Abstract:
A filling assembly for being mounted to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products comprising a filling tube for filling flowable material into a packaging casing that is arrangeable onto filling tube; a casing brake unit with a brake body for being detachably and relatively fixable arranged on filling tube in a braking position for providing a resistance to the packaging casing against uncontrolled sliding-off of the filling tube; and a mounting unit for mounting filling tube and casing brake unit to the clipping machine. Mounting unit comprises a bearing device for allowing a relative movement of filling tube and casing brake unit to the clipping machine, when mounting unit is mounted with filling tube and casing brake unit to the clipping machine, between at least a production position and an interchanging position.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, European Patent Application No. 12 191 809.8-1655 filed Nov. 8, 2012 with the European Patent Office, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention refers to a filling assembly for being mounted to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages. The filling assembly comprises a filling tube with a filling tube axis for filling paste-like, granular and/or liquid material, in a filling process, into a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing. The packaging casing to be filled with the paste-like, granular and/or liquid filling material is arrangeable onto the filling tube and/or to encase the filling tube. The filling assembly further comprises a casing brake unit with a brake axis and a brake body for being detachably arranged on the filling tube in a braking position for providing a controlled resistance to the packaging casing against uncontrolled sliding-off the filling tube during the filling process. The brake body is relatively fixable to the filling tube in the braking position. The brake axis is coaxial with the filling tube axis when the brake body is arranged on the filling tube in the braking position. In addition, the filling assembly comprises a mounting unit for mounting the filling tube and the casing brake unit to the clipping machine. 
         [0003]    In practice, it is known that during the manufacture of sausage-shaped products, like sausages, on a clipping machine, paste-like, granular and/or liquid material is fed from a filling tube with a filling pressure in a feeding direction into a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing. The packaging casing is stored on the filling tube and closed at its front end, i.e. the end pointing in or downstream the feeding direction. During the filling process, the packaging casing is pulled-off the filling tube by the filling pressure. For preventing the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing from uncontrolled sliding-off the filling tube, a casing brake unit with a brake body is provided wherein the brake body is detachably arranged on the filling tube. The brake body is configured for providing a frictional force to the packaging casing at least while the packaging casing is being pulled-off the filling tube. After a determined volume of filling material has been filled into the packaging casing, a displacer unit forms a plait-like portion to a back end of the filled packaging casing that is pointing against or upstream the feeding direction. Subsequently, the back end is being closed by a clipping unit by placing and closing at least one closure clip at the plait-like portion. Optionally, in a final step the sausage-shaped product that just has been closed is cut-off the packaging casing provided on the filling tube by a cutting unit. 
         [0004]    The diameter of the sausage-shaped product to be produced defines the outer diameter of the filling tube and the inner diameter of the brake body, respectively. Therefore, in order to produce sausage-shaped products of different diameters, different filling tubes with corresponding outer diameters and brake bodies with corresponding inner diameters have to be used. Accordingly, for switching production to sausage-shaped products that have a diameter different from the previously produced sausage-shaped products, at least the previously used filling tube has to be replaced by a suitable filling tube having a compatible diameter to the sausage-shaped products to be produced. Furthermore, either the previously used brake body is not compatible with the suitable filling tube and has to be replaced by a suitable brake body or the previously used brake body has an adjustable inner diameter that can be fitted the selected filling tube, respectively. 
         [0005]    Moreover, brake bodies are usually made of comparatively soft material, like rubber, and are subject to permanent friction with the packaging casing. Therefore, brake bodies generally suffer stronger wear-out than other components of the clipping machine, i.e. the filling tube, displacer unit or clipping unit. Worn-out brake bodies can lead to machine failure, i.e. by damaging the packaging casing or providing not enough friction to the packaging casing which will lead to an increased amount of packaging casing being pulled-off the filling tube per product produced. As a result, the clipping machine can be damaged, production has to be stopped and/or the product is faulty. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the brake body of a clipping machine after a certain usage, i.e. time of usage or length of processed packaging casing. 
         [0006]    Beyond that, the packaging casing has to be replaced when the previous one has been consumed, since, in most of the cases, the packaging casing has already a tubular shape. Thus, the packaging casing has to be imposed on the filling tube from its delivery end, i.e. the end of the filling tube facing in the feeding direction of the filling material and having a filling outlet. Therefore, the operator needs an easy access to this filling tube end, wherein at least the brake body has to be removed from the filling tube. Preferably, the whole casing brake unit has to be removed for an improved accessibility of the filling tube, especially of its delivery end. 
         [0007]    In known clipping machines, for removing the filling tube from the clipping machine and/or feeding packaging casing to the filling tube, the brake body has to be removed or disassembled from the filling tube first. After replacement of the filling tube and/or feeding packaging casing to the filling tube, the brake body has to be reassembled to the filling tube again. In some types of filling machines the displacer unit and/or the clipping unit are arranged so close to the brake body that they have to be moved aside first before the brake body can be removed or disassembled from the filling tube. Such replacement procedures are relatively complicated and time-consuming and will consequently cause unwanted production down-time. 
         [0008]    In other types of known clipping machines, the brake body is provided at the clipping unit of the clipping machine, wherein the clipping unit is pivotally arranged at the clipping machine. Furthermore, the end of the filling tube that is opposite to the filling outlet is pivotally arranged at the clipping machine. Consequently, the filling tube and clipping unit can pivot relatively to the clipping machine around different pivot-axes. For replacing the filling tube and/or feeding packaging casing to the filling tube, the clipping unit with the brake body has to be pivoted, thus removing the brake body from the filling tube. Subsequently or simultaneously, the filling tube can be pivoted away from the clipping machine to a suitable position for replacing the filling tube and/or feeding packaging casing to the filling tube. This procedure is generally complicated and may cause damages to the brake body due to a tilt action with the filling tube. 
