Filling machine and method for radial calibration of nozzle

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling machine and a method for filling food products, in particular for the production of sausages, having a nozzle for discharging the food products; and a support device for supporting, in particular rotatably supporting, the orifice about the longitudinal axis L. The device for radially calibrating a bent orifice has a movable bending element which can bend and calibrate the orifice at least in sections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a filling machine for filling food products and a method for radially aligning a spout according to the preambles of claims 1 and 12. Background Art

[0002] Filling machines for filling food have a filling tube for discharging the food. In industrial food processing, in particular in the production of sausages, automatic filling machines operated by an operator are usually used. In these automatic filling machines, the nozzle, for example a fixed filling tube or a driven twist-off nozzle for holding sausage casings and discharging pasty substances into the sausage casings, is not completely straight during use, but is bent. For example, the nozzle is a 500 mm long tube, wherein the diameter ranges from 8 to 28 mm and the wall thickness ranges from 0.35 to 1.5 mm. The bending of the nozzle is caused by improper transportation, improper cleaning, improper storage and incorrect use of casing spoolers.

[0003] The nozzles must be long because the longer they are, the more shirred sausage casings can be drawn, so that there are fewer interruptions in production, ie changes of casings.

[0004] In practice, bent nozzles can cause the following problems:

[0005] 1. When pulling in a new casing bead, the casing bead may be damaged. When the nozzle is retracted into the casing brake after pulling in a new sausage casing, if the nozzle does not enter the casing brake but collides with, for example, an adjusting screw, considerable damage may occur.

[0006] 2. When the tube mouth is immersed in the casing brake, the sausage casing, the tube mouth or the casing brake may be damaged.

[0007] 3. Casing bursts may occur during production. In practice, bent nozzles lead to an increase in production errors, i.e. casing bursts. This is because the pretensioning of the casing brake acts unevenly on the nozzle due to the bend. In addition, in individual cases, penetration of foreign air may occur due to the bent nozzle.

[0008] 4. Bent nozzles may also cause safety issues if they exceed a certain curvature. These bent nozzles may be severely deflected or bent at high speeds, which may cause damage or pose a danger to the operator.

[0009] 5. But even in the case of a fixed nozzle or filling tube which is mounted in a non-rotatable manner, bending can lead to problems of incorrect alignment of the nozzle and thus of the downstream unit (eg a shear).

[0010] In the prior art, attempts were made to recalibrate the nozzle manually. However, the results were unsatisfactory, non-reproducible, and largely dependent on the operator's skill and quality standards. The smaller the nozzle diameter, the greater the deflection required and the more difficult it is to calibrate reliably. The larger the diameter of the kink nozzle, the greater the force the operator needs to apply.

[0011] Centering devices for the tube mouth for drawing in new sausage casings have already been proposed, so that the sausage casing can be pushed onto the tube mouth without being damaged (see, for example, EP 2 745 698). However, this centering has only a temporary effect while the sausage casing is being drawn in, and therefore has no permanent straightening function after the centering device is released. This means, however, that even if the tube mouth has been centered during the drawing in of the casing, the problem still exists when the casing sinks into the casing brake. Here, centering by mechanical force guidance is no longer possible, because the casing has already been drawn in and is arranged between the tube mouth and a possible centering device. Summary of the invention

[0012] On this basis, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved filling machine and an improved method which avoid the problems of nozzles with the above-mentioned bends.

[0013] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 12 .

[0014] According to the invention, a filling machine for filling food, in particular for sausage production, has a spout for discharging food. A corresponding spout, for example a twisted spout, is used to discharge the food, for example, into sausage casings pleated on the spout. The term spout also includes fixed filling tubes. The filling machine also has a support device for supporting the spout, in particular for supporting it rotatably about a longitudinal axis L.

