Food processing machine with projection device for warning symbol, lifting device and method

Abstract

The present application provides a food processing machine, a lifting device and a method with a projection device for a warning symbol. The invention relates to a food processing machine, in particular a filling machine or a cutter, with a lifting device 2 by which a container for food held in a receptacle can be moved from a lower position U to an upper emptying position E and back. In order to make the respective food processing machine and the respective method safer, a projection device 7 is provided which is configured and arranged in such a way that an optical warning symbol 6 can be projected onto and / or across the ground 9 in order to mark a collision danger area caused by the lifting device 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to food processing machinery, lifting devices, and methods for feeding food processing machinery. Background Technology

[0002] In the food industry, lifting devices are used to feed food processing machines such as vacuum filling machines or cutters. These lifting devices are typically configured as boom lifting devices, mast lifting devices, or tilting devices of the swing loading type, and can be attached to machines such as vacuum filling machines, cutters, meat grinders, mixers, or floor hoppers or silos of filling machines.

[0003] These lifting devices are configured to receive standardized containers, such as mobile (i.e., wheeled) trolleys, particularly conveyor trolleys according to DIN 9797 (also known as sausage carts). The sausage cart is then typically placed in the receiver of the lifting device, securely locked to prevent falling out, and lifted, for example, above the filling hopper of the vacuum filling machine. The sausage cart is then emptied into the hopper. The sausage cart is then returned to its starting position by the lifting device and removed by the operator by releasing the lock on the lifting device. When feeding the cutter, the cutter bowl is fed accordingly.

[0004] For food processing machines, there is a risk of injury to a person standing under a downward-moving container from its automatic and potentially unattended downward movement. This can also occur if the movement is started manually and a person suddenly enters the danger zone. To ensure these machines comply with CE requirements, they must appropriately incorporate certain safety mechanisms. In practice, this safety requirement is achieved, for example, through a so-called "dead man control," in which the operator must continuously press a button while lowering a sausage cart from a height maintained between the container or lifting device and the ground, otherwise the downward movement must immediately stop. For example, a collision detection device has been described in EP 2 489 273 B1.

[0005] Even if the machine is safe, the automatic lowering movement of the lifting device is considered critical by some customers in the absence of additional safety measures around the lifting device.

[0006] However, mechanical barriers / fences are expensive, bulky, and pose other hazards, complicating handling in any situation. Acoustic signals are also useless or ineffective in noisy production environments. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a food processing machine, a lifting device, and a method for feeding the food processing machine in a simple manner to improve safety.

[0008] According to the present invention, this objective is satisfied by the features in this application.

[0009] According to the present invention, a food processing machine includes a lifting device by which a container for food, held in a receiver, can be moved from a lower position to an upper emptying position and then back. The food processing machine may be, for example, a filling machine (particularly a vacuum filling machine), a cutter, a meat grinder, or a mixer. These food processing machines have means for receiving food from the container, particularly a filling hopper, a floor hopper, or a silo.

[0010] Such a container can be, for example, a trolley, particularly a conveyor trolley or a sausage cart. The lower position U is the position where the container is inserted into a receiver, such as a lifting device, and locked or secured there. The "upper empty position" is the position where the receiver is, for example, in the upper position, where the container is tilted so that the contents can be filled into, for example, a hopper or bowl.

[0011] According to the invention, a food processing machine includes a projection device configured and arranged such that optical warning symbols can be projected onto and / or across the ground to indicate a collision hazard zone caused by the lifting device, i.e., a moving area that draws attention to the potential for collision with the operator from the moving part of the lifting device. This prevents people from entering the area or placing objects there. Appropriate marking further enhances operator safety. The warning symbols do not necessarily need to be deployed separately throughout the entire collision hazard zone or the moving area, but can be deployed only in a portion of the hazard zone or around the hazard zone. The only important thing is that the warning symbols draw attention. The warning symbols can then be displayed when a container is placed in a receiver, and when the vehicle is traveling empty and no container is inserted.