         [0009]    In another type of known clipping machines, the clipping unit and a brake body holder are fixedly attached to the clipping machine. The filling tube is pivotally attached at the clipping machine. The brake body holder comprises a guide rail for holding the brake body on the filling tube when the filling tube is not pivoted away from the clipping machine. The guide rail of the brake body holder is usually shaped like a fork, comprising at least two teeth, wherein the brake body is interposed in between the two teeth when the brake holder is arranged on the filling tube and the filling tube is not pivoted away from the clipping machine. Consequently, the brake body holder is configured for releasing the brake body when the filling tube with the brake body still mounted, is pivoted away from the clipping machine. Once the filling tube is pivoted away from the clipping machine, the brake body can be removed from the filling tube along the filling tube axis. The whole process, especially the mounting process of the brake body onto the filling tube and the engaging process the brake body with the brake body holder while pivoting the filling tube back towards the clipping machine, is very cumbersome and time consuming. 
         [0010]    Another solution for arranging a brake body at a clipping machine for being removably attached to a filling tube is known from DE utility model 20 2009 013 062. The brake body holder is attached to a wheeled crab that is guided on a rail. The rail is fixedly attached to the clipping machine. The filling tube is pivotally attached to the clipping machine as well. By pivoting the filling tube together with the brake body away from the clipping machine, the crap is forced along the rail, thereby pulling the brake body off the filling tube. By pivoting the filling tube back towards the clipping machine, the brake body is pushed back onto the filling tube by the guided crap, respectively. This system bears the disadvantage that forces are transmitted from the pivoting action of the filling tube via the brake body to the crab and back to the brake body for the pulling action and the pushing action, respectively, wherein the brake body is not restraint-guided along the filling tube axis. Consequently, the pivoting procedure can cause damages to the brake body. Furthermore, especially the process of pushing the brake body onto the filling tube is complicated and time consuming because brake body and filling tube usually have to be aligned manually. 
         [0011]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a filling assembly for being mounted to a clipping machine that allows an easier and faster access to the filling tube for replacement of the filling tube and the brake body and/or for replacement of the packaging casing, thus reducing work load for the operator of the clipping machine and minimizing production down-time. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    This object is achieved by a filling assembly for being mounted to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, wherein the filling assembly comprises a filling tube with a filling tube axis for filling paste-like, granular and/or liquid material, in a filling process, in a feeding direction into a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing. The packaging casing to be filled is arrangeable onto the filling tube and/or to encase the filling tube, respectively. The filling assembly further comprises a casing brake unit with a brake axis and a brake body for being detachably arranged on the filling tube in a braking position for providing a controlled resistance to the packaging casing against uncontrolled sliding-off the filling tube during the filling process. The brake body is relatively fixable to the filling tube in the braking position. The brake axis is coaxial with the filling tube axis when the casing brake unit is arranged on the filing tube at least in the braking position. 
         [0013]    The invention is further defined such that a mounting unit is provided for mounting the filling tube and the casing brake unit to the clipping machine. The mounting unit further comprises a bearing device for allowing a relative movement of the filling tube and the casing brake unit to the clipping machine, when the mounting unit is mounted with the filling tube and the casing brake unit to the clipping machine. The relative movement is between operating positions which include at least a production position and an interchanging position, respectively. In the production position of the filling tube and the casing brake unit, the brake body is in braking position and the filling tube is arranged at the clipping machine for the filling process of the packaging casing. In at least one operating position of the filling tube and the casing brake unit, the brake body is moveable along the filling tube axis to a releasing position. In the interchanging position of the filling tube and the casing brake unit, the brake body can obtain the releasing position, wherein, in the releasing position, the brake body is arranged off the filling tube. Thus, the filling tube and/or the casing brake unit or at least the brake body can be exchanged easily and/or the packaging casing can be replaced readily. 
         [0014]    The present invention as described above, provides the additional advantage that the filling tube can be brought in a further operating position which can be dated as interchanging position. In this interchanging position the filling tube is moved further away from the clipping machine by, for example, a pivoting movement. In the exchanging position the exhausted packaging casing material can be replaced by a new casing material wherein this exchange can be done easily by shifting the new packaging casing from the filling end of the filling tube onto the filling tube. Moreover, in the exchanging position, the filling tube can be exchanged in case that a sausage-shaped product having a different diameter at the previous one, shall be manufactured. 
         [0015]    According to the invention, it is preferred that the bearing device comprises a hinge for allowing the casing brake unit being pivotally arranged at the clipping machine at least between the production position and the interchanging position, and a calotte-shaped adapter for allowing the filling tube being pivotally arranged at the clipping machine at least between the production position, the interchanging position and an exchanging position. Preferably, these means are configured for pivotally arranging the filling tube and the casing brake unit at the clipping machine having the same pivot axis. More preferably, the hinge allows a pivoting action of the casing brake from the production position to the interchanging position only and the calotte-shaped adapter allows a pivoting action of the filling tube from the production position to the interchanging position and to an exchanging position that is obtainable by moving the filling tube beyond the interchanging position. Alternatively, the exchanging position could be obtainable by a pivoting action of the filling tube around a pivot axis that is crosswise, preferably perpendicular, to the pivot axis of the casing brake unit. In that case, the calotte-shaped adapter allows pivoting actions around different pivot axes. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the mutual movement of the brake body and the filling tube is actuated by a drive device. Such drive device may comprise an electric motor, a pressure cylinder with a piston rod and/or a cam-drive system. Advantageously the drive device comprises a pneumatic cylinder. Alternatively, the mutual movement of the brake body and the filling tube can be generated manually. 
