to the corresponding cutting machine.

[0062] For operation, regardless of the type, one or more pinch discs are attached to the reel holder. The pinch disc is attached to the corresponding shaft of the reel holder from either side via the pinch disc. The inner diameter of the hub of the pinch disc is usually large enough to fit the outer diameter of the shaft. Once the pinch disc is moved to the operating position on the reel holder, the relative coupling means locks the pinch disc on the shaft by interacting with the first or second coupling means. The pinch disc is now restricted to rotational movement.

[0063] When the cutting process starts, the cutting machine pulls the closure used to close the sausage-shaped product using the die and punch. The closure is thus removed from the chain of closures. For the application of the next closure, the following closure is pulled into place, effectively pulling the chain of closures and as an effect causing the pinch reel to rotate.

[0064] During operation, since the pinch disk can achieve high rotation speeds while holding a large number of closures, the pinch disk may become unstable and slip off the reel holder. The system may also begin to shake or vibrate. Therefore, a good connection (e.g., preferably a tight fit) and resilience against forces in the axial direction of the pinch disk are necessary.

[0065] At a certain point, enough closures have been pulled out of the pinch reel and the end of the closure chain attached to the pinch reel is released from the pinch reel. After this, the empty pinch reel must be replaced by a new pinch reel loaded with closures.

[0066] The reel retaining device may include a plurality of retainer noses. However, it should be noted that a single retainer nose may be sufficient. Furthermore, when the circumferentially extending rib on the inner surface of the inner hub includes at least one gap, one retainer nose on the shaft may also be sufficient when the corresponding shaft rotates with the reel.

[0067] The pinch reel can rotate relative to the reel holder. To rotate, the closure chain is in tension when the clipper pulls another clip from the pinch reel.

[0068] Alternatively, the reel holder can rotate with the attached pinch reel. To this end, the reel holder can include a bearing or a rotary actuator. Coordinated rotation of the reel holder and pinch reel is useful to reduce damage between the reel holder and pinch reel. The rotary actuator can gradually rotate the reel holder with the pinch reel to reduce stress on the closure chain.

[0069] Furthermore, although the ribs preferably have a rectangular cross-section, it should be noted that other types of cross-sections are possible, such as circular cross-sections, pointed, finned, curved, etc.

[0070] The reel may be made of materials such as plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, wood, or other materials such as carbon fiber.

[0071] The clip reel may also consist of a transparent or partly transparent material so that the filling level, ie how many clips are still present on the clip reel, can be seen from the outside.

[0072] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a system for manufacturing sausage-shaped products (such as sausages), which system includes a cutting machine and at least a first type of winding disc and at least a third type or a winding disc of a type different from the first type and / or the second type, or only at least a third type of winding disc, each of the winding discs being configured to receive a plurality of closing devices (such as clips) wound thereon, wherein the first type of winding disc has a hub, the hub has a longitudinal center axis and an inner surface provided with a first coupling device, the first coupling device is arranged at the center of the winding disc relative to the longitudinal center axis, the third type of winding disc has a hub, the hub has a longitudinal center axis and an inner surface provided with the first coupling device, the third coupling device divides the third type of winding disc into a first axial section and a second axial section, wherein the axial length of the first axial section is smaller than the second axial section, and The clipping machine has at least one reel holding device, which is configured to hold at least one reel of the first type or the third type, and comprises: at least one shaft for receiving the reel of the first type or the third type, at least one abutment device, against which the reel of the first or third type mounted on the shaft abuts in the axial direction of the shaft; and at least one relative coupling device, cooperating with the first or third coupling device of the reel of the first or third type, for reversibly fixing the reel on the shaft in the other axial direction of the shaft, wherein the reel of the first type can be fixed to the reel holding device in both longitudinal directions, and wherein the third coupling device of the reel of the third type can only engage the relative coupling device when the first axial section of the reel of the third type is oriented towards the abutment device. In one embodiment, the reel holding device comprises the reel holding device. Preferably, the reel of the third type comprises only the first axial section and the second axial section.

[0073] The term third take-up reel is used to distinguish the take-up reel of the system according to the third aspect of the present invention from the second take-up reel of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention described above in relation to claim 1. Of course, another term, such as an alternative take-up reel or a one-way take-up reel, may be used in place of the term third take-up reel without departing from the core of the present invention.

[0074] The first axial section is preferably defined between a first axial end surface of the third type of take-up disk and the third coupling means in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the hub of the third type of take-up disk (or respectively parallel to the longitudinal center axis). Similarly, the second axial section is defined between the third coupling means and a second axial end surface of the third type of take-up disk opposite to the first axial end surface. The first axial end surface and / or the second axial end surface preferably extend over an abutment diameter of the third take-up disk. The abutment diameter is a diameter of the take-up disk which, when the third type of take-up disk is arranged on at least one axis of the take-up disk, is equal to the diameter of the abutment means of the reel holding device. That is, the first and / or second axial end surface and the abutment means extend at least along the abutment diameter.

[0075] The third type of take-up disc may comprise a surface protruding beyond the first end surface and / or the axial end surface in the axial direction. Preferably, the take-up disc of the third type has its maximum axial length between the first axial end surface and the second axial end surface. Preferably, the first axial section and the second axial section are defined at the same diameter of the take-up disc, wherein the first axial section of the take-up disc of the third type at least partially abuts against the abutment means of the reel retaining means when the take-up disc of the third type is received on the shaft of the reel retaining means.

[0076] The two possible longitudinal orientations of the first gripping disc are different orientations of the gripping disc of the first type relative to its longitudinal center axis. A rotation of the gripping disc about its center axis does not change the longitudinal orientation. Preferably, the center axis of the gripping disc of the first type is parallel, in particular coincident, in both longitudinal orientations, which allows the gripping disc of the first type to be fixed to the reel holding device by engagement of the first coupling means with the counter coupling means. That is, the change from the first preferred longitudinal orientation to the second preferred longitudinal orientation can be achieved by turning the gripping disc of the first type by 180° about an axis perpendicular to its center axis.