[0012] Because the warning symbol is projected only, the projection must not be damaged by the harsh conditions in the production hall, especially by trolleys pushed into the receiver using their wheels. The warning symbol can also withstand cleaning processes using high-pressure cleaners and cleaning agents.

[0013] For different applications, food processing machines are sometimes used several times a day or per shift, and are positioned in different locations for this purpose. Preferably, warning signs can then be simply moved along with them. In any case, the operator can clearly see the area where he should not stand or place anything.

[0014] Warning symbols can be, for example, hazard warning symbols, especially graphic symbols, but at least a zone of specific signal color or a box surrounding a danger zone. Ideally, people should not enter this area.

[0015] In addition to projecting warning signs onto the ground or as an alternative, one possible implementation is to project the warning signs as virtual representations into the space above the ground to clearly indicate that the area is off-limits. This also provides additional safety when operating food processing machinery. For example, virtual images, particularly 3D holograms, can be projected and then extended vertically, and even better, can be identified from a distance.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the food processing machine includes a housing in which a projection device is arranged such that warning symbols can be projected laterally adjacent to the housing and / or across the ground. This is advantageous because a lifting device with a receiver is also arranged on the side.

[0017] According to another preferred embodiment, the food processing machine includes means for receiving food from a container, particularly a filling hopper, floor hopper, or silo, wherein a projection device is arranged such that warning symbols can be projected laterally adjacent to the means and / or across the ground. For this purpose, as is customary, the filling hopper can be arranged directly above the machine housing, or the floor hopper or silo can be wired to other machine components within the housing. The warning symbols can then be advantageously generated in a manner laterally adjacent to the hazardous area of ​​the lifting device.

[0018] The fact that the container may obscure the projection (i.e., the warning symbol) at some point when it moves downward in the direction toward its lower position U is not a problem, because this only happens from the lifting height where no one goes below the container or the lifting device anyway.

[0019] If the warning sign is specifically projected into the air, i.e. above the ground, it is advantageous to keep the lower part of the warning sign within the operator's field of vision, so that the distance between the lower part of the warning sign and the ground is not too large.

[0020] It is advantageous to arrange the projection device such that, when viewed from below, a warning symbol can be at least partially projected onto the ground area below the receiver with the inserted container, or at least segmentally around that area. This means that an operator can be effectively prevented from entering an area where the receiver, with or without a container, might strike them from above. When the warning symbol is projected onto the ground, the projection device can be arranged such that, when viewed from below, the warning symbol is at least partially deployed in or above the area of ​​the receiver with the inserted container, or at least partially around that area. This allows for clear marking of areas where an operator should not be under any circumstances.

[0021] Advantageously, the lifting device is a boom lifting device, a mast lifting device, or a tilting device of the swing loading type. In the case of a boom lifting device, the warning sign does not need to extend to the entire area under the boom, because the operator knows that he cannot stand near the warning sign when it is projected onto and / or above the ground.

[0022] Advantageously, the projection device includes an optical projector that can project images onto a surface (currently the ground) and / or a projector, particularly a 3D holographic projector, for generating virtual images in space. Such a projector can be easily integrated into food processing machinery and controlled, for example, by a control system.

[0023] Advantageously, the projection device is preferably arranged laterally at the food processing machine, especially

[0024] It is integrated into the housing of a food processing machine, preferably into the side wall, or

[0025] In devices used for receiving food, particularly filling hoppers, floor hoppers, or silos, or

[0026] On the ground of the food processing machine.

[0027] If the projection device is positioned, particularly laterally, at the food processing machine, the warning signal can be projected effectively from that location into the collision hazard zone. Placing the projection device at the machine's housing is highly advantageous because the housing is stationary (i.e., has no moving parts), ensuring that the warning symbol is always displayed in the same location.

[0028] For example, if a floor hopper or silo is positioned by a line at a distance from the rest of the food processing machine, the projection device is deployed in that area.

