MACHINE WITH SWIVELLING SUPPORT ARM FOR OPERATOR TERMINAL

Abstract

Machine (1), preferably a packaging machine, comprising a machine housing (3), an operating terminal (5), and a support arm (7) connecting the operating terminal (5) to the machine housing (3), characterized in that the support arm (7) is connected at a first end (19) to the machine housing (3) and at a second end (21) to the operating terminal (5), each by means of a rotary joint (11), and comprises a support arm rail (9) in the form of an open profile and a flexible, hollow hose (15), wherein the hose (15) is arranged substantially in the interior of the support arm rail (9), and the hose (15) has an interior space (16) which is connected to interior spaces (4, 6) of the machine housing (3) and the operating terminal (5) and is insulated from the ambient atmosphere, wherein electrical lines (57) run from the machine housing (3) to the operating terminal (5) in the interior space (16) of the hose (15).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine with a pivoting support arm for an operating terminal.

[0002] Machines used in industrial manufacturing typically have components that are directly connected to the goods being manufactured or processed on a conveyor belt, as well as additional control and monitoring areas, such as control cabinets and operator terminals. Cover elements are also provided to protect the goods or the environment and to separate the individual areas of the machine. Particularly in the processing and packaging of food, hygiene aspects must also be considered when designing machines such as packaging machines, cutting machines, or labeling machines. Operator terminals are usually provided on the machine to control and monitor the machine and thus the production process.Due to structural features of the machine, the production conditions of the production line, such as vibration or heat generation, or to provide a better overview of the production process, especially when making adjustments, it is often advantageous not to mount the operator terminal directly on the machine housing, but rather to space it from the machine housing using a support arm. The operator terminal serves both for entering control commands and for displaying the current operating parameters.

[0003] From DE 10 2006 053 928 A1 a support arm for a device is known, wherein a channel for a cable is provided in the support arm.

[0004] From DE 10 2006 052 804 A1, another carrying device is known which has a self-locking gas spring with a valve for canceling a blocking function.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a machine with an operating terminal and a support arm with improved properties.

[0006] The object is achieved according to the invention by a machine according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a machine, which is preferably a packaging machine, comprises a machine housing, an operating terminal, and a support arm connecting the operating terminal to the machine housing. The machine can also be a labeling machine, a cutting machine, or another machine suitable for the food processing sector. The support arm is connected at a first end to the machine housing and at a second end to the operating terminal, each by means of one or more pivot joints. As a central element, the support arm comprises a support arm rail that extends between the pivot joints and is designed in the form of an open profile. The pivot joints or their linkages can be formed integrally with the support arm rail or connected to it.The support arm also includes a flexible, hollow tube, which is located essentially inside the support arm rail. The interior of the tube is connected to the interior of the machine housing and the operator terminal and is insulated from the ambient atmosphere. Electrical cables run inside the tube from the machine housing to the operator terminal, thus enabling bidirectional signal transmission between the central electronic control unit in the machine housing and the operator terminal.

[0008] Such a design offers the advantage that the control and monitoring of the production machine can take place at a distance from the machine housing and thus from the conveyor line. This makes working more comfortable for the operator, as they are further away from heat, noise, vibration, or other stressors. It also improves their overview of the production process, as the swivel joints allow the support arm to be pivoted into various positions. A support arm rail in the form of an open profile is also easy to clean. Designing the support arm rail as an open profile means significant material and therefore cost savings compared to a tubular or cuboid shape closed on all sides.

[0009] The flexible, hollow hose can be attached to a side surface inside the open profile to save space and at the same time, provide excellent protection against damage. It extends the entire length of the support arm and projects through openings in the machine housing and the housing of the electronic operating terminal. The interior spaces of the machine housing and the operating terminal are thus connected via the interior of the hose, and electrical cables can connect the electronic components and switching elements. The hose is completely closed and inserted hermetically into the openings of the machine housing and operating terminal, ensuring that no water that encounters pressure during cleaning can penetrate the devices. This is of particular importance and prevents dust and moisture from penetrating the electronic devices, ensuring their long-term and reliable operation.It also prevents oil or grease from seeping outward from mechanically moving components inside the machine housing. The hose's diameter should be large enough to accommodate one or more electrical cables, such as bus cables. Due to its flexible material, the hose can accommodate the swiveling movements of the support arm, but the cables should be routed with sufficient length inside.

