Clip detection

A clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products containing a flowable filling material in a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing, the clipping machine comprising:

• a filling tube for feeding filling material into the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing stored on the filling tube and being closed at the front end by a closure means;
• a casing brake assembly arranged on the filling tube, for applying a braking force to the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing while being pulled-off from the filling tube;
• 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 placing and closing at least one closure means on the plait-like portion, including a first and a second clipping tool;
• wherein a guide unit for guiding the closure means towards the clipping device, comprising at least one sensing device having a first sensor element determining the presence or absence of a closure means in the guide unit, and
• wherein the guide unit has a longitudinally and vertically extending body with side surfaces and at least one guide groove arranged in one of said side surfaces for guiding the closure clips towards the clipping device and covered by a plate, with the sensing device aligned with the guide groove.