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| Precision linear drives for automated dough handling | |||||||||
Innovative lye application equipment for bakeries, which can be operated by a single person, enables economical and efficient working with maximum production volumes. | |||||||||
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Precision linear drives from in the feeding station constitute the core of these systems. Here, the dough pieces are transported into the fully automated lye application machine. The linear drives, the materials and protection category of which are specifically adapted to the relevant hygiene requirements, ensure precise movement of the lift table as well as a high throughput of 200 trays per hour. The carts carrying the dough pieces are recognised by initiators in the feeding station and locked in place by pneumatic cylinders. A light barrier checks the position of the dough piece carriers and the operator releases them for transport once the correct alignment has been achieved. A lift table, driven by two electrical linear drives, moves vertically to the upper level of the cart. For the automatic transfer of the dough pieces, the lift table is extended horizontally by means of two pneumatic linear drives. The conveyor belt then starts up and takes on the dough pieces from the first carrier. Once all pieces have been transferred, the pneumatic linear drives retract again. The lift table is then lowered by the electrical linear drives to the transfer position for the lye application machine, the dough pieces are conveyed, and the unloading process continues with the next cart level. At the same time, the lye and optional salt is automatically applied to the dough pieces, which are then deposited onto a baking tray. This fully automated system, which is operated by just one person, processes more than 200 trays per hour. The heart of this automated system is the feeding station, which transfers the dough pieces from the carriers to the lye application machine. Two electrical linear drives with ball bearing guidance are used for the vertical movement and control of the lift table. Linear drives are ideal for situations where precision and operating speed are paramount, particularly when outstanding running properties are required. Furthermore, the linear drives are sealed by a metal strip and have a protection rating of IP54. Particularly in dusty environments, this decisive advantage contributes to a long service life, good cleanability, minimum maintenance efforts, and thus optimised economy. The integrated guides of the electrical linear drives minimise the risk of rotation while ensuring smooth operation. The parallel electrical linear drives for the lift table are synchronised by means of a connecting shaft. The horizontal movement of the lift table is carried out by two pneumatic, rodless linear drives. Despite their small dimensions, these linear drives are powerful enough to bring the lift table with the dough pieces into the correct position quickly. Since both pneumatic linear drives are fitted in tandem in the lye application machine, no separate guides are necessary. Furthermore, the rodless, pneumatic linear drives are an ideal attachment point for the lift table. The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology awarded the lye application machine with its automatic feeding and transfer station for dough pieces the Federal Award for Outstanding Innovation in the Craft Trades. It enables economical and efficient work with maximum product volumes, even in small and medium-sized bakeries. | |||||||||
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