Patent Description:
In the production of sausage-shaped products, like sausages, a filling material is fed by a filling machine through a filling tube of the clipping machine into a tubular casing material. After a predetermined volume of filling material has been filled into said tubular casing material, the clipping machine closes the back end of the sausage-shaped product via a closing means, like closure clips, which are attached by respective closing tools. A suspension element, like a suspension loop, may also be attached to said back end of said sausage-shaped product, enabling the sausage-shaped product to be hung up e.g. on a smoking rod or the like. Afterwards, the sausage-shaped product just produced, is separated from the remaining casing material by a knife or the like of a cutting device of the clipping machine and is transferred out of the clipping machine to a handling device for the next treatment step or a storage device by a respective discharge device.

For storing the sausage-shaped product on a smoking rod provided in a loading position, the suspension loop is grabbed by a transfer device which removes the sausage-shaped product from the discharge device, and which may include a conveyor chain having suspension hooks. The sausage-shaped product, while hanging on the suspension hook, is than guided with its suspension loop over the smoking rod and placed on a desired storage place on the smoking rod. The filled smoking rod is moved out of the loading position and an empty smoking rod is placed to be filled next.

<CIT> discloses a transportation device for transporting sausage-shaped products having suspension loops, from a clipping machine to a handling device for said sausage-shaped products. The transportation device includes a belt conveyor and a frame element which is laterally and parallel arranged to the belt conveyor. At the frame element, supporting means are arranged for supporting a guide element for guiding the sausage-shaped products by their suspension loops to the handling device.

From <CIT>, a hanging line is known, in which sausages are carried out of a clipping machine and their loops are guided directly onto a smoking rod. In this known device, the sausage bodies are transferred out of the clipping machine by a discharge conveyor, transferred onto a second conveyor and moved along the smoking rod while laying on said second conveyor.

A further known hanging line for storing sausages is disclosed in <CIT>. The sausages which are produced in a known clipping machine include a suspension loop that is guided along a rod-shaped element or sword. A chain conveyor is partially arranged above the sword and engages the loops by means of hooks arranged at the conveyor chain such that the respective sausage hangs on said hook by its loop. The loop caught by a hook is spread and guided over the smoking rod. A release mechanism causes the hook to releases the loop at a desired place on the smoking rod. After a predefined number of sausages are placed on the smoking rod, the filled smoking rod is replaced by an empty smoking rod.

These known sausage production and handling devices include a number of sub-devices for transferring the sausages from the clipping machine to their storage places on the smoking rod. Moreover, these devices are of complex construction and necessitate a complex control, e.g. for controlling the synchronized movement of the different conveyor devices or the defined placement of the sausages on the smoking rod. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks and to provide a system for producing sausage-shaped products which is of a simple design and which is operable with a reduced control amount, as well as a method for controlling such a system.

According to the present invention, there is provided a system for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, containing a flowable filling material in a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and a suspension element, like a suspension loop as defined in claim <NUM>. The system includes a clipping machine for producing the sausage-shaped products, a discharge device for discharging the sausage-shaped products out of the clipping machine in a transportation direction and a feeding device for feeding a rod-like element into a loading position. In the inventive system, the suspension loops of the sausage-shaped products are stored on the rod-like element by the discharge device. In particular, the sausage-shaped products are hung up with their suspension loops on a rod-like element. The discharge device comprises a conveyor means having a first and a second end with the first end directed to the clipping machine and the second end directed in transportation direction, a catching device for catching the suspension element of the sausage-shaped product and for guiding the suspension element in transportation direction, and a telescopic device for reversibly moving the second end of the conveyor means in transportation direction.

This design enables to transfer the sausage-shaped products directly from the discharge device onto the rod-like element, like a smoking bar or the like. Accordingly, no additional transfer device has to be positioned between the discharge device and the feeding device of the rod-like element in the loading position, respectively. The construction of the system is simplified and the control amount is reduced. Moreover, the transport distance is reduced so that the overall area being necessary for installing the system is remarkably reduced.

The discharge device thereby enables to vary the length of the conveyor means, whereby the sausage-shaped products fed onto the rod-like element by the discharge device may be placed consecutively on selected positions on the rod-like element. Thus, the sausage-shaped products may be arranged very flexible on the rod-like element, e.g. in regular or non-regular intervals or in a combination thereof which may be selected with regard to one or more features of the sausage-shaped products, like their size or kind.

In the inventive system, the clipping machine comprises a filling tube on which the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing is stored and through which filling material, like sausage meat, adhesive, sealing material etc. is fed in a feeding direction into the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing, gathering means for gathering the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and for forming a plait-like portion thereto and a clipping device for applying at least one closure means, like a closure clip, to the plait-like portion for closing the just filled portion of the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and for applying a suspension element, like a suspension loop, thereto.

The clipping machine enables the production of sausage-shaped products which may be transferred to and stored on the rod-like element provided by the feeding device in the loading position.

It has to be understood that the clipping machine is adapted to place a single closure clip on the plait-like portion for closing the just filled portion of the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing, or to apply two closure clips thereto, a first closure clip for closing the rear end of the just filled portion of the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing, and a second closure clip for closing the front end of the portion of the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing subsequently to be filled.

Furthermore, the clipping machine may produce single sausage-shaped products with one suspension loop at one of their ends, chains of sausage-shaped products with one suspension loop at one end of each chain of products or sausage rings also provided with a suspension loop at one end of the ring.

It has to be understood that the conveyor means include at least one conveyor element for conveying the sausage-shaped product out of the clipping machine. The conveyor element may be realized by at least one conveyor belt, at least one conveyor chain or any other suitable element which enables the transfer of a sausage-shaped product. Naturally, more than one conveyor element may be provided, like two conveyor belts or chains which are arranged side by side.

In a further preferred embodiment of the inventive system, the feeding device comprises a feeding mechanism for feeding a single rod-like element into a loading position in which the sausage-shaped products are hung up by their suspension elements onto said rod-like element.

The feeding mechanism of the feeding device includes at least one support mechanism for supporting the rod-like element when positioned in the loading position. The rod-like element when positioned in the loading position, is placed inside or at least very close to the feeding device, whereby a compact design of the system is enabled with a reduced size ratio.

It is of advantage that the discharge device further comprises at least one drive means for driving the conveyor means and the telescopic device. Such drive means enable a coordinated movement of the conveyor means and the telescopic device, e.g. in adaption to the sausage-shaped products to be stored on the rod-like element.

Said at least one drive means may be used to commonly drive the conveyor means and the telescopic device. This can be realized in various ways, for example by including a single drive element, like a single drive motor for commonly driving the conveyor means and the telescopic device.

Alternatively, the drive means include a first drive device for driving the conveyor means and a second drive device for driving the telescopic device. In this arrangement, the conveyor means and the telescopic device may be controlled independently from each other or in varying relation, whereby the flexibility of the discharge device with regard to the variety of products is increased.

The telescopic device for reversibly moving the second end of the conveyor means in the feeding direction may be realized in various ways. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more conveyor elements, like conveyor belts, may be provided wound about one ore more roller assemblies, which are arranged such that a common conveyor means may be established with a varying length.

