Filler and method for aligning spout in radial direction

Abstract

To provide a filler and a method for aligning a spout for filling of a food product, particularly a food product for producing a sausage.SOLUTION: A filler for aligning a spout in a radial direction includes: a spout 3 for discharging a food product; a support device 4 for supporting the spout 3; and a support device 4 for supporting the spout 3 particularly around a longitudinal axis L in a rotatable manner. The device 4 for making the spouts 3 forming a curve to be aligned in a radial direction includes a movable curvature element 5 capable of aligning the spouts 3 in an at least partially curved manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A filling machine for filling the food product has a filling tube for discharging the food product. In industrial food processing, particularly in the production of sausages, automatic filling machines operated by an operator are often used.

[0003] In these automatic stuffing machines, the spouts, e.g. fixed filling tubes or driven threaded spouts used to hold the sausage casings and release the pasty mass into the sausage casings, are not perfectly straight but become curved during use. The spouts are e.g. 500 mm long tubes with a diameter range of 8-28 mm and a wall thickness of 0.35-1.5 mm. The curvature of the spouts is caused e.g. by improper transport, improper cleaning, improper storage and improper use of the casing spoolers.

[0004] The spout must be very long because the longer the spout, the more shirred sausage casings can be pulled out, resulting in fewer interruptions in production, i.e. fewer changes of (gut) casings.

[0005] In practice, curved spouts can cause the following problems:

[0006] 1. When drawing a new casing bead, the casing bead may be damaged. Furthermore, if, when pulling the spout into the casing brake after pulling out a new sausage casing, the spout does not enter the casing brake and hits the adjustment screw, for example, significant damage can occur.

[0007] 2.Sausage casings, spouts or casing brakes may be damaged when the spouts are immersed in the casing brakes.

[0008] 3. Casing bursts may occur during production. In practice, curved spouts increase production errors, i.e. casing bursts. This is because the preload via the casing brake acts unevenly on the spout due to the curvature. Furthermore, in individual cases, penetration of external air may occur, which is favorable for curved spouts.

[0009] 4. Curved spouts can also pose a safety hazard beyond a certain degree of curvature. They can deflect or twist strongly at high rotational speeds, causing injury or danger to the operator.

[0010] 5. However, even with a spout or fill tube that is mounted fixedly, i.e. so that it cannot rotate, curvature can cause problems with the spout not being accurately aligned with downstream units, e.g. a clipper.

[0011] In the prior art, attempts have been made to manually realign the spouts. However, the results have been unsatisfactory, non-repeatable and highly dependent on the skill and quality standards of the operator. The smaller the diameter of the spout, the more deflection required and the more difficult it is to reliably align the spout. The larger the diameter of the twist-off spout, the more force the operator needs.

[0012] Spout centering devices have already been proposed for drawing out new sausage casings so that they can be pushed into the spout without being damaged (see, for example, EP 2,745,698). However, this centering only has a temporary effect when the sausage casing is drawn out, and does not provide a permanent straightening function after the centering device is released. However, this means that even if the spout is centered during the drawing of the casing, the problem continues if the casing is immersed in the casing brake. Here, centering by mechanical forced guiding is no longer possible, since the casing has already been drawn out and is located between the spout and the possible centering.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved filling machine and method which avoids the above-mentioned problems with curved spouts.

[0014] According to the invention, this object is solved by the features of claims 1 and 12.

[0015] According to the invention, a filling machine for filling food products, in particular food products for sausage production, has a spout for discharging the food product. A corresponding spout, for example a twist-off spout, is used for discharging the food product into a sausage casing which is shirred over the spout. The term spout also includes a fixed filling tube. The filling machine also has a support device for supporting, in particular for rotatably supporting the spout around the longitudinal axis L.

[0016] According to the invention, the filling machine has a device for radially aligning the curved spout with respect to the longitudinal axis. When the spout is curved, the central axis is no longer in a straight line, so that deviations in concentricity occur, for example, when the spout rotates about its central axis to twist the individual sausage portions. The device for radially aligning the curved spout has a movable bending element that can at least partially curve and realign the spout so that the central axis M of the spout extends substantially along the longitudinal axis L.

