Clip Pressure Monitoring using Piezometer
A clip machine for dividing up and closing tubular packagings filled with filling material by closure clips, including at least a first and a second closure tool unit which for setting and closing at least one closure clip (clip) are reversibly movable relative to each other between an open position and a closure position. There is provided at least one piezoelectric sensor which is connected to one of the closure tool units and which is adapted to measure a closure force applied upon closure of a closure clip and to output a measurement value representing the closure force.
1 - 18 . (canceled)
19 . A clip machine for dividing up and closing tubular packagings filled with filling material by means of closure clips, comprising
at least a first and a second closure tool unit, the at least a first and a second closure tool unit being reversibly movable relative to each other between an open position and a closure position;
at least one piezoelectric sensor connected to one of the closure tool units and adapted to measure a closure force applied upon closure of a closure clip and to output a measurement value representing the closure force, the piezoelectric sensor being under a prestressing in a rest position of the closure tool unit; and
a fixing device for adjusting the prestressing of the piezoelectric
20 . The clip machine as set forth in claim 19 wherein the piezoelectric sensor is arranged in at least immediate proximity with a main flow of a closure force of the first and the second closure tool unit.
21 . The clip machine as set forth in claim 20 wherein the piezoelectric sensor is encapsulated.
22 . The clip machine as set forth in claim 19 wherein the piezoelectric sensor is arranged on a support mounting of the closure tool units.
23 . The clip machine as set forth in claim 19 wherein the piezoelectric sensor is arranged stationarily relative to a housing of the clip machine.
24 . The clip machine as set forth in claim 19 wherein the piezoelectric sensor is arranged at a protected position.
25 . The clip machine apparatus as set forth in claim 19 , wherein the feed lines of piezoelectric sensor are arranged stationarily relative to the clip machine housing.
26 . The clip machine as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising:
a control unit with an event data memory which at least temporarily stores a current measurement value and compares it to a first selected value range.
27 . The clip machine as set forth in claim 26 wherein the control unit compares the current measurement value with a second selected value range and outputs a control signal if the measurement value leaves a second selected value range.
28 . The clip machine as set forth in claim 27 wherein the control unit compares the current measurement value with a third selected value range and stops the clip machine if the measurement value leaves a third selected value range.
29 . The clip machine as set forth in claim 26 wherein the control unit records the variation in the closure force over travel and/or time.
30 . The clip machine as set forth in claim 29 wherein the control unit analyzes the variation in the closure force over travel and/or time and upon deviations from a predetermined variation outputs a signal which displays said deviation and/or acts in a predetermined fashion on the clip machine.
31 . The clip machine as set forth in claim 19 further comprising:
a position sensor detecting a rest position of at least one closure tool unit.
32 . A method of controlling a clip machine for dividing up and closing tubular packagings filled with filling material by means of closure clips, the method comprising:
providing at least a first and a second closure tool unit which, for setting and closing at least one closure clip, are reversibly movable relative to each other between an open position and a closure position;
measuring a closure force applied upon closure of a clip by means of at least one piezoelectric sensor which is connected to one of the closure tool units;
prestressing the piezoelectric sensor in the rest position of the closure tool unit;
adjusting the prestressing of the piezoelectric sensor by means of a fixing device; and
outputting a measurement value representing the closure force.
33 . The method as set forth in claim 32 , further comprising:
storing and comparing the current measurement value with a first selected value range.
34 . The method as set forth in claim 33 , further comprising:
comparing the current measurement value with a second selected value range and;
outputting a control signal if the measurement value leaves a second selected value range.
35 . The method as set forth in claim 16 , further comprising:
comparing the current measurement value with a third selected value range and;
stopping the clip machine if the measurement value leaves the third selected value range.
36 . The method as set forth in claim 21 , further comprising;
analyzing the pattern of the closure force over the travel and/or time and display of a deviation from a predetermined pattern and/or the action on the clip machine in a predetermined manner upon a deviation from a predetermined pattern.