[0015] According to the invention, the filling machine has a device for radially calibrating a curved nozzle relative to the longitudinal axis. If the nozzle is curved, the center axis no longer lies in a straight line, so that, for example, when the nozzle is rotated about its center axis to twist individual sausage portions, concentricity deviations may occur. The device for radially calibrating a curved nozzle has a movable bending element which can bend and realign the nozzle at least in sections so that the center axis M of the nozzle can thus extend substantially along the longitudinal axis L.

[0016] This enables, for example, the nozzle, on which the sausage casing has been tucked, to sink into the casing brake without damaging the nozzle, the casing brake or the sausage casing. This effectively prevents casing bursts and other production errors. Correct calibration also enables the pretensioning to act evenly on the nozzle via the casing brake. The ingress of outside air is also prevented. This means that the filler can be operated safely even at high speeds, as there are no serious deflections or dangers to the operator.

[0017] Advantages also arise when pulling the sausage casing onto the nozzle, since it can be precisely centered and the sausage casing can be pulled without being damaged. The integration of the bending element into the filling machine makes this process easier for the operator and reduces training time. In particular, automatic straightening is also possible when changing products and thus nozzles. Overall, this results in reproducible product quality and high line utilization due to fewer production interruptions. In addition, time is saved, especially in the case of rotary machines with multiple nozzles used alternately.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the bending element can be moved at an angle to the longitudinal axis, in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, in order to bend the nozzle at least in sections. Advantageously, the bending element is movable perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The nozzle can be bent against a curvature by the bending element, in particular a bending punch. "Angled" in particular means an angle of 90°±5° to the longitudinal axis L. This enables the bending element to bend the nozzle against a curvature. Due to the deflection of the nozzle, the effective angle between the bending element and the center axis M may change dynamically.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the bending element is designed as a bending pestle, for example in the form of a pressure cylinder. The bending element can be driven electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the bending rod preferably has a recess at its end region facing the pipe mouth, in particular a substantially V-shaped, U-shaped or C-shaped recess, so that the pipe mouth is located in the recess and is centered and guided during bending. Due to the special design of the end region, the pipe mouth can rest firmly in the recess during the bending process, for example without moving out of position.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the nozzle can be bent such that at least in the end region of the nozzle facing away from the support device, the center axis of the nozzle extends along the longitudinal axis. If the nozzle is correctly aligned at least in the end region, for example in the last 3 cm or 4 cm of the nozzle, the nozzle can be inserted into the casing brake without being damaged. The feature that the center axis M of the nozzle extends substantially along the longitudinal axis means that the center axis coincides with the longitudinal axis, or the axis has only a slight deviation of 0 mm to 3 mm, or the concentricity deviation in the end region is within the tolerance range a≤0.5 mm, preferably within the range a≤0.3 mm.

[0022] According to the invention, if the filling machine has a casing brake in which the nozzle is held in the filling position, the longitudinal axis L can extend between the support device and the casing brake, wherein the center axis M of the filling tube extends along the longitudinal axis L at least in the end region of the nozzle facing away from the support device.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the bending element can be arranged to move back and forth along an axis parallel to or inclined to the longitudinal axis L, i.e. manually or via a corresponding drive, such as a motor. This enables the nozzle to be bent at a specified point along the longitudinal axis. If it is necessary to continuously correct the filling tube along the longitudinal axis, this can be achieved via a corresponding drive in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In addition, the bending element can be retracted into a static position that does not interfere with normal operation. For example, this can be achieved by radially lifting relative to the nozzle (e.g., lifting approximately 50 mm).

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the device for radially calibrating a curved pipe opening can have a sensor which can measure, in particular, concentricity deviations.

[0025] The sensor can be a sensor for measuring the position of the outer wall of the nozzle, in particular a distance meter and / or is configured to measure the diameter of the nozzle (for example using a light strip). The target position of the nozzle wall can be determined based on the measured nozzle diameter. However, a nominal value for the nozzle diameter can also be input via the machine control. For example, by inputting an actual value for the nozzle diameter, it can be compared again with the measured position of the outer wall of the nozzle to determine the concentricity deviation.