[0017] This allows, for example, a spout with a sausage casing already shirred to be immersed in the casing brake without damaging the spout, the casing brake or the sausage casing. This effectively prevents casing bursting and other production errors. The precise alignment also allows the preload to act evenly on the spout via the casing brake. The ingress of outside air can also be prevented. This means that the filling machine can be operated safely even at high speeds, as there are no strong deflections and no danger to the operator.

[0018] Advantages also accrue when drawing the sausage casing into the spout, because the spout is aligned exactly in the center and the sausage casing can be drawn in without damage. The fact that the curving elements are integrated into the filling machine makes the process easier for the operator and reduces training times. Automatic straightening is also possible, especially when changing the product and therefore the spout. Overall, this results in reproducible product quality and higher line utilization with fewer production interruptions. Furthermore, time is saved, especially on revolving machines where several spouts are used alternately.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the bending element is movable at an angle, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, in order to at least partially curve the spout. Advantageously, the bending element is movable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The spout may be curved against the curvature by the bending element, in particular a bending punch. "At an angle" means in particular an angle of 90°±5° to the longitudinal axis L. The bending element is thereby able to curve the spout against the curvature. The effective angle between the bending element and the central axis M may be dynamically changed by the deflection of the spout.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the bending element is adapted as a curved pestle, for example in the form of a pressure cylinder. The bending element can be electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically powered.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the curved pestle preferably has a recess in its end region facing the spout, in particular a substantially V-, U- or C-shaped recess, in which the spout lies and is centered and guided during bending. Due to the special design of the end region, it is possible for the spout to abut securely in the recess during the bending process and not move from a fixed position, for example.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the spout may be curved such that the central axis of the spout extends along the longitudinal axis, at least in the end region of the spout facing away from the support device. If the spout is properly aligned at least at the end, for example the last 3 or 4 cm of the spout, it can be screwed into the casing brake without damage. The feature that the central axis M of the spout extends substantially along the longitudinal axis means that the central axis coincides with the longitudinal axis or there is only a slight deviation of the axis between 0 mm and 3 mm, or the deviation of concentricity in the end region is within the tolerance range a-<0.5 mm (a less than 0.5 mm), preferably a-<0.3 mm (a less than 0.3 mm).

[0023] According to the present invention, if the filling machine has a casing brake in which the spout is held in the filling position, the longitudinal axis L can extend between the support device and the casing brake, and the central axis M of the filling tube extends along the longitudinal axis L at least in the end region of the spout facing away from the support device.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the bending element can be arranged to move back and forth along an axis parallel or inclined to the longitudinal axis L, i.e. manually or via a corresponding drive, e.g. a motor. This allows the spout to be curved at a specific position along the longitudinal axis. If the filling tube is to be continuously corrected along the longitudinal axis, this is possible via a corresponding drive in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The bending element can also be retracted to a rest position that does not interfere with normal operation. This can be achieved, for example, by raising it radially (e.g. about 50 mm further) relative to the spout.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the device for radially aligning the curved spout may comprise a sensor capable of measuring in particular the concentricity deviation.

[0026] The sensor may be a sensor for measuring the position of the outer wall of the spout, in particular a distance meter, and / or may be configured to measure the diameter of the spout (for example using a light band). For the measured spout diameter, a target position of the spout wall can be determined. However, a nominal value of the spout diameter can also be input via the machine control. By inputting the actual value of the spout diameter, this can be compared again with the measured position of the outer wall of the spout, for example to determine deviations in concentricity.

[0027] The spout diameter and the degree of deflection or concentricity deviation may be determined by the absorption of forces dependent on the rotation of the curved element and calculated by the machine control system, provided that provisions are made for measurements (e.g. force transducers, strain gauges or measurement of the drive current of an electric motor).