In a preferred embodiment, the telescopic device includes a base assembly, a first slide assembly reversibly movable relative to the base assembly in the feeding direction and a second slide assembly reversibly movable relative to the first slide assembly in the feeding direction.

In a further preferred embodiment, the discharge device can include a release mechanism for releasing the conveyor element from the conveyor device. The release mechanism allows the quick and easy removal of the conveyor element from the discharge device, e.g. for maintenance or cleaning of the discharge device or the whole system.

In one embodiment, the release mechanism may include at least one clamping and releasing assembly for reversibly clamping or fixing carrier elements which carry the conveyor element during operation, like pulleys, about which a conveyor belt is wound, or sprocket wheels of a chain conveyor, and for releasing said carrier elements to relieve the conveyor element.

The catching device for catching and guiding the suspension element attached to the sausage-shaped product is mounted to the conveyor means in a fixed orientation in order to enable a defined guidance of the suspension element along the conveyor means. Thus, the catching device may be fixedly mounted to the conveyor means. However, in a further embodiment, the catching device may removably be attached to the conveyor means. In this embodiment, the discharge device may discharge sausage-shaped products which are not intended to be hung up on a rod-like element, e.g. when separately and/or manually be treated.

In order to arrange the discharge device in a defined position relative to the machine for producing sausage-shaped products, like a clipping machine, it is of advantage that the clipping machine includes coupling means for coupling the discharge device to the clipping machine.

It has to be understood that the coupling means of the clipping machine cooperate with respective counter-coupling means provided at the discharge device.

The coupling means of the clipping machine and the counter-coupling means of the discharge device, in the following commonly recited as coupling means, may be of any suitable design, like grooves which receive corresponding tongues, or one ore more holes accommodating respective bolts.

Providing coupling means on the clipping machine and on the discharge device enables a modular design of the production system such that a clipping machine may be coupled with different discharge devices, e.g. having different length or width, and being provided with identical coupling means.

It is also possible that the coupling means provide a hinge connection between the clipping machine and the discharge device for pivoting the discharge device relative to the clipping machine, e.g. between a working position and a maintenance or cleaning position. This pivoting movement can be carried out in an at least substantially horizontal plane.

It is further of advantage that the discharge device is provided with a catching device for catching the suspension element, like a suspension loop, attached to the sausage-shaped body of the sausage-shaped product.

The catching device may be realized in various ways. In one embodiment, the catching device may include at least one guide element, like a guide bar, which comprises a catching pin at its end facing to the clipping machine and connecting means at its other end facing to the feeding device for connecting the guide element with the rod-like element to which the suspension element has to be transferred.

The guide element is supported by support elements which enable a suspension element to be guided along the guide element without being disturbed by the support elements. The support elements for the guide element may be realized by support pins which reversibly engage the guide element, or rollers which engage the guide element without impeding, e.g. by overrunning, a suspension element guided along the guide element.

The catching device may include a drive for driving the support elements supporting the guide element. On the other hand, the support elements may be driven by an external drive, like the drive for driving the conveyor element.

In a preferred embodiment, the feeding device for feeding a rod-like element into a loading position includes a storage for accommodating a supply of rod-like elements. The feeding device may thereby continuously feed rod-like elements into the loading position to enable a continuous production process.

In a further preferred embodiment, the feeding device includes separation and delivering means for separating a single rod-like element out of a plurality of rod-like elements stored in the storage of rod-like elements and delivering said single rod-like element towards the loading position. Thereby, it is ensured that just one single rod-like element is fed into the loading position.

Additionally, the feeding device and/or the separation and delivering means may be equipped with sensor devices for sensing the presence or absence and/or the accurate position of rod-like elements in the storage and/or the loading position.

Further additionally, the feeding device may comprise coupling means for coupling the feeding device to the clipping machine in order to ensure an accurate positioning of the feeding device relative to the clipping machine, and/or to the discharge device. Moreover, said coupling means may also enable a pivot movement of the feeding device relative to the clipping machine, e.g. between a working position and a maintenance or cleaning position. This pivoting movement can be carried out in an at least substantially horizontal plane.

The coupling means for coupling the feeding device to the clipping machine further enable a modular design of the production system such that a clipping machine may be coupled wit different feeding devices, e.g. for feeding rod-like element of different length or cross sectional profile.

The feeding device may include a storage into which an operator may fill a number of rod-like elements, and from which said rod-like elements are separated and delivered by separation and delivering means into the loading position. The separation and delivering means may of any suitable design, e.g. they may include separating assemblies, like gripping assemblies for gripping a single rod-like. In an alternative design, one or more slots may be provided the width of which corresponds to the cross-sectional profile of the rod-like elements, and which may accommodate one ore more single rod-like elements for guiding said single rod-like elements successively to the loading position.

The feeding device may also be provided with a transportation assembly for transporting a rod-like element with the sausage-shaped products stored thereon out of the loading position to a removal position. The transportation assembly may include conveyor means for conveying the filled rod-like elements, i.e. the rod-like elements with the sausage-shaped products hung up thereon, away from the loading position towards the removal position in which the rod-like elements with the sausage-shaped products stored thereon may be removed from the feeding device, e.g. by manually an operator or automatically by a robotic device.

The transportation assembly may further include a transfer mechanism for transferring the filled rod-like elements from the loading position onto the conveyor means. Additionally, sensor devices may be provided for detecting the filled rod-like element being removed from the loading position for enabling the next rod-like element to be released into the loading position.

The conveyor means may be realized by a single conveyor which includes a clamping device for clamping one end of the rod-like element to be moved towards the removal position. The conveyor means may also include two conveyors each supporting one end of the filled rod-like element while being moved towards the removal position. The conveyor means may include any suitable conveyor element. However, it is preferred that the conveyor elements are conveyor belts or conveyor chains.

The conveyor means and the transfer mechanism of the transportation assembly may be provided with separate drives for driving the conveyor means and the transfer mechanism. In this case, a control unit controls the movement of the conveyor means and the transfer mechanism such that they are synchronously driven. In other words, after the transfer mechanism has transferred a filled rod-like element onto the conveyor means, the conveyor means is moved in transportation direction about a distance corresponding to the distance between two subsequently arranged filled rod-like elements. In case that the conveyor elements have support elements for accommodating and supporting a rod-like element, like recesses, the conveyor means are moved about a distance corresponding to the distance between two successive support elements or multiple thereof.

Naturally, the conveyor means and the transfer mechanism may be driven by a common drive. In this case, coupling means, like a gear, coupling the conveyor means and the transfer mechanism to each other such that they are driven in defined relation. Such a gear may include a chain drive having sprocket wheels of defined size for enabling a predefined transmission ratio.

Furthermore, the feeding device may include a standby position in which an empty rod-like element is kept ready for being moved into the loading position immediately after a filled rod-like element has been moved out of the loading position.

The rod-like element provided in the loading position may be supported by the feeding device, e.g. by support elements supporting both ends of the rod-like element. Naturally, the rod-like element may also be supported at one end only, e.g. by a respective clamping device. In this case, the free or unsupported end of the rod-like element is directed towards the discharge device for receiving the suspension elements of the sausage-shaped products delivered by the discharge device.

