Clip Pressure Monitoring using Piezometer

Abstract

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.