[0028] Advantageously, the sensor is configured to move back and forth along an axis parallel or inclined to the longitudinal axis L, so that a measurement in the direction of the longitudinal axis L is possible. Advantageously, the sensor can be moved back and forth together with the curved element, so that the curved element can be controlled depending on the measured value, for example, whether the sensor is moving forward or not. In this case, measurements can be made at several points distributed in the longitudinal direction and then curved in each case, or the sensor and the curved element can be moved continuously in the longitudinal direction and the concentricity deviations can be measured continuously, for example the curved element is moved accordingly in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L and a corresponding pressure is applied to straighten the spout.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the spout can be rotated via a servo drive with position detection of the angular position, whereby a sensor can specifically detect deviations depending on the angular position of the spout and the curved element can specifically compensate for deviations from the correct orientation.

[0030] Advantageously, the filling machine has a control system which, in response to the sensor signals, determines the movement of the curved elements relative to the longitudinal axis and controls accordingly the drive of the curved elements, in particular displacement-controlled and / or force-controlled, and optionally determines the movement of the curved elements in the direction of the longitudinal axis and controls corresponding drives of the curved elements for this movement.

[0031] The alignment can be performed from the clamping point, i.e. from the support device, to the open end of the spout. Depending on the number of measuring points that deviate from the central axis, the spout can be aligned almost exactly as required. The more points to be set and the narrower the tolerances, the more accurate, but the more time consuming. Depending on the deviation measured at this position, a movement perpendicular or at a certain angle to the longitudinal axis is performed. Powering the curved element for a movement towards the longitudinal axis can be realized, for example, by an electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical drive, for example by a pneumatic cylinder. The movement in the longitudinal direction can be realized, for example, by a drive system including a motor, in particular a stepping motor or a servomotor, and / or a gearbox with a carriage on a toothed belt shaft.

[0032] However, according to a further embodiment for radially aligning the curved spouts, the device can also have a lever for moving the curved element, in particular the curved pestle, in particular by manual force, preferably a limit stop is provided for the lever, even more preferably different limit stop positions are adjustable. Such a solution is cheap and easy to implement and can also be retrofitted to existing machines. This lever allows a safe method for the operator, since he does not have to touch the rotating parts with his hands. By implementing a limit stop on the lever, the results can be reproduced. Different limit stop positions can be selected for different spouts. The lever and the curved element can be fixed or can move back and forth on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, a counter-holding device can be installed on the opposite side of the curved element.

[0033] The device for radial alignment, in particular the lever, can be at least temporarily attached to the filling machine, i.e. it is possible to dismantle or modify the device for radial alignment after alignment.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the device for radially aligning the curved spout can have a roll-straightening device with several curving elements in the form of preloaded rollers arranged back and forth around the spout, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the spout, which can alternately curve and straighten the spout, the roll-straightening device being preferably movable back and forth parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The roll-straightening device can then be moved, for example manually or automatically, along the spout, so that the axes are correctly aligned.

[0035] According to the inventive method for radially aligning a spout, in particular with a filling machine, as defined in at least one of claims 1 to 11, the curved spout is clamped to a supporting device for supporting, in particular for rotatably supporting the spout about the longitudinal axis L, and a curved element is preferably moved at an angle, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, and the spout is at least partially curved for radially aligning the curved spout.

[0036] This means that, for example, in response to a deviation of the spout central axis M from the longitudinal axis L and / or a deviation of the position of the spout outer wall from a corresponding target position, the curved member curves the spout to compensate for this deviation.

[0037] Advantageously, the sensor can in particular measure the deviation in concentricity, preferably the position of the outer wall of the spout at several points along the spout (at several points or continuously over its length), in particular depending on the rotation angle of the spout, i.e. at a particular rotation angle when the spout is not rotated while being straightened.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the spout rotates during alignment by the curved element, which in particular moves from the support element, i.e. for example from the clamping point, to the tip of the filling tube facing away from the support device and then preferably slowly moves back, in particular back to the central area, or the spout is stationary, which is preferably supported by a counter holder and the curved element presses the spout in a force-controlled or displacement-controlled manner at one or more positions of the spout (even continuously).

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, only the end region of the spout facing away from the support device, for example the last 3-4 cm, is deflected and straightened by the bending element. If the central axis M of the spout substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis L of this region, the spout can be safely retracted into the casing brake.