[0026] The diameter of the tube mouth and the degree of deflection or concentricity deviation can also be determined from the rotation-related force absorption of the bending element and calculated by the machine control system, provided that it is measurement-related provisioned for this (e.g. force sensors, strain gauges or measurement of the drive current for the electric motor).

[0027] Advantageously, the sensor is arranged to move back and forth along an axis parallel to or inclined to the longitudinal axis L, so that measurements can be taken in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. Advantageously, the sensor can be moved back and forth together with the bending element, for example if the sensor is advancing, so that the bending element can be controlled depending on the measured values. In this case, measurements can be taken at a plurality of points distributed in the longitudinal direction, and then bending can be performed at each point, or the sensor and the bending element can be moved continuously in the longitudinal direction and the concentricity deviation can be measured continuously, for example, wherein the bending element is correspondingly moved in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L and a corresponding pressure is applied to straighten the nozzle.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the nozzle can be rotated via a servo drive with position detection of the angular position. This enables the sensor to be dedicated to detecting deviations depending on the angular position of the nozzle, while the bending element can also be dedicated to compensating deviations from the correct orientation.

[0029] Advantageously, the filling machine has a control system which determines the movement of the bending element relative to the longitudinal axis based on the sensor signal and controls the drive of the bending element accordingly, in particular in a displacement-controlled manner and / or force-controlled manner, and optionally determines the movement of the bending element in the direction of the longitudinal axis and controls the corresponding drive of the bending element for this movement.

[0030] The calibration can be carried out starting from the clamping point, i.e. from the support device to the open end of the nozzle. Depending on the number of measuring points that deviate from the central axis, the nozzle can be calibrated almost exactly as required. The greater the number of points set and the narrower the tolerances, the more accurate the method is, but also the more time-consuming it is. Depending on the deviation measured at this position, the movement is carried out perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or at an angle to the longitudinal axis. For example, the movement of the bending element towards the longitudinal axis can be driven by an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical drive, such as a cylinder. The movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis can be achieved by a drive system, which comprises, for example, an electric motor, in particular a stepper motor or a servo motor, and / or a gearbox with a carriage on a toothed belt shaft.

[0031] However, according to another embodiment of the pipe mouth for radial calibration bend, the device can also have a joystick, which moves the bending element, especially the bending rod, in particular by manual force, wherein preferably a stopper is provided for the joystick and even more preferably different stopper positions can be adjusted. This solution is inexpensive and easy to implement and can also be retrofitted to existing machines. The joystick provides a safe method for the operator because he does not have to touch any rotating parts with his hands. By implementing a stopper for the joystick, the result is reproducible. Different stopper positions can be selected for different pipe mouths. The joystick and the bending element can be stationary or can be moved back and forth on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. In addition, a pairing retaining device can be placed at the opposite side of the bending element.

[0032] The device for radial calibration, in particular the actuating lever, can be at least temporarily attached to the filling machine, ie the device for radial calibration can be dismantled and refitted after calibration.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the device for radially aligning a curved nozzle can have a roller straightening device having a plurality of bending elements in the form of prestressed rollers, which are arranged one behind the other and circumferentially around the nozzle when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and which can alternately bend and straighten the nozzle, wherein the roller straightening device can preferably be moved back and forth parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The roller straightening device can then be moved along the nozzle, for example manually or automatically. This ensures that the axis is correctly aligned.

[0034] According to the method for radially calibrating a tube mouth according to the present invention, in particular, a filling machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, the bent tube mouth is clamped in a supporting device, which is used to support, in particular to support the tube mouth in a manner that can rotate around a longitudinal axis L, wherein the bending element is preferably moved at an angle to the longitudinal axis L, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, and the tube mouth is bent at least sectionally to radially calibrate the bent tube mouth.