In an alternative embodiment, the discharge device includes a first support element for supporting one end of the rod-like element provided in the loading position, and the feeding device includes a second support element for supporting the second end of the rod-like element provided in the loading position. The suspension element, und thus, the sausage-shaped product may be transferred from the discharge device for example from the catching device directly onto the rod-like element in the loading position without any intermediate guide or transportation devices. This construction reduces the number of system components and the control effort.

In the case that the first support element for supporting the rod-like element in the loading position is provided at the discharge device, it is of advantage that the first support element forms the end of the guide element of the catching device facing in discharge direction. Thereby, the suspension element caught by the catching device may directly be moved onto the rod-like element.

The first support element may be formed in any suitable manner, like a pin, which engages a hole in the end of the rod-like element or a sleeve into which the end of the rod-like element is inserted. Advantageously, the first support element has the form of a semicircular shell on which the end of the rod-like element rests. This design enables an easy positioning of the rod-like element on the first support element and also an easy removal there from, particularly without the need of shifting the rod-like element in its longitudinal direction.

In a preferred embodiment of the inventive system, the feeding device is positioned such that the second end of the conveyor means of the discharge device may reversibly be moved along the rod-like element provided by the feeding device in the loading position. This allows the positioning of the sausage-shaped products one after the other on the rod-like element and directly by the discharge device.

The discharge device for reversibly moving the second end of the conveyor means includes a telescopic device. This telescopic device may be controlled such that the second end of the conveyor means may be positioned in any desired position along the rod-like element. Thereby, the position and the distance between the sausage-shaped products suspended on the rod-like element by the discharge device, may individually be selected for each single sausage-shaped product, or in accordance with the kind and/or size of the sausage-shaped products just produced. Thus, it is possible to suspend different kinds of sausage-shaped products which may also have different size, at the same rod-like element, or to position identical sausage-shaped products in regular intervals on the rod-like element.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for controlling a system for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, containing a flowable filling material in a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and a suspension element, like a suspension loop, wherein the system includes a clipping machine for producing the sausage-shaped products, a discharge device for discharging the sausage-shaped products out of the clipping machine in a transportation direction and a feeding device for feeding a rod-like element into a loading position, wherein the discharge device comprises a conveyor means having a first and a second end with the first end directed to the clipping machine and the second end directed in transportation direction, a catching device for catching the suspension element of the sausage-shaped product and for guiding the suspension element in transportation direction, and a telescopic device. The method comprises the steps of providing a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing on a filling tube of the clipping machine, feeding filling material into the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing closed at its front end, gathering the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing, applying at least one closure clip to the gathered portion of the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and attaching a suspension element, like a suspension loop, thereto. The method further comprises the step of discharging the sausage-shaped product form the clipping machine and suspending the sausage-shaped product on a rod-like element provided in a loading position by the discharge device, and reversibly moving the second end of the conveyor means in the feeding direction.

Thereby, the sausage-shaped product discharged from the clipping machine may be suspended at a predefined position on the rod-like element by the discharge device.

The inventive method thereby provides all advantages explained in conjunction with the inventive system for producing sausage-shaped products.

Further advantages and preferred embodiments of the present invention 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 notation of the figures used can be read in normal orientation.

A system for producing sausage-shaped products according to the present invention as completely shown in <FIG> includes as its main components a clipping machine CM for producing sausage-shaped products S, a discharge device DD for discharging the sausage-shaped products S from clipping machine CM and a feeding device FD for feeding rod-like elements R into a loading position in which sausage-shaped products are suspended on said rod-like element R.

A clipping machine CM for producing sausage-shaped products S shown in <FIG>, comprises as main components a filling tube <NUM> having a longitudinally extending center axis A and with a discharge opening for a filling material at its left end <NUM> and a feeding opening for the filling material fed to the filling tube <NUM>, for example a feeding pump, at its right end <NUM>, a casing brake assembly <NUM> arranged coaxially with filling tube <NUM> in the region of the left end <NUM> of filling tube <NUM>. Filling tube <NUM> is made of a suitable material, like stainless steel. A supply of tubular packaging casing material M made of a thin sheet material is stored on the filling tube <NUM>. From the supply of tubular packaging casing material M, a single packaging casing is pulled-off during the process of manufacturing the sausage-shaped products S. Clipping machine <NUM> further comprises a clipping device <NUM> for closing a filled tubular packaging casing M by applying closure means, like closure clips C, to a plait-like portion P, and gathering means <NUM> for gathering the filled tubular packaging casing M and for forming said plait-like portion P thereto, and which are all arranged downstream filling tube <NUM>.

Right end <NUM> of horizontally arranged filling tube <NUM> is coupled to a filler arrangement (not shown) including a pump for feeding filling material through filling tube <NUM> in a feeding direction F into tabular packaging casing M closed on its front end facing in the feeding direction F, by a closure clip C.

As it can be inferred from <FIG>, positioned immediately downstream left end <NUM> of filling tube <NUM>, clipping device <NUM> is arranged and coaxially aligned to filling tube <NUM>. Clipping device <NUM> comprises a first and a second clipping tool <NUM>, <NUM> formed by a punch <NUM> and a die <NUM>. It has to be noted that punch <NUM> and die <NUM> may apply and close a single closure clip C for closing the just filled tubular packaging casing M, or may apply and close two closure clips C at the same time, a first closure clip C for closing the just filled tubular packaging casing M for forming a sausage-shaped product S, and a second closure clip C for closing the front end of the tubular packaging casing M subsequently to be filled. Gathering means <NUM> includes a first displacer unit <NUM> and a second displacer unit <NUM>, wherein first displacer unit <NUM> is positioned downstream second displacer unit <NUM>. First and second clipping tools <NUM>, <NUM> of clipping device <NUM> may be positioned between first and second displacer units <NUM>, <NUM>, at least for applying and closing one or two closure clips C to plait-like portion P.

If it is desired to suspend sausage-shaped product on a rod-like element, like a smoking rod, e.g. for further treatment, a suspension element, like a suspension loop L, may be provided such that suspension loop L is attached to sausage-shaped product S by means of one of closure clips C. According to <FIG>, suspension loop L is provided in the movement path of die <NUM> such that suspension loop L is engaged by a closure clip C halt in die <NUM> to be applied to plait-like portion P and attached thereto together with closure clip C.

Furthermore, for discharging a sausage-shaped product S just produced from clipping machine CM, downstream clipping device <NUM>, a discharge device DD, like a belt conveyor may be arranged, which may comprise a conveyor belt and guide rollers. Transportation direction T of discharge device DD usually coincides with feeding direction F.

Clipping device <NUM> and gathering means <NUM> are accommodated in a housing <NUM> of clipping machine CM. Filling tube <NUM> extends approximately horizontally and with its left end <NUM> towards the right side of housing <NUM> of clipping machine M. On the left side of housing <NUM> of clipping machine CM and aligned with longitudinal axis L of filling tube <NUM>, a discharge opening <NUM> is arranged (cf. <FIG>, <FIG>).