         [0017]    It is preferred that the casing brake unit and the filling tube are pivotally moveable around a pivot axis and relative to the clipping machine when mounted to the mounting unit. Preferably, the pivot axis is vertical. This has the advantage, that the operator of the clipping machine can easily pivot casing brake unit and filling tube away from clipping machine without the need of lifting or balancing any machine component. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the casing brake unit and filling tube are linearly moveable relative to the clipping machine along a guide rail preferably arranged horizontally or vertically that is mounted to the clipping machine. 
         [0018]    According to a preferred embodiment of the inventive filling assembly, the casing brake unit comprises a brake holder unit having a brake holder and a brake holder guide, wherein the brake body is arranged at the brake holder and the brake holder guide is arranged at a moveable part of the mounting unit that is relatively moveable to the clipping machine. Between the interchanging position and the production position of the casing brake unit and the filling tube, the brake holder is at least moveable relative to the brake holder guide in a direction parallel to the brake axis between the braking position and the releasing position. Preferably, the brake holder and the brake holder guide are interconnected with a bearing or bushing for allowing said relative translational movement of the brake holder to the brake holder guide. 
         [0019]    It is further preferred that the filling assembly comprises locking means for holding the casing brake unit in the interchanging position relative to the clipping machine. This feature has the advantage that, while the casing brake unit is fixed in the interchanging position, an operator can move the filling tube from the interchanging position to another position, like the exchanging position, in which the filling tube can be removed from the mounting unit and the removal of the brake body is enabled or eased and/or the consumed packaging casing can be replaced. During these pro-cesses, the casing brake unit will remain fixed in the interchanging position. 
         [0020]    Further preferred, the locking means are configured for being engaged when the brake body is in the releasing position and the interchanging position and for being disengaged when the brake body is in the braking position and/or production position. According to this feature, it is ensured that the casing brake unit is at least locked in the interchanging position when the filling tube is removable from the mounting unit of the clipping machine and/or the consumed packaging casing is replaced. 
         [0021]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking means comprise a first tapered part located at the brake holder and a corresponding second tapered part located at a holding section of the mounting unit that is fixedly attachable to the clipping machine. The locking means is engaged when the first tapered part is engaged with the second tapered part, and disengaged when the first tapered part is disengaged from the second tapered part. An advantage of using tapered locking means is that in case the casing brake unit has an offset relative to the interchanging position, the casing brake unit is moveable to the interchanging position by the tapered parts of the locking means during a process of engaging the locking means. Consequently, when the locking means are engaged, the offset is neutralized and the casing brake unit is in interchanging position. Alternatively, the brake holder may comprise a cam or the like configured for engaging a guiding path or the like of the filling assembly for synchronising the movement of the casing brake unit and the filling tube between the production position and the interchanging position with the movement of the brake body between the locking position and the releasing position. 
         [0022]    Moreover, according to the inventive filling assembly, the brake holder comprises an adapter device that is configured to adjust the length of the brake holder to fit the casing brake unit to the length of a respective filling tube. The adapter device may comprise a tube, rod and/or plate and may be replaceable by another adapter of a different length corresponding to the length of a respective filling tube. Alternatively the adapter may comprise a scissor-like construction or a threaded bar in cooperation with a nut. At least the adapter is configured for adjusting the length of the brake holder or the distance between the brake body and the brake holder guide. 
         [0023]    It is preferred that a stopper means is arranged at the brake holder, wherein the stopper means is configured to engage with a corresponding stopper surface of the clipping machine when the brake body is in the braking position and the casing brake unit is in the production position, thus avoiding the brake body from being moved along the filling tube axis. To reach this target, it is preferred that the stopper means is fixedly mounted at the brake holder and the corresponding surface is fixedly mounted at the clipping machine, e.g. at a bracket of the clipping machine. In this configuration, the brake body has to be moved to the braking position first, before the casing brake unit and the filling tube can be moved to the production position to enable an engagement of the stopper means with the corresponding surface of the clipping machine. 
         [0024]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a holder sensor and a casing brake sensor are provided for detecting at least one position of the brake holder relative to the brake holder guide and for detecting at least one position of the casing brake unit relative to the clipping machine. Consequently, signals received from the holder sensor can provide information about the position of the brake body relative to the filling tube, especially if the brake body is in braking position and/or releasing position. Preferably, the casing brake sensor is configured for detecting at least the interchanging position of the casing brake unit relative to the clipping machine. It is preferred that the casing brake sensor and holder sensor are embodied in a single sensor, configured and located at the clipping machine or filling assembly for executing the duty of both sensors. 
         [0025]    Moreover, according to the invention, it is preferred that a filling tube sensor is provided for detecting at least one position of the filling tube relative to the clipping machine. Advantageously, the filling tube sensor is configured for detecting the filling tube at least when the casing brake unit and the filling tube are in the interchanging position relative to the clipping machine. By this means, it is detectable when the filling tube is removed from the filling assembly. Furthermore, it is detectable when a filling tube is (re-)assembled to the filling assembly. Consequently, the signal from the filling tube sensor can be used for initiating an automatic process of moving the brake body from the releasing position into the braking position subsequently to the mounting of the filling tube onto the filling assembly. 