[0029] The projection device can also be placed at the lifting device, especially on the stationary part of the lifting device.

[0030] The projection device is preferably attached to a stationary part so that the warning symbol does not move.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the food processing machine includes a control system for controlling a projection device, wherein the projection device is configured to open and close, and to open no later than when the lifting device receives a signal from the control system for lifting the receiver. This ensures that no one is standing in the collision hazard zone even when the receiver is moving upwards.

[0032] The projection device can also be individually attached to a wall, ceiling, or separate holder, and connected to the control device of the food processing machine in a manner that allows the projection device to be actuated by a control device. In this embodiment, the warning symbol can be static. Several projection devices can also be arranged at different locations in the production room, and when the machine's position changes, the projection device associated with that location can be actuated.

[0033] According to the method of the present invention for feeding a food processing machine as described in this application, a container containing food is received in a receiver of a lifting device of the food processing machine, and the container held in the receiver is lifted from a lower position to an upper empty position, emptied, and moved backward. Optical warning symbols are projected onto the ground and / or projected across the ground by a projection device to indicate a collision hazard area. The container may also first move upward to a waiting position and then move to the upper empty position.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a lifting device for a food processing machine, particularly according to the present application, by which a container for food held in a receiver can be moved from a lower position to an upper empty position and back, wherein a projection device is provided and the projection device is configured and arranged such that optical warning symbols can be projected onto the ground and / or projected across the ground to indicate a collision hazard area caused by the lifting device.

[0035] All the features of this application describing the lifting device are also applicable to lifting devices of food processing machines. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 A simplified schematic representation of an embodiment of a food processing machine is shown, wherein a receiver is deployed in the lower position.

[0038] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The embodiment shown has the receiver deployed in the middle position.

[0039] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiment shown has the receiver deployed in an upward tilted position.

[0040] Figure 4 Another embodiment is shown, in which the receiver is deployed in the upper tilting position E. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figures 1 to 3A preferred embodiment for feeding a food processing machine having an arm lifting device as a lifting device 2 is shown. However, a mast lifting device is equally applicable. In this embodiment, the lifting device 2 is connected to machine 1, which is currently a filling machine.

[0042] The device is also suitable for feeding cutters, meat grinders, or mixers. The machine includes a container 3 for receiving food (e.g., sausage meat). Containers, such as those on conveyor carts or sausage trolleys, have a filling volume in the range of, for example, 100 to 1000 liters. In the case of tilting devices for large containers, the volume can be much larger, i.e., up to, for example, 5000 liters. Here, the container 3 is configured as a mobile container equipped with casters. The container 3 is attached to the receiver 5 of the lifting device 2 in a manner that securely locks it to prevent it from falling, wherein the container is not specifically shown. This can be accomplished by pushing the container into the U-shaped receiver 5 in the lower position U, where the container snaps into place and is locked. From Figure 1-3 As can be seen, container 3 is arranged on arm 12. For emptying, container 3 can, for example, pivot about an axis not specifically shown via a pivoting mechanism (not described in detail). Arm 12 is then arranged to pivot about another axis, for example, to perform lifting and lowering movements. During operation of the device, lifting and pivoting movements can also be superimposed.

[0043] The device also includes a drive. In this embodiment, the lifting device is configured, for example, as a hydraulic lifting device and includes a hydraulic cylinder, wherein the movement of the hydraulic cylinder allows the arm 12 to be raised and lowered using a corresponding mechanism. Currently, for example, the machine 1 of a filling machine includes a receiving area for food, currently a filling hopper 4. Food is poured into the filling hopper 4 and further processed.

[0044] from Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen, the food processing machine 1 includes a projector 7, which is configured and arranged such that optical warning symbols 6 can be projected onto the ground 9 to indicate the collision hazard zone caused by the lifting device 2, thereby drawing attention to it. The "collision hazard zone" refers to the area B of movement of the receiver 5, container 3, and arm 12, where collisions with the operator or objects placed there may occur.