As can be seen from <FIG> and <FIG>, discharge device DD includes conveyor means <NUM> for conveying the sausage-shaped product from the clipping machine CM towards the rod-like element R provided in the loading position, a telescopic device <NUM> for releasing the sausage-shaped product S at a predefined position relative to rod-like element R, and a catching device <NUM> for catching the suspension element or loop L of sausage-shaped product S and guiding said loop L onto rod-like element R in the loading position. In <FIG>, two rod-like elements R are schematically shown, lower rod-like element R in the loading position with is downstream end supported by a second support portion SP2, and the upper rod-like element R in a standby position, as it will be explained in detail below.

Conveyor means <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> (cf. Conveyor means <NUM> is aligned to a discharge opening <NUM> of clipping machine CM with first end <NUM> facing towards clipping machine CM and second end <NUM> facing in feeding direction F.

Conveyor means <NUM> includes a conveyor belt <NUM> as the conveyor element, and a roller arrangement <NUM> about which conveyor belt <NUM> is wound. As can be seen in <FIG>, roller arrangement <NUM> includes a first roller <NUM> which forms first end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM>, a second roller <NUM> which forms the second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM>, two lower deflection rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, a pair of interconnected rollers <NUM> with an upper roller 125a and a lower roller 125b arranged vertically below and in a fixed distance to upper roller 125a, a third deflection roller <NUM>, a tensioning roller <NUM>, support rollers <NUM> and a guide roller arrangement <NUM>.

The axles of all rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged approximately parallel to each other. First roller <NUM>, support rollers <NUM> and third roller <NUM> are arranged successively in transportation direction and form a first transportation plane in which a sausage-shaped product S is discharged out of clipping machine CM in transportation direction T. Lower deflection rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in a common plane forming the lower end of conveyor means <NUM>. All remaining rollers are arranged between the planes formed by first and third rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and lower deflection rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. Second roller <NUM> at second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> is arranged approximately centrally between the first transportation plane formed by first and third rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower most plane formed by lower deflection rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. Interconnected rollers <NUM> are arranged vertically above each other with upper roller 125a in a horizontal position between first and second rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, and with lower roller 125b in a horizontal position between second roller <NUM> and lower deflection rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. Tensioning roller <NUM> is positioned upstream rollers <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG> which show telescopic device <NUM> in its retracted position, conveyor belt <NUM>, seen in transportation direction T, is guided around first roller <NUM> at first end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> and extends towards third roller <NUM>. Between first and third rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, support rollers <NUM> are arranged for supporting the section of conveyor belt <NUM> extending between first and third rollers <NUM>, <NUM>.

Conveyor belt <NUM> is further approximately horizontally routed from the lower side of third roller <NUM> towards clipping machine CM, wound about upper roller 125a of interconnected rollers <NUM> and guided in transportation direction T to the upper side second roller <NUM>. From the lower side of second roller <NUM>, conveyor belt <NUM> is directed to the upper side of lower roller 125b of interconnected rollers <NUM>. From lower roller 125b, conveyor belt <NUM> is approximately horizontally guided to the upper side of roller <NUM>, wound about roller <NUM> and further guided to roller <NUM>. From roller <NUM>, conveyor belt <NUM> extends along tensioning roller <NUM> and back to first roller <NUM>, whereby the loop formed by conveyor belt <NUM> is closed.

As particularly shown in <FIG>, guide roller arrangement <NUM> comprises a number of small rollers arranged parallel to each other and in a common plan, and extending in transportation direction T from third roller <NUM>. The plane formed by guide roller arrangement <NUM> inclines from third roller <NUM> towards second roller <NUM>, and bridges the horizontal gap between the horizontally extending portion of conveyor belt <NUM> between first and third roller <NUM>, <NUM> and the horizontally extending portion of conveyor belt <NUM> between third roller <NUM> and upper roller 125a of interconnected rollers <NUM>.

Conveyor belt <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> is driven by a conveyor drive <NUM> which includes a drive element or motor <NUM> and a drive axle <NUM> on which third roller <NUM> of roller arrangement <NUM> is mounted (cf.

Telescopic device <NUM> includes a base frame <NUM> with a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, a guide assembly <NUM> including horizontally extending guide rods <NUM>, <NUM>, a first slider assembly <NUM> and a second slider assembly <NUM> which are slideable arranged at guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> of guide assembly <NUM>. Approximately bar-shaped base frame <NUM> extends between horizontally arranged guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> of guide assembly <NUM> and parallel thereto. Guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of base frame <NUM>.

Telescopic device <NUM> further comprises a telescope drive <NUM> arranged on the rear side of base frame <NUM>, which includes a drive element or motor <NUM> and a drive wheel <NUM> arranged at the drive axle of motor <NUM>. Telescopic drive <NUM> further comprises a first pulley <NUM> rotatable attached to first end <NUM> of base frame <NUM>, a second pulley (not visible) which is arranged between first pulley <NUM> and first end <NUM> of base frame <NUM> and a third pulley <NUM> attached to second end <NUM> of base frame <NUM> as well as a first drive element <NUM> and a second drive element <NUM>.

In the shown embodiment, drive elements <NUM>, <NUM> are toothed belts and drive wheel <NUM> as well as first, second and third pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> comprise a corresponding toothed surface. First drive element or toothed belt <NUM> is wound about first pulley <NUM> and drive wheel <NUM> of motor <NUM>. Second drive element or toothed belt <NUM> is wound about second pulley, drive wheel <NUM> of motor <NUM> and third pulley <NUM> at second end of base frame <NUM>. Accordingly, toothed belts <NUM>, <NUM> are commonly driven by motor <NUM> of telescopic drive <NUM>. Furthermore, second pulley is arranged behind first pulley <NUM>, i.e. between first pulley <NUM> and first end <NUM> of base frame <NUM>, and of a smaller outer diameter than first pulley <NUM>, thus, it is not visible in the Figs.

Motor <NUM> of conveyor drive <NUM> and motor <NUM> of telescopic drive <NUM> are mounted to the rear side of base frame <NUM> and commonly covered by a drive housing DH (cf. Furthermore, conveyor drive <NUM> and telescopic drive <NUM> further include gear mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> which are attached to motors <NUM>, <NUM> of conveyor drive <NUM> and telescopic drive <NUM>, respectively (cf.

It has to be noted that telescopic device <NUM> and conveyor means <NUM> may be driven by a single drive means, like an electric motor, which commonly drives telescopic device <NUM> and conveyor means <NUM>.

First slider assembly <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM> which is slidably fixed on guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> of guide assembly <NUM>. First slider assembly <NUM> further includes a mounting arrangement <NUM> by means of which first slider assembly is fixedly coupled to toothed belt <NUM>. Accordingly, when driving toothed belt <NUM>, first slider assembly <NUM> may reversibly moved along guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> of guide assembly <NUM> between motor <NUM> and first pulley <NUM> of telescopic drive <NUM>.

Furthermore, first slider assembly <NUM> carries interconnected rollers <NUM> which are reversibly movable in transportation direction T together with first slider assembly <NUM>.