         [0026]    It is preferred that a mounting assembly is provided for mounting the filling assembly to a bracket of the clipping machine. The mounting assembly can comprise a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate configured for embedding and being interlocked with the bracket. Preferably, the first mounting plate is arranged at the moveable part of the mounting unit or is an integral part of the mounting unit 
         [0027]    Preferably, the filling tube assembly comprises a crabbing means for securing the filling tube holder with the inserted filling tube from pivoting away from the casing brake unit, when the filling tube axis and the brake axis are parallel. The crabbing means can be configured for directly engaging with the filling tube holder and the moveable part of the mounting unit. Preferably, crabbing means is at least engageable between the production position and the interchanging position and at least disengageable when the brake body is in the releasing position. It is further preferred that crabbing means is actuated by an automatic actuating means, e.g. a pneumatic actuator, that is controlled by the control device. For that purpose, control device can be configured for disengaging crabbing means when the casing brake sensor starts not sensing the brake holder anymore and engages the crabbing means when the filling tube sensor starts sensing the filling tube or the filling tube holder, respectively. 
         [0028]    Furthermore, the aforementioned problem is solved by a clipping machine for filling and closing tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing comprising a filling assembly according to any of claims  1  to  14 . 
         [0029]    Further advantageous and preferred embodiments of the filling assembly will be described in the following together with the drawings listed below. The expressions “left”, “right”, “below” and “above” used in the following description, are referred to the drawings in an alignment such that the reference numbers and the notations of the figures used can be read in normal orientation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    In the drawings: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a schematic and perspective view from a first perspective of a filling assembly according to the present invention, wherein a filling tube and a casing brake unit are in a production position and a brake body is arranged in a braking position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a schematic and perspective view from a second perspective of the filling assembly according to the invention, wherein the filling tube, the casing brake and the brake body are arranged in the same positions as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a schematic and perspective view from the first perspective of the filling assembly according to  FIG. 1 , wherein the filling tube and the casing brake unit are in an interchanging position and the brake body is arranged in braking position; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a schematic and perspective view from the second perspective of the filling assembly according to the invention, wherein the filling tube, the casing brake and the brake body are arranged in the same positions as shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a schematic and perspective view from the first perspective of the filling assembly according to  FIG. 1 , wherein the filling tube and the casing brake unit are in interchanging position and the brake body is arranged in a releasing position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a schematic and perspective view from the second perspective of the filling assembly according to the invention, wherein the filling tube, the casing brake and the brake body are arranged in the same positions as shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a schematic and perspective view from the first perspective of the filling assembly according to  FIG. 1 , wherein the casing brake unit is in interchanging position, the brake body is in releasing position and the filling tube is in an exchanging position, pivoted away from the casing brake unit; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a schematic and perspective view from the second perspective of the filling assembly according to the invention, wherein the filling tube, the casing brake and the brake body are arranged in the same positions as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a filling assembly  10  is mounted to a bracket BT of a not shown clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages. The bracket BT in the shown embodiment has a tubular shape and extends parallel to a feeding direction FD of the clipping machine. Alternatively, the bracket BT could have the shape of a substantially flat mounting plate or the like. In the presented embodiment, the filling assembly  10  comprises a filling tube  12  with a filling tube axis  14  and a filling tube outlet  16 , a casing brake unit  20  with a brake axis  22  and a mounting unit  30 . In an alternative, not shown embodiment, mounting unit  30  is not a part of filling assembly  10 , wherein bracket BT of the clipping machine substantially has the same shape as mounting unit  30  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In that particular embodiment, filling tube  12  and casing brake unit  20  of filling assembly  10  could be mounted to the bracket BT of the clipping machine directly. 
         [0040]    Casing brake unit  20  comprises a brake body  24 , a brake frame  25 , a brake holder  26  and a brake holder guide  28 . Brake holder  26  and brake holder guide  28  both extending along brake axis  22 . Brake holder  26  is relatively moveable to brake holder guide  28  along brake axis  22  between a braking position B and a releasing position R. In braking position B, brake body  24  is arrangeable for encasing a part of filling tube  12  that is adjacent to filling tube outlet  16 . In releasing position R, brake body  24  is not encasing any part of filling tube  12 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , casing brake unit  20  is in braking position B and together with filling tube  12  in a production position P. In production position P of casing brake unit  20 , brake axis  22  is parallel to feeding direction FD. 