[0010] In a preferred variant, the support arm is inclined at a shallow angle other than 0°, preferably at an angle of approximately 2-6°, from the horizontal. Particularly in the food processing sector, condensation of water vapor or adhesion of water, for example after cleaning, to the machines and thus to the support arm can occur. On horizontal surfaces of machines, water could settle, which on the one hand has a negative effect on the material and on the other hand would lead to the formation of germs and mold, which in turn would impair the food being processed. However, the incline of the support arm allows the condensate or residual water to drain away from the support arm, preventing the problems mentioned. This also makes cleaning and drying the machine easier.

[0011] Ideally, the support arm is angled upwards from the machine housing. This has the advantage that any water adhering to the support arm is directed away from the conveyor line and can drain off at a defined point outside of it. This optimally protects the food products on the conveyor line from the water that is knocked off.

[0012] In another advantageous variant, the support arm rail is designed in the shape of an open C-profile. This shape essentially has two horizontal surfaces, upper and lower, as well as a perpendicular lateral surface. For additional material savings, recessed areas can be made in the lateral surface, ensuring good visibility and accessibility for cleaning. These could be, for example, elongated, central sections.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous if the lower surface of the C-profile of the support arm rail has a drainage opening. This can be formed close to one end of the support arm (e.g., at a distance of max. 5 cm) and, if necessary, extend across the entire width of the lower surface. It can be a few millimeters to a few centimeters wide. In the case of an inclined support arm, the drainage opening is located near its lower end. This allows the water to be channeled away from the control terminal over the entire length of the support arm and then drips through the drainage opening. This prevents the water from flowing all the way to the machine housing or the swivel joints, preventing it from accumulating at these edges and ensuring improved hygiene and protection of the components.

[0014] In another practical variant, the lower surface of the C-profile is designed in the shape of a groove. The free edge, which faces the vertical side surface of the support arm rail, is curved upwards by, for example, between 2 mm and 10 mm. This allows water condensing on the lower surface to flow diagonally downwards along this groove until it drips off at the end or through the drain opening. It cannot drip off the lower surface too close to the conveyor line beforehand, which, as already mentioned, is beneficial for protecting the machine and food.

[0015] In an advantageous variant, the hose is at least partially inserted into an opening in the machine housing and an opening in the control terminal and clamped in place using a clamping element in each case. The outer diameter of the hose essentially corresponds to the inner diameter of the openings, so that the hose can be placed in the openings without any play. An additional clamping element then clamps or spreads the hose against the inner surface of the circular openings. This means that the hose sits firmly in the openings and can stretch according to its elasticity when the support arm pivots, but cannot detach from the openings. In addition, the clamping ensures that the connected interior spaces of the hose, machine housing and control terminal are completely airtight and watertight from the environment.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the clamping element has a cone. The cone is hollow on the inside to allow the electrical cables to pass through and has a slightly angled outer diameter that is approximately the size of the inner diameter of the openings minus the material thickness of the hose. The outer diameter of the cone widens along the insertion direction, resulting in a clamping of the hose between the cone and the inner wall of the opening. In addition, the cone can have an annular fold that can be screwed to the inside of the machine housing or the operating terminals for better fixation. For this type of hose clamp, the hose end is located inside the opening and partially or completely overlaps the annular inner surface of the opening. In the latter case, the hose end is flush with the opening on the inside of the machine housing.The cone, in turn, can be flush with the outside of the machine housing or extend beyond it within the hose. Clamping the cone securely fastens the hose and creates an airtight seal at the connection point. Nevertheless, the cone is detachably attached, allowing the hose to be replaced, for example, when replacing the material or if a support arm of a different length is installed that requires a corresponding hose. If the cone extends beyond the opening on the outside of the machine housing, this prevents excessive kinking of the hose on both sides due to the pivoting movements at the edge of the opening.

[0017] Preferably, two or more screw holes are provided on the lateral surface of the support arm rail to accommodate pins which clamp the hose in place. The pins are usually positioned on the inside of the vertical surface of the C-profile at equal distances from the longitudinal axis of the support arm rail in order to hold the hose centrally in the support arm rail. The pins can either be formed integrally with the support arm rail or mounted to it, e.g., screwed. The pins have a conical shape, for example, but can also be shaped as straight cylinders or other suitable three-dimensional shapes. The distance between their outer surfaces is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the hose. This means that the flexible hose can be easily pushed between the pins and is then held in place with sufficient force.This offers the possibility of positioning the hose stably, yet easily and reversibly, without the need for additional clamps or screw terminals. For example, if cleaning is required, the hose can simply be spaced apart from the support arm rail in order to access otherwise hidden areas. Depending on the length of the support arm, several pins may be present. These can be arranged in pairs, each opposite the longitudinal axis of the support arm rail. However, an arrangement of three or more pins offset along the longitudinal axis is also possible. For example, two pins can be arranged above the longitudinal axis and one pin below the longitudinal axis and in the middle of the other two pins.