Second slider assembly <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM> which is slidable fixed on guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> of guide assembly <NUM>, and downstream first slider assembly <NUM>. Second slider assembly <NUM> further includes a mounting arrangement <NUM> by means of which second slider assembly <NUM> is fixedly coupled to toothed belt <NUM>. Accordingly, when driving toothed belt <NUM>, second slider assembly <NUM> may reversibly moved along guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> of guide assembly <NUM> between first pulley <NUM> and third pulley <NUM> of telescopic drive <NUM>. Second slider assembly <NUM> additionally comprises an approximately rectangular carrier plate <NUM>. Carrier plate <NUM> is vertically arranged and extends in transportation direction T. With its upstream end 246a, carrier plate is mounted to body portion <NUM> of slider assembly <NUM>, and its second end 246b extends downstream, i.e. in transportation direction T.

At second end 246b of carrier plate <NUM>, second roller <NUM> is mounted. Second roller <NUM> is reversibly movable in transportation direction T together with second slider assembly <NUM>.

In the retracted position shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, first slider assembly <NUM> is positioned at first end <NUM> of base frame <NUM> and second slider assembly <NUM> is positioned downstream first slider assembly <NUM> and closed thereto.

The size of first pulley <NUM>, second pulley and drive wheel <NUM>, i.e. their diameter, is selected such that second slider assembly <NUM> is moved along guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> of guide assembly <NUM> with the double speed than first slider assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, also second slider assembly <NUM>, and particularly by second roller <NUM>, travels the double distance as first slider assembly <NUM> with interconnected rollers <NUM> mounted thereto.

As a consequence, conveyor means <NUM> may be extended approximately up to an overall length of three times of its initial length. The specific ratio of the movement speed of first and second slider assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> ensures that conveyor belt <NUM> has a constant tension in each intermediate position between the retracted position and the fully extended position.

It has to be understood that motor <NUM> of conveyor drive <NUM> and motor <NUM> of telescopic drive <NUM> are coupled to a respective control unit for controlling the production process.

Accordingly, telescopic drive <NUM> may be controlled such that second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> may reversibly be moved to each position between the retracted position and the fully extended position.

Additionally, discharge device DD includes a release mechanism <NUM> for releasing the coupling between third pulley <NUM> and base frame <NUM>. Release mechanism <NUM> comprises a handle <NUM> and a release assembly (not shown). When releasing the connection between third pulley <NUM> and base frame <NUM>, conveyor belt <NUM> may be slacked and removed from conveyor means <NUM>. Alternatively, a release mechanism may also be provided at any other suitable position of conveyor device <NUM>, e.g. for releasing other rollers, like first roller <NUM> or interconnected rollers <NUM>, in order to enable a mounting or demounting of conveyor belt <NUM> to or from conveyor means <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, a single guide roller G is provided immediately upstream first roller <NUM> of roller arrangement <NUM>. Guide roller G is arranged horizontally and parallel to first roller <NUM>. Guide roller G may bridge a gap between first end <NUM> of conveyor device <NUM> and discharge opening <NUM> of clipping machine CM.

Discharge device DD further comprises a catching device <NUM> for catching suspension element or loop L of sausage-shaped product S and for guiding loop L to rod-like element R.

As can be seen in <FIG>, catching device <NUM> is attached to the front side of conveyor means <NUM> and extend approximately parallel thereto in transportation direction T.

Catching device <NUM> comprises a guide mechanism <NUM> which includes a guide element <NUM> in the form of an approximately horizontally arranged guide bar. Guide element or guide bar <NUM> has a first end 312a facing towards clipping machine CM and a second end 312b facing in transportation direction T. Guide bar <NUM> further comprises an angled portion <NUM> extending from second end 312b in transportation direction T and downwardly in an angle corresponding to the angle of the inclined plane defined by guide roller arrangement <NUM> (cf. The downstream end of angled portion <NUM> forms a first support portion SP1 for supporting one end of rod-like element R positioned in the loading position.

At first end 312a of guide bar <NUM>, a catching element CE in the form of a catching pin is arranged, which has a tip end facing towards clipping machine CM and which extends into the closing region of clipping machine CM in order to catch suspension loop L when attached to sausage-shaped product S (cf.

Guide bar <NUM> has an approximately rectangular cross-section with an approximately horizontally arranged upper surface and a lower surface arranged approximately parallel to the upper surface. Each of the upper and lower surfaces of guide bar <NUM> features two identical recesses <NUM>. Recesses <NUM> in the upper surface of guide bar <NUM> are arranged near first and second ends 312a, 312b of guide bar <NUM>, respectively. Recesses <NUM> in the lower surface of guide bar <NUM> are aligned vertically below recesses <NUM> in the upper surface. Recesses <NUM> extend in the longitudinal direction of guide bar <NUM> and have the shape of the segment of a circle. Recesses <NUM> have an approximately V-shaped cross section with a rounded apex.

Catching device <NUM> further comprises four identical support units <NUM> for supporting guide bar <NUM>. Each support unit <NUM> includes two circular plate elements <NUM> arranged parallel to each other and on a common axle <NUM> by means of which plate elements or plates <NUM> are rotatably supported. Plates <NUM> are vertically arranged with their axles <NUM> extending perpendicularly to transportation direction T.

Between each pair of plates <NUM>, five rollers <NUM> are arranged with their rotation axes arranged on a concentric circle in vicinity to the outer circumference of plates <NUM> and parallel to axle <NUM>. Rollers <NUM> taper towards their outer circumference. A ring <NUM> of rubber is arranged at the circumference of each roller <NUM>. Ring <NUM> has a circular cross-section the radius of which corresponds to the radius of the rounded apex of the V-shaped cross-section of recesses <NUM> (cf.

Support units <NUM> may be driven by a drive assembly <NUM> such that support units <NUM> rotate about axles <NUM>. A pulley <NUM> is mounted on each of axles <NUM> of support units <NUM>. Drive assembly <NUM> further includes a drive roller <NUM> and four deflection rollers <NUM>. A drive element in the form of a drive belt <NUM> is wound about pulleys <NUM>, drive roller <NUM> and deflection rollers <NUM> such that support units <NUM> rotate about their axles <NUM> in a desired direction. Presently, upper support units <NUM> rotate in opposite directions whereas lower support units <NUM> rotate in the same direction about axles <NUM> (cf.

Drive roller <NUM> is mounted on a drive axle <NUM> extending horizontally drive roller <NUM> to the rear side of catching unit <NUM>. Drive axle <NUM> is coaxially aligned with drive axle <NUM> on which third roller <NUM> of roller arrangement <NUM> is mounted and which is driven by motor <NUM> of conveyor drive <NUM>. The rear end of drive axle <NUM> is coupled to the front end of drive axle <NUM> of third roller <NUM> by a form-fit clutch <NUM> which has a receiving element <NUM> in the form of a recess or slot, and an engagement element <NUM> which form-fit engages the recess in receiving element <NUM>. Receiving element <NUM> is attached to the front end of drive axle <NUM> of conveyor drive <NUM> (cf. <FIG>) and engagement element <NUM> is attached to the rear end of drive axle <NUM> of drive unit <NUM> of catching unit <NUM> (cf. <FIG>) such that drive unit <NUM> is driven by motor <NUM> of conveyor drive <NUM>.