         [0041]    In the embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , brake holder  26  comprises an adapter device  26   a , a holder plate  26   b  with two opposing main surfaces and two holder rods  26   c . Holder rods  26   c  are arranged one upon the other mutually spaced apart, wherein one holder rod  26   c  is arranged above filling tube  12  and the other holder rod  26   c  is arranged below filling tube  12 . Adapter device  26   a  and holder rods  26   c  are extending parallel to brake axis  22 , and the main surfaces of holder plate  26   b  are oriented perpendicular to brake axis  22 . An end of adapter device  26   a  that is pointing upstream feeding direction FD is attached to the main surface of holder plate  26   b  that is facing downstream feeding direction FD. The ends of holder rods  26   c  that are pointing downstream feeding direction FD are attached to the main surface of holder plate  26   b  that is facing upstream feeding direction FD. Holder plate  26   b  has a semicircular recess with a recess axis that is about similar to filling tube axis  14 , when casing brake unit  20  is in production position P as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0042]    To adjust filling assembly  10  to filling tubes  12  of different lengths, adapter device  26   a  is configured for being adjustable in length. As visible in  FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, adapter device  26   a  comprises three overlapping plates arranged along braking axis  22 , wherein each plate is overlapping with at least one of the other two plates in an overlapping area. Each two overlapping plates are fixed together by a screw  27  in an overlapping area, respectively. For adjusting the length of adapter device  26   a , at least one of the overlapping plates comprises a long hole with a long side parallel to brake axis  22 . Screw  27  is loosenable for enabling a relative movement of the overlapping plates of adapter device  26   a  along brake axis  22 . In an alternative embodiment, instead of or in addition to a long hole, at least one of the overlapping plates can comprise a plurality of holes. 
         [0043]    Brake holder guide  28  comprises a guide plate  28   a  with two opposing main surfaces and two guide tubes  28   b . Guide tubes  28   b  are extending parallel to brake axis  22 , and having longitudinal axes that are arranged inline with respective longitudinal axes of holder rods  26   b . The main surfaces of guide plate  28   a  are oriented perpendicular to brake axis  22 . The ends of guide tubes  28   b  that are pointing downstream feeding direction FD are attached to the main surface of guide plate  28   a  that is facing upstream feeding direction FD. Guide plate  28   a  is substantially congruent with holder plate  26   b  and is arranged upstream and inline with holder plate  26   b  with respect to the feeding direction FD. Hence, filling tube  12  is partly encased by holder plate  26   b  and guide plate  28   a.    
         [0044]    Each holder rod  26   c  of brake holder  26  is inserted into a respective guide tube  28   b  of brake holder guide  28  for being relatively moveable in a direction parallel to brake axis  22 . In braking position B, the ends of holder rods  26   c  that are pointing upstream feeding direction FD project from the respective ends of guide tube  28   b  that a pointing upstream feeding direction FD. The surfaces of holder rods  26   c  and guide tube  28   b  that are engageable with each other may be coated, comprise a bushing and/or bearing and/or may be lubricated for ensuring a smooth relative movement of brake holder  26  and brake holder guide  28 . 
         [0045]    The end of guide tube  28   b  that is pointing upstream feeding direction FD is fixed to a moveable part  34  of mounting unit  30 . Moveable part  34  is pivotable around a pivot axis  35   a  of a bearing device  32  at least between production position P and an interchanging position I. Consequently, casing brake unit  20  is pivotable arranged at moveable part  34  of mounting unit  30  for pivoting relatively to a stationary part  36  of mounting unit  30  at least between production position P and interchanging position I. It is preferred that casing brake unit  20  is pivotable between production position P and interchanging position I, only. In the shown embodiment, bearing device  32  is designed as a hinge  35 . 
         [0046]    Brake body  24  is releasably fixed to a brake frame  25  of casing brake unit  20 . Brake frame  25  is substantially c-shaped for partly encasing brake body  24  and is fixedly arranged an end of adapter device  26   a  that is pointing downstream feeding direction FD. When brake body  24  is inserted in brake frame  25 , it can be secured to brake frame  25  by securing means, e.g. a locking nut, a locking screw, a locking pin or an elastic clip that is engageable with a respective recess of brake frame  25 . 
         [0047]    Filling tube  12  is coupled with one end that is pointing upstream feeding direction FD to a filling tube connector  18 . Filling tube connector  18  is pivotally arranged in a calotte-shaped adapter  37  of mounting unit  30  for pivoting around pivot axis  35   a . In this embodiment, filling tube  12  and filling tube connector  18  are separate parts that are mutually releasably fixed by a fixation nut  19 . In an alternative embodiment according to the invention, filling tube connector  18  could be an integral part of filling tube  12 . In order to prevent filling material leaking from filling assembly  10  during a filling process, the junctions between filling tube  12 , filling tube connector  18  and/or calotte-shaped adaptor  37  are preferably provided with seals for clogging filling assembly  10 . 
         [0048]    An area of filling tube  12  that is close to filling tube outlet  16  is inserted in brake body  24  of casing brake unit  20 . According to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , brake body  24  is in braking position B. Consequently, in this state, filling tube axis  14  is parallel to brake axis  22 . Filling tube  12  and casing brake unit  20  are in production position P. In braking position B, filling tube  12  and casing brake unit  20  are pivotable around pivot axis  35   a  together as a group. 
         [0049]    A stopper means  60  with a bumper area is arranged at holder plate  26   b  of brake holder  26 . The bumper area of stopper means  60  can comprise soft material, e.g. rubber, and is engaged with a corresponding stopper surface  62  attached to bracket BT of the clipping machine. Consequently, stopper means  60  and stopper surface  62  are configured for preventing a movement of holder plate  26   b  in direction of filling tube outlet  16  along brake axis  22 . Hence, due to the engagement of stopper means  60  with stopper surface  62 , brake body  24  is kept in braking position B. Alternatively, stopper surface  62  can comprise a bumper area for engaging stopper means  60 . 