[0040] The curved spout is aligned before the sausage casing is drawn. Aligning the spout before stretching the sausage casing has the advantage that the spout can be accurately centred relative to the sausage casing, minimising the risk of damage to the sausage casing during stretching.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the bending element may be a revolver which performs a rotational movement and on which the support device is arranged, the revolver rotating about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis L and which makes it possible to move the clamped spout in the center of the clamping device. This means that a revolver which is already present in any case can be used to rotatably support several filling tubes and to bend the spouts in order to guide them by rotating them into the filling position for screwing into the casing brake. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a spout arrangement for a filling machine according to the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic embodiment of an apparatus for radially aligning a curved spout according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows an apparatus for radially aligning spouts according to a further embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an apparatus for aligning spouts according to a further embodiment. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device for radially aligning a spout by means of a lever. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device for radially aligning the spouts by means of a lever. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a shows another embodiment of the invention with a roll straightening device. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b shows another embodiment according to the invention with a roll straightening device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of an assembly with sensors for measuring concentricity deviations, as well as straight and curved tubes. [Figure 8a] FIG. 8a shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment according to the invention. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment according to the invention. [Figure 8c] FIG. 8c shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment according to the invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment according to the invention.

[0043] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0044] Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment according to the invention, in which two filling tubes 3a, 3b in the form of spouts are arranged on a revolver 12 which is rotatable about an axis X and which, by rotating the revolver, can be pivoted from a position for applying sausage casings to a filling position in which the spouts 3b can be pressed, for example, into a casing brake 6 which is placed in a brake ring housing 13. It is also possible, for example, to pivot the brake ring gear 13 away from the spouts and towards them. Figure 1 shows only one possible embodiment.

[0045] The spout 3b, which is placed in the filling position, is connected, for example, to a funnel via a pump, for example a vane cell pump (not shown), so that, for example, a paste-like mass is discharged through the spout 3 into the sausage casing and a casing brake 6 presses the sausage casing against the spout.

[0046] As described above, for example, the spout 3 having a length of 400-600 mm, a diameter of 8-28 mm, and a wall thickness of 0.35-1 mm is prone to bending. As described above, this bending becomes a significant problem, particularly when the spout 3b is inserted into the casing brake 6 (see FIG. 1).

[0047] The spout can be powered as described, i.e., a twist-off spout, or in embodiments where rotational motion is not required, it can be a fixed fill tube.

[0048] The top and middle figures of FIG. 7 show, for example, aligned spouts, and the bottom figure shows a curved spout 3. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the spout 3 is supported by a support device 4 so as to rotate about a longitudinal axis L. When the spout 3 is curved, the actual central axis Mist of the spout does not coincide with the longitudinal axis L. This results in an imbalance of the rotating spout. To ensure that the filling machine functions properly, a certain concentricity deviation a max The maximum permissible concentricity deviation a must not be exceeded. maxis for example 0.3 mm-0.5 mm, i.e. ±α, deviation from the target position of the outer cylindrical surface of the spout. As can be seen from Figure 7, the position of the outer spout wall is outside the acceptable tolerance at position P1, e.g. curved downwards by a deviation d. The deviation can be detected, for example, by a distance sensor 10 shown in Figure 7, which is described in more detail below, or by an operator.