[0077] According to a first preferred embodiment of the system of the third aspect of the invention, the third type of take-up drum comprises exactly one third coupling device. Providing exactly one third coupling device can reduce the manufacturing cost of the third type of take-up drum and / or the tooling cost during the manufacturing of the third type of take-up drum.

[0078] Preferably, the third type of take-up disc is symmetrical with respect to a central plane perpendicular to its central axis, except for the third relative coupling means. Since the third relative coupling means divides the third type of take-up disc into two axial sections of different axial lengths, the third type of take-up disc itself is not symmetrical with respect to the central axis. That is, if the third relative coupling means is not provided, the third type of take-up disc will be completely symmetrical with respect to the central plane. Preferably, the body of the third type of take-up disc is symmetrical with respect to the central plane. The third coupling means is provided on the body of the third type of take-up disc, preferably spaced apart from the symmetry plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0079] Preferably, the third type of take-up disc comprises a marking identifying the first axial section or the second axial section. The third type of take-up disc may also comprise two different markings, each marking one of the first axial section and the second axial section. Preferably, the marking is a color marking. The color marking is preferably provided on an outer wall of the third type of take-up disc extending from the hub. The marking may help a user to identify the first axial section, thereby facilitating the assembly of the third type of take-up disc on the reel retaining device. The reel retaining device may comprise a corresponding retaining marking that matches the marking identifying the first axial section.

[0080] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by a winding disc, which is used to hold a closing device for making sausage-shaped products (such as sausages), the winding disc comprising a hub having an inner surface and a longitudinal center axis, and wherein the inner surface of the hub comprises a coupling device, wherein a third coupling device divides a third type of winding disc into a first axial section and a second axial section, wherein the axial length of the first axial section is shorter than the axial length of the second axial section; wherein when the first axial section is oriented away from the free end of the shaft, the coupling device is suitable for locking the winding disc on the shaft of the clamping device by coupling the relative coupling device of the shaft with the coupling device of the winding disc when the first axial section is oriented away from the free end of the shaft.

[0081] It should be understood that the system according to the third aspect of the invention and the take-up reel according to the fourth aspect of the invention may comprise similar and identical embodiments as the system according to the first aspect of the invention and the take-up reel according to the second aspect of the invention. Such embodiments are particularly described in the dependent claims. So far, reference is made to the above description of the above system and take-up reel.

[0082] Other advantages and preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the following listed drawings.Using the correct orientation of the drawings, downstream refers to equipment or objects further to the left, and upstream refers to equipment and objects further to the right. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] Figure 1is an isometric view of a system according to the invention comprising a cutting machine having a reel holding device for holding a first type and / or a second type of reel.

[0084] Figure 2A is an isometric view of a first type of take-up reel.

[0085] Figure 2B is based on Figure 2A Side view of the clamping reel.

[0086] Figure 2C is based on Figure 2A The edge of the reel Figure 2B Cross-sectional view along line BB in FIG.

[0087] Figure 3A is an isometric view of a second type of take-up reel.

[0088] Figure 3B is based on Figure 3A Side view of the clamping reel.

[0089] Figure 3C is based on Figure 3A The edge of the reel Figure 3B Cross-sectional view along line CC in FIG.

[0090] Figure 3D yes Figure 3C An enlarged view of the latch hook shown in FIG.

[0091] Figure 3E is an isometric view of the reel half of a second type of reel.

[0092] Figure 3F is a side view of a reel half according to another embodiment of a reel of the second type.

[0093] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the reel holding device shown in .

[0094] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 The reel holding device shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A cross-sectional view of a first type of take-up reel is shown in FIG.

[0095] Figure 5B yes Figure 4 The reel holding device shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F A cross-sectional view of a second type of take-up reel is shown in FIG.

[0096] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional top view of a reel holding device having a first type of reel and a second type of reel.

[0097] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 3C A cross-sectional view of a third type of take-up reel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] The components of the system 100 for producing sausage-shaped products such as sausages according to the invention are particularly Figures 1 to 3F The system 100 includes Figure 1 The cutting machine CM shown, and at least one Figures 2A to 2C The first type of winding reel 200 shown and / or Figures 3A to 3F A second type of take-up reel 300 is shown.

[0099] The first type of clamping reel 200 and the second type of clamping reel 300 are used to receive a strand or thread of a closing device, such as a closing clip, wherein the strand or thread is formed by a series of consecutive clips for closing a sausage-shaped product by a cutting machine CM. The clip can be an S-shaped clip or an R-shaped clip.

[0100] As will be explained in more detail below, the first type of reel 200 differs from the second type of reel 300 in that the width d measured in the axial direction of the reel 200, 300 has at least substantially the same diameter as the reel wall and the reel hub. Figure 6 As shown, the width d of the first type of reel 200 is smaller than the width d of the second type of reel 300, so that more clips can be wound on the second type of reel 300 compared to the first type of reel 200, while as already mentioned, the diameters of the reel side walls and the reel hub are at least approximately the same for both reels 200, 300.

[0101] like Figure 1 As shown, the cutting machine CM is an automatic sealing / cutting machine, which comprises a sealing unit SU and a cutting unit CU. In the sealing unit SU, a continuous tubular casing is formed in a known manner from a film material wound on a supply roll arranged in the sealing unit SU (not shown), by pulling the film material off the supply roll, passing the film material over a forming shoulder FS and thus forming the film material into a tubular casing (also not shown). With the help of a heat sealing device HS of the sealing unit SU, two adjacent or overlapping longitudinal side edges of the film material formed in the tube are welded together.