[0035] This means that, for example, depending on a deviation of the center axis M of the nozzle from the longitudinal axis L or a deviation of the position of the outer wall of the nozzle from a corresponding target position, the bending element bends the nozzle to compensate for this deviation.

[0036] Advantageously, the sensor can measure in particular concentricity deviations at multiple points along the pipe nozzle (at multiple points or continuously over the length), preferably the position of the outer wall of the pipe nozzle, and in particular based on the rotation angle of the pipe nozzle, i.e. a certain rotation angle when the pipe nozzle does not rotate during straightening.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the nozzle is rotated during calibration with the aid of a bending element, wherein the bending element moves, in particular from a supporting element, i.e. for example from a clamping point, to a front end of the filling tube facing away from the supporting device and then preferably moves back slowly, in particular back to a central area, or the nozzle is stationary, wherein the nozzle is preferably supported by a mating holder and the bending element presses on the nozzle in a force-controlled manner or in a displacement-controlled manner at one or more positions of the nozzle (also continuously).

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, only the end region of the nozzle facing away from the support device, for example the last 3 to 4 cm, is deflected and straightened by the bending element. If the center axis M of the nozzle substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis L in this region, the nozzle can be safely retracted into the casing brake.

[0039] Before the sausage casing is drawn, the curved tube mouth is calibrated. If the tube mouth is calibrated before the sausage casing is drawn, this helps to minimize the risk of damage to the sausage casing during drawing, because the tube mouth can be accurately centered relative to the sausage casing.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the bending element can perform a rotational movement and is a wheel in which the support device is arranged, wherein the wheel can be rotated about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis L and can move the nozzle clamped centrally in the clamping device by this rotational movement. This means that a wheel that is already present anyway can be used to bend the nozzle in order to rotatably support a plurality of filling tubes and bring them into the filling position by rotating them for threading into the casing brake. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 A roughly schematic perspective view of a nozzle arrangement of a filling machine according to the invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 A roughly schematic embodiment of a device for radially calibrating a curved pipe orifice according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0044] Figure 3 An apparatus for radially calibrating a nozzle according to another embodiment is shown.

[0045] Figure 4 A device for calibrating a nozzle according to another embodiment is shown.

[0046] Figure 5a , Figure 5b A perspective view of another embodiment of a device for radially calibrating a nozzle by means of a joystick is shown.

[0047] Figure 6a , Figure 6b A further embodiment according to the invention is shown having a roller straightening device.

[0048] Figure 7 An assembly with a sensor for measuring concentricity deviation and a straight pipe and a bent pipe is schematically shown.

[0049] Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Figure 8c A schematic side view of another embodiment according to the invention is shown.

[0050] Fig. 9 Another embodiment according to the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1 A possible embodiment according to the invention is shown with two filling tubes 3a, 3b in the form of nozzles, which are arranged on a wheel 12 rotatable about an axis X and can be pivoted from a position for applying sausage casings into a filling position by rotating the wheel, in which the nozzle 3b can then be pushed into a casing brake 6, for example, located in a brake ring housing 13. For example, the brake ring gear 13 can also be turned away from the nozzle and turned towards the nozzle. Figure 1 Just one possible example is shown.

[0052] The spout 3 b in the filling position is connected to a hopper via a pump, for example a vane pump (not shown), so that for example a pasty mass can be discharged through the spout 3 into a sausage casing, wherein the casing brake 6 presses the sausage casing onto the spout.

[0053] As already described above, the nozzle 3, which is for example 400 to 600 mm long, has a diameter between 8 mm and 28 mm and a wall thickness between 0.35 mm and 1 mm, is very susceptible to bending. As already described, in particular when the nozzle 3 b is inserted into the casing brake 6 (see Figure 1 ), this deflection can cause considerable problems.

[0054] The spout may be driven as described, ie it may be a twist-on spout, or it may be a stationary filling tube in embodiments where no rotational movement is required.