[0018] The hose is preferably made of silicone or another flexible material approved for use in the food industry. Due to the flexible material, the hose can follow the pivoting movements of the support arm rail without breaking, kinking, and thus becoming porous in areas subject to particularly high levels of repeated stretching and compression, such as near the swivel joints. The material should also have a low tendency to adhere to dirt, water, and the like, and should be easy to clean. Furthermore, only plastic materials that do not contain volatile, harmful substances such as plasticizers may be used in the food industry. The wall thickness of the hose can range from 0.5 to 2.0 mm and can be reduced slightly by clamping within the opening, for example, from 1.8 mm to 1.6 mm.

[0019] In a typical variant, the support arm is made of stainless steel or another passivated or inert material or is coated with it. Depending on the intended length of the support arm and the weight of the operator terminal, the support arm must be made of a material that offers sufficient mechanical stability. Steel is sufficiently hard even at a low material thickness, so that a support arm can be manufactured using small amounts of material. Not only the material itself, but also the shape of the support arm, here in the form of a C-profile, is crucial for its stability. In addition to mechanical resistance, chemical resistance is also important. It is therefore advantageous to use non-corrosive materials such as stainless steel. Alternatively, a coating with inert elements such as chromium can be applied.Components such as swivel joints should generally be made of a solid, passivated material such as stainless steel, as coatings are not possible permanently. By selecting a material suitable for the application, the support arm is durable and easy to clean.

[0020] In a further advantageous variant, the support arm is connected to the machine housing and the operating terminal by means of additional flanges. This means that the support arm rail is not directly hinged to the machine housing or the operating terminal by means of swivel joints, but is connected via the swivel joint to a flange, which is then mounted to the machine housing or the operating terminal. As described below, the flange is, for example, an essentially cuboid-shaped element with a circular opening to accommodate the hose and comprises corresponding components of the swivel joint. The hose is locked in place as explained above. The side of the flange facing away from the support arm rail is attached to the machine housing or the operating terminal, for example using screw connections. Seals, such as rubber seals, attached to this side can ensure an airtight and watertight seal.The advantage of such a flange is that it provides a largely standardized connection between the support arm and the machine housing or operator terminal. This means that only the screw holes need to be correctly positioned, but further developments can be made to the support arm itself or to components such as the swivel joints. It also makes it easier to retrofit machines.

[0021] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the figures. Fig. 1: a perspective side view of a machine with machine housing, support arm and operating terminal, Fig. 2: a sectional view of a section of a support arm according to the invention, Fig. 3: a sectional view of a section of another embodiment of a support arm according to the invention, Fig. 4: a sectional view of an opening of a housing or flange in which a hose is clamped by means of a cone in a first variant, Fig. 5: a sectional view of an opening of a housing or flange in which a hose is clamped by means of a cone in a second variant.

[0022] Corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a machine 1 according to the invention in a perspective side view, comprising a machine housing 3, an operating terminal 5, and a support arm 7 connecting the operating terminal 5 to the machine housing 3. The machine housing 3 is typically located near the conveyor line and can be connected to additional cover elements that protect the food processing on the conveyor line. In the embodiment shown, the support arm 7 comprises a support arm rail 9 in the form of a C-profile, which is connected to two flanges 13 by means of swivel joints 11. The flanges 13 are in turn mounted on the machine housing 3 or on the operating terminal 5. The hose 15 is locked to the support arm rail 9 by means of two pins 17.Via openings in the flanges 13, the machine housing 3 and the housing of the operating terminal 5, the hose 15 connects the interior spaces 4, 6 of the aforementioned components and can accommodate corresponding electrical cables. As can be seen in the illustration, the support arm 7 can be moved essentially horizontally about an axis at the swivel joints 11 on each side. This means that the support arm 7 can also be pivoted on or over the production line to give the operator the best possible control. The support arm 7 has an incline to direct condensation or splash water that accumulates on the support arm 7 away from its second end 21 near the operating terminal 5, and thus away from production, and to allow it to drip off at its first end 19.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a section of a support arm 7 according to the invention, for example at its first end 19. In order to achieve the most advantageous combination of stability and low material consumption, the support arm rail 9 is formed with a substantially vertical lateral surface 23, as well as an upper and a lower substantially horizontal surface 25, 27. The upper surface 25 and the lower surface 27 thus each form a right angle with the lateral surface 23, although this is not mandatory. In areas of the support arm rail 9 that do not make a decisive contribution to the stability of the construction, recesses 29 can be provided for good hygiene through good visibility and accessibility. Screw holes 31 can be arranged at several points on the support arm rail 9 in order to accommodate pins 17, as in Fig. 1 for the central area, to lock the hose 15.