[0102] The filling material is filled into the tubular casing thus formed, wherein the filling material is fed into the tubular casing in a feed direction FD via a filling tube FT, which extends substantially horizontally and below and beyond the heat sealing device HS. Via the filling tube FT, the trimmer CM is connected to a filling machine arranged upstream of the trimmer CM, but Figure 1 Not shown.

[0103] Further references Figure 1 , the cutting unit CU of the cutting machine CM is arranged downstream of the sealing unit SU. By means of the cutting unit CU, the downstream end (not shown) of the tubular casing formed in the sealing unit SU and temporarily stored on the filling tube FT downstream of the sealing unit SU is closed with a clamp-like closing device, so that the filling material entering the tubular casing from the filling tube FT in the feed direction FD is pulled out of the tubular casing from the filling tube FT and forms a sausage-shaped product. The filling material can be sausage meat, glue or any other type of flowable material suitable for filling in a tubular casing.

[0104] As soon as the newly filled tubular casing has reached the desired length and / or filling volume, the filling process is briefly interrupted, a braided section without filling material is formed in the filled tubular casing and closed by at least one closing clamp. The sausage-shaped product thus formed is then separated from the remaining casing material temporarily stored on the filling tube FT and the separated sausage-shaped product is discharged from the cutting machine CM via a transport device TM, such as a conveyor belt.

[0105] like Figure 1 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the cutting machine CM designed in a known manner comprises in particular a reel holding device RH arranged on top of the cutting unit CU. Figure 1 It can also be seen in that the reel holding device RH is arranged outside the housing surrounding the cutting unit CU, so that the operator can reach the reel holding device RH without having to open the cutting machine CM or the housing surrounding the cutting unit CU and / or the sealing unit SU.

[0106] Figures 2A to 2C A first type of take-up reel 200 is shown, while Figures 3A to 3F A different embodiment of a second type of take-up reel 300 is shown. Each take-up reel 200, 300 comprises a tubular hub 210, 310 having a respective longitudinal center axis CA1, CA2. Each hub 210, 310 is at least approximately cylindrical and hollow inside so as to be removably mounted and rotatably retained on a reel support device of a reel holding device RH described in further detail below. The dimensions of the outer diameter and inner diameter of the hub 210 are at least approximately the same as the dimensions of the outer diameter and inner diameter of the hub 310.

[0107] Each take-up reel 200, 300 has two disc-shaped outer walls 220a, 220b; 320a, 320b, which are at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis CA1, CA2. The two front end disc-shaped outer walls 220a, 220b; 320a, 320b of the hub 210, 310 are at least substantially identical.

[0108] The space between the outer peripheral surface of the hub 210, 310 and the disc-shaped outer wall 220a, 220b; 320a, 320b of both reel types is used as a storage device for a closing clip (not shown).

[0109] In addition, the disc-shaped outer wall 220a, 220b; 320a, 320b may include at least one hole 224, 324, preferably a plurality of holes, in each outer wall 220a, 220b; 320a, 320b. Having at least one hole 224, 324 in each disc-shaped outer wall 220a, 220b; 320a, 320b provides the advantage of allowing the number of clips on the clip reel 200, 300 to be checked from all sides. Therefore, the amount of clips left on the clip reel 200, 300 can be easily confirmed. In addition, it reduces the weight of the clip reel 200, 300.

[0110] The second type of take-up reel 300 may be composed of two similar halves 302a, 302b, and Figure 3E and 3F Various embodiments of a single half 302b are depicted in FIG. The halves 302a, 302b are then combined into the reel 300. The halves 302a, 302b may be molded or 3D printed, for example. Figure 3D The mechanism for combining the two take-up reel halves 302a, 302b is shown in more detail in FIG.

[0111] As mentioned above, one major difference between the first type of take-up drum 200 and the second type of take-up drum 300 is that the distances d, D between the disk-shaped outer walls 220a, 220b; 320a, 320b, i.e. the widths of the take-up drums 200, 300 measured parallel to the longitudinal center axes CA1, CA2 of the respective take-up drums 200, 300 are different. Figure 2C and 3C or Figure 5A and 5B It can be seen from the comparison that the distance D of the second type of winding disk 300 is greater than the distance d of the first type of winding disk 200.

[0112] A further difference between the first type of take-up drum 200 and the second type of take-up drum 300 is that the first type of take-up drum 200 comprises a first coupling device 240, while the second type of take-up drum 300 comprises a second coupling device 340a, 340b. These first and second coupling devices 240; 340a, 340b are arranged on the respective inner surfaces 212, 312 of the hubs 210, 310.

[0113] The first coupling means 240 of the first type of take-up disc 200 comprises a rib which is preferably arranged at least approximately in the center measured along the longitudinal center axis CA1 of the hub 210. The second coupling means 340a, 340b of the second type of take-up disc 300 comprises two ribs which are preferably arranged at least approximately near the center measured along the longitudinal center axis CA2 of the hub 310. The ribs 340a, 340b may be arranged equidistant from the center of the hub 310.

[0114] These first or second coupling means 240 , 340 a , 340 b therefore differ in type, number and positioning on the inner or outer circumferential surface 212 , 312 of the hub 210 , 310 of the take-up drum 200 , 300 , depending on the take-up drum 200 , 300 —first or second type.

[0115] The first or second coupling means 240, 340a, 340b cooperate with releasable counter coupling means of the reel retaining means RH for releasably retaining the reel 200, 300 on the shaft of the reel retaining means RH, as will be further explained below.

[0116] The rib 240 of the first type of take-up disk 200 provided on the inner circumferential surface 212 of the hub 210 is at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis CA1 and at least substantially completely surrounds the inner circumferential surface 212 of the hub 210. The rib 240 is at least approximately centrally arranged with respect to a width direction of the hub 210 extending parallel to the longitudinal center axis CA1.