[0049] According to the invention, the filling machine according to the invention has a device 2 for radially aligning the curved spout 3 so that it becomes straight again against its curvature. For this purpose, a movable curvature element 5 is provided, which is adapted to move the outer wall of the spout at least in the end region E of the spout (see FIG. 1 ) away from the concentricity deviation a max The spout 3 may be at least partially curved such that the end region E corresponds, for example, to the last 3 or 4 cm of the filling tube.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 shows a spout 3 rotatably supported on a support device 4. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a curved element 5 is provided which can be moved back and forth perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L, as indicated by the arrow. Even if not shown here, the curved element does not necessarily have to move perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L, but can also press the tube straight against the longitudinal axis L at an angle of 80° to 100°, preferably 85° to 95°. The curved element 5 is preferably a curved pestle which can be powered, for example, electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically. The curved pestle 5 can be designed, for example, as a pneumatic cylinder and can be moved back and forth on a slide 16 in a direction along the longitudinal axis L. For this purpose, a corresponding drive can also be provided, for example a servomotor. In this embodiment, an optional sensor 10 is provided which can measure, for example, the concentricity deviation a, i.e. the position of the outer wall of the spout. In particular, the sensor can be a distance meter. The sensor can also be a sensor for measuring the diameter of the spout. Various sensors can be used to detect out-of-roundness or imbalance of the spout. For example, the sensors can include: - optical measurement, for example by laser or light cross section sensors, -Inductive or capacitive measurements, -Radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, Hall sensors, - Camera, shadow cast measurement, - tactile measurement, for example using electromechanical feelers or tactile dial gauges (see Figure 7). - Measurement of structure-borne noise (machine vibrations) or air-borne noise, e.g. by current draw of the spout drive. This measurement may be used to detect at least the presence of an imbalance.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the spout 3 rotates about the longitudinal axis L during alignment, and the curved pestle 5 on the spout 3 moves from the support device 4, i.e. the clamped position, to the tip S, further deflecting the spout 3. During this process, the spout rotates and thus radially aligns. At the tip S, the curved pestle 5 slowly returns to a central position between the tip S and the support device 4. The control system 11 can determine the movement of the curved elements in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L depending on the diameter and the sensor signal, i.e. the measured position of the spout outer wall (and can, for example, move the curved elements to a position corresponding to the target position of the spout outer wall and control the drive of the curved elements 5, which are in particular displacement-controlled, accordingly to radially align the tube again in a specific position, as can also be seen from FIG. 7). The spout can be easily aligned by rotating it. The movement of the curved element 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L is also determined by the control system and the drive of the curved element, e.g. a step motor, is driven accordingly, i.e. the movement along the longitudinal axis L towards the spout 3 is coordinated. For this purpose, the diameter of the spout can also be measured or input. This is just one example of how the machine control system can determine the required movement of the curved pestle, in this case in the L direction, perpendicular to the axial direction L.

[0052] Figure 3 shows another embodiment according to the invention. Here, the curved pestle 5 does not press against a rotating spout 3, but against a fixed filling tube 3 or spout, which is supported by a counter holder 17 on the opposite side to the slide with the curved pestle 5. This ensures that the targeted curvature can be achieved at any position of the spout. The counter holder can be designed either on both sides or only on one side between the curvature element and the support device, so that the position on the longitudinal axis at which the curvature occurs can be determined. This means that it is not necessarily necessary to make the curvature around the 4 of the support device.

[0053] 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 spout at several positions along the longitudinal axis L or continuously over its entire length. Depending on the sensor signal, the movement of the curved pestle 5 can be determined accordingly by the control system, and the pestle can be controlled in a force-controlled or displacement-controlled manner. In addition, by specifying the rotation angle such that the curved pestle is curved in the opposite direction to the curvature, the spout may be positioned in the opposite direction to the measured deviation via the servo motor of the spout drive device. This allows the spout to be aligned with a minimum number of curving operations, if this is not done continuously. The alignment is also performed continuously or in several places from the clamping position of the support device 4 to the tip S of the spout. Depending on the number of measured positions and the deviation from the target position, the spout can be aligned as precisely as required. The more the number of set positions is and the narrower the tolerances, in particular the maximum concentricity deviation a, the more precise the method.

[0054] As already explained above, at least if the presence of an imbalance is detected, instead of the entire spout, it is also possible that an end region, i.e. for example the last 3 cm to 4 cm of the spout, is deflected by a curved pestle 5, as shown in figures 8a, 8b. In this way, the curved pestle presses the spout 3 at least in the end region E, i.e. the last 3 cm or 4 cm, so that the central axis of the spout substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis L at least in the end region. The spout rotates during alignment.