         [0050]    The connection of mounting unit  30  to bracket BT of the clipping machine is better visible in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Mounting unit  30  comprises a first mounting plate  39   a  and a second mounting plate  39   b , wherein bracket BT of the clipping machine is arranged in between first mounting plate  39   a  and second mounting plate  39   b . First mounting plate  39   a  and second mounting plate  39   b  are interlocked with bracket BT by not illustrated interlocking means, thus fixing mounting unit  30  to bracket BT. To improve the interlocking of first mounting plate  39   a  and second mounting plate  39   b  with bracket BT first mounting plate  39   a  and/or second mounting plate  39   b  may comprise a recess, configured for embedding bracket BT when the respective sides of first mounting plate  39   a  and second mounting plate  39   b  are facing each other. Preferably, the recess of first mounting plate  39   a  and/or second mounting plate  39   b  may have a v-shaped and/or semicircular cross-section, wherein the diameter of the semicircular cross-section preferably equals the outer diameter of bracket BT. 
         [0051]    According to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , filling tube  12  and casing brake unit  20  are shown in an interchanging position I that is obtained by pivoting filling tube  12  and casing brake unit  20 , e.g. starting from production position P, around pivot axis  35   a  of hinge  35 . In the state illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , filling tube axis  14  is still parallel to brake axis  22 . Brake body  24  is still in braking position B, encasing the part of filling tube  12  that is adjacent to filling tube outlet  16 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , filling assembly  10  further comprises a holder sensor  70  which is arranged at stationary part  36  of mounting unit  30  for sensing the position of one of the holder rods  26   c  of brake holder  26 . In the presented example, holder sensor  70  is configured to sense the end of one of the holder rods  26   c  that is pointing upstream feeding direction FD and is projecting from the respective end of guide tube  28   b  that is pointing upstream feeding direction FD, when casing brake unit  20  is in interchanging position I, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and brake body  24  is not in releasing position R. In releasing position R, that respective end of holder rod  26   c  is moved out of the range of holder sensor  70  and is protruding from less from guide tube  28   b . Hence, in the state illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , holder sensor  70  will detect holder rod  26   c.    
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , locking means  50  are provided for locking casing brake unit  20  in interchanging position I. Locking means  50  comprises a first tapered part  52  with a taper and a corresponding second tapered part  54  with a respective tapered recess. First tapered part  52  is provided at the end of one of the holder rods  26   c  that is pointing upstream feeding direction FD (cf.  FIG. 2 ), wherein the taper of first tapered part  52  is pointing downstream feeding direction FD. Second tapered part  54  is arranged at a holding section  38  of stationary part  36  of mounting unit  30 , wherein a side of second tapered part  54  having the tapered recess is facing upstream feeding direction FD (cf.  FIG. 2 ) and in a direction towards first tapered part  52 . In the illustrated state, first tapered part  52  and second tapered part  54  are spaced apart along brake axis  22 , therefore, locking means  50  is not engaged. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , filling tube  12  and casing brake unit  20  are still in interchanging position I. Brake body  24  and brake holder  26  are arranged in releasing position R. In releasing position R, the ends of holder rods  26   c  that are pointing upstream feeding direction FD (cf.  FIG. 2 ) are protruding less from guide tubes  28   b  than in braking position B. Furthermore, in releasing position R, first tapered part  52  is encased from second tapered part  54 , wherein, in the illustrated embodiment, the taper of first tapered part  52  is circumferentially contacting the respective tapered recess of second tapered part  54 . Thus, locking means  50  is engaged and fixes casing brake unit  20  in interchanging position I. 
         [0055]    As also illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in releasing position R, brake body  24  is not encasing any part of filling tube  12  anymore. A casing brake sensor  72  is attached to the stationary part  36  of mounting unit  30  and is configured to sense the part of one of one of the holder rods  26   c  that is projecting from guide tube  28   b  and facing upstream feeding direction FD (cf.  FIG. 2 ) in braking position B. In releasing position R, that part of holder rod  26   c  is projecting less from guide tube  28   b  and is out of the range of casing brake sensor  72 . Therefore, that part of holder rod  26   c  is not detectable by casing brake sensor  72  in the illustrated releasing position R. In this embodiment of the invention, holder sensor  70  and casing brake sensor  72  are designed as one sensor, only. Alternatively, at least one holder sensor  70  and at least one separate casing brake sensor  72  can be provided. In the configuration shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , filling tube axis  14  and brake axis  22  are still mutually parallel. For preventing filling tube  12  pivoting against casing brake unit  20  when brake body  24  is in releasing position R, fixation nut  19  of filling tube connector  18  abuts moveable part  34  of mounting unit  30  when filling tube axis  14  and brake axis  22  are parallel, e.g. when filling tube  12  and casing brake unit  20  are in interchanging position I. 
         [0056]    Furthermore, as shown best in  FIG. 6 , a drive device  40  is provided at the casing brake unit  20 . The drive device  40  comprises a drive cylinder  42   a  and a drive rod  42   b . An end of drive cylinder  42   a  that is pointing downstream feeding direction FD (cf.  FIG. 2 ) is fixedly arranged at the main surface of guide plate  28   a  that is facing upstream feeding direction FD (cf.  FIG. 2 ). An end of drive rod  42   b  that is pointing downstream feeding direction FD (cf.  FIG. 2 ) is fixedly arranged at the main side of holder plate  26   b  that is facing upstream feeding direction FD (cf.  FIG. 2 ). Thus, the relative movement of brake holder  26  and brake holder guide  28  is conducted and controlled by drive device  40 . Consequently, brake body  24  is moveable onto and off filling tube  12  by drive device  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, drive device  40  is a fluid driven pressure cylinder, preferably a pneumatic cylinder. 