Catching unit <NUM> is releasable fixed to conveyor means <NUM> by two fixation screws <NUM> each including a handle <NUM> for manually fixing and loosening fixation screws <NUM> (cf. <FIG>, <FIG>). After loosening fixation screws <NUM>, catching unit <NUM> may be removed from conveyor means <NUM>, thereby engagement element <NUM> of clutch <NUM> is withdrawn from receiving element <NUM> of clutch <NUM>. When attaching catching unit <NUM> to conveyor means <NUM>, engagement element <NUM> of clutch <NUM> engages receiving element <NUM> such that support units <NUM> are driven via drive unit <NUM> by motor <NUM> of conveyor drive <NUM>.

The two upper support units <NUM> are positioned such that, at each time point, two rollers <NUM> of one of the two support units <NUM> engage the respective recess <NUM> whereas only one of the rollers <NUM> of the respective other support unit <NUM> engages the respective other recess <NUM>. The two lower support units <NUM> are positioned accordingly. Thus, at each time point during the rotational movement of support units <NUM>, an upper recess <NUM> and a lower recess <NUM> is engaged by two rollers <NUM>, whereby guide bar <NUM> is secured against movement in its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, due to the shape of recesses <NUM> and the corresponding shape of rollers <NUM>, guide bar <NUM> is further supported in vertical direction and in horizontal direction rectangular to transportation direction T.

Conveyor means <NUM> further comprise a retaining mechanism <NUM> for retaining a sausage-shaped product S just passing second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> for preventing uncontrolled tilting of said sausage-shaped product about second roller <NUM> of roller arrangement <NUM> (cf. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>). Retaining mechanism <NUM> includes an approximately U-shaped upper retaining element or retaining bow <NUM> approximately vertically arranged above second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> and across the passage way of a sausage-shaped product S passing second end <NUM>. Retaining bow <NUM> is arranged with its open side facing downwards, and one leg of U-shaped retaining bow <NUM> is fixed to second end 246b of carrier plate <NUM> of second slider assembly <NUM>. Retaining mechanism <NUM> further comprises a guide plate <NUM> arranged immediately downstream second roller <NUM> of roller arrangement <NUM>. Guide plate <NUM> is mounted to second end 246b of carrier plate <NUM> of second slider assembly <NUM> and below retaining bow <NUM>. Retaining mechanism <NUM> is thereby fixedly arranged at second end 246b of carrier plate <NUM> of second slider assembly <NUM>, und thus, moves together with second roller <NUM> of roller arrangement <NUM> when telescopic device <NUM> is activated.

Moreover, laterally to second roller <NUM> of roller arrangement <NUM>, a sensor arrangement <NUM> is positioned such that it is moved together with second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> (cf. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>). Sensor arrangement <NUM> functions as a product counter which registers a sausage-shaped product S when passing second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> for being supplied to rod-like element R. Sensor device or product counter <NUM> includes a cam-switch <NUM> which is engaged by suspension loop L of sausage-shaped product S while passing second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM>. Cam switch <NUM> activates a counter switch <NUM> which is coupled to the control unit of clipping machine CM.

Sensor arrangement <NUM> is activated by suspension loop L of sausage-shaped product S just passing second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> by acting on cam-switch <NUM>. The signal of sensor device <NUM> is used to activate telescopic device <NUM> for retracting second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> about a distance corresponding to the distance between two subsequent sausage-shaped products S on rod-like element R. Additionally, the signal of sensor device <NUM> may also be used for activating an infeed device <NUM> and an outfeed device <NUM> of feeding device FD for removing a filled rod-lie element out of the loading position and for feeding an empty rod-like element R into the loading position, which are explained in detail below.

The system for producing sausage-shaped products S as shown in <FIG> further includes feeding device FD for feeding rod-like elements R into a loading position in which sausage-shaped products are suspended on said rod-like element R which is explained in the following in greater detail in conjunction with <FIG>.

Feeding device FD comprises an infeed device <NUM> for accommodating or storing a supply of rod-like elements R as a storage, separating a single rod-like element R out of the supply of rod-like elements R and for feeding said separated rod-like element R into the loading position in which sausage-shaped products S are hung up on rod-like element R.

Feeding device FD further comprises an outfeed device <NUM> for feeding a rod-like element R filled with a predefined number of sausage-shaped products S out of the loading position.

Infeed device <NUM> and outfeed device <NUM> are supported on a main frame <NUM> which has a horizontal frame structure <NUM> with two parallel frame bars <NUM> being aligned to transportation direction T in an angle of approximately <NUM>°. Between frame bars <NUM> two longitudinally extending bars <NUM> are arranged in transportation direction T. Frame bars <NUM> form the upstream and downstream ends of main frame <NUM>. Two pairs of vertical posts <NUM> extend upwardly from frame bars <NUM>. On vertical posts <NUM>, infeed device <NUM> and outfeed device <NUM> are supported.

Infeed device <NUM> comprises a magazine or storage device for accommodating a plurality of rod-like elements R. Magazine device includes an upstream wall <NUM> and a downstream wall <NUM> which are arranged parallel to each other and approximately vertically above frame bars <NUM>. The distance between walls <NUM>, <NUM> corresponds to the length of a rod-like element R. In the surfaces of walls <NUM>, <NUM> facing each other, vertical slots <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged parallel to each other. Slots <NUM>, <NUM> extend from the upper end of walls <NUM>, <NUM> and commonly end in a funnel-shaped recess <NUM>, <NUM> (cf. <FIG>, <FIG>).

Rod-like elements R fed into slots <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in transportation direction T such that the upstream end of rod-like element R is accommodated in one of slots <NUM> and the downstream end of rod-like element R is accommodated in the respective slot <NUM> arranged opposite to slot <NUM> in which the upstream end of rod-like element R is accommodated.

Releasing means <NUM> are provided for blocking the rod-like elements R positioned in slots <NUM>, <NUM>, and for selectively releasing a single rod-like element R from one of slots <NUM>, <NUM> at the lower ends of slots <NUM>, <NUM>. Releasing means <NUM> include first blocking and releasing elements <NUM> in the form of release pins which extend into slots <NUM>, <NUM>, and which may reversibly be moved out of slots <NUM>, <NUM> for selectively releasing a single rod-like element out of slots <NUM>, <NUM> into funnel-shaped recesses <NUM>, <NUM>.

At the lower end of each funnel-shaped recess <NUM>, <NUM>, a single slot <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged into which single rod-like element R is moved after being selectively released from slots <NUM>, <NUM>. Recesses <NUM>, <NUM> provide a standby position in which a single, empty rod-like element R is kept ready for being fed into the loading position after a filled rod-like element R has been removed out of the loading position.

Immediately below single slots <NUM>, <NUM>, second blocking and releasing elements <NUM> in the form of release pins are arranged for securing a single rod-like element R in the standby position, and for releasing rod-like element R into the loading position.

First and second blocking and releasing elements <NUM>, <NUM> are actuated via an actuation mechanism <NUM> which may include pneumatic or electric actuation means for reversibly moving first and second blocking and releasing elements <NUM>, <NUM>, like releasing pins, into slots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, in order to block or release a rod-like element R.

Releasing means <NUM> are coupled to the control unit of clipping machine CM for being controlled in accordance with the production process.