[0055] In this embodiment, the alignment is preferably performed independently of the measured concentricity deviation of the tube. Optionally, by slowly moving the curved pestle 5 back from the tip S to the central region of the spout 3 (while the spout is rotating), the spout 3 becomes substantially round after deflection. The diameter can be set by the operator and the device curves the spout accordingly. The plunger can be designed electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or mechanically and is configured, for example, as a pneumatic cylinder, as shown in FIG. 4. The pneumatic cylinder is here arranged in the end region of the spout and can be moved back and forth parallel to the longitudinal axis L, as explained in the previous embodiment.

[0056] Figures 5a and 5b show a further embodiment according to the invention. The curved pestle 5 can now be moved using hand forces via a lever. The corresponding embodiment is very simple, but no longer automated. The lever is a safe concept for the operator, since the hand does not come into contact with rotating parts. The device 2 has, for example, a guide 14 for the plunger and a corresponding hand lever 15. In addition, the device has a fixing device 20, here a clamping element, via which the device 2 can be fixed at least temporarily to the filling machine. Here, the curved pestle 5 has a limit stop 9. Depending on the attached spout 3, this can be set, for example, to a marked position. This allows the spout to be reproducibly adjusted to a consistent precision. Different limit stop positions or limit stops 9 are required for different spouts, allowing good straightening of spouts of the same setting. By pulling the lever 15, the curved pestle 5 is moved perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, deflecting the spout. The lever 15 is then slowly returned to its original position.

[0057] The hand lever is arranged in a fixed position in the end region of the spout, seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, in which position at least the end region of the spout is radially aligned by simply pressing the filling tube against it, or it can be moved manually back and forth, for example along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis L. For this purpose, a counter holder (not shown) can also be provided, which can also be moved parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0058] In this simplified version, no sensor is strictly necessary due to the preset limit stops.The method according to this embodiment is advantageously carried out by rotating the spout so that the deformation is uniform.

[0059] In another embodiment, the revolver 12 takes over the function of the movable bending element, as shown in FIG. 8c. The function of the bending pestle 5 is taken over by a revolver movement (for example a rotation of the axis x to bring the various spouts into the filling position, as shown in FIG. 1). In the straightening process, the spout 3 is held at its tip S or in the front area by a clamping device 25. The straightening process is carried out with the spout stationary. This requires the use of sensors to determine the magnitude and direction of the deviation. The spout needs to be positioned at a precise angle for the alignment process. In this case, the clamping position of the spout is deflected, not the tip as in the previous embodiment.

[0060] Figures 6a and 6b show a further embodiment according to the invention. The device for radially aligning the curved spout 3 can also comprise a roll-straightening device 2 with a number of curving elements 5 in the form of preloaded rollers arranged back and forth around the spout in the longitudinal direction of the spout and capable of alternately curving and straightening the spout 3, preferably the roll-straightening device can be moved back and forth parallel to the longitudinal direction L, after which the roll-straightening device can be moved along the spout by hand or automatically, for example by a drive device, so that the axes are correctly aligned.

[0061] In embodiments with an upright spout, a counter holder arrangement is advantageous.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the curved pestle preferably has a recess in its end region facing the spout, in particular a substantially V-, U- or C-shaped recess, in which the spout is located during bending. Due to a special design of the end region, it is possible for the spout to rest reliably in the recess during the bending process and not, for example, move out of position.

[0063] In the method of the invention, the curved spout is clamped to a support device 4 which supports it rotatably about the longitudinal axis L, and a curved element 5 is moved so that the twist-off spout is curved at least in the radially aligned portion. The examples shown of how the curved element is moved and the optional use of sensors are merely illustrative. It is important that the device for radially aligning the curved spout is integrated into the filling machine in order to permanently curve at least the front or rear end region of the spout and thereby straighten it so that it is accurately centered when threading the sausage casing, in particular the casing beads, and to avoid problems when threading the casing brake.

[0064] In the method according to the invention, the curved element, i.e. the curved pestle, can advantageously be retracted quickly (e.g. 30-50 mm / sec) and extended more slowly (e.g. 5-20 mm / sec) from engagement with the rotating spout. The force can be controlled, for example from 10 N to 300 N, in particular up to a target force of 150 N. The progression can also be limited by end limit stops or actuator position specifications (e.g. position for each deformation of the spout or spout diameter).

