Intersecting-Axis Clipping Tool for High-Rate Large Package Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging machines face challenges in closing tubular or bag-shaped packagings containing incoherent fillings like fruit or vegetables, as they require adaptations to handle slack packaging material and large sizes, leading to reduced cycle rates and filling speed limitations.
Innovation Solution
A clipping tool assembly with a first closing tool and a die that intersect in a closing region, allowing for a compact design and increased cycle rates through linear movement, featuring a die drive and tool drive for sequential movement, and gathering means to form a plait-like portion for efficient closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the clipping tool assembly is adapted to handle large packagings with slack material, then the packaging size and slack handling capability are improved, but the cycle rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The die is made linearly movable along the filling axis through a die drive mechanism, allowing the die to move between a neutral position (for filling) and an engagement position (for closing). This dynamic adjustment enables the same tool assembly to handle various packaging sizes while maintaining high cycle rates through minimized movement distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing axis and die axis are arranged to intersect at an angle between 30°-90° in the closing region, creating a compact spatial arrangement. This angular intersection allows the tool assembly to achieve effective closing action while minimizing the travel distance of components, thereby maintaining high cycle rates even for large packagings.
2Productivity
If the travel distance of die and closing tool is minimized through intersecting axes, then the cycle time is reduced and productivity is improved, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The die and closing tool movements are coordinated through a unified mechanism where the die drive and tool drive work together. The intersecting axes arrangement allows both components to reach the closing region simultaneously with minimized travel, reducing cycle time while the integration of drives and guides manages the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The die serves multiple functions: it forms the plait-like portion during filling, positions the closure means, and provides the closing surface. The closing tool similarly performs multiple operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing complexity while achieving high productivity through the intersecting axis arrangement.
3Reliability
If linear movement is used instead of rotational movement, then the wear on components is reduced and reliability is improved, but the speed and acceleration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional rotational closing mechanism is replaced with a linear movement system where the die and closing tool move linearly along intersecting axes to reach the closing region. This substitution reduces mechanical wear from rotational joints and bearings, improving reliability. The linear drives are configured to achieve sufficient speeds for high cycle rates despite the limited travel distance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a clipping tool assembly (1) for closing a closure clip (C) comprising: a first closing tool (24) and a die (26) for applying the clip (C) at a plait-like portion (PP) of a packaging (P); a die drive (52) for reversibly moving the die (26) linearly along a die axis (AD); a tool drive (54) for reversibly moving the first closing tool (24) linearly along a closing axis(AC); wherein the clipping tool assembly (1) is configured to close the clip (c) at the plait-like portion (PP) when the first closing tool (24) is moved towards the die (26); and wherein the die axis (AD) and the closing axis (AC) intersect each other in the closing region (4). The invention further relates to packaging machine having such a clipping tool assembly (1) and to the use of a clipping tool assembly (1).