Wall <NUM> ends below release elements <NUM>, whereas wall <NUM> further extends downwardly. In the portion of wall <NUM> extending below slot <NUM>, an approximately V-shaped recess <NUM> is arranged with the leg of the V facing to the rear side of feeding device FD being arranged vertically and aligned with the rearward facing side of slot <NUM> such that a rod-like element R being released by second release elements <NUM> and falling downwardly, is caught by the apex of V-shaped recess <NUM> which provides a second support portion SP2 for the downstream end of rod-like element R when in the loading position. The second leg of the V-shape of recess <NUM> faces to te front side of feeding device FD and provides an opening thereto through which a rod-like element R may be removed out of the loading position, as it will be explained in detail below.

As explained in conjunction with <FIG>, the downstream end of angled portion <NUM> of guide bar <NUM> forms first support portion SP1 for supporting one end, namely the upstream end of rod-like element R positioned in the loading position.

It has to be understood that, in the inventive production system, feeding device FD is arranged relative to discharge device DD such that a rod-like element R when positioned in the loading position, is supported at its upstream end by first support portion SP1 and at its downstream end by second support portion SP2.

At the upper ends of walls <NUM>, <NUM>, a delivery arrangement <NUM> is provided with an approximately horizontally extending bottom <NUM> of rectangular shape which is surrounded by a vertically upwards extending rim <NUM>. In bottom <NUM>, slots are arranged which extend in transportation direction T and the ends of which correspond with slots <NUM>, <NUM> in walls <NUM>, <NUM>. Rod-like elements R manually inserted by an operator into delivery arrangement <NUM>, may fall vertically downwards into slots <NUM>, <NUM>, and be stored there.

Outfeed device <NUM> for feeding a rod-like element R filled with a predefined number of sausage-shaped products S out of the loading position includes two horizontally aligned outfeed conveyors <NUM> in the form of chain conveyors with a first end <NUM> facing towards the loading position, a second end <NUM> being directed towards the front side of feeding device FD and in an angle of approximately <NUM>° to transportation direction T and a conveyor element <NUM>, like a conveyor chain, which is wound about guide rollers <NUM>, like sprocket wheels, arranged at first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of conveyors <NUM> (cf. The upper run of conveyors <NUM> is at least approximately horizontally aligned with the loading position. Conveyors <NUM> are in line arranged with first and second support positions SP1, SP2.

An outfeed conveyor drive device <NUM> is provided for synchronously driving outfeed conveyors <NUM>. Drive device <NUM> includes a drive means <NUM>, like an electric motor, including a drive wheel <NUM>, a sprocket wheel <NUM> arranged on a common axle with guide rollers <NUM> at second end of outfeed conveyors <NUM> and a transmission element, like a drive chain (not shown). Outfeed conveyor drive device <NUM> further includes a common drive axle <NUM> for synchronously commonly driving outfeed conveyors <NUM>, which is coupled with one end to drive chain of one of outfeed conveyors <NUM> and with the other end to the drive chain of the respective other outfeed conveyor <NUM>.

Outfeed device <NUM> further comprises a transfer mechanism <NUM> for transferring a rod-like element R filled with sausage-shaped products S from the loading position into an outfeed position on outfeed conveyors <NUM>.

Transfer mechanism <NUM> includes two approximately L-shaped transfer elements <NUM> each with a vertically extending leg and an approximately C-shaped receiving opening at its upper end. The second leg of L-shaped transfer element <NUM> extends from the lower end of the vertical leg towards the front side of feed device FD and is excentrically coupled to an excenter drive including two excenter discs <NUM>. L-shaped transfer elements <NUM> are arranged vertically, parallel to each other and in an angle of approximately <NUM>° to transportation direction T. Each transfer element <NUM> is aligned with one of the ends of a rod-like element R such that said rod-like element R may be engaged by transfer element <NUM>, transferred to outfeed conveyors <NUM> and put on conveyor chains <NUM> by its ends.

Excenter discs <NUM> are driven via drive motor <NUM> of outfeed conveyor drive device <NUM> the drive chain of which is also wound about sprocket wheels <NUM> which are coupled to excenter discs <NUM>. Due to the excentric movement of excenter discs <NUM>, the receiving opening in the upper end of transfer elements <NUM> moves on a circular path such that a rod-like element R in the loading position is engaged by the receiving opening of transfer element <NUM> from below, lifted upwardly, transferred to outfeed conveyors <NUM> and put on conveyor chains <NUM>. Transfer elements <NUM> with the receiving opening further move downwardly for disengaging rod-like element R positioned on conveyor chains <NUM>, and move back into a starting position shown in <FIG>.

The size of drive wheel <NUM>, sprocket wheels <NUM> and sprocket wheels <NUM> is selected such that during one rotation cycle of transfer element <NUM> conveyor chains <NUM> of outfeed conveyors are moved about a distance corresponding to the distance between two rod-like elements R placed on outfeed conveyors <NUM>.

The system for producing sausage-shaped products as shown in <FIG> includes amongst others clipping machine CM, discharge device DD and feeding device FD.

Discharge device DD is coupled to clipping machine CM such that first end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> is aligned with discharge opening <NUM> of clipping machine CM when in the working position or discharge position as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Coupling means <NUM> in the form of a hinge are provided for arranging discharge device DD to clipping machine CM. Coupling means or hinge <NUM> includes first hinge portions <NUM> mounted to clipping machine CM and second hinge portions <NUM> in the form of angled levers are fixedly attached to discharge device DD. Second hinge portions or angled levers <NUM> are arranged horizontally and vertically above each other.

In <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, only one first hinge portion <NUM> is shown. The free end of upper angled lever <NUM> is connected with the upper one of first hinge portions <NUM>. At the free end of lower angled lever <NUM>, a vertically arranged hinge bolt <NUM> extends downwardly. Hinge bolt <NUM> engages the lower hinge portion at clipping machine CM which includes a hole (not shown) for receiving hinge bolt <NUM>.

By means of coupling means <NUM>, discharge device DD may be mounted to clipping machine CM and reversibly pivoted about hinge bolt <NUM> in a horizontal plane between a working position as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and an inoperative position as shown in <FIG>. In the inoperative position, discharge device DD is pivoted out of transportation direction T, e.g. for maintenance or cleaning of the production system.

As further can be seen in <FIG>, feeding device FD is coupled to clipping machine CM by a coupling mechanism <NUM> which includes two coupling bars <NUM>, <NUM>. Coupling bars <NUM>, <NUM> are pivotally attached with their downstream ends to upstream frame bar <NUM> of main frame <NUM> of feeding device FD. The upstream ends of coupling bars <NUM>, <NUM> are pivotally mounted to the frame of clipping machine CM. Coupling bars are arranged horizontally and parallel to each other. The length of coupling bars <NUM>, <NUM> is selected such that feeding device FD, and in particular first and second support portions SP1, SP2, are aligned in transportation direction T and with a distance there between which corresponds to the length of a rod-like element R. Additionally, a fixing device (not shown) is provided for fixing feeding device FD at least in its position when aligned in transportation direction T with clipping machine CM.

