Piston Cylinder Drive for Compact Clipping Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clipping machines require additional space for moving closing tools and gathering means to remove or refill tubular casing material, leading to a non-compact construction.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with a piston/cylinder assembly that allows reversible linear movement of the clipping module, enabling movement between release and discharge positions, and predefined intermediate positions, using multiple variable cylinder volumes coupled to pressure sources for precise control and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If closing tools and gathering means are fixed in position relative to the filling tube, then the clipping machine structure is simple, but additional space is required for removing or refilling tubular casing material
Solution Approach 1:
The clipping module is made movable relative to the filling tube through a piston/cylinder drive mechanism. This dynamic positioning allows the clipping module to be moved axially to create additional space at the filling tube end for refilling tubular casing material, while maintaining a compact overall structure. The movable design eliminates the need for fixed positioning that would require additional clearance space.
Solution Approach 2:
A piston/cylinder assembly with multiple variable cylinder volumes coupled to pressure sources is used to drive the clipping module. This pneumatic/hydraulic system enables precise and controlled axial movement of the clipping module, providing the necessary space for refilling operations while maintaining compact construction. The multi-stage cylinder configuration allows for controlled displacement at different phases of the filling cycle.
2Ease of operation
If closing tools are moved axially to remove casing brake, then refilling space is created, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism for moving the clipping module axially is integrated into the existing piston/cylinder system that already drives the closing tools. By combining the axial movement function with the existing drive mechanism, the patent avoids adding separate complex drive systems while still enabling refilling operations. The multi-stage cylinder volumes coordinate to provide both the closing action and the axial positioning function.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple piston/cylinder drives are used for closing tools and gathering means, then precise control is achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested multi-stage cylinder configuration where multiple piston/cylinder assemblies are arranged concentrically. The first piston is arranged in a first cylinder portion, a second piston in a second cylinder portion, and a third piston in a third cylinder portion, with each subsequent cylinder having a larger diameter. This nesting arrangement allows multiple independent piston movements within a compact axial space, achieving precise control of the clipping module at different positions without requiring excessive axial length.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables compact construction by providing additional space at the filling tube end for refilling and allows defined movement of the casing brake, ensuring secure discharge of the sausage-shaped product out of the clipping machine.
Implementation Method 1
each cylinder volume is coupled to a pressure source for being varied in order to reversibly move the clipping module coupled to the housing, between the release position and the discharge position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drive device and a method for reversibly linearly moving a clipping module of a clipping machine. The drive device comprises a piston/cylinder assembly including a first piston and a housing including a first cylinder portion in which the first piston is arranged, the housing is reversibly movable relative to the first piston, a second piston coaxially aligned to the first piston, and a third piston coaxially aligned to the first piston. The drive device further comprises four variable cylinder volumes, a first cylinder volume between the first piston and the first cylinder portion, a second cylinder volume, a third cylinder volume, and a fourth cylinder volume, wherein each cylinder volume is coupled to a pressure source for being varied in order to reversibly move the clipping module, between a release position and a discharge position of the clipping machine.