[0117] from Figure 2C It can be seen that the rib 240 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, but may have any other cross-sectional shape having a profile protruding from the inner circumferential surface 212 of the hub 210. The rib 240 may have a width in the range of 1 mm to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm, and a height in the range of 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 2.9 mm.

[0118] Reference now Figures 3A to 3F The second type of winding disc 300 includes a second coupling device formed by two ribs 340a, 340b, which are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the hub 310 measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis CA2, thereby defining a groove 342 at least approximately at the center of the hub 310.

[0119] The ribs 340a, 340b extend substantially completely along the inner circumferential surface 312 of the second type take-up disk 300 and are at least approximately perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis CA2. The ribs 340a, 340b are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the hub 310, with respect to the width direction of the hub 310 extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis CA2, so that each rib 340a, 340b has an equal distance from the center of the hub 310 and the outer axial front end of the hub 310.

[0120] The distance between each rib 340a, 340b and the centre of the hub 310 depends inter alia on the width of the hub 310 and the locking distance, which is the distance between the abutment means and the counter coupling means of the reel retaining means RH described in further detail below.

[0121] The ribs 340a, 340b may be designed similarly to the ribs 240, or may have a different design. In particular, they may have a height in the range of 0.3 to 3 mm, preferably in the range of 2 to 2.9 mm, and a width in the range of 1 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 2 to 6 mm.

[0122] The width of the groove 342 may be in the range of 16 to 30 mm, preferably in the range of 21 to 23 mm.

[0123] from Figure 3C As can be seen in the figure, the two ribs 340a, 340b also have a rectangular cross section with the same cross-sectional area size relative to each other. However, the cross-sectional area of ​​both ribs 340a, 340b may be smaller than the cross-sectional area size of the rib 240 of the first type of take-up disk 200.

[0124] Figure 3B 3 is a side view of a second type of take-up disc 300 according to the present invention. As depicted, only one disc-shaped outer wall 320b is visible, while the other disc-shaped outer wall 320b is hidden behind. Similarly, only one rib 340a is visible. Figure 3B The ribs 340a, 340b shown do not need to extend completely in the circumferential direction. However, although they may be interrupted by gaps, they may also include no gaps or a plurality of gaps.

[0125] Additionally, the holes 324 in the disc-shaped outer walls 320a, 320b are also depicted as being arranged at equal angular offsets, although other offsets are possible.

[0126] Figure 3C yes Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of a second type of take-up disc 300 along line CC is depicted in FIG. In this cross-sectional view, a disc-shaped outer wall 320 b is depicted on the right side.

[0127] The second type of chuck reel 300 is composed of two chuck reel halves 302a, 302b, one of which is Figure 3E and 3F In addition, Figure 3C As shown, the ribs 340a, 340b and the groove 342 are depicted in the center. The ribs 340a, 340b are centrally located with the same offset as the center of the groove 342. They extend at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis CA2 of the inner hub 310.

[0128] exist Figure 3D It is shown in Figure 3C Magnified view of the details indicated by the circles depicted.

[0129] The second type of take-up disc 300 may include at least one latch hook 350 to connect the two halves 302a, 302b of the second type of take-up disc 300. The latch hook 350 is generally disposed circumferentially adjacent to the hub 310 of the second type of take-up disc 300. To combine the two halves 302a, 302b, they are pressed together until the latch hook 350 latches in all positions. For latching, the other half 302a, 302b includes a latch groove or hole into which the latch hook 350 may extend.

[0130] Furthermore, the take-up reel 300 may be made from a single piece or multiple pieces.

[0131] Figure 3E A first half 302a of a second type of take-up disc 300 is depicted. The first half 302a of the second type of take-up disc 300 may be combined with a corresponding second half 302b of a second type of take-up disc 300 (not shown).

[0132] Figure 3F FIG. 3 is a front view of a take-up tray half 302b of another embodiment of the second type of take-up tray 300 having a hub 310, a longitudinal center axis CA2, and a disk-shaped outer wall 320b. The take-up tray half 302b also includes a space 316 for items disposed radially outside the hub 310.

[0133] The space 316 between the outer surface of the hub 310 and the second circumferential wall can be filled with a dielectric. The dielectric can cover or surround the item. The item can be, for example, a transponder, an RFID tag, a data storage device or other items. The dielectric protects the items in the space 316 from destructive effects on signal transmission that may be caused by the reel holding device RH or the closing device arranged on the second circumferential wall.

[0134] The width of the space 316 may be in the range of 3 to 30 mm, preferably in the range of 8 to 14 mm.

[0135] The space 316 may be arranged radially offset from the inner hub 310 or not. The radial offset is in the range of 1 to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 2 to 4 mm.

[0136] The space 316 may be arranged to be sandwiched on the hub 310 in a double-walled manner between an outer surface of the hub 310 and a second circumferential wall further radially outward of the outer surface of the hub 310 .

[0137] Furthermore, because the space 316 is surrounded by two walls, the space 316 is protected from physical damage and / or manipulation.

[0138] like Figures 3A to 3F As shown, although the holes 324 can have different sizes and shapes, they can also have the same size and shape. In addition, the holes 324 can be evenly or unevenly arranged.

[0139] Figure 4 A reel holding device RH for holding a first and / or second type of reel 200, 300 is depicted. The reel holding device RH comprises at least one shaft 410 having a central axis CA3, an intermediate portion 420 and a column or bracket 430. Figure 4 , two shafts 410 having two central axes CA3, CA4 are shown.

[0140] Each shaft 410 is rotatable about a shaft 414 having a central axis CA3, CA4, so that the take-up disks 200, 300 (not shown) are rotatable together with the shaft 410 about the shaft 414 and the central axis CA3, CA4. However, the take-up disks 200, 300 may also rotate relative to the shaft 410.