[0065] Figure 9 shows another embodiment according to the invention, where the curved element 5 does not reciprocate parallel to the longitudinal axis L, but along an axis A of the guide which runs at an angle to the longitudinal axis L. Figure 9 also shows in dashed lines the possible deflections due to the inclined linear movement of the curved element 5. As mentioned above in relation to the previous embodiment, it is also possible that the sensor is arranged to move back and forth along the inclined axis and precede the curved element 5.

Claims

1. A filling machine (1) for filling food products, in particular food products for sausage production, comprising: a spout (3) for discharging said food product and a support device (4) for supporting, in particular rotatably supporting, said spout (3) about a longitudinal axis (L), A filling machine (1) comprising an apparatus (2) for radially aligning a curved spout (3), the apparatus (2) having a curving element (5) configured to at least partially curve and align the spout (3).

2. 2. The filling machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bending element (5) is movable at an angle, in particular at an angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L), in order to at least partially bend the spout (3), is designed in particular as a curved pestle and preferably has a recess (7), in particular a substantially V-, U- or C-shaped recess, in its end region facing the spout, such that during bending the spout (3) is located in the recess (7).

3. A filling machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spout (3) is curved, at least in the end region opposite the support device (4), so that the central axis (M) of the spout (3) extends substantially along the longitudinal axis (L).

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

5. A filling machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device (2) for radially aligning the curved spout (3) has a sensor (10) capable of measuring in particular the concentricity deviation (a), preferably in the form of a sensor for measuring the position of the outer wall of the spout, in particular in the form of a distance meter and / or in the form of a sensor adapted to measure the diameter of the spout.

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

7. Filling machine (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the spout (3) is rotatable via a servo drive with position detection of the angular position.

8. The filling machine (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the control system (11) determines the movement of the curved element (5) relative to the longitudinal axis (L) in response to a sensor signal and controls the drive of the curved element accordingly, in particular by displacement control and / or force control, in particular determines the movement of the curved element (5) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) and controls the further drive of the curved element (5) accordingly.

9. A filling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device (2) for radially aligning the curved spout (8) comprises a lever (15) for manually displacing in particular the bending element (5), in particular the curved pestle, preferably said lever (15) being provided with a limit stop (9), further preferably different limit stop positions being adjustable.

10. Filling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device (2) for radial alignment is at least temporarily attachable to the filling machine.

11. A filling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the device (2) for radially aligning a curved spout (8) comprises a roll-straightening device in which a number of curving elements (5) in the form of preloaded rollers are arranged one behind the other around the spout (3) as seen in the longitudinal direction of the spout, and which is able to alternately curve and straighten the spout, preferably the roll-straightening device being movable back and forth parallel to the longitudinal direction (L).

12. A method for radially aligning a spout (3), in particular in a filling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a curved spout (3) is clamped to a support device (4) for supporting, in particular for rotatably supporting said spout (3) about a longitudinal axis (L), and a curved element (5) is curved in order to at least partially radially align the curved spout, preferably moving at an angle perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (L).

13. 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 spout wall at several points along the spout.

14. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the spout rotates during alignment by the curved element (5), which preferably moves from the supporting device (4) to the spout tip (S) facing away from the supporting device (4) and then preferably returns, in particular to the central area, or the spout (3) is stationary, the spout (3) is preferably supported by a counterholder during alignment, and the curved element presses against the spout in a force-controlled or displacement-controlled manner at one or more positions of the spout.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that only the end region of the spout (3) facing away from the supporting device is deflected and straightened by the curved element (5).

16. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterised in that the curved spout is radially aligned before the sausage casing is drawn off.

17. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the curved element (5) is subject to a rotational movement and is a revolver (12) in which the support device (4) is arranged and which itself rotates about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis L, and which rotational movement makes it possible to displace the spout (3), which is clamped in the center of a clamping device (25).

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