[0055] Figure 7 The top and middle illustrations of the embodiment show, for example, calibrated nozzles, while the bottom illustration shows a bent nozzle 3. Figure 1As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the nozzle 3 is supported in the support device 4 so that it can rotate about the longitudinal axis L. If the nozzle 3 is bent, the actual center axis M of the nozzle ist It no longer coincides with the longitudinal axis L. This leads to an imbalance of the rotating nozzle. To ensure that the filling machine works properly, a certain concentricity deviation a must not be exceeded. max . Maximum permissible concentricity deviation a max For example, it is 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, that is, the deviation from the target position of the cylindrical outer surface of the nozzle is ±1 / 2a. Figure 7 It can be seen from the figure that the position of the outer wall of the nozzle is outside the acceptable tolerance at point P1, for example, it is bent downward by a deviation d. The deviation can be determined, for example, by Figure 7 The distance sensor 10 shown detects (as will be explained in more detail below), or may be detected by an operator.

[0056] According to the invention, the filling machine according to the invention has a device 2 for radially aligning a curved tube mouth 3 so that the tube can be straightened again against the curvature. For this purpose, a movable bending element 5 is provided, which can bend the tube mouth 3 at least in sections so that at least in the end region E of the tube mouth (see Figure 1 ) in which the outer wall of the nozzle is located at the concentricity deviation a max , wherein the end region E corresponds, for example, to the last 3 cm or 4 cm of the filling tube.

[0057] Figure 2 A first embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 The nozzle 3 is shown, which is supported in a rotatable manner in the support device 4. In addition, according to this embodiment, a bending element 5 is provided, which can move back and forth perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L as shown by the arrow. Even if it is not shown here, the bending element does not necessarily have to move perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, but can also be pressed on the tube at an angle of 80° to 100°, preferably 85° to 95°, directly to the longitudinal axis L. The bending element 5 is preferably a bending rod, which can be driven, for example, electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically. The bending rod 5 is designed as a cylinder, for example, and can move back and forth on the slide 16 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. For this purpose, a corresponding drive, such as a servo motor, can also be provided. In this embodiment, an optional sensor 10 is provided, which can, for example, measure the concentricity deviation a, that is, the position of the outer wall of the nozzle. In particular, the sensor can be a distance meter. The sensor can also be a sensor for measuring the diameter of the nozzle.

[0058] Various sensors can be used to detect out-of-roundness or imbalance of the nozzle, for example, sensors are configured to

[0059] - Optical measurement, e.g. by laser or light cross-section sensor

[0060] - Inductance or capacitance measurement

[0061] -Radar sensor, ultrasonic sensor, Hall sensor

[0062] -Camera, measurement of shadow casting...

[0063] - Tactile measurement, e.g. using an electromechanical feeler gauge or a tactile dial indicator (see Figure 7 ).

[0064] - Measuring structure-borne noise (vibrations on the machine) or measuring airborne noise via the current consumption of the nozzle drive etc. Such a measurement can be used at least to detect the presence of an imbalance.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the nozzle 3 is rotated about the longitudinal axis L during calibration, wherein the bending rod 5 on the nozzle 3 is moved from the support device 4 (i.e. the clamping point) to the front end S and the nozzle 3 is increasingly deflected. The nozzle rotates during this process and is thus radially calibrated. At the front end S, the bending rod 5 slowly moves back to a central position between the front end S and the support device 4. Based on the diameter and the sensor signal, i.e. the measured position of the outer wall of the nozzle, the control system 11 can determine the movement of the bending element in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L (and, for example, bring the bending element to a position corresponding to a target position of the outer wall of the nozzle, and control the drive of the bending element 5 accordingly, in particular in a displacement-controlled manner, so that the tube can be radially calibrated again at a certain position, such as from Figure 7 . This can be easily calibrated by rotating the nozzle. The movement of the bending element 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L is also determined by the control system and the drive of the bending element, for example a stepper motor, is driven accordingly, i.e. the movement towards the nozzle 3 and the movement along the longitudinal axis L are coordinated. The nozzle diameter can also be measured or input for this purpose. This is only one example of how the machine control system determines the necessary movement of the bending bar, in this case the necessary movement of the bending bar in the direction L and perpendicular to the axial direction L.