[0025] In one embodiment, the lower surface 27 can additionally have a lateral fold 33, forming a channel 34 which, due to the slope of the support arm 7, can guide water to a drainage opening 35 through which it can drip downwards. This prevents water from dripping laterally from the lower surface 27 and thus too close to the production line. The drainage opening 35 is spaced apart from the pivot joints 11 and thus also from the machine housing 3 to avoid impairing them.

[0026] The swivel joints 11 are designed in a manner known to those skilled in the art and usually comprise a bolt 37, a sleeve 39 and a washer 41. The swivel joint 11 can, as in Fig. 2, connect the flange 13 to the support arm rail 9, but can also be attached directly to the machine housing 3 or the operating terminal 5, whereby the flange 13 can be omitted. In addition, in the embodiment shown, two swivel joints 11 are arranged on the support arm rail 9; however, it is also possible, with appropriate modification of the lateral, upper and lower surfaces 23, 25, 27 and appropriate dimensioning of a swivel joint 11, to link the support arm rail to the flange 13 or a housing with just one swivel joint 11. The end section 43 of the upper and lower surfaces 25, 27, which can also be regarded as part of the swivel joints 11, can be angled vertically from the upper and lower surfaces 25, 27. In this way, the inclination of the support arm 7 can be achieved, whereby the flanges 13 remain vertical and the end sections 43 can rotate horizontally as part of the swivel joints 11.

[0027] The one in the embodiment of Fig. 2 has a circular opening 45 in the center, which can accommodate the hose 15 flush with its radial outer side. The hose 15 can be pushed in over part or the entire width of the flange 13. To fix the hose 15, a clamping element 47 is clamped inside the opening 45 from the inside against the hose 15 and thus the inner wall of the opening 45. In the variant shown, an internally hollow cone 47 is used as the clamping element, which comprises a widening cylindrical part 49 and a radial disc part 51. Since the cylindrical part 49 widens on the outer circumference in the direction of the disc part 51, i.e. from right to left in the illustration, the hose 15 is clamped firmly in the opening 45 of the flange 13. To fix it, the cone 47 is screwed onto the flange 13 from the inside via the disc part 51.Once the hose 15 is secured in the opening 45, the flange 13 can be screwed onto, for example, the machine housing 3. A seal 53, preferably made of rubber, serves to ensure a watertight and airtight seal.

[0028] An opening in a wall of the machine housing 3, over which the flange 13 is attached, expediently has a slightly larger diameter than the cone 47 in the area of ​​the disc part 51, so that the latter can protrude into the machine housing 3. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to manufacture the seal 53 with a thickness such that the disc part 51 of the cone 47 can be located between the machine housing 3 and the flange 13, and the screws that fix the cone also protrude through the wall of the machine housing 3 and help to fasten the support arm 7 to it. Furthermore, it would be conceivable to manufacture the seal 53 with a thickness such that it projects beyond the disc part 51 and the screw heads that fix the disc part 51, or to manufacture the flange 13 with an additional elevation in the edge area below the seal.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a section of another embodiment of a support arm 7 according to the invention. The hose 15 is locked therein by two pins 55. The hose 15 can be easily pushed between the pins 55 and is clamped and locked by them, without the need for additional screwing. Furthermore, the cone 47 in this example is formed with an extended cylindrical part 49, which projects beyond the opening 45 in the hose 15. This extended design, which can also be used in other embodiments, is intended to prevent excessive kinking and thus damage to the hose 15 at the opening 45. By way of example, an electrical line 57, which can be a data line, power line or the like and runs in the interior 16 of the hose 15, is shown.

