PACKAGING MACHINE WITH HYGIENIC PNEUMATIC CYLINDER
The present invention relates to a packaging machine comprising at least one work station with a lifting drive including a pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder body, a piston rod, a piston, at least one sensor, and a fastening tray for the sensor. The sensor is provided outside of the cylinder body and is adapted for detecting a position of the piston relative to the cylinder body in a contactless manner. The fastening tray is provided in an outer surface of the cylinder body and can be produced separately and installed in the cylinder body.
1 . A packaging machine comprising:
at least one work station with a lifting drive including a pneumatic cylinder, wherein the pneumatic cylinder comprises:
a cylinder body;
a piston rod;
a piston;
at least one sensor provided outside of the cylinder body for detecting a position of the piston relative to the cylinder body in a contactless manner; and
a fastening tray for the sensor provided in an outer surface of the cylinder body, wherein the fastening tray is produced separately and installed in the cylinder body;
wherein the fastening tray includes two longitudinal edges defining a plane, and a circumferentially extending wall having four sidewalls each enclosing an angle of less than about 87° with the plane.
2 . The packaging machine according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening tray has a recess defined therein having a maximum depth of at least about 5 mm with respect to the plane.
3 . The packaging machine according to claim 1 , wherein two fastening trays are provided.
4 . The packaging machine according to claim 3 , wherein the fastening trays are provided on a common lateral surface of the cylinder body.
5 . The packaging machine according to claim 3 , wherein the fastening trays are provided on two different lateral surfaces of the cylinder body.
6 . The packaging machine according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is displaceable relative to the fastening tray in a direction of movement of the piston rod.
7 . The packaging machine according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a proximity switch.
8 . The packaging machine according to claim 1 , wherein the cylinder body includes four lateral surfaces each having, apart from the fastening tray, a smooth surface.
9 . The packaging machine according to claim 1 , wherein the angle has a maximum value of about 60°.
10 . A pneumatic cylinder comprising:
a cylinder body;
a piston rod;
a piston;
at least one sensor provided outside of the cylinder body for detecting a position of the piston relative to the cylinder body in a contactless manner; and
a fastening tray for the sensor provided in an outer surface of the cylinder body, wherein the fastening tray is produced separately and installed in the cylinder body;
wherein the fastening tray includes two longitudinal edges defining a plane, and a circumferentially extending wall having four sidewalls each enclosing an angle of less than about 87° with the plane.