[0045] Figure 1 The receiver 5 with container 3 in position U below is shown. Figure 2 The image shows receiver 5 with container 3 after it has moved upwards and is in the central position. Figure 3 The image shows a receiver 5 with container 3 in the tipping position E. After tipping, the receiver 5 with empty container 3 is moved back to the lower position U. This creates a risk of collision with the operator.

[0046] As from Figure 2 and Figure 3 Specifically, in this embodiment, the projection device 7 projects the warning symbol 6 onto the ground 9. The projection device 7 can permanently project the warning symbol 6 onto the ground 9, or it can be turned on and off, but it projects the warning symbol 6 onto the ground 9 at least when the receiver 5 moves upward. Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the food processing machine 1 includes a housing 8, wherein a projection device 7 is arranged such that a warning symbol 6 is projected onto the ground in a manner that is laterally adjacent to the housing 8.

[0047] Then, in position U below the receiver, for example as Figure 1 As shown, it is irrelevant whether the projected warning symbol 6 overlaps with container 3 and receiver 5, because there is no danger in such a low position and the operator will not go under container 3.

[0048] The projection device 7 can be, for example, an optical projector, and can be particularly integrated into the side wall 11 of the housing, currently especially in the upper third. The location of the housing 8 is advantageous because the projection device can be easily connected to the control system 10 there. In principle, the projection device can also be located elsewhere, as long as the warning symbol 6 can be projected into or around the collision hazard area. It is advantageous to make the housing a fixed part so that the warning symbol 6 is always displayed in the same location. The projection device can also be located on the ground of the machine 1, whereby the warning symbol can be projected to the appropriate location, for example, through a lens system.

[0049] The projection device 7 can also be attached to the lifting device 2, preferably to the non-moving part of the lifting device.

[0050] According to another preferred embodiment (not shown), the food processing machine 1 includes, for example, a floor hopper or silo, wherein a projection device is arranged such that a warning symbol 6 can be projected laterally adjacent to the floor hopper or silo onto the ground and / or across the ground. The floor hopper or silo is connected by wire to other components in the housing.

[0051] The projection device 7 can also be arranged at the lifting device 2, especially on the stationary part of the lifting device.

[0052] The projection device 7 can also be individually attached to a wall, ceiling, or separate holder, and connected to the control device of the food processing machine 1 in a manner that allows the projection device to be actuated by a control device. In this embodiment, the warning symbol can be static. Several projection devices can also be arranged at different locations in the production room, and when the machine's position changes, the projection device associated with that location can be actuated.

[0053] Warning symbol 6 need not be displayed below the entire range of motion B or the entire collision hazard zone; that is, it does not necessarily have to extend to the housing 8, but should be arranged at least partially below the receiver 5 into which the container is inserted, in the ground area where the current consideration is as follows: Figure 1 The location is shown. Alternatively, warning symbol 6 can also surround the area in at least segments.

[0054] Warning symbol 6 can be an image, graphic symbol, color (e.g., red) used to warn operators of danger. The exact location of warning symbol 6 is irrelevant.

[0055] Figure 4 Another embodiment according to the invention is shown, which corresponds to Figures 1 to 3 The embodiment shown illustrates the receiver 5 in the tilted position E by way of example.

[0056] The difference between the first embodiment and this embodiment is that the projection device 7 can project the warning symbol 6 onto the ground 7 or into the room. Projection devices that can project the warning symbol onto the ground 9 or project it across the ground 9 can also be used.

[0057] The projection device 7 is configured to project a virtual image to the side of the housing 8 in order to draw attention to the collision hazard area. This can be a 2D or 3D projection.

[0058] The corresponding projection devices are known, therefore they are not discussed in detail here. When using a 3D holographic projector, for example, ... Figure 4 As shown, a human-like image can also be projected onto the corresponding collision hazard area to indicate that the operator must not enter that area. Therefore, warning symbol 6 is at least partially projected onto the movement area of ​​receiver 5. However, it is also possible that warning symbol 6 is designed such that it at least segmentally surrounds the movement area B of receiver 5.