[0066] Figure 3 Another embodiment according to the invention is shown. Here, the bending rod 5 does not press on the rotating nozzle 3, but on the stationary filling tube 3 or nozzle, which is supported by a matching holder 17 opposite the slide with the bending rod 5. This ensures that a targeted bending can be performed at any point on the nozzle. The matching holder can be designed on both sides or only on one side between the bending element and the support device, so that the point around which the bend occurs on the longitudinal axis can be determined. This means that it is not necessary to bend around the support device 4.

[0067] As in the previous embodiment, a sensor 10 is also provided on the slide 16 to determine the concentricity deviation, in particular the position of the outer wall of the nozzle at multiple points along the longitudinal axis L or continuously over the entire length. According to the sensor signal, the movement of the bending rod 5 can then be determined accordingly by the control system, and the rod can be controlled in a force-controlled manner or in a displacement-controlled manner. In addition, by specifying the angle of rotation, the nozzle can be positioned in the direction opposite to the measured deviation via the servo motor of the nozzle drive so that the bending rod can be bent in the direction opposite to the bending. If this is not done continuously, this enables the nozzle to be calibrated with a minimum number of bending operations. In addition, the calibration is done continuously or at multiple points from the clamping point on the support device 4 to the front end S of the nozzle. Depending on the number of points measured and the deviation from the target position, the nozzle can be accurately calibrated as needed. The more the number of points set, and the narrower the tolerance, i.e., the maximum concentricity deviation a in particular, the more accurate the method is.

[0068] As already explained above, if at least the presence of an imbalance is detected, it is also possible that only the end regions, e.g. Figure 8a , Figure 8b The last 3 to 4 cm of the nozzle shown, but not the entire nozzle, is deflected by the curved rod 5. In this way, the curved rod presses on the nozzle 3 at least in the end region E, i.e. the last 3 or 4 cm, so that the center axis of the nozzle, at least in the end region, substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis L. The nozzle is rotated during calibration.

[0069] In this embodiment, the alignment is preferably performed in a manner independent of the measured concentricity deviation of the tube. By optionally slowly moving the bending rod 5 from the front end S back to the central area of ​​the nozzle 3 (while the nozzle is rotating), the nozzle 3 is substantially circular after deflection. The diameter can be set by the operator, and the device then bends the nozzle accordingly. The plunger can be designed in an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical manner, and as Figure 4 The cylinder is arranged in the end region of the nozzle and can be moved back and forth parallel to the longitudinal axis L, as described in the previous embodiments.

[0070] Figure 5a and Figure 5bAnother embodiment according to the invention is shown. The bent rod 5 can be moved here by manual force via a joystick. The corresponding embodiment is very simple, but no longer automated. The joystick makes the concept safe for the operator, because the hand does not come into contact with the rotating parts. The device 2 has, for example, a guide 14 for the plunger and a corresponding manual joystick 15. In addition, the device has a fastening device 20, here a clamping element, via which the device 2 can be at least temporarily fastened to the filling machine. The bent rod 5 has a stopper 9 here. For example, it can be set to a marked position according to the installed nozzle 3. This makes it possible to adjust the nozzle reproducibly to obtain consistent accuracy. Different nozzles require different stopper positions or stoppers 9, where nozzles with the same setting can be straightened well. By pulling the joystick 15, the bent rod 5 moves perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L to deflect the nozzle. Then, the joystick 15 moves slowly back to the starting position.