[0141] The shaft 410 includes an abutment 416 for limiting axial movement of the take-up disk 200 , 300 in a direction toward the inclined side surfaces 420 a , 420 b and / or for stabilizing the take-up disk 200 , 300 .

[0142] In addition, each shaft 410 includes an end cap 460 ( Figure 4 Only one end cap 460 is shown in the figure. The end cap 460 may include a groove surface for better clamping. Generally, the end cap 460 is used to fasten the shaft 410 to the middle part 420 via a torque mechanism by rotating the end cap 460 in opposite or equal directions. The end cap 460 can be used to set the rotation resistance of each corresponding shaft 410. The end cap 460 can be tightened by rotation, thereby increasing or decreasing the rotation resistance of the corresponding shaft 410.

[0143] The middle portion 420 may include two inclined side surfaces 420a, 420b that are at least substantially perpendicular to the respective central axes CA3, CA4 (see Figures 4 to 6) extends so that the central axes CA3, CA4 of the attached shaft 410 are inclined to each other at an obtuse angle, which can be in the range of 163° to 180°, preferably in the range of 165° to 172°, and more preferably in the range of 169° to 171°.

[0144] The middle portion 420 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, or carbon.

[0145] The central axes CA3 and CA4 may also be parallel, such that the side surfaces 420a, 420b are not inclined relative to each other but are parallel.

[0146] The post 430 is used to attach the reel holding device RH to the cutting machine CM. To this end, the post 430 is fixed to the middle part 420 via bolts 436 or other attachment means, such as Figure 5A and 5B The post 430 includes a hole 434 for interlocking with the middle portion 420, and the post 430 is inserted into the radial surface of the middle portion 420 and fixed with, for example, a pin 438. The pin 438 is inserted into another hole on the axial surface of the middle portion 420 and extends into a corresponding hole of the post 430. In addition, the post 430 may include a notch 432 located on a side facing away from the middle portion 420.

[0147] Securely mounting the reel 200 , 300 to the reel retaining device RH also includes a number of opposing coupling means 440 located at the outer surface 412 of the shaft 410 , such as at least one, and preferably a number of radially extending retainer noses 440 .

[0148] refer to Figure 4 and 5A , the retainer nose 440 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the central axis CA3 of the shaft 410 at the outer surface 412 of the shaft 410. The retainer nose 440 protrudes radially outward from the outer radial surface of the shaft 410. Figure 5A As shown, the retainer nose 440 includes a cylindrical body with at least one rounded end 442, preferably a conical or frustoconical shape. However, other shapes are also possible. The length of the retainer nose 440 can be in the range of 1 to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 mm.

[0149] The retainer nose 440 is oriented so that the rounded tip extends radially away from the outer surface 412 of the shaft 410. To interact with the take-up discs 200, 300, the retainer nose 440 releasably locks the take-up discs 200, 300 in place by abutting the first or second coupling means 240, 340a, 340b and the abutment means of the first type 200 and second type 300 of the take-up discs.

[0150] The resiliency of the pinch disk 200, 300 and / or the sliding of the pinch disk 200, 300 over the rounded end of the retainer nose 440 may urge the pinch disk 200, 300 into position.

[0151] The retainer nose 440 may also include a biasing device, such as a spring or a spring bearing, so that when the take-up disk 200, 300 is moved parallel to the outer surface 412 and the central axis CA3 of the shaft 410, the retainer nose 440 is retracted into the shaft 410. Then, the retainer nose 440 is pushed radially inward by the first or second coupling device 240; 340a, 340b of the take-up disk 200, 300. Reversibly, when the take-up disk 200, 300 is removed, the retainer nose 440 may be retracted due to the biasing device or the elasticity of the take-up disk 200, 300 and the take-up disk 200, 300 may be removed.

[0152] The ribs 340a, 340b of the second type of take-up drum 300 or the ribs 240 of the first type of take-up drum 200 are used to interlock with the counter-coupling means 440 of the reel retaining means RH.

[0153] The first or second type of take-up disk 200, 300 is restricted from moving in the axial direction and can only rotate in the circumferential direction by interlocking the relative coupling means 440 with the ribs 340a, 340b or the ribs 240 or the grooves 342. The first or second type of take-up disk 200, 300 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0154] Furthermore, since the ribs 340a, 340b are located at the same distance from the center of the hub 310, the second type reel 300 may be approximately symmetrical and may therefore be mounted on the reel holder RH in two orientations, meaning that the second type reel 300 is rotated 180° around the radial axis.

[0155] The first type of take-up disc 200 preferably has a centrally located rib and thus may also be approximately symmetrical. However, if the first type of take-up disc 200 comprises a groove instead of a rib, the groove may also be displaced from the center of the hub.

[0156] Further references Figures 4 to 6 , the reel holding device RH can hold different types of reels 200, 300. In addition to the matching diameters of the hubs 210, 310 of the reels 200, 300, the aspect in which the reel holding device RH can mount different types of reels 200, 300 and stabilize them in the axial direction is the locking distance.

[0157] The distance between the abutment means 416 and the counter coupling means 440 is defined as the so-called locking distance. For the reel 200, 300 to be compatible with the reel holding device RH, the reel 200, 300 must have the first or second coupling means 240, 340a, 340b approximately at a distance equal to the locking distance from the outer edge of the hub 210, 310. The locking distance may be in the range of 20 to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 28 to 33 mm, even more preferably in the range of 30 to 31 mm.

[0158] The first type of take-up disc 200 has a first coupling device 240 located generally in the center of the hub 210. Thus, the overall width of the first type of take-up disc 200 is defined by the width of the first coupling device 240 and twice the locking distance.