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of an opening 45 of a housing or flange 13, in which a hose 15 is clamped by means of a cone 47 in a first variant. As can be seen, the cone 47 is essentially flush with the opening 45, i.e. the length of the cylindrical part 49 of the cone 47 corresponds to the wall thickness of the flange 13. The disc part 51 of the cone 47 lies flat on the inside of the flange 13. As shown, the flexible material of the hose 15 can be deformed under the action of force, so that when the hose 15 is clamped in the opening 45, the original wall thickness d1 is reduced to the wall thickness d2. The length of the corresponding section increases accordingly. Also visible is the sloping outer wall of the cylindrical part 49 of the cone 47, whereby the outer diameter of the cone 47 increases in the direction of the disc part 51.As a result, the cone 47 is narrow enough at its front (in the illustration on the right) to be able to be pushed into the hose 15 and then, with increasing force, ensures sufficient clamping to lock the hose 15.

[0031] Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of an opening 45 of a housing or flange 13, in which a hose 15 is clamped by means of a cone 47 in a second variant. With otherwise identical features as in Fig. 4, the cylinder side 49 of the cone 47 shown here is longer than the wall thickness of the flange 13 and thus protrudes beyond its opening 45. As for Fig. 3, this is intended to prevent excessive movement or kinking of the hose 15 at the opening 45. Specifically, the projection of the cylinder part 49 allows a bend in the Z direction at point A and a bend in the -Z direction at point B, or allows the bend around the respective edge. Thus, a bend at point A in the -Z direction is prevented. At point B, in turn, no significant bending or kinking in the Z direction occurs anyway, since the hose can already be considered freely movable in this direction. Thus, kinking in both directions of a pivoting movement is prevented at point A, which leads to a significantly lower material load at this point compared to Fig. 4. The view of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 can be understood here as a horizontal section.

[0032] Based on the above-described embodiments of a machine 1 with support arm 7, numerous variations are possible. For example, it is conceivable to route several thinner hoses through the support arm 7 instead of a single large hose 15. The support arm rail 9 can also be equipped with additional stabilizing struts on the free side opposite the lateral surface 23. Furthermore, the swivel joints 11 can be designed in other variations, for example, to allow not only horizontal but also vertical pivoting. This vertical movement can be provided with appropriate resistance to prevent accidental downward tilting. This makes it possible to optimally adjust the viewing angle of the operator terminal.Even without vertical adjustment via a swivel joint, the flange on the side of the control terminal can be designed so that the display is tilted vertically or upwards despite the tilt of the support arm. The hose 15 can be attached to the support arm rail 9 in various ways, for example, using clamps or cable ties, for which the screw holes 31 can also be used.

Claims

[1] Machine (1), preferably a packaging machine, comprising a machine housing (3), an operating terminal (5) and a support arm (7) connecting the operating terminal (5) to the machine housing (3), characterized by in that the support arm (7) is connected at a first end (19) to the machine housing (3) and at a second end (21) to the operating terminal (5), each by means of a rotary joint (11), and comprises a support arm rail (9) in the form of an open profile and a flexible, hollow hose (15), wherein the hose (15) is arranged substantially in the interior of the support arm rail (9) and the hose (15) has an interior space (16) which is connected to interior spaces (4, 6) of the machine housing (3) and the operating terminal (5) and is insulated from the ambient atmosphere, wherein electrical lines (57) run from the machine housing (3) to the operating terminal (5) in the interior space (16) of the hose (15). [2] Machine according to claim 1, characterized bythat the support arm (7) is inclined at a shallow angle not equal to 0°, preferably at an angle of approximately 2-6°, from the horizontal. [3] Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support arm (7) is inclined upwards starting from the machine housing (3). [4] Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support arm rail (9) is designed in the form of an open C-profile. [5] Machine according to claim 4, characterized by that a lower surface (27) of the C-profile has a drain opening (35). [6] Machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the lower surface (27) of the C-profile is designed in the form of a groove (34). [7] Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the hose (15) is inserted into an opening (45) of the machine housing (3) and an opening (45) of the operating terminal (5) and is clamped therein by means of a clamping element (47). [8] Machine according to claim 7, characterized by that the clamping element has a cone (47). [9] Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that two or more screw holes (31) are formed on the lateral surface (23) of the support arm rail (9) for receiving the hose (15) by clamping locking pins (17, 55). [10] Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hose (15) is made of silicone or another flexible material approved for the food industry. [11] Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the support arm (7) is made of or coated with stainless steel or another passivated or inert material. [12] Machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support arm (7) is connected to the machine housing (3) and the operating terminal (5) by means of additional flanges (13).

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