[0071] For example, the manual actuation lever can be arranged at a fixed position in the end region of the nozzle, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, and press on the filling tube only at this point, so that at least the end region of the nozzle is radially aligned, or it can also be moved back and forth manually along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis L. For this purpose, a counterholder (not shown) can also be provided, which can also be moved parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0072] In this simplified version, the use of sensors is not necessary due to the pre-set stop. The method according to this embodiment is advantageously carried out with the nozzle rotated so that the deformation is uniform.

[0073] In another embodiment, the wheel 12 takes over the function of the movable bending element, such as Figure 8c The function of the bending rod 5 is taken over by the motion of the rotating wheel (for example, Figure 1 As shown, the rotation of the axis x brings the various nozzles into the filling position). For the straightening process, the nozzle 3 is held centrally at the front end S or in the front area by a clamping device 25. The straightening process is carried out without the nozzle moving. This requires the use of sensors to determine the size and direction of the deviation. The nozzle must be positioned at a precise angle for the calibration process. In this case, the clamping point of the nozzle is deflected instead of the front end as in the previous example.

[0074] Figure 6a and Figure 6bAnother embodiment according to the invention is shown. The device for radially aligning a curved nozzle 3 can also have a roller straightening device 2, which has a plurality of bending elements 5 in the form of pre-tensioned rollers, which are arranged one after the other and circumferentially around the nozzle when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle and can alternately bend and straighten the nozzle 3, wherein the roller straightening device can preferably be moved back and forth parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The roller straightening device can then be moved along the nozzle, for example by hand or automatically with the aid of a drive. This ensures that the axis is correctly aligned.

[0075] In embodiments having an upright spout, a mating retainer arrangement is advantageous.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the bending rod preferably has a recess at its end region facing the nozzle, in particular a substantially V-shaped, U-shaped or C-shaped recess, so that the nozzle is located in the recess during bending. Due to the special design of the end region, the nozzle can rest firmly in the recess during the bending process and, for example, cannot move out of position.

[0077] In the method according to the invention, the bent nozzle is clamped in a support device 4, which is used to support the nozzle in a rotatable manner about a longitudinal axis L, and the bending element 5 is moved in such a way that the kinked nozzle is bent at least in sections to align it radially. The shown examples of how the bending element is moved and the optional use of sensors are only exemplary. It is important that the device for radially aligning the bent nozzle is integrated in the filling machine in order to permanently bend at least the front end region or the rear end region of the nozzle so that it is straightened in such a way that the nozzle can be arranged exactly in the center when passing through sausage casings, in particular casing rings, and does not cause any problems when inserting the casing brake.

[0078] In the method according to the invention, it is advantageous that the bending element, i.e. the bending rod, can be retracted quickly (e.g. 30 to 50 mm / s) and extended more slowly (e.g. 5 to 20 mm / s) from the joint of the rotating nozzle. The force can be controlled to a target force of, for example, 10 N to 300 N, in particular 150 N. The stroke can also be limited via end stops or position specifications for the actuator (e.g. with a position for each variant of the nozzle or nozzle diameter).

[0079] Fig. 9 Another embodiment according to the invention is shown. Here, the bending element 5 cannot be moved back and forth parallel to the longitudinal axis L, but rather along the axis A of a corresponding guide which runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis L. Fig. 9Also shown in dashed lines are possible deflections due to the tilted linear movement of the bending element 5. The sensor may also be arranged to move back and forth along the tilted axis and in front of the bending element 5 as described above in connection with the previous embodiment.

Claims

1. A filling machine (1) for filling food, in particular for sausage production, having A nozzle (3) is used to discharge the food and has a supporting device (4) for supporting the nozzle (3), in particular for supporting the nozzle (3) in a rotatable manner about a longitudinal axis (L), It is characterized in that A device (2) for radially calibrating a curved pipe opening (3) comprises a bending element (5) which is designed such that it can bend and calibrate the pipe opening (3) at least in sections.