[0159] The second type of take-up disc 300 has second coupling means 340a, 340b located generally near the center of the hub 310. That is, the distance between the outer edge of the hub 310 and the edge of the second coupling means 340a, 340b is equal to the locking distance. For example, the width of the second type of take-up disc 300 is then defined by twice the locking distance plus an additional width.

[0160] The second type of take-up disk 300 can be held in place by sliding the retainer nose 440 into the groove 342 defined by the ribs 340a, 340b. The retainer nose 440 then abuts one or both of each rib 340a, 340b.

[0161] Alternatively, the second coupling means 340a, 340b may also consist of a groove 342 instead of two ribs 340a, 340b. The retainer nose 440 then extends into the groove 342 and abuts against two axially oriented edges defined by the groove 342. The second type of take-up disc 300 is then axially locked.

[0162] The ribs 340a, 340b are disposed on two planes at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis CA2 in the hub 310 of the second type of take-up disk 300 adjacent the center of the hub 310. This allows the second type of take-up disk 300 to be mounted in two orientations.

[0163] Figure 5A and 5B A cross-sectional view of a reel holding device RH is depicted having a middle portion 420 with respective first and second type reel 200, 300 releasably attached thereto. Figure 5A A first type of reel 200 is shown including a rim, wherein Figure 5B Depicted with Figure 5AThe same reel holding device RH is shown, except that a second type of gripping reel 300 is installed instead of the first type of gripping reel 200.

[0164] from Figure 5B It can be inferred that the width D of the second type of take-up disc 300 is greater than the width d of the first type of take-up disc 200, thereby providing more space between the outer disc-shaped walls 320a, 320b for loading a larger number of closing devices.

[0165] Another difference of the second type of reel 300 with respect to the first type of reel 200 is that the disc-shaped outer wall 320a located closer to the middle portion 420 is located on the abutment means 416 of the reel retaining means RH. Thus, the available space defined by the rim width D is further increased.

[0166] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view from above of a reel holding device RH as previously described is shown, which reel holding device RH has a middle part 420, two shafts 410 with relative coupling means 440 and end caps 460. Furthermore, the shaft 410 holds a first and a second type of take-up reel 200, 300. The first type of take-up reel 200 is held on the shaft 410 on the left side, while the second type of larger take-up reel 300 is held on the shaft 410 on the right side.

[0167] The shafts 414 oriented parallel to the central axes CA3, CA4 are arranged at an obtuse angle to each other and perpendicular to the respective inclined side surfaces 420a, 420b of the intermediate portion 420. Thus, the take-up reels 200, 300 are also oriented at an obtuse angle to each other.

[0168] from Figure 6 It can further be seen that the second type of take-up disc 300 protrudes beyond the outer axial end of the shaft 410. It should also be noted that Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, the second type of take-up disc 300 may also include only one eccentric rib 340a as the second coupling means instead of two ribs 340a, 340b.

[0169] Figure 7 1 and 2 show a cross-sectional view of a third type of take-up reel 500. In addition to the position of the third coupling device 540 on the third type of take-up reel 500, the side view and the isometric view of the third type of take-up reel 500 may be respectively similar to those of FIG. Figure 3A and 3BThe third type of take-up disc 500 comprises a hub 510 having a longitudinal center axis CA5. Similar to the second type of take-up disc 300, the third coupling device 540 of the third type of take-up disc 500 is arranged on the inner surface 512 of the hub 510. The trimming machine CM of the system 100 for manufacturing sausage-shaped products including the third type of take-up disc 500 can be formed as Figure 1 The clipping machines CM shown are similar or identical.Such a system 100 may also include a first type of pinch reel 200 and / or a second type of pinch reel 300 .

[0170] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the third type of take-up disc 500 comprises exactly one third counter-coupling means 540. The third coupling means 540 is here formed by a rib 541 extending from the inner surface 512 of the hub 540 towards the centre axis CA5 of the third type of take-up disc 500. However, the third counter-coupling means 540 may also be formed by a groove or in any other suitable manner.

[0171] The body 550 of the third type of take-up reel 500 is symmetrical relative to a central plane or symmetry plane P perpendicular to the central axis CA5. The third counter-coupling device 540 is disposed on the inner surface 512 at a position spaced apart from the symmetry plane P along the central axis CA5. Therefore, except for the third counter-coupling device 540, the third type of take-up reel 500 is symmetrical relative to the central plane P.

[0172] The third counter-coupling device 540 divides the first type of take-up disk 500 into a first axial section 561 and a second axial section 562. The first axial section 561 and the second axial section 562 extend along the center axis CA5 of the third type of take-up disk 500. The first axial section 561 has a first axial length L1 along the center axis CA5, and the second axial section 562 has a corresponding second axial length L2 along the center axis CA5.

[0173] The first axial length L1 of the first axial section 561 is measured between the first axial end surface 571 of the third type of take-up disc 500 and the third coupling device 540. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment of the third type of take-up disc 500, the first axial end surface 571 is the outer surface of the first outer wall 521 of the take-up disc 500. The second axial length L2 of the second axial section 562 is measured between the second axial end surface 572 of the third type of take-up disc 500 and the third coupling device 540. Similar to the first axial end surface 571, the second axial end surface 572 of the third type of take-up disc 500 is formed by the outer wall 522 of the take-up disc 500.

[0174] The first axial length L1 of the first axial section 561 is shorter than the second axial length L2 of the second axial section 562. The third type of take-up reel 500 can be mounted on the shaft 410 in two possible orientations. However, engagement of the third coupling means 540 with the counter coupling means 440 of the reel holder RH is only possible in one axial orientation of the third type of take-up reel 500.