         [0057]    Moreover,  FIG. 6  shows a filling tube sensor  74  which is arranged at moveable part  34  of mounting unit  30  for sensing the position of filling tube connector  18  of filling tube  12 . Filling tube sensor  74  may be configured for detecting the filling tube connector  18 , only when filling tube connector  18  is inserted in calotte-shaped adapter  37  and filing tube axis  14  is parallel to brake axis  22 . Preferably, filling tube sensor  74  is configured to detect filling tube connector  18  in interchanging position I, only. In an alternative, not shown, embodiment, filling tube sensor  74  can be arranged for detecting filling tube  12 . Preferably, in that alternative embodiment, filling tube  12  is detected when filling tube  12  is in any operating position between production position P and interchanging position I. 
         [0058]    With respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , casing brake unit  20  of filling assembly  10  is still locked by locking means  50  in interchanging position I and arranged in releasing position R as well. In contrast to the configuration shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in  FIGS. 7 and 8  filling tube  12  is pivoted around pivot axis  35   a  relative to the clipping machine and casing brake unit  20  in a direction away from production position P and interchanging position I to an exchanging position E. Therefore, filling tube axis  14  and brake axis  22  are not parallel anymore and filling tube connector  18  is not detectable by filling tube sensor  74  anymore. 
         [0059]    In the exchanging position E, filling tube  12  is detachable from filling tube connector  18  arranged in calotte-shaped adapter  37  of mounting unit  30  after fixation nut  19  has been loosened or removed from mounting unit  30 . Subsequently, filling tube  12  has to be moved along filling tube axis  14  in a direction away from mounting unit  30 . Alternatively, filling tube  12  and filling tube connector  18  could be detachable form calotte-shaped adapter  37  together as a unit. Consequently, in the position illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , filling tube  12  is removable from filling assembly  10  and replaceable by another filling tube  12 . The dimensions of the replacement filling tubes  12 , especially length, inner and outer diameter, can be varied within the adaptability range of filling assembly  10 . 
         [0060]    Further, filling assembly  10  can comprise a not illustrated crabbing means for securing filling tube holder  18  with inserted filling tube  12  from pivoting away from casing brake unit  20 , when filling tube axis  14  and brake axis  22  are parallel. The crabbing means can be configured for directly engaging with filling tube holder  18  and moveable part  34  of mounting unit  30 . Preferably, crabbing means is engageable between production position P and interchanging position I and disengageable when brake body  24  is in releasing position R. Crabbing means can be actuated by an automatic actuating means, e.g. a pneumatic actuator, that is controlled by control device  44 , wherein preferably, control device  44  can control the engaging or disengaging of the crabbing means dependent on a signal that is generated by casing brake sensor  72 . 
         [0061]    For adjusting filling assembly  10  to filling tubes  12  of different outer diameters, brake body  24  is preferably configured for varying the diameter of its inner duct for encasing a respective part of filling tube  12 . Alternatively, brake body  24  can be replaced by a suitable brake body  24 . By these means, filling assembly  10  provides a solution for quickly replacing the filling tube  12  of a clipping machine and adjusting the clipping machine to filling tubes  12  of different dimensions. 
         [0062]    Description of Sensor and Drive Assisted Removing Process 
         [0063]    According to the invention, the removing process of the filling tube  12  from filling assembly  10  can be supported by a, not illustrated, control device  44  with respect to at least one position detected by holder sensor  70 , casing brake sensor  72  and filling tube sensor  74 . For better understanding, in the following it is defined that if a sensor detects the object to be detected, the sensor will generate the output signal “1” in all other cases the sensor will not generate an output signal or, alternatively, generate the output signal “0”. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , filling assembly  10  of clipping machine is in production position P and brake body  24  in braking position B. Crabbing means is preferably engaged with filling tube holder  18  and moveable part  34 , thus preventing a relative movement of these parts. From this initial position the replacement process can be started. At this point, holder sensor  70  and casing brake sensor  72  each generate signal “0” and filling tube sensor  74  may generate an arbitrary signal, preferably “0”. According to the invention, filling tube sensor  74  may also be configured for generating, in the state of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , signal “1” when filling tube  12  is mounted to filling assembly  10  and “0” when no filling tube  12  is present. 
         [0065]    For replacing filling tube  12 , the operator has to pivot filling tube  12  together with casing brake unit  20  around pivot axis  35   a  from production position P to interchanging position I as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . During that movement, stopper means  60  and stopper surface  62  are being disengaged, thereby enabling a relative movement of brake holder  26  and brake holder guide  28 , and consequently, a movement of brake body  24  from braking position B along brake axis  22  in direction of releasing Position R. 