2. The filling machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The bending element (5) can be moved at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L), in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (L), so as to bend the pipe mouth (3) at least in sections and is in particular designed as a bending rod, which preferably has a recess (7) at its end area facing the pipe mouth, in particular a substantially V-shaped, U-shaped or C-shaped recess, so that the pipe mouth (3) is located in the recess (7) during bending.

3. The filling machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The nozzle (3) can be bent such that, at least in the end region of the nozzle (3) facing away from the support device (4), the center axis (M) of the nozzle (3) extends substantially along the longitudinal axis (L).

4. The filling machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that: The bending element (5) is arranged to be movable back and forth along an axis parallel to or inclined to the longitudinal axis (L).

5. Filling machine (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The device (2) for the pipe mouth (3) of the radial calibration bend has a sensor (10), which is particularly capable of measuring the concentricity deviation (a), preferably in the form of a sensor for measuring the position of the outer wall of the pipe mouth, in particular in the form of a distance meter, and / or the sensor is designed to measure the pipe mouth diameter.

6. In particular, the filling machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The sensor (10) is arranged to be movable back and forth along an axis parallel to or inclined to the longitudinal axis (L), in particular to be movable together with the bending element (5).

7. The filling machine (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The nozzle (3) can be rotated via a servo drive with position detection of the angular position.

8. Filling machine (1) according to at least one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that The control system (11) determines the movement of the bending element (5) relative to the longitudinal axis (L) based on the sensor signal and controls the driver of the bending element accordingly, in particular in a displacement-controlled manner and / or a force-controlled manner, and in particular determines the movement of the bending element (5) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) and controls another driver of the bending element (5) accordingly.

9. The filling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The device (2) for radially calibrating a pipe mouth (8) with a bend has a joystick (15), which moves the bending element (5), in particular the bending rod, in particular by manual force, wherein a limit stop (9) is preferably provided for the joystick (15) and even more preferably different limit stop positions can be adjusted.

10. Filling machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The device (2) for radial calibration can be at least temporarily attached to the filling machine.

11. Filling machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The device (2) for a radially calibrated bent pipe mouth (8) has a roller straightening device, wherein, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the pipe mouth (3), a plurality of bending elements (5) in the form of pre-tensioned rollers are arranged in sequence and circumferentially around the pipe mouth, the bending elements being able to alternately bend and straighten the pipe mouth, wherein preferably the roller straightening device is able to move back and forth parallel to the longitudinal direction (L).

12. A method (3) for radially calibrating a nozzle, in particular with a filling machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The bent pipe mouth (3) is clamped in a supporting device (4), which is used to support, especially to support the pipe mouth (3) in a manner that it can rotate around a longitudinal axis (L), and a bending element (5) bends the bent pipe mouth at least in sections to radially calibrate it and preferably move it at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L), especially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The sensor (10) measures, in particular, the concentricity deviation, preferably the position of the outer wall of the nozzle, at a plurality of points along the nozzle.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The nozzle is rotated during calibration by the bending element (5), wherein the bending element is preferably moved from the support device (4) to the front end (S) of the nozzle facing away from the support device (4) and then preferably moved back, in particular back to the central area, or The nozzle (3) is stationary, wherein the nozzle (3) is preferably supported by a counter holder during calibration, and the bending element presses on the nozzle in a force-controlled manner or a displacement-controlled manner at one or more locations of the nozzle.

15. The method according to at least one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that Only the end region of the tube opening (3) facing away from the supporting device is deflected and straightened by the bending element (5).

16. The method according to at least one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that Before drawing the sausage casing, the bend is radially calibrated.

17. The device according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The bending element (5) performs a rotational movement and is a rotating wheel (12) in which the supporting device (4) is arranged and the rotating wheel itself can rotate around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis L and can move the pipe mouth (3) clamped in the center of the clamping device (25) through this rotational movement.

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