[0175] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the third coupling means 540 of the third type of reel 500 can engage the counter coupling means 440 of the reel holding device RH if the first axial section 561 is oriented toward the abutment means 416, in particular when the first outer wall 521 abuts the means 461. The first axial length L1 is preferably substantially equal to the locking distance measured between the abutment means 416 and the counter coupling means 440 along the shaft center axis CA3 or CA4.

[0176] The third type of take-up reel 500 may include indicia 580. Figure 7 In an embodiment of the present invention, the marking 580 is formed by or is part of the first outer wall 521, which has a different color than the second outer wall 522 of the reel 500 of the third type, for example.

[0177] Reference numerals

[0178] CA1 Longitudinal center axis of the first type of coiling disc

[0179] CA2 The longitudinal center axis of the second type of coiling disc

[0180] The central axis of CA3 axis

[0181] CA 4 axis center axis

[0182] CU Cutting Unit

[0183] CM cutting machine

[0184] FD Feed direction

[0185] FS Formed Shoulder

[0186] FT Filling Tube

[0187] HS Heat Sealing Equipment

[0188] L1 First axial length

[0189] L2 Second axial length

[0190] P Symmetry plane / center plane

[0191] RH Reel Holder

[0192] SU sealing unit

[0193] TM Transport Device

[0194] 100 Systems

[0195] 200 Type 1 reel

[0196] 210 Hub

[0197] 212 Hub inner surface

[0198] 220a disc-shaped outer wall

[0199] 220b Disc-shaped outer wall

[0200] 224 holes

[0201] 240 Ribs

[0202] 300 Type II reel

[0203] 302a The first half of the second type of coiling disc

[0204] 302b The second half of the second type of reel

[0205] 310 Hub

[0206] 312 Hub inner surface

[0207] 316 Space

[0208] 320a Disc-shaped outer wall

[0209] 320b Disc-shaped outer wall

[0210] 324 holes

[0211] 340a Rib

[0212] 340b Rib

[0213] 342 Grooves

[0214] 350 Hook

[0215] 410 Axis

[0216] 412 Outer surface of shaft

[0217] 414 Axis

[0218] 416 Abutment device

[0219] 420 middle part

[0220] 420a Inclined side surface

[0221] 420b Sloped side surface

[0222] 430 columns

[0223] 432 Notch

[0224] 434 holes

[0225] 436 Bolt

[0226] 438 Pins

[0227] 440 Gripper Nose

[0228] 442 Round End

[0229] 460 End Cap

[0230] 500 Type III reel

[0231] 510 Hub of the third type of reel

[0232] 512 Inner surface of the third type of coiling disc

[0233] 521 The first outer wall of the third type of coiling disc

[0234] 522 The second outer wall of the third type of coiling disc

[0235] 540 Third connection device

[0236] 541 Rib forming the third coupling means

[0237] 550 The main body of the third type of clamping reel

[0238] 561 The first axial section of the third type of winding disc

[0239] 562 The second axial section of the third type of winding disc

[0240] 571 The first axial end surface of the third type of winding disk

[0241] 572 The second axial end surface of the third type of winding disk

[0242] 580 Mark

Claims

1. A system (100) for manufacturing a sausage-shaped product such as a sausage, the system (100) comprising a cutting machine (CM) and at least one first type of winding disc (200) and at least one second type of winding disc (300), or only at least one second type of winding disc (300), each of the first type of winding disc (200) and the second type of winding disc (300) being configured to receive a plurality of closing devices such as clips wound thereon, in, The first type of take-up drum (200) has a hub (210) with a longitudinal center axis (CA1) and an inner surface (212), the inner surface (212) being provided with a first coupling device (240), the first coupling device (240) being arranged at least approximately in the center of the take-up drum (200) relative to the longitudinal center axis (CA1); wherein the second type of take-up disc (300) has a hub (310) with a longitudinal center axis (CA1) and an inner surface (212), the inner surface (312) being provided with second coupling means (340a, 340b), the second coupling means (340a, 340b) being arranged at least near the center of the take-up disc (200) relative to the longitudinal center axis (CA2); The cutting machine (CM) has at least one reel holding device (RH), which is configured to hold at least one reel (200) of the first type or the reel (300) of the second type, and comprises: at least one shaft (410) for receiving the first type of take-up reel (200) or the second type of take-up reel (300), at least one abutment device (416), the first type of take-up disk (200) or the second type of take-up disk (300) mounted on the shaft (410) abutting against the at least one abutment device (416) in an axial direction of the shaft (410), and At least one relative coupling device (440) cooperates with the first coupling device or the second coupling device (240, 340a, 340b) of the first type of winding disc (200) or the second type of winding disc (300) to reversibly fix the winding disc (200, 300) on the shaft (410) in another axial direction of the shaft (410).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, in, The distance between the abutment device (412) and the relative coupling device (440) of the reel holding device (RH) is at least approximately equal to the distance between the front end of the first type of reel (200) or the second type of reel (300) and the first or second coupling device (240, 340a, 340b) of the first type of reel (200) or the second type of reel (300), so that the reel (200, 300) mounted on the shaft (410) of the reel holding device (RH) cannot move in the axial direction of the shaft (410) during operation.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, in, The coupling means (240, 340a, 340b) of the first type of reel (200) or the second type of reel (300) comprises at least one rib (240, 340a, 340b), the at least one rib (240, 340a, 340b) extending at least approximately in a circumferential direction for interacting with the counter coupling means (440) of the reel holding means (RH).

4. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The relative coupling device (440) of the shaft (410) includes a biasing device so that when a force is applied to the relative coupling device (440), the relative coupling device (440) retracts into the shaft (410), and when no force is applied to the relative coupling device (440), the relative coupling device (440) returns away from the shaft (410).