[0059] In the method for feeding a food processing machine 1 according to the present invention, a container containing food is pushed into the receiver 5 of the lifting device 2 of the food processing machine 1 and is received and locked in the receiver 5. The container 3 held and locked in the receiver is then lifted from the lower position U to the upper empty position E, emptied, and then moved back.

[0060] The optical warning symbol 6 is projected onto and / or across the ground 9 by the projection device 7 to mark the collision hazard area, i.e., to draw attention to the collision hazard area. The warning symbol 6 need not be deployed throughout the entire collision hazard area, i.e., throughout the entire movement area B of the receiver 5, container 3, and arm 12, but only need to draw attention to the lateral adjacent area where entry into the machine 1 is not permitted. In these embodiments, for example, the warning symbol 6 is projected laterally adjacent to the housing 8 of the food processing machine in and / or below the movement area of ​​the receiver 5 containing the container, or is projected around the movement area B.

[0061] According to the present invention, operator safety can be significantly improved.

Claims

1. A food processing machine, particularly a filling machine having a lifting device, by which a container for food held in a receiver can be moved from a lower position to an upper emptying position and returned. Its features are, A projection device is configured and arranged such that optical warning symbols can be projected onto the ground and / or above it to mark the collision hazard area caused by the lifting device.

2. The food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The food processing machine includes a housing, wherein the projection device is arranged such that the warning symbol can be projected onto the ground and / or across the ground in a manner that is laterally adjacent to the housing.

3. The food processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The food processing machine includes means for receiving food from the container, particularly a filling hopper, floor hopper, or silo, wherein the projection means is arranged such that the warning sign can be projected onto the ground and / or across the ground in a manner that is laterally adjacent to the means.

4. The food processing machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that, The projection device is arranged such that, when viewed from below, the warning symbol can be projected at least partially onto the area of ​​the ground below the receiver into which the container is inserted, or at least segmentally around that area, and / or The projection device is arranged such that when the receiver is viewed from below, the warning symbol can be projected at least partially onto or across the area of ​​the receiver into which the container is inserted, or at least partially around the area.

5. The food processing machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The lifting device is a boom lifting device, a mast lifting device, or a tilting device of the swing loading type.

6. The food processing machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The projection device includes an optical projector, a projector for generating virtual images in space, and in particular a 3D holographic projector.

7. The food processing machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The projection device is located at the food processing machine, specifically: Arranged on the housing of the food processing machine, particularly integrated into the side wall, or Arranged on a device for receiving the food, particularly on a filling hopper, floor hopper, or silo, or Arranged on the floor of the food processing machine.

8. The food processing machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The projection device is located at the lifting device.

9. The food processing machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The projection device is attached to the stationary part of the food processing machine.

10. The food processing machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The food processing machine includes a control system that can actuate the projection device, wherein the projection device can be turned on and off by the control system, and the projection device is turned on to generate the optical warning symbol at the latest when the lifting device receives a signal from the control system for lifting the receiver.

11. The food processing machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The projection device is individually attached to, in particular, a wall, ceiling, or a separate holder, and connected to the control unit of the food processing machine.

12. A method for feeding food processing machinery, particularly according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, A container containing food is received in the receiver of the lifting device of the food processing machine, and the container held in the receiver is lifted from the lower position to the upper empty position, emptied, and moved back. Its features are, Optical warning symbols are projected onto the ground and / or across the ground using a projection device to indicate collision hazard zones.

13. A lifting device for a food processing machine, particularly according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a container for food held in a receiver can be moved from a lower position to an upper emptying position and returned, characterized in that, A projection device is configured and arranged such that optical warning symbols can be projected onto the ground and / or across the ground projection to mark the collision hazard area caused by the lifting device.

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