As explained in conjunction with <FIG>, catching unit <NUM> may reversibly attached to conveyor means <NUM> by two fixation screws <NUM>, whereby engagement element <NUM> of clutch <NUM> arranged at catching unit <NUM> engages receiving element <NUM> of clutch <NUM> at conveyor means <NUM> such that support units <NUM> are driven by conveyor drive <NUM>.

Alternatively, after catching device <NUM> has been removed from drive means <NUM>, a further discharge conveyor <NUM> may reversibly be mounted to conveyor means <NUM> by fixation screws <NUM> (cf. Discharge conveyor <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, a conveyor mechanism <NUM> with a first deflection roller <NUM> at first end <NUM>, a second deflection roller <NUM> at second end <NUM> and a conveyor belt <NUM> wound about deflection rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. Conveyor mechanism <NUM> is driven via a drive axle <NUM> on which deflection roller <NUM> is mounted. At the rear side of drive axle <NUM>, i.e. that side facing towards conveyor means <NUM>, an engagement element <NUM> is attached which is identical with engagement element <NUM> of clutch <NUM>, and which engages receiving element <NUM> of clutch <NUM> for providing a form-fit coupling of drive axle <NUM> with conveyor drive <NUM>. Deflection roller <NUM> is thereby coaxially arranged with third roller <NUM> of roller arrangement <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM>, and positioned laterally thereto.

Discharge conveyor <NUM> further comprises a guide roller arrangement <NUM> which is identically designed as guide roller arrangement <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM>. Guide roller arrangement <NUM> is positioned side by side to guide roller arrangement <NUM>.

By means of reversibly attachable of discharge conveyor <NUM>, the width of conveyor means <NUM> may be increased, e.g. in adaption to the size or kind of products to be produced.

For producing sausage-shaped products S, filling material is fed through filling tube <NUM> into tubular packaging casing material M which is closed at its front end by a closure clip C. Filled tubular packaging casing material M is gathered by gathering means <NUM>, a plait-like portion is formed thereto and a closure clip C for closing the filled tubular packaging casing material M is applied to the plait-like portion, forming a sausage-shaped product S. Together with closure clip C, a suspension loop L is attached to the closed end of sausage-shaped product S.

Before starting the production of sausage-shaped products, rod-like elements R are placed in feeding device FD with a supply of rod-like elements R in slots <NUM>, <NUM> of walls <NUM>, <NUM>. A single rod-like element is released from one of slots <NUM>, <NUM> to be positioned in the standby position in recesses <NUM>, <NUM> and one rod-like element R positioned in the loading position on support portions SP1, SP2.

Discharge device DD is positioned in its working position, and telescopic device <NUM> is in its fully extended position with second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> in closed vicinity to the downstream end of rod-like element R provided in the loading position (cf.

Sausage-shaped product S is discharged from clipping machine CM by discharge device DD. The sausage-shaped body of sausage-shaped product S is received and moved in transportation direction T by conveyor means <NUM>, whereas suspension loop L is caught by catching element CE of catching device <NUM> and guided along guide bar <NUM>.

The sausage-shaped body of sausage-shaped product S is further transported in transportation direction T, and suspension loop L is transferred along angled portion <NUM> of guide bar <NUM>, passing upstream end of rod-like element R halt in support portion SP1 and is further transferred along rod-like element R in transportation direction T.

Second end <NUM> of convenor means <NUM> is arranged such that sausage-shaped product S when leaving conveyor means <NUM> at its second end <NUM>, is suspended on rod-like element R at downstream most position. When leaving second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM>, suspension loop L acts on product counter <NUM> which sends a signal to control unit of clipping machine CM or a central control unit controlling the production system.

Thereafter, telescopic device <NUM> retracts second end <NUM> about a selected distance which corresponds to the distance between two subsequent sausage-shaped products to be stored on rod-like element R. Accordingly, the next sausage-shaped product produced and discharged from clipping machine CM is unloaded from discharge device DD and placed on rod-like element R at a position in a selected distance upstream to the previously suspended sausage-shaped product S. When suspending the last sausage-shaped product S on rod-like element R in the loading position, telescopic device <NUM> is in its fully retracted position (cf.

A sausage-shaped product S leaving second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> passes retaining mechanism <NUM> through approximately U-shaped retaining bow <NUM>. Retaining bow <NUM> prevents the sausage-shaped product S from uncontrolled tilting about second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM>, and guide plate <NUM> guides the sausage-shaped body of sausage shaped-product downwardly. Suspension loop L is guided between the free leg of U-shaped retaining bow <NUM> and guide plate <NUM>, whereby an uncontrolled movement of suspension loop L when sausage-shaped product S finally leaves conveyor means <NUM> is prevented. Accordingly, a correct positioning of sausage-shaped product S on rod-like element R is ensured.

The signal is used for registering the number of sausage-shaped products stored on rod-like element R in the loading position and for activating infeed device <NUM> and outfeed device <NUM> for removing the filled rod-like element R from the loading position and for feeding an empty rod-like element R into the loading position. Additionally, the signal of product counter <NUM> is also used for activating telescopic device <NUM>, in order to move second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> to the next storage place on rod-like element R in the loading position and, after being retracted in the fully retracted position which is reached after a rod-like element R has been filled with sausage-shaped products S, to move second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> into the fully extended position.

For removing filled rod-like element R from the loading position, transfer mechanism <NUM> is activated such that L-shaped transfer elements <NUM> engage rod-like element R in the loading position and transfer said rod-like element R onto conveyor chains <NUM> of outfeed conveyors <NUM>. During the further movement of transfer elements <NUM>, conveyor chains <NUM> are moved towards the front side of feeding device FD about a predefined distance.

Immediately after filled rod-like element R is removed from the loading position, the rod-like element R provided in the standby position is released and may fall into the loading position. A further rod-like element R is released from one of slots <NUM>, <NUM> and may move into the standby position.

At the same time, telescopic device <NUM> is moved into its fully extended state with second end <NUM> of conveyor means <NUM> is positioned closed to the downstream end of rod-like element R positioned in the loading position.

It has to be understood that discharge device DD with conveyor means <NUM> and telescopic device <NUM> and feeding device FD with infeed device <NUM> and outfeed device <NUM> are coupled to the control unit of clipping machine CM for commonly and synchronously be controlled during the production process.

Claim 1:
A system for producing sausage-shaped products (S), like sausages, containing a flowable filling material in a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing (M) and a suspension element (L), like a suspension loop, the system includes a clipping machine (CM) for producing the sausage-shaped products (S), a discharge device (DD) for discharging the sausage-shaped products (S) out of the clipping machine (CM) in a transportation direction (T) and a feeding device (FD) for feeding a rod-like element (R) into a loading position in which the sausage-shaped products (S) are adapted to be stored by means of their suspension loops (L) on the rod-like element (R) directly by the discharge device (DD),
wherein the discharge device (DD) comprises a conveyor means (<NUM>) having a first and a second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) with the first end (<NUM>) directed to the clipping machine (CM) and the second end (<NUM>) directed in transportation direction (T), a catching device (<NUM>) for catching a suspension element (L) of a sausage-shaped product (S) and for guiding the suspension element (L) in transportation direction (T), and a telescopic device (<NUM>) for reversibly moving the second end (<NUM>) of the conveyor means (<NUM>) in transportation direction (T).