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The counter-coupling means (440) comprises a plurality of retainer noses, which are preferably arranged circumferentially.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The reel holding device (RH) comprises two shafts (410), each shaft (410) being adapted to receive a reel (200) of the first type or a reel (300) of the second type, wherein preferably the two shafts (410) are at least substantially arranged opposite each other.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first type of winding drum (200) or the second type of winding drum (300) comprises radially extending outer walls (220a, 220b, 320a, 320b), which define a space for the closing device and wherein one outer wall (220a, 220b, 320a, 320b) abuts the abutment device (416) of the reel holding device (RH).

8. A coiling disc (300) for holding a closure device for making a sausage-shaped product such as a sausage, the coiling disc comprising a hub (310) having an inner surface (312) and a longitudinal center axis (CA2), and in, The inner surface of the hub (310) comprises coupling means (340a, 340b), wherein the coupling means (340a, 340b) are adapted to lock the take-up drum (300) to the shaft (410) of a reel holding device (RH) of a cutting machine (CM) together with the relative coupling means (440) of the shaft (410) by coupling the relative coupling means (440) of the shaft (410) with the coupling means (340a, 340b) of the take-up drum (300).

9. The winding reel (300) according to claim 8, in, The take-up drum (300) is composed of two halves (302a, 302b), which are preferably symmetrical relative to a plane extending at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis (CA2) of the hub (310), and the halves (302a, 302b) are preferably releasably connected to each other to form the take-up drum (300), wherein at least one latch hook (350) is further preferably used to connect the halves (302a, 302b).

10. The winding reel (300) according to claim 8 or 9, in, The coupling means (340a, 340b) of the take-up disc (300) comprises two ribs arranged somewhat circumferentially.

11. The winding reel (300) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, in, The coupling means (340a, 340b) of the take-up disc (300) comprises at least one groove (342), which is preferably substantially circumferentially centered.

12. The winding reel (300) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, in, The interaction of the counter-coupling means (440) with the coupling means (340a, 340b) of the take-up disc (300) comprises the protrusion of the counter-coupling means (440) into the free space defined by the coupling means (340a, 340b) of the take-up disc (300).

13. The winding reel (200) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, The hub (310) includes an outer wall (320a, 320b) extending radially from an outer surface of the hub (310) to hold a closure device between the outer surface of the hub (310) and the outer wall (320a, 320b).

14. The take-up reel (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, in, The take-up tray (300) includes at least one space (316) for an article.

15. The winding reel (300) according to claim 14, in, The at least one space (316) includes at least a dielectric covering the article.

16. A system (100) for manufacturing a sausage-shaped product such as a sausage, the system (100) comprising a cutting machine (CM) and at least one first type of gripper reel (200) and at least one third type of gripper reel (500), or only at least one third type of gripper reel (500), each of the first type of gripper reel (200) and the third type of gripper reel (500) being configured to receive a plurality of closing devices such as clips wound thereon, in, The first type of take-up reel (200) has a hub (210) having a longitudinal center axis (CA1) and an inner surface (212), the inner surface (212) being provided with a first coupling device (240), the first coupling device (240) being arranged at the center of the take-up reel (200) relative to the longitudinal center axis (CA1); wherein the third type of take-up disk (500) comprises a hub (510) having a longitudinal center axis (CA5) and an inner surface (512) provided with a third coupling device (540), wherein the third coupling device (540) divides the third type of take-up disk (500) into a first axial section (561) and a second axial section (562), wherein an axial length (L1) of the first axial section (561) is shorter than an axial length (L2) of the second axial section (562); The cutting machine (CM) has at least one reel holding device (RH), which is configured to hold at least one reel (200) of the first type or the reel (500) of the third type, and comprises: at least one shaft (410) for receiving the first type of take-up reel (200) or the third type of take-up reel (500), at least one abutment device (416), the first type of take-up disk (200) or the third type of take-up disk (500) mounted on the shaft (410) abutting against the at least one abutment device (416) in the axial direction of the shaft (410), and At least one relative coupling means (440) cooperating with the first coupling means (240) or the third coupling means (540) of the first type of winding disc (200) or the third type of winding disc (500) for reversibly fixing the winding disc (200, 500) on the shaft (410) in another axial direction of the shaft (410), wherein the first type of winding disc (200) is fixable to the reel retaining means (RH) in two longitudinal orientations, and wherein the third coupling means (540) of the third type of winding disc (500) is only capable of engaging the relative coupling means (440) when the first axial section (561) of the third type of winding disc (500) is oriented towards the abutment means (522) of the reel retaining means (416).

17. The system (100) of claim 16, wherein: The third type of take-up reel (500) comprises exactly one third coupling device (540).

18. The system (100) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: Apart from said third relative coupling means (540), said third type of take-up disc (500) is symmetrical with respect to a central plane (P) perpendicular to its central axis (CA5).

19. The system (100) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein: The third type of take-up disc (500) comprises a mark (580) identifying the first axial segment (561) or the second axial segment (562), wherein the mark (580) is preferably a color mark, and the color mark is preferably arranged on the outer wall (521, 522) of the third type of take-up disc (500) extending from the hub (510).

20. A crimping disc (500) for holding a closure device for making a sausage-shaped product such as a sausage, the crimping disc comprising a hub (510) having an inner surface (512) and a longitudinal center axis (CA5), and in, The inner surface of the hub (510) includes a coupling device (540), wherein the coupling device (540) divides the take-up disk (500) into a first axial section (561) and a second axial section (562), wherein an axial length (L1) of the first axial section (561) is shorter than an axial length (L2) of the second axial section (562); wherein when the first axial section (561) is oriented away from the free end of the shaft (410), the coupling device (540) is suitable for locking the take-up disk (300) to the shaft (410) of the reel holding device (RH) of the cutting machine (CM) by coupling the relative coupling device (440) of the shaft (410) with the coupling device (540) of the take-up disk (500), together with the relative coupling device (440) of the shaft (410).

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