         [0066]    As soon as filling tube  12  and casing brake unit  20  reach interchanging position I, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , holder sensor  70  will start generating signal “1” as long as brake body  24  is still in braking position B. The control device  44  is configured such that when receiving signal “1” from holder sensor  70 , moving of brake body  24  along brake axis  22  from braking position B to releasing position R will be initiated. In braking position B, casing brake sensor  72  generates signal “1”. Casing brake sensor  72  will generate signal “1” as long as casing brake unit  20  is in interchanging position I and brake body  24  is not in releasing position R. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show filling assembly  10  with casing brake unit  20  and filling tube  12  in interchanging position I and brake body  24  of casing brake unit  20  in releasing position R. In this illustrated position, holder sensor  70  and casing brake sensor  72  generate signal “0” and filling tube sensor  74  generates signal “1”. In this working condition of filling assembly  10 , control device  44  will stop the movement of brake body  24  along brake axis  22 . As soon as casing brake sensor generates signal “0”, control device  44  actuates crabbing means disengaging from filling tube holder  18  and moveable part  34  of mounting unit  30 . Filling tube  12  is now further pivotable by the operator around pivot axis  35   a  away from casing brake unit  20  to an exchanging position E. As soon as filling tube axis  14  is not parallel with brake axis  22  anymore, filling tube sensor  74  will generate the signal “0”, because filling tube adapter  18  to be sensed by filling tube sensor  74  is pivoted away from interchanging position I. In an alternative embodiment, filling tube sensor  74  is configured to sense the position of filling tube  12 . In that alternative case, filling tube sensor  74  would generate the signal “0” as soon as filling tube axis  14  is not parallel with brake axis  22  anymore, thereby telling control device  44  that no filling tube  12  is mounted correctly to mounting unit  30 . 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , casing brake unit  20  is in interchanging position I and filling tube is in exchanging position E. In exchanging position E, filling tube  12  can be removed from mounting unit  30  by being moved along filling tube axis  14  without getting in conflict with brake body  24  of casing brake unit  20 . Moreover, in this state, brake body  24  can be removed from brake frame  25 . 
         [0069]    Description of Sensor and Drive Assisted Mounting Process 
         [0070]    At first a filling tube  12  is inserted into mounting unit  30 .  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate the condition when filling tube  12  is already inserted. In this working position, all sensors generate the signal “0”. 
         [0071]    In a following step, the operator has to pivot filling tube  12  around pivot axis  35   a  towards casing brake unit  20  until filling tube axis  14  and brake axis  22  are parallel. In other words, until filling tube  12  is in interchanging position I, wherein casing brake unit  20  is still locked in interchanging position I. This state is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . At this point, filling tube sensor  74  will detect filling tube connector  18  or, alternatively, filling tube  12  and generate signal “1”. Upon receiving signal “1” from filling tube sensor  74 , control device  44  has the information that filling tube connector  18  reached interchanging position I and/or that filling tube  12  is mounted to filling assembly  10  correctly, depending on whether filling tube sensor  74  is configured for detecting the position of filling tube connector  18  or filling tube  12 . Subsequently, control device  44  initiates crabbing means engaging with filling tube holder  18  and moveable part  34 , thus preventing a relative pivoting action of filling tube holder  18  and moveable part  34 . Furthermore, control device  44  initiates drive device  40  moving brake body  24  along brake axis  22  from releasing position R to braking position B, thereby disengaging locking means  50  by moving first tapered part  52  out of second tapered part  54 . When brake body  24  reached braking position B, holder sensor  70  and casing brake sensor will generate signal “1”. 
         [0072]    When locking means  50  is disengaged as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , casing brake unit  20  is moveable together with filling tube  12  by the operator around pivot axis  35   a  towards clipping machine from interchanging position I, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , to production position P, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As soon as casing brake unit  20  and filling tube  12  leave interchanging position I, holder sensor  70  and casing brake sensor  72  start generating signal “0”. When the production position P is reached, the replacement-process of filling tube  12  is completed and filling assembly  10  is ready for production. 
         [0073]    In an alternative, not shown, automated embodiment, drive device  40  can be configured for actuating the pivoting action of casing brake unit  20  between production position P and interchanging position I. Thereby, the movement of brake body  24  between braking position B and releasing position R can be synchronized with the pivoting action of casing brake unit  20  e.g. by a cam-drive. Thus, the replacement process of filling tube  12  and/or brake body  24  can be further eased for the operator. 
         [0074]    It is within the scope of the invention that one or more of the aforementioned steps may be automated, especially the pivoting actions of filling tube  12  and casing brake unit  20  around pivot axis  35   a . Furthermore, it is within the scope the invention that position changes of brake body  24  relative to filling tube  12  and position changes of casing brake unit  20  relatively to the clipping machine are preferably subsequent, but may also be executed simultaneously, as long as no technical conflict is generated. Such technical conflict could e.g. occur when the production position P is reached before the braking position B, the releasing position R is reached before the interchanging position I. Therefore, at least the control device  44  is configured to avoid such technical conflicts. 
       REFERENCE LIST 
       [0000]    
       
           10  filling assembly 
           12  filling tube 
           14  filling tube axis 
           16  filling tube outlet 
           18  filling tube connector 
           19  fixation nut 
           20  casing brake unit 
           22  brake axis 
           24  brake body 
           26  brake holder 
           26   a  adapter device 
           26   b  holder plate 
           26   c  holder rod 
           27  screw 
           28  brake holder guide 
           28   a  guide plate
         28   b  guide tube     
           30  mounting unit 
           32  bearing device 
           34  moveable part 
           35  hinge 
           35   a  pivot axis 
           36  stationary part 
           37  calotte-shaped adapter 
           38  holding section 
           39   a  first mounting plate 
           39   b  second mounting plate 
           40  drive device 
           42   a  drive cylinder 
           42   b  drive rod 
           44  control device 
           50  locking means 
           52  first tapered part 
           54  second tapered part 
           60  stopper means 
           62  stopper surface 
           70  holder sensor 
           72  casing brake sensor 
           74  filling tube sensor 
         B braking position 
         BT bracket 
         E exchanging position 
         FD feeding direction 
         I interchanging position 
         P production position 
         R releasing position